IRS offering free tax assistance for seniors Several free tax preparation sites are now open throughout San Diego County to assist lower-income and senior taxpayers through the IRS Volunteer Income tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The VITA program also offers tax help to the disabled and to those who speak English as a second language. Eligible taxpayers will also find out if they qualify for the IRS’ earned income tax credit. The agency estimates that up to 25 percent of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the credit. For the location of the nearest VITA or TCE site, taxpayers are invited to call 211 in their area or the IRS at (800) 829-1040. More information is available at irs.gov. City launches film tilt on water conservation The City of San Diego Water Department is launching its first Water Conservation Film Contest for the city’s high school and college students. “Water Conservation, the Next Feature Presentation” focuses on steps to save water and the current drought environment in San Diego. Film entries are due April 1, and no entry fee is required to enter the contest. Each entrant should create his or her best 30- second film and submit it to the City of San Diego Water Department. A panel of judges will review the films and select a winner. The winning film will be shown at a premiere event in May and in Mission and Fashion Valley theaters as patrons wait for the feature presentation. Information and entry requirements are available online at www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation, or you may call the film contest coordinator, Louann Groening, at (619) 232-2112, extension 105. UCSD students shone through holiday season The student body at the University of San Diego, California (UCSD) made the holiday season bright this year by focusing on volunteering through more than 400 student organizations on the campus. “I think there may have been many reasons that each individual student had for helping out during the holiday season,” said Brian Champagne, president of the Foundation for International Service and Health (FISH). “But overall, I think students who feel blessed with so much want to give back to their communities and bless others as well.” Toy drives, service projects in Mexico and utilizing their talents in hosts of other ways are among the projects that these dedicated students accomplished this past holiday season.        “Education is about gaining knowledge and skills during life, and I think one essential skill and mindset in life is always to look outside oneself and to find and meet others in need,” Champagne said. “Working for a cause instead of money gives people a different and important perspective on life.” For info, visit www.ucsd.edu. Time to consider summer camps Although the first day of spring has not yet sprung, many parents are already looking ahead to summer and the various day camps available for their children. The La Jolla YMCA will hold a Camp Sign-up Day this Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at the YMCA, 8355 Cliffridge Ave. Along with traditional day camps, the YMCA will offer sports camps and other specialty camps such as fencing, equestrian, wilderness survival and more. The YMCA will sweeten the deal by giving either a discount on multiple camps or a free summer youth membership for a child, while families who decide to become YMCA members on Camp Sign-up Day will have the $100 membership fee waived. For more information, call (858) 453-3483, ext. 120, or e-mail [email protected]. March Madness means a great big book sale The North University Community Branch Library will hold a book sale Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thousands of books will be offered, with a bulk deal of $3 for all the books the buyer can stuff into a library plastic bag. Proceeds will go to the library, 8820 Judicial Drive. For information, call (858) 220-3312. Music, food and words mark St. Patrick’s Day La Jolla will celebrate all things Irish this week in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. On Saturday, March 14, Whole Foods Market will host a St. Patty’s Day Beer & Food Tasting from 3 to 5 p.m. Various Irish beers and personal appearances by brewers from Coronado Brewing Co. and Stone Brewery will enliven the event, along with corned beef en croute. The Villa Musica flute ensemble will provide Celtic music. Tickets are $10, with proceeds going to Whole Planet Foundation. Whole Foods Market is located at 8825 Villa La Jolla Drive. Call (858) 642-6700 for information. The Westwind Brass will perform a “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration” concert Tuesday, March 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the James S. Copley Library, 1134 Kline St. The evening will include Irish hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beer and wine. Tickets are $20 in advance or $35 for two, and must be reserved. Call (619) 501-3562 for information. Money raised will help support Westwind Brass’ educational outreach programs. Meanwhile, just down the street, the 30th annual St. Patrick’s Day Open Reading of Irish Poetry and Prose begins at 7 p.m. at D.G. Wills Books, 7461 Girard Ave. Attendees are encouraged to read selections from their favorite Irish writers, and, as always, “Messrs. Guinness and Harp will officiate the proceedings.” The event is free; call (858) 456-1800 for information.