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San Diego’s premier celebration of plant-based culture, featuring more than 100 exhibitors offering delicious food and beverages, sustainable products and community resources. Enjoy global cuisine, live entertainment, engaging speakers and wellness activities throughout the day. Bring the whole family for an inspiring day of community, connection and fun at beautiful Balboa Park. San Diego VegFest Saturday, September 26 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Balboa Park, Presidents Way Lawn, Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 Enjoy global cuisine, live entertainment, engaging speakers and wellness activities throughout the day. Bring the whole family for an inspiring day of community, connection and fun at beautiful Balboa Park. • Speakers and Panel Discussions • Live Music & DJs • Wellness Classes • Kids Zone • Adoptable Animals • Dogs Welcome Presented by Viridian Productions, PlantDiego, and Plant Based Treaty SF Valley. This is a rain-or-shine event. Free parking at the nearby Inspiration Point lot for free for up to 3 hours. Viridian Productions: San Diego's Best Festivals and Markets Sustainable events that cultivate community and inspire healthy living. Featuring a rotating lineup of diverse vendors offering the most eco-friendly food, products, and services in Southern California. Since 2019, we have presented events across San Diego County, shaping a greener future through connection and local impact. Learn more: https://www.viridianproductions.com Viridian Productions on Instagram

California has long been known as a place where people come to remake their lives, and look to achieve big dreams. But the postcard image of California doesn't tell its full history. Award-winning journalist and author Michael Hiltzik talks about a more complex history he writes about in his book "Golden State: the Making of California."

County supervisors approved a plan to explore building treatment infrastructure for Tijuana River pollution.

PAUMA VALLEY, Calif. — Where can you enjoy a freshly prepared farm-to-table dinner, wine tasting, extraordinary animals, and three hours of live Americana music and dancing under the stars—all while helping keep young girls safe and in school? Heartsteps Foundation invites the community to experience Under the Stars at Otter Valley, Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 5–9:30 p.m. at the beautiful Otter Valley Nature Inspiration Center in Pauma Valley. The evening begins with a chef-prepared Nepali and Indochine-inspired farm-to-table dinner, prepared on site and featuring locally grown organic produce from J.R. Organics. Guests will also enjoy a “Capy Hour” wine tasting with capybaras from the center’s “Ottertorium,” with specialty desserts available from Valley Center baker Gracie’s Cakes and More. One of the evening’s highlights is the opportunity to experience the remarkable animals and surroundings of this unique property. Guests will encounter Asian small-clawed otters, capybaras, sloths and other fascinating animals while exploring the lush grounds of Otter Valley Nature Inspiration Center. Live Music With Jesse Ray Smith Band As evening falls, the Jesse Ray Smith Band will take the stage for three hours of live music under the stars. Smith, a 2026 San Diego Music Awards nominee for Best Americana Artist, and his band will bring their distinctive Americana sound to Pauma Valley. And there’s plenty of room to move—the evening features a large dance floor, giving guests the chance to dance the night away in this extraordinary outdoor setting. A Night Out With a Purpose Proceeds from the dinner will support Heartsteps Foundation’s construction of a safe girls’ residence for 14 students in Patle, Okhaldhunga, Nepal, in the Himalayan region. The residence will provide young women attending Grades 11 and 12 with a secure place to live near their school, eliminating the need for lengthy and potentially dangerous daily journeys from their remote villages. “We wanted to create a night that people would genuinely love to attend—wonderful food prepared on site, wine, incredible animals, exceptional music and dancing under the stars,” said Kathleen McCabe, President and Founder of Heartsteps Foundation, Inc. “But what makes the evening especially meaningful is knowing that while we’re having a wonderful time here in our own community, we’re also helping young women in Nepal stay safe, stay in school, and continue their education.” Heartsteps Foundation gratefully recognizes the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians. Edward Jones Valley Center office, and Faith Much, along with J.R. Organics, and La Mesa Floral Artistry for their support of the event. EVENT DETAILS Under the Stars at Otter Valley Saturday, September 12, 2026 5–9:30 p.m. Otter Valley Nature Inspiration Center Nurtured by Nature • Pauma Valley, California All-Inclusive Ticket: $75 Farm-to-table dinner, wine tasting, animal viewing, and live concert Concert-Only Ticket: $45 Live concert and animal viewing Free parking on site. Tickets: https://www.heartstepsfoundation.org/nepal-fundraiser Heartsteps Foundation on Facebook

Soprano Audra McDonald is the winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two GRAMMY® Awards, an Emmy Award, and the National Medal of Arts. She regularly appears in the world’s foremost venues, but in this singular evening, enjoy McDonald’s resplendent talent in the intimate Baker-Baum Concert Hall as she shares songs from Broadway, the Great American Songbook, and beyond. Audra McDonald on Facebook / Instagram

On Thursday, June 4, Adjoin is partnering with The Hyangle Art Gallery to host the Canvas + Cuisine for a Cause event in Downtown San Diego aimed at raising money and awareness for the issues facing the veteran and disability communities. Experience bold, abstract expressionist works by local artist Stephen Williams while enjoying complimentary wine, beer, and curated bites. Explore the collection, connection with community, and participate in a silent auction, with proceeds directly supporting Adjoin’s mission to serve veterans and individuals with disabilities. Adjoin is bringing together the community through canvas and cuisine at the stunning Hyangle Art Gallery in downtown San Diego. Join us for a night of visual storytelling, generous giving, and refined flavors, where every bite and brushstroke contributes to a greater cause. Local artist, Stephen Williams, was one of the first artists to collaborate with Adjoin and lead a mindfulness art workshop for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities that infused journaling, breathwork, and abstract art expression. Each artist learned valuable tools to expand their creativity, connect physical art with mental health, and build confidence to create without expectations. As a professional abstract painter, certified art therapy practitioner, community leader, and owner of The Hyangle Art Gallery in Downtown San Diego, Williams often donates his time and resources to make art accessible to the public through local nonprofits. Adjoin and Stephen Williams are continuing to share the meaningful impact art has on people with disabilities as a means of communication and expression by hosting an elevated evening of fun and philanthropy. This event will highlight the successes of Stephen’s art workshop at Adjoin, Adjoin’s broader impacts in the community, and the growing art culture in San Diego. Adjoin on Facebook / Instagram

“Ramona Edition” scheduled for Aug 28 at St. Mary’s in the Valley As Songwriter Sanctuary’s flagship venue partner Normal Heights United gives their staff a well-deserved summer programming break, the show must go on! The monthly music series, which features premiere local songwriters in a listening room setting, will take place on August 28 at St. Mary’s in the Valley in Ramona, CA. Hosted by Ramona resident and local artist Cathryn Beeks in collaboration with her music and event production company Listen Local Radio, this month’s showcase will feature original music “in-the-round” from Haywire, Nate Donnis, and Chloe Lou. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with featured music at 7 p.m. Season passes will be honored at this event. ASL will be provided for the featured concert thanks to our sponsors, including a generous contribution from Ability Central. Prior to the show: Beeks, accompanied by Laura Burdette, will also be sharing original music as part of Songwriter Sanctuary’s “Pre-Show Pantry Jam.” This acoustic busking session will take place near the welcome and concession area from 6-6:30 p.m. (just before doors to the main event). Guests are invited to enjoy music upon arrival and encouraged to contribute unopened/unexpired shelf-stable food or gently used clothing to a community pantry for under-resourced Ramona neighbors. About the Featured Artists Chloe Lou: Chloe Lou is a multi-genre songwriter and vocalist with a pension for always trying something new. She has been working with her original band, Chloe Lou & The Liddells, to create unique music reminiscent of 1960’s soul and rock n’roll since 2018 and their debut EP "Storybook" won a San Diego Music Award for Best Pop Album in 2020! She currently performs regularly with The Liddells, as well as The Sidelong Glances (country), The Spreckels Organ Pavilion Rock Band, Good Mojo (top 40’s all genres), as well as many tribute bands and duos around San Diego County. She recently toured in France with the traditional English/Irish folk band, Kick Up the Dust. Nate Donnis: Nate Donnis has been a staple in the San Diego songwriter scene for many years, garnering millions of streams on Pandora and Spotify with The Donnis Trio. In recent years he formed Rodello’s Machine with friend/co musician Kolby Knickerbocker; together they've released 3 albums of music, and their music has been placed in mulitiple TV shows and commercials including VRBO and SKINS. Haywire (duo): Haywire is a conceptual relationship of ideas and music - an eclectic band of musicians seeking relief from the Haywire of society! Event Details Location: St. Mary’s in the Valley - 1010 12th St. Ramona, CA Date / Time: Friday, Aug 28. Doors 6:30 p.m., Music 7 p.m. (Pre-Show Pantry Jam 6-6:30 p.m.) Suggested Donation: $10+ online or at door; optional “pass the hat” after intermission. No one is turned away for lack of funds. All Ages: We do not censor our artists; please check out the lineup and make the best decision for your family. Parking: Parking lot or street parking. Food/Drink: Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and light concessions available. Sponsored in part by Duck Foot Brewing Company. Accessibility: ASL provided. Our online RSVP form includes an optional field where you can disclose accessibility preferences and/or accommodation requests. Visit songwritersanctuary-sd.com for full accessibility statement and accommodation contact info. For inquiries, media comps, sponsorship opportunities, or further info, contact Lindsay White at songwritersanctuarysd@gmail.com or visit songwritersanctuary-sd.com/about. Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego on Instagram

One night before Angus & Julia Stone’s new album, "Karaoke Bar," officially drops, Werewolf is turning up the volume for an exclusive pre-release listening party. Join us Thursday, September 3 from 7–9 p.m. to hear the new album in full. Sip themed cocktails and experience "Karaoke Bar" alongside fellow fans at San Diego’s only pre-release listening events. Werewolf on Instagram

Join us for a non-alcoholic paint and sip event in San Diego! Sober paint and sip events provide a fun and creative environment for individuals looking to enjoy painting without the influence of alcohol. These gatherings focus on creativity, community, and self-expression. Here’s what you can expect from a sober paint and sip event: - Creative Expression: Participants can explore their artistic side without distractions. - Social Interaction: Meet new people with similar lifestyles, and connect with others in a supportive environment. - Mindfulness: Engaging in art can be a meditative experience, promoting relaxation and focus. What's Included -Art Supplies: All necessary materials, including canvases, paints, and brushes are provided. -Guided Instruction: Experienced instructor, Miranda Rose, will give step-by-step instruction -A complimentary Kava shot The Polished Pigeon offers non-alcoholic beverages such as zero-proof cocktails and coffee for purchase. See you there! Miranda Rose Art on Facebook / Instagram

Free samples, high-pressure pitches and $50,000 bills: An NPR investigation reveals how a network of mall skincare stores systematically targeted older adults and people with disabilities across the U.S.