Election Section

FRIDAY, JUNE 18 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Yuri Slezkine, Prof. Dept. of History, UCB, on “Current Events in Russia” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $12.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925.  

The Wall Around and Through the Holy Land East Bay residents share their experiences in Palestine at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free. 845-4740. 

Great American Writing Road Trip Adventure stops at Cody’s Books, 2454 Telegraph Ave. at 7:30 p.m. with mystery novelist Oakley Hall talking about how to get published. 845-7852. www.livetowrite.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. 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 at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 19 

Summer Solstice Celebration and 15th Anniversary of the Saturday Berkeley Farmer’s Market at Civic Center Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live music, crafts fair, and a solstice ceremony at 11:30 a.m. www.ecologycenter.org 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations meets at 9:15 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Sproul Conference Room, 1st Floor, 2727 College Ave. www.berkeleycna.com 

Grand Opening of the Strawbale Visitors Center at the Shorebird Park Nature Center, at noon at the Berkeley Marina, 160 University Ave. 644-8623. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina/ 

marinaexp/newbldging.html 

Know Your Soil Workshop Understanding soil qualities and soil health will enable gardeners to grow plants that are comparable with each other and match water requirements to infiltration and drainage. Come to hear why soils differ and how they can be managed for better health. From 10 a.m. to noon at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Free. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Marsh Restoration for Wildlife Join an exciting project to restore a tidal marsh and improve wildlife habitat, on the south Richmond shoreline along the Bay Trail, from 9 a.m. to noon. No special skills or experience required, but a willingness to work with plants, soil, pull weeds, and an interest in bay wildlife and plants will be helpful. Tools, gloves, and snacks provided. Registration required. Sponsored by the Watershed Project. For more information, contact Martha 231-5783. martha@thewatershedproject.org 

Dynamite History Walk at Point Pinole from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Discover the park preserved by dynamite! On this flat, easy-paced walk we’ll be joined by Norman Monk, former Atlas Powder Company employee. 525-2233.  

Garden Party 2004 from 3 to 6 p.m. Savor the solstice in the summer garden. Wine, food and music, walks led by garden experts, silent auction and raffle. Botanical Garden, UC Campus. 643-2755. www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu  

Gardening with Succulants with Hank Jenkins at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

A Free Day of Dog Athletics featuring dogs performing flyball, disc catching and agility. Attendees are asked to leave their own dogs at home. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Animal Shelter, 1101 29th Ave. 535-5604. www.oaklandanimalservices.org  

Bread Baking Learn about bacteria and grass seeds with freshly baked bread as the end result of an afternoon of discovery, measuring and kneading. We will take a short walk on the mystery of grains while our bread rises. For all ages from 1 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. Cost is $5-$6. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Car Wash to Benefit the Homeless from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 400 Alcatraz Ave. in Oakland. All proceeds go to help the homeless families with children and the single women and men who call Harrison House their home temporarily. 

“Speaking about the Unspeakable: Koan Practice in Zen Buddhism” with Albert Low at 7 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Place. Free. 843-6812. 

Celebrating Fathers at the Berkeley Kids’ Room, 2472 Shattuck Ave., with Make a Bookmark at 11 a.m., Armin Brott booksigning at 1 p.m. and Margaretta Mitchell on photographing children at 2 p.m. 841-5068. 

Dance Jammies, a multi-generational dance event from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Motivity Center, 2525 8th St. Cost is $9. 832-3835. 

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.  

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. For further information and to register, call Karen 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 20 

Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Adeline St. between Ashby and Alcatraz. 655-8008 or 654-1461.  

Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m. at the Willard Community Peace Labyrinth on blacktop next to the gardens at Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave. Enter by the dirt road on Derby. Free, wheelchair accessible. Sponsored by the East Bay Labyrinth Project. 526-7377.  

“Basking in the Light” an afternoon/evening interfaith celebration of the Summer Solstice and Father’s Day, from 3 to 9:30 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. at Walnut. Cost is $10-$20 sliding scale, no-one turned away for lack of funds. www.chaplaincyinstitute.org/baskinginthelight.html 

Summer Story Hour for all ages at 10:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Babes in the Woods for the whole family. Dads (Moms welcome too!), bundle your baby in a backpack and join a Father’s Day walk to explore the sights, smells, and sounds of nature with your little one. From 3 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. 525-2233. 

Summer Solstice Gathering at 7:45 p.m. in Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. www.solarcalendar.org 

Bike Trip to Explore Historic Oakland on the third Sunday of the month through October. Tours leave the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Fallon Sts., at 10 a.m. for a leisurely 5-mile tour on flat land. Bring bike, helmet, water and snacks. Free, but reservations required. 238-3524. 

“Wildflowers and Special Habitats of the Sierra Butte” a trip to Sierraville from Sun. to Fri. sponsored by the Regional Parks Botanical Garden, Tilden Park. Cost is $450. For details and registration call 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 

Golden State Model Railroad Museum open from noon to 5 p.m. Also open on Saturdays and Friday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. Located in the Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline Park at 900-A Dornan Drive in Pt. Richmond. Admission is $2-$3. 234-4884 or www.gsmrm.org 

“Criminal Justice and Prison Reform” A panel presentation with representatives from Books not Bars, Critical Resistance and Prison Activists Resource Center, at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington. 525-0302.  

Introduction to the TaKeTiNa Rhythm Process from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ashkenaz Back Dance Studio, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $25-$35 sliding scale, no one turned away. To register call 650-493-8046. 

Tibetan Nyingma Open House from 3 to 5 p.m. with prayer wheel and meditation garden tour, yoga demonstration, and information on classes at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack van der Meulen on “Tibetan Yoga: Activating Joyous Feeling” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, JUNE 21 

Fitness for 55+ A total body workout including aerobics, stretching and strengthening at 1:15 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5170. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 22 

Insects and Crawling Creatures Educators Workshop From Tues. though Thurs. You will discover the world of insects and their relatives by visiting Tilden and Briones parks where you will collect, observe and release insects. You’ll get 101 new ideas for K-5th grade classes and outdoor activities. Credit available from Cal State, Hayward for additional fee. Cost is $100-$110. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Mini-Rangers Join us for an active afternoon of nature study, conservation and rambling through woods and waters. Dress to get dirty; bring a healthy snack to share. For 8-12 year olds, unaccompanied by their parents, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Environmental (In)Justice in South Africa Today Join four visiting South African activists in a discussion about South Africa today. At 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cosponsored by GroundWork: Environmental Justice Action in Southern Africa and Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Defeating George Bush A conversation with Walter Riley, Matthew Hallinan and Vicki Cosgrove at 7 p.m. at Humaist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Sponsored by the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club. 418-2760. 

East Bay Communities Against the War presents a video of Michael Moore on his book tour promoting “Dude, Where’s My Country?” at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Neighborhood Center, 530 Lake Park Ave. $1 suggested donation. www.ebcaw.org 

“Medicare Drug Discount Cards” with HICAP volunteer, Alex Esparza at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

“Weight-Loss Surgery: Is it for You?” a free presentation by the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center at 6 p.m. at the Health Education Center, Bechtel Room, 400 Hawthorne Ave., Oakland. 869-8972. 

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. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Charles Fitch will show travel slides at 11 a.m. We always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

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 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23 

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. 

Downtown Oakland Walking Tours every Wednesday and Saturday at 10 a.m to 11:30 a.m. Discover the changing skyline, landmarks and churches. For details on the different itineraries call 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

“Gangs of America: The Rise in Corporate Power and Disabling of Democracy” with author Ted Nance, at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Sponsored by the Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

Bay Area Writing Project presents “Teachers as Writers” at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 2352 Shattuck Ave. 644-0861. 

“Paradise with Side Effects” a film describing the lives of two Ladakhi women in England, at 7 p.m. at the Fellowship of Humanity, 390 27th St., Oakland. 393-5685.  

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

vigil4peace/vigil 

Fun with Acting Class every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome, no experience necessary.  

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 

“The End of Suburbia, Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream” A film presentation, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $5-$15 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Co-sponsored by the Post Carbon Institute 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Livable Berkeley hosts Green Building pioneer and author David Gottfried at 6:30 p.m. at the Downtown Berkeley Public Library Community room. Refreshments will be served. 898-8777.  

Bash Bush Bash A fundraising event for John Kerry at the Kress Building, 2036 Shattuck Ave. from 7 to 10 p.m. Speakers include Daniel Ellsberg, David Harris, Michael Lewis and others. $50 minimum donation. 

BBQ and Marinade Taste Fair, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Whole Foods Market, 3000 Telegraph Ave. 649-1333, ext. 261. 

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 

Appreciating Diversity Film Series presents “You Don't Know Dick,” followed by a community dialogue at 6:30 p.m. at Ellen Driscoll Theater, Frank Havens Elementary School, 325 Highland Ave., Piedmont. 763-9301. www.diversityworks.org  

Travel Photography, a seminar with Jerry Dodrill at 7 p.m. at Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore, 1385 Shattuck Ave at Rose. Cost is $20. 843-3533.