CARLSBAD
Assistance League helps kids pay for college
The Rancho San Dieguito Assistance League will hold a fundraiser themed “Together We Give” for scholarships for local high school seniors from 4 to 7:30 p.m. March 22 at The Crossings, 5800 The Crossings Drive. The nonprofit, volunteer group runs a dozen philanthropic community programs for all ages. The programs range from Operation School Bell, which provides new clothing to underserved children and victims of abuse to a project that brings flowers weekly to older adults in assisted living facilities and handknitted items for newborns at Balboa Hospital. Tickets are $125 through March 10. Visit alrsd.org.
Dinner raises money for students in Asia, Africa
San Diego-based nonprofit U-GO University, which provides university scholarships and long-term mentoring to high-potential young women from low-income communities in Asia and Africa, will put on a Wine Dinner fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. April 11 at Cucina Italiana, 2051 Palomar Airport Road. The event includes live auction and entertainment. The nonprofit has awarded 6,700 long-term university scholarships to young women in nine low-income areas across Asia and Africa. Tickets are $150 at givebutter.com/ugo-sandiego-2026.
Positive solutions program topic of meeting
The Carlsbad Newcomers Club will hold its Coffee Meeting, starting with a social time at 9:45 a.m. March 4 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. A speaker from the Union of Pan Asian Communities will discuss their positive solutions program that provides outreach and mental health services for homebound seniors 60 and older. Visit carlsbadnewcomers.wildapricot.org.
The Flower Fields open
The Flower Fields will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily March 1 through Mother’s Day, May 10, at 5704 Paseo Del Norte. An estimated 80 million Giant Tecolote Ranunculus in 13 shades of color are expected to bloom this season across 55 acres. Attractions range from a Butterfly Encounter, Artist’s Garden and Sweet Pea Maze to tractor wagon rides, concerts and wine-tasting events. Admission tickets must be purchased in advance online and are $27, $25 for seniors/military personnel and $17 for children age 3-10. Season passes are $65, $60 for seniors 60 and older, $40 for children 3-10. Visit theflowerfields.com.
Band gives 43rd Anniversary Concert
The Coastal Communities Concert Band will give its 43rd Anniversary Concert featuring more than 75 musicians from throughout San Diego County, directed by Mitch Fennell and Bruce Mansfield, at 4 p.m. March 7 at the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Road. The concert will feature guest soloist trombonist Alex Iles who has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, among others, and on films and television soundtracks. Admission is $20, $15 for seniors and free for students are at cccband.com. Tickets at the door are cash only.
CHULA VISTA
Spring into Fitness event
A weeklong “Spring Into Fitness” event is March 7-14 at Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road. The annual program gives area residents a chance to try various free and discounted classes, programs, memberships and fitness sessions. The lineup of activities ranges from free Padel play for that week and dance classes to boxing, gymnastics and Pilates. For schedule, visit otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/36004.
ENCINITAS
Concert features Romantic Reflections
The North Coast Symphony Orchestra will perform Romantic Reflections at 2 p.m. March 8 at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena. The program includes Howard Hanson’s Romantic Symphony and Brahms’ Tragic Overture. Soprano Tasha Koontz will perform pieces by Samuel Barber and Jordan Kuspa. Admission is $18; $15 for seniors, students and military; free for children 18 and younger. Visit northcoastsymphony.com.
Baha’i community meet & greet
The Baha’i community of Encinitas holds a Naw-Ruz Spring celebration and community meet & greet at 3 p.m. March 21 at the Encinitas Library auditorium, 540 Cornish Drive. Admission is free. RSVP by March 17 at sholehflame@sbcglobal.net.
Free Peter Sprague concert
The Friends of the Encinitas Library hosts a free concert, “Peter Sprague Plays the Beatles and Beyond,” from 2 to 3 p.m. March 1, featuring Sprague, Rebecca Jade, Tripp Sprague, Mackenzie Leighton, Danny Green and Duncan Moore. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Visit encinitaslibfriends.org.
Health group holds open house
Kind Health Group will host a free International Women’s Day open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 6 at its office, 351 Santa Fe Drive. Highlights include demonstrations of innovative wellness services, light bites and beverages. Register at kindhealthgroup.com.
ESCONDIDO
Elephant Valley opens at Safari Park
The Denny Sanford Elephant Valley at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, will open to the public at noon March 5. The 13-acre, elephant habitat allows visitors to walk alongside African elephants and see them from various places, including from a curved bridge. Elephant Valley is included with regular park admission. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/elephant-valley.
Organist guild gives concert
The annual American Guild of Organists Student Scholarship concert, themed, “A Grand Musical Tour Through Europe,” featuring organ and choir works from Germany, France, Italy and England, will be at 4 p.m. March 8 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 845 Chestnut. Performers include local organists, teachers and a student scholarship winner. The San Luis Rey Chorale will sing works including the Beethoven “Hallelujah” and the big “Easter Chorus.” Suggested donation at the door is $20. Additional donations appreciated.
FALLBROOK
Talent show holds auditions
The Fallbrook Woman’s Club is holding auditions for the Fallbrook’s Got Talent show slated for May 17 at the Fallbrook Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave. The club will showcase singers, dancers, comedians and musicians, among others, from Fallbrook and the surrounding area. All ages are welcome to audition. Auditions will be held April, 1, 8, 15, 19, 22, 26. Audition forms are available at fallbrookwomansclub.org.
Fallbrook Democrats meet
The Fallbrook Democratic Club meets at 6:30 p.m. March 5 at the Fallbrook Public Utility District Community Room, 990 E. Mission Road. A social time begins at 6:30 p.m. RSVP at fallbrookdemocrats.org/monthlymeetings.
NORTH COUNTY
Social group holds meetups
The Catholic Widows, Widowers and Singles of North County, a group that fosters friendships through various social activities, will hold these events.
March 4 – Lunch at Chapters Café followed by free movie, Hamnet, at Dove Library, Carlsbad.
March 7 – Drama performance, MiraCosta College Theatre, Oceanside, and meal at King’s Fish House, Carlsbad.
March 12 – Wildflower Walk at Batiquitos Lagoon and lunch at Notorious Sports Bar & Grill, Carlsbad.
March 22 – Mass, St. Patrick Church, Carlsbad, with meal afterward at Le Papagayo, Carlsbad.
March 24 – Happy Hour, The Chart House, Cardiff.
March 26 – Walk at Oceanside Harbor, meal at Oceanside Broiler.
Reservations are required 818-665-8150. Visit cwwnc.com.
OCEANSIDE
OCEANSIDE: Friends of the Library member donates hundreds of books to firefighters…
Friends of the Oceanside Public Library member Jeff Robertson donated more than 1,500 books he bought from the nonprofit Friends group to the nine fire stations in Oceanside. It all started when Robertson, a volunteer at the Friends used bookstores, noticed a red, leatherbound book about firefighters at the Civic Center Library Bookstore. He felt it should go to the fire chief, so he bought it and gave it to Fire Chief David Parsons. While visiting the chief, Robertson saw that the station’s bookshelves were empty. So he came up with a plan to buy books from the Friends used bookstore and donate a selection of books for the firefighters’ bookshelves at each of the nine Oceanside fire stations. Pictured at the book presentation ceremony are firefighters with Robertson, second from right, library director, and board members of the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library. Courtesy of Friends of the Oceanside Library.
OCEANSIDE: Friends of the Library member donates hundreds of books to firefighters…
Friends of the Oceanside Public Library member Jeff Robertson donated more than 1,500 books he bought from the nonprofit Friends group to the nine fire stations in Oceanside. It all started when Robertson, a volunteer at the Friends used bookstores, noticed a red, leatherbound book about firefighters at the Civic Center Library Bookstore. He felt it should go to the fire chief, so he bought it and gave it to Fire Chief David Parsons. While visiting the chief, Robertson saw that the station’s bookshelves were empty. So he came up with a plan to buy books from the Friends used bookstore and donate a selection of books for the firefighters’ bookshelves at each of the nine Oceanside fire stations. Pictured at the book presentation ceremony are firefighters with Robertson, second from right, library director, and board members of the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library. Courtesy of Friends of the Oceanside Library.
Spring Bling Fling at resale shop
The American Cancer Society’s volunteer-run resale store, Discovery Shop Oceanside, holds “Spring Bling Fling” March 6 and 7 with costume jewelry and “all things that sparkle.” The boutique sells a range of upscale items from gently used clothing and furniture to artwork and antiques and household items. Donations always accepted. The shop at 2570 Vista Way is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Growing Good Saturday
A free Community Farming Day, “Growing Good Saturday,” will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7 at the nonprofit Barron Creek Farm behind the North Coast United Methodist Church, 1501 Kelly St. There will be breakfast and a micro-training on native plants and pollinators followed by planting and mulching. Register at https://luma.com/2v82u567. Visit barroncreekfarm.org.
Art exhibit focuses on homeless people
The Oceanside Public Library’s art exhibit, “The Road I Call Home” by Randy Bacon, documents through photographs the stories of 32 homeless people of all ages and runs from March 13 at the Civic Center Library, 330 N. Coast Highway. Visit oceansidepubliclibrary.org.
Lifelong learning group holds two free lectures
The LIFE learning group at MiraCosta College hosts two free lectures starting at 1 p.m. March 6 at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus in the board room of Administration Building 1000, or online via Zoom. At 1 p.m., there will be a presentation on “Exploring the Origins of Lomaland,” known today as Point Loma Nazarene University. At 2:30 p.m., there will be a lecture on “Three Decades That Changed the Universe” with NASA. Visit miracosta.edu/life.
Community Purim celebration
A community Royal Purim Celebration for families is at 5 p.m. March 3 at Chabad Oceanside/Vista, 1930 Sunset Drive. Highlights include music featuring violinist Bethany Grace, petting zoo, food, costumes and Megillah reading. Tickets are $25; $90 per family; $360 for sponsors. Dress like royalty; prizes for best costume. Visit jewishoceanside.com
RANCHO BERNARDO
Afternoon of music
The Rancho Bernardo Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee will put on an afternoon of music at 1 p.m. March 10 at the Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 West Bernardo Drive. The event features singer Robert Hardaway, who has performed on cruise ships. Cost is $15, including refreshments. RSVP at 858-487-8041.
Parkinson’s Association director to speak
The Inland North County Parkinson’s Support Group for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners meets from 10 a.m. to noon March 2 at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, in the Parish Hall. The featured speaker is Stephanie Murphy, who is the new executive director of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. Discussion sessions will follow the presentation. Call 760-749-8234.
Drive-thru food collection
Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church holds a drive-thru food collection from 9 to 11 a.m. March 7 at 17010 Pomerado Road to benefit 4 Community Care food pantry, which serves seniors and families in need in the Poway Unified School District.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Dealing with dementia subject of talk
A free educational presentation titled “In their World: Understanding dementia with compassion,” will be at 6:30 p.m. March 11 in the Village Church parlor, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The speaker is Shannon Brandon, a concierge geriatric care manager with Arosa Care Management, who will cover topics such as care and communication techniques and science-backed methods for slowing cognitive decline. Register at 858-756-2441. Visit villagechurch.org/care-ministry.
SAN DIEGO
Car show raises money for scholarships
The Kearny Alumni Car Show is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 in the parking lot at 6401 Linda Vista Road The show is open to all makes, models and years of cars trucks and motorcycles. Highlights include music, food and prizes. Car registration is $30. The event benefits the Tom Barnett Scholarship fund for Kearny High School seniors. Free for spectators. Register at kearnyhighalumni.org/carshow.
Children’s Clothing Fair seeks donations
The Military Outreach Committee of the Tierrasanta Lutheran Church is putting on a Children’s Clothing Fair from 9 to 11 a.m. March 26 at the Murphy Canyon Chapel, 3200 Santo Road, with free donated children’s clothing for all military families. Donations of clean, gently used children’s clothing are needed and can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 9-23 at the chapel, 3200 Santo Road, or the church, 11240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Collection boxes will be inside the front doors, along with tax receipts. Call 858-560-8688 or visit tierrasantalutheran.org.
Annual Thursday Club Rummage Sale
The 97th annual Thursday Club Rummage Sale, billed as “San Diego’s largest thrift, estate and garage sale,” is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 in the large Balboa Park Activity Center. Proceeds will benefit various Balboa Park and local community charities helping all ages. There will be new and gently used merchandise ranging from appliances, art, books and clothing to electronics, furniture, housewares, jewelry, antiques, pet items, sporting goods and toys. Entry ends 30 minutes before closing. Free admission. Donations accepted until noon on March 4. Call 619-224-5264 or visit thethursdayclub.org/rummagesale.
First Friday at Arts District Liberty Station
The First Friday event at Arts District Liberty Station features open artist studios, galleries, outdoor public art and live performances from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 6. Highlights include dance class, exhibits, live music and Improv performances. Visit libertystation.com/directory/arts-district.
San Diego Bird Festival
The San Diego Bird Festival Community Days, themed “Where Passion Takes Flight,” continues through March 1. Highlights range from nature journaling and birding for beginners courses to birding by kayak. The festival hosted by the San Diego Bird Alliance offers free community days at the Marina Village Conference Center in Mission Bay and closes with a Bird-day Cake celebration March 1. The event is open to birders of all backgrounds, abilities and experience levels to learn about the region’s biodiversity. Registration is at sandiegobirdfestival.org.
Vista and El Cajon mayors speak
The Navajo Canyon Club of the Republican Women of California will host El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and Vista Mayor John Franklin, candidate for county Supervisor, at its meeting from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 10 at the Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa, 875 Hotel Circle South. Wells will address issues, including anti-ICE protests and homelessness. Registration deadline is noon March 5. Visit rwcnavajocanyon.org.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Annual spring Chick Day, Peep Show
The free annual spring Chick Day celebration with 100 varieties of baby poultry is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8 at the Hawthorne Country Store in Escondido, Fallbrook and Santee. Also, a Peep Show is from 6 to 8 p.m. March 13 at the three locations, with hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The $55 charge covers two adults, age 21 and older. Attendees get first pick of rare, exotic and best egg-laying breeds. Visit HawthorneCountryStore.com
Cancer support group meets online
Scripps Cancer Center will host a free virtual support group for patients living with advanced-stage cancer from 1 to 2 p.m. March 4. The virtual event, led by a medical social worker, will provide participants an opportunity to share experiences, information and concerns with others facing similar challenges. Advance registration is required at 760-492-5899 or vestevich.jeanne@scrippshealth.org. Visit scripps.org/events/advanced-cancer-support-group-virtual-march-4-2026#description
SCRIPPS RANCH
Free talks on Aging Successfully
The Scripps Ranch Civic Association offers free weekly Aging Successfully talks from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays March 6-27 at the SRCA Community Center, 11885 Cypress Canyon Road.
March 6 Outsmart the Scammers, presented by Tom Nicholl from Edward Jones.
March 13 Care options living at home, led by Alzheimer’s San Diego.
March 20 Caregiver resources and support, led by Melanie Spalding, social worker.
March 27 Home repairs and modifications for aging in place, presented by Alex Morena and Servpro.
A Senior Living Tour of The Remington, Ranch Bernardo, will be March 19 with presentation and breakfast. Free bus pickup will be at 9 a.m. at the SRCA Community Center. Space limited; reservations are required at SRCA50plus@scrippsranch.org.
SOLANA BEACH
Wind Orchestra to give concert
Concerts at Calvary presents Allegro Con Brio, featuring San Diego’s Finest City Wind Orchestra, an ensemble of 50 woodwind, brass and percussion musicians, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. March 8 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via de la Valle. There will be refreshments and time to meet musicians after the concert. Adults $20, seniors $15, free for youths and students. Tickets are at calvarylutheranchurch.org/events. Box office opens at 3 p.m. concert day.
VISTA
Skate clinic for girls
Exposure Skate will mark International Women’s Day from 10 a.m. to noon March 7 at its youth program Skate Rising, which provides free skateboarding lessons for girls ages 4-16 led by Olympic and pro skaters volunteering as instructors. The clinic includes service learning, where girls learn about the importance of caring for themselves and others. The event is at 1410 Vantage Court. Visit exposureskate.org.
Garden club talk on succulents
“Designing with Succulents” will be the topic of a presentation led by Debra Lee Baldwin, succulent garden designer and author, at 1:45 p.m. March 6 in the Azalea Room at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Fingertip lunch is at noon followed by business meeting at 12:30 p.m., and program at 1:45 p.m. Visit californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub.
General Plan Workshop series
The City of Vista hosts another General Plan Workshop series from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 2-5, or residents, business owners and community stakeholders to review updates and provide feedback on the City’s Draft General Plan Update 2050 document. Here are the workshop locations:
March 2 – Vista Innovation and Design Academy Gymnasium, 740 Olive Ave.March 3 – Linda Rhoades Recreation Center Gymnasium, 600 N. Santa Fe Ave. (conducted in Spanish)March 4 – McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive.March 5 – Hyatt Place Vista Conference Room, 2645 S. Melrose Drive.
Visit Vista2050.com.
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