BONITA
BonitaFest features melodrama
The 54th Annual BonitaFest features a melodrama, “Bonita Vista by Two,” at the Sweetwater Church Theater at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23-26. Taste of Bonita is from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 19. Visit bonitahistoricalsociety.org/tasteofbonita.
CARLSBAD
Genealogy Open House
A Genealogy Open House with information about the North San Diego County Genealogical Society and the Genealogy and History Division will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 19 at the Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. At 1 p.m. at the library, the DNA Interest Group will hosts a talk on ”Is Your Surname Really Your Paternal Bloodline? NPES, Family Clades, and Lessons from New Mexico Genealogy.” Reservation necessary only for online attendees at nsdcgs.org.
Varsity Harmony Jam
A free Varsity Harmony Jam workshop for singers age 14-26, hosted by Pacific Coast Harmony ensemble, is from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 in the Schulman Auditorium at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. The collegiate-level a cappella vocal coaching workshop includes a showcase from 4 to 5 p.m. The showcase is free for participants and performers; others can buy a ticket at the door for $5. The showcase will feature a performance by the Varsity Harmony Jam Chorus led by director Yasu Ichikawa, as well as performances by local choruses including Pacific Coast Harmony, SoCal Mix, and the San Diego Chorus along with guest quartets. Register at form.jotform.com/261965216450155. Visit PacificCoastHarmony.org.
‘Eat or be Eaten’ subject of nature walk
Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a free, 90-minute docent-led nature walk at 10 a.m. Sept. 19, “Eat or be Eaten,” about predator/prey relationships and the food chain of sea and land creatures, with special attention on local snakes. Open to all ages. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.
Republican woman’s club hosts candidates
The Carlsbad Republican Women Federated club hosts key 2026 Republican candidates running for national, state, county, and local office at the club’s Sept. 22 luncheon meeting at 11 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $49; $44 for club members. RSVP and pay online by 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at www.CarlsbadRepublicans.com.
CHULA VISTA
Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
Otay Ranch Town Center’s annual free Celebration and Family Festival for Hispanic Heritage Month is from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 15 with live music, cultural performances and free family activities. Highlights include themed characters, sweet treats, giveaways, face painter and kids’ activities. There will “Salsa Under the Stars,” a pop-up Salsa dance celebration and musical performance, that will run from 4 to 7 p.m., hosted by the Manny Cepeda Orchestra quartet. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/50120.
Community genealogy class
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society hosts a free Genealogy Education Class from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library Community Room, 4375 Bonita Road. The class will focus on “A Deep Dive into United States Census Records.” Bring your laptop or tablet. Walk-ins are welcome. Register at chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org.
CLAIREMONT
Clairemont Family Day
The Clairemont Family Day is from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at South Clairemont Recreation Center, 3600 Clairemont Drive. The event includes a pancake breakfast fundraiser, carnival zone, free pony rides, yoga, live music, beer garden, and entertainment featuring bands, dancers, magicians and community information booths along with the “The Greatest Car Show on Turf” with 250 cars hosted by the San Diego Association of Car Clubs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The breakfast is from 7 to 9 a.m., followed by festivities. A free shuttle will run from Clairemont High School. Admission is free. Visit clairemontfamilyday.com.
DEL MAR
Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon
The 21st annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, hosted by the nonprofit Helen Woodward Animal Center, is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13 with dozens of canine contenders surfing at Del Mar Dog Beach. The event, presented by Blue Buffalo, features dogs competing for the title of Best-In-Surf. The event includes a free Kids’ Activity Area featuring crafts and games and pet-focused exhibitors. Fans can watch the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon’s Best in Surf Event unfold live on Facebook beginning at 12 p.m. Free for spectators. Parking will be available at Border Avenue/Via de la Valle and Highway 101/Camino del Mar for a $20 donation. Registration is at animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon or 858-756-4117, ext. 362.
EL CAJON
Republican Women’s group hosts speakers
The Foothills Republican Women of California will hold a luncheon meeting at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 17 at the El Cajon Black Bear Diner. Doors will open at 10 a.m. Following a brief business meeting, there will be two featured speakers: Alex Lee from Epoch Times and Ruth Weiss from Election Integrity. The cost is $25 (payable by cash or check) which includes a lunch (six menu choices). Reservations can be made at terry@TLCasey.com. Visit rwcsdc.org/clubs/foothills.
ENCINITAS
Community candidate forum
Candidates running in the Encinitas mayoral and City Council Districts 3 and 4 races in the Nov. 3 election are scheduled to take part in a forum from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Sept. 17. The forum is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego. The nonpartisan forum will allow the public to hear from candidates about their qualifications, priorities and plans. Candidates will have equal time for opening and closing statements and to respond to questions submitted in writing by the public. The public can submit a question for candidates at bit.ly/LWVNCSD_EncinitasForum26.
American Association of University Women holds kick off
The Del Mar-Leucadia Branch of American Association of University Women holds a kickoff event for the public from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 19 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena. The community can meet branch members and find out about the group’s activities planned for the 2026-27 year. The first half-hour will include socializing, interest group displays, raffle and refreshments. The guest speaker is Georgeanne Irvine, director of Historical Affairs and Publishing for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, who will talk about how she is a “Voice for Wildlife.” She will discuss her zoo travels and her books. Visit delmarleucadia-ca.aauw.net.
Choral ensemble performs
Sacra Profana, a professional choral ensemble, hosts its 18th season, Conversations, featuring compositions and performances “grounded in hope for humanity’s capacity for social justice.” The first concert, Un Diálogo, Dos Conversaciones, is at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena.
Nonprofit galley holds C-Note Sale
The nonprofit Off Track Gallery will hold a C-Note sale of original art ranging from paintings, photography, ceramics and jewelry to fused glass and fiber arts created by the local artists of the San Dieguito Art Guild from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 19-20. Selected items are offered for sale for $100 (a C-note).
ESCONDIDO
Church marks 140th anniversary
The First United Methodist Church in Escondido will hold a community celebration of its 140th anniversary the weekend of Sept. 12-13. The celebration begins with a dinner at 5:30 Sept. 12. There will be a special Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. Sept. 13 in the sanctuary, 341 S Kalmia St. For details and dinner reservations, visit fumcescondido.org.
Cruisin Grand car show
Cruisin Grand is running Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. through Sept. 25 along Grand Ave. The event features pre-1974 and earlier American-made Classics, customs, vintage, muscle, and hot Rods cruising Grand Avenue. Admission is free.
IMPERIAL BEACH
Event celebrates Latino Conservation Week
The San Diego Bird Alliance, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Hispanic Access Foundation and local conservation partners, will celebrate the 7th Annual Latino Conservation Week with a free, family-friendly, bilingual day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Way. The event, themed Journey Through the Wetlands, will feature guided walks, birdwatching, nature talks, arts and crafts, hands-on science, and interactive activities for all ages. focusing on the wildlife and plants that make the estuary unique. There will be hands-on activities to explore wetland health. Register at bit.ly/LCWSD2026.
JULIAN
Ilan-Lael Foundation holds Harvest Moon Fundraiser
The Ilan-Lael Foundation’s annual Harvest Moon Fundraiser is from 3 to 8 p.m. Sept. 26. Guests will have rare access to the Ilan-Lael property, the home and studio of renowned artist and architect James Hubbell. Visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace, enjoy a curated meal prepared by local chefs using seasonal ingredients from the region. This year’s featured guest is Ada Limón, who served as the nation’s 24th U.S. Poet Laureate. Tickets are $175. Call 760-765-3427.
LA JOLLA
Garden club hosts talk
The La Jolla Garden Club meets at 1 p.m. Sept. 15 at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. Bob Lutticken, a teacher from Abraxas High School in Poway will speak about the school’s Garden Kitchen program connecting students, environment and community. Guests are welcome. Visit lajollagardenclub.org.
OCEANSIDE
Gold Star group gathers
The Oceanside chapter of Gold Star Spouses of America, Inc. will meet at 11 a.m. Sept. 15 at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. The group advocates for surviving spouses of service members who died during active duty or veterans who died from military service-related conditions. Email info@goldstarspouses.org.
Veterans writing group holds workshop
The Veterans’ Writing Group San Diego County meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Veterans Association of North County Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. The free meeting is open to veterans, active-duty military and their families to express themselves through writing, share their experiences and connect with others. The meeting can also be attended virtually at bit.ly/vwgsdzoom. Visit veteranswritinggroup.org.
Retired teachers meet
The California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA Division 45) meets from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way. Roxanna Martinez will discuss Community Schools of the Oceanside Unified School District. The cost is $22. Email Calrtadiv45reservation@gmail.com with your menu choice.
POINT LOMA
Lecture focuses on women-founded groups
La Playa Trail presents a lecture on “Women-founded organizations in Progressive Era San Diego,” at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot St. Guest lecturer Laurel Davidson will discuss local nonprofits and the women behind them who sought to improve the lives of San Diego women and children in need by providing resources for education, health and safety, including the Point Loma Assembly, The Wednesday Club, San Diego YWCA and the Neighborhood Home Association. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
RANCHO BERNARDO
World Affairs discussion group meets
The North County Chapter of the World Affairs Council will host Professor Giorgio Cafiero at 10 a.m. Sept. 17 for a presentation entitled: “The UAE and the New Middle East: Diplomacy, Power, and Regional Transformation” 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 www.northcountyworldaffairs.org.
Church holds drive-thru kitchenware collection
A drive-thru collection of new and gently used kitchenware to be donated to agencies assisting families transitioning from homelessness into their own apartments is from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 19 at the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Road. Items needed include pots and pans, dishes, silverware, glass wear, mugs, cooking utensils and kitchen towels along with dish soap, trash bags, cleaning supplies and reusable water bottles for homeless youths served through Youth Assistance Coalition (no countertop appliances). Donations will be split between Interfaith Community Services, Solutions for Change and New Day Urban Ministries. Checks are also appreciated.
Free community concert
A community concert is at 4 p.m. Sept. 13 featuring Nathan Hubbard and the Green Mansions at the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Road. The Green Mansions use traditional Hawaiian instruments and modern technology to perform traditional Hawaiian songs, jazz tunes and older folk songs from the Pacific rim. The concert is free and open to all. For questions, email liz@rbcommunity.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Taste of Rancho Santa Fe
The 12th annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe is from 4 to 7 p.m. (with after-party at 7 p.m.) Sept. 27 at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The event features tastings from more than 75 restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and specialty food purveyors and is presented by the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary in partnership with title sponsors Hoehn Motors, the Morrison Foerster Foundation, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and Ranch & Coast Magazine. The event is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Foundation and net proceeds support charitable programs benefiting veterans, children, seniors, and those facing hardship throughout the community. Tickets are $175 at tasteofrsf.org.
SAN DIEGO
Book about San Diego-based airline debuts at Air & Space Museum
A public book launch celebration for “Catching Those Smiles: Our Story with PSA” is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park. The book tells the story of people behind San Diego-based Pacific Southwest Airlines and includes dozens of first-hand accounts by pilots, mechanics, flight attendants and others working for the airline. The commemorative Heritage Launch Edition will be sold during the event and readers can meet the authors and have copies signed. The authors are Gregory Acuña, Pat McCollam and Pearl Padovano with David Alexander, Laura Crivello and Betsy Bogle. Visit gmacuna.com/products/catching-those-smiles-our-story-with-psa?discount=GREGPSA.
Community Forum on Balboa Park master plan
Friends of San Diego Architecture will host a forum Sept. 19 on the City of San Diego’s update to the 1989 Balboa Park Master Plan. This forum is a chance for the public to give input on what they consider the top priorities to include in the new plan. The results of the forum will be shared with the city. Keynoting the program will be Vicki Estrada, whose firm prepared the 1989 plan and follow-up specific plans, and Howard Blackson, an urban planner and member of the official Balboa Park Committee. FSDA’s Roger Showley and Mike Stepner will moderate the forum at 10 a.m. Sept. 19 at the San Diego History Center, Casa de Balboa, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park. Visit friendsofsdarch.com.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Harvest for Hope event helps kids with cancer, diseases
The Emilio Nares Foundation, a nonprofit that helps families whose children have cancer and other life-threatening diseases, hosts its 23rd Annual Harvest for Hope at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The fundraiser brings together supporters for an evening “celebrating hope, resilience and the power of community while raising funds for the foundation’s programs. The foundation was founded in 2002 after the loss of their five-year-old son Emilio to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Visit enfhope.org/harvest-for-hope-2026/.
Mariachi Honor Band seeks applicants
La Jolla Music Society invites student musicians from across San Diego County to apply to its inaugural Mariachi Honor Band. Musicians selected for the Honor Band will learn from leading mariachi artists and educators, including guest artists from across San Diego and Los Angeles; perform alongside talented peers from across San Diego County; and perform in a concert at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla with Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Javier Rodriguez and special guests. The high school honor band is open to students in grades 9–12; university band, ages 17 to 25. Rehearsals will be Oct. 22, and 29, from 5 to to 6:45 p.m. (high school) and 7 to 8:45 p.m. (university) at Logan Memorial Educational Campus. The performance will be at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 at The Conrad in La Jolla. Applications are by midnight Sept. 20. Visit theconrad.org/mariachi-honor-band.
Coastal Cleanup Day
I Love A Clean San Diego is hosting Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 19. It is county-wide and will have about 100 sites. For details and to register, visit cleansd.org/environmental-action/countywide-cleanups/coastal-cleanup-day/.
SOLANA BEACH
Panel discussion with mayor, council
A panel discussion about Solana Beach Council members’ additional state, county and regional duties is at 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at Fletcher Cove Community Center, 133 Pacific Ave. Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner, Deputy Mayor Jill MacDonald and Councilmembers Kristi Becker, Jewel Edson and David Zito will participate in the discussion about the additional roles they play in organizations ranging from the California League of Cities to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the North County Transit District, to the Clean Energy Alliance, Regional Solid Waste Association and the Joint Powers Authorities for both the San Dieguito River Valley and San Elijo Lagoon. The event is free and open to the public.
VALLEY CENTER
VALLEY CENTER: Harrah’s gives $250,000 in grants to area nonprofits…
Harrah’s Resort Southern California gave $250,000 in cash grants to 15 area nonprofits during its 11th annual “All-in 4 Change” awards ceremony. The event recognized community-focused nonprofits supporting education, environmental sustainability, health and human services, military and veterans’ support and senior care in San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties. Since opening in 2002, Harrah’s Resort Southern California has donated more than $5 million in cash and in-kind gifts to charitable causes in partnership with the Rincon Tribe. Grants ranged from $100,000 to $5,000. Recipients ranged from the Janet Goeske Foundation, a nonprofit based in Riverside that provides health and wellness programs for older adults and the Alzheimer’s Association to Interfaith Community Services and Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. Pictured are first place grant winners with Mario Lopez, center, who emceed the awards ceremony and Jill Barrett, second from right, vice president and general Manager of Harrah’s Resort Southern California. Courtesy of Harrah’s Resort Southern California.
VISTA
Food, hygiene items collected
A “Stuff the Truck” campaign benefiting the new Vista Community Clinic Resource Hub will be hosted by North County Ford through Sept. 30. Community members are encouraged to drop off nonperishable food and hygiene products from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the dealership, 450 W. Vista Way. Items needed include donations include shelf-stable foods such as canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter, beans, rice, pasta, oatmeal, cereal, soups, canned fruits and vegetables, as well as unopened hygiene and personal-care products. Visit vcc.org.
Kids in the Garden class
A Kids in the Garden class is from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 12 on Birds: Feathers, Beaks, and Nests at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive. Class fee is $5 per person which includes entry and time in the Gardens until closing at 5:30 p.m. Adults stay with their kids. Class is free with family membership. Preregistration with child’s name and age is required by noon on Sept.11 at farmerjonesavbg@gmail.com. Visit Altavistabotanicalgardens.org.
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