Good morning, Escondido.

Bo Mazzetti, longtime chairman of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, passed away May 1 and was known for defending tribal sovereignty and securing water rights that benefited Escondido—his work built strong ties between local officials and the tribe.

At the Miss Escondido Pageant on May 4, 14 girls competed and Sienna DePonte was crowned Miss Escondido while Scarlett DePonte and Jazzlynn Macedo were named Miss Teen and Junior Miss—city officials and organizers also presented special awards and proclamations to honor the outgoing court and set the winners up for community service.

Grand Avenue is open and drivers can now make U-turns—its two roundabouts and new travel lanes replace the old layout.

Local businesses note most parking spaces are occupied and expect the refreshed downtown design to boost activity—energy from recent changes is already visible.

Chef Justin Minor is launching his new pop-up pizza business called D-Town Doughboys on Escondido street corners, where he will serve Detroit style pizza with a caramelized cheese edge.

He holds a ServSafe certification, seller permit, and temporary food facility vendor permit and said he will obtain permission from nearby restaurants to avoid conflicts—drawing on decades of experience from high-end kitchens.

Gina Lopez, CEO of the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, was named CEO of the Year for a San Diego nonprofit at the San Diego Business Journal's awards ceremony on Wednesday.

She said her team is working to make the arts more accessible amid rising costs—an effort that hopes to bring more community engagement.

Local pianist Sue Palmer, known as San Diego’s Queen of Boogie Woogie, will perform with her Motel Swing Orchestra in Escondido on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m.—the Hidden Valley Community Concert Association is holding its final season concert with tickets at $30 for adults and $20 for seniors, veterans, and active military—children and students receive free admission with sales at First Congregational Church at 1800 North Broadway as doors open at 1:30 p.m.

City crews are repairing and upgrading the Escondido Creek Trail between Citracado Parkway and North Midway Drive—work that began in February and will finish by the end of the year.

Crews installed cable railing, improved the irrigation system and electrical work, and will close sections for full-day safety during seal coating and trenching.

Federal enforcement of REAL ID began May 7 so travelers needed a REAL ID or another accepted ID such as a U.S. passport to pass airport security.

The DMV reported that by May 1, 19.5 million REAL IDs were issued—about 58% of eligible Californians—and some San Diego DMV offices extended hours to assist with appointments.

Escondido’s 30-year-old Proposition S (a measure that requires voter approval for changes to the general plan) has slowed housing growth and raised project costs by delaying approvals.

City leaders may propose a repeal at the next general election to remove barriers for new developments and meet state housing demands.

Coach Russ Cantu turned the Classical Academy boys lacrosse team around from six winless seasons to a 15-3 record and a tied Pacific League championship—securing the top seed for the CIF Division 3 playoffs.

The team will add junior varsity players for a quarterfinal match with either Olympian or Canyon Hills this week.

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.

Escondido Choral Arts Concert

3-6 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a captivating performance featuring Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living and full orchestra.

Palomar Gem and Mineral Show

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Entry fee TBD — Discover beautiful mineral specimens, cut gems, fossils, and exquisite jewelry crafted from the earth's treasures.