Good morning, Escondido.

Jeffery Edward Brady, a San Diego native who died while rescuing his girlfriend’s 10-year-old and 12-year-old nephews from the Colorado River near Yuma on July 5, 2025, will be posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal for his heroic act.

A new report finds that one-third of seniors in San Diego County face housing and food insecurity + a local nonprofit is planning a program to boost support for those in need.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido reopens its Butterfly Jungle for a 20-minute, ticketed experience (tickets cost $18 per person) open daily through April 12, where visitors can enjoy hundreds of butterflies amid bright blooms in a tropical setting.

The San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center is caring for two black bear cubs from Monrovia after their mother was euthanized on Tuesday following two public safety incidents.

The cubs (estimated three months old) will be raised with minimal human contact to help prevent future conflicts around homes.

County Supervisor Jim Desmond will propose a first-time homebuyer program that offers down-payment help and interest rate buy-downs at the board meeting on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the county Administration Building on Pacific Highway, with staff reporting findings within 120 days.

Former Padres closer Heath Bell said the team relied on its bullpen and defense to drive success and predicted a deep playoff run provided it stayed healthy; he noted that roster moves & new manager strategies could boost overall performance.

CBS 8 Mornings launches Friar Fridays on March 27 — local viewers can enter every Friday until August 21 for a chance to win a family four-pack of Padres tickets at Petco Park, with one grand prize winner receiving a VIP Padres Experience.

Earth Day Escondido 2026

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Washington Park — Free entry — Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly activities focused on sustainability and local community connection.

Circus Vargas

12-3 p.m. — Mershops North County Mall — Tickets start at $92 — Experience an unforgettable circus event with thrilling performances in Escondido.

Gourd Dreamcatchers Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Grand | Ritz Theater — All materials provided — Create a unique gourd dreamcatcher while exploring Native American cultural traditions.

KPOP Guardians Tribute Show

4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Grand | Ritz Theater — Tickets may be required — Experience a vibrant celebration of K-Pop with impressive performances and dazzling visuals.

Randy Travis Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical legacy of Randy Travis, a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee with over 25 million albums sold.

Music in the Plaza: Carlos y Charlos

7 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket required — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of traditional Norteño music from two talented multi-instrumentalists.