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The roots of storytelling literally go back to prehistoric oral traditions that have carried on perennial myths, themes, and archetypes that infuse the human experience from its beginnings all the way up through modern times. Writing a well-written narrative is mastering the energies of your story – the multi faceted energies that determine the moods, reactions, choices and traits of your characters, the energies between characters, the drive of the pacing, action and dialogue to create a deeper, emotionally powerful resonance within your total story structure. If you’re serious about your writing, this hands-on dramatic writing workshop will bring a new perspective to understanding these elements that make solid, well-paced stories that grab your audience, emotionally connect them with your characters and pull them all the way through your hero’s journey to a powerful climax and rewarding resolution. Whether you are writing novels, short stories, screenplays, or memoirs, this proven approach creates emotionally resonant, believable characters, plots and worlds for your story. Using a multi-level shamanic approach to take a deeper look at your story, Matt shows you how to bring your writing process into focus by demonstrating his unique method of comprehending the energetic dynamics that make up a well-structured story. This lecture will focus on bringing a greater understanding of how these story elements interact, support each other, and drive the unfolding of the overall story arc. Narrative flow, time and space transitions, scene openings and closings, and many other effective tips and tricks will be shown to help your story move with authority and create a vivid, believable landscape for your protagonist to pass through. Join Matt for a transformative nuts and bolts intensive, in-depth discussion that will change the way you approach your writing and storytelling forever. Attendees are encouraged to bring their writing problems and questions for discussion, analysis, and guidance. San Diego Writers, Ink on Facebook / Instagram

Please join us for the 14th annual Charles David Keeling Lecture — "Framing Earth: A Photographer’s Odyssey Toward a New Vision of Planetary Change" — with James Balog, Photographer, Author and Environmentalist. For 45 years, James Balog has broken new artistic ground on some of the most important environmental issues of our era, from climate change, receding glaciers and wildfire to endangered wildlife, the world’s great trees and deforestation. In this lively presentation of photographs and films, Balog will share his adventures and historical insights, inspiring hope for an enduring future despite the challenges we face today. Seating is limited and lectures often sell out, so advanced registration is strongly recommended. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7 p.m. Birch Aquarium at Scripps on Facebook / Instagram

2024 San Diego Music Award Winner for Best Jazz Artist, Mercedes Moore, makes her return to Golden Island for the 220th show of Dim Sum & Jazz! Seating begins at 6 p.m. Music is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call (858) 578-8800 for reservations Mercedes Moore will be joined by; Steve Wilcox - Guitar Steve Pandis - Bass Stephen Hodges - Drums *Photo credits to John Hancock Photography About Mercedes Moore ”From the moment Mercedes Moore takes the stage you can’t look away. She welcomes you to the show, thanks you for coming, and the band rips into its opening chords. As dancers rush to the floor, the smile on Mercedes’ face grows more radiant; you’re in her world and nothing else matters. You might think she was destined to do this, but you’d be wrong. Moore grew up doubting her skills, “I didn’t think that I could sing.” She says. “I didn’t think it was possible.” That was then, this is now. Today, fronting her own band, Mercedes works hard to be more than a voice. She wants fans to feel the music, the way she feels the music. Watching faces in the crowd on this night, as Mercedes swings through an extensive playlist of ballads, blues, and soul shakers, it’s obvious she has them right where she wants them. Yet, the most remarkable aspect of this story, the woman has only been singing professionally for a little more than eight years. Eight years. Let there be no doubt, Mercedes Moore is making the most of her time. As a nine-time San Diego Music Award nominee, Moore performs regularly with some of Southern California’s premier musicians. The list is endless–Taryn Donath, John Simons, Mark Campbell, Marc Ramos, Tracy Wiebeck, Kurt Kalker, Matt Taylor, Steve Wilcox, Scot Smart, Missy Andersen, Sharifah Muhammad, and Laura Chavez–to name but a few. When asked, Moore is straightforward about the multitude of players. “It just makes you a better singer.” She smiles. “And different people have different strengths. Plus, I want to learn, so I can be better.” It appears to be working. Mercedes Moore is currently juggling four major projects and her music can range from blues, gospel, and R&B and swing. This does not take into consideration the assortment of duo and trio sets, the occasional jazz venture, and an array of impromptu performances with local and visiting artists. “ About Golden Island Golden Island Dim Sum & Asian Cuisine is a 365 seat restaurant and music venue that serves fresh, hand-made, authentic Dim Sum all day every day, with a great selection of authentic asian cuisine to choose from. Golden Island LOVES live music! Nationally touring artists and San Diego's Best Jazz musicians grace our stage during Dim Sum & Jazz every Friday from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Dancing is allowed and always welcomed! Our venue boasts a full ballroom-style dance floor, professional stage and sound system.⁠ Want to know more events happening Golden Island? Join our Newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/4778e446b683/golden-island-newsletter Like Dim Sum & Jazz? Check out the rest of the schedule below! www.bardicmanagement.com/golden-island Visit: https://www.bardicmanagement.com/golden-island/live-music/san-diego/mercedes-moore/september-05-2025 Mercedes Moore on Instagram and Facebook

"Best in Show" is an expansive collective exhibition featuring over 100 works made by Revision creatives over the course of 2025. Work includes unique pieces of painting, sculpture, textiles, paper craft, and more! A visual poetry performance featuring saxophonist Alan Cohen will accompany the exhibition. A selection of gift products made from original work will also be available for sale in our gift shop. Revision is a progressive art studio and creative workspace to adults with developmental disabilities. Sales directly benefit our non-profit organization and the artists enrolled. Beverages served. Visit: https://www.revisionsandiego.com/events REVISION on Instagram and Facebook

SANDAG Bike Anywhere Day is on Thursday, May 21!  Register to participate in this free event and visit one of our 100 pit stops between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. to pick up a free, commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last).   You could win an e-bike! Registered participants who are 18 or older will be entered for the chance to win one of five e-bikes, courtesy of Ridepanda. Learn more at SANDAG.org/bikeday.  Check out our other Bike Month activities like group bike rides and bike classes at SANDAG.org/bikemonth.   

SELENA Tribute Dance Concert Tribute to SELENA featuring Kenia Miranda & Mariachi Orgullo Nacional Experience the passion and unforgettable music of Selena Quintanilla, the Queen of Tejano Music, in this spectacular Selena Tribute. Starring the talented Kenia Miranda, whose dynamic voice and captivating stage presence bring Selena’s greatest hits to life, this performance celebrates the timeless legacy of an icon who continues to inspire generations. Backed by the extraordinary sounds of Mariachi Orgullo Nacional, the show blends vibrant live music, high-energy dance, and heartfelt emotion — creating an authentic tribute to Selena’s spirit, style, and soul. From chart-topping favorites like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Amor Prohibido” to heartfelt classics such as “Como La Flor”, audiences will relive the magic of Selena’s music in an evening filled with rhythm, joy, and cultural pride. Produced by anotherONEWORLDevent, this unforgettable night honors one of the most beloved artists in Latin music history — celebrating her life, her sound, and her enduring influence on fans across the world.

Become a Master Composter! Join us at the beautiful Water Conservation Garden to gain in-depth composting knowledge to expand your sustainable gardening practices. You can earn a certificate of completion after attending all 5 weeks, then go on to receive the Master Composter certification and badge after completing the additional requirements! Meet new people in this fun, hands-on course. Class size is limited. Attendees must preregister. After completing this 5-week course you will have a better understanding of how to: * Minimize your carbon footprint and reduce your methane emissions by keeping food and yard waste out of the landfill. * Create natural nutrient-rich soil amendments with your food and yard waste that help your garden grow. * Avoid using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. * Reduce water use and increase water retention. Compost increases your soil’s water-holding capacity and improves water retention. The Master Composter course provides training in the art and science of composting through lectures, demonstrations, and a field trip. The course covers the following topics: * In-depth traditional composting and the basics of composting with worms (vermicomposting) * Compost bin building and troubleshooting (in teams!) * The microbiology of composting, including the role of fungi and bacteria * Bokashi fermentation for saving food scraps to compost * Macro decomposers in your compost pile * A tour of the Water Conservation Garden’s composting exhibit * The environmental impacts of composting * … and much more! Schedule (This class will meet Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.:) * March 15th, 2025 * March 22nd, 2025 * March 29th, 2025 * April 5th, 2025 * April 12th, 2025 How to get certified: Master Composter certification requires attendance at all 5 classes, as well as 30 volunteer hours of related community service. Certification is optional. Residents of unincorporated San Diego County receive preferential registration. All others will be placed on a waitlist and apprised of space available 1-2 weeks before the start of the course. Course Fee: $25* *If this course fee presents a financial hardship, it may be waived upon request. Please contact Erin Stone at erin@solanacenter.org before registering to inquire. Made possible through generous funding by the County of San Diego. Thanks to our host, The Water Conservation Garden. Visit: Master Composter Course – El Cajon Solana Center for Environmental Innovation on Instagram and Facebook

A new study shows UC San Diego Health’s virtual clinic is helping patients avoid costly and unnecessary readmissions by providing follow-up care within a week of discharge.

Learn to Wet Felt with Wool! Sunday, June 15, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Join us for a creative time around wool and fellowship on Sunday for Fiber Fest! In this 3-hour workshop you will learn the ancient art of wet felting — the process of loose wool becoming a fabric (felt). This textile art technique has been used for millenniums in the making of rugs, clothing, and homes (yurts). Instructor Sylviane Collier will demonstrate the technique, taking you step-by-step through the project and providing guidance along the way so you may enjoy the creative process and let your inner artist take the lead. First you will create your own picture by layering wool fibers (you will have a wide selection of dyed merino wool to choose from) to finish with the binding of all the fibers using a wet felting technique. We will use bamboo mats, water and soap for the felting process. It is not a messy process, just a wet one. Towels will be provided. Each student will create a one-of-a-kind 8”x 8” “painting.” Images of flowers, landscapes and animals will be provided for inspiration. Students are also welcome to bring their own. A material fee of $10 (cash only) to be paid to the instructor at the start of the class. No experience necessary. Ages 14+ welcome! All materials included. This workshop is part of Craft Collective’s 2nd annual Fiber Fest! Join in the main day of festivities on Saturday, June 14, for a day filled with fiber fun! • Military, first responders & sibling discount • Scholarships available San Diego Craft Collective on Facebook / Instagram

Yang Jiang (b. 1988, China) is a San Diego–based artist and therapist whose tactile and dreamlike creations embody emotional liberation and spiritual freedom. Shimmering like artifacts from a fairy tale, her pieces use light, texture, and sculptural forms to convey a sense of vulnerability and resilience. A testament to the beauty and complexity of spiritual survival, Jiang’s work offers viewers a poignant reminder of the courage and tenderness of the human heart. Her art has been exhibited at the Athenaeum Art Center, Visual Art + Supply, Revision San Diego, and the Brown Building. Jiang is a graduate of Wellesley College and the University of San Diego. I Thought I’d Be Braver, Jiang’s debut solo exhibition, is a decade-long chronicle of her journey toward emotional courage. Her early work, characterized by bold colors and harsh textures, reflects the pain of repressed emotions and a fear of vulnerability. Gradually, this aesthetic softens into one of sheer, vibrant hues and delicate layers, mirroring her internal shift toward nurturance, forgiveness, and compassion. This evolution in her style reflects the brave heart of a wounded healer who has confronted her shadow and embraced self-acceptance, demonstrating that true courage lies in acknowledging and integrating one’s emotions. The exhibition can be viewed in the Catherine and Robert Palmer Gallery at the Athenaeum Art Center (1955 Julian Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113) during open gallery hours, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and every second Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., during the Barrio Art Crawl, and by appointment. Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/events/exhibition-2025-jiang Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook