The year’s end approaches in coastal North San Diego County with opportunities to enjoy local art, attend a show, learn tips for building business for a successful 2024, and support local farmers and vendors.
Click the links embedded in this story’s text for more information about the events covered. Information for this month’s Spotlight is provided by organizations and individuals in the communities covered by the North Coast Current and OsideNews.
Encinitas
Dec. 8: Learning Workshop: Get a Grip on Your Business — The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and the Entrepreneurial Operating System offer a workshop Friday Dec. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the California Institute for Human Science, 701 Garden View Ct. in Encinitas. Presenter Michel Kripalani will cover topics including how to grow your company and make more money, align the company around a single vision, share responsibility across an entire leadership team, establish effective communication, increase cash flow and more. More information is available at the Chamber of Commerce’s event page.
Dec. 9: Off Track Gallery artists reception — Join the San Dieguito Art Guild at the Off Track Gallery on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a reception showcasing the works of Suzanne Mandel-Mosko, Jonathan Rosenberg and Grace Swanson. Mandel-Mosko’s love for the interaction between light and colored glass shines through in her recycled glass art pieces. Rosenberg experiments with color, shape and size to create fused glass works that reflect the beautiful colors inherent in the glass. Swanson’s passion for gourd art, sparked by her childhood in Nigeria, is evident in each of her one-of-a-kind pieces. All artwork that is currently displayed in the Off Track Gallery will be on sale for 10% off all day Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. until closing. The Off Track Gallery is located at 937 South Coast Highway 101, Suite C-103, in Encinitas. Call 760-942-3636 or email pr@sandieguitoartguild.com for more information.
Carlsbad
Winter hours: State Street Farmers’ Market — The Carlsbad Village Association’s State Street Farmers’ Market returned to winter hours in November, running through next March. The market runs Wednesdays from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Visitors can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, eggs, nuts and honey, in addition to fresh flowers and plants. Artisan food vendors sell items such as bread, granola, yogurt, bone broth, kombucha, fudge, cookies and more. For more information visit the association’s market event page.
Oceanside
Dec. 7-10: “Annie Jr.” at the Star Theatre — The musical “Annie” returns to the historic Star Theatre in downtown Oceanside. The show includes classic tunes from the classic Broadway show. “Annie Jr.” runs for one week, Dec. 7-10. Showtimes and ticket information are available at www.startheatreco.com/annie-tickets. Star Theatre Co. is located at 402 N. Coast Highway in Oceanside.
Dec. 9: Linguist Richard Lederer joins Books Galore and More — The Friends of the Oceanside Public Library hosts its Books annual Galore and More! fundraiser, offering books and other holiday gifts for sale at bargain prices, on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Civic Center Library Community Room at 330 North Coast Highway. Early bird shopping for Friends of the Library members will be available from 9 to 10 a.m., and memberships may be purchased at the door. The sale will feature specially selected books, artworks and puzzles as well as other gift items. Noted author and linguist Richard Lederer will be featured in person with his books for sale. More information is available at oplfriends.org.
Dec. 15-24: “Blitzen’s Ball: A Holiday Variety Show” — Oceanside Theatre Co. presents “Blitzen’s Ball: A Holiday Variety Show” produced by Associate Artistic Director Kevin “Blax” Burroughs, featuring seasonal songs, dance, a lip sync battle and an ugly sweater contest. Created and directed by Burroughs, with music direction and piano accompaniment by Nina Gilbert, “Blitzen’s Ball” invites the community to revel in the holiday spirit. The show runs Dec. 15-24 Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway in Oceanside. Tickets are $25 general admission, and $20 for students, military and seniors. Call 760-433-8900 or email info@oceansidetheatre.org for more information.
Now through Dec. 14: A celebration of Oaxacan culture — Join the Oceanside Public Library for Creando Memorias en Oceanside, a series of six free, family-friendly workshops and events celebrating the richness of Oaxacan culture. This cultural series will include a cooking class, an art workshop, a dance class, a screening of a documentary film, an Oaxacan craft-making workshop and a final Noche de Calenda, a night of music and dancing and celebration to close out the series. The events will be held at the Crown Heights Community Resource Center, 1210 Division Street, and Civic Center Library, 330 North Coast Highway in downtown Oceanside. All events are free to attend and welcome to everyone, no registration is necessary and all materials will be provided.
San Marcos
Dec. 10: Holiday Spirit of Sustainability at the Golden Door Country Store — San Diego nonprofit Sustainability is Sexy hosts an event featuring sustainable vendors, other local nonprofits, holiday photo booth, live music and seasonal beverages available at the Golden Door Country Store, 314 Deer Springs Road in San Marcos. Find out more at sustainabilityissexy.org.
Submit events for publication to the North Coast Current and OsideNews at currentevents[at]northcoastcurrent.com.