Columns

FRIDAY, JULY 15 

“Eyewitness in Iraq” with Sheila Provencher, an American who has spent the last year and a half in Iraq doing humanitarian work, at 1:30 p.m., Fireside Room, Starr King School for the Ministry, GTU. 928-4901. 

Celebration in Opera and Song for Options Recovery Services with Lisa Houston, mezzo-soprano, Daniel Lockert, piano and Leland Morine, baritone at 8 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Suggested donation $30. 666-9900. www.optionsrecovery.org 

Contientious Projector Film Series will show “Beyond Treason” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Unitraian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. 528-5403. 

Harry Potter Midnight Costume Party to celebrate the release of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” at 12:01 a.m. (Sat.) at Mrs. Dalloway’s Literary and Garden Arts, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Harry Potter Book Release Party at 8 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, Bay Street, Emeryville. Crafts, trivia contest. Come dressed as your favorite character. Book will not be released until 12:01 a.m on the 16th. 655-4002. 

Thinking of Becoming a Doula? at 2 p.m. at Change Makers, 6536 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Free. 728-8513. 

Salsa Dancing at “The Beat” Dance Studio at 8:30 p.m. Lessons with Joseph Gallardo. 2560 9th St. at Parker. 472-2393 www.wildsalsanights.com 

Berkeley Chess Club at 8 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

Women in Black Vigil noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. 548-6310. 

SATURDAY, JULY 16 

Harvesting for the Hungry Do you have fruit trees? Village Harvest and Spiral Gardens are teaming together to harvest backyard fruit trees for the hungry. If you live in the Berkeley area, have a large amount of fruit and are unable to harvest it yourself, call 888-FRUIT-411, joni@villageharvest.org www.villageharvest.org 

Fix Our Ferals Fundraiser at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, One Lawson Road, Kensington. Silent auction, food and wine. Cost is $35. www.fixourferals.org 

Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk with Terri Compost at 1 p.m. in People’s Park. Meet at the west end. 658-9178. 

Children’s Zoo Grand Opening at the Oakland Zoo, with interactive experiences, and exhibits of lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles and more. 632-9525. www.oaklandzoo.org 

SASSAFRAS Shotgun’s Annual Splendalicious Silent Auction Family Reunion and Soiree with performances and hors d’oeuvres at 7 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Cost is sliding scale $20-$100. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

SpiritWalking at the Berkeley Warm Pool Ability to walk on land not necessary. Sat. from 10 to 11 a.m., to Aug. 11. Cost is $3.50 seniors/disabled, $5.50 others. Bring a towel and deck shoes. 526-0312. well-being@pacbell.net 

Remodeling Workshop covering design options, working with professionals, permits and zoning, budgeting and scheduling and more. From 9 a.m. to noon at Truitt and White Conference Center, 1817 Second St. Free with advance registration. 558-8030. www.macbuild.com 

Planting for Shade Learn how to plant a woodland garden or a shady tropical garden, at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Biodiesel Car Show sponsored by Berkeley Biodiesel from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Crissy Field, Mason St. in the Presidio, SF. 594-4000, ext. 777. www.berkeleybiodiesel.org 

Connecting Through Dance for the Visually Impaired A celebration and fundraiser with silent auction, dance demonstrations, and open floor for dancing and free dessert bar. From 7 to 11 p.m. at Lake Merritt Dance Center, 200 Grand Ave. at Harrison, Oakland. Tickets are $20-$25. 501-4713. www.connectingthroughdance.org 

Oakland Outdoor Cinema “West Side Story” with an introduction by Rita Moreno, at 8 p.m. on Washington St. between 9th and 10th Sts. Limited seating, bring chairs and blankets. 238-4734. www.filmoakland.com 

Free Sailboat Rides between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club in the Berkeley Marina. Bring warm waterproof clothes. www.cal-sailing.org 

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 

Historical and Botanical Tour of Chapel of the Chimes, a Julia Morgan landmark, at 10 a.m. at 4499 Piedmont Ave. at Pleasant Valley. Reservations required 228-3207.  

Walking Tour of Oakland City Center Meet at 10 a.m. in front Oakland City Hall at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of the F. M. “Borax” Smith Estate. Cost is $5-$10. For details call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Loose Leash Walking for Your Dog at noon at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Cost is $35. Registration required. 525-6155. 

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, JULY 17 

Bay to Barkers Berkeley’s biggest dog walk and festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park in the Berkeley Marina. Registration is $25-$30. Proceeds benefit the Berkeley East-Bay Humane Society. www.berkeleyhumane.org 

Rock N Roll at Wildcat Creek for ages six and up to explore a river-bed, gather stones, and learn how the land was shaped. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Summer Pond Plunge With dip-nets and magnifiers we’ll discover the denizens of the deep. For ages four and up. Meet at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Bike Tour of Oakland A leisurely-paced tour covering the history of Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. at the 10th St. entrance of the Oakland Museum of California. Registration required, 238-3514. 

Oakland Street Peace Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Lakeside Park at Lake Merritt. Music, performances and speakers. For details see www.sourceoflight.com/streetpeace.html 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Montclair Village. Cost is $5-$10. For details call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Free Speech Movement Poetry Festival, featuring Jack Hirschman, Paul Sawyer and others, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. 528-5403. 

Community Arts Awareness Workshops and Networking Bazaar, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Afternoon workshops are free, donations of $20 and up for the evening program. Sponsored by the Truss Project. 689-6771. www.trussproject.org 

Hands-On Bicycle Clinic from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Free. 527-4140. 

Free Sailboat Rides between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club in the Berkeley Marina. Bring warm waterproof clothes. www.cal-sailing.org 

Children’s Film Series “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at 11 a.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $5. www.juliamorgan.org 

Social Action Forum “Stand Against Domestic Violence” a video, at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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 

“Science and Religion: Issues For the 21st Century” with Dr. Robert Russell at 11:30 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. 

MONDAY, JULY 18 

“Uncluttering Your Life” with Jill Lebeau and Stephanie Barbic at 7 p.m. at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512. www.ccclib.org  

Nature Writing Gathering Celebrate the literature of nature at 7 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, 161 41st St. 547-4082. 

Spanish Book Club, led by Ricardo Antonio Navarette meets at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books, Telegraph Ave. For title of book to be discussed see www.codysbooks.com 

Sisters of Song A week-long workshop for emerging poets, led by Yosefa Raz. Open to girls between the ages of 13-19. Mon. - Fri. from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center. 848-0237, ext. 130. karenc@brjcc.org 

Stress Less with Hypnosis A free seminar at 6:30 p.m. in Oakland. Registration required. 465-2524. 

TUESDAY, JULY 19 

Peach Tasting plus other stone fruits, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK, Jr. Way. Cooking demonstration at 11:30 a.m. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

“Creating a Non-Violent Peaceforce” with Mel Duncan at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Church, 1600 Sacramento St. Donation $5 and up. 533-4732. 

Community Family Dance from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Live Oak Park Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5 per peron or $10 per family. Sponsored by the Berkeley Folk Dancers. 841-1205. 

Healthy Eating Habits and Hypnosis A free seminar at 6:30 p.m. in Oakland. Registration required. 465-2524. 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss “Craig’s List: Has it Changed Your LIfe?” from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Please bring snacks and soft drinks to share. No peanuts please. 601-6690.  

Magic Show with Norman Ng at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

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. 524-9992. 

Parenting Class: Living with Ones and Twos, with Meg Zeiback, nurse practitioner at 7 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave. Registration required. 658-7353.  

Fast-Packing An evening with GoLite founder Demetri Coupounas at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Free. 527-4140. 

“A Fat Nation in a Thin World” video and discussion at 1 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

“Pain Relief through Guided Visualization” with Clinical Hypnotherapist Jerry Ziegler at the Berkeley Fibromyalgia Support and Education Group at noon at Alta Bates Herrick Campus, 2001 Dwight Way. 644-3273. 

Brainstormer Weekly Pub Quiz every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse Brewery, 901 Gilman St. 528-9880. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

Buddhist Meditation Class at 7 p.m. at The Dzalandhara Buddhist Center. Cost is $7-$10. For directions and details please call 559-8183. 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. At 11 a.m. Laurabeth Nelson will talk about the Asian Art Museum’s exhibit “Tibet Rooftop of the World.” 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 

Assemblywoman Loni Hancock will speak at the Current Events class at 1 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. All interested community members are invited to attend this discussion on the Campus Bay toxic cleanup, Clean Money campaign, urban casinos and other local issues of interest. 524-9122. 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland “New Era/New Politics” highlights African-American leaders who have made their mark on Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. at the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

Latin American Working Class Film Fest with three short films from Mexico and Argentina at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donations of $5 accepted. 415-642-8066. 

Arab Women Film Festival “Wild Flowers: Women of the South” at 7:30 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center. Donation $5. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“How do Independents Affect the Political Landscape?” with Harriet Hoffman of the Committee for an Independent Voice at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Gray Panthers, 1403 Addison St. 548-9696. 

“Fellowships and Grants for Writers” A panel discussion sponsored by the American Society of Journalists and Authors at 6 p.m. at India Palace, 2160 University Ave., upstairs banquet room. Cost is $5-$10. Please RSVP to 530-6699. laird_harrison@hotmail.com 

Insects for Kids A free class for children ages 5-10, at 9 a.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. www.barringtoncollective.org 

Parenting Class: Potty Training with Meg Zeiback, nurse practitioner at 7 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave. Registration required. 658-7353.  

JumpStart Entrepreneurs share information at 8 a.m. at A’Cuppa Tea, 3202 College Ave. at Alcatraz. Cost is $5. 541-9901. 

“Don’t be Six Feet Under Without a Plan” Learn more about creating a Living Will, Powers of Attorney, and making final arrangements at 6 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland. 562-9431. 

American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Albany YMCA, 921 Kains Ave. To make an appointment call 1-800-448-3543. www.BeADonor.org 

Stitch ‘n Bitch Bring your knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts from 6 to 9 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198. 

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. 548-9840. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Action St. 841-2174.  

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 

THURSDAY, JULY 21 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters welcomes curious guests & new members. Meets at 7:15 a.m. at Au Coquelet Cafe, 2000 University Ave. at Milva. 435-5863. 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School. Agenda items will include the Berkeley City/UC Agreement, Proposed Changes in the City’s Preservation Ordinance and Traffic Circle Garden guidelines. No meeting in August. The next meeting will be on September 15. For more information call 843-2602.  

Quit Smoking Class meets for six Thurs. evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. To register call 981-5330. quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Parenting Class: Sleep for new and expecting parents at 10 a.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave. Registration required. 658-7353.  

Parenting Class: Choosing a Preschool at 7 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave. Registration required. 658-7353.  

World of Plants Tours Thurs.-Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Bot 

anical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $1-$5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

ONGOING 

Summer Camps for Children offered by the City of Berkeley, including swimming, sports and twilight basketball, from June 20 to August 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 981-5150, 981-5153. 

Free Lunches for Berkeley Children beginning June 20, Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Frances Albrier Center, James Kenney Center, MLK, Jr. Youth Services Center, Strawberry Creek, Washington School and Rosa Parks School. 981-5146. 

Albany Summer Youth Programs including basketball, classes, bike trips and family activities. For information see www.albanyca.org/dept/rec.html 

Bay Area Shakespeare Camp for ages 7 to 13, two week sessions through Aug., at John Hinkle Park. Cost is $395, with scholarships available. 415-422-2222. www.sfshakes.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. July 18 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

City Council meets Tues., July 19, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed. July 20, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Katherine O’Connor, 981-6601. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/humane 

Commission on Aging meets Wed. July 20, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. William Rogers, 981-5344. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/aging 

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed. July 20, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Kristen Lee, 981-5427. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/welfare 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., July 21, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/designreview  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., July 21, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., July 21, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/transportation