POLITICAL
Today, Oct. 18, 6 p.m., regular meeting of the Peninsula Community Planning board, Point Loma library, 3701 Voltaire St.; community welcome; public forum at beginning of meeting; call Dee Wylie at (619) 523-9180, or visit www.pcpb.net.
Sunday, Oct. 28, 4 p.m., Point Loma Democratic Club hosts Nathan Gonzalez, a Middle East specialist and founder of Nation-andState.org. Gonzalez will discuss his current book. “Engaging Iran: The Rise of a Middle East Powerhouse and America’s Strategic Choice.” The event takes place at the Peninsula Community Room, 3740 Sports Arena Blvd. For more information, call (619) 222-7230.
COMMUNITY/CIVIC
Thursday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m., featured speaker Cordelia “Dedi” Ridenour will address the Ocean Beach Historical Society on the history of Sunset Cliffs, influences of the Theosophical Society, the 1915 and 1935 California expositions, real estate interests, the 1929 stock market crash, World War II years and the postwar building boom. Event takes place at Point Loma Methodist Church, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. For more information, visit http://obhistory.wordpress.com/.
Friday, Oct. 19, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Point Loma High School Boosters will host a fund-raising spaghetti dinner to help offset medical costs for injured PLHS football player Jonathan Cardenas. Benefit will also raise money for speakers at the PLHS field and lights for the Homecoming gala against La Jolla on Nov. 2. Event takes place at the Masonic Center Hall, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Tickets are $7 per person. For more information, visit http://www.pointlomahigh.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Hervey/Point Loma Branch Library hosts “Baby Read-Aloud Basics” with specialist Barbara Ramirez. Event takes place in the community room of the library, 3701 Voltaire St. Reservations required. For more information, call Lynne Russo at (619) 531-1539, or register in person downstairs at the Youth Services Librarian’s Reference Desk.

Thursday, Oct. 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Ocean Beach MainStreet Association hosts 2007 OBMA Awards Celebration to honor contributors in the local business community. Event takes place at the Point Loma Masonic Lodge, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. For more information, call (619) 224-4906.

Sunday, Oct. 28, Step Out to Fight Diabetes (formerly America’s Walk for Diabetes) fund-raising walk. Event takes place at Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station. For more information, call (888) DIABETES, or visit www. www.diabetes.org.

Thursday, Nov. 1, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Dia de los Muertos (Mexican Day of the Dead) fund-raiser to benefit Friends of Scott Foundation and Friends to Children with Cancer. Event to take place at Casa Guadalajara in Old Town, 4105 Taylor St. Cost $25. For more information or to RSVP by Oct. 23, e-mail [email protected], or call (619) 890-2828.

Friday, Nov. 2, deadline for national scholarship competition hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 1392 and its Ladies Auxilliary in Ocean Beach. The contest is called “Voice of Democracy,” with a theme of “My Role in Honoring America’s Veterans.” The contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12. Local awards for first, second and third place are $300, $200 and $100 U.S. savings bonds. For more information, call (619) 223-4882, or visit www.vfw.org (click on Voice of Democracy).

Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to noon, Sacred Heart Church of Ocean Beach offers classes in tai chi taught by certified instructor Sherlie Miller. Classes take place at the church, 4776 Saratoga Ave. For more information, call (619) 224-2746, or (858) 292-6284.

Thursdays through Nov. 15, 2:15 to 3:30 p.m., Hervey/Point Loma Branch Library hosts series “Let’s Knit!” Events take place in the community room of the library, 3701 Voltaire St. For more information, call (619) 531-1539.

NATURE
Saturday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m., Friends of Famosa Slough hosts a bird walk to view a variety of birds and salt marsh habitat. Participants are asked to meet at the first bench on Famosa Boulevard, south of the intersection with West Point Loma Boulevard. For information about the free event, call (619) 224-4591.

ENVIRONMENT
Saturday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Zero Waste San Diego hosts four popular environmental films for a free public viewing. Event takes place at the Point Loma Masonic Hall, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. For more information, visit www.zerowastesandiego.org.

Saturday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m., San Diego Coastkeeper hosts California Paddle for Plastics 2007, a paddle-out and beach cleanup at the Ocean Beach Pier, Veterans Plaza. The event promotes the plastic-free ocean campaign. For more information, call (619) 758-7743.

SCHOOLS
Dana Middle School
“¢ Today, Oct 18, bake sale; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., GATE Parent meeting.
“¢ Friday, Oct. 19, Dana Pride Day, pledges for Oct. 25 jog-a-thon.
“¢ Monday, Oct. 22-26, Red Ribbon Week.

Dewey Elementary
“¢ Thursday, Oct. 25, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Fall Festival.

Loma Portal Elementary
“¢ Today, Oct. 18, 5 p.m., Klassic Kids hosts 2nd annual “Lights On After School Program” in the Auditorium. Guest speaker is District 2 Councilman Kevin Faulconer. Booths will be set up representing various afterschool programs.
“¢ Today, Oct. 18 and Friday, Oct. 19, cookie dough and entertainment book sales.
“¢ Oct. 22 through Oct. 26, Red Ribbon Week.
“¢ Friday, Oct. 26, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Dad’s Club sponsors haunted house.
“¢ Through October, parents invited to join or renew memberships with PTA.
“¢ Through October, every Friday is “Spirit Friday.” To obtain a Loma Portal T-shirt or sweatshirt, call (619) 223-1683.

Ocean Beach Elementary
“¢ Today, Oct. 18, 12:30 p.m., Bank Day and academic chess.
“¢ Friday, Oct. 19, Principal of the Day is Travis Hughs of SeaWorld.
“¢ Monday, Oct. 22, Red Ribbon Family Fitness Week begins.
“¢ Tuesday, Oct. 23, student standout assemblies.
“¢ Wednesday, Oct. 24, grades 3 and 4 theater workshops.
“¢ Thursday, Oct. 25, Bank Day.
Sacred Heart Academy
“¢ Today, Oct. 18, 4th-graders visit Medieval Times in Buena Park; 8th-graders serve dinner at StandUp for Kids Center.
“¢ Monday, Oct. 22, no school because of teacher inservice.
“¢ Wednesday, Oct. 24, 1st-graders visit the Pinery Pumpkin Farm.
“¢ Thursday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m., all-school Mass at Sacred Heart Church.
“¢ Friday, Oct. 26, 3rd-graders visit Bates Nut Farm.

Silver Gate Elementary
“¢ Friday, Oct. 19, 5 to 8 p.m., Harvest Festival with games, food and haunted hallway.
“¢ Oct. 22-26, Red Ribbon Week.
“¢ Friday, Oct. 26, 8 a.m., principal’s chat with K-1 parents in library.
“¢ Friday, Oct. 26, noon, Goodies for Grandparents Day, lunch and classroom visit.
“¢ Wednesday, Oct. 31, 1:45 p.m., Halloween parade.

Sunset View Elementary
“¢ Saturday, Oct. 27, 4 to 7 p.m., 49th annual Halloween Carnival with costume contests, haunted house, game booths, cake decorating, arts and crafts, and “slime booth.” Volunteers also needed from grades 5 through 12. Time is credited toward community service hours. For information, e-mail [email protected].
“¢ Through October, schoolwide recycling contest. Items to be recycled include: all ink cartridges (except Epson brand, no toner cartridges), laptops, keyboards, cell phones, digital camera, IPODs and DVDs. Individuals or businesses may drop off items at the school office.

Warren-Walker School
“¢ Today, Oct. 18, 8:30 to 10 a.m., coffee with the heads, 1st- and 2nd-grade parents.
“¢ Today, Oct. 18, 1:30 p.m., 4th-grade play for family and friends.

SENIORS
Today, Oct. 18, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Sharp Cabrillo Senior Resource Center hosts blood pressure screening. Event is free and no registration is required. Screening takes place at St. Peter’s by the Sea Lutheran Church, 1371 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. For more information, call (619) 221-3779.

Today, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sharp Cabrillo Senior Resource Center hosts free “Senior Health and Safety Fair,” including screenings, information, Vial of Life, flu shots ($2 donation optional), advance directives for healthcare and more. Event takes place at St. Peter’s by the Sea Lutheran Church, 1371 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. For more information, call (619) 221-3779.

SPORTS
Sunday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Beach Tennis San Diego hosts “Beach Tennis “” Try It” at the Ocean Beach volleyball courts. The Barnes Tennis Center will also offer free beach tennis court time. For more information, visit www.beachtennis-sandiego.com.

Saturdays through Oct. 31, 9 to 10:30 a.m., The Rock Church offers free mixed martial arts classes through the Right Cross Mixed Martial Arts ministry. Training held at Knockout Fitness, 1231 Camino del Rio South. Additional classes held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Lord’s Gym, 4153 Market St. For more information, call (619) 226-7625, or visit www.therocksandiego.org.

HEALTH
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., San Diego Blood Bank Bloodmobile hosts blood drive at Roel Construction, 3366 Kurtz St., Sports Arena. For more information, call (800) 4MY-SDBB, or visit www.sandiegobloodbank.org.

Sunday, Nov. 4, noon to 4 p.m., Reproductive Wellness, an integrative fertility treatment center in San Diego, hosts Reproductive Health and Fertility Expo at Marina Village, 1936 Quivera Way. Event raises money for the National Infertility Association RESOLVE program in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week. For more information, call (877) 843-7100, or visit www.reproductivewellness.com.

BUSINESS
Sunday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to noon, Souplantation hosts pajama party in honor of National Pajama Month, 3960 West Point Loma Blvd. Children 12 and under who arrive in their pajamas receive a free breakfast with the purchase of an adult meal. For more information, call (888) 374-8360, or visit www.souplantation.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, Oct. 26, 6 to 9 p.m., Expressive Arts Institute in Point Loma hosts open house featuring art displays from members of Veterans Village of San Diego and the eating disorders community. The event takes place at the NTC Promenade. The institute is located at 2820 Roosevelt St., Bldg. 201, Suite 204. For more information, call (619) 239-1713.

Through Oct. 28, New Visions Art Quilt Gallery hosts a reception to launch a new monthlong exhibit titled “Three Voices/Three Visions,” featuring the quiltwork of artists Elizabeth Barton, Katie Pasquini-Masopust and Fran Skiles. The gallery is located at 2825 Dewey Road, NTC Promenade at Liberty Station. For more information, call (619) 546-4872, or visit www.quiltvisions.org.

Through Nov. 25, the San Diego Art Institute hosts featured artist Ginger Wallace, a Peninsula-area resident for more than 50 years. An artist’s reception takes place Saturday, Oct. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit is themed “Ginger Wallace: Her Art, Wit and Relationships,” showcasing over 80 original artworks selected from her published book “Extraordinary People & Unique, Above Average Children.” The institute is located in Balboa Park, House of Charm, and also at 1439 El Prado St. For more information, call (619) 236-0011, or visit www.sandiego-art.org.

Mondays through Dec. 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Peninsula Singers, a community choir rehearses in the community room of the Hervey Family/Point Loma Branch Library, 3701 Voltaire St. The public is welcome to listen or participate. The choir particularly seeks male singers. For further information, call artistic director Sarah Suhonen at (619) 804-6079, or e-mail [email protected].

Fridays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Market Friday Night Music, 4765 Voltaire St. For more information, call (619) 224-1387, or visit www.obpeoplesfood.coop.

VENUES:
Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St., (619) 222-6822
“¢ Friday, Oct. 19, 7 to 9 p.m., Spike TV’s Sam Tripoli performs.
“¢ Saturday, Oct. 27, Grateful Dead tribute band Cubensis.

Humphrey’s by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, (619) 224-3577
“¢ Thursday, Oct. 18/Friday, Oct. 19, Grammy-nominated singer Keali’i Reichel.

Soma Sidestage, 3550 Sports Arena Blvd., (619) 726-7662.
“¢ Sunday, Nov. 11, The Almost and The Starting Line perform.