Events Listings

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 

UCB Entrepreneurs Forum: Finalists of the Business Plan Competition at 6 p.m. at Anderson Auditorium and the Bank of America Forum, Haas School of Business, 2220 Piedmont Ave. 642-4255. www.entrepreneurship.berkeley.edu 

“Girls Rock!” screening and director Q&A at 7:15 p.m. at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood, 2966 College Ave. Cost is $10-$15. www.bayareagirlsrockcamp.org 

Volunteer Training for Circle of Care, a program of East Bay Agency for Children in Oakland. Email Shoshana at Shoshana@ebac.org for more information. 531-7551 ext. 195. wwww.ebac.org 

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.m. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

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. 

Buddhist Class on Shikan Meditation at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita. http://caltendai.org 

FRIDAY, MAY 1 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to Jewel Lake in Tilden Park Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. for a one-mile, two-hour-plus stroll through this lush riparian area. Breeding birds are returning, and we should be treated to some wonderful bird song. Leader Phila Rogers 848-9156. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Prof. Tony Kingsbury, Haas School of Business on “Paper or Plastic? Measuring Sustainability” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 527-2173. www.citycommonsclub.org 

“Torture and Popular Culture” with members of the Bay Area Religious Campaign Against Torture on how the post-9/11 US media frame the use of torture through writings and TV shows like “24” and uncover the truth about its effectiveness at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison. Free. 704-8859. 

“Climate Change Mitigation: Considering Lifestyle Options in Europe and the US” a workshop from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in 223 Moses Hall, UC campus. Hosted by the European Union Center. 643-4558. eucenter.berkeley.edu 

Celebration of 60 years of KPFA on Workers Day with a potluck at 6 p.m. and music, speakers and films at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. 848-4124. 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 

Tian Gong Open House Celebration with Master Tian Ying at 5:30 p.m. at Tian Gong International Foundation, 830 Bancroft Way, Lotus Room 114. 883-192. tgif@tiangong.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. 

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

SATURDAY, MAY 2 

7th Annual Hidden Gems of Berkeley Ride and Walk Visit the unique and vernacular treasures in and grassroots greening initiatives around central Berkeley. Ride and walk start at 10 a.m. at the Civic Center fountain. Bring lunch and water. The event is family friendly, over the age of 10. Updated Hidden Gems of Berkeley maps will be available for a nominal fee. www.bpfp.org 

Berkeley Historical Society Spring Walking Tour “The Northern End of the Santa Fe Right-of-Way” led by Bebo Turman, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland Explore the 9th and Washington St. district. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of Ratto’s, 821 Washington St. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234.  

Annual California Wildflower Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts. Presented in collaboration with the California Native Plant Society. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org/tickets 

Flowers in May Hike Join a three-mile up and down hike from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Briones Regional Park, Bear Creek Staging Area. for information call 544-3265.  

Bring Back the Native Garden Tour On Sat. and Sun., visit 50 pesticide-free gardens that conserve water and provide habitat for wildlife. Registration required. www.bringingbackthenatives.net 

“Urban Farming Basics: Grow Your Own Food” With Willow Rosenthal of City Slicker Farms from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. A second class will take place on May 9, outdoors in Berkeley. Cost is $10-$15. 548-2220, ext. 239. 

Berkeley High 3rd Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Donahue Gym. Tickets are$20 at the door or at www.berkeleyathleticfund.org 

“Art from the Heart” Art by individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dimentias to be auctioned in a fundraiser and celebration for Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay at 6:30 p.m. in the Rotunda Building, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. Tickets are $50-$100. 644-8282. 

“Día de Los Niños/Día de Los Libros” from noon to 3 p.m. at Cesar Chávez Park in Oakland with diverse performance groups, storytellers, literacy-related arts activities, and a free book for each child in attendance. Sponsored by KQED. 

“Not Just Change But Justice” a conference on U.S. trade policy and its impacts on food, land and immigration with David Bacon speaking on NAFTA and Pierre LaBossiere and Delvis Fernandez comparing Haiti and Cuba, from 1 to 6 p.m. at 110 Barrows Hall, near Telegraph & Bancroft, UC Berkeley campus. 525-5497. info@nacla.org  

Bay Area Community Land Trust Bus Tour of Elder Co-ops and Senior Cohousing communities in Berkeley and Davis. Tickets are $40 for members, $60 for others. For information call 841-5307. 

Designing with Succulents Learn how to use these beautiful and low water plants in your landscape at 10 a.m. at at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351.  

Annual Junktique Sale and Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 236-0527. 

Friends of Roman Cats and Feeding Ferals Local Promotion Slideshow about feral cat spay/neuter programs in Italy, at 2 p.m. at RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Full-Impact Women’s Self-Defense Techniques Demonstrations from 1 to 3 p.m., and a free intro class on Street Safety at 3 p.m. at Impact Bay Area Training Center, 1724 Mandela Pkwy #1, Oakland. 208-0474. erica@impactbayarea.org  

Beginning Internet Class “Useful Web Sites” at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Free, but call to sign up 526-7512. 

Preschool Storytime, including crafts and finger plays at 11 a.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720 ext. 16. 

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 

Lawn Bowling on the green at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft Way every Wed. and Sat. at 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. Wear flat soled shoes, no heels. Free lessons. 841-2174.  

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, MAY 3 

“Maybeck Country: Hillside Houses of the Early- and Mid-20th Century” Berkeley Architectural Heritage’s 34th Annual Spring House Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30-$40. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.com 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Meet at 8 a.m. by Arlington Clubhouse on Arlington Ave. in El Cerrito, next to tennis courts between Brewster Drive and Thors Day Road. We'll drive to trailhead on Rifle Range Road, then walk a hilly transect of the canyon to bird brushlands, oak woodlands, riparian areas, and grasslands. Five-mile hike led by Malcolm Sproul for the 29th year. Bring lunch and liquids. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Annual California Wildflower Show from noon to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts. Presented in collaboration with the California Native Plant Society. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org/tickets 

Little Farm Goat Hike Join a short hike with the goats as we explore the historic connections between humans and our ungulate friends at 11 a.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. For ages 6 and up. Children, please bring your adults along. 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Tilden’s Pipes: Portholes to the Past Crisscrossing Tilden Park steel pipes hide under trails, go through bushes and cross creeks. Explore the historic network of waterways on this four-mile hike along Wildcat Creek, from 2 to 5 p.m. For meeting place call 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

“Gardening without Invasives: Protecting wildlands and waterways from invasive plants” with Christiana Conser of PlantRight at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at The Watershed Nursery, 601-A Canal Blvd., Richmond. 234-2222. www.thewatershednursery.com 

SASSAFRAS Shotgun Players’ Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser with barbeque, bluegrass music and a preview of upcoming shows at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $70-$100. 841-6500 ext. 301. 

“Maya of the Quiet Strength” Documentary about the Berkeley disability activist, Miya Rodolfo-Sioson, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Unitarian Universalist Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $10. 841-4824. 

Justice for San Salvador Atenco with videos on the community’s resistance to government plans to build an airport on their land and police crackdown and arrests at 6:30 p.m. at Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Sponsored by Chiapas Support Committee. 654-9587. www.chiapas-support.org 

Soul Sanctuary Dance Weekly Family-Friendly Freestyle Dance for children, teens and adults from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. www.bayareandw.org 

Dance-a-Rama Free Open Studio performances in celebration of National Dance Week, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Eighth Street Artists’ Center, 2525 Eighth St.  

Berkeley Rep Family Series “Story Builders” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison St. Recommended for age four and up. Free, but bring a book to donate to a school library. 647-2973. 

Cinco De Mayo At Playland Celebrate Mexican and Latino contributions to the world of fun, Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Playland, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 232-4264 ext. 25. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

Personal Theology Seminars with Endre Nagy on “Religious Tradition as Freedom for Individual Theology” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Ancient Wisdom: Modern Application” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, MAY 4 

“Language Acquisition amd Immigrant Integration: Comparing European and U.S. Experiences” A conference from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Lipman Room, Barrows Hall, UC campus. Hosted by the European Union Center. www. 

law.berkeley.edu/4247.htm 

“Memory, A Remedy for Evil?” a lecture by cultural theorist Tzvetan Todorov at 4 p.m. in the Maude Fife Room, 315 Wheeler Hall, UC campus. Free. Hosted by the Townsend Center for the Humanities, 643-9670. http://townsendcenter.berkeley.edu 

“The Math Behind the Cath: the Inside Story of Stents, Pacemakers, and Other Medical Miracles” Two speakers, one in biomedical R&D, the other an artist-mathematician, share their perspectives of how math underlies the invention of medical devices at 7 p.m. at the at Roda Theatre, Berkeley Rep, 2015 Addison St. Free. Sponsored by The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute. www.msri.org 

Making Chocolate Truffles learn everything you need to know to make deliciously decadent truffles Mon. and Tues. from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $50-$75, plus $15 supply fee. For details contact The Institute of Urban Homesteading at iuh@sparkybeegirl.com 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at West Pauley Ballroom, MLK Student Union, UC campus. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Community Yoga Class 10 a.m. at James Kenney Parks and Rec. Center at Virginia and 8th. Seniors and beginners welcome. Cost is $6. 207-4501. 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Mon. at 3 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

Small-Business Counseling Free one-hour one-on-one counseling to help you start and run your small business with a volunteer from Service Core of Retired Executives, Mon. evenings by appointment at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. For appointment call 981-6148. www.eastbayscore.org 

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. 548-0425. 

Dragonboating Year round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

TUESDAY, MAY 5 

California Colloquium on Water “Ground Water Depletion: A National Assessment and GLobal Persepctive” with Leonard Konikow, scientist, U.S. Geological Survey,, at 5:30 p.m. at Goldman School of Public Policy, room 250, 2607 Hearst Ave. www.lib.berkeley.edu/ 

WRCA/ccow 

“Up the Yangtze” Screening of the documentary followed by skype interview with the director, Yung Chang at 6 p.m. at GAIA Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Free. www.accountabilityproject.org 

Origami for Teens Learn how to fold shapes out of paper without cutting, glueing or stapling at 4 pm. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. For students in grades 6-12. Sign up by calling 536-7512. 

Typing Chinese Learn how to type chines characters on a computer at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Electronic Classroom, 3rd flr, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. Drop-in class with limited space for 16 students - first come, first served. 981-6136. 

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., Sat. and Sun. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.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 

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. 

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. 

Bridge for beginners from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., all others 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sing-A-Long at 2:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

Wheelchair Yoga at 4:30 p.m., Family Yoga on Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at Niroga Center for Healing, 1808 University Ave. between MLK Way and Grant St. All classes by donation. 704-1330. www.niroga.org 

Rhythm Tap Exercise Class Tues. at 5 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. Donation $2. 548-9840. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 

Southside Plan Update A community meeting sponsored by the City of Berkeley at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2407 Dana St. The plan is available at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=420 or call 981-7484. 

“The Century of the Self—Episode One: Happiness Machines” by Adam Curtis at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., uptown Oakland, between Telegraph and Broadway. Donation $5. www.HumanistHall.org 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Chinatown Meet at 10 a.m. at the fountain of Pacific Renaissance Plaza, Ninth St., between Webster and Frainklin. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

“Paws to Read” Help your child practice reading with a friendly dog at 2:45 and at 3:20 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. Dogs and handlers are from Therapy Pets volunteering for Paws to Read. Children in grades 1-5 may sign up for 25 minute sessions with tested therapy pets. To reserve a session call 526-3720, ext. 5.  

Niroga Yoga Center Open House with yoga and meditation classes, including classes for cancer survivor, wheelchair users, youth and seniors, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 1808 University Ave. www.niroga.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Watergate Towers, Suite 120, 2200 Powell St., Emeryville. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Laney College, ASLC Offices, 900 Fallon St., Oakland.. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

“Love and Light Empowerment” with Master Tian Ying at 7:15 p.m. at 830 Bancroft Way, Lotus Room 114. Donations accepted. 883-1920, tgif@tiangong.org 

“Benefits of Meditation and Spiritual Lifestyle” with authorized speaker for Sant Baljit Singh at 7:30 p.m. at Fireside Room, upstairs, Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1606 Bonita Ave. 290-3013. 

Confused by Computers? Novice computer users can get one-on-one assistance from noon to 1:45 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. Sign up for an appointment at the reference desk or call 526-3720 ext. 5. 

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. 

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, MAY 7 

Berkeley Democratic Club with Assembymember Nancy Skinner on the state of the State, and the League of Woman Voters presents the propositions for the May 19th Special Statewide Election, at 7 p.m. at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda.  

SalmonAID Festival with music, dancing and information about the salmon at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $25. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Inquiries into the Nature of Slow Money” with author Woody Tasch on his view of the world of capital markets and sustainability at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-3402. 

Project YouthView” The Power of Youth in Film Festival of winning bay area local youth film shorts, plus the documentary “Trouble the Water” at 6 p.m. at Historic Theatre of the Alameda Theater & Cineplex, 317 Central Avenue, Alameda. Sponsored by Alternatives in Action. Tickets are $5-$8, $100 for VIP section. 748-4314, ext. 304. www.projectyouthview.org 

“Reptiles and Amphibians” with Paul Hamilton as part of the Conservation Speaker Series at 6:30 p.m. in the Marian Zimmer Auditorium, Children’s Zoo, Oakland Zoo. Suggested donation $5-$20. 632-9525, ext. 122. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Laney College, ASLC Offices, 900 Fallon St., Oakland.. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Film on Washington DC indepth exploration of this multi-cultural city at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

“The Heart of Islam: Essentials of Islamic Religion and Spirituality” A four week introductory course, open to the general public, Thurs. nights at 7 p.m. at Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, 1433 Madison St., Oakland. Cost is $25 for all classes. To register call 832-7600. www.iccnc.org 

Teaching English as a Second Language Learn about the Foreign Language Certification Program offered by UC Berkeley Extension, at 5:30 p.m. at 1995 University Ave. To reserve a space call 642-4111. 

“Don't Be in Pain” with Dr. Ellliott Wagner on the benefits of acupuncture in relieving neuropathic pain at 1 p.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 278 Grand Ave., Oakland. 653-8625. 

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.m. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

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

Buddhist Class on Shikan Meditation at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita, through May 28. http://caltendai.org 

FRIDAY, MAY 8 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Douglas J. Long, Chief Curator, Dept. of Natural Sciences, Oakland Museum of CA on “The California Grizzly Bear in Fact and Fancy” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 527-2173. www.citycommonsclub.org 

“What I Saw in Gaza” with Middle East Children’s Alliance Executive Director Barbara Lubin at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $5-$10. 526-2900. www.bfuu.org 

The Orchid Society of California Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Show and Sale, Fri. noon to 6 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue, Oakland. Free. 582-3404. www.orchidsocietyofcalifornia.com 

Stockton Avenue Art Stroll Meet the artists at their studios or galleries, and have a great time exploring art along El Cerrito’s Stockton Ave. For more details, contact Well Grounded Tea & Coffee Bar, 6925 Stockton Ave. 528-4709. 

Womansong Circle “A Celebration of Mothers” An evening of participatory singing for women with guest Evelie Posch, at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Small Assembly Room, 2345 Channing St. Suggested donation $15-20. www.betsyrosemusic.org 

Love and Justice for Tristan & Palestine with Charming Hostess, Devin Hoff Platform, Molotov Mouths, Hillary Lehr and others at 7:30 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. Donation $7-$25. 208-1700. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Children’s Hospital, Outpatient Center Basement, 747 52nd St.,, Oakland.. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Kamit Fest 36th Anniversary Ausar Auset Society Rregistration at 6:30 p.m., meditation at 7 p.m. Oakland Public Conservatory, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Other events throughout the day on Sat. 536-5934. 

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 

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

SATURDAY, MAY 9 

Berkeley Path Wanderers Walk in Claremont Heights, Grand View, and Hiller Highlands Walk the old paths behind the Claremont Hotel that once helped commuters reach the Key Route trains, and look for traces of paths that are no more. Learn about historic Smith Lane and the family that built it. Finally, explore newer paths and streets in neighborhoods rebuilt after the 1991 Oakland-Berkeley firestorm. This route has long, steep hills and stairways, some with uneven footing. Meet at 10 a.m. at Peet’s, 2912 Domingo Ave. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Join Rusty Scalf for a morning of bird watching at our own East Bay volcano. Drive south on Grizzly Peak Blvd until it ends; turn left onto Skyline, the park entrance is located a short distance, about a quarter mile, on Skyline on the left at 6800 Skyline. Meet at parking lot at 8 a.m. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Blessing of the Animals at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, on the front lawn at 2619 Broadway, Oakland. Please bring pets on leashes or in carriers. 444-3555. www.firstcurchoakland.org  

Jefferson School Mayfair Games, prizes, food, performances, cakewalks, root beer floats and rockets abound at this year’s space-themed Mayfair. Come in costume and compete for prizes. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1400 Ada St., Sacramento St.  

Edible Schoolyard Jamboree and 5th Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Edible Schoolyard, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Plant sale continues on Sun. 558-1335. 

Bike Day at the Farmer’s Market from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Center St between Milvia St. and M.L.K.jr. Way. Come learn to take care of your bicycle with workshops on everything from changing a flat tire to greasing your chain. www.bfbc.org 

“Opening Doors to Homes: A Walk for Affordable Housing” to raise awareness and funds for much needed affordable housing to the Bay Area from 1 to 4 p.m. at Memorial Glade, UC campus. Cost is $15-$30. Sponsored by Resources for Community Development. Register online at www.firstgiving.com/rcdhousing 

Walking Tour of Jack London Waterfront Meet at 10 a.m. at the corner of Broadway and Embarcadero. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

“Urban Farming Basics: Grow Your Own Food” With Willow Rosenthal of City Slicker Farms from 2 to 6 p.m. at Berkeley Youth Alternatives Garden, Bancroft Way between Bonar and West St. Cost is $10-$15. 548-2220, ext. 239. 

The Orchid Society of California Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Show and Sale Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue, Oakland. Free. 582-3404. www.orchidsocietyofcalifornia.com 

California Lawn Bowls Day Open House from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft. 841-2174. 

“Becoming America: Becoming California” Exhibition on the history of the Peralta family and the Native People with food, crafts and games, dancing and tours, from noon to 5 p.m. at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. Suggested donation $1. 532-9142. www.peraltahacienda.org/VisitUs.htm  

“Pakistan and Afghanistan: Obama’s and America’s Next Vietnam?” with speaker Conn Hallinan at 7 p.m. at the Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak St., Alameda. Sponsored by the Alameda Public Affairs Forum Suggested donation $5, no one is turned away. 814-9592. www.alamedaforum.org 

Common Agenda Regional Network meeting on reordering federal priorities from the military to human and environmental needs at 2 p.m. at 1403 Addison St. at the Gray Panthers’ Office, adjacent the back entrance of the Andronico’s Grocery. 

1st Annual Rock Paper Scissors Collective Cupcake Bake-off Benefit for the Community Collaborations Donor Campaign at 2 p.m. at Rock Paper Scissors Collective, 2278 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. 238-9171. www.rpscollective.com 

Origami Flowers with Margo Wecksler from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720. 

“Food For Thought” Comedians and speakers, including Johnny Steele, Kamau Bell, Richard Stockton and Carmen Tedesco of Slow Food San Francisco in a benefit for the Alameda County Food Bank at 8 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Theater, 2460 College Ave. Tickets are $15. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.juliamorgan.org 

“The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present” Community opening of the exhibition from noon to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org/tickets 

Kensington Library Spring Book Sale Sat. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Center, 59 Arlington Ave, Kensington, up the road by the library. 524-3043. 

Jitter-Bug Hunt Fun for the whole family trying to catch these bugs, at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Mad Hatter Tea Party and White Rabbit Adoption Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. at RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Kids Go Green: Protecting Chabot’s Redwood Ecosystem from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the redwood forest surrounding Cahabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $10.95-$14.95. 336-7373. 

Preschool Storytime, including crafts and finger plays at 11 a.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720 ext. 16. 

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 

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, MAY 10 

Grand Opening of the David Brower Center Tour the Center, celebrate the planet, and explore environmental and social issues of our time, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2150 Allston Way, between Oxford and Shattuck. For a complete schedule of events see www.browercenter.org 

Friends and Family Day at the Magnes Join us in the garden and museum as we reflect on memory and personal history through arts and crafts from 11 a.m. t0 3 p.m. at 2911 Russell St. www.magnes.org 

Welcoming the Three Sisters to the Garden Help us plant beans, squash and corn in the Childrens’ Garden and learn why they encourage eachother to grow, at 10 a.m. at Tilden Narure Area, Tilden Park. 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Mothers Day Stories and Songs with Doug and Todd Elliott’s cultural tour of America’s backcountry, at 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Treat Your Mother Right Join a tour of the Tilden Little Farm to meet the animal mothers, and two farm grandmothers, at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Mother’s Day Peace Fair with speakers, music, refreshments from 3 to 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $5, no one turned away. 841-4824. www.uucb.org 

CodePINK: Women for Peace Pink Follies for Mothers’ Day with music, dance, comedy, spoken word at 6:45 p.m. at a La Pena, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 540-7007. 

California Native Plant Society Walk Discover California native plants along the way. This loop has a 700 foot elevation gain, with many ups and downs. Round trip is about 5 miles. Meet at 10 a.m. in the Briones Reg. Park, Reliez Valley Staging Area parking lot. 223-3310. 

Personal Theology Seminars with Rosa Grandillo-Schwentker on “My Experience with the Toltec Shamanic Tradition” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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 

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack Petranker on “The Buddhist Path and the Scientific Method” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Thurs. from 2 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., May 5, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., May 7, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadi