Daily 5: Checkmate, Sandbags, Film Escape and More

 "The perfect Christmas tree? All Christmas trees are perfect!" — Charles N. Barnard, U.S. author and travel writer

What's Happening Thursday, Dec. 23 

• Your Queen, My King —  Board games can really stretch our minds, and the one that poses the greatest challenge, I believe, is chess. You can join the Chess Group at the from 1 to 4 p.m today. For a $2 donation, you can match your wits against opponents and enjoy the company of others.
• Big Screen and Dark Theater Allure — Teenagers already antsy with vacation? Stressed out from holiday multitasking? Tune out today for a couple of hours at the Cerrito Theater (273-9192). You have two choices: Black Swan, a psychological thriller that received four Golden Globe nominations, or the remake by the Coen brothers of True Grit, set in the Old West about a 14-year-old girl who wants to avenge her father's murder. The first two shows of each film are bargain matinees and each film will air again twice this evening. Call for times.
• Santa's Here! — You can visit  at 11 a.m. today at the J.C.Penney level, near the escalators, and receive a yummy candy cane. A professional photographer will be on hand to snap that endearing moment of Santa and your child talking holiday wishes. If you have last-minute shopping, the mall will be open until 6 Christmas Eve.
• Sandbagging It! — With more rain due and possible flooding on your property, you may want to take advantage of free sandbags at the El Cerrito Corporation Yard (215-4355) at 7450 Schmidt Lane across from the Recycling Center. You must give proof of residency and fill the bags yourself. There is a 10-bag limit per household. 
• Name That Title! — I love to read, but sometimes am at loose ends as to what to read. The same is true for children, but help is one its way. Check out Wednesday's Patch article "." Patch interviewed Paul Haxo, the Harding and Fairmont elementary schools' librarian, and he has suggestions about how to put your child on a satisfying reading path. El Cerrito Library, now closed, will reopen Dec. 26 until Dec. 29, which should give you time to check out some reading pleasure for your child and yourself as well.