Free blood pressure screenings
Tuesday, March 1; Tuesday, March 15 and Friday, March 18

No appointment necessary for these free screenings on March 1 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the Sharp Grossmont Senior Resource Center (9000 Wakarusa St., La Mesa); on March 15 from from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at College Avenue Senior Center (6299 Capri Drive, College Area); and on March 18 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center (8450 La Mesa Blvd.); Call 619-740-4214 for more information. Open to the public.

Lenten Speaker Series
Friday, March 4; Friday, March 11; and Friday, March 18

St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church (7710 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa) is hosting this series each Friday for Lent. Each event will start at 5 p.m. with a fish taco dinner ($7 and $4 plates), followed by a guest speaker in Barry Hall. After the presentations, attendees are invited to pray the Stations of the Cross in the church at 7 p.m. On March 4, guest speaker Dr. Jamie Gates’ topic is, “Who is Buying and Selling your Children?” Dr. Gates, Director of the Justice and Reconciliation Center at Point Loma Nazarene University is the co-author of the most extensive study on sex trafficking in San Diego County. On March 11, Director Tresha Souza will give a talk on the “So Others May Eat” program that operates in three locations in San Diego and delivers food and offers services to San Diego’s hungry and people in need. A Taize Prayer Service will be the conclusion to the Lenten experience on March 18. All are invited to experience the peace of contemplative worship that incorporates music, song and silence. A simple meal will be served before the service begins. For more information, visit stmartinoftoursparish.org or call 619-466-3241.

La Mesa Beautiful annual meeting
Sunday, March 6

La Mesa Beautiful’s annual meeting will be held at the Nan Couts Cottage (5045 Memorial Drive, La Mesa) starting at 4 p.m. Guest speaker Meredith French will cover topics including healthy soils, beneficial insects, “must have” plants and more. French is an award-winning photographer, frequent contributor to California Garden Magazine and other publications, and her own garden won “Best Habitat Garden in California – 2010” – an annual award issued by California Garden Clubs, Inc. Refreshments will be served at this event. RSVP to Sharon Fitzpatrick at 619-303-8300 and get more information on the organization at lamesabeautiful.org.

‘Tomatomania!’
Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14

California’s biggest heirloom tomato seedling sale will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day this weekend at the Water Conservation Garden (12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, Rancho San Diego). The sale features rare, classic, brand new heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties. These seedlings will become a variety of tomato types in every size, shape, color and taste profile from “Amish” to “Zapotec.” Gardeners will learn how drought-resistant tomatoes can be successful and find supplies needed to grow them. Admission and parking for this event are free. There is a nominal fee ($5 for Garden members; $10 for non-members) for two tomato-growing presentations at 11 a.m. each day. Visit thegarden.org for more information.

‘Spring Into Healthy Living’
Wednesday, March 16

This annual health and wellness fair will be held at McGrath Family YMCA (12006 Campo Road, Spring Valley) from 9 a.m. – noon. There will be a free healthy breakfast provided by La Vida Real, along with health screenings, demonstrations, lectures and more. Exhibitor tables will showcase local health providers and resources; tips on nutrition and exercise; and volunteer opportunities. There will be drawings for prizes throughout the event. “Spring Into Healthy Living” is a free event but reservations are requested. Call 877-926-8300 and follow the prompts to reserve a spot.