Good morning, Escondido.

The Escondido Community Garden has provided space for residents to grow organic produce and attend gardening classes for 31 years.

The garden — set on city-owned land — offers 115 plots for $60 per month with access to a storage shed, cabana, and picnic tables during daytime hours.

Love Esco Day was held Saturday, Feb.

7 at Grape Day Park behind the California Center for the Arts, where over 600 signed up for volunteer projects and more than 1,300 joined community festivities (including performances from local bands and dance groups, with Mayor Dane White presenting proclamations).

A study from the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego found that 31% of nonprofits reported weak finances in 2025 as demand for services surged + funding dropped from government and private sources.

Leaders warn that these trends may affect service delivery in the coming months.

The Mambo Orchestra from Mission Bay High School will perform at First Congregational Church on Feb.

22 from 2 to 4 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. with free youth entry and fees for seniors and adults — the celebration will feature director Jean-Paul 'JP' Balmat and the Swing Choir.

Longtime Escondido musician Tamara Shoemaker will perform with her band All Fired Up a Pat Benatar Tribute at the Grand Ritz Theater downtown on February 21.

She has been active in the community since 1982.

The Poway Symphony Orchestra will perform Mendelssohn Classics on Sunday, Mar.

22 at 4 p.m. at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, with Conductor John LoPiccolo directing Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 & guest soloist YuEun Gemma Kim highlighting the program.

Jazz at Lincoln Center is set to present Great American Crooners at CCAE on Feb.

15 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Escondido where Benny Benack III, Robbie Lee and Shenel Johns will perform classics and share stories of crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin.

Adrian Gutierrez II, a 2022 graduate of Escondido High School and public health major at Texas A&M University, began a spring internship in Washington, D.C., after being one of 10 chosen for the Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP).

He will monitor legislation, attend hearings, and prepare reports for senior staff.

The Escondido Union High School District announced that four high schools were recognized as 2025 AP Honor Roll Schools by the College Board for increased access to advanced courses & improved AP exam performance.

Escondido and San Pasqual High Schools earned Silver Level honors while Del Lago Academy and Orange Glen High School earned Bronze Level.

On Wednesday, the Padres finalized a $4 million contract with veteran Miguel Andujar that lets him earn an additional $2.2 million and includes an $8 million mutual option for 2027 with a base salary of $1.5 million.

San Pasqual High's Golden Eagles won a 53-43 game over Valley Center Jaguars last Friday, moving to a 9-15 overall record and securing fourth place as they head toward the Division 5 playoffs.

Coach Andrew Oribello praised the team's defense and energy in boosting their playoff hopes.

The Ranch 50K Race

The Ranch 50K — Starting at dawn — Daley Ranch Park — Registration fee applies — Challenge yourself with a stunning trail run featuring a grand total of 6,318 feet of elevation gain.

Route 78 Mariachi Festival

12-5 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — $25-$125 — Experience a vibrant Sunday of professional Mariachi performances and cultural festivities.

Circus Vargas

1-4 p.m. — Mershops North County Mall — Tickets starting at $69 — Experience an unforgettable circus performance with featuring Circus Vargas.