The San Diego Food Bank is giving away free food the first Tuesday of every month to needy individuals, families and seniors in the area. The giveaway starts at 9:00 a.m. and continues until the food is gone. Items will include fresh fruits, vegetables and other food items. They are distributed and available to anyone with no proof of income or ID needed. Please bring bags for your items. Food is distributed in the Center’s parking lot. Parking is not available as the lot is used for the distribution, so come early to find parking on the street. The line begins to form around 8:00 a.m. For more information, contact Jane Schmoll at (619) 692-2077, ext. 121, or families@thecentersd.org.

Please bring only items that are clean and in good condition. They ask that you count your items before you arrive. When you arrive you’ll be given one exchange ticket for each item you bring. When you leave you’ll “pay” one exchange ticket for each item you take. No one will be “officially” counting your items – as they are relying on the honor system. Any items left over when the dust has settled will be donated to the Community Yard Sale, benefitting Family Matters. There will be an arts and crafts set up for the kids while parents shop. The library will be set up for kids and parents to play and relax. For more information, contact Jane Schmoll at (619) 692-2077, ext. 121, or families@thecentersd.org. The cost is a $5 dollar donation per family and the event will be held at The Center Auditorium from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on August 7th.

On Friday, July 16th a beloved and well-known stuffed Bugs Bunny, also known as “Bugsy” was stolen from a 1959 El Dorado Convertible parked on Robinson and 5th Avenue. The vintage car belongs to Vincent Faiola, an active member of the community. The 4ft. plush doll, adorned with jewelry and a purple king’s robe was stolen in front of the Brass Rail between 6:15 and 8:00 p.m., Friday night. The stuffed rabbit was tied down to the car at the seat, as well as on the floor by its foot. Faiola has donated his 1959 El Dorado Convertible, as well as his other classic cars, for use in movies, San Diego Pride and private special occasions. A reward will be offered to anyone who returns the bunny. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this item, please contact Vincent Faiola at 619-295-5398.

The Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund was established by The Imperial Court de San Diego and The Center to assist low-income and uninsured lesbian and bisexual women in accessing necessary health care resources. The fund can be used for physical, mental or dental health services. Download an application from The Center site or stop by the Women’s Resource Center to pick up a paper copy. For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or aschwartz@thecentersd.org.

The Del Mar Racetrack has kicked off its 71st season in legendary style, setting an all-time record attendance of 45,309 people, and August 13 and 14 promises to keep the excitement and momentum going. The season’s Summer Concert Series continues with The Soft Pack on Friday, August 13th. On Saturday August 14th there are Reggae Fest performances by reggae roots icons Matisyahu and Jimmy Cliff. The tech-savvy and lovers of social media can also find their niche at Del Mar on Saturday at the 2nd annual Cool As Ever Tech event, which brings online networking face-to-face at Del Mar. Soft Pack, an up and coming indie rock band, is said to be reminiscent of The Strokes and are gracing stages in Australia and Lollapalooza before entertaining the crowds at Del Mar. On Saturday August 14th sample more than 60 different beers throughout the race day on the Infield. Following the last race, reggae legend Jimmy Cliff will take the Infield stage followed by reggae roots sensation Matisyahu. A tasting wristband will get patrons 5 sample 7-oz beers for $15. The concert is free with paid admission to the racetrack. Cool As Ever Tech – Saturday, Aug. 14 - Del Mar’s 2nd Annual Cool as Ever Tech Event will combine the historic tradition of horseracing and the innovative world of social media. Guests can eat, drink, tweet, and take in the excitement that Del Mar has to offer. Expect a real-time Twitter livestream, gadgets, goodies, giveaways and great networking. Tickets are free with racetrack admission. Racing at Del Mar happens Wednesdays through Sundays, with post time for the first race on most days at 2:00 p.m. On Fridays first post is at 4:00 p.m.for the first four Fridays of the season and 3:30 p.m. for the last three. There will be a special Monday racing card on Labor Day, September 6th. For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.delmarscene.com. You can follow the Del Mar racetrack on Twitter, @DelMarRacing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DelMarRaces.

Are you a woman of color interested in connecting and networking with other LBT women of color? Join our vibrant discussion group, Women of Color United, every Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at The Center (downstairs in the Latino Services room). Join the discussion and get involved.

Beloved Canadian pop-rock icons Tegan and Sara will release “The Official Vinyl Collection Box Set” on Warner Bros. Records on August 31st. This very special package is the definitive vinyl collection of the band’s recordings, gathering five of their albums — 2000’s This Business of Art, 2002’s If It Was You, 2004’s So Jealous, 2007’s The Con and 2009’s Sainthood — on vinyl for the first time. The box set also includes an exclusive bonus record, entitled Home Recordings, which features nine demo tracks dating back to the recording of So Jealous. The box set is now available for pre-order at www.teganandsara.com. Those who pre-order will also receive a very limited-edition signed poster. They will also be playing San Diego on September 18th at the Viejas Arena.

The summer months attract large numbers of visitors to San Diego’s historic beaches and parks, but as locals and tourists enjoy the scenery they often leave trash behind that devastates the ocean and coastline. I Love a Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is taking action to prevent pollution through its participation in California’s Adopt-A-Beach program. The Adopt-A-Beach program gives people of all ages the opportunity to actively participate in conserving coastal resources by keeping the beaches free of harmful marine debris. Three years ago, ILACSD expanded the Adopt-A-Beach program to include inland areas in order to highlight the fact that almost 80% of marine debris originates from inland sources. If you or someone you know would like to sign up for the Adopt-A-Beach program in San Diego, please visit the website, www.adoptsd.org. From there you may pick a cleanup site from their list of over 75 locations as well as scheduled yearly cleanups. The Adopt-A-Beach program grew out of the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, scheduled for September 25, 2010, as environmental groups recognized the importance of cleaning up all year round.

The Women’s Resource Center and Latino Services will host a poetry night for Audre Lorde on Tuesday, August 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. It will be an evening of creative expression in the name of Audre Lorde. In her own words, Lorde was a “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet” and the gathering will honor her memory through music and poetry. Read her work, share your own, or just listen and be inspired! Featured poet April Mahoney will be the special guest for the evening. This event is free, open to all, and will take place downstairs at The Center (3909 Centre St.) in Latino Services. For more information, please contact Abby Schwartz, Women’s Resource Center coordinator, at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or women@thecentersd.org

There will be a fund-raiser/70’s party on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Redwing Bar & Grill at 6:00 p.m. for Christie’s Place to ensure those children who are in need of school supplies and backpacks have access to them. The Redwing has raised over two thousand back packs. Christie’s Place is a leading nonprofit social service organization in San Diego County that provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS education, support, and advocacy to women, children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Their mission is to empower clients to take charge of their health and well-being. Transforming lives since 1996, they are the only organization in San Diego whose mission is dedicated to serving women, children and families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The Redwing Bar & Grill is located on 4012 30th St. For more information call 619-281-8700 or visit www.Redwingbar.com.

The “Women Changing the World” Award recognizes San Diego area women leaders who have made significant contributions encouraging, supporting, and empowering women and families in their organizations and communities. Deadline for entry is Friday, Aug. 27. Please go to The Centers website for the 2010 Nomination Form. Complete your form online, or email a copy of your completed nomination to womenleaders@speakforsuccess.com. Additional information is available at (760) 726-5272 or www.SpeakForSuccessWomenLeaders.org.

Tuesday, August 10, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Do you play cards or miss the old days of classic games like Connect Four, Life and Trivial Pursuit. Join 50 and Better Together’s new group of game enthusiasts on the second Tuesday of every month, 1:00-4:00 p.m. There are tons of your favorite games available in a relaxed, drop in environment in The Center’s library. This is a free event and all are welcome. For information, please contact Abby Schwartz, Senior Services Coordinator, at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or seniors@thecentersd.org.