Introduction to Bridge - Weekly classes for beginners; first class free; more info, 831.708.8124. Tuesdays, 3-5pm. Santa Cruz Bridge Center, 720 Capitola Ave Suite E, Capitola (Santa Cruz), 831.465.1102.

Whole Story Coaching - Dr. Herby Bell teaches three successive Wed morning workshops on creating a vision for 2010; continues Feb 10 and 17. Register at store or by phone, at 831.462.4415, in advance. Wed., Feb. 10, 8-9am and Wed., Feb. 17, 8-9am. $15 per workshop. Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Ave, Capitola (Santa Cruz), 831.462.4415, www.capitolabookcafe.com.

Aannual Red And White Ball - An evening of ballroom dancing; wear something red (optional) and enjoy the Waltz, Foxtrot, Samba, Cha Cha and Swing to the live music of The Rainbows. Fri., Feb. 12, 7:30-10:30pm. $8 donation. Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave, Capitola (Santa Cruz).

Adoptable Pups at Peet's - Santa Cruz County Animal Services volunteers will be bringing adoptable shelter dogs to Peet's every second Saturday of each month for your reviewing and adopting pleasure. Second Saturday of every month. Free, 831.454.7303. Peet's Coffee and Tea, 819 Bay Ave #A, Capitola (Santa Cruz), 831.316.5040.

Book Publishing 1-2-3 - Subtitled "From The Writer's Fingers To The Reader's Hands," this workshop with editor Laurie Gibson covers getting published and self-publishing. Space limited; call or stop by store to register. Sat., Feb. 13, 10am-12pm. $20. Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Ave, Capitola (Santa Cruz), 831.462.4415, www.capitolabookcafe.com.

Stories for Kids - Readers Billie Harris and Jill Rose treat kids to fun stories. Mondays, 11am. 831.462.4415. Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Ave, Capitola (Santa Cruz), 831.462.4415, www.capitolabookcafe.com.

Nancy Lynn Jarvis - Local actor Brennan Marquez helps bring to life Nancy Lynn Jarvis’ novel The Death Contingency, Jarvis speaks, AJ Martinez of Slow Gherkin performs music, and pizza, salad and wine raffle round it out. Reservations: 831.476.2282. Mon., Feb. 15, 6:15pm. $10. Cava Wine Bar, 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola (Santa Cruz), 831.476.2282.

Kidpower Dining Benefit - 1/3 of the evening's proceeds will go to Kidpower, the child-safety program that teaches kids to protect and stand up for themselves. Call restaurant to reserve a table. Tue., Feb. 16, 5:30-8pm. Shadowbrook, 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola (Santa Cruz), 831.475.1511, Dinner Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30pm; Fri 5-10pm; Sat 4-10:30pm; Sun 4-9pm; lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am; brunch Sun 10am-2:15pm.

J. Sydney Jones - The author speaks on his book Requiem in Vienna: A Viennese Mystery, featuring a compelling hunt for an assassin who stalks Austria's best-known artists. Tue., Feb. 16, 7:30pm. Free. Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Ave, Capitola (Santa Cruz), 831.462.4415, www.capitolabookcafe.com.

Live Music - The Rainbows provide music for waltz, swing, fox trot and Latin dancing. Fridays, 7:30-10:30pm. Donation suggested, 831.476.4711. Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave, Capitola (Santa Cruz).