Monday-Sunday, April 17-23
Spa week sweeps the nation. It's that time of year again! With over a dozen spas participating in San Francisco, there is a diverse selection of spas which will please even the most discriminating spa enthusiast. In San Francisco alone spas such as BellaPelle Skin Studio, Jurlique, Nickel Spa for Men, Nomi Day Spa, Novella Spa & Imports are offering services such as anti-aging fruit facials, sea lavender massages, hot & cold jade stone massages - there's delectable pampering for everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit http://www.spaweek.org or call 212-352-8098.

Tuesday, April 18
1906 Earthquake and Fire Online Resources. Exploration of web sites and databases depicting how the disaster affected San Francisco. 12:10-1pm. Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 100 Larkin St., SF.
"Advocacy in Action" presented by California Hunger Action Coalition is a training in preparation for hunger action day in Sacramento. This workshop will be a user-friendly, interactive training for people who care about ending hunger. Lunch served. Free.9:30-3:30pm. St Anthony Foundation/Poverello, 109 Golden Gate Aven., SF. 415-592-2729.

New Orleans: Organizing on the Ground. A conversation with Kali Akuno and Ingrid Chapman from People's Hurricane Relief Fund and Oversight Coalition. Catalyst Project invites you to hear a report back and analysis of organizing to rebuild New Orleans. Kali Akuno and Ingrid Chapman will describe the vision and strategies of current grassroots organizing to reclaim New Orleans, and speak to the broader political challenges and opportunities facing the movement to implement the People's Reconstruction Plan. This event is for the broader social justice community, and also for people currently engaged in Katrina solidarity work. 6:30-9:30pm. 522 Valencia St. at 16th Street, SF. Josh Warren-White studyandstruggle@collectiveliberation.org.

Wednesday, April 19
Readings by Wanda Sabir, Teya Schaffer, D.H. Sparks, Wendy Williams and other College of Alameda faculty and staff. An informal reading of fascinating facts, poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction by College of Alameda writers, in honor of National Library Week and National Poetry Month. Also on display in the library will be manuscripts, "works-in-progress" and books published by COA faculty. 12pm. College of Alameda Library, 1st Fl., 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Pkwy, Alameda. 510-748-2213. http://alameda.peralta.edu.
A year-long chronicle of South African teenager's life with aids to air as half-hour documentary. "Thembi's AIDS Diary" Continues All Things Considered Commitment To Longform Programming; Documentary available as Free MP3 Download on www.NPR.org.

We Were There: Voices from the Earthquake and Fire of 1906 - Malcolm Barker and Joanne Lafler present first-hand survivor accounts, through photos and readings from letters, journals and unpublished memoirs. 6-7:30pm. Main Libaray, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., SF.
2006 Lobby Day. Speak with your legislator. Be a part of the process! Taxpayers for Improving Public Safety & Capitol Alliance are providing logistical support & training at this important event. Don't miss this opportunity to advocate for prison reform and improved public safety! 10am-4pm. Steps of the Capitol Building, Sacramento. 916-444-5551. LobbyDay@CorrectionsReform.com.
Holy Names Candidates Forum, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters. 7pm. Valley Performing Arts Center, Holy Names College, 3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland.

"The Money Masters." This is a very thorough, extensive, and uncompromising four-hour documentary on the history of money and how it became monopolized by private English bankers. This film illuminates an inside track on English banker families. Like any commodity that's monopolized, money is being used as an instrument of merciless control and exploitation. The U.S. has never really broken free from that control. Every U.S. president who tried was assassinated. After seeing this film you will see the entire history of the world in a different light. 7:30pm. Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. http://www.HumanistHall.net.http://w...neymasters.com.
Thursday-Sunday, April 20-May. 14
"My Girl," by David Charles. Seasoned director Buddy Butler returns to the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre with this, his newest venture. The World Premiere Musical features the Bay Area's most talented artists and performers. Discounts available for groups, students and seniors. $25-$30, Thursday and Friday. $27-$32 Saturday and Sunday. Thursday-Saturday 8pm. Sunday 2pm. The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, Union Square, 620 Sutter St., SF. 415-474-8800. www.lhtsf.org.
Thursday-Sunday, April 20-23
St. James Missionary Baptist Church 60th Anniversary celebration. "Sixty years of total praise." Church Anniversary Services will be held at the church. 11am. More information, including details and forms online. 1470 Hudson Ave., SF. Dr. Michael S. Williams, pastor or Barbara J. Powell, anniversary chair 415-648-5995. http://www.stjamesmbc.org
Friday, April 21
Dance Down the Lock Down, an evening of music, dance and words celebrating a world beyond prisons a benefit concert for CR and PARC. Richelle, Beatriz Restrepo, Loco Bloco Carneval Bateria, Isak, Immanuel, Nejla Baguio, Shawna Virago, Graciela Osuna, the brass liberation orchestra, DJs for after party. $15-25, no one turned away for lack of funds. Pre-show 6:30. Show 8pm. Counterpulse, 1310 Mission St., SF. 415-217-9885. www.buildingbloc.net.
Discussion/ Signing & Art Showcase by The ARC of San Francisco. "Parenting Your Complex Child: Become a Powerful Advocate for the Autistic, Down Syndrome, Pdd, Bipolar or Other Special Needs Child," Peggy Lou Morgan. All events are free, open to the public. 7:30pm. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 2550 Taylor St., SF. 415-292-6762.
Another Planet Entertainment presents Keyshia Cole! All ages. $32.50. 8pm. The Grand, 1300 Van Ness Ave, SF. 415-864-0815. APEConcerts.com.
Weapons of Mass Expression presents a special Weekend Wake-Up honoring women's contribution to hip-hop. Featuring performances by Raw-G, Shania D, Swan Grey, Valentina Rose, Heather Christian, Adekemi Omotade, Unity High DJ Project, Poetry for the People with DJs Agana, Zita & Bella controlling the decks. 4pm. Free.Youth Uprising Center, 8711 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland.
Enjoy exquisite Middle Eastern music and benefit Palestinian youth's education at the same time! The Friends of Deir Ibzi'a present the renowned Georges Lammam Ensemble performing classical and popular Arabic music in concert at $15. 8pm. La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 415-567-1699. www.deiribzia.org.
Saturday, April 22
Is award-winning journalist, radio commentator, anti-war activist and former Black Panther Mumia Abu-Jamal to be fast-tracked to execution, at the hands of a corrupt and racist US criminal "justice" system? The Fraternal Order of Police says "yes." WE say no. MUMIA IS INNOCENT! Join the Labor Action Committee on Mumia's Birthday to help free Mumia! Speakers include Jack Heyman, Yuri Kochiyama, Mel Mason, Pierre Labossiere and Cristina Gutierrez. Donations benefit Mumia's legal defense. 3pm. West Oakland Public Library, 1801 Adeline St., at 18th Ave., Oakland. 510-763-2347.
Join the California Indian Storytelling Association for an afternoon of storytelling by members of two different California Indian tribes. Anne Marie Sayers (Ohlone), Alex Ramirez (Ohlone) and Gregg Castro (Salinan) will share a variety of stories, both traditional and contemporary, that mirror their life experiences, history, and relationship to the land. Free with museum admission. $2 off regular admission with this ad. $7 adults; $4.50 ages 12-17; $4.50 seniors/ students; $2 ages 4-11; free for ages 3 and under. 1-4pm. California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard St., SF. 415-321-8000. www.calacademy.org.
Join the SF Chapter of Parents for Public Schools at our annual meeting. What can the City of San Francisco do for our schools? Help develop recommendations on education for The Mayor's Policy Council.What should our next Superintendent focus on? Give input for PPS to present to the Superintendent Selection Committee. Interpretation available in Spanish and Chinese. RSVP for Childcare. 9am-12pm. Denman Middle School 241 Oneida Ave., at San Jose Ave., SF. 415-468-7077.
Soul/gospel legend Mavis Staples to perform live in Redwood City! Appearing with Mavis Staples will be Taj Mahal. $34-$58. 8pm. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. www.foxdream.com
Candidates Forum, Acts Full Gospel COGIC and the Black Chamber of Commerce, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters. 3pm. Acts Full Gospel Church, 1034 66th Ave., Oakland.
River of Life Christian Fellowship invites you to attend the 11th Annual Women's Luncheon with special guest speaker, gospel recording artist dr. Helen Baylor. Fellowship, worship, lunch, games and door prizes! RSVP by April 8. $35. 9am-1:30pm. Scott's Seafood Restaurant, 2 Broadway, Jack London Square, Oakland. 510-869-5239.
Tananarive Due signs her book Joplin's Ghost. 6pm. Marcus Bookstores, 3900 MLK Way., Oakland. 510-652-2344.
Erica Azim plays a concert of traditional Shona mbira music of Zimbabwe. The metal keys of the mbira, plucked with two thumbs and one forefinger, create relaxing yet invigorating polyphony and polyrhythms. For over a thousand years, the mbira instrument and its repertoire of classic songs have been used in Zimbabwe to call family ancestors and powerful tribal guardian spirits to earth to help the living, in night-long to week-long ceremonies. Every time the mbira is played, it is considered a prayer to
the ancestors, which will result in their protection of the living. $15. 8pm. MUCID (the Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance), 729 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. 510-548-6053.
Bay Area Labor Heritage Rockin' Solidarity Chorus presents a benefit concert in celebration of the Highlander Education Center's decades of organizing and activism. Join the Labor Chorus, Vukani Mawethu, and Coro Obrero for a jubilant evening of history and optimism, in song and spoken word. $10, $7 seniors, adv; $12 door. 7:30pm. Kehilla Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave, Piedmont. 415-648-3457.
The People's Earth Day Parade and Celebration will be fun for the entire family. Face painting, games, talent and baking competitions, raffles and more. Free. 12-3pm. India Basin Shoreline Park, SF. 415-282-6840. www.lejyouth.com.
Saturday, April 22, 29 & May 13
Local Design, Global Effect: Unique Permaculture Design Course with Urban Focus A visionary ecological design training program continues this spring at a 34-acre former naval air station site in Alameda. Dozens of the Bay Area's leading environmental design experts gather to facilitate a six-weekend course this March, April and May. Bay area residents will learn how to live more sustainably in urban environments and create mutually beneficial relationships with their neighbors. Featuring Michael Meade and as well as other visionary leaders. Sliding scale $5-50; no one turned away for lack of funds. Saturdays 7:30-9:30pm. Alameda Point Collaborative, 677 W. Ranger Ave., Alameda. Doug Biggs 510-898-7849. Registration, Katherine Steele 510-547-7889. DBiggs@apcollaborative.org. http://www.apcollaborative.org/classes.htm. http://www.mosaicvoices.org/. http://www.starhawk.org/.
Sunday, April 23
Anna's Jazz Island presents "Island Literary Series," hosted by Avotcja. There will be a short open mic at the end of each program. Anna's has a full bar, signature cocktails, and serves light lounge food. $3. 3-5pm. Anna's Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. Kim McMillon, 510-228-6775 or 510-841-JAZZ.
Celebrate Earth Day and satisfy your stomach at the same time! Shop the Academy's special Farmers Market, and learn how choosing organic foods can help save the Earth. Visit Frey Vineyards, Ploughshare Nursery, Love More Gourmet, and Jacob's Farm. While you're here, be good to the environment and the community by bringing in portable items you were planning to throw out (like clothes and electronics) - EcoHaul will donate or recycle them for you. $2 off regular admission with this ad. $7 adults; $4.50 ages 12-17; $4.50 seniors/ students; $2 ages 4-11; free for ages 3 and under.12-3pm. California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard St., SF. 415-321-8000. www.calacademy.org.
Dance Down the Lock Down, an evening of music, dance and words celebrating a world beyond prisons a benefit concert for CR and PARC. The show features HeadRush, Keith Hennessy, Richelle, Loco Bloco Carneval, Bateria, Mike Perlmutter, Nyla Mougaes, Al'Juzoor, Nejla Baguio, Corey Weinstein and Umzist, Jesse Olsen and DJs for after party. $15-25, no one turned away for lack of funds. 7pm. The Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. 415-217-9885. www.buildingbloc.net.
Concert/ fundraiser for Mumia Abu-Jamal in celebration of Mumia's birthday. With the Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal and friends. 2pm. The home of Derrel Myers and Naomi White, 296 Randall St., at Harper, one block south of Noe and 30th Streets, SF. 415-255-1080. www.freemumia.org.
Sunday, April 23, 30 & May 7
If Ships Could Speak: Free training for National Park Service volunteers. 10:30am-4:30pm. San Francisco maritime National Historical Park, Fisherman's Wharf, SF. 415-447-5000. www.nps.gov/safr.
Tuesday, April 25
College of Alameda's first Science and Technology Symposium includes a panel presentation, Q&A session and information booths about career opportunities in science and technology. Featuring representatives from Pacific Analytical Laboratory, Esterlina Vineyards, The Molecular Sciences Institute, Roche Molecular Systems, the Food and Drug Administration, and more. Free.12-2:30pm. College of Alameda, 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda. 510-748-2213. 510-748-2276.
Wole Soyinka in conversation with Michael Krasny. The first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, Wole Soyinka is a poet, playwright, and critic whose work reflects a wide cultural perspective and a deep commitment to social justice. 8pm. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., at McAllister, SF. 415-563-2463. PriorityAfrica@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, April 26
"A Force More Powerful." This is a riveting, wonderful three-hour documentary about non-violent revolutions and social movements all over the world. It is subtitled: A Century of Non-Violent Conflict. It is incredible what people can achieve when they decide to take back the power. This is the most empowering and hope-giving documentary in the world! Everybody must see this film! $5 donation. 7:30pm. Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. http://www.HumanistHall.net.
City and County of San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women invites you to attend a community meeting. The Commission will hear testimony from community members and offer the public the opportunity to provide input on policy development addressing the needs of women and girls in San Francisco. 5-7pm. Visitacion Valley Middle School 450 Raymond St., SF. 415-252-2570. www.sfgov.org/cosw.
Thursday, April 27
The second season of the "Alive" at 9th Street film forum series continues with "The Digital Generation" Are you incorporating blogging, podcasting, streaming video and other digital media into your filmmaking strategy? This film will present a compelling selection of clips and conversation centered around this topic. The program will be followed by a reception. $10. 7pm. 9th Street Independent Film Center, 145 Ninth St., SF. (415) 552-5950 or visit www.ninthstreet.org.
Thursday-Sunday, April 27-29
College of Health & Human Services and The Center for African Peace & Conflict Resolution in collaboration with the Pan African Studies Program presents The 15th Annual Africa/Diaspora Conference: "Indigenous African Institutions/Systems in Era of Globalization." Thursday 2-6:30pm. Friday 8:30am-5pm. Sacramento State University, University Union, 6000 J Street, Sacramento. 916-278-6282. uwazieee@csus.edu. www.csus.edu/org/capcr.
Friday, April 28
Lyrical Warfare. This is what happens when emcees collide in an intense competition unlike any ever created. Over 12 emcees of all ages face off in the heart of East Oakland in both freestyle and written confrontations. Come witness the fury and mayhem of Youth Speaks' Lyrical Warfare hosted by renowned authority on MC pedagogy, Unknown15. Free. 4-6pm. Youth Uprising, 8711 Mac Arthur Boulevard, Oakland.
The Dancing Tree presents "Sins Invalid: An Unshamed Claim to Beauty in the Face of Invisibility." A performance event to reveal poetic bodies and hot activism, "Sins Invalid" invites a review of embodiment, with performers and video artists speaking their minds and stripping taboos off of sexuality and disability. Wheelchair accessible. $10-$20 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. 8pm. Brava Theater, 2789 24th St., between York and Hampshire St., SF. www.thedancingtree.org.
Saturday, April 29
Infinity Productions presents the First Annual Black tie Illumination Ball, an occasion of cultural pride and dignity. The headliner for the even will jazz master Tony Saunders. The event will feature, poetry reading, dancing and a medley of spirituals by MRLS and the Anointed Voices. An elegant dinner will be served. 7pm. $100 donation.. Bayview Opera House, Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre, 4705 Third St., SF. 415-821-7590 or 415-647-5743.
Bay Area Taurus Celebration! Up The Scale Events & EMoneyPresents.com. DJ Switch on the Flexx will be spinning soul, hip hop, r&b, reggae & urban club classics. Complimentary appetizers/drinks will be served. 25+. 9pm-2am. Simones Entertainment Complex, 380 embarcadero, Jack London Square, Oakland. 415-410-4434. info@emoneypresents.com.
Crowden Community Music Day concerts, instrument petting zoo, instrument workshop, and much more! The Crowden Music Center announces the 7th annual Community Music Day. Fun hands on activities for children on all ages and their families. Free. 11am-4pm. 175 Rose St., Berkeley. Marion Atherton 510-559-2941. www.crowden.org.
"A Celebration of Hope" is the 5th annual Alzheimer's disease & the African American community free educational workshop. You will hear an uplifting and inspirational message about living with hope; take a look at how caregivers cope, and learn about the resources that are available and how to get the help you need. Cosponsored by: Beth Eden Baptist Church, Church by the Side of the Road, Church of All Faiths, Continental breakfast provided. Door prizes for first 40 arrivals. 9am-12:30pm. Downs Memorial, United Methodist Church, 6026 Idaho St., Oakland. 1-800-272-3900.

Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & 30
Inspired by the magical, the mystical and the historical, Dimensions Dance Theater presents "Rooted in Ritual", "Spiritual Retreat" and excerpts from "Rhythm Harvest" on in Oakland. A tapestry of color, rhythm, texture and tradition, "Rooted in Ritual" is choreographed by Peniel Guerrier with a nod to the ancestors who protect and propel us. Dedicated to Haitian Spirits and people everywhere, "Rooted in Ritual" is an out-of-this-world collaboration by Guerrier and Dimensions Dance Theater. 510-465-3363. www.dimensionsdance.org.
Sunday, April 30

Celebrate a direct descendent of the late great ladies of the blues at A Musical Benefit For Gwen Avery. Gwen Avery will be singing at this event along with special guests Linda Tillery and Tammy Hall. Comedienne Karen Williams will emcee. Proceeds benefiting the effort to help Gwen Avery. $20 adv; $25 door, additional donations will be accepted. 5pm. Brava! For Women in the Arts Theater, 2781 24th St., SF. 415-846-7621. blackandbrown@yahoo.com. www.brava.org.

Day of Conscience for Darfur - San Francisco. Our pledge is to end the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Speakers include: Jerry Fowler, Director of the Committee on Conscience, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; Congressman George Miller;