RDA bond workshop planned for today

Plans to build a pocket park, a new senior community center and install a dehumidifier system for the municipal pool will all be part of the discussion during a City Council workshop, beginning at 3 p.m. today, at City Hall.

The Redevelopment Agency projects would be partially funded by a proposed $7.1 million bond, borrowed against future RDA funding, including $4.88 million for the community center, $1.7 million for the dehumidification system and $500,000 funding for the pocket park, which would be located in the Old Town section of the city.

The workshop will be held in Council Chambers, located at 100 Civic Center Plaza.

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Electric rate increase decision likely tonight

The Lompoc City Council will decide on the size of a city electrical rate increase tonight during their regular meeting, held at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, 100 Civic Center Plaza.

The rate increase schedule proposed by the city would raise rates by 8 percent this December, with several additional rate increases scheduled between now and July 2012. In all, Lompoc electric customers would see a 31-percent rise in their per-kilowatt cost.

"The city has to pay the higher electrical cost, too, but it's what we have to do to keep up with the rising cost of energy," Mayor Mike Siminski said about the increase last month.

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Lompoc Adult Ed offers GED testing

Lompoc Unified Adult Education will offer GED testing in all subjects in one day.

The testing dates will be Saturday, Nov. 7, and Dec. 5, at 320 North J St. The fee for testing is $120, cash or money order only.

Preregistration is required and can be made by calling 742-3100.

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Winter World Bazaar set for Saturday

Soroptimist International of Lompoc will hold the annual Winter World Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club, 1025 W. Ocean Ave.

People can sign up at the Angel Tree Project table to give a gift to a local senior. VIVA and other local vendors also will be available.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Soroptimist International of Lompoc supports the Rape Crisis Center, Lifeline, Friends of the Library and more.

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Self-help seminar planned for Nov. 14

Valley Medical Group Counseling Center will host a self-help seminar featuring marriage and family therapists Ann Bockius and Pamela Osborn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at 119 South B St.

Admission is $50 and open to the public.

Participants will learn techniques that help improve self-expression, practice assertive skills and identify power struggles.

Registration is required, and space is limited to 10 participants.

For more information, call 735-7068.

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Founding Day to be honored at mission

La Purisima Mission State Historic Park invites the public to celebrate the founding of La Purisima Mission in 1787 on Dec. 8.

Visitors will experience luminaries leading the way to a musical evening anniversary celebration at 7 p.m. at the mission, 2295 Purisima Road.

Free tickets are available by mail request only. Tickets are limited to four per address.

For more information, call 733-3713.

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New center hosts open house

Community Action Commission will hold an open house from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, for the agency's new Head Start center in Lompoc.

The center is located at 648 North G St.

For more information, visit www.cacsb.com.

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Holiday boutique set for Saturday

New Life Christian Center will host a holiday boutique from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 816 North C St.

More than 20 vendors will offer food, goods and services. Door-prize drawings will be held every 30 minutes.

For more information, call Sarah Pottebaum at 588-1028.

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Unit 125 to host holiday dinner

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 125 will host a Thanksgiving dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Veterans Memorial Building, 100 E. Locust Ave.

The dinner will include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, dressing and all of the fixings. Dinners at the door will be sold for $8 donation.

For more information, call 736-3333.

- By the Record staff

November 3, 2009