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All month
Hikes & Presentations & Much More
throughout the County. For a schedule of events call SD County Parks. Info: (619)694-3004.
Every Saturday morning. Host: Mission Bay Paddle Sports. Info & reservations: (619) 488-5599.
10am1st Sat: History; 2nd Sat: Palms; 3rd Sat: Trees; 4th Sat: Desert Walk; 5th: Seasonal color; Meet at Botanical Bldg. Rain cancels; no reservations required. Host: Balboa Park. Info: (619) 235-1121.
9:30amFree walks, call for area and themes. Host: Mission Trails Regional Park. Info: (619)668-3275.
Free to all hosted by Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. Explore nature with expert guides. Bring binoculars if you have them. 1st & 4th Sat. @ 8am. Call for locations. 2nd & 3rd Sats @ 9-11am, meet at 5th & Iris Sts, Imperial Beach, Every Sunday @ 3pm, meet at the Visitor Center. Info & reservations: (619)575-3613.
11amFree walk featuring the history and natural history of south SD Bay. Good opportunity to see migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619)422-2481.
3pmAll ages welcome. Call for RSVP and locations. Host: Tijuana Estuary. Info: (619)575-3613.
8amas Sweetwater Marsh. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619)422-2481. Rain cancels.
12pmCovering history and botanical treasures. Meet at the Visitor Center off Plaza de Panama. Host: Balboa Park Visitor's Center. Info: (619) 239-0512.
San Diego Audubon
offers amazing birding trips. Info: 280-7710.
Blue Sky Canyon Outings
walks and events. Host: Blue Sky Ecological Preserve, Poway. Info: 486-7238.
Canyon Hikes & Tours
12020 Black Mountain Rd. Host: Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Info: (619)484-3219.
Saturday8amAll ages welcome. Call for RSVP and locations. Host: Tijuana Estuary. Info: (619)575-3613.
Saturday9amLed by Conservancy docents, the walk will feature migratory birds and the native plants they depend on. Rain cancels. Host: San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy. Reservations & directions: (760)436-3944.
Saturday9am - 11amAll ages welcome. Call for RSVP; meet @ 5th & Iris. Host: Tijuana Estuary. Info: (619)575-3616.
Sunday9amThis is a perfect family outing with the Bug Man. You'll learn to identify many of the insects that live in the uplands of SD County. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619)422-2481.
Saturday1pmBeginning and experienced bird watchers are invited to join a free bird walk. This is an easy walk with good views of a variety of shorebirds and migrating ducks and typical tidal wetland habitat. Bring binoculars if you have them. Rain cancels. Meet at the kiosk as the intersection of West Pt. Loma Blvd. and Famosa Blvd. Host: Friends of Famosa Slough. Info: (619)224-4591.
Saturday 8amat Sweetwater Marsh. Rain cancels. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619)422-2481.
Saturday8:30amat Lopez Canyon in Sorrento Valley. See soaring hawks and Neotropical migrants. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619)422-2481.
Saturday7:30 - 10am@ San Dieguito River Park. 5 mile round trip along Lake Hodges. Call 235-5440x5 for RSVP & directions. www.sandag.cog.ca.us/sandieguito
Sunday5 - 7:30pmHosted by San Dieguito River Park. Call 235-5440x5 for RSVP & directions. www.sandag.cog.ca.us/sandieguito
Saturday 8:30 - 10amHosted San Dieguito River Park. Easy 4 mile hike in Highland Valley. Call 235-5440x5 for RSVP & directions. www.sandag.cog.ca.us/sandieguito
Thru Jan 510am-4:30pm
A Galaxy of Gorgeous Gourds
will be on display at the Museum of Man in Balboa Park, featuring more than 75 carved cucurbits of South America telling the history and uses of gourds dating from 2500 B.C. to the present. Info: (619) 239-2001.
Sundays 1pm
Critter Chit Chat
Nature Center staff and volunteers chat about the biology and natural history of their birds, reptiles, mammals, fish or invertebrates. Free with Center admission. 1000 Gunpowder Pt. Dr. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Info: (619)422-2481.
1:30pmNature Center staff and volunteers rap with visitors and meet the hawks and owls used in educational programs. Free with Center admission. 1000 Gunpowder Pt. Dr. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Info: (619)422-2481.
10am - 2pm8/9 Petco, 1945 Garnet, Pacific Beach; 8/16 Petco, 2749 Via de la Valle, Del Mar; 8/23 Petco, 9420 Mira Mesa Blvd.; 8/30 Pet People, 8011 University Ave., La Mesa; Host: Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals. Info: Penny Adams 466-9137.
Sunday10:30am - 3pmAdopt abandoned animals from the Friends of County Animal Shelter Adoption Program. All pets are spayed or neutered, have shots and microchips. Balboa Park, near the House of Pacific Relations. Info: (619)685-3536.
Sunday12:30pmwill be visiting the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. See and learn about birds of prey. Free. (619)575-6913.
Sunday 9am16 breeds of guinea pigs will be featured at the Rancho Bernardo Community Park at the gazebo. Host: Carey Capitol Guinea Pig Club, Free. Info: (619)282-8734
One clinic per month in various areas throughout SD county for wild and unowned cats. To help homeless cats, please use this opportunity. Humane traps are available to borrow. Also, volunteers are needed. Host: Feral Cat Coalition. Info: (619) 497-1599.
Recycle Today!
Recycling in San Diego?
For info on recycling locations and events, call the City's Recycling Hotline: 800-237-2583
Ongoing
WHALES
IMAX® film at Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater in Balboa Park. Call for times and fees (619)238-1233; www.rhfleet.org.
Saturday7pmDance to the fiery rhythms of live drums in Encinitas at the Performing Arts Workshop, 1105 Second St. Ongoing classes will begin in Sept. Info: (760)942-9927.
Sundays5pmat Quail Botanical Gardens, on the lawn under the spreading old Cork Oak trees. August 3: Valley Blue Grass Boys and August 17: Bruce Cameron Quartet. $12 per concert or $30 for the series. Info: (760)436-3036.
Wednesday 6:30pmMake a statement for peace and against nuclear weapons waste, and the escalation of the Navy's nuclear activities in our harbor. Gather @ Chicano Park, for program and 0.7 mile Candlelight Walk to Crosby Pier. Bring candles and/or flashlights. Info: Peace Resource Center, (619)265-0730.
SaturdayNoon - 2pm"Drum Out Radioactive Waste/Stop Ward Valley", Broadway Pier @ Harbor Drive, bring percussion instruments. Free Native American performances to protect Mother Earth. Host: Native American Rights Network Info: (760)358-7232.
Thurs, Fri, Satannual event featuring more than 20 technical paper presentations. Co-hosts: Quail Botanical Gardens, S.D. Natural History Museum. Info: (619) 232-3821 x247.
Saturday8amShow up with surfboards, rafts, kayaks or any other non-motorized devices at the Ocean Beach pier. Host: San Diego Surfrider Fdn. Info: (619)534-8399, Helge Weissig. See details page 6.
SaturdayNoon - 4pmat Quail Botanical Gardens. Special one-day class led by PBS invisible Gardener Andy Lopez. $55. Info: (760)436-3036.
Saturday/SundaySaturday, 7:30-9:30pm, Sunday, 2-4pm at the Casa del Prado theatre in Balboa Park. Free. Info: (619) 479-8015.
Wednesday7pmFree Town Hall Forum to discuss conservation and development in the Del Mar Mesa area (Carmel Mountain, Hwy 56, Future Urbanizing Area). Review area maps and find out how the public can participate in regional plans. Host: S.D. Sierra Club, (619)299-1743.
Saturday/Sunday9am-5pmLearn to make beautiful baskets and bird houses from twigs on the ground. Fees vary depending on sessions taken. Advanced registration required: (760)436-3036.
Sundays 11am
Bilingual Story Hour
Free bilingual story hour for children and parents in English and Spanish along with nature activities to go with the story Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Info: (619) 422-2481.
1pm - 2pmDo a different Nature Craft every Saturday & Sunday using recycled materials. Fee 50¢. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Info: (619) 422-2481.
3:15pm - 4:45pmFree weekly activities for K-6th grades including hands-on learning, bird watching, nature walks, art projects, stories and games. 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach. Host: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. : (619)575-3613.
Tuesday7pmWhether your child is in a stroller or venturing out on their own, this free clinic is an opportunity to meet representatives of youth-oriented organizations and members of the community with outdoor interests. A-16, 4620 Alvarado Canyon Rd. Info call (619) 283-2362 x153.
First Friday 12pm - 2pm
Environmental Committee of the Tijuana-San Diego Region
Forum for environmentally concerned groups and individuals from both sides of the border to address issues of common interest, form binational coalitions, and participate in educational events. Affiliated with the United Nations Associations and the S.D. - Tijuana Sister Cities Society. Meets first Friday of each month alternately in San Diego and Tijuana. The San Diego meetings are usually held at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor's Center; Tijuana meetings are usually held at the new Red Cross (Cruz Roja) offices in the eastern Rio Tijuana area. email: kaarek
aol.com for Carpools and Info: Kaare Kjos (619)285-1725.
Monday 7pmhas its Board meetings on the first Monday of the month at the Aviara Info Center, Black Rail Ct. off of Alga Rd., Carlsbad. The public is welcome. Help protect one of North County's wetland wonders. Info: 431-5640.
First Thursdays 6:45pmFor all those interested in practical applications of sustainability in our bioregion. Attend monthly meetings on 1st Thurs. at U.S. International University Green Hall.: Skip Fralick (619)565-2603.
Tuesday 6:30 - 8:30pmLearn how to budget your paycheck and plan ahead for unexpected and seasonal expenses. An excellent seminar for anyone who wants to learn to stay on a budget. Host: Nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service. El Dorado College, 385 N. Escondido Blvd, Escondido. Info: (760)781-5280; www.credit.org
Wednesday 7pmIndividuals interested in outdoors and conservation activities are invited to learn about the many programs of the Sierra Club including Sierra Singles (299-TREE) and Younger Sierrans (singles ages 21-39 call 544-6124). Second Wednesday of the month, Tierra Santa Rec. Center, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Host: SD Sierra Club. Info: 299-1744.
Thursday 6:45pmSan Diego Chapter meetings are held every 3rd Thursday at Forum Hall above Wells Fargo at UTC, La Jolla Village Dr. & Genesee : (619)792-9940.
Tuesday 7pm - 8:30pmThis free seminar will show anyone needing financial guidance a step by step approach to overcoming debt without having to borrow or go bankrupt. Host: Nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service. El Dorado College, 385 N. Escondido Blvd, Escondido. Info: (760)781-5280; www.credit.org
Wednesday 6pm - 7:30pmBe part of the team that puts on San Diego Earth Day's second annual event in Vista. At Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave, Vista. See story on page 19. Info: (619) 272-7370.
Last Saturday 3pmLearn, share and garden on the last Saturday of each month. Host: Laurie Cohen. Call for location (619)270-1490.
9Saturday7pm
LIFE Lobby
dinner reception hosted by the Unitarian Church AIDS Task Force. BARD Hall, 4190 Front St. across from UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest. Info: (619)447-4575. Suggested donation: $15. Italian dinner included, courtesy of the Big Kitchen. The LIFE Lobby works for Gay/Lesbian civil rights issues.
Wednesday7pmGet involved in working for effective environmental protection. Meet at SC offices, 3820 Ray St., (SE of 30th & University, North Park); More info call Carolyn (619)272-7423.
Every day
San Diego Earth Day
Make a difference with people and the environment. Help with projects at our Pacific Beach office or from home. Projects include the Harvest EarthFair in Vista on 9/27 and Community Restoration teams. Info: Kari (619)272-7370.
7:30am - 3pmLearn about stuccoing straw bale walls by helping stucco a SB community center building at a Habitat for Humanity community in Tecate Mexico. Call to confirm. Host: Habitat for Humanity. : Skip Fralick 565-2603.
SD Park & Rec Dept.
Explore your WILD side in Tecolote Natural Canyon, Marian Bear Park and Rose Canyon which contain many endangered species. Volunteers are needed to become docents, lead nature hikes and bird walks/talks, and help the rangers patrol. Receive training in natural history, docent work. Host: Tri-Canyon Volunteer Program. Info: Jeannette De Angelis (619) 581-9961.
San Diego County Parks
Volunteers provided 36% of total staff hours for County Parks in 1994/95. Become a live-in, docent, historic, recreation or patrol volunteer. Info: (619)694-3044.
San Diego Audubon
is looking for volunteer office staff. Training provided. Call (619)275-0557 and leave your name and address and we will send an application. Short hours! High satisfaction!
H.O.W.L.
Helping Our Wildlife is a nonprofit organization seeking volunteers to help rescue and rehabilitate orphaned, injured or displaced wildlife. Info: (760)789-5033.
Project Wildlife
Needs volunteers to care for baby birds and mammals in their own homes. Rescue, transport and telephone volunteers are also needed. Info: (619)579-5083.
San Diego Animal Advocates
is looking for dependable, motivated volunteers for non-violent activities promoting compassion for all living animals. Info: (619)943-0330.
National Cat Protection Society
Cat lovers are needed to help with general care, grooming and TLC. Two hours per week time commitment. At 9031 Birch St. Spring Valley. Tues.-Sat. Noon-5pm. Info: Gail (619) 469-8771.
People for Trees - Tree Plantings
Help the Planet - Plant a Tree! Join the fun for a greener SD and other areas. Call for dates, times and locations. (619) 234-TREE (8733).
Library Literacy Services
Needs dedicated persons to tutor adults in reading and writing. You can change someone's life with only a few hours of your time. We provide training, materials and tutoring space. Info: (619)336-4280.
Wednesday6pm - 7:30pmBe part of the team that puts on San Diego Earth Day's second annual event in Vista. At Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave, Vista. See story on page 19. Info: (619) 272-7370.
Aug 27 - Nov 5Wednesdays9am - 1pm
Docent Training Class
Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas is now accepting applications for docent training. Applications due by August 15. More info: (760)436-3036.
Wednesdays4pm - 8pm
Ocean Beach Farmer's Market
along the 4900 block of Newport Blvd.
6:30pmSupport for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction who are uncomfortable with the spiritual content of 12-step programs. At La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Ave., Solana Beach. Directions: Brian Biernacki (619729-6324.
has 12-step meetings throughout the metro and North County areas for those who have a desire to stop using nicotine. Info: (619)781-5070.
Recovery, Inc.
sponsors free, self-help groups for anxiety, depression, panics, phobias, obsessions, compulsions, anger and other nervous symptoms. Info: (619)275-0364.
H.O.P.E.
Home Outreach for Persons with Environmental Illness is a new self-help network which offers encouragement, information and hope to chemically sensitive persons. Info & directions: Lois Fritz (619) 445-0919.
Food Addictions
Support groups for adults & teens who eat compulsively, fail at dieting, or struggle with weight. 1st session free. $25/month. (760)634-5757.
Mended Lives, Inc. is a nonprofit group offering counseling for individuals/families ling with major illness, terminal illness and untimely loss. (760) 632-8348.
First & Third Thursdays7pmis a nonprofit support group for people with herpes and their partners. Meets in Physician's dining room off the cafeteria at the UCSD Med Center in Hillcrest. Info: (619)491-1194.
Sundays7pmMeets monthly on 1st and 3rd Sundays for meditation, healing and fellowship. Host: La Jolla Health & Massage Group. Directions: Mikel Wade (619)454-8855
Tuesday7pm - 9pmwith Dr. Bettina Yelman. Learn how you can make a difference. Calif. Naturopathic College, 1011 Camino Del Mar, #204, Del Mar. OPEN HOUSE and free lecture. Info: (619)259-8716.
Wednesday1:45pm & 7pmPresenting information regarding the cause and prevention of arthritis, disc degeneration and stress-related health problems, five simple tests to determine spinal problems, secret cause of illness, staying well naturally and exercises to speed recovery. Space limited, RSVP. Host: Wellness Education Foundation. Reservations: Ernie Passwaters (619) 275-3683
Tuesday7pm - 9pmPutting the zest back into your life with Dr. Bettina Yelman. Free. California Naturopathic College, 1011 Camino Del Mar, Ste. #204, Del Mar. Directions & info: (619)259-8716.
Sunday6pmA support group where young stroke survivors and families can receive education in a positive environment. At Sharp Rehab., monthly on 3rd Sunday. Directions: (800) 827-4277.
Each potluck features food prepared in a raw (live enzyme) recipe. Please arrive with your recipe written out in full so it can be shared. Host: Raw Foods Support Group of SD. Betty Rose (619) 454-2024.
