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.
2nd 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.
BY THE NUMBERS
Business License:
Code Enforcement:
Public Works:
Graffiti Restitution:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGINEERING
Building Permits and Inspections:
- This week the counter staff conducted in person meetings with 120 applicants and were able to process 83 applications and issue 106 permits.
- The total permit valuation for the week was $8,699,684.
- This week there were 232 building inspections completed.
Development and Capital Projects Update:
Curious what’s happening with development projects around the city? See below for milestone activities that have happened since last week. Skip to the bottom of this section for a list of projects that are in progress but do not have an update this week. To learn about previous applications for residential and commercial development permits, please visit the Development Project Information Archive page or contact the Planning Division.
Commercial / Office / Industrial:
- Burros and Fries - (MPA Architects) 1107 E. Valley Parkway – An 5,224 square foot commercial building, with associated landscaping and parking for a drive-through restaurant (Burros and Fries) and additional retail space. The Planning Division approved the project on December 24, 2018 and the project is now under construction. The contractor has completed paving of the new turn lane on Valley Parkway and the final grading for the road improvements. Construction is nearing completion, and a punch list walk through has been scheduled.
- Interfaith Recuperative Care Facility/Hotel – (Developer: Interfaith) 555 North Center City Parkway – Conversion of the existing lodging facility (America’s Best Value Inn) and construction of improvements to establish a residential care facility designed to provide a variety of transient stays for at-risk individuals, homeless, etc. The applicant is processing a CUP for the full scope of improvements to make changes to the number of rooms and other associated site improvements. On March 3, 2021, the City approved and issued a building permit for the first phase of improvements. The remaining balance of proposed improvements will be considered in conjunction of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The applicant has informed Development Services that they intend to re-submit the CUP application within the next couple of days. A public hearing will be scheduled in May 2021.
- ERTC/Palomar Health Parking Structure (Developer: McCarthur Construction). An application request was received on October 21, 2020 to build 1,906 parking spaces at the new hospital campus. The proposed parking garage is six stories. Approval for design review was issued by the Planning Division on April 4, 2021. The next step for the project involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, and building plans.
Housing:
- North Iris Residential Development (Developer: Hallmark Communities) – An application for a Master and Precise Development Plan and Tentative Map for 102 condominiums at the southeast corner of North Iris Lane and Robin Hill Lane. The project is still in the entitlement phase. The initial application was submitted on March 11, 2021. The City completed its review and issued a comment letter on April 9, 2021, regarding the completeness of the application (i.e. notice of incomplete application).
- Del Prado (Developer: California West Communities) – A 113-unit townhome-style Planned Development located at the southwestern corner of Brotherton Road and the Centre City Parkway frontage road. The City Council approved this project on May 11, 2016 and the project is now under construction. Grading started the week of February 8, 2021 and the developer has started construction of the site masonry walls.
- Casa Mercado Apartments (Developer: Paul Mayer, Pemcor) – A four-story, 120-unit apartment complex on 2.31 acres on Second Avenue and Pine Street. The project is still in the entitlement phase. With the City’s review complete, the project is scheduled for consideration by the Planning Commission on April 13, 2021. The City Council is the final decision-maker for this project.
- Henry Ranch (Builder: Joe Martin, Trumark Homes) – A 97 single-family home development on 74.35 acres at the eastern terminus of Lincoln Avenue. The City Council approved this project on December 13, 2006 and the project is now under construction. The developer, Trumark, has nearly completed onsite water, storm drain and sewer utilities and is working on pedestrian ramps and sidewalks. Model units are now open, and the contractor is now focusing on new home construction.
- Oak Creek (Builder: KB Homes) – A 65 single-family home development on approximately 44 acres at Felicita Road and Hamilton Lane. City Council approved the project on March 4, 2015 and a map extension was approved by the Planning Commission on April 18, 2018. The project is now under construction. Work is continuing for the in-track masonry walls and vertical construction for seven homes is underway.
- Harvest Hills (Developer: Concordia Homes) - 550 residential subdivision, east of Rancho San Pasqual. A project webpage containing draft documents and plans can be accessed at the following link:
https://www.escondido.org/safari-highlands-ranch-specific-plan.aspx
Generally, speaking, several remaining pieces of the project must be finalized before a staff recommendation can be developed and the project scheduled for the public hearing process. These include finalizing the environmental impact report, preparation of a development agreement, and a fire protection and evacuation plan for that area. After these items are reviewed and staff comments fully addressed, the project would be scheduled for public hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council. The target date for the public hearings is late summer and fall 2021.
- The Villages at Escondido Country Club (Builder: Lennar Homes) 380 residences located on the former golf course off of Country Club Lane, north of El Norte Parkway. The project was approved by City Council on November 15, 2017 and the project is now under construction.
Villages I – Underground utility realignment work will be starting at the intersection of La Brea and Country Club. The work is expected to start in the coming weeks and is expected to last several months. During this time Country Club travel lanes will be realigned during working hours. Electronic message boards will be placed prior to the start of work to notify the public of the upcoming work and lane realignment. About 60 homes have been given final inspections. Many of the homes built are now under contract with buyers.
Village II - Rough grading is nearing completion. The contractor has completed the Vista Irrigation District water main realignment that crosses the project. The Final Map is scheduled for City Council review and consideration on May 12, 2021. After the Final Map is approved, the developer can start developing new homes within this village.
Village III - Rough grading is nearing completion. The contractor is installing a new sewer manhole and main line at the intersection of La Brea and Country Club along with private water and sewer lines. In track curb and gutter has started to be placed.
City Projects or Other Capital Improvement Projects:
- SDG&E 16” Gas Main Replacement – In January 2019, the CPUC’s Safety Enforcement Division approved SDG&E’s test or replace plan for Line 1600, a 16-inch natural gas transmission pipeline which was not strength tested in 1949 when it was constructed. This next phase of PSEP projects will include 19 separate projects that will take place in the cities of San Diego, Escondido and Poway, as well as the County of San Diego. As part of these projects, approximately 37 miles of existing pipe in more populated areas will be replaced and approximately 13 miles of existing pipe in less populated areas will be strength tested. Approximately 5.4 miles of replacement and 2.7 miles of strength testing is expected to occur in Escondido from 2020-2024. Phase 1 is complete. SDG&E initiated Phase 2. Construction is scheduled to conclude in July 2021. Approximately 40% of the project is now complete.
- Citracado Parkway - The project extends Citracado Parkway between Andreasen and Harmony Grove Village Road, including a bridge over the Escondido Creek. In February, the Public Utilities Commission approved the relocation of electric transmission facilities necessary for the project. SDG&E has ordered the steel poles necessary for the relocation and expects to begin electric facility relocation in June. Bid and award of the project is anticipated this summer with construction beginning in fall and completing in early 2023.
- Escondido Entry Monument Signs - The contractor has started the foundation excavation for all three locations. When completed the project will consist of three new Welcome to Escondido signs that will be placed at Grand Avenue near the Gateway Center, Via Rancho Parkway at Sunset Drive, and El Norte Parkway near Woodland Parkway.
- Creek Trail Crossing - At the January 14, 2021 Transportation & Community Safety Commission meeting, the final design for the Creek Trail Crossings project that improves all seven Creek Trail intersections between Juniper and Citrus was approved. Improvements include a signal at Midway and rapid flashing beacons with bulb-outs, where the roadway width permits, at other locations. The project also fills in sidewalk gaps along Citrus and Midway. Final plans will be reviewed by the granting agency in February construction funding will be programmed by the California Transportation Commission in May with construction to begin by late summer.
- Washington Park Skate Spot – 501 N. Rose. The City is reviewing bids for this project. When completed, the 7000-sf skate spot will be a new urban skate spot with multiple features including a quarter pipe, pump bump, grind edge, banked hip with rail and a 5-sided pyramid. Construction is scheduled to start in the summer.
Ongoing Projects - No Updates This Week
Projects that do not have any changes or updates this week will be listed here to indicate that they’re still in progress. When an update occurs, the project will appear above in the Development and Capital Projects section.
County of San Diego Projects:
- The County of San Diego (“County”) has been processing a land use application for a new recycling facility, just north of the City of Escondido. The project site is located west of Interstate 15 (I-15) along Mesa Rock Road. The project, called "North County Environmental Resources," includes a 12,000-square-foot steel building, a 100,000-gallon water tank, and a recycling facility for wood, construction debris, and concrete and asphalt. The project was recently approved and the City filed an appeal of that decision on February 16, 2021. The project’s environmental determination was appealed by the same four groups that appealed the County staff determination to the Planning Commission, which in addition to the City of Escondido, also includes the Twin Oaks Valley CSG, Hidden Meadows CSG, and Montreux HOA. It’s anticipated that the appeals will be considered by the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors on May 5, 2021.
- State Route 78 - Caltrans, in association with Hazard Construction, will be making improvements to State Route 78 over the coming months. Crews will work between Broadway to Flora Vista Street on State Route 78. At the conclusion of the work later this fall, residents and motorists will see and feel an improvement in ride quality and the extension of the service life of the roadway.
Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from the reconstruction of 83 curb ramps to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, modifying 7 traffic signals with vehicle 2 infrastructure (V2I), traffic signal upgrades, upgraded crosswalks and pedestrian signals, and a Class III bike route. The majority of the work will occur during the night with working hours from 8:30 pm to 5:00 am. For additional information contact Caltrans Public Information officer, Stephen Welborn at 619-913-9452.
Commercial / Office / Industrial:
- Mercedes Benz Expansion – (Developer: Jody Stout, Integrity Design and Construction) 1101 W. 9th Avenue – A Master and Precise Plan modification to demo the existing dealership showroom and construct a new showroom, office, parts storage and service building. The project is still in the entitlement phase.
- 7-Eleven Gas and Convenience Store – (Developer: Golcheh Group) 900 W. Mission Ave. – A 4,000 square foot convenience store with eight (8) fuel dispenser pumps on the northeastern corner of Mission/Rock Springs. The project was approved by the City Council on January 13, 2021. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.
- Raising Cane’s Restaurant – (Developer: Ada Fermin, PM Design Group) 1280 W. Valley Parkway – An approved 3,744 square foot drive-through restaurant located on the east side of the southbound off-ramp on W. Valley Parkway. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on July 14, 2020 and the project is now under construction. The former Coco’s restaurant has been demolished and the contractor is beginning site preparation work. Rough grading has started.
- Medical Office Building West on the Palomar Health Hospital Campus (MOB-West, Developer Palomar Pomerado Health) – A three-story medical office/outpatient facility of approximately 72,000 square feet. Approval for design review was issued by the Planning Division on January 17, 2013. The applicant recently requested some changes to the zoning permits and a substantial conformance determination was approved March 5, 2021. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.
Housing:
- Warmington (Developer: Warmington Residential California, Inc.) – A 62 air-space condominium development, consisting of 10, three-story buildings located in the Southern Entry District of the South Centre City Specific Plan at 2200 S. Escondido Boulevard. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on March 23, 2021. The Planning Commission is the final decision-maker for the project. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.
- Jack’s Creek TR 951 and SUB 17-0026 – (Developer New Pointe Development). An approved 12-lot, single-family residential subdivision on 3.31 acres. The site is located at the westerly terminus of Jack’s Creek Road, north of El Norte Parkway, addressed as 640 Oakwood Creek Glen, formally 2888 E. Washington Avenue. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on November 13, 2007 and an extension of time was approved on September 12, 2017. The project is now under construction.
- Canterbury Gardens Apartment Project (Developer: Kensington Canterbury Gardens, LLC) - A Plot Plan application was submitted on January 26, 2021, for the development of an apartment project at 2402 South Escondido Boulevard (the site of the Canterbury Gardens retail store). The project proposes to demolish the existing structures on the site, and construct 44 townhome-style, market-rate rental units. Units will range in size from 1,028 to 1,254 square feet, will be three stories in height, and will have two to three bedrooms. The project is still in the entitlement phase.
- Habitat for Humanity 10-Unit Condominium Development (Developer: San Diego Habitat for Humanity) – A 10-unit development at 245 E. El Norte Parkway. All units will be for sale to low-income households. This project was approved by City Council on February 10, 2021. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.
- Palomar Heights (Developer: Ninia Hammond, Integral Communities) – An approved land use development application consisting of the demolition and redevelopment of the old Palomar Hospital site with 510 multi-family units with 10,000 square feet of commercial. This project was approved by City Council on February 10, 2021. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission of and approval grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans
- Villa Portofino – (Developer: Chris Post, ATC Design Group) 15 apartment units in a three-story building with parking garage at 2690 S. Escondido Blvd. The project is still in the entitlement phase.
- Hacienda De Vega Redevelopment – (Developer: Tony Cassolato) An approved proposed residential condominium development consisting of 42 three-story attached townhomes on 1.75 acres. The project was approved by the City Council on October 21, 2020. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.
- North Avenue Estates (Developer: Casey Johnson) – A 34 sing-family home development at North Avenue/Conway Drive. The project was approved by the City Council on January 10, 2018. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.
- Sager Ranch/Daley Ranch Resort Specific Plan (Developer: J. Whalen Associates, Inc., Sager Ranch Partners) - 203 housing units and 225-room resort hotel on 1,783-acres, just north and east of Daley Ranch. The project is still in the entitlement phase. A project webpage containing draft documents and plans can be accessed at the following link:
https://www.escondido.org/daley-ranch-resort-specific-plan.aspx
- Fig Apartments (Developer Claude Marengo) – A 15-unit, three-story, multi-family residential apartment complex consisting of three stories on 0.59 acres. The project is still in the entitlement phase.
- Reed Road Assisted Living Facility (2525 Reed LLC) – A new residential care facility is proposed on a 4.2-acre site on 2525 Reed Road. The project is still in the entitlement phase.
- Iwashita Apartments (Developer: Iwashita Development) – A six-story, mixed-use project at 322 S. Escondido Boulevard for 172 units. The project is still in the entitlement phase.
- Apollo Residential Care (NOAA Group) – An assisted living and memory care facility, with 78 units accommodating 99 beds at 3141 East Valley Parkway. The project was approved on January 14, 2020. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.
- East Valley Parkway Apartments (Developer: John Wurster) – A 50-unit mixed use affordable apartment complex consisting of four stories situated on a 21,000 square foot vacant parcel in the historic District of the Downtown. The project is still in the entitlement phase.
- Nutmeg Condo General Plan Amendment (Developer: Jim Simmons, CCI) – A 137 townhome condo unit project, located on both sides of Nutmeg between I-15 and Centre City Parkway. The first phase of the project was approved by the City Council on November 20, 2019. The second phase was approved by the City Council on November 18, 2020. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.
City Projects or Other Capital Improvement Projects:
- Lake Wohlford Replacement Dam – the project involves a new dam downstream (west) of the existing dam and partial deconstruction of the existing dam. The replacement dam would feature an outlet tower that is integrated into the dam’s upstream face; the top of the existing outlet tower would be demolished, and the bottom of the existing outlet tower and the outlet pipe would be filled with sand and abandoned in place. The project would entail improvement and extension of an existing unpaved access road located west of the Lake Wohlford Marina, extending it to the right (north) abutment of the replacement dam. The project’s EIR was certified on August 23, 2020. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of permits and agreements by the wildlife agencies. In order to obtain environmental permits for construction, the City must prepare upstream restoration and mitigation plans, short term and long-term habitat management plans, a watershed evaluation, perform field protocol surveys, and update the Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation survey.
- Membrane-Filtration Reverse Osmosis Facility/MFRO (Developer: City of Escondido Utilities Department; 901 W. Washington Avenue). The MFRO Facility will treat recycled water conveyed via a 24-inch pipeline from the City’s Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility (HARRF). The plant will treat the recycled water using membrane filtration (MF) and reverse osmosis (RO) technologies, and will have a maximum production capacity of 2.0 million gallons per day. The MFRO product water will be blended with recycled water that has not been treated by the MFRO process, to produce water with a salt concentration appropriate for agricultural irrigation. The project was approved by the Planning Division on August 19, 2020. The next step for the project’s implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans. Filanc + Brown and Caldwell is the design-build contractor for the project. Grading plans are currently being reviewed by Staff.
- School and Traffic Safety Projects - Each year the Traffic Commission prioritizes and funds traffic safety projects focused on improving pedestrian and vehicle safety. Projects are nominated by each School District, COMPACT, residents and staff. This year four priority projects were completed, including crosswalk improvements at Oak Hill and Citrus, crosswalk improvements on Lincoln Avenue near Pioneer Elementary, pedestrian countdown timers at five intersections and an Audible Pedestrian Signal at El Norte and Centre City Parkway that serves the sight impaired.
- Spruce Street/Transit Center Pedestrian Bridge Project – The City Council approved a Partial Notice of Completion for areas 2 and 3 on February 10, 2021, which ends the construction contract on the storm drain channel between Grand and Valley and between Spruce and Third Avenue. Those sections will now be maintained by Public Works as part of the City’s storm drain system.
- Storm Drain Pipe Lining and Rehabilitation Project Phase II – The contractor is continuing to clean and make repairs to the storm drain flow line. The work consists of storm drain cleaning, inspection, CCTV, repairing and grouting voids, point repairs, grouting existing flow line, cured in place pipe lining, storm drain structure floor repairs, post CCTV and inspection, overall rehabilitation of existing corrugated metal pipe storm drain systems. Fondale Court, Kingston Drive, portions of Hoover Street, N. Escondido Boulevard, Martin Drive, Mountview Drive, and Valley Boulevard are ready to line. Lining material has been ordered and is expected to arrive mid-April. Vermal Avenue, Auto Parkway, Park Drive, portions of Centre City Parkway are ready to grout. Repairs are needed on McLain Street, Escondido Boulevard, and Vista De La Canada.
- Multi Neighborhood Street Light L.E.D. retrofit Project Phase II - This project generally consists of the removal of approximately 725 non-LED street light fixtures and safety light fixtures, and the replacement with specified L.E.D. street light fixtures and L.E.D. safety light fixtures at various locations within the City of Escondido. The contractor is continuing to retro fit the new LED lights and has moved to the South East Zone, south of W. Valley Parkway.
- 2021 Street Rehabilitation and Maintenance Projects Phase I (Concrete and Tree Removal and Replacement) - The City has accepted bids for Phase I of the annual Street Maintenance Project. This year’s work will be in the North West Zone, which is bordered by Broadway to the east, State Route 78 to the south and City limits to the north and west. The scope of work will include the removal and replacement of over 30,000 square feet of concrete sidewalks, driveways and cross gutters. 52 pedestrian ramps will be upgraded to current standards and approximately 50 new trees will be planted. Phase II of the Street Maintenance Project will focus on street repair and rehabilitation.
POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
On March 28, officers were dispatched to an alarm on Grand Ave. They arrived on scene and located forced entry to a window and heard movement inside. The suspect was found and taken into custody.
Alarm Information:
It is an Escondido Municipal Code requirement that any functioning alarm system in a business or residence must be registered with the City of Escondido (Per Ordinance No. 2004.12). For more alarm information, visit the Escondido Police Department’s website or visit https://escondidoca.citysupport.org/
Community Resources:
- Anonymous Tip Line: 760-743-8477 (TIPS)
- Crime Data/Mapping: https://www.crimemapping.com/
- Helicopter Announcement Transcription:
- 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: Up2sd.org
- Get Connected. Get Help: Dial 211
- Non-Emergency Line: 760-839-4722
Events:
On April 3, The Escondido Police Athletic League (PAL) sponsored two events; a football camp and a neighborhood cleanup on Lansing Circle. Several City Employees assisted the football camp, where children participated in five stations of easy football drills. Temperature checks were administered prior to the camp and hand sanitizer was used often. All attendees had a great time! For more information about PAL, visit https://www.escondidopal.org/
On April 2, officers conducted a DUI Saturation Patrol detail throughout the city. The results of that detail are as follows:
- 34 Total number of traffic stops
- 2 Non-30-day vehicle impounds
- 3 Field Sobriety Tests administered
- 1 Suspended/Revoked DL
- 1 Alcohol/DUI Arrests
*This detail was made possible by grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
On Thursday April, 1, firefighters responded to a structure fire involving a mobile home at 1202 Borden Road. Upon dispatch, a large smoke column that was quickly growing could be seen from a distance. Upon arrival, firefighters prioritized protecting the adjacent mobile homes and containing the fire to the involved home. While there were no injuries to firefighters or the residents, unfortunately, two cats perished in the fire. The circumstances and cause of the fire is under joint investigation by the Fire and Police Departments.
Recently, all on-duty Fire Department crews conducted off-road 4x4 driving training in a wildland setting using our Brush Engines. The drill included estimating slope percentages and how they relate to the capability and limitations of our apparatus.
On Saturday, April 3, the Fire Explorers returned to active training, using COVID precautions, at Fire Station #1. All new and returning explorers were invited to attend the orientation meetings which were broken into several separate 90-minute sessions to keep the training group sizes small. Following orientation, participants were issued work out and safety gear. Three new Explorers have been added to the post in 2021 which brings the program total to 26 participants, and they are all extremely excited to begin active training again!