DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS presents a “Girls Night Out,” featuring Executive Director Beverly Engel signing copies of her book, The Nice Girl Syndrome, Oct. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Country Club, Santa Maria. Cost is $25.
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY holds a microchipping clinic on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Humane Society, 751 Black Road, Santa Maria. Microchipping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $32 per pet, $27 for members. Info: 349-3435 or www.smvhs.org.
THE CENTRAL COAST LITERACY COUNCIL holds its 25th anniversary celebration, titled “Mystery Theatre Night” and including dinner and drinks, on Oct. 25 at 6:25 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, Shepard Hall, Santa Maria. Cost is $25. Info: 925-0951, Ext 836.
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY celebrates “Adopt-A-Dog Month” with free microchipping or two months of free flea treatment for any dog adopted during October. Info: 349-3425.
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE presents a charity “Run to Remember” Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Nov. 10. On Nov. 10, the run will go all day, finishing with a base-wide run that will end at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 in front of the 14th Air Force headquarters building, Vandenberg. Info: runtoremember@vandenberg.af.mil.
WORTH THE DRIVE
UCSB ARTS AND LECTURES and the Santa Barbara Public Library System present Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Victoria Hall Theater, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Free. Arts and Lectures presents author David Sedaris reading from his book When You Are Engulfed in Flames on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. in the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara. Cost is $45, $35, $25, and $18 for students. Info: 893-3535 or www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.
JEEP 48STRAIGHT presents the grand finale of its summer event series, featuring sustainability programs, live performances, and a bike race Oct. 24 and 25 at the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo County, SLO. Info: (512) 330-0500 or www.jeep48straight.com.
ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH presents “Martha’s Holiday Boutique Craft Sale and Luncheon,” featuring a raffle, silent auction, and white elephant sale, on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church hall, 298 S Thompson Road, Nipomo. Info: 343-6199.
THE ARROYO GRANDE WOMAN’S CLUB holds a “Harvest Time Bingo” event featuring lunch, games, and prizes on Oct. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at 211 Vernon Ave., Arroyo Grande. Cost is $20. Info: 710-3569.
CAL POLY celebrates its 11th annual “Culturefest,” featuring food, music, dance, activities, and performances on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mitchell Park, Pismo and Osos streets, SLO. Info: 756-1405.
THE CENTRAL COAST WATERCOLOR SOCIETY presents a White Elephant Sale of art materials and equipment at its regular meeting on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Nybak Wing of the SLO Arts Center, SLO. Info: 543-8562.
INN OF THE SPANISH GARDEN holds a “Backpacks for Kids” fundraiser for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, featuring wine tasting, gourmet food, live music, and a silent auction on Oct. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Inn, 915 Garden St., Santa Barbara. Cost is $40. Info: 564-4700.
This article appears in Oct 23-30, 2008.