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Celebrating the beginning of California Writers Week, the Berkeley Branch of the California Writers Club welcomes members of all local writing groups to bring “A Blanket and a Basket of Chow” and celebrate our literary heritage.Joaquin Miller's “The Hights” were once a mecca for artists in the Oakland Hills, a spiritual center for the literary energy that flows from the wellspring of nature.
This year's theme is "The Day Formerly Known as Columbus," acknowledging Miller's cultural contribution of his poem, Columbus, which was taught in schools for some 75 years, and celebrating the holiday's re-purposing as Indigenous People's Day. Miller was a friend and advocate for Native Americans and a defector from the US Indian Wars. He had a Wintu family and his daughter, Calla Shasta, lived at The Hights.
All members of Oakland’s literary community are invited to converse, through their own writings, with historic California Writers, especially on themes meaningful to Indigenous people.
Bring some friends, a picnic lunch, and drinks plus sun protection and water. If you wish to join our open mic, bring two things to read: 1) a short piece by a historic California Writer, and 2) a short piece of your own. Be sure you can perform both in 5-7 minutes, and tell us what connects the two pieces if it's not obvious.
Many trees are now gone so the shade is gone by 1pm. The open mic will begin around 11:15.
After the reading there will be a short tour and activity walk to Joaquin Miller's Abbey led by Kristen Caven, the California Writer’s Club’s Writer in Residence at Joaquin Miller Park.
Location map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jhVCMt1viQAXKHrG7
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
California Writers Circle, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, CA, United States
