Dear readers,
Welcome to another list of events, classes, actions, films, conferences, grant deadlines, etc., for your planning convenience. Our searchable website edition of the calendar ( http://www.ecologycenter.org/calendar/ ) contains events further into the future. Please continue to send event listings to calendar@ecologycenter.org and forward any breaking action alerts to alerts@ecologycenter.org .
Check out our online EcoDirectory: http://www.ecologycenter.org/ecodirectory/ . Do you have questions? The EcoDirectory provides resources and referrals for common environmental concerns.
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(the events are listed by date and title, then again below with full descriptions)
ECOLOGY CENTER EVENTS
12/15/2007 Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair
12/22/2007 Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair
1/17/2008 Sustainable Urbanism with David Baker
ALL EVENTS
Through 12/20/2007 Exhibit: "Images of our Past and Present"
Through 12/20/2007 Exhibit: "Los Hilos de la Vida/ Threads of Life"
Through 12/22/2007 Mission Greenbelt Project
Through 12/22/2007 EcoArt Show: HEART of the Matter
Through 12/31/2007 Volunteer in an Eco-City: Bahia de Caraquez, Equador
Through 1/13/2008 The Shotgun Players "The Shaker Chair"
Through 2/28/2008 Exhibit: Eco Art Matters
Through 3/29/2008 Volunteer Training: Bay Interpretive Training
12/14/2007 Application Deadline: San Mateo County Green Building Award
12/14/2007 Certified Green Building Professional Training
12/14/2007 Holiday "Grub" Party
12/14/2007 Lecture: Through a Western Lens: Polynesia and Tourism
12/14/2007 Defend Public Housing in New Orleans
12/14/2007 Urban Alliance for Sustainability Holiday Party
12/14/2007 Fair Harvest Exchange Program in Nicaragua
12/15/2007 Tour: "Monarch Butterfly Walk"
12/15/2007 Rebuild Afghanistan Summit 2007
12/15/2007 Workshop: "Greywater Design and Rainwater Catchment for Home and Garden"
12/15/2007 Benefit Dinner: Support the Making of "In Search of Good Food"
12/15/2007 Volunteer: "Corona Heights Habitat Restoration Work Party"
12/15/2007 Volunteer: Late Fall Beach Cleanup
12/15/2007 Marin Town Hall Meeting on Oil Spill Response
12/15/2007 Buy Local: Christmas Bazaar in the Mission
12/15/2007 Art Exhibit: Touchable Stories: Richmond
12/15/2007 Open Studios: Berkeley Artisans
12/15/2007 Volunteer: Habitat Restoration Work Party -- Fremont
12/15/2007 Open Studio: Environmental Art
12/15/2007 Grand Opening: Green Motors in Berkeley
12/15/2007 The Crucible's Annual Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House
12/15/2007 Volunteer: Winter Weeding and Planting at Santa Venetia Marsh
12/15/2007 Presidio Tree Walk
12/15/2007 Talk/Hike: The Fungi of Muir Woods
12/15/2007 Workshop: Designing a California Native Garden
12/15/2007 Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair
12/16/2007 Talk: Daniel Ellsberg on "Secrecy, Freedom, and the Spiritual Life"
12/16/2007 Workshop: Waterside Workshops Sustainable Holiday Event and Toy Making
12/16/2007 Community Labyrinth Peace Walk
12/16/2007 Workshop: Holiday Gift-Making: Mole Paste
12/16/2007 Educational Adventure: Ohlone Village Site Open House
12/16/2007 Berkeley Grandmothers for the Oaks
12/16/2007 Holiday Lights Bike Tour
12/16/2007 Educational Adventure: "Junior Naturalist"
12/16/2007 Benefit Tour: Support the Making of "In Search of Good Food"
12/16/2007 Volunteer: Alemany Farm Workday
12/17/2007 Film: Life of Mammals, Volume 3
12/17/2007 Public Hearing: "Environmental Impact Report for the UC-BP Research Building"
12/17/2007 Opening Reception & International Migrants Day Celebration
12/18/2007 Talk: "Limits of Biofuels"
12/18/2007 Film: "Winged Migration"
12/19/2007 Walk: "Holiday Lights Walk"
12/19/2007 Book Talk: Bruno Gulli on Creative and Productive Labor
12/19/2007 East Bay Green Drinks
12/19/2007 Online Seminar: Preparing for a Carbon Constrained World
12/20/2007 Green Movie Night: Social Equity Triple Bill
12/20/2007 Simplicity Forum Meeting in Berkeley
12/21/2007 Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk by Candlelight
12/21/2007 Application Deadline: Course: Movement 101
12/22/2007 Benefit: An Evening with Don Cheadle
12/22/2007 Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair
12/22/2007 Volunteer: Plant Native Seedlings
12/22/2007 Tour: "Monarch Butterfly Walk"
12/22/2007 Winter Solstice Gathering at the Interim Solar Calendar
12/23/2007 On Film and In Person: Mrs. Santa Claus
12/23/2007 Workshop: Nature's Gift Cards & Ornament Wreaths
12/23/2007 Film: "Baraka"
12/23/2007 Introduction to Ducks
12/24/2007 Humanist Hall Dance Party
12/26/2007 Film: "Baraka"
12/26/2007 Volunteer: "Bernal Hilltop Native Grassland Restoration"
12/27/2007 Film: "Baraka"
12/28/2007 Una Noche de Resistencia Musical at La Pena
12/28/2007 Training for Educators: Incorporate Nature in Your Lesson Plans
12/29/2007 Really Really Free Market
12/29/2007 Benefit Gala: Celebration of San Bruno Mountain
12/29/2007 Volunteer: Alemany Farm Workday
12/29/2007 Tour: "Monarch Butterfly Walk"
12/30/2007 Educational Adventure: "Leopard Shark Feeding Frenzy"
12/31/2007 Night Hike: "New Year's Eve Exploration"
ECOLOGY CENTER EVENTS
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair — A great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts, the Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair will be held on Saturdays December 8, 15 and 22. You can support local craftspeople and find beautiful and practical handmade gifts. The fair is located next to the Saturday Berkeley Farmers' Market and also features continuous live music: 10am-12 noon - This Old Band (classic r+b, soul, blues, etc.); 12 noon-1pm - Stuart Steinhardt (songs with banjo); 1pm-2pm - Mark Abdilla (playing 500 years of lute & guitar music); 2pm-3pm - Lindell Reeves (classic r+b, soul, blues, etc.); 3pm-4pm - Lili DuBois (slide guitar blues). Proceeds benefit the Ecology Center's work. This event is supported in part by the Berkeley Civic Arts Program. Location: Civic Center Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Center Street , Berkeley. Time: 10am - 4pm. Info: 510-548-3333, http://www.ecologycenter.org/bfm/ .
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair — A great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts, the Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair will be held on Saturdays December 8, 15 and 22. You can support local craftspeople and find beautiful and practical handmade gifts. The fair is located next to the Saturday Berkeley Farmers' Market and also features continuous live music: 10am-11am - Amy Hofer & friends (Old Time/Bluegrass); 11:00-12 noon - Berkeley Community Chamber Singers; 12 noon-1pm - Mark Abdilla (playing 500 years of lute & guitar music); 1pm-2pm - Dave Harris (great rock & folk songs acoustic); 2pm-4pm - Tangria (jazz duo). Proceeds benefit the Ecology Center's work. This event is supported in part by the Berkeley Civic Arts Program. Location: Civic Center Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Center Street , Berkeley. Time: 10am - 4pm. Info: 510-548-3333, http://www.ecologycenter.org/bfm/ .
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sustainable Urbanism with David Baker — Back from a recent tour of major European cities in which he was armed with just a folding bike, David Baker will reflect on the different approaches to sustainable urbanism that he encountered. He will share ideas and images from the optimistic Towards Car-Free Cities conference in Istanbul, the sleek success of Paris's Velib' bicycle program, and the effects of London's congestion tax as well as the city's architecture festival, Open House London. David Baker FAIA has been practicing architecture for nearly 30 years, and in 1996 was selected as fellow of the American Institute of Architects. With a focus on sustainable affordable housing, his award-winning firm David Baker + Partners has come to be known for combining social concern with a signature design character. A progressive urban activist and bicyclist, he has also been a teacher, a union carpenter, and a philosophy major. Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-548-2220 x233.
ALL EVENTS
Through Thursday, December 20, 2007
Exhibit: "Images of our Past and Present" — Outdoor photography by Allen Goodson. Location: EBMUD Main Administration Building, 375 11th St, Second Floor Lobby, Oakland. Cost: Free.
Through Thursday, December 20, 2007
Exhibit: "Los Hilos de la Vida/ Threads of Life" — The Women's Cancer Resource Center Gallery Presents Los Hilos de la Vida/ Threads of Life, featuring Latina-themed folkloric story quilts by women and children from Anderson Valley , California. Show runs November 2nd - December 20th. Location: WCRC Gallery, 5741 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland. Cost: Free. Info: 510-601-4040 ext.111, http://www.wcrc.org .
Through Saturday, December 22, 2007
Mission Greenbelt Project — For the duration of the gallery's Winter Session, Polk Street's San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery space will serve as the command center for the Mission Greenbelt Project. The endeavor, lead by artist Amber Hasselbring, proposes that neighbors and officials unite their efforts in order to plant a verdant highway of native Californian species that umbilically links Franklin Square Park with Dolores Park. Reminiscent of the Guerrilla Gardening project, whose participants "illicitly cultivate" derelict urban lots into lush oases, the Mission Greenbelt Project employs far more legal tactics by interpreting existing laws that allow residents to co-opt sections of sidewalk for greening purposes. Wed-Sat: 12-5pm. Location: San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery, 401 Van Ness Ave, SF. Cost: Free. Info: http://art-eco.org/Mission_Greenbelt_project.html .
Through Saturday, December 22, 2007
EcoArt Show: HEART of the Matter — Laney College "Eco Art Matters" students present: HEART of the Matter. Located in the multicolored building near the tennis courts, across Tenth from the Kaiser Convention Center. Location: Laney College Art Center, 900 Fallon Street, Oakland. Info: andreest@yahoo.com , http://laney.peralta.edu/homex.asp?Q=Homepage .
Through Monday, December 31, 2007
Volunteer in an Eco-City: Bahia de Caraquez, Equador — Planet Drum Foundation seeks volunteers for its Ecological City projects, through 12/2007. Work with a revegetation project, planting and maintaining native plants to reduce erosion and create habitats for birds and other animals. Join neighborhood efforts to learn and use ecological practices. Help in renewable energy development. Assist bioregional environmental education groups for children and adults. A background in environmental education and activities, Spanish language speaking ability, and cooperative living experience are desirable. However, willing hands and a desire to help restore our damaged biosphere are most important. Benefits include free accommodation in a large shared apartment, extraordinary beach and wilderness recreational activities, and opportunities to improve Spanish skills as well as experience tropical Ecuadorian culture. Please email a description of your qualifications and interests to Clay Plager-Unger, Field Projects Manager. Info: planetdrumecuador@yahoo.com , http://www.planetdrum.org/ .
Through Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Shotgun Players "The Shaker Chair" — "All things have the right to live and to flourish. Not just us." A new play by recent Obie award winner Adam Bock, author of Five Flights and The Typographer's Dream. A widow invests in a restored Shaker chair and discovers the intent of the design: it makes you want to get up and do something. The widow finds herself inspired to enact both personal and political changes when her friend discovers that a factory is leaking sewage into groundwater. Using wit and environmental activism Bock's play asks us: how far are you willing to go to fight injustice? And can you live with the consequences? Show times: Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 5pm. Runs 75 minutes with no intermission. Location: Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave, @ MLK, Berkeley. Info: 510-841-6500, http://www.shotgunplayers.org/shakerchair.htm# .
Through Thursday, February 28, 2008
Exhibit: Eco Art Matters — Laney College "Eco Art Matters" students' work on display. Located in the Education Center Gallery. Reception 2/16/08, 2pm-4pm. Location: Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, in Knowland Park, Oakland. Info: http://www.oaklandzoo.org/ .
Through Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volunteer Training: Bay Interpretive Training — Hands-on training sessions covering the history of the Bay, marine habitats, bayshore plant and animal life, and more, with an emphasis on teaching using artifacts and live animals. Location: Shorebird Park Nature Center, 160 University Ave, at the Marina, Berkeley. Cost: $49. Info: 510-981-6720, pdonald@ci.berkeley.ca.us , www.cityofberkeley.info/marina .
Friday, December 14, 2007
Application Deadline: San Mateo County Green Building Award — Sustainable San Mateo County, County of San Mateo, and the AIA San Mateo County Chapter are sponsoring the Green Building Award for 2008 in green and sustainable design and construction. The award supports sustainable design in architecture and recognizes the architects, builders, and owners of green buildings in San Mateo County. The Green Building Award is open to any building constructed within the last five (5) years and located in San Mateo County. Reusing existing building materials in remodels and additions conserves energy, and is a green approach to construction; these projects are eligible to apply for the award. The Green Building Award winner will be selected by an independent panel of recognized professionals in the disciplines of green and sustainable construction. The award will be presented at a celebration dinner on March 13, 2008 as part of the annual Sustainable San Mateo County Awards Program. Application forms and guidelines available online. Time: 3pm. Info: 650-599-1412, http://www.recycleworks.org/index.html .
Friday, December 14, 2007
Certified Green Building Professional Training — Certified Green Building Professional Training (CGBP). As green building becomes more popular, homeowners and those purchasing homes are looking for builders, architects, engineers, and specialty contractors who are qualified to provide green building services. Network with other California building professionals, during this two-day course on: Energy Conservation, Resource Conservation, Indoor Air Quality and Green Building Marketing Techniques. Get the information and resources you need, while learning how to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in green building and participating in a networking exercise. Pre-registration required Register online. Location: County of Alameda Conference Center, 125 Twelfth Street, Suite 400, Oakland. Time: 8am - 5pm. Cost: $395 general, $350 members. Info: 510-845-0472, Training@BuildItGreen.org , http://www.builditgreen.org/guild/index.cfm?fuseaction=become_pro .
Friday, December 14, 2007
Holiday "Grub" Party — People's Grub Parties are monthly events that include a short cooking demonstration, a workshop from our "Peer 2 Peer" Youth, and a tasting. Join People's Grocery for food, fun, and games with our youth, staff, and many friends and family who have helped us have a wonderful year bringing healthy food and nutrition education to West Oakland. RSVP. Location: Healthy Oakland, 2580 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. Time: 6pm - 9pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-652-7607, Jeannine@peoplesgrocery.org , http://www.peoplesgrocery.org. .
Friday, December 14, 2007
Lecture: Through a Western Lens: Polynesia and Tourism — Through A Western Lens: Representations of the Other. Images of Paradise: Polynesia and Tourism. Although we live in a "global village", most of the information we receive about the world we live in seems to be a one-way flow. US media consumers are viewing themselves and cultural others through the eyes of dominant Western global discourse, which deploys various forms of representation to make domestic and international others "knowable". In this series of workshops we will explore forms of mainstream representation of different peoples. We will investigate the roles of power relations, ideology, gender, colonial histories and economics and how they contribute to the popular understanding of these images. Activities will include presentations, panel discussions with guest speakers, viewing images and video clips, and animated group discussions. This series is sponsored by the Activism & Social Change emphasis area. Meet in room 23, 766 Valencia Street. Location: New College of California, 766 & 777 Valencia St., SF. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Cost: Free.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Defend Public Housing in New Orleans — Support public housing residents from New Orleans to the Bay Area! In the next few days, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) plans to bulldoze more than 5,000 livable public housing units in New Orleans, Louisiana. This attack specifically targets working class women of color and their children, who have been working to reclaim these units since Hurricane Katrina. In response to this crisis, New Orlean's Coalition to Stop the Demolition has called for national support. The Katrina Solidarity Network (KSN) invites you to join in a solidarity demonstration to say NO to Ethnic Cleansing from the Gulf Coast to the Bay Area! Everyday more and more Bay Area residents experience first hand the result of ongoing gentrification policies in San Francisco and Oakland. KSN views the current housing crisis in New Orleans as part of a larger attack on the existence of public housing nationally. Send a message to development corporations and congress: In order to stop the destruction of our local communities, we must Stop The Bulldozers in New Orleans! Everyone that supports the Human Right to Shelter is welcome to attend and help organize the protest. Location: 13th Street and Broadway, Oakland. Time: Noon. Cost: Free. Info: Katrinasolidarity@gmail.com , http://www.peopleshurricane.org/ .
Friday, December 14, 2007
Urban Alliance for Sustainability Holiday Party — Come hang out with Urban Alliance for Sustainability and friends, as we celebrate an inspiring year and look forward to a joyful future that meets the needs of all people in the Bay Area! Opening up the night with inspirational tunes is award winning songwriter Trevor Justice and Friends. Featuring The groovy "Ph.DJ" Alex Theory. Eco and Fair Trade Raffle Prizes and more! Local, Organic, Vegetarian Evening Appetizers by Ramona Wheelright. Dress in your favorite eco-threads or recycled wear, enjoy a snack and drink, and get down! Cuz we all know sustainability is FUN!! Mix with your favorite allies as we celebrate the eco-effective connections we have made in the past year and those we will make in the future. All proceeds benefit the Urban Alliance for Sustainability. Location: Minna Gallery, 111 Minna St., SF. Time: 9:30pm. Cost: $10-20 sliding scale, (21+ W/ID). Info: 415-820-1456, http://uas.coop/node/905 .
Friday, December 14, 2007
Fair Harvest Exchange Program in Nicaragua — Global Exchange is seeking committed, self-reliant individuals with at least basic to low-intermediate Spanish language ability to join a delegation to Nicaragua. Participants will work in a Fair Trade coffee cooperative and meet with indigenous peoples, campesinos, workers, women and human rights organizations working towards social justice. Participants will also learn about the threat of free trade agreements and development plans on Nicaragua's environment and biodiversity. Live with a cooperative member family and work along side the farmers. The price includes transportation and accommodations in Matagalpa, two meals a day, trip leader and translator, program fees and activities, and donations to the organizations. Cost: $850, not including int'l airfare. Info: 415-575-5523, cristina@globalexchange.org , http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/831.html .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Tour: "Monarch Butterfly Walk" — Take a short walk to view clusters of Monarchs. Learn about their life cycle and migration. Bring the whole family! Rain cancels. Location: Mulford-Marina Branch Library, 13699 Aurora drive, San Leandro. Time: 10:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-577-6085, butterflynaturalist@earthlink.net .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Rebuild Afghanistan Summit 2007 — Over 20 non-profit organizations will be presenting their current projects in Afghanistan. Also, workshops on grant-writing, development plans and other topics will be given. Location: Centerville Church, 4360 Central Ave, Gymnasium, Fremont. Time: 11am - 4pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-612-5566, afghanistanreconstruction@yahoo.com , http://www.kabulmaternity.org/2007Rebuild/index_2007.html .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Workshop: "Greywater Design and Rainwater Catchment for Home and Garden" — Learn how to reuse your household greywater to grow a bountiful garden year round while reducing your water bill! We will investigate concepts of rainwater harvesting and analyze your roof's potential output. Get some hands-on design practice for your future greywater projects. Location: Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave., @ Lawton St., SF. Time: 10am - 1pm. Cost: $5. Info: 415-731-5627, info@gardenfortheenvironment.org , http://www.gardenfortheenvironment.org/ .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Benefit Dinner: Support the Making of "In Search of Good Food" — In Search of Good Food is a documentary series in the making which explores the "sustainable" food system in California by interviewing those who are bringing ecologically friendly, socially just, and tasty food to your plate. Enjoy a 5-course fully organic meal courtesy of celebrity chef Leif. Enjoy musical accompaniment by Hannah the Raven and Divas de Los Muertos while you chow down and watch the trailer to the film. RSVP to reserve a ticket. Location: Million Fishes Art Collective, 2501 Bryant St, SF. Time: 7pm - 11pm. Cost: $40-$100. Info: 415-571 6660, insearchofgoodfood@gmail.com .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Volunteer: "Corona Heights Habitat Restoration Work Party" — Due to holiday conflicts, this month's work party will be held two weeks earlier than usual. Join the Friends of Corona Heights Habitat Restoration and the Gay and Lesbian Sierrans for the last monthly work party of the season. Work targets 15 invasive non-natives that threaten native plants. Meet on the north side of the Randall Museum. Tools, gloves, and kneeling mats provided. Sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Sierrans, San Francisco chapter. Location: Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, SF. Time: 10am - Noon. Cost: Free. Info: 415-552-3542, http://sfbay.sierraclub.org/GLS/index.asp .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Volunteer: Late Fall Beach Cleanup — Protect animals and have fun while beautifying the beach and pond, especially after seasonal rains wash trash into the bay. Students earn community service hours. Disabled accessible. This is a drop in program; no registration is required. Location: Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Avenue, Alameda. Time: 10am - 11:30am. Info: 510-521-6887, http://www.ebparks.org/webreg .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Marin Town Hall Meeting on Oil Spill Response — Baykeeper and Assemblyman Jared Huffman are holding a town hall meeting. We want to hear testimony from Marin County residents and officials who took part in efforts to respond to the oil spill - including attempts to boom Bolinas Lagoon. We will review the Area Contingency Plan as it relates to sensitive sites in Marin County and hear testimony on whether those protocols were followed, when they were deployed and whether alternative approaches were tried. Baykeeper hopes to identify technology, staffing, communication and funding gaps, as well as any lack of clarity in authority for local agency responsibilities during spill response. Finally, we hope to hear some testimony on the experience of volunteers who participated in beach cleanups and official trainings. Please contact volunteer@baykeeper.org if you have special accessibility concerns or need an interpreter at the event. Location: Stinson Beach Community Center, 32 Belvedere Street, Stinson Beach. Time: 10am - Noon. Cost: Free. Info: 415-856-0444, http://www.baykeeper.org/ .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Buy Local: Christmas Bazaar in the Mission — MiSBA, the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, and MEDA invite you to the Christmas Bazaar at the parking lot in 24th St @ Capp St. There will be free activities for children, handmade artisan jewelry, Christmas gifts for sale, live music, and special guests. Location: SF. Time: 11am - 4pm. Info: 415-341-4191.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Art Exhibit: Touchable Stories: Richmond — A Multi-Media Oral History Event. Touchable Stories: Richmond is a multi-media oral history exhibit meant to challenge public perception of the City of Richmond by telling the story directly from the people who are living it. Designed by a host of area artists, this 10 room tour is an intimate and interactive journey into the life and times of Richmond. Tours at 2pm & 6pm. Tours are 1 hour in length with an audience size limited to 18. Location: Former Kaiser Shipyard Cafeteria. Reservations are required. Location: 1303 Canal Blvd., Richmond. Info: 510-619-3675, shannon@touchablestories.org , http://www.touchablestories.org/ .
Saturday, December 15, 2007 - Sunday, December 16, 2007
Open Studios: Berkeley Artisans — Over one hundred professional artists, craftspeople and galleries at studio buildings will participate in the 17th annual Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios. All manner of fine art and craft will be shown, including blown glass, ceramics, ornaments, furniture, garden art, floor cloths, clothing, textiles, leather bags, jewelry, and work from recycled materials. Map and directory available online. Also on 12/1-2 and 12/8-9. Location: Berkeley. Time: 11am - 6pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-845-2612, berkeleyartisans@yahoo.com , http://www.berkeleyartisans.com/ .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Volunteer: Habitat Restoration Work Party -- Fremont — Come work with our active group of volunteers as we manage habitats for wildlife. Work projects include pulling weeds, planting, and helping in our Native Plant Nursery. Great opportunity for students to earn Community Service hours. Meet at flagpole in main parking lot. Pre-Registration by phone required. Location: Don Edwards SF Bay Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Marshlands Road, Fremont. Time: 1pm - 4pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-792-0222 ext. 43, http://www.fws.gov/desfbay/Tideline/Activity.htm .
Saturday, December 15, 2007 - Sunday, December 16, 2007
Open Studio: Environmental Art — Environmental artist Zach Pine will hold an open studio with natural materials where you can make art. Located in Suite 12A. Location: Sawtooth Building, 2525 8th Street, Berkeley. Time: 11am - 6pm. Info: zpine@aol.com , http://www.naturesculpture.com/ .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Grand Opening: Green Motors in Berkeley — Green Motors in Berkeley, now open for business, is holding a grand opening party. There will be remarks by environmental and political leaders, test drives, live entertainment, sustainable schmoozing, and organic food and beverages provided by area producers including Frog Hollow Farm, Mary's Gone Crackers, Zola Acai Brazilian juice, Choctal Ice Cream, Bela Grape Juice, Café Fanny, Epic Roots Mache and Numi Organic Tea. Green Motors sells the zero emission no noise ZENN Car, (www zenncars.com), a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) the It Car (www itiselectric.com) which makes both NEVs and electric trucks, an electric scooter, the Oxygen, and electric bicycles from Hightekbikes of Petaluma (www.hightekbikes.com). Location: Green Motors, 1500 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. Time: 2pm. Info: 510-845-4743, http://www.gogreenmotors.com/ .
Saturday, December 15, 2007 - Sunday, December 16, 2007
The Crucible's Annual Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House — Whatever holiday you celebrate, spark it up with a visit to The Crucible's Holiday Gifty celebration. Shop for unique and affordable gifts created by over 75 Bay Area artisans, and experience the excitement of our 56,000 sq. ft. studio, where furnaces roar and sparks fly. Location: The Crucible, 1260 Seventh Street, Oakland. Time: 10am - 4pm. Cost: Free Admission. Info: 510-444-0919, http://thecrucible.org/ .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Volunteer: Winter Weeding and Planting at Santa Venetia Marsh — In partnership with Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space Two endangered species, the California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse, depend on Santa Venetia Marsh for survival. We need volunteers to plant native plants like coyote bush, gumplant and sticky monkey flower and weed out invasive plants such as harding grass and fennel. Join us at this beautiful site on Gallinas Creek, and learn about the history of wetland protection near the Marin Civic Center. RSVP. Location: Santa Venetia Marsh, San Rafael. Time: 9am - noon. Info: 510-452-9261 x119, bayevents@savesfbay.org , http://www.savesfbay.org .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Presidio Tree Walk — Join Presidio forester Peter Ehrlich for a Presidio tree walk to learn more about the fascinating landscape at the park. The walk will be approximately two hours in length and will include the unique trees of Simonds Loop, Letterman, Lovers Lane, and West Pacific Grove. Meet at the parking area on Ruger Street, just inside the Lombard Gate. Heavy rain cancels. Please call to RSVP. Location: The Presidio, SF. Time: 10am - Noon. Cost: Free. Info: 415-561-4299, http://www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=1184 .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Talk/Hike: The Fungi of Muir Woods — Join mycologist Robert Mackler for an exploration of the fungi of Muir Woods. We will begin with a slide show, "Mushrooms 101," and time for your questions. Then we will go into the field to look at fungi in their natural setting. Bring water, lunch, close-up photography equipment, and be prepared for weather changes. Call for information and reservations. Location: Muir Woods National Monument. Time: 10am - 2pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-388-2596, http://www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=1175&date=12/15/2007 .
Saturday, December 15, 2007 - Sunday, December 16, 2007
Workshop: Designing a California Native Garden — The California Native Garden Foundation offers a series of classes on how to Design, Build, and Maintain a California Native Garden yourself. These classes will introduce you, the do-it-yourself home gardener, to creating a sustainable, low-maintenance, and water conserving garden around your home. On Saturday 12/15 (4-7pm) you will learn how to start visualizing your native garden, learn how to incorporate native plants, learn which native plants are right for your yard, and get many design ideas for your project. The garden tour (Sunday 12/16, 10am-3pm) will feature three private gardens in the San Jose area where you see hands on how each garden reflects the natural environment around it, and learn from the designer first hand about garden styles and how each garden was constructed. Call or e-mail for more information and to register. Location: California Native Garden Foundation, 76 Race Street, San José. Cost: $65 ($40 members). Info: 408-292-9993, info@cngf.org , http://www.cngf.org .
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair — A great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts, the Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair will be held on Saturdays December 8, 15 and 22. You can support local craftspeople and find beautiful and practical handmade gifts. The fair is located next to the Saturday Berkeley Farmers' Market and also features continuous live music: 10am-12 noon - This Old Band (classic r+b, soul, blues, etc.); 12 noon-1pm - Stuart Steinhardt (songs with banjo); 1pm-2pm - Mark Abdilla (playing 500 years of lute & guitar music); 2pm-3pm - Lindell Reeves (classic r+b, soul, blues, etc.); 3pm-4pm - Lili DuBois (slide guitar blues). Proceeds benefit the Ecology Center's work. This event is supported in part by the Berkeley Civic Arts Program. Location: Civic Center Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Center Street , Berkeley. Time: 10am - 4pm. Info: 510-548-3333, http://www.ecologycenter.org/bfm/ .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Talk: Daniel Ellsberg on "Secrecy, Freedom, and the Spiritual Life" — One of the most significant whistleblowers of the 20th Century reflects on his spiritual life and the role of conscience. Daniel Ellsberg changed the course of history by releasing the Pentagon Papers. He will shed light on his personal transformation since committing his life to exposing the deceptions of U.S. leaders. Location: Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., @ Bonita, Berkeley. Time: 10:30am - Noon. Info: 510-841-4824 , http://www.bfuu.org/ .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Workshop: Waterside Workshops Sustainable Holiday Event and Toy Making — Come on down to our workshop for an afternoon of hands-on activities, music, food, and fun for people of all ages. Learn how to make your own wooden toy, or sew up a fleece hat to keep your ears warm. All of our materials are from sustainable sources, and are non-toxic. Location: Waterside Workshops, 84 Bolivar Drive, (at Berkeley's Aquatic Park), Berkeley. Time: Noon - 5pm. Cost: Sliding Scale Donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: 510-644-2577, http://www.watersideworkshops.org/ .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Community Labyrinth Peace Walk — Everyone welcome. Rain cancels. Location: Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave., between Derby St. and Stuart St., Berkeley. Time: 3pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-526-7377, info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org , http://www.bpfp.org/users/eblp/ .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Workshop: Holiday Gift-Making: Mole Paste — It's the season of gift-giving, and why not show your love by giving the gift of delicious homemade mole paste. When you give this special gift, it is easy for your friends and family to enjoy a wonderful meal with minimum work on their part. It's a great way to add different flavor to a traditional holiday meal, or to jazz up any holiday leftovers. During this seasonal Edible Explorations holiday gift-making workshop, learn to make mole paste, and bottle it in decorative jars complete with cooking directions. Workshop lead by Rebecca Sibrack of Edible Explorations. Edible Explorations is a cultural cooking education service offering classes and parties that encourage cultural and environmental understanding through food. An anthropologist and accomplished cook, Rebecca is always excited to share her passion for food and cultural exploration. South Berkeley - address provided at sign up. RSVP by phone or email. Location: Berkeley. Time: 1pm - 4pm. Cost: $40-$60 Sliding Scale. Info: 510-292-7002, rebecca@edibleexplorations.com , http://www.edibleexplorations.com/ .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Educational Adventure: Ohlone Village Site Open House — Walk to a more than 2,000-year-old Tuibun Ohlone village site to learn how its residents balanced human needs with that of the land. You'll be introduced to Ohlone cultural skills. Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont. Time: 10am & 1pm - noon & 4pm. Info: 510-795-9385, chvisit@ebparks.org .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Berkeley Grandmothers for the Oaks — Come on down to the Oak Grove this Sunday and bring lots of non-perishable vegetarian food in bags, lots of water in jugs with handles, blankets and sleeping bags, and your singing voices and instruments. We're planning to sing songs from the Civil Rights Movement to the treesitters. It'll be an open mic and anyone and everyone can sing and perform. Hope to see you there! Location: Memorial Oak Grove, (on Piedmont, just north of Bancroft), Berkeley. Time: 2pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-938-2109, http://www.saveoaks.com/SaveOaks/Main.html .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Holiday Lights Bike Tour — Put on your finest blinky lights and join the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for their annual tour of holiday light displays around the city. Bring snacks to share or a thermos with something warm to drink! Location: Panhandle Statue, Fell and Baker, SF. Time: 6pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-431-2453, robin@biteback.com , http://www.sfbike.org/?nightrides .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Educational Adventure: "Junior Naturalist" — In nature, you need to be aware of your location. Learn skills and some of the tools needed to journey into the wilds. Ages 9 to 13. Registration required. Location: Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. Time: 11am - 12:30pm. Cost: $8. Info: 510-670-7270, http://www.haywardrec.org/ .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Benefit Tour: Support the Making of "In Search of Good Food" — In Search of Good Food is a documentary series in the making which explores the "sustainable" food system in California by interviewing those who are bringing ecologically friendly, socially just, and tasty food to your plate. Visit the film's director/producer Antonio Roman-Alcalá at San Francisco's largest farm. Antonio will be presenting the concepts behind the film and conducting a tour of the farm. Location: Alemany Farm, Alemany Blvd. at Ellsworth St., SF. Time: 2pm - 4pm. Cost: free (donations accepted). Info: 415-571 6660, insearchofgoodfood@gmail.com .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Volunteer: Alemany Farm Workday — We have a new Urban Forestry Program Assistant here at the SF Department of the Environment who is excited to build up a group of Volunteer Arborists! She has experience working with Friends of the Urban Forest and would like to develop an active group that can participate in plantings and workshops. Her first project will be with Alemany Farm. Join us at the Alemany Farm for one of our volunteer work days. All skill levels welcome to do as much or as little for any portion or the entirety of the day. We will be distributing harvested food at about 4:30pm. If you need more information and/or would like to sign up to help, please email or call me. We need only to have you sign a form of release and then you are welcome to join in our team of aborists! Location: Alemany Farm, Alemany Blvd. at Ellsworth St., SF. Time: Noon - 5pm. Info: 415-355-3736, kimberly.swinford-devries@sfgov.org , http://www.alemanyfarm.org/history.html .
Monday, December 17, 2007
Film: Life of Mammals, Volume 3 — This volume begins with "Return to the Water" featuring mammals with perfect streamlined bodies and great underwater speed: seals, dolphins, porpoises, and whales became the new hunters of the sea. It then moves back on to land and documents "Life in the Trees:" a range of adaptations from suction feet to gripping tails to ultra-keen senses help the tree-dwelling mammals to survive high above the ground. Before and after the film, everyone's invited to the Humanist Tea House. Location: Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. & 411 28th St., Between Telegraph & Broadway, below Pill Hill, Oakland. Time: 7:30pm. Cost: $5 donations accepted. Info: http://www.humanisthall.org/ .
Monday, December 17, 2007
Public Hearing: "Environmental Impact Report for the UC-BP Research Building" — Take pride and strength in the struggles to maintain a healthy Strawberry Canyon. The 160,000 square foot building in Strawberry Canyon would involve cutting down 44 oak trees and 38 redwoods, storing hazardous chemicals below groundwater level, importing 20,000 cubic yards of fill via 1,600 dump truck trips, genetically engineered crops in a rooftop greenhouse, building downhill from unstable soil contaminated with a spreading plume of radioactive tritium, and an EIR by corporate consultants, including URS Corporation (the same ones who want to build at the Oak Grove). Location: North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Info: info@stopbp-berkeley.org , http://www.stopbp-berkeley.org/ .
Monday, December 17, 2007
Opening Reception & International Migrants Day Celebration — Our Community in the Streets! Photographs by David Bacon celebrating International Migrants Day and the solidarity of working people in our community. Participating organizations (incomplete list): National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, Filipinos for Affirmative Action, Service Employees Union Locals 1877 and 24/7, Peoples Association of Workers and Immigrants, Oakland Sin Fronteras. Show runs 12/7/07 - 1/31/08. Location: Asian Resource Center, 310 Eighth St, @Harrison, Oakland. Time: 6pm - 8pm. Info: 510-532-9692, dbacon@igc.org , http://www.ebaldc.org/asian_resource.html .
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Talk: "Limits of Biofuels" — Biofuels are touted as the energy of the future but, already, unwanted consequences are emerging. For example, the American thirst for transportation liquids has diverted more than a fifth of our corn crop to ethanol production and the push in Europe and Asia toward biodiesel blends has accelerated deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia. David Fridley, an energy scientist at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, will discuss the role of biofuels in the world's transportation systems and offer solutions. Location: Commonwealth Club of California, 595 Market St., 2nd Floor, SF. Time: 5:15pm. Cost: $15/$8 Commonwealth Club members. Info: 415-597-6700, club@commonwealthclub.org , http://www.commonwealthclub.org/mlf/index.php#urbandesign .
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Film: "Winged Migration" — While Microcosmos brought us closer to the ground and revealed the secret lives of bugs, Winged Migration takes us up, up and away for a bird's-eye view of the world. The startlingly close-up footage was shot from all kinds of aircraft, including hot air balloons, paragliders and remote-controlled devices that unobtrusively share space with the birds. Dramas unfold as the birds struggle to find food and face menacing predators, which of course includes humans and environmental disaster. (98m) Location: Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight St., SF. Time: 7:15pm & 9:25pm. Cost: $8.50 general, $5 senior and child. Info: 415-668-3994, http://www.redvicmoviehouse.com/ .
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Walk: "Holiday Lights Walk" — Days are short, but there is no shortage of holiday cheer in the Dolores Heights/Castro/Noe Valley area. Come check it out on this non-denominational night hike of approximately 3 miles. Along the way, we may stop for hot chocolate and to consider ways of "greening" the holidays. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriate to the weather. We will climb some steep streets and/or staircases. Meet at the stairway of the Castro MUNI Station at Castro and Market Streets. Rain cancels. Sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Sierrans, San Francisco chapter. Location: SF. Time: 5:45pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-305-5493, http://sfbay.sierraclub.org/GLS/outings.html .
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Book Talk: Bruno Gulli on Creative and Productive Labor — Bruno Gulli talks about his new book, Labor of Fire: The Ontology of Labor Between Economy and Culture. A timely and much needed re-examination of the concept of labor, the book distinguishes between "productive labor" (working for money or subsistence) and "living labor" (working for artistic creation), Gulli convincingly argues for a definition of work that recognizes the importance of artistic and social creativity to our definition of labor and the self. Location: Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia St., at 20th St., SF. Time: 7:30pm. Info: http://www.mtbs.com/events.html .
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
East Bay Green Drinks — Don't miss the last 2007 East Bay Green Drinks. Live Music by Pete Madsen! Bobby G's is generously discounting all beverages and food until 8pm. Come early and enjoy the deal! Bobby G's Pizzeria is a Certified Green Restaurant serving gourmet pizza, pasta and panini. Bobby G's supports sustainable farming and fair trade coffee, and people's right to make a fair living wage in communities around the world. They also support local community groups, and have donated generously to schools and non-profits. East Bay Green Drinks is a monthly gathering of people interested in sustainability, including green business, architecture, design, building, organics, clean energy and other topics. Location: Bobby G's Pizzeria, 2072 University Ave, Berkeley. Time: 5:30pm - 8pm. Info: http://www.sustainablebiz.org/ .
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Online Seminar: Preparing for a Carbon Constrained World — Inspiring Green Leadership presents this forty-five minute live Executive Briefing addresses important elements of climate change, peak oil and how they affect each other. It includes a fifteen-minute question and answer period at the end with the presenter. Register online. Time: 9:30am - 10:15am. Cost: Free. Info: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/71429648 .
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Green Movie Night: Social Equity Triple Bill — Urban Alliance for Sustainability's Green Movie Night provides a casual space to meet others in the local sustainability movement and encourages lively, open discussion. Local organizations working on the theme of the month participate in a Q/A discussion. Films include: Color of Sustainability -- LaDonna Redmond describes how she has organized a community in Chicago that is working to develop local solutions to the issue of local food access. She and her husband formed a non-profit organization and obtained several vacant lots, and converted those lots to urban farm sites, and hired people from the community to work on those sites. Get it Together -- A positive, fast-paced look at the contributions young people of all races are making to transform their communities and protect their environment. Produced by youth for youth, the video begins by broadly defining "environment" to include urban blight as well as pollution. Ella Baker Center for Human Rights: "The New Dream: The 3rd Wave of Environmentalism" -- Featuring Van Jones, Julia Butterfly Hill, Paul Hawken, Raquel Rivera-Pinderhughes, and Ian Kim, The New Dream outlines the promise of lifting low-income folks out of poverty and into the exploding green economy. Forum Speakers: Aaron Lehmer, Alli Chagi-Starr, Berkeley Youth Alternatives' Vivian McBride. Location: Little Roxie Theater, 3125 16th Street, SF. Time: 6pm - 9pm. Cost: $9. Info: unite@uas.coop , http://www.uas.coop/node/847 .
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Simplicity Forum Meeting in Berkeley — Join us for a festive meeting celebrating the holidays and the winter solstice (a little early). We will have an end-of-year discussion to assess what we were able to accomplish in 2007 toward simplifying our lives, and to make plans for simplifying more in 2008. Sparkling cider will be provided; please bring your own cup, to save on resources. If you would like to bring any other refreshments, feel free to do so. Location: Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave., @ Ashby, Berkeley. Time: 6:30pm - 8pm. Cost: Free. Info: simpleforums@yahoogroups.com , http://www.simpleliving.net/main/ .
Friday, December 21, 2007
Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk by Candlelight — Take a break from the holiday stress to enjoy a quiet walk, hot mulled cider, and nibbles. Everyone welcome. Rain cancels. Location: Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave., between Derby St. and Stuart St., Berkeley. Time: 6pm - 8pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-526-7377, info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org .
Friday, December 21, 2007
Application Deadline: Course: Movement 101 — SOUL's Oakland-based 8-week course seeks to explore lessons and models developed by revolutionary movements in different moments and parts of the world. The course helps build our understanding of the structures of oppression, histories of resistance, and tools for revolution. We also explore how these lessons and models can be applied to our work today. We especially encourage applications from working-class, differently-abled, LGBTQQ, women, and people of color organizers and activists! Course will run mid-January to mid-March 2008 (dates to be determined based on participant schedules) at SOUL's Training Center in Oakland. Space is limited to 15 students. Application available online. Location: Oakland. Cost: $10-$20 donation for materials. Info: 510-451-5466 ext 317, liz@schoolofunityandliberation.org , http://tinyurl.com/ys9q5g .
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Benefit: An Evening with Don Cheadle — Black Dot Artists, Inc. is hosting an event with acclaimed actor and humanitarian Don Cheadle. Mr. Cheadle will engage in a lively conversation about his work in Africa, the craft of film and the role of arts in communities, and much more with Black Dot Artists, Inc. CCO Marcel Diallo. A rare Bay Area event, as it is his first public appearance in Oakland, seating will fill quickly. Tickets available online. Location: Oakland. Time: 6pm - 9pm. Cost: $200-$500. Info: https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=22785 .
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair — A great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts, the Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair will be held on Saturdays December 8, 15 and 22. You can support local craftspeople and find beautiful and practical handmade gifts. The fair is located next to the Saturday Berkeley Farmers' Market and also features continuous live music: 10am-11am - Amy Hofer & friends (Old Time/Bluegrass); 11:00-12 noon - Berkeley Community Chamber Singers; 12 noon-1pm - Mark Abdilla (playing 500 years of lute & guitar music); 1pm-2pm - Dave Harris (great rock & folk songs acoustic); 2pm-4pm - Tangria (jazz duo). Proceeds benefit the Ecology Center's work. This event is supported in part by the Berkeley Civic Arts Program. Location: Civic Center Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Center Street , Berkeley. Time: 10am - 4pm. Info: 510-548-3333, http://www.ecologycenter.org/bfm/ .
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Volunteer: Plant Native Seedlings — In partnership with East Bay Regional Park District. This urban area includes some of the last remaining wetland habitat in the East Bay and is home to many species, including the endangered California clapper rail and burrowing owls. Help us grow thousands of native wetland plants in our nursery, plant 10,000 native seedlings on the shoreline, remove non-native plants and remove trash and debris. Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland. Time: 9am - noon. Info: 510-452-9261 x119, bayevents@savesfbay.org , http://www.savesfbay.org .
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Tour: "Monarch Butterfly Walk" — Take a short walk to view clusters of Monarchs. Learn about their life cycle and migration. Bring the whole family! Rain cancels. Location: Mulford-Marina Branch Library, 13699 Aurora drive, San Leandro. Time: 10:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-577-6085, butterflynaturalist@earthlink.net .
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Winter Solstice Gathering at the Interim Solar Calendar — A mini-workshop on the Seasons. An introduction to the newly installed "interim" homage to Cesar Chavez (i.e., a temporary four directions/four virtues art installation). The North and wisdom are common metaphors associated with Winter — as is the Tolerance needed to face the conflicts of life peacefully. Led by Alan Gould, Lawrence Hall of Science. Dress warmly - the weather is part of the experience. Location: Cesar Chavez Park, Interim Solar Calendar, Berkeley. Time: 4:15pm - 5:15pm. Cost: Free. Info: http://www.solarcalendar.org/ .
Sunday, December 23, 2007
On Film and In Person: Mrs. Santa Claus — Small children may sit on Mrs. Claus's lap and children of all ages may tell Mrs. Claus what gifts they want for the winter holidays. Mrs. Claus may suggest that, after personal wishes, they might also ask for world peace, a healthy planet, comfort and an equal chance for all people, etc. Then we'll pull down the shades and screen the feature film, "Mrs. Santa Claus," a multicultural musical starring Angela Lansbury as a sparkling Mother Jones type who organizes exploited child laborers in NY toy factories to strike. Will she get the sleigh back in time for Santa's big night? Location: Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., @ Bonita, Berkeley. Time: 1pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-841-4824, http://www.bfuu.org/ .
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Workshop: Nature's Gift Cards & Ornament Wreaths — Use sun and leaf print techniques to create gift cards or cut imaginative snowflakes for decorating gift tags. Then make a mini-wreath ornament. We'll provide warm, spiced cider. 4+yrs. Registration required. Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont. Time: 10am - noon. Cost: $3. Info: 888-327-2757, option 2, option 3.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Film: "Baraka" — Director/cinematographer Ron Fricke, known for his camera work on Godfrey Reggio's Koyaanisqatsi and his direction of the IMAX film Chronos, traveled to 24 countries to make this celebration of the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. He journeyed to such places as Mt. Everest, Angkor Wat, Tiananmen Square, the Brazilian rain forest, the Pyramids of Giza, the burning oil fields of Kuwait, and the Galapagos Islands -- a cinematographic quest to explore the meaning of the Sufi word `baraka,' which roughly translates as "the essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds." Simply put -- the breath of life. Location: Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight St., SF. Time: 2:00pm, 4:15pm, 7:15pm, 9:30pm. Cost: $8.50 general, $5 senior and child. Info: 415-668-3994, http://www.redvicmoviehouse.com/ .
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Introduction to Ducks — Thousands of ducks winter in the San Francisco Bay every year. View a short slide show on duck identification. Then we'll head out on the trail to try your new skills. A limited number of binoculars are available to borrow. Held in the auditorium. Location: Don Edwards SF Bay Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Marshlands Road, Fremont. Time: 10am - 11:30am. Info: 510-792-0222, http://www.fws.gov/desfbay/ .
Monday, December 24, 2007
Humanist Hall Dance Party — Happy Humane Holidays this year! Party down at Humanist Hall Christmas Eve! Live dance-able blues played by Mark O'Harps on the Harmonica and Linda Hope on Piano. Bring your favorite friends, drinks, and candles. Location: Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. & 411 28th St., Between Telegraph & Broadway, below Pill Hill, Oakland. Time: 7pm. Info: 510-393-5685, HumanistHall@Yahoo.com , http://www.humanisthall.org/ .
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Film: "Baraka" — Director/cinematographer Ron Fricke, known for his camera work on Godfrey Reggio's Koyaanisqatsi and his direction of the IMAX film Chronos, traveled to 24 countries to make this celebration of the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. He journeyed to such places as Mt. Everest, Angkor Wat, Tiananmen Square, the Brazilian rain forest, the Pyramids of Giza, the burning oil fields of Kuwait, and the Galapagos Islands -- a cinematographic quest to explore the meaning of the Sufi word `baraka,' which roughly translates as "the essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds." Simply put -- the breath of life. Location: Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight St., SF. Time: 2:00pm, 7:15pm, 9:30pm. Cost: $8.50 general, $5 senior and child. Info: 415-668-3994, http://www.redvicmoviehouse.com/ .
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Volunteer: "Bernal Hilltop Native Grassland Restoration" — Help control invasive weeds. Meet at the foot of road leading to phone company microwave tower near southwest road closure off Bernal Heights Blvd. Bring your own clippers/tools if possible. Location: SF. Time: 11am. Info: 415-831-6328, bpandrp@peoplepc.com .
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Film: "Baraka" — Director/cinematographer Ron Fricke, known for his camera work on Godfrey Reggio's Koyaanisqatsi and his direction of the IMAX film Chronos, traveled to 24 countries to make this celebration of the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. He journeyed to such places as Mt. Everest, Angkor Wat, Tiananmen Square, the Brazilian rain forest, the Pyramids of Giza, the burning oil fields of Kuwait, and the Galapagos Islands -- a cinematographic quest to explore the meaning of the Sufi word `baraka,' which roughly translates as "the essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds." Simply put -- the breath of life. Location: Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight St., SF. Time: 7:15pm, 9:30pm. Cost: $8.50 general, $5 senior and child. Info: 415-668-3994, http://www.redvicmoviehouse.com/ .
Friday, December 28, 2007
Una Noche de Resistencia Musical at La Pena — A night of excitement featuring The Brass Liberation Orchestra, Bolivar Vive!, Aztlan Underground, Eskapo, La Plebe, and poet Rupert Estanislao. A percentage of the door will be donated to the organization California Prison Focus to help in their fight for human rights and reform within the California prison system. Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Time: 9pm. Cost: $10. Info: http://www.lapena.org/event/631 .
Friday, December 28, 2007
Training for Educators: Incorporate Nature in Your Lesson Plans — Based on the principles from the book Last Child in the Woods. This program is designed for the professional educator, but is also open to budding naturalists or interested parents. Registration required. Location: Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. Time: 1pm - 4pm. Cost: $10. Info: 510-670-7270.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Really Really Free Market — We all have skills, ideas, games, music, objects, smiles, talents, friendship, excitement, discussions, laughter and many other things to share. If we bring them all together at the Really Really Free Market, we can start to create a more just and sustainable community. Share, share, share! Location: ArtSF, 110 Capp St., SF. Time: 1pm - 5pm. Cost: Free. Info: reallyreallyfreemarket@mutualaid.org , http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/ .
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Benefit Gala: Celebration of San Bruno Mountain — The event features Butterflies & Bulldozers: The Fight for San Bruno Mountain, an exclusive preview of the film documentary. Hors d'oeuvres, live music, and a hosted wine bar included. RSVP. Location: Mission Blue Community Center, 475 Mission Blue Drive, Brisbane. Time: 7:30pm - 11:30pm. Cost: $100 in advance, $125 at the door, 2nd ticket $50. Info: 415-467-6631, sanbruno@mountainwatch.org , http://www.mountainwatch.org .
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Volunteer: Alemany Farm Workday — We have a new Urban Forestry Program Assistant here at the SF Department of the Environment who is excited to build up a group of Volunteer Arborists! She has experience working with Friends of the Urban Forest and would like to develop an active group that can participate in plantings and workshops. Her first project will be with Alemany Farm. Join us at the Alemany Farm for one of our volunteer work days. All skill levels welcome to do as much or as little for any portion or the entirety of the day. We will be distributing harvested food at about 4:30pm. If you need more information and/or would like to sign up to help, please email or call me. We need only to have you sign a form of release and then you are welcome to join in our team of aborists! Location: Alemany Farm, Alemany Blvd. at Ellsworth St., SF. Time: Noon - 5pm. Info: 415-355-3736, kimberly.swinford-devries@sfgov.org , http://www.alemanyfarm.org/history.html .
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tour: "Monarch Butterfly Walk" — Take a short walk to view clusters of Monarchs. Learn about their life cycle and migration. Bring the whole family! Rain cancels. Location: Mulford-Marina Branch Library, 13699 Aurora drive, San Leandro. Time: 10:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-577-6085, butterflynaturalist@earthlink.net .
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Educational Adventure: "Leopard Shark Feeding Frenzy" — Feed our resident leopard sharks and learn more about them and our other aquatic inhabitants. Who gets fed and who will get eaten?! For all ages. Location: Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. Time: 2pm - 3pm. Info: 510-670-7270, http://www.haywardrec.org/ .
Monday, December 31, 2007
Night Hike: "New Year's Eve Exploration" — Hike into 2008 by exploring some of San Francisco's best walkways and vistas. Stay after the hike to enjoy the midnight fireworks show. Reservations required. Time: 8pm - 11:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-255-3233, http://www.greenbelt.org .
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Carrie Bennett
Ecology Center
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// Thanks to volunteers Guy Baldwin, Lori Fagerholm, David Klotz, and Kimberly Thompson for help with the EcoCalendar.
// Thanks to Jennifer Bresee, Beck Cowles, and David Ricardo for their help and guidance.
The Ecology Center is a membership organization providing environmental information and direct services to promote sustainable living and a healthy, socially just world. Please support this community resource for the environment by becoming a member or making a donation. Support our work on-line at http://www.ecologycenter.org/donate/ |