La Mesa Conversations Monthly Mixer
Wednesday, Sept. 27
Join your neighbors to hear news regarding La Mesa’s Climate Action Plan as well as brief remarks from David Harris, Angela Deegan and others. Free. 5:30–7:30 p.m. at La Mesa Wine Works, 8167 Center St. Visit bit.ly/2fyp1kq.

‘AIS Community Programs and Resources’
Wednesday, Sept. 27
The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library will host a special presentation about Aging and Independence Service (AIS). The program is part of the library’s Wellness Wednesdays series. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. 10–11 a.m. at 9001 Wakarusa St. Visit herricklibrary.org.

Caregiver Support Group
Wednesdays; Sept. 27, Oct. 4, Oct. 11, Oct. 18 and Oct. 25
Caregivers are welcome to this inclusive support group that offers relevant information and resources. Free parking. Ring the bell upon arrival. 10 a.m. at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Braun Library, 6600 Cowles Mountain Blvd., San Carlos. Contact Sandy McCauley at 858-442-8412.

La Mesa Oktoberfest
Thursday, Sept. 29–Sunday, Oct. 1
The largest Oktoberfest celebration in San Diego County returns to La Mesa Village. Enjoy classic German treats, a full music lineup, carnival games and much more. All ages welcome. Free. 4–10:30 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Saturday; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday. Visit lamesaoktoberfest.org.

La Mesa/East County Backyard Produce Swap
Saturday, Sept. 30
Join Bancroft Center for Sustainability for their monthly backyard produce swap. Free and family-friendly. 10:30 a.m.–noon at 3845 Spring Drive in Spring Valley. Visit bit.ly/2xcWLxP.

Talk, Q&A and book signing with Steven Gaines
Friday, Oct. 6
Bestselling author Steven Gaines will talk about his memoir “One of These Things First” at Grossmont Center. The event will include a Q&A, followed by a book signing. Noon–2 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. Contact 619-667-2870.

12th annual La Mesa Park Appreciation Day
Saturday, Oct. 7
Join the community to reclaim MacArthur Park. Gather a group to complete a team-building beautification project in the park. Bring a pair of gloves and a rake. Enjoy free barbecue and games after. 8 a.m.–noon at MacArthur Park, 4975 Memorial Drive. Visit bit.ly/2fyJRjO.

The Lions Club Italian Dinner
Thursday, Oct. 12
La Mesa Lion’s Club invites you to their annual dinner featuring live Italian music, raffle prizes and two auctions. Tickets $25; $10 for children 12 and under. 6–8 p.m. at La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive. Email Lion Dave Shaw at [email protected].

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off
Saturday, Oct. 14
Drop off your household hazardous waste including batteries, electronics, paints, propane and more. Free for La Mesa residents. Appointment required via email. 9 a.m. at La Mesa EDCO Station, 8184 Commercial St. Call 619-287-5696 ext. 4270 or visit bit.ly/2xcMUIy.

Fair Trade Gift Faire
Sunday, Oct. 15
Shop for fair trade items like baskets, jewelry, clothing, home décor and more while enjoying fair trade refreshments like teas and coffee at St. Martin of Tours Parish Hall, 7710 El Cajon Blvd., 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Call 619-466-32412 for more information.

Golden Acorn Casino Trip
Wednesday, Oct. 18
Hop on the bus and head to the casino with city of La Mesa’s Adult Enrichment Center for their monthly trip. $7 for members and $9 for nonmembers. Receive $20 in free play upon arrival. The bus leaves at 8:30 p.m. sharp from the Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd. RSVP at 619-667-1322.

Howl-O-Ween Hounds
Saturday, Oct. 21
San Diego Animal Support Foundation’s second annual Halloween adoption event features hundreds of dogs from dozens of rescues and shelters. Meet pets available for adoption, learn more about fostering or opt to volunteer. Free vet advice and refillable pet waste bags will be provided for adopters. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. Visit bit.ly/2xcdj9n.

Borrego Days Desert Festival
Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22
Head to the desert for a weekend of free, family fun. Borrego Day’s “Timeless Borrego” festival and parade features floats, automobiles and local marching bands. After the show, enjoy music, food and art, as well as the Kid’s Carnival. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on both days. Visit BorregoDays.com or call 619-233-5008.

La Mesa History Roundtable Lecture Series
Saturday, Oct. 28
Come learn about La Mesa’s own “Brigadoon,” the hidden gem of the La Mesa Highlands. La Mesa Historical Society will provide historic context and first-person insight about this community. Free for LMHS members; $5 requested donation for others. 10 a.m.–noon at Grossmont Healthcare District Center Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa St. Call 619-466-0917 or email [email protected].