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“Animal instinct is a gift we all possess if we learn to trust it.” – Belle Benchley Join us for a special Book Launch Adventure with award-winning San Diego author Dr. Sandra E. Bonura as she celebrates the release of "The Zoo Lady: How Belle Benchley Built the San Diego Zoo," the extraordinary true story of the woman who transformed a struggling local attraction into one of the world’s most beloved zoological institutions. At a time when women were expected to stay on the sidelines, Belle Benchley shattered barriers with courage, compassion, and an unwavering belief in learning from the animals themselves. As the first woman to lead a major zoo and a pioneer in conservation and education, she helped shape the future of zoology while inspiring generations of animal lovers and conservationists around the globe. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Sandra Bonura brings Belle’s remarkable legacy to life, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable personalities behind the rise of the San Diego Zoo. Join Sandra for an entertaining and enlightening morning at the Carlsbad City Library, featuring behind-the-scenes stories from her research, and a celebration of one of San Diego’s most influential and inspiring women. Guests will also be invited to share their own favorite zoo memories and animal stories as we honor the enduring connection between people, animals, and the institutions that bring them together. Registration for this event is not required, as it is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first serve basis so please make sure to arrive early. Please note that a book purchase is not required to attend the event. For more information about seating at the event, contact the Carlsbad City Library directly. We encourage you to preorder a copy of "The Zoo Lady" in advance to be delivered to the event for signing to guarantee availability. Preordering helps ensure you receive a copy and supports the author. Books will also be available for purchase at the event while supplies last. Sandra will be signing following her presentation. Adventures by the Book on Facebook / Instagram

Casa Familiar opens La Semilla Community Resiliency Center, a hub for residents during climate-related emergencies

“Stories are the communal currency of humanity.” — Tahir Shah Step into Morocco without leaving Southern California for a one-of-a-kind literary gathering that celebrates the rich culture, history, landscapes, and stories that inspire great books. Over a cup of iced Moroccan mint tea and a delectable pastry, join New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Letts, whose captivating new historical novel "Fallen for France" transports readers from the elegance of Europe to the rugged beauty of Morocco, and Moroccan-born author and chef Kitty Morse, whose memoir "Mint Tea & Minarets" offers a deeply personal portrait of life, family, and tradition in Morocco and France. Hosted at Kitty’s charming Vista home—a private residence inspired by a traditional Moroccan riad—this intimate salon invites guests to immerse themselves in the sights, stories, and flavors of Morocco. Over Moroccan mint tea and cookies, Kitty will share memories of her upbringing in Morocco and discuss the cultural and historical connections that resonate throughout Elizabeth’s novel. Elizabeth will then discuss the inspiration behind Fallen for France, the remarkable true stories that informed her research, and the enduring relationship between horses, history, and human resilience. Whether you are drawn to historical fiction, memoir, horses, world cultures, culinary traditions, or simply the joy of discovering remarkable stories, this intimate literary salon offers a rare opportunity to experience Morocco through the eyes of two extraordinary authors. Through conversation, storytelling, and audience Q&A, guests will explore the people, history, landscapes, and traditions that inspire both books while enjoying the warmth and hospitality for which Morocco is renowned. Space is limited for this exclusive literary salon, creating a rare opportunity to engage with both authors in a uniquely atmospheric setting that feels worlds away from everyday life. Due to the special nature of this event, only a limited number of spaces are available and the event is expected to sell out. Event Registration Event Registration includes admission to the event, Moroccan mint tea and cookies, and a hardcover copy of "Fallen for France" by Elizabeth Letts. Deluxe Event Registration includes admission to the event, Moroccan mint tea and pastry, a hardcover copy of "Fallen for France," and a copy of Kitty Morse’s beloved memoir, "Mint Tea & Minarets." As this event is being held at Kitty’s private Moroccan-inspired residence in Vista, attendance is strictly limited. The address and event details will be emailed to registered guests approximately three days prior to the event. Please note that Deluxe Registration quantities are extremely limited due to the limited availability of "Mint Tea & Minarets." We encourage interested guests to reserve early. Adventures by the Book on Facebook / Instagram

A loss of federal and local funding and grants has led to employee layoffs. But a group of former ICA San Diego employees said there’s another side to the story.

“Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can neither be explained nor ignored.” ― Agatha Christie Dearest Adventurers…there is a murder afoot, and only you can solve it. So make sure to join as we welcome home New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen, a San Diego native whose thrilling novels have captivated readers around the world and inspired the hit television series "Rizzoli & Isles," which continues to find new generations of fans through streaming. In celebration of her latest novel, "The Shadow Friends," Tess returns with another pulse-pounding mystery featuring the beloved "Martini Club." The third installment in the series follows retired spies Ingrid Slocum, Maggie Bird, and their fellow operatives as they are drawn back into a dangerous world of Cold War secrets, international intrigue, and deadly revenge. When a renowned Russian defector dies under suspicious circumstances and a young woman is murdered, old ghosts emerge from the shadows—and the past proves far more dangerous than anyone imagined. Your Adventure takes place at the Coronado Public Library and includes an engaging conversation with Tess about her remarkable journey from San Diego to international bestsellerdom, the inspiration behind "The Shadow Friends" and the "Martini Club" series, audience Q&A, book signing, and the opportunity to purchase copies of the novel for a personalized signature. Whether you’ve followed Tess since "The Surgeon," discovered her through "Rizzoli & Isles," or recently joined the "Martini Club," this is your chance to spend an unforgettable evening with one of thriller fiction’s most celebrated storytellers. Join us as we don our sleuth caps, uncover hidden clues, and venture into the shadows for a night of mystery, espionage, and surprises at every turn. Adventures by the Book on Facebook / Instagram

"The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.” — Oscar Wilde Dearest Adventurers…we don’t want to keep you in suspense, so come join us as we welcome home New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen, a San Diego native whose extraordinary career has taken her from medicine to the top of bestseller lists around the world. Beloved by readers for her gripping suspense novels and as the creator of the "Rizzoli & Isles" series, Tess has spent decades crafting unforgettable characters, intricate mysteries, and page-turning thrillers. Now, she returns with "The Shadow Friends," the highly anticipated third installment in her "Martini Club" series, featuring a group of retired spies who discover that the past is never quite finished with them. At this special noontime Adventure at the Carlsbad City Library, we’ll go beyond the pages of Tess’s latest novel and explore the fascinating story behind the storyteller herself. From her San Diego roots and medical training to the inspiration behind her bestselling books, Tess will share insights into her writing life, the enduring appeal of suspense fiction, and the evolution of beloved series that continue to captivate readers and viewers alike. Your Adventure includes an engaging author conversation, audience Q&A, book signing, and the opportunity to purchase copies of The Shadow Friends for a personalized signature. Whether you’re a longtime fan who has followed Tess since "The Surgeon," discovered her through "Rizzoli & Isles," or recently joined the "Martini Club," this is a unique opportunity to spend an afternoon with one of today’s most accomplished and beloved thriller writers. Join us for an unforgettable literary Adventure filled with fascinating stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a closer look at the imagination behind some of modern suspense fiction’s most compelling mysteries. Adventures by the Book on Facebook / Instagram

“If that thy bent of love be honorable, Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow.” ― William Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet Adventures by the Book® cordially invites you to the wedding of the summer, where we will be joined by New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd for an unforgettable evening inspired by her dazzling new novel, "Teach the Torches to Burn." Before stepping into Christina’s reimagined Verona, enjoy a special live performance by the San Diego Shakespeare Society, bringing "Romeo & Juliet" to life with scenes including Romeo’s iconic balcony speech, the wedding of Romeo and Juliet, and Juliet’s passionate “Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds” soliloquy. It’s the perfect prelude to an evening inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless tale. In Christina’s latest "Daughter of Montague" mystery, Romeo and Juliet never met their tragic end. Instead, they lived to raise a daughter of their own—and now Verona is preparing for the wedding of the season. But what should be a joyous celebration takes a deadly turn when a murder casts a shadow over the festivities. Following the performance, Christina will share the inspiration behind her imaginative re-envisioning of one of literature’s greatest love stories, exploring how Shakespeare’s most famous lovers might have lived—and what secrets and dangers await the next generation. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare, historical fiction, twisty mysteries, or inventive retellings, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Your Adventure includes the live Shakespeare performance, an engaging author conversation, audience Q&A, book signing, and the opportunity to purchase copies of Teach the Torches to Burn for a personalized signature. Join us as we raise a glass to love, mystery, and the wedding of the summer—where not everyone will live happily ever after. Adventures by the Book on Facebook / Instagram

Join Baroque masters William Christie and Paul Agnew for a vivid program of Monteverdi’s finest madrigals for mixed voices, including a performance of the iconic Il Combattimento. Christie will lead the continuo from the harpsichord, while Agnew will direct and sing with a vocal ensemble to reveal Monteverdi’s transformative power and enduring musical innovation. Les Arts Florissants on Facebook / Instagram

The Trump administration is taking the unprecedented step of creating lists of adult citizens who are eligible to vote in each state — but will not meet its own deadline 60 days before Election Day.

Privacy advocates raised alarms as California lawmakers voted to share driver license information with a national nonprofit database. Then, the Trump administration sought trucker records from the organization.