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Some characters follow the rules—yours won’t. This class is a high-energy, hands-on workshop designed to help you create bold, flawed, and irresistibly compelling characters. Through interactive exercises and expert techniques, you’ll craft characters who scheme, charm, deceive, and take risks—characters readers can’t help but root for (or obsess over). Whether they’re stealing a kiss or a kingdom, your characters will leap off the page, leaving a trail of intrigue in their wake. If you want to write fiction that crackles with life and keeps readers hooked, this is the workshop for you. Visit: https://writeyourstorynow.org/classes-workshops/2025-06-14-the-art-of-unforgettable-characters-with-arlon-jay-staggs/ SD Writers Ink on Instagram and Facebook

It was a grand display of China's ambitions as thousands of goose-stepping soldiers marched through Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing, as Chinese President Xi Jinping looked on from above.

Celebrate Thanksgiving by the bay with an indulgent holiday buffet at Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music. Gather with family and friends for a festive feast featuring an array of seasonal flavors, chef-inspired entrées, and sweet holiday treats. Savor favorites like citrus-brined Carolina turkey, garlic peppercorn Angus prime rib, herb-crusted local seabass, and honey-spiced glazed ham. Enjoy a fresh selection of starters including artisanal cheeses, smoked salmon, and autumn field greens, plus seasonal specialties such as curry spiced pumpkin bisque and rustic root vegetables. Guests can also delight in interactive stations like our made-to-order pasta, waffles, and more. For younger guests, a dedicated children’s buffet offers kid-friendly classics, while the dessert display features everything from traditional pumpkin and pecan pie to decadent cheesecakes, cakes, and cookies. Make this Thanksgiving truly memorable with stunning marina views, a welcoming atmosphere, and a dining experience the whole family will enjoy. Visit: https://halfmooninn.com/event/thanksgiving-brunch-buffet/ Humphreys Half Moon Inn on Instagram and Facebook

2 Tuesdays and 1 Thursday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. January 7, 9, and 14 (3 days, 9 total hours of instruction) AAC Art Studio How do you like your coffee? Made with your own two hands! Let's move away from the disposable cup and make something that lasts. In this beginner-friendly course, students will learn hand-building techniques—pinch, coil, and slab—to create functional drinking vessels. We will give special attention to coffee cups to encourage students to enhance their own morning coffee rituals; however, any favorite beverage will fit. We will learn to handbuild: mugs (cups with handles) tumblers (cups without handles) espresso cups matching saucers matcha bowls pour over coffee drippers While this is a beginner-friendly course, intermediate and advanced students may join. Students will learn how to: Wedge clay Roll out slabs using a rolling pin and wooden guides Utilize hand-building techniques for form and function Use templates Compress & strengthen clay to reduce air bubbles, cracks, and warping during the drying process Make handles Trim and carve into leather hard clay Apply decoration and texture Glaze vessels and reduce mishaps Materials: Clay will be provided. Please purchase a standard-size rolling pin and beginner’s pottery tool kit. Tools can be purchased locally at Freeform Ceramics in National City. We will also learn how to improvise tools with common household items. Please bring a notebook / sketchbook to class to keep track of wonderful ideas. Max students: 12 Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/classes/53 Athenaeum Music and Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Tuesdays, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. January 7–February 11 (6 weeks, 18 total hours of instruction) AAC Art Studio (Includes model) This is a unique opportunity to study with two accomplished and warmhearted artist-educators in the same course. Ken and Stephanie are both well known for their ability to help each person find their own unique drawing abilities. Each week there will be a life model. On day one, Ken will introduce a simplified approach to gesture drawing and the fundamentals of figure and head construction. During Weeks 2 and 3, Ken will go deeper into the importance of gesture drawing in relation to constructing and composing longer poses. During the final three weeks, Stephanie will continue to build on Ken’s lessons but will include longer poses that will allow students time to incorporate the basics into an actual process of drawing or painting more finished figures and portraits. Materials: You do not need to buy everything on this list. Only buy materials that relate to the medium you plan to work with, or if you are more advanced, bring your own supplies. On day one you will only need newsprint, a drawing board, vine charcoal, kneaded eraser, and one colored pastel for accents. Charcoal: Soft vine charcoal; 4B charcoal pencil; kneaded eraser; smooth newsprint; drawing board; rags or paper towels. If you prefer graphite: 2B, 4B, and 6B graphite pencils; kneaded eraser; 18˝ x 24˝drawing pad or 18˝ x 24˝ smooth newsprint; drawing board. Max students: 12 Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/classes/51 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Folk musician Rhiannon Giddens said on social media that she has moved her May concert — originally scheduled for the Kennedy Center — to a different venue in Washington, D.C.

Stream now with KPBS+ / Watch Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in partnership with Ebenezer Baptist Church present the return of the much-loved Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration concert. This production highlights both the musicians of the ASO and the church. Members of the ASO's lauded chorus and the Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir are joined by jazz singer, Gregory Porter, and other special guest artists.

Creative Connections: SEL Through Contemporary Art with the ArtReach Learning Portal In this hands-on professional development workshop, educators will learn two creative projects, based on contemporary art practices, that integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Participants will explore how these art forms can encourage self-expression, emotional processing, and social connection in the classroom. The session will also introduce the ArtReach Learning Portal, offering resources and tools to support SEL-focused art education. Educators will leave with ready-to-implement projects and access to a rich digital platform for continued learning and inspiration. ArtReach San Diego on Facebook / Instagram

A plan proposed Thursday by the Interior Department would open up new drilling on federal waters off California and off the coast of Florida for the first time in decades.

The overhaul shifts funds to transitional housing requiring work and addiction treatment. The administration says it promotes "self-sufficiency," but critics warn many will risk losing housing again.