DATEBOOK

Huntington Beach Independent, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626; fax to (714) 965-7174; call (714) 965-7176 or e-mail hbindependent@latimes.com. Submissions must be received two weeks before publication.

TILL JAN. 28

The Huntington Beach Playhouse, 7111 Talbert Ave., presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” about a floral assistant and his exotic “man-eating” plant. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18 to $20. Call (714) 375-0696 or go to www.hbph.com.

TILL FEB. 18

The Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St., introduces its “open call exhibition” show, featuring paintings, drawings, photography and other forms of artwork by “ordinary people,” art students and professional artists. Admission is free. For information, or to submit entries, call (714) 374-1650.

TILL FEB 25

The Anderson Gallery, 16812 Pacific Coast Highway, Sunset Beach, is featuring new works by artist Howard Hitchcock. The Gallery is also home to a collection of watercolors, oils and sculptures from artist and owner Bill Anderson, Raul Anguiano, Henry Fukuhara, Milford Zornes and others; hours are 1 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1 to 8 p.m. Sundays. For information, call (562) 592-4393

JAN. 20

The American Association of University Women, Huntington Beach branch, is holding its general meeting and luncheon at 10:30 a.m. at the Meadowlark Golf Course, 16782 Graham St. Guest speakers Jeanne Flint of Women Helping Women and wardrobe consultant Jane Haxton will be discussing “Achieving Your Full Potential.” Cost is $18. For reservations, call (714) 842-9433.

Author Peggy Howell will read selected stories from and sign her book, “Tales of Tinker’s Tails,” from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Park Bench Cafe, 17732 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach. Howell will be joined by the book’s illustrator, Toreen West, and special guest Dean Torrence, from the 60’s band Jan & Dean, who designed the book’s cover. Admission is free ;proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington Beach. To RSVP, call (714) 845-4835.

JAN. 22

The Interval House, a shelter for abused women, will benefit from a fundraiser held from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mane Moves and Body Works, 7171 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the salon will offer customers discounts on hair care products and tools, free conditioning treatments and makeup demonstrations, and offer refreshments, appetizers and prize giveaways. Call (714) 842-4221.

JAN. 23

A new documentary film by local filmmaker Rocky Costanzo will be premiering at 7 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Central Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave. “Almost Beautiful” tells the story of the popular Goth/Rock band, “The Last Dance.” Cast and crew members are expected to attend the screening; guest arrivals are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. For information, go to www.tldmovie.com.

JAN. 24

The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach is hosting, “A Night of Surf City Stars,” the 103rd annual dinner for the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce. Evening’s activities include a cocktail reception and dinner, silent auction and raffle prizes. Tickets are $75; proceeds benefit Chamber programs. Call (714) 536-8888 or go to www.hbchamber.org

JAN. 30

Friends of the Children’s Library will host the 20th Anniversary Authors Festival and Reception at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave. The public is invited to meet over 40 children’s authors and illustrators; books will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Call (714) 375-5107 or go to www.hbpl.org.

LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS

The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, 411 Olive Ave., presents its newest exhibit, SurFin’, a Direction of the Sport, the first time a collection of surfboard fins has been available for public viewing. Fins from 1953 to present day are on display. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students. For information, call (714) 960-3483.

ONGOING

Windows Gallery in the Huntington Beach Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave., features works from amateur and professional artists with themes that range from landscapes to abstracts. Admission is free.

Call (714) 847-5973.

Tumble-N-Kids, Inc. offers beginning through advanced gymnastics classes for children from birth to 12 years. A series of Yoga-4-Kids classes has been added, and all sessions last for 10 weeks. Classes are held at the Murdy, Edison and City Gym and Pool Community Centers in Huntington Beach. Call Dayle Lusk at (714) 842-3586 for information on class times, prices and locations or go to www.tumblenkids.com.

The historic Newland House Museum, 19820 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, offers tours from local historians who provide information about the two-story Victorian home built in 1898. The house is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Cost is $2 for adults, $1 for children. For information, call (714) 962-5777.

“Pajamarama” with Miss Susanna is offered at the Barnes & Noble, 7881 Edinger Avenue, #110, Huntington Beach, every Monday evening at 7 p.m., and features a new book each week for children and toddlers. Admission is free. For information, call: (714) 897-8781.

Kids Klub at Bella Terra mall, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach meets every Monday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and features puppets, story-telling, jugglers, musicians and more. Designed for parents & small children, this free program is held in the amphitheater just outside Century Theatres. For information, call (714) 897-2534 or go to www.bellaterra-hb.com.

The Huntington Beach Adult School is holding free circuit training classes in the Huntington Beach High School weight room from 6 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Everyone from 18 to 80 years old is welcome to attend and receive a personalized workout with a certified fitness professional. Information: (714) 847-2873, ext. 219 or www.hbadultschool.com.

Rodgers’ Senior Center hosts the Huntington Beach Council on Aging Ballroom Dance 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. Adults of all ages are invited to join the festivities, which include live music, food and refreshments. Admission: $5. For more information, call (714) 536-9387. Location: 1706 Orange Ave.

Saturday Sunrise Car Cruisers, billed as the best free car show in the world, is a 15-year tradition that brings classic and hot rod car collectors, known as the Donut Derelicts, to the parking lot at Magnolia and Adams Ave. every Saturday from 6 to 9 a.m. Admission is free. For more information, call Rodding Around at (714) 963-2928 or go to www.river-road.net/oldcars.

Golden West College’s school of cosmetology offers facial treatments specialty treatments, makeup application and hair waxing to members of the community for a fraction of the cost of a traditional spa every Tuesday and Friday. Enjoy 30 years of expertise and relax with one of Huntington Beach’s up-and-coming spa technicians who are supervised by qualified professors. Price: $3.50 to $25. Location: Fine Arts Room 112, 15744 Golden West St. For more information and appointments, call (714) 895-8124.

The Edison Community Center hosts themed “Friday Nite Funtime Dances” for developmentally disabled youths every third Friday of the month from 7 to 9:30 p.m.. Participants can dance the night away to the sounds of a DJ. Admission: $2. Location: 2137 Magnolia St. For more information, call (714) 960-8870.

A two-hour walking tour of the Bolsa Chica mesa and wetlands is conducted from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Sunday of every month by the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. This docent-led tour makes five stops along the walk bridge and loop trails of the wetlands. Meet in the reserve parking lot on Warner Avenue. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes and binoculars are recommended. Tours are free and open to the public. For more information, call (714) 846-1001 or go to www.bolsachicalandtrust.org.

The Clara Barton Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution meets at 9:30 a.m. every third Saturday at Community United Methodist Church, 6652 Heil Ave., Huntington Beach. Membership in Daughters of the American Revolution is open to any woman who is at least 18 years of age and can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence. For more information, call (714) 962-0840.

Phil’s Flea in HB antique collectibles market returns to the Ocean View High School parking lot from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the third Saturday of every month. Portions of the proceeds go to the Ocean View basketball team. Come and browse through vintage jewelry, furniture and other antiques. For more information, call (714) 893-1518. Location: 17071 Gothard St.

Woody’s Diner hosts a classic car get together, featuring actual classics and some newer classics. The event is free. Location: 7871 Warner Ave. Information: www.socalcarculture.com.

CHILDREN/LIBRARY

The Main Street Library Branch will accept book donations for the Friends of Library book sales during normal library hours, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, at 525 Main St. For information, call (714) 375-5071.

Huntington Beach Central Library will host Books Art Storytime every Saturday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Children 5 through 9 are invited to enjoy stories and related crafts at the library, at 7111 Talbert Ave. For more information, call (714) 375-5107.

The Shipley Nature Center presents Restoration Days, where the Friends of the Shipley Nature Center invite the public to help in planting, weeding, birding, walking and other nature activities, on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon at Huntington Beach Central Park, 6622 Lakeview. For more information, call (714) 842-4772 or www.fsnc.org.

The Huntington Beach Library’s popular Sandcastle story time series is shown at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays on Time Warner Cable Channel 6. For more information, call (714) 375-5107.

The Huntington Beach Children’s Library presents Folktale Story Time, for kindergartners through fourth graders, starting at 3 p.m. Thursdays at 7111 Talbert Ave. For more information, call (714) 375-5107.

Enjoy stories, activities and fun at a story time held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturdays in the children’s section of Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 7777 Edinger Ave. Pajamarama is held from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays. Story time is held at 11 a.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (714) 897-8781.

The Huntington Beach Library presents Laptime Storytime at 10 and 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays at 7111 Talbert Ave. for children 18 months to 3 years old. The library’s Preschool Storytime for children 3 to 5 are held at 10 and 11 a.m. Fridays. For more information, call (714) 842-4481.

The Main Street Library presents a story time at 3 p.m. Fridays at 525 Main St. The library’s Preschool Storytime will be 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesdays. For more information, call (714) 375-5071.

The Roller Blading Fun Roll, a group of inline skaters roller-bladers who get together every week for a 16-mile round-trip skate from Huntington Beach to Newport Beach, meets every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. north of the Huntington Beach Pier. All ages and levels are welcome. Information: www.funroll.com.

DANCE

Pacific Dance Center, 9596 Hamilton Ave., holds swing dance classes at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 7 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (714) 964-3354 or sign up at dance.netfirms.com.

FARMERS MARKETS/

SWAP MEETS

The Craft Fair and Farmers Market are held from 1 p.m. to dusk Fridays at Pier Plaza. For more information, call Craft Fair (714) 846-5509 and Farmers Market (714) 573-0374.

FITNESS

The Sierra Club’s Orange County Sierra Singles will hold a moderate-paced four-mile walk around Mile Square Park at 6 p.m. each Wednesday. The group meets in the parking lot at Brookhurst Street and Heil Avenue behind the basketball courts. For more information, call (714) 963-6345.

The Comprehensive Martial Arts and Wellness Center offers free introductory tai chi chuan classes at 9 a.m. Saturdays at 17308 Beach Blvd. For more information, call (714) 841-7129.

HOBBIES/RECREATION

Huntington Beach Disc Golf Tournaments are held the first Saturday of each month in Central Park. Enjoy one of the nation’s first 18-hole disc courses for two-round tournaments held the at Golden West Street entrance of the park across the street from the Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Center. For more information, call (714) 425-9931.

CHILDREN/LIBRARY

The Main Street Library Branch will accept book donations for the Friends of Library book sales during normal library hours, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, at 525 Main St. Information: (714) 375-5071.

Huntington Beach Central Library will host Books Art Storytime every Saturday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Children 5 through 9 are invited to enjoy stories and related crafts at the library, at 7111 Talbert Ave. Information: (714) 375-5107.

The Shipley Nature Center presents Restoration Days, where the Friends of the Shipley Nature Center invite the public to help in planting, weeding, birding, walking and other nature activities, on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon at Huntington Beach Central Park, 6622 Lakeview. Information: (714) 842-4772 or www.fsnc.org.

The Huntington Beach Library’s popular Sandcastle story time series is shown at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays on Time Warner Cable Channel 6. (714) 375-5107.

The Huntington Beach Children’s Library presents Folktale Story Time, for kindergartners through fourth graders, starting at 3 p.m. Thursdays at 7111 Talbert Ave. (714) 375-5107.