No News (Good News) in PG

Despite a flurry of unconfirmed reports, Lighthouse Cinemas in Pacific Grove will not be closing any time soon, according to Alan Stokes, vice president of film marketing for Metropolitan Theatres Corporation, which owns the movie house.

“This rumor has been circulating for a couple weeks and at this time—there is no truth to it,” Stokes says. “Some people took a comment or two out of context and the next thing you know everyone thinks we are closing. That is simply not the case.”

Metropolitan purchased Lighthouse Cinemas in 2003 from Resort Theaters and owns several landmark theaters. Based in Los Angeles, the chain has been family-owned and operated since 1923. [RM]

Hurricane Film Benefit at CSUMB

When CSU Monterey Bay film student and Louisiana native Estee Blancher needed help to make a documentary film on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she turned to musicians. A benefit concert to raise money for production and travel expenses will be held at 6pm Thursday at CSUMB’s University Center, Building 29, 6th Avenue, Seaside.

“Hurricane Katrina struck me right in the heart and I am going home,” Blancher says. “A crew will accompany me to document what we find.”

Performers will include Jonah and the Whalewatchers, the Pillow Fighters and Para La Gente. Co-host will be University of New Orleans student Staci Caccioppi, who is completing her college year at CSUMB, and recent footage from New Orleans will be shown.

Contragate Hero at Monte Vista

Oliver North, the Contragate conspirator and right-wing hero, will be the keynote speaker at Monte Vista Christian School’s Fall fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Aside from his role as point man for an illegal scheme to funnel money to Iran and guns to Nicaraguan death squads, North has been a combat-decorated Marine, best-selling author, syndicated columnist, and the host of War Stories on the Fox News Channel.

Despite his accomplishments, North claims being “the husband of one and the father of four” as his most important.

Proceeds from the event go to Monte Vista. The fundraiser is being held at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey at 5:30pm. For tickets call 722-8178 x103. [CB]