http://www.danvilleexpress.com If it is local and useful, it is on DanvilleExpress.com. en-us Suzanne Arca, from a Bay Area landscape firm, will discuss what you can do instead of having a lawn. Creating gardens that use less water does not have to mean inferior aesthetics and functionality. Suzanne will put to rest the notion that the front garden needs a lawn. The class is from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19 at The Gardens at Heather Farm (1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek). Cost $25. Call 947-1678 or visit www.gardenshf.org.]]> Enjoy gardening or looking for inspiration? Participate in the Hidden Gardens of the Valley garden tour in Pleasanton this weekend benefiting Valley Humane Society. The event is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 20. Advance tickets are $35 and $40 the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at Alden Lane Nursery, Armstrong Garden Center, Serenity Stoneworks, Towne Center Books, Western Garden Nursery, and Valley Humane Society. All proceeds benefit Valley Humane Society, a local non-profit organization. Questions, call VHS 426-8656.]]> Livermore Valley Opera presents internationally acclaimed tenor Eleazar Rodriguez, joined by other world-class opera singers for an afternoon of passion-stirring music. The event is from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, May 20 at the Firehouse Arts Center (4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton). Tickets are $20. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org.]]> Event featuring Richard Bolles of the "What Color is Your Parachute" books will speak from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at Shadelands Civic Arts Education Center (111 North Wigit Ln., Walnut Creek). Cost is $10. Visit www.euccc.org.]]> Meet comic great Mark Texeira, an amazing artist for Marvel, DC Comics and more. He has worked on Spider Man, Ghost Rider, Wolverine, Vampirella, Conan, Thor, Black Panther, X-Men and more.The event is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18 at Heroes & Villains Comics (264 Main St., Pleasanton). Call 399-5352 or visit www.heroesvillainscomics.com.]]> The Widowed Men and Women of Northern California would like to invite you to join them for brunch / luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 20 at Pasta's Trattoria (405 Main St., Pleasanton). Cost is your menu choice and beverage. RSVP to Ruby by Thursday, May 17 at 462-9636.]]> Just Between Friends will host a huge kids and maternity consignment sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 19 and 20 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds (4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton). Cost $2 for adults. Call 322-0523 or visit www.jbfsale.com. ]]> The Diablo Valley Quilters Guild meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Danville Congregational Church, (989 San Ramon Valley Blvd.). Guests are welcome ($2 donation). Annual membership fee is $30 ($20 for seniors 65+). For information, call Dianne at 837-1863. ]]> The Widowed Men and Women of Northern California would like to invite you to join them for Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at the Sheraton Hotel (5990 Stoneridge Mall Road, Pleasanton). Cost is your choice of food and or beverage. RSVP to Kathy by Tuesday, May 15 at 398-8005.]]> Registration is now available for the Spring 2012 Junior Ranger Program at Mt. Diablo State Park. Children, ages 7 to 12, plus one accompanying adult are eligible to participate. Sessions will be held at various locations in the park. The five weekend sessions are from 1-4 p.m., April 28 through June 3. Registration is limited. For more call 362-8697 or email sae612@msn.com.]]>