Community events in San Diego County: From holiday markets to interfaith Thanksgiving celebrations

BORREGO SPRINGS

Anza-Borrego Desert photo contest

The 20th annual Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest is accepting submissions through Dec. 10 from photographers of all skill levels showing their visions of the 650,000-acre desert. The contest is sponsored by the Borrego Art Institute, which will host the photo contest exhibit and opening reception at their gallery in Borrego Springs early next year. Online voting (People’s Choice) is open Dec. 11 to Jan.10. Proceeds support the Anza-Borrego Foundation’s education program. Visit theabf.org/photocontest.

CARLSBAD

Holiday Market at women’s club

The Carlsbad Holiday Market, featuring local craft makers and vendors selling handmade gifts, home decor and treats, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Woman’s Club of Carlsbad, 3320 Monroe St. Visit womansclubofcarlsbad.org.

Genealogy buffs host presentation

Former genealogy librarian Mary Von Orsdol will give a free presentation on ”Citing Sources in the Ever-changing Digital Environmental” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at the North San Diego County Genealogical Society’s meeting in the City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. The Zoom link is at nsdcgs.org.

Game Day Brunch

The American Association of University Women, Carlsbad-Oceanside-Vista branch holds a Scholarship Game Day Brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Harding Community Center, 3096 Harding St. Cost is $40. Call 760-473-3094.

CHULA VISTA

Pickleball & Cornhole Tournament

The inaugural “OMBAC on Third: A Pickleball & Cornhole Tournament” is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 15, hosted by the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, aka OMBAC. Third Avenue between E and F streets will become a sports arena with pickleball and cornhole courts. There will be food vendors and a beer garden. The event benefits the Chula Vista Fire Department Heritage Foundation. Team registration is $100. Visit ombac.org/over-the-line/cornhole-tournament.

Goodwill puts on Little Black Dress Event

Goodwill San Diego hosts its annual Little Black Dress event at its retail stores. The Chula Vista Retail Store, 706 Broadway, will serve as the flagship location, offering the largest assortment; doors open at 9 a.m. Nov. 12. A highlight of the event is a one-of-a-kind gown created by Evan Hirsch that will be auctioned on shopgoodwill.com/sandiego.

CORONADO

Holiday Boutique benefits kids in need

The Friends of Children United Society, aka FOCUS, hosts a Holiday Boutique from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15 featuring clothing, jewelry, books, holiday decor and other items for sale along with gourmet food at Coronado Cays Yacht Club, 30 Caribe Cay Blvd. There willl be a taco bar, Champagne, pastries and snacks. The entry fee is $10. Visit focus-sdkids.org.

EL CAJON

Museum celebrates Native American Heritage Month

A presentation on “Hunters & Gatherers: Shared indigenous Wisdom” is at 1 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Heritage of the Americas Museum, as part of the celebration of Native American Heritage Month and local Indigenous peoples. Admission is $6; $4 for seniors; free for members and children. An Artist Studio Art Clearance Sale featuring the work of Duke Windsor, a Marine veteran, is from Nov. 11 to Dec. 17 in the museum’s Art Wing. Visit heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com.

ESCONDIDO

Interfaith Thanksgiving event

Interfaith Leaders of Escondido invite the community to a Stone Soup Thanksgiving Service at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at Trinity Episcopal  Church, 845 Chestnut St. A soup dinner is at 6 p.m., followed by a celebration of gratitude at 7 p.m. Representatives from Baha’i, Christian, Essene, Jewish and Muslim faith communities will share prayers, music and stories. Donations of canned soups and money will go to Interfaith Community Services.

Christmas Bazaar at church

Church of the Resurrection hosts its annual Christmas Bazaar from Nov. 10-16 featuring Christmas items, dolls, jewelry and housewares. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call 760-747-2322.

LA MESA

‘Walk with A Doc’

A free “Walk with A Doc” will be offered by Sharp Grossmont Community Resource Center from 9 to 10 a.m. Nov. 13 at Grossmont Healthcare District Health and Wellness Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. Enjoy a walk around Briercrest Park with a Sharp-affiliated doctor and learn about diet, exercise and staying healthy. Free on-site parking. Register at 619-740-4214.

Parkinson’s support group meets

The East County Parkinson’s Support Group meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19 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@myyahoo.com.

NORTH COUNTY

Widows and Widowers Club holds events

The North County Widows and Widowers Club holds a number of social activities. Reservations are required at 760-716-9000.

Nov. 12: Happy Hour – Green Dragon Tavern, Carlsbad.Nov 14: Dinner/Dance – Vista Elks Lodge.Nov. 15: Autumn Tea Leaf Social.Nov. 25: Happy Hour – Nucci’s Italian Cafe and Pizza, Vista.Dec. 6: Holiday Dance Party and Buffet.

Tri-City Medical Center runs community forums

Tri-City Medical Center continues its community forums on the upcoming affiliation of Tri-City Medical Center and Sharp Healthcare from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave., and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Tri City Medical Center, 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside. The featured speakers will be Tri-City Medical Center president and CEO Dr. Gene Ma and Sharp Healthcare President and CEO Chris Howard. To join via Zoom, visit tricitymed.org/tricity-sharp-affiliation-news.

Republican women’s group hosts speakers

North County Republican Women will host Herb Morgan, 2026 Republican candidate for state controller, and Sarah Haspel, founder and CEO of Bestie Defense, at a breakfast meeting at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Cost is $25; $20 for members. RSVP by Nov. 14 at ncrwsd.org.

OCEANSIDE

Two free lectures at Lifelong Learning Group

The Lifelong Learning Group hosts a presentation on “Ernie Pyle: The Soldier’s Friend and Voice” at 1 p.m. Nov. 14 led by Steve Key virtually and then “Authenticity vs Authenticity: View From the Native American Perspective” at 2:30 p.m. led by Eli Santana and Duane Minard. The free meeting is at MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, Administration Building 1000 board room.  Visit miracosta.edu/life.

Shakespeare show at library

The Oceanside Public Library and The Old Globe bring a free production of the Shakespeare show “Julius Caesar,” directed by Marcela Lorca, at 3 p.m. Nov. 15 in Oceanside’s Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway, as part of the “Globe For All” program in communities throughout San Diego County and Tijuana. Light refreshments will be served at 2:30 p.m. Register at oceansidelibrary.org; attendance is first come, first served.

Health and wellness resource fair for seniors

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce’s annual Senior Showcase Explore is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at the William A. Wagner Aquatic Center, 3306 Senior Center Drive. The event features more than 80 Senior Health and Wellness booths from local businesses and nonprofits. Highlights include free health screenings, yoga class and workshops along with Senior Talk Sessions. Parking is at the El Corazon Senior Center and overflow parking is nearby with free shuttle service. Visit oceansidechamber.com.

Movie series with discussion

The Oceanside Public Library continues its movie series on The Hidden Life at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 featuring a screening of “The Purple Rose of Cairo” (1985) in the Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway. Garrett Chaffin-Quiray, professor of cinema studies at Palomar Community College, will explore the artistic and sociological character of the film 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 next film, “Far From Heaven” (2002), is at 6 p.m. Dec. 15. Light refreshments will be served. No registration is required.

Bowl for the Blind tournament

The Oceanside Sea Lions Club holds its 39th annual Bowl for the Blind tournament at noon Nov. 15 at the Surf Bowl, 1401 S. Coast Highway. Bowlers will get three games, shoes and a chance to enter into an opportunity drawing. The club is part of Lions Clubs International known as “Knights of the Blind.” Net proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit local charities, including the Vista Blind Center, Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Blind Stokers Club and will go toward purchasing eyeglasses for local youths. Visit oceansidesealionsclub.com.

State Assembly member to discuss updates on issues

The Republican Club of North County meets at noon Nov. 19 and will host keynote speaker Laurie Davies, Assembly member for the 74th District, who will give an update on current issues and legislation in Sacramento. Cost for lunch is $40; $30 for RCNC members (cash or check). RSVP by noon Nov. 14 at 760-212-9995.

POINT LOMA

Parkinson’s Support Group hosts talk

The Point Loma Parkinson’s Support Group will hold its monthly meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 18 (a week earlier than usual), at Point Loma Cafe, 4865 N. Harbor Drive, to “Meet, Greet and Eat.” There will be a no-host brunch and a presentation on San Diego State University’s “Adaptive Fitness Clinic and Parkinson’s Endowment.” Reservations are required at 619-560-1935 or doloresviolacohenour@gmail.com.

POWAY

Community Interfaith Thanksgiving service

The Poway Interfaith Team will hold its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, themed “One Table, Many Faiths: Stories of Peace and Thanksgiving” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 18 with a hospitality time 8:30 to 9 p.m. at St. Barts Episcopal Church, 16275 Pomerado Road. There will be music, singers, a children’s choir, speakers from different faith traditions, a land acknowledgment and an interfaith choir. An offering will be taken for Interfaith Community Services in Escondido. Canned food and hygiene donations are welcome and will go to Interfaith Community Services. Everyone is welcome. For questions, email revabigail.afc@outlook.com.

Book sale at library

Friends of the Poway Library will hold a Book and Media Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Poway Library Patio, 13137 Poway Road. Children’s books and mass-market paperbacks will be 25 cents or five for $1; adult hardcover, trade paperbacks, comics and DVDs, 50 cents; and CDs and LPs, 25 cents. Call 619-994-4323.

RANCHO PEÑASQUITOS

RANCHO BERNARDO

World Affairs discussion group meets

The World Affairs Council North County will host James Larrimore for a presentation at 10 a.m. Nov. 13 on “The Iran Nuclear Conundrum after the 12-Day War” at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to foster global understanding and friendships in the local community and around the world. Visit northcountyworldaffairs.org.

Community caregiving luncheon

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church hosts a caregiving luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14 in the church’s fellowship center, 17010 Pomerado Road, presented by Jessica Romero, community outreach specialist, Southern Caregiver Resource Center. Cost is $15. Visit rbcommunity.org/event-Caregiving-Connections-Luncheon.

China’s ups and downs topic of talk

The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women will hold a luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Nov. 21 at The Heights Country Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Parkway. Cost is $35. The guest speaker is Sophia Fang, who will discuss China’s ups and downs over 5,000 years. RSVP by 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at rbrepublicanwomen.org.

SAN DIEGO

Walk to End Homelessness

The seventh annual Step Up! Walk to End Homelessness, organized by HomeAid San Diego, is from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 16 at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay Park, 3000 N. Mission Bay Drive. Register at homeaidsd.org.

Native American Heritage Month events

The San Diego Community College District, including San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar and Continuing Education colleges, will honor Native American Heritage Month throughout November with a series of free events Nov. 12-13 and Nov. 18-20, including presentations on Kumeyaay language, culture and history and a Native American Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Mesa College’s Mesa Quad, 7250 Mesa College Drive. Visit sdccd.edu.

Screening of ‘Unsung Heroes’ documentary

Foundation for Women Warriors hosts a free virtual screening of Unsung Heroes: The Story of America’s Female Patriots at 4 p.m. Nov. 12. The documentary highlights the heroic sacrifices of women who served in the American military and is produced by Academy Award filmmaker and executive producer Ron Howard. Visit foundationforwomenwarriors.org.

Free dental services for folks in need

Locally based nonprofit Cura Smiles provides free dental services by volunteer dentists to community members in need who would not otherwise have dental care. The clinic at 4101 University Ave. is typically open Tuesdays, Thursdays and on some Saturdays. Walk-in patients are accepted, but there’s a long waitlist. The nonprofit is looking for fundraising support from the community to continue its services. Visit curasmiles.org.

Voices for Children seeks volunteers

The San Diego nonprofit Voices for Children is looking for volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) and stand up for foster children in need.  Volunteers are trained and supported by the nonprofit to speak up for children in foster care in court, school and medical settings to make sure their needs are met. CASA volunteers often become an important adult for a child in foster care as they face court hearings, social workers, attorneys and new homes. Visit speakupnow.org.

Blood donors can get diabetes screening

In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, people who donate blood at a San Diego Blood Bank donor center or mobile blood drive can get a free A1C test during November, which can detect diabetes early. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. Visit sandiegobloodbank.org/A1C. Walk-ins are welcome.

Thanksgiving meal for homeless community

The San Diego Rescue Mission will host its annual free Thanksgiving Community Outreach Meal from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 15 at 120 Elm St. for people who are homeless or low income. Haircuts and hot showers will be offered at mobile shower trailers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free backpacks, essential giveaway items and access to medical services, pet care and spiritual support. Free rides on the Rescue Mission’s “HOPE” vans will go from the City’s O and B safe camping sites and the Neil Good Day Center, 299 17th St., from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visit sdrescue.org.

Free museum admission for federal workers

The San Diego Automotive Museum is offering free admission to federal workers, including military personnel, and up to five family members during the federal government shutdown. Show ID, badge or most recent pay stub to receive free admission. Also, the museum is holding a food drive for the San Diego Food Bank. Visitors who bring at least $5 worth of nonperishable food will receive $10 off individual admission. Visit sdautomuseum.org.

Community CEO Forum

The nonprofit Chartered Financial Analyst Society San Diego holds a community event on “2025 San Diego CEO Forum” from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at UC San Diego Rady School of Management, 10065 Scholars Drive North, Room 4E106. CEOs from four San Diego-based public companies — Halozyme Therapeutics, RF Industries, Axos Financial, and Alphatec Holdings d/b/a ATEC Spine — will discuss the investment proposition in their shares and take questions from attendees. Cost is $30 and includes catered, post-event reception. Register by Nov. 17 at web.cvent.com/event/840c6016-896e-4282-bdc3-eb51b6c403e1/summary.

SAN MARCOS

Comedy show with Billy Gardell benefits TERI

Actor and comedian Billy Gardel, known for his roles on “Mike & Molly” and “Bob Hearts Abishola,” will perform stand-up comedy at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at The Bornemann Theatre, on the TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Road. The performance has adult language and themes for mature audiences. Doors open at 6 p.m. with craft beer and wine at concessions before and during the show along with snacks and sweets. Preshow dining is also at TERI Common Grounds Cafe starting at 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit TERI’s programs for people of all ages with disabilities. Tickets are $35-$75 at thebornemann.com.

Antique buffs gather

El Camino Real Questers group will meet at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Lake San Marcos Conference Center, 1105 La Bonita Drive. The program will be on “Matryoshkas,” also called Russian nesting dolls. Questers keep history alive through education, preservation of meaningful places and by funding the restoration of historic landmarks. The chapter meets on the second Monday of the month except during summer. Visitors are welcome. Visit elcaminorealquesters.org.

VALLEY CENTER

Veterans Day exhibit

The Valley Center History Museum’s annual Veterans Day exhibit highlights William C. Ball, a British citizen who served in the U.S. Confederate Army and later became a prominent citizen of Valley Center. The museum is also saluting veterans of the U.S. armed forces with an exhibit featuring war mementos and memorabilia. The museum at 29200 Cole Grade Road is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free. Call 760-749-2993 or visit vchistory.org.

VISTA

Veterans Day celebration at senior center

A USO-style program led by Kai The Oldies Guy, with singalong and dance, is at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 10, followed by lunch at noon at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center’s Park Terrace Cafe, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. A $4 contribution for lunch is suggested for guests 60 and older; $8 fee for guests 59 and younger. Transportation can be provided for registered Vista adults older than 60 with 48-hour advance notice. Advance reservations for lunch are required ASAP at 760-643-5288.

Submit community events to linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com.