Eden, the enlightened lovechild of ChileCo Catering’s Chef Scotty Wagner and NightlifeSD’s David Laurent comes to life on October 28, 2010, as the power duo unveil the reinvented Hillcrest entertainment complex on the corner of University and Vermont. Guests are invited to indulge in Eden’s earthly delights and will be able to enjoy the freshest local fares from the restaurant’s globally inspired menu.

Colorful, casual and contemporary, the restaurant at Eden will be a reflection of the surrounding community. With a focus on providing guests with the highest quality food that is representative of what’s fresh, local and seasonal, Chef Scotty’s menu offerings are sure to titillate even the most discerning taste buds. Through Eden’s commitment to uncompromised customer service and a desire to provide an uninhibited dining experience, the restaurant strives to achieve a level of class without pretention.

“Eden was motivated by my desire to support sustainable agriculture and local farmers,” says Chef Scotty Wagner, “The venue’s multi-faceted, open and adaptable environment has inspired me as well. Here at Eden, the opportunities are endless.”

Performances are restricted to children three years and up except for the 11:00 a.m. performances for which tickets can be purchased for children of all ages. Ticket prices range from $39 to $77 for adults and from $20 to $57 for children and can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office.

The fifth annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 6:00 p.m. on the Globe’s Copley Plaza. The ceremony will kick off the holiday season in conjunction with the presentation of Dr. Seuss’How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Designed by Grinch scenic designer John Lee Beatty, the unique tree will be located in the center of the Globe Plaza and will remain for the run of the show. This fun family event will feature a special live performance by members of the Grinch cast and a delightful holiday snowfall on the Globe Plaza. Tickets to this free event are limited but may be obtained by subscribers and are included with the tickets to the Nov. 21 performance at 4:30 p.m.

On October 9 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., the Encinitas library, located at 540 Cornish Dr, is hosting the San Diego County Library Book Festival. The all-ages event will host popular authors, discussion panels, free entertainment and activities, as well as local food vendors. At 10:30 a.m. a keynote address will be given by Richard Dreyfuss, Oscar-winning actor and founder of the Dreyfuss Initiative, which pushes for greater civics education.

Dreyfuss, well known for his roles in “Jaws” and “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” will be speaking on the Dreyfuss Initiative, which promotes exercises in reason, logic, clarity of thought, and critical analysis. The Initiative seeks to educate teachers and administrators on the best way to teach civics through history, in order to raise children capable of governing the United States. The curriculum changes for each grade level, providing children with an age-appropriate understanding of the topic. More information can be found at www.thedreyfussinitiative.org.

The San Diego County Library Book Festival is a free, fun-filled day of literacy and entertainment. For more information, contact the Encinitas library at (760) 753-7376 or visit www.sdcl.org/bookfestival.

The 9th Annual Turnabout, benefit for the Center will be held at Bacchus House, 3054 University Avenue, San Diego on October 16th . See your favorite bar staff in drag. Showtime is 9:30 p.m. and features DJ Jon Williams. The event is hosted by Coco Lachine. Have some fun and come and support this great event.

When the historic Birch North Park Theatre lights up on October 8, it will reflect a distinct part of the theatre’s history – with a new vertical “North Park” marquee that is true to the original design. To mark the return of this illustrious piece of the past, a community unveiling ceremony will be held earlier the same day.

The new marquee is part of additional rehabilitation and improvements being made to the historic landmark as part of the North Park Theatre Rehabilitation Project. Funding was made possible through a $162,918 loan from the City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency to theatre owner and manager, Lyric Opera San Diego. Originally built in 1928, the 730-seat theater was restored to its former glory and reopened in October 2005.

“The Birch North Park Theatre is a special part of our City’s history,” said Mayor Sanders. “Its continued operation supports both local arts and the North Park community as a whole.” Mayor Sanders also serves as the Redevelopment Agency’s executive director.

In addition to the new marquee, improvements to the box office fire alarm, bathroom sinks, and installation of a gate at the west alley have been completed. Upgrades to the theatre’s HVAC system and electric meter room, basement waterproofing, replacement of basement and office flooring, and wheelchair lift improvements to meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements are currently underway.

“The Birch North Park Theatre is a community gem,” said Councilmember Todd Gloria. “These improvements help preserve and maintain the theatre, reduce operating costs, and enhance the appeal of this beautiful building to patrons and the community alike. We are all proud of the vibrancy Birch North Park Theater brings to the neighborhood.”

Located at 2891 University Avenue, the Birch North Theatre has served as the Lyric Opera’s home since 2005. This year the organization celebrates its 32nd anniversary of bringing accessible, affordable opera and musical theatre productions to San Diego.

The company proudly performs operas and musicals from the European and American tradition, in English, presenting the finest young musical talent available with full orchestra and chorus accompaniment at the Birch North Park Theatre.

“We are very pleased to finally see the face of the North Park Theatre restored to its original glory. This is a moment the community has been waiting for - for a long time,” said Leon Natker, general director for Lyric.

In addition to Lyric’s regular season performances, the theatre hosts dozens of performing arts and civic events each year for a wide variety of organizations, from schools and churches to dance companies, theatre groups, film clubs and concert promoters. More information about the theatre can be found at www.birchnorthparktheatre.net/.

The project was completed with funds made available through North Park Redevelopment Project Area 2003 Series A taxable bond proceeds and from existing non-housing tax increment generated in the North Park Redevelopment Project Area. The North Park Theater marquee unveiling will take place October 8, beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by a theatre tour.