CITYSCAPE ROUNDUP:Family run/walk is for the birds

The Amigos de Bolsa Chica group is holding its 26th annual “Running is for the Birds” with a 5K/10K run and family fun walk on Oct. 7 at Bolsa Chica State Beach.

The race and walk start at the beach concession near Warner Avenue and continue along Pacific Coast Highway. The 5K run and walk will be toward Golden West Street; the 10K run is to the top of the bluff and back.

All funds raised from the race go to the nonprofit Amigos for the restoration, preservation and maintenance of the Bolsa Chica wetlands. The race starts at 8.30 a.m., with the 10K race, wrapping up by 10 a.m. Parking is free at Bolsa Chica State Beach before 8 a.m. There is a $25 early registration fee. To sign up online, visit www.active.com.

Toast to marine preservationists

Orange County Coastkeeper is holding its sixth annual “Toast the Coast” to recognize the people and groups involved in caring for and preserving Orange County’s marine environment.

The event, at 5.30 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort, will honor Sat Tamaribuchi, vice president of Environmental Affairs for the Irvine Co., and Peter Douglas, executive director of the California Coastal Commission. Other local officials expected to attend the toast are Supervisor Jim Silva, California Coastal Commissioner Larry Clark and Huntington Beach Mayor Dave Sullivan.

The group’s mission is to protect Orange County and the Inland Empire’s marine habitats and identify sources of coastal water pollution.

For more information, visit www.coastkeeper.org.

Locals Card promotes local businesses

Local businesses have joined to offer the Huntington Beach Locals Card, offering discounts at high-end restaurants, shops, banks and yoga studios.

The brainchild of local realtors Kevin Grange and his brother Sean, the card is to encourage residents to shop locally and build relationships with business owners.

About 500 cards were printed, and Grange is gearing up to print another batch. Restaurants including Red Pearl Kitchen, Huntington Beach Beer Co., Cavallino Ristorante and Chimayo at the Beach offer 10% to 20% off.

To sign up, go to www.hblocalscard.com, or call (714) 500-3332.

La Salsa opens at Bella Terra shopping center

La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill restaurant is now open at Bella Terra Shopping center in Huntington Beach.

The opening celebrations on Sept. 20 featured dance sensation Alex Da Silva of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame on Fox. Da Silva, who is also the reigning champion of the Mayan’s annual international salsa competition, taught some salsa moves to the guests.

The first 102 guests who arrived for the event received a month of free lunches from the restaurant. One of the guests also received a privately catered salsa party at their home for up to $1,000.

About 125 people attended the celebrations for the new restaurant, located right across from the Cheesecake Factory.

La Salsa is a subsidiary owned by Santa Barbara Restaurant Group Inc., a part of CKE Restaurants Inc.