The City of Escondido will be accepting nominations for appointment to the Independent Districting Commission as required under the Voting Districts Consent Decree. Applications will be accepted in the City Clerk’s Office, 201 N. Broadway, Escondido, during office hours from Monday, June 3, 2013 through Friday, June 28, 2013. The term of the Commission will begin September 1, 2013.

Interested applicants and individuals or organizations desiring to nominate persons for appointment to the Commission must submit an application.  The application is available online at www.escondido.org/  or by request to the City Clerk at cityclerk@escondido.org.  You may also call 760-839-4617 should you have any questions. 

Under the Consent Decree, Escondido will be divided into four districts with each district to be represented by a Council member living within that district.  The Mayor will continue to represent the entire City. The districts will be determined by a Districting Commission consisting of 7 members.  The members will be chosen by a selection panel of retired San Diego County judges.   After the District boundaries are drawn, they will be submitted to the City Council for final approval.  Districts may be re-drawn every 10 years if required by changes in the population as reflected in the census.   

Hosting an international event such as the AMGEN Tour of California Bicycle Race requires an enormous amount of coordination and support.  Escondido has been fortunate to have the commitment of almost 50 sponsors for the overall start of the race beginning in Escondido on May 12. We gratefully acknowledge the following sponsors who provided either financial support or “in-kind” donations to ensure the success of our event:

David & Rebecca Vigil, Deanna’s Gluten Free Bakery, BikeBling, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, William Lyons Homes, Cox Communications, SDG&E, Crossfit Xystum Escondido, Escondido Police Officers Association, FLEXR Sports, Kinetik Sportswear, Latitude 33 Apartment Community, Welk Resorts, Beachfront Only Vacation Rentals, Kirk’s Bike Shop, KVA Stainless, Inc. San Diego North EDC, Rosa Ruiz –Re/Max United Real Estate, West Escondido Automotive, Scott and Martha Christie, Escondido Sunrise Rotary Club and Deborah’s Next to New, Escondido Disposal, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, Escondido Magazine, Escondido Chamber of Commerce, Visit Escondido, Dennis Roach, Swirlz Candy and Wonder Emporium, Joor Muffler, Medicine-in-Motion, Altipiano Winery, Coyote Oaks Vineyards, Deer Park Winery, San Diego Union Tribune, Datron, Los Ponchos Mexican Grill and Seafood Restaurant, Kickbike America, Liljegren Law Group, Palomar Health, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Third Bloom, Jersey Mike’s Picnic People, Home Depot (East  Valley Parkway), Aaron’s Rental’s Waterwise Botanicals, T10 Events and Xerox Corporation.

Just a few more days until the AMGEN Tour of California, America’s largest and most prestigious professional road cycling stage race, starts in Escondido. On May 12, 2013 16 professional racing teams will face a 107-mile loop for Stage 1, which will start and finish on Grand Avenue in historic Downtown Escondido.

Overview of events:

Friday, May 10: Cruisin’ Grand (Free);Team Presentation Gala ($125); Kick Off After-Party ($20)

Saturday, May 11: L’Etape du California – “Rules of the Road” Ride

Sunday, May 12: Race day events start at 9:30 a.m. You can experience the opening ceremonies and the official start of the race at 11 a.m…. then stay downtown for the day-long events, watch the race on jumbo screens, and be there for the exciting finish (approximately 3:30pm).Here are some of the events: Good Morning Amgen!; Lifestyle Festivals and Kids’ Zone; Food Truck Village, Mother’s Day Home Tours; Music by “Dead Feather Moon” at 11:30 a.m. and “Sue Palmer and Her Motel Swing Orchestra at 1:30 in Grape Day Park; Honor Ride: Ride 2 Recovery; Break Away From Cancer® Mile; and the Amgen Tour of California – Stage 1 Finish!

For a full list of race day events and updates visit http://visitescondido.com/ and www.amgen2013escondido.com

Town Hall meetings are a good way to give residents an opportunity to express their opinions and discuss their concerns in a less formal environment than regular council meetings. In fulfillment of one of my campaign promises, I have held four Town Hall meetings since 2011. My next town hall meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 201 N. Broadway.  The meeting format will be an open question and answer period on any topic relating to local government.  This is your opportunity to share your views on the issues facing our City Council and to discuss any subject that matters to you or your business. We will follow up with the appropriate City department to resolve any issues. The meeting will also be videotaped and rebroadcast the following Sunday and Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. on Cox. Ch.19 and AT&T U-Verse Ch. 99.

I encourage you to attend and participate in the discussion, or even just say hello and introduce yourself.  Working together we can help Escondido become a better city.