California Herb Walk at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Rains House: A real focal point of history, the John Rains House historic site in Rancho Cucamonga, will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 28 and Aug. 29. The Rains House was the 1860 house built by John Rains after he purchased Rancho Cucamonga. Operated by the San Bernardino County Museum, the house has many artifacts from the area and 19th century furnishings. It is at 8810 Hemlock in Rancho Cucamonga. Open Tuesday through Saturday, admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior and military, $2.50 for students and free for 4 and under. Information: 909-307-2669 ext. 240, www.sbcounty.gov/museum
California Herb Walk: Join herbalist William Broen for a garden walk and presentation featuring medicinal and edible plants native to California from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. Participants will learn both traditional and modern plant uses of approximately 30 species and relevant folklore. Cost is $20 for Garden members, $25 for general admission. The Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont. Information: 909-625-8767, www.rsabg.org
Book signing: Local author Tamara Miller signing copies of her new book “Betrayal and Blessings,” the third of her five-book “Family Forever” series, at 11 a.m. Aug 29 at Charlie’s Stars & Stripes restaurant, 296 N. 2nd Ave, Upland. The “Family Forever” series tells the story of five generations of a tight-knit family growing up in the Pomona Valley. Information: www.familyforever5.com
Free pet adoptions: Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, R-Rancho Cucamonga, will pay the adoption fees for the first 100 pets adopted at the Rancho Cucamonga shelter over the three-day weekend period. Steinorth also hopes to gain support for his bill that would reduce taxes for those who adopt pets from a nonprofit shelter. The local shelter is at 11780 Arrow Route, Rancho Cucamonga. The animal shelter is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 28 and noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 29 and Aug. 30. Information: 909-466-7387, www.cityofrc.us
Gold Panning: The Big Bear Discovery Center will offer a children’s gold panning class from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 29. The cost is $3 to learn gold panning using real equipment. The “gold” to be found in the class is actually pyrite. Children can take home what they find, as well as an informational handout and a certificate. The center is at 40971 North Shore Drive in Fawnskin. Information: 909-382-2790, mountainsfoundation.org
Mi Ranchito Fiesta: St. John Bosco Mission in East Highland will hold its annual Mi Ranchito Fiesta from 2 to 11 p.m. Aug. 29 at 28911 Merris St. Organizers say it will be a traditional Mexican fiesta with patio and booths covered with paper flowers. All types of food will be available: taquitos with guacamole, pit barbecue, Italian sausages, tostadas, hot dogs, raspados (snow cones), beer garden, and homemade tamales. A ballet folklorico performs at 3 p.m., a mariachi band plays at 4:30, and a live dance band from 7 to 11 p.m. Information: 909-862-5680.