CAMARILLO

Saturday, April 21, 2007

- Second annual Children's Reading Celebration & Young Author's Fair, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CSU Channel Islands, Malibu Hall, 1 University Drive. Greg Trine, author of the "Melvin Beederman" series, and Lisze Bechtold, author of "Edna's Tale," will speak and sign books. Free.

OAK VIEW

Sunday, April 22, 2007

- Ventura County for Democracy "Vintage 2008," 2 to 4 p.m. Old Creek Ranch Winery, 10024 Old Creek Road. The event will feature wine-tasting and discussion of the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates. Cost: suggested $5 donation. Information: Craig Christensen at 652-1494.

OXNARD

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

- Accident investigation seminar, 9 a.m. to noon. State Compensation Insurance Fund office, 2901 N. Ventura Road. The fund, a state program that provides workers' compensation insurance to California employers, will show policyholders how to thoroughly investigate accidents to reduce future claims. Information, registration: Alberto Aldana at 988-5270.

- Grand opening, 3 to 5 p.m. Health Care for Kids Center, 2653 Saviers Road, Suite A. County officials will open a center offering information and application assistance for free or discounted health insurance programs for low-income children. Information: 385-9801.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

- Library grand opening, 10 a.m. South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Road. The city's newest library features 80,000 books, 75 computers, 50 periodical titles, books on tape, DVDs, a homework center and more. Information: 385-7593.

Friday, April 20, 2007

- Electronic waste collection, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Martin V. Smith Youth Center, 1900 W. Fifth St. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard & Port Hueneme will collect computers, monitors, televisions, fax machines, printers, cell phones and other items with electronic boards. Free but small donation is suggested. Information: 644-1214.

VENTURA

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

- Ventura College Arts and Lecture Series, 6:30 p.m. Learning Resource Center, 4667 Telegraph Road. The first event in the free series is called "An Evening With 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel" and features literary analysis, a skit, historical and cultural presentations, a movie and chocolate refreshments.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

- East Ventura Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston St. (park in back). The council, which represents areas east of Victoria Avenue, will meet with Ventura Citizens Organized for Responsible Development and hear school trustee Mary Haffner speak about possible impacts of housing proposals on schools. Information: 647-5422.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

- Midtown Mid-Century Home Tour, tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Postwar and 1950s homes will be on display. Tickets: $10, which includes catered reception. Tickets and maps for the self-guided tour available at the Sidecar Restaurant, 3029 E. Main St. Information: Dan Long at 653-6573.

VENTURA COUNTY

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

- Board of Supervisors meeting, 8:30 a.m. Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura. The board will consider an affordable housing project in Ventura and discuss possible revisions to the county's campaign finance law.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

- Ventura County Science Fair, public viewing from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. "Exploring the Unknown" is the theme of the 53rd annual science fair. More than 800 students in grades 6-12 have entered projects. Information: 388-4316; http://www.vcoe.org/sc.