Join Mayor Sam Abed and the Escondido City Council at the annual State of the City event, co-sponsored by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce. Held at the California Center for the Arts at 8 a.m. on February 25, the event will including presentation of City Council awards and mayoral address. An optional breakfast is available for $20; general attendance is free. More information and registration.

Escondido Business in the News: BlissLights 

BlissLights appeared on a recent cover of the San Diego Business Journal . After being recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 500 fastest growing companies, this local special decorative lighting company had a record holiday season and is looking forward to a successful 2015.

Through the month of February, the Small Business Administration is offering a free weekly webinar series where small employers can learn the basics of the Affordable Care Act and what it means for their organization and employees.

Topics covered include cost containment, the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, the new Health Insurance Marketplace, and Employer Shared Responsibility. Register today.