May 20, 2021

City of Escondido Budget Update

The City of Escondido's Annual Operating Budget is one of the most important tools in providing a City that is safe, clean, and run efficiently. The Operating Budget projects short-term revenue and expenditures related to providing day-to-day services. A separate capital improvement budget projects long-term revenue and expenditures for major projects such as roads, park improvements, and pipelines.

In spite of many positive economic developments, federal aid packages, and a robust vaccine rollout in recent months, COVID 19 negatively impacted revenue. Plus, an already difficult structural budget gap, and increasing pressure for City services, especially in traffic safety and homelessness worsens the problem. The City again faces a deficit, anticipated at $8 million. Staff has recommended that the City Council approve the use of the one-time source of funds from the Successor Agency Redevelopment Loan repayment and funds from the Section 115 Pension Trust Fund. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan will provide funds to ease the economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to remember that these are one-time sources of money and don't solve the longer-term problem.

According to the most current Office of Traffic Safety data, in a category of 59 California cities of similar size, Escondido ranks 9th for fatal and injury crashes. The proposed budget includes a strategy to improve traffic flow and safety throughout the City by providing the resources to improve the City's infrastructure, operate a responsive transportation system and address transportation safety.

Homelessness is a national, statewide, regional, and local challenge. The City recently created and reviewed a "Strategy for Addressing Homelessness" with the City Council to articulate and implement the best approaches for addressing community impacts while being sensitive to the importance of tackling underlying causes and helping people; however, the current staffing does not meet the City's needs to carry out the strategy and meet the demand for service. The proposed budget provides the additional resources necessary to address this issue.

In the short term, the current budget recovers from COVID and addresses two significant public issues, traffic safety and homelessness. In the long run, staff continues to recommend that the community consider a revenue measure to put Escondido's finances on a sound footing on a permanent basis. The City Council will make the final decision on the Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget on June 9. You can watch the discussion of the preliminary budget here, and view the budget document here .

 

Escondido Projects Allocated Funding

On May 18, 2021, spearheaded by the action of District 3's Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the reallocation of almost $5 million to fund efforts that will have a significant and lasting positive impact on the community of Escondido.

$1.98 million will come directly to the City to be used for the replacement of playground equipment, ballfield fencing, new shade structures for playgrounds, and smart irrigation controllers for City of Escondido parks. These improvements will increase the safety and functionality of some of our most-used park assets.

$3 million will go directly to the City's partner, Interfaith Community Services, to support the redevelopment of the formerly vacant motel at 555 Centre City Parkway into 54 post-hospitalization recuperative care beds that bridge the gap between hospital discharge and full recovery, providing housing, case management, and wrap-around services. This is an important piece of the City's holistic approach to working with community partners to address the underlying causes of homelessness.

 

Escondido Police Help Resident in Need

When a hard-working Escondido resident was hit on his bike by a car a few weeks ago, he lost his only mode of transportation to his job delivering meals to senior residents. The Police Department heard his story and provided a new bike to get him back on track to get to work. Fortunately, the department had leftover Secret Santa money from the holidays, provided by a generous group of donors. Great job PD! Check out a video highlighting this donation here .

 

BY THE NUMBERS

Business License:

 

Code Enforcement:

 

Total Code Cases (Year to Date)

754

 

Public Works:

Graffiti Restitution:

 

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

Missing Person

On May 10, the Police Department received a missing person report for an elderly woman with dementia who was reported missing from her residence. A.S.T.R.E.A (Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies) was instrumental in the overhead public announcements to help locate the individual. San Diego Sheriff's Search and Rescue also responded with 26 volunteers to assist in the search.

What Is A.S.T.R.E.A?

Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies

( Support & Services | San Diego County Sheriff (sdsheriff.gov))

Quick Facts:

• Formed in 1971
• Nine aircrafts in use
• Patrol, fire suppression, and search & rescue missions
• Night vision and infrared capabilities

Helicopter Announcement Transcription: Call 858-866-4356 or text "Hello" to 858-866-4356

Fentanyl Overdose

On May 11, officers responded to a call from a motel clerk stating that a guest had not checked out of their room. When officers arrived, they discovered that the hotel guest had overdosed on drugs. Officers located a bag of fentanyl pills next to the individual.

What is Fetanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II prescription drug, and it is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids ( https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/fentanyl ).

If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl abuse or drug abuse, please call the National Drug Helpline at 1-844-289-0879.

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
• Non-Emergency Line: 760-839-4722

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants. In 2019, there were 474 motorcycle deaths on California roads. To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers:

• Always check twice for motorcycles, looking at all mirrors and blind spots.
• Motorcycle riders have the same rights to the road as other vehicles. Allow motorcycles to always use the full width of a lane.
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. The rider may have forgotten to turn the signal off. Be sure that the rider is turning before proceeding.

Motorcyclists:

• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet. Learn how to identify a safe helmet that fits on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
• Wear appropriate gear like leather clothing, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Ride defensively. Don't assume a driver can see you. Try staying out of a driver's blind spot.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
• Signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
• Both drivers and riders should never drive/ride under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Escondido Police Conducts DUI Saturation Patrol

On May 15, officers conducted a DUI Saturation Patrol detail throughout the City. The results are below:

• 9 Total Number of Traffic Stops
• 5 Non-30-Day Vehicle Impounds
• 6 Field Sobriety Tests Administered
• 1 Drug Impaired DUI Arrests
• 2 Alcohol/DUI Arrests

*This detail was made possible by grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

April Abandoned Vehicle Data

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGINEERING

Building Permits and Inspections:

1. This week the counter staff conducted in person meetings with 124 applicants and were able to process 134 applications and issue 105 permits.
2. The total permit valuation for the week was $1,279,246.
3. This week there were 309 building inspections completed.

Development and Capital Projects Update:

Curious what's happening with development projects around the city? See below for milestone activities that have happened since last week. Skip to the bottom of this section for a list of projects that are in progress but do not have an update this week. To learn about previous applications for residential and commercial development permits, please visit the Development Project Information Archive page or contact the Planning Division.

Commercial / Office / Industrial:

1. Carvana - (Developer: Jo Ryan, Carvana) 559 N. Hale Avenue - A vending machine car dealership, consisting of 5,800 square feet within an eight-tier glass and steel tower structure up to 75 feet in height. The project was approved by the City Council on August 23, 2020. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans. Demolition of the old Talone's Meat Market has been completed. Rough grading has been completed. Foundation work has started.

2. Raising Cane's Restaurant - (Developer: Ada Fermin, PM Design Group) 1280 W. Valley Parkway - A 3,744 square foot drive-through restaurant located on the east side of the southbound off-ramp on W. Valley Parkway. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on July 14, 2020 and the project is now under construction. The former Coco's restaurant has been demolished and the contractor is beginning site preparation work. The contractor is performing the offsite utility work along Lambar Street.

3. Interfaith Recuperative Care Facility/Hotel - (Developer: Interfaith) 555 North Center City Parkway - Conversion of the existing lodging facility (America's Best Value Inn) and construction of improvements to establish a residential care facility designed to provide a variety of transient stays for at-risk individuals, homeless, etc. The applicant is processing a CUP for the full scope of improvements to make changes to the number of rooms and other associated site improvements. On March 3, 2021, the City approved and issued a building permit for the first phase of improvements. The remaining balance of proposed improvements will be considered in conjunction with the Conditional Use Permit and include measures to help assure services are provided to the Escondido population. The applicant has informed Development Services that they intend to re-submit the CUP application within the next couple of days. A public hearing has been scheduled with the Zoning Administrator on May 25, 2021.

4. Solaris Business Park Annexation - (Developer Whalen and Associates) 657 N. Country Club Lane - A four-lot, light-industrial and medical office complex on approximately 45 acres of land, just northwest of the Palomar Medical Center. The annexation will be processed as a new specific plan. The application was submitted on June 29, 2020 and the project is still in the entitlement phase. The applicant resubmitted a second plan check with only a concept grading plan and draft specific plan included. The applicant is finalizing the design concept. The City completed its review of the project materials that were submitted and will be issuing a comment letter, regarding the completeness of the application (i.e. notice of incomplete application). It is anticipated that an Environmental Impact Report will be prepared for this project.

Residential:

5. Quince Street Senior Housing (Developer: Matt Jumper, 220 Quince, L.P.) 145 apartment units at 220 N. Quince Street - The five-story affordable senior housing apartment project was submitted on November 21, 2017. The City Council approved the project on October 23, 2019. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission of and approval grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans. Building plans were submitted on May 10, 2021.

6. Jack's Creek TR 951 and SUB 17-0026 - (Developer New Pointe Development). An approved 12-lot, single-family residential subdivision on 3.31 acres. The site is located at the westerly terminus of Jack's Creek Road, north of El Norte Parkway, addressed as 640 Oakwood Creek Glen, formally 2888 E. Washington Avenue. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on November 13, 2007 and an extension of time was approved on September 12, 2017. The project is now under construction. The City recently started construction on the remining six homes.

7. Palomar Heights (Developer: Ninia Hammond, Integral Communities) - An approved land use development application consisting of the demolition and redevelopment of the old Palomar Hospital site with 510 multi-family units with 10,000 square feet of commercial. This project was approved by City Council on February 10, 2021. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission of and approval grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans. On April 29, 2021, the applicant filed a design review package to address some of the project's conditions requiring architectural building design changes. City staff will complete its review and transmitted comments back to the applicant on May 20, 2021. The City also received demolition plans to remove the existing hospital from the premises.

8. Del Prado (Developer: California West Communities) 2329 South Centre Parkway - A 113-unit townhome-style Planned Development located at the southwestern corner of Brotherton Road and the Centre City Parkway frontage road. The City Council approved this project on May 11, 2016 and the project is now under construction. Rough grading of the site has been completed. The Final Map is scheduled to be reviewed and considered by the City Council on May 26, 2021.

9. Casa Mercado Apartments (Developer: Paul Mayer, Pemcor) - A four-story, 120-unit apartment complex on 2.31 acres on Second Avenue and Pine Street. The City Council approved the project at its May 12, 2021 meeting. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission of and approval grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.

10. Henry Ranch (Builder: Joe Martin, Trumark Homes) - A 97 single-family home development on 74.35 acres at the eastern terminus of Lincoln Avenue. The City Council approved this project on December 13, 2006 and the project is now under construction. The developer, Trumark, has nearly completed onsite water, storm drain and sewer utilities and is working on pedestrian ramps and sidewalks. Model homes are now open to the public, and the contractor is now focusing on new home construction.

11. Oak Creek (Builder: KB Homes) - A 65 single-family home development on approximately 44 acres at Felicita Road and Hamilton Lane. City Council approved the project on March 4, 2015 and a map extension was approved by the Planning Commission on April 18, 2018. The first seven homes are now under construction.

12. Harvest Hills, (Developer: Concordia Homes) - 550 residential subdivision, east of Rancho San Pasqual. A project webpage containing more detail, including draft documents and plans can be accessed at the following link:

https://www.escondido.org/safari-highlands-ranch-specific-plan.aspx

The project is still in the entitlement phase. Generally speaking, several remaining pieces of the project must be finalized before a staff recommendation can be developed and the project scheduled for the public hearing process. These include finalizing the environmental impact report, preparation of a development agreement, and a fire protection and evacuation plan for that area. Only after these items are reviewed and staff comments fully addressed will the project be scheduled for public hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council. The target date for the public hearings is late 2021.

13. The Villages at Escondido Country Club (Builder: Lennar Homes) 380 residences located on the former golf course off of Country Club Lane, north of El Norte Parkway. The project was approved by City Council on November 15, 2017 and the project is now under construction.

Villages I - Underground utility realignment work will be starting at the intersection of La Brea and Country Club. The work is expected to start in the coming weeks and is expected to last several months. During this time Country Club travel lanes will be realigned during working hours. Electronic message boards will be placed prior to the start of work to notify the public of the upcoming work and lane realignment. About 60 homes have been given final inspections. Many of the homes built are now under contract to individual purchasers.

Village II - Rough grading is nearing completion.

Village III - Rough grading is nearing completion. The contractor is installing a new sewer manhole and main line at the intersection of La Brea and Country Club along with private water and sewer lines. In track curb and gutter has started to be placed.

City Projects or Other Capital Improvement Projects:

14. Storm Drain Pipe Lining and Rehabilitation Project Phase II - The Contractor is continuing to clean and make repairs to the storm drain flow line. The work consists of storm drain cleaning, inspection, CCTV, repairing and grouting voids, point repairs, grouting existing flow line, cured in place pipe lining, storm drain structure floor repairs, post CCTV and inspection, overall rehabilitation of existing corrugated metal pipe storm drain systems. This week the Contractor completed the lining of ten storm drains at the following locations: Monteview Dr, Valley Blvd, Meyers Rd, Martin Dr., North Escondido Blvd, Kenora, Fondale, and Hoover. The next phase will be the construction of two new storm drain inlets and the repairs to two damaged pipes before they can be installed. Vermal Avenue, Auto Parkway, Park Drive, portions of Centre City Parkway are ready to grout. Repairs are needed on McLain Street, Escondido Boulevard, and Vista De La Canada.

15. Multi Neighborhood Street Light L.E.D. retrofit Project Phase II - This project generally consists of the removal of approximately 725 non-LED street light fixtures and safety light fixtures, and the replacement with specified L.E.D. street light fixtures and L.E.D. safety light fixtures at various locations within the City of Escondido. The contractor is continuing to retro fit the new LED lights and has moved to the South East Zone, west of Midway Drive. To date, over 700 street lights have been converted.

16. SDG&E 16" Gas Main Replacement - In January 2019, the CPUC's Safety Enforcement Division approved SDG&E's test or replace plan for Line 1600, a 16-inch natural gas transmission pipeline which was not strength tested in 1949 when it was constructed. This next phase of PSEP projects will include 19 separate projects that will take place in the cities of San Diego, Escondido and Poway, as well as the County of San Diego. Approximately 5.4 miles of replacement and 2.7 miles of strength testing is expected to occur in Escondido from 2020-2024. The first portion occurred along Midway Drive, and work is now ongoing in Bear Valley Parkway. Construction is scheduled to conclude in July 2021. Approximately 40% of the project is now complete.

17. Citracado Parkway Extension - The project will extend Citracado Parkway between Andreasen and Harmony Grove Village Road, including a bridge over the Escondido Creek in the western portion of the City. In February, the Public Utilities Commission approved the relocation of electric transmission facilities necessary for the project. SDG&E has ordered the steel poles necessary for the relocation and expects to begin electric facility relocation in June. Bid and award of the actual road project is anticipated this summer with construction beginning in fall 2021 and completing in early 2023.

18. Escondido Entry Monument Signs - Stone veneer installation has been completed for all three entry signs. When completed the project will consist of three new signs that will be placed at Grand Avenue near the Gateway Center, Via Rancho Parkway at Sunset Drive, and El Norte Parkway near Woodland Parkway.

19. 2021 Street Rehabilitation and Maintenance Projects Phase I (Concrete and Tree Removal and Replacement) - The Notice to Proceed has been issued. This year's work will be in the North West Zone, which is bordered by Broadway to the east, State Route 78 to the south and City limits to the north and west. The scope of work will include the removal and replacement of over 30,000 square feet of concrete sidewalks, driveways and cross gutters. 52 pedestrian ramps will be upgraded to current standards and approximately 50 new trees will be planted. Phase II of the Street Maintenance Project will focus on street repair and rehabilitation.

20. Creek Trail Crossing - The final design for the Creek Trail Crossings project that improves all seven Creek Trail intersections between Juniper and Citrus was approved. Improvements include a signal at Midway and rapid flashing beacons with bulb-outs, where the roadway width permits, at other locations. The project also fills in sidewalk gaps along Citrus and Midway. It is anticipated that construction will begin by late summer.

21. Washington Park Skate Spot - 501 N. Rose. The City recently awarded this project bid to Geocon Skateparks. Construction is scheduled to start in the summer. When completed, the 7000-sf skate spot will be a new urban skate spot with multiple features including a quarter pipe, pump bump, grind edge, banked hip with rail and a 5-sided pyramid. Bid award was made by the City Council on April 21, 2021.

Ongoing Projects - No Updates This Week:

Projects that do not have any changes or updates this week will be listed here to indicate that they're still in progress. When an update occurs, the project will appear above in the Development and Capital Projects section.

County of San Diego Projects:

22. State Route 78 - Caltrans, in association with Hazard Construction, will be making improvements to State Route 78 over the coming months. Crews will work between Broadway to Flora Vista Street on State Route 78. At the conclusion of the work later this fall, residents and motorists will see and feel an improvement in ride quality and the extension of the service life of the roadway.

Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from the reconstruction of 83 curb ramps to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, modifying 7 traffic signals with vehicle 2 infrastructure (V2I), traffic signal upgrades, upgraded crosswalks and pedestrian signals, and a Class III bike route. The majority of the work will occur during the night with working hours from 8:30 pm to 5:00 am. For additional information contact Caltrans Public Information officer, Stephen Welborn at 619-913-9452.

Commercial / Office / Industrial:

23. Mercedes Benz Expansion - (Developer: Jody Stout, Integrity Design and Construction) 1101 W. 9th Avenue - A Master and Precise Plan modification to demo the existing dealership showroom and construct a new showroom, office, parts storage and service building. The project is still in the entitlement phase.

24. 7-Eleven Gas and Convenience Store - (Developer: Golcheh Group) 900 W. Mission Ave. - A 4,000 square foot convenience store with eight (8) fuel dispenser pumps on the northeastern corner of Mission/Rock Springs. The project was approved by the City Council on January 13, 2021. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.

25. Burros and Fries - (MPA Architects) 1107 E. Valley Parkway - A 5,224 square foot commercial building, with associated landscaping and parking for a drive-through restaurant (Burros and Fries) and additional retail space. The Planning Division approved the project on December 24, 2018 and the project is now under construction. The shell of the building's construction is complete. Interior, tenant improvement work needs to be completed before opening. No anticipated opening date has been provided to the City.

26. Medical Office Building West on the Palomar Health Hospital Campus (MOB-West, Developer Palomar Pomerado Health) - A three-story medical office/outpatient facility of approximately 72,000 square feet. Approval for design review was issued by the Planning Division on January 17, 2013. The applicant recently requested some changes to the zoning permits and a substantial conformance determination was approved March 5, 2021. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.

27. ERTC/Palomar Health Parking Structure (Developer: McCarthur Construction). An application request was received on October 21, 2020 to build 1,906 parking spaces at the new hospital campus. The proposed parking garage is six stories. Approval for design review was issued by the Planning Division on April 4, 2021. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, and building plans. Building plans were received on April 12, 2021 and is currently in review.

Residential:

28. Warmington (Developer: Warmington Residential California, Inc.) - A 62 air-space condominium development, consisting of 10, three-story buildings located in the Southern Entry District of the South Centre City Specific Plan at 2200 S. Escondido Boulevard. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on March 23, 2021. The Planning Commission is the final decision-maker for the project. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.

29. North Iris Residential Development (Developer: Hallmark Communities) - An application for a Master and Precise Development Plan and Tentative Map for 102 condominiums at the southeast corner of North Iris Lane and Robin Hill Lane. The project is still in the entitlement phase. The initial application was submitted on March 11, 2021. The City completed its review and issued a comment letter on April 9, 2021, regarding the completeness of the application (i.e. notice of incomplete application).

30. Canterbury Gardens Apartment Project (Developer: Kensington Canterbury Gardens, LLC) - A Plot Plan application was submitted on January 26, 2021, for the development of an apartment project at 2402 South Escondido Boulevard (the site of the Canterbury Gardens retail store). The project proposes to demolish the existing structures on the site, and construct 44 townhome-style, market-rate rental units. Units will range in size from 1,028 to 1,254 square feet, will be three stories in height, and will have two to three bedrooms. The project is still in the entitlement phase.

31. Habitat for Humanity 10-Unit Condominium Development (Developer: San Diego Habitat for Humanity) - A 10-unit development at 245 E. El Norte Parkway. All units will be for sale to low-income households. This project was approved by City Council on February 10, 2021. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.

32. Villa Portofino - (Developer: Chris Post, ATC Design Group) 15 apartment units in a three-story building with parking garage at 2690 S. Escondido Blvd. The project is still in the entitlement phase.

33. Hacienda De Vega Redevelopment - (Developer: Tony Cassolato) An approved proposed residential condominium development consisting of 42 three-story attached townhomes on 1.75 acres. The project was approved by the City Council on October 21, 2020. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.

34. North Avenue Estates (Developer: Casey Johnson) - A 34 sing-family home development at North Avenue/Conway Drive. The project was approved by the City Council on January 10, 2018. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.

35. Sager Ranch/Daley Ranch Resort Specific Plan (Developer: J. Whalen Associates, Inc., Sager Ranch Partners) - 203 housing units and 225-room resort hotel on 1,783-acres, just north and east of Daley Ranch. The project is still in the entitlement phase and was deemed an incomplete application. A project webpage containing draft documents and plans can be accessed at the following link:

https://www.escondido.org/daley-ranch-resort-specific-plan.aspx

36. Fig Apartments (Developer Claude Marengo) - A 15-unit, three-story, multi-family residential apartment complex consisting of three stories on 0.59 acres. The project is still in the entitlement phase.

37. Reed Road Assisted Living Facility (2525 Reed LLC) - A new residential care facility is proposed on a 4.2-acre site on 2525 Reed Road. The project is still in the entitlement phase.

38. Iwashita Apartments (Developer: Iwashita Development) - A six-story, mixed-use project at 322 S. Escondido Boulevard for 172 units. The project is still in the entitlement phase.

39. Apollo Residential Care (NOAA Group) - An assisted living and memory care facility, with 78 units accommodating 99 beds at 3141 East Valley Parkway. The project was approved on January 14, 2020. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.

40. East Valley Parkway Apartments (Developer: John Wurster) - A 50-unit mixed use affordable apartment complex consisting of four stories situated on a 21,000 square foot vacant parcel in the historic District of the Downtown. The project is still in the entitlement phase.

41. Nutmeg Condo General Plan Amendment (Developer: Jim Simmons, CCI) - A 137 townhome condo unit project, located on both sides of Nutmeg between I-15 and Centre City Parkway. The first phase of the project was approved by the City Council on November 20, 2019. The second phase was approved by the City Council on November 18, 2020. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans.

City Projects or Other Capital Improvement Projects:

42. Lake Wohlford Replacement Dam - the project involves a new dam downstream (west) of the existing dam and partial deconstruction of the existing dam. The replacement dam would feature an outlet tower that is integrated into the dam's upstream face; the top of the existing outlet tower would be demolished, and the bottom of the existing outlet tower and the outlet pipe would be filled with sand and abandoned in place. The project would entail improvement and extension of an existing unpaved access road located west of the Lake Wohlford Marina, extending it to the right (north) abutment of the replacement dam. The project's EIR was certified on August 23, 2020. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of permits and agreements by the wildlife agencies. In order to obtain environmental permits for construction, the City must prepare upstream restoration and mitigation plans, short term and long-term habitat management plans, a watershed evaluation, perform field protocol surveys, and update the Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation survey.

43. Membrane-Filtration Reverse Osmosis Facility/MFRO (Developer: City of Escondido Utilities Department; 901 W. Washington Avenue). The MFRO Facility will treat recycled water conveyed via a 24-inch pipeline from the City's Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility (HARRF). The plant will treat the recycled water using membrane filtration (MF) and reverse osmosis (RO) technologies, and will have a maximum production capacity of 2.0 million gallons per day. The MFRO product water will be blended with recycled water that has not been treated by the MFRO process, to produce water with a salt concentration appropriate for agricultural irrigation. The project was approved by the Planning Division on August 19, 2020. The next step for the project's implementation involves the submission and approval of grading, landscaping, street improvement, and building plans. Filanc + Brown and Caldwell is the design-build contractor for the project. Grading plans are currently being reviewed by Staff.

44. School and Traffic Safety Projects - Each year the Traffic Commission prioritizes and funds traffic safety projects focused on improving pedestrian and vehicle safety. Projects are nominated by each School District, COMPACT, residents and staff. This year, four priority projects were completed, including crosswalk improvements at Oak Hill and Citrus, crosswalk improvements on Lincoln Avenue near Pioneer Elementary, pedestrian countdown timers at five intersections and an Audible Pedestrian Signal at El Norte and Centre City Parkway that serves the sight impaired.

 

 

45. Spruce Street/Transit Center Pedestrian Bridge Project - The City Council approved a Partial Notice of Completion for areas 2 and 3 on February 10, 2021, which ends the construction contract on the storm drain channel between Grand and Valley and between Spruce and Third Avenue. Those sections will now be maintained by Public Works as part of the City's storm drain system. The earthen portion between Grand and Valley will also have a contractor maintaining the plantings in that area as required by the environmental permits for the project.

FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

On May 10 at approximately 10:15 a.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a fire in the garage of a single-family home on Lost Oak lane, just west of Centre City Parkway. A residential fire response was dispatched along with San Diego County Sheriff and Escondido Police. The first arriving Engine Company found a working fire in a room on the ground floor of an approximately 6,200 square foot two-story home that was rapidly extending to the second story. Access to the home was difficult due to narrow residential streets and a long driveway. A second alarm was requested due to the rapid fire growth and size of the residence.

Thirty-six firefighters worked for over two hours to fully control the fire that caused extensive damage to the structure. In total, 7 Fire Engines, 2 Truck Companies, 2 Rescue Ambulances, and 3 Chief Officers responded to the incident. Additional assistance was provided by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, Escondido Police Department, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, San Marcos Fire Department, and SDG&E. The Red Cross provided housing assistance to six adults, a child, and two dogs. Fortunately, no firefighters or civilians were injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

If you would like to receive this report by email on Thursdays, email: mthorne@escondido.org.
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