Escondido Public Library Opening with Limited Services
The Escondido Public Library will reopen at 50% capacity for in-person services starting Monday, September 21. The new Library hours will be Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Curbside service will still be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2p.m. - 3 p.m.At this time, the Friends Book Shop, Literacy Learning Center and Pioneer Room remain closed. Limited services will include access to computers, printers and copiers, and WiFi. All in-person programs have been suspended, but many regular programs such as book clubs and story-times are being held online. Visit www.escondidolibrary.org/digital for a full schedule of virtual events.
Visit www.library.escondido.org for more information.

SDG&E Pipeline Replacement Project
SDG&E is nearing completion of the Pipeline Safety Project along Midway Drive and Bear Valley Parkway. The SDG&E crews have installed nearly all of the 2.4 miles of new pipe along with advanced safety features, bringing the project to more than 90 percent completion.The next phase of the project involves work on the older existing line at a few locations in order to prepare for transferring operations to the new pipe.  As part of this preparation work, the natural gas will need to be removed from a section of pipe. This process can be noisy, and some residents may smell an odor of natural gas.
More information can be found here.

Go Paperless for a Chance to Win!
Register for paperless billing and/or enroll in AutoPay for your City of Escondido Utility Bill by December 15, 2020 for a chance to WIN an iPad mini or one of two $50 Amazon gift cards!
Go to ols.escondido.org for official rules.

COVID-19 Updates:
You can get up to date information about the City’s response to COVID-19 at:
www.escondido.org/covid-19.aspx

For the latest test numbers, tier information, and phases of reopening visit the County of San Diego’s website at: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html

Fire Preparedness
In Southern California we have all seen the effects wildfires can have on our communities, and red flag conditions make the danger even worse. Make sure you and your family are prepared by having a plan and an emergency kit ready to go at all times.

One easy step you can take today is to register your cell phone for reverse 911 service at:
https://www.readysandiego.org/alertsandiego/

For more information on developing your plan and what to include in your emergency kit, visit: fire.escondido.org

The City of Escondido on Social
Are you following the @cityofescondido on social media? We share photos, news, emergency information and updates from around Escondido. We are a valuable resource during COVID and fire season!  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

COVID-19 Updates:
You can get up to date information about the City’s response to COVID-19 at:
www.escondido.org/covid-19.aspx
For the latest test numbers, tier information, and phases of reopening visit the County of San Diego’s website at: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html

Escondido COVID-19 Update:
Let's keep up the great work, Escondido! As more businesses are allowed to open indoor activities, remember to wear a facial covering and practice social distancing to keep our community healthy and moving forward.

The state introduced a new tiered system last Friday that allows certain indoor activities to resume this week. Under the new state metrics, San Diego County is currently in Tier 2, also referred to as the Red Tier.

Tiers are based on two metrics, case rate and the percentage of positive tests. To remain in Tier 2, the County will have to report between 4.0 to 6.9 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents per day and a positivity rate between 5% - 7.9%. To move to the lower risk tiers, the County will have to report cases as shown in the chart above.

The County’s test rate only includes people that have a residential address within the County of San Diego. Visitors from Arizona, Imperial County, International flights and Mexico will not influence our numbers used to determine the County tier level or reopening status.

How is Escondido being impacted by the Coronavirus?

According to San Diego County Public Health, Escondido has 1829 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus. This is approximately 4.8% of the total number of positive cases in San Diego County. The county publishes this information daily on their website at:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html

Although Escondido’s number is slightly higher than our percentage of the County population (4.5%), it should be noted that certain cases are included in Escondido’s count due to Palomar Hospital.  Other factors may also impact this number, but Escondido residents should take note that we are very much “normal” in terms of the average rate in San Diego County.

Regardless residents can keep cases to a minimum by washing hands, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distance.

By following these simple steps, the County and the City of Escondido can move from Tier 2 to Tier 3 by the end of September and continue to expand the economy.

For more information, please visit the City of Escondido’s website at: www.escondido.org

For the latest test numbers, and tier information, visit the County of San Diego’s website at:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html

Voting Information
The County of San Diego has shared that the Registrar of Voters will prepare election ballots for mailing in two weeks, so active registered voters are urged to check their voter registration now to get a mail ballot at their address later. More than 1.8 million postcards went out to registered voters last month telling them to expect a mail ballot for the November 3, 2020, Presidential General Election. More information can be found here.

If you are a registered voter and did not receive this postcard, this could mean:

• You are not registered to vote in San Diego County, or;
• You recently moved or changed your name and have not re-registered to vote

Updated City Hall Counter Hours
Due to COVID-19 and the City’s efforts to increase efficiency and to serve customers both online and in-person, City Hall will now be open to in-person customers from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday – Friday until further notice.

• Utility Billing will continue accepting cash payments through the Walk-Up Utility Billing Window Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• City employees will remain on duty until 5:30 p.m. to serve customers online.

Many services are available online at:
ols.escondido.org

Escondido Insight – August Edition
The August edition of the Economic Development Newsletter is now online. This issue includes a spotlight on Escondido's Business Recovery Grants, a local glassblowing business and more!

Read the issue and subscribe at: http://ow.ly/BYcB50B50xa

San Diego County Food Survey
The San Diego Food System Alliance is calling upon all San Diegans to participate in San Diego County Food Vision 2030, an effort to develop a shared vision for transforming our region’s food system over the next 10 years.

Food connects us to one another, our cultures, and the earth. How can we grow it, move it, and share it in a way that works for Escondido? What do you need to ensure that you and your family are healthy and nourished? What are the food issues that are most important to you?

Join the conversation at
www.engage.sdfsa.org/Escondido

COVID-19 Updates:
You can get up to date information about the City’s response to COVID-19 at:
www.escondido.org/covid-19.aspx