BONITA
Genealogy buffs hold free class
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society hosts a free Genealogy Education Class from 1 to 3 p.m. March 17 at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library Community Room, 4375 Bonita Road. The class will focus on Irish genealogical resources. Bring your laptop or tablet. Walk-ins are welcome. Register at chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org.
CARLSBAD
Upscale Rummage Sale
The Woman’s Club of Carlsbad is hosting an Upscale Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to noon March 21 at its clubhouse, 3320 Monroe St. Proceeds benefit community and philanthropic projects. Visit womansclubofcarlsbad.org.
Annual Band-O-Rama
The annual Band-O-Rama concert is at 11 a.m. March 21 in the La Costa Canyon High School gym, 1 Maverick Way. The concert features local bands playing a variety of selections. Participants include Ada Harris Elementary, Escondido Union School District’s band and strings program, Diegueno Middle School, Oak Crest Middle School, San Dieguito Academy and La Costa Canyon High School. The concert will conclude with a collaborative performance of “Band-O-Rama March,” featuring more than 300 student musicians. Visit eusd.org.
Pirate Plunge at pool
The City of Carlsbad’s annual Pirate Plunge is from 5 to 8 p.m. March 21 at the Alga Norte Aquatic Center, 6565 Alicante Road, with pirate-themed pool activities ranging from diving for treasure and walking the plank to joining a ship raider race. The splash pad will also be open for little ones. Dry activities include a pirate ship slide and treasure hunt. Tickets are $15; free for kids ages 3 and under. Food will be sold. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/pirate-plunge.
Kumeyaay Trail nature walk
Batiquitos Lagoon will host a free 90-minute, docent-led nature walk, “The Kumeyaay Trail,” at 10 a.m. March 21 with a history lesson and environmental education along with a workout and views. Hiking boots and water are required. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.
Group focuses on suffragists
The American Association of University Women of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista and the Del Mar-Leucadia AAUW chapter present a Suffragists Interview of three California suffragists, Ellen Van Valkenburg, Ellen Clark Sargent and Laura de Force Gordon, who fought for women’s right to vote from 1875 to 1911. The event with light lunch starts at 10 a.m. at the Harding Center, 3096 Harding St. Cost is $25, write check out to AAUW-COV, benefitting the Scholarship Fund. For questions and registration, email bioncwmn@gmail.com. Visit cov-ca.aauw.net.
Genealogy Open House, presentation
The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by North San Diego Genealogical Society, will host a Legacy video presentation, “Shared DNA at a Glance: The New DNA Matrix Tool,” with discussion led by Jonny Perl at 1 p.m. March 21 in the Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. To attend via Zoom, visit nsdcgs.org. Before the meeting, stop by the Genealogy Open House at the library from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. to learn about the Society and the Carlsbad Cole Library’s History and Genealogy Division.
Writing Workshop
The Front Porch Gallery will offer a workshop called “The Art of Writing: Share Your Life in Writing” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 20 at 2903 Carlsbad Blvd. Local author and instructor Andrea Glass will discuss approaches to writing your life story and offer prompts for short writing exercises with feedback. No cost. Registration required at frontporchgallery.org.
Tai Chi at Flower Fields
Tai Chi Edge will offer an introduction to the Yang-24-Form Style Tai Chi set against the backdrop of the Carlsbad Flower Fields from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. March 22 or March 29 at The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte. Participants will be guided through gentle movements step-by-step. Open to all ages and fitness levels; no experience required. Class is $60, including Flower Fields admission. Visit bit.ly/40uhaun
Rotary offers scholarships; seeks donations
Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary’s scholarship applications for high school seniors living or attending school in Carlsbad who are headed to college or vocational school are at carlsbadhinoonrotary.org. The deadline for applications is 3 p.m. March 27. To fund scholarships, club members are selling raffle tickets for $20; six tickets for $100.
Primary Election candidates to speak
The Carlsbad Republican Women will host several local candidates in the California Primary Election at its meeting 11 a.m. March 24 at the Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. Speakers include San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, candidate for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 5 seat, and three judicial candidates for the San Diego Superior Court. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $49; $44 for members, including lunch. Reservations required by 5 p.m. March 19 at CarlsbadRepublicans.com.
CHULA VISTA
Taste of Third Avenue
The Taste of Third Avenue is back from 4 to 8 p.m. March 19 offering food lovers a self-guided tasting tour through downtown Chula Vista. Guests can stroll along Third Avenue while sampling bites and sips from more than 20 participating restaurants, all set to the backdrop of live music.
CORONADO
Storytelling Festival at library
The 16th annual free San Diego Storytelling Festival is from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 21 at the Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave. The event, themed “Light in the Dark,” includes tales of hope and resilience in challenging times. The event culminates with the annual story concert, celebrating the theme “Voices at the Water’s Edge.” Visit facebook.com/events/696220173228053.
DEL MAR
Springtime Tea fundraiser
The nonprofit Vision of Children will put on a Sip to See Springtime Tea, themed “VOC Through the Looking Glass,” from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 22 at the Del Mar Country Club, 6001 Clubhouse Drive. The event includes boutique shopping, freshly brewed teas, pastries, tea sandwiches, champagne, live music and informal modeling. Proceeds support Vision of Children’s mission to cure childhood hereditary blindness and improve quality of life for children and families. Tickets start at $195. Visit visionofchildren.org/spring-tea-2026.
EL CAJON
Car & Motorcycle Show
The West Coast International Car & Motorcycle Show is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 21 at El Cajon Harley-Davidson, 621 El Cajon Blvd. All makes and models welcome. Live music, vendors, food and drinks. $25 entrance fee for cars and bikes. Free admission for spectators. Awards given. Call 619-201-8207.
Bunny Bash at the plaza
The free, family-friendly event is from 12 to 2 p.m. March 21 at Parkway Plaza shopping center, 415 Fletcher Parkway, with crafts, face painting, giveaways and guest characters. Photos with the Easter Bunny are March 21 to April 4. Visit visitparkwayplaza.com.
ENCINITAS
Rabbit fostering 101
A free class on “Rabbit Fostering 101: It’s easier than you think” is at 10 a.m. March 28 in Vivian’s Learning Center at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, 389 Requeza St. Discussion topics include misconceptions about rabbits, basic care, safe rabbit handling practices, emergency protocols and rabbit personalities. RSVP by 5 p.m. March 27 at foster@sdpets.org.
Pet food drive
The San Diego County Credit Union is partnering with the nonprofit Encinitas-based Rancho Coastal Humane Society to collect food for shelter pets and animals as part of the SDCCU Full Bowls Pet Food Drive through March 31. Donations feed the animals at Rancho Coastal Humane Society and help local pet parents in need.
Community members can drop off new, unopened and unexpired dog and cat food at any of the 35 SDCCU branches in San Diego County. The donations allow the shelter to use the money they would normally spend on food for other needs including veterinary care. Visit sdccu.com/petfooddrive.
ESCONDIDO
St. Patrick’s Day concert
Highland Way Celtic band will perform an evening of Celtic music, Irish dance and storytelling that captures the spirit of Ireland and Scotland from 7 to 9 p.m. March 17 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N Escondido Blvd. The six-piece ensemble is led by Scotsman Brian Caldwell, originally from Glasgow and now based in Escondido, and brings “a vibrant mix of “Scirish” music,” blending Irish and Scottish traditions Tickets are at artcenter.org.
Walk for Animals benefits shelter
The San Diego Humane Society’s 27th annual Walk for Animals – North County is set to bring together thousands of pet lovers for a two-mile walk March 21 at Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway. The event raises money for the nonprofit shelter’s animal rescue, wildlife rehabilitation and other community programs. Highlights include pancake breakfast, blessing of the animals, live music, dog-friendly activities and “Vendor Village” with local pet businesses. Registration and breakfast start at 7 a.m.; Walk begins at 9 a.m. Participants can join in person or fundraise from home to walk in their own neighborhoods. Register at sdwalkforanimals.org.
FALLBROOK
Latin Fusion Band performs
Fallbrook Music Society presents a concert featuring Diego Mondragon and His Latin Fusion band at 2 p.m. March 22 at the Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave. The program includes Latin Jazz with elements of flamenco, Mediterranean, Cuban and Brazilian rhythms. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of show; 18 and younger, free. Visit https://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org
LA JOLLA
Free outdoor jazz concert
The La Jolla Music Society’s free outdoor Wu Tsai QRT.yrd Concert series at The Conrad in La Jolla includes five spring concerts starting at 4:30 p.m. March 18 with the Besos Jazz Trio featuring swing tunes and sambas, boleros and musettes. No tickets are required, but RSVPs are requested. Visit TheConrad.org.
Blue Water Film Festival
The 7th annual Blue Water Film Festival is set to bring together filmmakers, ocean enthusiasts and conservationists with screenings of thought-provoking films, panel discussions, and interactive workshops along with an exhibit March 19-22 at the La Jolla Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Visit https://www.bluewaterfilmfestival.org/
Music 101 Lecture
The La Jolla Music Society continues its free Music 101 Lecture Series at The Conrad, Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., featuring Michael Gerdes, director of orchestras at San Diego State University and a longtime guest lecturer for the company. This month’s lecture is from 2 to 3 p.m. March 17 on The Long and Winding Road: Music Takes Form. RSVPs encouraged. Visit TheConrad.org.
LAKESIDE
Quilt Show and Boutique
The Woman’s Club of Lakeside will hold its 40th annual Quilt Show and Boutique from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20-21 at the Lakeside VFW Post, 12650 Lindo Lane. Along with more than 100 handcrafted quilts, the event includes a sewing closet, fabric for sale, handmade items, bake sale and opportunity raffles. Admission is $5. Visit womanscluboflakeside.org/quilt-show.
LEMON GROVE
Chili Cookoff
The Lemon Grove Lions Club and Lemon Grove Forward Club will host a Chili Cookoff with chili tasting contest, music raffle and silent auction from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 28 at VFW Post 2082, at 2885 Lemon Grove Ave. Participants help pick the best chili. Admission is $30; proceeds go to local service projects. For tickets, call 619-469-7350.
MISSION BEACH
Underwater Egg Hunt
Kids can hop into the pool and dive for Easter eggs from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 20 at The Plunge San Diego in Belmont Park, 3115 Ocean Front Walk. The underwater egg hunt will include floating and sunken eggs in the shallow end of the pool for participants in their age groups and then turn in eggs for prizes. Highlights include a giant floating obstacle course, underwater and dry-land Easter egg hunts, a Glow in the Dark egg hunt, bounce houses, the Easter Bunny and local vendors. Tickets are at tickettailor.com/events/plungesandiego1/2069696.
OCEANSIDE
Native Plant Garden Tour next month
A California Native Plant Garden Tour is 2 p.m. April 26 led by plant experts featuring a free 1.5-mile walking tour and 19 front yard gardens, starting at the St. Mary School parking lot, 515 Wisconsin Ave., and going through the historic seaside neighborhood. Kids will be selling lemonade and cookies along the route. The 22nd annual tour is sponsored by the Oceanside Coastal Neighborhood Association and Buena Vista Audubon Society. Visit BVAudubon.org or OCNA101.org or call 760-439-2473.
Retired teachers group meets
The local California Retired Teachers group, CalRTA Division 45, meets from 10:30 to 1:30 March 23 at the Broken Yolk, 2434 Vista Way. The speaker is Randa Krakow, who will discuss human trafficking. For reservations and lunch choices, email div45lunchreservation@gmail.com or call 760-496-8358.
Oceanside Poet Laureate submissions sought
The City of Oceanside Arts Commission is accepting submissions for the inaugural O’Arts: Oceanside Poet Laureate. A literary artist living in Oceanside, Carlsbad or Vista will be selected through a competitive process and will serve as an ambassador for poetry, spoken word and the literary arts and will receive $10,000 ($5,000 per year). The two-year term begins in July. Submissions are due by April 30. Visit oceansidelibrary.org/about-us/arts-commission.
Big Read program starts
The Oceanside Public Library holds its seventh Big Read program March 21 to May 1 in partnership with Buena Vista Audubon Society, KOCT, Oceanside Historical Society, Oceanside Museum of Art, Plants, People, Community, San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians and Studio ACE, centered on the novel The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. The Big Read will kick off with Seeds & Song from 1 to 3 p.m. March 21 in the Civic Center Library Courtyard. Highlights include music by Captain Mel Vernon and members of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, hands-on art with Studio ACE and a seed swap with Plants, People, Community. Visit oceansidepubliclibrary.org.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi concert
A free concert featuring Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi will at 6 p.m. March 24 in the Rancho Bernardo Library 2nd floor community room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The five-piece band will perform New Jewish music, which combines traditional klezmer music with jazz, Romani, Balkan, Sephardic motifs and vocals. The free concert is part of the Friends of the RB Library’s 26th annual Chamber Concert series. Donations appreciated. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.
Free Messiah concert
The Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church holds a free concert at 4 p.m. March 22 in the church sanctuary, 17010 Pomerado Rd. The RB Community Chancel Choir, soloists, and professional orchestra will present parts two and three of Handel’s oratorio, “Messiah,” including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Visit rbcommunity.org.
SAN DIEGO
SAN DIEGO: Ebony Pearls Foundation gives out 300 pairs of gym shoes to elementary school students…
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter distributed several hundred new gym shoes to students at Johnson Elementary School, a STEM focused magnet school in San Diego Unified School District. Ebony Pearls Foundation of San Diego Inc., the sorority’s philanthropic arm, partnered with SHOES THAT FIT and GEICO to bring 300 pairs of new athletic shoes to uplift students. The shoe giveaway is one part of the Foundation’s year-round efforts to support the school’s students, which include providing weekly weekend meals and maintaining a uniform closet for families in need. Pictured are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter and Johnson Elementary School Students. Photo by Louise Labrie
Library book sale
The Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa Branch Library will hold a book sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at the library, 9005 Aero Drive. Visit sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/serra-mesa-kearny-mesa-library.
Widows and widowers mark 30th birthday
The nonprofit Widows and Widowers of San Diego, aka WOW, will celebrate its 30th birthday from noon to 3 p.m. March 31 with a buffet lunch and dancing to the music of the IDEAS in the Presidio Ballroom at the Admiral Baker clubhouse. Reservations are $60, $50 for members, and must be received by March 18. Reserve at evasmith2075@gmail. Visit wowsd.fun.
Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld
SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival Concert Series runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through April 26 featuring more than 150 global flavors of food and drink, plus live entertainment ranging from indie pop, folk, country to cultural performances such as Polynesian fire dancing and Brazilian samba. The festival also introduces a new educational animal presentation highlighting wildlife from around the world. Entertainment included with park admission. Visit seaworld.com/san-diego.
Women’s History Tour
A Balboa Park Women’s History Tour is from 10 to 11 a.m. March 21 starting at the Bea Evenson Fountain, 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park. The tour was developed with the Center for Women’s History at the San Diego History Center, and highlights historical and contemporary women who helped shape Balboa Park into a cultural destination. Upcoming tours are the same time April 18, May 16 and June 20. Free; suggested $5 donation. Email visitor@balboapark.org or call 619-239-0512, ext. 8.
San Diego Half Marathon & 5K race
The 15th GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K starts at 6:30 a.m. March 22 and is expected to draw roughly 6,000 runners from across the country and around the world. The run is along 5 miles of waterfront through four historic communities and three parks along with 2 miles through downtown San Diego, ending at the Gaslamp Quarter. A virtual version of the 13.1-mile half-marathon and 3.1-mile 5K will be offered. Registration is $67.80-$169.50. Visit inmotionevents.com/event/san-diego-half-marathon-5k.
Guided Bird Walk
A Guided Bird Walk, hosted by Mission Trails Regional Park, is from 8 to 10:30 a.m. March 20 and March 21 at Gate 13 Trailhead. Meet at 9494 Lake Murray Blvd. Bring binoculars if you have them. Walks are canceled if raining. Visit mtrp.org/events.
Mama’s Kitchen fundraiser set for May
The annual Mama’s Day event benefiting Mama’s Kitchen is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 16 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd. The event includes food, live music, pop-up booths, opportunity drawings and photo booth. The event features restaurants, chefs and culinary artists from throughout San Diego helping raise money for Mama’s Kitchen’s medically tailored, home-delivered meal program. The nonprofit hopes to raise $158,000 to fund 31,600 meals. Cocktail reception for VIP ticket holders is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Event is open for general admission and food is served from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Early bird tickets from March 20-26 are $150; VIP $250. Starting March 27, general admission is $200, VIP $300. Visit mamaskitchen.org.
VISTA
Talent show auditions at senior center
The Gloria McClellan Center is putting on a talent show from 2 to 3:30 p.m. April 24 at 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Performers age 55 and older can audition for the show in groups or individually. Auditions are from 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 18. A rehearsal is from 2 to 3:30 p.m. April 22. Performers must complete an audition form and provide their own music. The Center offers services that range from lunch, travel/trips, and transportation to exercise, classes, and activities for older adults. Call 760-643-5288 or visit vista.gov/residents/senior-services.
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