Thank You Volunteers!

Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18-24) is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service in our community. It demonstrates the power of people coming together for the common good. The past year has seen many challenges but one thing remains true, the ability of individuals to support their neighbors and the community. The City of Escondido would like to acknowledge the many groups and individuals that donated their time and effort over the past year.

While following health and safety guidelines the City worked with small groups and individuals to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. Clean-up events, planting, fire hydrant painting, and Eagle Scout projects were just a few of the activities offered. Are you interested in giving back to your community? If so, head over to the Volunteer HUB ( https://volunteer.escondido.org/ ) and explore the wide range of volunteer opportunities that are available. Thank you volunteers!

Traffic Advisory - Washington Avenue

The City is constructing a portion of pipeline which runs along Washington Avenue between North Broadway and Waverly Place. This work will require a lane closure along Washington Ave and may cause delays. Construction will take place intermittently until October 2021 between the hours of 7 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. This pipeline work is part of the Membrane Filtration Reverse Osmosis (MFRO) Project and once completed the MFRO Facility will treat a portion of the City's existing recycled water and supply it to high water demand agricultural growers who serve a vital role in the City's economy. More information about the MFRO project can be found here.

Earth Day 2021

Earth Day is this Thursday, April 22! If you are looking for a way to give back, join Councilmember Consuelo Martinez for an Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 24. This volunteer event will help pick up trash in the neighborhood around Grove Park. Volunteers will be provided with trash pickers, bags, gloves, and reflective vests. Each participant must sign up individually at: https://volunteer.escondido.org/ For other ways to get involved and more information about Earth Day in Escondido, visit: escondido.org/earth-day

Another way to get involved is #CreektoBay2021 , this Saturday, April 24! Sign up today at CreektoBay.org to volunteer for the largest environmental action event in San Diego County during #EarthWeek .

Utility Billing Payment Update

You can now pay your City of Escondido Utility bill with PayPal at: www.escondido.org

Summer 2021 Recreation Guide
The Community Services Department is excited to announce the arrival of the Summer 2021 Recreation Guide. This will be the first printed guide since receiving an Award of Excellence in Marketing and Communications for the Recreation Guide through the California Parks and Recreation Society.
We are truly honored to receive this award and would like to thank our entire Graphics department for their creative input and dedication to their craft.
Look for the Summer Recreation Guide in your mailbox starting April 23, and registration will open on Monday, April 26 at 8 a.m. on the recreation website.

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week
Every year during the second week of April, public safety telecommunications personnel are honored. This week-long event, initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California, is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. The Escondido Police Department Communications Center manages 911 calls for both police and fire service, which is rare. Our communications center is a busy place to work and our staff is amazing. Great job team!

April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Throughout the month of April, the Escondido Police Department will have additional officers on patrol specifically looking for drivers who violate the state’s hand-free cell phone law.
For more information, click here. 

North County Transportation Survey
SANDAG and Caltrans District 11 want to know what you think the future of transportation should look like in North County. Public input is vital to the development of the North County Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan. This plan will identify transportation solutions that will enhance the way people travel throughout North County. Tell the North County Team what YOU think by taking the short survey by April 30.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the public feedback survey at:
www.SANDAG.mysocialpinpoint.com/northcounty 

2021 WaterSmart Landscape Contest
The City of Escondido is proud to announce and invite you to participate in this year's WaterSmart Landscape Contest. This contest recognizes residences which have made an effort to support water conservation through their choices in landscape design and irrigation methods. The deadline to enter is May 14, 2021.
For additional information, including an application and eligibility requirements, please visit the contest website at www.landscapecontest.com

SR-78 Corridor Project Updates
Caltrans is currently performing upgrades to State Route 78 in Escondido. As improvements are made you will see work occurring on Broadway and Washington Ave. At the conclusion of the work later this fall, residents and motorists will see and feel an improvement in ride quality and the road lifetime will be extended. As part of this project, Caltrans will be making improvements to crosswalks and pedestrian signals as well as including bike routes. More information can be found on the project website here. We will be sharing additional information about the schedule of work as it becomes available.

• Work on this project occurs overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• For additional information contact Caltrans Public Information officer, Stephen Welborn at 619-913-9452. 

Escondido Public Works to the Rescue
Last week, our Public Works department received a panicked call from a resident. He explained that his daughter had lost her most prized possession… her cellphone. The phone was accidentally dropped down a storm drain inlet and believed to be gone for good.
Our storm water crew jumped into action and quickly retrieved the device from the inlet, resulting in no damage. Great job Public Works!

San Diego County Moves to Orange Tier
As of April 7, San Diego County has moved into the “Orange Tier” of the States Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

For a full list of what has changed from the “Red Tier” click here.

• Restaurants: Indoor seating increases to 50% capacity or 200 people maximum. The 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew is also ending.
• Gyms and Fitness Centers: 25% capacity indoors; indoor pools can open.
• Wineries and Breweries: 25% or 100 people indoors maximum
• Museums, Zoos and Aquariums: 50% capacity for indoor activities.
• Places of Worship: 50% capacity indoor activities.
• Bars with no food service: Open outdoors with modifications.
• All retail: No capacity limits.

Please continue to wear a facial covering and practice social distancing. 

Business Newsletter
The April edition of the Economic Development business newsletter is out now! This issue includes articles on Escondido’s housing industry, Lexus Auto Centre, business resources and COVID support, and much more! Read the issue and subscribe here.

2^nd Saturday Art Walk
Don't miss the 2nd Saturday Art Walk on Grand Avenue this Saturday, April 10! In addition to the art walk, check out the barrier murals along Grand Avenue. The murals now have a self-guided walking tour with information about each artist. Just look for the QR codes to pull up information on your smart phone. For more information, click here.