Good morning, Escondido.

Today, locals in Escondido will sample three local beers and three local wines and vote for their favorite at the Beer vs Wine Sip-Off.

Beverage experts will debate whose drink is best—beer or wine—with the discussion recorded by popular local podcasts.

On World Swim Day, a local swim advocacy organization received a $200,000 donation — the funds will help expand swim lessons in underserved communities.

The donation supports an annual event that will offer local families greater access to quality swim instruction.

Stevie O'Dell, an Escondido native, has tattooed professionally for over 25 years and now runs Grand Legacy Tattoo with his friend Mike and wife Shannon—he also contributes to community art projects that include murals and school tributes inspired by street and Chicano art.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation is launching the Hidden City Film Festival from September 26 to 28 at its venues and Regal Cinema in downtown Escondido—featuring daily screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and short film showcases.

The three-day festival will end with an awards ceremony to honor top films and spotlight independent voices from the region and beyond.

San Diego County will host a full slate of Fourth of July celebrations with free and ticketed events including fireworks, parades, and festivals across the region.

Escondido’s own Independence Day Festival at Grape Day Park and California Center for the Arts starts at 5 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.—other events will offer choices for all tastes.

Three men—Martin Ortiz, Gabriel Casas, and Esteban Ortega—received new hearts at Sharp Memorial Hospital and celebrated their transplant victories on June 26 after battling heart failure.

Doctors said they expect each man to lead a normal life if they take their medicine and attend follow-up appointments.

Escondido native and San Diego FC forward Milan Iloski scored four goals in his first Major League Soccer start on Wednesday night—helping his team to a 5-3 win over Vancouver—and raising his season total to nine goals.

He built his reputation as a strong substitute and now plays at a pace nearly double that of many top forwards.

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.