Good morning, Escondido.

The Perfect Fit Day Program partners with Escondido Combat Academy to offer adaptive martial arts classes every Tuesday and Thursday, where adults build strength, confidence, and teamwork through tailored drills.

Coaches focus on individualized support while reinforcing a spirit of inclusion in every session.

The Times-Advocate invites readers to submit nominations for the Newsmaker of the Year award for 2025 and will accept suggestions until Jan.

31. The award honors those who have made a dominant impact on local news with a small trophy and media feature.

Local glass artist James Stone writes a letter urging transparency in public art decisions, stressing that clear criteria for awarding commissions helps local artists and community members trust the process (he believes openness builds public confidence).

The Women of Americana concert will be held on March 12 at California Center for the Arts in Escondido, featuring Brennen Leigh and Cristina Vane.

Tickets are now on sale for this celebration of American music coinciding with the upcoming semi quincentennial.

Local nonprofit Nature Collective and elementary students are cultivating pollinator+indigenous gardens at six campuses including North Broadway, Felicita, Miller, Juniper, and Rock Springs in the Escondido Union School District.

The green schoolyards transform unused spaces into living classrooms for learning and environmental care.

Assemblymember Darshana Patel secured $1.5M in state funding on Thursday near Lake Hodges to clear 40 acres of brush — the funds will expand use of non-toxic fire retardant to protect homes, schools, and emergency routes in high wildfire risk areas.

Neighborhood Healthcare announced it received over $82,000 from the Albertsons Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program to help more Southern California residents get food assistance.

The grant supports its ongoing effort to expand access to nutritious meals.

Neighborhood Healthcare received a $250,000 grant from the Prebys Foundation to support its Advanced Practitioner Training Academy (APTA), a 14-week program preparing new nurse practitioners and physician assistants to serve underserved neighborhoods.

The grant is part of a broader community health investment in San Diego County.

In 2025, the San Diego Humane Society saw a sharp rise in desirable breeds such as French bulldogs (up 514% since 2020), pugs, Maltese, maltipoos, and shih tzus among its 13,171 dog intakes.

The shelter currently cares for 676 dogs and welcomes walk-in adoptions Tuesday through Sunday.

Joe’s Italian, a cozy restaurant (403 W Grand Ave near Bellamy’s) offers authentic Italian dishes with favorites like chicken parmigiana and antipasto salad; owner Joe, 76, cooks daily alongside his daughter to keep local traditions alive.

Escondido High football star Bowyn Cannon was named the Fall Sports Season top athlete by the Times-Advocate after he recorded 1,524 rushing yards, threw for six touchdowns and scored 14 overall; officials praised his versatile play as he filled in as both running back and emergency quarterback.

PMP Program In-Person Training

9 AM – 5 PM — Regus - Escondido - La Terraza Corporate Plaza — From $999.00 — Enhance your project management skills with essential insights into governance and compliance.