April 14, 2022

 

Arbor Day Escondido

 

Arbor Day will be celebrated on April 30. The City of Escondido will be planting 100 trees in partnership with SDG&E and West Coast Arborists.

 

Volunteers will be out starting at 9 a.m. planting along Mission Ave. from Aster St. to Goldenrod St. If you'd like to volunteer for this event, visit volunteer.escondido.org

 

For more information about the City's Urban Forest visit: escondido.org/urban-forestry

 

 

Dixon Lake Maintenance Closure

Dixon Lake will be closed for maintenance from May 2 - 6. This closure includes fishing, camping, day-use, and hiking. This planned closure will allow City staff to work on projects and prepare the lake, park, and campsites for the influx of people who will be enjoying Dixon Lake this summer.

 

Please enjoy one of the City's other parks and open spaces, including Daley Ranch. escondido.org/parks-lakes-trails

 

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

 

2022 Landscape Contest

The City of Escondido is proud to announce and invite you to participate in this year's "WaterSmart Landscape Contest." This contest, occurring every year, recognizes its residents who have made an effort to support water conservation through their landscape design and irrigation methods choices. If you're proud of your water-wise yard, we encourage you to enter the contest at WaterSmart Landscape Contest - WaterSmart Landscape Contest

 

Children�' Museum Nature Night

The City is thrilled to be an activity partner at San Diego Children's Discovery Museum's brand-new event, Nature Night, generously supported by BQuest Foundation and Zable Foundation! Become a nature knight and advocate for the planet by going on a quest to save the earth on April 23 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. Registration is required for the event. Learn more at SDCDM.org/NatureNight

The Escondido Discussion

The City of Escondido invites you to a presentation on The Escondido Discussion.

Join us for one of the following dates and provide your feedback:

April 19 at 6 p.m. in the Mitchell Room at City Hall

May 11 at noon on Zoom and Broadcast on Ch.19/99

Zoom Links: escondido.org/Discussion

 

As part of this year's budget process and to further engage Escondido residents CityWide, the City has launched The Escondido Discussion to hear local community priorities and City service needs. The City is continuing to recover from the long-term effects of COVID and potentially faces an $8 million budget gap this year, we want to hear from YOU what local priorities you have and the City services you rely on as we strive to continue to provide the level of service residents expect and deserve.

 

Some of the priorities your neighbors identified include:

  • Addressing homelessness
  • Attracting businesses and jobs to the City
  • Improving public safety and police services
  • Maintaining and repairing local streets, roads and sidewalks
  • Keeping public areas clean and free of graffiti

 

Now we want to hear from YOU! Please take a moment to join The Escondido Discussion.

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BY THE NUMBERS

 

Code Compliance:

Total Code Cases (Year to Date)

399

 

Public Works:

 

Graffiti Restitution:

Collected Last Week

Collected Year to Date

 $115

$1,177.48

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

 

Stolen Vehicle + Drug Bust

On April 4, Escondido Police Dispatch received information from SiriusXM Tracking of a stolen 2021 Honda Odyssey van. The vehicle was unoccupied but an older sedan was parked in front of the van and was occupied by four males. One of the males was in possession of the keys of the stolen van. A pound of methamphetamine, four grams of fentanyl, paraphernalia, and burglary tools were seized.

 

Did You Know?

SiriusXM can be used to track stolen vehicles. SiriusXM told FORBES that there is a stolen vehicle recovery feature in the Connected Vehicle Services technology.

 

Missing Persons - At Risk

On April 6, a 68-year-old female adult diagnosed with dementia was reported missing from her care facility in Escondido. Several resources and personnel were used to try and locate the missing female, including Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA) and K-9. The woman was finally located in Encinitas.

What is "AT RISK"?

The Escondido Police Department Instruction defines "at risk" as a situation wherein a peace officer reasonably believes, based on the officer's training, experience and information, that a sex offender may victimize a person or group of persons by committing any sex-related offense against that person or group.

ASTREA Helicopter

On April 8, a 76-year-old man voluntarily left his home on foot with his walker and phone. The individual has early onset dementia and mild Parkinson's. Again, ASTREA was requested to help locate the man. He was found unharmed in Oceanside.

 

Community Resources:

Anonymous Tip Line: 760-743-8477 (TIPS)

Crime Data/Mapping: https://www.crimemapping.com/

Helicopter Announcement Transcription:

o Call 858-866-4356 or text "Hello" to 858-866-4356

Megan's Law Information: https://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/

Mental Health & Crisis Intervention:

 Access and Crisis Line: 888-724-7240

 It's Up to Us Campaign: www.Up2sd.org

Get Connected. Get Help: Dial 211

National Drug Helpline: https://drughelpline.org/contact/ or call 844-289-0879

Non-Emergency Line: 760-839-4722

Police Athletic League (PAL) Ski Trip for Disabled Students

Last month, PAL funded a ski trip to Big Bear for several disabled students. Two of the children are wheelchair bound and the others are mentally disabled or visually impaired. A private instructor was hired for these students. What a special trip! Thanks, PAL!

 

 

March Abandoned Vehicle Data

 

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

 

On April 5, the Escondido Fire Department responded to a broken and blowing natural gas line that was severed during construction activity. SDG&E technicians responded and secured the gas leak while firefighters stood by in protective gear and with charged hose lines in case the gas ignited.

 

On April 5, Escondido Fire conducted one of three wildfire preparedness training sessions at Ryan Park. The training included radio use, hose lays, strategy and tactics and fire shelter deployment. This annual training is important to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our firefighters as the weather warms up and they are deployed to vegetation fires.

 

 

On April 6, firefighters from Station #1 visited San Pasqual Elementary School and assisted with their 5th Grade Egg Drop competition. Students and firefighters enjoyed testing the kids' engineering designs to see if an egg could withstand the fall from the ladder.

 

On April 8, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a fire in a two-story apartment complex unit located at the Pepperwood Arms Condos, 1817 E Grand Ave. The first arriving Engine Captain reported smoke showing from a distance and requested additional resources. When fire units arrived, smoke and flames were encountered on a second story unit balcony with extension into the living area and attic space of the building. Due to the size of the building and potential for fire spread, a second alarm of fire units was requested.

 

The apartment unit of fire origin sustained smoke and fire damage to the interior, with fire extending to the roof and attic crawl space above. There was additional damage to some neighboring units to ensure no hidden fire was contained in the walls. Aggressive action by the firefighters contained the fire in approximately 30 minutes, however the attic required extensive overhaul to confirm the fire was completely extinguished.

 

Fortunately, there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. In all, 31 firefighters and one fire prevention specialist responded to the fire. Assistance was provided by San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe, Vista, and Valley Center Fire Departments. Escondido Police provided scene safety and road closures. The Red Cross assisted the displaced residents, and several California Fire Foundation "SAVE", pre-paid gift cards were distributed to the residents impacted by the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Last week, Escondido Fire Explorer Ashley Grncarevski spoke during "career day" at her brother's 4th grade class at Live Oak Elementary School. Ashley showed the kids her safety gear and spoke to them about fire safety. Ashely recently graduated high school and plans to begin her EMT training soon and she hopes to one day work for Escondido Fire as a Firefighter Paramedic.

 

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGINEERING

 

Permits and Inspections:

 

Building Division:

1. The counter staff conducted in-person meetings with 121 applicants, processed 88 applications, and issued 111 permits.

2. The total permit valuation for the week was $1,696,720.

3. Building inspectors completed 269 inspections.

 

Field Engineering Division:

1. Field Engineering processed 21 permits.

2. Field Engineering inspectors completed 158 inspections.

3. Field Engineering has 233 active permits.

 

Development and Capital Projects Update:

 

Curious what's happening with development projects around the City? The link below directs to an interactive dashboard of projects currently in various stages of the development process. Browse project descriptions, see locations on the map, browse photos and more.

 

City of Escondido Development Project Dashboard

 

 

A short overview video of the Dashboard features can be watched here.

 

To learn about previous applications for residential and commercial development permits, please visit the Development Project Information Archive page or contact the Planning Division.

 

 

If you would like to receive this report by email on Thursdays, email: mthorne@escondido.org.