Sat 9/18
East Oakland is not generally known for its natural beauty, despite the fact it has the best weather in the Bay Area — but the section of Peralta Creek that runs through Peralta Hacienda Historical Park could be a little slice of pre-industrial paradise, a reminder of the days when all of what is now Oakland, Berkeley, and San Leandro was part of the 45,000-acre Peralta rancho. All it takes is some hard work. This Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, Creek to Bay Day intends to restore the creek: removing invasive plants from the vicinity, preparing flower beds for native wildflower seeding, painting the park’s benches and tables, and more. Educators will also conduct a teach-in on creek and watershed ecology. The idea is to return the creek and the surrounding area to their natural glory with the help of the community. Volunteers should wear old clothes; tools, coffee, and water will be provided. Meet at the park, 2465 34th Ave. between Coolidge and 35th avenues in Oakland’s Fruitvale district.— Kelly Vance
Help restore Peralta Creek this weekend. Credits: Al Cameron Samantha Gallop
9/16 – 9/18
High Sticking
Cal field hockey coach Shellie Onstead recorded her hundredth career victory earlier this season at home against Providence. Onstead, now in her tenth year coaching at Cal after playing field hockey for the Bears in the ’80s, holds a lifetime 100-58-0 record so far, and the prospects look good for 2004. Cal field hockey returns seventeen letter winners from the 13-4 2003 squad, and is led by forwards Valentina Godfrid, Amber Madsen, and Jenny Crane, along with midfielders Samantha Gallop and Jenna Long and senior goalkeeper Kelly Knapp. This week, Cal steps up against two opponents at Maxwell Family Field on the Cal campus: Drexel at 3 p.m. Thursday, and Pacific on Saturday at 1 p.m. For more information, visit CalBears.collegesports.com/sports/wfieldh — Kelly Vance
Sat 9/18
3+3=Fun
Point Men
Urban is urban, but hoops is hoops wherever you find it. “Grab your buddies and compete in the area’s only tournament,” says a flier for the Bay Point 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, happening this Saturday under the leadership of the Ambrose Recreation & Park District. “Bragging rights are yours for the year if you’ve got game.” First tip-off is at 9 a.m. Saturday for teams eighteen and older (fee: $80 per team), behind the Ambrose Community Center, 3105 Willow Pass Rd., Bay Point. For more info, phone 925-458-1601. — Kelly Vance
