Good morning, Escondido.

Deanna Smith, a well-known local businesswoman, reported that unknown individuals stole her baby chickens from her rural home on Easter weekend—she said the loss will impact her grandchildren and a third grade school program while she works with Hawthorne Feed to replace them amid a current egg shortage.

The Grand Tea Room and 413 Repertory Theater announced they will stage A Little Princess as a high tea dinner theater experience at The Grand Tea Room from June 5 to June 29.

The production will feature local San Diego actors and vintage costumes to bring Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic tale to life—blending a themed dining service with a captivating performance.

Escondido hosted its first annual Indigenous Arts and Culture Festival last Saturday (April 19) at Grape Day Park, where local and out‑of‑state indigenous groups performed music, dances, and art alongside vendor booths and speeches by city leaders.

The event was led by the City and the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians and aimed to draw an estimated 5,000-6,000 visitors (final numbers remain unclear).

San Diego’s food bank in Escondido helps feed 400,000 people monthly with produce from local farms, but potential funding cuts could drop its budget from $62 million to $8 million next year—local farmers may lose up to 90% of their income.

The changes come as state and federal programs reduce support for nearly 800,000 families relying on food assistance.

Fifth District Supervisor Jim Desmond and Assemblymember Carl DeMaio introduced the Safe and Secure Battery Storage Act on Monday, April 7 after fires at battery storage sites in Escondido forced evacuations and released harmful smoke in nearby areas.

The bill will pause new construction for two years and set fire and safety standards—steps meant to keep homes, schools, and parks safe.

Today, Escondido crews are finishing new sidewalks between Broadway and Maple on Grand Avenue by applying sealants, grouting, pressure washing and removing barricades while installing pavers at Maple and Grand.

They will add landscaping and irrigation along the same stretch, install decorative fencing between Kalmia and Broadway, and place the final asphalt early next week—rain may delay some work and traffic remains closed on parts of the route with alternate paths available.

Three local prep soccer teams shined this season as San Pasqual advanced to the Regional Final after winning two games—Orange Glen Patriots reached the D3 final with strong defensive plays—and Classical Academy clinched both the San Diego Section D4 title and the SoCal Boys Soccer Championship.

Last Saturday, Escondido track athletes ran at the Jaguar Invite meet at Valley Center High School where 27 teams raced in the morning and 23 in the afternoon.

Local stars like San Pasqual’s Nadia Miechowicz—who won the 400m and placed second in the 200m—and Sonya Nichols—who won the 1600m—helped secure top finishes for five local high schools.

Wings of Hope Butterfly Release

1:30-3:30 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Free event — Release butterflies, enjoy live music, and listen to uplifting messages from the grief support team while savoring sweet treats.

Carmen by City Ballet of San Diego

2:00 – 3:30 PM — The Centre — Tickets $46.80 – $142.80 — Experience the dramatic storytelling of Carmen through stunning ballet performances.

Old Escondido Mother's Day Home Tour

6-11 p.m. — 329 E 7th Ave, Escondido — $30 pre-purchase, $35 at door — Explore five historic homes and enjoy refreshments in a charming Mother’s Day tradition.

Lawrence Welk's Villas on the Greens Stay

May 23-30 — Villas on the Greens, Escondido, CA — From $2,900 — Enjoy a luxurious one-bedroom stay at a resort with golf, theater, and family-friendly activities.