Events Listings

THURSDAY, DEC. 3 

“The Rebirth of Environmentalism” with author Douglas Bevington of Environment Now, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-3402. www.ecologycenter.org 

“La Danse: Le Ballet de l’Opera de Paris” Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary at 7 p.m. at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood, 2966 College Ave. at Ashby. Tickets are $20-$50. Benefits the Parachute Fund which provides grants to members of the Bay Area dance community facing HIV/AIDS or other life-threatening illnesses. 415-920-9181. www.dancersgroup.org/benefit.php  

Shu Ren International School Open House A Mandarin immersion program for Pre-K through 3rd grade. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1333 University Ave. 981-0320.  

Legal Document Assistants Who are they, and what can they do to help you? At 6 p.m. at the Alameda County Law Library, 125 12th St., Oakland, Cost is $5. 272-6483. www.acgov.org/law 

Babies and Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 4 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Mr. Ken LaJoie on “A Geologic Train Ride Down the San Mateo County Coast: The Natural and Unnatural History of a Despoiled Coastline” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 527-2173.  

Treesit Community 3rd Anniversary Reunion Potluck at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship UU, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. 547-7486. sunsetmoonrise@riseup.net 

Jingletown Holiday Art Walk opening at 6 p.m. at Gallery 420, 420 Peterson St., between Ford and Glascock sts, Oakland, and continues Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. 6 p.m. between the Park and Fruitvale St. bridges. 

CAB+ Holiday Ceramic Art Show Ceramic artists from Berkeley and the bay area from 5 to 10 p.m. at Leslie Ceramic Supply, 1212 San Pablo Ave. 524-7363. 

Meditation I: practice of the body at 7 p.m. at Center for Transformative Change, 2584 Martin Luther King Jr Way. snipurl.com/fearlessmeditation1 

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. 

Stand With Us Stand for Peace Stand with Israel vigil every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. www.sfvoiceforisrael.org 

SATURDAY, DEC. 5 

“Power Trip - Theatrically Berkeley” A film on the green movement in Berkeley at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. http://powertripberkeley.com 

UC Regents’ Lecture with Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia founder, at 7:30 p.m. at 150 Stanley Hall, UC campus. free. 495-3505. bcnm.berkeley.edu 

Rabbit Rescue Craft, Gift and Food Fair with proceeds supporting rabbit rescue and adoption efforts, from noon to 4 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. www.rabbitears.org 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Fair, with music, crafts and organic produce and lunches, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Civic Center Park, Center St. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. www.ecologycenter.org 

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

Heyday Holiday Open House and book sale from noon to 4 p.m. at Heyday Books, 1633 University Ave. 549-3564, ext. 316. 

Chaat and Chats with Authors and Artists: A Holiday Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Taste of the Himalayas, 1700 Shattuck Ave. at Virginia. http://chaatandchats.com 

Shibumi Artists Holiday Group Show from 5 to 8 p.m. at 1402 Fifth St. www.shibumigallery.com 

Holidays at Dunsmuir Walk back in time through a beautifully decorated mansion, enjoy live holiday music, have breakfast with Father Christmas at 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. Weekends though Dec. 20. For details see www.dunsmuir.org 

Pie, Chai & Art Please join us for refreshments and sale of art and jewelry created by homeless children, adults from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1208 Peralta Ave. To RSVP or for more information 649-1930. 

Jingletown Holiday Art Walk Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. between the Park and Fruitvale Street bridges bordered by the estuary separating Oakland from the island of Alameda. www.jingletown.org 

World of Good Fair Trade Warehouse Sale Half of proceeds will be donated to the non-profit, World of Good Development. Sat. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6315 Doyle St. Emeryville. 

Unity of Berkeley Gala Gift Sale with music and prizes Sat. from noon to 4 p.m., Sun. from noon to 3 p.m. at 2401 Le Conte at Scenic Ave. 849-8160. 

AK Press’ Annual Winter Warehouse Sale from 4 to 10 p.m. at 674 23rd St., between MLK and San Pablo, Oakland. 

Lighten Up Family workshop to make a candle holder from wood, tin and paints, Sat. and Sun. from 1 to 3 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $3-$7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org  

Santa on Solano Sat. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. at Harmonique Home & Garden, 1820 Solano Ave. 527-5358.  

Close the Farm Say goodnight to the animals from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Game Day at the Albany Library with board and Wii games from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720. 

“Get Sharp: The Cutting Edge Food” with local food writers at 1 p.m. at The Pasta Shop, 1786 Fourth St. 250-6004. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Corpus Christie Church Gymnasium, 322 St. James Dr., Piedmont. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Calvary Christian Center, multi-purpose room, 1516 Grand St., Alameda. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Political Affairs Readers Group will discuss “Socialism is the Future, Build It Now” from 10 a.m. to noon at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library for Social Research, 6501 Telegraph Ave. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org 

Rollercoaster Movies at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 932-8966. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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.  

SUNDAY, DEC. 6 

Urban Drought Solutions: Greywater, Rainwater Catchment, Earthworks a workshop at Berkeley’s Ecohouse. Cost is $10-$15. Pre-registration required. 548-2220, ext. 239. www.ecologycenter.org 

Berkeley Path Wanderers: Ft. Winfield Scott and the Presidio Walk. Follow Adah Bakalinsky's route from Stairway Walks in San Francisco to explore this lovely historic part of the Presidio. Meet at 11 a.m. at Barnard Hall, 1330 Kobbe Ave., San Francisco. 520-3876. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Fireside Nature Stories with Lindsey Sanders at 10:30 a.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Intergenerational Story Circle “Ancestral Stories Carried Forward” Share your stories from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship UU, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. 841-4824. www.bfuu.org 

Holiday Decorations - Naturally Create wreaths, garlands and other seasonal decorations using natural materials, from noon to 3:30 pm. at Tilden Nature Center. Bring clippers, a large, flat box, and a bag lunch. Not appropriate for children under eight. Cost is $25-$51. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Richmond Art Center Annual Holiday Arts and Music Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at 2540 Barrett Ave., at 25th St. Richmond. 620-6772. www.therichmondartcenter.org 

Congregation Beth El Chaunukah Bazaar with menorahs, candles, dreidels, gelt, decorations, games, books, jewelry from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1301 Oxford St. 526-4917. 

Chanukah Sing-Along and Fair from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave. Cost is $4 for ages 12 and under, $14 for others. www.brownpapertickets.com 

East Bay Hella Free Day Give what you can, take what you need and everyone gets what they want from noon to 4 p.m. at the northside of Lake Merritt at the collanade near the Grand Lake Theater. eastbayfs@gmail.com 

“The Camera and Eye” A free photography workshop offered by Treve Johnson from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Albany Public Library, Edith Stone Room. Bring your camera, your camera manual, and some of your photos that you like. 841-0905. 

Berkeley Treesit Lawyers’ Benefit with music and speakers from 4 to 9 p.m. at 924 Gilman. 848-2040. 

JYCA Program Info Session for High School Aged Teens Learn about joining Jewish Youth for Community Action. All high school aged youth are welcome, from noon to 2 p.m. at Kehilla Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. jycajenny@gmail.com 

Personal Theology Seminars with John McNally on “Fear of Dying: Is it Justified?” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “An Awakened Vision of Being” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

MONDAY, DEC. 7 

North Berkeley Safeway Expansion Plans will be discussed at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 849-4811. 

Protest at Chevron Headquarters “Our Climate Is Not Your Business!” at 7 a.m. at Chevron Headquarters, 6001 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. Sponsored by Mobilization for Climate Justice – West. actforclimatejustice.org/west  

Free Drop-in Knitting Group from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

East Bay Track Club for ages 3-14 meets at 6 p.m. at the running track of Berkeley High School. For more information call Coach Walker at 776-7451. 

TUESDAY, DEC. 8 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Brunner Marsh in Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Bring water, field guides, binoculars or scopes. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-3265. 

California Colloquium on Water “The Espace de Liberté: Managing with River Processes” with Hérve Piégay at 5:30 p.m. at Goldman School of Public Policy, Rm. 250, UC campus. waterarc@library.berkeley.edu 

Researching & Selecting Green Products with Ann Blake, Ph.D., Environmental & Public Health Consulting at 5:30 p.m. in the Tilden Room, MLK Student Union, UC campus. sustainablebiz.org 

“Landlord – Tenant Law” presented by Katherine Vernon Ryan, at noon at The Alameda County Law Library, 125 Twelfth Street, Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. To register call 272-6483. 

“Celebration of Noise!” in opposition to the city and university policies, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the front steps of Old City Hall right before the next City Council meeting. BYOPP: Bring your own pots and pans! 845-6441. 

Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 594-5165. 

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

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. 

Homework Help at the Albany Library for students in grades 2 - 6, Tues. and Thurs. from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Emphasis on math and writing skills. No registration is required. For more information, call 526-3720. 

Homework Help Program at the Richmond Public Library Tues. and Thurs. from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 325 Civic Center Plaza. For more information or to enroll, call 620-6557. 

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 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. 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 always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 

Claremont Branch Library Project will be discussed at 7 p.m. at the Board of Library Trustees regular meeting, at Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 3rd floor, Community Meeting Room 981-6195. www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. 

Bus Rapid Transit: Local Preferred Alternative will be discussed at the Planning Commission at 6 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 

Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers with Ted Roszak on “The Making of the Elder Culture” and Holiday Party afterwards at 1:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, corner of MLK. 486-8010. 

“Ocean World” An episode of Blue Planet, narrated by David Attenborough, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Richmond Main Street Holiday Festival with arts and crafts and entertainment from 10 a.m. to noon, for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners, and 5 to 7 p.m. for the community at large, at Nevin Park and Community Center 598 Nevin Ave., Richmond. www.richmondmainstreet.org 

Free Community Prostate Cancer Screening from 3 to 6 p.m. at Alta Bates Summit Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2001 Dwight Way. Appointments are required. 869-8833. 

Sudden Oak Death Preventative Treatment Training Session Meet at 1 p.m. at Tolman Hall “portico” Hearst Ave. at Arch/Leconte, UC campus for a two hour field session, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. SODtreatment@nature.berkeley.edu 

One-on-one Computer Training Sign up for a free 30 min session at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Family Sing Along at 4:40 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

Poetry Writing Workshop at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

Free Acupuncture Treatments in honor of Bay Area acupuncture pioneer Miriam Lee from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sarana Community Acupuncture, 968 San Pablo Ave., Albany and several other Bay Area community acupuncture clinics. For appointment call 526-5056. 

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. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 10 

Walkers Age 50+ Waterfront Bird Walk meet at 9 a.m. at Sea Breeze Deli, 598 University Ave. Dress for all weather, bring binoculars if you have them. Pre-registration required. Call 524-9122. 

Berkeley Historical Society “A Bouquet of Boutique Hotels” Visit three local hotels all decorated for the holidays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Berkeley School Volunteers, New Volunteer Orientation from 10 to 11 a.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Bring a photo ID and two references to the orientation. Returning volunteers do not need to attend. For further information 644-8833. 

East Bay Mac Users Group with Joe Bauder on holiday gift ideas at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. ebmug.org 

Babies and Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

“Thinking Grande!” a documentary about a Mexican immigrant with big dreams, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Holiday Night Market from 5 to 10 p.m. at Jack London Square. www.jacklondonsquare.com 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakland Federal Bldg., Conference room H, 1301 Clay St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Community Yoga Class: Gentle Yoga, Thurs. at 10 a.m. at James Kenney Parks and Recreation Center, 8th St. and Virginia. Cost is $6. Mats provided. 207-4501. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 11 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Ms. Janice King on “Mae West—Diamond Lill” 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.  

Solstice Celebration in Song An evening of participatory singing, at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, small assembly room, 2345 Channing Way. All welcome. Suggested donation $15-$20. betsy@betsyrosemusic.org 

Climate Change Vigil Join us for a candlelight vigil and bike ride to demand action, not just words, at the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen at 5:45 p.m. at the Downtown Berkeley BART, followed by bike ride through Berkeley at 6:15 p.m. www.350.org/node/13250 

Holiday Night Market from 5 to 10 p.m. at Jack London Square. www.jacklondonsquare.com 

The Bubble Lady with bubble tricks for the whole family at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Cost is $9. 526-9888. 

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. 

Stand With Us Stand for Peace Stand with Israel vigil every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. www.sfvoiceforisrael.org 

SATURDAY, DEC. 12 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Fair, with music, crafts and organic produce and lunches, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Civic Center Park, Center St. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. www.ecologycenter.org 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with music, street artists, merchants and community groups, on Telegraph between Bancroft and Dwight. 

Small Critter Adoption and Toy Making Fair Learn how to make toys for your pet bunny, guinea pig, hamster, rat or mouse, or for shelter animals, from 1 to 4 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. www.rabbitears.org 

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

Holidays at Dunsmuir Walk back in time through a beautifully decorated mansion, enjoy live holiday music, have breakfast with Father Christmas at 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. Weekends though Dec. 20. For details see www.dunsmuir.org 

“Iu Mien at Peralta Hacienda” Exhibit Opening with the traditions of the Mien people and their gardens and embroidery from 2 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Antonio Peralta House, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. www.peraltahacienda.org 

Jingletown Holiday Art Walk Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. between the Park and Fruitvale Street bridges bordered by the estuary separating Oakland from the island of Alameda. www.jingletown.org 

Candy Cottages Family workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $3-$7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org  

Santa on Solano Sat. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. at Albany Chamber of Commerce, 1108 Solano Ave. 527-5358. 

Friends of Faith Fancher Holiday Celebration with entertainment and silent auction, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 95 Castle Park Way, Oakland. Cost is $100. www.faithfancher.org 

Close the Farm Say goodnight to the animals from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

The East Bay Chapter of The Great War Society meets to discuss “US Nurses in WWI” by Jolie Velazquez at 10:30 a.m. in the Albany Veterans Bldg, 1325 Portland Ave. Albany. All welcome. 527-7118. 

“Who Killed the Electric Car?” A documentary film by Chris Paine, followed by discussion, at 11 a.m. at the Rialto Cerito Cinema, 10070 San Pablo Ave. 292-0853. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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.  

SUNDAY, DEC. 13 

Joel ben Izzy Tells Chanukah Tales at 3 p.m. at Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave. Proceeds benefit Easy Does It Emergency Services which provides crucial assistance to the Berkeley disability community. Tickets are sliding scale children $7-$10 and adults $10-$18 available at the door or online www.brownpapertickets.com 

Holiday Decorations - Naturally Create wreaths, garlands and other easonal decorations using natural materials, from noon to 3:30 pm. at Tilden Nature Center. Bring clippers, a large, flat box, and a bag lunch. Not appropriate for children under eight. Cost is $25-$51. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Waterside Workshops Holiday Event and Toy-Making Workshop Come on down to our workshop for hands-on activities, make your own wooden toy, live local music, food, and fun for people of all ages, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Drive, in Berkeley’s Aquatic Park. Suggested donation $5. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

Hanging Around Art Family workshop to make ornaments and decorations from 1 to 3 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $3-$7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org  

Holiday Tree Trim with craft projects for chidren age 5 and up from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Ornament Making and sing-along from 1 to 3 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. www.expressionsgallrey.org 

Community Celebration of Light: Making Hanukah Meaningful from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. prod.jcceastbay.org 

“Mountain Top Removal” A film and discussion on the coal industry in West Virginia at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship UU, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Requested donation $5-$10. 841-4824. www.bfuu.org 

Fabulous Fungus Explore different ways to identify major mushroom families and learn what types of fungus grows in Tilden, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Old Time Radio East Bay Collectors and listeners gather to enjoy shows together at 4 p.m. at a private home in Berkeley. For more information please email DavidinBerkeley, at Yahoo. 

Personal Theology Seminars with Kendra Smith on “Cultivating Loving Kindness (Metta): a Traditional Buddhist Practice” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Super Second Sunday at the Cooperative Grocery, with tea, cider and cookies, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1450 67th St., at Hollis. www.thecog.org 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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 Betty Cook on “Maps to Enlightenment” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

ONGOING 

Volunteers Needed for United Way’s Earn It! Keep It! Save It! The Bay Area’s largest, free tax-assistance program, is now recruiting volunteers to serve as greeters, language interpreters and tax preparers for the 2010 tax season. Training begins in November, and free tax sites will open in late January. No previous tax preparation experience is necessary. There is a special need for volunteers who can speak Spanish. Register at www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org 800-358-8832.