Thank You Volunteers!

Last weekend, 25 volunteers from Escondido Charter High School joined staff for a day of service at Dixon Lake. They helped add new woodchips to both playgrounds and also helped remove 15 pounds of trash from the lake shoreline and picnic area. Thank you volunteers!

 

If you are interested in volunteering in the City of Escondido, check out our Volunteer Hub for upcoming opportunities.

 

 

Escondido AgTech Industry

As the epicenter of San Diego County's agricultural history, Escondido's fertile hills and valleys are a significant economic contributor to the region making up 19% of the County's agricultural production. While the City's agricultural roots remain strong farms, growers, and producers are evolving to adopt sustainable, efficient strategies to combat shrinking resources. Thankfully, Escondido is home to numerous AgTech companies helping the region operate in our diverse ecosystem.

 

From traditional to tech, read how Escondido's agriculture companies are adapting to the challenges of modern consumerism.

BY THE NUMBERS

 

Code Compliance:

Total Code Cases (Year to Date)

1561

 

Graffiti Restitution:

 

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES:

 

Escondido Business News

Escondido to replace Ice-Plex building with battery storage facility- The Coast News Group

Palomar Medical Center Escondido Makes U.S. News & World Report List for Top Maternity Care Times of San Diego

San Diego Symphony announces new winter concert series as reopening of its downtown concert hall approaches The San Diego Union-Tribune

Safari Park protects heart of critically endangered gorilla The Coast News Group

San Elijo Dance 'Nutcracker' With Live Orchestra 2023: Escondido- Patch

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Resources

Are You Looking for Assistance with Your Small Business?

Discover the range of San Diego and Imperial Valley SBDC services provided to assist you in starting, growing, and succeeding with your small business. Services offered span topics including accounting, marketing, human resources, technology security, manufacturing, distribution, and finance.

Request for Assistance from SBDC Follow the link to request assistance from the San Diego SBDC Network. You will be contacted within the next 1-2 business days.

Free Online Webinars

Office Hours - Legal w/ Dentons @ Connect: 12/20/23 from 10 a.m. to noon

 

City of Escondido Economic Development Contacts

Request a Meeting with Our Team

Thinking about starting a business? Already have a business and need additional support? Have a property and looking for tenants or starting improvements? Reach out and we can help you navigate City and community resources to achieve your goals.

The Economic Development Team are always available to help with questions or connecting you to the right resources. Do not hesitate to reach out!

Subscribe to our Business News and Insights Email Newsletter!

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Review

On June 7, 2023 the Escondido City Council approved the 2023-2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This document outlines data and community feedback about the City's economy and outlines a five-year plan to improve the local economy.

Let's dive into the SWOT section of the CEDS:

Natural Amenities: Interview and survey respondents were quick to praise Escondido's abundant natural features, including Lake Hodges, Daley Ranch, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, and Palomar Mountain State Park. In addition, residents seem to appreciate the way in which the natural environment is integrated into everyday life, from nightly stargazing to the year-round Farmers Market at Heritage Garden Park. One resident told the research team that Escondido's natural amenities compare favorably with famous assets like Griffith Park in Los Angeles.

Having superior natural amenities makes the City attractive for those who, like the person quoted above, are more discerning about where they like to hike and enjoy the natural environment. It also makes the area more attractive as a destination for nature travelers who might be interested in local flora and fauna and to the exotic animals at the Safari Park and Sea World.

POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

Children's Christmas Party

Recently, the Police Department hosted another successful Christmas Party. Cross Connections Church hosted these wonderful children; who are the victims of neglect, abuse, and violent crime. Everyone had a wonderful time eating, watching a magic show, meeting animals, doing arts and crafts, getting their faces painted, and, of course, meeting the Grinch and Santa! Thank you to our wonderful community, who always graciously donates so many wonderful gifts to these deserving kids.

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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: 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

FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

 

On December 5, the Escondido Firefighter's Association members barbequed for the annual Burn Institutes Christmas BBQ for burn survivors. Escondido Fire crews enjoy cooking for this annual event, and love to meet and talk with the guests. This year, about 250 people enjoyed the event and delicious food.

 

On December 6, Fire Chief John Tenger, and Deputy Fire Marshall LaVona Koretke, were honored to be interviewed by the Red Cross and talk about their part in saving 3 lives here in Escondido. Escondido Fire is proud of the partnership they share with the Red Cross when it comes to our Sound the Alarm events. At these events, a local mobile home park is chosen and along with the Red Cross volunteers, Fire Prevention crews provide and install free smoke alarms to all homes that need them at that location. Between 2021 & 2023, 3 residents, 2 homes, at one of these locations were saved due their fire alarms alerting them of fire and allowing them to get out safely and call 911. Smoke alarms are just one reason why fire safety is so important. Be prepared before you need to be and stay safe.

 

 

On December 9, an early morning caller to the Escondido Police & Fire Communication Center reported a vegetation fire in the area of Centre City Pkwy and Country Club. Fire crews arrived on scene to find a small vegetation fire, less than anacre, moving at a slow rate of spread, but threatening to fuel heavier brush in the same area. Firefighters moved quickly to extinguish the fire. No other structures were threatened or damaged. Fire Prevention is investigating the cause of the fire.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGINEERING

Permits and Inspections:

 

Building Division:

• The counter staff conducted in-person meetings with 84 applicants, processed 61 applications, and issued 84 permits.
• The total permit valuation for the week was $3,191,770.00
• Building inspectors completed 204 inspections.

 

Field Engineering Division:

 

Field Engineering processed 21 permits

Field Engineering inspectors completed 38 inspections

Field Engineering active 302 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 Project Dashboard

 

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