AROUND TOWN - April 24, 2009

Assistance League seeks donations

The Laguna Beach Turnabout Thrift Shop is in need of donations of gently used clothing, jewelry, collectibles and housewares.

Shop hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The shop is at 526 Glenneyre St. For more information, call (949) 494-5977.

Viewing, discussion of ‘Soloist’ film

A viewing and discussion of “The Soloist” will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the South Coast Cinemas in Laguna Beach. The event is sponsored by Friendship Shelter, the Resource Center and Real Help for Laguna’s Homeless.

The film, which opens Friday nationwide, is based on the book of the same name, and is the true story of L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez and his efforts to help a homeless man, Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless musician.

The program will begin with the documentary “The Making of Shelter Me” about local homeless musicians. Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $6 for seniors. For more information, visit www.friendshipshelter.org or www.lbhomeless.com

Library hosts psychologist, and author Jacobs

The Laguna Beach Library will present Marion Kramer Jacobs, psychologist and author of “Take-Charge Living: How to Recast Your Role in Life…One Scene at a Time” at 2 p.m. May 9.

Jacobs will be discussing Take-Charge Living, a user-friendly, psychologically well-grounded approach to getting rid of unwanted habits and patterns of behavior.

This event is free, and refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Laguna Beach Library. The library is located at 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach. For more information, call (949) 497-1733

Biodegradable bags at Farmers’ Market

In honor of Earth Day 2009, the Laguna Beach Certified Farmers’ Market is offering biodegradable bags for shoppers beginning Saturday. In anticipation of the possible future ban of plastic bags in Laguna Beach, the market recognizes the importance of creating a transitional alternative, said manager Jennifer Griffiths.

Tidewater Docent training Monday

The Laguna Ocean foundation’s Tidewater Docent program is looking for volunteers to help educate the public with information and regulations regarding protecting local beaches. The next new docent training will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

For more information, contact Jake Bonus at jakebonus@gmail.com

Surfer James Pribram goes to Hollywood

Actress/model Alexandra Leighton and pro surfer and “ecowarrior” James Pribram will host a gala reception for “Loveswell” benefiting Heal the Bay on May 1 at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Hollywood.

Leighton and Pribram will serve as celebrity hosts following the Hollywood premiere of “Loveswell,” a one-man show by John Fortson. Net proceeds raised will go directly to Heal the Bay.

Leighton had a recurring role in CBS’ “Swingtown,” playing the upper-class swinger, Cherie Hyatt. She is the voice of the American Heart Assn., as well as an actress.

Pribram is a professional surfer and environmental leader and writes a weekly column for the Coastline Pilot. For more, visit www.loveswell.com.