City starts Christmas tree recycling program Dec. 26 The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department will begin accepting Christmas trees beginning Friday, Dec. 26, at a number of drop-off locations around the city. Residents can drop off trees through Jan. 23, at the following coastal locations: • Kate Sessions Park, 5077 Soledad Road • Mission Bay, SeaWorld Drive at Pacific Highway • Ocean Beach, Robb Field, 2525 Bacon St. • University City, Swanson Pool, 3585 Governor Drive Tree stands, lights, ornaments and all decorations should be removed before dropping off. Trees sprayed with fake snow, known as flock trees, will also be accepted. The city is also reminding residents not to leave any other trash or items to be recycled at these locations because it will not be removed. Residents with curbside yard waste collection can also leave their trees by the curb for pickup. The city began the tree recycling program 35 years ago to help reduce the amount of organic material being dumped in the Miramar Landfill. Now the trees, along with other yard waste such as grass clippings are either turned into compost, mulch or wood chippings used for a variety of programs. For additional information call (858) 694-7000 or visit www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services. Registration begins for Mission Bay Girls Softball Mission Bay Girls Softball is now accepting players for its 2009 season. There are five divisions — 6 and under, 8 and under, 10 and under, 12 and under and 14 and under — with the players division determined by the player’s age as of Jan. 1, 2009. Players may register online at www.ezteamz.com/mbgsl or in person on Saturdays throughout the month of January at Bob McEvoy Field, 2701 Grand Ave. Registration is $115 per player, but can receive a $20 discount if the player signs up a sibling or new player. The registration fee includes a team uniform, socks, visor, team and player photos, trophy and insurance. The season begins in February, with weekly games held on either Friday or Saturday. For information contact Evan Bloom at [email protected]. Seaforth hosting boater education, training courses Seaforth Boat Rentals has opened The Boater Education Resource Center and is offering boating and training courses for sail, power and trailer boats. The classes are designed to meet boating training rules required by the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Courses are taught by U.S. Coast Guard licensed and insured captains. Seaforth Boat Rentals is located at 1641 Quivira Road in Mission Bay. For information call Daniell Williams at (619) 233-1681. New PB?campaign offers big shopping discounts To promote its “Eat, Drink, Shop, Think PB!” campaign, Discover Pacific Beach is offering a one-page coupon offering a wide range of discounts to participating retail and dining establishments, along with a handful of coffee shops, taverns and salons. With the coupon, shoppers can save money by spending locally at approximately 44 retail spots, offering just about everything shoppers might be in the market for. A sample of the participants include: Restaurants • Olde City Grill 967 Garnet Ave. • Lotsa Pasta 1762 Garnet Ave. • Sandbar Sports Grill 718 Ventura Place • Chocolate Haus 947 Turquoise St. • Zanzibar 976 Garnet Ave. Pubs • Thruster’s Lounge 4633 Mission Blvd. • Tavern at the Beach 1200 Garnet Ave. • Society Billiard 1051 Garnet Ave. Coffee and organic foods • Synergy Raw Bakery 1419 Garnet Ave. • Pacific Bean Coffee Co. 712 ½ Garnet Ave. • Açai Brazilian Market 1570 Garnet Ave. Clothing • Raw Clothing 940 Garnet Ave. • PB Sun and Sea 4150 Mission Blvd. • The Buff 1341 Garnet Ave., Surf & Beach • SunSplash Swimwear 979 Garnet Ave. • Surf Club Surf Shop 952 Garnet Ave. • Rip Curl 4287 Mission Blvd. Music • Access Music, 1537 Garnet Ave. Salons, nails and beauty • Hair Galleria, 943 Turquoise St. • Mingle 955 Garnet Ave. • Hollywood Tans 1321 Garnet Ave. • Paper Doll Salon 1263 Garnet Ave. • Qticles 1463 Garnet Ave. • Robert Cromean Salon 969 Garnet Ave. Other participants include Pangaea Outpost, Lily GraceOnline, Motu Hawaii, Belli Capelli, Crossroads, Soul Grind, Beach Mailbox and Max Muscle. For a copy of the “Eat, Drink, Shop, Think PB!” coupon and a complete list of participating retailers, visit www.PacificBeach.org.