• Do you “speak” sign language? The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Ty Warner Sea Center is looking for volunteers who are fluent in American Sign Language to introduce visitors to the many marine invertebrates, mammals, and fish of the S.B. Channel, teach them to use real oceanographic equipment, and have a great time! Completion of volunteer training and a minimum commitment of three hours per week are required. Call 682-4711 for more info.
• The County of Santa Barbara’s K-9 Pals Animal Assistance League is always looking for caring families and individuals to provide loving homes for the hundreds of puppies and dogs it provides shelter to every year. But because of the flailing economy looming over the country this holiday season, the organization needs your help more than ever: the shelter has seen a sharp rise in the number of dogs being abandoned by their owners simply because they can no longer afford to care for them. Stop by the shelter (5473 Overpass Rd., Goleta) to view dogs available for adoption, or call 681-4369 for info on volunteering.
• On Monday, December 15, at 7 p.m., join community members at the Arlington Theatre for a screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, a benefit event for Tea Fire burn victims Lance and Carla Hoffman. Proceeds from tickets to the film-a favorite of the couple’s-helps pay for medical costs for the two, who are undergoing treatment at the UC Irvine Medical Center for the severe injuries they sustained in the fire. Tickets are $15. Call 963-4408 for more info.