WHAT'S HAPPENING

Library kicks off reading program

LAKE ELSINORE -- The Lake Elsinore Library is kicking off its summer reading program at 4 p.m. Monday.

The theme of this year's program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Elsinore Library, is "Be Creative at Your Library." Organizers are offering a free basic drawing class and youths will be able to sign up for the summer program, which allows participants to win prizes for reading.

The library is at 600 W. Graham Ave. For information, call 951-674-4517.

City presents film, concerts

TEMECULA -- The city of Temecula Community Services Department will kick off the annual Summer Sunsets Film and Concert Series this week.

On July 2, the city will present "Turn the Page," a Bob Seger tribute by the Sam Morrison Band.

The free concerts will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 20 at the Community Recreation Center, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, and feature food vendors and clowns.

On July 10, the movies in the park debut with a showing of "Kung Fu Panda" in conjunction with a hot air balloon glow at Ronald Reagan Sports Park on Rancho Vista and Margarita roads. The event features arts and crafts for the kids, food vendors and a band. The events kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and the movie will start at dusk.

The free movies will play on Friday nights through Aug. 21.

A full schedule of concerts and movies is available on the city's Web site.

Kids' activities planned at center

LAKE ELSINORE -- Preschoolers will decorate a patriotic photo frame Friday during the weekly kids program at The Lake Elsinore Outlets.

On July 10, Flutterby Entertainment will present "Anthony's Bathtub Adventure," a puppet show. The following week, kids will design and create a colorful pinwheel.

The activities are part of the free Kids Outlet program, which is held each Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program is held in Suite 106, near Bath & Body Works.

The Outlets is at 17600 Collier Ave. For information, call 951-245-0087.

Former border agent to address group

TEMECULA -- Former U.S. Border Patrol Agent Jose Compean will address the Murrieta-Temecula Republican Assembly when the group meets Friday.

Compean and a fellow agent were convicted of shooting and injuring a Mexican national in Texas in 2005. Their sentences were later commuted by President George W. Bush.

Assemblyman Joel Anderson, R-El Cajon, will also speak at the meeting. Anderson has indicated he intends to run for a state Senate seat.

The dinner meeting will be at Temeku Hills Clubhouse, 41687 Temeku Drive in Temecula. The cost is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers and $10 for students younger than 25.

Check-in begins at 6 p.m. and the program will start at 6:30. For information, call Adele at 951-302-9105.

Calling Yankee Doodle Dandies

TEMECULA -- The city is seeking people born on July 4, also known as Yankee Doodle Dandies, to be honored at the annual Fourth of July parade.

Those true nieces or nephews of Uncle Sam are asked to contact the city and join the parade. Birthday gifts will be provided.

For information, call 951-694-6480.

Vacation Bible School planned

QUAIL VALLEY -- Kids are invited to participate in Grace Church's "Crocodile Dock," a free summer kids event that runs July 6 through July 10.

Children will participate in Bible-learning activities, sing songs, play teamwork-building games and create crafts.

Each day of the week concludes with a Firefly Finale, a celebration that gets everyone involved in living what they've learned.

The camp is for kids from kindergarten through sixth grade and will run from 9 a.m. to noon each day.

The church is at 29720 Goetz Road. For information, call Marisa at 323-770-2974.

Workshop promotes healthy habits

LAKE ELSINORE -- A free evening workshop for child care providers on ways to promote healthy eating and exercise habits for preschoolers is being offered in Southwest County.

Childhood obesity and other health problems are continuing to increase, organizers say. The workshops are offered by the county's Nutrition Services Department, with a grant from First 5 Riverside County, and will discuss how to teach Sesame Workshop's Healthy Habits for Life.

The workshop will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 7 at the Lake Elsinore Library, 600 W. Graham Ave.

For information, call Andrea at 951-358-5311.

Annual jazz festival nears

TEMECULA -- The sixth annual Temecula Valley International Jazz Festival will feature a be-bop competition as well as well-known jazz artists.

The lineup for the July 10 to 12 festival includes Poncho Sanchez, Alex Ligterwood, Richie Cole, Allison Adams Tucker, Patricia Talem and others.

Tickets cost $25 and concerts will be in the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St.

For more information, visit www.temeculajazzfest.com.

Store to host band battle

MURRIETA -- 16 Underground is looking for bands to register for its inaugural Battle of the Bands, which is set for 6 p.m. July 11.

Brandee Waldon, the store's owner, said she's looking for the best bands in the area to sign up for the event. The store sells designer clothes for juniors for $16 or less.

16 Underground is at 26305 Jefferson Ave. in Murrieta. For information, call 951-698-0777.

Tack swap meet set for July 11

TEMECULA -- The Rancho California Arabian Horse Association will hold a swap-a-rama in conjunction with its annual barbecue on July 11 at Green Acres Ranch.

Horse lovers are encouraged to clean out their tack room and rent a space to sell their used items for $20. Vendors of new or used items also are welcome. Buyers can find a great deal on a piece of tack or show clothes.

The tri-tip and chicken barbecue costs $15 for adults or $20 at the door. The meal for children 10 and younger costs $10 or $15 at the door.

The ranch is at 35750 De Portola Road. For tickets or information, call Marsha at 951-695-3988.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake City Council -- 7 p.m. Wednesday, Municipal Building, 31512 Railroad Canyon Road.

Riverside

Board of Supervisors -- 9 a.m. Tuesday, board chambers, County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St.

Temecula

Temecula Planning Commission -- 6 p.m. Wednesday, city council chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive