Events Listings

THURSDAY, OCT. 23 

Meet the Candidates for Mayor, City Council and School Board at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda at Los Angeles. www.northeastberkeleyassociation.org 

MGO Democratic Club meets to discuss five government initiatives in a package called Real Oakland Administrative Reform with John Russo, City Attorney; Courtney Ruby, City Auditor; Ignacio De La Fuente, Council President, Dist 5, and Pat Kernighan, City Council Member, Dist. 2, at 7 p.m. at Dimond Branch Library, Oakland. 595-7402. www.mgoclub.org 

The Oakland Bird Club “Birds of Asia” A slide presentation by Jeff Robinson at 7:30 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave. 444-0355. 

“Monterey Market Live” A documentary by Bill Fujimoto, owner of the produce market, at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

“California Native Plants for Your Garden” at 7 p.m. at El Sobrante Library, 4991 Appian Way, El Sobrante. Free. 374-3991. 

Easy Does It Board of Directors’ Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 1636 University Ave. 845-5513. www.easydoesitservices.org 

“Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival” at 5 p.m. at Clif Bar Headquarters, 1610 Fifth St. Tickets are $10-$15. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Workshops for Healthcare Activists, and those who want to be, Single Payer Health Care/SB840 Kuehl at 7 p.m. at Hillside Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito between Portrero and Moeser Lane. 526-0972. 

Barbary Lane Senior Community Open House with East Bay Symphony Trio and author Armistead Maupin from noon to 5 p.m. at 1800 Madison St., Oakland. Free, but RSVP required 903-3600. 

Art from the Heart Silent Auction benefitting East Meets West Foundation, a nonprofit development agency serving the poor in Vietnam at 6 p.m. at Piedmont Community Church, Clara Barton Room, 400 Highland Ave., Piedmont. www.piedmontchurch.org 

“Life for Sale” A documentary on our ailing health care system at 7:30 p.m. at Shattuck Cinemas. Tickets are $10. 1-877-7LIFE4S. www.lifeforsalemovie.com 

Auditions for “That’s Our Snow White” with East Bay Children’s Theater for 14 M/F adult actors/singers from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kahilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave. For information call 537-9957. zaniladi@comcast.net 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

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, OCT. 24 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Antonio Rossman, Land Use Attorney on “How Communities Deal Effectively with Government Entities” including the Caldecott Tunnel issue and the UC Stadium issue. Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 524-7468. www.citycommonsclub.org 

United Nations Day honoring East Bay Nobel Prize winners for work in climate change at 6 p.m. at International House at 2299 Piedmont Ave. Tickets are $15-$30. For reservations call 642-9461. www.unausaeastbay.org 

“Amazing Grace” A documentary about William Wilberforce, who fought to abolish the slave trade throughout the British Empire, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Church, Sacramento and Cedar. Free, Discussion to follow. www.berkeleyfriendschurch.org 

Campus Greens meeting with Matt Gonzalez, Jello Biafra, Marcia Feinland and others at 8 p.m. at 2060 Valley LSB, UC campus.  

“The Phantom’s Masquerade” The East Bay Dance Center’s Fourth Annual Halloween Show and Dance, a family-friendly event featuring dance performance, party and treats at 7 p.m. at 1318 Glenfield Ave., off of Park Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $2-$5. All proceeds benefit the EBDC’s Scholarship Fund. 336-3262. 

Cinema Dreaming “Nosferatu” Screening and discussion at 7 p.m. at The Dream Institute, 1672 University at McGee. Cost is $12. 845-1767. 

Kol Hadash Humanistic Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Please bring finger dessert or snack to share for the Oneg, and non-perishable food for the needy. 428-1492. info@kolhadash.org  

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

SATURDAY, OCT. 25 

“Peace in the World and Social Services at Home” A gathering with Dan and Patricia Ellsberg, Cindy Sheehan, Barbara Becnel and others at the Civic Center Peace Wall in Civic Center Park from noon to 4:30 p.m. 841-4824. 

Community Celebration for Days of the Dead with craft activities, demonstrations, music, dance and food, from noon to 5 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Infinity Walk Against Domestic Violence from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mosswood Park at Broadway and MacArthur in Oakland and will include music, performances, refreshments, youth activities and more. Benefits A Safe Place, Oakland's domestic violence program for battered women and children. 205-0855. asafeplacedvs.org 

“Down Memory Lane” 35th Anniversary of the Oakland Community School from noon to 5 p.m. at 6118 International Blvd., Oakland. 434-1824, 652-7170. www.ocs-communications.com 

Fall Gardening Seminar sponsored by the Alameda County Master Gardeners from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Merritt College, Oakland. Cost is $30. To register see http://groups.ucanr.org/ACMG/ 

New School Halloween Bazaar with face painting, children’s games, rummage sale, book and bake sales, live entertainment and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1606 Bonita at Cedar. 548-9165.  

Fiesta de los Angelitos Build a memorial kite, a “nicho” or other crafts from 2 to 4 p.m. at at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Dias de las Muertos procession at 6 p.m. 228-3207. 

Haunted House in Berkeley with levels of scariness for all ages from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Come in costume. Donations benefit homeless children. 845-6830. 

Skytown Preschool Fall Festival and Open House Age appropriate activities for 18 months to 5 years from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Skytown Preschool, One Lawson Road, Kensington. Come in costume. 526-8481. www.skytown.org 

Haunted House and Costume Contest for children at 5:30 p.m. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. Alameda. Cost is $5-$10. Cost is $35-$50. www.rhythmix.org 

“Boo at the Zoo” Oakland Zoo Halloween Celebration Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with scavenger hunt, animal feedings, and a visit with creepy crawlies. Cost is $7-$10.50. 632-9525.  

Monster Bash aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet, with music, haunted tours of the lower deck, and children’s activities at 7:30 p.m. at 707 W. Hornet Ave. Pier 3, Alameda. Tickets are $20-$25 for adults, $10 for children. www.hornetevents.com  

Halloween Music, with Broadway and television favorites for the whole family at 6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Alameda, 2001 Santa Clara at Chestnut, Alameda. Party follows with tours of the Haunted Parlor. Free, but donations accepted. 522-1477. 

Farm Songs and Stories, including a visit to feed the chickens from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of Claremont Paths from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Fall Bird Walk to observe and listen to resident and migrant birds at 9 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. Registration required. Cost is $12-$15. 643-2755, ext. 03. 

Small Pet Adoption Day Come meet our rescued rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and mice, and learn how they can be a member of your family, from 1 to 5 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. Come in costume to have your photograph taken. 525-6155. 

Pt. Richmond Silent Art Auction from 5 to 8 p.m. at Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 West Cutting Blvd., Pt. Richmond. For tickets, or to donate your artwork call 235-0165. 

SEEDS Community Resolution Center Celebrates 25 Years of Service with dinner, music and dancing from 7 to 11 p.m. at Berkeley Yacht Club, 1 Seawall Drive. Tickets are $40. 548-4051. Jaimee@ebcm.org 

Vegetarian Cooking Class Comfort Food from Around the World Learn to make Potato Latkes, Scotch Broth, Cuban Black Bean Soup and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $50, plus $5 food and material fee. Advance registration required. 531-COOK.  

City Slickers Fall Festival from 1 to 5 p.m. at West Oakland Woods Street farm. Activities including a flag making station to decorate the garden, street games, talent show, street theater, unveiling of our billboard, snail hunt through the garden, and food. We encourage people to bring their favorite fall dishes and recipes to share. www.cityslickerfarms.org 

Bay Area Cohousing Tour A guided bus tour of several communities Cost is $95, includes lunch. 834-7399. www.cohousing.org/tours 

Residential Earthquake Retrofits A free seminar at 10 a.m. at the Montclair Women’s Cultural Art’s Club, 1650 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. 418-1676.  

“Growing Herbs” Learn the climate needs, fertilizer requirements, watering techniques, and pruning of different herbs that you can grow all winter long at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. Free. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Kennedy High School/Eagle Foundation Community Meeting to discuss the needs of the high school and the role of the community at noon in the cafeteria, Kennedy High School, 4300 Cutting Blvd., Richmond. 231-1433. www.jfkeaglefoundation.org 

Make a Box Sculpture with Emily Kuenstler,from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Cost is $45. To register call 415-505-7827. 

Animation Film Festival Works by Bay Area middle and high school students at 9:30 a.m. at Bay Street AMC Theaters, Emeryville. 655-4002. 

LBAM Spray Commemoration at 6 p.m. at downtown Berkeley BART, with music and information. www.dontspraycalifornia.org 

Sacred Art & Sacred Space Art Auction at 6 p.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way. Proceeds will benefit Himalayan HealthCare. RSVP to auction@TantricArt.net 

Free Internet Classes “Useful Web Sites” at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton St., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Floral Art and Design Class with Devon Gaster at 1 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930.  

Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-5, at 11 a.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

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 

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

SUNDAY, OCT. 26 

“No on Prop. 8” A peaceful demonstration against Prop. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon in front of the Mormon (LDS) Temple at 4770 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. Anyone interested in expressing support for equal rights for gay and lesbian people is welcome to join the protest. 

Dia de los Muertos Festival with music, crafts, food and display of altars by community groups and professional artists, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at International Blvd. between Fruitvale Ave. and 39th Ave., Oakland. www.unitycouncil.org/ddlm 

Haunted Caves Halloween exploration for ages 5 and up from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $3. 525-2233. 

Ghostwalk and Graveyard Tales at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Bring flashlights. 228-3207.  

Spooky Tales in the Redwood Grove with storytellers Bobbie Kinkaid and Jean Ellison at 4 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. Registration required. Cost is $7-$10. 643-2755, ext. 03. 

Create Your Own Halloween Event for familes and children ages 3-10, with educational hip hop, create your own costume, create your own trick or treat bag, fortune telling and healthy treats, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Glitter & Razz Dramatic Play Space, 5951 College Ave., Oakland. Free. 654-7166. www.glitterandrazz.com 

“Oakland Fusion” Community members are invited to paint ceramic tiles for a mural representing Oakland’s diverse community from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market, Jack London Square. www.thewowhaus.com 

Women of Color Resource Center “Sisters of Fire” Awards honoring local women and organizations at 11 a.m. at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, 2 Broadway, Oakland. 444-2700, ext. 306. 

“Proposition 8” with Stacy Camillo, Bd member, National Center for Lesbian Rights at 10 a.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Sponsored by Kol Hadash. Suggested donation $5. 428-1492. 

Tour of the Berkeley City Club, the “little castle” designed by Julia Morgan from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 848-7800. 

“The Transcendant Supernatural” with Sarah Lewis at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Albany Reads Community reading of “Snow Mountain Passage” by James D. Houston about the Donner Party. Author talk at 2 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. For a copy of the book call 526-3720. 

“Learning to Move from Overwhelm to Possibility” with Warren Kahn at 3 p.m. at the Ginn House in Preservation Park, 660 13th St., Oakland. Reservations required. 408- 808-1330. wcmoretolife@gmail.com 

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 

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 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack Petranker on “The Multidimensionality of Time” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, OCT. 27 

Berkeley Mayoral Debate between Tom Bates and Shirley Dean, sponsored by The Berkeley Daily Planet, moderated by Robert Cheasty, former mayor of Albany, at 7 p.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 Sixth St. The public is invited to submit questions to debate@berkeleydailyplanet.com 

Hallowe’en Stories 10:30 a.m. at Richmond Public Library, Bayview Branch, 5100 Harnett Ave., Richmond. 620-6566. 

“Mind, Brain and Consciousness” with David Presti, senior lecturer, neurobiology, at 12:15 p.m. at Room 150, University Hall, 2199 Addison St. Free for OLLI members, $5 others. 642-5254. 

“Dispatches—Between Google and Gutenberg” A panel discussion on the ways to cover stories on global issues with Dispatches co-editors Mort Rosenblum and Gary Knight, Eric Stover, director of the Human Rights Center, and Rémy Ourdan, chief correspondent of Le Monde in Paris. Reception at 5:30 p.m., Panel at 6:30 p.m. at Graduate School of Journalism, 121 North Gate Hall, UC campus. www.rethink-dispatches.com 

Kensington Library Book Club meets to discuss “Suite Francaise” by Irene Nemirovsky at 7 p.m. at 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Better Sleep with Acupressure at 11:30 a.m. at Elephant Pahrm, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Auditions for Falsettos with the Pinole Community Players Mon. and Tues. at 7 p.m. at Community Playhouse, 601 Tennent Ave., Pinole. 223-3598. www.pinoleplayers.org 

East Bay Track Club for girls and boys ages 3-15 meets Mon. at 6 p.m. at Berkeley High School track field. Free. 776-7451. 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group, for people 60 years and over, meets at 9:45 a.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave, Albany. Cost is $3.  

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

TUESDAY, OCT. 28 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Briones Regional Park. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Halloween/Day of the Dead Celebration with pumpkin carving, costume making, Day of the Dead alter and more from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Farmers’ Market, Derby at MLK. 548-2220. 

Bat Show with live bats, for ages 5 and up, at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. Free, but tickets required. 524-3043.  

Hallowe’en Stories 10:30 a.m. at Richmond Public Library, West Side Branch, 135 Washington Ave., Richmond. 620-6567. 

“The Political Geography of the Jewish State: Zionism’s Facts on the Ground” A report-back from a Middle East Children’s Alliance delgation to Israel and the Occupied Territories at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. www.bfuu.org 

Kennedy High School/Eagle Foundation Community Meeting to discuss the needs of the high school and the role of the community at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria, Kennedy High School, 4300 Cutting Blvd., Richmond. 231-1433. www.jfkeaglefoundation.org 

“Sea Kayaking the West Coast: California, Baja and the Galapagos Islands” at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Urban Bicycle Safety Class Learn how to share the road with cars on busy streets of the East Bay, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Kaiser Richmond Medical Center. Sponsored by the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. Free. For information see www.ebbc.org/safety 

Caribbean Rhythms Dance Class begins at 5:30 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St., and meets every Tues. eve. Donations accepted for Community Rhythms Scholarship Fund. 548-9840. 

Music for Monotones An opportunity for non-singers to improve their skills at 7 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $10-$15. 528-6725.  

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 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. 

End the Occupation Vigil every Tues. at noon at Oakland Federal Bldg., 1301 Clay St. www.epicalc.org 

Street Level Cycles Community Bike Program Come use our tools as well as receive help with performing repairs free of charge. Youth classes available. Tues., Thurs., and Sat. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

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

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 

Ceramics Class Learn hand building techniques to make decorative and functional items, Tues. at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Free, materials and firing charges only. 525-5497. 

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. 

Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

Yarn Wranglers Come knit and crochet at 6:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29 

Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action Candidate Forum for all of the candidates for Mayor, City Council and School Board at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Parks School, 920 Allston Way at the corner of 8th St. 665-5821. www.berkeleyboca.org 

“The 12 State of California Propositions” A community discussion with students who have researched each of the propositions at 8 p.m. at JFK Univ. Art Annex, Studion #2, 2956 San Pablo Ave. (enter at rear parking lot). 649-0499. 

“Frontiers of Dreams and Fears” A film about the friendship between two Palestinian girls at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $10-$20, no one turned away. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Beyond Elections” A documentary on participatory democracy in Brazil, Colombia and Canada at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Hawaiian Party for Our Parks with Hawaiian music and Malcolm Margolin on the history of the East Bay Regional Parks at 7 p.m. at the Brazil Room, Tilden Park. Sponsored by the Sierra Club. Cost is $25, reservations required. 848-0800 , ext.322. 

Pacific Boychoir Academy Auditions from 4:15 to 6:30 p.m. at 410 Alcatraz Ave. in Oakland. No musical knowledge or experience is required. To register for auditions, call 652-4722. 

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. 

Theraputic Recreation at the Berkeley Warm Pool, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Warm Pool, 2245 Milvia St. Cost is $4-$5. Bring a towel. 632-9369. 

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 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

Berkeley CopWatch Drop-in office hours from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

Stitch ‘n Bitch at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

THURSDAY, OCT. 30 

Berkeley Mayoral Candidates Debate Pacific Steel Issues and solutions to the plant’s pollution and health threats at 7 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Sponsored by Global Community Monitor. www.gcmonitor.org 

BUSD Community Meeting on selling Hillside School and Playground Thursday evening, October 30, 7:00 PM in the large conference room, 1720 Oregon St. For information contact Cynthia Cowgill at 549-3435, or cacowgill@aim.com 

Berkeley’s Climate Action Plan A town hall discussion with councilmembers Laurie Capitelli (District 5) and Betty Olds (District 6) at 6:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, Parlor Room, 941 The Alameda. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 3 to 4 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833. 

Hallowe’en Stories and creepy songs from 6 to 7 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, Children’s Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 620-6557. 

Baby & Toddler Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Bayswater Book Club Dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss “Obama Nomics” by John R. Talbott. RSVP to 433-2911. 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

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, OCT. 31 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Sherry Smith, League of Women Voters “State and Local Ballot Measures in the Nov. 2008 Elections” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Harvest Festival at James Kenney Community Center with carnival games, arts and crafts, a spooky maze and more from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 1720 8th St., between Virginia and Delaware. 981-6551.  

Halloween Costume Contest and Magic Show at 5 p.m. at Ray’s Pumpkin Patch, 1245 Solano Ave., Albany. Free. 527-5358. 

“Not-Too-Spooky” Halloween for ages 6 and under from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

“Farewell to the Thief” Celebrate the end of the Bush years with a concert at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $10. www.bfuu.org 

Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 7:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St at University. Donation of $5 requested. 528-4253. www.circledancing.com 

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

SATURDAY, NOV. 1 

Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival Creek Walk Meet at 10 a.m. just inside UC campus at Oxford and Center St. Poetry Festival follows at noon at Civic Center Park. 526-9105. www.poetryflash.org 

Berkeley Path Wanderers Albany Walk Explore history, preservation, and restoration on Albany Hill, University Village, and Cerrito and Codornices Creeks Meet at 10 a.m. at Albany Peet’s on San Pablo. 848-9358. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Reptile Rendevous Learn about the reptiles that live in Tilden Park, and meet some up close, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Close the Farm Help us close the Little Farm and tuck in the animals for the night, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Wine and Carrot Reception for Peter Matsukawa and the photographs of his rabbits, at 5 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa, Ave., Kensington. 535-6155. 

Lead-Safe Painting & Remodeling A free introductory class to learn about lead safe renovations for your older home, from 10 a.m. to noon at Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland. Presented by Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 567-8280. www.ACLPPP.org 

“Law School Admissions Workshop for People of Color” from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Berkeley School of Law, Booth Auditorium. Open to all traditionally underrepresented groups such as people of color, people with disabilities, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people, and those from a disadvantaged socio-economic background. Please RSVP to coalitionfordiversity@gmail.com  

“The Joy of Writing” A workshop with Lynn Hammond from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Cost is $30. Bring a bag lunch. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Free Internet Classes: Health and Medical Information from 10 to 11 El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton St., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Math and Science Classes from the Lawrence Hall of Science for families with children in kindergarten through fifth grade from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. Free. 620-6557. 

Berkeley Property Owners Association Monthly meeting with Ted Levenson on “The Current Financial Melt-down and what it means to you and your investments” 10 a.m. at St.John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave., Fireside Room. All welcome. bpoa@bpoa.org 

“The Current Situation in Afghanistan” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-5, at 11 a.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

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 

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

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

SUNDAY, NOV. 2 

Art Hike “Sketching Through the Fog” Bring paper, pen or pencil and discover winter flora and fauna in the fog from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Spinning a Yarn Storytelling Watch wool being spun and listen to a tale at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Rep Family Series “Myths Come Alive” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison St. Free, but bring a book to donate to a school library. 647-2973. 

“Diwali: The Hindu Festival of Lights” with Asha Bajaj, at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Dia de los Muertos with crafts and story-telling for children ages 0-6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Habitot Children’s Museum, 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. 

African Diaspora Film Society “The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow” at 2 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $5. 814-2400. 

Organic Gardening: The Magic of Sheet Mulching from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in North Oakland. Cost is $30-$50. 431-9016. 

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 

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 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5213. 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Oct. 23, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.  

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Oct. 27, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5158.  

Zero Waste Commission meets Mon., Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., at North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6357. 

City Council meets Tues., Oct. 28, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Oct. 29, at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 981-4950.