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A phone call sends Taylor Guitars founder Bob Taylor to Cameroon, where he encounters a problem that changes how he thinks about the instruments he builds. His search for answers takes him deep into the forests and into an unexpected connection with elephants.

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

Our mission is to empower and inspire the next generation of Filipino American creatives, by providing a space for learning, collaboration, and artistic expression – challenging the cultural norm that pursuing a career in the creative industry is “impractical.” Our vision is to bridge cultures and communities through the art of collective creativity, bringing Filipino talent ranging from singers, dancers, filmmakers, and notable influencers to the forefront of appreciated careers. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of traditional Filipino culture (and the limitations that stem from it) while redefining how one can turn their passion into profession. ROOTS AND ROUTES The theme for this year's summit is ROOTS AND ROUTES - focusing on exploring Filipino identity through creativity, culture, and community. Bridge The Gap’s Creative Summit also highlights the importance of finding your true identity from your passion within the culture around you. Community is a big pillar for Bridge The Gap, as we believe that one of the most beautiful parts of the Filipino American experience is the community it fosters. Be a part of the movement! As a new nonprofit organization led by the younger generation - we are putting in the work to create spaces that are not only building our community, but building our future. We feel incredibly fortunate to have a platform where we can celebrate Filipino American representation, amplify our voices, honor where we come from, and create opportunities for the generations coming after us. Please see our FAQ's section for questions regarding sponsorship, vending, etc. For any general inquiries, please email us bridgethegapsd@gmail.com or DM us @bridgethegapsd on Instagram / TikTok. Visit: https://www.bridgethegapsd.com/

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two laws Monday that feature "some of the strongest ratepayer protections and environmental protections from data center costs in the country," according to the San Diego-area senator who sponsored them.

The legislation was spurred in part by a controversial project in Imperial County. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a slate of new data center laws on Monday.

Li won a Pulitzer for her memoir about the suicides of her two sons. In her new novel, Music Against the Night, she writes about two young prodigies in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun day of hands-on history and creativity! Families are invited to explore local history through engaging activities, historical artifacts, and crafts. Create your own colorful mirror inspired by traditional Mexican tile designs, and discover the history, art, and community of Chicano Park. Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This free program is designed for families and visitors of all ages. San Diego History Center on Facebook / Instagram

Irwin Jacobs pledged $50 million to Father Joe’s Villages earlier this week. That funding will be used to help build three towers downtown, atop the current Joan Kroc Center at Father Joe’s headquarters.

In a letter, Cornell's president apologized for what happened to the student who alleges she was raped by several men at a fraternity house in 2024 and promised 'meaningful action.'

Get ready for an experience like no other! Grioneers, Inc. proudly presents the 9th Annual Afrofuturism Lounge—where Black creativity, comics, culture, and innovation collide! Join us on July 23, 2026, during San Diego Comic-Con for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, visionary art, engaging conversations, and immersive experiences. Meet groundbreaking creators, celebrate Black speculative fiction, and help imagine the future we can build together. Every attendee will receive a FREE "DEFIANT" movie poster (a $15 value), while supplies last! Upgrade Your Experience – Only $40 Take your Afrofuturism Lounge experience to the next level with the Upgraded Afrofuturism Lounge Ticket, which includes: - General Admission - "DEFIANT" movie poster - "DEFIANT: The Story of Robert Smalls" softcover graphic novel That's more than $64 in combined value for just $40. Named to NPR's Books We Love 2025 and nominated for an NAACP Image Award, "DEFIANT" tells the extraordinary true story of Robert Smalls—a man who seized his freedom, rescued his family, and went on to serve five terms in Congress. A feature film is currently in development. Best of all, after the 8:30 p.m. fireside chat, upgraded ticket holders can have their graphic novel signed by Rob Edwards and Sebastian A. Jones at the Legion M booth. Limited upgraded bundles are available—reserve yours before they're gone Afrofuturism Lounge isn't just an event—it's a movement. Secure your tickets today and be part of the future. Visit AfrofuturismLounge.com for details. Don't miss it! Dr. LaWana Firyali Freedom Richmond on Instagram