A weekend of community service connecting neighbors to the proposals that shape our city
Campaign Starts In
I Heart Escondido is a weekend-long civic engagement event that brings together volunteers, businesses, churches, and community organizations to take real action on the proposals being discussed on ForaCity. Every activity this weekend is tied to a real community proposal — from housing advocacy to environmental cleanup to youth services. When you volunteer, donate, or sponsor, you are not just helping in the abstract. You are advancing a specific, trackable civic outcome. This is what civic engagement looks like when it moves from the screen to the street.
Whether you're a business, government agency, nonprofit, or individual — there's a clear path to make an impact in 72 hours.
Select your participant type above to see how you can contribute
Every dollar donated during the 72-hour window is matched by our sponsors
The 72-hour campaign is organized across 5 zones throughout Escondido. Find your zone and sign up for shifts.
Tracking participation across all four participant types
Each activity is linked to a real community proposal on ForaCity
Show up to the next Planning Commission or City Council zoning hearing and publicly ask each voting member to disclose their campaign contributions from the applicant. Bring printed copies of their Form 460 filings. Record the responses. Post them on social media with #EscondidoTransparency.
Collect 100 video testimonials from Escondido residents about their housing struggles. Teachers, nurses, firefighters, restaurant workers — real people explaining what it means to spend 50%+ of their income on rent. Present the compilation to City Council during the next housing element review.
Build a coalition of Escondido parents and teachers who support alternatives to police for student mental health crises. Collect signed letters from parents and present them to the school board and city council. Organize a joint meeting with EUSD and EPD leadership to discuss the co-response model.
Host 5 community listening sessions in different Escondido neighborhoods to hear directly from residents about their experiences with EPD and what they want from civilian oversight. Partner with local churches, community centers, and schools to ensure diverse participation.
Post your Escondido water bill on social media with #EscondidoWaterEquity. Tag @CityofEscondido. Show the council what 4.2% of your income looks like. We're collecting 500 water bills to present as evidence at the next rate hearing.
Build a coalition of Escondido parents and teachers who support alternatives to police for student mental health crises. Collect signed letters from parents and present them to the school board and city council. Organize a joint meeting with EUSD and EPD leadership to discuss the co-response model.
Businesses, churches, and organizations making this weekend possible
"The Chamber believes in supporting civic engagement that strengthens our business community and the city we serve."
"Community health starts with community engagement. We are proud to support residents taking action on issues that affect their wellbeing."
"Our congregation is called to serve our neighbors. This weekend is a chance to put that calling into action alongside the whole community."
"We feed Escondido every day. This weekend we feed the people feeding Escondido."
"Environmental stewardship and civic engagement go hand in hand."
"Service to our community is service to God."
"Good beer, good neighbors, good city."
"Teaching civic responsibility starts with showing students what it looks like in practice."
"Service above self — that is what Rotary is about, and this weekend embodies it."