Election Section

FRIDAY, DEC. 9 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Deunis Auers on “The Baltics, The EU and Russia” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020. 

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz discusses “Blood on the Border: A Memoir of the Contra War” at 7 p.m. at the AK Press Warehouse, 674A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. 

Scott Ritter “How We Got Into Iraq and How to Get Out” interviewed by Larry Bensky with Daniel Ellsberg, at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $10. www.ustourofduty.org 

Activism Series on Homelessness with Kurt Kuhwald of the Faithful Fools Ministry and Sharon Hawkins-Leyden of YEAH at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar St. Donations accepted. 528-5403. 

Tree Lighting, Santa and Community Caroling at 6 p.m. at Peralta Park, 1561 Solano Ave. Sponsored by the Solano Avenue Assn. 527-5358. 

The Living Room Gallery Holiday Trunk Sale, showcasing local artists and craftsmen from the Bay Area at 8p.m. at 3230 Adeline St. 601-5774. 

Berkeley Critical Mass Bike Ride meets at the Berkeley BART the second Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m.  

“Fertile Darkness, Winter Lights” A musical gathering for women with Betsy Rose and Jennifer Berezan at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, small assembly room, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $15-$20. 525-7082. 

Three Beats for Nothing sings early music for fun and practice at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 655-8863. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 8 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 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 

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair between Dwight and Bancroft, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. 

Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a map of locations see www.berkeleyartisans.com 

“Playing With Fire” Berkeley Potters Guild Holiday Sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 731 Jones St. at Fourth St. www.berkeleypotters.com 

“Think Outside the Box” Alternative Gift Fair with ways to donate to local and national organizations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave.  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Center St. at MLK Jr. Way. 548-3333. 

Winter Festival Celebrate the diverse winter traditions of Bay Area families from noon to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Celebration in Honor of Maudelle Shirek at 4 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, 2024 Ashby Ave. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley. 981-7130. 

1000 Women for Peace Celebration of 14 Bay Area Women Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and booksigning of commemorative volume “1000 Women for Peace” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., at 27th.  

Special Gifts for Friends and Animals for ages 6-8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo. Cost is $40-$50. For reservations call 632-9525, ext. 205. 

KPFA Crafts and Music Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Concorse Exhibition Center, 8th and Brannan St., S.F. Cost is $5-$8. 848-6767, ext. 611. 

Debate the new Harry Potter Film, for teens at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave. at Ashby. 981-6133. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class for the Holidays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Wheelchair accessible. Cost is $45. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com 

Creating Festive Succulant Wreaths at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Growing Edible Mushrooms Learn how to grow mushrooms in wood logs. Please bring a cordless drill, drill bits and beeswax if you have them. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Eco-House, 1305 Hopkins St. Cost is $15, no one turned away. 547-8715. 

Holiday Wreath Making from 10 a.m. to noon at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $25-$30. Greenery provided but bring your own pruners. Registration required. 643-2755. 

“Ethical and Halachic (Jewish Law) Challenges of Stem Cell Research” with Dr. John Loike at 12:15 p.m. at Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland. 482-1147. 

Small Press Open House with author readings and live music from noon to 4 p.m. on at Small Press Distribution, 1342 Seventh St. 524-1668.  

California Writers Club meets to discuss “The Poetry Industry” at 10 a.m at Barnes and Noble, Jack London Square. 420-8775.  

“Building with Alternative Materials: Cob and Strawbale” A workshop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 812 Page St. Cost is $75. 525-7610. 

Protest Rally at Berkeley Honda Shattuck and Parker every Thurs. at 4:30 to 6 p.m. and Sat. from 1 to 2 p.m. until the labor dispute is settled.  

“Know Your Rights” A free, hands-on workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CopWatch, 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

Flu and Pneumonia Shots from noon to 4 p.m. at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, 1744 Solano Ave. Cost is $25 and $35. 527-8929. 

Open House at Bright Star Montessori Pre-School from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 720 Jackson St., Albany. 558-2080. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732.  

Spirit Walking Aqua Chi (TM) A gentle water exercise class at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley High Warm Pool. Cost is $3.50 per session. 526-0312. 

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, DEC. 11 

Holiday Crafts from Reused and Recycled Materials from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Benefits the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives. www.no-burn.org 

KPFA Crafts and Music Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Concorse Exhibition Center, 8th and Brannan St., S.F. Cost is $5-$8. 848-6767, ext. 611. 

Chanukah Party with latkes, music, and make-your-own crafts from noon to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

Art Book Sale from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Thinking of Becoming a Doula?” with Treesa Mclean, doula educator, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Change Makers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. 728-8513. 

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 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on Tibetan meditation and yoga from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, DEC. 12 

Sing-A-Long from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. 524-9122.  

Beginning Bridge Lessons at 11:10 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Cost is $1. 524-9122. 

“Lynn Harney and his Work with New Tribes in South America” at noon at the Berkeley Men’s Business Fellowship, at Café Giovanni, 2420 Shattuck Ave. 223-3837. 

Critical Viewing An ongoing group to examine the art/craft(iness) of short films and television productions and its effects on our daily lives, at 1 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Free. 848-0237.  

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, DEC. 13 

Shellmound and Sacred Sites a report back on the recent peace walk at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 25430 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. 

“Fish Ears and Whale Songs: How Marine Mammals Sense Their Surroundings” with Michael Stocker of SeaFlow at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo. Cost is $12-$20. 632-9525.  

Snowshoeing Basics, a slide presentation by snowshoe guide Cathy Anderson-Meyers at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“China and the Media” with Orville Schell and Xiao Qiang at 7:30 p.m. at College Prep School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway, Oakland. Cost is $5-$10. 339-7726. www.college-prep.org/livetalk 

“The Frankenfood Myth” Politics and Protests of the Biotech Revolution with Henry Miller at 7 p.m. at The Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. 632-1366. 

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. 

Free Handbuilding Ceramics Class 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Also, Mon. noon to 4 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Materials and firing charges not included. 525-5497. 

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 

Introduction to Buddhist Meditation at 7 p.m. at the Dzalandhara Buddhist Center in Berkeley. Cost is $7-$10. Call for directions. 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. 

“Ask the Social Worker” free consultations for older adults and their families from 10 a.m. to noon at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. To schedule an appointment call 558-7800, ext. 716. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14 

Your Pet’s Health The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society Community Lecture Series hosts Drs. Amos Deinard and Barbara Hodges talking about similarities and differences in diagnosing pets’ medical conditions from Eastern and Western medical perspectives at 7 p.m. at Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, 2700 Ninth St. Donation of $10 requested. For reservations call 845-7735 ext. 22. 

Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College Open House at 6 p.m. at 2550 Shattuck Ave. Tours of classrooms and clinics and information for prospective students. To RSVP call 666-8248, ext. 106.  

East Bay Genealogical Society meets at 10 a.m. in the Library Conference Room of the Family History Center, 4766 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. Cookie Exchange follows. 635-6692. 

Poetry Writing Workshop with Alison Seevak at 7 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

“Legends of Mother Mary” with Rev. Alyce Soden at 7 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. 655-2405. 

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 and a warm hat. 548-9840. 

Trivia Cafe at 7 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael, 2132 Center St. Cost is $3. 644-9500. 

Prose Writer’s Workshop An ongoing group made up of friendly writers who are serious about our craft. All levels welcome. At 7 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

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. 

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. Sponsored by the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

Stitch ‘n Bitch Bring your knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts from 6 to 9 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198. 

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, DEC. 15 

Save the Endangered Species Act Slide show and discussion at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Ending Violence Against Sex Workers Memorial and community discussion at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. www.swop-usa.org 

Smplicity Forum: Food and Cooking for Simple Living with Adesina Stewart at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 549-3509. 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Phillip Elwood “All About Jazz - Part 2.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020.  

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

Celebrate Humanistic Shabbat and (early) Chanukah with Kol Hadash at 7 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Potluck dinner. For food assignment email info@kolhadash.org  

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 

ONGOING 

Warm Coat Drive Donate a coat for distribution in the community, at Bay St., Emeryville. Sponsored by the Girl Scouts. www.onewarmcoat.org 

Magnes Museum Docent Training begins Jan. 8. Open to all who are interested in Jewish art and history. For information contact Faith Powell at 549-6950, ext. 333. 

Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League is looking for girls in grades 1-9 to play softball. Season runs March 4-June 3. To register, email registrar@abgsl.org or call 869-4277. Early Bird registration ends Dec. 31. Registration closes Feb. 1. Scholarships available. www.abgsl.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Creeks Task Force meets Mon. Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Erin Dando, 981-7410. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/planning/landuse/Creeks/default.html 

City Council meets Tues., Dec. 13, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Don Brown, 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/disability 

Disaster Council meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. William Greulich, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/homeless 

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Library, West Branch, 1125 University Ave. Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/library 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, 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., Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview 

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. Cliff Marchetti, 981-6740. www.ci.berkeley 

.ca.us/commissions/waterfront 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/designreview  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/transportation