Community events in San Diego: from Serbian and River Valley festivals to Golf Classic and 5K | #lovescams | #military | #datingscams

BONITA

Free genealogy class at library

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society’s Education Committee will hold a beginner meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Bonita-Sunnyside Branch Library, 4375 Bonita Road. The focus will be on genealogical resources and skills. Visit chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org.

CARLSBAD

Woman’s Club prepares for Holiday Market

The Woman’s Club of Carlsbad is preparing for its 10th annual Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at its clubhouse, 3320 Monroe St. Club members are creating handmade specialty holiday and home decor items, planters, baby items and a wide array of food and gift items along with holiday cards. The market will include vendors selling holiday and gift items. Proceeds benefit the club’s philanthropic projects. Visit womansclubofcarlsbad.org.

Annual Taste of Carlsbad Village on Oct. 12

The sixth annual Taste of Carlsbad Village returns Oct. 12 with several dozen restaurants and 15 Sip Stop beverage locations, a new nonalcoholic hub, live music and a new VIP Experience in downtown Carlsbad. Visit carlsbad-village.com.

5K walk and health fair at mall

The Helen Knoll Foundation puts on a 5K walk from 7 to 11 a.m. Oct. 14 at The Shoppes at Carlsbad with a wellness fair and post-walk celebration presented by the United Breast Cancer Foundation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registered walkers can do six laps around a designated course inside The Shoppes at Carlsbad to complete the 5K at their own pace and raise funds for early breast cancer screening and detection services supported by The Helen Knoll Foundation. Registration is $40, $30 for breast cancer survivors. The first 150 survivor tickets sold are eligible to receive a gift package. Register at theshoppesatcarlsbad.com/en/events/walk-for-prevention-with-the-helen-knoll-foundation-43767.html.

Community band gives concert Oct. 14

The Coastal Communities Concert Band, a 75-member band directed by Tom Cole, will perform “An American Journey” concert at 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. The program takes the audience on a musical journey of American classics, including patriotic tunes, a Stephen Foster medley and jazz favorites. Vocalist Michael Ruhl will perform cowboy songs and “Come Sunday.” Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors. Students are admitted free. Tickets are at the door, or at cccband.com or (760) 727-3741.

‘Birds of Prey’ topic of lagoon talk

Batiquitos Lagoon will host a free presentation at 10 a.m. Oct. 14 on “Birds of Prey,” given by Dr. Bob Gordon, master falconer and Project Wildlife raptor rehabilitator, along with his winged partner, Hawkeye. The talk is open to ages 6 and older. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Registration is required at batiquitoslagoon.org.

Tours offered at Leo Carrillo ranch

The 27-acre Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting, and includes a visitor center in a barn, a theater with exhibits and historical film along with a gift shop and refreshments. Free guided tours are led by docents at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Meet at the welcome kiosk in the parking lot. Free 90-minute botanical walking tours are at 9:30 a.m. on the second Friday of each month. Meet in the parking lot. To confirm the park is open, call (442) 339-5042. Visit carlsbadca.gov.

Public Safety Open House for all ages

The city of Carlsbad’s Public Safety Open House is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14, during Fire Prevention Week and National Crime Prevention Month. Highlights include live demonstrations, a fire extinguisher demo, Police K-9 and Sidewalk CPR along with a display of police, fire and public works vehicles. Information will be provided on fire prevention, traffic safety and crime prevention, among other topics. Admission is free. Visit carlsbadca.gov.

DEL MAR

Harvest Festival art and craft show

The Harvest Festival art and craft show is Oct. 13-15 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., with hundreds of artists and crafters from across the country and a variety of jewelry, ceramics, seasonal decor, children’s clothing, photography, oils, sculptures, woodworks and Halloween accessories. There will be food, a kids zone, demonstrations and contests. Operation Greyhound will have dogs for adoption. General admission is $9; seniors (62+) and military, $7; youths (13-17) , $4, free for kids 12 and under. Bring nonperishables for the local food bank and receive $2 off. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit harvestfestival.com.

Annual LobsterFest to benefit area nonprofits

The Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary’s third annual Baja Style LobsterFest will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 14 in the courtyard of the Del Mar Hilton with live music, local craft beer and a tequila tasting for VIP sponsors along with a Baja-style lobster dinner created by Hilton Chef Ricardo Gutierrez. Attendees can bid on auction items ranging from an African safari to a Paris getaway. Proceeds benefit Just in Time for Foster Youth and Casa de Amistad, among other nonprofits. Visit dmsblobsterfest.com.

Free yoga offered monthly at lagoon

Free yoga sessions for families will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. every third Sunday of each month, starting Oct. 15, at the San Dieguito Lagoon’s Birdwing Open Air Classroom, 5648 San Andres Drive. Visit sdrvc.org/events.

‘Solving Family Mysteries with DNA’ topic of talk

A virtual presentation on “Solving Family Mysteries with DNA” will be presented by the Del Mar-Leucadia Branch of American Association of University Women from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 14. Branch president and genealogist Linda Quinby will discuss how her family used modern technology and traditional genealogy to identify an unknown ancestor from over 150 years ago. Register at membership@aauwdml.org. Visit delmarleucadia-ca.aauw.net.

EL CAJON

Golf Classic to raise money for school

The Mt. Miguel High School Alumni Foundation, in partnership with Richard “Rick” Crawford, ’62 and Jeri Scudder Crawford, ’65, will hold the third Matador Golf Classic Fundraiser at 10 a.m. Oct. 14 at Cottonwood Golf Course, 3121 Willow Glen Drive. Cost is $150, or $500 for a foursome, including golf cart, boxed lunch, and VIP tickets to the Mt. Miguel Homecoming football game. Proceeds benefit the Mt. Miguel High School Alumni Foundation. Call (858) 692-3699 or email at matador3740@icloud.com.

ENCINITAS

‘Savage Gardens’ exhibit runs through Oct. 29

The San Diego Botanic Garden hosts the traveling exhibition “Savage Gardens: The Real and Imaginary World of Carnivorous Plants” through Oct. 29 at 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The exhibit features hundreds of live carnivorous plants, along with bigger-than-life re-creations of several species, so visitors can learn about the plants up close from a bugs-eye perspective. The three large artistic installations will be in the Botanic Garden’s Dickinson Family Education Conservatory along with live plants that eat insects. Admission is $10-$18; free for garden members. Reservations are required. Entrance to the exhibition includes access to the rest of the garden during the visit. Reservations are required at sdbg.org/exhibitions-public-programs/savage-gardens.

Vista Hills Chorus recruiting singers

The Vista Hills Chorus is opening its rehearsals to singers for holiday performances. The chorus practices holiday music from 7 to 9 p.m. followed by its regular repertoire from 9 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays at the Church of Christ, 926 Second St. Visitors are welcome. Call (619) 508-2480 or email vistahillschorus@gmail.com. Visit vistahillschorus.weebly.com.

ESCONDIDO

Retired teachers meet Oct. 11

The California Retired Teachers Association, Division 63, holds its monthly program on “Detecting Scams,” presented by the Escondido Police Department, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 at Cocina del Charro, 890 W. Valley Parkway. Cost is $20, including lunch. Call (760) 550-4023.

Sellers Faire features dozens of vendors

The Hidden Meadows Sellers Faire is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at Boulder Oaks Golf Club,10333 Meadow Glen Way. Highlights include over 60 vendors selling handcrafted items from sculpture and woodwork to jewelry, baskets and artisan-made soaps and candles. There will be treats at the Hidden Meadows Community Foundation Bake Sale and food from several restaurants. There will be a knife sharpener and e-waste recycling. Bring your furry friend. Admission is free. Visit visitescondido.com/events/hidden-meadows-sellers-faire.

Travel group for older adults meets

The nonprofit Escondido Senior Travel Service meets to discuss trips at 1 p.m. Oct. 9 in the auditorium at the Escondido Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. Trips start and end in Escondido. Call (760) 294-1851.

FALLBROOK

Writers Read group marks Banned Books Week

The Writers Read at Fallbrook Library group marks Banned Books Week from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Oct. 13, celebrating the “Freedom to Read.” There will be an open-mic reading and participants can read a short excerpt from one or more favorite banned books. The library is at 124 S. Mission Road. For a list of 2022-2023 school book bans, visit PEN America at pen.org/2023-banned-book-list.

LA MESA

Empowering the underserved topic of meeting

The American Association of University Women, La Mesa-El Cajon Branch meets at 10 a.m. Oct. 14 to discuss empowering the underserved at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd. The program is sponsored by the Public Policy Committee and features Guadalupe Corona, director of the Office for Student Equity and Services for Southwestern Community College District. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. Visit lamesaelcajon-ca.aauw.net.

Free class on aging, retirement

A free class on Aging and Retirement Issues is from 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 17 at Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center in the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd. A team of senior living, health care and real estate agents will offer information for navigating funds in retirement. Free on-site parking. Register at (800) 827-4277 or visit sharp.com/classes.

NORTH COUNTY

Widows, widowers group hosts social events

The North County Widows and Widowers Social Club for men and women who have lost a spouse holds these social events this month:

• Oct. 11: Social Hour, Green Dragon Tavern, Carlsbad
• Oct. 13: Vista Elks Dinner Dance.
• Oct. 15: Halloween Dinner Dance, Shadowridge Golf Club, Vista.
• Oct. 25: Social Hour, Jackson’s Sports Bar and Grill, Vista.
• Oct. 27: Oceanside Elks Dinner Dance.

RSVP at (760) 910-3746. Visit widowsandwidowersnc.com.

OCEANSIDE

Hall of Fame induction set for Oct. 14

The Oceanside High School Foundation will induct six members into its Hall of Fame Class of 2023 in a 10 a.m. ceremony Oct. 14 on campus in the Performing Arts Center, 1 Pirates Cove. Hall of Fame inductees serve as role models to current and future OHS students. Inductees are Cynthia Glover Woods, Class of 1985; Kate Oberjat, Class of 1993; Kristin Jones, Class of 2000; Warren Mobley Jr., Class of 1966; Michael Palmer, Class of 1968; and Thomas A. Bussey, Class of 1966. The public is welcome; a luncheon reception follows. Visit ohsfoundation.org/ohs-history/ohs-hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame.

Quilting buffs meet for presentation

El Camino Quilt Guild meets at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 10 at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive. The guest speaker is award-winning quiltmaker Pam Hadfield of Mama P Quilts. Guest fee $10. Visit elcaminoquilters.com.

Two free lectures at MiraCosta College

MiraCosta College‘s LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) group presents two free lectures Oct. 20 at Building T200 on the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. At 1 p.m., a presentation on “Where is Our Coastline Going: Scripps Coastal Mapping and Erosion Research” will be led by Adam Young, researcher on geomorphology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. At 2:30 p.m., “The Living Plant Lab” will be presented by Benjamin Naman, director of Medicinal Plants Research at the San Diego Botanic Garden, who will discuss how the Botanic Garden is creating a national medicinal plants collection for research. Parking permits are required on campus. Visit miracosta.edu/community/life.html.

Surftoberfest at Moose Lodge

The Oceanside Moose Lodge presents its Surftoberfest fundraiser with German food, local bands, dancing and “Bier” at the “Oceanside-Style” Oktoberfest from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Oct. 14 at 2017 S. Coast Highway. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside. Tickets are $15; $10 for members; $5 additional at door. Visit surftoberfest.com.

Choral Festival at MiraCosta campus

A Choral Festival Finale themed “Joined in Song” is at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 as part of the grand finale of the MiraCosta College Invitational Choral Festival, featuring multiple choirs in a concert at the Oceanside campus’ Concert Hall, 1 Bernard Drive. Visit miracosta.edu.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Discovery Concert Series at library

The Discovery Concert Series at the Rancho Bernardo Branch Library features Helena Wei and Students at 3 p.m. Oct. 14 performing a free program, “The Joy of Piano Rediscovered,” at the library’s community room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. Visit sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/rancho-bernardo-library.

School board president is guest speaker

The Poway-Penasquitos affiliate of the American Association of University Women hosts guest speaker Darshana Patel, Poway Unified School District board president, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Eastview Rancho Bernardo Community Center, 17520 Drayton Hall Way. Social time starts at 6:30 p.m. The topic is the “State of Our Union: Poway-PQ-RB.” RSVP at aauwboard@gmail.com.

Rancho BEERnardo Festival

The 12th annual Rancho BEERnardo Fesitival for ages 21 and older is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 at Webb Park, 16826 Bernardo Center Drive, hosted by the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club. VIP admission is 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $65 to $90 (VIP); $10 for designated driver; $10 for food ticket. Proceeds go to the Rotary’s charity programs. Visit ranchobeernardofestival.com.

Church holds free brass concert

The Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church presents a free concert featuring Peter Sprague at 4 p.m. Oct. 15 in the church, 17010 Pomerado Road. Email liz@rbcommunity.org.

Church holds preschool craft fair

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church holds its preschool’s 36th annual craft fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at 17010 Pomerado Road. There will be shopping, a bake sale and an opportunity drawing. Vendors and volunteers are sought. Email danalunde@gmail.com.

Pacific Justice Institute founder to speak at meeting

The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women club holds a luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Oct. 20 at The Heights Golf Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Parkway, with guest speaker Brad Dacas, founder of the Pacific Justice Institute. Cost is $35. RSVP by 9 p.m. Oct. 16 at rbrepublicanwomen.org.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Conservancy holds annual Riverfest
The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy will hold its 14th annual River Valley Fest, themed “Wings of Majesty,” from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Morgan Run Club and Resort, 5690 Cancha de Golf. The fundraiser includes hosted wine and beer, music by guitarist Bill Fleming, a hosted plated dinner and a live auction. Tickets are $200 at sdrvc.org/rivervalleyfest.

SAN DIEGO

50th annual Serbian Festival on Oct. 14

The 50th annual San Diego Serbian Festival is from noon to 11 p.m. Oct. 14 at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Bay Park. Two live bands will perform Serbian music throughout the day, and folk dancing starts at 2 p.m. There will be Serbian foods ranging from pastry filled with meat or cheese (burek), Serbian cabbage rolls, barbecued sausages (cevapcici) and grilled pork skewers (raznjici) to various pastries, crepes, baklava and Serbian coffee. Church tours begin at 2 p.m. Admission is $5; free for military, first responders and children 12 and younger. Visit sdserbianfestival.com.

Jewish Short Film Festival this month

The Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival runs Oct. 12-14 at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, in La Jolla. More than 25 short films from around the world are arranged into five distinct programs with some filmmaker discussions. Each program is ticketed separately at $18 for general admission; $15 for LFJCC members. All five programs can be viewed with the All-Access Pass for $60; $48 for members. Visit 2023jfjsff.eventive.org.

Fall Social benefits I Love A Clean San Diego

I Love A Clean San Diego holds a Fall Social celebration of environmentalism in the community from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s environmental education, community and recycling programs for San Diego County. Tickets are $100. Visit cleansd.org/fallsocial.

San Diego Woman’s Club meets Oct. 17

The San Diego Woman’s Club meets at noon Oct. 17 with light lunch at 3030 Front St. A speaker representing the Identity Theft Resource Center will give a presentation. Prospective new members are invited. The club does volunteer work locally and globally and recently celebrated its 132nd anniversary as a philanthropic, nonprofit club. Visit sandiegowomansclub.org.

Oktoberfest Cruise on Mission Bay

An Oktoberfest party cruise on Mission Bay aboard the Bahia Belle from 8 to 11 p.m. Oct. 13 takes off from the Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 W. Mission Bay Drive. Highlights include a variety of beers and Bavarian-inspired bites, such as a giant pretzels, bratwurst with assorted toppings and gourmet fresh popcorn, along with live folk tunes on the first level and a DJ on the second floor for folks to dance the night away. General admission is $25. The cruise is for ages 21 and older. Boarding begins at 7:50 p.m. Visit bit.ly/44VhNwJ.

Injured Warrior Appreciation Run

The Orange Coast Harley Owners Group hosts the 72-mile Injured Warrior Appreciation Run starting at 7 a.m. Oct. 15 from the Orange County Harley-Davidson in Irvine to Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive, in La Jolla. The 12th annual event features more than 200 flag-flying bikers and benefits the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, which provides support services and transitional housing to ill and injured military members. A single rider ticket on a bike is $40, or a rider and passenger ticket is $30 each. Registration includes a ride pin, patch and lunch at the destination. Register at injuredwarriorride.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs host Job Fair

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego will host a Job Fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Clairemont Branch, 4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., for job seekers to explore career opportunities. A $300 signing bonus will be offered for some jobs. On-the-spot hiring will be offered for selected positions. Interview times can be set up in advance at sdyouth.org/employment.

Free admission for kids at area attractions

More than 50 museums, aquariums, gardens and other attractions across San Diego County offer free admission for children 12 and younger with a paid adult throughout October as part of the “Kids Free” program. The annual program is run by the San Diego Museum Council with the San Diego Tourism Authority and support from First 5 San Diego. For participating venues, visit sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/kidsfree.

Dogtoberfest features contests, awards

The San Diego Public Library holds Dogtoberfest in October with events to celebrate dogs, including costume contests, video competitions, educational visits from community partners and author visits. The Dog Stars Video Awards Festival and Community Panel is slated for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the San Diego Central Library’s Neil Morgan Auditorium, 330 Park Blvd., presented by the San Diego Public Library and community partners. Visit sandiego.gov/public-library/dogtoberfest.

Free guided nature hikes at Mission Trails

A Mission Trails Regional Park guide leads free nature walks starting at the Visitor Center, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays with information on the plants, animals, geology, history and ecology of the park. Hikers can see the park’s Oak Grove Loop and visit the Riverside Grinding Rocks featuring one of the archaeological sites in the park. Visit mtrp.org/events.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Humane Society offers free microchips, registration

The San Diego Humane Society is offering free microchips and registration through Oct. 31 at its free “Chip n’ Treat” microchipping clinics at its shelters in Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday and in El Cajon from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. Schedule an appointment at sdhumane.org/microchip.

Upcoming blood drives

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

• Lighthouse Church, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at 2428 Fenton St., Chula Vista.
• St. John of the Cross Parish, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove.
• In Memory of Scott, noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 8 at 601 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside.
• Skyline Church – Rancho San Diego, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at 11330 Campo Road, La Mesa.
• Lakeside Community Center and Teen Center, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at 9841 Vine St., Lakeside.
• Grocery Outlet, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 9 at 1101 S. Main Ave., Fallbrook.
• Westminster Seminary California, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 9 at 1725 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido.
• St. Paul’s PACE, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at 111 Elm St., San Diego.
• North Coast Church, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at 2405 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista.
• The Island at Carlsbad, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at 5806 Van Allen Way, Carlsbad.
• Spinal Elements, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at 3115 Melrose Drive, Suite 200, Carlsbad.
• Big O Tires, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at 1106 Garnet Ave., San Diego.
• Rivo Holdings, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13 in front at 530 B St., Suite 2300, San Diego.
• Grossmont Healthcare District, noon to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa.
• Kaiser Permanente – Rancho San Diego Medical Office Building, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at 3875 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa.
• Bayside at the Embarcadero, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 in front of building, 1325 Pacific Highway, San Diego.
• Albertsons, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16 1459 Main St., Ramona.

Donors must be 17 and 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.

Volunteers sought to join crisis team

The Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego, aka TIP, is looking for volunteers to join crisis teams and support trauma victims at emergency scenes. TIP is especially in need of volunteers in East County communities along with National City and Coronado. No experience is necessary; training will be provided. Training Academy and registration information is at tipsandiego.org or (855) TIPSD-HELP (855-847-7343).

SAN MARCOS

Compassion Institute founder to speak

California State University San Marcos’ Arts And Lectures Program will host guest speaker Thupten Jinpa, founder of the Compassion Institute, at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 in the University Student Union Ballroom. Jinpa, who served as English translator to the Dalai Lama since 1985, will talk about the power of compassion to move toward peace and justice. Admission is free for Cal State San Marcos students, faculty, staff and alumni, and $5 for the public. Tickets are at bit.ly/3ZSoFKr.

Horse Heritage festival set for Oct. 15

The 17th annual Ride & Stride and Horse Heritage Festival is from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at Walnut Grove Park. Fire preparedness is one of the themes of the event. The “Ride & Stride” is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes the Temecula Cowgirls Parade & Drill Team, horsemanship demonstrations, frontier games, hands-on exhibits and food. The San Marcos High School FFA will have a Pumpkin Patch, and TERI Inc. will run a Farmyard Photo Booth. Visit horseheritage.wixsite.com/keepitequestrian.

SANTEE

Fall Festival features beer garden

Guardian Angels’ Fall Festival will be held Oct. 13-15 at 9310 Dalehurst Road featuring multicultural food booths, games, a beer garden, a book booth, a plant booth, live entertainment, a virtual auction and an opportunity drawing. A pulled-pork fundraiser plate will be offered from noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 14, while supplies last. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Friday; noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit guardianangelssantee.org.

VALLEY CENTER

Hispanic heritage exhibit at museum

The Valley Center History Museum celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an exhibit featuring the first families of Valley Center and Pauma Valley. The exhibit honors Jose Maria Orozco and his wife, Guadalupe Alvarado, who were given 13,298 acres in 1845 and settled on land they named Rancho Guejito; and Jose Antonio Serrano and his wife, Rafaela Aguilar, who were deeded 13,310 acres of land in 1844 and developed property they called Rancho Pauma, according to the museum’s records. Both land grants were issued by the then governors of Mexican California, Pio Pico and Manuel Micheltorena. Visitors to the museum can also learn about Julian Nava, “the first Mexican American named to serve as United States Ambassador to Mexico,” and Maria Juana de Los Angeles, “one of only 12 women among 800 men who was granted an 1845 Mexican Land Grant she called Rancho Cuca.” The museum is open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at 29200 Cole Grade Road. Visit vchistory.org or call (760) 749-2993.

VISTA

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens holds Fall Fun Festival

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens will hold its annual Fall Fun Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at 1270 Vale Terrace Drive. Free children’s activities will include painting pumpkins, making origami bats, painting kindness rocks, nature weaving, eggshell mosaics and worms discovery. Music will be by Vic Moraga and dance by Moreton Bay Fig Morris Dancers. A Family Discovery Walk will lead to a hike through the lower gardens. Vendors will sell arts and crafts and sweet treats and there will be a plant sale. Amigos de Vista Lions will sell a barbecued lunch. A colorful parade of scarecrows in the scarecrow contest will arrive at noon. Entry to the gardens is free during the festival. Visit altavistabotanicalgardens.org.

Fiber Arts Fiesta continues Oct. 8

The Fiber Arts Fiesta continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8 at Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N Santa Fe Ave. Admission and parking are free. The event includes handmade crafts, fiber arts vendors, antiques and collectibles, food, classes, music, yarn and weaving equipment sale. Visit agsem.org.

Soroptimists host 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. 12 at United Methodist Church of Vista, 490 S. Melrose Ave., in the upper level Community Room. The guest speaker will be Megan House, policy adviser for County Supervisor Jim Desmond. The meeting is free to the public; free coffee and pastries will be provided. Visit soroptimistvista.org.

Veterans Art Project holds open house

Locally based nonprofit Veterans Art Project hosts a free Raku Night and open house with a potluck dinner for service members, their families and caregivers from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 13 at 2422 Cades Way. Bring a dish to share for the potluck. The nonprofit hosts free fall classes for service members, their families and caregivers. Visit vetart.org.

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