CARDIFF

Library Friends marks 110th anniversary with book sale

The Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Branch Library Bookstore marks the library’s 110th birthday with a half-price book and media sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 16 at 2081 Newcastle Drive. Friends members can come at 9 a.m. Visit friendscardifflibrary.org.

Japanese story time at library

A Kamishibai Storytime featuring the Japanese tradition of storytelling is at 10:30 a.m. March 16 and the third Saturday of the month through May at the Cardiff-by-the Sea Library, 2081 Newcastle Ave. The event is hosted by Write Out Loud and open to kids of all ages. Admission is free. Visit sdcl.org/locations/8.

CARLSBAD

Group holds Musical Tea fundraiser

A Musical Tea fundraiser hosted by the American Association of University Women Carlsbad-Oceanside-Vista Branch is from 1 to 3 p.m. March 16 at the Harding Community Center, 3096 Harding St. Proceeds go to the Tech Trek program for eighth-grade girls to spend a week during summer at UC San Diego learning about STEM job opportunities. The music will be provided by Bach-N-All and Windspring. The AAUW Del Mar-Leucadia Branch will offer silent auction baskets including gift certificates for restaurants and local businesses. Cost is $40. Reservations are due March 14 at cov-ca.aauw.net.

Woman’s Club meets March 13

The Woman’s Club of Carlsbad holds a business meeting and planning session at 6:30 p.m. March 13 at the clubhouse, 3320 Monroe St. Social time is 6 p.m. Prospective new members welcome. The club is one of the longest-running philanthropic social groups in Carlsbad and does volunteer work locally and globally. Visit womansclubofcarlsbad.org.

Rotary holds scholarship raffle

Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club runs its third annual Scholarship Raffle to support the club’s scholarship grants for Carlsbad students pursuing education after high school. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Tickets may be purchased from club members or by sending a check to the club’s foundation: Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Foundation, P. O. Box 130175, Carlsbad, CA 92013. The club typically meets at 12:10 p.m. Mondays at Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa. Visitors are welcome. (The scholarship for student applications is March 27.) For details on the raffle and scholarship, visit carlsbadhinoonrotary.org.

Agua Hedionda Lagoon starts Yellow Brick Road campaign

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation kicked off its Yellow Brick Road campaign to raise money for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) summer camp scholarships for local underserved sixth- through eighth-graders. Using skills from the camp, students will build playhouses to donate to Habitat for Humanity. As part of the campaign, a brick trail will be built leading to Mayor Matt Hall Hill, which is a classroom and picnic area at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center that honors the former mayor. Visit
aguahedionda.org/mayor-matt-hall-hill.

CORONADO

San Diego Storytelling Festival

The 14th annual San Diego Storytelling Festival, themed “Voices at the Water’s Edge,” is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 16 at the Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave. The free, all-day festival will feature storytelling for adults and kids, open mic sessions and a debut performance by the participants of the Storytelling Institute, a storytelling how-to course for novices. Visit coronado.librarycalendar.com/event/san-diego-storytelling-festival-14.

EAST COUNTY

Senior Volunteer Patrol recruiting volunteers

The Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station at Campo Road and Jamacha Boulevard, is recruiting volunteers for its Senior Volunteer Patrol. Volunteers must be 50 and older and a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has applied for citizenship. Volunteers must have car insurance and medical insurance and be of good moral character with no felony convictions. Volunteer duties include traffic control, neighborhood patrol and checking on the homes of residents away on vacation and senior citizens in the “You Are Not Alone” program. Volunteers are requested The station covers the communities of Jamul, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, and unincorporated parts of La Mesa and El Cajon. Volunteers must pass a background check and a two-week Volunteer Patrol Academy. Minimum commitment is one six-hour shift per week. Call (619) 660-7021.

EL CAJON

History of the harmonica topic of museum talk

The Heritage of the Americas Museum, 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive, on the campus of Cuyamaca College, holds a special event at 1 p.m. March 16. Fred Thompson will give a presentation about the history of the harmonica and will play a number of songs that people enjoyed during different periods of our country’s history. Thompson will also bring several harmonicas and show what makes each one unique. Visit heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com.

ENCINITAS

Gourd and Basket Guild presents art show

The Misti Washington Gourd and Basket Guild presents a free art show, “Woven Treasures,” at the Encinitas Community Center featuring baskets and other artworks created by members of the guild. The show includes 27 artworks and will continue through May 8. The Community Center at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. A reception, “Art Night,” will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 9 at the center. There will be demonstrations by members of the guild. Visit encinitasca.gov/VisualArt.

State of the City event slated

The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce holds the 2024 Encinitas State of the City event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 21 at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz will deliver his message about the city, “Investing in the Future.” Also, the City Council, Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and the three 101 Mainstreet Associations will give an update. A reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. will include free bites from local eateries, networking with local officials and music by the North Coast Symphony Orchestra. Beverages will be sold. The program begins at 7 p.m. Parking is free. Tickets are $65; $55 for chamber members at encinitaschamber.com.

ESCONDIDO

Panache Gala set for March 23

A Panache Gala, an annual art auction fundraiser hosted by the Escondido Arts Partnership, is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 23 at 262 E. Grand Ave. A live and silent auction of fine art, furniture and jewelry donated by San Diego artists will be held. The auctioneer is Ruth Kingcade. Attendees can mingle with the contributing artists and collectors. There will be music by Dos Amigos along with drinks and appetizers by 24 Sons, and a dessert table including sweets by the Grand Tea Room. Cost is $45 for general admission; event is for 21 and older. Proceeds benefit the Escondido Arts Partnership. Visit eventbrite.com/e/panache-art-auction-gala-fundraiser-tickets-822074124837.

Walk for Animals – North County

The San Diego Humane Society’s Walk for Animals – North County is from 7 to 11 a.m. March 16 at Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway. Participants can bring a pet and can join a team, form a team or join individually or be a sponsor. A blessing of the animals is at 8:45 a.m. Proceeds help the nonprofit care for more than 40,000 animals. The nonprofit provides shelter and medical care, helps families adopt new pets, and rescues animals from cruelty and neglect. Entry fees are $30 for 18 and older through March 15 and $40 on event day; $15 for 17 and younger through March 15 and $20 on event day. Cost is $20 for Virtual Walk participants who are not attending the walk in person but are fundraising and walking their own way. Visit sdwalkforanimals.org.

12th annual smART Festival

The 12th annual smART Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 9 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., in the Center Museum and Center Theater. The festival will feature thousands of pieces of two- and three-dimensional art created by students representing 24 area schools and all grade levels. Performances will be given by the Ignite Dance team, ballet folklorico troupes and musicians. Highlights include a photography exhibit from the fifth-grade My Story project completed in collaboration with Outside the Lens and a themed, collaborative exhibit from local middle schools. Middle school students will host a make-and-take art project for festival visitors. The event is free and open to the public. Visit artcenter.org.

Free tax preparation for low-income seniors

The Escondido Senior Services Council, an IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly site, offers low-income seniors free income tax return preparation from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays until April 15 at 728 N. Broadway. Reserve an appointment at (760) 480-0611.

LAKESIDE

Spring Craft Fair on March 16

Lakeside Community Center is hosting a Spring Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16 at Lindo Lake County Park, 12660 Lindo Lane. Highlights include vendor booths, food trucks, crafting, games, giveaways and opportunity drawing. Visit sdparks.org.

OCEANSIDE

Quilt buffs gather for meeting, workshop

El Camino Quilt Guild meets at 9:30 a.m. March 12 at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive. The guest speaker is Pam Hadfield, who will do a trunk show of her quilt designs. Her workshop, “Crazy Christmas Trees,” will be held March 13 at Quilt In A Day in San Marcos. The nonprofit group donates hundreds of quilts and other handmade items to various groups, including Rady Children’s Hospital, senior centers, hospitals, police and military groups. Guest fee is $10; $60 additional fee for workshop. Visit elcaminoquilters.com.

Veterans’ Writing Group meets March 16

The Veterans’ Writing Group of San Diego County meets March 16 at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. Veterans, dependents and active-duty military members can attend the free event. The women’s group meets from 10 to 11 a.m., live and on Zoom. All writers meet from from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. live and on Zoom. Visit veteranswritinggroup.org.

Nuclear generating station, theater design topics of free talks

MiraCosta College’s LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) group is holding two free lectures March 15 in Building T200 on the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. At 1 p.m., Kevin Sheek, emergency preparedness adviser, will present “Decommissioning Update on San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.” At 2:30 p.m., a lecture on “Theatre Design and Technology: Tradition Meets Innovation” will be presented by Sean Fanning, MiraCosta College faculty member. Visit miracosta.edu/life.

Church holds marriage conference

Grace Church hosts an XO Marriage Conference from 7 to 9:30 p.m. March 15 and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16 at Grace Church, 1602 S. El Camino Real. The event includes teachings, worship and an “inspiring environment.” Light dinner options and breakfast items will be provided on Friday night and Saturday morning. Child care is available for a small fee. Registration is required. Call (760) 633-or visit gracesd.tv/xo.

POWAY

‘The Genius of Female Artists’ subject of presentation

The Poway-Penasquitos chapter of American Association of University Women meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 13 at the Eastview Community Center, 17520 Drayton Hall Way. The speaker is Robin Douglas, professor and visual artist, who will give a presentation on “The Genius of Female Artists,” highlighting trailblazing female artists who changed the course of art history. RSVP to [email protected]. Visit powayarea-ca.aauw.net.

RAMONA

Eggstravaganza at Dos Picos County Park

An Eggstravaganza is from 10 a.m. to noon March 16 at Dos Picos County Park with an egg hunt, arts and crafts, a bounce house, crafts and a scavenger hunt for kids 11 and younger. Bring a basket or bag. After the event, have a picnic, take a hike or visit the pond. The park is at 17953 Dos Picos Park Road. There is a $3 parking fee. Call (760) 789-2220.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Artist gives demonstration at library

The North County Society of Fine Arts holds a free demonstration by award-winning artist Roberta Dyer from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 12 at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. Dyer will be using acrylics and other media to present a story in her art. Visit sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/rancho-bernardo-library.

Republican women’s group meets

The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women holds a luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. March 15 at The Heights Country Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Parkway. The guest speaker is Jennifer Jacobs, a consultant and strategist adviser on more than 1,000 campaigns throughout the country. Jacobs is vice-chair of the Transparency Foundation, a nonprofit that helps make public institutions more transparent and accountable. Cost is $35 for a two-course lunch. RSVP before 9 p.m. March 11 at rbrepublicanwomen.org.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Pet adoption fees half off in March

Helen Woodward Animal Center is offering half-off adoption fees during the month of March and providing food, litter, pet supplies and gas cards to encourage pet adoptions and ease cost for pet owners in response to “record low pet adoptions from coast-to-coast,” according to center staff. Throughout the month of March, the center will be open seven days a week for pet adoptions. Blue Buffalo will provide a 4-pound bag of puppy food, Naturally Fresh will provide a bag of cat litter, Kahoots Pet and Feed Store will provide a $10 gift card and the first 100 adopters will receive a $25 gas card. For those who can’t adopt, the center asks families to consider fostering. Visit animalcenter.org

SAN DIEGO

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

The 42nd annual San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 16 in Balboa Park. This year’s theme is Unity with Peace in Ireland and Beyond. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m., featuring about 100 entries, including marching bands, clowns, bagpipers, traditional Irish dancers, police and fire departments and dignitaries. The main stage will feature Irish music from local bands, food and drinks, vendors and information booths. The entry fee is $10 for 21 and older; free for attendees younger than 21 and active-duty military with ID. Visit stpatsparade.org.

Mission Valley hosts Arte Latino Mercado

Mission Valley shopping center hosts Arte Latino Mercado, an art market, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 16-17 and March 24 as part of the San Diego Latino Film Festival, an event celebrating Latino cinema and culture. The curated Arte Latino Mercado features collections from local Latino artists and vendors and includes interactive displays and live art exhibits in the Nordstrom Rack Court at Mission Valley, 1640 Camino Del Rio N. Visit sdlatinofilm.com.

ShamROCK Music and Beer Festival

The 28th annual ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival is from 2 to 11 p.m. March 16, featuring live Celtic music, green and craft beer, whiskey, Irish food and fare, games and shenanigans in the Gaslamp Quarter. Visit sandiegoshamrock.com.

San Diego Master Chorale’s Honor Choir featured

Students from across San Diego County take the stage for the San Diego Master Chorale’s annual Honor Choir concert at 4:30 p.m. March 16 at First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino del Rio S. Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors and active military, $5 for students 13 and older, and free for children younger than 13. Visit sdmasterchorale.org.

Muchas Manos de San Diego chapter meets

Muchas Manos de San Diego chapter, a group of stitching enthusiasts, meets from 7 to 8:30 pm. March 18 at the senior center at the North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave. The doors open at 6 p.m. for stitching and visiting before the meeting starts. Visit muchasmanos.org.

Circus comes to town

Circus Vargas presents “Jubilé! An Epic World Celebration!” from March 15 to April 8 at 1640 Camino Del Rio N. The new production showcases different cultures and nationalities joining together to present circus acrobatics and aerial artistry along with other entertainment. Tickets start at $25. Visit circusvargas.com.

Author of ‘What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest?’ to give talk

Rachel Ignotofsky, author and illustrator of New York Times bestseller “Women in Science,” will hold an interactive read-aloud of her newest picture book, “What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest?” at 7 p.m. March 15 at the San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, at Balboa Park. The book is inspired by the nature in Ignotofsky’s backyard and based on elementary school science curriculum. Tickets are $17; $9 for members, and include admission to the Museum for Nat at Night. Doors open for Nat at Night at 5 p.m. Theater doors open for the Nat Talk at 6:30 p.m. Visit sdnhm.org/calendar/nattalks-and-films.

‘World Without Water: Solution to Pollution’ series

The “World without Water: Solution to Pollution” series hosted by I Love a Clean San Diego is from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 16 at the San Ysidro Public Library, 4235 Beyer Blvd. Highlights of the family-friendly event include an art exhibit by emerging student artists from Patrick Henry High School, and a chance to paint a water-centric work with art instructor Leo Angelo and participate in a beautification project. Spots are limited. Register for a free ticket at cleansd.org/pollutionsolution.

Easter Bunny visits with special needs kids

Fashion Valley will host a “Caring Bunny” private event for children with special needs and their families from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 17 at 7007 Friars Road. Reservations are required at bit.ly/48N4b8T.

Liberty Public Market 8th Anniversary Weekend

Liberty Public Market will hold a three-day celebration for its eighth anniversary from March 15-17 with music and food starting at 11 a.m. at 2820 Historic Decatur Road. Highlights include Live Music Vinyl at the Market, Market After Dark Adoption Event with Amazing Strays Rescue and grand reopening of Mess Hall Bar. Visit libertypublicmarketsd.com/events/8th-anniversary-weekend.

Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld

The Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld San Diego continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through April 28 at 500 SeaWorld Drive. There will be sips and samples of food and drinks from around the world and live musical performances, ranging from Polynesian fire knife dancers to a Bavarian band. Visit seaworld.com/san-diego.

Last days for United Way of San Diego County book drive

Nonprofit United Way of San Diego County holds its annual book drive through March 15 to collect books to give to local students in kindergarten through 12th grade as part of Read Across America. Books can be purchased from Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., in La Jolla, and Libélula Books & Co., 950 S 26th St., in Barrio Logan. Donors receive a free coffee from Cafe Moto, 2619 National Ave., in San Diego, with a Read Across America purchase from Libélula. 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.

Free immunization clinic for flu shots

A free immunization clinic for flu shots will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. March 16-18 at 2745 Otay Pacific Drive. Free flu shots are offered for anyone 6 months and older; no insurance required. Visit caregivercoalitionsd.org/san-diego-county-events.html.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours of The Old Globe

Behind-the-Scenes Tours of The Old Globe theater are from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 15, 18 and 19 at 1363 Old Globe Way. Cost is $10. More tours will be offered next month. Visit theoldglobe.org/arts-engagement/discovery-programs/tours or call (619) 234-5623.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Pet food drive benefits Rancho Coastal Humane Society

San Diego County Credit Union partnered with Rancho Coastal Humane Society to host a pet food drive to help stock the shelves of the RCHS pantry. Throughout March, SDCCU’s Full Bowls campaign will collect new, unopened, unexpired dog and cat food at its San Diego County branch locations. Donations will be given to RCHS to feed animals in its care, as well as to distribute to the community through its pet food bank to aid pet parents in need. Visit sdccu.com/petfooddrive.

Biliteracy scholarships offered

A fundraiser for the Bea Gonzales Biliteracy Scholarships for San Diego County graduating high school students who have received the California Seal of Biliteracy and attained high academic achievement is from 3 to 6 p.m. March 16 at 1239 Bangor St. Cost is $40; includes tostada bar. RSVP at (619) 200-4796.

Upcoming blood drives

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

• Brookwood Financial, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 13 at 300 Rancheros Drive, San Marcos.
• Align Real Estate, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 14 at 2380 Camino Vida Roble, Suite B, Carlsbad.
• Bressi Ranch Village Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 14 at 2629 Gateway Road, Carlsbad.
• St. Paul’s Pace, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 at 1306 Broadway, El Cajon.
• Sycuan Casino, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 14 at 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon.
• Granite Hills High School, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 15 at 1719 E. Madison Ave., El Cajon.
• Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary at Lomas Santa Fe Plaza, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 16 at 931 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.
• Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17 at 15546 Pomerado Road, Poway.
• The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18 at 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad.

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.

SOLANA BEACH

Square dance club holds event

The Sandpipers Square Dance Club holds a family-friendly community dance from 6 to 7 p.m. March 16 at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave. A caller will teach square dancing. Singles and couples are welcome. Donation: $10; children free. Visit sandpiperssquaredanceclub.org.

SPRING VALLEY

Attendees at Mt. Miguel High School Foundation’s Quartermania Fundraiser at Mt Miguel High School in Spring Valley.

(Catherine Froelicher )

Mt. Miguel High School Foundation raises nearly $1,000 at Quartermania

Mt. Miguel High School Foundation recently hosted a Quartermania Fundraiser at Mt Miguel High School, which is part of the Grossmont Union High School District. The event raised more than $950 to help support school programs and provide scholarships. Quartermania, which is a cross between an auction and raffle, drew 40 attendees who “bid” quarters for a chance to win prizes. Bids were typically from one to four quarters. The event will be held again next year.

VISTA

Vista Mayor John Franklin, far left, and Vista Fire Chief Gerard Washington, far right, participate in Soroptimist’s annual Human Trafficking Awareness Walk in January, led by Vista Strawberry Festival Queen Serenity Serda and members of the Miss Bonsall Court.

(Courtesy of Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland)

Soroptimist club to host anti-human trafficking meeting, Live Your Dream Awards Luncheon

Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland will host the North County Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative meeting at 9 a.m. March 14 at United Methodist Church of Vista, 490 S. Melrose Ave. The North County Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative is a diverse group of citizens and community organizations committed to raising awareness about human trafficking, sharing information, improving victim services, educating the public, and advocating for related policy and legislation. The event is free to the public; coffee and pastries will be served. Visit soroptimistvista.org/calendar.

The group will hold its annual Live Your Dream Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 16 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. The club will be awarding scholarship grants to six local women and will be celebrating the club’s 71st year of service in the community. Tickets are $30, including lunch. Reserve by March 13 at bit.ly/49w1Lg3 or [email protected].

St. Patrick’s Day celebration at senior center

The Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, is hosting a St. Patty’s Day Party with Clan Rince Dancers at 11 a.m. March 15. A $4 contribution is suggested for guests 60 and older and $8 fee for guests 59 and younger. Transportation can be provided for Vista residents age 60 and older with 48-hour advanced notice. RSVP by March 13 at (760) 643-5288.

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