Good morning, Escondido.

Alaska Airlines will launch twice-weekly nonstop flights to historic Loreto in December using its E175 aircraft (operated by SkyWest Airlines) through April.

The new route is the carrier's 50th nonstop service from San Diego and marks 40 years of service in the area.

Rising beef prices have spurred Escondido shoppers to plan for Labor Day by seeking affordable grilling options; many will try alternative proteins to stretch their budgets ahead of the holiday.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library announced a partnership with the Dr. Seuss Foundation to deliver free monthly books to children birth to 5 in San Diego County, boasting over 170,000 eligible children.

The program—backed by Senate Bill 1183—honors Parton’s legacy and supports early literacy.

I Love A Clean San Diego invites 5,000 volunteers to join Coastal Cleanup Day at Pepper Park and across 100 cleanup sites countywide.

Registration opens Sept. 1 and the cleanup will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Emilio Nares Foundation is hosting its annual Harvest for Hope fundraiser to support children with life-threatening diseases like cancer + organizers will share more details on the event soon.

TrueCare merged with Palomar Family Counseling on Aug.

31 to expand integrated care in Escondido, Vista & Fallbrook by linking behavioral health with dental and primary care, while services continue in about 40 local schools and now reach nearly 80,000 people annually.

On Friar Podcast examines the Padres' struggle after losses in Tampa and Cincinnati as a weak offense and shaky bullpen raise concerns over Joe Musgrove's 2026 status and discuss Ethan Salas' arrival (local fans can tune in for updates from Sports Illustrated's Ryan Phillips).