Mary Jean Anderson, Founder & CEO – Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air
Cathy Brown, Area Director – Jersey Mike’s Subs
Maria Kunac, President & CEO – San Diego Private Bank
Kris Michell, President & CEO – Downtown San Diego Partnership
Cathryn Ramirez, Group Director – Tiffany & Co.
Debra Reed, CEO of Sempra: Leadership Award
Linda Katz: Community Service Award
San Diego Magazine recognized 137 remarkable and inspiring women for their contributions to the San Diego community at the 7th Annual Women Who Move the City Event on September 24 at the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. A panel of judges made up of winners from the past five years selected Anesa Chaibi, president and CEO of HD Supply Facilities Maintenance, as the 2013 Woman of the Year. Attendees networked over hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, entertainment, and the 2013 Woman of the Year Presentation. The event benefitted Salvation Army Door of Hope.
14 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: June 17–22
See the premiere of a '70s music celerbation, join San Marcos’ inaugural Juneteenth shindig, and sample several local ice cream shops at Scoop San Diego
This Friday marks the summer solstice. Ring it in with some fun summer happenings. Foodies can spend two evenings touring Little Italy for bites, treats, and tasters, while sweet tooths can beat the heat with a sugar rush this Sunday at the annual Scoop San Diego festival in North Park. Plus, locals can celebrate the first annual Juneteenth San Marcos or partake in the San Diego Black Artist Collective’s Juneteenth Black Arts Festival, plus more.
Sample neighborhood flavors at the annual Taste of Little Italy, returning Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Each day, attendees will check in at the Piazza della Famiglia to get their taste passport and begin their culinary tour of Little Italy. Bites and sips will include beer, sweet treats, Australian wagyu skewers, and a variety of pasta dishes, such as rigatoni alla vodka, penne with pesto, and campanella sausage with creamy tomato sauce. Tickets are $71 per day, with Tuesday already sold out.
Little Italy
Crab Hut’s 18th Anniversary Party
June 18
Help blow out the candles for The Crab Hut as the seafood boil chain celebrates its 18th birthday this Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. at its Convoy location. The festivities will include drink specials, live music from DJ @e.vandamme, photo ops, raffles, prizes, and exclusive merch.
4646 Convoy Street, Kearny Mesa
Scoop San Diego
June 22
Dive into desserts from more than 35 vendors serving ice cream, gelato, and paletas at Scoop San Diego. From noon to 4 p.m. this Saturday, enjoy live music, photo ops, and your fill of the sweets. All net proceeds from the festival will benefit local food recovery nonprofit ProduceGood. General admission tickets ($45) are shareable and come with 10 one-ounce samples, while VIP passes ($125) include a swag bag, seven exclusive vendors, a VIP-only hour from 11 a.m. to noon, and much more.
30th Street & North Park Way, North Park
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival
June 18–28
Many of the finest orchestra players from around the country, under the tutelage of conductor Michael Francis, will gather in San Diego for the upcoming Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival. This year’s festival, beginning this Wednesday, will feature six classical music performances, happening at the Epstein Family Amphitheater (June 21 and 28) and the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center (June 18, 20, 24, and 26). Tickets range from $88 to $260 for individual concerts, while subscription packages by venue or for the entire festival can be purchased here.
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla | 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla
Juneteenth San Marcos
June 19
Natalie and Lionel Saulsberry, partners in life and in podcasting on Couples Unfiltered, are expanding their community Juneteenth celebration to the campus of California State University San Marcos this Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. Created alongside Clinton and Renee Huggins, the inaugural Juneteenth San Marcos offers free admission, with food trucks, live entertainment, a kids’ zone, over 30 vendor booths, and a focus on educating and empowering. The VIP culinary experience ($65) in the rooftop “Emancipation Lounge” comes with red carpet photo ops, handcrafted mocktails, swag bags, and elevated small bites from a handful of the area’s most outstanding Black chefs.
333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos
Dierks Bentley at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 19
Dierks Bentley will perform his newest album Broken Branches at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, with bluegrass singer Zach Top and Georgia country group The Band Loula opening. Tickets start at $30 for this concert, beginning Thursday at 7 p.m.
2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
Juneteenth Black Arts Festival
June 19–22
The San Diego Black Artist Collective will celebrate Black cultural and creative expression at its Juneteenth Black Arts Festival at University Heights’ Diversionary Theatre. The festival programming begins with a kickback Thursday night, followed by a new play series (Friday), a community showcase, and a featured play reading (Saturday). It finishes with a gospel brunch on Sunday at 11 a.m. Tickets for individual events are $29, while an all-inclusive festival pass is $87.
4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights
Wu-Tang Clan at Pechanga Arena
June 21
After spending over 30 years as a musical force to be reckoned with, Wu-Tang Clan have embarked on what could be their final tour with Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber. This East Coast collective has a bulletproof legacy as one of the best rap groups of all time. Their show Saturday at Pechanga Arena will feature hip hop duo Run the Jewels as the opening act. Tickets range from $67 to $269 for this concert, beginning at 8 p.m.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
17 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: June 11–15
Eat international street food in City Heights, see the world-premiere play Indian Princesses, and hit the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the Summer Pet-tacular
Looking for a local Juneteenth bash? A delicious culinary adventure? How about something suitable for Father’s Day with your old man? No matter what, we’ve got you covered. SD Melanin’s spirited Kinfolk Fest at Waterfront Park offers an all-day Juneteenth celebration this Saturday. The City Heights Street Food Fest and Wildcoast’s Baja Bash fundraiser are just a couple of the tasty options on the food and drink lineup this week. Last but certainly not least, dads love a good bargain, and, fortunately, free events are plentiful this weekend in San Diego, with no charge for Summer Fun on the 101, As You Like It at the Coronado Playhouse, and the new Black Perspectives 2 and Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling exhibitions.
Sample wares from an array of local eateries and beverage vendors at Del Mar Village’s Summer Solstice in Powerhouse Park. This Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., 21-plus attendees can try finely crafted bites; a range of wine, beer and cocktails; and a beachy reggae concert from Ben Benavente and the Stateside Bruddahs. General admission is $141 and comes with a commemorative tasting glass and a sunset cheers with Monarch Ocean Pub.
City Heights Community Development hosts the free Street Food Fest, a community showcase of culinary diversity, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday. University Avenue will be abuzz with artists and dancers, a beer garden, and vendors serving up foods from around the world. Bodhi Tree Concerts’ Music en la Calle will provide an international soundtrack throughout the festival. RSVP for the event or purchase a $50 taste ticket, which comes with a bite from each participating vendor, on Eventbrite.
University Avenue & 37th Street, City Heights
San Diego Brew Festival
June 14
At the 14th annual San Diego Brew Festival at NTC Park in Liberty Station, attendees can explore more than 70 breweries and 200 beers, lawn games, food trucks, and live music from local cover bands. Ticket options include $62 general admission (with entry from 1 to 4 p.m.) and $79 VIP passes, which come with specialty pours from noon to 1 p.m. Those who’d like to stop by but skip the libations can purchase designated driver tickets at the event for $20 cash.
2455 Cushing Road, Point Loma
Wildcoast Baja Bash Fundraiser
June 14
Wildcoast commemorates 25 years of coastal conservation efforts with its annual Baja Bash fundraiser, with proceeds helping to sustain the nonprofit’s programs. On Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at a private Solana Beach residence, guests can dine on sustainably minded fare from top San Diego and Baja chefs, with fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, and plenty of sweet treats. This elevated evening will also include fine wine, craft beer, small batch mezcal and tequila, live music, and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $240 for Baja Bash.
Montbleau Estate, Solana Beach
Courtesy of Quartyard
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
San Diego County Fair
June 11–July 6
The San Diego County Fair is celebrating animal companions this year with themed exhibits, pet adoptions, and an appearance by the dog whisperer himself: Cesar Millan. This week, fairgoers can enjoy rides, games, funnel cakes, and concerts from neo-soul favorite Maxwell (Friday), EDM superstar Zedd (Saturday), and the legendary Los Tigres Del Norte (Sunday). Other special events include a Swiftie tribute (Wednesday and Thursday) and the Fair-tastic Food Competition (Friday), in which local culinary giants, including San Diego Mag Chief Content Officer Troy Johnson, will vote for their favorite innovative fair food creation. Fair admission is $16 ($20 day of) for Wednesdays and Thursdays and $20 for Friday through Sunday ($25 day of).
Since Juneteenth falls on a Thursday this year, the holiday observances begin this weekend, with a trio of community events to check out. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Friends of the Oak Park Library will host a free performance from the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, along with light refreshments, book readings, and family-friendly activities. Next, SD Melanin’s Kinfolk Fest returns to Waterfront Park from 12:30 to 9 p.m. with a live music and DJ lineup, a Black-owned business marketplace, and much more. Tickets range from $39 to $103. Finally, Quartyard is throwing a special Juneteenth edition of its R&B Block Party from 5 to 10 p.m.; admission is $15 online and $30 the day of.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: Nov. 27–Dec. 1
Be thankful for a Friendsgiving feast at Lionfish, admire bejeweled ornaments at the Timken Museum of Art, and catch “A Christmas Carol” at the Cygnet Theater
There’s much to be thankful for this week—including another busy weekend full of fun San Diego events. Folks who still have Woodstock FOMO will have two chances to celebrate the music of the era’s biggest stars. Local theaters will bring iconic holiday tales to life. And a handful of SD restaurants are offering Friendsgiving spreads, so you can skip the cooking and focus on all the other great things to do in San Diego this weekend.
Fort Oak’s “Snowed In” cocktail pop-up will pair snow globe ambience with a dozen seasonal drinks. The menu from Fort Oak Beverage Director Jess Stewart will feature highlights like creamy espresso martinis and tiki-inspired rum and fruit concoctions in festive mugs. These libations can be enjoyed nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight, now through the end of the year.
1011 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills
Friendsgiving Feast at Lionfish
November 27
Lionfish chef Jose “JoJo” Ruiz is taking a fine-dining approach to holiday home cooking with his Friendsgiving Feast menu. From 5 to 10 p.m. this Wednesday, guests can indulge in a deep-fried turkey bucket, Boursin mashed potatoes, truffle mac and cheese, and buttermilk biscuits for $45, and if you’d like, wash it all down with $5 shots.
Berry Good Food Foundation Friendsgiving Eve Fundraiser at Rumorosa
November 27
Rumorosa on Harbor Island is hosting a range of fundraisers this month, with 15 percent of proceeds going to the sustainable nonprofit Berry Good Food Foundation. The restaurant’s Friendsgiving Eve Fundraiser this Wednesday will be a buffet-style meal with Baja white fish ceviche, agave-and-chipotle-glazed chicken wings, and mezcal-flambéed cream cheese flan for $20 per person plus tax and gratuity. Patrons arriving in groups of four or more can also enjoy the restaurant’s month-long Friendsgiving Fundraiser, a $65-per-person meal from chef Cesar Oceguera with items such as mole negro roasted chicken, through Nov. 30.
1380 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island
Beer By the Bay 2024
November 30
Beer By the Bay returns this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Coronado Ferry Landing Park. Attendees can enjoy craft beer, selections from regional wineries, games, a photo booth, and live music by the water. Ticket options include general admission ($81.88) and military GA ($65.87), which come with unlimited craft beer, spirit, wine, cocktail and seltzer tastings, and VIP ($161.90), which comes with early admission, VIP seating, and more.
1201 1st Street, Coronado
Courtesy of Thee Sacred Souls
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Gand Band Woodstock Immersive Experience at Humphreys Backstage
November 27
Fronted by local singers Michele Lundeen and Damion Willis, the six-piece Gand Band is bringing the Woodstock festival experience to Humphreys Backstage this Wednesday night. While the band members play the defining hits of the counterculture period—from Santana to Sly Stone—in all of their tie-dye glory, psychedelic visuals and interviews with the era’s musicians will be projected on screen. Tickets are starting at $28.75.
2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party at Balboa Theatre
November 30
This Saturday at the Balboa Theatre, swing revival specialists Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will keep things fun and festive, performing original yuletide tunes—like the brass-heavy lounge track “Christmas Time in Tinsel Town”—along with holiday essentials. Tickets start at $54.05.
868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp
Thee Sacred Souls at SOMA
December 1
San Diegans will have one last chance to see Thee Sacred Souls perform live locally in 2024 this Sunday night at SOMA. Tickets are officially sold out for this performance from the darlings of San Diego soul, but resale admission is going for upwards of $230.
3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway
Courtesy of Cygnet Theater
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play at New Village Arts
Through December 24
In this radio play adaptation of Miracle on 34th Streetat New Village Arts, when a newly hired Macy’s department store Santa Claus claims to be the real deal, all in his orbit are forced to confront their belief in the existence of Old Saint Nick. There will be four performances of Miracle on 34th Street this week, with previews through Nov. 29 and opening night this Saturday. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased here.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: Nov. 19–24
Feast on French pastries for Parfait Paris’ 10th anniversary, have fun with Cyndi Lauper at Viejas Arena, and raise money for locals in need at San Diego Live Aid
Some say Christmastime can’t start until after Thanksgiving, but why fight the holiday spirit if it seeps in a little early? Put up those trees, listen to Mariah Carey, deck the halls—go nuts. And, while you’re at it, begin your holiday festivities with spirited events throughout San Diego. Gift shopping will be an all-day affair at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair, Santee is lighting up a tree for the season, and the outdoor ice rink in Point Loma invites skaters to glide for a good cause. There’s also a cozy ramen festival, new theater productions, local business anniversaries, and many more things to do this weekend.
What better way to fight off the brutal SoCal cold than with a piping hot bowl of ramen? The San Diego Ramen Festival will offer a menu of 12-ounce selections to slurp. The festival takes place at the Handlery Hotel this Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. It also features live entertainment, local pop culture vendors, and ramen-inspired artwork. Ticket options include general admission passes ($44.52) with three ramen servings and VIP ($129.89) with perks like unlimited beer and sake samples, six ramen servings and an extra hour of admission (5 to 6 p.m.).
Parfait Paris is saluting a decade of decadence in San Diego by throwing a street festival packed with sweets. This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Parisian bakery will offer an assortment of French goodies, along with bites from The Sushi Stand and drinks courtesy of Understory Bar and Hopnonymous Brewing Co. RSVPs are required for this anniversary event, with $5 admission for adults (redeemable for food and drinks) and free entry for children and teens under the age of 15.
3555 India Street, Middletown
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Cyndi Lauper at Viejas Arena
November 20
Cyndi Lauper sang some of the defining hits of the 1980s and composed the beloved musical adaption of Kinky Boots. Now, on her final arena tour, Lauper is here to remind us all that “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Tickets are on sale for $55.10 for Wednesday’s concert at Viejas Arena.
5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando
San Diego Live Aid
November 21
Many San Diego families were affected by the devastating rain storms that hit the city in early January. To raise proceeds for them, three local tribute groups—All Fired Up, Supreme Legacy, and The Mamas & The Papas Experience—are throwing a special charity concert. This Thursday evening at Humphreys Backstage Live, guests will hear timeless renditions of nostalgic hits. Tickets range from $23.60 to $39.10
2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island
Courtesy Oceanside Museum of Art
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again at La Jolla Playhouse
November 19–December 15
In Your Local Theater Presents…, Julliard grad Eddie can’t escape a local production of A Christmas Carol. There will be six preview performances of this world-premiere play at the La Jolla Playhouse now through Nov. 23, with tickets ranging from $30 to $72 before the show officially opens on Nov. 26.
2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla
Just Like Us at Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre
November 21–23
Based on Helen Thorpe’s nonfiction book of the same name, Just Like Us follows four Latina teenagers who, as the children of undocumented immigrants, are impacted by the heated national debate on immigration. There will be four performances of Just Like This, as well as additional shows Dec. 5–7. Tickets for the general public are $18. This Grossmont College production will also have performances on December 5–7.
8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon
Tres minutos at Jacobs Music Center
November 22
Composer Nicolás Lell Benavides and librettist Marella Martin Koch’s poignant chamber opera, Tres minutos, reckons with the devastation of sudden deportation. The title of the program is inspired by Border Angels’ initiative that grants families three minutes of reunification at the border. The Border Angels documentary Love Has No Borders will be screened before the performance, and ticket-holders can attend an artist talkback after the show. Tickets to this musical program presented by the San Diego Symphony at Jacobs Music Center Friday night can be purchased for $35 here.
1245 Seventh Avenue, Downtown
CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater’s joyUS justUS at Mandeville Auditorium
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
12 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: April 4–7
Try tacos and top-shelf tequila in Mission Valley, enjoy unlimited beer samples in North Park, and empower local performing artists at the WOW Festival in La Jolla
April has arrived in San Diego—and with it, a host of fun activities for longtime locals and weekend visitors alike. From a boot-scootin’ country fest to a couple of car shows, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Diego this weekend. Check out our full list of the best events, festivals, and activities to enjoy below:
Taking place in front of the LaFayette Hotel, the 14th annual North Park Festival of Beers, presented by 91X, will feature 50 alcohol brands and breweries. Attendees ages 21 and up can rock out with San Diego musicians at the live music stage; shop from local food, craft, and artisan vendors; and explore sips from Thr3e Punk Ales, Societe Brewing Co., and other SD brewers. Proceeds go toward the San Diego Music Foundation’s Taylor Guitars for Schools program. General admission ($45) comes with unlimited beer samples, while VIP admission ($65) gets you an extra hour of sampling. There are also designated driver tickets ($30) for those who just want to hang.
2223 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park
Tequila & Taco Music Festival
April 6–7
Though the Tequila & Taco Music Festival stops at several California cities throughout the year, it’s fitting that its first destination would be San Diego—the home of the best Mexican cuisine this side of the border. This Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. at Thrive Park, enjoy top-shelf tequila tastings and mouth-watering street tacos. There will also be live music from artists such as Warren G and Shaggy, pop-up dance clubs, a vendor village, and craft beer (just in case tequila isn’t your thing). Tickets for the festival range from $30 to $70.
2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley
Courtesy of The La Jolla Playhouse
Concerts & Theater in San Diego
Without Walls (WOW) Festival
April 4–7
The La Jolla Playhouse’s eclectic performing arts festival returns with four days of interactive, site-specific theater performances that transform any setting to a stage. Local and international artists stage shows and exhibitions at venues around UC San Diego, including Revelle Plaza, the Epstein Family Amphitheater, and La Jolla Playhouse. Experience over 25 unique offerings, from immersive ocean soundscapes to colorful art installations. All performances are free to enjoy; some shows require RSVPs ahead of time, while most welcome walk-ups. See our complete guide here.
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla
Boots in the Park
April 6
Craving more country after listening to Cowboy Carter? This Saturday, lace up your boots and don a 10-gallon hat for all-day country festival Boots in the Park. At Waterfront Park from 1 to 11 p.m., enjoy a lineup that includes Thomas Rhett, Scotty McCreery, and Alana Springsteen, plus art installations, craft food, cocktails, line dancing, and more. Ticket options include general admission ($129), GA Pit Pass+ ($199), and VIP ($299).
1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero
San Diego Sings! Festival
April 6
Fifteen San Diego County choirs will flex their chops this Saturday at Baker-Baum Concert Hall for San Diego Sings!, a three-concert, single-day singing extravaganza from the Choral Consortium of San Diego. Each show features five choirs who perform individually and collectively. Tickets for each of the three performances (taking place at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.) are available for $23.
7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla
Mariachi Festival
April 7
Route 78 Rotary Club’s 10th annual Mariachi Festival celebrates the rhythms and traditions of mariachi music with a spirited concert at California Center for the Arts Escondido from 3 to 6 p.m this Sunday. The festival will begin with a tacos-and-tequila pre-show reception for VIP attendees, followed by a 3 p.m. concert with Mariachi Los Camperos and ballet folklórico dancers from Tierra Caliente Academy. Proceeds from the festival go towards Route 78’s educational and charitable programs in North County. Standard tickets are available from $25 to $50, while VIP tickets are $100.
340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido
Courtesy of San Marcos Chamber of Commerce
Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego
San Diego Writers Festival
April 6
The 2024 San Diego Writers Festival will host several free events—including panels, workshops, performances, and awards—from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Coronado Public Library. The fifth annual festival will feature literary giants like writer/director Ed Zwick; best-selling authors Dr. Judith Orloff, Anita Moorjani, and Matthew Quirk; and several local writing talents (like SDM’s own Jackie Bryant!), plus food and live music. Whether you’re a mystery buff, a historical biography fan, or a writer looking to bolster your skills, there are plenty of offerings to choose from, with 90 speakers and 40 events to enjoy throughout the day.
640 Orange Avenue, Coronado
San Marcos Spring Fling & Street Festival
April 7
The 33rd annual San Marcos Spring Fling & Street Festival takes place this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing together more than 200 local and nationwide vendors, including artisan, craft, and food sellers. This free, community-focused event features local wine and craft beer, a food court, a kids’ fun zone with carnival rides, and two stages of live entertainment. The Spring Fling’s local musician lineup includes Eric Clapton tribute band Clapton Hook, Soul to Soul: The Stevie Ray Vaughan Experience, and Dueling Pianos & Friends with Danny DiCarlo and Brian Wahlstrom.
Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos
Courtesy of 626 Night Market
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego
GoodGuys Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals
April 5–7
Returning to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for yet another automotive spectacle, GoodGuys Meguiar welcomes hot rods and American muscle cars made through 1999. Vintage car fans and nitro junkies can scope out more than 2,500 classic cars and enjoy a variety of activities, including a kids’ zone, swap meet, and lowrider showcases. Catch several competitions, like the illustrious “Street Rod d’Elegance,” which celebrates the best pre-1949 street rods. Single-day spectator tickets are $25 for Friday and Saturday and $20 for Sunday; single-day youth tickets for ages 7 to 12 are $10, while children ages 6 and under get free entry.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
626 Night Market
April 5–7
This iconic Asia-inspired, Arcadia-based night market returns bigger and better than ever at San Diego’s Mission Valley Mall. This Friday from 3 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m., shop more than 100 local vendors selling a wide variety of merchandise, from stickers to jewelry. Explore rows of food options—like Hawaiian honey cones and potato swirls—and jam out to live music. Ticket options include single-day general admission passes for $3 and three-day weekend passes for $6.
1640 Camino Del Rio North, Mission Valley
Dodo & Cars
April 6
From 7 to 10 a.m. this Saturday, Dodo Bird Donuts hosts its second Dodo & Cars event. The variety of cars on display will entice any local gearhead. Plus, attendees get free coffee and donuts, enjoy limited edition merchandise giveaways, and can participate in a raffle to earn car-themed prizes.
369 Bird Rock Avenue, La Jolla
Fun 5Ks
April 6–7
The 20th annual Race for Autism Superhero 5K and one-mile family walk invites all San Diegans to channel their inner avenger and take part in a community event for Autism Acceptance Month. This family-friendly event will feature a post-race party with music, activities, and an information resource fair hosting more than 50 autism-related vendors. Looking for a classic morning road race? Sunday’s Carlsbad 5000 takes runners to the edge of the ocean in Carlsbad with several 5K race divisions for all ages and abilities, plus a post-race health and fitness expo that includes a beer garden and live music and entertainment. Registration for the Carlsbad 5000 comes with two Pizza Port beers (for racers aged 21 and up), a race shirt, a finishers medal, and a race photo, plus access to the afterparty.
Race for Autism: 6th Avenue & Laurel Street, Balboa Park | Carlsbad 5000: Roosevelt and Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
President and CEO Jewish Community Foundation San Diego and Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair
By Joyce A. Glazer
Marjory Kaplan
Marjory Kaplan
What is your background? I was in the corporate world in banking, both in human resources and investments. When I moved to San Diego from San Francisco, I spent some time in banking with Wells Fargo and also with Scripps Foundation. I joined the Jewish Community Foundation San Diego 20 years ago, and three years ago the chair was endowed by Miriam and Jerome Katzin.
Jewish Community Foundation San Diego is the largest grant maker in San Diego. Why is that? The Jewish community is very generous, although not all members are Jewish. People choose our foundation because we build trust through good service, and we manage their donor-advised funds well. In 2012 we gave away $98 million. Since its inception in 1967, the foundation has given $859 million, and we want to reach our billion-dollar goal within the next couple of years.
What is the advantage of a foundation? It is a convenient way and a community-minded way to give. There are some tax benefits. It is more focused giving and more strategic.
How many researchers do you have? Our total staff is 16. They are all very dedicated, hardworking and skilled in what they do. We have longevity with our staff. Sometimes I have to remind them when it is time to go home.
What drives you? This is such a great position for a person with my background to be able to serve the community. Corporate human resources and investments—one is knowing about people and management, and the other is knowing about the financial world.
What is your life away from work? Work is very life-giving, but everyone needs to get away. I go back to San Francisco. I love to read, so I frequent my favorite bookstores in San Francisco. I enjoy hiking. I have great friends and a wonderful husband. This is such a joyful position. I have been teaching Positive Board Cultures at the USD Governance Symposium for the past three years.
How do you mentor? There are a lot of ways to mentor. Look around your world. It is just being the person you are. It’s a generosity of spirit that we all need to show each other. We need to share the glory and give credit to others. I am interested in mentoring on the management side. We need more positive managers who will really encourage and develop people.
How do you support the community? I work with many organizations including the Grantmakers, Association of Fundraising Professionals, University of San Diego, and others.
What is your advice to others? The most important thing is to take care of yourself. Figure out what you need to do and then do it. You can be really good at what you do, but you have to show kindness and gratitude to make it work. People can excel through discipline, competence and gratitude.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Building an organization that has so much trust in the community and one that passes on to generations of families. One of my most gratifying roles is helping people plan their charitable legacies. It often feels like a sacred moment to be the one carrying out their wishes after a lifetime of involvement.
What would you be doing if you were not with the foundation? I would continue working in the community, teaching, mentoring. Our city is large enough to be interesting and small enough to be friendly.
