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“Animal instinct is a gift we all possess if we learn to trust it.” – Belle Benchley Join us for a special Book Launch Adventure with award-winning San Diego author Dr. Sandra E. Bonura as she celebrates the release of "The Zoo Lady: How Belle Benchley Built the San Diego Zoo," the extraordinary true story of the woman who transformed a struggling local attraction into one of the world’s most beloved zoological institutions. At a time when women were expected to stay on the sidelines, Belle Benchley shattered barriers with courage, compassion, and an unwavering belief in learning from the animals themselves. As the first woman to lead a major zoo and a pioneer in conservation and education, she helped shape the future of zoology while inspiring generations of animal lovers and conservationists around the globe. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Sandra Bonura brings Belle’s remarkable legacy to life, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable personalities behind the rise of the San Diego Zoo. Join Sandra for an entertaining and enlightening morning at the Carlsbad City Library, featuring behind-the-scenes stories from her research, and a celebration of one of San Diego’s most influential and inspiring women. Guests will also be invited to share their own favorite zoo memories and animal stories as we honor the enduring connection between people, animals, and the institutions that bring them together. Registration for this event is not required, as it is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first serve basis so please make sure to arrive early. Please note that a book purchase is not required to attend the event. For more information about seating at the event, contact the Carlsbad City Library directly. We encourage you to preorder a copy of "The Zoo Lady" in advance to be delivered to the event for signing to guarantee availability. Preordering helps ensure you receive a copy and supports the author. Books will also be available for purchase at the event while supplies last. Sandra will be signing following her presentation. Adventures by the Book on Facebook / Instagram

We inherit more than stories. We inherit gestures, silences, recipes, heirlooms, landscapes, fears, languages, family myths, and the physical traces of those who came before us. In this two-session generative workshop, we’ll explore how contemporary writers transform ancestral memory into compelling poetry and prose. Through discussion, readings, prompts, and writing exercises, participants will generate new work rooted in family stories, inherited objects, body memory, photographs, language, and cultural history. We’ll read and discuss work by writers such as Joy Harjo, Li-Young Lee, Natalie Diaz, Safia Elhillo, Aracelis Girmay, Grace Talusan, Kiese Laymon, Mira Jacob, Terese Marie Mailhot, and others. The first session will focus on generating material through memory, objects, family stories, and the body. The second session will explore image systems, gaps in family history, and transforming memory into literature, followed by a supportive sharing session. This class is open to poets, memoirists, fiction writers, and hybrid writers interested in exploring ancestry, inheritance, family history, and belonging. San Diego Writers, Ink on Facebook / Instagram

Here’s where the writer gets to work magic through language. Want to create an atmosphere that evokes an emotion in the reader? Do it through description, through setting, through the use of the senses, and the diction of your story. The right choice of words and you move a reader from feeling safe and secure to biting her nails; change the structure of your sentences and take the reader from relaxed to excited. In this workshop, we’ll explore techniques that create atmosphere, generate mood, and evoke emotion, with lots of in-workshop exercises you can apply to your own writing. For all writers—fiction and memoir/nonfiction. San Diego Writers, Ink on Facebook / Instagram

Writing can often feel isolating. However, theatre is definitely a team sport. You don’t have to create in a bubble. In this class, you will get to hear selections of your play out loud so that you can assess if your dialogue, pace, and plot are working. These are things that are difficult to do in your own head. Join award-winning Playwright and teaching artist, Gill Sotu, as we share each other’s work and get valuable weekly feedback to get your short or long form play into shape to submit for readings or productions around the country. This workshop will be limited in size, and the focus will be on playwriting. Novice to experienced writers are encouraged to join. San Diego Writers, Ink on Facebook / Instagram

Explore mindfulness-based writing using fun prompts to collectively inspire and deepen your intuitive expression. Participants in this one-session creative writing workshop will be inspired by a series of short, in-class prompts with a poem and pictures. The aim is to boost creativity and deepen each participant’s intuitive expression through contemplative practices. We will start this workshop with a brief mindfulness settling-in exercise—and a poem to accompany the session’s theme. And after each writing prompt, participants will be encouraged to discuss their work in small groups. This intuitive creation process is highly motivating; it enhances self-awareness and the flow of ideas and connection with others. As a creative writing teacher and published author since 2007, and a trained mindfulness teacher since 2017, I enjoy fostering unique and brave spaces for participants to gather from all backgrounds and walks of life. This course is designed for every type of writer: novelists, poets, screenwriters, playwrights, journalists, essayists, etc., with all levels of experience: from novice writers to seasoned authors. We will focus on the collective inspiration derived from a fresh series of fun and original writing prompts. Just bring a pen and notebook to our online class… And come as you are! San Diego Writers, Ink on Facebook / Instagram

Join us for Craft & Cultured: Beer & Cheese Pairing with Chef Dave. Event includes: - 1 10oz welcome beer - Beer and Cheese Pairing Education - 5 beer samples - 5 artisan cheeses selected to pair with these beers - Accouterments and surprising delights. VIP / FAQ: Participants must be 21+. As for the beer and cheese selections, those are a well-curated secret. Trust Chef Dave. He has excellent taste. This class is: Whether you're coming as a couple, a girls' night crew, adults with their parents, work besties, or a group of 2, 4, 8 or 12, this class was made for you. Request seating together and let the fun begin. Allergen Considerations: Our classes include common allergens or potential for cross-contamination with common allergens: Gluten and Wheat Dairy and Eggs Nuts and Legumes While this is not an exhaustive list, we do our best to support those with allergies. Please reach out to us with any needs, requests, or questions. Grainbakers on Facebook / Instagram

Join us for Craft & Cultured: Beer & Cheese Pairing with Chef Dave. Event includes: - 1 10oz welcome beer - Beer and Cheese Pairing Education - 5 samples of Lost Abbey Beer - 5 artisan cheeses selected to pair with these beers - Accouterments and surprising delights. VIP / FAQ: Participants must be 21+. As for the beer and cheese selections, those are a well-curated secret. Trust Chef Dave. He has excellent taste. This class is: Whether you're coming as a couple, a girls' night crew, adults with their parents, work besties or a group of 2, 4, 8 or 12, this class was made for you, so request seating together and let the fun begin. Allergen Considerations: Our classes include common allergens or potential for cross-contamination with common allergens: Gluten and Wheat Dairy and Eggs Nuts and Legumes While this is not an exhaustive list, we do our best to support those with allergies. Please reach out to us with any needs, requests, or questions. Grainbakers on Facebook / Instagram

The City of Chula Vista’s 4th Fest will return for the 250th celebration of our nation’s birthday, offering the public a free fireworks display at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center on Saturday, July 4. The event is open to the public and all ages are welcome. Presented by Seven Mile Casino, this year’s 4th Fest will feature a simultaneous broadcast in English and Spanish through Amor 102.9. The Elite Athlete Training Center’s gates will open at 7 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs. Food will be available to purchase through a variety of vendors. In addition to free parking at the Elite Athlete Training Center, attendees can also park for free at the adjacent New Hope Community Church, located at 2720 Olympic Parkway. Mountain Hawk Park, located at 1475 Lake Crest Drive, will open starting at 7 a.m. and is another great spot to view the fireworks show. Street parking there is available on a first-come basis. All City parks close at 10 p.m. Please see the attached image for a map of the parking areas. Please be aware of several restrictions at the Elite Athlete Training Center, Mountain Hawk Park, and New Hope Community Church. At the Elite Athlete Training Center, the following items are not allowed: alcohol, tobacco (including e-cigarettes and vapes), drugs, tents and canopies/pop-ups, grills, tailgating, pets and drones. At Mountain Hawk Park, charcoal grills are not allowed (propane grills are OK); enclosed camping tents are not allowed (canopies up to 10 ft. X 10 ft. are OK, with a limit of three per party); kegs, bottles, and other glass containers are not allowed; drones are not allowed. Pets must be on leash, and personal fireworks (including sparklers) are prohibited. New Hope Community Church is available for parking only – no tailgating. Too many animals go missing around the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors and comfortable, as loud fireworks can cause them to panic and jump or even break through fences and escape. Make sure your pet is properly identified with license and identification tags or on tape on the collar and also microchipped. If your pet escapes, check with Chula Vista Animal Services and other local shelters, and search online pet websites such as 24Petconnect and Pawboost. Neighborhood apps such as Ring and Nextdoor are also useful for posting lost or found pets. The private use of fireworks in San Diego County is against the law. To report the unauthorized use of fireworks, call the Chula Vista Police Department non-emergency line at (619) 691-5151. All City offices including libraries and recreation centers will be closed on Friday, July 3. In addition, trash pick-up in the City of Chula Vista will not be delayed. City of Chula Vista on Facebook / Instagram

The Port of Entry team traces the origins and impact of a unique U.S.-based graduation ceremony held in Mexico. This event was created to reunite families separated by immigration policies and give them the chance to celebrate together.

Board & Brew Specialty Sandwiches, renowned for its award-winning sandwiches and deep commitment to community involvement, is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest location at 825 North Harbor Drive in San Diego, California. Since 1979, Board & Brew has been dedicated to serving high-quality sandwiches in a welcoming environment while building meaningful connections within the communities it serves. The San Diego location continues that tradition, bringing the brand's signature flavors and laid-back coastal atmosphere to the heart of the city. Guests and media are invited to join the celebration throughout Board & Brew’s Grand Opening Weekend and enjoy delicious menu samples, board and brew swag giveaways, and the opportunity to experience the unique flavors that have made Board & Brew a Southern California favorite for more than four decades. To view the complete menu, visit: www.boardandbrew.com RSVP and receive a BOGO Sando Guests who RSVP in advance will receive a special Buy One, Get One Free Sandwich Coupon. Our Commitment to the Community Board & Brew takes pride in supporting local schools, youth and adult sports leagues, nonprofit organizations, churches, and community groups through fundraising and sponsorship programs. “Our community is our family," said the Board & Brew team. "We are committed to giving back and creating meaningful partnerships that make a positive impact." Organizations interested in fundraising or sponsorship opportunities can contact: Kelly Schwab at kelly@grassrootcm.com. Our Grand Opening Is Supporting Urban Surf 4 Kids As part of the Grand Opening celebration, Board & Brew is proud to partner with Urban Surf 4 Kids, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to introducing the healing and empowering benefits of the ocean to free programs for foster, adoptive, and at-risk youths. Learn more at: Urban Surf 4 Kids Give Back While Having a Blast-Support Urban Surf 4 Kids Board and Brew will donate 20% back of their grand opening sales directly to Urban Surf 4 Kids, that will help support their cause - their mission of empowering foster, adoptive, and at-risk youth throughout Southern California. Join us for great food, exciting prizes, and an opportunity to make a difference in the community while celebrating the newest Board & Brew location in San Diego. About Board & Brew Founded in 1979, Board & Brew Specialty Sandwiches has built a loyal following through its commitment to quality ingredients, exceptional customer service, and community involvement. Known for its legendary Secret Sauce and coastal-inspired atmosphere, Board & Brew continues to expand while staying true to its mission of serving great food and supporting the communities it calls home. Board & Brew on Facebook / Instagram