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TUESDAY, FEB. 24 

Tuesday Morning Birdwalk at Tilden Nature Area, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call if you need binoculars. 525-2233. 

Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Cele- 

bration with live music and costume making from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Tuesday Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK. Featuring Josh Paxton at 3 p.m. and Wild Buds at 4 p.m. 548-2220, ext. 227. www.ecologycenter.org 

“Accessible Tech - The Great Equalizer!” a Berkeley Special Education Parents Network (BSPED) presentation from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Center for Accessible Technology (CforAT), 2547 8th St. AT and universal design in educational materials make a tremendous contribution to a meaningful, equitable education for ALL children. Wheelchair accessible and free. 525-9262. BSPED@mcads.com 

“Climbing Mt. Shasta” with Tim Keating, Director, Sierra Wilderness Seminars, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Gaza Strip” A documentary of the lives of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip struggling with the day to day trials of the Israeli occupation. At 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library Central Branch, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd floor community meeting room, wheelchair accessible. Sponsored by Berkeley Peace Walk & Vigil and Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace.  

“Judaism, What is it all About?” an interactive lecture series with Rabbi Judah Dardik, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland. 482-1147. www.bethjacoboakland.org 

Triumph Over Fear, Victory Party and Award Ceremony, in honor of all those who made our stunning victory in Raich v. Ashcroft possible, with Attorney General Bill Lockyer, at 5 p.m. at Oakland Box Theater, 1928 Telegraph Ave. Tickets are $50 general public, $35 patients with OCBC i.d. cards. Reservations can be made by calling 764-1494. Sponsored by Angel Wings Patient OutReach.  

Berkeley PC Users Group, problem solving and beginners meeting to answer, in simple English, questions about Windows computers, at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St., near corner of Eunice. All welcome, no charge. 527-2177.  

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. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers We are a few slowpoke seniors who walk between a mile or two each Tuesday, meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Little Farm parking lot. To join us, call 215-7672.  

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 

Tilden Tots A nature adventure program to learn about our amphibian friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Area. For 3 and 4 years olds accompanied by an adult. Fee is $6, $8 for non-residents. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Great Decisions 2004: “Weapons of Mass Destruction” with Prof. Harold P. Smith, visiting scholar, Goldman School of Public Policy, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. The Great Decisions program will meet Wednesdays through March 31. Briefing booklets are available. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

March Ballot Free-For-All Join the Gray Panthers for a review of the March ballot measures with Kriss Worthington on Berkeley Measures, Michelle Milam from Loni Hancock’s office on the State Propositions, Avram Gratch, MD on Measure A, and Ms. Quintana-Turner on Prop. 55, at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 548-9696. 

“Arnie’s Energy Policy: Just Another Shade of Gray?” with Bob Finkelstein, Executive Director, The Utility Reform Network, at 4 p.m., 110 Barrows Hall, UC Campus. 642-1640. 

Berkeley Stop the War Coalition meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in 255 Dwinelle, UC Campus. www.berkeleystopthewar.org  

“The Chilean Popular Movement” with Prof. Jorge Arrate, at 4 p.m. in the Lounge, Women’s Faculty Club, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

“From Fatigue to Fantastic” with Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, at 7 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Sponsored by Elephant Pharmacy.  

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Sta- 

tion, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Bayswater Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. at Lius’ Kitchen, Solano Ave. for a discussion of “The Boom and the Bubble” by Robert Brenner. 433-2911. 

Prose Writers Workshop We're a serious but lively bunch whose focus is on issues of craft. Novices welcome. Experienced facilitator. Community sponsored, no fee. Meets 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut, at Rose. For information call 524-3034. 

Berkeley CopWatch open office hours 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in to file complaints, assistance available. For information call 548-0425. 

THURSDAY, FEB. 26 

Public Hearing on University Village Master Plan EIR at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room, Ocean View School, 1000 Jackson St., Albany. Copies of the Subsequent Focused Draft Environmental Impact Report are available for review at the Albany Branch Library, 1247 Marin Ave. or at the University Village office. For more informaion contact Carol Kielusiak at 643-0638. 

Third Biennial Meeting of Bay Area Creek and Watershed Groups at 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Sponsored by Aquatic Outreach Institute, East Bay Watershed Center, Friends of Baxter Creek, Friends of Five Creeks, SPAWNERS, Urban Creeks Council. The meeting is free, but please pre-register by calling Mary Malko, at 231-9430. mary@aoinstitute.org 

“The Fourth World War” a documentary on the human story of global conflict, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5-$10. Benefit for Bay Area Indie Media and Chiapas Support Committee. http://bayarea.indiemedia.org 

FRIDAY, FEB. 27 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Eman Assi, Prof. of Architecture, An-Najah National Univ., Nablus, West Bank, “Destruction of Historical Sites in Nablus and Jenin, Palestine” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $11.50 - $12.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020. 

Get Out the Vote a pre-primary evening of political music, humor and discussion at Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at 7 p.m.  

“The Evolution from Africa” An African American History lesson given through spoken word, music, song, dance and dialogue by the afterschool students and their families at 7 p.m. at Longfellow Middle School Auditorium, 1500 Derby St. Tickets are $1-$3 at the door. All proceeds go directly to the students and staff of the afterschool program. 

“Academic Freedom After 9/11” A conference exploring how the Bush administration’s legislation has impacted institutions of higher learning, at 8 a.m. at International House, Piedmont at Bancroft Ave. Sponsored by the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. 642-8208. cmes@uclink.berkeley.edu 

“Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War” and “Imagine America” will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Kucinich for President office, 3362 Adeline, near Alcatraz. 420-0772. 

“Literacy and Beyond” Celebrate Black History month at the downtown Berkeley YMCA, 2001 Allston Way from 7 to 9 p.m. Books, poetry and art pro- 

jects. 665-3271. 

Bay Area Children First Open House at 5 p.m. at Shattuck Commons, 1400 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 7. Auction, foods and crafts. Keynote speakers will include children’s book author and illustrator Thatcher Hurd. 883-9312, ext. 4. www.baychild.org 

A Toast to Crew, benefit for the Berkeley Men’s Crew from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the historical Maybeck home of Evelyn Larsen and Bill deCarion. Suggested donation to attend: $35 individual or $50 family. RSVP to Evelyn Larsen erlarsen@arthlink.net 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Players at all levels are welcome. 652-5324. 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com 548-6310, 845-1143. 

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. Parking is free and is handicapped accessible. For information call Katherine, 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 28 

Mini-Gardeners: Water We'll learn about the water cycle, give our plants a drink, and make watering cans to take home. For ages 4 to 6. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park Cost is $3. Registration required. Wheelchair accessible. 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org  

Creating Your Garden Paradise with Aerin Moore. We will provide you with tools for using the elements of design to make your garden your personal expression of creativity. At 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Saturday Night Sing-Along An evening of campfire classics, silly and serious songs, rounds and movement activities at 7 p.m. at 1216 Solano Ave. at Talbot. Appropriate for all ages. Cost is $3 for adults, $2 for children. Sponsored by the Albany YMCA 525-1130.  

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Disaster Mental Health for anyone who lives or works in Berkeley, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fire Department Training Center, 997 Cedar St. Register on-line at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes or by calling 981-5506. 

South Africa: Workers Struggle Against ANC Neo-Apartheid Rule, Spartacist League Black History Month Forum, 2 p.m., Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland (south of Rockridge BART). Free. 839-0851. 

Home Buying Process Workshop offered by the Unity Council, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1900 Fruitvale Ave. Oakland. This comprehensive workshop will cover all the elements involved in the home buying process, from establishing a budget, how to improve credit, buying power, working with realtors and the approval at the lender’s level. The workshop is free, but registration is requested. 535-6943.  

“How to Buy a Home on a Limited Budget” a fee seminar providing unbiased advice for first-time buyers who aren’t sure if they can afford to buy in the Berkeley area. Held at 180B 4th St. For reservations call 540-7808.  

“The Gifts of Grief” an educational documentary about the transformational power of loss at 7 p.m. at Studio Rasa, 933 Parker St. Suggested donation $20. 547-5004. www.giftsofgrief.com 

California College of the Arts Open House Prospective students can tour studios, meet faculty, and view student work. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5212 Broadway, Oakland. 594-3712. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. The class is taught by Rosie Linsky, who at age 72, has practiced yoga for over 40 years. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. For further information and to register, call Karen Ray at 848-7800. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 29 

Early Morning Birdwalk at Tilden Nature Area at 8 a.m. Once every four years we get to go birding on this day. Every new bird you see counts double for your life bird list. 525-2233. 

Leap Year at Tilden Nature Area. Learn about the history of Leap Day, with calendar customs and folklore from around the world. From 2 to 4 p.m. 525-2233. 

Save The Bay is seeking volunteers who are passionate about the environment and have some paddling experience in canoes and/or sea kayaks to be volunteer guides for our on-the-water outings program, Discover The Bay. Sign up to assist with fun, inspiring weekend adventures on San Francisco Bay, exploring the hidden gems of the Bay region and watershed. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. For more information, contact Jessica Parsons, Outings Coordinator, at 452-9261, or jparsons@savesfbay.org  

Sensational Salvias for the Mediterranean Garden at 1 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $45, $40 for members. to register call 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Fred Lupke: A Celebration of His Life and Work from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room, Third Floor, Main Branch, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. 

“Patriots Act: Fighting the Good Fight - The Next Generation” Annual Reunion of The Veterans & Friends of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade at 1 p.m. at Calvin Simmons Theater, 10 Tenth St. Oakland. Speakers include Peter Glazer, Medea Benjamin, Bruce Barthol and members of the San Francisco Mime Troupe. Tickets are $30, and are available from 548-3088 or at the door. Proceeds will go to MoveOn.org  

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack van der Meulen on “Kum Nye (Tibetan Yoga) in Theory and Practice” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com  

MONDAY, MARCH 1 

Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative monthly meeting will feature a slide show on “School Gardens Around the World” at 6 p.m. Potluck dinner, drinks provided. The Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. www.ecologycenter.org 

“Regional Transportation 101” a presentation sponsored by Berkeley Ecological and Safe Transportation, a 6 p.m. at the Berkeley Main Library, Community Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 652-9462. 

National Organization for Women, Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. 287-8948.  

Neighborhood Watch Monthly Meeting at the Public Safety Building, 2100 MLK, Jr. Way from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (Late comers enter through jail door.) Block Captains are especially invited but anyone interested in starting a neighborhood program is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Berkeley Safe Neighborhoods Committee (BSNC). For more information please call BPD Community Services Bureau at 981-5808. 

Fitness for 55+ A total body workout including aerobics, stretching and strengthing at 1:15 p.m. every Monday at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5170. 

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. 

ONGOING 

Family Activist Resource Center A small group of East Bay parents is meeting monthly to set up a drop-in center where parents and caregivers can come with their children and do their political work while their children are cared for in a creative, respectful and nurturing manner. For information on the next meeting, contact Erica at ericadavid@earthlink.net or call 841-3204. 

Auditions for Showtime at the Apollo will be held Sat. March 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Whether you’re part of a gospel group, a chorus line, a barbershop quartet, or a jazz ensemble; if you’re a magician, a female impersonator or a one-man band; if you’ve dreamed of thousands applauding your talent at the piano, tuba or didgeridoo, you’ll have your shot at the “Big Time.” Amateur performers and groups wishing to audition may call Laura Abrams at 642-0212 or e-mail apollo@calperfs.berkeley.edu to receive an audition application and to schedule an audition. 

Berkeley Rhinos Rugby Team is inviting interested high school athletes to join. Practices are Tues. and Thurs. 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Gabe's Field. The season goes from February through May. Call Coach Keir Paasch for information, 847-1453. 

Starbucks Grants for Giving is offering $375,000 to local non-profits in Berkeley and other East Bay cities. Eligibility and application information can be obtained from any Northern California Starbucks location, by visiting www.starbucks.com/ 

grantsforgiving or by calling 1-866-535-GIVE.  

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. with a Special Meeting at 5 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Budget Review Commission meets Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Paul Navazio, 981-7041. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/budget 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/civicarts 

Disaster Council meets Wed., Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. Carol Lopes, 981-5514. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Energy Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/energy 

Mental Health Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at 2640 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Harvey Turek, 981-5213. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/mentalhealth  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruth Grimes, 981-7481. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Police Review Commission meets Wed. Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Barbara Attard, 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/policereview 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs. Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning  ?