Ranch & Coast Magazine

10/30/2025

On deck: Fall happenings in San Diego, Part 6 📅

🏇 Feel the thrill of the Breeders’ Cup through Nov. 1! Festival Week presented by Visit Del Mar Village brings pop-ups, culinary events, and live entertainment to the seaside village, leading up to championship racing at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, where the fastest thoroughbreds meet the surf.

👻 Get spooky at Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND California Resort on select dates through Nov. 1! Enjoy live shows, trick-or-treating, monster meet-and-greets, new attractions like the Ghost Cruise, and plenty of silly scares across the park.

🎭 Join San Diego Oasis for the Black & Gold Gala: Moonlight Masquerade on Nov. 1 in Rancho Bernardo. Enjoy cocktails, a gourmet dinner, auctions, and an after-party — all supporting programs that promote healthy aging, connection, and literacy for at-risk children.

💖🎗️The 30th Annual Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk on Nov. 2 at Balboa Park unites survivors, families, and supporters to raise funds for breast cancer research and advocacy, aiming for $700,000.

🍷 Savor the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Nov. 2–9 across San Diego and Baja! The 21st annual festival features award-winning chefs, tastings, dinners, panels, and cross-border culinary adventures. Highlights include Wellness Weekend (Nov. 2), Forkcast: The Future of Food (Nov. 6), the Grand Decant (Nov. 7), Grand Tasting (Nov. 8), and Grand Fiesta (Nov. 9).

🌟 Celebrate Honoring San Diego Women on Nov. 6 at the San Diego History Center, launching the new Center for Women’s History and recognizing trailblazers and decades of community leadership.

⚓🇺🇸 Mark 250 years of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 6 at Broadway Pier with Fleet Week San Diego. Enjoy live music, food, ship visits, aerial displays, and demos honoring a proud legacy of service.

🐾🇺🇸 Join Shelter to Soldier’s Salute to Paws 5K & Gratitude Festival on Nov. 9 at Fox Point Farms — featuring a scenic run, live music, adoptable dogs, and a Doggy Spa, supporting rescue dogs paired with veterans.

🍸🐕 L’Auberge Del Mar’s Fall Yappy Hour Series serves cocktails for humans and treats for pups by the sea! Upcoming: Barksgiving (Nov. 11) and the Ugly Sweater Party (Dec. 16). Free admission — the paw-fect seaside outing!

For more upcoming events, go to ranchandcoast.com/calendar

10/29/2025

Presenting the Best of Ranch & Coast 2025 🏆✨

Celebrate San Diego’s leaders across food, fashion, design, wellness, and beyond, as chosen by our readers. From the trendsetters to the tastemakers, this is your guide to the best and brightest across the region.

Congratulations to those recognized! Tap the link below to explore every winner.

Congratulations to the winners of Best of Ranch & Coast 2025

10/27/2025

// Holiday Generosity Shines as Anonymous Donor Gifts $100,000 in Toys to Toys for Tots

On November 12, between 7am and 9am, U.S. Marine Corps members will join an anonymous donor at Geppetto's Toys in The Forum Carlsbad to hand-select and prepare thousands of toys for local children in need.

Now in its seventh year, the annual donation supports Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program dedicated to ensuring every child experiences the magic of the holidays.

“We are honored to partner with such an inspiring donor whose generosity continues to touch countless families across San Diego,” says Brian Miller, owner of Geppetto’s, which each year makes its own contribution to the program as well.

Community members are encouraged to join the effort by donating new, unwrapped toys at any Geppetto’s location. Those who bring a toy donation to The Forum Carlsbad location on November 12 will be entered into a raffle for a $100 Geppetto’s gift card. The store opens to the public at 10am.

Photos courtesy of The Forum Carlsbad

10/20/2025

// A Sailor’s Path to a Navy Warship

Chief Petty Officer Ariel Amoroso, a native of San Diego, serves aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, currently homeported in San Diego.

Amoroso, who graduated from Kearny High School in 2011, says the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those he learned growing up.

“I learned a lot before joining the Navy, but the biggest takeaway that I brought with me is always being there for my sailors, being someone to talk to, and letting them know I’m always there for them,” says Amoroso.

Amoroso joined the Navy nine years ago at the age of 23, feeling like he was “all over the place.”

Today, Amoroso serves as an aviation ordnance man, and says his proudest moment in the Navy was meeting his wife, Arbee. “We met during our time serving on board the USS Ronald Reagan in Japan.”

“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” says Amoroso. “I’m not just serving myself. It means that I’m doing this for my family, friends, and the U.S. Navy. I love it.”

Boxer plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence, and carries Marines, their equipment, and aircraft for a wide range of missions around the globe, from military activities to humanitarian aid.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Tang

10/16/2025

The 11th Annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe celebrated community, cuisine, and compassion as chefs, vintners, and guests gathered at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe to support local causes through the . 🍷🍴 Relive the magic with our 2025 recap video.

A huge “Thank You” to this year’s title sponsors for making it possible:

10/15/2025

Shelter to Soldier has been named a TOP 5 FINALIST in the Defender Service Awards, and the nonprofit needs your votes to take them over the finish line to win a Land Rover Defender 130 AND $30,000.

Winning a Land Rover Defender 130 would be transformative for the nonprofit's daily operations. This incredible vehicle would allow the team to:

🐾Safely transport new rescue dog recruits from shelters to their training campus in Oceanside.

🐾 Get service dogs out into the community for essential public access training, preparing them for everyday life with a veteran who needs them.

🇺🇸 Travel with STS' Canine Ambassador Therapy Dogs and Morale Dogs to local U.S. Navy ships, providing comfort and connection to thousands of active-duty sailors and marines.

As the only San Diego and the only CALIFORNIA nonprofit selected as a finalist, this is our community’s chance to rally together and bring home a Defender 130 — answering the call for rescue dogs, military, and veterans who need Shelter to Soldier's lifesaving programs.

Together, we can make this victory possible.

Vote here before October 19 @ 11:59pm (you can return to vote once per day): https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/vote/veterans-outreach.html

10/14/2025

San Diego International Film Festival returns October 15-19 with films from 29 countries, including 24 world premieres selected from a record 3,500 submissions. Highlights include: Opening Night at The LOT La Jolla (Oct. 15), Night of the Stars Tribute at The Conrad (Oct. 16), and Culinary Cinema with tastings paired with film (Oct. 19).

Click here to learn more: https://ranchandcoast.com/event/san-diego-international-film-festival-2025/

10/13/2025

// Happy 250th Birthday to the U.S. Navy

Today marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy, which traces its origins to the early days of the American Revolution. On Saturday, hundreds of guests attended the U.S. Navy Birthday Ball, presented by the nonprofit Navy League, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. The celebration included speeches, military honors, dinner, and dancing. A ceremonial “passing of the cake” from the oldest to the youngest sailors symbolized the passing of the Navy’s history and traditions to the next generation.

Long known as “Navy Town USA,” San Diego is the largest Navy outpost on the West Coast, home to the 3rd Fleet, three aircraft carriers, four submarines, dozens of other warships, and nearly a quarter-million veterans. www.navyleaguesd.com

By Andrea Naversen | Photography by Diana Alvarez

10/10/2025

That’s a wrap on this year’s afternoon of culinary excellence and community spirit ✨ The 11th Annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe brought together the region’s finest chefs, vintners, and guests on the lawns of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe — all in support of local causes through the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club. A toast to taste, tradition, and giving back in true Rancho Santa Fe style. 🥂 🍇 Click link for the full photo gallery.

Immense gratitude to this year’s title sponsors: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty, Hoehn Motors, The Morrison Foerster Foundation, Rancho Santa Fe Bistro (soon to reopen as Paseo), and The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Ranch & Coast Magazine was honored to once again return to sponsor and chair this year's Taste.

Presented by the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe, the sold-out event brought together more than 75 of the region’s top restaurants...

10/08/2025

On Deck: Fall happenings in San Diego, Part 4

Taking place on October 11 at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Make-A-Wish San Diego’s Wine & Wishes Gala will feature a curated selection of California wines, an exciting live auction, and an uplifting program that celebrates the power of a wish granted. Event chairs Dai and Eric Logan and Make-A-Wish San Diego’s Immediate Past Board Chair Lisa Paul-Hill came together once again to lead this year’s gala.

FACE Foundation’s 14th Annual Dog-Friendly Golf Tournament on October 13 at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club allows players to enjoy a day of golf with their furry friends, followed by dinner, drinks, an exclusive auction, exciting awards ceremony, and more — all to support FACE’s lifesaving programs. The event will directly benefit pets facing economic euthanasia, a reality that occurs when families are unable to afford life-saving treatment for their critically injured or ill pet.

On October 18 at The Sound, Vision of Children Foundation will host its flagship benefit concert, A Night for Sight, featuring legendary rock band Jefferson Starship. Under the guidance of event co-chairs Marian Benassi, Vivian Hardage, Courtney Liddy, Kirstjen Nielsen, and MJ Wittman, the event will fund innovative research for rare genetic eye conditions and will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, opportunity drawing, hosted bar, curated three-course dinner, and an eclectic live auction.

Join the Mitchell Thorp Foundation’s Par for a Purpose on October 20 at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club to support families whose children are bravely battling life-threatening illnesses, diseases, and disorders. Proceeds go directly toward programs that provide families with financial assistance, emotional support, and access to critical resources. The tournament is followed by an evening of dinner and live music, along with silent and live auctions packed with exciting items and experiences.

This year, Country Friends Pickleball Tournament on October 22 at La Valle Coastal Club takes on a new dimension with the exciting addition of padel, featuring both intermediate and advanced play. Chaired by Maggie Bobileff the experience is elevated with courtside viewing and live DJ beats. Guests will also enjoy bite-sized nibbles and a wine and beer bar, making the afternoon as social as it is competitive.

For more upcoming events, go to ranchandcoast.com/calendar

10/06/2025

// Now open, San Diego’s newest attraction, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego unlocks exclusive access into the world of U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors, highlighting their ethos to inspire service and personal excellence in all walks of life.

Offering an immersive experience, the museum enables visitors to look through the lens of a commando with exhibits ranging from “The SEAL Mindset Theatre,” a powerful documentary projected on three walls, to “Featured Missions,” which includes Neptune’s Spear, the operation that killed Osama bin Laden.

The new museum is within walking distance of both the Midway and the Maritime Museum, creating a triad of museums devoted to San Diego’s rich military and seafaring history.

Experience the legacy with real stories, real missions, and real heroes.

Occupancy is limited, and though tickets can be purchased at the museum as availability permits, the museum recommends reserving them ahead of time.

To purchase tickets or to learn more, visit NavySEALMuseumSD.org.

10/01/2025

CBS 8 San Diego welcomed Taste of Rancho Santa Fe to the set this morning to preview our event coming up this Sunday, October 5, at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe to benefit Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club.

R&C Editor-in-Chief Mia Park was joined by Beeside Balcony, Bebemos Tequila, and Chef James Montejano of Alexandria Events to talk all things Taste and offer a glimpse of what's to come, which includes 75+ top-tier culinary partners, live music by Freddie Walton, incredible raffle packages, and an after-party with Chris Cantore as DJ — all to benefit Rancho Santa Fe Rotary and the organizations and causes we serve.

Be sure to purchase your tickets before pricing increases Wednesday 10/1 at 3pm! Details & tix here: https://tasteofrsf.org/

Sincere gratitude to our fellow Title Sponsors: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty, Hoehn Motors, Bistro Rancho Santa Fe, The Morrison Foerster Foundation, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

https://www.cbs8.com/video/news/local/mornings/11th-annual-taste-of-rancho-santa-fe-returns-october-5/509-056c16bb-e359-4aac-bafd-1fb69d10f622

The 11th Annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe will be held on Sunday, October 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. on the lawns of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.