Can Loss Save Lives? Vista’s Honorees, Football Showdowns & Buffalo Pizza

Hometown heroes, football thrills, food tours & returning bubbles—Vista and San Marcos buzz!

North Valley Flare Team

Oct 6, 2026

Hi, neighbors!

A little hometown pride, something good to eat and a reason to get out this weekend—that’s what we’ve gathered for you in this week’s Flare.

Meet the people making a difference in Vista, catch up on our local teams and take a peek at Friday night from the sidelines. Then plan a garden outing or a Harvest Fest wander, discover Prager Brothers at the Vista Farmers Market and stop for something sweet at Maya’s Cookies in North City.

We also have two dogs looking for their next chapter and a sunset that found just the right street sign. Pick a story, find a new favorite and share a little local good with someone.

Enjoy this week’s Flare! 🔥

Good Vibes. Great Stories.
— The North Valley Flare Team

🍪 One small local adventure
Pick a place in this issue you haven’t tried, invite someone along and make a little room in your week for a new neighborhood favorite.

🌮 Missed our taco edition?
Our local taco guide is ready whenever your next craving hits—explore Vista and San Marcos taco stops, a local food truck and ideas for taco night at home.
Catch up on the taco edition →

Heat remains in the forecast.
The National Weather Service lists an Extreme Heat Warning for San Diego County’s coastal areas and inland valleys through Thursday, October 8, at 8 p.m. This outlook was checked October 3; check conditions again before heading out.

Latest local forecast and alerts →

💡 TIP OF THE DAY

Heading to the Vista Farmers Market? Bring a reusable tote and jot down one meal you’d like to make. Let what looks good at the stalls fill in the rest of your shopping list.

Vista Firefighters’ Andy Valenta Golf Tournament Helped One of Their Own This Year

Vista firefighters thanked the community this week after another Andy Valenta Memorial Charity Golf Tournament.

Players showed up.

Volunteers showed up.

Sponsors, donors and supporters showed up.

Which is basically how the fire service says “we’ve got you” without putting it on a Hallmark card.

Vista Honors Caylie Valenta for Turning a Firefighter’s Loss Into Life-Saving Screenings

The City of Vista recently honored Caylie Valenta as a local hero.

She did what people with grief and a mission often do.

She handed the honor right back to the person who started all of it.

“It’s not for me,” Caylie said in the city’s post. “It’s for Andy.”

Andy Valenta was a Vista firefighter and paramedic. A husband. A dad. A colleague who, by every public account, left a deep mark on the people around him.

Vista just honored Deputy Jennifer Albright as a local hero.

Good.

Because traffic safety is one of those things everyone claims to care about right after something terrible happens.

A crash.

A close call.

A kid crossing where cars treat the street like a suggestion.

Then the flowers disappear.

The candles get picked up.

The rest of us go back to driving like the laws of physics are for other people.

Friday Night Lights: Tri-City Christian Rolls as Vista Teams Find Bright Spots

Tri-City Christian delivered Vista-area football's win of the night, beating Victory Christian Academy 46–22 to improve to 4–2. The Eagles posted their highest point total of the season and now get a week to prepare for their next league matchup.

Rancho Buena Vista pushed Mira Mesa to a 21–17 finish after holding the Marauders scoreless in the second half, while RBV's freshman team won 25–8 to improve to 4–2. Vista High fell 35–12 to Hilltop, but the varsity Panthers put points on the board after a difficult stretch of scoreless games.

Mission Hills gave San Marcos-area football its standout result Friday night, shutting out La Costa Canyon 14–0 on the road to improve to 5–1. The Grizzlies kept the Mavericks off the scoreboard for all four quarters, earning their first shutout since August and a strong result heading into their matchup with Carlsbad. On a night when two touchdowns supplied the winning margin, Mission Hills’ defense gave local fans plenty to celebrate.

San Marcos High battled Oceanside in a 28–21 loss, with Mo Henderson rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown and Sean Green adding 121 receiving yards and a score. The Knights are now 4–2, with both losses decided by seven points. Meanwhile, St. Joseph Academy’s unbeaten start ended with a 43–12 loss to Mammoth, leaving the Crusaders at 4–1. From a defensive shutout to individual bright spots and a chance to regroup, this week’s roundup follows three programs facing different next steps.

Rancho Buena Vista flag football leads this week's Vista roundup after two Rams Jamboree victories and a championship celebration.

RBV varsity volleyball added a 3-1 league win over Canyon Crest Academy, while the freshman program also celebrated a Whiteout Night victory.

Tri-City Christian volleyball entered the week 11-3 overall and unbeaten in league play, and RBV's surf team celebrated finalists at a recent competition.

San Marcos volleyball swept La Costa Canyon 3-0, improving to 22-7 and extending its home winning streak.

Mission Hills flag football saw a six-game winning streak end in a close 19-14 loss to Carlsbad, while the Grizzlies' JV girls golf program also celebrated a victory.

🏈⚽🚩⛳🏊🏐🎾🏃‍♀️🏃🤽‍♂️

We can’t fit every great play into one newsletter! Catch the highlights here, then follow our Local Sports section for even more local sports stories, photos, videos, and game coverage.

📸 FROM THE SIDELINES

Vista High JV football • Photo courtesy of Eduardo Javier Aguilar

Vista High Varsity football • Photo courtesy of Eduardo Javier Aguilar

Mission Hills freshman football • Frame from video courtesy of Vanessa Bulcao

Mission Hills freshman • Photo courtesy of Matt Bulcao

Did you catch a great moment at a local game? Send the photo, team names, game date and photographer credit to hello@flarepublications.com. Help us put a name to the action.

📸 THROUGH THE LENS

Sunset on Sunset • Photo by C. Morgan

A familiar street in beautiful light. A trail view. A small neighborhood moment.

Send your Vista or San Marcos photo with its location and photographer credit to hello@flarepublications.com for a future Through the Lens feature.

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Fall Fun Festival

Editorial illustration

	Date	Saturday, Oct. 10
	Time	10 a.m.–3 p.m.
	Location	Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista
	Price	Free admission; contest entry $5

Trade the usual Saturday errands for a garden outing. Alta Vista’s Fall Fun Festival brings kids’ crafts, a scarecrow contest, a plant sale and local art and craft vendors into the gardens. Wander the grounds, browse for something to take home and grab lunch from the Amigos de Vista Lions.

Admission is free. Shopping and food are extra; entering the scarecrow contest costs $5. Bring your finished scarecrow by noon if you want to join the contest.

	1270 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084
	(760) 945-3954

Event Details

San Marcos Harvest Fest

Editorial illustration

	Date	Sunday, Oct. 11
	Time	9 a.m.–5 p.m.
	Location	North City Drive, San Marcos • 251 North City Drive
	Price	Free admission

North City becomes a full-day neighborhood gathering at the San Marcos Chamber’s Harvest Fest. Browse more than 250 vendors, discover local makers and follow the food aromas before settling in for live music on the Main Stage.

Bring friends, bring the family and leave room in the day to wander. Admission is free; purchases are extra. Check parking and transit before you go →

	251 North City Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
	(760) 744-1270

Event Details

Friday Night Comedy at Inzane Brewing

Editorial illustration

	Date	Friday, Oct. 9
	Time	Doors 7 p.m.; show 8 p.m.
	Location	Inzane Brewing Co., 236 Main Street, Vista
	Price	$10 online; $12 at the door

Give Friday night a punchline. Kacklez brings a changing lineup of stand-up comics to Inzane Brewing’s Main Street taproom, with craft beer at the bar and an easy downtown night-out setting.

The organizer lists doors at 7 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 online or $12 at the door. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early. You may bring food; outside drinks are not allowed.

	236 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
	(760) 295-9211

Event Details

Craft & Cultured Pairing: Beer & Cheese

Editorial illustration

	Date	Wednesday, Oct. 7
	Time	6–7:30 p.m.
	Location	Pure Project Vista, 1305 Hot Spring Way, Vista
	Price	Confirm price and ticket availability

Discover why the right cheese can make a beer taste different. Chef Dave leads an interactive pairing evening in Pure Project Vista’s barrel room, with five beer samples matched to five artisan cheeses and a welcome beer to start.

The Grainbakers listing includes pairing education as well as the tasting. Its event page currently says tickets are not on sale. Contact the organizer to confirm availability and current pricing before making plans.

	1305 Hot Spring Way, Vista, CA 92081
	(925) 272-9415 (Grainbakers; text only)

Event details & availability

Probable Caws: Bluegrass Brunch

Editorial illustration

	Date	Sunday, Oct. 11
	Time	11 a.m.–1 p.m.
	Location	TERI Common Grounds Garden Veranda, 555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos
	Price	Admission price not listed; food and drinks extra

Let Sunday brunch come with a little banjo and fiddle. Probable Caws brings an all-acoustic mix of Appalachian, bluegrass and old-time tunes to TERI Common Grounds’ Garden Veranda.

The set runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Make it a relaxed morning with friends and order from the café’s brunch offerings while the music plays. The event page does not list an admission charge; food and drinks are purchased separately.

	555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
	(858) 356-4546

Event Details

📅 OTHER EVENTS WORTH A LOOK

Internships 101 for Employers — Wednesday, Oct. 7, 9–10 a.m. Hunter Industries hosts a free workshop at its Human Resources Building, 1960 Diamond Street, San Marcos. Learn how to build an internship program with voices from Hunter, SMUSD, CSUSM and Palomar. Details and registration.

San Marcos Young Professionals — Friday, Oct. 9, noon–1 p.m. Bring lunch to Union Cowork, 251 North City Drive, Suite 128F, to help shape the group’s mission and leadership. Open to all young professionals, including nonmembers. Details and registration.

San Marcos Farmers Market — Friday, Oct. 9, 4–8 p.m. Start the weekend at 251 North City Drive with local vendors and something good to eat. Market details.

Seasonal theater — Beetlejuice Jr.
Moonlight Youth Theatre opens October 9, with performances October 9–11 at 7 p.m. at Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. Dates and tickets →

Plan ahead — Creatures of the Dark: Halloween Edition Saturday, October 24, at Lakeview Park, 650 Foxhall Drive, San Marcos. Sign-in is at 6 p.m.; the trail talk starts at 6:30 p.m. Explore bats, owls and other nighttime wildlife with the city’s Parks & Recreation team. Official details →

Salsa, Cumbia & Bachata — Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:30–11 p.m. Beginner class 6:30–7:30 p.m., then social dancing at Inzane Brewing, 236 Main Street, Vista. Class $15; social dancing $10. Details

Patio Trivia — Thursday, Oct. 8, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Bring your team to 508 Tavern, 508 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Vista. Free to play. Details

Vista Farmers Market — Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 a.m.–noon Shop growers, prepared food and local makers at the courthouse, 345 S. Melrose Drive. Details

Plan Ahead: The Tell All — Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Bring a screenplay, short story or comic to share at The Film Hub, 170 Eucalyptus Avenue, Vista. $5 at the door; Film Hub members free. Details

🎥 VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Caylie Valenta, in Her Own Words

Alongside our Vista community-hero story, this archival video from the Firefighter Cancer Support Network shares Caylie Valenta’s caregiver story. A personal look at the family behind Andy Valenta’s legacy.

Caylie Valenta’s Caregiver Story • Firefighter Cancer Support Network

✨ QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.”

— Helen Keller, Optimism (1903)

This Week's Sponsor

Maya’s Cookies

Maya’s Cookies makes it easy to share a little sweetness. Its gourmet cookies are made with plant-based ingredients—no eggs, dairy, or other animal products—and come in flavors including Classic Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, Lemon Chiffon, and the Famous “Everything” cookie. Expect the soft, chewy texture that cookie lovers look for.

Treat yourself, build a box for someone else, or explore gift bundles and the Cookie Love Club. Maya’s also offers platters, catering, and corporate gifts, with nationwide shipping for sharing beyond its San Diego and San Marcos locations. It’s a thoughtful pick for celebrations, thank-yous, or an everyday cookie craving.

	Address	250 North City Drive, Suite 8, San Marcos, CA 92078
	Days Open	Tuesday–Sunday; closed Monday
	Hours	1–9 p.m.
	Phone	(760) 290-3032

Explore Maya’s Cookies

🧐 LOCAL FACT

Vista Farmers Market dates to 1981. More than four decades later, the Saturday market still brings farmers and food makers together at the courthouse.
Meet the market →

Oggi’s Vista Review: Buffalo Pizza and a Dinner That Delivered

Our first stop in a new series of local restaurant reviews is Oggi’s Vista, where we picked up buffalo pizza, chicken tortilla soup, and chicken piccata while supporting an RBV fundraiser that night.

The pizza had a thick crust, generous toppings and cheese, and a buffalo kick we found manageable.

The soup arrived hot and creamy, with plenty of chicken and toppings packaged separately, while the chicken piccata offered tender chicken and a generous portion.

Our order was ready within 15 minutes on a busy evening and was well packaged for the trip home.

Dinner handled and a local school supported—two birds, one stone.

Same restaurant. Same order. Same debate about where to go next time.

Lunch has a way of becoming a rerun.

Carla and Linda’s Local Tours advertises a way to change the episode: a once-a-month Vista outing centered on restaurant tastings.

The company describes its focus as independently owned businesses, with background about restaurants, chefs and the surrounding area included in the experience.

Come for a beer. Leave with a newfound interest in gas recovery equipment.

Admittedly, that second part is a tougher sell.

But at Pure Project’s Vista headquarters, carbon dioxide produced during fermentation is recovered for reuse in brewery operations.

The bubbles get another assignment.

For Vista and San Marcos readers, that gives the business at 1305 Hot Spring Way a story beyond the tap list. Behind the gathering space is a working production facility with some interesting decisions built into the brewing process.

Editorial illustration

FARMERS MARKET FIND
Prager Brothers Artisan Breads

Some market finds deserve a spot at the center of the table. Brothers Clinton and Louie Prager grew up in Carlsbad and built their craft bakery around traditional, hand-shaped breads. Their weekly market stops include Vista, making Saturday morning a good time to discover a loaf for the week ahead.

Ask what the stand has brought that morning and choose something for toast, sandwiches or a simple dinner with friends. Our suggestion: leave room in the tote for bread before you fill it with produce.

Vista Farmers Market • Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon
San Diego County Courthouse, 345 South Melrose Drive, Vista. Selection and vendor attendance can vary.

Explore Prager Brothers → | Vista market details →

More About Woodstock 🐾

A male German Shepherd mix, about 6 years old, Woodstock is a sweet boy whose personality is still unfolding as he settles in. A little patience could be the beginning of a lovely friendship.

He is vaccinated, microchipped and neutered. Find him at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido campus, 3500 Burnet Drive.

Meet Woodstock →
Availability can change; check his profile before visiting.

More About Andromeda 🐾

This female Shepherd mix, about 4 years old, has a playful love of tennis balls. She needs a calm, patient home with children age 12 or older. All household members must meet her, and a virtual behavior consultation is required.

She is vaccinated, microchipped and spayed. Find her at San Diego Humane Society’s Oceanside dog campus, 2905 San Luis Rey Road.

Meet Andromeda → | Adoption process
Availability can change; check her profile before visiting.

Food truck owners: put your next stop on the local radar.

You bring the flavor. Let’s help neighbors find you. Add your business to our Food Truck Hot Spots and keep your locations, hours and links current so people know where to go and how to connect with you.

The more local trucks taking part, the more useful this becomes for hungry neighbors looking for their next favorite.

Put your food truck on the local radar →

Keep the local conversation going
Which stop in this issue would you take a friend to? Join us between newsletters and tell us what you’re discovering around Vista and San Marcos.

Facebook → Instagram →

😄 JOKE OF THE DAY

My reusable market bag and I have an understanding:
I carry it in. It carries the bread home. 🥖

Thanks for making room for local stories.

If something here made you smile or helped you plan your week, pass this issue along to a neighbor. We’ll be back with more people, places and discoveries next Tuesday.

Find another local story →
Good Vibes. Great Stories. 🔥