Page One

TUESDAY, JUNE 1 

Funding Excellence in Public Schools: New Possibilities A community forum with Michele Lawrence Superintendent, Berkeley Unified School District and Lawrence Picus, Director, Center for Research in Education Financing, University of Southern California School of Education at 7:30 p.m. at Longfellow Middle School Theater, 1500 Derby St. 

Breaking the Ice, with Doron Erel discussing how a team of Israeli and Palestinian non-climbers journeyed to the ends of the earth and reached the summit of an un-named peak in Antarctica, at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237, ext. 112.  

An Evening with Tom Sinestra on the best Bay Area outdoor adventures at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Baseball for Beginners and Diehard Fans with Jeff Lichtman, El Cerrito resident and author of “Baseball for Rookies.” Special guest will be former major league player, Pumpsie Green, the first African American to play on the Boston Red Sox. At 7 p.m. in the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512. 

Phone Banking to ReDefeat Bush on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Bring your cell phones. Please RSVP if you can join us. 415-336 8736. dan@redefeatbush.com 

American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at its office 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Advance sign-up needed. 594-5165. 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

Organic Produce at low prices sold at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon Sts every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. A project of BOSS Urban Gardening Institute and Spiral Gardens. For more information call 843-1307. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers We are a few slowpoke seniors who walk between a mile or two each Tuesday, meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Little Farm parking lot. To join us, call 215-7672.  

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

East Bay Theology on Tap meets to discuss “The Catholic Imagination of J.R.R. Tolkein” with Fr. Ayres at 7 p.m. at 4092 Piedmont Ave. Contact Norah at St. Leo the Great 654-6177. 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday, rain or shine, at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat. 548-9840. 

Berkeley Path Wanderers Association Walkers meet at 10 a.m. at Live Oak Park, Walnut St. and Berryman Path, for a 2 hour walk through the beautiful paths in Berkeley. The walk will feature uphill and then downhill walking. 981-5367. 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:15 a.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. For information call Robert Flammia 524-3765. 

“Seeds of Deception” with author Jeffrey Smith discussing efforts to keep genetically modified foods out of Alameda County’s ecosystems and food supply, at 7 p.m. at Café de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Dinner at 6 p.m. Cost is $15. 843-0662. 

Fun with Acting class meets at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome. 985-0373. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities. 

com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Berkeley CopWatch open office hours 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in to file complaints, assistance available. For information call 548-0425. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 3 

Morning Birdwalk from 7 to 9:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Area. For information, or to reserve binoculars, call 525-2233. 

Community Meeting on the City Budget at 7 p.m. at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Sponsored by the City Manager’s Office. 981-7000. 

Quit Smoking Class offered by the City of Berkeley for residents and employees on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alta Bates/Herrick Campus, 2001 Dwight Way. To register, call 981-5330. 

Environmental Monitoring in India with Madhu Dutta, Anne Leonard and Denny Larson. The 1984 Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal has led to community monitoring of local industries. At 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. www.ecologycenter.org 

Albany Library Annual Prose Night Open readings at 7 p.m. in the Edith Stone Room, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 20. 

Berkeley Farmer’s Market with all organic produce at Elephant Pharmacy parking lot, 1607 Shattuck Ave., at Cedar from 3 to 7 p.m. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Friends of Faith Fancher, luncheon and celebration of Faith’s life at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, Jack London Square, in a benefit for the new Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit. For tickets and reservations call 204-1667. 

“Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage” with Davina Koltulski at 7 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. 655-2405. 

“She Who Creates” A logo painting workshop with Shiloh McCloud from 6 to 9 p.m. at Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento St. Cost is $40, materials $20. 883-0600. www.belladonna.ws 

FRIDAY, JUNE 4 

“Ancient Wisdom for Racial Healing” A workshop with Aaeeshah and Kokomon Klottey from 1 to 5 p.m. at Naropa University Oakland, 2141 Broadway. Cost is $30-$50. 835-4827, ext. 19. 

By the Light of the Moon Open Mic and Salon for Women hosted by Karen Broder, at 7:30 p.m. at Changemakers Bookstore, 6536 Telegraph Ave. Cost is $3-$7 sliding scale. 482-1315. www.changemakersforwomen.com 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Players at all levels are welcome. 652-5324. 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com 548-6310, 845-1143. 

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. Parking is free and is handicapped accessible. For information call Katherine, 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 5 

Ladybirds and Ladybugs We’ll collect and release as many adult and larval forms as we can find. We’ll talk about the good these beetles do and learn about the ones who have turned to the dark side. From 10 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Ponds are Places Where Babies Grow Up Meet nymphs, naiads, larvae and the real “Phantom Menace” as we look at pond creatures with the 14-power Discovery Scope. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Sick Plant Clinic The first Sat. of every month, UC plant apthologist Dr. Robert Raabe, UC entomologist Dr. Nick Mills, and their team of experts will diagnose what ails your plants. From 9 a.m. to noon at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. Free. 643-2755. 

Good Night Little Farm Rain or shine, the animals on the farm need to be fed and tucked in for the night. Round up the chickens, slop the hog, feed the cows and say “sleep tight.” Wear boots if you’ve got them. For all ages from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Tilden Little Farm. 525-2233. 

Make a Cornhusk Doll Bookmark at the Albany Library from noon to 2 p.m. Free and open to all ages. 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 20. 

Berkeley Poetry Festival and Community Fair from 11:15 to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park, with live music, and a poetry slam from 2 to 4 p.m. www.mothershen.com 

LeConte Elementary School Yard Sale from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 2241 Russell St. Great furniture, gear, plants, etc. and food and beverages, and a good way to support our public school. To donate items in advance, call 649-0419. 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of the city’s corporation yard and the Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club led by Patrick Keilch, Deputy Director of Berkeley’s Public Works Dept. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/ 

Carpentry Basics for Women A two-day introduction to basic carpentry tools and skills for women with little or no pre-vious hands-on experience. After a morning lecture and demonstration, you will build your own bookshelf unit (materials included with class fee). Students are asked to bring their own hand tools. From 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $225. 525-7610. 

Pee Wee Basketball for boys and girls ages 6 to 8 is offered by Berkeley Youth Alternatives every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at 1255 Allston Way. Fee for six week session is $25 for residents, $35 for non-residents. 845-9066. sports@byaonline.org 

ProArts Open Studios with over 160 participating artists in Berkeley and around the East Bay. For a list see www.mesart. 

com/openstudiosPA.jsp 

Artists for Change Fundraiser to benefit John Kerry for President and MoveOn.org from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nexus Gallery, 2701 Eighth St. Light refreshments and live music. Cost is $25.  

Benefit for Berkeley Liberation Radio 104.1FM at 8 p.m. at The Longhaul Info Shop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 595-0190. 

"Green Threads in the Urban Fabric," a walk exploring nature in the city, restored creeks, and planned restoration from El Cerrito to Berkeley. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at El Cerrito BART for the 5-mile hike (includes fording creeks and climbing Albany Hill) ends at North Berkeley BART. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Sponsored by Friends of Five Creeks and Greenbelt Alliance. 848-9358. www.greenbelt.org, f5creeks@aol.com  

Drip Irrigation A do-it-yourself class covering benefits, supplies and tools needed. Taught by John Bauer, and held at a home-owner installed drip irrigation site in North Oakland. Cost is $15-$25. To register call 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Light Search and Rescue Class offered by the City of Berkeley from 1 to 5 p.m. at 997 Cedar St. To register call 981-5506. 

Propagating Natives with Cuttings from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Regional Parks Botanical Garden, Tilden Park. Cost is $40-$45, advance registration recommended. 845-4116. www.nativeplants.org 

REI Service Project at Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, Hayward, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration recommended. 527-4140. 

Stem Cell Research and Advocacy Conference Leaders in stem cell research and policy will speak about the California initiative to support stem cell research and offer practical ways for promoting this measure. Sat. and Sun. in the Pauley Ballroom, UC Campus. Open to the public. Full details available at www.fisca.info  

Women’s Fitness Day at the YMCA of Oakland with free fun activities for the entire family from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1515 Webster St. 451-7910. 

California Writers Club (last meeting of the season,) meets at 10 a.m. with readings by three student winners of the Fifth-Grade Writing Contest at Barnes and Noble, 2352 Shattuck Ave. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

Vocal Jazz Workshop with Richard Kalman from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. followed by jam session, at the Albany Community Center. 1249 Marin Ave. 524-9283. 

Primordial Meditation with Peter Kingsley at 7 p.m. at Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento St. Cost is $15. 883-0600. www.belladonna.ws 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. The class is taught by Rosie Linsky, who at age 72, has practiced yoga for over 40 years. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. To register call 848-7800. 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 6 

Neotropical Migrants Birdwalk from 8 to 10 a.m. Up close views of birds from far away. Learn their habits and habitats, and stay for a great cup of coffee that’s for the birds-- shade tree coffee plantation birds, that is; pastries too. Cost is $5-$7. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Laurel Canyon Hike The heart of our park is this wooded canyon. We’ll see birds, blooms, berries and learn the role that each plays in the life of this place. Some steep parts, so wear good walking shoes. From 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. 525-2233. 

Mini Gardeners “Farm Tales” We’ll make up stories about our garden and the animals that live there, then make drawings and paintings to go along with them. For ages 4-6 accompanied by an adult, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. Cost is $3-$4. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Rosa Parks School 7th Annual Ice Cream Social including ice cream, food, games, quilt raffle, silent auction, and talent show, from noon to 4 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary School, 920 Allston Way. 644-8812. 

ProArts Open Studios with over 160 participating artists in Berkeley and around the East Bay. For a list see www.mesart.com/openstudiosPA.jsp 

Dragonflies of the Bay Area from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Regional Parks Botanical Garden, Tilden Park. Cost is $25-$30, advance registration recommended. 845-4116. www.nativeplants.org 

Free Sailboat Rides between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club in the Berkeley Marina. Bring warm waterproof clothes. www.cal-sailing.org 

Peace Empowerment Process A two-day training from 1 to 4 p.m., with the second session on June 13, at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Bonita St. at Cedar. Siding scale donation sof $10-$25, no one turned away. to register call Carolyna at 527-2356, or Cynthia at 528-5403. 

“The Patriot Act” with Sanjeev Bery, of the American Civil Liberties Union, at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington. 525-0302.  

A Taste of Albany A culinary tour of the town from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. for information call 525-1771. www.albanychamber.org 

Aquatic Celebration at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA, with mind-body classes in the Shallow Pool, including water Pilates and water yoga. To register call 665-3258. 

Boadecia’s Reunion Party for all who met their sweetie at the bookstore at 3 p.m. at Boadecia’s Books, 398 Colusa Ave. at Colusa Circle, Kensington. 559-9184. www.bookpride.com  

Tibetan Buddhism, with Syliva Gretchen on “Managing Pain Through Meditation” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

ONGOING 

Volunteer Coaches Needed for Twilight Basketball for the 13-15 year-old division on Saturdays at 5 p.m. beginning June 26. Please call Ginsi Bryant at 981-6678. 

Vista College Study Abroad in Mexico Live with a family and learn language skills in a two-week session in July in Guadalajara. For information call 981-2917 or visit www.peralta.cc.ca. 

us/interntl/studyabr.htm. 

Berkeley Video and Film Festival is calling for entries. The deadline for last call is July 10. For information please call 843-3699. www.berkeleyvideofilmfest.org 

Radio Summer Camp, four day sessions from June 4 through Sept. 6. Learn how to build and operate a community radio station. Sponsored by Radio Free Berkeley. 625-0314. www.freeradio.org 

Interesting Backyards Do you have a really cool backyard project or unusual sustainable living practice that you’d like to share with others in the East Bay? Consider becoming a stop on the 5th Annual Urban Sustainability Bike Tour on Saturday, July 31. Past sites have included features such as graywater systems, chicken coops, bee hives, solar installations and permaculture gardens. For information call Beck at 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Summer Reading Games at the Albany Public Library, from June 14 th through August 14th. For information call 526-3700. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Tues. June 1, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St., Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

City Council meets Tues., June 1, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers, Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., June 2, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruby Primus, 981-5106. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/women 

Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., June 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, 2nd floor. David Orth, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/firesafety 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., June 3, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7461. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/commissions/environmentaladvisory 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., June 3, at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5400. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/housing 

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., June 3, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jeff Egeberg, 981-6406. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/publicworksˇ