CARDIFF
CARDIFF: Ministry donates $30,000 to Community Child Development Center and other local nonprofits…
Saint Helen Philoptochos, a philanthropic ministry of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff, donated $20,000 to the Escondido Community Child Development Center and $10,000 in total to 10 other local charities. The money was raised at the group’s western themed fundraiser, “Boots and Bling.” Recipients included Just in Time for Foster Youth, Foundation for Women Warriors, Alpha Project, Feeding San Diego, Boys and Girls Club of Vista, Doors of Change, Community Resource Center, ElderHelp, Got Your Back San Diego and Interfaith Community Services. Pictured are Saint Helen Philoptochos members with Escondido Community Child Development Center staff, from left , Danielle Rush, ECCDC, Tasia Manassakis, Linda Kounelis and Carolyn Koumaras, Saint Helen Philoptochos, Sara Gibbs, ECCDC, and Laure Bemis, Saint Helen Philoptochos. Photo by Cecilia Lusky/Escondido Community Child Development Center.
Free Wildlife Tour at lagoon
Nature Collective, a local conservation and science education nonprofit, holds a free Wildlife Tour from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 14 at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave. The tour will explore several plant communities at Harbaugh Seaside Trails and discuss the wildlife these plants support. Open to ages 15 and older. Registration required at naturecollective.org/event/wildlife-tour-february-14-2026.
CARLSBAD
Hearts of Carlsbad Village
Hearts of Carlsbad Village, a week-long “celebration of love, local culture, and seaside charm,” is from Feb. 7-14, hosted by the Carlsbad Village Association. The event includes 600 hand-blown glass hearts created by Barrio Glassworks, hidden throughout the Village, along with boutique shopping and Michelin-rated dining. Visit carlsbad-village.com/events/hearts.
Valentine’s Day talk on Spiritual Revolution
A free Valentine’s Day talk, “A Spiritual Revolution: The Quest To Experience God,” will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 14 in the Carlsbad City Dove Library, Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Drive Lane. The speaker is Christian Science practitioner and international speaker Giulia Nesi Tetreau, who will discuss the “ongoing search for good and a better life.” The event is hosted by Church of Christ Scientist Carlsbad-Vista and Church of Christ Scientist, Oceanside. Call 760-724-3383.
Coexistence with wolves topic of talk
Batiquitos Lagoon will host a free presentation at 10 a.m. Feb. 14 on “Human/Wolf Coexistence,” led by Jacob Keeton, director of education at the California Wolf Center. He will discuss the history of wolf conservation and its role in balancing ecosystems. Open to adults and kids age 10 and older. Space is limited. Rain cancels the event. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.
Quilters hold lecture, workshops
The nonprofit El Camino Quilters Guild meets at 10 a.m. Feb.11 at the Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane. The speaker is Emily Taylor, who will discuss “Successful Collage Quilts.” The guest fee is $10. Taylor will hold a Collage and Composition workshop at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11 and 3:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Quilt in a Day quilt shop in San Marcos. Workshop fee is $55, cash or check; $57 with credit card. The guild donates hundreds of quilts and other handmade items to hospitals, senior centers, hospitals, police and military groups. Visit elcaminoquilters.com.
Genealogy buffs gather
The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will host a presentation on “The Remaking of Nova Scotia by the New England Planters,” led by Colin Whitney, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 10 at City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Free admission. Also, a Zoom link is at nsdcgs.org.
Super Bowl Celebration
A community Super Bowl celebration with wall-to-wall game viewing on multiple big screens starts at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at Notorious Burgers, 6955 El Camino Real. Drinks and food will be sold ranging from burgers and tacos to seafood. Visit notoriousgrill.com.
ENCINITAS
Kook Run and festival
The Kook Run 10k/5k is Feb. 8 starting at 101 E. D St. under the iconic Encinitas sign in Downtown Encinitas and goes down Coast Highway 101, with views of the ocean. The race includes a themed costume contest and Finish Line Festival after the race at Moonlight Plaza with live music, beer garden, breakfast tacos, local venders and games. Costume contest registration opens at 6:30 a.m. The Junior Kook Run for ages 3-12 is during race packet pickup Feb. 7 at the Ecke YMCA. Visit thekookrun.com/event-details.
Animal Camp on President’s Day
A President’s Day Animal Camp is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 16 at Rancho Coastal Humane Society with hands-on animal activities, games and crafts for ages 6 to 11. Cost is $60 per child. Scholarships available: Register at sdpets.org.
Animal shelter runs ‘Be My Valentine’ fundraiser
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society runs a “Be My Valentine” fundraiser through Feb. 28. Participants can donate $14 per pet they want to support while it is waiting to be adopted at the shelter. The donor can write a message that will be displayed in a heart by the pet’s kennel. Visit sdpets.org/Valentine.
ESCONDIDO
Valentine Tea at Sikes Adobe
The annual Valentine Tea at Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead is offered at noon and 3 p.m. Feb. 14-15 at the Farmstead, 12655 Sunset Drive. The event, hosted by the San Dieguito River Park, includes hand-blended teas sourced from the San Dieguito River Park, with homemade, valentine-inspired treats, served in the restored 19th century farmhouse. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Cost is $40-$45 per person. Register at sdrp.org/a-unique-way-to-celebrate-valentines-day.
Free Safari Park admission for seniors
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers free admission to visitors age 65 and older through Feb. 28. Attractions at the 1,800-acre wildlife conservation park range from the Africa Tram to Walkabout Australia. Guests age 65 and older must present a valid photo ID at turnstiles for free entry. General Parking costs $20 per vehicle. Visit sdzsafaripark.org.
Perfume Making for Valentine’s Day
A Valentine’s Day Natural Perfume Making Workshop is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14 at the San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road. Participants learn about the plants that grow in the valley, and can create their own fragrance oil blend that captures the vegetation of San Diego. This two-hour program includes a short presentation on the history of perfume, discussion of plant oil benefits, and creation of scented oil to take home. Cost is $30; $25 for SDAC members. Visit sandiegoarchaeology.org/event/senses-of-the-valley-scent.
FALLBROOK
Music Society holds community concert
The Fallbrook Music Society hosts Lindsay Deutsch, violinist from TAKE3, and pianist Jason Stoll for a concert at 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave. The show includes favorites from Billy Joel, John Williams and The Beatles, among others. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of show; free for age 18 and younger. Tickets are at fallbrookmusicsociety.
LA JOLLA
Historical Society to start Growing Together series
The La Jolla Historical Society will run a series of six free community events, Growing Together, that feature various La Jolla cultural venues, starting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 and continuing throughout the year. The first event is at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, where families can participate in collaborative, hands-on art making with artist and educator Emily Grenader. The series was created in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, and the Murals of La Jolla Program. Each event features hands-on art making, music or performance, community vendors, and a chance to meet artists, historians, and educators. Fern Street Circus, a community-based circus group, will join the celebration and there will be community partner booths, taco truck and free lawn games. Visit lajollahistory.org.
LA MESA
Walking class
A free walking class will be offered by Sharp HealthCare Community Resource Center from 9 to 10 a.m. Feb. 12 at Grossmont Healthcare District Health & Wellness Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. near Briercrest Park. Participants can walk with a Sharp-affiliated doctor each month at Briercrest Park to learn about diet, exercise and staying healthy. Free onsite parking. Register at 619-740-4214.
LEMON GROVE
Lions Clubs’ spaghetti dinner fundraiser
The La Mesa and Lemon Grove Lion Clubs will put on a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser starting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at St. John of the Cross Church, 8086 Broadway. Proceeds support local Lions Club service projects and charities. There will be a DJ, silent auction, raffle and no host bar. Tickets are $40; $15 for children. For questions, email shawde@cox.net.
NORTH COUNTY
Widows and Widowers group holds events
The Catholic Widows and Widowers of North County, a group that fosters friendships through various social activities, will hold these upcoming events.
Feb.12 Walk, Kit Carson Park, Escondido, then On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Escondido
Feb. 17 Game Day, Corona Del Vista Senior Mobile Home Park, Vista
Feb. 19 Lunch, Tommy V’s, Urban Kitchen & Bar, Carlsbad
Feb. 20 and 27 Lenten Fish Dinners, San Rafael Parish Center, Rancho Bernardo
Feb. 22 Mass, Church of the Resurrection, Escondido, then J&M’s Family Restaurant, Escondido
Feb. 24 Walk, Oceanside Harbor, Meet at Rockin’ Baja Lobster
Feb. 27 Lenten Fish Dinner St. Thomas More Parish Center, Oceanside
Reservations are required at 818-665-8150. Visit cwwnc.com.
OCEANSIDE
Two free lectures
The LIFE learning group at MiraCosta College hosts two free lectures on Friday, Feb. 20, at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus in the board room of Administration Building 1000, or online via Zoom. At 1 p.m., Lee Wakefield will give a talk on “The Silk Road and Trade.” At 2:30 p.m., several MiraCostastudents will talk about “The Buena Vista Lagoon and its history.” Visit miracosta.edu/life.
RAMONA
Hawk Watch
Hawk Watch, a free up-close educational program with biologists and live birds of prey, is from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 14 at Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Road. The event includes flight demonstrations, talk and Q&A. Attendees learn how to spot and identify wild hawks, eagles and other raptors using telescopes. Seated program lasts up to two hours. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. Rain or shine. All ages welcome. Visit wildlife-research.org.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Art demonstration at library
The North County Society of Fine Arts holds a free art demonstration from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Rancho Bernardo library. Janet Keto will demonstrate gel plate printing. Social time is from 11:30 a.m. to noon; meeting is noon to 12:30 p.m., followed by demo.
World Affairs group discusses Russian fascism
The World Affairs Council North County will host Professor Emeritus Dawn Nowacki for a presentation at 10 a.m. Feb. 12 on “Russian Fascism and the End of the Post WWII International Order” at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to foster global understanding and friendships in the local community and around the world. Visit northcountyworldaffairs.org.
Advanced Care topic of talk
The American Association of University Women’s Poway/Peñasquitos branch will hold a free public meeting on Advanced Care Planning at 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Eastview Community Center, 17520 Drayton Hall Way. Topics include establishing a health care directive and naming a durable power of attorney for health care; creating a physician order for life-sustaining treatment and preparing an estate or financial plan. Light snacks and socializing followed by the presentation at 1:30 p.m. RSVP by Feb. 9 at aauwboard@gmail.com.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Bible study for moms starts
A Bible study for mothers of school-age children will be held at 6 p.m. starting Feb. 24 and continuing bi-weekly on Tuesdays through May 19 in the youth lounge at the Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The class will look at the challenges of motherhood and spiritual transformation. The course, led by Lori Edwards and Lori Ramsay, includes videos and a study guide, “Moms at the Well: Meeting God Through the Mothers of Scripture.” Register at villagechurch.org/moms-at-the-well.
SAN DIEGO
Free Gospel Concert
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir of San Diego will give a free Gospel Concert open to all ages at 4 p.m. Feb. 21 at First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino del Rio South. The choir blends traditional and contemporary gospel with spirituals, anthems, and oratorios in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. A reception after the concert will feature art created by students at Dream School of the Arts. The concert will also be livestreamed at youtube.com/@FirstChurchSanDiego.
Car Swap at Pechanga Arena
The San Diego Car Swap is from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb 16 at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. Along with the car show there will be music, food and vendors selling items ranging from cars, car parts and accessories to key chains and helmets. Folks can buy, sell and trade. Tickets are $15-$50. Register by Feb. 14 at purplepass.com/events/333882-san-diego-auto-swap-feb-16th-2026.
Jazzy Luncheon raises money for scholarships
The California Retired Teachers Division 4 will put on a Jazzy Luncheon and Silent Auction from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Double Tree by Hilton, 1515 Hotel Circle South. The event raises money for the Division’s Scholarship Foundation, benefitting graduating seniors in the San Diego Unified School District. Highlights include a buffet and concert by the Mission Bay High School “Preservationist Jazz Quartet” along with auction. Tickets are $25; $20 for CalRTA members. Reservations due by Feb. 14 at calrta.div4.members@gmail.com.
Civil weddings on Valentine’s Day
The San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s downtown San Diego office at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 14 for marriage licenses and wedding ceremonies. Couples can book online their Valentine’s Day appointment at sdarcc.gov or call 619-237-0502. Walk-ins are also slated to be available on Valentine’s Day.
Church offers support after divorce
Grace Point Church runs two ministries to help folks facing divorce and separation: DivorceCare, a ministry group that supports men and women in their recovery from separation and divorce. Childcare is included for free and DC4K, a program that offers “compassionate and safe space to provide support and healing for children” who are part of a divorce. The ministries are from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays through April 27 at Grace Point Church, 13340 Hayford Way. Cost is $20 for a workbook. Register at find.divorcecare.org/groups/282994. Visit gpc.sd/divorcecare.
SAN MARCOS
Free English class at library
A free English-as-a-Second-Language class will be from 1 to 3:20 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Feb. 24 at the San Marcos Library, 2 Civic Center Drive. The class is 12 weeks long and will be offered by the Palomar College ESL Department. To enroll, call 760-744-1150, ext. 2272.
SANTEE
Free harp concert
Deirdre Sullivan will perform a harp concert at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 8778 Cottonwood Ave. Sullivan will perform instrumental music from Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy and Renaissance England on a Celtic harp. Her program will feature dance tunes, ballads and airs. Admission to the community concert is free.
SOLANA BEACH
Games Day
The City of Solana Beach Parks and Recreation and Let’s Play a Game Foundation will put on Games Day from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Ave. There will be games such as Mexican Train, American Mahjongg and Chess. Light refreshments served. Admission is free. For questions, email info@solanabeachcc.org.
Valentine’s Day community concert
The Peter Pupping Band will give a Valentine’s Day concert featuring Latin and contemporary music at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at St. James Parish Community Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave., as part of the church’s Camino Concert series. Free admission; donations appreciated. Charcuterie plates and chocolate covered strawberries will be sold. Doors open at 7:15 p.m.
Violinists to perform free concert
The Solana Beach Civic & Historical Society hosts a performance of young, virtuoso violinists from Solosoli Music Studio at 5 p.m. on Feb. 12 at Fletcher Cove Community Center, 133 Pacific Ave. The program will feature classical works for the violin. Admission is free.
Civic & Historical Society offers scholarships
Solana Beach Civic & Historical Society offers two $3,500 Scholarships this year for high school students or adult learners to assist in financing college, graduate school or technical school tuition. Applicants must be current residents with home addresses in Solana Beach and have a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4-point scale, or equivalent. Application instructions are at sb-chs.org. Completed applications due by April 30.
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