San Diego horse racing takes place where the "turf meets the surf" at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Racetrack racing season, mid-July - early-September. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation's top racehorses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.

From blockbuster films to bestselling novels, pop culture is rich with tales that draw inspiration from the natural world. Hear from Frank Santana as he bridges the worlds of pop culture and natural biodiversity.

Calling all nature lovers and pop culture aficionados! Join environmental biologist, Frank Santana, as he explores the fascinating intersections of science and storytelling. Discover how movies, books, and TV shows draw inspiration from the natural world and learn why preserving our planet's biodiversity is crucial for a future rich with compelling stories.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to step into a world where nature and culture collide to enrich our lives and fuel our imaginations. Plus, It's the perfect place to rock that Comic-Con costume one more time!

Tickets are $15 for non-members and $12 for members.

If you wear a costume, please note it cannot cover the entire face (people entering the building need to be able to be properly identified—thanks for understanding). Also, please do not bring weapons of any kind.

Enjoy a uniquely-San Diego experience at one of our city’s most iconic historic landmarks. Make the climb on a guided tour that highlights the origins of Balboa Park and the histories of some of the many diverse communities that call the region home. All tours culminate in breathtaking 360-degree views of San Diego from the Tower’s eighth-floor viewing deck–from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Cuyamaca Mountains in the east, and beyond.

 Learn more about the California Tower, what to expect on a tour, and get a sneak peek of the views at CaliforniaTower.org.

This talk will focus on amazing geological forces and events from the last 200 million years that have shaped the San Diego County we see today. From regional tectonics to massive volcanism, uplift and erosion, and the many current infrastructure challenges San Diego currently faces, Mike Thacker will tell the story behind our broad mesas, dramatic coastlines, canyons, and wide valleys. Attendees will be sure to come away with a deepened understanding of and appreciation for the geological history of our unique region.

About the Presenter: Mike Thacker is a SDAC Board Member and a retired Senior Staff Research and Development Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He has a B.S. in zoology from SDSU and studied anthropology and archaeology at UC Santa Barbara, Palomar College, and SDSU.