April 2010

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Please click here or scroll to the bottom of this page to see other reoccurring events not listed in the calendar events section or on the calendar itself due to length or frequency.

Calendar Events:

Each Weekend in April (except Easter Sunday April 4): Wildflower guided walks at Pacheco State Park. Source brief email from Dennis Poole dated Jan 2, 2010
Enjoy a delightful springtime hike.  Join naturalist Jennifer Morgan to view this year’s lovely wildflower display overlooking San Luis Reservoir.  We’ll discuss the Native American and pioneer uses of plants and rich history of Pacheco Pass.  The hike is about 2 miles long and is classed as moderate.  No advance reservations needed for groups under 10 people.  (10 or more—please call ahead.)

    Be sure to bring:  waterproof hiking footwear, layered clothing and hat, sunscreen, and water. Optional:  rain gear, binoculars, camera, and field guides. There is no drinking water at Pacheco SP.

                      Note:  the only cost is the Park Day Use Fee of $5 per car.
                        For information, call (209) 826-1197 or (209) 826-6283.

DIRECTIONS:  Pacheco State Park is located 22 miles west of Los Banos and 23 miles east of Gilroy, off of   
       Highway 152.  Turn south onto Dinosaur Point Road, then take the first right, through the park gate.

(Source: email from J. M.)

April 1 - Tea Party Meeting "The Los Banos Tea Party Patriots invites all conservatives to their April meeting, April 1 at 7:00 PM at the Miller&Lux Building. The Speaker will be Jack Mobley, Candidate for California Assy District 17, our district. The Los Banos Tea Party is a non-partisan origination supporting conservative principals and candidates dedicated to fiscal responsibility, Constitutionally limited Government and Free Markets. Come, enjoy the talk and spirited discussions. Help take back America, one politician at a time!! Admission Free, donations accepted. " Source email from tfd 3-23-10

April 2 - June Erreca Scholarship - "Honoring the Heart of Volunteering" due date - NEWS RELEASE Soroptimist International of Los Banos "Honoring the Heart of Volunteering" Once again, Soroptimist International of Los Banos is looking to honor a high school Senior within Los Banos with the June Erreca Scholarship - "Honoring the Heart of Volunteering". This scholarship is awarded to the student who, over the course of their high school career, has volunteered in the Los Banos community either through an established non-profit or instituted a program of service after identifying a need within the community. Not based on GPA, the winning applicant receives a monetary compensation of $500.00. SI Los Banos will recognize the recipient at our annual Women's Recognition Awards Night Banquet in May. Applications must be postmarked on or before April 2, 2010. To receive an application or to request information, please contact Sue Cardoza, 209-827-0265. Applications are also available at the Los Banos High School Main Office, Los Banos Flower Shop and Pearson's Jewelers. SI Los Banos is your local club within Soroptimist International of the Americas, which is a volunteer organization of women in business whose mission statement is "Improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world." Soroptimist International of Los Banos P.O. Box 667 Los Banos, CA 93635 USA - Source Press Release Sent Vial LBCofC - emailed on 1-21-2010

April 2 - El Tio Super Mercado Ribbon Cutting at 11 AM, 1109 Sixth Street (Source: Chamber of Commerce email)

April 3 - First Baptist Church Annual Fish Fry will be held at 809 D Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A fish dinner is $10, a fish sandwich is $7. For tickets call Rev. Melvin Whittle at 209-829-5300. (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 3 - Spring Cleanup held at Ranchwood Park (515 Stonewood Drive) and the Fairgrounds parking lot (4th and F Street). For more info call 209-827-7056. (Source: City of Los Banos Recreation Guide)

April 4 - Annual Easter Sonrise Service at O'Neil Forebay held by St. John's Lutheren Church at 6:30 a.m. Easter breakfast to follow at the church (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 5 - Elk's Pasta Feed (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 7 - The Farm House ribbon cutting at 11:30 a..m 1001 6th Street (Source: Chamber of Commerce email)

April 7 - Los Banos City Council Meeting at City Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. Call 209-827-7000 for more info. (Source: http://www.losbanos.com/community.htm)

April 7 - Los Banos Sportsmen's Club Dinner - "The first Wednesday of each month is the regular dinner meeting night of the Los Banos Sportsmen’s Association. Guests are welcome. The bar opens at 6:30. Dinner is at 7:30 - $15.00 for members; $20.00 for guests." Source: http://www.losbanostrapshooting.com/schedule.html - -viewed Jan 2, 2010

April 7 - Teen Graffiti Clean-up and Pizza (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 8 - TV M' AS Satelite ribbon cutting, 915 Sixth Street at 10 a.m. (Source: Chamber of Commerce email)

April 10 - LBArts Dance - For info call 209-826-6257. Dance will be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m at the Arts Center. Ernie Bucio's Little Big Band will perform music from the swing era. There will be a no-host bar with complimentary appetizers. Cost is $25 per person.
(Source: Los Banos Chamber of Commerce Calendar Board and The Paper)

April 10 - "Vernal pools, wildflowers, and wildlife: Public tour scheduled to showcase the ecological treasures of Merced County - April 10, 2010 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct a guided wildflower and vernal pool tour of the Arena Plains Unit of the Merced National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, April 10, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Vernal pools are naturally-occurring shallow depressions with hardpan bottoms that fill with winter rainwater. As they fill with water, the pools come to life: Fairy and tadpole shrimp emerge from cysts embedded in the soil during the previous year. The endangered tiger salamander and other amphibians lay eggs and rear tadpoles in the pools. The vast number of aquatic invertebrates found in the pools provides a critical food source for migratory birds as they prepare for the long flight north to their breeding grounds. As spring arrives and the water in the pools evaporates and recedes, wildflowers – such as ggoldfields and purple owl’s clover – grow in colorful rings around the pools. This annual coloring led John Muir to describe the valley floor as the “floweriest part of the worldâ€� he had ever seen. The April 10th tour will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last approximately 2-3 hours, consisting of caravanning in attendees’ personal vehicles into the interior of the Arena Plains Unit and walking out to the pools on firm, but slightly uneven terrain. The tour is a mixture of driving and walking to look at the pools; however, participants who do not wish to walk can remain in their vehicles and participate only in the driving portions. Participants should wear sturdy footwear such as hiking boots. Directions: The meeting place will be on the south side of Highway 140 approximately 6.5 miles east of Highway 165 and 7 miles west of Applegate Road. From Highway 99, take Highway 140 westbound. After passing Applegate Road, continue 7 miles. The meeting location does not have a street address – it is a small sandy road with a sign marked “Snnobird Lane.â€� Turn south onto the sandy road and continue for a couple hundred yards to the meeting place at the refuge gate. Please note to be on the lookout for the Snobird Lane sign as it is a very small side road and could be easily missed. It is helpful to set your odometer and watch your mileage from either Hwy 165 (6.5 miles) or Applegate Road (7 miles). Contact Jack Sparks at (209) 826-3508 or cell phone (209) 587-0516 for directions or additional information. " - source email from JS 3-11-2010

April 10 - Spring Fair Kick-Off Dinner & Dance - Tickets are $20. Contact the Fair Office at 209-826-5180. (Source: The Enterprise)

April 11 - Windman Triathlons Start Time -Half: 7:30 am, Olympic : 8 am, Sprint : 8:15 am Location Los Banos Creek State Park, South of Hwy 152 X I-5 Address Canyon Road at I-5 More info and source: http://www.findaraceevent.com/ViewRaceDetail.aspx?raceId=9792 sourced on Jan 2, 2010
Also more info: http://windmanevent.com/ also sourced: http://www.trifind.com/ca.html?month=4 Jan 2, 2010

April 14 - Planning Commission Meeting at City Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. Call 209-827-7000 for more info. (Source: http://www.losbanos.com/community.htm)

April 14-Free library program: What's in the stars, NASA, Mars and More talk by Jeff Bromfield (tentative). Program will be held at 7:46 PM at the library (7th and Pacheco). Free admission and refreshments. Source: library flier

April 15 - At an Evening Reception for Susan Coston - "Please Join Event Host: Michael Amabile At an Evening Reception for Susan Coston In support of her election campaign for the Merced County Superintendent of Schools Thursday, April 15th, 2010 5:30pm to 8:00pm At Espanas Southwest Bar & Grill 1460 East Pacheco Boulevard, Los Banos, California " source - lbchamber email 3-18-2010

April 15 - Senior's trip to Roger Rocka's "Dream Girls" Production

April 16 - Mature Driver's Class will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Merced College Los Banos Campus, room B-134. Call 209-826-3495 to be placed in the class. Space is limited. (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 17 - Women's Conference will be held at Bethel Community Church at 415 I Street starting at 10 a.m. For more info call 209-827-0797. (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 17 - Habitat for Humanity Workday. Call Shawna at 209-826-3953 with any questions. (Source: email from N.R.)

April 17 - Rotary Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Miller-Lux Building on 830 6th Street. Pancakes, ham, scrambled eggs, coffee, milk or juice for $6. (Source: email from G.L.)

April 17 - Spring Street Faire. Event starts with a Rotary pancake breakfast. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day. Call 209-826-2495 for more information. (Source: 2010 Visitor's Guide)

April 17 - Los Banos Junior FunDay at the Los Banos Sportsmen's Club "on April 17, 2010 To Whom It May Concern: Our local Los Banos Sportsmen's Club is having a Junior Fun Day for 100 juniors on April 17, 2010. The event will have multiple supporters from our local community; our Los Banos Fire Department, Riggs Ambulance Crew, Los Banos Food 4 Less and The California Department of Fish & Game and Grassland water district as well as multiple non profit organization groups like; The California Deer Association, California Waterfowl, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Duck Unlimited, Friends of the NRA, Grassland Environmental Education Center, and The Orestimba Field Archery Club. Never before has a junior event occurred like this in our area with so many non profit organizations in support of one event. All juniors must have completed their hunter education class to attend. A great venue is on tap for these juniors, Activities will include trap shooting, skeet shooting, BB gun target shooting, first aid class, bow shooting, outdoor wildlife seminar, as well as simulated shooting games and duck calling contest and much more. Lunch will be included in the cost for this event as well as a fun filled day and a mega raffle. The raffle will be held at the end of the day and every junior will win a prize, such as camping gear, fishing poles, guns, hunting trips, artwork and much more. We would greatly appreciate your support for this junior event with your generous donation. These juniors are our future and it's a must to keep our great sports traditions going for as long we can. Thank you so much for considering our event for a donation. Event Director Rodney Torres Rodney Torres 212 Gee Gee Ave Los Banos, Ca 93635 rawgdogtorres@yahoo.com 209-769-1088 cell 209-827-0745 hm 209-827-6095 fax Application forms the Los Banos Junior Fun Day are also available at the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce office." - source chamber email feb 12

April 18 - Self Defense for Women and Teens from 2-5 p.m. at the recreation building in Pacheco Park. Recommended donation is $35. For more information call Jenny Williams at 209-827-4483. (Source: The Paper)

April 18 - Dustin Hobbs memorial run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Pacheco Park. $15 donation. All proceeds will go to the Los Banos High School History Society.

April 19 - Sports Boosters chicken dinner drive-thru dinner at VFW Hall on E street from 4-6 p.m. Tickets are $8. For more info call Tracey Heredia at 209-827-3646. (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 19 - Elk's Calamari Drive-thru will be held at 565 E. Street. Tickets are $15. For tickets or info. call Rob Fischer at 209-489-5281 or Cookie Rendon at 209-704-7330. (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 19 - Golden Ager's Solvang Trip departs - For more information call 209-826-0165. (Source: Los Banos Golden Age Club newsletter)

April 20 - Los Banos High School Art Show will be from 6 to 9 p.m. - event is free. For more info call Victor Dominguez at 209-826-6033 ext. 508. (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 21 - Los Banos City Council Meeting at City Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. Call 209-827-7000 for more info. (Source: http://www.losbanos.com/community.htm)

April 21 - Handel's Messiah at St. Joseph Catholic Church. For more information call Tom Faria at209-826-6033 ext. 621. (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 23 - 19th Annual Spring BBQ from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Los BAnos May Day Fairgrounds Picnic Area. For tickets call 209-826-4632 or 209-392-6321. $12.50 per person. (Source: The Paper)

April 24 - Book and rummage sale for St. Albans will be held on L street starting at 9 a.m. (Source: Los Banos Enterprise)

April 24 - Quilters Guild Class from 9:30 am-2pm -For info call 209-827-8929. (Source: Los Banos Chamber of Commerce Calendar Board)

April 24 - OLF Golf Tournament " Our Lady of Fatima's Golf Tournament on April 24,2010 1:30 shotgun start @ Stevinson Ranch Golf Course. $135 donation For registration form contact Kristin Toscano @ ktoscano@comcast.net" - Source email from KT on 3-19-10

April 25 - Knights of Columbus Linguica Dinner Drive-Thru from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the D.E.S. Hall. Dinner will be linguica, beans, salad, bread and dessert. For tickets call Gilbert Silva at 209-826-1190 or any knight member. Donation is $8 per dinner. (Source: The Paper)

April 27 - Meet your Republican Candidates Tuesday, April 27th  from 6:00PM – 8:00PM.  This free event will be held at Miller & Lux Building, 830 Sixth Street, Los Banos, CA. Please RSVP: Cory Tennant cory@corytennant.com 209-617-2197. (Source: email from S.S.)

April 28 - Planning Commission Meeting at City Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. Call 209-827-7000 for more info. (Source: http://www.losbanos.com/community.htm)

April 28 - May 2, 2010 - Merced County Spring Fair aka The Mayday Fair or the Los Banos Spring Fair - April 28 - May 2, 2010 More information: Ron Brandt Fair Manager Email mailto:RBrandt@co.merced.ca.us 403 F St. Los Banos, CA 93635 Ph: (209) 826-5166 Fx: (209) 826-8737 source: http://www.co.merced.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=88 on Jan 2, 2010

April 28- Senior Social is held every 4th Wednesday every month. Dinner is served at 6 pm. Cost is $6. Bring a salad or dessert and your place setting. Bingo will be layed after dinner. For more info call the Miller and Lux Senior Center at 209-827-7046. (Source: Los Banos Recreation Guide)

Feb 27-April 18 - Path of The Padres Guided Hikes: For more information contact Ranger Denis Poole(209) 826-1197: Press release: Press release read: "PATH OF THE PADRES HIKE RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN Los Banos: The California State Park staff at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area will again be leading the popular "Path of the Padres" hikes on some Fridays and most Saturdays and Sundays starting February 27th and continuing until April 18th. The Path of the Padres, so called because it was the path through the Diablo Range taken by the padres as they came from Mission San Juan Bautista 35 miles along Los Banos Creek and into the Central Valley in the early 1800s. Not only will you see some of the special plants that grow along the creek but also at the animals that have been drawn to its waters. You will find clues that tell you that Native American Indians lived along the creek. Later came the, Spanish missionaries, the Californios, the miners, the ranchers and now, you can walk in their foot steps. You are guaranteed to see beautiful displays of wildflowers, if you are lucky you may see wild pigs, deer, coyotes, perhaps a bald eagle and These hikes are open to the public, ages 6 years and older, by advance reservation only. School group hikes may be arranged during the week. School group reservations and general public reservations are now open. (We must have ten people to conduct a tour). The hike begins at the Los Banos Creek Reservoir boat launch ramp at 8:00 A.M. and returns to the ramp about 3:30 P.M. A pontoon boat carries passengers for about 30 to 40 minutes to the west end of the reservoir. Along the way, short stops are made so the hikers can observe wildlife along the shoreline. The group leaves the boat at the west end of the reservoir for a five mile round-trip hike. Here one can see the area where, in the early 1800's, the Spanish padres from Mission San Juan Bautista camped on their way to the Central Valley. This hike is moderately strenuous and will take about 5 hours. Participants must be in good physical condition. Because Los Banos Creek is crossed several times during the hike, footwear may get wet. Layered clothing and sturdy footgear should be a priority. Hikers should carry a lunch and a minimum of 2 quarts of water (more if a hot day). The hike traverses country that can be very hot and dry, depending on weather conditions, so a hat and sunscreen are recommended. Throughout the hike, the natural and historic features of the area are pointed out and discussed by the hike leader. The lunch stop is near the historic "baths," deep pools in the creek, carved in bedrock, which gave Los Banos its name. As early as 1805 the mission padres and accompanying soldiers washed and rested here at Los Banos del Padre Arroyo, now simply Los Banos Creek. Participants have the option of taking a side trip up a steep hill for a spectacular view of the Menjoulet Canyon and the proposed site of the Los Banos Grandes Reservoir. The canyon floor is covered with 576 acres of old-growth Sycamore forest, described by Department of Fish & Game biologists as the largest and most intact natural community of its kind left in California. Binoculars add greatly to enjoyment of the scenery, and may help hikers spot falcons and eagles that may be seen in the area. Reservations are required for this exciting series of hikes and they will be accepted at the park office. To make a reservation, call (209) 826-1197 Monday through Friday from 9 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. A reservation fee of $12.00 per person over 12 years old, and $7 per child age 6 to 12 is required to confirm the telephone reservations. A family of 5 may reserve space for 2 adults and 3 children for $30. Space is limited: please reserve a spot early. On the day of the hike, visitors must pay the State Park day use parking fee of $10.00 per car upon entry. Scheduled hikes may be cancelled if minimum number of hikers is not met. Refunds or other reservations will be made. For more information please call (209) 826-1197." Source press release email dated Jan 2, 2010

April 22 - Chamber Mixer at Los Banos Bar & Grill, 830 I Street (Source: email 1/8/2010 Los Banos Chamber of Commerce)

April 24 - Rotary work day starting at 8 a.m.

April 30 - Demilition Derby more info: 707-485-8687 - 7 PM sources: http://dutchhollandracingpromotions.net/schedule.html and http://srt.suddenlaunch.com/index.cgi?board=westprom&action=display&num=1184864086 on Jan 2, 2010

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Reoccurring events: *Click here to go back to the top of the page

Monday -

• Senior's Arts & Crafts & Quilting classes are Mondays and Fridays (excluding holidays) from 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm. Gloria is the instructor. Everyone is welcome. Bring your own project or work on a class project. For more information call: 209- 827-7046. (Source: Los Banos Recreation Guide)
• Card game: 31 at the Senior Center from 1-4 pm. For more information call: 209- 827-7046. (Source: Los Banos Recreation Guide)
• Elk's Monday night dinners from 5-7 p.m. 565 "E" Street (Source: email from L.P.)

Tuesday

• Oil Painting Class (for seniors) from 11:30-3:30 at the College Green Building on Scripps Drive. The instructor is Naomi. For more information call: 209- 827-7046. (Source: Los Banos Recreation Guide)
• Kiwanis meet at Country Waffles, 12 noon. For more information call Chuck Martin, 826-2664.
• The Rotary Club meets at Espanas at noon. For more information call Gene Leib at 826-3831.
• Good of the order meeting at the Los Banos Elks Lodge, 545 6th Street. 7 p.m.
• Central Valley Homeschoolers meet at 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday. For more info call Lea Ramirez at 209-826-0178.

Wednesday

• Card game: Pedro at the Senior Center from 1-4 pm. For more information call: 209- 827-7046. (Source: Los Banos Recreation Guide)
• Free Movie for Seniors @ Senior Center. For more information call: 209- 827-7046. (Source: Los Banos Recreation Guide)
• Point Man International Ministries are presently holding meeting for all Vets of all wars every Wednesday night from 7:30 to 8:30 ( PM ) At westside community church in the Fireside room. The church is located at 614 N. Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos, Ca.
   For information call the church @ 209-826-5314 or Rev. Chris Jarvis PMIM Outpost Leader @ 209-564-1973, E-mail @ cdbmjarvis@sbcglobal.net Point Man Ministries is a non-profit, Christ-centered group of Veterans from all wars.There is group and private counseling for PTSD related problems, literature, seminars, companionship, and comfort. Help with VA contacts, forming a Honor Guard, educational information for the public on service related problems concerning Veterans. And working with other Veterans organizations for the betterment of the Veterans with special needs.

Thursday

• BINGO at the Senior Center 1-3 pm. 25 cents per card and all monies are paid back. Prizes and snacks are welcome. Please no children. For more information call: 209- 827-7046. (Source: Los Banos Recreation Guide)
• Wee Wigglers

  Stories, Songs and Rhymes for Preschoolers and their families: Every Thursday, 10:am to 11:am at the Los Banos Library 1312 7th Street They'll have a Wiggling Good Time! Wee Wigglers' is organized and promoted by the Los Banos Rotary Club as one of its literacy promotion efforts (Source: Friends of the Library website)

Friday

• Senior's Arts & Crafts & Quilting classes are Mondays and Fridays (excluding holidays) from 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm. Gloria is the instructor. Everyone is welcome. Bring your own project or work on a class project. (Source: Los Banos Recreation Guide)
• Elk's Friday night dinner - doors open at 5, dinner served at 7 p.m. 565 "E" Street (Source: email from L. P.)

Saturday

Sunday

OurLosBanos.com tries to make each community event calendar as comprehensive as possible, but we just can not be complete without YOU! If you are aware of or are planning an event in Los Banos that would be of interest to the general public PLEASE contact us! We will review your request for inclusion and place it on the calendar.

OurLosBanos.com tries to make these Los Banos California community events calendars as accurate and complete as possible however we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. If we have made an error we apologize but want to make it clear that there is absolutely NO guarantee of accuracy whatsoever on these pages.