In the mood for love

Local Valentine’s Day events include cooking, music and good works. Laguna Beach has many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from enjoying a reggae concert or delicious meal with a special person, to going on a romantic night-time bike ride or helping a local organization.

Shelter gift has charm

Friendship Shelter, a homeless adult-rehabilitation program and emergency shelter in Laguna Beach, is asking people to consider a novel expression of love for Valentine’s Day.

In return for a gift to the shelter at the Renaissance Club level -- $1,000 a year for five years -- donors will receive a beautiful sterling-silver heart charm provided by Rock Martin Custom Jewelry of Laguna Beach, with a certificate acknowledging the contribution in a loved one’s name.

“This is a gift that’s definitely sweet, generous, and satisfying, but not fattening,” said board member Joy Dittberner, who chairs the Renaissance Club committee for Friendship Shelter. “And it’s tax-deductible -- you can’t say that for a box of chocolates.”

Founded in 1988, Friendship Shelter provides housing, support services and rehabilitation to homeless adults. It is the only year-round emergency shelter in south Orange County for homeless, unaccompanied adults.

Information: Development Director Jennifer Miller, (949) 494-6928 or www.friendshipshelter.org

Romantic twist at clinic

If you’re looking for romance, the Laguna Beach Community Clinic is holding a “Spring Fashion Show...with a Twist,” from 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 at Tivoli, Too!, 777 Laguna Canyon Rd.

The Valentine-themed fundraiser, “Caring Hearts,” includes a silent auction for dates with five local bachelors of varying ages. Pictures and bios are posted on the clinic’s website.

The brunch includes champagne and strawberry crepes, and a fashion show with local models. Fashions include selections from Gallery of Wearable Art, Hobie Sports, Just Looking Boutique and other local shops.

All proceeds will go to support the clinic.

Tickets, $50, can be obtained by calling (949) 494-0761, ext. 141, or visiting www.LBClinic.org

Reggae concert

Bluewater Events is holding a reggae concert on Valentine’s Day from 7 to 10 p.m. at Club “M,” 680 S. Coast Highway, in celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday, which was February 6.

Members of Common Sense, Rebel Rockers and World Anthem will play, including an after party.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and can be purchased at:

* Marvy Star, 658 S. Coast Highway (949) 376-4477;

* The Mail Stop, 1278 Glenneyre St.(949) 497-2271; or

* Chamber Of Commerce, 357 Glenneyre St. (under the library) (949) 494-1018.

Information: (949) 842-2260 or bluewaterevents@yahoo.com

Night bike ride

For the energetic, a Valentine Night Ride for couples (meaning two people) will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at Crystal Cove State Park.

Two intermediate groups and one novice group are available. $15 per couple, with proceeds benefiting SHARE and the Crystal Cove Interpretive Association.

Reservations: RLemonds@socal.rr.com.

Cooking for couples

Laguna Culinary Arts offers a number of cooking classes to bring out romance.

* “Sweets for Your Sweet,” a hands-on class in hand-made chocolates. Learn to make heart-shaped dark chocolate-cherry cordials; toasted hazelnut white-chocolate bark; French almond and cranberry nougatine; Cognac goat-cheese truffles. $95 per person. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12.

* “Pearl of the Sea: The Oyster,” a class for couples with the following menu: oysters on the half shell with smoked salmon ‘slaw and champagne mignonette; baked oyster Rockefeller with spinach, cream and Pernod; oysters on the grill with Mongolian barbecue sauce and sweet-potato fries; shucked oysters with Citro vodka granite and candied ginger. Includes a champagne toast. $195 per couple, 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12.

* “Candlelit Table for 2,” a class for couples with herb and garlic-crusted beef tenderloin with red and yellow-pepper relish and balsamic roasted onions; green beans with parsley and toasted hazelnuts; lavender-honey crème brulee. $180 per couple, 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13.

Reservations: (949) 494-0745.

20060210iuft5yncDON LEACH / COATLINE PILOT(LA)Tired of chocolate and roses? Those who give $1000 or more to the Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach will receive a sterling silver charm courtesy of Rock Martin Custom Jewelry. 20060210iuedqgnc(LA)