THURS., AUG. 26

THURS., AUG. 26

My Neighbor’s a Skunk

National Park Service Visitor Center Courtyard, 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, is site of "On the Edge: People & Wildlife Program" at 7 p.m. Sponsored by NPS, Mountains Restoration Trust, California Wildlife Center, The Nature of Wildworks and the Mountain Lion Foundation, the program will teach residents how to avoid people/wildlife conflicts. See live animals. Free. 1.5 hours. (818) 591-1701, ext. 186

It’s Back to CSUN

California State University Northridge hosts a picnic to welcome new and returning students to the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Featuring free food, live entertainment and a chance to learn about the university’s various student clubs and organizations, as well as a chance to talk with school president Joelene Koester and other officials. Celebration will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in front of the Student Services Building on the west side of the campus. (818) 677-2130

Kerry Supporters

Ventura County 4 Kerry, local grassroots organization for John Kerry for President, meets 7 p.m. in Orchid Room, Gardenia Section, 816 Camarillo Springs Road, Camarillo. (818) 889-1039

Chamber Networks

Agoura/Oak Park/Las Virgenes Chamber of Commerce hosts a Networking Mixer at Alessio, 3731 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks featuring food, door prizes. (818) 889-3150

FRI., AUG. 27

See Alice in Simi-Land

Center Stage Kids Musical Theatrical Workshop presents "Wonderland," an unabashedly silly adaptation of "Through the Looking Glass" featuring eclectic music in an upbeat coming of age story for all ages. Matinee and evening performances today and Aug. 28-29 at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. $8-$10. (805) 581-9940

Do Be Square Here

Camarillo Ripsnorters Square Dance Club hosts plus level square dance with rounds 7-8 p.m. and squares 8-10:30 p.m. at Camarillo Community Center, 1605 Burnley St., corner of Carmen and Burnley, Camarillo. $6. They offer Plus Level Square Dance Workshop from 7:30-9:20 p.m. Wednesdays at same location. $5. (805) 482-3201.

An Intriguing Art Show

Los Angeles artist Julie Hughes explores the inadequacies of science and religion in explaining basic human nature in her new exhibition, "Bad Science, Good Lookin’," that will run from today through Fri., Sept. 3 at California State Northridge’s Art Galleries, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. From 7 to 9 p.m. tonight is an opening reception. (818) 677-2156

SAT., AUG. 28

A Barbershop Cabaret

Agoura Hills Harmony Chorus presents "Life is a Cabaret!", featuring barbershop renditions of favorite cabaret tunes at 7:30 p.m. at Camarillo Community Center, 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo. Also performing: Naturally, an award-winning Sweet Adelines quartet, surprise variety acts and New Discovery Artist winner Sarah Ford. $15-$18. (805) 531-3714

Sail Over to This Sale

Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas, hosts its annual Community Garage Sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission; $50 garage sale booth; $55 booth with table. (818) 880-2993

Savory but It’s Silk

Parking lot sale featuring thousands of silk flowers, garlands and faux fruit from 8 a.m. to noon at 5400 Atlantis Court, in Moorpark Square Industrial Park, Moorpark, with all sales to benefit Loving Heart Hospice Foundation. (805) 517-1620

Some Very Hot Licks

The band Incendio, whose name means "fire," will perform their Latin guitar world fusion at 7:30 p.m. at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Call for ticket info. (805) 449-2787

Oh, for Art’s Sake!

The award-winning Artists of the Promenade will display their fine art today and tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Westlake Promenade, at the corner of Thousand Oaks and Westlake Boulevards, in front of Bristol Farms.

SUN., AUG. 29

Blooms ’n Big Band

Gardens of the World Community Park, 2001 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks presents Summer Concert Jazz Series, outdoor performances from 5-6:30 p.m. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Free. (805) 557-1135. Today’s show is: Boyd Cannon Big Band with Carol Chapman.

Welcome Picnic

Yerba Buena Elementary School’s Parent Faculty Association hosts 2004 Kindergarten Welcome Picnic from 3-5 p.m. at Reyes Adobe Park, Agoura Hills. All incoming kindergarteners and families invited to play games and enjoy "delicious treats" and find a new buddy. Meet new Yerba Buena principal Brent Noyes. (818) 889-1171

For Folkie Fans

Glenn Yarbrough and the Folk Reunion perform at 6 p.m. at Warner Center Park, corner of Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Califa in Woodland Hills, reuniting former Limeliters, founded by Yarbrough in 1959: Rick Dougherty and Bill Zorn join him in folk music, pop standards and love songs. Free. They will present a Monday Morning Concert for children ages 5-11 at 10 a.m. at the Madrid Theatre, 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Free. (818) 704-1358

MON., AUG. 30

A Toast to Laughs

Conejo Valley Toastmasters host their Humorously Speaking Contest from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Westlake Village with 7 contestants competing for the right to represent the club at the Area Contest on Sat., Sept. 18 at the Rockwell Science Center in Thousand Oaks. (805) 498-1766 Harvey Youngman

WED., SEPT. 1

Sippin’ with the Girls

Conejo Valley Mothers of Multiples meet for their cappuccino night at 7 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. For those with or expecting a few extra bundles from the stork, this group provides support. (805) 484-8821

Fall Fun Sign-Up

City of Moorpark: Registration for the city’s fall recreation program gets underway today. Programs offered include tennis, golf, fitness, fine arts, dance and more. At Arroyo Vista Recreation Center, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark. (805) 517-6300

THURS., SEPT. 2

Fancy Floral Fantasy

Floral Design classes in the Sogetsu style are offered on the first and third Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the garden center of the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, 350 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. Cost of each class is $15 plus $10 for flowers, or $50 per month. (805) 498-7421 Camille

Knock Wood with ’em

Conejo Valley Woodworkers’ Association meets 7 p.m. every first Thursday of the month at Redwood Middle School, 233 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. Tonight will feature a demonstration on woodworking machine setups. (805) 402-0172

FRI., SEPT. 3

When Gossip Is Deadly

Arthur Miller’s "The Crucible" is a timeless tragedy of a young girl whose accusations against innocent townspeople hold an entire community hostage, inspired by the McCarthy hearings and based on the Salem witch trials of 1692. Performed by the Torrance Theatre Company at 8 p.m. tonight, Sept. 4, 9, 10 and 11 and at 2 p.m. Sun., Sept. 12 at Stage Two Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. $20. (310) 781-7171

Get Fit and It’s Free

Personal fitness consultant Gail Holloway leads an outdoor fitness and exercise walk from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Soka University, 26800 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas. It features a moderate hike and exercise session. Free with reservations: (818) 878-3741

SAT., SEPT. 4

Best Wishes, KCLU!

KCLU-FM’s 10th anniversary celebration concert at 8 p.m. in Kavli Theatre at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. features the Woody Herman Orchestra and the Four Freshman and a performance by award-winning 13-year-old jazz musician Austin Peralta who plays standup bass, drums and trumpet and is a jazz pianist. VIP tickets include pre-show dinner and are $195; otherwise, $25-$75. (805) 493-3900

Time for a Fandango

Second annual Fandango, a cultural event, is from noon to 8 p.m. in Gazebo at Railroad Plaza Park, corner of 10th and Santa Barbara Sts., Santa Paula and features many music and dance performers, children’s art activity table, Latino artisan vendors, food. Free admission. (805) 525-8961

Wedding Belles

Stagecoach Inn Museum, 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park: Living history presentation at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. recreates preparations for the 1897 double wedding of Lydia and Minnie Bell, daughters of the inn’s owner, James Hebron Bell. Included with admission. (805) 498-9441

For Inquiring Minds

"Find out who’s who and what’s what" at the American Association of University Women, Thousand Oaks Branch, Coffee and Chat at 9 a.m. at Greenhouse Cafe, 652 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Open to new, old and current members. (805) 493-2138

Hit an Easy Trail Today

Take a docent-led lazy stroll around bucolic Peter Strauss Ranch, 30000 Mulholland Hwy. at Troutdale Drive, Agoura, from 9 to 11 a.m. Free. (805) 370-2301

Shake Your Hula, Hon!

Thousand Oaks Fifty Plus Dance Club hosts dances from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. tonight and Sat., Sept. 18 at Goebel Senior Adult Ballroom Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Tonight the live band is Tunes R Us and it’s a Hawaiian theme dance; the Starlighters will play on Sept. 18. $5-$7. (805) 381-2744

Botanically Speaking

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, 350 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks: From 10 a.m. to noon today catch their native and water-wise plant sale; then tomorrow at 2 p.m. join Ed Hager on a walk through the orchard and learn all about the rare fruit growing there. Free. (805) 494-7630

SUN., SEPT. 5

Back on Track

Former Three Dog Night member Chuck Negron fell on hard times but has bounced back and restarted his musical career. He’ll perform in concert from 6 to 8 p.m. at Warner Center Park, corner of Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Califa in Woodland Hills. Free. (818) 704-1358

MON., SEPT. 6

No Toil, Just Eat

Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, hosts a Labor Day Breakfast for adults ages 50 and up from 9:30 to 11 a.m. featuring great entertainment. $2. (805) 381-2744

TUES., SEPT. 7

Time to be Sociable

The MOMS Club of Westlake Village/Agoura Hills invites all at-home mothers with kids under 5 to meet their group at Bennett Park, Westlake Village from 10 a.m. to noon for playtime and support at their Moms Open Social event. (818) 874-9405

THURS., SEPT. 9

An Artful RSVP

An RSVP is required by today for the "I Love LA! Saturday Art and Archtitectural Tour" sponsored by the Ventura County Museum of History & Art from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 18. Walk through McArthur Park, the Los Angeles Public Library, Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building and the Hollywood Bowl. Tour Union Station and ride the Metro. Enjoy tea at the Biltmore Hotel. Bus leaves museum, 100 E. Main St., Ventura, at 8:30 a.m., returns at 5:30 p.m. Bus can stop in Westlake Village, upon request. $65 museum members; $80 guests. (805) 653-0323, ext. 17

Posture & Perky Tips

Thousand Oaks Women’s Connection hosts luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Clarion Palm Garden Hotel, 495 Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park. Ben Griffes shares "How to Look Younger and Feel Better by Improving Your Posture" and Leslie Ervin reveals "Happiness is Within Reach." For cost and reservations and free childcare call (805) 498-1640

Community Concerns

Simi Valley Community Council meets at 11:45 a.m. at IHOP, collecting soap and bleach for the Samaritan Center. Greg Baker from the District Attorney’s office will speak on victims’ rights. Join their round table to present information on your organization’s future events. (805) 583-1513

FRI., SEPT. 10

Quilt Lovers’ Paradise

San Fernando Quilt Association and Valley Quiltmakers Guild host "Quilting in the Valley 2004" today and tomorrow at Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys. More than 150 quilts representing traditional, contemporary, folk art, patchwork, applique and embroidery techniques will be shown and acclaimed master quilter Zena Thorpe will display some of her artistry. Hands-on workshops, auction. (818) 887-0753 Jann

SAT., SEPT. 11

An Old Tradition

Thousand Oaks artist Carol Longren will conduct a basketweaving workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Soka University, 26800 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, teaching this traditional craft. $15 includes cost of materials and supplies. Reservations: (818) 878-3741

SUN., SEPT. 12

A Bradbury Inspiration

Carnegie Art Museum, 424 South "C" St., Oxnard will host an opening reception from 3 to 5 p.m. for "Ten Views of the Moon," a portfolio of color lithographs by Joseph Mugnaini in collaboration with Ray Bradbury, and other new fall exhibits, all of which will continue through November 21. $5; free to members. (805) 385-8179

Discover the Spirit

Newbury Park resident Edna Okui will be the guest artist at The Gallery at the Landing, 32107 W. Lindero Canyon Road, Ste. 108, Westlake Village, through Sept. 29. Public invited to reception today from 1 to 4 p.m. for her show, "The Spirit of the East." Gallery open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. (818) 879-1657

An Unforgettable Time

Moorpark Civic Center Community Room, 799 Moorpark Ave., Moorpark: The big band music of the 18-piece Unforgettables will get you moving at an End of Summer Tea Dance from 2 to 5 p.m. $5. (805) 517-6261

WED., SEPT. 15

Getting to Know You...

Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, hosts an "Orientation for Newcomers" from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Learn about the many activities and services they offer, take a guided tour of the facility. Reservations please. (805) 381-2744

THURS., SEPT. 16

Some Creepy Kin

The Gypsy Players present "The Addams Family Mystery," a comedy-murder mystery spoof, at 7 p.m. Thursdays from tonight through Nov. 18 with Sunday brunch performances on Oct. 3 and 14 at 11 a.m. and a special Halloween performance on Oct. 31 at 5 p.m., at Grand Vista Hotel, 999 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley. $45. (661) 718-3968

SAT., SEPT. 18

Bring Your Bravos!

Pepperdine University presents preeminent classical guitarist Christopher Parkening, protege of the great Spanish master Andres Segovia, and rising star Jubilant Sykes, in concert at 8 p.m. in the Smothers Theatre, on the campus at 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. The concert will feature works by Spanish and American composers plus traditional spirituals. $60. (310) 506-4522

Latino Heritage

To celebrate Latino heritage, share cultural traditions and enjoy the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens’ animals and plants from Latin America, check out the Zoo , 5333 Zoo Drive, located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow, featuring colorful children’s dance groups, mariachi music, make festive crafts. Regularly scheduled pinata-breaking for children. Activities free with paid admission $5-$10. (323) 644-4200

SUN., SEPT. 19

Come Play with History

Ventura County Museum of History & Art, 100 E. Main St., Ventura: In the courtyard it’s Family Time at the Museum with a "Play with History" program from noon to 3 p.m. Make toys to take home and learn games from the past. Make