Events Listings

THURSDAY, FEB. 5 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll uncover the secrets of hibernation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will search for amphibians from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

“The Situation in Israel and Palestine” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

Urban Micro-Farming Classes meet Thurs. at 6 p.m. at Oakland Housing Authority, 935 Union St. at 10th St. Learn how to grow vegetables on your apartment porch or deck. Cost is $10. 655-1304. 

“Keeping Elders Safe” An elder abuse program for older adults, their families and caregivers at 1:30 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

“Personal and Global: Feminism, Sexual Liberation, and Contemporary Struggles” A panel discussion with Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz, Silvia Federici, Paola Bacchetta and others, at 6:30 p.m. a the Free Speech Movement Café, Moffitt Library, UC campus. 643-6722. 

Baby & Toddler Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. namaste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

Free Meditation Classes Tues. and Thurs. at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr., 1606 Bonita Ave. 931-7742. 

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.m. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, FEB. 6 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Walk at Jewel Lake in Tilden. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. for a one-mile, two-hour plus stroll through this lush riparian area to see wintering waterfowl. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org 

“Causes and Consequences of the Israeli Aggression on Gaza” with Dr. Hisham Ahmed, PhD. at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church Chapel, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations accepted. 499-0537. 

“The Legacy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Where Do We Go from Here?” Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with William F. Schulz, former executive director of Amnesty International, at 7:30 p.m., in the Social Hall, Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Free, but RSVP requested. rsvp@uusc.org 

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. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Fri. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 7 

“The Colors of Love” Annual Valentine's Day Yard Sale A benefit fundraiser for Friends of Kenney Cottage Garden, a neighborhood effort to support a future community garden and the restoration of the boyhood home of James Kenney, Berkeley's first fire chief, on a vacant lot in West Berkeley, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. though Tues. at 1629 5th St., Free, donations welcome. 526-7828. 

Berkeley Path Wanderers: Geocaching on the Paths Learn treasure hunting with a GPS unit. Meet at 10 a.m. at the top of Fountain Walk, Marin (Arlington) Circle. 528-3246. www.berkeleypaths.org 

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. and the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

Nature’s Valentines Join a short nature walk to collect leaves, then make leaf prints and handmade paper, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Lunar New Year Celebration and Parade, beginning at the top pf Solano Ave. at 11 a.m., and ending with performances at the Main Stage, Cornell School, Solano and Cornell. 527-5358. www.solanostroll.org 

Bird Watching Bike Trip: East Shore State Park and Aquatic Park Meet 8:30 a.m. at the southernmost pond at Bay and Potter sts. Bring bicycle lock, sunscreen, lunch, and liquids. Bicycle helmet required. All levels of birders and bicyclists welcome. RSVP to 547-1233, kathy_jarrett@yahoo.com  

The Cooperative Grocery Winter Workshop on Beans How to use them for a healthier diet, at 2 p.m. at The Cooperative Grocery, 1450 67th Street, Emeryville. Bring a small plate and eating utensil for tasting the dishes, Free, but RSVP required. winter@thecog.org, http://thecog.org 

“Let’s Talk: The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas” A community discussion at 2 p.m. at the African American Museu and Library, 659 14th St. Free. 637-0200.  

California Shakespeare Theater theater classes for youth and adults start at Cal Shakes Rehearsal Hall, 701 Heinz Ave. and in Orinda. Cost is $130-$275, scholarships available for youth. learn@calshakes.org 

“Future of Sequoias: Sustaining Parklands in the 21st Century” Exhibition opens at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“The Great Kehilla Sing-&-Dance-Along: Fiddler on the Roof” at 7 p.m. at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. Cost is $18, $5 for children. 547-2424, ext. 100. www.KehillaSynagogue.org 

“After Gaza: Now What?” with Dr. Khalil Barhoum, Stanford University at 7 p.m. at the Buena Vista United Methodist Church, 2311 Buena Vista Ave., Alameda. 522-8005. 

“Imperialism and the Crisis in Gaza” with the Political Affairs Readers Group of the Communist Party, at 10 a.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Libaray, 6501 Telegraph Ave, between Alcatraz and 66th St. 595-7417. 

Friends of the Albany Library Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720. 

A Jewish Celebration of Trees for Very Young Children at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Free, but RSVP requested. 559-8140. 

Beginning Guitar Lessons at the James Kenney Recreation Center, 1720 Eighth St. Youth classes Sat. at noon, adults at 1 p.m. Cost is $89 for the month. To register call 981-6650. 

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 

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

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, FEB. 8 

Birding at Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline, Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland from 10 a.m. to noon to see Clapper Rails. Meet at the last parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society.  

Winter Warm-Up Hike Join a fast-paced three mile loop in Tilden Regional Park, Inspiration Point, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring a snack to share and water. Heavy rain cancels. 525-2233. 

Darwin Day The 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of “The Origin of Species” with David Seaborg on “Current Ideas About Evolution” at 10:30 a.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. www.humanisthall.net 

Greywater Design and Installation A day long workshop in Berkeley Cost is $30-$100 sliding scale, work-trade option available. To register see http://www.greywaterguerrillas.com/events.html  

Black History Month: Feminist Leadership: From Africa to America” with Dr. Amina Mama of Mills College at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Aristide and the Endless Revolution” A film about Haiti at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $10. 841-4824. 

“Obama the Utopian?” at 5 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Sponsored by the Green Party of Alameda County. 

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.  

Sweets for the Sweet Learn the basics of truffle making and discover the natural history of chocolate from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Cost is $14-$16, registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Little Farm Open House Come grind some corn to feed the chickens, pet a bunny, groom a goat or help out in the Kids Garden, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Get on the Road to College” Workshops with the Gooden Family Scholarship Fund at 1 and 3 p.m. at De Jean Middle School, 3400 MacDonald Ave., Richmond. Registration required. 526-1985. 

Architecture Tour of the Oakland Museum building and grounds at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

The Princess Project is collecting new and nearly new formal gowns and accessories to give to local girls for their proms. Dry-cleaned and bagged dresses may be dropped off at Crossroads Trading Co., 2338 Shattuck Ave., Kate’s Kouture Bridal, 82 Shattuck Square or Crush, 5550 College Ave., Oakland, until Feb. 14. For other locals or for more information see www.princessproject.org 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to repair a flat, from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140. 

Introduction to Golf from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Golf Course. For ages 14 and up. Cost is $50-$56, includes free range card. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

“The Rumi Secret: Spiritual Lessons of History’s Most Revered Poet” with Victoria Lee at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732.  

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 

“Where is the Stranger?” with Rev. Kurt Kuhwald on hospitality and its spiritual and ethical meanings at 10:45 a.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack van der Meulen on “Awakening Loving Feeling” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

MONDAY, FEB. 9 

Valentine Days at Habitot Heart-themed art projects for children, through Fri. at 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

James Henry’s Music and Drum Workshop to celebrate Black History Month at 1 p.m. at Oakland’s Elmhurst Library, 1427 88th Ave. at International Boulevard. For information call the Children’s Librarian 615-5727.  

“The Colors of Love” Annual Valentine's Day Yard Sale A benefit fundraiser for Friends of Kenney Cottage Garden, a neighborhood effort to support a future community garden and the restoration of the boyhood home of James Kenney, Berkeley's first fire chief, on a vacant lot in West Berkeley, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. though Tues. at 1629 5th St., Free, donations welcome. 526-7828. 

Coalition for a Democratic Pacifica meets at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

“Sugars Can Actually be Good for Your Health” A talk by Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi, Director of Berkeley Lab Molecular Foundry at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Repertory Theater, 2015 Addison St. Free. 486-7292. 

“When the Sun Goes Down: A Pre-Copernican Turn of Remembrance” with Michael Taussig, Prof. of Anthropology, Columbia University at 4 p.m. in the Geballe Room, 220 Stephens Hall, UC campus. Hosted by the Townsend Center for the Humanities. 643-9670. http:// 

townsendcenter.berkeley.edu  

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at West PAuley Ballroom, MLK Student Union, UC campus. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

East Bay Track Club for girls and boys ages 3-15 meets Mon. at 6 p.m. at Berkeley High School track field. Free. 776-7451. 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

Small-Business Counseling Free one-hour one-on-one counseling to help you start and run your small business with a volunteer from Service Core of Retired Executives, Mon. evenings by appointment at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. For appointment call 981-6134. www.eastbayscore.org 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group, for people 60 years and over, meets at 9:45 a.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave, Albany. Cost is $3.  

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. 

Dragonboating Year round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth Mon.-Wed. from 3 to 7 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

TUESDAY, FEB. 10 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

“Ocean, Road and Rail: A Year-long Family Travel Adventure” The Aiken/Widom family talk about and show slides from their world trip at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

California Colloquium on Water “Taking a Lesson for Australia’s New Water Law Regime” with Jennifer M. McKay, Director, Center for Comparative Water Policies and Laws, Univ. of South Australia, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 250, Goldman School of Public Policy, 2607 Hearst Ave. at LeRoy. www.lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/ccow.html 

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

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. 

End the Occupation Vigil every Tues. at noon at Oakland Federal Bldg., 1301 Clay St. www.epicalc.org 

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., and Sat. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577.  

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

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. 

Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

Ceramics Class Learn hand building techniques to make decorative and functional items, Tues. at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Free, materials and firing charges only. 525-5497. 

Rhythm Tap Exercise Class Tues. at 5 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. Donation $2. 548-9840. 

Yarn Wranglers Come knit and crochet at 6:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Free Meditation Classes Tues. and Thurs. at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr., 1606 Bonita Ave. 931-7742. 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11 

“What Kind of Liberation? Women and the Occupation of Iraq” with Nadje Al-Ali at 7 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $8-$10. Benefit for Middle East Children’s Alliance. 548-0542. www.mecaforpeace.org 

“The Green Collar Economy” with Van Jones at 6:15 p.m. at the Bancroft Hotel, 2680 Bancroft Way. http://berc.berkeley.edu/ 

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“The Iron Wall” A documentary on the history of the Palestinian struggle at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. 548-9840. 

Theraputic Recreation at the Berkeley Warm Pool, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Warm Pool, 2245 Milvia St. Cost is $4-$5. Bring a towel. 632-9369. 

Playreaders Program for Adults meets Wed. at noon in the 3rd flr community room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. To register call 981-6241. 

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 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

Berkeley CopWatch Drop-in office hours from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

Stitch ‘n Bitch at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

THURSDAY, FEB. 12 

Wage Theft in America: Why Millions of Working Americans Are Not Getting Paid, And What We Can Do About It with author Kim Bobo at noon at University Lutheran Chapel, 2425 College Ave., at Haste. Sponsored by the UC Berkeley Labor Center, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (EBASE), East Bay Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice and University Lutheran Chapel. 642-6371. andreabuffa@berkeley.edu 

21st Annual African American Cultural Celebration at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. 285-9628. 

“The WPA and the Oakland Park System” with Gray Brechin at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Cost is $8-$10. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Valentine’s Day Parent’s Night Out Enjoy a night out while your children enjoy an evening of games, stories, crafts, snacks, and fun. For ages 5-12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the James Kenney Recreation Center, 1720 8th St. Cost is $15 per child. Reservations required. 981-6650. 

Zen and the Art of Mushroom Hunting at 7:30 p.m. in the East Bay, with a field trip on Feb. 15. Cost is $35. To register call Golden Gate Audubon Society at 843-2222. 

“Protecting Lake Baikal, the Pearl of Siberia” A slideshow and discussion of the ecosystem of the lake and what is being done to save it, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

East Bay Mac Users Group will discuss the digital storytelling application MemoryMiner at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. http://ebmug.org 

“Losing Body Fat: Breakthroughs in Metabolic Understanding” with Dr. Jay Sordean at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 981-6280. 

Baby & Toddler Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.m. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

Free Meditation Classes Tues. and Thurs. at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr., 1606 Bonita Ave. 931-7742. 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, FEB. 13 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Prof. David R. Lindberg on “Snails, Birds, Spiders & Flies: How Science Really Works” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468. www.citycommonsclub.org 

“Road to Roubaix” film screening to benefit the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League at 7:30 p.m. at Florence Schwimley Theater, Berkeley High campus. Cost is $12. www.norcalmtb.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 1 to 5 p.m. at Oakland Military Academy, Multi Purpose Room, 3877 Lusk St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

“Sound Healing for Relationships & Interpersonal Communication” at 7 p.m. at Tian Gong International Foundation, 830 Bancroft Way, Lotus Room 114. Cost is $5-$10, no one turned away for lack of funds. 883-1920. tgif@tiangong.org 

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. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Fri. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 14 

Predatory Lending Prevention and Foreclosure Intervention Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Emeryville Senior Center, 4321 Salem St., Emeryville. Sponsored by the Emeryville Redevelopment Agency. 596-4316. 

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. and the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

“Deadlock in California: What’s Behind the Breakdown of CA Government” with Sacramento Bee columnist and author Peter Schrag, at 7 p.m. at the Alameda Free Library, Conference Rooms A & B, 1550 Oak St. at Lincoln, Alameda. Suggested donation $5. www.alamedaforum.org 

transPOP: Korea Vietnam Remix Symposium to examine Korean and Vietnamese historical and contemporary cultural, political, and socio-economic interactions from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Institute of East Asian Studies Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St., 6th Floor. 642-2809. http://ieas.berkeley.edu 

Darfur Fundraiser with Stewart Florsheim, Jerry Falek and Steve Seskin at 7 p.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. Tickets are $25 at the door. 741-1931. 

Sushi Basics Learn the natural and cultural history of sushi as you prepare and taste seven types, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Parent participation required for children ages 8-10. Cost is $25-$39. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Valentine’s Day Blood Drive from noon to 5 p.m. at the Red Cross Mobile Blood Bank, Colusa Circle, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Origami Valentines with Margot Wecksler at 2 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720 ext. 16. 

Valentine’s Day Family Story Time at 11 a.m. at Richmond Public Library, Main Children’s Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 620-6557. 

The East Bay Chapter of The Great War Society meets to discuss “Dear Home Folks-Letters From a Doughboy” by Dale Thompson at 10:30 a.m. at the Albany Veterans Bldg., 1325 Portland Ave., Albany. 526-4423. 

“Ancient Tools for Successful Living” Workshops on the lunar cycle. Registration at 11:30 a.m. at ASA Academy, 2811 Adeline St., Oakland. Cost is $10 per workshop. 536-5934. 

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 

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

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, FEB. 15 

Family Explorations: Black History with music, cooking and craft activities from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Prepeare Habitat for the California Least Terns from 9 a.m. to noon at the Alameda Wildlife Refuge. Meet at the main refuge gate at the northwest corner of the old Alameda Naval Air Station. jrobinson@goldengateaudubon.org 

Fireside Stories Join us for a cup of hot chocolate and listen to a few nature stories at 10:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Reptile Rendezvous Learn about the reptiles that call the nature area home, and meet a few up close, at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden PArk. 525-2233. 

“The Underground Railroad” A film at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $10. 841-4824. 

“Can the State Save Society from Self-destruction? The analysis of state-capitalism and the search for an alternative in Marx’s Humanism and the dialectic” at 6:30 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 658-1448. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Cathedral of the Ascension, Richmond Room, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Darwin Day with Kol Hadash Bagel brunch with Steven Newton, of the National Center for Science Education,from 10 a.m. to noon at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Suggested donation $5. 525-2296. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 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 Santosh Philip on “Inner and Outer Massage of Feeling” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7460.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7429.  

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 10, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5431.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7416. 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Feb. 11, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6737.  

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 12 , at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Feb. 12, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.  

ONGOING 

Help Low-wage Families with Their Taxes United Way’s Earn it! Keep It! Save It! needs Bay Area volunteers for its 7th annual free tax program. No previous experience necessary. Sign up at www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org