December 16, 2021
Happy Holidays, Escondido!
We would like to wish all of our residents and visitors a happy holiday season and end of 2021. As the year comes to a close, the City is proud of what we have accomplished as a community and look forward to a happy and prosperous 2022.
City offices will be closed on December 24 and 31 in observance of Christmas and New Year's, with emergency services always available. The Weekly Activity Report will resume on January 6.
Grand Avenue Vision Project
Grand Avenue is about to undergo construction improvements! On January 10, 2022, the City will begin the Phase 1 construction of the Grand Avenue Vision Project .
Renovations will include: new string lighting, sidewalk widening, new light posts, and improved parking that will increase the number of spots by implementing diagonal parking. Businesses will remain open and accessible during construction. For more information and a detailed construction schedule, click here.
2021 Employee Holiday Drive
Each year City employees organize a Holiday Drive to give back to the community. This year's drive has ended, and a total of 292 Souper Sacks were donated. Souper Sacks are bundles of nonperishable food items and holiday surprises that are distributed to seniors at the Park Avenue Community Center during the holiday season. In addition, donations totaling 293 various items were dropped off at the Escondido Union School District to be distributed to students and their families. Items included everything from gift cards, toys, blankets, pajamas, and clothing. Thank you to everyone who participated in making the Employee Holiday Drive a success!
Housing Element Outreach in 2022
The City of Escondido Housing Element is a component of the General Plan, a document that guides long range goals for the use of public and private land. The housing element assesses the housing needs of all economic segments in the City of Escondido. On August 12, the City Council adopted a draft of the 6th Cycle Housing Element. In order for the City to fulfil the requirements, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) must review and certify the adopted draft. The City received comments from HCD and needs to revise the document before it can be certified.
The effort to review and revise the Housing Element will be coordinated with an effort to update the Community Protection Chapter and create an Environmental Justice Element. Staff will begin community outreach and engagement for this combined work effort in January 2022. Stay tuned for updates.
Escondido Independent Redistricting - Meetings Start in 2022
The City of Escondido and the Independent Redistricting Commission are updating the City Council district lines to reflect data from the 2020 Census. Meetings to gather feedback will begin in January 2022 and run through February 2022. You can get involved and learn more by visiting escondido.org/independent-redistricting .
BY THE NUMBERS
Business License:
Code Compliance:
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Total Code Cases (Year to Date)
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1640
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Public Works: 
Graffiti Restitution:
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Collected Past Week
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Collected Year to Date
|
|
$50
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$12,774.54
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POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
Police K-9 Stabbing
On December 9, officers responded to a call of a victim reporting that their landlord/next door neighbor was banging on the front door. Dispatch heard the reporting party yell, "don't stab me". Multiple officers arrived on scene. The victim was transported to Palomar Medical Center and suffered a punctured lung and a collapsed diaphragm. The suspect hid in the garage. After refusing to respond to commands, K-9, Aros, was deployed. The suspect swung his knife 27 times at Aros. Aros received multiple wounds to his head but is believed to make a full recovery.
Felony Graffiti
On December 11, officers responded to a report of a subject tagging a fence. Officers located the suspect and found several instances of gang-related spray paint tagging. Due to the size of the tagging, the suspect is facing charges of felony graffiti.
Did You Know?
- If the amount of defacement, damage, or destruction is four hundred dollars ($400) or more, vandalism is punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 or in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or if the amount of defacement, damage, or destruction is ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, by a fine of not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.
- If the amount of defacement, damage, or destruction is less than four hundred dollars ($400), vandalism is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.
Community Resources:
o Call 858-866-4356 or text "Hello" to 858-866-4356
o Access and Crisis Line: 888-724-7240
o It's Up to Us Campaign: www.Up2sd.org
o Get Connected. Get Help: Dial 211
o Non-Emergency Line: 760-839-4722
Children's Christmas Party Success
Thank you to those who donated toys, money, gift cards, etc. for the Children's Christmas Party! The Children's Christmas Party began over 20 years ago with a budget of $0. It was originally held at the Escondido Public Library, later the Mitchell Room at City Hall, followed by the Center for the Arts, the Escondido Museum, and Tavern Bowl. Since 2017, this party has been graciously held at North Coast Church. The party is for victims of abuse, neglect, and violent crimes. On December 9, there were toys, toys, and more toys for the children. There was face 
painting, a magician, and even Santa made an appearance.
Officer Mike Martinez has been with the Escondido Police Department since 2006. Officer Martinez has been instrumental in the planning and execution of this incredible party. The Investigations Unit spends all year orchestrating this event. Thank you for all that you do, Officer Martinez. This party would not be as successful without you!
Retirement
Congratulations to Reserve Captain Jack Collier on his retirement. Thank you for your many years of service!
November Abandoned Vehicle Data
FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
On December 8, the Escondido Police and Fire dispatch center received a report of a ringing fire alarm at Lake Bernardo Mobile Home Park (1202 Borden Road). A fire engine along with EPD officers were dispatched to investigate. On arrival, it appeared that there was no one at home and no signs of smoke or fire. As both police officers and firefighters investigated, smoke was detected to the rear of the residence. Firefighters entered the mobile home and found that it was filled with smoke. Firefighters quickly located and extinguished a small electrical fire behind furniture in an office space. Fortunately, thanks to the fire alarm system, there was minimal property damage.
Later the same day, a vegetation fire was reported in a canyon east of Vista Grande Glen. Nearby residents reported that explosions were heard prior to Fire Department arrival. The first arriving engine Captain reported a smoke column coming from the bottom of the canyon with no structures threatened. Firefighters hiked in and located the fire in a homeless encampment. Most of the camp and its contents were burned. It is suspected the sounds of explosions were from spray paint cans that had burned. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire that burned about a quarter acre of brush in addition to the encampment.
On March 10, the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association held its annual "Old Timers" luncheon in Chula Vista. Current Fire Department Chiefs from throughout San Diego County invite retired Chief Officers from their organizations to get together and honor those who built the rich history of the fire service in our area. This year there were nearly 90 attendees including four retired Chiefs from Escondido: retired Fire Chief Mike Lowry, retired Division Chief Tony Gossein, retired Division Chief Mike Calhoun and retired Division Chief Pete Montgomery.
During the week of December 6 through 10, five new Firefighter Paramedics completed their second week of orientation training at Station #1's fire tower. The training academy is three weeks long, is the foundation for their year-long probationary training, and includes everything from basic hose deployment to search and rescue.
Holiday Safety
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Holiday Decorating
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other items that can burn.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer's instructions for number of light strands to connect.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Facts
- More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.
- More than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
Holiday Entertaining
- Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
- Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGINEERING
Permits and Inspections:
Building Division:
- The counter staff conducted in-person meetings with 105 applicants, processed 60 applications, and issued 75 permits
- The total permit valuation for the week was $281,385
- Building inspectors completed 218 inspections
Field Engineering Division:
1. Field Engineering processed 19 permits
2. Filed Engineering inspectors completed 197 inspections
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.
