Encinitas event briefs: Jan. 3

SDA Academy presents ‘She Kills Monsters’

The San Dieguito High School Academy Advanced Drama Honors class will perform “She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition” by Qui Nguyen.

Performances will be held Jan. 15 at 4 p.m., and Jan. 16, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m.

The production is a comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, in a new edition created specifically for high school performing groups. She Kills Monsters tells the story of high schooler Agnes Evans as she deals with the death of her younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes stumbles upon Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge.

In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ’90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. Please note this show has a PG-13 rating for mild language and adult themes.

All shows will be performed at the Clayton E. Liggett Theater on the San Dieguito High School Academy campus, 800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, 92024. Tickets cost $8 for students and $15 for adults and are available for purchase at www.seatyourself.biz/sandieguito. The house opens one half hour before each show, where tickets may also be purchased (if still available).

Cyclovia Encinitas

Cyclovia is a free open street event where streets are temporarily closed to cars and open for people to enjoy exploring their community by walking, bicycling, dancing, playing, and socializing. This is a chance to explore local businesses and the neighborhood in a new way. (Parks, Rec. and Cultural Arts Dept.) Sunday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Downtown Encinitas, Coast Hwy. 101 between D and J Streets. Free. 760-633-2740. Visit www.facebook.com/events/downtown-encinitas/cyclovia-encinitas/2690180354377818/

Friends of the Cardiff Library free concert

The Friends of the Cardiff Library will host a free concert on Jan. 8, from 7-8 p.m. featuring Mr & Mrs Something. Weaving the soulful passion of blues with the honesty of folk, Mr and Mrs Something offer a refreshing taste of hope that feels like coming home.

The concert will take place at the Cardiff Library Community room, 2081 Newcastle Ave., Cardiff. For more information, contact Friends of the Library Book Nook/Bookstore: 760-635-1000.

Encinitas Library Half-Price Monthly Book Sale

The Encinitas Friends Bookstore is holding a book sale from 10 a.m. (9 a.m. for members) to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 at the Encinitas Library Bookstore, 540 Cornish Drive. The entire store of more than 5,200 items will be at half price. Most books will be cost between 25 cents and $1, with CDs being 25 cents and DVDs typically $1. Books range from current fiction, children’s selections, biography, self-help and spirituality to health, history, travel and science. (760) 944-7294. encinitaslibfriends.org

Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding

The community is invited to recycle old electronics and destroy old documents with on-site shredding from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 4-5 behind Herman Cook Volkswagen, 1435 Encinitas Blvd. This event is sponsored by Encinitas Rotary Club in cooperation with Green Hat Electronics. Documents are stored in locked bins until the shredding truck arrives at 2:30 p.m. each day. Participants may come at 2:30 p.m. to drop-off documents and witness the shredding. Some electronics have small recycling fees. On-site shredding costs $7 per banker’s box. encinitasrotary.org

Create 2020 Vision Boards

The community is invited to create a 2020 Vision Board with their families from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Jan. 5 through Monday, Jan. 26 at The Heritage Ranch at The San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Drive. These family-friendly events are held outdoors on the patio. All materials are provided to create these vision collages, but participants are encouraged to bring magazines. Free. (760) 632-9711.

Public Farm Tour

Coastal Roots Farm offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of their production methods as the public tours the ever-evolving and diverse vegetable, herb and flower gardens. This 90-minute public tour takes place 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 at Coastal Roots Farm, 441 Saxony Road. Guests will learn about the farm’s innovative practices and programs and visit the edible labyrinth, market-style production beds, Education Farm and Gardens, chickens, compost operations and Food Forest. Suggested donation: $18. (760) 479-6505.

First Sunday Concert with Mark Lessman

A concert by the jazz group Fattburger features original material by Mark Lessman, including Vince Cooper on guitar, and jazz interpretations of classic rock songs and material from jazz masters. Mark Hunter on bass and Kevin Koch on drums make up the rhythm section. Cooper is known for his chordal textures and has been referred to as one of the most underrated guitarists of San Diego. Lessman, an Encinitas resident, has been a part of the local jazz scene since the late ‘70s. This concert takes place 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 at the Encinitas Library Community Room, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. (760) 944-7294. encinitaslibfriends.org

American Red Cross

Blood Drive

To schedule an appointment for the American Red Cross Blood Drive, sign up online at redcrossblood.org and use the code “SDLibrary”. The blood drive takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

Batiquitos Lagoon

King Tide Event

Batiquitos Lagoon will be holding a King Tide Event at South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad on Jan. 12 at 8 a.m. People are invited to come and learn about the effects of sea level rise and document the extreme low and high tides with photos for a citizen science project. Meet at the parking lot near the restrooms. This event is free. For more information, visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

Totally Tidepools

The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and Living Coast Discovery Center present Totally Tidepools, a family-fun interactive presentation of the tough life animals have in the tidepools. Children will discover the amazing adaptations that help animals survive through animal encounters, a discovery table, and movement activities.

The event will be held Saturday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Ave. Solana Beach 92075. This free program is funded by the City of Solana Beach and limited to 50 persons. Participants should arrive early for parking and finding a seat.

Registration is required: sdrvctotallytidepools2020.eventbrite.com. Questions: Email Ana Lutz-Johnson, ana@sdrvc.org, or call 858-755-6956.

Exhibit: Alex Nichols, “Wild & Free”

Alex Nichols’ free-style weaving exhibit “Wild & Free” is on display during open hours Monday through Friday, Jan. 7 through Feb. 23 at the Civic Center Gallery, City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave. Using a Saori loom and hand weaving techniques, Nichols creates whimsical wall hangings mixing textures and vibrant colors, using yarn and unconventional materials such as jewelry, ribbon, clothing and toys. He also creates Memory Weavings, featuring keepsakes from loved ones. An Art Night Reception will take place 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Free. (760) 633-2600. lnichols9.wixsite.com/website

Exhibit: Lorraine Nichols, “Etched in Nature”

Lorraine Nichols’ etching and mixed media exhibit “Etched in Nature” can be seen during open hours Monday through Friday, Jan. 7 through Feb. 23 at the Civic Center Gallery, City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave. Nichols’ etchings are inspired by the beauty of nature. They are created by drawing on a zinc plate that is immersed in nitric acid to create line and texture, and then rubbed with oil-based inks and pressed into wet paper. Some of the prints include watercolor washes and embossments. An Art Night Reception will take place 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Free. (760) 633-2600. lnichols@san.rr.com

Doggie Tales: Read to Dogs!

Kids are invited to make furry friends and practice reading skills with certified therapy dogs. Next reading takes place 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. Register at (760) 753-7376 or e-mail hector.ortega@sdcounty.ca.gov

Exhibit: Grace Chow, “Journeys of Imagination”

Grace Chow’s watercolors and mixed media exhibit “Journeys of Imagination” can be seen daily during open hours Jan. 8 through Feb. 24 at the Encinitas Library Gallery, 540 Cornish Drive. Travels, plays and Scripture are a rich source of inspiration for Chow’s paintings. “These days, I only paint when the message of my painting is strong and clear in my imagination,” said Chow. “Bringing ideas and feelings to life always is challenging and helps me to understand myself better. This is a never-ending experiment, and I will continue to pursue it with a humble heart.” An Art Night Reception will take place 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Free. (760) 753-7376. gracepschow@gmail.com

Exhibit: Su Lund, “FUTURE DREAMING”

Su Lund’s mixed media exhibit “FUTURE DREAMING” is on view during daily open hours, Jan. 8 through Feb. 24, at the Encinitas Library Gallery, 540 Cornish Drive. Lund is a visual artist and bookmaker who creates assemblages combining painting, printmaking and sculpture in lavish detail. Her finely crafted pieces are multilayered, both literally and conceptually. Lund explores the endless possibilities of manipulating text and images to create exquisite messages. In Lund’s work, found objects are to be read as text, and the artist seems them as a visual ‘language’ equal to words. An Art Night Reception will be held 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Free. (760) 753-7376. sulund.com

Wednesdays@Noon: Villa-Lobos International Chamber Music Festival

The first concert of the festival in Encinitas will celebrate the music and heritage of Brazilian composer and musician Heitor Villa-lobos. The concert will take place noon to 12:45 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive and will feature Lars Hoefs on cello and Victor Asuncion on piano, performing music from Argentina, Brazil and Cuba by composers Ginastera, Lecuona, Marx, Nobre and Linhares. Free. (760) 753-7376. villalobosfestival.com

Exhibit: KarobStudios, “Our Story”

KarobStudios is a collaborative effort of Katherine Ruth-Bender and Robert Bender. “Our Story” is a glimpse into the myriad of visions, interpretations and moments experienced in their journey together. “We offer you work in a wide variety of mediums, in both 2 and 3 dimensions,” said KarobStudios. “We hope that through color, texture and gesture you can share the joy, wonder and excitement of Our Story.” The exhibit on view during daily open hours Jan. 10 through Feb. 26 at the Encinitas Community Center Gallery, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. An Art Night Reception will be held 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Free. (760) 943-2260. karobstudios.com

Friends of the Cardiff Library to present free concert

The Friends of the Cardiff Library will host a free concert on Jan. 8, from 7-8 p.m. featuring Mr & Mrs Something. Weaving the soulful passion of blues with the honesty of folk, Mr and Mrs Something offer a refreshing taste of hope that feels like coming home.

The concert will take place at the Cardiff Library Community room, 2081 Newcastle Ave., Cardiff.

For more information, contact Friends of the Library Book Nook/Bookstore: 760-635-1000.

Encinitas New Year E-Waste Recycling & Paper Shredding

Clean out for 2020. The Encinitas Rotary Club will host an Electronics Recycling and On-Site Paper Shredding event Saturday Jan 4 and Sunday Jan 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.. Behind Cook VW, 1435 Encinitas Blvd. Visit EncinitasRotary.org

Encinitas Chamber Sundowner Mixer

The Encinitas Chamber will host a January Sundowner Mixer Tuesday, Jan. 21, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome to come celebrate the beginning of a new year, enjoy food and beverages, and strengthen your professional connections. The event will be held at The Grauer School, 1500 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, 92024.

The event is free for members of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and first-time guests; $20 for non-members. RSVP: http://bit.ly/ECCJan2020Sundowner

Flamenco Classes

Flamenco Classes with world-renowned Flamenco dancer Lakshmi Basile “La Chimi” is a great opportunity for any one interested in learning the rich art form of Flamenco. This class series will be every Sunday for both January and February, 2020 at North County Dance, 535 Encinitas Blvd.Encinitas. 12 p.m. will be a slow pace class for those new or newer to flamenco. 1 p.m. will be a fast pace class for intermediate/advanced dancers. Both classes will consist of repeated drills to teach technique. Then those same technique exercises will be the building blocks to create a choreography. To sign up for class, email lachimi.basile@gmail.com. For more information visit www.lakshmibasile.com

Encinitas New Year E-Waste Recycling & Paper Shredding

Clean out for 2020. The Encinitas Rotary Club will host an Electronics Recycling and On-Site Paper Shredding event Saturday Jan 4 and Sunday Jan 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.. Behind Cook VW, 1435 Encinitas Blvd. Visit EncinitasRotary.org

The Hutchins Consort presents: Bach and Rock

The Hutchins Consort continues its multi-year collaboration with pianist Maksim Velichkin, who will be featured in Bach’s Keyboard Concerto nº1 in D minor. A new Led Zeppelin arrangement will also be presented along with other works by Bach, Procul, Harem, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. The concert is slated to take place 8-9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 890 Balour Drive. Tickets: $15-$35. (858) 366-2423. info@hutchinsconsort.org or hutchinsconsort.org

Open Air Yoga Experience

The community is invited to participate in an Open Air Yoga Experience from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. Participants will breathe in fresh air while being sheltered by beautiful tree surrounding their mat. Leave restored and rejuvenated after gently moving your body. Please bring your own mat. Class will be moved indoors in the event of rain. Cost: $20-$24. sdbgarden.org/classes.htm

The Hutchins Consort presents: Winter Journey

The Winter Journey concert is a celebration of the many moods of winter and is slated to take place 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. info@hutchinsconsort.org or hutchinsconsort.org

Volunteer: Restore Harbaugh Seaside Trails

The community is invited to join Nature Collective for a special habitat restoration event on one of the Collective’s newest saved lands. A Nature Collective biologist oversees the process. The event takes place 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 11 at Harbaugh Seaside Trails, parking available at Seaside State Beach Parking (for a fee) or Park Streetside Highway 101. Free. (760) 436-3944.

Living Wall/Vertical Garden

The public is invited to learn the basics of planting a living wall and then planting one for themselves. A 10” by 20” frame and succulents in a wide variety of colors, textures and sizes will be provided. Limited class size. Cost: $30-$36 plus an $80 per student materials fee. Register at sdbgarden.org/classes.htm

Wednesdays@Noon: 6th Annual Villa-Lobos International Chamber Music Festival

This concert will feature Karl Pasch on clarinet, Bridget Dolkas on violin, Lars Hoefs on cello and others, performing the world premiere of Pasch’s new work, a preview of Liduino Pitombeira’s Brazilian Landscapes no. 17, and the Villa-Lobos String Quartet no. 3 “Popcorn.” This concert will take place noon to 12:45 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. (760) 753-7376. villalobosfestival.com

Film Screening—Resilience, the biology of stress and the science of hope

A film exploring how addressing stress and promoting resilience in individuals’ lives can positively impact health and well-being. The film screening will be followed by a group discussion with experts and takes place 6-7:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

Reception & Artist Talk: Darel Carey

The community is invited to attend featured regional artist Darel Carey’s Reception & Artist Talk on Jan. 17. Carey will talk about his work and artistic process. From 6-7 p.m., the evening will feature Art Lounge music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments, with the artist talk and Q&A taking place 7-9 p.m. at Lux Art Institute, 1550 S. El Camino Real. Price: $10 guests, free for members. (760) 436-6611.

Happy Tales

Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s reading program gives children from ages 6-12 the opportunity to read to adoptable dogs, cats and rabbits. Next reading takes place 4-5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, 389 Requeza St. $5. Space is limited and preregistration is required at bit.ly/happytalesreadingprogram For more, call (760) 753-6413 or email education@sdpets.org

Music by the Sea: Piano Duo

Since 2017, national and international award-winning pianists Hye Won Souh and So-Mang Jeagal have presented a Northern California concert series, Piano Talk, to sold out audiences. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive, they will perform a virtuoso piano solo and duet works for four hands by Mozart, Schubert, Kurtág, Paganini, Poulenc and Bernstein. Tickets are $14 at encinitas.tix.com (760) 633-2746.

Open Air Yoga Experience

The community is invited to participate in an Open Air Yoga Experience from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. Participants will breathe in fresh air while being sheltered by beautiful tree surrounding their mat. Leave restored and rejuvenated after gently moving your body. Please bring your own mat. Class will be moved indoors in the event of rain. Cost: $20-$24. sdbgarden.org/classes.htm

Photography Fundamentals & Creative Controls

A three-hour class for beginning and intermediate camera enthusiasts will be held 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 18 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. Participants will receive instruction on proper exposure, how to use histograms, depth of field creative choices and more. The class benefits digital, film and call phone users. Learning handouts will be provided. Price: $65-$78. sdbgarden.org/classes.htm

Volunteer Planting: Harbaugh Seaside Trails

The community is invited to join Nature Collective for a special habitat restoration event on one of the Collective’s newest saved lands. A Nature Collective biologist oversees the process. The event takes place 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 18 at Harbaugh Seaside Trails, parking available at Seaside State Beach Parking (for a fee) or Park Streetside Highway 101. Free. (760) 436-3944. Reserve a spot at bit.ly/naturecollectivevolunteer

Orchid Kokedama Workshop

Kokedama is a traditional Japanese Living Art form where moss is used as a container for a plant. A hands-on workshop teaching the skills behind Kokedama and how to make one will be held 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 19 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. Please bring an apron and gloves. Price: $20-$24 plus a $38 per student materials fee. sdbgarden.org/classes.htm

Free Composting and Vermicomposting Basics Workshop

The Solana Center is hosting a free presentation on composting from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 19 at Coastal Roots Farm, 441 Saxony Road. Participants will learn the basics of backyard composting and vermicomposting (composting with worms) through trial-tested advice and interactive demonstrations by expert educators. coastalrootsfarm.org

SMART Recovery

A self-empowering addiction recovery support group that helps individuals gain independence from addiction and addictive behaviors is held 9:30-11 a.m. on Saturdays at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. (760) 753-7376. smartrecoverysd.org or sdcl.org

Spanish Conversation

Both intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers are invited to improve their Spanish fluency with weekly conversational practice, hosted from 3-5 p.m. Fridays at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

Basic Computer Help

Basic computer help is offered 1-3 p.m. Mondays and 5:30-7:50 p.m. Thursdays at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Help includes e-mail account set up, resume building, using the library catalog and databases and more. Free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

Awaken the Poet Within

A weekly writing group allows participants to experience the practical magic of writing a poem, facilitated by Dr. Marit Anderson. The group is held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

English Café News for You

Those learning English are invited to red intermediate-level newspaper articles and participate in group discussions with other English learners. This meeting takes place 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Encinitas Library. Free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

Bereavement & Caregiving Support Group

A facilitated discussion group to support individuals experiencing grief and caregiving issues meets 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Open to all. Free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

French Conversation

Those learning to speak French, both intermediate and advanced, are invited to improve their French fluidity with weekly conversational practice. The group meets 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

Citizenship Class

Those beginning the process of getting their United States citizenship are invited to attend a free class 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. The classes are conducted in English and all materials are provided for free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

Osher Learning

Open House

 Discover the joys of continued learning at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s Open House, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 on UC San Diego’s main campus, 9600 North Torrey Pines Road. This membership program, for ages 50 and up, offers daytime lectures, seminars and guided tours by university faculty and community leaders. Subjects include medicine, science, law and society, history, art and humanities, international relations, literature and social sciences.

There are no prerequisites, exams or credit — simply the joy of learning. Winter Quarter lectures on Japan, The Influence of Eastern Art on Western Art, Musical Cultures of the Africa Diaspora, Re-Writing Life: the Ethics of Gene Editing, and others. (858) 534-3409. olli.ucsd.edu

New Play Readings

The 8th annual Powers New Voices Festival kicks off 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 at The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park with “Celebrating Community Voices,” an evening of short works created by San Diego residents through the Globe’s arts-engagement programs. These readings include “Codeswitchin’ Is Conscious” by Andréa Agosto; “Pussycats” by Thelma Virata de Castro; “Tune Up” by Tim Cole; “The Mojave” by Jaime Estepa; “Transit Stop” by Jordan Jacobo; “When the Sun Dies” by Melanie Taing and “Courtesan Way” by Zakiyyah Saleem. The readings will be directed by Gerardo Flores Tonella and Katherine Harroff. New American plays will be read 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12. Free. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org 