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Join us for an enlightening discussion with Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, the Chicana textile artist and slow fashion designer behind Sew Loka. In this talk, Rodríguez-Biezunski champions sewing as both a vital art form and a powerful response to our disposable fashion culture. Rodríguez-Biezunski will explore how the deliberate practice of sewing transcends mere utility to become an expressive medium, worthy of the same respect given to traditional fine arts. She'll discuss how reclaiming this craft provides a meaningful alternative to fast fashion's environmental and ethical pitfalls, offering a path toward more conscious consumption and creation. The conversation will also address why sewing skills—once considered essential knowledge—deserve renewed appreciation in today's society, not just as practical abilities but as conduits for creativity, sustainability, and personal empowerment. Discover how Rodríguez-Biezunski's work honors the hands that make our garments while inviting us to reimagine our relationship with clothing in an age of mass production. Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, better known as Sew Loka, is a San Diego-based textile artist and fashion designer who has made a significant impact in the intersection of streetwear, sustainability, Chicana culture, and DIY fashion. She gained prominence for her distinctive style of customizing and upcycling clothing, while only using recycled, reclaimed and repurposed fabrics to create all of her one of a kind fashion designs and textile art pieces. Beyond her fashion work, Rodríguez-Biezunski is also known for her commitment to community engagement and teaching others the art of sewing and customization. You can visit her any time at her sewing studio, Sew Loka, in the vibrant neighborhood of Barrio Logan in San Diego, CA. Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski on Instagram Mingei International Museum on Facebook / Instagram

We're thrilled to announce this special concert to kick off our 2025-26 Cultural Events Concert season! We'll be joined by Patrick A. Scott, award-winning concert organist and Director of Music & Organist at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee. His recital will include classic pieces as well as an improvisational suite based on themes submitted by the audience – spanning a wide-range of genres such as hymn, classical, musical theatre, film, and Top 40!). Come participate in the improv selection and enjoy this beautiful showcase the capabilities of the First Church San Diego organ. If you're unable to join us in person, the concert will also be livestreamed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstChurchSanDiego This concert is dedicated to the memory of John Mathison who served as the Chair for the CEC for the 2024-2025 series. About the Musician: Dr. Scott is recognized as one of the prominent organists of his generation having won both the first prize and the audience prize in the American Guild of Organists’ National Competition in Organ Improvisation held at the AGO National Convention in Boston in 2014. At the same convention, he was also awarded second prize in the Schoenstein Hymn-Playing Competition. In 2016, he was named one of the top 20 leaders and organists under the age of 30 by The Diapason magazine. He is Director of Music & Organist at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in the heart of Midtown Memphis, Tennessee. There, he serves as the Artistic Director for the Memphis Boy & Girl Choir, provides music for chapel services for the Grace-St. Luke’s School, plans an annual music concert series, and leads a program supporting multiple choirs including a chorister program affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music. About The Cultural Events Music Series: First United Methodist Church of San Diego’s cultural event music series brings a mix of classic and folk music to the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego. These free concerts take place throughout the year and are made possible through the support of generous donors. Please consider becoming a patron of the music series! Learn more at: https://www.fumcsd.org/ministries/cultural-events-music-series/ First UMC of San Diego on Facebook / Instagram

In this class the face is the focus. Using different techniques and mediums, we will find fun ways to approach an often daunting subject. Students will be encouraged to bring photos of family, friends, even pets. We will discuss the best kinds of photos to work with and how to use the ones you have even if they aren’t the best quality. There will be a model for one session, and we will try self-portraiture. This is an interesting way to improve your skills, find some new ones, and have fun while you are at it. Materials: A 9” x 12” pad of mixed-media paper; soft vine charcoal (willow is the best); woodless graphite pencil, 6B, 8B, or 9B (the higher the number the better); pencil sharpener; kneaded eraser. Other materials will be discussed in class, and the instructor will bring some supplies for students to try and share. Max students: 12 Visit: Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

If you're looking for a way to blend Southern California sunshine with the festive spirit of a classic German celebration, then the Encinitas Oktoberfest & Artisan Faire on Sunday, September 28 is where you need to be! The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visit Encinitas have announced that their 29th annual Oktoberfest will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 15,000 guests are expected to attend this premier Oktoberfest in San Diego County. The ceremonial parade is slated for noon. This family-oriented and pet-friendly festival and artisan faire is free and open to the public. Live entertainment including Bavarian music and dance troupes keep the atmosphere buzzing with energy. Authentic German food, international refreshments, two beer gardens and a diverse selection of local artisan products make the event a great opportunity to eat, drink and be merry and shop for unique crafts, jewelry and other handmade goods while supporting local businesses. A special kids play zone with inflatable slides, games, crafts, face painting and a rock-climbing wall make sure there is plenty to keep the little ones entertained while the adults enjoy the festivities. And for the first time, there will be a pet costume contest where furry friends get to show off their best German-themed costumes and compete for fun prizes. As lively oompah music plays in the background, festival goers will be transported to Munich as steins of golden frothy beers flow freely and the aroma of sizzling sausages, crispy schnitzel and warm pretzels waft through the air.

The cough syrup was contaminated with industrial chemicals. Experts say this is no accident. It's the latest case of what is being called a global crime.

Lisa Phillips, who says she was sex trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, tells NPR that releasing files about the late convicted sex offender is about human rights, not politics.

The Coronado Library is thrilled to announce that children's author Mac Barnett ("Triangle." "Sam and Dave Dig a Hole," "Mac Undercover"), will appear in person on Tuesday, May 20! Starting at 3:30 p.m., Mac will be at the library to meet fans and sign books. At 4 p.m., he will share picture book favorites and showcase the deeply impactful ways picture books blend words and illustrations, and even the turning of a page, to create a uniquely powerful reading experience. Mac will share his passion for picture books and invite children and adults alike to join him in celebrating what’s vibrant, joyful and inspiring about this quintessential – and highly participatory – American art form at this all ages and family friendly event. We were selected with the with the Coronado Unified School District as one of five libraries in the country that Mac would appear at in his role. As the only library West of the Rio Grande, we are thrilled to host Mac's only public appearance in Coronado for this tour. Each year, Barnett will visit only five locations as National Ambassador. Coronado selected out of 350 applicants for this honor and is his only site visit this school year and the very first one of his tour! This visit is made possible thanks to the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader. Award-winning author Mac Barnett is excited to share his passion for picture books with children and adults. The tradition of the picture book is a tradition of experimentation, just like childhood itself. Every page turn contains infinite possibilities – a journey of discovery and connections. After all, picture books blend words and illustrations to create a uniquely powerful reading experience, one that is often the foundation for a lifetime of reading. On his nationwide tour as national ambassador, Mac invites readers of all ages to join him in celebrating what’s vibrant, joyful and inspiring about this quintessential American art form. “Children deserve entertaining stories and meaningful art! I am, of course, excited to talk to young readers. But I’m also eager to speak to adults – who often underestimate or overlook children’s literature – to champion the power of picture books and the brilliance of the kids who read them.” – Mac Barnett, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature In partnership with the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader, the National Ambassador is an advocate for reading across the country. Learn more about the National Ambassador and Behold! The Picture Book on the Library of Congress’ website:https://guides.loc.gov/mac-barnett. Registration is encouraged for this event. Please register each person attending below. Reserved seats will be held until 3:30 p.m. after which any open spots will be given to standby seating. About Mac Barnett: Mac Barnett, a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children, is the ninth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. Barnett’s books have won many prizes, including two Caldecott Honors, three New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Awards, three E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Germany’s Jugendliteraturpreis, China’s Chen Bochui International Children’s Literature Award, The Netherlands’ Silver Griffel, and Italy’s Premio Orbil. He is the co-creator, with Jon Klassen, of “Shape Island,” a stop-motion animated series on Apple TV+, based on their best-selling Shapes series of picture books. Barnett lives in Oakland, California. About the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature : The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is an initiative of the Library of Congress, in partnership with Every Child a Reader, with generous support from The Library of Congress James Madison Council. The program was established in 2008 by the Library, the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader to emphasize the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education and the development and betterment of the lives of young people. Mac Barnett on Facebook / Instagram Visit: https://coronado.librarycalendar.com/event/mac-barnett-hold-35862

Losing a loved one is painful and isolating. We’ve got answers to some difficult questions about grief and free resources you may not have been aware of.

Join us for a celebration of the glorious reunification of the Polish Jewish Republic. “Poland is not yet lost as long as we are alive” is a satirical, futuristic vision of the Polish reality, in which the state of Israel has been destroyed and three million Israeli Jews have returned as refugees to Poland. In this alternative reality, the Polish president is movie star Maciej Stuhr (played by the actual Maciej Stuhr) who himself made the decision to convert to Judaism, inspiring 4 million non-Jewish Poles to follow suit and convert themselves. Poland, now a country with over 7 million Jews, is on the eve of the referendum vote to determine whether Poland will become the new Jewish state. “Poland is not yet lost …” is a provocation exploring both the seduction and dangers of nationalism. It is written, directed and performed by Polish Jews, Dorota Abbe, born in Poland and Michael Rubenfeld, a native of Canada, who play versions of themselves in the performance. Structured much like a political rally, the audience is invited to imagine Poland’s incredible possible future Jewish reality; a world of equality … for all Jewish people. The performance is in Polish with English subtitles. After the screening there will be conversation with the creator, Abbe and Rubenfeld. Visit: A screening of: 'Poland is not yet lost, as long as we are alive!' Yiddish Arts and Academics on Instagram and Facebook

Hosted by: Lorraine Cote This is a small park with great views. There are lots of lovely mature trees, ocean vistas from the west side, playgrounds, and paths as well as plenty of shade. Parking is free and restrooms are available. FREE and Open to All Levels! Whether you're a seasoned plein air painter or just starting your artistic journey, this event is for you! Beginners and experienced painters can find fresh inspiration in the urban and natural landscape. How to Participate: Register for the event on the San Diego Plein Air Painters Meetup Group site: https://www.meetup.com/painter-86/ Bring your painting supplies, easel, and canvases. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for the California sun! This is a non-instructional event. Paint to your heart's content and enjoy the dynamic surroundings. Become an Artist Alliance Member: Join and learn more about Artist Alliance and the activities at Oceanside Museum of Art at: https://oma-online.org/membership/