The Laguna Art Museum is a museum of American art with a focus on the art of California. The museum carries a permanent collection and houses temporary exhibitions. The library, which is open to the public, offers art lectures and art books. It is always looking for volunteers and, of course, museum members. There is also a museum store that sells prints and original works of art.
If you are downtown in Petaluma, stop into this gallery and see one or more of the eleven master artists represented. You may also want to get an expert opinion on framing choices for your fine art or keepsakes. The current exhibit features Susan Adams and Charles Pyle.
A Party Rentals, a division of Party Plus, is located on Redlands Boulevard in Loma Linda. It offers everything you need for your next special occasion -- invitations, balloons, tables, chairs, tents and awnings, flowers and banners (custom design is available for an extra fee). Its party team will set up and tear down an event for a prearranged price.
Peninsula Ballet Theatre is the only professional dance company in San Mateo County. Its Conservatory of Dance offers a wide range of instruction in its studios, each taught by professional dancers. Classes include ballet, pre-ballet, modern, zumba, hip-hop, ballroom, latin (salsa, rumba), island, tango, and folklorico Mexicano. Yoga and back fitness are also offered.
Located in the former Circuit City building at the crossroads of highways 101 and 92, they teach to adults and children of all levels of experience. Regular performances are shown throughout the year as well. While the theatre is located on South Grant Street, its office is situated in downtown San Mateo on 2nd Avenue.
Conservatory Phone: 650-342-3228
Dance Company Phone: 650-342-3262
The Ken Auster Gallery features the work of painter Ken Auster. His art, which is said to have a Southern California impressionist style, focuses on city, interior, landscape and surf scenes. Mr. Auster is actively involved in the Laguna Beach community, offering lectures and classes. The gallery is open by appointment only, and visitors may purchase paintings and prints.
In the space that was formerly Plum, Charisma sells women's clothing as well as unique gifts, jewelry and toys. Carrying a large selection of whimsical collectibles, the shop even sells items like handmade baby sweaters and festive home décor not seen elsewhere. Cards, frames and candles are sold as well. Charisma truly is a one-stop-shop for women who want clothing and jewelry for themselves, special pieces to decorate home and garden or pick up excellent gifts for family and friends. An interesting collection of wood-carved animals can be purchased, as can furniture and books.
Pilates & Arts owner and instructor Tannis Kobrinsky offers private, partner and group Pilates classes. Fifty-five minute classes are available for students of all fitness levels. Please visit the website for more information, including a class schedule.
Saddleback Lanes is located in the heart of Mission Viejo on the busy Marguerite Parkway. This bowling alley has been at this location since the 1970s and is a community staple. With 32 lanes, a full bar and a pro-shop, it is easy to see why. Saddleback Lanes hosts karaoke on Saturday and Thursday nights. It also has cosmic bowling four nights a week.
Saddleback Lanes also rents and sells everything you need to bowl, including shoes, balls and socks. There is also a snack shack where you can purchase a bite to eat and bring it down to the lanes.
The Contra Costa Civic Theatre celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010. From My Fair Lady to Thoroughly Modern Millie, the plays here reflect a wide range of styles and tastes. This building was erected in 1971 to act as the permanent home for the Theatre after moving between many different venues across the city, including the building that now houses Atlas Liquors. Box-office sales, tuition fees and donations all go toward keeping the Theatre open and active. Youth programs, including summer camp, drama and music classes, take place here as well.