Good morning, Escondido.

Southern Californians are expected to set a record this Independence Day week as 5.5 million plan to travel 50 miles or more.

The AAA said that gas prices may rise after a new excise tax and tighter environmental rules take effect July 1—adding uncertainty to what consumers will pay at the pump.

On Saturday night the Senate approved a spending package with a 51–49 vote that proposes cuts to SNAP funding, which runs CalFresh in San Diego.

Local experts say the cuts could force CalFresh to drop 67,000 families—warning that many may soon face food shortages—adding deep concern for the community.

Starting Tuesday, Escondido short-term rental property owners can apply for a tier four occupancy license—applications run for 45 days until August 15 and current lower-tier license holders must cancel their old licenses if approved.

NCTD took over bus operations Sunday by directly hiring 450 employees to join its BREEZE, COASTER and SPRINTER services.

The change now expands management in Oceanside and Escondido and promises a more efficient customer experience with routes that cover 5 million miles per year.

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.