Official Updates

Just wrapped up tonight's City Council meeting. Big night for Escondido — we unanimously approved the $4.2M infrastructure package for the Washington Avenue corridor. This means new sidewalks, ADA-compliant crosswalks, better lighting, and bike lanes connecting Kit Carson Park to downtown. I know construction can be frustrating, but this investment will make our neighborhoods safer and more walka...

🎸 SAVE THE DATE — Escondido Grand Avenue Festival is back! Saturday, April 18th from 9am-5pm on Historic Grand Avenue. Live music on 3 stages, 200+ local artisan vendors, food from our incredible downtown restaurants, kids' zone, and the classic car showcase. This is our 30+ year tradition and one of North County's biggest events. Bring the family, support local businesses, and celebrate what m...

Cruisin' Grand kicks off this Friday! Every Friday night through September, Grand Avenue transforms into the best classic car show in Southern California. Pre-1974 hotrods, live music, DJs, and the energy of thousands of car enthusiasts and families filling our downtown. It's free, it's fun, and it's uniquely Escondido. Street closure starts at 4pm on Grand Ave between Broadway and Ivy. Come ear...

April is Arts, Culture & Creativity Month in Escondido! 🎨 We're opening Queen Califia's Magical Circle for additional free community days throughout the month. This Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture garden is a hidden gem right here in our city. Also happening: • 2nd Saturday Art Walk — April 11, downtown galleries open late • Escondido Arts Partnership exhibitions at the Municipal Gallery • Stude...

Spent the morning at the Escondido Community Garden on Midway Drive with volunteers from Palomar Health and the Boys & Girls Club. We planted 40 new fruit trees that will provide fresh produce to families in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is what community looks like. Not politics, not meetings — just neighbors helping neighbors. If you want to volunteer at the community garden, reach out t...

Transparency update: Here's how we spent your Measure I dollars in Q1 2026. Total allocated: $3.8M • Road repairs & paving: $1.4M (37%) • Park improvements: $890K (23%) • Public safety equipment: $720K (19%) • Stormwater infrastructure: $510K (13%) • Community facilities: $280K (8%) Every dollar is tracked. Every project is public. You can see the full CIP dashboard at escondido.gov/cip. I prom...

Quick debrief from last Wednesday's council meeting: 1. Approved the new affordable housing overlay for the East Valley Parkway corridor — this will allow up to 200 new units near transit 2. Heard public comment on the proposed short-term rental ordinance — we're taking more input before voting 3. Recognized the Escondido Fire Department for their mutual aid response during the January wildfires ...

Huge shoutout to the 150+ volunteers who showed up for the Great Escondido Cleanup this weekend. We covered 12 neighborhoods, collected over 8 tons of trash and debris, and painted out graffiti at 23 locations. Special thanks to: • Escondido Rotary Club • Valley High School Key Club • Escondido Union School District families • Our incredible Public Works crew This city runs on people who care. T...

I want to talk about something important: the Levine Act and what it means for Escondido. As your Mayor, I'm required to disclose any campaign contribution over $250 from anyone who has business before the City. If someone gives me more than $500, I must recuse myself from decisions affecting their interests — or return the contribution. This isn't just a legal requirement. It's the right thing ...

Mark your calendars — the Grape Day Festival returns September 12, 2026 at Grape Day Park! 🍇 Escondido's oldest tradition (since 1908!) celebrates our city's grape-growing heritage with: • Live entertainment all day • Hands-on activities for kids • Food from around the world • Local artisan marketplace • Wine & beer garden • Historical exhibits Vendor applications open June 1. Volunteer sign-up...

Small Business Saturday recap: Downtown Escondido showed UP. 🙌 Our local businesses reported a 22% increase in foot traffic compared to last year. Grand Avenue was packed from morning to evening. A few highlights: • 47 businesses participated in the passport program • Over 2,000 passports were stamped • 3 new businesses had their grand opening When you shop local, you're investing in your neig...

Video debrief: Why I voted YES on the East Valley Parkway housing overlay. I know this is a hot topic. Some residents are concerned about density. Others say we need more housing. Here's my thinking: We have a housing crisis. Escondido's median home price is over $750K. Young families can't afford to stay. Our teachers, firefighters, and nurses are commuting from hours away. This overlay doesn'...

Illegal fireworks are not just dangerous — they're illegal in Escondido. Period. Every year we see injuries, fires, and terrified pets. Our Fire Department responds to dozens of calls. Fines start at $1,000 for possession and $5,000+ for use. Report illegal fireworks: (760) 839-4722 or the Escondido PD non-emergency line. Let's keep our neighborhoods safe. Use the City's official 4th of July ce...

Just got back from the North County Transit District board meeting. Good news for Escondido: • SPRINTER frequency will increase to every 15 minutes during peak hours starting this fall • New bus shelters coming to 8 stops along Centre City Parkway • The Transit Center renovation is on track for completion by December Better transit means less traffic, cleaner air, and more options for getting ar...