SDG&E's Bear Valley Parkway Replacement Project Update

Substantial progress has been made over the past month on the Bear Valley Parkway Replacement Project. To date, the project is approximately 75-percent complete. Since the start of construction in November 2020, San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E) crews have trenched more than two miles along Bear Valley Parkway between San Pasqual Valley Road and Beethoven Drive and installed 11,000 feet of new pipe.

To accommodate increasing school and other traffic along Bear Valley Parkway as COVID-19 restrictions ease, crews have switched to overnight work for the next 6 to 8 weeks. Reduced traffic lanes may be necessary along Bear Valley Parkway between Las Palmas and Beethoven Driven between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. until May 31. Residents and businesses along Bear Valley Parkway will have in and out access during this time. More information about this SDG&E project can be found here .

SANDAG Bike Anywhere Week

Pledge to go by bike during Bike Anywhere Week, May 16 - 22. You can bike to work, school, the store, the beach, or just around your neighborhood. Explore your community and discover why the Escondido and the San Diego Region is one of the best places in the country to go by bike!

Take the pledge , pick up your free t-shirt, find a self-guided activity, or join a virtual event.

For more information about Bike Anywhere Week, including safety tips and the San Diego Regional Bike Map, visit the iCommute website, call 511 and say "iCommute," or email iCommute@sandag.org .

County Emergency Rent Assistance Extended

The County's 2021 Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Program (ERAP) helps eligible households in qualifying areas who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides payment assistance for renters who need help with rent and utilities. Applications will be accepted until funds are no longer available. Find more information here .

Escondido Vaccination Site Success

Last weekend, volunteers and staff celebrated the accomplishments made at the Escondido COVID-19 Resource Clinic over the past three months. The vaccination site for our community was a high priority several months ago, and a coordinated effort with Palomar Health made it possible at the downtown hospital parking garage. That effort just wrapped up with 30,000 vaccines administered to residents in our community.

Thank you to all the volunteers and staff for serving Escondido at the COVID-19 Resource Clinic! Check out the volunteer appreciation video here.

More information about vaccines and where to get vaccinated can be found on the County of San Diego's website.

Queen Califia's Magical Circle Re-Opening

Great news, Escondido! Queen Califia's Magical Circle is making its return and re-opening to the public! The circle will be open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of this month (May 8 and 22) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will return to its original schedule in June: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. - noon and the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place and masks will be required. More information about Queen Califia's Magical Circle can be found here .

Annual Operating Budget

The annual operating budget document is one of the most important documents produced by the City. It reflects the strategic goals and key outcomes of City services. A guide on understanding the budget can be found here .

During next week's City Council meeting (May 12) the preliminary budget will be shared. View the document ahead of the meeting beginning on Friday, May 7 here.

Thank You Volunteers!

Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18-24) is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service in our community. It demonstrates the power of people coming together for the common good. The past year has seen many challenges but one thing remains true, the ability of individuals to support their neighbors and the community. The City of Escondido would like to acknowledge the many groups and individuals that donated their time and effort over the past year.

While following health and safety guidelines the City worked with small groups and individuals to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. Clean-up events, planting, fire hydrant painting, and Eagle Scout projects were just a few of the activities offered. Are you interested in giving back to your community? If so, head over to the Volunteer HUB ( https://volunteer.escondido.org/ ) and explore the wide range of volunteer opportunities that are available. Thank you volunteers!

Traffic Advisory - Washington Avenue

The City is constructing a portion of pipeline which runs along Washington Avenue between North Broadway and Waverly Place. This work will require a lane closure along Washington Ave and may cause delays. Construction will take place intermittently until October 2021 between the hours of 7 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. This pipeline work is part of the Membrane Filtration Reverse Osmosis (MFRO) Project and once completed the MFRO Facility will treat a portion of the City's existing recycled water and supply it to high water demand agricultural growers who serve a vital role in the City's economy. More information about the MFRO project can be found here.

Earth Day 2021

Earth Day is this Thursday, April 22! If you are looking for a way to give back, join Councilmember Consuelo Martinez for an Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 24. This volunteer event will help pick up trash in the neighborhood around Grove Park. Volunteers will be provided with trash pickers, bags, gloves, and reflective vests. Each participant must sign up individually at: https://volunteer.escondido.org/ For other ways to get involved and more information about Earth Day in Escondido, visit: escondido.org/earth-day

Another way to get involved is #CreektoBay2021 , this Saturday, April 24! Sign up today at CreektoBay.org to volunteer for the largest environmental action event in San Diego County during #EarthWeek .

Utility Billing Payment Update

You can now pay your City of Escondido Utility bill with PayPal at: www.escondido.org