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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

Letters: A selective immigration policy ultimately fails us all

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Letters: A selective immigration policy ultimately fails us all


How interesting that Donald Trump is deporting Brown people who pay taxes and contribute to our economy (though they will never reap any benefits from those taxes) and instead is using our tax money to import and set up South Africans (none of whom are anything but White) who have never contributed to our economy. Could skin color perhaps have something to do with this policy?

— Nita Herpolsheimer, San Diego



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San Diego, CA

Did California’s assault weapons ban save lives in San Diego mosque attack?

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Did California’s assault weapons ban save lives in San Diego mosque attack?


California’s assault weapons ban may have helped limit the ability of two attackers to take lives at the Islamic Center of San Diego last week, according to a prominent gun control organization.

But the executive director of a San Diego gun rights group said the fact the attack even happened is proof the ban failed.

What the two don’t dispute is that the video from the attackers’ livestream shows one of them using a rifle that appears to comply with California’s strict gun laws. While authorities have not confirmed what models of firearms were used in the attack, representatives of the two organizations identified it as a semi-automatic Ruger Mini-14 rifle.

The alleged suspect’s Ruger Mini-14 rifle is seen in this screenshot from a livestream obtained by KPBS of the attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 18, 2026.

KPBS is not publishing the video, which authorities have not released, the names of the two teenage suspects or their writings, where they wrote they were motivated to conduct the attack by a number of sex and race-related grievances. They wore emblems associated with white supremacists and neo-Nazis and lashed out in their writings against women, Jewish people, Muslims and LGBTQ+ people.

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They wrote they were inspired by the 2019 attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that killed 51 Muslims. In their writings, the suspects said they wanted to replicate the Christchurch attack in San Diego.

The attack in Christchurch prompted New Zealand to change its gun laws.

Semiautomatic rifles sold in California have to meet certain criteria that other states don’t require.

The barrels must be at least 30 inches long and may not have collapsible or folding stocks. They cannot have a pistol grip behind the trigger, nor one attached at the forward part of the rifle.

And they cannot have a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds.

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“From everything I saw from the video, (the rifle) looked like it met those criteria and looked like a very stock firearm that you could purchase at many dealers here in California,” said Steve Lindley, a policy advisor for the Brady Campaign.

Lindley spent almost 30 years in law enforcement, according to his biography. He worked for the National City Police Department and spent eight years leading the Bureau of Firearms at the California Department of Justice.

Lindley said features such as pistol grips make rifles more lethal.

“Over time it makes it easier for the shooter to have the firearm to their shoulder and in their hands,” he said. “Less fatigue, and it lines up a little bit better with your eyesight. The capacity of the magazines and other features on the firearm make it more accurate and easier to use in close quarters.”

The video shows the body cam operator firing the Mini-14 until it appears to jam. He struggles to clear the chamber and appears to remove and reinsert the magazine. He works the bolt, apparently unable to chamber a new round.

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As the video continues, he continues to struggle with the bolt of the rifle before giving up, drawing a handgun and stepping outside.

The attackers never made it beyond the lobby, where about 100 schoolchildren and staff were inside the center. Authorities say they were delayed by the three men killed in the attack: Mansour Kaziha, 78, Nadir Awad, 57, and armed security guard Amin Abdullah.

From left to right, Mansour Kaziha, Amin Abdullah and Nadir Awad.

The Islamic Center of San Diego

Undated photos of (left to right) Mansour Kaziha, Amin Abdullah and Nadir Awad.

“Looking at the reality of this, a good guy with a gun stopped a bad guy with a gun from killing a lot of kids. Full stop,” said Michael Schwartz, the executive director of the San Diego County Gun Owners PAC.

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“The assault weapons ban that California has implemented clearly failed — it didn’t stop these two people,” he said.

Schwartz described the features banned by California as “cosmetic” and that the semi-automatic rifles function the same regardless of their stock, grips or magazine size.

“The idea that … the (high-capacity) magazine ban stopped them from getting a high-capacity magazine … there just isn’t any evidence or proof,” he said.

While high-capacity magazines can’t be bought or sold in California, Schwartz said anyone can travel to the next state over and buy as many as they want.

Although the Mini-14 used in the attack is capable of accepting 30 or 40-round magazines, said Lindley, the shooters appeared to only have a California-compliant 10-round magazine.

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“If you have ten round magazines, you have ten rounds to shoot before you need to change magazines,” he said. “If you have a 30- or 40-round magazine, you can shoot 30 or 40 rounds before you need to reload.”

That’s important, Lindley said, because when shooters stop to reload, it gives victims time to either escape or attempt to subdue the attacker.

Schwartz said that didn’t affect the Islamic center attack.

“If he had a bigger magazine or he had a pistol grip or whatever, it wouldn’t have changed the outcome of this at all,” he said.

Lindley played a part in crafting more than 100 gun bills, according to the Brady Campaign. He said with so many guns in the United States, authorities can’t stop shootings — all they can do is try to limit the damage.

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“We can prevent a lot of victimology by lowering the capacity of the magazines,” he said.



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San Diego, CA

Alleged San Diego Gunman Had Violent Obsessions

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Alleged San Diego Gunman Had Violent Obsessions



Police were so unsettled by one of the teens later accused in the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that they took his guns away more than a year before the attack. Court records show Chula Vista police secured a gun violence restraining order against then-high school student Caleb Vazquez in January 2025 after classmates and staff reported he idolized mass shooters, talked about a “day of retribution,” and came to school dressed as mass murderers and the TV serial killer Dexter, per NBC News and KGTV. The school had shared social media posts in which Vazquez praised killers, including those behind a 2011 attack in Norway and a 2019 shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, NBC reports.


Vazquez allegedly admitted an infatuation with mass killings and an idolization of Adolf Hitler and was put on a 72-hour psychiatric hold. His father—initially uncooperative, according to a police affidavit—removed 26 weapons from the home and arranged for therapy before the restraining order was dismissed that March. Just over a year later, police say Vazquez, 18, and a 17-year-old he’d met online killed three people at the mosque—security guard Amin Abdullah, caretaker Mansour Kaziha, and neighbor Nadir Awad—before wounding a landscaper and dying by suicide. FBI officials say writings left behind were steeped in extremist hatred. In the aftermath, community members are questioning how so many warnings failed to prevent the attack and calling for stronger, earlier interventions on mental health and homicidal ideation.

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