BONITA
Community holds Glarf celebration
Sweetwater Valley performing artists will host a free community event to celebrate the restoration and return of the historic landmark Bonita Glarfs (dwarf dinosaur statues) at 11 a.m. April 12 at the Bonita Museum, 4355 Bonita Road. A one-hour musical narrative of the Glarfs’ “adventurous lives” will feature the Bonita Vista High School Music Machine and Sound Unlimited as well as South Bay musical theater artists. Art and photographs showcasing the Glarfs will be on display. The event celebrates the completion of a three-year community effort to repair, restore and relocate the popular artworks to the Bonita Village Center along Bonita Road. Visit bonitahistoricalsociety.org/event-calendar.
CARDIFF
Wildlife Tour
A free Wildlife Tour for adults will be held from 9 to about 11 a.m. April 12 at the San Elijo Lagoon. The tour will be led by volunteers. Spring plants such as blue sage, white fiesta flower, yellow sea dahlia and purple lupine might be spotted. On a previous tour, the group found 52 species in two hours. The event is hosted by the Nature Collective. Registration is required at naturecollective.org/event/wildlife-tour-april-12-2025.
Annual Taste of Cardiff next month
The 15th annual Taste of Cardiff is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 1 at restaurants and retailers in downtown Cardiff on San Elijo Avenue between Birmingham Drive and Chesterfield Drive and Restaurant Row along South Coast Highway 101. The event, hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street, features tastes of local culinary creations and handcrafted beverages. Sip Stops will offer samples of local beer, wine, hard kombucha and cocktails in a can, among other drinks. Each Sip Stop will be hosted by a local business. The Rooftop Libation Lounge at the Cardiff Lodge will host dancing to live music. Tickets are $55 for taste & sip; $50 for taste only. Visit cardiff101.com.
CARLSBAD
Lagoon restoration topic of talk
Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a presentation on “The Lagoon Restoration Project 1994-1997” at 10 a.m. April 12 at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. The speaker is Betty Dehoney, who will discuss the project’s complex process and its far-reaching effects, leading up to its current status and success. The free, family event is open to ages 15 and older. Space is limited; first come, first served. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.
Congregation holds community over Seder
Congregation B’nai Tikvah holds a 1st Night Community Family over Seder, themed “There’s room at the table,” at 6 p.m. April 12 at Richard Walker’s Restaurant, 2656 Gateway Road. The event includes a 30-minute seder, followed by a catered Kosher-style dinner and entertainment. Cost is $80; $55 for active duty military and $25 for children younger than 12. Bring canned food for Interfaith Community Services and coats or hoodies for Sharia’s Closet for people in need. Reserve at bnaitikvahsd.org (click PayOnline-Shop and over) or call 760-650-2262.
Easter Boutique and bake sale fundraiser
The Altar Society of St. Patrick Church will hold its annual Easter Boutique and bake sale from 2 to 6 p.m. April 12 and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13 in the church hall, 3821 Adams St. More than 40 children’s Easter baskets will be for sale (several include gift cards), along with homemade baked goods and other items. There will also be an opportunity drawing. Proceeds benefit the church community. Call 760-729-2866.
Genealogy buffs share tips
The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will continue the “Learning from ” series from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 8 at Carlsbad City Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Former genealogy librarian Mary Von Orsdol will discuss, “Four Ways to Access Digital Images on Family Search.” The speaker will present virtually. To attend via Zoom, visit nsdcgs.org for the link.
Flower Fields nearing peak bloom
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are approaching peak bloom with 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculuses. The Flower Fields hosts a traveling exhibit, “Glass in Flight,” by artist Alex Heveri. The exhibit includes more than three dozen glass and steel sculptures ranging from butterflies and dragonflies to bees. The exhibit inspired this year’s theme at The Flower fields, “Where Color Takes Flight.” Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are $27; $25 for seniors, $17 for children 3-10 and free for kids younger than 3. Season es are $33-$57. Visit theflowerfields.com.
CARMEL VALLEY
Easter Eggstravaganza
Free Easter-themed activities will be held from noon to 3 p.m. April 12 at Piazza Carmel, Carmel Creek Road and Valley Center Drive. Activities include an Easter egg hunt, a DJ playing music, children’s crafts, face painting, a balloon artist and a magician showing tricks along with photos with the Easter Bunny. Visit piazza-carmel.com.
CORONADO
103rd annual flower show
The 103rd annual Coronado Flower Show is from 1 to 5 p.m. April 12 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13 at Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave., organized by the Coronado Floral Association. Highlights include floral competitions, educational lectures and demonstrations, live bandstand entertainment, food, a beer and wine garden with locally crafted beers and shopping. The festival will host a Family Movie Night from 4 to 9 p.m. April 11 at the park. The event’s Saturday night party, called the 1922 Club, will include food, drinks and dancing at the tents of the Coronado Flower Show. Visit coronadoflowershow.com.
EL CAJON
Bird Talk with Live Raptors
The Heritage of the Americas Museum hosts a Bird Talk with Live Raptors from noon to 3 p.m. April 12 at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West. Bob Gordon will bring his feathered friends and talk about falconry and conservation. Bring your camera. ission is $6; $4 for adults older than 55; and free for museum and students 17 and younger. Visit heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com.
ENCINITAS
Blues concert at library
Stoney B Blues, featuring Michael Stone, a bluesman from Chicago, will perform a concert from 2 to 3 p.m. April 6 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Stone, a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and recording artist, grew up listening to his father, Lil Howling Wolf, play the blues. He has played for more than 50 years and his internationally famed act from New Orleans with Elliott Small became known as “Stoney B and Grandpa.” The event is hosted by the Friends of the Encinitas Library. Visit encinitaslibfriends.org.
ESCONDIDO
Daley Ranch holds talk on birds
The Friends of Daley Ranch and the Palomar Audubon Society will hold a free presentation on bird species that live at the ranch at 11 a.m. April 13. A fruit snack will be provided. Visitors can hike up to the Ranch House or take a free shuttle starting at 9:30 a.m. from the La Honda Drive parking area. RSVPs are required at [email protected] with name, number of guests and the number requiring shuttle. For questions, call 760-214-7587.
Earth Day festival
A family-friendly Escondido Earth Day event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Washington Park, 501 N. Rose St. Highlights include community booths with activities such as bird-watching, yoga gardening, seed planting and beekeeping. There will be a collaborative art project led by Brenda Townsend of Brilliant Spectrum Art. Bring succulent cuttings for the succulent swap and old T-shirts to create a bag.
FALLBROOK
Annual egg hunt and breakfast
The annual egg hunt and breakfast with bunny is at 10:30 a.m. April 12 for children at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane. The egg hunt for ages 3 and younger starts at 10:30 a.m.; ages 4-6 start at10:40 a.m.; ages 7-9 start at 10:50 a.m.; and ages 10 and up at 11 a.m. A pancake breakfast for all ages is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the center. Breakfast costs $5; egg hunt is free. Visit business.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
LA MESA
Taste of La Mesa Village
The La Mesa Village Association will put on its first Taste of La Mesa Village from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 24 in downtown La Mesa along La Mesa Boulevard. Ticket holders can enjoy tastings from a variety of local restaurants offering signature dishes along with sip stops serving local craft beer, wines and other drinks. A “port” voucher will guide visitors. Tickets purchased in advance of the event are $45, including food, alcoholic drinks and nonalcoholic beverages and $35, including food and nonalcoholic beverages). Event day tickets are an additional $10. Tickets are at tasteoflamesavillage.com.
Chorus holds rehearsals Mondays
The California Note Catchers, a nonprofit women’s a cappella chorus that sings four-part harmony, holds rehearsals from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays, and women of all ages can . The meeting is at the La Mesa First United Methodist Church social hall, 4690 Palm Ave. The chorus, which is under the umbrella of Harmony Inc., marks its 30th anniversary this year. Visit californianotecatchers.com.
NORTH COUNTY
African American Women’s Association marks 30th anniversary
The North County African American Women’s Association recently celebrated its 30th anniversary at the group’s annual Women’s Conference, “Reflecting our Past, Shaping out Future,” at the Westin Resort in Carlsbad. The 20th annual event included workshops for adults and youths, and a discussion with five women representing the nonprofit’s founders, among others from the community, moderated by Elaine Swann, founder and CEO of Swann School of Protocol. The nonprofit formed in 1995 grew out of the need for gender equity, under the 1990 Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, to more women in the workplace. The group provides scholarships and mentoring groups for women and girls from eighth grade on. The association received a resolution from state Sen. Catherine Blakespear, which was presented to NCAAWA President Robbie Calderon-Hass by staff liaison Francine Busby, stating that NCAAWA is “commended for the vital role it has played in improving the quality of life in the local community.” Visit ncaawa.org.
Widows and widowers group holds meetups
The North County Widows and Widowers Club holds various social events this month:
Game time is from 3 to 5 p.m. April 6 and April 20 to learn and play various board and card games. For details, call 760-436-6425.
Happy hour is from 3 to 5 p.m. April 9 at The Mining Co., 579 Grand Ave., San Marcos. RSVP by April 5 at 760-716-9000. Happy hour is also from 3 to 5 p.m. April 23 at the Green Dragon Tavern and Museum, 6115 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad. RSVP by April 19 at 760-716-9000.
Dance lessons are from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. April 10 and April 24 at Palomar Estates East, 650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road. RSVP at 858-610-4816.
Dinner/Dance with live music is from 5 to 9:30 p.m. April 11 at the Vista Elks Lodge, 1947 E. Vista Way, Vista; $15 for non-Elks . RSVP is required by April 3 at 760-438-5491. Another Dinner/Dance with live music is from 5 to 9:30 p.m. April 28 at the Oceanside Elks Lodge, 444 Country Club Lane, Oceanside; dinners are $22. RSVP by April 20 at 760- 438-5491.
Stomp ‘n’ Chomp with Coaster train ride to Santa Fe Depot in San Diego and walk to chomp at the Brigantine restaurant at the Port of San Diego is from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 28. RSVP by April 22 at 760-994-6567. Visit widowsandwidowersnc.com.
OCEANSIDE
‘The Art of Autism’ exhibit opens
Oceanside Museum of Art hosts “The Art of Autism: A Different Lens,” a t exhibition celebrating neurodivergent artists, from April 5 to Aug. 3. The exhibit features works by more than a dozen artists and shows some of the ways neurodivergent individuals perceive, create and contribute to the world. This is the second partnership between the museum and San Diego nonprofit The Art of Autism and is intended to foster understanding and for the autism and broader neurodivergent communities. Visit oma-online.org.
Opening celebration for playground
The city of Oceanside will put on a grand opening celebration for a new playground at 4 p.m. April 10 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Park, 4500 Mesa Drive. The free event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by refreshments. The previous playground was installed in 1998. Visit ci.oceanside.ca.us.
Quilting group hosts lecture, workshop
El Camino Quilt Guild meets at 9:30 a.m. April 8 at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive. The speaker is Shelley Swanland, who will discuss “Plant Impressions, Leaf Prints on Paper and Fabric.” Guest fee is $10. Swanland’s workshop, “Plant Impressions,” will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 9 at the Quilt in a Day quilt shop in San Marcos. Workshop fee is $55. The club donates hundreds of quilts and other handmade items to a various groups, including Rady Children’s Hospital, senior centers, hospitals, police and military groups. Visit elcaminoquilters.com.
Oceanside Donation Weeks
The Oceanside Donation Weeks are April 7-18. Residents can call 619-337-9244 to schedule a donation pickup of up to eight gently used items and then leave donations curbside on the scheduled day for Veterans Thrift Store of Oceanside to pick them up. Also, residents can schedule additional pickups during biannual Landfill Weeks from April 21 through May 2. Or residents can schedule a pickup of large items beyond reuse or repair of up to five times per year. Call Waste Management at 760-439-2824 to request a large item landfill pickup. Household hazardous waste is not accepted in this program. Visit ci.oceanside.ca.us.
POWAY
Free art exhibition
The North County Society of Fine Arts hosts a free art exhibition from April 2-27 featuring works by its at the Poway Center for Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road. The exhibit is slated to include nearly 80 artworks by more than 30 artists, including two scholarship winners. A reception is from 2 to 4 p.m. April 13 with music by the Heart Strings Music Group and light refreshments. Visit ncsfa.org/art-exhibit.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Giocoso Woodwind Quinte to give free concert
A Music from A to Z program will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. April 12 at the Rancho Bernardo Branch Library in the second-floor community room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The free concert features the Giocoso Woodwind Quintet. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.
Descendants of Early San Diego topic of history talk
The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Speakers Series hosts a free presentation at 11 a.m. April 12 by Fred Grand, president of the San Diego Old Town Chamber of Commerce and director of Community Engagement for Descendants of Early San Diego. Grand will discuss, “Descendants of Early San Diego: Preserving Our Heritage.” The presentation is at the Rancho Bernardo History Museum in the Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte. Visit rbhistory.org.
Firefighters to talk about fire prevention
Firefighters will discuss lessons learned in the Los Angeles fires along with wildfire preparedness and risk mitigation at a community luncheon presentation, titled “Fired Up,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 11 sponsored by the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church. The lunch will feature firehouse favorites and will be held in the church’s Fellowship Center, 17010 Pomerado Road. Cost is $15. The deadline to is April 7 at rbcommunity.org.
Free art demonstration at library
The North County Society of Fine Arts hosts a free art demonstration from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 8 featuring award-winning artist Paul Strahm at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. Strahm, a plein air oil painter, will demonstrate how he captures scenes in nature, in landscape, lifestyle and people of the area in his paintings. The demo follows the group’s general meeting. Visit ncsfa.org/art-exhibit.
RANCHO PEÑASQUITOS
Ranch House Tour
A free living history tour for all ages is from 11 a.m. to noon April 12 at Los Peñasquitos Ranch House, Canyonside Park Drive. This docent-led tour will take visitors back in time through a 200-year-old ranch house. Weddings, special events and bad weather might cancel the event. ission is free. Call ahead at 858-484-7504.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Eggstravaganza with Easter story
An Easter celebration starts at 9 a.m. April 12 for kids ages 2-10 at the Village Church fellowship center, 6225 Paseo Delicias. Festivities include an egg hunt, a petting zoo and crafts. The highlight is an interactive Easter story led by Village Church’s senior pastor, the Rev. Jack Baca. Breakfast will be served. Cost is $5 per person; free for ages 2 and younger. Registration is required at villagechurch.org/eggstravaganza.
SAN DIEGO
Children’s Museum holds art studio grand opening
The New Children’s Museum will hold a free grand opening of its art-making studio, Artopia, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 at 200 W. Island Ave., in downtown San Diego. There will be samplings of programs, and activities for toddlers, teens and adults. Visit thinkplaycreate.org.
Group to discuss Artificial Intelligence
The San Diego Alliance of Braver Angels will host a discussion on Artificial Intelligence from 10 a.m. to noon April 12 at the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Community Library, 9005 Aero Drive. The group is part of a nationwide movement fostering respectful, cross-partisan dialogue. ission is free. RSVP at email [email protected].
Author of ‘A Little Shelf Love’ to speak
Local author Mara Altman will introduce her new illustrated children’s book, “A Little Shelf Love,” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 15 at the Book Catapult, 3010-B Juniper St. The book champions houseplants, is about loving our roots and was inspired by growing up on the North County nursery called Altman Plants. Altman will sign copies and will be ed by the book’s illustrator, Reesa Baxter. Visit thebookcatapult.com.
Gala to benefit children and adults with disabilities
This year’s Arc of San Diego Gala, themed The Greatest Place on Earth, starts at 5:30 p.m. May 3 at Coasterra, 880 Harbor Island Drive. Festivities begin with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m., live entertainment and dancing. The Master of Ceremonies is KUSI News Meteorologist Mark Mathis. Attendees are encouraged to dress in white-tie optional, circus-inspired attire. Proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities. Tickets are $300 at arc-sd.com/gala.
58th annual Police & Fire Championships
Registration has opened for the 58th annual United States Police & Fire Championships, slated for May 31 to June 7. The California Police Athletic Federation will host the multisport event at Marriott Mission Valley San Diego, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive. This year’s games will feature athletes from across the nation competing in more than 35 events, ranging from team sports such as basketball and soccer to individual competitions such as track and field, swimming, and CrossFit. The event fosters camaraderie, physical fitness and community spirit among first responders. The team registration fee through April 15 is $60; $80 through May 30 and $100 through June 7. Visit af.org/uspfc.
Legal Aid Society holds annual fundraiser
The Legal Aid Society of San Diego will put on its annual fundraiser, Behind Every Mask, An Untold Story masquerade gala from 5 to 9 p.m. April 12 at The Prado at Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado. The event will highlight Legal Aid Society of San Diego client’s stories of hope and empowerment. Proceeds the Society’s mission to serve the area’s underserved communities. Visit lassd.org
SOLANA BEACH
Square dance club holds Introduction to Basics
The Sandpipers Square Dance Club holds an Introduction to Basics from 6 to 7 p.m. April 12 at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave. Singles, couples and families are welcome. Partner and dance experience are not needed. Cost is $10 donation; free for children. Refreshments will be provided. Visit sandpiperssquaredanceclub.org.
SANTEE
Catfish Opener Weekend
Santee Lakes will hold the annual Catfish Opener Weekend from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 12-13. Lakes 2, 3, 4 and 6 will be stocked with 3,000 pounds of channel catfish for the event. Gate entrance fee is $7 per carload. Permits are $10 or $6 for juniors and seniors; second pole stamp is $4. The General Store will be open during the event, and Burly and the Bean Coffee will be there from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The Turkish Grill food truck will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 12, and Big Boyz Tacos from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 13. Visit santeelakes.com.
VISTA
Earth Day Festival at botanic garden
An Earth Day Festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19 at the 14 acre-Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive. Highlights include children’s activities, live music, folklorico dancers, GrowGetters plant sale, food for sale and vendors. Children can make origami ladybugs and macaroni necklaces, handle worms and compost, plant sunflowers, blow on bubble baskets, decorate an Earth-friendly magnet and paint Earth Day rocks. The Amigos de Vista Lions will prepare a barbecue lunch. Vendors will sell treats, art, jewelry and home decor. There will be information about how to be environmentally friendly. Visit altavistabotanicalgardens.org.
Annual Children’s Shoe Drive
Vista Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez’s annual Children’s Shoe Drive runs through April 15 and is sponsored by North County Ford. Donated shoes will be distributed through the MAAC Project’s Head Start program to families in need. Community can drop off new or like-new children’s shoes in donation boxes at the receptionist’s desk of the VisTix Recreation Office in the Vista Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Drive.
For a guide to community Easter egg hunts in San Diego County, visit sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/03/26/where-to-find-easter-egg-hunts-in-san-diego-county-heres-a-guide-to-dozens-and-many-are-free.
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