Good morning, Escondido.

Padres pitcher Yu Darvish spread holiday cheer today by handing out donated gifts to critically ill kids and their families at Ronald McDonald House.

The event highlighted local community support during the festive season.

Crews are improving Escondido Creek Trail through the coming weeks.

They are installing pavers, irrigation and electrical systems along key sections, and will pause for holiday breaks (Dec. 24 to 26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 2) while users follow road signs for updated access.

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein hosted Hanukkah events at Old Poway Park on Sunday + North County Mall on Monday to bring the community together amid recent challenges.

The gatherings featured enhanced security to ensure a safe, unifying celebration.

San Diego Gas & Electric will raise energy bills by about $4 next month for electric and natural gas, as part of a three-year rate increase approved by the CPUC, with wildfire mitigation efforts accounted for (a plan to ensure reliable service).

A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K

7:00 AM - 11:59 PM — Kit Carson Park — $42.95+ — Celebrate 60 years of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' with family-friendly runs and festive activities.

City Ballet's The Nutcracker

2:00 – 3:30 PM — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket details unavailable — Experience the magic of the classic holiday ballet with City Ballet of San Diego.

The Nutcracker by City Ballet

7:30-9 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Tickets required — Experience the magic of the holiday season with this timeless ballet performance.

City Ballet of San Diego's The Nutcracker

7:30-9 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday classic brought to life in a magical ballet performance.