Community events in San Diego County: From Mexican and Italian Fiesta to Literary Festival

CARLSBAD

Assistance League holds Comedy Night

The nonprofit, volunteer-run Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito hosts a comedy night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the New Village Arts Theater. Comedians Jesse Egan and Brianne Bonner will perform. There will be appetizers provided by League members and a cash bar. Tickets are $15 through Oct. 10 at ALRSD’s Thrift Shop, 1542 Encinitas Blvd. After Oct. 15, tickets are $20 and may be bought at the door, if not sold out. Visit www.ALRSD.org.

Woman’s club marks centennial

The Woman’s Club of Carlsbad meets at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at its clubhouse, 3320 Monroe St. The group is celebrating its 100th anniversary as one of the oldest philanthropic social groups in Carlsbad. Social time is at 6 p.m. Prospective new members welcome. No residency requirement. Visit womansclubofcarlsbad.org.

Kayaking and cleanup at lagoon

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation holds its 19th annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup Oct. 11-12. Participants can kayak in waters typically closed to boating and help preserve the lagoon habitat by removing trash. The cost is $160 per two-person tandem kayak. The two-hour experience includes check-in, water safety instructions and about 90 minutes of kayaking in the ecological reserve. Check-in times for Saturday are 7:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., noon and 2:15 p.m. Check-in times for Sunday are 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Visit www.batiquitoslagoon.org.

Community foundation holds fundraiser event

The Carlsbad Chamber Community Foundation’s annual fundraiser, An Evening at the Kingdom, will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at TaylorMade’s The Kingdom, 2155 Salk Ave. The event, presented by Premier Chevrolet, will feature closest-to-the-pin and putting contests, marshmallow drive and “Prohibition” bottle pull. There will be a catered dinner from Señor Grubby’s along with margaritas, craft beer and wine and a live band, dancing and raffle with prizes. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s programs that shape the local workforce and recognize student achievement. Tickets are $75, including food and drink; $1,000 for a table for 10. Sponsorships available. Visitwww.cognitoforms.com/CarlsbadChamberOfCommerce/AnEveningAtTheKingdom.

CHULA VISTA

‘Pink & Popcorn’ night

“Pink & Popcorn” night marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a pink-themed outdoor screening of “Wicked,” along with educational booths on local women’s and breast health services and a “Warrior Wall” honoring and remembering breast cancer patients and survivors. The film begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 in the center’s Dining Pavilion. Starting at 5 p.m. there will be a DJ spinning retro tunes, a “Power of Pink”-themed photo booth, giveaways and prizes from Otay Ranch Town Center merchants.  Visit www.otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/25763 for information.

Musical Theatre Workshop

An American Musical Theatre Workshop on “Broadway’s Grandest” is at 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at St. Mark’s Church with stories and music from Broadway musicals, from “Mary Poppins” to “Beetlejuice.” The workshop will be led by Jason Chase, director of music at St. Mark’s. It is free and open to the public; donations welcome. St. Mark’s Church is at 580 Hilltop Drive. Call 619-427-5515.

EL CAJON

Golf Classic benefits people with disabilities

Home of Guiding Hands, a nonprofit that provides support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will host its 43rd annual Charity Golf Classic on Oct.10 on the Oak Glen Golf Course at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan, 3007 Dehesa Road. Registration is at 7 a.m. with coffee, breakfast and bloody mary drinks, followed by a 9 a.m. shotgun start for the 18-hole tournament, putting contest and on-course activities. There will be beverages and food stations throughout the course along with an awards reception. Proceeds benefit Home of Guiding Hands’ services, including housing, early childhood development, independent living skills and respite care for all ages. The event is presented by the Kerr Family Foundation. Tickets begin at $300. For registration, sponsorship or donations visit HGHgolfclassic.org.

Mexican and Italian festival

Our Lady of Grace parish hosts “Festa!/Fiesta!/Italiana!/Mexicana!” on Oct. 10, blending Mexican and Italian traditions. The event starts at 6 p.m. with Mass in the church, followed by a meal at 7 p.m. Free to attend; and donations will be accepted to support the work of Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana. RSVP is required; call or text 619-755-7363. The church is at 2766 Navajo Road.

ENCINITAS

Local author holds book signing

Local author Leslie Johansen Nack will hold a book signing of her newest work, “Nineteen: A Daughter’s Memoir of Reckoning and Recovery,” about her road to healing after “her battle with addiction following a traumatic childhood,” at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Barnes & Noble, 1040 N El Camino Real. “Nineteen” concludes Nack’s story that chronicles her path to sobriety and a renewed sense of hope. Visit www.lesliejohansennack.com.

ESCONDIDO

Community Career Fair

The Escondido Union High School District is hosting a free College and Career Fair for the community from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at Escondido High School. More than 60 colleges, apprenticeship program representatives and military branches will be there to share information. There will be informational stations on financial aid, California State University and University of California requirements, and Career Technical Education programs. Food will be sold.

Fall Festival at farm stand

A Fall Festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11-12 at Farm Stand West with local artisans and vendors, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, face painting and kids play area. Free admission and parking. The Farm Stand West is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1-31 at 2115 Miller Ave. and Fran’s Pumpkin Patch is open noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 1-31 at 1980 Summit Drive. Visit thefarmstandwest.com.

FALLBROOK

Film fest at historic theater

The Fallbrook Bonsall International Film Festival hosts a free screening of “For Love of Amy,” directed by actor and director Ted Lange, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Historic Fallbrook Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be a post-screening Q&A with Lange. RSVP at 760-253-8904 or FallbrookMissionTheater@gmail.com. The event kicks off the film festival, which is from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4, showcasing student films, shorts, animations and feature-length films. Festival Day Passes for Oct. 4 are $20 at FBIFF.org or FallbrookMissionTheater.com

JAMUL

Jamulfest

St. Plus X Catholic Church holds its 62nd JamulFest Gymkana 2025 on Oct. 12 at 14107 Lyons Valley Road. The parade starts at 9 a.m., festivities are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include deep-pit barbecue, rummage sale, craft fair, beer and wine garden and equestrian events. Call 619-669-0085 or visit stpiusxjamul.com.

LA JOLLA

Filipino American Festival

A Filipino American History Month celebration is from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 4 in the community room of the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The event features Philippine folk dancers, singers, food and guest speakers, including historian, lecturer and author Bonnie Harris and Tracy Badua, award-winning Filipino American author of books for young people. Free admission. Visit  https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/filipino-american-history-month-festival-448677

Art & Wine Festival

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is Oct. 11-12 on Girard Avenue and will spotlight Gregg “Viz” Visintainer as its 2025 featured artist. Admission is free but there is a ticketed Wine & Beer Garden. Tickets are $60 general admission, $80 for VIP admission through Oct. 10 and $65 general admission, $85 VIP admission Oct. 11-12. Visit www.ljawf.com.

LA MESA

Preview of historic house tour

A Roundtable Preview of the Golden Gems of La Mesa home tour is from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 11 at the La Mesa First United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Ave. The program features a talk by James Newland, historian and author of “Images of America: La Mesa” and “Classic Gems of La Mesa’s Architectural Heritage.” Attendees will learn about some of La Mesa’s historic homes that represent the area’s distinctive architecture, including properties built by notable architects Irving J. Gill, William Wheeler, Arthur G. Lindley and F.D. Harrington, and pioneering local builders J D. Davis, Henry Russell, David C. Marker and the Dennstedt Company. Admission is $5 donation; free for LMHC members; no registration required. La Mesa History Center’s 19th Annual Home Tour, “Golden Gems of La Mesa,” is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8. Visit lamesahistory.com.

 

NORTH COUNTY

Widows, widowers group holds meetups

The Catholic Widows and Widowers of North County, a group that fosters friendships through various social activities, will hold the following events. Reservations are required at 818-665-8150.

Oct. 7: Mass, tour and lunch, Prince of Peace Abbey, Oceanside.

Oct. 9: Walk, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas followed by meal at Crack Shack, Encinitas.

Oct. 18: Coastal Communities Concert Band at Carlsbad Community Church, then Miguel’s Cocina, Carlsbad.

Oct. 21: Walk, Oceanside Harbor, meal at Oceanside Broiler.

Oct. 27: Mass, St. Timothy Church in Escondido, then Golden Egg Omelet House.

Oct.30: Lunch, Windmill Food Court, Carlsbad.

Visit www.cwwnc.com.

Republican Women’s group hosts district attorney

The North County Republican Women hosts San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan at its meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf in Rancho Santa Fe. Stephan, a national leader in the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation, will give a talk. There will be appetizers and a cash bar. The cost is $40. RSVP by Oct. 10 at www.ncrwsd.org.

OCEANSIDE

Literary festival at library

The annual literary festival, Write On, Oceanside, is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Civic Center Library plaza, courtyard, and community rooms, 330 North Coast Highway, hosted by Oceanside Public Library and Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation to inspire local authors. The event will feature author readings, dramatic readings, poetry and craft activities for kids. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a workshop on “How to Publish,” and at 12:30 p.m. a “Zine Workshop.” The event will showcase more than 20 local authors sharing from, selling and signing their books. Winners of a six-word story contest will be announced at 1:30 p.m. Visit oceansidepubliclibrary.org.

Human trafficking topic of talk

The MiraCosta Lifelong Learning Group hosts two free presentations Oct. 10 on MiraCosta College’s Oceanside campus, in the board room of the Administration Building (Building 1000) and via Zoom. At 1 p.m. David Jarman, San Diego deputy district attorney, and Katherine Adams, deputy district attorney investigator, will discuss human trafficking, where and how how traffickers recruit their victims, and how the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force combats trafficking efforts and raises public awareness. At 2:30 p.m. Kathy Halligan and Linda Rausis from  Lions, Tigers & Bears Rescue Sanctuary will discuss the local nonprofit’s efforts to save exotic animals from situations where they have been abused and trafficked. Visit www.miracosta.edu/life.

Hoedown at Ivey Ranch

The 15th annual Western Hoedown is from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Ivey Ranch Equestrian Center, 110 Rancho Del Oro Drive, benefiting the nonprofit Ivey Ranch Park Association, which formed 40 years ago. The nonprofit has helped community members of all ages and abilities through programs that emphasize self-reliance, community and respect. Each week, more than 300 people, many with moderate to severe disabilities, benefit from services such as the Adult Day Program, School-Age Program, equestrian therapy, in-home respite care and vocational training. Event highlights include horse-riding demonstrations, hayrides, music entertainment, steakhouse barbecue, raffles, a silent auction, a Kids Corral and ROTC Color Guard flag ceremony. Advance tickets are $85, $65 for kids, and $135 for VIP; $20 additional at the door. Proceeds support the equine therapy programs. Visit iveyranch.com.

Movie series at library

The Oceanside Public Library hosts a new movie series starting Oct. 13 on The Hidden Life, in the Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway. The series includes three films that reveal hidden truths beneath the surface of everyday life. Garrett Chaffin-Quiray, professor of Cinema Studies at Palomar College, will present each screening and explore the artistic and sociological character of the films and lead a discussion afterward. Chaffin-Quiray is author of “Cine-Me” (2012) and “Under the Tent-Pole: A Primer on Movies: Blockbusters, Oscar Winners, Alternatives, and You” (2014). The films are at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 featuring, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956); Nov. 10, “The Purple Rose of Cairo” (1985) and Dec. 15, “Far From Heaven” (2002). Light refreshments. No registration is required.

Documentary on beach restoration

Save Oceanside Sand, a local community nonprofit that advocates for sustainable beach restoration in Oceanside, and nonprofit Resilient Cities Catalyst are debuting the BBC mini-documentary “Transforming Cities” featuring the city of Oceanside’s RE:BEACH Pilot Project and how it evolved from a community-driven design competition that addresses beach erosion. The event is at 4 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Brooks Theater and includes a panel discussion on advancing high-impact coastal resilience projects in California. Reception, networking, snacks and beverages will be available afterward. Tickets are free. Visit sosoceanside.com.

Weekend retreat at abbey

A weekend retreat will be hosted by Beginning Experience, an international ministry that helps widowed, divorced and separated folks move beyond their grief, Oct. 10-12 at Prince of Peace Abbey. Email beginningexperiencesd@gmail.com or call 858-748-2273.

High School Hall of Fame ceremony

The Oceanside High School Foundation will hold its 19th annual Hall of Fame ceremony at 10 a.m. Oct. 11 in the OHS Performing Arts Center, where 2025 Hall of Fame honorees will be inducted. The foundation continues to honor Oceanside High School graduates who have “distinguished themselves through their exemplary lives.” This event is open to the public at no charge. Visit www.ohsfoundation.org/ohs-history/ohs-hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame.

Moosetoberfest

Moosetoberfest, a fundraiser to benefit the Oceanside Women’s Resource Center is at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Oceanside Moose Lodge, 2017 S Coast Hwy. There will be three local bands, a barbecue by Firehouse of Fallbrook, games and opportunity drawing. Cost is $20 at door, $15 presale; $5 discount for Moose members. Visit https://osidemooselodge.org/

Veterans advisory group meets

The Veterans Advisory Committee of the Veterans Association of North County holds a meeting open to the commmunity at noon Oct. 6 in the VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. Speakers include Michael Jenkins, community liaison at The Hacienda, a senior living. community; JD Dickerson, director of military affairs at Wave Neuroscience and Ana Serrano, director, of God’s Heart Ministry: Las Valientes. Visit vanc.me

Republican Club hosts forum

The Republican Club of North County will host an afternoon forum Oct. 15 at the Ocean Hills Country Club Clubhouse. Key speakers include Carl DeMaio, president of Reform CA and California Assemblymember for the 75th District and Jim Desmond, San Diego County Supervisor for District 5 and 2026 candidate for the 49th U.S. Congressional District. DeMaio and Desmond will discuss “Should ID be required to vote?” and “Should politicians be allowed to create their own districts (Prop 50)?” Check-in begins at 2:30 p.m. and forum starts at 3 p.m. Access at the Ocean Hills gate will require attendees to show ID. Admission is free, but RSVP is required by noon Oct. 10 at republicanclubofnorthcounty@gmail.com.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Oktoberfest features German food, music

San Rafael Parish will host its annual Oktoberfest, “An Evening in Bavaria,” from 5 to 7 pm Oct. 10 at 17252 Bernardo Center Drive. The event features a German band, German food, children’s entertainment and a raffle. Admission is $20 in advance; $25 at the door and $10 for ages 6 to 18; free for children 5 and younger. Call (858) 487-4314.

Fire captain talks about Firehouse Museum

The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Speakers Series presents “An Overview of the San Diego Firehouse Museum,” at 11 a.m. Oct. 11 led by Mike Colafrancesco, museum director and San Diego Fire Captain. Admission is free. The talk is at the Rancho Bernardo History Museum in the Bernardo Winery. Visit rbhistory.org.

Faith and Blue Community Resource Faire

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Poway Station and Poway Fire Department along with the Poway Interfaith Team are hosting a free “Faith and Blue” Community Resource Faire for families from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15750 Bernardo Hts. Pkwy. There will be a fire engine, helicopter, horse and K9 exhibit outside from 6 to 6:45 p.m. A welcome program introducing Poway Captain Claudia Delgado, Poway Fire Chief Brian Mitchell, deputies and fire fighters will be from 7 to 8 p.m. After the short program there will be a resource fair with refreshments and attendees can meet deputies, fire fighters and Poway Interfaith Team members. The ‘Faith and Blue’ initiative brings together law enforcement, faith-based groups and community members to build safer communities. For questions, email Jayden.Hebreo@sdsheriff.gov.

Anti-Defamation League director to speak

The Rancho Bernardo Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee hosts Fabienne Perlov, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego, for a presentation at 1 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Rancho Bernardo Community Center, Glassman Building, 18448 West Bernardo Drive. Perlov will discuss antisemitism in San Diego. Cost is $15 and will include refreshments. RSVP at 858-487-8041.

Church holds preschool craft fair

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church will host its Preschool’s 38th Annual Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11. There will be 50 crafters selling children’s items, home décor, holiday decorations, jewelry and accessories. Proceeds go to improving the preschool’s playground and classrooms. The RB Community’s youths will run a carnival on Friday night. Visit rbcommunity.org.

Republican women’s group holds luncheon meeting

The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women holds a luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Oct. 17 at The Heights Country Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Pkwy. Speakers include Trinity Hannaway from Reform California, who will discuss how to correctly get signatures for Voter ID ballot and Anita Edmondson who will discuss her work with the Poway recall campaign of Tony Blair.  Cost is $35. RSVP by 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at rbrepublicanwomen.org.

SAN DIEGO

Annual Serbian Festival

The 52nd Annual San Diego Serbian Festival will be from noon to 11 p.m. Oct. 11 with Serbian food, music and dance at the Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church campus, 3025 Denver St. The family-friendly community fest will feature traditional Serbian folk dancers in colorful costumes performing Kolo (circle dances), and tamburitza and Balkan bands playing music. The evening concludes with dancing under the stars. Serbian specialities will be sold ranging from roasted lamb and pig on the spit, grilled sausages, stuffed cabbage rolls and meat pies to homemade pastries such as krempita, baklava and walnut strudel. Serbian beer, wine and the traditional plum brandy, šljivovica, will also be sold. There will be cultural exhibits and artisan vendors with traditional clothing, jewelry, crafts and imports from the Balkans and there will be a play area for kids with games and face painting. A tour will be offered of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, which has more than 50,000 square feet of hand-set mosaics depicting biblical stories and saints in Byzantine style. The mosaics were created over several decades. Tickets are $5 online or at the door; free admission for Children younger than 12, active duty military and first responders. Visit www.sdserbianfestival.com

Cross-partisan group hosts discussion

The San Diego Alliance of Braver Angels holds a community meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 11, featuring “Skill Building: Beyond I’m Right, You’re Wrong.” Attendees practice skills to depolarize the community.  This free event is at the Mira Mesa Branch Library, 8405 New Salem St. For questions and to RSVP, email San-Diego@braverangels.org.

Junior League holds Bubbles and Ballots event

The Junior League of San Diego holds a non-partisan educational event, Bubbles and Ballots 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at the League’s headquarters for members, 210 Maple St. Non-members can join virtually. There will be a review of the upcoming November ballot and introduction to advocacy, explaining how individuals can make their voices heard and influence legislation that impacts the community. There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets are $15 and free for JLSD members; proceeds benefit the League. Visit www.jlsd.org.

Campland on the Bay Day

Campland will celebrate its 56th anniversary at Campland on the Bay Day with family-friendly games, water slides, live entertainment, howling contest, raffles, food trucks and drinks from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Campland’s Central Park. Visit campland.com/campland-on-the-bay-day.

Art show features work by foster youths

Just in Time for Foster Youth and Woodward Contemporary host an art show, Palette of Possibilities, featuring Woodward Contemporary’s juried exhibition of local artists and works by foster youths who participated in art workshops. Through a series of painting workshops led by Woodward Contemporary’s studio artist volunteers, transition-age foster youth explored self-expression, emotional wellness, and storytelling through visual art. An opening reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 11 at Woodward Contemporary, 3935 Harney Street in Old Town. The show will be on view Oct.11 through Nov. 8. The exhibition will be open during gallery hours, Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Proceeds of art sale will go directly to the artists. Visit https://www.woodwardcontemporary.com/.

Fall Festival

City Farmers Nursery’s annual Fall Festival is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 at 3110 Euclid Ave. The nursery will host 30 local craftspeople and artists, including potters, bakers, painters, and welders, selling handmade items. At 10 a.m. there will be the 40th annual zucchini and pumpkin growing contest with “King Zuke” trophy for the winner, followed by the crowning of the junior gardener winner of the Pumpkin Growing Contest (ages 3-16), at 11 a.m. At noon, there will be free games and prizes for children. Free admission. The Nursery has a pumpkin patch and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Visit https://www.cityfarmersnursery.com/

Fall Craft and Bake Sale benefits Father Joe’s Villages

Father Joe’s Villages annual Fall Craft and Bake Sale will be from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Ladies Guild Room, 1501 Imperial Ave. Proceeds support the children living at Father Joe’s Villages.   Enter at the main entrance off Imperial Ave. For questions, email shirleygiese@gmail.com.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Irish dance performances

International Irish dance champions will perform A Taste of Ireland, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San DIego. The Irish music and dance group includes a cast of Irish dancers, many known for starring roles in Lord of the Dance and Riverdance. The production blends Irish charm with dances set to reimagined classics such as “Danny Boy,” accompanied by technical wizardry and live music. Visit https://www.atasteofirelandshow.com/

Reduced pet adoption fees

The San Diego Humane Society is offering $50 adoption fees for adult dogs and cats through Oct. 15 as part of Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters national adoption event to encourage community to adopt pets. Visit https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/.

SANTEE

Three-day fall festival at parish

Guardian Angels Parish will hold its annual three-day free fall festival with food, games, live entertainment, raffles and other activities from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 10, noon to 9 p.m. Oct. 11 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 at 9310 Dalehurst Road. For questions, call (619) 448-1213.

VISTA

Surfers for Strays hosts family event

A free community event for families, hosted by nonprofit Surfers for Strays, is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11 at AD Magellan, 432 Vista Village Dr., featuring live music and resources for pet adoption along with an auction and raffle-fundraiser. The event helps get strays off the streets of Mexico and connects San Diego families with pets in need while raising awareness about responsible adoption. Visit https://www.surfersforstrays.org/

Soroptimists hold anti-human trafficking meeting

Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland will host the North County Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative meeting at 9 a.m. Oct. 9 at United Methodist Church of Vista, 490 S. Melrose Ave. in the upper community room. The guest speaker will be Rebecca Womelsdorf of the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program Inc., who will discuss the work they do to help trafficking victims clear their record, giving them a fresh start by removing barriers to employment, housing, higher education and family reunification. The event is free to the public, and there will be coffee and pastries. Visit soroptimistvista.org

Free Empowered Aging series at senior center

A free six-week Empowered Aging series continues in October with presentations and discussion at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center. Sessions include an optional lunch at noon, followed by dessert and the program from 1 to 2 p.m.:

Oct. 6  Affordable Housing with City of Vista, Townspeople & Meals on Wheels.Oct. 13  Safe Home & Fall Prevention with Vista Fire Rescue & experts in aging care.Oct. 20 Community Engagement & Volunteerism with Councilmember Corinna Contreras.

Visit https://www.vista.gov/residents/senior-services

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