GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Medical Weight Loss in Imperial Beach, CA

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Coming to theatres from director Scarlett Johansson and Sony Picture Classics is a tale of friendship and stories with ELEANOR THE GREAT.

Eleanor (June Squibb) and roommate/bestie Bessie (Rita Zohar) have a daily routine with one another. From morning coffee to long walks, their friendship has spanned decades, and so have their stories. When their time comes to a close, Eleanor finds herself moving to New York with daughter Lisa (Jessica Hecht) and grandson Max (Will Price). Lisa has decided its time for Mom to check out places where she can make friends and Eleanor isn’t too thrilled about that.

She does give in and wanders into the community center and a group gathered together to share. They are also introduced to Nina (Erin Kellyman) who is writing an article about survivors of the Holocaust and Eleanor realizes she has stumbled into the wrong group. As they talk, she can’t help but tell a story as if she were Bessie about her time in a concentration camp. Captivated by the story, Nina approaches her and asks if they can talk more. Believing her mom has found a group of new friends, Lisa feels less stressed and can focus on Max’s adolescent problems.

Eleanor is also surprised to discover that Nina’s father is none other than Roger (Chitwetel Ejiofor), someone Bessie admired greatly. She does find herself becoming friends with Nina and the young girl encourages Eleanor to continue telling her stories and spending time together. They learn more about one another but secrets have a way of coming out and that’s when friendships are tested and forgiveness feels impossible.

Squibb as Eleanor is absolutely stunning in this role as a woman who clearly has a life and history with her friend Bess. They have shared lives since their youth and that includes all the stories that come with it. Trying to start over again it never easy for anyone, but even less for someone who is under the roof of family that don’t understand her. Squibb gives us all the realities of aging from sensible shoes to feeling distant from the life she loved. There are so many moments of heartbreak and laughter that there never is enough time to recover from one to the other and I’d have it no other way.

Kellyman as Nina is a young woman following in her father’s journalistic footprints in her own way. Meeting Eleanor, she believes there is an important story to tell and will not let up on Eleanor until she agrees. Nina doesn’t understand the cost of it and Kellyman is lovely at showing us exactly what it means to love and lose and still love again. Ejiofor as Roger is a man grieving a loss and forgets that he is not the only one who is trying to find a place to put all the emotions. I love Ejiofor in everything he does, and here we see a man trying to do it all alone.

Hecht as Lisa is a daughter doing ‘her duty’ to bring Eleanor to come and live with them, even though she’s trying to find a way around that. There is a muddled history between mother and daughter as the roles are now reversed. Price as Max is a kid who is doing what kids do nowadays, their own thing with emotions that can fit on the head of a pin if it means dealing with anyone but themselves. Well done Price.

Shout out to Zohar as Bessie is so adorable and charming playing next to Squibb. It is totally believable that these two ladies could be lifelong friends.

Other cast includes Lauren Klein as Vera, Stephen Singer as Rabbi Cohen, Raymond Thomas as Professor Thompson, Tristan Murphy as Charlie, Stephen Bradbury as Ivan, Barbara Andres as Clarice, Samti Steigmann as Sami, Mila Falkof as Rebecca and Elaine Bromka as April.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com.

ELEANOR THE GREAT was nominated for the Un Certain Regard Award and Golden Camera for Scarlett Johansson at the Cannes Film Festival, nominated for the Grand Special Prize and winner of the Audience Award for Scarlett Johansson at the Deauville Film Festival, and a nominee for Best Feature Film for Scarlett Johansson as the CineFest – Miskolc International Film Festival.

There is so much about this film to love from the relationship of two life long friends, to mother-daughters history, new friendships but ultimate all in jeopardy because of one story that is told. I love the simplicity of the film that allows us to follow along being able to laugh, jaw drop, feel the pull of our hearts and a level of sincere friendship. Squibb is so marvelous of an actress who, at 95 years old, has put herself wholeheartedly into this story that I can not imagine anyone else playing this role.

This is Johansson’s directorial debut and taking on this storyline is so well done from start to credits. A generational story, we are taken on a journey of two stories – no matter how they are told it is love that transcended both. It is filled with complexities and although it might be easily pointed to Eleanor’s fib as the culprit, it is so much deeper than that and should resonate that way.

In the end – stories have a life of their own!

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from writer/director Gerard Johnstone and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of M3GAN 2.0.

It has been a few years as Gemma (Allison Williams) has now become a writer and spends her time advocating for AI regulation while working with cybersecurity expert Christian (Aristotle Athari). Cady (Violet McGraw) is growing up quickly and is following a bit in her aunt’s footsteps studying computer science. Their life is a bit more normal than previously when Gemma learns that the military and a Col. Sattler (Timm Sharp) have an android named Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno) that has gone a bit rogue.

Gemma is worried for Cady and attempts to find ways of protecting her from anything that comes into their home. What she didn’t count on was that M3gan (Amie Donald) is in her home as well and it is her presence in their smart house that warns of what is to come. Offering to help, she convinces Gemma to find her a ‘body’ to help gain access to the information they need. Hacking into the system, M3gan gets them all home, including Gemma, Cole (Brian Jordan Alvarez) and Tess (Jen Van Epps) and shows them a way to create a, well, super M3gan that can take on Amelia.

Secrets are coming out left and right as Gemma and Cady try to keep up with what is actually happening and how to stop it. When Cady is taken, the one thing Gemma knows is very true – M3gan will do whatever is necessary to keep Cady safe and that means no one or nothing will get in her way – no one or nothing.

Williams as Gemma has tried to bring a stable home together after the last run in with M3gan. Writing a book and speaking out for accountability in AI creation and use, having to return to a bad time just wasn’t on her bingo card. Her character of Gemma is smart, a bit of a wisecrack when necessary and trying to be a good role model for Cady and M3gan can test all of that. McGraw as Cady is in her teenage eye-rolling heavy-sigh I-know-best era which always drives me a bit crazy. McGraw does give her character a tough exterior while pretty much being a softie in the middle.

Athari as Christian was Gemma to be a part of the work they are doing and isn’t happy when Gemma rather be on her own. Athari gives us a slick and smart character that really doesn’t know what he’s getting into. Sharp as Sattler is gunning for Gemma without actually understanding what he is doing but then again, you can’t tell a government guy anything.

Donald as M3gan is just stunning as this character. She has all the right moves and with the help of Davis’ voice, they make a perfect good/bad bot. Alvarez as Cole is the bumbling dude who works with Gemma but carries a few chips on his shoulder. Van Epps as Tess also works with Cole and Gemma and is the calmer of the two focused only on stopping Amelia.

Shout out to Jenna Davis as the stunning voice of M3gan. Her humor and horror is unmistakable in that voice and we love it! Also, Jemaine Clement as Alton Appleton showing corruption has its price.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Unrated Version Upgraded with enhanced kills, deleted scenes and more blood & carnage, Total Upgrade: Making M3GAN 2.0 Equipped with some killer upgrades, the team that unleaded M3GAN returns, Droid DNA Unveil M3GAN 2.0 as she prepares to tackle rogue military asset Amelia, The Art of Slaying The cast and stunt team discuss creating and executing the film’s most explosive and gruesome action sequences and Scene Breakdown: Embrace AI Convention From a dance battle to a blood fest, this breakdown will show how each department worked together to create this epic and deadly sequence.

M3GAN 2.0, especially the unrated version, will give fans a little more than they expected. The little robot turns into a bit of a John Wick in dancing shoes and a humor setting that is really good. The action and fight scenes are set in some pretty cool settings and nothing gets in the way of it all. The cast reuniting for the film makes it so much more fun to watch and definitely should be on the Saturday night cozy couch double feature.

We are definitely M3GAN fans and M3GAN 2.0 turned out to be even more fun than the first film that came out in 2022. Don’t keep up waiting for a follow up!

In the end – she can never be erased!

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

High school football season is back, and small towns are buzzing under the Friday night lights. This year, T-Mobile is raising the stakes with Friday Night 5G Lights — putting more than $4 million in prizes on the line for schools across America.

“We heard inspiring stories from schools all across the country since kicking off the competition over two months ago, and the passion is just incredible,” said Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile Consumer Group. “It’s clear these schools are on a major mission not only to chase the big win but to also build pride in their communities.”

That sense of community is something three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes knows well. “I know firsthand how much high school football means to families and entire communities,” Mahomes said. “I grew up in a small Texas town, so seeing how hard these high schools have hustled really resonates with me. These finalists represent everything that makes the game special, and I’m proud to be part of spotlighting their stories.”

Four-time Super Bowl champ Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski agreed: “Friday nights in small-town America are pure magic with the energy, the pride and the tradition that make it so electric. I already know these Top 25 are going to take the competition to another level, and I can’t wait to see how they rally their communities and people across the country on their mission for the million-dollar grand prize.”

Each of the 25 finalists has already scored $25,000 and a T-Mobile–hosted home game celebration, but only one will walk away with the ultimate prize: a $1 million football field upgrade, a renovated weight room from Gronk Fitness, a consultation with stadium experience experts, an all-expenses-paid trip to the SEC Championship Game for 16 school representatives and a 2026 tailgate party to reveal the finalized upgrades.

Voting is open from Sept. 25 through Oct. 24 at, and the winner will be announced Oct. 30. Fans can vote once per day, and schools can rack up extra points by completing weekly Spirit Week challenges.

Now, meet this year’s 25 finalists — each with a story of pride, resilience and community spirit:

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Let's do the time warp again...and again!

This week on 4K HD, Bluray and Digital from director Jim Sharman and 20th Century Studios comes a film celebrating its 50th Anniversary and remains the longest-running theatrical release in film history is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.

At the wedding of their friends, Brad Major (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) have a celebratory moment and decide they need to go see their teacher Dr. Scott (Jonathan Adams) who is the reason they met. Along the way, a strong storm makes their drive a bit dangerous but even more so is when their car blows a tire (I knew I should have gotten that tire fixed – B). Wondering what to do, he remembers a castle a bit back and the couple make their way to the light in the fireplace.

Greeted at the door by Riff Raff (Richard O’Brien), they are invited in and meet domestic Magenta (Patricia Quinn). Brad seems to be casual about the strangeness around them but Janet has her bad thing-senses tingling as she should. They are both startled by the arrival of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) who invites the couple into his lab to see what’s on the slab. Escorted by the unimpressed Columbia (Little Nell), all arrive at the lab to hear that the scantily clad Dr. is about to create his own personal Rocky (Peter Hinwood).

Just when he’s found his joy, it is all interrupted by Eddie (Meat Loaf) who has a few bars to sing to the glee of Columbia. But, all good things come to the dinner table, including Dr. Scott who shows up looking for someone but Frank, Magenta and Riff Raff are about to turn all their worlds inside out considering it is all upside down already!

Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter is disarming, charming, hilarious and underhanded but does it all with perfect makeup and heels. There is no doubt that no one but Curry could have ever played this role and to think otherwise is pure insanity. His performance felt then and now as if he embodied this role to the hilt. Starting this role on stage before it ever hit screen, it was extremely smart to put that expressive face on the big screen.

Sarandon as Janet is naïve, also charming, endearing and a bit of a vixen for sure. Watching her character go from Gidget (Goggle it kids) to a bit of Elvira is touching (yes, I said it) in all the best ways possible. I love that Sarandon embraces what she did all those years ago and even finds humor in what they accomplished. Bostwick as Brad is just an oblivious male portraying a bit of machismo but doesn’t hesitate to be corrupted for absolute pleasure. Bostwick just jumped right in and his final outfit needs to be totally applauded because, if anything else, he looked damn good in it.

O’Brien as Riff Raff is a disgruntled handyman upset that the candy man hadn’t shown up according to his master. The reality is, he isn’t happy in the castle and putting up with Frank’s nonsense is pushing him to the limits. I just love O’Brien’s portrayal and as the creator of the play and knowing the history behind it there is one thing to say – he is a mad genius. Quinn as Magenta is a domestic that isn’t quite as domestic as one would hope. I mean I couldn’t have her cleaning my house no matter how well she dances. She watches, listens and waits but also has a good time being bad. I just love her character. Little Nell as Columbia is colorful, a spitfire, and more opinionated that she probably should be. The love of a motorcycle man is something she hasn’t gotten over and why should she. That being said, she is torn between Eddie and Frank so there’s that.

Adams as Dr. Scott is a scientist in his own right and clearly knows that Frank is up to something. The problem is, once inside the castle lair, he has his own story to tell and don’t let the wheelchair fool you. Meat Loaf as Eddie might have a small role but it is a showstopper and I just absolutely loved it. Nothing better than a motorcycle man who can play the sax after bursting out of a freezer. Well done sir! Hinwood as Rocky is there as total cute gold-colored undies decoration with no lines whatsoever yet, there wouldn’t be a story if he wasn’t there. I mean, his name IS in the title of the film.

Shout out to Charles Gray as the criminologist for not only telling the tale step by step but jumping up on a desk to dance to the Time Warp. Absolute fire!

Other cast include Jeremy Newson as Ralph Hapschatt and Hilary Labow as Betty Monroe. Unconventional conventionalists include Perry Bedden, Christopher Biggins, Gaye Brown, Ishaq Brux, Stephen Calcutt, Hugh Cecil, Imogene Claire, Tony Cowan, Sadie Corre, Frank Fullenwider, Lindsay Ingram, Peggy Ledger, Annabel Leventon, Anthony Milner, Pamela Obermeyer, Tony Then, Kimi Wong, Henry Woolf and Rufus Collins.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.20thcenturystudios.com.

What can be said about THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW that hasn’t been said by anyone who was there from the beginning. First, let me say the perfection companion to this film is Linus O’Brien’s documentary STRANGE JOURNEY: The Story of Rocky Horror because it literally takes fans through the creative process of his father Richard O’Brien’s ideas and how it finally came to the big screen.

My sister Ellen and I spent most of the 1975 and 1976 at the Strand Theatre in Ocean Beach. Our Friday and Saturday nights were spent standing in line enjoying the sights, sounds and camaraderie there was to be had waiting to get into the theatre. People dressing up and dressing down, bringing props (like rice for the wedding scenes) and gearing up to yell back at the screen some of the most infamous comebacks that are still uttered to this day. One of the best memories was talking our dad into seeing the film with us. Now, granted, it really wasn’t a 1970’s parents cup of tea but he went open minded and, I think, curious as to what we were always up to so late on a Friday night. After what I am sure was an initial shock of it all, he saw us having fun – REAL fun. Not out causing trouble, not doing anything wrong, just being in a theatre with a huge crowd of our closest friends singing, dancing, throwing rice and yelling at the screen. Afterwards we went for breakfast and he laughed at how giddy the film made us. He never said he hated the film or was against the film, no, instead, he thought we were nutty (we were) but never had a problem with us seeing it again and again.

That’s what THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW did for us, gave us a weird and fantastic freedom that it also gave so many others. Returning again and again to share an experience with strangers in a way that is so very memorable. Every person in the theatre was able to be who they wanted to be – you like Frank? Full of Frank. You like Magenta? Full on Magenta. It didn’t matter because every person accepted every person for their reasons, their costumes and how so very cool it was to be part of something as extraordinary as the film was.

Released in August of 1975 – here we are 50 years later and although most of us that were in theatres in 1975 couldn’t possibly do the Time Warp again, a new generation is discovering Frank and the gang in their own unique way thanks to THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW now available on so many platforms. I do feel a bit sorry for them though; they will never know the joy of being pelted by rice!

In the end – let’s do the time warp again!

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

The Run (Close to) the Border Road Rally is hitting Imperial Beach for 2025!

Starting and finishing at the Imperial Beach VFW in San Diego County, this scenic rally takes drivers on an unforgettable route that winds through San Ysidro, up into the mountains, and past checkpoints like Thousand Trails Pio Pico Resort. With rolling terrain, panoramic views, and a spirit of camaraderie, it’s the kind of event that brings together enthusiasts of all vehicle types for a unique rallying experience.

Hosting this year’s rally is Vet-Runs, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans by connecting them with opportunities in motorsports. Their mission goes beyond the road, with future plans including vocational training, pit crew development, and free auto repairs for veterans and active-duty service members. The rally also partners with The Animal Pad, a local rescue group, offering participants who donate supplies or funds an extra raffle ticket entry as a thank-you for supporting animals in need.

Drivers can look forward to more than just the rally route. Each $50 car entry includes two raffle tickets and free beverages at the VFW, where the event community gathers before and after the run. With checkpoints designed to keep the day engaging, and a focus on both performance and purpose, this road rally is as much about giving back as it is about the open road.

Expect a relaxed but energized atmosphere where classic cars, modern builds, and rally-ready machines all share the same pavement. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy a well-planned drive, meet fellow enthusiasts, and support causes that directly benefit both veterans and rescue animals.

So gather your friends, get your car ready, and join the Run (Close to) the Border Road Rally in Imperial Beach for a day of driving, giving, and unforgettable road rally fun.

Run (Close to) the Border Road Rally - San Diego County, California

Location: Imperial Beach VFW, 123 Palm Ave, Imperial Beach, CA 91932Starts: First Batch at 8:30 AM | Second Batch at 9:00 AMEnds: 12:00 PMAdmission: HERE Vehicle Registration: HERE

*Please note: iDriveSoCal is not hosting this car show. To learn more contact Run (Close to) the Border Road Rally event organizers HERE . Including details about attending and displaying your car. Also about becoming a car meet vendor or sponsor.

Additionally, for more of the best Southern California automotive events click HERE .

And, ever wonder how cars and coffee events got started? Check out this podcast on !

Have a car show, automotive event or car meet you think we should post? Submit .

Never miss another cool SoCal Car Show! Sign up for our newsletter .

WalletHub released its 2025 Best Small Cities in America list. Several cities in San Diego County made the rankings.

IMPERIAL BEACH, CA — Some of the country's best small cities are in San Diego County, according to a new report.

To determine the Best Small Cities in America and help people choose the perfect small place to put down roots, researchers at WalletHub crunched the numbers and compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 based on 45 key indicators of livability. They range from housing costs to school-system quality to the number of restaurants per capita.

"Moving from a bustling metropolis to a small city could drastically cut down your cost of living. On top of that, the best small cities offer strong job markets, high-quality education, good health care, safe living conditions and plenty of local flair to help you achieve a high quality of life," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. "While small cities may lack some advantages of big cities, like robust public transportation systems, they make up for these shortcomings in other areas."

Given the large sample of cities ranked in the study, researchers at the personal finance website grouped results by percentile. The 99th percentile represents the top 1% of small cities in America.

Nine San Diego area cities made the list, including Imperial Beach, with two local communities ranking in the 70th percentile or higher.

Encinitas ranked as the best small city in the county, followed by Poway and San Marcos. Here are the San Diego area cities that made the list. Their percentile is in parenthesis:

Carmel, Indiana, ranked as the best small city in the country, followed by Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Apex, North Carolina.

Bessemer, Alabama, ranked as the worst small city in the country. The community scored in the 1st percentile.