Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Where and when Escondido’s next DUI checkpoint is happening.
You won't want to miss Kids Science Camp Dec. 29-30th - Fizzing Bath Bombs & Slime Transformation Lab on the Escondido Patch calendar

Greetings Escondido! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Where and when Escondido’s next DUI checkpoint is happening.
- Which Escondido kindergarten teacher just earned statewide top honors?
- Which Escondido basketball stars are lighting up the scoreboard this season?
Also on today's calendar: Kids Science Camp Dec. 29-30th - Fizzing Bath Bombs & Slime Transformation Lab and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Escondidofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Escondidofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Occasional rain, with a high of 69 and low of 51 degrees.
- Friday: Cloudy, showers around; cool, temps: high: 62, low: 46.
- Saturday: A couple of showers, with a high of 64 and low of 39 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. DUI arrest made at checkpoint (times-advocate.com) — Escondido drivers should know police arrested one suspected drunk driver and cited seven unlicensed motorists at a recent Bear Valley Parkway checkpoint, where over 2,500 vehicles passed through. Police say checkpoints target high-risk crash areas, and the next Escondido DUI checkpoint is already scheduled for March 27, 2026.
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2. Monrovia Teacher Named 2026 California Teacher of the Year (coloradoboulevard.net) — Escondido readers can cheer on local educator Corina Martinez, a kindergarten teacher at Pioneer Elementary in the Escondido Union School District, who has been named one of California’s 2026 Teachers of the Year. She’s honored alongside Monrovia’s Heather Povinelli and three other standout teachers recognized for inclusive, high-impact classroom work statewide.
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3. Whose getting it done on the basketball court? (times-advocate.com) — Escondido hoops fans have plenty to cheer about, with Calvin Christian, Del Lago Academy, San Pasqual, Escondido High, and Escondido Adventist all off to strong starts on the court. The roundup highlights standout scorers and rebounders, big local rivalry wins, and which boys and girls teams are emerging as early-season powerhouses around Escondido.
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4. EAA names local artist Volunteer of The Year (times-advocate.com) — A longtime volunteer with the Escondido Art Association, Alice Malloy-Chang, has been named the group’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year for her behind-the-scenes tech work supporting local artists. The all-volunteer EAA runs exhibits at Grand Avenue Gallery, Escondido Library, and other city venues, and is actively inviting Escondido residents to get involved with its community arts programs.
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5. Holiday fun for all at County Medical Therapy Unit (countynewscenter.com) — Families in Escondido should know that one of San Diego County’s six Medical Therapy Units is located right in their city, offering physical and occupational therapy for youth with serious physical conditions. These units, part of California Children’s Services, also host accessible holiday events like a Holly Jolly Holiday Party to ensure kids with disabilities can safely enjoy seasonal celebrations.
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📸 Around Escondido
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Escondido
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Kids Science Camp Dec. 29-30th - Fizzing Bath Bombs & Slime Transformation Lab
16787 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego
9:00 am - Peace Out 2025 - NYE at the Living Coast
Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista
6:00 pm - Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward live in San Diego, CA!
San Diego Marriott Del Mar, 11966 El Camino Real, San Diego
1:00 pm
Monday December 29
Wednesday December 31
Sunday January 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- The Raclette Stand
Domaine Artefact Vineyard & Winery , 15406 Highland Valley Rd , Escondido
12:30 pm - The Addams Family – Patio Playhouse
Kit Carson Park , Kit Carson Pk , 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy , Escondido
7:00 pm - Cocktail Hour: The Songs of the Rat Pack
California Center for the Arts, Escondido , 340 N Escondido Blvd , Escondido
7:30 pm - Sunday Funday with Kathryn the Grape — North County Mall
Mershops North County Mall , 272 E Via Rancho Pkwy , Escondido
11:00 am - Cocktail Hour: The Songs of the Rat Pack
California Center for the Arts, Escondido , 340 N Escondido Blvd , Escondido
2:00 pm - Live Music – Matt Heinecke
Orfila Vineyards and Winery , 13455 San Pasqual Rd , Escondido
4:00 pm - Countdown on Grand at the Historic Ritz Theater
The Grand | Ritz Theater , 301 E Grand Ave , Escondido
5:30 pm - Winter Camp
Children's Museum of Discovery , 320 N Broadway , Escondido
9:00 am - Noon Year's Eve
Children's Museum of Discovery , 320 N Broadway , Escondido
9:30 am
Saturday December 27
Sunday December 28
Monday December 29
Wednesday December 31
📣 Escondido Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Escondido PatchAM possible:
- The Ultrasound Experience — (760) 744-3733
Spacious and Comfortable family theater environment! - Bella Vida MedSpa — (951) 296-9988
Viral K-Beauty Skin Tightening Tech XERF - Now in Temecula - Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible! - Off Duty Officers — (888) 841-5658
Providing Professional Security Guards since 1993
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Update: Pet Reunited
Blu, a dog who went missing in Escondido, CA, has been safely reunited with their family after 4 hours, 24 minutes. Message from Owner: "My 9 year… (Nextdoor Oak Hill) - Within the last week a broken hearted lady posted about the passing of her precious little dog.
I happen to have a precious little dog who needs a new home and would like to introduce her to that lady! Does anyone remember who she is and how to… (Nextdoor Lake Hodges)
- Bimbo Bakeries USA posted a job opening for Production Supervisor in Escondido. Apply here.
- Molly Maid posted a job opening for Residential House Cleaning Professional in San Marcos. 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 guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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