Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Escondido plans to crack down on illegal New Year’s fireworks

Coming up: #EducationalSIPSatHWC | Whisky Tasting on the Escondido Patch calendar

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Good day Escondido! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Escondido plans to crack down on illegal New Year’s fireworks
  • Want to help count and support Escondido’s unhoused neighbors in January?
  • Why an Escondido motorcyclist stopped to help before a fatal crash

Also on today's calendar: Fun Animal Friday: Dogs and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Escondidofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Escondidofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 76 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 69, low: 44.
  • Sunday: Beautiful with clouds and sun, with a high of 71 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Effort launched to suppress illegal fireworks (times-advocate.com) — Escondido fire officials are rolling out a strict zero-tolerance crackdown on illegal fireworks heading into New Year’s, warning they pose a serious wildfire and neighborhood safety risk. Residents are urged to report violations and watch for new leadership-driven efforts to boost wildfire preparedness and emergency education throughout 2026.
   

2. San Diego County is calling on local volunteers to help with upcoming homeless count (kpbs.org) — San Diego County is recruiting about 1,000 more volunteers for the Jan. 29 Point-in-Time homeless count, which includes surveying people in encampments in Escondido and across the region. Volunteers work in small teams before dawn, receive online training, and help gather data that shapes funding and services for unhoused residents throughout the county.
   

3. Fatal Crash of Valley Center Grade (valleycenter.com) — A deadly DUI-related crash on Valley Center Grade killed a Valley Center driver after his disabled SUV and a Harley-Davidson rider from Escondido, who had stopped to help, were struck by a pickup. CHP says alcohol was a factor and urges anyone with information or video to contact their Oceanside office.
   

4. Barbara Jean 'Jean' Caspersen (times-advocate.com) — Longtime Escondido resident Barbara Jean “Jean” Caspersen, a devoted member of Emmanuel Faith Community Church and medical transcriptionist, passed away on October 29 at age 77. Raised in Central America, she settled in Escondido with her husband Curt in 1968, raised two children, cherished eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and will be honored at a Celebration of Life at Emmanuel Faith on Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hey neighbors, we are now looking for our female husky.
    Her brother made it home but she hasn't. If you see her please contact me. (Nextdoor Shirey Rd)
  • We just spent about a half hour following this dog on Broadway trotting north from Arco to finally turning in to where it lives across from mushroom farm.
    We made sure the trucks driving fast in the opposite lane slowed down since it would walk in the middle or the opposite lane. According to the person… (Nextdoor Broadway Laurashawn)
  • BJ's Restaurants, Inc. posted a job opening for Janitorial in Escondido. Apply here.
  • O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for Merchandiser/Stocker - Hub in Escondido. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Escondido here.

Ok Escondido! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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