ANZA-BORREGO
Annual photo contest kicks off
Anza-Borrego Foundation holds its annual Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest for photographers of all levels. Photos can be submitted from Nov. 1 to Dec. 10. Participants can submit up to 10 photos in JPEG format, with a maximum file size of 5 MB per image. Photos from any year are welcome. A panel of judges will review submissions and select finalists, who will then be asked to provide printed versions of their photos for the second-round of judging. All entries will automatically qualify for the Online Peoples Choice Award, where the public can vote for their favorite images. The winning photos will be featured in the 2025 Anza-Borrego Photo Contest Exhibit at the Borrego Art Institute during February. No entry fee. For a list of categories and other information, visit theabf.org/photocontest.
CARDIFF
Family Fun Day at lagoon
The Nature Collective will put on a free Family Fun Day with craft-making and animal encounters from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave. Participants can learn about shells and shell-making creatures found in the San Elijo Lagoon and nearby ocean. Nature Collective ambassadors will discuss ways the community can help preserve Marine Protected Areas. Registration is required at naturecollective.org/event/family-fun-day-2024-11-03.
Farmers market hosts Veterans Day card-making
The Cardiff Farmers Market will host a community event, “Create Cards for Veterans,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9. Participants of all ages can show gratitude to veterans by creating personalized cards, which will be delivered to local veterans groups for Veterans Day. Visit cardiff101.com/cardifffarmersmarket.
Wildlife Tour at lagoon
A free Wildlife Tour with bird-watching is from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 9 at the San Elijo Lagoon, hosted by San Diego County Parks and Recreation rangers. Registration is required at naturecollective.org/event/wildlife-tour-2024-11-09.
CARLSBAD
Village Street Faire Nov. 3
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 3, hosted by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. The event features more than 800 vendors along with live music, international food courts and kids activities. A beer garden will serve local brews. Free shuttles run every 15 minutes from The Shoppes at Carlsbad and Poinsettia Coaster Station. There is a free bike valet at 2965 Roosevelt St. The event is presented by Pala Casino. Visit carlsbadvillagefaire.com.
Native American history topic of talk
Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a free family-friendly presentation at 10 a.m. Nov. 9 in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Guest speakers Laurie Gonzalez and Mavany Calac Verdugo of the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians will discuss how inhabitants of this area lived in centuries past, and how they continue to thrive today. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. The event is open to ages 4 and older. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.
EL CAJON
Heritage museum holds fair
Heritage of the Americas Museum holds an Arts and Crafts Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West in conjunction with the Water Conservation Garden to celebrate the gardens 25th anniversary. Highlights include arts and craft vendors, food, live music, animal encounters, tours and raffles. Visit heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com.
The Hawaiian Heist staged
The Circle Players will perform “The Hawaiian Heist,” a mystery dinner theater show by Nancy Bond, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 10. The setting is a Hawaiian feast at a resort in Kona where the audience is observing a relationship building workshop. Tickets are $30 and include a Hawaiian meal. The show is in Richardson Hall, 551 Farragut Circle. Visit thecircleplayers.org.
Free entry to conservation garden
The Water Conservation Garden offers free admission on Nov. 8 at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West. The garden features 6 acres of themed gardens that demonstrate water conservation, ranging from a native plant garden to a vegetable garden, along with exhibits on how to add mulch and irrigate. Visit thegarden.org.
ENCINITAS
Author to speak at library
A free talk on The Power of Past Life Regression led by Steve Burgess is at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Burgess, a hypnotherapist and author of The Power of Past Life Regression and Famous Past Lives will discuss how understanding the connections between ones present-day challenges and unresolved emotions from the past can lead to transformation. Free tickets are available at eventbrite.com/e/the-power-of-past-life-regression-a-free-talk-by-steve-burgess-tickets-1005307500797.
ESCONDIDO
Hospice puts on community candle-lighting
The annual Light Up a Life candle-lighting ceremony is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. The event for all ages, hosted by The Elizabeth Hospice, will include inspirational messages, music and a memorial ceremony for those touched by loss, illness or sorrow. Admission and parking are free. Attendees can light a candle during the memorial ceremony. Suggested donation is $50 to the nonprofit hospice and donors of $100 or more receive a 2024 keepsake ornament, donors of $250 get a personalized ornament. Register at elizabethhospice.org/light2024.
Community Shabbat dinner honors veterans
Congregation Bnai Tikvah holds a Shabbat dinner at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 with songs celebrating Veterans Day led by Cantor Larry Kornit at the Masonic Center in Escondido, 1331 S. Escondido Blvd. The meet and greet includes traditional kiddush and challah, and a pasta bar. Bring something to share for dessert along with canned goods for Interfaith Community Services. Cost is $20. Reserve at bnaitikvahsd.org.
FALLBROOK
Annual Veterans Day parade
The Veterans Day parade starts at 10 a.m. Nov. 11 at Main Avenue and Fallbrook Street and concludes at the corner of Alvarado Street. The parade grand marshal is Ken Munson of Fallbrook, a retired Air Force officer and retired regional director of the Recording Industry Association of America. There will be firetrucks, youth groups, classic cars, military vehicles and local dignitaries. A ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Village Square, followed by free lunch and activities at the Charles E. Swisher VFW Post 1924 at 1175 Old Stage Road. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
LA MESA
Holiday craft fair at church
Foothills United Methodist Church Preschool runs its 39th annual Holiday Craft Faire from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 5, with a preview from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at 4031 Avocado Blvd. The fair features food, holiday decorations, quilts, soaps and crafts.
NORTH COUNTY
Meetups for widows and widowers
The Catholic Widows and Widowers of North County, which foster friendships through social activities, will hold these upcoming events. Reservations are required 818-665-8150.
Nov. 14: Walk, Leo Carrillo Historic Park, Carlsbad, followed by meal at Eureka Restaurant, Carlsbad.
Nov. 16: MiraCosta College Theatre, Oceanside, followed by meal.
Nov. 20: Walk, Libby Lake Park, Oceanside, followed by meal at Marieta’s Mexican Restaurant, Oceanside.
Nov. 21: Dinner, Miguels Cocina, 4SRanch.
Visit cwwnc.com.
OCEANSIDE
Free Shakespeare play at library
The Oceanside Public Library and The Old Globe host a free production of the Shakespeare romantic comedy As You Like It at 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Oceanside Public Library Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway. The production, directed by Emil Weinstein, features a company of artists that is bringing the drama to various communities through the Globe for All program. The play weaves a tale of mistaken identity, self-exploration and pursuit of love. First come, first served. Visit oceansidelibrary.org. A schedule of other productions is at theoldglobe.org/press-room/2024-season/globe-for-all-as-you-like-it.
Veterans advisory group meets Nov. 4
The Veterans Advisory Committee of the Veterans Association of North County meets from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 4 in the VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. The speakers include Adrienne McKechnie, program coordinator for the San Diego VAs developing Medical Foster Home Program, which allows veterans who require nursing home-level care to choose a non-institutionalized setting where they can age in place within a residential home; and Dan Lejan, district attorney investigator and FBI investigator, who will discuss the work of the San Diego County Elder Justice Task Force. The community is welcome. Visit vanc.me.
High school foundation holds fundraiser
The Oceanside High School Foundation will hold a fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 5 at Best Pizza and Brew, 1639 S. Coast Highway. A portion of sales will be donated by Best Pizza and Brew to the foundation for scholarships and faculty classroom grants. Mention the OHS Foundation fundraiser when ordering. Visit ohsfoundation.org.
Widows and Widowers Club holds social hour
The North County Widows and Widowers Club holds a social hour from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 13 at Enzo’s BBQ, 4141 Oceanside Blvd. RSVP by Nov. 9 at 760-716-9000. Visit widowsandwidowersnc.com.
POWAY
Three-day craft fair kicks off Nov. 8
St. Michael’s Holy Family Center presents The Magical Season Craft, Decor and Gift Faire from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8-9 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at 15410 Pomerado Road. There will be more than 50 vendors showcasing handcrafted jewelry, wreaths, fall and Christmas décor. Visit smpoway.org.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Historical society holds free lecture
The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society speakers series hosts Linda Canada, past president of the Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego, for a presentation at 11 a.m. Nov. 9 on “The History of Japanese Americans in San Diego.” The talk will be at the Rancho Bernardo History Museum in the Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte. Visit rbhistory.org.
Parkinson’s Support Group meets Nov. 4
The Inland North County Parkinson’s Support Group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners meets from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 4 at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, in the Parish Hall. The featured speaker is Megan Robbins, occupational therapist at Scripps Clinic, who will give a presentation on “Driving Skills for People with Parkinson’s.” Discussion sessions will follow the presentation. Call 760-749-8234.
Holiday fair seeks vendors
The annual Seven Oaks Holiday Craft Fair is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive, and seeks more vendors for its expanded holiday shopping event. The gift fair, sponsored by the Seven Oaks Community Center, offers local makers and artists a chance to sell their affordable handicrafts and artwork. The free, family-friendly fair draws holiday shoppers from Rancho Bernardo and across North County. Booths are $35. Proceeds will go toward community improvements. Download a vendor application at 7oaksrb.com or email 7oakscraftfair@gmail.com.
Golf tournament benefits people with Down syndrome
GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, a Down syndrome achievement center, will host its annual Golf with a Purpose charitable tournament from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 2280 Greens East Road. Proceeds help GiGi’s Playhouse provide free educational, therapeutic, and career programs for community members of all ages with Down syndrome. Highlights include breakfast, open bar at the clubhouse, luncheon and golfer awards ceremony. Ticket options are: foursome, $925; individual golfer, $250; luncheon only, $65; individuals with Down syndrome luncheon, $21; youth luncheon only, $21. Registration is required at gigisplayhouse.org/sandiego/golf.
Republican women meet Nov. 15
The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women group hosts radio host Mark Larson from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Heights Country Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Parkway. Cost is $35 for two-course lunch. RSVP by 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at rbrepublicanwomen.org.
SAN DIEGO
Benefit concert supports music therapy for military members
Resounding Joy, a local nonprofit that provides music therapy programs in the San Diego area, recently held its sixth annual Living Your Dreams Fundraising Concert at a home in Scripps Ranch. The concert included a performance by the Sounds of Service band, which features veterans from Resounding Joy’s music therapy program. These veterans, who had learned to play instruments and perform as a band as part of their therapy, played a variety of cover songs and original compositions. The opening act was a group of music therapy supporters, called The Leftovers, who use the Resounding Joy Music Wellness Center for weekly music instruction and jam sessions. “The event was a testament to the healing power of music, said Resounding Joy CEO Kerri Fox. The outdoor concert drew 75 guests and raised $15,000 to support music therapy services for military personnel, veterans and first responders. Visit resoundingjoyinc.org.
Braver Angels holds cross-partisan discussion
The San Diego Alliance of Braver Angels, a nationwide cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement, meets for safe, civil, and guided discourse about current events, from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 9 at the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Community Library, 9005 Aero Drive. Admission is free. Community members are invited to join the discussion. For more information or to RSVP, email byoung@braverangels.org.
Veterans Day Parade recognizes 80th anniversary of D-Day
The Veterans Day Parade returns this year from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 11 marching down Harbor Drive along San Diego Bay, between the County Administration Center and the USS Midway Museum. The parade features bands, floats, ceremonial vehicles and marching units from veterans groups, military commands, businesses and community service and civic groups with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria as lead grand marshal. The parade will recognize the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion at Normandy, France, during World War II. Grand marshals will include World War II veterans Calvin Shiner, Clayton Baum and Joseph Wilson. Visit sdvetparade.org.
Free outdoor concert in La Jolla
The La Jolla Music Society will put on a free outdoor concert at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 as part of the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd concert series at The Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave., in La Jolla. The program will feature Mariachi Águila with guests from Mariachi Juvenil, which includes students from La Jolla Music Society’s after-school music program. Visit the conrad.org.
Salute to Service at USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum hosts a “Salute to Service” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11 with live music, food, children’s activities and contests. Admission is free for active-duty military, Reserve, National Guard and veterans and their families in partnership with NBC7 and Telemundo. Bring military ID and up to four family members. Visit midway.org/event/salute-to-service-festival.
Navigating markets after election topic of talk
The nonprofit Chartered Financial Analyst Society San Diego hosts Academy Securities’ head of macro strategy, Peter Tchir, and retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, for a discussion from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 13 on “Navigating the Markets Post US Election.” The speakers will share insights on how the Nov. 5 election may change geopolitics and its implications for consumer and government spending, tax, and trade policy, commodities prices, interest rates, and equities. The event, which is open to the community, is at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines, 10996 Torreyana Road. Cost is $50; $30 for CFA members. Register by Nov. 8 at web.cvent.com/event/3e8b555d-d210-4147-925a-ea94ec8d43fe/summary.
Military families recognized
A Military Family Day is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at Broadway Pier, 1000 Harbor Drive. Highlights include live music, dancing, military displays, robots and kids activities and food trucks. Admission is free for military families and the general public. Visit fleetweeksandiego.org.
Light show at mall
Las Americas Premium Outlets hosts the Imaginarium Light Show from 6 to 11 p.m. through Nov. 17 at 4211 Camino De La Plaza. Visitors can see a display of more than 5 million LED lights transforming the shopping centers southwest parking lot. Attractions range from illuminated fantasy flower gardens to forest mazes. There will be interactive photo boxes. Tickets are at imaginarium360.com.
Veterans Day Boat Parade
The Fleet Week Veterans Day Boat Parade around San Diego Bay featuring boats decorated in patriotic themes starts at 10:15 a.m. Nov. 11 from Shelter Island and will pass Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village. Highlights include vintage plane flyovers, live Coast Guard demos and other patriotic activities. Visit fleetweeksandiego.org.
Author of Lessons of the American Civilization to speak
The Navajo Canyon Club of the Republican Women of California hosts Tom Del Beccaro, author of The Lessons of the American Civilization, at its meeting from 10:45 to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at The Legacy Hotel, 875 Hotel Circle South. Del Beccaro will share his thoughts on what the election results mean to Americans. There will be a book signing at meeting. Register at rwcnavajocanyon.org.
Red, White & Blue Salute Weekend
SeaWorld San Diego honors active-duty military members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces with a weekend tribute and free admission Nov. 9-11 during the Red, White & Blue Salute. Highlights include a Veterans Day performance from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, a daily flag ceremony and fireworks. The park offers free, one-day admission tickets to veterans, active-duty military and three family members through the Waves of Honor program. Register at wavesofHonor.com; visit seaworld.com/san-diego.
Fleet Week concert
The Navy Band Southwest Rock Band will kick-off festivities at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 in Little Italy as part of the Fleet Week Concert series, performing a program that blends classic American tunes, patriotic anthems and modern hits. The Marine Band San Diego Sound Strike will continue the celebration with a tribute to military service members at 6 p.m. Nov. 4 in Little Italy. The Nov. 4 concert also marks the birthday of Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone and is a tribute to the legendary Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his heroism in the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. Basilone is honored in Little Italy at the Piazza Basilone. Visit littleitalysd.com/events/fleet-week-concert-series.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Upcoming blood drives
The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):
Starbucks, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 6 at 1680 Descanso Ave., San Marcos. City of Poway, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at 13325 Civic Center Drive, Poway. Del Mar Rotary, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at 1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. Grocery Outlet, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 at 1516 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido. San Diego County Farm Bureau, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at 420 S. Broadway, Escondido. Viejas Casino, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7 at 5003 Willows Road, Alpine. Islamic Center of San Diego – East County, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at 833 Broadway, El Cajon. Alpine Community, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at 2156 Alpine Blvd., Alpine Escondido Masonic Lodge, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 at 1331 S. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Grocery Outlet, 9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Nov. 9 at 1101 S. Main Ave., Fallbrook. Calvary Chapel – Vista, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at 885 E. Vista Way, Vista. Church of The Resurrection, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10 at 1445 Conway Drive, Escondido. St. Patrick Catholic Church, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at 3821 Adams St., Carlsbad. Grossmont College, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon. North Coast Church, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at 2405 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. VFW Post 5867, 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at 12650 Lindo Lane, Lakeside.Donors must be 17 and older, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo identification is required. To make an appointment or find more drives, call 800-469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
SAN MARCOS
Music Men give free concert
The Music Men Chorus will give a concert of barbershop-style songs at 5 p.m. Nov. 6 at the San Marcos branch of the San Diego County Library, 2 Civic Center Drive. The concert will include a variety of songs from romantic, pop and gospel to patriotic and will include quartet performances. The chorus, now in its 70th year, sings a cappella music, noted for its ringing chords. The free concert is sponsored by the library. Visit musicmenchorus.org.
Antique buffs gather Nov. 11
El Camino Real Questers will meet at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Lake San Marcos clubroom,1105 La Bonita Drive. The program will be on Antique and Collectible Saltwater Fishing Gear. Questers is an international group that fosters an appreciation of antiques and collectibles, and encourages restoration of antiquities and historical sites. The chapter meets on the second Monday of the month except in summer. Visitors are welcome. Visit elcaminorealquesters.org.
Model A Ford club meets Nov. 6
The Palomar Model A Ford Club will hold its monthly membership meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Palomar Estates East Clubhouse, 650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road. The group will discuss upcoming tours and share technical advice. Doors open at 6 p.m. Refreshments and socializing will follow the program. Local day tours are typically scheduled for the Saturday after the meeting, departing from the clubhouse. All Model A owners and enthusiasts are welcome to attend meetings and join the tours; moderns are also welcome. Visit palomaremodelaclub.org.
SANTEE
Veterans Day walk
The city of Santee encourages community members to observe Veterans Day by taking a self-guided walkthrough of the Santee Hometown Heroes Banners located on the Veterans Memorial Bridge, 9085 Fanita Parkway. A guide is in the flyer box next to the Veterans Memorial Monument and at cityofsanteeca.gov.
VISTA
Senior center honors veterans
A program honoring veterans will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 8, followed by lunch at noon, at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center’s Park Terrace Cafe, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. A $4 contribution for lunch is suggested for guests 60 and older; $8 fee for guests 59 and younger. Transportation can be provided for registered Vista seniors older than 60 with 48-hour advance notice. Advance reservations for lunch are required. RSVP by Nov. 3 at 760-643-5288.
Kids in the Garden class
A Kids in the Garden class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 9 at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive. Attendees will learn about various kinds of beans and their nutrition. The class will cook and eat beans, and look at the beans that are growing and plant more bean seeds. Highlights include a walkabout through the gardens. Adults stay with their kids. Class fee is $5 per person, which includes admission and time to enjoy the gardens until closing at 4:30 p.m. The class is free with family membership. Preregister by noon Nov. 8 at farmerjonesavbg@gmail.com; include child’s name and age for the check-in roster and indicate if the family is a member.
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