September 4, 2002

Energy and neighborhoods

Thursday, Sept. 5, adults and teens can learn how each San Francisco neighborhood can reduce energy consumption while also producing "green" power. Find out the best methods and what it takes for your neighborhood to become energy self-reliant. 7-8:30 p.m., Presidio, Crissy Field Center, Building 603, Mason and Halleck, S.F. Free. (415) 561-7752.

Kabul meets New York

Thursday, Sept. 5, Tamin Ansary, known for the e-mail he sent Sept. 12, 2001, which reached millions around the world, answers questions about his memoir West of Kabul, East of New York: An Afghan American Story, chronicling his bicultural life in the Islamic world and the West. Registration 6 p.m., program 6:30 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter, S.F. $12, students $5, free for members. (415) 293-4600.

Farm animals

Saturday, Sept. 7, join a walk-a-thon to raise money for farm animals and Farm Sanctuary. After the 2.5 mile walk, there will be speakers and refreshments. All walkers receive a free T-shirt, and prizes go to the those who raise the most pledges. To register contact Colleen A. Patrick at colleen@justgive.org or (510) 914-7131. Assemble 10 a.m., Frank Ogawa Plaza, Broadway at 14th St., Oakl. $10. (510) 914-7131.

Freedom songs

Saturday, Sept. 7, celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Freedom Song Network, which keeps alive the tradition of performing labor and political songs at rallies, strikes, and other events, at this benefit concert. 8 p.m., La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck, Berk. $10-$50 sliding scale. (415) 648-3457 or (510) 849-2568.

Poetry festival

Saturday, Sept. 7, join poets, musicians, environmental activists, and naturalists at the Berkeley Farmers Market and Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival, which also features environmental and literary exhibits, an open reading, and other events for all ages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Civic Center Park, Center at MLK Jr. Way, Berk. Free. (510) 526-9105, www.poetryflash.org.

Airport pollution

Sunday, Sept. 8, Jim Starry, a featured guest on Caroline Casey's Visionary Activism radio show and a nuisance to the Federal Aviation Administration, talks about his designs for safe, environmentally friendly airport development. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Roxie Cinema, 3117 16th St., S.F. $7-$15 sliding scale. (510) 547-3174 or (415) 863-1087.

'Deregulation Disaster?'

Sunday, Sept. 8, find out how you can help create new energy policies, increase renewable energy programs, and be assured reasonable rates in the wake of the state's disappointing energy deregulation, at this event cosponsored by the Utility Reform Network. 1-2:30 p.m., Presidio, Crissy Field Center, Building 203, Mason and Halleck, S.F. Free. (415) 561-7752.

Natural action

Sunday, Sept. 8, learn how to get your message through to politicians, participate in a mock candidate forum with a Bay Area supervisor, and meet members of Audubon's Bay Action Network at this hands-on workshop. 3-6 p.m., Aquarium of the Bay, Pier 39, Embarcadero at Beach, S.F. Free. (415) 947-0331.

Alternative candidates

Monday, Sept. 9, attend a panel discussion with alternative gubernatorial candidates Peter Camejo from the Green Party, Gary Copeland from the Libertarian Party, Ron Gulke from the American Independent Party, and Iris Adam from the Natural Law Party. Issues such as immigration, campaign reform, and the economic downturn will be addressed. Reception 5:15 p.m., program 6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market, second floor, S.F. Free; reservations requested. (415) 597-6705.

Simon speaks

Monday, Sept. 9, trying to gather support before his fall showdown with Gov. Gray Davis, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon is the guest speaker at the Commonwealth Club. 12:30 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market, second floor, S.F. Free; reservations requested. (415) 597-6705 or (415) 597-6706.

Support day laborers

Monday, Sept. 9, join day laborers from all over the West Coast in a march and rally to protest Mayor Willie Brown's measures to prevent the workers from organizing at La Raza Centro Legal. March 11 a.m., Rolph Park, Cesar Chavez at Hampshire; rally noon, City Hall, S.F. Free. (415) 553-3404.

'Voices of Hunters Point'

Tuesday, Sept. 10, community activists and representatives, including Bayview community advocate Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai, San Francisco Bay View editor Willie Ratcliff, Animal Care and Control commissioner Jamal Modica, and filmmaker Kevin Epps discuss Epps's film Straight outta Hunters Point. Screening and panel 7-8:30 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market, second floor, S.F. Free; reservations requested. (415) 597-6705 or (415) 597-6706.

Radiation risks

Wednesday, Sept. 11, Dr. Robert Lull, professor of radiology at UC San Francisco and chief of nuclear medicine at San Francisco General Hospital discusses possible radiation risks in his presentation titled "One Year Later: Is Nuclear Terrorism Possible?" 12:10-1 p.m., Medical Sciences Building, Room 300, 513 Parnassus, S.F. Free. (415) 476-6547.

Mail items for Alerts to the Bay Guardian Building, 135 Mississippi St., S.F., CA 94107; fax to (415) 255-8762; or e-mail corbett@sfbg.com. Please include a contact telephone number. Items must be received at least one week prior to publication date. Call (415) 255-3100, ext. 573, for more information. For more events, see the Benefits listings in the Calendar section.