Good morning, Escondido.

A brush fire in Lakeside grew to over *850 acres* on Tuesday and Wednesday, forcing evacuations near El Monte Road and prompting Cal Fire to use a Black Hawk helicopter to reach hotspots while two firefighters were treated for minor injuries and the cause remains under investigation.

The Escondido Chamber of Commerce will hold its 114th Installation and Awards Gala on June 27 at the California Center of the Arts with a Boots and Bling western theme — the event will honor local business leaders and feature live music, a mechanical bull ride, and the installation of new board members.

Fifteen inmates from the Richard J.

Donovan Prison earned a sociology degree from UCI yesterday as family, teachers, and prison staff gathered for the ceremony. Carlos Ortiz and his peers said the degree gives them hope for a better future — a step toward new beginnings — as they prepare to make positive changes.

The City of Escondido is giving away free 'No Illegal Fireworks' yard signs at City Hall on N.

Broadway during business hours from Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — the signs are offered to help prevent dangerous illegal fireworks in our high fire-risk areas as the Fourth of July approaches.

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.

Conservation Conversation: Protecting the Southwestern Pond Turtle

6-7 p.m. — Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve — Free entry — Learn about efforts to protect the native Southwestern Pond Turtle and its habitat in Escondido Creek.