Articles by dweisman

Cruisin’ Grand car show returns for 2016

Escondido’s Cruisin’ Grand car show never truly ends. Like the day after Christmas or Mardi Gras for some, planning immediately began for Cruisin’ Grand 2016 after the 2015 version ended on Oct. 2. That 2016 event, the 17th incarnation of the annual rite of spring and summer, begins anew Friday, April 1. Swaying with the rhythms of spring and summer, almost in sync with the…


Escondido avocados plentiful, wholesale prices not so much

California’s avocado season kicked off this month — it runs through September — but prices for growers continued to stay depressed. Sad, but true, this was the case despite a 50 percent rise in per capita U.S. consumption since 2010 from 4 pounds per person to 6 pounds, and decreasing production due to water-challenged groves going out of business. Many blame imports from Mexico, and…


Whoo pig, Stone Brewing goes hog wild

Whoo pig sooey, Stone Brewing has kicked off its latest expansion effort into The Natural State, home of the Razorbacks, land of Bill and Hillary — Arkansas. Stone’s line of craft beers debuted Monday at Arkansas with a kickoff party in the afternoon at Liquor World on N College Avenue, Fayetteville. The party moved across town in the evening to Puritan Brew Co at 205…


EUSD denied restraining order against Trustee Jose Fragozo (Updated)

Escondido Union School District (EUSD) administrators were rebuffed Friday in their attempt to get a permanent workplace violence restraining order against EUSD Trustee Jose Fragozo. Delivering a one-hour verdict, Vista Superior Court judge Richard Whitney said it was a tough call, but, in the end, he decided that granting a restraining order would effectively end Fragozo’s term as a school board member. While urging Fragozo…


Law firm representing EUSD under fire as judge expected to rule on trustee order

Nobody knows how Superior Court judge Richard Whitney will rule on a permanent workplace violence restraining order filed against Escondido Union School District (EUSD) Trustee Jose Fragozo. However, a final decision on the order was expected to come sometime after 1 p.m. Friday, March 25. Meanwhile, Fragozo’s supporters plan to have a rally outside the Vista Courthouse, 325 South Melrose Dr., at 1 p.m. Friday…


Friends honor stricken soccer player

Felled by a spinal stroke during a semi-final game between FC Heat BU15 and FC Heat BU14 last July, Danny Smuts, Jr. 15, continues to inspire as he seeks a full recovery at Naval Medical Center Children’s Hospital in San Diego. The final game in the bracket was postponed until everybody found out the severity of Danny’s injury. It was severe alright, an injury usually…


Panache 2016 makes a big splash for Escondido Municipal Arts Gallery

Around 200 art patrons and Escondido Arts Partnership and Escondido Municipal Art Gallery lovers flocked to the latest incarnation of the group’s annual major fundraiser, Panache 2016 on Saturday, March 19. Networking and noshing, auction bidding and general arts partnering went on for hours as patrons couldn’t get enough of art while a good time was had by all. “I live in Mira Mesa now,…



Some great hunches for Easter brunches

Easter Sunday is cause for celebration for many people, what with religious observances and related activites. One of those family traditions revolved around the venerable Easter Brunch. Several outstanding local restaurants are hosting those events with the best of food and fun guaranteed for those who partake. Vintana  Vintana Wine + Dine presents a delicious 3-course menu to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m….


Kindergartener aims pellet gun at teacher (UPDATED — Boy suspended by school)

Thursday nearly ended with a bang at Oak Hill Elementary School when a kindergarten student reportedly showed up with a pellet gun and threatened his teacher and possibly other students. The unidentified 5-year-old boy brought the pellet gun in his backpack, according to Escondido police. He became upset during class, took the gun out of his backpack and aimed it at the teacher, police said….