San Diego Bead Society to hold annual Bead Bazaar

For the 15th year in a row, the San Diego Bead Society will host its popular Bead Bazaar on August 2 and 3 at the Scottish Rite Center at 1895 Camino Del Rio South. 

The event offers a chance for bead fanatics to admire and purchase artisan jewelry from local and national artists showcasing their silver clay, vintage, semi-precious and precious metals, and glass bead creations.

“Make-and-takes,” demos and raffle prizes will also be offered to attendees.

“What distinguishes the Bazaar from other bead shows is that it brings together the work of extraordinary and unique artisan jewelry artists with vendors that specialize in providing quality merchandise for all your jewelry making needs, in an intimate and friendly atmosphere,” San Diego Bead Society Chair Linda Roberts stated in a press release.

The Bead Bazaar will open at 10 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $5 and proceeds will benefit the Bead Society’s future endeavors.

North Park’s World Cup Finale

On Sunday, July 13, Germany and Argentina went head-to-head in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final, with Germany winning the match 1–0. In San Diego, the game began at noon, and soon afterward roars, cheers and gasps could be heard from far around the intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street, where the heart of North Park was packed with soccer fans to witness the game on a giant 11-by-17-foot Jumbotron that closed down a block of 30th Street all day Sunday. Pictured above is a jersey-clad Council President Todd Gloria addressing the crowd just before the game begins.

Lemonade stand for a cause

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a nonprofit fighting against pediatric cancer, will host its 9th lemonade-themed event on July 26 at 3366 Adams Ave. in Normal Heights.

Attendees can sample lemonade, listen to local bands and learn more about the Foundation from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. FM 94.9 will be on hand to play tunes and pass out Legoland Park Hopper tickets. There will also be a silent auction, prize giveaways and restaurants will battle it out in a lemon-theme food competition.

The Foundation raised more than $80,000 during the past 8 years, hoping to reach $100,000 by the end of this year. For more information and how you can help out, visit alexslemonade.org.

Lily Gladd celebrates ninth birthday

On June 28, Lily Gladd was surprised by family, friends and community leaders with a party celebrating her ninth birthday. Council President Todd Gloria and San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Marten attended, with Gloria presenting Lily with an official proclamation from the City. Lily was also honored earlier this month when her photo appeared on the new Park Hillcrest Trolley design, which can now be seen ferrying locals throughout Hillcrest on evenings and weekends.

San Diego makes national ‘bike-friendly’ list

USA Today recently published a list of the nation’s most “bike-friendly” cities, and San Diego finally made the list.

“Year-round mild weather, a terrain that’s not too hilly or too flat, and loads of distinctive neighborhoods” were some of the reasons America’s Finest City made the list. Some of the coastline rides around the region listed as “beautiful, cycle-friendly routes” were Cabrillo National Monument, Pacific Coast Highway, and the Silver Strand.

“San Diego is making great strides and we’ve got even more on the way to be excited about including CicloSDias, bike share and the regional bike plan,” said Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC). Hanshaw cited several major accomplishments from the past year, including launching CicloSDias, SANDAG’s $200 million approval of the regional bike plan, the unanimously approved Decobike ride share program, and a record number of Bike to Work Day participants for 2014. For more info about biking efforts in San Diego, visit sdcbc.org.

Volunteers needed to help foster children

Voices for Children is looking for volunteers who can dedicate 10 –15 hours a month for 18 months as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care.

CASA volunteers spend time with abused and neglected children as they navigate the Juvenile Court system. The volunteer becomes one of the few consistent adult presences in the child’s life during this trying time. When social workers and attorneys are overburdened with large caseloads, the court relies on the CASA volunteer to serve as the court’s eyes and ears in the life of a foster child.

CASA volunteers do not need to have any experience in law or education. Many of the volunteers work full time, work from home or are retired. Voices for Children provides a 35-hour comprehensive training program, and CASAs are further supported by a full-time professional advocacy supervisor.

Several information sessions for interested volunteers are coming soon in the Kearny Mesa area: Monday, July 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m; Saturday, July 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Saturday, Aug. 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.; and Wednesday, Aug. 13 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

For more information and info session locations, visit speakupnow.org/information-sessions, email [email protected] or call 858-598-2230.