Valentine Reserve series

Each summer, UCSB is pleased to offer the public a chance to visit the Valentine Reserve, which is normally closed to the public. This week:

July 15: Wildflowers of the Reserve with Sherryl Taylor, from noon-12:30 p.m.; moderately strenuous hike around the spectacular Valentine Meadow.

July 16: Living History-Los Angeles to Valentine Camp in the 1920s with Old Timer Ken Irvine, from 9-11:30 a.m. Irvine is in character and period costuming to tell true tales of some of the most influential men of Los Angeles, who came to Valentine Camp to hike and fish

RSVP: Education Coordinator Leslie Dawson, ldawson@msi.ucsb.edu or call 760.935.4356.

IMACA summertime food drive

This summer Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action (IMACA) is partnering with Vons to participate in another “Help Us End Hunger” food drive. Through July 24, Vons is selling pre-sacked bags of groceries containing “most needed” non-perishable items such as cereal, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, peanut butter and tuna.

Due to the economy IMACA has seen an increase in demand for food assistance and they need help keeping their pantry stocked. It’s easy to help many individuals and families in need simply by purchasing a bag of food. More info: call 800.541.1822.

Not too late for skate camp

The three-day Grom Mania Skate Camp begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. The all day (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) camp will meet daily at the Shady Rest Skate Park for dropoff and pickup. In addition to a heavy emphasis on street scene skateboarding, the camp will also travel to summer hot spots and enjoy activities like bowling, swimming, and vert skating. Helmet, elbow pads and kneepads are required. The cost is only $100 per session or $35 per day, for ages 7-13 years. Register at the Recreation Department Office located above Giovanni’s or call 760.934.8989 ext. 222.

June Lake Festival Kids Camp

Summer is camp season, and this year, in conjunction wtth the June Lake Loop Music Festival, the Art Beat Foundation and Walter Lantz Foundation host a free, one-week music camp for Mono County kids to learn musical instrumentation, singing and stage performance. The camp will be held at the June Lake Community Center July 25-29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. daily. The campers will perform Saturday, July 30, at noon during the Trout Town Jamboree. Snacks will be provided.

Online registration is available at www.artbeatfoundation.org. Email: china@artbeatfoundation.com or call 415.596.7386. More info about the June Lake Music Festival and Art Beat is available at www.junelakemusic.com. Also sponsored by Mono Council for the Arts and the June Lake Womens Club.

DSES Sierra Cycle Challenge

The cycling fundraiser, a fully supported three-day ride through the beautiful Eastern Sierra, departs from Footloose Sports in Mammoth Lakes on July 23. From there, it’s a ride down U.S. 395 to Benton Crossing Road and Hwy 120 East to Falls Creek Ranch, then back up to Sage Hen Summit and Grant Lake and return to Footloose Sports in Mammoth Lakes on July 25. Each rider must raise $1,200 to participate in this event. Fundraising is made easy through the DSES Firstgiving event page.

This year’s event is limited to 20 riders, so sign up early! Call 760.934.0791 to reserve your spot in this year’s ride.