Datebook

THURS., MAY 1

Candidates Debate Democratic Club of Camarillo hosts Candidates' Night, 7 p.m., Orchid Room, UFCW Union Hall, 816 Camarillo Springs Road, Camarillo. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Democratic candidates for 24th Congressional District, 37th Assembly District, candidates for nonpartisan 3rd Supervisorial District race present statements, respond to questions. Public invited, free. Jack Phillips, (805) 504-3749.

Mexico Update Business and Professional Women of Conejo Valley meet 7 p.m., Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village. Dr. Eva Remirez discusses current issues in Mexico. Both men, women welcome. Free.

FRI., MAY 2

Pet Benefit LIFE Animal Rescue hosts "A Pawsitively Purrfect Night at the Casino" fundraiser, 7 to 11 p.m., Sunset Hills Country Club, 4155 Erbes Road, Thousand Oaks. Hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, silent auction, casino games, Texas Hold'em poker, door prizes. $60. All proceeds benefit LIFE Animal Rescue. lifeanimalrescue@aol.com.

SAT., MAY 3

Relay For Life Agoura Relay for Life, 10 a.m. today through 10 a.m. Sunday, Willow Elementary School, 29026 Laro Drive, Agoura Hills. Teams walk relay-style around track to raise funds for American Cancer Society. Cooking demo, dance party, kid's camp off track. Ling Wu, (818) 715-2616, sjrelay@yahoo.com, www.events .cancer.org.

Fine Arts Festival 11th annual Calabasas Fine Arts Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., today and Sunday, parking lot behind Calabasas Library, 23975 Park Sorrento. Artists sell unique art in variety of media. Free admission. Onsite parking $5. Parking fees benefit Calabasas Arts Council. (818) 878-4225, ext. 266.

Conejo Valley Days Parade

Conejo Valley Days parade, 9 a.m., Thousand Oaks Boulevard from Pierce Arrow to

The Lakes. Grand marshal, bands, horse riders, floats. Free. Festival continues noon

to midnight, Conejo Creek Park South, 23

Freeway and Janss Road. Rides, vendors, food, live music, stunt dog show. Admission

$4 to $10. Event raises funds for local nonprofits. www.conejovalleydays.org.

SUN., MAY 4

Love The Arts Annual Moorpark Arts Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., various sites in downtown/High Street area (City Hall, library, High Studio Fine Arts Gallery, High Street Arts Center). Juried art show, photography exhibit, live music performances, children's interactive arts, poetry readings. (805) 517-6260, www .moorparkartsfestival.com.

Clean Up Creek City of Calabasas presents Big Sunday Creek Cleanup, 9 to 11 a.m. Meet at Las Virgenes Creek on Agoura Road Bridge. Wear casual shoes, boots; bring sunscreen. Garbage bags, gloves provided. (818) 878-4225, ext. 314, www.bigsunday.org.

Open House California Wildlife Center hosts open house, noon to 4 p.m., 26026 Piuma Road, Calabasas. Meet the staff, guided tours, refreshments. Free, children welcome. RSVP (818) 222-2658.

MON., MAY 5

Military Couples Conejo Valley National Society Daughters of the American Revolution meet 11:30 a.m., Garden Room, Plug Nickle Restaurant, 717 Lakefield Road, Westlake Village. Retired Lt. Cmdr. Ann Siefert, USN, discusses military married couples. RSVP Barbara Hougardy, (818) 889-8039; Carol Satterwaite, (805) 532-1148.

Global Warning Conejo Audubon Society meets 7:30 p.m., Western Foundation for Vertebrate Zoology, 439 Calle San Pablo, Camarillo. Elzbet Diaz de Leon from Ventura College speaks on "The Carbon Diet," ways to avoid global disaster. (805) 987-2721, www.ConejoValleyAudubon.org.

TUES., MAY 6

Pastel Painting Demo Westlake Village Art Guild's monthly meeting, Naylor's Banquet Center, 75 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Buffet dinner 6 to 7 p.m. Judith Crowe demonstrates pastel painting techniques 7 to 9 p.m. Election of officers. $15 members, $20 visitors for dinner, demo, tax, tip. RSVP (805) 379-5655, wlvag@hotmail.com.

WED., MAY 7

Hat Lady Reservations due by noon for Moorpark Women's Fortnightly Club's monthly luncheon, 10 a.m., Fri., May 9, Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, 4823 Mira Sol Drive, Moorpark. "Hat Lady" Pat Swift takes a walk through hat history. RSVP Tami Gresiak at (805) 529-5439, gresiak59@hotmail.com.

Classical Concert Santa Barbara Music Club hosts concert, 11 a.m., Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. Haydn's Sonata in C major, Jack Artusio, piano; Rodrigo's Quatro madrigals amatórios, Takako Wakito, soprano, and John Sonquist, piano; Emma Lou Diemer's World Premiere: Suite for Violin and Piano, Philip Ficsor, violin, and Emma Lou Diemer, piano; Beethoven's Sonata in G major, Philip Ficsor, violin, and Betty Oberacker, piano. Free. (805) 6830811, www.sbmusicclub.org.

Spring Boutique Las Virgenes Community Learning Center hosts Spring Boutique, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4029 Las Virgenes Road (behind A.E. Wright Middle School), Calabasas. Vendors sell variety of items. Proceeds support school's music, art, PE programs. (805) 368-9995.

Mother's Day Tea RSVP Reservations due for Democratic Women's Council of Conejo Valley second annual Mother's Day tea, fashion show, noon to 3 p.m., Sat., May 10 on island overlooking lake in Westlake Village. Fashions from Coldwater Creek featured. Mother's Day gifts, jewelry, bags, raffle, door prizes. $20 donation. For directions, RSVP (805) 495-1515, www .democraticwomenscouncil.com.

Women's Luncheon Simi Valley Woman's Club meets 11 a.m., Rancho Santa Susana Community Center, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. New officer installation, barbecue pork luncheon. $10. RSVP (805) 583-8272.

THURS., MAY 8

Science Fair White Oak Elementary School hosts Science Fair 6:30 to 8 p.m., 31761 Village School Road, Westlake Village. Students kindergarten to fifth grade give science demonstration, display results of science experiments. Free admission, open to public. Gina Amenta-Shin, (818) 889-1450.

Business Reception Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Reception, 5 to 8 p.m., Sagebrush Cantina, 23527 Calabasas Road, Calabasas. Free.

FRI., MAY 9

Songmakers Show Fireside Concerts presents 10 acts from Songmakers organization, 8 p.m., Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park. Each performer sings three songs. First come, first served seating. Adults only. $7 donation. Bob Kroll, (805) 499-3511, folksgr1@aol.com.

Active Adults Ventura County Over the Hill Gang hosts get-acquainted meeting, 7 to 9 p.m., at member's home in Simi Valley. For active people age 50 and over. Club activities include skiing, hiking, biking, dinners, cultural events. Guests attend free. For directions, call Karen, (818) 7350987. www.vcothg.org.

Family Movie Night Mesa Verde Middle School's Renaissance Club presents Family Movie Night with Pixar/Disney's "Ratatouille," lower field, 1400 Peach Hill Road, Moorpark. 6:30 p.m. snacks, playing on the field. 8 p.m. movie. Profits go to Renaissance program. Admission is donation. Pizza, candy, soda, coffee, popcorn for sale.

Book Buyer's Delight The Book Bag hosts fourth annual Sidewalk Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., today and Saturday, 202 N. Skyline Drive, Thousand Oaks. Hardbacks, paperbacks, children's books, 50 cents to $1. Cash and checks only. Nonprofit community bookstore benefits local literacy efforts. (805) 497-0710, www.thebookbag.biz.

Swing Dance Jitterbug Swing Society hosts dance, House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave., Ste. E, Ventura. Beginning Balboa dance class 7:15 p.m., intermediate Balboa class 8 p.m. Rob Van Haaren DJs swing dance 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. $10 adults, $5 students 21 and under, includes lesson. No partner needed, all ages, no alcohol. (805) 987-9592, www.venturajitterbug.org.

SAT., MAY 10

Fun For Kids Moorpark Recreation hosts Kids Day in the Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark. Free admission. Touch-a-Truck, Kids Expo of youth organizations, hands-on activities, games, bounce tents, food booths, music activities, makeacard, free child ID kits. Arroyo Vista Recreation Center, (805) 517-6300, www.ci.moorpark.ca.us.

Clean Waters Mountains Restoration Trust's Youth Naturalist Program presents "Stream Ecology" program, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants learn how to help keep creeks clean, collect stream invertebrates with dip nets, make related craft. Preregistration required, nominal fee. RSVP Susan Haugland, (818) 591-1701, ext. 181.

Paint Nature Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore Inc. host paint-out, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Cross Creek Road at PCH. 9:30 a.m. meet in parking area under red flag, stay until early afternoon. For new, experienced artists in any media. Paint nature scenes by Malibu Pier. Bring lunch, own art supplies, cash for parking fee. Facilities available. Carole Garland, (310) 338-0333.

Antiques Faire Conejo Valley Historical Society hosts annual Antiques Faire, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stagecoach Inn Museum, 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park. Antiques, art, collectibles, silver, china, crystal, jewelry, vintage clothing, kitchen items, toys, furniture, clocks, books. Camarillo antiques authority Rita Faulders lectures on carnival glass. Evaluations $5 per item. Admission $5, includes museum tour. Free cookies, lemon

ade. (805) 498-9441.

Genealogy Seminar Conejo Valley Genealogical Society hosts annual seminar, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Ascension Lutheran Church, 1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Guest speaker Megan Smolenyak. Various workshops. (805) 379-2067, cvgs2008seminar@aol.com.

Gourd Art Festival Channel Islands Gourd Society displays, sells decorated gourds at annual Gourd Art Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Santa Rosa Valley Clubhouse, 11701 E. Las Posas Road, Camarillo. Mask parade, hourly birdhouse raffle, demonstrations on gourds, children's make-and-take workshop. Free admission. Charlene, (805) 649-9868.

European Travel Hostelling International USA conducts World Travel 101 Workshop on Europe, 11 a.m., Hostelling International Travel Store, 1434 Second St., Santa Monica. For first time traveler. $5 HIUSA members, $10 nonmembers. Two hours free parking across street. RSVP (310) 393-3413.

Hispanic Fair Festival Dia de la Madre Hispanic Community Fair, noon to 8 p.m., today and Sunday, Sun Valley Park, Vineland Avenue and San Fernando Road, Sun Valley. Food, arts and crafts, carnival games, free gifts and samples, live music, vendors, information on education, home loans, medical, legal services. Free admission. Comite Civico LatinoAmericano, (818) 718-7956.

SUN., MAY 11

Breakfast For Mom Boy Scout Troop 127 hosts 45th annual Mother's Day Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Malibou Lake Lodge, 29033 Lake Vista Drive, Agoura Hills. All-you-can-eat ham, eggs, pancakes, orange juice, coffee, tea, milk. Free door prizes, free flower, gift basket raffle. Steinway artist Steve Hall performs. Professional photographer on hand (extra cost). $5 for meal. Children 3 and younger, free. Jodi Regan, (818) 707-2995.

MON., MAY 12

Orchid IQ Conejo Orchid Society meets 7 p.m., Westlake Village City Hall, 31200 Oak Crest Drive. Jim Kotsybar of Chaotic Exotics Orchids speaks on "Your Orchid IQ." Raffle, refreshments. Free, guests welcome. Janna, (805) 278-2205; Marian, (818) 889-1895.

TUES., MAY 13

Business Women Meet California Entrepreneur Women have networking, no-host dinner, 6 to 8 p.m., Carrows Restaurant, 16355 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Griselda Rodriguez talks on business startup; Dr. Erica Wilson talks on reducing stress; Robin Kellogg discusses business promotion. $5 members, $10 nonmembers, $15 at door with no reservation. RSVP Robin Kellogg, (818) 993-5468, Robin@yourwritingresource.com, www.cewinc.org.

WED., MAY 14

Recall Fireside Chats Reservations due for Democratic Club of Conejo Valley spring brunch, 11:30 a.m. Fri., May 16, Rustico Restaurant, 1125 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. Dr. Jose Marichal speaks. Meeting commemorates 75th anniversary of FDR's fireside chats. $15. Public invited. RSVP (805) 675-8785.

Hear About First Ladies Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society meets 7:30 p.m., historic 1935 fire station, 7248 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park. Walter Astromecki presents First Ladies stories. Public invited, free. Refreshments served. Museum open for visitors before, after meeting. (818) 346-5252.

Song & Dance Benefit Seventh annual High School Benefit Concert "Song and Dance Man," 4 p.m., Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Performances by Dick Van Dyke, Harmony Oaks barbershop group, choral groups from five local high schools. Proceeds go to music programs of participating schools. Tickets $15 to $35 at box office. (805) 499-6456, pennywitt @earthlink.net.

THURS., MAY 15

Acoustic Music Club Camarillo Acoustic Music Club meets 7 to 11 p.m., private home. Beginner to expert musicians. Guests welcome to play or listen. T.J. Zeiler (805) 482-0029, www.Songmakers.org.

FRI., MAY 16

Planet Images Ventura County Astronomical Society meets 7:30 p.m., multipurpose room, Mesa Union School, 3901 Mesa School Road, Somis. Dr. Marshall Perrin discusses imaging of planet formation. Public invited. Carl Ashley, (805) 642-5166, vcas1@aol.com., www.vcas.org.