San Diego Delights: Explore Legacy Week at Midway and the Bouquet Ride
BONITA
Annual Amigo Fun Walk/Run
The second Amigo Fun Walk/Run, which serves as a community fundraising event, begins with registration at 8 a.m. on May 24 at Provence House located at 4370 Sweetwater Road. At 8:30 a.m., participants will set out for a 3.2-kilometer walk/run journey starting from Provence House towards the Sweetwater Walking Trail, passing through picturesque Rohr Park. Refreshments like water and medals for runners will be provided between 11:30 a.m. and noon back at Provence House. Entry fee is $25. For more information, visit.
eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-amigo-fun-walkrun-community-event-fundraiser-tickets-1336181417589
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CARLSBAD
Democracy Club to talk about immigration
The Carlsbad and Oceanside Democratic Club will convene their meeting from 10 a.m. to noon on May 24 at 2375 Camino Vida Roble, Suite A. The event features a panel discussion titled “Immigration: Historical Context and Insights into Today’s Landscape.” Participating as panelists are Chris Duncan, who formerly served as the mayor of San Clemente and currently works as a senior attorney for US Customs and Border Protection within the Department of Homeland Security; and Laurie Jacobs, a retired immigration service worker turned advocate. Entry is complimentary. For more details, visit.
demcco.org
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CHULA VISTA
Free genealogy class
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society is set to conduct a complimentary genealogy educational session from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 20 at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library Community Room located at 4375 Bonita Road. This session will focus on “What Comes After Getting My DNA Results?” Attendees should bring their laptops or tablets along with them. Both walk-ins and those who sign up ahead of time via registration are invited to attend.
chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org
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Placement of flags for Memorial Day
A flag placement ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on May 23 at Veterans Park, located at 785 E. Palomar Street. Local residents have the opportunity to pay tribute to veterans by positioning American flags alongside the park’s “Walk of Honor,” where the pathway is lined with bricks engraved with veteran names. Please visit.
chulavistaca.gov
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Neighbor Day Festival
The eighth yearly ‘Neighbor Day’ festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 17 at Lauderbach Park located at 333 Oxford Street. The Chula Vista Police and Fire Departments will start the complimentary event at 9 a.m., offering a free pancake breakfast. From then until 1 p.m., attendees can enjoy various forms of entertainment, live musical performances, and fun activities for families.
DEL MAR
Naval officer to address Memorial Day celebration
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is set to host its yearly community Memorial Day event honoring deceased servicemen and women on May 26 at 11 a.m., located at 334 14th Street. Lieutenant Commander Brad DeVore from the Navy will deliver this year’s speech. Following hymns and prayers, there will be a memorial roll call for those who lost their lives during active military service. The ceremony will end with the sounding of Taps. For more information, visit.
stpetersdelmar.net
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EL CAJON
Taps Across America
Residents have the opportunity to participate in Taps Across America by performing a live bugle call of “Taps” at 3 p.m. on May 26 at the flagpole located outside First Presbyterian Church, which is situated at 500 Farragut Circle. This nationwide event will see thousands of people joining together to play the 24-note version of this poignant bugle call as a way to pay tribute and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in our armed forces. Everyone is invited to take part. For more information, please visit their website.
firstpres-elcajon.org
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ENCINITAS
Orchid exhibition at the botanical garden
The San Diego Botanic Garden runs its annual spring orchids show, “World of Orchids,” through June 1 in the glass-enclosed Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The show includes plants on loan from the San Diego County Orchid Society and the Palomar Orchid Society, along with local businesses. There will be classes and vendors on select weekends. Garden hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). Reservations are recommended. Show entry is included with $18 garden admission; $15 for military, students, ages 60 and older; $10 for ages 3 to 17; and free for younger than 3 and for garden members. Visit
sdbg.org/world-of-orchids
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Current Events Group meets weekly
An adult group focusing on current events convenes every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for an informal and engaging round-table conversation about significant local, national, and global news stories. This gathering takes place at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center located at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Participation is complimentary. Seniors of all backgrounds are invited to attend. For more information, visit
encinitasca.gov
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The animal shelter provides support for those grieving pet loss.
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society provides individual, 20-minute phone support sessions for individuals who have recently experienced pet loss, whose pets are dealing with serious health issues, or who are preparing to euthanize their pets. These consultations will take place between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on May 17th. You must schedule your appointment by 11 a.m. on May 16th. To learn more details or book an appointment to talk with a counselor, please send an email.
petlosssupport@sdpets.org
A 24-hour Access and Crisis Line can be reached at 888-724-7240.
Face-to-Face Pet Loss Support Group
The In-Person Pet Loss Support Group convenes at Vivian’s Learning Center located within the Rancho Coastal Humane Society every second and fourth Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The upcoming session will be held on May 24. Admission is free; however, donations are welcome. Please register beforehand.
rchumanesociety.org/petlosssupportprogram
or email
petlosssupport@sdpets.org
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ESCONDIDO
Nominations Being Sought for North County Art Awards
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is hosting its first-ever North County Arts Awards, which aims to recognize and celebrate the artistic talents and innovations within the North County region across 18 different categories encompassing visual, culinary, and performing arts. This prestigious event includes an elegant black-tie awards ceremony scheduled for June 28th at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Conference Center. Nomination submissions must be completed by June 1st. Anyone from the community has the opportunity to nominate candidates through write-ins. From these nominations, the top five contenders in every category—selected according to their total number of nominations—will become finalists. Subsequently, a panel consisting of distinguished figures from both the art world and local government bodies will convene to decide upon the ultimate winners. You may send your nominations via the provided submission portal.
artcenter.org
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Parents Party at park
The Reproductive Partners Fertility Center is set to hold a Parents Party from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on May 17th at Felicita Park, located at 742 Clarence Lane. The event will feature carnival games suitable for every age group, delicious food, refreshments, lively entertainment, and live musical performances. You can obtain free tickets there.
eventbrite.com/e/rpsds-25th-anniversary-parents-party-tickets-1138815902019
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FALLBROOK
Annual Vintage Car Show
The 58th annual Car Show hosted by the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 25 in downtown Fallbrook. The spotlight this year will be on Porsches. Enjoy live music, various forms of entertainment, and meals from food trucks at the event. Entry for viewers is complimentary. For more information, visit.
fallbrookvintagecarclub.org/carshow
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IMPERIAL BEACH
Memorial Day Weekend Market
The yearly Memorial Day Weekend Market offering “fun, shopping, and community support” will take place from 11 AM to 6 PM on May 24 at 829 Seacoast Drive. Booths are invited to be adorned in shades of red, white, and blue. The cost for vendors is $50, payable via Venmo using the handle @ibartisanmarket. For inquiries, please call 619-327-8302.
LA MESA
Free self-care class
A complimentary session titled “Caring For Yourself” will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 21 at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center located at 9001 Wakarusa Street. The course will be led by a certified psychotherapist who will guide participants on adjusting their priorities to emphasize self-care during stressful times. Complimentary parking is provided onsite. To register, call 800-827-4277 or sign up online.
sharp.com/classes
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NORTH COUNTY
Trumpet player will perform “Taps” for Memorial Day
Bugles Across America is collaborating with Stater Bros. Markets to organize a bugler playing a live version of Taps following a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day at certain Stater Bros. stores. This event honors those who gave their lives in service to the nation. The local branches taking part will be located at 3770 Mission Avenue in Oceanside, 9909 Carmel Mountain Road in San Diego, and 1048 North El Camino Real in Encinitas.
A Republican women’s organization invites guest speakers.
The North County Republican Women have scheduled their gathering for 9:15 a.m. on May 21 at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club located at 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by a breakfast meeting starting promptly at 10 a.m. This event features guest speaker Loren Spivack—better recognized under his alias Dr. Truth—who established “Free Market Warrior.” He has authored two works titled “The New Democrat” and “The Gorax.” Attendees can expect updates from Randy Economy, the creator and head of Saving California, concerning the ongoing efforts related to the “Recall Newsom” initiative. Entry fees stand at $20 per member with non-members required to pay $25. Please confirm your attendance via RSVP before reaching the deadline set for May 19th.
ncrwsd.org
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OCEANSIDE
Veterans organization hosts automobile exhibition
The North County Veterans Association is hosting their seventh yearly car exhibition from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 14 at the VANC resource center located at 1617 Mission Avenue. This event will showcase an array of automobiles, pickup trucks, and various vehicles accompanied by live musical performances. Cars of all types and ages are invited to participate, and awards will be presented in multiple categories based on entries judged as top-tier. Registrants can enjoy pancakes starting at 8 a.m.. Food items like breakfast dishes, lunches, and beverages will also be up for sale during this time. Space is restricted to only the initial 110 registered participants when parking matters come into play. There’s free access for those who wish merely to observe. If you’re planning ahead, early bird registration costs $30 until June 11; thereafter, it increases to $50 till June 14. For more details, visit
vanc.me/car-show
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Veterans celebrate with Book Launch Party
The Veterans’ Writing Group of San Diego County will put on a Book Launch Party from 1 to 3 p.m. May 23 at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. Attendees can meet the authors, buy copies of the book by veterans and get autographs. Highlights include wine and cheese. Visit
sites.google.com/view/veteranswritinggroup/home
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Marine officer to address veterans center
The North County Veterans Association is holding a Memorial Day event from 10 a.m. to noon on May 26 at the VANC resource center located at 1617 Mission Avenue. Retired Marine Colonel Willy Buhl, who serves as the deputy assistant chief of staff for government and external affairs at MCI-West, will be the keynote speaker. Lunch will be provided free of charge following the proceedings. Please confirm your attendance by calling 760-722-1277 or through another specified method.
vanc.me/memorial-day-ceremony
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RANCHO BERNARDO
Annual pancake festival
The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society hosts its 18th annual pancake festival honoring the military from 8 to 11 a.m. May 26 at Webb Park with live music, a circus demonstration team, a silent auction and face painting. A raffle will be held adjacent to the Veterans Memorial, thanks to Los Rancheros Kiwanis Club. The cost to attend is $15; free for veterans, active military and children younger than 3. Visit
rbhistory.org
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Tropical and Turquoise fundraiser
The nonprofit American Cancer Society Discovery Shop features turquoise jewelry, sundresses, sandals, hats and more for summer. Proceeds from the sale of the shop’s gently used, upscale donated merchandise support the fight against cancer. The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays in the Plaza at Rancho Bernardo, 16787 Bernardo Center Drive. Call 858-385-0479.
SAN DIEGO
Aboard the Midway, Gala assists veterans.
Workshops for Warriors, a non-profit organization that trains veterans and transitioning servicemembers for careers in advanced manufacturing, is set to hold the Forging Futures Gala from 6 to 10 p.m. on May 31 at the USS Midway Museum located at 910 N. Harbor Drive. The event will feature dinner, a live auction, performances, and stories from alumni of their programs. Funds raised will benefit the non-profit, particularly aiding its instructor certification initiative, enabling further expansion both regionally and nationally. To learn more, visit.
wfw.org
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Taste of East Village
The third yearly Taste of East Village event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on May 21-22, showcasing tastings from over 30 highly sought-after eateries in the downtown area. Upon arrival, attendees will receive a Taste Passport, acting as both a map for locating the involved establishments and a way to jot down their preferred starters, main courses, sweets, and drinks. Entry tickets cost $45, along with an additional processing charge. For further details, visit.
tasteofeastvillagesd.com.
Heritage Week at Midway Museum
Events will occur during the USS Midway Museum’s yearly Legacy Week schedule. The Imperial Valley Master Chorale will perform on the flight deck at midday on May 24th. Former military pilots can be met and their aircraft seen between 10 AM and 4:30 PM on May 25th. There’ll be a wreath-laying ceremony on May 26th starting at 9 AM to commemorate servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. This occasion features keynote addresses, an aerial display, and a symbolic casting of a tribute wreath onto the vessel for the deceased. Later that same day, the US Coast Guard Arizona Band ensemble will play patriotic tunes twice—at 11 AM and again at 2:15 PM—and patriotic shows begin at 12:30 PM featuring performances by Bonita Vista High School’s show choir called Music Machine on the flight deck. A Moment of Reflection including a period of quiet contemplation has been scheduled for 3 PM on May 26th aboard the flight deck in memory of all who fell while defending America. Throughout Memorial Day weekend—from May 23rd through May 26th—a commemorative wall along with a brief photo exhibition will showcase tributes to veterans within the Hangar Bay area. For more details visit.
midway.org/legacy-week
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The Kiwanis Club organizes gatherings.
The nonprofit Kiwanis Club of San Diego has scheduled multiple events this month. One such event will take place at noon on May 20th at Elijah’s Restaurant located at 7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, where architects Ricardo Rabines and Taal Safdie will be speakers; tickets are priced at $35 each. Additionally, there is an upcoming volunteer gathering set for 9 a.m. on May 21st as part of Red Shoe Day, which supports the Ronald McDonald House Charities. For more details, visit their website.
kiwanisclubsandiego.org
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Operation Flags for Vets is looking for volunteers
To commemorate Memorial Day and pay tribute to the servicemen and women who gave their lives, members of Rotary District 5340 along with local volunteers plan to place 22,000 American flags on every veteran’s gravesite at Miramar National Cemetery. This event, known as Operation Flags for Vets, is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM on May 24th at Miramar National Cemetery. The Rotary group is seeking additional helpers to assist in removing the flags at 3 PM on May 27th. For more information, visit.
rotarydistrict5340dmcc.com/upcoming-events/operation-flags-for-vets-2025
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Memorial Day celebration
The Logan Heights Veterans Memorial Monument will host a Memorial Day event starting at 11 a.m. on May 26 in the 1900 block of Logan Avenue opposite Chicano Park. This gathering features musical tributes like taps, ceremonial flag-raising, singing of the national anthem, prayer moments, guest speeches, and a roll call honoring deceased service members. Notable guests such as ex-San Diego Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards, who cofounded Best Defense Foundation for supporting military personnel, and returning U.S. Air Force vet Jim Estrada, formerly an acclaimed TV docudrama creator and current head of Estrada Communications Group, are scheduled to speak.
Charity event aids a service organization for HIV/AIDS assistance
POZabilities, a nearby HIV/AIDS support group, is organizing a fundraising event called Let’s Flamingle, which is a fun flamingo-themed party taking place from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 26 at Mercy Gardens Patio located at 540 Lewis Street. Guests can enjoy some refreshments and have chances to win exciting raffle items. Participants are encouraged to dress up in flamboyant flamingo outfits and join competitions for the most outlandish and creative ensembles. POZabilities is currently looking for contributions of raffle prizes. For more information, visit
pozabilities.org
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Veterans For Peace organizes an exhibit
The nonprofit organization San Diego Veterans For Peace plans to install its Hometown Arlington West Memorial, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 26 at the USS Midway Museum located at 910 N. Harbor Drive. Members from five service branches will pay tribute to hundreds of fallen comrades from Southern California who lost their lives in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The event will feature memorial markers where attendees can pause, read the names inscribed, and contemplate the sacrifices made. Please visit for more details.
sdvfp.org
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Annual Bouquet Ride
The fifth yearly Bouquet Ride is scheduled for May 24 to pay tribute to those who have made the supreme sacrifice serving our nation. Over 200 cyclists are anticipated to participate in the Fallen Hero Honor Ride, starting at 9 a.m. from California Bicycle located at 7462 La Jolla Blvd., before heading towards Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma. Kevin, Jill, and Jason Millard, proprietors of California Bicycle, count themselves as part of the Gold Star Families set to be honored during this occasion. The event includes placing wreaths and flowers for each fallen hero, accompanied by short remarks. It takes approximately an hour to reach the destination via ride. Light refreshments will also be available. Additionally, everyone is welcome to attend the national Memorial Day commemoration held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on May 26. For more information, visit.
fortrosecransmemorialday.com
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Summer concert series starts
The inaugural free summer concert kicks off from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on May 24 at the AMC Court-Mission Valley mall located at 1640 Camino Del Rio North. This family-oriented Hawaiian-themed event features performances by hula dancers, live reggae and beach bands, as well as activities like a hula hoop competition, complimentary gelato tasting, and various giveaways. To find out about additional concerts in this series, check the details online.
facebook.com/events/542413601932203
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Charity provides complimentary dental services
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. It accepts walk-in patients, but there is a long waitlist. The nonprofit is looking for fundraising support from the community to continue its services. Visit
curasmiles.org
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Choir gives Spring Masterwork Concert
The St. Mark’s Chancel Choir will present a Spring Masterwork Concert featuring “Requiem for the Living” by Dan Forrest at 4 p.m. May 18 as part of St. Mark’s concert series. This modern masterpiece combines harmonies and texts, offering a meditation on life, loss and hope. Visit
stmarksumcsd.org/concert-series
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Flag placement event at national cemetery
The Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery will hold a flag placement ceremony starting at 8 a.m. on May 24 at the cemetery located at 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Drive. Volunteers are required to help with placing flags on the graves. Additionally, volunteers are needed to collect the flags again at 9 a.m. on May 27. For more information, please call 619-553-2084.
SAN MARCOS
Memorial Day event at the graveyard
The VFW Post 3795 is set to hold a Memorial Day event featuring patriotic tunes, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a color guard, and guest speakers from 9 to 11 a.m. on May 26 at San Marcos Cemetery located at 1021 Mulberry Drive. For more information, call 760-744-3795.
Memorial Day ‘Lift’ to pay tribute to the military
The 20th annual Memorial Day “Hoist” to honor the fallen who died in service to the country is from 5:45 to 7 p.m. May 26 at Churchill’s Pub & Grille, 887 W. San Marcos Blvd. The event begins with Mounting of the Service Colors, then the observance, followed by a moment of silence during eight bells and the playing of taps. The guest speaker is Amy Forsythe, award-winning military photojournalist who served as a Marine and is currently in the Navy Reserves. Forsythe is author of “Heroes Live Here: A Tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines.” Visit
churchillspub.us
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SANTEE
Friday Nights Live
Santee is continuing the Free Fridays Night Live series from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on both May 23rd and May 30th at Santee Trolley Square, located at 9884 Mission Gorge Road. This event features live shows by nearby musical acts alongside an array of family-oriented entertainment options like face painters, caricaturists, a rock climbing wall, and arts and craft stations. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy food from various local restaurants. For more information, you may visit their site.
cityofsanteeca.gov/our-community/city-special-events
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SOLANA BEACH
Panel discussion on aging
A free panel discussion on “Aging in your Home Safely, Your Way, Get Help you need,” sponsored by the Solana Beach Community Connection and Friends of the Library, is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 20 at the Solana Beach Library, 157 Stevens Ave.
VISTA
Annual Strawberry Festival
The 14th annual Vista Strawberry Festival is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 25 in historic downtown. The day starts with a 5K run at 7:30 a.m. Highlights include a costume contest, a strawberry pie eating contest and a strawberry ice cream sundae eating contest along with live music and entertainment on several stages, a food court, a beer garden and a street fair filled with vendors of all types along with a carnival zone that opens before the event. Carnival hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. May 23, 2 to 11 p.m. May 24 and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 25 at Vista Magnet Middle School, 151 Civic Center Drive. Little Miss Strawberry will be crowned at the event. Admission is free. Carnival tickets are $2-$45. There is free parking and shuttles every 15 minutes from Vista High School and the Vista Courthouse. Visit
strawberryfest.com.
Cactus & Succulent Club holds spring festival
The Palomar Cactus & Succulent Club’s spring festival plant show and sale will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1450 E. Vista Way. The sale includes plants and pots. There will be workshops on succulent and cactus growing. Admission is free. Visit
palomarcactus.org
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The Paint & Pour event supports senior citizens.
The nonprofit Vista Silver Star Foundation hosts a Paint & Pour from 5 to 7 p.m. May 29 at Aegis Living at Shadowridge, 1440 S. Melrose Drive. Attendees can enjoy wine and hor d’oeuvres while creating a painting to take home. The event is led by a local artist. Tickets are $25; proceeds benefit the Vista Silver Star Foundation, which helps older adults in the community. RSVP by May 27 at
vistasilverstar.org
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Military, Fire and Law Appreciation Day at water park
A Memorial Day Military, Fire and Law Appreciation Day will be observed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 26 at The Wave Waterpark, 101 Wave Drive. Admission is free for active or retired military and fire or law enforcement officers on Memorial Day as a thank you for their service. Valid active-duty or retired ID must be shown at the ticket booth to receive one free admission for each ID and up to six additional tickets may be purchased for $10 each with each valid ID. Dependent IDs are valid for discount admission only, not free admission offer. Visit
thewavewaterpark.com
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AI in genealogy topic of talk
The Vista FamilySearch Center, 1310 Foothill Drive, will present a free class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 22 on “New Tools for Old Problems; Explore the possible uses of AI in Genealogy.” This will be a wide-ranging introduction and survey of what is becoming possible with family history research. Visit
sites.google.com/view/vista-fhc/home
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Presentation on Safe Streets Program
A presentation on the Safe Streets Program is at 6:30 p.m. May 22 at the Vista Civic Center Community Room, 200 Civic Center Drive. Vista’s sheriff’s captain will give an overview of technologies such as crime cameras, license plate readers and gunshot detection systems.
The botanical gardens host summer camp programs during the warmer months.
The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens along with Kids College will provide summer camp programs from Monday to Friday during June and July. These camps will be available in both full-day and half-day formats for children who are set to enter first through fifth grade. The curriculum features activities such as art, music, theater, and yoga within the expansive 14-acre outdoor gardens. Sign up now.
thekidscollege.org/online-registration
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