Don’t Miss North County’s ONLY Vegan Night Market. Over 30 vendors including pizza, burgers, donuts, noodles, tacos, sushi, wings, dumplings, nachos and so much more.
Vegan Food Popup is a FREE event that showcases the best plant-based food in SoCal, featuring a rotating lineup of diverse vendors from San Diego, Orange County and LA. In between bites, attendees can shop a select group of eco-friendly products and services.
The Vista Vegan Food Popup is located at the Local Roots Boochyard, the perfect evening destination for families and friends to gather and enjoy food, drinks and entertainment. This beautiful indoor & outdoor venue features cozy fire pits, several seating areas, pool and other games. There is a free parking lot onsite and free street parking nearby.
Live Music | Family-Friendly | Dogs Allowed | Free Parking
VENDORS:
A Plant Based Production
Beyond Wellness
Compilations In Art
Farm Fresh To You
Hair Concoction Plant Based Hair Care
Kristy’s Market
Kula Ice Cream
Local Roots Pizza
LÜME Granola
Majestik Kulture
Maribel y Oliva Cocina
Maya’s Cookies
Ms Kim’s Kitchen & More
NEW! Nacho Me Vegan
PIYOGA
Pink Pantree
Sabor Piri Piri
Shmackin Noodz
Tara’s Luscious Cheats
The Donuttery
The Pad Thai Stand
Truth Council
Turkish Grill
NEW! Ukiyo
All locations are family-friendly and dog-friendly and feature music and free parking.
Vegan Food Popup has been featured on CBS News, Fox News, The San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Magazine, KUSI, San Diego Reader, ABC News and VegOutMag.com.
Since launching in 2019, Vegan Food Popup has supported dozens of local food and craft vendors by providing an accessible venue for sharing their offerings with the community.
More info: http://www.veganfoodpopup.com
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The 31st Annual San Marcos Harvest Fest returns from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 8 on Via Vera Cruz between San Marcos Boulevard and Grand Avenue. This lively community event features more than 200 local businesses along with area artisans and crafters offering up great shopping! Guests will also enjoy a Wine, Rhythm & Brews Garden, food, a kids zone and live entertainment on two stages.
Throughout the month of September, Escondido Firefighters have been participating in North Zone Training preparing and using the rope rescue techniques. Crews took part in simulating the rescue of a victim who had fallen off the Bonsall Bridge. Incidents such as these often require resources and expertise from multiple agencies. North Zone Training provides the opportunity to train with our neighboring agencies in preparation for these challenging incidents.
On September 20, the Police and Fire Communication Center received a call from the Escondido Rangers to report a man in the flood control channel underneath N. Broadway. Fire crews arrived on scene and located the patient who sustained an injury to his leg and was unable to walk. Crews prepared the rope rescue technique to safely enter the channel, secure and stabilize the patient. The patient was then transported in stable condition with minor injuries.
On September 23, Escondido Fire Department, along with Rincon Del Diablo Water District hosted the 25th annual Fire & Water Expo at Fire Station #4. Over 1,000 people visited and enjoyed displays and booths highlighting Fire Prevention and Preparedness, a vehicle extrication (hydraulic tool – Jaws of Life) demo, helicopter landing, dunk tank, yummy food and many more activities. A big Thank You to all the staff and volunteers who worked to put this fantastic event together for the community to enjoy!
By TR Robertson
The monthly Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee and guest attendees heard a presentation from Escondido Mayor Dane White on the major issues facing the city at this time. The meeting began with welcomes from Chris Cochran, Entertainment Director for the Chamber and Escondido Chamber CEO James Rowten who also went over several of the upcoming events the Chamber has planned. They encouraged people to go to the Chambers web site for more information. Chris introduced Committee Chair Corrine Busta, Manager, Government Affairs, Cox Communications. Corrine then introduced Escondido Mayor Dane White. Mayor White began by stating he has three main issues to discuss which included SANDAG, homelessness in Escondido and Escondido’s Economic Development. As a member of SANDAG’s committee he was happy to report that the Regional Road User Charge has been removed from the Regional Plan. The vote was overwhelming to pull this plan which has gone through a lengthy battle from those that feel charging motorists for every mile they drive is a viable way to deter motorists from using their vehicles and turning to optional means of transportation.
Next on the Mayor’s agenda was the continued discussion on how to deal with homeless in cities, specifically homeless in Escondido. He said a subcommittee has been created to come up with some options for the city, especially since there has been no clear plan put together in dealing with this problem. He outlined three policies he wants to implement including: 1) No parking of RV’s as places of residence on public streets, 2) Beginning a change in the way service providers provide information about the homeless to the city, and 3) Looking at an Encampment ban similar to the one started in the City of San Diego. He went over a plan that Huntington Beach uses for shelters for the homeless, but he also said the money Huntington Beach has to work with is significantly higher than anything Escondido can start. He did state that he has a goal of getting 50% of the homeless in Escondido off of the streets and into some short of shelter situation.
Next on Mayor White’s agenda centered around discussing Escondido’s current Economic Development and the need for establishing ways to increase the income for the city. He said regulations for street vendors, including requiring permits from the city, are needed. The Mayor said they want to follow the state guidelines but establish a way to control the street vendors. Next he discussed the need for a permitting process for Airbnb’s in the city. Issues like taxing needs to be addressed as well as the noise levels associated with these places. The Mayor also said the parklets in the downtown area were a good idea during COVID and have increased the occupancy for restaurants as well as offering an outdoor option, but now there needs to be a permitting process designed for the continued allowances of these parklets. The vacancy of buildings and property was next on his lists, saying these properties and sites need to be registered and fees assigned as an incentive for owners to fill and use the property bringing needed income to the city. The Mayor also listed five options to bring in needed revenue for the city, each being a tax that would have to go through a balloting process. He also went through whether or not these were good options for the city.
1) Impose an Escondido Sales Tax – not an option; 2) Utility Users Tax – not an option, 3) Parcel Tax – not an option, 4) Increase Transient Occupancy Tax – a slight possibility, 5) Allow Cannabis Dispensaries – possibility, town hall discussions would be needed. Other options to control the revenue deficits would be looking at making cuts to The Center for the Arts, Libraries, etc. if funding is not increased in the city. A short question and answer session followed the Mayor’s presentation.
Next on the agenda included various reports from officials and community organizations. Alan Pellacani from Congressman Darrell Issa’s Office reported there is a strong possibility for a government shutdown beginning Sunday. Marc Schaefer from State Senator Brian Jones Office reported the Legislature is in recess. He did report on several bills that did not pass and said their will be an open house next week in Scripps Ranch for their new office.
From Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office, it was reported that the Supervisors have declared the situation at the border a Humanitarian Crisis. The Supervisor is also starting a Communications Barrier Program. Jennifer Schoeneck from the City of Escondido spoke about the Economic Development 5-year Plan.
A representative from Classical Academy spoke about the success of the school’s girls flag football team. Tedi Jackson from the Water District said the San Diego County Water Authority said the upgrading of the structures and pipelines in the area are underway. David Zumaya from SBDC invited everyone to their Entrepreneur Seminar Oct. 13th from 8-12.
The next Escondido Chamber Government Affairs meeting will be October 26th at the Chamber Offices.
Last week, the Escondido Police Department hosted a barbecue fundraiser to benefit the Shop with a Cop program. Bimbo’s Bakery was out cooking hot dogs and hamburgers, and our cadets and professional staff were on hand to help. This year’s host, National City Police Department, collected all the proceeds and they were able to raise over $2000. This will help the over 300 officers from over 30 different agencies who will partner with a deserving child for a fun filled day of private animal shows at Sea World and a $200 Target shopping spree in December.
Beer Thieves Caught
Back in August, a group of four subjects stole beer from a local grocery store. One of them threatened to pepper spray an employee when they tried to intervene. The investigating officer took photographs of the suspects from video surveillance. Last week that officer and another officer saw a group carrying beer and thought they looked like the same suspects from the previous robbery. The three were detained and then confirmed to be the same suspects from the photographs
It happened on Sunday, October 1, just after 5:50 pm, deputies assigned to the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a solo vehicle collision at the intersection of San Elijo Road and Ledge Street.
Deputies arrived on scene within 8 minutes of the call and found San Marcos Fire Department personnel rendering medical assistance to a male adult. They transported him to Kaiser-San Marcos Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. During the preliminary investigation, deputies learned the individual, a 27-year-old, San Marcos resident was driving his silver 2005 Toyota Rav-4, westbound on San Elijo Road at a high rate of speed. He left the roadway, colliding with a fire hydrant and a pedestrian signal pole.
He continued across Ledge Street and collided with the dirt embankment on the westside of the street. The force of the collision caused the vehicle to roll onto its roof. The collision was heard by Fire Department personnel, and they immediately responded to assist. They discovered the driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, had not been seat belted and was partially ejected. There were no other vehicles or pedestrians involved in the collision and drugs and/or alcohol are not suspected to be a factor at this time. San Marcos Traffic investigators were on scene for several hours. The investigation is ongoing at this time and is being handled by the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station Traffic Division.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or captured the incident on video is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department.
Media Contact: Sergeant Charles Morreale
Email Address of Contact: Charles.Morreale@sdsheriff.org
San Marcos Sheriff’s Station – Traffic Division (760) 510-5200
PALOMAR MOUNTAIN, Calif.- Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to reports of a solo vehicle crash on South Grade Road, north of SR-76.
On Saturday, September 30, 2023, at approximately 2:30 a.m., a 20-year-old from Escondido was driving a black Subaru Legacy in the southbound lane of South Grade Road, north of SR-76. For reasons still under investigation, the Subaru veered off the roadway down a steep embankment, where it rolled over and collided into a tree.
The California Highway Patrol, San Diego County Sheriffs and fire/paramedics responded to the scene. Unfortunately, a female passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Subaru was transported to a local area hospital for major non-life threating injuries. The identity of the female passenger will be released through the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The driver of the Subaru, Jean Ramirez, was subsequently arrested by officers from the California Highway Patrol Oceanside Area office. He faces multiple charges related to this incident including felony driving under the influence (DUI) and homicide related charges.
This investigation is ongoing, and the California Highway Patrol is asking anyone who may have information or may have witnessed this incident to contact the California Highway Patrol Oceanside Area office at (760) 643-3400.
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
by Annie Bader
SOLANA BEACH, CA Paul Slade Smith’s “The Angel Next Door” brings a fresh spin to comedy theater. Premiering at the North Coast Repertory Theatre, this play within a play offers non-stop laughs and witty commentary on theater itself.
The story of “The Angel Next Door” revolves around married playwrights, Charlotte and Arthur Sanders (Barbara E. Robertson and James Newcomb), beginning with the intimate stage set in a single 1948 Newport, Rhode Island mansion hotel bedroom.
Success for the Sanders in this impromptu bedroom performance is determined by whether they can turn their protégé novelist, Oliver(Taubert Nadalini)’s book into a Broadway hit. After the young man is hit with a harsh wave of reality the couple must find a way to put a twist on the play of their life. Beneath the layers of theatrical complexity, the story at its core is a classic love tale. Watch and see if Oliver can find happiness with Margot (Elinor Gunn), the enchanting singer-actress, and Oliver’s pen pal that the “angel” in his novel is based upon. Charlotte and Arthur Sander’s world is flipped upside down and right side up at least eight times, while their hilarious housekeeper Olga (Erin Noel Grennan) is timed perfectly across the two acts.
Paul Slade Smith, known for hits like “Unnecessary Farce” and “The Outsider,” continues his success with “The Angel Next Door.” Smith’s portfolio is known for zany characters and quick pacing, and this play follows suit. This play being Paul Slade Smith’s first time adapting someone else’s work, inspiration was drawn from Ferenc Molnar’s century-old play, “Play At The Castle.” The production includes subtle nods to Molnar’s material, enriching the experience for theater enthusiasts.
While the central narrative of uniting Oliver and Margot scarcely feels stretched over two acts in the two hour showing, the chemistry between Charlotte and Arthur, portrayed by the immensely talented Robertson and Newcomb, stays consistent in keeping the audience entertained. Their affectionate banter and scheming adds depth to their romantic subplot, harmoniously accompanied by comedic gold, Olga, and her own path of self discovery as a theater misanthropist.
David Ellenstein, the director, deserves recognition for his role in guiding the ensemble cast for the evening showings. Visual elements of the production were handled by a talented team–Marty Burnett’s set design paints an immersive hotel interior, while Elisa Benzoni’s period-accurate costumes adds depth to the characters. Matthew Novotny’s dawn and dusk lighting, Peter Herman’s wigs, Cindy Rumley’s props, Peter Herman’s hair and wig designs, and Ian Scott’s sound design all contributed to the production’s success.
The crowd at my Wednesday evening showing clearly loved the play. If you’re lucky enough to catch “The Angel Next Door” before it’s transferred to the Laguna Playhouse, make sure to take note of Margot’s initial outfit; an eye-catching and *completely* impractical nightgown.
“The Angel Next Door” is more than a witty, feel good comedy; it offers a clever take on theater culture and the chance to watch an elaborate story unfold. With its relentless humor and astute commentary, it’s a production that will keep you pondering long after the curtain falls. Don’t miss this fantastic North Coast Repertory production running until Sunday, October 8th.
7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. 8 p.m. Fridays. 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays. 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 8 at:
North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach
Tickets: $49-$74
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE
The North Coast Repertory Theatre, a non-profit in Solana Beach, has grown into a leading performing arts organization over 40 years. It features an award-winning mainstage season for 40,000+ patrons, engages in education programs, and supports local talent with diverse productions, gaining critical acclaim and awards.
The City of Escondido Public Works Department recently finished improvements to the Ray Love Tennis Center. Over time, trees planted around the facility damaged the viewing areas for spectators, causing potential tripping hazards and drainage concerns. Public Works Crews came up with an innovative solution using special forms and reinforced concrete materials to not only preserve the health of the trees, but provide a safe, long-lasting surface for many generations to enjoy. Next time you’re at Kit Carson Park, make sure you visit this amazing facility!
By TR Robertson
Taking part in a Zoom presentation last Monday, the issues, situations, prevention and education about the Human Trafficking in San Diego County was presented in partnership with District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond and San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephen. The hour-long presentation also featured presentations by Commander Geanie Franco from the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, Keelin Washington from Generate Hope and MCed by Supervisor Desmond’s Communication Director Miles Himmel.
Supervisor Jim Desmond began the presentation and spoke throughout the evening, beginning with pointing out a Pt. Loma Nazarene study that was completed several years ago that said it is estimated there are 8,000 victims a year in San Diego County involved in or victims of sexual exploitation. He pointed out that age-appropriate education is needed in schools to help stem the tide of human trafficking by making kids aware of what to look out for when dealing with these issues. He encouraged districts to include Evidence Based Training about Human Trafficking in the school curriculum. Desmond also said it is imperative that the California State Legislators increase their push to enhance Human Trafficking Education in schools. He mentioned more places like One Safe Place are needed to help individuals that have experienced violence and abuse in any form.
Next in the presentation was San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephen. She began by telling the audience that San Diego is one of the top thirteen places in the United States for Human Trafficking. Stephen said Human Trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal industry financially in the U.S., slightly behind the drug trafficking trade. One of the main reasons for the rise in Human Trafficking of minor’s centers around the rise in using social media by sex traffickers It was pointed out how successful these individuals have become in utilizing social media to lure minors into the sex industry. She indicated that their studies indicate that 90% of all San Diego County High Schools have had incidences of the juvenile justice system dealing with a sex trafficking incident. Stephens stated over and over the need for parents to talk to their children about how dangerous this problem is, what to look out for and how to correctly use their social media contacts. This included reminders for parents to tell their children to not share any personal information and to not share any nudity photos over their phones or computers. Talking about the safety of correct use of the internet was paramount. The District Attorney’s Office has dedicated a Human Trafficking Division to deal with these cases with fourteen individuals from a variety of backgrounds assisting in educating, arresting, and prosecuting to try and stem the tide of this crime. She said preventing anyone from falling victim to this crime is as important as arresting those involved. Stephens stressed education of parents and their children as a key step in dealing with the problem. Understanding that human traffickers will use deception, entrapment, chemical addiction, lies and anything else you can imagine to victimize young people and adults.
Speaking next was Commander Geanie Franco from the Human Trafficking Task Force. She said their goal is to identify and recover victims and to hold traffickers accountable. Their 14-member Task Force is on the job 24/7. Franco showed their 2023 stats to date that included 121 arrests with 47 adults and 27 juveniles recovered. Of the 47 arrests, this included 78 sex buyers. She said they are seeing victims as young as 13 involved in the sex trade and there has been an increase in prostitution, primarily due to the change in the arrest laws, which will change beginning January 2024 with the passage of State Senator Groves Senate Bill 14 which would make the trafficking of minors a serious felony with longer prison terms. (Article from Senator Groves Office attached at the bottom of this article). Franco said it is important for parents to look for changes in their children like new clothing or jewelry appearing, finding a second cell phone in rooms, finding hotel keys, seeing multiple social media accounts, increase use of chat rooms, dropping grades, truancy, depression, alcohol use, drug use, changes in friends and groups, running away and many other indicators are signs something could be happening to your child “right under the parents nose”. There are also Risk Factors that can cause a child to be caught up in the sex industry which parents need to be aware of. These include running away, financial problems at home, poor self-esteem, lack of family support, mental health challenges, prior trauma, abuse in the home and minors who are undocumented or have unstable immigration status. She reminded parents it is their job to ensure the safety of their children. The San Diego Office took part in a nation-wide Operation Cross Country from July 19-30 and were able to rescue 15 sex trafficking victims. The National Hotline for anyone to report or seek help with sex trafficking issues is 1-888-373-7888.
The next presenter was Keelin Washington from Generate Hope and a former victim of sex trafficking. Generate Hope assists sex trafficking victims and offers a safe house. The attached video has Keelin’s story and is worth parents sitting with their children and showing their sons and daughters how easy it is for a sex trafficker to manipulate and control minors. Her story about how she became involved, the tactics used and the struggles she had are important to hear to understand that the stereotypical “snatch and grab” of children is not necessarily the way young people get involved in the sex industry. Her story began at age 14 with what she referred to as a “grooming process” the trafficker used. She said once an individual becomes involved then the trafficker will use psychological tactics, bondage, physical abuse and a multitude of other ways to keep the individual trapped. She also said it is important for parents to have meaningful conversations with their kids. Keelin summed up by saying people “must understand it is not a life they choose; it is rape for payment” that entraps them.
Miles Himmel led a question-and-answer session with the panel. Summer Stephen said more legislation is needed to not hand-tie the hands of the police when dealing with sex trafficking issues. Legislation like re-criminalizing loitering for prostitution is essential. She reminded those watching that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also is a good reference for parents. Jim Desmond indicated that the San Diego Harbor Foundation, working to improve public safety, offers training for hotel staff on what to look for at the hotels with their guest illegally using the hotel room for sexual encounters with minors and adults caught in the sex trafficking business. On the chat room www.childrenoftheimmaculateheart.org was indicated as a safe house for trafficking victims in San Diego.
Taking some time to watch the entire presentation is recommended to understand the gravity and seriousness of this despicable crime. Watch the entire or part of the Human Trafficking Panel Discussion.
Gov. Newsom Signs Sen. Grove’s Bill to Increase Penalties for the Sex Trafficking of Children
SACRAMENTO, CA – Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) announced her bill, Senate Bill 14, was signed into law by Governor Newsom today. SB 14 would include sex trafficking of minors in the list of crimes that are defined as serious felonies, making the crime a strike under California’s Three Strikes law. It has been more than a decade since the California Legislature passed a bill to expand the state’s Three Strikes law.
“The signing of Senate Bill 14 is a huge victory for California’s children and the survivors of sex trafficking who have long fought for justice,” said Senator Shannon Grove. “With the passage of this bill, we are sending a clear message to child traffickers — we intend to put you out of business and behind bars where you belong.
“I am grateful for the incredible support from the human trafficking survivors who have bravely shared their story with the hope of making this change, the 64 legislative co-authors of SB 14, and the Governor for signing this important bill. Most of all, I want to thank the thousands of Californians who called or visited legislative offices, signed petitions, and spoke out on social media. We are here today because of the overwhelming public outrage that propelled this bill through the legislature and ultimately helped protect our children from predators.”
California has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the top states in the nation for human trafficking, and the problem is growing. Thousands of people, many of them minors, are forced into sexual and labor exploitation each year. By making a conviction for sex trafficking a child a “strikable” offense, SB 14 will provide serious consequences for those who sexually exploit and abuse children.
“This law is going to give a greater voice to the multitudes of victims who have suffered from this vicious, humanity-denying crime,” said Ashlie Bryant, CEO 3Strands Global Foundation. “As the Sponsor of SB 14, we are thankful for Senator Grove’s leadership and tenacity ensuring that this legislation crosses the finish line. This law will protect victims, strengthen prevention, and increase the prosecution of those who repeatedly buy and sell children.”
