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Monday, May 5, 2008 Cinco de Mayo
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NEWPORT BEACH -
Home Show & Boutique
- Design trends and techniques are on view in the new Coastal
Elegance style home. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 to 5 pm,
with evening hours until 9 pm on Thursdays, the event runs
through May 18, 2008. Free parking and shuttle at Mariner’s
Church, 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine (Tuesday-Saturday) and
Tarbut V’ Torah, 5 Federation Way, Irvine (Sundays). Proceeds
benefit Philharmonic Youth Music Education. Cost: $30/presale -
$45/unlimited. Information and tickets at
www.philharmonicHouseofDesign.org or call 714-840-7542.
Note: 5 on 5 San Diego has been
canceled this year!
5 on 5. Doesn't matter
what day of the week it falls on, every May 5 in San Diego you
can expect Cinco de Mayo fun. Margaritas, Mexican beers, bands,
dancing, DJs and a street scene to rock you, this event is one
of California's most fun Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Located
just across the border from San Diego is Mexico. That's why San
Diego is the most appropriate spot to celebrate this Mexican
celebration. It doesn't hurt that there's warm year round
weather and a lively beach scene.
Thanks to San Diegoo's
location, the Latin beat and authentic style of showmanship
sported by beautiful Hispanic women has been absorbed by all
cultures and ethnic groups in a celebration that's extremely
popular in Southern California. Skimpy outfits worn by tanned
blondes, brunettes, red-heads, Scottish, Asians, Italians,
Afro-Americans, Amerasians, as well as Hispanics, spice up an
event held in the sizzling streets of Gaslamp Quarter. This
district of San Diego has a long history of entertainment and
accommodations that's amazingly been preserved for people to
enjoy today. It's very own California version of New Orleans
streets, the area is filled with unique buildings, restaurants,
clubs, hotels and shopping. During Mardi Gras, the streets are
closed and admission points are set up for the public to enter
(paid admission), to access the street scene. Once entering,
guests can wander and take in a variety of bands, clubs, foods
kiosks, bar service (21+ only) and socializing. The streets are
lit by spotlights set up for the event, but retain the party
atmosphere as they bathe areas with blue, pink, red and yellow.
While San Diego County
offers several entry points into Mexico, where Americans like to
party on the weekends in cities such as Tijuana and Rosarito
Beach, on special events, many San Diegans and Californians opt
to stay in country and celebrate on the streets of San Diego for
events that include Cinco de Mayo and the popular
Gaslamp Mardi Gras,
held on Fat Tuesday in February.
Like Gaslamp Mardi Gras, this is
an event for those who like to party. It isn't for those who
hate crowds, noise and just plain outdoor music, food and fun.
The street transform into an outdoor music block party with
Mariachi beats, Ballet Folklorico dancers, lots of tasty Mexican
food, icy cervezas and colorful margaritas. The event raises
money for Christie's Place, the host for more than 10 years.
Where to stay: Don't drive on this party night. If you drink, like most
people do, it's easiest to take a hotel room (there are many
right there at Gaslamp.) Its also saves you from having to find
a place to park your car. Some of the hottest new
hotels in Gaslamp include
Hard Rock Hotel,
Horton Grand Plaza &
Hotel Solamar (4 diamond). If you're looking for cheap
hotels, you may have to go away from Gaslamp a little bit.
500 West is one of the cheapest (lowest priced) in
downtown, the nearest perimeter hotel accommodations to Gaslamp. For update
and tickets, see mcfarlanepromotions.com/
ANAHEIM - Alicia Keys
in concert. Performs at Honda Center, Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: 2695 E Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806. Cost: $95 -
125. Call: (714) 704-2500. hondacenter.com
ARCADIA - LA Garden Show 2008:
Abundant Gardens—A Vision for Sustainability. Learn how to make
a garden from the best designers in Southern California, buy
one-of-a-kind plants, shop at The Marketplace and meet well-know
garden experts and authors. Ongoing demonstrations,
entertainment and food throughout the weekend. Bring your own
wagon. Garden Show Hours are 9am to 4:30pm. Admission: $7.
Location: 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA. Call: (626)
821-3243. arboretum.org
CAMBRIA - Gathering of Gardeners
Cambria. Stroll through the five acres of world-class gardens at
Cambria Pines Lodge and Cambria Nursery while listening to live
entertainment. The two day event includes many free
demonstrations and lectures, and several that charge fees.
Lectures include Fabulous Fountains for Butterflies & Birds, Rock Wall Design &
Construction and much more. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cambria’s New
Dawn Montessori School invites the public to visit rarely seen
private gardens in and around Cambria, many of which surround
historic buildings with distinctive architecture. At each garden
along the self-guided tour route, guests will enjoy
refreshments. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 the day of the
event, and benefit New Dawn Montessori School.
Location: Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Drive, Cambria,
CA. Call: (800) 414-6915. gardenersevents.com
HUNTINGOTN BEACH -
Crocs Cuervo Gold AVP
Volleyball Competition. Location: Huntington Beach Pier
(south side), Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets $20/person. AVP.com
LONG BEACH -
Garden Tours at
Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site. Held every 1st Sunday
through October, guided tours of the lush grounds include
information about the history of the gardens as you stroll past
the vibrant flowers in bloom and delight in the refreshing
citrus fragrances in the restored orchard. Some trees date back
to the 1840s when John Temple, owner of the 27,000-acre Rancho
from 1844-1866, started the garden. In 1931, renowned landscape
architect Ralph Cornell redesigned the gardens for Llewellyn
Bixby, Sr. and added more exotic plants and fruit trees. A water
tower, a cast iron tallow pot from the 1840s, and an adobe horno
are additional features you will explore during your tour. The
Rancho is also open Wednesday – Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site, 4600 Virginia Road,
Long Beach (One block west of Long Beach Blvd. at San Antonio
Drive). Time: 2:30 p.m. Cost: Free; by reservation only. Call:
(562) 570-1755.
LOS ANGELES - Viva el Cinco! Celebrate the Spirit of
Community at the Autry with a festive day of mariachis, ballet
folklorico, and charros. You be the judge in a salsa-tasting
competition. Plus, meet Lalo Alcaraz, creator of the nationally
syndicated comic strip La Cucaracha. This one-of-a-kind
cartoonist, satirist, and writer will host a thought-provoking,
multimedia presentation at 2 p.m. in the theater. There will be
many family activities throughout the day. Time: 11 am to 5 pm.
Cost: Free with museum admission. Admission is $9 for adults, $5
for students and seniors 60+, $3 for children 3–12, and free for
Autry members, veterans, and children 2 and under. Location:
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA.
autrynationalcenter.org
ONTARIO - Southern California Builders Expo. Exhibits &
Educational Programs for Builders, Remodelers, Developers and
Contractors. The Expo features over 350 exhibitors and
will showcase the latest products and services for residential,
light commercial and retail construction and other
building-related fields. Complimentary and fee-based educational
workshops and seminar programs include business operations,
personnel, sales and financial management, as well as green
building practices. Cost: Free admission for members of the
building industry. Location: Ontario Convention Center, 2000
East Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764.
socalbuilderexpo.com
SAN DIEGO - 2008 CA
American Queen Pageant. Here is a chance for girls to increase
communication and public speaking skills, improve physical
fitness, gain regional /state /national celebrity status
(helpful for actors and models) possibly win a State crown!
American Queen Pageant is a fundraising vehicle for the national
D.A.S.H Foundation which was created to address the issue of
domestic violence, especially dating violence among teens.
Delegates will compete for over $10, 000 in prizes in the
following age divisions: Teen ages 13-15; Miss Teen ages 15-18;
Miss ages 18-27; Mrs. ages 21-60 and married minimum of 6
months; Ms. ages 27 - 60 any martial status competition. Fee:
$50 - $629. Contact: valeria@valeriesheppard.com. Mailing
address: 25 Visalia Irvine CA 92602. Event location: Handlery
Hotel and Resort, San Diego, Co. dashfoundation.net /
AmericanQueenPageant.net
SAN DIEGO - Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo. 25th annual Cinco
de Mayo celebrates Mexican heritage at the oldest and largest
celebration in San Diego. History and culture, Mexican cuisine,
traditional Mariachi music, colorful dances and a children’s
area where kids can pan for gold are part of the Old Town San
Diego State Historic Park experience. A Mercado with beer,
tequila and food specials at over 30 delicious restaurants,
stagecoach rides, over 20 museums and the dozens of specialty
stores offer room to roam and celebrate. Time: May 3 from
11a.m. to 10 p.m. May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This fun fiesta
is FREE to the public and will feature an array of activities
and entertainment for all ages to enjoy.Call: (619) 291-4903.
fiestaoldtown.com.
SAN FRANCISCO - Earl
Klugh. Spend an evening with hit recording artist, acoustic
guitarist Earl Klugh. New CD release Spic of Life. Time & price:
8pm $28; 10pm $32. Location: Yoshis, 1330 Fillmore at Eddy on
the ground floor of the Fillmore Heritage Center, San Francisco,
CA. Call: (510) 464-6000. sf.yoshis.com
SAN JOSE -
The Firebird
Ballet, plus Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4, The Italian.
Ballet San Jose's presentation of this unique ballet is enhanced
by the choreography that broke grounds and bounds with Dennis
Nahat's unique interpretation scored to the music of Igor
Stravinsky in this Russian fairy tale. Location: San Jose
Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA.
Time: Sun 1:30 p.m. Cost: $25-$82. Call: (408) 288-2800 x 204.
balletsanjose.org
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA -
California Indian Market and Peace Pow Wow - 24th annual
event celebrates the heritage of the region. Location: Mission
San Juan Bautista, 406 2nd St., San Juan Bautista, California.
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call: (831) 623-4771 or peacevision.net
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO -
Band - Asia at The Coach House. Price: $55. Time: 7 p.m.
Location: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Call: (949) 496-8930. thecoachhouse.com
SANTA CRUZ -
Kaleidoscope: Broadway Medleys with the Market Street Theater
Singers and Dancers. Like a Kaleidoscope has a multitude of
designs and colors, "Kaleidoscope: Broadway Medleys" takes you
back to the multitude of sounds, designs, and colors of music
from the Golden Era of Broadway. Director Lynn Knudsen has put
together a show that is sure to be a hit. Music from
Kismet and West Side Story, plus songs: Stranger in Paradise, We
Could Make Believe, and Younger Than Springtime promise to
capture the imagination. Also enjoy songs: Hernando's Hideaway
and Officer Krupke. Cost: $5 donation. Location: 222
Market St., Santa Cruz, CA. Time: 2 p.m. Call: (831) 477-9022.
SANTA MONICA -
Lenine US Tour 2008. An enormous star in his native Brazil ,
Grammy-winner Lenine is Brazilian popular music’s renaissance
man: a songwriter, guitarist, singer, and producer (for Maria
Rita among others), whose spirited music drops hip-hop, funk,
rock, into the ever-infectious Brazilian groove. Tickets: $20 –
General Admission. Location: Temple Bar, 1026 Wilshire Blvd.,
Santa Monica, CA templebarlive.com / (310)393-6611. Tickets:
(818) 566-1111. BrazilianNites.com
SUNOL - Toast of
Spring on the Wildflower Train. Livermore Valley vintners host
wine tasting to during a one hour excursion filled with views of
California poppies, lupin and mustard wildflowers seen from a
vintage train ride through Niles Canyon. Board at the old Sunol
depot and travel part of the historic route of the first
transcontinental railroad. The one-hour round-trip excursion is
about 14 miles. Suggested donation for regular trips: $10 (this
event may cost more, call for details). Sunol Station, 6 Kilkare
Rd., Sunol, CA Call: (925) 862-9063. ncry.org
YUCAIPA - Old Ways
Days. Try driving a horse team, pealing bark to build a log
cabin, make rope candles or throw a tomahawk. Activities are
free.
Riley's
at Los Rios Rancho, 39611 Oak Glen Rd. #13, Yucaipa, CA.
92399. Call: (909) 797-1005. losriosrancho.com
May
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