THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA presents its annual “Tastes of Mexico” event featuring Mexican cuisine, beverages, and entertainment on Sept. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Community Center, 313 West Tunnell St., Santa Maria. Cost is $25, $80 for four tickets. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 260. A city-organized community meeting is Sept. 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Newlove Community Building, 1619 S Thornburg, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 414.
THE FRIENDS OF THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY present their “Books are the Key to Knowledge” Giant Book Sale Sept. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, Shepard Hall, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-7116.
THE LOMPOC POLICE DEPARTMENT holds a found property auction featuring bicycles on Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lompoc Police Department, 107 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc. Info: 736-2341 or drios@ci.lompoc.ca.us.
THE RIVERBENCH VINEYARD AND WINERY presents local confectioner Jessica Foster showcasing her unique chocolate truffles on Sept. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at the winery, 6020 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria. Cost is $5 for a tasting fee. Info: 937-8340 or info@riverbench.com.
THE DANA ADOBE NIPOMO AMIGOS holds a free Saturday Talk with Dr. Christy Edstrom O’Hara on Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Dana Adobe, 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo. Info: 929-5679.
THE OLDE TOWNE NIPOMO MARKETPLACE presents its inaugural chili cook-off featuring various vendors, live music, and kids’ activities on Sept. 19 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Adobe Plaza, 330 W. Tefft St., Olde Town Nipomo. Info: 458-1907 or chrysl2@yahoo.com.
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM hosts its annual “Discover Santa Maria Valley” event featuring food, wine, and local art on Sept. 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the museum, 705 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 928-8414 or smvdiscoverymuseum.org.
COLD STONE CREAMERY hosts the “World’s Largest Ice Cream Social” benefit event featuring a free 3-ounce ice cream created by Make-a-Wish Foundation Junior Tastemaster Jack on Sept. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cold Stone Creamery. Info: 676-9474, Ext. 4.
THE GUADALUPE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT and others present a “Children’s Festival and Family Health Faire” on Sept. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 4681 11th St., Guadalupe. Info: 343-1194.
WORTH THE DRIVE
THE BILTMORE in Santa Barbara holds its “Autumn Invitational,” featuring a juried exhibition and sale on Sept. 17 at the Biltmore, 1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara. Info: 565-8270 or fourseasons.com/santabarbara.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SANTA BARBARA, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties holds its 35th annual Book Sale Sept. 17 through 27 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara. An opening night reception is Sept. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. Info: 963-2445, Ext. 6, or ppsbvslo.org.
A CONSTITUTION DAY CELEBRATION calls for all “Progressive Patriots” to enjoy an evening of music, films, and sharing in honor of the Constitution on Sept. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at 3436 Sacramento Drive, suite A, SLO. Info: 772-3056 or pdsloc@gmail.com.
THE NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY UNITED WAY presents a Girls’ Night Out “fundraiser” on Sept. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. Info: 922-0329, Ext. 114.
THE CITY OF SOLVANG presents its Danish Days Celebration featuring authentic food, music, folk dancing, living history exhibits, and three parades Sept. 18 through 20, all in Solvang. A full schedule is available at SolvangUSA.com. Info: 688-6144 or toll free 1-800-468-6765.
UCSB ARTS AND LECTURES presents a 50th anniversary season opening featuring a kickoff party on Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara. Info: 893-3535 or artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.
MOROVINO WINERY presents a wine and cheese tasting event featuring live music by Mark Owens on Sept. 20 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the tasting room, 550 1st St., Avila Beach. Info: 627-1443.
THE SAN LUIS OBISPO ART CENTER presents a film screening of The Rising Tide: A Documentary on Contemporary Chinese Art on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Art Center, 1010 Broad St., SLO. Cost is $7, $5 for members. Info: sloartcenter.org.
THE SANTA BARBARA CONTEMPORARY ARTS FORUM presents a party and orientation celebrating members and artists on Sept. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Contemporary Arts Forum, 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara. Cost is $75, $125 per couple. Info: 966-5373, Ext. 104.
This article appears in Sep 17-24, 2009.