Today’s Big News

It happens every summer, off and running at Del Mar

Every summer there comes a morning when Del Mar ceases to be merely a racetrack and resumes its older occupation as a temporary capital of optimism. Horses arrive with spotless records and impossible ambitions. Trainers speak with measured confidence. Bettors discover systems that have somehow eluded them for years. Before the first gate opens, everybody is undefeated. That annual migration begins again Friday when Del…

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Quest for hats: A hat is a hat is a hat, especially come Del Mar Opening Day

Came opening day, Friday, July 17 at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; hats, hats and more hats were the madcap sidebar to the main story of the moment, namely the excitement of racing’s return. That sorta post-pandemic opening day was not only about big bets and fast horses, but celebrating the season in style. Thus begins the big fat hat dilemma for otherwise fashionable and…

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Garden Grove was a warning, San Onofre Is the test

The recent chemical plant emergency in Garden Grove should be a wake-up call for all of Southern California, home to the de facto nuclear waste dump site at San Onofre, just south of San Clemente. In Garden Grove, the threat from a tank holding roughly 7,000 gallons of a common hazardous industrial liquid — about one-third the volume of a typical backyard swimming pool —…

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Featured Business Reviews — Visit Our Sponsors And Tell Them You Heard It Through The Grapevine

Samuel E. Bernstein and his National Silver Industries

In 1982, National Silver Industries—originally founded by Samuel E. Bernstein—was acquired by Towle Manufacturing Co. for $4.3 million. [1, 2] Company Overview Founder: Samuel E. Bernstein founded National Silver Co. (later National Silver Industries) in New York City around 1890. The company’s products often featured the hallmark “SEB”. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Expansion: Under his leadership and subsequent management, the company grew into a…


Oolong ain’t just for tea anymore, it’s an RSF art icon

Hey, you. That’s right, YOU. Art lover, cultural icon. Keeping it classy, sassy and fun. Art for any space, any place, any situation, enjoyable and appreciating in value as you appreciate it for years to come. We’re talking tons of visual and personal pleasure, enhancing any experience, providing fun and coffee plus water cooler talk for ages immemorial. Frame it, display it, do with it…


Dog Whisperer of San Marcos is now open for business

Tucked inside Vallecitos Town Center at 1254 E. Mission Road in San Marcos, stands a small storefront with a big reputation. San Marcos Grooming, owned and operated by Maria Motta, has quickly become a favorite among local pet owners—not just because of its grooming services, but because of Maria herself. Maria is more than a certified dog groomer. Clients describe her as a “dog whisperer,”…


Samuel E. Bernstein and his National Silver Industries

In 1982, National Silver Industries—originally founded by Samuel E. Bernstein—was acquired by Towle Manufacturing Co. for $4.3 million. [1, 2] Company Overview Founder: Samuel E. Bernstein founded National Silver Co. (later National Silver Industries) in New York City around 1890. The company’s products often featured the hallmark “SEB”. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Expansion: Under his leadership and subsequent management, the company grew into a…

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Declaring independence; hey baby, it’s the Fourth of July

Right around the Fourth of July, Americans pay renewed attention to the country’s crucial founding document, the Declaration of Independence. Whether Republican or Democrat or independent, some will say – with reverence – that adherence to the values expressed in the declaration is what makes them American. President Barack Obama, in his second inaugural address, gave voice to this very conviction. “What binds this nation…

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How Jan. 6 ran straight through San Diego County

The Trump-inspired Jan. 6 Capitol riot did not start in Washington. It started in places that look a lot like San Diego County—suburban streets, online message boards, small protest circles, group texts, and social-media feeds that steadily hardened into belief. When the crowd breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, San Diego did not watch from the sidelines. Residents here packed bags, booked flights,…

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Popular Posts

Mr. Wonderful: To be fair, President Trump wasn’t so bad

I owe my Trump-supporting family and friends an apology. I’ve been critical of the Trump presidency and — truth be told — still exhausted from the experience. But to be fair, President Trump wasn’t that bad. Other than when he… The Greatest Hits of Governance Incited an insurrection against the U.S. government. Mismanaged a pandemic that killed nearly half a million Americans. Separated children from…


Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 1: ‘Good Morning, New Orleans’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/. Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ CHAPTER ONE On Christmas Day 1987, Tyger Williams, video artist, discovers a classified ad for an insurance investigator which he answers. On New Year’s Day, he burns the “box of troubles” at the abandoned 1984 World’s Fair site…


Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 2: ‘Night of the Living Poets’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/. Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ CHAPTER TWO Following the Saints playoff loss, Tyger and his friend Armor’s Tungsten attend an open-mike poetry night at the Blue Bayou club on Tchopitoulas Street.   CHAPTER 2 “Night of the Living Poets”   “SURVEILLANCE PELICANA” Chapter…


Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 3: ‘What a Revolting Development This Is’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/. Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/   CHAPTER  THREE Poetry night continues at the Blue Bayou. Events take an unpropitious turn towards ugliness due to a convergence of circumstances attributable to karmic order. Mona Mona and her friend Roger initiate a riot resulting in…


Editor’s Picks

Theater Review: ‘Meet me in St. Louis’ at Welk Resorts through January 31

“Meet Me In St. Louis” is remembered mostly for Judy Garland’s star turn in the 1944 blockbuster MGM film. The show, (with a book by Hugh Wheeler and music by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane) moved to the Broadway stage in 1989, where it was nominated for four Tonys. Welk Resorts Theatre presents “Meet Me In St. Louis” through Jan. 2016 at their Escondido location….


Taking agricultural education to a whole ‘nother level

  SAN PASQUAL VALLEY — Organic farming pioneer and consultant, resource conservation leader, and now agricultural educator, Scott Murray hoped his back-to-the-future efforts will keep farming viable in California and the nation.  Murray was doing it, in part, at a groundbreaking venue, the San Pasqual Academy. Located in the San Diego Agricultural Preserve about 35 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, it’s a first-in-the-nation residential education…


Shazam! Climate science denier Darrell Issa joins House climate change caucus

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-49th District) announced last week he has joined a bipartisan House caucus on climate change. But the news, first reported by Reuters, glossed over one major point: Issa has been a long-time climate science denier. He is now part of the Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group looking at “policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate.” But in…


Mighty 1090, where are you?

Welcome to the sounds of silence. Like stars disappearing in a black hole, one of San Diego’s leading radio stations suddenly disappeared just after noon Wednesday, April 10 with a whisper, then white noise rather than a bang. The Mighty 1090 had been the top-rated San Diego sports talk station for the last 16 years. “We have lost our connection in Mexico and are working…


Escondido Town Hall hits one in the rough

As per her usual interest in Escondido city government on behalf of the residents of the city that table grape vines left behind, “A Blue View for Escondido” citizen watchdog Margaret McCown Liles takes you to the scene of the latest flareup of  civic consternation. For more visit Liles’ blog and kudos as usual…. Mayor Sam Abed’s Town Hall had a pretty good turnout on May 17….


Rocking the House: Etheridge part of arts center’s plans to attract broader audience

‘The goal is to be the Balboa Park of North County.’  — Jerry Van Leeuween, Executive Director, California Center for the Arts   Melissa Etheridge comes to town on Nov. 6, playing the only North County venue large enough for such a major act, the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. The center has had a troubled financial past. However, nobody can deny it…


Breaking News

Doug Porter’s Guide to protests, actions, events, vigils

Here we are in year two of Trump II, and you’d have to be blind to say the administration hasn’t flooded the zone with Project 2025 schemes, would-be Presidential monuments, Racism, and lies like nobody’s ever seen before. From day one it’s been difficult for non-MAGA types to comprehend and react to the pace of administration actions. Broken down into their actual components, they include:…

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Politics

Notorious 50th Congressional District Rep. — and ‘top gun of greed’ — Randy ‘Duke’ Cunningham dead at 83

Randall Harold “Duke” Cunningham, former 50th Congressional District representative, and Navy flyer who shot down five MiGs over Vietnam and then shot himself in the foot with greed, died Wednesday in a hospital bed in Little Rock, Arkansas. Cunningham was 83. His family put the news on social media. No cause, no grand statement. Just the way it goes: a man who once wanted the…

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League of Women Voters calls out Issa on voting rights

Hundreds of thousands of California voters could have their ballots wrongfully discounted, according to a motion to intervene filed by the League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) on Friday against a lawsuit seeking to block counting mailed ballots received after Election Day. The LWVC, represented by the ACLU and the ACLU Foundations of Northern California, Southern California, and San Diego & Imperial Counties, seeks…

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Escondido

Traveling Lake Hodges and the Del Dios Highway

Used by permission, this rather comprehensive look at Lake Hodges, Del Dios Highway and sites far and wide, first appeared at Postcards and Passports, San Diego resident Tami Zehrung Wilcox’s extensive travel blog. Only a few weeks ago, I took a day to discover Lake Hodges and the area surrounding it. I was astounded at all that it has to offer — especially its peaceful…

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Surprising and Strange

In age of Drumpf, Tony Clifton claims foul

Editor’s Note: Michael Patrick Welch, renowned New Oreans writer, musician, teacher and friend of The Escondido Grapevine, conducted an interview with the provocateur known to Andy Kauffman and Bob Zmuda fans as Tony Clifton. While others have shunned this outstanding piece of informational journalism, we embrace it and re-print this as a public service. “After years of chasing Tony Clifton to get his thoughts on…

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29 years ago, Heaven’s Gate couldn’t wait

Dateline Rancho Santa Fe. March 26, 1997. A 911 call came into the San Diego Sheriff’s Communications Center. It was treated as a prank call at first. From what turned out to be a nearby payphone, the caller said something so preposterous that dispatchers took their time in relaying the information to central command. “This is regarding a mass suicide. I can give you the address,” the…

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Move over D.B. Cooper for Geezer Bandit

People have been debating D.B. Cooper ever since his Thanksgiving 1971 leap into history and out of a commercial flight from Portland to Seattle with a whole bunch of money. The same, on a smaller scale, appears to be happening with North County’s own Geezer Bandit, so-called. He hit Vista — twice — Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla — twice — Poway and 10 other…

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Featured Content

Samuel E. Bernstein and his National Silver Industries

In 1982, National Silver Industries—originally founded by Samuel E. Bernstein—was acquired by Towle Manufacturing Co. for $4.3 million. [1, 2] Company Overview Founder: Samuel E. Bernstein founded National Silver Co. (later National Silver Industries) in New York City around 1890. The company’s products often featured the hallmark “SEB”. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Expansion: Under his leadership and subsequent management, the company grew into a…

Click Here or title to read more

Oolong ain’t just for tea anymore, it’s an RSF art icon

Hey, you. That’s right, YOU. Art lover, cultural icon. Keeping it classy, sassy and fun. Art for any space, any place, any situation, enjoyable and appreciating in value as you appreciate it for years to come. We’re talking tons of visual and personal pleasure, enhancing any experience, providing fun and coffee plus water cooler talk for ages immemorial. Frame it, display it, do with it…

Click Here or title to read more

Dog Whisperer of San Marcos is now open for business

Tucked inside Vallecitos Town Center at 1254 E. Mission Road in San Marcos, stands a small storefront with a big reputation. San Marcos Grooming, owned and operated by Maria Motta, has quickly become a favorite among local pet owners—not just because of its grooming services, but because of Maria herself. Maria is more than a certified dog groomer. Clients describe her as a “dog whisperer,”…

Click Here or title to read more

Presenting the future of digital news & local advertising

The Escondido Grapevine: Your Premier Advertising Partner in North County San Diego Businesses need advertising platforms offering extensive reach while exemplifying innovation and adaptability in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. The Escondido Grapevine stands at the forefront of digital journalism, serving as both a model for future online presentations and a comprehensive news source for North County San Diego communities. The Grapevine offers unparalleled opportunities…

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Light’s (out) at the end of Via de la Valle: Knorr’s Candle Shop minding its own beeswax (Closing Oct. 31, 2023)

Editor’s Note From Nextdoor….. “I just learned today that Knorr’s Candle Factory on Via de La Valle is closing 10/31/23 and they are having huge sale, including holiday decor, to cut inventory. It was always one of my favorite places to shop and such a local tradition. Please support them and stop by. Everyone loves beautiful candles!!” — Chari Chanin   As the world, and…

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Grid and Bear It

Last but not Least

Mr. Wonderful: To be fair, President Trump wasn’t so bad

I owe my Trump-supporting family and friends an apology. I’ve been critical of the Trump presidency and — truth be told — still exhausted from the experience. But to be fair, President Trump wasn’t that bad. Other than when he… The Greatest Hits of Governance Incited an insurrection against the U.S. government. Mismanaged a pandemic that killed nearly half a million Americans. Separated children from…

Click Here or title to read more

Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 1: ‘Good Morning, New Orleans’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/. Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ CHAPTER ONE On Christmas Day 1987, Tyger Williams, video artist, discovers a classified ad for an insurance investigator which he answers. On New Year’s Day, he burns the “box of troubles” at the abandoned 1984 World’s Fair site…

Click Here or title to read more

Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 2: ‘Night of the Living Poets’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/. Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ CHAPTER TWO Following the Saints playoff loss, Tyger and his friend Armor’s Tungsten attend an open-mike poetry night at the Blue Bayou club on Tchopitoulas Street.   CHAPTER 2 “Night of the Living Poets”   “SURVEILLANCE PELICANA” Chapter…

Click Here or title to read more

Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 3: ‘What a Revolting Development This Is’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/. Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/   CHAPTER  THREE Poetry night continues at the Blue Bayou. Events take an unpropitious turn towards ugliness due to a convergence of circumstances attributable to karmic order. Mona Mona and her friend Roger initiate a riot resulting in…

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Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 4: ‘IRS Inc.’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN  The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/. Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/   CHAPTER FOUR Tyger interviews at Marrero for an insurance investigator’s position with Dorothy Lafleur of Information Retrieval Services (IRS) Inc. The position is explained and Tyger is hired. He begins his first assignment at Kenner with a negative…

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Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 5: ‘People Behaving Badly’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN (The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/.) Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/) Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/)   CHAPTER FIVE Tyger works a case at Avondale. This chapter contrasts the official details of investigation with actual impressions. The Subject has a car accident while under observation. Tyger also works Hassan Ibn Ben Hassan in a…

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Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 6: ‘Waking the Dead at MacLand and Bobby’s’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/. Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/   CHAPTER SIX Waking the Dead at MacLand and Bobby’s Mac Long and Sarah Ivy, friends of Tyger, hold court at MacLand. They make local derelict Clyde get out of the trash. Some bongo jamming takes place. Later, Tyger,…

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Surveillance Pelicana Chapter 7: ‘Super Sleuth’s Eye of the Tyger’

SURVEILLANCE PELICANA BY DAN WEISMAN The entire book appears at this link with chapters added after appearing online: Chapters 1-10: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-full-book-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/. Chapters 11-20: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-ii-chapters-11-to-20-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ Chapters 21-30: https://www.escondidograpevine.com/surveillance-pelicana-part-iii-chapters-21-to-30-chapters-added-as-they-appear-online/ CHAPTER SEVEN Joe Fine, the Super Sleuth, former Israeli agent and president of IRS Inc., arrives at New Orleans International Airport. Tyger meets and greets him. They go to Dorothy’s house where Joe Fine demonstrates the secret video surveillance…

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