July means the weather in San Diego heats up as we enter the middle of summer. It's vacation time for many, and whether you're staying in town or visitng from elsewhere, there is lots to do around and about San Diego. Here are a few suggestions to check out in July.
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July 6 - Film Preview
Preview film screening of "The Last Conquistador," in which renowned sculptor John Houser "dreams of building the world's tallest bronze equestrian statue." USD ethnic studies professor Alberto Pulido leads following discussion. San Diego Public Library, 2 p.m., Free, 820 E Street, San Diego, 92101, 619-236-5800.July 7 - Class: Bookmaking Crafts
Learn to transform everyday materials into unique keepsake books with pockets hidden inside to record a special event or to hold your memories or photos. Rancho Peñasquitos Library, 1 p.m., Free Ages 12 and up. 13350 Salmon River Road, San Diego, CA 92129, 858-538-8159July 7 - Book Signing: Robert Crais
Robert Crais discusses, signs his newest book in Elvis Cole series. Warwick's Bookstore, 7:30 p.m., Free, 7812 Girard Avenue, San Diego, CA 92037, 858-454-0347July 8 - Book Signing: Thomas H. Cook
Thomas H. Cook signs, discusses Master of the Delta. Mysterious Galaxy Books, 7 p.m., Free, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, suite 302, San Diego, CA 92117, 858-268-4747July 8 - Art Talk
Michele Guieu discusses her paintings and digital prints; Dan Adams will explain techniques involved in the 11 paintings in his current "Detour" exhibition and his philosophy of painting. San Diego Art Institute: Museum of the Living Artist, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Free - $5, 1439 El Prado, San Diego, 92101, 619-236-0011July 9 - Free Movie: Blazing Saddles
The 1973 Mel Brooks classic boasting a stellar cast during Stone late-night movie series. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and "get comfy." Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, 9 p.m., Free, Ages 21 and up., 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CAJuly 10 - Free Lecture
Screenwriter, director Dale Launer — whose credits include My Cousin Vinny, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Ruthless People — speaks for inaugural meeting of SoCal Moviemakers. Encinitas Library, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Free, 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024July 10 - Gardening Lecture
Learn the art of creating a Zen garden from experts Phil Tacktill and Van Moch Nguyen. Classes held 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, 10, 17, and 24. Students visit Self-Realization Fellowship Garden and gardens of both instructors to see excellent examples of Zen gardens on Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m.-noon. Quail Botanical Gardens, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., $80 - $100, 230 Quail Gardens Drive Encinitas, CA 92024July 10: Parking Lot Pictures
In 1982, three 12-year-old filmmakers created a shot-by-shot remake of Spielberg's Raiders of the Lost Ark in their Mississippi neighborhood. See the film as part of the "Parking Lot Pictures" series. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla, 8 p.m., Free, 700 Prospect Street, San Diego, CA 92037, 858-454-3541July 11, 12, 13 - Dog Show
Make-a-Wish Foundation hosts the Wags for Wishes Dog Show event with herding instinct testing, field lure coursing, splash dogs, canine good citizen testing, noncompetitive agility and sprint races, dog fashion show, more. Otay Ranch Town Center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Free, 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista, CA 91915
