vintage 1946 ballet dancer print - ballerina - sadlers wells theatre - ballet studio - technique - alicia markova - dance - danc

Kepler’s Books. Philip E. Auerswald, “The Coming Prosperity: How Entrepreneurs Are Transforming the Global Economy,” 7 p.m. May 3. Victoria Sweet, “God’s Hotel: A Doctor, a Hospital, and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine,” 7 p.m. May 8. Paul Goldstein, “Havana Requiem: A Legal Thriller,” 7 p.m. May 9. Benjamin Busch, “Dust to Dust: A Memoir, 7 p.m. May 10. Shirzad Chamine, “Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can,” 7 p.m. May 16. Marty Brounstein, “Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust,” 7 p.m. May 17. Peter Carey, “The Chemistry of Tears,” 7 p.m. May 21. Enrico Moretti, “The New Geography of Jobs,” 7 p.m. May 22. Jacqueline Kudler, “Easing Into Dark,” and Judy Halebsky, “Space/Gap/Interval/Distance,” 7 p.m. May 23. Victoria Zackheim, Ellen Sussman, Sam Barry and Kathi Goldmark, “Exit Laughing: How Humor Takes the Sting Out of Death,” 7 p.m. May 31. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. 650-324-4321 or www.keplers.com.

The festival drew vintage 1946 ballet dancer print - ballerina - sadlers wells theatre - ballet studio - technique - alicia markova - dance - danc more than 500 people, who were treated to music and dance performances, free gift bags and, of course, time with the bearded bringer of cheer who dons red and white, The sprinkling rain outside was no match for the pitter-patter of little feet and squeals of excitement inside, as hundreds of kids lined up for their moment with Santa Claus, “Ethan told Santa he wants a Hot Wheels track this year, We’ll see if it happens,” Brenda Palomares said with a wink and a smile..

Downtown San Jose, meanwhile, is ready to flip the switch Nov. 3 on its new, eye-popping light/art installation by Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant (who already made a splash with the work at Burning Man). Find out more here. Actor/comedian Kate Robards has a interesting take on class consciousness. Well, she has an interesting take on a lot of things, but the haves vs. the have-nots is the subject of her latest comedic solo show, now playing at The Marsh in San Francisco. Find out more here. And at San Francisco’s Magic Theatre, you can catch the world premiere of Barbara Hammond’s exploration of a dilemma that anyone who has cared for an aging parent could relate to. Read Sam Hurwitt’s feature on “The Eva Trilogy” here.

Jeff Bordes and Friends: The Pleasanton trumpeter presents “A Jazzy Christmas”; 8 p.m, Dec, 19; Firehouse Arts Center, Pleasanton; $13.50-$25; 925-931-4848, www.firehousearts.org, Windham Hill Winter Solstice Concert: Featuring Barbara Higbie, Alex de Grassi and Lisa Lynne; 7 and 9:30 p.m, Dec, 19; SFJazz Center, San Francisco; $30-$70; www.sfjazz.org, A vintage 1946 ballet dancer print - ballerina - sadlers wells theatre - ballet studio - technique - alicia markova - dance - danc Cash Country Christmas: Featuring acclaimed Johnny Cash tribute performer James Garner; 2 p.m, Dec, 20; Firehouse Arts Center, Pleasanton; $15.30-$27; 925-931-4848, www.firehousearts.org..

If you’ve noticed trees turning color already, you are not imagining things. California buckeyes, alders, big-leaf maples and other native deciduous trees — as well as many non-natives — are dropping their leaves early this year due to the drought. East Bay Regional Park District biologists have noted the phenomenon throughout the East Bay parklands. Trees are turning bright yellow, red or orange weeks earlier than usual as a way to conserve energy and nutrients during this extended dry period. And it’s not just trees: many species of wildlife have also adjusted their schedules to account for the shortage of water.