GRADUATION
Mehdi Faeli of Escondido graduated at the end of the fall 2025 semester from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Faeli received a master’s degree in civil engineering.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
The San Diego County Office of Education recognized Mia Funk — director of College and Career Readiness for the Escondido Union High School District — as the 2026 San Diego County School Counseling Administrator of the Year. The award recognizes school counseling professionals who go the extra mile to ensure that students are prepared for college, careers and life beyond. Superintendent Jon Petersen said that she “exemplifies what it means to put students first.”
RISING STARS
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce celebrated four seniors from San Dieguito Union High School District at its February Rising Star of the Month Breakfast on Feb. 4 at MiraCosta College’s San Elijo Campus. The honorees were Ben Du, Canyon Crest Academy; Mason Jones, La Costa Canyon High School, Sindy Morales, San Dieguito Academy; and Anthony Kim, Torrey Pines High School. The Rising Star program honors local seniors who demonstrate integrity, community and school involvement, love of learning and/or the ability to overcome challenging circumstances without compromising their education.
COYOTES
Philip, a 2-year-old terrier blend, is on the mend and available for adoption after what was believed to be a coyote attack in January. He received medical care from the Helen Woodward Center for wounds consistent with a coyote run in. “Philip is one of the lucky ones,” said Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoption Services Director Kendall Schulz. “Little dogs like him rarely escape with their lives. He has so much spunk and joy in him. He’s ready to live his best life and we’re so happy we are able to help him find it.”
Coyotes are out and about more in January and February, during mating season, and also closer to residential centers as cities sprawl into the animals’ native habitats. The center recommends keeping a close eye on pets, especially smaller dogs, and to keep cats indoors, especially overnight. If you encounter coyotes, the center said to never run away, but instead make loud noises, yell, bang pots and pans, spray a garden hose in their direction, squirt vinegar at them or throw small objects towards, but not at, the animals.
SIGN SPINNER
Davis Davis of San Diego will compete in the 2026 World Sign Spinning Championships, beginning March 7 on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Davis said he began sign spinning over 10 years ago and fell for it quickly. “For me, it’s an art form. It’s my way to stay creative,” he told The Coast News. The Hoover High School alum added that he has placed as high as fourth in the past but has been working on new moves and also considering bringing back some he has not used in a while to place even higher this year. “I’d like to win it,” Davis said. “It’s the one thing I haven’t done in my sign spinning career.”
ABSTRACT ART
San Diego artists Lucas Smith, Anuj Jenveja and Priyanka Pathak have curated a group exhibition called “Common Ground: A Convergence on Abstraction.” It will be on display at Gallery 21 of the Spanish Village Arts Outreach in Balboa Park through March 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with an opening reception on Feb. 28 from noon to 3 p.m. “I believe our guests will enjoy witnessing what makes each of our styles distinct, and also how we see ourselves in each other,” Pathak said.
CRAFT BEER COLLAB
“I Like Beer The Podcast” will collaborate with “The Capital of Craft Podcast” to tell stories of beer from around the country. The new season will be filmed at The Film Hub in Vista, telling stories of how hops are cultivated locally, the art of brewing, sales strategies, original interviews and more.
ENCINITAS SENIORS
The City of Encinitas unveiled the Senior Citizen Activity Assistance Program, which offers up to $300 in financial support per fiscal year to qualifying residents looking to participate in the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts programs, according to a release. Residents of Encinitas or Cardiff-by-the-Sea 60 and older can apply through the city’s website.
RECORD AIR TRAVEL
San Diego International Airport welcomed 25.32 million passengers through its two terminals in 2025 — 9.69 million in Terminal 1 and 15.64 million in Terminal 2. That record bested the previous mark set the year before. Airlines at the airport added or resumed 14 nonstop routes and also saw an 8% increase in international travel. “With the opening of our new Terminal 1 and continued expansion of airline service, 2025 stands out as a truly exceptional year,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
