Memorial Day 2022
City facilities will be closed on Monday, May 30 in honor of Memorial Day. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, May 31. Emergency services are always available.
Small Business Grants
In 2021, Escondido City Council authorized two grant programs. A facade improvement program aimed at addressing ongoing concerns with the physical appearance of the downtown and commercial areas and a CPTED program aimed at addressing the impacts of illegal homeless encampments and civic disorder.
These grants are funded using Federal money allocated to the City of Escondido through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The City Council established these programs to provide matching grants to business and property owners that wish to renovate, enhance, and improve highly visible buildings along core commercial corridors throughout the City. The City recognizes that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic many businesses have suffered financially and struggled to keep up with or improve their facades. These funds are a way to address some of these challenges and restore vibrancy and further preservation to our community.
Learn more about eligible improvements and the requirements here.
Youth Football Camp - Hosted by the Escondido Police Athletic League
This is a free and fun co-ed football camp for children ages 6-16. The main goal is to get kids to understand the importance of getting exercise. No football skills are required and all skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcome to attend. Parents will need to sign a PAL waiver for your child to attend the camp. The waiver can be found on our website: www.escondidopal.org and they can also be picked up at the East Valley Community Center. Waivers will be collected on the day of the camp. Please email escondidopal@escondido.org if your child plans on attending.
Save the Date
Library Fitness Court Ribbon Cutting
The Downtown/Library Fitness Court will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 8 at 11 a.m. Stay tuned for details.
The Escondido Discussion
As part of this year�s budget process and to further engage Escondido residents CityWide, the City has launchedThe Escondido Discussionto hear local community priorities and City service needs. The City is continuing to recover from the long-term effects of COVID and potentially faces an $8 million budget gap this year, we want to hear from YOU what local priorities you have and the City services you rely on as we strive to continue to provide the level of service residents expect and deserve.
Some of the priorities your neighbors identified include:
- Addressing homelessness
- Attracting businesses and jobs to the City
- Improving public safety and police services
- Maintaining and repairing local streets, roads and sidewalks
- Keeping public areas clean and free of graffiti
Now we want to hear from YOU! Please take a moment to join The Escondido Discussion.
BY THE NUMBERS
Code Compliance:
Total Code Cases (Year to Date)
|
611
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Public Works:
Graffiti Restitution:
Collected Last Week
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Collected Year to Date
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$165
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$1,452.48
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POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
Shoplifter with a Knife
On May 18, officers were called to Albertsons, where a suspect stole a three-pack of beer and when confronted by an employee, took out a knife and began swinging it. The suspect left the store, but was soon located and detained a few blocks away, still in possession of the beer and knife. The suspect, who is also a registered sex offender, was charged with several violations and booked into the county jail.
Rollover Traffic Collision
On May 20, officers located a rollover traffic collision involving a large pick-up that struck several vehicles and overturned near Spruce and Grand Ave. The suspect vehicle was located and the driver was arrested for DUI.
Carjacking + Stolen Cell Phone
On May 21, an individual was exiting his vehicle when an unknown male suspect approached him and pointed a black handgun at the victim and demanded his keys and phone. The suspect drove off in the victim's car.
Did You Know?
You can find and register stolen vehicles here?
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
Self Defense Class
On May 16, Al Owens and Owens Training and Consulting taught a self-defense class to PD and Fire personnel, Cadets, and PD volunteers. The class covered situational awareness and simple self-defense techniques.
BIMBO Bakeries USA
On May 18, John London from BIMBO Bakeries invited the Police Administration Department on a tour of the bakery. Not only was John and the team so warm and hospitable, they also donated an incredible amount of bread and baked goods to the officers and Police Department. Thank you for your generosity and support!
National Police Week
In honor of National Police Week, on May 19, Command Staff served lunch and dinner to PD personnel. Burgers and brats were served for lunch and Cocina del Charro catered dinner. Pictured below, Chefs Captain Toth, Captain Petersen, and Captain Cramer.
PAL Basketball Championships
On May 21, the PAL basketball championship games took place. All three games were very exciting, including one game going into overtime. Thank you to the volunteers, officers, and attendees for the support!
April Abandoned Vehicle Data
FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
On May 17, firefighters from Station #5 conducted Air Operations training with the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department Copter crew. The training involved Helicopter fire suppression capabilities and rescue hoist operations with all three of San Diego City's Copters, including their new new S-70i FireHawk. The training concluded with a flight aboard Copter 1 over Escondido and Lake Hodges, focusing on the wildland and urban areas.
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A crew of three Escondido firefighters staffing our Office of Emergency Services (OES) Type VI Brush Engine departed May 18 heading to New Mexico to assist with the devastating wildfires that have been burning for several weeks. OES 6615 (from Escondido Fire Station #2) is part of a strike team along with Engine crews from West Covina, Compton, Orange City and Arcadia. It took two days to reach Santa Fe, New Mexico where the strike team is assigned. While it is common for California to request and receive help from other states when we have large wildfires, it is not as common for our firefighters to be deployed out of state, let alone two states away! The deployment will likely be 14 to 21 days.
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On May 20, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of an extinguished fire in a cooler a Panera Bread. A failed compressor started a small fire that was contained with a dry chemical fire extinguisher by a store employee. Firefighters removed lingering smoke from the building using electric fans. Two employees were evaluated by Firefighters and one was transported to UCSD Medical Center as a precaution after exposure to smoke and dust from the dry chemical extinguisher. The County health Department was advised of the incident.
On May 22, the Escondido Police and Fire Emergency Communications Center received reports of a vegetation fire on the east shore of Lake Dixon. As this location is within the Mutual Threat Zone, a vegetation fire response from the Escondido Fire was dispatched along with ground and air resources from CAL FIRE. Multiple retardant drops from CAL FIRE Air Tankers and water drops from County Copter 10 assisted firefighters on the ground in limiting the fire spread to approximately 2 acres. No structures were damaged. One Firefighter sustained a minor injury and was evaluated at a local hospital. Escondido Park Rangers assisted with providing access for firefighters and temporary evacuation of campers at Lake Dixon. A total of 10 Engine Companies, 3 Hand Crews, 2 Air Tankers, and a Water Dropping Helicopter were required to control the fire. A joint investigation as to the cause and origin of the fire is being conducted by Escondido Fire Department Investigators and Escondido Police.
Also, on May 22, the Escondido Police and Fire Emergency Communications Center received reports of a Hazardous Materials incident on Rock Springs Road. Upon arrival crews found a chemical incendiary device under a vehicle. The device deployed, but did not damage the vehicle or harm any citizens or firefighters. Members of the County Hazardous Materials Team responded to neutralize the substance for cleanup. The incident is currently under investigation.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGINEERING
Permits and Inspections:
Building Division:
1. The counter staff conducted in-person meetings with 107 applicants, processed 103 applications, and issued 95 permits.
2. The total permit valuation for the week was $2,299,086.00
3. Building inspectors completed 259 inspections.
Field Engineering Division:
1. Field Engineering processed 21 permits
2. Field Engineering inspectors completed 214 inspections
3. Field Engineering has 249 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.