Did you know that San Diego has a Soccer Team? We Do! The Sockers are our MASL Team! They’ve been here since 2009.
The Big Kid and I got to experience our first Socker’s game yesterday!
Before the game, we got a chance the run around the field and kick the ball. After 20 minutes, the big kid was panting and ready for a water break.
Sockers tickets start at $15, the club pays for parking! They have special rates for groups and a special military discount!
The Sockers pride themselves on being the family-friendly affordable winter sport in San Diego. Fans are welcome on the field after the game to meet the team, get autographs or a high five. The big kid and I had a great time! Soccer is a very fast-moving game, and there are lots of opportunities for audience participation, which he LOVED!!
If you were wondering about the noise level? Not too loud, and just in case, I had his noise-blocking earphones in the car.
I would recommend a Sockers game for any family, especially those with kids on the spectrum. It’s a chance to enjoy time together, make noise, and watch a fun game.
And Pechanga Arena has a great variety of food and snacks. We had caramel apples, and frozen chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick.
**The Sockers provided free tickets to the game- However, we were not obligated to blog or post on Social media about the event. We had such an amazing time that I had to share with y’all.
I usually do this post later in November, but I’ve been getting a lot of requests for information for 2019.
The holidays are more than food and gifts, but no one should go hungry any time of year!
Here is my post with a list of food banks/pantries in San Diego. Many of the food pantries also have special holiday distributions, it is worth a call to find out of any additional food or gift distributions will be done.
As of now, I am not aware of any free Christmas tree giveaways, however, as I gather more information, I will update this post.
Toys 4 Joy has 3 San Diego area events on December 14th. Toys for Joy is open to all children and families and no registration is required. One free toy will be given to all children attending the event ages 0 – 11. Free lunch will be provided in addition to free entertainment, kids activities and giveaways. All three locations have free groceries and one location has free gently used clothing available.
The Cameron YMCA is hosting a free Cookies and Milk with Santa on Saturday, December 14th.
Bring the entire family and join us for our annual Cookies with Santa!
Enjoy Cookie decorating, ornament making, letters to Santa, pin the
heart on the Grinch and photos with Santa!
Pre-Registration Required. This event is not limited to YMCA members! To register, please call the Cameron YMCA in Santee at 619-449-9622. Check with your local YMCA- most San Diego area YMCA locations have an event like this.
If you live in Santee and need help with food and gifts for the holiday, contact Santee Santas. You can download and print forms, check into eligibility (it is income-based and they are very strict from what I’ve been told), and see what forms you need addition to the application here.
The intake dates are November 21 or December 3, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Rio Seco School on Cuyamaca St.
Representatives will be there to assist you in processing your application.
In addition to meeting Santa, there will be crafts, snacks, and lots of fun!
In order for your kids to receive a gift, please sign up your kids up to 12 years old via email to Jerrilynn: Kids_Christmas_Party@cox.net by December 9th please include name, age & gender and gift idea under $20.00.
If you know of any other holiday events or programs that can help those in need, please post links in the comments!
Talk Back: What is your favorite way to help others?
Halloween is just TWO WEEKS AWAY!! Are you ready? Thankfully I only have a few last-minute tweaks to make to the big kids’ Knight Costume, and Little Miss’s Elsa dress is store-bought (much to my chagrin).
Trick or treating door to door isn’t really popular in our area, but a lot of churches and civic groups host carnivals or events either on Halloween or on the weekends leading up to it, so there is no shortage of fun for the kids. If you are in San Diego County, here are just a few fun events that we’ve enjoyed in the past:
Don’t Forget HalGLOween at the San Diego Zoo! And most YMCA locations host a Halloween event that has a small fee, but has lots of fun games, crafts, and candy.
And if you are looking for tons of fun, don’t forget that Brick or Treat is still going on at Legoland California, tickets are on sale here.
Talk Back: If you know of a free, fun Halloween or harvest event for kids in San Diego County, please leave a comment.
WOW Influencers is an event from Moms Meet, connecting better-for-you brands with established parenting bloggers and influencers in an intimate and relaxed networking setting. Over cocktails and light fare, brands and content creators will have the opportunity to get to know each other, forge connections, and kickstart long-lasting relationships. This event is perfect for anyone looking for the right partner to collaborate with on content creation, product reviews, and marketing campaigns.
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2019
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Venue: House of Blues, San Diego, CA
Interested in attending? Established bloggers and social media influencers who are already working with brands or are ready to start can request an invite here.
Your FREE TICKET includes:
Entry into the event and the chance to network directly with representatives from better-for-you brands
A chance to connect with other influencers from San Diego and the surrounding areas
Complimentary drinks and appetizers
Professional headshots
A Goody Bag valued over $250
Sponsors for this event include:
+CBDOIl (Love this brand)
MRM
Mabel’s Labels
Flora
Just Date Syrup
Parissa
I’m going! I can’t wait- I love Mom’s Meet and their Wow Events. It’s a great chance to network with other bloggers, influencers, and brands. Plus, the Wow Events crew always feeds you and puts together a BOMB goody bag!
The Positive Parenting Program is a program of Jewish Family Services, funded by the County of San Diego and offered FREE in English and Spanish to any community groups interested. More information is available by calling (858) 637-3375.
Dates: November 5, 12, & 19, 2019 (Tuesdays)
Time: 6:00-8:00pm (Childcare Available)
Location: Cajon Park Elementary School 10300 N. Magnolia Ave Santee, CA 92071
RSVP: Meredith Riffel 619-258-2345 or email meredith.riffel@santeesd.net
The program uses the evidence-based curriculum “Triple P” which has more than 25 years of research supporting the evidence that Positive Parenting is effective at reducing parental depression, anxiety, and stress as well as decreasing instances of child abuse and neglect. In the community, we can offer the three-session Seminar series, which includes:
Seminar 1: The Power of Positive Parenting
Ways to help your child learn
Strategies for carrying out positive discipline
Keeping realistic expectations
Creating workable family routines
The joys and challenges of being a parent
Seminar 2: Raising Confident, Competent Children Help your child to:
Be respectful and considerate
Become a problem solver
Learn social skills and build friendships
Feel confident in the world
Session 3: Raising Resilient Children
Great information for parents experiencing difficult economic times
Showcasing a colossal collection of handmade creations, the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show, comes to three key southland locations this fall with more than 24,000 original works from hundreds of exhibitors nationwide. As an all you can eat buffet for the senses, the artful celebration boasts live entertainment, strolling performers, a Kidzone, demonstrations, contests, and more.
This marks the 47th season for the Harvest Festival, a treasured event recognized as the largest and most prestigious indoor showcase on the west coast. Multi-talented artists & crafters will showcase their originals of stunning jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, photography, oils, hand-turned wood, ceramics, eclectic art pieces, seasonal decor, ornaments, blown glass, and much more. Patrons know with confidence that each of the works is made by hand and selected only after meeting criteria for excellence. Adding to the memories, many of the artists can personalize items for that special touch.
I am so excited to take the family and check out the fun this year! I’ll be posting pics and vids from the event on Instagram and Facebook!
Beyond the hundreds of artists and entertainment, each showcase collaborates with local non-profits to fundraise in support of community programs. General admission tickets are $9, while seniors (62+) and military are $7, youths ages 13-17 are $4, and kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are good for the entire weekend and return visits. Entrance for groups of 10 or more is $5 with advance sign up. Information and advance tickets are available here or call 925/ 392-7300.
Del Mar Fairgrounds: October 11-13 (Hours: Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm) 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
SAVE $2 at Del Mar Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show – SAVE $2 with this coupon on 1 adult, 1 senior or 1 military admission at Del Mar Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show from Oct. 11-13, 2019. *This coupon must be presented at entrance, mention US FAMILY GUIDE. It must be downloaded and printed off. It will not be accepted on a mobile device. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
I love these workshops! They are a great way to help your child learn and grow in a positive environment outside school. It is a community opportunity that the Santee School District provides to parents for FREE!
The October 8, 2019 class will focus on Make It Take It Behavior Resources for the home including:
Visual Schedule
Zones of Regulations
Behavior Contracts
Positive Reinforcement
These classes take place at the Santee School District Office located at 9625 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA 92071
For the 2019-2020 school year, there are 6 planned classes. The complete schedule can be seen here. If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please call the school district office at 619-258-2300.
Did you know that September is Hunger Action Month?
Recently I wrote about Porchlight Community Services. This month, they are offering a $5.00 discount on their weekly food share when you mention that you saw this article on my website!
The prices are very reasonable:
Seniors / Individual- $15
Family (Small)- $25
Family (6+)-$35
On average, you will go home with over $100 worth of food each week. And if you have food allergies or a special diet, just let them know and they will be happy to accommodate you as best they can!
In case you were curious, here is a sneak peek of just a few of the types of items they frequently have:
Cow’s milk, non-dairy milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, lunch meats, juice, lemonade- WOW! And that is just a small sample, there are fruits, veggies, frozen food, shelf-stable/pantry items, baked goods… You Name It!
I love exploring nature with the kids. My dad took us on hikes a lot when we were kids and it was a great way to learn more about nature and the history of San Diego.
When THE NAT emailed me this morning to share their free, guided nature hikes, I knew I had to share it with my readers!
Canyoneers are citizen scientists and volunteers who have had comprehensive training by Museum scientists and local experts on the natural history of the region. Check out the full schedule of hikes between now and June 2020, and hit the trails with the Canyoneers! Look for the Canyoneer sign at the designated parking area. We are always hoping to see wildlife. Please leave dogs at home and come enjoy nature.
The Canyoneers offer free, guided hikes on trails throughout San Diego County from September through June. The new season kicks off this Saturday, September 8 with an easy, 1-mile hike on the Kumeyaay Lake Trail at Mission Trails Regional Park, perfect for children, seniors, and birdwatchers.
In total, the Canyoneers are offering 80 hikes. Most are offered on weekends—with a few midday hikes being offered on select dates—and cover diverse terrain, ranging from the coast to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and from the Tijuana Estuary to Palomar Mountain.
New hikes in Cleveland National Forest, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and several other locations including Gremlin Way Trailhead in Dictionary Hill Open Space Preserve.
Once a month, the Canyoneers will lead a mid-week hike to locations that are often crowded on weekends due to limited access. Examples include Equestrian Trail in Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (November 13) and Luelf Pond Preserve in Ramona (May 12).
The desert hikes that are scheduled on consecutive days allow for camping opportunities, reducing the amount of driving necessary to get to both hikes. The desert at night is a special treat.
Some trails offer shorter hikes with little elevation change—good for younger hikers—and some very flat and paved hikes that are perfect for strollers and anyone with a disability. One example is the Batiquitos Lagoon Gabbiano Trailhead (September 14).
If the weather cooperates, there’s a chance to see waterfalls on Cibbets Flat to Kitchen Creek Falls hike (February 9) and the Green Valley Falls Loop (June 28). Green Valley Falls is an amazing hike and has pools of water that are fun to play in!
Hikes in some of the most interesting geological areas in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including Fish Creek/Split Mountain (January 4) and Canyon Sin Nombre (February 8)—perfect for slot canyon fans.
And if you have kids, there is a special program for students and classes too!
“Kids are most inspired by nature when they get outside and experience it for themselves—seeing a Monarch butterfly or a coast live oak in person helps bring to life what they’re learning in the classroom,” said Judy Gradwohl, president and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum.
The program is made possible with support from Subaru of America, who is generously supporting the Canyoneer hiking program for the fourth year in a row.
The Museum aims to serve approximately 550 students this year through the program. Space is limited on the hikes. For more information or to book a hike, visit sdnat.org/schoolnaturehikesor call 619.255.0349.
If you are looking for books about hiking and exploring the many awesome trails and cool nature spots in San Diego County here are two books I completely recommend!
For those of you who have read my blog for a while, you know that food insecurity is a cause near and dear to my heart.
In San Diego County, one in seven families experience food insecurity. Food insecurity means you’re not sure where your next healthy, nutritious meal is coming from. It means you probably don’t have extra cans in your cupboard, or that you need to be more than just a little creative when it comes to cooking that a few days before payday.
Food insecurity is an issue that I feel very strongly about. No one should be hungry, and no one should have to eat mass-produced, poorly made, food devoid of nutritional just to fill their belly. Quality, nutritious food should be available to anyone and everyone at an affordable price.
That is one reason I am so excited to share with you today about an awesome organization in Linda Vista called Porchlight Community Services.
Porchlight Community Services is different from a lot of other food organizations in that they are a food rescue organization. They work with produce distributors, grocery stores, and bakery to rescue food that is otherwise destined for the dumpster.
Next time you’re at the grocery store take a look at all the fruit, all the produce, all the baked goods. The likelihood of all of those items will sell before their pull date is slim.
So when items are pulled off the shelf prior to their expiration date, they are frequently thrown in the trash. That trash heads to the landfill. Grocery store, bakeries, food distributors do not compost their unwanted food. Food rescue agencies like Porchlight Community Services pick up the food (that is still good, by the way, pull dates are usually arbitrary, and only affect the appearance of the food, not it’s quality or viability). They then take the food back to their offices where it is gone over to make sure that it is still quality, and edible. And it is been distributed to families who support Porchlight Community Servicesmission.
Produce that can not be distributed (it’s leftover at the end of the event), is often donated to neighbors with animals, or local animal organizations. Once again, eliminating food waste and helping others,
Porchlight Community Services is not your average food bank or pull date co-op. There is no minimum or maximum amount of money your family needs to make to participate. Some people who shop at Porchlight do so because they believe in the mission of keeping food out of landfills (like my family- it hurts my heart to see perfectly good food go to waste). Some people go to Porchlight Community Services because they are in need of wholesome nutritious groceries that fit a specialized diet (like Gluten-free or Dairy-free) but can’t afford to shell out money every week or two for the costly groceries at a mainstream grocery store. Some people are in a tight spot and need to stretch what little money they have until payday.
An example of past food items available
Distributions are usually held weekly. You can find out about upcoming events here on their website, or follow them on Facebook.
All funds that are raised go towards paying rent and utilities- to keep the Mission of feeding others going.
If you are interested in helping Porchlight Community Services, they are always looking for volunteers to help unload food as it comes in on distribution days, organize and stock shelves, refrigerators, and freezers.
They also need help volunteering with event prep- setting up tables and bins.
This might be a good opportunity for girl scout troops or other civic organizations! Contact Porchlight Community Serviceshere to find out about more volunteer opportunities.
Did you know that San Diego has a Soccer Team? We Do! The Sockers are our MASL Team! They’ve been here since 2009.
Before the game, we got a chance the run around the field and kick the ball. After 20 minutes, the big kid was panting and ready for a water break.
Toys 4 Joy
The Cameron YMCA is hosting a free
If you live in Santee and need help with food and gifts for the holiday, contact 
Halloween is just TWO WEEKS AWAY!! Are you ready? Thankfully I only have a few last-minute tweaks to make to the big kids’ Knight Costume, and Little Miss’s Elsa dress is store-bought (much to my chagrin).
Don’t Forget 
For those of you who have read my blog for a while, you know that food insecurity is a cause near and dear to my heart.
Hewes Family Fun 