Events Listings

THURSDAY, MAY 21 

Traffic Improvements on Upper Ashby Transportation Commission meeting to discuss the allocation of the $2 million for the Claremont Elmwood neighborhood from the settlement with CalTrans at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 981-7061.  

The LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School, Russell St. entrance to discuss Berkeley’s Climate Action Plan, Protection for our Traffic Circles, a Police update & Board Elections. karlreeh@aol.com  

“The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters With North America’s Most Iconic Birds” with Paul Bannick at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda, between Solano and Marin. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll explore the world of insects, 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 explore the world of insects from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

The Institute of Urban Homesteading Bee Clinic from 7 tp 9 p.m. for people already keeping bees to talk about their bees and get answers to current questions and concerns in organic and top bar beekeeping. Cost is $10. RSVP to iuh@sparkybeegirl.com 

“Children of the Amazon” a documentary which follows Brazilian filmmaker Denise Zmekhol as she travels a modern highway deep into the Amazon in search of the indigenous Surui and Negarote children she photographed fifteen years ago at 7 p.m. at Zaentz Media Center, 2600 Tenth St. Free, but reservations required. reservations@berkeleyfilmscreening.com 

Auditions for Young People’s Symphony Orchestra for ages 13-21 from 4 to 9 p.m. Rehearsals Mon. at 6 p.m. at Crowden School in Berkeley. For audition application and appointment see www.ypsomusic.net 

Babies & Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 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. 

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

Buddhist Class on Shikan Meditation at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita. http://caltendai.org 

FRIDAY, MAY 22 

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

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Abe Smith, Internet security consultant on “What Everyone Should Know About Computer Security and How It Affects Your Life” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 527-2173.  

Conscientious Projector Film Series “Taxi to the Dark Side” Documentary on Afghanistan by Alex Gibney at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation appreciated. 841-4824. 

A Benefit for Rock Paper Scissors Collective Dinner and film screening of ”Maquilapolis” and artist talk with Julie Plasencia and director Sergio de la Torre from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2278 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $60-$100 sliding scale and partially tax-deductible. After 8:30 p.m. tickets are $10-$20 for film only. www.rpscollective.com 

Demonstrate for Peace Bring your signs and determination from 2 to 4 p.m. at Acton and University aves. Sponsored by Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers, and Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenants Association. 

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. 

Mayan Culture Lecture “As Seen Through the Third Eye” with Master Tian Ying at 7 p.m. at 830 Bancroft Way, Lotus Room 114. Donations accepted. 883-1920. tgif@tiangong.org 

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.  

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

SATURDAY, MAY 23 

Youth Arts Fair with displays of youth artwork, entertainment provided by local singers, dancers, musicians and poets, and information booths about youth-oriented organizations, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park. Sponsored by the Berkeley Youth Commission. 

Mountainfilm Berkeley, a two-day festival of documentary films about art and culture, adventure and the environment, Sat. from 4 to 9 p.m. and Sun. from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way. Cost is $10. Details at www.browercenter.org. Tickets at brownpapertickets.com 

El Cerrito Citywide Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers can pick up the list of participating garage sales after noon on May 21 at the El Cerrito Recycling Center, the El Cerrito Community Center, or download the list from www.el-cerrito.org 

Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples Meet at 10 a.m. at the front of the First Presbyterian Church at 2619 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

“Slugs and More Slugs: How Do They Do It?” with Dr. John Pearse at 12:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org/tickets 

Brooks Island Voyage Paddle the rising tide across Richmond Harbor to Brooks Island to explore the island’s natural and cultural history. For experienced boaters who can provide their own kayak and safety gear. For ages 14+ with parents. Cost is $20-$22. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class: Burgers and Backyard Bites from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $55, plus $5 food and material fee. Advance registration required. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com 

Wizard Weekend at Playland Watch magicians in action and learn some tricks. Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 232-4264 ext. 25. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

Beginning Internet Class “Online Travel Sites” at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Free, but call to sign up 526-7512. 

Preschool Storytime, including crafts and finger plays at 11 a.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720 ext. 16. 

Lawn Bowling on the green at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft Way every Wed. and Sat. at 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. Wear flat soled shoes, no heels. Free lessons. 841-2174.  

SUNDAY, MAY 24 

“Effects of Community Violence on Our Youth” A violence prevention workshop for the community. The workshop will address the root causes of violence, the dramatic effect of violence on children, violence prevention, and the available local mental health and family support resources in our community, from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, Parish Hall, 6401 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. For more information email blovette@mail.cho.org  

Little Farm Goat Hike Join a short hike with the goats as we explore the historic connections between humans and our ungulate friends at 11 a.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. For ages 6 and up. Children, please bring your adults along. 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Backcountry Gourmet Learn the fundamentals of making your own backpacking food and trail snacks, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $10-$12. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Making Herbal Medicine A five-session class from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $160-$175. 548-2220, ext. 239. 

Grande Vista’s Historical Gardens A four-mile hike to explore the remains of this old sanitarium on thehill, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, Alvarado Staging Area. 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Tour of the Berkeley City Club, designed by Julia Morgan, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. Sponsored by the Landmark Heritage Foundation. 848-7800. 

“Women Healing Women in India” with Rev. Lowell Brook at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Unitarian Universalist Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donations accepted, no one turned away for lack of funds. 841-4824. www.bfuu.org 

Personal Theology Seminars with David Richardson on “Advanced Mandalas and Maps of the Spiritual World” 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. 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 Robin Caton on “Meditation and Creativity” 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 2 to 6 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Thurs. from 2 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

MONDAY, MAY 25 

Memorial Day Farm Fun Open House from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. grind some corn, churn some ice cream, race in a potato sack, groom the goats, and explore the farm. White shoes and pants not advised! 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Memorial Day Ceremony onboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet from 1-2 p.m. Tours of the ship will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3, in Alameda. Cost is $6-$14. 521-8448. www.uss-hornet.org 

Junktique II Yard Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Richmond, 201 Martina St., corner W. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. Pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Benefits the Masquers Playhouse. 236-0527. 

Community Yoga Class Mon. and Thurs. at 10 a.m. at James Kenney Parks and Rec. Center at Virginia and 8th. Seniors and beginners welcome. Cost is $6. 207-4501. 

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 981-6148. 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. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, MAY 26 

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 the Briones Regional Park, Bear Creek Staging Area. Bring water, field guides, binoculars or scopes. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-3265.  

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

Annual Strawberry Tasting at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers’ Market. from 2 to 7 p.m. at Derby St. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. 548-3333; www.ecologycenter.org 

Berkeley Path Wanderers: Evening Cardio-Workout Walk up Easter Way to Cragmont Rock Park, Pinnacle and Poppy Paths to Muir Path and back down as the sun is setting. Meet at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Rose Garden, near sign, 1200 Euclid Ave. near Eunice. 848-2944 www.berkeleypaths.org 

“From Earth to the Universe” An astronomical exhibit of space telescope images in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, at the Oakland Aviation Museum, 8252 Earhart Rd., Bldg. 621, Historic North Field, Oakland Airport. Exhibit runs to June 4. 638-7100. www.aoklandaviationmuseum.org 

“Diversity, Daring and Decision: A Multicultural Perspective on the Historic Election of President Barack Obama” with Stephen Gong, Exec. Dir. of the Center for Asian American Media, at the El Cerrito Democratic Club at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, El Cerrito United Methodist Church, 6830 Stockton Ave. at Richmond Ave., El Cerrito. Pizza st 6 p.m. for $4 per person. 527-5953. 

Bhopal Tour Event Remembering the Victims of Dow Chemical Co-sponsored with Bhopal International Campaign at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. 841-4824. 

Hillside Club Book Lust Salon meets to discuss works by Robert Heinlein at 7:30 p.m. at 2286 Cedar St. Non-member donation $5. 845-4870. www.hillsideclub.org/booklust 

Family Storytime for preschoolers and up at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Climbing Mount Whitney: The Mountaineer’s Route at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

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 

Berkeley PC User Group at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St. corner of Eunice. meldancing@comcast.net 

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

Bridge for beginners from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., all others 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sing-A-Long at 2:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

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. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Bird Walk at Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the large spherical cage near Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. Some winter migrants and the cormorant and egret rookery should still be with us. The Park may offer warblers, woodpeckers, and a few surprises. www.goldengateaudubon.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 

Bhopal Survivors Tour Celebrate the survival and activism of the people of Bhopal, and help raise awareness of the disaster and advocate for Union Carbide’s parent company Dow Chemical to finally take responsibility for the lasting impact of the leak, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Women of Color Resource Center, 1611 Telegraph Ave., suite 303; Oakland. Bring your brown bag lunch. 444-2700. www.coloredgirls.org 

“Ask Not” Documentary by Johnny Symons on the effets of the US military’s “don’t ask don’t tell” policy at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org/tickets 

“Update on the Environment--Events and Policies, Local and National” with Misha Rashkin, Community Organizer, San Francisco Bay Chapter, Sierra Club, at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, corner of MLK. Sponsored by Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 486-8010. 

The League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County, with Assemblymember Nancy Skinner on the impact on budget considerations of the outcome of the May 19 Special Election at noon at Treviño’s Mexican Restaurant, 11795 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito. RSVP if you would like lunch. 525 4962. 

“The Century of the Self—Episode Four: 8 People Sipping Wine in Kettering” by Adam Curtis at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., uptown Oakland, between Telegraph and Broadway. Donation $5. www.HumanistHall.org 

“Paws to Read” Help your child practice reading with a friendly dog at 2:45 and at 3:20 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. Dogs and handlers are from Therapy Pets volunteering for Paws to Read. Children in grades 1-5 may sign up for 25 minute sessions with tested therapy pets. To reserve a session call 526-3720, ext. 5.  

Free Screening of “Ladies and Gentlemen: The Fabulous Stains“ as part of the Radical Film Nite with free popcorn and post-film discussion, at 8 p.m. at the Long Haul Infoshop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org 

Confused by Computers? Novice computer users can get one-on-one assistance from noon to 1:45 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. Sign up for an appointment at the reference desk or call 526-3720 ext. 5. 

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 and a warm hat. 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. 

THURSDAY, MAY 28 

Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication As a tribute to all veterans, the El Cerrito Garden Club and the City of El Cerrito will proudly dedicate a National Garden Clubs, Inc. Blue Star Memorial Marker at Arlington Park at 10 a.m. at Arlington Clubhouse, 1120 Arlington Blvd., El Cerrito. 

“An International Perspective on America's Health Care Options” with Dr. Claudia Chaufan, vice-president of California Physicians Alliance which advocates for a social insurance, single payer system in the United States, at 6:45 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Pot luck at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club.  

Take-Up-the-Streets Think Tank on ways to change our relationship to space usage in the city at 7 p.m. Sponsored by The Institute for Urban Homesteading. Please email for location iuh@sparkybeegirl.com 

1st Pan-Am University Taekwondo Championship through the 30th at Haas Pavillion, UC campus. For details call 642-3268.www.ucmap/pan-am/ 

The Art of Comfort & Joy: A Tribute to End-of-Life Care Providers and an opportunity for the public to learn about care options and speak individually with end-of-life providers, at 7 p.m. at Piedmont Community Hall, 711 Highland Ave., Piedmont. RSVP to 866-825-8967. admin@compassionandchoicesnca.org  

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

Association for Women in Science East Bay Chapter “Focus on Careers: From Science to Sales” at 6:30 p.m. at Novartis, Building 4, Room 104, 5300 Chiron Way, Emeryville, Cost is $5-$10. Register at http://ebawis.eventbrite.com 

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. 

Tikkun Leyl Shavuot with rabbis and scholars from throughout the East Bay at 6:30 p.m. at Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. tikkun@jfed.org  

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

Buddhist Class on Shikan Meditation at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita. http://caltendai.org 

FRIDAY, MAY 29 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Kim Polese on “Recent Developments in Computer Technology” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 527-2173. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Jewish Humanistic Forum: Dr. Booker Holton speaks on water and marine resource management in Israel and the Middle East at 7 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. at Masonic, Albany. www.kolhadash.org 

Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 7:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St at University. Donation of $5 requested. 528-4253. www.circledancing.com 

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, MAY 30 

Thorsen House Spring Centennial Celebration with Friends of Piedmont Way, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 2307 Piedmont Ave. Tickets are $15-$34. www.thorsenspring100.eventbrite.com 

Berkeley Historical Society Spring Walking Tour “Berkeley Woods” led by Paul Grunland, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Help Restore Eastshore State Park Help Friends of Five Creeks transform former garbage dump into wildlife-friendly parkland near the mouth of Schoolhouse Creek from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Follow signs from the small parking turnout on West Frontage Road between University and Gilman. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. North Shattuck Ave., Gourmet Ghetto. 548-5335. 

Rally For Social Security Fairness for Teachers at 11 a.m. at Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley High School, Allston Way. www.socialsecurityfairness.com 

California NOW’s State Conference with Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner “Running for Public Office” and workshops on Safe Cosmetics; Homophobia in Sports; and Media, Body Image & Self-Esteem, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Doubletree Berkeley Marina, 200 Marina Blvd. Cost is $45-$60. Register online canoworg/2009-ca-now-annual-membership-meetingstate-conference.html 

“How to Think About Achieving Nuclear Disarmament in the 21st Century” with Randy Rydell, Senior Political Affairs Officer, Office of the High Representative, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs at 7 p.m. at Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak St., Alameda. Co-sponsored by the Alameda Public Affairs Forum and the United Nations Association East Bay. Suggested donation $5. www.alamedaforum.org 

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Awakening the Healing in Your Hands Open house at the Acupressure Institute with bodywork demonstrations, calligraphy and face painting, music and food from noon to 8 p.m. at 1533 Shattuck Ave. 845-1059. www.AcupressureInstitute.com  

“The Spirit of Persussion” A workshop with Arito Moreira at 3 p.m. at Ed Kelly Hall, Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St. Cost is $17-$35, no one turned away. RSVP to 836-4649, ext. 112. 

Beginning Internet Class “Newspaper and Magazine Articles” at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Free, but call to sign up 526-7512. 

Women’s Daytime Drop-In Center “Chances for Change” Fundraising event with music, wine, hors d’oeuvres and a live and silent auction at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $25-$45. 548-2884. 

“She Shines” a day event with Alameda County Junior Commission on the Status of Womenfrom 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Bishop O’Dowd High School, Oakland. Free, includes lunch. To register or sponsor call 259-3871. 

Playland’s One Year Anniversary Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 232-4264 ext. 25. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

Buddha’s Birth Celebration with Sylvia Gretchen on “Prayer to Shakyamuni Buddha” at 7 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Psyche and Cinema “La Belle et la Bete” Workshop on using symbols from 1 to 6 p.m. at The Dream Institute, 1672 University at McGee. Cost is $45-$75. 845-1767. dream-institute.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 

Lawn Bowling on the green at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft Way every Wed. and Sat. at 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. Wear flat soled shoes, no heels. Free lessons. 841-2174.  

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, MAY 31 

Little Farm Goat Hike Join a short hike with the goats as we explore the historic connections between humans and our ungulate friends at 11 a.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. For ages 6 and up. Children, please bring your adults along. 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Bricks, Wheat and Gold! Join a five-mile hike to explore the ghostly pilings of the once-big town of Port Costa, from 2 to 5 p.m. For information call 544-3265. 

“La Place du Marché” Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley’s annual spring fair with bistro-style food, children’s games, a wide variety of craft vendors, and a raffle for a trip to Paris, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1009 Heinz Ave., at Ninth St. 549-3895. 

Berkeley Opera’s Annual Gala and auction with sopranos Heidi Melton and Nicolle Foland and bass Kenneth Kellogg at 4 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes at 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $65. 841-1903. 

“Responsibility to Prevent” with Bob Alpern, former field secretary for the Friends Committee on National Legislation in Washington, D.C. on approaches to the peaceful prevention of deadly conflict at 1 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Meeting House, 2151 Vine St.  

A Report Back from the UN Conference on Racism, Durban, and the IADL Tribunal on Agent Orange with Judge Claudia Morcom of Detroit at 5 p.m. at 1419 Grant St. For information call Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute. 848-0599. 

“Animal Reiki” with Kathleen Prasad at 4 p.m. at Rabbit Ears, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Santosh Philip on “Tibetan Yoga for the West” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

CITY MEETINGS 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., May 21, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7415.  

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Thurs., May 21, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. 981-7368. 

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., May 21, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6950.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., May 21, at 7 p.m., at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 981-7061.  

Council Agenda Committee meets Tues., May 26, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., May 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7533.  

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., May 27, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. 981-5502.  

Energy Commission meets Wed., May 27, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7439.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., May 27, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7416. 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., May 27, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., May 28, at 5 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5217. 

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