CARDIFF
Presentation on lagoon restoration Thursday
A virtual presentation on the San Elijo Lagoon restoration led by Nature Collective Science Director Tim Stillinger is set for 6 to 7 p.m. ThursdayDec. 16 . Stillinger will also discuss the 50-year ecosystem monitoring program at the lagoon. Free; donations appreciated. Reserve at thenaturecollective.org/events.
CARLSBAD
Church puts on Christmas musical
Carlsbad Community Church will host “Beyond the Manger a Christmas Musical” from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 19 in the Worship Center, 3175 Harding St. The church’s Celebration Choir, orchestra, and children’s choir sing songs of Christ’s birth and it’s significance beyond the manger. Freewill offering. Open seating; first come, first served. CarlsbadCommunityChurch.com or (760) 729-2331.
DEL MAR
Drop off toy donations for local kids by Friday
Among the drop-off sites for Toys for Tots donations is the Jim Coleman State Farm Insurance Agency, 1011 Camino Del Mar, Suite 116. Bring new, unwrapped toys for all ages for local children in need through FridayDec. 17. Visit toysfortots.org.
Christmas pageant, Blue Christmas service
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will host two online events, a Christmas pageant premiering at 5 p.m. Dec. 19 and a Blue Christmas online service starting at 7 p.m. Dec. 20. Visit stpetersdelmar.net.
ENCINITAS
New library kiosk opens outside credit union
An Encinitas Library kiosk has been set up outside the San Diego County Credit Union at 501 N. El Camino Real. The kiosk provides free access to library materials around the clock. Customers can check out and return materials, place holds, download audio and e-books, browse the catalog, and tap into a Wi-Fi hotspot. The San Diego County Credit Union supports library services by providing the space for the kiosk in Encinitas and through the annual Financial Wellness Wednesday program offered at branches throughout the county. Visit sdcl.org/locations/14.
ESCONDIDO
Community concert features ‘All is Calm’
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts a free community Christmas concert, “All is Calm,” at 7 p.m. today December 12 at the church, 2255 Felicita Road. For questions, call (760) 745-9558.
‘Christmas Carol’ staged with dessert
A “Christmas Carol” musical will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the newly renovated historic Ritz Theater, 301 E. Grand Ave. Christmas favorites, such as eggnog, fruitcake and sugar plums, will be served. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for kids. Visit colaboarts.org.
Retired teachers meet for lunch Wednesday
Local California Retired Teachers Association, Area XI, Division 63 meets from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 15 for a luncheon with music by the Fallbrook Chorale at Cocina del Charro, 890 W. Valley Parkway. The meeting is open to retired teachers and guests. Cost is $20. CDC COVID-19 guidelines are followed. Call (760) 805-1313.
Hospice holds virtual volunteer orientation
The Elizabeth Hospice holds a free volunteer orientation from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday December 14 via Zoom for anyone interested in helping adults and children facing a life-limiting illness and those grieving the death of a loved one. Attendees learn about virtual and in-person opportunities in San Diego and southwest Riverside counties, including serving as a patient companion, providing caregiver respite, performing aromatherapy, sewing Cuddle Bears and officiating at veteran pinning ceremonies. Information will also be given on the application and training process. Other upcoming orientations are from 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 6, noon to 1 p.m., Jan. 17, 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 4 and 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 15. Reserve at (800) 797-2050 or [email protected].
Deadline Saturday for furniture show entries
The Escondido Arts Partnership’s exhibition, “WOOD A Furniture Show XII,” is back and seeks entries. The two-month show hosted by Brian Murphy of Murphy’s Fine Woodworking features furniture makers in Southern California showing their handcrafted work from Jan. 7 to Feb. 25 at the Escondido Municipal Gallery, 262 E. Grand Ave. The exhibition is presented in association with the San Diego Fine Woodworking Association. An awards reception and ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 8. The deadline to submit entry images as JPEGs is Saturday Dec. 18 at [email protected]. Visit escondidoarts.org/wood-a-furniture-show.
Winter Wonderland with art workshop – in holiday events list for sat
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido hosts holiday crafting activities led by artists along with gifts sold by local artisans, holiday-themed drinks and treats at Santa’s Corner Café and “snow” from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday Dec. 18 at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Admission is free. Visit artcenter.org.
Christmas concert with hot cocoa at church
Community Lutheran Church will present a Christmas concert at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the church’s Escondido campus, 3575 E. Valley Parkway. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served outside following the concert. Visit clcfamily.org.
Volunteers sought to help seniors with taxes
The Senior Service Council Escondido, 728 N. Broadway, is looking for volunteers to help elderly and low-income Escondido residents with their tax returns. The council will provide training for volunteers. Call (760) 480-0611.
FALLBROOK
Holiday floral design presentation Tuesday
George Speer, a master floral designer, will be the guest speaker at the Fallbrook Garden Club’s Dec. 14 general meeting at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane. Speer will share design tips and secrets. The business meeting starts at 1 p.m. followed by the program at 2 p.m. Visit fallbrookgardenclub.org.
Library Friends run Christmas Boutique
The Friends of the Fallbrook Library, Bottom Shelf Bookstore runs its annual Christmas Boutique from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 23 at 124 S. Mission Road, featuring books of all genres along with holiday selections. Proceeds go to library programs. Call (760) 451-9606 or visit fallbrooklibraryfriends.org.
Bestselling author
to hold book launch
The Friends of the Fallbrook Library is selling tickets for the launch of T. Jefferson Parker’s new book, “A Thousand Steps.” Parker, a Fallbrook resident, is a New York Times bestselling author and three-time Edgar Award winner. The event is Jan. 22 at the Pala Mesa Resort. Doors open at 11:30 am, followed by a light lunch at noon. The author will speak and sign copies of his book. Barnes and Noble will be there selling the novel for 20 percent off retail price. CDC COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. For questions, email [email protected] or [email protected]. Tickets are $35 through Jan. 7 at the library’s Bottom Shelf bookstore, 124 Mission Road, or online at fallbrooklibraryfriends.org.
NORTH COUNTY
Blood drives this week
In response to blood bank shortages, the San Diego Blood Bank will hold the following blood drives:
The Broken Yolk Cafe, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday Dec. 13 at 101 S. Las Posas Road, San Marcos. Donors receive a voucher for a free entrée (up to $14), courtesy of The Broken Yolk.
City of Vista, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 14 at 200 Civic Center Drive.
North Coast Church, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 15, at 2405 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista.
24 Hour Fitness, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, December 17, at 1265 Laurel Tree Lane, Carlsbad.
Call (800) 469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org.
Sunset Strummers to perform at libraries
The new Sunset Strummers Ukulele group will perform holiday shows from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday Dec. 14 at the San Marcos Public Library and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 15 at the Vista Public Library. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make a surprise appearance. Visit bit.ly/3dGrZRO.
Feeding San Diego runs Give Hope, Share Joy fundraiser
Feeding San Diego is running its Give Hope, Share Joy fundraising campaign that will support large scale drive-thru food distributions, cover rising food and transportation costs, increase food supply to mobile pantries in rural areas of eastern San Diego County and provide meals for children and families in partnership with school districts and other youth-based programs. Donations can be made online through Dec. 31 at feedingsandiego.org/get-involved/support-a-campaign/give-hope-share-joy.
Volunteers needed to help prepare tax returns
AARP Tax-Aide, a free, nationwide, volunteer-run tax preparation service, seeks volunteers to assist in preparing federal and state tax returns for middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. This service is offered at senior centers and community sites throughout North County. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds may apply, and will receive one week of free tax preparation and computer system classroom training in January. From Feb. 1 through April 15, volunteers prepare tax returns using IRS-approved tax preparation software. Apply by Dec. 20 at aarpfoundation.org/taxaide. For questions, call (760) 613-8799.
Speech contest open to high school students
The American Association of University Women of California sponsors Speech Trek, a speech competition for high school students. The topic is “Has the United States lived up to its pledge of liberty and Justice for all? Would requiring the study of diversity, equity and inclusion in a high school setting help ensure liberty and Justice for all?” The contest date is Feb. 5. The registration deadline is Jan. 22. The local contest will be held at the Rancho Peñasquitos library. First-place prize is $1,000, second place, $500 and third place, $250. The winner of the local contest competes in the state semifinals. Email the AAUW Poway Peñasquitos branch at [email protected].
OCEANSIDE
Heart patient support group meets Tuesday
Mended Hearts is holding its monthly education and support group meeting via Zoom at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Dec. 14 All heart patients and family members are invited. Call (760) 846-0626.
Nominations sought
for MLK service award
The city of Oceanside seeks nominees for the 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award. The annual award recognizes residents who have done significant volunteer work to improve community life. Any Oceanside resident or member of the U.S. armed forces stationed at Camp Pendleton can be nominated. The deadline to return nomination forms is 5 p.m. Dec. 28. Nominees will be recognized and the 2022 recipient will be announced at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast commemorating the life and work of King. Nomination forms are at ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/ns/housing/mlksa.asp. For questions, email [email protected] or call (760) 435-5044.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Church hosts drive-thru Nativity scene – in holiday events list sat
Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church hosts a drive-thru Nativity scene with angels, kings and a stable full of live animals, including camels, from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19 in the upper parking lot at 17010 Pomerado Road. Listen to the Nativity narrative in your car by tuning into the sound via phone. There will be directions on how to access the YouTube playlist at the event. Drive through the upper church parking lot any time between 5 and 9 p.m. and tune in to the sound via your phone. Visit rbcommunity.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Church hosts free ‘Christmas in Ranch’
Horizon Christian Fellowship will host a free “Christmas in the Ranch” event at 5 p.m. Dec. 19 outdoors with food trucks, a giant snow hill and crafts for kids along with a 30-foot Christmas tree. At 6 p.m., there will be a special worship service with Phil Wickham, Brennley Brown (“The Voice” contestant) and an in-person Christmas message by Will Graham (Billy Graham’s grandson). Visit horizon.org.
Church hosts event featuring carols
The Village Church hosts “Coming Home at Christmas” at 4 p.m. Dec. 19 outside on the church patio, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The church’s Chancel Choir will perform popular holiday songs and there will be singalongs. Admission is free; refreshments will be served. Visit villagechurch.org.
Church holds Alternative Christmas Market
The Village Church is holding its annual Alternative Christmas Market for community members to support programs that help folks around the world. Shoppers can receive cards that describe each contribution, allowing them to give their donations as holiday gifts in honor of friends and family through Dec. 25. Visit villagechurch.org/alternative-christmas-market. Email [email protected].
SOLANA BEACH
Family Christmas Festival Saturday – in holiday events list sat
Calvary Lutheran Church hosts a family Christmas Festival from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday Dec.18 with live music featuring the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra, food truck, live Nativity, crafts and games along with hot chocolate and cookies at the church, 424 Via de la Valle. Visit calvarylutheranchurch.org.
Santa’s Sleigh Run set for Friday
Santa will be riding through Solana Beach with firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and marine safety personnel from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Friday Dec. 17, starting and ending at the Solana Beach Fire Station, 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Attendees should stay on the sidewalk when Santa passes by, and kids are encouraged to make posters thanking first responders. Check the city website to find out the estimated time when Santa will be in your neighborhood. Visit ci.solana-beach.ca.us.
VISTA
Wishing Tree set up
for the holidays
A Vista Wishing Tree is set up at the corner of Beverly Drive and Wolverine Way by a few neighborhood residents for folks to share their hopes and gratitude as a way to “spread joy.” The Wishing Tree will be illuminated with lights nightly throughout the holidays until just after New Year’s Day. Near the tree, there is a small table with tags and markers along with ribbons to tie your wish or expression of gratitude to the tree. For questions, email [email protected].
Holiday Homes Tour kicks off
Vista Community Clinic hosts its 35th annual Holiday Homes Tour to be held virtually today Dec. 12 through Dec. 19. The online event will feature five homes across North County decorated by professional designers for the holidays. Attendees can take a narrated journey through each house alongside the designer responsible for the décor. The tour will also feature a silent auction with holiday baskets and one-of-a-kind items. Proceeds support the clinic’s services for all community member. Tickets are $25 at SupportVCC.org.
Miracle on 34th Street plays at the AVO
Moonlight Stage Productions stages “Miracle on 34th Street: A Musical Radio Play,” adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio broadcast, through Dec. 23 at the AVO Playhouse, 303 Main St. The classic play features the story of a department store Santa who says he’s the real Kris Kringle. Tickets are $47; $45 for students and seniors; $43 for military and $37 for ages 12 and under for matinee and evening performances. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Moonlight Cultural Foundation. moonlightstage.com/shows-tickets/miracle-on-34th-street-a-musical-radio-play
LINDA MCINTOSH U-T
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