Fire Preparedness
In Southern California we have all seen the effects wildfires can have on our communities, and red flag conditions make the danger even worse. Make sure you and your family are prepared by having a plan and an emergency kit ready to go at all times.

One easy step you can take today is to register your cell phone for reverse 911 service at:
https://www.readysandiego.org/alertsandiego/

For more information on developing your plan and what to include in your emergency kit, visit: fire.escondido.org

The City of Escondido on Social
Are you following the @cityofescondido on social media? We share photos, news, emergency information and updates from around Escondido. We are a valuable resource during COVID and fire season!  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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
For the latest test numbers, tier information, and phases of reopening visit the County of San Diego’s website at: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html

Escondido COVID-19 Update:
Let's keep up the great work, Escondido! As more businesses are allowed to open indoor activities, remember to wear a facial covering and practice social distancing to keep our community healthy and moving forward.

The state introduced a new tiered system last Friday that allows certain indoor activities to resume this week. Under the new state metrics, San Diego County is currently in Tier 2, also referred to as the Red Tier.

Tiers are based on two metrics, case rate and the percentage of positive tests. To remain in Tier 2, the County will have to report between 4.0 to 6.9 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents per day and a positivity rate between 5% - 7.9%. To move to the lower risk tiers, the County will have to report cases as shown in the chart above.

The County’s test rate only includes people that have a residential address within the County of San Diego. Visitors from Arizona, Imperial County, International flights and Mexico will not influence our numbers used to determine the County tier level or reopening status.

How is Escondido being impacted by the Coronavirus?

According to San Diego County Public Health, Escondido has 1829 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus. This is approximately 4.8% of the total number of positive cases in San Diego County. The county publishes this information daily on their website at:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html

Although Escondido’s number is slightly higher than our percentage of the County population (4.5%), it should be noted that certain cases are included in Escondido’s count due to Palomar Hospital.  Other factors may also impact this number, but Escondido residents should take note that we are very much “normal” in terms of the average rate in San Diego County.

Regardless residents can keep cases to a minimum by washing hands, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distance.

By following these simple steps, the County and the City of Escondido can move from Tier 2 to Tier 3 by the end of September and continue to expand the economy.

For more information, please visit the City of Escondido’s website at: www.escondido.org

For the latest test numbers, and tier information, visit the County of San Diego’s website at:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html

Voting Information
The County of San Diego has shared that the Registrar of Voters will prepare election ballots for mailing in two weeks, so active registered voters are urged to check their voter registration now to get a mail ballot at their address later. More than 1.8 million postcards went out to registered voters last month telling them to expect a mail ballot for the November 3, 2020, Presidential General Election. More information can be found here.

If you are a registered voter and did not receive this postcard, this could mean:

• You are not registered to vote in San Diego County, or;
• You recently moved or changed your name and have not re-registered to vote

Updated City Hall Counter Hours
Due to COVID-19 and the City’s efforts to increase efficiency and to serve customers both online and in-person, City Hall will now be open to in-person customers from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday – Friday until further notice.

• Utility Billing will continue accepting cash payments through the Walk-Up Utility Billing Window Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• City employees will remain on duty until 5:30 p.m. to serve customers online.

Many services are available online at:
ols.escondido.org

Escondido Insight – August Edition
The August edition of the Economic Development Newsletter is now online. This issue includes a spotlight on Escondido's Business Recovery Grants, a local glassblowing business and more!

Read the issue and subscribe at: http://ow.ly/BYcB50B50xa

San Diego County Food Survey
The San Diego Food System Alliance is calling upon all San Diegans to participate in San Diego County Food Vision 2030, an effort to develop a shared vision for transforming our region’s food system over the next 10 years.

Food connects us to one another, our cultures, and the earth. How can we grow it, move it, and share it in a way that works for Escondido? What do you need to ensure that you and your family are healthy and nourished? What are the food issues that are most important to you?

Join the conversation at
www.engage.sdfsa.org/Escondido

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

California’s Heatwave and Conserving Energy
The heat wave this week has impacted everyone statewide. The City is doing its part to ensure that local residents have a cool place to go during the day by opening the East Valley Community Center as a Cool Zone this Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. as well as reducing the City’s usage of the power grid. Facilities across the City have raised air conditioning temperatures; unplugged unused devices and appliances; shut off lights; and have implemented emergency generator power at City Hall, Police and Fire Headquarters, all seven fire stations, and the water treatment plant. All of these actions have lessened the burden on the power grid and reduced the possibility of a rolling blackout in our community. The photo to the right shows a Public Works staff member servicing of the emergency generators.

Library Technology Upgrades
Over the past several months, City and Library staff have been working on two exciting technology projects. A major upgrade was made to the audio and video technology in the Turrentine Room – the library’s main programming and public meeting space. The improved technology will be put into play immediately as so many programs and meetings are now being conducted in a virtual environment. This project was funded by the Escondido Library Foundation and came in under budget thanks to the City’s Information Systems staff who utilized their in-house expertise and shopped around for the most cost-effective solution.

The library’s public printing system has been in need of modernization for many years to meet the needs of its patrons, but identifying funding has been a struggle. City Council approved this Capital Improvement Project in the FY 2019-20 budget. The new system will allow for wireless printing from personal electronic devices, printing from home, expanded options for printing and copying, faxing, and paying with credit cards.

When the State and County health orders allow for the reopening of our library, patrons will be greeted with modern, user-friendly technology improvements.

Childcare Grant Program
On August 4, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to distribute $25 million of CARES Act funding to eligible childcare providers in San Diego County. To distribute the funds, the County has partnered with The San Diego Foundation, YMCA of San Diego County and Child Development Associates to manage the application, verification and grantmaking process. Childcare providers can apply for support for staffing, supplies, mortgage and rental assistance, business resilience and capital improvements for outdoor areas. Applications open on Monday, August 24. For more information and to apply visit:
https://www.sdfoundation.org/childcare-provider-grant-program/

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