“Times Talks Live,” featuring author John Irving, will be shown at the Cerrito at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. This is a live — via satellite video-feed from New York — conversation between Irving and a critic from the New York Times. Irving, author of “The World According to Garp,” “The Cider House Rules,” and “A Widow for One Year” will discuss his new book, “Last Night in Twisted River,” and more! $15.

“Ready, Set, Bag,” a remarkably entertaining documentary about a competition for the best grocery baggers – and a look at the environmental issues behind “paper or plastic?” – will be shown Thursday, Nov. 5, as a benefit for the Contra Costa-Solano County Food Bank. Local filmmakers Justine Jacob and Alex D. da Silva will be on hand to talk about the film and its subject matter.

The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. – and anyone who brings two or more items of non-perishable food gets $1 off admission and 50 cents off a bag of popcorn.

So catch this film, have a great time, and help feed your less fortunate neighbors!

“Hotel for Dogs.” For you early risers, young people, and the young at heart, “Hotel for Dogs,” a popular children’s movie, will be shown Saturday, Nov. 7 as a benefit for a planned dog park right here in El Cerrito. The park, along the Ohlone Greenway at Potrero, will be named for the late Bruce King, a city employee who was known for his love of dogs. 10 a.m. $7.

Brandon Holmes and Jessica Tudor plant a redbud tree behind the theater as Bonnie MacKenzie, a member of friends of the Cerrito Theater, ensures proper orientation

On Greening El Cerrito Day, three members of Friends of the Cerrito Theater along with three people who help run our favorite theater, planted two redbud trees in the sidewalk strip behind the theater on Kearney Street.

Kudos are due to Friends Bonnie MacKenzie, whose in-depth knowledge of gardening was a godsend, and to Art Tressler and Dave Weinstein. Besides planting the trees, we weeded and removed debris.

But more needs to be done! There is agapanthus to divide, groundcover to install, and general upkeep. We may also want to do some native plantings in the future to supplement the native species that are already growing these.

This is a great chance to make a contribution to the community! Are you interested in helping green our favorite theater?

Contact Dave Weinstein, 510-524-1737 or davidsweinstein@yahoo.com.

Movie fans who enjoy kicking back with a light meal and a brew can now enjoy half of that equation, as our favorite movie theater has rolled out its long-promised menu!

Pizza by the pie, ranging from a classic margherita to pizza with bay shrimp, artichoke vegetarian, and more, plus such snacks as nachos and quesadillas, sandwiches ranging from burgers and chicken cordon bleu to cheddar cheese, salads, desserts and more.

Once the ABC license comes through, soon we hope, expect to enjoy both beer and wine.

Consider these special events

You can catch high-definition, filmed productions of London’s National Theater this fall at the Cerrito. The theater is offering a three-play series of Shakespeare’s “All’s Well that Ends Well.” (Monday, October 19 and Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m.), Mark Ravenhill’s “Nation” (Monday, February 15 and Wednesday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Alan Bennett’s “The Habit of Art” (Monday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m.).

Also, for the readers among you, will be the theater’s presentation of filmed interviews with great authors.

“Times Talks Live: A Conversation with novelist John Irving,” produced by the New York Times, will be presented Monday, November 2, at 7. On Monday November 16, “Times Talk Live” feature master of chills Stephen King.

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See you at the Cerrito!