Hunger strikers at the University of California at Berkeley tried to block the school's administration building today but people could still get inside, according to a university spokeswoman. The students held a rally today at 3:30 p.m, and then marched to the Chancellor's residence. A twitter message at about 5 pm said "Admin has contacted us: there will be a meeting only if we end up the hunger strike." Strikers posted this video of the march on their Facebook page on Monday night. 

Claire Holmes, the university's assistant vice chancellor of public affairs, said about 40 people tried to block the doorway of California Hall late this morning but campus police made sure the building is still accessible. 

However, Holmes said the situation at the front entrance to California Hall is "awkward" so people are entering and exiting the building at other entrances. 

The attempt to block California Hall came several hours after campus police moved students who have been on a hunger strike for the past week to leave the spot in front of the building where they have been camped out since last Monday.  

About 17 people have been refusing to eat until the school agrees to publicly oppose Arizona's new immigration law that empowers local law enforcement to question people they believe may be in the U.S. illegally.  

Police woke the demonstrators at 5:45 a.m. and told them to disperse within 20 minutes or they would be arrested, according to Rufino Romero, who is one of the students on strike.  

The students moved their things, but then returned to their spot, Romero said. Holmes said police helped the demonstrators move their things this morning and the university had a physician on hand to make sure the demonstrators were healthy. 

She said the move was peaceful and there was no arrests, but confirmed that the demonstrators returned to the lawn in front of the building soon after they were moved.  

Holmes said UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau strongly denounced Arizona's immigration law Friday, which is one of the protesters' demands. 

Holmes said Birgeneau, who is out of the country on university business, talked to the hunger strikers by phone on both Saturday and Sunday and has agreed to some of their other demands but not all of them.  

She said, "We're trying to work with them" and "there's been quite a bit of back and forth."  

The University of California at Berkeley has reached an agreement with the San Francisco Giants for Cal's football team to play their home games in 2011 at AT&T Park in San Francisco while its own stadium is being retrofitted and renovated.  

Cal's Memorial Stadium, which opened in 1923, is located on top of the Hayward earthquake fault and is being upgraded so it will be more seismically safe. The work is expected to cost $321 million and is scheduled to be completed in 2012. Cal's football team will be able to play its home games at Memorial Stadium this fall but has been looking for an alternate site for 2011. 

Cal said its 2011 schedule is not complete and will be released later. The team said it will make a collaborative effort with the San Francisco Giants and Major League Baseball to accommodate both teams' playing requirements during September and October of 2011.  

Cal coach Jeff Tedford said in a statement, "We are thrilled to be playing our 2011 home games at AT&T Park." 

Tedford said, "The facility is one of the finest sports venues in the world and is located in a nearby and desirable location in San Francisco. It is a terrific setting for college football and our team and fans had a fantastic experience there during the 2008 Emerald Bowl victory against the University of Miami."  

He said, "We look forward to our fans helping us create a tremendous home field advantage at AT&T Park in 2011 while enjoying amenities on par with what the renovated Memorial Stadium will feature when we return in 2012."  

Cal Athletic Director Sandy Barbour said, "While our own Memorial Stadium is undergoing much-needed improvements, I believe we have selected the best possible location to support the needs of our players, coaches and fans. Both Cal Athletics and the staff at AT&T Park are committed to work together to make the stadium feel like a true home away from home for the Golden Bears." 

Cal officials said one of the advantages of AT&T Park is its proximity to public transportation, as that's an important factor for the football team's fans in the East Bay. Cal Athletics will also provide bus service for Cal students to attend games to help ensure their continued support for the Bears.  

The university said sideline bleachers will be added in the baseball outfield and an adjusted field alignment will allow for team benches to be on opposite sides of the field, as opposed to the bowl games, when both teams were on the same side of the field. The capacity for Cal football games at AT&T Park will be just over 45,000. 

San Francisco Giants President and Chief Operating Officer Larry Baer said in a statement, "The Giants are honored to welcome Cal football to AT&T Park for the Bears' 2011 season."  

Baer said, "The opportunity to have two of the Bay Area's most storied institutions share the same playing field is really exciting and will provide a unique experience for both Giants and Cal fans."  

University officials said the retrofit and renovation of Memorial Stadium will create a restored facility that will address existing seismic safety issues, modernize game-day facilities and services and upgrade access for the disabled.  

They said preliminary construction activities will begin this summer, which will include moving the football office and athletic training and weight training facilities to temporary quarters adjacent to Witter Rugby Field. 

Negotiators for the city of Richmond and Chevron have reached an unprecedented agreement that settles several major tax issues. Chevron has agreed to pay millions of additional dollars to the city if the city will drop its appeal of Measure T and proposed changes in the Utility Users Tax. (See below for details.).The settlement goes to the city council next Tuesday where the Richmond Progressive Alliance expects and supports its adoption. 

As in all settlement agreements, the city did not win everything it rightfully deserves. But we did win a substantial increase in financial support for the city from Chevron and we can move onto other issues that we need to deal with like crime, jobs, education, public health and the environment.  

No one fought for this victory like the RPA. No one put the pressure on Chevron for fair taxation like we did. We receive this victory reaffirming our commitment to fairness, justice and health 

for all Richmond residents and we expect our City to put a significant part of the income from this victory into programs our citizens need, determined by democratic process. Those were the goals of our succesful Measure T and of the End Chevron's Perks Campaign.  

As Mayor Gayle McLaughlin says. "This agreement shows that the Richmond community can be successful in gaining more fairness when we stand strong and together. The people of Richmond organized and mobilized to pressure Chevron to do better. Chevron realized it could not defeat the people of Richmond. It gave in to many of our demands. Not everything we wanted, but this partial victory marks the beginning of a new phase in our ongoing struggle for a better, more just, and healthier Richmond."  

This agreement does not resolve all issues with Chevron. Chevron has still not agreed to come to the table to resolve environmental protections on its expansion project and get workers back on the job on those projects.  

We expect that the fifth-largest multi-national company whose bottom line is profits will be at odds with communities that its refining facilities dominate. Chevron is still attempting to get reductions in its county property tax. Chevron benefits from Proposition 13 loopholes for all corporations, and the failure of California to have an oil severance tax like other oil producing states.  

Some of the lessons of recent events are:  

It is possible to stand up against the power of a multi-national company. The additional money for vital city services comes in part from voters challenging Chevron's money, power,and public relations by passing measure T in 2008;  

from the City Council's placing the End Chevron's Perk measure on the ballot for this fall; and from the community mobilization against Chevron's cynical plan to try to strangle the city with its own ballot measure to slash city income. It helped that the entire City Council on May 4th (Nat Bates was absent) strongly denounced Chevron's actions. Standing up and organizing makes the difference. It levels the playing field and makes possible settlements and outcomes that promote the community's wellbeing.  

Councilman Jeff Ritterman:"This is a real advance for the City of Richmond. In the current economic downturn we have wonsignificant new financial support for the city, which will prevent layoffs of city workers. Itwill enable us to work harder on the many other problems that face us."  

Jovanka Beckles, RPA endorsed candidate for City Council: "There is no power like the People's power! It does not quit. I'm proud of this step forward that we have achieved and even when I know that the road ahead is long today I am hopeful and joyful. How do we get justice for the Richmond residents? How do we change our City into paradise? One struggle, one victory at the time. I'm happy today with this progress"  

Agreement Specifics: 

The city had a negotiating team consisting of City Manager. Bill Lindsey; City Attorney, Randy Riddle; Finance Director, James Goins; and three council members Jeff Ritterman, Jim Rogers, and Tom Butt. They met with Chevron using professional mediation over a period of months.The agreement calls for Chevron to pay the city $114 million in revenue over the next 15 years on a "front-loaded" schedule. Chevron will guarantee its level of utility tax payments for the next 5 years. Chevron affirms certain CBA obligations like support for the Bay Trail and ground level air quality monitoring.Chevron agrees to drop its campaign for cutting the utility tax. The agreement calls for the city to drop its appeal of the Measure T decision, and withdraw the proposed End Chevron's Perks measure. 

Details of the unofficial agreement can be found here.

The hunger strikers on the UC Berkeley campus who are protesting Arizona's new immigration law were ordered to disperse by UC police early this morning.  

This press release was sent out by spokesperson Dave Graham-Spires:

 

 

"At 6am UC Police arrived at the site of the 7 day-old hunger strike with an order to disperse the encampment or face arrest. 

This all comes as UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau, who has been traveling in Europe during the duration of the strike, returns today to face the strikers for the first time. Many had criticized the Chancellor for not returning earlier to work to resolve the situation, though it appears the administration’s techniques have taken a more forceful turn as with the Chancellor’s return. Hunger strikers, visibly weak after fasting for over 170 hours, are currently struggling to take down the camp. 

“They say they’re doing this for our health and for the good of the students” says Marco Amaral, a freshman who is one of the organizers of the strike. “But if Chancellor Birgeneau really cared about the health of the students he wouldn’t be forcing those on the strike to leave in this manner. If the Chancellor truly cared about the students and workers of this campus he would meet our demands and end the strike.” 

Students, workers, and community supporters have been protesting on the front lawn of California Hall since last Monday. The 19 individuals on the hunger strike have demands of denouncing racist legislation in Arizona, creating a sanctuary campus and ending retaliation against student and worker activists (see next page for complete demands).  

“Our demands are very reasonable and the Chancellor could meet them at any time”, continued Amaral. “We are not ending this strike until they are all met. The Chancellor needs to decide if he’s going to stand with the students, workers, faculty and supporters at the Berkeley campus, and the people of California, or if he’s going to stand with the racists who are passing these laws in Arizona and perpetuating violence against people of color”.  

A rally has been planned today at 3:30pm to increase the pressure on the administration. In addition, regularly scheduled demonstrations each day with an 11am mass and prayer service and a 7pm rally.

More information on the hunger strike can be found on the strikers' Facebook page.  

OAKLAND, CA – The BART Police Department is investigating a suspicious death in which a 22-year-old white male from Berkeley, Konstantin Tomashevsky, was found at the UN Plaza entrance of the Civic Center BART Station on May 5, 2010.  

He was found in the early morning unconscious and breathing. Mr. Tomashevsky was transported to San Francisco General Hospital, found to have traumatic injuries and later died. Tomashevsky’s identity was confirmed by the San Francisco Medical Examiner’s Office. 

The BART Police Department is looking for anyone who may have seen Mr. Tomashevsky in the early morning hours of May 5, 2010. Mr. Tomashevsky was wearing a black and grey Gore-Tex jacket and brown pants when he was found. If you have any information, please contact the BART Police Criminal Investigations Section at (877) 679-7000 Ext.7040is ongoing 

The UC Berkeley hunger strike urging university officials to publicly denounce Arizona's illegal immigration bill that began Monday at noon has garnered strength over the last few days. 

The fasters, comprised of Latino students and others, have a number of demands, including turning UC Berkeley into a sanctuary campus for undocumented immigrants, re-hiring laid off custodians and dropping charges against those who took part in the Wheeler Hall occupation earlier this year. 

A press release sent Tuesday on behalf of the fasters said that although university officials have had informal conversations with the group, they have not agreed to any of the demands yet. 

The press release said that hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members have stopped by the place near California Hall where the students, alumni and community members who are calling their coalition “Hungry for Justice” have set up camp. 

A local priest said Mass for the group at 11 a.m. Tuesday and up to 200 supporters took part in a 7 p.m. rally. 

The two largest unions on campus have supported the strike. 

The “Hungry for Justice” coalition was scheduled to meet with Chancellor Robert Birgeneau Thursday afternoon, a day after he sent them a letter saying he was “personally prepared” to oppose Arizona's strict illegal immigration law.  

Although a meeting was called Wednesday between the strikers and the university administration it was not held after a campus union member was refused entry.  

Birgeneau responded to all the demands made by the hunger strikers, explaining that it was not possible to turn UC Berkeley into a sanctuary campus, citing safety concerns. 

He denounced the Arizona anti-mmigration bill Friday in a statement saying that he made it widely known last week to the campus community "he was horrified by this law." 

"I, along with many others on this campus, and others across the nation, am profoundly disturbed by the passage of this bill which so many of us personally believe cannot be implemented without engaging in racial profiling," he said. "The drafting of similar bills by other states is truly frightening." 

Birgeneau further acknowleged in his statement that some of the university's Chicano/Latino stidents and staff "are engaged in the desperate measure of putting their health and wellness in jeopardy through a hunger strike to denounce this law. I am personally ready to stand in solidarity with our students and other members of our community in speaking out against SB 1070." 

The statement also said: "Universities are international communities based on the fundamental principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression. These values cannot exist when members of our community fear being targeted for the color of their skin. The passage of SB 1070 has created a chilling climate for many members of our campus community who feel that the bill will encourage repressive measures against those who are undocumented. 

"SB 1070, which President Obama has called "misguided," should be repealed and replaced with comprehensive federal immigration reform that will best serve our country and protect the rights of all who aspire to live in this great nation. As an academic community, we stand ready to use our immense intellectual resources to assist the president in this task." 

The university has dropped charges against some students who took part in the Wheeler Hall occupation last year—the strikers are demanding that all charges be dropped—while undertaking a review of campus procedures to investigate and charge students of wrongdoing. 

According to an e-mail sent by campus Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Harry Le Grande more than 30 students who were arrested during the Wheeler occupation Dec. 11 will not be facing any charges due to the “genuine confusion” stemming from dispersal orders. 

The e-mail also said that the university's Code of Student Conduct had been changed to reflect that students receive individual letters outlining specific charges and violations. 

The American Civil Liberties Union wrote to Birgeneau last month objecting to the university’s handling of student misconduct charges following a Dec. 11 protest outside his house.  

The nine-page letter drew attention to what it alleged were problems with the university's disciplinary procedures, particularly in the case of UC Berkeley students Zach Bowin and Angela Miller. 

Although charges against Bowin were later dropped, Miller was kept on on interim suspension. Although she was scheduled to have a student hearing today, the university agreed to an informal resolution which requires her to carry out 20 hours of community service right after it announced the changes to the student conduct code. 

Follow the strikers on their Facebook page.  

In a message to supporters Thursday, Rabbi Michael Lerner--whose Berkeley Hills home was recently vandalized by right-wing Zionists— urged the media to draw attention to the incident and what it means for “Americans and for American Jews.” 

Although police are not calling the recent vandalism at Rabbi Michael Lerner's house a hate crime, supporters of Tikkun, the progressive Jewish journal which he edits, are extremely shocked and upset by the incident. 

A statement sent out by Tikkun Monday said: “The police say that this is not a 'hate crime' because the attackers were not attacking Rabbi Lerner for his religion, but for his politics. That is scant comfort for those of us who continue to believe that America and Israel are best served by the voices willing to publicly share critique, though incidents like this are of course meant to scare people into silence, Tikkun will not be silenced.” 

Lerner, who is the rabbi of Beyt Tikkun Synagogue in San Francisco, has been criticized by Jewish groups for his controversial views on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the most recent of which came in the form of graffiti and vandalism at his house. 

According to the statement from Tikkun, the vandals used a “powerful form of glue” to stick posters to the door of Lerner's house in the 900 block of Cragmont and around his property attacking him personally as well as liberals and progressives as being supporters of terrorism and Islamo-fascism. 

The incident occurred on May 2 or the early hours of May 3. Berkeley Police Department spokesperson Officer Jamie Perkins told the Planet that the vandalism was reported at 11:40 a.m. Monday.  

The vandals also posted a bumper sticker which read “fight terror—support Israel” next to a caricature of Justice Richard Goldstone, whose UN report on Israel's alleged human rights violations in Gaza last year was denounced as anti-Semitic by right wing groups. 

The caricature shows Goldstone talking about how he was prevented from attending his grandson's bar mitzvah, with Lerner responding by saying “any enemy of Israel is a friend of mine.” 

According to the Tikkun statement, the vandalism follows a week of hate mail being sent to Lerner and his staff which they said was apparently prompted by “Tikkun's announcement that in case the South African Zionists had succeeded in preventing Goldstone from attending his grandson's bar mitzvah, as they threatened several weeks ago, that Rabbi Lerner would gladly” hold it in the Bay Area instead.” 

Tikkun had also said it would award Goldstone the Tikkun Award in 2011 for his “willingness to stand up for human rights in Israel,” an announcement which it said had angered supporters of the Israeli occupation of Palestine.  

Tikkun's supporters said in the statement that although its staff has received many death threats and phone calls in the past, they were particularly worried about this week's incident because it had been an attack on Lerner's home. 

“As law enforcement people told us, this is a way of conveying the message to Lerner 'we know where you live, we know your house is vulnerable, so don't ignore our threats' … Needless to say, this latest attack on Lerner's home has caused great concern to his family.” 

In the news since the last issue: Berkeley City Council postpones new marijuana regulations, tables fine proposal for large daycares, approves a proposal for amendments to Telegraph late night zoning; Berkeley Rep plays get Tony nominations and Berkeley police ask for help on missing teen. 

City Council forms committee to gauge new medical cannabis clinic regulations 

The Berkeley City Council at Tuesday's meeting did not have enough votes to pass a new policy which would have allowed the city's three cannabis dispensaries to expand beyond retail space to grow cannabis and bake marijuana-laced baked goods in residential and commercial spaces. 

The Berkeley Medical Cannabis Commission had recommended a few improvements to existing city policy which would have given more protection to growers cultivating cannabis for medical purposes.  

The new policy would put a cap on the number of operations and how big they could be, and has support from the City Manager, the City Attorney and the Planning Department.  

But the city council chose to take a more conservative approach, with only three councilmembers—Max Anderson, Kriss Worthington and Jesse Arreguin—voting in favor of the new law. 

The council decided to form a four-person committee—comprised of Mayor Tom Bates, Linda Maio, Darryl Moore and Max Anderson—who will discuss the issue and come back with a recommendation. 

The committee will also look at a proposal from City Attorney Zach Cowan which aims to balance Berkeley's current deficit by increasing business taxes for medical marijuana dispensaries. 

Those dispensaries which seek non-profit status in the future will be taxed according to their square footage, similar to any big non-profit. If the council approves the tax at a future meeting, it will be put on the Nov. 2010 ballot. 

Daycare fines postponed by two weeks 

Large daycare center owners in Berkeley got some breathing room Tuesday when the City Council decided to postpone making any decisions on whether to fine them for not getting the proper permits or not paying license fees for their businesses. 

If the council had given the City Manager's office the green light to review these cases at the meeting, it would have developed an amnesty period during which large daycares operating without permits would be allowed to register their businesses without facing penalties. 

The group would also have to pay business fees due since 2007. 

However, some large daycare operators told council that when they went to the city's permit center to obtain the proper permits they were told it was not required. 

Councilmembers Kriss Worthington and Max Anderson objected to what they called a “punitive retroactive proposal.” and asked that it be tabled. 

Although small day care centers in Berkeley don't need to get permits, the big ones do. According to some city officials, sometimes when the small daycares expand, they just get certified by the Fire Department—as mandated by state law—but bypass getting a permit from the city. 

California law doesn't require big daycare centers to get special zoning permits. 

Changes to Telegraph Avenue and Panoramic Hill Zoning 

The Berkeley City Council unanimously voted to ask City Manager Phil Kamlarz to work with several commissions on proposals to modify the current Telegraph Avenue zoning. 

The changes would allow businesses to stay open until 3 a.m. with a zoning certificate 

Other adjustments include implementing a six month trial project to change the yellow loading zone parking regulations in the Telegraph commercial zone between Bancroft and Dwight Way to mirror the rest of the city's yellow zones, which revert to regular parking after 6 p.m. The council is expected to listen to the City Manager's recommendations in October. 

The council also approved changes to Panoramic Hill zoning after a discussion, but will be looking at parking requirements separately. 

Two Plays Born at Berkeley Rep Gets SixTony Nominations 

American Idiotand In the Next Room (or “the vibrator play”) are two plays born at the Berkeley Rep which picked up six Tony nominations. The winners will be announced during a national broadcast June 13. Punk rock group Green Day's American Idiot premiered in Berkeley before going on to Broadway. The rock opera was nominated for three Tonys, including best musical. In the Next Room, which was also nominated for a Pulitzer, also chalked up three nominations, including best musical. For more information on the plays and the nominations visit berkeleyrep.org/press/pr.asp  

Berkeley police alert for missing teen 

Berkeley police Tuesday asked the community to remain alert about a missing teen who disappeared more than 14 years ago. 

John McColl vanished after telling his family he was going to a Telegraph Avenue bookstore on August 28, 1995. He was 16 then. His family have spent all this time wondering what happened to the teenager who was about to become a junior at Berkeley High. A member of the crew team, McColl was described by his family as a “quiet loving man who liked playing the guitar.” 

Anyone with any information about McColl can contact BDP at 981-5741 or 981-5900. 

It’s one thing for California high school students to read or hear a lecture about how government works. It is quite another for them to experience this in person. 

Shortly after 8 AM on May 4, a group of 45 students in Michael Barglow’s history class at Skyline High clambered onto a charter bus headed for the state capitol. Michael is my brother, and since I also work with high school students, helping them prepare for college, I’m quite interested in educational issues. So I boarded the bus as well. 

Michael’s students had been preparing during the past week to meet with East Bay political representatives: Assemblypersons Sandre Swanson, Nancy Skinner, and Senator Loni Hancock. 

The students, accompanied by several adults and student volunteers from UC Berkeley, arrived at the Capitol Building in downtown Sacramento, ready to present some challenging questions to their representatives. 

First on the agenda was a discussion with Sandre Swanson. The students packed into his office and were greeted first by Swanson’s aide and then by the assemblyman himself.  

Swanson said he strongly favors more funding for public education, and that he opposes the rule that requires a 2/3 vote of the state legislature to pass a budget or to raise property taxes. In fact, Swanson was one of three Democrats whose committee chairmanships were taken away from them by party leadership following their votes against state spending caps and cutbacks. 

One student asked Assemblyman Swanson about a possible relationship between the state’s financial crisis and federal priorities, including the expenditure of nearly a trillion dollars on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Swanson acknowledged that the state is dependent on funding from the federal government but declined to take a position against the two wars. 

The next visit was to Nancy Skinner’s office, where she not only listened to the students but also queried them about their knowledge of state government and challenged some of their figures about the state of education in California. She too, though, applauded their interest in government. 

Skinner discussed some of the difficulties she faces in defending public education, given the current power of conservative politicians to veto education-enabling legislation. 

The final visit was with Senator Hancock, who spoke to the students inside the state senate chambers.  

She said that it is so important that students take an interest in the education they are getting and that they try to improve that education by getting involved in government. She pointed out that many of her colleagues do not prioritize public services in California such as education and transportation. She noted that many Californians aren’t even aware of how much they depend on these services. Hancock asked the students: “How many of you think that BART is public?” and “How many of you think that BART is private?” In this informal poll, “private” received as many votes as “public,” indicating that students share in a common misconception. 

At the end of the day, how did the students evaluate their interviews with the politicians? Some of the students expressed their appreciation for the welcome they received. But not all were satisfied with the responses given to their questions. Donnie Jones said although going to Sacramento was a valuable educational experience, the representatives “might not be doing what they need to do” to serve their constituents. Kenny Ward agreed, and said that the representatives “did not quite answer the questions.” Madonna Lee also found the answers evasive. Jacob Froneberger, an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley who helps out in the classroom, said that the controversy about the 2/3 rule for passing legislation is “something of a red herring,” since “a majority of the legislature has voted consistently to lower corporate taxes, which causes the lack of adequate revenue.” 

Swanson, Skinner, and Hancock, who are among the most progressive legislators in state government, didn’t shield the students from the difficulties they face in protecting public education and other public services. And for many of the students, the prospect of really bettering their lives through their own participation in electoral politics is far from clear. In class, they’ve been learning how government works in theory. But in practice, they’re learning that it’s an ongoing struggle to have government serve the people. 

On the whole, the students were quite enthusiastic about their trip to the state capitol, and grateful to the three representatives for taking the time to meet with them. Some of the students said that now for the first time they really understand how state government works, and how challenging it is for politicians to govern well. 

Below is the list of questions that the students wanted to discuss with their state legislators: 

California Public Policy: Questions for our State Representatives  

We have gathered the information below from our study of California’s education crisis. Please correct us if we have been misinformed. How can we help you improve our state’s situation? 

1. We have been told that compared to other states, California is #1 in spending on prisons and #48 in spending on education. It has been projected that by the 2012-2013 fiscal year, $15.4 billion will be spent on incarcerating Californians, as compared with $15.3 billion to be spent on educating them. In other words, more money will soon be spent on imprisoning Californians than on educating them. Who in the Senate or Assembly is leading the fight to change this? What can you do to improve the situation?  

2. California has among the 10 largest economies in the world, and is the wealthiest state in the United States. It is home to the largest number of billionaires in the United States. Yet corporate taxes have steadily decreased. Who in the Senate or Assembly is leading the fight to change this? What can you do to improve the situation?  

3. U.S. citizens have paid approximately 950 billion dollars on the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Of that amount Californians have spent 115 billion dollars. The current California budget deficit is 26 billion dollars. Is there a relationship between California’s budget deficit and these wars? What is your position on spending for these wars versus spending on education and other critical social services normally provided to Californians? 

4. California is the only state that does not enforce an oil severance tax? Do you believe in a progressive tax which taxes the rich? How would you change California’s tax structure to do so? What can you do to improve the situation for ordinary citizens?  

5. California spends $1,900 less than the national state average on each student. What can you do to improve the situation?  

6. It takes a 2/3 vote of the State legislature to pass a budget and to raise property taxes. Do you support or oppose these laws. If you oppose them, how do you propose to change them?  

7. We now have term limits on State representatives? What is your position on term limits? Should we replace this rule and why? With what would we replace it? 

8. Should the State boycott Arizona to voice opposition to Arizona Senate Bill 1070 which asks Arizona police authorities to arrest anyone they suspect might be an illegal immigrant? 

Information provided to our class by the Oakland Education Association about the crisis in Oakland: 

9. Oakland public school teachers have the lowest salaries in Alameda County. They have received only a 1.75% salary increase since 2010. Is this true and what can you do to improve this situation? 

10. The State appointed school Trustee’s salary and benefits per year are over $311,000. With that money OUSD could hire 7 first year teachers. Meanwhile under state administration the OUSD debt and loan obligation to the state has more than doubled. Is this true and what can you do to improve this situation? 

11. 19% of the OUSD budget is spent on outside contracts and services. The average school district in California only spends 10% of its budget on outside contracts and services. Is this true and what can you do to improve this situation? 

12. The amount of money that the OUSD spends on administrative services is significantly higher than in other comparable districts. Is this true and what can you do to improve this situation? 

Saying the University of California's sharply misguided priorities call for unprecedented and unified action, two University of California employees represented by the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299 have joined students in a hunger strike at the UC Berkeley campus. Today's action comes after workers last week called on prominent graduation speakers at UC campuses statewide to refuse to deliver their commencement addresses unless workers' demands are met (see list of demands below).  

Abel Salas, a gardener at UC Berkeley, and the latest addition to the hunger strikers, said, "It is the most important thing we can do, to show that students and workers deeply care about these issues and each other, and are both willing to put our bodies on the line for justice." 

Maricruz Manzanares, a custodian who also joined the students in the hunger strike, said,  

"If UC can afford millions in pay raises for executives, the University can certainly afford to keep front-line workers on the job to keep the campus healthy and safe. Students realize that a strong educational community includes the dedicated staff who keep the university running, and we join with students in demanding that UC make education -- not executive perks -- its top priority."  

Workers say UC has for too long ignored the calls of students and staff to halt raises and bonuses for UC executives while classes are overflowing, students are turned away, and low-wage workers see their hours and jobs cut.  

UC executives claim that the cuts to workers’ jobs and hours are a necessary byproduct of reduced state funding, but workers who are struggling to keep their homes and feed their families see things differently. According to Lakesha Harrison, president of AFSCME 3299, “UC executives claim to be saving $7 million by cutting low wage workers. Yet UC executives have received over $9 million in bonuses and raises since the cuts were implemented. This is just wrong.”  

Full-time UC workers making as little as $12 per hour, or $24,000 annually are experiencing anywhere between 4% to 20% reductions in take-home pay. As a result, many of these workers at UC are being pushed into poverty, losing their homes, and having to work multiple jobs to support their families. 

AFSCME 3299 and UPTE Local 1, two of the largest unions representing UC Berkeley workers, have called for a speakers' boycott of UC Berkeley graduations, and today said that they will not call off their upcoming speakers boycott of UC graduations unless the hunger strikers’ demands are met. The boycott asks prominent commencement speakers to refuse to address graduations unless UC: 

1) Restores jobs for laid off service workers, Cal Performances workers, and UPTE union activists at UC Berkeley 

2) Restores the hours that were cut from low-wage service workers at UC Berkeley 

3) Drops the student conduct charges that occurred during the academic year 2009-10. Students should not be prosecuted for peacefully protesting UC executives' misplaced priorities. 

4) Commits to doing everything within UC’s power to preserve quality, affordable benefits for UC workers 

5) Suspends the student code of conduct and initiates a democratic, student-led process to review the code.  

6) Accepts responsibility for the violence and escalation of the confrontation surrounding Wheeler Hall on November 20th that resulted in injuries to many students and commits to using non-violent means of ensuring safety at student demonstrations in the future. 

7) Publicly denounces Arizona's law and deems UC Berkeley a sanctuary campus for immigrant students and workers. 

Hundreds of citizens attended the San Pablo City Council meeting Monday night 5/3/10 to voice their opposition to the reinstatement of eminent domain (ED) in their city, a provision that lapsed in March 2009. Redevelopment project areas currently cover over 90% of the city leaving most citizens in fear of losing their homes.  

Local activists began working with Christina Walsh of the Institute for Justices' Castle Coalition in March. This is the same Virginia based advocacy group that represented Suzette Kelo before the Supreme Court in the infamous Kelo decision.  

Citizens held rallies before both the April 19 City Council meeting--at which the Council put off a decision on ED--and before the May 3 Council meeting outside City Hall. 

During both meetings, many citizens pleaded with Councilmembers not to take their homes and businesses during public comment. Mayor Leonard McNeil declared that the Council had held meetings since Feb. 2010 and listened to citizen's concerns, had taken the concerns seriously but needed to "reach consensus" on the eminent domain issue. Further, he stated that he wanted citizens to "understand what the agency is trying to do." Several citizens replied in public comment that they understood only too well what the Redevelopment Agency was trying to do: take their homes and businesses for big developers. Later, one speaker advised the Council that they were circulating a petition to recall all Councilmembers.  

Unexpectedly, at the end of the meeting, Councilman Paul Morris introduced a resolution for a 4 year moratorium on eminent domain which passed 4-0 with Councilmember Cruz abstaining.  

Saying the University of California's sharply misguided priorities call for unprecedented and unified action, two University of California employees represented by the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299 have joined students in a hunger strike at the UC Berkeley campus. Today's action comes after workers last week called on prominent graduation speakers at UC campuses statewide to refuse to deliver their commencement addresses unless workers' demands are met (see list of demands below).  

Abel Salas, a gardener at UC Berkeley, and the latest addition to the hunger strikers, said, "It is the most important thing we can do, to show that students and workers deeply care about these issues and each other, and are both willing to put our bodies on the line for justice." 

Maricruz Manzanares, a custodian who also joined the students in the hunger strike, said,  

"If UC can afford millions in pay raises for executives, the University can certainly afford to keep front-line workers on the job to keep the campus healthy and safe. Students realize that a strong educational community includes the dedicated staff who keep the university running, and we join with students in demanding that UC make education -- not executive perks -- its top priority."  

Workers say UC has for too long ignored the calls of students and staff to halt raises and bonuses for UC executives while classes are overflowing, students are turned away, and low-wage workers see their hours and jobs cut.  

UC executives claim that the cuts to workers’ jobs and hours are a necessary byproduct of reduced state funding, but workers who are struggling to keep their homes and feed their families see things differently. According to Lakesha Harrison, president of AFSCME 3299, “UC executives claim to be saving $7 million by cutting low wage workers. Yet UC executives have received over $9 million in bonuses and raises since the cuts were implemented. This is just wrong.”  

Full-time UC workers making as little as $12 per hour, or $24,000 annually are experiencing anywhere between 4% to 20% reductions in take-home pay. As a result, many of these workers at UC are being pushed into poverty, losing their homes, and having to work multiple jobs to support their families. 

AFSCME 3299 and UPTE Local 1, two of the largest unions representing UC Berkeley workers, have called for a speakers' boycott of UC Berkeley graduations, and today said that they will not call off their upcoming speakers boycott of UC graduations unless the hunger strikers’ demands are met. The boycott asks prominent commencement speakers to refuse to address graduations unless UC: 

1) Restores jobs for laid off service workers, Cal Performances workers, and UPTE union activists at UC Berkeley 

2) Restores the hours that were cut from low-wage service workers at UC Berkeley 

3) Drops the student conduct charges that occurred during the academic year 2009-10. Students should not be prosecuted for peacefully protesting UC executives' misplaced priorities. 

4) Commits to doing everything within UC’s power to preserve quality, affordable benefits for UC workers 

5) Suspends the student code of conduct and initiates a democratic, student-led process to review the code.  

6) Accepts responsibility for the violence and escalation of the confrontation surrounding Wheeler Hall on November 20th that resulted in injuries to many students and commits to using non-violent means of ensuring safety at student demonstrations in the future. 

7) Publicly denounces Arizona's law and deems UC Berkeley a sanctuary campus for immigrant students and workers. 

On Wednesday evening, it appeared a resolution was within reach to end the three-day hunger strike by students, workers and other members of the UC Berkeley community. The strike began Monday with demands of denouncing racist legislation in Arizona, creating a sanctuary campus and ending retaliation against student and worker activists (see next page for complete demands). As five negotiators were entering California Hall; Tanya Smith, the lone UC employee on the team, was denied entry into the building. “The police blocked the door and indicated that no union members would be allowed to enter,” said Smith; who also is the campus President of U.P.T.E., a UC union. “Then Isaac Castro, a fellow negotiator, came to join me outside and the police lost control”. 

“When I saw that they blocked Tanya’s entrance, I decided to leave the building”, said Isaac Castro a fifth year student who is participating in the strike. “I guess they thought I was trying to prop the door open because they immediately brought me to the floor. After being detained for a few minutes they realized their mistake and let me leave. But I’m still shocked at how quick they were to restrain me when all I wanted to do was stand in solidarity with a worker on my campus. Why are they so afraid of students and workers joining together for this hunger strike?” 

“Our demands are very reasonable and there is no need for these intimidation tactics by Vice Chancellor Breslauer and Chancellor Birgeneau”, says Kathy Vega, a 3rd year student majoring in Political Science. ”They have shown they never intended to discuss our demands. Our hunger strike is a completely non-violent act which will continue until all of our demands are met. From now on we will only negotiate with the Administration with our complete team, including UC workers”. 

A rally is planned for Thursday to protest the administration’s tactics and support the ongoing demands of the hunger strike. 

An Alameda County Superior Court jury today began deliberating the fate of a man charged with murder for the stabbing death of University of California at Berkeley senior Christopher Wootton near campus two years ago.  

Wootton was stabbed during a confrontation in the parking lot of a sorority house in the 2400 block of Warring Street at about 2:45 a.m. May 3, 2008. 

Yolanda Huang, the defense attorney for 22-year-old defendant Andrew Hoeft-Edenfield, told jurors in her closing argument on Tuesday that Wootton's death "could well have been an accident." 

The stabbing occurred at the end of a drunken shouting match that developed when Hoeft-Edenfield and a group of his friends encountered Wootton and his friends on a street near campus. 

Huang admitted that Hoeft-Edenfield, who worked at Jamba Juice in Berkeley and attended Berkeley City College, stabbed Wootton but said he acted in self-defense after he was outnumbered, surrounded, kicked and stomped by Wootton and a large group of Wootton's friends.  

Huang said Hoeft-Edenfield should be acquitted, telling jurors, "It's time for you to send Mr. Hoeft-Edenfield home to his family and for this to be over."  

But prosecutor Connie Campbell said, "To call this an accident is outrageous." Campbell said Hoeft-Edenfield intentionally drove his three-and-a-half-inch knife into Wootton's chest with so much force that it broke a rib and created a gash in Wootton's heart, causing him to die from blood loss.  

"The number-one fact that tells you this is a murder is that broken rib," Campbell said.  

The prosecutor alleged that Hoeft-Edenfield and his friends had an opportunity to walk away from the confrontation but that Hoeft-Edenfield "wanted to be a bad ass with a knife and escalated a verbal altercation to a lethal situation." 

Wootton, 21, who was from Bellflower in Southern California, was only weeks away from graduating with honors in nuclear engineering. He planned to continue studying nuclear engineering in graduate school at UC Berkeley. 

Hoeft-Edenfield's lengthy trial started on March 16 and concluded late Tuesday after two full days of closing arguments by Campbell and Huang.  

The Oakland City Council voted Tuesday night to boycott Arizona and Arizona-based businesses to protest the state's tough new immigration law 

The resolution passed by the council states that Arizona's SB 1070 "sets the clock back on a generation of civil rights gains" and "will inevitably lead to racial profiling, jeopardize public safety and create a wedge between law enforcement and ethnic communities." 

Council members approved the nonbinding resolution 7-0. Ignacio De La Fuente missed the meeting due to a family emergency. At a news conference at City Hall last week, De La Fuente said he strongly supported the resolution. 

The law, which was signed on April 23 by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, gives police broad powers to detain people they suspect of being in the U.S. illegally.  

Oakland's boycott, with some exceptions, calls for city officials not to enter contracts with or purchase goods from companies with headquarters in Arizona; calls on city staffers to review existing contracts with Arizona companies; and vows to keep city employees from traveling to Arizona on official business. 

A number of other cities, including San Francisco, have called for or already implemented similar boycotts. 

In addition, a group of students at the University of California at Berkeley is in its third day of a hunger strike and is asking the university to publicly oppose the law. 

Paul Senseman, a spokesman for Brewer, denied that the law will lead to racial profiling, saying, "This bill's language specifically makes racial profiling illegal." 

"The bill merely mirrors existing federal law. It is neither 'tougher' or more stringent than the current federal regulations of immigration," Senseman said.  

In the news today: Berkeley City Council postpones new marijuana regulations, tables fine proposal for large daycares, approves a proposal for amendments to Telegraph late night zoning; hunger strike at UC Berkeley against Arizona immigration bill strengthens;Berkeley Rep plays get Tony nominations and Berkeley police ask for help on missing teen. 

City Council forms committee to gauge new medical cannabis clinic regulations 

The Berkeley City Council at Tuesday's meeting did not have enough votes to pass a new policy which would have allowed the city's three cannabis dispensaries to expand beyond retail space to grow cannabis and bake marijuana-laced baked goods in residential and commercial spaces. 

The Berkeley Medical Cannabis Commission had recommended a few improvements to existing city policy which would have given more protection to growers cultivating cannabis for medical purposes.  

The new policy would put a cap on the number of operations and how big they could be, and has support from the City Manager, the City Attorney and the Planning Department.  

But the city council chose to take a more conservative approach, with only three councilmembers—Max Anderson, Kriss Worthington and Jesse Arreguin—voting in favor of the new law. 

The council decided to form a four-person committee—comprised of Mayor Tom Bates, Linda Maio, Darryl Moore and Max Anderson—who will discuss the issue and come back with a recommendation. 

The committee will also look at a proposal from City Attorney Zach Cowan which aims to balance Berkeley's current deficit by increasing business taxes for medical marijuana dispensaries. 

Those dispensaries which seek non-profit status in the future will be taxed according to their square footage, similar to any big non-profit. If the council approves the tax at a future meeting, it will be put on the Nov. 2010 ballot. 

Daycare fines postponed by two weeks 

Large daycare center owners in Berkeley got some breathing room Tuesday when the City Council decided to postpone making any decisions on whether to fine them for not getting the proper permits or not paying license fees for their businesses. 

If the council had given the City Manager's office the green light to review these cases at the meeting, it would have developed an amnesty period during which large daycares operating without permits would be allowed to register their businesses without facing penalties. 

The group would also have to pay business fees due since 2007. 

However, some large daycare operators told council that when they went to the city's permit center to obtain the proper permits they were told it was not required. 

Councilmembers Kriss Worthington and Max Anderson objected to what they called a “punitive retroactive proposal.” and asked that it be tabled. 

Although small day care centers in Berkeley don't need to get permits, the big ones do. According to some city officials, sometimes when the small daycares expand, they just get certified by the Fire Department—as mandated by state law—but bypass getting a permit from the city. 

California law doesn't require big daycare centers to get special zoning permits. 

Changes to Telegraph Avenue and Panoramic Hill Zoning 

The Berkeley City Council unanimously voted to ask City Manager Phil Kamlarz to work with several commissions on proposals to modify the current Telegraph Avenue zoning. 

The changes would allow businesses to stay open until 3 a.m. with a zoning certificate 

Other adjustments include implementing a six month trial project to change the yellow loading zone parking regulations in the Telegraph commercial zone between Bancroft and Dwight Way to mirror the rest of the city's yellow zones, which revert to regular parking after 6 p.m. The council is expected to listen to the City Manager's recommendations in October. 

The council also approved changes to Panoramic Hill zoning after a discussion, but will be looking at parking requirements separately. 

UC Berkeley hunger strike against Arizona illegal immigration law gets stronger  

The UC Berkeley hunger strike urging university officials to publicly denounce Arizona's illegal immigration bill that began Monday at noon has garnered strength over the last couple of days. 

The fasters, comprised of Latino students and others, have a number of demands, including turning UC Berkeley into a sanctuary campus for undocumented immigrants, re-hiring laid off custodians and dropping charges against those who took part in the Wheeler Hall occupation earlier this year. 

This morning, a press release sent on behalf of the fasters said that although university officials have had informal conversations with the group, they have not agreed to any of the demands yet. 

The press release said that hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members have stopped by the place near California Hall where the students, alumni and community members who are calling their coalition “Hungry for Justice” have set up camp. 

A local priest said Mass for the group at 11 a.m. Tuesday and up to 200 supporters took part in a 7 p.m. rally. 

The two largest unions on campus have supported the strike. 

Follow the strikers on their Facebook page.  

Two Plays Born at Berkeley Rep Gets SixTony Nominations 

American Idiotand In the Next Room (or “the vibrator play”) are two plays born at the Berkeley Rep which picked up six Tony nominations. The winners will be announced during a national broadcast June 13. Punk rock group Green Day's American Idiot premiered in Berkeley before going on to Broadway. The rock opera was nominated for three Tonys, including best musical. In the Next Room, which was also nominated for a Pulitzer, also chalked up three nominations, including best musical. For more information on the plays and the nominations visit berkeleyrep.org/press/pr.asp  

Berkeley police alert for missing teen 

Berkeley police Tuesday asked the community to remain alert about a missing teen who disappeared more than 14 years ago. 

John McColl vanished after telling his family he was going to a Telegraph Avenue bookstore on August 28, 1995. He was 16 then. His family have spent all this time wondering what happened to the teenager who was about to become a junior at Berkeley High. A member of the crew team, McColl was described by his family as a “quiet loving man who liked playing the guitar.” 

Anyone with any information about McColl can contact BDP at 981-5741 or 981-5900. 

Last Thursday night the Berkeley City Council unanimously approved the “Reduced Impact Alternative” BRT that is similar to “Rapid Bus Plus” as the “Locally Preferred Alternative.” It rejected the “Build Alternative” which would have removed traffic lanes and placed boarding stations in the middle of the street even though AC Transit sent a letter saying, more or less, that it was obliged to choose that alternative. This meeting with Bus Rapid Transit the only agenda item ended after 11:00 pm. Sixty-six members of the public were against the “Build Alternative,” twenty-three in favor and five asked all alternatives to be studied. Here are the alternatives.  

Since the draft EIR/EIS only studied the No-Build and the Full-Build, there was discussion between the AC Transit representative, Cory LaVigne, and the city’s attorney about whether a different alternative could now be studied. LaVigne said since it was not in the draft, it could not be studied in the final. It would have to be a special study, perhaps a supplemental EIR. So after the deed is done, AC Transit comes to the cities to ask them for their preferred alternative. But as the attorney assured the city council, the city itself, not AC Transit, determines changes to their streets. 

The council’s decision does not affect AC Transit’s ability to receive federal Small-Start funds because dedicated lanes are not one of the required criteria for BRT. But AC Transit’s fiscal condition may make them ineligible. See BRT Small Starts Fact Sheet.  

Councilmembers discussed the “environmental justice” of removing local service because it would impact the elderly and disabled. But retaining local service did not seem to be included in the “Reduced Impact Alternative.” It was part of the “Rapid Bus Plus” alternative. Also included in that alternative was splitting the line in downtown Oakland to avoid the bunching that occurs on very long lines like the #51. 

Some council members wanted to extend the BRT down University Ave. to Amtrak, which would mean it would connect to the San Pablo Rapid Bus, but AC Transit claimed it could not be studied now. 

Mayor Bates asked how Berkeley would connect to Oakland if they have dedicated lanes. The short answer was “awkwardly.” But Temescal residents are not likely to accept dedicated lanes:See this week’s article in the East Bay Express. 

Joyce Roy is a semi-retired architect and long-time Oakland transit activist. Partisan Position writers are not guaranteed to be impartial, although they are knowledgeable and hope to provide accurate factual information.  

[Editor's Note: This information was received as a press release at 3 on Monday afternoon. Berkeley Police Department Public Information Officer Jamie Perkins confirmed that the crime at Rabbi Michael Lerner's home in the 900 block of Cragmont was reported at 11:40 on Monday, and she said Monday at about 6 p.m. that police had no suspects as yet.]

Berkeley police today confirmed that the attack on Rabbi Lerner's home late Sunday May 2nd or early morning Monday May 3rd was in fact a crime and was being investigated. The attackers used a powerful form of glue to attach posters to his door and around the property of his home attacking Lerner personally, and attacking liberals and progressives as being supporters of terrorism and "Islamo-fascism."  

They posted a printed bumper sticker saying "fight terror--support Israel" next to a carcature of Judge Goldstone whose UN report on Israel's human rights violations in its attack on Gaza last year has been denounced as anti-Semitic and pro-terror by right wingers in Israel and the U.S.. The caricature has Goldstone talking about his being kept from his grandson's bar mitzvah, and the caricature of Rabbi Lerner responds by saying "any enemy of Israel is a friend of mine." This attack and vandalism follows on a week filled with Lerner and Tikkun staff receiving hate mail, prompted apparently by Tikkun's announcement that in case the South African Zionists had succeeded in preventing Judge Goldstone from attending his grandson's bar mitzvah, as they threatened several weeks ago, that Rabbi Lerner would gladly hold the bar mitzvah in the SF Bay Area instead, and following Tikkun's announcement that in light of Goldstone's courageous willingness to stand up for human rights in Israel (his report called on the Israeli government to do its own independent, pulbic and credibly objective investigation, punish those responsible for the crimes or show that they didn't happen, and thereby show that these actions were not government policy but the mistakes or evil choices by people in the IDF who were acting as rogue elements and not as a manifestation of the people of Israel) that Tikkun will award our prestigious Tikkun Award to Judge Goldstone in 2011 at the event celebrating our 25th anniversary! This story, which was prominent in Ha'aretz and many other Jewish magazines and websites, has intensified anger against Lerner and Tikkun among those who seek to perpetuate the Occupation, and great support among those who realize that the Occupation is really hurtful both to Israel and to the Jewish people world-wide. 

In the 24 years of Tikkun's operation, we have received many death threats and vicious hate mail, including phone calls to our office announcing that "Rabbi Lerner is dead" and others saying "We will kill all of you." This particular attack has two worrisome elements not previously there: 1. They attack Rabbi Lerner's home. As law enforcement people told us, this is a way of conveying the messaget to Lerner: "We know where you live, we know your house is vulnerable, so don't ignore our threats." 2. By linking Lerner to alleged terrorism, they provide for themselves and other extremists a "right-wing justification" to use violence against Lerner, even though Lerner has been a prominent advocate of non-violence. He regularly critiques Palestinian acts of violence when they occur, including the shelling of Israeli towns by Hamas, just as he critiques the violence of the Israeli occupation, and as he critiques the US war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the occupation of Chechny by Russia, the occupation of Tibet by China, the human rights violations agaisnt their own people by the rulers of Iran, the acts of violence of those resisting the US occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, the violence against women and homosexuals in many Arab and African countries (and in the US and Israel as well), the genocide in Darfur, the violence against Jews in some parts of Europe, and the list goes on. 

Needless to say, this latest attack, on Lerner's home, has caused great concern to his family. 

In a previous email about the attack on Rabbi Lerner's house, the dates were incorrectly stated as June 2 and July 3rd, making it seem as though it had been in the distant past or near future. The emotional upset caused by this incident has thrown us for a loop, so sorry about that mistake. The actual date of the attack on Lerner's home was last night (May 2nd or early morning May 3rd) and discovered this morning, May 3rd. 

The police say that this is not a "hate crime" because the attackers were not attacking Rabbi Lerner for his religion, but for his politics. That is scant comfort for those of us who continue to beleve that America and Israel are best served by the voices willing to publicly share critique, though incidents like this are of course meant to scare people into silence. Tikkun will not be silenced.  

What can you do? Let people know that this kind of thing is happening in the Jewish world to people who critique Israeli policies. 

--Tikkun Magazine 

To reach Rabbi Lerner directly: RabbiLerner@Tikkun.org or call the Tikkun office at 510 644 1200.

In the news since the last issue: Zoning changes for Panoramic Hill and Telegraph, fines for daycare centers proposed, new marijuana regulations, 155-unit apartment complex for South Shattuck, credit card fraud, a music club in financial trouble, students begin hunger strike to protest immigration law. 

Tuesday City Council meeting to include special session on 2011 budget 

The Berkeley City Council meeting Tuesday will begin with a special 5:30 p.m. workshop on the proposed fiscal year 2011 city budget given by City Manager Phil Kamlarz and Budget Manager Tracey Vesley . It can be viewed online. The regular 7 p.m. Council meeting agenda includes Panoramic Hill zoning amendments as well as proposed adjustments to the Telegraph Avenue zoning laws. 

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates and Councilmembers Laurie Capitelli, Kriss Worthington and Gordon Wozniak will request the City Manager to analyze and work with relevant commissions on proposed modifications in Telegraph's current commercial zoning which would permit businesses to extend their business hours to 3 a.m., Sunday through Saturday by simply getting a zoning certificate. 

Other adjustments include implementing a six month trial project to change the yellow loading zone parking regulations in the Telegraph commercial zone between Bancroft and Dwight Way to mirror the rest of the city's yellow zones, which revert to regular parking after 6 p.m. 

The City Manager is expected to return to council by Oct. 12 with recommendations for council action. 

Berkeley may fine large home family daycares  

The Berkeley City Council may also ask City Manager Phil Kamlarz Tuesday to review cases involving large, in-home family day care businesses whose owners have not obtained a Berkeley business license, not paid Berkeley business fees or don't have the appropriate use permit. 

After the City Manager's office finished the review, it would develop a 90-day amnesty program during which large family daycare providers who have not yet obtained business licenses would be given a chance to come forward and register their businesses without being subject to penalties. 

The city would also develop a payment plan for this group of daycare businesses, under which they would have to pay business fees due since 2007. 

According to a report from city staff, some providers may have to pay fees of up to $7000 to the city. A number of daycare owners have contacted the city saying that these exorbitant payments might force them out of business altogether. 

The staff report says that although the City Auditor has requested information from four large in-home family daycares, she has not yet received a response. 

Medical marijuana regulation changes 

The Berkeley City Council will also vote on whether to allow all three of the city’s medical marijuana dispensaries to expand beyond retail space to grow cannabis and bake marijuana-laced cookies and brownies in residential and commercial properties. Both city staff and the Medical Cannabis Commission are putting forward their own set of recommendations which vary regarding the size and scope of the proposed operations. 

The council will also vote on whether to approve language for a ballot measure for Nov. 2010 to amend the Business License Tax Ordinance to tax certain medical cannabis uses. 

City Attorney Zach Cowan has suggested that one way to balance the city's current deficit is to increase the business tax on medical cannabis dispensaries from 1.12 percent to 1.8 percent, which is expected to bring in $330,000 in 2011.  

In comparison, the city imposes a 15 percent tax on firearm and ammunition dealers, a 15 percent tax on private rubbish haulers and a 10 percent tax on private sporting events. 

In the scenario that a medical cannabis dispensary attains non-profit status and becomes exempt from business tax, Cowan said it would be taxed on the basis of its square feet, just as large non-profits already are. 

Berkeley approves $60 M Parker Place development 

Developers Ali Kashani and Mark Rhoades of City Centric Investments have received the entitlements to their Parker Place project, the SF Business Times reported today. 

Developers of the mixed-use apartment project with 155units, a 188-spot parking garage and 1900 square feet of retail space at 2600 Shattuck Ave. promise to revitalize an otherwise underutilized part of the neighborhood, but like a lot of other building projects, this one has met with some criticism. 

Twenty percent of the rental units will be affordable housing which will help the developers get access to low income housing tax credits. 

Berkeley police warn of credit card fraud 

The Berkeley Police Department is asking the community to watch out for credit card thefts which they say have escalated over the last few months. 

Although the police did not point toward specific cases, they said the problem was probably part of a larger operation and urged caution. 

Berkeley music venue in trouble 

The SF Chronicle reports text that the all volunteer underground music venue 924 Gilman St. is in trouble because of a high rent increase starting July 1 which may push it out of its home. 

The staff at 924 Gilman is reaching out to the community to raise the extra $31,000 required annually to cover the rent expenses, scheduling concerts, donation drives and there are plans to apply for non-profit status to qualify for special funds. 

UC Berkeley students begin hunger strike to protest Arizona Illegal Immigration Law 

A group of UC Berkeley students began a hunger strike on campus Monday demanding that Chancellor Robert Birgeneau oppose Arizona's illegal immigration law, call off disciplinary action against the protesters occupying Wheeler Hall to protest budget cuts, bring back laid off janitors and turn the Berkeley campus into a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. 

Latinos student groups called the hunger strike at noon today and have planted themselves outside California Hall, which houses the offices of the university officials. 

Various student groups on campus have previously asked for the last three items on the list of demands on different occasions, but have so far met with no success. 

Arizona’s new get-tough immigration law has emboldened other state capitols to follow suit.  

Legislators in at least 10 states— Utah, Oklahoma, Colorado, Ohio, Missouri, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, and Maryland— have called for laws that would mirror Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070, according to the Progressive States Network and reporting by New America Media.  

First out of the gate to actually introduce a bill was South Carolina.  

Along with 20 co-sponsors, Rep. Eric Bedingfield, a Republican, introduced a bill April 29 that, like Arizona’s, requires law enforcement officials to check individuals’ immigration status.  

Some of the language in the South Carolina bill, which was posted on the legislature’s website, is virtually identical to the most controversial portion of the Arizona measure signed into law by Gov. Jan Brewer on April 23.  

The South Carolina bill reads: “When reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States, a reasonable attempt must be made, when practicable, to determine the immigration status of the person.”  

Civil rights advocates, like the Rev. Al Sharpton, blasted the same phrasing in the Arizona law as opening the door to ethnic profiling of Latinos and anyone else appearing foreign-born. Kevin R. Johnson, dean of the University of California, Davis School of Law, agrees the language is “very open-ended” and that some of the civil rights concerns over the Arizona law are warranted. But, he argues, successful legal challenges will likely focus on the far more clear-cut case that such laws usurp the federal government’s constitutionally granted supremacy over immigration.  

Even so, state capitals, county seats and city halls insist on trying to legislate immigration controls.  

In 2007, for example, Oklahoma passed a hard-line immigration law that, while not as tough as Arizona’s, imposed a set of controls on employers and made it a felony to harbor, shelter or transport undocumented immigrants.  

This year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit struck down a section of the Oklahoma law pertaining to penalties on employers. The court said the Oklahoma measure was pre-empted in that area by federal law.  

But that didn’t frighten Oklahoma legislators away from the immigration issue. They are now cobbling together proposals that would outdo even Arizona. Republican Rep. Randy Terrill has said a bill he’s authoring may go one step further and provide for the seizure and forfeiture of property of those caught in immigration violations. Latino communities in Oklahoma, who lived through panic and an exodus in the wake of the 2007 law, are bracing for a new crackdown, says Patricia Fennel, executive director of the Tulsa-based Latino Community Development Agency.  

“With the legislature we have now, if that [new] legislation was introduced tomorrow, I think it would pass easily,” says Fennel.  

The controversial Arizona law may be emboldening immigration hardliners.  

But as Oklahoma’s own experience shows, states’ efforts to curb illegal immigration—and criminalize it— pre-date Arizona’s new bill.  

But Arizona’s action seems to have spread the idea that state-level immigration laws can get tougher. Mississippi passed a bill in 2008 that made it a felony for an undocumented immigrant to solicit or accept work in the state. Now, Mississippi legislators are calling for the state to adopt Arizona’s tougher approach, according to Bill Chandler, executive director of the Mississippi Immigrant Rights Alliance. The handful of state legislators known for their frequent “ranting and raving” about illegal immigration “ramped it up since Arizona,” adds Chandler.  

In Missouri, a broad bill to crack down on illegal immigration was being considered in the legislature as Arizona debated and passed its law. The Missouri bill, the subject of hearings last week, would make it a felony to knowingly transport or harbor an undocumented immigrant. But now the bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Mark Parkinson, says he will go further and introduce legislation similar to Arizona’s next year.  

Utah is another state that has recently taken a hard tack on immigration. A Utah law, which went into effect last year, sought to prevent state employers from hiring undocumented immigrants and also made it illegal to harbor them. At the same time, undocumented immigrants are allowed in-state tuition in Utah schools, and the influential Mormon Church allows undocumented immigrants to be bishops.  

Now, Republican Rep. Stephen Sandstrom says he’s drafting a bill modeled on Arizona’s. "With Arizona making the first step in this direction, Utah needs to pass a similar law or we will see a huge influx of illegals,” he was quoted as saying in The Salt Lake Tribune.  

Despite the rash of calls for copycat legislation, it is likely an attitude of caution will prevail in many places, says Suman Raghunathan, who tracks immigration policy for the New York-based Progressive States Network, which works with progressive state legislators nationwide.  

In Texas, for example, some legislators have called for a local version of the Arizona law. But Gov. Rick Perry, a conservative Republican, has cautioned against doing that. So has the business community.  

States aren’t the only jurisdictions trying to craft their own immigration laws. Last year, Farmers Branch, a suburb of Dallas, Texas, passed an ordinance seeking to bar landlords from renting apartments to undocumented immigrants. That ordinance was struck down by the federal courts, as was a similar one passed a few years ago in Hazelton, Penn.  

However, states and localities will continue taking matters into their own hands until Congress enacts federal immigration reform. Congressional action seems at least possible this year after Senate Democrats’ release of an immigration reform blueprint last week.  

Immigrant advocates like to point out that both the backers and detractors of Arizona-style laws agree that the nation’s immigration system is broken. The question is when the U.S. Congress and White House will summon the resolve fix it.  

“The crisis in Arizona today only shows what happens when the federal government fails to do its job,” says Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum. 

A former letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service has been accused of trying to kill his former supervisor by ramming the victim with a car over the weekend. 

Tian Yu Lu, a 62-year-old San Francisco man, has been charged with premeditated attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly ramming his car into his 53-year-old former boss in the 900 block of Pierce Street in Albany shortly after 6 a.m. on Saturday, according to Alameda County Assistant District Attorney Marty Brown. 

The victim had fired Lu for poor performance last October and he was attacked as he was walking to his car to drive to work, Albany police Sgt. Dave Bettencourt said.  

Lu and the victim, whose name isn't being released, both worked at a post office in San Francisco, according to Bettencourt. He said Lu had worked for the Postal Service for 15 years before he was fired.  

Bettencourt said Lu had been waiting outside the victim's home and when he saw the victim he accelerated his car, pinning the victim between his car and the victim's car.  

However, the victim was able to slip away and run to safety on the far side of his car, according to Bettencourt.  

Lu fled the scene but officers found him near Golden Gate Fields a short time later and arrested him, Bettencourt said.  

The former letter carrier was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in addition to attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, but prosecutors chose not to charge him with driving under the influence. Brown said Lu could face life in prison if he's convicted of premeditated attempted murder.  

Bettencourt said the victim suffered a broken arm and cuts and bruises but was released from the hospital the same day as the incident. He is still recovering at home and hasn't returned to work yet, Bettencourt said.  

Lu, who is being held without bail at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, was arraigned earlier this week and is scheduled to return to Alameda County Superior Court on Friday to finalize his legal representation and possibly enter a plea. 

Jail records indicate that Lu also formerly worked for the San Francisco Unified School District. 

Albany police say that anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information about the case should call their investigations division at (510) 528-5786.  

A group of about 25 University of California at Berkeley students entered the second day of a hunger strike today asking the university to publicly oppose Arizona's new immigration law. 

Students are asking the university's chancellor to make a public statement against the state's new law, SB 1070, and hope to eventually be able to pressure UC administrators into boycotting the state, said Alejandro Lara-Briseno, a senior at UC Berkeley and a participant in the hunger strike. 

Hunger strikers are also asking school administration to drop disciplinary action against students who occupied Wheeler Hall in December and revise the university's student conduct code. Additionally, they are also asking the university to re-hire janitors who were laid off because of budget cuts. 

Hunger strikers and supporters are holding their protest in front of the school's administration building.  

A year ago today, on the night of May 4, 2009 at about 11:30, neighbors reported hearing gunfire in the 1300 block of 67th Street. Berkeley police officers found Maurice Robertson, 18, of Berkeley, dead from gunshot wounds in the backyard of a home there. 

This was Berkeley’s only unsolved murder in 2009. 

According to a recent press release from the Berkeley Police Department, his family is still devastated by their loss. Police Information Officer Jamie Perkins quotes his mother, Charlene Adams, saying, “It would really hurt my heart if I have to live the rest of my life without knowing what happened to my son”. 

Tonight, Tuesday, May 4, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the family will be holding a vigil in the rear yard of 1340 67th Street in memory of Maurice Robertson. 

BPD detectives want to speak with someone they consider “a person of interest” seen by witnesses near the crime scene before the shooting.  

Witnesses described him as a Black male, 16-19 years old, 5’8” to 5’10” in height, wearing an orange Northface-style windbreaker jacket. 

The City of Berkeley is offering a $15,000 reward and the Bay Area Crime Stoppers have offered an additional $2,000 reward, for information leading to the arrest and convictionof the suspect(s) responsible for Robertson’s murder. 

BPD Homicide Detectives urge anyone who has information regarding this case to come forward. Anyone with information can contact the BPD Homicide Detail at (510) 981-5741 or the BPD non-emergency line at (510) 981-5900. Callers can remain anonymous by calling the Bay Area Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). 

About 25 parents and other community members met at the Berkeley High School Library last Tuesday evening to present to the district board their ideas about what they are looking for in a high school principal.  

Superintendent Bill Huyett and Assistant Superintendent Lisa van Thillo outlined for those in attendance the selection process for choosing a principal. “High schools,” said Huyett, “are like little cities”: a principal must manage many systems and handle quite complex personnel and resource allocation issues.  

Huyett referred to a Rand study indicating that it is the principal of a school, along with highly qualified teachers and a coherent curriculum, who makes a school work well. Hence choosing an effective principal for Berkeley High is of crucial importance. Huyett said he appreciates community interest and input: “Good schools have engaged parents … parents push the school.” 

That input was amply forthcoming at the meeting. Here are some of the opinions voiced: 

There is at Berkeley High “competition for scarce resources. A strong principal would allocate resources equitably.” 

“Berkeley High is divided into small schools. There is strength in that, but we are really divided and quite parochial.” A principal needs to think about what is “good for the whole school.” We need “a genuine appreciation of diversity that is more than political.” 

A number of parents voiced their concern about the achievement gap at BHS between high-performing and underperforming students. Reducing this gap must be a priority for an incoming principal: “I don’t know why we have such a high gap. A principal must deal with diverse students in a diverse school district.” 

Several speakers said a new principal should pay more attention to safety issues at the school, and alluded to dangers their children have faced. One person said “I have found that school committees are cherry-picked. If you don’t agree, you are kicked out.”  

Another parent submitted that integrity and curiosity are key values that the school should foster. 

Huyett said that the deadline for new applications for the principal position has passed, and that there have been 45 applications. In May, the application process, involving perhaps a site visit to schools where applicants currently work, will proceed. Two panels will interview the applicants: a “technical” panel consisting of school staff, and a community panel consisting of representatives of community groups. Neil Smith will lead the technical panel, and Huyett will coordinate the community panel.  

In response to audience questions about how panelists will be chosen, Huyett said that “the Superintendent will look to see that we have diversity on our panels.” Lisa van Thillo will also be involved in this selection process. Some teachers have expressed a concern about teacher panelists being chosen in a fair way from the six small learning communities.  

Interviews of applicants by the panels will get underway this week. 

The thoughtful tenor of the meeting on Tuesday evening, in which a wide variety of views were voiced and considered, indicated a commitment to openness and dialogue. As Peggy Scott, parent representative to the school governing council, remarked: “Diversity is really about respecting everybody and appreciating their differences.” 

A defense attorney told jurors today that "it's been a long and demanding ride" for a man charged with murder for the stabbing death of University of California at Berkeley senior Christopher Wootton near campus two years ago today. 

In her closing argument in the trial of 22-year-old Andrew Hoeft-Edenfield, his attorney, Yolanda Huang, said she gets strength from him because of "what he's gone through and endured" since being arrested for the death of Wootton in the parking lot of a sorority house in the 2400 block of Warring Street at about 2:45 a.m. May 3, 2008. 

Pointing at Hoeft-Edenfield, Huang said he "maintains a faith that justice will be done" yet "sits there so powerless."  

Prosecutor Connie Campbell immediately objected to Huang's comments, prompting Alameda County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Horner to summon both attorneys in the lengthy and contentious trial to his chambers for a five-minute discussion away from jurors and the spectators who packed his courtroom. 

When Huang resumed her closing argument, she said, "Mr. Hoeft-Edenfield is calm and composed and remains positive in the hopes of justice."  

Huang said Hoeft-Edenfield should be found not guilty of murder charges for Wootton's death because "there's no evidence on when and how it happened" and "there's no evidence on how the stabbing took place." 

But Campbell said, "The evidence is very clear that the defendant (Hoeft-Edenfield) killed Christopher Wootton in cold blood."  

Campbell said the stabbing was "a very cold-blooded killing and the evidence overwhelmingly supports a verdict of murder." 

Wootton, 21, who was from Bellflower in Southern California, was only weeks away from graduating with honors in nuclear engineering when he was killed. He planned to continue studying nuclear engineering in graduate school at UC Berkeley, according to a statement issued by Chancellor Robert Birgeneau after the stabbing. Campbell said Wootton was "a thoughtful, intelligent man with great leadership skills and discipline and had a bright future."  

Campbell alleged that Hoeft-Edenfield presented himself as "a thug" and had anger management problems that prevented him from walking away from a drunken shouting match that developed when Hoeft-Edenfield and a group of his friends encountered Wootton and a group of his friends on a street near campus.  

Huang told jurors in her opening statement on March 16 that Hoeft-Edenfield, who worked at Jamba Juice in Berkeley and attended Berkeley City College, "doesn't have a malicious bone in his body" and acted in self-defense after he was "outnumbered, surrounded, kicked and stomped" by Wootton and a large group of Wootton's friends. But Campbell said today that testimony by Hoeft-Edenfield's former teachers and others provided "overwhelming evidence that he's a violent, explosive person with anger management problems his whole life." 

Campbell said Hoeft-Edenfield's anger management issues were evident in his "unwillingness to walk away from a verbal argument and in his decision to reach into his pocket and pull out a knife" in the confrontation in which Wootton was fatally stabbed. 

"You can't bring a deadly weapon to a fistfight and claim it was self-defense," Campbell said. 

She said Hoeft-Edenfield "expressed his intent to kill" by threatening Wootton and his friends by asking them, "Who wants to be stabbed?" and "Who wants to fucking die?"  

Campbell said Hoeft-Edenfield's actions after the stabbing also refute Huang's contention that he acted in self-defense. 

The prosecutor said Hoeft-Edenfield threw his knife into some bushes, although it was recovered the next day, tried to wash his clothes immediately afterward and didn't call police to report that he had acted because he feared for his life.  

Jurors will begin deliberating Hoeft-Edenfield's fate late Tuesday after Huang and Campbell finish their closing arguments.

Today we have an excellent reader commentary from an environmental scientist explaining, once more with feeling, why AC Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit boondoggle will do absolutely nothing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contrary to the claims of some local pols. To that can be added what’s even more pathetic: It won’t do anything to improve public transit either. 

To discuss that question, all of us who have ever tried to use public transit to reach a new destination should mentally review the trip, and what went wrong, because inevitably plenty did. I’m not talking about taking the same bus or BART train every day to commute to the same job site—that often works, if you’re lucky enough to live and work in the right places. But for anything except regular commuting for the favored few, it’s a crap shoot. 

A friend visiting the Bay Area for a few months is trying to support herself by cleaning out houses for people who are moving—a good gig, one which she’s good at, which takes her all over the place. And she’s also trying to get along without a car, a noble endeavor for sure. Besides that, she’s incredibly energetic and fit, able to walk many blocks or even miles if necessary to make the right connections. But oh, her tales of woe! 

For a job in El Sobrante, for example, she has to connect in Orinda between a BART train and an AC transit bus, and if one or the other is off schedule—and there’s no way to find out—the better part of an hour is added to her journey. And getting to the Oakland Hills? Don’t ask. 

Each of the many, many transit agencies which “serve” the Bay Area has its own payment scheme, too. Keeping track of the various fares, and which ones require exact change, is a job in itself.  

But it doesn’t have to be that way. In London last summer we bought “oyster cards”, electronic marvels which could just be waved in the general direction of a device on all buses and trains, and the appropriate amount was automatically deducted from a prepayment. Seattle has them—why don’t we? 

Then there’s the simple trip to downtown Berkeley. As AC gears up for mega-bus monstrosities, it’s surreptitiously cutting back on local routes. There’s always been a much appreciated bus stop right in front of my house, for various lines that over the years travelled different routes, but always went through the downtown, and now it’s gone, vanished.  

Just in time for my old age, I need to walk six more blocks to catch a bus downtown. I’m lucky to be mobile now, but no one can count on that forever. 

The idea is that customers would surely be willing to walk a few more blocks in returned for catching a big bus that could complete its route a few minutes faster. Wrong! The total travel time is what matters, not to mention the exertion required if the bus passenger happens to be aged or otherwise infirm.  

My favorite moment in the hearings on the BRT EIR (one more time, Bus Rapid Transit Environmental Impact Report) hearing before the Berkeley City Council was when someone asked how many miles per gallon those big diesel double-long buses get. AC’s expert somehow just didn’t have the data on that at his fingertips when asked. Later an audience member came up with the answer: 3. That’s right, THREE miles per gallon. It might even be all right if those buses were full of people, but when they’re transporting one or two, as they most frequently are, it’s disgraceful. 

Another favorite hearing vignette was Councilmember Susan Wengraf’s parsing of a report she’d read about how AC transit service could be improved. She pointed out that one of the suggestions for on-time scheduling was that the buses should really leave their barns on time at the beginning of their route. Well, yes, that would be a good start. Perhaps if buses ran on time more people would want to use them. 

Doesn’t someone have the smarts to come up with six passenger electric cars which could run regular shuttle routes? No, that’s too easy, and wouldn’t create any revenue for the construction industry, anxious as ever to feed at the public trough at every opportunity. 

And while we’re on the subject of construction opportunities, it’s widely believed that one motivation for BRT backers is that it will create “transit hubs” near which it will be possible to override local zoning in the interest of adding density, per a state law backed by Mayor Bates when he was in the Assembly. The actual effect of that law hasn’t yet been litigated, as far as I can determine, but the fears expressed seem plausible on the surface at least. 

In many ways, public transit in the Bay Area is too easy a target, a sitting duck for potshots from every direction. My favorite sustainability guru, David JC MacKay of Cambridge University, is still bullish on transit if it’s done right. In his marvelous book Sustainable Energy—without the hot air he sums it up in a big diagram on page 128 of the energy requirements of different forms of passenger transport.  

Bottom line? “The race is over, and I’ve announced two winners—public transport and electric vehicles,” he says. But that’s when transport is done right, so that people want to use it. Every proposal has to be evaluated on a per-passenger-mile basis. To get Californians out of their personal vehicles won’t be easy, and the “if we build it they will come” cargo-cult planning at AC transit can’t do the job.  

Electric cars, on the other hand, might be no more than 20 years away. MacKay says “Hurray! To achieve economical transport, we don’t have to huddle together in public transport—we can still hurtle around, enjoying all the pleasures and freedoms of solo travel, thanks to electric vehicles.” For the sake of California and the world, I hope he’s right. 

The email from the Tikkun organization which the Planet received yesterday with the news that vandals had pasted up threatening messages at the home of founder Rabbi Michael Lerner said this: “The police say that this is not a "hate crime" because the attackers were not attacking Rabbi Lerner for his religion, but for his politics.” With all due respect, the police have it exactly backwards. It’s his religion, not just his politics, that infuriates the crazies. 

What the good people at Tikkun have been trying to do is to persuade religious people of all denominations to live up to their religious aspirations. This, of course, is asking for trouble.  

Peter Maurin, the original ideologue of the radical Catholic Worker movement (which is still alive and well and living in Berkeley) spoke of “blowing the dynamite of the Church.” All religions, especially but not exclusively the prophetic ones which sprang from the deserts of the Middle East, have at their core revolutionary injunctions to pursue virtue by living in dramatically counter-intuitive ways.  

Sell all our possessions and give the proceeds to the poor? Live peaceably with one another? You’ve got to be kidding! 

Lerner and his colleagues at Tikkun are attempting to document and strengthen the best aspects of the religious impulse with what they call the Network of Spiritual Progressives. The magazine (both print and online) has contributions from all kinds of people from all sorts of backgrounds.  

From its statement of core principles: “Tikkun Magazine was started as ‘the liberal and progressives alternative to the voices of Jewish conservatism and the neo-cons’ but it has become much more—a voice for a spiritual politics of meaning, and while it maintains its strong position as the most widely read and respected explicitly progressive Jewish magazine in the world, it also is a place where you can read some of the most creative Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist spiritual progressives as we together think out how to apply a spiritual progressive consciousness to the realities of the contemporary 21st century world.” The common thread is the idea that “people want their lives to have some higher meaning and purpose than simply accumulating money, power, sexual gratification and fame-they want their lives to be connected to something about which they can feel that it has transcendent value.”  

But Tikkun doesn’t duck controversy in the name of some amorphous view of spirituality. A provocative sample, an article in the May-June issue: Are Israeli Policies Entrenching Anti-Semitism Worldwide? It’s a really excellent exploration of what the writer thinks has gone wrong in his beloved country, and the consequences. 

In the last few months an explosion of shocking incidents and revelations has prompted people from all religious backgrounds to question the traditions in which they grew up. A Catholic friend, an academic by training, is working on a serious letter to the Pope explaining exactly what he must do to extricate the church from the sexual scandals of the last 20 years—good luck. Many Jews around the world and even in Berkeley have become critical of events in Israel/Palestine, saying that religion is being used as the excuse for actions which they believe are contrary to their traditional moral values. In this issue we have a commentary from a local resident raised in the Islamic tradition speculating about why the peaceful and intellectual community of his childhood has been displaced by militancy and violence. 

The problem is that religion is a two-edged sword. For every Dorothy Day there’s a Father Coughlin, for every Richard Goldstone a Benjamin Netanyahu, for every Desmond Tutu a Jerry Falwell. Moral certainty too often translates into intolerance of differing concepts of morality or of those who practice a different religion.  

Seeing this, many of us are inclined to dump the whole thing: baby, bathwater and all. Many if not most of us around here are at least post-religious if not anti-religious. And yet more often than not it’s the still-religious who keep speaking up when needed for the homeless and the undocumented in our midst. Father Bill O’Donnell still lives in the memory of everyone whose cause he championed. If it wasn’t for the U-Us (Unitarian-Universalists) and their endless forums many serious problems would never be noticed, let alone corrected.  

And even the self-described non-religious citizens among us covertly adhere to the best principles of their birth religions. Many proprietors of small local groceries who were raised as Muslims sell the forbidden beer and wine out the front door, but they feed hungry poor folks out the back door consistent with their tradition. Proudly secular Jews still insist on trying to achieve justice in the world in the spirit of Tikkun olam, a Hebrew phrase that means "repairing the world" which is the inspiration for the magazine title. 

So it’s a mistake to say that the misguided idiots who vandalized Rabbi Lerner’s home didn’t commit a hate crime, where a hate crime (admittedly a slippery concept) is defined as one with motivation prompted by religious prejudice among other categories. It’s exactly Michael Lerner’s dogged insistence that religion should mean what it says that infuriates a few wicked people who like to wrap themselves in the cloak of religion to disguise their bad behavior. This vicious intolerance, this kind of hate, should have no place in Berkeley. 

Anyone who's worried about BP's seeming lock on a lot of space and people here in Berkeley had better read this :"...from my investigation, BP has figured out a very low-cost way to prepare for this task: BP lies. BP prevaricates, BP fabricates and BP obfuscates. That's because responding to a spill may be easy and simple, but not at all cheap. And BP is cheap. Deadly cheap." 

That's from an article Slick Operator: The BP I've Known Too Well by well-known muckraker Greg Palast on today's Truthout website. He links BP's involvement with the Valdez oil spill with the current mess they've made off the Lousiana coast. Those of us in Berkeley had better worry even more than we have already about their planned incursions into downtown Berkeley and the hills and canyons east of the UC Berkeley campus.  

By the way, one of BP's main men at UC Berkeley is now Secretary of Energy. Seems to me like that could be a problem too. 

And of course Richard Brenneman has been on BP's case for a long time... 

*** 

Deer attacks Thousand Oaks woman --and her two dogs, of course. Deer and dogs don't mix. My environmental consultant says that if it is a male deer with antlers in the mating season, a completely unprovoked attack is possible though not likely. The best course of action is to shout and wave to scare the deer away--oh, and call off the dogs.  

*** 

Is it now legal to tear down a dwelling before building plans for its replacement have been approved, as this squib in the Chronicle's business section on the ever-irritating McMansion planned for 2707 Rose claims? I thought the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance barred that. But this particular applicant may be more equal than others similarly situated. 

Anyone who's worried about BP's seeming lock on a lot of space and people here in Berkeley had better read this :"...from my investigation, BP has figured out a very low-cost way to prepare for this task: BP lies. BP prevaricates, BP fabricates and BP obfuscates. That's because responding to a spill may be easy and simple, but not at all cheap. And BP is cheap. Deadly cheap." 

That's from an article Slick Operator: The BP I've Known Too Well by well-known muckraker Greg Palast on today's Truthout website. He links BP's involvement with the Valdez oil spill with the current mess they've made off the Lousiana coast. Those of us in Berkeley had better worry even more than we have already about their planned incursions into downtown Berkeley and the hills and canyons east of the UC Berkeley campus.  

By the way, one of BP's main men at UC Berkeley is now Secretary of Energy. Seems to me like that could be a problem too. 

And of course Richard Brenneman has been on BP's case for a long time...

In Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari, if you click on an image, it will be magnified. This no longer works in the latest Internet Explorer.

In Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari, if you click on an image, it will be magnified. This no longer works in the latest Internet Explorer.

In Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari, if you click on an image, it will be magnified. This no longer works in the latest Internet Explorer.

Mother's Day really was in its origin an antiwar day, an antiwar statement. Julia Ward Howe was sickened by what had happened during the Civil War, the loss of life, the carnage, and she created Mother's Day as a call for women all over the world to come together and create ways of protesting war, of making a kind of alternate government that could finally do away with war as an acceptable way of solving conflict. Countries used to go to war just for pride over some incident because they were offended or one king made a bad remark about another king. 

But in modern years, recent years, they go to war for commercial reasons, they're trade wars. Nearly every one of America's wars were for some kind of trade advantage or money or for territory-which of course were always fought under different excuses, even as far back as the Civil War. Before every war, there's a long period of mental conditioning and psychological preparation. You never saw how self-righteous nations can get just before a war! So righteous and so convinced that they are right and the other fellow's the criminal, the devil who needs to be conquered! "FROM WHENCE COME WARS?" 

Ted Rudow III,MA 

*** 

After months of negotiating with Chevron under the facilitation of Oakland mediator Randy Wulff, of Wulff, Quinby & Sochynsky, the City of Richmond negotiating team struck a proposed deal regarding taxation at about 6:30 PM yesterday (Thursday) evening. The details will be reduced to writing, made public today and agendized for the City Council to publicly debate and consider at a special meeting on May 11. 

The negotiating team included City Manager Bill Lindsay, Finance Director Jim Goins, City Attorney Randy Riddle and City Councilmembers Jim Rogers, Jeff Ritterman and me. We were acting under instructions provided by the entire City Council on May 4. 

The underlying foundation of the proposed 15-year agreement is to provide a long term level of certainty for both Chevron and the City. The City’s objective was to both substantially increase revenue from Chevron and be assured that Chevron would not attempt to reduce it such as it has done with the Chevron-sponsored ballot measure for which it has been collecting signatures. 

For Chevron’s part, it wanted assurances that the City would not continue to mount or support ballot measures to raise Chevron’s taxes, such as with Measure T or the measure to remove the cap that the City Council has placed n the November 2010 ballot. 

See the story in Thursday’s Wall Street Journal that describes the dueling ballot measures that would be withdrawn under the proposed settlement. 

I’m glad I participated in the exercise, which was about as unpleasant as anything I can recall. I frankly wanted to gag when it was all over, but I believe the resolution is the best thing for the City. 

Tom Butt 

City Councilmember, Richmond 

*** 

Dirty Oil Measure on California Ballot  

As a resident of Berkeley, I am disgusted and saddened that Texas oil giants have succeeded in placing a dirty energy measure on our state ballot. 

The tragedy unfolding in the Gulf makes it clearer than ever just how costly our dangerous addiction to dirty fossil fuels really is. 

Clean energy has been a bright spot in the economy and this deceptive initiative will kill investments and jobs. Not to mention that our dirty air is killing us – the nation’s 10 smoggiest counties are all in California. 

Following this Gulf oil spill disaster, does California really want to let Texas oil companies gut our clean energy and clean air laws? 

Tom Tomkinson 

*** 

Boxer’s Support of Berkeley Ferry Project is Disappointing 

I was disappointed to learn recently that Barbara Boxer is requesting a $2.5 million earmark to begin construction of a Berkeley to SF ferry system. Once again big money talks. This ferry proposal is a boondoggle that will only benefit the wealthy at great taxpayer expense. More importantly, this unnecessary amenity will continue to degrade the environmental and aesthetic quality of the Berkeley shoreline. Backers of the ferry project are trying to convince people that a ferry system is necessary for earthquake preparedness and will facilitate travel to the city. In a very limited sense this may be true. But the project cannot be justified on the basis of cost effectiveness or overall effectiveness in addressing these concerns. Backers ignore the fact that the Oakland ferry system is hemorrhaging financially and requires constant infusion of public monies. We're talking about money that could otherwise support health care, education, and keeping violent criminals behind bars. It's a shame this misguided and unneeded project can't just die a dignified death but it's such a convenient vehicle for designers, consultants, contractors, and politicians to sup at the public trough. 

David Daniels 

Berkeley 

Shortly before the November 2008 election, I received in the mail a glossy flyer with a picture of a polar bear, which said “We can’t afford to wait…” The flyer argued that we must implement transit projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to save the polar bear, and that we should oppose a citizen initiative (Measure KK) to require voter approval of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along Telegraph Avenue. My interest was piqued, and I began to follow the debate about the proposal for BRT with interest. As one trained to evaluate scientific claims, I was intrigued. The scientific question (with obvious policy implications) is whether building the proposed BRT down Telegraph Avenue will result in less greenhouse gas emissions than the current situation. But who paid for this slick flyer, and what scientific basis underlay the claim that pouring concrete islands in the middle of Telegraph Avenue was likely to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?  

To evaluate whether building the proposed BRT will actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions requires that we look closely at what the BRT would accomplish with what impacts. The basic argument in favor of the Berkeley BRT is that by building the BRT, people will use the bus instead of their cars.  

Last week, the Berkeley City Council held a public meeting at Longfellow School auditorium, at which dozens of residents expressed their views. It was fascinating to watch the process, to hear the diverse viewpoints, to see some of the passion about this issue (on both sides). Most of the opponents who showed up were Telegraph Ave merchants and street vendors. Many of the pro-BRT speakers made convincing cases for the need to increase transit ridership, but did not make the link between transit benefits more generally and the specific BRT proposed for Telegraph Avenue. The construction trades were in favor of the project. Interestingly, the most effective anti-BRT speakers simply quoted from the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the project. The DEIR concluded that the proposed BRT might increase net transit ridership by about 10 thousand over the no-project 660 thousand trips/day, or only about 1.5% (DEIR, p.3-28), much less than observed in other cities where BRT has been implemented under very different circumstances. The DEIR analysis projected emissions of gases and particulates CO, ROG, NOx, SOx, PM10, and PM2.5 (proxies for greenhouse gases) would decrease only 0.03 percent. The DEIR (p.4-152) also concluded that building the BRT would results in essentially the same gasoline and diesel use, and thus that “The energy impacts of the Build Alternatives as compared to the No-Build Alternative would be negligible.” 

I spoke to the Council to point out that the proposed BRT for Telegraph Avenue would be unlike the successful systems in Latin American cities like Bogota, Quito, and Curitiba, which have: 1. large populations of poor people who don’t own cars, and who need to travel from population centers to industrial/commercial centers, and 2. ‘grade separation’ from traffic – buses have their own lanes and cross over intersections on overpasses. In the San Francisco Bay region, we have over 800 cars per 1000 households compared to around 100 in Latin American cities, so people here have more options and thus would not automatically ride BRT if available. Moreover, the natural market for BRT is already served by BART and AC express buses. The proposed line in Berkeley and Oakland would follow Telegraph Avenue and International Boulevard down to San Leandro, essentially duplicating (and poaching passengers from) the BART Fremont line. Because the Telegraph Avenue line would not have grade separation at intersections, its travel times will be similar to existing buses, so it’s not obvious why it would attract new riders not already using AC express buses or BART.  

The proposed Berkeley BRT would involve massive concrete islands down the middle of Telegraph Avenue, eliminating two lanes of traffic. The snarled traffic resulting from choking down a major traffic artery would produce its own greenhouse gas emissions, and BRT would be an enormous construction project, which in itself would produce massive greenhouse gas emissions.  

So back to the question: where did the polar bear flyer come from? It turns out that $75 million may be available from the Federal Transit Administration to AC Transit if AC Transit builds a project with a dedicated bus lane. The proposed BRT represents an attempt to qualify for those funds. That’s why a spokesman for the construction trade unions showed up at Longfellow School to support the BRT proposal, citing the economic benefits of the construction project. I am certainly not opposed to seeing $75 million in federal funds flow into Oakland and Berkeley, but as a scientist I would much prefer to see the question posed thusly: honestly recognizing that we are helping AC Transit get this “free” federal money, but in return we must accept massive concrete islands in the middle of Telegraph Avenue. Pity that such federal largesse could not be used to support a project that would actually benefit the environment. And fascinating to see that the “party line” among the ecologically correct has become to support BRT, despite the inherent weakness of this BRT proposal.  

To really reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we need to get people out of their single-person cars and into mass transit. It’s not likely that the BRT proposed for Berkeley would accomplish this. One need look no farther than the project’s DEIR to see the weakness of the proposed project. The main benefit appears to be a short-term shot to the local economy from some federal funds, but in the long run the environmental impact is likely to be negative. To claim, as the polar-bear flyer did, that the proposed BRT on Telegraph Avenue of Berkeley and Oakland will reduce greenhouse gas emissions is quite a stretch, and certainly unjustified scientifically.  

Matt Kondolf has been a Berkeley resident for two decades. As Professor of Environmental Planning and co-director of the Environmental Sciences Program at UC Berkeley, he teaches environmental sciences, hydrology, river restoration, and environmental planning. He has served on expert panels for governmental agencies in the US and abroad, including the National Academy of Sciences, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the California Bay-Delta Program, and the Mekong River Commission, and has presented expert testimony before committees of the US Congress and the California State Legislature. His views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the University of California. 

Addendum from Robert Lauriston: 

In his "Of Polar Bears and Concrete Islands in Telegraph Avenue" article (May 7), Matt Kondolf raises but fails to answer the question, who paid for the slick "We can’t afford to wait" flyer distributed in 2008? Looking at the campaign statements filed by the Coalition for Effective Government, the major contributors to its $40,000 campaign against measure KK were: 

$20,000: Committee to Safeguard AC Transit Measure VV 

$5,000: Cambridge Systematics, Cambridge, MA 

$5,000: AC Transit AFSCME Local 3916 

$3,000: Kimberly-Horn and Associates, Inc. 

$2,397.79: Hank Resnik 

Hank Resnik is a pro-bicycle / anti-car activist who was one of the main leaders of the no-on-KK campaign. 

Kimberly-Horn and Cambridge Systematics are a consulting firms that have done work for AC Transit on BRT, so they were acting in their direct self-interest. 

Presumably the union thought BRT would be good for its members. 

The Committee to Safeguard AC Transit Measure VV is funded by ABC Companies, the US distributor of the imported Belgian Van Hool buses to which AC Transit has a mysterious addiction. 

Recent headlines: “Berkeley Tackles $14.6 Million Budget Deficit”. Some may recall that ten months ago Mayor Bates was featured, in color, front page-and-center, in the Berkeley Voice, saying “The Future is Rosy for Berkeley.” Now “Rosy-the-Rivet-You” sings a different Looney-Tune. What a difference a year makes!  

While Bates was patting himself and his cohort city manager on the back a number of Berkeley residents had reservations. One didn’t need to be a rocket scientist. One only needed to follow non-stop coverage in national and local media regarding the financial crisis rocking the country, the state and neighboring communities.  

In July 2009, a coalition of 150+ Berkeley residents directed a petition to Mayor Bates and council. The petition urged directing the city manager to explore pro-active measures to modestly reduce the cost to the City Treasury of our 1600 + public employees by 12%, or approximately $25 million. Already most other municipalities had fashioned and begun implementing strategies to contain these tax-payer funded, pandemic costs.  

Petition endorsers were rebuffed by the mayor and largely ignored by council members. Had the Mayor and Council acted on citizens’ advice the $14.6 million budget deficit that is now a “fait accompli” would not exist. 

In January 2010, a letter to the mayor and council reminded that the public expected a report on the real budget problem, the outlays and unfunded liabilities for city employees. The letter implored council (1) to authorize an independent audit of the City’s short and long-term obligations, (2) to make this information available to the public, and (3) to hire a professional labor negotiator in lieu of relying on the city manager, to deal with the Police/Fire Department contracts that are before the City in May 2010.  

Fast-forward to May 2010. Mr. Kamlarz, the City Manager, announced Berkeley’s budget shortfall and will present a two-year rescue blueprint for the city. From released plan outlines it appears he will again recommend increased taxes and to further reduce city services. These so-called fixes target taxpayers and programs taxpayers overwhelmingly support, such as Senior Centers, Public Health Clinics, the Animal Shelter, and swimming pools, to mention a few. It does nothing to broach the subject or propose remedies for the financial stranglehold that he, and his fellow city employees have on the city, nor the detriment this stranglehold has on the programs most citizens endorse.  

This strategy from Mr. Kamlarz is understandable. For years he has been Berkeley’s budget architect. In that capacity he has engineered benefits for city employees that far exceed anything comparable in any public or private sector. And he is personally the biggest beneficiary of Berkeley’s largesse. Indeed, he is the poster-child for how public servants profiteer.  

Consider the 04/05/2009 article in the Contra Costa Times by Daniel Borenstein: “If you want an example of public employee pensions mushrooming out of control, consider the case of Berkeley City Manager Phil Kamlarz … he is now set up to earn more each year in retirement than the governor of California is entitled to annually while on the job.”  

What is less understandable is why the mayor and eight elected city council members blindly follow the city manager’s lead or why they refuse to exercise a modicum of oversight or to direct public policy. Is it too much to ask that council serve the best interests of the city, rather than those of city employees?  

An article, “Class War: How Public Servants Became Our Masters”, Feb 2010, explains: 

“Although Americans may have a vague sense that the nation has run up a great deal of debt, the public employee benefit problem is not well known. The wave of benefit promises is poised to wash away state and local government budgets and large portions of the incomes of most Americans. Most of these benefits are vested, meaning that they have the standing of a legal contract”.

The article goes on to say: 

“Local governments may have to triple their annual pension contributions during the next six years. That money will come from taxpayers such that they will have to work longer, retire later, and pay more so that their public-employee neighbors can enjoy the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed.”

Consider a few basic facts: 

(1) A monumental 78% of Berkeley’s current budget is consecrated to our “public employees”. This % will rise significantly in 2011 and beyond when unfunded debt to city employee pension and “Cadillac” health plans becomes due. 

(2) Berkeley has a population of about 105,000 people; it has a disproportionate 1,600 + city employees, many of whom are not Berkeley residents, including City Manager Mr. Kamlarz, a city employee for 35 years who continues to reside in Oakland. 

(3) The SF Chronicle reports: City employees receive about $128,000 in salary and benefit packages while the average taxpayer who funds them draws on only $82,000. USAToday reports: Salaries for 80% of public employee positions exceed comparable salaries in the private sector.  

(4) The State, UC, UCSF, EBMUD, BART, and municipalities, including LA, SF, San Jose and Oakland, have conducted independent audits to assess short and long-term liabilities. These assessments have informed civic leaders and the public such that “action plans” have been developed. For example, theSF Chronicle reports “Charter amendment would revamp S.F. pensions”, “City employees fired and then (mostly) rehired” and “Cal seen as bloated, wasteful, and sluggish; simplified purchases, layoffs recommended”.  

(5) Mayor Bates and council stubbornly continue to rely on the skewed and selective reporting of the city manager to appreciate the city’s long-term debt and liabilities, and entirely on him to craft the budget.  

This question goes begging: In Berkeley, do public employees exist to serve the public or does the public exist to serve employees? Our city governance appears to support wholeheartedly the latter.  

It seems the wolves, in politically-crafted sheep clothing, have taken over the hen-house. They feather their lairs while robbing the cluckers (make that “suckers”) of their small nest-eggs. And yes, as you can gather, I am an unhappy hen!  

To learn more see links:  

(1) articles by Daniel Borenstein in the Contra Costa Times  

(2) reason.com  

(3) Berkeley employee salaries  

(4) Information on state-wide municipality pension plans 

Victoria Peirotes is a Berkeley resident. 

If we take the BP oil slick, now 23000 gallons a day (May 3, 2010), floating disaster into the gulf of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas onto Florida and then into the Atlantic Ocean as the greatest, the biggest, the primo example of how oil companies are killing the ecological resources, the breeding grounds fly-ways of birds and aquatic life; and make a connection by adding a report from the US Disease Control Agency, revealing that cigarette smoking, (still!) junk food and sedentary life are now causing obesity and diabetes thus increasing heart disease in 50 percent of the adult population (Chron., Disease Control April 27, 10: A8), then we could predict, with qualifying evidence and substantial data, based upon third party research of Government agencies and official news of the established press, that these ruinous events might well weaken the courage and resources of the US economy, the society, the military and the Empire. 

As the old line Communists used to say about capitalism: “The internal contradictions will bring it down." 

Well those days are gone, however the ever-increasing internal contradictions with Nature are with us, as the expansion of the Empire requires more and more resources, despite the destruction visited upon the earth.  

The oil slicks, visited on other countries, have come home to float. "A stitch in time saves nine" hasn't worked." I told you so" is an unworthy statement, "Prevention is worth a pound of cure" is not learned—the 500K safety valve that BP was supposed to put on either didn’t work or was not put on. Halliburton is in the mix (once again) and BP with $680 billion assets said it will pay the costs in billions, while the ecology of the gulf of Louisiana will be crushed for 20 years. The Exxon-Valdez spill affecting the coastline of Alaska took 20 years to rehab.  

Two days after the oil break, Obama said he would continue drilling; now he might not advocate it. His speechwriters caught up with nature. Isn't that a relief and how bizarre while destroying whole ecological areas the speechmakers and officials can't see the dead ecozones for their own corporate donors.  

Ecology matters? Not important to oil moguls or elected officials. However this horrific disaster might be a good thing, since it will re-frame off-shore drilling in the short run, and the downside of expanding oil exploration and exploitation, while it might bleed over to the disasters within the crisis ridden capitalist system. The Empire has now allowed the original Anglo-Persian Oil Company (BP) [Iran, Mossadegh, UK, CIA] to spoil the waters and natural habitats not in Nigeria, Venezuela, Indonesia and elsewhere but in the home waters of the exceptional nation.  

With achievements such as two hot wars, and a few cooler ones in smaller countries, a failing economy with trillions to the banks and brokers and less to the workers plus a population that is sickly and likely to go to hospitals with expensive insurance programs should make for a weakening of the Empire. Maybe. 

Eventually one too many contradictions will cause the juggernaut to sneeze-- the beginning of a cold. If the energy corporations (capitalists as they used to say) have avoided essential regulations (not enforced) as in coal mines or oil rigs and the corporations can get away with paying fines while not fixing anything but when a disaster erupts—explosion in the mines, explosion in an oil rig, 49 dead workers in West Virginia and 11 dead in the Gulf, while the US commercial media likes to focus on the Chinese dead in coal mines. Now what? A Greek general strike? Get out the Trotsky signs!! 

BP, British Petroleum, the Greenest of all the Green-Washing oil corporations—what was their slogan a month ago? We are the Greenest of all Green? Well now they are the most destructive of all the destructive corporations, and off shore drilling will be slowed, or will Obama and his oil friends continue destroying local ecological areas as well? If so then we can hope—I use that word again—hope the US Empire takes a good kick in the under-structure so that it begins imploding.  

In the old days the orthodox (Stalinist) Communists said: "the contradictions in capitalism will bring it down- it will collapse under the weight of its own contradictions." The New Left said you’re kidding—you will wait a long time. They have ways of manipulating, avoiding, and continuing on. The Maoist said, "A Mountain will fall if you push it.” Now, it might be that the old Communists were correct, because of the destruction of the resources (predicted by James O'Connor), with the destruction of ecological areas for fish, birds, wildlife, food, people’s occupations, vegetation, vacation lands, industry and so on. It is not exactly what the old Communists thought of, but it will do. 

We can hear right wing religious leaders muttering: "God’s work. Sinful country, the Banks, Wall Street, now the Gulf and the Wildlife" They too may be correct. Well, what is the cause, is it capitalism or sin?  

[Editor’s Note: what’s the difference?] 

AC Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit Environmental Review Process 

What a corruption of NEPA and CEQA! Folks, that's how the process is supposed to work, you start with the draft and if out of it comes citizen formulation of new alternatives, you assess and include them in the final. How expressive of a most unimaginative and unconstructive misuse of the law, frustrating rather than promoting effective public participation. 

Antonio Rossmann 

Lecturer in Land Use and Water Resources Law at Boalt.(Berkeley Law School). 

*** 

2701 Shattuck Condo Site  

The sliver of open land at 2701 Shattuck Avenue, next to U.C. Storage building, has seen condo proposals come and go since Rev. Gordon Choyce, pastor of the Missionary Church of God in Christ, bought the property for $1.475 in 2004. A couple condo plans got the neighborhood’s thumbs-up; a couple plans got thumbs-down. Obviously the thumbs-up projects never got built. It seems that only "the ugly" (i.e., five stories, little or no parking, a “string-bean” of commercial space on the ground floor) will eventually get built because the space is small, but the demographics of the region make such a building economically feasible. Last year (2009) saw approximately 400,000 new residents in California (about 20,000 in Alameda County). Most of the growth came from immigration and the higher birth rate among immigrants who, unfortunately, cannot easily afford to purchase or rent traditional Berkeley housing. Increased population means increased pressure on resources, and Berkeley should bear its fair share. This type of project will happen, if not at 2701 Shattuck, them somewhere else, with density-bonus and other variances granted by the City that can double the size of a building without such permits. 

Robert Gable 

*** 

Don't Drop Your Guard on BRT 

Tricks and games! 

Let me get this straight: we had a city council meeting where the #1 item was scheduled last and was never addressed, followed by a far-flung, late-night, meeting with single-item agenda. A cynical way of looking at it might lead me to say the first was to assess our numbers and watch our strategies, never intending to table BRT at all. The second might be a way to deter attendance, isolate us and hope they can mow us down somehow. I think your dedication has forced them to at least give the appearance of fighting BRT, and that's nothing to sniff at. 

But don't think this is over. There's $15 million that says ACT's going to try and get their teeth as deeply into Telegraph and Temescal as they can. Don't stop now. Prepare to double your effort for the next round. Gear up just like you know it’s coming and, if it doesn't and it all goes well, stow away your picket signs and rat costumes for next time. 

Johnny Allen Shaw 

*** 

Stopping Leaks 

Let's pray we have the technology and political will to cap this massive oil leak. But we do have the technology to implement a truly clean energy economy and to lead the planet into doing so, 

Now it's time to amass the political will... 

David Weinstein 

*** 

No BRT in Berkeley 

If the issues weren't so important to Berkeley I could,once again, really get a good belly laugh out of Becky O'Malley's editorial on Bus Rapid Transit last week. The title was; Berkeley Council Rejects "Full Build" BRT..... You would have thought that a "majority" of the council was against "studying" how a bus rapid transit system would effect Berkeley, that a "majority" of the city council took a "head in the sand" position by rejecting a proposition to "study" BRT, therefore dooming this "possibly" positive addition to public transportation in Berkeley for the foreseeable future. 

However, nothing could be further from the truth. Only two members of the Berkeley City Council voted against this study, a resounding rejection by the council, according to O'Malley. With eight council members present at the meeting five votes were needed to pass a resolution to "study" BRT, not adopted BRT, but to "study" how this innovative public transportation option would effect Berkeley. 

The only grain of truth in O'Malley's editorial was that the council had four members voting yes ( 50% present at the meeting) and 2 members voting no. The other two members could not make up their minds one way or the other and abstained, and the motion to study was defeated by not having the 5th vote in favor. 

A real "rejection" by our city leaders; not in my opinion, but a real plus for O'Malley, the Berkeley Daily Planet and the party of NO in Berkeley. 

Terry Doran 

Proponents of bus rapid transit (BRT) have often engaged in a form of propaganda known as 'Lying by omission'--omitting important facts to deliberately leave someone with a misconception. It is common in our history textbooks, and on Fox News. 

Some BRT facts you may not know: BRT poster city, Bogota, has toxic air pollution (prompting a Tucson-based bicycle advocate/lawyer to describe Bogota as "a pre-apocalyptic technological dystopia") caused largely by their massive diesel-powered BRT bus system, Transmilenio. BRT did not cause a mode shift from cars to buses except by a government-enforced alternate-day private automobiles ban (based on license plate number). Still, per-capita car ownership continues to rise in Bogota year after year. Mexico City also bans private automobiles -- but only one day per week. Instead of riding the Mexico City BRT one day a week, however, residents bought a second car--driving up air pollution even further. 

Why, then, all the BRT hoopla? One reason is that big money from BP, Shell, Volvo, and other oil, bus, auto concerns fund an ever-expanding list of 'think tanks' like WRI and ITDP, and blog networks like TheCityFix.com. These outfits pump out an impressive amount of pro-BRT propaganda. Other BRT advocates are well-intentioned, but wrong--wishing this failed bus technology would succeed, they argue, 'if only it were done right'. BRT has been around for over 30 years, but apparently the world has yet to see BRT done right. Still other BRT proponents are too cynical to believe that offering citizens dignified transit and a livable city is possible anymore. We deserve better than what BRT advocates are offering. 

Protecting 60-ft long, 41,000-pound bendy buses from hulking, brutish Priuses may be a worthy goal, but why not protect cyclists and would-be cyclists first? The number one reason people do not bike to their destinations is because they are terrified of the untamed beasts which slash and burn through our streets. We fear motorcycles, cars, trucks, and especially buses. This deterrent-to-cycling effect, not pollution, is the greatest negative externality produced by motorized traffic.  

BRT advocates are too focused on motorized transportation. The Federal Department of Transportation has declared that "motorized transportation will no longer be favored at the expense of non-motorized"--it is time for Berkeley to follow suit. 

The 'transit problem' can best be addressed by reducing car- and transit-dependence. This can be done with better land-use decision-making, and by allowing people to walk and bike. We do not have to coax anyone onto a bike--we only need to give them the option of walking and biking with dignity. That means cyclists need their own space on major roads, separated from fast-moving motorized traffic. A simple bike lane is a start, but most people will never be comfortable cycling right next to fast-moving, multi-thousand-pound, free-moving chunks of glass and steel--so we need physical separation, known as 'protected bike lanes'.  

Walk and bike transportation solutions are proven: cycletracks, protected bike lanes, buffered bike lanes, regular bike lanes, sharrows, traffic-calmed streets, pedestrian bulb-outs, leading pedestrian intervals, formal and legal priority for non-motorized over motorized transport--these are the hallmarks of a civilized streetscape and an enlightened, decent, and fair society. These solutions are inexpensive and effective--good for taxpayers, motorists, cyclists and walkers, businesses, children and parents--good for Berkeley. 

Give pedestrians and cyclists the priority and space they need and deserve on our most important corridors--especially our most important corridors. Traffic-calmed neighborhood streets are great for those who don't have anywhere to go, but for those who would cycle often if given the opportunity, we need to be able to travel on the most direct routes from Point A to Point B, just like cars. And cars have engines--if there is not enough room to accomodate both motorized and non-motorized traffic, then cars can take the long way around. 

Sprawl is bad for sustainability. Whether in the form of cars, high speed rail, commuter/express rail, BRT, rapid and regular buses, light rail, and even airplanes and streetcars to a certain extent, rapid transit enables and even induces sprawl. Those interested in sustainability should think very carefully about supporting any sprawl-enabling transportation solution that will not draw people out of their cars, the most harmful of all the sprawl-enabling technologies. Bus rapid transit (BRT) has never drawn people out of their cars, in any part of the world.  

Toronto is discussing protected bike lanes for their University Avenue. San Francisco continues to experiment with protected bike lanes on that all-important of corridors, Market Street. Washington, DC is striping bike lanes down the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue. Knowing which trends to follow is a leadership quality all its own--Berkeley can once again be a leader in bicycle infrastructure by becoming an intelligent follower. 

The transit-dependent are often pitied when fare hikes and service cuts come around, as they invariably do, but missing from the discourse is talk of the responsibility that we all bear in forcing these citizens into this situation in the first place. Everyone is hailed if we can help stave off the most outrageous fare hikes and the most draconian service cuts (tax hikes in disguise), but rarely are we held accountable for failling to address the root causes of transit dependence--namely, streets which are not suitable for walking or biking. Let's reduce this dependence by making biking a viable option for everyone from the ages of 8 to 80. 

Likely side effects of favoring non-motorized over motorized transportation include, but are not limited to: reduced air and noise pollution, healthier and happier citizens (including reduced childhood obesity and related Type 2 diabetes), less traffic congestion, revitalized small businesses and town centers, higher worker productivity, reduced crime, expanded economic opportunity, a restored social fabric, safer, livelier, and more-interesting streets and places, and reduced risk that 'chocolate milk' will wash up on our shores. 

Peter Smith is a walking, cycling, livable streets, and co-operatives advocate.  

While I was brought up in a very traditional Muslim environment during my early childhood years, my views on religion have changed drastically. Now I am more of an agnostic who is verging on atheism. I don’t believe there are going to be multitude of Hoors (indescribably gorgeous women of paradise) in the offing for me after I die and go to heaven eventually – I am sure I have to endure some fire and brimstone! Having been brought up traditionally, I do have a unique perspective of looking from inside out without really being an insider. 

During my teen years in India, I saw a much more progressive Muslim world around me than what I see now. My dad was a good example of all that progressivism: he got a good education and became a doctor (physician). He worked in India for a bit, and got a chance to work in Oman in 1968, and went there leaving his family behind in hopes of freeing us from somewhat of a grim future. But even then, as evident in my father’s case, the Muslims in India stood a good chance of doing well if they worked hard despite being a minority group: my uncle did his masters before settling down in the family business. No one on my uncle’s side of the family has done better education-wise since then, and that was forty years ago! 

After some tattered schooling and some failed academic endeavors, my father sent us to a boarding school in Aligarh (a university town) for education along with our sister who was attending a girl’s college which was also there: he was an alumnus of the University so he saw it fit to give us the same opportunity. Aligarh Muslim University was very progressive, liberal, and cosmopolitan despite being steeped in traditions (no one was allowed to wear the traditional cotton trouser and top other than mid Friday in public unless it was accompanied by a long formal coat). There was a particular code of behavior when it came to interacting with seniors, and language was to be used in a refined manner. I often got chided for improper diction and pronunciation.  

There were quite a few international students at the campus. Although I was attending a university affiliated high school, I had access to the university and its facilities, and I knew more than a few seniors with whom I often socialized. I used to go the university gymnasium and the recreation rooms of the dormitories, where I played bridge, billiards, table tennis, and roller skated. I use to talk ad nauseum about movies, music, science, poetry, and general knowledge: While people were somewhat religious, it was never discussed or proselytized. I couldn’t attend the University language clubs but there was a German, a Russian, and a French club at the University. There was even an equestrian club. I also went to see plays and old films at the Kennedy center: an art and culture hub of the campus, and so named because it was built by a grant from the United States. The area in and around the campus was teeming with tea houses, cafés, and restaurants. There were annual functions, shows, dinners, performances. The campus was a far cry from my narrow-minded and religious early childhood that I had witnessed when I lived at my grandparents’ house. When I went back to visit this very same campus after fourteen years, I hardly recognized it. Gone was the impeccable use of the language, along with proper attire or behavior. The buildings and gardens too looked a bit dilapidated. But the most notable change was the whole atmosphere: It now emanated religious austerity and regression, and attitudes seemed rather pedestrian. 

The news of my sister attending college elicited vociferous ridicule and gossip from our relatives and friends of the family. They thought my father was committing a faux pas, and his aspirations for his daughter were out of step with the cultural mores of the time. But they thought it was heretical effrontery when she decided to study further: The general consensus was that a post graduate study was an abomination for a Muslim girl and for her to get married immediately the only honorable option.  

While at college, my sister was very chic for her time, and wore the latest fashions and prints. She had quite a few western outfits (bell bottoms and all) – something she can’t even imagine wearing today! She didn’t wear hijab (head covering), and very few other Muslim women wore it back then. But more educated women definitely eschewed hijab, opting to cover their heads during religious ceremonies and somber occasions only. All her daughters wear hijab now, and my sister won’t afford them the same chance at higher education that she herself had three decades ago: a decision I don’t think is entirely hers but there is certainly complicity. 

Despite all the protests my father stayed steadfast, and in my view, did right by defying his detractors. He certainly gave us (the eldest 4 of us) a very forward looking philosophy in life. When I left home for US to study, he never flinched while my mother’s wailing never ceased. My father was very outgoing, and socialized with all sorts of people. He attended cocktail parties while he was working in Oman, which was run mostly by British expats. He did socialize with the locals as well, sat in tents in the desert heat sipping Turkish coffee, and learning the etiquette of the Bedouins. Some of the guests at our house in Oman were British who loved my mother’s cooking. When I was in Oman, we attended Colonel Bosted’s yearly Christmas party: one of my father’s good friend and possibly a British agent. My mother grew up in a small town in India: she was modestly educated but conservative. But she learned to throw grand soirees, and make some fancy western desserts to entertain these guests. My father also organized lavish picnics and potlucks where everyone was invited and the sexes comingled. My mother was more religious than my father but she never raised an eyebrow at my father, and took part in these events enthusiastically. My father always encouraged us to interact socially, and he never lectured us or chastised us about religion. 

So what has changed in the last thirty years? Why are my younger siblings, who were raised in a more urbane environment, and had better education, are less progressive than my father? This phenomenon is not only limited to India: it afflicts the Muslim community everywhere. These are the same people who produced hoards of scholars, poets, philosophers, and scientists during multiple golden periods but are now obsessively preoccupied with a fourteen hundred year oldSharia (Quranic Laws) and Sunna (tales of the Prophet’s life and practices), overanalyzing anachronistic minutiae while the rest of world hurls towards modernism. Why is this group of people -- who ruled the entire Middle East and parts of the Near East, North Africa, and most of the Iberian Peninsula, who can boast among their luminaries people like Avicenna (Ibn Sina, the father of modern medicine), Ibn Battuta (a scholar who spent thirty years traveling and writing about his journeys, which were more extensive than Marco Polo’s), who were responsible for chemistry, trigonometry (furthering), algebra, cartography, nautical technology, and astronomy (many stars are still called by their original Arabic names), who gave us the numerals we use today, who translated the classics into Arabic (some of the only surviving texts from ancient Greece), and who produced forward thinkers like Al Khindi, Averroes (Ibn Rushd), Al Farabi (Alpharabius), Khayyam, Rumi, Ibn Sinnan, Khalil Gibran, and Al Ghazali to name just a few – now tenously enmeshed in a rigid, non-secular ideology that defies the logic and lucid thinking of the aforementioned illustrious names? 

I can go back into Islamic history and 911 to draw conclusions for the current state of affairs filling pages. But one has to merely look at the past thirty years to see the causes of this transformation. Thirty years ago this community was on a path of modernity, but now it looks to the past for outmoded doctrines to guide them into the future? This unrealistic attempt to bridge the Sharia to the current era has resulted in ideology that is mostly rickety and praetorian. This gives rise to extreme fringe elements that are free to interpret the Sharia for their selfish means. There is another reason for this rash rush towards an appearance of solidarity by reversion, and it is – that the Muslim world sees itself and its culture under siege by the west. It is easy to deduce these sentiments by the notable events which have taken place in the last thirty years. There was the creation of Israel in the heart of the Middle East some sixty years ago which displaced about a million Palestinians, and after the 1967 war it has become quite obvious to them that no one is listening to the plight of the Palestinians in the occupied territory as they themselves are quite powerless against a military juggernaut like Israel (remember also that the Muslims faced towards Dome of the Rock to pray before Mecca). This one event has slowly festered into their psyche like a cancer over time: it has finally metastasized and spread throughout the Islamic world with the advent of information technology and global news in the last thirty years. Soon after this came the exodus of Palestinians into southern Lebanon and its occupation, and the Sabra Shatila massacre of the Palestinian refugees. The early nineties brought the four year siege of Sarajevo and the massacre of Muslims in Srebrenica. The mid to late nineties brought two Chechnya wars, and the geographic and economic strangulation of occupied territories of Gaza and West Bank. The late nineties also brought the ethnic cleansing of Muslim Kosovars by the Serbs. This early millennium has brought the bloody wars of Iraq and Afghanistan (both of which still continue), the bombing of Lebanon, and the assault on Gaza which was declared inhumane by an independent UN war commission.  

The Muslim community has done poorly to keep itself off the media’s radar since 911, but the rhetoric of racially tinged ridicule of this community in the media, and the poor depiction of their culture has reached a new nadir (an Arabic term by way of Spanish). Almost nothing seems to be off limits to the comics and talking heads, and the cultural insensitivities are simply brazen. This sort of rhetoric does nothing to mend relationship with the west which is already quite deteriorated. Although I may not agree with the extreme isolationist reaction by the Muslim community for being calumniated, I can, however, see how this metamorphosis of ideology has precipitated in just thirty years. 

Petroleum executives assure us that their giant tankers and offshore oil rigs pose no danger to the environment; coal company CEOs insist that their mines are safe and that blasting away mountaintops is ecologically benign; natural gas companies insist that “fracking” deep underground geological formations will not contaminate fresh water aquifers; and nuclear power promoters tell us not to worry about core meltdowns or the disposal of millions of tons of highly radioactive waste.

Do we have S-T-U-P-I-D written on our foreheads? Or do we just choose to swallow these lies because, like addicts everywhere, we need these pushers to provide us with our daily energy fix? 

These energy “suppliers” have a sordid history of crimes against nature and humanity and their assurances of safety have proven tragically wrong time after time. Clearly their drive for profit knows no ethical or legal boundaries. So why do we continue buy their lies, and reward them with lavish subsidies and tax breaks, instead of kicking our habit and sending these petroleum pushers to prison? 

Just last year BP—who now tells us BP stands for “Beyond Petroleum,” not British Petroleum—told the government that an oil spill like the one wreaking havoc in the Gulf was highly unlikely so they didn’t need to install the remote controlled valves that could prevent an uncontrolled blowout. Beyond Petroleum?…more like Beyond Belief. 

According to the watchdog group, Public Citizen, BP has the worst criminal rap sheet of any oil company—and that’s no mean feat. In the last few years, BP has paid $485 million in fines and settlements to the US government for environmental crimes, willful neglect of worker safety, and penalties for manipulating energy markets. As BP’s massive oil slick smothers the Gulf’s fragile wetland ecosystems and lays waste to the fishing and tourist industries, assurances of safety are no more credible than the sworn testimony of a career criminal. 

The same goes for the Massey Coal Company—the biggest coal mining business in central Appalachia. Massey insisted its Montcoal operation was safe right up to the day when their mine--that was repeatedly cited for improperly venting methane gas--exploded killing 29 people in the country's deadliest underground disaster in a quarter-century. 

Last year, the number of citations issued against the mine more than doubled and the penalties proposed against the mine more than tripled. Massey was fined $897,325 over the last year, more than $382,000 for repeated serious violations involving its ventilation system. Andrew Tyler, a conveyer belt electrician, told the New York Times that live wires were often left exposed and that coal dust and methane accumulation were routinely ignored. Yet, after the explosion, Massey CEO Don Blankenship told Metronews radio that, despite the company’s many violations, the Mine Safety and Health Administration would never have allowed the mine to operate if it had been unsafe. 

It’s time to clear our heads of gasoline fumes and our economic arteries of high-octane euphoria. Energy addiction is distorting our judgment and allowing these energy pushers to get away with murder and ecocide. Unless we come to our senses soon, we will have sacrificed the planet to feed our addiction. 

Craig Collins, Ph.D., of California State University East Bay, is the author of the newly released book, TOXIC LOOPHOLES: Failures and Future prospects of Environmental Law (Cambridge University Press) 

On Mayday, I participated in the march and rally in SF for immigrant rights. I do this because I think that people should come before profits, human rights before property rights, and if those principles held true, we wouldn't need borders in the first place. 

The march of about 10,000 people ended at Civic Center. Across the street, in front of City Hall, there was a small counter-demostration, a total of 31 persons, strung out along about 200 feet of sidewal, holding signs. Some were the usual advertisements, like "Minutemen securing America's borders," which constitute the mask behind which Minutemen harass Latinos in Chicago, Los Angeles, or North Carolina, far from the Mexican border. And there were the outright lies, such as "Illegals cost us trillions," where just the opposite is the case. Immigrants come to work, produce value, get minimum pay or less, pay taxes, and pay into social security without ever having a prayer of eventually benefiting from any of it. They send home what they can, and the rest benefits us, including those holding their perfidious signs. 

But three signs in particular caught my eye. 

One said "We need more ice at this fiesta." Ice, of course, is a reference to ICE, Immigration Control and Enforcement. Since this was directed at our demonstration, it was a suggestion that the demonstration itself (including myself) needed to be deported. You remember the old saw (from Cold War years), "if you don't like it here, go back where you came from." Beyond admitting the well-known fact that all non-indigenous people in the US are descended from immigrants, it meant that our tenure or residency here is contingent on agreeing with certain people arrogant enough to set standards for us. It is not the law that these counter-demos want to enforce, but the purity and homogeneity of their kind of society and culture. We know, from European experience, what that ethos looks like when it gets militarized. 

Another sign said, "Get in line to become an American (legally)." America is two continents full of people. The immigrants who come from countries south of us are already Americans. Many of them are the sons and daughters of people who have been on these two continents for millenia, much longer than those individuals with their white faces claiming to be the "Americans." For people in the US to consider themselves "the" Americans is to reduce all the other Americans to lesser status through their exclusion from being Americans; in other words, to dispossess them of their dignity and humanity as Americans. It is therefore a colonialist attitude, using a structure of racism as its technology. But there is no term by which people of the US can refer to themselves as simply "people of the US," free from the arrogance of being "the" Americans. In Spanish, there is such a term. It is estadounidense. It means a person from the US. There is no direct translation of this term in English. One possible translation of estadounidense would be "USian." People in the US could then refer to themselves as "USians" if they believe in the equality of peoples, which is one of the foundations of democracy. Perhaps these counter-demos should stand in line to become pro-democratic. If they work at it, some of them might make it. 

But finally, there was one that said, "Illegals are not a race." Of the 31 people in the counter-demo, three were black. Two, a man and woman, were holding this sign. I found myself wondering what they were doing in the counter-demo. They should have been with us. What the immigrant rights movement is fighting for is an end to the racialization (i.e. made a social category that is dispossessed, demonized, and segregated) of Latino immigrants by government and white populists like the Minutemen. 

It is true, "illegals" are not a race, and neither are immigrants. Neither are black people or white. Black people are not born black. The term "black" used in that sentence does not refer descriptively to color, but to a social category. That is, the term has both a descriptive and a racializing use. Whatever their color may be, and human coloration (descriptively) varies over a continuous spectrum, they are not born as socially categorized. They are made "black" (as a social category) by the white supremacist society into which they are born. Similarly, white people are not born white. They too are made white (as a different social category) by the white supremacist society into which they are born. White supremacy gets away with a lot of stuff because it maintains a certain confusion between socially categorizing labels and the other role of those terms as descriptive. One of the things it gets away with is getting other white people to perform their whiteness by seeing themselves as white. For white people to see themselves as white, they have to define others and see others as non-white in order to see themselves as not that, within the matrix (remember the movie, "The Matrix"?) of white supremacy, and to think that that is a normal way to be. But it isn't. It's a politically and culturally determined social category, in a hierarchical relation to other social categories. Here's an example. A white person might say, "I don't see myself as white, I'm just human. I think all people should think that way, including black people." But black people in the US have had to live their entire lives dealing with and resisting white supremacy, which isn't true for white people. For a white person to think that black people should just give that up, and abandon who they have had to become to deal with and resist all that, because this white person can, is a way of acting white. In pretending to give up telling others who they are, it continues to tell them who they should be, rather than simply let them decide how to live this difficult society, and respect that decision. 

In the meantime, we are all racialized (white, black, Latino, Native American, Asian, Middle Eastern) by white supremacy and the social machinery (the identities, institutions, and attitudes) by which it produces that racialization and imposes it. Where does racism fit into this? Racism is the technology of that white machine. 

In the wake of the emotional debate about the divestment bill in the Berkeley Student Senate (titled, “A Bill In Support of UC Divestment from War Crimes”[1]), a number of antisemitic incidents have occurred on campus. Most notably, last week there were two instances of large swastikas drawn on the walls of student dorms. We don’t know if the perpetrators were mischief-makers or sociopaths. During the official public discussion of the bill, some participants uttered offensive speech. One woman accosted a yarmulke-clad man and said, “You really look like a Nazi.” Later that evening a male student shouted to a group of Jewish students, “You killed Jesus.” On the one hand, the perpetrators of these and other recent antisemitic gestures are exceptions to the normal standard of behavior at Berkeley, which generally prizes tolerance of ethnic, racial, and religious minorities. On the other hand, tolerance for the rights of others has taken a beating during this emotion-laden debate. 

The problem is neatly summarized by my faculty colleague, Judith Butler, a prominent supporter of the bill, with whom I will interact in my comments below. She wrote in 2003, “we distinguish between anti-semitism and forms of protest against the Israeli state (or right-wing settlers who sometimes act independently of the state), acknowledging that sometimes they do, disturbingly, work together.” [2] This is the problem: critical speech about the policies of the government of Israel sometimes works together with, or excites, antisemitism. Most people who protest against Israeli policies or actions are not themselves antisemites, nor do they indulge in antisemitic speech or actions. But sometimes these critics produce what Butler elsewhere calls “excitable speech,” that is, speech that has the capability of suppressing, subordinating, and “othering” a particular group.[3] Antisemitic speech is an obvious example of excitable speech. Calling Jews “Nazis” or “Christ-killers” is excitable hate-speech, which performs the effect of anathematizing and dehumanizing in the speech-act itself. 

But what of speech or actions that are clearly not antisemitic, but which can have the effect of exciting or inciting antisemitic speech or actions by others? Butler rightly maintains that speech or actions critical of Israel must not be silenced by the fear of being wrongly understood by others as antisemitic. She writes:

 

even if one believed that criticisms of Israel are by and large heard as anti-semitic (by Jews, anti-semites, or people who could be described as neither), it would become the responsibility of all of us to change the conditions of reception so that the public might begin to distinguish between criticism of Israel and a hatred of Jews.[4]

I agree with Butler’s position. We must create a space where legitimate political criticism of Israel is clearly distinguished from antisemitism. I maintain that the best way to create this space is to insist on clear and reasoned political discourse, which eschews propagandistic methods and deceptive half-truths. In other words, we should reject the kinds of visceral and angry words that one often sees on Fox News (on the right), MSNBC (on the mid-left), and the radical media (on the far left). We should reject the tone of discourse that has colored this debate on the Berkeley campus. To cite an enlightening philosophical tract by Harry Frankfurt, we should eschew “bullshit.”[5]  

Frankfurt defines bullshit as speech that is not only deceptive and untruthful, but that is oblivious to its untruthfulness. It is speech that simply doesn’t care about being truthful, since it has other ends, such as selling products, political positions, or personalities. For example, the title of the divestment bill at Berkeley is “A Bill In Support of UC Divestment from War Crimes.” Now, every person of good will opposes war crimes. Such a bill ought to be as controversial and divisive as a bill in support of motherhood and apple pie. But this bill’s title is obviously deceptive, since the content of the bill is entirely devoted to criticism of Israel.[6] Serious allegations have indeed been made against Israel for violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the supplementary Protocol in its war with Gaza and its settlements in the West Bank. These allegations ought to be fully investigated and, if substantiated, the perpetrators ought to be punished and restitution made. I think most people of good will would agree. But to insinuate that Israel is the sole or primary perpetrator of war crimes in the world, the Middle East, or in the Israel/Palestine conflict is an obvious falsehood.  

The bill brazenly says that it is using “the Israel/Palestine conflict” simply “as a case-study.” But it omits the relevant detail that the Hamas government of Gaza has been accused of war crimes by the very same human rights groups that have accused Israel. This omission falsifies the bill’s claim to address war crimes in the Israel/Palestine conflict. The bill also condemns Israel’s blockade of Gaza, but omits the relevant detail that Egypt is a partner in the blockade. In other words, the bill isn’t about war crimes as a global or regional issue, nor is it about war crimes in the Israel/Palestine conflict. It is only about criticizing and stigmatizing Israel, and in so doing it seeks to create a semantic association between “Israel” and “war crimes” as if the two terms were analogous or synonymous. This is, according to Frankfurt’s definition, an obvious case of bullshit. The bill doesn’t even care that it is untruthful, since truthfulness is not its goal. Its goal is to portray Israel as a pariah nation, as the instantiation of the evil of war crimes. 

This kind of bullshit, if it is slung properly, creates an intelligible space where Israel is promoted as the world’s misfortune. From this cognitive space, the jump to the inference that the Jews are the world’s misfortune is a small one. With some trepidation, I would like to cite an illustration of this dangerous slippage from Butler’s recently published speech in support of the bill. [7] She begins with her moral education, which roots her remarks in Jewish authenticity:

 

The worst injustice, I learned, was to remain silent in the face of criminal injustice. And this tradition of Jewish social ethics was crucial to the fights against Nazism, fascism and every form of discrimination, and it became especially important in the fight to establish the rights of refugees after the Second World War. Of course, there are no strict analogies between the Second World War and the contemporary situation, and there are no strict analogies between South Africa and Israel, but there are general frameworks for thinking about [such matters].

In these stirring comments, Butler attests that her criticism of Israeli policies is based on Jewish social ethics, which are intrinsically opposed to Nazism, fascism, and discrimination. I don’t doubt her sincerity. But by framing her criticism of Israel with an ethical stand against Nazism, she implicitly proposes an analogy between Nazi Germany and Israel. She both acknowledges and qualifies this analogy in her statement: “Of course, there are no strict analogies between the Second World War and the contemporary situation, and there are no strict analogies between South Africa and Israel.” But by saying “there are no strict analogies,” a phrase that she repeats twice, she implicitly affirms that there are general or loose analogies, the scope and content of which she does not address.  

Since the implied analogies among Israel, Nazi Germany, and Apartheid South Africa are left open, Butler’s speech creates a semantic a gap that asks to be filled in by the listener. Her statement seems to perform what she seems to deny, that is, the establishment of an ethical analogy among these regimes. I would suggest that this rhetorical strategy is a perspicuous example of excitable speech, which aims to anathematize and “other” Israel as the world’s contemporary misfortune, just as the analogous states were in the past If to some degree Israel ≈ Nazi Germany ≈ Apartheid South Africa, then of course we should hate it. This is propagandistic speech, characterized by inflammatory half-truths, and which seems unconcerned with its truth-content. It is speech that lends at least qualified support to those who would lump together these nations as instantiations of evil. The accusations of “Nazi” and “Apartheid” pepper contemporary anti-Israel discourse, and such accusations clearly create a space that excites and incites antisemitic speech and acts. 

I want to be clear: I am not accusing Butler of intending or condoning antisemitism in her criticisms of Israel. But I do want to point out that, as she says of these types of discourse, “sometimes they do, disturbingly, work together.” We need to be self-critical and vigilant to ensure that our political debates do not shade into or excite antisemitic speech and actions. The only way to do this is to eschew half-truths, deceptions, propaganda, and “bullshit.” Only by embracing the virtues of clear thought and rational discourse can we hope to create a space where political diversity and ethical community can coexist. To this end, we must be careful not to sow the seeds of hatred. As the biblical prophet Hosea says, “They who sow the wind will reap the whirlwind.” We are responsible for exercising our free speech with malice towards none if we truly want to change the world. 

N.B. This speech was delivered at a rally against antisemitism in Sproul Plaza on April 30, 2010. 

[1]The text of the bill is available at http://www.asuc.org/documentation/view.php?type=bills&id=2017. The initial vote in favor of the bill was vetoed by the Student Senate President, and the veto was subsequently sustained by the Senate. 

[2] Judith Butler, “No, It’s Not Anti-Semitic,” London Review of Books, vol. 25, no. 16 (August, 2003), pp. 19-21, available at http://www.lrb.co.uk/v25/n16/judith-butler/no-its-not-anti-semitic. 

[3] Judith Butler, Excitable Speech: A Politics of the Performative (London: Routledge, 1997). 

[4]“Not Anti-Semitic.” 

[5] Harry G. Frankfurt, On Bullshit (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2008). 

[6]The last sentence, added in committee, raises the possibility of future resolutions against Morocco and the Congo. 

[7] Judith Butler, “You Will Not Be Alone,” The Nation, April 13, 2010, available at http://www.thenation.com/doc/20100426/butler.  

Ronald Hendel is the Norma and Sam Dabby Professor of Hebrew Bible and Jewish Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. 

I flinch every time I read a headline that includes the words Israel, Palestine, West Bank, or Gaza. Usually the articles contain horrific news: suicide bombs maiming Israeli civilians, troops dragging Palestinians off their ancestral lands, escalating anger and violence. At long last, the documentary film Budrus brings good news, a tiny ray of hope in what’s seemed to be an ocean of despair. 

Beginning in 2001, Israel built a security wall more or less along the 1949 Armistice line, the Green Line, between Israel and the Palestinian West Bank. In many cases this wall meandered away from the Green Line, following a surreal course that arbitrarily seized Palestinian land. 

The documentary tells what happened in the tiny town of Budrus when Israeli security forces decided to extend the security wall through the town’s ancient olive groves and cemetery. In 2003, Budrus’ 1400 residents united in a protracted nonviolent campaign against the wall, eventually forcing the government of Israel to back off and move the wall west to the Green Line. 

Directed by Julia Bacha (and produced by Bacha, Ronit Avni, and Rula Salameh) the documentary skillfully mixes archival footage of the actual conflict with recent interviews with the Palestinian and Israeli principals: Ayed Morrar, Iltezam Morrar, Ahmed Awwad, Yasmine Levi, Kobi Snitz, and Doron Spielman. Although it’s impossible not to sympathize with the plight of Budrus residents faced with the loss of their ancient trees, the Israeli stance – we need to stop the killing of our civilians – is understandable. Budrus lets viewers hear what both sides have to say and trusts us to draw our own conclusions. 

There were several reasons why nonviolent resistance worked in Budrus. 

1. There was excellent leadership. The key leader was Ayed Morrar, a member of the Fatah Party, who the Israelis had imprisoned several times and who learned about nonviolent resistance in his most recent incarceration. Ayed is a natural community organizer who convinced angry Budrus residents of the efficacy of nonviolence, got them involved, and kept them with the program over an eighteen-month period. 

2. The campaign included everyone in Budrus. Ayed Morrar’s then fifteen-year-old daughter, Iltezam, convinced her father that women should be part of the front-line confrontation with the Israeli security forces and bulldozers. She then assumed a major leadership role. The documentary’s most memorable scene shows a huge backhoe pulling out an olive tree, whereupon Iltezam jumped in the hole and forced the backhoe to retreat. 

3. Because the entire Budrus community was involved, old political loyalties were set aside and there was enough support for a protracted campaign. The other adult leader of the resistance was Ahmed Awwad, a Hamas member, who worked effectively with Ayed, Iltezam, and the others. 

4. There was support from Israeli peace activists. Kobi Snitz and other Israelis participated in the resistance, which encouraged the Budrus residents and attracted worldwide attention. 

5. The demonstration had a simple focus. The Budrus residents didn’t dispute Israel’s right to protect itself with a wall, but rather the location. Throughout the protracted struggle they repeated a compelling plea: move the wall out of our olive groves and cemetery. 

6. The heavy-handed Israeli tactics got media attention. Particularly after the Budrus women got involved, the Israeli and international media filmed the confrontations. The Israeli high command escalated the confrontation by beating women as well as men and using live ammunition. This produced compelling vignettes for the nightly news and damning publicity for Israel. 

7. There were no Israeli settlements near Budrus. One of the reasons the security wall deviated from the Green Line was the presence of new Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank. Therefore, the wall periodically looped deep inside Palestinian land to protect a settlement and provide it safe access to Israel. Because there were no settlements near Budrus, the Israelis had no convincing rationale for their route through olive groves and the cemetery. In the end, it was easier for them to back off. 

There are many who believe that the situation in Israel-Palestine and the Middle East, in general, has deteriorated to the point where nonviolence is no longer a viable alternative. The documentary Budrus proves this to be untrue. 

But it makes clear that nonviolence can’t be a tactic. It has to be a strategy. And for in order for a long-term strategy to succeed, there has to be effective leadership. There has to be men like Ayed Morrar and Ahmed Awwad and women like Iltezam Morrar. 

Budrus is currently making the round of film festivals. Everyone who cares about the Middle East -- all of us who cling to the faint hope that the anger and violence can diminish rather than escalate – should see this inspirational movie.  

Bob Burnett is a Berkeley writer. He can be reached at bobburnett@comcast.net

The trick to spotting a Hawai’ian monk seal, according to Kaua’i-based naturalist David Kuhn, is to look for the orange plastic cones delimiting its space on the beach.  

It works. That’s how we found one of the endangered seals plus a bonus green turtle at Poi’pu Beach Park on the South Shore one afternoon. We spotted the turtle first, hauled out at the edge of the water, its carapace about the size of one of the larger paella pans at the Spanish Table. It wasn’t there to lay eggs, as it turned out, although there are nesting beaches not far away. It just seems to like to hang out on that stretch of beach. The turtle was awake, but immobile. 

The seal, an adult female maybe seven feet in length, was a little farther along, on a kind of isthmus between the sandy beach and an outlying shelf of rock. The volunteer seal wrangler, a woman from Buffalo who wisely spends her winters on Kaua’i, told us that a half-dozen monk seals had come ashore that day. The previous day’s heavy rain had left nearshore waters too murky to hunt for fish, and the seals had opted for some down time. 

At any given time, she said, there are about 30 monk seals on and near the island. Some even give birth on Kaua’i; there was a heavily pregnant female at Hanapepe, further west along the coast. Most of the species’ population occurs in the Northwestern Hawai’ian Islands, though, on Midway and Laysan and more obscure specks of sand like Lisianski Island, French Frigate Shoals, and Pearl and Hermes Reef. The monk seal is one of Hawai’i’s two native mammals, the other being a subspecies of hoary bat; it was designated the official state mammal a couple of years ago, edging out the small Indian mongoose, the feral pig, and the poi dog. 

The seal was more restless than the turtle. Every now and then she would turn over, stretch her neck, or give herself a desultory scratch with one flipper. She seemed oblivious to the human gawkers, surrounding her at a distance that would have freaked out the most tolerant harbor seal. Her pelt was silver-gray, a little paler on the belly, and she had big brown eyes. The docent pointed out a couple of semi-circular scars on the seal’s skin: “Cookie-cutter shark.” These are small sharks that bite into a marine mammal or another fish and then twist, excising a plug of flesh. 

Seal taxonomists say that monk seals are the most primitive of living seals, having diverged from the mainstem of phocid evolution some 15 million years ago. They are thought to have originated in the ancient Atlantic, leaving descendant species in the Mediterranean (also endangered) and the Caribbean (extinct.) One population swam through the intercontinental gap where Panama would eventually be and colonized the atolls northwest of Kaua’i. Hawai’ian monk seals retained their cold-water ancestors’ insulating layer of blubber. To prevent overheating, hauled-out seals move as little as possible and slow down their respiration and heart rates. 

The first Hawai’ians, who didn’t know from seals, named the animal ‘ilio holoikauaua—“the dog that runs in the rough water.” Judging from the absence of monk seal remains in archeological sites, they seem to have left it alone. A Russian captain named Lisianski encountered the species in 1805. Subsequent Europeans slaughtered monk seals for their skins and blubber; they were also killed by feather hunters, guano collectors, and bored servicemen. Population counts in recent decades have never exceeded 1500, and have sometimes dipped as low as 500. NOAA Fisheries, the federal agency with jurisdiction over marine mammals, gives a current estimate of 1200 and falling. 

Like all species with small populations, Hawai’ian monk seals are vulnerable to random events, like an outbreak of ciguatera—algal toxins that concentrate in fish—on Laysan in 1978. Beach erosion in the northwestern islands has reduced their breeding habitat. And basic demographics are not on the seals’ side. Females don’t give birth until they’re six years old; only 60 or 70 percent produce pups in any given year. The sex ratio at some breeding sites is skewed toward males, who have an unfortunate tendency to mob females, sometimes with fatal results. Pups are especially prone to entanglement in lost or discarded fishing gear. 

The Poi’pu seal wrangler told us one factor driving the decline is a change in a predator’s strategy. At French Frigate Shoals, home to the largest subpopulation of monk seals, Galapagos sharks have learned to patrol the shore for pups entering the ocean. In the water, the pups are defenseless, and mortality rates have risen. Wildlife managers have responded by relocating pups and removing the sharks, although it would be difficult to eradicate them all.  

In an uncharacteristic moment, the Bush administration designated much of the northwestern chain as the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in 2006. That may at least give the seals some relief from the effects of commercial fishing. These engaging beasts could use a break. 

May is Older Americans Month. Older than what?, I ask and receive a dull look. 55? 60? 65? It all depends…  

This year's theme -- "Age Strong! Live Long!" -- recognizes the diversity and vitality of today's older Americans who span 3 generations.  

A meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens resulted in President John F. Kennedy designating May 1963 as Senior Citizens Month, encouraging the nation to pay tribute to older people across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation changed the name to Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate those 65 and older through ceremonies, events and public recognition. 

Elders are getting some positive attention because more people are living longer. Old people in general are better educated, retiring earlier and living longer. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people age 65 or older has tripled over the past 50 years to a record 420 million worldwide.  

The way a society (the dominant culture) perceives a person or a group of people can restrict and assign them to certain roles. In 1940, Bernard M. Baruch (1870-1975) -- then 70 years old -- declared “Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” The 20th Century did not find the secret of eternal youth. A term coined in France described the period of active old age as the ‘third age,’ following the ‘first age’ of childhood and youth and the ‘second age’ of adult maturity. The later, less active and independent phase of life was the ‘fourth age.’ (Read more about this in Pat Thane’s splendid book, “A history of old age,” published by the J Paul Getty Museum in 2005.)  

“Forever young?” asks the May 2010 issue of Consumer Reports, and responds with “What works – and what doesn’t -- in the ongoing quest for youth.” Baldness remedies, hiding hair loss, hair dyes (rated on a scale of 10 for gray coverage), and anti-wrinkle serums (“inflated claims and limited results”) are evaluated.  

One’s image can influence the way a person sees her or himself. It can also impact opportunities for employment, pension income, legal equity and health.

 

The bulletin board announces that a man and his sons, ages 5 and 7, “challenge” residents of a low-income senior/disabled housing project to scrabble and dominoes. Someone has scribbled “BRIDGE CHESS POKER” across it.  

Members of a group of senior citizens (women) and a disabled person (man) are urged to volunteer. Crocheting is imposed as an example. Silence. Each is then queried regarding current volunteering, in a double whammy of ageism involving both role assignment and assumption.

Ageism is any discrimination against people on the basis of chronological age. Referring to a person's age in a context in which age is not relevant reinforces society’s emphasis on youth as the optimum stage of life. In the workforce, “older workers” become another group to be demeaned or protected. In the media, women are often designated as ‘grandmothers.’  

The metaphor for happiness is youth. Advertisers sell images of happiness and well-being. Consider TV commercials’ biased role assignments, stereotypes and image distortion (toothpaste or Coke, for example). Senior groups, service providers, and academics in the United States and Canada note that ageism can be a factor in elder abuse.  

The cautious health system, allied with pharmaceutical companies, imposes “consulting family members” while the demographics of aging clearly show that old people often do not have families. Possibly, they are happily single, never married, widowed… Moreover, many have never been parents, let alone grandparents. 

A University of Florida study report contends that contemporary children’s books now depict upbeat, active and wise grandparents. Do you agree? A generation ago they were portrayed in children's literature as grumpy, mean or doddering. Today, when old people (let’s say age 65+) appear in picture books, easy books, comics and stories, they are still too often characterized as grandparents or in ageist ways that connote illness, disability or death. 

Ways to analyze children’s books for positive images are similar to those applicable to racism and sexism. When selecting library books, book purchases for children, and books to read to and with them:

Look for portrayals of aging as a natural and lifelong process-- old workers, old people in the community, old leaders, famous old people, active and capable old people, similarities between young and old, and intergenerational activities.  

Consider the author’s or illustrator’s background and perspective. Yes, a book that deals with the feelings and insights of an old person should be more carefully examined if written by a young person. And be careful when selecting reviewers.  

Consider the latest copyright date. Although a recent copyright date does not guarantee relevance or sensitivity, the year a book was published can be a clue as to the content’s ageist, racist or sexist concepts, illustrations or terms.  

Look for and reject language and illustrations that may be ageist. Watch out for authors and reviewers who misuse words like eccentric, elderly, feisty, geezer, spry, spunky. Reject sexist language and adjectives that exclude or ridicule old women; generic use of the word ‘man’ is outmoded.

For an email attached list of some Pre K - Grade 6 – YP good books published within the current decade that are in print and or libraries’ collection(s), email pen136@dslextreme.com.  

+++  

The number of conferences concerned with aging and scheduled worldwide in the next few months is impressive. Here are a few of those being held in Canada and the U.S.:  

On May 13, a “Silver Economy Summit: An aging population will change how you do work...are you ready?” begins in Halifax. Also in May, the International Society for Gerontechnology holds its 7th World Conference, in Vancouver. In September, "Connecting Research & Education to Care in Seniors’ Mental Health” will be considered, in Halifax; October will see the 5th International Dementia Conference, in Penticton, and November, the 2nd Conference on Positive Aging, in Vancouver.  

Meanwhile, in the United States, the Florida Conference on Aging meets in August in Orlando. In September, there’s the 2010 International Conference on Aging in the Americas, in Austin; in November, the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, New Orleans.  

Helen Rippier Wheeler can be reached at pen136@dslextreme.com  

No email attachments; use “Senior Power” for subject.  

Hundreds of Berkeleyans and visitors to town turned out in picture-perfect spring weather on Sunday, May 2, 2010 to attend two tours. 

At least 1,000 paying guests and volunteers thronged the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) annual house tour featured 8 properties designed by Julia Morgan.  

The self-guided walking tour included chamber music, a magnificent mansion in the Claremont, the house of an early UC professor largely unchanged from its 1905 character, and a hidden gem of a wood timbered garage. 

Hundreds more went on the “Bringing Back the Natives” garden tour that extended throughout the East Bay and included several properties in Berkeley, from the San Pablo Avenue flatlands to the crest of the hills. 

Some managed to squeeze in parts of both tours, with the Natives excursion starting three hours before the BAHA tour. 

Listings for the next week can be found in the previous issue.

This weekend the Berkeley Arts Festival will present the third night of John Schott's Typical Orchestra Retrospective and the India Cooke Bill Crossman Duo Audiences coming into the future home of the Judah L. Magnes Museum at 2121 Allston Way are greeted by the large figurative works of painter Bob Brokl.  

Friday at 8 pm. The final performance of John Schott's Typical Orchestra which has been in residence for three consecutive nights to thoroughly explore a 25-year retrospective of John's compositions. The sprawling, knotty guitarist of T.J. Kirk, Junk Genius, and Dream Kitchen, Schott's contribution to last year's Berkeley Arts Festival was the 8-hour solo guitar meditation on "Round Midnight". This year he and longtime colleagues Steve Adams, saxophone (Rova); Dan Seamans, bass (New Klezmer Trio); and John Hanes, drums and Darren Johnston, trumpet, turn an empty warehouse in downtown Berkeley into a Jazz cellar, an original blues research woodshed. 

Sunday at 8 pm . The India Cooke Bill Crossman Duo (with India on violin and Bill on piano) plays beautiful, passionate improvised music. Within each piece, the Duo weaves in elements of various world musics yet maintains an overall sound based in African-rooted musics (jazz and blues). The Duo has performed at the Berkeley Arts Festival and other venues, been featured on KCSM-FM radio, and has recorded two CDs.  

The Berkeley Arts Festival has been playing in empty store fronts in downtown Berkeley for close to twenty years. The Allston Way site is its most impressive site by far. Many friends of the festival came together on short notice to transform a sort of warehouse warren of a space into a room with warm lighting, beautiful paintings and exciting music. 

The trick to spotting a Hawai’ian monk seal, according to Kaua’i-based naturalist David Kuhn, is to look for the orange plastic cones delimiting its space on the beach.  

It works. That’s how we found one of the endangered seals plus a bonus green turtle at Poi’pu Beach Park on the South Shore one afternoon. We spotted the turtle first, hauled out at the edge of the water, its carapace about the size of one of the larger paella pans at the Spanish Table. It wasn’t there to lay eggs, as it turned out, although there are nesting beaches not far away. It just seems to like to hang out on that stretch of beach. The turtle was awake, but immobile. 

The seal, an adult female maybe seven feet in length, was a little farther along, on a kind of isthmus between the sandy beach and an outlying shelf of rock. The volunteer seal wrangler, a woman from Buffalo who wisely spends her winters on Kaua’i, told us that a half-dozen monk seals had come ashore that day. The previous day’s heavy rain had left nearshore waters too murky to hunt for fish, and the seals had opted for some down time. 

At any given time, she said, there are about 30 monk seals on and near the island. Some even give birth on Kaua’i; there was a heavily pregnant female at Hanapepe, further west along the coast. Most of the species’ population occurs in the Northwestern Hawai’ian Islands, though, on Midway and Laysan and more obscure specks of sand like Lisianski Island, French Frigate Shoals, and Pearl and Hermes Reef. The monk seal is one of Hawai’i’s two native mammals, the other being a subspecies of hoary bat; it was designated the official state mammal a couple of years ago, edging out the small Indian mongoose, the feral pig, and the poi dog. 

The seal was more restless than the turtle. Every now and then she would turn over, stretch her neck, or give herself a desultory scratch with one flipper. She seemed oblivious to the human gawkers, surrounding her at a distance that would have freaked out the most tolerant harbor seal. Her pelt was silver-gray, a little paler on the belly, and she had big brown eyes. The docent pointed out a couple of semi-circular scars on the seal’s skin: “Cookie-cutter shark.” These are small sharks that bite into a marine mammal or another fish and then twist, excising a plug of flesh. 

Seal taxonomists say that monk seals are the most primitive of living seals, having diverged from the mainstem of phocid evolution some 15 million years ago. They are thought to have originated in the ancient Atlantic, leaving descendant species in the Mediterranean (also endangered) and the Caribbean (extinct.) One population swam through the intercontinental gap where Panama would eventually be and colonized the atolls northwest of Kaua’i. Hawai’ian monk seals retained their cold-water ancestors’ insulating layer of blubber. To prevent overheating, hauled-out seals move as little as possible and slow down their respiration and heart rates. 

The first Hawai’ians, who didn’t know from seals, named the animal ‘ilio holoikauaua—“the dog that runs in the rough water.” Judging from the absence of monk seal remains in archeological sites, they seem to have left it alone. A Russian captain named Lisianski encountered the species in 1805. Subsequent Europeans slaughtered monk seals for their skins and blubber; they were also killed by feather hunters, guano collectors, and bored servicemen. Population counts in recent decades have never exceeded 1500, and have sometimes dipped as low as 500. NOAA Fisheries, the federal agency with jurisdiction over marine mammals, gives a current estimate of 1200 and falling. 

Like all species with small populations, Hawai’ian monk seals are vulnerable to random events, like an outbreak of ciguatera—algal toxins that concentrate in fish—on Laysan in 1978. Beach erosion in the northwestern islands has reduced their breeding habitat. And basic demographics are not on the seals’ side. Females don’t give birth until they’re six years old; only 60 or 70 percent produce pups in any given year. The sex ratio at some breeding sites is skewed toward males, who have an unfortunate tendency to mob females, sometimes with fatal results. Pups are especially prone to entanglement in lost or discarded fishing gear. 

The Poi’pu seal wrangler told us one factor driving the decline is a change in a predator’s strategy. At French Frigate Shoals, home to the largest subpopulation of monk seals, Galapagos sharks have learned to patrol the shore for pups entering the ocean. In the water, the pups are defenseless, and mortality rates have risen. Wildlife managers have responded by relocating pups and removing the sharks, although it would be difficult to eradicate them all.  

In an uncharacteristic moment, the Bush administration designated much of the northwestern chain as the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in 2006. That may at least give the seals some relief from the effects of commercial fishing. These engaging beasts could use a break. 

Listings for the next week can be found in the previous issue.

BERKELEY ART MUSEUM AND PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE  

"Soul's Light," May 9, 3 p.m. Program features works by Rossi, Barber, Whitacre and others. $8. (415) 331-5544. 

2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. < 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF BERKELEY  

"Spring Concert and Silent Auction," May 8, 6:30 p.m. Program features works by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Edvard Grieg, Charles Griffes, Igor Stravinsky and Aaron Coplan. $12-$15. (510) 849-9776, www.ypsomusic.net. 

"Rockin' Robin," May 9, 3-5 p.m. San Francisco Chamber Orchestra presents the world premiere of a new violin concerto by Composer in Residence Gabriela Frank. Free. (415) 248-1640, www.sfchamberorchestra.org. 

"Volti Concert: Nocturnes," May 14, 8 p.m. Program features works by Morten Lauridsen, Robin Estrada, Ted Hearne and Donald Crockett. $20-$30.  

2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. (510) 848-3696, www.fccb.org.< 

FIRST COVENANT CHURCH OF OAKLAND  

"New Day for Children," May 16, 3:30 p.m. Featuring Tiskela Celtic Harp Trio, Bay Area Youth Harp Ensemble, Bay Area Children's Harp Ensemble, Patten University Symphonette, Gero Nimu Band and the Chronicles. $10.  

4000 Redwood Road, Oakland. (510) 531-5244, www.oaklandfcc.org.< 

HERTZ HALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY  

"57th Annual Noon Concert Series," Noon.  

University Symphony Orchestra, May 7 through May 8, 8 p.m. David Mines conducts a program featuring works by Schumann and Shostakovich. $5-$15. (510) 642-9988. 

Bancroft Way and College Ave., Berkeley. (510) 642-4864, www.music.berkeley.edu.< 

LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH  

"Go Lovely Rose," May 16, 3 p.m. Program features works by Benjamin Britten, Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre, Daniel Forrest, Eric Barnum and the premiere of Bay Area composer Stephen Richards' "Three Madrigals.'' $10-$25. (510) 836-0789. 

49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. < 

LAKE MERRITT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH  

Community Women's Orchestra, May 15, 4 p.m. Program features works by Hilary Tann, Fanny Mendelssohn Hansel, Gwyneth Walker and Dame Ethel Smyth. $5-$10.  

1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. < 

LESHER CENTER FOR THE ARTS  

"Music That Dances," May 9, 2 p.m. Program features works by Abondolo, Offenbach, Dvorak, Bartok and Martinu. $16-$20.  

Diablo Symphony, May 16, 2 p.m. Program features works by Sibelius, Barber and Dvorak. $12-$20.  

1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. (925) 943-7469, www.lesherartscenter.com.< 

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE  

"Music That Dances," May 8, 7:30 p.m. Program features works by Gianna Abondolo, Jacques Offenbach, Antonin Dvorak, Bela Bartok and Bohuslav Martinu. $5-$10.  

2700 E. Leland Rd., Pittsburg. < 

NORTHBRAE COMMUNITY CHURCH  

"Rachmaninoff, Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and Bartok, Hungarian Folk Songs," May 16, 4 p.m. Program features Rachmaninoff's "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom'' and Bartok's "Slovak Folk Songs.'' $12-$15.  

941 The Alameda, Berkeley. < 

PARAMOUNT THEATRE  

Oakland East Bay Symphony, May 14 and May 16, Friday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Program features Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Jake Heggie's "The Deepest Desire: Four Meditations on Love.'' $20-$65. (510) 444-0801, www.oebs.org. 

2025 Broadway, Oakland. (510) 465-6400, (415) 421-8497, www.paramounttheatre.com or www.ticketmaster.com.< 

ST. DAVID OF WALES CHURCH  

"'The Spanish Bach' Music of Antonio de Cabazon and His Age," May 7, 11 a.m. Program features works by Cabezon, Hans Buchner, William Byrd, J.P. Sweelinck and Cabezon-Despre. Free.  

5641 Esmond Ave., Richmon. < 

ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CHURCH  

"J.S. Bach in B Minor," May 9, 4:30 p.m. Program features performes Elspeth Franks (soprano), Sonia Gariaeff (alto), Brian Thorsett (tenor) and Hugh M. Davis (baritone).  

1640 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 843-2730, www.stjtwc.org.< 

ST. MARK'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF BERKELEY  

"Sacred and Profane Presents Madness and Mirth," May 7, 8 p.m. Program features works by Benjamin Britten, Per Norgard, Geoffredi Petrassi and William Bergsma. $15-$20. (415) 388-5899, www.scrdprofane.org. 

2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 848-5107, www.stmarksberkeley.org/.< 

TRINITY CHAMBER CONCERTS  

Suzanne Macahilig, May 8, 8 p.m. The pianist performs works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Chopin. $8-$12.  

ChamberBridge, May 15, 8 p.m. Program features works by Gabriela Lena Frank and a work written for ChamberBridge by Christian Henking. $8-$12.  

$12 general; $8 seniors, disabled persons and students. Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St., Berkeley. (510) 549-3864, www.trinitychamberconcerts.com.<

924 GILMAN ST. -- All ages welcome. 

Merauder, Crucified, Ruckus, Rule of Thumb, Grace Alley, Foreign Nature, May 7, 7:30 p.m.  

Sonic Boom Six, Knock Out, Dan Potthast, Los Arambula, IV, May 8, 7 p.m. $8.  

DCOI, Bum City Saints, Short Attn Span, Side Effects, Holiday Bowl, Public Suicide, May 14, 7:30 p.m. $7.  

$5 unless otherwise noted. Shows start Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 924 Gilman St., Berkeley. (510) 525-9926, www.924gilman.org.< 

ALAMEDA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK  

Los Mapaches, May 8, 7 p.m. $5-$15.  

"Singer/Songwriter Performance Showcase," May 9, 6 p.m. $10.  

7900 Edgewater Dr., Oakland. (510) 635-3663, www.accfb.org.< 

ALBATROSS PUB  

Whiskey Brothers, First and third Wednesdays, 9 p.m. Free.  

Blind Duck Irish Band, May 12, 9-11 p.m. Free.  

Fred Randolph Jazz Trio, May 15, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $3.  

Free unless otherwise noted. Shows begin Wednesday, 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1822 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 843-2473, www.albatrosspub.com.< 

ARMANDO'S  

Kevin Ambrogi, Bryan Girard, Chris Robinson, Andy Dillard, May 7, 8-11 p.m. $10.  

Offshore, May 7, 8 p.m. $10.  

Tip of the Top, May 8, 8 p.m. $10.  

Blues Jam, May 10, 7 p.m. $3.  

"West Coast Songwriters Assn. Songwriters Competition," May 12, 7 p.m. $5.  

Mark Holzinger Quartet, May 13, 8 p.m. $8.  

Seth Augustus Band, May 14, 8 p.m. $10.  

Kally Price and Her Old Time Blues and Jazz Band, May 15, 8 p.m. $10.  

707 Marina Vista Ave., Martinez. (925) 228-6985, www.armandosmartinez.com.< 

ASHKENAZ  

Moonalice, May 7, 9:30 P.M. $10-$12.  

Pato Banton, May 9, 9 p.m. $10-$15.  

Black Sea Surf, May 12, 8:30 p.m. $10.  

DUSU and Mama Crow and Saratone, Band of Mystics, May 13, 8:30 p.m. $8-$10.  

Sara Ayala and Students, May 16, 7:30 p.m. $10.  

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.< 

BECKETT'S IRISH PUB  

Green Machine, May 7.  

Dane Drewis, May 8.  

Fun with Finnoula, May 12.  

Blue Diamond Fillups, May 14.  

DigiiN, May 15.  

Free. Shows at 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2271 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 647-1790, www.beckettsirishpub.com.< 

BERKELEY FELLOWSHIP OF UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST HALL  

"Blues for Social Justice," May 15, 8 p.m. Featuring Voodoo Junk $10-$75.  

1924 Cedar St., Berkeley. (510) 495-5132, www.bfuu.org.< 

BLAKE'S ON TELEGRAPH  

Memorials, Club Crasherz, May 7, 9 p.m. $11.  

Stomacher, Early Stages, Viacoma, May 8, 9 p.m. $10-$12.  

Wonderland PD, Waves of Perception, Chanel the Suns, May 16, 7 p.m. $8.  

For ages 18 and older. Music begins at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2367 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. (510) 848-0886, www.blakesontelegraph.com.< 

FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF OAKLAND  

Cinyakare and the KTO Project, May 14, 8 p.m. $5-$18.  

685 14th St., Oakland. (510) 893-7056, www.uuoakland.org.< 

FOX THEATER  

Mastodon, Between the Buried and Me, High on Fire, Baroness, Priestess, May 8, 4 p.m. $35.  

Thirty Seconds to Mars, MuteMath, Neon Trees, May 13, 7:30 p.m. $29.50.  

1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 452-0438.< 

FREIGHT AND SALVAGE  

"Freight Open Mic," Tuesdays. $4.50-$5.50.  

Montclair Women's Big Band, May 7. $18.50-$19.50.  

George Cole Quintet, May 8. $18.50-$19.50.  

Bob Mielke and the New Bearcats, May 9. $18.50-$19.50.  

Fishtank Ensemble, May 12. $18.50-$19.50.  

Charlie Hunter Trio, May 13. $24.50-$25.50.  

Jimmy Webb, May 14. $30.50-$31.50.  

Lost Weekend, May 15. $18.50-$19.50.  

Jody Stecher & Kate Brislin, Canote Brothers, May 16. $14.50-$15.50.  

Music starts at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 548-1761, www.freightandsalvage.org.< 

JAZZSCHOOL  

Lisa Engelken, May 7, 8 p.m. $15.  

Grant Milliken/Harrison Reinisch Group, May 8, 8 p.m. $10.  

Arts and Sciences, May 9, 4:30 p.m. $15.  

UC Berkeley Jazz and Improvised Music Ensemble, May 14, 8 p.m. $15.  

"First Annual Jazzschool High School Invitational," May 15 through May 16, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. $5.  

Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2087 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 845-5373, www.jazzschool.com.< 

JUPITER  

"Americana Unplugged," Sundays, 5 p.m. A weekly bluegrass and Americana series.  

"Jazzschool Tuesdays," Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Featuring the ensembles from the Berkeley Jazzschool. www.jazzschool.com. 

8 p.m. 2181 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 843-8277, www.jupiterbeer.com.< 

KIMBALL'S CARNIVAL  

"Monday Blues Legends Night," 8 p.m.-midnight. Enjoy live blues music every Monday night. Presented by the Bay Area Blues Society and Lothario Lotho Company. $5 donation. (510) 836-2227, www.bayareabluessociety.net. 

522 2nd St., Jack London Square, Oakland. < 

LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER  

Anna Estrada and Almasferas, May 7, 8 p.m. $12-$14.  

Los Mapaches, May 8, 7 p.m. $5-$15.  

"Singer/Songwriter Performance Showcase," May 9, 6 p.m. $10.  

"A Benefit for the View Finders," May 13, 8 p.m. Featuring Irie 924, Upwords Movement and Ajuanna Black. $25-$30.  

3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2568, www.lapena.org.< 

PARAMOUNT THEATRE  

Kevin Hart, May 15, 8 p.m. $29.50-$39.50.  

2025 Broadway, Oakland. (510) 465-6400, (415) 421-8497, www.paramounttheatre.com or www.ticketmaster.com.< 

SHATTUCK DOWN LOW  

"It's the Joint," Thursdays, 9:30 p.m. Featuring DJs Headnodic, Raashan Ahmad and Friends. $5.  

"King of Kings," Doors 10 p.m. $6-$8.  

"Live Salsa," Wednesdays. An evening of dancing to the music of a live salsa band. Salsa dance lesson from 8:30-9:30 p.m. $5-$10.  

"Thirsty Thursdays," Thursday, 9 p.m. Featuring DJ Vickity Slick and Franky Fresh. Free.  

For ages 21 and older. 2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 548-1159, www.shattuckdownlow.com.< 

STARRY PLOUGH PUB  

The Starry Irish Music Session led by Shay Black, Sundays, 8 p.m. Sliding scale.  

For ages 21 and over unless otherwise noted. Sunday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-2082, www.starryploughpub.com.< 

UPTOWN NIGHTCLUB  

Mumlers, Touch-Me-Nots, DJ Mitch and Clark, May 7.  

Hot Tub, Isis G, May 8, 9 p.m. $10.  

Oakland Active Orchestra, May 11, 9 p.m.  

Audio Whore, DJ Jen Schande, Zola, May 13, 9 p.m.  

Bitter Honeys, Aerosols, Joel Robinow vs. Black Water, Water DJ Sean Sullivan, May 14, 9 p.m. $8.  

Hella Gay, May 15, 9 p.m. $7.  

1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 451-8100, www.uptownnightclub.com.< 

YOSHI'S  

Christian McBride & Inside Straight, through May 7, 8 and 10 p.m. $12-$20.  

Carlos Varela, May 8 through May 9, Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. $22.  

Jazzschool Institute Vocal Performance Class, May 10, 8 p.m. $12.  

Stanley Clarke Band with Hiromi, May 11 through May 12, 8 and 10 p.m.  

$30.  

Chuchito Valdes, May 13, 8 p.m. $16.  

David Grisman Quintet plus special guest Mike Barnett, May 14 through May 16, Friday and Saturday 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. $30.  

"For the Love of Mike: A Benefit for Mike Cogan," May 15, 1-4 p.m. Featuring Leon Oakley, John Santos, Clairdee, Ken French, Anton Schwartz, Wayne Wallace, Ed Reed, Lavay Smith, Joe Gilman and more. $20.  

Shows are Monday through Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. (510) 238-9200, www.yoshis.com.< 

ZELLERBACH HALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY  

Laurie Anderson, May 7 through May 8, 8 p.m. $30-$56. www.calperformances.org. 

Sonny Rollins, May 13, 8 p.m. $34-$76.  

UC Berkeley campus, Bancroft Way and Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 642-9988.<

CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH  

"Dutch Princess Christina Concert," May 8, 2 p.m. Program features works by J.N. Hummel, E. Ysaye and F. Liszt. Free. (212) 825-1221. 

"Celebrating American Heroes," May 15 through May 16, Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m. Program features Eric Davis "A Thanksgiving for Heroes.'' $15-$35.  

2515 Fillmore St., San Francisco. (415) 346-3832, www.calvarypresbyterian.org.< 

DANCE MISSION THEATER  

"New World Echoes," May 14, 8 p.m. Program features works by William Susman and Richard Warp. $12-$15.  

3316 24th St., San Francisco. (415) 826-4441, www.dancemission.com.< 

DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL  

"Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2," through May 8, Wednesday, 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m. Christoph Eschenbach conducts the San Francisco Symphony in a program that includes Beethoven, Larcher and Brahms. $15-$130.  

"Chamber Music Series," May 9, 2 p.m. Program features works by Nathaniel Stookey, Stravinsky, Prokofiev and Ravel. $35.  

"Gustavo Dudamel Conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic," May 10, 8 p.m. Program features works by John Adams and Mahler. $30-$155.  

"Los Angeles Philharmonic with Jean-Yves Thibaudet," May 11, 8 p.m. Program features works by Bernstein and Tchaikovsky. $30-$155.  

"MTT and Garrick Ohlsson," May 13 and May 15, Thursday, 2 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m. Program features works by Litolff, Chopin, Adam and Debussy. $15-$130.  

"San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert," May 16, 2 p.m. Program features works by John Adams, Vaughan Williams and Tchaikovsky. $12-$36.  

201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org.< 

HERBST THEATRE  

"Sea to Shining Sea," May 8, 8 p.m. Program features works by Barber, Bolcom and Copland. $32-$54. (415) 357-1111. 

"Brandenburg Concertos," May 9, 3 p.m. Archetti String Ensemble performs these works by Bach, as well as works by Handel and Vivaldi. $32-$42. (415) 392-4400, www.cityboxoffice.com. 

Tokyo String Quartet, May 14, 8 p.m. Program features works by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. $32-$44.  

401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 392-4400, www.cityboxoffice.com.< 

RED VIC MOVIE HOUSE  

"Madama Butterfly," May 9, 2 p.m. San Francisco Opera presents a special Mother's Day screening of Puccini's opera.  

1727 Haight St., San Francisco. < 

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC  

Eguene Brancoveneau and Peter Grunberg, May 16, 2 p.m. Program features works by Mahler and Vaughan Williams. $32.  

$15 to $20 unless otherwise noted. Hellman Hall, 50 Oak St., San Francisco. (415) 864-7326, www.sfcm.edu.< 

SAN FRANCISCO PARLOR OPERA  

"W.A. Mozart's Don Giovanni," May 8 and May 15, 7 p.m. SF Parlor Opera presen ts a modern day adaptation of Mozart's opera, set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. $55. (415) 235-9178. 

1652 Hayes St., San Francisco. (425) 235-9178, www.sfparloropera.org.< 

SEVENTH AVENUE PERFORMANCES  

"The Armed Man -- Josquin Des Prez," May 15, 7:30 p.m. Presented by San Francisco Renaissance Voices. $15-$20.  

1329 7th Ave., San Francisco. (415) 664-2543, www.sevenperforms.org.< 

ST. FRANCIS LUTHERAN CHURCH  

"Sacred and Profane Presents Madness and Mirth," May 8, 8 p.m. Program features works by Benjamin Britten, Per Norgard, Geoffredi Petrassi and William Bergsma. $15-$20.  

152 Church St., San Francisco. (415) 621-2635.< 

ST. MARK'S LUTHERAN CHURCH  

"Volti Concert: Nocturnes," May 15, 8 p.m. Program features Morten Lauridsen, Robin Estrada, Ted Hearne, Donald Crockett. $20-$30. (415) 771-3352. 

1111 O'Farrell St., San Francisco. (415) 928-7770, www.stmarks-sf.org.<

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, EAST BAY (HAYWARD CAMPUS) --  

"Wayward,'' May 7 through May 16, May 7-8, 14-15, 8 p.m.; May 16, 2 p.m. Program features "Big Red,'' which leads audiences on a journey through and around the theater, and "Dan Pionsy's Bar Mitzvah," which will premiere and the Contemporary Jewish Museum of San Francisco in July. $10-$15.  

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward. www.csueastbay.edu.< 

LESHER CENTER FOR THE ARTS  

"Company C Contemporary Ballet,'' May 14 through May 15, 8 p.m. Program features Artistic Director Charles Anderson's "Beautiful Maladies,'' an amorous exploration set to recording by Chet Backer, Twyla Tharp's arresting take on Euripdes, "Surfer at the River Styx'' and Val Caniparoli's buoyantly retro "Boink!" $18-$40. www.spreckelsonline.com. 

1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. (925) 943-7469, www.lesherartscenter.com.<

A GREAT GOOD PLACE FOR BOOKS  

Katie Crouch, May 7, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Men and Dogs.''  

Kathi Goldmark and Sam Barry, May 8, 7 p.m. The authors talk about "Write That Book Already! The Tough Love You Need to Get Published Now.''  

BJ Gallagher, May 13, 7 p.m. The author talks about "It's Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been.''  

Kate Moses, May 14, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Cakewalk: A Memoir.''  

Phil Cousineau, May 16, 4 p.m. The author talks about "Wordcatcher: An Odyssey Into the World of Weird and Wonderful Words.''  

6120 LaSalle Ave., Oakland. (510) 339-8210, www.greatgoodplace.indiebound.com.< 

BOOKS INC., BERKELEY  

Suel D. Jones, May 7, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Meeting the Enemy: A Marine Goes Home.''  

Peter Schrag and Tyche Hendricks, May 10, 7 p.m. Schrag talks about "Not Fir for Society'' and Hendricks talk about "The Wind Doesn't Need a Passport.''  

1760 4th Street, Berkeley. (510) 525-7777, www.booksinc.net.< 

DIESEL, A BOOKSTORE  

Deborah Burnes, May 11, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Look Great, Live Green.''  

Greil Marcus, May 13, 7 p.m. The author talks about "When the Rough God Goes Riding.''  

Aife Murray, May 16, 3 p.m. The author talks about "Maid as Muse.''  

5433 College Avenue, Oakland. (510) 653-9965.< 

EASTWIND BOOKS  

Karen Tei Yamashita, May 8, 3 p.m. The author talks about "I Hotel.''  

2066 University Ave., Berkeley. (510) 548-2350.< 

KENSINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER  

"Annual Spring Booksale," May 8 through May 9, Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sale features CDs, DVDs, video and audio tapes, donated books and more.  

59 Arlington Blvd., Kensington. (510) 524-3043.< 

MOE'S BOOKS  

Roddy Doyle, May 7. The author talks about "The Dead Republic.''  

Joanne Kyger and Anne Valley-Fox, May 13. Poetry Flash presents the authors reading their new work.  

10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. 2476 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2087, www.moesbooks.com.< 

MRS. DALLOWAY'S  

Matthew Crawford, May 13, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "Shopclass as Soulcraft.''  

Christi Phillips, May 14, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "The Devlin Diary.''  

Marcia Gagliardi, May 15, 4 p.m. The authors talk about "The Tablehoppers Guide to Dining and Drinking in San Francisco.''  

Mac Barnett and Eli Horowitz, May 16, 4 p.m. The authors talk about "The Clock Without a Face.''  

2904 College Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 704-8222.<

AURORA THEATRE COMPANY  

CLOSING -- "John Gabriel Borkman," by David Eldridge, through May 9, Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. After serving eight years in prison for embezzlement, Borkman plans a comeback. $15-$55.  

Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 843-4822, www.auroratheatre.org.< 

BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE  

CLOSING -- "Girlfriend," by Todd Almond, through May 9, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. Boy meets boy in this dual-Romeo duet that's innocent -- and sweet. $27-$71.  

2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949, (888) 4BR-Ttix, www.berkeleyrep.org.< 

DIABLO ACTORS ENSEMBLE THEATRE  

"Same Time Next Year," by Bernard Slade, through May 23, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. An accountant and a housewife meet at a Northern California inn once a year, despite the fact that they are both married to other people. $10-$25.  

1345 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. (925) 482-5110, www.diabloactors.com.< 

LA VAL'S SUBTERRANEAN THEATRE  

OPENING -- "Twelfth Night," by William Shakespeare, May 8 through June 12, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Impact Theatre presents this classic Shakespeare comedy. $10.  

1834 Euclid Ave., Berkeley. (510) 464-4468.< 

THE MARSH BERKELEY  

CLOSING -- "East 14: True Tales of a Reluctant Player,'' through May 8. "East 14th" chronicles the true tale of a young man raised by his mother and ultra-strict stepfather. $20-$35.  

OPENING -- "What Just Happened," by Nina Wise, May 7 through May 22, Friday, 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m. Wise presents an evening improvisation based on personal and political events which have transpired over the previous 24 hours. $20-$35.  

The Gaia Building, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. Info: (415) 826-5750, Tickets: (800) 838-3006, www.themarsh.org.< 

WILLOWS CABARET AT THE CAMPBELL THEATRE  

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,'' through June 6. The Red Baron patrols the skies, the Doctor is in, and the "blankie" is in jeopardy again. $14-$32.  

636 Ward St., Martinez. (925) 798-1300, www.willowstheatre.org.<

AMES GALLERY  

"New Show," through June 30. Exhibition features drawings by Deborah Barrett, Ted Gordon, Dwight Mackintosh, Inez Nathaniel Walker, AG Rizzoli, Barry Simons and others.  

2661 Cedar St., Berkeley. (510) 845-4949, www.amesgallery.com.< 

BEDFORD GALLERY  

"Dutch Impressionism and Beyond," through June 27. Exhibition features selections from the Beekhuis Collection.  

$3 general; $2 youth ages 12 through 17; free children ages 12 and under; free Tuesdays. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. (925) 295-1417, www.bedfordgallery.org.< 

DENMAN STUDIOS  

CLOSING -- "Solo Art Exhibition 2010," through May 8. Exhibition features works by Andrew Denman.  

20 Parkway Court, Orinda. (925) 258-9342, www.andrewdenman.com.< 

FLOAT  

"Enigma," through June 12. Exhibition features works by James Barnes MacKinnon and Dave Meeker, as well as sonic textures and ambient grooves by dj fflood.  

Free. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; by appointment. 1091 Calcot Place, Unit 116, Oakland. (510) 535-1702, www.thefloatcenter.com.< 

HALL OF PIONEERS GALLERY  

"Oakland Chinatown Pioneers," Twelve showcases, each focusing on historic leaders and personalities of the community.  

Free. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Chinese Garden Building, 275 Seventh St., Oakland. (510) 530-4590.< 

HEARST ART GALLERY AT SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA  

"Andy Warhol's Quick Pix and Pop Icons," through June 20. Exhibition features original Poloraid photographs from the Andy Warhol Foundation's Photographic Legacy Program.  

$3. Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga. (925) 631-4379, www.gallery.stmarys-ca.edu.< 

JOYCE GORDON GALLERY  

OPENING -- "Cross Roads," May 7 through June 28. Collaborative exhibition features works by Chukes and Ruth Tunstall Grant.  

Free. Wednesday-Friday, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.; Monday by appointment. 406 14th St., Oakland. www.joycegordongallery.com.< 

PHOTOLAB  

"Loud and Fast: 15 Years of Punk Rock Performances," through June 5. Exhibition features black and white photographs by Larry Wolfley.  

2235 5th St., Berkeley. (510) 644-1400, www.photolabratory.com.< 

SUN GALLERY  

CLOSING -- "The Wild, Wild West II," through May 15, Noon-6 p.m. Exhibition features works by Benny Alba, Larry Gipson, Celia Huddleston and many others.  

1015 E. St., Hayward. (510) 581-4050, www.sungallery.org.< 

TRAYWICK CONTEMPORARY  

"The Oblivion Before the Beginning," through June 26. Exhibition features works by Diana Guerrero-Macia.  

895 Colusa Ave., Berkeley. (510) 527-1214.<

BERKELEY PUBLIC LIBRARY, CENTRAL BRANCH  

OPENING -- "Bay Area Nature," through July 1. Exhibition features photography by Satoko Myodo-Garcia.  

Free. Monday-Tuesday, noon-8 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 2090 Kittredge St., Berkeley. (510) 981-6100, www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/.< 

CARMEN FLORES RECREATION CENTER  

"El Corazon de la Communidad: The Heart of the Community", Painted by Joaquin Alejandro Newman, this mural installation consists of four 11-foot panels that mix ancient Meso-American and contemporary imagery to pay homage to local activists Carmen Flores and Josie de la Cruz.  

Free unless otherwise noted. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 1637 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland. (510) 535-5631.< 

CHANDRA CERRITO CONTEMPORARY  

"Kagami," through May 15. Exhibition features works by Kana Tanaka.  

480 23rd St., Oakland. (415) 577-7537, www.chandracerrito.com.< 

COHN-STONE STUDIOS  

"Mothers Day Open Studios," May 7 through May 9. Event features tea in the art glass garden, glass blowing demonstrations, affordable art works and open studios.  

Free. 560 S. 31st St., Richmond. (510) 234-9690, www.cohnstone.com.< 

FRANK BETTE CENTER FOR THE ARTS  

OPENING -- "Les Femmes et Fleurs," May 7 through May 29. Exhiition explores themes of spring and the blossoming of women and flowers throughout their life cycles.  

Free. Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 1601 Paru St., Alameda. (510) 523-6957, www.frankbettecenter.org.< 

JOHANSSON PROJECTS  

CLOSING -- "The Velveteen Order," through May 15. Exhibition features works by Keer Tanchak and Christina Corfield.  

Free. Thursday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. 2300 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 444-9140, www.johanssonprojects.com.< 

LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM This is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.  

WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there are no public viewing areas in the hospital. 

EXHIBITS --  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$5-$7; free children under age 2. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.< 

MILLS COLLEGE  

"Between You and Me," through May 30. Mills College presents its 2010 MFA Exhibition.  

5000 Macarthur Blvd., Oakland. (510) 430-2296, www.mills.edu.< 

OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER  

"Oakland's 19th-Century San Pablo Avenue Chinatown," A permanent exhibit of new findings about the rediscovered Chinatown on San Pablo Avenue. The exhibit aims to inform visitors about the upcoming archaeological work planned to explore the lives of early Chinese pioneers in the 1860s.  

Free. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Pacific Renaissance Plaza, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290, Oakland. (510) 637-0455, www.oacc.cc.< 

OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT  

"Going Away, Coming Home," A 160-foot public art installation by Mills College art professor Hung Liu. Liu hand painted 80 red-crowned cranes onto 65 panels of glass that were then fired, tempered and paired with background panes that depict views of a satellite photograph, ranging from the western United States to the Asia Pacific Area. Terminal 2.  

Free. Daily, 24 hours, unless otherwise noted. Oakland International Airport, 1 Airport Drive, Oakland. (510) 563-3300, www.flyoakland.com.< 

OAKLAND MARRIOTT CITY CENTER  

"Leroy Parker," through May 31. Exhibition features drawings, paintings and mixed media by the artist.  

1001 Broadway, Oakland. (510) 451-4000.< 

OAKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY, DIMOND BRANCH  

"Priority Artists Exhibition," through May 29. Exhibition features works by a varied group of skilled creators, ranging in age from 30s to 70s, and made up of many of the diverse ethnic groups that reside in the Bay Area.  

Free. Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, noon to 5:30 p.m. 3565 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland. (510) 482-7844, www.oaklandlibrary.org.< 

RICHMOND ART CENTER  

"Cream From the Top," through June 5. Exhibition features surfacing talent from fine arts programs at California College of the Arts, Mills College, San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco State University, University of California, Berkeley and University of California, Davis.  

Free. Tuesday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. (510) 620-6772, www.therichmondartcenter.org.< 

WOMEN'S CANCER RESOURCE CENTER  

"Edible East Bay," through June 25. Exhibition featurse works by Zina Deretsky, Kieren Dutcher, Rosalie Z. Fanshel and more.  

5471 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. <

ELKS LODGE, ALAMEDA  

"All You Can Dance Sunday Socials," Sunday, 4-6 p.m. Marilyn Bowe and Robert Henneg presents monthly socials with ballroom, swing, Latin and rock & roll themes. www.dancewithme.info. 

2255 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda. (510) 864-2256.< 

LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER  

Bill Santiago, May 14, 8 p.m. Learn salsa, tango and other dance styles. $12-$14.  

3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2568, www.lapena.org.< 

SHATTUCK DOWN LOW  

"Live Salsa," Wednesdays. An evening of dancing to the music of a live salsa band. Salsa dance lesson from 8:30-9:30 p.m. $5-$10.  

For ages 21 and older. 2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 548-1159, www.shattuckdownlow.com.< 

SOLAD DANCE CENTER  

"Persian Dance," Tuesday and Thursdays, 8:30 and 10 p.m. Rosa Rojas offers traditional dance classes. $10.  

Citrus Marketplace, 2260 Oak Grove Rd., Walnut Creek. (925) 938-3300.< 

STARRY PLOUGH PUB  

"Ceili and Dance," Traditional Irish music and dance. The evening begins with dance lesson at 7 p.m. followed by music at 9 p.m. Mondays, 7 p.m. Free.  

For ages 21 and over unless otherwise noted. Sunday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-2082, www.starryploughpub.com.<

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER  

"Round and Round the Garden," by Alan Ayckbourn, through May 23. Librarian Norman channels Casanova in his fervent attempts to seduce his two sisters in-law, as well as his estranged wife during a weekend family gathering.  

Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. (415) 749-2228, www.actsf. org.< 

BATS IMPROV THEATRE  

"BATS Improv," through May 29, Friday, 8 p.m. BATS presents themed improv theater nights. $17-$20.  

All shows at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Bayfront Theatre, Building B, Third Floor, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, San Francisco. (415) 474-8935, www.improv.org.< 

CHANCELLOR HOTEL UNION SQUARE  

"Eccentrics of San Francisco's Barbary Coast," Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Audiences gather for a 90-minute show abounding with local anecdotes and lore presented by captivating and consummate conjurers and tale-tellers. $30.  

433 Powell St., San Francisco. (877) 784-6835, www.chancellorhotel.com.< 

CLIMATE THEATRE  

"The Clown Cabaret at the Climate," First Monday of the month, 7 and 9 p.m. Hailed as San Francisco's hottest ticket in clowning, this show blends rising stars with seasoned professionals on the Climate Theater's intimate stage. $10-$15.  

285 Ninth St., Second Floor, San Francisco. www.climatetheater.com.< 

COUNTERPULSE  

"Tender Stone," through May 16, 8 p.m. ARTSHIP Ensemble performs an original theater piece with an interpretive exhibition based on the nurturing wisdom of women storytellers of the Persian and Mogul empires. (800) 838-3006. 

1310 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 626-2060, www.counterpulse.org.< 

CURRAN THEATRE  

"In the Heights," May 12 through June 13, Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, 2 p.m.; May 16, 7:30 p.m. Hear the story about the bonds that develop in a vibrant, tight-knit community at the top of the island of Manhattan. $30-$99.  

445 Geary St., San Francisco. (415) 512-7770, www.shnsf.com or www.bestofbroadway-sf.com.< 

EUREKA THEATRE  

"First in the Jerome Kern Celebration,'' through May 24, Wednesday, 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 6 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. 42nd Street Moon presents a giddy romp that takes the old "barn musical" plot and turns it on its head. $38-$44.  

215 Jackson St., San Francisco. (415) 255-8207, (415) 978-2787, www.42ndstmoon.org/42newweb/finding/eureka.htm or www.ticketweb.com/.< 

THE JEWISH THEATER SAN FRANCISCO  

CLOSING -- "Andy Warhol: Good for the Jews?" by Josh Kornbluth, through May 16, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. This one-man performance examines the legacy of Andy Warhol and the ten Jewish luminaries he painted. $15-$45.  

470 Florida St., San Francisco. (415) 292-1233, www.tjt-sf.org.< 

THE MARSH  

"The Mock Cafe," Stand-up comedy performances. Saturday, 10 p.m. $7.  

"The Monday Night Marsh," An ongoing series of works-in-progress. Monday, 8 p.m. $7.  

EXTENDED -- "The Real Americans," by Dan Hoyle, through May 30, Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. Fleeing the liberal bubble of San Francisco and his hipster friends, Hoyle spent 100 days traveling through small-town America in search of some tough country wisdom and a way to bridge America's urban/rural divide. $15-$35.  

"Geezer," by Geoff Hoyle, through May 23, Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 p.m.; May 9, 8 p.m. Hoyle reminisces of his youth in England and young manhood in America. $20-$35.  

1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. (415) 826-5750, www.themarsh.org.< 

MISSION CULTURAL CENTER FOR LATINO ARTS  

"DIS-oriented,'' May 14, 8 p.m. Featuring "All Atheists Are Muslim,'' by Zahra Noorbakhsh, "Soft Tissue,'' by Colleen "Coke'' Nakamoto and "Fortunate Daughter" by Thao P. Nguyen. $15-$20.  

Gallery admission: $2. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2868 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 643-1115, www.missionculturalcenter.org.< 

NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER  

"Proud and Bothered," May 13 through June 26, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Gomez, a professional Gay Pride MC takes the walk of shame in this comedic tell-all. $22-$34.  

25 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org.< 

NEXT STAGE THEATER  

CLOSING -- "The Diary of Anne Frank," by Wendy Kesselman, through May 9, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m. Custom Made presents a modern adaptation of this classic play. $18-$28. www.custommade.org. 

1620 Gough St., San Francisco. (415) 863-1076, www.nextstagetheater.com or www.ticketweb.com.< 

OFF-MARKET THEATER  

"Tilted Frame Network," through May 13, Thursday, 8 p.m. Enjoy a night of multimedia improv comedy. $20. www.combinedartform.com. 

"ShortLived 3.0," through June 26, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. The largest audience-judged playwrighting competetion in the nation returns with experienced playwrights, unknown up-and-comers and local, independent theater companies. $20. www.pianofight.com. 

"City Solo," through May 23, Sunday, 7 p.m. Program features four short pieces, written and performed by the solo artists themselves, including Monica Bhatangar, Susan Ito, Kathy Jetnil-Kijner, Sarah Weidman and Nicole Maxali. $15.  

965 Mission St., San Francisco. < 

ORPHEUM THEATRE  

CLOSING -- "Wicked,'' Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.; Oct. 11 and Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 27, 2 p.m.; Dec. 21 and 28, 8 p.m. "Wicked'' is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. "Wicked" tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. $30-$99.  

1192 Market St., San Francisco. (415) 512-7770, www.shnsf.com.< 

PHOENIX THEATRE  

CLOSING -- "Ashes to Ashes," through May 8. A husband's seemingly casual conversation unearth's his wife's sadistic affair. $14-$18.  

414 Mason St., Sixth Floor, San Francisco. (800) 838-3006, www.offbroadwaywest.org.< 

SAN FRANCISCO COMEDY COLLEGE CLUBHOUSE (800) 838-3006, www.clubhousecomedy.com.  

"Naked Comedy," A comedy showcase featuring some of the best comedians in San Francisco. BYOB for 21 and over. Saturdays, 9 p.m. $10. 

"Hump Day Comedy," Host Rich Stimbra and a variety of stand-up comics will get you over the Wednesday work hump. BYOB for 21 and over. Wednesday, 8 p.m. $5. 

414 Mason St., Suite 705, San Francisco. (415) 921-2051, www.sfcomedycollege.com.< 

SHELTON THEATER  

"Shopping! The Musical," by Morris Bobrow, A quick-paced musical about those obsessed with buying things. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. $27-$29. www.shoppingthemusical.com. 

Big City Improv, Friday, 10 p.m. $20. (510) 595-5597, www.bigcityimprov.com. 

"See Mom, I Didn't Forget," May 9, 2 and 7 p.m. Featuring solo performances by Julia Jackson, Thao P. Nguyen, Zahra Noorbakhsh, Martha Rynberg, Paolo Sambrano $20-$30.  

533 Sutter St., San Francisco. (415) 433-1227, www.sheltontheater.com or www.sheltontheater.com.<

“Jerusalem: the East Side Story” 

a film by Mohammed Alatar 

Friday May 7 at 7 pm 

Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar, at Bonita  

Fourth in Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists’ 

Palestine film series: 

“Palestine: Occupied Lives, Non-Violence and Steadfastness”  

Donation appreciated: no one turned away for lack of funds 

Wheelchair accessible 

To benefit the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund  

In 1948, the western part of Jerusalem fell under Israeli control; in 1967, the eastern part fell under Israeli occupation. Since then, Israel has pursued a policy of Judaizing the city, aiming to achieve “Jewish demographic superiority.” Part of this policy is to drive out Palestinian Muslims and Christians, denying their presence, history, and ties to the land.  

Israel has constructed a ring of Jewish settlements that cuts Jerusalem—the center of Palestinians’ religious, cultural, and economic life—from the rest of the West Bank. The film shows the effects of these policies on Palestinians. Families watch in desperation as giant bulldozers demolish their home. Some live in tents across from their homes, evicted to make room for Jewish settlers. Crowds tussle to obtain permits to go worship at Al Aksa mosque, the Muslim heart of Jerusalem. The many who fail to obtain permits on time pray in the streets. Families are separated by an absurd system of permits. 

The film includes interviews with Palestinian and Israeli leaders, human rights activists and political analysts. 

Co-Sponsors: American Friends Service Committee, Arab Film Festival, BFUU-Social Justice Committee, Ecumenical Peace Institute, Fr. Bill O'Donnell Social Justice Committee of St. Joseph the Worker, Flashpoints (KPFA), International Solidarity Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, Middle East Children Alliance, Students for Justice in Palestine-UCB  

A discussion will follow the film. It will be led by Palestinian-American Nabil Wahbeh, who is from Jerusalem and had to leave following Israel’s conquest of East Jerusalem in 1967. 

"South of the Border, down Mexico Way" might well be the theme song of one of Berkeley's favorite restaurants, "La Fiesta." Entering through the handsome gates of this marvelous Mexican restaurant, one indeed feels transported to old Mexico. With its Spanish revival furniture and Diego Rivera reproductions lining the walls, dining at La Fiesta is a joy, 

thanks in great part to the restaurant's owners, Mario and Rosalinda Tejada, who have served authentic, inexpensive meals for more than three generations. 

Back in February, 2009, the Tejadas reluctantly announced that they were forced to give up their original restaurant, located at the corner of Telegraph and Haste Street, due to the poor economy and low patronage. Fortunately for us, however, La Fiesta moved a block away into the charming small building at 2506 Haste Street, across from People's Park. Most of their dishes are prepared as you order them, so you must allow time when you visit. But where else would you find these authentic Mexican dishes at such low prices -- enchiladas, Chile Rellenos, Tostadas, Tamales -- all just $2.60 each? Margaritas are priced at a mere $3.50, Mexican Hot Chocolate, $2.00. Dinner combinations are a modest $7.85. 

When visiting the restaurant, you might want to walk back to the rear, entering a courtyard with a fountain filled with flowers, and, not surprisingly, a large painting of the Virgin Mary. This courtyard would be an ideal place for private parties. 

So, for a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience, I would suggest you treat yourself to lunch or dinner at La Fiesta, receiving a warm welcome from Mario and Rosalinda, two of Berkeley's beloved citizens. A word of warning, though; since they're not open every day, you'll want to make reservations. (510) 848-2588. 

Hundreds of Berkeleyans and visitors to town turned out in picture-perfect spring weather on Sunday, May 2, 2010 to attend two tours. 

At least 1,000 paying guests and volunteers thronged the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) annual house tour featured 8 properties designed by Julia Morgan.  

The self-guided walking tour included chamber music, a magnificent mansion in the Claremont, the house of an early UC professor largely unchanged from its 1905 character, and a hidden gem of a wood timbered garage. 

Hundreds more went on the “Bringing Back the Natives” garden tour that extended throughout the East Bay and included several properties in Berkeley, from the San Pablo Avenue flatlands to the crest of the hills. 

Some managed to squeeze in parts of both tours, with the Natives excursion starting three hours before the BAHA tour. 

OUTDOORS-EAST BAY THROUGH MAY 16  

ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM Ardenwood farm is a working farm that dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming techniques from the 1870s. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free with regular admission.  

ONGOING PROGRAMS --  

"Blacksmithing," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch a blacksmith turn iron into useful tools.  

"Horse-Drawn Train," Thursday, Friday and Sunday. A 20-minute ride departs from Ardenwood Station and Deer Park.  

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Help slop the hogs, check the henhouse for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.  

"Victorian Flower Arranging," Thursday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Watch as Ardenwood docents create floral works of art for display in the Patterson House.  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Horse-Drawn Train Rides," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Meet Jigs or Tucker the Belgian Draft horses that pull Ardenwood's train. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Ardenwood Station or Deer Park. 

"Country Kitchen Cookin'," Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy the flavor of the past with treats cooked on Ardenwood's wood burning stove. Sample food grown on the farm and discover the history of your favorite oldtime snacks. 

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs, check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock. 

"Toddler Time," Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun.  

"Potato Harvesting," Learn the spectacular history of this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds. 

Lambs, Kids and Piglets -- Oh My,'' May 8 and May 29, 11 a.m-noon. Learn farm animal facts on a morning stroll. 

"What's the Cluck About," May 8, 1-2 p.m. Learn about fine feathered friends and make a craft. 

"Tussie-Mussie for Mom," May 9, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Select flowers for a special mother's day message. 

"Zainy Brainy Weather Vaynes," May 9, 11:30-12:30 p.m. Make your own unique weather vane. 

"Flower Pressing Perfection," May 9, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Learn how to preserve precious petals by making flower presses. 

"Old-Fashioned Games," May 9, 2-3 p.m. Try walking on stilts, marbles and jacks or compete in a sack race. 

"Kids and Lambs," May 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn to tell breeds of sheep and goats apart. 

"Hay Hoisting," May 9 and May 30, 2:30-3 p.m. Make rope and help hoist hay bales. 

"Cool Crisp Kites," May 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Learn how to make your own kite and navigate it. 

"April Showers Bring May Herbs and Flowers," May 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Read a story about nature and plant your own herb or flower and watch it grow. 

"Barnyard Buddies," May 15, 11 a.m. Feed the goats a snack and more. 

"Play With Dough," May 16, Noon-1 p.m. Discover the fun of kneading pretzels. 

"Excellent Eggshells," May 16, 11 a.m.-noon. Use eggshells as flowerpots for seedlings. 

"Hooray for Honeybees," May 16, Noon-1 p.m. Discover how special these insects are. 

$1-$5; free children under age 4. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. (510) 796-0199, (510) 796-0663, www.ebparks.org.< 

BAY AREA RAIL TRAILS A network of trails converted from unused railway corridors and developed by the Rails to Trails Conservancy.  

BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE RAILROAD BED TRAIL -- This easy one mile long rail trail on Mount Diablo leads to many historic sites within the preserve. Suitable for walking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Accessible year round but may be muddy during the rainy season. Enter from the Park Entrance Station parking lot on the East side of Somersville Road, Antioch.  

IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL -- The paved trail has grown into a 23 mile path between Concord and San Ramon with a link into Dublin. The trail runs from the north end of Monument Boulevard at Mohr Lane, east to Interstate 680, in Concord through Walnut Creek to just south of Village Green Park in San Ramon. It will eventually extend from Suisun Bay to Pleasanton and has been nominated as a Community Millennium Trail under the U.S. Millennium Trails program. A smooth shaded trail suitable for walkers, cyclists, skaters and strollers. It is also wheelchair accessible. Difficulty: easy to moderate in small chunks; hard if taken as a whole.  

LAFAYETTE/MORAGA REGIONAL TRAIL -- A 7.65 mile paved trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail line. This 20-year old trail goes along Las Trampas Creek and parallels St. Mary's Road. Suitable for walkers, equestrians, and cyclists. Runs from Olympic Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette to Moraga. The trail can be used year round.  

OHLONE GREENWAY -- A 3.75-mile paved trail converted from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway. Suitable for walkers, strollers and skaters. It is also wheelchair accessible. The trail runs under elevated BART tracks from Conlon and Key Streets in El Cerrito to Virginia and Acton Streets in Berkeley.  

SHEPHERD CANYON TRAIL -- An easy 3-mile paved trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail Line. The tree-lined trail is gently sloping and generally follows Shepherd Canyon Road. Suitable for walkers and cyclists. It is also wheelchair accessible. Begins in Montclair Village behind McCaulou's Department Store on Medau Place and ends at Paso Robles Drive, Oakland. Useable year round. 

Free. (415) 397-2220, www.traillink.com.< 

BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL The Bay Area Ridge Trail, when completed, will be a 400-mile regional trail system that will form a loop around the entire San Francisco Bay region, linking 75 public parks and open spaces to thousands of people and hundreds of communities. Hikes on portions of the trail are available through the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Call for meeting sites.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

ALAMEDA COUNTY -- "Lake Chabot Bike Rides." These rides are for strong beginners and intermediates to build skill, strength and endurance at a non hammerhead pace. No one will be dropped. Reservations required. Distance: 14 miles. Elevation gain: 1,000 feet. Difficulty: beginner to intermediate. Pace: moderate. Meeting place: Lake Chabot Road at the main entrance to the park. Thursday, 6:15 a.m. (510) 468-3582.  

ALAMEDA-CONTRA COSTA COUNTY -- "Tilden and Wildcat Bike Rides." A vigorous ride through Tilden and Wildcat Canyon regional parks. Reservations required. Distance: 15 miles. Elevation gain: 2,000 feet. Difficulty: intermediate. Pace: fast. Meeting place: in front of the North Berkeley BART Station. Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. (510) 849-9650. 

Free. (415) 561-2595, www.ridgetrail.org.< 

BICYCLE TRAILS COUNCIL OF THE EAST BAY The Council sponsors trail work days, Youth Bike Adventure Rides, and Group Rides as well as Mountain Bike Basics classes which cover training and handling skills.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Weekly Wednesday Ride at Lake Chabot," Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. A 13- to 20-mile ride exploring the trails around Lake Chabot, with 1,500 to 2,000 feet of climbing. Meet at 6:15 p.m. in the parking lot across from the public safety offices at Lake Chabot in Castro Valley. Reservations requested. (510) 727-0613.  

"Weekly Wednesday 'Outer' East Bay Ride," Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. Ride some of the outer East Bay parks each week, such as Wild Cat Canyon, Briones, Mount Diablo, Tilden and Joaquin Miller-Redwood. Meeting place and ride location vary. Reservations required. (510) 888-9757. 

Free. (510) 466-5123, www.btceb.org.< 

BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE Originally the home of several Native American tribes, white men began coal mining in the area in the 1860s. The preserve today features old mines and displays of the history of the area. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Prospect Tunnel Picnic," May 8, 9 a.m.-noon. Carpool to the eastern reaches of the park to take a trip underground to see late bloomers. 

"Painting in the Park," May 9, 10-11:30 a.m. Gather various minerals and elemtns and turn them into art. 

"The Old Fashioned Cemetery," May 15, 10 a.m.-noon. View a nineteenth century burial grounds. 

Free unless otherwise noted; $5 seasonal parking fee on weekends. Daily, 8 a.m. to dusk Somersville Road, about five miles south of state Highway 4, Antioch. Information: (925) 757-2620, Tickets: (925) 555-1212, www.ebparks.org.< 

COYOTE HILLS REGIONAL PARK The park is located on the shoreline of Fremont Bay and features rich wetland areas as well as Ohlone Indian shellmound sites. Hiking in the park allows scenic views of San Francisco Bay and southern Alameda County. The 12-mile Alameda Creek Trail runs from the Bay east to the mouth of Niles Canyon and features an equestrian trail as well as a bicycle trail; hikers are welcome on both. The park conducts naturalist programs and has a visitor center with a nature store and Ohlone, natural history and wildlife exhibits.  

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Free unless otherwise noted.  

"Do Butterflies and Bees Have Knees," May 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Observe these animals as they are absorbed with feeding. 

"Focus on Wildlife: A Photo Exhibit," May 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon. View the best of Coyote Hills wildlife photographs. 

"Lends on Wildlife: Tips and Tricks," May 9, 1-2:30 p.m. Join experienced photographers in the nectar garden to learn tips and tricks for capturing stunning photos of birds and butterflies. 

"Coyote Cubs," May 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Encourage your child's "wild'' side and join the fun. 

"Nature Bytes for Busy Families," May 15, 2-3 p.m. Get to know the natural world with activities. 

"Shutterbugs," May 15, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn to photograph bugs and other natural wonders. 

"Animal Defenses," May 16, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Learn about how animals protect themselves. 

"Reptiles With Styles," May 16, 11 a.m.-noon. Get up-close and personal with reptiles. 

Free unless otherwise noted; A parking fee may be charged. Registration required for events. April through October: daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; October through April, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless otherwise posted. 8000 Patterson Pass Road, Fremont. (510) 636-1684, (510) 795-9385, www.ebparks.org.< 

CRAB COVE VISITOR CENTER At Crab Cove, you can see live underwater creatures and go into the San Francisco Bay from land. You can also travel back in time to Alameda's part. The goal is to increase understanding of the environmental importance of San Francisco Bay and the ocean ecosystem. Crab Cove's Indoor Aquarium and Exhibit Lab is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the East Bay. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Catch of the Day," Sundays, 2-3 p.m. Drop by to find out more about the Bay and its wildlife through guided exploration and hands-on fun. 

"Sea Squirts," 10-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Discover the wonders of nature with your little one. Registration is required. $6-$8. 

"Sea Siblings," Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Explore the natural world and take part in a theme related craft. Designed for the 3-5 year old learner. Registration is required. $4. (888) 327-2757. 

"Concerts at the Cove," May 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Celebrate with free music and family fun. 

"Native Plant Gardening," May 15, 3-5 p.m. Spend an afternoon planting in the Visitor Center. 

Free unless otherwise noted; parking fee may be charged. 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-6887, www.ebparks.org.< 

DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE Nestled in the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the 37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped gardens surround the mansion.  

ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.  

GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. (510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.< 

FIFTY-PLUS ADVENTURE WALKS AND RUNS The walks and runs are 3-mile round-trips, lasting about one hour on the trail. All levels of ability are welcome. The walks are brisk, however, and may include some uphill terrain. Events are held rain or shine and on all holidays except Christmas and the Fifty-Plus Annual Fitness Weekend. Call for dates, times and details. 

Free. (650) 323-6160, www.50plus.org.< 

FOREST HOME FARMS The 16-acre former farm of the Boone family is now a municipal historic park in San Ramon. It is located at the base of the East Bay Hills and is divided into two parts by Oak Creek. The Boone House is a 22-room Dutch colonial that has been remodeled several times since it was built in 1900. Also on the property are a barn built in the period from 1850 to 1860; the Victorian-style David Glass House, dating from the late 1860s to early 1870s; a storage structure for farm equipment and automobiles; and a walnut processing plant. 

Free unless otherwise noted. Public tours available by appointment. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. (925) 973-3281, www.ci.sanramon. ca.us/parks/boone.htm.< 

GARIN AND DRY CREEK PIONEER REGIONAL PARKS Independent nature study is encouraged here, and guided interpretive programs are available through the Coyote Hills Regional Park Visitor Center in Fremont. The Garin Barn Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In late summer, the Garin Apple Festival celebrates Garin's apple orchards. The parks also allow picnicking, hiking, horseback riding and fishing. 

Free; $5 parking fee per vehicle; $2 per dog. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 1320 Garin Ave., Hayward. (510) 562-PARK, (510) 795-9385, www.ebparks.org/parks/garin.htm.< 

GREENBELT ALLIANCE OUTINGS A series of hikes, bike rides and events sponsored by Greenbelt Alliance, the Bay Area's non-profit land conservation and urban planning organization. Call for meeting places. Reservations required for all trips.  

ALAMEDA COUNTY --  

"Self-Guided Urban Outing: Berkeley," This interactive smart growth walking tour of central Berkeley examines some of the exciting projects that help alleviate the housing shortage in the city as well as amenities important to making a livable community. The walk, which includes the GAIA Cultural Center, Allston Oak Court, The Berkeley Bike Station, University Terrace and Strawberry Creek Park, takes between an hour-and-ahalf to two hours at a leisurely pace. Download the itinerary which gives specific directions by entering www.greeenbelt.org and clicking on "get involved'' and then "urban outings.'' Drop down and click on Berkeley. Free. 

Free unless otherwise noted. (415) 255-3233, www.greenbelt.org.< 

HAYWARD REGIONAL SHORELINE With 1,682 acres of salt, fresh and brackish water marshes, seasonal wetlands and the approximately three-mile San Lorenzo Trail, the Hayward Shoreline restoration project is one of the largest of its kind on the West Coast, comprising 400 acres of marshland. Part of the East Bay Regional Park District. 

EVENTS --  

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 3010 W. Winton Ave., Hayward. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org/parks/hayward.htm.< 

HAYWARD SHORELINE INTERPRETIVE CENTER Perched on stilts above a salt marsh, the Center offers an introduction to the San Francisco Bay-Estuary. It features exhibits, programs and activities designed to inspire a sense of appreciation, respect and stewardship for the Bay, its inhabitants and the services they provide. The Habitat Room offers a preview of what may be seen outside. The 80-gallon Bay Tank contains some of the fish that live in the Bay's open waters, and the Channel Tank represents habitats formed by the maze of sloughs and creeks that snake through the marsh. The main room of the Center features rotating exhibits about area history, plants and wildlife. Part of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"Exploring Nature," An exhibit of Shawn Gould's illustrations featuring images of the natural world. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh," 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join an expert birder to go "behind the gates'' to areas of the marsh that are not open to the public. 

"Weekend Weed Warriors," 1-4 p.m. Help the shoreline to eliminate the non-native plants that threaten its diversity. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. 

"Nature Detectives," 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Registration required. 

"Freshwater Marsh From a Different Prospective," May 8, 9 a.m.-noon. Go birding in the opposite direction on the trail in search of the elusive Black-crowned Nigh Heron.  

"Weekend Weed Warriors," May 9, 1-4 p.m. Help out with invasive plant removal.  

"Strolls in the Past," May 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Explore the salt and shipping trade on the East Bay.  

"For the Love of Ducklings," May 15, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Look for baby ducks and geese swimming around with their parents.  

"Biking the Bayshore," May 16, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring your family out for a 5-mile ride along the Bay Trail.  

Free. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. (510) 670-7270, www.hard.dst.ca.us/hayshore.html.< 

JOHN MUIR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE The site preserves the 1882 Muir House, a 17-room Victorian mansion where naturalist John Muir lived from 1890 to his death in 1914. It was here that Muir wrote about preserving America's wilderness and helped create the national parks idea for the United States. The house is situated on a hill overlooking the City of Martinez and surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. Take a self-guided tour of this well-known Scottish naturalist's home. Also part of the site is the historic Martinez Adobe and Mount Wanda.  

ONGOING EVENT --  

Public Tours of the John Muir House, Begin with an eight-minute park film and then take the tour. The film runs every 15 minutes throughout the day. Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.  

MOUNT WANDA -- The mountain consists of 325 acres of grass and oak woodland historically owned by the Muir family. It offers a nature trail and several fire trails for hiking. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. 

JOHN MUIR HOUSE, Tours of this well-known Scottish naturalist's home are available. The house, built in 1882, is a 14-room Victorian home situated on a hill overlooking the city of Martinez and surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. It was here that Muir wrote about preserving America's wilderness and helped create the national parks idea for the United States. The park also includes the historic Vicente Martinez Adobe, built in 1849. An eight-minute film about Muir and the site is shown every 15 minutes throughout the day at the Visitor Center. Self guided tours of the Muir home, the surrounding orchards, and the Martinez Adobe: Wednesday-Sunday, 1 a.m.-5 p.m. Public tours or the first floor of the Muir home: Wednesday-Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations not required except for large groups.  

$3 general; free children ages 16 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. (925) 228-8860, www.nps.gov/jomu.< 

KENNEDY GROVE REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The 95-acre park contains picnic areas, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts among its grove of aromatic eucalyptus trees.  

$5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs Through September: daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. (510) 223-7840, www.ebparks.org.< 

LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK The 315-acre lake offers year-round recreation. Services include canoe and boat rental, horseshoe pits, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and seasonal tours aboard the Chabot Queen. For boat rentals, call (510) 247-2526. 

Free unless noted otherwise; $5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs. Daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM This is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.  

WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there are no public viewing areas in the hospital. 

EXHIBITS --  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$5-$7; free children under age 2. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.< 

LIVERMORE AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT  

4444 East Ave., Livermore. (925) 373-5700, www.larpd.dst.ca.us/.< 

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SHORELINE This 1,200-acre park situated near Oakland International Airport offers picnic areas with barbecues and a boat launch ramp. Swimming is not allowed. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Grove, a group of trees surrounding a grassy glade, is at the intersection of Doolittle Drive and Swan Way. The area also includes the 50-acre Arrowhead Marsh (part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network) and a Roger Berry sculpture titled "Duplex Cone,'' which traces the summer and winter solstice paths of the sun through the sky. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted Doolittle Drive and Swan Way, Oakland. (510) 562-PARK, Picnic reservations: (510) 636-1684, www.ebayparks.org.< 

MILLER-KNOX REGIONAL SHORELINE A 295-acre shoreline picnic area with a secluded cove and swimming beach, and a hilltop offering panoramic views of the north Bay Area. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted. 900 Dornan Dr., Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, Picnic Reservations: (510) 636-1684, www.ebparks.org.< 

MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK The 3,849-foot summit of Mount Diablo offers great views of the Bay Area and an extensive trail system. Visitors to the park can hike, bike, ride on horseback and camp. Notable park attractions include: The Fire Interpretive Trail, Rock City, Boy Scout Rocks and Sentinel Rock, Fossil Ridge, Deer Flat, Mitchell Canyon Staging Area, Diablo Valley Overlook, the Summit Visitor Center (open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the Art Gallery, the Observation Deck and the Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center. 

Free. $6 per vehicle park-entrance fee; $5 for seniors. Daily, 8 a.m. to sunset. Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, from the Diablo Road exit off Interstate Highway 680, Danville. (925) 837-2525, www.mdia.org or www.parks.ca.gov.< 

OAKLAND ZOO The zoo includes a Children's Petting Zoo, the Skyride, a miniature train, a carousel, picnic grounds and a gift shop as well as the animals in site specific exhibits, which allow them to roam freely. Included are "The African Savanna,'' with its two huge mixed-animal aviaries and 11 African Savanna exhibits; the Mahali Pa Tembo (Place of the Elephant), with giraffes, chimpanzees and more than 330 other animals from around the world; "Simba Pori,'' Swahili for "Lion Country,'' a spacious 1.5-acre habitat offering both a savanna and woodland setting for African lions; "Footprints from the Past,'' an anthropology exhibit showcasing four million years of human evolution and an actual "footpath'' of the first hominids to emerge from the African savanna; "Sun Bear Exhibit,'' a stateof-the-art space the zoo has developed for its two sun bears; and Siamang Island, a state-of-the-art, barrier-free area that emulates the gibbons' native tropical rain forest habitat. Also see the Malayan Fruit Bats from the Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida that are now roosting in trees at the zoo. In addition there are special exhibits and events monthly.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," The three-acre attraction offers a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and more. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

"Endangered Species," An exhibit of photographs about the most endangered animals on the Earth and what can be done to save them. At the Education Center. Open daily during zoo hours. ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The three-acre attraction will offer a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and more. Free with regular Zoo admission.  

"Wildlife Theater," Saturday, 11:45 a.m.; Sunday, 1:45 p.m. On Saturday mornings listen to a story and meet a live animal. On Sunday afternoon meet live animals and learn cool facts about them. Meet in the Lobby of the Zoo's Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education. Free with regular Zoo admission. (510) 632-9525, ext. 142. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$7.50-11; free children under age 2; $6 parking fee. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.< 

PLEASANTON RIDGE REGIONAL PARK This 3,163-acre parkland is on the oak-covered ridge overlooking Pleasanton and the Livermore Valley from the west. A multi-purpose trail system accommodates hikers, equestrians and bicyclists. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Foothill Road, Pleasanton. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE The 2,315-acre parkland bordering Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo offers views of Mount Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline and San Pablo Bay. There are trails through meadows and woods, and along the bluffs and beaches of San Pablo Bay. Visitors can hike, ride bikes or take the park's shuttle bus to reach the 1,250-foot fishing pier at Point Pinole. 

$5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle; $2 per dog (guide/service dogs free). Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Giant Highway, Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

PREWETT FAMILY WATERPARK There are pools and water slides for all ages, from the Tad Pool for toddlers to Boulder cove for older swimmers. In addition to fun pools and slides there are fitness pools for lessons and exercise, lawns for relaxing, locker rooms, community room and kitchen. Lap lanes are open year round. Food and beverages are not permitted in the park. Picnic tables are available outside the park. 

$5-$9. Sunday through Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. (925) 776-3070, www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CitySvcs/Prewett.< 

QUARRY LAKES REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The park includes three lakes sculpted from former quarry ponds. The largest, Horseshoe Lake, offers boating and fishing, with a swim beach that will open in the spring. Rainbow Lake is for fishing only, and the third lake, Lago Los Osos, is set aside for wildlife habitat. In addition, there are hiking and bicycling trails that connect to the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. The park includes three lakes sculpted from former quarry ponds. The largest, Horseshoe Lake, offers boating and fishing, with a swim beach that will open in the spring. Rainbow Lake is for fishing only, and the third lake, Lago Los Osos, is set aside for wildlife habitat. In addition there are hiking and bicycling trails that connect to the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. 

$5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs; boat launch fees; Park District fishing access permit fee of $3. Through Labor Day: daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 6 through Sept. 30, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2100 Isherwood Way,, between Paseo Padre Parkway and Osprey Drive,, Fremont. (510) 795-4883, Picnic reservations:: (510) 562-2267, www.ebparks.org.< 

REI BERKELEY A series of lectures on hikes and outdoor equipment. 

"Free Hands-on Bicycle Class: Flat Repair," May 15, 11 a.m.-noon. Learn how to fix a flat tire.  

"REI Cycling Festival," May 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Discover how easy and fun it can be spend more time on your bike.  

"REI Paddle Fest," May 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about the newest kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards and paddling gear.  

"Family Cycling Workshop," May 16, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Join bike safety instructors for a fun, interactive family workshop on safe road cycling skills.  

Events are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1338 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 527-4140.< 

ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE East Bay residents have several volcanoes in their backyard. This park contains Round Top, one of the highest peaks in the Oakland Hills. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN One of America's finest private gardens, the Ruth Bancroft Garden displays 2,000 specimens from around the world that thrive in an arid climate. Included are African and Mexican succulents, New World cacti, Australian and Chilean trees, and shrubs from California. 

DOCENT TOUR SCHEDULE -- Saturdays, 10 a.m. Docent-led tours last approximately an hour and a half. Plant sales follow the tour. By reservation only. $7; free children under age 12.  

SELF-GUIDED TOURS -- Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Friday, 9:30 a.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. Self-guided tours last two hours. No reservations required for weekday tours; reservations required for Friday and Saturday tours. Plant sales follow the tours. $7; free children under age 12.  

Gardens open only for tours and special events listed on the garden's telephone information line. 1500 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. (925) 210-9663, www.ruthbancroftgarden.org.< 

SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The 296-acre park includes an 80-acre lake and a four-flume waterslide, with picnic grounds and a swimming beach. Water slide fees and hours: (925) 829-6230. 

$6 per vehicle; $2 per dog except guide and service dogs. May 1 through Labor Day: daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; shortened hours for fall and winter. Stanley Boulevard, one mile from downtown, Pleasanton. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

SULPHUR CREEK NATURE CENTER A wildlife rehabilitation and education facility where injured and orphaned local wild creatures are rehabilitated and released when possible. There is also a lending library of animals such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and more. The lending fee is $8 per week.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Toddler Time," Learn about animals by listening to stories and exploring. Themes vary by month. Call for schedule. $7 per family.  

"Day on the Green Animal Presentations," Meet an assortment of wild and domestic animals. Wildlife volunteers will present a different animal each day from possums to snakes, tortoises to hawks. Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 

CHILDREN'S EVENTS --  

Free. Park: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Discovery Center: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Animal Lending Library: Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1801 D St., Hayward. (510) 881-6747, www.haywardrec.org/sulphur_creek.html.< 

SUNOL REGIONAL WILDERNESS This park is full of scenic and natural wonders. You can hike the Ohlone Wilderness trail or Little Yosemite. There are bedrock mortars that were used by Native Americans, who were Sunol's first inhabitants. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Sunol Sunday Hike," Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. A natural history walk in the wilderness. 

"Sunol Sunday Hike," Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. A natural history walk in Sunol Regional Wilderness. 

Free unless otherwise noted; $5 parking; $2 dog fee. Geary Road off Calaveras Road, six miles south of Interstate Highway 680, Sunol. (510) 652-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

TILDEN REGIONAL PARK This park is large and contains hiking trails, a golf course, a miniature scaled train to ride, The Brazilian Building and picnic areas. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Reptile Rendezvous," May 9, 2-3 p.m. Learn about the reptiles that call the nature area home. 

"Chicky Chickens," May 15, 2-3 p.m. Visit, feed and pet our country pals. 

"Wonderous Wildflowers," May 16, 2-3 p.m. Familiarize yourself with local wildflowers. 

Free unless otherwise noted. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entrances off Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Berkeley. (510) 525-2233, www.ebparks.org.<

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY AT OAKLAND The Oakland Public Library's museum is designed to discover, preserve, interpret and share the cultural and historical experiences of African Americans in California and the West. In addition, a three-panel mural is on permanent display. 

Free. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5:30 p.m. 659 14th St., Oakland. (510) 637-0200, www.oaklandlibrary.org.< 

ALAMEDA MUSEUM The museum offers permanent displays of Alameda history, the only rotating gallery showcasing local Alameda artists and student artwork, as well as souvenirs, books and videos about the rich history of the Island City. 

Free. Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2324 Alameda Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-1233, www.alamedamuseum.org.< 

BADE MUSEUM AT THE PACIFIC SCHOOL OF RELIGION The museum's collections include the Tell en-Nasbeh Collection, consisting of artifacts excavated from Tell en-Nasbeh in Palestine in 1926 and 1935 by William Badh, and the Howell Bible Collection, featuring approximately 300 rare books (primarily Bibles) dating from the 15th through the 18th centuries. 

"Tell en-Nasbeh," This exhibit is the "heart and soul" of the Bade Museum. It displays a wealth of finds from the excavations at Tell en-Nasbeh, Palestine whose objects span from the Early Bronze Age (3100-2200 BC) through the Iron Age (1200-586 BC) and into the Roman and Hellenistic periods. Highlights of the exhibit include "Tools of the Trade" featuring real archaeological tools used by Badh and his team, an oil lamp typology, a Second Temple period (586 BC-70 AD) limestone ossuary, and a selection of painted Greek pottery.  

"William Frederic Bade: Theologian, Naturalist, and Archaeologist," This exhibit highlights one of PSR's premier educators and innovative scholars. The collection of material on display was chosen with the hopes of representing the truly dynamic and multifaceted character of William F. Badh. He was a family man, a dedicated teacher, a loving friend, and an innovative and passionate archaeologist.  

Free. Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Holbrook Hall, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley. (510) 848-0528, www.bade.psr.edu/bade.< 

BERKELEY ART MUSEUM AND PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE  

"French Film Posters from the BAM/PFA Collection," through May 31. Part of the Pacific Film Archive's collection of over eight thousand international film posters, these rare prints were bequeathed to BAM/PFA by the late Mel Novikoff, founder of San Francisco's first repertory cinema chain, Surf Theaters, which included the Surf, the Lumiere, and the Castro. Novikoff collected these posters during many trips to Europe, and for years they graced the lobbies of cinemas in the Surf chain. Now they can be enjoyed in the museum's Theater Gallery, where admission is free.  

"Thom Faulders: BAMscape," through Nov. 30. This commissioned work, a hybrid of sculpture, furniture, and stage, is the new centerpiece of Gallery B, BAM's expansive central atrium. It is part of a new vision of the gallery as a space for interaction, performance, and improvised experiences.  

"Nature into Action: Hans Hofmann," through June 30. This installation drawn from BAM's extensive Hans Hofmann collection reveals the relationship between nature as source and action as method in the great abstract painter's work.  

"James Buckhouse: Serg Riva," through May 31. Welcome to the world of Serg Riva, self-declared "aquatic couturier,'' enfant terrible, and man about town"-and sly fictive creation of artist James Buckhouse.  

CLOSING -- "Assignment Shanghai: Photographs on the Eve of Revolution," through May 9. In 1946, Life magazine assigned the young photographer Jack Birns to Shanghai with instructions to document the ongoing Chinese civil war. This selection of the resulting photographs, drawn from the BAM collection, vividly captures a cosmopolitan city in the midst of social and political change.  

CLOSING -- "Realm of Enlightenment: Masters and Teachers from the Land of Snows," through May 16. A new installation of extraordinary objects from Tibet explores the role of the teacher and master in the transmission of the Buddhist canon.  

"What's It All Mean: William T. Wiley in Retrospect," through July 18. This retrospective surveys the witty, idiosyncratic, and introspective work of William T. Wiley, a beloved Bay Area artist and "a national treasure'' (Wall Street Journal). Layered with ambiguous ideas and allusions, autobiographical narrative and sociopolitical commentary, Wiley's art is rich in self-deprecating humor and absurdist insight.  

"Perpetual and furious refrain / MATRIX 232," through Sept. 12. Exhibition features works by Brent Green.  

2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. < 

BLACKHAWK MUSEUM  

AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM -- The museum's permanent exhibition of internationally renowned automobiles dated from 1897 to the 1980s. The cars are displayed as works of art with room to walk completely around each car to admire the workmanship. On long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution is a Long Steam Tricycle; an 1893-94 Duryea, the first Duryea built by the Duryea brothers; and a 1948 Tucker, number 39 of the 51 Tuckers built, which is a Model 48 "Torpedo'' four-door sedan.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"International Automotive Treasures," An ever-changing exhibit featuring over 90 automobiles.  

"A Journey on Common Ground," An exhibit of moving photographs, video and art objects from around the world exploring the causes of disability and the efforts of the Wheelchair Foundation to provide a wheelchair for every person in need who cannot afford one.  

ONGOING EVENT --  

Free Public Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Docent-led guided tours of the museum's exhibitions. 

$5-$8; free for children ages 6 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. (925) 736-2280, (925) 736-2277, www.blackhawkmuseum.org.< 

CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER State-of-the-art facility unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing and films. 

"Beyond Blastoff: Surviving in Space," An interactive exhibit that allows you to immerse yourself into the life of an astronaut to experience the mixture of exhilaration, adventure and confinement that is living and working in space.  

"Chabot Observatories: A View to the Stars," Explore the history of the Chabot observatories and how its historic telescopes are used today. Daytime visitors can virtually operate a telescope, experiment with mirrors and lenses to understand how telescopes create images of distant objects and travel through more than a century of Chabot's history via multimedia kiosks, historical images and artifact displays.  

EVENTS -- CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE: SEPT. 2-16.  

"Daytime Telescope Viewing," Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. View the sun, the moon and the planets through the telescopes during the day. Free with general admission. 

"Galaxy Explorers Hands-On Fun," Saturday, noon-4 p.m. The Galaxy Explorers lead a variety of fun, hands-on activities, such as examining real spacesuits, creating galaxy flipbooks, learning about telescopes, minerals and skulls and making your own comet. Free with general admission. 

"Live Daytime Planetarium Show," Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Ride through real-time constellations, stars and planets with Chabot's full-dome digital projection system. 

Center Admission: $9-$13; free children under 3; Movies and evening planetarium shows: $6-$8. Telescope viewing only: free. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.< 

HAYWARD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM The museum is located in a former post office and displays memorabilia of early Hayward and southern Alameda County. Some of the features include a restored 1923 Seagrave fire engine and a hand pumper from the Hayward Fire Department, founded in 1865; a Hayward Police Department exhibit; information on city founder William Hayward; and pictures of the old Hayward Hotel. The museum also alternates three exhibits per year, including a Christmas Toys exhibit and a 1950s lifestyle exhibit. 

EVENTS --  

50 cents-$1. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 22701 Main St., Hayward. (510) 581-0223, www.haywardareahistory.org.< 

JUDAH L. MAGNES MUSEUM The museum's permanent collection includes objects of Jewish importance including ceremonial art, film and video, folk art and fine art, paintings, sculptures and prints by contemporary and historical artists. 

"Projections," Multimedia works from the museum's extensive collections of archival, documentary and experimental films. Located at 2911 Russell Street.  

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

$4-$6; free for children under age 12. Sunday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. CLOSED APRIL 3-4 AND 9-10; MAY 23-24 AND 28; JULY 4; SEPT. 3, 13 AND 27; OCT. 4; NOV. 22; DEC. 24-25 AND 31. 2911 Russell St., Berkeley. (510) 549-6950, www.magnes.org.< 

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"NanoZone," Discover the science of the super-small: nanotechnology. Through hands-on activities and games, explore this microworld and the scientific discoveries made in this area.  

"Forces That Shape the Bay," A science park that shows and explains why the San Francisco Bay is the way it is, with information on water, erosion, plate tectonics and mountain building. You can ride earthquake simulators, set erosion in motion and look far out into the bay with a powerful telescope from 1,100 feet above sea level. The center of the exhibit is a waterfall that demonstrates how water flows from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay. Visitors can control where the water goes. There are also hands-on erosion tables, and a 40-foot-long, 6-foothigh, rock compression wall.  

"Real Astronomy Experience," A new exhibit-in-development allowing visitors to use the tools that real astronomers use. Aim a telescope at a virtual sky and operate a remote-controlled telescope to measure a planet.  

"Biology Lab," In the renovated Biology Lab visitors may hold and observe gentle animals. Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

"The Idea Lab," Experiment with some of the basics of math, science and technology through hands-on activities and demonstrations of magnets, spinning and flying, puzzles and nanotechnology.  

"Math Around the World," Play some of the world's most popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.  

"Math Rules," Use simple and colorful objects to complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting, comparing, weighing and counting.  

"Science on a Sphere," Catch an out-of-this-world experience with an animated globe. See hurricanes form, tsunamis sweep across the oceans and city lights glow around the planet.  

EVENTS --  

$5.50-$10; free children ages 2 and under. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. University of California, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132, www.lawrencehallofscience.org.< 

LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM This is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.  

WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there are no public viewing areas in the hospital. 

EXHIBITS --  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$5-$7; free children under age 2. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.< 

MEYERS HOUSE AND GARDEN MUSEUM The Meyers House, erected in 1897, is an example of Colonial Revival, an architectural style popular around the turn of the century. Designed by Henry H. Meyers,the house was built by his father, Jacob Meyers, at a cost of $4000.00. 

EXHIBITS --  

$3. Fourth Saturday of every month. 2021 Alameda Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-1247, www.alamedamuseum.org/meyers.html.< 

MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE VILLAGE A science museum with an African-American focus promoting science education and awareness for the underrepresented. The science village chronicles the technical achievements of people of African descent from ancient ties to present. There are computer classes at the Internet Cafi, science education activities and seminars. There is also a resource library with a collection of books, periodicals and videotapes. 

$4-$6. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. 630 20th St., Oakland. (510) 893-6426, www.ncalifblackengineers.org.< 

MUSEUM OF CHILDREN'S ART A museum of art for and by children, with activities for children to participate in making their own art.  

ART CAMPS -- Hands-on activities and engaging curriculum for children of different ages, led by professional artists and staff. $60 per day.  

CLASSES -- A Sunday series of classes for children ages 8 to 12, led by Mocha artists. Sundays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

OPEN STUDIOS -- Drop-in art play activities with new themes each week.  

"Big Studio." Guided art projects for children age 6 and older with a Mocha artist. Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5.  

"Little Studio." A hands-on experience that lets young artists age 18 months to 5 years see, touch and manipulate a variety of media. Children can get messy. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5.  

"Family Weekend Studios." Drop-in art activities for the whole family. All ages welcome. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. $5 per child.  

FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZAS -- Special weekend workshops for the entire family.  

"Sunday Workshops with Illustrators," Sundays, 1 p.m. See the artwork and meet the artists who create children's book illustrations. Free. 

EVENTS --  

"Saturday Stories," 1 p.m. For children ages 2-5. Free. 

Free gallery admission. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 538 Ninth St., Oakland. (510) 465-8770, www.mocha.org.< 

PACIFIC PINBALL MUSEUM  

OPENING -- "Pinball Fantasies," May 7 through June 30. Exhibition features works by Shane Pickerill.  

1510 Webster St., Alameda. www.pacificpinball.org.< 

PARDEE HOME MUSEUM The historic Pardee Mansion, a three-story Italianate villa built in 1868, was home to three generations of the Pardee family who were instrumental in the civic and cultural development of California and Oakland. The home includes the house, grounds, water tower and barn. Reservations recommended. 

EVENTS --  

$5; free children ages 12 and under. House Tours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sundays by appointment. 672 11th St., Oakland. (510) 444-2187, www.pardeehome.org.< 

SAN LEANDRO HISTORY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY The museum showcases local and regional history and serves as a centerpiece for community cultural activity. There are exhibits on Ohlone settlements, farms of early settlers, and contributions of Portuguese and other immigrants. There will also be exhibits of the city's agricultural past and the industrial development of the 19th century.  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"Yema/Po Archeological Site at Lake Chabot," An exhibit highlighting artifacts uncovered from a work camp of Chinese laborers, featuring photomurals, cutouts and historical photographs. 

Free. Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 320 West Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. (510) 577-3990, www.ci.sanleandro. ca.us/sllibrarymuseum.html.< 

SHADELANDS RANCH HISTORICAL MUSEUM Built by Walnut Creek pioneer Hiram Penniman, this 1903 redwood-framed house is a showcase for numerous historical artifacts, many of which belonged to the Pennimans. It also houses a rich archive of Contra Costa and Walnut Creek history in its collections of old newspapers, photographs and government records. 

EXHIBITS --  

$1-$3; free-children under age 6. Wednesday and Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; Closed in January. 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. (925) 935-7871, www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us.< 

SMITH MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, HAYWARD The museum houses significant collections of archaeological and ethnographic specimens from Africa, Asia and North America and small collections from Central and South America. The museum offers opportunities and materials for student research and internships in archaeology and ethnology. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

Free. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Meiklejohn Hall, Fourth Floor, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward. (510) 885-3104, (510) 885-7414, www.isis.csuhayward.edu/cesmith/acesmith.html.< 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY HEARST MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Native California Cultures," This is an exhibit of some 500 artifacts from the museum's California collections, the largest and most comprehensive collections in the world devoted to California Indian cultures. The exhibit includes a section about Ishi, the famous Indian who lived and worked with the museum, Yana tribal baskets and a 17-foot Yurok canoe carved from a single redwood.  

"Recent Acquisitions," The collection includes Yoruba masks and carvings from Africa, early-20th-century Taiwanese hand puppets, textiles from the Americas and 19th- and 20th-century Tibetan artifacts.  

"From the Maker's Hand: Selections from the Permanent Collection," This exhibit explores human ingenuity in the living and historical cultures of China, Africa, Egypt, Peru, North America and the Meditteranean. 

$1-$4; free for children ages 12 and under; free to all on Thursdays. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. 103 Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 643-7648, www.hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu.< 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Tyrannosaurus Rex," A 20-foot-tall, 40-foot-long replica of the fearsome dinosaur. The replica is made from casts of bones of the most complete T. Rex skeleton yet excavated. When unearthed in Montana, the bones were all lying in place with only a small piece of the tailbone missing.  

"Pteranodon," A suspended skeleton of a flying reptile with a wingspan of 22 to 23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs.  

"California Fossils Exhibit," An exhibit of some of the fossils that have been excavated in California. 

Free. During semester sessions, hours generally are: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-10 p.m. Hours vary during summer and holidays. Lobby, 1101 Valley Life Sciences Building, #4780, University of California, Berkeley. (510) 642-1821, www.ucmp.berkeley.edu.< 

USS HORNET MUSEUM Come aboard this World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today, visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Limited Access Day," Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.  

"Flight Deck Fun," A former Landing Signal Officer will show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum admission.  

"Protestant Divine Services," Hornet chaplain John Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge. Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the service. Sundays, 11 a.m. 

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Closed on New Year's Day. 

"Family Day," Discounted admission for families of four with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family of four; $5 for each additional family member. 

"Living Ship Day," Experience an aircraft carrier in action, with simulated flight operations as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed in launch position. Some former crewmembers will be on hand. 

"Flashlight Tour," Receive a special tour of areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that have limited access during the day. 

"Heroes of the Pacific," May 16, 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m. The USS Hornet pays tribute to the soldiers who survived the desperate days of the Pacific Campaign with a screening of the finale of the HBO miniseries "The Pacific,'' along with guest speakers, including some of the Hornet's very own World War II veteran crew who will share their experiences. 

$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda. (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<

ASHKENAZ  

"I Like My Bike Night," First Friday of the month, 9 p.m. This monthly series brings bicycle innovators, enthusiasts, artists and organizations together under one roof, as well as encourages regular Ashkenaz show-goers to leave their cars in the driveway and arrive at the venue by bicycle instead. $8-$25.  

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.< 

BAY AREA FREE BOOK EXCHANGE  

"Free Books," Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Donate your unwanted books and receive new titles for free.  

10520 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 526-1941, www.bayareafreebookexchange.com.< 

CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY AND LIBRARY  

"California Genealogical Society and Library Free First Saturday," 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Event takes place on the first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Trace and compile your family history at this month's open house event. Free. www.calgensoc.org. 

2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland. (510) 663-1358.< 

CALIFORNIA MAGIC THEATER  

"Dinner Theater Magic Show," Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Enter the joyous and bewildering world of illusions and magic while chowing down on a home cooked meal. Each weekend features different professional magicians. Recommended for ages 13 and older. $54-$64 includes meal.  

729 Castro St., Martinez. (925) 374-0056, www.calmagic.com.< 

CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER State-of-the-art facility unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing and films. 

Center Admission: $9-$13; free children under 3; Movies and evening planetarium shows: $6-$8. Telescope viewing only: free. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.< 

DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE Nestled in the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the 37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped gardens surround the mansion.  

ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.  

GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. (510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.< 

FRANK OGAWA PLAZA  

"Oakland Artisan Marketplace," Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The City of Oakland and Cultural Arts & Marketing Department presents a weekly market featuring fine arts and crafts of local artists. Free. (510) 238-4948, www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org. 

14th Street and Broadway, Oakland. < 

JACK LONDON AQUATIC CENTER  

"Oakland Artisan Marketplace,"' Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The City of Oakland and Cultural Arts & Marketing Department presents a weekly market featuring fine arts and crafts of local artists. Free. (510) 238-4948, www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org. 

115 Embarcadero, Oakland. < 

JC CELLARS  

"Spring Fling," May 15, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Venture off the island for a night of art, wine, music, food and fun. $25-$30.  

55 Fourth St., Oakland. (510) 465-5900.< 

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE  

"Mysteries of Missing Matter," Investigate the complexity of the universe and learn why astronomers now think that most of the matter in our universe mysteriously invisible to us. 

$5.50-$10; free children ages 2 and under. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. University of California, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132, www.lawrencehallofscience.org.< 

MARSTON CAMPBELL PARK  

"Spring Into the Garden," May 8, 1-5 p.m. Event combines fun activities, nutrition, farming-related themes and lots of digging in the dirt.  

Market and 16th St., Oakland. www.obugs.org.< 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE Exploring cinema from the Bay Area and cultures around the world, the Pacific Film Archive offers daily film screenings, including rare and rediscovered prints of movie classics; new and historic works by world famous directors; restored silent films with live musical accompaniment; retrospectives; and new and experimental works. Check Web site for a full schedule of films.  

"First Impressions: Free First Thursdays," first Thursday of every month. Special tours and movie presentations. Admission is free. 

Single feature: $5-$8; Double feature: $9-$12 general. PFA Theater, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-5249, www.bampfa.berkeley.edu.< 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, MORRISON LIBRARY  

"Lunch Poems," First Thursday of the month, 12:10-12:50 p.m.  

2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-3671.< 

USS HORNET MUSEUM Come aboard this World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today, visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.  

$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda. (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<

ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM Ardenwood farm is a working farm that dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming techniques from the 1870s. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free with regular admission.  

ONGOING PROGRAMS --  

"Blacksmithing," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch a blacksmith turn iron into useful tools.  

"Horse-Drawn Train," Thursday, Friday and Sunday. A 20-minute ride departs from Ardenwood Station and Deer Park.  

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Help slop the hogs, check the henhouse for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.  

"Victorian Flower Arranging," Thursday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Watch as Ardenwood docents create floral works of art for display in the Patterson House.  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Horse-Drawn Train Rides," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Meet Jigs or Tucker the Belgian Draft horses that pull Ardenwood's train. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Ardenwood Station or Deer Park. 

"Country Kitchen Cookin'," Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy the flavor of the past with treats cooked on Ardenwood's wood burning stove. Sample food grown on the farm and discover the history of your favorite oldtime snacks. 

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs, check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock. 

"Toddler Time," Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun.  

"Potato Harvesting," Learn the spectacular history of this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds. 

"What's the Cluck About," May 8, 1-2 p.m. Learn about fine feathered friends and make a craft. 

Lambs, Kids and Piglets -- Oh My,'' May 8 and May 29, 11 a.m-noon. Learn farm animal facts on a morning stroll. 

"Old-Fashioned Games," May 9, 2-3 p.m. Try walking on stilts, marbles and jacks or compete in a sack race. 

"Tussie-Mussie for Mom," May 9, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Select flowers for a special mother's day message. 

"Zainy Brainy Weather Vaynes," May 9, 11:30-12:30 p.m. Make your own unique weather vane. 

"Hay Hoisting," May 9 and May 30, 2:30-3 p.m. Make rope and help hoist hay bales. 

"Flower Pressing Perfection," May 9, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Learn how to preserve precious petals by making flower presses. 

"Kids and Lambs," May 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn to tell breeds of sheep and goats apart. 

"Cool Crisp Kites," May 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Learn how to make your own kite and navigate it. 

"Barnyard Buddies," May 15, 11 a.m. Feed the goats a snack and more. 

"April Showers Bring May Herbs and Flowers," May 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Read a story about nature and plant your own herb or flower and watch it grow. 

"Excellent Eggshells," May 16, 11 a.m.-noon. Use eggshells as flowerpots for seedlings. 

"Play With Dough," May 16, Noon-1 p.m. Discover the fun of kneading pretzels. 

"Hooray for Honeybees," May 16, Noon-1 p.m. Discover how special these insects are. 

$1-$5; free children under age 4. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. (510) 796-0199, (510) 796-0663, www.ebparks.org.< 

BAY POINT LIBRARY  

"Monthly Craft Night," Last Friday of every month, 4-5 p.m. Each month features a different themed craft.  

Riverview Middle School, 205 Pacifica Ave., Pittsburg. (925) 458-9597.< 

BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE Originally the home of several Native American tribes, white men began coal mining in the area in the 1860s. The preserve today features old mines and displays of the history of the area. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Prospect Tunnel Picnic," May 8, 9 a.m.-noon. Carpool to the eastern reaches of the park to take a trip underground to see late bloomers. 

"Painting in the Park," May 9, 10-11:30 a.m. Gather various minerals and elemtns and turn them into art. 

"The Old Fashioned Cemetery," May 15, 10 a.m.-noon. View a nineteenth century burial grounds. 

Free unless otherwise noted; $5 seasonal parking fee on weekends. Daily, 8 a.m. to dusk Somersville Road, about five miles south of state Highway 4, Antioch. Information: (925) 757-2620, Tickets: (925) 555-1212, www.ebparks.org.< 

BLACKHAWK MUSEUM  

AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM -- The museum's permanent exhibition of internationally renowned automobiles dated from 1897 to the 1980s. The cars are displayed as works of art with room to walk completely around each car to admire the workmanship. On long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution is a Long Steam Tricycle; an 1893-94 Duryea, the first Duryea built by the Duryea brothers; and a 1948 Tucker, number 39 of the 51 Tuckers built, which is a Model 48 "Torpedo'' four-door sedan.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"International Automotive Treasures," An ever-changing exhibit featuring over 90 automobiles.  

"A Journey on Common Ground," An exhibit of moving photographs, video and art objects from around the world exploring the causes of disability and the efforts of the Wheelchair Foundation to provide a wheelchair for every person in need who cannot afford one.  

ONGOING EVENT --  

Free Public Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Docent-led guided tours of the museum's exhibitions. 

$5-$8; free for children ages 6 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. (925) 736-2280, (925) 736-2277, www.blackhawkmuseum.org.< 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP An interactive place where children, and adults, can learn how a stuffed animal is made, then choose an animal pattern from the offering of bears, elephants, dogs and rabbits; stuff the chosen animal; dress it; and create a birth certificate. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

$10-$25; clothing and accessories extra. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Broadway Plaza, 1248 Broadway, Walnut Creek. (925) 946-4697, www.buildabear.com.< 

CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER State-of-the-art facility unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing and films. 

ASK JEEVES PLANETARIUM -- The planetarium features one of the most advanced star projectors in the world. A daily planetarium show is included with general admission. Call for current show schedule.  

"Space NOW!", Each week, this real-time ride through constellations, stars, and planets will reflect current happenings in our sky. Space NOW! will also tie in activities going on throughout the center. This is Chabot's first daytime guided tour of the universe. 

"Tales Of The Maya Skies," "Tales of the Maya Skies'' is a new full-dome planetarium show that explores the cosmology of the ancient Maya, along with their culture and their contributions to astronomy. Starts November 21. 

"Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity," Take a ride to the inside of a massive black hole and learn about the latest scientific evidence, which suggests that black holes are real. Narrated by Liam Neeson. Suitable for age 12 and older. Free with General Admission ticket. 

"Immersive Space: Fly Through the Cosmos," Fridays, 8 p.m. Experience the "digital universe'' in a new full-dome system. Travel to the nearest star and beyond in seconds. 

"Sunshine," A 15-minute planetarium show for children ages 5 and under. In the show, Sunshine, a lovable animated cartoon of the Sun, urges the children to sing and play along with his tricks. In the process, he introduces the colors of the day sky and the other suns of the night sky. Free with regular general admission. 

"Secret of the Cardboard Rocket," Take a journey through the solar system with two young adventurers who turn an old cardboard box into a rocket. Recommended for ages 5-10. 

"The Search for Life: Are We Alone?" A voyage from the ocean deep to the outer reaches of the cosmos in search of life, narrated by Harrison Ford. 

"The Sky Tonight," Saturdays, 8 p.m. Take a live tour of the starry sky overhead on the night of your visit. The show includes a look at constellations, planets and special celestial objects. 

"Sonic Vision," Friday-Saturday, 9:15 p.m. This show uses the latest digital technology to illuminate the planetarium with colorful computer-generated imagery set to today's popular music, including Radiohead, U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, Moby and more. 

"Astronaut," What does it take to be part of the exploration of space? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Narrated by Ewan McGregor. 25 min. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Space Day," May 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Chabot's Space Day celebration will include activities and demonstrations, along with "public missions'' in the Challenger Learning Center. $5-$10 for "Missions'' 

"Make Mother's Day Bloom," May 9, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Join Chabot to celebrate moms and Mother Nature, and have a photo taken in the "Beyond Blastoff'' exhibit, then craft the picture into flower pots. Before the workshop, treat mom to brunch in the Starlite Bistro. Reservations required. $10 per child (510) 336-7373. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

"Chabot Observatories: A View to the Stars," This new permanent exhibit honors the 123-year history of Chabot and its telescopes. The observatory is one of the oldest public observatories in the United States. The exhibit covers the three different sites of the observatory over its history as well as how its historic telescopes continue to be operated today. Included are informative graphic panels, multimedia kiosks, interactive computer programs, hands-on stations, and historic artifacts. 

TIEN MEGADOME SCIENCE THEATER -- A 70-foot dome-screen auditorium. Show times subject to change. Call for current show schedule. Price with paid general admission is $6-$7. Theater only: $7-$8. (510) 336-7373, www.ticketweb.com. 

"The Human Body," This show explores the daily biological processes that go on in the human body without our control and often without our notice. This amazing story is revealed in detail on the giant screen. 

"Dinosaurs Alive," A global adventure of science and discovery, featuring the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous, "reincarnated" life-sized for the giant screen. Audiences will journey with some of the world's preeminent paleontologists as they uncover evidence that the descendents of dinosaurs still walk (or fly) among us. From the exotic, trackless expanses and sand dunes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert to the dramatic sandstone buttes of New Mexico, the film will follow American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) paleontologists as they explore some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history. 

"Forces of Nature," This film showcases the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes, and severe storms as scientists continue their quests to understand how these natural disasters are triggered. 

"The Living Sea," The film celebrates the beauty, power and importance of the ocean. Produced in association with The National Maritime Center, the Ocean Film Network and Dr. Robert Ballard. 

"Cosmic Voyage," A breathtaking journey through time and space. Zoom from the surface of the Earth to the largest observable structures of the Universe and back down to the sub-nuclear realm, a guided tour across some 42 orders of magnitude. Explore some of the greatest scientific theories, many of which have never before been visualized on film. 

Center Admission: $9-$13; free children under 3; Movies and evening planetarium shows: $6-$8. Telescope viewing only: free. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.< 

CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND A fairy tale theme park featuring more than 30 colorful fantasy sets. Designed especially for children ages 10 and under, there are gentle rides, a train, the "Peter Rabbit Village,'' puppet shows, story-telling and lots of slides and animals. Admission price includes unlimited rides, special shows, guest entertainers and puppet shows.  

OLD WEST JUNCTION -- Children's Fairyland's newest attraction is a Wild West-themed town sized just for children, with a livery stable, bank, jail and a water tower slide.  

PUPPET SHOWS -- Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. All shows are at the Open Storybook Theatre. Free with regular Fairyland admission.  

ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTER -- Activities on Saturday and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.  

ANIMAL OF THE DAY -- Saturday and Sunday, 1-1:20 p.m. at the Humpty Dumpty Wall. Learn about one of Fairyland's animal friends. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Animal of the Day!" Saturdays and Sundays, 1-1:20 p.m. Come up close and learn about Fairyland's creatures. 

"Arts and Crafts," Noon-3 p.m. Event features arts and crafts projects for children and their families. $6. 

"Puppet Show: Perez and Mondinga," through May 2 and May 8 through May 2, 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m. It's fiesta time in Mexico. Mondinga, the cockroach, wants to marry and share her hacienda with someone special. Rooster, Pig and evil Cat all want to marry her, yet none is right. Finally she meets Perez the gentle mouse and marries him. This is the silly story of their meeting, marriage and mishaps, just in time for Cinco De Mayo! Ole'!Scenery & Puppets by Lewis Mahlmann  

"The Blue Fairy," May 8 through May 9, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Jacquelyn Lynaugh as The Blue Fairy appears with her puppet pal Pinocchio and her guitar, Prince Charming. She will be performing well known folk songs and helping children make wishes come true with her crystal wand and fairy dust.  

$6; free for children under age 1; $2 for a Magic Key. No adult admitted without a child and no child admitted without an adult. Summer (June through Labor Day): Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fall and Spring: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Winter: Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CLOSED DEC. 25-JAN. 4. 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. (510) 452-2259, www.fairyland.org.< 

COYOTE HILLS REGIONAL PARK The park is located on the shoreline of Fremont Bay and features rich wetland areas as well as Ohlone Indian shellmound sites. Hiking in the park allows scenic views of San Francisco Bay and southern Alameda County. The 12-mile Alameda Creek Trail runs from the Bay east to the mouth of Niles Canyon and features an equestrian trail as well as a bicycle trail; hikers are welcome on both. The park conducts naturalist programs and has a visitor center with a nature store and Ohlone, natural history and wildlife exhibits.  

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Free unless otherwise noted.  

"Do Butterflies and Bees Have Knees," May 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Observe these animals as they are absorbed with feeding. 

"Focus on Wildlife: A Photo Exhibit," May 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon. View the best of Coyote Hills wildlife photographs. 

"Lends on Wildlife: Tips and Tricks," May 9, 1-2:30 p.m. Join experienced photographers in the nectar garden to learn tips and tricks for capturing stunning photos of birds and butterflies. 

"Coyote Cubs," May 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Encourage your child's "wild'' side and join the fun. 

"Nature Bytes for Busy Families," May 15, 2-3 p.m. Get to know the natural world with activities. 

"Shutterbugs," May 15, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn to photograph bugs and other natural wonders. 

"Reptiles With Styles," May 16, 11 a.m.-noon. Get up-close and personal with reptiles. 

"Animal Defenses," May 16, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Learn about how animals protect themselves. 

Free unless otherwise noted; A parking fee may be charged. Registration required for events. April through October: daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; October through April, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless otherwise posted. 8000 Patterson Pass Road, Fremont. (510) 636-1684, (510) 795-9385, www.ebparks.org.< 

CRAB COVE VISITOR CENTER At Crab Cove, you can see live underwater creatures and go into the San Francisco Bay from land. You can also travel back in time to Alameda's part. The goal is to increase understanding of the environmental importance of San Francisco Bay and the ocean ecosystem. Crab Cove's Indoor Aquarium and Exhibit Lab is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the East Bay. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Sea Siblings," Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Explore the natural world and take part in a theme related craft. Designed for the 3-5 year old learner. Registration is required. $4. (888) 327-2757. 

"Catch of the Day," Sundays, 2-3 p.m. Drop by to find out more about the Bay and its wildlife through guided exploration and hands-on fun. 

"Sea Squirts," 10-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Discover the wonders of nature with your little one. Registration is required. $6-$8. 

"Concerts at the Cove," May 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Celebrate with free music and family fun. 

"Native Plant Gardening," May 15, 3-5 p.m. Spend an afternoon planting in the Visitor Center. 

Free unless otherwise noted; parking fee may be charged. 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-6887, www.ebparks.org.< 

DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE Nestled in the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the 37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped gardens surround the mansion.  

ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.  

GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. (510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.< 

FOREST HOME FARMS The 16-acre former farm of the Boone family is now a municipal historic park in San Ramon. It is located at the base of the East Bay Hills and is divided into two parts by Oak Creek. The Boone House is a 22-room Dutch colonial that has been remodeled several times since it was built in 1900. Also on the property are a barn built in the period from 1850 to 1860; the Victorian-style David Glass House, dating from the late 1860s to early 1870s; a storage structure for farm equipment and automobiles; and a walnut processing plant. 

Free unless otherwise noted. Public tours available by appointment. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. (925) 973-3281, www.ci.sanramon.ca.us/parks/boone.htm.< 

HAYWARD SHORELINE INTERPRETIVE CENTER Perched on stilts above a salt marsh, the Center offers an introduction to the San Francisco Bay-Estuary. It features exhibits, programs and activities designed to inspire a sense of appreciation, respect and stewardship for the Bay, its inhabitants and the services they provide. The Habitat Room offers a preview of what may be seen outside. The 80-gallon Bay Tank contains some of the fish that live in the Bay's open waters, and the Channel Tank represents habitats formed by the maze of sloughs and creeks that snake through the marsh. The main room of the Center features rotating exhibits about area history, plants and wildlife. Part of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"Exploring Nature," An exhibit of Shawn Gould's illustrations featuring images of the natural world. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Weekend Weed Warriors," 1-4 p.m. Help the shoreline to eliminate the non-native plants that threaten its diversity. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. 

"Nature Detectives," 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Registration required. 

"Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh," 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join an expert birder to go "behind the gates'' to areas of the marsh that are not open to the public. 

Free. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. (510) 670-7270, www.hard.dst.ca.us/hayshore.html.< 

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE EAST BAY  

"Shabbat Celebration for Young Children," Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Join other families with young children to sharethis weekly Jewish holiday of joy and renewal.  

1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. (510) 848-0237, www.jcceastbay.org/.< 

JUNIOR CENTER OF ART AND SCIENCE A center dedicated to encouraging children's active wonder and creative response through artistic and scientific exploration of their natural urban environment. The center's classes, workshops, exhibits and events integrate art and science.  

EXHIBITS -- Three educational exhibits are mounted in the "Children's Gallery'' each year. A docent-led tour, demonstrations, hands-on activities and art projects are available to school groups throughout the year.  

"Jake's Discovery Garden," Jake's Discovery Garden is a new interactive studio exhibit designed for preschool-aged children and their adult caregivers that teaches young visitors about the natural environments found in their backyards, playgrounds and neighborhoods. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

Free; programs and special exhibits have a fee. September through May: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June through August: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 558 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. (510) 839-5777, www.juniorcenter.org.< 

LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK The 315-acre lake offers year-round recreation. Services include canoe and boat rental, horseshoe pits, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and seasonal tours aboard the Chabot Queen. For boat rentals, call (510) 247-2526. 

Free unless noted otherwise; $5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs. Daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"NanoZone," Discover the science of the super-small: nanotechnology. Through hands-on activities and games, explore this microworld and the scientific discoveries made in this area.  

"Forces That Shape the Bay," A science park that shows and explains why the San Francisco Bay is the way it is, with information on water, erosion, plate tectonics and mountain building. You can ride earthquake simulators, set erosion in motion and look far out into the bay with a powerful telescope from 1,100 feet above sea level. The center of the exhibit is a waterfall that demonstrates how water flows from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay. Visitors can control where the water goes. There are also hands-on erosion tables, and a 40-foot-long, 6-foothigh, rock compression wall.  

"Real Astronomy Experience," A new exhibit-in-development allowing visitors to use the tools that real astronomers use. Aim a telescope at a virtual sky and operate a remote-controlled telescope to measure a planet.  

"Biology Lab," In the renovated Biology Lab visitors may hold and observe gentle animals. Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

"The Idea Lab," Experiment with some of the basics of math, science and technology through hands-on activities and demonstrations of magnets, spinning and flying, puzzles and nanotechnology.  

"Math Around the World," Play some of the world's most popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.  

"Math Rules," Use simple and colorful objects to complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting, comparing, weighing and counting.  

HOLT PLANETARIUM Shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Programs recommended for ages 6 and up unless otherwise noted. $2.50-$3 in addition to general admission.  

"Constellations Tonight," Learn to identify the most prominent constellations of the season in the planetarium sky with a simple star map. 

"Mysteries of Missing Matter," Investigate the complexity of the universe and learn why astronomers now think that most of the matter in our universe mysteriously invisible to us. 

"Journey to the Moon," Experience a time traveler's view of the changing shapes of the moon as it waxes and wanes in the planetarium. Ages 4-7. 

$5.50-$10; free children ages 2 and under. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. University of California, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132, www.lawrencehallofscience.org.< 

LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM This is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.  

WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there are no public viewing areas in the hospital. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$5-$7; free children under age 2. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.< 

THE MARSH BERKELEY  

"The World's Funniest Bubble Show," through June 27, Sunday, 11 a.m. Bubble Man Louis Pearl presents his fun and family-friendly antics. $7-$50.  

The Gaia Building, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. Info: (415) 826-5750, Tickets: (800) 838-3006, www.themarsh.org.< 

MUSEUM OF CHILDREN'S ART A museum of art for and by children, with activities for children to participate in making their own art.  

ART CAMPS -- Hands-on activities and engaging curriculum for children of different ages, led by professional artists and staff. $60 per day.  

CLASSES -- A Sunday series of classes for children ages 8 to 12, led by Mocha artists. Sundays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

OPEN STUDIOS -- Drop-in art play activities with new themes each week.  

"Big Studio." Guided art projects for children age 6 and older with a Mocha artist. Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5.  

"Little Studio." A hands-on experience that lets young artists age 18 months to 5 years see, touch and manipulate a variety of media. Children can get messy. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5.  

"Family Weekend Studios." Drop-in art activities for the whole family. All ages welcome. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. $5 per child.  

FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZAS -- Special weekend workshops for the entire family.  

"Sunday Workshops with Illustrators," Sundays, 1 p.m. See the artwork and meet the artists who create children's book illustrations. Free. 

EVENTS --  

"Saturday Stories," 1 p.m. For children ages 2-5. Free. 

SPECIAL EVENT --  

"Saturday Stories," 1 p.m. For ages 2-5. Free. 

Free gallery admission. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 538 Ninth St., Oakland. (510) 465-8770, www.mocha.org.< 

OAKLAND ZOO The zoo includes a Children's Petting Zoo, the Skyride, a miniature train, a carousel, picnic grounds and a gift shop as well as the animals in site specific exhibits, which allow them to roam freely. Included are "The African Savanna,'' with its two huge mixed-animal aviaries and 11 African Savanna exhibits; the Mahali Pa Tembo (Place of the Elephant), with giraffes, chimpanzees and more than 330 other animals from around the world; "Simba Pori,'' Swahili for "Lion Country,'' a spacious 1.5-acre habitat offering both a savanna and woodland setting for African lions; "Footprints from the Past,'' an anthropology exhibit showcasing four million years of human evolution and an actual "footpath'' of the first hominids to emerge from the African savanna; "Sun Bear Exhibit,'' a stateof-the-art space the zoo has developed for its two sun bears; and Siamang Island, a state-of-the-art, barrier-free area that emulates the gibbons' native tropical rain forest habitat. Also see the Malayan Fruit Bats from the Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida that are now roosting in trees at the zoo. In addition there are special exhibits and events monthly.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," The three-acre attraction offers a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and more. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

"Endangered Species," An exhibit of photographs about the most endangered animals on the Earth and what can be done to save them. At the Education Center. Open daily during zoo hours. ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The three-acre attraction will offer a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and more. Free with regular Zoo admission.  

"Wildlife Theater," Saturday, 11:45 a.m.; Sunday, 1:45 p.m. On Saturday mornings listen to a story and meet a live animal. On Sunday afternoon meet live animals and learn cool facts about them. Meet in the Lobby of the Zoo's Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education. Free with regular Zoo admission. (510) 632-9525, ext. 142. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$7.50-11; free children under age 2; $6 parking fee. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.< 

POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE The 2,315-acre parkland bordering Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo offers views of Mount Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline and San Pablo Bay. There are trails through meadows and woods, and along the bluffs and beaches of San Pablo Bay. Visitors can hike, ride bikes or take the park's shuttle bus to reach the 1,250-foot fishing pier at Point Pinole. 

$5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle; $2 per dog (guide/service dogs free). Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Giant Highway, Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE East Bay residents have several volcanoes in their backyard. This park contains Round Top, one of the highest peaks in the Oakland Hills. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

SCHARFFEN BERGER CHOCOLATE FACTORY This hour-long tour covers the history of chocolate making, from the cultivation of cacao beans to the finished product. After a chocolate tasting, visitors take a walking tour of the factory floor. Open to children 10 and up. Reservations required. 

Free with reservation. Every hour on the half-hour, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 914 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. (510) 981-4066, www.scharffenbergertour.com.< 

SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The 296-acre park includes an 80-acre lake and a four-flume waterslide, with picnic grounds and a swimming beach. Water slide fees and hours: (925) 829-6230. 

$6 per vehicle; $2 per dog except guide and service dogs. May 1 through Labor Day: daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; shortened hours for fall and winter. Stanley Boulevard, one mile from downtown, Pleasanton. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.< 

SULPHUR CREEK NATURE CENTER A wildlife rehabilitation and education facility where injured and orphaned local wild creatures are rehabilitated and released when possible. There is also a lending library of animals such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and more. The lending fee is $8 per week.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Toddler Time," Learn about animals by listening to stories and exploring. Themes vary by month. Call for schedule. $7 per family.  

"Day on the Green Animal Presentations," Meet an assortment of wild and domestic animals. Wildlife volunteers will present a different animal each day from possums to snakes, tortoises to hawks. Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 

CHILDREN'S EVENTS --  

Free. Park: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Discovery Center: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Animal Lending Library: Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1801 D St., Hayward. (510) 881-6747, www.haywardrec.org/sulphur_creek.html.< 

TILDEN REGIONAL PARK This park is large and contains hiking trails, a golf course, a miniature scaled train to ride, The Brazilian Building and picnic areas. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Reptile Rendezvous," May 9, 2-3 p.m. Learn about the reptiles that call the nature area home. 

"Chicky Chickens," May 15, 2-3 p.m. Visit, feed and pet our country pals. 

"Wonderous Wildflowers," May 16, 2-3 p.m. Familiarize yourself with local wildflowers. 

Free unless otherwise noted. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entrances off Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Berkeley. (510) 525-2233, www.ebparks.org.< 

USS HORNET MUSEUM Come aboard this World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today, visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Limited Access Day," Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.  

"Flight Deck Fun," A former Landing Signal Officer will show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum admission.  

"Protestant Divine Services," Hornet chaplain John Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge. Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the service. Sundays, 11 a.m. 

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Closed on New Year's Day. 

"Living Ship Day," Experience an aircraft carrier in action, with simulated flight operations as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed in launch position. Some former crewmembers will be on hand. 

"Family Day," Discounted admission for families of four with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family of four; $5 for each additional family member. 

"Flashlight Tour," Receive a special tour of areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that have limited access during the day. 

"Heroes of the Pacific," May 16, 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m. The USS Hornet pays tribute to the soldiers who survived the desperate days of the Pacific Campaign with a screening of the finale of the HBO miniseries "The Pacific,'' along with guest speakers, including some of the Hornet's very own World War II veteran crew who will share their experiences. 

$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda. (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<

A GREAT GOOD PLACE FOR BOOKS  

Katie Crouch, May 7, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Men and Dogs.''  

Kathi Goldmark and Sam Barry, May 8, 7 p.m. The authors talk about "Write That Book Already! The Tough Love You Need to Get Published Now.''  

6120 LaSalle Ave., Oakland. (510) 339-8210, www.greatgoodplace.indiebound.com.< 

BANKHEAD THEATER  

"Strings, Tuba and Mahler," May 15, 8 p.m. Program features works by Gustav Mahler, Gustav Holst and Alexander Arutiunian. $8-$28.  

2400 First Street, Livermore. (925) 373-6800, www.livermoreperformingarts.org.< 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF BERKELEY  

"Rockin' Robin," May 9, 3-5 p.m. San Francisco Chamber Orchestra presents the world premiere of a new violin concerto by Composer in Residence Gabriela Frank. Free. (415) 248-1640, www.sfchamberorchestra.org. 

2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. (510) 848-3696, www.fccb.org.< 

FOX THEATER  

Mastodon, Between the Buried and Me, High on Fire, Baroness, Priestess, May 8, 4 p.m. $35.  

1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 452-0438.< 

FREIGHT AND SALVAGE  

Charlie Hunter Trio, May 13. $24.50-$25.50.  

Music starts at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 548-1761, www.freightandsalvage.org.< 

HERTZ HALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY  

"57th Annual Noon Concert Series," Noon.  

University Symphony Orchestra, May 7 through May 8, 8 p.m. David Mines conducts a program featuring works by Schumann and Shostakovich. $5-$15. (510) 642-9988. 

Bancroft Way and College Ave., Berkeley. (510) 642-4864, www.music.berkeley.edu.< 

MOE'S BOOKS  

Roddy Doyle, May 7. The author talks about "The Dead Republic.''  

10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. 2476 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2087, www.moesbooks.com.< 

YOSHI'S  

Christian McBride & Inside Straight, through May 7, 8 and 10 p.m. $12-$20.  

David Grisman Quintet plus special guest Mike Barnett, May 14 through May 16, Friday and Saturday 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. $30.  

Shows are Monday through Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. (510) 238-9200, www.yoshis.com.< 

ZELLERBACH HALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY  

Laurie Anderson, May 7 through May 8, 8 p.m. $30-$56. www.calperformances.org. 

UC Berkeley campus, Bancroft Way and Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 642-9988.<

CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY  

HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- A series of monthly walking tours that explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour guide Gary Holloway. Walks take place rain or shine so dress for the weather. Reservations and prepayment required. Meeting place will be given with confirmation of tour reservation. Tour price includes admission to the Museum.  

$1-$3; free children under age 5. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-4:30 p.m. 678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848 X229, www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.< 

COMMONWEALTH CLUB OF CALIFORNIA  

"How Abolition of the Death Penalty Will Make us All Safer, Richer, Smarter and More Beautiful," May 10, 5:15 p.m. Hear how abolition of the Death Penalty will make us all safer, richer, smarter and more beautiful. Free-$20.  

"Taking Control of Your Health in the New Era of Personalized Medicine," May 12, 6:30 p.m. Learn how you play a major role in deciding what's best for your health. $12-$20.  

"The Urban Farming Movement," May 12, 6:30 p.m. Dirt on your suit never looked so good. $7-$20.  

"Content Monetization: What's Working?," May 13, 7 p.m. Which business model works best to bring in the bucks? $12-$20.  

"Steven Pease: Jewish Leadership," May 13, 6 p.m. Exploring the achievement of this dominant minority. $7-$20.  

595 Market St., Second Floor, San Francisco. (415) 597-6705, www.commonwealthclub.org.< 

FEMINA POTENS GALLERY  

"Open Eyes," First Friday of every month, 8 p.m. Screening of films by local artists followed by a wine and vegan cookie reception along with a question and answer session with the filmmakers. $7-$10.  

Free unless otherwise noted. Thursday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. 2199 Market Street at Sanchez, San Francisco. (415) 217-9340, www.feminapotens.org.< 

FERRY PLAZA FARMERS' MARKET  

Mark Ayres, May 8, 11 a.m. The Highlands Inn chef presents a cooking demo and book signing.  

Mireille Guiliano, May 8, 11:45 a.m. The author of "French Women Don't Get Fat,'' presents a table cooking demo and book signing.  

At the base of Market St. on the Embarcadero, San Francisco. (415) 291-3276.< 

HAAS-LILIENTHAL HOUSE This historic Queen Anne is distinguished as the only intact private home of the period that is open regularly as a museum, complete with authentic furniture and artifacts. The House has elaborate wooden gables, a circular corner tower and luxuriant ornamentation. Volunteer docents lead tours through the House and explain the Victorian architecture of the exterior. A display of photographs in the downstairs supper-room describes the history of the home and the family that lived here until 1972.  

Tours are offered regularly on Sundays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Noon-3 p.m. Special group tours are also available. 

$5-$8. 2007 Franklin St., San Francisco. (415) 441-3000, www.sfheritage.org.< 

HERBST THEATRE  

Anna Quindlen, May 10, 8 p.m. City Arts and Lectures presents the novelist and journalist in conversation with Paul Lancour.  

George Booth and Matthew Diffee, May 11, 8 p.m. City Arts and Lectures presents the New Yorker cartoonists in conversation.  

Jamy Ian Swiss, May 13, 8 p.m. City Arts and Lectures presents the magician in conversation with "Mythbusters'' host Adam Savage.  

401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 392-4400, www.cityboxoffice.com.< 

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SAN FRANCISCO  

"Mark Cantor's Giants of Jazz on Film," May 8, 8 p.m. Celebrate the big band era. $12-$24.  

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 3200 California St., San Francisco. (415) 292-1200, Box Office: (415) 292-1233, www.jccsf.org.< 

O IZAKAYA LOUNGE  

"Weekly Karaoke," Thursdays, 9 p.m.-midnight. The popular Japanese Izakaya restaurant features Japanese cuisine and karaoke in a convivial, sports-themed atmosphere.  

1625 Post, San Francisco. (415) 614-5431.< 

PRESIDIO DANCE THEATER  

"Breakfast with Enzo," Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon. A highly acclaimed live family music show. $5. (415) 561-3958, www.enzogarcia.com. 

1158 Gorgas Road at Marshall, San Francisco. (415) 608-4503, www.boomercize.com.< 

YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS The center's visual arts exhibitions feature contemporary art and popular culture by local, national and international artists. There are four rounds of exhibitions in the galleries each year. 

"To the Limit: Pina Bausch on Film," through May 30. May 6, 7:30 p.m.: "On Tour with Pina Bausch (Un Jour Pina a Demande).  

May 13, 7:30 p.m.: "The Complaint of the Empress (Die Klage der Kaiserin).  

May 23, 2 p.m.: "Two Performance Films: Walzer and Cafi Muller  

May 27-29, 7:30 p.m.: Dancing Dreams (Tanztraume).  

May 30, 2 p.m.: Bluebeard  

"Typeface," May 15 through May 16, Saturday, 6 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 4 p.m. Follow the story of the Hamilton Wood Type Museum in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.  

$3-$6; free the first Tuesday of every month. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m. 701 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 978-2787, www.ybca.org.<

ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO The Asian Art Museum-Chon-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture recently unveiled its new building in San Francisco's Civic Center. The building, the former San Francisco Public Library, has been completely retrofitted and rebuilt to house San Francisco's significant collection of Asian treasures. The museum offers complimentary audio tours of the museum's collection galleries.  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"In a New Light," There are some 2,500 works displayed in the museum's new galleries. They cover all the major cultures of Asia and include Indian stone sculptures, intricately carved Chinese jades, Korean paintings, Tibetan thanksgas, Cambodian Buddhas, Islamic manuscripts and Japanese basketry and kimonos.  

ONGOING FAMILY PROGRAMS --  

Storytelling, Sundays and the first Saturday of every month, 1 p.m. This event is for children of all ages to enjoy a re-telling of Asian myths and folktales in the galleries. Meet at the Information Desk on the Ground Floor. Free with general admission.  

"Target Tuesday Family Program," first Tuesday of every month. Free with general admission.  

"Family Art Encounter," first Saturday of every month, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Drop in to make art related to the museum's collection. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In the Education Studios. Free with admission.  

DOCENT-LED ART TOURS -- The museum's docents offer two types of tours: a general introduction to the museum's collection and a highlight tour of specific areas of the collection. Free with museum admission.  

ARCHITECTURAL GUIDES -- Tuesday through Sunday at noon and 2:30 p.m., Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Learn about the former Main Library's transformation into the Asian Art Museum on this 40-minute tour. Free with museum admission.  

RESOURCE CENTER -- Tuesday through Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Watch a video, or learn more about Asian art with slide packets, activity kits and books. Free with museum admission. 

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Free with general admission unless otherwise noted.  

"Shanghai," through Sept. 5. Exhibition features more than 130 artworks including oil paintings, Shanghai Deco furniture, revolutionary posters, works of fashion and more.  

$7-$12; free children under age 12; $5 Thursday after 5 p.m.; free to all first Sunday of each month. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 200 Larkin St., San Francisco. (415) 581-3500, www.asianart.org.< 

BEAT MUSEUM Formerly located on the California coast in Monterey, the Beat Museum now sits in historic North Beach. The Museum uses letters, magazines, pictures, first editions and more to explore the lives of leading beat figures such as Jack Kerouac, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Allen Ginsberg, Neal Cassady and many others. A gift shop and bookstore are open to the public free of charge. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"North Beach Walking Tour,", A 90-minute walking tour of North Beach with Beat Museum curator Jerry Cimimo. See the bars, coffeehouses, homes, and other Beat-related highlights of North Beach. Call for info. $15. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

$4-$5. Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. CLOSED MONDAY. 540 Broadway, San Francisco. (800) KER-OUAC, www.kerouac.com.< 

CABLE CAR MUSEUM The museum is located in the historic Cable Car Barn and Powerhouse. Visitors can see the actual cable winding machinery, grips, track, cable and brakes, as well as three historic cable cars, photo displays and mechanical artifacts. The best way to get to this museum is by cable car; street parking is practically non-existent. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

Free. April 1-Sept. 30: daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 1-March 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1201 Mason St., San Francisco. (415) 474-1887, www.cablecarmuseum.org.< 

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES  

"Nightlife," Thursdays, 6 p.m. Every Thursday night, the Academy transforms into a lively venue filled with provocative science, music, mingling and cocktails, as visitors get a chance to explore the museum.  

"Where the Land Meets the Sea," Exhibition features sculpture by Maya Lin.  

BENJAMIN DEAN LECTURE SERIES --  

$14.95-$24.95. Daily, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. (415) 379-8000, www.calacademy.org.< 

CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY  

HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- A series of monthly walking tours that explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour guide Gary Holloway. Walks take place rain or shine so dress for the weather. Reservations and prepayment required. Meeting place will be given with confirmation of tour reservation. Tour price includes admission to the Museum.  

MUSEUM -- The museum's permanent collection is made up of the Fine Arts Collection, consisting of 5,000 works of art that represent the history of California from pre-Gold Rush days to the early decade of the 20th century; and The Photography Collection, containing nearly a halfmillion images in an array of photographic formats documenting the history of California in both the 19th and 20th centuries. The Library and Research Collection contain material relating to the history of California and the West from early exploration time to the present including texts, maps, and manuscripts.  

"Landscape and Vision: Early California Painters from the Collections of the California Historical Society," open-ended. An exhibit of oil paintings including a large number of early landscapes of California, from the museum's collection.  

"Extreme Mammals," through Sept. 12. Exhibition explores mammals, from the towering to the tiny.  

$1-$3; free children under age 5. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-4:30 p.m. 678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848 X229, www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.< 

CARTOON ART MUSEUM  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"An Exploration of Cartoon Art," This exhibit explores the history of cartoon art including works from the most renowned and creative cartoonists of the last century. The exhibit traces the evolution of cartooning through its many forms including animation, comic strips, comic books, editorial cartoons and underground cartoons.  

CARTOONING CLASSES FOR KIDS -- Saturday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For children ages 6 to 14. Call for schedule. Free with admission. 

"Small Press Spotlight on Jamaica Dyer," through June 13. Exhibition features works by the Santa Cruz artist.  

OPENING -- "60 Years of Beetle Bailey," May 8 through Sept. 19. Exhibition showcases the comics of Mort Walker.  

$2-$6; free children ages 5 and under; the first Tuesday of the month is paywhat-you-wish day. Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 655 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 227-8666, www.cartoonart.org.< 

CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA The CHSA Museum and Learning Center features a permanent exhibition, "The Chinese of America: Toward a More Perfect Union'' in its Main Gallery, and works by Chinese-American visual artists in its Rotating Galleries.  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"Leaders of the Band," An exhibition of the history and development of the Cathay Club Marching Band, the first Chinese American band formed in 1911. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

$1-$3; free children ages 5 and under; free for all visitors first Thursday of every month. Tuesday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. 965 Clay St., San Francisco. (415) 391-1188, www.chsa.org.< 

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM The museum, formerly known as the Jewish Museum San Francisco, has a new addition designed by Daniel Libeskind and is dedicated to exploring the richness and diversity of Jewish thought and culture.  

GALLERY TOURS -- Sunday and Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. Free. 

"As It Is Written: Project 304,805," through Oct. 3. Exhibition centers around a soferet (a professionally trained female scribe) who writes out the entire text of the Torah, at the Museum, over the course of a full year. She will be one of the few known women to complete an entire Torah scroll, an accomplishment traditionally exclusive to men.  

"Our Struggle: Responding to Mein Kampf," through June 15. Linda Elia presents a a host of artists' page-by-page response to Hitler's notorious memoir and manifesto.  

$4-$5; free for children under age 12; free third Monday of every month. Sunday -Thursday, noon-6 p.m. DEC. 25, NOON TO 4 P.M.; CLOSED JAN. 1. 736 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 655-7800, www.thecjm.org.< 

DE YOUNG MUSEUM The art museum has now reopened in a new facility designed by Swiss architecture firm Herzog and de Meuron and Fong and Chan Architects in San Francisco. It features significant collections of American art from the 17th through the 20th centuries; modern and contemporary art; art from Central and South America, the Pacific and Africa; and an important and diverse collection of textiles. 

ARTIST STUDIO PROGRAM -- Wednesday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m. A monthly interactive program during which the public can meet and work with a featured artist. Demonstrations take place in the Kimball Education Gallery, which does not require paid admission. (415) 750-7634. 

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES --  

"Children's Workshops: Doing and Viewing Art and Big Kids-Little Kids," Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon and 1:30-3 p.m. Family tour and art activity for ages 4-12. 

LECTURES AND SYMPOSIA --  

LECTURES BY DOCENTS -- These lectures are free and are held in the Koret Auditorium unless otherwise noted.  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Friday Nights at the de Young: Cultural Encounters," 5-8:45 p.m. The de Young stays open until 8:45 p.m. each Friday night and hosts special events including live music, dance, film, lectures and artist demonstrations.  

Aug. 22: "Cultural Encounters presents Hot Brazilian Nights.''  

Event features music by Forro for All and art-making for the entire family.  

Aug. 29: "Cultural Encounters.''  

Event features live music by the Scott Amendola Trio. Free with admission. 

"Poetry Series," 7-8:30 p.m. $8-$12. (415) 750-7634. 

"Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," through May 28. More than 3,000 years after his reign, and 30 years after the original exhibition opened in San Francisco, Tutankhamun, ancient Egypt's celebrated "boy king," returns to the de Young Museum. In the summer of 2009 the de Young presents Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, a glorious exhibition of over 130 outstanding works from the tomb of Tutankhamun, as well as those of his royal predecessors, his family, and court officials. Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs includes many new and exciting elements not seen in previous versions of the exhibition, including a revised version of the catalogue, a new audio tour, and additional artifacts from Tutankhamun's tomb.  

"Amish Abstractions: Quilts from the Collection of Faith and Stephen Brown," through June 6. This exhibition features approximately 48 fullsize and crib quilts dating from the 1880s to the 1940s. Quilts made by girls and women of various Amish communities in Pennsylvania and the Midwest are visual distillations of their way of life. The Amish faith embodies the principles of simplicity, humility, discipline, and community, but their quilts are anything but humble. Using a rich color palette and bold patterns, these quilts are truly a unique contribution to American textile history. The quilts highlight the beauty and complexity of the abstract patterns.  

"I Keep Foolin' Around: William T. Wiley as Printmaker," through July 4. Exhibition features paintings, sculpture and more by Bay Area artist Wiley.  

$6-$10; free for children ages 12 and under; free for all visitors the first Tuesday of every month. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m.-8:45 p.m. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco. (415) 863-3330, www.deyoungmuseum.org.< 

GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM The museum is a project of the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) Historical Society. 

EVENTS --  

EXHIBITS --  

$2-$4. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. 657 Mission St., Suite 300, San Francisco. (415) 777-5455, www.glbthistory.org.< 

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN  

EVENTS --  

101 Howard Street, Suite 480, San Francisco. (415) 543-4669, www.imow.org/home/index.< 

LEGION OF HONOR MUSEUM DOCENT TOUR PROGRAMS -- Tours of the permanent collections and special exhibitions are offered Tuesday through Sunday. Non-English language tours (Italian, French, Spanish and Russian) are available on different Saturdays of the month at 11:30 a.m. Free with regular museum admission. (415) 750-3638.  

ONGOING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM --  

"Doing and Viewing Art," For ages 7 to 12. Docent-led tours of current exhibitions are followed by studio workshops taught by professional artists/teachers. Students learn about art by seeing and making it. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon; call to confirm class. Free with museum admission. (415) 750-3658. 

ORGAN CONCERTS -- 4 p.m. A weekly concert of organ music on the Legion's restored 1924 Skinner organ. Saturday and Sunday in the Rodin Gallery. Free with museum admission. (415) 750-3624. 

SPECIAL EVENTS -- In the Gould Theater unless otherwise noted. $4 after museum admission unless otherwise noted. (415) 682-2481. 

"Sunday Jazz Brunch," 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $21-$53. 

$6-$10; free for children ages 12 and under; free for all visitors on Tuesdays. Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Lincoln Park, 34th Avenue and Clement Street, San Francisco. (415) 750-3600, (415) 750-3636, www.thinker.org.< 

MARKET STREET RAILWAY MUSEUM The museum will permanently display a variety of artifacts telling the story of San Francisco's transportation history, including dash signs, fare boxes, a famed Wiley "birdcage'' traffic signal and more. 

Free. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 77 Steuart St., San Francisco. (415) 956-0472, www.streetcar.org.< 

MEXICAN MUSEUM  

THE MEXICAN MUSEUM GALLERIES AT FORT MASON CENTER ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED --  

The Mexican Museum holds a unique collection of 12,000 objects representing thousands of years of Mexican history and culture within the Americas. The permanent collection, the Museum's most important asset and resource, includes five collecting areas: Pre-Conquest, Colonial, Popular, Modern and Contemporary Mexican and Latino, and Chicano Art. The Museum also has a collection of rare books and a growing collection of Latin American art. 

Fort Mason Center, Building D, Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco. (415) 202-9700, www.mexicanmuseum.org.< 

MUSEO ITALOAMERICANO The museum, dedicated to the exhibition of art works by Italian and Italian-American artists, has a small permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and works on paper by such renowned artists as Beniamino Buffano, Sandro Chia, Giorgio de Chirico and Arnaldo Pomodoro.  

DOCENT TOURS -- Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free. 

$2-$3; free children under age 12; free to all first Wednesday of the month. Wednesday-Sunday, noon -4 p.m.; first Wednesday of the month, noon-7 p.m. Fort Mason Center, Building C, Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco. (415) 673-2200, www.museoitaloamericano.org.< 

MUSEUM OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS AT SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY  

EXHIBITS --  

Free. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Humanities Building, Room 510, SFSU, Font Boulevard and Tapia Drive, San Francisco. (415) 405-0599, www.sfsu.edu/~museumst/.< 

MUSEUM OF PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN  

EXHIBITS --  

Free. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Avenue at McAllister, 4th Floor, San Francisco. (415) 255-4800, www.mpdsf.org.< 

MUSEUM OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA A new museum exploring and celebrating the influence of the African Diaspora on global art and culture through interactive, permanent and changing exhibits and special programs. The museum occupies the first three floors of the new St. Regis Hotel at Third and Mission streets.  

PERMANENT EXHIBITS --  

"Celebrations: Rituals and Ceremonies," "Music of the Diaspora,'' "Culinary Traditions,'' 'Adornment,'' "Slavery Passages,'' and "The Freedom Theater.'' 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Urban Kidz Film Series," Noon-3 p.m. An offshoot of the San Francisco Black Film Festival, featuring a striking assemblage of short and feature films designed to spark the imaginations of the 5-to-12-year-old set. $10 adults; children free. (415) 771-9271. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

$5-$8; free children age 12 and under. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; CLOSED MARCH 13 THROUGH MARCH 21. 685 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 358-7200, www.moadsf.org.< 

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM LIBRARY (THE J. PORTER SHAW MARITIME LIBRARY) Closed on federal holidays. The library, part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, focuses on sail and steam ships on the West Coast and the Pacific Basin from 1520 to the present. The museum library holdings include a premiere collection of maritime history: books, magazines, oral histories, ships' plans and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's 250,000 photographs. 

Free. By appointment only, Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m., and the third Saturday of each month. Fort Mason Center, Building E, Third Floor, Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco. (415) 560-7080, (415) 560-7030, www.nps.gov/safr/local/lib/libtop.html.< 

PACIFIC HERITAGE MUSEUM The museum presents rotating exhibits highlighting historical, artistic, cultural and economic achievements from both sides of the Pacific Rim. The museum features a permanent display documenting the history and significance of the Branch Mint and Subtreasury buildings. 

Free. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 608 Commercial St., San Francisco. (415) 399-1124.< 

RANDALL MUSEUM  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Earthquake Exhibit," Learn about plate tectonics. Make a small quake by jumping on the floor to make a "floor quake'' that registers on the seismometer in the lobby. See the basement seismometer that registers quakes around the world. Walk through a full-size earthquake refugee shack that was used to house San Franciscans after the 1906 earthquake that destroyed so many homes.  

"Creativity and Discovery Hand in Hand," A photography exhibit that gives visitors a look into the wide variety of programs the Museum offers in the way of classes, workshops, school field trips, and special interest clubs.  

"Toddler Treehouse," Toddlers may comfortably climb the carpeted "treehouse'' and make a myriad of discoveries, from the roots to the limbs.  

"Live Animal Exhibit," Visit with more than 100 creatures including small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, raptors and small birds, insects, spiders and tide pool creatures.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Saturdays Are Special at the Museum," Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A series of drop-in ceramics and art and science workshops. All ages are welcome, though an adult must accompany children under age 8. $3 per child, $5 per parent-child combination.  

"Bufano Sculpture Tours," first and third Saturdays of the month, 10:15 a.m. A tour of the giant animal sculptures of Beniamino Bufano. The sculptures were carved out of stone in the 1930s and include a giant cat and a mother bear nursing her cubs.  

"Animal Room," Visit some of the animals that live at the museum, including reptiles, raptors, tide pool creatures and small mammals.  

"Meet the Animals" Saturdays, 11:15 a.m. to noon. See the Randall's animals close-up and in person.  

"Animal Feeding," Saturdays, noon. Watch the animals take their meals.  

"Golden Gate Model Railroad Exhibit," Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

DROP-IN ART AND SCIENCE WORKSHOPS -- 1-4 p.m. $3-$5.  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Film Series for Teenagers," Fridays, 7 p.m. 

"Third Friday Birders," 8 a.m. The hike through Corona Heights Park allows participants to enjoy the early morning views and learn more about the feathered inhabitants of the area. Children aged 10 and older if accompanied by adult. 

"Drop-in Family Ceramics Workshop," Saturday, 10:15-11:15 a.m. $5. 

"Golden Gate Model Railroad Exhibit," Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 

"Meet the Animals," Saturdays, 11:15 a.m. Learn about the animals that live at the Randall Museum. 

"Meet the Animals," 11:15 a.m.-noon. 

"Animal Feeding," Saturday, noon. 

"Drop-in Family Ceramics Workshop," Saturday, 1:15-2:15 p.m. 

Free. All ages welcome; an adult must accompany children under age 8. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS. 199 Museum Way, San Francisco. (415) 554-9600, www.randallmuseum.org.< 

SAN FRANCISCO CABLE CAR MUSEUM The museum is located in the historic Cable Car Barn and Powerhouse. Visitors can see the actual cable winding machinery, grips, track, cable and brakes, as well as three historic cable cars, photo displays and mechanical artifacts. The best way to get to this museum is by cable car; street parking is practically non-existent. 

Free. October 1-March 31: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; April 1-September 3-: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas. 1201 Mason St., San Francisco. (415) 474-1887, www.cablecarmuseum.com.< 

SAN FRANCISCO MARITIME NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK One of only a few "floating'' national parks, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park includes four national landmark ships, a maritime museum, a maritime library and a World-War-II submarine named the USS Pampanito.  

HYDE STREET PIER -- Demonstrations, ship tours, programs, music and special events offered throughout the day. Check ticket booth for schedule. At the foot of Hyde Street, Hyde and Jefferson streets.  

Entering the Pier is free but there is a fee to board the ships.  

HISTORIC SHIPS AT THE HYDE STREET PIER -- The historic ships at the Pier are the 1886 square-rigger "Balclutha,'' the 1890 steam ferryboat "Eureka,'' the 1895 schooner "C.A. Thayer'' (not available at this time due to restoration), the 1891 scow schooner "Alma,'' the 1907 steam tug "Hercules,'' and the 1914 "Eppleton Hall,'' a paddlewheel tug.  

"Balclutha." This historic ship, a three-mast square-rigger, has undergone extensive repairs and preservation work. She now contains more original materials and fittings than any other historic merchant square-rigger in the United States. The Balclutha is a designated National Historic Landmark. At Hyde Street Pier.  

"Eureka." Explore this 1890 ferryboat with a 40-foot walking-beam engine. The boat once carried passengers and autos across the San Francisco Bay. At Hyde Street Pier. Daily, call for times of boat tour.  

"C.A. Thayer." A three-mast schooner used in the lumber and cod fishing trades. At Hyde Street Pier.  

"Alma." Between 1850 and the early 1900s, the best highways around the San Francisco Bay area were the waterways and the delivery trucks and tractortrailer rigs of the time were the flat-bottomed scow schooners. Able to navigate the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta region's shallow creeks, sloughs and channels, the scows' sturdy hulls could rest safely and securely on the bottom providing a flat, stable platform for loading and unloading. Made of inexpensive Douglas fir, scow's designs were so simple they could be built by eye or without plans.  

"Hercules." Tugs in the early part of the 20th century towed barges, sailing ships and log rafts between Pacific ports. Because prevailing north/west winds generally made travel up the coast by sail both difficult and circuitous, tugs often towed large sailing vessels to points north of San Francisco. In 1916 Hercules towed the C.A. Thayer to Port Townsend, Wash., taking six days to make the trip. At the end of the sail era, the Hercules was acquired by the Western Pacific Railroad Company and shuttled railroad car barges back and forth across San Francisco Bay until 1962.  

"Eppleton Hall." Built in England, the steam side-wheeler plied the Wear and Tyne rivers of Northeast England. Designed to tow ocean-going colliers (coal-carrying sail vessels) the tugs saved transit time getting the sail vessels upriver to load. The side-wheelers were also used to tow newly built ships out to sea. From 1969 to 1979, the Eppleton Hall served as a private yacht. She was modified for an epic steam via the Panama Canal to San Francisco, passing through the Golden Gate in March of 1970.  

HISTORIC SHIP AT FISHERMAN'S WHARF --  

"USS Pampanito." This World-War-II-era submarine is berthed at Fisherman's Wharf. The submarine celebrated her 50th anniversary in November of 1993 and is perhaps best known for her participation in a "wolf pack'' attack on a convoy of enemy ships during World War II. The entrance fee includes a taped audio tour that describes what life on this submarine was like. At Pier 45, near foot of Taylor Street. Monday through Thursday, Sunday and holidays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. $9 general; $5 seniors, $4 active duty military, $4 youth ages 6 to 12; free children under age 6. (415) 775-1943.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Historic Ship Volunteer Work Party," Saturday, 9 a.m. Become part of an effort to preserve four of the park's nautical treasures. Work on a different ship each Saturday. Bring work clothes, work shoes and lunch. Call for meeting place. (415) 332-8409.  

Unless noted otherwise, events take place on the Hyde Street Pier, located at the foot of Hyde Street on Jefferson Street. 

EXHIBITS -- Current Exhibits at the Visitor Center:  

"What's Your Pleasure? Recreational Boats of California's Past," openended. This exhibit includes 1940s Sacramento Hydroplanes, a Russian River launch from the 19th century, classic wooden motor launches and motor boats, and other smaller crafts.  

"Hydroplanes and Racing Boats," open-ended. A small exhibit showcasing 1930s racing engines and hydroplane boats.  

"Frisco Bound," an exhibition about immigration to San Francisco, clipper ships, and the Gold Rush era.  

"Hyde Street Ship Models," an exhibit of models of the historic ships at the Hyde Street Pier.  

"Discovery Room," a preview of the Maritime Library where visitors can look up documents and photographs.  

(415) 447-5000. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Adventures at Sea: Life Aboard a 19th century Sailing Ship," Daily, 2:15 p.m.-3 p.m. Take a guided tour of the sailing ship Balclutha and learn about the hardships and awards of the sailors show fought for survival during the treacherous Cape Horn passage. Vessel admission. 

"Modeler's Workshop," Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. Learn how to build ship models from experts. Meet on the car deck of the Eureka. Vessel admission. 

VISITOR CENTER -- Daily, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.  

Entering the Pier is free but there is a fee to board the ships. The fee allows access to all ships and is good for seven days. $5; free children under age 16. May 28-Sept. 30: daily, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 1-May 27: Daily, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Foot of Hyde Street, San Francisco. (415) 561-7100, www.nps.gov.< 

SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF CRAFT AND DESIGN A museum celebrating and promoting the art of contemporary craft and design. The museum showcases diverse exhibitions from regional, national and international artists, working in mediums such as wood, clay, fiber, metal and glass. 

EVENTS --  

"Designers on Jewelry," through May 16. More than 70 pieces of jewelry created by 51 internationally-renowned designers offer an imaginitive, thought-provoking and sometime shumorous vision of contemporary jewelry.  

$2-$4; free youths under age 18. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 550 Sutter St., San Francisco. (415) 773-0303, www.sfmcd.org.< 

SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Matisse and Beyond: The Painting and Sculpture Collection," This newly reconceived exhibition of SFMOMA's modern art collection features paintings, sculptures and works on paper from the first 60 years of the 20th century. Featured artists include: Joseph Cornell, Ellsworth Kelly, Yves Klein, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, Andy Warhol and Paul Klee.  

"Between Art and Life: The Contemporary Painting and Sculpture Collection," This new presentation of the SFMOMA collection features works from the past five decades by Louise Bourgeois, Robert Gober, Eva Hesse, Anish Kapoor, Sherrie Levine, Brice Marden, Gordon Matta-Clark, Barry McGee, Bruce Nauman, Robert Rauschenberg and Kara Walker.  

"The Art of Design: Selections from the Permanent Collection of Architecture and Design," The exhibit will feature 100 selections from their architecture, graphic design and industrial design collections on a rotating basis. It features classic works plus new designs by up-andcoming artists.  

"Picturing Modernity: Photographs from the Permanent Collection," Photography is possibly the quintessential modern art medium because its 160-year history corresponds almost exactly with Modernism's duration as a cultural movement. This exhibit looks at the photograph's unique pictorial ability and its ever-growing pervasiveness in modern culture, putting the medium in dialogue with paintings and other kinds of art.  

KORET VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER -- This facility includes multimedia display technology, "Pick Up and Go'' guides for adults and children, art videos, and a community art gallery created by participants in school, teen and family programs. Thursday, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Tony Labat's I Want You," The latest installment in the newly launched program series "Live Art at SFMOMA.'' The artist invites denizens of the Bay Area to make their own demands of the public which riffs on the iconic "I Want You'' army recruitment campaigns of World Wars I and II, he asks you what you would do if you had only one minute to seize the voice of authority, to be the finger-pointing Uncle Sam. 

"Focus on Artists: Selections from the Collection," through May 23. This exhibition looks at SFMOMA's long-term relationships with several modern masters whose iconic works were influential in defining movements from Abstract Expressionism to Postminimalism and beyond.  

"Dispatches from the Archives," through July 6. How does a museum best known for showing the work of others choose to publicly present itself?This presentation in the Koret Visitor Education Center showcases museumproduced ephemera, design pieces, and publications, while revealing the museum's long history of innovative programming and exhibitions. The materials are culled from SFMOMA's Library and Archives, which have recently processed and catalogued thousands of items spanning the museum's 75-year history. From exhibition posters and magazines to belt buckles and chocolate bars, the exhibition illustrates the story of an institution that cherishes the spirit of innovation.  

"Ewan Gibbs: San Francisco," through June 27. This suite of drawings, commissioned by SFMOMA, offers an evocative glimpse of San Francisco's urban landscape and landmarks.  

"Long Play," through May 23. In Bruce Conner's electric "THREE SCREEN RAY'' (2006), a new acquisition premiering in this exhibition, Ray Charles's 1959 hit song "What'd I Say'' is set to an ecstatic, frenzied collage -- nude women, bomb explosions, fireworks -- of original and preexisting imagery. A tour de force of experimental film techniques, the piece features Conner's manipulations of the film surface and his signature use of countdown leader. The work's central image is Conner's 1961 film "COSMIC RAY,'' which he adapted to three screens in 1965 and later reedited to create this gallery installation of three video projections.  

"The View from Here," through June 27. Just as photography has been instrumental in shaping California's popular image, the state -- and San Francisco, in particular -- has played a key role in the history of photography as an art form.  

$7-$12.50; half price on Thursdays after 6 p.m.; free for all visitors on the first Tuesday of every month. Monday, Tuesday and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8:45 p.m. 151 Third St., San Francisco. (415) 357-4000, www.sfmoma.org.< 

SAN FRANCISCO PERFORMING ARTS LIBRARY AND MUSEUM  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Dance in California: 150 Years of Innovation," This permanent exhibit traces the history and artistic range of modern dance in California, with photographs and documents highlighting the achievements of Lola Montez, Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, Martha Graham, the Christensen brothers, the Peters Wright School, the company of Lester Horton, Anna Halprin and Lucas Hoving.  

"Maestro! Photographic Portraits by Tom Zimberoff," This permanent exhibit is a comprehensive study of a generation of national and international conductors. In Gallery 5.  

"San Francisco 1900: On Stage," In Gallery 4.  

"San Francisco in Song," In Gallery 3. 

Free. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 1-5 p.m. San Francisco War Memorial Veteran's Building, 401 Van Ness Ave., Fourth Floor, San Francisco. (415) 255-4800, www.sfpalm.org.< 

SEYMOUR PIONEER MUSEUM The museum, owned by The Society of California Pioneers, houses a permanent research library, art gallery and history museum. Exhibits include a photography collection documenting California history. 

$1-$3. Wednesday-Friday and the first Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Society of California Pioneers, 300 Fourth St., San Francisco. (415) 957-1859, www.californiapioneers.org.< 

TREGANZA ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM AT SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY The museum, founded in 1968, houses collections of archaeological and ethnographic specimens from Africa, Oceania, Asia, and North America as well as small collections from Central and South America. There are also collections of photographs, tapes and phonograph records from Africa and Europe. In addition, there is an archive of field notes and other materials associated with the collections. The museum also houses the Hohenthal Gallery that is used for traveling exhibits as well as exhibits mounted by students and faculty. 

Free. Museum office: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; Hohenthal Gallery, SCI 388: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Science Building, SFSU, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco. (415) 338-2467, www.sfsu.edu/~treganza/.< 

WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM  

"Peter Pan," through June 27. Exhibiton features concept drawings, sketches, model sheets and much more.  

104 Montgomery St., San Francisco. (415) 345-6800, www.disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum/index.html.< 

ZEUM Zeum is a technology and arts museum for children and families featuring exhibits and workshops that cover a variety of fascinating subjects. 

EVENTS --  

$6-$8. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. 221 Fourth St., San Francisco. (415) 820-3220, www.zeum.org.<