SOUTH COUNTY HAPPENINGS

City councils

Chula Vista, 5 p.m. Tuesday School boards

National School District (National City), 6 p.m.

Wednesday; San Diego Unified School District, 5

p.m. Tuesday; Sweetwater Union High School District, 6 p.m. Monday

Annual Donut Run rolls into town

Gigi's Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center, is holding its fifth annual Donut Run from 8 a.m.-noon May 21 at Crown Point on Mission Bay. The event includes a 5K run, a 1 Mile Inspirational Walk, and a Kids Dash for Down Syndrome. Participants can join as individuals, join a team, start a team, host a virtual or inperson community event, or simply donate. Each registrant receives a shirt, medal, and, of course, a doughnut. All proceeds will directly support Gigi's Playhouse San Diego and allow it to continue providing free educational and therapeutic programming for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. Sponsors are welcome; contact Kelci at Kwilner@gigisplayhouse.org. To register or donate, visit https://gigisplayhouse.org/ sandiego/san-diego-donut-run.

Art center opens with three-day celebration

The Monarch School invites the community to join three days of celebrations for the opening of its Monarch Metamorphosis Art Exhibition, and the grand opening of The Chrysalis: Monarch School's Center for the Arts at 1805 Main St., San Diego. The art exhibition will celebrate local artists and their stories. The Chrysalis Center will showcase paintings, photography, fiber arts, and sculptures that represent the students' selfgrowth and determination. The center, a few blocks from the main campus, supports the school's Creative Youth Development programs specifically designed for Monarch students, who are experiencing homelessness. The schedule: 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, Flutter Fest — The familyfriendly opening day celebration is free and open to the public. Student performances, the art exhibition, artist talks, art-making, food, tours of the arts center, and more. Many regional artists are featured in the exhibit and taught Monarch student workshops. Noon-4 p.m. Thursday, Metamorphosis Art Exhibition — This free exhibition is also open to the public and will feature works by Monarch School students and community artists. Tours of the arts center will be available. Advance registration is requested at monarchschools.org/metamorphosis. 6-9 p.m. Friday, Metamorphosis Art Exhibition and Cocktail Reception — This is a fundraiser for the Monarch School Project. Guests will enjoy food from local chefs and restaurants, an art exhibit tour, performances by Monarch School students, an art auction and more. Reservations are required. Tickets are available at https://monarchschools.org/ metamorphosis/.

An online auction of select artworks is also open for review and bids at www.monarchschools.org/metamorphosis.

The Monarch School is a public-private partnership between the San Diego County Office of Education and the nonprofit Monarch School Project. Call (619) 652-4100, ext. 1631 or email info@monarchschools.org.

Farmers market coming to downtown C.V.

The Third Avenue Village Association recently announced the opening of the Third Avenue Village Market, starting today. The market, run in cooperation with Catt Fields White of San Diego Markets, will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays on Park Way, between Third and Fourth avenues, near Memorial Park. Stalls include more than 60 local farmers and vendors, selling fresh produce and flowers, pastured eggs, freshly baked breads, sauces, and more.

For consideration as a vendor, visit https://sandiegomarkets.com/vendor-application. Sponsors and supporters of the market are welcome; call (619) 233-3901.

Chamber presents ‘Thrive’ conference

The National City Chamber of Commerce presents “THRIVE: Women, Growth, and Business,” from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. May 19 at the Chula Vista Golf Course, 4475 Bonita Road, Bonita. This event aims to give women in business and women entrepreneurs a place to network and to learn from other women in business. Speakers include Sarita Maybin and Vanessa Elle Wilde. The conference also includes four workshops and a panel discussion.

A light breakfast and lunch are included. Networking is scheduled at the end of the event with a cash bar. Tickets are $25 for chamber members, $45 for nonmembers. Vendor tables available. Register and get tickets at https:// bit.ly/3vzxhn4. Email grepe@nationalcitychamber.org or call (619) 477-9339.

Free car-seat checkups available

The Chula Vista Fire Department is scheduling free monthly car seat inspections, with the first one scheduled from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road. Parents can bring a car seat and learn proper installation from a nationally certified technician. Call (619) 361-5238.

Garden club hosts speaker

The Paradise Gardeners host speaker Dawn Standke, a master gardener, at a meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Skyline Hills branch library, 7900 Paradise Valley Road, San Diego. Standke will speak on “Should I Avoid Chemicals?” Her presentation will also be available over Zoom. RSVP by Wednesday to paradisegardenerssd@gmail.com for the link.

SDG&E offers rebate for planting

Qualifying San Diego Gas & Electric customers can get a rebate for planting or potting eligible trees and plants. The trees planted will help beautify local communities, but they'll also support cleaner air and native biodiversity. Qualifying SDG&E customers can receive a $35 rebate for planting or potting a 1- or 5-gallon tree/ plant species. Customers can apply for up to five rebates annually.

Customers do not need a yard to qualify, as trees or other plant species can be planted in large containers on outdoor balconies or patio areas. This program is designed for customers in parts of SDG&E'S service territory where trees may be needed to help improve the community. Customers in several South County ZIP codes are eligible, including National City and Chula Vista. The offer runs through Oct. 31. Visit www.sdge.com/ tree-rebate.

Food distributions coming up

Feeding San Diego is hosting these drive-through food distributions:

• 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Pechanga Arena, 3550 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego; register at https://feedingsandiegomay10.rsvpify.com

• 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista; register at https://feedingsandiegomay14.rsvpify.com

• 10 a.m.-noon May 20, North Island Credit Union Amphitheater, 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista; register at https://feedingsandiegomay20.rsvpify.com

Every registered attendee will receive about 50 pounds of dry goods, fresh produce, and a frozen meat protein. People can also receive information on how to access other food distributions, and information about Calfresh (SNAP) benefits, including how to apply. Visit feedingsandiego.org/ together-tour .