2021 State of the City
The 2021 State of the City took place virtually as part of the March 3 City Council meeting.
Check out the video below for a look at how Escondido faced the challenges that 2020 brought all of us. 

San Diego Remains in the Purple Tier
San Diego County remains in Tier 1, or Purple Tier, of the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
To see what is currently open in San Diego County click here.

The Ranch 50K/Half Marathon
On March 6, the first endurance race in the region in almost a year will take place at Daley Ranch. Although endurance races are not permitted at this time, the County of San Diego has agreed to use The Ranch as a pilot race, to evaluate and develop safe reopening procedures moving forward.  

Event and City staff have worked tirelessly to get this event approved by the County, and hope that its success will allow for future races to proceed. County and City staff will be onsite to monitor the race, and ensure all COVID protocols are followed. This event will set the stage for future racing events, and we excited to be a part of it.
For more information on the race, visit The Ranch 50k — Second Wind Trail Running

City Planning in North County

Have you ever wondered how city planners are able to help bring new developments and recreation amenities to a city? Our dedicated team of professionals help Escondido plan for smart and sustainable growth.
Check out this video for an explanation of what planners do to keep North County an amazing place to live!

2021 Virtual State of the City
The 2021 State of the City will take place next Wednesday, March 3 as part of the regularly scheduled virtual City Council meeting.

Tune in for a message from Mayor Paul McNamara and a look at how Escondido has faced the challenges that 2020 brought all of us.

The State of the City will be livestreamed at 6 p.m. and available for viewing after at: 
https://www.escondido.org/meeting-broadcasts 

County of SD Emergency Rental Assistance
San Diego County residents financially impacted by COVID-19 who need help paying their rent and utilities may qualify for assistance.

Applications for the County of San Diego’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) 2021 can be submitted starting March 2, 2021.

For more information on the County’s program, please visit www.sdhcd.org or call (858) 694-4801 to speak to a housing representative.

Business Tools and Resources
New business licenses and renewals will now be receiving welcome letters with helpful tools and resources to further set businesses up for success. The City evaluated an opportunity to help our businesses by increasing communication via our Online Service Portal. Customers can now access resources such as Local, State and Federal incentives, graffiti waivers, business marketing opportunities, COVID resources and more. View all of our available Online Services here.

Washington Avenue Pipeline Construction
The City is constructing a portion of pipeline which runs along Washington Avenue between North Broadway and Waverly Place. This work is part of the Membrane Filtration Reverse Osmosis project. There will be a lane closure along Washington Avenue between these intersections. Therefore, traffic delays should be anticipated through this area.

It is advisable to take alternate routes around the construction when possible from March 2021 through July 2021.  This closure will mainly affect motorists. However, bike and pedestrian traffic are encouraged to exercise caution when passing through this area. The lane closures are essential for safety reasons. 

Maintenance of Vinehenge Play Structure in Grape Day Park Complete
The Vinehenge play area in Grape Day Park has been fully restored using a high strength polymer to fill in cracks and sculpt the areas to blend in with the existing vines. An industrial epoxy coating was then used to seal to structure, which increases the longevity of the piece while restoring the structures beautiful vibrant color. The structure will reopen on Friday, February 19.

Library Board of Trustees Volunteer Opportunity
There is still time to apply! The City is seeking a volunteer to apply to serve on the Escondido Public Library Board of Trustees. For information on qualifications and an application form visit: https://www.escondido.org/boards-commissions

The deadline to apply is February 26, 2021.

Palomar Health offers COVID Vaccines, Testing, and Antibody Therapy at Former Hospital
Palomar Health has partnered with the County of San Diego to open a drive-thru COVID-19 Resource Clinic at the former hospital located at 555 E. Valley Parkway in downtown Escondido.
COVID-19 vaccines will be available by appointment only to those who meet current eligibility criteria. The vaccination site will be open Tuesday - Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. To make an appointment, visit the COVID-19 Resource Clinic webpage under the "Vaccination Appointments" section: https://bit.ly/3d1Vv50
In addition to vaccine appointments, the resource clinic will provide COVID-19 testing and antibody therapy by appointment. More information about the Resource Clinic can be found here.
The San Diego Union Tribune covered the new COVID clinic and spoke with hospital leadership in the article below.
Escondido’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is supporting this vaccination site by providing traffic safety support. These volunteers are committed to helping Escondido residents get their vaccines.

Escondido Hero Banners
The Escondido Hero Banner Program honors men and women who serve, or have served, in the U.S. Armed Forces, Police, or Fire by offering personalized banners that will be hung around downtown Escondido.
Banners are now available to order and include a photo of the hero, their name, and text that includes their branch/agency.
They are on display from approximately mid-May (Memorial Day) through mid-November (Veterans Day).

For more information and to order, click here. 

Innovate78 Manufacturing Study
Are you curious about how important manufacturing is to North County’s economy?
Tune in on February 25 for a discussion with Innovate78 where they'll unveil the results of their new Manufacturing Study and discuss emerging trends with regional industry leaders.
Register here.

Escondido Public Library Web Pay Upgrade
In another effort to make City services more self-serve and accessible, and to reduce the amount of in-person interaction, the Library has rolled out new “web pay” technology. Patrons can now pay fines online through their account in the Library’s catalog with a credit card.