Happy Thanksgiving, Escondido!

Happy Thanksgiving from the City of Escondido! In this season of thanks, we're grateful for our vibrant community, the dedication of our residents, and the unity that defines us.

City offices will be closed November 23 and 24 in observance of the holiday, with emergency services always available.

 

The Weekly Activity Report will resume on December 30.

 

 

 

Small Business Saturday 2023

"Tis the season to Shop Small!" Small Business Saturday is on November 25 this year. The Escondido Downtown Business Association and our wonderfully eclectic downtown businesses are working together to provide a full day of shopping fun with discounts, special offers and prizes.

 

Shop, eat, and explore downtown Escondido to discover special treats, sales, and discounts, while collecting stamps to fill your bingo card. Get bonus squares for purchases and participating in activities like a photo booth, art activity and the downtown lighting ceremony.

 

Holiday Events in San Diego County and Escondido

Holiday festivities are getting into swing in communities across San Diego County and right here in Escondido. The San Diego Union Tribune has put together a guide to parades, light shows, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, community holiday shows and festivals to celebrate the season.

 

 

 

BY THE NUMBERS

 

Code Compliance:

Total Code Cases (Year to Date)

1497

 

Graffiti Restitution:

 

 

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES:

 

Escondido Business News

A new line of specialty coffees from Stone Brewing is coming to convenience stores and elsewhere in early 2024.- CSP Daily News

Business Spotlight: Greenway Irrigation, Lawn and Landscape a labor of love for owners- SD Union Tribune

Several large retailers and shopping centers with establishments in San Diego County have announced they will not open on Thanksgiving for early Black Friday shoppers and will instead stay closed. NBC San Diego

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Resources

Are You Looking for Assistance with Your Small Business?

Discover the range of San Diego and Imperial Valley SBDC services provided to assist you in starting, growing, and succeeding with your small business. Services offered span topics including accounting, marketing, human resources, technology security, manufacturing, distribution, and finance.

Request for Assistance from SBDC Follow the link to request assistance from the San Diego SBDC Network. You will be contacted within the next 1-2 business days.

Free Online Webinars

Marketing Power Hour (English/Espanol): 11/20 from 5 - 6 p.m.

Email Marketing Best Practices: 11/21 from 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Lending Power Hour: 11/21 from 11 a.m. - noon

Tienen una excelente idea y estn preparados para embarcarse en el mundo del emprendimiento?: 11/22 from 9 a.m. - noon

Good Business- How To Include Charitable Giving Into Your Business: 11/22 from 9 - 11 a.m.

Office Hours - Legal w/ Dentons @ Connect: 11/22 from 10 a.m. - noon

City of Escondido Economic Development Contacts

Request a Meeting with Our Team

Thinking about starting a business? Already have a business and need additional support? Have a property and looking for tenants or starting improvements? Reach out and we can help you navigate City and community resources to achieve your goals.

The Economic Development Team are always available to help with questions or connecting you to the right resources. Do not hesitate to reach out!

Subscribe to our Business News and Insights Email Newsletter!

 

 

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Review

On June 7, 2023 the Escondido City Council approved the 2023-2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This document outlines data and community feedback about the City's economy and outlines a five-year plan to improve the local economy.

Let's dive into the first section of the CEDS which takes a deep look at the City's Economic Data:

Starting in 2021, observed rents began to rise precipitously, and continued to rise through the summer of 2022. In the fall of 2022, some cities, including Escondido, saw drops in observed rent not by dramatic rates, but down to levels comparable to the previous year. Other cities did not see a drop in median rent, but rather a temporary stagnation. Most cities, including Escondido, have once again experienced increases in observed rent since the start of 2023.

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

Bitcoin Fraud Investigation

Last week, officers responded to a fraud victim who stated she received an email that she owed money to PayPal. The victim contacted the phone number provided in the email and spoke to a "representative" who advised her computer had been hacked and they would refund the money she owed. The suspects remotely accessed the victim's computer and told her she needed to transfer $18,000 into a Bitcoin ATM to return the funds. The victim went to the Bitcoin ATM and deposited the funds as directed. The victim realized she was scammed when she checked her bank account later and saw no deposit had been made from PayPal. Detectives from Crimes of Property responded to assist with the case and authorized a search warrant to access the Bitcoin ATM and recover the funds. When the owners of the ATM were less than cooperative in assisting, a judge approved a search warrant, and a locksmith assisted in accessing the machine. The detectives were happily able to re-unite the victim with her money.

GO SLOW in ESCO Reminder

Last week, officers responded to a hit and run collision. A vehicle had sheared off a fire hydrant in one of our intersections and then fled the scene. While the picture has a lot of beauty, several thousands of gallons of water were lost as a result of this collision. It is just one more reminder that we all need to GO SLOW In ESCO and prevent these incidents.

 

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

FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

 

On November 7, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received reports of a residential structure fire located at 1666 East Lincoln Ave. EPD arrived on scene quickly, confirmed a fully involved garage fire, and a working fire upgrade was added for additional resources. The first arriving engine reported a well involved, working structure fire located in the garage and extending into the second floor above, as well as the attic space. Aggressive action by the firefighters contained and controlled the main body of the fire activity in about 30 min from time of dispatch. In all, twenty-four firefighters and one fire prevention specialist responded to the fire. There was one minor injury to a resident who refused transport after medical assessment, and no injuries to firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

On November 8, Escondido Fire was dispatched to a report of traffic collision at Mission and Auto Parkway. Engines and Rescue Ambulance from Stations 1 and 3 arrived on scene to confirm a Tesla was involved in the accident. Utilizing hydraulic tools (Jaws of Life), Fire crews quickly and safely removed the driver from the vehicle. Patient was then transported to Palomar Medical Center. This was Escondido Fire's first use of hydraulic tools used on an electronic vehicle.

 

 

 

 

On November 9, Escondido Police on scene of a vehicle accident requested a Fire response for a vehicle fire at the 600 block of W Felicita. When Fire crews arrived on scene, the vehicle was fully involved. Quick action by firefighters controlled and contained the fire, but the vehicle was a total loss. No injuries were sustained or nearby structures damaged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGINEERING

Permits and Inspections:

 

Building Division:

1. The counter staff conducted in-person meetings with 85 applicants, processed 74 applications, and issued 60 permits.
2. The total permit valuation for the week was $1,017,377.00
3. Building inspectors completed 210 inspections.

 

Field Engineering Division:

 

1. Field Engineering processed 30 permits

2. Field Engineering inspectors completed 63 inspections

3. Field Engineering active 261 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 Project Dashboard

 

 

To learn about previous applications for residential and commercial development permits, please visit the Development Project Information Archive page or contact the Planning Division.