Youth concert features music competition winners<\/p>\n
Rotary District 5340 will hold a celebration concert featuring Youth Instrumental Music Competition winners at 1 p.m. April 18 in the Schulman Auditorium at the Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. The event will showcase eight outstanding student musicians who were first-place winners in categories including strings, wind, piano, percussion and jazz. Audience members help select recipients of two $1,000 top prizes. Admission is free.<\/p>\n
Spring Bloom nature walk<\/p>\n
Batiquitos Lagoon will have a free docent-led nature walk at 10 a.m. April 18 themed \u201cThe Spring Bloom\u201d open to all ages. The 90-minute walk is along the north trail of the lagoon and will focus on what\u2019s blooming. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Rain cancels the event. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Genealogy buffs discuss \u2018Civil Registration\u2019<\/p>\n Former genealogy librarian Mary Van Orsdol will discuss \u201cCivil Registration\u201c from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 14 at the North San Diego County Genealogical Society\u2019s free meeting at the City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. The speaker will present remotely. Registration is necessary only if attending virtually. For the Zoom link, visit nsdcgs.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n DNA genealogists meet<\/p>\n The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by North San Diego County Genealogical Society, will host John Mitzi for a free presentation on \u201cParents of Mary and Sam Revealed by Using Banyan DNA\u201d at 1 p.m. April 18 at the Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. The speaker will present remotely. Registration is necessary only if attending virtually. For the Zoom link, visit nsdcgs.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n CHULA VISTA The annual \u201cMake Believe at the Mall\u201d day is from 4 to 6 p.m. April 21 at Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista. The free event, held during the weekly farmers market with fresh produce, street food and hand-crafted items, will include character appearances, face painting, superhero- and fairytale-themed make-and-take crafts, and music. Kids can have photos taken with a favorite character, ranging from Spider-Man and Hello Kitty to Super Mario. Admission is free. Visit www.otayranchtowncenter.com\/en\/events\/39369.<\/a><\/p>\n CORONADO The 104th annual Coronado Flower Show, themed \u201cWelcome to the Jungle,\u201d is from 1 to 5 p.m. April 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19 at Spreckels Park, with some activities on April 17, such as a community movie night starting at 5:30 p.m. and Floral Oracle Reading at 6 p.m. The Best in Village self-guided walking tour is from 9 to 11 a.m. April 18. The 1922 Club Gala Velvet Jungle event is from 7 to 10 p.m. April 18. The show includes floral arranging competitions, horticulture displays, demonstrations and lectures along with entertainment, beer and wine garden and shopping along with a Homefront competition that recognizes outstanding gardens of local homes and businesses. For tickets, visit www.coronadoflowershow.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n DEL MAR The nonprofit Vision of Children will put on a Sip to See Springtime Tea, themed \u201cVOC Through the Looking Glass,\u201d 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\u2019s mission to cure childhood hereditary blindness and improve quality of life for children and families. Tickets start at $195. Visit www.visionofchildren.org\/spring-tea-2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n EL CAJON Shelter to Soldier will host its 7th annual Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time Golf Tournament at noon April 24 at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan, 3007 Dehesa Road, presented by Frontwave Credit Union. The fundraiser supports the nonprofit\u2019s work rescuing dogs from local shelters and training them as service dogs for post-9\/11 veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related injuries. Registration opens at 10 a.m. Visit www.sheltertosoldier.org\/event\/7th-annual-saving-lives-one-swing-at-a-time-golf-tournament<\/a>.<\/p>\n ENCINITAS The North Coast Symphony will put on a free concert, Dancing Around the World, featuring a musical journey across the globe, at 2:30 p.m. April 18 at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church. The program includes \u201cDance in the Hall of the Mountain King\u201d by Grieg and the waltz from \u201cSwan Lake\u201d by Tchaikovsky, \u201cAragonaise\u201d from Carmen Suite No. 1 by Bizet, and Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Brahms. Visit www.northcoastsymphony.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Community fest at animal shelter<\/p>\n The Rancho Coastal Humane Society will put on a Community Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 at 389 Requeza St. Highlights include pet-related vendor booths, market, a beer garden, food, live music and kids\u2019 zone. Visit rchumanesociety.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Art Night<\/p>\n Art Night Encinitas is from 6 to 8 p.m. April 18 at City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library and Pacific View Arts Center along with participating galleries. The free community event includes artist talks and meet-and-greets, art workshops and demonstrations along with art exhibits. There will be a free shuttle between sites. Visit EncinitasCA.gov\/ArtNight<\/a>.<\/p>\n Gallery reception for Earth Day<\/p>\n Off Track Gallery hosts a reception, \u201cCelebrating Mother Earth,\u201d during Art Night Encinitas from 5 to 8 p.m. April 18 featuring fine art and handcrafted jewelry by local artists along with live music by The Bud Brothers, free refreshments and seed cards that attract essential pollinators to your garden. Discount on artwork. Visit sandieguitoartguild.com\/off-track-gallery.<\/a><\/p>\n Book signing event for Grauer School founder<\/p>\n Stuart Grauer, founder and head of school emeritus of The Grauer School, an independent school in Encinitas, published a new book, \u201cThe Way to Pancho\u2019s Kitchen: A Trail Guide for Small School Leaders,\u201d and will give a presentation and hold a Q&A along with a book signing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 14 in Meyer Hall at The Grauer School. RSVP at www.grauerschool.com\/book-launch-event<\/a>.<\/p>\n ESCONDIDO The Escondido Bead & Design Show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17 to April 19 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N Escondido Blvd. The marketplace features the work of jewelry artists, beadmakers, gemstone specialists, vintage dealers, textile designers and creative suppliers, live demonstrations and workshops. Tickets are $8 in advance online; $10 at the door. Free parking. Visit beadanddesign.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Wings of Hope gathering at hospice<\/p>\n The Elizabeth Hospice will host its free annual \u201cWings of Hope\u201d community event from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. May 3 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. The free community gathering honors the lives of loved ones who have died and includes a butterfly release, live music and brief messages on hope and healing. RSVP is required by April 20 at elizabethhospice.org\/wings<\/a> or 760-294-5826.<\/p>\n ESCO Alley Art unveils six murals<\/p>\n ESCO Alley Art, a volunteer group that creates public outdoor art galleries, is holding a community Creek Trail Mural Unveiling at 3:30 p.m. April 18 to celebrate its move from urban alleyways to the Escondido Creek Trail. Six new murals will be unveiled and will be permanently displayed on the Neighborhood Healthcare building, 460 N. Elm St., facing the Escondido Creek Trail. There will be live music, food, drinks, art activities for kids and a chance to meet the artists. Special guests include Escondido Mayor Dane White, among other leaders. Visit escoalleyart.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Interactive theatrical experience<\/p>\n An immersive and interactive theatrical experience, \u201cYour Unconscious Mind,\u201d will run at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays April 9 to 19 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, Studio 1. Characters representing surrealist artists Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali and their psychiatrist Sigmund Freud will guide audiences to create surrealist works of art. Tickets are $20. Visit artcenter.org.<\/a><\/p>\n FALLBROOK The Fallbrook Avocado Festival is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19 on Main Avenue. The avocado-themed event includes craft vendors, food, wine and beer garden, entertainment, artisan walk and contests. For kids, there\u2019s a race, fun zone and best-dressed avocado contest. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org\/avocado-festival<\/a>.<\/p>\n LA MESA The nonprofit Soroptimist International of La Mesa will host a Sip & Snack Wine Tasting from 3 to 5 p.m. April 19 at San Pasqual Tasting Room, 8364 La Mesa Blvd. The event will include one tasting wine flight with each registration, silent auction, raffle prizes and light snacks. The La Mesa group formed in 1951. Visit silamesa.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Health Care Decisions Day<\/p>\n A free workshop for National Health Care Decisions Day is from 1 to 3 p.m. April 17 offered by Sharp Community Resource Center at Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St. The workshop discusses how to specify health care preferences before an urgent medical situation arises. Free parking. Register at 800-827-4277 or visit www.sharp.com\/classes<\/a>.<\/p>\n LEMON GROVE The Lemon Grove Forward Club and Lemon Grove Art Collective host a concert, \u201cSanctified in Swing,\u201d at 7 p.m. April 17 at the Neighborhood event venue, 7963 Broadway. Tickets are $20; proceeds benefit Lemon Grove Art Collective.<\/p>\n NORTH COUNTY The North County Republican Women hold a breakfast meeting at 10 a.m. April 15 at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe. The featured speakers are Paul Bernstein and Robert Dudley, both recognized for their efforts with their organization, Raise Lake Hodges. The mission of their organization is to lower the risk of wildfires, increase water storage, expand habitats for wildlife and preserve ecological balance along with reducing water costs. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Cost is $30; $25 for members. RSVP by April 13 at www.ncrwsd.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n OCEANSIDE The nonprofit Veterans\u2019 Writing Group of San Diego County meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 at the Veterans Association of North County resource center, 1617 Mission Ave. The group helps veterans, active-duty service members and their families connect through writing. Participants can tell their stories, receive feedback, develop their writing and become published authors. Visit sites.google.com\/view\/veteranswritinggroup\/home<\/a>.<\/p>\n Surf museum\u2019s 40th anniversary<\/p>\n The California Surf Museum will celebrate its 40th anniversary and hold a grand opening for a new exhibit, \u201cSurfing: Hawaiian Royalty\u2019s Gift to the World,\u201d from 1 to 4 p.m. April 12 at 312 Pier View Way. There will be light appetizers, wine, beer and a display of 17-foot wooden boards. Docents will give a tour of the exhibits. Visit surfmuseum.org\/current-exhibits\/surfriding-hawaiian-royaltys-gift-to-the-world.<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Art of Music\u2019 fundraiser<\/p>\n Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation will hold its \u201cArt of Music\u201d fundraiser, a Painted Piano Party featuring the iconic Painted Pianos played by local artists, from 5 to 7 p.m. April 24 at the El Camino Country Club. Highlights include live musical entertainment on hand-painted pianos, cocktails, wine and mocktails, appetizers and desserts, raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $85. Proceeds go to scholarships for local high school students pursuing the visual, performing and literary arts. Visit ocaf.info\/a-painted-piano-party-support-the-arts-in-oceanside.<\/a><\/p>\n Free lifelong learning lectures<\/p>\n The LIFE learning group at MiraCosta College hosts two free lectures starting at 1 p.m. April 17 at the college\u2019s Oceanside campus in the Board Room of the Administration Building, Bldg. 1000, or online via Zoom. At 1 p.m. there will be a lecture on \u201cHow and Why I Became a Palestine Refugee\u201d led by author Jamal Kanj. At 2:30 p.m., there will be a talk on San Diego Ballet by Javier Velasco, artistic director of the San Diego Ballet. Visit www.miracosta.edu\/life<\/a>.<\/p>\n POINT LOMA Cowboy Jack, aka Jack Johnson, will perform country music from 11 a.m. to noon April 14 at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in the Family Life Center, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd. Visit www.hankshow.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n POWAY The North County Society of Fine Arts runs a free art demonstration from 12:30 to 2 p.m. April 14 at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The demo will be presented by award-winning artist Rose Irelan, who will demonstrate her palette, compositions, ocean waves and capturing light. Social hour with refreshments is from 11:30 a.m. to noon; the general meeting is from noon to 12:30 p.m. followed by the demonstration.<\/p>\n SAN DIEGO The Panda Fest is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 25 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 26 at Waterfront Park featuring a food festival, cultural performances, art demonstrations and theatrical showcases. The festival highlights the diversity of Asian cultures with more than 200 dishes from over 80 food vendors, representing cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond, ranging from street food to fusion bites. A marketplace with include more than 30 vendors showcasing Asian-inspired crafts, apparel, accessories and specialty goods. Highlights include K-pop dance crews, Chinese lion dances, and Japanese sword\/kendo and samurai demonstrations. Tickets are $15; VIP $35. Saturday tickets are priced $2 more. Visit www.pandafests.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Special needs resource fair<\/p>\n A Day of Play: Starry Cinema & Resource Fair is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 19 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone, 6845 University Ave., hosted by the Special Needs Resource Foundation. There will be an activity station, crafts, games, giveaways, a Spotlight on Reading station, as well as story time and a free book for each child and resources for the special needs community. Free admission. Visit specialneedsresourcefoundationofsandiego.com\/program\/all-inclusive-day-of-play-resource-fair.<\/a><\/p>\n Disco-themed bingo fundraiser<\/p>\n The Junior League of San Diego will host a disco-themed bingo fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. April 17 at its Bankers Hill headquarters, 210 Maple St., with bingo, light bites and beverages. Proceeds support the league\u2019s work across San Diego. Tickets are $25. Visit www.jlsd.org.<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Rhythm of the 90s\u2019 event benefits Home Start<\/p>\n Home Start, a local nonprofit that works to prevent child abuse and strengthen families, will hold its annual Blue Ribbon Gala, themed \u201cRhythm of the 90s,\u201d from 5:30 to 11 p.m. April 25 at the historic US Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway. Highlights include a three-course dinner, live and silent auctions, live entertainment and dancing, along with firsthand stories from Home Start families. Tickets start at $400. Visit www.blueribbongala.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Earth & Engineering Day at mall<\/p>\n The Mission Valley Mall, in partnership with the American Society of Civil Engineers, hosts a free family-friendly Earth & Engineering Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18. Highlights include hands-on STEM exhibits, eco-focused vendors and interactive activities for kids. Visit www.mission-valley.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Women\u2019s History Tour<\/p>\n A Balboa Park Women\u2019s History Tour is from 10 to 11 a.m. April 18 starting at the Bea Evenson Fountain, 1875 El Prado, in Balboa Park. The tour was developed with the Center for Women\u2019s History at the San Diego History Center and highlights the historical and contemporary women whose vision, leadership, and creativity helped shape Balboa Park into a cultural destination. Upcoming tours are the same time May 16 and June 20. Free; suggested $5 donation. Email visitor@balboapark.org or call 619-239-0512, ext. 8.<\/p>\n Architects put on \u2018Gill to Gill\u2019 talk<\/p>\n Friends of San Diego Architecture hosts a presentation on \u201cGill to Gill\u201d led by architects Ricardo Rabines and Taal Safdie on the Oceanside Museum of Art expansion, at 10 a.m. April 18 at the San Diego History Center, Casa de Balboa, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park. Visit friendsofsdarch.com\/oceanside-museum-art.<\/a><\/p>\n Challenge Center opens new office<\/p>\n The nonprofit Challenge Center opened a new facility at 9596 Chesapeake Drive, providing physical therapy, fitness and wellness programs for seniors and folks with physical disabilities, and launched a Senior Innovation Hub with ElderHelp and Meals on Wheels to offer mobility training, fall prevention, nutrition support and caregiver resources. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Visit challengecenter.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Orchids in Balboa Park<\/p>\n The San Diego County Orchid Society will put on its annual Orchids in the Park Show & Sale from noon to 6 p.m. April 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19 in Balboa Park. The \u201cOrchids of the Earth\u201d show includes indoor show at Casa del Prado. Orchid sales start at 10 a.m. April 18. Free admission. Visit sdorchids.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n SAN DIEGO COUNTY The San Diego Foundation is accepting applications from nonprofits and public entities through April 30 for its new Growing Green Spaces Grant Program, which funds community-led projects that expand trees, gardens and green areas in neighborhoods most affected by climate and environmental challenges. Grants of $15,000 to $40,000 will support efforts to cool overheated areas, improve air quality and increase access to nature across San Diego County. Visit \u00a0SDFoundation.org\/GrowingGreenSpaces<\/a>.<\/p>\n SOLANA BEACH The Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society hosts a free presentation on \u201cFire-resilient Landscaping with Native Plants\u201d at 5 p.m. April 16 at Fletcher Cove Community Center, 133 Pacific Ave. There will be an overview of efforts to expand native pollinator habitat in Solana Beach and a presentation by fire-ecology expert Greg Ruben, owner of California\u2019s Own Native Landscape Design. Visit solanabeachcivicandhistoricalsociety.org\/news-and-events<\/a>.<\/p>\n VISTA
\n\u2018Make Believe at the Mall\u2019 day<\/p>\n
\nCoronado Flower Show<\/p>\n
\nSpringtime Tea fundraiser for childhood blindness<\/p>\n
\nGolf tournament benefits Shelter to Soldier<\/p>\n
\nFree Family Concert<\/p>\n
\nBead & Design Show<\/p>\n
\nAvocado Festival<\/p>\n
\nSoroptimists hold Wine Tasting<\/p>\n
\nSwing concert<\/p>\n
\nRaise Lake Hodges topic of talk<\/p>\n
\nVeterans\u2019 Writing Group meets<\/p>\n
\nCowboy Jack concert<\/p>\n
\nWoman\u2019s social club marks 53rd year\u2026
\n![\"Wednesday](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sut-l-commnews-briefs-0412-01.jpg\")
POWAY: Woman\u2019s social club marks 53rd year\u2026
\nWednesday Etc. a North County woman\u2019s social club that formed in the early 1970\u2019s marks its 53rd annniversary this year. The group of roughly 100 women, offers social activities and special interest groups ranging from travel to Bunco to book club. The group also supports a number of charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots, Military Outreach Mission, Gently Hugged, Valley Elementary School and ECOLIFE Conservation. The club holds a luncheon the second Wednesday of each month, which includes entertainment. Members typically come from Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Escondido and surrounding areas, but the club is open to all San Diego area women. Pictured are members of the club\u2019s travel group having lunch at O\u2019Sullivans in Escondido. Photo courtesy of Wednesday Etc. Photo by Kathy Jelsma
\nRANCHO BERNARDO
\nFree art demonstration<\/p>\n
\nPanda Fest features food, performances<\/p>\n
\nGrowing Green Spaces grant program accepting applications<\/p>\n
\nTalk on fire-resilient Landscaping<\/p>\n
\nEarth Day Festival at botanic garden<\/p>\n