Briefs for Saturday

Harry Pottery Party

Tracy pottery studio Color Me Mine will host a Harry Pottery Party from 6 to 8 p.m. today as part of its monthly Kids Night Out program. Kids (and kids at heart) are invited to dress as their favorite characters, grab their wands and come out for a magical evening.

The studio will also show the fifth Harry Potter movie, “Order of the Phoenix,” and will host a costume contest and a raffle, with cookies and chips for snacking.

Tickets are $20. For information: tracy.colormemine.com.

Star-gazing in Stockton

The Stockton Astronomical Society will host a “star party” from 8 to 11 p.m. today at the Oak Grove Nature Center, 4250 W. Eight Mile Road, in Stockton. Organizers will provide telescopes, and there is a $5 parking fee. Stargazing will be canceled if the sky is too cloudy, but inside activities will still be held.

For information: 953-8814 or www.mgzoo.com.

Emergency preparedness fair

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host a community emergency preparedness fair from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at 1981 Chester Drive.

Law enforcement, charities, and volunteer groups will be on hand how to prepare for emergencies, and people can sign up for first aid classes, CPR training and ham radio training. Parents can also get DNA and fingerprint kits for their kids.

For information: Gail Carter, 612-6032.

Resource fair for homeless

The San Joaquin County Probation Department will host a resource fair for the homeless from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Mary’s Gymnasium, 203 E. Washington St., Stockton. The fair will feature free food and raffle prizes for homeless men, women and children. Vendors will provide information on services.

Project H.O.P.E. (Help for Others from Probation Employees) will coordinate the event. For information: 468-4068.

City hosts new Friday-night event

The city of Tracy will host a new event called Taste of Tracy on Friday nights, beginning Friday. It will bring together local restaurants, wineries and musicians from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and Aug. 14, 21 and 28.

This is an adult-only event on the Civic Center Plaza, at the end of 10th Street. Tickets are $10 at the Parks and Community Services Department, 400 E. 10th St. Each ticket covers seven food tastings and three drink tastings.

Entertainment will be Jeff Bordes and Panthelion on July 31, Dave Badilla on Aug. 14, Sidewayz8 on Aug. 21 and Main Street on Aug. 28.

For information: 831-6200.

Women’s fellowship retreat

Registration is open for VBR Foundation’s third annual Women’s Fellowship & Spa on Aug. 28-30. The event will benefit the Tracy foundation’s mentoring and tutoring program and will be at Tracy’s Holiday Inn Express.

Organized in 1986, VBR Foundation provides foster homes for children with special needs.

Sponsorships are available for the event, which includes speakers, spa pampering, an exhibitor show, dinner, entertainment and Christian fellowship. The theme is “Yes I Can! Empower Myself for a New Beginning.”

For information: 877-930-6394 or www.vbrfoundationinc.org.

Nominations for ag leaders

The San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame requests nominations for outstanding agricultural leaders and mentors. Now in its 25th year, the Hall of Fame honors at least three living recipients, as well as posthumous ones. The winners will be recognized at a banquet on Oct. 22 in Stockton.

Last year’s award recipients were walnut farmer Christopher J. Locke, multi-crop farmer Melvin Oneto, agricultural advocate Molly Watkins and 4H volunteer Rosemarie Woods.

Nomination forms are at the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and are due before Aug. 14. For information: Timm Quinn, 547-2960.

Personal property tax bills due

San Joaquin County’s treasure and tax collector has mailed personal property tax bills to more than 25,000 businesses, boat and aircraft owners the county, and payment is due no later than Aug. 31.

People who have owned personal property in San Joaquin County — such as a boat or aircraft — or have leased or owned fixtures and equipment related to a business must pay the tax.

To view your taxes or pay online using a credit card or check, go to www.sjgov.org/Treasurer or call 1-866-575-5333.

• “Briefs” announces news about events, organizations and people in the Tracy and Mountain House areas. Items will be considered on the basis of space availability, public interest and timeliness. Questions may be directed to the newsroom at 830-4280. Press releases may be e-mailed to tpnews@tracypress.com, or mailed to the Tracy Press, P.O. Box 419, Tracy 95378-0419.