Happy 4th of July, Escondido!
The City of Escondido would like to wish all of our residents and visitors a Happy 4th of July. City facilities will be closed on Monday, July 4 with normal business hours resuming Tuesday.
As the holiday approaches, this is a reminder that all fireworks are illegal to purchase, possess, or use in Escondido and throughout San Diego County.
The California Center for the Arts will be hosting their 57th Annual Independence Day Celebration on Monday, July 4 at 5 p.m. in Grape Day Park. In addition to the fireworks show (which is paid for by the City and starts at 9 p.m.), there will also be a concert with country music star Lorrie Morgan followed by the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, activities for children, and food merchants. The event is free to attend thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Linden Root Dickinson Foundation, Dr. Bronner's, and Escondido Disposal, Inc. Learn more here.
Welcome to Escondido, James Coffee Co.
James Coffee Co., has expanded their operations to North County and have opened their first Escondido cafe at 341 E. Pennsylvania Avenue.
Learn more about the cafe and company at JamesCoffeeCo.com
Reminder: Save Water this Summer
Summer is here, and this is your reminder to water your plants, not pavement. California needs all of us to Save Our Water. Adjusting sprinklers to water plants and not pavement saves 12 to 15 gallons every time you water. Find more tips at SaveOurWater.com and escondido.org/water-conservation-1
2021 Water Quality Report
The City of Escondido 2021 Water Quality Report is out now. Water Quality Reports are a snapshot of drinking water quality in Escondido during a given calendar year.
These reports include details about where Escondido's water originates, what elements the raw water contains, how it is tested and disinfected by the Water Division, and how the treated water compares to standards set by regulatory agencies.
View the report in English and Spanish at escondido.org/water-quality-reports
Escondido, Report It!
The Report It! app provides a free and simple way to report community problems such as graffiti, potholes, water violations, shopping carts, and more directly to City staff.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and Report It! makes it a snap. Download it from your phone's app store today.
If you do not have a smartphone, you can report an issue to the City Manager's Office by calling 760-839-4631.
BY THE NUMBERS
Code Compliance:
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Total Code Cases (Year to Date)
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815
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Public Works:
Graffiti Restitution:
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Collected Last Week
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Collected Year to Date
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$0
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$1,702.48
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POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
Motorcycle Pursuit and Crash
On June 24, an officer initiated a traffic stop on a motorcycle for several violations. The motorcycle failed to yield and a pursuit began. The pursuit was cancelled due to the driver's excess speed but soon after, witnesses in the area called Escondido Police Dispatch to advise that the motorcycle had crashed and the driver had fled. The driver was located and it was determined that the motorcycle was stolen. The driver was also in possession of a backpack that contained fentanyl, methamphetamine, and possible LSD, along with brass knuckles. He was arrested for several violations and booked into Vista Detention Facility.
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
Farewell Chief Varso
On June 28, the Escondido Police Department held a donuts and coffee farewell event for Chief Varso. Chief Varso's law enforcement career began in 1993 when he became a Sheriff Explorer. He was later hired by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department as a Custody Assistant, and then as a Deputy Sheriff. Chief Varso joined the Escondido Police Department in 2001 when he was hired as a Police Officer. He served as a Police Officer and Police K-9 Handler until he was promoted to Sergeant in 2011. In January 2015, he was promoted to Lieutenant, promoted to Captain in 2018, Assistant Chief of Police in October 2019, and finally appointed to the position of Chief of Police in January 2020. Chief Varso will begin his new role as Chief of Police in Menifee. Thank you for your many years of service in Escondido. We will miss you!
May Abandoned Vehicle Data
FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
On June 23, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a residential structure fire at 635 N. Hickory St., at the MAAC Child Development Center. The first arriving Captain found an outside awning covering a play structure on fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the canvas fire and confirmed that there was no spread of the fire to the adjoining building. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire was determined to be mylar helium balloons that had landed on a nearby power pole and shorted the wire causing a power outage. The balloons caught fire and landed on the awning. San Diego Gas and Electric responded and removed the remaining balloons from the power lines and safely restored power.
On June 25, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a residential structure fire in the area of Kenora Street and Boyle Avenue. Escondido Police Officers in the area reported smoke, identified the correct location of the fire on Queenston Drive, and evacuated the occupants of the home. The first arriving Captain reported a fire on the rear portion of the residence that extended into the attic. While firefighters contained the fire to the kitchen and adjacent dining area, the fire had spread quickly throughout the attic causing extensive damage. It took 20 firefighters approximately 45 minutes to extinguish the fire. While searching the residence, firefighters rescued two small dogs that were uninjured. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The residents were provided a $250 Supplying Aid to Victim of Emergency (SAVE) card from the California Fire Foundation to assist with immediate needs.
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, residents and visitors are reminded that all fireworks are illegal to purchase, possess or use in Escondido and throughout San Diego County. That includes firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, and even sparklers.
Fireworks are extremely dangerous and their use can easily cause serious injuries and start fires. Everyone needs to remember that ALL fireworks are illegal in San Diego County, and for good reason. Considering the dry grass and brush in and around Escondido, anyone thinking about buying and using illegal fireworks needs to understand that negligently causing a fire can result in criminal and financial consequences. The use of illegal fireworks should be reported to the Escondido Police Department by calling 760-839-4722.
In addition to property damage, fireworks can also cause serious injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands of people, including children and teens, are injured every year while using consumer fireworks. Even something as "harmless" as a sparkler, which burns at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, can cause critical injuries and pose a serious fire hazard. Additionally, the NFPA states that nationally two out of five fires reported on Independence Day are started by fireworks.
Escondido residents can turn in fireworks, no questions asked, from Saturday, June 25 until Tuesday, July 5 at any Escondido Fire Station. The purpose of the Fireworks Collection Campaign is to reduce the number of fires and injuries caused by illegal fireworks.
The risk from using fireworks is just too high! Please leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the show at Grape Day Park starting at 9 p.m. The community is welcome to enjoy the fireworks show from anywhere in central Escondido including Grape Day Park. The fireworks will be launched from their typical location in the Woodward Avenue parking lot. Grape Day Park will be open past dusk with regulations in place - no dogs, BBQs, or alcohol.
Learn more about the entire day's events here: https://artcenter.org/event/57th-annual-independence-day-concert-and-fireworks/
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGINEERING
Permits and Inspections:
Building Division:
1. The counter staff conducted in-person meetings with 78 applicants, processed 80 applications, and issued 58 permits.
2. The total permit valuation for the week was $592,579.
3. Building inspectors completed 236 inspections.
Field Engineering Division:
1. Field Engineering processed 17 permits.
2. Field Engineering inspectors completed 136 inspections.
3. Field Engineering has 172 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.
