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SUCCESSFUL BULBS ... From flowering bulbs from South Africa to local natives, UC Master Gardeners will give a free talk on "Successful Bulbs for California Climates" on Tuesday, Nov. 30, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road. The gardeners will also offer tips on growing garlic, onions and shallots. Information: Master Gardeners at 408-282-3105, between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or mastergardeners.org.

INSIDE FINE HOMES ... The Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula, Inc., will kick off its holiday fundraiser, "Finishing Touches," on Thursday, Dec. 2, with a cocktail party (6 p.m. for donors at the sustainer level, 7 p.m. for other guests) at a private home in Atherton ($135, includes home tour). On Friday, Dec. 3, a Festive Luncheon & Boutique will be held at the Menlo Circus Club, 190 Park Lane, Atherton ($95, includes home tour). The heart of the event is a home tour ($40 in advance, $50 at the door) and boutique on Dec. 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour will include several homes in the Atherton area, and the boutique will take place at Sacred Heart Schools, 50 Emilie Ave., Atherton. Information: 650-321-5026, ext. 18, or www.juniorleaguehometour.com.

ONE WARM COAT ... Local Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices are participating in the annual "Operation: One Warm Coat" campaign, accepting donations of new or gently used coats, sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, mittens, as well as towels and blankets for the homeless and needy. Donations can be dropped off at Palo Alto offices at 245 Lytton Ave., Suite 100, or 2745 Middlefield Road through Dec. 17.

TOYS FOR TOTS ... And, even more local Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices will be collecting new, unwrapped toys, in partnership with the United States Marine Corps Reserves, as part of the annual Toys for Tots campaign. Toys may be dropped off through Dec. 17 at 245 Lytton Ave., Ste. 100, and 2745 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto; 800 El Camino Real, Ste. 300, and 930 Santa Cruz Ave. in Menlo Park; 116 Portola Road in Portola Valley; and 2969 Woodside Road in Woodside. Toys will be distributed to charitable organizations and agencies in time for the holidays.