POWAY - Blue Sky Ecological Reserve will host a presentation by the Sheriff's Department's Canine Search and Rescue Division from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 25.

Attendees can learn how to stay safe on the trails and what to do if they get lost. They also can meet one or more of the search and rescue dogs, enjoy refreshments and participate in a sing-along.

Meet at the trailhead at 5:45 p.m. for a docent-led 1.25-mile walk through Blue Sky Reserve to the Lake Poway Campground. The event is suitable for all ages; however, all participants should dress in warm clothing and bring a flashlight for the hike back to the trailhead.

Reservations are required. Call (858) 668-4781.

New honorary mayor to be announced

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce will announce its new honorary mayor during its sundowner, planned from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at the La Estancia Hotel, 3135 Old Highway 395.

The candidates are Muhammad Rahman, owner of El Toro Market, who has had the title three times before; and John Harris, owner of Sourdough Pizza with his wife, Ruthie, who was a former honorary mayor. Harris also ran last year.

Also running are Wil Gower, a local resident and volunteer, who said he helped organize an effort to keep Live Oak Park open when it was threatened with closure; Ruby Hoffman, Avon representative, who said she wants to keep Fallbrook "the Friendly Village"; and Sean Redmond, Fallbrook Associated Swim Team.

Candidates competed for the position by selling votes at $1 per vote or six for $5. Some also had special events. Gower hosted a jazz concert, while Harris sold tickets for a chance to win a sunset cruise for eight. At the July sundowner, candidates also competed for a pot of cash by throwing whipped-cream pies at Bob Leonard, executive director of the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. Audience members indicated their approval by applause and the one who got the most applause - Wil Gower -- won.

The winner will succeed Rhonda Reinke, and serves as a goodwill ambassador for the chamber. The event also is a chamber fundraiser.

Concert set for Aug. 24

FALLBROOK - Golden Bough, the internationally known Celtic trio that has performed in Fallbrook before, will do a repeat performance at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Ken and Phee Graydon. Graydonis co-chairman of the Fallbrook Americana Music Series. For location and directions, (760) 723-7255, phee@roadrunner.com.

Fallbrook Women's Connection to meet

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Women's Connection will meet for brunch from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 at the Grand Tradition, 1602 S. Mission Road. The program will be "Welcome to Red Hatters." Entertainment will be by singer Lillie Knauls. Cost is $20. Free child care is available, but reservations are required. (760) 760-728-4513, (760) 723-1605.

De Luz Woman's Club plans fundraiser

The De Luz Woman's Club will host the 2007 Western Extravaganza from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Tucalota Creek Ranch, 39560 E. Benton Road, Temecula. The event will benefit Rancho Damacitas homes for battered and abused children. The evening will include casino games, food, music, auctions and an exhibition by Bob Avila. The $75 per person admission includes entry and $100 in casino scrip. (951) 538-2733, (951) 693-4740.

Fallbrook cribbage team wins senior challenge

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Senior Center cribbage team won the July 26 Senior Challenge. With 31 players, the Fallbrook team won 59 games to Oceanside Senior Center team's 53 wins. For the second time in three months, two players won all their games. On top was Oceanside's Anne Flaherty with seven wins and two skunks. Following her, Tom Waterbury who also had seven wins but did not have any skunks.

They were followed by Lilo Mendizza, who had five wins, with four of them being skunks. In fourth place was Ray Lanoue, who also had five wins but only one skunk. Next was Marty Hess, also from Oceanside with four wins and three skunks. In the final count, Oceanside had 15 skunks to Fallbrook's seven.

The $25 gift card donated by Albertsons in Fallbrook was won by Eileen Barnes of the winning Fallbrook team. The matches are held on the fourth Thursday of the month and consist of seven games. The next match will be held Aug. 23 at the Vista Elks Lodge at 1947 E Vista Way. Play begins at 12:30 p.m. Players who want to eat lunch should come at 11:30 a.m.

It is not necessary to live in Oceanside or Fallbrook to play. For information, contact Eileen Haworth at (760) 940-1475 or Obie Weeks at (760) 723-3660 or e-mail nccribbage@aol.com.

Seniors offered free services

ESCONDIDO - The Senior Service Council will offer these free services for seniors in the Dorothy E. Boeger Building, 728 N. Broadway (in the Joslyn Senior Center complex). Information: (760) 480-0611.

• The Parkinson's Support Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 21. Information: Lisa Russell, social work facilitator, (858) 538-2673.

• Get help with Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), health insurance policies, HUD reports and bank reconciliation from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursdays.

• Receive homeowners and renters assistance from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays through Oct. 17. No appointment is necessary.

Chamber golf tourney on tap

ESCONDIDO - The Escondido Chamber of Commerce's ninth annual "Chamber Challenge" golf tournament Aug. 24 at The Vineyard of Escondido. Cost of $175 includes lunch and dinner, golf cart, on-course beverages and awards. A portion of the proceeds will go to the chamber's program to help high school graduates attend Cal State San Marcos. Information: Vanessa Morrow, (760) 745-2125; vmorrow@escondidochamber.org.

Reporter to discuss Cunningham scandal

ESCONDIDO - The Escondido Democratic Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 25 at the East Valley Community Center, 2245 E. Valley Parkway.

The speaker will be San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Dean Calbreath, who was a member of the reporting team that uncovered the corruption of former 50th District Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham. The Pulitzer Prize-winning team has published a book about the scandal titled "The Wrong Stuff: The Extraordinary Saga of Randy 'Duke' Cunningham, the Most Corrupt Congressman Ever Caught."

Information: http://www.escondidodems.com; Rick Moore, (760) 740-8595.

Senior education courses scheduled

ESCONDIDO - Sharon Timko of Senior Independence Inc. will offer these informational courses on Tuesdays.

• Aug. 28 and Sept. 4: "Medicare/Medi-Cal Health Programs for Seniors."

• Sept. 11: "Freebies, Discounts and Assistance Programs for Older Adults."

• Sept. 18: "Identity Theft and Scams."

All classes are free and will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. in Room 2 at Midway Plaza, 463 N. Midway Drive. Registration: Escondido Adult School, (760) 739-7300; http://www.quikreg.com.

Senior Independence is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to educating seniors, their families and those who serve the older community.

Artists sought to decorate banners

ESCONDIDO - The Grape Day Festival and Parade committees are looking for local artists to decorate banners that will be featured in the Grape Day festivities Sept. 8.

The Escondido Historical Society is providing canvas and instructions for the banners; artists provide paint and/or other decorating media. Certificates will be awarded to all banner participants and every participant will be entered into a drawing to win $100. The theme of the banners should relate to Grape Day, Escondido's heritage or this year's whimsical parade theme, "The Grape Days of Classic Television."

The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 8 and proceed down Grand Avenue. The festival will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. the same day at Grape Day Park.

Canvas and instructions are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the Escondido Historical Society office in Grape Day Park or from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Escondido Artists Gallery, 121 W. Grand Ave. Information: (760) 743-8207, barker@escondidohistory.org.

HVMS Band, Tall Flag Team reunion planned

ESCONDIDO - A reunion and dinner for former members of the Hidden Valley Middle School "Raider" Band and Tall Flag Team, classes of 1977 through 1999, will be held Aug. 18 at Felicita Park. Also invited to attend are former music boosters and band parents, as well as family members. The event will be hosted by former director Jon Riksford. Information and registration:http://www.raiderreunion.com.

Soroptimists to host rock 'n' roll concert

ESCONDIDO - Soroptimist International North County Inland will host a '50s and '60s rock 'n' roll concert featuring the fun-loving band, The Rockit Scientists, at noon Sept. 23 at Kit Carson Park Amphitheater, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway.

The event will include a barbecue lunch catered by The Wrangler. Comedian Laura Jane will emcee. Tickets are on sale for $35, $20 for children ages 4 through 12 and free for ages 3 and younger. Proceeds will benefit women and children locally and internationally.

Information: Janet, (760) 839-6929.

Weight-loss group meets

ENCINITAS - The Take Off Pounds Sensibly, a nonprofit weight-loss support group, meets from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the San Diego County Credit Union, 501 N. El Camino Real. (760) 436-7850. Another TOPS group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays at the same location. (760) 632-9471. www.http://www/tops.org.

Leads club meets weekly

DEL MAR -Ali Lassen's Leads Club/Del Mar Polo Chapter meets at noon Tuesdays at En Fuego Restaurant, 1342 Camino Del Mar. (800) 783-3761. http://www.leadsclub.com.

Gardeners meet monthly

DEL MAR - The Friendship Gardeners of Del Mar meet from 1 to 3 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month (September to June) for field trips, speakers, seasonal plantings and to explore many other topics of interest. (858) 259-9636.

Knitting circle meets Saturdays

DEL MAR -- Knitting By The Beach hosts the weekly knitting circle from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturdays at its store, 509 Stevens Ave., Suite B. (858) 509-9276, http://www.knittingbythebeach.com.

College to offer ballroom dance

CARDIFF - MiraCosta College Community Services will offer two levels of ballroom dance this fall Beginning Ballroom Dance is offered from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 7 to Nov. 30 (no class Oct. 5, Nov. 16 or Nov. 23,) in Room 204 of the San Elijo campus, 3333 Manchester Ave. Intermediate Ballroom Dance is scheduled for 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., the same dates and location. Cost is $56. Wear soft, smooth-soled shoes and bring a notebook. (760) 795-6820.

Learn to create Web site in a day

CARDIFF - MiraCosta College's Community Services Program will offer "Create a Website In-A-Day," a one-day workshop on how to create Web sites, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 7 in Room 112 of the San Elijo campus, 3333 Manchester Ave. The one-day workshop will be repeated Nov. 5 at the same time and location. The class is a hands-on workshop that will cover HTML basics, two different methods for creating Web pages, how to select a host and domain name, the basic site planning strategies and Web design principles, and how to upload the site onto the World Wide Web. Cost is $89. (760) 795-6820, http://www.miracosta.edu/commsvcs.

College to offer 'Wine 101'

CARDIFF - MiraCosta College's "Wine 101" class, taught by Mark DeVincenzi, wine educator and wine judge, will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 7 to Oct. 12 in Room 401 at the San Elijo campus, 3333 Manchester Ave. DeVincenzi will teach students how to sharpen their senses, solve the mystery of wine label language and explore the origins of desirable and undesirable flavors of wine. Other topics will include: a structured approach to wine tasting; key influences on style and wine structure; appearance, aroma, and bouquet; how to purchase wine; and exploring the world of $10 and under wine.

Students must be at least 21 years old and bring six matching wine glasses to each class. Cost is $189. (760) 795-6820, http://www.miracosta.edu/commsvcs.

Leads clubs meet weekly

CARLSBAD -- Ali Lassen's Leads Club/Carlsbad Chapter meets at 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays at Marie Callender's, 5980 Avenida Encinas. Ali Lassen's Leads Club/Palomar Airport Chapter meets at 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Marie Callender's, 5980 Avenida Encinas. (800) 783-3761,http://www.leadsclub.com.

Microchip your pet

CARLSBAD - The county Department of Animal Services offers microchips for dogs, cats and rabbits from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays at the County Animal Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road. Cost is $20 and includes national registration. Bring dogs on a leash; cats and rabbits should be in a carrier. For unaltered animals, ask about the $50 coupon. (760) 438-2312, http://www.sddac.com.

Senior writers meet weekly

CARLSBAD - Writers ages 55 and older meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. (760) 602-4650.

Hospice seeks volunteers

CARLSBAD -- Hospice of the North Coast, 5441 Avenida Encinas, Suite A, is seeking volunteers to serve in several capacities. Volunteers help provide medical, emotional, physical and spiritual support to patients and families who are going through difficult times. The Hospice Resale Shop is looking for volunteers to sort, display and cashier at their Encinitas store. Opportunities are available for patient care volunteers, Hospice Auxiliary members who work on special events to raise funds for hospice, people to help with the October Golf Tournament and office assistance. (760) 431-4100, http://hnc@hospicenorthcoast.org.

State of the City luncheon set

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and city of Carlsbad will host the annual State of the City luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara, 7100 Four Seasons Point. Mayor Claude "Bud" Lewis, the City Council and Carlsbad business leaders will offer a progress report on current and future city programs and projects. Reservations required. (760) 941-8400, e-mail lmanemann@carlsbad.org.

Carlsbad Business Expo set for Sept. 19

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will host its 17th annual Carlsbad Business Expo from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 19 in the Westfield Plaza Camino Real parking lot, 2525 El Camino Real. The chamber will host its monthly sundowner from 5 to 7 p.m. Connect with business people, meet new customers, network existing clients while enjoying food and drinks. (760) 941-8400, lmanemann@carlsbad.org.

Writing group to meet Aug. 25

ENCINITAS - Publishers and Writers of San Diego will hold its group monthly meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 25 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. "More of Everything You've Always Wanted to Ask About Publishing" will be the topic of the open discussion. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. http://www.PublishersWriters.org.

Community chipping day planned

RAMONA - The Fire Safe Council of San Diego, in partnership with the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego, will host a free community chipping day for residents of Ramona, San Diego Country Estates and Barona Mesa from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at Drake Treesource, 1311 Walnut St.

Residents can have their tree and brush trimmings chipped by professional crews at no cost. On-site registration with proof of residence is required.

For guidelines and information, e-mail Tina Burnett at tburnett@firesafesdcounty.org, call (619) 562-0096 or go to http://www.firesafesdcounty.org/programs.html#chipping.

Library offers reading program for kids

RANCHO PENASQUITOS - The Rancho Penasquitos Library will host its "Reading Is for the Dogs" program at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20.

Geared toward students in grades one through six, the monthly program utilizes certified therapy dogs from Love on a Leash to encourage children to read. Children and dogs bond together over a shared story.

The Rancho Penasquitos Library is at 13330 Salmon River Road. For information and to register for the program, call (858) 538-8159.

For information about Love on a Leash, go to http://www.loveonaleash.org.

Seminar to teach yari techniques

POWAY - The new Poway branch of Jinenkan Martial Arts Los Angeles will offer a seminar that teaches warrior techniques of the yari, an ancient Japanese spear, from 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 26 at 13378 Poway Road. The seminar is recommended for ages 10 and older. Cost is $30. Information: (858) 486-0059 or http://www.secretsforabetterlife.com.

Gentle yoga classes offered

SAN MARCOS - Certified Silver Age Yoga instructor Emmy Garnica will offer a series of 12 gentle yoga classes for adults at the San Marcos Library, 2 Civic Center Drive. Participants can learn and practice various postures in gentle yoga.

Classes will meet from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays starting Aug. 22. Space is limited. To sign up, call the library at (760) 891-3000.

Hospice seeks volunteers

SAN DIEGO - LightBridge Hospice is seeking compassionate and caring individuals who are willing to spend a few hours a week with hospice patients and their families. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the area.

The next training session will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from Sept. 17 through Oct. 1. R.S.V.P. by Sept. 10 at (858) 458-2992 or elizabeth@lightbridgehospice.com.

College offers Oracle program

SAN MARCOS - Palomar College's Computer Science and Information Systems Department offers an Oracle Database Administrator program geared toward preparing students to take Oracle's DBA certification exam.

The program can be completed within one year. Fall semester classes at Palomar will begin Aug. 20. The Oracle DBA I class (CSIS 256) will meet from 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Saturdays on the San Marcos campus.

Information: (760) 744-1150, Ext. 2387; instructor Scott Wallihan, scottwallihan@hotmail.com.

LIFE at MiraCosta to meet

OCEANSIDE - LIFE at MiraCosta, a lifelong learning group, will meet at 1 p.m. Aug. 17 in Room 1068 at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive. Representatives of the two major political parties will critique actions taken by the 100th Congress. At 1 p.m., Francine Busby will provide the Democratic Party's point of view. At 2:30 p.m., Don McKinney will give the Republican Party perspective. (760) 721-8124.

New dances performed at Civic Center

OCEANSIDE - The Oceanside Parks and Recreation Division and the Arts Commission will bring "Splash Dance" to the Civic Center Plaza from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 18 at 300 N. Coast Highway. Jean Isaac's Dance Group and the MiraCosta College Dancers will perform a series of three new dances to live music by Steve Baker. Free parking is available in the Civic Center garage. (760) 435-5529.

Pine needle basketry class offered

OCEANSIDE - An Introduction to Pine Needle Basketry class will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Oceanside Museum of Art, School of Art, 219 N. Coast Highway. Carol E. Lang will teach students to use local natural materials; transforming yard waste into functional vessels. Cost: $55 for OMA members, $80 for nonmembers. An additional $10 materials fee is to be paid directly to the teacher at the first class. (760) 721-2787, caldesigns@roadrunner.com.

Sunset Poets to meet

OCEANSIDE - Sunset Poets will meet at 3 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Flying Bridge restaurant, 1105 N. Coast Highway. Local poet Steven McDonald will read from his new book, "Where There Was No Pattern." He will be followed by an open microphone session. (760) 758-2410, http://www.sunsetpoets.org.

Food for Thought program continues

VISTA - The Vista Senior Center is collaborating with the Vista Library and Aging & Independence Services on a program called "Food for Thought." The next program, "Gentle Yoga by Yoga Vista," will be held Aug. 16 at the Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave. The senior center will offer a gourmet lunch available for a suggested contribution of $3 for those 60 and older, $5 for those younger than 60. (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1531.

Village Idiots to meet

VISTA - The Village Idiots Literary Society will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Vista Village Art Gallery, 127 Main St. The meeting will feature poet Anne Wilson. Her first chapbook, "Solea," won the San Diego Book Award in 2005 for Best Published Book of Poetry by a Single Author in the previous year. Her second book, "Recuerdos," was just released by Finishing Line Press.

Ice-cream social set

VISTA - An ice-cream social will be held at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 17 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. A lunch of cheeseburgers will be served at noon. Cost: $3 for those 60 and older, $5 all others. To reserve lunch, call (760) 724-3362.

Senior center to hold dance

VISTA - A dance will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. The dance will feature the Billy Harper Band. Cost: $4. (760) 639-6160.

Vista holds first photo contest

VISTA - The city of Vista is accepting entries for its first City Photo Contest. The juried contest is open to all photographers, youths and adults, and will feature photos taken in Vista from November 2006 to November 2007. An entry and release form must be submitted prior to submitting photographs. There is a limit of five photos per person. Forms will be available by Sept. 1 on the city Web site. Entries must be received by Oct. 23. (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1148.

Concert chorale to hold auditions

OCEANSIDE - The North Coast Concert Chorale of MiraCosta College will hold auditions at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 in Room T307 at the college, 1 Barnard Drive. A prepared selection is not required. The choir performs a wide variety of literature, including choral-orchestral works, classical choral music and lighter selections. (760) 757-2121, Ext. 6527.

American GI Forum holds Mariachi concert fundraiser

OCEANSIDE - The American GI Forum Oceanside chapter will sponsor a Mariachi concert scholarship fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 15 at Martin Luther King Middle School, 1290 Ivey Ranch Road. Proceeds will benefit high school students in the Advancement Via Individual Determination program. The concert, with support from San Diego Gas and Electric, will feature dinner and a performance by Mariachi Chula Vista. Tickets for dinner and reserved seating cost $25. Make checks payable to AGIF and send to 1233 Langford St., Oceanside, CA 92058; or call Pete Magana at (760) 757-6276, Johnny Lozano at (760) 724-1890, John Herrera at (760) 724-2508, Manny Astorga at (760) 721-1579 or Rod Sandoval at (760) 630-5198.