Search results for

This winter series taught by UCSD’s Jamie Pineda will provide insights into relaxation and how to experience the mind freer from emotional reactivity. It will offer information on what mindfulness is and how to develop it to live a stress free, happier, and healthier life. Perfect for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Sessions begin weekly on Sundays starting Jan. 4. Attend one class or all 4. Class 1: Learning to Relax We will explore what creates an unbalanced mind and why learning to relax is important. Most of us believe that getting rid of thoughts is the way to a calm and peaceful mind. The key is in how to do it. By allowing the mind to rest as it is, we can turn down the volume of thinking so it no longer bothers us. We call this way of attending “mindfulness.” Jaime Pineda is professor of neuroscience, cognitive science, and psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. He is the author of several books, the latest being "Controlling Mental Chaos: Harnessing the Power of the Creative Mind" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023). He is a long-time contemplative practitioner and a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher (MMTCP, 2025). He now dedicates his time sharing the insights he’s learned as a neuroscientist and mindfulness student. Coronado Public Library on Facebook / Instagram

The San Diego Watercolor Society proudly presents the free Opening Reception for “Classical Inspiration” on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at our Gallery in The Arts District Liberty Station, with over 95 ready-to-hang original paintings plus refreshments and the fellowship of other art enthusiasts. The water-based media exhibition runs Dec. 28, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026. Gallery hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The paintings can also be viewed and purchased online. Please visit www.sdws.org for more information. San Diego Watercolor Society on Facebook / Instagram

The San Diego Watercolor Society proudly presents “Classical Inspiration,” juried by award-winning artist, Keiko Tenabe. The water-based media exhibition runs Dec. 28, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026 at our Gallery in The Arts District Liberty Station. The free Opening Reception is Friday, Jan. 2, 5-8 p.m. with over 95 ready-to-hang original paintings plus refreshments and the fellowship of other art enthusiasts. The Gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The paintings can also be viewed and purchased online. Please visit www.sdws.org for more information. San Diego Watercolor Society on Facebook / Instagram

At its heart, Chinese education is an exam system. What makes this system distinctive? “The Highest Exam” traces its origins in imperial China and its evolution into today’s national college entrance exam, showing how it became deeply woven into governance, family life and social values. Drawing on both personal experience and statistical evidence, the authors show how individual destinies are tied to a larger system that functions like a centralized, hierarchical tournament. Speaker: Ruixue Jia, Professor of Economics, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy; Co-director, China Data Lab, 21st Century China Center Moderator: Margaret Roberts, Professor of Political Science, UC San Diego; Co-director, China Data Lab, 21st Century China Center UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy on Facebook / Instagram

Join us at Mantra Sukha Tea Lounge on December 28 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a heart-centered evening of reflection, release, and intention as we prepare to welcome the new year. Guided by herbalist Haylee LaCroix, this gathering offers space to consciously close the chapter of the past year and envision what you wish to call forward in the one ahead. The evening will include drum healing, a hawthorn plant meditation, and time for community connection, creating a grounded and supportive container for inner listening and renewal. Hawthorn, a plant long associated with the heart, protection, and transition, will guide us as we soften, release, and set intentions rooted in clarity and care. This gathering is open to all and no prior experience is necessary. Come as you are, bring a journal if you wish, and allow yourself to be held in ritual, sound, and community as we step together into what’s next. Mantra Sukha on Facebook / Instagram

Urban Plates is a fast-casual, chef-driven restaurant, with locations throughout California, it offers family-style catering and ready-to-eat options to make your holiday planning effortless. Pre-order by December 21 for pick-up on December 23 or 24. Family-Style Takeaway: Holiday Strip Loin Roast Family Meal (Serves 6–8 — $239) Includes: - Slow-Roasted Strip Loin Roast (free from added hormones and antibiotics) - Mashed Potatoes and Gravy - Bordelaise Sauce - Creamy Horseradish - Choice of Two Sides: Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Rainbow Carrots & Golden Beets, Herb Roasted Marble Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, or Garlic Parmesan Roasted Mushrooms - Sliced Artisan Bread Holiday 3-Course Family Meal (To-Go Only, Serves 4) Perfect for smaller gatherings or last-minute celebrations, this hot, ready-to-eat meal is available with your choice of Chicken ($89), Steak ($99), or Salmon ($99). Each entrée comes with: - Starter Salad - Two Family-Style Sides - Four Cookies for Dessert Everything is freshly cooked and packaged hot for immediate enjoyment just unwrap and serve! Desserts: Whole desserts, including Apple Pie and Chocolate Vanilla Layer Cake, are available à la carte for pick-up on December 24. Full dessert orders must be placed 24 hours in advance. Place your orders at urbanplates.com/holidays to make this holiday season easier and more delicious. Urban Plates on Facebook / Instagram

Gesturing, Multi-media, free with supplies provided. Charcee Colosia's loose, fluid approach emphasizes quick, intuitive gesture work — perfect for beginners and experienced artists who want to loosen up, play with mark-making, and explore expressive color. Explore the fundamentals of gesture drawing—the art of capturing the essence, movement, and emotion of the human form with quick, expressive sketches. RSVP required at https://northcoastalartgallery.com/demos-expression-artists/

Author Clay Hoffman will speak on his book “Notable Companions of the Military Order of Foreign Wars,” which comprises profiles of historic American patriots. His talk will discuss a number of the patriots portrayed in the book who have served in the Civil War and other American wars, including Admiral George Dewey (Capture of New Orleans, Port Hudson); General Joseph C. Breckinridge Sr. (Shiloh, Atlanta Campaign); Admiral Stephen B. Luce (Siege of Charleston); and General Alexander S. Webb (Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg). Clay is a longtime member of the San Diego Civil War Round Table and has written dozens of articles on historical topics.

You're invited to the 3rd annual Grace Reformed Bible Church Christmas concert. We'll be singing Christmas songs, both familiar and maybe not-so-familiar, with Scripture readings interspersed that highlight prophecies of Jesus the Messiah from the Old Testament and the fulfillment of those prophecies in the New Testament. Afterwards, stay for refreshments and fellowship. This event is held at Potter's House Church. Parking and wheelchair access are available behind the church.

Tuesday Night Comics is arguably the funniest night of comedy in San Diego. Mark Christopher Lawrence taps into his extensive list of talented comedian friends and shares the North Coast Rep stage with them. The show is comprised of talent from all over the country with late-night television credits as well as credits from Comedy Central, HBO, SHOWTIME, ETC…RATED R Line-up includes: Host: MCL Headliner: Lamont Ferguson Feature: Noah Copfer Opener: Diana Hong Musical Act: Ash Foster TUESDAY NIGHT COMICS will occur on January 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075. Tickets are $50. Call 858-481-1055 or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase seats. North Coast Repertory Theatre on Facebook / Instagram