What's News - May 2012

The Torrey Pines Natural Reserve Docent Society and Torrey Pines Association present the third annual Art in the Pines to be held Saturday May 5 from 10 to 5 and Sunday, May 6, from 10am to 4pm. The Festival is free and open to all and will be held at the Reserve just south of the Lodge.

Art in the Pines offers artists’ booths and an open air galleria exhibiting nature-inspired art for sale in a variety of media such as painting, pastels, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and photography; food and live music; children’s nature and art activities; an opportunity drawing for donated artwork; guided nature walks and tours of the historic Torrey Pines Lodge.

A free shuttle will run from the Reserve’s North Beach and South Beach parking lots, but parking is $10 per car. The street address is 12600 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego CA 92037. 858-755-2063, [email protected], artinthepines.org

Grateful Garment Project Founder Lisa Blanchard at VISION on Mother’s Day, 5/13

The Grateful Garment Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist in returning dignity to victims of sexual violence. When someone is sexually assaulted they are usually asked to surrender their clothing for forensic evidence. This can leave them with nothing to wear home except the paper exam gown. The GGP reduces further negative effects on the victim by providing new clothing, toiletries, snacks and comfort items that they may require.

VISION, A Center for Spiritual Living has been chosen by GGP to spearhead their San Diego County branch, and GGP founder, Lisa Blanchard, will be speaking at VISION on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13 at 10am.

The community is encouraged to donate these needed items or make a financial contribution, which will be used for bulk item purchases. Tax-deductible donations can be made to: The Grateful Garment Project or donate online at www.gratefulgarment.org. Contact Lisa J. Blanchard at 408-674-5744, email [email protected]. See www.visioncsl.com.

“Celebrating Community Gardens” Day Offers Free Workshops & TLC Garden Tour 5/19

The San Diego Community Garden Network (SDCGN), a local nonprofit whose mission is to support the growth of community gardens in San Diego County, is kicking off the summer gardening season with a free event on May 19 from 11am-5pm at the TLC Giving Garden, 11240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Tierrasanta, 92124.

The event, “Celebrating Community Gardens from the Ground Up!” will feature a full day of free workshops on topics such as composting, grey-water recycling, and starting community gardens. Event attendees can expect delicious local eats, great activities for kids, opportunities to find out about community gardens located throughout San Diego, and frequent tours of the TLC Giving Garden—one of San Diego’s most inspiring new community gardens.

This event will help raise funds and promote the mission of the SDCGN, which organized as a nonprofit last year and is working “to create a healthy community garden movement in the County of San Diego by assisting in the formation of community gardens through education, technical assistance and by linking gardeners.” SDCGN is part of an energetic and growing local foods movement, which has won a number of recent policy victories, including the easing of fees and restrictions on community gardens, and the adoption of a new Urban Agriculture ordinance in the City of San Diego.

“Celebrating Community Gardens from the Ground Up” will have offerings for all who are interested in gardening and local foods. Free Workshops include: Composting for the Home; Composting Resources for Home, School, & Community Gardens; Healthy, Seasonal Cooking Demonstration; Herbs in Your Landscape; How to Start a Community Garden; Summer Fruit Tree Care; Vermiculture (Raising Worms); and Rain & Gray Water Harvesting. Workshop preregistration will be available starting on 4/29 at www.sandiegocommunitygardennetwork.org/ or contact: [email protected].

Some of the event’s activities and gardening info include: Ask a Master Gardener; Craft & Food Vendors; Face Painting; Garden Crafts; Garden Planting; Garden Supply Vendors; Make a Mini Worm Bin; Live Music; and Solana Center for Environmental Innovation. The SDCGN is currently accepting applications from vendors and organizations interested in participating in this event. www.sandiegocommunitygardennetwork.org/ground-up-event-vendor-information.

2012 & The Shift — The Power of Ceremony with Jack Allis in San Diego 5/25

Grandfather Jack Allis, author and spiritual teacher from Mount Shasta, will be visiting San Diego 7–9pm, Friday, May 25 and giving a ceremonial presentation at Controversial Bookstore. Strongly influenced by indigenous traditions, particularly his recent experiences with a traditional Mayan Wisdom Keeper, Jack is the author of Prophesy, Challenge & Blessing — Visions of 2012 & the Shift, as well as two DVD’s on this hottest of topics, the shift of the ages.

In his presentation, “2012 & the Shift — the Power of Ceremony,” Jack demystifies what is usually seen as such a complicated and confusing topic, and he does so simply and concisely. All the indigenous prophesies agree that this is not doomsday, but rather a monumental time of transformation, in which we are blessed with an opportunity to spiritually transform ourselves, and our world. This is not a time for talk, but for action — spiritual action.

In this presentation, Jack shows us how we can participate in this great transmutation through the use of ceremony. This involves connecting to spirit through prayer, music, with drums, rattles and singing bowls, singing and chanting (dancing optional). Admission $10 — Controversial Bookstore is at 3063 University Avenue, San Diego. www.controversialbookstore.com or www.jackallis.com.

“All About the Fourth Dimension” Conference
in San Diego June 11–17

Dr. Joseph Costa, Chairman/CEO, and the World Healer Institute present its 6th Annual Conference, “All About the Fourth Dimension”, June 11-17 at the Mission Valley Resort in San Diego, CA. The purpose of the conference is to take the confusion out of spirituality and expand on an understanding of the changes of the 2012 “Shift.”

Dr. Costa explains, “We are bringing together people to show the world, not only is it safe to be spiritual—mentally and physically—it is necessary in order to pass through the 2012 shift successfully. We are bringing presenters who actively communicate with the “Other Side” to share their knowledge. This is an exciting time due to the new world earth changes and human body changes happening on earth today.”

In keeping with 2012, the conference will be revealing changes and understanding of the psyche, spirituality and the human body. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet and discuss their own experiences by participating in round-table discussions with presenters and conference attendees.

For more conference information, write or contact the World Healer Institute, 9974 Scripps Ranch Bl. #343, San Diego, CA 92131. 858-467-6974 or [email protected]. Visit website at www.worldhealerinstitute.org.

Comedy Time @ VISION Launches on 5/17

VISION, a Center for Spiritual Living will present their first comedy show on May 17 at 7pm. Comedy Time @ VISION will be hosted by comedy legend, Etta Mae Mumphries played by comedian Karen Bankhead of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Will & Grace and Reno 911. Her award winning one-woman show, The Vo5 Experience, aired on HBO and Comedy Central.

Comedian Lamont Bonman, a two-time finalist in the Ultimate Laff Down, will present his hilarious character, Rev. Monty B. Sharpton.

Comedian Karen Robertson will present her famous comedy character, The New Church Lady. Ms. Robertson started her career as a public school teacher.

Also on the bill is San Diego comedian Scott “Mr. Punchline” Wood. He was recently named Stand-Up Comedy Champion after winning the Improv comedy club talent search for funniest comedian.

Comedy Time @ VISION will offer only Clean Comedy with no cursing. VISION is located at 11260 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. www.visioncsl.com. Tickets: $15/advance, $20/door.