Thousands crowd the revived Grape Day Festival

The revised Grape Day Festival was a very big deal Saturday at Grape Day Park. “I would estimate there was anywhere in the neighborhood of 5,000 people,” said Stef Holden, one of the organizers, and a member of the Brothers of 6 Charities Inc., who partnered with the History Center to make it happen after several years of absence. “Robin […]

Candidate Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson talks about her hopes for the 5th District


Candidate Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, candidate for the 5th District Board of Supervisors seat held by Jim Desmond, had a rural Texas childhood that makes it easy for her to identify with rural residents of the sprawling district— which includes cities and vast stretches of wildland and everything in between. “We struggled to keep the lights on. I carry those memories when […]

Charter and Caimans prove themselves again with signature wins


Both the Escondido Charter and Classical Academy football squads entered last Friday night’s action with plenty at stake and a lot left to prove. For the White Tigers, their mission was rather clear and straight forward. It was time for EC to finally secure its first-ever victory over always tough La Jolla Country Day and thereby snap a lengthy nine-game […]

Issa to host webinar on FCC programs to expand broadband access

The Office of Congressman Darrell Issa will host a free online webinar with representatives of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide key information about improving and expanding rural internet access throughout the 50th Congressional District. The event will take place September 19, at noon PT. “There is no reason why internet access can’t be extended to every corner of […]

EAA October open show – call for artists

The Escondido Art Association announces their show for the month of October at the Artists Gallery, 121 W. Grand Ave., Escondido. The Theme for the show is “Fall Splendor” and will be open to EAA members and non-members are encouraged to enter. The judge is the highly respected Brady Willmott. Entry fees will apply: Members $20 1st entry, $5 ea. […]

What a weekend!

ED GALLO SPEAKS

Some weekend, huh? Happenings, events, memorials here and nationwide. We begin with what that stuff was falling from the sky—something we haven’t seen in many months and not much either. Well, not enough to satisfy our thirst. Pardon the pun oh and the alliteration. Oh yeah, finally some rain which washed all dust from the trees, sidewalks and roadways. Ah, […]

Agricultural Pass


We’ve taken many steps at the County when it comes to fire safety, including adding new firefighting helicopters, increasing defensible space, and increasing cameras in the backcountry. Last week, we added another tool, the agricultural pass. During a wildfire or other disaster, the Ag Pass allows commercial livestock or agriculture operators access to evacuated areas to care for crops and […]

Saving lives, reducing crime


In 2011, federal courts ruled that California prisons were overcrowded — populations had to be reduced. As a result, Assembly Bill 109 was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. The state’s prison system was “realigned,” meaning the responsibility to incarcerate, monitor and track lower-level offenders would now rest with the counties, not the state. Eighty percent of incarcerated felons […]

Black Rock Coffee Bar to open drive-thru only store Sept. 16

Black Rock Coffee Bar, a national boutique coffee chain founded in Portland, Oregon, is opening a new drive-thru only store in Escondido. With more than 100 stores across seven states, this is Black Rock’s third location in the San Diego area following the openings in Oceanside and Vista. Known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel®️ energy […]

Opera company celebrates donors

On Saturday, September 10th, Pacific Lyric Association held their annual Donor Appreciation Gala, aptly named Evening in Seville. It was held in the banquet room of the newly renovated Ritz Theater downtown. Paella was cooked on site, and guests feasted on carved jamon, cheeses, and salad. And of course, lots of wine flowed and lots of music was heard from […]