Author to Aid in Benefit for Independent Bookstore

Writers are generous people. They rally on behalf of one another, come to the aid of social causes and jump in to help the struggling independent bookstore. In keeping with this tradition, the internationally known Marianne Williamson will appear at 7 tonight at a benefit for Earthling Bookshop. She will discuss and sign her new book, “The Healing of America,” at the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara. Tickets prices are $20, $15 for students. Call 965-0926.

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Patricia Netzley will conduct a seminar on “How to Break into the Nonfiction Market” from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Learning Tree University, 72 Moody Court, Thousand Oaks. Call 497-2292.

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Lindsay Maracotta, whose “Dead Hollywood Moms’ Society” introduced film animator/crime solver Lucy Freer, will sign her new mystery, “The Dead Celeb,” at noon Saturday at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

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The following events are scheduled at the Thousand Oaks Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Dana Kenny will discuss her guide, “50 Easy Ways to Get Your Child to Sleep,” at 2 p.m. Saturday. And local author Rich Winograd will sign “Paloma” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, when he shares the true story of an unusually sensitive child whose words, art and tragic death changed the lives of everyone who knew her.

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Vicki Leon will sign her sprightly “Uppity Women of Medieval Times” at 8 p.m. Friday at Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks. She will also sign at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Ventura Barnes & Noble, 4360 E. Main St.

Other events at the Thousand Oaks Barnes & Noble include an appearance by James Ellroy, whose “L.A. Confidential” is now a major motion picture. Ellroy will sign his new book, “My Dark Places,” at 8 p.m. Saturday. And financial advisors Tom and David Gardner will discuss “Motley Fool Investment Guide” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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Writer-storyteller Jim Woodard will present a program of powerful old folk tales and also share the story of the first teddy bear at 2 p.m. Tuesday at a meeting of the San Buenaventura Women’s Club, Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura. Call 658-6697.

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Kathy Fields and her staff at the Family History Center will demonstrate the latest research resources in their huge genealogical catalog at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Conejo Valley Genealogical Society, 3645 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. The 6 p.m. beginners class will focus on immigration and naturalization. Call 497-8293.

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Timothy Treadwell, co-author of “Among Grizzlies,” has just returned from a second trip to northern Alaska to continue his research on grizzly bears. He will speak to the Ventura County Writers Club at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Orchid Professional Building, 816 Camarillo Springs Road, Camarillo. Nonmember fee is $5. Call 643-6450.

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In Santa Barbara

Adam Werbach, at 26 the youngest president of the 104-year-old Sierra Club, will address the Channel City Club and sign his book “Act Now, Apologize Later” at a noon luncheon Wednesday at the Miramar Hotel in Montecito. Call 966-6303.

A seminar on “Publishing Fine Art Books” will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, Paseo Nuevo mall, second level (off Chapala and De La Guerra streets). Call 962-4680 for details.

* Frances Halpern and Jon O’Brien are co-hosts of “Beyond Words” at 10 a.m. Sundays on KCLU-FM (88.3), Ventura County’s National Public Radio station.