DATEBOOK

Huntington Beach Independent, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626; fax to (714) 965-7174; call (714) 965-7176 or e-mail [email protected]. Submissions must be received two weeks before publication.

TILL FEB. 18

The Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St., introduces its “open call exhibition” show, featuring paintings, drawings, photography and other forms of artwork by “ordinary people,” art students and professional artists. Admission is free. For information, call (714) 374-1650.

TILL FEB 25

The Anderson Gallery, 16812 Pacific Coast Highway, Sunset Beach, is featuring new works by artist Howard Hitchcock. The Gallery is also home to a collection of watercolors, oils and sculptures from artist and owner Bill Anderson, Raul Anguiano, Henry Fukuhara, Milford Zornes and others; hours are 1 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1 to 8 p.m. Sundays. For information, call (562) 592-4393.

SATURDAY

A poetry workshop led by poet and creative writing teacher Cecilia Woloch will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Golden West College, Humanities Room 101,15744 Golden West Street, Huntington Beach. Cost is $75 and includes breakfast and lunch. To register, e-mail [email protected].

There will be an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Little Gym of Huntington Beach, 15891 Goldenwest St. Afternoon activities include games, refreshments, and prizes. The Little Gym of Huntington Beach offers gymnastics classes for children nine months to 12 years old. Call (714)373-0700 or go to www.thelittlegym.com.

SUNDAY

Legendary jazz singer Ernie Andrews, described by Los Angeles Times critic Don Heckman as a “musical whirlwind, bringing life, love, humor and musicality to everything he sang,” is performing from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in a cabaret setting at the Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main Street. General admission is $20; $15 for members. Call (714) 374-1650.

JAN. 30

Friends of the Children’s Library will host the 20th Anniversary Authors Festival and Reception at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave. The public is invited to meet over 40 children’s authors and illustrators; books will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Call (714) 375-5107 or go to www.hbpl.org.

FEB. 2 TILL FEB. 4

The Pacific Shoreline Marathon takes place over three days at 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. Events include a half marathon, wheelchair half marathon, 5K and runs for kids. A health expo at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach will include health and fitness vendors and exhibitors. Tailgate party on Sunday with beer garden and live entertainment. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call (888) 422-0786 or go to www.psmarathon.com.

FEB. 3

The Miss Huntington Beach Scholarship Pageant, sponsored by the Women of Action/Sand Dollars of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, will be held at 7 p.m. at Huntington Beach High School, 1905 Main St. Miss Huntington Beach will participate in the Miss California Pageant, part of the Miss America Pageant. For details on attending or participating, call (714) 536-2054 or go to www.misshb.org.

FEB. 4

Come out and watch — or join — about 30 members of the Huntington Beach Longboard Crew as they compete at 9 a.m. in the 11th annual pier paddle race at the Huntington Beach pier, 315 Pacific Coast Highway. All ages welcome; bring your own board. Medals will be awarded to the top six finishers. Admission is free; donations are accepted. For information, go to www.hblongboardcrew.org.

FEB. 7

BB Jazz, a nonprofit organization rasing awareness and funds for children with autism, is sponsoring the 6th annual Huntington Beach Smooth Jazz Series with performances by saxophonist Paul Taylor at 7 and 9 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave. Tickets are $40 to $95; buffet dinner is optional. Call (714) 377-7574 or go to www.bbjazz.com.

FEB. 9

The Sweet Charity Ball, sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Huntington Beach to benefit the West County YMCA, will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. Evening events include dinner, dancing, and a silent/live auction. Tickets are $100. Call (714) 892-3351.

LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS

The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, 411 Olive Ave., presents its newest exhibit, SurFin’, a Direction of the Sport, the first time a collection of surfboard fins has been available for public viewing. Fins from 1953 to present day are on display. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students. For information, call (714) 960-3483.

ONGOING

Huntington Beach Friends of the Library are in need of volunteers for the 6 to 8:30 p.m. shift in the gift shop, and to help with an ongoing book sale. To volunteer, call (714) 842-4481 ext. 2213.

Windows Gallery in the Huntington Beach Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave., features works from amateur and professional artists with themes that range from landscapes to abstracts. Admission is free.

Call (714) 847-5973.

Tumble-N-Kids, Inc. offers beginning through advanced gymnastics classes for children from birth to 12 years. A series of Yoga-4-Kids classes has been added, and all sessions last for 10 weeks. Classes are held at the Murdy, Edison and City Gym and Pool Community Centers in Huntington Beach. Call Dayle Lusk at (714) 842-3586 for information on class times, prices and locations or go to www.tumblenkids.com.