The sixth iteration of La Jolla 101 saw new and established businesses presenting alongside nonprofits and community organizations for community connection.

With cold beverages under a hot sun, the twice-annual La Jolla 101 convened Sept 10 to bring community members together to celebrate La Jolla, meet people who the founder said “make La Jolla what it is” and discover ways to get involved.

Established and hosted by La Jolla real estate broker Amber Anderson, La Jolla 101 offers new and established residents and others time to network and mingle with small bites provided by local restaurants before moving into short presentations by varying community groups.

During the September iteration of La Jolla 101, the organizers of community events including BirdStock, coming Sept 19, spoke about what’s in store.

The annual Walter Munk Day on Saturday, Oct 3, will include dozens of ocean-related exhibitors for adults and children, Kumeyaay activities, a celebration of the 75th anniversary of Kellogg Park and more, Walter Munk Foundation for the Ocean President Steve Hadley said. 

The 2026 La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, set for the weekend of Oct 10-11, is shaping up to be “a really incredible event,” said event organizer Brianna Ahern.

The annual LJAWF closes several blocks along and around Girard Avenue for dozens of artists’ booths, pet adoptions, a ticketed wine and beer garden, music, family-friendly activities and more, with all proceeds donated to La Jolla’s five public schools. 

New and established La Jolla business owners and representatives spoke about what their storefronts offer.

Mahj Theory Collective opened recently, offering mahjong lessons, play sessions and more, owner Deb Soloman said.

Service, philanthropy and maintenance groups spoke about their efforts to meet the needs of their populations and further their missions.

Speaking for Enhance La Jolla, formed to perform improvements and maintenance in The Village, Brian Earley announced local artist Krista Schumacher is donating artwork for “Art in the Heart,” the Enhance La Jolla initiative that beautifies city of San Diego trash cans.

Schumacher’s art will be placed on the receptacles outside the La Jolla 101 location at Pacific Sotheby’s on Prospect Street. 

The La Jolla Newcomers Club, open to new members who moved to La Jolla in the last three years, works to “help people integrate themselves into” the community, representative Chas. Dye said. 

The evening closed with the continuation of La Jolla 101’s newer goal to give back to the community: Anderson and team surprised the La Jolla Coastal Conservancy and the Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial Association after their presentations with checks totaling $1,000 each.