Back to Home > Communities > Friday, Sep 15, 2006 Montclarion Posted on Fri, Sep. 15, 2006 email ... ARTS CALENDAR...

Cal Performances -- All performances in Zellerbach Hall unless otherwise noted. "The Peony Pavilion," by Tang Xianzu, Sept. 15 through Sept. 17. Kenneth Pai's interpretation of Tang Xianzu's classic reveals the power of love by exploring the relationship between Du Liniang, a sheltered, lonely girl, and Liu Mengmei, an impoverished scholar. The Chinese "kunqu" opera combines literature, music, dance and drama. SUNG IN CHINESE WITH ENGLISH SUPERTITLES. Friday-Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. $30-$86. Nuccia Focile, Sept. 17, 3 p.m. Soprano Nuccia Focile performs alongside members of the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. The program will include works of Mozart, Verdi, Puccini and others. At Hertz Hall, Bancroft Way and College Avenue. $48. Kiri Te Kanawa, soprano, Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano, Sept. 21, 8 p.m. The program will include songs, arias and duets by composers ranging from Mozart, Berlioz and Poulenc to Copeland and Britten. $48-$110. Rolando Villazon, tenor, Sept. 24, 3 p.m. The program will include works of Schumann, Bononcini, Handel, Massenet, Faure, Tosti and Obradors. Villazon will be accompanied by pianist Bryndon Hassman. $68. Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley. 510-642-9988, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu .

Chapel Of The Chimes -- Oakland Lyric Opera, Sept. 24, 2 p.m. Featured artists: Raeeka Shehabi-Yaghmai, mezzo-soprano; Jorge Orlando Gomez, tenor; Alexander Katsman, piano. The program will feature dramatic duets and arias from Bizet's "Carmen," including "Habanera," "Seguidilla," "Flower Song" and others. $18-$20. 510-836-6772, www.oaklandlyricopera.org . 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 510-654-0123, www.chapelofthechimes.com .

First Congregational Church Of Berkeley -- "Chanticleer," Sept. 17, 7 p.m. The program, titled "Quotations," will feature the world premiere of Ezequiel Vinao's "The Wanderer," as well as works by Paul Schoenfield, Carlos Gutierrez, Robert Kyr, Arthur Jarvinen and Steven Stucky. $22-$44. 415-252-8589, www.chanticleer.org . 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley.

Hertz Hall At The University Of California, Berkeley -- "The 54th Annual Noon Concert Series," through Oct. 29, 12:15-1 p.m. September 20: "Amazing Grace: Vocal Music by African American 20th- and 21st-century composers. University faculty members Candace Johnson, soprano, Margaret Kapasi, piano, will perform works of Leslie Adams, Adolphus Hailstork, Margaret Bond and Robert Morris. Free. UC Berkeley campus, Bancroft Way and College Avenue, Berkeley.

Mills College Music Department And The Center For Contemporary Music -- Concerts take place in the Concert Hall unless otherwise noted. "Darius Milhaud Concert," Sept. 15, 8 p.m. The program will include works by Milhaud, Satie, Poulenc and Tailleferre. Featured artists: Gianna Abondolo, cello; Steve Adams, saxophone; Belle Bulwinkle, piano; Sara Ganz, soprano; Laura Griffith, oboe; Angela Koregelos, flute; Sharon Mann, piano; Rufus Oliver, bassoon; Kristin Pankonin, piano. Free. Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-430-2296, www.mills.edu .

Unitarian Universalist Church Of Berkeley -- Bryan Baker and Friends, Sept. 23, 8 p.m. The program will feature works of Schumann, Kuhnau, Chopin, Handel, Purcell, Mozart, Martinu and Milhaud. Featured artists: Rod Lowe, tenor; Deborah Schmidt, flute; Inara Morgenstern, piano; Poppea Dorsam, cello. $15-$20. One Lawson Road, Kensington. 510-524-2912, www.uucb.org .

Cal Performances -- All performances in Zellerbach Hall unless otherwise noted. "Classical Savion," Sept. 22, 8 p.m. Tony Award-winning tap dancer Savion Glover performs alongside a string quartet and jazz ensemble. Glover will tap to classic works by Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Dvorak and Bartok. $28-$68. Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company, Sept. 23, 2 and 8 p.m. The performance will include 45 dancers from the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company along with live music projecting from indigenous and introduced instruments. The program will include "Earth Rhythms," "Hispanic Past Remembered," "Mindinao Splendor," the Gold Temple Award winner at the 47th International Folklore Festival in Agrigento, Sicily and more. $22-$42, Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley. 510-642-9988, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu .

Eighth Street Studios -- Deep Root Dance Collective, Sept. 22 and Sept. 23, 8 p.m. The program, titled "Envoi," features new work based on literary themes. $8-$15. 2525 Eighth St., Berkeley. 510-527-8119.

Julia Morgan Center For The Arts -- Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance, Sept. 23, 8 p.m. The program will include Hawaiian Hula, Tahitian Ori, West African drumming, Mbira, Waiata Maori and the Watergourd Ceremony. $20. Crosspulse Rhythm Duo, Sept. 24, 2 p.m. The program, titled "Finding the Rhythm Around Us," includes a blend of music and dance. $7.50-$12.50. 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. 510-845-8542, www.juliamorgan.org .

Paramount Theatre -- "So You Think You Can Dance Tour," Sept. 15, 8 p.m. The performance features finalists from Fox's hit show "So You Think You Can Dance." $39.50-$52.50. 2025 Broadway, Oakland. 510-465-6400, 415-421-8497, www.paramounttheatre.com or www.ticketmaster.com .

Shattuck Down Low -- "Live Salsa," Ongoing. An evening of dancing to the music of a live salsa band. The night opens with beginning lessons at 8 p.m. and intermediate lessons at 8:45 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. $5-$10. For ages 21 and older. 2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510- 548-1159, www.shattuckdownlow.com .

Starry Plough Pub -- "Ceili and Dance," Ongoing. Traditional Irish music and dance. The evening begins with dance lesson at 7 p.m. followed by music at 9 p.m. Mondays, 7 p.m. Free. For ages 21 and over unless otherwise noted. Sunday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-841-2082, www.starryploughpub.com .

Altarena Playhouse -- "The Foreigner," by Larry Shue, through Oct. 1. Set at a rural Georgia fishing lodge, Charlie pretends not to understand English in order to avoid interacting with the other guests. His plan goes awry as secrets are created, discovered and revealed, and Charlie is used as a confidante. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $12-$15. 1409 High St., Alameda. 510-523-1553, www.altarena.org .

Aurora Theatre Company -- "Salome," by Oscar Wilde, through Oct. 1. Wilde's take on the notorious biblical temptress and her unreciprocated love for the prophet Jokanaan. Wednesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. $38-$50. Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-843-4822, www.auroratheatre.org .

Berkeley City Club -- "Walking the Dead," through Oct. 29. Theatre Q presents Keith Curran's work about the tragic death of a transgendered person. Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $18-$20. 510-326-8197, www.theatreq.org . 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre -- "Mother Courage," Bertolt Brecht, through Oct. 22. David Hare's adaptation of Brecht's play about a religious war that tears apart the civilized world, killing both soldiers and civilians. The story focuses on a traveling peddler who shadows the destruction, selling supplies to whichever side needs them. Tuesday and Thursday-Friday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. $33-$61. "Church House, Dope House, Dream House," Sept. 22 through Sept. 24. Yehmanja's one-woman show takes viewers from crack house to church house, from the pulpit to the pipe and from the bible to the bus. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. $25. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-647-2949, 888-4BR-Ttix, www.berkeleyrep.org .

Impact Theatre -- "Colorado," by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, Sept. 21 through Oct. 28. A world premiere. When Tracy Ackhart, Miss Late Teen Colorado, mysteriously vanishes the day before the national pageant, her entire family enters a state of distress and turmoil. It would be easy to hold anyone of the family members responsible for the disappearance if they weren't so dependent on Tracy's success for their own happiness. Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. $10-$15. La Val's Subterranean Theatre, 1834 Euclid St., Berkeley. 510- 464-4468, www.impacttheatre.com .

Kofman Auditorium -- "Aida," by Elton John and Tim Rice, through Sept. 24. The Disney musical tells the love story of two African princesses who have fallen for the same soldier. Presented by Alameda Civic Light Opera. Friday-Saturday, 8.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $27-$31. 510-864-2256, www.aclo.com . 2200 Central Ave., Alameda.

Masquers Playhouse -- "Diary of a Scoundrel," by Alexander Ostrovsky, through Sept. 30. The play tells the story of one man who attempts to sneak into upper-class society by lying, flattering and catering to the vanities of the wealthy. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sept. 10, Sept. 17, Sept. 24, 2:30 p.m. $15. 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. 510-232-4031, www.masquers.org .

Shotgun Players -- "The Typographer's Dream," by Adam Bock, through Sept. 17. A typographer, a geographer and a stenographer obsess over their professions, their identities and Canada. Presented in collaboration with Encore Theatre Company. Sept. 6-13 and Sept. 13-17, 8 p.m. $15-$30. The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. 510-841-6500, www.shotgunplayers.org .

Trinity Chamber Concerts -- American Conservatory Theatre MFA Program Presents "Company in Concert," Sept. 23, 8 p.m. Songs from Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Tony Awardwinning musical "Company" will be performed by 15 up and coming actors. $12 general; $8 seniors, disabled persons and students. Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St., Berkeley. 510-549-3864, www.trinitychamberconcerts.com .

Woodminster Summer Musicals -- "Taming of the Shrew," Sept. 24, 4 p.m. William Shakespeare's romantic comedy about a lady of ungovernable spirit and fiery temper and the man who, after a wild courtship, eventually wins her heart. The production will be given a retro hue, including platform shoes, psychedelic-colored suits and music by Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and others Free. Woodminster Amphitheater, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland. 510-531-9597, www.woodminster.com .

924 Gilman St. -- All ages welcome. Risky Business, Sept. 15. $7. The Queers, The Hard-Ons, Groove Ghoulies, Shinobu, Sept. 16. $6. Allegiance, Ceremony, Acts of Sedition, Modern Eyes, Sept. 22. An American Cancer Society benefit concert. Tinkture, Toast Machine, Sept. 23. $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. Old-time and bluegrass. First and third Wednesdays of every month. Free. George Cotsirilos Jazz Group, Sept. 16, 9:30 p.m. $3. 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 .

Altarena Playhouse -- Talk of da Town!, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. A cappella gospel, doo-wop and classics. $25-$35. 800-838-3006. 1409 High St., Alameda. 510-523-1553, www.altarena.org .

Ashkenaz -- Aphrodesia, Sept. 15, 9:30 p.m. With special guests from Ghana, Kusun Ensemble. Berkeley Old-Time Music Convention, Sept. 16, 7 p.m. Features square dance with the Squirrelly String Band, Uncle Wigglely and the Adam Rose band. $5-$15; free children 5 and under. Bruce and Lloyds's Tri Tip Trio, Sept. 19, 8:30 p.m. Cajun/Zydeco dance lesson with Cherry McBride at 8 p.m. $9. The Fareed Haque Group, Sept. 21, 7-8:30 p.m. $12-$15. Pele JuJu with the Shelley Doty Extet, Sept. 22, 9:30 p.m. $15-$17. Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Sept. 23, 9:30 p.m. Swing dance lesson with Nick and Shanna at 8 p.m. $11-$13. 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. 510-525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com .

Beckett's Irish Pub -- Mundaze, Sept. 15. "Rock and Roll with Nicole," Sept. 16. Free. Shows at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2271 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-647-1790, www.beckettsirishpub.com .

Berkeley Fellowship Of Unitarian Universalists -- "Benefit Concert," Sept. 16, 6-10 p.m. Local favorites perform rock, folk and country music. Featuring performances by Maxina Ventura, Tom Bruce, Annie and the Vets, Laramie Crocker, Wendi Olson and The Floors. Proceeds benefit restoration of the 1909 Steinway. $5. 1606 Bonita Ave., Berkeley. 510-841-4824, www.bfuu.org .

Downtown Restaurant -- Ned Boynton Quintet, Sept. 15. Josh Workman Group, Sept. 16. Matt Renzi Trio, Sept. 22. Ken Berman Trio, Sept. 23. Zoe Ellis Group, Sept. 24. Free unless otherwise noted. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2102 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-649-3810, www.downtownrestaurant.com .

Freight And Salvage -- Berkeley Old Time Music Convention, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15. Featuring Ginny Hawker and Friends, Jody Stecher & Hank Bradley and Mercury Dimes. $18.50-$19.50. Neydavood Ensemble, Sept. 16. Persian music ensemble. $19.50-$20.50. Bearfoot Bluegrass, Sept. 17. $17.50-$18.50. Kelly Joe Phelps, Sept. 19. $19.50-$20.50. Harry Manx, Sept. 21. $18.50-$19.50. Storyhill, Sept. 22. $18.50-$19.50. David Jacobs-Strain, Sept. 23. $17.50-$18.50. "Vern Williams Memorial Concert," Sept. 24. $22.50-$23.50. Music starts at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1111 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-548-1761, www.freightandsalvage.org .

Greek Theatre -- Massive Attack, DJ Shadow, Sept. 22, 8 p.m. $45.50. Hearst Avenue and Gayley Road, Berkeley. 510-548-3010, www.apeconcerts.com .

La Pena Cultural Center -- Los Utrera, Sept. 15, 8 p.m. A celebration of Mexican Independence Day. $13-$15. Peter Apfelbaum, The New York Hieroglyphics, Abdoulaye Diabate, Sept. 17, 8 and 10 p.m. $18-$20. Toshi reagon, Sept. 22, 8 p.m. $15. 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-849-2568, www.lapena.org .

Oakland City Center -- "Noontime Concert Music Series," through Sept. 27, Noon-1 p.m. Sept. 20: Mark Levine and Latin Tinge. Free. City Square Plaza, 500 12th St. at Clay Street, Oakland. www.oaklandcitycenter.com .

Paramount Theatre -- Jeff Beck, Sept. 24, 8 p.m. $39.50-$75.50. 2025 Broadway, Oakland. 510-465-6400, 415-421-8497, www.paramounttheatre.com or www.ticketmaster.com .

Shattuck Down Low -- "Live Salsa," Ongoing. An evening of dancing to the music of a live salsa band. The night opens with beginning lessons at 8 p.m. and intermediate lessons at 8:45 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. $5-$10. "Bay Blasters" with Shotgun Wedding Quintet, Sept. 15, 9 p.m. $7. Native Elements, Sept. 22, 9 p.m. $7-$9. For ages 21 and older. 2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510- 548-1159, www.shattuckdownlow.com .

Starry Plough Pub -- The Starry Irish Music Session led by Shay Black, Ongoing. Sundays, 8 p.m. Sliding scale. For ages 21 and over unless otherwise noted. Sunday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-841-2082, www.starryploughpub.com .

Yoshi's -- Larry Harlow and the Latin Legends of Fania, through Sept. 17. $5-$24. Aaron Goldberg Trio, Sept. 18. $10-$14. Eldar, Sept. 19 and Sept. 20. $16. Karrin Allyson, Sept. 21 through Sept. 24. With special guests Jon Hendricks and Nancy King. $5-$26. Shows are Monday through Saturday, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., unless otherwise noted. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. 510- 238-9200, www.yoshis.com .

Bay Area Rail Trails -- Ongoing. A network of trails converted from unused railway corridors and developed by the Rails to Trails Conservancy. 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. Ongoing Events -- Alameda County -- "Lake Chabot Bike Rides." These rides are for strong beginners and intermediates to build skill, strength and endurance at a non hammerhead pace. No one will be dropped. Reservations required. Distance: 14 miles. Elevation gain: 1,000 feet. Difficulty: beginner to intermediate. Pace: moderate. Meeting place: Lake Chabot Road at the main entrance to the park. Thursday, 6:15 a.m. 510-468-3582. Alameda-Contra Costa County -- "Tilden and Wildcat Bike Rides." A vigorous ride through Tilden and Wildcat Canyon regional parks. Reservations required. Distance: 15 miles. Elevation gain: 2,000 feet. Difficulty: intermediate. Pace: fast. Meeting place: in front of the North Berkeley BART Station. Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. 510-849-9650. Free. 415-561-2595, www.ridgetrail.org .

Bicycle Trails Council Of The East Bay -- 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. Ongoing Events -- "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 .

Cal Sailing Club -- "Free Sailboat Rides," through Dec. 10, 1-4 p.m. Enjoy a free sailboat ride with an experienced skipper at one of Cal Sailing Club's open house events. Children 5 and under prohibited. Sept. 3, Sept. 24, Oct. 8, Oct. 22, Nov. 26 and Dec. 10. Free. 124 University Ave., Berkeley. www.cal-sailing.org .

Crab Cove Visitor Center -- Ongoing. At Crab Cove, you can see live underwater creatures and go into the San Francisco Bay from land. You can also travel back in time to Alameda s part. The goal is to increase understanding of the environmental importance of San Francisco Bay and the ocean ecosystem. Crab Cove's Indoor Aquarium and Exhibit Lab is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the East Bay. Special Events -- "Sea Siblings," Sept. 19, 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. The program, which includes outdoor exploration and a nature craft, is designed for children ages 3-5 with the option of inviting a 1-year-old to 5-year-old sibling along. Registration required. $4. 510-636-1684. "Sweating in the Redwoods," Sept. 24, 1-4 p.m. Embark on a challenging sixmile hike through the redwoods and learn about these giant trees and the creatures that inhabit them. Ages 10 and older. 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. $4-$5. 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 year around. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the public for walking Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free. Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. 510-615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org .

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 a half 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 .

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 .

Oakland Zoo -- Ongoing. The zoo includes a Children's Petting Zoo, the Skyride, a miniature train, a carousel, picnic grounds and a gift shop as well as the animals in site specific exhibits, which allow them to roam freely. Included are "The African Savanna," with its two huge mixed-animal aviaries and 11 African Savanna exhibits; the Mahali Pa Tembo (Place of the Elephant), with giraffes, chimpanzees and more than 330 other animals from around the world; "Simba Pori," Swahili for "Lion Country," a spacious 1.5-acre habitat offering both a savanna and woodland setting for African lions; "Footprints from the Past," an anthropology exhibit showcasing four million years of human evolution and an actual "footpath" of the first hominids to emerge from the African savanna; "Sun Bear Exhibit," a stateof-the-art space the zoo has developed for its two sun bears; and Siamang Island, a state-of-the-art, barrier-free area that emulates the gibbons' native tropical rain forest habitat. Also see the Malayan Fruit Bats from the Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida that are now roosting in trees at the zoo. In addition there are special exhibits and events monthly. Ongoing Exhibits -- "Valley Children's Zoo," 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. Special Events -- Ongoing. "Family Sundown Safari," Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Spend the night at the Oakland Zoo and enjoy live evening entertainment, a meal in the Zoo cafi, and create toys and treats for the wild things you'll meet. $100. $5.50-$9; free children under age 2; $5 parking fee. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. 510-632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org .

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline -- 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 .

Redwood Regional Park -- Ongoing. The park's 1,836 acres contain a redwood forest with peaceful groves, as well as other evergreens, chaparral and grasslands. There are picnic sites and grassy play areas, with access for disabled persons and a play structure for children. Redwood Creek, which runs through the park, contains the world-famous rainbow trout. $5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle; $2 per dog; free for guide/service dogs. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7867 Redwood Road, Oakland. 510-562-PARK, www.ebparks.org .

Rei Berkeley -- A series of lectures on hikes and outdoor equipment. "Strike at Half Dome," Sept. 19. Seasoned hiker Bob Madgic discusses the 1985 hike to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite and the lightening bolt that claimed the lives of two hikers. "Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinics," Sept. 24, 10 a.m. Join an REI bike technician to learn how to maintain your bike in excellent working condition. Events are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1338 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. 510-527-4140.

Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve -- 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 .

Roberts Regional Recreation Area -- Ongoing. Within the park's 82 acres are a heated outdoor pool, bathhouse, playing fields, picnic areas and hiking and riding trails. Sea captains once took their bearings from a towering redwood tree on Blossom Rock here. $5 per vehicle; $2 per dog except guide and service dogs. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Skyline Boulevard, a half-mile north of Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland. 510-562-PARK, www.ebparks.org .

Tilden Regional Park -- This park is large and contains hiking trails, a golf course, a miniature scaled train to ride, The Brazilian Building and picnic areas. Regional Parks Botanic Garden -- Ongoing. Guided docent tours of the gardens, Saturday and Sunday through 2006, 2 p.m. Free. 510-845-4116, www.nativeplants.org . Special Events -- "The Natural History of Garbage," Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-noon. Discover aweinspringing natural beaches and panoramic bay views while joining a ttatewide effort to protect the waterways from garbage. "Kids Garden Club," Sept. 16, 2-4 p.m. Plant, harvest, build, make crafts and get dirty. Children ages 7-12. Registration required. $8. 510-636-1684. "Geology Rocks!" Sept. 16, 10-11:30 a.m. Take a short nature hike and learn about the layers of our planet. Ages 9-12. $7. "Morning Meditation Walk," Sept. 17, 9-10:30 a.m. Engage in walking meditation, quiet sitting and poetry writing, and discover the wilderness within. "Spinning a Yarn," Sept. 17, 1:30-3 p.m. Try your hand carding wool and take a turn with the spindle. "Family Nature Hike," Sept. 23, 10-11:30 a.m. Meet the curious critters of Jewel Lake on this easy walk for all ages. "Farm Friends," Sept. 23, 2-3 p.m. Meet the latest additions to the farm and enjoy fun-filled activities and crafts. "Poison Oak," Sept. 23, 11 a.m.-noon. Learn how to identify, prevent and heal poison oak. "Farm Stories and Songs," Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-noon. Listen to fun songs and stories and then meet the animals. Free unless otherwise noted. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entrances off Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Berkeley. 510-525-2233, www.ebparks.org .

University Of California, Berkeley Botanical Garden -- Ongoing. The garden's 34 acres include displays of thousands of exotic and native plants. Ongoing Events -- Docent Tours, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Tour Orientation Center for a free docent tour. Waterwise Gardening Tour, third Thursday and the following Saturday and Sunday of every month, 1:30 p.m. Free. Sick Plant Clinic, first Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. to noon. A plant pathologist and his team of experts will diagnose what ails your plant. Free. $1-$5, ages 3-18; free children 2 and under; free on the first Thursday of every month. Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed the first Tuesday of every month for maintenance. UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. 510-643-2755, http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu .

Acci Gallery -- "Abstraction and Design," through Oct. 2. An exhibit of 2-D and 3-D abstract works in all media. Featured artists: Mary De Paolo, Philippe, Janssens, Kathleen King, Gina Papen, Leroy Parker and Susan Putnam. Free. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 1652 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-843-2527, www.accigallery.com .

Esteban Sabar Gallery -- "Psyche," through Oct. 2. An exhibit of oil and pastel paintings by Douglas Light. "Risk and Revelation," through Oct. 2. An exhibit of oil paintings by Albert Hwang. "Silver Lining," through Oct. 2. An exhibit of acrylic paintings by Sue Averell. Free. Monday and Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m. CLOSED TUESDAY AND THURSDAY. 480 23rd St., Oakland. 510-444-7411, www.estebansabar.com .

Gallery 555 -- "Light Markers," through Nov. 10. An exhibit of innovative glass works by David Ruth. Free. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; third Thursdays, 7 a.m-8 p.m. Oakland City Center, 555 12th St., Oakland.

Giorgi Gallery -- "Chroma Collective," through Oct. 1. The exhibit features a range of works by six members of Chroma Collective and two guest artists. Featured artists include Priscilla Birge, Elizabeth Dante, Olivia Eielson, Mimi Loch, Dorothy Nissen, Diane Rusnak, Audrey Wallace-Taylor and Lynne Zickerman. Free. Wednesday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2911 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 510-848-1228, www.giorgigallery.com .

Hall Of Pioneers Gallery -- "Oakland Chinatown Pioneers," Ongoing. Twelve showcases, each focusing on historic leaders and personalities of the community. Free. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Chinese Garden Building, 275 Seventh St., Oakland. 510-530-4590.

Joyce Gordon Gallery -- Anna W. Edwards, through Sept. 30. An exhibit of abstract paintings by the artist. Free. Wednesday-Friday, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.; Monday by appointment. 406 14th St., Oakland. www.joycegordongallery.com .

Kala Art Institute -- "Residency Projects: 2005-2006 Kala Fellowship Exhibition, Part II," through Oct. 14. The Kala Fellowship is awarded annually to eight artists chosen from applicants all over the world. The exhibit, the second of two parts, showcases the works of four of these artists who have worked in residency at Kala over the last year. Featured artists: Miriam Dym, Gary Nakamoto, Sasha Petrenko and Tracey Snelling. Free. Tuesday-Friday, noon-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4:30 p.m. 1060 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. 510-549-2977, www.kala.org .

La Pena Cultural Center -- Cyndi Hidalgo-Knies, through Oct. 29. An exhibit of murals and paintings by the artist. 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-849-2568, www.lapena.org .

Lawrence Hall Of Science -- Ongoing Exhibits -- "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 and 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.

Special Exhibit -- "The A-Maz-ing Maze," Ongoing. Test your sense of direction as you try to navigate your way out of this 35-foot by 35-foot maze. "Kapala," 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. $$5.50-$9.50; free for children ages 2 and under. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. University of California, Berkeley, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. 510- 642-5132, www.lawrencehallofscience.org .

Mama Buzz Cafi -- "16th and Wood; Transients and Trainwrecks," through Sept. 29. An exhibit of portraiture by Tim Kunze. Free unless otherwise noted. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. 2318 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 510-465-4073, www.mamabuzzcafe.com .

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 City Center -- "Bay Area Landscapes from Trillium Press," through June 17. An exhibit of Bay Area landscapes created using a variety of printmaking techniques. Featured artists include Jessica Dunne, Kim Froshin, Gregory Londos and Susan Hall. Daily, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. City Square Plaza, 500 12th St. at Clay Street, Oakland. www.oaklandcitycenter.com .

Oakland Public Library, Main Branch -- "Educate to Liberate: The Black Panther Party Black Community News Service, a Retrospective," through Dec. 31. The exhibit marks the 40th anniversary of the Black Panther Party's founding at Merritt College and explores the history of the party's newspaper. Featured selections include theoretical writings of party leaders and visual arts by Emory Douglas and other artists. "Teen Photography Exhibit," through Sept. 30. An exhibit of photos by teens from the Henry Robinson Center of Oakland. At TeenZone. Free. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Friday, noon-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; CLOSED JAN. 1 AND JAN. 2. 125 14th St., Oakland. 510-238-3134, www.oaklandlibrary.org .

Peralta Hacienda Historical Park Museum Gallery -- "Looking for Hope," Sept. 15 through March 31. An exhibit of photography by Matt O'Brien with text created by students from Oakland public schools. Sept. 15, 6-8 p.m. Free. Thursday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. www.peraltahacienda.org .

Richmond Art Center -- "Geographic Premonitions," through Nov. 11. A group exhibit featuring work by emerging Bay Area artists. Oct. 14, 4-8 p.m.: Reception for the artists. "Members Only," through Nov. 11. The annual Richmond Art Center members' exhibit. Oct. 14, 4-8 p.m.: Reception for the artists. "Members' Show Case," through Nov. 11. An exhibit featuring work by Angela Baer, Ron Saunders, Reiko Schwob, Tabitha Soren and Myong Stebbins. Oct. 14, 4-8 p.m.: Reception for the artists. "Richmond Field Reports," through Nov. 11. A group exhibit that explores the notion of neighborhood and examines Richmond communities. Artists include Jon Brumit Barbara Kossy and Jessamyn Lovell. Oct. 14, 4-8 p.m.: Reception for the artists. Free. Tuesday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 510-620-6772, www.therichmondartcenter.org .

Sculpture Court At Oakland City Center -- "Herding Sheep," through Nov. 1. A site-specific installation by Bay Area artist Armando Ramos. Free. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; third Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oakland City Center, 1111 Broadway, Oakland.

Stoneridge Gallery -- "Seascapes Revisited and More," through Sept. 25. An exhibit of new paintings by Synthia Saint James, inspired by her travels to Hawaiian, Tahitian, Fijian and Caribbean islands. Free. Thursday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Jack London Square, 424 Second St., Oakland. 510-444-7466.

University Of California, Berkeley Art Museum -- Ongoing Events -- "First Impressions: Free First Thursdays," first Thursday of every month. Special tours and movie presentations. Admission is free. Guided Tours, selected Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Graduate students from the university's Department of Art History will give tours of featured exhibits. "Centers of Artistry: Indian Paintings from the Collection," through Oct. 22. An exhibit featuring works drawn from centers of artistic production across India, ranging in date from the 17-century through the 20th-century, which help to provide a context for the variety of subjects and styles represented in "Edge of Desire: Recent Art in India." "Tara Donovan: Colony," through April 15. Donovan's installation uses pencils to create a "Colony." $5-$8; free children under age 12 and UC Berkeley students; free to all on first Thursday of the month. Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 510-642-0808, www.bampfa.berkeley.edu .

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. Special Exhibits -- "Neptune Beach Exhibit ," Ongoing. The exhibit celebrates the history of Alameda's "Neptune Beach," a once booming bathing resort, and features antique bathing suits, panoramic photos, carousel animals and more. Free. Wednesday-Friday, 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. 2324 Alameda Ave., Alameda. 510-521-1233, www.alamedamuseum.org .

Bade Museum At The Pacific School Of Religion -- Ongoing. 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. Free. Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Holbrook Hall, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley. 510-848-0528, http://bade.psr.edu/bade .

Ebony Museum Of Arts -- Ongoing. A museum specializing in the art and history of Africa. The collection, which was on display in the museum's Jack London Village branch, has been incorporated with the material in the 14th Street Victorian Museum building, the site of the original museum. Free admission; $2 guided tour. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1034 14th St., Oakland. 510-763-0141.

Golden State Model Railroad Museum -- -- Ongoing. The museum features extensive displays of operating model railroads constructed and operated by the East Bay Model Engineers Society. Covering some 10,000 square feet, steam and modern diesel-powered freight and passenger trains operate in O, HO and N scales on separate layouts as well as narrow gauge and trolley lines. Of special interest is the Tehachapi Pass and Loop on the N-scale layout showing how the multiple engine trains traverse the gorges and tunnels, passing over themselves to gain altitude to cross Tehachapi Summit just east of Bakersfield. The layouts include such famous railroad landmarks as Niles Canyon, Donner Pass and the Oakland Mole where transcontinental passengers were ferried across San Francisco Bay from their arriving trains. VIEW THE LAYOUTS ONLY ON WEDESDAYS AND SATURDAYS; WATCH TRAINS RUN ON THE LAYOUTS ON SUNDAYS. $2-$7 Sunday family ticket; free on Wednesday and Saturday. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline, 900 Dornan Dr., Point Richmond. 510-234-4884, www.gsmrm.org .

Habitot Children's Museum -- Ongoing. 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. Ongoing Exhibits -- "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. Special Exhibits -- Ongoing. "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. $5-$6. Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; CLOSED SUNDAY-MONDAY. 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. Ongoing Exhibits -- "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 .

Judah L. Magnes Museum -- Ongoing. 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. Special Events -- "My America Closing Symposium and Sills Memorial Lecture," Sept. 17, 2 p.m. Featured panelists: Alla Efimova, chief curator at the Magnes; Karen Levitov, associate curator a The Jewish Museum; George Krevsky, George Krevsky Gallery. $12. "Family Day," Sept. 17, 11 a.m. The family program features an interactive tour of "My America." Free. Special Exhibits -- Ongoing. "Modernism in Israel: Works on Paper," through Oct. 8. An exhibit of prints, watercolors, ink drawings, and illustrated books dating from the 1940s to 1950s. "My America: Art from The Jewish Museum Collection, 1900-1955," through Sept. 21. The exhibit, which focuses on the first half of the 20th century, includes more than 50 works that represent the eclectic styles and subjects of American art during this time. "Revisions Jonathon Keats: The First Intergalactic Art Exposition," through Jan. 14. The exhibit features a radio signal that has been decoded and transferred onto canvas by conceptual artist Jonathon Keats. Keats believes that the signal, detected by the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, contains artwork broadcast from deep space. For the duration of the exhibition, Keats will broadcast into outer space his own artwork inspired by the collection at the museum. $4-$6; free for children under age 12. Sunday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 2911 Russell St., Berkeley. 510-549-6950, www.magnes.org .

Mills College Art Museum -- The collection includes over 6,000 objects, approximately 4,000 prints and drawings, 900 textiles, 200 paintings, and 900 small ceramics and sculptures. Each season works from the museum's permanent collection are shown along with the regular season's program. Special Events -- Steve Dietz, Sept. 20, 7 p.m. Dietz, director of the ISEA 2006 Symposium and ZeroOne San Jose and former curator at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, lectures. Free. Special Exhibits -- "Particulate Matter," through Dec. 10. The exhibit brings together the paintings, installations, drawings, photographs and sculpture of six contemporary American and European artists who address conditions of overload in modern life. Artists include Andrea Bowers, Chris Finley, Karl Haendel, Florian Maier-Aichen, Danica Phelps and Pamela Wilson-Ryckman. Sept. 9, 5-7 p.m.: Opening reception. "Emerging Artists," through Dec. 10. This series of rotating solo exhibit highlights emerging Bay Area artists. Sept. 9-Oct. 8: Works of Daniel Tierney. Free. Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 5000 Macarthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-430-2164, www.mills.edu .

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 -- Ongoing. 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. 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 Museum Of California -- Ongoing. Ongoing Events -- "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. Special Events -- Free with general admission unless otherwise noted. "There's No Place Like Home: Exploring Animal Habitat," Sept. 17, 1-4 p.m. Explore how animals make their homes in special places at this bilingual English/Spanish workshop. Special Exhibits -- "New Acquisitions: Video Work by Billy Viola," through Dec. 31. The installation will feature continuous loops of "The Reflecting Pool: Collected Work, 1977-80," "Anthem, 1983," and "The Passing, 1991." "Sports: Breaking Records, Breaking Barriers," Sept. 23 through Jan. 7. An exhibit of artifacts from the Smithsonian's sports collection spotlighting 35 pioneering men and women who dominated 17 sports. $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. $5; free for children ages 12 and under. House Tours: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. 672 11th St., Oakland. 510-444-2187, www.pardeehome.org .

Richmond Museum Of History -- Ongoing. Permanent exhibits highlight Richmond's cultural, industrial and architectural legacy. Special Exhibit -- "Potluck," through Oct. 22. The exhibit features a variety of items from the Museum's collection that have nothing to do with the history of Richmond, from letter openers and bells to cigarette cards and fans. $1-$2. Wednesday-Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 400 Nevin Ave., Richmond. 510-235-7387, www.richmondmuseumofhistory.org .

University Of California, Berkeley Art Museum -- Ongoing. Ongoing Events -- "First Impressions: Free First Thursdays," first Thursday of every month. Special tours and movie presentations. Admission is free. Guided Tours, selected Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Graduate students from the university's Department of Art History will give tours of featured exhibits. Special Events -- "Artists' Panel," Sept. 16, 3 p.m. Artists Nalini Malani and Atul Dodiya, exhibit curator Chaitanya Sambrani and UC professors Lawrence Cohen and Vasudha Dalmia discuss how contemporary Indian art deals with a range of interdisciplinary issues. "The Fourth Dimension: Space, Time and Space-Time as Leitmotif in 20th-Century Art," Sept. 24, 3 p.m. Author and art historian Linda Henderson considers the disappearance and reemergence of the fourth dimension as a relevant concept in art and culture. Special Exhibits -- "The Bancroft Library at 100: A Celebration 1906-2006," through Dec. 3. The exhibit marks the centennial of the Bancroft Library at the university. It showcases more than 200 objects spanning 2000 years. "Centers of Artistry: Indian Paintings from the Collection," through Oct. 22. An exhibit featuring works drawn from centers of artistic production across India, ranging in date from the 17-century through the 20th-century, which help to provide a context for the variety of subjects and styles represented in "Edge of Desire: Recent Art in India." "Edge of Desire: Recent Art in India," through Sept. 17. "Edge of Desire," the first major exhibit of its kind to be presented in the U.S., brings together a diverse range of artists and works of art to create new perspectives on the culture and politics in India today. $5-$8; free children under age 12 and UC Berkeley students; free to all on first Thursday of the month. Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 510-642-0808, www.bampfa.berkeley.edu .

University Of California, Berkeley Hearst Museum Of Anthropology -- Ongoing. Ongoing Exhibits -- "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, http://hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu .

University Of California, Berkeley Museum Of Paleontology -- Ongoing. Ongoing Exhibits -- "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 -- Ongoing. Come aboard this World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today, visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center. Ongoing Events -- "Limited Access Day," 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. Special Events -- Ongoing. "Family Day," Ongoing. Discounted admission for families of four with a further discount for additional fammily 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. "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. "Patriots and Heroes Week," through Sept. 17. Firefighters, law enforcement agents, rescue personnel and other first responders receive complimentary admission to the museum this week. "Flashlight Tour," Sept. 16, 8:30 a.m. Beat the crowds and explore areas onboard the Hornet that have not yet been opened to the public. Reservations required. $35 per person. 510-521-8448 X282. "Living Ship Day," Sept. 16. See the aircraft carrier in action. Witness simulated flight operations as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed into launch position; participate in mission briefings; meet former crew members; and sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet. $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 .

Western Aerospace Museum -- Ongoing. The museum features a display of aircraft ranging from World-War-II to present-day models, as well as other historical aviation memorabilia. Among the museum displays are a McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk from the Vietnam War; a McDonnell Douglas-British Aerospace Harrier; a replica of the Wright Brothers 1911 Vin Fiz, the first plane to be flown across the United States; and a Lockheed Vega, a single-engine plane flown by Amelia Earhart, who set speed records in it. The plane is the only Vega in existence with an aluminum fuselage. Also included is a vertical take-off Hamer jet formerly belonging to NASA, a MIG-15, and the Short Solent Flying Boat, a British-built flying boat. Docent-led tours available by special request. $7 general; $6 seniors; $5 active military; $3 children age 6 to 12; free children under age 6; $2 per person additional for Short Solent Flying Boat Tour. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. North Field, Building 621, Oakland International Airport, 8260 Boeing St., Oakland. 510- 638-7100, www.westernaerospacemuseum.org .

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