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From Gaza to Ukraine to South Sudan, children play to deal with the stress — and find a moment of joy.

Politifest 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. This annual public affairs summit, organized by Voice of San Diego, focuses on pressing local and national issues through debates, panels, and interviews with experts. While full details are still to come, previous Politifest events have explored housing, homelessness, climate preparedness, and more. Voice of San Diego on Facebook / Instagram

6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. (21+ only) The Peter Sprague Group is a perennial favorite at San Diego Botanic Garden. This summer’s concert, “Blendo Music,” will feature their foundational devotion to straight ahead jazz, but also incorporating folk music, the Brazilian samba, The Beatles, Jimmy Webb, calypso and the blues. Enjoy the energizing sounds of multi-colored jazz powered by some spirited musos having the time of their lives. Proceeds from this event benefit the Garden’s science, conservation, and education programs. All ticket sales are final after June 19. This seated concert takes place in the outdoor amphitheater. Outside food and drink are not allowed at this concert. Ticket Price: Members $35, non-members $40 San Diego Botanic Garden on Facebook / Instagram

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore's fictional hometown of Stars Hollow was born after Gilmore Girls creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, stayed in northwestern Connecticut. The show premiered in the fall of 2000.

Known as the mother of Colombian corals, at 70, marine biologist Elvira Alvarado is still diving — and pioneering "coral IVF" to help save endangered reefs.

North City invites families and friends to dive into a free outdoor screening of Disney’s "Finding Nemo" on Friday, July 18. Starting at 5 p.m., movie lovers can enjoy games, hands-on activities, and character meet-and-greets before Nemo, Marlin, and Dory swim across the big screen at 6:30 p.m. Guests will receive complimentary popcorn and can purchase an array of bites from North City’s eateries, including newly opened A Lo Fresco, serving internationally inspired bowls and wraps; Buona Forchetta, preparing fresh pizza onsite from its mobile pizzeria truck; Wynston’s Ice Cream, featuring themed flavors; Maya’s Cookies, offering cookie decorating kits; Milonga Empanadas, grilling choripán sandwiches with Argentine chorizo and chimichurri; and Draft Republic, pouring beer, wine, and cocktails for adults. Limited seating will be available, and guests are encouraged to bring low chairs for a cozy outdoor theater experience. For more information about North City, visit https://www.northcity.com/ or follow North City on Instagram.

The Spreckels Organ Society presents the 37th Annual San Diego International Summer Organ Festival, the largest organ festival in the United States, featuring the Spreckels Organ, the largest open-air musical instrument in the world! The summer-long festival – directed by Raúl Prieto Ramírez, Spreckels Organ Society’s Artistic Director and San Diego’s Civic Organist – takes place in the heart of Balboa Park, from July 7 through Sept. 1. The Society brings these special 90-minute concerts to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for free each Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. This season’s line-up includes acclaimed international organists and competition winners. Highlights are: - Soprano Alisa Jordheim, who recently performed with San Diego Opera as Despina in "Così fan tutte" and Gilda in "Rigoletto." - An organ & orchestra celebration with concertos by Poulenc, Parker and Bach, plus a premier by Civic Organist Prieto Ramírez. Conducted by Alejandro Gómez Guillén with Raúl Prieto Ramírez (soloist), and Jeff Thayer (concertmaster). - The Not-So-Silent Movie Night, featuring Laurel & Hardy films with Russ Peck, organist. - And an all-Beatles Labor Day Classic Rock Concert to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the San Diego Beatles concert. For the full Festival program, visit www.spreckelsorgan.org/summer-organ-festival. The Spreckels Organ Society on Facebook / Instagram

Over the past few months, we’ve gathered in deep, honest conversation—at our Community Town Halls and in countless side chats and follow-ups. One truth keeps rising to the surface: our communities are in crisis, and we can’t afford to keep working in silos. It’s time to move together—with clarity, purpose, and care. Now, it’s time to declare it. Join us. Community Town Hall #3: Emergency Declaration LaunchDate: Tuesday, June 17 Location: Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center 4–6 p.m. | Community Town Hall #3 Be part of this powerful moment. - Learn about the Emergency Declaration - Sign on as an early supporter (our goal: 50 signatures by June 17!) - Celebrate this community-led initiative and help us build what comes nextProgram begins promptly at 4 p.m. Stay after for informal debrief and connection at Mujeres BrewHouse! … and if you can also join us in the morning! 10 a.m.| Press Conference Stand with us in launching the San Diego Emergency Declaration—a bold, collective response to hostile federal executive orders. This declaration is rooted in care, justice, and resourcing our communities. This isn’t just another meeting. It’s a movement—for a coordinated, caring, and just future. Let’s act like our futures are tied—because they are. Check out recaps from previous Community Town Halls: - Thurs 4/3 Community Town Hall #1 - Tues 4/29 Community Town Hall #2 Venue Info & Ways to SupportWe Look Forward to Your Participation! We are proud to hold our Community Town Hall series in Barrio Logan – a community that has long stood as a symbol of cultural strength and activism. Landmarks such as Chicano Park and the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center reflect the decades of community-led efforts to preserve heritage and advocate for social justice. By convening in such a historically rich setting, we honor past movements and draw inspiration to collaboratively address current challenges, ensuring our actions are rooted in the enduring spirit of San Diego's communities. Our venue accommodates up to 80 attendees. To ensure broad representation, please coordinate within your organization or group to send 1–2 colleagues on your behalf. How You Can Contribute: Spread the Word: Share this invitation with individuals and networks who should be part of this conversation. Please be mindful of our venue capacity when extending invitations. Sponsorship: We are seeking sponsors to cover for food and refreshments at this community town hall. We love featuring local small businesses. Please email us at ccfsdchapter@gmail.com if you are able to support us in this important cause. Volunteer Your Time: If you're interested in assisting with planning or volunteering on the day of the event, please email us at ccfsdchapter@gmail.com. Let us know your availability and any specific skills or areas you'd like to contribute to. Visit: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/ Community-Centric Fundraising on Facebook / Instagram

Songwriter Sanctuary, an intimate monthly series that platforms premiere local songwriters in a Nashville-style round, will host its third annual Pride event on Friday, June 27 at Normal Heights United. Featuring performances by LGBTQ-identifying artists Anna Ballew, Kimiko, and In Mazes, the event is hosted by the legendary Jeff Berkley in partnership with Normal Heights United. (4650 Mansfield St. Suggested Donation $10. All ages. Doors 6:30pm, Music 7pm.) “I book all kinds of artists no matter the observance, but I have to say that working with an affirming church to spotlight queer artists during Pride month gives me a little pep in my step,” said Lindsay White, who curates the series and is herself a LGBTQ+ artist and activist. In a time where many institutions appear to be backing away from inclusive policies and practices that help reduce harm for marginalized populations, Normal Heights United (NHU) is vocal about welcoming everyone in the community to participate in their activities. They even have a page on their website entitled “All Are Welcome” dedicated to stating as much that reads: “We recognize and are saddened by the knowledge that many churches, including our own denomination of the United Methodist Church, have and do exclude people from the fullness of participation in the church community and have therefore wounded God’s beloved. At Normal Heights United Methodist Church, we work to include rather than exclude, so that all are actively welcomed and valued at worship, meals, spaces, events and especially in our sacred celebrations including communion, baptism and marriage. The fullness of our community is open to all ages, races, ethnicities, political affiliations, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, faith histories, marital status and mental or physical abilities. We welcome all to come as they are to participate, lead, love, be loved, challenge, edify, push, question, and belong.” While Songwriter Sanctuary is not religiously affiliated, they are dedicated to partnering with a venue who stands firm in these principles, not just in word but in action. “Artists and audiences alike always feel welcome and safe in the sanctuary,” said White. “And thanks to their generous support, we are able to provide 100% of door and pre-sale donations directly to artists, while also remaining committed to not turning anyone away for lack of funds. For this year’s Pride event, Songwriter Sanctuary will be welcoming three talented up-and-coming artists to the round: Anna Ballew (she/her), whose rich, sultry voice and introspective writing make her one of San Diego's most sought-after performers. Kimiko (she/her), a Japanese-American indie artist whose songs feel like a diary entry in a coming of age story. In Mazes (they), a San Diego-based indie moon gaze. Past Pride editions of Songwriter Sanctuary have featured a who’s who of talented LGBTQIA+ artists with San Diego ties, including Billboard-charting Flamy Grant, Joy Fuliga, Kori Gillis, Ben Parks, Virr, and Rhthmx. Other out and proud artists to grace the Songwriter Sanctuary stage include The Lovebirds, Tori Roze, Mariela, Angel René, Julianna Zachariou, and more. But you don’t have to wait for next summer to roll around to see your favorite queer artists get a turn at the mic. “Throw a dart at our music schedule, and you’ll find a lot of queer representation,” said White, joking, “As an elder queer with loads of religious trauma, it’s basically my field of dreams to be building up gay stuff in a church.” Event Details: Location: Normal Heights United Church 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116. Thank you to our generous venue partner for sharing this beautiful space with the local music community! Time: Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7-9p.m. ish. Suggested Donation: $10, but please be generous in your support of these top tier talents whose creative work is their livelihood. 100% donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds. All Ages: Bear in mind we do not censor our artists so please make sure to check out the lineup and make the best decision for your family. Parking: Street parking Food/Drink: Beverages for small purchase, thanks to our sponsors! Duck Foot Brewing Company. Guests are welcome to bring food into the venue (please eat and dispose of waste respectfully) Accessibility: Please direct any venue accessibility requests to Molly mollyrose@nhunited.org. Remaining 2025 Season Schedule: *subject to change Jul 25 - The Bella Lunas - Espi - Miranda Ramos Aug 29 - Claire King - Hailey Wetzel - Lexi Pulido Sep 26 - Joe Summers - Grainne Hunt - Helena Holleran Oct 24 - Shea Givens - Kevin Cooper - Anthony Cullins Dec 5 - Holiday Edition! - JT Moring - Cara Cormier - David Beldock and Peggy Watson For inquiries, media comps, or further information, please contact: Lindsay White lindsaywhite.music@gmail.com Songwriter Sanctuary on Instagram

Gina Diamante came to KPBS in 2011 to launch KPBS Evening Edition. She has managed the newsroom’s participation in collaborative efforts with other public media outlets, including the Local Journalism Center Video Project and the Global Nation Education Project. In 2015, Gina was awarded an Emmy by the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for producing the KPBS news special “Remembering The Fall Of Saigon.” Her work has also been recognized by the San Diego Press Club, the San Diego League of Women Voters, San Diego Radio Broadcasters Association, and the Associated Press Radio-Television Association. Prior to joining KPBS, Gina served as news director and Morning Edition host at KVCR-FM, the NPR member station in San Bernardino. Gina has also been a writer, reporter, anchor, producer and news director at stations in Monterey, San Diego, Ventura County, Los Angeles, and Temecula. She is a graduate of the School of Journalism at San Jose State University.