Good morning, Escondido.

Congressman Darrell Issa led the sixth annual North County VetFest parade in Escondido on Tuesday morning—joining the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Escondido Battalion as the color guard.

The event honored veterans and attracted crowds along the parade route.

The Canopy Grove Garden Club held its first fundraiser on November 2 at Canopy Grove by Wedgewood and raised over $500 through silent auctions, direct donations, and food vending to support a new community garden in the Country Club area — though a planned cornhole tournament was cancelled due to low team numbers. The club will plan future events to reach a $25,000 goal for a professional engineering design plan to move the project forward.

Michelle Malin has been named the new CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego after a comprehensive search and unanimous board decision.

She served as Senior Vice President & COO and will now lead clubs in Escondido and nearby areas to support kids.

Danny Sherlock retired at age 72 after 50 years with the Boys & Girls Club where he led club mergers and helped build programs for children in Escondido and nearby areas.

He now works as a non-profit coach and plans to travel in his new Sprinter van—using his decades of experience to guide emerging leaders.

The Escondido Downtown Business Association will bring back the popular roller skating rink across from Maple Street Plaza from December 5 to January 3+ it will run on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.+ Volunteers and sponsors are invited to help support the event.

Uber launched a new feature called Women Preferences that lets women riders match with women drivers—this option is now available in 26 cities and allows riders to reserve rides in advance or switch back to standard rides if needed.

The move aims to give women extra safety and comfort when using the service.

The San Diego Archaeological Center in Escondido will reopen on November 15 with a free open house that features new exhibits—including the debut of Kumeyaay Cosmology on loan from the Imperial Valley Desert Museum.

Staff worked in temporary offices during construction to maintain the center's collections and prepare for visitors.

Judy Collins talked with a local reporter in Escondido before her November 15th show at the California Center for the Arts—she said her song is archived at the Library of Congress and remembered meeting Stephen Stills and Leonard Cohen.

She noted her audience is kind and invited fans to bring albums for signing.

Two 12th grade students from Del Lago Academy represented their school and the district in a live art competition on October 19 at the Grand Avenue Fall Festival.

Stephen Lucido won first place—his achievement highlighted his artistic talent—while competing against eight professional painters.

Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel honored six veteran leaders during Veterans Day at American Legion Post 149 in Escondido—she had earlier helped pass AB 53 that exempts up to $20,000 of military retirement pay from state income tax.

Clint Baze, the General Manager of Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, announced he will retire next March after a 41-year career in the water industry.

He will work until early March while the board seeks a new manager—ensuring a smooth leadership transition for the district's 32,000 customers.

Toast - The Ultimate Bread Experience

7-8:30 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — $ — Experience pitch-perfect renditions of classic soft rock hits from the band Bread.

Matilda - The Musical

1:30-3:00 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — $36 — Experience the magic of Roald Dahl's classic tale brought to life on stage.

International Ballet Stars

2-3:30 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting afternoon of dance featuring talented ballet performers.

Holiday Wreath Workshop

11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Domaine Artefact Vineyard & Winery — $80.00 — Craft custom holiday wreaths with fresh greenery and enjoy winery views.

World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker

7:00 – 8:30 PM — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — $60.00 - $138.00 — Experience a timeless holiday classic where dreams and reality blend in a magical ballet journey.

Golden State Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

2:00 – 3:30 PM — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of the season with a classic ballet performance.