BONITA
Día de Los Muertos display
The Bonita Museum and Cultural Center will have community ofrendas and large-scale papier-mâché for Día de los Muertos on display through Nov. 11 at the museum, 4355 Bonita Road. Visit bonitahistoricalsociety.org.
BORREGO SPRINGS
Archaeology Day at state park
An Archaeology Day is slated for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, and nearby Begole Archaeology Research Center, hosted by the California State Parks and Colorado Desert Archaeology Society. The family-friendly event celebrates the cultural heritage of the Anza-Borrego Desert and includes hands-on pottery making and rock art painting, guided tours of the archaeology lab, native plants, a basket weaving demo and storytelling. A guided field trip will be given in the afternoon to a cultural site occupied by the Kumeyaay around 1100 years ago. Additional in-person guided field trips will be offered Nov. 5 to petroglyph and morteros sites. A small fee will be charged for the field trips. Admission is free. Visit anzaborregoarchaeo.org/arch-day-2023.
CARLSBAD
Holiday market benefits charities
The Woman’s Club of Carlsbad holds the 10th annual Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at its clubhouse, 3320 Monroe St. The market features handmade specialty craft items of holiday and home decor, accessories, planters, cards, baby items and a variety of food and gift items. Vendors will also be selling holiday and gift items. Proceeds benefit the philanthropic projects of the club. Visit womansclubofcarlsbad.org.
CORONADO
‘The Last Butterflies’ screened at library
“The Last Butterflies” will be screened at 10 a.m. Nov. 9 in the Winn Room at the Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave. The short film co-starring, written and produced by Whitney Wegman-Wood, from La Mesa, is also slated to be shown Nov. 12 in the San Diego Film Festival. Cooper Andrews of “The Walking Dead” and “Shazam!” co-stars with Wegman-Wood in the film, which was shot in Oceanside and in Kansas, among other places. The producer is Sue Vicory and director, Patrick Rea. Visit festival.coronadofilmfest.com/2023/10/03/the-last-butterflies.
EL CAJON
Annual Multicultural Festival
The seventh annual Multicultural Festival hosted by the Welcome Newcomer Network and Excellence and Justice in Education Academies is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 on the campus of EJE Academies, 851 S. Johnson Ave. The festival celebrates the diverse communities and cultures of San Diego, and this year’s theme is Remember Our Roots. The event features live music, cultural presentations, free food, children’s activities, raffle prizes, resource tables, a County Mobile Vaccine Clinic and a Fondo de Cultura Economica book truck. EJE Academies is a dual immersion, Spanish/English charter school. The Welcome Newcomer Network consists of more than 50 social service agencies, school districts, and faith-based groups serving East County to help refugees and others new to the area. Visit ejeacademies.org.
Old Highway 80 History Conference
An Old Highway 80 History Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 3 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Marriott Hotel, 141 N. Magnolia Ave. The Friday morning program features speakers, including Bonnie Fletcher, a fourth-generation descendant of Col. Ed Fletcher, whose efforts brought a transcontinental highway to San Diego 100 years ago. The Saturday program features a “Back Country Drive on Olde Highway 80” with lunch at Flinn Springs County Park. Admission is free for the event, which is co-sponsored by the Olaf Wieghorst Museum. Email ostkahl@aol.com. Visit wieghorstmuseum.org/events.
ENCINITAS
MandoBasso gives free concert at library
The Friends of the Encinitas Library will present MandoBasso in a free concert from 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Bill Bradbury plays the mandolin and Gunnar Biggs plays the bass, performing American country music with jazz and classical influences and Celtic drifts. Visit encinitaslibfriends.org.
Fundraiser for Carlsbad girl fighting cancer
A fundraiser for Layla Mahoney, an 8-year-old Carlsbad girl fighting brain and spine cancer, will be held 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.
ESCONDIDO
Del Dios community pancake breakfast
The Community of Del Dios holds a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Nov. 5 at Del Dios Community Center (the Old Firehouse) at 20155 Elm Lane between Del Dios Highway and Lake Drive on the shores of Lake Hodges. The all-you-can-eat breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, kielbasa, ham, homemade beans, homemade salsa, orange juice and coffee/tea. Cost is $8; $4 for children younger than 12. The community has been serving a twice-a-year breakfast for more than 30 years. Attendees can see the “Hodgee Monster” sculpture. Proceeds go to help the Community of Del Dios/Mt. Israel for fire prevention, ecological preservation of the Lake Hodges/Mt. Israel area, maintenance of the Del Dios /Mt. Israel Community Center and the restoration of the community 1935 fire engine. Visit smartrecoverysd.org/venue/old-del-dios-firehouse-community-center.
Christmas Bazaar kicks off Nov. 6
A Christmas Bazaar will be held from Nov. 6 through Nov. 12 at Church of the Resurrection in the Parish Hall, 1445 Conway Drive. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visit resurrectionchurch.org.
Día de los Muertos Festival at arts center
The free 28th annual Día de los Muertos Festival at the California Center for the Arts Museum, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., is from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1 with live music, performances by ballet folklorico and Aztec dancers and community altars to honor the memory of loved ones along with a Catrina contest, food trucks, a vendor market, a lowrider car show, a Frida Kahlo museum exhibit and face painting. Visit artcenter.org/event/28th-annual-dia-de-los-muertos-escondido.
Light Up a Life candle-lighting ceremony
A community Light Up a Life candle-lighting ceremony to celebrate the lives of loved ones is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 hosted by The Elizabeth Hospice at the California Center for the Arts at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. The family-friendly event blends inspirational messages, music, and a memorial ceremony to uplift those touched by loss, illness or sorrow. Admission and parking are free. Registration is required by Nov. 3 at elizabethhospice.ejoinme.org/light2023. In support of the nonprofit Elizabeth Hospice, a donation of $50 is suggested. Individuals can receive a 2023 keepsake ornament with a $100 donation or a personalized ornament with a donation of $250 or more.
Library Day of the Dead celebration
A Day of the Dead Celebration is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Escondido Public Library’s Turrentine Room, 239 S. Kalmia St. There will be Día de los Muertos stories, music, folkloric dance and sugar skull making. Families can create a community exhibit to honor loved ones who died, and can bring items such as a photo, memento or their favorite food. Visit escondidolibrary.org.
Community ofrenda for Día de los Muertos
To celebrate Día de los Muertos, the Escondido Public Library is organizing its second community ofrenda (altar) — a creative memorial to loved ones who died. Community members can contribute images and artwork in memory of loved ones. The ofrenda will be in the library lobby through Nov. 4. Visit escondidolibrary.org.
FALLBROOK
Community Clean Up Day
The Fallbrook Beautification Alliance with I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego will host a Fallbrook Community Clean Up Day from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 4, followed by a gently used clothing swap from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers of all ages can grab buckets, work gloves and litter grabbers and pick up litter and recyclables on Fallbrook downtown streets and along the Pico Promenade. A check-in table will be at the Vince Ross Square, 102 S. Main St. A short talk about watersheds and tips on recycling is at 9 a.m. Bring gently used clothing items and exchange them for other items at no cost. Register at cleansd.org/event.
IMPERIAL BEACH
Día de los Muertos Community Celebration
The annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration is from 3:30 p.m. 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at Veterans Park, 1075 Eighth St. Highlights include an altar to honor loved ones who have died, mariachi music, ballet folklórico and activities for kids. Visit imperialbeachca.gov.
LEMON GROVE
Soroptimists and Lions Club put on Chili Cook Off
Soroptimist International of Lemon Grove and the Lemon Grove Latino Diversified Lions Club are putting on a Chili Cook Off fall fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at St. John of the Cross Church Hall, 8086 Broadway. Cost is $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $225 table of 10. For tickets, email jennifermendozalg@gmail.com.
LA MESA
Superior Court judge to discuss justice system
The La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women will feature San Diego County Superior Court Judge Rebecca G. Church, discussing “Is the justice system fair and unbiased?” at its meeting at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 11 in King Hall at the Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd. The theme of the meeting is Law & Order. Social time is from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Branch meetings are free and open to the public. The meeting will also serve to introduce local branch scholarship recipients. Visit lamesaelcajon-ca.aauw.net.
NORTH COUNTY
Widows and widowers friendship group meets
The Catholic Widows and Widowers of North County, a group that fosters friendships through various social activities, will hold these events:
Nov. 7: Lunch, Hoorah Breakfast Cafe and Bar, Rancho Bernardo.
Nov. 9: Walk, Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad, with meal to follow, Eureka! restaurant, Carlsbad.
Nov. 16: Dinner, Akai Hana, Rancho Bernardo.
Nov. 19: Communal Mass, St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church, San Marcos, with meal to follow, Cocina del Charro, San Marcos.
Nov. 28: Lunch, Nick’s on State, Carlsbad.
Reservations are required at (818) 665-8150. Visit cwwnc.com.
OCEANSIDE
Oceanside Newcomers & Friends members at a Halloween Costume Party at the group’s monthly luncheon.
(Photo courtesy of Pat Castello )
Newcomers & Friends group marks 35 years, celebrates Halloween
The Oceanside Newcomers & Friends group, which marks its 35th anniversary this year, held a Halloween Costume Party at its monthly luncheon. The nonprofit group greets newcomers to Oceanside and surrounding communities and offers programs to meet new friends, such as social dinners, walks, games, travel and theater groups and “happy hour.” The group welcomes new members at its business/coffee meeting at 10 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. Visit oceansidenewcomers.org.
Bike the Coast event starts in Oceanside
Bike the Coast, San Diego’s oceanfront cycling event, takes place from 6:50 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 4 along Highway 101 from Oceanside to Del Mar and back. There are different ride routes from 7 to 100 miles. The Finish Festival with Expo and Beer Garden is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with food, music and shopping at the Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre, 301 The Strand North. Registration fees are $60-$125. Proceeds benefit the MS Society. Visit bikethecoastsd.com.
Magic of Mendelssohn concert at MiraCosta
The MiraCosta College Symphony Orchestra will give a concert, The Magic of Mendelssohn, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 and 3 p.m. Nov. 5 at MiraCosta College’s Concert Hall on the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive, featuring classical and romantic music, including Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5. Tickets are $8-$10. Visit miracosta.edu/buytix.
An Evening of Funk & Soul with MOJO and Jazz Collective
A concert featuring funk and soul music presented by MOJO and Jazz Collective is at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at MiraCosta College’s Concert Hall on the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. Tickets are $8-$10. Visit miracosta.edu/buytix.
Free series on Oaxacan culture
The Oceanside Public Library hosts a free series of family-friendly workshops and events celebrating Oaxacan culture, “Creando Memorias en Oceanside,” in November and December. The series will include a cooking class, an art workshop, a dance class, a documentary film, an Oaxacan craft-making workshop and a final Noche de Calenda — a night of music, dancing and celebration. The events are at Crown Heights Community Resource Center, 1210 Division St., and the Civic Center Library, 330 N. Coast Highway. The first event is a Memela Cooking Class led by Carmen Colon, owner of the Oaxacan restaurant Cocina Del Carmen in Vista, from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Crown Heights Community Resource Center. Visit oceansidelibrary.org.
SAN DIEGO
California Festival Family & Community Day
The California Festival Family & Community Day will showcase performances by the San Diego Youth Symphony, San Diego Master Chorale and Art of Elan from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at The Rady Shell, 222 Marina Park Way. Excerpts from the “Where All Are Welcome” concert are among the pieces slated to be performed by the San Diego Master Chorale. Food, beverages (no alcohol), chairs and blankets may be brought in. Food and drink will also be sold. Admission is free. RSVP at theshell.org/performances/california-festival-family-community-day.
Día de Muertos celebration
Barrio Logan holds Día de Muertos Espiritu de Xochimilco from noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 29 near Logan Avenue and National Avenue. Highlights include ballet folklorico dancers, a mariachi band, traditional ceremonies, altars and a Catrina contest along with Mexican foods, local vendors, lowriders with contest, and kids activities. The opening ceremony is from noon to 12:45 p.m. Visit allforlogan.com.
Annual Bulldog Derby at Waterfront Park
The fourth annual Bulldog Derby will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Coast Highway. Highlights include a bulldog wagon parade, food truck vendors, local business vendors and a Memorial Strut Your Stuff walk along with music, contests and Bulldog Derby races, featuring English and French bulldogs. The event is a fundraiser for the Puppy Pals Club. Visit bulldogderby.com or email thebulldogderby@gmail.com.
Candlelight procession in Old Town
As part of Día de Muertos celebrations, Old Town’s Immaculate Conception Church hosts a candlelight procession at 6 p.m. Nov. 2 with blessings and traditional dances by Danza Azteca Atlachinolli. The free event begins at sundown in front of the church, 2540 San Diego Ave., and ends at El Campo Santo Cemetery.
Art San Diego at convention center
The Art San Diego fair will he held Nov. 3-5 at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive. The event features The Lennon Art Collection, a collaborative installation by local artist Sarah Steiber, and artworks by students at The Monarch School, along with the work of international artists. The Collector’s VIP opening is from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 3; the weekend fair is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 4 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5. Tickets are $20; $10 for students, seniors and military and three-day passes are $30 at rwag.ticketspice.com/art-san-diego-2023.
Fiesta de Reyes Día de los Muertos
Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park celebrates Día de los Muertos from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Nov. 2 at 2754 Calhoun St. There will be live entertainment on the Fiesta de Reyes stage, Día de Los Muertos altars, professional face painters, art demonstrations and Catrinas along with skeleton puppets at the plaza. Visit fiestadereyes.com.
Toastmasters group meets Nov. 2
The Voyagers Toastmasters, a group that fosters leadership and communication skills, meets at 7 a.m. Nov. 2 online via Zoom and in person at Lestat’s coffeehouse, 3343 Adams Ave., in Normal Heights. Email toastmastersvoyagers@gmail.com.
SeaWorld celebrates Día De Los Muertos
Catrina statues in traditional dresses will welcome guests Nov. 3-5 as SeaWorld San Diego celebrates Día De Los Muertos. There will be ofrendas with mementos and flowers honoring loved ones who have died and traditional Day of the Dead music along with foods such as conchas, pan de muerto, chamango and hot Cheetos elote in a cup and micheladas and margaritas. Visit seaworldsandiego.com.
Guests at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting.
(Courtesy of James Tran)
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival featuring dozens of events, hundreds of domestic and international wineries, craft beer and local culinary masterpieces is from Nov. 6-12. The festival includes the Grand Decant on Nov. 10, Grand Tasting at the Port of San Diego on Nov. 11 and Grand Fiesta on Nov. 12. Visit sandiegowineclassic.com.
Nature walk focuses on wildlife tracking
A Mission Trails Regional Park guide will lead a free family-oriented wildlife tracking nature walk on the Oak Grove Loop Trail from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Nov. 4. Hikers will learn how to identify tracks and other signs left behind by the park’s seldom-seen wildlife. Walks start from the front of the Visitor Center on the first Saturday of every month at 8:30 a.m. No reservations are required. Wear hat, long pants and closed-toe shoes and bring water. Sunscreen is recommended. Walks are canceled if raining. Visit mtrp.org.
Candlelight procession set for Nov. 2
A Dia de los Muertos candlelight procession will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 2. Join the procession from either the Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., or Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave. Other activities include a display of altars and craft workshops. Visit shermanheightscc.org.
Charity fundraiser for animal rescue
A fundraiser for Treat Them R+ght Animal Rescue will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at The Ould Sod at 3373 Adams Ave., in Normal Heights. Highlights include beers and craft cocktails along with live music from three bands — Shoeless, Boy Named Soo and Cruz Roots. There will be a Big Oven Pizza food truck and a raffle with prizes. The family-run rescue and sanctuary in Lakeside cares for a wide range of homeless and neglected animals, including horses, dogs, pigs and goats. Suggested donation is $15; $20 at door. Tickets are at treatthemrightfundraiser.eventbrite.com.
Holiday Craft Market & Bake Sale
The Kiwanis Club of Scripps Ranch hosts a Holiday Craft Market & Bake Sale featuring local craft vendors selling handmade items from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 at Scripps Ranch Community Center, 11885 Cypress Canyon Road. Admission and parking are free. Proceeds help the Kiwanis Club support children’s organizations throughout San Diego. Visit scrippsranchkiwanis.org.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Participants at the local TOPS Rally in El Cajon.
(Courtesy of Linda Knarreborg
)
Weight-loss support group marks 75th anniversary
This month is the 75th anniversary of nonprofit TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). The international weight-loss support club formed in 1948 has 6,000 chapters with 66,000 members around the world. As part of the 75th anniversary, a local TOPS Fall Rally was held recently representing 15 chapters in San Diego County, ranging from Clairemont, Ocean Beach, Mira Mesa, San Carlos and Santee to Oceanside, Poway, Chula Vista, National City and Escondido. Visitors are welcome at TOPS weekly meetings. An Open House for anyone interested in developing a healthier lifestyle will be held at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 13 at St. Mark’s Methodist Church in the fellowship hall, 3502 Clairemont Drive, San Diego. There will be a short presentation on “Healthy Holiday Eating Strategies.” Visit tops.org.
Upcoming blood drives
The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):
- Golden State Manufactured Home Owners League, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at 200 N. El Camino Real, Oceanside.
- Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at 2766 Navajo Road, El Cajon.
- St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at 2643 Homedale St., San Diego.
- Barons Market, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 30 in CVS parking lot, 3231 University Ave., San Diego.
- Wyyerd Fiber, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at 401 Mile of Cars Way, National City.
- The Bishop’s School, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at 7607 La Jolla Blvd., San Diego.
- South Bay Union School District, noon to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at 601 Elm Ave., Imperial Beach.
- El Cajon Valley High School, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at 1035 E. Madison Ave., El Cajon.
- Kaiser Permanente, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at 250 S. Travelodge Drive, El Cajon.
- Starbucks, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at 4227 Genesee Ave., San Diego.
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.
SAN MARCOS
Model A Ford club to hold meeting
The Palomar Model A Ford Club meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 to discuss upcoming tours and share technical advice at the Palomar Estates East Clubhouse, 650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. Refreshments and socializing will follow the program. Local day tours are typically scheduled the Saturday following the meeting, departing from the clubhouse. All Model A owners and enthusiasts are welcome. Visit palomarmodelaclub.org.
SANTEE
Spooky Snapshots trick-or-treating event
The city hosts Spooky Snapshots for children and their families to go trick-or-treating from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at City Hall and take photos in front of a Halloween backdrop in front of the Santee City Hall Council Chambers, 10601 Magnolia Ave. The Sheriff’s Department will pass out candy from noon to 3 p.m. Visit cityofsanteeca.gov.
SPRING VALLEY
Fall craft fair at school
The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation puts on a fall craft fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at the school, 8585 Blossom Lane. The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation supports the Booster’s Club and Music & Specialty Corps Parents, student clubs, other school programs and scholarships. For information or if you are a crafter, email mtmiguelalumni@gmail.com.
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