Community Corner
Earth Day 2011 events
There are several family friendly events across Southern California
Today is Earth Day, and special events celebrating the environment will be held across Loma Linda and Southern California. Read on to discover some family friendly - and a few free! - activities that honor the Earth.
Friday, April 22:
Starbucks is celebrating Earth Day by giving patrons free coffee when they bring in their own reusable travel mugs. This promotion is available at all locations, with Loma Linda's Starbucks at 11245 California St.
In Highland, the Sam J. Racadio Library & Environmental Learning Center is holding its annual Earth Day celebration from 2 to 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “People are Animals Too!” Author Rebecca O’Connor will share her memoir on falconry and life, and guests can participate in activities and booths and see animals and gardens. 7863 Central Ave., Highland. 909-425-4700
California State University, San Bernardino, will offer free E-waste recycling from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the southeast corner of Parking Lot D. Members of the community are invited to drop off all of their broken or obsolete electronics, including computers, flat screen televisions, microwaves and DVD players, with proceeds going to benefit the Arrowhead United Way and the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems. Earth Day festivities will also be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the John M. Pfau Library, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino. 909-537-3797
The Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park is presenting its annual Earth Day Celebration, with environmental exhibits, entertainment, and activities. 1 to 6 p.m. 6075 Kimball Ave., Chino.
In Los Angeles, the fourth annual Earth Day celebration at the Wilshire Center will feature a screening of Avatar on a 35-foot screen, Earth-friendly booths and a kid’s zone with face painting and programs. Electronic recycling and tree adoption opportunities will be available. 6 p.m. 3700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.
Kids will love the Earth Day Celebration at Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine. Hands-on activities will teach children about recycling, conserving energy, deforestation and global warming. There will also be story time and crafts, with goodie bags at the end. $10. 29 Hubble, Irvine. 949-428-3900
The 12th annual Topanga Earth Day celebration will feature guest speakers, artists, workshops and music. A demonstration area will feature lessons on water conservation, organic food gardening, native planting, alternative energy and healing arts. From 10 a.m. to sunset. Also Saturday and Sunday. Topanga Community Club Fairgrounds, 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga.
Saturday, April 23:
The sixth annual EarthFest in Los Angeles will offer free activities, environmental workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and interactive activities and entertainment in the Kids’ Eco Kamp. The fun takes place at Kenneth Hahn Park, 4100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, with event parking at 5730 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles.
The Ocean Institute in Dana Point is holding its Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will discover how to track their carbon footprints, learn about air pollution and its effect on the ocean and make their own crafts. Visitors will also be able to take a nature hike through a native plant garden and along the shore with a naturalist. $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for children, or free for those volunteering to clean the beach. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.