Community events in San Diego County: From Martin Luther King Jr. Harmony Health Fest to Festival of Hymns

CARLSBAD

Warrior Spirit 5K Run/Walk & Family Festival

The Mitchell Thorp Foundation will host its 16th Annual Warrior Spirit 5K Run/Walk & Family Festival starting at 8 a.m. Feb. 1 at Carlsbad’s Poinsettia Park, 6600 Hidden Valley Road. The event supports families with children who have life-threatening illnesses, diseases and disorders. The festival includes live music, food, games, prizes, T-shirts and finishing medals. Registration fees are $28.74 to $60.83 (free for children 4 and younger) at shorturl.at/rIZGy or visit www.mitchellthorp.org.

Nature walk

The Batiquitos Lagoon will host a nature walk at 10 a.m. Jan. 18 to learn about the variety of birds that visit the lagoon during their winter migration from November to March. The free family event is aimed at adults and kids age 12 and older. Binoculars are recommended and can be borrowed from the Nature Center. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.

Carlsbad Marathon slated

The Carlsbad Marathon is set for Jan. 19. The event includes a full marathon of 26.2 miles, including ocean views, taking off at 6:15 a.m., a 13.1-mile half marathon starting at 7:45 a.m. and a Double Down Challenge of 16.2 Miles (5K plus half) starting at 6:40 a.m. There is also a virtual option for all distances. The races finish at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, with post-race festivities including live music, refreshments and a beer garden for participants age 21 and older with ID. An expo with packet pickup is from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 at Holiday Inn Carlsbad/San Diego, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. The weekend of events will also feature the Kids Marathon Mile at Legoland Resort on Jan. 18. Visit inmotionevents.com/event/carlsbad-marathon.

Genealogy group holds open house

The North San Diego County Genealogical Society holds an open house from 10:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 18 at Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. Learn about Carlsbad Library’s Genealogy Division, meet friends and share genealogy stories. No registration required. Visit nsdcgs.org.

Genetic genealogist to speak

The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by North San Diego County Genealogical Society, hosts genetic genealogist Kathleen Fernandez, who will give a presentation on “Building Genetic Networks” at 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. Free. To attend virtually, visit nsdcgs.org.

CHULA VISTA

Genealogy buffs hold class

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society hosts a free Education Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library Community Room, 4375 Bonita Road. The class will focus on How to Plan Your Genealogical Research. Bring your tablet or laptop. Walk-ins are welcome or you can register at chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org.

DEL MAR

Jurassic Quest coming to Fairgrounds

Life-size dinosaurs like those from millions of years ago will be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from Jan. 17-20 as part of Jurassic Quest’s cross-country tour. The traveling dinosaur show includes animatronic dinosaurs ranging from Apatosaurus to Tyrannosaurus rex, recreated by paleontologists. Visitors can walk through millions of years of dinosaur history. Kids can climb on one of the life-like prehistoric creatures and take a ride. Highlights include fossil digs and dino crafts along with dinosaur-themed bounce houses, games and “Tricera-tots” soft play area. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Tickets are $26.85 to $40.85 at www.jurassicquest.com.

ENCINITAS

Mingle & Create new year’s event

A Mingle & Create event for adults age 50 and older to celebrate the new year is from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Encinitas Community & Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The event includes a meditation time before participants create vision boards filled with pictures, words and decorations that represent future hopes. The first 20 people can register for a bonus virtual reality trip to Bali, Indonesia. Cost is $7 plus applicable fees. Limited scholarships for Encinitas residents. Register online at www.EncinitasParksandRec.com or at the center.

ESCONDIDO

Senior Service Council seeks volunteers

The Senior Service Council is looking for reception desk volunteers who can spare three hours per week. Since 1972, the Council has provided various services, support groups, technology tutoring and health care counseling for seniors in the community. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Call 760-480-0611 or visit www.escondido-senior-services.org.

FALLBROOK

Free art exhibits at library

The Friends of the Fallbrook Library are putting on two new free art exhibitions, “WaterWorks 2” and “Mixed Metal Sculpture,” which will be on display through Feb. 28. The exhibits are curated by Penny Fedorchak, and feature the work of 11 award-winning watercolor painters. Sculptures by Mary Lou Owen are display on the Reading Patio. A reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 11 to meet the artists. There will be music and light refreshments. The Fallbrook Library is at 124 S. Mission Road. Visit fallbrooklibraryfriends.org.

OCEAN BEACH

Weight loss support group meets Fridays

The Ocean Beach TOPS Club, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, a weight-loss support group, meets at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club, 2160 Bacon St. Everyone is welcome to join the club. Weekly meetings help participants look at ways to become healthier. Email nplangford@aol.com.

OCEANSIDE

Brother Benno’s to hold volunteer orientation

Brother Benno’s will hold a volunteer orientation at 9 a.m. Jan. 18 at the Brother Benno’s Center, 3260 Production Ave. The nonprofit provides food, clothing, addiction recovery and services for the area’s homeless, working poor and older residents. Volunteers can help out monthly, weekly or more often, either alone or as part of a group. Volunteers are needed, for example, to help guests select donated clothing, sort and sell items in the thrift shop, help with special events, collect food donations from local grocery stores, serve as receptionist/greeter and help with the newsletter or with social media. Reservations are not required for the orientation. Attendees should park on the street and access the center at the front door. Visit www.brotherbenno.org or email volunteers@brotherbenno.org.

Veterans’ Writing Group meets

The monthly meeting of the Veterans’ Writing Group San Diego County is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 18 at Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. The meeting provides a supportive place for veterans, dependents and active-duty military members to share their writing, receive feedback and meet fellow writers. The group’s mission is to help veterans share their experiences through writing. Visit  www.veteranswritinggroup.org. To attend via Zoom, go to bit.ly/vwgsdzoom.

Quilters meet for talk and workshop

El Camino Quilters Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. Jan.14 at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive. The guest speaker is Sue Bouchard, who will give a presentation on “What If – Tradition with a Modern Twist.” Guest fee is $10. Bouchard will also hold a workshop on “What If – A Study in Stripes” on Jan. 15 at Quilt in a Day shop in San Marcos. Workshop fee is $55.Visit elcaminoquilters.com.

Job readiness workshops

Oceanside Public Library’s READS Learning Center, 804 Pier View Way, is hosting a Job Readiness Workshop series in January and February for job seekers and anyone who wants to improve job searching skills. Attendees can join one or all four workshops. The next workshop, Finding Your Fit: Match Your Skills to the Job You Want, is from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 13. For other workshop topics and dates, visit www.oceansidelibrary.org/Home/Components/News/News/554/1028.

Holo Holo Music Festival

Good Vibez brings their traveling Holo Holo Music Festival to Oceanside at 4 p.m. Jan.18 at Frontwave Arena. Highlights include Polynesian Islands’ music, food and entertainment. Featured performers include Common Kings, Josh Tatofi, Spawnbreezie, K’Nova, and 8RO8. The event, which is aimed at all ages, will be hosted by Western Conference. Doors open at 3 p.m. There will be vendors and food. Visit www.holoholofestival.com/oceanside.

Republican club hosts Senate candidate

The Republican Club of North County meets at noon Jan. 15 and will host Tony Strickland, Republican candidate for the currently vacant state Senate District 36 seat. Strickland will discuss how Republicans assumed control of the Huntington Beach City Council, his race for the Senate, and the overall political situation in California. The meeting is at the Broken Yolk, 2434 Vista Way. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. and the meeting starts at noon. Cost is $35, $30 for club members. Cash or check accepted at the door (credit cards not accepted). Call or text 760-212-9995.

Widows and Widowers group hosts dinner dance

The North County Widows and Widowers will have a dinner dance from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Oceanside Elks Lodge, 444 Country Club Lane, with dinner and dancing to live music. Dinner is $22. RSVP by Jan. 16 at 760-438-5491. Visit widowsandwidowersnc.com.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Free art demonstration

A free art demonstration presented by the North County Society of Fine Arts will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The guest artist will be Kat Furrow, who will show how to create abstract floral art through mixed media. Visit ncsfa.org.

Free concert at library

The Camarada Trio will perform at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Rancho Bernardo Library’s second-floor community room. The trio of flute, viola and harp will perform a program titled “Joie de Vivre” that includes music by Debussy and Faure. This concert is part of the Friends of the RB Library’s 25th annual Chamber Concert series. Free; cash donations are appreciated. The concert series is supported by sponsors, a grant from the RB Community Foundation and attendee donations. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Community festival of hymns

The Village Church hosts The Faith We Sing, a free community festival of hymns with brass and organ at 4 p.m. Jan. 26 in the sanctuary, 6225 Paseo Delicias. Attendees can join in singing hymns and anthems with guest choir conductor and organist Charles Frost, who is president of the Hymn Society of the United States and Canada. Frost leads hymn concerts throughout the country. This festival will be the culmination of a weekend of rehearsals, lectures and worship at the Village Church. Anyone interested in performing hymns with Frost and the Village Community Chorale should contact the church music ministries coordinator, Twyla Arant, at twylaa@villagechurch.org. Visit villagechurch.org.

SAN DIEGO

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

The 43rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade starts at 11 a.m. Jan. 19 and heads on Harbor Drive south from Ash Street to Pacific Street. The parade features floats, bands, drill teams, colleges and universities, fraternities, sororities, churches and civic and youth groups. The event includes an MLK 5k Walk/Fun Run and Harmony Health Festival starting at 9 a.m. The parade is coordinated by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., an African American fraternity. Visit sandiegoalphas.com/mlk-parade.

 Multicultural Martin Luther King Day Celebration

The family-friendly 36th Annual Multicultural MLK Day festival themed “Celebrating Unity in the Community” is from noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at the WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd., in Balboa Park. Highlights include live music, Pato Banton & the Now Generation Band, Antoinette Rootsdawtah, multicultural performances, Aztec Dance, Native American blessing, guest speakers and craft vendors along with the release of the award-winning documentary “The Spirit of Ubuntu.” The event is hosted by WorldBeat Center and Stand Up For Justice. Visit www.worldbeatcenter.org/event/36th-annual-martin-luther-king-day-celebration.

Bird Festival next month

The nonprofit San Diego Bird Alliance, formerly known as San Diego Audubon Society, holds the annual San Diego Bird Festival from Feb. 26 to March 2 at Marina Village Conference Center, 1936 Quivira Way. The festival offers a variety of workshops, classes, field trips and presentations about local birds and their habitats, ranging from Birding the Border, North County Birding Hotspots and Dancing with Grebes to Low Tide Estuary Walk, Bird Yoga and Birding by Bike. Register at sandiegobirdfestival.org.

Harmony Health Fest

The Martin Luther King Jr. Harmony Health Fest is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 19 at Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway. The event stresses the “importance of physical and mental well-being within the community while honoring the principles of unity, equality, and social justice championed by Dr. King.” The festival includes vendors and exhibitors with workshops and resources promoting a healthy lifestyle, such as health screenings, fitness demonstrations and healthy food. Visit www.sandiegoalphas.com/sdmlkfestival.

MLK 5K Walk/Fun Run

The San Diego MLK 5K Walk/Run takes off at 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Embarcadero, 1492 N. Harbor Drive, going down Harbor Drive, crossing into Seaport Village and looping around back to the start. The 1-Mile Cruiser Walk/Run also starts at 9 a.m. and follows a 1-mile course down Harbor Drive. Registration is $35-$40. Bring family and friends (human and furry). There is also an option for virtual participation. Visit https://findarace.com/us/events/san-diego-mlk-5k-walk-fun-run

City Lights at East Village

City Lights, an immersive walk-through light and sound display, takes place every 30 minutes from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will run through Jan. 19 at Quartyard, 301 Market St., in East Village. Participants walk through six unique zones combining digital art and interactive installations, with each choreographed light and sound performance inspired by aspects of city life. There will be cocktails and bites from El Comal’s tapas-style menu. Cost is $20, $15 for students and free for kids younger than 5. Visit quartyardsd.com.

Woodworking group gives classes

The nonprofit San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association will give introductory woodworking classes for ages 18 and older at 5360 Eastgate Mall. Participants will learn the basics and create a wooden cutting board and step stool in five four-hour sessions. Class fee of $500 includes supplies, instruction and machine use. The upcoming session is Feb. 1-9. Visit sdfwa.org/intro-classes.

37th All Peoples Celebration

This year’s event hosted by Alliance San Diego starts at 9 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd. The event honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and features performances and keynote speech. Tickets are $75. Register at www.alliancesd.org/all_peoples_celebration. 

Dessert and wine Social

“A Sweet Affair,” a dessert and wine social with silent auction, will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at The Recital Hall in Balboa Park, 2130 Pan American W. Road to benefit nonprofit POZabilities educational and social support programs. The nonprofit is a resource for HIV-positive San Diegans and their supporters. Highlights of the event hosted by Glitz Glam include gourmet desserts crafted by 11 local bakers, fine wines and a silent auction featuring items ranging from gift baskets to local art. Tickets are $40. Visit Tinyurl.com/ASweetAffair.  

Maritime Museum of San Diego seeks volunteers

The nonprofit Maritime Museum of San Diego starts the next Docent Volunteer Training Program for newcomers Jan. 21 at the museum on the upper deck of the ferryboat Berkeley. The museum restores, maintains and operates historic landmark ships, including the Star of India sailing ship. Interested community members must register online in advance of training at www.sdmaritime.org/get-involved.

Free organ concert

A free organ concert is from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion at 2125 Pan American E. Road in Balboa Park. Visit spreckelsorgan.org.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Upcoming blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):

Grossmont Center: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.

Saint Mark’s Parish: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Jan. 12 at 1147 Discovery Street, San Marcos.

Albertsons: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at 1459 Main Street, Ramona.

CVS-Fallbrook: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at 1101 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook.

Donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo identification is required. To make an appointment or find more drives, call 800-469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Free financial wellness webinars

A series of free Financial Wellness Wednesday webinars will run on Wednesdays hosted by San Diego County Credit Union and the San Diego County Library as part of the Live Well San Diego program. Topics range from 10 Steps to Financial Freedom and 6 Steps to Create a Personal Budget to Teaching Your Teen About Money, Keys to Homeownership, Dealing With Layoffs and Scams. Visit  sdccu.com/fww.

Coast to Crest hike

The Coast to Crest Challenge starts its eighth year this month for hikers to sample San Dieguito River Park’s trail network by finishing a series of five hikes, organized by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. The deadline to complete this year’s series is June 30. Visit sdrvc.org.

SAN MARCOS

Antique buffs gather for Questers meeting

The El Camino Real Questers will meet at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Lake San Marcos clubroom, 1105 La Bonita Drive. The program will be on Pewabic Pottery, which was founded in 1903 and is one of the oldest continually operating potteries in the country. Questers is an international organization that fosters an appreciation for antiques and collectibles and encourages preservation of antiquities and historical sites. The chapter meets on the second Monday of the month except in the summer. Visitors are welcome. Go to www.elcaminorealquesters.org.

Founder of God’s Heart Ministry speaks at Soroptimist meeting

Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland will host guest speaker Ana Serrano, founder and director of God’s Heart Ministry/Los Valientes, at the club’s luncheon meeting at noon Jan. 17 at The Mining Co., 579 Grand Ave. Serrano will discuss her Vista-based nonprofit, which has been supporting women escaping from domestic violence since 2001. Non-Soroptimist members are welcome to attend but should RSVP at soroptimistinternationalvista@gmail.com. Lunch is $22 per person. Visit  soroptimistvista.org.

Widows and Widowers group holds meetup

The North County Widows and Widowers will gather for a Happy Hour from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at Sets Kitchen and Bar, 1628 San Elijo Road. RSVP by Jan. 18 at 760-716-9000. Visit  widowsandwidowersnc.com.

SANTEE

Cowles Mountain hike

A 90-minute hike up the back of Cowles Mountain with Santee Teen Center staff is from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 14 starting at the Santee Teen Center at Big Rock Park, 8125 Arlette St. Participants can explore the scenic route and connect with nature. Bring water and wear hiking shoes. Open to all ages; children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Advance registration is required at  www.cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/trail-mixer–cowles-mountain-hike/45671.

VISTA

Woman’s Club meets at new location

The Woman’s Club of Vista will hold its first evening meeting of the year at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at a new location, Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway. The January program features Kene Lohmann, a professional artist from the Escondido Arts Association, who will guide participants in creating their own watercolor paintings. The meeting includes dinner, a short business meeting and the program along with informal networking. The cost is $20, and RSVPs are due by Jan. 15. Guests are welcome. Register at thewomansclubofvista.org/event/january-2025-monthly-evening-meeting.

Rescue group holds Cat Cuddle Hour

A Cat Cuddle Hour at Love Your Feral Felines is from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the LYFF Adoption Center, 1929 W. Vista Way. The cage-free adoption center is open to the public on the weekends for Cat Cuddle Hours. Visitors can cuddle and play with up to 30 cats and kittens for an hour. Cost is $10 donation; $5 for children. Proceeds go to LYFF’s mission of continuing to rescue cats and animal welfare education. Walk-ins are welcome, but weekends are busy, so reservations are recommended. Visit loveyourferalfelines.com/lyff-adoption-center.