Mission Valley Persuasive Speakers Toastmaster Club meeting
Ongoing, Tuesdays

This club’s weekly meetings help attendees become confident public speakers. Club members will learn from peers and receive mentoring and coaching from other club members. Meetings are held from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at 4444 Zion Ave. in Grantville. Call Josh or Tom at 619-284-8444 for more information or visit 701611.toastmastersclubs.org.

‘Dollar-A-Dish’
Through Tuesday, May 31

Restaurants throughout San Diego are participating in this annual campaign benefitting San Diego Food Bank’s “Food 4 Kids” backpack program. The program provides weekend backpacks full of food on Friday afternoons for school children in need. Participating restaurants select one of their best-selling items and donate $1 each time that dish is ordered throughout the month. Restaurants near Mission Valley participating (and their dishes) include: Maggie’s Café in Serra Mesa (bourbon burger), The Patio on Goldfinch in Mission Hills (Ahi Poke tacos), La Gran Terraza in Balboa Park (multiple dishes) and more. Visit sandiegofoodbank.org/dollar for a full list of restaurants.

‘The Principles of Islam’
Sunday, May 15

This event presented by Imam Muhammed Jibal will answer the question “what do Muslims really believe?” The lecturer at the Islamic Center of San Diego and at other area mosques will bring a copy of the Koran in English to help answer questions. This is the first in a series of forums on the principals of major religions. It will be held from 9:25 – 10:15 a.m. at Saint David’s Episcopal Church (5050 Milton St., Bay Park). Visit saintdavidschurch.com for more information.

7th annual ‘ Eat, Drink, Read’ 
Wednesday, May 18

San Diego Council for Literacy will host this special event at Liberty Station (2641 Truxton Road) from 5:30 – 8 p.m. The event will feature local restaurants, breweries and more sharing their cuisine and beverages. Attendees who bring books to donate for children will receive a raffle ticket; those who buy a book at the event will also receive a raffle ticket. All donated books will be given to families in need of them. Tickets are $95 and include beverage and food tastings. Visit literacysandiego.

‘Plants to attract birds and butterflies’ class
Saturday, May 28

For this free gardening class, Armstrong Garden Centers will teach you which plants will attract birds and butterflies to your garden to help pollinate fruits and vegetables. The Mission Valley/Grantville store is located at 10320 Friars Road; there are several other San Diego Armstrong locations. This session starts at 9 a.m. Visit ArmstrongGarden.com for more information.