Community events in San Diego County: From Fiesta at the Rancho to ‘Make Believe at the Mall’

ALPINE

Celebration of Hubbell’s stained glass art at library

A free art reception and ribbon-cutting for the newly installed stained glass art piece “Rebirth” by James Hubbell will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 13 at the Alpine Library. The program will include Hubbell’s son, architect Drew Hubbell, who leads the firm Hubbell & Hubbell Architects. Highlights include music by the Caprice Strings, light refreshments, a film screening of “James Hubbell: Between Heaven and Earth,” and informational displays of the Ilan-Lael Foundation. Cindy Mushet-Shriver, artist and stained-glass instructor at Ilan-Lael, will discuss experiences working alongside James Hubbell. Additional speakers include Alpine Library Friends Association President Angela McMahill, San Diego County Library Director Migell Acosta and Christine Connell, who will introduce guests from the Lambert Family, who donated the artwork, along with the Alpine Library Friends Association. Visit ilanlaelfoundation.org.

CARDIFF

Meet certified dog trainer

Community members can meet certified dog trainer Sarah Surritt from 10 a.m. to noon April 13 at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society Thrift Shop, 120 Aberdeen Drive. Attendees can find out if their pup would make a good therapy dog. For more information, email mpilon@sdpets.org.

CARLSBAD

Carlsbad Spirit Benefit Concert

The 12th annual Carlsbad Spirit Benefit Concert will be held from 2:30 to 7:30 April 14 at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center, sponsored by the Aron Gunner Memorial Scholarship Foundation. The community fundraiser features live music, a silent auction and raffles along with food and refreshments. Proceeds go to scholarships for Carlsbad High School seniors. $10 donation at the door. Visit arongunner.org.

Kids Day at The Flower Fields postponed

The Kids Day at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is rescheduled to May 5 because of bad weather on the original date in March. The event features a stunt show by the BMX Freestyle Team from 1 to 3 p.m. There will also be bubble making, face painting and other activities. The Flower Fields at 5704 Paseo Del Norte are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Mother’s Day. The venue features 55 acres of colorful 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. Tickets are $23; $21 for seniors 60 and older and military; $14 for children age 3–10, and free for children under age 3 at theflowerfields.com.

Spring Art & Wine Walk

A Spring Art & Wine Walk is from 3 to 6 p.m. April 13 at The Forum Carlsbad, an outdoor shopping center at 1923 Calle Barcelona. The free event features live acoustic music by Christian Jules Taylor, an art exhibit including paintings, ceramics and photography, and custom charcuterie cones from Mirabelle Charcuterie along with a Wine Garden near Yeti for a wine tasting presented by Jimbo’s with wines from around the world and locally brewed nonalcoholic beer. There will be a free Flow Yoga class in the breezeway at 2 p.m. Donations will be accepted at the event for The Flower Fields Foundation, which offers educational and enrichment programs for kids in schools, Scouts and charter/academy programs. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.

Genealogy buffs discuss ‘Going Paperless’

The Learning from Members series, sponsored by the North San Diego County Genealogical Society, continues at 10 a.m. April 9 at the city of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Former genealogy librarian Mary Von Orsdol will give a presentation, “Going Paperless,” which will show how she consolidated her completed genealogy research into digital form. The speaker will present remotely. Registration is not necessary if attending in person. To attend via Zoom, visit nsdcgs.org.

Night under the stars at Leo Carrillo Ranch

The Fiesta at the Rancho starts at 5:30 p.m. May 11 with live entertainment, a buffet dinner and a silent auction outdoors at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane. The event benefits the park’s California History and Art Program. The program gives local fourth-grade students a chance to visit Carrillo Ranch and see Carrillo’s vision of early California life and join in an interactive art lesson at no cost. Tickets are $125, including sangria and beverages from the hosted bar and a buffet dinner, until April 19. After that the price increases to $150. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/fiesta-at-the-rancho.

CHULA VISTA

‘Make Believe at the Mall’ day

The annual “Make Believe at the Mall” day for families is from 4 to 6 p.m. April 9 at Otay Ranch Town Center during the center’s weekly farmers market with produce, unique street foods and handcrafted items. The free event features superhero and fairy-tale-themed make-and-take crafts, character appearances including Buzz Lightyear, Spider-Man and Princess Tiana, princess-inspired hairdos and crowns, and free face painting. There will be a free photo booth with several theme options, a DJ and a pirate-themed scramble course with Jack Sparrow. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com.

DEL MAR

‘Sapiens’ subject of discussion

The Del Mar-Leucadia Branch of American Association of University Women holds a discussion on “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” written by Yuval Noah Harari from 10 a.m. to noon April 13 at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. RSVP by April 10 at membership@aauwdml.org to receive the discussion questions. The branch supports AAUW in fostering equity for women and offers special-interest groups such as Great Decisions, three book groups, casual dining groups and a bridge group. Visit delmarleucadia-ca.aauw.net.

EL CAJON

Presentation on advanced cruise missile

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers hosts an event on the “Design of the Air Force AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missile” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13 at Gillespie Field Annex of the San Diego Air and Space Museum, 335 Kenney St. The presentation and showing led by experts who worked on the missile at General Dynamics, Convair Division in the 1980s will give an up-close look at the technology and innovation behind this weapon system. Tickets are $10 plus fees, which pays for entrance to the museum and the presentation. Visit bit.ly/3PQAMEd.

ESCONDIDO

‘Habitats of Daley Ranch’ topic of talk

The Friends of Daley Ranch sponsors a free presentation on the “Habitats of Daley Ranch” at 11 a.m. April 14 at the Ranch House. Rick Halsey of the California Chaparral Institute will discuss the habitats, such as oak woodland, grasslands, riparian and chaparral. The event is the debut of Daley Ranch Discussions With Friends, which is expected to happen quarterly. Each event will feature a topic of general interest that is related to Daley Ranch. RSVP with your name, the total number of guests, and how many will ride the shuttle to info@daleyranch.org. Call (760) 214-7587.

173rd Airborne Veterans meet second Saturdays

The 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, San Diego Chapter 28, meets at 10 a.m. the second Saturday of every month at American Legion Post 149, 230 E. Park Ave. Its next meeting will be held April 13. All 173rd veterans are invited along with other Army veterans. The meetings discuss local and national activities. Attendees are also encouraged to share their experiences in the 173rd. The chapter is involved in many local veteran community activities, including parades and Honor Guard burials. Admission to the meeting is free. Visit sandiego173rdairborne.org.

LA MESA

AAUW La Mesa-El Cajon gets five stars

For the third year in a row, the La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of American Association of University Women met the five-part criteria to receive five-star recognition. The branch, led by President Jane Drinkwalter, was one of nine branches out of more than 700 nationwide that was awarded all five stars. The next branch meeting is at 9:30 a.m. April 13 at Foothills United Methodist Church in King Hall, 4031 Avocado Blvd. The group will discuss running an efficient and effective nonprofit. Meetings are open to the public. Visit lamesaelcajon-ca.aauw.net.

Class on health care decisions

A free National Healthcare Decisions Day class will be offered by the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Community Resource Center from 1 to 3 p.m. April 16 at Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St. The class will outline the critical steps you need to take in the event of an unexpected illness or accident. It will also provide tips on completing a health care directive. Free on-site parking and additional free parking is available across the street. Register at (800) 827-4277 or visit sharp.com/classes.

NORTH COUNTY

Catholic Widows and Widowers group holds social activities

The Catholic Widows and Widowers of North County, a group that fosters friendships through various social activities, will hold these upcoming events:

April 11: Walk above The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Lunch to follow at Karl Strauss Brewing Co.

April 16: Dinner, Chin’s Szechwan Restaurant, Rancho Bernardo.

April 19: California Surf Museum Tour, Oceanside. Followed by lunch at Pannikin Coffee and
Tea, Oceanside.

April 20: Coastal Communities Concert Band Tribute to Young Musicians, San Dieguito Academy, Encinitas.

April 22: Brunch, Brunch Point, Vista.

April 25: Dinner, King’s Fish House, Carlsbad.

April 28: Mass, St. Thomas More Church, Oceanside. Followed by meal at Oggi’s, Vista.

Reservations are required at (818) 665-8150. Visit cwwnc.com.

American Association of University Women offers scholarship

The American Association of University Women Carlsbad-Oceanside-Vista Branch is sponsoring the Jeanne Gruenwald $2,000 scholarship for eligible female students at MiraCosta College, Palomar College and California State University San Marcos. Visit cov-ca.aauw.net.

OCEANSIDE

Organist to give concert April 12

An organ concert is at 7 p.m. April 12 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1450 S. Melrose Drive. The program features works by Bach, Brahms and Elgar, among others, performed by Seth Bott, an award-winning recitalist who has recently performed in New York, San Francisco and Europe. Bott is director of music at St. James Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City. The event is sponsored by the Palomar Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Donations are welcome. Visit stmoside.org.

‘Be A Scout’ Fair at high school

The San Diego-Imperial Council’s “Be A Scout” Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13 at Mission Vista High School, 1306 Melrose Drive. Highlights include outdoor games, Raingutter Regatta, rock climbing, crafts, monkey bridge and a dutch oven cooking contest. Bring a can of food, pasta and cereal for the San Diego Food Bank. Admission is free. Visit sdicbsa.org/scoutfair.

Quilt group hosts trunk show

El Camino Quilters Guild meets at 9:30 a.m. April 9 at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive. The guest speaker is Linda Ballard, who will do a trunk show, “The Versatility of Strips.” Fee is $10. Ballard’s workshop, “The Family Reunion” will be held April 10 at Quilt In A Day quilt shop in San Marcos. Workshop fee is $55. Visit elcaminoquilters.com.

Talks feature Guinness Record holder, MiraCosta play

MiraCosta College’s LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) group holds two free presentations April 12 in Building T200 of the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. At 1 p.m., there will be a preview of “Anon(ymous),” the final play of the MiraCosta Theatre year. The play retells Homer’s epic, “The Odyssey.” At 2:30 p.m., “The 183.9 mph Bicycle Guinness Record” will be presented by Denise Mueller, who will discuss how she set goals and trained to bicycle into history by breaking the world record. Visit miracosta.edu/life.

POWAY

Garden club holds flower show

The Poway Valley Garden Club’s annual Flower Show & Plant Sale, themed “Celebrate,” is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. All plant and flower enthusiasts are welcome to participate. Attendees can view plants and flowers on display in Templars Hall, or submit an entry in advance. Entries for the Horticulture Division can be submitted from 4 to 7 p.m. April 11 and from 8 to 10 a.m. April 12 at Porter House at Old Poway Park. Admission is free. Visit powayvalleygardenclub.org/flower-show.

The Poway Valley Garden Club will hold its annual Flower Show & Plant Sale on April 13 in Old Poway Park.

(Criselda Yee)

FBI agent to discuss cybersecurity

AAUW Poway-Penasquitos holds a meeting on cybersecurity April 10 at the Eastview Community Center, 17520 Drayton Hill Way. A local FBI special agent will discuss how to identify and repair damage caused by cybercrimes that may involve malicious viruses, phishing attacks, identity theft, hacking, election break-ins, misinformation and artificial intelligence-generated false representations. Social time will be from 11 to 11:30 a.m., followed by refreshments from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and then the presentation from noon to 1 p.m. RSVP to aauwboard@gmail.com.

RANCHO BERNARDO

‘Colors from Around the World’ concert

A “Colors from Around the World” concert is from 3 to 4 p.m. April 13 in the community room at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The free concert features Katie Kim, a principal flutist with the Poway Symphony and private instructor based in San Diego, with Cho-Hyun Park, a professional pianist. The program includes works by Casella, Copland, Debussy, Mozart and Ciardi. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.

Old Town history subject of free talk

The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Speakers Series presents Alexander D. Bevil, retired California State Parks historian, speaking on “Old Town San Diego’s Lost ‘Calle Judeo’” at 11 a.m. April 13 at the Rancho Bernardo History Museum in the Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte. Admission is free. Call (858) 775-5788 or visit rbhistory.org.

Free artist demonstration at library

The North County Society of Fine Arts holds a free art demonstration from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 9 led by Micki Brown, an award-winning artist from Carlsbad. Brown will demonstrate how to make a classic, contemporary collage. The event is at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. Visit ncsfa.org.

Internment camp survivor to give presentation

The Rancho Bernardo Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee hosts Linda Canada, from the Japanese American Historical Society, and Jack Kubota, a survivor of an Arizona internment camp, at 1 p.m. April 9. Kubota will discuss what happened to him and his family when they were forced to move to the camp when he was 13. The event is at the Rancho Bernardo Community Center, Glassman Building, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive. Cost is $15, including refreshments.

Faulconer to speak at Republican women’s group

The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women group holds a luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. April 19 at The Heights Golf Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Parkway. The main speaker is former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a candidate for county supervisor. Faulconer is a strategic adviser at Collaborate for California and a visiting fellow at Pepperdine University School of Public Policy. Cost is $35, which includes a two-course lunch. RSVP before 9 p.m. April 15 at rbrepublicanwomen.org.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Handel concerto featured

The Village Church Community Chorale will perform the original version of a Handel concerto composed several hundred years ago for its annual Spring Choral Concert at 7 p.m. April 14 at the Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The program features Handel’s Concerto for Organ in F Major with a choral finale featuring the more than 80 voices of the chorale along with several soloists, organist Suzanne Shick and members of the San Diego and Pacific Symphony Orchestras under the direction of Juan Carlos Acosta, director of worship at the Village Church. The free concert will also present a rare performance of Mozart’s complete Mass setting “Missa Solemnis” and his vocal composition “Ave Verum Corpus.” A freewill offering will be collected. Visit villagechurch.org/2024-concert-series.

SAN DIEGO

Lamborghinis featured at Little Italy event

Little Italy will host more than 20 classic and rare “Italian bulls,” better known as Lamborghinis, for The Bulls of Sant’Agata Charge, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 14. The Little Italy Association in partnership with O’Gara Coach San Diego will sponsor the event with live music for the community to see the designs and engines of the world-renowned Lamborghini. Visit littleitalysd.com/events/calendar.

Alesmith Brewery celebrates Anvil of Hope anniversary

Alesmith Brewery’s nonprofit charity arm, Anvil of Hope, celebrates its fourth anniversary from 6 to 10 p.m. April 20 at 9990 Alesmith Court. The 1980s-themed party includes a live band, food, drinks and dance performances, along with a 1980s arcade, a costume contest and dancing. Proceeds benefit children experiencing poverty in San Diego. General admission tickets are $80 at bit.ly/anvilofhope4th while supplies last.

Lawn sale benefits charities

St. Mark’s United Women in Faith will hold a sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13 on the front lawn of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3502 Clairemont Drive. Sale items range from plants, baked goods and crafts to costume jewelry. Proceeds will funds projects helping women, children and youths worldwide and locally, including San Diego nonprofits New Entra for women fighting substance abuse and Safe Harbor Network for legal immigrants. Other events on the campus that day are a free pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and a canned food drive from 8 a.m. to noon for the food pantry at Community Christian Service Agency, 4167 Rappahannock Ave. Visit stmarks.squarespace.com or email judyedel@san.rr.com.

Home Start holds Blue Ribbon Gala

Home Start, a local nonprofit that works to help prevent child abuse and provides family strengthening services, will hold its annual Blue Ribbon Gala from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. April 27 at the US Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway, in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year’s theme is spring flowers referring to the growth and blossoming that comes from Home Start’s programs. Last year, the nonprofit said it served over 22,000 individuals in San Diego County. Highlights include a Champagne reception, three-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing to the music from local band Full Strength. There will be silent and live auctions and stories from clients about how their lives have been changed by Home Start’s programs. Ticket prices are $300; $400 for VIP. Visit blueribbongala.com.

KenTal Earth Day Celebration

The third annual Neighborhood KenTal Earth Day Celebration is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 at the Kensington-Normal Heights Library Park, 4121 Adams Ave. The family-oriented community event emphasizes environmental awareness and best practices. The San Diego Audubon Society will highlight neighborhood backyard birds, their identification and support. ArtFORM will provide child-focused art projects featuring birds and environmental themes. There will be a drawing for more than 15 free trees. Franklin STEAM Elementary School will host a live webcam with a Tijuana classroom where students exchange information about environmental impacts on bird populations and migration patterns. There will be free ice cream and birdhouses, while supplies last. Visit kental.org.

Kids Bloom event at Liberty Station

A free hands-on session for children to make flower arrangements in a bottle is from noon to 2 p.m. April 13, or until flowers run out, at North Promenade Park in the Arts District Liberty Station, 2820 Roosevelt Road. The event is part of Kids Bloom, an initiative by Ana Galena Floral Studio that encourages children to spread kindness by making floral arrangements. Kids can create two flower compositions, one to keep and one to share. Bring two empty jars or glass bottles. Visit libertystation.com/do/kids-bloom.

Free museum admission

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 April 11 and April 16. 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

Write Out Loud puts on Big Read

Write Out Loud will host a number of community events, many of which are free, as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read-San Diego. This year’s monthlong celebration, themed “Myth, Magic, and Motherhood,” revolves around the novel “Circe” by Madeline Miller and “Mythology” by Edith Hamilton. Highlights include performances, art exhibits, book discussions, a writing contest and “Tea Tasting with the Sorceress” at various venues in San Diego County. Student artwork will be displayed at a number of libraries and there will be several student art receptions. For dates and locations, visit writeoutloudsd.com/nea-big-read-circe.

Upcoming blood drives

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

• Albertsons, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8 at 1459 Main St., Ramona.
• County of San Diego, Department of Public Works, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 9 at 11970 Singer Lane, Spring Valley.
• Lakeside Library, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 9 at 12428 Woodside Ave., Lakeside.
• San Diego Humane Society, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9 at 5525 Gaines St., San Diego.
• East Region Live Well Center, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 10 at 367 N. Magnolia Ave., Suite 101, El Cajon.
• Edgemoor Hospital, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 11 at 655 Park Center Drive, Santee.
• HD Supply, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 11 at 101 Riverview Parkway, Santee.
• Vista Library, noon to 5 p.m. April 11 at 700 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista.
• South Region Live Well Center, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 11 at 690 Oxford St., Chula Vista.
• Belmont Park, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 11 at 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego.
• County Health and Human Services, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 12 at 7065 Broadway, Lemon Grove.
• Jamul Casino, 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 12 at 14145 Campo Road, Jamul.
• VG Donut & Bakery, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. April 13 at 106 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff.
• Church of the Resurrection, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 14 at 1445 Conway Drive, Escondido.
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 14 at 13208 Lakeshore Drive, Lakeside.
• North Coast Church, San Marcos/Escondido Campus, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15 at 1451 Montiel Road, Escondido.
• Santee School District, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 16 at 9625 Cuyamaca St., Santee.

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

Antique buffs gather April 8

El Camino Real Questers will meet at 12:30 p.m. April 8 at the Lake San Marcos clubroom, 1105 La Bonita Drive. The program will be “Nothing to Sneeze At! History of the Humble Hanky.” Questers is an international organization that fosters an appreciation of antiques and collectibles and encourages the restoration of antiquities and historical sites. The chapter meets on the second Monday of each month, except in summer. Visitors are welcome. Call (760) 434-4931.

San Diego poet laureate to give presentation

California State University San Marcos’ Arts And Lectures Program will host professor and San Diego Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez at 6 p.m. April 15 in the University Ballroom. Through poetry, performance and video, Perez will look at the “poetics of memory as an act of anticolonial future-making.” Perez is an associate professor and director of Ethnic Studies at CSUSM. He will be joined by DJ, music producer, performer and longtime collaborator Shammy Dee. Tickets are $5; free for students, faculty, staff and alumni at bit.ly/3xpiDH8.

SANTEE

Historical Society holds Community Celebration

The inaugural Santee Community Celebration hosted by the city is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13 at the Santee Historical Society, 9200 Magnolia Ave. The event will highlight “all things that make Santee what it is today” and will include performances and interactive activities. There will be local and regional groups and businesses with educational booths for residents to learn about Santee. Visit cityofsanteeca.gov.

SPRING VALLEY

Spring Fling with egg hunt

An egg hunt for kids along with games, crafts and photo opportunities is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13 at Spring Valley Community Center, 8735 Jamacha Blvd. The event is slated to include free meals and toys for children. Visit sdparks.org.

VISTA

Front, from left, Soroptimist member Sherry Luz and guest speaker Summer Mason. Back, from left, Soroptimist members Lani Beltrano, Elizabeth Freed, Katie Melendez, Jackie Huyck, Pat Origlieri, Susan Roncone, club president Thora Soyland, Runa Gunnars, Nelly Jarrous and Allison Temples.

(Courtesy photo by C. Contreras)

Soroptimists donate dozens of shoes for local kids in need

Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland donated more than 45 pairs of new and gently used shoes to Vista Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez’s Children’s Shoe Drive held in March for National Shoe the World Day. When Melendez had heard about children in the community who needed shoes, she wanted to bring people together for a shoe drive. After putting the word out on social media, Melendez, who is a member of the Vista Soroptimist club, enlisted the club’s help. Shoe donations were collected at a recent club meeting, and additional donations were dropped off at the Vista Civic Center’s Vistix office. The shoes are being given to three local organizations: Operation HOPE homeless shelter, One Safe Place Family Justice Center and MAAC Project Vista. Visit soroptimistvista.org or email kmelendez@cityofvista.com.

Vegan Voyage at senior center

The Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, is hosting a Vegan Voyage at 11 a.m. April 12. Participants can discover new recipes and sample vegan foods. A $4 contribution is suggested for guests 60 and older and $8 fee for guests 59 and younger. Transportation can be provided for Vista residents age 60 and older with 48-hour advanced notice. RSVP at (760) 643-5288.

Registration opens for summer day camps

The city of Vista’s Recreation and Community Services Department opens registration for its Summer Day Camp program for pre-kindergarten to grade 8 starting at 9 a.m. April 9. Weekly camps are from June 10 to Aug. 9. Weekly fees are $253 or $207 for Vista residents. Register at (760) 643-5272 or in person at Jim Porter Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. The first 200 in-person registrations will receive a free kid’s meal at Raising Canes. Youth scholarships are available to cover registration fees for income-qualifying families. Visit cityofvista.com/youthscholarships.

Senior center puts on Earth Day Celebration

The Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, hosts a raptor presentation with a live owl and falcon by the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation from 11 a.m. to noon April 22, followed by a Lunch and Learn session at noon in the Park Terrace Café, about current environmental programs with EDCO and the city of Vista’s Climate Plan Administrator. Lunch will be served at noon. A $4 contribution is suggested for guests 60 and older and $8 fee for guests 59 and younger. Transportation can be provided for Vista residents age 60 and older with 48-hour advanced notice. RSVP by April 15 at (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.