San Diego, CA
The best things to do this week in San Diego: Sept. 9-13
Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, Sept. 9 to Friday, Sept. 13.
Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.
And for things to do in the arts this fall, go here: Everything we’re excited about this season in San Diego
Monday
Quint Gallery: ‘Kelsey Brookes: Gradient Paintings’ and ‘Lee Materazzi: ¢a$h&¢arry’ The Quint Gallery space will offer top two concurrent exhibitions this fall. First, longtime local Brookes continues to perfect his psychedelic works and will be showcasing new works that see him experimenting with a new foreground painting technique. Lee Materazzi’s “¢a$h&¢arry” is a traveling exhibition of hundreds of photographic works from San Francisco-based painter, all priced at $50 each. On view through Oct. 12. Quint Gallery, 7722 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. (858) 454-3409, quintgallery.com
Art Produce Gallery: Diana Benavidez: The longtime local is revered for her artful take on the piñata, but during her recent residency at the North Park art space, she delved deeper into paper-based experimentation to create one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn garments. These new works will be on display in Art Produce’s Cooler Room space. Runs Saturday through Sept. 21. Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., North Park. Free. By appointment. (619) 500-2787, artproduce.org
Tuesday
Free pet adoption at County animal shelters: San Diego County Animal Services is waiving adoption fees through Sept. 10 at its animal shelters in Bonita and Carlsbad as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign. The campaign, which started 10 years ago, is sponsored by NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 San Diego. When picking a pet online to adopt, Animal Services recommends having a second and third choice in case the first choice is already adopted. Community members who can’t adopt a pet are encouraged to consider fostering a pet. Walk-in hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays at both the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road, in Bonita, or the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road, in Carlsbad. Visit sddac.com.
Kiersten White: “Lucy Undying”: The bestselling local fantasy and sci-fi writer is back with her first vampire novel in a while. This one is an original take on a minor character from Bram Stoker’s original “Dracula.” 7 p.m. Sept. 10. Mysterious Galaxy, 3555 Rosecrans St., No. 107, Point Loma. Free. (619) 539-7137, mystgalaxy.com
Wednesday
Sasha Abramsky: “Chaos Comes Calling: The Battle Against the Far-Right Takeover of Small-Town America”: The longtime political journalist will be in town to discuss and sign his new nonfiction account of two communities struggling to fight back against far-right extremism. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Summer Carnival Tour: Pink, Sheryl Crow, The Script, and DJ KidCutUp will perform at the San Diego stop of the Summer Carnival Tour. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd, San Diego. Ticket start at $48.60. ticketmaster.com/pnk-summer-carnival-2024-san-diego-california-09-11-2024/event/0A005F7D0739464B
Thursday
Taste of Old Town, Tequila Tour: This annual event spotlights Old Town’s diverse culinary scene, featuring a variety of dishes from the area’s restaurants. The self-guided tour includes a map to participating Old Town restaurants that will showcase their signature dishes. Tickets can be upgraded to include a Tequila Tour. 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday with check-in starting at 5:45 p.m. at 4010 Twiggs St. or 4105 Taylor St. Tickets are $15-$55. Visit oldtownsandiego.org/taste.
Mission Bay kayak tour: Ocean Connectors offers a Wildin’ Mission Bay Kayak Eco Tour through Mission Bay starts from Paradise Point Resort and Spa or Mission Bay Resort. Participants can see marine life and birds and learn about local conservation efforts and Ocean Connectors’ mission. 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive. Cost is $35-$55. Visit oceanconnectors.org/mission-bay.
Beginner Square Dance classes kick off: The Wranglers Square Dance Club will start a new square dance class. Internationally renowned caller Buddy Weaver will be the instructor. Come solo or as a couple. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive Cost is $10 per lesson. Visit squaredancewithus.com.
Friday
Alley Cat Art Walk: The 13th annual Alley Cat Art Walk will feature fine arts, crafts, live music, vendors, craft booths, food, wine, beer and prizes. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Downtown El Cajon. Free. downtownelcajon.com/alley-cat-art-walk
Free admission at Water Conservation Garden: The Water Conservation Garden offers free admission on Sept. 13 at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive W. The garden features 6 acres of themed gardens that demonstrate water conservation, ranging from a native plant garden to a vegetable garden, along with exhibits on how to add mulch and irrigate. Visit thegarden.org.
Author to discuss latest novel at library: Local author Laura McNeal will read and discuss her latest novel, “The Swan’s Nest.” The book tells the story of 19th-century poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning and will be available for sale and signing. An open mic for local writers to share their poetry and prose will be from 6:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the author’s presentation. McNeal was a National Book Award finalist for her novel “Dark Water.” For questions, email kbgressitt@gmail.com. 6 to 7 p.m. Friday. Sept. 13 at Writers Read at the Fallbrook Library, 124 S. Mission Road. sdcl.bibliocommons.com/events/66393e8e1e57af280042fd7e
RAMONA (CNS) – Four rare western spotted skunks were released back in the wild after weeks of rehabilitation and socialization at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center, officials announced Wednesday.
The successful release marks a major milestone for a species rarely seen in wildlife rehabilitation. The group included one orphaned skunk that was flown more than 400 miles by Flying Tails Animal Rescue from Sierra Wildlife Rescue in Northern California to join an orphaned group in Ramona, according to the SDHS.
The four skunks were returned to a carefully selected, remote habitat in Valley Center after reaching the necessary weight and developmental milestones to thrive on their own.
Western spotted skunks are a rare sight for the Humane Society’s Project Wildlife team. While the wildlife center typically handles hundreds of striped skunks each year, admitting six spotted skunks from different litters in one season is unusual. Spotted skunks are generally found in remote forested areas and are not as common in urban neighborhoods, officials said.
“We have never seen this many western spotted skunks in a single season before,” said Autumn Welch, wildlife operations manager at the Ramona Wildlife Center. “Because they are more reclusive than striped skunks, they require very specific care and even more secluded release sites to ensure they can stay wild.”
Socialization is critical for orphaned spotted skunks. During their stay at the Ramona Wildlife Center, the group became a bonded unit — exploring, digging and sleeping together, according to SDHS officials. Experts say these social cues prevent habituation to humans and teach the orphans natural skunk behaviors.
While four members of the group have returned to the wild, two spotted skunks remain in care at the facility. The smallest skunk was moved to an outside pre-release habitat and introduced to a slightly older skunk in late June.
Wildlife officials said by keeping the pair together, the wildlife team ensures the younger skunk will have a companion to learn from until they are both ready to be released, likely within the next month or two.
Anyone who finds an injured, sick or orphaned wild animal is encouraged to visit sdhumane.org/wildlifehelp or call 619-299-7012.
Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A 33-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to 325 years to life in prison for sexually abusing two 6-year-old girls, in addition to a slew of other felony sex abuse charges, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Christopher T. Gardner was convicted of 15 felony sex abuse charges, which included molesting the two girls, who were relatives of his, over a five-year period.
The abuse reportedly first came to light when one of the victims told a friend in confidence during a sleepover that she had been touched inappropriately. The friend then told her mother, who contacted law enforcement.
After Gardner was arrested, a third victim came forward, who was also a relative. Now a young adult, the victim said that when she was 7-8 years old, Gardner sexually assaulted her.
During the nine-day trial, the first two victims reportedly testified to multiple vulgar acts of sexual abuse by Gardner.
“Predators who rob children of their innocence and inflict lifelong trauma do not belong in our communities,” DA Summer Stephan said. “This sentence sends an unmistakable message to abusers: you will be held accountable. I am deeply grateful to our specialized sexual abuse prosecution team for their dedication in bringing a measure of justice to the survivors.”
Thursday, July 9
• La Jolla Town Council: 6 p.m., La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. lajollatowncouncil.org
Friday, July 10
• La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club: 6:45 a.m., UC San Diego Faculty Club, 270 Muir Lane. lajollagtrotary.org
• Kiwanis Club of La Jolla: noon, La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. kiwanisclublajolla.org
Sunday, July 12
• La Jolla Open Aire Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Girard Avenue at Genter Street. (858) 454-1699. lajollamarket.com
Monday, July 13
• La Jolla Library Book Club: 1:30 p.m., Community Room, La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The July book is “Fresh Water for Flowers” by Valérie Perrin. sandiego.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=316631
• La Jolla Planned District Ordinance Committee: (pending items to review), 4 p.m., La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. Email info@lajollacpa.org.
• Laughmasters Toastmasters: 6:30 p.m., online. Email jrmmt@cox.net.
Tuesday, July 14
• San Diego Blood Bank blood drive: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Hensel Phelps Construction Co., 9404 Genesee Ave. Donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 114 pounds and be in good health. Photo identification is required. (619) 400-8251. sandiegobloodbank.org
• Rotary Club of La Jolla: noon, La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St. rotarycluboflajolla.org
• Co-op Toastmasters Club: noon, online at bit.ly/46W13bx (meeting ID: 849 4320 0407, passcode: cccu2020). (669) 900-6833. toastmasters.org/find-a-club/00001125-coop-club
• La Jolla Development Permit Review Committee: (pending items to review), 4 p.m., online. Email info@lajollacpa.org.
Wednesday, July 15
• Torrey Pines (La Jolla) Rotary Club: noon, online. torreypinesrotary.org
• La Jolla Shores Association: 6 p.m., Martin Johnson House, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 8840 Biological Grade. lajollashoresassociation.org
Thursday, July 16
• La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club: 6:58 a.m., La Jolla Shores Hotel, 8110 Camino del Oro. Call Cheryl Collins at (760) 936-3272 or Steve Cross at (619) 992-9449.
• San Diego Blood Bank blood drive: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sanford Burnham Prebys (patio outside Buildings 6 and 7), 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road. Donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 114 pounds and be in good health. Photo identification is required. (619) 400-8251. sandiegobloodbank.org
• La Jolla Shores Permit Review Committee: (pending items to review), 4 p.m., online. Email info@lajollacpa.org.
Friday, July 17
• La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club: 6:45 a.m., UC San Diego Faculty Club, 270 Muir Lane. lajollagtrotary.org
Did we miss listing your community event? Email calendar information to Noah Lyons at noah.lyons@lajollalight.com by noon Thursday for publication in the following week’s edition. ♦
-
Lifestyle3 minutes agoUrban Jürgensen: Introducing Elite Watchmaking to New Audiences
-
Politics8 minutes agoCommentary: On Skid Row, it’s been decades of frustration. Will the next mayor have a plan?
-
Science15 minutes agoWhat’s the deal with … coffee enemas?
-
Sports18 minutes agoLAPD weighs canceling academy classes to get more cops on streets for Olympics
-
World30 minutes agoTrump ordered to pay E Jean Carroll $5.8m after failed appeal
-
News53 minutes agoSupreme Court financial disclosures reveal how their books add to their income
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoWaymo video could determine charges after teens’ bizarre California ride
-
Detroit, MI3 hours ago
DPD investigating after human remains found in home on Detroit’s west side
