Daily 5: Heed Magic's Call, Closed and Closed, Storytime and More

According to the El Cerrito Historical Society, in 1917, El Cerrito, a town of 1,500 people, was without fire or police protection. So El Cerrito was incorporated in order to raise tax money to provide those services. Soon after the incorporation, priority was given to paving the streets, with the result that driving cattle down San Pablo Avenue was stopped. And for that, we are all most grateful!

What's Happening Wednesday, Dec. 29

Abracadabra:  Poof! — Professor Merloch Silvermaine is back, by special request, at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach (592-3002). Do you believe in magic? Once you see the professor work his wizardly tricks, Playland bets you will! If you missed him at Thanksgiving, today and Dec. 30 provide another chance to see him perform his wonderful, incredible magic. He will mystify and astonish at 1:15 and 3 p.m. on both days. Playland is open from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. and offers many other engaging activities as well.

Holiday Closures — This week's activities, bookended as they are by Christmas and New Year's, are very slow, giving people a chance to rest, to energize themselves, to relax by not having to work. Among those organizations giving their employees time off and closed for the week are the El Cerrito City Hall and the Open House Senior Center, both of which will reopen Jan. 3. The Recycling Center will be closed Dec. 31 at noon and reopen Jan. 3. The El Cerrito Swim Center is open today through Dec. 31 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed, Jan. 1; and open Jan. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gift from the Heart — The El Cerrito Recreation Department (559-7007) provides a wide range of recreational and educational activities for young people. Frequently, those who need most to use recreation programs are the ones who can least afford to do so. The David Hunter Memorial Scholarship Fund helps individuals who otherwise would not be able to participate in these programs to do so. Your donation will be much appreciated!

You Can Spare the Air — A car mechanic I'm not, but the state Bureau of Automotive Affairs (800-952-5210) offers 10 quick tips to keeping your car in good order and the air around you as healthy as possible 1) check your air filter; 2) align your car; 3) tune your engine; 4) pump up your tires; 5) service your vehicle as soon as you see a warning light; 6) never modify your emission control system; 7) for every five miles you reduce your speed, you cut fuel consumption by 7 percent; 8) drive smoothly to save gas; 9) don't ride the brake; 10) if stopped for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine. And please, drive safely and courteously.

A Leg Up on Thursday, Dec. 30

Story book time — Parents of babies and toddlers as old as three are invited to the(526-7512) for story time Thursday at 10:15 and 11 a.m. Treat yourselves and your children. And, be aware that the library will close Friday and reopen Jan. 3, so check out those books and films now.