Find inspiration, savor a fresh foods buffet, and learn the latest in sustainability

By Walt Meyer

September 16, 2012 (Lakeside)--At Heartland Coalition/UnitedGREEN's  Forging a Sustainable Future event at San Diego State University in March, keynote speaker Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared the importance of changing how we all live in light of the global climate crisis. But as has been said many times, all global change starts with local action--and there has never been a better time to take steps for real change. Toward that end, Heartland Coalition’s UnitedGREEN division is producing a series of customized Forging a Sustainable Future Solutions events to advance its mission of transforming the San Diego region.

The first FSFS event will be “Living Green at Blue Sky Ranch” on September 29 from 3-6:30 p.m. Exhibits and experts will explain permaculture, wildfire protection, Community Supported Agriculture, grey water, water catchment, organic farming and gardening, and other aspects of this self-sustaining community in Lakeside. The aim is to encourage others to emulate techniques used at Blue Sky Ranch (BSR) and invite people to showcase their innovations on the property. Early bird rates of $20 have been extended; at the door rates are $35/person or $60/couple.

September 14, 2012 (Julian)--For the 43rd year, Julian celebrates the end of summer with music.  The Julian Music Festival will be held on September 15 from 12 noon to 9 p.m. This year brings a change in location to the Menghini Winery.

Originally this festival was a banjo fiddle competition, and more recently known as the Julian Bluegrass Festival.  Now in its 40th year, the Festival expands to offer not only bluegrass, but an Americana mix of Western ballads and classic folk music. This year, an evening dance under the stars from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. is also new--so bring your dancing shoes and plan to kick up your heels.

September 11, 2012 (Santee) -- Don’t pass up a chance to relax on a bale of hay under the soft glow of moonlight with live bluegrass music playing in the background.

Santee is offering adults a chance to have a great night out with gourmet food and spirits while simultaneously supporting the local teen center at the recession-busting price of $35 per person.

September 8, 2012 (San Diego) – Nile Sisters is hosting its Annual Brunch and Auction on September 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7715 Draper Avenue in La Jolla.  A sumptuous catered buffet brunch will be served.

September 7, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The stars shine brightly at Mission Trails Regional Park! Join members of the San Diego Astronomy Association (weather permitting) on Friday, September 14 and on the 2nd Friday of each month, from sunset to 10 p.m. Telescopes will be available for you to view the stars and planets.

August 24, 2012 (El Cajon)—Native Americans from across the nation will convene September 7 -9 at the Sycuan reservation for the 23rd annual Sycuan Pow-wow. 

More than $125,000 in prize money will be awarded for top participants in bird singing and dancing and a drum/singing contest.  Native American arts and crafts will be available for purchase, as well as food.  The event, which is free and open to the public, is an opportunity to learn more about Native American culture and heritage. 

By Dennis Moore

September 5, 2012 (San Diego)--A NEW PATH, or PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing), is a voluntary, non-profit group of concerned parents of individuals suffering from addiction. They partner with health care professionals, the criminal justice system, recovering addicts and concerned members of society to seek better understanding of the illness and to create "therapeutic justice" for substance abuse related crimes. PATH's goals are  to reduce recidivism, save lives, heal families and move toward a healthier society.

On September 8, PATH invites you to the organization's annual “Strut for Sobriety” fashion show celebrating recovery from addiction.  The event, held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, will also feature a luncheon, awards, silent auction, live entertainment and boutique.( For full details, see http://www.anewpathsite.org/newevents1.html.)

August 29, 2012 (San Diego) – ArtsNFashion Magazine presents “Welcome to Ramallah”, a play by Sonja Linden and Adah Kay at Swedenborgh Hall, 4144 Campus Avenue, San Diego on Fridays and Saturdays from September 7 through 30 at 8:00 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. 

The play tells the tale of a Palestinian man, Daoud, in love with a Jewish woman, Mara.  Together they are trapped in an apartment in Ramallah in the West Bank, along with his uncle and her sister.  They are forced to confront the painful history of the Israeli – Palestinian conflict.

August 28, 2012 (San Diego) – The 8^th Annual Strut for Sobriety! is presented by A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing), an organization founded by a Spring Valley mother.

The event takes place on September 8 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego.  The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a boutique and silent auction.  At 12:00 p.m. the luncheon, awards ceremony and fashion show will begin.

August 16, 2012 (San Diego) --  Little Saigon Foundation presents San Diego Lantern Festival 2012 August 17- 19 at Hoover High School, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego.  The event is from 5 – 11 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  The multicultural event features a display of 6,000 lanterns and brings neighbors, businesses and community groups together.

The event includes carnival rides and games, a kids talent contest, Chinese chess competitions, Lion dance and martial arts performances and more.  The 2nd annual Miss Asia San Diego Pageant will also be held.

August 10, 2012 (East County) – The Perseid Meteor Showers will be peaking August 11 and 12 this year.  The meteor shower occurs every August when the Earth passes through space debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle.  The meteors are bright and often leave trails of luminous gas.  There are a number of events across East County to participate in and enjoy the show.

August 2, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) -- The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s  lively annual political event, Politics in Paradise, will be held on Friday, August 10 at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College.

August 7, 2012 (Ramona) – Hacienda de las Rosas Winery is hosting its annual Grape Stomp on September 3 at its ranch and winery in Ramona.  This year’s proceeds will be given to Wounded Warrior Homes, Inc, a local organization that will provide transitional housing to single service members who are being medically discharged with Traumatic Brain Injury.

The event is private and open only to members of the Winery’s Club.  Join the Club by August 10 and you will be able to attend the event.  Festivities will include a live band, huge buffet, wine tasting and grape stomping.

Click here to join the Club.

August 3, 2012 (San Diego) – Allied Gardens Recreation Council, Lake Murray/San Carlos Recreation Council and San Diego Event Professionals are sponsoring National Night Out Movie in the Park August 4 at the Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave., San Diego.  The movie is Cars 2 and will begin at dusk.  Arrive at 7 p.m. to be ready for the start.