ANZA BORREGO
Wildflowers starting to bloom
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has reported early season wildflowers starting to bloom, especially along Henderson Canyon Road. Borrego Palm Canyon is also showing early signs of bloom. Visitors are asked to stay on designated trails and avoid stepping on flowers. Dogs are not allowed in flower fields or on trails in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, but are allowed on dirt roads with leash. Visit theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/wildflowers.
CARLSBAD
Local Republican Party chairwoman to speak at luncheon
Carlsbad Republican Women hosts speakers Paula Whitsell, chairwoman of the Republican Party of San Diego County, and Sasha Reva, field representative of Turning Point USA, at the group’s Jan. 27 luncheon at the Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and program begins at 11 a.m. Cost is $49; $44 for CRWF members. Registration required by noon Jan. 22 at CarlsbadRepublicans.com.
CHULA VISTA
CHULA VISTA: San Diego Workforce Partnership’s new career center offers free help for the unemployed
The nonprofit San Diego Workforce Partnership recently opened its new South Bay Career Center at 333 H Street in Chula Vista, to help South County residents avoid prolonged unemployment by connecting them to jobs, training and educational opportunities closer to home. The services are free for San Diego County residents. The grand opening last fall included guided tours of the new center and drew local leaders including Chula Vista Mayor John McCann. The new center, pictured here, replaces the old one at 111 Bay Blvd. Residents can learn more at workforce.org. Courtesy of San Diego Workforce Partnership.
DEL MAR
Advances in eye treatments topic of talk
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will host a luncheon talk on advances in eye disease research and treatment from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 20, presented by Claire Gelfman, Ph.D., who is principal at CMG Consulting, and served as chief scientific officer at the Foundation Fighting Blindness. The event includes a lunch catered by Viewpoint Brewing Co. St. Peter’s is at 334 14th St. Suggested donation is $20. RSVP at stpetersdelmar.breezechms.com/form/dr-claire-gelfman-eye-expert-2026.
EL CAJON
Art from Within exhibit opens
The Heritage of The Americas Museum will put on a new exhibit, “Art from Within: Meet the Artists Who Bring the Museum to Life,” through Feb. 1. The exhibit looks at “what happens when the people who care for history, culture, and collections become the artists themselves?” Art from Within shows some of the art created by the museum’s staff, ranging from painting and drawing to mixed media. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive. Visit HeritageOfTheAmericasMuseum.com.
Veterans sought for coalition
The City of El Cajon is looking for veterans to join its Veterans Coalition, an advisory group that addresses the needs of local veterans and their families. The coalition’s duties include advising city staff on veteran issues, selecting the annual Veteran of the Year and contributing to the maintenance of the city’s veterans memorial. The term is one year with quarterly meetings. The coalition is open to active-duty military, reservists, and honorably discharged members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Deadline to apply is Feb. 6. Applications are at elcajon.gov/VeteransCoalition. For questions, call 619-441-1540 or email jalon@elcajon.gov.
ENCINITAS
Cha Cha lessons at community dance party
The Sandpipers Dance Club hosts its monthly community dance party from 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena St. Professional ballroom dance teachers Bill and Beth Davenport will teach Cha Cha dance basics. Singles, couples and families welcome. Dance experience not needed; casual attire. Refreshments served after dance. Donation $10; free for children. Visit SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org.
Shelter holds animal camp for adults
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society holds its first Adult Animal Camp from 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 7 at 389 Requeza St. for animal lovers age 18 and older. Activities that participants can choose from include puppy yoga, wine glass paint and sip, wildlife interactions, animal trivia with prizes, yappy hour and catered food. Activities range from $25-$35. Register at sdpets.org/AdultCamp.
Senior Lifestyle Expo next month
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and City of Encinitas will put on the annual Senior Lifestyle Expo themed, “Live Boldly. Live Well,” from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 21 at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The free community event provides older adults with resources and inspiration. For exhibitor space, visit encinitaschamber.com/senior-expo.
Animal shelter recruiting foster volunteers for pets
Rancho Coastal Humane Society, 389 Requeza St., is recruiting temporary foster care volunteers, especially for the spring and summer when there are lots of baby kittens and puppies. The average length of stay in foster care is 4 to 6 weeks. Training is required. Call 760-753-6413 or visit sdpets.org.
Community discussion at Death Cafe event
An educational community discussion on topics relating to death will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 24 at a Death Cafe event, where “participants share snacks and tea and break the stigma that death is a taboo topic.” Admission is free. The event is on the fourth Saturday of the month at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive. RSVP at selenajong@gmail.com. Visit deathcafe.com.
ESCONDIDO
Beginner swing classes at arts center
Beginner Swing Classes led by Mercedes Moore are from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 17 to March 28 at the California Center for the Arts Escondido. Classes teach the fundamentals of six-count Lindy (East Coast Swing) in a fun and welcoming setting. Each class begins with a review of the basics; fee is $20 per class. Visit artcenter.org/events/category/educational/list/?tribe-bar-search=swing.
Tech Tutors sought to help seniors
The Senior Service Council of Escondido is looking for volunteer tech tutors, tax preparers and receptionists. Tech tutors help seniors with technology, including computers, laptops and smartphones during one-hour sessions at the SSCE computer lab on a flexible schedule. Tax preparers for low-income seniors are needed from February to April; training provided. Receptionists work three hours per week answering phones, scheduling appointments and helping seniors. Call 760-480-0611, email info@sscescondido.org or visit escondido-senior-services.org.
Free income tax prep for seniors
The Senior Service Council of Escondido offers free income tax preparation for simple 1040 and 540 tax returns prepared and filed by IRS-trained volunteers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Fridays from Feb. 1 to April 15 at 728 N. Broadway. Make an appointment at 760-480-0611 or supersaas.com/schedule/SSCE_tax_prep/SSCE_tax_appt.
LEMON GROVE
Human trafficking awareness walk
A Lemon Grove Community Awareness Walk, “Stand Against Human Trafficking,” is at 9 a.m. Jan. 24 at Lemon Grove Recreation Center, 3131 School Lane. There will be a presentation by David Vallero, deputy district attorney for San Diego County, followed by the community walk. The event is hosted by the Lemon Grove Soroptimist Club. Visit facebook.com/SILemonGrove.
NORTH COUNTY
Undercover Billionaire star to speak
The North County Republican Women will host featured speakers Randy Economy and Elaine Culotti at its breakfast meeting 10 a.m. Jan. 21 at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, in Rancho Santa Fe. Economy is a conservative talk show host, former head of Save California and candidate for California State Board of Equalization. Culotti is a designer, developer, entrepreneur, sustainable farmer and a star of “Undercover Billionaire” on the Discovery channel. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Cost for breakfast is $25; $20 for members. RSVP by Jan. 19 at ncrwsd.org.
OCEANSIDE
Talk on San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians
The Oceanside Public Library hosts local author and professor, Olivia Chilcote, Ph.D., for a presentation on her book, “Unrecognized in California: Federal Acknowledgment and the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians” at 10 a.m. Jan. 24 in the Civic Center Library Community Room, 330 North Coast Highway. Chilcote, associate professor of American Indian Studies at San Diego State University, will discuss the story of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians’ “recognition movement, and their ongoing work to secure rightful claims to land, resources and respect.” The first 15 people to arrive will receive a free copy of Chilcote’s book. Visit oceansidelibrary.org.
Two talks hosted by Lifelong Learning Group
The MiraCosta Lifelong Learning Group hosts two free lectures starting at 1 p.m. Jan. 23 on the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus in the Administration Building 1000, 1 Barnard Drive. At 1 p.m. Jennifer Ho, Communities & Cultures archivist at Cal State San Marcos, will give a talk on Archives and Collective Memory, about how archival records tell stories of our predecessors and help us understand our heritage. At 2:30 p.m., several MiraCosta College career education experts will discuss the Teal Jobs Report: A Look at the Green & Blue Economies of North County. To join the meeting via Zoom, email life.miracosta@gmail.com. Visit miracosta.edu/life.
POWAY
Singing duo to perform
The singing duo “Double Take” will perform popular songs at the Rancho Bernardo Woman’s Club luncheon at 11 a.m. Feb. 5 at the Maderas Golf Club, 17750 Old Coach Road in Poway. Social hour begins at 11 a.m. with lunch at noon. Cost: $42, payable via check or cash at check-in. Guests are welcome. RSVP by 5 p.m. Jan. 30 at 858-521-8790.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Free jazz concert at library
The Lori Bell Duo will perform a free jazz concert at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Rancho Bernardo Library second-floor community room. The concert will feature flutist Lori Bell and guitarist Ron Satterfield. The program is called The American Jazz Story — Ellington, Miles Davis and the Global Roots of Jazz. The concert is part of the Friends of the RB Library’s 24th annual Chamber Concert series. Free admission; donations appreciated. Reservations are not required. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.
Classical guitarist to give free concert
Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church hosts a free community concert at 4 p.m. Jan. 25 in the church sanctuary, 17010 Pomerado Rd., featuring Kyle Khembunjong, an award-winning classical guitarist based in Milwaukee, Wis. He has performed as a soloist in competitions and festivals across North America. His program will include works by Bach, Couperin and Debussy. Admission is free. For questions, email liz@rbcommunity.org.
Church offers Kingdom Academy class
The Village Church Kingdom Academy holds an eight-week study series on “Practicing the Way” to look at how to “live as an apprentice of Jesus: be with him, become like him and do as he did.” The group gathers from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Feb. 1 to March 22 at the Village Church Fellowship Center, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The class includes videos, discussion and catered lunch. Registration is $50, including lunch and study materials. Childcare will be provided for children age five and younger with an RSVP. Sign up at villagechurch.org/practicing-the-way.
Arts group gives community workshop
The North County Society of Fine Arts holds a mixed media workshop by local artist, Anne Gaffey, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Oasis Center, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive. Fee is $50; $45 for Society members. Pre-register at ncsfa.org.
SAN DIEGO
Wonder Women subject of story concert
The Write Out Loud group, which entertains audiences by reading literature aloud, will put on a story concert, Wonder Women, at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 in the Dottie Studio Theater, which is part of the new Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Liberty Station. The Write Out Loud story concerts bring literature to life with rehearsed readings by professional actors. Each program looks at specific themes by weaving together various stories, poems and sometimes music. Visit writeoutloudsd.com.
San Diego MLK Parade
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade starts at 11 a.m. Jan. 18 and goes on Harbor Drive South from Ash Street to Pacific Street. The parade features bands, floats, drill teams, colleges and universities, fraternities, sororities and churches along with peace and youth organizations. The parade is coordinated by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., an African American fraternity. Visit sandiegoalphas.com/mlk-parade.
Disney on Ice show opens
The Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance show runs Jan. 22-25 at the Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. The show features figure skating, DJs, music and sing-alongs as Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other Disney characters hit the stage. Visit https://pechangaarenasd.com/event/disney-on-ice-lets-dance-1-22-26/
Coin show at Liberty Station
A two-day Coinarama coin show sponsored by the San Diego County Inter-Club Numismatic Council, which is made up of coin clubs in the San Diego area, is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 24 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 25 at Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road. The event is expected to be one of the largest coin shows on the West Coast. Highlights include a “Coins for Kids” program to get young numismatists started coin collecting. There will be free coin appraisals. Dealers will be there to buy and sell coins. Admission is $5; free for kids 15 and younger (cash only); free for active-duty military with ID. Free parking. Visit coinarama.org.
Maritime Museum runs docent training
The nonprofit Maritime Museum of San Diego, which restores and runs historic landmark ships, including the Star of India, begins the next Docent Volunteer Training Program Jan. 20. The museum features 500 years of seafaring history on display in its collection of historic sailing ships, steam-powered boats, and a submarine. The museum offers self-guided tours, docent-guided group tours, tall ship public sails and charters, San Diego Bay history cruises, Naval history bay tours, year-round public events educational programs, and a venue for corporate/private events. Training is conducted through a series of lectures, readings, and walking tours over 11 weeks. Training sessions include lectures from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays along with a walking tour of the ships. Advance sign up required at sdmaritime.org/docent-training.
SAN MARCOS
Concert benefits special needs community
The Bornemann Theatre at TERI Campus of Life in San Marcos kicks off its 2026 music series with a concert featuring By George, a George Harrison tribute band, at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at Bornemann Theatre at TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Road. Free parking. Concessions with snacks, beverages, craft beer, wine. Onsite fast-casual dining available before show starts 4 p.m. at TERI Commons Grounds Café. Proceeds support TERI’s programs for people of all ages with autism and developmental disabilities. Tickets are at thebornemann.com.
SANTEE
Garage Night at car museum
The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Jan. 23 at the newly opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St. Highlights of the community event include tours of the Academy campus and display of vehicles owned and worked on by IGNITE Academy students. Drinks and bites will be sold. Proceeds support the IGNITE Academy, a hands-on program that prepares students for internships and careers in the automotive industry. The program is for high school students who are not four-year college bound and provides free mentorship and early career exposure along with help building skills. Visit www.sdautomuseum.org.
Sheriff’s volunteers sought
The Santee and Lakeside sheriff’s stations are recruiting men and woman age 50 and older to join their Volunteer Sheriff’s Patrol. Duties include patrolling residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, business parks, schools, local parks and assisting with traffic control, home vacation and elderly welfare checks. 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. Uniforms are supplied; no out of pocket expenses. For information and eligibility, visit sdsheriff.gov and click on “Recruiting” then “Volunteer Sheriff’s Patrol.” Or call 619-972-6846.
SOLANA BEACH
Communicate to De-escalate workshop
League of Women Voters of North County San Diego holds a community workshop on Communicate to De-escalate, led by the National Conflict Resolution Center from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 24 at Earl Warren Middle School, Cove Meeting Room, 155 Stevens Ave. Attendees will be introduced to the Center’s “ART” communication strategy, which focuses on managing personal reactions to improve interactions, responding respectfully and troubleshooting together. Registration is $15, but free for students and teachers. Advance registration required at bit.ly/LWVNCSD_NCRC26.
VISTA
Assistance League discusses Operation School Bell
The Assistance League of North Coast holds a presentation at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 22 by Renee Evans, principal of Maryland Elementary School in Vista, about the impact of the League’s Operation School Bell program at her school. As part of the program, the Assistance League provides shoes, clothing and books to children in Vista, Oceanside and Carlsbad via an ALNC Advocate dedicated to each school. The presentation is at the Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. Free admission. RSVP By Jan. 19 at membership@ALNC.org.
Sorority holds luncheon
The Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International will hold its Queens Court Luncheon, “The Queens’ Garden of Kindness,” at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 7 at Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. Chapter Queens will be honored. Cost is $35. Menu choices are cobb salad, turkey club sandwich or avocado toast. RSVP by Jan. 22 at 760-889-3552.
Free genealogy class
The Vista FamilySearch Center will present a free class from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at 1310 Foothill Drive. The topic is Discover Your Roots – Part 1 -The Basics of Genealogy, about how to get started with your family’s genealogy. Part 2 will be next month.
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