Aug. 8 issue: Local and regional events

Blakespear’s homelessness summit on Aug. 13 features expert speakers

State Senator Catherine Blakespear is hosting the third annual Ending Street Homelessness Summit, a solutions-driven forum featuring three expert panels focused on how California can reach functional zero for unsheltered homelessness. On Wednesday, Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at UC San Diego, panel discussions will examine the state of unsheltered homelessness‚ why progress has been slow‚ what needs to change‚ and how effective interim housing models can move people off the streets now.Confirmed panelists include San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria‚ San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan‚ San Diego County Supervisors Monica Montgomery-Steppe and Paloma Aguirre‚ San Diego Councilmember Stephen Whitburn‚ Vista City Councilmember Katie Melendez‚ Dignity Moves CEO Elizabeth Funk and Tomiquia Moss‚ secretary of the California Business‚ Consumer Services and Housing Agency.Seating is limited, RSVP at https://bit.ly/CAHousingNowDirections and parking instructions will be emailed prior to the event.

Summer Movies in the Park comes to San Dieguito

San Diego’s Summer Movies in the Park series continues with a Friday, Aug. 15 screening of “Wild Robot” at San Dieguito County Park. The outdoor movie is free, beginning after sunset at 7:45 p.m. Pick a spot to set up your blanket or portable chairs on the grass and bring your own snacks and drinks. Alcoholic beverages must be below 20% alcohol by volume and no glass containers are allowed. Ice cream treats will be available for purchase.Parking inside the park gates is $5 per vehicle or limited parking is available along the street at no cost. 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive.

Moonlight Beach Concerts

The summer Moonlight Beach Concerts, themed “Dance on the Sand,” with live music for all ages, are from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 10 (Shane Hall Band) and Aug. 24 (Styletones) at Moonlight Beach, 400 B St. Each show features top headline performances and showcases local youth talent from the Leucadia Battle of the Bands from 1 to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Visit encinitasca.gov.

Summer Pop Concert

The Coastal Communities Concert Band, an award-winning symphonic band of more than 75 musicians from throughout San Diego County, will give its Summer Pops Concert at 2 p.m. Aug.16 at the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. The concert will be conducted by Mitchell Fennell and newly named associate conductor Bruce Mansfield. The program will feature music from Broadway and the movies, including selections from Wicked, How to Train Your Dragon, Cowboys and West Side Story along with some blues, marches and big band favorites. Admission is $20; $15 for seniors and free for students at the door or www.cccband.com or 858-761-8421.

Friends of the Cardiff by-the-Sea Library to hold half-price book sale

The Friends of the Cardiff by-the-Sea Library invite all to celebrate the joy of reading at their end of summer half-price book sale to be held Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cardiff by-the-Sea Library at 2081 Newcastle Avenue in Cardiff. The sale will be held inside the Book Nook bookstore, as well as inside the library community room.All books, media, and collectibles on the deck, inside the Book Nook, and in the Community Room will be half off the marked price.Join the Friends of the Library for only $10 per year and receive up to five books each Friday for half price. Membrs of the Friends of the Library are also admitted one hour early to all sales.All proceeds go to support the library and its programs.For more information, go the Friends of the Cardiff by-the-Sea Library website: https://friendscardifflibrary.org

Surf museum event honors skateboarders

The California Surf Museum will put on an event, “Rolling from the 60s into the 70s,” that highlights the people who made skateboarding a worldwide phenomenon, from 3 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Oceanside Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. The event includes cocktails, a silent auction and dinner. Proceeds support the work of the California Surf Museum and the Skateboarding Hall of Fame Museum. The California Surf Museum will present the Silver Skater Award to eight skateboarders who have made significant contributions to the culture and evolution of skateboarding. Single tickets are $85. Visit surfmuseum.org.

Del Mar Racetrack hosts Tacos & Tequila Festival

Get ready for a flavorful day of tacos, tequila, and trackside thrills at the Del Mar Tacos & Tequila Festival on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 2 — 5 p.m. Sip on specialty margaritas and cervezas while sampling premium tequilas from top brands and enjoy tacos from some of San Diego’s best taco shops. The festival will include live music and DJ sets, all while taking in live horse racing from an exclusive trackside viewing area. This event is 21+ only.First post daily is 2 p.m. For more information visit www.dmtc.com.

Wildlife Tour at lagoon

The Nature Collective hosts a Wildlife Tour from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9 at the San Elijo Lagoon for ages 15 and older. The guided nature trail walk will explore the wildlife habitats at the lagoon. The meetup location will be emailed to registered participants. Registration is required at naturecollective.org/event/wildlife-tour-august-9.

Nature walk at lagoon

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will host a nature walk at 10 a.m. Aug. 16 on, “Savoring the Season.” The 90-minute, docent-led walk will explore the plants and wildlife native to the lagoon and look for changes in the wetland as summer progressses to fall. This free, family walk is open to all ages. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

Death Cafe Hosted by Selena Jong of Moving Through — Death Doula

At a Death Cafe, people, often strangers, gather to have refreshments and discuss death. The group’s objective is to increase awareness of death helping people make the most of their lives. The goal is to create an inviting, safe space to share the heartfelt experience of diving into a taboo topic which unites everyone. Free admission. Saturday Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., reoccurring every fourth Saturday of the month. The event is held at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive, Encinitas. RSVP at Meetup: The Death Network or email selenajong@gmail.com (www.deathcafe.com)

Friday summer concert in the park

Carlsbad continues its summer TGIF Concerts in the Parks through Aug. 22, featuring a range of music from country, rock, pop and funk to R&B, Cumbia, Americana and doo-wop. The concerts are from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and gates open at 4 p.m. The last two concerts are at Alga Norte Community Park: Aug. 15, Wayward Sons (power chord rock nostalgia) and Aug. 22, Euphoria Brass Band (modern New Orleans-style jazz). There will be a security check. Free shuttle starts at 3 p.m. from Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane and ends at 9 p.m. Visit carlsbadca.gov.

Relay for Life includes Luminaria Walk

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of North County starts at noon Aug. 16 and runs through 9 a.m. Aug. 17 at the Army and Navy Academy, 2605 Carlsbad Blvd., bringing together the community and cancer survivors. This year’s pirate-themed relay will include kids zone, live bands, family movie night, activities with the Carlsbad Fire and Police departments, themed walks and the Luminaria Walk to honor those touched by cancer. The goal is to raise $200,000 for the American Cancer Society’s programs, including free lodging for cancer patients traveling to treatment, rides to treatment from volunteer drivers, peer support for breast cancer patients and 24/7 Cancer Helpline. Admission is free. To register, or donate, visitrelayforlife.org/northcountysandiegoca.

Luncheon raises awareness about trafficking

The 4th Annual Sparkles Foundation Children’s Benefit Fashion Show Luncheon is from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 27 with boutique shopping and silent auction and continues from noon to 2:30 p.m. with lunch and fashion show. The event supports SD Sparkles Foundation Inc.’s mission to help children and fight human trafficking. The event is at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines and brings together elected officials and advocates to raise awareness about child trafficking. The guest speaker is San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 27 and are $150; $50 for children age 12 and younger. Visit https://www.sdsparklesfoundation.org/events/

Annual Military Heroes Festival

The 7th Annual Military Heroes Festival with a superhero theme is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16 in Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station, formerly the Naval Training Center, 2751 Dewey Road. The event, hosted by Rock Church, is a thank you to active duty military families, gold-star families and active-duty reservists. Highlights include free services and giveaways including groceries, diapers, backpacks, clothing, haircuts and more. Entertainment includes live music, kid’s zone, sports zone, face painting, crafts, prizes, and special appearances by Star Wars Stormtroopers (501st Legion). Free for active-duty military families, gold-star families, active-duty reservists and veterans in need. Register at https://brushfire.com/sdrock/events/603945/details

America’s Finest City Half Marathon

The 48th annual America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K is Aug. 17 and volunteers are needed to help out. The scenic half marathon is from the Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma, along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, past the Star of India, through downtown San Diego to a finish in historic Balboa Park. Visit https://inmotionevents.com/event/afc-half/

Square dance club hosts classes

The nonprofit Sandpipers Square Dance Club, which runs lessons for the community to learn square dancing, will hold weekly square dance classes on Thursdays starting Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at La Colonia Community Center. Also, there are monthly dances with lessons from 6 to 7 p.m. at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave. For schedules visit sandpiperssquaredanceclub.org.

Animal tracker gives talk at lagoon

Batiquitos Lagoon will host a presentation at 10 a.m. Aug. 9 on “San Diego Tracking Team.” The speaker, Fred Kramer, is a longtime member of the San Diego Tracking Team, which works to preserve wildlife habitat through volunteer wildlife monitoring and environmental education programs. Kramer will discuss the program’s data collection and training programs and how to identify common species. Admission is free; open to adults and kids 12 and older. Come early and meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.

Shelter to Soldier puts on fundraiser gala

Shelter to Soldier, a nonprofit that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and related injuries, will host its 13th annual “Be the Light” Gala fundraiser presented by SDBotox from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 24 at L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar. Visit bit.ly/STSGala13.

La Jolla area events

• Warwick’s bookstore presents author Laura Leffler as she discusses her book “Tell Them You Lied” in conversation with Sarah Sleeper at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $17.99 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/leffler-2025

• The 29th annual Symphony at Salk is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. The evening will feature dinner, drinks and a performance by the San Diego Symphony, accompanied by singer-actress Kristin Chenoweth. $1,200. symphony.salk.edu• La Jolla Playhouse presents the new musical “The Heart” from Tuesday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Sept. 28 (extended), at the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The production follows the heart of a late young surfer on its 24-hour lifesaving journey to a new recipient. The play, directed by Christopher Ashley, features music and lyrics by Anne and Ian Eisendrath, a book and additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan and choreography by Mandy Moore. Tickets start at $30. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/the-heart• The La Jolla Community Center presents its 2025 Fourth Friday Jazz Series at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Upcoming performances, beginning at 8 p.m., are: Aug. 22: Rose Mallett, “Standards Exuding Peace & Joy”; Sept. 26: Holly Hofmann, “Autumn Jazz”; and Oct. 24: Gilbert Castellanos, “Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz Celebration.” $25 per concert for Community Center members and $30 for non-members in advance; $35 at the door. ljcommunitycenter.org/ffjs• The La Jolla Music Society presents its annual SummerFest series of classical music concerts through Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. In addition to the 20 ticketed concerts, 50 free events including open rehearsals, Artist Lounges, Encounters, coaching workshops and musical preludes will be offered throughout the festival. Full schedules and ticket information: theconrad.org/summerfest, theconrad.org/summerfest-learning-and-engagement

Fashion show coming to La Jolla

A fashion show is coming to La Jolla courtesy of Fashion Week San Diego and the La Jolla Village Merchants Association.“Posh La Plaza,” scheduled for Friday, Aug. 8, is described as a “dazzling outdoor runway show” with fresh, seasonal looks. The festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with a VIP hour at Thread + Seed at 7863 Girard Ave., offering refreshments, in-store experiences, live modeling and music. The runway show then will take place in La Plaza’s courtyard. The event is free, with tickets available at Eventbrite.com. Seating will be first-come, first-served.

World War II-era photo exhibit opens

The nonprofit Maritime Museum of San Diego, which preserves maritime heritage, has opened a new satellite exhibit space at Arts District Liberty Station to make its collections available to a broader public. A new exhibit, “Memories of the Greatest Generation,” features 17 limited-edition photographs by the famed World War II-era photographer Edward Steichen and his fellow photographers. The display will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select Saturdays at Maritime Museum of San Diego at Arts District Liberty Station at Quarters D, 2675 Rosecrans St. Admission is free. Visit sdmaritime.org.

El Camino Quilters Guild “Sell Your Stash” sale

Members of El Camino Quilters Guild will hold a “Sell Your Stash” sale from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesday Aug. 12, at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Dr. Oceanside 92056. Open to the public.The Sell Your Stash Sale will offer loads of fabric bargains, tools, and craft items. (Cash only.)Themed Friendship Baskets will be raffled off in a silent auction. Cash, check, or credit cards will be accepted for baskets.For more information elcaminoquilters.com or email info@elcaminoquilters.com.