Good morning, Escondido.

Local artists Mark Wassef and Rich Walker launched Ignite Art Club to give young adults a new space to explore art in Escondido.

The club will meet at Maple Plaza on Grand Avenue every second Saturday at 6 p.m. — with the next meeting on June 14 and a field trip on June 28 at 11:30 a.m. at WNDR Museum — to build creative connections.

Blues music is a key American art form with deep roots in the work songs and spirituals of the Deep South that shaped modern sounds.

Award-winning artists Mike Zito will perform on June 13 and Tommy Castro with the Painkillers on June 15 at the Center Theater+ bringing the blues' rich legacy to Escondido this Father's Day weekend.

The 2025 Pride on Broadway Festival will be held June 28 from noon to 5 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Escondido—featuring live music by the Young Jazz Lions Conservatory All-Stars, Broadway Tunes, and the Rafael Family Band along with food, face painting, a book giveaway, and community resource booths to celebrate diversity.

The California Center for the Arts, Escondido announced finalists for the 1st annual North County Arts Awards that honor local arts talent from over 700 public nominations — winners and a special Lifetime Achievement Award for Bob Will will be revealed live at a red carpet gala on Saturday, June 28 at the Conference Center.

Caltrans held a groundbreaking on May 30 to start five projects worth $623 million that improve roads and safety, including a $126 million plan to fix a 17.7-mile stretch of SR-78 from I-5 in Oceanside to Broadway and Lincoln Parkway in Escondido.

The funding comes from IIJA, SB 1, SHOPP and other federal programs — these projects will make travel safer and roads last longer.

The Mayor’s Office has launched the Mayor’s National Anthem Contest for North County San Diego residents as part of the 60th Annual Independence Day Festival.

Residents must send in a 1-minute family-friendly video by June 18 at 11:59 p.m.—the selected singer will perform live at Grape Day Park on July 4 at 4:30 p.m.

Escondido City Council approved a notice of completion for the Oakvale Road Realignment project next to Lake Wohlford on June 4; the project cost $12,453,024.66 from the Lake Wohlford Dam Replacement Project Water Capital Improvement fund and realigned 1,200 feet of roadway while removing 56,000 cubic yards of material—essential work before building a new dam downstream. The project was authorized in 2021.

San Pasqual High's baseball team won four playoff games with strong pitching from Osa Hinojosa and clutch hits by freshman Carter Stubblefield before falling in a decisive semifinal game that ended their postseason run.

Head coach Justin Graeber said the players learned valuable lessons from their ups and downs — they plan to regroup next season.

Dog Dental Cleaning Clinic

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Pets Plus — Appointments required — Enjoy a non-anesthetic dog dental cleaning along with other veterinary services at this special one-day event.