Around The County

Join San Diego County Fire CERT for the day of the Great CA ShakeOut (10/15/26) to learn about earthquakes and preparedness steps you can take to minimize damage and injury. There will be two (2) sessions offered at the Spring Valley Library – 836 Kempton Street, Spring Valley, CA 91977. In addition to the training, there will be a mini-safety fair. Pre-registration is helpful to ensure we have enough resource materials for all attendees.

First Session: 10:00am to 11:0am will be in English.

Second Session: 11:30am to 12:30pm will be in Spanish.

This training is being co-hosted by San Diego County Library, San Miguel Fire, San Diego County Fire and San Diego County Fire CERT.

karyshelpinghand.org

Upcoming Outreach Event Santee - Chubb Lane at Magnolia Avenue
​(along the San Diego Riverbed) August 29, 2026

​Homelessness has risen to epidemic proportions in the United States. There are simply not enough beds to meet the current needs. And, even if there were, a certain number of these lost individuals will not go to shelters or accept help because they have drug addictions or suffer from mental illness.

In January of 2020, I founded a nonprofit, Kary's Helping Hand, because I saw an urgent problem on San Diego's streets. There is a huge gap between our state and federally-funded shelters and programs for the homeless and the needs of this vulnerable population. The basic needs of this vulnerable population living on our streets are simply not being met. I could not idly stand by and watch them suffer. I took action, and with kindhearted neighbors, friends, and local businesses, we are doing what we can to help.

Golf Program in Schools

Tom Loegering, CEO/ Owner, Sun City Country Club | CEO/ Founder, Golf Program in Schools.

(GPS) has introduced over 53,000 K-12 students to golf and its life lessons.

 Author, 2 International best sellers plus "Are you Headed For a Retirement Crisis?”

& " Success or Failure, The Choice is Yours”

MORE INFO ON "STAN LEE: THE FINAL CHAPTER"

Stan Lee helped shape modern pop culture and inspired generations of fans around the world.

While much has been written about his remarkable achievements, far less attention has been given to the final chapter of his life.

Built from never-before-seen footage captured over four years, Stan Lee: The Final Chapter examines that period through firsthand accounts, archival material, and intimate moments between Stan and those around him.

https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpoanaheim/

If you're into comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, or cosplay, come share our playground. You'll feel out of this world – and right at home.

Find your fandom family at FAN EXPO Anaheim.

Show Hours:
Friday 3 PM – 8 PM^
Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM

^ Special Preview on Friday at 1 PM for VIP, Ultimate, and 3-Day pass holders who purchase in advance.

https://agapehelpers.org/

Agape Helpers is a service of New GateWay Solutions Corporation, a nonprofit organization. Agape Helpers provides its services throughout San Diego County.

New GateWay Solutions Corporation’s mission has always been to provide services to the community which are intended to give support to the most vulnerable. Throughout the first 7 years of operation, these services have included homelessness prevention, business startup assistance, employment assistance and alleviation of food insufficiency.

In 2023, New GateWay Solutions, post pandemic, pivoted its service model to provide services through Agape Helpers. The word “Agape” means “unconditional love”, which historically characterized the level of service delivery that the organization provided to its clients. Having assisted many entrepreneurs to start businesses, the organization took action to maintain and grow its small business network and to continue to serve those experiencing food insufficiency.

Chula Vista Comic Arts Workshop For Kids

Learn how to create your own comics through storytelling, character design, drawing, and visual narrative. Join us as we explore the fundamentals of comic art while creating original characters, comic panels, and short stories in a fun and creative environment!

*No advance sign-ups Available on first-come, first-served basis as space permits. No prior experience necessary Every Tuesday June 16th, 23rd, 30th July 7th and July 14th 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Civic Center Library - Storytime Room365 F St, Chula Vista CA 91910T: 619 691-5069

The instructor of the workshop is Charles Glaubitz. Glaubitz is an educator, teaching on both sides of the border. He has been a faculty member at San Diego City College. his paintings, sculptures, and murals have been exhibited internationally and are displayed in many locations including George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD),Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil (Mexico City) and Museo Amparo. Charles has illustrated major publications , including Rolling Stone, the New York Times, Variety and LA Times. He has an ongoing metaphysical science fantasy comic series titled Starseeds: The Noosphere.  

For more info on Charles Glaubitz visit his website https://www.mrglaubitz.com/

www.unplannedparenthood.org/

TO VOLUNTEER OR DONATE 

At Pregnancy Care Clinic

An unplanned pregnancy can be scary. Pregnancy Care Clinic offers a safe place to turn to where you can find the answers to your questions. We recognize that women have a right to make decisions about the outcome of their pregnancy and sexual health. We are here to help women and their partners make informed and thoughtful decisions. Information contained on this website is not intended to diagnose any condition or pregnancy. It should not take the place of a medical practitioner.

Free Pregnancy Testing and Other Services We Offer:

• Free Urine Pregnancy Testing
• Ultrasound Exams
• STI Testing  (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and Trichomonas)
• Health Provider Consultation
• Medical Referrals

• Natural Family Planning Information
• Peer Counseling & Education
• Emotional Support
• Maternity Clothes
• Lactation Consultation – by appointment only

wendirees.com

Link to Amazon: Christians Guide Psychedelics

Wendi Rees spent years silently battling darkness,
including trauma, depression, suicidal despair,
and a traumatic brain injury. Everything changed
when God met her in the most unexpected way
the night before she planned to end her life. What
followed was a journey of rescue and restoration
that included a therapeutic Ibogaine experience
that God used as a catalyst for profound healing.
Wendi writes for those who feel unseen in their
suffering and for Christians who are afraid to
speak honestly about their pain. Her work carries a
steady message of compassion and courage,
reminding readers that God still heals and still
meets His children in places they never expected.
She is the author of Journey to the Father’s Heart
and The Christian’s Guide to Psychedelics, and
she is the creator of The 22:2 Journey, a Christ centered retreat model designed for emotional
and spiritual renewal. 

PURCHASE HER BOOK TWO SUITCASES AND A DREAM

Cecille Maria Ahrens, LCSW, CEAP, is a seasoned psychotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples, and organizations through issues such as trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and relationship challenges. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist and Certified Employee Assistance Professional, recognized for her commitment to high‑quality, evidence‑based mental health care.

She is the owner and president of Transform Therapy where she provides psychotherapy, coaching, and organizational consulting. Beyond her clinical work, Cecille is the creator and host of the mental‑health podcast “Get Mental,” which aims to normalize conversations around emotional well‑being. As well as the Author of "Two Suitcases and a Dream"

https://www.smbball.org/

This organization is a 501c3 non-profit corporation; our coaches and staff do not get paid, and fees are used for the gym and tournament/league fees.

"We are a competitive basketball AAU club with a European and American approach to develop players in a positive environment. Our players who join our competitive and developmental youth teams get to play AAU tournaments and league games in San Marcos. We practice 2 times per week, and we play year-round for long-term development and a family culture approach. We keep our teams small with 8-9 players per team to allow our players to get maximized playing time."

Mission and Goals

Our mission as coaches is to give back to our community and the City of San Marcos by forming teams that play in our middle and local high schools.

Our goal is to develop starter players for our middle and high school basketball teams in San Marcos/Carlsbad/Vista/Encinitas/Escondido.

We are dedicated to helping our players reach and maximize their highest potential while developing a lifelong passion for the game of basketball.

 
Philosophy

At San Marcos Basketball, we believe that the value of youth sports goes beyond the court. We’re dedicated to promoting a culture of community and strive to offer young athletes the opportunity to build lasting relationships, develop essential social skills, and become part of a supportive community that they may not find elsewhere.

Being part of our team means playing together and adopting a non-selfish approach to the game. We’re all about the European style of basketball, characterized by disciplined defense and structured offenses that emphasize ball movement and team play.

In the spirit of our basketball style, our defense employs a man-to-man strategy, pairing every defensive player with an offensive counterpart to guard. We center our practices around adaptability in the game, where players learn to react and adapt to specific game situations, thereby becoming skilled team members.

Vita Oyler, M.S., is a rehabilitation counselor, author, and chronic pain advocate who has thrived despite living with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and other chronic conditions for over 35 years. She authored "Got Pain? Now What? Navigating Through a Journey of Pain

Do you suffer from a chronic painful condition? Are you confused about what to do? Do you want to take your life back in spite of pain? There are about 1.5 billion people worldwide living with chronic pain. Pain is not picky. There are no boundaries. Pain affects men, women, and children, and is not necessarily age-related. One can develop pain from accidents, illnesses, traumas, and other events. So how does one live with pain?

Vita Oyler has been living with a painful condition known as RSD for over thirty-five years. Besides the RSD, she has developed other painful conditions such as as fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and other conditions.. She has learned to focus on goals, family, hobbies, laughter, animals, alternatives, and other strategies which have led her to living a happy and good quality of life. Vita wrote this book to help others that either suffer chronic pain or have family members or friends that do.

Vita intends readers to gain some understanding of how pain interacts with daily life and how to find ways to live with pain that actually work for her. She explains how she has lived her life to her fullest in spite of pain.

MORE INFO ON THE SMASH BROS TOURNAMENT

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (January 21, 2026) -- The Unified Esports League (UESL) will host a world-first Super Smash Grand Championship for individuals with special needs on February 21 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Bornemann Theatre located on the TERI Campus for Life in San Marcos.

The inaugural championship will bring together 24 finalists from UESL’s six San Diego County and Imperial County locations to compete for a team trophy, as well as individual first-, second-, and third-place individual recognition. Participants are currently preparing to earn the title of Unified Esports League Grand Champion.

UESL and TERI both serve people with disabilities through inclusive, skill-building programs. TERI currently hosts UESL’s Technology Center in San Marcos, supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through hands-on technology and gaming experiences.

“The Bornemann Theatre at TERI Campus of Life is the perfect location for this inaugural event,” says UESL Founder and CEO Matthew Iske. “Our goal is to create opportunities where players with IDD can be part of a team, building friendships and learning through positive gaming experiences.”

The Bornemann Theatre is both a public live entertainment venue and the performing arts center for TERI program participants with autism and other developmental disabilities.

UESL is a San Diego based organization that provides its Technology Education Program to help those with special needs develop skills through their passion for technology. UESL programs operate during after-school hours, five days a week at its various locations in San Diego and Imperial Counties. UESL opened its doors in 2023 after several years of planning and developing its curriculum.

“This program not only teaches players the values of being on a team but serves as an opportunity to make friends while learning about new technologies in the video game and tech industries,” adds Iske.

At the event, there will be light refreshments hosted on the patio next to The Bornemann Theatre entrance, beginning at 2:00 p.m. for guests as they arrive. Live Super Smash characters will be present and available to have pictures taken as well. The Grand Championship competition begins at 3:00 p.m.

https://moniquegagne.com/

Monique Gagné

Monique, the author of the enlightening book "Who Took My Money?" published in 2008, has undergone a fascinating evolution from teaching fashion design to becoming an IT specialist and certified trainer. Transitioning from roles as a mortgage agent and wealth builder coach, she now shares her insights through a course called "The Power of Financial Happiness." Monique believes that managing money can be simple and enjoyable, demystifying the art of money management and making concepts like snowballing debt, budgeting, and retirement planning both accessible and fun. Over the past two decades, she has successfully assisted hundreds of couples in navigating financial challenges, helping to keep marriages and families together.

Monique's narrative is woven with sage, common-sense wisdom, reminiscent of the dialogues between the book's main characters—wise grandfather GP and his grandson Charles, a budding financial advisor. Their conversations, set in the family garage, illuminate complex financial concepts, inspire confidence, and celebrate financial milestones.

Channeling the spirit of GP, Monique advises, "The best time to take charge of your financial future is now. Invest in yourself by shifting your mindset and establishing positive habits. Well-managed money can support you for life, offering rewards beyond what you might imagine." She also cautions against perceived shortcuts, emphasizing the importance of discipline and adaptive planning, particularly in the realm of real estate investment.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Monique is deeply engaged in her community, contributing to causes like cancer support and local events. She encourages aspiring financial leaders to prioritize mentorship and continuing education, recognizing that success often stems from serving others in various capacities.

Monique's journey is a testament to resilience and continuous growth. From her early experiences as a timid child to her remarkable achievements in fashion design, IT, and finance, she has consistently pursued excellence. As she approaches retirement, Monique's ambitions extend beyond personal success; she aims to become a prominent influencer on money and happiness, leaving a legacy of love and wisdom in her wake.

Her commitment to philanthropy shines through initiatives like the World's Largest Bear Hug, which has raised significant funds for cancer research. Monique's story is not just about past achievements; it's a prologue to the future chapters of influence she is yet to write—a story of embracing the world with wisdom, love, and financial enlightenment.

https://safekidsnow.com 

You can keep your kids safe in an unsafe world.

Work with neighbors to protect families and children.

Guest Stephanie Mann

Ex. Director, Safe Kids Now National Network, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant, and author of 5 books on family, teen, neighborhood, community, and inner-city safety.

She helped launch the National Neighborhood Watch Program in the 1970’s.

 Major Awards

• Award from Ta-Yao Chou – “Empowerment Parenting” translated into Chinese for kids at risk in Taiwan, 2023
• Woman of Distinction, National Assembly, New York, NY, 2010
• Inter-religious and International Peace Council, Crown of Peace Award, Washington, DC, 2004
• Office of Attorney General, John K Van de Kamp, State of California, 1984
• Citizen of the Year, Orinda, CA 1973,

Over 50 Interviews with Stephanie on safekidsnow.com/blog

Helen – A victim of child sex trafficking

Fred Jackson – Community Hero and activist

Armand King – Former Pimp and Sex trafficker

Rev. James – Organized his neighborhood after a murder

Butch Sosa – Drug addict, 40 years and rescued

Barbara Joy Hanson – Victim of child abuse and incest

 www.smarteronlinesafety.com 

• The Queen of Online Safety         
• Top 10 Woman in Cybersecurity
• Helping People and Companies Stay Safe, Stay Safe and Stay Ahead in the AI World

Keynote Speaker | Consultant | Cybersecurity Expert  | Author  | Host - Smarter Online Safety Podcast |  Trusted Advisor to Fortune 500 Leaders Worldwide

your safe place website

Address: 1122 Broadway UNIT 200, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: (619) 533-6000

"Your Safe Place – The San Diego Family Justice Center provides comprehensive, confidential services to anyone who has experienced domestic violence, family violence, older and dependent adult abuse, strangulation, sexual assault, or sex trafficking. At Your Safe Place we provide supportive services in a judgment-free manner that empowers clients to successfully become survivors and move forward with their lives."

Kiwanis Club of Poway California

We are the Kiwanis Club of Poway, a community-oriented organization dedicated to helping local children and making a positive impact in Poway. Since 1973, we’ve been known as the helping hands of Poway, engaging in a variety of service projects and community events.

🎁 Holiday With Heroes 🎁Returns December 11

👉 Sign up to be a Hero here:
CLICK HERE TO BE A HERO

The Kiwanis Club of Poway is thrilled to announce the return of our signature event, Holiday With Heroes, happening December 11 at Poway’s Mickey Cafagna Community Center!

This heartwarming event pairs 150 under-served children with real-life Heroes—uniformed military, first responders, and medical professionals—for an unforgettable evening of giving, joy, and connection.

👮‍♀️👨‍🚒👨‍⚕️ We Need Heroes of All Kinds!
Sheriffs, firefighters, EMTs, military (active or retired), park rangers, FBI, doctors, nurses, and more—just your time and heart are needed to make a difference.

🛍️ Children shop for their families at our on-site holiday store
🎄 Enjoy dinner, games, music, and festive fun together
📸 Take photos, make memories, and spread holiday cheer
🎁 Kids receive art supplies, books, blankets, and more

Heroes arrive 15 minutes early for orientation and spend about 2 hours with their student.

👉 Sign up to be a Hero here:
CLICK HERE TO BE A HERO

Let’s make this holiday season magical—one child, one hero at a time.
#HolidayWithHeroes #PowayKiwanis #BeAHero #CommunityJoy #ServiceWithHeart

What We Do:

• Service Projects: From cooking meals for residents at Villa de Vida to providing holiday gifts for needy children and scholarships for high school seniors, our projects aim to support and uplift our community.
• Holiday with Heroes: Our signature service project, where 150 under-served local children shop for family members with the help of a military member or first responder.
• Community Partnerships: We work closely with organizations like the San Diego Blood Bank, Community Food Connection, and local school’s Homework Club to maximize our impact.
• Sponsorships: We sponsor events and programs such as the Miss Poway Scholarship Pageant, Poway Heroes Softball game, and Kiwanis Cups for high school sports.
• Pancake Breakfasts: We are famous for our delicious Pancake Breakfasts, served from our grill-on-wheels at various events, including opening day at Poway American Little League and Memorial Day at Web Park. We also provide free bicycle helmets at the Poway Safety Fair.
• Youth and Community Engagement: We teach the value of community service through our sponsorship of the Key Club at Poway High School and an Aktion Club for developmentally disabled adults. Together, we participate in events like park clean-ups and more.

Our mission is to make a lasting impact on the lives of local children and families, fostering a sense of community and service. Join us in our efforts and become a part of our vibrant, dedicated group!

click here to visit the Kary's Helping Hand website

Kary’s Helping Hand is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves homeless individuals living on the streets of San Diego City and County. We are a 100% volunteer-based organization.

There mission is to ignite hope and empower individuals to take the courageous step of seeking help and leave the streets behind.

They prioritize building relationships with those they serve, encouraging them to utilize available resources and find suitable shelter. We believe that every person possesses inherent value and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Every month, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, they proudly participate in “Power of a Shower” held at Meridian Baptist Church in El Cajon. These events provide homeless individuals with the opportunity to take a hot shower, receive clean clothes, and enjoy a nourishing home-cooked meal prepared with love and care.

Additionally, they actively conduct quarterly pop-up Community Outreach events in areas of San Diego where the homeless gather.

At Kary’s Helping Hand, they guarantee that every donation, whether in-kind or monetary, directly empowers individuals in urgent need.

Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. They invite you to join us in this vital mission. Let’s pave the way for lasting change in our community.

Link to North County Special Needs Foundation

"Play Ball" at the sportsplex. Players are excited. Nov 7th is the 2025 POWAY HEROES SOFTBALL GAME 7pm-8pm Friday November 7th. The Poway Padres were busy winning a Gold Medal at Perris this past weekend. We have added the Poway Sheriffs team to the game this year. Captain Claudia Delgado is getting her team in shape! Brian Mitchell's guys are always ready to play in their favorite event of the year! Pregame ceremonies start about 6:30 - Back by popular demand for his 3rd announcing gig will be John Couvrette of Halcyon Services and Chamber CFO. Of course, the Mayor and City council umpires are busy studying the softball rulebook! Take a look at the great raffle ticket flyer. Thanks to Lisa Lingham- owner of Original Pancake House Poway for putting it together! Got an autographed Hank Aaron bat from a high school buddy! Please forward flyer to your friends who can't make it to game. Check out the new "Taste of Poway" basket. Thanks for your support