Five Things You Need to Know Today

Five Things is a new feature that will appear each week day on Patch. If you have an event, announcement or local fact that you think should be listed, send an e-mail to lindaking94583@gmail.com

1. There's still time to get the annual family Christmas card photo with Santa. Blackhawk Plaza is hosting Photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday in the plaza's main rotunda. This goes on through Christmas Eve.
2. San Ramon Valley Rotary's annual One Warm Coat, Protection from the Cold drive continues until Wednesday. Coats, sweaters and blankets are needed for men, women, children and infants. All items, clean and in good condition, can be dropped off at locations  in San Ramon, Dublin and Danville.
3.  Santa has a mailbox at the Danville Community Center. Children ages 1-12 who bring their letters to Santa through Wednesday will receive a letter in return by Christmas Eve. Be sure to include the child's name and address. The community center is at 420 Front St. For more information, call 925-314-3400. 
4. Once Upon a Book: The Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration features the original works of several of California's most accomplished artists and illustrators. This display continues until Friday at the Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville.  Admission is free. For more information, call 925-314-3400.
5. Today and every day, students who need help with homework can turn to the Contra Costa Library's online service "."

The National Weather Service forecast a partly sunny day today with highs near 60 and a 20 percent chance of rain as the day ends.