New: Next Issue Now in Progress
Thursday October 21, 2010 - 10:41:00 PM
The first hot item has been posted on the front page of the next issue.
Full Text
Gar Smith
Here's the first entry which has come in for the Planet's Sam Zell cartoon contest, depicting developer Zell, whose Equity Residential corporation funded a mailing which went out under the logos of the Sierra Club and the League of Women Voters, in bed with both organizations. More entries have been promised, so the deadline has been extended for an indefinite period. Voting in the contest will start next Monday.
News
Berkeley Police Announce Armed Robbery Charges against Six
By Jeff Shuttleworth (BCN)
Thursday October 21, 2010 - 09:46:00 AM
Six men have been charged with armed robbery in connection with two separate investigations involving five different victims, Berkeley police said last night.
The first investigation involves two robberies committed on Oct. 13, police said. One victim was robbed at 7:52 p.m. at the Ohlone Greenway in the 1300 block of Cedar Street. Then at 9:47 p.m., two victims were robbed at the corner of Russell and Wheeler streets.
A shotgun was used to commit both crimes, according to Berkeley police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss.
Charged in connection with the crimes are 18-year-old Samuel Hall of Antioch, 19-year-old Kevin Samuel Polk of Berkeley and twin brothers Michael Anthony Glover and Markell Antwan Glover, both 18-year-old Richmond men.
Kusmiss said the Alameda County District Attorney's office has also charged the men with a similar robbery involving a victim at Hudson and Boyd streets in North Oakland.
She said Berkeley and Oakland police shared information about the incidents.
Kusmiss said the cases were solved when Sgt. Brian Wilson and Officer Peter Lee were on patrol in South Berkeley at about 3:40 p.m. last Thursday and saw a car that matched the description of the suspect vehicle associated with the series of armed robberies.
Wilson and Lee stopped the car at Prince and King streets, and during a search of the car, they found property that had been stolen from the robbery victims, Kusmiss said.
Separately, Mario Anthony Whitty, 23, and Damien Green, 19, both from Richmond, have been charged with armed robbery for an incident in which a shotgun was pointed at a victim at Ellis and Prince streets in Berkeley on the night of Oct. 5, according to Kusmiss.
She said robbery detectives discovered that the suspects had used the victim's stolen credit cards soon after the incident, and the activity was caught on a surveillance video.
Within 48 hours, detectives were able to identify the suspects, serve search warrants at their homes, and arrest them, Kusmiss said.
Berkeley City Council Takes Up Energy, Gardens and Housing
By Charlotte Perry-Houts
Thursday October 21, 2010 - 09:31:00 AM
The Berkeley City Council began this Tuesday evening with a special work session on green energy, followed by a regular meeting in which a new Housing Element was moved forward. Councilmember Max Anderson was absent due to an illness.
During the work session the council heard from advocates of implementing a regional Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), a system where municipalities could form an authority that would purchase energy for resale to local residents and businesses. CCAs have the potential of delivering renewable energy more efficiently than PG&E, although it is difficult to predict how big that improvement could be. Under a CCA, power would still be delivered by a local utility, and all energy customers in the area would automatically become CCA customers unless they specifically opted out. Marin County began operating its CCA earlier this year, making it the only operating CCA in California.
This plan is one of many responses to California's recently adopted renewable energy standards, which mandate that 33% of energy should come from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric by the year 2020. The main goal of the CCA is to increase demand for renewable energy, leading to an increase in supply. Because of tax incentives for production of renewable energy, generation of this energy is left primarily to the private sector, and is currently in relatively short supply.
Prices for renewable energy are generally higher than prices for fossil fuels, raising concerns that residents might have to deal with higher energy bills. San Rafael Vice Mayor Damon Connolly explained that in Marin, residents are either “light green” customers, the default option that buys 25% renewable energy at the same rate as PG&E, or “deep green” customers, who get 100% renewable energy for what amounts to about five extra dollars per month. The city of Berkeley Energy Commission said that it would be difficult for CCA to maintain PG&E rates, and recommended postponing the decision on whether or not to participate in CCA for the time being to observe its implementation in Marin.
Connolly pointed out that Marin County provides 78% greenhouse gas emissions-free energy to 10% of its customers, compared to 51% greenhouse gas emissions-free energy offered by PG&E. Ontario Smith, principal strategic planner from PG&E, pointed out that Marin's 78% greenhouse gas emissions-free energy is only secured for 2010, while PG&E's supply is consistently progressing toward 20% and 33%.
PG&E spent $46.1 million endorsing proposition 16, this June's ballot initiative to require a 2/3 vote before a public agency (like CCA) could enter the retail power business, which was defeated.
The Office of Energy and Sustainable Development (OESD) gave a presentation about recent accomplishments of the Berkeley Climate Action Plan (CAP). Most notably, the program has been used to secure $6.5 million in grant money over the last year to be used for increasing the city's energy efficiency. Residential energy use is down 8% between 2000 and 2008, with natural gas use down 15%, a result, they said, of improvements in homes including better insulation and more efficient lights and appliances. Berkeley has increased its car share locations from 5 in 2002 to 50 today, and 166 businesses are certified green businesses, compared to 8 in 2002. The OESD is trying to encourage the community to visit cityofberkeley.info/climate to learn about the goals and achievements of the CAP.
During the Regular Meeting, the Council honored Blythe Lucero, head coach of the Berkeley Barracudas swim team. Lucero drew a large crowd of supporters, including kids and parents from her swim team, friends, colleagues, and her dad. The Council also honored the 20th anniversary of UpSurge jazz-poetry ensemble, declaring this Sunday, October 24th, 2010 UpSurge day. UpSurge will be performing on Sunday at the Freight & Salvage at 8:00 pm.
The first public comment addressed the recently escalated problem of vandalism, thefts, assaults, and building code violations by the young homeless population of the People's Park area. “Just the other day, we watched the landlord next door get pushed against the fence with – well, choked by one of the local people,” said one resident. The Council unanimously voted to refer the investigation of the issue and the consideration of creating a policy disincentive for repeat violations to the city manager. Mayor Bates had to recuse himself on the item because one of the parties involved owns property near him.
Next the Council discussed Councilmember Arreguin's plan to encourage community gardening, which would allow people to sell unprocessed, garden-grown foods in residential areas. There was some concern about the details of such a plan, but the Council voted unanimously to refer the proposed zoning amendments to the Planning Commission for review and a recommendation.
The Council also voted unanimously to support Councilmember Worthington's item referring the possibility of the establishment of a “Public Safety Zone” to the City Manager. The Public Safety Zone would be a place for people to go to get help particularly when being followed or threatened while driving an automobile. It was inspired by road rage incidents where people were followed and assaulted by angry drivers.
Finally, the Council heard a public hearing brought to them from the Planning Commission on the new 2009-2014 Housing Element. The Housing Element had received a virtually unanimous vote from the Planning Commission, a unanimous vote from the Housing Advisory Commission, and a pre-approval from the Department of Housing and Community Development, meaning that it meets the requirements of state law. Once the Council approves the element, it will be sent on to the state for final review and certification.
After a very brief presentation from the Planning Commission, the Council briefly debated and unanimously approved an amendment to the element proposed by Councilmember Arreguin. The amendment adds the statement that “decent and affordable housing is a basic human right.” Councilmember Worthington commented, “these words are being debated in Congress, and having them on record through the City Council saying the exact same words that there's fights in Congress over … is a positive step forward.” The meeting was concluded as the amended Housing Element was unanimously approved by the Council, which then proceeded into Closed Session.
Point Molate Lawsuit Settles; Some Casino Foes Doubtful
By Caitilin McAdoo (BCN)
Wednesday October 20, 2010 - 05:22:00 PM
Opponents of a proposed casino resort development on the Richmond shoreline were not swayed today by an announcement that developers for the Guidiville tribe and a coalition of environmental groups came to a settlement agreement in a lawsuit.
Developers, union leaders and representatives from several environmental groups held a news conference at Point Molate today, the site of the proposed $1 billion project, to release details of the Shoreline Protection Agreement.
The agreement, which settles two lawsuits filed in 2004 and 2009 by Citizens for Eastshore Parks, removes a major obstacle to the tribe's plan to build a casino resort at Point Molate, a shuttered naval fuel depot just north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
The project includes a 4,000-slot machine casino, 1,100 hotel rooms, a convention center, a performing arts center, entertainment venues, retail space, a tribal government center and tribal housing.
Under the agreement, three-fourths of the 412-acre site would be preserved as open space. The tribe has agreed to restore and protect natural habitat and to provide a continuous shoreline trail that would be a new addition to the Bay Trail.
The tribe also promised to spend $35 million on shoreline acquisition and an additional $5 million on design and maintenance of open space land acquired.
They would also contribute $7 million to the East Bay Natural Heritage Foundation annually for five years, $5 million to complete the Bay Trail and other hillside trails, and $3 million to fund preparatory work for open space land acquisition and conservation easements.
Jim Levine, a spokesman for the developer Upstream Point Molate LLC, said this level of conservation couldn't be achieved with many other types of projects.
He also said the proposed project would create 4,500 onsite jobs, 40 percent of which would be given to Richmond residents.
The tribe has promised that the project would be built with all union labor, which elicited applause from union representatives at the news conference.
"This is a huge opportunity to create an economic engine for the area," Levine said.
The proposed project would also provide a home for the tribe, whose 114 members are currently spread across the country.
"It will help us keep our culture alive," said Donald Duncan, vice chairperson of the tribe.
According to Michael Derry, CEO of the tribe, the federal government wrongfully terminated the tribe in the 1960s, which meant the government no longer recognized the group as a tribe.
The tribe sued the government in the 1970s, and in 1991, federal recognition of the tribe was restored.
The tribe, however, didn't have any land and didn't have any money. In 2004, they initiated discussions with the city of Richmond to purchase Point Molate and turn it into their new home, Derry said.
Robert Cheasty, president of Citizens for Eastshore Parks, said that as representatives for the environmental groups were talking with representatives from the tribe, "an unusual thing happened."
"We began to know the people we were involved with...and we found that we have a lot of common interests," Cheasty said.
He said that environmental preservation and stewardship was a cultural value held by members of the tribe.
"In my 36 years of litigation against some of the biggest agencies in the United States, I have never had the privilege of finding this kind of common ground," said Stephen Volker, the attorney who sued the developer on behalf of the environmental groups.
He said he believes Upstream could have fought the lawsuit harder, but instead, "They decided to do the right thing."
"We believe this is the first step in creating a system of regional shoreline parks encircling the bay," Volker said.
The agreement, however, did not come as a surprise to opponents of the project.
Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, who has been opposed to the casino project since the beginning, said the settlement agreement is just a side issue and that she believes the majority of Richmond residents are still strongly opposed to the casino project.
"(The settlement) has nothing to do with people's opposition to the casino," McLaughlin said.
"We have to defeat and reject it and bring a healthy project to Richmond with good jobs that doesn't include a casino."
She said she believes that if the project were approved, "It would just bring more poverty, crime and addiction and just more misery" to Richmond. It would also lower property values, she said.
She said she would like to see development at Point Molate that "showcases a Richmond with a soul," including a performing arts center, a museum, galleries, an open market, open air cafes, nice restaurants, retail stores, recreation facilities, community gardens and open-space areas.
"These developments would bring good jobs that people can feel good about," McLaughlin said.
She added that opponents of the project don't believe it will bring the jobs promised in the project proposal.
Even if the city did go forward with the proposed casino project, neighboring cities would most likely sue Richmond, which could delay the project for at least a decade.
McLaughlin said she believed the alternative vision for Point Molate would actually bring jobs sooner.
"We should not look at Point Molate as a quick fix," McLaughlin said. "Let's bring good businesses into Richmond."
Some opponents of the project are also concerned that it could set a precedent for off-reservation gaming in California.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein released a statement today announcing her opposition to the project and to Measure U, an advisory measure on the Nov. 2 ballot that addresses the project.
"I'm opposed to Measure U because a casino for Richmond's Point Molate is just wrong," Feinstein said. "It's wrong for Richmond, wrong for the East Bay shoreline environment, and it sets the wrong precedent for our state when it comes to off-reservation gaming casinos."
Barry Barnes, a campaign consultant for the No on Measure U campaign, said the settlement agreement didn't address most of the concerns of the people who oppose the project, including objections that it is too big.
"It would be one of the largest casinos in the world," Barnes said.
He said people also believe that Richmond can do better in terms of how the area is developed and how the shoreline is protected.
And finally, opponents don't believe the project will bring the jobs the developers have promised.
"I would be surprised if anyone changes sides as a result of this agreement," Barnes said.
The project still needs approval from the Richmond City Council and the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs before it can move forward. The tribe would also need to enter into a gaming compact with the state.
Report: UC Berkeley-BP pact riddled with conflicts
By Richard Brenneman
Thursday October 14, 2010 - 10:00:00 PM
[Editor's Note: Former Berkeley Daily Planet reporter Richard Brenneman's extensive reporting on the deficiencies of the pact UC Berkeley made with BP has been re-confirmed in a new publication from the Center for American Progress. He spotlights it in his blog, linked and reprinted in part below. And now Amy Goodman has picked up the story--see the video below, sent to us by Brenneman].
Jennifer Washburn, perhaps the nation’s best writer on the plight of the American university in the corporate era, has written a stunning report on the influence of oil companies on American universities.
Big Oil Goes to College, released today by the Center for American Progress, is a meticulous, 212-page analysis of ten research pacts between major energy companies and leading U.S. universities. [Big Oil Goes to College] is available online here as a pdf. It’s a document of vital concern to anyone concerned about the plight of the American university in an era where the corporation has replaced government as the dominant institution in over civil and civic lives.
One of the agreements she dissects is the $500 million research pact between UC Berkeley and BP [formerly British Petroleum, and before that, the Anglo Iranian Oil Company].
Of critical importance for readers in Berkeley is her examination on the real and potential conflicts of interest in the institution we’ve dubbed Global Corporate University, so we decided to reprint that section here,
Berkeley Police Report Three Armed Robberies
By Bay City News
Sunday October 17, 2010 - 06:41:00 PM
Three people have been robbed at gunpoint while walking in the northeast and north central part of Berkeley in recent weeks, according to a statement from Berkeley police.
Two of the victims robbed provided similar descriptions of suspects, according to police.
The first alleged armed robbery occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on Sept. 30 on Acton Street south of Cedar Street. The suspect fled the scene in a late 1980s maroon or burgundy Toyota Corolla or similar sedan driven by a second person, according to police.
The suspect is described as a black male in his 30s, 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches, weighing 150 to 160 pounds and wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. No description was available for the second suspect who was driving the car, according to police.
On Oct. 7, a pedestrian walking on Milvia Street near Vine Street was robbed at gunpoint at about 10:30 p.m. The suspect description was similar to the description from the robbery one week earlier, according to police.
The suspect left the area in a dark blue or black mid-1980s Toyota Corolla that looked "beat up" and had a "louder" muffler, according to police. The car was driven by a second suspect who was not seen.
On Oct. 12 at about 5:45 p.m. a man armed with a gun attempted to rob a pedestrian on Scenic Avenue near Cedar Street, according to police. The suspect may have fled the scene in an older gray four-door vehicle.
The suspect is described as a Latino male, 18 to 22 years old, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches with a medium build, according to police. He was wearing baggy jeans and an oversized gray T-shirt with a design on the front, according to police.
Patrol officers have descriptions of the suspects and vehicles and detectives are actively investigating the robberies, according to police.
Trick or Treat? More AC Transit Service Cuts Take Effect Oct. 31
By Ari Burack (BCN)
Friday October 15, 2010 - 06:29:00 PM
Ghosts, goblins, the undead, and other assorted creatures of the night who board a bus in the East Bay this Halloween may want to check the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District's new schedule before heading out to feast on the living.
AC Transit, which serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties, is trying to cope with financial difficulties and will impose its second set of service reductions this year beginning Sunday, Oct. 31.
The cuts include reduced frequency on 28 bus lines. Morning service will begin later and evening service will end earlier on 18 lines, two lines will be completely cut, and two others will have reduced weekend service.
Other changes include shorter routes on some lines serving West Oakland/Emeryville, Lakeshore and Grand avenues in Oakland, Bay Farm Island in Alameda, and San Leandro.
Service to the Orinda BART station and along Broadway Terrace in Oakland will be discontinued.
The changes will take place over the weekend in order to give people a chance "to adjust to the change," AC Transit spokesman Clarence Johnson said.
"We always make the service change on a Sunday so that it will be fully in effect the following week," he said. "It's better than starting it on a Wednesday."
All told, AC Transit will have cut 15 percent of its service this year.
The 7.2-percent service cuts at the end of the month, approved by the agency in June, are expected to save the cash-strapped agency about $11.4 million.
In March, the agency imposed 7.8-percent service cuts that are expected to save about $10 million.
For a complete list of the new service changes, riders can visit www.actransit.org or call 511.
Suspect with Gun Reported at Ashby BART in Berkeley--BART Police Unable to Confirm
By Saul Sugarman (BCN) and Berkeley Daily Planet
Saturday October 16, 2010 - 06:35:00 PM
BART police responded to reports of a male suspect with a gun in a Bay Area Rapid Transit station at Ashby Avenue in Berkeley this afternoon sometime after 4 p.m..
Beverly, a Berkeley resident, told Bay City News that about eight officers with large rifles were seen walking through the Flea Market at the intersection in front of the station.
"Children are upset, people are scared," Beverly said. "They wouldn't even say what they were doing. Somebody could get killed out here."
An officer at Berkeley police said their department typically responds with rifles when they receive reports of suspects with guns, but a BPD spokesperson told the Planet that this was a BART case.
BART spokespersons told the Planet that “there was no merit to the call”, meaning that no suspect with a gun was located, but confirmed that officers with guns had been deployed to investigate the report. .
Bamiyan Diaries – Day One
By David Smith-Ferri
Wednesday October 20, 2010 - 10:32:00 AM
Bamiyan Province in Afghanistan, a stunningly beautiful mountainous region, is located in the center of the country, roughly 100 miles from Kabul. Most people here live in small, autonomous villages tucked into high mountain valleys, and work dawn to dusk just to scratch out a meager living as subsistence farmers, shepherds, or goatherds. The central government in Kabul and the regional government in Bamiyan City exercise little or no control over their lives. They govern themselves, and live for the most part in isolation.
Given this, who would imagine that Afghan youth from small villages across Bamiyan Province would come together to form a tight-knit, resilient, and effective group of peace activists, with a growing network of contacts and support that includes youth in other parts of the country and peace activists in the U.S. and in Palestine? I certainly wouldn’t have. In the United States, we may find it hard to believe that anything good can actually come out of Afghanistan, or we may have fallen into a trap of thinking that Afghans cannot accomplish anything useful without foreign aid and assistance. I confess that I struggle to live outside the shadow of this narrow-mindedness and ethno-centrism. Certainly, if the scope of our imaginations is limited by CNN and Fox News, we would not be likely to imagine an indigenous peace group forming in Bamiyan Province. But this is exactly what has happened.
Calling themselves the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers (AYPV), they range in age from eight to twenty, and they have been active for over two years, translating their camaraderie and the horror of their families’ experience of war and displacement into a passionate and active pacifism. At an invitation from AYPV, three American peace activists from Voices for Creative Nonviolence have arrived in Bamiyan for five days to build bridges of friendship and support with these youth and their families. Over this time, we will write a daily diary of our experiences and interactions with the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers.
Meeting the AYPV
We arrived in Bamiyan in bright sunshine after a 40-minute United Nations flight from Kabul on a 1960s-era, Russian helicopter, with messages (“no smoking”) and identifications (“main rotor shaft”) in Russian and English. Stiff and slightly sickened by the jarring flight and the diesel and jet fuel exhaust, we disembarked from the helicopter and stepped into the Bamiyan Valley, the bright autumn sunshine, and the equally bright faces and smiles of the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers, all of whom were lined up and waiting for us eagerly. There was no question about our carrying our own luggage, which the Afghan youth whisked away politely but firmly. Fifteen-year old Abdulai, a small-boned and lean but very sturdy Hazara boy from a potato-farming family, hefted my very heavy suitcase over his back like, well, like a sack of potatoes! He dismissed my objections good-naturedly with a smile and said to me with what seemed a mixture of pride and matter-of-factness, “It’s OK. I am a mountain boy.” There is an Afghan saying, “The first time we meet, we are friends. The second time, brothers (sisters).” We were certainly greeted in this spirit today.In a country occupied by a foreign power, bleeding from military, political, and ethnic violence, worn by decades of war and corruption, the AYPV are looking for meaningful ways to raise a voice of nonviolence. Because there is so much suspicion and strife among the major ethnic groups in Afghanistan – Pashtun (44%), Hazara (18%), Tajik (25%), and Uzbeck (7%) – the group has sought ethnic diversity, both as a symbol of the need for reconciliation and to teach themselves tolerance. At present, there are only Hazara and Tajik people in the group, largely because the population of Bamiyan Province is almost exclusively Hazara and Tajik. And there are no girls or young women in the group.
To address this, the group developed a relationship with a staff person at an orphanage in Kabul where many Pashtun children live, and earlier this year several AFPV members visited the orphanage. The trip to Kabul (by road), which requires passing through areas controlled by Pashtun people, was itself a courageous act, as was the act of showing up at the orphanage with their message of nonviolence. Their courage was rewarded. Seeds were planted among Pashtun youth at the orphanage, and a follow-up visit is planned.
Over dinner this evening, after we introduced ourselves, we talked about prejudice and the intolerance that is such an obstacle to peace in Afghanistan. Mohammad “Jan” (a term of endearment), a soft-spoken, strikingly handsome Tajik and at twenty the oldest member of the group, began the discussion by saying, “War is increasing prejudice and divisions in Afghan society, because much of the fighting is happening along ethnic lines.” The conversation became personal, as some of the boys discussed their own struggle with prejudice. “I was prejudiced against Pashtuns and Tajiks when I joined the group, but these prejudices are now gone,” Abdulai says. Ali, a fourteen year old Hazara boy, concurs: “ I was prejudiced against Tajiks. Now Mohammad Jan and Faiz (another Tajik member of the group) are like my brothers. There is still a great deal of prejudice in the general community. The solution is to make friends.” Zekirullah, a stocky 11 year old Hazara boy, commented: “I had great prejudice against Tajiks and Pashtuns, because it is so widespread among Hazaras. Sometimes I still feel this prejudice.”
Over the time the group has been together, there have been cutting remarks, especially against Mohammad Jan and Faiz, the two Tajiks. Because Tajiks are Sunni, Hazaras (who are Shia) may see them as “infidels.” “Often we refuse to see each other as human beings,” Mohammad Jan said. “Instead, we see Tajik, Pashtun, Hazara, Shia . . . I think we have to have a long-term viewpoint. And young people are the key. Old people are like full grown trees which can’t bend. But young people are like saplings. They can change their direction.”
Kathy Kelly, Jerica Arents, and David Smith-Ferri are Co-Coordinators of Voices for Creative Nonviolence (www.vcnv.org). They are currently traveling in Afghanistan.
Remembering the Whitney Ranch Before the Developers Came (First Person)
By Bonnie Hughes
Monday October 18, 2010 - 09:09:00 PM
Seeing a developer of the Whitney Estates as a supporter of Measure R brings back memories of the years I spent on the Whitney Ranch as a very young child. In 1932, when I was 3 years old, my father, who was in the sheep business, leased the 18,000 acre Whitney Ranch as pasture for his vast herds, from Beryl Whitney Blaine who lived in the beautiful old Victorian on the ranch. He moved our family there for 3 years leasing out our home in Woodland in the Sacramento Valley . Beryl wanted us to live in her mansion but my father insisted that the manager’s quarters would be adequate for us. Actually she needed her mansion because she had 9 giant mastiffs. They were always fighting and she had scars on her arms from trying to separate them. She also had dyed bright red hair, which was rare in those days, and always wore kimonos. She died in 1935 and we moved back to Woodland.
My two older sisters loved the freedom of riding their horse over the foothills, but for my younger sister and me being confined behind the picket fence that surrounded our house because of the free range afforded to “Bully Bully Baker” the bull who roamed the area, it wasn’t that much fun. I couldn’t go to kindergarten because it was 18 miles over a dirt road to Lincoln where my sisters went to school and my mother was understandably unwilling to make the trip twice a day. Finally, when I was 4 years old she got a friend of hers, Viva Sandsted, who was a retired teacher, to come out and teach me to read. I was rescued but also destined to a life of being advanced beyond my years. When we returned to Woodland in 1935 and I was 6 years old I was sent to the 2nd grade because I already knew how to read.
When Ralph Sandsted, who was a turkey farmer, died Viva married the owner of Gladding Mc Bean, tile makers in Lincoln. The tile hand-made for the Heywood Building at 2014 Shattuck Avenue was made by Gladding McBean.
A few years ago I was going through Rocklin and asked someone about the Ranch--which was being sub-divided. I was sad to hear that the Mansion had been torn down. Would the backers of Measure R have the same regard for the Heywood Building that they had for the Mansion on the Whitney Estate?
New: Re-Elect Karen Hemphill for School Board 2010
By Karen Hemphill
Thursday October 21, 2010 - 06:01:00 PM
As current School Board President, what distinguishes me from the other candidates is that I have proven leadership in what it takes to advance student achievement in these difficult economic times. During my tenure and leadership, through careful fiscal oversight and fostering of creative partnerships with the City and other public as well as non-profit agencies (and with the continued support of our community school taxes), the School District has maintained a balanced budget every year for the past four years, while retaining small class sizes; art and music programs; and student support services. Most importantly, with the adoption of the first District-wide student achievement plan (which I championed and led in developing) overall academic achievement has risen, while the District has started to make real progress on the achievement gap that has historically existed among racial groups in our schools. With the decision not to seek re-election of two long-term Board members (Shirley Issel and Nancy Riddle, who both endorse my re-election, as well as do continuing Board members Beatriz Levya-Cutler and John Selawsky), my experience and proven leadership in conducting an open and transparent budget process and advancing data-based, systematic academic growth strategies will be particularly important in continuing the good work, we as a Board have accomplished in the past few years.
And, we have accomplished a lot - just this past year, fifteen of our schools met or exceeded growth targets on the State’s Academic Performance Index (API) scores – which uses a multiple ways of measuring academic achievement. Nine out of eleven of our elementary schools now surpass the statewide goal of scoring at least 800/1000 on the API, with Rosa Parks being just three points away from this goal after jumping a remarkable 60+ points this past year. In the past two years, Jefferson and Oxford elementary schools have been designated California Distinguished Schools, and Malcolm X and Washington elementary have been designated Title I Achievement Schools, a recognition for achieving exemplary academic excellence in schools with significant numbers of lower-income students.
Our middle schools have also shown amazing academic growth this past year as well, with both King and Longfellow now surpassing the statewide 800+ API goal and Willard being just twelve points away, after jumping more than 40+ points, two years in a row. After adopting a middle school math improvement strategy, Algebra I test scores have increased 50% this past year – with 100% of our 8th graders now enrolled in Algebra I (statewide only 50% of middle school students take Algebra). And, just this past month, Longfellow was visited by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as a model of achieving math excellence in a school with a diverse student body (Longfellow has the highest math scores of any Berkeley middle school and African American students are achieving above statewide averages for ALL students in math). With this success, our middle schools are now offering Geometry (previously just offered at the high school) for our highest achieving 8th graders.
As Board President, I was on the selection committee for Berkeley High’s new principal, a principal who will be an educational leader, focusing upon basics, such as teacher training and accountability, while bringing together the various student, teacher, and parent groups to focus on common interests of advancing academic excellence for all. I have championed raising the bar on educational opportunity at our high schools, through supporting the establishment of International Baccalaureate, Mandarin Chinese, and Green Academy Programs at Berkeley High (where my son is a sophomore) as well as supporting the first college preparatory program at BTech, our continuation high school. And, I have led efforts to partner with our City, university and community college, non-profit, and other community groups to increase resources for academic and social support services to bolster student achievement.
If re-elected, my first priority will be to foster a collegial relationship on the new Board, that will incorporate the ideas and energy of the newly elected while building upon the experience of continuing Board members, so we can continue the remarkable overall student achievement progress that has been achieved over the past four years – while facing some of the most difficult economic times ever. My second priority will be to make sure that we have an open and transparent budget process, based upon data and evaluation so we can focus our increasing scarce resources on what is core to our students’ continued academic growth. I also plan to continue leading efforts to partner with the City and other agencies to maximize our academic and student support service resources - especially to continue early and consistent intervention for struggling elementary school students and to support the new, this year, program to address truancy, alcohol and drug issues at our high schools. My last priority in the next few years is to work with our community college; non-profit organizations; and our local information, media, bio-tech, and green private industries, as well as our trade unions to build upon the groundwork laid by our Green Academy, Biotech Academy, internship, and other high school programs to develop a strong career-technical program – to inspire and give real-life experience to our students to continue after high school to become our next innovators, entrepreneurs, artisans and technicians – as a pathway to a fulfilled career.
My widespread endorsements symbolize my commitment and leadership in bringing together our entire community to support our children’s academic and personal success. I have been endorsed by the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, the Alameda County Central Labor Council, the Alameda County Democratic Party, several regional Democratic Clubs, the entire current Berkeley School Board, State Senator Loni Hancock, State Assemblymember Nancy Skinner, the Mayor and the entire City Council as well as numerous individuals, including, but not limited to, past School Board members Pamela Doolan and Miriam Rokeach; Dan Lindheim, co-chair of the school parcel tax oversight committee; Judy Appel, Executive Director of the Our Family Coalition; Pastor Emeritus George Crespin; Mark Van Krieken, Berkeley High School PTSA co-president, Margit Roos-Collins, Santiago Casal, Michael Miller, Liz Fuentes, and Irma Parker,
Contributions to the Yes on H and I Campaign (Commentary)
By Albert Sukoff
Wednesday October 20, 2010 - 05:07:00 PM
The information comes from the City Clerk’s office. I have sorted it as it now appears. Many of the filings did not identify the contributor as to occupation but I went on line and found most of them and placed them in the appropriate category. Over 86% of the funds for H and I come from potential beneficiaries (no…not the kids).
This is crony politics at its worst. The contributors have gotten, currently have and/or anticipate contracts for the work from bond money. The school board gets a slush fund and/or fancy offices and such. And the voters get the shaft.
It’s for the kids! Yeah, right.
| CONTRIBUTIONS | ||||
| YES on H and I | ||||
| UNIONS | ||||
| Northern California Carpenters PAC | $10,000 | |||
| Sheet Metal Workers International Assn | $5,000 | |||
| International Brotherhood and Elecrtrical Workers | $2,500 | |||
| Local Union # 595 IBEW | $2,500 | $20,000 | ||
| ARCHITECTS and ENGINEERS | ||||
| Parsons Service Company | Houston TEXAS | $10,000 | ||
| Baker Villar | Emeryville | $10,000 | ||
| WLC Architecture | Rancho Cucamunga | $10,000 | ||
| HKIT Architects | Oakland | $5,000 | ||
| CSDA Architects | SF | $1,500 | ||
| John P Grossman and Associates | SF | $1,500 | ||
| RGM and Associates | Concord | $1,000 | ||
| SOHA Engineers | SF | $1,000 | ||
| ATA Architects and Engineers | Danville | $1,000 | ||
| VNB | Oakland | $1,000 | ||
| Quattrocchi Kwok Architects | Santa Rosa | $1,000 | ||
| Hibser Yamuchi Architects Inc | Oakland | $1,000 | ||
| Vallier Design Associates | Point Richmond | $1,000 | ||
| Aedis Architecture and Planning | San Jose | $1,000 | ||
| LCA Architects | Walnut Creek | $1,000 | ||
| Mechanical Design Studio | Walnut Creek | $1,000 | ||
| deems Lewis McKinley | SF | $1,000 | ||
| Interactive Resources | Point Richmond | $1,000 | ||
| Wayne Magnusen | Berkeley | $500 | ||
| Beverly Prior Architects | SF | $500 | ||
| Alan Kroop | Berkeley | $300 | $51,300 | |
| CONTRACTORS | ||||
| RMR Construction Inc | SF | $3,000 | ||
| Turner Constrcution Group | Oakland | $2,021 | ||
| Cupertino Elecrtrical | San Jose | $2,000 | ||
| Guarentee Glass | Walnut | $2,000 | ||
| Hoem Associates Inc SSF | SSF | $2,000 | ||
| McQuire and Hester | Oakland | $1,000 | ||
| OC Jones and Sons Inc | Berkeley | $1,000 | ||
| UA 342 Joint Labor Management | Concord | $1,000 | ||
| Van Pelt Construction Services | Fairfield | $1,000 | ||
| Berkeley Cement | Berkeley | $500 | ||
| European Hardwood Floors | SF | $500 | ||
| Kruse Plumbing Cooling | Berkeley | $250 | $16,271 | |
| POLITICAL CONSULTANTS | ||||
| Goodwin Simon Statregic Research Inc | Culver City | $500 | $500 | |
| PUBLIC FINANCE CONSULTANTS | ||||
| Kelling Northcross and Nobringa | Oakland | $7,500 | $7,500 | |
| OTHER, UNSPECIFIED, UNKNOWN | ||||
| DWK | SF | $3,000 | ||
| 3QC | Citrus Heights | $1,500 | $4,500 | |
| TOTAL FROM ABOVE | $100,071 | 86.1% | ||
| TOTAL ALL CONTRIBUTIONS | $116,192 | |||
| TOTAL NOT FROM ABOVE | $16,121 | 13.9% | ||
| SOURCE: filings with the City Clerk, City of Berkeley | ||||
The Willard/Bateman Election Forum and the Unanswered Questions
By Judith Epstein
Wednesday October 20, 2010 - 11:47:00 AM
I’m sure that many of us who attended the Willard/Bateman election forum hoped for informative and lively debates. In some cases, we were not disappointed. But in addition to the speakers and the audience, there was another notable presence in the room: the Willard Courtesy Policy. When invoked, this policy silenced debate and left some of us to go home with our questions unanswered.
My unexpected introduction to the Courtesy Policy came when former Willard Neighborhood Association president, Vincent Casalaina, told me that I had to remove my homemade leaflets from the information table, because they violated the Willard Courtesy Policy. In his opinion, I had called George Beier a liar, and this was not allowed. Well, I did say that Beier was untruthful to my neighbors and myself, but I thought that his words and actions were valid topics of discussion. Apparently, it is not discourteous to be untruthful in Willard, but it is discourteous to mention it. I was allowed to pass the leaflets out at the door, where the First Amendment was still in effect. The contents of the banned leaflet are available as a commentary on the Daily Planet website at:
It didn’t take long for the Courtesy Policy to arise again, once the forum started. District 7 resident, Larry Buckalter, asked Beier a question that seemed to be on quite a few peoples’ minds, judging from the response when he refused to answer. Buckalter asked Beier about his claim, as reported in the Daily Cal, that two City Council members called him and said that they would have voted to save Willard Pool, but they didn’t want to give Council member Kriss Worthington a victory before the election.
http://www.dailycal.org/article/110310/election_politics_may_have_swayed_council_pool_vot
As Buckalter spoke, Beier’s face froze in anger. Once it became clear that Beier was avoiding the question, quite a few audience members yelled out for him to answer. The audience outrage was deemed a violation of the Courtesy Policy, but it was not considered discourteous for Beier to duck a question about his own public statements. I asked almost the same question of Beier at his town hall event a week earlier; he also refused to answer me, saying, “There’s always one in a crowd.” The Courtesy Policy may not have been in effect that night. I have continued to wonder why Beier wasn’t more offended by the idea that our community lost Willard Pool over allegedly political reasons. If these calls really did occur, then Southside residents have the right to address the Council members who deprived us of one of our few local sources of recreation. Beier should be defending us, not blowing us off.
Just a few minutes after Beier refused to talk about the pool, another District 7 resident, Bill Schechner, asked a question which Beier also refused to answer.
Schechner asked,
"It is my view that people in government who do good work should be rewarded by being returned to office. So I would like to ask George and Ces to tell me what 'bad' things Kriss has done during his time on the Council that would make me not want to give him another term."
Rent Board candidate Marcia Levinson came from the back of the room and asked if this was a violation of the Courtesy Policy. Whether it was or not, Beier declined to answer the question, because he didn’t want to be negative.
Schechner retorted,
“You mean you are not going to talk about the incumbent's record?”
Beier was unable to give any specific reasons why Worthington shouldn’t be reelected.
By contrast, the Measure R debate between Mayor Tom Bates and Council member Jesse Arreguin was the most interesting part of the evening. Speaking in favor of Measure R, Bates made few concrete points, except to list the people and organizations who endorse it. This led to a question from Rent Board candidate Asa Dodsworth about Chicago developer Sam Zell, who is the major contributor to the Yes on Measure R campaign. Bates couldn’t answer the question, and he never recovered from it. He seemed unable to keep himself from making personal attacks on Arreguin. Despite this, no one invoked the Courtesy Policy, and the debate went on uncensored.
Throughout it all, Arreguin never wavered, rattling off fact after fact while being attacked by Bates. Arreguin explained that Measure R is a plan to have a plan later. It’s not legally binding, except that it dramatically increases building heights and makes it easier to demolish historic buildings. Measure R would expand the downtown to include surrounding residential neighborhoods without protecting them from increased development; there is no buffer zone, as in earlier plans. Measure R fails to require developers to provide community benefits for increased building sizes, such as affordable housing and open space or in lieu fees.
At the conclusion of the debate, Casalaina took a straw poll of the audience. There was overwhelming opposition to Measure R. I couldn’t help but think how educational it was to ignore the Courtesy Policy, and let the participants have a real debate.
Press Release: Shirley Dean Endorses Jones, McCormick--not Wozniak
From the Berkeley Democratic Club
Sunday October 17, 2010 - 08:04:00 PM
The Berkeley Democratic Club today indicated that it made an incorrect statement indicating that former Mayor Shirley Dean had endorsed incumbent Councilmember Gordon Wozniak for City Council District 8. Ms. Dean has not endorsed Mr. Wozniak and has, in fact, endorsed his two opponents.
The statement was contained in the BDC’s four-page newsletter, the “Berkeley Democrat” that was recently distributed citywide to Democratic households.
“The Berkeley Democratic Club sincerely regrets the error and offers a public apology to Ms Dean who we have supported many times in her races for Council and Mayor. Mr. Wozniak did not have an opportunity to review and approve the text prior to publication which would have certainly caught the error” said Club Co-President Ms. Shireen Burns. “We plan to send a supplemental notice to households in District 8 to correct the misstatement as well as alert the local media.”
With over 300 members, the BDC was chartered in 1934 and is one of the largest democratic clubs in Alameda County. At its September 2, 2010 meeting, the BDC membership voted to endorse Mr. Wozniak for the District 8 seat.
Why It Is Important To Vote NO on Measures H and I(Commentary)
By Peter Schorer
Saturday October 16, 2010 - 10:45:00 AM
In these two Measures, the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) is asking taxpayers to let it borrow a total of $260 million for various projects, only some of which are actually concerned with education. But let me state at the outset that the total that taxpayers will wind up paying if the Measures pass is not $260 million but over $610 million when the cost of debt service (interest, etc.) is taken into account. (See the BUSD's "Plan for School Maintenance and Reconstruction in the Coming Decade" (the so-called "Blue Book").) That's more than half a billion dollars.
And what does the District propose to do with the money? Well, $50 million is for vaguely specified "maintenance" costs extending over a 10-year period (Measure H).The rest of the $260 million is for a few projects that can legitimately be said to be directly related to education, but an unknown number of millions are for sports-related expenses.
One might ask, "But how can such expenses be justified when the graduation rate from Berkeley High is only x percent?" Unfortunately, one can't ask that because the District doesn't put this crucial, fundamental information on its web site. (berkeley.k12.ca.us). Why not? Could it possibly be because the graduation rates -- in particular for minorities -- are not impressive? A few years ago, I was told by a person in the know that the graduation rate for blacks was only 40%. Then, as a result of a "new way" of doing the numbers, it increased, in the space of a year, to around 60%. (The number for the state as a whole as of a couple of years ago was about 65%.)
In any case, I think it is fair to say that the top priority for any bond money spent at Berkeley High should be aimed at increasing graduation rates.
But the District, in its profound wisdom, finds it far more important to spend money on sports facilities, not to mention a variety of other non-education matters. Read the Sample Ballot for Measure I. You would think you were reading a description of a proposed Club Berkeley High. Let me quote just a few of the items.
"Install, construct, renovate or rehabilitate site improvements, including pedestrian paths, sidewalks and walkways, exterior shade canopies and rain structures, outside gathering and eating areas, lawns, quads and courtyards, benches; landscape improvements...
"Renovate, replace or construct physical education playgrounds and athletic fields and associated facilities, including all-weather tracks, natural or artificial turf fields, courts and stadiums, lighting, bleachers and rest rooms. Provide storage for physical education, athletic and grounds maintenance equipment."
No cost estimates are given for these and most other items. Not even rough percentages of the total bond amount. The District is in effect saying, to us the voters, "Just give us the $210 million and -- trust us!"
But history suggests that the voters would be ill-advised to do that.To take just one example: back in 2000, Berkeley voters passed Measure AA, a bond issue for $116.5 million which focused on building new classrooms at Berkeley High to replace the 26 that were destroyed by a fire in B Building. Only a few of the classrooms were built. Instead, over $10 million was budgeted for a new stadium building with locker rooms, a 3500 square foot training room, and offices for coaches and the athletic director.
The sad truth is that the District cannot be trusted -- not even to spend money on sports facilities wisely. The noted architect Henrik Bull, who lives in Berkeley, studied some of the BUSD's plans. He found that the adaptive reuse of the Old Gymnasium was never seriously considered by the BUSD, despite the fact that the cost would be much less than the new Gymnasium planned by the BUSD. For details see articles and letters by this architect on berkeleydailyplanet.com.
In a letter to the Daily Planet on 10/2/10, Bull quotes several proponents of Measure I who claim that "money...is needed to build a fifteen classroom building on Milvia Street..." Bull continues, "No mention is made of the new 13,000 square foot gymnasium that will be part of the same building....Is the BUSD trying to hide the expenditures for non academic use?"
The inspiring new film, "Waiting for 'Superman' " describes some remarkably successful efforts at improving education for African American youth. Providing more sports facilities is definitely not part of the reason for the successes.
On Nov. 2 we have a chance to send the BUSD a message: we don't trust you; we think that school bond money should be used for education. To send the BUSD that message, vote NO on Measures H and I.
Three State Propositions That Aren't Getting Enough Attention
By Paul Hogarth (from Beyond.Chron.com)
Wednesday October 20, 2010 - 10:24:00 AM
With the November election less than two weeks away, the media buzz is all about Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman. At the grass-roots level, activists have been organizing for Proposition 19 (marijuana) – and environmentalists have focused on defeating Prop 23. But the three propositions that arguably have the greatest impact on California’s future – Propositions 24, 25 and 26 – are barely getting any attention at all. The state budget may be a boring subject, but Sacramento will remain a dysfunctional cesspool that generations of elected officials cannot fix until we make structural changes. Getting rid of the two-thirds budget rule by passing Proposition 25 is a critical first step, and passing Prop 24 will undo some of the most recent damage that is driving the state to bankruptcy. But even passing Props 24 and 25 is not enough, because Proposition 26 threatens to make a terrible situation worse – by extending two-thirds to all fee hikes. In fact, Prop 26 could make the passage of Prop 25 and the defeat of Prop 23 virtually meaningless.
While progressives heave a sigh of relief that Jerry Brown has a slight lead even after Meg Whitman has shattered all spending records, I’m reminded of what my friend and fellow blogger David Dayen said years ago. Noam Chomsky could be elected Governor of California, and we’d all be shouting “sell-out” within months. The problems in our state government are so structural that no single politician or officeholder is going to improve things. If you want a sane budget process where a vocal minority of right-wing legislators can’t hold the state hostage for over 100 days, we need to pass Prop 25.
I have written about Prop 25 before, but it’s only a very incremental first step – and there are two other ballot propositions that are equally critical. The two-thirds requirement has made California a Blue State with an Alabama Budget every year – and we certainly saw this last year. At a time when the state had a multi-billion dollar deficit and made drastic cuts in higher education and social services, the legislature still managed to pass over $1.3 billion in corporate tax loopholes. Why? It was the only way to get a two-thirds vote.
Proposition 24 – called the Tax Fairness Act – would repeal three corporate tax loopholes that make no public policy sense, but were the casualties of Republican extortion to pass a budget (you can read more about them here.) Unless we get a majority vote to pass a budget, we will need to pass more equivalents to Prop 24 in the future – there is no reason why a blue state like California must fall prey to the demands of right-wing politicians from Fresno and Orange County year after year. Prop 24 is a perfect example of why we need to also pass Prop 25.
But Prop 26 – which the right-wing Howard Jarvis Taxpayer’s Association put on the ballot – threatens to make these victories meaningless. One reason why progressives are not excited about Prop 25 is it allows a majority vote to pass a budget – while keeping a two-thirds requirement to raise taxes. Even if the Democratic legislature could finally pass a budget on time, the Republicans would simply refuse to raise any taxes (even if we’re the only oil-producing state in the country that doesn’t charge oil companies a severance tax on their profits.) In other words, we will still have devastating budget cuts.
However, the legislature can still pass reasonable fee hikes – such as a vehicle license fee. But if Prop 26 passes with Prop 25, we might as well be exactly where we are now. If Prop 25 fails and Prop 26 passes, it will take our state’s gridlock to a whole new level.
But Prop 26 is even worse. Environmentalists are focused on defeating Proposition 23, which would repeal AB 32 – California’s groundbreaking law to combat global warming. We have seen Texas oil companies pour millions into the state to pass Prop 23, but the Sierra Club and other groups have done a good job exposing their ulterior motives.
Even if we’re successful in defeating Prop 23, however, that victory will be meaningless if Prop 26 passes. Why? Because much of AB 32’s effectiveness relies on passing fee increases that would hold polluters accountable. And if Prop 26 requires a two-thirds vote for these fee hikes to pass, the practical effect is it would make AB 32 toothless.
Local governments are mobilizing to defeat Prop 26, as it would eviscerate any ability to raise revenue during these tough times. At 12:00 p.m. today on the steps of City Hall in San Francisco, State Senator Mark Leno and Board President David Chiu will join other Bay Area leaders in a “No on 26” press conference.
California voters are already filling out their absentee ballots. While they vote to pass Prop 19 and “no” on Prop 23, it’s important for them to also vote “yes” on Prop 24 and 25 – but most importantly, “no” on Prop 26. If we don’t get the word out, it could pass.
It's Really a Billion Dollars: $100,000 per Student for Capital Improvements (Commentary)
By Albert Sukoff
Wednesday October 20, 2010 - 09:44:00 AM
If you have been driving around Berkeley this election season, you could not help but notice the preponderance of signs on both private and public property which support rather than oppose Measures H and I. That is because the relatively few people who have managed a modicum of time and energy to fight these measures do not have even a small part of the resources available to those in support. Those promoting H and I have been given over $100,000 from various unions, architectural design and engineering firms and building contractors, all of which stand to benefit from the passage of these measures. The proponents have all the signs they need and paid help to put them up (and to sabotage the few signs posted in opposition). What they do not have is a much of a case for passage of these measures.
The Board of the Berkeley Unified School District says it needs your money and lots of it. Tellingly, all the literature in favor of Measures H and I do not mention the magnitude of the amounts involved It’s for the kids; don’t worry about the money. These two ballot two measures appear to raise only $260,000,000 for maintenance and capital improvements for the Berkeley schools. Measure H renews a current property tax surcharge in order to collect another $50,000,000 for school maintenance. Measure I authorizes the District to issue $210,000,000 in school construction bonds. Oh, were that the end of the story.
Priscilla Myrick is running for School Board. One gleans from her literature that she actually has a background in finance, apparently something the current Board sorely lacks. Ms. Myrick points out that Measure I specifies the amount of the bond issue at the aforementioned $210,000,000. As she points out, however, the $210,000,000 is the principal of the bonds to be issued. The interest is another $411,000,000 for a total of $$611,000,000 for Measure I alone.
This is still not the end of the story. Measure AA in 2000 authorized another $116,500,000 in bonds, $300,000,000 with interest. We are now over $900,000,000 in principal and interest for Measures I on this year’s ballot and Measure AA from 2000. Add measure H and its predecessor measure and we are over ONE BILLION DOLLARS for school maintenance and construction.
The current enrollment in the Berkeley schools is 9,000; projections have enrollment growing to only 9,400 over the next decade. So over a BILLION DOLLARS divided by less than 10,000 students comes to over $100,000 per student for maintenance and construction.
It is generally contended around Berkeley that 30-50% of the student in the local schools actually live outside the district. If this is even close to true, Measures H and I are that much worse. School districts get money from Sacramento for each day of student attendance so it is arguable that students not resident in Berkeley are financially taken care of by the State. The same cannot be said for capital facilities. Local Berkeley tax payers pick up the entire tab and therefore one could conclude that these measures will actually cost $200,000 per Berkeley student.
This is the story even if the money were necessary and even if it were to be well spent; or even if it is to be spent as specified. However, to quote from the Myrick campaign literature: Measure I is a vague and poorly written construction bond measure and allows the school board total discretion in terms of how the funds are actually spent. The text of the ballot measure states, “Inclusion of a project on the Bond Project List is not a guarantee that the project will be funded or completed. Listed project will be completed as needed at a particular school site according to Board-established priorities, and the order in which such projects appear on the Board Project list is not indication of priority for funding completion”.
In other words: here’s a list but it doesn’t mean a thing. The School Board spent $40,000,000 of the Measure AA funds on projects never mentioned to the public when it was passed. Given the cop-out clause in Measure I and the Board’s history, it is pretty clear the what the proposed measures do is to provide the Berkeley Unified School District with the latest chuck of money is its BILLION DOLLAR slush fund.
We all support public education and appreciate that it is not cheap. However, no matter how sincere and how well-meaning any endeavor, there is such a thing as too much. Measures H and I and related measures already approved, at ONE BILLION DOLLARS, are just too much. We deserve a plan for future capital expenditures which has far more specificity and far fewer dollars.
Election Letters
Friday October 15, 2010 - 06:29:00 PM
Measure R Will Not Prevent Sprawl; Where There's Smoke, There's Fire; Yes on Measure I; District 4 Funding; Worthington, not Beier; Yes on Measure H; Against Sierra Club's Endorsement of Measure R; Supporting H & I; Republicans and Women; No on 26, Polluter Protection; Voting for Beier
Measure R Will Not Prevent Sprawl.
A myth has been created in the past 20 years. It is the myth that a fixed number of people will move to the Bay Area like water flowing from an open tap. And we, helpless before a force of Nature, will have to put them somewhere. We are offered a choice: on the one hand allowing endless sprawl to consume our farmland and open spaces; on the other, building our existing cities ever more densely. Given that choice, many of us would be willing to sacrifice the amenities of our town to avoid further sprawling development. But, that underlying myth is simply fiction, and building more in Berkeley will not reduce sprawl.
The number of people who will move to the area is not immutable, it depends on several things, and one of main ones is how much is built. Building more housing in Berkeley will bring more people to Berkeley, but it won't bring fewer people to our suburbs. There are enough people in the United States so that if we build in the city, they will come, if we build in the country they will come, and if we build in both they will come. The more that gets built anywhere in the area, the more people will move here.
In fact, if there is any linkage, it goes the other way: the more we build here in Berkeley, the more sprawl we will generate. Why is that? Some of the people who move into city apartments will someday want to start a family, and when they do, some of them will move to the suburbs to have larger homes and yards, and yet remain close to their jobs and friends. So building now in Berkeley will very likely cause future economic pressure to build in the suburbs.
There is one thing that could link building in the city to reducing sprawl. A mitigation fee of $100,000-$200,000 per unit could buy a conservation easement on a Bay Area parcel of prime development land and actually reduce sprawl, and preserve farmland and open space. Measure R does not do this. Measure R is a gift to builders and land speculators. Measure "R" is Robbery from the rest of us. Vote No on Measure R.
Searle Whitney
* * *
Where There's Smoke, There's Fire
Anyone who thinks that Measure T, which would permit home cultivation in every home, apartment or rooming house, (with no right to appeal) and enable a huge expansion of the Marijuana industry in Berkeley, including permitting dispensaries in every commercial district in the City, should pass - should think again.
This isn’t about revenue for the city (the net impact is minimal), this isn’t about access for medical use (that is already permitted), this isn’t about making our city safer (no data shows that crime would be lessened if we could grow pot in our back yards; rather it would be quite the contrary), this is about the message we are sending our youth. This Measure, if passed, would make pot more available. The more that is available on the street, and in the yards of our neighbors, the more that will end up in the hands of our children. More of our children will see drug use as permissive and will inevitably smoke the highest concentrated form of pot ever produced. (Berkeley youth already use Marijuana at twice the rate of other teens in California.)
The fact that this Measure is on the ballot when the City of Berkeley has no program in the public schools, not one single class, in any grade level, at any of our public schools, that would serve to educate our children on the dangers of drug use, or about the impact of drugs on their young bodies, only stands to highlight, in stark relief, how ‘half-baked” and dangerous this Measure truly is.
Vote no on Measure T.
Michael Bolgatz
* * *
Finishing Berkeley High School
As a parent of two students at Berkeley High School, and someone who has watched the transformation of our high school campus from over the last several years, I am hopeful about the plans to complete needed changes to facilities at Berkeley High School.
We’ve been crowding teenagers into portable classrooms on the girl’s softball field and across the street at Washington Elementary School, and this is not a viable long-term facility plan. The high school campus must have an adequate number of classrooms on site. The Old Gym on Milvia Street is in desperate need of replacement if we are to continue our commitment to safe and modernized educational facilities. I am pleased that this is the first priority of funding that would come out of any new bond financing supported by Measure I.
Bond funded building programs at Berkeley High School over the last eighteen years brought us the seismically upgraded G and H buildings as well as two major new buildings on Milvia Street that house the student center and gym with pool. These have been critical investments for meeting the needs of students at our large high school, and students now point to their campus with pride…with the exception of those portables and the old gym building. We need to finish what we started.
Let’s give our students a high school campus conducive to learning that will serve them well into the 21st Century.
Please join me in voting “Yes” on Measure I on November 2nd.
Natasha Beery
President, Berkeley High School PTSA
* * *
Who Has Local Support in Central Berkeley’s District 4?
According to the campaign finance filings required of candidates, incumbent Jesse Arreguin has the highest percentage of District donors and the most Citywide support. Eric Panzer has the most out of town support -- more than half his donors didn't even live in Berkeley.
David Chen
***
Build That Playing Field Now
Measure I has many wonderful projects, but one goes back more than a decade. In 1998, a presentation was made to a joint session of the Berkeley City Council and the BUSD School Board, proposing the building of a regulation sized baseball field at Derby & MLK streets.
Now, 12 years later, Measure I will make it possible to finally build that field.
The need is great. Berkeley High has only one playing field for some 3000 students. Because field space is so limited, some team practices are scheduled at 6 a.m. The baseball team practices at San Pablo Park, thus limiting use of that space to the surrounding neighborhoods.
Measure I provides the funding for the Derby Street field. It will accommodate baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby and soccer for BHS and B-Tech students as well as returning full use of San Pablo Park to that community.
Measure I also provides funding to restore the softball field at Bancroft Way and Milvia.
Please support our student athletes and the building of a beautiful new park and field for our City. Vote Yes on Measure I.
Stephanie Allan
Friends of the Derby St. Park & Field
* * *
Worthington, Not Beier
Over Kriss Worthington’s term of service I have differed with many of his positions. At present I differ with him sharply on some issues. But I am at ease about this because I have observed him to come over to my view on more than one occasion. This apparently occurs because Kriss listens, never stops gathering data and is not too exalted to admit an earlier position was ill-informed.
The current race in District 7 is about who we wish to work with as our representative on council. In my opinion that is more important than the nuance of a candidate's personal politics.
I have worked with George Beier on a long-running grassroots effort to sway city hall. George and I share opinions, but we don’t share a style of commitment. In dark times when my peers and I were down and far from glory, George was on leave, no one knew where. I concluded that intermittent attention is what we could expect of George councilmember.
We don't need a representative who is rapturous for the press release but impatient with the tedium of the long haul which is always the prerequisite for seeing through a change.
We also don’t need a councilmember – the third candidate in District 7 - who appears to be a compliant gear for the Tom Bates machine. (Examine your campaign mail.)
This council race in 7 presents an easy choice.
Bruce Wicinas
Measure H is for Safety
Over the ten years I have served on the Berkeley School Board, I have taken a particular interest in seeing that our school facilities are well maintained and safe for our students and staff. I know these are core community values that we all share. It’s also why the voters of Berkeley passed a modest school maintenance parcel tax in 2000 to ensure the dedication of funds for high-quality maintenance of our school facilities. A quick look around our city shows that we take pride in our schools.
Not maintaining schools and cuts to educational programs are strategies other districts are using to stay afloat. Deferring maintenance creates unsafe environments for our students and staff while creating future and costly liabilities for our district.
The shortage of state funds for public education means we are being asked to do more with less. Our classrooms cannot afford further cuts.
If we do not pass Measure H we are going to have to take money away from service to students and spend it on our buildings. Fixing broken windows, maintaining fire alarms and elevators, repairing roofs and cleaning gutters, installing wiring for new technology, and updating playgrounds and landscaping are the kinds of expenditures Measure H would continue to cover.
Your “Yes” vote for Measure H means you too believe in safe and sound schools!
Thank you for your support.
John Selawsky
Director, Berkeley School Board
* * *
An Open Letter Responding to a Solicitation from the Sierra Club East Bay Chapter
I am a low-income but long-time supporter of Sierra Club, and particularly of the East Bay Chapter, because local is usually best for my small buck. I will not be doing that going forward. This is because of your support for Measure R and the "lending" of the Sierra Club logo to developers to tout Measure R in Berkeley. It is shameless.
I have previously relied on Sierra Club endorsements because I believed the organization assessed independently and in a non-partisan way the pros and cons of local, state and national issues. Your local "selling out" jeopardizes my trust in the whole organization.
How have you, locally, sold out and why? Supporting Measure R is not supporting a green Berkeley. In fact it rejects balanced green efforts from the majority of Berkeley citizens who have participated long and hard to develop plans for a sustainable Berkeley (DAPAC and a citizen referendum on the uni-lateral City Hall plan). Instead of independently analyzing scenarios and weighing in on them, both pro and con, you have capitulated to Mayor Bates and his developer and moneyed consortiums. Measure R is not a plan. It is crafted to give unbridled rein to City Hall to do as they please.
Why have you done this? Perhaps because Mayor Bates, and Loni Hancock, and Gordon Wozniak, etc. have re-channeled money from developer contributions to their campaigns to local Sierra Club coffers. I'm not an investigative reporter, but the following I know for fact: In February Sierra Club received $5000 from Hancock for Senate. Wozniak funneled $1000 to Measure R hype. In past years The Sierra Club Berkeley Chapter has provided office space and telephone lines to Bates (presumably for fees)) to make calls for local partisan re-election. I also deduce that you provided Bates & Co. the Sierra Club mailing list/addresses of Sierra Club members. Would that be true?
I am so sorry, but our local chapter of Sierra Club does an injustice to the larger organization and dishonors my trust. i will, of course, be writing to the state and national Sierra Club levels to make these views known.
Victoria Peirotes
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Safe and Sound Schools Support Student Achievement
Ensuring safe and sound schools for our students by passing Berkeley’s Measures H & I means teachers, principals, and school staff can keep their focus on their core mission of teaching and learning. Berkeley School students have shown steady growth in academic achievement as measured by State testing over the last decade.
Here are several data points to illustrate the improved academic achievement in Berkeley Public Schools:
- · Since 2002, many of Berkeley’s K-8 schools have gained 100 or more API points and all are now near or above 800, the desired State API target. (The API reflects student performance on standardized State tests each year.)
- · Improvement in student literacy is evident in the 74% of fourth graders proficient on the 2009 State writing test, up from 17% proficient in 2006.
- · District-wide eighth grade Algebra proficiency increased from 32% to 50% in 2010; progress in Algebra achievement was so significant at Longfellow Middle School that Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Representative Barbara Lee visited the school.
- · Of Berkeley High School’s 2010 seniors, 93% reported heading off to post-secondary education.
- · Berkeley High School has been recognized for the lowest drop out rate of any city represented on the California Mayor’s Roundtable.
With a continued focus on quality teaching and in partnership with the Berkeley community I believe all of our students can reach new heights.
Passing Measures H & I is the right thing to do for Berkeley Schools.
Nancy Riddle
Director, Berkeley School Board
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Republicans Want to Control Women
Why is abortion still a political issue, the driving force behind the Republican Party? How many agree with Delawares' Republican Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell and other Tea Party candidates that a woman doesn't have the right to have an abortion even if she is raped or when she suffers incest at the hands of a family member? Anti-abortion is the litmus test for being a member in good stead with the GOP.
A woman's freedom to choose, the right to do whatever she wishes to do with her own body is under constant attack by the Republican Party.
With the GOP you have a group of white male politicians and their female clones trying to dictate and deny a woman's basic freedom of choice. It borders on fanaticism.
Republicans have shackled half the population in chains in order to carry out a flawed political and religious agenda. Remember this, Women of America, when you're voting November 2.
Ron Lowe
* * *
No on 26, Polluter Protection
California voters should vote no on Proposition 26, the Polluter Protection Act.
You make a mess, you clean it up. That´s what we teach our kids. Unfortunately, some big business lobbies who should have learned this lesson are trying, with Proposition 26, to let polluters off the hook for poisoning our air, water and food.
Proposition 26 shifts the burden of paying for the cost of pollution from the companies that pollute to ordinary taxpayers.
Prop 26 would cost the state $11 billion over the next 10 years, leading to even deeper cuts to education, public safety, health care, environmental protection, and other essential services. Prop 26 would also weaken environmental, consumer, and health safeguards and starve local government services of badly needed revenue.
Please join me in voting No on Prop 26 this November 2nd.
Laurel Lee
* * *
Voting for Beier
I’m voting for George Beier because I’m tired of the incumbent ignoring my pleas for assistance. I know George, and I know George will represent all of District 7.
I am supporting George, rather than the incumbent, because District 7 needs a respected and effective representative on the Council. Our neighborhoods need a council member who can gain the cooperation of other members of the Council so that our neighborhoods’ concerns are heard and our positions respected.
The incumbent is a failure when it comes to constituent service. For three of the four years I have lived in District 7, I have also led the neighborhood committee that tries to force Alta Bates and the City to abide by signed agreements as to how the hospital is allowed to impact the quality of life in the Bateman, Willard, LeConte and Halcyon neighborhoods. The incumbent has attended just one of dozens of meetings, and has offered no useful support or ideas. The hospital runs roughshod over its neighbors, our City allows it, and the incumbent is silent, or worse, uninvolved.
George, on the other hand, has been a neighborhood activist for the 30 years he’s lived in Willard. He keeps in constant contact with friends and neighbors in the District, sending along crime alerts, building alliances with other neighborhoods along the Telegraph Avenue corridor assisting in fighting the City when necessary (like with the ill-conceived, illegal Laundromat at Southside Lofts), and coming up with ideas to save neighborhood resources like Willard Pool. George has created collaborative relationships with merchants on Telegraph and College and residents of the nearby neighborhoods, assuring economic growth and decisions that residents can support.
District 7 needs a voice that will be heard. George is that voice.
Peter Shelton
Opinion
Editorials
A Reluctant Vote for Measure I and Other Endorsements
By Becky O'Malley
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:49:00 PM
Someone at some civic event last week asked me if I’m voting for Measures H & I, the tax and bond measures designed to support the Berkeley public schools. The question was phrased in the form of an incorrect premise, “I know the Planet doesn’t make endorsements, but…”
That used to be true when we had a sizable staff of opinionated people and I was reluctant to speak for all of them, but now there’s no one here but us chickens, and we agree on most things political. Most news articles are now written by volunteers who disclose their opinions if any, and are free to write their own commentaries if they have more to say.
That said, what’s or who’s the Planet endorsing in this election? We hope to post endorsements and other election-related materials as printable PDFs next week, so that anyone who wants can print them out and distribute them. (We’ve reluctantly abandoned the practice of making PDFs of whole issues, because it’s a good bit of work to do without any guarantee that anyone will print them out, as the copy shop did before the Blue Meanies bullied them into stopping.) But here’s our instant review of candidate endorsements:
Democrats statewide. of course. Get out there and vote.
Be sure to vote no on phony Berkeley Measure R, greenwashing at its worst, funded by evil developers. And if you harbor any lingering doubts about where the slimebag factor resides in this contest, we've had four No on R signs stolen from our front lawn in just two days.
Who are these people? Were they raised by wolves? No, wolves have better manners.
On to Berkeley City Council choices: Jason Kingeter and Merrilie Mitchell as #1 and #2 in District One, you choose the order. No vote for Linda Maio—at council meetings she indicates by what she says that she knows better, but then votes wrong anyhow.
In District 4, Jesse Arreguin has been doing an outstanding job, really remarkable, for his downtown constituents and for the city as a whole.
Kriss Worthington has been for many years the conscience of the council, not to mention its brains, so of course Mayor Bates has fielded two candidates in an attempt to take him out in District 7—don’t be fooled by slick-talking opponents funded by development interests who boast that they’ll be able to solve all the city’s problems.
In District 8, Challengers Stewart Emmington Jones and Jacquelyn McCormick are excellent choices for the #1 and #2 slots. UC retiree incumbent Gordon Wozniak has been in the pocket of his former employer on almost every vote, paying little attention to the needs and wishes of residents. He’s also the only Berkeley councilmember who signed a scurrilous and defamatory ad funded by Middle East fanatics who were trying to destroy the Planet, which is reason enough to vote against him.
School board candidates are more difficult. Local bloggers at Berkeleyside.com have done a great public service by giving the candidates plenty of space to express themselves, and most sound qualified and sincere. After a lot of thought, we’ve decided to follow the recommendation of Berkeley High parent and recent District 5 council candidate Sophie Hahn and endorse Priscilla Myrick. Myrick seems to be unusually fiscally literate and detail-oriented, which are skills school boards always seem to lack. Just loving kids and supporting diversity aren’t enough any more—numbers count too. There don’t seem to be any terrible losers in the rest of the field, so choose your own favorites, and write to the Planet on their behalf if you want.
Which brings us to the sticky wicket where we started, the school funding measures. My old friend Larry Gordon, a CPA and parent of twin BUSD students, coaxed me into sitting down with Superintendent William Huyett, teachers’ union president Cathy Campbell and activist parent Eric Weaver to talk about why they really, really need more money. We agreed to leave Measure H, which provides maintenance funds, out of the discussion, since it seems to have no serious opposition, but I raised, politely, some of the various objections to Measure I, the bond measure, which have appeared in these pages and elsewhere.
The main one seems to be the loosey-goosey way the proceeds from previous bond measures have traditionally been used. New classrooms at Berkeley High were—perhaps promised is not quite accurate, but at least mentioned in Measure AA in 2000—and they never materialized, while other kinds of construction spending did. Critics have a valid point here, but in our meeting proponents assured me that it would surely be different this time, since the form of this bond provides for even more and better audits to make sure the money is spent correctly.
But there’s a bigger problem, to my way of thinking. In the many many years since I’ve been watching BUSD construction expenditures, I’ve seen many many bad decisions made, regardless of the source of funds. My own three kids suffered through insanely mismanaged earthquake retrofits at their various schools. Elementary school properties were sold off as public housing sites, a choice that is back to haunt the district this year—one of the specified needs which Measure I is supposed to fund is more elementary classrooms.
And as an environmentalist I have frequently deplored BUSD’s ill-advised reliance on new construction instead of rehabilitation and creative re-use. The latest mistake is their plan to demolish the old gymnasium on the Berkeley High Campus which houses the warm pool. Distinguished architect Henrik Bull has shown conclusively that it can be rehabilitated to save the pool and also provide needed classroom space with a much lower carbon footprint and probably at lower cost as well.
School superintendents—and I’ve seen a long string of them in my 35 plus years in Berkeley—seem to suffer from an Edifice Complex. They love to run big new building projects with public funds. Bill Huyett, trained as an engineer, a smart guy and a nice one to boot, seems to be no exception, unfortunately.
But is voting down school bonds the right way to protest dumb decision-making?
In looking for an answer to this question, I’ve relied on the advice of the in-house economics maven. He points out that there’s never been a better time to borrow money, if you’re ever going need to do it. Interest rates are at an all-time low and might be lower by the time the bonds are actually issued. And no one really denies that BUSD will need to do some sort of construction or reconstruction in the very near future.
Some critics suggest that Measure I should be voted down and replaced at the next election with a more narrowly drafted bond measure. But that timing is likely to miss the window of opportunity offered by the current economic situation.
Smart Keynesian economists—Paul Krugman is the current hero at our house, ably supported by his local fan Professor Brad DeLong—are insisting that more public spending is the best way to deal with the country’s economic woes, and that Obama’s timid stimulus spending is not nearly enough. Measure I makes it possible for Berkeley to do its part by providing construction jobs when they’re badly needed.
But it’s been shown time and again that rehabilitation of existing buildings provides many more jobs than new construction, and they’re usually jobs for local people. New construction, the kind BUSD seems to enjoy, uses concrete supported by lots of steel imported from China, while rehabbing existing buildings conserves resources like old-growth timber which was harvested decades ago.
Voting down bond issues is very tempting, but it’s not the right way to criticize bad policy decisions—it’s using a sledge hammer to drive a nail. The right way to affect policy should be through the elected officials who are supposed to make policy, even though all too often school board members have left much too much for staff members to decide on their own.
And so, with some trepidation, we’ll be voting for and endorsing a school bond issue one more time—but I expect in return that current and new board members will recognize that it’s high time to put environmental concerns back on the table.
Is it possible that some new school board members might be independent enough to take another look at the district’s building plans before it’s too late, before restorable buildings have been demolished? None of them has expressed any position on this topic to my knowledge, so I’d like to challenge them to do so.
I’ll strongly consider endorsing any candidate who has the courage to recognize that there are real and serious public criticisms about the way construction bonds have been used in the past, and proposes serious remedies for this perennial problem. Will any school board candidate agree to put restoring Berkeley High’s old gymnasium for the warm pool and new classrooms back on the board’s agenda if elected, just for starters? I’m waiting to hear from you all.
The Editor's Back Fence
More to Come
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 03:51:00 PM
Don't forget that the Planet has shifted its weekly issue date to Wednesdays. From now on we'll release the issue on Tuesdays, but the issue will be final the next day-- kind of like getting your copy of The Nation with a cover date some two weeks in the future. Keeping checking this space for new material.
Now Read This: A Selection of Links of Interest to Berkeley and Environs
Friday October 15, 2010 - 08:16:00 AM
The respected Pesticide Action Network has identified a problem with a recent New York Times report on what's causing bees to die off world wide: The article failed to disclose that the study it reported on was paid for by a pesticide manufacturer, the Bayer corporation. Check out their charges here.
From the Jewish Voice for Peace site: "The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is at it again. They just came up with a list of the top ten most influential anti-Israel Groups in America, and Jewish Voice for Peace makes the list. We appreciate the honor, except that the ADL--as usual--got a few things wrong in describing us." Read all about it here.
The Daily Cal reported on a rash of armed robberies in Berkeley and Oakland this week. And here's another one, at Top Dog this time.
And after all these years, the Mainstream Media finally catches on about UC/BP which Planet readers have known about for years.
It's curious that Professor Robert Reich's latest blog entry denounces political advertising paid for by corporate interests, considering that he himself endorsed Berkeley's Measure R, whose direct mail advertising is funded by Sam Zell's Equity Residential Corporation. Is Berkeley becoming a plutocracy?
And the online Bay Citizen has picked up Councilmember Jesse Arreguin's new proposal to allow people to sell produce from home gardens legally in Berkeley.
Cartoons
Public Comment
Letters to the Editor
Monday October 18, 2010 - 09:09:00 PM
[ Letters about the election are in the Election Section.]
Economic History
The moneymakers decided in 1973 to hike the price of oil by 400% and ensure that the sale of oil would be restricted to dollars only and that the monstrous amounts of petrodollars, generated thus by the Arabs, would be reinvested in specific banks in New York and London.
Subsequently, as economic history will reveal clearly, the moneymakers started lending monstrous amounts of money to nations worldwide, to help them pay for their enormous oil bills. This secret deal with the Saudis and subsequently with OPEC on the sale of oil has been the foundation of the dollar economy from that time on. This monstrous plan created petrodollars worldwide and exploded all over the place.
The global extension or global ballooning of the dollar, the petrodollar, backed by oil. It can always be exchanged for the real thing, oil; and because everyone needs oil, everyone was forced to use petrodollars, now petrodollars were forced on them. This would suck them deeper into debt and the sinking sands of their monetary system through this secret oil-for-dollar currency deal.
This secret weapon involves the dollar, to subdue and control the world economy, and has been effectively in use ever since 1973. So in conclusion, why didn’t the dollar crash? Because the petrodollar was created in secret in 1973 and executed and enforced in 1974, blamed on the Arabs, but actually the moneymakers staged the whole thing!
Ted Rudow III,MA
***
Pollution
Here we go again. The big polluters and their lobbyists are back at it with even more destructive antics, this time advocating for free rein to recklessly dump global warming pollution in the air. And the worst part of it all? The special interests keep increasing attempts by some members of Congress to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating stationary sources emissions for two years is plain acceptable. We need strong and bold solutions to tackle rising global temperatures, and we need them now. It's time to hold corporate polluters accountable for their actions. While they aren't payable their fair share, everyday Americans are suffering the consequences of Big Oil's irresponsibility.
Diane Tarver
***
Protecting Tenants
I think that you guys would be doing a great public service if you did an article on tenantstogether.org. http://
Ben Gammon
Learning From UC Berkeley's Latest Crisis
By Milan Moravec
Monday October 18, 2010 - 09:45:00 PM
UC Berkeley’s recent elimination of popular sports programs highlighted endemic problems in the university’s management. Chancellor Robert Birgeneau’s eight-year fiscal track record is dismal indeed. He would like to blame the politicians in Sacramento, since they stopped giving him every dollar he has asked for, and the state legislators do share some responsibility for the financial crisis. But not in the sense he means.
A competent chancellor would have been on top of identifying inefficiencies in the system and then crafting a plan to fix them. Compentent oversight by the Board of Regents and the legislature would have required him to provide data on problems and on what steps he was taking to solve them. Instead, every year Birgeneau would request a budget increase, the regents would agree to it, and the legislature would provide. The hard questions were avoided by all concerned, and the problems just piled up….until there was no money left.
It’s not that Birgeneau was unaware that there were, in fact, waste and inefficiencies in the system. Faculty and staff have raised issues with senior management, but when they failed to see relevant action taken, they stopped. Finally, Birgeneau engaged some expensive ($3 million) consultants, Bain & Company, to tell him what he should have been able to find out from the bright, engaged people in his own organization.
From time to time, a whistleblower would bring some glaring problem to light, but the chancellor’s response was to dig in and defend rather than listen and act. Since UC has been exempted from most whistleblower lawsuits, there are ultimately no negative consequences for maintaining inefficiencies.
In short, there is plenty of blame to go around. But you never want a serious crisis to go to waste. An opportunity now exists for the UC president, Board of Regents, and California legislators to jolt UC Berkeley back to life, applying some simple check-and-balance management principles. Increasing the budget is not enough; transforming senior management is necessary. The faculty, students, staff, academic senate, Cal. alumni, and taxpayers await the transformation.
UC pension proposal boosts executive payouts, targets low-wage workers for cuts
by Lakesha Harrison, President of University of California Employees AFSCME 3299
Monday October 18, 2010 - 09:40:00 PM
Californians are tired of University of California President Mark Yudof saying one thing but doing another. Yudof has spearheaded a drive to hike tuition on students struggling to pay their room and board while spending lavishly on his own housing. He has forced furloughs and reductions on the lowest-paid staff while he hauls down an outsized salary and bevy of perks of close to $1 million annually.
Now Yudof has declared that in fixing UC’s beleaguered pension system, “Retirement programs and policies must treat all faculty and staff equitably,[1]” even as his pension team appointees propose to hike pension payouts to UC’s highest paid executives while cutting retirement benefits for low- and middle-income workers.
As the San Francisco Chronicle has reported, shortfalls in the pension system were created when the university stopped contributing to its employees’ retirement account twenty years ago. UC’s Board of Regents met this week to hear recommendations to shore up the pension system. But what Yudof’s hand-picked pension panel didn’t want to tell the public is that the “solutions” they propose would protect or boost retirement income for those earning $180,000 and above while cutting retirement income for the UC custodians, food servers, and parking attendants least likely to have additional retirement savings. The task force’s unfair proposals come as the public is again questioning Yudof’s priorities. A New York Times/Bay Citizen report just raised new questions over Yudof’s wasteful spending on a $13,000 per month rental mansion and his use of University top officials to manage the relationship with his landlord at taxpayer expense.
Yudof’s pension panel proposal would slash the meager retirement earnings of workers whose low salaries barely payto keep a roof over their family’s heads..
Yolanda Lopez, a senior custodian UC Santa Cruz, is the kind of employee UC’s task force proposals unfairly target. At 63 years old, Yolanda cleans dorms. After working 20 years at UC and raising three children as a single mother, Yolanda is ready to retire soon and spend more time with her grandchildren.
Under UC’s current pension formula, Yolanda will receive about $1,500 a month from UC after she retires. It’s not enough to pay for anything but the basics, but with social security checks beginning after she turns 65, she’ll have just enough to get by.
The Yudof Task Force wants the UC Regents to make retirement cuts that would drastically reduce retirement income for workers who begin at UC after 2013.
Under Yudof’s plan, when a worker who comes to UC in a few years retires at 63 after 20 years like Yolanda, that person would only receive about $773 per month, less than half of Yolanda’s retirement income under the old plan.
Stunningly, at the same time that UC claims it needs to cut retirement costs, one Task Force proposal would actually increase retirement income by as much as 47% for 200 highly compensated UC executives earning over $245,000.
What’s more, cutting benefits for new workers, as the Yudof panel suggests, does not address the pension fund’s most critical problem – meeting the current gap between inputs and outflows. That’s because savings would only be realized when the wave of newly hired workers retires – a gap of about 15 years.
Low-wage workers represented by AFSCME Local 3299 believe cutting benefits does not address the primary issue: keeping the UC pension adequately funded. The UC fund’s pension funding gap should be addressed by UC resuming the level of retirement contributions it paid up until 1990 when it took a 20-year holiday from paying any contributions.
Restoring contributions in 2011 at pre-1990 levels – to be shared between UC and its employees through the collective bargaining process – would restore the pension to health.
Restoring public trust in the UC means Yudof must take responsibility for keeping UC’s promise of a dignified retirement for the hard-working employees who dedicated their lives to making UC the best university in the world.
The Value of Government Service
By Bruce Joffe
Monday October 18, 2010 - 09:36:00 PM
Many Republicans, and even a few Democrats, are running against government, even as they campaign for election to the government. They want to shrink government and cut taxes, while most of us voters want to maintain the government services important to our lives. We deplore the budget cuts that have reduced our children's education, our water, sewer, and transportation infrastructure, our natural environment, and our public safety. Fear mongers who scream about wasteful bureaucracy and totalitarian rule actually give rise to what really threatens to our liberty, uncontrolled corporate greed. This "great recession" demonstrates how unsupervised banks devour the very market system that produces our wealth when our government's ability to regulate such excesses is bound by anti-government bias.
Big government is our protection against big corporations. Sure, big government brings the problem of big dumb bureaucracy, but so do big corporations. How long do you have to wait when calling the phone company, the airlines, or your health insurance company? Their bureaucracies are set up to make money off of us consumers. Government bureaucracies, at least, are set up to provide equal and fair service to all of us citizens. Sure, they could be improved, and should be improved, but let's not run our government like a business where only the wealthy get the services they need.
We pay for goods and services that we buy with our money. We pay for goods and services that government provides with our taxes. Most people are willing to pay taxes for good schools, smooth roads, clear air, clean water, and safe streets. What we hate is unfair taxation. Why should the middle class have to pay such high taxes while the very rich grab special tax breaks and laugh down at us? Those who have profited most in our country ought to pay the most for its maintenance. Our politicians must be unafraid to ask for the revenue to pay for the services that we need. But they are running scared of the T-word because we like to vote for candidates that promise us what we want at no cost. We act stupid that way.
For 30 years, my professional career has been consulting government employees who want to provide better services, more efficiently, through adoption of technology. I've worked with many people dedicated to public service, and I've seen only a few who just wanted to sit on their fat chairs and collect their pay and pension. If we want better government service, and less stupid bureaucracy, we need to make government service a high calling, not simply a job. We can attract better and brighter employees with valuable and merit-based pay packages. If we elect politicians who scream about cutting taxes and reducing government, then the slower, less dedicated people will remain in government and the people who care about serving us, the public, will go work for the corporations that are part of the problem. The government is not our enemy. Government is our tool to provide us the services and protections unavailable from market-based corporations. Our elected representatives must value government and work to improve it, not try to strangle it with tax cuts for the most wealthy.
Founding Principal of GIS Consultants, Bruce Joffe has been providing GIS planning and implementation management services, organizational therapy, and public policy formulation, to cities, counties, and utility companies for over 30 years.
States’ Rights: Do We Find Ourselves Now in a Novel Political Position?
By John A. McMullen II
Monday October 18, 2010 - 08:27:00 PM
Isn’t it interesting to be on the other side of the States’ Rights issue for a change? When I think of States’ Rights issues, slavery, segregation, gun-control, abortion, and Arizona-style profiling come to mind.
Now PROP 19: TAX AND REGULATE MARIJUANA may be the latest States’ Rights issue.
Poor Eric Holder, god bless him, keeps finding himself in the awkward position of having to prosecute that which he does not necessarily condemn. (For example, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT)—proclaimed unconstitutional last week by a low-level Federal judge— may be the latest one.)
I don’t know what Holder’s personal beliefs are on the right of the individual to possess and ingest a natural weed that grows wild, but the New York Time lede reads, “The Department of Justice announced on Friday that it would aggressively prosecute marijuana laws in California even if state voters approve an initiative legalizing the drug.”
Editorial boards, the governor, public officials, big time pot-growers who are afraid of losing money if it’s legal, not to mention big crime, are all against it.
Let’s look back a couple of hundred years, to the first attempt to regulate another substance which alters the consciousness.
Back in Western Pennsylvania from whence I hail, there was some “dissatisfaction with a 1791 excise tax on whiskey. The tax was a part of treasury secretary Alexander Hamilton's program to centralize and fund the national debt.” (Wikipedia: “Whiskey Rebellion”).
Five-hundred rebels attacked the tax man.
Geo. Washington, who had roots in Western PA, led a small army to sort them out.
When they saw George, who was as close to god and king as a good American citizen could get, the protestors scattered. (In the ceiling of the Capitol’s Rotunda is Brumidi’s painting entitled “Apotheosis of Washington”—apotheosis meaning “transformed into a god.)
During Thom. Jefferson’s administration—the first real States’ Rights folks—they renounced such treachery and rescinded the law on corn liquor.
Remember, these tax rebels were the same folks settled the land beyond the first mountain range. In 1763, the British told them, “Actually, we’ve come to an agreement with the Natives that the top of those mountains will be the Line of Proclamation. We shall remain on this side, and the remainder is theirs.”
Those Scots-Irish told the British what they’d been telling them for years: “Pogue mahone.” They went over the mountain, “got them a copper kettle, got them a copper coil, covered with home-made corn mash…and watched them jugs a fillin’ in the pale moonlight.”
(My great-granddaddy James McMullen did 90-days for bootlegging.)
However, Moonshine Blinds. That’s what the signs used to say in the South. Use lead instead of copper tubing and you die. Or you can turn it to methanol instead of ethanol, which isn’t good. So we had the good sense to keep quality control and tax the substance even if overindulgence leads to a living hell. Prohibition messed with that and lots died from bad liquor. Of course, tobacco trumps booze in the death tolls by a factor of 5.
SEE BELOW TABLE BELOW TO FIND OUT WHAT KILLS US.
Pot Don’t Kills Us. It grows wild. No processing necessary. However, the quality needs regulating, and we need the tax revenue. It’s not perfect, but you don’t have to have ever seen a Shakespearean play to recognize that this is Much Ado about Nothing.
My distracted point is this: we got a poor man’s rebellion on our hands.
This is all the more reason to get out and vote just to rub it in The Man’s chest.
The law is unreasonable and unworkable, and we must test the right of the federal government to dictate on these insane drug laws.
There is no full faith and credit clause consternation in Prop 19 as with Same Sex Marriage where a marriage contract in California has to be recognized in all other 49 states.
Let’s see the clash of the DEA and the locals when the state and local government says yea and the Feds say nay.
Stand up and be counted November 2!
And maybe Mr. Holder can get back to better undertakings such as the failed promises to prosecute torturers and parasitic bankers and lenders.
ANNUAL RATES & CAUSES OF DEATH IN THE US
| Tobacco | 435,000 |
| Poor Diet & Physical Inactivity | 365,000 |
| Alcohol | 85,000 |
| Microbial Agents | 75,000 |
| Toxic Agents | 55,000 |
| Motor Vehicle Crashes | 26,347 |
| Adverse Reactions to Prescription Drugs | 32,000 |
| Suicide | 30,622 |
| Incidents Involving Firearms | 29,000 |
| Homicide | 203,084 |
| Sexual Behaviors | 20,000 |
| Illicit Drug Use | 17,000 |
| Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like Aspirin | 7,600 |
| Marijuana | 0 |
This is the second opinion on Prop 19; in the first, he lists talking points to use to persuade, entertain, and impress your friends. To read it, click on http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2010-09-21/article/36290?headline=Tax-and-Regulate
The Medication Debate of Schizophrenia
By Jack Bragen
Wednesday October 20, 2010 - 10:44:00 AM
Mainstream Americans may chiefly be unaware of this: among people affected by modern psychiatry, there is a fierce debate over whether or not medications are truly needed to treat schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. A lot of Americans rely on the news as their main information source about mentally ill people. When there are news stories about a mentally ill person committing a crime, often part of the circumstances that existed were either a change in the prescribed medications, or a time period of that person refusing to take medication. Mental illness and medication, in modern times, are frequently uttered in the same breath; the perception that medication is needed is usually a given.
Many of those who argue medication isn’t needed are the ones who are supposed to take these medicines. There are some, who are into holistic health, who believe that nutrition and exercise ought to address this illness. The holistic health model of fixing mental illnesses is very uninformed. As well, there are those who believe that forcing these medications on a person is an injustice; e.g.; medications are a chemical straight jacket as well as an abuse of the person’s soul. Yet, persons with this perspective haven’t furnished a good alternative to medication.
For a moment, put yourself in the shoes of a schizophrenic person. You have been told that you have a brain disorder that requires chemical intervention. Not only does this imply that you are a “defective” person, it also means that you must put up with some very uncomfortable side effects, and experience this discomfort with no end in sight. Given that a person is prone to delusions, it is easy to have the thought that medication isn’t needed. The state of “denial” comes easily and is hard to give up.
I believe there is no such thing as a “sanity pill.” I think that the medications work because they stunt a persons energy level, and this causes most people to use the brain differently. The “sympathetic nervous system,” is turned off, and the “parasympathetic nervous system” which is a mode of lower energy, goes on. And for some patients this low energy mode sharply reduces the tendency to have delusions. It is easier for anyone to process thoughts clearly when calm. Medication forces a psychotic person to be calmer. This could be why these medications were first known as “major tranquilizers.”
According to many sources in modern medicine, it is not fully understood why the medications work. When medicated, most people with schizophrenia still have some delusions, but the intensity and quantity of them is usually less. Medications are used additionally because they make mentally ill people more manageable.
Prior to the discovery of antipsychotic medications, people with schizophrenia often received lobotomies, and/or lifelong incarceration in the state mental hospitals. Prior to that, the schizophrenic person became the town idiot, the town drunk, or perhaps that man on the roof who plays the fiddle.
According to some who argue against medications, in many third world countries, people with schizophrenia often recover with no treatment, after a long enough period of time, and are fine for the remainder of their lives. I am ignorant as to how accurate this picture is, although I do believe that some can recover without medications. However, I believe there are others who can’t and who, without medical intervention, will continue to suffer with the symptoms of this disease, and with the symptoms of long-term psychosis (which includes a burned out state), for possibly as long as they live. I am ignorant concerning the percentages that would make up the above two categories.
A well known expert on holistic health argues that some medications such as acid reducer tend to make the person have worse symptoms when discontinuing such a medication; making a person permanently dependent on an ever-increasing amount of a drug. There are some who believe medications used to treat mental illness make the mental illness worse, a belief which is in the same vein as the assertion about acid reducer. It is known that people respond to anti anxiety agents such as valium this way; you must periodically increase the dosage to maintain the same level of effect. This is why most doctors are cautious about prescribing the benzodiazepine class of drugs.
It is clear that someone who has taken antipsychotic medications for many decades to treat their illness has a slim chance of being able to get by without them.
It seems that there is some amount of merit to both sides of the medication debate. Additionally, on the anti medication side of the debate, is the fact that most psychiatric drugs carry risks to physical health.
It should be determined on a case by case basis, at the onset of someone’s mental illness, whether or not counseling and close supervision for several years could be a substitute, for some patients, for a lifetime of taking medications that by coincidence cause a lot of suffering. I am sure there are some who are forced to take the medications who originally could have gotten by without them. Yet there are others for whom not prescribing these medications will sentence a person to an unending hellish existence. Being psychotic without treatment is no walk on the beach.
Columns
The Public Eye: An Enemy of the People: Texas Money vs. Clean Air
By Bob Burnett
Friday October 15, 2010 - 05:21:00 PM
Ibsen’s classic play An Enemy of the People tells the story of Thomas Stockman who warns citizens of his Norwegian town that their primary tourist attraction, public baths, is a contaminated health hazard. Manipulated by wealthy polluters, the townspeople refuse to accept the truth, turn against Stockman, and brand him “enemy of the people.” Now a similar drama is being played out in California where wealthy polluters are trying to convince voters to repeal the state’s clean air act (AB 32).
In 2006, California Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 32 after the legislature had passed it with strong (Democratic) majorities. The Global Warming Solutions Act mandates a timetable to bring California into compliance with the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol and reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. At the time Schwarzenegger said, “When I campaigned for governor three years ago, I said I wanted to make California No. 1 in the fight against global warming… [AB32] is good for businesses.”
Despite the support of the “Governator,” California Republicans steadfastly opposed the bill and this year placed an initiative, (Proposition 23), on the November ballot that would “freeze the provisions of AB 32 until California's unemployment rate drops to 5.5% or below for four consecutive quarters.” This would kill the clean air bill, as California’s unemployment rate is 12.4 per cent and has dropped to 5.5% only three times in the last forty years.
Conservatives argue that AB 32 is a “job killer” and have raised $8.2 million in support of Proposition 23. $1 million was contributed by the infamous Koch brothers — who helped start the Tea Party movement. Almost $7 million came from two Texas oil companies, Tesoro and Valero, who have repeatedly violated California pollution laws.
For the Koch brothers, Tesoro, and Valero opposition to emissions control is a business decision. For Republicans it has become a key political strategy. The GOP has taken the position that global climate change is a hoax: “Of the 20 serious GOP Senate challengers who have taken a position, 19 have declared that the science of climate change is inconclusive or flat-out incorrect.” (Republicans take this position regardless of overwhelming evidence to the contrary; for example, the terrible weather of the past summer when one-third of Pakistan went underwater. “When the nonpartisan National Academy of Sciences last reviewed [climate changed data], it concluded: ‘A strong, credible body of scientific evidence shows that climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and poses significant risks for a broad range of human and natural systems.")
Fortunately for California, there’s a broad base of support to defeat Proposition 23 and retain The Global Warming Solutions Act. Republican George Shultz, Ronald Reagan’s Secretary of State, is chairman of the campaign to defeat Proposition 23. In addition to environmental groups and liberals of all persuasions the “No on 23” campaign has the support of cutting edge business people such as Thomas Steyer, founder of hedge fund Farallon Capital Management, who believes that “there is a huge clean energy revolution going on” and AB 32 will create jobs.
Governor Schwarzenegger is actively campaigning to defeat Proposition 23. “Today, Valero and Tesoro are in a conspiracy… Does anyone think in their black oil company hearts that they want to create jobs?” Other Republican candidates have split on Proposition 23. Senatorial candidate Carly Fiorina supports it, saying AB 32 is “undoubtedly a job killer” and has accepted campaign funds from a Koch PAC. Gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman dubbed parts of AB 32 “job killing” but waffled, saying she would vote no on Proposition 32 but if elected Governor would delay the implementation timetable until the California economy improved.
In addition to corporate greed, the opposition to The Global Warming Solutions Act is based on two contentions: AB 32 will cost jobs and raise energy prices. Climate Progress fact checked these contentions and found them both to be false. It’s Proposition 23 that’s the job-killer: “ failing to implement greenhouse gas policies will lead to increases in fossil fuel prices that will lower GSP [Gross State Product] by over $80 billion and offer 626,000 fewer jobs.” In contrast, California’s emphasis on renewable energy and energy efficiency will create an estimated 112,000 jobs.
Rather than raise energy prices, AB 32 will reduce them: “Between now and 2020, without implementation of [AB 32], private electricity costs in California will be up to $100 per person higher in 2020.”
The latest California Field Poll shows that opponents of Proposition 23 outnumber supporters by eleven points – 45 to 34 percent. But there are a significant number of undecided voters and the barrage of polluter-funded deceptive ads is just starting.
Will the Enemy of the People scenario play out again? Will voters buy the false arguments of wealthy polluters and vote against their own best interests? Stay tuned.
Bob Burnett is a Berkeley writer. He can be reached at bobburnett@comcast.net
Eclectic Rants: The Demise of Don't Ask, Don't Tell?
By Ralph E. Stone
Friday October 15, 2010 - 06:02:00 PM
On October 12, 2010, Judge Virginia A. Phillips of the Federal District Court for the Central District of California issued a nationwide injunction banning enforcement of "don’t ask, don’t tell" (DADT), the law that prohibits openly gay men and women from serving in the military. Thus, the court in Log Cabin Republicans v. United States of America stopped the 17-year ban on openly gay servicemen and women under which some 14,000 gays and lesbians have been discharged from the military when their sexual orientation was disclosed. The DADT policy passed during the Clinton administration was a cowardly compromise that satisfied no one. The court ruled that the policy regarding gays serving in the military violated service members' Fifth Amendment rights to due process and freedom of speech.
This decision comes on the heels of the federal district court decision in Witt v. U.S. Air Force where Major Margaret Witt, a decorated flight nurse, was discharged from the Air Force under the DADT policy for engaging in "homosexual conduct." The Court found that Major Witt’s sexual orientation does not negatively impact unit morale or cohesion and ordered her reinstated. This ruling, however, only applies to Major Witt.
On May 27, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to act to end DADT with an amendment to the proposed Department of Defense appropriations bill, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Amendment). The Amendment sets forth a two-step plan that would lead to the repeal of the policy, starting with the delivery of a “Working Group” report by the Pentagon on the implementation of the repeal to Defense Secretary Robert Gates by no later than December 1, 2010. The report and its recommendations, once approved and certified by the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the President, would then be sent to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. Action on the repeal of DADT could possibly occur in the first quarter of 2011. It is unclear why the current proposal for repeal will go into effect only after the $5 million Pentagon study is received on December 1. It is also unclear what will happen if the study recommends against repeal.
What's to study anyway? Consider there are about 30 countries in the world, including nearly all of the NATO members, as well as South Africa, Brazil, and the Philippines that allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military. And on May 16, 2010, representatives from Great Britain, Canada, Australia, Israel, and the Netherlands met at the Brookings Institute to discuss how the militaries in those countries handled allowing gays and lesbians to serve in their militaries. The consensus was that, in spite of concerns before the change, when gays and lesbians were allowed to serve, it was a non-issue.
In 2000, Aaron Belkin, a political science professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Melissa Sheridan Embser-Herbert, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, and Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology at Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, co-authored an exhaustive 44-page study on Canada, which, after a series of lawsuits in 1991, changed its policies to allow gays to openly serve in the military. The study, which at the time was regarded as the most comprehensive academic study of homosexuality in a foreign military ever completed, concluded that the change in policy had "not led to any change in military performance, unit cohesion, or discipline."
According to a May 2010 CNN poll, 78 percent of Americans support openly gay people serving in the U.S. military.
What are the political implications of judge Phillips decision? Uncertain. The above poll seems to indicate that repeal of DADT would be a non-issue in the mid-term elections. The government will likely seek a stay of Judge Phillips' decision, which would preserve the status quo until after the November 2, mid-term elections. If the decision is appealed, the court of appeals may wait for action on the Amendment mentioned above. If Congress ultimately ends DADT, then the case may be moot. If Congress does not pass the Amendment, then the Court of Appeals, and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court, would probably decide the case.
Hopefully, the demise of DADT is near. It is the right thing to do.
Senior Power : Old enough to make a difference?
By Helen Rippier Wheeler
Friday October 15, 2010 - 04:39:00 PM
Ten years ago there were 3,595,658 persons aged 65 and older living in California-- 10.6% of the population. T he Berkeley Daily Planet (November 1, 2000) front-paged my “Old enough to make a difference” article regarding the then-upcoming election.
I contended that senior citizens would make a difference on election day in November 2000. I asked a diverse group of seniors about their voting preferences and concerns. Ten years ago most opposed State Proposition 38, school vouchers, but supported Berkeley Measures R, the warm water pool, eviction controls and County Measure B/transportation funding. No one mentioned Bush-Gore.
Several of my interviewees from 2000 are no longer. Joe Dallas, a World War II Merchant Marine veteran, declared firmly that he never voted, didn’t believe in it. He had bought the argument that one’s vote doesn’t matter. Nancy Blumenstock, a founding mother of Berkeley-based Editcetera, a former UC Press editor with World War II top secret clearance, was voting by absentee ballot for Berkeley Measures R “extremely important,” she said, “...although I doubt it would protect me, a project-based Section 8 tenant.” About State Proposition 36/drug treatment and probation instead of incarceration, Nancy believed “jail serves no purpose whatever.” About County Measure B, “I am disabled and rely on taxi scrip.” Did she listen to the Presidential debates? She “carefully avoided them!”
As for me in 2000, I had already voted, using the then-new electronic voting machine at the City Clerk’s office. The City Clerk’s office will not be functioning as a polling place in 2010, although there is a ballot box where people can drop off their vote-by-mail ballots if they wish. Although the primary voting system is a hand-marked ballot read by a scanner, there should also be a touch-screen machine at polling places. For more information on voting as well as Berkeley’s quick link to Election Information, consult the County Registrar of Voters website. .
A decade later, Election Day, November 2, 2010 looms, and again I am informally surveying seniors’ preferences and voting plans. Now there are 4,139,706 persons who are 65 years old and older living in California-- 11.2% of the population… plus boomers. (The U. S. Census Bureau considers a baby boomer to be someone born during the demographic birth boom between 1946 and 1964.)
At the end of September 2010, eighty year old Dorothy Bryant responds that she votes by mail (not “absentee”, she reminds me). She lives in Council District #3, which is not involved in this election. (Districts 1,4,7 and 8 are.) Dorothy usually votes ‘yes’ on anything for schools. She is not retired – “still writing” – although not involved in volunteer activities. She regularly attends George Yoshida’s Tai Chi class at South Berkeley Senior Center.
One of my senior sources is despondent about seniors’ lack of power and responds: “I am afraid that the midterm voting doesn't really stir me. I am always an independent skeptic and more so when I look at the current political scene. Just look at the North Berkeley Senior Center management and see the terrible triumph of bureaucratic indifference and complacency. … prefer to work outside the system altogether.”
I query a 53 year old boomer (considers himself “near-senior disabled”) who does not vote absentee because “I don't know who is recommended in the small elections until the last minute.” He’s not that enthusiastic in the Brown/Whitman and Boxer/Fiorina arena – doesn’t want to see the election “bought.” Feels better about Boxer than Brown, however. Will be voting for Kriss Worthington. When able, volunteer activities involve him in low-income tenant organizing.
Eighty-four year old, retired Harry Siitonen lives in Strawberry Creek Lodge, doesn’t attend senior centers regularly, and votes by mail. His volunteer activities relate to labor and the community. “On elections, I'm registered Peace& Freedom and will vote for most of its state candidates to help keep the party on the ballot. But in the case of Governor and Senator I'll opt for Brown and Boxer this time because the races are too close to call. I enjoyed a recent headline: ‘Dems to Voters: You May Hate Us But the GOP Is Worse.’ Pretty much sums up my sentiments.” Although not a resident of Kriss Worthington’s Council district (#4), Harry had just sent him a campaign contribution because “he’s up against stiff opposition. Hope to send Jesse Arreguin one too. Kriss and Jesse are the only true progressives on the Council. On local Propositions, I intend to vote NO on R [downtown area plan]. It's a developer scam supported by the Bates machine. The rest I'll need to study in more detail before deciding.”
Lavender Seniors’ Pam Spevack is seventy years old, from Oakland, “still working in social services.” When asked about “Whitman or Brown? Fiorina or Boxer? et al,” Pam declared “NONE of these; you left out the other Parties which I find offense and damaging to democracy. The Green Party has wonderful candidates, you need to be more informed! Many are in Berkeley…” Regarding Measure S - Tax on Cannabis Businesses: “yes tax it”. Regarding Measure T - Amendments to Medical Cannabis Regulations: “not sure, but Yes on 19, why did you not include the state Proposition too?”
Gray Panthers activist Avis Worthington votes in person. Seventy-nine and retired, she’s involved, she says, in “too many” volunteer activities. Again, it’s Brown and Boxer. Her thinking on Berkeley General Municipal measures: She’s planning on voting for Measure R – a Downtown Area Plan; S – Tax on Cannabis businesses; T Amendments to Medical Cannabis Regulations; H School facilities parcel tax; and I School facilities bond “if it doesn’t cause more bond interest debt payments than we can afford.”
Be sure to read Lydia Gans’ “ Draconian Budget Cuts to Senior and Disabled Programs ” in last week’s Planet, posted on Wednesday, October 13, 2010.
xxxx
All candidates had the opportunity to provide Senior Power readers, by October 13, a statement of their platforms regarding senior citizens, and if running for re-election, highlights of their record on issues important to seniors. I received two responses: one from Boxer’s campaign and one from candidate Hashimoto. What, if anything, does this response say about candidates? That they don’t read newspapers? … don’t read the weekly Berkeley Daily Planet online newspaper? …don’t read columns? That they don’t recruit capable campaign staffers? That they don’t regard the concerns of senior citizens as highly as those of other population segments? The answer probably is that they don’t read “Senior Power.”
Barbara Boxer, Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate from California, provided two-pages describing “Highlights of Barbara Boxer’s record on issues important to seniors.” It includes having “voted against all efforts to privatize social security.” She “is a cosponsor of legislation to double to $2 billion the amount allocated to the National Institutes for Health for Alzheimer’s research;” cosponsored comprehensive legislation to crack down on elder abuse, which passed as part of the health care reform law. “The Elder Justice Act will increase prevention, detention and prosecution of these crimes.” She introduced the first amendments to close a gap in Medicare Part D coverage (the donut hole); voted against an effort to eliminate federal nursing home standards; and voted for an amendment to create a family caregiver tax credit.
Gerald Hashimoto, Republican candidate, 9th Congressional District, wrote to Senior Power, “My website has 2 position papers relevant to senior citizens: ‘Social Security is Generational Theft’ and ‘How to Save Social Security.’ www.geraldforcongress.com, click on ‘Issues.’ Social Security and Medicare, right now, are OK. In a decade or two it will be broken and will not be able to keep up the checks. Current recipients and those about to retire must be grandfathered in. You are good. Your grandchildren and perhaps children, however, are a different story. We cannot afford to give them what current retirees are getting. Simply kicking up the eligibility age is the simplest solution. This is what we did during the Reagan Presidency … I would support doing it again. A more effective solution is to combine Medicare and Social Security and covert the combo away from a ‘defined benefits’ program into a ‘defined contribution’ plan, not unlike union retirement plans. It would be like a 401K: for each dollar you save, Uncle Sam will match it, up to a certain point. Then, when you retire, your money is your own and totally independent of the government. Voila: Uncle Sam no longer pays SSI or Medicare payments. This would also save current retirees, since the newer retirees would not need payments from the SSI Trust Fund, leaving all of the assets for those who are grandfathered in.”
Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965) got it right: “I'm not an old, experienced hand at politics. But I am now seasoned enough to have learned that the hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning.”
Elders in the news:
Sixty-three year-old Mario Gomez, who suffers from silicosis, is the oldest of the 33 men who were trapped in La Mina San Jose (San Jose Mine), a Chilean gold and cooper mine. The ninth to be rescued in El Milagro en la Mina (Miracle in the Mine), he was the oldest and possibly the most experienced of the 33 miners trapped nearly a half-mile underground. A miner since he was twelve years old, Gomez is missing three fingers on his left hand from a mine accident. He suffers from silicosis, a lung disease common to miners. He made the ascent wearing an oxygen mask, and was already on antibiotics and medicine for a bronchial inflammation. He began to "feel strong explosions" in the shafts surrounding him, his sister said, and started panicking that another cave-in was imminent. "He said, 'They needed to get us out right away,' " his sister, Eva Gomez, 61, recounted after his rescue. When he finally surfaced, he dropped to the ground in prayer. His wife, Lila, who had been saying for weeks that she wanted Gomez to retire, reached down and lifted him up from his knees before he was hospitalized with pneumonia.
Sixty-three year old Barnum Anthony Hornbeak pled guilty to killing his wife during a Cambodian good luck ceremony in their home. One count of second-degree murder was part of a plea bargain reached during proceedings in San Bernardino Superior Court. Family members had gathered for the religious ceremony. Hornbeak tried to ask his wife, 52-year-old Tha Vann, some questions, but she ignored him. Hornbeak walked out to his van, returned with a revolver, calmly shot his wife in the head, and called 9-1-1 to report that he had shot his wife. [“Man pleads guilty to wife's death during Cambodian ceremony” by Mike Cruz, October 10,2010 San Bernardino and the Inland Empire The Sun]
The California Senior Legislature (CSL)’s annual legislative session takes place in Sacramento, Tuesday and Wednesday, October 26 – 28, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, October 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. are usually televised as well. Then on Thursday, October 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers. Watch for replay on California Channel.
Helen Rippier Wheeler can be reached at pen136@dslextreme.com
No email attachments; use “Senior Power” for subject.
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Arts & Events
Stage-San Francisco Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:50:00 PM
AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER
"Scapin," by Moliere, through Oct. 23, 8 p.m. Tue.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Wed., Sat.-Sun. Check website for exact dates and times. Directed by Bill Irwin. $10 and up; check website for special deals and events.
Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. (415) 749-2228, www.actsf. org.<
BEACH BLANKET BABYLON This long-running musical follows Snow White as she sings and dances her way around the world in search of her prince. Along the way she encounters many of the personalities in today's headlines, including Nancy Pelosi, Condoleezza Rice, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harry Potter, Tiger Woods, Oprah Winfrey, Britney Spears, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, Hillary Clinton, George and Laura Bush, Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, Tom Cruise, Angelina, characters from Brokeback Mountain and Paris Hilton. Persons under 21 are not admitted to evening performances, but are welcome to Sunday matinees.
"Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon," ongoing. 8 p.m. Wed. - Thurs.; 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Fri. - Sat.; 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sun.
$25-$78. Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (formerly Green Street), San Francisco. (415) 421-4222, www.beachblanketbabylon.com.<
CHANCELLOR HOTEL UNION SQUARE
"Eccentrics of San Francisco's Barbary Coast," ongoing. 8 p.m. Fri. -Sat. Audiences gather for a 90-minute show abounding with local anecdotes and lore presented by captivating and consummate conjurers and taletellers. $30.
433 Powell St., San Francisco. (877) 784-6835, www.chancellorhotel.com.<
CLIMATE THEATRE
"The Clown Cabaret at the Climate," ongoing. 7 and 9 p.m. First Monday of the month. 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.<
KIMO'S BAR
"Fauxgirls," ongoing. 10 p.m. Every third Saturday. Drag cabaret revue features San Francisco's finest female impersonators. Free. (415) 695-1239, www.fauxgirls.com.
1351 Polk St., San Francisco. (415) 885-4535, www.kimosbarsf.com.<
THE MARSH
"The Mock Cafe," ongoing. 10 p.m. Saturdays. Stand-up comedy performances. $7.
"The Monday Night Marsh," ongoing. 8 p.m. Mondays. An ongoing series of works-in-progress. $7.
1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. (415) 826-5750, www.themarsh.org.<
NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER
"Anita Bryant Died For Your Sins," by Brian Christopher Williams, through Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat; 2 p.m. Sun. $24.
25 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org.<
SAN FRANCISCO COMEDY COLLEGE CLUBHOUSE ongoing. (800) 838-3006, www.clubhousecomedy.com.
"Naked Comedy," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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, ongoing. A quick-paced musical about those obsessed with buying things. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. $27-$29. www.shoppingthemusical.com.
Big City Improv, ongoing. 10 p.m. Fridays.
$20. (510) 595-5597, www.bigcityimprov.com.
533 Sutter St., San Francisco. (415) 433-1227, www.sheltontheater.com or www.sheltontheater.com.<
Stage-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:49:00 PM
BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE
"Compulsion," through Oct. 31, 8 p.m. Tue. and Fri.; 7 p.m. Wed.; 2 and 8 p.m. Thu. and Sat.; 2 and 7 p.m. Sun; check website for special matinees. A new play featuring Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Mandy Patinkin. $14.50-$73.
2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949, (888) 4BR-Ttix, www.berkeleyrep.org.<
EAST BAY IMPROV
"Tired of the Same Old Song and Dance?" ongoing. 8 p.m. East Bay Improv actors perform spontaneous, impulsive and hilarious comedy on the first Saturday of every month. $8.
Pinole Community Playhouse, 601 Tennent Ave., Pinole. (510) 964-0571, www.eastbayimprov.com.<
THE MARSH BERKELEY
"Loveland," by Ann Rudolph, through Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Fri.; 5 p.m. Sat. $20-$50.
2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. Info: (800) 838-3006, Tickets: (800) 838-3006, www.themarsh.org.<
SS RED OAK VICTORY
"Rivets," by Kathryn G. McCarty and Mitchell Covington, through Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Directed by Kathryn G. McCarty. $25-$30.
Port of Richmond, 1337 Canal Blvd., Richmond. www.ssredoakvictory.org/history.htm.<
Professional Dance-San Francisco Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:47:00 PM
COUNTERPULSE
"2nd Sundays," ongoing. 2-4 p.m. Sun. Sept. 12: Philein Wang, ZiRu Tiger Productions, Tammy Cheney, Lenora Lee. Free.
1310 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 626-2060, www.counterpulse.org.<
COWELL THEATER AT FORT MASON CENTER
"Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble: Ritwal," Oct. 23, 2 and 7 p.m. New works designed to showcase Pilipino American cultures. $25. www.likha.org.
Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco. (415) 345-7575, www.fortmason.org.<
ODC THEATER
"ODC/Dance: Rebetiko and Our Body Remembers," through Oct. 24 and Oct. 28 through Oct. 24, 8 p.m. New works by Kunst-Stoff and LEVYdance. $18.
3153 17th St., San Francisco. (415) 863-9834, www.odctheater.org.<
PENA PACHAMAMA
"Flamenco Thursdays" with Carola Zertuche, ongoing. 8:30 p.m. Thursdays Music and dance with performers of traditional flamenco. $10.
Brisas de Espana Ballet Flamenco, ongoing. 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. Sun.
$10-$15.
For ages 21 and older. 1630 Powell St., San Francisco. (415) 646-0018, www.penapachamama.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.
"Alonzo King Lines Ballet presents Scheherazade," through Oct. 24. New works by Zakir Hussain. See website for exact times and prices. www.linesballet.org.
$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.<
Readings-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:47:00 PM
A GREAT GOOD PLACE FOR BOOKS
Gish Jen, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. "World and Town.''
Myla Goldberg, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. "The False Friend.''
6120 LaSalle Ave., Oakland. (510) 339-8210, www.ggpbooks.com.<
BOOKS INC., ALAMEDA
Lisa Quinn, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. "Life's Too Short To Fold Fitted Sheets.''
Kim Euell, Robert Alexander, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. "The Boom Box Gallery: Theater for the Hip Hop Generation.''
Free. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1344 Park St., Alameda. (510) 522-2226, www.booksinc.net.<
BOOKS INC., BERKELEY
Charles Burns, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. "X'ed Out.''
Jeff Greenwald, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. "Snake Lake.''
Anne Bannon, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. Author talks about her Beebo Brinker series.
1760 4th Street, Berkeley. (510) 525-7777, www.booksinc.net.<
DIESEL, A BOOKSTORE
"Poetry Flash," Oct. 24, 3 p.m. Featuring: Matthew Zapruder, Steve Healey and Michael Earl Craig.
5433 College Avenue, Oakland. (510) 653-9965.<
MOE'S BOOKS
Stephen Elliott, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. "The Adderall Diaries.''
Julie Lindlow, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. "Left in the Dark: Potraits of San Francisco Movie Theatres.''
10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Readings take place at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2476 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2087, www.moesbooks.com.<
MRS. DALLOWAY'S
Raina Telgemeier, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. "Smile.''
Judy Yung, Oct. 23, 4 p.m. "Angel Island.''
Ross Craig, Oct. 24, 4 p.m. "Western Hills Nursery: Place Passing Into Time.''
"Are We Born Racist?" Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center presents its new anthology. Readers include Meredith Maran, Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton, Jason Marsh and more.
Charles Olken, Joseph Furstenthal, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. "The New Connoisseurs' Guidebook to California Wine and Wineries.''
Allen Parsley, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. "Doc Be Nimble.''
2904 College Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 704-8222.<
ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Leslie Marmon Silko, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. "The Turquoise Ledge.'' $10-$12.
114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. <
Popmusic-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:46:00 PM
924 GILMAN ST. All ages welcome.
Universal Order of Armageddon, Graf Orlock, Godstomper, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. $8.
Attitude Adjustment, Resistant Culture, One In the Chamber, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. $10.
Mad Sin, The Phenomenauts, Plan 9, No Alternative, The Howlers, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. $13.
$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.<
ALBATROSS PUB
Whiskey Brothers, ongoing. 9 p.m. First and third Wednesdays.
Free.
George Cotsirilos Jazz Trio, Oct. 30, 9:30 p.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
The Kathy Kallick Band, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. $10.
KT and The Wicked Gents, Oct. 23, 8 p.m.
Blues Jam, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.
Mal Sharpe's Big Money in Jazz Band, Oct. 28, 8 p.m.
Nez B and Bass Culture, Oct. 29, 8 p.m.
The Soul Goblins of Transylvania, Oct. 30, 8 p.m.
707 Marina Vista Ave., Martinez. (925) 228-6985, www.armandosmartinez.com.<
ART HOUSE GALLERY
"A Hippie Halloween Costume and Dance Party," Oct. 30, 7 p.m. $10.
2905 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 472-3170.<
ASHKENAZ
Heavyweight Dub Champion with Azeem, Oct. 23, 8:30 p.m. $12-$15.
Big Sound Family, Oct. 24. $10-$20.
Octopretzel, Oct. 24, 3 p.m. $4-$6.
Zydeco Flames, Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m. $10.
Sang Matiz, Borucoe, Oct. 27, 9 p.m. $10.
Mondo Muzik Night Halloween Special, Oct. 28.
Ousseynou Kouyate and The Manding Jali Band, Oct. 29, 9:30 p.m. $10-$13.
Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums, Miss Carmen Getit, Oct. 30, 9 p.m. $10-$13.
"Grateful Dead Halloween Costume Party," Oct. 31, 8:30 p.m. $10-$12.
"Halloween Cabaret Kids' Series," Oct. 31, 3 p.m. $4-$6.
1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.<
BECKETT'S IRISH PUB
The Green Machine, Oct. 22.
Paul Manousos, Oct. 23.
The Trio of Doom, Oct. 27.
Mojo Stew, Oct. 28.
The P-PL, Oct. 29.
Matt Lucas, Oct. 30.
Free. Shows at 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2271 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 647-1790, www.beckettsirishpub.com.<
BLAKE'S ON TELEGRAPH
Graham Patzner, The Help, Nine Wives, Japhy Riddle, Oct. 23, 9 p.m.
No_Fires, Animolia, The Revelries, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m.
Silk E, The Understudies, Oct. 29, 9 p.m.
For ages 18 and older unless otherwise noted. Music begins at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2367 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. (510) 848-0886, www.blakesontelegraph.com.<
CHOUINARD VINEYARDS AND WINERY The winery features an exhibit of stone craft and baskets honoring the rich culture of the Ohlone Indians. Palomares Canyon was a summer home to the Ohlone Indians. The exhibit also includes historical photos and artifacts that document more recent colorful inhabitants to the canyon."Music at Chouinard," ongoing. 4:30-8:30 p.m. on select Sundays June-August. The rest of the year features live music in the tasting room on the second Sunday of each month. Enjoy the best of Bay Area artists at Chouinard. Bring your own gourmet picnic (no outside alcoholic beverages). Wines are available for tasting and sales.
$40 per car.
Free. Tasting Room: Saturdays-Sundays, noon-5 p.m. 33853 Palomares Road, Castro Valley. (510) 582-9900, www.chouinard.com.<
FOX THEATER
Lady Antebellum, David Nail, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. $39.50.
Gov't Mule, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. $35.
1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 452-0438, www.thefoxoakland.com.<
FREIGHT AND SALVAGE
"Freight Open Mic," ongoing. Tuesdays. $4.50-$5.50.
Capathia Jenkins and Louis Rosen, Oct. 22. $20.50-$21.50.
Country Joe McDonald, Oct. 23. $22.50-$23.50.
Upsurge!, Oct. 24. $18.50-$19.50.
Rootstock Percussion Fest III, Oct. 25. $8.50-$9.50.
Peter Mulvey, Jeffrey Foucault, Oct. 26. $18.50-$19.50.
Richard Smith, Oct. 27. $18.50-$19.50.
Hot Rize, Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers, Oct. 28. $30.50-$31.50.
Reilly and Maloney, Oct. 29. $20.50-$21.50.
Wake The Dead, Oct. 30. $22.50-$23.50.
Take The Stage Fall Showcase, Oct. 31, 2 p.m. $8.50-$9.50.
Music starts at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 548-1761, www.freightandsalvage.org.<
JAZZSCHOOL
Ellen Robinson, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. $15.
The Susan Pittson Quartet, Oct. 23, 8 p.m. $15.
Clockwork, Oct. 24, 4:30 p.m. $15.
Vocal Jam Session, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. $5-$10.
Bill Bell, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. $15.
Halloween Celebration with the Susan Muscarella Trio, Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m. $18.
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," ongoing. 5 p.m. Sundays. A weekly bluegrass and Americana series.
"Jazzschool Tuesdays," ongoing. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Featuring the ensembles from the Berkeley Jazzschool. www.jazzschool.com.
Socket, Oct. 22.
Citizens Quartet, Oct. 23.
Mountain Fire, Oct. 24, 5 p.m.
DJ fflood, Oct. 28.
George Lacson, Oct. 29.
Dana Salzman Quartet, Oct. 30.
Quinn Deveaux and the Blue Beat Review, The California Honeydrops, Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m.
8 p.m. 2181 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 843-8277, www.jupiterbeer.com.<
KIMBALL'S CARNIVAL
"Monday Blues Legends Night," ongoing. 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. <
THE NEW PARISH
Brass Menazeri, Oct. 22, 9 p.m. Ages 18+. $8-$10.
Elf Power, Still Flyin' Oct. 24, 9 p.m. $12.
Halloween Masquerade Party with Lumerians, Oct. 30, 9 p.m. $10-$15.
579 18th St., Oakland. (510) 444-7474, www.thenewparish.com.<
ORACLE ARENA
Shakira, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. $9-$142.50.
Gorillaz, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. $47.25-$85.25.
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. (510) 625-8497, (925) 685-8497, (415) 421-8497, www.ticketmaster.com or www.theoaklandarena.com.<
ROUND TABLE PIZZA
East Bay Banjo Club, ongoing. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays.
Free.
1938 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. (925) 930-9004.<
SHATTUCK DOWN LOW For ages 21 and older.
"Live Salsa," ongoing. Wednesdays. An evening of dancing to the music of a live salsa band. Salsa dance lessons from 8-9:30 p.m. $5-$10.
"Thirsty Thursdays," ongoing. 9 p.m. Thursdays. Featuring DJ Vickity Slick and Franky Fresh. Free.
Native Elements, Ras Kidus, Oct. 22, 9 p.m. $8-$10.
Murs, Oct. 23, 9 p.m. $15-$20.
Winstrong, Oct. 24, 9 p.m.
Montuno Swing, Oct. 27, 8 p.m.
Damn Gina, Oct. 28, 9 p.m.
Rattlesnakes, Caldecott, Spooky Flowers and Ansel, Oct. 29, 9 p.m.
"King of King's Halloween Bash," Oct. 31, 9 p.m.
2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 548-1159, www.shattuckdownlow.com.<
STARRY PLOUGH PUB
The Starry Irish Music Session led by Shay Black, ongoing. Sundays, 8 p.m. Sliding scale.
The Heavy Guilt, Shady Maples, K I Nicholas, Oct. 23, 9 p.m.
The Riot Professor, Lovers, John Richardson Band, Oct. 28.
Uromastyx, The Jigsaw Seen, Ash Reiter, Oct. 29, 9 p.m.
Murder Ballad, Oct. 30, 9 p.m.
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
Soul Clap, Oct. 22, 9 p.m. $5.
Flash Gilmore and the FunBeatles, Oct. 23, 9 p.m. $7.
Mickey Avalon, Oct. 24, 8 p.m. $20-$25.
Wayne Hancock, Oct. 28, 9 p.m. $12.
Hella Gay, Oct. 29, 9 p.m. $7.
"Helloween Bash," Oct. 30, 9 p.m. $10.
1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 451-8100, www.uptownnightclub.com.<
YOSHI'S
Bilal, Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, 8 and 10 p.m. $20-$30.
Raiatea Helm, Oct. 24, 2 and 7 p.m. $5-$20.
Scott Amendola Trio, Oct. 25, 8 and 10 p.m. $12-$16.
Sebastian Schunke, Oct. 26, 8 p.m. $12.
Harvey Wainapel's Alegritude, Oct. 27, 8 p.m. $12.
Howard Hewett, Oct. 28 through Oct. 30, 8 and 10 p.m. $24-$28.
Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion, Oct. 31, 7 p.m. $18.
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.<
Classical Music-San Francisco Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:35:00 PM
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," ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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.
$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.legionofhonor.org.<
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
"Le Nozze di Figaro," by Mozart, through Oct. 22. Nicola Luisotti conducts. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. Sept. 21, 8 p.m.; Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 25, 8 p.m.; Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 3, 2 p.m.; Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 10, 2 p.m.; Oct. 16, 8 p.m.; Oct. 22, 8 p.m. $20-$360.
"Madama Butterfly," by Giacomo Puccini, through Nov. 27. Nicola Luisotti conducts. 8 p.m. Oct. 12, 15, 23, 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 27; 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20, 26, Nov. 11, Nov. 17; 2 p.m. Nov. 14 and Nov. 21. $20-$360.
"Cyrano de Bergerac," Oct. 24 through Nov. 12. Starring Placido Domingo. See website for performance dates and times.
$25 to $245 unless otherwise noted. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 864-3330, www.sfopera.com.<
SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY
Joshua Bell, through Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Works will include Dvorak's "Carnival Overture,'' "In Nature's Realm,'' and "Othello Overture.'' $15-$150.
Daniel Harding and the Dresden Staatskapelle Orchestra, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Works by Schumann, Beethoven and Brahms. $15-$97.
Pablo Heras-Casado and Alice Sare Ott, Oct. 28 through Oct. 30, 2 p.m. Thu.; 6:30 p.m. Fri.; 8 p.m. Sat. Performing Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1. $15-$140.
"Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde," Oct. 31, 8 p.m. A screening of the classic silent spooky film, accompanied by live organ and percussion. $20-$55.
"San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra," Oct. 31, 2 p.m. Pieces performed include Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1. $12-$45.
$25-$130. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org.<
ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL
"Sunday Afternoon Recitals," ongoing. 3:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Sept. 5: Travis Baker.
Sept. 12: Christoph Tietze.
$5 suggested donation. 1111 Gough St., San Francisco. (415) 567-2020, www.stmarycathedralsf.org.<
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.
Kronos Quartet, Oct. 28 and Oct. 29. A performance of "Black Angels'' and other works. $10-$30.
$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.<
Classical Music-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:34:00 PM
ARLINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH
John Boyajy, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Works by Mozart and Beethoven. $20-$35.
52 Arlington Ave., Kensington. <
CAL PERFORMANCES All performances in Zellerbach Hall unless otherwise noted.
Jeremy Denk, Oct. 24, 3 p.m. Works by Gyorgy Ligeti and Bach. $42.
Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 642-9988, www.calperformances.net.<
CROWDEN MUSIC CENTER
"Very First Concerts," Oct. 24, 11 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 12:20 p.m. Concerts featuring a central theme, short selections, and hands-on activities geared towards families with young children.
1475 Rose St., Berkeley. (510) 559-6910, www.crowden.org.<
FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER
"Ceremony of Cellos," Oct. 24, 3-5 p.m. Lead by Dan Reiter, principal cell of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. $16-$24.
4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. (925) 931-4848, www.firehousearts.org.<
ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
"Mozart Requiem and Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4," Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. Performed by Bay Area Classical Harmonies. $28-$35.
John Boyajy, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. Works by Mozart and Beethoven. $20-$35.
114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. <
Aestheticism and Existential Crisis: "Thin Red Line" and "Darjeeling Limited"
Wednesday October 20, 2010 - 02:41:00 PM
Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan soaked up most of the cinematic spotlight in 1998. And though that film's opening sequence, depicting the chaos, horror, bravery and bloodshed of the storming of the beach at Normandy, was a stunning, emotional tour de force, the rest of the film unfortunately slipped into Spielberg's usual stew of simplistic, populist plotlines and heavy-handed emotionalism, not to mention an overpowering dose of John Williams' melodramatic orchestration. It may have made for a decent evening's entertainment, but fell far short of its goal of transforming the drama and history of World War II into a piece of artwork for the ages.
Terrence Malick, on the other hand, did just that, with his stirring, poetic three-hour epic, The Thin Red Line. It received its share of attention and accolades that year, earning a spot alongside Ryan in the Academy Awards' Best Picture category, though neither took the top prize, the two World War II films losing out, in yet another bewildering Oscar outcome, to the charming but slight Shakespeare in Love.
The Thin Red Line delves deep and comes up with a powerful, ethereal experience, a meditation on man and violence. Adapted from James Jones' 1962 novel about the battle for Guadalcanal, Malick's film balances tense battle scenes with poetic interior monologues that examine and reveal the lives and emotions of soldiers on the front lines. John Toll's lush photography renders the film at once realistic and dreamlike, grounding the viewer with the ever-present dangers of war while summoning the unreality of the inner narratives of those involved, the soldiers who simultaneously take part and stand apart, charging through the underbrush while observing themselves as though from above.
Criterion has released a new two-disc edition of the film on DVD with a director- and cinematographer-approved transfer of the film. Bonus features include a commentary track by cinematographer John Toll, production designer Jack Fisk, and producer Grant Hill; interviews with editors, writers and members of the ensemble cast; outtakes and World War II newsreels; and an essay by film critic David Sterritt.
As directors go, Terrence Malick and Wes Anderson may appear to be worlds apart, but they are united in their painstaking aestheticism. Anderson, with a series of comedies that inspired a nearly cult-like following, nearly single-handedly set the mold for a new brand of independent film. And if the approach has become tedious and cliche by this point, Anderson can hardly be blamed for the lesser talents that have aped his style in a glut of second-rate knock-offs. In fact, these pale imitations have only confirmed his talents.
But still his films have always left something to be desired. For all his visual and narrative flair, the question remains as to whether Anderson has what it takes to reach the first tier of directors, or whether his brand of well-crafted white-bread neurotic comedies, backed by catchy pop soundtracks, merely renders him a next-generation John Hughes, turning out trivial entertainments for teenagers and twenty-somethings.
Anderson appeared to strive for something more with The Darjeeling Limited. While the film at first seemed to seek the same tone as Royal Tenenbaums, Darjeeling took a left turn toward the starkly dramatic. But it's an open question as to whether Anderson is pursuing a more serious approach to his work, or seeking to create a new and unique blend of existential self-examination and minimalist humor. However, Darjeeling achieves neither the breezy wit and charm of his comedies, nor the depth and power of a great drama. Nor does it make for a wholly successful or satisfying hybrid.
It does, however, provide strong evidence that none of the above is beyond Anderson's grasp. It may require him to sacrifice a bit of preciousness and pomp, to shed a few of the surface pretensions and affectations that have worked so well for him thus far, but with a little guidance from Malick and other aestheticians who have managed to merge style with substance — Yasujiro Ozu chief among them — Anderson may yet succeed in striking a truly resonant chord.
Criteron's two-disc edition includes a behind-the-scenes documentary; a discussion between Anderson and James Ivory about the soundtrack; audition footage; deleted and alternate scenes; and an essay by Richard Brody.
The Thin Red Line (1998). 171 minutes. DVD and Blu-Ray, $29.95 / $39.95. www.criterion.com.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007). 91 minutes. DVD and Blu-Ray, $29.95 / $39.95. www.criterion.com.
Four Insightful Documentaries from First Run Features
By Justin DeFreitas
Wednesday October 20, 2010 - 10:36:00 AM
Four Seasons LodgeAndrew Jacobs' wistful documentary gives us a glimpse of what may be the final summer frolic of a group of Holocaust survivors who gather each summer at a lodge in the Catskills Mountains of New York. For decades they've met here for dancing, entertainment and conversation, but this could be their last reunion, as a majority has voted to sell the property due both to the caretakers' desire to step aside, as well as to the sad fact of the group's ever-dwindling numbers.
In the wake of World War II, a group of Jewish Americans who had lost their families in the Holocaust united to form a new family; they were immigrants in a new land, looking for a bridge to the past. They purchased a 50-acre lodge and began a tradition of annual reunions. Home movies of the life of Four Seasons Lodge show the property's 52 bungalows brimming with evening-attired revelers; fireworks displays with hundreds watching from the lawn; and friends with arms about one another, mugging for the camera in the dance hall and beside the swimming pool.
But now, as the reality sinks in that this could be the final party, some express regret over the vote to sell. Sharp words are exchanged and there is much finger-pointing as Carl and Hymie, the lodge's president and vice president, are faulted for their desire to relinquish their duties. But as the group prepares to pack up at the end of the summer, possibly for the last time, the scapegoating subsides and the tears well up as the group faces the real cause of their anxiety: that after all these years, they're just not ready to give up another family. And with the clock ticking, they gather once more in the meeting hall for another vote, this time to determine just how much this family means to them, and what lengths they're willing to go to in order to keep it together.
2009. 97 minutes. $24.95. www.firstrunfeatures.com.
Léon Blum: For All Mankind
Léon Blum — socialist and leader of the Popular Front, an alliance of left-wing movements — became prime minister of France in 1936. A decent man to the core, he was respected by supporters and opponents alike. But the political climate was changing rapidly as Hitler's Nazi party grew in strength and influence, and eventually Blum, due to his socialist views and Jewish heritage, was arrested and deported by the Vichy government. Jean Bodon's documentary follows Blum's life and career, from his rise to power to his incarceration at Buchenwald, where he remained a Nazi prisoner for the duration of the war, to his triumphal return to France at war's end, when the people once again elected him prime minister
2010. 58 minutes. $24.95. www.firstrunfeatures.com.
Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train
For decades, Howard Zinn served as the public face for the faceless multitudes. The activist and historian, who authored, among other works, A People's History of the United States, dedicated his career to illuminating the lives of everyday people, acting as a voice for laborers, immigrants and minorities. He drew attention to the plight of the working poor, honored the cultural and societal contributions of the unsung, and fought against institutionalized discrimination, racism and war.
Deb Ellis and Denis Mueller document Zinn's life from his early life as a shipyard worker to his service as a bombardier in World War II, to his long career as an academic and activist. This new commemorative edition of their 2004 film comes with an hour of new material, including bonus speeches and interviews with Zinn, Studs Terkel and Daniel Ellsberg.
2004. 78 minutes. $24.95. www.firstrunfeatures.com.
Directors: Life Behind the Camera
In the earliest days of motion pictures, the director was simply the man on the crew who had nothing else to do. If you had no particular talent other than the ability to yell, you were considered qualified. Eventually the position acquired a bit more esteem, yet it was still a difficult job to define. But the it helped if you looked the part; in the first half of the silent era, it was common for a director to wear riding boots. C.B. Demille even brandished a riding crop.
If the job description has crystallized over time,
it's still a difficult job to define, for it contains so many facets: acting, staging, composition, photography,
Directors: Life Behind the Camera features 33 directors discussing the art of cinema in a sprawling, four-hour collection of interviews. Made in cooperation with the American Film Institute, the interviews span two discs and are grouped by topic, covering everything from breaking into the business to each stage of the production process. Categories include the art of scriptwriting; cinematography; the state of the industry; collaborating with actors; their own favorite films; and what they hope their legacy will be.
Directors include Robert Altman, Nora Ephron, Penny Marshall, Robert Benton, William Friedkin, Sydney Pollack, Tim Burton, Terry Gilliam, Rob Reiner, James Cameron, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Chris Columbus, Lawrence Kasdan, Ridley Scott, Wes Craven, Spike Lee, Tony Scott, Cameron Crowe, Barry Levinson, Bryan Singer, Frank Darabont, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Jonathan Demme, David Lynch, Oliver Stone, Richard Donner, Adrian Lyne, Robert Zemeckis, Clint Eastwood, Garry Marshall and David Zucker.
2006. 240 minutes. $29.95. www.firstrunfeatures.com.
Eye from the Aisle:Mary Stuart,an Experiment Gone Awry
By John A. McMullen II
Monday October 18, 2010 - 09:56:00 AM
Jessica Palopoli
Featured (L to R): Jesse Caldwell, Stephanie Gularte, Peter Ruocco.
Mark Jackson is a proven theatrical talent. With Meyerhold, Faust, and others, he has wowed this reviewer repeatedly.
MARY STUART, now playing at Shotgun Players through November 7th is a stark and colorless version of Frederick Schiller’s blank verse play about Mary, Queen of Scots, and her interrogation and execution under Queen Elizabeth I. Jackson adapted and directed, and it is a hodge-podge of acting styles, hieratic posturing, served in a bleak room. The audience loved it, and two curtain calls were demanded. I found it hard to watch, and harder to listen to.
All the history that is needed is that Mary is the niece of Henry the Eighth as his sister was her mother, and is thereby a contender for the throne (her son James does succeed Elizabeth). Elizabeth is thought to be a bastard by many since Anne Boleyn’s marriage to Henry was a little slippery with the divorce and all, so Mary is the only real rival she has. There is the religion thing, back when Catholics and Protestants were acting like Sunnis and Shiites, and Mary is a Papist. She has been run out of Scotland and seeks refuge with Elizabeth, but she seems to continue to plot against Elizabeth even while under her protection “in confinement.” Can the Virgin Queen really lop off her cousin’s head?
Mary, played by Stephanie Gularte, speaks in strident tones with less than an octave range, is dressed in gray cotton prison garb, and gives us no reason to sympathize with her plight. It was hard to care what befell her. And caring about these two women in a man’s world is the key to the emotional message of the play.
Elizabeth, played by Beth Wilmurt, speaks unemotionally in a young and flat voice more like a loan officer in Omaha than the regent who inspired “The Faerie Queen” and was surrounded by Shakespeare and Jonson’s wit and verse.
The play begins with a modern scene from any FBI drama in a contemporary interrogation room. Federal agents in suits speak in those outdated Shakespearean intonations that were never very comprehensible. That histrionic style was barely tolerable when partnered with lavish costumes and sets; in this monochromatic Orwellian chamber, it was an eye-roller. At least they were spouting Shakespeare then, but Schiller ain’t Shakespeare.
There is a lot of hollering. Any TV cop show aficionado knows that method seldom works in interrogation. Subtlety, charm, and winning over the suspect have been shown, from Law & Order to Guantanamo, to be more effective. It’s also much more entertaining and easier on the ears.
The staging is as perpendicular as the set with full fronts, full backs, and full profiles in a stylized manner. Jackson studied with Master Biomechanics instructor Gennadi Bogdanovich which, combined with his interest in Meyerhold’s performance theory, may explain parts of the staging choices.
Luckily this bombast ceases after the first long scene, and we are thrust into a royal committee meeting. Actors wear the British flag lapel pin, but speak in heartland American dialects. The detached speech patterns are the cold cadence of policy wonks or characters from the CIA TV series Rubicon—or perhaps a Mamet play about con-men who hold their cards very close to the vest. “Say the lines as simply as possible”—as Mamet instructs in his controversial acting book True and False—seems to be taken to its logical conclusion in this production.
The three raised monitor-displays reflect close-ups of the two queens. Often we see the pain and desperation in their eyes on the monitor that are not observable from mid-audience. Perhaps it is a mismatch of genres that causes this play’s artistic slippage. The direction and style might have worked well if it were video or film or if that aspect were enlarged. On the stage, the expression is too subtle and seems automaton-like.
Notable exceptions that periodically rescue the play are the performances of Scott Coopwood and John Mercer. Coopwood plays Leicester, Elizabeth’s erstwhile lover who seems also to be wooing her rival. Tall, bald, bearded, handsome, with a lush baritone, he is animated, acute, and angular is a rectilinear world. He speaks the speech facilely with alacrity so that you can understand every word and every feeling and nuance coupled with it. Philanderer and wheedler that he is, he is the only principal who reveals any humanity worth caring about.
John Mercer as Shrewsbury QE’s Chancellor* is a Brit and just as attuned to the proper delivery of classic verse as Coop. His posh Received accent almost mocks the flatland tones of the other actors by its contrast, and doubly so since this is supposed to be England, right? Were they directed to stand-out in this fashion? Did they ignore the direction and follow their gut? Were these discrepancies wholly overlooked? Or am I somehow missing the point?
(* Schiller played fast and loose with historical characters and invents some for the play.)
The real star of the show is Nina Ball’s set. Rectangles of office furniture at right angles, two doors with observable corridors (Chris Paulina’s video feed from the corridors are the most exciting parts of the play), a one-way mirror from any cop drama, the display monitors, and a string of flashing red monitor lights bring us into the world during the pre-set. The set does tricks to reveal a grassy exercise yard which gives a symbolic picture of Mary sunk low. It affords a properly uneven playing field for the confrontation between the two cousins.
The sound design of David Graves shakes your nerves and rattles your brain like a freight train in the night. Doors close with a boom, the pews of Shotgun’s Ashby Stage quake, and the sounds of terror begin as thrilling, but, by repetition, become jarring. Nobody sleeps through this play.
MARY STUART is a bold experiment that, to my eye, lacked unity and was jarring in its juxtaposition of styles and unemotional expression, but may have the seeds of something greater if reworked perhaps for another medium. I will eagerly attend Jackson’s offerings with much anticipation, and you should, too, for he is an exceptional talent.
Frederick Schiller’s MARY STUART plays through November 7.
Presented by Shotgun Players, Patrick Dooley, artistic director
At Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley (at Martin Luther King Jr. Way) across from Ashby BART station.
Tickets/info www.shotgunplayers.org or 510-841-6500 ext. 303.
Adaptation and direction by Mark Jackson, Costume Design by Christine Crook, Light Design by Jacob Petrie, Projection Design by Chris Paulina, Set Design by Nina Ball. Sound Design by David Graves, with Stage Management by Erin Searfus
WITH: Jesse Caldwell, Scott Coopwood, Stephanie Gularte, John Mercer, Peter Ruocco, Ryan Tasker, Beth Wilmurt Dara Yazdani
John A. McMullen II is a member of SFBATCC and ATCA. He is beholden to EJ Dunne’s perceptive editing. Comments, etc., to EyeFromTheAisle@gmail.com
Don't Miss This: October Surprises
By Dorothy Snodgrass
Monday October 18, 2010 - 09:02:00 AM
Ah, yes — October. Surely the most beautiful month of the year, when, as James Whitcomb Riley eloquently put it, "The frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the stock."
With the soaring temperatures in the bay area this week, "punkins" are in little danger of frost. I'm not too clear on what fodder is, but believe it refers to hay and straw. In any event, pumpkins are all over the place now — in supermarkets, drug stores and empty lots, in all shapes and sizes, lovely to behold.
With all those mind-numbing campaign commercials flooding TV for the upcoming election, it would appear that nothing else is happening in the East Bay. Fortunately, this is not the case. There are any number of entertaining and informative events out there. For one, there's the Oakland Museum "Day of the Dead" Community Celebration on Saturday, October 23, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., demonstrating the meaningful connection that can be made between a cultural organization and the community that enlivens and participates in its programs.
The Contra Costa Civic Theatre will stage the delightful "A Chorus Line" October 22nd through November 20. Located in El Cerrito at 951 Pomona Avenue, this show is certain to be a sell-out, so you'd be wise to make a reservation — (510) 524-9132.
We're all concerned about the environment, right? On Thursday, October 28th the Environmental Film Festival, a benefit for the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, will be held at 1451 66th Street, Emeryville, starting at 5 p.m. There'll be food and drink, music and prizes, and, of course, great films.
On Sunday, October 24th you can take in the East Bay 2010 Mini Maker Faire (Makers, Crafters, and Hackers) at the Park Day School Campus, 360 43rd Street, Oakland, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
And for something completely different on Sunday night, try Sonic Harvest (formerly Harvest of Song), a concert featuring works by local composers including Allen Shearer, Peter Josheff and Ann Calloway. It was formerly at the Berkeley Art Center, but this year will be at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar, at 7:30.
For you deep thinkers seeking intellectual stimulation, Ian Hacking, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, of the College de France, will speak at 4 p.m., October 27th, at the Berkeley City Club Auditorium, 2315 Durant Avenue, on "Proof, Truth, Hands and Mind." Pretty classy, wouldn't you say? Best of all, free admission!
If you're in dire need of a hearty laugh in these stressful times, you might take yourself over to San Francisco to see the A.C.T. play, "Scapin", starring Bill Irwin in a wild physical comedy and high class hilarity, described as "The Funniest Show of the Year." By going over at noon and standing in line at the Geary Box Office, you can get tickets at greatly reduced prices
Right here in Berkeley, the Shotgun Players, regarded as one of the best theatrical companies in the entire bay area, is staging "Mary Stuart", about the oft-maligned Queen of Scotland, in a hyper-modern setting. It runs through November 7 at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Avenue, directly across from the Bart Station (thus free parking).
Skipping ahead to November, the Verismo Opera Company will perform Verdi's "Rigoletto" at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar Street, November 14. $15 advance, $18 at the door.
Then of course there are those splendid Wednesday Noon Concerts at Hertz Hall on the Berkeley campus that have delighted this community for 58 years! On Wednesday,
October 27th there's be a faculty recital celebrating the bicentennial of Robert Schumann.
O.k., so tell me there's nothing much going on in October. The above events and activities should tide you over nicely, wouldn't you agree?
Press Release: Coming Soon to Berkeley: Year Round Programming from the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
From The Jewish Film Festival
Monday October 18, 2010 - 09:54:00 PM
SCHEDULE:
Thursday, October 21 at 7:30PM
Protektor
Thursday, November 18 at 7:30PM
Shelomo Selinger: Memoire de Pierre
Thursday, December 9 at 7:30PM
Amos Oz: The Nature of Dreams
This fall, the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is extending its year round programming to ‘the other side’ of the Bay Bridge, with three independent Jewish-subject films at the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay in Berkeley. These Berkeley screenings are scheduled in response to growing requests from SFJFF’s East Bay audience members.
Films screening include the visually-stunning Czech film PROTEKTOR, Thursday, October 21 at 7:30PM; the moving portrait of an artist and survivor SHELOMO SELINGER: MEMOIRES DE PIERRE, Thursday, November 18 at 7:30PM; and a documentary about Israel’s most beloved writer AMOS OZ: THE NATURE OF DREAMS, Thursday, December 9 at 7:30PM. All films are presented at the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay at 1414 Walnut Street in Berkeley, California. Tickets are $8.00 general admission and $6.00 for students, seniors, and Jewish Film Forum or JCC East Bay members. Tickets can be purchased either online at www.brownpapertickets.com beginning the first of the month prior to the screening, or at the door day-of-show. For more information, call (510) 848-0237.
First in the series is the stylized dramatic thriller PROTEKTOR (SFJFF 2010), from the Czech Republic. Marek Najbrt’s twisted love story is set against the backdrop of 1938 Prague. The film, which is in Czech with English subtitles, follows a man who seeks to protect his Jewish wife against discovery by the occupying Nazis, only to be subverted by his own weaknesses and desires. PROTEKTOR was the Czech Republic’s official submission for the foreign-language Academy Award in 2010.
SHELOMO SELINGER: MEMOIRE DE PIERRE (2010) is a meditative portrait of the Parisian-based sculptor Shelomo Selinger, who survived unspeakable horrors at nine German death camps in World War II, overcame post-traumatic amnesia in his youth, and went onto channel his remaining memories into his sculpture work. We follow Selinger on his daily early-morning trek to his studio and watch as he furiously hammers slabs of stone and wood, shaping them into his signature representations of life, hope, and remembrance. SHELOMO SELINGER: MEMOIRE DE PIERRE is a portrait both of the artist and his craft, and of the healing power of the creative process. The film, directed by Alain Bellaïche, is in French with English subtitles.
Another profile of an artist and his craft is AMOS OZ: THE NATURE OF DREAMS, which played at the 2010 San Francisco Jewish Film Festival to a sold-out audience. AMOS OZ: THE NATURE OF DREAMS, directed by Masha Zur Glozman and Yonathan Zur, is an homage to Israel’s most acclaimed and celebrated novelist and thinker. This rich documentary, made after the publication of his hugely successful memoir A Tale of Love and Forgiveness, is a loving portrait of the literary artist and the complex web of his thoughts on Zionism and history and the “culture of doubt and argument.” The film, in German and Hebrew with English subtitles, makes apparent the wisdom and insight that makes Oz an authorative voice on all that concerns him.
About the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (SFJFF), the world's oldest and largest Jewish film festival, promotes awareness and appreciation of the diversity of the Jewish people, provides a dynamic and inclusive forum for exploration of and dialogue about the Jewish experience, and encourages independent filmmakers working with Jewish themes. The SFJFF's signature summer Film Festival, year-round monthly screenings, youth mentorship program (New Jewish Filmmaking Project), publications, and online resources have made SFJFF a leader in the use of media arts to foster cultural understanding. Annually attracting more than 33,000 filmgoers, the SFJFF is world-renowned for the diversity and breadth of its audiences and films.
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, 145 Ninth Street ,Suite 200 ,San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel. 415-621-0556 Fax. 415-621-0568
E-mail. jewishfilm@sfjff.org
Senior Power : Old enough to make a difference?
By Helen Rippier Wheeler
Friday October 15, 2010 - 04:39:00 PM
Ten years ago there were 3,595,658 persons aged 65 and older living in California-- 10.6% of the population. T he Berkeley Daily Planet (November 1, 2000) front-paged my “Old enough to make a difference” article regarding the then-upcoming election.
I contended that senior citizens would make a difference on election day in November 2000. I asked a diverse group of seniors about their voting preferences and concerns. Ten years ago most opposed State Proposition 38, school vouchers, but supported Berkeley Measures R, the warm water pool, eviction controls and County Measure B/transportation funding. No one mentioned Bush-Gore.
Several of my interviewees from 2000 are no longer. Joe Dallas, a World War II Merchant Marine veteran, declared firmly that he never voted, didn’t believe in it. He had bought the argument that one’s vote doesn’t matter. Nancy Blumenstock, a founding mother of Berkeley-based Editcetera, a former UC Press editor with World War II top secret clearance, was voting by absentee ballot for Berkeley Measures R “extremely important,” she said, “...although I doubt it would protect me, a project-based Section 8 tenant.” About State Proposition 36/drug treatment and probation instead of incarceration, Nancy believed “jail serves no purpose whatever.” About County Measure B, “I am disabled and rely on taxi scrip.” Did she listen to the Presidential debates? She “carefully avoided them!”
As for me in 2000, I had already voted, using the then-new electronic voting machine at the City Clerk’s office. The City Clerk’s office will not be functioning as a polling place in 2010, although there is a ballot box where people can drop off their vote-by-mail ballots if they wish. Although the primary voting system is a hand-marked ballot read by a scanner, there should also be a touch-screen machine at polling places. For more information on voting as well as Berkeley’s quick link to Election Information, consult the County Registrar of Voters website. .
A decade later, Election Day, November 2, 2010 looms, and again I am informally surveying seniors’ preferences and voting plans. Now there are 4,139,706 persons who are 65 years old and older living in California-- 11.2% of the population… plus boomers. (The U. S. Census Bureau considers a baby boomer to be someone born during the demographic birth boom between 1946 and 1964.)
At the end of September 2010, eighty year old Dorothy Bryant responds that she votes by mail (not “absentee”, she reminds me). She lives in Council District #3, which is not involved in this election. (Districts 1,4,7 and 8 are.) Dorothy usually votes ‘yes’ on anything for schools. She is not retired – “still writing” – although not involved in volunteer activities. She regularly attends George Yoshida’s Tai Chi class at South Berkeley Senior Center.
One of my senior sources is despondent about seniors’ lack of power and responds: “I am afraid that the midterm voting doesn't really stir me. I am always an independent skeptic and more so when I look at the current political scene. Just look at the North Berkeley Senior Center management and see the terrible triumph of bureaucratic indifference and complacency. … prefer to work outside the system altogether.”
I query a 53 year old boomer (considers himself “near-senior disabled”) who does not vote absentee because “I don't know who is recommended in the small elections until the last minute.” He’s not that enthusiastic in the Brown/Whitman and Boxer/Fiorina arena – doesn’t want to see the election “bought.” Feels better about Boxer than Brown, however. Will be voting for Kriss Worthington. When able, volunteer activities involve him in low-income tenant organizing.
Eighty-four year old, retired Harry Siitonen lives in Strawberry Creek Lodge, doesn’t attend senior centers regularly, and votes by mail. His volunteer activities relate to labor and the community. “On elections, I'm registered Peace& Freedom and will vote for most of its state candidates to help keep the party on the ballot. But in the case of Governor and Senator I'll opt for Brown and Boxer this time because the races are too close to call. I enjoyed a recent headline: ‘Dems to Voters: You May Hate Us But the GOP Is Worse.’ Pretty much sums up my sentiments.” Although not a resident of Kriss Worthington’s Council district (#4), Harry had just sent him a campaign contribution because “he’s up against stiff opposition. Hope to send Jesse Arreguin one too. Kriss and Jesse are the only true progressives on the Council. On local Propositions, I intend to vote NO on R [downtown area plan]. It's a developer scam supported by the Bates machine. The rest I'll need to study in more detail before deciding.”
Lavender Seniors’ Pam Spevack is seventy years old, from Oakland, “still working in social services.” When asked about “Whitman or Brown? Fiorina or Boxer? et al,” Pam declared “NONE of these; you left out the other Parties which I find offense and damaging to democracy. The Green Party has wonderful candidates, you need to be more informed! Many are in Berkeley…” Regarding Measure S - Tax on Cannabis Businesses: “yes tax it”. Regarding Measure T - Amendments to Medical Cannabis Regulations: “not sure, but Yes on 19, why did you not include the state Proposition too?”
Gray Panthers activist Avis Worthington votes in person. Seventy-nine and retired, she’s involved, she says, in “too many” volunteer activities. Again, it’s Brown and Boxer. Her thinking on Berkeley General Municipal measures: She’s planning on voting for Measure R – a Downtown Area Plan; S – Tax on Cannabis businesses; T Amendments to Medical Cannabis Regulations; H School facilities parcel tax; and I School facilities bond “if it doesn’t cause more bond interest debt payments than we can afford.”
Be sure to read Lydia Gans’ “ Draconian Budget Cuts to Senior and Disabled Programs ” in last week’s Planet, posted on Wednesday, October 13, 2010.
xxxx
All candidates had the opportunity to provide Senior Power readers, by October 13, a statement of their platforms regarding senior citizens, and if running for re-election, highlights of their record on issues important to seniors. I received two responses: one from Boxer’s campaign and one from candidate Hashimoto. What, if anything, does this response say about candidates? That they don’t read newspapers? … don’t read the weekly Berkeley Daily Planet online newspaper? …don’t read columns? That they don’t recruit capable campaign staffers? That they don’t regard the concerns of senior citizens as highly as those of other population segments? The answer probably is that they don’t read “Senior Power.”
Barbara Boxer, Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate from California, provided two-pages describing “Highlights of Barbara Boxer’s record on issues important to seniors.” It includes having “voted against all efforts to privatize social security.” She “is a cosponsor of legislation to double to $2 billion the amount allocated to the National Institutes for Health for Alzheimer’s research;” cosponsored comprehensive legislation to crack down on elder abuse, which passed as part of the health care reform law. “The Elder Justice Act will increase prevention, detention and prosecution of these crimes.” She introduced the first amendments to close a gap in Medicare Part D coverage (the donut hole); voted against an effort to eliminate federal nursing home standards; and voted for an amendment to create a family caregiver tax credit.
Gerald Hashimoto, Republican candidate, 9th Congressional District, wrote to Senior Power, “My website has 2 position papers relevant to senior citizens: ‘Social Security is Generational Theft’ and ‘How to Save Social Security.’ www.geraldforcongress.com, click on ‘Issues.’ Social Security and Medicare, right now, are OK. In a decade or two it will be broken and will not be able to keep up the checks. Current recipients and those about to retire must be grandfathered in. You are good. Your grandchildren and perhaps children, however, are a different story. We cannot afford to give them what current retirees are getting. Simply kicking up the eligibility age is the simplest solution. This is what we did during the Reagan Presidency … I would support doing it again. A more effective solution is to combine Medicare and Social Security and covert the combo away from a ‘defined benefits’ program into a ‘defined contribution’ plan, not unlike union retirement plans. It would be like a 401K: for each dollar you save, Uncle Sam will match it, up to a certain point. Then, when you retire, your money is your own and totally independent of the government. Voila: Uncle Sam no longer pays SSI or Medicare payments. This would also save current retirees, since the newer retirees would not need payments from the SSI Trust Fund, leaving all of the assets for those who are grandfathered in.”
Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965) got it right: “I'm not an old, experienced hand at politics. But I am now seasoned enough to have learned that the hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning.”
Elders in the news:
Sixty-three year-old Mario Gomez, who suffers from silicosis, is the oldest of the 33 men who were trapped in La Mina San Jose (San Jose Mine), a Chilean gold and cooper mine. The ninth to be rescued in El Milagro en la Mina (Miracle in the Mine), he was the oldest and possibly the most experienced of the 33 miners trapped nearly a half-mile underground. A miner since he was twelve years old, Gomez is missing three fingers on his left hand from a mine accident. He suffers from silicosis, a lung disease common to miners. He made the ascent wearing an oxygen mask, and was already on antibiotics and medicine for a bronchial inflammation. He began to "feel strong explosions" in the shafts surrounding him, his sister said, and started panicking that another cave-in was imminent. "He said, 'They needed to get us out right away,' " his sister, Eva Gomez, 61, recounted after his rescue. When he finally surfaced, he dropped to the ground in prayer. His wife, Lila, who had been saying for weeks that she wanted Gomez to retire, reached down and lifted him up from his knees before he was hospitalized with pneumonia.
Sixty-three year old Barnum Anthony Hornbeak pled guilty to killing his wife during a Cambodian good luck ceremony in their home. One count of second-degree murder was part of a plea bargain reached during proceedings in San Bernardino Superior Court. Family members had gathered for the religious ceremony. Hornbeak tried to ask his wife, 52-year-old Tha Vann, some questions, but she ignored him. Hornbeak walked out to his van, returned with a revolver, calmly shot his wife in the head, and called 9-1-1 to report that he had shot his wife. [“Man pleads guilty to wife's death during Cambodian ceremony” by Mike Cruz, October 10,2010 San Bernardino and the Inland Empire The Sun]
The California Senior Legislature (CSL)’s annual legislative session takes place in Sacramento, Tuesday and Wednesday, October 26 – 28, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, October 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. are usually televised as well. Then on Thursday, October 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers. Watch for replay on California Channel.
Helen Rippier Wheeler can be reached at pen136@dslextreme.com
No email attachments; use “Senior Power” for subject.
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Outdoors-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:43:00 PM
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. "Potato Harvesting," ongoing. Learn the spectacular history of this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds.
"Toddler Time," ongoing. 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.
"Country Kitchen Cookin'," ongoing. 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.
"Horse-Drawn Train Rides," ongoing. 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.
"Animal Feeding," ongoing. Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs, check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.
$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 ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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. 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 ongoing. 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. "Weekly Wednesday Ride at Lake Chabot," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.<
BOTANIC GARDEN Ongoing.
Intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley. 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."Sea Siblings," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.
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 ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
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. "Exploring Nature," ongoing. An exhibit of Shawn Gould's illustrations featuring images of the natural world.Ongoing.
"Nature Detectives," ongoing. 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Registration required.
"Weekend Weed Warriors," ongoing. 1-4 p.m. Help the shoreline to eliminate the non-native plants that threaten its diversity. Ages 12 and older. Registration required.
"Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh," ongoing. 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.<
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. Public Tours of the John Muir House, ongoing. 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, ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
SPECIAL EVENTS Ongoing.
$5-$7; free children under age 2. June 16-Sept. 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sun.; Sept. 16-June 15: noon.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.<
LIVERMORE AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT ongoing.
4444 East Ave., Livermore. (925) 373-5700, www.larpd.dst.ca.us/.<
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SHORELINE ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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. "Valley Children's Zoo," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
"Boo at the Zoo," Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, 10 a.m. Wear a costume and participate in Oakland Zoo's annual Halloween event which includes: a spooky boo train, a costume parade and more. Free with the price of General Admission.
$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 ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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.
$4-$11. Sunday through Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Aug.23-27, 30-31. 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. (925) 776-3070, www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CitySvcs/Prewett.<
QUARRY LAKES REGIONAL RECREATION AREA ongoing. 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.<
ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE ongoing. 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 -- ongoing. 10 a.m. Saturdays. 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 -- Ongoing. 9:30 a.m.-noon Mon. - Thurs.; 9:30 a.m. Fri.; 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sat.; 5 p.m. Sunday. 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 ongoing. 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. "Toddler Time," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing.
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."Sunol Sunday Hike," ongoing. Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. A natural history walk in the wilderness.
"Sunol Sunday Hike," ongoing. 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.<
Museums-San Francisco Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:41:00 PM
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. "In a New Light," ongoing. 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.Ongoing. Free with general admission unless otherwise noted.
"Japan's Early Ambassadors to San Francisco, 1860-1927," through Nov. 21. Timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the ship Kanrin Maru and the first Japanese embassy to the United States, this thematic exhibit focuses on some of the first Japanese diplomats and cultural emissaries in San Francisco, and how they responded to the experience of being in America.
$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."North Beach Walking Tour,", ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
$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.Ongoing.
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," ongoing. 6 p.m. Thursdays. 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," ongoing. Exhibition features sculpture by Maya Lin.
BENJAMIN DEAN LECTURE SERIES -- Ongoing.
$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 -- Ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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.
"Think California," through Feb. 5, Wed.-Sat. noon-4:30 p.m. An exhibition highlighting the colorful history of California through the institution's remarkable collection of artwork, artifacts and ephemera. Themes include: Coming to California, Scenic Splendors, Earthquakes, Floods and Volcanoes, and more. $1-$3; members are always free.
"Think California," through Feb. 5. Exhibition features artworks, artifacts and ephemera exploring California's colorful history.
$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.<
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. "Leaders of the Band," ongoing. An exhibition of the history and development of the Cathay Club Marching Band, the first Chinese American band formed in 1911.Ongoing.
$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.
"Maira Kalman: Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World)," through Oct. 26. The first major museum survey of the award-winning illustrator, author and designer.
$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 -- Ongoing. 1-5 p.m. Wed.- Sun. 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," ongoing. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon and 1:30-3 p.m. Family tour and art activity for ages 4-12.
LECTURES AND SYMPOSIA -- Ongoing.
LECTURES BY DOCENTS Ongoing. These lectures are free and are held in the Koret Auditorium unless otherwise noted.
SPECIAL EVENTS
"Friday Nights at the de Young: Cultural Encounters," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 7-8:30 p.m. $8-$12. (415) 750-7634.
"Pat Steir: After Hokusai, after Hiroshige," through Jan. 30. Exhibition shows the continued influence of the Japanese print on Western artists into the late twentieth century.
OPENING -- "To Dye For: A World Saturated in Color," through Jan. 9. Exhibition features over 50 textiles and costumes from the Fine Arts Museums' comprehensive collection of textiles from Africa, Asia and the Americas.
$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.Ongoing.
EXHIBITS Ongoing.
$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 Ongoing.
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," ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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.In the Gould Theater unless otherwise noted. $4 after museum admission unless otherwise noted. (415) 682-2481.
"Sunday Jazz Brunch," ongoing. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $21-$53.
"Very Postmortem: Mummies and Medicine," Oct. 31. Exhibition explores the modern scientific examination of mummies providing new insights into the conditions under which the Egyptians lived, bringing us closer to understanding who they were.
$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.legionofhonor.org.<
MARKET STREET RAILWAY MUSEUM ongoing. 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 ongoing.
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 ongoing. 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 Ongoing.
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 Ongoing.
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.''Ongoing.
"Urban Kidz Film Series," ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
$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) ongoing. 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 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Mason Center, Building E, Third Floor, Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco. (415) 560-7080, (415) 560-7030, www.nps.gov/safr.<
PACIFIC HERITAGE MUSEUM ongoing. 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 "Earthquake Exhibit," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. Toddlers may comfortably climb the carpeted "treehouse'' and make a myriad of discoveries, from the roots to the limbs.
"Live Animal Exhibit," ongoing. Visit with more than 100 creatures including small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, raptors and small birds, insects, spiders and tide pool creatures. "Saturdays Are Special at the Museum," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 1-4 p.m.
$3-$5. "Third Friday Birders," ongoing. 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," ongoing. Saturday, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
"Animal Feeding," ongoing. Saturday, noon.
"Meet the Animals," ongoing. 11:15 a.m.-noon.
"Golden Gate Model Railroad Exhibit," ongoing. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
"Drop-in Family Ceramics Workshop," ongoing. Saturday, 10:15-11:15 a.m. $5.
"Film Series for Teenagers," ongoing. Fridays, 7 p.m.
"Meet the Animals," ongoing. Saturdays, 11:15 a.m. Learn about the animals that live at the Randall Museum.
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 ongoing. 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: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily; 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. "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.Ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
"Adventures at Sea: Life Aboard a 19th century Sailing Ship," ongoing. 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.
VISITOR CENTER -- Ongoing. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily
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.Ongoing.
$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 "Matisse and Beyond: The Painting and Sculpture Collection," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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."Tony Labat's I Want You," ongoing. 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.
Jesse Hazelip, through Nov. 13. Artists Gallery showcases the work of the Oakland-based artist.
$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. "Dance in California: 150 Years of Innovation," ongoing. 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," ongoing. This permanent exhibit is a comprehensive study of a generation of national and international conductors. In Gallery 5.
"San Francisco 1900: On Stage," ongoing. In Gallery 4.
"San Francisco in Song," ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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/.<
ZEUM Zeum is a technology and arts museum for children and families featuring exhibits and workshops that cover a variety of fascinating subjects.Ongoing.
$8-$10. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. 221 Fourth St., San Francisco. (415) 820-3220, www.zeum.org.<
Kids-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:40:00 PM
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. "Toddler Time," ongoing. 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.
"Country Kitchen Cookin'," ongoing. 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.
"Potato Harvesting," ongoing. Learn the spectacular history of this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds.
"Horse-Drawn Train Rides," ongoing. 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.
"Animal Feeding," ongoing. Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs, check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.
$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.<
ASHKENAZ
Octopretzel, Oct. 24, 3 p.m. $4-$6.
"Halloween Cabaret Kids' Series," Oct. 31, 3 p.m. $4-$6.
1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.<
BAY POINT LIBRARY
"Monthly Craft Night," ongoing. 4-5 p.m. Last Friday of every month. Each month features a different themed craft.
Riverview Middle School, 205 Pacifica Ave., Pittsburg. (925) 458-9597.<
BLACKHAWK MUSEUM ongoing.
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. "International Automotive Treasures," ongoing. An ever-changing exhibit featuring over 90 automobiles.
"A Journey on Common Ground," ongoing. 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. 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 ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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.
"Sonic Vision," ongoing. 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.
"The Search for Life: Are We Alone?" ongoing. A voyage from the ocean deep to the outer reaches of the cosmos in search of life, narrated by Harrison Ford.
"Tales Of The Maya Skies," ongoing. "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.
"The Sky Tonight," ongoing. 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.
"Space NOW!", ongoing. 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.
"Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity," ongoing. 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," ongoing. Fridays, 8 p.m. Experience the "digital universe'' in a new full-dome system. Travel to the nearest star and beyond in seconds.
"Sunshine," ongoing. A 15-minute planetarium show for children ages 5 and under. In the show, Sunshine, a lovable animated cartoon of the Sun, urges 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," ongoing. 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.
"Astronaut," ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
"Dinner, Movie and the Universe," ongoing. Every Friday and Saturday evening. Enjoy a bistro-style dinner, then cozy up for a film in the 70-foot MegaDome theater and end the evening with a telescope viewing. Call to purchase general admission tickets and to make dinner reservations. (510) 336-7373.
"Chabot Observatories: A View to the Stars," ongoing. 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.
Telescope Visions Class, ongoing. 7 p.m. This course introduces participants to the astronomer's main tool: the telescope. Classes are held in the Galileo Room twice monthly. $85-$95; reservations required. (510) 336-7373.
"Halloween Party," Oct. 29, 7 p.m. An after dark party featuring music, costume contest, spooky beverages, views of the cosmos and more. $8-$20.
TIEN MEGADOME SCIENCE THEATER -- Ongoing. 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.
"Dinosaurs Alive," ongoing. 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.
"The Human Body," ongoing. 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.
"The Living Sea," ongoing. 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.
"Forces of Nature," ongoing. 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.
"Cosmic Voyage," ongoing. 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: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. 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.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 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."Animal of the Day!" ongoing. Saturdays and Sundays, 1-1:20 p.m. Come up close and learn about Fairyland's creatures.
"Arts and Crafts," ongoing. Noon-3 p.m. Event features arts and crafts projects for children and their families. $6.
$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.<
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."Sea Squirts," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. Sundays, 2-3 p.m. Drop by to find out more about the Bay and its wildlife through guided exploration and hands-on fun.
Free unless otherwise noted; parking fee may be charged. 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-6887, www.ebparks.org.<
CROWDEN MUSIC CENTER
"Very First Concerts," Oct. 24, 11 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 12:20 p.m. Concerts featuring a central theme, short selections, and hands-on activities geared towards families with young children.
1475 Rose St., Berkeley. (510) 559-6910, www.crowden.org.<
DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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.<
HABITOT CHILDREN'S MUSEUM A museum especially for children ages 7 and under. Highlights include "WaterWorks,'' an area with some unusual water toys, an Infant Tree for babies, a garden especially for toddlers, a child-scale grocery store and cafe, and a costume shop and stage for junior thespians. The museum also features a toy lending library. "Waterworks." A water play gallery with rivers, a pumping station and a water table, designed to teach about water.
"Little Town Grocery and Cafe." Designed to create the ambience of shopping in a grocery store and eating in a restaurant.
"Infant-Toddler Garden." A picket fence gated indoor area, which includes a carrot patch with wooden carrots to be harvested, a pretend pond and a butterfly mobile to introduce youngsters to the concept of food, gardening and agriculture.
"Dramatic Arts Stage." Settings, backdrops and costumes coincide with seasonal events and holidays. Children can exercise their dramatic flair here.
"Wiggle Wall." The floor-to-ceiling "underground'' tunnels give children a worm's eye view of the world. The tunnels are laced with net covered openings and giant optic lenses.Ongoing.
"13th Annual Not Too Spooky Halloween," Oct. 29 through Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Children can enjoy a host of haunted Halloween activities at the museum, including costumes, paper ghosts, readings and more.
$6-$7. Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Tuesday. 2065 Kittredge St., Berkeley. (510) 647-1111, www.habitot.org.<
HALL OF HEALTH ongoing. A community health-education museum and science center promoting wellness and individual responsibility for health. There are hands-on exhibits that teach about the workings of the human body, the value of a healthy diet and exercise, and the destructive effects of smoking and drug abuse. "Kids on the Block'' puppet shows, which use puppets from diverse cultures to teach about and promote acceptance of conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, leukemia, blindness, arthritis and spina bifida, are available by request for community events and groups visiting the Hall on Saturdays. "This Is Your Heart!" ongoing. An interactive exhibit on heart health.
"Good Nutrition," ongoing. This exhibit includes models for making balanced meals and an Exercycle for calculating how calories are burned.
"Draw Your Own Insides," ongoing. Human-shaped chalkboards and models with removable organs allow visitors to explore the inside of their bodies.
"Your Cellular Self and Cancer Prevention," ongoing. An exhibit on understanding how cells become cancerous and how to detect and prevent cancer.
Suggested $3 donation; free for children under age 3. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2230 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 549-1564, www.hallofhealth.org.<
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. "Exploring Nature," ongoing. An exhibit of Shawn Gould's illustrations featuring images of the natural world.Ongoing.
"Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Registration required.
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," ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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. 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," ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
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 ongoing. 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 "NanoZone," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. Play some of the world's most popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.
"Math Rules," ongoing. Use simple and colorful objects to complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting, comparing, weighing and counting.
HOLT PLANETARIUM Ongoing. Shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Programs recommended for ages 6 and up unless otherwise noted. $2.50-$3 in addition to general admission.
$6-$12; 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.Ongoing.
$5-$7; free children under age 2. June 16-Sept. 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sun.; Sept. 16-June 15: noon.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.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.Ongoing.
"Saturday Stories," ongoing. 1 p.m. For children ages 2-5. Free."Saturday Stories," ongoing. 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. "Valley Children's Zoo," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
"Boo at the Zoo," Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, 10 a.m. Wear a costume and participate in Oakland Zoo's annual Halloween event which includes: a spooky boo train, a costume parade and more. Free with the price of General Admission.
$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.<
PIXIELAND AMUSEMENT PARK ongoing. This amusement park for children features pixie-sized rides such as a dragon roller coaster, swirling tea cups, a carousel, red baron airplanes, an antique car ride and a miniature train among other attractions sure to please the little ones. Classic carnival-style food and souvenirs round out the experience. Admission to the park is free; ride tickets are $1.25 each or 10 tickets for $10; Day wrist band for unlimited rides, $25. Specials and season passes are also available.
Oct. 2010: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sun. 2740 E. Olivera Road, Concord. (925) 689-8841, www.pixieland.com.<
POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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.
$4-$11. Sunday through Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Aug.23-27, 30-31. 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. (925) 776-3070, www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CitySvcs/Prewett.<
ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE ongoing. 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.<
SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA ongoing. 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. "Toddler Time," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing.
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.<
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. "Limited Access Day," ongoing. Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.
"Flight Deck Fun," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.Ongoing. Closed on New Year's Day.
"Family Day," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 8:30 a.m. 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. $30-$35 per person.
"History Mystery After Hours Tour," ongoing. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Explore the USS Hornet after hours and learn the history of this ship while it is illuminated in red lights used for "night ops." Also, hear stories about the ships' legendary haunts. Reservations required. (510) 521-8448 X282.
"Monster Bash," Oct. 30. The USS Hornet Museum holds its annual Monster Bash onboard the "Grey Ghost." The event features haunted tours, classic dance hits and more. Call for full details.
$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.<
WATERWORLD CALIFORNA ongoing. `
$19.95-$31.95 General Admission; Season pass: $39.99-$59.99. Park closes in October and reopens in May. 1950 Waterworld Parkway,, Concord. (925) 609-1364, www.waterworldcalifornia.com.<
Museums-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:40:00 PM
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY AT OAKLAND ongoing. 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 ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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
"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.
"Himalayan Pilgrimage," through Dec. 19. Exhibition features sculpture and painting dating from the ninth to the eighteenth centuries and drawn from a private collection on long-term loan to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.
"Hauntology," through Dec. 5. Drawn primarily from the museum's recent acquisitions of contemporary art, this exhibition explores a wide range of art through the lens of the concept of "hauntology,'' a term coined by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida in 1993 to refer to the study of social, psychological, and cultural conditions in the post-Communist period.
2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. <
BLACKHAWK MUSEUM ongoing.
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. "International Automotive Treasures," ongoing. An ever-changing exhibit featuring over 90 automobiles.
"A Journey on Common Ground," ongoing. 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. 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.<
CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- Ongoing. A series of walking tours that explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour guide Gary Holloway. Walks are given on specific weekends. There is a different meeting place for each weekend and 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. Call for details.
678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848, www.californiahistoricalsociety.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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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. Ongoing.
"Galaxy Explorers Hands-On Fun," ongoing. 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," ongoing. Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Ride through real-time constellations, stars and planets with Chabot's full-dome digital projection system.
"Daytime Telescope Viewing," ongoing. 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.
Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. 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.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.<
HABITOT CHILDREN'S MUSEUM A museum especially for children ages 7 and under. Highlights include "WaterWorks,'' an area with some unusual water toys, an Infant Tree for babies, a garden especially for toddlers, a child-scale grocery store and cafe, and a costume shop and stage for junior thespians. The museum also features a toy lending library. "Waterworks." A water play gallery with rivers, a pumping station and a water table, designed to teach about water.
"Little Town Grocery and Cafe." Designed to create the ambience of shopping in a grocery store and eating in a restaurant.
"Infant-Toddler Garden." A picket fence gated indoor area, which includes a carrot patch with wooden carrots to be harvested, a pretend pond and a butterfly mobile to introduce youngsters to the concept of food, gardening and agriculture.
"Dramatic Arts Stage." Settings, backdrops and costumes coincide with seasonal events and holidays. Children can exercise their dramatic flair here.
"Wiggle Wall." The floor-to-ceiling "underground'' tunnels give children a worm's eye view of the world. The tunnels are laced with net covered openings and giant optic lenses.
"Architects at Play," ongoing. This hands-on, construction-based miniexhibit provides children with the opportunity to create free-form structures, from skyscrapers to bridges, using KEVA planks. Ongoing.
$6-$7. Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Tuesday. 2065 Kittredge St., Berkeley. (510) 647-1111, www.habitot.org.<
HALL OF HEALTH ongoing. A community health-education museum and science center promoting wellness and individual responsibility for health. There are hands-on exhibits that teach about the workings of the human body, the value of a healthy diet and exercise, and the destructive effects of smoking and drug abuse. "Kids on the Block'' puppet shows, which use puppets from diverse cultures to teach about and promote acceptance of conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, leukemia, blindness, arthritis and spina bifida, are available by request for community events and groups visiting the Hall on Saturdays. "This Is Your Heart!" ongoing. An interactive exhibit on heart health.
"Good Nutrition," ongoing. This exhibit includes models for making balanced meals and an Exercycle for calculating how calories are burned.
"Draw Your Own Insides," ongoing. Human-shaped chalkboards and models with removable organs allow visitors to explore the inside of their bodies.
"Your Cellular Self and Cancer Prevention," ongoing. An exhibit on understanding how cells become cancerous and how to detect and prevent cancer.
Suggested $3 donation; free for children under age 3. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2230 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 549-1564, www.hallofhealth.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.Ongoing.
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," ongoing. Multimedia works from the museum's extensive collections of archival, documentary and experimental films. Located at 2911 Russell Street. Ongoing.
$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 "NanoZone," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. Play some of the world's most popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.
"Math Rules," ongoing. Use simple and colorful objects to complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting, comparing, weighing and counting.
"Animal Discovery Room,,' ongoing. 1:30-4 p.m. Visitors of all ages can hold and touch gentle animals, learn about their behavior and habitats and play with self-guided activities and specimen models.
"Forces That Shape the Bay," ongoing. This science park shows and explains why the San Francisco Bay is the way it is, with information on water, erosion, plate tectonics and mountain building.
"Ingenuity in Action," ongoing. Summer 2010. Enjoy the best of the Ingenuity Lab. Engage your creative brain and use a variety of materials to design, build and test your own innovations.
"Kapla," ongoing. Play with simple, versatile building blocks that can be used to build very large, high and stable structures.
"KidsLab," ongoing. This multisensory play area includes larger-than-life blocks, a crawl-through kaleidoscope, the Gravity wall, a puppet theater and a reading area.
"NanoZone," ongoing. Discover the science of nanotechnology through handson activities and games.
"Planetarium," ongoing. Explore the skies in this interactive planetarium.
"Science on a Sphere," ongoing. 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. Ongoing.
"Scream Machines The Science of Roller Coasters, through Jan. 2. This head-spinning, stomach-churning exhibition for thrill-seekers features interactive exhibits, artifacts and images to explore.
$6-$12; 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.Ongoing.
SPECIAL EVENTS Ongoing.
$5-$7; free children under age 2. June 16-Sept. 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sun.; Sept. 16-June 15: noon.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 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.Ongoing.
$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 ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
"Saturday Stories," ongoing. 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.<
MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY The museum features local artifacts, pictures, flags and drawings commemorating the valley's history. It also houses a historical narrative frieze. In addition to a permanent exhibit on the valley's history, the museum sponsors revolving exhibits and several guided tours. The restored railroad depot that houses the museum was built on the San Ramon Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad 108 years ago.Ongoing.
Free. August: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Depot, West Prospect and Railroad avenues, Danville. (925) 837-3750, www.museumsrv.org.<
MUSEUM ON MAIN STREET Located in a former town hall building, this museum is a piece of local history. It has a photo and document archive, collection of artifacts, local history publications for purchase, and a history library. It is supported by the Amador-Livermore Valley Historical Society.Ongoing.
$2. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; CLOSED DEC. 23-JAN. 8. 603 Main St., Pleasanton. (925) 462-2766, www.museumonmain.org.<
OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA "Art a la Carte," Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. Art docents offer a variety of specialized tours focusing on one aspect of the museum's permanent collection. Free with museum admission.
"Online Museum," Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the museum's collection on videodisks in the History Department Library.
Docent Gallery Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
"Explore our New Gallery," through Dec. 2. The new Gallery of California Art showcases more than 800 works from OMCA's collection-one of the largest and most comprehensive holdings of California art in the world.
"Gallery of California History," through Dec. 2. This new gallery is based on the theme of Coming to California.
OPENING -- "Pixar: 25 Years of Animation," through Jan. 9. Exhibition presents an unprecedented look at the Emeryville-based animation company.
$5-$8; free for children ages 5 and under; free to all on the second Sunday of the month. Special events are free with museum admission unless noted otherwise. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; first Friday of the month, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 1000 Oak St., Oakland. (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.<
PARDEE HOME MUSEUM ongoing. 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. Group tours may be arranged between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tues.-Sun.
Private Tours and Teas: Take a private tour followed by tea in the Pardee family dining room (available for 4-12 persons).
Tour with light tea: $12 per person
Tour with high tea: $25 per person.
High tea without tour: $20 per person.
$5-$25; free children ages 12 and under. House Tours: 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday and second Saturday of each month; 2 p.m. the second Sunday or each month. 672 11th St., Oakland. (510) 444-2187, www.pardeehome.org.<
SAN LEANDRO HISTORY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY ongoing. 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. "Yema/Po Archeological Site at Lake Chabot," ongoing. 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.Ongoing.
$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.Ongoing.
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. "Native California Cultures," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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. "Tyrannosaurus Rex," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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. "Limited Access Day," ongoing. Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.
"Flight Deck Fun," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.Ongoing. Closed on New Year's Day.
"Family Day," ongoing. 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.
"History Mystery After Hours Tour," ongoing. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Explore the USS Hornet after hours and learn the history of this ship while it is illuminated in red lights used for "night ops." Also, hear stories about the ships' legendary haunts. Reservations required. (510) 521-8448 X282.
"Flashlight Tour," ongoing. 8:30 a.m. 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. $30-$35 per person.
"Monster Bash," Oct. 30. The USS Hornet Museum holds its annual Monster Bash onboard the "Grey Ghost." The event features haunted tours, classic dance hits and more. Call for full details.
$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.<
Highlights-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:39:00 PM
924 GILMAN ST. All ages welcome.
Mad Sin, The Phenomenauts, Plan 9, No Alternative, The Howlers, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. $13.
$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.<
BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE
"Compulsion," through Oct. 31, 8 p.m. Tue. and Fri.; 7 p.m. Wed.; 2 and 8 p.m. Thu. and Sat.; 2 and 7 p.m. Sun; check website for special matinees. A new play featuring Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Mandy Patinkin. $14.50-$73.
2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949, (888) 4BR-Ttix, www.berkeleyrep.org.<
CAL PERFORMANCES All performances in Zellerbach Hall unless otherwise noted.
Jeremy Denk, Oct. 24, 3 p.m. Works by Gyorgy Ligeti and Bach. $42.
Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 642-9988, www.calperformances.net.<
CRANEWAY PAVILION
"Exotic Erotic Ball," Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, Expo: 4 p.m.-midnight Fri.; Noon-6 p.m. Sat.; Ball 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Sat. Music, burlesque, circus performances and more are in store for adult-themed Halloween party. $20-$150. www.exoticeroticball.com.
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. (510) 735-1133, www.craneway.com.<
FOX THEATER
Gov't Mule, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. $35.
1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 452-0438, www.thefoxoakland.com.<
FREIGHT AND SALVAGE
Country Joe McDonald, Oct. 23. $22.50-$23.50.
Music starts at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 548-1761, www.freightandsalvage.org.<
JAZZSCHOOL
Bill Bell, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. $15.
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2087 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 845-5373, www.jazzschool.com.<
THE NEW RHEEM THEATRE
"The California Independent Film Festival Haunted House," Oct. 22 through Oct. 23 and Oct. 28 through Oct. 23, 7-11 p.m.; 7 p.m.-midnight Sun. A haunt that will have a taste of all the scary movies you love. $8.
350 Park St., Moraga. <
ORACLE ARENA
Gorillaz, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. $47.25-$85.25.
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. (510) 625-8497, (925) 685-8497, (415) 421-8497, www.ticketmaster.com or www.theoaklandarena.com.<
SS RED OAK VICTORY
"Rivets," by Kathryn G. McCarty and Mitchell Covington, through Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Directed by Kathryn G. McCarty. $25-$30.
Port of Richmond, 1337 Canal Blvd., Richmond. www.ssredoakvictory.org/history.htm.<
UPTOWN NIGHTCLUB
Wayne Hancock, Oct. 28, 9 p.m. $12.
1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 451-8100, www.uptownnightclub.com.<
YOSHI'S
Raiatea Helm, Oct. 24, 2 and 7 p.m. $5-$20.
Scott Amendola Trio, Oct. 25, 8 and 10 p.m. $12-$16.
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.<
Exhibits-San Francisco Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:38:00 PM
"35TH ANNUAL SF OPEN STUDIOS," -- through Oct. 31. More than 800 artists will open their studio doors to the public during this month-long event taking place throughout the city, with different areas participating on different weekends. See website for complete details.
"SUN SPHERES," -- ongoing. "Sun Spheres'' is a trio of mosaic sculptures by artist Laurel True at the intersection of Ocean and Granada Avenues in the OMI District of San Francisco.
(415) 252-2551, www.sfartscommission.org/pubart.<
AIA SAN FRANCISCO
"Water for a Sustainable City," through Oct. 29. Exhibit explores the development of San Francisco's water system through the lens of architecture and design.
Free. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 130 Sutter St., # 600, San Francisco. (415) 362-7397, www.aiasf.org.<
CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS The Victorian landmark has 1,500 species including rare and beautiful tropical plants from 50 countries. Exhibits include Highland Tropics, the Aquatic Plants, Lowland Tropics, Potted Plants and the new Special Exhibits gallery. Opened in 1879, the wood and glass greenhouse is the oldest existing conservatory in the Western Hemisphere.
"Chomp 2! Return of the Carnivorous Plants," through Oct. 31. Special exhibition of carnivorous plants features living plants and activities for families.
$5 general; $3 seniors, students and youth ages 12-17; $1.50 children ages 5-11; free for ages 4 and under; free first Tuesdays. Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. (415) 666-7001, www.conservatoryofflowers.org.<
EVENING GALLERY WALKS These monthly evening gallery walks or "crawls'' are a way to learn about art for the casual viewer without the intimidation of visiting a gallery with no one else around. Generally the galleries are filled on the "walk'' evenings with people drinking wine and talking. Gallery owners are happy to answer questions about the art on view. The important thing to remember is that it is free to gaze and drink.
"First Thursday," ongoing. 5:30-8 p.m. Generally some 20 galleries participate in this monthly evening of open galleries. Many are located around Union Square. Some of the galleries that participate on a regular basis are Pasquale Iannetti Gallery, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, and Hackett-Freedman Gallery, all on Sutter Street; Meyerovich Gallery and Dolby Chadwick Gallery on Post Street; and Rena Bransten Gallery and Stephen Wirtz Gallery on Geary Street. Sponsored by the San Francisco Art Dealers Association. First Thursday of the month. Free.
San Francisco. <
HOTEL DES ARTS The boutique 51-room art hotel in Union Square features an art gallery by Start SOMA.
"Painted Rooms," ongoing. An exhibit of painted rooms in the hotel by emerging artists.
Free. Daily, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. 447 Bush St., San Francisco. (415) 956-4322, www.sfhoteldesarts.com.<
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SAN FRANCISCO
"The Digital Liberation of G-d," ongoing. A permanent interactive media installation created by New York-based artist Helene Aylon, which examines the influences of patriarchal attitudes upon Jewish traditions and sacred texts.
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.<
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY, BAYVIEW-ANNA E. WADEN BRANCH
"Bayview's Historical Footprints," ongoing. A permanent photographic exhibition celebrating the diverse history of Bayview Hunters Point featuring multimedia oral histories from community elders.
Free. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesday, 1 p.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. 5075 Third St., San Francisco. (415) 355-5757, www.sfpl.org.<
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN BRANCH
"Digging Deep: Underneath San Francisco Public Library," ongoing. Exhibition collects archaeological remains from the Gold Rush-era cemetery and the ruins of old City Hall destroyed in the 1906 earthquake.
"Singgalot (The Ties That Bind)," through Oct. 24. The exhibit celebrates 100 years of Filipino American experience with photographs, images and historical documents drawn from the National Archives, the Library of Congress and personal collections.
Free. Monday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 100 Larkin St., San Francisco. (415) 557-4400, www.sfpl.org.<
USF THACHER GALLERY
"Galleons and Globalization: California Mission Arts and the Pacific Rim," through Dec. 19. The exhibit explores the lively commerce in iconography, materials and ideas that shaped California's rich mission arts.
2130 Fulton St., San Francisco. (415) 422-5178.<
General-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:38:00 PM
"DANVILLE FALL CRAFTS FESTIVAL," -- Oct. 23 and Oct. 24. More than 200 art and craft exhibits, including a glass pumpkin patch, are part of the festivities at this 19th annual event, which takes place along Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.(925) 837-4400, www.mlaproductions.com.<
ASHKENAZ
"I Like My Bike Night," ongoing. 9 p.m. First Fridays of the month. 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.<
AUCTIONS BY THE BAY
"ArtiFacts: A Lecture Series for Collectors," ongoing. 3 p.m. First Sundays of the month Guest curators, scholars and conservation experts from throughout the Bay Area discuss the art of collecting. First Sunday of every month, 3 p.m. $7; includes a preview of the monthly estate auction which takes place the following day at 10am.
Auctions by the Bay Theater-Auction House, 2700 Saratoga St., Alameda. (510) 835-6187, www.auctionsbythebay.com.<
BAY AREA FREE BOOK EXCHANGE
"Free Books," ongoing. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. - Sun. 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," ongoing. 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 HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- Ongoing. A series of walking tours that explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour guide Gary Holloway. Walks are given on specific weekends. There is a different meeting place for each weekend and 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. Call for details.
678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848, www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.<
CALIFORNIA MAGIC THEATER
"Dinner Theater Magic Show," ongoing. 7:30 p.m. Fri - Sat. Enter the joyous and bewildering world of illusion 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.
ASK JEEVES PLANETARIUM -- Ongoing. 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.
"Immersive Space: Fly Through the Cosmos," ongoing. Fridays, 8 p.m. Experience the "digital universe'' in a new full-dome system. Travel to the nearest star and beyond in seconds.
"Tales Of The Maya Skies," ongoing. "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.
"Astronaut," ongoing. 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.
"Space NOW!", ongoing. 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.
"Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity," ongoing. 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.
"Sunshine," ongoing. A 15-minute planetarium show for children ages 5 and under. In the show, Sunshine, a lovable animated cartoon of the Sun, urges 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," ongoing. 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?" ongoing. A voyage from the ocean deep to the outer reaches of the cosmos in search of life, narrated by Harrison Ford.
"The Sky Tonight," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.
CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER -- Ongoing. "Escape from the Red Planet,'' a cooperative venture for families and groups of up to 14 people, age 8 and up. The scenario on this one hour mission: You are the crew of a shuttle to Mars that has been severely damaged in a crash landing. Your replacement crew is gone, the worst dust storm ever recorded on Mars approaches, and air, food, and water are extremely low. The mission: get the shuttle working again and into orbit before the dust storm hits. Reservations required. Children age 8-12 must be accompanied by an adult; not appropriate for children under age 8. $12-$15; Does not include general admission to the Center. Reservations: (510) 336-7421.Ongoing.
"Dinner, Movie and the Universe," ongoing. Every Friday and Saturday evening. Enjoy a bistro-style dinner, then cozy up for a film in the 70-foot MegaDome theater and end the evening with a telescope viewing. Call to purchase general admission tickets and to make dinner reservations. (510) 336-7373.
"Chabot Observatories: A View to the Stars," ongoing. 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.
Telescope Visions Class, ongoing. 7 p.m. This course introduces participants to the astronomer's main tool: the telescope. Classes are held in the Galileo Room twice monthly. $85-$95; reservations required. (510) 336-7373.
"Halloween Party," Oct. 29, 7 p.m. An after dark party featuring music, costume contest, spooky beverages, views of the cosmos and more. $8-$20.
TIEN MEGADOME SCIENCE THEATER -- Ongoing. 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.
"Cosmic Voyage," ongoing. 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.
"The Human Body," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.
"The Living Sea," ongoing. 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.
"Forces of Nature," ongoing. 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.
Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. 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.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.<
CRANEWAY PAVILION
"Exotic Erotic Ball," Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, Expo: 4 p.m.-midnight Fri.; Noon-6 p.m. Sat.; Ball 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Sat. Music, burlesque, circus performances and more are in store for adult-themed Halloween party. $20-$150. www.exoticeroticball.com.
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. (510) 735-1133, www.craneway.com.<
DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE ongoing. 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 -- Ongoing. 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," ongoing. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays. 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. <
HABITOT CHILDREN'S MUSEUM A museum especially for children ages 7 and under. Highlights include "WaterWorks,'' an area with some unusual water toys, an Infant Tree for babies, a garden especially for toddlers, a child-scale grocery store and cafe, and a costume shop and stage for junior thespians. The museum also features a toy lending library. "Waterworks." A water play gallery with rivers, a pumping station and a water table, designed to teach about water.
"Little Town Grocery and Cafe." Designed to create the ambience of shopping in a grocery store and eating in a restaurant.
"Infant-Toddler Garden." A picket fence gated indoor area, which includes a carrot patch with wooden carrots to be harvested, a pretend pond and a butterfly mobile to introduce youngsters to the concept of food, gardening and agriculture.
"Dramatic Arts Stage." Settings, backdrops and costumes coincide with seasonal events and holidays. Children can exercise their dramatic flair here.
"Wiggle Wall." The floor-to-ceiling "underground'' tunnels give children a worm's eye view of the world. The tunnels are laced with net covered openings and giant optic lenses.
"13th Annual Not Too Spooky Halloween," Oct. 29 through Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Children can enjoy a host of haunted Halloween activities at the museum, including costumes, paper ghosts, readings and more.
$6-$7. Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Tuesday. 2065 Kittredge St., Berkeley. (510) 647-1111, www.habitot.org.<
JACK LONDON AQUATIC CENTER
"Oakland Artisan Marketplace,"' ongoing. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays 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. <
LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE "NanoZone," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. Play some of the world's most popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.
"Math Rules," ongoing. Use simple and colorful objects to complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting, comparing, weighing and counting.
HOLT PLANETARIUM Ongoing. Shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Programs recommended for ages 6 and up unless otherwise noted. $2.50-$3 in addition to general admission.
$6-$12; 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.<
THE NEW RHEEM THEATRE
"The California Independent Film Festival Haunted House," Oct. 22 through Oct. 23 and Oct. 28 through Oct. 23, 7-11 p.m.; 7 p.m.-midnight Sun. A haunt that will have a taste of all the scary movies you love. $8.
350 Park St., Moraga. <
OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA "Art a la Carte," Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. Art docents offer a variety of specialized tours focusing on one aspect of the museum's permanent collection. Free with museum admission.
"Online Museum," Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the museum's collection on videodisks in the History Department Library.
Docent Gallery Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
"Day of the Dead Community Celebration," Oct. 23, Noon-4:30 p.m. The 17th annual Dias de los Muertos exhibition and observance. $6-$12.
$5-$8; free for children ages 5 and under; free to all on the second Sunday of the month. Special events are free with museum admission unless noted otherwise. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; first Friday of the month, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 1000 Oak St., Oakland. (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.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. Group tours may be arranged between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tues.-Sun.
Private Tours and Teas: Take a private tour followed by tea in the Pardee family dining room (available for 4-12 persons).
Tour with light tea: $12 per person
Tour with high tea: $25 per person.
High tea without tour: $20 per person.
"Annual Halloween Gala," Oct. 31, 1-4 p.m. Ghost stories, magicians, games, pumpkin decorating, costume contests and more are tap at this Halloween party. $5.
$5-$25; free children ages 12 and under. House Tours: 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday and second Saturday of each month; 2 p.m. the second Sunday or each month. 672 11th St., Oakland. (510) 444-2187, www.pardeehome.org.<
PARK PLACE
"Fall Fest," Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Live music, arts, food and drink, pumpkin patch and more are on tap. Free. www.pointrichmond.com.
Washington Avenue, Point Richmond. <
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE ongoing. 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," ongoing. 12:10-12:50 p.m. First Thursdays of each month
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. "Limited Access Day," ongoing. Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.
"Flight Deck Fun," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.Ongoing. Closed on New Year's Day.
"Family Day," ongoing. 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.
"History Mystery After Hours Tour," ongoing. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Explore the USS Hornet after hours and learn the history of this ship while it is illuminated in red lights used for "night ops." Also, hear stories about the ships' legendary haunts. Reservations required. (510) 521-8448 X282.
"Flashlight Tour," ongoing. 8:30 a.m. 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. $30-$35 per person.
"Monster Bash," Oct. 30. The USS Hornet Museum holds its annual Monster Bash onboard the "Grey Ghost." The event features haunted tours, classic dance hits and more. Call for full details.
$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.<
Exhibits-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:36:00 PM
CARMEN FLORES RECREATION CENTER
"El Corazon de la Communidad: The Heart of the Community", ongoing. 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.<
LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE "NanoZone," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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," ongoing. Play some of the world's most popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.
"Math Rules," ongoing. Use simple and colorful objects to complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting, comparing, weighing and counting.
"Kapla," ongoing. The hands-on exhibit features thousands of versatile building blocks that can be used to build very large, high and stable structures and models of bridges, buildings, animals or anything else your mind can conceive.
$6-$12; 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.Ongoing.
SPECIAL EVENTS Ongoing.
$5-$7; free children under age 2. June 16-Sept. 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sun.; Sept. 16-June 15: noon.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.<
OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER
"Oakland's 19th-Century San Pablo Avenue Chinatown," ongoing. 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," ongoing. 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.<
Dance-East Bay Through October 31
Tuesday October 19, 2010 - 02:36:00 PM
ELKS LODGE, ALAMEDA
"All You Can Dance Sunday Socials," ongoing. 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.<
SHATTUCK DOWN LOW For ages 21 and older.
"Live Salsa," ongoing. Wednesdays. An evening of dancing to the music of a live salsa band. Salsa dance lessons from 8-9:30 p.m. $5-$10.
2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 548-1159, www.shattuckdownlow.com.<
SOLAD DANCE CENTER
"Persian Dance," ongoing. Tuesdays 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," ongoing. Traditional Irish music and dance. The evening begins with a 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.<
Press Release: David Bacon Speaks on "Protecting Oil Companies and Attacking Unions -- U.S. Policy in Iraq and the U.S."
From Grandmothers Against the War
Monday October 18, 2010 - 08:51:00 PM
Grandmothers Against the War & US Labor Against the War invite you to a talk by photojournalist David Bacon:
"Protecting Oil Companies and Attacking Unions -- U.S. Policy in Iraq and the U.S."
7 pm, Sunday, November 7, 2010
La Peña Cultural Center 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley donation $5-$10
David Bacon will discuss the means by which the U.S. will continue to advise and direct the proposed Iraqi "partnership" government, particularly in policies that affect foreign interests.
The attack on the labor movement is now escalating as the Maliki regime seeks to thwart sources of resistance to privatization of industry and public enterprises, including oil and electricity. Unions are among the strongest opponents of the U.S. neo-liberal plan for Iraq. David will put what is happening to the labor movement into the larger context of what is happening to Iraq generally, as the U.S. seeks not only to privatize the economy, but to privatize the occupation by replacing U.S. troops with thousands of mercenaries/security contractors.
Bacon, who made two trips to Iraq early in the war, continues to monitor the situation of unions and the labor movement in Iraq. Based in Oakland and Berkeley, California, he has been a reporter and documentary photographer for 18 years. He is an associate editor at Pacific News Service, and writes for TruthOut, The Nation, The American Prospect, The Progressive, and the San Francisco Chronicle, among other publications. Bacon covers issues of labor, immigration and international politics.
