This weekend in Oakland

Community events and activities for the weekend of March 18 – 20.  Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments!

Friday, March 18

Cantare Con Vivo Presents Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis
7:30 pm
Allen Temple Baptist Church Family Life Center: 8501 International Boulevard, Oakland

The Cantare Con Vivo – the famous choir – along with soloists Kristin Clayton, Megan Berti, Thomas Glenn, and Austin Kness, will perform Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis.  More info here.

Oakland East Bay Symphony Celebrates Persian New Year
8 pm
Paramount Theater: 2025 Broadway, Oakland

The program – More Notes from Persia – will feature work from composers Ahmad Pejamn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Behzad Ranjbaran, and Omid Zoufonoun.  Michael Morgan will conduct.  Click here to buy tickets.  Cost: $20 – $65.  More info here.

Girl Talk
9 pm
Fox Theater: 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

Mixmaster Girl Talk will perform his unique creations.  Special guest Max Tundra will also perform.  Cost: $29.50.

Official Girl Talk After-Party
10 pm
The Den: 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

Come join Junk Culture as he hosts the official after-party for mix master Girl Talk.  Cost: $5 with Girl Talk concert ticket, $10 without.  More info here.

Lecture and Meditation Session: “The Hidden Power in Humans – Chakras and Kundalini”
7: 30 – 9:30 pm
Scottish Rite Center: 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland

Yoga in Daily Life presents a public lecture, “The Hidden Power in Humans – Chakras and Kundalini,” and meditation session.  Cost: $35, $21 for students with valid id.  More info here.

Dance Anywhere 2011: Simultaneous Global Dance-Off
12 – 1 pm
Various locations

Started in 2005 by Berkeley resident Beth Stein, six continents and 27 countries have now gotten in on the fun of the annual Simultaneous Global Dance-Off.  This years Dance-Off will take place at noon pacific daylight time (Oakland, San Francisco, LA), 3 pm EDT (New York), and 8 pm in Paris, Rome, etc.  To find out where people are dancing near you, click here.  More info here.

Amy Cook: “Mathematical Blending and the Staging of Nothing in Shakespeare’s Henry V”

11 am – 12:30 pm
Tolman Hall: 5101 Tolman, UC Berkeley, Berkeley

Amy Cook – a visiting neuroscientist from Indiana University – will discuss the concept of nothingness and how it relates to Shakespeare.  More info here.

Hayk Demoyan: “Directions of Armenian Genocide Research in Armenia”
12 pm
Dwinelle Hall: 219 Dwinelle Hall, UC Berkeley, Berkeley

Hayk Demoyan will discuss the state of genocide research in Armenia.  Demoyan is the Affiliation Director of The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia.  More info here.

Funcheap’s March Madness Party & Free BBQ
5 pm
Northstar: 1560 Powell Street, San Francisco

FuncheapSF is hosting its first annual NCAA Basketball Tournament Viewing Party and Free BBQ.  You will be able to watch all the day’s later games on giant HD TVs, dine on free popcorn and BBQ appetizers and toast the winners with an extended $3 drink happy hour.  There will also be a free raffle with fun prizes.  RSVP required, click here.  More info here.

Lee Edelman: “Against Survival: Queerness in a Time That’s Out of Joint”
5 – 7 pm
Dwinelle Hall: 3335 Dwinelle Hall, UC Berkeley, Berkeley

Lee Edelman – the Fletcher Professor of English Literature at Tufts University – will give the 2011 Outlook Lecture in Comparative Literature.  More info here.

Off the Grid: Friday Night Food Truck Party
5 – 10 pm
Fort Mason Center: Fort Mason Center parking lot, San Francisco

After a four-month break, this weekly food fete is back!  Every Friday, a diverse group of 30 different food vendors gathers in the Fort Mason Center parking lot to serve the masses with great food.  Alembic Bar and Magnolia Brewery will be running the bar and there will be live music from 6 – 10 pm.  New vendors for 2011 include: Wow Truck, JapaCurry, Brass Kuckle, Zombie Curry, Peter’s Kettle Corn, Sataysfied and Masubi Kings.  This Friday night’s event highlights: Hapa SF, Kung Fu Tacos, Chairman Bao, Namu, Cupkates, Happy Dumplings, and Picca Picca.  Cost: the even is free, but the food is cash only.  More info here.

Stand with Japan!  Stand against nuclear power!
5 – 8 pm
11^th and Broadway, Oakland

The group will gather at 11^th and Broadway in downtown Oakland and will march on to City Hall.  The group will be protesting California’s two nuclear power plants sitting near fault lines, one in a tsunami zone and PG&E’s Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant – trying to renew its operating permit without first doing earthquake studies.  More info here.

“Conversations With Artists”
7:30 pm
Books Inc: 1344 Park Street, Alameda

Artists Roshni Rustomji, Maw Shein Win, Debbie Yee, and Shari Arai DeBoer will be discussing their art pieces that are featured in the new book “Cheers to Muses: Contemporary Works by Asian American Women.”  More info here.

Bill Turner: “Figures of Speech: First Amendment Heroes and Villains”
7:30 pm
Mrs. Dalloway’s: 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley

Bill Turner – a UC Berkeley professor who has taught a course on the First Amendment for 25 years – will read from and sign his new book, “Figures of Speech: First Amendment Heroes and Villains.”  More info here.

“Rio de la Plata Milonga”
7:30 pm
Ashkenaz: 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

Trio Garufa hosts the “Rio de la Plata Milonga,” two bands performing music from Argentina and Uruguay.  Singer and guitarist Maria Volonte and the candombe percussion group Urubanda will also perform.  The doors open at 7:30 pm, there will be an Argentine Tango lesson with Andrea Fuchilieri at 8 and the show will start at 9.  Cost: $15.  More info here.

Free Clarinet & Piano Concert: Ram Dass Khalsa

8 pm
The Joint: 2628 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley

Ram Dass Khalsa plays numerous instruments, including the clarinet, guitar, and piano.  Khalsa’s music is eclectic, but tends to have a mellower vibe.  More info here.

Saturday, March 19

Yoga Workshop: “Yoga and Finding Peace Within”
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Scottish Rite Center: 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland

Paramahansa Swami Maheshwarananda (Swamiji) will lead the yoga workshop.  Cost: $65.  More info here.

Bay Area Social Justice Forum
8:30 am – 4 pm
Valley Center for Performing Arts: 3500 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland

Hosted by Holy Names University’s Center for Social Justice and Civic Engagement, the Bay Area Social Justice Forum will include six morning workshops and seven afternoon workshops.  The keynote speakers will be Reverend Alexia Salvatierra – executive director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice – in the morning, and Joe Grant – co-founder and chairperson of Crossroads Ministry, a justice-based retreat center in Louisville, Kentucky – in the afternoon.  To register, click here.  More info here.

Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday
9 am, 11 am and 1 pm
American Red Cross Blood Donation Center: 6230 Claremont Avenue, Oakland

The American Red Cross will be offering free CPR and first aid training on Saturday in honor of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and all those involved in the Tucson tragedy.  Each of the three training sessions will be an hour long and include instruction in hand-only CPR, controlling external bleeding, and managing stock.  Registration is recommended.  More info here.

Tool Lending Library’s Tile Installation Workshop
10 am – 2 pm
Temescal Tool Lending Library: 5202 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

This four-hour workshop will include lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.  A professional will teach you the techniques you will need to install tile in your own home.  TO participate in the hands-on section of the workshop, you must be a registered patron of the Tool Lending Library.  To register, you must be a resident of Oakland, Piedmont or Emeryville.  Click here for more registration details.  More info here.

Beauty and The Beasty
10:30 am to 1 pm
Lakeside Theater: 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland

The classic fairytale is brought to life by the East Bay Children’s Theater.  Cost: $10 – $12.  More info here.

St Baldrick’s – Be Brave, Get Bald
11 am
Oakland Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center, Building Atrium: 744 52nd Street, Oakland

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation – a volunteer-driven charity funding research on childhood cancers – coordinates worldwide head shaving events to raise awareness and money for their cause.  Click here to register for the event.  Click here to join the event by shaving your head.  More info here.

Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon and Awards Ceremony
11:45 am – 12:30 pm
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension: 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland

The Eighteenth Annual Hall of Fame Award Luncheon will honor great women in 12 categories – ranging from Business and Professions to Environment to Youth.  The 2011 inductees are: Wei-Ling Huber, Olis Simmons, Jacqueline Hairston, Dr. Carol Ward Allen, Elaine Taylor, Mary Jane Gross, Julie Rems-Smario, Frances Jefferson, Lois De Domenico, Crystal Jaing, Lisa Busbee-Young, and Natassija Jordan-Oliver.  Doors open for the silent auction at 11:45 am, the luncheon beings at 12:30 pm.  To make reservations, call 510-272-6510 or to purchase tickets online,click here.  More info here.

Learn to Make Art with Reclaimed Objects
12 – 2 pm
Rock Paper Scissors: 2278 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

The Rock Paper Scissors Collective is holding a workshop to showcase Saint Vincent Paul’s artist in residence.  Rock Paper Scissors will provide all the supplies and the event is totally free.  Just show up and learn to how to make totally wearable, fun, and reclaimed fashion.  More info here.

Farmers’ Market “Honey Festival”
10 am – 1 pm
Ferry Plaza: 101 The Embarcadero, San Francisco

On Friday, the Ferry Building will be full of honey related displays and activities.  All day long, there will be an Ask the Beekeeper Booth with Helene Marshall, owner of Marshall’s Farm Natural Honey.  Marshall will also have samples of her various honey flavors for you to try.  There will be Seasonal Cooking Demonstrations with Sunset Magazine editor Margo True, Fairmont Hotel chef JW Foster, and Bar Agricole chef Brandon Jew.  More info here.

“Black & Proud to Be College Bound” Conference
8 am – 4 pm
Seven Hills Conference Center at San Francisco State University: 800 Font Boulevard, San Francisco

Hundreds of young African American male students from throughout the Bay Area will gather to learn important college prep skills and create a college-bound community among today’s African-American youth.  A number of workshops will be offered, including workshops in financial aid, the merits of historically black colleges and universities, and SAT and ACT preparation skills.  The conference is sponsored and designed by the Mitchell Kapor Foundation.  More info here.

Golden Gate Park Scavenger Run
8:30 – 10 am
Sharon Meadow: John F. Kennedy Drive and Conservatory Drive East, San Francisco

Teams will end up covering about four miles on foot as they search for mystery items hidden throughout the Golden Gate Park.  Hosted by the Half Full Running Club, the Scavenger Run is free for everyone.  Each team will need one camera phone.  If you don’t have a team, don’t worry, you can find one when you arrive.  More info here.

National Corn Dog Day 2011
All day
Various locations

Can you tackle the infamous “triple double” – 10 corn dogs, 100 tater tots and 10 PBRs?  Well, that is the challenge this National Corn Dog Day, which is sponsored by Foster Farms, PBR, and Jones soda and set to coincide with March Madness.  More info here.

Bay Area Events

A Moveable Feast – An Official Corn Dog Day House Party
9:30 am – 10 pm
672 25^th Street, Oakland

The fun starts with the tip-off of the first NCAA tournament game of the day.  There will be a huge “triple double” competition, but RSVP is required.  To RSVP, email troyflint@gmail.com or call Troy at 415-902-8589.  Cost: the first 40 people to RSVP are free, after that, attendees must bring their own corn dogs.  More info here.

National Corn Dog Day
11:30 am – 10 pm
McCormick & Kuleto’s: Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco

The bar will be decorated with official corn dog day decorations and the two TVs in the bar will be tuned into March Madness all day long.  Cost: free to attend, corn dogs $1.50.  More info here.

Rich Muller: “The Current Status of Climate Change – A Non-Partisan Analysis”
11 am – 12 pm
100 Genetics and Plant Biology Building: UC Berkeley, Berkeley

Rich Muller – a professor in the Department of Physics at Berkeley and a Faculty Senior Scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory – will give a talk on climate change and its implications on our planet.  More info here.

San Francisco Anti-War March & Protest

12 pm
UN Plaza: 7^th Street and Market Street, San Francisco

This Saturday marks the 8^th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.  A group will gather at noon to protest war spending and the recent cuts in education, housing, and healthcare.  The group will also be supporting San Francisco hotel workers.  The group will then march to two nearby hotels that are currently boycotted by Local 2 hotel workers union – fighting for a new contract.  More info here.

Smell History on The Tenderloin Walking Tour
1 pm
126 Hyde Street: 126 Hyde Street, San Francisco

If you love history, you will love this tour.  Randy Shaw of the Uptown Tenderloin Historic District will take the group through the fascinating Tenderloin neighborhood – pointing out the buildings where film director Frank Capra and Grateful Dead founder Jerry Garcia once lived, as well as the gym where Muhammad Ali trained.  The tour will finish at Amsterdam Café for beer and bites.  RSVP required.  More info here.

Girls Rock After School Program (GRASP) Showcase
1 – 3 pm
Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts: 1428 Alice Street, Oakland

The Girls Rock After School Program empowers young girls – ages 8 – 18 – with the power of music, education, creation and performance.  The program is 10 weeks long and includes lessons in musical instruments, self-defense, songwriting, and comics.  Over the course of the last 10 weeks, 55 girls have formed 12 unique bands, who will showcase their original songs at the event.  There will also be a raffle to win a Cherry Red Gretsch Electromatic Guitar, worth $600.  More info here.

Garden Garments: Opening Reception, Workshop and Book Release with Sasha Duerr
1 – 4 pm
University of California Botanical Garden: 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley

Sasha Duerr – textile designer and founder of Permacouture Institute – will teach the group how to create homemade dyes using just what you can find in your own garden.  More info here.

Tour the Hydraulic Model of the San Francisco Bay
1:30 – 3 pm
Bay Model Visitor Center: 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito

The San Francisco district of the US Army Corps of Engineers built the 1.5 acre hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta to help scientists, educators, and citizens to learn about the Bay.  Join a ranger for a guided tour of this amazing model and learn about its operations from 1942 to 2000.  More info here.

“Brides of March” 2011 Wedding Dress Pub Crawl
2:30 pm
Tunnel Top Bar: 601 Bush Street, San Francisco

Get that wedding dress out of storage or just gussy up any white dress you have in your closet and join hundreds of other “brides” for the 13^th annual “Brides of March” pub-crawl.  The group will meet at the Tunnel Top bar or at Chelsea Place at 2:30 pm and will parade through the heart of San Francisco, stopping at Tiffany’s, Victoria’s Secret, Selix and of course numerous bars.  More info here.

Flogging Molly
7:30 pm
Fox Theater: 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Flogging Molly will perform at the Fox Theater on Saturday night.  Flogging Molly combines traditional Celtic music with hard-edged punk sounds, with lyrics written – by bandleader Dave King – on an old-school typewriter.  Special guests Moneybrother and The Drowning Men will also perform. Cost: $29.50.  More info here.

Burlesque Moulin and Red Hots Burlesque Present: Under the Sea!
7: 30 pm
Shattuck Down Low: 2284 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

A piscatorial inspired performance by numerous burlesque performers will take over the Down Low on Saturday night.  Chef Gino will be serving up Mergaritas and salty drink specials.  Doors open at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:30 pm.  Cost: $12, $7 for Pisces.  More info here.

Magnificat
8 pm
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church: 2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley

The classical music group Magnificat will perform Orazio Vecchi’s Madrigal Comedy ‘L’ Amfiparnaso.’  Cost: $12 – $35.  More info here.

Nederlands Dans Theater
8 pm (also on Sunday)
Zellerbach Hall: UC Berkeley, Berkeley

The Nederlands Dans Theater is one of the worlds most distinguished and creative dance companies and has once again come to Berkeley to perform.  They will put on a show you will never forget.  More info here.

Sunday, March 13

Easy Bird Walk at Arrowhead Marsh
1 pm
Arrowhead Marsh: Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland

The group will meet at 1 pm in the main parking lot and the tour will be led by Roy – who will be sitting on the fishing dock and wearing a dorky white hat and cape.  The group will wander through the ponds and shoreline areas of the marsh looking for a variety of waterfowl, including California Clapper Rails.  The walk will last for as long as the group likes, the entire distance around the pond is 1.5 miles.  Bicycles are also welcome.  More info here.

From Egypt to East Oakland, African Resistance on the Rise
4 – 6 pm
Uhuru House: 7911 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland

Omali Yeshitela will be presenting his new book, “One People!  One Party!  One Destiny!”  More info here.

Unisex Clothing Swap
5 – 8 pm
Actual Café: 6334 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland

Can’t fit into that cute spring dress anymore?  Don’t actually like the color of that sweater you just bought?  Bring your gently worn clothing to Actual Café’s clothing swap and trade in those pieces you no longer want for something new to spice up your wardrobe.  You can bring clothing, shoes, and accessories – belts, hats, bags – and both men’s and women’s attire is accepted.  Actual Café will also be serving its full menu of food and drinks during the event.  More info here.

Backyard Beekeeping
9:30 am – 1 pm
BioFuel Oasis: 1441 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley

Learn how to keep bees in your own backyard.  You will learn how to harvest honey, beeswax, pollen, and propolis from your hives.  There will be snacks of apples, cheese, and chocolate dipped in local honey.  Margaret Farrow and Jennifer Radtke will lead the seminar.  Cost: $35.  The class is already full, email biodevas@biofueloasis.com or call 510-665-5509 to be added to the waitlist.  More info here.

Norooz at Habitot
9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Habitot Children’s Museum: 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley

Come celebrate the 5^th annual Norooz – Persian New Year celebration at Habitot Children’s Museum.  Kids can learn about Norooz traditions like planting “sabzeh” wheatgrass and painting “tokhme-morgh” eggs, the symbol for brining fresh life to a new year.   Everyone can enjoy the daylong interactive storytelling in the Multicultural Reading Tent.  More info here.

Sunday Streets 2011 Season Kickoff
11 am – 4 pm
The Embarcadero, San Francisco

This once a month roaming neighborhood celebration is the ultimate block party and this Sunday will take place along the Embarcadero from Fisherman’s Wharf to Mission Bay.  The streets will be closed and full of bikers, skaters, people walking their dogs, yoga classes, and more.  There will be free bike rentals, tours, bike safety courses, bike maintenance programs, and a mobile roller disco with free skate rentals.  More info here.

3^rd Annual Family Fitness Fair
11 am – 4 pm
Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

Located in the middle of the Sunday Streets festival, the Family Fitness Fair is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get outside and get active.  There will be a rock climbing wall, roller-skating, active games, and an inflatable slide.  More info here.

6^th Annual Meatout Celebration
12 – 3:30 pm
Unitarian Center: 1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco

The San Francisco Vegetarian Society dares you to go without meat for one day.  To convince all you carnivores out there to take on the challenge, they have put together an afternoon of lectures about health and diet complete with a 100 percent vegetarian lunch.  Cost: $8 suggested donation, sliding scale for students, seniors, and the disabled.  Reserve a lunch spot by emailing uufetasf@gmail.com or calling 415-273-5481.  More info here.

Book Into Film Discussion Group: The Cider House Rules
1:30 pm
Berkeley Public Library, Central Branch: 2090 Kittredge Street, Berkeley

Come watch the film, The Cider House Rules and stick around afterwards to discuss the movie and the book it’s based on, “The Cider House Rules” by John Irving.  Registration is required; please call 510-981-6148 to register.  More info here.

Purim Carnival
2 – 5 pm
Jewish Community Center of the East Bay: 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley

The Carnival will feature carnival booths, games, prizes, face painting, a bouncy house, magician, and balloon artist.  Come in costume to participate in the costume parade and bring a friend to win a prize.  From 3:30 – 4 pm there will be a Special Purim Story Puppets for Preschoolers, and a Purim Spiel will follow the costume parade.  More info here.

Raising Rabbits
2 – 5 pm
BioFuel Oasis: 1441 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley

Backyard chickens are old news, and rabbits are the new “it” things.  Rabbits can be raised for meat, manure, and fur.  The seminar will teach you about housing, sourcing food for your rabbits on a budget, breeding, and harvesting.  Cost: $35. The class is already full, email biodevas@biofueloasis.com or call 510-665-5509 to be added to the waitlist.  More info here.

Betsy Davids: “From Palm Leaf to Book”
4 pm
Mrs. Dalloway’s: 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley

Betsy Davids – a professor emeritus at California College of Art – has spent a lot of time in India studying the art of hand made palm leaf books.  More info here.

Ongoing community weekend events and gatherings

Talks

Wildlife Theater
Saturdays at 11:45 am and Sundays at 1:45 pm
Oakland Zoo: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland

Every Saturday, hear a story and meet an animal with the Oakland zoo staff.  On Sundays, there are more animals to meet and a chance to learn cool nature facts.

Toddler Storytime
Saturdays 10:30 – 11:30 am
Oakland Main Library, Children’s Room, 125 14th Street, Oakland
and Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue, Oakland

Every Saturday, children ages three and under can listen to stories, sing songs, and enjoy family play time. More info here.

Bay Area Poets Coalition Open Reading
First Saturday of every month, 3 – 5 pm
Strawberry Creek Lodge: 1320 Addison Street, Berkeley

All ages are welcome to come participate at the Bay Area Poets monthly open reading.  Each poet or reader has between three and five minutes to present his or her pieces.  Just coming to listen is also fine.  Please only park on the street.  Check in at the front desk and you will be directed to the meeting location.  More info here.

“artiFACTS”
First Sunday of every month, 3 pm
Auctions by the Bay Theater: Alameda Point Naval Air Station, Alameda

“artiFACTS” is a monthly talk about the art of collecting and a preview of the monthly estate auction, which takes place the following Monday.  More info here.

Farmers markets

Old Oakland Farmers Market: 9th Street between Broadway and Clay, Oakland
Fridays 8 am – 2 pm, year-round
.  More info here.

Kaiser Permanente Oakland Farmers Market: 3801 Howe Street, Oakland
Fridays 10 am – 2 pm, year-round.  
More info here.

Grand Lake Farmers Market: Splash Pad Park at Grand Avenue and Lake Park Avenue
Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm, year round.  More info here.

Phat Beets Produce Market: 5717 Market Street, Oakland
Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm.  
More info here.

Temescal Farmers Market: 5300 Claremont Avenue, Oakland (at the DMV)
Sundays 9 am – 1 pm, year-round.  
More info here.

Jack London Square Farmers Market: Webster & Water Streets, Oakland
Sundays, 9 am – 2 pm, year-round.  
More info here.

Meetings

LOUD Youth Group
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 4 – 6 pm
Pacific Center: 2712 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley

LOUD Youth Group is a drop-in group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) youth.  Tuesdays focus on arts and crafts, writing, and music.  Thursdays focus on hot topics and guest speakers.  Fridays focus on queer moves and video games.  More info here.

Bay Street Stroller Strides
Fridays 9:30 am
Old Navy: 5625 Bay Street, Emeryville

Come join other mom’s as they incorporate power walking, jogging, body toning, and strength and flexibility training into their morning walks with their babies.  First class is free.  Cost: $120 for a 10-class pass.  More info here.

Chemical Dependency Workshop
Saturdays 10 am – 12 pm
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s MPI Treatment Services: 3021 Summit Street, 5^th Floor, D Wing, Oakland

Whether you are dealing with alcohol or drug abuse yourself, or helping a family member or friend through the addiction, everyone is welcome at Alta Bates’ Dependency Workshops.  Call 510-652-7000 for more information.

MTC Community Garden Hoe-Down
Saturdays 9 – 11 am
Memorial Tabernacle Church: 514 58 Street, Oakland (enter through the driveway)

Come join the weekly garden work party!  Whether you are a novice or an expert, all levels of gardening are welcome. Bring your gloves and gardening tools.

Scrabble Club
Third and First Saturday of every month, 1 – 4 pm
It’s Your Move Games and Hobbies: 4920 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

The club meets two to three times a month and hold a monthly tournament.  Cost: $1 to join the club and $25 for six games at the tournament.  More info here.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous
Sundays 8:30 – 10 am, Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Summit Campus, Merritt Pavilion
350 Hawthorne Avenue, Oakland, in the “Fir Room.”

A program based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are no dues, weigh-ins, or fee, but pre-registration for this free program is required. The program is provided through Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay. Call (510) 523-4361 for more information.

Got an Oakland event to share for next weekend’s events listing? Send info including address, time, and ticket price for events taking place in Oakland between March 25-27 to staff@oaklandnorth.net.