Events Listings

TUESDAY, APRIL 25 

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration with actors, scholars and musicians on “Shakespeare and his religion, from Agnosticism to Zen” at 7 p.m. at the Northbrae Church, 741 The Alameda. 843-6798. 

Return of the Over-the-Hills Gang For hikers 55 years and older who are interested in nature study, history, fitness, and fun. This month we’ll enjoy spring wildflowers and mining history at the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve on a 3-mile hike. To register call 525-2233.  

The BHS Site Council meets at 4:30 p.m. at Berkeley High Conference Room B. On the agenda are a vote on a proposal for a Site Council bylaw change, First Semester Grade Reports, Small Schools Data, Algebra Project Update, Student Coordination Update. 

Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Course begins at 6:30 p.m. at Keller Williams, 4341 Piedmont Avenue, 2nd Floor, Oakland, and runs to June 13. Sponsored by The Cancer Projec. To register, call 531-2665. 

Raging Grannies of the East Bay invites new folks to come join us the 2nd and 4th Tues, of each month, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. to sing and have fun at Berkeley Gray Panthers office, 1403 Addison St., in Andronico’s mall. 548-9696. 

Earthquake Retrofitting and Home Safety Seminar at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 981-5190. 

Green Health Care at 7 p.m. at the Teleosis Institute, 1521B 5th St. To register call 558-7285. 

Berkeley PC User Group meets at 7 p.m. at 25 Dartmouth, in the Hiller Highland area. For questions and directions email rhs@surfbest.net  

Trance Drumming Workshop with Auntie Matter from 7 to 9 p.m. at Change Makers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. at 66th, Oakland. Cost is $40. www. 

changemakersforwomen.com  

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. In case of questionable weather, call around 8 a.m. 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. 

“Jewish Insights on Transformation” at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley St. at Bancroft. 527-2935. 

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 

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, APRIL 26  

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds, who may be accompanied by an adult. We will learn about the seasons from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 636-1684. 

Public Workshop on Community Choice Aggregation at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Classroom A. The cities of Berkeley, Oakland and Emeryville are exploring the creation of a public agency that would purchase power and build power plants to serve customers in Berkeley. 981-5434.  

“Iraq: Strategies to Get Out” with Andy Lichterman at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. Sponsored by the Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

Bayswater Book Club meets to discuss becomming a Democratic Central Committee Chartered Club of Alameda County, and to discuss “Sell Now! The End of the Housing Bubble” by John R. Talbott at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, El Cerrito. 433-2911. 

Lonely Planet Travel Series with Morgan Konn on Thailand at 6 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, 124 14th St. 238-3136. 

Free Prostate Screening for men ages 35-70 at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Herrick Campus, 2001 Dwight Way. Free, but appointments required. 869-8833. 

Early Childhood Safety: Choke Saving Skills at 11 a.m. at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $5-$6. 647-1111. 

Repetitive Stress Injury Learn how to take care of yourself before you get carpal tunnel syndrome at 7:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

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.  

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. 

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 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Station. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

“Kabbalah of Creation: The Mysticism of Isaac Luria” with Rabbi Eliyahu Klein at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $10-$20. 848-0237. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 27 

Teach-In and Vigil on U.S. Torture Policy, every Thurs. from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. outside the classroom of Prof. John Yoo, Boalt Hall, UC Campus. Weekly speakers. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and other organizations. www.bpf.org 

Introduction to BASIL Bay Area Seed Interchange Library Learn about what we do and volunteer opportunities at 5:30 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 658-9178. 

Workplace Bullying A special workshop with Gary Namie, Workplace Bullying & Trauma Institute, at 5:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Sponsored byt the Commission on Labor. 981-6903.  

Easy Does It Disability Assistance Board of Directors’ Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. Public is welcome. 845-5513. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

Dining Out for Life Over 60 restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to Vital Life Services. For a list of participating restaurants, see www.diningoutforlife.com 

Ask a Union Mechanic from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Parker & Shattuck, until the strike is settled. They will offer advice on all makes of car. 

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 

“Dancing with Wonder: Self Discovery Through Stories” with Nancy King and Susan Felix at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $5, reservations required. 848-0237. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 

Reduced City Services Today Call ahead to ensure programs or services you desire will be available. 981-CITY. www.cityofberkeley.info 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with David Bain, space scientist on “Mars” 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.  

How Did You Become an Activist? with Paul Larudee, co-founder International Solidarity Movement and Barbara Bechnel, journalist, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $10. 528-5403. 

Historical & Current Times Book Group meets on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1249 Marin Ave. 548-4517. 

Early Childhood Safety: Earthquake Safety at 3 p.m. at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $5-$6. 647-1111. 

Berkeley Chess School classes for students in grades 1-8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A drop-in, rated scholastic tournament follows from 7 to 8 p.m. at 1581 LeRoy Ave., Room 17. 843-0150. 

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. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 

Open the Farm Join us to greet the animals in the morning, help feed them, collect eggs and do a few chores. Dress to get dirty. From 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Little Farm in Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

3rd Annual Green Home EXPO from noon to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park, next to Farmer’s Market. Trade in your old incandescent light bulbs, learn about energy savings and lead safe painting. Panel discussion on Energy Independence at 1 p.m. www.GrennhomeEXPO.org 

Free Universal Waste Drop-Off from noon to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park for batteries, computers and other electronic equipment. Also Safe Medicine Disposal Event: Safely dispose of your old expired or unused medicines, including over-the-counter medicines. www.GreenHomeEXPO.org  

El Cerrito Earth Day Join the city in planting trees along San Pablo Ave. from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., follwed by a barbeque for volunteers at noon. Call for specific locations. 215-4353. www.el-cerrito.org 

“Celebrating North Richmond History” with art and culture exhibits, speakers, music and community resources, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shields-Reid Community Center, 1416 Kelsey St., Richmond. Sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services. 925-313-6862. 

Mt. Wanda Wildflower Walk in the hills where John Muir took his daughters. Meet at 9 a.m. in the Park and RIde lot at the corner of Alhambra Ave. and Franklin Canyon Rd., Martinez. Wear walking shoes and bring water. 925-228-8860. 

Redesign of the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and Transit Zone The public is invited to an open house to view four different design options from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, third floor community room, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-7065. 

Berkeley Poetry Festival with featured poets and open mikes. Jack Hirschman, Poet Laureate of San Francisco, will read his latest haikus. From noon to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 549-3345. 

Crowden Community Music Day with concerts, instrument petting zoo, instrument workshop and more, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1475 Rose St. 559-2941. 

Sports Medicine for Young Athletes with Michelle Cappello, Director of the Sport Medicine Center for Young Athletes at Children’s Hospital, Oakland at 6 p.m. Coaches, parents, players, trainers, and interested others all welcome. Refreshments will be served. For ticket and event location information call 528-9026.  

Benefit Gala for the Oakland Museum of California with dinner and entertainment. TIckets are $300-$600. 239-2919. 

UC Botanical Garden Annual Plant Sale with cacti and succulents, ferns, new perrennials, and rare trees and shrubs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 200 Centennail Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Annual Junktique Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a benefit for the First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina, corner W. Richmond Ave., Pt. Richmond 236-0527. www.pointrichmond.com/methodist 

“The Five Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss” with Dr. Jay Sordean, at 12:30 p.m. at South Berkeley Curves, 2855 Telegraph Ave. Sponsored by the Doctors Speakers Bureau. RSVP to 849-1176. 

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. www.nativeplants.org 

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

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, APRIL 30 

Berkeley International Food Festival from noon until 5 p.m. at the intersection of University and San Pablo Aves. The Festival will showcase restaurants and markets, and will feature related cultural activities. www.berkeleyinternationalfoodfestival.com 

Berkeley Citizen Action Economic Development Forum from 4 to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 549-0816. 

Children’s Book Day from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Children’s Library, 4th floor, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Musician, clown and refreshements. 981-6107.  

Wonderous Wildflowers An easy stroll through the Tilden Nature Are to see what is blooming. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

“Get Inspired to Green Your Garden” Bay-Friendly Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A free and self-guided tour throughout Alameda County. Registration required to receive the guide book and garden directions. www.BayFriendly.org 

Secret Gardens of the East Bay A tour with marketplace and opportunity to visit with professional garden designers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $45. Benefits Park Day School. 653-0317, ext. 103. www.SecretGardenTour.org 

SF South Bay Restoration Project Tours of the salt pond project from 2 to 4 p.m. Please meet at Menlo Park’s Bayfront Park, at the corner of Marsh Road and Bayshore Expressway. From 101, exit Marsh Road, and head west into Bayfront Park. Tour will repeat on May 6 and May 21. Reservations required. 792-0222, ext. 43. 

“Darwin’s Nightmare” A documentary on the importation of the Nile Perch to Lake Victoria, which decimated the native fish population and impoverished local villagers, at 2 p.m. at the Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Proceeds benefit Priority Africa Network. 527-3917. 

“Making Connections: Israeli-Palestinian Peace and U.S. Middle East Policy: Where do we go from here?” Discussion presented by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, East Bay Branch, at 1 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. 665-5459. 

Using Art to Teach Science Biological Illustration as a Way of Seeing. A workshop with biological illustrator Vicki Jennings,m from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $50-$60. 238-3818. 

Save Our Steinway Benefit Concert, to restore the 1909 Steinway at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian-Universalists at 2:30 p.m. at 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $5. 841-4824. 

“Come Spot, Come” A recall workshop for your dog from 3 to 4 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2128 Cedar St. Cost is $35. To register call 849-9323. companyofdogs.com 

Tour of the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, rare books and a comprehensive theological collection, at 4 p.m. at 2400 Ridge Rd. Reservations required 649-2420. 

Hands-On Bicycle Clinic on bicycle safety inspections from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Free. 527-4140. 

“Fledglings and Fly In” Bird walk accompanied by a dance performance by Patricia Bulitt at 4 p.m. on the patio behind the Lakeview Public Library, 550 El Embarcadero, Oakland. 238-7344. 

“Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal” Reception and book signing with author Anthony Arnove at 2 p.m. at Middle East Children’s Alliance, 901 Parker St. 548-0542. 

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 Rosalyn White on “Is Tibet Forgotten?” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

ONGOING 

Poll Workers Needed in Alameda County for June 6 Primary Election. Poll workers must be eligible to register to vote in California, have basic clerical skills. Training classes begin in May. To sign up call 272-6971. 

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., April 25, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., April 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/civicarts 

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., April 26, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. Gil Dong, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Energy Commission meets Wed., April 26, 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., April 26, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Janet Homrighausen, 981-7484. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

School Board meets Wed. April 26, at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Mark Coplan 644-6320. 

Commission on Labor Special Meeting on Workplace Bullying on Wed., April 27, at 5:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Delfina M. Geiken, 981-7550. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/labor 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., April 27, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning