2015

James and the Giant Peach at Patio Playhouse

 James and the Giant Peach Patio Playhouse director Larry Steckling and producer Sharon Gann this summer put out the call for youth actors to audition for roles in James and the Giant Peach. The kids came out alright to St. Paul Lutheran Church for tryouts and now are trying their hand at the finished production that was adapted for the stage by David Wood from…


Getting out the real story the Grapevine way

It is easy to Google anything and read these days, but what are we being fed? The fact is anyone can write words on a piece of paper and post or print it. As a reader, it is very important to consider the source. First of all, who is the author of the story and is it journalism or one’s own point of view or…


Beautiful body language @ breathtaking Bheau View Ranch mini mockup wedding expo

As animal hospital director Mary Mandrigues said, Bheau View Ranch’s Mini Mockup Wedding Expo and Grapevine launch party was the place to be Friday. “Your event last night was beautiful,” Mandrigues tweeted. “Thank you for the invite. You have accomplished so much and you are surrounded with beautiful friends. I just want you to know I appreciate you for all you give to this community…


Smelly Escondido Country Club dispute comes up smelling like roses (Video)

With each side spinning a victorious tale Wednesday, a long-simmering and sometimes outright smelly dispute over the re-development of the once-proud Escondido Golf Course property seems to have been settled. Controversial property owner of said former 110-acre golf course site, Stuck in the Rough, L.L.C. reached and agreement with the Escondido City Council to drop its lawsuit against the city over the property’s zoning. Stuck…


Escondido, San Diego County experience first drop in farm production since 2008 recession

Eric Larson director of the Escondido-based San Diego Farm Bureau said a “slight drop in production value comes as no surprise,” when he saw today’s county Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures annual crop report. “In light of the challenges faced by farmers from the drought and the rising cost of water,” Larson continued, “the change is small enough to be seen as a testament…



Vinnie, Michelle Griffin and Vinz greet October with a fest

A lot of restaurants and businesses have come and gone along Grand Avenue, Escondido’s iconic main street. Vinnie and Michelle Griffin have seen them all while starting and growing a vibrant dining and arts hub at the corner of Grand and Kalmia Street. It all started and continues in earnest for the husband and wife team with Vinz Craft Bar & Restaurant, otherwise known as…


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…


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’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…