FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Maureen Hogan, 760-839-5458

Escondido, CA – Escondido Public Library invites the community to go “Around the World in Many Ways” in its four-program celebration of different cultures, funded by the California Humanities Library Innovation Lab Grant.

• Mid-Autumn Festival: Thursday, September 8, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Local author Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan will tell a story about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, followed by an all-ages lantern-making craft. Chinese mooncakes will be provided while supplies last.
• South American Adventure: Thursday, September 29, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Bilingual storyteller Georgette Baker will perform an interactive musical storytime about South American countries. Cultural artifacts will be available for show and tell.
• Danza Xinaxtli: Saturday, October 15, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Escondido-based Aztec dance group Danza Xinaxtli will perform traditional Aztec dances and discuss Aztec culture. Atole and champurrado will be provided while supplies last.
• Tradición Mexicana USA: Saturday, December 3, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Local Baile Folklorico group Tradición Mexicana USA will perform several dances and share the stories behind them. A presentation will be given in English and Spanish. Participants will be invited to make a piñata craft and enjoy traditional Mexican snacks, while supplies last.

Now entering its sixth year, the Library Innovation Lab program supports the design and delivery of responsive and relevant public humanities programming in California’s public libraries. The program provides a nine-month practice-based professional development experience and cash grants of up to $5,000 to participating library programmers. The creative and innovative programs that library staff develop will respond to the needs and circumstances of today’s immigrants and foster more inclusive communities within our state.

For more information on Around the World in Many Ways, contact Children’s Librarian Maureen Hogan at 760-439-5458 or maureen.hogan@escondidolibrary.org. For a calendar of Library events, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/events. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 South Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       

CONTACT: Michael Thorne

PHONE: 760-839-4009

The City of Escondido City Council voted to place a local funding measure to maintain Escondido’s public safety and essential City services on the November ballot. 

In a recently completed professional community survey, as much as 64% of respondents indicated they would support a funding measure that only requires a simple majority for adoption.

“Currently nearly all the sales tax funding generated goes to the State, County or SANDAG,” said Escondido Director of Finance Christina Holmes.   “The proposed measure will provide Escondido with local control over local revenue for the services residents have told us they want to be prioritized.”

Funding from the measure would be used to address priorities identified by the community through The Escondido Discussion community survey and engagement effort that the City has been conducting for several months.   With thousands of community responses, City service needs and priorities identified include addressing homelessness;  police patrols and crime prevention; repairing and maintaining local streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure; keeping parks and public facilities safe, clean, and well maintained; providing quick responses to 911 emergencies; providing fire protection and paramedic services; and cleaning up trash and litter in public areas.

Said City Manager Sean McGlynn, “Funding generated by this Measure will allow the City to address the priorities identified by community members and a variety of other City services that are essential to the quality of life of our residents.”

If enacted, the proposed measure would be a ¾ cent sales tax measure to expire in 15 years and include built-in fiscal accountability including citizen’s oversight, independent audits, and public reporting of expenditures.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            

CONTACT: Michael Thorne

PHONE: 760-839-4009

Escondido, CA - Escondido Chief of Police Ed Varso has been selected to be the next Chief of Police for the City of Menifee, CA. Chief Varso’s last day with the City of Escondido will be Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The City will appoint an internal Interim Chief from the Department’s command staff to ensure that community safety and internal operations remain unimpacted.

Chief Varso served the City of Escondido for 21 years, and served as Chief of Police since January 2020. Chief Varso said, “While I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Menifee Police Department, it is sad to say goodbye to Escondido. Day after day I witness a level of dedication and professionalism from all members of the Escondido Police Department that is second to none. I wish to thank the Escondido community for all of the support it has shown not only to me, but to the entire Escondido Police Department. EPD is an outstanding police department and I know that it will continue to provide exceptional service for years to come.”

City Manager Sean McGlynn said, “While this is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Chief Varso to help build a new police department and bring his leadership to a new community, it is truly a loss for Escondido. We will work quickly to engage in a national recruitment to find a replacement who will continue to advance the mission and values of our organization.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dan Wood, 760-839-4827

Escondido, CA – Escondido Public Library’s 2022 Summer Reading Challenge invites babies, children, tweens, teens and adults to plunge into “Oceans of Possibilities.” The Challenge encourages reading for fun and life-long learning for all ages and runs from June 18 to August 7, 2022.

Educational, recreational and cultural events are offered throughout the Challenge. Anyone can take part in the program from home, on a mobile device or by using Library computers. Participants can log reading and event participation online at http://www.escondidolibrary.org/summer to earn prizes donated by the Friends of the Library and local businesses.

Summer Reading Challenge festivities kick off on Saturday, June 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Library’s front patio. Sign-up for the Challenge and receive a free slice of Rock-On Pizza, while supplies last.

Summer Reading Challenge programs for babies, children, tweens, teens and families include special story times, STEAM-themed craft events, traveling tidepools, a visit from rainforest animals and Marc Griffiths’ Oceans of Possibilities puppet show.

Teen events include a chance to explore table-top and virtual reality games, attend art-based events such as Anime Your Way and Sanrio Pom Poms and attend film showings by the “Walt Disney of Japan,” Hayao Miyazaki. Learn how to compost with worms, discover the haunted past of the Queen Mary and Star of India, make a beachy photo frame and more at adult-oriented events throughout the summer.

For more information on the 2022 Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Challenge including program dates and times, prizes, sponsors and rules for participation, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/summer. Summer Reading events are free, open to the public and generously sponsored by Friends of the Escondido Public Library and local businesses. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 South Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Azar Katouzian, 760-839-4814

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Writers Group at Escondido Public Library is hosting Once Upon a Book Fair on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grape Day Park.

Local San Diego authors will be on site to sell and sign their books, and signed copies will be raffled off to attendees.

Grape Day Park is located at 321 N. Broadway in Escondido. For more information about Once Upon a Book Fair, contact Escondido Writers Group Facilitator Tanya Ross at tanyarossauthor@gmail.com.

To learn more about other Library programs for adults, visit www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Azar Katouzian, at 760-839-4814 or azar.katouzian@escondidolibrary.org. Library programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
CONTACT: Dan Wood, 760-839-4827

Escondido, CA – Celebrate Star Wars Week with the Escondido Public Library and enjoy fun, Star Wars-themed programs May 2 through May 7, 2022.

• Build Your Own Droid Monday, May 2, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Build a custom Star Wars Droid from upcycled materials (ages 8-12).
• PJ Storytime Tuesday, May 3, 6:00-6:30 p.m. Wear your PJS and bring your favorite stuffed animal to this Star Wars evening storytime (ages 5-12).
• May the Fourth Be with You Star Wars Day Celebration Wednesday, May 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Celebrate everything Star Wars with crafts, costumes, a trivia competition, and some very special guests from the 501st, Rebel Legion, Mando Mercs, and Saber Guild (all ages).
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Thursday, May 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Special showing of Rogue One, starring Felicity Jones and Diego Luna. Children under 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (ages 13 and up).
• Inclusive Art Club Friday, May 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Special Star Wars story time for all ages and abilities featuring story, songs and art (all ages).
• Star Wars Week Finale: Free Comic Book Day & Jedi Padawan Lightsaber Training Saturday, May 7, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Free Comic Book Day, Board Games, Jedi Padawan Lightsaber Training, and even more special guests! Come by to pick up a free comic book courtesy of Knowhere Comics (while supplies last), play games and take photos with fan favorite Star Wars characters from the 501st, Rebel Legion, and Mando Mercs. At 11:30 a.m. take part in an all ages family lightsaber training with representatives from the Saber Guild (all ages).

For more information on other Library programs for children, visit http://www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Dan Wood, at 760-839-4827 or dan.wood@escondidolibrary.org. Library programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library.  Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA – Escondido Public Library invites all Escondido residents to share their thoughts and opinions about the Library’s future by participating in a virtual or in person focus group. Sessions will be offered:

• Tuesday, January 11, 8:30 a.m., East Valley Community Center 2245 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027
• Tuesday, January 11, 6:30 p.m., Park Avenue Community Center 210 E Park Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
• Wednesday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., VIRTUAL
• Wednesday, January 19, 5 p.m., VIRTUAL

To register for a focus group, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/strategicplan

Focus group data will help the Library develop a strategic plan that meets community needs. For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Public Library invites all Escondido residents to share their thoughts and opinions about the Library’s future by participating in a focus group. Sessions will be offered:

• Tuesday, January 11, 8:30 a.m., East Valley Community Center 2245 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027
• Tuesday, January 11, 6:30 p.m., Park Avenue Community Center 210 E Park Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
• Wednesday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., Library Board Room 239 S. Kalmia St, Escondido, CA 92025

To register for a focus group, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/strategicplan

Focus group data will help the Library develop a strategic plan that meets community needs. For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA –Beginning September 1, 2021, Escondido Public Library is no longer charging daily fees for items returned late. All items, including DVDs and books on CD, will check out for 21 days with up to three automated renewals as long as no one is waiting for the item.

“We are excited to remove barriers to access for the patrons in our community,” said Dara Bradds, Library Director. “We hope this will encourage more people to come in and use the Library.”

While patrons will no longer be charged daily overdue fees, they are still responsible for paying for lost items. At 30 days overdue, checked out items will be marked as "lost" and the patron will be unable to check out or renew any additional physical items until they return the lost item, or pay for its replacement cost plus a $5 re-processing fee. Patrons with lost items on their account will still be able to check out eMaterials and use Library computers. Patrons are still responsible for overdue fines accrued prior to September 1, 2021.

For more information, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/fines, or contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA –The Friends of the Escondido Public Library Book Shop will re-open Tuesday, July 6.

“We are delighted to resume service to the Escondido community after a 15-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Linda Parker, Friends of the Library president.

The Friends Book Shop is located on the first floor of the Escondido Public Library on South Kalmia Street. Beginning July 6, the book shop will be open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All items will be half price Tuesday, July 6 through Saturday, July 10.

The book shop will begin accepting donations on Monday, August 2. Donations can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Due to space limitations, only two boxes per donor will be accepted at this time. For more information on what types of donations are accepted, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/donate.

The shop sells used books, DVDs, VHS tapes, books on CD, magazines, and music CDs. All proceeds from the shop fund Escondido Public Library programs and events. The Friends of the Escondido Public Library are a volunteer-led 501(c)3 organization. To learn more about the Friends of the Escondido Public Library, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/friends

For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Public Library Foundation commissioned artist Julia Anthony to create a mural on the west exterior wall of the Kalmia Street Library building. Two mural design options are under consideration; the Foundation encourages community members to share their opinions at www.escondidolibrary.org. The opinion poll will be active May 26-June 7, 2021.

Julia Anthony created the Wild Beauty of the Savannahs mural in the Library’s upstairs Children’s area in May 2010, as well as a fresh and salt water ocean mural at Oceanside Public Library in April 2011. Anthony’s business, Creative Palette Interiors, is located in Escondido.

For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Eveleen Crouthamel, 760-839-5457

Escondido, CA – Escondido Public Library offers special programming for children in the month of May. All events are virtual, free and open to the public.

• Virtual Tea Time for Kids for children ages 5-12 years old on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. Enjoy English tea and snacks, learn about tea etiquette, do a craft, and listen to stories on Zoom with The Grand Tea Room. Registration is required online at www.escondidolibrary.org/register. Once participants receive confirmation, craft and snack kits can be picked up at The Grand Tea Room beginning Tuesday, May 11, 2021. The Grand Tea Room is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 145 West Grand Avenue in Escondido.
• The San Diego Poetry Annual hosts its annual workshop, Kids! San Diego Poetry Annual for children ages 6-12 virtually on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Registration is required online at www.escondidolibrary.org/register. Francisco Bustos and Ying Wu will lead writing activities that stimulate creativity and self-expression. This workshop is free and open to young poets (ages 6 - 12) that reside in San Diego County. Children's poems and artwork can be submitted via email for consideration in the 2021 KSDPA anthology. Ying Wu is a poetry editor of Writers Resist and the Kids! San Diego Poetry Annual. More examples of her work can be found online at writersresist.com and poetryandartsd.com, as well as in the material world at the San Diego Airport (arts.san.org/portfolio-item/before). Francisco Bustos is poet, musician and member of the spoken work/music collective Frontera Drum Fusion. He is a professor of English composition at Southwestern College (SWC) and hosts SWC Guest Writers Series.

All programs are generously sponsored by Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia Street in downtown Escondido. For more information about these programs visit www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Outreach Coordinator, Eveleen Crouthamel, at 760-839-5457 or eveleen.crouthamel@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA – Escondido residents and non-resident users of the Escondido Public Library are asked to share their opinions on the future of the Library by participating in an online survey available through April 30. To take the survey, visit www.escondidolibrary.org. The survey is available in English and Spanish.

Developments in technology and changes in the soon-to-be post-COVID world, have drastically changed the needs of library users. Survey data will help the library best meet these community needs.

For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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