ALPINE

Women’s club holds ‘Attic Treasures Sale’

The Alpine Woman’s Club is hosting its 10th annual “Attic Treasures Sale,” including clothing, accessories, gift items and home decor, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 29 to March 2 at the Alpine Historic Town Hall, 2156 Alpine Blvd. Proceeds support the club’s education foundation, scholarships for local graduating seniors and the preservation of the Alpine Historic Town Hall, which was established in 1899. Visit alpinewomansclub.org.

CARLSBAD

‘The Greatest Generation’ topic at genealogy club

A presentation on “The Greatest Generation” led by Jennifer Holik will be given at the North San Diego Genealogical Society meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 27 in the city of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Admission is free. Stay afterward to share stories and memorabilia. No registration is necessary if attending in person; Zoom link is at nsdcgs.org. Later that day, the Legacy Users Group Chat Class will meet virtually via Zoom at 1 p.m. For the link, email [email protected].

The Flower Fields opens March 1

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch opens March 1 at 5704 Paseo Del Norte. The venue features 55 acres of colorful Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers along with family-oriented activities and special events. Additional attractions include a Sweet Pea Maze, a butterfly garden, Santa’s Playground, an American flag of flowers and a Mediterranean Garden. The Flower Fields is slated to be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Mother’s Day. Tickets are $23; $21 seniors and military and $14 for children ages 3-10; must be bought in advance online at theflowerfields.com. (No on-site ticket sales.)

CHULA VISTA

Sesame Place puts on Elmo’s Furry Fun Fest

Sesame Place San Diego runs Elmo’s Furry Fun Fest weekends through March 17 at 2052 Entertainment Circle. Highlights include a Tango’s Fur-ever Friends Weekend Feb. 24-25. Oscar’s Trash-tastic Weekend March 2–3, Big Bird’s Pajama Party Weekend March 9–10, and St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & Elmo’s Furry Fun Fest Finale Party March 16–17. Kids get in free with a paying adult. Visit sesameplace.com.

DEL MAR

Rose Society gives virtual tour of Hamilton Gardens

Del Mar Rose Society member Elizabeth Basin will present a virtual tour of the Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center, 1658 Coast Blvd. The presentation will look at the gardens, a “living museum of parklands from 4,000 years ago to futuristic fantasy gardens of tomorrow.” The event begins with a reception, followed by the lecture at 7 p.m. Call (760) 809-6860 or visit delmarrosesociety.org.

Coast to Crest 10K and 5K trail race

The seventh annual Coast to Crest 10K and 5K trail race, known as the “Flat and Furious,” starts at 7:30 a.m. March 2 at 2801 Via de la Valle Drive. Both courses are groomed dirt trails with wide lagoon views and a downhill finish. Volunteers are also sought. Visit enduranceraceseries.com/coast-to-crest.

Gem Faire kicks off March 1 at fairgrounds

The Gem Faire, which has become a marketplace for fine jewelry, crystals, gemstones, beads, minerals and fossils, is back at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from noon to 6 p.m. March 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 2 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3 at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Attendees can buy directly from importers and wholesalers. Items range from loose gemstones, raw minerals and millions of bead strands to finished jewelry, fashion accessories, supplies and tools. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring-sizing services will be offered. Admission is $7 for a weekend pass; free admission for children 11 and younger. Visit gemfaire.com.

ENCINITAS

San Dieguito Art Guild members.

(Courtesy of Kathy Chin)

San Dieguito Art Guild holds annual ‘State of the Guild’ meeting

Members of the nonprofit San Dieguito Art Guild gathered recently at the Community Center in Encinitas for their annual “State of the Guild” presentation given by the guild’s president, Janet Scura. The meeting, which included a social time and white elephant exchange of gifts, drew 34 members from across San Diego County. The San Dieguito Art Guild was formed in 1965 and owns and runs the Off Track Gallery, at 937 S. Coast Highway 101 . The group holds an annual Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden, and Studio Tour for the community and an annual Holiday Bazaar featuring handmade artworks by guild members. Membership is open to San Diego County artists. Visit sandieguitoartguild.com.

Peter Sprague Trio performs at library

The Peter Sprague Trio will give a free concert from 2 to 3 p.m. March 3 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive, hosted by the Friends of the Encinitas Library. The group will perform music from different genres including jazz, Brazilian, pop and blues. The program includes the calypso-infused “Hanalei Town,” Hoagy Carmichael’s “Skylark” and Carole King’s “So Far Away.” The band features Sprague on guitar along with Danny Green on piano and Mack Leighton on acoustic bass. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Visit encinitaslibfriends.org.

City to hold youth piano competition

The city of Encinitas will hold the inaugural 2024 Youth Piano Concerto Competition with the North Coast Symphony Orchestra. Young pianists in grades K-12 can compete for three paid opportunities to perform one movement of a selected concerto with the orchestra on a Steinway D concert grand piano. The deadline to register is March 27. The performance is at 2:30 p.m. June 15 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The winners will be accompanied by the North Coast Symphony Orchestra. Email [email protected] or call (760) 633-2745.

ESCONDIDO

Escondido Cars and Coffee

The Escondido Cars and Coffee gathering is from 8 to 10 a.m. Sundays at Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway. Cars, trucks and bikes are welcome. This is a family- and pet-friendly event. Visit facebook.com/groups/escondidocarsandcoffee.

Fine arts show runs through March 1

The North County Society of Fine Arts Members’ Show runs through March 1 at the Escondido Arts Partnership’s Expressions Gallery, 262 E. Grand Ave. The public can view the paintings in this free exhibit and many are for sale. The winners of the art show include Best of Show, Page Ginns; First Place, Kathryn Peterson; Second Place, Janet Keto; Third Place, Joan Bonetti; and Honorable Mentions, Lois Goodman and Vita Sorrentino. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays. Visit ncsfa.org.

LA MESA

East County Parkinson’s support group meets

The San Diego East County Parkinson’s Support Group meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave. The event is aimed at community members with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, friends and family. There will be educational information and social activities. For questions, email [email protected].

OCEANSIDE

The current Miss Teen Oceanside is Karis Ho and Miss Oceanside is Rhianna Hawley.

(Courtesy of Pamela Pahnke)

Orientation meeting for Miss Oceanside applicants

Applications are being accepted for the 2024 Miss Oceanside and Miss Teen Oceanside Scholarship Pageant slated for 6 p.m. May 11 at the Star Theater in Oceanside, sponsored by the Oceanside Sea Lions Club, part of Lions International. Single girls ages 13-25 who live in Oceanside are eligible to enter. The pageant is judged based on a personal interview, poise, personality, stage presence and a question on stage. Eight winners will be chosen to represent Oceanside and will become goodwill ambassadors for the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Oceanside, doing community service work throughout the year. A cash scholarship will be awarded to the winners and prizes. Net proceeds from the event go to scholarships for the winners and other Lions charities with an emphasis on sight, childhood cancer, diabetes, hunger and the environment. An orientation meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Mission Branch Library, 3861 Mission Ave. Register at [email protected]. Visit oceansidesealionsclub.com.

Free screening of ‘Minari’ at library

A free screening of “Minari” will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Mission Branch Library, 3861 Mission Ave., as part of a new monthly movie series, America Now. Once a month, the Mission Branch Library will host a film screening that explores living in America through the various lenses of those who make up this country. Garrett Chaffin-Quiray, professor of cinema studies at Palomar Community College, will present each screening by looking at the artistic and sociological character of the films, and will lead an interactive discussion after the screening. The series will take place on the fourth Wednesday of the month from through April. Chaffin-Quiray is the author of “Cine-Me” and “Under the Tent-Pole: A Primer on Movies: Blockbusters, Oscar Winners, Alternatives, and You.” No registration is required. Visit oceansidelibrary.org.

‘Five Summer Stories’ to be screened at Surf Museum

“Five Summer Stories,” a surf film that debuted in 1972 by Jim Freeman and Greg MacGillivray, will be screened on Feb. 28 at the California Surf Museum, 312 Pier View Way. Special guests include MacGillivray and his son Shaun MacGillivray, also a filmmaker. The program will begin with a presentation at about 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Space is limited; advance registration recommended. General admission is $25; $15 for California Surf Museum members. For tickets, call (760) 721-6876 or visit surfmuseum.org.

POWAY

Coastal Communities Concert Band performs

The Coastal Communities Concert Band will give its 41st Anniversary Concert concert at 2 p.m. March 3 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 5498 Espola Road. The award-winning symphonic band of more than 75 area musicians welcomes renowned saxophone soloist Rob Verdi, whose performance will feature his unique collection of instruments, including a sopranino sax, contrabass sax and an original 1880 sax from Adolphe Sax, the instrument’s creator. The program includes music from Abba, Gershwin, John Williams and a selection inspired by three of artist Norman Rockwell’s paintings. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students. Tickets are at (858) 748-0505 and cccband.com.

Business Expo and Hiring Event slated for March

The Poway Chamber of Commerce holds its communitywide Business Expo and Hiring Event, slated for 5:30 p.m. March 19 at the Mickey Cafagna Community Center’s Oak Hall East, 13094 Civic Center Drive. The free event connects job seekers with local employment opportunities. (Hiring is not a requirement for participation.) Visit poway.com/businessexpo.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Baroque Orchestra gives free concert

Eric Dickerson and Karen Follingstad, along with members of the Kensington Baroque Orchestra, will perform a free concert at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Rancho Bernardo Library‘s second-floor community room. The concert will feature Baroque mandolin and harpsichord music by Scarlatti, Bach, Ortiz and Vivaldi, among others. The concert is part of the Friends of the Rancho Bernardo Library’s 24th annual Chamber Concert series. Donations are appreciated. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.

Church holds food drive

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a drive-thru grocery collection from 9 to 11 a.m. March 2 at 17010 Pomerado Road. Collections will go to the 4 Community Care food pantry in 4S Ranch, which provides bags of groceries for families and seniors in need. The food pantry also helps distribute rescued produce, meat, dairy products and bakery goods. Items collected include canned fruits, soups, meats, vegetables, cereals and pasta. Check donations to 4 Community Care are also welcome. To volunteer, email [email protected].

RANCHO SANTA FE

Animal center holds foster orientation

Helen Woodward Animal Center is looking for foster families to open their homes to animals for a short time, which allows the center to take in more orphan pets in need. A foster assignment can last from a few days to a few months. The center is hosting a foster orientation at 10 a.m. March 2. Register at animalcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer/foster.

SAN DIEGO

Parkinson’s support group gathers for ‘Meet, Greet and Eat’

The Point Loma Parkinson’s Support Group will gather from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 27 at Point Loma Cafe, 4865 N. Harbor Drive, to “Meet, Greet and Eat.” There will be a no-host brunch and discussion group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. Send reservations to [email protected].

Goodwill San Diego opens downtown Outlet Center

Goodwill San Diego holds a grand opening at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 28 for its downtown San Diego Outlet Center in Maker’s Quarter, 1466 F St. The 22,000-square-foot facility will sell clothing, linens, housewares and furniture. Apparel and housewares will be sold by the piece and by the pound. Inventory will be priced to sell. The outlet provides free underground parking for customers. This location will accept donations, including furniture. Proceeds go to Goodwill, a nonprofit that provides employment and training to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Visit sdgoodwill.org.

Changemaker talk on ‘Making Waves: Summit to Sea’

The La Jolla Music Society and Changemaker present a new Speaker Series featuring changemakers who have “pushed the boundaries in their fields and whose work reveals insights about our planet.” As part of the series, Andy Mann will give a presentation on “Making Waves: Summit to Sea” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 in the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave. Mann, who has covered the seven seas, will show through photography and filmmaking the interconnectedness of the planet and importance of protecting oceans. Tickets start at $23. Visit theconrad.org.

Mini Mingei exhibit celebrates folk art

A Mini Mingei exhibit celebrating human creativity through folk art, craft and design is from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1 and March 15 at Mingei International, Building 200, Arts District Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road. Cost is $7. Call (619) 239-0003.

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance car show

The 18th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is slated to return to La Jolla from April 19-21 at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd., featuring a display of more than 170 international cars. The show, themed “World Class Cars, World Class Experience,” will celebrate the “Timeless Elegance of the Roaring 20’s and the Glamorous 30’s.” Highlights include commemorative artwork by Scott Jacobs. Tickets start at $80 for adult general admission; discounts for military and children; prices increase after March 6. There are VIP tickets, including for the Friday VIP Party “Expedition d’Elegance: The Road to Opulent Adventure” from 6 to 10 p.m. April 19. Visit lajollaconcours.com.

San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Expo Day

The annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering’s Expo Day is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 2 at a new location this year, Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way. The event features STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities provided by hundreds of San Diego-area businesses, schools, libraries and museums. This year’s event is presented by Illumina Corporate Foundation and will feature more than 100 booths. New to the event this year is the Art Pavilion College and Career Connections. Performances on two main stages will be held, ranging from math raps sung by The Music Notes to a Rainforest Rescue from the Zovargo Animal Show. Admission is free and open to the public; no registration is required. Visit lovestemsd.org.

Submissions sought for short story contest

This year’s San Diego Public Library Short Story Contest will accept submissions starting at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 until the 100th submission is received. The seventh annual contest, sponsored by the Friends of San Diego Central Library, highlights local short story authors and is part of the Local Author Program. All submissions must go through the link on the contest webpage; no paper manuscripts or stories sent by email will be accepted. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on May 21. For information, visit sandiego.gov/public-library/short-story-contest.

Run/Walk for Independence benefits Home of Guiding Hands

San Diego-based nonprofit Home of Guiding Hands will host its 14th annual Randy Jones Run/Walk for Independence starting with check-in at 8 a.m. March 2 at Crown Point Park, Crown Point Drive. Races kick off at 9 a.m. There will be a meet-and-greet with former San Diego Padre and National League CY Young Award winner Randy Jones. John and Tammy from “San Diego’s Morning Show” on KSON 103.7 will serve as masters of ceremonies. The event raises money for the nonprofit’s programs to provide care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Cost is $35-$40. Visit randyjonesrunwalk.org.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Upcoming blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):

• TrueCare, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 24 at 150 Valpreda Road, San Marcos.
• Silver Gate Yacht Club, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m Feb. 25 in banquet room at 2091 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego.
• Saint Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at 4124 Mt. Abraham Ave., San Diego.
• Albertsons, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 at 1571 San Elijo Road, San Marcos.
• High Tech High School, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at 2861 Womble Road, San Diego.
• La Mesa Spring Valley School District Transportation Department, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at 3838 Conrad Drive, Spring Valley.
• Chick-fil-A, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6 at 3475 Marron Road, Oceanside.

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 visit sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Read Across America drive to collect books for local students

United Way of San Diego County holds its annual book drive through March 15 to collect 3,000 books to give to local students in kindergarten through 12th grade as part of Read Across America. United Way is partnering with Warwick’s , Libélula Books & Co., and Cafe Moto to host the book drive. Books can be purchased from Warwick’s at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla; Libélula Books & Co., 950 S. 26th St., in Barrio Logan; and through Feb. 29 at Barnes & Noble, Market Center, 10775 Westview Parkway. Donors receive a free coffee from Cafe Moto, 2619 National Ave., San Diego, with a Read Across America purchase from Libélula Books & Co. Books in English and Spanish can also be purchased online at uwsd.org/raa. (Select the “Pick Up In-Store” option and Warwick’s will add your donation to the book drive.)

Credit Union offers college scholarships

Wheelhouse Credit Union offers two college scholarship programs for San Diego County high school seniors. The Wheelhouse Badge of Honor Scholarships are for graduating high school seniors with a parent, grandparent or legal guardian who is an active member of law enforcement, fire protection service, health care or EMT in San Diego County. The Wheelhouse Sustainability Scholarships are for San Diego college-bound students are “making a difference in their communities through eco-friendly initiatives.” Application deadline is April 30 at wheelhousecu.com/scholarships.

Volunteers needed to harvest fruit to help folks in need

Volunteers age 55 and older are needed to help Senior Gleaners of San Diego County, a volunteer group that harvests surplus fruits and vegetables from area gardens and fields to donate to area nonprofits serving community members in need of food. The group needs more volunteers to help pick fruit that is going to waste after rains have delayed picking hundreds of area fruit trees. Most gleaners volunteer three to four hours one day per week, but there is no required minimum commitment. Volunteers usually join crews working near where they live. Some volunteers form small groups that work independently and set their own schedule. The group also needs drivers who can haul several filled banana boxes of fruit in their vehicles from the picking site to the delivery location, which is typically within 10 miles.
Sign up at seniorgleanerssdco.org or call (619) 633-9180.

Foundation offers scholarships

The Cal Coast Cares Foundation accepts applications for its next round of student scholarships through April 15 to support college-bound high school seniors, foster students and current college students in San Diego and Riverside counties. The nonprofit foundation will award $2,000 scholarships to selected students who are pursuing higher education and have a proven commitment to academic excellence and leadership in the community. Recipients of first-year foster student scholarships will also be eligible for second-year scholarships by continuing to meet the requirements. Visit calcoastcu.org/community/cal-coast-cares-foundation.

Volunteers sought to join crisis team

The Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIP) is looking for volunteers to join crisis teams and support trauma victims at emergency scenes. TIP is especially in need of volunteers in East County communities along with National City and Coronado. No experience necessary; training provided. Training Academy and registration information is at tipsandiego.org or (855) TIPSD-HELP (855-847-7343).

SAN MARCOS

Food & Wine Festival at Lakehouse Resort

Lakehouse Resort’s third annual lakeside Food & Wine Festival is set for noon to 5 p.m. March 3 at 1105 La Bonita Drive featuring tastings from area restaurants, breweries and wineries. Live music will be performed by “American Idol” alum Perry O’Neal. Attendees will also have access to the Brandt Beef Experience, showcasing five chefs serving signature Brandt Beef items paired with local spirits, a butcher case display and a beef tallow candle-making station. General admission tickets are $95, including all-you-can-taste sips and bites and the Brandt Beef Experience. Early entry general admission is $125; VIP is $185. Visit events.thelakehouseresort.com/e/food-and-wine-festival-2024/tickets.

Pianist to give jazz concert

California State University San Marcos’ Arts And Lectures Program will host pianist Ed Kornhauser for an evening of jazz from 7:30 to 9 p.m. March 4 in the Arts Performance Hall, Room 111, at 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road. Kornhauser was named Best Jazz Artist and Best Jazz Album at the 2022 and 2021 San Diego Music Awards. Before the concert, at 5:30 p.m., the CSUSM jazz ensemble will perform for the guest artist and receive feedback, which all are welcome to attend. Tickets cost $5; free for CSUSM students, faculty, staff and alumni. Visit bit.ly/49lA0qi.

VALLEY CENTER

Jazz benefit concert at high school

The Valley Center Music Boosters presents its 27th annual Jazz Benefit Concert & BBQ at noon March 3 at the Maxine Theater at Valley Center High School, 31322 Cole Grade Road. The concert features traditional jazz, swing and big band music performed by the award-winning Valley Center Middle and High school Jazz Bands, directed by Jeff Beck. This is also a fundraiser for the Valley Center/Pauma school music programs. The carne asada taco bar and bake sale, hosted by the Valley Center/Pauma Music Boosters, begins at noon. The concert begins at 1 p.m. with doors opening at noon. Admission is free. For questions, email [email protected].

VISTA

Earth Day Festival seeks vendors

The Earth Day Festival at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is looking for vendors for the event set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20. The free annual family event for the community includes kids’ activities, plants and food for sale along with vendor booths at the gardens. Last year the event drew 1,000 attendees. The vendor application is at altavistabotanicalgardens.org under Events/Earth Day Festival. For questions, email [email protected].

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