ANZA BORREGO
Hikes, workshops at desert state park
The Anza-Borrego Foundation hosts a number of activities this week at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including these events:
Anza-Borrego In Focus: Peninsular Bighorn Sheep is from 7 to 8 p.m. April 4.
April Member Hike: Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec from 9:30 a.m. to noon April 8.
Visit theabf.org.
BONITA
Spring Garden & Craft Fair
Sweetwater Woman’s Club’s annual Spring Garden & Craft Fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 4-5 at 3855 Sweetwater Road to benefit the club’s scholarship fund for high school seniors in the Sweetwater Union High School District. There will be plants for the garden, crafts from local crafters, gently used items and opportunity drawings. Free ission. Visit www.sweetwaterwomansclub.org.
Optimists hold book sale
The Bonita Optimist Club will hold a Giant Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5-6 at the Bonita Museum, 4355 Bonita Road. The community can shop for more than 8,000 discounted (like new) books organized by categories for easy browsing. Proceeds youths in the community. Book donations are accepted throughout the year. Visit www.BonitaOptimist.org.
CARDIFF
Discovery Tour, Family Day
Nature Collective, a conservation and science education nonprofit, will lead a Discovery Tour from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 5 and will host a Family Fun Day with animal ambassadors from 10 a.m. to noon April 6 at San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave. RSVP for April 5 at naturecollective.org/event/discovery-tour-april-5 and April 6 at naturecollective.org/event/family-fun-day-april-6-2025.
CARLSBAD
Community health center puts on fundraiser gala
TrueCare, a nonprofit community health center serving North San Diego and South Riverside counties, will put on its annual “Illumination” gala at 5 p.m. April 12 at Omni La Costa Resort, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road. This year’s theme, “Lighting a Path to Belonging,” highlights the nonprofit’s mission to advance youth development through health programs. Highlights include performances and visual storytelling about TrueCare’s mission of improved health for all. There will be signature cocktails, gourmet seated dinner and auction. Tickets are $350; sponsorships start at $4,000. Visit truecare.org/gala.
Trafficking of migrant children subject of talk
The Republican Women of California-San Marcos will host speaker J.J. Carrell, who recently retired from the U.S. Border Patrol after 24 years and will discuss “Trafficked, Exploited and Missing Migrant Children” at its general meeting at 11:30 a.m. April 9 at Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. Registration and social time starts at 11 a.m. Cost is $40, including lunch (salmon or stuffed chicken). Reservations required by April 2. Visit republican-women-of-california-san-diego.square.site.
Soroptimists put on film festival
Soroptimist International of Oceanside-Carlsbad will put on its Reel Women Film Festival from 1 to 4:30 p.m. April 5 at the Dove Library Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane. The event raises money for grants for the group’s Live Your Dream program, which helps women who are head of household pursue their educational and career goals. Highlights include seven documentary films, food, music and opportunities to donate. Films range from “ANUJA,” a Live Action Short nominee at this year’s Academy Awards, and “Honor the Earth,” an award-winning film about a Native American woman’s fight to protect the Earth, to “Once More, Like Rain Man,” a film directed by and starring an autistic woman who documents her experiences auditioning for autistic roles. Tickets are $35; $100 for VIP at www.sioceansidecarlsbad.com/reel-women-film-shorts.html.
CHULA VISTA
‘Make Believe at the Mall Day’
The annual “Make Believe at the Mall Day” is from 4 to 6 p.m. April 8 at the farmers market at Otay Ranch Town Center. Highlights include superhero- and fairytale-themed make-and-take crafts, character appearances of Spider-Man, Pikachu and Doc McStuffins, princess-inspired hairdos and crowns, free face painting, free photo booth and a DJ spinning tunes. Visit www.otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/8681.
EL CAJON
Laurel and Hardy club screens movies
Saps at Sea, the San Diego Laurel and Hardy club, will screen Ollie Feigns Illness to Attend Lodge Events from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 5 at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 S Lincoln Ave. The screening includes Laurel and Hardy in “Be Big!” and “Sons of the Desert,” plus Harold Lloyd’s “High and Dizzy” and Will Rogers’ “Big Moments from Little Pictures.” ission is $10 and includes dessert. Free for children 12 and younger. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., program starts at 5 p.m. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/111118255744315.
Mystery dinner theater show
The Circle Players of East County will be performing the dinner theater production of “Everyone’s A Critic” at 6:30 p.m. April 5 and 1:30 p.m. April 6 in Richardson Hall, 551 Farragut Circle. Tickets for this mystery dinner theater show are $30, including a three-course, French-themed meal. Reserve at www.thecircleplayers.org.
ENCINITAS
‘Art in Full Bloom’ spring reception
The nonprofit Off Track Gallery holds an “Art in Full Bloom” spring reception from 6 to 8 p.m. April 5 as part of Encinitas’ Art Night. The show will feature oil paintings, acrylic, mixed media and resin art. There will be free refreshments and live music by the Bud Brothers. Artwork will be 10% off all day April 5 at the gallery, 937 S. Coast Highway 101. Visit sandieguitoartguild.com.
FALLBROOK
Gypsy jazz quintet gives concert
Grammy Award-winning guitar virtuoso John Jorgenson leads his instrumental gypsy jazz quintet in a concert at 2 p.m. April 6 presented by Fallbrook Music Society in the Burton Center at Fallbrook High School, 2400 S. Stage Coach Lane. The group’s style has been called “Gypsy Jazz” after the swing created by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, but their compositions draw from Latin, Romanian, classical, rock and Greek music. Doors open at 1 p.m.; parking is free. Advance tickets are $20; $25 after noon on the day of the show and free for children 18 and younger. Visit www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org.
LAKESIDE
Spring Craft Fair
A Spring Craft Fair is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Lindo Lake County Park, 12660 Lindo Lane. The family-friendly event includes craft booths, interactive games, a live raptor presentation, a DJ playing springtime tunes, food vendors and recreation program demonstrations. Call 619-443-9176.
Reading of ‘Letters From an American’
A reading of Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letters From an American” is at 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Lakeside branch of the San Diego County Library, 12428 Woodside Ave. The reading is done in the context of the U.S. Constitution and is free and open to the public. Email questions to [email protected].
LA JOLLA
Concert features Kumeyaay bird singer
The La Jolla Music Society free outdoor Wu Tsai QRT.yrd Concert series presents Finnegan Blue 4:30 p.m. April 4. Opening the Local Voices series is a performance by Kumeyaay bird singer Blue Eagle Vigil, of the Viejas band of Kumeyaay, with singers from various tribes of the Kumeyaay Nation. Finnegan Blue features sibling duo Anna Lee and Willie Fleming, among others, performing toe-tapping originals and traditional Irish and Bluegrass covers. Visit TheConrad.org.
LA MESA
Community history archiving event
The La Mesa History Center is collecting historical information and personal stories about La Mesa at a community archiving event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3 at McKinney House Museum and grounds, 8369 University Ave. Participants can bring in up to 10 photographs or old flyers, posters or menus that document life in La Mesa, and can sign up for a 30-minute oral history interview and chance to tell their La Mesa story. s are at LMHC-Archiving-Event.eventbrite.com. Walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits. Visit lamesahistory.com.
NORTH COUNTY
Catholic widows, widowers group holds social activities
The Catholic Widows and Widowers of North County, a group that fosters friendships through various social activities, will hold these events:
April 4, Fish Dinner, San Rafael Parish Center, Rancho Bernardo
April 4, Fish Dinner, St. Thomas More Parish Center, Oceanside
April 10, Walk, Armada Drive, above the Carlsbad flower fields
April 15, Dinner, Miguel’s Cocina, 4S Ranch
April 16, Game Day, Corona Del Vista Senior Mobile Home Park, Vista
April 26, Play, Mira Costa College Theatre, Oceanside
April 29, Dinner, Carvers Steakhouse, Rancho Bernardo.
Reservations are required at 818-665-8150. Visit www.cwwnc.com.
OCEANSIDE
Movie and discussion series at library
The A Man Alone movie series starts at 6 p.m. April 7, featuring a screening of “Michael Clayton” at the Civic Center Library Community Room, 330 N. Coast Highway. Garrett Chaffin-Quiray, author and professor of cinema studies at Palomar College, will discuss the artistic and sociological character of the films and lead an open discussion afterward. The series’ films focus on morally conflicted characters who are fighting to recover their humanity while facing danger. Light refreshments are provided. The series will continue May 5 and June 2. Ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. Visit oceansidelibrary.org.
Free Fix-A-Leak Workshop
The city of Oceanside’s Green Oceanside team and Oceanside Public Library host a free Fix-A-Leak Workshop at 6 p.m. April 2 in the Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 North Coast Highway, as part of the Sustainable Oceanside Libraries Project. Light refreshments will be served and attendees will be entered into free prize drawings. The class will cover how to find leaks in your home and fix them. Sign up at greengardensgroup.com/g3-events/garden-de-person-oceanside.
Lifetime learning group meets
The LIFE, aka Learning is for Everyone, group meets at 1 p.m. April 4 at MiraCosta College’s Oceanside campus Building 1000 conference room, 1 Barnard Drive. Beth Accomando will discuss her podcast, “Stripper Energy,” at 1 p.m. and author Jo Ellen Guthrie will discuss “Luther and Olive Gage, Carlsbad Pioneers” at 2:30 p.m. Free ission. Visit www.miracosta.edu/LIFE.
Surf museum holds book launch
The California Surf Museum holds a book launch at 6:30 p.m. April 23 for “Surfer Stories: 12 Untold Stories by 12 Writers” about 12 of the world’s greatest surfers by Claudia Lebenthal. Doors open at 6 p.m. $10 general ission; $5 California Surf Museum . Prepurchase a book ($40) at 760-721-6876 and get free ission.
High Tea Fundraiser
The Pacific Beach Woman’s Club will put on a High Tea Fundraiser from 2 to 4:30 p.m. April 26 at the Soledad Club, 5050 Soledad Road. There will be entertainment, curated vendors for shopping, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit scholarships for Mission Bay High School seniors. Early bird tickets are $50 each until March 31, then $60 each until they sell out. Reserve at pbwomansclub.org/tea.
RANCHO BERNARDO
World Affairs group meets
The North County chapter of the World Affairs Council hosts William Thayer for a presentation on “Russia/Ukraine/Europe/Trump” at 10 a.m. April 3 at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. The focus will be on the possibility of a ceasefire. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to foster global understanding and cultivate friendships in the local community and around the world. Visit www.northcountyworldaffairs.org.
Parkinson’s group discusses home services
The Inland North County Parkinson’s Group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners meets from 10 a.m. to noon April 7 at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, in the parish hall. The featured speaker is Dan Sweiger, owner of BrightStar Homecare, who will give a presentation on “In-Home Services for People with Parkinson’s.” Discussion sessions will follow the presentation. Call 760-749-8234 or 760-518-1963.
Service dogs topic of discussion
The Rancho Bernardo Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee hosts Pawsative Teams at its meeting at 1 p.m. April 8 in the Rancho Bernardo Community Center, Glassman Building, 18448 West Bernardo Drive. A representative from Pawsative Teams will discuss how they train service dogs for folks with mobility limiting disabilities and military veterans with PTSD in the San Diego area. Visit https://www.brandeis.edu/bnc/get-involved/chapter-locations/rancho-bernardo/index.html.
Political commentator to speak at luncheon
The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women holds a luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. April 11 at The Heights Country Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Pkwy. Cost is $35. The guest speaker is Denise Gitsham, political commentator, speaker and author. Gitsham has worked in the federal government as well as law firms and startups, and is author of “Politics for People Who Hate Politics.” RSVP by 6 p.m. April 4 at rbrepublicanwomen.org.
Drive-thru grocery collection
Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church holds a drive-thru grocery collection from 9 to 11 a.m. April 5 at 17010 Pomerado Road, in the upper parking lot. Groceries will go to the Salvation Army food pantry in Escondido. Items especially needed include canned meals, soups with pop-up lids, crackers, peanut butter, granola bars without nuts, and fruit cups. Cash or checks can also be donated to the Salvation Army. Visit rbcommunity.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Spring concert features Songs of Hope
The Village Church hosts a free Spring Choral Concert, Songs of Hope, at 4 p.m. April 13 in the church sanctuary, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The concert features internationally recognized organist Nathaniel Gumbs, director of chapel music at Yale University, who will be ed by the Village Community Chorale, several soloists and professional musicians. The performance includes the “Chichester Psalms” by Leonard Bernstein, “The Chariot Jubilee” by R. Nathaniel Dett, “Hear My Prayer” by Felix Mendelssohn, and “Song of Hope” by Florence Price. Child care is available upon request. No tickets are required. Freewill offering. Email [email protected] or visit villagechurch.org/2025-concert-series.
SAN DIEGO
Quartyard celebrates 10th anniversary
Quartyard will put on a 10-Year Anniversary Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. April 5 featuring art and music at Quartyard, 1301 Market St. in East Village. The event features a performance by Adrian Younge and his 10-piece orchestra as part of his Something About April Tour. Tickets are $30.90. Visit www.quartyardsd.com.
Art sale benefits fire victims
A Fine Art and Craft Sale to benefit Grief and Hope: LA Art World Fire Relief Fund, hosted by the Union Hall Gallery is April 4-6 and April 11-13 at the gallery, 2323 Broadway. Hundreds of works by artists from around the world will be for sale, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics and textiles. Prices range from $10 to $5,000. Gallery hours are from 2 to 6 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment. For questions, email [email protected].
Widows and widowers club offers weekly games
The San Diego Widows and Widowers group offers cribbage and euchre every week at the food court in Grossmont Center. The cribbage group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and the euchre group meets at 1 p.m. Wednesdays. During the month of April, the club will focus on teaching the games to and prospective . Sign up at @wowsd.fun.
Artist in the House Day
The Junior League of San Diego’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Council holds its Artist in the House Day from 1 to 3:30 p.m. April 5 at 210 Maple Ave. in Bankers Hill The event will display artwork by diverse artists in various mediums. Light refreshments served. For questions, email at [email protected]. Tickets for the inaugural Artist in the House Exhibition are $35; $25 for Junior League . Visit www.jlsd.org.
House of Israel in Balboa Park seeks volunteers
Volunteers are needed to share Israeli culture at the House of Israel in Balboa Park. Volunteers can greet visitors, serve Israeli street food, hand out children’s books and help children paint rocks to place in the garden. The goal is to provide an understanding and appreciation of Israel and its diverse people. Visit house-israel.com.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Toastmasters hold Youth Leadership program
Toastmasters hold a free Youth Leadership Program for kids age 9-15 on Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. March 31 to May 19 to improve communication and leadership skills. The eight-week program will be held in the Sorrento Valley area. For details and to sign up, email [email protected] or [email protected].
Summer internship program
Applications are available for North Island Credit Union’s Summer Internship Program for college students. The program offers paid internships June 16-Aug. 15 to provide students with professional work experience and mentoring in various areas at the credit union’s San Diego headquarters office. Visit www.ccu.com/summer-internship-program.
SAN MARCOS
Free musical theater workshop
An American Musical Theatre Workshop on “Broadway’s Grandest” is at 3 p.m. April 12 at St. Mark’s Church, 580 Hilltop Drive. The free community workshop will be taught by Jason Chase, director of music at St. Mark’s. Chase grew up as a Baptist revival pianist and at the age of 13 was touring the East Coast with Billy Graham. Chase also worked internationally as a conductor and musical director for over 50 musicals and operas. For questions, call 619-427-5515.
SANTEE
Community cleanup and shred event
A free community cleanup and shred event for Santee residents is from 8 a.m. to noon April 5 at Santee City Hall, 10601 Magnolia Ave. City of Santee residents can drop off unwanted items such as appliances, mattresses, furniture and tree limbs. Shredding is limited to five bankers boxes per household. Proof of residency is required. Visit www.santeespecialevents.com.
SCRIPPS RANCH
Rummage and bake sale
The Scripps Ranch Kiwanis Club will host a Rummage & Bake Sale from 8 a.m. to noon April 5 at the Jerabek Elementary School parking lot, 10050 Avenida Magnifica. There will be clothing, toys, housewares, small appliances, home and holiday decor, electronics, tools and garden items. A variety of home-baked goods will also be sold. Proceeds local kids and community service organizations. Free ission. Visit ScrippsRanchKiwanis.org.
SOLANA BEACH
April Spring Fling Games Day
April’s Spring Fling is from noon to 2 p.m. April 10 at the La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Ave. The free event hosted by Solana Beach Community Connections, Solana Beach Parks and Recreation and Let’s Play a Game Foundation is part of the monthly Games Day. There will be a variety of games from Mexican Train and American Mahjongg to Deep Sea Adventure. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is requested at [email protected] or 858-284-6619.
Beach cleanup
Calvary Lutheran Church hosts a beach cleanup starting at 9 a.m. April 5. Participants can park at the church, 424 Via de la Valle, and walk to Dog Beach in Del Mar, cleaning up along the way. Grabbers and trash bags will be provided. Bring sun protection, water and gloves. Dogs welcome. It’s three miles round-trip, and participants can turn around whenever they’re ready. Visit calvarylutheranchurch.org.
VISTA
Anti-trafficking meeting
Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland will host the North County Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative meeting at 9 a.m. April 3 at United Methodist Church of Vista, 490 S. Melrose Ave. The guest speaker will be a survivor of human trafficking. The event is open and free to the public. Free coffee and pastries will be provided. Visit soroptimistvista.org.
Walk raises awareness about Autism
The Woman’s Club of Vista will host the second annual Vista Fun Walk for Autism Awareness and Acceptance from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 6 at the Vista Civic Center Park. The event is sensory-friendly, and will include a 1K walk, a 2K walk, exhibitors, a tent with children’s activities such as origami, photo booth, raffle and information on autism resources, including the Blue Envelope program. Registration is $10 for adults 18 and older; $5 for teens 13-17, and free for children age 12 and younger. Proceeds go to Vista nonprofits and groups that autism research, awareness, and acceptance. Walker s are online or on-site at the event. Visit vistawalkforautism.org.
Community over event
A Community over Seder will be at 7 p.m. April 12 at Chabad of Oceanside/Vista. There will be an interactive seder with gourmet over dinner. Cost is $70, $45 for children for advance reservations before April 4; tickets are $15 more after April 4. Reserve at jewishoceanside.com/seder.
Firefighters put on community event
The Vista Fire Rescue and the Vista Fire Protection District will host two community meetings about policies and ordinances on vegetation management, as part of wildfire prevention and community safety. One meeting is from noon to 2 p.m. April 8 at The Vistonian, 306 S. Santa Fe Ave. The other is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 16 at The Havens Country Club, 29354 Vista Valley Drive. Residents can hear directly from local fire officials and an open discussion about fire safety and preparedness. Also, insurance company representatives will answer questions about coverage, risk mitigation, and how new policies may affect homeowners. Light snacks will be provided. Community should RSVP by April 4 for the first meeting and by April 11 for the second meeting at [email protected].
Vendors, volunteers sought for Earth Day event
An Earth Day Festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19 at the 14-acre Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive. Highlights include kids’ activities, live music, folklorico dancers, food, GrowGetters plant sale and vendors. Children can make origami ladybugs and macaroni necklaces, handle worms and compost, plant sunflowers, blow on bubble baskets, decorate an Earth-friendly magnet and paint Earth Day rocks. Barbecue lunch and beverages will be sold by The Amigos de Vista Lions. Vendors will sell treats, art, jewelry and home decor. There will be information about how to be environmentally friendly. Volunteers are sought. Student volunteers email [email protected] and adults [email protected]. Vendor applications are at altavistabotanicalgardens.org.
Garden club to discuss show
The Vista Garden Flower Show Committee will discuss how to have an award-winning entry for their flower show. The meeting starts at 1:45 p.m. April 4 in the Azalea Room at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Fingertip lunch is at noon followed by a business meeting at 12:30 p.m., and program at 1:45 p.m. Visit www.californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub or email [email protected].
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