The Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd, is offering free tax help to low- and middle-income taxpayers. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fridays. Help will be given in preparing and e-filing returns through Friday, April 14. For more information, call 931-5365
Spring Garden Show
The Alameda County Spring Home and Garden Show starts today and runs through the weekend at the Fairgrounds. For the $5 cost of admission, see the latest in home improvement and décor today from noon-7 p.m, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Children 12 and under get in free. Parking is $8. For more information, visit www.capitalshowcase.com or call (800) 222-9351.
Fun with science
Pleasanton’s Amador Theater will host “The Big Energy Show” at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. The science program offers students a fun and fact-filled adventure in the principles of physical science, and will be enjoyed by students age 5 and up. The theater is located at 1155 Santa Rita Road on the Amador High School campus. For more information on this free event, call 931-3400.
Nature walk
Need an excuse to get out in nature? The Pleasanton Parks Department is sponsoring a hike through Austin Bernal Park for those 18 and up. Spring will be in the air March 25 as participants meet at 8:50 a.m. at the Augustin Bernal Park Staging Area.
The hike will take roughly three-and-a-half hours. Hikers will go up the Blue Oak Knoll, head north to the frog pond, then up to the ridge-top. If it’s a clear day, you should be able to see Mt. Diablo, plus have an expansive view of the entire valley.
The full hike is about four or five miles and includes a stop for lunch. A hike information sheet is available when registering. Cost is $18 if you register in advance. For more information, visit www.fitness-photos.com or call the instructor at 484-0239. Code for the hike is 31047. To register, visit www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/recreation.
