CARLSBAD
Discovery Days continues at Mall
The Forum Carlsbad Discovery Days, a free summer series for all ages, continues from 10 a.m. to noon July 26 with Ahoy Matey Pirate Day at the mall, 1923 Calle Barcelona. Highlights include adventure stories and interactive “pirate training.” Adult supervision required. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Genealogy buffs gather
Speaker Andy Likins will give a presentation on “Locating Images of Ancestors: Putting a Face With a Name” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 26 at the North San Diego County Genealogical Society meeting at Carlsbad’s Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Reservations are not necessary if attending in person. To attend virtually, get the Zoom link at nsdcgs.org. Later that day, at 1 p.m., the Legacy Users Group will meet virtually. Email legacyusersgroup@nsdcgs.org.
CHULA VISTA
Live music and car show
The Summer Sundays “Hot Bands, Cool Cars and Family Fun” event is from 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays through July 28 and features a different band and car club every week. There will be food and product samples from Village Walk businesses and activities for kids, including free craft activities, balloon sculptures and face painting. Summer Sundays is at Village Walk at Eastlake, 884 Eastlake Parkway. Visit shopvillagewalk.com/special-events.
Golf and high school reunion
The Sweetwater High School Alumni, Friends and SUHI Foundation hold the second Golf and Dinner reunion event on Aug. 2 at the Chula Vista Golf Course, 4475 Bonita Road. Shotgun start is at 1 p.m., with registration starting at 11 a.m. Cost is $100 per player; $30 for dinner only. Call (619) 352-8886.
ENCINITAS
Moonlight Beach concerts
The free Moonlight Beach Concert series features a performance by Ash Easton from 3 to 5 p.m. July 28 at 400 B St. The Flailing Idiots, a pop punk trio from Vista, will perform from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. Visit encinitasca.gov.
Dink For Dogs Pickleball fundraiser
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society is hosting its first Dink For Dogs Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser for the Animals from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 sponsored by Jimbo’s at the Bobby Riggs Racket and Paddle Club, 875 Santa Fe Drive. Check-in is from 4:30 to 5 p.m. followed by the pickleball round robin with competitive and social play options from 5 to 6:15 p.m. and the awards ceremony and announcement of auction winners between 6:15 and 7 p.m. Entry fees are $85 per player for the mini competitive tournament; $150 for doubles teams in the mini competitive tournament; and $85 for social open play. Spectator tickets, which include food and beverages, are $50. Visit sdpets.org.
ESCONDIDO
Cactus enthusiasts gather
The Palomar Cactus and Succulent Society will host Ernesto Sandoval from the UC Davis Conservatory at 1 p.m. July 27 at 210 E. Park Ave. Sandoval will speak on “A Natural History of Baja California.” Visit palomarcactus.org.
Library Friends group holds book sale
The Friends of the Escondido Library bookstore holds its monthly half-price sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 22-27 at the library, 239 S. Kalmia St. All items in the store will be 50 percent off (25-cent minimum), including a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, collectors books, and DVDs and CDs along with an extensive children’s section, with books, DVDs and VHS. Call (760) 839-4832. Visit library.escondido.org.
Senior Service Council seeks volunteers
The Senior Service Council is looking for reception desk volunteers who can spare three hours per week. Bilingual volunteers are a plus. Since 1972, the council has provided various services, support groups, tech tutoring and health care counseling for seniors in the community. Call (760) 480-0611 or visit www.escondido-senior-services.org.
Grief Support Group
The Senior Service Council Escondido hosts a Grief Support Group from 1 to 2 p.m. July 25 in the council’s Oak Room, 728 N Broadway. The group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Call (760) 480-0611.
FALLBROOK
Exhibits open at library
Two art exhibitions — “It Never Rains in California” and “Messaging Birdhouses” — are on display in the Fallbrook Library through Aug. 23, hosted by the Friends of the Fallbrook Library. A free reception for the artists will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 3 to meet and chat with the artists. There will be live music and refreshments. The Fallbrook Library is at 124 S. Mission Road.
LAKESIDE
Library holds Cowboy Day book sale
The nonprofit Lakeside Friends of the Library will offer Western-themed books and movies for 50 percent off from July 22-27 in honor of Day of the Cowboy at its bookstore, 12428 Woodside Ave. The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday to Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Visit www.lakesidecafriends.org.
LA MESA
Parkinson’s Group meets July 24
San Diego East County Parkinson’s Support Group meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 24 at the United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave. The event is aimed at individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, friends and family. There will be educational information and activities. For questions, email altamura13@myyhoo.com.
LEMON GROVE
Firefighters win first place in Lions Club chili cookoff, event raises $5,000
The Lemon Grove Lions Club recently held its annual Chili Cook-Off in partnership with the Lemon Grove Forward Club and raised more than $5,000. Proceeds will go to the Lemon Grove Graffiti Removal Project. The Lemon Grove Fire Department won first place for the best chili. The Lemon Grove Lions Club also recently installed its executive board for 2024-2025. New board members include Ken Burke, president; Barbara Sala, secretary; Tobi Gary, vice president; and JoAnne Burke, treasurer. The group is part of Lions Clubs International, a network of volunteers who work together to help those in need in their communities. For information on joining the club, call (619) 469-7350.
NATIONAL CITY
Day of Play
A free Day of Play for families to learn about healthy eating is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27 at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, 2525 N Ave. There will be hands-on gardening and cooking activities outdoors. Visit www.olivewoodgardens.org/day-of-play.
OCEANSIDE
Author of ‘Waikiki Dreams’ to give talk
California Surf Museum hosts a book talk with author Patrick Moser on “Waikiki Dreams: How California Appropriated Hawaiian Beach Culture” at 6:30 p.m. July 24 at 312 Pier View Way. Moser’s new book picks up where his previous book, “Surf & Rescue: George Freeth and the Birth of California Beach Culture,” leaves off, and tracks California beach culture from 1920 to World War II. Doors open at 6 p.m. Visit surfmuseum.org.
Library offers summer lunch program
The Oceanside Public Library offers a free Lunch at the Library program this summer for kids up to age 18 on weekdays from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Civic Center Library, 330 N. Coast Highway, and from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Landes Community Center Library, 2855 Cedar Road, and Joe Balderrama Park, 709 San Diego St. Visit oceansidelibrary.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Clothing, household items collected for refugees
The Village Church is collecting donations of new and gently used clothing and household items for newly arrived refugee families as part of its Christmas in July event. Items will be collected from 8:30 a.m. to noon July 28 in the church parking lot at 6225 Paseo Delicias. Items needed also include shoes, furniture and kitchenware along with toys. The donations will help support the ongoing work of the Alliance for African Assistance and its Safari Seconds Thrift Store in San Diego. The group is currently assisting Ukrainian and Afghan refugees. Financial donations are also welcome. Visit villagechurch.org/christmas-in-july.
SAN DIEGO
Summer Band Festival
The free Summer Band Festival, an annual celebration of community bands, is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 27 at Civita Park Amphitheater on Civita Boulevard. The free event features bands from San Diego County and beyond. The event is hosted by the Kearny Mesa Concert Band and San Diego Concert Band. Attendees can stop by the Mission Valley Farmers Market at Civita Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is parking available in the dirt lot at Civita Boulevard and Community Lane. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-band-festival-tickets-919192538627.
Point Loma Summer Concerts
The 22nd annual Point Loma Summer Concerts are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 9 at Point Loma Park, 1049 Catalina Blvd., with junior bands starting at 5:30 p.m. and headliners at 6:15 pm. The July 26 concert features DSB, a Journey tribute band. There is entertainment for all ages, a raffle that benefits school music programs, and food vendors. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Admission is free. Visit www.pointlomasummerconcerts.org.
Twilight in the Park Free Concert series
The Twilight in the Park Free Concert Series continues from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 27-28 at Balboa Park Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American E. Road. The series runs Tuesdays to Thursdays through Aug. 29. For the schedule, visit balboapark.org/twilight-concerts.
Family Day Fiesta
A Family Day Fiesta is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28 at UC San Diego’s Park & Market. The event will feature mini-sessions and a puppet parade. Visitors can hear Short Tales from the Mothership, a science-fiction storytelling inspired by the architecture of Geisel Library. The UC San Diego Bookstore will offer a selection of graphic novels and other sci-fi/fantasy books for purchase. Free admission. Visit library.ucsd.edu/news-events/events/family-day-fiesta-at-park-market.
Food equity summit and resource fair
The Feast: Food, A Human Right Summit and Resource Fair is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 27 at the Logan Heights Library, 567 S. 28th St. Highlights include a resource fair with booths featuring community food resources, panel discussion with food system leaders, a nutrition and exercise class, community discussion with refreshments and food distribution. Free admission. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/the-feast-food-a-human-right-summit-and-resource-fair-tickets-919904157097.
Sunset luau on the bay
The annual Sunset Luaus at Mission Bay, a celebration of Polynesian cuisine, island music, and dance, are from 5:30 to 9 p.m. July 23 and 26 at 3999 Mission Blvd. Highlights include all-you-can-eat buffet, lei greeting, Mai Tai and entertainment. Dance performances will be given by the local luau group Pride of Polynesia, featuring hula and torch dancers. A Kids Corner includes lei making, crafts, luau-themed coloring and stick-on tattoos. Tickets are $55-$165. Visit www.catamaranresort.com/sunset-luaus.
Doors of Change ‘Concert of Hope’
Erin Murphy is slated to cohost the annual Doors of Change “Concert of Hope” at 7:30 p.m. July 27 at the Epstein Family Amphitheater at UC San Diego, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. The concert features KC and The Sunshine Band. The event benefits local nonprofit Doors of Change, which helps homeless youths ages 17-24 get resources they need to turn their lives around. Visit amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/concert-of-hope-2024 or DoorsofChange.org.
Presidio walking tour
A Presidio walking tour is from 1 to 2 p.m. July 28 at The Junípero Serra Museum in Presidio Park, 2727 Presidio Drive, at the river’s edge and through the Presidio grounds. The tour focuses on the Presidio de San Diego, buried underground below the Serra Museum. Visitors will learn about the historical significance of the site and how archaeologists and historians have discovered the buildings and structures that were there previously, and reconstruct what they may have looked like. Participants can stroll through the new exhibition inside the Serra Museum and hear from Kumeyaay people, whose ancestors lived along the river’s edge. Fee is $20; $15 for San Diego History Center members. The tours are offered monthly through Sept. 21. Visit sandiegohistory.org.
Free outdoor musical performance
The Liberty Station Arts District Summer Music Series is from 4 to 7 p.m. July 28 featuring Sonido de la Frontera at the North Promenade. The free outdoor musical performances on the fourth Sunday of the month from June to September are hosted by the NTC Foundation and ZIA Productions, and spotlight four bands celebrating a variety of Latin American genres. Visit libertystation.com.
Valley Vibes Summer concerts
The Valley Vibes Summer concert series continues through Sept. 2 at Mission Valley, 1640 Camino del Rio. The free concerts are from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays. No tickets needed. Visit /www.acousticspottalent.com/venues/mission-valley for the lineup.
Free music education events
The La Jolla Music Society will offer free learning and engagement activities from July 26 to Aug. 24 as part of the SummerFest 2024 at The Conrad in La Jolla, including open rehearsals, artist lounges, encounters, coaching workshops and musical preludes that are all open to the public. The theme is “Inside Stories” and the festival will include 21 performances and 50 free education activities over four weeks. Education events are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required for some events. Single tickets for other events are $30 to $115. Register at TheConrad.org.
Free community swim
The Coggan Aquatic Complex is open free of charge from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays in July, including July 24 and July 31. Open to all ages. The pool is at 800 Nautilus St., La Jolla.
High school reunion
Helix High School class of 1964 is planning its 60th reunion Aug. 23-24 to visit with high school friends. The organizers need a headcount, so guests are asked to email tgwalker92129@sbcglobal.net or rochelleterry@gmail.com to RSVP and get more information.
Free museum admission
Free general admission to the exhibits at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park is offered on the third Tuesday of the month. Also, students, veterans and active-duty military can now get in the museum free any day with valid identification. Service members can take in one guest for free. Visit sdmart.org.
Art show at Liberty Station
ArtWalk Liberty Station is free to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 3 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 4 at Ingram Plaza – Arts District Liberty Station. The outdoor show celebrates artists from both sides of the border, and features the work of more than 150 artists from across several states and Mexico. Artwork ranges from paintings, photography, glass and ceramics to jewelry and sculpture. The show features a Friday evening preview pARTy from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2, with live music and a chance to get first pick of the artwork. Parking is free at Liberty Station. Visit www.artwalksandiego.org/libertystation.
Rotary receives award, meetings are Wednesdays
The San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary has been awarded the title of Best Large Club in District 5340. This announcement was made during the annual Rotary District Governor’s Dinner by District Governor Don Fipps. Club meetings are from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the San Diego University Club, on the 34th floor of 750 B St. Visit sdrotary.org.
48th Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive at Comic-Con
Comic-Con’s 48th Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 24-27 and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 28 at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, 1 Market Place. The drive is inspired by the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine” movie release. Comic-Con attendees can donate blood and receive a limited-edition Comic-Con T-shirt featuring Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” while supplies last. The goal is to break the record of collecting more than 3,000 pints over the five-day period. Visit sandiegobloodbank.org/comic-con-save-lives-48-robert-a-heinlein-blood-drive.
Movie premiere party for ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
Mission Valley shopping center hosts a free movie premiere party to celebrate the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine” at the Mission Valley AMC Theatres during Comic-Con. The event is from noon to 3 p.m. July 25 outside the AMC Theatre, 1640 Camino Del Rio North. Highlights will include photo opportunities with characters from the film, live music from DJ Sass, and a Spin to Win prize wheel with prizes from AMC. Comics-N-Stuff will have a table with comics. Attendees are encouraged to dress up for a cosplay contest to win an AMC gift card. Visit https://bit.ly/3z74nne.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Additional blood drives
The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):
Barons Market noon – 5 p.m. Aug. 2 at 1347 Tavern Road, Alpine.
Grocery Outlet 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Aug.6 at 9720 Winter Gardens Blvd., Lakeside.
Donors must be 17 and older, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo identification is required. To make an appointment or find more drives, call (800) 469-7322 or visitsandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Coast to Crest Challenge
The Coast to Crest Challenge starts its eighth year this month for hikers to sample San Dieguito River Park’s trail network by finishing a series of five hikes, organized by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. For some of the hikes, the conservancy organizes “Walk N Talk” outings for groups. ABernardo Mountain Lake View Trail Walk N Talk is July 26. The deadline to complete this year’s series is June 30, 2025. Visit sdrvc.org.
Stuff the Bus school supplies drive
San Diego County Credit Union’s 10th annual Stuff the Bus campaign to raise money for back-to-school supplies for local homeless youths is under way. The campaign is in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia radio stations to support Live Well San Diego. The community can donate at Jersey Mike’s locations in San Diego County, SDCCU branches or online at sdccu.com/donate through July 31.
Additional adoption hours at Humane Society
The San Diego Humane Society is open an additional two hours for adoptions on Thursday and Friday evenings through Oct. 25 as part of a promotion to help more pets find homes during summer. Walk-in adoptions are Tuesday through Sunday at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego. Adoption hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Visit sdhumane.org/adopt.
Mobile medical units for homeless veterans
VA mobile medical units will be parked at a number of MTS trolley stations to provide on-the-spot services to homeless veterans, including health care, urgent care, vaccines, prevention screening, pharmacy and lab services, telehealth services and information about veterans housing programs. The vans are scheduled to be at various MTS trolley stations at 9 a.m. Fridays. The schedule for summer and fall includes the following stations:
• Palomar Street MTS trolley station, 1265 Industrial Blvd., Chula Vista, on July 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 27 and Oct. 25.
• El Cajon MTS trolley station, 352 S. Marshall Ave., El Cajon, on Aug. 23, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11.
• Old Town MTS trolley station, 4009 Taylor St., San Diego, on Aug. 2, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4.
To see the latest schedule of the Veteran Healthcare on Wheels, visit https://www.va.gov/san-diego-health-care/events/70106/.
Seacrest Foundation holds virtual auction and gala
The Seacrest Foundation and Women’s Auxiliary host the 46th Annual Together Wherever In Spirit Gala featuring an online auction from July 22-26. The stay-at-home event will benefit the Seacrest Village Resident Assistance Fund, which provides charitable care for assisted living residents in need. The funds will provide housing, healthcare, and supportive services. Visit https://www.seacrestvillage.org/seacrest-foundation/special-events/together-whereever/.
Enrollment opens for conservancy program
The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy is accepting enrollment for its 2024-25 season of Exploring Our Sense of Place, a series of seven guided hikes exploring the watershed’s natural history. The hikes explore areas that are not accessible to the public and are led by experts in the fields of wildlife, geology, Native Americans, birds, native plants and the ecology of wetlands. Enrollment limit is 25 and deadline is Aug. 7. Register at sites.google.com/a/exploringoursenseofplace.org/exploringoursenseofplace.
SAN MARCOS
Free movie screening
A free movie night featuring Disney’s “Moana” starts at 5 p.m. July 26 at North City’s plaza, 251 North City Drive. Highlights include special appearances from movie characters Moana and Maui, games, and family activities at 5 p.m., followed by the movie screening at 6:30 p.m. Limited seating; bring low chairs and blankets to the open-air, pop-up theater.
SANTEE
Red Cross blood drive
The city of Santee hosts a Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23 at Santee City Hall Building 8A, 10601 Magnolia Ave. Appointments are recommended and blood donors can receive a Fandango movie ticket by email to see “Twisters.” Visit www.SanteeSpecialEvents.com.
SOLANA BEACH
Concerts at the Cove run through Aug. 8
The city of Solana Beach and the Belly Up Tavern host the free summer Concerts at the Cove series from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 8 featuring local musicians at the Fletcher Cove Park stage, 111 S. Sierra Ave. The July 25 concert features Slack Key Ohana/Aloha Show. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org.
Square dance party
The Sandpipers Square Dance Club puts on a Beach Dance Party from 6 to 7 p.m. July 27 at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave, Solana Beach. The event offers an introduction to square dancing. Singles, couples and families welcome. Casual attire. Ice cream and watermelon refreshments will be served. Donation is $10; free for children 10 and younger. Visit SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org.
VALLEY CENTER
Clothing swap at library
I Love A Clean San Diego hosts an afternoon of clothing swapping from 2 to 4 p.m. July 24 at the Valley Center Library. Bring gently used clothing, shoes and accessories and take some pieces home at no cost. This helps keep fabrics out of local landfills. There is no donation limit; make sure donations do not have stains, rips or odors. Visit cleansd.org.
VISTA
Cat Cuddle time at shelter
A Cat Cuddle Hour at Love Your Feral Felines is from noon to 5 p.m. July 27-28 at the LYFF Adoption Center, 1929 W. Vista Way. The cage-free adoption center is open to the public on the weekends for Cat Cuddle Hours. Visitors can cuddle and play with up to 30 cats and kittens for an hour. Cost is $10 donation; $5 for children. Proceeds go to LYFF’s mission of continuing to rescue cats and providing animal welfare education. Walk-ins are welcome but weekends are busy, so reservations are recommended. Visit loveyourferalfelines.com/lyff-adoption-center.
If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Submit event information two weeks in advance. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers within the email text. Photos should be sent as JPEGs. Include the names of those in the photos from left to right along with the photo credit and permission from the photographer to use the photo in The San Diego Union-Tribune.
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