Free HIV testing fair
On June 27, the San Ysidro Health Center will be holding a free HIV testing and health fair in recognition of National HIV Testing Day. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gonzalez Northgate at 2909 Coronado Ave.

According to San Diego’s Health and Human Resources Agency, California has the second largest number of cases of AIDS in the United States, and San Diego County has the third largest number
of cases of AIDS in the state.

Ed Martinez, CEO of San Ysidro Health Center said in a release that the number of Hispanics that have received both HIV and AIDS diagnoses within a year has increased over the last 15 years.

“This increase may be due to delayed HIV testing or delayed care-seeking after HIV testing and diagnosis,” Martinez said. “The free HIV testing and health fair in recognition of National HIV Testing Day helps us address this challenge as part of our mission to deliver quality, low-cost, primary health care services to South Bay & Central/Southeastern San Diego residents.”

Goodbye party for Liz Studebaker, president North Park Main Street
Join North Park Main Street, the Adams Avenue Business Association, and the entire BID Council Family in wishing Liz Studebaker & Jim Schneider a fond farewell. The first going away party will be held this Mon., June 27, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at URBN Pizza, at 3085 University Ave., 92104.

URBN Coal Fired Pizza has graciously offered to host a Goodbye Happy Hour in honor of Liz and her husband, Jim, as a tribute to their service to our business communities. Complimentary pizza and Happy Hour drink specials will be in full effect. Heaven Sent Desserts is bringing a cake!

RSVP to [email protected].

Mission Hills starts planning Fourth of July bash
This Fourth of July will mark Mission Hills’ fifth annual Fourth of July celebration in Pioneer Park. The day will begin with a parade through the neighborhood leading up to a patriotic costume contest, BBQ contest, games for kids, free cake and live music provided by Mama Red, who will also be singing the national anthem.

The BBQ competition winner will receive a hand-crafted trophy by local architect Jim Gates, and will be judged by Phil Pace of Phil’s BBQ among others. Local Mission Hills business ForeverCali.com will be providing all contestants with free embroidered aprons.

Mission Hills Town Council members will also receive free pulled pork sandwiches, and Town Council family memberships will be available for $20.

For more information, visit ourmissionhills.com/bbq or missiontowncouncil.org.

English idioms and expressions explained in new book
San Diego author Reza Mashayekhi’s ecent book, “English Expressions and Idioms For Foreigners, ike Me!—I Thought I Knew English But I Didn’t Know That!,” is a 404-page guidebook to over 2,000 phrases interspersed with comedic illustrations and helpful explanations.

The book, which was just published in May, is already a finalist in the Indie Excellence Awards. Mashayekhi, who has an aerospace engineering degree from the University of Michigan, wrote the book for teachers and students
of the English language as well as marketing and communications experts.

For more information, visit englishidiomsandexpressions.com.

Dump the pump day
On June 16, the North County Transit District (NCTD), the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) joined together to celebrate the sixth annual nationwide “Dump the Pump Day.”

The event, in an effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions, gas expenditures and dependence on foreign oil, encouraged people to consider a new form of transportation for the day, be it public transit, carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking or telecommuting.

Sponsored by American Public Transportation Association (APTA), “Dump the Pump Day” involved several motivating activities in San Diego county, which, according to a press release, has some of the highest gas prices in the nation.

Some of the activities included SANDAG’s iCommute program—where participants were entered to win a free $50 Vons gift card if they logged their alternative commute from June 13 to June 30, MTS’s jingle competition—involving singing the company’s jingle into a camera to win various gift cards and NCTD’s “Dump the Pump and Snap Yourself”—taking a picture of yourself riding a Breeze, Sprinter or Coaster train to win an iPod Touch or Nook e-reader.

For more information, about the event visit icommutesd.com, sdmts.com or gonctd.com.

Stagecoach days celebrate west on the move
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is celebrating travel and transportation in the era of real horsepower at “Stagecoach Days,” from noon to 4 p.m. on seven Saturdays in July and August.

The free event features a different theme each Saturday, such as: Californio Day, Women of the West, Soldiers and Citizens, TwainFest and Cattle Drive. Attendees will enjoy afternoons filled with activities that reflect life in early San Diego and celebrate the West on the move. Through vignettes, demonstrations, living history activities, stories and songs, visitors will gain an appreciation for early modes of transportation and daily life.

It’s been more than a century since the last stage line operated in San Diego. Beginning in 1857, stage lines passed through rural San Diego, moving passengers, freight and mail. These new services helped bring the outside world closer to the emerging frontier community that we know today as San Diego.

The 2011 Stagecoach Days schedule is:

Thurs., July 9: Californio Day—From 1821 through 1848, the people who lived in Southern California were called “Californios” rather than Mexicans. Those unique “Californio” cultural elements
will be presented .

Sat., July 16: Women of the West—Women played an important part in the development of the West. Some of these women’s daily activities will be demonstrated.

Sat, July 23: Innocent Amusements—In the 1800s, games and amusements were commonly associated with either large celebrations or after-school play days incorporating most of the local townspeople. This day will pay tribute to traditional games of the time.

Sat., July 30: Trades That Shaped Westward Expansion—As towns developed in the West, so did the need for specialized trades and artisans. Old Town San Diego will present pivotal 19th century trades that shaped the community of San Diego.

Sat., Aug. 6: Soldiers and Citizens—In the mid 1840s, California went to war with Mexico. United States troops were stationed and fought in San Diego County in an effort to support the war. This day will feature military practices that changed San Diego forever.

Sat., Aug. 13: Californio Day—The unique “Californio” cultural elements will be presented again.

Sat., Aug. 20: TwainFest—The festival marks 101 years of Mark Twain’s passing and celebrates the American author as well as some of his peers. Excerpts from famous works will be read aloud by San Diego actors wearing period costumes at a variety of park venues throughout the day.

Sat., Aug. 27: Cattle Drive—Cattle were the single most important economic resource for Southern Californians for more than 50 years. This day will provide the opportunity to learn about the hide and tallow trade, chuck wagon cooking, roping, branding, saddle making and more. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, with the support of the Boosters of Old Town and Fiesta de Reyes, is proud to offer these free activities for adults and children of all ages. The park is located on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street, conveniently located next to the Old Town Transit Center, with Coaster, Trolley, and MTS bus service.

For more information, visit: parks.ca.gov/oldtownsandiego.