Community events in San Diego County: From Tequila and Taco Music Festival to Spring Fling Street Fair

CARDIFF

Nature discovery tour at lagoon

A guided nature discovery tour is from 10 to 11 a.m. April 6, starting at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave., hosted by the Nature Collective. Participants can see various birds and plants at the lagoon where freshwater and saltwater meet. The Nature Center Loop Trail is intended to be accessible for all. The tour is free with registration at naturecollective.org.

San Elijo Lagoon Family Day

A Family Fun Day starts at 11:30 a.m. April 7 at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave. The focus is on “Traveling Seeds.” Highlights include hands-on activities, craft-making and animal encounters led by rangers. There will be presentations and Track Trails activity guides. Young attendees can earn a Junior Ranger badge. Visit naturecollective.org.

CARLSBAD

Coyotes topic of talk at lagoon

Batiquitos Lagoon will put on a presentation on the natural history of coyotes at 10 a.m. April 13 led by Project Wildlife rehabilitation specialist Kelly Wallace. The talk will cover how coyotes are rehabilitated, their interaction with other predators and how best to coexist with them. The free, family event is geared to adults and kids, age 12 and older. Registration is required. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Register at batiquitoslagoon.org.

Health & Fitness Expo and race

The Carlsbad 5000 features a day of racing April 7 on the coastal streets of Carlsbad and a Health & Fitness Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 6 on Grand Avenue between Carlsbad Boulevard and Washington Street. The race features individual 5K races for all ages and abilities, including Men’s & Women’s Masters Divisions (40 & Older), Men’s & Women’s Open Divisions (39 & Under), the Non-Competitive People’s Race (Joggers & Walkers, All Ages), and the world’s fastest Elites. Highlights include a Pizza Port Beer Garden. Visit carlsbad5000.com.

New Village Arts stages ‘The 39 Steps’

New Village Arts presents the comedy play “The 39 Steps” from April 5-May 12 at The New Village Arts Center, 2787 State St. The production, directed by Dr. AJ Knox, is adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and based on the movie by Alfred Hitchcock. Previews are April 5-12. A special opening night show is at 7:30 p.m. April 13. Call (760) 433-3245.

The Flower Fields in bloom

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is open at 5704 Paseo Del Norte. The venue features 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus along with family-oriented activities and special events. Additional attractions include a Sweet Pea Maze, a butterfly garden, Santa’s Playground, an American flag of flowers and a Mediterranean Garden. The Flower Fields is slated to be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Mother’s Day. Tickets are $9-$18 and must be bought in advance online at theflowerfields.com.

CORONADO

San Diego Writers Festival

The San Diego Writers Festival is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 6 featuring 90 speakers at the Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave. Highlights include a slew of author talks, workshops, food, live music and tent crawl prizes. Author discussions cover topics ranging from Writing About Place, Words Birthed From The Borders and Getting Published to The Art of Leaving Everything on the Page, Black Authors Speak Out and Writing From our Immigrant Hearts. There will be talks on creating comic books, mysteries, fantasies and thrillers along with a poetry reading and open mic. The event kicks off with Gill Sotu and the Naruwan Taiko Drummers and concludes with an interview with Patty Lin, author of “End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood.” Admission is free. Register and view the schedule at sandiegowritersfestival.com.

ENCINITAS

Free library concert

The Friends of the Encinitas Library presents Ben Rosenblum’s Nebula Project in a free concert from 2 to 3 p.m. April 7 at the Encinitas Library. Award-winning New York City jazz pianist-accordionist Ben Rosenblum will celebrate the release of his most recent album, “A Thousand Pebbles,” together with his sextet, the Nebula Project. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Visit encinitaslibfriends.org.

EL CAJON

34th annual Vintage Alpine

Vintage Alpine, a wine, beer and food event, is from 1 to 4 p.m. May 5 at Summers Past Farms, 15602 Olde Highway 80, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Alpine. The event features numerous wineries and tastings of wine, beer and food. Tickets are $70 before April 1, $80 before May 1, and $90 on day of event at vintagealpine.ticketleap.com/vintage-alpine-2024. Call (619)722-0035.

ESCONDIDO

Rotary Club holds Mariachi Festival

Mariachi Los Camperos is the featured performer for the Route 78 Rotary Club’s 10th annual Mariachi Festival on April 7 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N Escondido Blvd. Opening acts include Tierra Caliente Academy dancers, Rancho Buena Vista Mariachi and 9-year-old vocalist LuMaya. A VIP “Tacos and Tequila” tasting social and silent auction is from noon to 12:30 p.m. and tickets are $100, including the concert from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the concert only are $25 and $50. Proceeds support education and charitable programs for children, youths and nonprofits in North County and worldwide. Route 78 Rotary, a regional Hispanic Club, is a member of Rotary International and promotes programs including youth leadership, scholarships, music, medical and dental clinics, food distribution and polio eradication. For tickets, visit artcenter.org and route78rotary.org.

Free tax preparation for low-income 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.

JULIAN

Volunteers sought to clear trails

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park’s trails maintenance volunteer unit is looking for volunteers to help with trail maintenance. 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.

LEMON GROVE

Lions and Forward Club put on Chili Cookoff

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.

Free ‘History Alive’ talk

The Lemon Grove Historical Society presents a free “History Alive” talk led by the legendary Ilse Hanning, the “Den Mother of Lemon Grove,” at 7 p.m. April 4 in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive St. Hanning, known as the Lemon Grove School District’s first female principal and district superintendent in the 1970s, will look back at the school district and discuss the changes from the mid-1970s to the 21st century. Visit lghistorical.org.

NORTH COUNTY

Toe Tappers recruiting dancers

The Toe Tappers are seeking tap dancers older than 55 who are interested in performing with a senior tap dance troupe. Dancers must be available to rehearse from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays in Escondido and from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays in Vista. The group performs throughout North County. Call (760) 845-5705.

OCEANSIDE

TrueCare expands services

TrueCare, a nonprofit community health center serving North County and South Riverside County, expanded its services in Oceanside and provides acupuncture and chiropractic care at its new health center at 3998 Vista Way, Suite G. The 1,300-square-foot center has three exam rooms and is set to serve more than 6,300 patients annually. TrueCare offers a sliding scale of low- to no-cost services for self-paying patients who qualify, along with flexible payment options. The health center also accepts a wide variety of health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, Medicare and some commercial health plans. Visit truecare.org.

Veterans advisory group meets Monday

The Veterans Advisory Committee of the Veterans Association of North County meets from noon to 1 p.m. April 1 in the VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. The speakers include Christine Moi from Interfaith Community Services, who will discuss the nonprofit’s Veteran Employment Services, which helps homeless, unemployed or underemployed veterans; Charles Shaver, veteran lead, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, will discuss financial assistance and support to critically wounded, ill and injured service members of all branches of the U.S. armed forces and military families; and Daniel Parr, director of Retail Operations, AMVETS, will talk about the nonprofit’s commitment “To Serve … Those Who Served.” The community is welcome. Pizza will be served. Visit vanc.me.

Emerging Issues Forum at chamber

An Emerging Issues Forum is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. April 4 at the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, 928 N. Coast Highway. The event features an update from San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan on the Shelter Bed App and upcoming efforts to change laws to reduce homelessness, drug addiction and organized theft. There will also be updates from local legislative representatives. The forum allows Oceanside chamber members to learn about community issues, meet legislative representatives and get updates on legislative items affecting area businesses. Visit oceansidechamber.com.

Double feature: Two free lectures

MiraCosta College’s LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) group holds two free lectures April 5 at the Oceanside Campus, in the Board Room Trailer (T200) by the Police Station. At 1 p.m., author Mark Cannon will discuss “Lincoln’s Scout — The Diary of Horatio Cooke, Soldier, Spy, Escape Artist.” At 2:30 p.m., MiraCosta astronomy professor Rica French will present “The Next Eclipse.” French will discuss how to safely watch the total solar eclipse that is expected to transverse the continental U.S. on April 8. Visit miracosta.edu/life.

POWAY

Therapeutic Riding Center marks 10th anniversary

A celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the nonprofit Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, is at 1 p.m. April 4 at Rolling Hills Boarding Stable, 15529 Sycamore Canyon Road. The free community event includes a ranch tour. There is also a fundraiser Oceanview Dinner and Winepairing from 4 to 8 p.m. April 6 in Encinitas. Visit radtrc.org.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Managing stress subject of talk

The Rancho Bernardo Woman’s Club will host Sheila Coulbourn for a presentation on “Managing Your Stress” at its monthly luncheon meeting April 4 in the Vista Room at The Heights Golf Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Parkway. Coulbourn will discuss how stress affects the body and emotions. Guests are welcome. Social hour begins at 11 a.m., and the luncheon starts at noon. The cost is $35 via check or cash at check-in. Reservations are required by 5 p.m. April 1 at (858) 521-8790.

Parkinson’s support group meets

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 April 2 at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, in the Parish Hall. The featured speaker is Marty Acevedo, who will discuss “Nutrition and Parkinson’s is All About Balance.” Discussion sessions will follow the presentation. Call (760) 749-8234 or (760) 518-1963.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Tea fundraiser for Community Resource Center

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. Get tickets by April 2. Visit crcncc.org/tea.

SAN DIEGO

Voices of Our City Choir to give performance

Voices of Our City Choir is slated to give two live readings from its musical about life on the streets at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. April 14 in Moxie Theatre, at the Aztec Shopping Center, 6663 El Cajon Blvd. The choir, which is made up of current and formerly homeless people, got national attention from an appearance on “America’s Got Talent” several years ago. The show is put on in partnership with La Jolla Playhouse and Moxie Theatre. Voices of Our City Choir has 225 members and has helped over 75 of its members get off the street and into housing. Tickets are free; the performance is open to the community with limited tickets at voicesofourcity.org/live.

‘Connecting en la Cocina’ art exhibit featured

An art exhibit, “Connecting en la Cocina: Empowerment, Resistance & Wisdom-Keeping,” curated by Jenn Frost Moreno and Norell Martinez, featuring art activist Antonia Davis’ installation “Because We Eat - How Growing Our Food Affects Farmworkers,” and pieces by Mariana Raquel, Way of the Sacred Mountain and Teyana Viscarra and works from other local artists, runs through April 7 at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., in Balboa Park. The exhibit is open from noon to 5 p.m. daily, except Mondays. Visit centrodelaraza.com.

Event marks National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

The Armed Forces PB&J Classic to mark National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day will be held at noon April 6 aboard the steam ferry Berkeley at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1494 N. Harbor Drive. The sandwich-eating contest features two-person teams representing six branches of the U.S. military. The event is open to the public with museum admission. A free, PB&J-inspired sampling bar opens at 11 a.m. on the Berkeley. Tickets are $12-$24 at sdmaritime.org. Proceeds benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America, Cal-Diego Chapter. Visit armedforcespbjclassic.com.

Tequila and Taco Music Festival

The eighth annual Tequila and Taco Music Festival is from 1 to 9 p.m April 6 and noon to 6 p.m. April 7 in Thrive Park at Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way. Highlights include tequila tastings, tacos, artisan vendors and live music performances. There will be more than 20 tequilas and variations of traditional street tacos and creations from over 15 local and regional chefs and eateries. Tickets are $24.99 to $59.99. Visit tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com/san-diego.

Step by Step 5K Walk benefits folks with Parkinson’s

The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego puts on its 22nd annual Step by Step 5K Walk from 8 a.m. to noon April 6 at Liberty Station, 2640 Cushing Road. Participants can walk individually or with family or a team. There will be health resources provided by more than 60 exhibitors. Dogs are welcome. Local nurse practitioner Sherrie Gould will emcee the event. The walk starts at 9 a.m. and check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. The donation is $50, $10 for ages 12 to 17 and free for children 12 and younger at parkinsonsassociation.org or (858) 215-2570.

International car show in La Jolla

The 18th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is slated to return to La Jolla from April 19-21 at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd., featuring a display of more than 170 international cars. The show, themed “World Class Cars, World Class Experience,” will celebrate the “Timeless Elegance of the Roaring 20’s and the Glamorous 30’s.” Highlights include commemorative artwork by Scott Jacobs. General admission tickets start at $95 for adults and go up to $103 on April 3; discounts for military and children. There are VIP tickets, including for the Friday VIP Party “Expedition d’Elegance: The Road to Opulent Adventure” from 6 to 10 p.m. April 19. Visit lajollaconcours.com.

Seven Seas Food Festival

The Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld San Diego continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through April 28 at 500 SeaWorld Drive. Visitors can get sips and samples of foods and drinks from around the world and enjoy live musical performances, ranging from Polynesian fire knife dancers to a Bavarian band. Visit seaworld.com/sandiego.

Resource fair at Christian center

A Community Resource Fair with distribution of free fresh produce is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 7 at Abundant Grace Christian Center, 5858 El Cajon Blvd. The event is also planned for April 14, 21 and 28 and subsequent Sundays. Visit caregivercoalitionsd.org.

Culinary festival coming up

The 21st annual Celebrate the Craft culinary festival is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 14 at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, in La Jolla. The event features dozens of renowned chefs, farms, food artisans and wineries, and showcases for locally grown ingredients, innovative cooking and winemaking. General admission is $250. Visit lodgetorreypines.com/celebrate-the-craft.

Padres Pedal the Cause slated

Curebound, a San Diego-based philanthropic organization, will host its annual Padres Pedal the Cause, in partnership with the San Diego Padres, on April 7 at Petco Park. The event raises awareness and money for innovative cancer research projects. The event includes spinning, cycling and running/walking courses. Participants can select from three cycling courses (25, 40, 55 or 75 miles), which will take riders over the Coronado Bridge. There will also be an option to run or walk a scenic 5K course in downtown San Diego that finishes at Petco Park. Register at curebound.org/padrespedal.

Volunteers sought to beautify Azalea Park

A community cleanup and beautification event is from 9 a.m. to noon April 6 at 4036 Pepper Drive hosted by Caltrans, Clean California and I Love A Clean San Diego to beautify the Azalea Park area. Volunteers can pick up litter, work on the Azalea Park Water Conservation Garden, restore park benches and tables, remove invasive plants and plant native species, or install interpretive signs. There will be information tables with recycling games and activities. Cleanup kits with bags, gloves, vests, trash grabbers and other required tools will be provided for volunteers. RSVP at cleansd.org.

Doughnuts and cars event in La Jolla

Dodo Bird Donuts’ second Dodo & Cars event is from 7 to 10 a.m. April 7 at 369 Bird Rock Ave., La Jolla. The event features free doughnuts and coffee for attendees, limited-edition merchandise giveaways and a raffle with prizes along with exotic and luxurious cars. Sponsors include Ferrari of San Diego, Ceramic Pro Elite Dealer detailing, Titan 7 Wheels and Mega Motorsports. Admission is free. Visit dodobirddonuts.com.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Upcoming blood drives

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

• Southwest Masonic Lodge No. 283, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 30 at 1140 B. Ave., National City.
• Albertsons, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31 at 1571 San Elijo Road, San Marcos.
• Home Depot, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 31 at 2430 S. Melrose Drive, Vista.
• Kohl’s, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 1 at 720 Center Drive, San Marcos.
• Westfield Plaza Bonita, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 1 at 3030 Plaza Bonita, National City.
• Raytheon Technologies, 12:30 to 3 p.m. April 2 at 8650 Balboa Ave., San Diego.
• North Coast Family Resource Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 2 at 3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Oceanside.
• VFW Post 2082, 1 to 6:30 p.m. April 2 at 2885 Lemon Grove Ave., Lemon Grove.
• ViaSat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 3 at 6155 El Camino Real, Carlsbad.
• Sharp Coronado Hospital, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 4, parked next to auditorium at 265 Soledad Place, Coronado.
• City of Poway, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 4 at City Hall, 13325 Civic Center Drive, Poway.

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 Diego Native Garden Tours

The California Native Plant Society will give Native Garden Tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6-7 at various locations in San Diego County. This year’s theme is “Planting Animals,” highlighting the ties between native plants and the animals that depend on them. The event features the gardens of several “visionaries,” Dennis and Pamela Mudd in Poway and Jim Smith in Del Mar. Together they created Calscape, an online tool for the home gardener. The tour gardens are divided geographically. Your ticket gives you garden access on both days. April 6 features gardens in Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Miramar Ranch North and Scripps Ranch. April 7 features gardens in La Jolla, North Clairemont, University City, Del Mar and Solana Beach. General admission tickets are $40 through April 7. Admission is free for children 17 and younger. Visit bit.ly/43TCnip.

SAN MARCOS

Spring Fling & Street Fair

The San Marcos Spring Fling & Street Fair is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 7 along Via Vera Cruz. The 33rd annual event is expected to attract thousands of attendees and will feature more than 225 artisans and crafters, retailers and nationwide vendors, live entertainment on two stages, carnival rides and a fun zone along with a Rhythm, Brews & Wine Garden. Admission is free. Visit sanmarcoschamber.com.

Author to speak at Cal State San Marcos

California State University San Marcos’ Arts And Lectures Program will host George Johnson, author of “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” at 6 p.m. April 3 in the University Ballroom, 595 Campus View Drive. Johnson will discuss the importance of sharing diverse stories and will sign books shortly after the event. Tickets are at bit.ly/4aeRTYc.

SANTEE

Cleanup and shredding event

A Community Cleanup and Shred event is from 8 a.m. to noon April 6 at Santee City Hall, 10601 Magnolia Ave. Santee residents can drop off unwanted household items and have paper shredded. Visit cityofsanteeca.gov.

SOLANA BEACH

Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito members prepare for the Garden of Giving Gala.

(Courtesy of Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito )

Assistance League puts on a Garden of Giving Gala

Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito based in Encinitas will put on a Garden of Giving Gala from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Highlights include live and silent auctions and entertainment by comedian Carol Johnson, who will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies and auctioneer, and harpist Naomi Alter. A three-course lunch will be served; there will be a no-host bar. Tickets are $100. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit’s philanthropic programs that serve local children and adults. The nonprofit also raises money at its Thrift Shop at 1542 Encinitas Blvd. and receives donations from community and government grants. Register for the gala by April 3 at alrsd.org.

VISTA

April Fool’s Day celebration

An April Fool’s Day celebration starts at 11 a.m. April 1 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. The free event featuring magician Cary Schaffner will be from 11 a.m. to noon, when lunch is served. There will be magic, tricks and treats along with lots of laughter. For lunch reservations, call (760) 643-5288.

Garden Club Flower Show topic of talk

“Everything you need to know to have a winning entry in this year’s Vista Garden Club Flower Show” will be the topic of a presentation during the Vista Garden Club meeting April 5 at the Jim Porter Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. Sample designs will be on display and tips will be given on how to enter a plant or design in the flower show. A fingertip lunch is at noon followed by the business meeting at 12:30 p.m. and program at 1:45 p.m. Visit californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub.

Senior center puts on Holi Fest Celebration

A Holi Fest Celebration with live music by Tommy Kind and the Rogue Yogis and a dance performance by Indian-Fusion Dance Group will be from 11 a.m. to noon April 3 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. A curry chicken lunch will be served at noon. A $4 contribution is suggested for guests age 60 and older and $8 fee for guests 59 and younger. Transportation can be provided for Vista residents 60 and older with 48-hour advanced notice. RSVP by April 1 at (760) 643-5288.

Volunteer opportunities at senior center

The Gloria McClellan Senior Center is looking for volunteers interested in sharing their talents and leading various clubs or groups. If you have an idea for a social club, let the senior center know. The center is recruiting lead volunteers who can head clubs focused on games, books, writing, socializing and stamp collecting. Call (760) 643-5288.

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.