La Mesa Police Department’s 3rd annual toy drive 
Through Tuesday, Nov. 17

La Mesa Police Department will be collecting new toys in their lobby (8085 University Ave., La Mesa) to be delivered to AJ’s Kids Crane in Mission Valley. The department hopes to collect enough toys to fill their Bearcat Rescue Vehicle, which will then make the delivery.

They ask that all donated toys are:

• New and in the manufacturer’s original packaging
• Unwrapped
• Not containing any guns or violent video games

The donated toys will later be taken to Rady Children’s Hospital and given to sick children throughout the year. Visit bit.ly/1RkzYQS for more information.

3rd annual Halloween Pooch in the Park
Saturday, Oct. 24

This annual pre-Halloween party will be hosted by Canine Corners Dog Park and the Kiwanis Club of La Mesa at Harry Griffen Park (9550 Milden St, La Mesa). It will feature a costume contest with prizes (11:30 a.m.), food and drinks, a police dog demonstration and more. There will also be dog rescue groups on hand. The event serves as a fundraiser for Canine Corner — a fenced, off-leash dog park at Harry Griffen. Dogs are welcome and costumes are encouraged. The event is from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visit caninecornersdogpark.com for more information.

Soroptimist International of La Mesa Meet and Greet
Tuesday, Oct. 27

This club will host an informational meet and greet from 6 – 8 p.m. giving East County women and girls a chance to learn more about the club and the work it does.

Soroptimist is “a global volunteer organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.” The La Mesa group is one of 1,300 clubs in 20 countries and territories worldwide. The meet-and-greet will be held at Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza (8555 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa). Contact Kathy Blair for more information at: [email protected] or 619-567-6866. Register at bit.ly/find-your-joy.

Halloween costume party 
Friday, Oct. 30

This event is sponsored by La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club. It will feature music and dancing, a costume contest, food and drinks, games and more. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. at Party Fitness Zumba Studio (4659 Mission Gorge Place, Suite B, Grantville). Space is limited and tickets are $25 (adults only). Send RSVP and/or questions to [email protected]. The party will raise money for the club’s scholarships.

10th annual Historical Home Tour  
Saturday, Nov. 7

La Mesa Historical Society presents this tour of homes located in the Downtown area and the Date Historical District of La Mesa. It features six homes dating from the early 1900s to 1930s along with works by local artists and vintage cars. A free shuttle trolley will provide transportation between homes. The tickets start at $20 for members and $25 for non-members and go up $5 the day of the event. The ticket pick up and shuttle center will be located on the northeast corner of Allison and Date avenues across from City Hall. The tour is from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visit lamesahistory.com for more information and tickets.

“Brain Games” Live Well Workshop
Thursday, Nov. 12

The final installment of La Mesa’s “Live Well 2015 – Community Wellness Series” will take place from 6 – 7 p.m. at La Mesa Community Center (4975 Memorial Drive). This occasion will focus on learning memory tricks to help all ages. This workshop is free. Visit CityOfLaMesa.com/LiveWell for more information and to RSVP.

Connect La Mesa Block Party 
Saturday, Nov. 14

This free event will be held at the La Mesa Farmers Market parking lot on Allison Avenue from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. . Highlights of the event will include a bicycle rodeo for kids, design competitions for teens and adults, free giveaways and more. Food trucks will be on site. Visit cityoflamesa.com/connectlamesa for more information.

Seniors on the Go trip to Golden Acorn Casino
Wednesday, Nov. 18

A group trip to Golden Acorn Casino in Campo will depart from La Mesa Enrichment Center (8450 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa) at 8:30 a.m. and return at 3:30 p.m. The bus ride will cost $7 ($5 for members) and includes a $20 free credit at the casino. There will also be a prime rib meal available at the casino for $7.70.

The 69th Annual Mother Goose Parade
Saturday, Nov. 21 

This year’s Mother Goose Parade in Downtown El Cajon will be held starting at 10 a.m. the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. The parade begins at Main and Ballantyne streets and ends at the bridge on Johnson Avenue (before Parkway Plaza). The theme this year is “Super Heroes!” Visit mgpelcajon.com for details including information on being in the parade, being a sponsor or volunteer.  

Alternative Christmas Market
Sunday, Nov. 22

The Social Hall at La Mesa First United Methodist Church (4690 Palm Ave., La Mesa) will be decked out for Christmas and this special one-day market. From 9:30 a.m. – noon there will be tables set up representing 14 charities; attendees can support these charities in their loved ones names as a special kind of holiday gift. Contact Linda Mucha with questions at: [email protected] or 619-589-0664.