Scott Giffin compiled these listings. Please fax, mail or e-mail press releases at least two weeks ahead of time. Events are free unless otherwise noted.
ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP, EL RANCHO CHARTER SCHOOL, 181 S. DEL GIORGIO RD., ANAHEIM, (714) 783-7036; (877) 303-4641; WWW.ANAHEIMHILLSBOOTCAMP.COM.
Mon.: GET FIT Boot Camp for Women. Women can jump start their day with a challenging and energizing workout. Boot campers will meet for one hour per day for four weeks. The program provides quick results for women of all fitness levels. Call or visit website for additional information, 5:30 a.m. $299.
ALISO N WOOD CANYONS WILDERNESS PARK, 28373 ALICIA PKWY., LAGUNA NIGUEL, (949) 923-2200; WWW.OCPARKS.COM. Open daily, year-round, 7 a.m.-sunset. Parking, $3.
Sat.:Discovery Hike. Every second and fourth Saturday, enjoy a 30-minute ranger-led hike, noon.
AFTER SCHOOL PARKS N PLAYGROUNDS PROGRAM, BOLSA CHICA, 13660 UNIVERSITY ST., (714) 897-5911; LIBERTY PARK, 13900 MONROE, (714) 891-6678; SIGLER PARK, 7200 PLAZA, (714) 892-9029.
Mon.-Fri.:After School Parks N Playgrounds Program. The city of Westminster offers youth a fun place to spend after-school hours. Elementary school children can enjoy an assortment of free activities in a supervised and positive environment. Activities include play days, crafts, games, sports and special events. This is a drop-in program—participants do not sign in and may come and go freely, 2:30-5 p.m.
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC, 100 AQUARIUM WAY, LONG BEACH, (562) 590-3100; WWW.AQUARIUMOFPACIFIC.ORG. $18.95; children, $10.95.
Daily: Whales-—A Journey With Giants. Visit the aquarium's new exhibit and learn about the planet's largest living animal—the blue whale. Through a compelling multisensory experience of light, sound and imagery, the aquarium's Great Hall will transform into the underwater realm of these gentle giants, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat.-Sun.: Wildlife N Whale Cruise. Embark on the RV Challenger and search for gray whales, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and migratory waterfowl. A marine naturalist will lead the search. Activities will also include an educational multimedia presentation and hands-on learning activities for children. Reservations recommended, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Adults, $28; children, $16.
BREA YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE, BREA COMMUNITY CENTER, 695 MADISON WAY, BREA, (714) 990-7100.
Sat.: Youth Basketball 2006. Winter action gets underway for boys and girls ages four to twelve. Games every Saturday. Call for times and to register. Brea residents, $59; others, $69.
CASPERS WILDERNESS PARK, 33401 ORTEGA HWY., SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, (949) 923-2210.
Sun.:Nature Walk. Short hike that explores the oak and sycamore woodlands, 8:30 a.m. Parking, $5. Meet at the Ol' Corral.
CITY OF IRVINE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE,NATURE CENTER PARKING LOT, 1 SUNNYHILL DR., IRVINE, (949) 724-6738; WWW.IRVINEOPENSPACE.ORG. The IRLR Trust is currently seeking volunteers, including docents, to help with open space programs within the land preserve. For information, contact (949) 720-5512 or rg*******@ir*******.org.
Sat.: Distance Hike. Looking to get out and exercise in the outdoors? Try this docent-led, strenuous eight-mile hike. Advanced hikers only. Free, but pre-registration required, 8-11:30 a.m.
CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK, 8471 PACIFIC COAST HWY., LAGUNA BEACH, (949) 497-7647; WWW.CRYSTALCOVESTATEPARK.COM.Parking, $10.
Sat.: Backcountry Hike, 9 a.m. Meet at El Moro Visitor Center.
Sun.: Mostly Plants Hike, 9 a.m. Meet at El Moro Visitor Center
DOG BEACH ZONE IN LONG BEACH, BETWEEN ARGONNE N ROYCROFT AVES. (A FEW BLOCKS EAST OF BELMONT PIER), LONG BEACH; WWW.DOGZONE.ORG.
Daily:Dog Days in Long Beach.Fido, enjoy a legal romp on the beach. You and your canine buddies can now play in the surf without fear of being whisked away by Animal Control. Be sure to bring your human companion. There are a few rules (aren't there always?)—such as only one dog per adult and you must wear your collar and tags at all times, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
DONNA O'NEILL LAND CONSERVANCY, LOCATED OFF HWY. 74, FIVE MILES EAST OF THE 5 FWY., (949) 489-9778; WWW.THECONSERVANCY.ORG.
Sat.:Family Nature Walk.The Conservancy is home to more species of birds than Yosemite. Learn more about the local birds and how to identify some of them by sight and sound. Call for reservations, 9-11 a.m. Adults, $8; children, $3.
ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE CENTER, 1601 16TH ST., NEWPORT BEACH, (949) 645-8489.
Thurs., Jan. 12:Little Naturalists—Outrageous Owls. Children ages two to five will enjoy this parent and child playtime with an owl theme. Participants will listen to real owl calls, practice their own owl hoots, enjoy a story and more. Call to register, 11 a.m.
LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK, 20101 LAGUNA CANYON RD., LAGUNA BEACH, (949) 923-2235; WWW.OCPARKS.COM. Parking, $3; lot open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Daily: Willow Canyon. There's now open access daily, so check out this beautiful wilderness area and share the trails with hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, 7 a.m.-sunset.
LONG BEACH'S ADOPT-A-BEACH PROGRAM, OCEAN BLVD. N GRANADA AVE., LONG BEACH, (562) 439-3316; JU********@AO*.COM; WWW.BEACHCLEANUP.ORG.
Daily:Sweep Up Butts N Debris in Belmont Shore. Help sweep up cigarette butts from sidewalks and gutters before they enter storm drains and, ultimately, end up on local beaches. Students can receive an hour of service-learning credit. You can choose any time between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Call or e-mail to schedule, then pick up gloves, broom, long-handled dust pan and service-hour verification sheet at Holly's Hallmark, 5012 E. Second St., Long Beach.
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NEWPORT SINGLE SAILORS, NEWPORT BEACH YACHT CLUB, 1099 BAYSIDE DR., NEWPORT BEACH, (714) 542-3690.
Wed.:Meeting. Group meets on the second Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m.
OC MARATHON, NEWPORT CENTER DR., FASHION ISLAND, NEWPORT BEACH, (949) 476-7076; WWW.OCMARATHON.COM.
Sun.: Marathon, Half Marathon N 5K. The marathon will wind through Newport Beach, Irvine and finish at the Irvine Spectrum. See website for registration info and start times. Marathon, $80; Half Marathon, $55; 5K, $30.
OCEAN INSTITUTE, 24200 DANA POINT HARBOR DR., DANA POINT, (949) 496-2274; WWW.OCEAN-INSTITUTE.ORG.
Every Thurs.-Fri.: Public Tour. Enjoy a 45-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the center, 3:30 p.m. $2.
PACE ACTIVE, YMCA, 2300 UNIVERSITY DR., NEWPORT BEACH, (714) 436-1623, EXT. 206.
Sat.: People With Arthritis Can Exercise. Developed for young adults with arthritis (ages 20 to 45), this invigorating exercise program helps participants improve their fitness level through strength, flexibility and cardiovascular exercises. The program has been adapted for people with arthritis and is designed to protect joints from stress and strain. Call for more information, 11 a.m.-noon.
Thurs., Jan. 12: Young Adult Network. Informal support group for young adults (ages 20 to 45) with arthritis and other related rheumatic diseases. Second Thursday of every month, 7-8:30 p.m. UCI Medical Center, eighth floor, Manchester N Chapman, Orange. Free parking in building 200 lot.
REI HUNTINGTON BEACH, 7777 EDINGER AVE., HUNTINGTON BEACH, (714) 379-1938; WWW.REI.COM/STORES/HUNTINGTONBEACH.
Tues.: Basic Bike Class. Learn the basics of bicycle maintenance, including how to repair a flat tire, lube a chain and perform minor adjustments, 6:30 p.m.
Wed.: Snow Camping Essentials. An REI expert will share tips to make your next winter trip safe and enjoyable, 7 p.m.
REI SANTA ANA, 1411 VILLAGE WAY, SANTA ANA, (714) 543-4142; WWW.REI.COM/STORES/SANTAANA.
Sat.: Comprehensive Bike Maintenance. This five-hour class offers quality hands-on instruction. Tools and work stand provided. Bring your own bike. Space is limited. Call to register, noon. $60; non-members, $75.
Tues.: Basic Bike Class. Learn the basics of bicycle maintenance, including how to repair a flat tire, lube a chain and perform minor adjustments, 6:30 p.m.
Wed.: Snow Camping Essentials. An REI expert will share tips to make your next winter trip safe and enjoyable, 7 p.m.
SHIPLEY NATURE CENTER, CENTRAL PARK DR. (EAST OF INTERSECTION WITH EDWARDS), HUNTINGTON BEACH, (714) 842-4772; WWW.FSNC.ORG.
Sat.:Restoration as Recreation. Participate in planting, watering, trail maintenance, weeding and general restoration activities, 9 a.m.-noon; Nature Enjoyment Days. The center is open to visitors, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
SIERRA CLUB, VARIOUS LOCATIONS; ANGELES.SIERRACLUB.ORG.
Every Thurs. N Tues.:Conditioning Hikes on Signal Hill. Slow-, moderate- and tiger-paced hikes of three to five miles with 600 to 800 feet of elevation gain, 7 p.m. Hill St. N Redondo Ave., Long Beach, (562) 492-9401.
Sat.: Conditioning Hike on Signal Hill. Moderate-paced four-mile hike with 700 feet of elevation gain, 7 a.m. Hill St. N Redondo Ave., Long Beach, (562) 596-1566.
Mon.:Long Beach Conditioning Walk. Brisk four- to five-mile beach walk, 7 p.m. Belmont Pier parking lot (near Belmont Pool side), end of Termino St., Long Beach, (714) 842-2055.
Wed.: Mile Square Park Conditioning Walk. Moderate-paced four-mile walk on flat terrain. Fit beginners welcome. Bring water and money for optional post-walk snacks or dinner, 6 p.m. Brookhurst N Heil (parking lot behind basketball courts), Fountain Valley, (949) 768-3610.
SIERRA SINGLES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS; ANGELES.SIERRACLUB.ORG/OCSS.
Every Thurs.: Irvine Conditioning Hike. Slow-, moderate- and tiger-paced hikes of four to seven miles on trails, 6:30 p.m. Turtle Rock Community Park, Sunnyhill N Turtle Rock drs., Irvine, (714) 963-6345.
Sat.: Long Beach Nature Walk. Moderate-paced four-mile walk around the El Dorado Nature Center. Learn about native birds, flora and fauna. Rain cancels, 7:50 a.m. El Dorado Library parking lot, Studebaker Rd. N Spring St., Long Beach, (714) 505-2404; Peters Canyon Conditioning Hike. Fast-paced six-mile conditioning hike with 700 feet of elevation gain. Not for beginners, 8 a.m. Parking, $3. Peters Canyon parking lot, 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, (714) 761-8761; if park is closed, meet in the Taco Bell parking lot, corner of Chapman Ave. N Jamboree Rd.
Mon.: Monthly Meeting. Club members Greg Scarich and Louisa Bonnie present slides, videos and anecdotes from their two-month bicycle tour of Turkey's Lycian Peninsula. They also share personal stories from visits to the ancient Greek and Roman cities in Ionia and Istanbul. For optional potluck, bring utensils, plate, beverage and food dish to share, 6:30 p.m. $3. Costa Mesa Community Center, 1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, (714) 963-6345.
Tues.:Irvine Conditioning Hike. See description and location info above, 6:30 p.m.
upcoming sports events
PARAMOUNT 10K, PROGRESS PARK, 15500 DOWNEY AVE., PARAMOUNT, (714) 841-5417; WWW.NEALAND.COM/FINISHLINE.
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Jan. 14: 10K Run. Fast, flat, certified course. See website for additional details, 8 a.m. $21 by Jan. 7; $24 after.
THE GREAT AMERICAN ADVENTURE RUN, HUNTINGTON BEACH CENTRAL PARK, GOLDEN WEST N EDWARD STS., HUNTINGTON BEACH, (714) 841-5417; WWW.NEALAND.COM/FINISHLINE.
Feb. 11: 4.8-Mile Run N 2.8-Mile Run/Walk. Cross-country course on grass, dirt and asphalt paths. See website for additional details, 8 a.m. $18 by Feb. 4; $21 after.
ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP, EL RANCHO CHARTER SCHOOL, 181 S. DEL GIORGIO RD., ANAHEIM, (714) 783-7036; (877) 303-4641; WWW.ANAHEIMHILLSBOOTCAMP.COM.
Feb. 20: GET FIT Boot Camp for Women. Women can jump start their day with a challenging and energizing workout. Boot campers will meet for one hour per day for four weeks. The program provides quick results for women of all fitness levels. Call or visit website for additional information, 5:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. $299.
