Other Events of Interest
Save Our Heritage Organization: Penning the Past Zoom Lecture – Little Italy
VirtualJoin the Save Our Heritage Organization to learn about the unique character of San Diego’s historic neighborhoods through the eyes of impassioned writers and historians. Brought to life by esteemed local authors, Penning the Past promises to be an enriching exploration of San Diego’s architectural legacy and historical tapestry. The series is free for SOHO members, $10 per lecture for non-members. Your participation supports SOHO’s mission of education and advocacy to preserve the historic architecture, sites, and cultural landscapes that surround us and add meaning to our daily lives. Little Italy by Dr. Thomas J. Cesarini Italian immigrants settled along San Diego's waterfront in the early 1900s and formed the "Italian Colony," a tightly knit community that provided refuge, shared culture, and heritage. Extended families, new businesses, and church traditions formed the foundation for a lasting social code. It was no coincidence that the area would become known as Little Italy—it was exactly that for its inhabitants—a home away from their native land. But by the mid-1960s, changes brought by war and urban modernization began to unravel the community. Take a compelling journey through this unique immigrant enclave. Vivid images and descriptive captions highlight essential elements of this community, such as labor and longing, fishing and family, ritual and revitalization. Through photographs contributed by local community members, this volume traces the evolution of a humble fishing village into the chic urban neighborhood that is Little Italy today. Author bio Dr. Thomas J. Cesarini, a distinguished academic and nonprofit leader, founded Convivio, a nonprofit dedicated to Italian humanities. Holding a PhD in leadership studies and an M.A. in nonprofit leadership and management from the University of San Diego, he is known for his advocacy for San Diego's Italian community and was appointed as the Italian Honorary Consul in 2019. He established the Italian Historical Society of San Diego in 2006, aiming to create a comprehensive Italian cultural center and museum. Dr. Cesarini's commitment to fostering Italian arts, culture, and heritage makes him a stalwart advocate in the San Diego Italian-American community. This event is hosted by the Save Our Heritage Organization. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
Grape Day Festival
Grape Day Park 321 N Broadway, Escondido, CA, United StatesCelebrate Escondido’s agricultural heritage at the Escondido Grape Day Festival, presented by the Escondido History Center, The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, and Brothers of 6 Charities. This year’s event features activities for all ages including grape stomping, live music, children’s activities and games, antique farm equipment, food vendors, local arts and crafts, wine and beer garden, and more. Visit the SDAC’s booth to step into the fascinating world of archaeology. Conduct a mini excavation, assemble plate puzzles, and explore artifacts from the region. This event is hosted by the Escondido History Center and the Brothers of 6. For more information, visit the Escondido Grape Day Festival website.
Save Our Heritage Organization: Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Tour
Warner Carillo Ranch House 29181 San Felipe Road, Warner Springs, CA 9208, CA, United StatesBuilt in 1857 by Vincenta Carrillo, a prominent early Californio woman rancher, the adobe served as the Butterfield Stage Stop from 1858 until the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. As California's first regular overland transcontinental stage connection with St. Louis, this pioneering stage route ran along the Missouri Trail. The trail was the most southerly and only all-weather route to California. Built directly beside the emigrant trail, it figured prominently in the settler's diaries as their first glimpse of the promised land, the first well-watered valley to be encountered after crossing the Great Southwestern Deserts. The historic setting has changed very little from the time of the great western migration and presents a rare opportunity to experience the past. The adobe maintains a high degree of integrity including a great deal of its historic fabric including the original fireplace mantle, much woodwork, vigas (ceiling beams) and remains of its muslin ceiling cloths. Trained and knowledgeable docent educators lead the guided tour. Learn more about its history and restoration before your visit. Open Year Round Saturday • Sunday • 12-4pm Closed Christmas eve and Christmas day, New Year's eve and New Year's day House Tours are 45-60 minutes in length Please note: The last tour of the day begins at 3:45pm PURCHASE TICKETS In Person Warner-Carrillo Ranch House 29181 San Felipe Road, Warner Springs CA 92086 Admission $5 Adults $4 Seniors (65 & older) & Children (ages 6-12) Free for children & under This event is hosted by the Save Our Heritage Organization. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
Arch in the Park
Los Penasquitos Ranch House 12122 Canyonside Park Drive, San Diego, CA, United StatesJoin the San Diego County Archaeological Society (SDCAS) for their annual Arch in the Park event. Their goal is to educate the public about archaeology, and to provide information on various career and volunteer opportunities with local archaeological companies, museums, universities, and organizations. Typically, more than 30 vendors take part in Arch in the Park. Arch in the Park is ideal for students and budding archaeologists to network, as well as family fun. This event is hosted by the San Diego County Archaeological Society. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
Julian Natural Wonderfest
Menghini Winery 1150 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian, CA, United StatesJoin the Volcan Mountain Foundation for the Julian Natural Wonderfest, a day of fun, education, wildlife, science, wonder, preservation and dark sky appreciation for the whole family! Free event — community sponsored! This afternoon and evening gathering at Menghini Winery will include a late night astronomy star party, wildlife ambassador encounters, games and activities for families, presentations of music and art, and outreach booths from land preservation and other local nature-focused organizations, food vendors and access to the winery tasting room adjacent to the event venue. Free parking convenient to the event grounds.
Archaeology Day
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesJoin the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society for Archaeology Day at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center. Events include local indigenous artists, exhibits, paddle-anvil pottery making and rock painting activities for kids, video "field trips" to La Rumarosa in Baja and Morteros Trail in Blair Valley, guided tours of the Begole Archaeology Research Lab and Library, and in-person field trips to Mine Wash Village and Blair Valley cultural sites. View Archaeology Day Flyer This event is hosted by the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.