online community journalism

Opinion, Public Policy, San Diego October 6, 2015

Escondido features most county poverty outside of El Cajon, policy initiatives researchers say

Local non-profit research and advocacy group Center on Policy Initiatives this week found that Escondido’s poverty rate was just about the highest in San Diego county. Only El Cajon’s 22.8 percent was barely higher than Escondido’s 21.6 percent overall rate. El Cajon had 28 percent poverty rate for children, Escondido? It was 28.5 percent. Otherwise across the land, Vista had an 18.6 percent rate, San…

Blogs, North County, The Grapevine October 6, 2015

Shape of Grapevine to come

Congratulations. This is the first step toward providing honest, believable news and information for Escondido, San Marcos, Valley Center and beyond filling the void left by the departure of all local media in 2013. This publication is being out together by a partnership of former North County Times personnel, local marketing and sales people and community contributors and sponsors. You’ve probably seen us online at…

Escondido, Tourism October 6, 2015

Escondido’s Cruisin’ Grand drags to finish with nitro blasts from the past

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 will be the 17th incarnation of the annual rite of spring and summer. Swaying with the rhythms of spring and summer, almost in sync with the Major League Baseball…

Valley Center October 2, 2015

Local Briefs from Palomar Country to the Lake Hodges Dam

Escondido Public Library and KPBS Present “An Evening with Jimmy Gownley” Escondido Public Library and KPBS will host “An Evening with Jimmy Gownley,” at 6 p..m. Wednesday, Oct, 21 in the Turrentine Room. Jimmy Gownley is the author of The Dumbest Idea Ever!, selected as the 2015 One Book, One San Diego teen read. Gownley will talk about his graphic novel, as well as the…

Baseball, Blogs, San Diego, Sports October 2, 2015

Saying Goodbye to all that at Petco Park, Escondido Style

It was all over, especially the shouting, little that it was, as the San Diego Padres wrapped up their 2015 home schedule at Petco Park. And oh, by the way, in this season of their continued discontent, the Padres humbled their apparent arch-nemesis Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 behind Ian Kennedy’s best game of a 9-15, 4.28 ERA season. Believe it or not, the Brewers had won…

Breaking News, Escondido, Police, Police/Fire September 30, 2015

Escondido PD stings 5 alleged Johns at local motels (Updated)

Escondido Police have just announced the arrests of five men who approached undercover operatives to try to buy sex at downtown motels. The sting targeting individuals soliciting women for the purpose of prostitution occurred on Friday, Sept. 25 around the motel district in central city, according to Escondido Police Lt. Greg Kogler. As a result of this enforcement effort, five men approached the undercover personnel…

Breaking News, Escondido, Politics September 28, 2015

Former Escondido Mayor Jim Rady dead of cancer at Age 73

‘He was an awesome dad and a wonderful grandfather.’ — Daughter Julie McKay. Known for his intellect and directness, former Escondido Mayor James Michael “Jim” Rady died at his home surrounded by loved ones following a long battle with cancer on Sept. 18. Mr. Rady served from 1976 to 1988 on the Escondido City Council, serving in the largely ceremonial post as mayor from 1982…

Blogs, Columns/Blogs, Surprising and Strange September 26, 2015

‘Paranormal Grapevine’ is in the house: What is what and what will be…

Besides living by the Golden Rule, I keep Rumi’s statement close to my heart: “Past right and wrong there is a field, I’ll meet you there.” — Debra Zachau, Paranormal Grapevine. Welcome to Paranormal Grapevine where everything supernatural, super haunted and super psychic lives!  My intention for this column is to serve as well as entertain those who are experiencing hauntings, daunting’s and woes. My name…

North County, San Marcos September 25, 2015

Lucky in Love styled wedding shoot at iconic Bheau View Ranch

A good rustic chic style wedding venue is hard to find. Make that nearly mission impossible. Have no fear. Bheau View Ranch is here. Venue, value and mission made July 7, 2015 a special day for a chic group of wedding service vendors at the classy urbane rustic ranch. “It was a great experience,” Bheau View Ranch owner Shera Sandwell said. “The shoot accentuated all…

Business, Escondido September 24, 2015

Stone Brewing CEO Greg Koch kicks himself upstairs (Video)

Quirky, but successful, Stone Brewery co-founder Greg Koch kicked himself upstairs this week to a higher calling. After serving as Stone’s CEO since its 1996 founding, Koch named himself executive chairman doing pretty much what he has been doing for a while, long-term strategy and planning. Koch even announced the beginning of the  search for a a new him, the new CEO. “This is not…