March 2016

Golden Door spa: How a legendary retreat made the ultimate comeback

San Marcos, California’s Golden Door spa has been restored to its former glory—which is exactly how you’ll feel when you leave. The short version of the story—how I came to be at Golden Door, the storied, ultra-luxe retreat sometimes referred to as the “Mrs. Astor of spas”—is that I have two children under the age of 5 and a demanding job that requires fair amounts…


Escondido Goodwill Industries Thrift Shop rises phoenix-like on Friday, March 4

Knocked down, but not out, the Escondido Goodwill Industries Thrift Shop re-opened for business at 550 W Washington Ave. on Friday, March 4. That’s no mean feat considering the extent of damage engendered when El Nino huffed, puffed and blew the Escondido Goodwill roof down on Jan. 6. Goodwill officials said the damage was such that the store was closed longer than any of their…


Palomar swim springs off the block

It was a scene to behold at Palomar’s Wallace Memorial Pool last month as schools from around San Diego and beyond came together to ring in the new season with the annual two-day Waterman Festival. The festival gives swimmers a chance to compete in all events in order to prepare for the new season. “It’s like a fun meet so everyone on all teams competes…


People Behaving Badly: Weekday edition

High-speed stolen truck chase ends in Escondido living room crash A burglary suspect earned a trip to jail by way of a hospital Wednesday when he allegedly led police on a brief high-speed chase through Escondido in a stolen truck and then bailed out of the still-moving vehicle, sending it crashing into a home, Escondido police said. The suspect was the only person injured in…


Review: Vintana — Lexus of Escondido

Set as a direct competitor to Stone Brewing World Bistro and Garden in Escondido, CA, Chef Deborah Scott and the Cohn Group have set up camp in a very large eclectic venue overlooking a sea of Lexus automobiles; yet elevated slightly above the Escondido Target store shopping promenade, Interstate 15 and the picturesque Escondido Auto Park. http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/menu-restaurants/vintana-wine-dine/ An afternoon cocktail on the Lanai, placed directly in the setting…



California Center for the Arts, Escondido: ‘Dancing With Our Stars’ Gala Fundraiser

An all-star lineup of prominent community and business leaders will slip on their dancing shoes and compete as part of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s “Dancing With Our Stars” Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, April 2. Gala proceeds will benefit the Center’s education and community outreach programs, which serve over 75,000 people each year. Community stars will include former Escondido Mayor Lori Holt-Pfeiler and…