It’s the most wonderful time of the year for celebration, entertainment and of good old jolly Saint Nick. December is brimming with events in North San Diego, so we’ve narrowed it down to 25 events for the 25 days leading up to the Christmas holiday. Get your social calendar ready and make this a memorable […]
Monthly Archives: November 2017

#GivingTuesday – Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season
Tis the season for merriment and cheer! The holidays are perfect time to continue old traditions as well as start new traditions for the whole family to enjoy. Start the holiday season by paying it forward to those in need.
We’ve joined the global movement, #GivingTuesday where charities and communities come together to cultivate generosity and celebrate the gift of giving. Each act of generosity matters, and when we collectively amplify the act of the giving, it becomes a gift that keeps on giving even after the holiday season.
Make a difference in someone’s life by joining us in expressing generosity on #GivingTuesday and every day. Whether you’re looking to volunteer or make a donation, we’ve highlighted a list of non-profit organizations and programs to get you started.
American Cancer Society’s mission is to free the world from cancer through funding, conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients and spreading the word about prevention.
American Red Cross San Diego / Imperial Counties serves over 3.6 million in the region by providing food and shelter in emergencies, assist members of armed forces and their families, teach lifesaving skills and more.
Arthritis Foundation is leading the fight for the arthritis community through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community connections.
Burn Institute is dedicated to reducing burn injuries and deaths through fire and burn prevention education, burn survivor support programs, and funding of burn care research and treatment.
California Center for the Arts Escondido is dedicated to bringing people together to discover, create, and celebrate the arts by hosting free community events, educational programs and featuring a wide array of performing art shows.
Junior Achievement of San Diego works with local kids to help them achieve their true potential by providing them a variety of K-12 educational programs.
Meals on Wheels San Diego County is devoted to the health, safety and well-being of San Diego seniors by providing and distributing home-delivered meals and safety checks for 7 days a week, including holidays, covering the entire county including delivery into 3,049+ square miles of rural and unincorporated areas.
Moonlight Cultural Foundation raises funds to help cultivate the arts, enhance the natural environment, and preserve Vista’s rich history through three separate entities: Moonlight Cultural Foundation, Moonlight Angels Auxiliary, and Moonlight Youth Theatre.
Neighborhood Healthcare provides quality health care and promotes wellness for everyone in the community, regardless of ability to pay. Volunteers are welcome and they will match you up with a like-minded staff member that can mentor you while you volunteer.
Operation Connect is a program that gives back to those who served our country by connecting transitioning service members to business leaders, owners, and influential people in the community. They are partnered up with a mentor and receive complimentary professional development training, admission to networking events and access to North San Diego Business Chamber member benefits.
Palomar College Foundation helps fund scholarships, special programs and projects, and ensuring the quality education is available for everyone in the community.
Promises 2 Kids annually provides over 3,000 current and former foster youth in San Diego County with the tools, opportunities, and guidance they need to address the circumstances that brought them into foster care. They help them overcome the difficulties of their past, and grow into healthy, happy and successful adults.
RB United enables individuals and groups, working together, to collaborate on programs such as the Fire Council of Rancho Bernardo, Community Preparedness & Recovery, and Senior Collaborative that benefit the North County Inland community.
San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra provides performance opportunities to children and young people of any race, religion, or ethnic origin without regard to economic circumstances in the community to demonstrate their musical proficiency for a receptive audience.
San Diego North Educational Foundation is responsible for Strategies for Success, a leadership certification program for high school seniors and college students, offering programs to bridge the life skills gap by giving them the knowledge they need to connect with San Diego employers. SDNEF also manages Operation Connect, a program that gives back to those who served our country by connecting transitioning service members to business leaders, owners, influential people in the community.
Scripps Health Foundation ensure that Scripps continue to make breakthroughs in medicine and provides a quality, caring environment focused around each patient’s unique needs. Donations gives doctors, nurses and staff the technology, training and tools they need to deliver the best possible care to patients.
Scripps Ranch Theater is an all-volunteer non-profit committed to producing quality and entertaining theater. Donations help with their artist advocacy, general operating support, education, and outreach.
Sharp Health Care combines advanced technology, medical excellence and compassionate care, going beyond caring for people to caring about people. They offer volunteer opportunities to serve the community, meet new people, and assist in a wide variety of meaningful programs.
Strategies for Success is a professional development training program created by the San Diego North Educational Foundation to provide high school seniors, community college, and vocational students a full day educational seminar on skills needed to be successful in the business environment.
The Foundation of Senior Well-being is dedicated to improving the well-being of a growing population of seniors throughout North San Diego County by linking them, their families, and their caregivers to resources and programs to achieve a sense of purpose, supportive relationships, financial security, community pride, and good physical health.
The So Brave Foundation brings together alternative healers of all kinds to provide complementary services for veterans and their families with PTSD & TBI.
Tri City Hospital Foundation plays an important role in promoting philanthropy and well-being in the community. They have raised nearly 50 million in programs, services and capital needs for The da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, The Siegel Family Surgical Suites The Beatrice Riggs French Women’s Center and more!
Youth Philharmonic Orchestra is dedicated to enhancing the musical, social, and intellectual growth of young musicians of all ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. They inspire and guide them through instruction, dynamic ensemble rehearsals, and exceptional performances.

Small Business Saturday: Go Loco, Shop Local
Small Business Saturday is an annual celebration that takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving to celebrate small businesses in local communities. We are kicking things off by launching Go Loco, Shop Local, a campaign designed to encourage San Diegans to Think Local First in the weeks leading up to Small Business Saturday, November 25.
When shopping local, dollars spent are invested back into the community helping neighborhoods thrive and stay vibrant. According to the Think Local First San Diego, an initiative started by the North San Diego Business Chamber, for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $45 – $68 goes back into the community.
North San Diego is home to thousands of small businesses, and with so many options to choose from, why leave town to shop, when all the amenities are just outside your doorstep? With the holidays just around the corner, we understand things can get a little “loco” during this time of year, and to help you navigate through this holiday season, we’ve curated a local guide for all your shopping, dining, and entertainment needs. So get into the holiday spirit and Go Loco, Shop Local!
For the TEMPTING TASTBUDS, #DineLocal with family and friends and experience the ultimate food and drink experience:
Photo credit: Vintana Wine + Dine
- AleSmith Brewing Company
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego/La Jolla – Indulge Restaurant and Lounge
- Gywnn Foods
- Harrah’s Resort Southern California – Fiore
- Maderas Golf Club – The Grille
- Manzanita Roasting Company
- Market Cuisine West
- Miguel’s Cocina 4S Ranch
- On the Border Escondido
- Pala Casino Spa & Resort Resort – The Oak Room Steakhouse
- Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Avant
- Second Chance Beer Company
- Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
- Tailored Desserts
- Town and Country Resort – Charlie’s
- Vintana Wine & Dine
Unwind and RECHARGE at these award winning spas.
Photo credit: Harrah’s Resort Southern California
- Bellus Academy
- Bernardo Winery – Salon at the Courtyard
- European Wax Center 4S Ranch
- Harrah’s Resort Southern California
- Massage Envy Rancho Bernardo
- Pala Casino Spa & Resort
- Rancho Bernardo Inn
- Valley View Casino & Resort
Don’t have the time to go to a spa? Try at home spa treatments with HD Beauty Skincare and Boutique
If you’re looking for ROMANCE treat that someone special in your life with a bit of sparkle, blooms, or a weekend getaway.
Photo credit: Bernardo Winery
- Bernardo Heights Country Club
- Bernardo Winery
- Casino Pauma
- Courtyard by Marriott San Diego/Rancho Bernardo
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego – La Jolla
- Harrah’s Resort Southern California
- Hyatt House San Diego
- Koi Zen Cellars Urban Winery
- Pala Casino Spa & Resort
- Radisson Hotel San Diego Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Bernardo Courtyard
- Rancho Bernardo Inn
- Rosemary-Duff Florist
- San Diego Marriott La Jolla
- Town and Country Resort
- Unicorn Jewelry & Watch Boutique
FAMILY FUN experiences are priceless gifts for the whole family to enjoy and remember for years to come. Here are a list of attractions and activities perfect for the mom, dad and the kids.
Photo credit: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- California Center for the Arts Escondido
- Club Pilates Rancho Bernardo
- Danceology
- Distinction Gallery
- Fit-X Fitness
- Georgia’s School of Dance
- GolfTec San Diego
- Gyminny Kids, Inc.
- La Jolla Playhouse
- Noonan Family Swim School
- Orangetheory Fitness Poway
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Youth Philharmonic Orchestra