CARLSBAD

Book-signing event at Army and Navy Academy

A free book-signing event featuring Army and Navy Academy senior Colton Fidelman, the author of “The Teenage Guide to Success: The TICK TOCK Formula for Life, Relationships and Careers,” is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Army and Navy Academy, 2605 Carlsbad Blvd. The book is available at amzn.to/3u4d1QV. RSVP at [email protected].

‘Butterflies’ topic of talk at lagoon

Batiquitos Lagoon hosts a presentation on “Butterflies” at 10 a.m. Dec. 10 led by biologist Bill Howell, author of “Coloring Southern California Butterflies & Caterpillars.” Howell will discuss “everything people have always wanted to know about butterflies.” The free, family event is open to adults and kids age 10 and older. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Registration is required at batiquitoslagoon.org.

CHULA VISTA

Ten days of Caroling at plaza

Terra Nova Plaza invites the public to a free holiday festival from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7-16 at 394 E. H St. The festival will feature “Ten Days of Caroling” by various community groups. There will be free hot chocolate or cider. Visit terranovaplaza.com.

Pet adoption fees waived, free microchipping

The city’s Animal Services department will waive adoption fees through Dec. 23. Visit Chula Vista’s Animal Services facility from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays at 130 Beyer Way. Visits and adoptions are offered until one hour before closing, and the facility closes daily from noon to 1 p.m. Also in December, Animal Services will provide free microchips during business hours to the first 100 pets brought in by residents of Chula Vista, National City and Lemon Grove. In addition, the first 100 rabies vaccinations in December will be free to pets from Chula Vista, National City and Lemon Grove. The vaccinations are offered only during Wednesday Rabies Clinics (10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.), while supplies last. No appointment is necessary, bring documentation of residency. Visit chulavistaca.gov/departments/animal-care.

CORONADO

‘All That Jazz’ light show at the Del

The Hotel del Coronado features the “All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular, a free 11-minute light show every 30 minutes from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 7, with a 1920s jazz soundtrack and light show in a grove of towering Norfolk Island pines on the Founders Lawn. There will be “Skating by the Sea” at the beachfront ice rink, heated beachside igloos decorated with twinkling lights, cozy seating and seasonal decor. The hotel’s historic lobby showcases a huge Christmas tree with 10,000 amber lights and nearly 2,000 ornaments. Visit hoteldel.com/events/at-first-light-lightshow-spectacular.

EAST COUNTY

Senior Volunteer Patrol recruiting volunteers

The Santee and Lakeside sheriff’s stations are recruiting men and women age 50 and older to join their Senior Volunteer Patrols. Duties include patrolling residential neighborhoods, shopping centers and schools and doing traffic control, home vacation and elderly welfare checks, citizen assists and working at public events requiring traffic and pedestrian management. After completing the 10-day academy, volunteers are asked to commit a minimum of one six-hour patrol shift each week and attend a one-hour monthly meeting. For information and eligibility requirements, go to sdsheriff.gov and click on “Recruiting,” then “Senior Volunteer Patrol,” or call (619) 972-6846.

ENCINITAS

North Coast Symphony holds holiday concert

The North Coast Symphony puts on its Holiday Lights concert at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The orchestra will play festive favorites old and new, including, Holst’s “In the Bleak Midwinter,” Jaffe’s “Symph-Hanukkah,” Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 Daydreams on a Winter Journey and Rimsky-Korsakoff’s “Christmas Eve Suite.” The orchestra will be led by conductor Liesl Hansen. Admission is $15; $12 for seniors, students and military, and free for children age 18 and under. Visit northcoastsymphony.com.

Drive seeking pet food, toys and blankets

Rancho Coastal Humane Society is collecting donations of blankets, pet toys, and new, unopened pet food through Jan. 1. Donation bins and public drop-off zones for animal-related donations include these locations:

• Scenthound in Piazza Carmel, 3840 Valley Centre Drive, Carmel Valley.
• Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido.
• Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s Thrift Shop, 120 Aberdeen Drive in Cardiff.

Visit sdpets.org or call (760) 753-6413.

Artists’ Reception set for Dec. 9

The Off Track Gallery hosts an Artists’ Reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9 showing the works of Suzanne Mandel-Mosko, Jonathan Rosenberg and Grace Swanson. Mandel-Mosko’s work explores the interaction between light and colored glass in her recycled glass art pieces. Rosenberg experiments with color, shape and size to create fused glass artwork. Swanson is known for her one-of-a-kind gourd art. Artwork in the gallery is 10 percent off Dec. 9. The Off Track Gallery, 937 S. Coast Highway 101, is owned and run by the San Dieguito Art Guild, a nonprofit including more than 200 talented local artists. Visit offtrackgallery.com.

ESCONDIDO

Hanukkah Party and Latke Contest

Congregation B’nai Tikvah will hold its annual Hanukkah Party and Latke Contest at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Masonic Center, 1331 S. Escondido Blvd. Richard Walker, of restaurant fame, is the Latke Contest judge. Bring your menorah to light candles and sing Hanukkah songs with Cantor Larry Kornit for the second night of Hanukkah. Suggested donation is $5 per person. Bring something dairy to share at the party and nonperishable food for Interfaith Community Services. For more information, call (760) 650-2262.

Woman’s Club to hold Christmas Bazaar

The Woman’s Club of Escondido holds a Christmas Bazaar and program Dec. 4 to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season at its Clubhouse, 751 N. Rose St. The bazaar will open at 9:30 a.m. and vendors will sell their crafts. The general meeting starts at 10:30 a.m., and the entertainment will feature music by the Singing Seniors of North Coast Church, followed by lunch and more shopping. Cost of lunch is $15. For nonmembers to reserve lunch, call (760) 390-0553. For more information about the Woman’s Club, call the clubhouse at (760) 743-9178. The club recently celebrated its 113th anniversary serving the community.

Annual Carols by Candlelight at arts center

The 34th annual Carols by Candelight is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. It will feature Deana Carter, Charlie Worsham, Anna Vaus, Back to the Garden and Poway Mayor Steve Vaus all singing their hits and favorite Christmas songs to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Tickets are $25-$99. Visit carolsbycandlelight.com.

FALLBROOK

Holiday Boutique hosted by Gem & Mineral Society

The Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society holds a Holiday Boutique from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9 in its main meeting room at 123 W. Alvarado St. Items for sale include handmade jewelry, unique earth science gifts, ancient fossils and mineral specimens, sold by the society’s members. The free Gem & Mineral Museum will be open at the same time. Call (760) 728-1130 or email [email protected].

Fallbrook Democratic Club meets Dec. 7

The Fallbrook Democratic Club meets Dec. 7 and the first Thursday of every month. Meetings begin with a social time at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. at the Fallbrook Public Utility District Community Room, 990 E. Mission Road. Feel free to bring a snack to share. The meetings offer a hybrid Zoom option at fallbrookdemocrats.org/zoom.

LA MESA

AAUW holds winter celebration

The winter celebration of the La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will be held at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 9 in King Hall at the Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd. Entertainment will be provided by Cantate Women’s Ensemble. (The ensemble will also present its Christmas Ring & Sing concert along with a community handbell choir, Harmony Ringers, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Faith Presbyterian Church, 5075 Campanile Drive, San Diego; free will offering.) The branch is collecting donations of baby and adult diapers, pasta, canned tomatoes, soup, and monetary donations to be sent to the Good Shepherd Ministry Center in El Cajon. Branch meetings are open to the public in La Mesa. Visit lamesaelcajon-ca.aauw.net.

NORTH COUNTY

The Music Men share their love of barbershop-style singing with the community in a variety of ways, through public and private performances.

(Music Men Chorus)

Music Men giving Christmas concerts around town

The Music Men Chorus presents a 90-minute program of Christmas favorites sung barbershop style at 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave., and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Ave., in San Marcos. The concerts include a guest performance by the “Behind the Barn” Quartet. Suggested donation for each concert is $10. Visit musicmenconcert.org. Music Men Chorus is the North San Diego County chapter of the international Barbershop Harmony Society. The society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, enjoyment and performance of a cappella, close-harmony songs arranged in the unique “barbershop” style, known for its “ringing” chords.

Widows and widowers club hosts gatherings

The North County Widows and Widowers Club holds the following social gatherings for community members and guests who have lost a spouse:

• Dinner dance: 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at Vista Elks Lodge.
• Social hour: 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at Oceanside Broiler.
• Dinner dance: 5 p.m. Dec. 15 at Oceanside Elks Lodge.
• Holiday dinner dance: 5 p.m. Dec. 17 at Shadowridge Golf Club, Vista.
• Social hour: 3 p.m. Dec. 27 at Vista Village Pub.

RSVP required at (760 910-3746. Visit widowsandwidowersnc.com.

OCEANSIDE

From left, Lifeguard Sgt. Daniela Bucalo, Senior Beach Lifeguard Zach Malcolm, Senior Beach Lifeguard Lucas Buckman, Lifeguard Lt. Blake Faumuina and Firefighter Paramedic David Pepsny.

(Courtesy City of Oceanside)

Lifeguards practice airlift rescue with Coast Guard

The Oceanside Lifeguards recently held two ocean rescue trainings with the U.S. Coast Guard. The lifeguards are prepared to handle offshore emergencies, but sometimes they have to call in a Coast Guard helicopter to airlift the patient to a hospital. The two teams of lifeguards and Coast Guard crew spent time training and practicing hand signals between the helicopter and boat personnel and practiced receiving and lifting the aerial rescue baskets.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony

A Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony for the 2,403 service members who died on Dec. 7, 1941, as a result of the attack at Pearl Harbor will be held at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at The Little Fishing Pier on Harbor Drive North. A “Remember Pearl Harbor” black marble memorial is near the road. For more information, call (650) 222-0397 or (760) 744-2763, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Latke & Vodka Ladies Night Out

A Latke & Vodka Ladies Night Out Hanukkah event is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, hosted by the Jewish Women’s Circle of Chabad Oceanside/Vista. Highlights include a latke bar, cocktails and pressed flower candle-making. Suggested donation is $20; sponsor, $54. RSVP for event address. Visit jewishoceanside.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/5712787/jewish/Latke-Vodka.htm.

Veterans advisory group meets Dec. 4

The Veterans Association of North County holds its Veterans Advisory Committee meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 4 at the VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. The speakers include Melanie Krupa-Kelly, maternity care coordinator at VA San Diego, MaryBeth Weiner, a longtime military spouse and president of the Military Spouses Association of Camp Pendleton, and Angela Corrieri, president of Startup Partners Carlsbad. Visit vanc.me.

Art museum holds holiday block party

The Oceanside Museum of Art’s block party series ‘Street Level’ returns with a holiday event from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at 704 Pier View Way. Highlights include a Holiday Craft Market featuring local vendors, a wrapping paper workshop for all ages, live performance by DJ and multi-instrumentalist TeeLyn, and local food vendors. Tickets are $10 for ages 18 and older at oma-online.org.

Retired teachers hold Christmas luncheon

The North County division of the California Retired Teachers Association marks its 40th anniversary with a Christmas Luncheon celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 11 to support fundraising efforts for the Scholarship Foundation. Entertainment will be by the Fallbrook Chorale. The event will be at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way. The cost of the meal is $20. RSVP by Dec. 7 at [email protected] with menu choice or call (760) 448-5278.

Free series on Oaxacan culture continues

The Oceanside Public Library continues its free series of family-friendly workshops and events this month celebrating Oaxacan culture, “Creando Memorias en Oceanside.” A marmota-making workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 in the Civic Center Library Community Room. The marmota are typically seen at Oaxacan calendas as they are twirled during a procession or fiesta. Marmotas made at this workshop will be saved for the series’ culminating event, Noche de Calenda on Dec. 14, where attendees will be encouraged to display their creations. Visit oceansidepubliclibrary.org.

College Symphony Orchestra performs holiday concert

MiraCosta College Oceanside Symphony Orchestra presents “Celebrate the Season,” a festive repertoire of holiday music for all ages, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the college’s Concert Hall, 1 Barnard Drive. The program includes Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” and a carol singalong with favorite holiday classics, directed by Branden Muresan. Tickets are $8-$10 at miracostatheatre.universitytickets.com.

Books Galore and More fundraiser

The Friends of the Oceanside Public Library will host a Books Galore and More! annual fundraiser offering books and other holiday gifts for sale “at bargain prices” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Civic Center Library Community Room, 330 N. Coast Highway. Early bird shopping for Friends members will be from 9 to 10 a.m., and memberships can be purchased at the door. The sale will feature books, artwork, puzzles and holiday gifts. Author, linguist and Union-Tribune columnist Richard Lederer will be at the sale with his books. Proceeds help the library. The Friends group supports the library’s services through volunteer work and fundraising. For information about becoming a Friend, Business Friend or volunteer, visit oplfriends.org.

Street vending workshop

A street vending workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at MiraCosta College’s Community Learning Center, 1831 Mission Ave., hosted by MainStreet Oceanside and MiraCosta College. Participants learn what it takes to operate as a street food vendor with proper permits. The workshop’s speakers include San Diego County Health Department Supervisor Rodiesha Rice, Senior Environmental Health Specialist Diego Velasquez, and city of Oceanside Code Enforcement Officer Jackie Bickford. Visit miracosta.edu.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Church holds Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church will hold a Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance from 3 to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 in the sanctuary, 17010 Pomerado Drive. This service honors loved ones who died and provides a time of reflection and peace with words of comfort, music and prayers for anyone grieving. Visit rbcommunity.org.

SAN DIEGO

Casa Familiar marks 50th anniversary

Casa Familiar celebrates its 50th anniversary and hosts the art exhibition, “Theorema,” which imagines “possible futures as a way of dealing with present issues of environmental justice, ecology and society.” The exhibit will run through Jan. 20 at The FRONT Arte y Cultura, 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd. The exhibition will feature San Diego artist Margaret Noble, Mexico City artist Jaime Lobato and international multiple award-winning art collective Interspecifics. “Theorema” will include artworks that use augmented reality, live video feed from around the world, as well as bioluminescent bacteria to create lamps, and other installations blending technology, art and science. Visit thefront.casafamiliar.org.

Rally for Light Hanukkah Celebration

Chabad SDSU hosts a Rally for Light Hanukkah Celebration with the lighting of a 20-foot menorah from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7, representing the triumph of light over darkness at 6115 Montezuma Road. The event will include community leaders, dignitaries and students sharing messages of resilience and togetherness and a stand against hate and intolerance. Visit jewishstudentlife.org.

Chorus presents ‘Jingle’ singalong concert

San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Jingle,” a holiday singalong concert, at 8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. The chorus’s annual celebration of winter holidays features “joyous singing.” Tickets are $31.50-$76.50. Visit sdgmc.org.

Community Las Posadas on Dec. 10

Mission Hills United Methodist Church presents Las Posadas at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 with children leading the community in re-enacting the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. The short journey will be narrated in English and Spanish, and the public is invited to join in the procession beginning at the church steps. Participants will walk through the neighborhood and stop at several locations to sing carols before returning to the church for piñatas, crafts and traditional Mexican refreshments. The church is at 4044 Lark St. Visit missionhillsumc.org.

‘Christmas Together’ community event

A community holiday event, “Christmas Together,” with live music, food trucks, a makers market, an art exhibit and family fun is from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at North Park Community Park. Admission is free. Visit forthesakeofthecitysd.org.

Belmont Park’s annual Winter Wonder

Winter Wonder, the fifth annual event at Belmont Park in Mission Beach, runs through Dec. 31 featuring festive rides and attractions, including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Tiki Wonderland Mini Golf and Candy Cane Lanes Go Karts. Highlights include hundreds of twinkling lights, carolers, oversized winter sculptures and seasonal characters throughout the park at 3146 Mission Blvd. A Clark Griswold-worthy Holiday Pop-Up Bar debuts this year. Tickets and passes are at belmontpark.com.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Upcoming blood drives

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

• Kaiser Permanente – Bostonia, 11:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Dec. 6 at 1630 E. Main St., El Cajon.
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at 13208 Lakeshore Drive, Lakeside.
• Two Jinn Inc., 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at 1000 Aviara Parkway, Suite 300, Carlsbad.
• Versum Materials, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 12 at 1969 Palomar Oaks Way, 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

City of Solana Beach seeks volunteers

The Solana Beach City Council appoints Solana Beach residents to serve on the local citizen commissions and seeks 16 volunteers to serve in areas ranging from Budget & Finance, Climate Action and Parks & Recreation to Public Arts and View Assessment. Volunteers serve in an advisory capacity as members of these appointed commissions. Applications are being accepted until 5:30 p.m. Jan.16. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org, stop by City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101, or call (858) 720-2400.

VISTA

Vista Historical Society to hold annual Christmas party

The Vista Historical Society’s annual Christmas party for children in the community is from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Vista Historical Museum, 2317 Old Foothill Drive. Community members are asked to bring donations of food and goodies for the guests. There will also be vendors selling their goods, and Santa will be there with gifts for the kids. Admission is free. If you can donate food for the event, call (760) 630-0444 or email [email protected].

Kids in the Garden class Dec. 9

A Kids in the Garden class will be from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9 at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive. Participants will learn the story of “Stone Soup” and then cut up vegetables and make soup and breadsticks. Bring your favorite vegetable to add to the soup. Attendees can walk through the gardens while the soup is cooking. Adults stay with their kids. Class fee is $5 per person, which includes garden entry. Class is free with family membership. Preregister by noon Dec. 8 at [email protected]. Visit altavistabotanicalgardens.org.

Cookie party, Hot Toddy Bar, concert at senior center

A Cookie Party will be from 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 6, a Hot Toddy Bar will be from 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 7, and a holiday concert featuring preschoolers will be at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center’s Park Terrace Cafe, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. A $4 contribution for lunch is suggested for guests 60 and older; $8 fee for guests 59 and younger. Lunch is at noon. Transportation can be provided for Vista seniors age 60 and older with 48-hour advance notice. RSVP for lunch by 1 p.m. the day before at (760) 643-5288.

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