San Diego|News|
These Are The Best Colleges And Universities In CA: Ranking
WalletHub released its 2025 college and university rankings, comparing more than 800 higher-education institutions in the country.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
- San Diego, CA
Kristina Houck is a field editor for Patch Media, covering San Diego County. Prior to joining Patch, Kristina served as a staff reporter for San Diego Union-Tribune Community Press, a group of community newspapers including Del Mar Times, Solana Beach Sun, Carmel Valley News, Rancho Santa Fe Review and Encinitas Advocate.
With a background in journalism and public relations, Kristina has served on the board and chaired the communications committee of San Diego-based literacy nonprofit Words Alive. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science with minors in English and religious studies from San Diego State University.
Contact Kristina at Kristina.Houck@patch.com.
Posting Activity
Santee, CA|News|
Doritos Restaurant + Glowing Dolphins + Panda Cam: Saturday Smiles
Local wins Jimmie Johnson fan design contest; restaurant celebrates 25 years; zoo animals enjoy pumpkin treats; and more nice SoCal news.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
San Diego|News|
Watch Glowing Dolphins Frolic: How To See SoCal's Bioluminescent Waves
Glowing dolphins were caught on camera as they swam through the bioluminescent red tide off the coast of La Jolla.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
San Diego|News|
Marine Killed; Ex-Teacher Convicted: San Diego County Crime Log
Take a look at some of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across San Diego County.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Santee, CA|News|
Ex-Teacher Convicted; Marine Killed: Santee, SD County Crime Log
Take a look at some of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across San Diego County.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Oceanside-Camp Pendleton, CA|News|
Marine Killed; Ex-Teacher Convicted: Oceanside, SD County Crime Log
Take a look at some of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across San Diego County.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Encinitas, CA|News|
Marine Killed; Ex-Teacher Convicted: Encinitas, SD County Crime Log
Take a look at some of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across San Diego County.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Carlsbad, CA|News|
Marine Killed; Ex-Teacher Convicted: Carlsbad, SD County Crime Log
Take a look at some of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across San Diego County.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
San Diego|News|
Man Arrested After Having Loaded Ghost Gun In North County Park
Investigators also found two meth glass pipes and a small clear baggie containing the drug in the man's fanny pack, authorities said.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
San Diego|News|
Suspect Arrested In Deadly Shooting Of Navy Sailor In San Diego
Ta'Kari Terell Benness, 20, was taken into custody in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on suspicion of fatally shooting Albert Soto, 18, police said.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Santee, CA|News|
Santee Lakes To Host Spooktacular And Trunk Or Treat
The family-friendly Halloween event will include candy, games, a donut walk, face painting, food trucks and more.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
San Diego|News|
Measure E Seeks To Raise San Diego's Sales Tax
The measure would raise the city's sales tax rate by one cent to support general municipal services.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Santee, CA|News|
East County Stabbing Victim Dies In Hospital: Police
The suspect and victim were both homeless and recently met, police said.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Encinitas, CA|News|
Measure K Aims To Raise Encinitas' Sales Tax
The one-cent sales tax increase would generate additional revenue to address the city's infrastructure repairs and services.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Oceanside-Camp Pendleton, CA|News|
Measure X Aims To Extend Oceanside's Half-Cent Sales Tax
If approved by voters, the existing half-cent sales tax would be extended until April 2036.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Santee, CA|News|
Measure S Seeks To Raise Santee's Sales Tax
The measure would raise the local sales tax by half a percent to increase fire safety resources and shorten response times.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Carlsbad, CA|News|
Measure B Aims To Raise Carlsbad's Spending Limit
The measure would raise the limit to $3.09 million and adjust the limit annually.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
San Diego|News|
San Diego Graphic Designer Wins Jimmie Johnson Fan Design Contest
"Seeing my artwork on Jimmie's car and having it run in the championship race is a dream come true."
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
San Diego|News|
How To Register To Vote In San Diego County
Here's what you need to know about voter registration in San Diego County ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Oceanside-Camp Pendleton, CA|News|
How To Register To Vote In Oceanside
Here's what you need to know about voter registration in Oceanside ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff