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Community events in San Diego County: From Children’s Book Party to Jobapalooza festival

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Community events in San Diego County: From Children’s Book Party to Jobapalooza festival


CARLSBAD

Earth Day Plant Sale

The Carlsbad Garden Club will host a plant sale at Plaza Paseo Real, 6965 El Camino Real, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26 in the upper courtyard next to LaCosta Coffee Roasting. The sale includes potted flowers, succulents and many other plant varieties. Proceeds support Carlsbad schools’ garden programs and student scholarships.

Genealogists put on free seminar

The North San Diego Genealogical Society will put on its annual Spring Seminar from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 26 virtually via Zoom. Society members will present “Cornucopia: My Favorite Research Journeys” case studies illustrating a variety of research problems. Admission is fee. The registration deadline is April 23 at nsdcgs.org.

Flower Fields at peak bloom

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are in peak bloom with 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculuses. There are a number of attractions including an exhibit by artist Alex Heveri, “Glass in Flight.” The exhibit includes more than three dozen glass and steel sculptures of butterflies, dragonflies and insects. The exhibit inspired this year’s theme at The Flower Fields, “Where Color Takes Flight.” Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are $27; $25 for seniors, $17 for children 3-10 and free for kids younger than 3. Visit theflowerfields.com.

Local genealogy buffs gather

The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 22 at City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Center. The speaker, Lisa Medina, will give a presentation on “Your Personal Tour: Creating a Locality Guide.” Admission is free; no registration required. To attend via Zoom, visit nsdcgs.org.

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Rep. Levin to speak at Democratic Club

The Democratic Club of Carlsbad and Oceanside meets from 9 to 11 a.m. April 26 at 2375 Camino Vida Roble, Suite A. The speaker will be U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, who will give a “National State of Affairs Update.” RSVP at 951-970-0372. Visit demcco.org.

Community Easter celebration at Flower Fields

The annual Flower Fields Easter Sunrise Service is at 6:30 a.m. April 20 amid the blooming ranunculuses at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, 5704 Paseo del Norte. There will be live music, singing, an Easter message of hope and renewal along with breakfast, while supplies last. The celebration is hosted by The Fields Church. Visit thefieldschurch.org/easter.

CHULA VISTA

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The 28th semiannual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 at the John Lippitt Public Works Center, 1800 Maxwell Road, hosted by the Chula Vista Office of Sustainability, Chula Vista Police Department and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The free event is open to all, and participants can drop off unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal. Prescription pills (including for pets) and patches are acceptable for disposal. Needles and liquids will not be accepted. No reservations are required, and disposals are anonymous. Visit chulavistaca.gov.

EL CAJON

Olaf Wieghorst Day

The Olaf Wieghorst Museum will put on a celebration of “Olaf Wieghorst Day” from 3 to 6 p.m. April 30 to mark the Danish American artist’s birthday in 1899 and the grand opening of the museum showing his works in 2000. The event will be at the museum, 131 Rea Ave. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Visit wieghorstmuseum.org/event/olaf-wieghorst-day.

ESCONDIDO

Del Dios community pancake breakfast

The Community of Del Dios will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. April 27 at the Del Dios Community Center (the Old Firehouse), 20155 Elm Lane, on the shores of Lake Hodges. The event features an “all you can eat” breakfast with pancakes, eggs, sausage, kielbasa, ham, homemade beans, homemade salsa, orange juice, fruit salad and coffee or tea. Cost is $10; $4 for children younger than 12. The Community of Del Dios has been serving a twice-a-year breakfast for more than 40 years. Visitors can see the “Hodgee Monster” sculpture. Proceeds support local Del Dios/Mount Israel fire prevention, ecological preservation, community center maintenance and restoration of the community’s 1935 fire engine.

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Assistance League Open House

The Assistance League Inland North County holds a May Day Open House fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. May 1 at 2068 E. Valley Parkway. Highlights include a thrift shop tour, light refreshments, an overview of philanthropic programs and raffles along with a silent auction. Visit assistanceleague.org/inland-north-county.

Library holds book sale

The Friends of the Escondido Library bookstore is holding its monthly half-price sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 25-26 at the library, 239 S. Kalmia St. All items in the store will be 50% off (25-cent minimum), including a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, collectors books, and DVDs and CDs along with an extensive children’s section. Call 760-839-4832. Visit library.escondido.org.

JULIAN

Wildflower Show at clubhouse

The Julian Woman’s Club will host the 99th annual Wildflower Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2-3 in the Woman’s Clubhouse, 2607 C St. The show features wildflowers from seven regions in and around Julian. Various flowering species that grow in the area will be displayed along with artwork from local students. There will be handcrafted items for sale, including a quilt made by club members to be raffled off in the opportunity drawing. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Proceeds go to the club’s scholarship fund and the community. Visit julianwomansclub.org.

Celebration of 250th anniversary American Revolution

A Revolution in the Orchard event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, which marked the start of the American War of Independence, will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26-27 at Julian Farm and Orchard, 4381 Julian Highway. Volunteer historians and re-enactors will share living history of the American War of Independence (1775-1783) through battle re-enactments with muskets and cannons. The family-friendly event features dozens of historical interpreters representing soldiers and civilians of the American Revolution, giving demonstrations of daily and military life. Meet Gen. George Washington and other historical figures. Join the Colonial militia and learn how to march with the Colonial militia. Local merchants and 18th-century re-enacters will sell goods and crafts along with food. Cost is $10 per person over the age of 3. Tickets are on-site and at julianfarmandorchard.com/revolution-in-the-orchard.

Volunteers sought to clear trails

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park’s trails maintenance volunteer unit is looking for volunteers to help with trail maintenance in Cuyamaca. The group clears trails of brush and fallen tree branches and works on grading on over 80 miles of park trails. Work party days are four hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Contact the volunteer coordinator at cmcurtis@pacbell.net or 858-278-3280.

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LA JOLLA

Concours d’Elegance car show

The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance runs April 25-27 featuring culinary creations from 20 of San Diego’s top restaurants and a display of more than 120 classic cars. Friday’s VIP Opening Soirée, “Beyond the Barn: A Gilded Journey to Restoration,” is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 25 on the Concours lawn at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd. The La Jolla Concours Tour d’Elegance from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Porsches & Power on Prospect event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 26 are free for spectators. Sunday’s grand event at The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission tickets are $119; VIP are $429 (and increase on April 20). Visit lajollaconcours.com.

LAKE HODGES

Earth Day cleanup

A Lake Hodges community cleanup is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 27. Meet at Lake Hodges Visitor Center Parking Lot, 20102 Lake Drive. Join volunteers cleaning up litter and debris around the lake, hiking trails and public areas, and participate in discussions on sustainability and protecting the environment. Reusable gloves, trash bags, grabber tools, hand sanitizer, sunscreen and water will be provided. Visit secure.givelively.org/event/friends-of-lake-hodges/earth-day-with-friends-of-lake-hodges.

LAKESIDE

Western Day Parade

The 60th annual Western Day Parade takes off at 9:35 a.m. April 26 from Woodside Avenue and heads to Maine Avenue with marching bands, floats, decorated vehicles, classic cars and other participants. The parade will honor hometown heroes. Visit lakesidechamber.org/western-days-parade.

Library holds book sale

The Lakeside Friends of the Library Bookstore will be having a Buy One, Get One Free sale on books and puzzles April 21-26 at 12428 Woodside Ave. Hours are from 11 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Proceeds support library programs.

Reading of  ‘Letters From an American’

A reading of Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letters From an American” is at 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Lakeside branch of the San Diego County Library, 12428 Woodside Ave. The reading is done in the context of the U.S. Constitution and is free and open to the public. Email questions to bkindbstrong@gmail.com.

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LA MESA

Courtesy California Note Catchers

The California Note Catchers, a nonprofit women’s a cappella chorus, holds rehearsals every Monday. (California Note Catchers)

Chorus marks 30th anniversary

The California Note Catchers, a nonprofit women’s a cappella chorus that sings four-part harmony, marks its 30th anniversary this year. The chorus was started by a group of women in East County and Chula Vista in 1995 and performs throughout the San Diego area at community venues, retirement homes, hospital rehab facilities and service club events. The chorus recently held Harmony Awareness Week. As part of the community event, the group invited women of all ages to join its Monday night rehearsal at the La Mesa First United Methodist Church. The mission of the chorus, which is under the umbrella of Harmony Inc., is to preserve the uniquely American style of music that the chorus calls barbershop, by “nurturing it and teaching it to current and future generations.” The chorus motto is “Come for the singing and stay for the friendship.” Rehearsals are every Monday. The chorus will perform a Spring Sing concert at 3 p.m. May 18 at Liberty Hall Theatre in Paradise Village, 2700 E. Fourth St., National City. Donations are accepted at the door. Visit californianotecatchers.com.

Taste of La Mesa Village

The La Mesa Village Association will put on its first Taste of La Mesa Village from 5 to 8 p.m. April 24 in downtown La Mesa along La Mesa Boulevard. Ticket holders can enjoy tastings from a variety of local restaurants offering signature dishes along with sip stops serving local craft beer, wines and other drinks. A “Passport” voucher will guide visitors. Advance tickets are $45, including food, alcoholic drinks and nonalcoholic beverages, or $35, including food and nonalcoholic beverages. Event day tickets are an additional $10. Tickets are at tasteoflamesavillage.com.

Parkinson’s Support Group meets

The East County Parkinson’s Support Group meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. April 23 at the United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave. The event is aimed at people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, friends and family. There will be educational information and fun activities. For questions, email altamura13@myyhoo.com.

Earth Day Fair

An Earth Dair Fair featuring eco-friendly vendors, a kids zone, a bounce house and activities to learn how to care for the planet will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19 at MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Drive. Bring your bicycles. The festival will feature bicycle activities and helmet giveaways along with a fix-it clinic. Admission is free. Visit cityoflamesa.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=8411.

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LEMON GROVE

Arbor and Earth Day resource fair

A community resource fair to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day is from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St. There will be music, information booths with resources about health, fitness and protecting the environment, a kids zone and fitness classes along with food for sale. Admission is free. Visit lemongrove.ca.gov/parks-events.

OCEANSIDE

Asian and Pacific Islander festival

The Southern California Asian and Pacific Islander festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 at the Oceanside Civic Center Plaza and Pier View Way. The free community event celebrates the heritage of more than 20 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultures through traditional and contemporary performances led by local artists. Highlights include art exhibits, hands-on cultural activities, a health and wellness area, a martial arts arena and live mural painting along with food. Visit apifestival.com.

Earth Day Community event

A family-friendly neighborhood cleanup is from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at Alamosa Park as part of the annual Creek to Bay Cleanup. Join the Oceanside Green Team for the volunteer event that includes educational booths, music, kids activities and games. Visit ci.oceanside.ca.us/government/water-utilities/environmental-services-programs/green-oceanside/earth-month.

Learning is for Everyone group meets

The Learning is for Everyone group, aka LIFE, at MiraCosta College meets at 1 p.m.  April 25 in Building 1000’s Conference Room at MiraCosta’s Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. A presentation on the Surfrider Foundation at 1 p.m. will be led by Janis Selby Jones. At 2:30 p.m., Lyford Rome, NASA solar system ambassador, will discuss, “The Hubble Anniversary.” Admission is free. Visit miracosta.edu/life.

Art museum features community exhibit

The nonprofit Oceanside Museum of Art opens an exhibit April 26 on “Tsikuris” or God’s Eyes, “sacred spiritual objects crafted from brightly colored yarn, symbolizing protection and spiritual connection.” The works were created during community workshops for all ages at the museum. Each Tsikuri tells a story, with layers of color representing the years of life. The art is rooted in the traditions of the Huichol people. The exhibit, curated by Natalie Gonzalez, runs through Sept. 21. Visit oma-online.org.

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Surf museum holds book launch

The California Surf Museum holds a book launch at 6:30 p.m. April 23 for “Surfer Stories: 12 Untold Stories by 12 Writers” about 12 of the world’s greatest surfers by Claudia Lebenthal. Doors open at 6 p.m. General admission is $10; $5 for California Surf Museum members. Pre-purchase a book ($40) at 760-721-6876 and get free admission.

Retired teachers meet April 29

The local California Retired Teachers, Division 45 is having a general meeting at 10:30 a.m. April 29 at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way. The speaker is Linda Nelson, who will discuss the Stewart Indian School in Nevada. Reservations are due by April 24 at calrtalunchreserve@gmail.com or 760-729-6185.

POINT LOMA

Chorale sings Brahms’ Requiem

The San Diego Master Chorale presents Brahms’ Requiem, a choral work of solace and reflection, at 4 p.m. April 26-27 at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd. The concert will be conducted by music director John K. Russell. Tickets are $30, $25 for seniors and military, $15 for students and free for children under age 12 at sdmasterchorale.org/brahms-requiem.

Parkinson’s Support Group meets

The Point Loma Parkinson’s Support Group will hold its monthly meeting from 10 a.m. to noon April 22 at Point Loma Cafe, 4865 N. Harbor Drive, to “Meet, Greet and Eat.” There will be a no-host brunch and open discussion group for people with Parkinson’s and care partners. Reserve at doloresviolacohenour@gmail.com.

POWAY

Interfaith gathering for peace

The Poway Interfaith Team hosts a Gathering for Prayers and Peace from 3 to 5 p.m. May 4 at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 16275 Pomerado Road. The theme is “The Essence of Prayer: Insights Through Interfaith.” The event celebrates the practices of diverse faith traditions and brings the community together to focus on peace. Representatives from spiritual traditions such as Baha’i, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Islam, Judaism, New Thought and Sikh will speak about how prayer is used in their tradition, what is the expectation of the one praying, to whom they pray and for what do they pray. Each faith leader will offer a prayer for peace, both inner peace and peace in the world. A collective prayer will be read at the end of the gathering. For questions, email myingalls@yahoo.com.

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RAMONA

Earth Day Festival

The fourth annual Ramona Earth Day Festival is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 at Regent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Road, hosted by Sustainable Ramona. Highlights include exhibitors and speakers, entertainment, including bands and folklorico dancers, children’s activities and food trucks. Visit sustainableramona.com.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Taste of Oasis

The San Diego Oasis, a nonprofit that provides educational and fitness programs for older adults, will hold its free Taste of Oasis from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at San Diego Oasis, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive. The event includes fitness demonstrations and instructor presentations for lifelong learning programs and other classes along with free food and opportunity drawings. No registration. Visit san-diego.oasisnet.org.

Aviara Trio to give concert

The Aviara Trio will perform a free concert at 6 p.m. April 22 in the Rancho Bernardo Library’s second-floor community room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The concert will feature violinist Rob Schumitzky, cellist Erin Breene and pianist Ines Irawati. Schumitzky will perform on the “Ex-Halir” Stradivarius violin made in 1694. The program will include works by Piazzolla, Brahms and Turina. The concert is part of the Friends of the Rancho Bernardo Library’s 24th annual Chamber Concert series. Donations are appreciated. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.

Drive-thru collection of baby supplies

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church will hold a drive-thru collection of supplies for infants and toddlers from 9 to 11 a.m. April 26 at 17010 Pomerado Road. Items needed include diapers of all sizes (except newborn), wipes, shampoo, baby towels and wash cloths, pajamas, baby blankets and crib sheets, baby powder, bottles, formula, baby food and crackers. Donations will be given to families served by Supporting the Enlisted Project (STEP), Interfaith Community Services, San Diego Rescue Mission and New Day Urban Ministries. Visit rbcommunity.org.

SAN DIEGO

Children’s Book Party

The 41st annual communitywide Children’s Book Party is from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. April 26 at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The free event, hosted by read4thefuture, was started by Roosevelt Brown in 1984 and features free new books for children along with entertainment and refreshments. The emcee is Jamarr Brown. The goal is to foster a love of reading and help children build their own home library.  For questions, call 619-266-4188.

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Donut Run benefits Down syndrome community

GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, a Down syndrome achievement center, will host its annual Donut Run 5K from 8 a.m. to noon April 27 at Crown Point Shores North, 700 Corona Oriente Road. The event helps GiGi’s Playhouse continue its mission of providing free educational, therapeutic and career programs for community members with Down syndrome of all ages. Cost is $55; $45 for children ages 2-17; free for kids age 2 and younger; $21 for anyone with Down syndrome. Register at gigisplayhouse.org/sandiego/san-diego-donut-run.

Midway Museum holds Vietnam War commemoration

The USS Midway Museum will hold a commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind and the Fall of Saigon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 at the USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Drive. The event will be a tribute honoring the courage of those involved in this historic Vietnam mission.  The livestream of the event will be on the USS Midway Museum’s Facebook page. Visit midway.org.

Bonsai show in Balboa Park

The 60th annual Fall Bonsai Show and Sale of the San Diego Bonsai Club will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 in Room 101 of Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado Building. The free event features more than 50 unique bonsai of various sizes and species along with bonsai demonstrations. There will be a table sale featuring hundreds of trees, pots and other bonsai items. Visit sandiegobonsaiclub.com.

Multi-Cultural Earth Day

WorldBeat Cultural Center hosts its 33rd annual Multi-Cultural Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 20 at 2100 Park Blvd., in Balboa Park, with the theme of “Together As One.” Highlights include live music, environmental education, and multicultural performances, guest speakers and wellness activities. There will be a seed swap, compost workshop, garden tours, plant sale and children’s arts and crafts. Free RSVP at worldbeatcenter.org/event/33rd-annual-multi-cultural-earth-day.

Arc of San Diego Gala supports people with disabilities

The Arc of San Diego Gala kicks off at 5:30 p.m. May 3 at Coasterra, 880 Harbor Island Drive. This year’s gala, themed “The Greatest Place on Earth,” includes a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m., live entertainment and dancing. Live music will be provided by Wayne Foster Entertainment. The Master of Ceremonies is KUSI News meteorologist Mark Mathis. Attendees are encouraged to dress in white-tie optional, circus-inspired attire. Proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities. Tickets are $300 at arc-sd.com/gala.

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Jobapalooza hiring fest at Belmont Park

Belmont Park, a beachfront amusement park in Mission Beach, holds its fourth annual Jobapalooza hiring festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25. The park-wide hiring event will connect job seekers with a range of local employers across industries such as hospitality, service, ride operations and more. Job seekers are encouraged to bring résumés, IDs and references, and participate in on-the-spot interviews. New to this year’s event, professional headshots will be offered to attendees. The San Diego Unified School District will partner with Urban Life to host an interview preparation and résumé-writing workshop. Visit belmontpark.com.

San Diego Book Crawl

The San Diego Public Library hosts a Book Crawl from April 26-28 at the Library Shop SD and other participating San Diego independent bookstores. Dave Eggers, the 2025 San Diego Book Crawl author ambassador, will sign books at the Library Shop SD from noon to 1 p.m. April 26. Participants can make a purchase of at least $10 at one of the participating stores to receive a Book Crawl Passport and first stamp and then receive additional stamps for each purchase of $10 or more at other bookstores. The more stamps you earn, the more prizes. Visit libraryfoundationsd.org/events/san-diego-book-crawl.

Volunteers sought to fill food bags

Sports4Kids hosts a community Hungry Hearts Fill A Bag volunteer event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 26 at Perkins Elementary School, 1770 Main St. Volunteers are needed to pack 250 food bags for families in need in the Perkins Elementary community. Visit sports4.org.

Woodworkers group runs classes

The nonprofit San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association will give introductory woodworking classes for ages 18 and older at 5360 Eastgate Mall. Participants will learn the basics and create a wooden cutting board and step stool in five, four-hour sessions. Class fee of $500 includes supplies, instruction and machine use. The upcoming session is from 8 a.m. to noon April 29 to May 7. Visit sdfwa.org/intro-classes.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup

The annual Creek to Bay Cleanup is from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at beaches, parks and other locations across San Diego County. The effort is expected to include over 5,000 volunteers at more than 100 sites from Julian to the coast as part of the county’s Earth Week cleanup. Volunteers help remove litter from their communities. Register at cleansd.org/environmental-action/countywide-cleanups/creek-to-bay.

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SANTEE

We Walk for Hope 5k supports drug recovery

The nonprofit Garrett Webber Memorial Scholarship Fund will hold its annual We Walk for Hope 5k at 9 a.m. May 3 at Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Parkway. The fund helps people suffering from substance addiction to begin treatment that they otherwise couldn’t afford and gives their families hope. The fund was started to honor Garrett Webber, a San Diegan who died at age 22 from a drug overdose. The 3.1-mile walk, which started in 2018 in partnership with Genesis Recovery, raises awareness of the national opioid epidemic and raises money for treatment to help people kick drugs and recover from drug addiction. The event is open to people of all fitness levels. Street parking is free, but parking within lake property is $7 per car. Refreshments will be served after the walk, and a disc jockey will play music for a community gathering. Registration is $45 for both in-person and virtual walkers. Visit garrettwebbermemorialscholarshipfund.com/get-involved.

SPRING VALLEY

Thrift sale benefits food pantry

Santa Sophia St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry will hold a thrift sale to benefit the pantry from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 in the hall behind Santa Sophia Catholic Church, 9800 San Juan St. There will be new and used items for sale, including clothing, home goods, linens, glassware, jewelry, toys, knick-knacks and furniture. Clothing in the main hall will be $1. There will also be a vintage/collectibles section and a boutique along with a room full of record albums and more than 1,000 CD/DVDs. Visit santasophia.org/st-vincent-de-paul-pantry.

VISTA

Earth Day Craft Fair

The Gloria McClellan Senior Center is hosting an Earth Day Craft Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. April 22 to promote sustainable shopping with local vendors. The fair is in the center’s Azalea Room, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Free admission to shoppers. Visit GMACvista.com.

Cactus buffs hold meeting

The Palomar Cactus and Succulent Society will host Craig Kolodge from San Pasqual Valley Soils to speak about developing healthy soil for cactus and succulents. The free meeting starts at 11:30 a.m. April 26 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1450 E. Vista Way, in the Fellowship Room. Also, the group’s Festival Plant Show & Sale is from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24 at the church. Visit palomarcactus.org.

Garden club puts on flower show

The Vista Garden Club puts on its Flower Show, Plant Sale and Garden Art Boutique, themed “Flower Power – Baby” from 2 to 5 p.m. May 3 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4 at the Jim Porter Recreation Center, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. The show is free and open to the public. Visit californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub or email vistagardenclub@gmail.com.

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For more San Diego-area Earth Day events, visit sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/11/how-to-celebrate-earth-day-in-san-diego-county-here-are-more-than-20-ways/

If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers within the email text. Event listings should be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Photos should be sent as JPEGs. Include the names of those in the photos from left to right along with the photo credit and permission from the photographer to use the photo in The San Diego Union-Tribune.

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San Diego, CA

Surveillance video shows thief stealing children’s Christmas gifts from home

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Surveillance video shows thief stealing children’s Christmas gifts from home


SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A local mother is raising awareness about holiday theft after her children’s Christmas presents were stolen from their family home. 

Meanwhile, San Diego police are warning people to be wary of scammers and thieves this time of year when the department sees a rise in these types of crimes. 

“All the gifts that were hidden from my children were all gone,” said Kristin Lyons.

Plans for a Christmas surprise are now a loss for her two boys. Just before 3 a.m. Friday, a holiday grinch was caught on camera walking up the family’s University Heights driveway.

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“It was a male. Jeans, gray sweatshirt, black backpack, a brown Padres hat and he came in on a bike,” said Lyons.

The alleged thief used a flashlight to search their carport before leaving with arms full. 

“It was a big bin full of like 30 or 40 gifts wrapped,” according to Lyons. She explained the gifts included a scooter, shoes, clothes, and toys for her 3 and 4-year-old sons. 

“They may not be very expensive items, they were very sentimental and personalized for the kids,” said Lyons.

Her neighborhood is located off Park Blvd. and Adams Ave. “We’ve had a lot of foot traffic, which has increased a lot of the crime as well.”

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She said she and her neighbors rely on security cameras for safety, but hope police increase patrols after filing a report.

“There’s crimes of opportunity,” said SDPS Lt. Cesar Jimenez. He added that typically thieves look for easy targets. 

“They’re looking for homes that are empty. They’re also looking into windows, and if people have all their presents, they have their Christmas tree by a window with all the presents underneath, then that’s a big temptation,” said Lt. Jimenez.

He advised residents to avoid placing their Christmas tree right by a window and to make sure packages are secured and out of sight.

Meanwhile, Lyons said she wants others to learn from her experience and isn’t letting this bring her and her family down. 

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She added that a neighbor found a partially wrapped gift dumped in the area and returned it to her after they saw her Nextdoor post. She’d like others who may stumble upon more gifts to also post about it on the Nextdoor app in the University Heights area, and she will keep an eye out.



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San Diego, CA

Nebraska Officially Adds San Diego State’s Roy Manning as Next Defensive Edge Coach

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Nebraska Officially Adds San Diego State’s Roy Manning as Next Defensive Edge Coach


The Husker football program announced its second hire to the coaching staff on the morning of Dec. 19.

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Though it was first reported on Dec. 11, the university took to social media Friday morning to make it official that former San Diego State edges coach Roy Manning would be following defensive coordinator Rob Aurich to Lincoln. Per his coaching bio on the Huskers.com website, Manning will be in the same assistant role at Nebraska for the 2026 season.

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The news marks the first defensive assistant hire for Aurich as a Husker and comes roughly a week and a half after the dismissal of Terry Bradden as defensive line coach. While Manning is not a 1:1 replacement for Bradden, he is expected to oversee a smaller position group as the Huskers look to overhaul their defensive scheme under its new leader.

With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about Nebraska football’s newest defensive hire.

Manning arrives in Lincoln with a dozen years of defensive coaching experience at the Division I level, spanning multiple power conferences included the Big Ten and Big 12. He has coached at three of the 10 winningest programs in college football history, including Michigan, USC, and now, Nebraska. Most recently, Manning worked under Aurich at San Diego State, where the two were instrumental in engineering one of the nation’s most dramatic defensive turnarounds in 2025.

At San Diego State, Manning coached the Aztecs’ defensive edge players as SDSU produced one of the best defensive seasons in program history. The Aztecs led the nation with three shutouts and ranked fifth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 12.6 points per game. San Diego State also finished seventh nationally in total defense and first in the country in red zone defense, something the Huskers finished 2025 second-to-last in. He helped oversee a unit that made a 17-point improvement in scoring defense from the previous season.

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Prior to his time at San Diego State, Manning spent two seasons at USC as the Trojans’ assistant head coach for defense and outside linebackers coach. Before USC, Manning coached cornerbacks at Oklahoma from 2019 to 2021, helping the Sooners win two Big 12 titles and reach the College Football Playoff. His defensive backs were a major factor in Oklahoma’s ability to generate turnovers and limit explosive passing plays, with multiple All-Big 12 selections and an NFL Draft pick emerging from his position group.

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Manning’s coaching career also includes stops at UCLA, Washington State, Michigan, and Cincinnati, giving him experience coaching nearly every defensive position group, along with special teams and even offensive roles early in his career. A former Michigan linebacker and NFL veteran, Manning has been part of championship programs as both a player and a coach, contributing to conference titles in the Big Ten and Big 12 and appearances in multiple conference championship games. His winning pedigree now carries over to Nebraska as he joins Rhule’s staff, tasked with returning the Huskers to a top defensive unit in the country.

Rhule emphasized that Manning’s addition to the staff is about adding a coach who understands defense holistically. “Roy has experience coaching defense from front to back,” Rhule said. The versatility was a key factor in the hire, allowing Nebraska to add a coach who can connect the front seven with the back end of the defense with more seamlessness as Aurich invokes his new scheme.

Continuity was another major theme in Rhule’s comments, as Manning joins Aurich after the two brough whole sale improvements to the Aztecs this fall. “Along with Coach Aurich, he was a key part of the defensive transformation at San Diego State this past season,” Rhule said. Nebraska’s head coach highlighted the trust built between the two coaches and the value of bringing in staff members who have already proven they can work together at a high level, particularly when installing a new system and expectations from day one.

For Manning, the move to Nebraska represents both an opportunity and a responsibility tied to the program’s history. “Nebraska Football is one of the most storied and respected programs in the entire country,” Manning said, expressing gratitude to Rhule and excitement about joining the Huskers staff. Manning added that he’s eager to begin building relationships within the program and help spark the same improvements the Aztecs did in 2025 in his new defensive room.

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With Manning’s hire now official, Nebraska appears to be adding a coach with a proven track record of defensive success. In 2025 alone, the duo of Manning and Aurich helped San Diego State record 32 sacks in 12 regular-season games. For context, Nebraska finished the 2025 season with just 19 of its own.

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No matter how it’s framed, Manning arrives in Lincoln with the pedigree and experience to match. With 15 of Nebraska’s 18 listed defensive linemen currently underclassmen, Manning will have the opportunity to develop a young corps with the same traits that defined his most recent defensive stops.

While Nebraska is still expected to continue its search for a true defensive line coach, Manning’s addition gives the Huskers another proven developer with lengthy Power Four experience. The reunion of former San Diego State coaches Aurich and Manning brings immediate credibility to Nebraska’s defensive rebuild. For Manning, it represents a return to Power Four football. For Nebraska, it’s a hire that appears positioned to accelerate the program’s defensive progress up front.

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San Diego Unified School Board member’s dog poisoned in Sorrento Valley backyard

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San Diego Unified School Board member’s dog poisoned in Sorrento Valley backyard


A member of the San Diego Unified School Board says someone poisoned her dog in her Sorrento Valley backyard last week.

Sabrina Bazzo says she found her golden retriever Bruno chewing on meat laced with poison and metal hooks on Dec. 12. Two handfuls of it were thrown into her backyard.

There are plenty of playthings in Bruno’s backyard, but nothing as dangerous as what the 2-and-a-half-year-old dog found that afternoon.

“When I first saw it, I was just so shocked, I couldn’t believe it,” Bazzo said.

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She keeps what is left of two fistfuls of shredded meat tied up with string in her refrigerator.

“It had these blue-like crystals in there and these metal pieces, like metal hooks. That’s when I like freaked out,” Bazzo said.

Within 20 minutes of swallowing that poisonous bait, she brought Bruno to the animal hospital, where they induced vomiting. No further medical treatment was necessary, but timing was everything. Bazzo says had it taken longer, the outcome could have been much worse.

“The vet said if animals take in enough, a decent amount, there is nothing they can do,” Bazzo said.

Like all pets, Bruno is special, but for more reasons than the obvious. Bruno was just a puppy when he became part of the Bazzo family. It happened when her husband David was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. Her husband died last June.

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“Now that he’s actually gone, I have Bruno here with me. He has been very comforting for the family,” Bazzo said.

Three months after her husband’s death, Bazzo received a letter in the mail. It was typed in bold red letters. It read, “Please shut your (expletive) dog up with all the barking day and night.”

“It was during a difficult time for us that makes this that much more sad. We never leave him unsupervised, just being outside on his own,“ Bazzo said.

She suspects the author of the letter is also behind the poison food thrown in her backyard.

In part of an email, San Diego Humane Society spokesperson Nina Thompson wrote: “San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement is currently investigating a recent incident of suspected animal cruelty. We are working diligently to investigate all leads.”

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What was once a safe retreat designed and maintained by her late husband while still alive, now, seems more like a trap.

“To now feel like someone is watching me or knows my dog is in the backyard and wants to do him harm, it’s scary,” Bazzo said.

Bazzo says until she finds out who did this, she can’t be sure whether this has anything to do with her position on the school board or her dog.



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