New Autobiography Looks at 50 Years of Hollywood Glitz : Buddy Ebsen started out on Broadway and moved on to movies and television. The celebrity will make a Ventura appearance.

More than half a century ago, when movies were glamorous fantasies, the good guys always triumphed and lovers lived happily ever after, Buddy Ebsen, hoofer and actor, began his career in show business.

Following roles on Broadway, Ebsen worked in dozens of Hollywood films and is famous for his character leads in two television series, “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “Barnaby Jones.” He also did character parts early in his career.

Among the videos I pop into my VCR occasionally is the 1938 musical, “Girl of the Golden West,” starring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, which features a winning performance by Ebsen.

In his autobiography, “The Other Side of Oz,” just released by Donovan Publishing, the 85-year-old actor tells the story of his extraordinary career and gives a behind-the-glitter look at Hollywood. Ebsen will be at the Phantom Bookshop, 451 E. Main St., Ventura, from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday. It is only one of three appearances he will make in Southern California.

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It doesn’t attract screaming crowds or lots of press coverage, but it is alive and well and infiltrating many local schools. It’s California Poets in the Schools, a joint project of the Artists-in-the-Schools Program (of the National Endowment for the Arts) and the California Arts Council, which has been in place since 1964.

Shelley Savren coordinates the program for Ventura County. Her task is to find professional, published poets who will conduct workshops in public and private schools and for youngsters incarcerated in juvenile halls.

The poet/teachers are given special training for 10 weeks. Savren seeks ethnic diversity and is eager to hear from published African-American, Latino, Native American and Asian poets who are interested in teaching youngsters to read and write poetry. Contact her at 986-5800, Ext. 1951 or 644-8724.

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When talk-show hosts want to light up the phones, they put psychics or astrologers on the air. We are, after all, most concerned about ourselves when it comes to careers and relationships. And what a comforting feeling it is to have total strangers struggling to predict our futures. So, if this appeals to you, Barnes & Noble bookstore, 4360 E. Main St., Ventura, is the place to be at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Astrologer Dave Roell of the Astrology Center of Southern California, and Tarot card reader Kelly O’Tillery will do individual readings at no charge. Barnes & Noble is also planning a book discussion group. Meetings are scheduled at 11 a.m. Feb. 25 and at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Call 339-9170 for details.

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Anna Castillo will read from her new novel, “Sapogonia,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Ventura Bookstore, 522 E. Main St., Ventura. For more information, call 643-4069.