Dimension Performing Arts presents "A Peek at Peking Opera II" June 15 at the San Jose Civic Auditorium. It features Peking opera performers from across the United States.

The performances showcase scenes from three popular Peking operas.

A scene from Tale of the White Serpent tells the story of a white serpent Bai Suzhen transforming herself into a human form to marry Xu Xien. One day, Bai relapses into her natural form and shocks Xu to death. Bai then embarks on a journey to steal the mystic herb, which can resurrect the dead.

A scene from Adventure of a Jade Bracelet is about a young girl Sun Yujiao falling in love with a young lad while she feeds the chickens. The young man returns to drop her a jade bracelet as a token of love. A matchmaker witnesses the courtship and unites them in marriage.

A scene from Journey to the West features Monkey King, who ransacks the celestial palace and steals precious peaches because he is the only one that is not invited to the Jade Emperor's grand feast.

For information, call 408.257.6555 or www.dimensionperformingarts.com.


Astronaut to speak at lecture series

NASA astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa, a crew member on four space missions, will give a free lecture titled "NASA and Space: An Astronaut's Perspective" on June 11 at 7 p.m. at the Flint Center. Santa Clara County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado will moderate.

Ochoa was a mission specialist on STS-56 (1993), payload commander on STS-66 (1994) and mission specialist /flight engineer on STS-96 (1999) and STS-110 (2002).

On STS-110, she was one of the astronauts who operated the International Space Station's robotic arm, helping to install a part and maneuver crewmembers during three of the mission's four space walks.

Ochoa will show videos, and there will be time for questions.

The astronaut's talk is part of the "Women in Science: No Limits" lecture series sponsored by NASA Ames Research Center, De Anza College and the National Center for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Young people over the age of 12 are welcome.

For further information about the series, call 408.864.8816 or visit www.flintcenter.com.


Free crime prevention seminar on June 23

Merchant Watch, a free crime prevention seminar organized by the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce's Asian American Business Council, along with the city of Cupertino and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, will take place 4 to 6 p.m. on June 23 in the Quinlan Community Center.

Participants will get tips on preventing fraud, burglaries, theft and identity theft. They can also gather information about crime investigation and learn about a new email alert program in the city.

For reservations, call the Chamber of Commerce office at 408.252.7054.

For information contact Sgt. Skip Shervington at 408.777.3177.


Kids get free or low-cost health benefits

Cupertino Community Services offers services to help families apply for free and low-cost health insurance coverage for children.

The insurance plans, which cover medical, dental and vision care, include Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and Healthy Kids.

Families must be residents of Santa Clara County.

To make an appointment call 408.255.8033.


ESL, Citizenship class this June and July

The Fremont Union High School District's Sunnyvale-Cupertino Adult Education program is offering another class in English as a second language and citizenship preparation. The class will take place from June 23 to July 30.

Participants can learn about American history and government and practice taking written tests and answering interview questions.

Interested people can register in class on June 23. The class is scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 to 9:45 p.m. in Room L-106 at Homestead High School, 21370 Homestead Road. For more information, call 408.522.2736.