The Escondido Public Library & Technology Center celebrates National Library Week, April 13-20, inviting all ages to use and enjoy free programs and services available on-site and online. The library supports lifelong learning through books, media, downloadable E-Books, and online resources as well as in-library computer access, Wi-Fi, and a business center. The Library continues to be a place for study, research, and improving literacy. Known traditionally for helping students and researchers, Escondido Library is widely recognized as an innovator - promoting entrepreneurship, career development and public content creation.

Library Friends and Foundation supporters invite the public to participate in two special events during National Library Week:

The Friends of the Escondido Public Library will hold a 50% Off Everything Sale April 15 through April 20th in the Friends Book Shop (inside the Library).

The Escondido Library Foundation, in partnershipwith McDonald's restaurants, will hold a fundraiser on April 17th, to benefit the Library. Visit participating McDonald's at 340 West Mission Avenue in Escondido and two locations at 701 Center Drive in San Marcos (one restaurant is inside the Walmart store). A portion of the sales between 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. will go to the Library.

On Friday, April 5, hundreds of classic cars will return once again to the streets of Downtown Escondido to kick off another exciting season of Cruisin’ Grand! We are so proud to have one of the greatest ongoing traditions in San Diego County in our city. Cruisin’ Grand brings thousands of visitors to Escondido every Friday night throughout the summer. It’s an affordable, family-friendly event that appeals to people of all ages, and it is a wonderful way to showcase our historic downtown. Even people who aren’t classic car enthusiasts will enjoy strolling along Grand Avenue, stopping in for a bite at one of our many restaurants and people-watching on those warm summer nights. Each Friday night, awards are given to the most impressive pre-1973, American-made cars. Theme nights include “Fire Truck Night”, “Nitro Night” and “AFX Night.” Cruisin’ Grand runs from 5-9 p.m. every Friday from April 5 through September 27 along Grand Avenue in historic Downtown Escondido. If you’ve never been there, don’t miss it this season! And for those die-hard fans that are already polishing their classic cars, we look forward to seeing you again! For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.cruisingrand.com .

State law requires that cities adopt a Housing Element with prescribed details and content. Escondido’s newly adopted General Plan contains a Housing Element that assesses the housing needs of all economic segments of the City. Staff was notified that in February 2013, Escondido’s Housing Element was approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

Preparing the Housing Element involved extensive community outreach with workshops, surveys, study sessions and public hearings that included residents, developers, service organizations, non-profit groups, and decision-makers to establish Escondido’s three broad housing goals:

1)    Plan for quality, managed, and sustainable growth;

2)    Provide a range of housing opportunities for all income groups and households with special needs;

3)    Enhance the quality of the City’s housing stock, preserve the integrity of neighborhood character and encourage home ownership.

State approval of Escondido’s Housing Element also affords the city certain economic benefits. A variety of grants for enhancing/improving infrastructure, recreation, transportation and other municipal services are designed to reward local governments for compliance with State Housing Element law. Escondido’s Housing Element will serve the City through December 31, 2020, with policies that guide the City’s approach to resolving housing needs and programs for implementing the General Plan’s long-term vision.

The Escondido Recreation Division is now accepting registration for spring break youth programs. The On Track Kid’s Camp and the Counselor in Training (CIT) Programs will be offered March 25^th – April 5^th.

The On Track Kid’s Camp is for children ages 5 to 12 and is packed with games, arts & crafts and special events. Weekly field trip packages are available too.

If your teen is looking for a great way to have fun while gaining valuable work experience, the Counselor in Training Program is the perfect opportunity. The program teaches teens ages 13 to 15 the importance of communication, teamwork and responsibility. The teens will be able to use their skills by volunteering in the On Track Kid’s Camp Program.

This year Escondido Recreation is committed to providing the same high quality programs at a new lower cost. Your child can attend the On Track Kid’s Camp or the C.I.T. Program for as low as $85 per week.  Financial assistance is available for families with low to moderate income levels through the City of Escondido’s Share a Dream Scholarship Fund. Scholarship applications are available at City Hall, the East Valley Community Center, or online.

To register, please contact Escondido Recreation at (760) 839-4382 or visit  www.recreation.escondido.org