Un resumen de noticias, comunidad, entretenimiento y resúmenes de negocios de sdnews.com que destaca lo que está sucediendo en nuestra comunidad.

VELELLA VELELLA

San Diego beaches have seen a massive influx of the free-floating hydrozoans called Velella Velella. Above, Velella Velella covers the beach near Scripps Pier. Some washed ashore earlier this spring, but lately, tens of thousands have been beached. People in San Francisco, Japan, and even Sardinia, off Italy, are saying the same thing is happening there too. Not sure what is causing it, but we’ve never seen as many of these creatures coming ashore as there are lately. (Photo by Don Balch)

BACH COLLEGIUM

Join Bach Collegium San Diego for a return performance with renowned fortepianist Sylvia Berry Saturday, June 3 at 2 p.m. at All Souls Episcopal Church, 1475 Catalina Blvd. She will be joined by: Stefanie Moore, soprano; Andrew McIntosh, violin; Andrew Waid, viola; and Heather Vorwerck, cello. Don’t miss this rare event in an intimate, salon-style concert featuring chamber music by Mozart, Beethoven, and their contemporaries. The program will be followed by a reception to celebrate the Bach Collegium’s 20th season. Bach Collegium engages audiences with accessible, historically informed performances and educational programs featuring repertoire from the Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical eras. The ensemble was founded in 2003 by music director Ruben Valenzuela to diversify the musical offerings of the San Diego community. For more show information, visit  [email protected].

DOG BEACH DRONE SHOW

The Luminosity Steering Committee planning this year’s inaugural drone show replacing the annual fireworks, recently met with representatives from City Lifeguards and the Park and Recreation Special Events Department to review possible locations for the upcoming Fourth of July Drone Light Show. Also in attendance were individuals from Skyworx, the drone operators contracted by Luminosity.

It was determined that Dog Beach in OB would be the optimal launching point, providing a more controlled area away from people and wildlife. The steering committee is currently in negotiations with the City to secure the site. With last year’s Imperial Beach Fourth of July drone show providing precedents, the committee hopes to finalize permitting quickly.

USS RECRUIT TO OPEN AT LIBERTY STATION

Liberty Station has announced the opening of the USS Recruit Exhibit as part of its Centennial Anniversary celebration. The exhibit featuring historic naval imagery and veteran videos is housed in a repurposed, historic Naval training ship. This opening is part of the property’s continued focus to honor the rich military history of the former Naval Training Center while inviting the public to enjoy its transformation as one of San Diego’s top destinations for art, culture and entertainment. A private press conference celebrating the opening of the USS Recruit Exhibit with Liberty Station leadership, exhibit curators and Mayor Todd Gloria will be held Wednesday, June 7. In 1923, San Diego’s Naval Training Center welcomed its first recruits. Now 100 years later, the property exemplifies an adaptive reuse success story, honoring and preserving the property’s Naval history while celebrating its transformation from an active military base to a destination.

LPE NOTES

Volunteer Awards – Each year, Loma Portal Elementary votes school wide to recognize those volunteers who have gone above and beyond to make Loma Portal a better place for children and community. These volunteers help in the classrooms, at events, assist teachers and staff, and graciously dedicate their time. VOTE HERE. This vote goes out school wide to all teachers, staff, and families. Award winners will be announced at the Volunteer Tea on May 25. You can vote for any, or all categories.

THESPIAN SOCIETY

“And Then There Were None,” will be presented by the Point Loma High Thespian Society on Friday, May 19 and June 2 in the PAC. Tickets can be purchased at the door, from a cast member or in advance here: https://sdusd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/13624/312/False/True. The play’s plot involves seven guests, a newly hired secretary and two staff who are gathered at a manor house on an isolated island by an unknown absentee host and are killed off one-by-one. They work together to determine who the killer is before it’s too late.

PLHS CLASS OF 2023

The annual Senior Breakfast and Field Day will be held Monday, June 12 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the PLHS Football Field. The event theme is “Fun in the Sun.” The school is busy planning a Senior Breakfast and Field Day but needs help. There are some food and monetary donations but more needed as one goal is to rent two inflatables costing from $600 to $1,000. This event happens using senior class funds and community/family donations. If you would like to make a monetary donation, Venmo: @plhsclassof2023 (four digits: 2867). Please check out the SignUpGenius with opportunities to donate your time, food or raffle tickets.

PLHS SOCIAL MEDIA

For all the latest PLHS news and photos be sure to follow on Facebook @Point Loma High School and on Instagram @PointLomaHS1925. PLHS athletics can be found on Instagram @fightingpointers. The Pointer Association can be found on Facebook @Point Loma High School Pointer Association.

KING OF BACHATA

Due to overwhelming fan demand, the record-breaking global icon, singer, songwriter, performer, mogul, actor and producer, Romeo Santos, known as “The King of Bachata,” has announced additional fall tour dates to his “Formula Vol. 3” Tour in North America. He will return to Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., on Oct. 15. For more information, visit www.formula-vol3.com.

STEVIE NICKS AT PECHANGA

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Nicks will keep the momentum of her successful 2023 tour going by adding 13 additional performances to her Live In Concert tour including Pechanga Arena San Diego in Midway District on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Tickets at livenation.com.

PB HOMICIDE

A 49-year-old man staying at Campland on the Bay in Pacific Beach was shot in the chest near the resort’s pool on May 16 about 10 p.m. and died later after being transported to a hospital, said San Diego Police Department. Police detectives said the shooting victim was with a group at the pool of Campland, at 2211 Pacific Beach Drive, when a fight ensued between he and a suspect, identified by police as 38-year-old Michael Callahan. Police said the suspect left following the fight returning later with a handgun and allegedly opened fire on the victim. The suspect then fled the scene of the shooting but was later found in his motor home at the park.

The suspect was arrested on a murder charge and booked into San Diego County Jail, police said. A motive for the shooting was not disclosed. Callahan was being held at San Diego Central Jail without bail. His arraignment was scheduled for May 19. “We are cooperating with local law enforcement who have asked that we not comment as they complete their investigation,” said Jacob Gelfand, COO of Terra Vista Management, Inc., Campland’s operators. The victim’s name was being withheld pending notification of kin. Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact SDPD’s Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293. Anonymous tips can be made by contacting Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

STREET RACING CONVICTION

San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott announced that a Chula Vista man has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and one year of probation after being caught racing five other drivers on Interstate 15.The Aug. 29, 2022, incident occurred just south of the Interstate 8/Interstate 15 interchange at about 12:50 a.m.“This sentence shows how seriously my Office, law enforcement, and the courts take these reckless incidents on public roadways,” Elliott said. “I created a Street Racing Task Force to protect the public from drivers who recklessly endanger the lives of themselves and others.”

CLASSICS 4 KIDS

Classics 4 Kids will produce an educational orchestra concert, “Nature’s Music,” for 4,129 elementary students at the historic Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., with conductor Dana Zimbric, the Classics Philharmonic Orchestra, and special guests during two performances on May 18-19 at 9:45 and 11:45 a.m. Classics 4 Kids is a nonprofit educational performing arts organization dedicated to inspiring children through the experience of music, generating creativity, academic success, and cultural understanding.

CITY SUES SEAWORLD

The San Diego City Council voted in closed session to sue SeaWorld for unpaid rent, late fees and interest that the company owes to the City. “Despite publicly touting record revenues as recently as last week, SeaWorld continues to refuse to pay the over $12 million they owe the City in past due rent, penalties and interest, said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “While legal action should not be necessary, I am glad the City has drawn a line in the sand and is demanding SeaWorld pay us what they owe us. Multibillion dollar corporations do not deserve special treatment and the millions of dollars SeaWorld is wrongfully withholding from the City could greatly benefit the people of San Diego. It’s time for SeaWorld to pay up.”

GASLAMP DRAG PERFORMANCE

Mezé Greek Fusion, at 345 Sixth Ave., will glamorize Friday nights with a live drag performance by the Gaslamp Divas, beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, May 19. Mezé Greek Fusion will transform into an electrifying setting with live performances by Mariah Carey Carrie, a world renown Mariah Carey impersonator; Lau Farrow, the reigning Miss Gay Universe; Ange Fairfax, the former empress of Court de San Diego; and more artists. DJ Art Ruiz will provide a high-energy soundtrack for the evening. More information is at GaslampMeze.com.

LANDMARK LEGISLATION

The California State Assembly passed first-of-its-kind legislation that would prohibit the use of certain dangerous and toxic chemicals in processed foods and drinks. Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), AB 418 would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of any food product in California containing Red Dye No. 3, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil, or Propyl Paraben. These chemicals are already banned in the European Union and many other jurisdictions due to scientific research linking them to significant health harms, including cancer, reproductive issues, and behavioral and developmental issues in children.

NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH

National Preservation Month, May 1-31, is celebrated every year to acknowledge the historic landmarks that give character to communities. The Marston House Museum Shop at 3535 Seventh Ave. is providing a special offer this year to emphasize preservation in daily lives. When visitors purchase museum admission or a Save Our Heritage Organisation membership, they will receive a complimentary swag bag featuring history-related books, collectibles, and other historical items. This is a chance to support historic preservation in San Diego and bring home a memento of San Diego’s past. Visit the Marston House and the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museums in May and participate in the celebration of National Preservation Month.

ANNUAL HISTORY AWARDS

The 18th Annual Point Loma High School History Awards is set for Wednesday, May 24 from 5-8 p.m. at the Bali Hai Restaurant, 2230 Shelter Island Drive. To be honored are approximately 100 students for their interest in and achievement in AP US History and AP Psychology. The White Collars Band will play 5-6 p.m. Community partners, The Pointer Association, Peninsula Lions Club, Point Loma Rotary Club, and The USS Midway, will be making brief presentations. Any interested donors may follow this link.

CABRILLO TRAIL FUNDRAISING

An ongoing fundraising drive sponsored by the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation supporting the institution launched to pay for its new trail has been extended to May 30. Construction just began on the trail that will provide the first, safe pedestrian access from the upper part of the monument to its tide pools. For those donating $250 or more, the foundation will invite them to an exclusive after-hours picnic on Saturday, June 24. This thank you picnic promises to be a special experience with picnic food and treats. Donations of any size support: over 20 park programs that help to protect and preserve the Park’s natural, historical, and cultural resources; the tidepools; the Old Point Loma Lighthouse; military exhibits; bayside and coastal hiking trail; subsidized busing for school groups to have access to the park; or the park’s greenhouse. For more information, call 619-523-4256 or visit cnmf.org.

MLS IN SD

At a press conference on May 18 at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley, Major League Soccer announced it is expanding to San Diego with its 30th team. The expansion franchise reportedly would begin play in February 2025 at the 35,000-capacity stadium, with an ownership group headed by the London-based Mansour Group and the local Sycuan Nation. Brad Termini, a San Diego developer, is among the minority partners. The team has yet to announce a name or crest.

SEX TRAFFICKING SENTENCE

San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott announced that a San Diego motel long a hub for sex trafficking has agreed to stop allowing prostitution and other illegal activities on the property. The Main Street Motel at 3494 Main St. in Barrio Logan near Naval Base San Diego, is the subject of an enforcement action taken by the City Attorney’s Nuisance Abatement Unit. The unit has been working with the motel owners and operators for more than eight months to reach a stipulated agreement, which was signed by a Superior Court judge this month. “This agreement should put an end to the sordid history of human trafficking and exploitation taking place in a neighborhood of families and small businesses,” Elliott said. “My Office does not back down when it comes to protecting the victims of sex trafficking or improving the quality of life for the surrounding community.”

PADRES BEERFEST CANCELED

The San Diego Padres have canceled their BeerFest On-Field Party that was scheduled on Friday, May 26. The fest, which was set to happen during the away game against the New York Yankees from 3-8 p.m., had plans for live music, food, and a broad selection of beers from local and national breweries for fans over the age of 21. Officials say the Padres have started the process to refund ticket purchasers the full value of the tickets purchased back to their original method of payment, and refunds are expected to be fully processed within 30 days. A reason for the event’s cancellation was not given.

SDHS GRANT

San Diego Humane Society is set to receive a $95,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for animals in San Diego County. Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading the charge for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $350 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations across North America, with 6.7 million pets adopted and counting.
PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY FIFTH AVENUE

Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and Downtown business leaders have unveiled a new Slow Street on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown. City Transportation Department crews completed construction of the infrastructure necessary to place bollards at intersections along Fifth Avenue to block vehicle traffic and create small pedestrian-centered plazas. The bollards will replace temporary gates that were previously being used. “San Diego’s downtown rebounded from the pandemic faster and stronger than most other U.S. cities, and one of the factors that helped keep our Gaslamp Quarter restaurants and shops in business was our closure of Fifth Avenue to vehicle traffic to make it an enticing outdoor attraction,” Gloria said. “We celebrate a major milestone in our effort to create a permanent promenade along Fifth Avenue by unveiling new bollards that will turn the whole street over to pedestrians from lunchtime to closing time, creating a dynamic place for all to enjoy.” The Slow Streets Program aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan and Vision Zero goals while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all.

LGBTQ+ GRANT

The San Diego LGBT Community Center at 3909 Centre St. and San Diego Foundation announced a challenge grant that will match dollar-for-dollar fundraising up to $100,000 to support outreach and programming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth in San Diego. The challenge grant is contingent on The center successfully raising $100,000 for its Hillcrest Youth Center, which opened in April.

“The San Diego LGBT Community’s Hillcrest Youth Center was established in 2000 as a drop-in resource center for high school youth, and since then we have expanded our services and now provide programs and support for youth ages 10 to 24,” said Caroline (Cara) Dessert, CEO of The San Diego LGBT Community Center. “After 22 years of renting space, the Hillcrest Youth Center will now have a forever home in Hillcrest, which provides more than double the space of our former location. San Diego Foundation’s recognition of our work is incredibly rewarding, and through its matching grant, we have the opportunity to help ensure that young LGBTQ people continue to have a safe space and the resources they need, right here in San Diego.”

FEATURED FILM

“Brainstorms,” a short film that shines a spotlight on Traumatic Brain Injuries among U.S. veterans, will be featured at the GI Film Festival in San Diego. The film has been nominated for Best Narrative Short and Best Actor at the film festival. It will screen on Friday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park. Tickets can be purchased and the film’s trailer can be viewed through the GI Film Festival website.

SENIOR HOUSING

R.D. Olson Construction, an award-winning general contracting firm in California, announced that construction is underway on Kettner Crossing, a 64-unit senior housing complex at 1590 Kettner Blvd. in Little Italy. The complex is expected to reach completion by early 2025 and will serve low-income seniors who earn 30-60% of Area Median Income. The 73,400-square-foot project will be an eight-story urban infill project on a previously undeveloped lot. The ground floor of the new construction will offer approximately 2,200 square feet of commercial office space for lease, while the rooftop will give residents views of North San Diego Bay. The pet-friendly building will also have an open-air turf space on the roof. Other amenities are to include a communal room and library.

RED SHOE DAY

For the 14th consecutive year, hundreds of volunteers will be collecting cash donations in iconic red shoes throughout San Diego County in support of Red Shoe Day, benefiting San Diego’s local Ronald McDonald House. The event is the largest community-driven fundraiser for San Diego’s 57-room Ronald McDonald House which provides a “home-away-from-home” for families with a hospitalized child. Funds raised during Red Shoe Day support lodging, meals, emotional support and family day services that are provided by the House at no cost to families. This year, fundraising efforts will take place on May 24 between 7-9:30 a.m. In addition to donating at intersections, online or via Venmo, San Diegans are now able to donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego year-round by rounding up to the nearest dollar when they make a purchase at their favorite San Diego County McDonald’s restaurant.

DOWNTOWN DIAMOND

USA Today has named Petco Park as the best MLB ballpark in its 2023 rankings. According to USA Today, ‘Petco Park truly is the perfect ballpark. It’s embedded right in the heart of downtown San Diego with the skyline basically on top of you. Petco Park has el best food and beer selection in baseball to go along with the top-notch location. And now that the Padres are among the more exciting teams in MLB, the game-day atmosphere measures up with the stadium itself.’ Petco Park opened in 2004, replacing Qualcomm Stadium as the Padres’ home ballpark following approval by a public vote in 1998. (Photo by Thomas Melville)

OTL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL AND TOURNAMENT

OMBAC is holding the seventh annual OTL Tournament at Mariners Point with a Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, May 13, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The tournament is double elimination format and champions will be crowned on Saturday. Tournament Divisions: Men’s Pro, Men’s Open, Men’s Masters, and Women’s Open. The event will host teams across the four divisions. Team fee of $150 includes Beer Fest admission for the three team players.

General admission for the public with four-hour unlimited beer tasting is $40. All sponsors and participating breweries have discount codes for half off the $40 ticket. OTL patrons and players have demonstrated an interest in craft beer, so OMBAC has decided to continue its spotlight of the craft beer industry. Vendors will include local breweries and food trucks.

PBTC ON DE ANZA

Excerpts from Pacific Beach Town Council’s response to recent hearings on the De Anza Natural Amendment to the Mission Bay Park Master Plan: “PBTC acknowledges the importance of preserving the natural resources and habitat in the De Anza Cove area of Mission Bay Park. Our organization must also emphasize the immense value and crucial role the Bob McEvoy Youth Athletic Fields have. Participation in youth sports provides immediate and long-term physical and mental health benefits for youth, their families, and communities. The youth of Pacific Beach, Clairemont, and La Jolla share these athletic fields year-round for team baseball, softball, Little League, T-ball, and soccer. The public tennis courts share space with pickleball enthusiasts, and the golf course is used by residents from all over San Diego County both day and night. PBTC advises the City to preserve the existing recreational facilities and strongly encourages the City to expand, not decrease, active recreational spaces in Mission Bay Park. PBTC advocates for more transparency and clarity from the City as it strives to create a balanced land use plan for De Anza Cove.”

PB ORGAN RECITAL

On Sunday, May 21 at 4 p.m. join renowned organist Robert Plimpton and bass singer Michael Morgan for a free recital of uplifting music at a community concert organ recital at Christ Lutheran Church, 4761 Cass St. Included on the program are works by J.S. Bach, Gordon Young, Janet Linker, and arrangements of spirituals by Robert Powell, Joe Utterback, and Hall Johnson. The mosaics and unique acoustics of Christ Lutheran create a special setting for the music of these master artists. This community concert is brought to you by the Christ Lutheran Music Fund. Seat reservations on EventBrite are advised: http://bit.ly/3l6ii6m. You can help support music at Christ Lutheran with your donation at the door, or any time at christpb.org/giving. Parking is available in two lots, both accessed from Chalcedony Street. Free street parking is also available.

TEAM SURVIVOR

On Sunday, May 21, TEAM Survivor, San Diego’s women’s cancer survivor dragon boat team, is celebrating its 15th anniversary by paddling a marathon circumnavigation of Mission Bay. The day will begin and finish at the Youth Aquatic Facility on Fiesta Island starting at 8 a.m. and finishing around 4 p.m. with seven stops along the way. For details, cheering, and to make donations, visit teamsurvivorsd.org or “TEAM Survivor Sea Dragons” Facebook page. Consider donating to fund the free and low-cost fitness programs for female cancer survivors of all ages. There are active paddlers in their 80s.

MCASD GALA

Join fellow art enthusiasts for a benefit gala celebrating and supporting the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Building, 700 Prospect St. Gala chairs Kimberly and Ryan Herrell invite guests to experience the museum in a unique and dynamic way while providing vital support for its world-class exhibition schedule, innovative public programs, and free community experiences – all shared through the powerful prism of contemporary art. This year’s fundraising event for the museum will feature special guest, Los Angeles-based artist Kelly Akashi. A 10-year survey of the artist’s work, Kelly Akashi: Formations, will be on view in the Iris and Matthew Strauss Galleries later this fall. In anticipation of this exhibition, the gala will take inspiration from Akashi’s poetic sculptures and photographs. For more information, visit mcasd.org.

ART GALLERY EXHIBIT

R.B. Stevenson Gallery is presenting the exhibition “Shelter,” a show featuring new paintings by French artist Geoffroy Tobé, now through May 27 at 7661 Girard Ave., Suite 101. Tobé is a French artist and educator based out of San Diego who is inspired by French moderns as well as California colorists, Tobé’s paintings explore nostalgia and memories through people, objects and places with solid, almost geometric, compositions and a powerful use of color. Since 2020, he has taught painting and studio arts at UC San Diego.

With “Shelter,” Tobé is questioning the boundaries of literal and figurative definitions. Shelters are structures that protect you from the elements and give you a place to stay: if you get lost during a storm, the first thing to do is seek shelter. Along with food, water and sleep, shelter is one of the human physiological needs and at the base of Maslow’s pyramid. Could a shelter also be something, somewhere or someone to feel comfortable with, reassuring from fear and doubt? Memories, familiar sceneries, places he once lived, or objects he compulsively collects. To him, they are all shelter.

WOMAN’S CLUB CONCERT

La Jolla Woman’s Club at 7791 Draper Ave. is presenting a concert titled “Three Jewish Composers Silenced By Nazi Tyranny” on Sunday, May 21 at 4 p.m. Introduced by musicologist Kristi Brown-Montesano, the program features three masterpieces for piano and strings by Mendelssohn, Mahler and Kahn to be performed by: Yueun Kim, violin; Nao Kubota, viola; Michael Kaufman, cello; and Dominic Cheli, piano.After the concert, a Q& A is organized between the musicians and the audience, followed by a high tea buffet.

NURSES WEEK FUNDRAISER

On Friday, May 12 from 7-10:30 p.m., Club de playa Mavericks at 860 Garnet Ave. will be home to a major fundraising event in honor of Nurses’ Week. This event will feature emcee Grace Amaku, openers Logan Seagull and Jack Rourke, and Social House. The concert fundraiser will benefit Operation Happy Nurse, a nonprofit and online community dedicated to providing resources to nurses everywhere. Proceeds from the event will specifically go towards helping to build a mobile app to provide stress relief to nurses. Tickets are $75.

BIKE MONTH PARTY

On May 20, join the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and Circulate San Diego at the PB Library, 4275 Cass St., for a Bike Month Party including a bike rodeo/skills course, helmet fittings, bike tune-ups, giveaways and free coffee. Join Circulate at 11 a.m. for a short walk audit of the area surrounding the Pacific Beach public library. They be taking pictures and gathering observations on street safety and quality of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to compile into a report for the City. Get your steps in, share your stories, and help collect some data. May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast.

SECRET GARDEN TOUR

The Secret Garden Tour extends a rare invitation to the public to stroll behind the garden gates of some of La Jolla’s loveliest secluded gardens, often concealed from view by mature trees, vines, or foliage. Visitors from throughout San Diego County and beyond have the opportunity to view private gardens in La Jolla during this important Society fundraiser. Secret Garden Party – Friday, May 19, from 6-8 p.m. Secret Garden Tour – Saturday, May 20. The self-guided tour is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and gardens open at 10 a.m. Platinum Tour from 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

For two decades La Jolla Historical Society’s Secret Garden Tour has provided the opportunity to step into the extraordinary world of La Jolla’s private gardens. The Secret Garden Tour is much anticipated on the community’s spring calendar, and leaves a legacy throughout the year with financial support for the society’s exhibitions and educational programs. La Jolla’s tour often includes historic homes and examples of unique architecture, and the gardens are made special with the presence of live musicians, plein air artists, and dining table designs. On the lawn of the society’s Wisteria Cottage, the Garden Boutique showcases merchants with items of interest to gardeners and homeowners.

The Secret Garden tour began more than 20 years ago as an undertaking of a small group under the chairmanship of Linda Marrone and Susan Vandendriesse. Today, it runs with multiple committees, dozens of volunteers, and with the help of the society’s board of directors. The day of the tour brings hundreds of visitors to La Jolla to enjoy the gardens and the restaurants, galleries, and ambiance of the village. For more information, visit lajollahistory.org.

PB LIBRARY MAY EVENTS

Thursday, May 18 from 6-9:30 a.m. – Bike Anywhere Day Pit Stop. Bike or skate to the PB Library at 4275 Cass St. for snacks and photo opps. Register in advance at sandag.org/bikemonth. Friday, May 19 from 1-3:15 p.m. – Picture This: “A Beautiful Mind.” Four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, went to Ron Howard’s engrossing drama about John Nash, the volatile Nobel Prize-winning mathematician. Starring Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer, Paul Bettany.

PROFESSOR IN NAS

Barbara F. Walter, professor of political science at the University of California San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Walter is one of the 120 members and 23 international members who were selected into National Academy of Sciences this year in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Those elected bring the total number of active members to 2,565 and the total number of international members to 526 since the academy was created by a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. As one of the world’s leading experts on civil wars, political violence and terrorism, Walter occasionally consults for the World Bank, the United Nations, the U.S. Departments of Defense and State and the Jan. 6th Committee.

“The inclusion of Professor Walter into the National Academy of Sciences — one of the highest honors bestowed on U.S. scientists and engineers — is well deserved,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “As one of the nation’s most respected political scientists, Dr. Walter’s insights on threats to democracy, political violence and civil wars have informed citizens and policymakers throughout the world. This recognition, as well as the recent induction of Professor Walter into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, is a testament to UC San Diego’s leadership in world-class social science research—a key component of our $1.64 billion research enterprise that drives new discoveries and advances our collective understanding of the world’s most pressing issues.”

NEW AT PARADISEA

Paradisaea is ready to welcome the warm summer days as they begin to finally roll in with the following offerings: New outdoor patio, complete with heaters for those coastal breezy evenings and live music from the iconic piano in the main dining room; New happy hour, Wednesdays through Sundays from 3-5 p.m.; New seasonal cocktails showcasing the creativity of the bar team and utilizing the bounty of fresh ingredients for spring and summer.

OB PIER WORKSHOP

The City of San Diego invites residents to attend the second community workshop on the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. This workshop will cover guiding principles, as well as constraints and opportunities related to the Ocean Beach Pier on Saturday, June 10 from 2-4 p.m. at Liberty Station Conference Center 2600 Laning Road. Presentations will be given at 2 p.m. followed by self-paced interactive workshops.

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA MEETING

On Wednesday, May 17, at 6 p.m., the regular meeting of the Naval Base Point Loma’s Restoration Advisory Board will discuss relevant issues. This meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Southwest Yacht Club with the option to join through a virtual meeting link. To request a link for this virtual meeting, contact Kellie Koenig at [email protected]. Para obtener más información, llame al 619-556-8926.

MARCH OF DIMES WALK

March of Dimes, a leader in the fight for the health of all moms and babies, on May 20 will hold its largest fundraiser, March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement, starting at 7:15 a.m. at Balboa Park to raise funds so San Diego families can get the best possible start. The U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth – the maternal mortality rate saw its largest increase since 2018, according to the latest CDC Report and, with California earning a B- in the latest March of Dimes’ Report Card, which measures the state of maternal and infant health, the U.S. is in need of significant change.

FESTIVAL DE CINE GI

May is Military Appreciation Month and to help celebrate the GI Film Festival San Diego will make its return on May 15-20 at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park with local, national and international films for, by and about the military. Tickets can be purchased online at GIFilmFestivalSD.org at $10 for general admission and $8 for military and veterans for most screenings. The 2023 GI Film Festival San Diego’s highly anticipated opening night will feature a trio of local films made by two military veteran filmmakers. Attendees will be treated to the San Diego premiere of “The Making of TOPGUN 2,” directed by award-winning filmmaker and military veteran Mark Vizcarra. At 7:30 p.m., the evening will continue with a dual screening starting with the U.S. premiere of “Time for Change: The Kathy Bruyere Story” followed by “Ultimate Sacrifices: Cpt.Jennifer Moreno.” Both films were directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker and Iraq War veteran Daniel Bernardi.

VIOLENT CRIME

In 2022, the overall violent crime rate increased in the San Diego region according to a new SANDAG report by the Criminal Justice Research Division, 43 Years of Crime in the San Diego Region: 1980 Through 2022. In addition, SANDAG also released a summary of annual crime statistics by jurisdiction. “Despite the increase, the surge in violent crime was relatively low compared to other metropolitan cities in the U.S. The San Diego region is still among the safest in the country,” said SANDAG principal criminal justice researcher Dr. Octavio Rodriguez Ferreira. “That is why it’s important we continue to work together collaboratively and creatively with communities to prevent and address crime.”

The report also found a 9% decrease in homicides in the San Diego region with 84 of the 107 homicides having an identifiable motive. The most common motive was related to an argument (51%), followed by gang-related activity (15%). The most common weapon used was a firearm (60%). Property crime rates were 5% lower in 2022, compared to 2021, and are the second lowest in the past 43 years. In terms of dollar value, over $304 million worth of property was stolen in the San Diego region in 2022, which is an average of about $833,000 per day. The SANDAG report for 2022 included these notable findings: Hate crime reports increased by 9% from 2021. Violent crimes against senior citizens were up 8%. Robberies increased by 10%. Motor vehicle theft was up 2%. Burglaries increased by a 3%, resulting from a 10% increase in non-residential burglaries and a 6% decrease in residential burglaries.

SEAWORLD KIDS AREA

SeaWorld San Diego’s all-new kid-friendly play area, Rescue Jr., is opening soon. Children will learn about animal rescue and rehabilitation through hands-on, active, and engaging experiences Kids can enjoy exciting play elements, a splash pad, water features, climbing structures and amazing rides. Real rescue vehicles, an obstacle course, puzzles, fun animal facts, and tips on how to help conservation.

“This first of its kind play area is another exciting addition to our amazing educational theme park and puts marine animal rescue at the forefront with our guests. Rescue Jr. is a fun and exciting way for our younger guests to learn about the animal rescue that our dedicated teams do every day, 365 days a year,” said Jim Lake, SeaWorld San Diego Park president. “My hope is that all guests come away with a better understanding of how important it is to be a part of protecting the animals around us and maybe we can be the spark that ignites a passion in kids to become animal rescuers, scientists, veterinarians or conservationists.”

FENTANYL BILL

Fentanyl poisoning is now ranked as the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45 years old. In California, there has been an alarming uptick in fentanyl-related deaths among young people, with children dying of fentanyl overdose in California at a rate higher than the rest of the country. New legislation is aimed at punishing the dealers of fentanyl and curbing these preventable deaths. A bill before the legislature, AB 701, would add fentanyl to the list of controlled substances, which currently includes cocaine, crack, and heroin. This bill would provide stiffer penalties against the bigger fish, the traffickers who sell a kilo or above of fentanyl. AB 701, authored by Assembly Member Carlos Villapudua of Stockton, would not target low-level dealers or users.

TRANSIT TROUBLE

Transit riders who use the Metropolitan Transit System’s minibus and access service are being advised to look for alternate methods of travel, as a work stoppage between the private operator and labor got underway last week. The following minibus routes may be impacted: 14, 18, 83, 84, 870, 944, 945A, and Sorrento Valley COASTER Connection: Routes 972, 973, 978, 979. Additionally, the following bus routes out of the South Bay division may be impacted: 1, 3, 5, 27, 28, 35, 225, 701, 704, 705, 709, 712, 901, 904, 905, 906, 907, 909, 916, 917, 923, 929, 932, 933, 934, 950/950A, 955, 961, 962, 963, 967, 968, 992.

According to MTS, First Transit/Transdev will continue to fill as many trips as possible with qualified providers and drivers while the work stoppage is in effect. MTS Access riders can call 888-517-9627 or visit sdmts.com/work-stoppage for recommended alternative transportation options. MTS Trolley is unaffected and will operate according to schedule.

TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club will host the United States Tennis Association’s National Women’s Senior Hard Court Tennis Championships, Monday, May 15, through Sunday, May 21. The best players from all over the country, ages 50 to 90-plus will compete for gold balls, which are awarded to national champions. Events in this national tournament will include singles and doubles in the 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 and over age divisions. The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club’s 50th Annual Men’s Senior Championships will also take place that week in conjunction with the women’s events, and will include both singles and doubles for 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 and over age groups. The club welcomes tennis enthusiasts to view the tournament and will be offering free admission to spectators for the entire tournament. Tournament attendees and spectators may dine on-site at the Club’s Snack Bar and Club Dining restaurant during the tournament. On-site parking is available for a nominal fee.

DOG BEACH DRONES

The Luminosity Steering Committee planning this year’s inaugural Ocean Beach drone show recently met with representatives from City Lifeguards and Park and Recreation Special Events to review possible locations for the upcoming Fourth of July Drone Light Show. Also attending was Skyworx, the drone operators contracted by Luminosity. It was determined Dog Beach would be the optimal launching point, providing a more controlled area away from people and wildlife. The steering committee is currently in negotiations with the City to secure the site. With last year’s Imperial Beach Fourth of July drone show providing precedents, the committee hopes to finalize permitting quickly.

PET PROTECTION

During ‘Be Kind to Animals Week,’ May 7-13, San Diego Humane Society is encouraging pet owners to show kindness to their pets in an essential way: preventing them from becoming lost. “Losing a pet is a stressful, scary and sometimes a costly experience,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of SDHS. “One in three pets will become lost during their lifetime.”
It all starts with the basics: a well-fitting collar with an ID tag. Microchipping is another important step to make pets easily identifiable if they’re found by someone else. A tiny chip the size of a grain of rice containing a unique identification number is placed under the skin of your pet in a quick and painless procedure. Animal shelters and veterinarians can quickly and easily scan for the microchip. Your contact information will show up, making it easy to identify the lost pet and reunite them with you. A third piece of protection for a dog is their license, which is not only required by law, but gives you additional protection. For more information, visit sdhumane.org/protect.

FATHER JOE’S CHARITY GALA

On Saturday, May 20, Father Joe’s Villages will host its signature 38th Annual Children’s Charity Gala to raise critical funds for programs and services aimed at families and children experiencing homelessness. Funds raised will support services and programs that keep families together and prevent children from falling into homelessness. Each year, Father Joe’s Villages provides hope and life-changing services to more than 450 families and more than 900 children. At the 2023 Children’s Charity Gala, more than 350 people will gather to celebrate the theme of creating “Waves of Possibilities.” During the gala, they will enjoy cocktails, dinner, entertainment and dancing. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Emily Davis at [email protected] or 619-446-2115.

WORLD TURTLE DAY

American Tortoise Rescue, an international nonprofit established in 1990 for the protection of turtles and tortoises, is “shellebrating” World Turtle Day on May 23. This year’s theme is “I Love Turtles” ATR created and launched WorldTurtleDay.org to increase respect for and knowledge about one of the world’s oldest creatures. Turtle lovers show their appreciation of the special day by taking “shellfies” and events and shares on social media. World Turtle Day trends No. 1 on Facebook, Twitter and other popular social sites so joining the fun with other turtle lovers is easy. Subscribe to YouTube for the latest turtle and tortoise videos and ideas at www.youtube.com/americantortrescue.

SPORTS ARENA UPDATE

On Thursday, May 18 from 6-7:30 p.m., the public is invited to join the Midway Rising Sports Arena redevelopment team to learn more about its vision for redevelopment of the Sports Arena site at the Neil Morgan Auditorium at San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd. For more information, contact [email protected].

BORDER BAYSHORE BIKEWAY

SANDAG and City and County officials recently broke ground on the Border to Bayshore Bikeway project, which will safely connect the world’s busiest land border crossing at the San Ysidro Port of Entry to the Bayshore Bikeway. The new 6.7-mile bikeway will connect the international San Ysidro Port of Entry to the Imperial Beach portion of the 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway. This project will focus on safety improvements including adding neighborhood traffic circles, separating bike lanes from vehicle traffic, making bus stops larger to accommodate transit users, and adding speed bumps and curb extensions to make streets safer for everyone. The bikeway will also provide enhanced access to several trolley stations and will improve multimodal travel options across the U.S.-Mexico border. For more information, visit SANDAG Bikeway & Walkways Projects.

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

The West Mission Bay Drive Bridge Replacement Project is complete. The project successfully replaced the structurally deficient and operationally obsolete four-lane single structure, built in the 1950s, with twin bridges that have three lanes each for dedicated support for northbound and southbound traffic.New architectural features such as 12 foot wide Class 1 bike paths and pedestrian benches on the bridges promote and encourage increased cyclist, pedestrian and sightseer activity. Bike lane improvements near Ollie Street are scheduled to commence in late May, and are expected to be completed by mid-July.

TRANSBORDER SEWAGE

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission joined Mexico’s Comisión Nacional de Agua and the Comisión Estatal de Servicios Públicos de Tijuana to announce funding for two wastewater infrastructure projects. These projects will reduce the risk of spills of up to 60 million gallons per day of untreated wastewater in the Tijuana River Watershed. The U.S. and Mexico will each contribute approximately half of the nearly $30 million cost. “This is a success story that shows what can be achieved when federal agencies, stakeholders, and our Mexican partners work together to help their communities. Minute 328 gave us a road map for improving sanitation infrastructure projects in San Diego and Tijuana, and the USIBWC is committed to seeing this vision become a reality,” said USIBWC commissioner Maria-Elena Giner.

VISION ZERO

On May 10, a coalition of San Diego City Councilmembers including Joe LaCava of District 1, safety advocates, and survivors hosted a press conference to urge Mayor Gloria to include additional funding for Vision Zero in the May Revise of the Proposed Budget. The budget asks are outlined in a coalition letter sent on May 2. “Investing in safe streets saves lives,” said Laura Keenan, co-founder of Families for Safe Streets San Diego. “If San Diego had more protected bicycle lanes, my husband would likely still be alive today and we would be raising our son together.” Laura’s husband, Matt Keenan, was killed by a driver while riding his bicycle in September 2021. For more information, visit sdfamiliesforsafestreets.org.

STAND-UP COMEDY

Members of the ActLiveNow Stand-Up Comedy Workshop will deliver their funny stage routines live for one night only on Saturday, May 13 at Point Loma Playhouse, 3035 Talbot St. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. All seats are $15.

DRUG DISCOVERY

The Salk Institute in La Jolla and Autobahn Labs, an early-stage drug discovery incubator, will work together to identify and advance promising initial scientific discoveries through the preliminary steps of drug discovery and development. Autobahn Labs will invest up to $5 million per project for Salk discoveries that require access to drug development expertise and state-of-the art capabilities. “The strategic and operational support provided by Autobahn Labs will allow us to move forward at an accelerated pace to translate scientific discoveries into new therapeutics,” said Salk Institute president Gerald Joyce. “The beauty of this collaboration is that the most promising findings across different areas of research at Salk will have the opportunity to move from the bench to the development of clinical drug candidates. We hope that this collaboration will lead to new therapeutic options for many areas of unmet medical need.”

GAS DETECTORS

Thanks to a donation by San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department will soon have a set of devices that can detect natural gas, carbon monoxide and other toxic vapors. The devices will be distributed to City emergency-response vehicles at all 52 SDFRD stations this year. Fire chief Colin Stowell noted it is important for firefighters to “have the tools they need to safely inspect and respond to potential gas incidents.” More than 1,000 firefighters are expected to be trained soon to use the new gas detectors.

POLICE PRACTICES

The San Diego City Council will consider appointments to the Commission on Police Practices at the City Council Meeting on May 22 at 2 p.m. The establishment of this commission, an investigatory body of the City, independent of the mayor and the police department, is in accordance with ordinance O-21557. “In November, 2020 San Diego voters overwhelmingly approved Measure B with a goal of increasing transparency, accountability, and trust,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “This must be done right and has been a massive citywide effort requiring collaboration and coordination between each branch of City government, City employees, employee unions, and the public.” For more information on the nomination and appointment process, see the CPP Application FAQ site.

PASEO POR LOS ANIMALES

Join San Diego Humane Society at the Walk for Animals on May 6 at NTC Park in Liberty Station. This year marks the 29th anniversary of the Walk for Animals, which is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the organization. The event is where thousands of animal lovers and their furry friends come together to make a lifesaving difference for homeless pets, rescue animals, and injured wildlife. This year, the goal is to raise at least $320,000, which will help SDHS provide care and support to the 40,000 animals that will come through their doors this year. The event will include a pancake breakfast, a 2-mile walk or ½-mile walk, fun-filled doggie activities, live music, and vendor booths.

CINCO DE MAYO AT OLD TOWN

The Cinco de Mayo festivities at Old Town are gearing up for a weekend-long celebration filled with food, drink specials, and family-friendly activities. The festivities officially kickoff on Friday, May 5, which is considered the biggest party day of the weekend. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere and plenty of food and drink specials to mark the occasion. On Saturday and Sunday, businesses and restaurants in Old Town will be offering a variety of family-friendly activities, including live music, dance performances, face painting, and more. The Harney Street Market will be open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This bustling street market features some of San Diegoʼs finest artisans. The event is free. For more information on the event’s schedule, visit www.cincodemayooldtown.com.

LUMINOSITY BENEFIT AT WINSTONS

Javier Bátiz, from Tijuana, the guitar virtuoso who mentored the iconic Carlos Santana, will be performing at the Cinco de Mayo benefit concert for Luminosity at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 5 at Winstons in Ocean Beach. This is your chance to witness the magic of a blues legend and enjoy an unforgettable night of music with friends and family. All proceeds from the concert will go toward the Fourth of July drone light show in Ocean Beach. Get your tickets at https://holdmyticket.com/event/413834.

POP-UP HEALTH FAIR

The inaugural Pop-up Health Fair at Jensen’s Foods in Point Loma, 955 Catalina Blvd., right off Talbot Street will be Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsored by Ravive Health and Vitality, there will be complimentary demos, chair massages, nutritional education, and vitamin injections available. There will be special pricing offered on any packages purchased, and, all RSVPs get a swag bag when they arrive at the event. To RSVP, call the Ravive clinic at 619-642-0477.

PIZZA PORT ANNIVERSARY

Pizza Port at 1956 Bacon St. is celebrating its 13th anniversary on Saturday, May 15 with a family-friendly party from noon-7 p.m. Festivities will include a barbecue in the parking lot. The establishment also has an anniversary beer release, Lucky 13 Strong Pale Ale. There will be a biergarten and a chicken wing eating contest. A tie dye station will have limited-edition OB 13th anniversary T-shirts.

TEAM SURVIVOR

On Sunday, May 21, TEAM Survivor, San Diego’s women’s cancer survivor dragon boat team, is celebrating its 15th anniversary by paddling a marathon circumnavigation of Mission Bay. The day will begin and finish at the Youth Aquatic Facility on Fiesta Island starting at 8 a.m. and finishing around 4 p.m. with seven stops along the way. For details, cheering, and to make donations, visit  www.teamsurvivorsd.org or “TEAM Survivor Sea Dragons” Facebook page. Consider donating to fund the free and low-cost fitness programs for female cancer survivors of all ages. There are active paddlers in their 80s and still loving it!

OB PIER WORKSHOP

The City of San Diego invites residents to attend the second community workshop on the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. This workshop will cover guiding principles, as well as constraints and opportunities related to the Ocean Beach Pier on Saturday, June 10 from 2-4 p.m. at Liberty Station Conference Center 2600 Laning Road. Presentations will be given at 2 p.m. followed by self-paced interactive workshops.

GATOR POR LA BAHÍA

The 20th annual Gator por la bahía by the Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego brings the tastes and sounds of New Orleans and the Louisiana Bayou to Spanish Landing Park, 3900 North Harbor Drive, May 11-14. The event features live Zydeco, blues, roots, Creole, and Cajun, rockabilly, salsa, and New Orleans jazz; strolling buskers, kids’ activities, daily Mardi Gras parades, Cajun and Creole cuisines and that inimitable Southern spirit. Three days. Seven stages. 100 performances. A performance from by two-time GRAMMY award-winner Terrance Simien, who appears on the movie soundtrack for Disney’s “The Princess and The Frog” on Thursday, May 11.

The French Quarter Food Court will boast Louisiana cuisine: Po’Boys, beignets, boudin, and andouille sausage, hush puppies, red beans and rice, Jambalaya, gumbo (gator and chicken), etouffee, gator on a stick, and more. Mitch the Crawfish Man will boil 10,000 pounds of crawfish, directly from the bayous of Louisiana, guiding onlookers in how to “pinch those tails, suck them heads.” There will be cooking demos in the true Cajun and Creole fashion by an esteemed chef straight from Louisiana.

LOMA PORTAL ELEMENTARY

Third and fourth graders will be taking an annual standardized literacy and math test called the CAASPP (SBAC) given to all students in grades 3-8. This is an online test that is administered across the state. The test adapts to each child’s learning ability. You will be receiving more information soon but in the meantime, check out the CAASPP “Parent Resources” page online to learn more about this test. Mathnasium and LPE are partnering for a give back program. For every LPE student that signs up for tutor sessions at Mathnasium, they will give back $20 to the school. Contact them for local math tutoring at mathnasium.com.

GULLS CHANGE COACHES

Roy Sommer, the head coach of the American Hockey League San Diego Gulls club has retired and been replaced by Matt McIlvane, who becomes the fifth head coach in Gulls AHL history. McIlvane won back-to-back league titles in 2022 and 2023 with EC Red Bull Salzburg, and five league championships as a coach in Europe the last 10 seasons. Named to his position on July 12, 2022, Sommer, 66, entered his final game behind the bench with an 828-769-110 record and is the AHL’s all-time leader in wins (828) and games coached (1,813) after spending the last 27 consecutive seasons as a coach in the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks organizations.

McIlvane, 37, has won five league championships as a head coach and assistant coach in Europe the last 10 seasons. He joins San Diego after serving as head coach of EC Red Bull Salzburg of the ICE Hockey League (International Central European Hockey League), the top-tier league in Austria, featuring additional teams from Hungary, Italy, and Slovenia, from 2019-23.

ARTS DISTRICT FIRST FRIDAY AT LIBERTY STATION

Wander and observe all there is to offer in the Arts District with various art exhibitions, workshops and more for May’s First Friday. You can view the entire lineup of events online with a few highlights listed below. Basin Street Brass Quintet will be performing a wide range of musical genres including jazz, classical and patriot, on the patio adjacent to the Liberty Public Market. from 6-8 p.m.

• Mockingbird Improv is holding a competitive and entirely free improv show from 7:15-10:30 p.m. Come enjoy a Mexican beer for Cinco de Mayo while watching some one-of-a-kind improvision at 2590 Truxtun Road, #200.
• Colectivo de artesanía de San Diego will be holding free Mother’s Day card making from 5-6 p.m. in its studio space. Those interested can sign up online to save a space.
• Sociedad de Acuarela de San Diego will present a water-based media exhibition titled “Climate of Change,” juried by award-winning artist Carolyn Dubuque. The opening reception will take place Friday, May 5 from 5-8 p.m. and will feature over 95 ready-to-hang original paintings as well as refreshments.
• Estudio de leche Oolong will be showcasing new works in its art gallery show running from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to stop by as well as sign up for a Pinch Pot workshop, priced at $65 per person, offered from 4-6 p.m. the same day. Sign up online.
• Leslie Pierce is welcoming attendees into her studio for a two-hour Encaustic Painting Workshop from 5-7 p.m. The workshop is $99.

NIGHT OUT ON NEWPORT

On Thursday, May 4, select students from Correia Middle and Point Loma High School will fill the third block of Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach with music. Parents, friends, and community members are invited to stroll the block, patronize local businesses (many of which will be donating back to the schools), and hear music from student ensembles. The evening will culminate with performances by jazz ensembles at the Humble Heart.

STAR WARS CELEBRATION

The Force will be strong with beer lovers in Ocean Beach as California Wild Ales gears up for their annual May the 4th Star Wars-themed celebration. The brewery will be holding a day-long event on May 4, featuring a lineup of special Star Wars-inspired brews, including Darth Citrius, Chewboocha, Jabba the Hopp, and Juicy Jedi IPA. “It’s always exciting to see our customers get into the spirit of the day, whether it’s through their costumes or their choice of beer. We’re already looking forward to planning next year’s celebration,” said co-founder Zack Brager. The brewery will be decked out in Star Wars-themed decorations, and attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters for a chance to win prizes in the costume contest. In addition to the Star Wars-themed festivities, California Wild Ales will also be offering limited edition Star Wars-themed merch available for purchase.

NEW & EXPECTANT MOMS

San Diego Moms hosts BLOOM, an event for new and expecting moms on Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Joya Kitchen, 10275 Science Center Drive in UTC. This exclusive event is designed to bring new and expecting moms the latest must-have products, as well as the newest information possible from local experts. At the event you will be able to explore 30-plus exhibitors, ranging from baby brands to local healthcare providers. Tickets are on sale at sdmomsbloom.com.

SABOR A GASLAMP

San Diego’s original tasting tour returns to Gaslamp Quarter for the Taste of Gaslamp on Saturday, Sept. 2 from 1-4 p.m. The Taste of Gaslamp is a self-guided foodie tour that has become a staple for locals and tourists alike who flock to the Quarter to indulge in a culinary adventure stopping at 20-plus restaurants across 16 square city blocks. General admission for the tour is $45 in advance and $55 day of event. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tasteofgaslamp.com.

BIKE ANYWHERE DAY

SANDAG Bike to Work Day is now Bike Anywhere Day, and the 2023 SANDAG Bike Anywhere Day Pit Stop Map is available to help participants map their ride ahead of the annual event on Thursday, May 18, from 6-9 a.m. On Bike Anywhere Day, participants can explore nearly 1,800 miles of bikeways throughout the region. The 2023 SANDAG Bike Anywhere Day Pit Stop Map includes more than 100 locations for participants to plan ahead. Pit stops will provide fun and engaging breaks where bike riders can pick up a free commemorative T-shirt, and grab refreshments and snacks. This year, riders who share their pledge on Instagram could win one of four $250 gift cards from Moment Bicycles. View the San Diego Regional Bike Map or pick up a free bike map at a local pit stop on Bike Anywhere Day. Take the pledge and learn more about Bike Month at SANDAG.org/BikeMonth.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Outside the Lens, one of San Diego’s media arts education nonprofits for youth, announced the hiring of Sarah Beckman as its new executive director. Beckman most recently served as vice president of institutional advancement for Forever Balboa Park as part of a two-plus-decade career in development and marketing leadership roles at local arts and cultural nonprofits. In her new role, Beckman will advance the development and use of a new state-of-the-art media space, The Wonder Lab, at OTL’s new headquarters in East Village.

STATE ACTION SUPPORTED

The American Lung Association applauded the California Air Resources Board’s adoption of the In-Use Locomotive standard to modernize locomotive operations and set a framework for zero-emission technologies in this highly-polluting sector. The Lung Association and many health and medical partners participated throughout the rulemaking process and welcome the news of the final rule adoption. This action comes just one week following the American Lung Association’s 24th annual State of the Air report that highlights major pollution challenges facing California communities.

SEAWORLD TREE PLANTING

In honor of Arbor Day, SeaWorld San Diego announced the planting of 100 trees throughout the guest parking lot. This project is part of an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and geared toward creating a greener future. Trees are essential for clean air, water and soil, reduce heat island effect, and sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. SeaWorld planted 100 Metrosideros excelsa trees, also known as New Zealand Christmas Trees, throughout the parking lot during April and completed the planting on Arbor Day, April 28.

FLEET SUPPORTS STEM

The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park announces a series of inspiring events for female and female-identifying students. The annual SciTech Challenge is the capstone of the SciTech after-school program for girls in grades 4-6. The event will be at the Fleet’s Heikoff Giant Dome Theater on Saturday, May 6. This year’s SciTech Challenge will see student teams compete from all over San Diego County. Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering (BE WiSE) welcome events on Saturday, May 6 and Saturday, May 13 introduces new students in grades 7-8 to the STEM community-building program. Girls-Only Science Clubs for students ages 10-14 are the place for female and female-identifying kids to connect and explore. Offered every second Sunday at 10 a.m., Girls-Only Science Clubs are an opportunity. Topics vary each month.

MAMA’S DAY

May 4 is the 32nd annual Mama’s Day benefiting nonprofit Mama’s Kitchen. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, 3777 La Jolla Village Drive. More than 300 attendees will be at the evening of food, friends, and fundraising, with more than 20 food purveyors who will be offering bites from San Diego’s finest restaurants, catering companies, and hotels all to benefit Mama’s Kitchen. 
Returning as this year’s culinary host is Emmy award-winning chef, author, YouTube personality, and restaurateur, Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien who has been a longtime supporter of Mama’s Kitchen. As of May 1, Mama’s Kitchen has raised $72,200 toward its fundraising goal. But has a long way to go to reach its $150,000 goal, which will help the nonprofit deliver 57,600 meals to individuals and families vulnerable to malnutrition due to critical illnesses, including HIV, cancer, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

NEW MOPA EXHIBITS

The Museum of Photographic Arts announced its opening night in-person celebration of its three new exhibits, including the highly anticipated “Arresting Beauty” by Julia Margaret Cameron on May 6, highlighting the new spring exhibitions and MOPA’s 40th/ 50th anniversary. Join MOPA for an evening kicking off with a guest lecture by Malcom Daniel, the Gus and Lyndall Wortham Curator of the Photography at the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by a reception with a hosted bar, live music, hors d’oeuvres and a first look at three new exhibitions.

YOUNG ART

Young Art is back at The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, through May 15. This year’s exhibition theme is Comfort and Calm and presents thoughtful works of art that use visual storytelling to share students’ experiences with finding, receiving, or offering comfort and calm. Youth artists throughout the San Diego and Tijuana regions were encouraged to express interpretations of the theme, including contrasting ideas of discomfort and discord. Kindergarten through 12th-grade students responded with works in a wide variety of media depicting people, objects, interiors, and nature. For over 90 years, The San Diego Museum of Art has had the honor of celebrating the artistic expressions of regional youth with Young Art, a biennial juried exhibition.

SD BLOOD BANK

Throughout May, blood donors at San Diego Blood Bank will automatically be entered to win a Blink-182 concert package that includes two tickets to see Blink-182 at Pechanga Arena on June 20, limo service, dinner, a one-night stay at Pendry San Diego and San Diego Blood Bank swag. To enter, donate blood at any of San Diego Blood Bank’s nine donor centers or mobile drives during May. Blood donors must be 18 years of age or older to be eligible to win the prize package. Entries are limited to one entry per donor. For more details, rules, and to book an appointment, visit sandiegobloodbank.org/blink182 o llame al 619-400-8251.

USBA HONORS CEO

The San Diego District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the local awardees for the 2023 Small Business Week. Among the recipients is Jason Paguio, president and CEO of the Asian Business Association of San Diego, nominated by Daniel Fitzgerald, regional director of the San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center Network. Each year, the SBA recognizes the hard work and contributions of America’s small businesses during National Small Business Week. The San Diego & Imperial Valley SBDC Network will hold a Small Business Awards Event on May 9 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront to honor the local small business owners and advocates. Paguio is being recognized for his leadership in advocating for Asian American and Pacific Islander small business owners in San Diego.

THEATRE OWNER SUED

The City Attorney’s Office filed a civil enforcement action against the owners of the dilapidated California Theatre at 1122 Fourth Ave. at C Street, seeking to have the property declared a continuing public nuisance. The action, filed by the City Attorney’s Nuisance Abatement Unit, seeks civil penalties of $2,500 per day for each ongoing violation of San Diego Municipal Code. Violations include the buildings being structurally unsound and containing hazardous materials, while being a shelter for transients and a venue for skateboarders, young explorers, and graffiti artists. The decrepit condition of the former theater may make it unsalvageable. The City is seeking to abate the nuisance at the owner’s expense if they fail to expediently address the violations.

TENANT PROTECTIONS

The San Diego City Council passed the Residential Tenant Protections Ordinance to Prevent Displacement and Homelessness by a vote of 8-1. “Housing is a human right and basic need,” said

Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “San Diegans should not live in constant fear of being displaced from their homes. The passage of this ordinance provides renters with a major expansion in protection from evictions. This is an essential step in giving more rights to vulnerable residents beyond California state law and will serve as an important tool in preventing people from falling into homelessness. I want to thank my colleagues on the City Council, the mayor, tenant advocates and the rental housing industry representatives for their work in creating and passing this ordinance which will improve the lives of millions of San Diegans for years to come.”

FENTANYL FORUM
NCL Seaside Chapter announced it will be co-hosting a Fentanyl Forum with La Jolla United Methodist Church, 6063 La Jolla Blvd. on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. William Penro from SAY San Diego will be speaking at the church. This event is for children and adults in the community. The opioid epidemic has resulted in record overdose deaths across the United States. Fentanyl can be found in any illicit street drug, including counterfeit prescription pills/tablets, powders, liquids, and vapes, blotter paper, and sprays. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 18 and 45 in the United States.

DERBY DOWNTOWN

Mint Juleps for everyone. Come take in the Kentucky Derby classic on May 6 at Gaslamp quarter’s central and elegant cocktail bar, Fifth & Rose. Delight in a special showing of the Kentucky Derby paired with ‘Taste of the Derby’ specials like Kentucky Butter Cake topped with Maldon sea-salted caramel and candied pecans, Veuve Clicquot, artisanal bourbon cocktails and of course a refreshing mint julep.

NEW LAW PARTNER

Accomplished real estate and finance attorney David Crawford has joined Procopio as a partner from Cooley LLP. He’s represented many clients in the life sciences, tech and other industries on a wide array of complex real estate and strategic joint venture transactions in the U.S. and globally. His legal services are so broad he likes to say he assists “anything connected to dirt, bricks and sticks.” Crawford is based in Procopio’s downtown San Diego office.

FALLEN HIGHWAY WORKERS

Caltrans dignitaries, employees, families and friends gathered recently on the west steps of the State Capitol for the 33rd Annual Workers Memorial to honor the memory of 191 roadway workers who have died in the line of duty since 1921 as well as emphasizing the need for all travelers to drive safely through work zones. “This is why we always say safety is Caltrans’ top priority,” said Caltrans director Tony Tavares. “Lives are literally at stake every day, and tragically, we lost two of our devoted workers in the past year. At Caltrans, we hold a sacred duty to remember all the people who have lost their lives working with us. I ask all Californians to please slow down and move over in every work zone, every time. A life may depend on it.” The annual memorial – in addition to honoring families and allowing staff the opportunity to pay respects to their fallen colleagues – is also a reminder for drivers to “Be Work Zone Alert” and “Move Over” when they see flashing amber lights ahead.

AIRPORT MAINTENANCE
FEAM Aero, a provider of aircraft line maintenance services, has added another line station to its portfolio. The newest location at San Diego International Airport increases the company’s global footprint from 51 to 52. The new location provides several new full-time high-earning job opportunities with FEAM Aero, with the expectation that the number of openings will double by the end of 2023. For more information, visit feam.aero.

DISNEY MOST AMUSING

With over 400 iconic amusement parks across America it can be tricky for the millions of tourists visiting every year to choose which ones to explore. Holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have analyzed the top 20 U.S. amusement parks and ranked them based on the key ingredients that make theme park holidays so special, such as distance from the airport, ticket prices, and the total number of attractions. With over 18 million visitors annually, it comes as little surprise that the original is still the best with Disneyland topping the list. SeaWorld San Diego made it on the list as No. 20. Six Flags Magic Mountain was 19th.

Despite not having the highest number of attractions – that award goes to Hersheypark, Pa., with 75 – Disney is unmatched when it comes to catering for everyone’s needs, having by far and away the most food and drink options at 119. Beating all the Universal parks and Florida-based Disney reports in the ranking is Cedar Point, Ohio, which makes it to second place. The self- proclaimed ‘Roller Coaster Capital of the World’ ranks surprisingly high thanks to the sheer number of attractions, 72, and being the cheapest of all to visit at only $45 at peak time. Florida dominates the top 20 index, with eight amusement parks making the list including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and SeaWorld Orlando, which both receive over four million visitors annually, despite ticket prices being over $130.

CELEBRATE THE CRAFT

Jack Ford’s booth, with the theme of ‘All Things Goats,’ offered brûléed crottin with mostarda from TAJ Farms (left), and whipped chèvre with roasted tapenade from Drake Farms to guests at the 20th Celebrate the Craft culinary festival. The annual gourmet event brought together dozens of the region’s finest chefs, food artisans, farmers, ranchers, fishers, wineries, distilleries, and breweries en The Lodge at Torrey Pines on Sunday, April 16. A portion of all ticket proceeds will be donated to The Ecology Center, a 28-acre regenerative organic certified farm and education center that serves as a hub for Southern California’s ecological movement. (Photo by Thomas Melville)

PASEO DE RESTAURANTES PB

Discover the best eats in Pacific Beach at the Coast of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk on Wednesday, May 17 from 4-7 p.m. All food is included at this popular annual event offering a variety of food choices at local restaurants west of Dawes. It is a self-guided restaurant stroll set along the coast of PB. This event will be vegetarian- friendly and restaurants that offer a vegetarian option will be noted on the ticket map. This year, drink samples have been added at selected locations 4-9 p.m. Tickets are $45 pre-sale/$50 day of. Regular food-only tickets are $35 pre-sale/$40 day of. You can purchase tickets in person at the information booth of the Tuesday Farmers Market from 2-7 p.m. and receive a limited edition Insulated Tote with your purchase. You can also purchase tickets the day of the event at Will Call (PB Shore Club), 4343 Ocean Blvd.

SOCIEDAD DE MÚSICA LJ

Sociedad de Música de La Jolla brings the 2022–23 Winter Season to a close with a series of eclectic and intriguing concerts and events in May and June at The Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave. Events in May: Piano Theatre began as a collaboration to create a concert tour integrating literature, art, music, and multimedia for children. This project, Pianimal, presents piano pieces, theatre, and artwork inspired by animals, with integrated live video projections and artwork to promote arts education. Recommended for ages 5 to 10, this fun event takes place Saturday, May 6 with two shows at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the JIA.

On Saturday, May 6, Mexican-born songstress Magos Herrera and the GRAMMY-nominated string quartet Brooklyn Rider join forces for an unforgettable musical journey, reinterpreting classics from Mexico, Cuba, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, and celebrating such luminaries as Octavio Paz, Federico García Lorca, and Rubén Darío. This concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall.

One of only a handful of conductorless chamber ensembles in the world, the New Century Chamber Orchestra performs beloved masterworks from the chamber orchestra repertoire, commissions important new works, breathes new life into rarely heard jewels of the past, and frequently performs world premieres. With British violinist Daniel Hope as concertmaster and music director, its 19 string players bring you this exciting program, culminating in Max Richter’s modern, ethereal twist on Vivaldi’s beloved “The Four Seasons,” Friday, May 12 in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall.

Love the music of the movies? Mak Grgic is an innovative player who programs music as far-reaching as works from the avant-garde to the great classics of guitar repertoire and early works. This program, “Cinema Verismo,” gives listeners adaptations of music featured in famous films such as “The Deerhunter,” “Raging Bull,” “The Godfather,” “Chariots of Fire,” “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” and many others. Join him in The JAI on Saturday, May 13 for two shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

ROMEO & JULIET

Pacific Beach-based City Ballet of San Diego’s resident choreographer Elizabeth Wistrich created a lavish production based on Shakespeare’s epic tale of “Romeo and Juliet.” In the ballet, two teenagers from warring families meet, fall in love, and rush headlong toward their destiny. The magnificent scenery and costumes evoke Renaissance Italy and Sergei Prokofiev’s lush score, played by the City Ballet Orchestra, brings this classic love story thrillingly to life. Ballet storytelling at its best at Concert Hall, California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido, Saturday, May 6, at 8 p.m., Sunday, May 7, at 2 p.m.

CHINA CENTER DIRECTOR

Victor C. Shih has been appointed as the new director of the 21st Century China Center at the University of California San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy, effective July 1. Shih is a highly regarded scholar with expertise in a broad range of subjects related to China. As director, Shih will oversee the 21st Century China Center, one of the top research centers on China, as it continues to produce academic research and inform policy discussions on China and U.S.-China relations. The center’s mission is to develop and disseminate impactful, evidence-based research about China and to enhance U.S.-China mutual understanding by advancing scholarly collaboration, convening policy discussions and actively communicating with policymakers and the general public. Shih is replacing Susan Shirk, who is stepping down after serving as founding chair of the 21st Century China Center since it was established in 2011. Shirk will continue to be an active member of the center, especially in policy-related areas.

HOMELESSNESS FUNDRAISER

Shoreline Community Services, a nonprofit providing homelessness services in Pacific Beach, is holding a community fundraiser, Black Tie Bingo, on Friday, April 28 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Mission Beach Women’s Club Cottage, 840 Santa Clara Place. This dress-up event features live music, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert table, fine wines and local craft beer, raffle prizes donated by committed community partners and bingo. A few tickets are still available to share in this life-changing program and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/shorelinecs.

RASTREO DE LIBROS SD

Two independent booksellers in La Jolla are among 13 stretching from Coronado to Del Mar participating in the sixth annual San Diego Book Crawl lasting three days starting on Saturday, April 29. The event is being held in conjunction with Independent Bookstore Day. Participating beach area bookstores are UC San Diego Bookstore, 9500 Gilman Drive; and Warwick’s 7812 Girard Ave. The San Diego Book Crawl is an annual event encouraging San Diegans to visit as many of the 13 participating local independent bookstores as possible. Book “crawlers” receive a Book Crawl “Passport” at their first bookstore stop and receive a stamp in that passport when they spend at least $10 at any of the participating stores. The more stamps participants collect, the more prizes they win.

BUB’S BIDS ADIEU

Bub’s at the Beach at 1030 Garnet Ave. has reportedly been sold and is closing its doors permanently after Sunday, April 30, according to NBC 7. Bub’s also gave this shout out on social media: “Thank you for 25 amazing years of celebrations, support and friendship. Twenty-five years in Pacific Beach is coming to an end. Come celebrate with us as we say thank you to PB and everyone who has supported us over the years. We will be closing our doors at the end of the month, so there’s a short window to hit your favorites on Bub’s menu and give some love to our amazing staff. A hell of a lot of memories in Pacific Beach, and the friends and family we’ve made here will never be forgotten.”

CINCO DE MAYO CRUISE

A Cinco de Mayo cruise on Mission Bay will be held on the William D. Evans sternwheeler on Friday, May 5  (8:50 p.m.-12:30 a.m.), departing from the Bahia Resort. Festivities include a cash bar, margarita specials, two DJs spinning music, and dancing. Cost: $60 per person. 21-plus. Reservations required, ticket available at https://bahiaresort.ticketsauce.com/e/cinco-de-mayo-fiesta-cruise-2023/tickets.

SEA LION MOURNED

“Freeway,” the male sea lion known for wandering San Diego, has been euthanized by SeaWorld after contracting a progressive disease in 2022, according to the marine mammal park’s pagina de Facebook. Freeway made headlines in January 2022 when he wandered onto Highway 94. He had also been found by SeaWorld rescue crews at Harbor Island Drive near the airport, the boardwalk in Mission Beach, near a deli in Mission Bay, and on Navy Base Point Loma. He was given the name, Freeway, after the infamous freeway rescue in January of 2022 when he was found miles away from the ocean wandering. In April of 2022, the sea lion was found in a storm drain. Rescuers took him to SeaWorld’s Rescue Center and decided to watch over him until his recent death. “His adventurous spirit won the hearts of San Diegans, and he will be remembered for that and so much more,” SeaWorld said.

RECEPCIÓN DE ARTISTAS

R. B. Stevenson Gallery at 7661 Girard Ave., Suite 101 will present the exhibition “Shelter.” It is a show featuring new paintings by French artist Geoffroy Tobé. The exhibition opens with a reception for the artist Saturday April 29, from 5 to 8 pm. and will remain on view through May 27. The gallery will be open at 1 p.m. for early viewing. Tobé is based out of San Diego. Inspired by French moderns as well as California colorists, Tobé’s paintings explore nostalgia and memories through people, objects and places with solid, almost geometric, compositions and a powerful use of color. He trained in classical studio arts and art direction at Penninghen in Paris, where he also taught for 12 years. Since 2020, he has taught painting and studio arts at UC San Diego.

DRAG BRUNCH

Treat mom like the queen she is at Backyard Kitchen & Tap, 832 Garnet Ave., this Mother’s Day on May 14 when drag superstar Hummingbird Meadows performs “Cher: Throughout the Ages” for a special drag brunch event. Hummingbird performs a seamless tribute to Cher through the decades starting with the ’60s and ’70s at 11:30 a.m., disco and other popular hits at 1:30 p.m., and the more daring rocker Cher at 2:30 p.m. Turn back time and re-live the iconic hits and costumes while enjoying a specialty brunch menu in addition to regular menu favorites from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bottomless mimosas are available for $19.95 per person.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

Cusp Dining & Drinks, the 11th floor restaurant at Hotel La Jolla at 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, will celebrate moms with several specials joining its newly launched brunch menu in honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14, from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. The specials will join the restaurant’s regular a la carte brunch offerings of new American cuisine and creative sunrise cocktails, backed by stunning sky-high views. Early reservations are highly recommended as space is limited. To make a reservation, visit opentable.com. For more information visit cusprestaurant.com.

PB GRAFFITI CLEANUP

Volunteers are needed for the Pacific Beach Town Council’s annual Graffiti Clean Up on Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to noon gathering at Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church, 1675 Garnet Ave. Volunteers will receive training and supplies to clean up graffiti in areas throughout Pacific Beach. Every year, volunteers at this event remove hundreds of graffiti tags and make a positive difference in the community. Community Service hours are available (under 18 must have waiver signed by parent). For more information or to print a waiver, visit pbtowncouncil.org.

FALCK CONTRACT EXTENDED

The San Diego City Council Public Safety Committee unanimously approved a new contract amendment enhancing emergency medical services in the City. The action is the result of ongoing collaboration between Falck Mobile Health and the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department to determine how best to make improvements to EMS for all communities. Once approved by the City Council, the contract amendment will initiate a new collective bargaining agreement with San Diego Association of Prehospital Professionals to provide a 9% retroactive salary increase in 2023 and 4 percent salary increases in 2024 and 2025.The contract amendment is expected to be voted on by the City Council in mid-May.

GIGI’S CHALLENGE

San Diego resident and financial advisor Kelci Wilner has been selected as one of Northwestern Mutual’s 2023 Community Service Award winners. As part of her award, Wilner will present a $15,000 grant to GiGi’s Playhouse on April 29 at 9 a.m. at Crown Point Shores North during the organization’s annual GiGi’s Fit Acceptance Challenge. The challenge that day opens with registration at 8 a.m. followed by a Kids Dash for Down Syndrome at 9:15 a.m. and a walk/run at 9:30 a.m. Each registrant receives a shirt, medal, and, of course, a donut. T-shirts must be picked up at the event or before/after the event at the Playhouse in Pacific Beach. Start a team with your friends, family, or coworkers.

STUDENT CLAIMS RESOLVED

Several former students have resolved their claims regarding the conduct of a now retired La Jolla High School teacher, according to San Diego Unified School District. “Due in part to the efforts of Loxie Gant, one of the claimants in this matter, the district convened a task force in 2018 to review its policies and procedures for handling allegations of sexual assault, which has resulted in changes and improvements that have since been implemented,” said SDUSD communications director Maureen Magee. “The district will continue to review and update these policies annually to remain current and consistent with the latest improvements in best practices and laws. The district respects the courage of the claimants in this matter for speaking out and remains committed to making the safety of its students a top priority.”

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Fiesta Island Dog Owners is asking for volunteers to help out at its booth at the Humane Society annual Walk for Animals on Saturday, May 6 at Liberty Station. Attendees are dog lovers, and a surprising number haven’t heard of FIDO but will want to support it. Signing up new FIDO members regularly is critical – it’s how to maintain a large member database that gives the group clout with city agencies in protecting the park. This huge adoption-focused event is at NTC Park in Liberty Station beginning at 9 a.m.

INTERNATIONAL YACHT RACE

Hosted by the Newport Ocean Sailing Association, the 125-mile Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race sails Friday, April 28 for the 75th time with 140 sailboats. An eclectic mix of serious sailors campaigning with multi-million-dollar yachts will be racing alongside recreational cruisers – from 30 to 85 feet – crossings the start line at 11 a.m. off the Balboa Pier. Skippers hail from nine different states and one from Ontario, Canada, and one from Mexico. Racers will sail on one of two courses – the extended San Diego run around the Coronado Islands and the perennial favorite; the classic course to festive Ensenada. Sailing enthusiasts, friends, and family can watch the action from the end of the pier.

LJ MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCHES

Following a sold-out Easter Brunch, George’s at the Cove  at 1250 Prospect St. is back to offer Mother’s Day Brunch in its Lower Level indoor dining room that still has floor-to-ceiling views of the Pacific. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., executive chef Masa Kojima presents an a la carte menu. Reservations are recommended. George’s Ocean Terrace and Level 2 will also both be open beginning at 11 a.m. and have breakfast items in addition to the normal lunch menu.

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters at 2259 Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores is offering Mother’s Day Brunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with a la carte menu from executive chef Marty Fay. Mimosas will be discounted to $8 and guests can enjoy a free dozen oysters with the purchase of a bottle of champagne. Reservations can be made at sandpipersd.com/reservations.

GO FUND ME

A 31-year-old San Diego man, Dylan Taylor, is in intensive rehabilitation after a devastating accident on a dirt bike on April 1. Taylor was riding in the desert in El Centro when he was thrown from his bike. The tragic accident paralyzed him from the chest down. He was flown to the hospital for immediate life-saving treatment, and was released to a rehabilitation facility a couple of weeks later. A Página GoFundMe has been created for Dylan to support him and his wife with medical bills and ongoing treatment expenses. So far, more than $38,000 has been raised to help him. “The time ahead will be hard in many ways. Taylor is far from his family and support network in Australia. He will not be able to work during recovery and may face long-term paralysis,” reads the GoFundMe. Taylor has refused to let his injury stop him. He is already looking into wheelchair BMX and skiing in his wheelchair when he is further along in his recovery.  To view the GoFundMe, visit https://gf.me/v/c/jwbr/Getting-Dylan-back-to-his-Feet

COMIC-CON ARTIST

Museo Comic-Con in Balboa Park at 2131 Pan American Plaza and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego announced the opening of “Trino’s World” (El Mundo de Trino), an exhibition dedicated to one of the most popular and celebrated cartoonists in Mexico, José Trinidad Camacho, better known as Trino. The cross-border collaboration exhibit opened April 25. The exhibition brings together drawings, watercolors, sketches, and objects from Trino’s personal collection that offer a unique glimpse into the creative universe of the artist, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco in 1961. “Trino’s World” is the first exhibition in a museum in the United States of this Mexican master of humor. The exhibit will be on display through July 5.

HOUSE OF LEBANON

The House of Lebanon San Diego is having an ethnic food fair coming up on May 7. It is one of the newer members of the House of Pacific Relations. Within 34 historic cottages at Balboa Park, a set of countries get a chance to highlight their heritage and foster understanding with weekend open houses. Countries without a cottage, like Lebanon, can host in the shared space in the Hall of Nations on a rotating basis. The group’s major goal is to have a cottage all their own where the Lebanese community can display, promote and share their history and culture with the community. It is their biggest mission and it might be a lengthy process, but they are determined. Nine new cottages were added in 2021.

SDUSD GOES ELECTRIC

On April 25, Climate Action Campaign and a diverse coalition of students, parents, faculty, and climate and justice advocates gathered to support SDUSD’s resolution to phase out fossil fuels from all district infrastructure including all buildings and bus fleets, prioritizing investments in communities of concern. The resolution will phase out all fossil fuels from the district by: requiring all new buildings to be constructed all-electric; retrofit existing buildings to be all-electric by replacing gas appliances and systems at the end of their useful life with all-electric alternatives; procure 100% clean energy by the end of 2024 through San Diego Community Power’s Power100 program.
As the second largest school district in the state, SDUSD’s commitment to all-electric infrastructure debunks the myths that it cannot be done for other school districts, jurisdictions, and the whole region. SDUSD has demonstrated its commitment to being at the forefront of the climate and justice movement, and to protecting the well-being of its students and faculty over gas industry profits. This resolution comes at a critical time when the dangers of methane gas in buildings are of national concern. Burning gas for appliances, indoor air pollution can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, exposing students, teachers, and staff to a range of serious health risks, including asthma and cancer.

CHARITY ART AUCTION

In conjunction with Mission Fed ArtWalk in Little Italy, an online charity art auction is being held to support free visual arts education programs for San Diego youth. The auction includes 10 bicycles, 25 helmets, 25 bells, and 10 baskets, all painted by local artists. Auction sponsors will be at ArtWalk this weekend, in a large 20 by 20 booth in the Piazza della Famiglia to showcase all of the custom art. The online auction closes automatically at 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 30. Visit charityauction.bid/artreachauction.

NORTH PARK MUSIC FEST

North Park Main Street is thrilled to announce the return of the Second Annual North Park Music Fest. This year’s event will take place on May 27-28. The festival will feature live art, interactive experiences, craft beer, craft cocktails, and of course, live music. This two-day event is for all ages and will offer much more than a typical street fair experience. The festival will feature an elevated music lineup and will take place on Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets for the North Park Music Fest are now available for purchase. Entry to the event is $45 for a one-day ticket or $60 for a two-day ticket. Tickets can be purchased at northparkmusicfest.org.

NEW GASLAMP EATERY

Grab a towel and leave your baggage at the door. Recently opened Kimpton Alma San Diego welcomes its newest dining destination, Leave of Absence, in the Gaslamp Quarter. Spearheaded by the acclaimed Los Angeles-based chef-restaurateur Jason Neroni, Leave of Absence is located on the pool deck of the hotel and features a menu of craveable finger-foods straight out of their stone, wood-fired oven. In addition to being a lively, poolside restaurant and hangout, Leave of Absence will also serve as a venue for live musical performances, DJ sets, workout classes and more. To celebrate the opening of Leave of Absence a concert will be held on Thursday, May 4 at 8 p.m., featuring The Aces. The annual concert series is part of Kimpton’s commitment to “events for good” and all ticket proceeds will be donated to community nonprofit partners, including National Urban League. Tickets are $30 and available via EventBrite.

FATHER JOE’S THRIFT

Father Joe’s Villages launched a new online thrift store April 24, expanding its retail operations from the brick-and-mortar stores. The store will sell gently used clothing, jewelry, entertainment, household goods, accessories, electronics, and other items donated by supporters, with all the revenue going towards transforming the lives of homeless individuals and families. All retail sales raise funds for the organization’s critical programs and services.

PRIDE HEADLINERS

San Diego Pride announced the headliners of the 2023 Pride Festival: groundbreaking LGBTQ+ artists Princess Nokia and Saucy Santana. San Diego Pride Week will be packed with events leading up to the Pride Festival, which will be held in Balboa Park July 15-16. Tickets for the Festival are available here. El San Diego Pride Parade, taking place July 15, is free and open to the public and annually attracts over 250,000 people from all over the world.

VERIZON UPGRADES NETWORK

Verizon has recently made major upgrades to the network serving customers in San Diego. These technology upgrades are part of a multi-year redesign of its network architecture to stay ahead of exponential data usage increases and to pave the way for personalized customer experiences. Network upgrades in San Diego include deploying new cell sites to extend coverage and capacity in local communities. They also include adding more capacity on fiber optic cables to move more data through the network and adding bandwidth to the cellular network to accommodate new services like wireless internet service for homes and businesses.

NEW HIRE

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, the nation’s first and only law firm with offices in all 50 states, welcomes E. Todd Trumper as a partner in the firm’s San Diego office. He joins the Employment Law practice group. Trumper has experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in business, corporate, and employment matters in complex litigation, multidistrict class actions, and negotiating multimillion-dollar deals.

NEW PROSTATE PROCEDURE

UC San Diego Health is the first health system in San Diego County to offer a new minimally invasive prostate biopsy procedure that reduces the risk of infection, improves imaging for accuracy and may increase cancer detection in a clinic setting. Called a transperineal biopsy, the procedure is combined with 3D MRI fusion guided technology to highlight prostate cancer. It is the latest urological cancer diagnostic tool to be added to an extensive list of innovative resources used for diagnosing cancer at UC San Diego Health.

“Prostate cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in men worldwide,” said Juan Javier-DesLoges, MD, assistant professor of urology at University of California School of Medicine and urologic oncologist at UC San Diego Health. “The main driver for moving to transperineal biopsies is to reduce infection complications to almost zero. Also, we can now do the transperineal biopsy in the clinic under local anesthesia versus the operating room.”

SEAWORLD MILITARY SUPPORT

SeaWorld San Diego at 500 Sea World Drive is showing its appreciation for those who have served in the military by offering free tickets for U.S. military veterans and up to three friends or family members. You can also purchase up to six additional tickets for 50% off. Get your tickets by verifying your military status through GovX.com . All tickets must be used by May 29.

PAGSRINCE ST. PIZZA EXTENDS HOURS

Prince St. Pizza, 415 Market St., San Diego’s newest pizzeria, has extended its hours to be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Now San Diegans can eat Prince St. Pizza’s SoHo Squares and original Neapolitan pies after hitting the downtown club scene, for a post-Padres game pie or when a late-night craving calls.

SUNSET CLIFFS IN BLOOM

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park overlooking Garbage Beach (right) is blooming with yellow, red, and purple flowers with a lot of green in between this spring after a wet winter. (Photo by Thomas Melville)

PLHS HALL OF FAME

Nominations will open May 20 for the Point Loma High School Hall of Fame 2023 and the deadline for nomination packets to be received by the school’s HOF Committee is June 20. The deadline for statements of support for nominated candidates is July 30. New inductees will be honored at a gala event this fall. Candidates shall be nominated based on exemplary achievement that brings positive recognition and/or honor to Point Loma High School. Achievements should be objective and verifiable, not based on opinion, popularity, sympathy, or financial contributions alone.

Candidates must have graduated from PLHS at least 10 years ago and shall have made significant achievements in academics, athletics, arts/entertainment, professional/military, philanthropy/humanitarian or science/medicine. Special recognition categories may be considered for Good Samaritans and former staff (alive or posthumous). For more information about PLHS Alumni, visit plhsalumni.org.

ERYKAH BADU CONCERT

Erykah Badu, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and performance artist, is hitting the road on her nationwide “Unfollow Me” tour, and coming to San Diego at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., on June 15. Accompanying her will be one of hip-hop’s most introspective and insightful artists, Yasiin Bey. Tickets went on sale Thursday, April 20, at unfollowmetour.com.

LUMINOSITY PROGRESSING

On April 13, Luminosity drone show co-chairs, Tricia Gaut and Mike James, met with representatives from Skyworx Drone Shows, San Diego City Lifeguards and Special Events and Filming with the City of San Diego. The meeting, one of the first of many hurdles in the long process to bring a Fourth of July drone show to Ocean Beach, laid the groundwork on determining the best location to stage the show that would meet the requirements of both Skyworx and the City. Once permits have been issued, more details will be revealed. None of this would be possible without the expertise of Gaut, whose years with the Gaslamp Quarter Association have proven invaluable in navigating through the bureaucratic system.

CINCO DE MAYO AT WINSTONS

On May 5, legendary guitarist Javier Batiz from Tijuana, Mexico, who inspired Carlos Santana, will make a rare appearance in the United States at Winstons, 1921 Bacon St. in Ocean Beach starting at 7 p.m. Also appearing will be SM Familia, one of San Diego’s premier Roots Reggae bands, playing a unique blend of latin, reggae and cumbia music. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to Luminosity for their Independence Day drone show in partnership with Peninsula Alliance, a nonprofit.

JOINT MEETING

On Thursday, May 18, both Point Loma High and the Ocean Beach Historical Society are having a joint meeting to celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of Point Loma High School. The alums have once again chosen to induct three individuals to the Point Loma High Hall of Fame. One inductee is professor emeritus A. Lee Brown, Jr., Ph.D., who will be giving a powerpoint presentation about the themes of his book on OB titled “Cradle of Bitchin.” The public is invited and the venue is the Water’s Edge Community Center at 1986 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. The event starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit plhsalumni.wixsite.com/fame.

RASTREO DE LIBROS SD

Two independent booksellers in Point Loma and two in La Jolla are among 13 stretching from Coronado to Del Mar participating in the Sixth Annual San Diego Book Crawl lasting three days starting on Saturday, April 29. The event is being held in conjunction with Independent Bookstore Day.

Participating beach area bookstores are: La Playa Books at 1026 Rosecrans St.; Mysterious Galaxy at 3555 Rosecrans St., Suite 107; UC San Diego Bookstore, 9500 Gilman Drive; and Warwick’s 7812 Girard Ave. The San Diego Book Crawl is an annual event encouraging San Diegans to visit as many of the 13 participating local independent bookstores as possible. Book “crawlers” receive a Book Crawl “Passport” at their first bookstore stop and receive a stamp in that passport when they spend at least $10 at any of the participating stores. The more stamps participants collect, the more prizes they win.

“It’s hard not to be inspired by the breadth and diversity of San Diego’s independent bookstores and the amazing community of book crawlers who support them,” said Scott Ehrig-Burgess, manager of the Library Shop and public engagement manager for Library Foundation SD. “For book nerds, this is Super Bowl weekend.” For more information, visit libraryfoundationsd.org.

PORT PARKING REGULATIONS

The Port of San Diego is amending its parking regulations to be consistent throughout the jurisdiction of the port and to address rising complaints from the community about an influx of oversized vehicles, including various sizes of recreational vehicles and vans. The port’s regulations, which formerly applied only to Shelter Island, will be extended throughout all port parking areas along San Diego Bay. The updates are designed to preserve and expand public access by addressing accessibility, public health, safety, and visual impacts. The changes are expected to go into effect on May 12. Once the regulations are in effect, new signs and some parking space stripes and markings will be installed in affected areas. Key amendments to the oversized vehicle parking regulations include:

• Updating the definition of oversized vehicles and expanding regulations from Shelter Island in San Diego to all of tidelands.
• Prohibiting oversized vehicles greater than 20-feet long or 7-feet wide or 7.5-feet tall from standing, stopping or parking on Port tidelands where posted, except in designated oversized vehicle parking spaces, with some exceptions for commercial and service vehicles.
• Converting 17 oversized vehicle parking spaces within Shoreline Park to regular parking spaces due to access, placement, and maintenance issues. The use of these spaces has resulted in significant damage to landscaping and curbs.
• Preserving the 10 oversized vehicle parking spaces on Shelter Island Drive.
• Preserving the designated parking for vehicles with attached boat trailers at all Port boat launch facilities.
• Adjusting time limitations on parking in various areas.

NEIL SIMON PLAY

Don’t miss the last play by Neil Simon, “Rose & Walsh,” which is being performed at Point Loma Playhouse, 3035 Talbot St., May 19-June 4. Presented by Point Loma Playhouse and directed by Jerry Pilato, Rose and Walsh is a romantic comedy portraying two great literary figures and their enduring love. Rose, a celebrated but near-penniless author, receives nightly visits from Walsh, the love of her life and a famous writer himself. Then an extraordinary proposal promises to change everything. Starring Connie Terwilliger as Rose, Lee Price as Walsh, Ruth Russell as Arlene and Raymond Evans as Gavi. Show dates: May 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, June 2, 3, 4. Show times: Fridays 8 p.m., Saturdays 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m., doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Tickets: $22 ($18 for groups of 6 or more).

ROSE CREEK CLEANUP

Nonprofit environmental support group Friends of Rose Creek in Pacific Beach has 100 volunteers coming out to Rose Creek on Saturday, April 22 on Earth Day from 9 a.m. until noon for this year’s Creek to Bay Cleanup. Join the Friends of Rose Creek and partners, We Clean Trails, to pull trash out of Rose Creek. Meet at Mission Bay High School, the faculty parking lot at the east end of campus overlooking the creek. Details at saverosecreek.org/events/creek-to-bay-cleanup-2023/.

FIVE FIFTY FIFTY RUN/WALK SERIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH 5K

The 6th Annual Five Fifty Fifty Run/Walk for Mental Health series will take place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 23 at Crown Point Park to support the AB Korkor Foundation’s mission to make the world a better place for those suffering from mental health illnesses. The race is expected to draw over 100 participants to Crown Point Park and over 3,000 participants nationwide. The funds raised from this event will be used to increase awareness of mental health illnesses, reduce the stigma of mental health, address the shortage of affordable mental care, promote the importance of physical exercise and emotional wellness in maintaining mental health, fund research and support underserved communities. https://adelbkorkorfoundation.org/five-fifty-fifty-run-walk-series-for-mental-health/

PADRES BLOOD DRIVE

San Diego Blood Bank and the San Diego Padres have announced the date for the seventh annual Summer Blood Drive. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 31 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Petco Park’s Gallagher Square. All donors will receive a limited-edition Padres Summer Blood Drive T-shirt, access to free parking in the Lexus Premier Parking Lot (subject to availability), and access to two complimentary tickets to the June 7 game against the Seattle Mariners (while supplies last). Since 2017, more than 2,698 pints of blood have gone out to support thousands of patients in Southern California hospitals. To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in general good health. Appointments will be honored first, walk-ins welcome. Eligible blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at sandiegobloodbank.org/Padres or by calling 619-400-8251.

LUNG ASSOCIATION REPORT

The American Lung Association’s 24th annual “State of the Air” report highlights that despite decades of strong progress in cleaning the air, Californians still face the most difficult air pollution challenges in the nation. More than 98 percent of Californians live in a community earning a failing grade for unhealthy ozone pollution days, unhealthy particle pollution days and/or unhealthful annual particle pollution levels. More than 4 in 10 Californians live in an area with failing grades for each pollutant. “Local and state actions have driven real progress in California, but there is much work to be done to ensure every Californian has clean, healthy air to breathe,” said Mariela Ruacho, clean air advocacy manager for the ALA. “Even one poor air quality day is one too many for children, older adults, people with chronic illness, lower-income residents and people of color. Policymakers at the local, state and federal levels must act to ensure that everyone has clean air to breathe, and no community is left behind.”

HOMELESSNESS FUNDRAISER

Shoreline Community Services, a nonprofit providing homelessness services in Pacific Beach, is holding a community fundraiser, Black Tie Bingo, on Friday, April 28 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Mission Beach Women’s Club Cottage, 840 Santa Clara Place. This dress-up event features live music, delicious hors d’oeuvres and dessert table, fine wines and local craft beer, raffle prizes donated by committed community partners and of course – bingo. A few tickets are still available to share in this life-changing program and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/shorelinecs.

Providing meaningful employment opportunities for residents living on the streets in the Central Beach Area is arriving just in time for summer, as the newest innovative program offered by SCS, the Community Care Crew Program, which is being launched to ensure unsheltered neighbors get access to transitional or permanent housing. A committed partner, the Lucky Duck Foundation, is matching all donations toward the Community Care Crew up to $60,000 through the end of April, to maximize the direct impact of this workforce program.

INTERNATIONAL STOKE CONFERENCE

San Diego State University is hosting the second International Stoke Sessions Conference on Surfing and Skateboarding, with Tony and Steve Hawk, Dian Hadiani, and Selema Masekela among the keynote speakers at this year’s conference. Author Dian Hadiani will speak on Friday, April 21, at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk and his brother, former editor of Surfer Magazine Steve Hawk, will give the first keynote address on Thursday, April 20, from 6-7:30 p.m. in Montezuma Hall of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. Host, musician, activist, and action sports evangelist Selema Masekela will be in conversation with scholar Neftalie Williams to discuss diversity and inclusion in surfing on Saturday, April, 22, from 5:30-6:30 p.m, in the Student Union Theatre of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. The Stoke Sessions is free and open to the public and is a conference designed to bring together scholars from all backgrounds and disciplines – humanities, social and natural sciences, cultural studies, ethnic studies, Indigenous studies, sports studies, etc. in a comprehensive examination of surfing and skateboarding. Additional details on the program are disponible en linea.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FUNDING

On April 15 Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Vivian Moreno, and a 12-stakeholder coalition held a press conference to rally community support for a $44 million funding opportunity to fund climate-resilient projects in San Diego’s Historic Barrios – Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Stockton, Grant Hill, Sherman, Southcrest and Shelltown. This opportunity includes a potential $29.5 million from the state’s Transformative Climate Communities Program, and $14.75 million in additional matching funds from municipal and private sources.

The state grant and matching funds could be used to develop a Community Land Trust to secure land, create housing opportunities, keep families in their homes and slow gentrification. Other potential projects include community-wide home improvements such as solar, planting 800 trees to reduce pollution and more frequent transit stops. This unprecedented coalition is calling on residents from the Historic Barrios to join its upcoming workshop on June 17, or fill out its survey (bit.ly/Hist-Barrios-Survey) to help decide how the millions should be spent on parks, housing, and transportation projects. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/HistoricBarriosApp.

SEAWORLD SPECIAL

Guests at SeaWorld San Diego who purchase a limited time ‘Eat Free’ Any Day Ticket now through April 23 will receive free All-Day Dining at no additional cost. All-Day Dining includes an entrée, a drink, and a side or dessert every 90 minutes at participating park restaurants. Guests can enjoy a variety of delicious offerings, included but not limited to personal pizza at Manta Pizza, Quesa Birria tacos at Hibisco Modern Mexican, barbeque chicken at Calypso Bay Smokehouse, an Impossible burger at Explorer’s Café, funnel cake at Chicken Snack Shack, and so much more. All-Day Dining is not valid for water bottles or alcoholic beverages. To learn more, visit seaworld.com/san-diego/tickets/special-offers/.

SENIORS LIVING ALONE

A total of 21.8% of San Diego seniors live alone. Globally, living within an extended family household is the most common arrangement for seniors and older individuals. But in the United States, older people are actually more likely to live alone or with a partner than with their own adult children, grandchildren, or other relatives. According to a Pew Research Center study, 27% of U.S. adults age 60 and older live alone. Comparatively, within all 130 countries and territories included in the study, an average of only 16% of adults over 60 live alone.

Living alone has its perks, as it allows seniors to maintain their independence and live out their golden years where they feel most comfortable. But living alone also presents inherent challenges, including a higher risk of injury, loneliness, and malnutrition. As one ages, the risks can become more pronounced, especially the risk of falling. Deficits in balance, cognition, vision, and strength, as well as the use of multiple medications are just some of the factors that predispose seniors to increased fall risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults age 65 and older, with one out of every five falls causing an injury.

AUTO SHOW RETURNS
Returning to the shores of La Jolla, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance celebrates its 17th year of automotive excellence Friday, April 21, Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23. Earning a reputation as one of the finest internationally renowned classic automobile showcases in the US, the La Jolla Concours continues to attract discerning car enthusiasts from around the globe for a weekend of prestigious events. The honored marque in 2023 has been awarded to Duesenberg – a marque automotive historians over the years have deemed a synonym for scientific pioneering, style, and opulence. Duesenberg is rightly considered one of America’s, and the world’s, most remarkable automotive marques. La Jolla Concours D’Elegance takes place at Ellen Browning Scripps Park at 1100 Coast Blvd. For more information about the La Jolla Concours and to purchase tickets, visit lajollaconcours.com.

OLD TOWN CINCO DE MAYO

The Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants: Casa Guadalajara, Casa de Pico and Casa de Bandini have live mariachi music, folkloric dancers, authentic Mexican cuisine, frothy margaritas and tequila specials. Offerings and entertainment vary by location www.casaguadalajara.com. Casa Guadalajara will be celebrating on Friday, May 5 in Old Town. The festivities will include live entertainment such as mariachis, Ballet Folklorico dancers, food and drink specials, giveaways, street vendors and more.

FLOWERS ON MOTHER’S DAY

Los campos de flores en Carlsbad Ranch has its Mother’s Day programming set for Sunday, May 14. Día de la Madre marks the final day of the 2023 “Live Colorfully” season and what better way to celebrate than by walking the fields of ranunculus spanning every color of the rainbow with mom. Additional activities over the weekend include performances featuring the colorful dancing of the Rancho Buena Vista High School’s Ballet Folklorico; Picnic & Flowers: San Diego favorite, Pop Up Picnic Co has partnered with The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch to create the quintessential springtime experience: a luxury picnic atop fields of millions of blooming ranunculus.

RECUERDO DEL HOLOCAUSTO

More than 300 people gathered April 16 at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center to mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event was hosted by Jewish Federation of San Diego and included a video honoring 70 years of Holocaust survivors in San Diego. A panel discussion featured a Holocaust survivor and second-generation family members sharing how they created new lives in the community. Holocaust Remembrance Day, aka Yom HaShoah in Hebrew, is a day to remember the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust by the Nazi’s during World War II. The remembrance pays tribute to those who survived, and is intended to teach future generations, so it never happens again. Federation’s mantra is “Never Forget and Never Again.” The program highlighted how the Holocaust survivor community has influenced San Diego and the Jewish community over the past 70 years.

MARITIME MUSEUM REDEVELOPMENT

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has voted to advance a redevelopment project proposed by the Maritime Museum Association of San Diego (Maritime Museum) to the environmental review phase. The Maritime Museum is seeking to redevelop its entire premises on the North Embarcadero with new facilities housed in a two-story, approximately 14,000-square-foot structure with plans to include galleries, an educational theater, a café for ticketholders and the public, a museum store, public access terraces, a dock and dine for recreational boaters, administrative offices, and back-of-house functions.

“The Maritime Museum, with historic ships including the Star of India, San Salvador, HMS Surprise, and others, is already an iconic cultural attraction on our San Diego Bay waterfront,” said chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “If approved and constructed in the future, this project seeks to greatly enhance the area and bring even more people to our North Embarcadero where there are already so many fun and interesting things to see, do, and experience.”

CINCO HAPPY HOUR

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters, located at 2259 Avenida de la Playa, is celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 5 with all-day happy hour pricing on select menu items. The specials include $4 Baja Fish Tacos, $10 Ceviche Tostadas, $10 Perfect Margaritas, and $5 Calidad Mexican-Style Lagers on extra-cold draft. sandpipersd.com.

STUDENT BOARD COMPENSATION

In a move supported and sponsored by the San Diego Unified School District, student board member representatives throughout the state are one step closer to being eligible to receive paid compensation for serving on district or county school boards. AB 275, introduced in January by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-78th Dist.), was unanimously passed on the Assembly Floor 67-0 on April 10 and now moves to the Senate. The bill would authorize a school district or county board of education to award a student board member financial compensation, elective course credit, or both. Currently, student board members in California are prohibited from receiving financial compensation for their service. Of the more than 420 school districts serving high school students in California, more than 270 have one or more student members on their school board. “Our district thrives when it recognizes students as leaders, and engages in shared decision-making with them,” Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson said. “Student board members deserve more than just praise. They deserve compensation for their work.”

MOPA YOUTH SUBMITALS

Young artists are invited to submit their artwork for the opportunity to be featured in the Museum of Photographic Arts’ 17th Annual Youth Exhibition. Students ages four to 18 are encouraged to submit their artwork in line with this year’s theme of “Exploration.” Artwork can be submitted through various mediums such as digital photography, film photography, cell phone photography, photo collage, photo edited with Photoshop or another app, polaroid, cyanotype/sun print, mixed media, three dimensional. All submissions must be original artwork created by the student artist within the 2022-23 school year.

The Youth Exhibition program returns for its 17th year of highlighting the unique, creative vision of the young artists. MOPA encourages students to be imaginative in their interpretation of the theme. Exploration can take many forms — from venturing into the unknown to discovering answers to questions we never knew existed — MOPA welcomes all creative portrayals of the theme. Submissions are due on May 8 at midnight. For more information visit Youth Exhibition 2021.

BECAS CAF

The Challenged Athletes Foundation is thrilled to announce its largest grant distribution, providing life-changing access to sports and physical activity through 3,996 grants valued at more than $7 million. CAF is a world leader in the adaptive sports movement and has supported thousands of athletes with physical challenges, empowering their lives through sport. Since 1994, CAF has committed to positively impacting athletes at all experience levels through its global Grant Program, which provides financial resources for items rarely covered by medical insurance, such as running prosthetics, adaptive sports equipment, and expenses related to competition travel, training, and coaching. This year, CAF’s grant distribution reached athletes ranging in age from 2 to 88, those living in 50 states and 39 countries, and spanning 101 different sports and activities, including, but not limited to, wheelchair basketball, surfing, adaptive fitness training, cycling, wheelchair rugby, Alpine and Nordic skiing, sled hockey, and outdoor recreation.“We believe sport has the power to change lives and that’s why we are committed to helping overcome the barriers to access by providing support for equipment, travel and competition expenses to athletes of all abilities across 101 sports,” said Kristine Entwistle, CAF chief executive director. “Each year, we are creating a continuum of support and expanding our efforts to engage new athletes and build community on a global scale.”

SIERRA CLUB CLEANUP & SEALS

The pupping season is here for the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions and Sierra Club is sponsoring an Earth Day clean up at Scripps Park Saturday, April 22 starting at 9 a.m. Arrive early for the best public parking spots. Guided walking tours will be a noon and 1 p.m.

HAVANA GOOD TIME

Club de coco de Miss B, a Pacific Beach favorite at 3704 Mission Blvd., is celebrating its seventh anniversary Thursday, April 20 with a “Havana Good Time” theme and special hours. The brunch menu will be available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., featuring favorites like Coconut Rum French Toast, Lechon Asado Hash, and Acai Granola Bowls, before closing for the afternoon. Miss B’s will reopen to the public at 7 p.m. and offer $5 drink specials on some of its iconic cocktails.

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES SLOMO

About 75 skaters, skateboarders, and walkers joined Slomo (right) on the boardwalk to celebrate the Pacific Beach rollerblading icon’s 80^el birthday on Saturday, April 8. The revelers, some dressed in blue shirts and white bucket hats as an homage, cheered on and skated behind Slomo – copying his famous arms stretched out and one foot in the air gliding pose – as they rolled south down the promenade. Slomo, aka John Kitchin, a retired neurologist who has skated the boardwalk from Pacific Beach to Mission Beach and back for more than 20 years, says skating allows him to reach ‘the zone,’ a meditative state. The next time you’re on the boardwalk, be sure to wish a happy birthday to the good doctor. (Photo by Thomas Melville)

SURF ART INSTALLATION

Muralist Rob Tobin is expected to begin installing a surfboard art mural on Pacific Beach Recreation Center starting this week. “We are having the walls x-rayed to specifically determine location of rebar in the concrete walls,” said Brian Curry of Fitness West, who has been spearheading the art project for the past four years. “Then Rob can start bolting the tiled mosaic boards to the walls (north and south side). Rob and a contractor will be doing the installation. We have an 80 feet high lift rented for the next week to handle the x-ray and installation.

Known as the Pacific Beach Community Surf Garden, the project involving 64 donated tiled surfboards and some 150 volunteers was conducted for several weeks during volunteer workshops at the rec center at 1405 Diamond St. next to PBMS. There are five tax-deductible sponsorship levels for surf tile donors ranging from $50 to $5,000. The more someone donates, the bigger the personal tile they will be entitled to. The art project was estimated initially to cost about $50,000.

PB BEACH CLEANUP

On Thursday, April 20, Buceo de pato is holding its annual PB Beach Cleanup. The cleanup begins at 11 a.m. with $5 cocktail specials featuring locally crafted Humboldt Distillery and Ilegal Mezcal. Following the morning of cleaning up and beautifying the beach, participants will receive free hot dogs and tasty beer at Duck Dive at 1 p.m. No need to register or sign-up ahead of time, simply show up and Duck Dive will have all the necessary supplies.

PB CASINO NIGHT & AWARDS

Discover Pacific Beach thanks those who participated in the Casino Night Annual Dinner and Awards on March 23 at The Catamaran Resort and Spa. Award winners were:

Outstanding Volunteer – Lisa Gossmann, Catamaran Resort and Spa.

Community Partner – Katie Matchett, Beautiful PB.

Mike Duran Award for Community Spirit – Billy Ramirez, PB Shore Club and Fish Shop.

Community Patron – Krista Marcheschi and John Anderson, Mavericks Beach Club.

Best New Business – PB Ice Cream Co.

Design and Improvement – Kitchens for Good Shop.

Heart of PB – TapRoom.

PASEO DE RESTAURANTES PB

Discover the best eats in Pacific Beach at the Coast of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk on Wednesday, May 17 from 4-9 p.m. All food is included at this popular annual event that will offer a variety of food choices at local restaurants west of Dawes in Pacific Beach. It is a self-guided restaurant stroll. This event will be vegetarian-friendly and restaurants that offer a vegetarian option will be noted on the ticket map.

ATHENAEUM JURIED EXHIBITION

Local artists are encouraged to enter work for juror consideration for the Athenaeum’s 31st Annual Juried Exhibition, one of the most prestigious juried shows in San Diego. Selected artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the galleries for eight weeks and mingle with artists and art lovers at the opening reception. The deadline to enter is Friday, June 16 by 11:59 p.m. An opening reception will be held on Friday, July 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., where the first, second, third, and Leslie Von Kolb Memorial Award winners will be announced. This year’s juror is Isabel Casso, assistant curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

Criteria: Artists: Must live, work, or exhibit within San Diego County or Tijuana, Mexico. Maximum three works/digital images per artist (jpegs, no larger than 2 MB each). Media: 2-D and 3-D media (no functional or craft art) or video. 2-D work must be ready-to-hang and may not exceed 60 inches width or height, framed. 3-D work may not exceed 8 feet high. Date: Pieces must have been completed within the past five years. Fee per artist: $15 for Athenaeum members; $20 for nonmembers. Payment must be submitted online. The entry fee is per artist, not per artwork.

VUELVE EL DÍA DE MAMÁ

Mama’s Day will take place on Thursday, May 4 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine at 3777 La Jolla Village Drive. For 32 years, Mama’s Day brings together more than 300 attendees for an elegant evening of fun, food, friends, and fundraising for local nonprofit Mama’s Kitchen. For the first time, Mama’s Kitchen will be holding the event a week earlier as Mother’s Day weekend can be challenging for participating restaurants, especially those that have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Often touted as San Diego’s original tasting event, this year’s Mama’s Day will feature more than 20 food purveyors offering delicious bites from San Diego’s finest restaurants, catering companies, and hotels.

Proceeds from the event raise critical funds for La cocina de mamá mission to deliver three medically tailored nutritional meals a day, seven days a week, free of charge to local women, men, and children vulnerable to hunger due to HIV, cancer, or other critical illnesses, including congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Tickets can be purchased at mamaskitchen.org. This year are drink samples at selected locations, tickets are $45 pre-sale/ $50 day of. Regular food only tickets are $35 pre-sale/ $40 day of. Will call will be day of event outside of PB Shore Club. Purchase tickets in person at the information booth of the Tuesday Farmers’ Market in PB from 2-7 p.m. and receive a limited edition Insulated Tote with your purchase, or day of the event at will call (PB Shore Club).

BOOK SIGNING & DISCUSSION

Book discussion and signing: “Solomonic Justice: How the Israeli Supreme Court Became a Beacon of Justice in the Middle East” by La Jolla resident Joel D. Joseph. Joseph will host the event Sunday, May 14 from 5-7 p.m. at Hillel, 9009 La Jolla Scenic Drive North. Celebrating Israel’s 75th birthday and publication of Solomonic Justice, the book explains why Israelis are participating in massive protests to protect the integrity of the Israeli Supreme Court. The book weaves a history of Israel’s legal system and how it has developed into the champion of basic rights in this fledgling democracy.

CONCERT AT WOMAN’S CLUB

This Sunday, April 16, at 4 p.m. Le Salon de Musiques invites you to a luminous celebration, with three genius composers, at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. Introduced by musicologist Kristi Brown-Montesano, the program features three masterpieces by Mozart, Haendel, and Onslow. After the concert, a Q&A is organized between the musicians and the audience, followed by a high tea buffet with Champagne, catered by The French Gourmet. Limited seating. To buy tickets, and to read about the season’s program and schedule, visit LeSalondeMusiques.com or call 310-498 0257.

SUMMER RACING SEASON

The summer racing season at Del Mar Racetrack will run from Opening Day on Friday, July 21 to Sunday, Sept. 10. Opening Day will feature 10 races, the Opening Day Hats Contest, and all the fanfare that makes it an unofficial San Diego holiday. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. with the first race at 2 p.m. In addition to world-class racing, the 2023 summer racing season features a lineup of trackside events including the Del Mar Beer Fest (July 22), Taste of New Orleans (Aug. 5), Tacos and Tequila (Aug. 26) and more. Tickets for the summer racing season go on sale Friday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at dmtc.com.

ESPECTÁCULO DE JARDÍN EN CASA

Now in its 38th year, the Spring Home/Garden Show returns to Del Mar Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 30 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. There will be demonstrations, hundreds of home-improvement products and services exhibitors, plant sales, and face-to-face consultations with top experts—all with the convenience of one-stop shopping for everything pertaining to home and garden, inside and outside. For more information, visit springhomegardenshow.com.

SD BEER WEEKEND

The second-annual SD Beer Weekend presented by the San Diego Brewers Guild will take place Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 11. Limited-edition commemorative pint glasses featuring San Diego-themed artwork will be sold at participating breweries to highlight the festivities. Breweries throughout San Diego County will hold events and offer to-be-determined beer specials that are served in the pint glasses. Participating breweries includes Vista’s Eppig Brewing, Carmel Mountain’s Compañía de cerveza de segunda oportunidad, North Park’s The Original 40 Brewing Company, y Chula Vista Brewery. For the full list of participating breweries, visit sdbeer.com/sdbeerweekend.

DOGS NEED FOSTERING

During what is typically referred to as the “slow season” for adult shelter dogs, San Diego Humane Society has a record number of dogs in care and is launching a new incentive to encourage the community to help out. San Diego Humane Society is offering a $100 gift card to volunteers who foster a dog weighing 50 pounds or more for two weeks. The new incentive was created to get 50 dogs into foster homes and comes after the organization set a record on March 24, with 620 dogs in care, breaking its previous record of 606 dogs on Dec. 20, 2022. As of today, San Diego Humane Society has 547 dogs in care. 462 dogs are housed at their campuses, putting the organization at 132% capacity, and 85 dogs are in foster care. While the organization is working tirelessly to place dogs in foster homes, even more fosters are needed to care for the high number of dogs in care. Large dogs are more difficult to place in foster homes, which is why the incentive focuses on this specific population. To qualify for the $100 gift card, foster volunteers must sign up in advance to attend trainings, pick up a dog from a pre-selected list, bring them home immediately after completing the training, and care for the dog for at least two weeks.

RENEWABLE DIESEL AT AIRPORT

The first shipment of renewable diesel has arrived at San Diego International Airport. Renewable diesel can reduce emissions by up to 75 percent or more compared to petroleum diesel. The sustainable fuel is now being used in all diesel-powered airside (non-road) vehicles and equipment, such as baggage tugs, belt loaders, and firefighting vehicles. Approximately 30 percent of all airside vehicles and equipment at SAN are now “alternative fuel” because of the switch from petroleum diesel to renewable diesel.

“San Diego International Airport is thrilled to begin using renewable diesel to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint, improve local air quality, and help meet our sustainability goals. We thank our airlines for their cooperation and partnership during this process,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Renewable diesel is a sustainable fuel made from vegetable oil, animal fats, and agricultural waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. It is chemically identical to fossil fuel-derived diesel, and considered a “drop-in” fuel, meaning no modifications are needed for its storage or to use it in diesel engines.

BELMONT PARK JOBAPALOOZA

Parque Belmont will hold its second annual park-wide hiring festival Jobapalooza on Friday, April 28 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The largest hiring fair in Mission Beach, this event will connect job seekers with local employers from a variety of industries, including hospitality, service, ride operators and more. Belmont Park tenants will have tables/booths setup along the Adrenaline Alley/Food Court area and interviews will be conducted at Coaster Terrace. Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet with employers, learn about available positions, and submit resumes and applications on-site. All interviewees are asked to bring their resume, IDs and any references. Some of this year’s hiring businesses include Beach House, Cannonball, Draft, Plunge Pool, Seun Diego, Lakehouse Hotel, and more.

KING TUT

Time is running out to visit this year’s exhibition “Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience,” created in partnership with the National Geographic Society, as the exhibition at the Wyland Center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is set to close on May 7. This one-of-a-kind immersive experience, which opened Jan. 27, tells the story of the boy king and the tomb discovery. Tickets for all remaining dates are available at beyondkingtut.com, including an offer for free tickets for all San Diego area sixth graders.

BLANKET DRIVE

On April 13, Pueblos del Padre Joe – in partnership with Team Mulvaney – will hold the sixth annual “Warm Your Heart” blanket and sock drive distribution to help neighbors living on San Diego streets stay dry and warm. Trained staff will distribute thousands of socks and warm blankets to individuals in need at the Neil Good Day Center, 299 17th St, Because of inflation and the rising cost of living, many San Diegans find themselves struggling to secure full-time employment, pay sky-high rents and provide for themselves and their families. By offering essential items such as blankets and socks, this campaign seeks to ease some of the stress experienced by those in need and let them know that the community cares.

COMEDIAN AT FAIR

Kevin Hart has been added to the Toyota Summer Concert Series lineup at this year’s San Diego County Fair in Del Mar. Hart will take the stage on Friday, June 9. Tickets go on sale April 14 at 10 a.m. This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of phones, smart watches and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event.

PEAK FITNESS AGE

Exercise scientists are increasingly of the opinión that one’s birthdate is not necessarily indicative of their body’s true age. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help people attain peak fitness later in life and remain ‘younger’ for a longer time. In fact, these experts argue that an individual’s body age may be higher or lower than what we would expect based on their chronological age. The Fitness Tribe, an online community of wellness enthusiasts, sought to determine how our fitness ages differ across the country. They commissioned a survey of 3,000 adults, carried out by QuestionPro, to find out at what they consider to be their peak fitness age, with some interesting results.

While opinions vary, it is commonly accepted that the peak fitness ages for men and women falls between the ages of 20 and 35. Interestingly, it was found that the average fitness peak in California is 33 years old (compared to a national average of 34), considered relatively advanced when it comes to peak athletic performance. The research found that North Dakotans reach their peak fitness levels latest in life, at the ripe age of 43. Comparatively, those in Wyoming say they hit their biological peak at the tender age of 28.

PROCESSED FOODS BILL

Legislation authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D – Woodland Hills) to ban the sale of processed foods containing certain dangerous and toxic chemicals passed out of the Assembly Health Committee with bipartisan support. A first-of-its-kind measure, Assembly Bill (AB) 418 would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of any food product in California containing Red Dye No. 3, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil, or Propyl Paraben. Each of these chemicals is currently banned in the European Union (EU) due to scientific studies that have demonstrated significant public health harms, including increased risk of cancer, behavioral issues in children, harm to the reproductive system, y damage to the immune system. Many of the dangerous additives currently banned in the EU and other nations are found in processed foods and candies that are marketed disproportionately to children, low-income consumers, and communities of color. In countries where these toxic chemicals are banned, manufacturers have updated their recipes and replaced the additives with safer alternatives.

NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING

On April 11, the City of San Diego voted unanimously to award Father Joe’s Villages a $4 million Community Development Block Grant to build a new affordable housing development to help alleviate the region’s homelessness crisis. The grant will be used to fund land acquisition costs for the future housing community, which will be located at 17th Street and Commercial Street and is expected to be completed in 2026. It will provide 107 units of affordable housing in proximity to Father Joe’s Villages’ comprehensive services. This community will bring Father Joe’s Villages closer to its goal of providing 2,000 units of affordable housing in San Diego through the Turning the Key initiative. Other Turning the Key communities, such as Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa, have already helped hundreds of individuals, families and veterans leave homelessness for good. As the homelessness crisis grows, housing remains a critical component to supporting the health and safety of our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

SPONSORED EVENTS REVAMP

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has voted to amend the Port’s Tideland Activation Program to increase event sponsorship opportunities and to provide a better balance of public access and support for public events at Port parks and venues. TAP is a sponsorship program through which the Port actively supports events that engage the community and inspire visitors to enjoy the San Diego Bay waterfront. Some free TAP events the public has grown to love include the Big Bay Boom, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, South Bay Pride, National City Chamber of Commerce Bayside Brew and Spirits Festival, Symphony by the Sea, Crown City Classic, and more. Event sponsorships have been offered at the Port in some capacity since the 1990s.

CINCO DE MAYO

Belmont Park’s oceanfront bar and restaurant, Beach House Tequila and Taqueria is gearing up to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style. With a range of Baja-inspired dishes, tequila cocktails, and ocean views, Beach House is the destination for a fiesta. On May 5, Beach House will be offering a range of tequila drink specials, including margaritas, palomas, and tequila shots, all made with premium, handcrafted tequilas. Beach House is also teaming up with Herradura and will offer $5 Modelos, $10 Modelos and shot (Mezcal Or Tequila) and available all weekend, $10 margaritas with Herradura flavor options including house and kiwi watermelon.

ART GALLERY OPENING

Alexander Salazar and Darcy Kempton have partnered to announce the grand opening of their Mission Hills fine art gallery SD Art Advisory. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for May 20. The opening coincides with the Art in the Hills Art Walk & Banner Contest in Mission Hills in partnership with Grant Elementary at noon. Families and students are invited to stop in to enjoy art and celebration. Later in the evening, SD Art Advisory will open from 4-6 p.m. for a VIP preview followed by a party for the public, starting at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy art by local and world-renowned artists, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite creative attire. “Darcy and I are so inspired to bring SD Art Advisory to Mission Hills,” said Alexander Salazar.

FREE SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The San Diego Unified School District is celebrating its third year of Level Up SD, a free summer enrichment program available to district-enrolled students. In collaboration with San Diego Foundation, San Diego Unified offers the free, top-tier summer programs to students in grades transitional kindergarten through high school. Programs include zoo camp, STEAM- and arts-based experiences, museum programs, leadership institutes, internships, and accelerated learning opportunities. All San Diego Unified students have access to free Level Up programs. Registration for Level Up SD began March 21 for students UTK through eighth-grade and continues through the summer, as long as space is available. Registration for additional enrichment programs, accelerated learning opportunities, and internships for high school students will open April 17.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT

Multiple volunteer jobs with shifts ranging from 6:30 a.m. to noon are being sought for work at Crown Point Park on Saturday, April 22. Must be at least 12 years of age. Call or text Kaye at 619-933-0339.

NEW HIRE

Jordan Gomez has joined Kidder Mathews’ San Diego office as a first vice president. He specializes in the sale of net leased investments nationwide and shopping centers across Southern California. Jordan Gomez has completed over $400 million in investment sales since joining the commercial real estate industry in 2016.

LIBRARIES OPEN SUNDAYS

In an effort to provide access to in-person library services every day of the week, the City of San Diego Public Library is adding Sunday hours at 14 of its 36 library locations. Starting April 16, the 14 library branches will be open from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays, the last step to bringing library service hours back to pre-pandemic levels. “The City is excited to restore these vital library services to residents,” said chief operating officer Eric Dargan. “The success of the recent City career fair allowed the San Diego Public Library to fill the positions that make these Sunday hours possible. More than 200 people applied to work at the library, which is a testament to the great work that SDPL does every day.” All 36 SDPL locations are open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Book drops are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For a full list of SDPL locations and services, visit sandiego.gov/publiclibrary.

RESTAURANT FUNDING

Applications are now open for the Fondo de resiliencia para el cuidado de restaurantes, a $2.1 million fund created by Fundación de Restaurantes de California (CRF) and made possible by a $200,000 donation from San Diego Gas y Electricidad (SDG&E). The program has returned for its third consecutive year, this time with more overall funding, higher individual grants and more eligible restaurants. Designed to build resiliency within California’s restaurant community, the Resilience Fund provides $5,000 grants to independent restaurant owners across the state to invest in technology adoption, equipment upgrades, employee onboarding and retention or unforeseen hardships. Applications are open Saturday, April 15 through Sunday, May 7, and full eligibility requirements can be found at restaurantscare.org/resilience.

PREBYS CENTER OPENING

Sharp HealthCare will open the new Prebys Innovation and Education Center on Friday, April 14, a community landmark thoughtfully designed to put people and patients first by promoting research, training, workforce development, innovation, education, and technology at Sharp HealthCare. Made possible with building partners McCarthy and Hanna Gabriel Wells and the generosity of the San Diego community, the SPIEC consists of a 70,000-square-foot, four-story addition to the Spectrum campus and a new 665-space parking structure. The SPIEC features state-of-the-art spaces housing an auditorium and conference rooms; a Simulation Center to enhance caregiver knowledge and skills; a Technology Immersion Lab for open-access research and demonstrations; and community engagement facilities to serve San Diegans.

BLOOM BASH

The iconic Ferris wheel is reflected in a fountain at the Bloom Bash party, which returned on March 31 with influential locals descending on the San Diego Museum of Art for live entertainment, music, and craft cocktails to kick off Art Alive weekend. Attendees at the Bloom Bash were the first to see the museum’s beautiful floral installations alongside SDMA’s art exhibits. (Photo by Thomas Melville).

WOW FESTIVAL

Without Walls (WOW) Festival 2023, an exhilarating four-day extravaganza of theatre, dance, music, puppetry, spectacle events and more – with multiple performances by acclaimed local, national and international artists occurring April 27-30 at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – is fully free this year. While ticket reservations are not required to attend, they are highly recommended for all performances – your reservation ensures a successful event. A few WOW projects with limited capacity will require a reservation – only reserve if you will attend. Limited capacity projects include 360, The Cell Plays, Drive, The End, Fair Trade, and Workshops.

LUMINOSITY EVENTS

The Luminosity committee’s effort to replace the annual Fourth of July Fireworks with a drone show and Festival of Light is moving forward. With the drone show now secured, the committee has announced an artist open call for proposals. Artists are requested to submit proposals for installations that will be featured at various locations within Ocean Beach during the Independence Day celebration. Details can be found at obluminosity.com. The deadline for submissions has recently been extended indefinitely. Starting Wednesday, April 12, Luminosity will have a booth at the OB Farmers

Market. Volunteers will be available at the booth to answer questions regarding the event and accept donations to cover the cost of the drone show and the Festival of Light. A concert benefiting Luminosity, featuring Javier Batiz, a legendary guitarist from Tijuana, will be held on the evening of May 5 at Winston’s as part of its Cinco de Mayo celebration. The following evening, Saturday, May 6, a tequila and mezcal sunset tasting fiesta will be held at a private residence above Sunset Cliffs. All proceeds will go to Luminosity.

FRIENDS OF OB FUNDRAISER

Join Ocean Beach MainStreet Association for a community clean-up focusing on the downtown Ocean Beach business district on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. Meet at Veterans Plaza Park at 10 a.m. Buckets, trash bags, and gloves will be provided. Bring a picker if you have one. They are always a handy tool to pick-up small debris. Hang out in Ocean Beach after the clean-up and enjoy select beers on tap at local breweries and discounts at Closet Signature.

A portion of the select beer pint sales will support Ocean Beach MainStreet Association programs and projects, which include the OB holiday decorations, street banners throughout the downtown district, and sidewalk beautification initiative to name a few. Stop by the following breweries on April 22 and ask for their “Friends of OB” pint. OB Brewery is featuring their Jalapeño Saison. Sip on NOVO’s Hibiscus Lavender Hard Kombucha. Other participating breweries include California Wild Ales, Hodad’s Brewery Co., Pizza Port Brewery Co., and Rincon Reservation Road Brewery. For more information or to sign-up to volunteer, visit OceanBeachSanDiego.com.

NEW SKREWBALL STAKEHOLDER

Pernod Ricard, a French spirits conglomerate, has acquired a majority stake in Skrewball, a 70-proof bottled peanut butter-flavored American whiskey company founded in Ocean Beach by Steven Yeng, the founder of OB Noodle House, Bar 1502, and The Holding Company on Newport Avenue. In 2018, Yeng, with the help of his wife Brittany, took a popular signature shot at his OB Noodle House restaurant and turned it into a successful spirit company named Skrewball.

“Skrewball has proven its uniqueness and success with a large audience, so we are delighted to have this brand as part of our portfolio,” said Pernod Ricard North America chairman and CEO Ann Mukherjee. “With a product that brings an iconic American flavor to the spirits world, Steven and Brittany have found a true point of difference in the category. We are looking forward to unlocking the magic of this brand and a successful journey ahead.”

“It’s overwhelming to see how far we’ve come with a ‘screwball’ idea and a dream,” said Steven and Brittany Yeng. “We are very excited to see what the future holds for this brand under Pernod Ricard. The engine behind the company, its strategy, global reach and brand building expertise, will greatly support in taking the brand to new heights and we are excited to see it soar.”

Skrewball will now join Jameson, Chivas Regal, Beefeater, Havana Club, Kahlúa, and Absolut under French spirits company Pernod Ricard’s portfolio of brands. Last year, Pernod launched Jameson Orange into the flavored whiskey category. The acquisition price for the majority stake was not disclosed by either company.

Born in Cambodia to Chinese parents, the Yeng family was forced to become refugees for five years in Thailand during the brutal Khmer Rouge Communist regime and its “Killing Fields.” As a baby, Steven contracted polio but eventually mostly recovered although he continues to walk with a limp. After an Ocean Beach family anonymously sponsored the Yeng family’s migration to San Diego in 1991, his parents began working at O.B. Donuts, which they were eventually able to purchase and rescue from bankruptcy. In 2008, Steven and his brother, Kyle, opened the original O.B. Noodle House.

ARTS DISTRICT FIRST FRIDAY

Wander and observe all there is to offer in the Arts District with various art exhibitions, workshops and more for First Friday on April 7. You can view the entire lineup of events aquí with a few highlights listed. Sociedad de Acuarela de San Diego will present a water-based media exhibition titled “Blooming Thoughts, an Art Exhibition,” juried by award-winning artist, Robin St. Louis. The opening reception will take place Friday, April 7 from 5-8 p.m. and will feature over 95 ready-to-hang original paintings as well as refreshments. Estudio de leche Oolong will be showcasing new works and changes to their space accompanied by live music from Kenny Beaumont’s Groovadelic Duo from 5-8 p.m.

Danza Malashock will be performing excerpts from resident artist Tristian Griffin’s new choreographic work that will premiere in the upcoming production of Perpetual (E)motion. Malashock Dance Junior Company will be performing original work by choreographer Rachel Catalano from 6-6:30 p.m. Lauren LeVieux will be holding an Easter egg decorating workshop in her art studio from 5-8 p.m. Guests can stop in to dye and decorate an egg or two as well as learn about an artist who took egg decorating to a royal extreme. Leslie Pierce is welcoming attendees into her studio for a two-hour Encaustic Painting Workshop from 5-7 p.m. The workshop is $99, and to sign up click aquí. June Rubin will present colorful upbeat collages and plush art pillows at her free Art Of Collage artist reception from 4-8 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature unique pillow creations featuring Godzilla, cats, and florals and includes light refreshments.

JAZZ AT GIANNI BUONOMO VITNERS

Join Ocean Beach Woman’s Club at Gianni Buonomo Vitners at 4836 Newport Ave. on Sunday, April 16 from 2-6 p.m. for jazz and wine. This event is more than fun, as it goes to support other OB community organizations. Pair your favorite Gianni’s wine with classic and Brazilian jazz by Rick Harris and Richard Miller. Tickets on sale now. Benefiting: Project Street Vet, Loaves & Fishes
Access, Inc., Doors of Change, Friends of Ocean Beach Library. Link to purchase tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/e0db88c9-3fe6-4372-84c6-dbf5560fa325.

LEGACY BRICK DRIVE

Loma Portal Elementary School is continuing with its Legacy Brick Drive, which is a way to create a lasting memory of your child’s experience. Purchasing a brick will also be helping in allowing the school’s foundation to provide two hired positions, STEAM materials, teacher supplies, PE equipment, music assemblies and much more. All bricks are approximately 3 inches by 7 inches and will be placed on the face of the amphitheater seats, outside the library, in random order. Use your family’s name, or the name and years your children attended, a tribute to a teacher or loved one, your business name, or even an inspirational message to all students. Each brick is a $125 donation and is tax-deductible. Bricks bought during the drive will be entered into a drawing for a free month of classes at Freestyle Martial Arts and will be drawn the night of the Talent Show. Bricks may take one year-plus to get installed. For more information, visit the school’s website.

CASA DE JUEGOS DE POINT LOMA

Actress-singer Devlin is bringing her New York cabaret show “Wild Women” to the Point Loma Playhouse, 3035 Talbot St., on Saturday, April 8 at 8 p.m. Devlin will be accompanied by San Diego pianist and songwriter Richard James. “Wild Women” combines jazz, blues, emotional ballads and pop songs proving wild women do get the glues, but they also have a hell of a good time along the way. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit pointlomaplayhouse.com or call 619-800-5497.

COMEDIAN @ PECHANGA

Coming off of the highly anticipated Universal Picture film, “Easter Sunday” and his recent Netflix special, “Jo Koy: Live From The Los Angeles Forum,” comedian Jo Koy announces his 2023 Jo Koy World Tour is coming to Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., on Saturday, Nov. 4. Tickets go on-sale Thursday, April 6 at noon at AXS.com.

PB PUB CRAWL

Get ready for a crazy, cozy time at the Pacific Beach Onesie Bar Crawl on Thursday, April 13. Guests are invited to party in their adult onesie, as they enjoy food and drink specials at: Duck Dive – $10 Red Bull slushies, welcome shot for anyone with the purchase of a drink; Mavericks Beach Club – $7 Vodka Coconut Red Bull Slushie, $2 off all starters; Tavern at the Beach – $7 Sundresses – Watermelon Mojito with Watermelon Red Bull, $8 pretzels. Those participating in the crawl can begin at any of the three locations, and visit at their own pace between 6-9 p.m., and those who visit all three will be entered into the grand prize raffle. You must get your punch card marked at all three spots, and the cards will be available to pick up at each location. In need of a onesie? California Sock Company has got you covered. Stop in to browse their selection of adult onesies, and you’ll be set for this fun-filled crawl.

WOMEN’S WAGES

A new study by Smartest Dollar looking at the U.S. locations with the highest wages for women found that women working full-time in the San Diego metro area earn an adjusted median wage of $50,428 annually, compared to the national median of $49,263. The share of women working full-time has been on the decline in the last few years. This figure had been growing steadily since 2011, reaching a peak of 45.8% in 2019 before falling to 44.1% two years later. One primary reason for the decline is that family caregiving responsibilities often fall on the shoulders of women. During the pandemic, when many schools were still using remote learning and child care was unreliable, those burdens increased, and many women left the workforce to care for children.

For women who have continued in the workforce, however, wage growth has accelerated in recent years. Inflation-adjusted wages for women working full time have been steadily increasing over the last decade. In 2012, women had a median inflation-adjusted wage of $43,074. That figure had increased to $46,196 by 2020, and in 2021 alone, women’s median wages jumped 6.6% to $49,263. Meanwhile, median wages for men saw a similar jump from $56,751 in 2020 to $60,428 in 2021 — an increase of 6.5%. As a result, the wage gap between full-time female and male workers remained steady at approximately 18.5%.

CARNIVAL FOR CLIMATE

On Saturday, April 15, Carnival for Climate will kick off Earth Week for hundreds of San Diegans from noon to 4 p.m. with a fun-filled day in Balboa Park at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd. Carnival for Climate is a free family-friendly festival with climate-themed carnival games, circus and musical performers, face painting, and carnival food, with opportunities for learning about ways to take action for a more sustainable future. Several environmental and climate organizations will also table at the event. Read more at https://carnival4climate.org.

SD WAVE APP

San Diego Wave FC announced the club has launched its new mobile app, which is available for download on the App Store for iOS users and on Google Play for Android users. “We are thrilled to launch our new mobile app, which will provide our fans with an even better way to stay connected to the Wave,” said San Diego Wave FC president Jill Ellis. “We are committed to providing our fans the best possible experience, allowing them a convenient and engaging way to follow the club. The app will continue to evolve as we receive feedback from our fans.”

The free app, developed by Fan Reach, offers fans a range of features and benefits, including team news, live scores, match highlights, content and more. In addition, fans will be able to purchase and access their mobile match tickets prior to all matches at Snapdragon Stadium from the app to ensure easy entry into the venue. Fans will receive exclusive features and promotions by activating their location services after opening the app.

EXPOSICIÓN MOPA

El Museo de Artes Fotográficas (MOPA) invites San Diegans and tourists alike into the galleries to experience its newest exhibit by Robert Wilson now through Sept. 24. Video Portraits blurs time-based cinematography with the frozen moment of still photography. As in the layered nature of Robert Wilson’s creative process, the video portraits infuse references found in painting, sculpture, design, architecture, dance, theater, photography, television, film, and contemporary culture. By incorporating a multitude of creative elements; lighting, costume, makeup, choreography, gesture, text, voice, set design, and narrative – Video Portraits act as a complete synthesis of all the media in the realm of Wilson’s art making.

SDSU BUILDING RENAMED

San Diego State University’s East Commons building is being renamed the Charles B. Bell Jr. Pavilion. The renaming is in honor of the late Dr. Bell, recognizing his national and international achievements as a mathematician and one of SDSU’s first African American professors. Bell, who taught at SDSU for nearly 20 years and passed away in 2010, is also being recognized with this unique honor given his significant contributions and distinction within his field. The honorary naming, approved by the California State University Board of Trustees in March, is the product of a task force formed by SDSU President Adela de la Torre and a campuswide invitation for nominations in 2021, all with the goal of increasing representation for diverse communities across campus. The event is part of the university’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

The Charles B. Bell Jr. Pavilion is the first of two building dedications to take place this spring semester. Veteran astronaut Ellen Ochoa, who earned an undergraduate degree in physics at SDSU in 1980, is scheduled to return to campus May 5 for a separate dedication ceremony of the Ellen Ochoa Pavilion, currently known as West Commons. Each building name is to remain in place for a minimum of 15 years, as approved by the CSU Board of Trustees.

EV FLEET DAY

On the eve of a new zero-emissions truck and bus requirement being adopted, San Diego Gas & Electric will host its second annual EV Fleet Day Thursday, April 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Port of San Diego Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 N Harbor Drive. The event is intended to help local fleet operators make the switch to medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, such as new electric-powered garbage trucks, school & public transit buses, and delivery trucks & cargo vans. EV Fleet Day kicks off with educational panel discussions led by top transportation operators in San Diego, local leaders and leading EV companies, followed by a showcase of dozens of EV demos, and opportunities to climb inside plug-in big rigs to experience clean technology vehicles firsthand. The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Advanced Clean Fleets regulation is poised for approval on April 28 just weeks after the event. If approved, this regulation will mean a quick transition to zero-emission fleets in California. What are San Diego fleets doing to respond and how quickly will this start happening? Learn from the experts at EV Fleet Day.

SD FOUNDATION GRANTS

San Diego Foundation announced it has committed $500,000 in grant funding to 10 local nonprofit organizations to improve access to quality care, including child care, mental and behavioral services, parent education and health care, for mothers, babies and young children.

The Early Childhood Initiative Responsive grants engage regional partners to strengthen families, increase health equity, bolster the regional workforce and support economic growth. The grants provide flexible funding with a goal of supporting young children, ages 0-5, and their families with equitable access to quality, affordable early education and care. Grantees will receive a first-year grant of $25,000 in 2023, and an additional grant of $25,000 in 2024. Each organization serves historically under-resourced communities and/or low-to-moderate-income families. These grants support programs that include a focus on expanding services that achieve birth equity, or provide optimal conditions for mothers during labor and delivery; provide evidence-based parent education programs; and strengthen maternal and child mental/behavioral health.

LIBRARY CHAMPIONS

On March 16, friends and supporters of the Library Foundation SD gathered to celebrate champions of the San Diego Public Library system – both past and present – at Library Foundation SD’s 20-year anniversary. During its 20 Years of Community + Innovation event, Library Foundation SD presented longtime library advocate Katie Sullivan with the inaugural Jim Dawe Champion Award for her contributions to the public library system. The honor was presented to Sullivan by former Library Foundation Chair Mel Katz, who worked with Sullivan and other volunteers on the campaign to raise funds to build the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common. “It’s thanks to the support of generous people like Katie Sullivan and the late Jim Dawe that we can stand here today and celebrate the state of our public library system,” said Patrick Stewart, CEO of Library Foundation SD. “Together, we will continue to champion a San Diego library system that builds community and connects people with all the things that make us feel joy.” During his lifetime, Dawe devoted endless time and energy to San Diego’s public library until his passing in 2021. He served as founding CEO of the Library Foundation and was a member of the Board of Trustees.

CIVICO 1845’S SRING MENU

Fresh offerings are now available at Little Italy’s Civico 1845 at 1845 India St, with the launch of a new spring menu that features roughly 80% new or revamped dishes across both its traditional and vegan menus. According to co-owner and executive chef Pietro Gallo, Civico 1845’s new menu showcases the traditional offerings diners across Southern Italy enjoy today. New traditional items include Polipo e Calamari, a refreshing southern Italian seafood salad appetizer of octopus, calamari, olives, cherry tomato confit and potatoes and new vegan dishes including Chips di Pasta, a whimsical play on San Diego’s love of chips and salsa. To view the menu or make a reservation, visit www.civico1845.com.

PORT PARKING RATES

The Port of San Diego is holding a public meeting to provide information and obtain feedback on proposed amendments to San Diego Unified Port District Parking Rates at Tidelands Public Parking Lots and Garages on Thursday, April 13 at 10 a.m. at the Port of San Diego Administration Building, 3165 Pacific Hwy. Rates recommended for the B Street Pier and Navy Parking Lots, as well as for the Convention Center and Bayfront Garages, will be based on the most recent review of market rates in the downtown area. The proposed amendments include regulations for motorized mobility devices to only operate on streets and in bike lanes, and to prohibit the operation of motorized mobility devices on sidewalks, pathways, piers, and promenades to protect pedestrians. Motorized Mobility Devices include, but are not limited to: pedicabs, motorized scooters, electric bikes, hoverboards, motorized boards and skateboards, shared mobility devices, and other motorized micro-mobility devices. There will be exceptions for ADA mobility devices.

SUPER LAWYERS LIST

Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP announced that Gabe Wright has been named to the 2023 San Diego Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than 5 percent of lawyers in a state are selected for the Super Lawyers distinction by the organization’s research team. Wright focuses his litigation and trial practice on complex business, commercial and insurance issues, professional liability issues, real estate matters, and class action litigation.

ARTREACH AUCTION

ArtReach is holding a Charity Art Auction to support free visual arts education for youth at San Diego County schools and community centers. Electra Bicycle Co., a San Diego-based company, has donated a collection of cruiser bikes and bike accessories to be designed by local artists. Ten bicycles and 60-plus accessories are available through an online auction through April 30. All auction items will be displayed at Mission Fed ArtWalk in the Piazza della Famiglia April 29-30. Proceeds from the auction directly benefit ArtReach’s programs for young people that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities. Interested bidders can bid at charityauction.bid/artreachauction.

PB PEDAL PARTY

Join beautifulPB for a casual ride through Pacific Beach with stops at some favorite local murals, followed by refreshments and discussion with board members about the mission and how to work together to improve the community on Saturday, April 8. Meet at 10 a.m. at the PB Library at 4275 Cass St. for the ride, or skip the ride and chat with us at 11:15 at 953 Reed Ave.

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission is currently accepting applications for the USIBWC Citizens Forum, a board established in 2002 for the exchange of information regarding USIBWC activities in San Diego County.  CF meetings are open to the public and act as a focal point for the exchange of information between the USIBWC and the local community regarding ongoing and future USIBWC projects and related activities in the area.

The Commission is responsible for applying the boundary and water treaties between the United States and Mexico. The CF is intended to bring together community members, enabling the early and continued two-way flow of information, concerns, values, and needs between the USIBWC and the general public, environmentalists, government agencies, cities, etc.  Application forms may be obtained at: https://bit.ly/SDCFApplication.

FATHER JOE’S EASTER

Pueblos del Padre Joe is observing the Easter holiday and celebrating spring and renewal alongside families and individuals experiencing homelessness on Tuesday, April 11 from 10:15-11:30 a.m.at

Paul Mirabile Center, 1501 Imperial Ave. This year, the traditional Easter meal, prepared by executive chef Amiel Brosoto. “Easter is a time of renewal and hope, and there’s no better way to celebrate this season of rebirth than by sharing a meal with our neighbors. May the love and kindness we show today continue to nourish us all throughout the year,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “Holiday celebrations like these are more than just warm meals. Easter is ultimately about hope and love: the love for our neighbors and the unconditional love of God.”

NEW PRESIDENT OF BOWL GAME ASSOCIATION

The San Diego Bowl Game Association’s board of directors has elected Dennis DuBard president of the nonprofit effort in 2023. He succeeds Cherry Park. The association has overseen the annual Holiday Bowl football game since 1978. In February of 2022, the organization announced it also has assumed the role as the region’s sports commission – Sports San Diego. In February of this year, it added an early season college basketball tournament to its portfolio – the Rady Children’s Invitational, which tips off this Thanksgiving. DuBard is a 30-year U.S. Navy veteran, retiring in 2007 at the rank of captain. Dennis accumulated over 3,000 hours flying helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

“The San Diego Bowl Game Association is considerably expanding its scope of work for the region, and therefore will be generating considerably larger impacts for our community,” DuBard said. “I look forward to working side by side with a great group of civic-minded San Diegans and making a difference for our hometown.”

RUBIO’S AND PADRES TO OFFER FREE TACOS

Rubio’s Coastal Grill and the San Diego Padres are giving fans a steal of a deal during the 2023 MLB season. Each time the Padres steal a base at Petco Park, fans will score a free, à la carte Rubio’s taco (left), with any purchase, the day after the game. Padres fans will receive one taco of their choice, with the purchase of any menu item, on the day after the stolen base. Guests can order online, or through the app, and enter code ­­­GOPADRES, or mention the offer when visiting a restaurant.

HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT BILL

Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and other officials were scheduled to discuss bipartisan Senate Bill 31, which prohibits homeless encampments near schools, daycare centers, parks, and libraries, March 28 in the California Legislature. The bill requires enforcement officers to give a 72-hour notice before a sweep, and requires them to also provide information about sleeping alternatives, homeless and mental health services, and homeless shelters.

The measure was up for hearing in the California Senate Public Safety Committee. Over 2,000 Californians have signed a petition in support of SB 31. California has 30% of the nation’s homeless population while it has less than 12% of the U.S. total population. The state’s homelessness crisis has become a public health and safety crisis.

Modeled after a recent measure passed by the City of Los Angeles, Jones’s bipartisan bill seeks to help compassionately clear encampments and help connect homeless individuals to services they desperately need. SB 31 is meant to specifically protect sensitive community areas closest to our most vulnerable population – children who go to schools and daycare centers, play in parks, and read books at libraries.

BLADDER CANCER DETECTION

UC San Diego Health is the first health system in San Diego County to offer a new technology that detects and monitors bladder cancer in both the clinic and operating room settings by using blue light, white light and an imaging dye that makes cancer cells glow florescent pink. Called Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview, the FDA-approved procedure allows urologists to pinpoint tumors. About an hour prior to the clinic procedure, the imaging dye is placed into the bladder using a catheter.

“The availability of this new technology illustrates our commitment to advancing patient care,” said Christopher Kane, MD, urologist and chief executive officer of UC San Diego Health Physician Group. “At UC San Diego Health, patients with known or suspected bladder cancer undergo diagnostic procedures performed by physicians who have been specially trained in the use of this innovative technology.”

EDDIE V’S EASTER

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood at 1270 Prospect St. is offering a prix fixe three-course brunch menu of indulgent favorites on Easter Sunday, April 9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A La Carte dinner options are available as well as a dedicated children’s brunch menu. To learn more or to make a reservation, visit EddieV.com.

PADRES PIE AT PRINCE ST. PIZZA

Prince St. Pizza, Gaslamp Quarter’s newest addition, is launching a specialty “Padres Prosciutto Pie” (right) on Opening Day, March 30. The specialty pie will be available for a limited time to celebrate the season kickoff, featuring prosciutto, sliced mozzarella, spicy marinara sauce, basil, balsamic glaze and pecorino romano. The shop continues to serve San Diego slices of the East Coast’s delicious pizza and flair with Sicilian recipes that have been in the founding family for generations.

CONRAD COURTYARD CONCERTS

The Conrad‘s free courtyard concerts, launched last year, are returning for three months this spring. This year’s series at the concert venue at 7600 Fay Ave. in La Jolla is expanded to three months, with Traffic Jams kicking off on Friday, April 7 offering live jazz during rush hour. Midday Classics will present live classical music beginning on Tuesday, May 23. April celebrates National Jazz Month with flutist Lori Bell kicking off the courtyard concert series with an all-women jazz quartet featuring pianist Melonie Grinnell, bassist Evona Wascinski, and percussionist Monette Marino.

“With the opening of The Conrad in 2019, La Jolla Music Society gained an amazing new resource that can help us build and strengthen our connection to the community,” said Allison Boles, director of learning and engagement. “I hope the free concerts featuring talented local musicians will serve as a point of entry for many individuals and help us build excitement and engagement at The Conrad.”

ATHENAEUM SPRING ART

Athenaeum School of the Arts spring Zoom online art classes begin April 3 and continue through May 27. The course catalogue for Spring Session at the School of the Arts is live online. With offerings at La Jolla and Logan Heights studios, as well as online, there is a wide variety of classes for everyone at any level of experience. The school offers classes at two physical locations — La Jolla (1008 Wall St.) and the Athenaeum Art Center at Bread & Salt (1955 Julian Ave.) — as well as online on Zoom. Athenaeum students learn the history, traditions, and principles of the fine arts. School faculty are experienced artists and educators dedicated to inspiring students of all backgrounds. The school provides the opportunity for individualized instruction in its intimate class sizes, allowing students to develop their own styles and artistic identities. For more information on the benefits of becoming a member, visit ljathenaeum.org.

JCC LECTURE SERIES

Professor Jacob Goldberg is returning to San Diego and the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus, 4126 Executive Drive to present his annual lecture series. A former senior advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, he will be presenting the three-part lecture series: “Israel at 75: Is it on the Brink of Civil War?” centered on the current political landscape. All lectures will be taking place in person at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre.

PLAYWRIGHT PRESENTATION

“The Duck Variations” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and author David Mamet will be presented on Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m. at La Jolla Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. “The Duck Variations” is a 1972 short play with provocative comedic and dramatic elements and includes a discussion between two elderly men sitting on a park bench watching ducks. The dialogue begins with the mating habits of ducks and runs to examine law, friendship, happiness, and death. The play will star Fred Harlow and Byron LaDue. Tickets are available at the door for $10-$15. Cash only.

SPRING BREAK SAFETY

Recently, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Lifeguard Division and San Diego Police shared important information regarding beach and bay safety during spring break, which unofficially began March 24. SDFD lifeguards typically see an increase in visitors and activity at Mission Bay, one of the nation’s top destinations for aquatic enthusiasts. When the weather is warm, there is also a noted increase in beach visitors this time of year. “Lifeguards and police officers patrolling the beaches and Mission Bay want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience,” said Lifeguard Chief James Gartland. “Boaters and passengers should learn safety regulations before operating a vessel and be aware of individuals illegally renting vessels.”

Con respecto a Mission Bay, Gartland dijo: “La seguridad es primordial. Definitivamente nos aseguramos de que las personas (navegantes) mantengan su velocidad a un nivel adecuado en las áreas adecuadas. También le pedimos que, todo lo que lleve a la playa, lo saque. Escuche lo que los salvavidas le dicen que haga. Somos observadores entrenados y podemos ver dónde están las corrientes de resaca. Sabemos que estás en peligro antes de que estés en peligro”.

With more than 40 miles of oceanfront and bay shoreline to patrol throughout the city, SDFD lifeguards help keep an average of 17 million visitors safe and conduct an estimated 7,000 rescues at local beaches each year. Additionally, lifeguards manage cliff, scuba and swift water rescues, enforce boating safety regulations and respond to emergencies involving seafaring vessels and other watercraft. The San Diego Police Department has a full-time beach team whose members patrol the sand, boardwalks and Mission Bay.

BOYS TO MEN

An evening celebrating 25 years of changing the lives of young men in San Diego with Boys to Men Mentoring Network will be Saturday, April 22 at 6 p.m. at Catamaran Resort Hotel, 3999 Mission Blvd. The event will feature special guest and Grammy Award-winning artist Jason Mraz with Gregory Page, Carlos Olmeda, and Greg Gerson. Don’t miss the inaugural presentation of Boys To Men’s Community Hero Award to Shaun Tomson for his nine years of sharing his stoke and raising funds for the community. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets call, visit boystomen.org/25th-celebration.

EASTER BRUNCHES

Easter Champagne brunch buffet at Oceana Coastal Kitchen (Catamaran Resort), takes place April 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Details/menu at catamaranresort.com/easter-brunch. Easter Champagne brunch buffet at Dockside 1953 (Bahia Resort), will be April 9, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Details/menu at bahiahotel.com/easter-brunch. Both brunches will be holding egg hunts for the kids and a complimentary ticket to cruise on the William D. Evans sternwheeler. Onboard, kids can partake in arts and crafts and visit with the Easter Bunny while adults imbibe mimosa and Bloody Mary specials. There will also be live entertainment.

A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N Torrey Pines Road, will also be holding an Easter brunch, April 9, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Easter Brunch and mini-egg hunt, The Cottage in La Jolla, 7702 Fay Ave. Kids and adults alike can hunt for candy eggs and dining vouchers. Info: cottagelajolla.com.

MEDITATING SENIORS

Vi at La Jolla Village, a senior living community at 8515 Costa Verde Blvd., is embracing meditation and mindfulness programming, to promote a sense of peace and relaxation that can be difficult to achieve in today’s fast-paced world. The practice, which occurs every Tuesday in the community, has become a favorite. Additionally, on every third Tuesday of the month, sound baths are incorporated to promote a higher level of wellness. Sound baths, a type of meditation that involves the use of various sound frequencies, have also become increasingly popular among older adults and seniors. The vibrations produced by the sound frequencies can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, while also aiding in pain relief and improving mental clarity. In partnering with Teri Wilder, a sound healing master in San Diego, the residents are able to add a new skill to their wheelhouse, that they can use in their everyday lives.

BEAUTIFULPB PROGRESSING

“For art, we’re continuing to work on a new mural project with Audubon,” said Katie Matchett, president of beautifulPB, a nonprofit working to implement community projects and programs that create a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful community. “We’ll be choosing an artist in the next month and hope to have it installed over the summer.”

Regarding progress on communitywide mobility, Matchett said the City’s preliminary design for Diamond Street went to the Pacific Beach Planning Group’s Streets and Sidewalks committee “and will be presented to the full group on April 12.” She added the City is moving away from the “Slow Street” term for Diamond, as “they’ve received federal money to develop an official Slow Street program for San Diego. But it will be another year or two before that program is fully implemented.”

Upcoming events: Saturday, April 8, PB Pedal Party bike ride through PB, ending with a meeting (location TBD) for folks to learn more about beautifulPB.

VITERBI VISION GROUNDBREAKING

UC San Diego leaders broke ground for the new Viterbi Family Vision Research Center, slated to focus on glaucoma blindness, retinal degeneration and reversing vision loss on March 24. The ceremony launched construction of the new Viterbi Family Vision Research Center at Shiley Eye Institute, supported by a $50 million gift from philanthropist Andrew J. Viterbi.

The 5-story, 100,000-square-foot facility will house laboratories, clinical trials operations, administrative and educational spaces to support a variety of research efforts, including curing glaucoma blindness, restoring vision of those blinded by retinal degeneration and providing sight to individuals who have reversible vision loss due to cataracts or infections. The Hanna and Mark Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, funded by a $20 million gift from the Gleibermans, will be housed in the new building.

SD VEGAN FESTIVAL

The inaugural San Diego Vegan Festival launches Saturday, April 15 at Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission for an estimated 5,000 attendees. This event will have 70 vendors serving up food, drinks, desserts, apparel, local nonprofits and more all 100% vegan. Learn more about the vegan lifestyle from eight nonprofit exhibitors and three speaker panels throughout the day. Attendees are highly encouraged to take public transit, with the County Center/Little Italy stop only two blocks away from Waterfront Park. Ridesharing, carpooling and bicycling are also encouraged. Full event details can be found at veganinsandiego.com/veganfest2023/

FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Club de playa Mavericks at 860 Garnet Ave. will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Wednesday, April 5 with a big top for the big five at their circus-themed anniversary party. From 9 p.m. to close, guests can enjoy over-the-top circus performers, magic acts, live music, aerial artists, and more.

CARLSBAD FLOWER FIELDS

The Flower Fields with new 2023 week-day specials including Mondays: With the purchase of one adult or one senior/military, you receive one child’s ticket free (ages 3-10), Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Between 1-4 p.m, receive $2 off adults, seniors/military and children tickets. Los campos de flores en Carlsbad Ranch will host to CRY Holi: A Festival of Colors on April 1. There will be music, dancing, color play, traditional food vendors, jewelry and clothing vendors, entertainment, and much more.

PASSPORT ASSISTANCE

Rep. scott peters (CA-50) has informed constituents of unprecedented demand for international travel and available passport assistance. “I urge the people I represent to check their passports before making any reservation as many international tickets are non-refundable,” said Peters. “Due to heightened demand, the US Passport Agency indicated that expedited services are reserved for emergencies and special life events, such as a wedding or funeral. On average, my office is receiving 30 requests every week for assistance with passports. Although my staff cannot guarantee any outcome, they can help if you are traveling for one of the aforementioned reasons.”

The U.S. State Department is currently receiving half a million applications for passports every week, and recently updated processing times to 10-13 weeks for routine processing and 7-9 weeks for expedited processing. Recommendations for those traveling for work, family emergencies or significant life events: If you are applying for a new passport or passport renewal, consider paying the $60 expedited service fee along with your application fee. If your passport or renewal application is already pending, you may contact the district office no sooner than two weeks before your travel date. If you have not submitted a passport or renewal application and have planned departure within two weeks, you may contact the district office. If you would like to have your application expedited, please provide documented proof of travel need (e.g., wedding invitation, note from doctor, letter from supervisor). For help with passports visit Congressman Peters’ website.

NORTH PARK BEER FESTIVAL

The North Park Festival of Beers returns outside the historic Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., Saturday, April 1, from noon-4 p.m. for a day devoted to two of San Diego’s best known exports – music and craft beer. Enjoy tastes of over 80 beers from more than 40 breweries, as well as hard kombucha, cider, spirits, live music, local vendors and great food. For more information on the North Park Festival of Beers and to purchase tickets, visit Northparkbeerfest.com.

GASLAMP FINAL FOUR

Come cheer on SDSU as the Gaslamp Quarter is transformed into the ultimate game-day watch zone on April 1 starting at 8 a.m. and runs through the final game of the day on Island Avenue between 4th and 5th avenues. Enjoy all-ages beverage garden, basketball hoop shot games, vendors selling merch to deck out fans, and an exclusive outdoor viewing experience on the big screen. For more information on the Gaslamp Quarter, visit gaslamp.org.

SD BLACK CHAMBER

The County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce will hold a “A Woman’s Worth’ Event” celebrating trailblazing women of color Friday, March 31 from 6-8 p.m. at UCSD Park & Market, 1100 Market St. with live entertainment and networking opportunities. The event will feature a dynamic panel discussion of trailblazing Black women who will share personal stories and insights on navigating systemic barriers and societal expectations to achieve their goals. In addition to the panel discussion, attendees can enjoy a night of food, entertainment, networking, and an awards presentation. For more information, visit sdblackchamber.org.

BIKE ANYWHERE DAY

SANDAG Bike Anywhere Day (formerly Bike to Work Day) is happening Thursday, May 18, from 6 to 9 a.m. This is a great opportunity for small and new businesses to support biking and bikeway projects by hosting a pit stop in their community, while event participants GO by BIKE to the beach, park, work, school, or… anywhere. Here’s what you need to know: Thousands pledge to participate every year. There will be 100 pit stops throughout the San Diego region. Pit stop hosts provide snacks, drinks, engaging activities, and give out free commemorative t-shirts (provided by SANDAG). Hosts are required to attend an instructional webinar prior to the event and pick up pit stop materials on Tuesday, May 16. Apply by Friday, March 31. To learn more about being Bike Anywhere Day, visit the SANDAG.org/BikeMonth.

NEW HOMELESS DIRECTOR

Mayor Todd Gloria announced that Hafsa Kaka, director of the city’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department, has accepted another yet-to-be announced role of “regional significance in the area of homelessness.” City hall veteran Sarah Jarman, a former assistant deputy director in the department who once worked on housing policy for ex-City Councilman Scott Sherman, will take over the post effective April 3.

CHICANA EXHIBITION

“Celia Álvarez Muñoz: Breaking the Binding” is now on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art until Aug. 13. MCASD presents the first career retrospective of Texas-born, Conceptual artist Celia Álvarez Muñoz (b. 1937). Spanning forty years of her career, the exhibition features over 35 artworks – including six large-scale immersive installations, photographic series, and book projects. Muñoz often draws inspiration from her lived experience as a resident of the United States-Mexico borderlands.Plan your visit to MCASD’s flagship location in La Jolla, 700 Prospect St., open Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m.

BEACH BUNNY BASH

Before Easter, on Saturday, April 1, hop on over to Seaport Village for some fun in the sun. Snap your festive photo of the kids “surfing” with Seaport’s Beach Bunny on a life-sized ocean wave prop. While you’re there, explore dozens of shops and eateries.

SEALS @ PECHANGA

The Seals are back at Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., on Friday, March 31 to take on the Calgary Roughnecks for Latin Heritage Night. There will be pregame lucha libre matches starting at 5 p.m., plus lowriders, mariachi, food trucks, and drinks. Faceoff is at 7 p.m. Get your tickets now for the party.

RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMITMENT

The San Diego Community Power Board unanimously approved a proposal by County Board of Supervisors vice chair Terra Lawson-Remer and Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre to formally commit the agency to achieving 100 percent renewable power within the next 12 years. “We have done the work of adopting bold goals aimed at reducing our carbon emissions. Today we moved forward accountability for real action and data on follow-through in confronting the existential crisis of our time,” said Lawson-Remer. “With the climate crisis at our doorstep, there is no trying. We have to deliver.”

The level of renewable energy San Diego Community Power provides to its customers is key to fulfilling the region’s commitments to achieving carbon neutrality and energy independence in the fight against climate change. The community-owned organization purchases power provided to residents and businesses in the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, and, beginning in April, National City, as well as the unincorporated communities of San Diego County.

SAFE PARKING LOT

The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a plan proposed by Mayor Todd Gloria to open a new safe parking lot in the Clairemont neighborhood that will include live-in-ready camper trailers as well as free, safe parking for people who sleep overnight in their vehicles. “During the past two years, the City has added dramatically to the range of options available for folks to get off the streets and on a path to housing,” said Gloria. “With city council approval, we’re now ready to create yet another safe place for unsheltered residents to stay while case managers help them connect to a permanent home.” Specifically, the City Council approved a proposal by the City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department to amend a contract with Jewish Family Service of San Diego to operate the new lot, located near the City’s Rose Canyon Operations Yard.

The lot will operate 24 hours a day and provide a safe place for unhoused residents to sleep overnight in their vehicles, with access to resources to help participants on their path to housing, including employment assistance, credit repair, financial education and more. To learn more about the Safe Parking Program, visit the Homelessness Strategies and Solutions webpage.

AIRPORT SEEKS CANDIDATES

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the Audit Committee. Candidates must meet at least one of the following qualifications: An architect or civil engineer licensed to practice in the State of California. A professional with experience in the field of real estate or land economics. A person with public or private sector executive level decision making experience. A person with experience in managing construction of large-scale public works projects. A person who resides within the airport influences area of the San Diego International Airport. A person with experience in environmental justice as it pertains to land use. The application deadline is Friday, March 31, by 5 p.m. Interested candidates can contact Board Services/Authority Clerk at (619) 400-2550 or [email protected]. For more information on what the role entails, see the Audit Committee Charter here san.org/Airport-Authority/Chief-Auditor.

PETCO OPENING DAY

After ranking all 30 MLB stadiums, USA Today named Petco Park as top dog. Calling it the “perfect” ballpark, USA Today noted the stadium’s stunning view of the downtown skyline, Gallagher Square and the delectable bites to eat at the park as reasons for giving the honor to San Diego. Padres Opening Day is Thursday, March 30 hosting the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park with the first pitch is at 6:40 p.m. Blake Snell is set to be the starting pitcher. With over 14,000 pitches thrown in his MLB career, this season’s Opening Day will mark Snell’s 160th game as a starting pitcher. Snell has struck out 989 basemen throughout his career, which started after he was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2011 draft.

PORT CAREER FAIR

The Port of San Diego is hosting the first People of the Port Career Fair  Friday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the InterContinental San Diego Hotel, 901 Bayfront Ct. Nearly 40 bayfront businesses are participating and will have job openings for people at all education, skill, and experience levels.For more information, including the latest list of employers that will be represented, tips for success, and educational sessions that will be held during the event, go to portofsandiego.org/careerfair.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

A runner heads down the Mission Bay Park path around Crown Point past blooming flowers on Friday, March 24. Spring officially started on March 20 and after all the late winter rain storms, San Diego should have a colorful couple months as it slides into summer.

PCPB BOARD ELECTIONS

Receiving the most votes in the Peninsula Community Planning Board’s annual election on March 16 were Mandy Havlik, 83 votes; Angela Vedder, 81 votes; Eric Law, 30 votes; Jack Fernandes, 26 votes; and Andrew Hollingworth, 19 votes. All five were elected to three-year terms on the advisory group board expiring in 2026. The Peninsula Community Planning Board (PCPB) holds an annual election every March to fill five openings. Board terms are three years, with exception of unexpired terms which may also be filled at the March election. Requirements for those interested in becoming a PCPB board member: Candidates must be 18 years of age. Candidates must reside, own property, or operate a business within the PCPB boundaries. Candidates must have attended one regular PCPB meeting within the previous 12-month term. Attending the candidates forum qualifies for this requirement.

The Peninsula Community Planning area encompasses about 4,409 acres (approximately 7 square miles) and is bounded by Ocean Beach (split off and founded in 1975) and the Pacific Ocean on the west and south, The San Diego River Flood Control Channel and the Midway community on the north, and San Diego Bay and Port tidelands on the east. The Peninsula community is a highly urbanized community, comprised of a number of relatively distinct residential neighborhoods including Ocean Beach Highlands, Point Loma Highlands, Loma Alta, Loma Palisades, Loma Portal, Fleetridge, Roseville, Sunset Cliffs, Wooded Area, La Playa, and Liberty Station.

LPE AUCTION

The Loma Portal Elementary School auction may be over, but there are still ways to make it an even bigger success. The school is only $700 away from its $10,000 goal to upgrade the LPE Auditorium. If you weren’t at the event, check out the amazing video the kids helped make showing why the auditorium needs some TLC.

ACTING COACH RETURNS

Point Loma Playhouse is welcoming back DeAnna Driscoll, a superb acting coach and teacher. While in San Diego, Driscoll will be starring in the  world premiere of the play “Sharon” soon to open at the Cygnet theater in Old Town. During her short stay here, Driscoll has consented to present her class “Physical Acting” at ActLiveNow in Liberty Station. Physical Acting takes you up the next step in understanding, absorbing and realizing you’re on-stage character. Physical Acting will commence on Monday, May 15 for six weeks. It is instruction strongly recommend for actors wanting to expand their talents and raise their careers to the next level. Registration is limited to 10 members and, from previous experience, Driscoll’s classes fill quickly. See details at ActLiveNow.com.

PUCKS & PINTS

San Diego Breweries’ fifth annual Pucks & Pints charity hockey game and festival is set for Saturday, April 8. Pucks & Pints is a charity hockey event created in 2018 by hockey-loving beer industry insiders. While the main breweries organizing the event are Thorn Brewing, Stone Brewing, Societe Brewing, and Modern Times/Maui Brewing, the event is 100% volunteer based with support from breweries all over San Diego. Pucks & Pints is a full day of hockey and craft beer for a purpose. The event begins by cheering on players representing breweries and brewpubs from all across the county at the Brewers Charity Game. Followed by beer, barbecue and raffles at the Craft Beer Festival at Modern Times. Close out the night by attending the San Diego Gulls’ last home game of the season, (it’s Fan-Appreciation night). All proceeds raised are donated to Resque Ranch, Emilio Nares Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego, y el San Diego Brewers Guild.

C-SPAN CONTEST WINNERS

C-SPAN announced that students at Correia Middle School in Point Loma are winners in C-SPAN’s national 2023 StudentCam competition. The following students have won prizes: Sophie de la Houssaye and Whitney Huzmich will receive $750 as third prize winners for the documentary, “Human Trafficking: Teach Our Youth or Leave Them in the Dark?”; Lilah Harris and Victoria Stout will receive $250 as honorable mention prize winners for the documentary, “No Place Like Home,” about affordable housing; and Katherine Fleming and Anna Wang will receive $250 as honorable mention prize winners for the documentary, “160 Miles to Home,” about the Endangered Species Act.

C-SPAN, in cooperation with its cable television partners, asked middle and high school students to engage in a national conversation on the challenges our country is facing with the theme: “If you were a newly elected member of Congress, which issue would be your first priority and why?” Now in its 19th year, this project-based learning experience gives students the opportunity to explore multiple perspectives on topics that are important to them and consider solutions to address them. In response, nearly 3,000 students participated, and C-SPAN received over 1,500 entries from 40 states, Washington, D.C. and Abu Dhabi.

CAMPBELL SUPPORTS NEW PIER

District 2 Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell supports the OB Pier Replacement Project as a permanent solution along with the OB Taskforce overseeing the project, which was created to review and recommend the best plan for the OB Pier. The pier has been closed for months for safety reasons. Winter storms have damaged the pier numerous times in recent years, and there is significant wear and tear to the pier columns.

“The OB Pier is a San Diego treasure, but recent storms along with wear and tear have damaged the pier extensively,” said Campbell. “As a result, the pier has been closed numerous times at the expense of San Diegans. Because repairs are too costly, the best solution is a replacement project. San Diegans deserve a new, and state-of-the art pier so they can enjoy it for generations.”

HISTORICAL HOMES

At its January meeting, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board designated six historic buildings, including one two-story house in Point Loma at 3425 Xenophon St., to be historical. The Xenophon residence is a two-story home built in 1937 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style with a Monterey-style cantilevered second-floor balcony covered by the primary roof. The Carl and Ethel Mae Sharp House meets HRB Criterion C for retaining key elements of these two architectural styles. These include a low-pitched, combined hipped-and-gabled roof with minimal eave overhang; smooth stucco and wood cladding; brick chimney; asymmetrical primary facade; multi-light and single-light wood-framed windows; and French doors.

SPRING FLING

Spring has sprung and the City of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department is ready to celebrate the season through spring-themed special events at recreation centers across the City including egg hunts, scavenger hunts, Earth Day celebrations and more running through Saturday, April 22. Nearly 50 events are planned at recreation centers and parks in all San Diego communities, with events scheduled at times throughout the day, including some evening programs in collaboration with Parks After Dark.

HELP A CHARITY

Grab a sub and lend a hand: Head to Jersey Mike’s Subs on Wednesday, March 29 and 100 percent of your purchase will go to charity. On Jersey Mike’s nationwide Day of Giving, the hardworking teams at 56 Jersey Mike’s locations in the San Diego area will give every single dollar in sales, not just the profit, to Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. All month, customers have been making donations at nearly 2,500 Jersey Mike’s locations nationwide during the 13th Annual “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign for local charities.

COFFEE WITH LACAVA

Arts+Culture San Diego is sponsoring a Coffee with District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava on Thursday, April 6 from 9-10 a.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St. RSVP by March 31 to [email protected].

ELMORE COSTA CELEBRATED

San Diego Actors Theatre Celebrates artistic director Patricia Elmore Costa’s 50/50 Career: 50 years as a theatre artist, 50 years as an educator This year, Patricia Elmore Costa celebrates 50 years as a professional theatre artist working as an actor, director, writer and producer in Chicago and San Diego. She’s also celebrating 50 years as an educator with a background of teaching all grade levels. The San Diego Actors Theatre celebrates these incredible milestones with a series of staged readings beginning with David Mamet’s Duck Variations April 1, at 2 p.m, at the La Jolla Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave.

CARNIVAL FOR CLIMATE

On Saturday, April 15, Carnival for Climate will kick off Earth Week for hundreds of San Diegans with fun-filled activities from noon to 4 p.m. at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd, in Balboa Park. Carnival for Climate is a family-friendly festival with climate-themed carnival games, circus and musical performers, face painting, and carnival food, with opportunities for learning about ways to take action for a more sustainable future. Several environmental and climate organizations will table at the event. All proceeds from the event benefit SanDiego350 and will support local climate action. Read more at https://carnival4climate.org.

CLIMATE BILL INTRODUCED

Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) has introduced the Housing and Climate Solutions Act, AB 68, legislation that will advance California’s history of strong climate leadership by directly linking housing policy and the state’s response to climate change. The bill would make it faster and easier to build more homes near jobs, schools, transit, and other resources, while adding provisions to state law that will help protect Californians from increasingly frequent and severe wildfires and floods. AB 68 includes measures to help reduce the pollution that causes climate change; protect open lands that remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere; and make our communities more resilient to fires, floods, drought, and other climate impacts. “Our housing and climate crises are intertwined, and our solutions must be too,” said Ward. “Our current land-use policies have left unchecked sprawl that puts more Californians in harm’s way, increases climate pollution, and strains infrastructure. AB 68 will make sure local governments follow their existing plans to build needed infill housing in climate-safe areas, and enable more Californians to live in walkable neighborhoods near jobs, schools, and transit.”

PARKINSON’S 5K WALK

The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego is holding its 21st annual Step by Step 5k Walk at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 1 at Liberty Station. CBS News 8 anchor Carlo Cecchetto will emcee the event. Register at parkinsonsassociation.org or call 858-215-2570. Proceeds enable the PASD to continue to make critical resources available to thousands of San Diego County residents who have or are affected by Parkinson’s. All funds raised from the event stay within San Diego County. The donation is $50, Youth 12 to 17 are $10 and children under 12 are free. The donations are tax-deductible and include a T-shirt. The walk is dog friendly.

NEW MUSEUM DIRECTOR

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum announced Jacinta S. Wong as the new SDCHM executive director. A recent transplant to San Diego, Wong holds over 20 years of management experience working in the nonprofit and government sectors in Chicago. Wong was integral in creating programs in multiple city departments including the Board of Ethics and Department of Buildings. As executive director, Wong will be responsible for working with the SDCHM Board to develop and implement the museum’s strategic plan, oversee staff and volunteers and manage the museum’s operations and finances, as well as conducting fundraising and community outreach.

EASTER AT GEORGE’S

George’s at the Cove, 1250 Prospect St., doesn’t typically serve brunch, but Easter Sunday, April 9 is one of the few exceptions for the restaurant. Executive chef Masa Kojima, pastry chef Aly Lyng, and the entire kitchen staff welcome guests for Easter Brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Brunch will be served only indoors in Level 2, which still offers floor-to-ceiling views of La Jolla Cove. Reservations can be made aquí.

THE BOSS AT PECHANGA

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have added two new North American dates to their 2023 international tour, announcing a long-awaited return to San Diego on Dec. 2 at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. Tickets went go on sale March 24 via axs.com.

SERVICE TO ATLANTA

Ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines will launch new seasonal nonstop daily service from San Diego International Airport to Atlanta in May. With the new service, Frontier will serve a total of six nonstop destinations from SAN. To celebrate, it is offering fares of $79.

LITTLE ITALY ACQUISITIONS

GBOD Hospitality Group, the San Diego-based creators behind Gaslamp Quarter hot spots Mezé Greek Fusion, El Chingon, Prohibition Lounge, and Havana 1920, has acquired Little Italy dining destinations Bencotto Italian Kitchen, y Monello. Founded by husband-and-wife Guido Nistri and Valentina Di Pietro, the restaurants have remained open through the transition and operations are unaffected by the acquisition. Bencotto Italian Kitchen is at 750 W. Fir St. Located next door, Monello is a Milanese kitchen applauded for its decadent cheese wheel pastas. For more information, visit GBODGroup.com.

SDUSD ART EXHIBITION

Works of art from students of all ages are now displayed in the hallways at the San Diego Unified School District headquarters, Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal St. The various works include paintings, drawings, photographs, and other forms of visual art. With a goal of identifying creations that uniquely captured a student’s voice and vision, art educators throughout the district were tasked with the difficult assignment of submitting the various works to be shown. For those unable to attend the exhibit in person, a companion online version featuring approximately 350 works is available. The online exhibit includes a mix of creations shown at the Ed Center, as well as additional material displayed exclusively online.

AUTOMAKERS SUED

San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott has sued carmakers Hyundai and Kia for failing to install standard anti-theft technology in their cars, a business practice it is claimed makes their vehicles dangerously and unreasonably susceptible to theft. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the People of the State of California, covers the period 2011 through 2021, during which, it alleges, the two companies were a “glaring exception” to industry norms by manufacturing vehicles that could be stolen with “relative ease” using “tools no more advanced than a USB cable.”

“Making sure cars are not easy to steal keeps dangerous drivers in stolen vehicles off the road,” Elliott said. “Hyundai’s and Kia’s decisions to put cost savings and profits over public safety has had significant consequences for San Diego and its residents, leading to a substantial increase in vehicle thefts, reckless driving, related crime sprees, and public harm.”

The lawsuit alleges that car thefts consume scarce law enforcement and emergency resources, deprive the public of safe streets and sidewalks, and increase violence when would-be thieves are confronted. It alleges that the companies’ conduct created a public nuisance that could have been avoided had they followed industry-wide standards and installed immobilizers at a cost of roughly $200 per vehicle.

MILLIONTH RIDER

SeaWorld San Diego is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Emperor coaster by giving guests the opportunity to be the millionth rider since opening just over a year ago. If you’re lucky number 1,000,000, you’ll be the first person to ride Arctic Rescue. Join in and brave California’s tallest and fastest floorless dive coaster featuring a heart-pounding 14-story, 90-degree drop, three thrilling inversions, and top speeds of 60 miles per hour.

SPRING AT SUNSET CLIFFS

Experience spring at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (left) on Saturday, March 18 from 9-11 a.m. See more than 40 species of native plants in full bloom in the “Demonstration Garden” overlooking located on the south side of the Ladera Street parking lot in Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Cliffs. Hosted by the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council and Friends of Sunset Cliffs. Questions? Contact Rosamaria at 619-890-2828 or SunsetCliffsNaturalPark.org. (Photo by Thomas Melville)

AT LEAST 8 DEAD AFTER TWO BOATS CAPSIZED

On March 12, at least eight people died after two smuggling boats capsized on Black’s Beach in San Diego County, officials said. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department lifeguards responded to a 911 call on Saturday around 11:30 p.m. The 911 caller, a woman speaking Spanish, described two panga boats that had capsized near Torrey Pines beach.

“One boat carrying eight people made it to shore, while another boat carrying 15, overturned in the surf,” said Capt. James Spitler, sector commander for the US Coast Guard in San Diego.

James Gartland, the head of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s lifeguard division, said that lifeguards tried to save people from the water. But the first rescuers are not available to approach the beach because of the high tide and had to wade through deep water. When rescuers and federal agents arrived, both boats were already capsized.

All eight victims were adults and nationalities are uncertain, according to Gartland. The bodies were transferred to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office, fire department officials said. It is not clear the cause of why the boats were capsized, and how many people may still be missing.

COACH JOE COULD USE SOME HELP

Coach Joe is an 83-year-old tennis coach at Pacific Beach Community Recreation Center in San Diego. He used to teach at Bishop’s School in La Jolla when it was an all-female school and coached at Cathedral Catholic High School. He truly loves tennis and tries to make great lessons full of joy and excitement. A lot of his former students and members of this community loved him coaching tennis.

Currently, he can’t coach people anymore because he needs a hip replacement. He only has Social Security and suffers from severe pain. Now, he is also suffering from financial problems. He needs help with rent, insurance payments, utility bills, and other living expenses to maintain his daily life. If you can help out, he could fix his car and drive to other places and not only Pacific Beach. He has been genuinely touched by people’s help so far and is finding vitality of his life again. For anyone who wants to know more about Coach Joe and help him, you can donate through GoFundMe. Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-coach-joe?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined

FISH FARM PROTEST

On March 14, several dozen San Diego fishermen, chefs, and residents joined together to voice their opposition to the proposed Pacific Ocean AquaFarms fish farm. This 28 pen facility would be built three miles off the coast of Mission Bay and raise 5,000 metric tons of California yellowtail a year. Specifically, rally attendees called on Don Kent, president of Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, to halt SeaWorld’s technical and institutional support of this fish farm.

“An industrial fish farm off the coast of San Diego would be an ecological nightmare,” said Phillip Musegaas, executive director of San Diego Coastkeeper. “This project would directly pollute our coastal waters and pose a huge risk to humpback and gray whales, along with other marine life, which could get entangled in its floating nets. We need to focus on restoring our oceans, not industrializing them.”

About 30 rally-goers gathered at Ski Beach on Tuesday directly across the bridge from the theme park to highlight this issue and the conflict between SeaWorld’s conservation work and its support for this plan. A mix of college students and community members flanked the speakers holding signs that said “Forget The Fish Farm” and “Let Fishermen Fish.” There are proposed fish farm sites up the Southern California coast as far north as the Santa Barbara Channel. The one in San Diego, however, would be the first commercial finfish farm in federal waters. Don’t Cage Our Oceans is a diverse, nation-wide coalition of organizations and businesses fighting offshore fish farming, while uplifting values-based seafood systems led by local communities. Visita https://dontcageouroceans.org.

COMMUNITY HAPPY HOUR

Bird Rock Community Council is re-instituting its community happy hours starting Wednesday, March 22 from 5-7 p.m. at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. Bring your friends and meet your neighbors for a lively conversation about the beach community. Visit birdrockcc.org for more details.

ART GALLERY OPENING

On Thursday, March 16 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., join in the free Third Thursday for the opening of the two newest special exhibitions at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s flagship Joan and Irwin Jacobs Building, 700 Prospect St. in La Jolla: Celia Álvarez Muñoz: Breaking the Binding y Griselda Rosas: Yo te cuido. On view from March 16 to Aug. 13 in the Iris and Matthew Strauss Galleries, experience murals, photography, and gallery-sized installations in this retrospective of the acclaimed Chicana artist Celia Álvarez Muñoz. Also making its debut in the David C. Copley Gallery, is the first solo museum exhibition of San Diego and Tijuana-based Griselda Rosas, presenting new sculptural installations and inventive textile drawings, several of which are collaborations with the artist’s young son. San Diego and Tijuana-based Cumbia band, La Diabla will perform from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

ALESMITH BREWING HONORS GWYNN

AleSmith Brewing Company announced the release of its limited edition Double Up Double IPA (right), an homage to legend Tony Gwynn and his time playing basketball at San Diego State University. Featuring artwork by San Diego muralists, Paul Jimenez and Signe Ditona of Ground Floor Murals, this beer celebrates the iconic achievements of one of SDSU’s all-time greats. The name of the beer pays tribute to one of Gwynn’s most famous moments in March 1981. In the same week, Gwynn recorded 16 points and 16 assists against New Mexico and then 5 RBIs in seven at-bats against USC College. This was a truly remarkable double dip performance that became known as “The Double Dip Week” among college basketball fans everywhere. Double Up Double IPA is a West Coast-style Double India Pale Ale that packs a punch. This 8% ABV brew surges with juicy hop flavor and aroma. Citra, Amarillo, and Cascade hops provide an intensely fruity character with notes of citrus, melon, and sweet fruit. A generous amount of carefully selected malts lend a firm backbone of malt sweetness that allows the hops to shine. This brew will be available on draft and in 16 ounce 4-pack cans featuring the art of Ground Floor Murals on the label.

UCSD CHAIR NAMED SOCIETY PRESIDENT

Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, MS, chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at University of California San Diego School of Medicine has been named as the 2023 president-elect of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM). SMFM is the leading society and national voice for more than 5,500 highly qualified maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) subspecialist physicians, as well as scientists, nurses, genetic counselors, ultrasound technicians and administrators, with expertise in high-risk pregnancy and collaboration for optimal and equitable perinatal outcomes.

TALK OF THE TOWN

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library at 1008 Wall St. will toast the town in their version of the exuberant art scene of the 1920s at the Talk of the Town benefit on Friday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m., its first fundraising event since 2019. The occasion will celebrate the Athenaeum’s past and bright future at the historic William Templeton Johnson building in downtown La Jolla that opened in 1921. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire, and as a favorite cultural figure from the 1920s if they choose.

Available will be delicacies and indulgences to be expected from a party worthy of the Great Gatsby. There will be an open bar with 1920s cocktails, and food will be plentiful. They invite guests to walk around and enjoy demonstrations of the many offerings of the Athenaeum. There will be jazz music, a live art demonstration by Andrew Alcasid (whose exhibition will be on view in their Clayes Gallery), a photo opportunity with a vintage car, a 1920s dance demonstration, and a silent auction. Purchase needed by April 1 to guarantee entry. Visit ljathenaeum.org.

BEAUTIFUL PB GRANT

BeautifulPB has received a grant in partnership with the San Diego Audubon Society to bring new murals into the heart of Pacific Beach that highlight the important animals and habitats right here in the neighborhood. BeautifulPB is currently seeking an artist/artist team to create an inspiring outdoor mural or mosaic that “brings the bay into the local Pacific Beach Community.” The budget for this project is $5,500, including a stipend for design, materials, wall prep, and labor for the mural. For additional information and to apply, use the link aquí. Applications are due April 3.

BFREE EXHIBITION

BFREE Studio run by gallery owner Barbara Freeman announced the next exhibition by artist Peter Fay running March 21-April 8 at the studio at 7857 Girard Ave. Fay’s worldwide travels have provided a constant source of inspiration and material for his expansive portfolio. He has captured award-winning photographic treasures in exotic locales across the globe. His fusion of light, color, and forms create powerful dramatic images spanning genres of landscape, portraiture, wildlife, documentary and fine art photography. Fay’s exhibition, titled “The Way I See It,” is composed of 60 pieces structured into four groupings highlighting Fay’s interests: Nature, Portraiture, Americana and Automobiles shared in an unusual way – 20 of the pieces are on metal and 40 of the pieces are on archival paper. For more information, visit bfreestudio.net.

CONCERT @ LJ CHURCH

To start its 2023 season of concerts, Bodhi Tree Concerts, the award-winning San Diego performing arts organization that commits intentional acts of kindness through music, presents San Diego favorites Ken Anderson and Dale Fleming in “An Evening of Songs that Heal,” Sunday, March 19, at 4 p.m. at St. James by-the-Sea, 743 Prospect St. “An Evening of Songs that Heal” is taken from the Negro Spiritual, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War era, Broadway, and directly from the church. It will be an evening that will inspire, make you want to sing (and you’re welcome to), and hopefully help you with your own healing process. In keeping with the mission of Bodhi Tree Concerts, profits from this concert will benefit the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir Scholarship Fund. Purchase tickets at bodhitreeconcerts.org.

DUCK DIVE ST. PAT’S

Buceo de pato is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with food and drink specials from Thursday, March 16 to Sunday, March 19. Devour the corned beef and hash breakfast special. Or opt for the traditional corned beef hash with cabbage and potatoes, available during lunch and dinner. Jameson espresso martinis, Irish slammers, green beers, and green tea shots are available as well.

BACKYARD GOES GREEN

Backyard Kitchen & Tap at 832 Garnet Ave. is imploring lads and lasses to raise a pint, get your green on, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with sláinte. On Thursday, March 16: Irish-themed Trivia 6:30-8:30 p.m. Guinness Beer Dinner Pairing, 7 p.m. a three-course meal paired with Guinness beers for $50 per person. Live music by MPLUS from 10 p.m.-midnight. Friday, March 17: Corned beef and cabbage for $18. Nobody Drinks Alone – get two Guinness or two Jameson drinks for $17. $10 Irish Car Bombs. $10 Jameson Green Tea drinks (ran through an ice luge) from 6-10 p.m. Back Bar Karaoke 9 p.m.

Nightclub and DJ 10 p.m. For reservations or more information, visit https://backyardpb.com. Follow @backyard_pb.

FIESTA ISLAND MOWING

The Fiesta Island park maintenance crew has announced plans to mow the dog park in phases, in part to aid foxtail control, which began March 11-12 continuing through March 18-19. Watch for the large mowers in action, and keep your dogs under control when they are nearby. That means goodbye to many of the knee-high “daisies” (actually the chrysanthemum family) that people and pups alike have been enjoying, but it’s important to mow now before the foxtail grasses dry and go to seed. Mowing now will help reduce (though not eliminate) those nasty and potentially harmful foxtails.

CUSP DINING & DRINKS

Cusp Dining & Drinks at Hotel La Jolla on La Jolla Shores Drive will offer a toast to the Easter Bunny with several specials joining its newly launched brunch menu in honor of the holiday on Sunday, April 9 from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. The specials will join the restaurant’s regular a la carte offerings of new American cuisine, served with a side of spectacular views of downtown La Jolla and the Pacific Ocean. To make a reservation, visit opentable.com. Para más información visite cusprestaurant.com.

NEW BOARD MEMBER

Just in Time for Foster Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to engaging a caring community to help transition-age foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and well-being, announced new board member Wendy McKinney. A trusted leader in nonprofit and for-profit business, McKinney has mastered how to prioritize work, family and a life of service. As the former chief development officer for the American Red Cross and the San Diego History Center, and former development director for the Neighborhood House Association, she raised millions to benefit the San Diego region. As a former financial services executive for AIG, she successfully led the sales and marketing team. For over 30 years, she has trained hundreds in leadership through conferences, retreats, and motivational speaking.

TALENT & CASTING

National agency InnoVision Marketing Group is widening its capabilities with the creation of InnoVision Talent & Casting, adding to its growing list of in-house services. In preparation of their formal announcement to production companies, studios, photographers and other advertising agencies scheduled for June 1, ITC is actively searching for talent to join their current talent roster of actors, models, voiceover talent and extras. Born from one of the most reputable agencies in the nation, the new talent and casting entity will complement InnoVision Marketing Group’s current five divisions and services, including brand strategy, advertising, creative, film production, digital media, traditional media, public relations and Grupo Español.

ITC’s mission is to challenge the traditional types of casting and talent agencies by welcoming a more inclusive roster, giving opportunities to underrepresented groups and people of all diversities and backgrounds and never requiring any fee or cost to anyone on their roster. Their biggest differentiator from other talent and casting agencies will be their fee structure that gives every person on their roster one hundred percent of their earnings, with no commissions taken out of their pay.

BUN & PATTI
Bun & Patti, a fine casual burger restaurant at 2171 Kettner Blvd., has opened its doors in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Founded by husband and wife Elion and Amy Prodani and inspired by Elion’s two decades managing fine dining restaurants in Las Vegas, Bun & Patti features a counter-service menu that is approachable in the familiarity of its menu items while being high-end in execution, ingredients and design. “We are looking to change how people view a burger place,” says Elion Prodani, co-owner of Bun & Patti.

The menu is centered around a burger blend of the upper two-thirds Angus choice chuck and brisket sourced from Gold Canyon Meat Co. and beef from Flannery Beef, a third-generation farm in Petaluma. The 6-ounce burger patties are available in single, double, sliders or an Impossible meat vegan option and served on brioche buns, salt and pepper brioche buns, pretzel buns, and vegan sesame buns baked fresh daily from Los Angeles-based Rockenwagner Bakery. The fine-dining execution is further showcased in hand-crafted sauces, burger toppings, salads and sides.

SDVLP LAUNCHES REBRANDING

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program has announced a rebranding campaign to celebrate a milestone of 40 years providing free legal services to some of the most disadvantaged populations in our region. Established in 1983, the nonprofit’s rebrand is focused on reinforcing its mission to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers and others who are willing to donate their time and resources. “We hope our rebrand can introduce us to a new generation of stakeholders who can help ensure that no San Diegan is forced to navigate the legal system alone, simply because they cannot afford an attorney,” said Jennifer Nelson, CEO of SDVLP. “The new brand reflects our colorful and diverse organization, volunteers and the more than 6,000 San Diegans we serve each year.”

UCSD NURSES PROTEST

Registered nurses at UCSD Health Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla held a rally on Thursday, March 16, outside the emergency room entrance to demand that University of California management end the unsafe practice of placing ER patients on gurneys in hallways and other areas that are not properly equipped or staffed for patient care, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United. The nurses are deeply concerned about eroding patient care conditions and the lack of patient privacy and dignity.

Nurses say that it has become standard practice for ER patients who are already admitted, to wait for days on a gurney in a hallway in the ER before being moved to an actual inpatient room with the proper equipment and staffing. Staff must scramble to find IV poles, portable heart monitors, and other basic equipment for hallway gurneys. Some patients are being triaged and sent back to the waiting room, where they do not have call lights to alert staff to any problems.“Patients in hallway gurneys have needed critical care while visitors are walking by,” said emergency department RN and CNA nurse representative Maria Tan. “There are no available restrooms in some of the areas patients are now placed. We are helping patients with bedpans without sufficient privacy screens while other patients and visitors walk by.”

RENOVATED HOTEL

Best Western Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the Best Western San Diego Zoo/SeaWorld Inn & Suites at 2485 Hotel Circle Place. The hotel features 199 total guestrooms, including 68 suites, and is managed by Azul Hospitality Group, a San Diego-based hospitality management platform that provides an innovative approach to maximizing performance. The Best Western San Diego Zoo/SeaWorld Inn & Suites recently completed a renovation of more than $2 million, debuting a new modern design throughout featuring soothing grays and cool deep blues against a backdrop of warm earthy tones.

MUSIC @ MARSTON

Join Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) on Thursday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m. at 3525 7th Ave. for a free 30-minute pop-up concert at the Marston House Museum & Gardens, featuring the award-winning Newbury Park High School Choir from Thousand Oaks. Recognized as one of the finest high school choral programs in the country, the choir offers a memorable musical experience with its concert choir, advanced treble ensemble, and chamber choir groups. The concert will be held on the south terrace of the Marston House, kicking off the spring season. Guests are welcome to stand or sit on the generous south lawn, but we recommend bringing a moisture-resistant blanket or folding chair in case the ground is damp from the rainy weather. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy beautiful music in a picturesque setting! Parking is available on Balboa Drive, immediately adjacent to the Marston House grounds. See Marston House Directions & Parking.

UNDERWATER EASTER EGG HUNT

Parque Belmont is holding its annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt at Plunge Pool on Saturday, April 1 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The underwater egg hunt will include floating and sunken eggs in the shallow end of the pool and a more challenging egg hunt in the deep end for older children and adults. After completing the Easter egg hunt, each child will receive an Easter goodie bag along with a special appearance from the Easter Bunny, a complimentary day pass to return to Plunge San Diego at another time, a chance to try out the newly launched floating obstacle course, dry-land Easter egg hunts, bouncy houses and local vendors. General admission tickets are available from $20-$30 and VIP tickets are available from $40-$50. VIP tickets include one premium Easter basket and exclusive access to the VIP deck with snacks and refreshments. Tickets can be purchased aquí. 

LAV SPRINGTIME TEA

La Valencia‘s upcoming spring tea service returns Friday, April 7, which also coincides with Easter and Mother’s Day. Welcome spring and toast to longer, warmer days ahead with La Valencia’s award-winning tea service at the Mediterranean Room at 1132 Prospect St. Enjoy a variety of fine French DAMMANN Frères teas paired with housemade sconces, quiche, classic tea sandwiches, assorted mini pastries, against the backdrop of panoramic Pacific Ocean views. Plus, start the festive service with a complimentary glass of bubbly.

JAZZ HISTORY LECTURE

Getting in the spirit of The Talk of the Town benefit celebration (April 14), the Athenaeum will present Jonathan Gómez, who will lecture on Jazz in the 1920s, on April 10, at 5:30 p.m. at 1008 Wall St. Gómez will give a context of jazz during this period, highlighting the importance of the era’s innovative jazz artists. In addition to his discussion, he will play some key recordings after which he will hold a question-and-answer period. Gómez is particularly interested in excavating the ways that Black people have turned to music as a site of identity formation, collaboration, community building, and political action. Gómez earned a PhD from Harvard University with a secondary field in African and African American Studies, and his research interests are informed by his practice and experience as a jazz saxophonist.

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is bringing its flavors to the Hillcrest neighborhood at1080 University Ave. on Thursday, March 23. The newest Handel’s is kicking off their grand opening celebration with the first 100 customers receiving free ice cream for a year (purchase necessary). The Hillcrest Handel’s is located at The Hub Hillcrest Market. The grand opening party starts at 11 a.m. The Hillcrest store features local flavors including Black Cherry, Buckeye, Coffee Chocolate Chip, Graham Central Station, Oree-Dough, Salty Caramel Truffle, and more. The location offers dine-in, pickup, delivery, and catering. The store hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

SD 8TH MOST IRISH CITY

Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, but which of the 200 biggest U.S. cities really know how to celebrate the Celtic spirit? To mark Irish American Heritage Month, LawnStarter ranked 2023’s Most Irish Cities in America. Beyond green bloodlines — they looked at access to Irish pubs, dance schools, and social groups among 10 total indicators of Irishness. How does San Diego stack up? Irish Population – 6^el, Number of Fish and Chips Vendors – 5^el, Number of Irish Dance Schools – 4^th, Number of Irish Landmarks – 13^el, Number of Local Irish Organizations – 6^el.

EASTER @ MARINE ROOM

The acclaimed restaurant’s special Easter four-course prix-fixe menu will be available on Sunday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests will begin the culinary experience with an Amuse Bouche of Truffle Leek Quiche, followed by a variety of appetizer options such as Charred Artichoke Salad, Purple Basil Tomato Bisque, Sesame Crusted Salmon Tataki, and more. For the main course, guests can choose from the following selection of Lobster Crepe, Spring Pea Risotto, Swordfish, Filet Mignon and Iberico Pork Chop. The Marine Room will also offer a children’s menu for the holiday. For more information or to make a reservation, visit marineroom.com. 

CLAIREMONT SAFE PARKING LOT
Working to create new options for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, the City Council’s Rules Committee has moved forward a plan to open a new safe parking lot in the Clairemont neighborhood that will include live-in-ready camper trailers as well as free, safe parking for people who sleep overnight in their vehicles.“Safe Parking is a tool that can keep people from losing their home of last resort and winding up on our streets.” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This program expansion will put to good use the trailers provided to us by the State and give folks more space to live while they work to find permanent housing.” The City Council’s Rules Committee voted unanimously on a proposal by the City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department to amend a contract with Jewish Family Service of San Diego to operate the new lot. Located near the City’s Rose Canyon Operations Yard, the lot will operate 24 hours a day and provide a safe place for unhoused residents needing to sleep overnight in their vehicles, with access to critical services to secure employment, financial stability and more on their path to long-term housing.

LEPRECHAUN’S DAY

Coastal Sage Gardening and Botany for Kids will be holding a Leprechaun’s Day Event coming up on March 18 at Sefton Gardens at 1865 Sefton Place. This is a free event that will feature a ladybug release, raffles, face painting, a garden tour and lecture, plus more.

ADULT DOG ADOPTION

With the start of spring just around the corner, Love is in Bloom at San Diego Humane Society/ At least 244 adult dogs (7 months and older) are available for adoption and waiting for new homes across the organization’s campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego. To help these pups find a new family, the shelter is waiving adoption fees for adult dogs through Friday, March 31. The Love is in Bloom promotion is generously sponsored by Purina. San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions Tuesdays-Sundays, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego. Visit sdhumane.org/adoptar to view animals available for adoption.

CLIMATE STUDY BILL

Assemblymember Chris Ward’s AB 30 will broaden the atmospheric river program administered through the Department of Water Resources to link reservoir and flood control operations with best practices in prediction modeling to optimize water management, increase storage, and reduce flood risk. The bill passed out of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee on a bipartisan vote.

“Climate change is causing our rainy seasons to be wetter and our dry seasons to be dryer,” said Ward (D-San Diego). “The ability to predict atmospheric rivers –– where and when they will lead to precipitation, as well as how much it will produce — can help water managers and weather forecasters better prepare for the future.”

PREMIOS VUELA TRANQUILO

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) announced the winners of the 2023 Fly Quiet Awards, which recognize airlines for their efforts to reduce noise during arrivals and departures at Aeropuerto Internacional de San Diego (SAN).

• Southwest Airlines received the highest Fly Quiet Score in the large domestic carrier category for its continued use of the Boeing 737 MAX, a newer and quieter aircraft.
• Spirit Airlines won in the small domestic carrier category for flying more than half of its overall flights at SAN with newer and quieter aircraft.
• DHL, operated by iAero, won the air cargo carrier category for its use of quieter aircraft, the Boeing 737-800, no noise curfew violations, and the lowest noise exceedance score among air cargo carriers.
• Lufthansa won the international carrier category, achieving the best overall score in all categories. The airline utilizes the Airbus 350-900, which is a newer and quieter aircraft and has never had a curfew violation while operating at SAN.

“The Airport Authority is proud to collaborate with the Airport Noise Advisory Committee on the Fly Quiet Program, which we introduced in 2017 to encourage airlines to work together with the airport and the community to operate as quietly as possible in the San Diego area,” said Kim Becker, Airport Authority president and CEO.

SEMANA DEL RESTAURANTE SD

San Diego Restaurant Week, presented by the California Restaurant Association, returns in its 20th year with over 100 restaurants across 30-plus neighborhoods for eight days of dining from Sunday, March 26 through Sunday April 2. San Diego Restaurant Week invites diners to “Spring into Flavor” with diverse menus featuring special prix-fixe pricing throughout the county. Diners can enjoy a variety of diverse menus featuring special prix-fixe pricing throughout the county. Guests can enjoy two-course lunches and three-course dinners for starting at just $20 depending on the restaurant’s price points. Guests are invited to inspire their tastebuds by browsing menus for all participating restaurants which are available in advance at SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com.

UC HOUSING PROTEST

On March 11, nonprofit Our Time To Act United hosted a rally and press conference to support more housing in the University Community Plan Update. “San Diego is in a housing and climate crisis. We need more mixed-use, multi-family, high-density housing, paired with employment and transit, to tackle both issues at once. The housing crisis is an intersectional issue that affects our entire community. Solving the housing crisis means changing the way we develop our land to encourage high-density development that realistically plans for our future,” said Nicole Lillie, housing projects director at Our Time to Act United. “Housing is a human right, it’s time we start enacting policies and pursuing strategies that will actually achieve providing it.”

“The vibrancy of the University area will be destroyed if people of all stages of life can’t afford to live here,” said Rachel Graham, housing and transit advocate. “Lack of housing means that young adults can’t stay in the neighborhood where they grew up. A lack of housing means that seniors must choose between downsizing and remaining in their community. No one should have to leave an area because they can’t afford it.”

COVERED CALIFORNIA

Covered California announced that 263,320 people had newly selected a health plan for 2023, continuing a trend of steady growth in recent years. The total is more than 14,000 higher than 2021’s total, and 8,000 higher than last year’s figure. In addition, more than 1.4 million Californians renewed their health insurance for 2023, bringing Covered California’s overall enrollment to 1.74 million.

“Covered California is woven into the fabric of our health care system, providing quality coverage in every corner of the state and protecting more than 1.7 million Californians,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “The strength in these numbers is driven by the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides increased and expanded financial help, bringing the cost of coverage within reach for millions of Californians who need health insurance.”

Covered California’s analysis shows that the total number of consumers selecting a plan for 2023 is 1,739,360, which reflects 1,476,040 consumers renewing their coverage and 263,320 consumers newly signing up for coverage during open enrollment.

SDBC SAFETY RALLY

San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and Families for Safe Streets San Diego will hang posters at the sites of all fatal bicycle and pedestrian crashes since 2014 on Saturday, March 18. Safe streets advocates will meet at the Bike Coalition offices on Saturday morning and distribute posters throughout the city. Campaign will spread awareness of the deadly traffic crash epidemic and call on Mayor Todd Gloria and the San Diego City Council to dedicate more funding to Vision Zero

Families for Safe Streets San Diego and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition will be launching a campaign to spread awareness of the growing epidemic of cyclists and pedestrians being killed on the streets of San Diego. Volunteers from both groups will gather at the Bicycle Coalition office and then disperse around the city to hang posters at the locations of every crash that killed a bicyclist or pedestrian since 2021. The posters will read “Our Neighbor was Killed Here,” and will direct viewers to a webpage where they will be able to easily email Gloria and their council member to request more funding for traffic safety.

BARKS & BREWS

This Saturday, March 18, San Diego’s Barks & Brews Fest returns to downtown’s Waterfront Park for a day filled with craft beer tastings, great food, furry friends and the vibrant surroundings of the San Diego Bay. Barks & Brew takes place from 12:30-6 p.m. at Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway in downtown San Diego. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit barksandbrewfest.com.

VIRTUAL KITTEN SHOWER

San Diego Humane Society is getting ready for its busy annual kitten season by holding a virtual Kitten Shower (left). In the coming months, thousands of kittens under eight weeks of age will require around-the-clock care to grow into healthy cats. During the virtual Kitten Shower, which started on March 7, the community is encouraged to donate essential items, including kitten formula, bottles, heating pads, scales and blankets from SDHS’s online baby registries. They are hosted by Amazon, Target and Walmart and can be accessed directly at www.sdhumane.org/programs/kitten-nursery/kitten-shower.html. Purchased items are delivered directly to SDHS, and every donation helps provide the lifesaving care these tiny kittens need to survive.

“Neonate kittens have many essential needs that our staff and volunteers meet in the absence of a mother,” said SDHS director of nursery and placement Jackie Noble. “They need to be fed every two to three hours, they need temperature regulation, they need help eliminating and they need to be groomed – all things their mom would do if she was raising them.” In 2009, San Diego Humane Society opened the country’s first-ever around-the-clock kitten nursery.

MEALS ON WHEELS CHAMPIONS WEEK WITH SD WAVE

On the morning of Monday, March 6, Meals on Wheels San Diego County kicked off its 21st annual Champions Week with members of San Diego Wave at the nonprofit’s Metro San Diego Service Center in the Old Town area. At lunchtime, Wave defender Kaleigh Riehl, as well as Willy Gloria, director of advocacy at Meals on Wheels San Diego County, delivered meals to Judy and others in the Midway District. Champions Week is an annual campaign to help raise awareness for the growing number of seniors facing hunger and isolation in the region, which are both serious problems currently impacting the community and nation at large. Throughout the five-day event, local community leaders and elected officials, such as District 2 Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell, will deliver meals to the nonprofit’s senior clients across San Diego County.

SPRING AT SUNSET CLIFFS

Experience spring at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park on Saturday, March 18 from 9-11 a.m. See more than 40 species of native plants in full bloom in the “Demonstration Garden” overlooking located on the south side of the Ladera Street parking lot in Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Cliffs. Hosted by the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council and Friends of Sunset Cliffs. Questions? Contact Rosamaria at 619-890-2828 or www.SunsetCliffsNaturalPark.org.

LITTLE HOUSE OF FLOWERS PARTNERS WITH PETAL SHARE

Little House of Flowers owner Hilary Bateman partnered with Petal Share. Heather Lawson, the founder of Petal Share, runs the organization to help make the temporary symbols of joy last longer. Petal Share takes flowers donated from weddings, retailers, and events and arranges the flowers. With the help of their volunteers, they deliver them to women’s shelters, homeless youth shelters, nursing homes, and anyone who needs some comfort in times when it can feel like there is none. Little House of Flowers’ both locations will have buckets dedicated to Petal Share to collect. Every Friday, the collected flowers will be transported to Petal Share for a second life. For more information, visit littlehouseofflowerssd.com y petalshare.org.

IN THE SERVICE

Ocean Beach native and Chief Petty Officer Cheyne Souza serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, operating out of San Diego. The squadron’s primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations.

Souza, a 2006 Point Loma High School graduate, joined the Navy 10 years ago. “I was 25 years-old and explored many different careers,” said Souza. “After exploring the military option, I was impressed with the structure and benefits.”

CASS STREET ON NEWPORT

Harry Rudolph Jr. is part of a local hospitality group that is planning to open sister concepts to his Cass Street Bar & Grill and Harry’s Taco Club establishments in the space formerly inhabited by JJ’s Sports Bar & Grill at 5049 Newport Ave. The new joint Cass Street/Mike’s Taco Club concept will have a food menu that is a blend of Mike’s cuisine and Cass Street faves like the stuffed steak baguette, the Oriental salad, and the spicy chicken pasta. Rudolph Jr. also owns Harry’s Coffee Shop in La Jolla and The Venetian in Point Loma and Mike’s Taco Club in OB.

OVERSIZED VEHICLE MEETING

The Port of San Diego is updating SDUPD Code Section 8.09 that regulates the parking of oversized vehicles including recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, and boat trailers. The public and stakeholders, including oversized and recreational vehicle owners and those with concerns about oversized vehicle parking along San Diego Bay, are invited to attend the latest meeting Thursday, March 16 at 2 p.m. at the Port of San Diego Administration Building Boardroom, 3165 Pacific Highway, to learn about proposed changes to the ordinance based on the feedback collected to date, and to provide additional feedback. Proposed changes include updating the definition of an oversized vehicle, expanding the ordinance to include all bayfront areas under Port jurisdiction, and where oversized vehicles will not be permitted to park. The Port and parking consultant have been conducting stakeholder and community outreach to provide information about the existing ordinance and conditions, and to gather input to help guide ordinance updates. Free visitor parking is available in the front of the building. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting or email comments to [email protected]. To learn more and to review the current ordinance, go to portofsandiego.org/oversized-vehicles.

SWEAT & SIP EVENT

On March 11, join Mission Beach’s Sandbar for its Sweat & Sip event sponsored by Locals Only Vodka. Beginning at 9 a.m., personal trainer and Sandbar bartender Raina McCluer will teach a 45-minute high-intensity interval training (HITT) class – either at Sandbar or on the beach depending on the class size. Tickets, which can be purchased aquí for $30, includes a workout band, Local’s Only Vodka drink, and Sandbar brunch specials following the workout. Bring your own yoga mat and towel if you have one at 718 Ventura Place

STUDENT THEATRE PERFORMANCE

Treehouse Academy in collaboration with Apt 4 Music will be hosting a student-led public performance on Friday, March 31 at the NTC North Promenade, 2875 Dewey Road, from 2-4 p.m. This past month, students from Treehouse Academy got the chance to partake in music classes with Apt 4 Music. While there, students had the opportunity to learn to play the ukulele, drums and other percussion instruments during the duration of the workshops. To close out the program, the students will be putting on a performance to showcase their skills and bring to life their creativity in music. This program was made possible through a collaborative grant awarded by NTC Foundation with generous support from River Rock Real Estate Group and The Parker Foundation.

NAUTICAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Take a deep dive into Liberty Station’s nautical roots at a The Nautical History Gallery and Museum in the Dick Laub NTC Command Center now open in Arts District Liberty Station. After carefully studying historical photographs, artist and curator Joe Frangiosa built miniature models of old naval ships. The exhibition showcases carefully constructed displays of realistic miniature Naval ship models as well as a collection of other naval artifacts and historic period antiques. For more information, call 619-800-5497.

BERMUDA STAIRS

A notice of proceeding has been issued by the City and contractor Granite Construction Co. has been awarded the Bermuda staircase/seawall project, work on which commenced Feb. 13. The contractor has about 195 days (nine months) from the start date to complete the project, but the project’s schedule depends on weather and tidal conditions. This project scope consists of replacement of a deteriorated and damaged stairway for public access to the beach at the western terminus of Bermuda Avenue. The stairway will be a cast in-place concrete. The first flight will be supported by a concrete block landing and by supporting concrete piles for the two upper flights. The new stairway will be found independent of the seawall. The staircase providing the only access to the pocket beach below was damaged during winter storms in 2015-16. Subsequently, City staff closed the stairwell due to tidal action that eroded the lower stairway foundation causing the lower stairs to collapse.

CANCER CENTER PRESENTATION

The Point Loma Rotary Club presentation of proceeds from the ninth annual Jim Krause Memorial Charity Cycling Ride the Point to UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer research will be on Friday, March 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The event will include presentations from the MCC director, doctors, and researchers about pancreatic cancer and how Ride the Point funds support vital basic research. The event is at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. Jim Krause was a long-time Point Loman, an avid cyclist, and a past-president of the Point Loma Rotary Club. He died in 2012 from pancreatic cancer, leaving a legacy of service to the community. In his memory, the Point Loma Rotary Club hosts an annual Jim Krause Memorial Charity Bike Ride to support pancreatic cancer research. For more, visit www.pointlomarotary.org.

NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY

National Empanada Day takes place on Saturday, April 8, and Ingrid Funes Shelton, executive chef at Cusp Dining & Drinks, the 11th floor restaurant at the Hotel La Jolla will celebrate this dish from her Latin American heritage with an Empanada Cooking Class focused on creating the perfect, authentic savory turnover, which is regularly featured on Cusp’s nightly dinner menu. During the class at 11 a.m., guests will learn the intricacies of creating this dish and will prepare, taste, and take home recipes for three different empanadas including a traditional version featuring ground beef, potato and onion, chicken chipotle with roasted red bell peppers and sauteed onions, and veggie highlighting fresh roasted poblanos, onions and mozzarella cheese. Additionally, to celebrate the day, Cusp will feature a three Empanada Flight special on the daily menu from April 3-9 for $18. The Empanada Cooking Class is priced at $30 per person and includes two drink tickets for beer, house wine, or non-alcoholic beverages. Parking is complementary at Hotel La Jolla. Advance booking is required and registration is available at https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1214701&restref=1214701&experienceId=147095.

MASTERPIECES BY MOZART, HAENDEL, AND ONSLOW

Mozart effectively used the D minor key in his Requiem, his Opera Don Giovanni, and his Piano Concerto No.20, to evoke feelings of desolation, terror and tragedy. The Piano Concerto No.20 premiered on Feb. 11, 1785, at the height of Mozart’s popularity. On Sunday, April 16, at 4 p.m., Le Salon de Musiques invites you to celebrate three genius European composers, at the La Jolla Woman’s Club. Introduced by musicologist Kristi Brown-Montesano, the program features three masterpieces by Mozart, Haendel, and Onslow.

DAY AT THE DOCKS

A San Diego sportfishing tradition, the Port of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sportfishing. Signaling the official start of Southern California’s spring saltwater fishing season, Day At The Docks takes place on 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, against the colorful backdrop of the world renown sportfishing fleet in Point Loma. This annual event provides marine attractions for the whole family. The serious fisherman can explore the latest fishing tackle presented by the industry’s leading manufacturers. Historical displays underscore how far saltwater tackle design has come. How-to seminars by expert fishermen reveal secrets on improving both technique and results.

PCPB ELECTION

Come meet the candidates that are running for a seat on the Peninsula Community Planning Board and to be your voice for Point Loma. The 2023 election voting polls for Peninsula Community Planning Board will be held at the Point Loma Library on March 16 from 4-7 p.m. All candidate applications can be viewed @ http://www.pcpb.net/elections.html .

LUCKY’S ANNIVERSARY

Mostrador de almuerzo de Lucky is celebrating its 11th anniversary on Thursday, March 16 and invites the entire community to celebrate over a decade of its nostalgic and beloved atmosphere and menu offerings. On Thursday, March 16, Lucky’s will offer their 11 most popular items for free while supplies last (one meal per person).

BIA NAMES VP

El San Diego County Building Industry Association announced it has hired Hannah Gbeh as its new vice president of government affairs. Gbeh has an extensive background in environmental science and political advocacy. She currently works as principal environmental planner for SWCA Environmental Consultants. She starts her now role with the BIA later this month. At the BIA, Gbeh replaces Matt Adams, who is retiring March 31 following a successful 25-year career with the BIA.

MUSEUM RENOVATION

Following a comprehensive search, The San Diego Museum of Art announced the selection of international architectural firm Foster + Partners as the design architect for a renovation project set to enhance the museum’s facilities and visitor experience. These climate-conscious enhancements will make it possible to continue serving a diverse and growing community throughout Southern California and beyond. The project will begin its detailed planning phase in the coming months and is expected to break ground in 2026.

Situated within Balboa Park, the museum’s renovation plan aims to increase art display and further enrich the public’s interaction with exhibitions and education programs while respecting the architectural style and historical significance of Balboa Park. The renovation project will encompass and focus on the museum’s west-wing infrastructure and facilities, with the goal of creating a new Education Center, a pavilion that will activate visitors to celebrate art and connect with the outdoors, and a new rooftop space providing panoramic views of Balboa Park.

NEW PALE ALE

AleSmith Brewing Company announced the release of Session .394, a light beer in cans and draft throughout San Diego. Following in the footsteps of their original .394 beer, collaboration with Hall-of-Famer Tony Gwynn, this rendition has a lower alcohol content while still packing all of the hop character. The light, easy-drinking beer is sure to be a hit with those looking for a lower alcohol option without sacrificing flavor. Session .394 will be available in cans and draft throughout San Diego beginning this month. Fans can look forward to enjoying the new offering at AleSmith’s tasting room in Miramar as well as other locations throughout San Diego County. Find the retailer nearest you by visiting AleSmith’s Beer Finder.

“I am so proud of our ability to continue honoring Tony Gwynn and his legacy with this new version of .394,” said Peter Zien, owner and CEO of AleSmith Brewing Company. “This version is an easy-drinking rendition that embodies Tony’s original vision of a full-flavored beer with a light body. It’s the perfect way to celebrate America’s favorite pastime in our hometown.”

DRAFT @ BELMONT PARK

Draft at Belmont Park is starting early this St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, March 17 as doors open at 5:30 a.m. to host Rock 105.3 The Show’s 10th annual Kegs N Eggs event. The live broadcast will be from 6-10 a.m. with a limited breakfast menu and the social acceptance of drinking beer for breakfast. As the live broadcast concludes, spend the rest of your St. Patrick’s Day enjoying local brews and views at the full bar or on the open-air patio. There will be plenty of food, fun and shenanigans, so don’t miss out.

BEST POP CULTURE MUSEUM

San Diego Comic Convention’s Museo Comic-Con is the winner of the Best Pop Culture Museum category in the 2023 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The contest featured prominent museums from across the U.S., with winners determined by popular vote from members of the public. Current Comic-Con Museum exhibits include “The Animation Academy – from Pencils to Pixels,” which invites visitors to explore the world of cartoons and animated characters. With over 20 interactive stations, this expansive exhibit provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at how some of the most beloved animated shows are created. The museum is also featuring “Cover Story: Five Decades of Comic-Con,” which celebrates the history of the world-famous convention through the covers of its souvenir books. This exhibit offers a visual tour of the evolution of Comic-Con cover art and features works from a veritable who’s who of the comics world.

ST. PATRICK’S @ GULLS

The San Diego Gulls will hold its fan-favorite St. Patrick’s Day game Saturday, March 11 against the Henderson Silver Knights at Pechanga Arena San Diego at 7 p.m. The team will wear specialty green and orange jerseys inspired by St. Patrick’s Day throughout the game, with the first 7,000 fans in attendance receiving an exclusive Gulls Reversible Bucket Hat in the same style. The festivities will kick off with a pregame tailgate packed with St. Patrick’s Day fun in the north VIP lot from 5-7 p.m. All in attendance are encouraged to (sham) rock their greenest attire for the event, which will feature a special performance by the Clan Rince School of Irish Dance. Fans can channel their inner leprechaun at a green beer dye station and can purchase Gulls Blue Line Blonde Ales for $8. The San Diego Gulls Foundation will host an auction featuring autographed player-worn St. Patrick’s Day jerseys and select special edition St. Patrick’s Day pucks signed by your favorite Gulls players. Fans can participate by visiting sandiegogulls.com/auction, with bidding to conclude at 9 p.m. on March 11.

WOMEN IN MEDICINE

The Fertility Institute of San Diego announced that Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh has been voted as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and is a recipient of the prestigious Exceptional Women in Medicine Award. Hosseinzadeh, the founder and medical director of Fertility Institute of San Diego, is a nationally recognized double-board-certified specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility with over 25 years experience. She has been nominated America’s top ob-gyn for the last 11 years consecutively and America’s most honored professional in 2019.

MONSTER TRUCKS

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party is returning to Pechanga Arena San Diego. Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the dark. This one-of-a-kind show will visit Pechanga Arena on Sept. 23-24 for three performances. Event performances will also feature a dance party, laser light shows and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Tickets go on sale March 10 at 10 a.m. through AXS.com.

ASSEMBLY BILL

Pedestrian fatalities reached a four-decade high in 2020, with California having the most pedestrian fatalities in the nation. Simultaneously, vehicles have been steadily increasing in size and weight since the 1980s, with some models now weighing several thousand pounds. Assemblymember Chris Ward has co-introduced AB 251, which would direct the California Transportation Commission to study the relationship between vehicle size and injuries to vulnerable road users. The bill would also study the costs and benefits of imposing a vehicle weight fee, as well as how those funds could be used to improve safety features on roads. “We need to understand the factors that contribute to pedestrian injuries and fatalities, and vehicle weight is an important piece of that puzzle,” said Assemblymember Ward (D-San Diego). “By studying the correlation between vehicle weight and pedestrian injuries, we can develop policies that will help keep pedestrians safe on our roads.”

WAVE BREAKING

San Diego Wave FC, a National Women’s Soccer League expansion team that began play in 2022, will open the regular season at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, March 25 against the Chicago Red Stars. The home opener is slated to kick off at 7 p.m. and tickets are currently available for all the Wave’s home matches aquí.

SDIA GRANT

The Federal Aviation Administration announced the Biden Administration has awarded Aeropuerto Internacional de San Diego (SAN) $20 million in discretionary grant funds as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Airport Terminal Program. The funds will be used for the New T1 program, which will replace the current Terminal 1 with a modern and efficient facility and includes improvements to the airfield, and transportation improvements to make it easier to get to and from the airport.

“We truly appreciate the support of Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein, and Congressman Scott Peters as well as our entire delegation, in making these funds available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “The $20 million Airport Terminal Program grant will fund a portion of the New T1 project, the largest construction project in the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority’s history. Our purpose is to create an exceptional airport experience for the community and the world. When the project is complete, the terminal will support that purpose by making our airport more attractive to the millions of people who want to visit our beautiful city.”

NIGHT OF POETRY

Twiggs Coffeehouse and the Green Room at 4590 Park Boulevard in University Heights, will present a free Special Night of Poetry with Kevin Powell, Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Powell, a renowned writer on hip hop with an upcoming biography of Tupac Shakur, will be reading in the Twiggs Green room from his newest collection of poetry, “Grocery shopping With My Mother.” Powell’s most recent book, “Grocery Shopping,” is a close look at the disconnects, sorrows and joys of growing up as a POC man in a society that does not always value family, POC children, and/or fathers. Powell will be signing copies of his book which will be available at the reading.

GIRLS EMPOWERMENT CAMP

To build excitement around a unique opportunity for local teens, the City of San Diego’s Fire-Rescue Department is offering a preview of its seventh annual Girls Empowerment Camp. This free camp is scheduled for April 15-16. Girls Empowerment Camp is open to all genders for young people ages 14 to 18. Teens learn a variety of skills from professional firefighters and lifeguards including how to perform search and rescue, hose control and how to use a chainsaw. Campers get to rappel out of a window and climb an aerial ladder onto the roof of a building. They’ll also learn workouts that firefighters do to maintain optimal fitness during their careers. Registration for the 2023 GEC goes live on the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation website on March 15 at 8 a.m.

FLORAL STAMPS

The U.S. Postal Service has issued a high-denomination stamp celebrating the mathematical symmetry of flowers. The new $10 Floral Geometry stamp complements similar $2 and $5 stamps issued in 2022. These stamps lend a contemporary appearance to packages, large envelopes and other mailings. The designs feature a series of overlapping geometric shapes — circles, ovals and triangles — that reflect the symmetry of floral patterns. As the stamp denominations rise from $2 to $5 to $10, the designs become more complex. The watercolor backgrounds were painted by hand and scanned. The background for the $10 stamp is red; white geometric lines and typography were added digitally. A foil treatment adds a stylish glimmer. Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store en usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide

SHAMROCK

The annual ShamROCK St. Paddy’s Day block party and festival returns to the streets of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter this St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17, featuring a jam-packed lineup of musical performances across several stages. General Admission tickets include access to the full day of festivities, non-stop music, and a keepsake ShamROCK stein. VIP passes include four drinks, VIP dedicated entry, exclusive access to the Lucky Leprechaun VIP Irish Pub, festive Saint Patrick’s Day hat, upgraded restrooms, and other treats to be announced. A portion of profits benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving the architecture, culture and history of the Gaslamp Quarter.  For more information, to purchase tickets, see the full lineup, and to learn more about the ShamROCK, visit sandiegoshamrock.com.

MAULIZAR DE MARZO

For the fourth year, San Diego Humane Society is holding its furociously cute March Meowness championship. Participants enter their best pet photos, which are voted on during competitions that align with March Madness brackets. The pet whose photo receives the most votes is named the March Meowness champion. The public is invited to enter photos March 1-12. The top 32 photos, based on votes received by midnight on March 12, plus 32 wildcard entries selected by SDHS staff, will advance to the first-round bracket with 64 pets. From there, voting is open for the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, Final Two and then the Championship game. Exact dates and details for each bracket can be found at www.sdhumane.org/contest.
To increase their chances of winning, contestants may encourage friends and family to vote by sharing a link to their pet’s entry. All contest entries and voting is free, with a limit of one vote per person per day. The winner will be announced on April 4. Thanks to a generous sponsorship by petco.com/shop/en/petcostore, this year’s competition will have double the amounts in prizes and twice as many winners: first: $250 Petco Gift Card, second: $200 Petco Gift Card, third: $150 Petco Gift Card, fourth: $100 Petco Gift Card, fifth-eighth: $50 Petco Gift Card. To enter the contest or learn more details, visit sdhumane.org/contest.

LA JOLLA VILLAGE POST OFFICE SHUTS DOWN

Retail operations at the La Jolla Village Post Office located at 8861 Villa La Jolla Drive have been temporarily shut down due to a damaged roof. The PO Box area of the facility is still accessible and open to customers. Retail services will resume at this facility as soon as the U.S. Postal Service determines that it is safe to do so. Many retail services including temporary forwards, stamps and more are also available anytime, online at USPS.com.

SEALS & SEA LIONS LECTURE AND TOUR

Ongoing through Saturday, April 1, from 2-3:30 p.m., the Sierra Club Seal Society will be holding sessions about the La Jolla harbor seals pupping season at the Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery. The informational sessions are followed by short walks to view the pups at Children’s Pool and Point La Jolla. These talks aim to bring awareness to locals and tourists about the needs and vulnerability of the colonies of sea lions and harbor seals living year-round on two La Jolla beaches.

SPRING FORWARD SCAVENGER HUNT

Spring forward is quickly approaching and La Jolla is ready to celebrate the arrival of longer days. The La Jolla Village Merchants Association and La Jolla Riford Library are celebrating the extra hour of the sun with a Spring Forward Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, March 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the La Jolla Riford Library. This is a family-friendly event as children visit various merchants and locations throughout the village in search of clues to solve a simple and timely word game. Prizes and treats will be available for all who participate; all ages are welcome.

UC SAN DIEGO HOUSING PREDICTION

A new model of forecasting home prices based on consumer demand predicts that prices for housing will decrease by 5% nationally and 12% in San Diego County by the end of this year. The model, which highlights online search activity, was recently published in a new estudio from the University of California San Diego’s Rady School of Management.

The model’s predictions have a proven accuracy rate of up to 70% and are unique to other price predictors — such as Zillow, Goldman Sachs and Redfin —because those consider a variety of factors like interest rates, wage growth, unemployment and housing supply. Whereas the housing search index created by Allan Timmermann of the Rady School and collaborators at Arhus University in Denmark, focuses on consumer demand by tracking the rate at which prospective buyers use the internet to search for homes. To read the full paper, “Search and Predictability of Prices in the Housing Market,” go to this link.

 “It is one of the purest measures of potential demand that you can get because the first thing you do when you’re looking for a house or interested in buying a house, is to go to the internet and look at what is available,” said Timmermann, a distinguished finance professor at the Rady School. “Those in the market for a home leave a big footprint with their online search activity because of the time it takes – often several months – to find something that is the right fit.”

PROFESOR DE SALK HONORARIO

Salk Professor Christian Metallo has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to advancing science by being named the next holder of the Daniel and Martina Lewis Chair. Professor Geoffrey Wahl previously held this chair position. Metallo, who is part of Salk’s Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, studies metabolism — how the constant breakdown of energy within cells works and, importantly, doesn’t work. By carefully studying healthy metabolic pathways, disease-causing pathways become clear, such as those that drive cancer progression and vision loss. His research advances the field of metabolism and provides a foundation for the development of metabolism-related therapeutics. Most recently, Metallo discovered that altered amino acid metabolism significantly contributes to peripheral neuropathy, a condition that is common in people with diabetes. The discovery opens new possibilities for identifying people most at risk for the condition, as well as potential treatment options.

NEW GALLERY DIRECTOR

With renovations complete, the UC San Diego Mandeville Art Gallery will open its doors to the community under the guidance and direction of a new leader, Ceci Moss, who joins the university poised to take arts education and outreach to new heights, building on the gallery’s expansive, 57-year history. As gallery director and chief curator, Moss brings nearly 20 years of experience organizing solo, group, touring and online exhibitions, as well as public programs, performances and screenings, in museums, galleries and artist-run spaces. She is the founder and director of Gas, a mobile, autonomous, experimental and networked platform for contemporary art located in a truck gallery and online that was named “one of LA’s most interesting” galleries.

“Historically, the Mandeville Art Gallery operated similarly to a groundbreaking and ambitious artist-run space, one that has been in deep dialogue with the specificity of Southern California and its art movements,” Moss said. “As someone who has a background in non-traditional, contemporary arts organizations, I hope to continue this visionary and thoroughly artist-centered spirit.”

ARTS OPEN HOUSE

All are welcome to The Conrad in La Jolla, 7600 Fay Ave., for a free Community Arts Open House on Saturday, March 11, 1-5 p.m., as part of the mission of Sociedad de Música de La Jolla (LJMS) to engage with students and arts enthusiasts from all around San Diego County. All are invited to join in a fun day of free classes, activities, and performances featuring some of San Diego’s finest musicians, dancers, and artists. Musical performances will include San Diego Music Award winners Whitney Shay y Ed Kornhauser, Grossmont College, harpist Chiara Capobianco, and the San Diego State University Saxophone Ensemble, with youth ensembles including the Poway High School Jazz Combo, the Mission Bay Swing Choir, and Canyon Crest Academy, and a dance workshop with Danza Malashock. Attendees will also have a chance to create their own music and art in interactive drum circle with Drummers Without Borders, a composition workshop with Diego Rodriguez, a hip hop dance class with Alyssa Junious, Studio ACE, The Village Arts and Education Foundation through Spanish Village Arts Center, and storytime with Katia Graham. The Open House is free but advance registration is recommended at https://theconrad.org/events/2023-caoh/.

STUDIO EXHIBITION

R.B. Stevenson Gallery at 7661 Girard Av., Suite 101 in La Jolla has announced the opening of “Recent Work from the Studio” an exhibition of recent paintings by San Diego artist Ricardo Xavier. The show opens with a reception for the artist on Saturday, March 4th from 5-8 p.m. and will remain on view through March 25. This is the second solo exhibition for Ricardo Xavier.  Also, the artist has been included in numerous group shows at the gallery since 2014.

Xavier’s paintings are complicated and rewarding. Abstract in the densest sense, flat geometric forms hover amidst art deco curls, twirls and embellishments. Color reigns supreme and even though the shapes may or may not be familiar, the play of color, form and shape take precedence over any reality real or imagined. For more information visit www.rbstevensongallery.com.

FISH FRY FRIDAY

Fish Fry Friday has arrived at Fish Shop’s three locations – Pacific Beach, Encinitas, and Point Loma. Every Friday through April 7, guests can stop by for either local halibut or red snapper (fish will rotate), fried and served with French fries, cocktail, and tartar sauce, and a fresh lemon wedge. Prices will vary, but guests can expect about $17.50, and the special is available all day, while supplies last. The fast-casual seafood eateries are ideal for families, as each location is kid- and dog-friendly.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN MEETING

On Wednesday, March 15, Republican Women of California, Point Loma, will hold its monthly meeting and lunch at 11 a.m., and the cost is $37, at the Bay Club Hotel and Marina, 2131 Shelter Island Drive. For more information and reservations, email [email protected].

On Wednesday, April 19, Republican Women of California, Point Loma, will hold its monthly meeting and lunch at 11 a.m., and the cost is $37, at the Bay Club Hotel and Marina, 2131 Shelter Island Drive. For more information and reservations, email [email protected].

SDPD COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The San Diego Police Department is holding community outreach meetings on a proposal to use Smart Streetlights and Automated License Plate Reader technologies to investigate and solve crimes. The meetings will consist of a presentation outlining the capabilities of the new technologies and their use by the department including access, data storage and retention, the release of video collected, and more. There will also be time for community input and questions. San Diego Police Department’s Western Division will be holding a meeting for its community members Tuesday, March 7 from 1-3 p.m. at Western Division, 5215 Gaines St. Those wishing to attend RSVP via email to [email protected] no later then 8 p.m. Thursday, March 2. If you are unable to attend the meetings in person, you can view them on the SDPD website later as well as provide your input on the proposals through the public comment portal.

FESTIVAL DE CINE GI

Organizers of the GI Film Festival San Diego are excited to announce this year’s film lineup to screen at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park from May 15-20. The lineup features 31 films, including narrative shorts, full-length documentaries and student films. Attendees will enjoy both local and international films, as well as world premieres, first-time filmmakers and female-directed films. This year’s themes include military sexual trauma, suicide awareness, post-traumatic stress, invisible wounds and transitioning from military to civilian life. The online box office is scheduled to open on March 9, where attendees can secure their tickets for individual screenings or multi-ticket packs to attend multiple screenings. Tickets for most screenings start at $10 each or $8 for military, veterans and KPBS members. For up-to-date information on this year’s film festival, how to attend and ways to get involved, visit GIFfilmFestivalSD.org.

EISNER WEEK @ MUSEUM

The Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park is proud to announce their affiliation with the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation to hold a series of Will Eisner Week panels that focus on the life, creative output, and lasting legacy of graphic novel pioneer and comics industry legend Will Eisner. The panels will be conducted from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, in the theater at the Comic-Con Museum. Attending these programs is free with museum admission. Will Eisner Week is an annual series of events celebrating comics and sequential art, graphic novel literacy, free speech, and the legacy of Will Eisner, who was one of the most innovative figures in the history of comics and graphic novels. For more information about Will Eisner Week, go to facebook.com/willeisnerweek o visitar willeisner.com.

STAND-UP WORKSHOP

Hilarious members of Act Live Now’s Stand-Up Comedy Workshop will deliver their funny skits on stage at Point Loma Assembly Auditorium, 3035 Talbot St., on Saturday, March 4. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. All seats are $15. For more information email [email protected] or call 619-736-5092.

JUMPSTART SUCCESS
On Saturday, March 11 from 8:30 a.m.-noon, Mesa College will host “Jumpstart Your Success, a free community event for prospective Mesa College students of all ages and their families to learn about Mesa College programs and services, including the San Diego Promise, which offers free tuition to eligible students. Families can learn more and RSVP at https://www.sdmesa.edu/jumpstart.

RV BILL

Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) recently introduced Assembly Bill 1472, which will protect vulnerable individuals who reside in recreational vehicles from rent increases and forced relocation. This bill addresses the need to strengthen the current Recreational Vehicle Park Occupancy Law. “It is unreasonable to increase these costs at such an extremely high rate,” said Alvarez. “Many living in recreational vehicles are low or fixed income, are elderly, or have a language barrier and are heavily impacted by surges in rents.”

According to a report by CalMatters, more than 1,600 California households were evicted during the pandemic. However, 1,600 is “likely a significant undercount of how many renters have been forced to leave their homes.” AB 1472 shows that people may have been struggling financially and are still recovering.

CANCER AWARENESS

March is Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Awareness Month, and for the third year in a row, nonprofit patient support organization Living LFS will provide hardship grants to families impacted by this rare cancer predisposition on Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Awareness Day, March 20. On LFS Awareness Day, which marks the 47th birth anniversary of Living LFS founder and passionate patient advocate Jennifer Mallory, a minimum of ten $1,000 hardship grants will be awarded to LFS families struggling with the financial burdens of living with the hereditary cancer syndrome. To learn more and to support those with LFS during Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Awareness Month, visit www.LFSawareness.com.

LIFETIME TOBACCO BAN

A new bill introduced by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) proposes a lifetime ban on the sale of all tobacco products to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2007. Connolly’s bill, AB 935, would mean anyone who is 16 years old today — who under current law cannot legally buy tobacco products until they turn 21 in 2028 — would never be able to buy tobacco products regardless of their age. AB 935 is expected to be heard in committee in the next few weeks.

WEST COAST IPA

AleSmith Brewing Company announced the release of West Peak West Coast IPA, a first-time collaboration with Telluride Brewing Co. This highly anticipated beer has an ABV of 6.75% and features Chinook, Cashmere, and Sabro hops. The collaboration between AleSmith and Telluride began out of a mutual admiration for each other’s beers. Chris Fish and Charlie Ingram of Telluride Brewing are big fans of AleSmith and have called the brewery one of their favorites. After discussions about collaborating on a beer, the two breweries decided to combine their talents to create something unique – West Peak West Coast IPA was born. Find the retailer nearest you by visiting AleSmith’s Beer Finder.

GUIDED BIRD WALK

A guided bird walk along Rose Creek in Pacific Beach will be held Saturday, March 18 from 5-7 p.m. meeting at Mission Bay High School faculty parking lot along Rose Creek, 2475 Grand Ave. Join in the spring solstice guided walk around the three bridges of Rose Creek; Gotch Bridge over the mud flats, between Grand and Garnet, the estuary, which leads into the riparian area of sycamores, ash, cottonwood and the willows that the song birds seek out for nesting, food and mating. It may be chilly out so be prepared for coolness as the sun sets. Laurie and Kyle will be leading the walk. The spring solstice takes places on Monday, March 20 at 2:24 p.m.

GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH

Every March, the California Lottery teams up with the California Office of Problem Gambling to help raise awareness about the serious issue of gambling addiction, including the multitude of treatment and prevention options that are available free of charge. It’s well-known that gambling addiction can lead to devastating personal consequences. The primary goal of Problem Gambling Awareness Month is to educate those who need and want help. Californians should know that confidential help is available at all times. There are professionally trained counselors waiting to help via the problem gambling hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER. Players or their loved ones can also can text “SUPPORT” to 53342 or visit 800gambler.chat for no-cost, confidential help 24/7.

MURALS REVEAL

San Diego Loyal SC, in partnership with Ground Floor Murals, announced that the 2023 SD Loyal CHARLY Fútbol Home, Away and Goalkeeper Kits will be revealed for the first time to the public on Friday, March 3. Life-sized works of street art featuring three SD Loyal players will be unveiled sequentially in three San Diego County neighborhoods:

• 3 p.m. | Midfielder Collin Martin | Mural Alley, Hillcrest
• 4 p.m. | Midfielder Alejandro Guido | Third Avenue and E Street, Chula Vista
• 5 p.m. | Goalkeeper Duran Ferree | SD Loyal HQ, Mission Valley

Fans, media and the general public are invited to attend all three mural unveilings. From the time that each mural is unveiled until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, fans who post a selfie on social media from any of the three locations using the hashtag #StayLoyal will automatically be entered to win a set of all three 2023 CHARLY Fútbol kits (Home, Away, Goalkeeper), plus 2023 season tickets to the all-inclusive BluPeak Lounge at Torero Stadium.

WEEKEND BLOCK PARTY

Grab your family and friends and join the East Village Association for this year’s 11th annual Opening Weekend Block Party in East Village on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Taking place on J St from 7th to 10th Avenue in front of Petco Park, this event honors all things East Village including local small businesses, live music and entertainment, tasty bites, beer and cocktails, local retail vendors, photo opportunities, a variety of fun family-friendly activities, and of course a celebration of East Village’s own San Diego Padres. Open to all ages, the free celebration is the perfect way to celebrate community and team. For more information about the East Village Association, visit eastvillagesandiego.com. For more information about the East Village Opening Day Block Party, click aquí.

FOSTER CARE VOLUNTEERS

This year, an estimated 3,500 children will spend time in foster care in San Diego County after experiencing abuse or neglect. Founded in 1980, Voces para niños transforms the lives of children in foster care by providing them with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). These community volunteers – trained and supported by Voices for Children – advocate for youth in court, school, medical settings, and more to ensure their needs are met. The organization, which serves both San Diego and Riverside Counties, is issuing a call for these special volunteers who often become the most consistent adult in the life of a child in foster care. Members of the public are encouraged to learn more and take action for local children in foster care in the following ways:

• Volunteer. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are critically needed to speak for children in court. Learn more about the requirements to become a CASA volunteer by signing up for an Info Session aquí.
• Recommend a friend (or two!) to become a CASA by filling out the short form at speakupnow.org/recommend. Para más información visite www.speakupnow.org.

FIRST FRIDAY ARTS DISTRICT

Wander and observe all there is to offer at Arts District Liberty Station during the next First Friday event on March 3 with various art exhibitions, workshops and more. You can view the entire lineup of events aquí with a few highlights listed below.

·Sociedad de Acuarela de San Diego will present a water-based media exhibition titled “Decisive Moments, an Art Exhibition,” juried by award-winning artist, Richard Glassman. The opening reception will take place Friday, March 3 from 5-8 p.m.

·Estudio de leche Oolong is holding a two-hour “Clay Hand-Building Workshop” from 4-6 p.m. Attendees will choose between blue, white, or clear glaze and the finished piece will be ready for pick up in approximately two weeks. The workshop is $65, and to sign up click aquí.

·Leslie Pierce is welcoming attendees into her studio for a three-hour Encaustic Painting Workshop from 5-8 p.m. The workshop is $99, and to sign up click aquí.

SENIOR SERVICES EXPANSION

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and chairwoman Nora Vargas received support for the County of San Diego to study its ability to expand available senior services and make other vital additions to the County’s existing Aging Roadmap. Census statistics show nearly 27 percent of the San Diego County population will be over the age of 60 in just seven years (2030). A new report by the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation says modernizing local seniors centers will aid the region’s community down the line. The action led by supervisor Fletcher and chairwoman Vargas seeks to get the county involved in doing more to support seniors. “Our senior community is growing at a rapid pace, and this is an important first step to see how our County can increase its support for them,” said Fletcher. “Seniors are mothers, fathers, sisters and grandparents who have given so much of their lives taking care of those around them; it is time we make sure they are taken care of too.”

FISH SHOP GENEROSITY

The Fish Shop is well-known for their fast-casual dining spaces, “build-your-own” bites, and some of the freshest, sustainably sourced seafood in town. The company is also known for their continuous contributions to the community and partnership with the It’s All About the Kids Foundation. Fish Shop recently announced that they have now served over 36,000 meals to children in need throughout San Diego County. With every purchase of an Elote Taco, made with mahi mahi grilled and marinated in Fish Shop seasoning, cilantro white sauce, light cabbage, and elote, the Fish Shop donates a meal to It’s All About the Kids.

CLIMATE CHANGE EXHIBIT

El Museo de Artes Fotográficas (MOPA) invites San Diegans and tourists into its galleries to experience its newest Suda House exhibit from March 4 to Oct. 15. The Water Holds Me exhibit reflects her 40-year journey of creative output. House’s large-scale photographs combine her journey as a woman, a mother, an artist, and an open-water ocean swimmer, each connected by a care and concern for our damaged planet. With the series “Saving Grace: Seven Sisters of the Pleiades,” House continues to share her concerns for climate degradation. Designed for viewers to move through the installation, one is meant to experience the power and flow of the ocean. This brings one closer to the emotional power of House’s seven mythical women who are present before the viewer with the message that the oceans need to be saved now.

PUPPING SEASON AT CHILDREN’S POOL

The Children’s Pool is a small beach partially protected by a seawall. The original intention was to create a fully protected swimming area, but in recent years sand has filled in much of the area inside the wall. This is a popular beach for scuba divers because of the reefs just offshore. These same reefs can create very strong currents and other hazards, particularly in high surf conditions.

This has also become a popular viewing area for harbor seals. Seals and occasionally seal lions haul out on the beach to rest year-round. The Children’s Pool beach (left, photo by Thomas Melville) is closed to public access during harbor seal pupping season, Dec. 15 through May 15, yearly. Children’s Pool is one of nine beaches that has a permanent lifeguard station patrolled by San Diego Lifeguards.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN MEETINGS

On Wednesday, March 15, Republican Women of California, Point Loma, will hold its monthly meeting and lunch at 11 a.m., and the cost is $37, at the Bay Club Hotel and Marina, 2131 Shelter Island Drive. For more information and reservations, email [email protected].

On Wednesday, April 19, Republican Women of California, Point Loma, will hold its monthly meeting and lunch at 11 a.m., and the cost is $37, at the Bay Club Hotel and Marina, 2131 Shelter Island Drive. For more information and reservations, email [email protected].

PLHS ALUMNI BASEBALL GAME

The 2023 Pointer varsity baseball team begins its on Feb. 25, by taking on a group of former Pointer players, some older than 60 years. It’s the annual Alumni Baseball Game pitting the youngsters against the “more mature” men who eagerly return to re-live their glory days in a Pointer uniform. Alumni players sometimes have grandsons playing on the current varsity team. First pitch is 2 p.m. at David Wells Field at Dana Middle School.

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

PLHS senior Cameron Lucas, who is a member of the football and track and field teams, was named Student-Athlete of the Year for the City Conference, which includes all high schools in San Diego and a half dozen charter and private schools. The award is sponsored by Mission Federal Credit Union in conjunction with the San Diego Section of the California Interscholastic Federation.

PLHS TEACHER DIES

Veteran teacher and coach Lois Craig, who was part of the PLHS staff for 33 years, has died. Craig served at the school from 1968 until her retirement in 2001. She also served as athletic director during her tenure. Lois Mary Craig was 85 years old and resided in Santee. No services are planned.

INHERIT THE WIND

A new student group, the Point Loma High School Thespian Society, has formed and is debuting with its performance of the beloved and timely classic, “Inherit the Wind,” at the Larry Zeiger Performing Arts Center, 2335 Chatsworth Blvd. Shows will be held on back-to-back Fridays, Feb. 24 and March 3, starting at 7 p.m. both days. The 1955 play is a fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial, which resulted in John T. Scopes’ conviction for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to a high school science class, contrary to a Tennessee state law. Play cost is $8 for students, $15 for adults.

“For generations of San Diegans, the culmination of senior year at PLHS was the annual “Zeiger’s Show” in which 60-plus students would take the stage,” said thespian consultant Robert Nickel. “Yet, for more than three years, the performing arts center at PLHS that bears Larry Zeiger’s name has stood dark. Three-fourths of the current student body have never seen a show at the school, leaving decades of tradition at risk of being lost forever.”

Added Nickel: “Next weekend marks the first step back from that grim precipice with a production of Inherit the Wind. Students are also reviving the storied Thespian Society chapter at the school and bringing back other traditions like the annual Coffee House variety show that was a mainstay of campus life for more than 25 years.”

MORE PICKLEBALL & PADEL

Starting this season, Barnes Tennis Center at 4490 W. Point Loma Blvd. will have four lighted pickleball courts with fencing providing a safe environment for players to enjoy the fast-growing sport. The new courts have been designed to meet the highest standards and are sure to provide an outstanding experience for players of all levels. Besides the pickleball courts, Barnes is adding more Padel courts, including a stadium court for those who want to play in a more competitive setting. Padel is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, squash and racquetball. “It is hoped these new additions will provide even more opportunities for members and guests to enjoy the many benefits Barnes has to offer,” said Barnes CEO Ryan Redondo.

SPILL THE BEANS

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels with two existing locations in the Gaslamp and Seaport Village, has announced it will open in the U.S. Bank space at 4827 Newport Ave. at the corner of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in Ocean Beach. Spill is the offspring of chef Kevin Templeton of barleymash, and pastry chef Karina Orozco. Templeton came to Orozco asking for help crafting the perfect bagel. After almost six years in business, their recipe is still comprised of five simple ingredients: water, yeast, brown sugar, flour, and salt. They boil the dough in water, with agave syrup, to help caramelize the outside of the bagel, and add an additional layer of flavor. Using a different type of flour than most other bagel shops throughout the country, they create bagels both lower in gluten and softer in consistency. Orozco is still heavily involved with the success of Spill the Beans, handling their monthly “Bagel of the Month” specialty bagels and cream cheese flavors. In March, they will feature a Hashbrown Cheddar Bagel with Bacon Chive Cream Cheese.

AFFORDABLE NAVWAR HOUSING

Rep. scott peters (CA-50) has spoken out urging Navy leaders to prioritize affordable housing in the redevelopment of Naval Base Point Loma’s Old Town Campus in a letter led by Peters and signed by Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Juan Vargas (CA-52) and Mike Levin (CA-49). “My colleagues and I know that high housing costs throughout San Diego County hurt our constituents and hinder their life prospects,” said Peters. “We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t recognize this opportunity within the OTC redevelopment and voice our support for housing plans that are embraced by the local community. We stand ready to partner with the Navy to maximize this land’s potential in a way that best achieves the Navy’s needs and serves San Diego.”

DEPECHE MODE @ PECHANGA

Following the positive reception to their new single “Ghosts gain,” Depeche Mode has added a new fall leg of North American tour dates to the Memento Mori Tour, which will support “Memento Mori,” their forthcoming studio album due out March 24. With the addition of these 29 new shows, will now add Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., to their tour. Concert sales commence Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. For further information on the tour routing and ticket on-sale dates, visit depechemode.com.

STAND-UP COMEDY

Tony Calabrese’s stand-up comedy showcase with special guest comics will be held Saturday, March 4 starting at 8 p.m. at Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot St. in Point Loma. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. All seats are $15. For more information call 619-736-5092 or email [email protected].

CASA DE JUEGOS DE POINT LOMA

Point Loma Playhouse is proud to present the hilarious and campy Flamy Grant in Godless Sheathen on Saturday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at Historic Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot St. Tickets: $20, doors open 30 minutes before curtain. More info at pointlomaplayhouse.com. Faith can be a fabulous thing. Just ask Flamy Grant, the shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen who’s rewriting the rules when it comes to music ministry. This one-night-only special service is filled with songs, stories and shenanigans from a sinner saved by lace.

PLANNING BOARD ELECTION

Wanted: Candidates who live on the Peninsula to be the voice for the Point Loma community. Five expiring seats are open for the 2023 annual Peninsula Community Planning Board election on Thursday, March 16 from 4-7 p.m. at Point Loma/Hervey Branch Library 3701 Voltaire St. The outdoor election will be in-person. Those who wish to vote will be required to appear and be verified, then cast a ballot. A Candidate Forum will be held Thursday. March 9 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. A 2023 Candidate Board Application will be available shortly and candidates will be posted on this page when received. The application deadline is Thursday March 9 at 5 p.m. In order to qualify to run for a board seat you must attend one PCPB board meeting. Visit the website for more election information or reach out to Margaret Virissimo directly the 2023 PCPB election chair. http://www.pcpb.net/elections.html. Info: [email protected].

The Peninsula Community Planning area encompasses about 4,409 acres (approximately 7 square miles) and is bounded by the Ocean Beach community (split off and founded in 1975) and the Pacific Ocean on the west and south, The San Diego River Flood Control Channel and the Midway community on the north, and San Diego Bay and Port tidelands on the east. The Peninsula community is a highly urbanized community, comprised of a number of distinct residential neighborhoods including: Ocean Beach Highlands, Point Loma Highlands, Loma Alta, Loma Palisades, Loma Portal, Fleetridge, Roseville, Sunset Cliffs, Wooded Area, La Playa, and the former Naval Training Center renamed Liberty Station.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

On Monday, March 6, Nothing Bundt Cakes at 3225 Sports Arena Blvd. in Midway along with other locations in San Diego, is giving away one free Oreo Cookies & Cream Bundtlet to the first 111 guests at each bakery at 1:11 p.m. in celebration of Oreo’s 111th birthday.

FIG TREE CAFE DONATING TO SURFRIDER

Throughout March, all Café de la higuera locations will be donating 100% of sales from its Vegan Lemon Strawberry French Toast dish to Surfrider Foundation San Diego. Fig Tree Cafe’s end goal is to raise $15,000 for Surfrider Foundation San Diego. Fig Tree Cafe partnered with Surfrider Foundation San Diego because they truly believe in what the organization does. They protect San Diego’s 72 miles of coastline and take on issues that threaten beaches and natural shoreline. And with climate change being a pressing issue for everyone right now, Fig Tree Cafe wanted to help out where they could. The dish is put together with lemon infused french toast, lemon glaze, housemade mixed berries jam, and fresh strawberries.

SAN DIEGO NATIVES SERVE ABOARD WARSHIP

Petty Officer 3rd Class Cinthia Moreno, a native of San Diego, serves aboard the U.S. Navy warship, USS Boxer, homeported in San Diego. Moreno, a 2019 El Capitan High School graduate, joined the Navy three years ago. “I joined the Navy because I wanted to give myself more opportunities and to travel,” said Moreno. “I also wanted to help my family to get their citizenship.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Brianna Cheek, a native of San Diego, serves aboard the U.S. Navy warship, USS Boxer, homeported in San Diego. Cheek, a 2013 Southwest High School graduate, joined the Navy five years ago. “I joined the Navy to start a new part of my life and see the world,” said Cheek. “I earned my associates degree in liberal arts and science and wanted to experience a different life.”

COMEDY SHOW IN LA JOLLA RAISES FUNDS FOR LIONS TIGERS & BEARS

Get ready for a night of laughter for a good cause as the “American Me Comedy Show” brings together some of the best comedians – national and local acts – for a night of entertainment to benefit San Diego’s only accredited big cat and exotic animal sanctuary Lions Tigers & Bears. Held at La Jolla Comedy Store, the second annual “Comedy for Claws” is on Wednesday, March 8 at 8 p.m., and the “American Me Comedy Show” will donate half of its revenue from ticket sales toward Lions Tigers & Bears. The proceeds will enable the big cat and exotic animal sanctuary to continue caring for its 65+ rescued animals that have been illegally owned, used for photo opportunities or trained to perform in circuses. All proceeds benefit the rescued animals, providing food, enrichment, habitat maintenance, veterinary care and more.

National comedian and headliner Greg Romero Wilson alongside Jason Rogers, Whitney Rayner, and Jess Egan will be taking the stage to entertain the crowd’s animal lovers. Tickets are $20 and guests are encouraged to purchase them in advance. The event is 21 and up, with a two-drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) minimum. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The La Jolla Comedy Store is at 916 Pearl St. For more information about purchasing tickets, call La Jolla Comedy Store at 858-454-9176 or visit lajollacomedystore.com.

SAN DIEGO NATIVE SERVES WITH U.S. NAVY

Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandan Barajas, a native of San Diego, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Base Point Loma. Barajas, a 2020 High Tech High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago. “I joined the Navy so I could work and live here in San Diego,” said Barajas.

COGNAC PAIRING DINNER

Join fellow cognac enthusiasts for an extra-special pairing dinner set to panoramic ocean views at La Valencia’s Mediterranean Room, 1132 Prospect St., featuring premium French Martell Cognac, on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m.. Martell is the oldest French cognac house, dating back to 1715, and was served on the Orient Express and the wedding of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly. Executive chef Fabian Aceves has prepared a three-course dinner, with Martell Global Ambassador Christophe Pienkowski guiding guests through each cognac pairing. Highlights of the pairing menu include Langoustine Tartare (with citrus aguachile, fresno chile, Buddah’s Hand and cara cara curd) and Martell Cognac VS 80, Roasted Duck Breast (with cider-braised turnips, potato leek crisp, candied kumquat, caraway jus, spruce oil) and Martell Cognac VSOP 80, and Herbs de Provence-crusted Lamb Chop (with rhubarb butter, mustard onions, artichoke, smoked celeriac puree, pithivier, rosemary oil) and Martell Cognac VSOP Blue Swift 80. Plus, a chocolate soufflé and Martell Cognac Cordon Bleu Grand Classic 80. Tickets ($225) can be purchased via OpenTable aquí (select experiences).

SPIRIT OF THE BARRIO

After a three-year COVID absence, on March 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Family Health Centers of San Diego’s Spirit of the Barrio luncheon will resume and feature a panel of regional leaders discussing the homelessness and housing crisis in San Diego. The luncheon will take place at Logan Heights Family Health Center, 1809 National Ave. This luncheon will feature Mayor Todd Gloria as keynote speaker, and an expert panel discussing the current state of homelessness in San Diego and the critical role nonprofit, government and private sector partnerships play in solving these challenges facing our region. A Q&A session will also be conducted. Community members are invited to attend the luncheon. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. They are still available for the public to purchase at www.fhcsd.org/spirit-of-the-barrio.

GAY MENS CHORUS

San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus is back in 2023 with BritPop presented by Sycuan Casino Resort. SDGMC’s BritPop will debut at the Balboa Theatre on Saturday, April 22 at 8 p.m. with a matinee Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m. SDGMC’s spring concert celebrates the sounds from across the pond. Ticket sales will go directly to the Chorus’ mission to provide inclusive artistic expression, community engagement and positive social change. Tickets are available through www.SDGMC.org.

FLEET EXPO DAY

The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park is taking part in the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering’s signature event, Expo Day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 4 at Petco Park. Expo Day is a full day of STEAM, free and open to the public, provided by hundreds of San Diego area businesses, educational institutions, libraries and museums, including the Fleet. As in past years, the Fleet will host a booth at Expo Day, featuring hands-on, interactive activities that will spark curiosity, inquiry and innovation. Attendees can exercise their problem-solving skills, powers of observation and memory with brain teasers; ponder the perception and reality of illusions; and learn about gravity and resistance with roto copters. At 1:55 p.m., things get explosive with a Fleet liquid nitrogen show.

SEAWORLD GOING CASHLESS

Effective Feb. 22, SeaWorld San Diego will be accepting card and mobile payments only at all locations including restaurants, retail stores, games, ticket windows, and parking toll booths. Only have cash? You can convert your cash to a Visa prepaid debit card at one of the multiple kiosks located throughout the park at no charge.

MESA COLLEGE PRIDE CENTER

On Feb. 22, San Diego Mesa College celebrated the grand opening of the Mesa College Pride Center with local elected officials and the San Diego Community College District joining Mesa College administrators, faculty, staff, students and LGBTQ+ community members. After the Program, members of the Mesa College and greater community toured the new Pride Center, located in D-102. The Pride Center at San Diego Mesa College was established to create a safe environment where LGBTQIA+ students, staff, faculty, and allies can be their authentic selves, feel welcomed, comfortable and at home. Services available at the Center will include  academic/career/personal counseling, workshops, a computer lab, free supplies, an LGBTQ+ library, training and meeting space, along with referrals to additional resources.

SDSU WATCH PARTY

AleSmith Brewing Company has been announced as the Official Watch Party location for the San Diego State University men’s basketball game against New Mexico on Saturday, Feb. 25 at its Tasting Room located off Miramar Road at 9990 AleSmith Court. As part of this event, AleSmith Brewing Company will be offering special deals on their signature brews and swag giveaways including San Diego State Ale merch, glassware, and other exciting items. This family-friendly event is open to anyone looking to enjoy a unique viewing experience with great drinks and even better vibes. Let’s go Aztecs.

ELECTRICAL VEHICLE CHARGING

In Sacramento, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D – Woodland Hills) has introduced new legislation that would address “range anxiety” and bolster consumer confidence by requiring all new and retrofitted electric vehicle (EV) chargers in California to be accessible to all types of electric vehicles. In particular, Assembly Bill (AB) 591, will mandate that all new and retrofitted EV chargers — other than those in private residences — include universal connectors and be publicly accessible to all types of EVs.

COVID CASES RISING

COVID-19 cases are slightly rising in San Diego County, prompting County health officials to continue calls for people to complete their vaccination series and get bivalent boosters if they haven’t already. “The best way for people to protect themselves, their loved ones and friends from possibly getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19 continues to be getting up to date with your vaccinations and get a bivalent booster,” said County deputy public health officer, Dr. Cameron Kaiser, M.D., M.P.H. “Even though COVID-19 cases are far below historic highs, the virus is still widespread. And it remains a potentially deadly threat for many people.” Studies continue to report the bivalent COVID-19 boosters add protection against new COVID-19 variants that make up most new cases in the San Diego County, and they protect against COVID-19 causing hospitalizations and deaths.

SD MASTER CHORALE

The San Diego Master Chorale will host its seventh annual High School Honor Choir on March 11 at 4:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino del Rio S. This special event brings 100 talented high school students from across San Diego County together in a free community concert. The High School Honor Choir features talented high school singers nominated by music teachers from San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Led by music director John K. Russell, the students spend the day in workshops and rehearsals, inspiring music-making beyond high school. All tickets are free with online registration. For tickets, visit sdmasterchorale.org.

CATCH THE WAVE

San Diego Wave FC has announced its full preseason schedule ahead of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season. The slate is highlighted by an open-door contest at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, March 18. “Our preseason schedule is a fantastic opportunity for us to test ourselves against different levels of competition and fine-tune our preparations for the 2023 season,” said Casey Stoney, head coach. “Playing a local collegiate team as well as fellow NWSL teams will provide a diverse and challenging environment for our players to grow and improve.” The Wave’s entire 2023 schedule can be viewed aquí with single game tickets on sale now aquí.

CAMP CARMEL CREEK

Camp Carmel Creek will launch this summer at the beautiful 56-acre campus of San Diego Jewish Academy. Campers from kindergarten to fifth grade will get to experience classic camp activities and engaging Jewish experiences, while also tailoring their days to maximize the fun for themselves and their friends. For more information on camp life, dates and rates, or the adventure tracks, visit www.campcarmelcreek.com.

FHC GETS ACCREDITATION

This week, Family Health Centers of San Diego became the third psychiatry residency program in San Diego to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, joining the University of California, San Diego and Naval Medical Center San Diego. FHCSD serves nearly 250,000 patients annually, 91% of whom are low income and 29% of whom are uninsured. Additionally, the organization has 45,000 patients who are unhoused.

AUTHOR APPEARANCE

Gabrielle Zevin’s latest novel, “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, And Tomorrow,” which first published in July 2022, just hit its 20th week on the New York Times best sellers list.  Zevin will be embarking on another tour this spring, including an event with Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla, 7812 Girard Ave., on Tuesday, March 28. The book, which traces the decades-long friendship of two video game designers, has received an absolute outpouring of love by readers and critics alike.

ROCK ‘N ROLL BOURBON

The award-winning bourbon company founded by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Neil Giraldo will host two San Diego area events this month, including an appearance Friday, Feb. 24 at Keg N’ Bottle, 1030 Torrey Pines Road, in La Jolla.The events will include meet and greet opportunities with Giraldo, as well as present Harliss Sweetwater, a local musician who will entertain attendees. Three Chord Bourbon was founded on the principles of music, and works to identify, encourage, support and amplify musicians through its Music Ambassador Program. For more information, visit www.benatargiraldo.com.

TOP LAWYERS

Sullivan Hill announced that Robert Allenby (insurance) and Jim Hill (bankruptcy) have been recognized by San Diego Magazine as 2023 Top Lawyers in San Diego. A resident of Point Loma, Allenby serves as the managing shareholder of Sullivan Hill. A founding member of the firm, Hill practices primarily in the areas of bankruptcy, insolvency and commercial law.

EXHIBITION OPENING

Andrew Alcasid: Turning Pages, at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., Joseph Clayes III and Rotunda Gallery. Public opening reception: Friday, March 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free admission. Artist walk-through: March 18, 1 p.m. Free admission. Artist talk: April 11, 6 p.m.. $20 member/$15 non-member/$5 student. On view March 11-May 6. In homage to the Athenaeum’s beginnings as the La Jolla Reading Room, Andrew Alcasid presents Turning Pages, a collection of figure drawings depicting his partner, Aubrey Mejia, reading at their home.

MEAT DONATION

Alimentando a San Diego has received a donation of 166,300 pounds of product from Jensen Meat Company that will help the non-profit continue to provide nutritious food throughout San Diego County. The donation includes ground beef and plant-based meat that will be distributed by Feeding San Diego and its community partners focused on hunger-relief, which include other non-profits, faith-based organizations, and meal programs. Jensen Meat Company has been a food donor to Feeding San Diego since 2015 and has donated over 784,107 pounds of food to the organization to date, including Feeding San Diego’s largest food donation ever — 500,000 pounds of plant-based patties — last year. Feeding San Diego works with local food manufacturers like Jensen Meat Company to rescue food that might otherwise end up in a landfill, for business reasons such as surplus or changed orders. For this donation, Jensen Meat Company specially produced this product as a donation, but most donations are done to cut food waste.

CITY HONORS EMPLOYEES DURING ENGINEERS WEEK

On Feb. 22, the San Diego City Council proclaimed Feb. 19 to 25 as Engineers Week in San Diego, recognizing the hard work and dedication of hundreds of engineers who are helping maintain and improve critical infrastructure and initiatives to build a better city for all San Diegans. Engineers Week started back in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers as a way to ensure a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers. It takes place annually during the fourth week in February. A majority of the City’s engineers work in the Engineering and Capital Projects Department, which is responsible for the City’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Part of Mayor Todd Gloria’s “Ready to Rebuild” budget for fiscal year 2023 included $809 million budget for CIP projects, the largest investment in infrastructure in the City’s history.

SENIORLY NAMES BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES

Seniorly announced the 145 best senior living facilities in the nation as  part  of their annual Best of Senior Living Awards 2023. Maravilla in Santa Barbara was named the No. 2 best in the country; Bella Villagio in Palm Desert is No. 3, and Casa de Manana en La Jolla is ranked No. 4. Corso Atlanta, based in Atlanta, was named the No. 1 best senior living community in America in 2023. The winners were chosen out of Seniorly’s network of 60,000 facilities across the country. The best facilities were chosen in each of these five regions – West, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest – for having exemplary quality of senior care, resident and family engagement, and innovative programming. The winners were chosen based on feedback from community residents and their families, as well as a network of over 200 independent professionals in the field of senior advisory services. These advisors have personal experience working with senior living providers in their community and have based their recommendations on first hand interactions with community leadership, staff, and residents on a consistent basis.

CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

In light of the growing threat posed by cyber criminals, the City of San Diego is taking steps to support local businesses in boosting their cybersecurity measures. The City is inviting small businesses to participate in a Cybersecurity Awareness Program, hosted in collaboration with the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE). Local small business owners are encouraged to join the City for a virtual information session and FBI briefing on Thursday, March 2, at 10 a.m. to learn more about the Cybersecurity Awareness Program and current threat landscape. The program is free to participating small businesses and made possible by a grant from the City of San Diego’s Economic Development Department. To participate in the Cybersecurity Awareness Program, businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and operate within City of San Diego’s geographical limits or be a supplier to San Diego businesses.  Interested businesses are encouraged to RSVP for the webinar and register en línea.

PB CYCLING CLASS

On Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a bicycling class covering emergency maneuver skills and legal rights and responsibilities will be offered at Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library at 4275 Cass St. Not a learn-to-ride class, it is open to bike riders of all ages, and class content applies to bikes of all types including e-bikes. The three-hour class will be broken up into three parts: a lecture, a skills drills and road riding. Make sure your bike is in good working order and ready to ride. Helmets are required and can be provided free upon request. To register, visit sdbikecoalition.org/events.

SCRIPPS AEROSOLS STUDY

Scientists at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and federal Department of Energy officials met on Feb. 13 at Scripps Pier to describe a new field campaign that will provide unprecedented four-season data on the properties of coastal marine clouds, including their radiative effects and the role human-made particles play. Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE) researchers and technicians have already deployed instruments at the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, which juts straight out over the sea, and on UC San Diego’s Mount Soledad research facility.

COMMUNITY MIXER

Join together at The Local at 809 Thomas. Ave. in Pacific Beach on Wednesday, March 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a community mixer.

CANCER RESEARCH ADVANCE

Approximately half of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes experience peripheral neuropathy — weakness, numbness, and pain, primarily in the hands and feet. The condition occurs when high levels of sugar circulating in the blood damage peripheral nerves. Now, working with mice, Salk Institute researchers have identified another factor contributing to diabetes-associated peripheral neuropathy: altered amino acid metabolism.

The team found that diabetic mice with low levels of two related amino acids, serine and glycine, are at higher risk for peripheral neuropathy. What’s more, the researchers were able to alleviate neuropathy symptoms in diabetic mice by supplementing their diets with serine. The study published in Naturaleza adds to growing evidence that some often-underappreciated, “non-essential” amino acids play important roles in the nervous system. The findings may provide a new way to identify people at high risk for peripheral neuropathy, as well as a potential treatment option.

JOB FAIR

PB/Taylor Branch Library is hosting a community job fair on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4275 Cass St. Meet with local businesses, make connections and see positions available in all industries in Pacific Beach.

GAS PRICES

District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava representing La Jolla and Pacific Beach joined the chorus of public anger over rising gas prices and issued the following statement: “At last month’s Environment Committee, I joined my council colleagues in investigating the reasons behind the doubling of natural gas prices and why SDG&E did not employ industry-standard mechanisms to protect ratepayers in a volatile energy market. Other investor-owned utilities apparently employed strategies such as stockpiling, rate stabilization reserves, hedging purchases, and reducing their profits to protect ratepayers.

“The Committee’s investigations revealed that with no proactive measures in place, SDG&E faced the choice of protecting San Diego families or protecting shareholders. They chose shareholders and passed along the high rates to the public. While the extraordinary gas rates are behind us, today we still have no answers; there is no protection for San Diegans under the current structure to prevent this from happening again. The Environment Committee started the conversation, I urge Gov. Newsom and the California Public Utilities Commission to use their authority and investigative powers to finish the conversation and ensure the public is protected going forward.”

FOPBSS MIXER & FUNDRAISER

Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools is holding a mixer-fundraiser Saturday, March 18 from 6-10 p.m at Mission Bay Yacht Club, 1215 El Carmel Place in Mission Beach. This is a community-building event. Wear cocktail attire or festive Saint Patrick’s Day garb. Tickets are $75 per person and include a cocktail, hors d’oeuvres and a live performance.

FIDO CLEANUP

Fiesta Island Dog Owners first 2023 cleanup of its fenced off-leash area is Saturday Feb. 18 from 9:30-11 a.m. Come spend a couple of hours helping keep our beautiful (and currently green) dog park super-clean. No need to sign up, just show up. Your dogs are welcome. FIDO T-shirts and hats available. Sign in at the north end of the fenced off-leash area, just inside the fence. FIDO is a nonprofit corporation run by volunteers dedicated to protecting and improving the fenced off-leash dog park on Fiesta Island.

UNIVERSITY POETRY COLLECTION

Audiovisual items within the UC San Diego Library’s Archive for New Poetry collection will be digitized and preserved thanks to a $250,000 grant awarded to the organization by the Mellon Foundation. Through this project, the team plans to digitize approximately 2,500 sound recordings and 200 films and videos in the ANP. Digitized materials which will be added to the library’s Digital Asset Management System for discovery and long-term preservation via its Digital Collections website and online catalog, UC Library Search.

This culturally- and academically-significant collection, housed within the Library’s Special Collections & Archives, was established in 1968 and is currently one of the largest and most active poetry collections in the United States. It is a comprehensive research collection of post-1945 American poetry with an emphasis on experimental and avant-garde poetics. The collection includes more than 35,000 volumes, 1,800 serial titles, 700 broadsides, little magazines, ephemeral printings, and artists’ books along with extensive holdings of literary manuscripts, correspondence and original sound and video recordings.

In addition to the digitization effort, the Library plans to launch “Future Files,” a curriculum-based initiative that will provide contemporary poets and creators with instructions on how to build and sustain their born-digital material and physical manuscript collections to ensure their work can be accessible to future generations of literature enthusiasts and scholars.

CONCERT @ WOMAN’S CLUB

A classical concert titled “Rachmaninoff: A Trio As A Tribute To His Hero” will be held Sunday, March 5 at 4 p.m. at La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. After the concert, a Q&A is organized between the musicians and the audience, followed by a high tea buffet with Champagne, catered by The French Gourmet. To buy tickets, and to read about the season’s program and schedule, visit LeSalondeMusiques.com.

THE LOFT CONCERT

One of the brightest new stars in avant-garde jazz, saxophonist, flutist, composer Zoh Amba makes her San Diego debut at The Loft at UC San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Blending avant-garde and devotional hymns, her music is powerful, full of folk melodies, mesmerizing refrains, and repeated incantations. The astounding free jazz saxophonist is joined by Chris Corsano. The NY-based drummer has been active at the intersections of collective improvisation, free jazz, avant-rock, and noise music since the 1990s. Together they perform from Amba’s latest record, “Bhakti.” Purchase at https://link.dice.fm/yb9a638ddbd3. The Loft at UC San Diego is the university’s performance lounge and social crossroads where emerging art and pop culture collide.

LJSA STAYING ONLINE

Monthly meetings of the La Jolla Shores Association, a neighborhood City advisory group, will continue to be held online thanks to a unanimous vote of the group in February to change the language in its bylaws. The move was made as California’s COVID-19 state of emergency expires at the end of the month. LJCA’s mission is to provide a liaison with the La Jolla Town Council, Inc., the La Jolla Community Planning Association. the University of California San Diego and other organizations in matters relative to the non-partisan aims of the association. Zoom meetings are at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

SPRING VALLEY NATIVE SERVES ABOARD USS NIMITZ

U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Cassie Calderon, from Spring Valley, prepares to paint a space aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caylen McCutcheon)

WATCH SDSU AT ALESMITH BREWING

AleSmith Brewing Company is the official watch party location for the San Diego State University men’s basketball game against New Mexico on Saturday, Feb. 25 at their Tasting Room located off Miramar Road. As part of this event, AleSmith Brewing Company will be offering special deals on their signature brews and swag giveaways including San Diego State Ale merch, glassware, and other exciting items. San Diego State University fans who are looking for an exciting way to catch the game can join AleSmith Brewing Company for some quality beer, delectable bites from food trucks, special giveaways, and great company all in one spot. With a wide range of craft beers on tap all night long including State Ale – a beer brewed in collaboration with San Diego State University – there’s something for everyone at AleSmith Brewing Company’s official watch party.

PLNU LGBTQIA+ EVENT

Alumni of Point Loma Nazarene University are peacefully supporting LGBTQIA+ students, alumni, and staff who have experienced discrimination due to PLNU’s Community Life Agreement by holding a We Are Loma 5K Walk/Run at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18th on Point Loma Nazarene University’s Main Campus at 3900 Lomaland Drive. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. Participants must register online to participate (www.givecampus.com/4yzn3b). All donations benefit the Loma Fund which supports scholarships for students in need.

Lauren Cazares and Tess Murray are captaining and hosting the first-ever LGBTQ+ alumni group. Over 50 LGBTQ+ alumni, students, staff, and allies will participate in PLNU’s third-annual ‘We Are Loma 5K’ Walk/Run. As for why they’re participating, former adjunct professor at PLNU and local minister Melissa Tucker said,“The team increases the visibility of real people who have studied at, worked at, and contributed to the university & PLNU community. They all deserve to be seen and respected for who they are.”

ARTISTS GRANT FUNDING

The City and its regional partners have released a new grant opportunity for artists and cultural practitioners to inspire change within their communities. Through the Far South/Border North program, grant award recipients will develop artistic content and carry out public campaigns that increase regional awareness of issues impacting San Diego and Imperial counties, including public health, energy and water conservation, climate mitigation, civic engagement and social justice matters. The program provides funding to artists and cultural practitioners to help support the health and well-being of communities in the lowest quartile of the California Healthy Places Index in San Diego and Imperial counties while continuing to enrich their creative, artistic and cultural practices. Grant guidelines and information sessions to assist potential applicants are available at farsouthbordernorth.com. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22. To learn more visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.

ESCUELAS ESTRELLA PÚRPURA

Correia Middle School, Loma Portal Elementary School, and Point Loma High School, along with Crown Point Junior Music Academy, are among 12 San Diego Unified Schools to receive 2023 California Purple Star Designation recognizing their efforts to support military families. These schools are among a select group of just 59 schools throughout the state to receive the honor this year. Military-connected students can expect to change schools between six and nine times from kindergarten through high school, or three times more often than non-military-connected children. While military-connected students transition between schools, often to different states and countries, they must adapt to varying cultures, school populations, curricula, standards, course offerings, schedules, and graduation requirements. The Purple Star Program was designed to help mitigate these unique challenges by setting standards for and publicly designating military-friendly schools. Nearly 8,000 San Diego Unified students have a parent serving in the Armed Forces.

SD MUSEUM FUNDRAISER

The San Diego Museum of Art is transforming famous works of art from the museum’s collection into floral displays March 31-April 2 for Art Alive. The museum’s annual fundraiser, Art Alive provides critical year-round support for exhibitions, education, and outreach programs in the community. The signature celebration will feature nearly 100 floral arrangements. The theme for this year’s Art Alive is Modern Women, taking inspiration from the exhibition of the same name showcasing works of art by monumental women in the art world, including Sonia Delaunay, Françoise Gilot, and key Abstract Expressionists Lee Krasner and Elaine de Kooning.

“It is quite special to be able to juxtapose classic works of art with the innovation and beauty that modern floral artists bring to life,” said Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin executive director/CEO at The San Diego Museum of Art. “It is our hope through this collaboration of art forms, that all our guests can gain a new sense of appreciation and wonder for nature and art combined.”

ARTREACH FREE WORKSHOPS

ArtReach is hosting free community workshops to create greater access to arts education for youth and adults in San Diego County through their Community. Access. Connection. workshop series. Six free, two-hour Saturday morning workshops will each feature a professional artist leading with a variety of materials, from batik and acrylic painting to printmaking and paper making. All workshops take place in the bright and sunny ArtReach Studio near Balboa Park, and can accommodate a maximum of 18 people. Season 2 of C.A.C. begins March 18 and runs through June 2023. Featured local artists include Maya VanderSchuit, Yasmine K. Kasem, Nazanin Amiri Meers, Chad Berwald, Claudia Cano, and Nhuy Reid. For more information and to sign up, visit artreachsandiego.org/events.

AIDS MEMORIAL

Recently, Mayor Todd Gloria was joined by State Assemblymember Chris Ward, San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and the San Diego AIDS Memorial Task Force to break ground on Olive Street Park in Bankers Hill. The six-acre park will feature a first-of-its-kind memorial in the City honoring and remembering the nearly 8,000 San Diegans who have lost their lives to AIDS. “What has long been nothing but an empty, unused lot will soon be Olive Street Park, a beautiful place for members of the Bankers Hill community to relax and enjoy the view, and its AIDS Memorial will finally give San Diegans a place to remember, honor and grieve for loved ones taken from us by AIDS,” said Gloria.

This $2.3 million project will transform an empty lot into a community space that will include the AIDS memorial, a new playground for children of all ages, fitness equipment, an open lawn area, and ADA-compliant pathways to facilitate access for all users, along with an overlook deck to enjoy the open space of Maple Canyon below. Construction of Olive Street Park and the AIDS memorial is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.

MARCH THEATRE MONTH
“No matter where you live in the County of San Diego, you’re not far away from amazing live theatre, dance and music. The goal of Theatre Month is to get you to a seat and enjoy what San Diego has to offer,” said Jay Henslee, president of the San Diego Performing Arts League, a nonprofit which advocates for performing arts organizations and operates the iconic ArtsTix Ticket Center in Horton Plaza Park. SDPAL also manages sdartstix.com, San Diego’s only nonprofit online ticket service. For Theatre Month 2023 in March, all tickets will be offered at discounted rates of $15, $30 or $45 – these seats are the best in the house as of the night of the event. The goal is to simplify ticket purchasing for all participating events by using sandiegotheatremonth.com.

HIGH-END RENTERS

Did you know that the number of renters making over $150,000 grew more than any other income bracket nationwide? San Diego is at the forefront of this trend, with an increase of 88% over just five years. Here is a brief summary of the latest analysis of high-income renters – Renters making more than $150,000 increased from 18,000 to 33,400 in San Diego, from 2015 to 2020. – During the same timeframe, home prices increased by 36%, compared to the 29% national average. – High-earning renters make up 12.4% of the total renting population in San Diego.
WILDFLOWER BLOOMS

California State Parks is providing visitors with tips on how to explore this year’s wildflower blooms safely and responsibly in parks including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park y Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. These rare and unpredictable wildflower blooms occur when high precipitation levels in natural landscape areas are combined with a years-long drought.

A few tips: – Cell coverage can be spotty or nonexistent in some parks, be prepared. – Read about your state park destination online and download a map prior to your visit. Many GPS and map apps will take you to dirt roads requiring four-wheel drive vehicles. – Know your vehicle’s limits. Know which areas allow off-highway vehicle recreation. – Visit the parks during the week and arrive early to beat the crowds. – Remember to pull off the roadway when viewing wildflowers, wildlife or to take photos. – Leave an itinerary of your trip with a family member or friend with information such as time of departure and expected return, site visit location and names of everyone in your group. Detailed information on this year’s potential wildflower blooms and park rules, in Spanish and English, is available at parks.ca.gov/WildflowerBloom.

SHAMROCK BLOCK PARTY

The San Diego ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival returns to the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter on Friday, March 17  from 4-11 p.m. New in 2023: ShamROCK will be accessible to all ages for the first time ever. For 27 years, locals and tourists alike have flocked to the Gaslamp Quarter as shamROCK transforms the bustling San Diego downtown neighborhoods into a Celtic carnival for the senses with an abundance of pub-style seating, flowing green beer, traditional Irish steppers, activities, Celtic rock bands, photo-ops, shenanigan games (with prizes), and activation throughout the Gaslamp. General Admission tickets start at $35 for a day full of festivities, non-stop music, and a keepsake ShamROCK stein. VIP tickets start at just $79 and include four drinks. For more information, tickets, line-up announcements and more, visit sandiegoshamrock.com.

SCIENCE SPRING CAMPS

The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park offers inspiring options to keep kids in grades 1-6 active and engaged during spring break with Science Spring Camps. Students can explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts while they experiment with chemistry and engineering. Students can attend Science Spring Camps every day from Monday, March 27 through Friday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All camps take place in person at the Fleet and feature full days of educational, hands-on activities that are also a lot of fun. Registration for Science Spring Camps is open. Prices for the full week of camps are $270 for Fleet Members and $300 for the general public. More information is available on fleetscience.org/events/spring-camps.

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

The San Diego City Council adopted updates to the City’s development regulations, including an update to the definition that determines the geographical boundaries for certain home construction incentive programs. The move will increase the amount of developable land near major public transit stops. Every year City staff updates the Land Development Code to keep up with the ever-changing needs of the City’s development regulations. These draft updates include clarifications, corrections, regulatory reforms and changes to the regulations to bring the City into compliance with state law and advance the City’s housing and climate goals.

“The new definition of Sustainable Development Area aligns development with the City’s Climate Action Plan goals to expand housing near transit so more people can bike, walk, roll or take transit to their work, home, shopping and other places of enjoyment within their community,” said planning director Heidi Vonblum. “At the same time, it furthers fair and affordable housing opportunities in our City that desperately needs it.”

COUNCIL MEMBER RESPONSE

District 1 San Diego City Councilmember Joe LaCava voted “no” on the City’s Land Development Code and issued the following statement: “The Land Development Code is the city’s zoning regulations updated annually with technical amendments. I voted no because one amendment, the proposed Sustainable Development Areas and their benefits and impacts – like transit accessibility, mobility patterns, Climate Action Plan alignment, and truly affordable housing – do not belong in an annual update. SDAs reflect a substantial shift in policy. SDAs may have a role in meeting our housing needs and must be deferred to the upcoming Housing Action Package 2.0 which warrants additional analysis and discussion about our future transit, mobility, and infrastructure goals.”

POTHOLE REPAIR

In a matter of weeks, the City has dramatically reduced a backlog of pothole repair reports, a decrease of more than 80%, thanks to an increase in staffing and resources devoted to patching them. Since Jan. 1, City crews have repaired more than 14,000 potholes in total across San Diego. “The people of San Diego want their City government to respond quickly to needs in their neighborhood, and as mayor, I expect the same,” Mayor Gloria said. “After heavy rain in January and early February, we did just that, quickly reorganizing our transportation crews, deploying them across the city and efficiently filling thousands of potholes. We have more to do, but I’m proud of our City workers for getting it done.”

PERFECT PET MATCH

San Diego Humane Society is welcoming adopters to fall in love at first wag with one of their 220 dogs who are waiting for new homes. To help these deserving pups find their match, the shelter is waiving adoption fees for adult dogs (7 months and older) now through Sunday, Feb. 19. The Find Your Perfect Match promotion is generously sponsored by Petco Love https://petcolove.org. With 435 dogs in care, SDHS is currently at 122% of capacity for its canine population. The nonprofit is hoping the spirit of love during Valentine’s Day will inspire the community to open their hearts and homes to these deserving animals. When you adopt, you change three lives for the better: your life, the life of the pet you bring home and the life of another animal entering the shelter in urgent need of a second chance. SDHS is open for walk-in adoptions Tuesday-Sunday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego. Visit sdhumane.org/adoptar to view animals available for adoption.

PBTC AWARDS

“On behalf of the Pacific Beach Town Council board, I’d like to thank the community for helping to make the 2023 Installation Dinner such a spectacular event,” said new PBTC president Charlie Nieto, a PB native. “In addition to Sen. Catherine Blakespear and Assemblymember Tasha Boerner-Horvath attending, our new D1 Councilmember Joe LaCava administered the oath of office to our board members. We honored long-time town council members who have contributed so much to our community. Jody Ross was honored with the Pug Sandford Award for her decades long support of the PBTC and the community at large. Former PBTC and PB Women’s Club board member, Mary Lou Benzel was honored posthumously with the Ellen Citrano Caring and Compassion Award for her years of selfless service and dedication to youth development and the underserved members of our community.  And last but not least, Brian Curry was named PB’s 2023 Honorary Mayor. We are hopeful and excited about the year ahead and we look forward to working with our general members, business members, volunteers and elected officials to make PB the best place to live, work, and play.”

MLK JR. @ LJCD

On Thursday, Feb, 23, 1,000-plus San Diego students, faculty and staff will come together with special guest speakers Martin Luther King III and Say It Now founder Walter Green at La Jolla Country Day School, 9490 Genesee Ave. The event will include student guests from Monarch School and The Preuss School UC San Diego. The Say It Now event will feature inspiring remarks about the power of expressing gratitude and what it means to build a lasting, impactful legacy, as well as student-led surprise gratitude moments and performances. As we celebrate Black History Month and near the 60th anniversary of his late father Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King III will deliver a timely and powerful keynote on the power of youth to keep his father’s dream alive.

CALIFORNIA’S SUNSET HOTSPOT

California is called the Golden State for good reason. An annual average of 283 sunny days means nearly two months more sun than the rest of the U.S, which averages around 205 sunlit days per year. It’s no surprise then that California is a haven for pro photographers and Instagram rookies alike, all hunting for that perfect sunset shot. With this in mind, stokemont.com wanted to find out where people in the state went to catch those last perfect glimmers of vibrant orange and pink sky the most. The data revealed that California is the most popular state overall, with 20.45% of America’s sunset-related Instagram posts being made here. California based sunset posts on Instagram gain an average 115.39 likes and 5.72 comments per post too.
To uncover the data, experts analyzed Instagram posts containing the hashtag #sunset and geocoded them to establish what percentage of sunset-related posts in California are from different counties, and which of those gain the most interaction. Unsurprisingly, Los Angeles ranks first, with a huge 32.16% of California’s sunset posts, and 6.57% of the nationwide total. This figure is the highest overall, meaning Los Angeles County is America’s sunset capital. From Downtown’s towering skyline, to the azure coves and rugged coastlines of Catalina, sunset enthusiasts are spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning vistas to use as a backdrop. Next up are San Diego (above, Sunset Cliffs sunset at The Arch – photo by Thomas Melville @melvillemedia) and San Francisco, with 14.37% and 6.65% of California’s sunset posts respectively. Although only the 12th most populated county in the state, San Francisco made up for it with 14.8 million visitors last year, many of whom no doubt snapped the iconic Bay sunset. With California’s 840 miles of lush coastline to capture and all the acres of mountains and forests in between, it’s no shock that the state ranks No. 1 in the study. Every county boasts its own local gems, and capturing a sunset among them will be the cherry on top of any memorable day spent in the Golden State.

SAN DIEGO NATIVE WILL SUPPORT SUPER BOWL FLYOVER

During the Super Bowl national anthem performance three Navy tactical squadrons will conduct a unified flyover. Petty Officer 2nd Class Natalie Garcia (right), a native of San Diego, is one of the sailors who maintains the aircraft supporting the flyover. The flyover formation includes two F/A-18F Super Hornets from “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, a F-35C Lightning II from the “Warhawks” of (VFA) 97, and a EA-18G Growler from “Vikings” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129. Skills and values similar to those found in San Diego are important to succeed in the military.

“In my nine years in the service, I have helped junior sailors with their personal and professional growth,” said Garcia. “Though this experience it has driven me to pursue in becoming a command master chief for the Navy, so I can serve as the senior enlisted advisor for all sailors in the command.”

Garcia joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Garcia serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 125.

“I joined the Navy to travel and serve my country,” said Garcia. “I am the first in my family to be active duty and my nephew is wanting to follow in my footsteps.”

According to Navy officials, naval aviation is the best in the world because of its ability to harness the entire ocean as a runway. As Garcia continues to train and perform missions, there’s a great deal of pride serving in the United States Navy.

“Serving the Navy for me has given me a chance to better myself both personally and professionally, while being pushed to new limits,” added Garcia. “Serving in the Navy allows me to protect my family and loved ones while getting to see the world.”

BEACH MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) has issued the following beach management actions for Wednesday, Feb. 8. Open – Coronado Shoreline: The closure is lifted for the Coronado Shoreline. Recent water quality samples meet state health standards. Open – San Dieguito River Outlet and San Diego River – Dog Beach: The advisory is lifted for San Dieguito River Outlet and San Diego River – Dog Beach. Recent water quality samples meet state health standards.

Advisory – Children’s Pool in La Jolla and Tidelands Park in Coronado: These beaches remain under advisory. Beachgoers are advised that bacteria levels have exceeded state health standards and may cause illness. Closure – Tijuana Slough, Imperial Beach, Silver Strand, and Coronado Shorelines: The ocean shoreline from the International Border to Coronado will remain closed until sampling confirms these areas are safe for water contact. For updates on beach advisory and closure information, visit www.sdbeachinfo.com.

MONTHLY STORYTELLING SET AT COFFEE HOUSE

San Diego Storytellers are increasing their presence in the local community with a monthly session at a local coffee house. The new sessions, free to the public, are being held at the The Template, 5032 Niagra Ave. on the second Monday of each month. Sessions begin at 7 p.m. Next Monday, Feb. 13 will feature the appropriate theme “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” the day before Valentine’s Day.

The stories are meant for those ages 12 and above. Previous performances have included harpist Lissette Ryan’s Celtic stories and J. T. Moring of Folk Heritage playing his guitar while singing wry songs as part of his original stories. The group has presented “Tellabration,” an annual event, several times in Ocean Beach.

CONCERT TICKETS ON SALE

The ’90s Pop Tour has announced new shows including San Diego’s Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., on May 6. The tour has gathered over 3 million fans in more than 140 concerts, including 15 sold outs. For two hours, fans will be able to travel back in time and enjoy all the ’90s greatest pop hits performed by Sentidos Opuestos, Magneto, Kabah, Lynda, Benny Ibarra, JNS, Caló, and Erik Rubín. Tickets will be on sale beginning Friday, Feb. 10 through AXS.com.

ANNUAL LPE FUNDRAISER

Get dibs on tickets for the annual Loma Portal Elementary School bash. Dinner, drinks, dancing, and fun to raise money for the school with live and silent auctions, raffle, and much more. The goal is to raise at least $50,000 to continue supporting the STEAM lab, outdoor classroom, garden, and library, as well as the music, art, and computer programs. Individual and couple tickets available as well as full tables. And, don’t forget to sponsor a staff ticket, or a portion of one, so they can enjoy the night too. Dust off your threads, 1950s theme attire encouraged. Click aquí to register, sponsor, and more.

VALENTINE’S MUSICAL THEATER

The members of the “Valentine’s Day Musical Theatre Workshop” will bring favorite Broadway, pop and Americana music to life on the Point Loma Playhouse stage, 3035 Talbot St. at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Led by award-winning music director Jordan Miller, Valentine’s Day will be filled with sweet sounds, romantic tunes, and joy for all the lovers in the audience. All seats $14.

OB BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY

OB Mindful Goods, your local art store, is turning one year old. Join them on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the OB Mall, 4967 Newport Ave. #4. They will be celebrating with a “Shop-N’-Sip” event, featuring local artists and finishing off with a “Bougie Art Walk” to the newly opened b Gallery.

ENCUENTRO DE MUJERES REPUBLICANAS

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, Republican Women of California, Point Loma, will hold their monthly meeting and lunch at 11 a.m. at the Bay Club Hotel and Marina, 2131 Shelter Island Drive. The cost is $37. For more information and reservations, email [email protected].

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA

Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m., is the regular meeting of the Naval Base Point Loma’s Restoration Advisory Board to discuss relevant issues. This meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Southwest Yacht Club with the option to join through a virtual meeting link. To request a link for this virtual meeting, contact Kellie Koenig at [email protected]. Para obtener más información, llame al 619-556-8926.

CITY TACOS IN OB

City Tacos is planning a shop in Ocean Beach at Voltaire and Cable streets, formerly a Tiki Port coffee shop. Owner Gerry Torres opened the first City Tacos location in North Park in 2014. City Tacos now operates seven locations across San Diego, with spots in La Mesa, Encinitas, Sorrento Valley, and Pacific Beach. The brand also collaborates with Mike Hess Brewing via their sister business Quiero Tacos at their brewpub locations in Imperial Beach and Seaport Village.

PLHS SPORTS TRYOUTS

Girls beach volleyball is now a CIF sport for the spring season. Try-outs are scheduled Feb. 13-14, 3-5 p.m. just north of the bathrooms in Ocean Beach. Wear layers, bring socks or sand socks and a ball if you have one. Register here for tryouts if you’re interested. PLHS Beach Volleyball Interest & Contact List. Follow on Instagram @plhs.beachvolleyball and email if you have questions at [email protected].

Girls lacrosse – Tryouts are Monday, Feb. 13 at Correia Fields from 4-6 p.m. You must have athletic clearance. Fill out this google form even if you have played before. If you have any questions, contact [email protected].

Boys lacrosse tryouts will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at PLHS, and Monday, Feb. 13, time and location TBD. Bring helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, mouthpiece, athletic cup, gloves stick, cleats, running shoes, and plenty of water.

Boys tennis tryouts will be held Monday, Feb. 13. haga clic aquí for details, contact coach Barksdale at [email protected] with any questions.

Softball players – Try-outs will be held at Correia Middle School on the softball field on Saturday, Feb. 11, 9am-noon, Monday, Feb. 13, 4-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, 4-6:30 p.m. Any questions, email coach Billy at [email protected].

Boys volleyball tryouts are will be held in the PLHS Big Gym Saturday, Feb. 11, Session 1 from 8-10:30 a.m. (check-in at 7:50 a.m.), Saturday, Feb. 11, Session 2 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, from 4:15-6:15 p.m. Bring personal snacks for break and water or sports drink to stay hydrated. Must have athletic clearance to participate.

LIVE ARTS FEST

San Diego Dance Theater’s three-day, multidisciplinary art event “Live Arts Fest” returns featuring performing artists from the San Diego area, including this year’s winner of the Young Choreographers Showcase and Prize, Marcella Torres-Sanchez, as well as guest artists Lavina Rich and Holly Clark. The event will take place at the Light Box Theater, formerly White Box Live Arts, from Feb. 17-19 at 2590 Truxtun Road in Liberty Station. Initiated in 2012, Live Arts Fest is a multi-night festival intended to expand SDDT’s mission to celebrate and support multi-generational dancers from San Diego’s rich community of performing artists. General admission: $30. Contact: [email protected].

“Our goal, going forward, will be to focus on our community of artists right here in San Diego,” said Terry Wilson, executive artistic director at SDDT. “I see Live Arts Fest as an opportunity to support these artists during a time when dancing full-time simply isn’t feasible. It’s hard to make a living, if you aren’t able to work three jobs like I do. I’ve been trying to listen to what people in the dance community in San Diego need, and, for many of them, all they want is a place to rehearse, to perform and to be supported in their craft.”

SUPER BOWL WAGERING

A recent survey among U.S. adults reveals that around 54 percent of people plan on placing bets on the game. In fact, a huge amount of money has already been spent on Super Bowl wagers across the country, with the total amount wagered on the event to easily exceed $1 billion this year. Key takeaways: Around 9.75% of people would be wagering between $1 and $25 and another 6.3% would be spending up to $50 on Super Bowl bets; Over 14% of adults plan to wager more than $100 on Super Bowl this year. This is the first Super Bowl hosted by a state with legal sports betting, and fans living and arriving in Arizona right now are expected to significantly boost the total amount of wagers.

THINK BLUE

With Valentine’s Day approaching, Piensa en Blue San Diego, the public education and engagement program of the City’s Stormwater Department, is encouraging San Diegans to show their love for clean water and clean beaches this month by participating in community cleanups and educational webinars to help create a more sustainable city. Think Blue’s nonprofit partner, Me encanta un san diego limpio, is joining the City in hosting a series of events throughout February, including major cleanups in Barrio Logan and City Heights, that residents can participate in. “To keep our city clean and beautiful, we’re asking San Diegans to show their love for our town by attending a cleanup or webinar this month,” said Bethany Bezak, interim director of the City’s Stormwater Department. “These opportunities to ‘Think Blue’ and make a difference will help preserve and protect our amazing local environment.”

SCHOOL PANTRY PROGRAM

Alimentando a San Diego is a recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Cigna Foundation’s Healthier Kids For Our Future grant program, a five-year, $25 million global initiative focused on improving the health and well-being of children. “To have our work with the School Pantry Program recognized by the Cigna Foundation for a second time is incredibly rewarding,” said Dan Shea, CEO of Feeding San Diego. “This grant will help us continue to support San Diego County students and their families, which is much-needed during this period of inflation and other economic challenges.”

Feeding San Diego was awarded this same grant in 2021 and is delighted to be awarded the funds for a second time to continue the critical services provided by its School Pantry Program. The grant is exclusively for that program, which alleviates child hunger by providing free, nutritious food to children, youth and their families at their schools, ensuring consistent, reliable access to healthy food in convenient locations where they are already comfortable.

IMPROVING WOMEN’S EDUCATION

The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park is now accepting applications for the Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering (BE WiSE) program through Feb. 12. This free program engages female and female-identifying students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning experiences in collaboration with San Diego-area research, industry and academic institutions. BE WiSE sparks interest in STEM through interactions with women STEM professionals, increases the participants’ opportunities in and knowledge of STEM fields, and develops a community engaged in science learning throughout middle and high school — and beyond. The goal of the BE WiSE program is to engage girls in free STEM learning experiences through real STEM-related work, situations and hands-on learning. Once accepted into the program, participants will interact with successful women in STEM-related careers while attending workshops at STEM companies, local universities and research facilities.

MAMA’S GOES SOLAR

Mama’s Kitchen, the nonprofit known for its mission to deliver meals to critically ill San Diegans, recently completed a solar installation project made possible by a $25,000 grant from the Solar Moonshot Program and local partners Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation, Aloha Solar Power and Left Coast Fund. The 13.26kW-DC rooftop solar project will save approximately 36,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually (the equivalent of 271 new trees plants), helping the nonprofit to keep delivering medically-tailored, delicious meals to critically ill San Diegans, but in a more environmentally-friendly way than ever before. Over the next few decades, the clean energy project will be helping reduce the impacts of the climate crisis and lessening climate injustices.

“The nature of our work at Mama’s Kitchen requires us to operate in real-time to address the immediate needs of a vulnerable population,” said Mama’s Kitchen’s CEO Alberto Cortés. “However, we also recognize that the climate crisis is another urgent issue that needs to be addressed. Mama’s Kitchen strives to provide nutritional support to San Diego residents at risk of malnutrition due to critical illnesses such as HIV, cancer, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. With hundreds of volunteers, businesses, and community supporters, Mama’s Kitchen strives to help its clients stay healthy, preserve their dignity, and keep their families together by providing medically tailored home-delivered meals, pantry services, and nutrition education — all at no cost to the client.”

AIRPORT STORMWATER DIVERSION

In 2022, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority captured, treated, and reused 812,500 gallons of stormwater. This water, which would otherwise have run off into San Diego Bay, was used to heat and cool buildings at Aeropuerto Internacional de San Diego, thereby reducing the amount of potable water used for this purpose. The Stormwater Reuse Treatment System captures stormwater from the top of the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza and stores it in underground pipes with about 100,000 gallons of capacity. The captured water is then treated through a series of high-rate media filters and ultraviolet light, then pumped to a central utility plant for use in the cooling towers that heat, ventilate, and air condition SAN’s terminals and jet bridges. Overall, the Airport Authority’s Stormwater Reuse Treatment System has captured, treated, and reused more than 5 million gallons of stormwater since its inception in 2018.

GUN VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS

During the month of January 2023, the City Attorney’s Office intervened in 18 situations to obtain Gun Violence Restraining Orders against individuals who posed a threat to themselves or others. GVROs are obtained by the Office’s Gun Violence Response Unit on behalf of the San Diego Police Department and approved by a judge. San Diego is a national leader in using “red flag” laws to prevent predictable gun violence and save lives. GVROs are civil orders that prohibit the use, purchase, or possession of all firearms and ammunition. They can remain in effect for one to five years. GVROs are used to intervene quickly when lives are at risk. An “emergency temporary” GVRO lasts 21 days. When a long-term gun prohibition is sought, respondents are afforded full due-process rights, including the right to legal representation in a court hearing that is open to the public.

SENIOR RENTAL SUBSIDY

The County of San Diego Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities is launching a pilot program to provide 222 seniors at risk of experiencing homelessness a rental subsidy. This program was approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors last September. Eligible adults over 55 years old would be provided $500 a month for 18 months to help them stabilize. Assistance payments are anticipated to begin this spring. San Diego’s 55 years or older population is expected to balloon to more than 1.1 million people by 2030.

FLETCHER SENATE RUN

“As a Marine in combat, a State legislator, an educator, and now as a County Supervisor, the desire to serve people has been my driving force,” said Nathan Fletcher who is running for the open California State Senate District 39 seat. “I feel more dedicated to that purpose more than ever before. Working families are facing incredible economic challenges and need a fighter in Sacramento. From leading one of the most effective COVID responses in the nation to leading Marines in combat, I’ve never shied away from taking on the toughest fights. I’m running for State Senate to deliver higher wages, a lower cost of living, and a fundamentally fair shot at a better life that every San Diego County family deserves.” Fletcher previously served from 2008 to 2012 in the State Assembly, where he authored Chelsea’s Law, landmark public safety legislation to protect children from sexually violent crimes.

PETERS ON BIDEN

Rep. scott peters (CA-50) issued the following statement after the State of the Union Address Feb. 7: “Last night, President Biden stressed that we should ‘get the job done’ after passing monumental legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Implementing these laws in a smart and efficient way will improve Americans’ quality of life and maintain our competitive edge on the world stage following COVID-19 related disruptions. The President’s words accurately captured the challenges we face today, and all that we have accomplished when coming together. That’s what we must continue doing: working with — not against — each other. I appreciate President Biden’s message of unity, strength, and optimism for what’s ahead in our country’s future. There is much to celebrate under President Biden’s leadership: low unemployment, rebuilding our infrastructure, lower prescription drug prices, and high job creation. Our work continues delivering for the American people.”

TROLLEY PRESS CONFERENCE

Nonprofit think tank Circulate San Diego will host a press conference on Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at UC San Diego’s Design & Innovation Building, 2nd floor, 9500 Gilman Drive in La Jolla to release “Making the Most of the Mid-Coast,” a report, three years in the making, that provides recommendation to enhance the Mid-Coast Trolley corridor to boost economic development and equity to the city, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. San Diego’s University City Mid-Coast Trolley Extension is an enormous opportunity to generate economic activity including access to resources, climate-friendly travel and more. However, despite being one of North America’s largest biotech clusters, UTC has current land use restrictions that prohibit developing new biotech laboratories, homes, retail and office space.

HARD SELTZER FESTIVAL

On Saturday, Feb. 25, Seltzerland will be turning downtown San Diego’s bayfront Broadway Pier into a hard seltzer paradise. Seltzerland is a multi-city hard seltzer festival tour that will kick off 2023 at San Diego’s Broadway Pier, before continuing on around the country. Attendees will spend the afternoon tasting 100+ unique hard seltzers and other craft beverages from brands like Buzzballz, White Claw, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Vizzy, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Cutwater Spirits, Jose Cuervo and many more. While sipping on bubbly, there will be plenty of entertainment, including seltzer pong, ladder ball and cornhole, an inflatable bubble booth, and live music.

WORK ZONE MASCOT

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Office of Traffic Safety unveiled Safety Sam as their new safety cone mascot. The name was selected in a statewide student contest and is part of the campaign to expand public safety awareness to protect highway workers throughout the state. “Caltrans makes safety priority number one, and safety cones are critical to let drivers know when and where highway workers are on the road,” said Caltrans director Tony Tavares. “Including young people in our safety awareness campaigns helps us raise the awareness of both the next generation and current drivers, and we’re excited to make Safety Sam the face of the important work being done to keep our highway workers and the traveling public safe.” In 2020, nearly 7,000 work-zone crashes occurred on California roadways, resulting in more than 3,000 injuries and nearly 100 fatalities. Nationally, drivers and passengers account for 85% of people killed in work zones.

COVERED CALIFORNIA ENROLLMENT

Covered California is reminding Californians that they still have an opportunity to sign up for quality health insurance and get financial help to lower the cost of their monthly premiums even though open enrollment ended on Jan. 31. Every year, Covered California allows people who have experienced a significant life event to sign up for coverage during special enrollment. “Californians can still protect themselves and their families with quality health insurance for the rest of the year, if they have had a major change in their lives,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “If you have recently lost your coverage, gotten married, had a baby, or have been affected by California’s winter storms, visit CoveredCA.com to check out what plans are available to you.”

BRIDGE PROJECT PROGRESSING

Construction crews began the new year with concrete pours for bridge rails on the northbound bridge structure, northside abutment and sign foundations for the Proyecto de reemplazo del puente West Mission Bay Drive. Installation of rub rails and pedestrian rails for the southbound bridge will be finalized in early February and concrete pours for the northbound bridge pedestrian sidewalk will continue into the middle of the month. The south bike path will remain closed as work continues. It is expected to reopen in mid-February. The new bridge will provide an improved transportation link across the San Diego River. The new corridor will consist of: – Two parallel bridge structures with three lanes in each direction, replacing the existing four-lane structure built in the early 1950s. – Protected multi-use paths for bicyclists and pedestrians. – More space for vehicular traffic and additional traffic improvements along Sports Arena Boulevard, West Mission Bay Drive and the westbound I-8 off-ramp.

CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor wants champions of climate action to apply for the California Climate Action Corps paid service program which has begun recruitment. “Tackling the climate crisis takes partners at all levels, and the California Climate Action Corps is mobilizing energized Californians all across our state to drive climate action in ways never seen before,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “California’s climate action is just getting started, and it starts with you. Together, we’ll achieve the climate-friendly future all Californians deserve.”

California Climate Action Corps Fellows mobilize their communities through climate volunteer engagement, climate action and education service projects focused on urban greening, wildfire resiliency, and organic waste and edible food recovery. As AmeriCorps California members, fellows earn $30,000 for serving 1,700 hours over 11 months, plus qualify for $10,000 in education awards to pay down student debt or use towards college. A summer fellowship is also recruiting for two-month positions which pay $5,294, plus a $1,374 education award. Go to ClimateActionCorps.ca.gov to learn more and apply.

VALENTINE’S MENU

George’s at the Cove is offering a special prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. The evening starts at $95 per person and includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, as well as a complimentary truffle box for each couple. Wine pairings are available for an additional $40 per person. Reservations are strongly recommended and should be made aquí.

UNIVERSITY SOCIAL WORK

The California Department of Health Care Access and Innovation announced that it will issue $59.4 million in grants to create or expand social work programs at colleges and universities statewide. Three San Diego County universities were selected and awarded the following grant funds · Point Loma Nazarene University: $1,487,750 for a new master of social work (MSW) program. · San Diego State University: $1,291,900 for a new bachelor of art in social work (BASW) program and $2,431,200 for a MSW education program expansion. · Cal State San Marcos: $4,800,000 for a MSW education program expansion.  “We want to do everything we can to support and empower those who are called to the field of social work,” said Lora Fleming PLNU communications director. “These funds will help PLNU create a MSW program that best equips our students with the tools needed to meet the emotional, physical, economic, and social needs of others.”

VALENTINE’S DAY LOVE STORY

While online dating apps or blind dates are the start of many love stories, one local couple’s commitment to volunteerism is what sparked a nearly decades-long romance. Yanni Buso and Mike Minton found themselves regularly volunteering in the kitchen at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. The charity relies on an extensive network of volunteers to help maintain its “home away from home” for families with a child in the hospital. The two became friends working side by side in the kitchen, serving food and providing much needed support to families in medical crisis.

After a few movie invitations and a request from Buso for help with a leaking faucet, an official dinner invitation began their journey as a couple. A Hallmark movie personified, Minton and Buso have now been together for nine years and are still very much Valentines and devoted Ronald McDonald House volunteers. Turns out, there’s a lot of love in a well-prepared meal. Perhaps that’s what bonded Minton and Buso, and surely, the meals they continue to serve three nights a week at RMHC have helped countless families in finding comfort during a trying time.

NAVY PIER PLANS

Plans to convert Navy Pier into a public park along San Diego Bay’s North Embarcadero have taken a major step forward. The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to issue a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to the Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum (Midway) for the project. The CDP approval is the culmination of a years-long collaborative effort of the Port, the Midway, and Coastal Commission staff. The Midway proposes to call the park Freedom Park, with nods to San Diego’s military history throughout.

The CDP allows for demolition of the headhouse structure at the entrance to the pier, structural repairs/rehabilitation on and under the pier in the vicinity of the demolished headhouse, and then construction of the park. A structural pile improvement project is currently underway beneath the pier. The Port anticipates starting demolition of the headhouse building in early 2024, followed by additional structural improvements on and under the pier, and subsequently construction of Freedom Park. The park’s opening is anticipated for 2028.

CHEESE CLUB

Calling all turophiles (aka, cheese lovers). Carruth Cellars’ Wine Garden Cheese Shop at Liberty Station has introduced a Cheese Club subscription. Explore delicious new fromage each month, specially hand-picked by the Cheese Shop’s knowledgeable cheesemongers and sourced from the finest cheese producers. Cheese Club members will receive a monthly hand-cut 6 ounce wedge of cheese and complementary curated shop item (for example, jam, tapenade or chocolate) for pick-up. Plus, benefits also include one complimentary cheese flight per month, 10% discount on all Cheese Shop and dine-in menu items, and an exclusive invite to two Cheese Club events per year.  Join the Cheese Club ($40/month) by visiting the Liberty Station Tasting Room & Wine Garden Cheese Shop or call 619-546-9300. Space is limited.

FREE DENTAL TREATMENT

The San Diego County Dental Foundation will provide free preventative treatment to children in need through its Give Kids A Smile program at clinics in Bankers Hill, City Heights, El Cajon, National City, and Vista on Saturday, Feb. 25 and/or Saturday, March 4. Volunteer dentists will provide complimentary dental screenings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants for children ages 0-18 years at the following locations from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Bankers Hill – San Diego American Indian Health Center, 2630 First Ave., 619-234-2158 (March 4 only); City Heights – Cura Smiles, 4101 University Ave., 619-789-1832; El Cajon – El Cajon Family Health Center, 525 E Main St., 619-906-4515 (Feb. 25 only); National City – Operation Samahan Health Clinic (OPSAM Health), 2835 Highland Ave., 844-200-2426 ext. 1563; Vista – Vista Community Clinic, 1000 Vale Terrace Drive, 760-631-5000 ext. 1011 (March 4 only). Appointments are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the individual location.

HOME SALES SLIP AGAIN

Resale home transactions saw another drop in January, and although that’s not uncommon for the first month of the year, it’s been a trend for the past six months. The Greater San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR) compiles data on the current home sale market through the San Diego Multiple Listing Service. Single-family home sales fell 19 percent last month compared to December, and attached properties (condominiums and townhomes) were down nearly 13 percent. Looking at the year-over-year change, sales of all properties are 38 percent lower than January 2022. However, inventory of homes for sale is improved from a year ago by nearly 21 percent. The median price of single-family homes ticked down by 2 percent from December to January, settling at $849,000; that number is down by 3-and-a-half percent from a year ago. The median price of attached properties actually edged up by 1 percent last month, to $590,000.

STRATEGIES FOR SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS

Join Belmont Village Senior Living La Jolla and author Connie Baher on March 2 at 10 a.m. for a discussion on issues caregivers face, including guilt, sibling strife, and the opening of old wounds. This talk will give listeners valuable lessons to aid in the toughest and possibly most rewarding job as a caregiver. There will be a Q&A and book signing to follow. Baher is the author of “Family Caregivers: An Emotional Survival Guide.” Baher writes, lectures, and coaches on caregiving, life transitions, and reimagining retirement. She often speaks of her first-hand experience as her mother’s caregiver for 13 years. Space is limited. RSVP to 858-450-2500.

FAR SOUTH BORDER NORTH GRANTS

Next week, San Diego and Imperial County artists and creative practitioners can apply for part of the $4.75 million Far South Border North Creative Corps grants. The application portal will open on Feb. 15. The Far South Border North initiative will be implemented in partnership with the San Diego Foundation, San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition, and the Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial counties. The partnership combines government, foundation and community collaboration, providing financial support to artists and cultural practitioners to: Help support the health and well-being of communities in the lowest quartile of the California Healthy Places Index in San Diego and Imperial counties. Incubate and carry out public campaigns that raise awareness, engage and inspire change. Continue enriching their creative, artistic and cultural practice.

THE NUTMOBILE VISITS OLD TOWN

On Monday, Jan. 30, Meals on Wheels San Diego County received a special visit from Planters and the famous Mr. Peanut. The Nutmobile first visited the nonprofit’s Metro San Diego Service Center, at 2254 San Diego Ave. in Old Town, to meet a few members of the Meals on Wheels San Diego County team. From there, volunteers with Planters drove the iconic mobile to nine homes in the southeast San Diego community to deliver meals to seniors in need. These special deliveries were all part of the company’s annual national campaign where three “Peanutters,” Kevin, Alexa and Grace travel across the country to lend a helping hand to select nonprofits. Meals on Wheels San Diego County was one of a couple of stops The Nutmobile made during its visit to San Diego.

FIESTA FIDO CLEANUP

Fiesta Island Dog Owner’s next cleanup of their fenced off-leash area on the island will be Saturday, Feb. 18 from 9:30-11 a.m. No need to sign up, just show up. As always, there will be tables with trash bags, gloves and supplies (or bring your own). Dogs welcome. FIDO T-shirts, hats and more will be available in exchange for your donations. As always, meet at the north end of our fenced off-leash area, just inside the fence. You’ll see banners and tables. When you arrive, sign in on a “I Love a Clean San Diego” form at the main table. Have friends who frequent the island but aren’t yet FIDO members? Bring them along.

MURAL INSTALLATION DELAYED

The surfboard flower-petal community mosaic mural to revitalize the 65-year-old Pacific Beach Rec Center is ready to go. But actual installation has been delayed to comply with new City regulations.

“We got the building permit last year and we thought we were ready to go but there was a lot of other paperwork that the City Attorney needed to sign-off on,” said Brian Curry, spokesperson for the mural project. “The artist, Rob Tobin, is done with the boards, he is ready hang them, and they are being stored at the rec center.”

Curry noted the mural will be a gift to the City on City-owned property. Recently, the City attached more conditions to final approval of the project, including the hiring of a structural engineer. “The City wants to ensure that the integrity of the (building) wall will not be comprised, and the PB Town Council has hired a structural engineer to address these issues,” said Curry noting the project has been about four years in the making. He added an official installation/dedication date for the mural has yet to be determined.

Known as the Pacific Beach Community Surf Garden, the project involving 64 donated and tiled surfboards and some 150 volunteers, was conducted for several weeks during volunteer workshops at the PB Rec Center at 1405 Diamond St. There are five tax-deductible sponsorship levels for surf tiles being purchased to pay for the art project by donors ranging from $50 to $5,000. The more someone donates, the bigger the personal tile they are entitled to.

THE BACHELOR AT MAVERICK’S

As “The Bachelor” begins its 27th season on ABC, nothing is better than gathering your fellow Zach Shallcross fans for an evening of drinks, drama and cheering on Anastasia, a contestant from San Diego. Club de playa de Maverick is now bringing seasonal “Monday Night Bachelor Watch Parties” until the end of the season at 8 p.m. Mavericks will offer $5 Rosé cans, $6 select Tequila, $20 select wine bottles, and $15 champagne bottles with a complimentary mimosa bar. On top of drink specials, there will also be weekly raffles.

E-BIKE SAFETY CLASSES

Did you know thousands of students ride their bikes to school throughout San Diego County? Join Scripps Injury Prevention, SANDAG, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, SDPD, and local e-bike companies for a free seminar about e-bike safety and best practices on Wednesday, March 1, from 6-8 p.m. at PB Middle School Auditorium, 4676 Ingraham St. Reserve your spot for a chance to win prizes. Visit https://forms.office.com/r/B2Gh0QEgSR. Parking is available in the Felspar Street lot behind the auditorium.

CANCER RESEARCH ADVOCACY

La Jolla residents Jean Wickersham, MD, and Donald Kearns, MD, are passionate advocates in the fight against the disease. As community leaders, they’ve helped establish early participation in Curebound’s signature event, Padres Pedal the Cause, partnering with the Padres. Padres Pedal the Cause will take place on March 18 at Petco Park celebrating 10 years of impact and more than $18 million raised. Wickersham, a retired neurosurgeon and breast cancer survivor, has served on the advisory board of Padres Pedal the Cause for seven years and has captained Team Cancer Curators on behalf of Rady Children’s Hospital.

“I’m a pediatric otolaryngologist who became the president and CEO of Rady Children’s Hospital,” said Kearns noting, “Rady has the world-class Peckham Cancer Center. I had treated children with cancer first as a surgeon and then as a hospital administrator. That experience, in addition to my family’s history of cancer, motivated our involvement in Padres Pedal.”

ACTIVITY CUTS DEMENTIA

Senior women were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia if they did more daily walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, according to a new study led by the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego. In the Jan. 25, 2023 online edition of Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, the team reported that, among women aged 65 or older, each additional 31 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with a 21 percent lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Risk was also 33 percent lower with each additional 1,865 daily steps. While there are several types, dementias are a debilitating neurological condition that can cause loss of memory, the ability to think, problem solve or reason. Mild cognitive impairment is an early stage of memory loss or thinking problems that is not as severe as dementias.

“Given that the onset of dementia begins 20 years or more before symptoms show, the early intervention for delaying or preventing cognitive decline and dementia among older adults is essential,” said senior author Andrea LaCroix, Ph.D., M.P.H., Distinguished Professor at the Escuela Herbert Wertheim de Salud Pública y Ciencias de la Longevidad Humana at UC San Diego.

CASINO AWARDS DINNER

Discover PB’s annual Casino Awards and Dinner will be Thursday, March 23 from 6-10 p.m. aboard the William D. Evans Historic Sternwheeler, launching from the Catamaran Resort Hotel, 3999 Mission Blvd. Have fun at a fundraiser and award ceremony featuring a riverboat style gambling reception, a plated dinner, and silent auction to benefit the many programs Discover Pacific Beach has to offer. Tickets are on sale. The 2022 Business Awards will be announced at the dinner. Cast a vote for who you think should win for Best New Business, Design and Improvement, and Heart of PB. Anyone can vote. Polls opened on Feb. 1 and close on March 10 (one vote per person). For more information, visit Descubre Playa del Pacífico.

FIRST LADY VISITS SD

First Lady Jill Biden will visit San Diego on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4 in support of the Biden-Harris administration’s Cancer Moonshot and her Joining Forces initiative for military families. Biden is scheduled to visit a Family Health Centers of San Diego clinic to highlight the administration’s support of health centers to improve access to cancer screenings and increase early detection in underserved communities. Biden’s visit comes ahead of World Cancer Day on Saturday. The First Lady will deliver remarks on Friday to the crew and families of the combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords at Naval Base San Diego.

NEW AIRPORT DIRECTORS

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has welcomed four new members to the board of directors – County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez, Lidia Martinez, and Rafael Perez. The Airport Authority is governed by a nine-member board, with three additional members serving ex officio. Board members serve three-year terms and may be reappointed. For more information about the New T1, visit newT1.com. “These Board Members come to the Airport Authority at an exciting time,” said airport authority board chair Gil Cabrera. “Their leadership and insight will be very helpful as we continue to build the New T1, which will meet the current and future transportation needs of our region.”

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

According to a San Diego Unified School District survey, the number of teens affected by dating violence is significant: – 1 in 5 San Diego students have experienced emotional violence in a relationship. – 1 in 10 have experienced sexual violence within an intimate relationship. – 1 in 16 have been subjected to physical violence by a partner.

“Protecting teens from dangerous behaviors today is a proven way to prevent them from being the victims of domestic violence, or abusers themselves, once they are adults,” said City Attorney Mara Elliott. “Through education and support, we can break the cycle, stop intimate partner violence before it begins, and teach our children how to have healthy and respectful relationships. My Office runs Your Safe Place – A Family Justice Center, which provides free, confidential services to victims of domestic abuse and teen dating violence. Families and victims impacted by abusive relationships can receive counseling, help obtaining restraining orders, legal advice, and many other services. Most important, Your Safe Place provides a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere.: For more information contact [email protected] or 619-533-5896.

BODHI TREE CONCERTS

Bodhi Tree Concerts, the award-winning San Diego performing arts organization that commits intentional acts of kindness through music, has announced its 12th season of concerts, which all showcase San Diego talent and benefit local charities. From the classic American songbook of Cole Porter to a San Diego premiere chamber opera set to poems by Dorothy Parker, and from a free festival of world music to a raucous evening of beer-soaked Brahms and drinking songs, the season comprises an eclectic selection of concerts that offers the best of San Diego talent and entertainment. For more information contact Diana DuMelle, 917-596-9359 or visit [email protected].

UTILITY BILLS

San Diego Gas & Electric said the average customer’s bills are likely to be cut significantly, as much as halved, in February due to a steep decline in the cost of natural gas, after reaching historic highs this winter due to what SDG&E called “unprecedented market conditions in the Western United States.”
Lower gas prices are welcome news but we recognize many of our customers still need support to deal with higher gas bills, and we’ve developed solutions to ease the financial strain,” said Dana Golan, SDG&E vice president of customer services. “We are here to help and encourage customers to take advantage of our assistance programs, bill discounts and energy efficiency programs that can help provide additional bill savings.” More information on assistance programs can be found at sdge.com/assistance.

SD MES DEL MUSEO

Explore the fun during San Diego Museum Month with 50% off admission to more than 60 San Diego County museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos, aquariums, and more. There’s so much to see at San Diego Museums, and during February the San Diego Museum Council is making it easy to visit your favorites by offering half-price admission. Simply pick up a 50% off pass at any public library in San Diego County and bring it to a participating museum from Feb. 1-28. For more information, visit sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.

CLIMATE ACTION DAY

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla and Congressman Scott Peters will be among officials joining for a press conference at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve, 2055 Pacific Beach Drive, to introduce Love Your Wetlands Day. Love Your Wetlands Day is a free, once-a-year opportunity to explore UC San Diego’s protected Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve in Mission Bay while also learning about the importance of coastal wetlands, the climate threats they face, and the ways local communities are working to restore and protect them. Activities are family-friendly and include guided bird walks. Volunteers will participate in community planting and wildfire prevention activities. The event is also being livestreamed.

HOUSING HUMAN RIGHT

The San Diego City Council has unanimously voted to declare its support for the right to housing as a fundamental human right and reaffirming its commitment to providing more housing and services geared toward putting a roof over the head of every San Diegan. The resolution also states that the Council intends for the City to support housing as a human right by implementing policies that address the root causes of homelessness, that keep people housed through affordable, accessible, and habitable homes, and that provide pathways to housing for people experiencing homelessness.

“This resolution is a values statement and an invitation for accountability to uphold the dignity and rights of our residents,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “It should serve as an important shift away from the failed practice of treating housing as a commodity toward a future where this basic human need is made available to all. I am looking forward to taking action to make good on this commitment so we can lift San Diego out of our housing and homelessness crisis. This starts with our ongoing effort to strengthen tenant protections.”

STATE GETS HIGH MARKS

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and the Equality Federation Institute have released their ninth annual State Equality Index. The SEI is a comprehensive state-by-state report that provides a review of statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people and their families. California falls into the category, “Working Towards Innovative Equality.” States in this category have a broad range of protections to ensure equality for LGBTQ+ people, including comprehensive non-discrimination laws, safer school policies, and healthcare access for transgender people. Advocates focus on the implementation of laws and advance innovative legislation that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations.

AIRLINE ADDS FLIGHTS

Alaska Airlines has announced it will offer daily nonstop flights between Aeropuerto Internacional de San Diego and Washington, D.C. via Washington Dulles International Airport and daily nonstop flights between SAN and Eugene, Ore. via Eugene Airport starting June 15. The airline will offer seasonal nonstop service between SAN and Tampa, Fla. via Tampa International Airport beginning Oct. 5. Flights to Tampa will operate daily, representing the only service between the two cities. With the new routes, Alaska Airlines will serve 35 nonstop destinations from San Diego International Airport. To view schedules, fares, and flight times, visit alaskaair.com.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING MAP

El San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping solve the region’s biggest problems, announced the launch of the region’s first Geographic Information System tool designed to help identify which government owned parcels may be ideal candidates for affordable housing projects. Named the “Land Locator: Identifying Areas for Potential Affordable Housing in San Diego,” the interactive map identifies publicly owned parcels across the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, and the City of Chula Vista, and overlays nearby amenities, such as transit, childcare and schools, and grocery stores, as well as the land characteristics, such as slope, flood/fire risk and more. Using this information, local municipalities, agencies, housing developers and the public can see which government owned parcels may be the most viable locations for building more affordable housing. For more information, visit sdrpic.org.

SPORTS ARENA UPDATE

The Midway Rising team is excited to begin reimagining the iconic San Diego Sports Arena venue in the Midway District to create A Midway for All. Over the next two years, their team will work together with the Midway community and San Diegans alike to help bring thousands of new affordable homes, a dynamic mixed-use entertainment district and amazing community benefits to San Diego. The first public outreach meeting is on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 5:30-8 p.m. at EF International Language Campuses, 3455 Kenyon St.

CESAR CHAVEZ PARK

The Port of San Diego will soon begin a project to make improvements to Cesar Chavez Park, located along the San Diego Bay waterfront in Barrio Logan. The project will focus on the recreational field, which is very popular within the community and is heavily used for various recreational activities.

“Cesar Chavez Park is a jewel in the community of Barrio Logan. It’s a special spot where residents and visitors can have a picnic, engage in sports activities, or just relax and enjoy the incredible views,” said chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “We’re so pleased to see the park gets this much use, and this improvement project will make it more sustainable so it can be experienced for generations.”

The project entails removing approximately 90,000 square feet of existing grass turf in the recreational field and replacing it with new turf. It also includes grading and drainage improvements and modifying the existing irrigation system that would accommodate the new turf field.  A construction contract for the project was awarded to Marina Landscape Inc. The project is anticipated to cost approximately $606,000.

LUMINOSITY ARTS COUNCIL

The Arts Council recently met to begin planning the Festival of Lights element of LUMINOSITY, a nonprofit group formed to come up with viable alternatives to Fourth of July fireworks previously held at Ocean Beach Pier. The panel is made up of individuals with a background in the arts and who have ties to Ocean Beach.

The role of the council is to determine the scope and vision of the festival. The first task of the council is to send out Call for Proposals to artists to create projects or installations to be exhibited in July. If you are interested in submitting a proposal, send an email to [email protected].

DISNEY @ PECHANGA ARENA

Disney On Ice, a monumental ice-skating spectacular, returns to San Diego playing seven fun-filled performances at Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., from April 13-16. The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.  With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience.  Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown.

SPANISH BOATING SAFETY COURSES

California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways has announced the availability of a boating safety course in Spanish. Like its English counterpart, the Curso de California para Navegaciónhome study eBook is free and helps Californians be compliant with the mandatory boating education law that requires power boat operators to carry a California Boating Card to legally operate a motorized vessel on California or California-shared waterways. Applying for a card is simple. Boaters can start their application process by visiting CaliforniaBoaterCard.com or by calling (844) 421-8333. The card only costs $10 and lasts a lifetime.

“We are pleased to offer this free, lifesaving resource to the state’s Spanish-speaking boaters,” said DBW Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “California has over 600,000 registered motorized recreational vessels, and Hispanic boaters represent a sizeable number of boat owners and operators. The more people learn the rules of boating, the safer California’s waterways will be for all.” Both of DBW’s Spanish and English courses are free and can be read and/or downloaded online at dbw.parks.ca.gov/BoatingSafetyCourse.

ASOCIACIÓN DE FÚTBOL

San DiegoWave Fútbol Club announced a new multi-year partnership with NOVA Kombucha as the “Official Hard Kombucha of Wave FC.” As part of the partnership, NOVA Kombucha will launch an exclusive, limited edition, co-created “Wave FC Kombucha” with branded packaging and unique flavor that was created in collaboration with the club. “We are thrilled about this fun and exciting partnership with a like-minded and local brand like NOVA Kombucha,” said San Diego Wave FC President Jill Ellis. “This partnership connects two organizations that share a commitment to being innovative and investing in our community, and we’re excited to continue to grow together.” In addition to the exclusive Wave FC Kombucha, NOVA will serve as a watch party location for Wave FC away matches at their tasting rooms. The Chula Vista-based brewery is currently served at Snapdragon Stadium, featured at two NOVA Kombucha branded bars.

MERCHANT OF THE MONTH

The historic Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood boasts a diverse offering of locally owned and operated merchants that are each a part of the larger fabric of what makes the Gaslamp so special. Consequently, the Gaslamp Quarter Association will highlight a new Gaslamp merchant each month. This month, the GQA has awarded the penchant spotlight to Taco Centro, a modern taqueria – offering a new take on the Mexican street food experience to the heart of San Diego. Located at 539 Island Ave., Taco Centro is perfect for a weekend lunch with friends, a meet up spot before the Padres game, or a date night with that special someone. Taco Centro is open seven days a week and features late night weekend hours. For more information on the Gaslamp Quarter, visit www.gaslamp.org.

STATE HOMELESS FUNDING

Working to expand pathways to move San Diegans off the streets and into housing, the San Diego City Council has authorized the expenditure of a $2.45 million grant awarded to the City to help end people’s homelessness in East Village. San Diego was one of eight communities across the state last October to be awarded a portion of $48 million in Encampment Resolution Funding. Nineteen other communities received ERF grant funds in the first round in early 2022.

“We know what ends homelessness: outreach, shelter, housing,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This infusion of state dollars will help us address homeless encampments in a part of Downtown where they have had a major impact on quality of life. I look forward to seeing positive results, both for the community and those experiencing homelessness.”

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

California State Parks, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency are reminding visitors about three new ways to explore the great outdoors for free. Fourth graders can obtain a free California State Park Adventure Pass to explore 19 select state parks for free for a full school year. All Californians can check out a California State Parks Library Pass by using their library cards to access more than 200 participating state park units. Families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and income-eligible Californians 62 and over can apply for the Golden Bear Pass with their smartphone or other web-based device in just minutes and have access to more than 200 California state park units. “California is home to more than 200 state parks, and it’s never been easier to visit them,” said California Natural Resources Agency secretary Wade Crowfoot. “These easy-to-use programs give all Californians a chance to experience our world-renowned nature. Sign up for one of these programs or check out a park pass from your local library and discover a new state park this weekend.” For more information on all three State Park Pass programs, visit parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsForAll.

POINT IN TIME COUNT

More than 1,600 volunteers across the county took part in this year’s Point in Time Count,  counting and interviewing unsheltered residents throughout the region on Jan. 26th. The annual Point in Time Count is led by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness as part of a federal funding mandate. It also helps us learn more about the people experiencing homelessness while raising awareness about the crisis, what’s working, and where opportunities exist. “This count is a snapshot of what homelessness looks like in our region at a minimum,” RTFH CEO Tamera Kohler said. “While the data it generates is important and valuable, it’s the experience and the interactions that make this annual census so meaningful. Thank you to our volunteers for your efforts in taking part in the count and returning some humanity to those who are sleeping outside.”

ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING MEETING

You are invited to attend San Diego Association of Goverment’s second Environmental Scoping Meeting for the 2025 Regional Plan on Feb. 15 at 4 p.m.
SANDAG is preparing an Environmental Impact Report for the 2025 Regional Plan. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, SANDAG has issued a Aviso de Preparación that describes the proposed project and its potential environmental effects. This meeting is your opportunity to obtain information about the Environmental Impact Report, ask questions, and provide verbal comments on its scope and content.
Click the link below to join us for this Zoom webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87677207233
Webinar ID: 876 7720 7233. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. PST on March 6, 2023, and may be sent via email to Kirsten Uchitel at [email protected].

MES NEGRO DE LA HISTORIA
This month, the San Diego Public Library will feature a full schedule of Black History Month programs to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Black Americans. SDPL is hosting several events for young people and adults, including a creative contest for youth, a “human library” interactive learning experience and an author talk exploring activism, feminism and faith.  

“From storytimes for our youngest patrons to poetry slams and author talks for teens and adults, San Diego Public Library staff has created a diverse and thought-provoking group of programs to celebrate Black History Month,” said library director Misty Jones. “We encourage everyone to visit their local library or use SDPL’s online resources to broaden their knowledge about the experiences and accomplishments of Black Americans.”

Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org.

CLIFF COLLAPSE AT BLACKS BEACH

On Friday, Jan. 20 about 2 p.m. there was a huge bluff collapse at Black’s Beach in La Jolla. The collapse, which occurred a couple of hundred yards south of the Torrey Pines Glider Port, is estimated to be 250 feet wide and 25 feet high. There are no reports of injuries from the collapse. Officials estimated the volume of the collapse at 150,000 cubic yards. (Photo by John Cocozza)

POINTER PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Breakfast and baseball, flapjacks and fly balls, hot cakes and home runs – a big morning meal and a day full of action are promised when the Pointer baseball boosters open the season with a return of their annual pancake breakfast. The griddle will be hot from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Dana Middle School’s David Wells Field, home of the Pointers. $10 per person buys a plate of pancakes and sausage with coffee or juice. A donut bar and special pancake toppings will be available for an extra charge. All proceeds benefit the PLHS Parent Association baseball program. The scheduled baseball game begins at 10:30 a.m. The field is located at 1775 Chatsworth Blvd. with the parking entrance on Macaulay Street.

PLAYHOUSE AUDITIONS

Auditions are being held Saturday, Jan. 28 from 1-4 p.m. at Point Loma Playhouse, 3035 Talbot St., for Neil Simon’s last play, “Rose and Walsh.” The play is a romantic comedy dealing with two writers. Rose, a celebrated but near penniless author, receives nightly visits from Walsh, the love of her life and a famous writer himself. Now Walsh must go away forever, but not before securing Rose’s financial future with an extraordinary proposal that promises to change everything.

Characters are Rose Steiner; 65, a Pulitzer-prize winning playwright; Walsh McLaren; 58, a famous mystery writer; Arlene Moss; 34, Rose’s assistant; Gavin Clancy; mid 30s, a young talented writer. Actors auditioning should be able to play the ages listed. All roles are open for inclusivity and diversity. Prepare a 2-3 minute comedic monologue. Also, auditions will be reading from the script.

Send your resume with a photo to the director at [email protected]. Also please bring them with you for the auditions. Show run: May 19-June 4 Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 3 p.m. Rehearsal starts on April 17. This is a non-union production. All performers are guaranteed a $150 honorarium to cover the costs of transportation.

HUNGRY DOG DASH 5K

The Hungry Dog Dash is back after a two-year hiatus on the morning of Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 12. This community 5K in Liberty Station that benefits the PLHS cross-country team. For more information, visit hungrydogdash.com o correo electrónico [email protected].

GIRLS ON THE RUN

Loma Portal Elementary is looking for coaching volunteers for this spring’s Girls on the Run team. The commitment is 10 weeks, Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 2:45-4:15 p.m., and the 5K at the end of the season in May. You do not need to be a runner, you don’t even need to be an athlete. You just need to be someone who wants to make a positive impact on the lives of young girls. GOTR provides all the curriculum and training. You can volunteer for one or both practices each week, so you chose the level of commitment. Contact, Amy Kinseth, at [email protected].

ARTIST OUTPOST WORKSHOPS

The next six-class series round at The Artist Outpost, 4934 Voltaire St., Suite A in Ocean Beach. Classes include oil painting, ceramics, pastels, candle making and paint pour. For more information, visit theartistoutpost.com.

BUSINESS GIVEBACK

The Stronghold, a family-owned and operated neighborhood martial arts facility by the Cusi family, and serving the Point Loma community since 2007 at 2176 Chatsworth Blvd., will be giving back 20% of all sales from new students who sign up when registering for classes, private lessons or camps. Be sure to mention Loma Portal for any new registrations. For more information, visit thestrongholdsd.com or contact coach Raquel Cusi at 858-722-0942.

AIRPORT NAVIGATION TIPS

It has been a busy year at San Diego International Airport (SAN) with many construction milestones achieved. But please prepare for traffic congestion and delays when traveling to SAN. Due to ongoing Terminal 1 construction, airport passengers are strongly advised to allow extra time to arrive curbside and consider these options for getting to and from SAN:

• Get dropped off/picked up. Have friends or family give you a ride. Taxi, Lyft, Uber, shuttles or other airport-permitted commercial transportation options are also good alternatives. • Avoid circling. Picking up at the airport? Use our cell phone lot off McCain Road, where you can wait for free for up to an hour. • Reserve parking ahead of time. Make a reservation for the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza or Curbside Valet at SAN.org/Parking. If parking in the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza but flying from Terminal 1, passengers can ride the Terminal Loop Shuttle to get between the two terminals efficiently. • Plan for congestion. The busiest times curbside in front of the terminals are: 4 a.m.-6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.-midnight. • Use public transit.

There are more ways than ever to get to and from the airport on public transit. Try the free San Diego Flyer, a convenient shuttle between the Old Town Transit Center and the airport, or ride the MTS 992 bus between the airport and Downtown. As SAN embarks on year two of New T1 construction, there are several planned roadway changes and detours that will take place in the first quarter of 2023. If you have any questions or would like additional information, email [email protected]. To learn more about the NewT1 Project and construction impacts, visit NewT1.com and sign up for SAN’s monthly email newsletter, the New T1 Navigator.

COVID EMERGENCY ENDED

The San Diego City Council voted on Jan. 24 to end the city’s COVID-19 emergency declaration and a city employee vaccine mandate at the end of February. Mayor Todd Gloria, City Attorney Mara Elliott and City Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert on Monday released a joint statement proposing to end the emergency declaration, which had been in effect since March 17, 2020. Since that date, the emergency declaration had been renewed and extended multiple times.
“Consistent with the state of California’s decision to lift the COVID-19 state of emergency effective Feb. 28, 2023, the city of San Diego will look to take similar action as the conditions requiring a local emergency declaration have steadily improved,’” Gloria, Elliott and von Wilpert said jointly. “As part of this action, we will also sunset our vaccine mandate for city employees due to a decrease in COVID-19 positive cases and hospitalizations, and 91% of city employees having been vaccinated.”

DISCO NIGHT

The San Diego Gulls will hold its first Disco Night on Saturday, Jan. 28 against the Ontario Reign at 7 p.m. at Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. The Gulls will wear specialty disco-inspired jerseys throughout the game and the first 7,000 fans attending will receive a free Gulls Disco Beach Towel in the same style. Fans can get their boogie on starting at a pregame tailgate in the North VIP lot from 5-7 p.m. featuring live music from disco band Lumen. Fans can enter to win a Disco Night jersey and take advantage of photo opportunities with the team’s mascot, Gulliver, and the Gulls Girls. Fans can also access a wide selection of Disco Night memorabilia for purchase including hats, t-shirts and jerseys at all merchandise stands located at Sections 16, 20 and 24. To view the full collection, visit sandiegogulls.com/shop.

POINT LOMA GARDEN CLUB

On Feb. 8, Point Loma Garden Club will have AIFD floral designer Noel Tribby, who is the co-owner, with Sam Chien, of Floral Chateaux, a floral event and consulting company in Carlsbad. Tribby has often worked for Shinoda Design Center to create their holiday designs. Tribby will show his special Valentine’s Day floral designs, which will be auctioned off at the end of the program. The public is invited to attend this event. A cash payment of $10 will be charged at the door for non members. The club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Portuguese Hall at 10 a.m. Presenters start at 11 a.m. and finish at noon. The annual plant sale will be on April 1.

MEET THE SHOE DESIGNER

Take a walk in her shoes. Literally. Italian footwear designer Valentina Rangoni will be at 7870 Girard Ave. in La Jolla at the Rangoni Shoe boutique on Tuesday, Jan. 31 celebrating her latest, luxury shoe collection. “It’s very important to me as a designer, as I’m passionate about our production, to have immediate feedback and listen to what the consumers really need,” said Rangoni. “I am excited to share the inspirations and to give our guests, a preview of the new spring summer collection that is coming in the next week to our stores.” Try on the newest shoe designs, featuring pumps, sandals, boots and loafers, enjoy light refreshments and talk footwear with Valentina from 2-6 p.m.

MOBILE FLOORING BRAND

David Selikow recently became a franchise owner with Floor Coverings International of San Diego serving customers in San Diego, Del Mar, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Rancho Bernardo, and Escondido. Floor Coverings International is built on relationships to provide its customers with the absolute best in-home flooring experience. For more information, visit ncosd.floorcoveringsinternational.com.

ARMED SERVICES YMCA

On Jan. 27 from 6-10 p.m. the Armed Services YMCA San Diego will host its annual celebration to recognize the “Past, Present, and Future” of the organization aboard the USS Midway Museum. Tickets are still available at asymca.org/sandiego. The Armed Services YMCA’s Annual Celebration will highlight the organization’s successes for the 2022 year. The night will transport attendees through the organization’s history, current achievements, and bright future. The San Diego ASY is, and always will be, dedicated to making military life easier. ASYSD.org.

PET REUNIFICATION

San Diego Humane Society has launched a tool called Lost2Found to help people reunite with their lost pets faster. The cell phone texting program provides automated texts with step-by-step instructions to help people search for their missing pets. “Nobody thinks it will happen to them — until it does,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “Now, if the unthinkable happens, our new Lost2Found texting platform can help pet parents navigate a very stressful time.”

If your pet goes missing, text “LOST” to 858-SAN-LOST (726-5678) to start using the Lost2Found platform. You can also view stray pets who have come in to San Diego Humane Society, and find more useful tips — including measures you can take to prevent your pet from getting lost — at https://www.sdhumane.org/services/lost-and-found/.

SENIORS TRANSPORTATION
A total of 26% of San Diego’s older adult population have limited access to affordable transportation resulting in social isolation and adverse health outcomes. With a new grant from the County of San Diego, Servicio de Familia Judía de San Diego is now operating the “San Diego County Senior Transportation Program,” which provides free, curb-to-curb rides to low-income seniors living in 39 local zip codes. The San Diego County Senior Transportation Program will be operated through JFS’s On the Go, which remains the County’s largest senior transportation service. To qualify for the San Diego County Senior Transportation Program, participants must be at least 60 years of age, have the ability to transfer in and out of a car on their own, have a household income that is at or below 30% of the San Diego County Area Median Income (up to $27,350 for a 1-person household, $31,250 for a 2-person household, $35,150 for a 3-person household or $39,050 for a 4-person household), and live in a ZIP code served. For more information or to enroll in the San Diego County Senior Transportation Program, call 855-638-2279 or visit otgrides.org/sd-enrollment.

FOSTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

This year, an estimated 3,500 children will spend time in foster care in San Diego County after experiencing abuse or neglect. Founded in 1980, Voces para niños transforms the lives of children in foster care by providing them with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). These community volunteers – trained and supported by Voices for Children – advocate for youth in court, school, medical settings, and more to ensure their needs are met. The organization, which serves both San Diego and Riverside Counties, is issuing a call for these special volunteers who often become the most consistent adult in the life of a child in foster care. The campaign, taking place now through May 1 (National Foster Care Awareness Month), aims to recruit new CASAs to serve 100 local youth in foster care currently on Voices for Children’s wait list who are in immediate need of a CASA volunteer. For more information, visit www.speakupnow.org.

GUELAGUETZA FESTIVAL

The San Diego Museum of Art invites the community to a free celebration of art, folklórico dance and music inspired by the world-famous Guelaguetza festival from the Mexican state of Oaxaca on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 2-5 p.m. The Guelaguetza festival will feature six traditional dances from regions throughout the state of Oaxaca, and regional songs performed by Lilly Rincón, directed by Mexicali-based Compañía Esplendor Folklórico. There will also be free, family-friendly art-making activities, and artworks for sale by artist vendors from Oaxaca. Guests can enjoy free museum admission from 2-5 p.m. complementary to the event.

WETZEL’S LATIN TWIST

Wetzel’s Pretzels is putting its twist on two traditional Latin treats, launching the duo of Frozen Horchata and Choco Churro Bitz. The new Frozen Horchata takes the sweet rice milk’s classic flavor and sprinkles in some Wetzside innovation for a creamy, cool and refreshing concoction, topped off with cinnamon. The beverage pairs with the new Choco Churro Bitz, making for an Instagrammable combination. For more information, visit wetzels.com.

MUSEUM MONTH

El Consejo de Museos de San Diego has announced that Mes de los Museos de San Diego will return in February for its 34th year. The highly anticipated program, which promotes San Diego as a vibrant cultural destination, will be the largest ever – with more than 60 participating museums and other popular destinations throughout San Diego County offering half-priced admissions. Enhancing museum accessibility is a critical component of Museum Month. During San Diego Museum Month, residents and visitors enjoy special half-off admission at a diverse range of museums, historic sites, gardens, aquariums and other cultural destinations throughout San Diego County. There is something for every age and interest, including visual art and design, children and families, science and nature, history, wildlife, military, transportation, music and cultural heritage. More information about San Diego Museum Month, including a full list of participating museums, upcoming exhibitions and special events, can be found at www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.

SD WAVE PARTNERSHIP

San Diego Wave Fútbol Club announced a multi-year partnership with AlterG, the leaders in gravity-defying rehab equipment and training. With the new deal, San Diego Wave FC is now the first professional sports team to partner with AlterG. “AlterG’s innovative products and top-of-the-line resources provide the performance and quality needed to enhance our players’ rehabilitation and prevention needs to compete at the top level,” said San Diego Wave FC president Jill Ellis.

SPEEDWAY STOUT

AleSmith Brewing Company has released Speedway Stout: Salted Caramel Brownie Edition, a new rendition of their iconic Imperial Stout with coffee that will be available nationwide in 16 ounce 4-pack cans starting this month. This indulgent flagship variant of the iconic Speedway Stout is a combination of smooth coffee and rich chocolate flavors with subtle notes of caramel and sea salt. Clocking in at 12% ABV, AleSmith Speedway Stout: Salted Caramel Brownie Edition has all the makings of a dessert beer with roasty aromas, bold espresso flavors, sweet notes of caramel, and a smooth balance between bitter chocolate and salty sweetness. Find the retailer nearest you by visiting AleSmith’s Beer Finder.

LIBRARY HOURS RESTORED

The return of Sunday public library hours in San Diego could come this spring as library officials say they’ve made significant progress filling 275 employee vacancies due to the pandemic. Head librarian Misty Jones expects to start re-opening some branches on Sundays in the next two months. Jones plans eventually to have five-hour Sunday service at 13 of the city’s 36 branches — the same amount of Sunday service San Diego had before its libraries shut down in spring of 2020. The list includes the Pacific Beach/Taylor, La Jolla, and Point Loma/Hervey libraries.

SPORTS BETTING

A recent report shows that the higher cost of living did not curb the spending on sports bets – 19% of US adults admit they wagered money on sports events over the past year. Here are a few key takeaways from the report: – Despite higher expenses for food, housing and gasoline, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. say they have wagered on sports at least once over the past year. – Sports betting is often shared with friends and family in the U.S., with 15% of people saying they wagered in private betting pools, fantasy leagues, or casual bets. – From January to November 2022, Americans wagered a total of $79.39 billion, up 37% from the whole year of 2021

HOLOCAUST EXHIBIT

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher gained support from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for his policy to open a Holocaust Remembrance Exhibit on a County property starting in April around Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). The exhibit will be educational, highlight the stories of San Diego survivors and be open for one year. Details about the location, opening date and hours will be announced at a later date. “Everywhere you look online these days, the need for more Holocaust education is self-evident,” said Fletcher. “As we’ve done in response to other forms of racism and bigotry, we have a moral obligation to counter rising anti-semitism with education and the pursuit of justice. One of the most significant things we can do for survivors, as well as future generations, is to tell survivors’ stories, remind ourselves of the lessons of the Holocaust, and commit to speaking out against antisemitism and hate, in all its forms.”

HIGH SURF

High surf pounded the jetty wall at Children’s Pool in La Jolla (left) on Jan. 13, damaging the fencing. It’s been a tough few weeks with record rain, high surf, and flooding. While many are still dealing with the resulting damage, the forecast looks like the weather will calm down just in time for the next king tides on Jan. 21 and 22. While that means the photos you take this weekend may not look as dramatic as the previous storm waves, they represent the everyday water level of the near future. Imagine a storm of the magnitude just experienced coinciding with base water levels two feet higher, or coinciding with that amount of sea level rise plus a king tide? You can find local king tide times, learn how to upload your photos, browse previous king tide fotos, and find resources for educators on the California King Tides Project website. If you’ve been stuck inside for the last month, this weekend is a great time to get outside. (Photo by Thomas Melville)

INSTALLATION DINNER

Each January, members of the Pacific Beach Town Council and other honored guests gather as a united community to install board members and officers for the new year. The 2023 Installation Dinner will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Mission Bay Yacht Club at 1215 El Carmel Place. There is a limited number of tickets available. Tickets may be purchased online, or via checks mailed to the office at 1706 Garnet Ave., made out to the Pacific Beach Town Council. You may buy individual tickets or reserve an entire table for 10. Tickets available at pbtowncouncil.org.

BROKEN YOLK EXPANDING

Broken Yolk, which started out in Pacific Beach at 1851 Garnet Ave., opened its 36th cafe in Henderson, Nev. On Jan. 16. The store features a full bar and a covered patio for outdoor seating. Broken Yolk is now in six states. The restaurant has launched a drink of the month program this year. “Each month we will offer a new drink of the month,” said Nikki Sachman, who handles the restaurant’s marketing. “The drinks can be either non-alcoholic or alcoholic. This can include coffee drinks, mimosas, cocktails, etc.”

HILLEL GRAND OPENING

Following more than 20 years of legal challenges, Hillel of San Diego leaders and San Diego dignitaries celebrated the grand opening of the $18.7 million, 6,500-square-foot Beverly and Joseph Glickman Hillel Center, at a private grand opening party on Jan. 15 at the site adjacent to UC San Diego Campus at 9009 La Jolla Scenic Drive North.

The state-of-the-art new center will serve as a foothold for UC San Diego students, hosting Jewish holiday experiences and Jewish learning and community activities with flexible spaces designed for student programs, meetings, one-on-one mentorship and religious services. The new center will serve as a beacon of light and positivity for the entire community – and as an important symbol of justice and connectivity. Hillel of San Diego encourages students of all backgrounds to form deep, personal connections to Jewish life, learning and Israel. Hillel enriches the lives of students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. Learn more at https://glickmancenter.org.

CLASSICAL CONCERT

On Sunday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. at La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave., Le Salon de Musiques invites you to celebrate the essence of romanticism with a program featuring three masterpieces by Chopin, Schumann and Scharwenka, including an introduction by musicologist Nuvi Mehta. The arrangements will be performed by Elissa Johnston, Soprano; Ambroise Aubrun, violin; Benjamin Hoffman, violin; Jonah Sirota, viola; Michael Kaufman, cello; Ryan Baird, double bass; and Vijay Venkatesh, piano. After the concert, a Q&A is organized between the musicians and the audience, followed by a high tea buffet with Champagne, catered by The French Gourmet. To buy tickets, and to read a program and schedule, visit LeSalondeMusiques.com or call 310-498 0257.

PUPPIES & GOLF

On Monday, Jan. 23 and Tuesday, Jan. 24, Club de playa Mavericks will be holding its annual Puppies & Golf Farmers Insurance Open Kick-Off Block Party. In support of Caridad de cachorros y golf y K9’s For Warriors, Callaway Golf and Farmers Insurance will be transforming Mavericks’ parking lot into a six-hole putting course for guests to enjoy. Throughout the party, there will be raffles, silent auctions, drink specials, Puppies & Golf Swag, a Closest to the Pin competition, and mini golf. The event will take place from 3-9 p.m. and will be hosted by NBC Sports celebrity Amanda Balionis.

Puppies & Golf Charity was created to protect and advocate for dogs in need of companionship by connecting them with dedicated and loving owners who may also need some support. With a special emphasis on connecting military veterans with supportive dogs, Puppies & Golf has a wonderful partnership with the well-known K9’s For Warriors organization. K9’s For Warriors helps support military veterans with invisible wounds by connecting them with trained Service Dogs who would provide them with stability and companionship.

CHEF’S TABLE

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters at 2259 Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla Shores is holding its next Chef’s Table with executive chef Marty Fay and resident advanced sommelier Evan Vallee on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. The six-course wine-pairing dinner is Mediterranean/Italian themed and includes Oyster Duo, Albacore Crudo, Ricotta Ravioli, Olive Oil Poached Halibut, Venison Tender Loin, and Olive Oil Cake for dessert. Spaces are limited for this intimate and interactive dinner. The price is $165 and reservations are required aquí.

BOOK LAUNCH & WORKSHOP

Mindfulness expert and author Julie Potiker, whose work has been featured by The Oprah Magazine, AP News, NBC, CBS, and more, is holding a book launch and workshop Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6-8 p.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Centre Drive in La Jolla. Potiker will introduce her SNAP Method, evidence-based mindfulness practices that are easy to learn, remember, and do anywhere, even in the heat of the moment. SNAP is for time-constrained people who desperately need new responses to life stressors while still juggling their daily worlds of family, work, relationships, health, and home. The launch will begin with a reception with light bites and beverages and will be followed by an hour-long mindfulness workshop. The workshop begins at 6:30 p.m. Each registrant will receive a hardcover copy of “SNAP!” Cost: $36. For further information and to register, visit cbisd.org/programs/snap-from-chaos-to-calm-book-launch-workshop-with-author-julie-potiker.

EL REGRESO DEL TRÉBOL

The San Diego ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival returns to the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter on Friday, March 17 from 4-11 p.m. New in 2023: ShamROCK will be accessible to all ages for the first time. For 27 years, locals and tourists alike have flocked to the Gaslamp Quarter as ShamROCK transforms the bustling San Diego downtown neighborhoods into a Celtic carnival for the senses with an abundance of pub-style seating, flowing green beer, traditional Irish steppers, activities, Celtic rock bands, photo-ops, shenanigan games (with prizes), and activation throughout the Gaslamp. For more information, tickets, line-up announcements and more, visit sandiegoshamrock.com.

BOOK TALK

New York Times bestselling author Daniel Suarez is coming to town to do an event for his latest sci-fi thriller “Critical Mass”  at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, 3555 Rosecrans St., Suite 107 on Monday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about the book. Suarez is known for his predictive writing, and in “Critical Mass” he shows readers how humanity could actually establish a permanent presence in space. Suarez has a proven track record of predicting technological advancements before they become reality, from the software algorithms that manipulate human behavior in his debut novel “Daemon,” to the lethal autonomous drones of “Kill Decision,” or the genetic editing of human embryos he depicted in “Change Agent.”

HOMELESSNESS STATEMENT

Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO at Father Joe’s Villages: “After steady declines from 2010 to 2016, homelessness across the country and here in San Diego has been on the rise in recent years, and more individuals are experiencing it in unsheltered settings such as encampments. Homelessness is largely the result of failed policy making and implementation. Underfunded programs, inequitable access to quality education, and limited access to healthcare have created and perpetuated racial and other disparities among people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

“Strategic and comprehensive services to address homelessness head on–including housing and shelter, medical, dental and behavioral health care, employment support and vocational training, therapeutic childcare and more–are critical. By implementing these strategies included in the All In plan, San Diego can move towards a more sustainable approach to prevent homelessness while simultaneously creating a path towards permanent housing.”

SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED

San Diego Foundation has opened its Common Scholarship Application with $3.5 million in scholarships available for local college students. Students can apply at SDFoundation.org/CSA through March 8. Through one online application, students can access nearly 150 unique scholarships, including those for four-year universities, two-year colleges, graduate and vocational schools. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students, and adult re-entry students. If you are interested in opening a scholarship fund to support students fueling our San Diego economy, contact Danielle Valenciano, director of the SDF Community Scholarship Program, at [email protected]. Learn more at SDFoundation.org.

SUCCESSFUL BLOOD DRIVE

San Diego County Credit Union partnered with the San Diego Blood Bank to hold a New Year’s blood drive at six SDCCU locations, five in San Diego County and one in Orange County, collecting 87 units of much-needed blood, which will help save the lives of over 261 people. The blood drive was held during a challenging time of the year for the San Diego Blood Bank with less blood drives taking place during the holiday season. Blood donations are especially critical at this time of year after a busy winter season, and the reduced number of drives has put additional strain on the already stretched on-hand supply. More than 30 hospitals rely on the San Diego Blood Bank every day. With a shelf life of just 42 days, the constant need for new donations is critical. To learn more about the San Diego Blood Bank or for more information on the blood drive, visit sandiegobloodbank.org.

LIBRARY RESPONSE

Statement from Patrick Stewart, CEO of the Library Foundation, responding to Mayor Todd Gloria’s Jan. 11 State of the City address: “Mayor Gloria’s commitment to investing in infrastructure, public safety, and mechanisms to address the homelessness crisis – are all critical areas. Like these critical city services, San Diego’s libraries are in desperate need of additional investments to continue providing essential educational support, cultural programming, and economic and job development.

Libraries are an essential service that helps build strong, educated, and working communities. They can create pathways to economic development, health and safety, and often are on the front lines of the homelessness crisis.

“In his coming budget, we call on the Mayor and City Council to address years of deferred maintenance and other branch needs. This can be achieved through a dedicated library maintenance budget, which has been a critical missing piece in past budgets. We also ask our elected leaders to bring our library’s materials and resources budget up to national standards. We would also like to see the city invest in a full-time Youth Services Librarian to young people across San Diego’s vibrant communities.”

POET LAUREATE

Prior to his first public appearance at Mayor Todd Gloria’s 2023 State of the City Address, local poet Jason Magabo Perez, Ph.D., was appointed as the City of San Diego 2023-2024 Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for the arts, advocating for poetry, spoken word and literary arts on behalf of the City of San Diego. Perez is the City’s second Poet Laureate, succeeding Ron Salisbury, who was appointed in 2020 for a two-year term. During his two-year appointment, Perez will create engaging and conceptually-rich original works that aim to broaden poetry audiences, inspire critical thinking, cultivate community connections and promote a deep appreciation of the art form through poetry projects. As the City’s civic poet, he will also be tasked with elevating an already thriving literary arts scene that enhances San Diego’s cultural richness. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.

BEST FISHING CITY

FishingBooker, the world’s largest platform for booking fishing trips, has compiled a list of the best fishing destinations in the US for 2023, and San Diego topped the list. Why did San Diego rank No. 1? With the incredible fishing opportunities the city has to offer, “America’s Finest City” is included on the list for the second year in a row. San Diego’s angling magic begins in its bay. Fishing is possible from one of the city’s piers or aboard a boat. Either way, you’ll target Calico and Sand Bass, California Halibut, and Shortfin Corvina. There is even more amazing fish in SoCal’s offshore waters. With access to Catalina, San Clemente, as well as Coronado Islands, you’ll navigate some of the best deep-sea fishing grounds on the planet. Anytime between spring and fall, you can expect to catch Yellowtail, Sheephead, White Seabass, Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna, and so much more. Click for the full list of the best US fishing cities for 2023.

STATE OF CITY RESPONSE

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, who has led the effort to strengthen the relationship between the City of San Diego and the County of San Diego, issued the following statement after Mayor Todd Gloria delivered his State of the City Address: “We are more closely aligned than ever before on how to best deliver County behavioral health services as a resource to the City as it works to address homelessness. You heard about some of those partnerships in Mayor Todd Gloria’s speech,” said Fletcher. “We’re looking forward to continuing those relationships and identifying new opportunities where partnerships can be effective.”

TOBACCO FREE ‘23

While tobacco use has been declining for decades, 8.9% of California residents still smoke and tobacco is the leading cause of death and disease in the state. Through the new “Tobacco-Free ‘23” campaign, the American Lung Association is sharing key reasons why 2023 is the year to quit tobacco, as well as sharing tips and resources.“Each year, quitting smoking is listed as one of the top New Year’s resolutions. While quitting smoking is extremely difficult, it is possible. In fact, it typically takes a person 8-10 attempts to quit smoking for good, which is why we call it a journey,” said Michael Seilback, national assistant vice president of state public policy for the American Lung Association. “It is important to have support during this process, including family, friends and your doctor, to help keep you on the right path.” Read inspiring quit stories and submit your own at Lung.org/Super-Stoppers.

JAZZ @ ATHENAEUM

Jazz returns to the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. in La Jolla, for annual winter concerts in the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room. This series features both Athenaeum favorites and debuts by internationally acclaimed artists. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Charles McPherson/Ethan Iverson Duo; Sunday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. Tord Gustavsen Trio; Sunday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. Kevin Hays Trio; Thursday, March 9, 7:30 p.m. Geoffrey Keezer/Gillian Margot Duo.

PIE & ICE CREAM

Sister shops Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream are opening a new location soon at 829 Garnet Ave. in the space formerly housing Bird Rock Coffee Roasters. The shops specialize in various types of hand pies, including both savory and sweet options. You can expect everything from Australian beef-based pies and chicken pot pies to Key Lime and Pear Huckleberry + Chai Space Crumble pies. They have a host of sweet pies sold by the slice or as a whole, coffee, and cookies. Additionally, the Stella Jean’s Ice Cream portion of the restaurant will serve up small-batch, handcrafted ice cream.

DANCE PERFORMANCE

Ephrat Asherie Dance Company: UnderScored, Jan 19-Jan 21 at 8 p.m. Mandeville Auditorium. Don’t miss the West Coast Premiere of UnderScored! Co-commissioned by ArtPower, UnderScored was created in collaboration with three of NYC’s esteemed club legends Archie Burnett, Brahms “Bravo” LaFortune and Michele Saunders. UnderScored invites audiences to join them on an exhilarating journey through the ever-changing physical landscape of New York City’s underground dance community. Ephrat Asherie says, “The house dance community in NYC represents the beauty and strength that emerges when the collective consciousness celebrates each individual as their own special creation.” More Info & Tickets

GENDER PAY GAP

Publicly available salary information prompts organizations to reduce the gender pay gap, according to a new study from the University of California San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy. “We find that when there is a standardization process that makes searching for compensation information very easy, then organizations as a whole have an incentive to improve equality to reduce the threat of public scrutiny,” said Elizabeth Lyons, associate professor of management at the School of Global Policy and Strategy and coauthor of the study. The paper published in the journal Strategic Management compares compensation of 32,000 different university employees across 1,400 academic departments in Canada over a 24-year period. The full paper, “Salary Transparency and Gender Pay Inequality: Evidence from Canadian Universities,” can be accessed at this link.

JAPANESE DRUMMING

February brings opportunities to feel the power of traditional Japanese drumming, the thrill of big-wall climbing, and the best of classical music and piano performance with Sociedad de Música de La Jolla on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Balboa Theater, 868 Fourth Ave. A group that always blows the doors off the concert hall is KODO, the troupe that has brought the powerful traditions of Japanese drumming to the entire world. Its family-friendly One Earth Tour presentation, Tsuzumi, is part of La Jolla Music Society’s Special Events this season to commemorate its 40th anniversary in 2021. Visit TheConrad.org para detalles.

FASHION VALLEY REDEVELOPMENT

Simon has announced the continuation of a multimillion-dollar revitalization project of the Fashion Valley property. The center will remain open throughout the year-long process, which is expected to be completed in December. Keeping up with San Diego’s rapid growth and demand for a chic, relaxed lifestyle within a luxury setting, this multi-phase project will elevate and revitalize the overall shopping and dining experience, including replacement and installation of walkways and bridges on both first and second floors, refreshed facades of Plaza del Rio and Luxury Center Court, upgraded seating areas to relax and recharge, expanding its 200 retail and restaurant options with new first to market brands.

SCIENCE EXHIBIT RETURNS

Design Zone returns to the Fleet Science Center at 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park starting Jan. 21. Learn what it takes to create a video game, line up rhythms like the best DJs, or design a roller coaster that makes your stomach drop. This innovative exhibition explores mathematical concepts like patterns, variables, scale, slop and ratios that artists, architects, engineers, musicians and other innovators use. For more information, visit fleetscience.org/exhibitions/design-zone.

HOMEAID PROGRAM MANAGER

HomeAid San Diego, a nonprofit organization working to provide services to mitigate the housing crisis in San Diego County, announces that it has elected its 2023 board of directors. Melissa Stern (right), C&S Cos.’ business development manager, will serve as the organization’s board pagsresident. “We’re thrilled to apply Melissa’s knowledge of the building industry to HomeAid San Diego’s work and mission,” said HomeAid’s miejecutivo Director Mary Lydon.

Stern is a passionate advocate for affordable housing and solutions to homelessness. She has been involved with HomeAid San Diego since 2016. With more than 10 years of experience in the construction industry, she has held leadership roles in several organizations including ULI San Diego-Tijuana, where she currently serves on the Young Leaders Board and Management Committee; the Building Industry Association (BIA) of San Diego, having served as past chair of the yGEN Board; and Downtown San Diego Partnership, where she currently sits on the board.

OB PIER DAMAGED & CLOSED

Damage sustained from huge waves on Friday, Jan. 6 caused the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department to close the Ocean Beach Pier indefinitely, again. Last year, the pier was closed for four months for extensive repairs. The damage from last week’s high surf may take several weeks to repair. (Photo by Jim Grant)

ORGANIC WASTE RECYCLING

City residents will soon be able to make an impact on climate change by diverting their organic waste from the landfill. As part of the City’s new Organic Waste Recycling program, new green bins and kitchen pails will be delivered to City-serviced residents. The phased rollout will continue with about 15,000 bins delivered each week over the course of the next several months. The Organic Waste Recycling program will comply with Senate Bill (SB) 1383, which requires residents and businesses to reduce the disposal of organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard trimmings) by 75% by 2025. When organic waste decomposes in a landfill, it releases methane, a harmful gas that traps the sun’s heat and contributes to climate change. The City will collect organic waste from green bins at the customer’s normal trash collection location weekly and take it to the Miramar Greenery, where it will be broken down into compost, which is available free to residents.

POINT IN TIME COUNT

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness is calling for more volunteers to participate in the upcoming 2023 #WellAllCount Point in Time Count on Jan. 26. This federally required activity is a crucial source of information and funding for homelessness across the county. “A robust volunteer basis is vital to the success of the 2023 Point in Time Count,” RTFH CEO Tamera Kohler said. “While we’re excited about the enthusiasm so far, we need more people across our region to take part in the count.”

The purpose of #WeAllCount is to collect data on the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our community. The early morning count includes interviewing those experiencing homelessness to broaden our understanding of those living on the streets across our region. Last year’s Point in Time Count had over 1,400 volunteers spread out across San Diego. For more information about the Point in Time Count, haga clic aquí. To register to volunteer, haga clic aquí.

BLANKET WORKSHOP

Monsaraz boutique hotel in Point Loma is hosting a chunky knit blanket workshop Saturday, Jan. 28 from noon-3 p.m. at 1451 Rosecrans St. Cost is $89. The workshop will guide you step-by-step through the hand knitting process to create a super cozy, one-of-a-kind blanket. The blanket requires no needles or knitting experience. All materials are provided. You will receive enough chunky chenille yarn to make an (approximately) 40 inches by 50 inches blanket. You will be able to choose your yarn colors when you arrive for your workshop. Colors may be limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis.

NEW HAPPY HOUR

Point Loma Fish Shop at 1110 Rosecrans St. has a new happy hour menu available Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. The eatery offers a large selection of freshly caught fish, as well as its own unique seasoning that gives its dishes an exceptional flavor.

QUEEN OF THE BEACH

Are you the queen of the beach? Girls beach volleyball is now a CIF Sport for the spring season and Point Loma High School has tryouts scheduled on Feb. 6-8 in Ocean Beach. Come test your beach volleyball skills while supporting the new PLHS girls beach volleyball team on Monday, Jan. 16th (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) in Ocean Beach. There will be divisions for female players including eighth graders and under, along with skilled and experienced high school players. Entry fee includes a T-shirt, snacks, and prizes for the winners. See more details and sign up at PLHS Beach Volleyball – QUEEN OF THE BEACH. Follow on Instagram @plhs.beachvolleyball and email questions to [email protected].

PLHS MUSIC CALENDAR

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. – Music boosters meeting in person in the PLHS band room. Feb. 11 – Color guard performance at Rancho Buena Vista High. Feb. 23 – Point Loma Orchestra and Band Cluster Concert. The PLHS orchestra at 5:30-6:30 p.m. (5 p.m. call time) and band at 7:30-8:30 p.m. (7 p.m, call time) will perform at PLHS Big Gym alongside bands from Dana Middle, Correia Middle, and Point Loma Nazarene University. March 4 – Colorguard performance at Mission Hills High. Tuesday, March 7, 6 p.m. – Music boosters meeting in person in the PLHS band room. March 18 – Colorguard performance at Mira Mesa High School. Thursday, March 23 – Rhapsody on the Point, PLHS Music’s annual fundraising event at Humphrey’s. Sponsorship, auction items, volunteer needs and ticket info coming soon. Contact Jaime Jones for more information at [email protected].

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

The 2023 executive officers of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners were sworn-in Jan. 11 at the Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier. Officers sworn in were: Rafael Castellanos, chairman; Sandy Naranjo, vice chair; and Danielle Moore, secretary. At the ceremony, immediate past board chair Malcolm presented his outgoing speech, in which he reflected on his theme, “The Port is People,” and recapped the Port of San Diego’s accomplishments during 2022. The Port of San Diego serves as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.

STAND-UP COMEDY

Award-winning comedian/instructor Tony Calabrese is teaching a six-week stand-up comedy performance workshop in which participants craft their own comedy sets and learn to deliver them at the end in front of a live audience. The workshop runs from Jan. 17 to March 4 and there are two open spots remaining. Live performances are delivered at the historic Point Loma Assembly at 3035 Talbot St. For more information, call 619-800-5497.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DONATION

Do you have an instrument in need of a new home? Contact the Music Boosters at [email protected] so Point Loma High School can coordinate pick up of any donated items. For more information on how to support the music program at PLHS, haga clic aquí.

SD MES DEL MUSEO

Mes de los Museos de San Diego will return in February for its 34th year. The program promoting San Diego as a vibrant cultural destination, will be the largest ever with more than 60 participating museums and other popular destinations throughout San Diego County. During San Diego Museum Month, residents and visitors enjoy special half-off admission at a diverse range of museums, historic sites, gardens, aquariums and other cultural destinations throughout San Diego County. More information about San Diego Museum Month, including a full list of participating museums, upcoming exhibitions and special events, can be found at sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.

PADRES BLOOD DRIVE

More than 300 blood donors attended the San Diego Padres Winter Blood Drive on Jan. 10 at Petco Park’s Gallagher Square. All donors received a limited-edition Padres Winter Blood Drive T-shirt and Padres Swag. Since 2017, the Padres have helped collect more than 2,500 pints of blood supporting thousands of patients in Southern California hospitals. To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in general good health. Eligible blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at SanDiegoBloodBank.org or calling 619-400-8251.

LEADERSHIP TEAM INSTALLED

Frank Powell has begun his term as the 2023 president of the Greater San Diego Association of Realtors. “We are committed to protecting private property rights and helping residents throughout San Diego County achieve their dream of home ownership,” said Powell.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING MEETING

The public is invited to provide comments and/or attend a virtual Public Scoping Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 4 p.m. about SANDAG’s 2025 Regional Plan under development. The meeting is an opportunity to obtain information about the report, ask questions, and provide verbal comments on the scope and content of the EIR. SANDAG prepares and updates a Regional Plan every four years in collaboration with the 18 cities and County of San Diego. The new plan is slated for adoption in late 2025. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 6, and may be sent via email to Kirsten Uchitel at [email protected]. To participate via Zoom webinar, click the link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81543240965. Webinar ID: 815 4324 0965

MAYOR ADOPTION PROMOTION

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is sponsoring a new #Gloria100 adoption promotion for adult dogs. From Friday, Jan. 13 through Jan. 15, adoption fees will be waived for the first 100 adult dogs (7 months and older). After 100 adoptions have been reached, all adult dogs will be $25. “We’ve been asking the community if they can assist us to prevent animals from unnecessarily entering the shelter,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO, San Diego Humane Society. “There are so many things our community can do to help, like adopting, fostering, reuniting stray pets with their families without bringing them to the shelter, and re-homing your pets on your own if you can’t keep them.” San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside, and San Diego. To view animals available for adoption, visit sdhumane.org/adoptar.

PECHANGA ARENA CONCERT
After a 2021 World Tour, Latin Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Rauw Alejandro has announced the details on his Saturno World Tour 2023, which includes a stop at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., on May 1. Tickets go on sale Jan. 13. His latest album “Saturno” was released in November 2022.

ARTPOWER IN LJ

On Jan. 19-21, ArtPower presents the West Coast premiere of Ephrat Asherie Dance Company’s UnderScored, a multi-faceted project rooted in the inter-generational stories and memories of New York City underground club heads. Created in collaboration with legendary elders from the underground dance community, Archie Burnett, Michele Saunders, Louis (Loose) Kee, and Brahms (Bravo) LaFortune, the cast ranges in age from age 25-77. This project takes shape as a series of performances, community based events and an oral history archive. For more information, visit https://artpower.ucsd.edu/event/ephrat-asherie-underscored/.

FATHER JOE’S POSITION

Regarding Mayor Todd Gloria’s State of the City address, Deacon Jim Vargas, president/CEO at Father Joe’s Villages said: “We hope to see a commitment to continued action from the City in its efforts to address the growing homelessness crisis, including expanding harm reduction programs and diversifying types of shelters available. Developments such as sober living facilities and Safe Villages based on small-scale housing would go a long way, as well as increasing existing funding for homelessness programs and services. When more shelter and services options are available for people, increasing street outreach makes sense as well.

“Additionally, expanding access to affordable housing is a major component of addressing the homelessness crisis. Last year, San Diego declared housing a human right. We want the city to discuss how it plans to make that declaration a reality for our neighbors living in city streets, whether through tenant protections or incentivizing the construction of more affordable homes.”

READING CHALLENGE

Start off 2023 with a new book and join the San Diego Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is “All the Feels” to encourage readers of all ages to explore how reading affects their emotions.“The new year is a great time to read something you enjoy, whether that’s discovering a new book or picking up an old favorite,” said library director Misty Jones. “We hope the Winter Reading Challenge encourages people to visit their local San Diego Public Library location or check out the online catalog to find something engaging and inspiring to start 2023.”

The Winter Reading Challenge runs from Jan. 1 to Jan. 31. Participants can earn prizes by completing a combination of five books, five hours of reading or literacy-based activities, like attending storytime at an SDPL location or sharing a favorite book with a friend. Upon completion, readers will be eligible for prizes including a “design your own” lunchbox or a cooler lunch bag. Participants can register online and view a list of recommended books and activities by visiting sandiego.gov/WinterReading.

AIRPORT HIRE

Rick Francis has been hired as vice president and chief operations officer for San Diego International Airport (SAN). His responsibilities include setting the strategic direction for terminal and airside operations, aviation security and public safety, ground transportation, and facilities maintenance functions. Francis comes to SAN after serving as assistant director at John Wayne Airport for almost six years, including nearly one year as interim airport director.

ROAD REPAIR

The City continues to repair and resurface roads through its slurry seal program. Over the next few weeks, resurfacing is scheduled for streets in and around Balboa Park and North Park, along with Otay Mesa, College Area, and eastern parts of the City. Slurry seal is a cost-effective, pavement preservation method consisting of asphalt emulsion, sand and rock. This mixture is applied to the street surface at an average thickness of a quarter inch and extends the life of streets that are already in good condition. Slurry seal is often completed in phases over a period of several days or weeks. It provides a durable surface, addresses existing surface distress on streets and is a vital program in maintaining the City of San Diego’s more than 2,800 miles of roadway.

NONPROFITS ASSISTING SDUSD

Nonprofits are invited to participate in 2023 Level Up SD by submitting proposals to provide free summer learning programs for San Diego Unified School District students, under a partnership with the San Diego Foundation funded by San Diego Unified School District. “Level Up SD Summer 2023 is a vital partnership that nurtures a diverse and resilient local workforce by providing social-emotional and enhanced learning support to address pandemic-related gaps in academic achievement,” said Mark Stuart, president and CEO of San Diego Foundation.

FLAVORED TOBACCO BAN

A California law ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and most other flavored tobacco products took effect Dec. 21, 2022. Last year, the State Legislature passed the popular and bipartisan law aiming to reduce youth tobacco use. California voters approved Proposition 31 last November to uphold the measure.

SDG&E CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE

Following recent news of natural gas prices skyrocketing and local utility bills going up, San Diego Gas & Electric is making $1 million in customer assistance funding available for those experiencing financial hardship.The assistance will be disbursed through the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, which provides up to $300 in one-time grants to help offset past-due bills for SDG&E customers who need help paying bills and aren’t eligible for the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

CARBON SEQUESTRATION

A Port of San Diego study shows the 2,600 acres of eelgrass in San Diego Bay sequester more than 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide – equivalent to the same amount emitted by more than 370,000 cars annually. Data was collected between October 2021 and June 2022. The Port undertook the study with $150,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to assess how much carbon is stored in the bay’s eelgrass beds and how much carbon eelgrass may continue to sequester into the future.

FIVE STAR AWARD

Coastwise Capital Group in La Jolla announced 12 years of recognized managerial and client service excellence with the receipt of the 2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award. The 2023 Five Star Wealth Manager list represents the top wealth managers in San Diego.

FARMERS COMMITMENTS

Defending PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas, former U.S. Open and Farmers Insurance Open champion Justin Rose, and five-time PGA Tour winner Rickie Fowler have committed to the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open. Thomas, Rose, and Fowler join a field that also includes major championship winners Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, and Hideki Matsuyama, as well as fellow top-25 ranked players Xander Schauffele, Will Zalatoris, Tony Finau, and Max Homa. The PGA Tour’s West Coast swing makes its annual stop at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla from Wednesday, Jan. 25 through Saturday, Jan. 28, featuring the Tour’s only scheduled Saturday finish for the second straight year.

BÚSQUEDA JURÁSICA

North America’s interactive dinosaur experience, Búsqueda jurásica, stomps into the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., for a limited run Jan. 20-22. Jurassic Quest (above) will open its doors with its most beloved and unique experiences for the family including life-like dinosaurs, some of the largest rideable dinosaurs in North America, live dinosaur shows, interactive science, and art activities including a fossil dig and real fossils like Tyrannosaurus rex teeth, a triceratops horn, and life-size dino skull, a “Triceratots” soft play area for little explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions, photo opportunities, and more. Friday, Jan. 20: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 22: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Reserve to ensure the desired date at jurassicquest.com.

FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN

Major championship winners Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, and Hideki Matsuyama, as well as fellow top-25 ranked players Xander Schauffele, Will Zalatoris, Tony Finau, and Max Homa headline the list of early player commitments for the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open. The PGA Tour’s West Coast swing makes its annual stop at Torrey Pines Golf Course from Wednesday, Jan. 25 through Saturday, Jan. 28, featuring the Tour’s only scheduled Saturday finish for the second straight year. Grounds tickets and passes to shared hospitality venues, such as the Canyon Club overlooking the 17th and eighth greens and the newly upgraded Ultra Pass presented by Michelob Ultra at the ninth tee, can be purchased at FarmersInsuranceOpen.com.

UNITED THROUGH READING

United Through Reading celebrates the new year by recognizing the milestone of connecting 3 million military family members through the bonding experience of shared story time. Since its inception in 1989, United Through Reading has kept military families reading together, no matter the distance between them. The nonprofit connects families through video-recorded storytime and new books at over 300 locations around the world, more than 500 events every year, and on the convenient UTR App. United Through Reading is the nation’s first nonprofit to provide meaningful opportunities for service members to stay connected to their children by reading aloud to them. Learn more at unitedthroughreading.org.

NEW MUSEUM CURATOR

The San Diego Museum of Art welcomes Rachel Jans as associate curator of modern and contemporary art. Jans will curate exhibitions, advise on acquisitions, and conduct research for all modern and contemporary art at the museum. With more than 10 years of experience, she joins the institution from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art where she served as assistant curator of painting and sculpture. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to bring my passion for the arts to one of the region’s largest and most-visited institutions,” said Jans. For more information, visit SDMArt.org.

PLHS MUSIC BOOSTERS

The next meeting of PLHS Music Boosters is Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. in-person in the PLHS band room. The music program needs the continued support of families and community. The Music Boosters is a great way to get more involved in your student’s music program. To learn more, contact PLHS Music Boosters president Wendy Enright at [email protected].

LJ ATHENAEUM CONCERT

Join violinist Victoria Martino and pianist James Lent for a performance of Igor Stravinsky’s complete works for violin and piano on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 4 p.m. at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. in La Jolla. Tickets are $45 for members, $50 for non-members and can be purchased at ljathenaeum.org/special-concerts. This concert will replicate a recital program that the composer himself performed on tour with violinist Samuel Dushkin. Featuring the virtuoso Duo Concertant, composed especially for Dushkin and universally regarded as one of Stravinsky’s masterpieces, the concert will also include delightful “miniatures” and a number of suites that the composer arranged from his ballets. The performance will culminate in Stravinsky’s own violin/piano transcription of his magnificent Violin Concerto. For more information, visit ljathenaeum.org.

SOUND BOWL EPIPHANIES

Christ Lutheran Church Pacific Beach at 4761 Cass St. is sponsoring a program hosted by Juan Lozano called Sound Bowl Epiphanies Sunday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. The event offers a free, healing modality to the community after the stress of the holiday season, helping participants welcome in a new year of abundance. A sound bath is a healing somatic experience backed by neuroscience. From simply being a relaxing activity to having such an impact as easing symptoms of depression and anxiety, the sound waves emitted from the bowls allow participants to slip into a deep state of relaxation. Lozano begins his workshops with guided breathwork that invites the mind into a meditative state. He then begins an organic composition of sound waves using a variety of primitive instruments, such as drums and rain sticks, to compliment the sounds of the bowls.

UKRAINIAN TOASTMASTER SPEAKS

Hardhats Toastmasters announced that a fellow Toastmaster from Ukraine will be giving a speech to its club members on Jan. 13 at 7 a.m. The story of Ukraine in the past year has been one of headlines and geopolitical tension. Vyacheslav will talk about his journey from shock and inability to understand what was happening to him and his country to finding out what really mattered to him and his true values. Email [email protected] for Zoom link or in-person meeting RSVP. Toastmasters International has over 280,000 members in 144 countries, including Ukraine. For more information, contact Len Bulmer at 905-758-9713.

PETERS CELEBRATES FUNDING

Rep. scott peters (CA-52) has secured key resources in the government funding package for 14 community projects in San Diego and celebrated authorizing language for the Environmental Protection Agency to transfer funds to the International Boundary and Water Commission to tackle cross-boundary water pollution that fouls the Tijuana River Valley and South Bay coastlines. “The omnibus funding bill passed contains many critical investments for San Diego including funds that support our local defense sector and money for several critical local projects that will improve public safety, mental health services, and air and water quality,” said Peters. “These vital investments for our region will offer San Diegans a safer and cleaner community. It also includes legislation to free up funds needed to further tackle cross-border pollution that poses serious health hazards to the Tijuana River Valley and Coronado. The entire San Diego congressional delegation, led by border representative Juan Vargas, has been dogged in its work to get this legislation over the finish line. The work to confront this decades-old problem is a top priority for us and we will keep fighting to fix it.”

SEUSSICAL CASTING CALL

Enroll enrollment is now open and a casting call is going out to kids ages 8 to 14 to join “Seussical Kids,” Jan. 5- June 4, as youth theater returns to the Point Loma Playhouse. With catchy music, fun costumes, and eye-popping dance numbers, this year’s production looks to be the playhouse’s best yet. “Seussical Kids” is a junior version of the hit Broadway show that celebrates all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, and all those lovable Whos. For more information, call 619-736-5092 or email [email protected].

CLASSICAL CONCERT

Grammy Award-winner Matthew Worth will sing Franz Schubert on Sunday, Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. at La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. in La Jolla. Introduced by musicologist Nuvi Mehta, the inspired program features the monumental masterpiece “Winterreise” Op 89 for Baritone & Piano by Franz Schumbert. After the concert, a Q&A is organized between the musicians and the audience, followed by a high tea buffet with French champagne, catered by The French Gourmet. To buy tickets and to read about the season’s program and schedule, visit LeSalondeMusiques.com.

BLOOD DONOR MONTH

San Diego Blood Bank is celebrating National Blood Donor Month throughout January by honoring blood donors who regularly roll up their sleeves and help save lives and inviting those who have never donated before to donate. National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January since 1970 with the goal of increasing blood and platelet donations during winter – one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs. Right now, there is an urgent need for blood donations, as San Diego’s blood supply is critically low and SDBB is experiencing supply chain challenges. More information about National Blood Donor Month can be found at SanDiegoBloodBank.org/nbdm. To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds and be in general good health. Appointments are encouraged and available by visiting sandiegobloodbank.org or by calling 619-400-8251. Walk-ins are welcome.

CHINESE MUSEUM SALE

On the weekends of Jan. 13-14 and Feb. 4-5 the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum will make available for sale to museum community members a number of items that were recently deaccessioned from its permanent collection. The museum no longer is able to keep the deaccessioned items in its limited storage facilities, and wants to make sure that they go to homes where they will be valued.  Items are available to museum members for purchase at 328 J St. and 404 Third Ave. in downtown on Jan. 13-14, and also during the Chinese New Year Street Fair, on Feb. 4-5. Items will be priced at increments ranging from $20 to $80.

FESTIVAL DE CINE JUDÍO

Tickets are on sale for the 33rd annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival to be held Feb. 15-26 in-person, and Feb. 27-March 3 virtual. Over 12 days at the Garfield Theatre, there will be 35 screenings. Immediately following the in-person experience, many of the films will be made available virtually for five days.

WEST MISSION BAY BRIDGE

“The West Mission Bay Drive Bridge replacement project is nearing completion,” said Tyler Becker, City spokesperson. “Currently, traffic is partially flowing on both bridges. The bridges are expected to open to full traffic in the next few months. An event to celebrate the completion of this historic project is being planned, but no date has been set.”

MUJERES REPUBLICANAS

Republican Women of California, Point Loma, will be holding their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Bay Club Hotel and Marina, 2131 Shelter Island Drive. Reservations are required for lunch, which costs $38. For more information, or to RSVP, visit www.rwcpl.org.

LJS&C BRUNCH

Join the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus and music director Steven Schick for an intimate, all-inclusive brunch at Marina Village on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. at 1936 Quivira Way. This special preview of the next concert, featuring musical guests and exclusive conductor insights from Maestro Schick. RSVP to join for the first fundraiser of the 2023, with proceeds directly benefiting the artistic mission of the LJS&C. Learn more and RSVP.

NEW TEAM MEMBERS

El San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping solve the region’s biggest problems through equity-centered research, policy analysis and collaboration-building among regional leaders and stakeholders, has added three new team members: Audra Hermann-Hayes, Rachel Lozano Castro and Clint Smith. “Identifying our region’s biggest needs and opportunities for change is a multi-step process that greatly benefits from the experience of Audra, Rachel and Clint,” said PIC president and CEO Susan Guinn. “We are fortunate to have these skilled individuals join our team as we work to unlock the region’s potential and address the intractable issues that can only be solved with cross-sector, multi-jurisdictional collaborations.” Guinn added that PIC is also actively searching for a new vice president, chief policy and strategy officer to serve as a core member of the organization’s leadership team. For more information on the open position, visit bit.ly/SDRPIC-VP.

RECEPCIÓN DE ARTISTAS

R.B. Stevenson Gallery in La Jolla at 7661 Girard Ave., Suite 101 is holding an artist reception for the opening of “In Monochrome,” a two-person exhibition featuring new and recent works by San Franciso artists Judity Foosaner and Mark Periman. The gallery exhibition opens with a reception for the artists Saturday Jan. 14 from 5-8 p.m. and will remain on view through Feb. 11. The gallery will be open at 1 p.m. for early viewing.

FIDO CLEANUP

Want to help get rid of those pesky tumbleweeds that are more and more common at Fiesta Island Dog Park? Visit on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 9 a.m. as FIDO partners with San Diego Audubon Society to remove tumbleweeds along the Hidden Anchorage portion of the fenced 90 acres. Removing these invasive weeds, which are rapidly proliferating, will make the area more usable and enjoyable for everyone, dogs, native wildlife, and people. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toed shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle. Work from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will provide gloves, water and snacks. This event is limited in size. To participate, RSVP to San Diego Audubon by Jan. 11.

ADAMS RETIRES FROM BIA

The Building Industry Association of San Diego County (BIA) is losing Matt Adams who has announced he is retiring on March 31 following a long career that spanned 25 years with the BIA. Adams, vhielo pagsresident of the BIA, is the organization’s chief political and policy advisor. He has been a leading voice for housing in the region and has worked tirelessly to advocate for middle-income and affordable housing. He has often led the charge for more affordable homes and has been a trusted partner in the BIA’s efforts to support pro-housing policies, quality jobs, and strong communities. “It has truly been an honor to be part of such a tremendous organization for the past 25 years and to advocate for housing – a cause I deeply believe in,” Adams said. “While it has been quite a ride, I very much look forward to the next chapter of my life as my wife and I focus on being full time grandparents.”

MIRACLE BABIES DIAPER DISTRIBUTION

Miracle Babies, a nonprofit organization whose mission is dedicated to helping perinatal mothers and their families during their time of need by providing transportation, mental health assistance and supportive services, will be holding its next diaper distribution on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Jack in the Box Corporate Office (9357 Spectrum Center Blvd. Registered guests will be able to attend the free diaper distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. and the drive will be open to the public from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Over 350 local families are anticipated to attend. The San Diego Sci-Fi Coalition will assist Miracle Babies’ staff and volunteers distribute thousands of diapers, baby carriers, menstrual supply products, and other PPE products. The San Diego Sci-Fi Coalition is a volunteer group that dresses up as superheroes and attends charity events. The American Medical Response (AMR) will also provide free car seat safety inspections on a limited basis. Families in need of products should register at the Miracles Babies website to ensure availability of diaper sizes at www.miraclebabies.org.

RESEARCHER DONATES TO PRIZE ALS EFFORTS

The ALS Association of Greater San Diego announced on Dec. 22 the donation of $200,000 from Paul Negulescu, Ph.D., one of two recipients of the 2022 Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine. Negulescu, senior vice president of research at Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA was recognized for landmark discoveries of the molecular, biochemical, and functional defects underlying cystic fibrosis (CF) and the identification and development of medicines that reverse those defects. He and the Vertex team discovered small molecules to treat CF by embarking on an enormously risky strategy of screening for compounds that could “fix” a defective protein. Currently, 50% of all CF patients take Vertex CF medicines. Together, with his longtime Vertex colleagues who contributed to the CF research, Negulescu chose to donate the Shaw Prize money to the ALS Association, in honor of their friend and colleague, Peter Grootenhuis, Ph.D., who died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2019.

NATIVE PLANT SALE AT SEFTON GARDENS

Wildflower Seed Crafts for the whole family. Lecture at 11 a.m.: “Native Plants in the Garden Design” at 1865 Sefton Place, Saturday, Jan. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Coastal Sage Gardening is starting the new year with a Native Plant Sale and the first class of the Sefton Saturday Garden Lecture Series. It will be held on the grounds of the 110 year old Sefton Mansion. The 1.2 acre plot provides plenty of opportunity for gardening and growing.

OB SANTA

A group (above) celebrates the holidays with Santa in front of the Ocean Beach crooked Christmas tree. Santa is scheduled to be back at the tree and available for photos on Saturday, Dec. 17.

MONIKER GROUP ACQUIRES THE CRAFT CREAMERY

Moniker Group, which owns and operates more than a dozen businesses in Liberty Station, has assumed ownership of The Craft Creamery at 1302 Rosecrans St. in Point Loma. The Craft Creamery offers “scoops on tap,” serving flavors from independent creameries across the U.S. Originally founded by local aerospace engineer Alex Bock in 2021, the ice cream shop’s unique business model was inspired by his appreciation for craft beer bars, whose tap lists highlight the industry’s top talents.

Under Moniker, the Craft Creamery will maintain its rotating lineup, sourcing flavors from roughly 50 of the nation’s top creameries, including Molly Moon Ice Cream (Food & Wine’s No. 1 Best Ice Cream Spot in the U.S. in 2022), Petersen’s Ice Cream (Chicago’s old-fashioned parlor, which opened in 1919), and Reed’s Dairy (a 1960s family-owned dairy farm out of Idaho).

“Sometimes you get to build the dream from scratch and sometimes you get to pick up and carry someone else’s,” said Ryan Sisson, Moniker founder/CEO. “In this case, we were asked to take a dream to what’s next, and we’re honored and excited to do just that. The opportunity to champion small batch artisans from all over the U.S. and simultaneously offer San Diegans something totally unique and unprecedented in terms of a neighborhood scoop shop is what sealed the deal for me.”

Sisson will augment the 1,700-square-foot creamery property with the dual-concept addition of Moniker Coffee Co., the brew arm of the group’s flagship store, Moniker General.

HUNGRY DOG DASH

The Hungry Dog Dash sub-committee of Point Loma High School met on Dec. 14 to continue planning for the 11th annual PLHS Hungry Dog Dash Cross Country Team 5K Run on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023.

The course for the run, beginning at 8 a.m., will be along one of San Diego’s waterways in Liberty Station in Point Loma. Organizers hope the race will attract a large number of competitors from San Diego area racing communities. This race is dog friendly. Feel free to bring your four-legged running buddy to this event, though leashes are required. The Hungry Dog Dash is a fundraiser for the PLHS cross country team, but also a way to help the campus’ clubs and organizations as well as local small-businesses to advertise themselves. For questions about the different Hungry Dog Dash, or how you can help, contact Cory Baker at [email protected] or 619-204-1287.

CASTING CALL

Point Loma Playhouse is hosting both musical theatre and stand-up comedy performance workshops in 2023. A Musical Theatre Performance six-week “Valentine’s Day” edition will be Jan. 9 -Feb. 14. For the seasoned professional or rank beginner, learn the basics of vocal production and learn how to take your voice to the next level. This workshop will conclude with a public on-stage performance.

Award-winning vocal coach/director Jordan Miller will teach the “Vocal Exploration & Performance” workshop. From Jan. 17 to March 4, award-winning comedian Tony Calabrese will be offering a six-week workshop on stand-up comedy concluding with a live performance. For more information, visit pointlomaplayhouse.com.

PLHS ROUNDUP

Yearbook sales – There are two options to order the PLHS Yearbook online: Yearbooks & Yearbooks w/Personal Touches y Yearbooks & Yearbooks w/ASB Cards.

Athletic updates – All athletes who are planning on participating in athletics this school year must have a physical for clearance. Please click on this link for details. Be sure to see plhsfightingpointers.com for the latest news regarding upcoming tryouts, athletic clearance, master game schedules and more.

PLHS website and school calendar – Check out the PLHS website for important news, announcements and links. The school calendar can be found on the homepage. For all PLHS athletics news, see plhsfightingpointers.com.

PLHS on social media – For all the latest PLHS news and fun photos, follow on Facebook @Point Loma High School and on Instagram @PointLomaHS1925. PLHS athletics can be found on Instagram @fightingpointers. The Pointer Association can be found on Facebook @Point Loma High School Pointer Association.

LPE YEARBOOKS

Yearbook sales are now open for Loma Portal Elementary School. Early bird pricing is available through December at $20 (plus tax) per book. Prices will go up to $25 (plus tax) starting in January.

To purchase books and student shout out ads, visit: https://buytheyearbook.com/710723.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RETURNS

Cirque du Soleil is coming back to San Diego with “Corteo,” from Sept. 6-10, 2023 at the Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. General on-sale tickets are available starting Dec. 19. This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005. Since its creation, the show has had over 10 million spectators, in 20 countries, on four continents. “Corteo” will be presented at the Pechanga Arena San Diego for seven shows from Wednesday, Sept. 6 to Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. “Corteo,” which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

PBMS WINTER CONCERT

Student musicians from Pacific Beach Middle School took the stage Dec. 6 and 8 to perform a range of classical and contemporary pieces for the school’s winter orchestra and band concerts. PBMS music director John O’Donnell cultivated a repertoire of musical hits including Dreidel, Burgundian Carol, Calypso Bells, and Santa Baby, that not only showcased the breadth of the musicians’ skills and talents but also spoke to the diversity of holiday traditions celebrated in the greater Pacific Beach community. The PBMS music program engages more than 180 students in six instrumental ensembles every year: Sixth Grade Strings, Sixth Grade Band, Intermediate Strings, Intermediate Band, Orchestra, and Concert Band. The ensembles build on the music introductions taught at Crown Point Junior Music Academy, Pacific Beach Elementary School, Kate Sessions Elementary, and Barnard Mandarin Magnet Elementary School, and provide all PBMS students with the opportunity to explore and expand their musical skills prior to high school. The K-12 music program culminates at Mission Bay High School with its world-renowned jazz, mambo, and classical music groups.

CITY COUNCIL SWEARING-IN

The 74th City Council was sworn in on Dec. 12 with an unofficial all-Democratic roster for the first time in San Diego history. Outgoing Councilman Chris Cate, the sole Republican left on the Council, thanked his family, staff and colleagues in his departing remarks. Cate represented City Council District 6, an Asian American and Pacific Islander Empowerment district. Replacing him in District 6 is nonprofit director Kent Lee. Lee was sworn in by 95-year-old Tom Hom, the first Asian American and non-white member of the San Diego City Council, who broke that color barrier in 1963. Councilmember Jennifer Campbell was sworn in by Assemblyman Chris Ward.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT RE-ELECTED

The San Diego City Council has unanimously re-elected Sean Elo-Rivera as Council President. Elo-Rivera said he would continue to place equity and inclusion for underrepresented neighborhoods within the city at the forefront of his dockets and during the budget process.

HUBBS-SEAWORLD HIRE

Danielle E. Haulsee, Ph.D., most recently a research scientist at Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station, has been named Chief Science Officer for Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. Haulsee will establish scientific priorities, coordinate support for HSWRI scientists, serve as a liaison to the community and develop communications to help attract further financial support for the nonprofit Institute. She will oversee all scientific work at HSWRI’s laboratories in San Diego and Carlsbad, and Brevard County in Florida. Her work will include developing and implementing five-year research plans on a rolling basis. Reporting directly to president/CEO Don Kent, Haulsee will also interface with HSWRI’s board of trustees, scientists, management team members, staff and SeaWorld.

QUIETER HOMES MILESTONE

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has announced the completion of 5,000 sound-insulated homes through its Quieter Home Program. The Quieter Home Program is San Diego International Airport’s residential sound insulation program in which certain residences around SAN, as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration, may be eligible for sound insulation treatments to mitigate aircraft noise. Eligible homes may receive retrofitted exterior doors and windows, installation of a ventilation system, and other items such as weather stripping and caulking around openings, reducing noise levels by at least five decibels inside the home and providing a noticeable noise reduction. Since its inception, the Quieter Home Program has retrofitted 5,000 single-family and multi-family residences immediately east and west of the airport, including the neighborhoods of Bankers Hill, Point Loma, Ocean Beach, South Park, and Golden Hill.

“Reaching this milestone is a tremendous accomplishment for our community, the Quieter Home Program team, and its contractors,” said Kimberly Becker, Airport Authority president and CEO.“Through grants provided by the FAA, our Quieter Home Program has made significant progress in reducing the impacts of aircraft noise in the communities most impacted. I would like to congratulate the QHP team on reaching 5,000 completed homes.”

GEM FAIRE IN 2023

Gem Faire, a jewelry and bead show, is set for Jan. 6-8, 2023 at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Hours are Friday noon-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (no admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday). The event is open to the public. Admission of $7 is valid for the entire weekend. Explore the selection of fine jewelry, crystals, gemstones, beads, minerals, fossils and much more. Take advantage of buying direct from the importers and wholesalers. From loose gemstones, raw minerals and millions of bead strands, to finished jewelry, fashion accessories, supplies and tools, find them all under one roof. For more information, visit gemfaire.com.

HOLIDAY WINDOW JUDGING

La Jolla Village Merchants Association is holding a 2022 Holiday Window Contest. Judges will walk the village and choose their top three windows in the categories: Overall Holiday Cheer, Aesthetics and Effectiveness in attracting attention. The village includes Ivanhoe, Herschel, Girard, Fay, Silverado, Wall, Kline, Coast, Prospect, Torrey Pines, Pearl Street, and La Jolla Boulevard to Marine Street where American Pizza Kitchen. Judges will be walking the village between now and Dec. 25. Deadline to send in results is Dec. 31. Winners will be announced next year.

BEACH FIRE CODE CLARIFIED

“The Beach Fire Amendment is no ban,” said District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava. “It is the preservation of the safe enjoyment of an iconic San Diego beach activity—beach fires.”

The unanimous approval by the City Council amends the San Diego Municipal Code to allow beach fires in City-provided fire rings and propane-fueled devices. Previous confusing language made determining lawful activities difficult for both users and public safety alike.

“Protecting the community and enjoying our beachfront recreational activities are not mutually exclusive,” said LaCava. “My recommendation had a broad coalition of support to include public safety — police, fire, lifeguards, and park rangers — as well as town councils and environmentalists. Beachgoers will no longer fear stepping on hot coals buried under the sand or breathing excessive smoke.”

WINTER WONDERLAND

The San Diego Gulls American Hockey League club will hold its annual Winter Wonderland Night on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Pechanga Arena San Diego at 7 p.m. The night will feature a number of holiday-inspired activities, the return of the fan-favorite Teddy Bear Toss and an exclusive Third Jersey-themed blanket giveaway for the first 7,000 fans in attendance. Individual game tickets can be purchased through SanDiegoGulls.com/Tickets, by calling (844) GO-GULLS or in person at the Pechanga Arena San Diego box office two hours prior to the start of the game. Tickets sold at the box office are first-come, first-served.

HUMANE SOCIETY DONATION

Thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Randy Spicer, a local animal lover, San Diego Humane Society can waive adoption fees for adult dogs (7 months and older) for the rest of the year. The shelter is currently at capacity for its dog population, after an unprecedented year with many incoming stray animals who have not been reclaimed by their owners. Out of nearly 700 animals available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society, 260 are adult dogs. “This donation to support adoptions could not have come at a better time,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “By waiving fees, we are hoping to get these dogs into new homes for the holidays.” San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside, and San Diego. To view animals available for adoption, visit sdhumane.org/adoptar.

PARADE OF LIGHTS

The 52nd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will take place Sunday, Dec. 18. Approximately 80 vessels will take part in the parade, each decked out with lights and festive decorations that spotlight this year’s parade theme, “FantaSEA.” The action starts at 5:30 p.m. at Shelter Island. The route proceeds to Harbor Island, the North and South Embarcadero areas, Cesar Chavez Park Pier, and ends at the Ferry Landing in Coronado. The entire procession takes about two hours.

The Port is providing free bleacher seating on a first-come, first-served basis at Broadway Pier. There will also be a shimmering selfie spot, and food and beverages available for purchase. At Cesar Chavez Pier, located in Cesar Chavez Park in Barrio Logan, the Port will be offering free coffee, hot cocoa, and cookies. The parade can be viewed from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, the North Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park and Pier and the Coronado Ferry Landing.

TOPGOLF FOR EAST HARBOR ISLAND

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has voted to advance a Topgolf venue proposed for East Harbor Island to the environmental review phase. Topgolf operates golf-themed restaurants, entertainment, and party venues across the country. Topgolf venues feature high-tech gaming, outdoor hitting bays, chef-driven menus, hand-crafted cocktails, music, corporate and social event spaces, and more. For the East Harbor Island location, Topgolf is proposing a three-story venue housing over 100 hitting bays with an event/stage area, outdoor patios, additional games and entertainment, and more. Topgolf will also contribute toward the public infrastructure around the site such as parks and promenades.

HOMELESS SAFE HAVEN

New Community Harm Reduction Safe Haven, a non-congregant location to assist unsheltered residents living with mental illness or substance use conditions will open by the end of December thanks to an ongoing partnership between the County of San Diego and City of San Diego. On Dec. 15, officials will visit and tour the 11-unit, 22-bed Safe Haven operated by Episcopal Community Services on the campus of Veterans Village of San Diego, 4141 Pacific Highway. ECS has 20 years of experience managing the Safe Haven model. These units are intended to offer people transitional housing support prior to their exit to permanent housing. Since November the Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) has been conducting outreach to connect unsheltered people with services and provide care at the 44-bed Midway C-HRT Shelter that opened last December in the former Pier One store.

AIRPORT, BREWERY BEER COLLABORATION

Aeropuerto Internacional de San Diego y The East Village Brewing Co. announce the release of two beers made with purified condensate collected through the airport’s water stewardship program. Hoppy Travels IPA is a West Coast IPA with flavors of grapefruit and guava and Pre-Flight Pils is a German-style pilsner with bready and lemon zest flavors. The beers are currently on tap at The East Village Brewing Co. and will be available at San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 2 in the coming weeks. The water used in the beers is condensate that dripped from the bottom of air conditioning units attached to jet bridges at SAN. The captured condensate was then purified using reverse osmosis and ozone disinfection and transported to The East Village Brewing Co. for its use. The condensate water has a pure water profile with little mineral content, making the reclaimed water an ideal base for brewers. In addition to making beer, the water is used to clean equipment and vehicles at SAN as well as in the cooling towers that control the temperature in the terminals. To learn more about The East Village Brewing Co., visit eastvillagebrew.com.

MAVERICKS NEW YEAR’S

Join Club de playa Mavericks at 860 Garnet Ave. for the biggest party in PB! Celebrate with three balloon drops, DJs, and if you purchase pre-entry tickets before Dec. 31, not only do you get to skip the line the day-of, but you will also get a voucher to turn in for a bottle of champagne the next morning, on New Year’s Day! Tickets can be purchased at maverickssd.com/.

NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters  at 2259 Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores will be open for brunch on New Year’s Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The menu includes its marquee Prime Rib California Burrito, Skillet Corn Cake, Wood Fired Pork Loin Benedict, and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.

HIGH-RISE HOLIDAYS

Cusp Dining & Drinks, the signature restaurant on the 11th floor of Hotel La Jolla at 8110 Camino Del Oro in La Jolla Shores, will be open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve for those who wish to celebrate the holidays. The restaurant has added several festive specials to its regular menu of new American fare and will be open for brunch and dinner both days.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive at Via Capri is participating in its first National Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony, joining more than 2,500 locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day. The event will take place on the east lawn of the memorial on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9-10:30 a.m. The ceremony will open with a moment of silence and the playing of taps, followed by the laying of military branch wreaths, opening remarks by Naval Reserve officer and Mt. Soledad employee, Jennifer Givens, followed by Mt. Soledad executive director, Neil O’Connell, and the laying of wreaths by volunteers. Volunteers from local military installations and the community will be in attendance to assist the Memorial staff with laying over 130 wreaths throughout the Memorial to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

COUNTY WORKERS JOIN TEAMSTERS

Over 500 workers employed by San Diego County have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 911. The workers are employed in the construction, maintenance, operations and repair, and crafts departments. “These men and women have important jobs, and they do admirable work,” said Ray Whitmer, Local 911 secretary-treasurer. “That’s why they deserve the very best. They have united to stand up and improve their overall terms and conditions of employment. Now, as Teamsters, they will have solid day-to-day representation and the backing of a strong contract.”

“Local 911 knows how to get the job done when it comes to representing public-sector workers,” said Carlos Rubio, Local 911 president. “San Diego County workers chose us because they know we have what it takes to work with them on winning a strong collective bargaining agreement that will improve their working conditions and standard of living. We are honored to represent this group and congratulate them on this powerful victory.”

LJ PARADE RESULTS

Following are float results for the 66th annual La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival held on Dec. 4. BEST OVERALL – Ooh La La Dance Academy (above, photo by Don Balch): Showed a family home Christmas, featured a grand piano, carols at the fireplace, live music, a ballerina from Nutcracker and dance students performing. MOST COMMUNITY SPIRIT – WindanSea hosting the Walter Munk Foundation with a surf and ocean theme, surfboarders, and skateboarders emphasizing ocean research. MOST ORIGINAL – The Ark: Snoopy and the Red Baron meet at Snoopy’s dog house in snowy yard. MOST HOLIDAY SPIRIT – Erling Rhode Plumbing (Mike Clancy): Taking care of La Jolla’s “bowls,” surf bowls, and toilet bowls using Dr. Seuss characters and a bubble machine.

SANTA’S FAVORITE – San Diego French American School: A country Christmas with trees. MOST COLORFUL – Stella Maris Academy: Featuring student-created ornaments, stockings and beautiful stained glass Christmas tree panels, students dressed in Christmas finery. MOST CREATIVE – All Hallows Academy: Reviewing historic elements of the school with photographs, costumed manger scene, and an electric truck to reduce the carbon footprint.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

A walking candlelight vigil to honor those who have died on the street this year will be held in Pacific Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7:15 p.m. starting at 1050 Thomas Ave. The vigil will follow a Blue Christmas service at St. Andrews By-the-Sea church with meal service at 6:30 p.m. The candlelight walk will go down a few blocks to the beach where there will be a very short memorial and the reading of the names of those who have died.

BIRD WALK, KING TIDES

Friends of Rose Creek is hosting a guided bird walk from 3:30-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 meeting up in Mission Bay High School’s front parking lot near the creek. Join Laurie for a brisk bird walk along the Rose Creek Salt Marsh and into the fresh water riparian area. These species summer in Alaska and Canada and then head south for the winter. Rose Creek is popular among a number of winter species. Sunset will be at 4:45 p.m.

This winter the California King Tides are Dec. 23-24 and Jan. 21-22, 2023. The California King Tides Project helps visualize future sea level by observing the highest tides of today. You can help by taking and sharing photos of the shoreline during King Tides to create a record of changes to our coast and estuaries. Check the Friends of Rose Creek calendar for detailed information in December and January on when to document the King Tides at Rose Creek. Do it on your own, or gather some friends.

ACTUALIZACIÓN DE REEMPLAZO DE PUENTE

In November, construction crews working on the  Proyecto de reemplazo del puente West Mission Bay Drive began the month with concrete pours for the south sidewalk between the new southbound bridge structure and Sports Arena Boulevard. Crews also installed deck joint seal assemblies for the bridge designed to allow for a water tight seal, limit debris entering the joint, accommodate movements caused by thermal expansion, shortening and creep caused by prestressing/post tensioning, live load deflective, seismic event, or other extreme event.

In mid-November, crews began concrete pours for the northwest bicycle path as well as the sidewalk for the second bridge. At the same time, crews began installing conduits and wiring for light poles for the superstructure and pedestrian rails. As the month came to an end, work on a temporary bicycle path near the southwest corner of the bridge began and removal of the temporary work trestle and falsework continues.

In December, current and future bike path closures will occur. The north bicycle path on the San Diego River – between the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge and Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Bridge – is scheduled to be closed to the public now through Saturday Dec. 17. The project is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

LIBRARY MASTER PLAN INPUT

SDPL is revising the Library Master Plan, and is looking for input from each community about what in particular they want from their local library. Even if you were unable to attend the PB Library’s Community Listening Session on Nov. 15, you can still send input on what you love about the PB Library at 4275 Cass St., what you’d like to change about the PB Library, and what you would add if money was no object. Fill out the survey at mysdpl.org; or when you next visit, post sticky notes on the board located between express check stations.

FRIENDS OF PB LIBRARY

The group sponsors a book sale at the PB Library at 4275 Cass St. on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11a.m.-5 p.m. There is a half price book sale on the first Wednesday of the month.

GASLAMP PET PARADE

The Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade and Pups in the Pub Party is on Saturday, Dec. 17. This tradition highlights dogs, cats, and other pets as the Gaslamp “decks the paws” for a howl-y jolly good time. Attendees and their companions are encouraged to dress up in costume and compete for prizes and awards. The Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. and the Pups in the Pub Party runs from 2-5 p.m. The parade will kick off at the Gaslamp Quarter Archway and will parade through the Quarter. After the parade, participants will reconvene at Island between 4th and 5th where a panel of judges will announce award winners for “Best Christmas Spirit,” “Best Matching Costumes,” and “Best in Show” among others. After the parade, participants are encouraged to stick around for the Pups in the Pub Party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Register your parade pet at gaslamp.org/news/gaslamp-quarter-pet-parade/.

ANTI-HATE CRIME FILM

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has executive produced a movie to raise awareness of Asian hate crimes titled “Almighty Zeus,” which is currently having a theatrical release at San Diego Regal Rancho Del Rey. Pacquiao said: “I hope this movie will encourage and inspire a lot of people, not only in America but all over the world. I hope it encourages people to spread love instead of hate.”

Written, directed, and produced by San Diegan Chris Soriano, who also stars as the main actor, the goal of the film is to showcase unity through the sport of boxing. The story focuses on the middleweight champion of the world losing his mother to COVID-19 and ends up challenging an Asian American boxer (Zeus) to punish in the ring. Zeus encounters a neighborhood boxing legend, Coach Green, who decides to take Zeus under his wing and teach him fight tactics through the dangerous streets of Los Angeles.

MAYOR SPONSORS PET ADOPTION

San Diego Humane Society is holding an adoption campaign sponsored by Mayor Todd Gloria on Dec. 10-11. During the event titled #Gloria100, adoption fees for the first 100 adult pets (7 months and older) will be waived. After 100 adoptions are reached, all adult animals will be $25 for the remainder of weekend. “This adoption promotion could not come at a better time — we have more than 600 pets available for adoption,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of SDHS. “It has been a tough year for us, with more pets staying longer than ever before, so we are incredibly grateful to Mayor Gloria for his support.” San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside, and San Diego. To view animals available for adoption, visit sdhumane.org/adoptar.

2023 SD RESTAURANT WALK

San Diego Restaurant Week, presented by the California Restaurant Association returns in its 20th year with over 100 restaurants across 30-plus neighborhoods for eight days of dining from Sunday, March 26, 2023, through Sunday April 2, 2023. San Diego Restaurant Week invites diners to “Spring into Flavor” with diverse menus featuring special prix-fixe pricing throughout the county.

STUDENT SHOWCASE

This weekend, Friday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., eighth-grade students from The Bishops School in La Jolla are taking over the gallery walls in Axline Court, 700 Prospect St, with their artworks, which are a response to their explorations of works by contemporary artists in the MCASD collection. This past semester, students studied artists who deconstruct ideas of self-portraiture. In doing so, the Bishops School students learned how to make statements about their personal and social identities. We invite you to come visit the Museum and see their works.

Axline Court is one of three free-admission spaces at MCASD. Visitors can view this showcase free of cost. The other free spaces are the Edwards Sculpture Garden and the ocean-view Art Park. The Student Showcase is part of Extended School Partnership (ESP), which is made possible in part by the ResMed Foundation. Each year, ESP empowers sixth to 12th-grade teachers to use the museum as an extension of the classroom. Students and teachers engage in creative thinking and cross-disciplinary learning by integrating contemporary art into curricula and using the museum as a learning resource.

GUN BILL

Legislation has been introduced to impose new excise taxes on the sale of guns and ammunition in California. The proceeds from these taxes would be directed towards efforts to better protect Californians from mass shootings and gun violence, including new school safety measures as well as violence intervention and prevention programs. The bill—formally known as Assembly Bill (AB) 28—was introduced on the first day of the 2023-2024 legislative session as part of a trio of gun violence prevention bills authored by Assemblymember Gabriel and others. Two additional measures, AB 29 and AB 36 would strengthen California’s gun laws to better address incidents of gun violence related to mental health and domestic violence.

● AB 29 will enable California residents to voluntarily add their own name to the California “Do Not Sell List” for firearms, which prohibits named individuals from purchasing firearms in the State of California. This proposed law is intended to help prevent both mass shootings and gun suicides, particularly those involving individuals struggling with mental health disorders.

● AB 36 will address the often deadly intersection of domestic violence and gun violence by prohibiting individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders from purchasing or possessing firearms for three years after the expiration of that protective order. Over half of all intimate partner homicides are committed with guns. Indeed, when an abusive partner has access to a gun, a domestic violence victim is five times more likely to be killed.

CROSS-BORDER WORSHIP

On Sunday, Dec. 11, the 5th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and the first female bishop in San Diego, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook, will visit Border Church, a bi-national worshiping community of migrants, the deported, and their loved ones. Joining her will be Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Bishop William J. Barber II of the Poor People’s Campaign, and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Synod Bishop David Nagler. Since November 2011, people from the United States and Mexico have gathered each Sunday afternoon to share communion at Friendship Park, the historic border meeting place at the western edge of the border, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

NATHAN’S FAMOUS DONATION

On Dec. 6, Nathan’s Famous presented Banco de Alimentos de San Diego with a contribution of $5,000 and a protein donation. The monetary donation will help you supply 10,000 meals and support the food bank’s mission to provide nutritious food for people in need, advocate for the hungry, and educate the public about hunger related issues. To help elevate awareness around food insecurity in the area, Nathan’s Famous was joined by professional Twitch streamers JoshOG y n0thing to present the donations benefiting the community. Following the event, the gamers teamed up with the hot dog brand as participants in a Nathan’s Duos livestream on Twitch to bring attention to the importance of supporting local organizations like San Diego Food Bank.

HILLCREST STREET RENAMED

Longtime LGBTQ, Latino, and civil rights activist Nicole Murray Ramirez has been permanently honored by the City with a portion of Harvey Milk Street being designated as “Honorary Nicole Murray Ramirez Way.” Community leaders including State Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, Mayor Todd Gloria, Supervisor Nora Vargas, Former Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Judy and Dennis Shepard attended a special ceremony Dec. 3. Councilmember Stephen Whitburn brought forward the resolution to declare a portion of Harvey Milk Street in Hillcrest to receive an honorary marker for Murray Ramirez. The City Council passed the resolution unanimously allowing for the placement of a special sign to be mounted atop the street sign pole at the corner of Harvey Milk Street and Centre Street designating the block as “Honorary Nicole Murray Ramirez Way.” This designation does not change the official name of the street.

DINOSAURS IN SD

Jurassic World: The Exhibition is at Westfield Mission Valley, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, on the east side of the mall adjacent to The Broken Yolk Café. It is an immersive 20,000-square-foot experience based on one of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history. Guests will walk through the world-famous Jurassic World gates, encounter life-sized dinosaurs and explore richly themed environments. Guests will have an up-close look at a Velociraptor, stand in awe under a towering Brachiosaurus and encounter the most fearsome of them all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.

FIDO UPDATE

Fiesta Island Dog Owners will participate in PB’s annual holiday parade Saturday, Dec. 10. FIDO is entry B15. Meet on Felspar Street between Haines and Gresham before noon. No one is to dress up as Santa (because Santa will be riding on the fire truck at the end of the parade!). Bring your dog if he/she is okay with crowds and noise. FIDO got unanimous support from the Mission Bay Park Committee to rebuild the rock memorial in the dog park that was removed last March. That’s the first step – next they go to the San Diego Park and Recreation Board.

PADRES PITCHER DIES

Former San Diego Padres pitcher and Cy Young Award winner Gaylord Perry died recently at age 84. A Baseball Hall of Famer, Perry played for the Padres from 1978 to 1979. He won his second Cy Young Award with the Padres in 1978, just after turning 40 years old. He died in his South Carolina home of natural causes.

EAST VILLAGE HOLIDAYS

El East Village Association y U.S. Bank will present the fifth annual East Village Holiday Market & Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 3-7 p.m. at Quartyard and 13th Street. The community will come together to enjoy curated holiday vendors by San Diego Markets, a tree lighting ceremony, live music at two vignettes of entertainment, delicious food, fun activities for the kids, and most importantly…photos with Santa. The Christmas tree lighting will take place at 5:45 p.m.

SENIOR HANNUKAH PARTY

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with other seniors at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla, in-person from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21. If the smell of homemade latkes and lunch isn’t enough to draw you in, headline entertainer Shalom Sherman, the Jewish Cowboy accordionist/pianist/singer, will get you in the holiday spirit. Extra bonus: participants will be given a Hanukkah celebration kit to take home. Price is $20, $16 for JCC members.

LACROSSE SEASON OPENER

San Diego’s professional lacrosse team, the San Diego Seals, is back for the 2022-23 season. Secure tickets for Opening Day on Friday, Dec. 9. The game starts at at 7 p.m. versus the Saskatchewan Rush at Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd.

TREE OF LIFE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

Mama’s Kitchen will hold its free 31st annual “Tree of Life Candlelight Vigil and Tree Lighting Ceremony” (above) to commemorate World AIDS Day at Village Hillcrest Retail Center, 3965 Fifth Ave. on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. The nonprofit will partner with Village Hillcrest, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, and Snooze A.M. eatery to honor those impacted by AIDS, as well as recognize the ongoing leadership efforts made to end the worldwide epidemic. The nonprofit will also present special awards to four individuals to recognize their hard work, commitment, and dedication to the community. Attendees can also dedicate and personalize a heart ornament with a message of love, hope for the future, or in honor or memory of someone special to hang on the tree in the center of the Village Hillcrest Plaza. Ornaments can be purchased at mamaskitchen.org prior to the event or that evening.

WILLIE O’REE DAY

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson honored hockey Hall of Famer Willie O’Ree with a County proclamation declaring Nov. 19, 2022 “Willie O’Ree Day,” recognizing the hockey icon’s impact on the San Diego community and his contributions to hockey. The two celebrated with a special puck drop before the San Diego Gulls game at Pechanga Arena San Diego. A native Canadian, O’Ree is best known for being the first Black player in the National Hockey League who previously played for the Gulls minor league hockey club in San Diego.

GUN OWNERS XMAS PARTY

San Diego County Gun Owners, a political action committee, will hold its Christmas party from 5:30-8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 19 at the Bali Hai restaurant’s South Pacific Room, 2230 Shelter Island Drive. The event is open to the public. Admission and parking is free. Reservations are not required. Appetizers will be served. Drinks will be available for purchase. A silent auction and raffle will be held. For more event information, visit sandiegocountygunowners.com.

LIBERTY STATION CHRISTMAS TREE

Liberty Station kicked off its Christmas holiday season with the lighting of the former Naval base’s 88-foot Norfolk Pine tree adorned with colored lights and light-up ornaments on Friday, Nov. 25. Hundreds of people attended the tree lighting, which also sent a lot of people inside the public market at Liberty Station ahead of Small Business Saturday.

ICE RINK AT LIBERTY STATION

Celebrate the holidays at Liberty Station by skating at the Rady Children’s Hospital Ice Rink now through Sunday, Jan. 8. Located in the Central Promenade at Arts District Liberty Station, Rady Children’s Ice Rink is in its 26th year and is a family-friendly way to spend time together, raising funds for the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. The ice rink is a hub for joy and inspiration throughout the holiday and will be open Mondays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., with the exception of Christmas day. For more information, visit rchicerink.org.

PARADE OF LIGHTS

The 52nd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will occur on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. Participants in this year’s holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic events in the region. There is no cost to view the parade. This year, for the sixth time, the parade will proceed to The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving spectators another area to view the parade. Shelter Island (start of parade) – 5:30 p.m., Harbor Island – 6 p.m., The Embarcadero – 6:30 p.m., Seaport Village – 7 p.m., The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park – 7:15 p.m., Ferry Landing on Coronado – 7:30 p.m.

LOMA ELEMENTARY ROUNDUP

Holiday Food Drive – The annual food drive to help LPE families in need starts this week. Collecting food and gift cards every morning from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9 in front of the school and at the Kinder Gate. Looking for volunteers to help with collections.

Family Dinner Night – The next Family Dinner Night fundraiser will be at The Kebab Shop in Point Loma at 3305 Rosecrans St. on Thursday, Dec. 1. Open to close on Dec. 1, The Kebab Shop will donate 50% back to LPE. Dine in or take out Mediterranean cuisine. Paper or digital fliers excepted. Online orders use discount code “fundraiser.”

POINT LOMA PLAYHOUSE ‘I WASN’T ALWAYS FAMOUS’

San Diego’s Duane Daniels, accomplished actor, singer, director, and producer, returns to the San Diego stage 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, in his new show “I Wasn’t Always Famous” sharing songs and  hilarious memories from his over 40 years in show business. Daniels has won the Drama-Logue Award, ACT Award, Patte Award, Blitz Award, The L.A Critics Association, LA Weekly and Garland Awards (Variety Magazine). San Diegans will remember him best as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street in “Sweeney Todd,” and his over 2,000 side splitting performances in “Triple Espresso,” a highly caffeinated comedy. He also founded The Fritz Theatre and served as the artistic director for 18 years. In television, Daniels is most remembered for his role in the critically acclaimed “Veronica Mars.” He also has two feature films, “Fathoms Deep,” and “First Strike” due out next year.
Joining Daniels is Steve Gouveia, also a veteran of San Diego stages. Gouveia is mostly known for his work as an actor in the original Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys.” As a musician and songwriter, he frequently performs in Rockers On Broadway concerts. His solo album “Shine” is available online at iTunes. Tickets are $20 and are available at pointlomaplayhouse.com.

GOODBAR HOLIDAY

The Point Loma Association and GoodBar at 1872 Rosecrans St. have cooked up a special holiday social on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets are limited for this special event. For $10 you get a drink and a food item from their happy hour menu (GoodBurger, chicken sandwich, cheesesteak or chicken tenders).  Also, the elves will have holiday cookies for your creative decorating. For more information, visit goodbarsd.com.

GREEN GARDENS FUNDRAISER

Green Gardens Nursery at 4910 Cass St. in Pacific Beach is holding a fundraiser for Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 4-7 p.m. Guests can buy holiday gifts, ornaments, plants and Christmas trees. Twenty percent of sales go to Pacific Beach Middle School and Mission Bay High School. Refreshments and light appetizers will be served.

PAWS AND PAPERBACKS

Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a leading global children’s entertainment company and the Petfinder Foundation, the nation’s leading resource for pet adoption, are teaming up with San Diego Humane Society for a special, Grinch-themed #ReadToMax holiday program. A dedicated “Paws & Paperbacks” session will be held at San Diego Humane Society on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 5480 Gaines St. SDHS regularly hosts events where kids read to shelter dogs as they have come to recognize the positive, calming effects that story times have on their pups.

The #ReadToMax events on Dec. 10 are themed after Max, the Grinch’s four-legged sidekick, providing this special reading activity with a festive twist. The shelter will also feature fun Grinch décor for both visitors and four-legged residents to enjoy. Participants in the “Paws & Paperbacks” event at the shelter will receive a copy of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” to take home. Dog lovers who can’t make it to the shelter for reading can check out Instagram and Facebook for the #FindYourMax social campaign.

PB ART EXHIBIT

“Diversity in the Ocean,” original abstract paintings by Leslie Jenness, will be on exhibit at Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library, 4275 Cass St., now until Jan. 30, 2023. “Most of my work life was devoted to the importance diversity plays in our lives,” said Jenness. “When I started painting it seemed to be a logical extension to bring diversity into my art.” For more information, email [email protected].

SENIOR GRANT

Peninsula Shepherd Center at 1475 Catalina Blvd. in Point Loma has received another holiday grant from the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation for special delivery as part of its monthly Porch Visits program. The center will be distributing fresh live wreaths, poinsettias and custom-made cookies to 80 of its members as soon as next week.

LJAA ART EXHIBIT

The La Jolla Art Association at La Jolla Community Center at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. will present “Celebrate the Old Year, Welcome to the New Year,” as an exhibit that will run from Saturday, Dec. 3 to Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. The type of art represented includes oil, acrylic, pen and ink, drawings, pastels, and 2-D artwork, including photography and collage. There will be a festive Art Reception on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 4-6 p.m. To register for the art reception or art demonstrations, visit www.ljcommunitycenter.org/art-receptions.

DEAL OF THE YEAR

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) has been awarded El Bond Buyer’s 2022 Deal of the Year award in the Far West Region category and named as a finalist for the national Deal of the Year award. The award is for the December 2021 completion of a major bond financing totaling $1.94 billion.  “It is an honor to be recognized by The Bond Buyer for our bond sale,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority president and CEO. “The majority of funds we secured from the bond deal will be used to pay for the New T1 program, a project costing $3.4 billion in total.”

ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL GRANT

San Diego Foundation announced it has $2 million in multi-year grant funding available for community-based organizations to provide and advocate for expanded learning programming for elementary and middle school students in San Diego County. “High-quality expanded learning programs such as after-school programs have strong connections to instruction and provide enriching opportunities for students furthest from opportunity,” said Michelle Jaramillo, director of educational initiatives. “Post-COVID, summer learning programs are more critical than ever to help students accelerate learning, and address the isolation and trauma experienced during the height of the pandemic.”

SDF is seeking proposals from community-based organizations delivering high-quality summer learning programs to San Diego County students over the course of summer 2023 and summer 2024, with a focus on third through eighth-grade students who are furthest from opportunity, including those from low-income households, English learners and students with disabilities. The deadline to apply for a grant is Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. To apply or learn more about this grant opportunity, visit the SDF website.

HOLIDAY PAWTY

Join The Animal Pad dog rescue for the second annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Pawty sponsored by TrustedHouseSitter Saturday, Dec. 10 from 5-10 p.m. at Lot 8, 1201 Hotel Circle, South. This free, all ages, dog-friendly event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. PAWty and celebrate the amazing dogs rescued this year as well as volunteers. For more information, visit Trusted Housesitters.

PORCH PIRACY

As online shopping makes an unprecedented gain in the overall consumer economy, a new problem has begun to emerge: porch piracy. Porch piracy is when a package is stolen after being delivered to a private residence. According to a study, about 26 million Americans had packages stolen in 2017. With the recent growth in online sales unlikely to slow down, it is more important than ever to know how to stop and prevent porch piracy.

Here are some steps you can take to help prevent package theft: • Schedule your package to be delivered at a time in which you are home • If this is not possible, try to schedule the delivery to your office • Use a lockbox service such as Amazon Locker, UPS Access Point, or rent out a PO Box with USPS • Use tracking services to know the time and date of your package arrival. Tracking services are typically provided free of charge by UPS, FedEx, and the USPS • Install a camera to monitor your front door. Wireless front door cameras include the Ring Doorbell, Google Nest, and the Skybell Trim. • Leave detailed instructions for the delivery person to follow. For example, you might include leaving your package under a porch couch pillow to have it hidden from view. • Insuring every one of your packages guarantees that even in the case that your package is stolen, you can obtain a refund or identical replacement.

SANTA AT PARQ

Santa is coming to town at Parq Nightclub at 615 Broadway. The nightclub is introducing Santa’s Lair, a fully immersive pop-up bar holiday experience located in the Gaslamp District. The magical adventure runs now through Friday, Dec. 23, open Thursday through Saturday from 4-10 p.m. Reservations are now open. The holiday pop-up experience is available for private events and holiday gatherings, for more information, visit https://santaslairsd.com/.

LET IT SNOW

Mid-City Community Advocacy Network, a nonprofit organization based in City Heights, will hold a Snowy Wonderland on Sunday, Dec. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave. This free family holiday event will feature 20 tons of real snow for children and families to enjoy. There will also be arts and crafts activities, ornament and Christmas card making, face painting, a hot chocolate bar, giveaways, prizes, Loteria, food trucks, and more. San Diego Ice Co. will be on site to make fresh snow for families to play in. Founded in 1984, SHCC promotes educational, health, personal development, and cultural programs that enhance the well-being of individuals and families.

HOLIDAY MARKET

El East Village Association y U.S. Bank will present the fifth annual East Village Holiday Market and Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 3-7 p.m. at Quartyard and 13th Street. The community will come together for curated holiday vendors by San Diego Markets, a tree lighting ceremony, live music at two vignettes of entertainment, food, fun activities for the kids, and photos with Santa. The Christmas tree lighting will take place at 5:45 p.m. For more information about the East Village Holiday Market and Tree Lighting, click aquí.

HOMELESSNESS CONFERENCE

This week, the Regional Task Force on Homelessness is holding its first conference, “Solutions for San Diego.” This two-day event will bring together more than 600 individuals to collaborate, learn and build on best practices, all in line with the recently released Regional Plan on Homelessness. The 2022 RTFH Conference on Homelessness has major support from over 30 organizations, including title sponsor Blue Shield California Promise Health Plan, showing the desire for these kinds of events to bring those in the homeless space together.

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) has evolved from an initial Mayor’s Task Force nearly 40 years ago to the robust organization that it is today with an integrated array of stakeholders committed to preventing and alleviating homelessness in San Diego. We provide essential data and insights on the issue of homelessness, informing policy and driving system design, performance and solutions.

HOLIDAYS AT THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK

Dec. 9-11| Noel, Noel – The San Diego Symphony’s signature holiday show, this performance features the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Master Chorale, San Diego Children’s Choir and an all-new story and script. Holiday Movies In Concert – Dec. 17, How the Grinch Stole Christmas In Concert; Dec. 21, Love Actually In Concert.

Holiday By the Bay – From Dec. 2-Dec. 30, special holiday activations at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. With adults-only options and fun for the whole family: Life-Sized Gingerbread House – Visit the hotel lobby to view a grand Grinch-themed house – honoring the anniversary of San Diego native, Dr. Seuss; Fridays 4-6 p.m., Saturdays 4-7 p.m., Naughty or Nice Happy at Odysea Lounge – $2 off on seasonal spirits at the Odysea Lounge; Fridays 7-9 p.m. holiday movies (Promenade West), Fridays 5-9 p.m., Saturdays 4-6 p.m. write a letter to Santa (Promenade West); Fridays and Saturdays 5-9 p.m. stocking and ornament decorating (Promenade West); Saturdays 6-7 p.m. storytime with Ms. Claus (Promenade West); Sundays, 9-11 a.m. breakfast with Santa.

BUCCANEER SPIRIT

The Mission Bay High School cheerleaders run down the track to celebrate a Bucs’ touchdown during the playoffs. The Mission Bay football team made it to the CIF semifinals before losing to Fallbrook. The Bucs finished a successful season with an 8-5 record overall. (Photo by Steve Sidell)

BAR DA COPA AT MAVERICKS

The third series of Bar da Copa that will show Brazil’s World Cup game is open to the public. The event has attracted an average of 800 Brazilians and local soccer fans. It will take place at Mavericks Beach Club, 860 Garnet Ave. on Thursday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m.; Monday, Nov. 28 at 8 a.m.; and Friday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. Additional events will be scheduled as Brazil progresses in the tournament. This community event brings the spirit of Brazil to the heart of PB with Brazilian food, and entertainment the whole family can enjoy, including live music, a DJ, vendors of souvenirs, samba dancers, and capoeira performances. Cost for the all-ages event is $15-$25. Minors must be accompanied by a family member or guardian.

OCEANS AT NIGHT

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is launching Oceans at Night, a first-of-its-kind event that invites a 21-plus audience to experience an immersive blend of art, science and technology after hours. The new monthly series celebrates the wonders and mysteries of the ocean after dark. Oceans at Night features interactive experiences highlighting ocean phenomena that occur at night including bioluminescence and biofluorescence, while creating a fun, adults-only atmosphere with live music, a glow lounge with life-sized games, glowing nighttime dives and epic ocean views. Glowing cocktails and food by The French Gourmet will also be available for purchase. Oceans at Night kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Events will be held on select Thursdays throughout the year. Tickets are $27 for members, and $30 for the general public. Tickets will go on sale Friday, Dec. 2. Visit acuario.ucsd.edu for a full schedule and additional information.

“We’re thrilled to be launching this new signature event, giving locals an opportunity to unwind and experience the aquarium like never before,” said executive director Harry Helling. “We often think of the ocean as silent, colorless and uninteresting at night. But there is a secret language of light in the deep ocean that we are just beginning to understand. I hope our guests are just as excited by the ocean at night as we are.”

DAY OF GIVING

Mission Beach Town Council is sponsoring the annual Mission Beach Community Day of Giving on Saturday, Dec. 10. The observance is marked by three events: a toy drive, a beach cleanup, and a blood drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive, and participate in a beach cleanup hosted by Don’t Trash Mission Beach. Also, donate blood for the San Diego Blood Bank. Meet up for the toy drive/beach cleanup in the grass area to the left of the roller coaster. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Belmont Park’s north parking lot.

THE COTTAGE ANNIVERSARY

The Cottage restaurant in La Jolla at 7702 Fay Ave. is celebrating a 30-year anniversary on Tuesday, Dec. 6 by giving back to its community in a big way. The twofold charitable celebration will see a reinstatement of the original 1992 menu (rollback pricing and all). Secondly, honoring the restaurant’s roots within La Jolla’s prolific surf community, The Cottage has pulled in two of the biggest names in professional surfing — legendary shaper Rusty Preisendorfer of Rusty Surfboards, and big wave pro-surfer Jojo Roper. They are teaming up with The Cottage to raffle off a custom-made ’90s-style surfboard. The Cottage hopes to raise at least $10,000 through its 30th-anniversary celebrations for Windansea Surf Club’s annual “Day At The Beach” events.

LJCC HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

La Jolla Community Center at 6811 La Jolla Blvd., is holding a holiday celebration Friday, Dec. 9 from 5-8 p.m. There will be dinner, entertainment, raffles, shopping, a silent auction, and more. Cost is $10 for members and $25 for non-members. RSVP by Dec. 6 to ljcommunitycenter.org or call 858-459-0831 for more information.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS FOR DISCOVER PB

Discover Pacific Beach’s new board of directors executives for 2022-2023 are Eric Marenburg, president; Randall Engstrom, vice president; Wilber Lai, treasurer; Margy Goodman, secretary. Incoming board members are Rebekah Winn, Duck Dive; Christine Landini, Scuderie Italia; Carina Garfield, Armonia Kitchen; Kayla Salas, The Local PB; Mike Houser, The Hideout, and Alex Preciado, PB Shore Club.

OPERA WEDNESDAYS

Opera Wednesdays at La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd., features a different roster of local singers on each program, offering a selection of mostly operatic highlights (arias and art songs) as well as Broadway tunes and American classics for variety. The next opera, on Dec. 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. features tenor Bernardo Bermundez. During each concert, four singers consisting of past and present Metropolitan Opera competition winners, active San Diego Opera performers, and singers who have sung all over the world perform with some of the area’s most sought-after pianists. Cost: $10-20 suggested donation; 100 percent of donations go directly to the artists. Registration at ljcommunitycenter.org/opera-wednesdays.

CHEF’S TABLE

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters at 2259 Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores is hosting its next Chef’s Table on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Executive chef Marty Fay, a protégé of renowned chef Christine Rivera, will present a six-course menu with wine pairings from resident advanced sommelier Evan Vallee, who is one of only 10 advanced sommeliers in San Diego. Tickets are $165 and can be purchased aquí.

FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN

Individual tickets for the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open have been on sale since Nov. 15, the Century Club of San Diego announced, and fans are encouraged to buy early, as various days and ticket options will once again sell out. The PGA Tour’s West Coast swing makes its stop at Torrey Pines Golf Course from Wednesday, Jan. 25 through Saturday, Jan. 28, featuring the tour’s only scheduled Saturday finish for the second straight year. Grounds tickets and passes to shared hospitality venues, such as the Canyon Club overlooking the 17th and eighth greens and the newly upgraded Ultra pass presented by Michelob Ultra at the ninth tee, can be purchased at FarmersInsuranceOpen.com. Ticket prices will be at their lowest through the holiday season.

NEW MOORES DIRECTOR

Joseph A. Califano III, MD, has been named director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. Califano succeeds Scott Lippman, MD, who announced in November 2021 that he would be stepping down as director to lead the PreCancer Genome Atlas, a National Cancer Institute-sponsored effort to map in time and space all of the molecular, cellular and structural characteristics of premalignant lesions and how they evolve into invasive cancers. Califano is currently physician-in-chief at Moores Cancer Center, director of the Hanna and Mark Glieberman Head and Neck Cancer Center and co-leader of the Structural and Functional Genomics Program.

WORLD CUP VIEWING

The oceanfront bar and patio at The Shores Restaurant at 8110 Camino del Oro in La Jolla Shores will be the place to catch all the World Cup matches live from Qatar. The restaurant is set to host a series of viewing events in celebration of the internationally revered tournament. Fans are invited to gather and root for their favorite team while watching the action on the nine newly installed TVs set throughout the restaurant.

TEEN DRIVING GRANT

With a $360,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the UC San Diego Training, Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) program aims to educate drivers and pedestrians about making safety the number one priority when sharing the roadways. NHTSA projects that an estimated 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021 in the United States, a 10.5 percent increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020. The projection is the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and the largest annual percentage increase in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s history.

Promoting the safety of teens is a priority for the program this upcoming year. Young and inexperienced drivers between the ages of 15 to 20 have higher crash rates than older, more experienced drivers. A recent report from NHSTA shows there were 1,885 young drivers who died in traffic crashes in 2020 in the U.S., a 17 percent increase from the year before. Alcohol was a significant contributor to those deaths. For more information about the program or to request training, contact TREDS at 858-534-8386 or email [email protected].

FEMALE UC SAN DIEGO RESEARCHERS

Eight researchers from the University of California San Diego are listed in the first ranking of the “1,000 Best Female Scientists in the World” by Research.com, an analytics platform that advocates for improved research quality and also ranks universities, scholarly journals and academic conferences. They are Sonia Ancoli-Israel, Susan S. Taylor, Steffanie A. Strathdee, Marta Kutas, Susan F. Tapert, Andrea Z. LaCroix, Terry L. Jernigan, and Irene Litvan.

“Groundbreaking ideas, innovative research and exemplary work do not have a gender, and we need to build equity into processes related to whose work is deemed significant,” said vice chancellor of research Corinne Peek-Asa. “The work of each researcher should speak for itself, but until that day I’m proud that UC San Diego is ahead of the curve in promoting the significant work of our growing research community of women.”

Peek-Asa noted that in the last decade, UC San Diego has seen more than a 40 percent increase in female faculty members. In a 2016 study, UC San Diego ranked first among the 100 largest universities in the nation for enrolling and graduating women with majors in science, technology, engineering and math, with one in three women graduating with a STEM degree. UC San Diego’s proportion of STEM graduates was three times the national average.

2023 CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

The 17th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance will take place on April 23 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. This is an opportunity to view over 140 spectacular classic automobiles displayed on the La Jolla Cove lawn along the breathtaking Pacific Coast. Enjoy live music, and indulge in the Champagne and Honey Tasting Garden. Multiple VIP experiences are available. Visit lajollaconcours.com to curate your perfect Concours weekend.

BELMONT PARK DRAFT BRUNCH

Sequía at Belmont Park recently launched brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The new brunch menu features sweet and savory breakfast items along with more lunch dishes as well as shareable like the Giant Pretzelcuterie Board, Hummus and Crudité and Truffle Parmesan Fries. For a drink, choose from over 70 beers on tap, Draft’s specialty cocktails or try one of their new Boozy Brunch Cocktails.

COMMUNITY GARDEN WORKDAY

BeautifulPB is holding a community garden workday at 1050 Thomas Ave. on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Come help clean up the grounds and install new ground cover and pavers. Lend a hand with digging, raking, spreading ground cover, or laying pavers. Lend a tool: a shovel, rake, hoe, tamper, wheelbarrow, or gloves. Donate supplies: Refreshments and snacks, micro bark ground cover, pavers, sand, and 2 by 4’s. Contact [email protected] for questions or more details.

BROKEN YOLK BLOOD DRIVES

Broken Yolk Café with a restaurant at 1851 Garnet Ave. will kick off a series of blood drives through Nov. 28 with the San Diego Blood Bank to help keep blood supply at safe levels. Anyone who donates at these drives, or any San Diego Blood Bank donor center or mobile blood drive, Nov. 21-Dec. 11, will receive a voucher for a free entrée at Broken Yolk Café (up to $15 value) while supplies last. This is the sixth year that San Diego Blood Bank and Broken Yolk have partnered during the holidays to encourage blood donation in our community. Since 2017, Broken Yolk Café’s sponsored blood drives, and promotions have collected 32,503 lifesaving units of blood, impacting up to 97,509 patients in Southern California hospitals. Visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org or call 619-400-8251.

THANKSGIVING DAY 5K

One of San Diego’s longest-standing Thanksgiving day traditions is back with loud gobbles at Balboa Park. On Thanksgiving morning, thousands of San Diegans, some in turkey-themed attire, will gather for Pueblos del Padre Joe 21st annual Thanksgiving Day 5K, presented by Aya Healthcare, on Nov. 24, from 6:30-10:30 a.m. at 1549 El Prado. Community members interested in joining the event in person or participating virtually can register online or in person on the day of the event. An optional sunrise Catholic Mass in Plaza De Panama with San Diego’s Auxiliary Bishop, the Most Reverend Ramon Bejarano, will be held at 6:30 a.m. For more information, visit https://my.neighbor.org/.

PRESENTS FOR PAWS

For the 11th consecutive holiday season, San Diego County Credit Union is collecting monetary donations for “Presents for Paws,” a special holiday fundraising campaign benefiting animal shelters and rescues in San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties. SDCCU hopes to raise $10,000 throughout the holiday season. In San Diego County, collections will benefit San Diego Humane Society. Monetary donations will be accepted in-branch or at sdccu.com/paws. Last holiday season, SDCCU’s “Presents for Paws” combined donation efforts collected $10,000 for shelter animals in need.

CREST ACT

Rep. scott peters (CA-52) and Rep. John Curtis (UT-03) have introduced the Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies (CREST) Act of 2022. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) takes the element from the atmosphere through natural or engineered processes to clean our air and ensure we stop increasing global warming. This legislation would expand research, testing, and public-private partnerships to advance CDR technologies to the point that they can be deployed to meet the goal of curbing climate change.

NEW FHCSD HIRE

Family Health Centers San Diego has added Shea Benton to their team as director of government relations, bringing over a decade of experience in government affairs and community relations to the organization. Benton has extensive experience in San Diego politics, economic development, and community affairs. He joins the FHCSD team with an intimate knowledge of public policy, community relations, regulatory compliance, and public affairs. Most recently he was director of public affairs at Cook + Schmid.

LIFE IS GOOD

Life is Good, the positive lifestyle brand, opened a new storefront on Nov. 12 at 7927 Girard Ave. in La Jolla. This location is the first Life is Good store in California, and designers made extra efforts to embrace the SoCal vibes when designing the 1,600-square-foot space. Offering apparel and accessories for men, women, and kids, the store boasts murals painted by a local artist and is in the perfect location for shoppers. “This new location and collection of custom La Jolla tees blend our optimistic energy and love for the outdoors with the laid-back nature of the California coast,” said Tom Hassell, president of The Life is Good Co. “The beachfront community felt like a natural fit for the brand and even inspired some custom La Jolla apparel. Girard Avenue in La Jolla felt like the perfect home for Life is Good.”

COMIC-CON ANNIVERSARY

San Diego Comic Convention’s Museo Comic-Con in Balboa Park showcasing comics and popular arts celebrates its first anniversary as a year-round extension of the premier celebration of its kind in the world, Comic-Con International. Since its opening on Nov. 26, 2021, the San Diego-based Museum has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to explore its immersive exhibits and expand their fandoms. Next year, the museum’s three floors will display all-new exhibits, to be announced in December 2022, and debut an Education Center that will serve as a learning hub for field trips, a classroom for comic creators to teach their art, a comic book reading lounge offering free, donated comic books and more. Tickets to the museum can be purchased in advance at comic-con.org/museum.

UCSD RANKING RISING
The University of California San Diego has been named the No. 29 university in the world, climbing five spots globally in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2022. UC San Diego also rose four places nationally to No. 17 in the United States. The university ranked No. 5 among public colleges in the country, rising one spot from last year. The Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2022 are based on the world’s largest invitation-only opinion survey of senior, published academics. The scholars are asked to name no more than 15 universities that they believe are the best for research and teaching in their field.

NEW PARKS DIRECTOR

A former member of the USA Rugby team, Jon Hinkin, is being named the San Diego Parks Foundation’s new executive director. He brings decades of international sports expertise and business acumen as he takes the helm of the nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to supporting the City’s mission to build an inclusive park system that strengthens communities and provides equitable access to recreational opportunities.

“As a world-class athlete and successful business leader, Jon’s incredible work ethic, growth mindset, valuable leadership and community-driven approach position him well for his new role as San Diego Park Foundation’s executive director,” said Michel Anderson, chairman of the San Diego Park Foundation’s board of directors. “Jon brings his passion for inclusivity and diversity from his work with teams across the globe to the Parks Foundation so that all San Diegans can enjoy healthy activities at our parks, which are the crown jewels of our region.”

MR. JINGLES RETURNS

Mr. Jingles Christmas Trees is back with an outlet in La Jolla at 6710 La Jolla Blvd., offering in-person shopping, online ordering, delivery, drop-off, installation, and tree-removal services. Mr. Jingles is a second-generation family-owned Christmas tree business with 12 locations nationwide. Christmas trees are freshly cut, loaded onto trucks, and immediately shipped to each of their locations. Effective Nov. 24 at select locations, customers can visit their local tree shop. Mr. Jingles also delivers and installs Christmas Trees for indoor and outdoor venues such as office buildings, restaurants, shopping malls, and business shops and offers commercial-grade fireproofing and tagging.

CHORAL ENSEMBLE PREMIERE

Sacra/Profana, San Diego’s professional choral ensemble, will present a Christmas concert on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 4761 Cass St. Founding director and principal guest conductor, Krishan Oberoi, will lead the ensemble in revisiting several pieces from their latest recording “A Longing for Christmas,” along with a performance of David Lang’s Pulitzer prize-winning cantata “The Little Match Girl Passion.” Based on the story by Hanz Christian Andersen and inspired by Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, this stunning work for chamber choir will pull at your heartstrings and cause you to think about the meaning of the season. Tickets are available at www.sacraprofana.org.

RTFH GRANT

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness announced that it has received a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund — the largest private gift in the organization’s history. Launched in 2018 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to leading organizations on the frontlines that are employing compassionate, needle-moving work to help families move from unsheltered homelessness and shelters to permanent housing with the services they require to achieve stability.

“We are excited to receive this grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund,” RTFH CEO Tamera Kohler said. “Families in San Diego are experiencing homelessness at a higher rate than we have seen before. Targeting these resources, we will strive to reduce these numbers and shorten the time any family is without a place to call home. This targeted, coordinated effort will leverage all available resources to make homelessness in our region rare, brief and one-time. We also recognize families of color experience homelessness at higher rates and are homeless longer. These funds will also be targeted to address this and improve lives of families struggling with homelessness across our region.”

MEASURE B PASSAGE LIKELY

Measure B on the Nov. 8 election ballot asking voters to repeal “The People’s Ordinance” mandating free trash collection for single-family homes in the City of San Diego, appears to have passed by a margin exceeding 3,000 votes with only 11,000 ballots left to count, according to the County Registrar of Voters. “At this point, we can confidently say that Measure B has passed and our proposed reforms will become law,” said City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera who spearheaded the measure with District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava. “This is a historic victory that will benefit every San Diegan. We are correcting an injustice while paving the path to improved neighborhood services, critical climate action and responsible fiscal management for the City.”

LUNG CANCER REPORT

The 2022 “State of Lung Cancer” report shows that only 1% of California residents who are eligible have been screened for lung cancer. The American Lung Association’s 5th annual report highlights the toll of lung cancer in California and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates. Nationally, the “State of Lung Cancer” report shows continued progress for lung cancer survival. The lung cancer five-year survival rate is now 25% and increased 21% from 2014 to 2018. Here in California, the lung cancer survival rate is around the national average at 25.4%

Currently, 14.2 million Americans meet the US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for screening. Under these guidelines, a person is eligible for lung cancer screening if they are between 50-80 years of age, have a 20-pack-year history (1 pack/day for 20 years, 2 packs/day for 10 years) and are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years. Find out if you are eligible for lung cancer screening at SavedByTheScan.org.

URBAN CORPS COMMENCEMENT

Urban Crops Charter School’s Class of 22 will be holding a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at 3127 Jefferson St. in the Midway District. The keynote speaker will be Ammar Campa-Najjar.

MIDWAY HEIGHT LIMIT

As of Nov. 15, Measure C, a City ballot initiative that would remove the 30-foot coastal height limit for buildings in the Midway District, was a close call but results were trending toward the measure’s passage. With mail ballots still being tallied, Measure C was ahead by around 8,000 votes with a margin of 51.1% to 48.9%. The Registrar of Voters estimates there are still 80,000 ballots to be counted, but it was unclear how many of those are from the City of San Diego.

TOP DIGITAL CITY

The City of San Diego has won the No. 1 ranking in the Center for Digital Government’s 2022 Digital Cities Survey, recognizing cities using technology to tackle social problems, enhance services, strengthen security and more. In recent years, the City has expanded public Wi-Fi to over 400 locations citywide as part of the award-winning SD Access 4 All initiative, with over 200,000 unique users and 1.4 million connections in the first year. The initiative also includes a free hotline for basic tech support and free in-person classes to help people learn how to use a computer and navigate the internet. In addition, the City is preparing to launch the San Diego Regional Cyber Lab later this year to help local agencies and businesses prevent and protect against cyberattacks.

SEAWEED PILOT FARM

As a leader of the Blue Economy in the San Diego region, the Port of San Diego is adding five years onto its agreement with Sunken Seaweed, LLC., a local startup demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of seaweed and shellfish aquaculture in San Diego Bay. The Port is also investing an additional $100,000 in the project in exchange for an increase in revenue share from 5% to 6% and an extended revenue share period from 2043 to 2048. Sunken Seaweed is led by two marine ecologists committed to pioneering sustainable seaweed aquaculture in San Diego. They are growing culinary seaweeds including dulse, sea lettuce, ogo, and other larger kelp varieties. Sunken Seaweed’s goal is to sell its seaweed to chefs and food production and distribution companies. They are also exploring a range of products including fertilizers, human food supplements, and livestock feed additives. Sunken Seaweed’s pilot farm is located at the northwestern end of Grape Street Pier No. 1 along the North Embarcadero.

BEST COMMUTE TIMES

The number of people working primarily from home tripled between 2019 and 2021, but the impact on commute time was minimal – a mere 2-minute drop across the U.S. However, research on the latest Census Bureau data shows that workers in many cities can shorten their morning commute by adjusting their departure time and avoiding the timeslots when most commuters are leaving for work.

Here are a few highlights: Residents of San Diego leaving for work between 7:30-7:59 a.m. experience a shorter commute time (23.4 minutes) than those leaving during 7-7:29 a.m. (24.4 minutes); delaying departure time by half an hour in the morning can save commuters up to 4 hours per year; the busiest timeframe for morning commuters is between 7-8:29 a.m. when 187,481 commuters leave for work.

NAMING STREET SWEEPER

To raise public awareness of the importance of street sweeping to neighborhood quality of life, the City last month asked San Diegans for their help in naming the new 100% electric mini street sweeper and received over 300 suggestions via social media and email. Those choices have been whittled down to three finalists: Sweep-E; The Blue Broomba; T.E.S.S. (The Electric Street Sweeper). The City is asking San Diegans to choose their favorite. Go to thinkblue.org to cast your vote and become eligible for raffle prizes, including SeaWorld tickets. Voting will be through Nov. 23. The City’s Stormwater Department will then paint the mini sweeper blue with its new name as part of its Piensa en Blue San Diego public outreach and education initiative.

GALLERY GROUP EXHIBITION

R. B. Stevenson Gallery at 7661 Girard Ave., Suite 101, announced the opening of “Ensemble” a group exhibition, featuring new and recent works by a selection of gallery artists. The gallery exhibition opens with a reception for the artists Saturday, Nov. 19. from 5-8 p.m. and will remain on view through Dec. 17. The gallery will be open at 1 p.m. for early viewing.

NFL FANS

De acuerdo a un recent survey among U.S. sports fans, NFL fans spend $97.50 on average on food and drinks while watching sports at home, which is the most among all other sports fans. For example, NBA fans spend $92.57, NHL fans $82.62, and MLB fans $79.53. The survey was conducted online among 2,897 sports fans from Oct. 18 to Nov. 10. It includes 10 questions regarding participants’ sports-watching habits such as where and with whom they preferred to watch sports events. They were also asked about their consumption during games and matches, how much they eat and drink and how much they spend on average on snacks.

SHOP DOMESTIC

Three-quarters of American consumers would prefer to purchase holiday gifts that are made in the United States, but a third say they rarely or never see American-made products while shopping, according to a new poll released today by the Alliance of American Manufacturing, during the launch of its 2022 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide. Only 14% of adults say they see American-made products “a lot” while shopping. More than eight in 10 (81%) say they would purchase more holiday gifts that are Made in the United States if they were more widely available at large retailers. Consumers blame major corporations moving production overseas as the main reason, cited by 43%, that they do not see more American-made products while shopping. To help consumers, AAM released its annual guide of American-made gift ideas and tips on how to identify country-of-origin labels on products. The gift guide highlights companies that make products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The online tool gives shoppers a wide variety of gift ideas of products made locally and throughout the country. Visit americanmanufacturing.org to find the holiday gift guide.

VETERANS VILLAGE MAKEOVER

Veteran’s Village of San Diego, 2061 Kurtz St., is the recipient of a Warehouse Makeover from The Home Depot Foundation Project Surprise. The VVSD Donation Warehouse Makeover/Transformation will provide a more efficient and functional warehouse for veterans to receive clothing, furniture, hygiene supplies and many other items that are donated to Veterans Village of San Diego. The makeover will include new racks, shelving, dressing room and seating area. It is all part of The Home Depot Foundation’s annual Operation Surprise campaign, which aims to provide life-changing moments of surprise and support for veterans and communities in need.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Deborah Miller, front desk administrative assistant, and Nancy Walters, executive director at La Jolla Community Center, at the center’s Day of the Dead festive event on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Day of the Dead (Día De Los Muertos) is a joyful time that helps people remember the departed and celebrate their memory. The event consisted of three major themes: remembrance, community and celebration. Day of the Dead is a holiday for celebrating death and life where mourning is exchanged for celebration. The evening at La Jolla Community Center included live mariachi music and traditional Mexican tacos for dinner.

AUTUMN BUNCO

Join PB Woman’s Club for a rousing game of bunco on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m., gathering at VFW Post 5985, 853 Turquoise St. It’s fun and easy to learn. There will be raffle items and refreshments. There is a maximum of 40 participants. Entry is $20. Get tickets at pbwomansclub.org/bunco.

PB HOLIDAY PARADE

Registration is now open for the 42nd annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10 starting at noon. Parade entrants can make a payment at pacificbeach.org or make a check out to Discover Pacific Beach, 1503 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109. This year’s theme is “Disco Holiday.” For questions, email [email protected].

GARDEN GURUS

Join Pacific Beach Town Council each Thursday morning from 8-10 a.m. to volunteer to participate in Garden Gurus. The gurus are an outgrowth of the PBTC’s enhancement committee. The group has made a commitment to using only organic methods of weed abatement. Naming themselves the “organic garden gurus,” the volunteer group meets the first, second and third Thursdays of each month, as well as the last Saturday of the month “to allow volunteers an opportunity to work on the weekend who can’t work during the week.”

The PBTC’s enhancement committee is looking into doing a project involving “topping off the bluffs on Loring Street,” as well as doing some weeding by the ocean that may include introducing some native plants. The enhancement committee wants to get the word out that community beautification should be everyone’s business. For more information, or to volunteer, visit pbtowncouncil.org, or email [email protected].

BEETHOVEN & SCHUBERT IN LJ

La Jolla Woman’s Club at 7791 Draper Ave. is hosting a concert titled “Beethoven & Schubert, Two Emissaries of Love” on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. An introduction will be given by musicolgist Nuvi Mehta. The concert features three masterpieces for piano and strings by Beethoven & Schubert performed by a trio of virtuosos: Strauss SHI, violin; Juliette Herlin, cello; and Francois Chouchan, piano. After the concert, there will be a Q&A between the musicians and audience, followed by a high tea buffet with champagne, catered by The French Gourmet. To buy tickets, visit LeSalondeMusiques.com or call 310-498-0257.

DODO BIRD DONUTS

Dodo Bird Donuts has officially landed in Bird Rock, becoming a coffee-and-donut at 5680 La Jolla Blvd. The all-day café opened this summer with daily hours running from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu includes a variety of baked goods, craft-roasted coffee, and other café delicacies.

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR

Charles F. “Chuck” Stevens, 88, distinguished professor emeritus in Salk’s Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, died peacefully on Oct. 21 at his home in San Diego.

“Chuck was a giant in modern neuroscience,” said Salk president Calibrador oxidado. “He pioneered many techniques to study how messages are transmitted across synapses in the brain and how these signals help us learn and remember. He always brought unique perspectives to any problem and inspired us all to think more creatively. But what’s more, he always had time to talk with his colleagues and trainees, many of whom went on to become accomplished neuroscientists themselves. He will be missed.”

Stevens joined Salk in 1990, after serving as a faculty member at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Yale School of Medicine. He was also a research scientist and advisory board member with the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind at UC San Diego. He was responsible for confirming via modern experimentation long-held beliefs regarding the consistency of neuron density throughout the brain. He was also a leader in exploring and understanding the scalable architecture of the brain.

CHARITY FOOD GRANT

Alimentando a San Diego, a hunger relief and food rescue organization, announced it is a recipient of a $100,000 grant from The Conrad Prebys Foundation for its 2022 summer grant cycle. The funds will support the nonprofit’s School Pantry Program, helping to break the cycle of food insecurity for the youth of San Diego County by providing nutritious meals to families. The longstanding program, which is Feeding San Diego’s largest hunger-relief program for children, alleviates childhood hunger by providing nutritious food to children, youth, and their families at no cost onsite at local schools.

This ensures consistent, reliable access to healthy food on a dependable schedule at familiar locations. The School Pantry Program operates throughout San Diego County in partnership with 13 school districts. School Pantries operate at Title 1 elementary, middle, and high schools across districts located in US Census Bureau low-moderate income tracks where a high percentage of students come from low-income families and have a high incidence of health risk and low access to food assistance.

“The School Pantry Program is vital to many families throughout San Diego County who need support to ensure nutritious food is consistently available,” said Ali Colbran, Feeding San Diego’s director of development, institutional giving and donor relations. “We are incredibly grateful that The Conrad Prebys Foundation recognizes the importance of this program and has again included Feeding San Diego in a grant cycle. It will surely make a difference to children and parents in San Diego County who rely on food assistance.”

CAMPLAND THANKSGIVING

Campland on the Bay at 2211 Pacific Beach Drive is holding a traditional meal at its cantina on Thanksgiving for campers staying there. The meal includes roasted turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and corn, cranberry sauce and a dinner roll with butter. Served from noon-4 p.m. There is a limited supply of dinners. Cost is $17 for adults, $12 for children under age 12.

SANDBAR THANKSGIVING

Mission Beach’s Sandbar at 718 Ventura Place will be opening at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving day, Thursday, Nov. 24. The beach bar is inviting guests in to enjoy their traditional Thanksgiving plate, with turkey and all your favorite sides, for $14. The special will only be available while supplies last.

LJ MAD ANNIVERSARY

The La Jolla maintenance assessment district marked three years in operation in October. With schedules established for janitorial, landscaping and pressure washing activities, attention has broadened to public-right-of-way improvements. A collaboration between Enhance La Jolla and the La Jolla Village Merchants Association will soon result in several San Diego Gas & Electric utility boxes featuring La Jolla-themed art and directional signage. Artists are now preparing mock-ups of artwork for these boxes, which involves hybrid designs of paint and decorative vinyl. SDG&E must inspect each utility box before work can proceed. If you see an issue needing attention within the district, contact Enhance La Jolla at 858-444-5892 or [email protected].

PARADE OF LIGHTS

El San Diego Bay Parade of Lights’ announced theme for the holiday boat parade is “FantaSEA.” This year marks the 52nd annual Parade of Lights, one of the area’s holiday traditions held on San Diego Bay. “This year we chose a theme that we felt encapsulated the essence of Christmastime here by the sea,” said parade chairman Larry Baumann. “What better way to celebrate the fantasy and excitement around Christmastime than by the bay in beautiful San Diego.”

The dates for this year’s parade are Dec. 11 and 18. The procession of about 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the region’s holiday events. The parade route starts at Shelter Island and travels west past Harbor Island, then south along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Cesar Chavez Park before turning parallel with the Coronado Bridge to the west side of the bay. The parade then proceeds past the Coronado Ferry Landing to the finish line. It takes about two hours to complete the procession and there are many comfortable waterfront viewpoints along the route. Those interested in sponsoring can contact Larry Baumann at 619-222-1181 or [email protected]. For more information and parade details, visit sdparadeoflights.org.

SEAPORT PROJECT PROGRESSING

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has authorized staff to begin the environmental review process for the Seaport San Diego project proposed by 1HWY1 for the potential redevelopment of the Central Embarcadero along San Diego Bay. 1HWY1 is proposing a mixed-use development program that includes more than 70 percent of public realm space – parks, open spaces and plazas, piers, walkways, beaches, nature trails, shared streets, and public rooftop; hotels at various service levels and price points; an event center; a “Blue Tech Innovation Center” block made up of an aquarium, blue tech office space, and an observation tower; commercial fishing facilities; restaurants, retail, and more.

SEAWORLD SALUTES VETS
SeaWorld San Diego is honoring active duty and veterans of the U.S. armed forces with a weekend tribute during the “Red, White and Blue Salute.” From Nov. 11-13, SeaWorld will hold a daily flag ceremony, offer live music, fireworks and more. The park offers complimentary one-day admission tickets to veterans, active duty members, and three family members through the Waves of Honor program.

WRONG WAY PREVENTION

Caltrans crews continue wrong-way-driver-prevention upgrades in the evenings on off-ramps across San Diego County, for the next two months. In an effort to keep the public informed of the multiple closures, information on closed ramps can be updated weekly on the Caltrans Wrong-Way Driver Education and Prevention campaign page. The work includes new striping at the off-ramps and gore points along the highway, and installing specialized reflectors that show red to drivers entering the freeway in the wrong direction.

“This effort addresses off-ramps as the main access point for drivers entering the freeway in the wrong direction”, said Caltrans District 11 director Gustavo Dallarda. “With this upgraded infrastructure, we hope to significantly reduce wrong way driving incidents.”

In San Diego, the number of wrong-way drivers reported to the California Highway Patrol decreased by 64 percent during Caltrans’ initial pilot program that installed these specialized reflectors in 2016. The reflective markers proved to be so effective that Caltrans is installing them on various exit ramps throughout the state.

WORLD CUP VIEWING

The Gaslamp Quarter is the place to catch the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a free viewing party. Come cheer on your teams at the World Cup viewing party set for Nov. 25-27. Games taking place each day at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Island Street between 4th and 5th avenues. Games include matchups like USA vs. England, and Mexico vs. Argentina. Cheer on your country and your favorite teams in an all-ages beverage garden, interactive games. For more information, visit gaslamp.org/news/gaslamp-world-cup-viewing-party.

DRUNKEN DRIVERS

City Attorney Mara W. Elliott announced that the California Office of Traffic Safety awarded a grant of $270,000 to the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. This grant will continue to fund the special team of prosecutors that works on both drug-impaired and drug/alcohol-impaired driving cases. The funding from the Drug DUI Prosecution Grant will aid the City Attorney’s Office in handling cases throughout each step of the criminal process.

STEM GRANTS

San Diego Foundation announced it is offering $750,000 in grants to help build and diversify the local talent pipeline for science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, industries. The Science and Technology Program grant opened on Nov. 2, and will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for awards ranging from $25,000-$75,000. For more information or to apply, visit sdfoundation.org/nonprofits/apply-for-a-grant/science-technology-program-fy23-grant. Learn more at SDFoundation.org.

SANTA IN LITTLE ITALY

The Little Italy Association’s annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4-8 p.m., and Santa is back. After being absent for two years, Santa is ready to visit his Little Italy condo and join in the holiday festivities. The Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is the special kickoff to the holiday magic transforming the neighborhood. From large snowflakes adorning the Piazza, to custom holiday decorations through the neighborhood, there’s nothing quite like Little Italy during the holidays.

VIRTUAL VETERANS EVENT

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is holding a virtual Veterans Appreciation event on Nov, 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event educates the community on opportunities for veteran organizations at San Diego International Airport and beyond. Through its Small Business Development team, the Airport Authority works towards maximizing small, local, veteran, and underrepresented business participation in contracts with the Airport Authority and its partners. The virtual Veterans Appreciation event is free to businesses and registration is now open. For more information on the Airport Authority’s Small Business Development Program, visit san.org/smallbusiness.

CRASH VICTIM VIGIL

Families for Safe Streets San Diego and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition will join with Mayor Todd Gloria, and Council members Sean Elo-Rivera, Raul Campillo, and Stephen Whitburn Friday, Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at San Diego Civic Center Plaza, 1200 5rd Ave., to observe World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic victims. Families for Safe Streets, a group of San Diego families who have lost loved ones in traffic crashes, will place 294 pairs of empty shoes on the steps of the Civic Center Fountain to represent the 294 people who were killed in traffic crashes in San Diego County in 2021. Speakers from Families for Safe Streets will then tell the stories of those they have lost to crashes, and ask the City Council and mayor to increase their investments in safe streets. Elected officials will then speak about the City’s efforts to improve traffic safety.

CROCKPOT DRIVE

To kick off the giving season, United Way of San Diego County is collecting new crockpots to support local families facing food insecurity during the holidays now through Nov. 14. The nonprofit will collect funds to purchase new crockpots that will be distributed to families in need, just in time for Thanksgiving Day. According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, 1 in 4 San Diegans are nutrition insecure and cannot provide three nutritious meals for themselves or their family per day. While this estimate is down from last year, it is still an increase from pre-pandemic years. Many families rely on hunger relief assistance from organizations, even in dual-income households. To support families experiencing nutrition insecurity, UWSD will provide them with new crockpots to help them cook quick, easy and nutritious meals at home that help stretch their dollars.

TROLLEY ANNIVERSARY

SANDAG will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line on Monday, Nov. 21. The 11-mile extension is the largest completed infrastructure project in the history of the San Diego region and provides a direct connection from the U.S./Mexico border to the University City community. Between December 2021 and September 2022, the Blue Line carried an estimated 16.7 million passengers — as compared to 9.6 million in all of 2021 — proving to be a successful component of its 2021 Regional Plan.

PACK THE PANTRY

According to recent research, 50% of college students in San Diego face food insecurity, which means they do not have reliable, consistent access to food. This obstacle increases the likelihood that students will miss classes or drop out of school. With the fourth annual Pack the Pantry food drive, California Coast Credit Union is partnering with all the local community college campuses, the North County Food Bank, and the San Diego Food Bank to raise funds and fill local college pantries with healthy and nutritious food. During November, donate online to help provide much-needed food to college pantries at calcoastcu.org/packthepantry. Donors can even select what college food pantry they want their donation directed to.

PET FOSTER HOMES

San Diego Humane Society is asking the community to provide temporary homes for pets as their shelters face space challenges and a high volume of incoming animals. The nonprofit animal welfare organization currently has nearly 1,500 animals in care and is asking for critical support from foster volunteers to ensure the shelter can accommodate new animals in need of sheltering. At least 50 foster volunteers are needed immediately to help alleviate the critical space shortage.
A temporary commitment to foster can have a lifelong impact for a deserving shelter pet. By fostering, you’ll help set that animal up for a successful new start in life, while also making space in the shelter for more animals in need of care. “Fostering offers the one-on-one attention and loving comfort that only a home setting can provide,” said director of nursery and placement Jackie Noble. “Additional foster volunteers will allow us to create space for the animals who continue to enter our care every day, especially right now when our shelters are full.”
Whatever your life looks like, chances are there’s a foster pet who will be a perfect match — including dogs, kittens, cats, reptiles, rabbits and other deserving animals. To see pets available to be fostered and learn how to apply, visit sdhumane.org/adopt/foster-portal.

DARK SKY COMMUNITY

An official unveiling ceremony was held recently to reveal new “Entering Julian” and “International Dark Sky Community” signs that will be installed along State Route 78 (SR-78) and State Route 79 (SR-79), to help encourage more stargazers, visitors and shoppers to restaurants and businesses located in Julian in rural East County. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors recently led an initiative to adopt a lighting ordinance that made the designation of Julian as an International Dark Sky Community possible. An International Dark Sky Community is one that has taken steps to preserve the darkness of the night sky and the view of the stars and planets by limiting light pollution at night. Julian is only the second community in the state with this designation.

FIDO HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

Looking for that perfect gift for all the dog lovers in your circle? Relax, FIDO’s holiday fundraiser  runs now through Thanksgiving weekend. This year’s store includes old favorites and new designs. Some highlights – FIDO tote bags in organic cotton, Happy Howlidays imprint in either T-shirt or hoodie, zip-up or standard hoodies in a range of colors and imprints, hats in either fitted cap or snapback styles. Visit the FIDO Online Store to see all the styles and colors.

LOVE/SICK PRODUCTION

Point Loma Playhouse cordially invites the public to its upcoming production of “LOVE/SICK” by John Cariani directed by David Sein. The show (encima) opens Friday, Nov. 18 and runs through Dec. 4 – Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot St.

The show is a collection of eight slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this 80-minute romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, “LOVE/SICK” is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone. The show stars Kim Breslin, Gunnar Ramstrum, Walter Ruskin, Carly Salway, Kathryn Schellinger, Kara Tuckfield, and Tyler VanCamp. Visit pointlomaplayhouse.com para más información.

OB VETERANS PLAZA FUNDRAISING BURLESQUE SHOW

To honor those who have served their country throughout the years, a group of community organizations, which includes The Peninsula Alliance, OBMA, OB Woman’s Club, Ocean Beach Community Development Corp., Ocean Beach Town Council, and OB Planning Board, have set out to build a new Veterans Plaza. The plans are at OBVeteransPlaza.org.

The latest fundraising effort includes a variety and burlesque show (USO style) with food, auction items, drinks for purchase, and entertainment in the form of a vaudeville show, provided by Demure Production, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 5:30-10 p.m. at Mission Beach Women’s Club, 840 Santa Clara Place.

The current Veterans Memorial Plaza at the corner of Newport Avenue and Abbott Street is in disrepair. The David Martin Veteran’s Memorial Fund will help fulfill the late David Martin’s vision to create a lasting memorial that will honor veterans. Martin was an active participant and contributor to Ocean Beach’s civic organizations. This project was originated by him, a proud Marine. Purchase tickets at simpletix.com/e/for-the-vets-a-vaudeville-tribute-tickets-113081.

BEACH MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality has issued the following beach management actions for Wednesday, Nov. 2. New Beach Management Actions: Advisory – La Jolla Cove and Campland in Mission Bay – an advisory is issued for La Jolla Cove and Campland in Mission Bay. Beachgoers are advised that bacteria levels have exceeded State health standards and may cause illness.

On-going Beach Management Actions: Advisory – Children’s Pool in La Jolla, Tidelands Park in Coronado, and Tourmaline Surf Park in Pacific Beach – the above beaches remain under advisory. Beach goers are advised that bacteria levels have exceeded State health standards and may cause illness.

Closure – Tijuana Slough Shorelines – the ocean shoreline from the International Border to the south end of Seacoast Drive will remain closed until sampling confirms these areas are safe for water contact. For updates on beach advisory and closure information, visit sdbeachinfo.com or call 619-338-2073

OCEAN BEACH BANNER DISTRICT SEEKS SUNSET PHOTOS

Each year the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association selects a theme for the OB Banner District. The theme for 2023 is Ocean Beach, Where the Sun Sets in San Diego. For more information, visit oceanbeachsandiego.com. Submissions will be reviewed and considered for being included in this year’s banners, which will be hung along the entrance to Ocean Beach and down Newport Avenue. The size of the banners is 30 inches wide and 96 inches tall – vertical format. The OBMA will contact you if your photograph is selected to be featured with this year’s banners. All submissions will be posted within a photo album featured on the OBMA website.

PLHS TALENT SHOW

The Point Loma High School talent show will take place on Nov. 17. This event will be offered free for staff, students, and parents to come out and support.

MEASURE C RALLY AT SPORTS ARENA

On Thursday, Nov. 3 at 11:30 a.m., formerly homeless individuals, community leaders, and City Councilmember Chris Cate will gather at Sports Arena lot, east entrance, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., to outline one major step that must be completed to shrink San Diego’s affordable home shortage by thousands. A plan to create more than 2,000 affordable homes on the Sports Arena site that are legally reserved for working families, not wealthy investors, is not possible unless San Diegans approve Measure C on the Nov. 8 ballot. Without voter approval, housing at a scale that San Diego needs cannot be built at this prime location. The news conference comes after a startling report by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness revealed that for every 10 San Diegans who exit homeless, 13 new people find themselves without a home.

DOGGIE STREET FESTIVAL

The 13th annual Doggie Street Festival San Diego will take place on Saturday, Nov. 19 at NTC Park Liberty Station. This companion animal adopt-a-thon and celebration of furry best friends presents pet products and services, eats, vet tips, music, auction prizes, and much more. Bring your friendly dog. For more information, visit doggiestreetfestival.org.

STAND-UP COMEDY

On Friday, Nov. 4, Point Loma Playhouse will present “Fall ‘22 Stand-Up Comedy Showcase.” Eleven comics from ActLiveNow will be presenting 5-7 minute skits under the direction of professional comedian Tony Calabrese. The event will be hosted by Edna Nerona. All seats $10. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. at Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot St.

LIBRARY BALLOT DROP-OFF

The Point Loma/Hervey Library at 3701 Voltaire St. is serving as an Official Drop Box location for the 2022 Statewide General Election now through Tuesday, Nov. 8. Your signed, sealed and dated ballot envelope can be dropped off Mondays and Tuesdays 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, hours for dropping off ballots will be 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Questions regarding the Ballot Drop-Off program should be directed to the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters at 858-565-5800.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING

The County is holding a public meeting to discuss the Heritage County Park Improvements Project in Old Town on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on a link at sdparks.org. The project will include creating overnight accommodations in four of the Victorian houses and bringing new recreation amenities to the park including a discussion of improving the back lawn gardens and gazebo, interior guesthouse design plans and general project updates. The public will virtually be able to hear about the project and ask questions in a group setting. After the meeting, a recorded version of the presentation will be available on sdparks.org.

MAYOR FOR A DAY

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has announced the 2022-23 Mayor for a Day Contest, which aims to foster and encourage leadership in young people living in San Diego.  Interested K-12 students living in the City of San Diego are invited to write an essay or submit a video about what San Diego would be like if they were mayor for a day. “The selected winner will be given the opportunity to shadow me for a day to see how the City works up close and will play a role in the State of the City address this January,” said Gloria.

ACTUALIZACIÓN DE REEMPLAZO DE PUENTE

Construction crews kicked off October by continuing concrete pours for rails and curbs of the new southbound bridge for the West Mission Bay Drive bridge replacement. In mid-October, crews moved to concrete pours for the bridge sidewalks, drainage systems and sign foundations. Other work included concrete grading of the sidewalks; installation of bridge lighting poles, conduits for curbs and pedestrian railings; and staining of curbs and soffits of the structure. To end the month, falsework removal continued along with concrete pours for sidewalks of the bridge on both the northwest and south sides of the structure.

El Proyecto de reemplazo del puente West Mission Bay Drive will provide an improved transportation link across the San Diego River. The new corridor will consist of two parallel bridge structures with three lanes in each direction, replacing the existing four-lane structure built in the early 1950s; protected multi-use paths for bicyclists and pedestrians; more space for vehicular traffic and additional traffic improvements along Sports Arena Boulevard, West Mission Bay Drive and the westbound I-8 off-ramp.

Construction work is conducted Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with modified hours for specific tasks. Occasional night work occurs between 9 p.m.-5 a.m. The project is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. For questions or comments, call the Engineering and Capital Projects Department at 619-533-4207 or email [email protected]. Reference “West Mission Bay Drive Bridge Replacement Project” in your message.

STAND-UP NIGHT

Eleven comics from the ActLiveNow “Stand-Up Comedy Workshop” under the direction of Tony Calabrese make their main stage debut at the Point Loma Playhouse for one evening of fun and laughter, hosted by Edna Nerona, Friday, Nov. 4 at the historic Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot St. in Point Loma. All seats are $10. Doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit pointlomaplayhouse.com.

WINE & FOOD FEST

The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival returns for its 18th annual festival Nov. 8-13, offering a lineup of culinary events, meals and excursions. The Grand Tasting for the event is on Saturday, Nov. 12. The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival offers several ways to indulge in the most awesome culinary experience of the year, including all-inclusive ticket packages that offer overall savings, and feature hotel accommodations as well as admission to a selection of the food and wine festival’s premier events. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sandiegowineclassic.com.

TUBERCULOSIS REPORTED

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is working in close collaboration with officials at San Diego Unified School District to notify people who were possibly exposed to tuberculosis from June 17 to July 10 at Mission Bay High School. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that is transmitted from person to person through inhalation of bacteria from the air. Chances of infection are higher for people with frequent and prolonged indoor exposure to a person who is sick with TB. Individuals who would like more information on this potential exposure should call the San Diego County TB Control Program at 619-692-8621.

COMEDY CHARITY SHOW

The national charity comedy show “Make Laughs Not War” is coming to The Comedy Store at 916 Pearl St. in La Jolla to raise relief money for the war victims in Ukraine on Nov. 9. Make Laughs Not War was created by Ukrainian-Russian comedian and kickboxing world champion Anya Zova to raise awareness and financial support for countries in conflict. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Global Empowerment Mission to support victims of war in Ukraine. “I want people to have fun, I want them to have a good time and I want them to understand that war is not a solution to any problem,” says Zova. Come out at 8 p.m. for a night of laughs, all while supporting a good cause. Tickets are available at showclix.com/event/make-laughs-not-war-.

HEIGHT LIMIT RALLY

Proponents in favor of protecting the 50-year-old, 30-foot coastal height limit, which is against a measure on the Nov. 8 election ballot asking voters to remove the height limit in the Midway District and the Sports Arena, are holding a rally at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3 on Seaworld Drive frontage road. The rally is to include a representative from the Sierra Club, John McNab of Save Our Access, District 2 City Council challenger Linda Lukacs, and Point Loma activists Mandy Havlik, and Margaret Virissimo.

STUDENT AID PSA

San Diego Unified School District has produced a Public Service Announcement featuring students as part of the family outreach campaign related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The PSA includes San Diego Unified students sharing their future career goals and encouraging fellow students to apply for FAFSA. Through its outreach campaign and PSA,  San Diego Unified shows how families can 1) create their FAFSA ID account and 2) complete the FAFSA application. The FAFSA application window opened up on Oct. 1. The sooner the FAFSA form is completed, the sooner families can make informed college and trade school choices. FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for various student aid including federal, state, and school-based, as well as grants and scholarships. Federal student aid is available for the traditional four-year college, community college, technical and vocational schooling.

CICLOSDIAS DOWNTOWN

CicloSDias welcomes everyone in San Diego to walk, ride, stroll and enjoy the streets from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6 in Downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp District and East Village. Approximately 3 miles of city streets will be opened to families, pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, skateboarders, and anyone else interested in using this public space in a new way. The event will include a “Hub” in different spots along the route. These Hubs will feature CicloSDias merchandise, showcase event sponsors and host a variety of fun activities.

CicloSDias is an annual event that helps build demand for streets that serve all people on foot or on wheels (bikes, skateboards, strollers, etc.). Each year the location changes around the county to celebrate the diverse character and community spirit of San Diego neighborhoods. By showcasing how important public space is, this event helps reclaim public streets by walking, biking, rolling and running. Explore and support local businesses and meet your neighbors in a new community space.

RANDY’S IN SD

Randy’s Donuts, an iconic Los Angeles-based bakery that’s well-known for the giant doughnuts that top their outposts, is planning to open 10 locations in San Diego County. The first is a 2,300-square-foot doughnut bakery that the company plans to open in the Mission Valley area by January 2023.

MORE THAN PINK

On Sunday, Nov. 6, Susan G. Komen will host a More Than Pink Walk in which several thousand San Diegans will come together in Balboa Park to raise critical funds for breast cancer research and financial support services for individuals facing breast cancer today. Participants will muster at 6th and Laurel starting at 7:30 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 8 a.m and the walk following at 9 a.m. Register at komen.org/sandiegowalk.

LIGHT THE TOWN RED

Now through Sunday, Nov. 6, businesses, landmarks and attractions across San Diego County will be glowing red for San Diego State University’s Light the Town Red Campaign. The campaign is part of SDSU’s 125th Anniversary celebration and is timed with this Saturday’s upcoming homecoming game at Snapdragon Stadium. Locations participating in the Light the Town Red Campaign include the Convention Center, the County Administration Building, SeaWorld, Snapdragon Stadium, and buildings across the SDSU campus. The SDSU community is encouraged to get involved by adding red lights to their own homes. Red lights are available at the SDSU Bookstore and en línea.

FESTIVAL OF TREES

The second annual Festival of Trees will be held on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 4-8 p.m. at InsideOUT, 1642 University Ave. in Hillcrest. The event will benefit Being Alive San Diego, a local non-profit that provides vital end-to-end HIV/AIDS and related services throughout San Diego County. Festival of Trees will feature over 20 expertly decorated and donated artificial trees to be auctioned off and delivered to winners’ homes. In addition, the event also features a robust silent auction and travel raffle, and will serve as the premiere holiday kick-off event for the LGBTQ+ and allied communities.

Tree auction winners will have their winning trees personally delivered to them the following day by volunteers from the San Diego Armada Rugby Football Club and Junk Medics movers. Special guests include Mayor Todd Gloria, Toni Duran, and State Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins.

LAWYERS CLUB ENDORSEMENT

Lawyers Club of San Diego has endorsed Proposition 1, the state ballot measure that would amend the California Constitution to recognize the fundamental right to choose an abortion and prohibit the state from denying or interfering with personal choices related to reproductive care.

FAREWELL TO PLASTICS

Reacting to a positive vote to curb single-use plastics, District 1 Councilmember and Environment Committee chair Joe LaCava said: “San Diego is ready to say goodbye to polystyrene and single-use plastics. The unanimous approval by the Environment Committee to ‘Advance Reduction of Single-Use Plastics, Removing Polystyrene from the Waste Stream,’ gets us one step closer to keeping these harmful materials out of our waste stream, beaches, and waters, demonstrating our continuous efforts to implement our Climate Action Plan.”

GREENHOUSE GAS WARNING

Rep. scott peters (CA-52) and world-renowned climate scientist Dr. Ram Ramanathan responded to the World Meteorological Organization’s newest report on greenhouse gas levels. According to the informe, 2021 had the largest year-on-year increase in methane concentrations in recorded history and carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise at a dangerous pace.

“As daunting as these findings are, they provide an urgent reminder that our work to combat the climate crisis has just begun,” said Peters. “When I decided to run for Congress, I was prepared to find solutions to large-scale and complex problems like climate change. Now as I work with my colleagues on methane and other super pollutants, we know we have the solutions to reduce greenhouse gases from across our economy. We must double down to reduce pollution everywhere and maintain a healthy climate.”

“For too long, mitigation of methane emissions has taken a back seat in climate mitigation actions,” said Ramanathan. “This new data shows why we need to ramp up the efforts to drastically cut the emissions of these super heat trapping pollutants and bend the warming curve to buy society some time for adapting to projected weather/climate extremes.”

SYMPHONY REACHES GOAL

The San Diego Symphony announced that it has reached its goal for “The Future is Hear” $125 million campaign. In 2020, “The Future Is Hear” was announced as a campaign to support the organization’s wide-ranging artistic and community programs, including construction of the extraordinary state-of-the art, year-round venue The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The campaign also encompasses improvement of the infrastructure of Copley Symphony Hall at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center, stabilization funding to provide critical support during the Covid-closure, and wide-ranging artistic initiatives for San Diego’s diverse communities.

In the beginning stages of “The Future is Hear” campaign, several notable San Diego Philanthropists contributed major donations, including Ernest and Evelyn Rady who gave the lead gift of $15 million to support the construction of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and later an additional $5 million which totals $20 million to the campaign. Joan and Irwin Jacobs gave $11 million in support of the outdoor venue in addition to other significant leadership gifts to support various aspects of the comprehensive campaign, The Conrad Prebys Foundation made a $15 million contribution with $12.5 million in support of the outdoor venue, and the Una Davis Family provided a $10 million gift to ensure the project’s early success.

TIRE CHALKING UPHELD

City Attorney Mara W. Elliott announced that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld San Diego’s longstanding practice of chalking tires as a means of enforcing time limits in parking spaces on City streets. Tens of millions of dollars were at stake with the ruling. Attorneys in the class-action lawsuit sought damages from the City of at least $11 million for each of the past four years. In a split 2-1 decision, the panel held that, even assuming the temporary dusting of chalk on a tire constitutes a “search” under the Fourth Amendment, as the plaintiffs argued, it represents a negligible intrusion on personal liberty and falls within the amendment’s administrative search exception.

WALTER MUNK DAY

Tank (above), a Northern Sonoran Desert Tortoise, from the Living Coast Discovery Center, was at a Walter Munk Day booth to help educate people on protecting the animal world. Walter Munk Day on Oct. 15 celebrated oceans in memory of the late famed Scripps oceanographer at Kellogg Park. The observance marked the dedication of the Walter Munk Educational Plaza and The Map, and the unveiling of the large traveling model of the topography from the top of Mt. Soledad to the shoreline, and the Bathymetry from the shoreline to the point beyond where the Grand Canyons of La Jolla merge. PHOTO BY DON BALCH

NEW SALK PROFESSOR

The Salk Institute welcomes assistant professor Deepshika Ramanan, an innovative researcher studying how the maternal immune system changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding and affects immunity and inflammation in babies across multiple generations. Ramanan will join Salk’s NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis. Ramanan will study the ways immune cells function during pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially in the intestine and the mammary glands. She will also examine how a mother’s microbiota, diet, exposure to infections, and other environmental factors impact a newborn’s early development and long-term immune health, such as the development of an autoimmune disorder, for multiple generations.

SEASONS OF YELLOWSTONE

A new book by wildlife photographer Thomas Mangelsen titled “Seasons of Yellowstone: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks,” is now available through his Images of Nature Gallery in La Jolla at 7916 Girard Ave. The book has over 150 breathtaking images capture the majesty of the seasons in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in Mangelsen’s newest book. Subjects are drawn from every corner of the 2.2 million acres that make up Yellowstone National Park and the adjacent Grand Teton, readers will visit stunning natural landmarks and see the incredible species that call this region home.

For more information, call (800) 228‑9686, shop online, o Email Customer Support.

JOSE’S COURTROOM ANNIVERSARY

Jose’s Courtroom at 1037 Prospect St. will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a “50ñera” Party on Saturday, Nov. 5. The festivities, which will take place from 11 a.m. opening until close, include drink specials, a mariachi band during the day, and a DJ at night. The drink specials, which run all day, are $5 house margaritas on the rocks, $5 Estrella drafts, and $5 El Jimador shots. The celebration is for all ages until 8 p.m. when all guests must be 21 or older. Jose’s burger was also once featured on the Travel Channel.

PB HOLIDAY PARADE

The anticipated Pacific Beach Holiday Parade Registration is now open. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10 at noon. Click the link below to complete the form. You can make an online payment on the website or make a check out to Discover Pacific Beach, 1503 Garnet Ave. This year’s theme is “Disco Holiday.” For questions, email [email protected].

PARADE OF LIGHTS

The return of the holiday boat parade, the “Mission Bay Parade of Lights,” will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the parade will start at SeaWorld with a fireworks kickoff, travel west, then north, and then east, ending at The Mission Bay Beach Club, with the full route taking about two hours. Spectators of this year’s parade can expect elaborate, decorated boats from local organizations like Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Loyal, and SeaWorld.

“The holiday boat parade has been a Mission Bay tradition since 1970, and we are thrilled to join in and amplify the holiday festivities,” said George Allen of Discover Mission Bay. “This year’s boat parade promises to be bigger and better than ever, and we look forward to welcoming families to Mission Bay and bringing holiday cheer to the San Diego community.”

Free for all spectators to enjoy, designated spectating areas will be set up around Mission Bay’s six hotels and resorts: Bahía Resort Hotel, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, El Dana en Mission Bay, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa y puerto deportivo, Paradise Point Resort, y Centro turístico de la bahía de la misión de San Diego. Each viewing area will offer special festive food and beverage menus and family-friendly activities to get into the holiday spirit, such as bonfires and s’mores, live music, holiday games, and an appearance from Santa Claus. For more information, visit discovermissionbay.org/boat-parade-2022.

PB CHALK ART

Pacific Beach Town Council announced that it is currently in the midst of its PB Chalk Art Contest. The current theme is “PB in the Wild.” All you have to do is create chalk art based on the theme, take a photo, and share it on social media tagging PB Town Council. If you do not have social media, have no fear. You can also email the general email for your submission. Submit your artwork to receive collectible PB Town Council swag. Visit pbtowncouncil.org para más información.

OPERA WEDNESDAYS

Every second Wednesday of the month, listen to Southern California’s top opera singers. Artists consist of past and present Metropolitan Opera competition winners, active San Diego Opera performers and guest artists who have sung all over the world. Date: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7 -8:30 p.m. at La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Cost: $10-20 suggested donation. 100% of donations go directly to the artists. RSVP: www.ljcommunitycenter.org/ow.

FIRE STATION DEDICATED

On Oct. 17, Mayor Todd Gloria, UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, Councilmember Joe LaCava and Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell broke ground on the newest City of San Diego fire station. Torrey Pines Fire Station 52 will be built directly adjacent to the campus of UC San Diego. This new station will serve University City and surrounding communities. The University City area was identified as needing a new station in the 2017 Citygate Associates Consultant Report and UC San Diego generously agreed to fund the majority of the project. Construction completion is estimated in the winter of 2024. This project fulfills Gloria’s recent Strategic Plan commitments to protect and enrich every neighborhood in San Diego and to champion sustainability. Fire Station 52 will be the first station in San Diego to house an all-electric fire apparatus and rapid electric vehicle charging station.

FIDO BARKTOBER

Now that the 90-acre fenced area on the island is officially a dog park, what’s next? Bring your questions and find out at the Barktober Brewery Event on Friday, Oct. 28, 4-7 p.m. Meet at Bay City Brewing Co., 3760 Hancock St. in Midway District, to hear what’s new with your Fiesta Island Dog Owners (FIDO) organization, chat with board members, and hear updates on several improvement projects in the works. Bay City Brewing serves its own Fiesta Island Pilsner as well as plenty of other delicious brews. There will be a food truck as well, and they welcome your well-behaved dog. Have friends who frequent the island but aren’t yet FIDO members? Bring them along. Also coming up: The next FIDO cleanup of the fenced off-leash area is Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9:30-11 a.m., with a raffle for all volunteers at 10:45. Meet at the north end of the fenced off-leash area by the parking lot.

BEWITCHING SAN DIEGO

With Halloween quickly approaching, Lawn Love did a little data magick to conjure up 2022’s Best Cities for Witches. How does San Diego stack up? San Diego’s rank in some key metrics:

• Reiki Healers – 4th
• Herbalists – 7th
• Supernatural Readings – 6th
• Spiritual Shops – 7th

To come up with the ranking, they compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on access to covens, tarot readers, and astrology classes. They also looked for cities brimming with natural healers, herbalists, and metaphysical supply stores, among 18 total metrics. The full ranking and analysis are available here: https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-cities-for-witches/.

SALK PROFESSORS AWARDED

The Salk Institute’s American Cancer Society Professor Tony Hunter, Professor Reuben Shaw, and assistant professor Graham McVicker are among 12 inaugural 2022 Discovery Grant winners. The awards, which total $3 million, were launched this year by Curebound, a philanthropic organization dedicated to funding collaborative cancer research that has the potential to reach the clinic.

“These important projects funded by Curebound will allow us to advance our understanding of three aggressive types of cancer — neuroblastoma, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer,” said Shaw, holder of the William R. Brody Chair and director of Salk’s National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center. “These studies will lead to new targets and new therapies that help save lives.”

ART ASSOCIATION DEMO

La Jolla Art Association is holding an artist demonstration Thursday, Nov. 17 from 4-6 p.m. The featured artist/photographer is Dana Levine whose presentation is titled “A talk, Demo, and Workshop Exploring Composition.” Her aim as an artist is “to express the richness of nature and the human form” and her vision as a photographer is “to infuse light, atmosphere and mystery into her work and create beauty from things we may never notice.”

During the session, participants will sketch and make preliminary designs for three artworks. Visit the website for required materials for this session and to register. RSVP at www.ljcommunitycenter.org/art-receptions.

LATINA FRIENDLY WORKPLACE

California Coast Credit Union was named the recipient of the inaugural 2022 Latina Friendly Workplace Award by MANA de San Diego, a local organization that empowers Latinas through education, leadership development, community service, and advocacy. The award was presented at the Latina Success Conference on Oct. 22 at San Diego State University.

HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION POLICY

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher’s policy to use predictive analytics to prevent people from becoming homeless in San Diego County has received the support of his colleagues.

“Developing this tool will keep people from becoming homeless,” said Fletcher.  “We will continue to tackle the crisis that exists on our streets, but we must invest in preventative actions like this one that stops people from becoming unhoused. This new technology will do it.”

A comprehensive integrated data system will be developed using multiple data points, both internal and external, to create a system that allows County employees to evaluate if a person is at risk of becoming homeless and offer support to keep them housed. The policy also calls for creating a Homeless Prevention Unit within the Office of Homelessness Solutions to conduct direct outreach to individuals. The department will have 180 days to return to the Board with a plan for implementation. To learn more about the policy read here.

HALLOWEEN YACHT PARADE

Baja Ha-Ha, the largest sailing regatta on the West Coast, will bring excitement to Shelter Island on Monday, Oct. 31 with more than 130 yachts kicking off in a colorful parade. Recreational boaters from all over the globe will be participating in the annual event, which is the official start of a 750-mile voyage from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. This is the 28th year of the festive rally, which features sailors from California, Oregon, Hawaii, and other states, along with some from as far away as Canada, Alaska, England, and Switzerland. Many of the vessels will be decorated and many crew members will be decked out in Halloween attire. The activities begin at about 9:40 a.m. off the Shelter Island Fishing Pier on San Diego Bay.

“Baja Ha-Ha is a bi-national event that showcases the partnership between San Diego and Mexico,” said Port Chairman Dan Malcolm. “The event highlights the many visitor opportunities on both sides of the border, and also promotes recreational boating, which is a major tourism-boosting activity on San Diego Bay.”

SELF-EMPLOYED WORKERS

San Diego has the seventh most self-employed workers in the United States, according to a new study.

To find the metropolitan areas with the most self-employed workers, researchers on behalf of Self Financial analyzed the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The researchers ranked metro areas according to the percentage of workers that are self-employed. Researchers also calculated the total number of self-employed workers, median income for full-time self-employed workers, and the median income for all full-time workers. The analysis found that 11.0% of workers in the San Diego metro area are self-employed—a total of 169,080 workers. Out of all large U.S. metros, the San Diego metro has the 7th most self-employed workers. Here is a summary of the data for the San Diego-Carlsbad metro area:

• Percentage of workers that are self-employed: 11.0%
• Total self-employed workers: 169,080
• Median income for full-time self-employed workers: $52,000
• Median income for all full-time workers: $59,000.

VILLA MONTEZUMA RESTORATION

The state has allocated $5 million in funding to support restoration efforts at the City-owned Villa Montezuma Museum in Sherman Heights. State Sen. Ben Hueso secured these dollars on behalf of the City as part of the state’s budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Villa Montezuma, a Queen Anne Victorian mansion built in 1887, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built by renowned British pianist and composer Jesse Shepard, who came to San Diego after touring Europe and then began a new career as an author under the pen name Francis Grierson. The state funding will allow for restoration of the museum, including roof replacement, accessibility improvements, restoration of historical features and other improvements to return the house to its historic condition

SUPERLOTTO PLUS TICKET

Someone may be rich beyond their wildest dreams and not even know it! That’s because the California Lottery is still waiting for the player who bought a jackpot winning SuperLotto Plus ticket in San Diego in April to come forward. The $38 million prize will expire this week, on Thursday, Oct. 27 if it is not claimed. The winning ticket is from the Saturday, April 30, 2022, SuperLotto Plus draw. Someone who purchased that ticket at the 7-Eleven at 430 Spruce St. in San Diego matched all six winning numbers that night (3-15-21-35-46) and the Mega Number (18). Given this week’s deadline, the Lottery is encouraging all players to double-check any SuperLotto Plus tickets they’re hanging onto as soon as possible. If a person believes they have the winning ticket, they’ll need to complete a California Lottery claim form. Claim forms are available on our sitio web, at all nine Lottery District Offices, and at any of our more than 23,000 Lottery retail partners throughout the state.

TRACKING HOMELESSNESS

To provide the San Diego region with a better understanding of the homelessness crisis, The Regional Task Force on Homelessness has begun publishing a new report that highlights how many people enter and exit homelessness each month throughout San Diego County. RTFH’s data team has compiled this first-of-its-kind monthly data report with the help of homeless service providers from across the region. This initial release of data is broken down over the past 12 months. Moving forward, RTFH will update these statistics each month on its homepage. On average, over the last 12 months, 10 people found housing for every 13 people who experienced homelessness for the first time. In two of the last 12 months, according to the newly released data, the region saw more San Diegans exiting the system than becoming homeless. The other 10 months saw more people become homeless than exit the system.

HATE CRIME CONVICTION

A San Diego man with a long criminal history has been convicted of battery and committing a hate crime for beating a transgender person at a downtown homeless resource center. Tony Taverlia McQueen, 57, was sentenced to 44 days in jail, with credit for time already served, for the May 2022 incident. “Every person should be able to live a peaceful and dignified life free from intimidation and violence,” City Attorney Mara W. Elliott said. “Crimes like this have no place in our society. We strongly encourage victims and witnesses of hate crimes to come forward so that we can seek justice for our communities.” The City Attorney’s Office takes reports of hate crimes seriously, and urges victims and witnesses to report incidents to the San Diego Police Department, or directly to the City Attorney’s Office at 619-236-6220 or [email protected].

MEET THE PRIMES

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) will host two virtual “Meet the Primes” events on Nov. 1 and 8. First introduced in 2015, “Meet the Primes” is a free annual event for the business community to connect with and learn from the Airport Authority, the Airport Authority’s partners, San Diego’s small business support service centers, and public Attendees will learn how to do business with the Airport Authority, construction and concession opportunities for the New T1 program, and more. They will also learn about regional teaming, partnership, and contracting opportunities through one-on-one matchmaking meetings with prime contractors and Airport Authority departments including Small Business Development, Revenue Generation & Partnership Development, Accounting, Airport Design & Construction, Procurement, Quieter Home Program, Information & Technology Services, Labor Compliance, Finance, and Risk Management. The “Meet the Primes” event and virtual matchmaking sessions will be conducted virtually. The event is free to businesses and registration is now open at https://mtp2022.mbmapp.com/. For more information on the Airport Authority’s Small Business Development Program, visit san.org/smallbusiness.

EVIL BREW

AleSmith Brewing Company is in the full swing of Halloween with Evil Dead Red Ale and the return of haunted maze, Fright Nights. Evil Dead Red is a seasonal Hoppy American Red Ale that is available for the first time in 16 ounce 4-pack cans. Back from the dead and deep blood-red in color, this hoppy red ale has an intense aroma of pine and citrus from an abundance of American hops balancing the sweetness and rich, bready flavors of this beer’s caramel malts. The result is a fiendishly smooth brew coming in at 6.66% ABV that will make your taste buds scream with delight. In addition to the return of Evil Dead Red, AleSmith Brewing is hosting Fright Nights, a behind-the-scenes haunted brewery maze in partnership with Scareventures. This haunted maze will be available every weekend in October including a kid-friendly trick or treat trail on Oct. 29 and 30. General admission and designated driver tickets are available for Fright Nights on Eventbrite. Get tickets aquí.

SYMPHONY FUNDRAISER

On Friday, Oct. 28, the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus will be holding a season kick-off fundraising event and reception titled “Champagne and Concerto.” Guests will be invited to sit on stage for an immersive experience during the open dress rehearsal, following a champagne and hors-d’oeuvres reception. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.ljsc.org.

ROLLER DERBY RETURNS

On Saturday, Nov. 5 at Derby United 6060 Federal Blvd. join CalSquad for the first, open-gender, open-track, and open-ruleset derby team for their first banked track game against the Awesome Skate Stars; a collection of awesome skaters from the South West. Game day schedule: noon gates open, 1 p.m. first whistle – bout begins. CalSquad roller derby is a new team that started in 2021 and has happily welcomed any high-level skater of any gender to come out and play. CalSquad is about growing roller derby to be a more inclusive sport and evolving the levels of play so that fun is the number one objective. For more information, email [email protected].

PERFORMING ARTS HONOREES

The San Diego Performing Arts League announced that over 40 volunteers from 28 local performing arts organizations have been selected to be honored this year at the 26th Star Awards on Nov. 7. The Star Awards honors volunteers of San Diego County performing arts organizations and recognizes the indispensable role that volunteers play in the arts community. Each organization selects its own special volunteer to be recognized and these honored volunteers have donated countless hours to music, theatre, dance and other cultural institutions in San Diego County.

The event will take place at the Bahia Resort and Hotel in Mission Bay and will start with a sunset reception. On-stage entertainment will be provided by San Diego performers and SDPAL board members, Jacole Kitchen, James Saba, Gina M. Jackson and Jay Henslee will present awards. Attendees are performers, crew and staff from area venues and are a true who’s who of the arts scene. Tickets can be purchased through www.sdartstix.com or by calling 619-234-2787.

ZOMBIE THRILLER DANCE

A zombie “Thriller” dance (above) will take place at Pacific Beach Library plaza, 4275 Cass St., on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. For more information, visit thrillersd.com.

LIBRARY BALLOT DROP-OFF

The Point Loma/Hervey Library at 3701 Voltaire St. is serving as an official drop box location for the General Election now through Tuesday, Nov. 8. Your signed, sealed, and dated ballot envelope can be dropped off during these hours: Mondays-Tuesdays 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, hours for dropping off ballots will be 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Questions regarding the ballot drop-off program should be directed to the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters at 858-565-5800.

LUMINOSITY LIGHTING UP

For more than 40 years the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association sponsored the 4th of July fireworks off the Ocean Beach Pier. In 2019, due to structural issues to the pier, the fireworks were no longer a viable option. The initial proposal for Luminosity, alternatives now being planned for Independence Day fireworks, includes three elements:

Drone shows – Will be the main component in replacing fireworks.

Laser shows – Can be used in conjunction with the drone show and/or as a separate element in numerous configurations.

Art installations – From light sculptures, lighting projections, lighting of the pier, the possibilities are only limited by creativity and funding.

Peninsula Alliance – a nonprofit, has agreed to support Luminosity, providing access to donation platforms and banking and accounting services. Donations to Luminosity will now be tax deductible.

Steering Committee – A 12-member Luminosity Steering Committee has been chosen from the community for their expertise in event management, marketing, governmental affairs and professional lighting. All committees will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Rincon Brewery, 4836 Newport Ave. If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute or if you have any questions, send an email to [email protected]. Plans are in the works to publicize Luminosity with an entry in the 2022 Ocean Beach Holiday Parade. Spearheaded by locals Glenn Millar and Alex Wilson, Luminosity hopes to dazzle the crowd with a special surprise. Fill-out the survey if you would like to participate. For more information, visit obluminosity.com.

GROCERY MERGER RESPONSE

Independent grocery Barons Market, with a location at 4001 W. Point Loma Blvd., has issued a response to news of the prospective Kroger-Albertsons merger. “The Kroger-Albertsons merger puts independent grocers like Barons Market in a unique position to nurture and cultivate connections with potential shoppers, current customers and the community. Simply put, we do things differently and better than the large grocery stores,” said Rachel Shemirani, Barons senior vice president.

CASA DE JUEGOS DE POINT LOMA

“Stars of Tomorrow,” a musical theatre showcase, will be presented on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. on stage at the playhouse at 3035 Talbot St. The members of the “Fall 22 Musical Theatre Showcase” will bring your favorite Broadway, pop, and Americana music to life. Led by award-winning director Jordan Miller, your feet will be tapping and your hands will be clapping. For more information, visit pointlomaplayhouse.com.

TAKE A VET TO SCHOOL

Loma Portal Elementary School is participating in Take a Vet to School Day on Nov. 10. This is the Point Loma school’s annual assembly celebrating veterans. Vets and active duty military volunteers are encouraged to attend this assembly the students will put on for vets. After the assembly, veterans will get the chance to visit with a class. Contact the event chairperson Lisa Keith at [email protected] para más detalles.

WALK & ROLL FOR UCP

The 40th annual 5k “No Limits” Walk N Roll, sponsored by MobilityWorks, will benefit United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County. Register anytime between now and Oct. 29, then participants will walk, run, roll, or hand cycle their way on the 3 ½ mile course at De Anza Cove on Mission Bay. If you would like to participate and are interested in this year’s walk, assemble a team of walkers and go the distance to support children with disabilities. Registration: fundraise.ucpsd.org/walk22. All funds raised will go to support UCP’s local programs and services throughout San Diego County. For more information, visit ucpsd.org, or call 858-571-5365 ext. 113.

DOGGIE STREET FESTIVAL

The 13th annual Doggie Street Festival San Diego will take place 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at NTC Park Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road, on Saturday, Nov. 19. This companion animal adopt-a-thon and fun celebration of furry best friends presents pet products and services, yummy eats, vet tips, music, auction prizes, and much more. Bring your friendly dog. Become a sponsor-vendor-volunteer-auction prize provider. www.doggiestreetfestival.org.

KOMEN CANCER WALK

Determined to save lives and find the cures for breast cancer with every step, Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day participants will walk 60 miles over three days Nov.18-20, starting in Del Mar and through La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach. The Komen 3-Day is a 60-mile walk bringing together thousands of people who raise funds and walk in support of Komen’s mission to save lives by meeting the most critical needs of communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. These amazing people each raise a minimum of $2,300 and walk 20 miles a day for three consecutive days, all while educating tens of thousands of people about breast health and raising funds to help support breast cancer research, patient care and community outreach programs. Additional information is available at The3Day.org.

TSUNAMI UPDATE

The California Tsunami Program, led by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the California Geological Survey have released an update to the State’s Tsunami Hazard Area Maps. The San Diego region is included in this latest update at conservation.ca.gov/cgs/tsunami/maps/san-diego. Staff in the City of San Diego’s Office of Emergency Services use these maps to plan for emergency response and public safety, including ensuring coastal communities are safe from tsunami hazards.

24 EXPERIMENT

The 24 Experiment, Nov. 11-12, is an extreme theater production project that has been performed in theatres across the country. It is a process where a series of short original plays are produced by teams of risk-taking writers, creative directors, and dedicated actors in a single 24-hour day. The finished plays are performed in front of a live audience. Audience-nominated awards are given for the best plays. The 24 Experiment is open to all actors, writers and directors 18 and over, experienced or not, who want to taste a fast-paced, intense and rewarding artistic and social event. Participation is limited to the first 24 actors, 24 writers, six directors and two assistant directors who register. Participants can only register in one category. There is a $24 registration fee for all participants directors and two assistant directors who register. There is a $24 registration fee for all participants. For more information, visit pointlomaplayhouse.com.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Downtown Chula Vista’s second annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration is back this year on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 3-8 p.m. Memorial Park will be transformed into a place to honor deceased ancestors and welcome them back as memories, while celebrating life with the whole family. Known as the biggest Día De Los Muertos celebration in the South Bay, this free community event will feature live music, an altar, Catrín/Catrina ensemble competition, face painting, flower arrangements from Tallo, and Pan de Muerto from Dulcet, and a special screening of Disney Pixar’s “Coco” beginning at 7 p.m. (Hi-res images available for use can be found aquí.)

NEW MASTER PLAN

The City of San Diego’s Office of Child and Youth Success is planning a series of community-based meetings to collect public input that will help inform the City’s first Child and Youth Master Plan. Focus groups and town hall meetings will be held both virtually and in-person and will encourage participants to discuss their ideas, objectives and goals regarding existing child and youth services and programs in San Diego. This data will then be used to develop a master plan to support the City’s youngest residents.  “A Child and Youth Master Plan is the intentional road map that will create a shared vision of services, programs and resources,” said Andrea O’Hara, executive director of the City’s Office of Child and Youth Services. As part of the City’s fiscal year 2022 budget adoption process, Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council approved funding to establish the Office of Child and Youth Success. The office is dedicated to prioritizing San Diego’s children and youth by safeguarding current and future policies.

LEISURE TRAVEL REBOUNDING

U.S. hotel leisure travel revenue is projected to end 2022 14% above 2019 levels, while hotel business travel revenue is expected to come within 1% of 2019 levels, according to a new analysis released by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Kalibri Labs. The projections are not adjusted for inflation, and real hotel revenue recovery will likely take several more years.

Post-pandemic recovery remains uneven, particularly in many major cities and destinations where business travel continues to lag. Among the top 50 U.S. markets, 80% are projected to see hotel leisure travel revenue exceed 2019 levels, but just 40% are expected reach that milestone for business travel revenue. Many urban markets, which rely heavily on business from events and group meetings, are still on the road to recovery. Click aquí to view data for the top 50 markets. Learn more at ahla.com.

REAL ESTATE FRAUD

San Diego County’s Office of the Taxpayer Advocate, led by Chief Deputy Assessor Jordan Marks, released “owner alert,” a free real estate fraud notification service. Owner alert sends subscribers that register with the service an automated email notification anytime a document is recorded with the Recorder’s office that transfers title to the property or records a lien on a registered name. To enroll in the free fraud notification service go to www.SDARCC.com and look for the check mark with the shield. It free and easy to sign up and takes less than five minutes.

GAFCON HIRES

Gafcon, Inc. announced that two veteran company executives have been appointed to lead the 35-year-old Southern California-based construction management company. President and chief operations officer Robin Duveen and chief development officer Bryan Benso have both been promoted, with the title of co-chief executive officer. Founder Yehudi ‘Gaf’ Gaffen will step down from the CEO position and assume the role of chairman. The Port of San Diego selected Gafcon as developer for the highly anticipated redevelopment of premier waterfront located between Downtown San Diego and the San Diego Bayfront. The proposed project includes a tower, hotels, shops, and restaurants.

RECORD LOTTERY EARNINGS

Despite ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Lottery turned things around in an enormous way in fiscal year 2020-21, achieving record-setting sales of more than $8.4 billion. Those earnings smashed the Lottery’s previous sales record of nearly $7.4 billion, which was set during pre-pandemic fiscal year 2018-19. The Lottery raised a record total of more than $1.88 billion to California public schools in FY 2020-21, marking the 21st consecutive year the Lottery has earned more than $1 billion in supplemental funding for public education.

MAMA’S PIES

The holidays will be here before we know it and with the giving season comes local nonprofit Mama’s Kitchen’s highlighly anticipated 18th Annual Mama’s Pies Thanksgiving Bake Sale. This popular fundraiser helps raise critical funds needed for the nonprofit to continue to provide nutritional support to San Diego residents at risk of malnutrition due to HIV, cancer, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. With the support of hundreds of volunteers, businesses, and community members, Mama’s Kitchen strives to help its clients stay healthy, preserve their dignity, and keep their families together by providing, medically tailored home-delivered meals and nutrition education – all at no cost.
Online pie sales for the general public began Oct. 17 and will end Saturday, Nov. 19, or until sold out. Pie flavors include pumpkin, traditional apple, pecan and Dutch apple, and are available for $32 each. For those interested in participating in Mama’s Pies Thanksgiving Bake Sale as a pie seller, volunteer or sponsor, contact Silvia Dominguez at [email protected] to get involved. More information on this year’s fundraising efforts can also be found at mamaspies.org or call 619-233-6262.

GULLS BREW

The San Diego Gulls announced that the American Hockey League club has partnered with Second Chance Beer Co. to brew a specialty beer of its own design, the “Gulls Blue Line Blonde Ale,” inspired by San Diego’s hometown hockey team and their loyal fans. Gulls Blue Line Blonde Ale will be the featured beer during all 2022-23 Friday game promotions for $5 at select food and beverage stands inside Pechanga Arena San Diego. The beer will also be available at all home games throughout the season. The specialty can is inspired by the third jersey the Gulls debuted during the 2021-22 season. The can is wrapped in a distinct blue color and features iconic Gulls imagery. The wordmark “Gulls” across the can is an homage to the team’s history, a nod to the first version of the San Diego Gulls that debuted in the Western Hockey League in 1966.

QUEER THEATRE

Join in a free conversation with prominent, award-winning and fabulous Queer artists about making Queer theatre now, reimagining Shakespeare, and creating a “gender-ful” world for La Jolla Playhouse’s upcoming production of “As You Like It” on Monday, Oct. 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at The Clark Cabaret and Bar at Diversionary Theatre, first floor, 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights. This panel discussion features co-directors of “As You Like It,” Christopher Ashley and Will Davis, and dramaturg and culture commentator Regina Victor, with a welcome from Diversionary Theatre executive artistic director Matt Morrow.

KIMPTON IN GASLAMP

Kimpton Alma San Diego has opened its doors to locals and international travelers alike. Located in Downtown San Diego, the 211-room Kimpton Alma embodies the city’s famously relaxed vibe with an unpretentious, unassuming style that is upscale yet inviting. From original street art on the pool deck to the custom local coffee blend served at The Café, Kimpton Alma is an authentic nod to its Gaslamp neighborhood and laid-back SoCal vibe.

FALL BACK FESTIVAL

It’s a free Sunday fun-day for the entire family at the Fall Back Festival. This free children’s historical street faire is in the heart of downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, with the lively festivities taking place on Sunday, Nov. 6 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in front of the Davis-Horton House on 4th and Island Avenue. Rally the gang and combine a day of play and educational fun, as history comes alive, while children can learn about San Diego’s rich cultural history by participating in an assortment of activities and demonstrations. Kids of all ages will enjoy this afternoon of Fall Back fun where they can observe a blacksmith displaying his trade, get down and dirty with a pie eating contest, experience a Kumeyaay Drum Circle, and more.

MEET THE PRIMES

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority will host two virtual “Meet the Primes” events on Nov. 1 and 8. First introduced in 2015, “Meet the Primes” is a free annual event for the business community to connect with and learn from the Airport Authority, the Airport Authority’s partners, San Diego’s small business support service centers, and public agencies. Attendees will learn how to do business with the Airport Authority, construction and concession opportunities for the New T1 program, and more. The event is free to businesses and registration is now open at https://mtp2022.mbmapp.com/. For more information on the Airport Authority’s Small Business Development Program, visit san.org/smallbusiness.

RADIO HOST

Audacy has added Ian Camfield to morning drive on ALT 94.9 (KBZT-FM) in San Diego. Camfield is now being heard weekdays from 6-10 a.m. “Ian Camfield is a world-class on-air talent who has proven can entertain his audience while connecting them to the music he plays,” said Michael Valenzuela of Audacy San Diego. “We’re very excited to have Ian join the ALT 94.9 air staff.”

CORK & BATTER

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved a 10-year deal for a full-service restaurant and bar in Seaport Village. Cork and Batter will offer a first-class dining experience in a warm bungalow-themed environment with American fare created with freshly sourced ingredients, craft beer, wine, and hand-crafted cocktails. During game time, Cork and Batter will serve up live sports on multiple flat screens for sports fans.

LA JOLLA TEEN RECOGNIZED

La Jolla resident Ana Radilla, 16, was featured in Rustic Spirit Spotlights for her amazing work in environmental and STEAM projects. Rustic Spirit Spotlights highlight young people around the world who are creating positive change in their communities. Not only have they made a difference, but they’re showing other young people they can change the world too.

This year, Radilla (above) became involved with a club that aims to help the environment and establish new ideas on how others can protect the earth. She is currently creating compost bins that are accessible to students at her school. She also reaches out to college students to come and advocate on environmental and STEAM topics. Radilla’s dream is to major in anything in the field of STEAM. In her free time, she loves to be outside running, surfing, or swimming and spending time with her family.
To make a positive impact locally, Radilla recommends brainstorming ideas that combine community growth with passions. “Then, start advocating for ideas and remember, positive impacts can be small,” she says

SENIOR WEEKLY WALK

A new Senior Weekly Walk on Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. will hold its first meeting and walk on Oct. 19 starting at Pacific Beach Recreation Center. Walking is a low impact, fun way to meet people, while building strength and endurance. No direct supervision. Walks will rotate throughout various areas of Pacific Beach, bays, and parks. Register at sdrecconnect.com and search for Pacific Beach senior contact. For questions: 858-581-9927. Free (walkers can show up without registering).

AM SLAM SURF & SKATE

San Diego’s premier surf, skate, and music festival will take place at Belmont Park in Mission Beach from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16. The Sun Diego Am Slam Surf & Skate Series presented by Billabong, RVCA, Quiksilver, and Roxy is their largest event of the year with more than $10,000 up for grabs in the Pro-Am divisions. The Am Slam is the only amateur surf/skate contest series in Southern California and is designed to give local surfers and skaters of all ages the opportunity to compete and excel.

ZOMBIE THRILLER DANCE

A Zombie “Thriller” Dance will take place at Pacific Beach Library plaza, 4275 Cass St., on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. For more information, visit thrillersd.com.

SUNSET ZOMBIE DANCE

On Friday, Oct. 21, 5:45-6:15 p.m. in front of 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. Zombies will meet in front of Crystal Pier at 5:45 p.m. and dance at 6:05 p.m. The manager at 710 Beach Club will play the music and make an announcement to start the “Thriller” dance.

ROSE CREEK CLEANUP

There was a great turnout for the Coastal Cleanup at Rose Creek in Pacific Beach on Saturday, Sept. 17, which yielded some startling results. Thanks to everyone who came out to support partners We Clean Trails y Me encanta un san diego limpio for World Cleanup Day. Together they removed 791.22 pounds of litter from Rose Creek. Of their weight total, 761.92 pounds were general trash, and 31.3 pounds were recyclables. Rose Creek flows into Mission Bay. By removing these items in the creek bed, workers were able to stop these items from entering the ocean with the help of 67 volunteers.
Removed were: 155 cigarette butts, 243 food wrappers, 72 plastic takeout containers, 24 foam takeout containers, 101 plastic bottle caps, 57 metal bottle caps, 70 plastic lids, 105 straws, 80 plastic utensils, 1 yard of fishing line, 6 yards of rope, 4 balloons, 16 cigar tips, 8 cigarette lighters, 5 construction materials, 1 car tire, 3 bike tires, 79 plastic bottles, 56 glass bottles, 37 beverage cans, 38 plastic grocery bags, 128 other types of plastic bags, 91 paper bags, 27 paper cups and plates, 30 plastic cups and plates, 13 foams cups and plates, 4 six-pack holders, 32 plastic and foam packaging, 4 other plastic bottles (oil, bleach, etc), 10 strapping bands, 66 tobacco packaging/wrap,1 diaper, 3 syringes and 3 tampons; also micro trash pieces (under 2.5 cm) including 98 foam pieces, 18 glass pieces and 229 plastic pieces.

GUIDED MEDITATIONS SERIES

On Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) in Pacific Beach will host the first of a series of guided meditations titled “Connect & Glow.” This series, created by CLC Music coordinator Kate Moody, brings participants into deep connection with their inner source of vibrant wellbeing. Moody holds a master of spiritual studies degree from Emerson Theological Institute. She developed Connect & Glow to help ease depression and focuses on topics such as forgiveness (of self and others), releasing anxiety, simply being, inner guidance, acceptance and trust, and life purpose. This series is beneficial to all levels of interest and experience with meditation; no previous experience required. The Connect & Glow series continues at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16. For more information, go to christpb.org.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Pets and their guardians are invited to Congregational Church of La Jolla’s Blessing of the Animals, a custom conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all God’s creatures. Pastor Tim Seery will conduct the ceremony as part of his congregation’s traditional Sunday worship service. The gathering will take place at 10:30 a.m. outdoors on the church’s courtyard patio at 1216 Cave St. The community is invited to this celebration of the extraordinary bond between pets and their human companions. Decker’s Dog and Cat, a family-owned pet store located across from the church on Ivanhoe Street, will be stocked up on dog and cat treats for all the pets in attendance.

PB FISH FRY

El Fish Shop at 1775 Garnet Ave., has introduced Fish Fry Tuesdays. Stop by to enjoy the local catch, fried and served with French fries, cocktail and tartar sauce. Wash it down with Fish Shop’s October drinks of the month, including Harland Brewing’s Hazy IPA, and Local Roots’ Can-For-A-Cause Pink Panther, where 10% of proceeds are donated to the Susan G. Komen foundations to help find a cure for breast cancer.

CHAMBER CONCERT SERIES

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library will present the 2022–2023 season of the Barbara and William Karatz Chamber Concert Series, beginning Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. The performance series that continues through April 16, 2023, will be set in the intimate Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Room inside the Athenaeum at 1008 Wall St. All concerts are preceded by a pre-concert lecture presented by Nuvi Mehta (generously underwritten by Gordon Brodfuehrer) and are followed by a reception with the artists in the Sharon and Joel Labovitz Entry Hall. For more information and tickets, visit ljathenaeum.org/chamber.

SALK MUSEUM STUDY

In a synthesis of science and art, Salk scientists have teamed up with curators and design experts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to study how nearly 100,000 museum visitors respond to exhibition design. The goal of the project, funded by a $900,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, is to better understand how people perceive, make choices in, interact with, and learn from a complex environment, and to further enhance the educational mission of museums through evidence-based design strategies. The Salk team is led by Professor Thomas Albright, Salk Fellow Talmo Pereira, and Staff Scientist Sergei Gepshtein. The experimental exhibition at LACMA — called “Conversing in Clay: Ceramics from the LACMA Collection” — is open until May 21, 2023.

For this project, the scientists have placed 10 video cameras throughout a LACMA gallery. The researchers will record how the museum environment shapes behaviors as visitors move through the space, including preferred viewing locations, paths and rates of movement, postures, social interactions, gestures, and expressions. Those behaviors will, in turn, provide novel insights into the underlying perceptual and cognitive processes that guide our engagement with works of art. The scientists will also test strategic modifications to gallery design to produce the most rewarding experience. Albright and Gepshtein study the visual system and how it informs decisions and behaviors. A major focus of their work is uncovering how perception guides movement in space.

COAST WALK AWARDED

The historic Coast Walk Trail in La Jolla won an Orchid award for landscape architecture at the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s annual awards ceremony on Oct. 6.This year’s Orchids (best) and Onions (worst) winners were chosen from more than 80 nominees in the categories of architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, interior design and miscellaneous. The awards were presented for design excellence in projects completed in the past three years.

“Coast Walk Trail is a national treasure that was designated a historic cultural landscape by the city of San Diego in 1990,” said the Architectural Foundation. “It is also a neighborhood gem, embraced by those fortunate to live nearby and benefit from its refreshment and beauty.”

LJ MAD PROGRESS

In September, the La Jolla Maintenance Assessment District had more than two dozen freshly planted flower baskets suspended from lamp posts along Girard Avenue from Prospect to Silverado streets. Containing colorful orange parrot beak flowers, whirlwind blue fan flower, and superbells, the refreshed flower baskets have been rehung from new brackets and chains. Flowering plants in the newly established flower baskets will eventually grow to spill over the sides of the faux terracotta pots containing them, making for living color dotting one of the main thoroughfares in The Village. Additionally, plants chosen for these new floral arrangements are hearty and drought tolerant. It is anticipated all will last throughout the remainder of the fall season and into the new year.

In other landscaping news, four yards of Arizona river rock and 30 five-gallon iris plants are on order for placement in three large tree wells located on Ivanhoe Street at Wall Street in front of the Banc of California. Reinforcing City Environmental Services Department efforts, LJ MAD vendors collect and dispose of refuse from 41 public trash receptacles in the district seven days a week. Current janitorial efforts focused on the overall appearance of The Village extend far beyond trash. Incredible amounts of graffiti, tagging and stickers have recently been removed from street signs, sidewalks, benches and utility boxes. Please report issues to the City with their “Get It Done” system. For more information, visit sandiego.gov/get-it-done The next Enhance La Jolla board meeting is 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. Results of the election to fill five seats on the Enhance La Jolla Board will be announced at this meeting and certified by the City. If you see an issue needing attention within the district, contact Enhance La Jolla at 858-444-5892 or email [email protected]

PB CHALK ART

Enter the Pacific Beach Town Council’s 2022 Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest being held

Sunday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct.30 on sidewalks throughout the community. The contest is sponsored by Pacific Beach Town Council. Entrants should create their chalk art on the sidewalk and take a photo of it or video post or story share, and tag both Pacific Beach Town Council and Pacific Beach Woman’s Club. Include #PBChalkArt22 and #PBCommunity for complete submission. Alternative submission: email picture to [email protected]. Thanks to PB Woman’s Club for providing chalk.

NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

Executive chef Christine Rivera has departed Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters at 2259 Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores to pursue other culinary opportunities. Marty Fay, who spent the last two years as sous chef under the guidance of Rivera, has been named the new executive chef.

Sandpiper, the sister restaurant of Georges at the Cove in the Village of La Jolla, opened its doors in June after being re-imagined from Galaxy Taco in the same space. Fay, 27, arrived in San Diego in the spring of 2020 after several years in Boston working in the kitchens of Benedetto, Allium Market, and Buttonwood. Assuming the role of sous chef is Cody Smith, who transfers over from Georges.

FRIDAY GASLAMP FLICKS

The Gaslamp Quarter Association is rolling out yet another fun activation for the whole family to enjoy this October with the Gaslamp Flicks: Halloween Edition on Fridays, Oct. 14, 21, 28 with showings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Come down to Island Street between 4th and 5th avenues for a free outdoor movie night for adults and children alike. Each movie night will feature free freshly popped popcorn and a full bar with wicked themed cocktails and spooky mocktails for sale to set the movie mood.

Guests can enjoy easy parking at the following Gaslamp parking garages Park-It-On-Market, 6th and K Parkade.

WALTER MUNK DAY

Walter Munk Day to celebrate our oceans in memory of the late famed Scripps oceanographer, will be held in Kellogg Park on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The observance will mark the dedication of the Walter Munk Educational Plaza and The Map at noon with local dignitaries speaking, and the unveiling of the large traveling model of the topography from the top of Mt. Soledad to the shoreline, and the Bathymetry from the shoreline to the point beyond where the Grand Canyons of La Jolla merge.

HEIGHT LIMIT FORUM

An open community forum on Ballot Measure C, which is asking to lift the 30-foot height limit in the Midway District and the former San Diego Sports Arena, will be held Monday, Oct. 24 from 6-8 p.m. at Point Loma/Hervey Branch Library, 3701 Voltaire St. Speakers are to include community leaders from various San Diego neighborhoods. There will be an open mic available for open discussion on the pros and cons of the issue, which will be voted on Nov. 8 on election day.

LJCC ART EXHIBIT

The La Jolla Art Association’s latest exhibit runs now through Dec. 2 at La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. The media featured includes watercolor,  photography, oils, digital art and acrylics.

LJAA will host a reception featuring these artists on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 4-6:30 p.m. There will be a total of six artists exhibiting. Join us at the LJCC to tour the galleries, talk to the artists and enjoy refreshments on the patio. Feel free to bring friends.

SALK PROFESSOR AWARDED

Salk Institute Professor Geoffrey Wahl has received the 2022 Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Basic Science from Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. The award recognizes leading scientists who have made the most significant advances in breast cancer research and medicine.

Wahl was honored for his significant contributions to the field of cancer genetics, including the mechanisms of drug resistance and genome stability.

“Geoff is well deserving of the prestigious Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction,” said Salk president and professor Calibrador oxidado. “His work has led to numerous discoveries about the initiation and progression of breast cancer that has not only advanced the field of breast cancer research but also led to new approaches for the development of individualized therapies.”

The Salk Institute embodies Jonas Salk’s mission to dare to make dreams into reality. Its internationally renowned and award-winning scientists explore the very foundations of life, seeking new understandings in neuroscience, genetics, immunology, plant biology and more. The Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.

WORLD HOMELESS DAY

On Monday, Oct. 10, elected officials, San Diegans who have lived the experience and community members gathered at the County Administration Building to remember all the lives lost on the streets of San Diego on World Homeless Day. The event titled “How About Love,” put on by Lived Experience Advisors, with support from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, featured remarks commemorating the day from San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, RTFH CEO Tamera Kohler, City director of homeless strategies and solutions Hafsa Kaka and John Brady of Lived Experience Advisors and more. The ceremony featured impactful illuminated messaging and empowering music to enlighten and recognize the lives lost to this catastrophic health crisis.

“The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to the needs of people who experience homelessness locally and recognize that simply being without a home is a dangerous health condition,” Kohler said. “It’s traumatic for those who experience it and for many like our seniors it can exacerbate serious health conditions; and for those most vulnerable and living on our streets, it can end in death.”

MAYORS SUMMIT

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramirez welcomed officials from more than 30 cities to the U.S.-Mexico Mayors’ Community Summit this week. The three-day summit and binational event drew mayors and community leaders overseeing more than $20 billion, collectively, in annual spending. “This summit represents the collaboration and camaraderie between our two nations,” said Gloria. “The fortunes and culture of San Diego and Tijuana are inextricably bound to one another, and all of our best attributes are made better through our relationship with our Sister City. We are truly stronger together.”

UNIQUE NATURAL CONCERT
UC San Diego Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor, composer Lei Liang, has been collaborating with Scripps oceanographers John Hildebrand and Joshua Jones in exploring the sound of the Chukchi Sea in the Arctic — one of the most inaccessible places to humans on earth. The resulting composition, Six Seasons, combines the sound of the ambient environment (ice, waves, wind), its inhabitants (beluga whales, bowhead whales, bearded seals) — captured by hydrophones deployed at the sea floor — and creative response from one of the world’s leading contemporary music string quartets, Mivos Quartet.

Presented by ArtPower, concerts will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m.

Conrad Prebys Music Center, Experimental Theater, 9500 Gilman Drive.

MEMORIAL BENCH

Members of the beach community participated in a memorial bench build Oct. 9 in Ocean Beach to honor Steve Krueger, the OB resident and UPS driver killed in the Santee plane crash on Oct. 11, 2021. The event was led by the award-winner master carvers of IB Posse and took place near the main lifeguard tower. The final bench memorializing Steve will end up near the skate park overlooking the San Diego River by the path.

FAMILY ‘GLITCH’ FIXED

Covered California executive director Jessica Altman commended President Joe Biden’s administration for finalizing the proposed fix to the “Family Glitch,” an issue that had prevented millions of Americans with unaffordable employer health insurance from getting marketplace coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

“Covered California supports this proposed rule change, which will build on the Affordable Care Act’s vision and intent to expand access to affordable health insurance, by opening the door of coverage to millions of Americans,” said Altman. ”This is a new era for the Affordable Care Act, as Covered California prepares to enter its 10th open enrollment period, with increased financial help available for those who need coverage as well as our 1.7 million enrollees. With renewal beginning Oct. 18 and open enrollment starting Nov. 1, we look forward to spending the next four months getting every Californian covered.”

The “Family Glitch” has been used to describe an issue where – even though employer-based health coverage was considered affordable for the employee, but not their family members – the family members were nonetheless ineligible for financial help through the Affordable Care Act. The Biden administration proposed a fix in April and the Treasury Department is finalizing it now.

Consumers can get free and confidential help to compare their options by calling Covered California’s service center at (800) 300-1506, or through a Covered California licensed insurance agent or certified enroller.

GULLS BOBBLEHEAD

The San Diego Gulls AHL hockey team will be unveiling an officially licensed, limited-edition San Diego Gulls Vintage Bobblehead on opening night this Friday, Oct. 14. The bobblehead is part of the American Hockey League Vintage Bobblehead collection that the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is releasing in conjunction with the 2022-23 AHL season. The San Diego Gulls’ season opener has the Gulls facing off against Grand Rapids.

HOWL-O-WEEN

Cuidadores de casas de confianza is partnering with local dog rescue La almohadilla de animales to host Howl-O-Ween, the pet pawty of the season, on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Amici Amphitheater in Little Italy at 1660 Union St. Attendees and their furry friends are encouraged to dress up in their cutest (but comfy) Halloween costumes while perusing through pet-friendly photo booths, artwork, and pet goodies. The free pet adoption event will also feature caricature drawings of pets by Marco, pet friendly photo opps, raffles and prizes.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS
This fall, Buffalo Wild Wings will raise $1.3 million through their Team Up for Kids Campaign to deliver on their mission to “fuel champions of the next generation.” The donations will benefit the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation and support hundreds of organizations around the country. In San Diego, BWW is a partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. Guests can visit any Buffalo Wild Wings now through Oct. 31 and donate $5 to fuel champions of the next generation. Donations can also be made online at foundation.buffalowildwings.com.

LJ HALLOWEEN FUNDRAISER

La Jolla Village Merchants Association is partnering with title sponsor, Decker’s Dog + Cat, for the La Jolla Loves Pet Foundation’s Halloween fundraiser on Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. Dog-O-Ween is a bootiful dream come true for four-legged friends and their humans to mingle with other dog lovers, take family photos, stop by the Kissing Booth, and participate in Dog Costume Contests. Winners will take home customized one-of-a-kind trophies. Visit and learn from vendors such as vets, groomers, and even a pet psychic. There will be pet adoptions on site as well. Tickets can be purchased at lajollalovespets.org.

BIG KAHUNA BEACHFEST

BIG Kahuna (above) will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, at South Mission Beach. Player check-in at 7:30 a.m., pool play, 9 a.m.-noon, showcase events and lunch noon-1 p.m., playoffs from 1-6 p.m. Costumes encouraged for 4-Man Beach Volleyball, 5-Man Pro-Am Beach Soccer, 5-Man Basketball Showcase, 2-Man Spikeball, and SoCal 2-Man Collegiate Beach Volleyball. Visit https://bigkahuna.life/home para información.

ZOMBIE THRILLER DANCE

A Zombie Thriller Dance will take place at Pacific Beach Library plaza, 4275 Cass St., on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. For more information, visit thrillersd.com.

SDHS FUNDRAISER

Michelle Silverman, a long-time luxury property specialist in La Jolla, is holding a birthday fundraising event to benefit San Diego Humane Society Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. at her home. She also has created a GoFundMe Link.

PLNU STUDENTS PICKED

Ten Point Loma Nazarene University students have been selected for the prestigious Millennium Fellowship Class of 2022. There were over 31,000 applicants from over 2,400 campuses worldwide with only a 8% acceptance rate. Other U.S. universities with Millennium Fellows include Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Columbia, Duke and Stanford. The fellowship, in coordination with the United Nations Academic Impact Initiative, is a semester-long leadership program where students develop a project that meets at least one of the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals that address critical global challenges.

PLNU Millenium Fellows will evaluate the experience of asylum-seekers in the San Diego-Tijuana area, focusing particularly on the social, political and economic impacts on the immigration process.

This topic is of special interest to PLNU Millenium Fellow Ana Cuen who was born in Playas, Tijuana. Cuen continues to live with her family in Playas and commutes everyday to campus. PLNU Millenium Fellow Marco Boeta Licona is a first generation U.S.-born citizen who also lives in Tijuana and commutes each day across the Mexican border. Fellows who successfully complete their projects and programs will earn a certificate recognizing completion from the United Nations Academic Impact and the Millenium Campus Network.

GOODBAR FOOTBALL SPECIALS

buenbar, a neighborhood bar at 1872 Rosecrans St., will tackle football with featured cocktails, brunch dishes and more throughout the season. Brunch is available from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays. Lunch is available every day starting at noon. During Monday Night Football, crispy chicken wings are available; as well as draft beers and well drinks. GoodBar will be the go-to spot for fans of Arizona State University. Inspired by the team’s mascot, GoodBar will offer the Fork ‘Em Good cocktail and Sparky shots at every ASU score. GoodBar will also extend a 10% discount to all ASU fans. More information on Instagram @goodbarsd.

PSC FUNDRAISER

Peninsula Shepherd Center, a local nonprofit serving seniors in the Peninsula communities, and the Friends of Peninsula Shepherd Center, are hosting an annual “BOO” fundraiser Bunco, Bingo and Brunch on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This Halloween-themed event will be held at All Souls’ Episcopal Church in Gooden Hall at 1475 Catalina Blvd. Admission is $25 and all proceeds go to support PSC’s programs and services. Free parking is available off the Chatsworth Boulevard entrance. RSVP by Oct. 19 to Kathy at 619-223-1640. For more information, visit www.sdpsc.org.

PLHS HAPPENINGS

Do you have an instrument in need of a new home? Contact the Music Boosters at [email protected] to coordinate a pick up of any donated items. For more information on how to support the music program at Point Loma High School haga clic aquí. Many thanks to the Point Loma Summer Concerts program for their continued support of PLHS Music Program. For more information, contact information@pointlomasummerconcerts.org.

24 EXPERIMENT RETURNS

After a two-year hiatus, San Diego’s favorite experimental theater event is back this year on Friday Nov. 11. The theater event is seeking 24 actors, 24 writers and six directors to form six teams to write, direct and perform six short plays in 24 hours. 24 Experiment is open to participants of all experience levels. They must be at least 18 years old. The six plays will be performed in front of a live audience. Each audience member will vote for their favorite play. The plays having the most audience votes will receive awards presented by the 24 Experiment. The event is hosted by Point Loma Playhouse. Registration opened Oct. 1. For more information, visit pointlomaplayhouse.com.

MEMORIAL CONCERT

A memorial concert benefiting nonprofit Shoreline Community Services aiding the homeless in Pacific Beach will be held Sunday, Oct. 9 at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd. In downtown San Diego. Singer/songwriter and avid surfer Raymond Raposa, a Pacific Beach and Mission Beach resident for much of his early life, will be honored. The Ray Raposa Memorial Concert is the second of two put on by his recording label, Asthmatic Kitty. The first one was recently in Portland, a city Raymond enjoyed in his later years after moving from Brooklyn, N.Y. Many of the musicians with whom Raymond recorded and toured with, including U.S. coast-to-coast, Europe, Australia and New Zealand concert tours, will be performing at the 1-4 p.m. Sunday concert. His family said all proceeds from the $10 tickets, available at the door, are earmarked for SCS.

OKTOBERFEST BREWS

Ales salvajes de California, San Diego Sour and Ale House at 4896 Newport Ave., announced the release of four new beers to coincide with this year’s Ocean Beach Oktoberfest, San Diego’s wildest Oktoberfest in OB on Oct. 7-8. As part of the event, California Wild Ales is releasing four new fall-inspired wild ales to coincide with this neighborhood extravaganza including a German Chocolate Cake Dark Sour, Sour Apple Pie, Liquid Pumpkin Pie, and SourKraut. The brewery creates these unique seasonal flavors only once a year around this time and this year is bringing back some old flavors as well as introducing two new ones for Oktoberfest season. For more information, visit www.californiawildales.com.

SD WRITERS FESTIVAL

The Coronado Public Library and Warwick’s in La Jolla have announced the fourth annual San Diego Writers Festival taking place at various locations within the library on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. This year’s festival features a line-up of literary talent, including keynote speaker and international bestselling writer Shilpi Somaya Gowda, author of “Secret Daughter,” soon to be a movie produced by Amazon with Priyanka Chopra and Sienna Miller, NYT’s bestselling writer Qian Julie Wang, author of “Beautiful Country,” Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award winning actress Renee Taylor, best known for her role in the TV sitcom, “The Nanny,” will share insider stories about her career as an actor, screenwriter, playwright, producer, and director.

A complete schedule of the in-person programming can be found at sandiegowritersfestival.com/2022-festival-schedule.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE BILL

Gov. Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1705, which will reform remedial placement policies at the state’s community colleges. AB 1705 builds on AB 705, a groundbreaking 2017 law that requires the state’s community colleges to recognize high school coursework instead of relying on inaccurate and inequitable placement tests. AB 705 also requires that students be placed into English and math classes where they have the greatest chance to make progress toward a college degree.

“Our research found that a Black student is 4 ½ times more likely to attend a college that continues large-scale remedial course offerings than a white student, and a Hispanic student is three times more likely,” said Katie Hern, co-founder of the California Acceleration Project and a faculty member at Skyline College. “AB 1705 is an important step towards addressing these inequities.”

AIRPORT SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has released the organization’s 2021-2022 Sustainability Report, which can be viewed at sostener.san.org. The Sustainability Report serves as a useful barometer for San Diego International Airport’s  relationship to the environment, the traveling public, its stakeholders, and the greater San Diego community.

The report is organized into three sections: Environmental, Social, and Economic. The Environmental Sustainability section focuses on ways in which the Airport Authority is achieving carbon neutrality, serving as water stewards, pursuing energy efficiency and innovation, working towards clean, accessible transportation, zero waste, protecting biodiversity, building resilience for future climate conditions, and addressing aircraft noise.

DIGITAL NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

To celebrate National Digital Inclusion Week and continue efforts to close the digital divide that leaves an estimated 53,000 San Diegans without internet access, the City has formally launched a new Digital Navigator program and helpline to provide free, one-on-one computer and technology support to those in need. San Diegans can call the toll-free Digital Navigator helpline at 1-800-350-6945 to get assistance accessing technology or to make an in-person appointment. Navigators also provide in-person assistance during select hours at various locations, including City libraries and recreation centers.

Digital navigators can help San Diegans to:

• Obtain a low-cost computer or smartphone.
• Get basic tech support.
• Find and enroll in adult educational programs, workforce development or digital literacy classes.
• Sign up for affordable internet subscriptions.
• Use online programs to access education, work, telehealth, government services, housing
•  Para obtener más información, visite sandiego.gov/sdaccess.

SD SAKE FESTIVAL

To celebrate World Sake Day, the San Diego Sake Festival will return to a new venue at the waterfront Ruocco Park, 585 Harbor Lane within Seaport Village in downtown San Diego, Saturday, Oct. 8, and two tickets are being raffled off to attend as well as offering promo code SDVILLE for $15 off tickets.

San Diego Sake Fest will start with a traditional cedar sake barrel opening ceremony known as “Kagami Biraki.” The event will feature tastings of over 50 different sake varieties from all over Japan and North American breweries, as well as live music and food available for purchase. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sandiegosakeweek.com.

SCHOOL CHOICE

Over the next six weeks, students in the San Diego Unified School District have their annual opportunity to enroll in schools outside their neighborhood boundaries, including magnet schools. The Choice window for the 2023-24 school year is now open. Click here for more information.

All San Diego Unified students are eligible under the program, as well as out-of-district students and those attending private or charter schools. With the district’s Universal Transitional Kindergarten program at nearly all elementary and K-8 sites, Choice options have been expanded to more of the youngest learners, providing outstanding educational opportunities for children who turn four by Sept. 1, 2023. More than 10,000 area students through all grade levels typically apply to San Diego Unified’s Choice program, and last year roughly 85 percent who applied on time received a spot at one of their top three school selections. Click here to see specific programs offered by schools. Families will receive an email notification by early March indicating whether a student has been accepted or wait-listed to a school of choice.

SD SYMPHONY

This October and November, the Sinfónica de San Diego has lots to celebrate. From the beginning of their 2022-23 Jacobs Masterworks concert series, to their second annual Día de los Muertos celebration and the first FitFest at The Rady Shell. October Concert Highlights

• Conrad Prebys 2022 Summer Concert Season at The Rady Shell
  • Oct. 30 | Día de los Muertos Celebration 
• Jacobs Masterworks Concert Series
  • Oct. 7 | Beethoven 5 @ The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
  • Oct. 8 | Beethoven 5 @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
  • Oct. 15-Oct. 16 | De Waart Leads Copland, Korngold and Dvorak @ The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
  • Oct. 19 | Made in America: Barber, Liang & Stravinsky @ The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
  • Oct. 21 | Epstein Family Amphitheater Opening Celebration with the San Diego Symphony

WATER CONSERVATION LAW

Against the backdrop of California’s driest period in at least 1,200 years, Gov. Newsom has signed legislation that will further incentivize the installation of drought-tolerant landscaping, a key tool to combat California’s worsening drought and increase water conservation. Most significantly, Assembly Bill (AB) 2142 enhances the value of rebates for installing drought-tolerant landscaping by exempting them from taxation, aligning these rebates with other permanent water efficiency and energy conservation rebates.

“As California confronts drought, extreme heat, and worsening climate change, it is critical that we deepen our investment in water conservation strategies,” said Assemblymember Gabriel who introduced the legislation. “This new law will strengthen consumer rebates and help ensure that Californians who switch to drought-tolerant landscaping are able to save water and save money. I applaud Governor Newsom for his leadership on climate resiliency and thank him for signing this bill.”

MAMA’S BAKE SALE

The holidays will be here before we know it and with the giving season comes local nonprofit Mama’s Kitchen’s highly anticipated 18th Annual Mama’s Pies Thanksgiving Bake Sale. This popular fundraiser helps raise critical funds needed for the nonprofit to continue to provide nutritional support to San Diego residents at risk of malnutrition due to HIV, cancer, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Pie pre-sale for the Bread & Butter Club will begin Monday, Oct. 10. To join the Bread & Butter Club to be eligible for pie pre-sale, visit https://www.mamaskitchen.org/donate/bread-butter-club/ inscribirse.
“Although we’ve made it past the initial hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re still seeing San Diego residents and families struggling to keep food on their tables due to inflation and other financial challenges,” said Alberto Cortés, CEO, Mama’s Kitchen. “Inflation has sky-rocketed and we’re seeing the effect it’s creating for our clients and community, especially for those in need of nutritious food to battle an illness. Our annual Thanksgiving bake sale is one of our largest fundraisers, and this year the need to give is even greater to continue providing the nutritional support our clients need, giving them one less battle to face by providing what we know is the basic necessity of life: nutritious food.”

MINIMUM WAGE HIKE
Next year many San Diegans will receive more money in their paychecks. Effective Jan. 1, 2023, employees who perform at least two hours of work in one or more calendar weeks of the year within the geographic boundaries of the City of San Diego will receive a minimum wage increase from $15 to $16.30 an hour. The change is in accordance with the City’s Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance, approved in 2016.

“With the cost of living rising, this increase could not come at a more needed time for workers and working families,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This increase means a better ability to make ends meet, put food on the table and spend in our local businesses.”

Anyone who believes an employer is violating the ordinance is encouraged to file a complaint, in writing, with the City’s Minimum Wage Program. To contact the program, call 619-615-1565.

FOSTER KIDS BILL

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law Senate Bill 528, a measure by State Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee), which will help with the health needs of foster children. SB 528 specifically ensures that a foster youth’s caregiver is provided with important court documents that approve psychotropic medication prescriptions so that they, and medical providers, will have an accurate picture of the current and past health history of the foster child.

“Given the trauma that many foster children endure before a stable placement, they may have been prescribed certain medications and maintaining consistent medical care is important to their continued health,” said Jones. However, “a child may no longer need that medication. Without an accurate health history, it is difficult for a health provider to make that determination accurately. This measure will help foster children, their caregivers, and medical professionals act in the best interest of the foster child.”

SB 528 is sponsored by the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The bill was approved by the Senate and Assembly on unanimous votes. It goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

ACTING TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP

Emmy-award winner Gabriela Sosa is teaching a six-week, on-camera acting techniques workshop through Point Loma Playhouse Oct. 13-Nov. 17.

Be prepared to take your acting to the next level. ​

• Experience the process that takes you from initial audition to realistic shooting on set.
• Learn the acting style required by the truth and intimacy of the close-up lens.
• Learn how to transfer your Method Acting from stage to camera.

GORDON & REES HIRE

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani welcomes Roger B. Frederickson as a partner in the firm’s San Diego office of more than 100 attorneys. He is a proven trial attorney with more than 25 years of litigation experience handling complex commercial cases in federal and state courts. Having tried more than 50 jury and bench trials, Frederickson provides clients with deep practical courtroom experience and insightful guidance in navigating highly contentious disputes. His experience representing clients across California and the West includes a wide range of disputes involving commercial contracts, finance, real property, construction, insurance, bankruptcy and probate matters.

HOUSING COOPERATION

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the San Diego City Council, by a vote of 12-0, voted to pass a resolution to align their efforts to remove barriers to housing production, work to build 10,000 units of housing on government-owned land, leverage available funds for housing, and explore housing densification options. Nathan Fletcher, chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and Sean Elo-Rivera, president of the San Diego City Council, organized the recent meeting on the campus of San Diego State University.

“The resolution the County and City passed allows us to drive toward an ambitious goal of building more affordable housing in the region, and puts us in alignment with how to achieve it,” said Fletcher. “This was another important step in strengthening our relationship with the City of San Diego. I hope the other 17 jurisdictions and numerous agencies see this as motivation to join us as we work to build 10,000 units of housing on government land by 2030.”

“Housing is a human right. The actions taken are a step toward accelerating the production of affordable homes so all San Diegans can benefit from the foundation for opportunity that stable housing provides,” said Elo-Rivera.

SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY’S FUR BALL
San Diego Humane Society’s 36th annual Fur Ball will return on Oct. 1 from 6-11 p.m. at San Diego Humane Society, 5500 Gaines St. The fundraiser is a dog-friendly evening to celebrate the magic of changing animal lives — all to raise money for the vital services the nonprofit will provide to more than 40,000 animals this year. For more information, visit sdhumane.org/furball. There will be a cocktail reception attended by people and dogs dressed in their finest attire, a vegetarian meal, and wine selections prepared by chef Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grill.
“This year, in particular, we have seen an incredible number of animals and people in need of our help, so we are looking forward to inviting our supporters and celebrating the impact they make in our community,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO, San Diego Humane Society. “The Fur Ball is a unique evening where we get a chance to showcase our lifesaving work and share examples of the incredible difference our staff and volunteers make every single day.”
LA JOLLA HIGH CELEBRATES A CENTURY

La Jolla High School, the second-oldest high school in San Diego Unified School District, is celebrating 100 years of educating students from in and around the La Jolla community with a special homecoming football game at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30, centennial halftime parade, alumni events, and a proclamation from the City of San Diego. The school is recognized as a California Distinguished School, and as an Achievement via Individual Determination (AVID) School of Distinction. In addition, La Jolla High was the first public high school west of the Mississippi to earn a chapter in the Cum Laude Society.

Built in 1922, La Jolla High was originally situated on 5.6 acres of land with 11 students in its first graduating class in 1925. The campus now occupies 14.4 acres and serves more than 1,300 students. Over the years, the school has built numerous additions such as the Parker Auditorium, the Coggan Family Aquatic Complex, as well as the gym. Recently, La Jolla High completed its Whole Site Modernization project that includes a secure campus entryway featuring new gates and fencing that were designed to be both functional and decorative, new classroom science labs to enhance the school’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning, renovated walkways, and a remodeled school cafe.

FREE TACOS FOR NATIONAL TACO DAY

Rubio’s Coastal Grill is giving away free tacos for all, in celebration of National Taco Day. On Monday, Oct. 3, and Tuesday, Oct. 4, Rubio’s is giving a free à la carte taco with any purchase. Choose from any taco on the menu. In addition, Rubio’s fresh salsa bars are open again, and the Langostino Lobster dishes return later this month. Plus, Rubio’s all-day Taco Tuesday specials now include chicken tacos for $1.99 and steak tacos for $2.29. Rubio’s guests can earn free drinks, desserts, tacos and entrées by joining Rubio’s Rewards. Members can sign up online or through the Rubio’s App, place an order and start earning points toward free food. For more information, visit de Rubio, Facebook y Instagram.

LJ CLASSICAL CONCERT

On Sunday, Oct. 9, La Jolla Woman’s Club at 7791 Draper Ave. will be presenting a classical concert and grand opening of Le Salons de Musiques at 4 p.m. Introduced by musicologist Nuvi Mehta, the concert features three masters: Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven with six viruosos consisting of: Jessica Guideri and Jwieun Kim on violin, Jonathan Moerschel on viola, Stalla Ye Lin Cho on cello, Ryan Baird on double bass and Sung Chang on piano performing a program for piano and strings. To buy tickets and read about the season’s program and schedule, visit lesalondemusiques.com or call 310-498-0257.

THINK PINK

This October, Hotel Valencia, nicknamed the “Pink Lady,” celebrates the “power of pink” with the return of its second annual “Pink Tea” to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Plus, the “Pink Lady” signature champagne cocktail and housemade La V Cinnamon Roll will also benefit Susan G. Komen San Diego all month long, to help fund critical breast cancer research to prevent and cure breast cancer, as well as community support and resources. Pink Tea: Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28. Seatings available between 11-11:30 a.m. Celebrate survivorship and honor and remember loved ones at La Valencia’s Pink Tea, a special take on the hotel’s award-winning signature offering. Enjoy classic finger sandwiches, pink homemade sweets, and scones. Pink attire is strongly encouraged. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen San Diego.

SUNSET ZOMBIE DANCE

On Friday, Oct. 21, 5:45-6:15 p.m. in front of 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. Zombies will meet in front of Crystal Pier at 5:45 p.m. and dance at 6:05 p.m. The manager at 710 Beach Club will play the music and make an announcement to start the “Thriller” dance.

FRIENDS OF PB LIBRARY

The Friends of the Pacific Beach Library meets on the third Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. in the Library’s Meeting Room/Gallery. Meetings are held every month except June, July, August, and December. FOPBL exists to support the operation of the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library. The Friends, through volunteer services, assists library patrons, hosts special events, operates a used book sale, and provides financial support for acquisitions and community activities.

HSWRI HIRE

Michael Rust, Ph.D., most recently science advisor to the Office of Aquaculture at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Aquaculture Steering Group Chair at the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, joined Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute as a senior research fellow pn Aug. 1. In his part-time role, Rust will work on research projects that advance understanding, governance, and development of sustainable marine aquaculture in the context of climate change and seafood demand. Collaborating closely with Mark A. Drawbridge, M.S., HSWRI senior research scientist and head of its sustainable seafood initiatives, Rust will propose projects, help seek grant funding and act as a principal investigator on funded projects.

BACK PAIN GRANT

A multidisciplinary team led by researchers at UC San Diego has received $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation to create a novel system to study and inform the treatment of chronic low back pain. The work will feature a suite of tools including wearable sensors and machine learning to augment physical therapy evaluation and treatment.

“This research will support remote monitoring of the patient’s posture and movement throughout the day, with the ultimate goal of enabling personalized physical therapy treatments and improving health outcomes,” said Emilia Farcas, the grant’s principal investigator and an assistant research scientist with the Qualcomm Institute (QI) at UC San Diego.

Low back pain affects up to 80% of people during their lifetime, and treatment costs and wages lost due to disability exceed $100 billion in the U.S. annually. The NSF award funds four years of work to develop the Multi-Sensor Adaptive Data Analytics for Physical Therapy (MS-ADAPT) system, which will use wearable technology and smartphone-based applications to remotely monitor low back posture and movement, and upkeep with physical therapy and patient-reported pain. Study participants wear a Fitbit as well as a network of smart sensors crafted by integrating nanotechnology with over-the-counter kinesiology tape.

COUNTY HOMELESS FUNDS

San Diego is one of the first three jurisdictions to receive a portion ($4.3-million combined) of the $10 million the County has made available to support cities as part of its stepped-up commitment to addressing homelessness. “We are proud to support Vista, Oceanside, and San Diego in their fight against homelessness by awarding these grants,” said Supervisors’ Chair Nathan Fletcher. “Their proposals are the types of projects we wanted to support. Each offers shelter, a safe environment and access to services that will help people get back on their feet.” City of San Diego – awarded $1,030,543 – Safe Parking Program – A 60-vehicle safe parking lot in the Rose Canyon area is scheduled to be open by March 2023. This site will have an onsite restroom, showers, laundry, food, access to support services and long-term housing options. The target populations for the site are families. The City is leveraging $479,000 of its own funds to operate this site for two years.

NEW BEACH MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) has issued the following beach management actions for Monday, Sept. 26. Tidelands Park in Coronado, Shelter Island, Campland in Mission Bay, La Jolla Cove, and Children’s Pool in La Jolla – Advisory: The above beaches remain under advisory. Beach goers are advised that bacteria levels have exceeded State health standards and may cause illness.

Imperial Beach and Silver Strand Shoreline – Warning: DEHQ has issued a water contact warning for the Imperial Beach and Silver Strand Shorelines. South swell conditions are present and pushing ocean waters from the south to the north (transboundary flows). Beachgoers are advised that bacteria levels exceed State health standards and ocean waters may contain sewage and cause illness. Tijuana Slough Shorelines – Closure: The ocean shoreline from the International Border to the south end of Seacoast Drive will remain closed until sampling confirms these areas are safe for water contact. For updates on beach advisory and closure information, visit sdbeachinfo.com or call 619-338-2073.

PUMPKIN PATCH RETURNS

Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch will open its location at 6710 La Jolla Blvd. on Oct. 1, offering online ordering, delivery, and pick-up options, plus games and activities at each patch for all ages. Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch also specializes in corporate events, private parties, professional carving, and decorating services. Visit mrjackolanternspumpkins.com for more information.

ICONS OF FOAM

Foam will be flying as eight shapers honor surfboard shaper Timmy Patterson during the Icons of Foam Shape-off at the Boardroom International Surfboard Show presented by US Blanks. The surfboard manufacturing industry’s trade show takes place at Del Mar Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday Oct. 8-9. The winning shaper will receive $1,000 and their name added to the Mike Marshall Perpetual Trophy. The second-place shaper receives $500. For more information visit Boardroom Show tickets.

SDIA IMPROVEMENT GRANT

The Federal Aviation Administration has provided San Diego County Regional Airport Authority with a Letter of Intent to award Aeropuerto Internacional de San Diego funding for airfield improvements as a part of the New T1 program. A total amount of $110 million will be available to the Airport Authority through FAA grants over a 10-year period. SAN’s New T1 project will replace the current Terminal 1 with a modern and efficient facility that will improve the airport experience and complete the transformation of San Diego’s air transportation gateway. The first phase of the New T1 project is set to be completed in 2025 with the project’s full completion anticipated in late 2028.

ROMANCE BOOK FAIR

The Historical Romance Retreat, a premium event for authors and readers of historical romance and historical fiction, is in the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego Sept. 28-Oct. 2. A roster of over 70 NYT and USA Today bestselling authors are slated to appear during the retreat who will mingle with attendees at various themed parties and costumed on-site gatherings at the Westgate Hotel. On Oct. 1, the Great Book Exhibition will be free and open to the public from 1-4 p.m. For more information, visit historicalromanceretreat.com.

AMERICAN ARCHIVES MONTH

The City Clerk will be hosting its fourth annual Archives Month this October with lectures, exhibits and tours of the archives with a theme of “Roaring 20s,” highlighting the advantages and challenges citizens encountered during the 1920s. Archives Month officially begins on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. in the City Administration Building at 202 C St., with the unveiling of a public exhibit spotlighting San Diego during the “Roaring 20s.” For a complete listing of all of the activities, lectures and archive tours during Archives Month, and to register for lectures and tours, visit the City’s Archives Month website. For more information about programs and services, visit sandiego.gov/city-clerk.

“We are excited to bring another great month of activities and events to the public to celebrate Archives Month in San Diego,” said Elizabeth Maland, San Diego City Clerk. “Preserving history for future generations has never been more important, and we look forward to giving our residents programming that offers vivid examples of what life in San Diego was like a century ago.”

MAMA’S NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Since 1990, Mama’s Kitchen volunteers have facilitated the delivery of more than 10 million nutritious, medically tailored meals to San Diegans affected by HIV, cancer, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. As the nonprofit prepares to deliver its 11 millionth meal later this year, it is calling on the community for additional volunteer support to help with critical organization operations, ranging from kitchen and staging to meal delivery and office support.
“We are still feeling the impact of the pandemic in many ways,” says Andrew Picard, chief operations officer, Mama’s Kitchen. “We are still seeing more critically ill community members enrolling in our Home-Delivered Meal Service. We are in need of more volunteer support, especially for delivery drivers to ensure each client has access to this lifeline. We currently need 200-300 additional volunteers to meet the community needs we anticipate for the rest of this year and into 2023.”

Mama’s Kitchen offers a variety of shifts to accommodate the schedules of prospective volunteers. Interested community members are encouraged to visit mamaskitchen.org/volunteer and complete the online volunteer application. From there, they can select a 30-minute virtual volunteer orientation to attend. Individuals and families are encouraged to apply. Youth volunteers ages 13-plus must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; youth volunteers ages 16-plus do not require accompaniment from a parent or guardian. For questions about volunteer opportunities, contact Philip Chao at [email protected] or 619-233-6262.
COMIC-CON MUSEUM EXPANDS
Balboa Park’s Museo Comic-Con announced that it is expanding its programming with a new exhibit, interactive arts workshops, and participation in Kids Free October. “Our goal at the Comic-Con Museum is to get everyone involved at the museum no matter your age or interests. Through our Makerspace workshops and Kids Free San Diego promotion in October, we want visitors to leave with a newfound love for comics and the popular arts,” said executive director Rita Vandergaw. Tickets to the exhibit can be purchased in advance at feverup.com/m/116125.

MAVERICKS OKTOBERFEST

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Club de playa Mavericks at 860 Garnet Ave. on Friday Sept. 30 from 5-10 p.m. Bartenders will be serving up Oktoberfest beers, that guests can pair with pretzels, brats, and other themed food specials. There will also be a live band and stein holding contest, and guests are invited to come in their best Lederhosen to celebrate in style.

KARINA’S CELEBRATES

Head over to any Karina’s restaurant on Sept. 29 and join the Feliz Aniversario! celebrations as Karina’s marks an astounding 41 years of landmark culinary service to the San Diego region. There is a Karina’s Cantina at 1055 Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla. On Thursday, Sept. 29, Karina’s fans can join in honoring the occasion with draft and bottle beers at the price of $4.10 each. In addition to drink specials, for every $100 spent, guests will receive a free limited-edition anniversary T-shirt while supplies last.

PEDESTRIAN DEATHS

A new study has revealed California tops the 10 states with the highest number of pedestrian deaths recorded with over 7,000 fatalities over an eight-year period, which is more than any other state. The research carried out by experts at RMFW Law has revealed the states with the most and least amount of pedestrian deaths recorded between 2012-2020, as well as those with the highest and lowest average deaths per state. View the full research at rmfwlaw.com/blog/pedestrian-accidents/pedestrian-deaths.

MANSONS4MITTS

Building on more than a decade of partnership, the Masons of California, in affiliation with the San Diego Padres Foundation, announced that they have raised $50,835 this season for youth development programs through their signature Masons4Mitts baseball mitt drive. Since launching the program in 2009, Masons of California donations have provided 9,700 mitts to players in San Diego County through the San Diego Padres Foundation, and over 75,000 mitts to players across the state.

Each year, Masons4Mitts teams up with the San Diego Padres to purchase real, leather baseball mitts that are given, free of charge, to young ballplayers in junior leagues across California. Through youth baseball, Masons4Mitts and its partners provide children with a safe place to play while they develop key collaboration skills, learn about health and nutrition, build productive study habits and more. Learn more at masons4mitts.org.

ANIMAL CHARITY FUNDRAISER

Calling all Pet Parents and Canine lovers. WoofTrax, an app used to track dog walks, is inviting everyone to join their autumn challenge to start earning money for your favorite local animal charity. Every walk tracked, from Oct. 15-Nov. 30 will earn $1 towards the animal charity, shelter, or rescue location of your choice. This campaign is only available to residents in Anaheim, Irvine, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego. Join the Autumn Challenge  by using the the free WoofTrax app.

SHORT-TERM RENTAL APPLICATIONS

Starting Monday, Oct. 3 at noon, hosts can apply for a short-term residential occupancy license to operate a dwelling unit in the City of San Diego for short-term rentals. The STRO license will be required starting on May 1, 2023. Before beginning the application process, hosts must possess an active Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate and ensure all Rental Unit Business Taxes are in active paid status. In addition, applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the City’s STRO webpage and complete the STRO Application checklist before Oct. 3. Details and a description of the four license types are available at sandiego.gov/stro.

“After leading this effort for the past two years, I look forward to the STRO license application process opening for all tiers on Oct. 3,” said District 2 City Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell. “A host will be able to apply for one of the following four STRO license tiers: Part-Time, Home Sharing, Whole-Home and Mission Beach Whole Home. These new regulations will return more housing into the market and give neighborhoods more quality of life.”

CLASSICS 4 KIDS

Classics 4 Kids’ 30th Anniversary Gala on Sunday, Oct. 2 in Rancho Santa Fe will directly raise funds to support the nonprofit organization’s music education programs, including live educational concerts at the historic Balboa Theatre with conductor Dana Zimbric, the Classics Philharmonic Orchestra, and special guest artists and educators.

BFREE STUDIO EXHIBIT

BFREE Studio at 7857 Girard Ave., run by gallery owner Barbara Freeman, has announced its next exhibition titled “Beggars of Bliss, Icons of Loss” by Artist, Max Roemer, running Oct. 7-29 at the studio. All sales and proceeds will benefit ArtReach, a nonprofit providing arts education to more than 6,000 students at Title 1 schools in San Diego County.

PACIFIC BEACHFEST SET FOR OCT. 1

Discover PB’s annual Pacific Beachfest will return this year on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Applications are now available through the business improvement district for participating artists, crafters, food vendors, and those wishing to participate in the fish taco competition. Last year, due to COVID and its distancing requirements, the event was scaled back to only a 5K run and beach volleyball tournament.

Kick off Pacific Beachfest with the inaugural Pacific Beach Half Marathon at 6:30 a.m., and the 10th annual Pacific Beach 5K at 10 a.m. The free festival offers three stages of live music, Big Josh Beer Garden, volleyball tournament, shape up social on the sand, a kids action alley, and the Best of the Beach Fish Taco Contest (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) held along the boardwalk from Felspar to Thomas streets. This year marks the 24th anniversary of Beachfest, which draws more than 50,000 visitors annually. For more information, visit pacificbeachfest.org.

ZOMBIE WALK

Zombie Walk on Saturday, Oct. 1, 4-5:30 p.m. Meet at Trader Joe’s, 1640 Garnet Ave., at 4 p.m. for photos. Zombie Walk begins at 4:25 p.m. down Garnet Avenue, starting at Ingraham Street, near the big sign for Trader Joe’s. At the end of Garnet, zombies do the “Thriller” dance at the Community Stage for Pacific Beachfest at 5:10 p.m. More information at https://thrillersd.com.

THRILLER DANCE

The second annual Thrill The Mil event will take place on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum on Oct. 29. Zombies will meet at 2 p.m. by the farthest set of stairs, and perform at 3 p.m. (and again at 3:45 p.m.). Dancers must know the full 6-minute version of the choreography.  This is a fun opportunity for service members and their families to perform the iconic “Thriller” dance aboard an iconic naval ship. Don’t damage any military uniforms in the making of zombie outfits. Military zombies could potentially trigger PTSD for some of the vets that may be aboard. More information at https://thrillersd.com.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

Friends of Pacific Beach Elementary School are holding a Parents Night Out at the VFW Post 5985 on Friday, Sept. 30 from 6-10 p.m. at 853 Turquoise St. Tickets are $20 per person. Space is limited. Cash bar. Food included. All proceeds benefit FOPBE. Ticket sales begin Monday, Sept. 19 in front of the marquis on campus at 1234 Tourmaline St. This event is open to all PBE families and is adults only. Those with questions can call Kristen Everett at 619-972-9877.

COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

Over the past weekend, I Love A Clean San Diego held the 38th annual International Coastal Cleanup Day, San Diego County’s largest volunteer environmental cleanup event. More than 4,000 volunteers participated in cleaning debris from parks and beaches at nearly 70 inland and coastal sites, including De Anza Cove in Pacific Beach. SDG&E was part of this day with more than 100 employees volunteering (above) their time to support local environmental efforts. This year, more than 35,000 pounds of litter were collected from sites across the region, including items like cigarette butts, bottles, food wrappers, bags, take-out containers and straws.

PACIFIC ISLANDER FESTIVAL

The 25th annual Pacific Islander Festival will take place Sept. 24-25 starting a 8 a.m. The Pacific Islander Festival is held annually at Ski Beach along Mission Bay to celebrate and showcase the indigenous cultures and customs of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia with entertainment, food, music, and specialty crafts. One of the largest and longest-running cultural festivals in San Diego, the two-day summer festival provides educational and cultural resources for the benefit of everyone and honors the promotion and perpetuation of the traditional cultures, ancient history, languages, attitudes, and values of the Indigenous People of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

The 11th annual San Diego Dragon Boat Festival will take place Sept. 24-25 starting at 8 a.m. The San Diego Dragon Festival showcases the traditional art and sport of dragon boat racing. Throughout the festival, competitors will test their endurance as they row rapid, dragon-shaped vessels through the waters of Mission Bay in teams next to Fiesta Island. The festival is organized by the San Diego Alliance for Asian Pacific Islander Americans, a nonprofit organization devoted to advocating for the rights and well-being of Asian Pacific communities in the San Diego area.

HALLOWEEN CRUISE

For Halloween, guests can dress up in their favorite costumes and hop aboard the William D. Evans Halloween Cruise on Oct. 28, from 9 p.m.-midnight, departing from the Bahia Resort pier. There will be two DJs, a lighted dance floor, liquid treats/drink specials, and a photobooth to capture the night’s “spooktacular” memories. Partygoers must be 21 years or older and the cost is $40 per person. For more information, visit Discovermissionbay.org.

BOOK SIGNING

On Oct. 4, join local author Jennifer Givhan as she celebrates the launch of her new book River Woman, River Demon with a free event at Mysterious Galaxy, 3555 Rosecrans St., Suite 107. Jennifer Givhan, a National Endowment for the Arts and PEN/Rosenthal Emerging Voices fellow, is a Mexican American writer and activist from the Southwestern desert. She’s the author of 11 books and features protagonists that are strong women who are transformed and, via magical realism, change the world around them. The event will consist of a 30-minute discussion with the authors, followed by a book signing line. The event will also be streamed through on Crowdcast for those unable to attend in person. Masks are required to attend this event in person. Visit mystgalaxy.com.

PING PONG TOURNAMENT

The second annual Ping Pong Tournament for men and women that was postponed due to COVID, will be held Friday, Sept. 30 starting at 6 p.m. at Ocean Beach Woman’s Club, 2160 Bacon St. It’s a single elimination bracket. Skrewball has signed up as a grand champion sponsor, and Wild Ales, Raglan, and Rest and Relax are table sponsors. Food and drink will be provided by Rincon, OB Brewery, Dirty Birds, Jensen’s, OB Meat Co., Luigi’s Pizza, Cupcakes Squared, and OB Kabob. All proceeds go to the fundraising and philanthropic efforts of the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club.

STAND-UP COMEDY

A six-week stand-up comedy workshop and performance taught by award-winning comedian Tony Calabrese will be held from Sept. 28-Nov. 4 at Point Loma Playhouse. Learn how to write funny stuff, how to deliver in front of an audience​, experience live performance on stage. The course is taught at Point Loma Playhouse, at the historic Point Loma Assembly, at 3035 Talbot St. For more information, call 619-800-5497 or visit pointlomaplayhouse.com.

ROMEO & JULIET

A live performance of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” directed by Tom Haine will be given on two weekends: Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 7 p.m.; and Oct. 7-9, 7 p.m., in the amphitheater at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3598 Talbot St. Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, cushions, etc. and a good jacket for when the sun goes down. Admission is on a freewill donation basis.

MILES FOR MELANOMA

El Melanoma Research Foundation’s Miles for Melanoma, a nationwide series of 5K runs/walks that allow participants to support and raise funds for the MRF by coming together in their community alongside fellow melanoma patients, survivors and supporters, will take place on Oct. 8 at 7:30 a.m. at De Anza Cove Park on Mission Bay. In addition to the race (starting at 9 a.m.), there will be opening and closing ceremonies led by sponsors, survivors and more. 

GREAT PUMPKIN BEER FEST

The legendary Seattle Great Pumpkin Beer Festival returns to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for pumpkin-themed brews, live entertainment, twisted experientials, squash-based foodie creations, hidden surprises and so much more! On Saturday, Oct. 22 from 3:25-10:25 p.m. The streets will be transformed into a gourd-geous mecca of all things nonsensical as misfits unite to celebrate brews, boos and beats. Featured breweries Ballast Point, Bay City Brewing Co., Belching Beaver, Creative Creature Brewing, Elysian, Mission Brewing, Pizza Port, Westbrew. Visit GreatPumpkinBeerFestSD.com to get all of the details.

STREET RACING CRACKDOWN

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2000, which will prohibit street racing and sideshows from occurring in parking lots across the state. The bipartisan measure, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D – Woodland Hills), aims to crack down on dangerous driving—including street racing, “sideshows,” and street takeovers—which continue to cause injuries and fatalities across California.

SEALS SEASON

The San Diego Seals lacrosse team has announced its regular season schedule for the 2022-23 campaign beginning Saturday, Dec. 3 when the Seals kick off the season at the New York Riptide. San Diego will return home for Opening Day at Pechanga Arena on Friday, Dec. 9. The nine-game home schedule features seven unique opponents and includes all West Division teams. Fans in San Diego will enjoy six Saturday home games and three Friday night matchups from December to April. Season ticket memberships are on sale and start at just $81 for the entire season. For breaking news and updates, follow us on social @SealsLax. The Seals return to Pechanga Arena for Opening Day on Dec. 9.

DISCOUNTED PET ADOPTION

With the official start of the fall season, San Diego Humane Society is hoping the community is ready to “Fall in Love” with a new pet. To bring awareness to the nearly 600 animals who are available for adoption, the organization is reducing adoption fees for all adult animals to $5 through Sunday, Sept. 25. The promotion is sponsored by Petco Love petcolove.org. Across its four shelter campuses, the following animals are available for adoption: sdhumane.org/adoptar Dogs: 205, Cats: 82, Rabbits: 59, Guinea Pigs: 83, Chickens: 52.
HOMELESS SHELTER CAPACITY

Since Mayor Todd Gloria created the Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department in the summer of 2021, the City of San Diego has expanded street outreach and increased shelter capacity by 28%, while simultaneously working to create more permanent housing options for San Diegans experiencing homelessness.

“Our Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department is working every day, alongside county-wide agencies and partners, to build a more robust system that addresses homelessness in San Diego,” Gloria said. “What ends homelessness one person at a time is outreach, shelter and housing, and we have made significant strides in all of these areas over the past year and will continue to do much more in the years to come.”

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY MONTH

In support of Pedestrian Safety Month in September, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and Circulate San Diego want to highlight safe strategies for pedestrian and bicycle behavior. To help promote this, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition will be leading a walking field trip along Meade Avenue in North Park to showcase and observe the pedestrian and bicycle network, to educate on how to use traffic circles as a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, and to promote pedestrian safety. The walking field trip will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m., starting at the intersection of Meade Avenue and Alabama Street in North Park and ending at Tacotorian on 30th Street. Dinner and discussion of observed conditions will follow the field trip.

BLOOD DONORS NEEDED

San Diego Blood Bank is issuing an urgent call for blood donations, particularly from type O negative and O positive blood donors, as our community’s supply of both blood types has hit critically low levels. Type O negative is the universal blood type, meaning anyone can receive that type of blood when needed. O positive is the most common blood type, which is why hospital demand is always high. Type O blood is the first used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type may be unknown and for massive traumas when a large volume of blood is needed quickly.

“All types are needed, but our supply of O negative and O positive blood types is low, currently at less than a one-day supply” said Claudine Van Gonka, director of community relations and media. “It is critical that we bring the blood supply up to stable levels for hospital patients in need.”  To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in general good health. Eligible blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at SanDiegoBloodBank.org or calling 619-400-8251.

LA MESA OKTOBERFEST

Since 1973, the Bob Stall Chevrolet La Mesa Oktoberfest has been attracting attendees from across San Diego for three free days of festive live music, including Oompa bands, tons of top-notch German food, and of course, steins filled to the brim with German and craft beer. The Munich-inspired festivities will be returning to the La Mesa Village on Friday, Sept. 30, Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2 as the streets set the scene for the largest German celebration San Diego has to offer. Grab your steins and get ready to “Prost” (cheers), because there is a libation to satisfy the taste of every Mann or Frau at this year’s Oktoberfest. Top off a perfect day soaking in the La Mesa sun with three fully loaded biergartens featuring non-stop performances by local and regional bands for young and old alike with German Polka bands, indie rock jams, brass musicians and more. A Biergarten pass is $5 (kids are free) and gives you access to all three unique gartens. Guests will want to come hungry and enjoy a wide variety of traditional German food, giant pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel, and other delights in the food court.