Wanda's Picks

Hamdiya Cooks, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children/All of Us or None Project Organizer, has over 25 years of experience working on issues facing women in prison. She is a former prisoner, having served 20 years in the federal prison system. Dorsey E. Nunn, Program Director for Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, He is the co-founder of All of Us or None, a civil and human rights organization comprised of formerly incarcerated people, prisoners and their allies. He is also a formerly-incarcerated person. They will speak about the Town Hall, Oct. 17, 2009, 10 AM-1 PM, at Metwest High School, 314 E-10th Street, Oakland, (510) 444-0484, (415) 255-7036 x308. Other guests include director, Uscla Johnny Desarmes, who will speak about his latest project, "Life Outside the Pearl;" he will be joined by Louis and Camille who will speak about Bellot Idovia Foundation and the fundraiser Monday, October 19, 2009, 6-9 PM at 2919-9 St. @Ashby Ave., Community Room, Berkeley. Call (510) 677-7886. The money raised goes to provide solar water pumps to Haitian residents of the rural area, La Valle, La Tortue. Of the 9.6 million Haitians, only 4 percent have access to clean water. Every 15 seconds a child (0-5 years) dies from diarrheal diseases. We also speak to Nicole Opper, director, and we hope Avery Klein-Cloud, subject, and Sharese Bullock, Producer, of "Off and Running," which is a part of SF Doc Fest at the Roxie Theatre screening, Sunday, Oct. 18, 7 PM http://www.sfindie.com/ (10/16-29). We close with a conversation with artists: Carla Oden and Patricia A. Montgomery. Their work is in the annual Dia de los Muertos at SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan Street (between 8th and 9th Streets), San Francisco, CA 94103. Free admission. Opening Reception for "Altars for the Spirits, Offerings for the Living" is at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. tonight, Friday, Oct. 16, 2009. The exhibit continues through Nov. 7. Visit http://www.somarts.org