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We hear about two ballot measures San Diegans may be voting on later this year. Plus, the week in review for military reporters covering the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran. And, a local Persian magazine highlighting arts, culture and news in San Diego.

On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, tradition turns its focus to people. Renri (人日) — the Birthday of Humanity— marks the day the goddess Nuwa is believed to have created humankind, a moment that celebrates life, unity and the simple fortune of being here together. At 24 Suns, the evening unfolds as a dining room–wide birthday. Every guest is welcomed with a candle and birthday cake soft serve — a small, joyful ritual shared by all. The experience is anchored by the restaurant’s seven-course Lunar New Year tasting menu, a number chosen for its auspicious meaning. Each course carries intention for the year ahead — prosperity, balance, renewal and longevity — expressed through the winter microseason of Southern California. The meal begins with Yi Sangh (Prosperity Salad), the vibrant Lunar New Year salad traditionally lifted high with chopsticks to invite abundance and good fortune. It continues with the dramatic 17-foot longevity noodle, passed and shared at the table, its unbroken length symbolizing a long and flourishing life. (Tip of the iceberg, the full menu is lip smacking) Lunar New Year is the turning of the calendar and the beginning of the first solar term — a time to move forward with clarity and purpose. In the Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol of vitality, transformation and momentum, this day becomes a reminder that the new year is not only about fortune, but about people — the community gathered around the table. For one evening, every guest is celebrated. Every wish is made at once. And the act of dining becomes a shared beginning. Reservations at OpenTable. Visit: https://www.opentable.com/r/24-suns-oceanside 24 Suns on Instagram

The Museum blooms, the garden glows, and the plaza sparkles with joie de vivre! Bloom Bash is the radiant late-night fête that kicks off the Art Alive weekend, dazzling with the bohemian glamour of Toulouse-Lautrec’s Paris and the electric spirit of the Moulin Rouge. A celebration where art, music, and revelry collide, this unforgettable soirée brings together le Tout-Paris for a night of pure enchantment. Guests will indulge in exquisite cuisine and craft cocktails, discover immersive art experiences and captivating performances, and dance until midnight in true Parisian style. Bloom Bash 2026 also offers an exclusive first look at the spectacular Art Alive floral creations throughout the Museum, blooming with Parisian allure. The San Diego Museum of Art on Instagram / Facebook

Join us for a special lunchtime concert with the Frequency Vocal Jazz Ensemble, featuring choir repertoire, soloists, and selections from the Great American Songbook—performed a cappella or with our student rhythm section. Directed by Matt Falker. This is a free, unticketed event. Location: Concert Hall (OC2406), Oceanside Campus MiraCosta College on Facebook / Instagram

In this live podcast recording event, "Arts Educators Save the World" podcast hosts Dr. Erica Halverson and Alek Lev will interview the actor Anjali Bhimani ("Ms. Marvel," "The Legend of Vox Machina," "Overwatch," "Apex Legends") about the role of arts learning in her success as an actor across media. Using stories from Bhimani’s career, this conversation will highlight how Bhimani draws upon her training as an actor to adapt her work across multiple forms of media, including television, film, Broadway, and gaming. Join us for an inspiring evening that celebrates learning and the arts! Thanks to our generous supporters, this event is offered for $5 per admission. Free for members. Space is limited. Advance purchase recommended. Museum exhibits will be closed during this event. Comic-Con Museum on Facebook / Instagram

ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery Present the 2nd Annual “Spring in SoCal2” ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are thrilled to announce our 2nd Annual "Spring in SoCal2," part of Escondido’s Annual Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month this April. The month-long celebration will feature multiple events, culminating in our April Arts Showcase on April 11, from 6–10 p.m.—our largest and most vibrant gathering of local artists, creativity, and community. Special Offer: The first 100 guests to RSVP at spring@arthatch.org will receive a free pot and succulent plant. Visitors can visit the front gallery and four additional studios, where local artists will decorate the pots. For a hands-on experience, head to Teen Studio #12, add your own artistic touches, and watch teens create live as they prepare for their upcoming all-teen art exhibition this July. Short on time? Don’t worry! A limited number of pre-painted and planted pots will be available for guests who may not have RSVP’d, while supplies last. Live Music & Entertainment: Groove to live music all evening! C-Barrgs spins from 6–8 p.m., followed by Big Boss Bubble performing from 8–10 p.m.. These fan favorites are guaranteed to get the crowd moving. Extras: Enjoy open studio tours throughout the evening and drinks available for purchase from Last Spot by Tortari, serving until 11 p.m. The creativity continues beyond April 11! Join us on April 18 and 25, from 2–5 p.m., to watch local artists paint live in the front gallery. This event is being funded in part by the City of Escondido Public Art. Location: 317 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025

Celebrate OMA’s Artist Alliance exhibition at Woodward Contemporary, "Opposing Angles!" Enjoy refreshments and creative conversations as you mingle with artists and art lovers. Woodward Contemporary is located in Old Town San Diego at: 4434 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92116. Selected by gallery founder Gigi Woodward, many of the works represent the artists’ interpretation of the title: abstract or figurative work that explores contrast, tension, and unexpected perspectives, revealing how divergent viewpoints, forms, or experiences can collide, intersect, and create dynamic new visual dialogues. Exhibition On View: April 4–April 29, 2026 Free

Enjoy the warm spirit of hospitality that Leo Carrillo made famous at his ranch by attending the Fiesta at the Rancho. Guests will experience an evening of live entertainment, a hosted bar and a delicious meal set outdoors amidst the tranquil beauty of Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. Proceeds from this special evening support the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park California History & Art Program. Each year, more than 1,200 local fourth-grade students visit Carrillo Ranch to explore early California life and participate in an interactive art lesson inspired by Leo’s legacy. Your support ensures this award-winning program continues to be offered at no cost to all fourth-grade students in the City of Carlsbad. Presented by Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc. All tickets include: - Signature cocktail and beverages from the hosted bar - Dinner and live entertainment - Expansive silent auction featuring unique items from local businesses Event menu Join us for a meal inspired by the old Hollywood glamour that actor Leo Carrillo embraced. Dinner is hosted by the event's title sponsor, Personal Touch Dining. - Tray-Passed Appetizers - Risotto Stuffed Mushrooms - V/NF/GF - Crab Cakes - NF/DF - Bacon Wrapped Dates - GF/NF - Buffet Dinner - Braised Beef Short Ribs - GF/DF/NF - Seared Salmon with Creamy Basil Pesto & Sundried Tomatoes - GF/NF - Vegan Spinach Stuffed Shells - V - Creamy Parmesan Risotto - V/GF/NF - Petite Carrots V/GF/NF - Cranberry Quinoa Salad - V/GF - Fresh Baked Herb Focaccia With Whipped Butter - V/GF Dessert - Dark Chocolate Fantasy - V/NF What to bring Comfortable footwear and attire suitable for outdoor dining, plus a sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings. Events may be modified or canceled due to inclement weather.

Join Vanguard Culture and UC San Diego Craft Center for a vibrant gathering of visual art, storytelling, dance, and community care. This special evening also marks the national launch of the Jimi Appleseed Initiative (JAI), a cultural storytelling movement rooted in creativity, sustainability, and shared humanity. Launching from San Diego, the event will be streamed with interactive participation from 8–12 communities across the United States, creating a real-time national storytelling experience—while remaining deeply grounded in local voices and connection. Purchase a Bowl. Sow a Seed. Make a $15 donation to receive a beautiful, handmade ceramic bowl created by artists at the UC San Diego Craft Center. Proceeds directly support the San Diego Rescue Mission, helping ensure nourishing meals for neighbors in need. Event Highlights: -"Invisible Nation": Portraits of the Unhoused, an exhibition by artist Neil Shigley -National launch of the Jimi Appleseed Initiative, a national storytelling and wisdom-sharing movement that fosters unity and cultural understanding. -Live theatre by Blindspot Collective -Live dance by Culture Shock San Diego -Interactive springtime art and storytelling activities by Storytellers of San Diego More than an event, this is a space to sow empathy, spark conversation, and rediscover our shared humanity—because once we hear each other’s stories, we stop being strangers. Thursday, April 30th, 2026 UCSD Park & Market 1100 Market Street San Diego, CA 92101 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. (Guests are encouraged to bring unexpired canned goods.) $15 donation directly benefits the San Diego Rescue Mission and includes a beautiful, handmade ceramic bowl. Visit: https://vanguardculture.com/apr-30-art-garden-a-communal-offering-of-art-storytelling-connection/ Vanguard Culture on Instagram and Facebook

Create art as we dream of new worlds together and make new friends! Explore how art and creation can help us imagine and enact utopia. This exciting week will be filled with community-building and creative learning about how art helps us dream towards a future for everyone. - Design a dream city crafted together with fellow campers - Tell stories of your dream future through your art - Design comfort objects, community gardens, and artistic survival kits while collaboratively imagining our shared future The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on Facebook / Instagram