Columns

TUESDAY, JULY 26 

Return of the Over-the-Hills Gang Hikers 55 years and older who are interested in nature study, history, fitness, and fun are invited to join us on a series of monthly excursions exploring our Regional Parks. Meets at 10 a.m. at Huckleberry Preserve on Skyline Blvd., Oakland. To register call 525-2233.  

GPS Navigation with Steve Wood, REI guide, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. If you own a GPS unit, please bring it. 527-4140. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Community Family Dance from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Live Oak Park Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. Sponsored by the Berkeley Folk Dancers. 841-1205. 

Nick Barone Puppets with a cast of over twenty friendly dinosaurs dressed as cowboys at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Healthy Eating Habits and Hypnosis A free seminar at 6:30 p.m. in Oakland. Registration required. 465-2524. 

Red Cross Mobile Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MLK Student Union, UC Campus. 1-800-448-3543. www.BeADonor.com 

Brainstormer Weekly Pub Quiz every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse Brewery, 901 Gilman St. 528-9880. 

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

Buddhist Meditation Class at 7 p.m. at The Dzalandhara Buddhist Center. Cost is $7-$10. For directions and details please call 559-8183. 

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. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 

“Artist Housing in West Berkeley” extended Public Comment at 6 p.m. at the Civic Arts Commission meeting at the West Berkeley Senior Center. For information contact Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533. 

“Will the Governor’s November Election Sink California?” with speakers from teachers, aabor, activists and the Alliance for a Better California. At 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Sponsored by the Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

“Why We Can’t Allow Gaza to Fail” with Marcia Freedman at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Suggested donation $10, no one turned away. 848-0237. 

Ernest Callenbach on the 30th Annniversary of “Ecotopia” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. www.ecologycenter.org 

Insects for Kids A free class for children ages 5-10, at 9 a.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. www.barringtoncollective.org 

Adventure Racing with Robyn Benincasa on her experiences competing around the world, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Arab Women Film Festival “Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt” at 7:30 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center. Donation $5. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Latin American Working Class Film Fest at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Free, but donations accepted. 415-642-8066. 

2005 Asthma Walk Kick-Off Luncheon, hosted by the American Lung Association of the East Bay at 11:45 a.m. at the Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. For reservations call 893-5474 ext. 237. 

Sing your Way Home A free sing-a-long at 4:30 p.m. every Wed. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Action St. 841-2174.  

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

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

geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, JULY 28 

Early Morning Bird Walk in Tilden Meet at 7 a.m. at the Padre picnic site off South Park Drive to look for woodland birds. 

Norman Solomon, founder of the Institute for Public Accuracy, will speak on his new book, “War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death” at 6:45 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. Oakland. Sponsored byt the Wellston Democratic Renewal Club. 

Parenting Class: Baby Language and Brain Development, for new and expecting parents at 10 a.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave. Registration required. 658-7353.  

Easy Does It Disability Assistance Board of Directors’ Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 1744A University Ave. Public is welcome. 845-5513. www.easyland.org 

Public Meeting on Pacific Steel Castings and concerns over West Berkeley odors and toxic emissions, at 6 p.m. at the Ecology Center. 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. www.ecologycenter.org 

Nonprofits and Grantwriting Workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. freeskoolyes@yahoo.com 

Steps to Buying Your Own Home at 7 p.m. at Shaw Properties, 400 45th St., Oakland. Includes the process of pre-approval for financing, including income requirements and credit issues, and finding a realtor. www.barringtoncollective.org 

FRIDAY, JULY 29 

Life in Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories and Photographs with Jewish-American activist Anna Pillerat 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. 845-4740. 

Youth Writing Festival with students from Mentoring for Academic Success (MAS) at 6 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. www.codysbooks.com 

Skin Cancer Screening for people with limited or no insurance at Alta Bates, Markstein Campus. Free, but registration required. 869-8833. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 8 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. 845-1041. 

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 

Salsa Dancing at “The Beat” Dance Studio at 8:30 p.m. Lessons with Joseph Gallardo. 2560 9th St. at Parker. 472-2393 www.wildsalsanights.com 

SATURDAY, JULY 30 

Breakfast and Birding Walk with Robbie Fischer. Meet at 8 a.m. at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Cost is $25. Registration required. 525-6155. 

Year of the Estuary at Pt. Isabel Meet at the end of Isabel St. for a walk along the waterfront, marsh, bay and slough, to look for birds in bright plummage, down from their northern breeding grounds. 525-2233. 

Native Plant Society Star Thistle Removal from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. just below the large parking lot at 1150 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Sponsored by the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and the East Bay Regional Parks. 848-6489. 

Berkeley Kite Festival Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cesar E. Chavez Park in the Berkeley Marina. Activities, kite competitions and demonstrations. 235-5483. 

Cambio X Change Join the Berkeley Palma Soriano Sister City group for Cuban music and dance, art exhibit, and information on upcoming delegations to Cuba at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. 653-1009. 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Doing Good” at 2 p.m. at Mosswood Park, MacArthur and Broadway, Oakland. 415-285-1717. www.sfmt.org 

Hiroshima Stories, a commemorative event of performances and ritual in observance of the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at 7:30 p.m., International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. 642-9460. www.ihouse.berkeley.edu  

PortFest World Music & Jazz Festival with Hugh Masekela, Kenny Garrett Quartet, Dave Ellis Quintet, Mo’Rockin Project and others from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, at the end of 7th St., Oakland. 627-1111. www.portofoaklandpublicartprogram.com 

Pancrustacea is Not a Dish: Insects and their Surprising Relatives. A realignment of animal groups has brought insects some interesting relatives and removed others from their family tree. At 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“The Peaceable Kingdom” will be screened at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

SpiritWalking at the Berkeley Warm Pool Ability to walk on land not necessary. Sat. from 10 to 11 a.m., to Aug. 11. Cost is $3.50 seniors/disabled, $5.50 others. Bring a towel and deck shoes. 526-0312. well-being@pacbell.net 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Kaiser Center Roof Garden and the Oakland Museum of California Garden. Cost is $5-$10. For details call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Homeopathy for Animals: Emergency Situations Learn about local holistic vets and homeopathic remedies that can be used in emergency situations, including puncture wounds, ingesting toxins, excessive bleeding, muscle strain, bites and stings, foxtails, and fear of loud noises, at 3:30 p.m. at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Cost is $45. 525-6155. 

Your Backyard Pond Learn how to keep your backyard pond in balance, at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Free Help with Computers at the El Cerrito Library to learn about email, searching the web, the library’s online databases, or basic word processing. Workshops held on Sat. a.m. at 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Registration required. 526-7512.  

“Guitar: Total Techniques, Scales & Applications” with Mark John Sternal at 2 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 5604 Bay Street, Emeryville. 547-0905. 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland around the restored 1870s business district. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of G.B. Ratto’s at 827 Washington St. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

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, JULY 31 

Bird Walk in Tilden Join Alan Kaplan on his 500th bird walk at 8 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Blessing of the Animals at 10:30 a.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

Bicycle Crash Skills Clinic Learn how to deal with curbs, gutters, wet weater, pedestrians, dogs and especially car doors, and how to repair your bike and body. From 2 to 6 p.m. at Berkeley Center for Appropriate Transport, 1336 Channing Way. For more information, email bcat_events@yahoo.com 

Music in the Park at Arroyo Viejo Park with Rose Royce at 3 p.m. at 7701 Krause St., Oakland. Sponsored by Councilperson Desley Brooks. 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Jingletown. Cost is $5-$10. For details call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

The New Tree of Life We’ll look for examples of new ways of looking at life in forest, meadow and pond at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

“U.S. Imperialism and the Counterinsurgency War” with Antonio, a former political prisoner from South America, at 1 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Free, but donation of $5 accepted. 393-5685.  

Social Action Forum with David McPhail on School of the Americas, at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

MONDAY, AUGUST 1 

National Organization for Women Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 515 Webster Street. The speaker will be Joyce Rutledge Starosciak, a member of the San Leandro City Council. Her topic will be “Sandra Day O’Connor: a Woman in the Men’s Club.” 287-8948. 

Wild vs. Hatchery Trout A lecture on the importance of saving wild trout with Mondy Lariz of California Trout’s Lake Merced Campaign at 7 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

“RFID: What's It All About?” Berkeley Public Library is holding a Community Informational Forum on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to hear both sides of the issue at 6:30 p.m. at at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St. Gordon Wozniak will speak on the safety of RFID, and representatives from the ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation will talk about the privacy concerns. For accessibility questions and more information, call 981-6121. 

City of Berkeley Walking Group walks Mon.-Thurs. from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Meet at 830 University Ave. All new participants receive a free pedometer. 981-5131. 

Stress Less with Hypnosis A free seminar at 6:30 p.m. in Oakland. Registration required. 465-2524. 

Vacation Bible School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 5 at The Church on the Corner, 1319 Solano Ave., Albany. 243-7410. www.albanyfirstbaptist.org 

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, AUGUST 2 

“National Night Out” Public safety awareness forum focusing on alcohol and drug fueled crime and violence in Berkeley from a faith-based perspective. From 6 to 9 p.m. at McGee Avenue Baptist Church, 1640 Stuart St. at McGee Ave. 658-2467. www.berkeleyboca.org 

Exploring Baja California Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and more with Trudi Angell at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140.  

Family Story Time at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Branch Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Free, all ages welcome. 524-3043. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss “The Coarseness of Culture” from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Please bring snacks and soft drinks to share. No peanuts please. 601-6690.  

Healthy Eating Habits and Hypnosis A free seminar at 6:30 p.m. in Oakland. Registration required. 465-2524. 

Brainstormer Weekly Pub Quiz from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse Brewery, 901 Gilman St. 528-9880. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. 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. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

ONGOING 

Summer Camps for Children offered by the City of Berkeley, including swimming, sports and twilight basketball, to August 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 981-5150, 981-5153. 

Free Lunches for Berkeley Children Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Frances Albrier Center, James Kenney Center, MLK, Jr. Youth Services Center, Strawberry Creek, Washington School and Rosa Parks School. 981-5146. 

Albany Summer Youth Programs including basketball, classes, bike trips and family activities. For information see www.albanyca.org/dept/rec.html 

Bay Area Shakespeare Camp for ages 7 to 13, two week sessions through Aug., at John Hinkle Park. Cost is $395, with scholarships available. 415-422-2222. www.sfshakes.org 

Halogen Torchiere Swap!!! California Youth Energy Services is offering an on-going Torchiere Swap. Swap your halogen torchiere for a brand new energy saving torchiere for only $15! Please call CYES at 665-1501, ext.10. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Citizens Budget Review Commission meets Wed., July 27, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7041. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/budget 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., July 27, at 6 p.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commis- 

sions/civicarts 

Disaster Council and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., July 27 at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. William Greulich, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Energy Commission meets Wed., July 27, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/energy 

Planning Commission meets Wed., July 27, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Janet Homrighausen, 981-7484. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Police Review Commission meets Wed. July 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., July 28, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.ber- 

keley.ca.us/commissions/zoning?