CHULA VISTA: Media Arts Center San Diego's San Diego Latino Film Festival and Otay Ranch Town Center are showing Spanish-language shorts and feature films this September at the second annual Que Viva! Cine Latino 2008.

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the public is invited to experience a collection of popular Latino films. There also will be a Latino art exhibit and live entertainment.

Weekly screenings and events will take place Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m., starting Wednesday in the Food Pavilion at Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road. All screenings and events are free and open to the public. Information: sdlatinofilm.com.

On Wednesday, “Bella,” starring Eduardo VerÁstegui, will be shown; on Sept. 10, a collection of short family films from past Latino Film Festivals; on Sept. 17, “The Motorcycle Diaries,” starring Gael García Bernal; and on Sept. 24, “Ladrón que Roba a Ladrón,” starring Miguel Varoni.

District improves most in county on state tests

SAN YSIDRO: The San Ysidro School District's 2008 state math and English test scores showed the greatest improvement over last year of any of the county's 42 public school districts, according to an analysis by the County Office of Education.

In spring testing, 34 percent of San Ysidro students scored proficient or above on the state's English and language arts test, compared with 28 percent last year. In math, the district's students rose to a 47 percent pass rate this year from 38 percent last year.

More than 62 percent of the district's nearly 5,000 students do not speak English fluently, compared with 25 percent countywide. English learners tend to earn low scores on the state's tests, which are administered in English.

Low pass rates at five of the district's seven schools have subjected them to federal sanctions.

Estuary leading weekly bird-watching excursion

IMPERIAL BEACH: The Tijuana Estuary will offer a free “Bird Walk” Sunday, as it does every Sunday from 3 to 4 p.m. along the McCoy Trail.

Participants of all ages can learn about some of the more than 370 species of birds that live or stop by the National Estuarine Research Reserve on their yearly migration.

Walks begin at the Visitor's Center, 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach. Bird watchers are encouraged to bring binoculars. No reservations are required.

For information, visit www.tijuanaestuary.org or call (619) 575-3613.

College giving training in opening a day care

NATIONAL CITY: Southwestern College will offer a free training program early next year for qualified Spanish-speaking participants on how to set up a licensed child care business.

Since space in the program is limited, those interested in participating must attend a free informational session from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 12 at the college's South County Regional Education Center, 800 National City Blvd.

All course work is in Spanish. Some materials and services are included. Limited child care is available. Priority acceptance will be given to San Ysidro applicants.

Classes will be held March through June 2009. A reservation is required for the informational session. For information, call (619) 216-6672.