10th annual Spring Valley Library Fiesta
Saturday, Sept. 24

Free entertainment, refreshments and activities will highlight this celebration of Latino Heritage Month from 1–4 p.m. at the Spring Valley Library (836 Kempton St.) There will be performances by Danza Azteca Calpulli Mexihca of San Diego and Mariachi Del Pacifico; a low-rider car display; crafts and face painting for kids; and more. Visit facebook.com/SVfotlibrary for more.

‘Carousel of Fashion’
Saturday, Sept. 24

Friends of East County Arts, Inc. will present this event at the El Cajon Elks Club #1812 (1400 E. Washington Ave., El Cajon) from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. There will be a catered lunch, Champagne greeting, and fall fashions by Draper’s and Damon’s. There will also be a silent auction, drawings and a vendor corner to participate in. This event benefits arts in East County. Tickets are $65. For reservations, call Margie Hartman at 619-440-2449 or mail your check to: Margie Hartman at P.O. Box 1061, El Cajon, CA. 92022. Checks should be made payable to: Friends of East County Arts, Inc.

2016 International Day of Peace celebration
Sunday, Sept. 25

The Interfaith Council of La Mesa sponsors this annual event aiming to bring awareness to “the need to promote peace, unity and good will in both local and global communities.” This year’s theme, as declared by the United Nations, is “The Sustainable Development Goals:  Building Blocks for Peace.” Festivities start at 3:30 p.m. at Aztec Park (7945 Morocco Drive, La Mesa) and at 4 p.m. representations of peace through words and song will begin.  Faiths represented include Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Native American. Childrens choirs from various churches will also perform. Visit interfaithlamesa.org for more information.

Global March for Elephants and Rhinos – San Diego
Sunday, Sept. 25

This annual event takes place in over 100 cities around the world to “incite a complete and total ban on the ivory and rhino horn trade.” The San Diego contingency of the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos has teamed with NSEFU Wildlife Conservation Foundation for this event. NSEFU is a nonprofit that creates strategies and programs to fight poaching of endangered species in Southern Africa. The San Diego march will take place from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at San Diego Waterfront Park (1600 Pacific Highway, Downtown). Marchers are encouraged to bring posters, banners and comfortable shoes for the event. Visit march4elephantsandrhinos.org for more information.

La Mesa Chamber breakfast meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 28

The La Mesa Chamber will hold their last breakfast meeting of the year featuring guest speaker Senator Joel Anderson. The breakfast program will feature a raffle and is open to chamber members ($15) and the public ($20 in advance; $25 at the door). The meeting will be held from 7:30–9 a.m. at Marie Callender’s (6950 Alvarado Road, College area bordering La Mesa). Visit lamesachamber.com for reservations.

La Mesa Oktoberfest
Friday, Sept. 30–Sunday, Oct. 2

The weekend will kick off with an official keg tap featuring La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis and the Oktoberfest Meister. The entire weekend will include authentic German food, beer and entertainment along the streets of La Mesa Village on La Mesa Boulevard between Spring and Fourth streets. Admission is free; public transportation is recommended. Visit thelamesaoktoberfest.com for details and a full schedule.

Business mixer
Wednesday, Oct. 5

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its last business mixer of the year at BJ’s Brewhouse in Grossmont Center (5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa). The mixer begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres plus two complimentary glasses of wine hosted by Riviera Supper Club. The mixer will feature a chance to learn more about BJ’s, a raffle, a chance to mingle and more. $15 for non-members and $20 at the door. RSVP to [email protected] and visit lamesachamber.com for more information.

‘Mt. Helix’s Mid-Century Modern Heritage’
Saturday, Oct. 8

Part of the History Roundtable Lecture Series, this talk is presented by the La Mesa Historical Society with president and historian Jim Newland serving as emcee and presenter on the area’s architectural history. The presentation will also feature Todd Pitman talking about San Diego Modernist pioneer Lloyd Ruocco and architect John Mock presenting on homes he designed on the upcoming Historic Home Tour and other notable projects. A Q&A will follow the presentation. Members of the historical society can attend for free; a $5 donation is suggested for other attendees. This event will be held from 9 a.m.–noon at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4816 Glen St., La Mesa) Visit bit.ly/2d3bBdd for more information.

Craft and bake sale
Saturday, Oct. 15

St. Andrews Lutheran Church (8350 Lake Murray Blvd., San Carlos) will hold this event from 8 a.m.–2p.m. with a bean soup lunch available. Visit standrewslcsd.org.