AROUND TOWN - May 8, 2009

Film tonight on Cuban economy and Cold War

Transition Laguna will present, “Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil,” at 7:30 tonight at Yoga Works, 30818 Coast Hwy., and at 6:30 p.m. May 20 at Oasis Child, 380 Glenneyre St.

The film details how Cuba survived the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990 and the resulting economic collapse for the country, including a food and oil shortage.

The free event is organized by Transition Laguna, a nonprofit organization working to support sustainability in preparation for an uncertain energy future.

For more information, visit transitionlaguna.com or e-mail Max Isles at maxisles@gmail.com.

Get a free dog behavior consult at shelter

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is sponsoring a free dog training and behavior consultation program, “Ask the Trainer,” from 1:45 to 3 p.m. May 16 and from 6:45 to 8 p.m. May 21 at the shelter, 20612 Laguna Canyon Road.

Ann Garland of DogSpeak Dog Training will answer dog training questions, such as dealing with aggression toward other dogs, housebreaking, separation anxiety, barking and more. Dogs should not be brought to the classes. Each session is limited to a maximum of six people. To reserve a spot, call the shelter at (949) 497-3552.

Realtors’ Taste For Charity is Thursday at Tivoli Too

The Laguna Board of Realtors’ annual “A Taste For Charity and Silent Art Auction” will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Tivoli Too, 777 Laguna Canyon Road.

The event will help support the Laguna Beach Community Clinic, First Thursday’s Art Walk bus service, Sally’s Fund, CSP Youth Shelter, the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club, No Square Theatre and two high school scholarships. Guests will sample food and wine, bid on donated original artwork and buy chances to win raffle items.

Professional auctioneer and entertainer Chuck Dreyer will auction artists’ works, hotel packages and special opportunities. Sponsored by the Laguna Board of Realtors and Affiliates Charitable Assistance Fund, donations are welcome. Admission is $25 and includes six “Taste” tickets to use for food or wine. For tickets, call (949) 497-2474.

Women’s Health Day Fair hosted at beach May 16

Laguna Beach Community Clinic will hold its eighth annual Women’s Day Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16 at Main Beach. The fair will provide a variety of free health screenings, including blood pressure, anemia, diabetes, cholesterol, body fat composition and bone density, plus 10-minute anonymous HIV screening. A physician will be available to interpret the health screening results and refer as needed. Representatives from or Prenatal Services, Teen Clinic, Nutrition Program and Dental Clinic will be present. Men are welcome. For more information, call (949) 494-0761.

Village Laguna presents Charm House Tour

Village Laguna has announced that its 37th annual Laguna Charm House Tour is scheduled for May 17.

Buses will leave from the Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, from at noon to 3:30 p.m.

Homes on the tour will be in the center of town, including historic estates, craftsman cottages, sustainable homes crafted from recycled materials and modern homes. Tickets are $40 presale and $45 on tour day.

The ticket price includes transportation from the Festival of Arts grounds to each of the homes and back as well as refreshments. Tickets may be purchased at www.villagelaguna.org or at various locations throughout town.

For more information call (949) 472-7503.