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

Summer 2021 Recreation Guide
The Community Services Department is excited to announce the arrival of the Summer 2021 Recreation Guide. This will be the first printed guide since receiving an Award of Excellence in Marketing and Communications for the Recreation Guide through the California Parks and Recreation Society.
We are truly honored to receive this award and would like to thank our entire Graphics department for their creative input and dedication to their craft.
Look for the Summer Recreation Guide in your mailbox starting April 23, and registration will open on Monday, April 26 at 8 a.m. on the recreation website.

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week
Every year during the second week of April, public safety telecommunications personnel are honored. This week-long event, initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California, is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. The Escondido Police Department Communications Center manages 911 calls for both police and fire service, which is rare. Our communications center is a busy place to work and our staff is amazing. Great job team!

April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Throughout the month of April, the Escondido Police Department will have additional officers on patrol specifically looking for drivers who violate the state’s hand-free cell phone law.
For more information, click here. 

North County Transportation Survey
SANDAG and Caltrans District 11 want to know what you think the future of transportation should look like in North County. Public input is vital to the development of the North County Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan. This plan will identify transportation solutions that will enhance the way people travel throughout North County. Tell the North County Team what YOU think by taking the short survey by April 30.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the public feedback survey at:
www.SANDAG.mysocialpinpoint.com/northcounty 

2021 WaterSmart Landscape Contest
The City of Escondido is proud to announce and invite you to participate in this year's WaterSmart Landscape Contest. This contest recognizes residences which have made an effort to support water conservation through their choices in landscape design and irrigation methods. The deadline to enter is May 14, 2021.
For additional information, including an application and eligibility requirements, please visit the contest website at www.landscapecontest.com