Business Visit with Mayor McNamara
This week, Mayor Paul McNamara visited a local salon, ROCKnHAIR Lounge to see how they are safely serving their clients. You can watch the video here.

To learn more about how Escondido is keeping our community safe and supporting local businesses visit: https://www.escondido.org/covid-19.aspx

Economic Development Updates
City Business Grant Program
Escondido established a grant program utilizing $1 million in CARES Act funding to assist small local businesses in their efforts to comply with COVID-19 requirements. Financial awards up to $15,000 are available to make commercial rent payments, maintain payroll, buy protective equipment and supplies and/or to make physical improvements to business space. The City is partnering with the San Diego North Economic Development Council to administer the program and has a team available to assist applicants in English and Spanish.

The Program commenced on July 17, 2020; the City received a total of 194 applications to date, and fourteen (14) businesses were awarded grant funding in the amount of $141,222. 

Applications in English are available online here. Support and assistance with helping to get the word out to the Spanish-speaking business community are appreciated. The Spanish version of the website may be accessed at: https://www.sdnedc.org/escondidosubvencionesdenegocio/ and questions may be submitted to EscondidoNegociosSubsidios@sdnedc.org.  The City will be using CARES funding to advertise this grant program with Univision to help increase awareness in Escondido’s Hispanic/Latino community.  Contact Business@escondido.org to share ideas for more targeted outreach. The deadline to submit applications is August 28 and the online application website will automatically close once this deadline has passed.

California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)
On July 29, the City, Chamber, and Downtown Business Association co-hosted two CA Competes Tax Credit Zoom info sessions with Special Guest Todd Walters, CCTC Committee Member.  In addition, the state will be hosting two more info sessions, more information below.  We encourage Escondido businesses to apply for this state income tax credit program.

The following is additional information about the program and helpful guidance for any business owners who were unable to attend these information sessions:

• The next California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) application period started 7/27/20, with $80 million in available tax credits. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, August 17, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) and the online application website will automatically close once this deadline has passed.
• See the announcement for this fiscal year and $231m available here.
• See what past awardees have requested here.
• Use the Application Guide to have a sense of application questions before the application is live.
• Applicants or interested parties can also always connect directly with the CalCompetes team at 916-322-4051 or email at calcompetes@gobiz.ca.gov.

GO-Biz California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) Webinars

• Thursday, 8/6 | 4:00PM |
• Tuesday, 8/11 | 11:00AM |

Business Recovery Temporary Use Permits
The City has received and approved 24 Business Recovery Temporary Use Permits for the following industries throughout the City, with more in process. This is a great example of the speed and efficiency with which the City team is able to review and approve these permits.

• Nail/Hair Salons and Barbershops – 4
• Restaurants – 12
• Breweries – 2
• Gyms – 3
• Art, Museums, and Retail – 3

Additionally, 26 of the City’s fitness related recreation classes have been moved to outdoor locations, utilizing the hockey arenas at the Escondido Sports Center, the Amphitheater, and the dome area at City Hall. These classes are scheduled to run throughout August and September, and registration is currently open. Check out the Recreation Guide for details. 

Staff will continue to work on adapting programs and services in creative ways, until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and regular programming can resume. 

New Edition of Escondido Magazine!
The newest issue of Escondido Magazine, a collaboration between the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and the City of Escondido, is now available!

Read it online here or pick up a hard copy at the East Valley Community Center, City Hall, or at a local storefront near you. 

Escondido Sports Center Turf Project is complete!
The Community Services Department is excited to announce the installation of two beautiful new turf arenas. This long overdue improvement will allow for expanded use of our facility and improve the comfort and playability for all users. Staff are working on adapting programs and services to utilize these spaces in creative ways until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and regular programming can resume. This project was funded through the 2019-2020 Capital Improvement Program.

Please contact the Sports Center at 760.839.5426 or visit www.sportscenter.escondido.org for updates on programming and availability.

COVID-19 Updates:
You can get up to date information about the City’s response to COVID-19 at:
www.escondido.org/covid-19.aspx