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Before going to an event, it is a good idea to check the event website to make sure it is still happening.
CARLSBAD
GIA offers virtual activities for gem buffs
The Gemological Institute of America offers a number of free virtual activities and resources that are available to the community. For example, folks can learn about the latest gemological research and new discoveries in Gems & Gemology – GIA’s quarterly journal – including the most recent issue on colored stone origin and every issue, back to 1934 at https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology. GIA also offers access to important books on gemology, minerology, gems and jewelry in the digital collection of rare and historic books from GIA’s Cartier Rare Book Repository and Archives at https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research/rare-books-project-puts-gem-jewelry-history-reach.
Drop off letters to Santa by noon Thursday
The elves at La Mesa Community Services are still taking letters to Santa. Drop your letter off at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, by noon Thursday. Make the occasion even more festive by taking an “elfie” and tagging the agency at #FalalaLaMesa.
Free Christmas meals available to go
The Salvation Army will distribute a complete hot Christmas meal at three sites around the county. Meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11 a.m. Friday, Christmas Day. Children will also receive a Christmas stocking with toys and snacks. Meals will be available at the Centre City Corps, 825 Seventh Ave., San Diego; Citadel Corps, 4170 Balboa Ave., San Diego; and at the El Cajon Red Shield Center, 1025 E. Main St., El Cajon.
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The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offers a number of free virtual activities and resources that are available to the community, including GIA’s Knowledge Session webinars, where experts offer their knowledge on all things gems and jewelry. Different experts will engage with online participants weekly on diverse topics in gemology today. To watch past episodes or register for an upcoming webinar, visit gia.edu/knowledge-sessions-webinar. Children can learn about the study of gemstones at GIA’s GemKids website, gemkids.gia.edu.
Library offers eight virtual book clubs
The Carlsbad Library offers six virtual book clubs for adults, one for teens and one for children. Visit carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/library/events/bookclubs.asp.
Jurassic Quest Drive Thru at Del Mar Fairgrounds and other local events
(Courtesy)
A traveling dinosaur show with more than 70 walking, life-like animatronic dinosaurs, is slated to stop at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Jan. 1-10. The interactive drive-thru exhibit, called
Jurassic Quest, will transform the fairgrounds outdoor parking area into a prehistoric dinosaur wonderland.
The exhibit features dozens of prehistoric creatures such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops and the 80-foot-long Spinosaurus along with the 50-foot-long Megalodon and marine creatures meticulously re-created by paleontologists and displayed in realistic scenes that allow visitors to drive though and watch the dinosaurs roaring and moving. Visitors will be guided along with a digital audio tour (in English or Spanish) featuring show entertainers and dinosaur wranglers that lasts about an hour.