Pickleball tournament raises $12,500 to fight cancer North County community news

BONSALL

Winter Wonders tour at wild animal refuge

Wild Wonders hosts a Winter Wonders and Holiday Lights tour of its Bonsall wild animal refuge, which will showcase its nocturnal animals. Visitors meet several animal ambassadors while strolling the 5-acre facility that has been decorated for the season. Each family will be led one at a time by a keeper. Tours are at 4:30 p.m. this Thursday Dec. 15 through Jan. 1, excluding Dec. 25. Cost is $39 for ages 12 and up and $20 for children ages 5-11. Visit wildwonders.org/winter-wonders-and-holiday-lights.

CARDIFF

Presentation on area high-speed transit services

LIFE @ San Elijo will host Ryan Kohut, director of Strategic Projects at SANDAG, 1 p.m. Friday Dec. 16 for a presentation about The Central Mobility Hub Project, which will create an intermodal hub with high-speed transit services that will link the San Diego region and the San Diego International Airport. Kohut will also discuss other SANDAG projects that are happening in North County. The talk will be in Room 204 at the San Elijo Campus of MiraCosta College, 3333 Manchester Ave. Admission and parking are free. Email [email protected].

CARLSBAD

Free visits with Santa at mall

Families can visit with Santa in the Garden Area of the Forum at Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Dec. 17,18 at and meet holiday characters on Saturday and strolling carolers on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/events/the-forum-carlsbad-santa-visits-the-forum.

Sounds of Christmas concert featured

Christ Presbyterian Church Sounds of Christmas concert is on Dec. 18 at the 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services, featuring music and solos from the church’s band, praise team, and choir along with Christmas carols for all to sing at 7807 Centella St. Visit christ-pres.church.

Winter WonderLights show at mall

A Holiday light show and snowfall with strolling holiday characters is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday Dec16 and Saturday Dec17 at the The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/events/the-forum-carlsbad-winter-wonderlights-49d55712-29fb-499d-a5ef-4edff18109a0.

Christmas Concert
A 90-minute program of Christmas favorites is 2 p.m. Dec. 11 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Ave. The concert includes a guest performance by the “Behind the Barn” Quartet. Suggested donation, $10. Visit musicmenconcert.org.

ENCINITAS

Botanic Garden hosts Lightscape attraction

San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive, is hosting Lightscape from 5 to 8:30 p.m. select nights through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 25) featuring a more than 1-mile trail decorated with holiday lights that winds through the garden with lantern trees along with tunnels, sculptures and art installations that come alive at night with color and sound. Tickets start at $29 for adults, $18 for children ages 3-12, and free for ages 2 and younger; discounted tickets for garden members and military with ID. Parking is $10 paid online in advance or $20 on day of visit. Entry times are every 15 minutes. Tickets are at sdbgarden.org/lightscape.

Nutcracker Ballet performance Saturday at community center

A Nutcracker Ballet performance is 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday Dec. 17 presented by Encinitas Ballet at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. General admission is $28; $22 for ages 3-17. Front row seating is $38 for all ages. Children ages 2 and under, who can fit on the lap of an adult guardian, may attend for free. One child per adult lap; free ticket must be reserved ahead of time and requires a paid adult ticket. Visit https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/SpecialEvents/4736/event/1296467?subCategoryIdList=201

ESCONDIDO

Joyous Yuletide Concert featured

A Joyous Yuletide Holiday Concert is 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 845 Chestnut St. featuring the Center Chorale joined by Trinity Choir and The Center Childrens Chorus. Also featured will be a professional brass ensemble with Trinity’s organ. Conductors Joe Stanford and David Lewis; organist Joseph Valent. Freewill offering at door. Reception follows concert. Visit escondidochoralarts.com.

Church hosts family Christmas musical “The Gift of the Animals”

An hourlong family Christmas musical, “The Gift of the Animals,” is 4 p.m. Saturday Dec. 17 at First United Methodist Church of Escondido, 341 S. Kalmia St. The retelling of the Nativity is based on a 12th-century Latin song, “The Friendly Beasts,” about the gifts that animals gave to the baby Jesus. Free. Visit fumcescondido.org.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” this weekend at STAR Theatre

The one-act Christmas opera in English written by Gian Carlo Menotti, will be presented 7 p.m. Saturday Dec. 17 and 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at the STAR Repertory Theatre, 329 E. Valley Parkway . The opera is a retelling of the story of the Magi from the point of view of a young boy with disabilities, named Amahl, who lives in poverty with his poor widowed mother near Bethlehem. Tickets start at $20 at sdartstix.com, Goldstar.com and at the door. Visit [email protected].

Opening ceremony for Little Free Library

The Healthy Escondido Coalition and City of Escondido host a ceremony for the opening of a Little Free Library 3 to 4:30 p.m. Monday Dec. 12 at 501 N. Rose St. Free books and family activities. For questions, text (760) 310-9127.

Meet author at library

Meet author Pete Peterson 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday December 17 in the Mathes Center at the Escondido Public Library, 239 South Kalmia St. Peterson is launching his new novel, Leave the Night to God. Highlights include holiday carols, finger foods and readings by new writers. Visit escondido.library.org.

Church hosts Christmas “Blues” Service, Christmas Cantata

First Congregational Church of Escondido hosts a Christmas “Blues” Service with special readings and jazz music 10 a.m. Dec. 11 at 1800 N. Broadway and a Christmas Cantata performed by the church’s choir 10 a.m. Dec. 18. Visit fcceonline.org.

Senior Service Council seeks tax aide volunteers

The Senior Service Council Escondido, 728 N Broadway, Escondido, is looking for volunteers to help elderly and low-income Escondido residents with their tax returns January til April. The Council will provide training for volunteers. Call (760) 480-0611.

NORTH COUNTY

Blood drives this week

The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots:

The Shoppes at Carlsbad 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, December 12 at 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad.

SynergEyes 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday December 13 at 2232 Rutherford Road, Carlsbad.

Hunter Industries 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, December 15 at 1785 La Costa Meadows Drive, San Marcos.

Town Center Encinitas Ranch 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, December 17 at 1018 North El Camino Real, Encinitas.

Albertsons 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec.18 at 1459 Main Street, Ramona

Church of the Resurrection 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 18 at 1445 Conway Drive, Escondido.

24 Hour Fitness Corporate 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at 1265 Laurel Tree Lane, Carlsbad.

Spinal Elements 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 19 at 3115 Melrose Drive, Carlsbad.

Call (800) 469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org.

Conservancy holds workshop on water conservation at home

The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, a local nonprofit which has been spearheading efforts to finish the Coast-to-Crest Trail from Del Mar to Volcan Mountain, along the watershed of the San Dieguito River, will hold a workshop titled, “Turn Your Home into a Water-conserving Oasis” as part of its Next to Nature series 10 a.m. Dec. 18 at the San Diego Science Center, 3030 Bunker Hill St. Ste 121, San Diego in Conference Room 121. Register at sdrvc.org.

OCEANSIDE

Veterans Writing Group meets Saturday

The Veterans’ Writing Group San Diego County will host its monthly meeting 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday 12/17/22 at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Avenue. Veterans, dependents and active-duty military members are welcome to join in person or via Zoom. The guest speaker will be Richard Lederer, an American linguist, author, speaker, and teacher, best known for his books on the English language and on wordplay, who will talk from noon to 1 p.m. Before the presentation, there will be an update on the group’s conversion to a 501(c)3. Later there will be readings and critiques. Members can sign up to read their work at the Vista Rotary Club 7:30 a.m. Jan. 10. For questions, email Garry Garretson at [email protected].

Community Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Chabad of Oceanside/Vista hosts a Menorah Lighting 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18 with music, donuts and latkes, gelt drop and fire circus act at Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission Ave., Oceanside. Visit

Longtime resident gives talk on Oceanside history

The Oceanside Historical Society and the Oceanside Public Library present a free “Sitting ‘Walking Tour’ of Oceanside” 10 a.m. Saturday, December 17 in the Civic Center Library Community Rooms, at 330 North Coast Highway. John Daley, third generation Oceanside resident, will “walk” the audience through Downtown Oceanside and share his view of the City. Daley will show some of his favorite photographs from the Oceanside Historical Society’s collection to help the audience visualize the Oceanside that he grew up in. Daley is an original board member of the Oceanside Historical Society and a sitting member of the City of Oceanside’s Historic Preservation Commission. Visit oceansidepubliclibrary.com.

Library hosts “Humans of Oceanside” program
The Oceanside Public Library hosts a free “Humans of Oceanside” program featuring people who bring O’siders together in unique ways 5 p.m. Thursday, December 15 at the Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 North Coast Highway. Attendees can chat with a community farmer, mutual aid organizers, a culture connector and artist, roller skaters and silent disco dancers. There will be small bites. Visit www.oceansidepubliclibrary.com

Church hosts Christmas concerts

North Coast United Methodist Church hosts special music by the group PraySing Hymn at the 10 a.m. service Dec. 11 at 1501 Kelly St. A Music of Christmas concert is at the 10 a.m. service Dec. 18. Services will be live streamed and can be viewed at NorthCoastUMC.org.

POWAY

Hanukkah Funzone set for Tuesday

A pre-Hanukkah Funzone with games, Karaoke, Hanukkah performance, inflatables and more 4:30 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 13 at Chabad of Poway, 16934 Chabad Way. Dinner for purchase, $10/kid (pay at the door).

Art On View reception set for Wednesday

A free Art On View reception for the exhibit, “Living in the California Sun” featuring artist Nancy Wise is 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 14 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road. Visitors can view works of art in pointillism and brocades woven in oil. Highlights include lite bites, wine and beer discounts, along with holiday décor. Visit powaycenter.org.

Hanukkah Train & Community Celebration

A celebration of the first night of Hanukkah is 4 p.m. Dec. 18 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. Highlights include hot latkes, donuts, dreidel giveaways, chocolate coins, children’s crafts and face painting. Free admission. RSVP at chabadpoway.com/train.

SAN MARCOS

Craft sale Wednesday at senior center

The San Marcos Senior Activity Center, 111 Richmar Ave., hosts a Craft Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, featuring unique handmade items by local artisans. Visit www.san-marcos.net/register or call (760) 744-5535.

Holiday Gala at senior center

The San Marcos Senior Activity Center, 111 Richmar Ave., is putting on its annual Holiday Gala starting 10:30 a.m. Dec. 22 with hors d’oeuvres, socializing, opportunity drawings and picture taking in the photo booth. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., followed by dessert and dancing to The Buckleys. Suggested lunch contribution for ages 60+ is $4; fee for ages 59 years and under is $5. Lunch reservations must be made by 2 p.m. Friday Dec. 16 at (760) 744-5535 ext. 3607 or visit the Lunch Desk.

Senior center hosts movie screening of “Christmas in Connecticut”

A matinee screening of “Christmas in Connecticut” (1945) is set for 12:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 16 at the San Marcos Senior Activity Center, 111 Richmar Ave. The PG-13 movie starring Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan revolves around a food writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife. When her boss invites a returning war hero to her home for a traditional family Christmas, she has to cover her deception. The movie runs 1 hour and 41 minutes. Admission is $1; free with lunch. Lunch reservations must be made by 2 p.m. at least one business day before the event at (760) 744-5535 ext. 3607 or visit the Lunch Desk. Suggested lunch contribution for ages 60+ is $4; cost for ages 59 years & younger is $5.

SOLANA BEACH

Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade coming Friday

Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade is back by popular demand from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, hosted by the city of Solana Beach and the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission. Santa will be riding along with fire, sheriff’s and Marine safety personnel. The sleigh ride will start and end at the Solana Beach Fire Station, 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. A map is at ci.solana-beach.ca.us.

VISTA

Holiday Homes Tour benefits Vista Community Clinic

Vista Community Clinic hosts its 36th annual Holiday Homes Tour to be held virtually Dec. 18-23. The online event will feature four homes across North County decorated by professional designers for the holidays. Attendees can take a narrated journey through each house alongside the designer responsible for the décor. The tour will also feature a silent auction with holiday baskets and one-of-a-kind items. Proceeds support the clinic’s services for senior care. Tickets are $25 at supportvcc.org.

Senior center hosts multigenerational Christmas Carole Sing-Along

Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive is hosting a multigenerational Christmas Carole Sing-Along 11 a.m. Dec. 19. with festive refreshments, holiday cheer and Christmas singing. Lunch will be served at noon. A $4 contribution is suggested for guests age 60 and above; $8 fee for guests 59 and under. Transportation can be provided for eligible Vista seniors with 48-hour advanced notice. RSVP by Thursday December 15 at (760) 643-5288.

Jingle Terrace Live winds up this week

The city of Vista’s Moonlight Amphitheatre “Jingle Terrace Live” features holiday light shows visitors can walk through, along with movie nights, from 5 to 9 p.m., continuing Wednesday through Friday Dec. 14, 15 and 16 at the Moonlight, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive. Admission is free. The event replaces the “Jingle Terrace Park” holiday drive-thru held in 2020-21. No tickets for “Jingle Terrace Live” experience, but tickets are required for concerts and other events at jingleterracelive.com or (760) 724-2110. Visitors are asked to bring a donation of food for the North County Food Bank.

Tax aides returning to senior center

The AARP Tax Aides are back for another year of tax preparation at the Vista Senior Center. The tax line will be open for messages beginning Jan. 1 and return calls will begin mid January. Appointments will begin in February and run through mid April and will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays this year. Call the Tax Line at (760) 643-5290 to make an appointment.

Vista Wishing Tree is back

The annual Vista Wishing Tree has returned at the corner of Beverly Drive and Wolverine Way through Jan. 1 for all to share their hopes, dreams, faith and gratitude as a way to “spread joy.” There are tags and markers in the containers on the table. Community members can write a message on the tag and hangs it on the garland or branches of the tree.

LINDA MCINTOSHU-T

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