Events Listings

"CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY," -- Sept. 25. Tens of thousands  

of Californians are expected to participate in the 26th annual event that  

hopes to bring people together to clean more than 800 sites along the coast,  

and to have a good time while supporting environmental causes. See website  

for local sites and contacts. 

9 a.m.-Noon.(800) COA-ST4U, www.coast4u.org.< 

"DANVILLE CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE," -- Sept. 18 and Sept. 19. The  

Michael J. Fox Foundation, Danville D'Elegance Foundation and Parkinson's  

Institute present a gala evening and afternoon car show to raise awareness  

and funds for Parkinson's research. Gala dinner held Saturday night at the  

Blackhawk Auto Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. Car show held  

Sunday along Hartz Avenue in Danville. For more information see website. 

$175 for gala.6 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  

Sun.www.danville-delegance.org .< 

"ROCKRIDGE OUT AND ABOUT STREET FESTIVAL," -- Sept. 26. A street  

festival featuring live music, fashion shows, kid's fun, wellness activities,  

food and drink, dancing and more. Event takes place on College Avenue between  

Alcatraz and Manila. 

Free.Noon-6 p.m.www.rockridgeoutandabout.com.< 

"THE CINE+MAS SAN FRANCISCO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL," -- through  

Sept. 28. The festival, which takes place in San Francisco, Berkeley, San  

Jose and Marin, showcases the work of emerging and established filmmakers  

from the U.S., Latin America, Spain, Portugal and more. See website for  

venues, times and tickets. 

www.sflatinofilmfestival.com.< 

"THE MUSIC FOR PEOPLE AND THINGAMAJIGS FESTIVAL," -- Sept. 23  

through Sept. 26. A event dedicated to promoting experimental music that  

incorporates made and found instruments and alternate tuning systems. Events  

take place at a variety of venues; see website for full details. 

$10-$15.(510) 418-3447, www.thingamajigs.org.< 

"UFO X FEST," -- Sept. 18 and Sept. 19. A UFO conference and film  

festival, gathering some of the world's most prestigious researchers and  

experts in the field. Special guests include George Noory, host of radio's  

"Coast to Coast AM.'' Event takes place at the Historic Bal Theatre, 14808  

East 14th St., San Leandro. 

$90-$150.9:30 a.m.-11 p.m.(510) 614-1224, www.ufoxfest.com.< 

"VOICES FROM THE PAST," -- Sept. 18. The Hayward Area Historical  

Society presents a paranormal investigation at the Meek Mansion, 17365 Boston  

Rd., Hayward. Refreshments and snacks provided. 

$75.6 p.m.-3:30 a.m.www.haywardareahistory.org.< 

"WOMEN OF TASTE," -- Sept. 25. A annual roof top charity benefit  

featuring live music, food from Bay Area restaurants and beverage purveyors,  

auctions and more. Event takes place at the Kaiser Rooftop Garden, 300  

Lakeside Dr., Oakland. 

6-10 p.m.www.girlsinc-alameda.org/women-of-taste.< 

ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS --  

"Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show," Sept. 17 through  

Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Hundreds of vendors  

featuring specialty items, jewelry, glassware, clothing, food and much more.  

Entertainment includes music and a "KidZone'' for families to participate in  

arts-focused activities. $4-$9; children 12 and under free.  

www.harvestfestival.com. 

4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. (925) 426-7600,  

www.alamedacountyfair.com.< 

ASHKENAZ --  

"I Like My Bike Night," 9 p.m. First Fridays of the  

month. This monthly series brings bicycle innovators, enthusiasts, artists  

and organizations together under one roof, as well as encourages regular  

Ashkenaz show-goers to leave their cars in the driveway and arrive at the  

venue by bicycle instead. $8-$25.  

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.< 

AUCTIONS BY THE BAY --  

"ArtiFacts: A Lecture Series for Collectors," 3 p.m.  

First Sundays of the month Guest curators, scholars and conservation experts  

from throughout the Bay Area discuss the art of collecting. First Sunday of  

every month, 3 p.m. $7; includes a preview of the monthly estate auction  

which takes place the following day at 10am.  

Auctions by the Bay Theater-Auction House, 2700 Saratoga St.,  

Alameda. (510) 835-6187, www.auctionsbythebay.com.< 

BAY AREA FREE BOOK EXCHANGE --  

"Free Books," 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. - Sun. Donate your  

unwanted books and receive new titles for free.  

10520 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 526-1941,  

www.bayareafreebookexchange.com.< 

BERKELEY FELLOWSHIP OF UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST HALL --  

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Sept. 26, 2 p.m. Hear the congresswoman  

from the 9th Congressional District talk on war and peace. Free.  

1924 Cedar St., Berkeley. (510) 495-5132, www.bfuu.org.< 

BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE --  

Michael Lewis and Michael Pollan, Sept. 23, 7-8:30 p.m. The two  

writers sit down for an evening of conversation. $125.  

2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949, (888) 4BR-Ttix,  

www.berkeleyrep.org.< 

CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY AND LIBRARY --  

"California Genealogical Society and Library Free First  

Saturday," 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Event takes place on the first Saturday  

of every month, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Trace and compile your family history at this  

month's open house event. Free. www.calgensoc.org. 

2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland. (510) 663-1358.< 

CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY --  

HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- A series of walking tours that  

explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour  

guide Gary Holloway. Walks are given on specific weekends. There is a  

different meeting place for each weekend and walks take place rain or shine  

so dress for the weather. Reservations and prepayment required. Meeting place  

will be given with confirmation of tour reservation. Call for details.  

678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848,  

www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.< 

CALIFORNIA MAGIC THEATER --  

"Dinner Theater Magic Show," 7:30 p.m. Fri - Sat. Enter  

the joyous and bewildering world of illusion while chowing down on a home  

cooked meal. Each weekend features different professional magicians.  

Recommended for ages 13 and older. $54-$64 includes meal.  

729 Castro St., Martinez. (925) 374-0056, www.calmagic.com.< 

CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER -- State-of-the-art facility  

unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive  

exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing  

and films. 

Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children  

under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. Telescope viewing only: free.  

Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday,  

11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 10000  

Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.< 

DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE -- Nestled in  

the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the  

37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron  

Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped  

gardens surround the mansion.  

ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available  

yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the  

public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the  

grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.  

GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday  

of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11  

a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland.  

(510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.< 

EL CERRITO COMMUNITY CENTER --  

"A Taste of El Cerrito," Sept. 25, 5-9 p.m. Live music, hors  

d'oeuvres, drinks, raffle and more are on tap for this year's festival. $45.  

www.tasteofelcerrito.org. 

7007 Moeser Ln., El Cerrito. (510) 215-4370.< 

EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH --  

"A Celebration of Bats," Sept. 21, 2 p.m. Maggie Hooper from the  

California Bat Conservation Fund talks about this often misunderstood animal.  

www.berkeleygardenclub.org. 

1953 Hopkins St., Berkeley. (510) 524-4374.< 

FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER --  

"Grand Opening," Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The public is invited  

to help dedicate the new Firehouse Arts Center with artist demonstrations,  

live music, theater performances, tours, art activities for kids and  

refreshments. Free.  

4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. (925) 931-4848,  

www.firehousearts.org.< 

FRANK OGAWA PLAZA --  

"Oakland Artisan Marketplace," 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays.  

The City of Oakland and Cultural Arts & Marketing Department presents a  

weekly market featuring fine arts and crafts of local artists. Free. (510)  

238-4948, www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org. 

14th Street and Broadway, Oakland. < 

JACK LONDON AQUATIC CENTER --  

"Oakland Artisan Marketplace,"' 11 a.m.-6 p.m.  

Saturdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays The City of Oakland and Cultural Arts &  

Marketing Department presents a weekly market featuring fine arts and crafts  

of local artists. Free. (510) 238-4948, www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org. 

115 Embarcadero, Oakland. < 

JC CELLARS --  

"Harvest Crush Wine Benefit," Sept. 24, 6-8:30 p.m. An evening of  

food, wine tasting, tours, raffles, auctions and more, benefiting "Adopt A  

Special Kid'' non-profit. $20-$75.  

55 Fourth St., Oakland. (510) 465-5900.< 

JULIA MORGAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS --  

"Spirit of Mexico," Sept. 18 and Sept. 19, 8 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m.  

Sun. Ballet Folklorico Costa de Oro presents a journey through music, song  

and dance showcasing Mexico's vibrant culture. $23-$30; children under 3  

free. (510) 316-3237, www.bfcostadeoro.com. 

2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (510) 845-8542, www.juliamorgan.org.< 

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE --  

$6-$12; free children ages 2 and under. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  

University of California, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132,  

www.lawrencehallofscience.org.< 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE --  

Exploring cinema from the Bay Area and cultures around the world,  

the Pacific Film Archive offers daily film screenings, including rare and  

rediscovered prints of movie classics; new and historic works by world famous  

directors; restored silent films with live musical accompaniment;  

retrospectives; and new and experimental works. Check Web site for a full  

schedule of films.  

"First Impressions: Free First Thursdays," first Thursday of  

every month. Special tours and movie presentations. Admission is free. 

Single feature: $5-$8; Double feature: $9-$12 general. PFA  

Theater, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-5249,  

www.bampfa.berkeley.edu.< 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, MORRISON LIBRARY --  

"Lunch Poems," 12:10-12:50 p.m. First Thursdays of each  

month  

2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-3671.< 

USS HORNET MUSEUM -- Come aboard this World War II aircraft  

carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched  

in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was  

never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of  

enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11  

space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later  

recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic  

Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today,  

visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and  

experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are  

being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear  

comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in  

layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for  

the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not  

allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Limited Access Day," Due to ship maintenance, tours of  

the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.  

"Flight Deck Fun," A former Landing Signal Officer will  

show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then  

let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum  

admission.  

"Protestant Divine Services," Hornet chaplain John  

Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge.  

Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the  

service. Sundays, 11 a.m. 

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Closed on New Year's Day. 

"Family Day," Discounted admission for families of four  

with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the  

areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family  

of four; $5 for each additional family member. 

"Family Overnight Experience," Sept. 17 through. Enjoy the  

ultimate family experience by spending the night onboard the aircraft carrier  

USS Hornet. Tour the ship at night, hear fascinating ghost stories, sleep in  

bunks and have fun learning about history! Call for reservations. (510)  

521-8448 X280. 

"Flashlight Tour," 8:30 a.m. Receive a special tour of  

areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that  

have limited access during the day. $30-$35 per person. 

"History Mystery After Hours Tour," 7 p.m.-10 p.m.  

Explore the USS Hornet after hours and learn the history of this ship while  

it is illuminated in red lights used for "night ops." Also, hear stories  

about the ships' legendary haunts. Reservations required. (510) 521-8448  

X282. 

$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily,  

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda.  

(510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<