Community events across San Diego County: From Sabor Latino festival to Safari Park’s Butterfly Jungle

BONITA

Woman’s Club puts on Spring Garden & Craft Fair

The Sweetwater Woman’s Club puts on its Spring Garden & Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 23 at 3855 Sweetwater Road featuring plants, pottery, jewelry, crafts, quilted items and “pre-owned treasures.” Proceeds benefit the club’s scholarships. Visit sweetwaterwomansclub.org.

Genealogy buffs discuss marriage records

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society education meeting is from 1 to 3 p.m. March 19 at the Bonita-Sunnyside Branch Library, 4375 Bonita Road. The meeting will focus on marriage records, places to locate them, and what can be gleaned from them. Participants can work with fellow genealogists, get questions answered and develop a family five (or larger) generation chart. Walk-ins are welcome. Bring your laptop or tablet. Admission is free. Register at chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org.

CARLSBAD

Woman’s Club of Carlsbad volunteers who worked on a previous pillow project.

(Courtesy of Woman’s Club of Carlsbad)

Woman’s club seeks volunteers to make pillows for patients

The Woman’s Club of Carlsbad will be making 170 comfort pillows from 2 to 5 p.m. March 24 at its clubhouse, 3320 Monroe St., for patients at Tri-City Hospital and Scripps Memorial Hospital-Encinitas. Community members are invited to join the effort. Also, donations of Poly-Fil stuffing and fabric are appreciated. Visit womansclubofcarlsbad.org.

Local mayors discuss FIX Prop 47 campaign

Carlsbad Republican Women Federated hosts local mayors to discuss the FIX Prop 47 campaign at 11 a.m. March 26 at the Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. Speakers include Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey and Vista Mayor John Franklin. The discussion will focus on Proposition 47 — “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,” which “changed particular low-level theft and drug offenses from felonies to misdemeanors and lowered the threshold for serious drug crimes, including fentanyl.” The group will discuss how reforming Proposition 47 will fix the unintended consequences of Proposition 47 by addressing smash-and-grab organized retail theft and the distribution of hard drugs such as fentanyl. The group is collecting signatures to place FIX Prop 47 on the November ballot. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $44: $39 for club members. RSVP and pay by noon March 19 at carlsbadrepublicans.com. No payment accepted at the door.

Silent Disco Social fundraising event

Arts & Wellness Collective and Soultry Sisters host a spring Silent Disco Social fundraising event from 6 to 9 p.m. March 22 at the Dea Hurtson Performing Arts Center, 2787 State St., with music and dancing. Proceeds go toward the Soultry Fund for attendee scholarships for the annual Summer Soulstice Festival in June. Tickets range from $25-$90. Visit soultrysisters.com/events.

CHULA VISTA

Taste of Third event features music, food

Downtown Chula Vista’s 28th annual Taste of Third event is from 4 to 8 p.m. March 21 featuring live music and bites from 25 local businesses along Third Avenue from H Street to E Street. Attendees receive a “Taste of Third Passport” to lead them through the neighborhood. A limited number of early bird tickets are available for $40, plus a service fee. Once the early bird tickets are sold out, general sale tickets will be offered at $45, plus a service fee. Visit downtownchulavista.com/events/taste-of-third.

EL CAJON

Replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial comes to town

“The Wall That Heals,” a traveling ¾-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from Washington, D.C., with a mobile education center will be in El Cajon from March 21-24 at Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison St. A parade welcoming the memorial will be held March 19 starting at noon from 11330 Campo Road, heading east and ending at Wells Park at 1 p.m. There will be an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. March 21 at Wells Park and the playing of taps is planned at sunset that day and March 22-23. A closing ceremony is at 1 p.m. March 24. The public can stop by anytime. Admission is free. Visit thewallelcajon.com.

ENCINITAS

State of the City event slated

The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce holds the 2024 Encinitas State of the City event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 21 at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz will deliver his message about the city, “Investing in the Future.” Also, the City Council, Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and the three 101 Mainstreet Associations will give an update. A reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. will include free bites from local eateries, networking with local officials and music by the North Coast Symphony Orchestra. Beverages will be sold. The program begins at 7 p.m. Parking is free. Tickets are $65; $55 for chamber members at encinitaschamber.com.

Assistance League holds Meet & Greet

Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito is hosting a Meet & Greet from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 23 at 270 N. El Camino Real. Attendees can learn about the volunteer nonprofit group and how it helps the community through various projects, ranging from Operation School Bell to Flowers for Seniors. RSVP at dianadn@cox.net.

Nature Play Purim celebration

A Nature Play Purim celebration and costume party is from 9 a.m. to noon March 17 at Coastal Roots Farm with storytelling, music and crafts. Highlights include a costume parade (for kids and parents), a Purim story and boo Haman and songs. Cost is $8 per child and $8 for the first adult. Visit coastalrootsfarm.org.

Music by the Sea concert

A Music by the Sea concert features “Intersections: Opera and Musical Theater with Soprano Caroline Nelms” at 7:30 p.m. March 22 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Tickets are $10-$25 in advance; $25 at door, if not sold out. Visit encinitasca.gov.

ESCONDIDO

Spring Safari with Butterfly Jungle

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park runs its Spring Safari featuring the Butterfly Jungle through May 12 at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. The event spotlights local wildlife in the Southwest region, including monarch butterflies. The event raises awareness about the plight of Western monarchs and other native San Diego butterflies, and Spring Safari guests can learn how to help the butterflies. Highlights include live entertainment with music and dance, treats and spring-themed festivities. The Butterfly Jungle Safari experience allows visitors to wander through the Hidden Jungle aviary among hundreds of butterflies, feed them and learn about their essential role in the ecosystem. The Butterfly Jungle habitat is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Premium Butterfly Jungle experiences are not included with admission. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/butterflyjungle. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/springsafari.

Purim celebration set for March 29

Congregation B’nai Tikvah holds a Purim celebration at 7 p.m. March 29 with an abbreviated Megillah reading and Purim songs with Cantor Larry Kornit and entertainment by comedian Abby November at the Masonic Center, 1331 S. Escondido Blvd. Highlights include baking hamantaschen . Come in costume. There will be hamantaschen and other refreshments. Bring canned goods for Interfaith Community Services. Cost is $10 per person. Visit bnaitikvahsd.org or call (760) 650-2262.

Submarine veterans meet March 23

The United States Submarine Service Inc. Scamp Base meets at 10 a.m. March 23 at Charlie’s Family Restaurant, 210 N. Ivy St. The veterans group is open to submarine crew who have qualified to
wear the warfare specialty pin, the dolphins (Silver or Gold). Others can apply to become associate members. Visit ussvi.org.

Free tax help available for seniors

The Escondido Senior Services Council, an IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly site, offers low-income seniors free income tax return preparation from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays until April 15 at 728 N. Broadway. Reserve an appointment at (760) 480-0611.

Senior travel group plans trip to San Luis Obispo

Escondido Senior Travel hosts a three-day, two-night coastal trip to San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay from May 15-17 and seeks senior community members to join. The trip includes the Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History and a narrated cruise on Morro Bay and several stops at gift stores, gardens at Apple Farm Inn and a selection of dining spots in San Luis Obispo. Call (760) 294-1851 or email escseniortravel@gmail.com.

IMPERIAL BEACH

Healthy Cooking Workshops next month

SunCoast Market Co-op starts free weekly Healthy Cooking Workshops throughout April with a guest instructor. A kickoff workshop is from 10 a.m. to noon March 15 at the Boys & Girls Club of South County, 847 Encina Ave. The workshop will focus on the cultural significance of the tortilla and will be led by Ron Oliver, former chef of The Marine Room and owner of artisanal masa company Manos de Mujer Masa. The cooking classes, which will be held every Wednesday in April, are targeted toward Spanish-speaking families. Visit suncoastmarket.coop.

Science in the Park program for kids

A free Science in the Park program for children ages 8-12 with a parent is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 20 and the third Wednesday of each month at Veterans Park, 1075 Eighth St. During bad weather, the program will be held indoors at the Imperial Beach Senior Community Center. Register at ibparksandrec.org.

LAKESIDE

Boot Scootin’ Bunco fundraiser at school

Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary’s Mountain View Unit is putting on a Boot Scootin’ Bunco fundraiser at 10 a.m. March 23 at Lemon Crest Elementary School, 12463 Lemon Crest Drive. The event includes bunco, a silent auction and barbecue lunch. Net proceeds benefit the Healing Environment-Canine Companions program at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Early registration is $40; $50 at the door. Register at rchamtview.com.

LEMON GROVE

Chili Cookoff will benefit charity group

The Lemon Grove Lions Club and Lemon Grove Forward Club, which are volunteer groups that support the local community, host a Chili Cookoff from 6 to 9 p.m. April 6 at St John of the Cross Parish Hall, 8086 Broadway. The event will feature a chili-tasting contest, where attendees help pick the best chili. Highlights include music, a cash bar, a raffle and a silent auction. Admission is $30 and proceeds will go toward Lemon Grove Charities. Tickets are at (619) 469-7350.

OCEANSIDE

Vietnam veterans celebration

Hospice of the North Coast will hold a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans celebration March 29 at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. The event honors veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel held as prisoners of war, or listed as missing in action, and their families. Doors open at 9 a.m. Social time to connect with veterans is at 10 a.m. The formal program starts at 11 a.m. and includes a free lunch. Register at hospiceofnorthcoast.kindful.com/register/whvv-2024-2023.

Retired Public Employees group meets

The Oceanside chapter of the Retired Public Employees of Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad and Escondido group hosts breakfast-lunch at 10 a.m. March 21 at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way. The program will focus on “Archie’s Acres of Escondido,” which provides entrepreneur opportunities for veterans in sustainable organic agriculture. Admission is free for paid members of the group. Call (951) 567-1199.

Oceanside Navigation Center director to speak

The Republican Club of North County hosts Brian Wilson, director of the Oceanside Navigation Center, on March 20 at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way. The center in Oceanside offers year-round shelter to homeless community members. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the meeting starts at noon. Cost is $35; $30 for club members. Cash or check at the door (credit cards not accepted). Call (760) 212-9995.

POWAY

Free Business Expo

The Poway Chamber of Commerce is putting on a communitywide Business Expo and Hiring Event at 5:30 p.m. March 19 at the Mickey Cafagna Community Center in the Oak Hall East, 13094 Civic Center Drive. The free event connects job seekers with local employment opportunities. Visit poway.com/businessexpo.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Square dancing at community center

The Wranglers Square Dance Club will host a free introduction to square dancing class from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 21 at the Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive. The club’s internationally renowned caller, Buddy Weaver, will teach basic moves and get the group up and dancing to various music. No prior experience or dance ability needed. Come solo or with a partner. Visit squaredancewithus.com.

Fine arts group offers workshop

The North County Society of Fine Arts runs a workshop presented by Roberta Dyer from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 23 at the Oasis Center, 17170 Rancho Bernardo Drive. Cost is $50; $40 for members. Register at ncsfa.org for workshop No. 5.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Annual Tea Fundraiser benefits folks in need

The Community Resource Center’s 29th annual CRC Tea fundraiser is at 11:30 a.m. April 20 at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, 15150 San Dieguito Road. The event raises money and awareness for community members facing hunger, homelessness and trauma. The program, co-hosted by Maddie Altschuler and Lindsey Brubaker, members of the CRC board of directors, includes remarks from CEO John Van Cleef about the life-changing impact of CRC programs. Highlights include a luncheon with tea service and dessert treats along with an auction, a raffle and Treasures of the Tea Surprise Boxes and CRC Resale Store Pop-up Shops. Donate silent auction or raffle items by March 29. Get tickets by April 2. Visit crcncc.org/tea.

Spring Tails Family Festival Days

The Helen Woodward Animal Center will hold Spring Tails Family Festival Days featuring hands-on animal encounters, crafts and games from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23-24 and March 30-31 at 6461 El Apajo Road. The event is recommended for families with toddlers and children in grade school. Visit animalcenter.org.

Augustana Choir to give concert

The Augustana Choir will give a concert featuring a cappella sacred music from across the ages at 7 p.m. March 25 at the Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias, as part of its California tour. The 54-voice ensemble, directed by Jon Hurty, will present a program of traditional and modern choral selections, including works by Alberto Grau, Ēriks Ešenvalds and Alice Parker. No tickets are required; freewill offering. Visit villagechurch.org/2024-concert-series/augustana-choir.

SAN DIEGO

Indian Music and Dance Festival

The Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego celebrates its 17th annual Music and Dance Festival from March 19-24 at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, in La Jolla. The festival lineup features world-renowned vocal and instrumental artists of the Hindustani and the Carnatic genres of Indian music. Highlights include a Carnatic Jugalbandi concert, and vocal concerts of Carnatic and Hindustani genres performed by several popular artists. The festival will also present some of India’s most engaging percussionists who will be playing instruments such as the mridangam, kanjira and the ghatam. There will also be Indian Classical Dance productions and music and dance concerts performed by more than 100 children from across Southern California. Highlights include tastes of a wide range of Indian vegetarian cuisine. Visit indianfinearts.org.

Chat & Stitch event at library

A Chat & Stitch social stitching event hosted by Muchas Manos de San Diego, a group of stitching enthusiasts, is from 3 to 6 p.m. March 23 at the Mission Valley Library in the Community Room, 3123 Fenton Parkway. This is a free drop-in event, and stitching help is available. Free kits are available for those who want to learn how to cross stitch or embroider. Visit muchasmanos.org.

Concert in Balboa Park marks Bach’s birthday

A free All-Bach Music Concert to celebrate Bach’s birthday is at 2 p.m. March 31 in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion hosted by the Spreckels Organ Society, a nonprofit that curates concerts and performances in the heart of Balboa Park. The concert will be performed by San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez. The Spreckels Organ Pavilion hosts weekly concerts at 2 p.m. Sundays. Visit balboaparkconcerts.org.

SeaWorld celebrates 60th anniversary

SeaWorld San Diego is putting on a 60th anniversary launch party from March 21-24 at 500 SeaWorld Drive that will include a celebratory cake-cutting each of the days at 10 a.m. when the park opens with Byron Surrett, chief parks operation officer. Guests will receive a free cupcake, while supplies last. Visitors can meet Shamu & Crew and take a photo together. There will be costume characters such as Shamu, Coral the Dolphin, Sydney the Shark, Shivers the Polar Bear, Puck the Penguin and Flip the Sea Lion. There will be limited-edition food and beverages, including the Shamu cookie, a blue velvet cake, 60th Anniversary Burger and 60th Anniversary Donut, among other specialty items. A gallery of historical photos and memorabilia from the park over the past 60 years will be at Explorer’s Café.
A custom Precious Moments collectible, “Sea a World of Wonder,” will be sold while supplies last. Precious Moments sculptor Hiko Maeda will be at the park to sign figurines and meet fans from March 21-24. For a limited time, guest can buy tickets, fun cards and annual passes for up to 50 percent off. Visit seaworld.com/sandiego.

Free Skylarks concert features hits from 1940s-1980s

The Skylarks, a women’s quartet, will give a “Skylarks Live at the Assembly” concert with pop hits, rock ‘n’ roll and a little soul at 7 p.m. March 23 at Point Loma Assembly Hall, 3035 Talbot St. The program will feature music from the 1940s to 1980s, with 1950s hits such as “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers and “Lollipop” by The Chordettes; and ‘60s hits like “My Boyfriend’s Back” by The Angels and “Leader of the Pack” by The Shangri-Las. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. Visit skylarkssandiego.com.

La Jolla Garden Club demonstrates floral arranging

The La Jolla Garden Club presents a program on “March Into Spring with Flowers” at 1 p.m. March 19 at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. Club members Natalie Crain and Karen Weir will demonstrate how to create attractive floral bouquets from the backyard, using everyday items such as containers, and using the color wheel to enhance arrangements. Guests are welcome. Visit lajollagardenclub.org.

Sabor Latino festival at Mission Valley

Sabor Latino, a food, beer and spirits event hosted by the San Diego Latino Film Festival, is from 1 to 4 p.m. March 23 at the Mission Valley shopping center, 1640 Camino del Rio North. The festival features a Taste of Baja, pairing Latin cuisine in San Diego with the beers and wines from San Diego and Baja California. There will be unlimited food tastings inspired by award-winning Latino chefs, unlimited beer and tequila tastings (for 21 and older), interactive activities and live musical entertainment. The event will be held in the parking lot behind Mission Valley’s NOVO Brazil Brewing Co. Tickets are $45-$85. Visit sdlatinofilm.com.

Free Alzheimer’s partnership event

San Diego’s Alzheimer’s partners hold a community event to help understand Alzheimer’s disease and support AlzMatch, which aims to determine whether a blood test can help speed clinical trial enrollment, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 23 at 9860 Mesa Rim Road, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) as part of the Day of SCervice. The event includes a hosted coffee truck, treats and lunch as well as a screening of the film “Remembering Gene Wilder.” All guests must RSVP at atrinews.usc.edu/san-diego-alzheimers-community-event.

La Jolla Soroptimists hold fundraiser

Soroptimist International La Jolla presents its annual Fundraising Luncheon at 10:30 a.m. March 23 at La Jolla Country Club, 7301 High Ave., with social hour starting at 10:30 a.m. and the awards luncheon at noon. The event features Sam Buchenau as guest speaker and a presentation of 12 cash awards to Live Your Dream winners, single head of household women who are continuing their education. Tickets are $85. Register by March 18 at soroptimistlj.org.

Rowing regatta on Mission Bay seeks volunteers

The San Diego Crew Classic seeks volunteers ages 14 and older from April 1-7 for the 51st annual rowing regatta on Mission Bay. No experience is needed. Shifts are available in many areas throughout the week and during the races Friday through Sunday. Learn more and sign up at crewclassic.ivolunteer.com.

Editors network holds meeting

San Diego Professional Editors Network holds a virtual meting at 6:45 p.m. March 21 featuring a presentation on “An Editor’s Guide to Assessing and Addressing Problematic Content” led by Crystal Shelley with tips on potentially problematic language or representation. Shelley, owner of Rabbit with a Red Pen, combines her “love of language and passion for social justice by pushing for writing and representation that’s more dignified, intentional and just.” The meeting is held over Zoom and open to the public. Registration is $7.50; free for SD/PEN members. RSVP by March 20 at bit.ly/3PoDuR7.

Free museum admission coming up

Along with free general admission to the exhibits at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park on the third Tuesday of each month for San Diego County residents, the museum now offers another free day on the second Thursday of each month for all visitors, regardless where they live. The next such free days are March 19 and April 11. Also, students, veterans and active-duty military can now get in the museum free any day with valid identification. Service members can take in one guest for free. Funding is from a $1.6 million Access for All grant over three years from the Art Bridges Foundation based in Bentonville, Ark. Visit sdmart.org.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Volunteers sought to clear trails

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park’s trails maintenance volunteer unit is looking for volunteers to help with trail maintenance in Cuyamaca. The group clears trails of brush and fallen tree branches and works on grading on over 80 miles of park trails. Work party days are four hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Contact the volunteer coordinator at cmcurtis@pacbell.net or (858) 278-3280.

Upcoming blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):

• Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary at Lomas Santa Fe Plaza, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 16 at 931 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.
• Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17 at 15546 Pomerado Road, Poway.
• The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18 at 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad.
• Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 19 at 4701 Mesa Drive, Oceanside.

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.

VISTA

Vista Mayor John Franklin, center, with Sunrise Vista Kiwanis Club President Nancy Speaks, left, and Secretary Erin Feeley.

(Courtesy of Sunrise Vista Kiwanis Club)

Mayor inducted into Sunrise Vista Kiwanis Club

Vista Mayor John Franklin was inducted into the Sunrise Vista Kiwanis Club earlier this year by club President Nancy Speaks and secretary Erin Feeley. The 41-member service club presented its “Bite of Reality” financial literacy program to students at Vista High School on March 12 and will present the program to Rancho Buena Vista High School on May 20. The club also honored Foothill Oak Elementary School students for improving grades in February. Visit kiwanisclubofsunrisevista.org.

Moonlight Concert Series kicks off

The Moonlight Amphitheatre opens its 2024 performance schedule with a weekend of music concerts starting March 21. The Moonlight Concert Series weekend lineup includes:
March 21: Last Child: A Tribute to the Music of Aerosmith
March 22: Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience: Prince Tribute
March 23: The Gin Blossoms
Concerts are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$95. Package discounts are available. Visit moonlightstage.com/shows-tickets/moonlight-concerts.

If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers within the email text. Photos should be sent as JPEGs. Include the names of those in the photos from left to right along with the photo credit and permission from the photographer to use the photo in The San Diego Union-Tribune.