CARDIFF

San Elijo Lagoon restoration topic of free lecture

The LIFE@San Elijo group hosts a free lecture on “San Elijo Lagoon Restoration: A 35-Year Vision for a Revived Wetland” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in Room 204 at the San Elijo Campus of MiraCosta College, 3333 Manchester Ave. Nature Collective’s executive director and principal scientist, Doug Gibson, will discuss the successes of the newly restored San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, including how Nature Collective, an Encinitas-based nonprofit, got funding for the project and how the lagoon’s healthier tidal channels are creating habitat for new species as sea levels rise. Parking is free in lots San 1 and San 2. Visit miracosta.edu/community/life.html.

CARLSBAD

Operation HOPE puts on gala

Operation HOPE-North County will put on its 20 Years of HOPE Red Carpet Gala from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at The Crossings at Carlsbad. The Vista-based nonprofit will present its Jean Cole Commitment to Service Award to Jordan Verdin, founder of nonprofit Humanity Showers, which helps people who are homeless. The Volunteer of the Year Award will be given to longtime volunteer Vickie Lancaster, and the Philanthropist of the Year to Vista-based company BioFilm Inc. Tickets are $150. Proceeds, including from sponsorships and auctions, support Operation HOPE-North County, which provides food and shelter to local women and families in need. Visit operationhopeshelter.org.

DNA genealogy buffs gather

The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by the North San Diego Genealogical Society, will meet in person from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive, including an “Open Forum Meeting.” Admission is free. Visit nsdcgs.org.

Faulconer to speak at Republican meeting

Carlsbad Republican Women Federated hosts former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer as keynote speaker at its meeting at 11 a.m. Oct. 24 at the Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. Faulconer is running for San Diego County Supervisor District 3. The club will also host two 2024 candidates for Superior Court judge in San Diego County, Deputy District Attorney Brian Erickson and Deputy District Attorney Valerie Summers. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $42; $37 for club members. RSVP by Oct. 17 at carlsbadrepublicans.com.

CARMEL VALLEY

Sounds & Sips features San Diego Symphony

One Paseo puts on a Sounds & Sips event features the San Diego Symphony from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 on the lawn behind Harland Brewing. Enjoy a 90-minute performance with a 15-minute intermission near eateries. Admission is free. Visit onepaseo.com.

Volunteers sought for Beautify Chula Vista Day

The city of Chula Vista and the South Bay Sustainable Communities Network are calling for volunteers to join the 20th annual Beautify Chula Vista Day neighborhood cleanup and remove graffiti and clean up litter from 8:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 21 at Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, 130 Beyer Way, or Memorial Bowl at Memorial Park, 373 Park Way. Registration is required at beautifychulavista.org.

DEL MAR

Fall Home/Garden Show kicks off Oct. 21

The Fall Home/Garden Show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with hands-on demonstrations, hundreds of home-improvement products and services exhibitors, educational seminars, plant sales, and face-to-face consultations with home and garden experts. Admission is free. Visit fallhomegardenshow.com.

EAST COUNTY

Sheriff’s stations seek volunteers

The Santee and Lakeside sheriff’s stations are recruiting men and woman 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

Fundraiser for Carlsbad girl fighting cancer

A fundraiser for Layla Mahoney, an 8-year-old Carlsbad girl fighting brain and spine cancer, will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 4 at the EUSD Farm Lab, 441 Quail Gardens Drive. Layla’s favorite movie, “Top Gun: Maverick,” will be shown. Tickets start at $100, including food, entertainment and parking. The event is sponsored by Board and Brew, Burgeon Beer Co., Best Pizza and Brew and Tap Truck. Visit cancerrevengers.com.

Animal shelter offers Pet Loss Support Program

The Pet Loss Support Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society offers free, one-on-one, 20-minute telephone consultations for people who recently lost pets, have pets suffering from major illnesses, or are in the process of saying goodbye to pets. Upcoming counseling sessions include from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 21. Inquiries must be made no later than 11 a.m. on the day before the session. To make an appointment, call (760) 753-6413 or email [email protected].

Fall family fest at Botanic Garden

The San Diego Botanic Garden holds a Fall Festival Family Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 21 with a “spooky boo-tanical costume parade,” along with fall crafts, music from Billy Lee and the Swamp Critters and a chance to plant your own ghost succulent. Each guest will also receive a mini pumpkin to decorate. A display of pumpkins is in Hamilton Children’s Garden through Nov. 30. Visit sdbg.org/exhibitions-public-programs/fall-festival.

School to dedicate student art gallery

San Dieguito High School Academy will dedicate its student art gallery to the founders who helped foster student artistic expression at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at The Mustang Gallery on campus during the annual Faculty and Staff Exhibition. The show will be in memoriam of Neal Glasgow, former SDA art teacher, who died in June. For questions, email [email protected].

ESCONDIDO

Spooky Local History subject of presentation

Spooky Local History is the subject of a presentation for all ages from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 21 in the Escondido Public Library‘s Turrentine Room 239 S. Kalmia St. Participants can find out about the “history and paranormal phenomena” at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, one of Vista’s historic sites. Nicole Strickland will discuss the adobe’s history and give attendees a glimpse into its ghostly happenings, from personal stories to captured audio evidence of the supernatural. Visit library.escondido.org.

Artsy Adults class at library

An Artsy Adults Fall Stitching class is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Escondido Public Library’s Turrentine Room, 239 S. Kalmia St. Participants can create a fall decoration using different seasonal felt shapes and buttons. Supplies are provided, but limited. Visit library.escondido.org.

Organists give annual concert

The Palomar Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will hold its annual Student Scholarship Fund Concert at 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 845 Chestnut St., featuring 10 organists and The San Luis Rey Chorale with flute, clarinet, accordion, violin and trumpet. The theme is “Transcriptions,” including works by Bach, Holst, Piazzolla, Handel, Strauss, Albinoni, Sousa and Rachmaninoff. Suggested donation is $20 at the door. A wine and cheese reception follows. Visit trinityescondido.org.

Pumpkinfest at Escondido High School

The 16th annual Pumpkinfest is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 28 hosted by the Escondido High School Agriculture Department at Escondido High School, 1535 N. Broadway, behind the baseball field. Admission is free. Pumpkins grown by students will be sold. Pumpkinfest includes tractor rides, carnival games, a petting zoo, face painting, crafts, food, plants, music and entertainment along with a classic car show put on by the Escondido High Auto Shop Department. Proceeds benefit students of the Escondido High Agriculture Department.

The Escondido Street Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 15 in downtown Escondido.

(Charlie Neuman / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Escondido Street Festival on Oct. 15

The Escondido Street Festival with food and entertainment is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 15 on Grand Avenue between Escondido Boulevard and Juniper Street. Highlights include live music and hundreds of craft, art and retail vendors, international and artisan food, and a beer and wine garden. An Art in the Garden juried art show is at 121 N. Juniper St. There will be a photo booth, interactive children’s crafts and information on health and wellness, home improvement, pet services and community sports and clubs. Admission is free. Visit downtownescondido.com/grand-avenue-festival.

FALLBROOK

Fallbrook Harvest Faire on Oct. 22

The autumn-themed Fallbrook Harvest Faire will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 on Main Avenue in downtown Fallbrook with pumpkin contests, a wine and beer garden, handmade crafts and vendors, local foods and treats along with pony rides, scarecrows and pie-eating contests. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.

Free cello concert at Mission Theater

The Rastrelli Cello Quartet will perform at 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave. The quartet is visiting from Germany as part of their 2023 North American tour. The quartet can perform a range of music from ragtime to the sounds of a saxophone in the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Admission is free. The show is presented by the Fallbrook Music Society. Visit fallbrookmusicsociety.org.

OCEANSIDE

Two free lectures at MiraCosta College

The LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) group at MiraCosta College presents two free lectures Oct. 20 at Building T200, on the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. At 1 p.m., “Human Trafficking and Workplace Justice” will be presented by Shanish Aloor, San Diego County deputy district attorney and team leader of the Workplace Justice Unit. At 2:30 p.m., “World Osteoporosis Day” will be presented by Dr. Eva Bejko, who will discuss causes, symptoms and treatment of osteoporosis and arthritis in the elderly. Parking permits are required on campus. Visit miracosta.edu/community/life.html.

Surf Museum to screen ‘Wade in the Water’

The California Surf Museum will screen “Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture” from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at 312 Pier View Way. The film will be followed by a Q&A with the film‘s director, David Mesfin, and his project team. Cost is $10; $5 for museum members. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended at (760) 721-6876.

Veterans’ Writing Group meets Oct. 21

The Veterans’ Writing Group of San Diego County meets Oct. 21 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.

A woman gets her face painted during a Día de los Muertos celebration in Oceanside.

(Hayne Palmour IV / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Día de los Muertos downtown

The 22nd annual Día de los Muertos Festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22 next to City Hall and around the Oceanside Civic Center and Pier View Way. Highlights include community and family altars built in memory of loved ones with marigolds from Mellano Flowers and traditional music and dancing of the Mexican culture, along with a chalk cemetery and kids crafts and activities. There will be a Catrina Contest at 2 p.m., food, shopping and a car show with trunk altars sponsored by the Por Siempre Car Club, along with lowrider bicycles on display. Entertainment includes capulli, ballet folklorico and rubios dancers and Danza de los Diablos. The bookmobile will offer arts projects for kids. Admission is free. Visit friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org.

Purses for a Purpose fundraiser at library

The Friends of the Oceanside Public Library will sell gently used purses and backpacks at its Purses For a Purpose fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway. Early bird shopping for Friends members is from 9 to 10 a.m., and memberships may be purchased at the door. Proceeds go to the library’s programs and materials. Visit oplfriends.org.

‘The State of our Southern Border’ subject of presentation

The Republican Club of North County hosts keynote speaker Chris Harris, retired U.S. Border Patrol agent, at noon Oct. 18 for a presentation on “The State of our Southern Border” at El Camino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way. Doors open at 11 a.m. for socializing. Cost is $40; $35 for club members; cash or check only at the door; $20 for membership. For questions, call (760) 212-9995.

POWAY

Tours offered at Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center

The Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center at Pauwai is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21 for free docent-led and self-guided tours. Visitors can take tours of the archaeological site where Native Americans lived. Highlights include native gardens, artifacts, ramadas, a replica village, and examples of acorn-grinding stations. Participants learn how plants were used for food, shelter and medicine. Check in at the Interpretive Center, 13104 Ipai Waaypuk Trail. Visit poway.org/369/kumeyaay-ipai-interpretive-center.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Soroptimists discuss Dream It Be It for girls

Soroptimist International of North San Diego County hosts Maggie-Mae Gaughan for a presentation about a key Soroptimist program, Dream It Be It: Career Support for Girls, at a luncheon meeting at noon Oct. 18 at San Diego Oasis, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive. Gaughan, who served as Dream It Be It chair for five years, has developed this as a permanent program in her local district in the Santa Clarita Valley area serving high-risk girls in nearly a dozen high schools. She currently serves on the Soroptimist International Dream it Be it National Committee. RSVP is required at [email protected]. Visit soroptimistnsd.org.

Church holds free brass concert

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church presents a free brass concert at 4 p.m. Oct. 15 in the church, 17010 Pomerado Road. Email [email protected].

Surviving the Holidays grief share program

A program to help folks who are facing the holidays after the death of a loved one is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22, hosted by Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Road. The GriefShare Surviving the Holidays program includes video, discussion and devotional material. Register by Oct. 17 at griefshare.org or [email protected].

RANCHO SANTA FE

Birdies & Bunkers golf tournament

The Birdies & Bunkers Rear Admiral Brown Memorial Classic Golf Tournament kicks off with registration and lunch at 10 a.m. Oct. 30 with shotgun start at noon at The Farms Golf Club, 8500 St. Andrews Road. Proceeds support the Rosie Network’s Service2CEO program, which supports military spouses, veterans and transitioning service members looking to launch or grow a business. Visit therosienetwork.org.

SAN DIEGO

Bella Vita Fest celebrates Italian culture

The Bella Vita Fest celebrating Italian culture is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21-22 in San Diego’s Little Italy. More than 50 chalk artists will create street paintings while visitors watch. There will be Italian music, food and vendors. More than 25 wines from Italy will be featured. Visit bellavitafest.com.

Astronomy buffs gather to view stars

The community can join members of the San Diego Astronomy Association to view the nighttime sky through telescopes set up at Mission Trails Regional Park’s West Sycamore Staging Area, 17160 Stonebridge Parkway, starting at dusk Oct 20. Park on the paved street and walk past the gate into the park where telescopes are set up. Rainy or cloudy weather cancels the event. Visit mtrp.org.

Write Out Loud group holds event

The Write Out Loud group and the San Diego Public Library will hold a National Endowment for the Arts “Big Read” free event at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the San Diego Central Library’s Neil Morgan Auditorium, 330 Park Blvd. Highlights include readings, performances and a book giveaway. Visit writeoutloud.ticketspice.com/neabigread.

Dogtoberfest features contests, awards

The San Diego Public Library holds Dogtoberfest in October with events to celebrate dogs, including costume contests, video competitions, educational visits from community partners and author visits. The Dog Stars Video Awards Festival and Community Panel is slated for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the San Diego Central Library’s Neil Morgan Auditorium, 330 Park Blvd., presented by the San Diego Public Library and community partners. Visit sandiego.gov/public-library/dogtoberfest.

Special needs access to Fleet Science Center

Early access to the Fleet Science Center for community members who need a low-sensory experience is at 9 a.m. Oct. 21 as part of Accessibility Mornings offered the third Saturday of the month at the center, 1875 El Prado, in Balboa Park. Visitors can view galleries in a quieter setting, an hour before the museum opens to the public, and a special documentary screening with lights on and lower volume is at 10 a.m. Admission is free for one guest and one chaperone. Visit fleetscience.org or call (619) 685-5743.

Free outdoor concert series at The Conrad

La Jolla Music Society’s free outdoor Wu Tsai QRT.yrd Concert Series at The Conrad in La Jolla will be expanded to add shows in the fall, beginning on Oct. 18 with a Salsa Night featuring the Manny Cepeda Quartet. A salsa class will be held at 5:30 p.m. with the performance at 6:30 p.m. Visit theconrad.org.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Volunteers at the San Diego Center for Children during the Day of Service.

(Courtesy of United Way of San Diego County)

Hundreds of volunteers across the county join Day of Service

More than 400 volunteers from across San Diego County joined this year’s Day of Service run by local nonprofits United Way of San Diego County and San Diego Gives. Volunteers worked on community projects, lending a hand to 31 local nonprofits. At one site, for example, at the San Diego Center for Children, 25 volunteers worked at beautifying the center’s campus, painting curbs, removing leaves and weeds, and helping in the garden. Visit uwsd.org or sandiegogives.org.

Upcoming blood drives

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

• Petco, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at 8501 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa.
• Albertsons, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16 1459 Main St., Ramona.
• Grain & Grit, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Little Italy Food Hall, 550 W. Date St., parked on Columbia Street, San Diego.
• Japanese Friendship Garden, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 in courtyard at 2215 Pan American Road, San Diego.
• National City Public Library, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at 1401 National City Blvd., National City.
• Helix Charter High School, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at 7323 University Ave., La Mesa.
• Harrah’s Resort Southern California, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center.
• Sycuan Casino, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon.
• Islamic Center of San Diego – East County, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at 833 Broadway, El Cajon.
• Dan McKinney Family YMCA, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at 8355 Cliffridge Ave., La Jolla.
• Barons Market, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at 4001 W. Point Loma Blvd., parked on Groton Street, San Diego.
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at 1270 S. Orange Ave., El Cajon.

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.

Free admission for kids at area attractions

More than 50 museums, aquariums, gardens and other attractions across San Diego County offer free admission for children 12 and younger with a paid adult throughout October as part of the “Kids Free” program. The annual program is run by the San Diego Museum Council with the San Diego Tourism Authority and support from First 5 San Diego. For participating venues, visit sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/kidsfree.

SAN MARCOS

Samoan music featured in program

The California State University of San Marcos’ Arts And Lectures program will host Faiva O Sāmoa at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 in the University Student Union Ballroom. Samoan music will be played by musicians Grant Muāgututi’a, Vaea A’etonu and Tinifuloa Grey using instruments such as acoustic guitars, selo (upright bass), and ‘ukulele, along with traditional Samoan percussion instruments. Admission is free for Cal State San Marcos students, faculty, staff and alumni, and $5 for the public. Tickets are atbit.ly/3M2oh6p.

SANTEE

Brews & Bites Festival on Oct. 21

The Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser featuring food and beverage samples, live music and opportunity drawings will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Town Center Community Park, 550 Park Center Drive. The fundraiser will benefit the Santee Teen Center, park improvement projects, and the city’s Recreation Scholarship Program for qualifying Santee children, teens and seniors. The event is for ages 21 and older. Tickets cost $60; designated driver tickets are $35. Visit bit.ly/3EA6ijI.

SOLANA BEACH

Día de los Muertos community gathering

The city of Solana Beach and the La Colonia Community Foundation present the annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) community event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22 at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave. Entertainment includes Ballet Folklórico Grupo Jaliciense, Classic Car Show by Viejitos Car Club, musical performances by Santana Soul, Smooth Groove band and Mariachi Del Mar. There will be Mexican food and vendors selling gifts and crafts along with piñatas for the kids, a Catrin/Catrina costume contest, a dog costume contest, a face mask contest and free kids activities, such as crafts and a scavenger hunt. This year’s celebration is a tribute to the Pachuco era. The highlight will be more than 40 altars honoring the memories of family and friends who have died. The blessing of the altars by the Aztec Dancers Danza Coatlique Ceminitzli begins at 9:30 a.m. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org.

Kid and dog-friendly book party

A Sunday Funday Kid & Dog Friendly Book Party is from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at the author booth at Carruth Cellars, 118 S. Cedros Ave. The free event features local author Samantha Childs’ award-winning children’s book “Henri and the Magnificent Snort” and a costume contest for pups. There will be free bookmarks, coloring and activity sheets while supplies last. For questions, email [email protected].

VISTA

Antique Engine & Tractor Show

The Antique Engine & Tractor Show is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29 at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 Santa Fe Ave., with an antique equipment parade at 1 p.m. Highlights include tractor driving, farming demonstrations, scavenger hunts and kids games along with demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving, clocks and model trains. There will be food, drinks and vendors. Admission is $8; $7 for seniors; $5 for kids ages 6-12 and free for kids younger than 6. The Vista Historical Society seeks volunteers to help at the event; call (760) 630-0444. Visit agsem.com/antique-engine-and-tractor-show.php.

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