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Calendar of Events & Activities

Wednesday May 24, 2000

Wednesday, May 24

Funding for public schools

7:30 a.m.

B-TV, Cable Channel 25

“You get what you pay for . . . “ , “Dare to Be Average” and other pertinent euphemisms about the funding crisis in California schools, were rampant at the May 8 school funding rally in Sacramento. Before the rally, the League of Women Voters had an opportunity to interview local parent activists in an attempt to unravel the complexity and urgency of school funding - particularly how it effects BUSD. This week’s edition of “City Conversations,” the League’s local cable TV program, includes the interviews with Nancy Riddle, Harry Weiner and Trina Ostrander, a five-minute video of the May 8 rally, as well as addresses and phone numbers of our state representatives.

Low-vision assistance

1 p.m.

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.

Allan Burn will discuss reading devices in the Berkeley public library branches and on the market.

510-644-6107

Energy Commission

5:30 p.m.

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.

Among the items on the agenda, the commission will hear a report on renewable energy and another on residential energy consumption.

Public housing meeting

6-8 p.m.

South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St.

This meeting is designed for people who live in public housing in Berkeley or who have a Section 8 voucher or certificate. The Affordable Housing Advocacy Project is sponsoring this meeting to discuss how the Berkeley Housing Authority works, how it can be improved and how residents can affect the planning process for the federally funded Public Housing Authority Plan.

1-800-773-2110

Baby Bounce and Toddler Tales

7 p.m.

West Branch Berkeley Public Library, 1125 University Ave.

This storytime program is designed for families with children up to 3 years old. The free, participatory program features a half hour of multicultural songs, rhymes, lap jogs and stories to give very young children a lively introduction to the magic of books. Parents also will enjoy the new stories, rediscover old favorites and learn new songs and games to share.

510-644-6870

Disaster Council

7 p.m.

Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St.

The council will discuss the safety element of the General Plan and the schools disaster planning, as discussed by the “2 X 2” committee.

Planning Commission

7 p.m.

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.

Among the items on the commission agenda are amendments to the subdivision ordinance, to permit the establishment of condominiums in newly constructed buildings where units have never been rented.

Police Review Commission

7:30 p.m.

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.

Among the items to be discussed are updates on the transgender task force and the drug task force, and the officer-involved shooting.

Improvisational theater

7:30-9:30 p.m.

The “Improvsters” is a group of intermediate-level improvisational players who meet weekly. The group is looking for additional members; there is no charge to join them. Call the group for specific location.

510-848-4357

Claremont-Elmwood Neighborhood Association’s annual meeting

7:30 p.m.

Palache Hall of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, Claremont Boulevard at Russell

Deputy City Manager Phil Kamlarz will make a presentation on how bond measure funds and tax assessments are currently spent, and what new bonds, fees, assessments and taxes the city is contemplating putting on the November ballot. Fire Chief Reginald Garcia will present the situation and answer questions about the neighborhood’s protection against fire and emergencies.

Poetry Flash

7:30 p.m.

Cody’s Books, 2454 Telegraph Ave.

The featured poets this session will be Fanny Howe, Mark Levine and Carol Snow.

510-845-7852; 510-525-5476

The French Revolution, Napoleon and the Jewish People

7:30-9 p.m.

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St.

This two-session course will be led by Lee Marsh, chair of the Jewish Learning Center. Cost is $12 for BRJCC members, $15 for the public. This is the second session.

510-848-0237, ext. 236

Thursday, May 25

Free computer class for seniors

9:30-11:30 a.m.

South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St.

This free course offers basic instruction in keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Windows 95, Excel and Internet access. Space is limited; the class is offered Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Call ahead for a reservation.

510-644-6109

Movie: “Analyze This”

1 p.m.

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.

510-644-6107

Zoning Adjustments Board

7 p.m.

Council Chambers, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way

Among the items on the agenda is 801 Grayson, where Bayer Corp. intends to construct a 210,000 square foot warehouse/packaging facility and demolish vacant buildings.

Friday, May 26

“Judicial Independence: Why is it so Important Anyway?”

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave.

The Hon. Ming W. Chin, California Supreme Court justice, will speak during this week’s meeting of the City Commons Club. Social hour begins at 11:15 a.m. Luncheon is served from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Speaker starts promptly at 12:30 p.m. Lunch is $11 or $12.25; admission to the speech is $1, free for students.

510-848-3533

The History of New York Yiddish Theater Music

1:15 p.m.

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.

510-644-6107

Pre-Carnaval 2000 Dance Party

9 p.m.

Café Capoeira, 2026 Addison St.

Jane Santos and the Carnaval Band with, guitarist Roberto Mendoça, will perform. Tickets $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

510-428-0698; 510-528-1958

Saturday, May 27

Berkeley Farmers’ Market