EM - FALL 2024

ESCONDIDO M AG A Z I N E

Fall 2024

ESCONDIDO TIMES-ADVOCATE

City of Escondido • Escondido Chamber of Commerce • Downtown Business Association EscondidoMagazine.com

INNOVATION & ENRICHMENT

• STEAM instruction (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)

Every Day Counts in EUSD! The Escondido Union School District is dedicated to giving every child in Escondido the opportunity to learn in safe, innovative environments.

EUSD educators and support staff are committed to opening the doors to the unlimited potential of every student through award-winning educational technology and innovation, family engagement, and academic programs.

• Visual and performing arts at every school • Video production

• Middle school electives • Physical education at every grade level with credentialed physical education teachers • Dual-language immersion programs • One-to-one technology • Full-day Kindergarten and TK COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS

• No-cost after-school programs • Neighborhood schools • Home Education Program • Innovative specialty schools:

 Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning  Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences  Limitless Learning Academy  Quantum Academy WHOLE FAMILY, WHOLE CHILD

Learn with us! eusd.org 760-432-2400

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• Robust family engagement program • Full-time at every EUSD school:  School social worker  Licensed vocational nurse  Family liaison  Two counselors at every middle school

The first known photo of the city of Escondido

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESCONDIDO HISTORY CENTER

ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024 3

THE FARM STAND WEST ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL FROM PRIOR YEARS

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12 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 6 LETTER FROM SUPERVISOR JIM DESMOND 9 LETTER FROM THE MAYOR 10 ESCONDIDO BUSINESS: E & J METAL SUPPLY 12 WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL 14 KIWANIS 16 ESCONDIDO EATS: GLUTEN FREE 18 LETTER FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE 20 BEST OF ESCONDIDO EATS 21 MEASURE I 22 COSMIC SOLAR 26 NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHCARE 30 PALOMAR HEALTH 31

ESCONDIDO Est. 2006

M AG A Z I N E

Published by Roadrunner Publications PO BOX 461900, Escondido, CA 92046 (760) 546-4900 info@EscondidoMagazine.com EscondidoMagazine.com Art Director: Kelly Fox Graphic Design Advertising Manager: Joshua Sibelius Cover Artist/Photographer:

Kim DeCew Photography CONTRIBUTORS Jim Desmond Yesenia Mendoza Wehay Quisquis Luis Rankins-Ibarra David Ross Judith Wilson Shadzi Deanna Smith Ed Varso Dane White David Zumaya

ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024 5

THE ESCONDIDO CHAMBER

Welcomes You 6 ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024

PHOTO CREDIT: NEWMOON QUISQUIS

ESCONDIDO LEADERS

Dear Escondido Readers

As the holidays approach, merchants throughout Escondido are preparing for a bustling time of shopping and special events. October is filled with many social gatherings such as The Farm Stand West Annual Harvest Festival on the 12th. This year The Hillebrecht Family will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary of Farming in Escondido, we are very proud of Laura Hillebrecht especially. She is a very active chamber board member and has contributed her time, expertise, beautiful bounties of produce, pumpkins and Christmas trees to our community over the last several years. Another tradition is The Grand Avenue Festival in the heart of our town on the 20th, so far we have over 300 vendors, several dozen artists and live music and many dance performers to keep our community entertained throughout the day. The Young Professional Mixer will prove to be well worth your time with a Haunted Hustle theme at BEST PIZZA & BREW after 5 pm on the 22nd. The ‘BEST’ is no exaggeration.

To honor our hometown heroes on Veterans Day, American Legion Post 149 with Bill McNaughton, Steph Holden and Michael Frank of the Brothers of 6 organize and implement The Vet Fest Parade taking place on November 11th at the corner of Escondido Blvd. and Grand Ave, starting at 9:30 am. Immediately following the parade, everyone is invited to attend the Escondido Vet Fest at the Veterans Memorial Building (230 E. Park Ave). There will be food, live music and historic military equipment on display. Special guest and honorees include Supervisor Jim Desmond and Form Escondido Mayor Paul McNamara. It will be an honor to attend. I hope to see you there!

Before you know it, we’ll be halfway through November and aromas of oven roasted turkey will be wafting through our kitchens, mounds of creamy mashed potatoes and sweet pumpkin pie with a giant dollop of whipped cream will on our dinner tables. Many of our local bakeries and small markets will have an abundance of holiday food choices. On the 19th, a Friends Giving & Food Drive will be hosted by The Villa on Grand, be sure to sign up soon, space is limited. Thanksgiving comes late this year on the 28th and of course there’s the usual storm of black Friday, but I recommend sleeping in and saving your time and resources for Small Business Saturday, it always takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, ‘SHOP SMALL’ on November 30th to support Escondido Small Business on Grand Avenue and The East Valley Business District. There are countless shops with unique gifts you wouldn’t normally find at an average mall.

will have many fun shows scheduled, check out their listings at ArtCenter.org.

The fun doesn’t stop there… The Annual JC’s Christmas Parade takes please in the heart of Escondido on December 14th followed by The USA Multicultural Santa’s Village Festival at Grape Day Park. This spectacular event is put on by Angel Aguilar and beautiful wife Sohaila. Every year the toy give-away grows, this year Angel hope to give out at least 2000 toys to kids of all ages. In case you were wondering, Santa will be waiting to hear your children’s wishes and his cute elves will be taking lot of pictures.

It is my hope you will take the many opportunities to experience all the wonderful things to do in Escondido just as I have done in my life here in our town. I have been blessed to have created many memories and traditions within the 5 generations of my family here in Escondido. I wish the same for your family too.

In final, It is my prayer that our precious community is healthy, happy and safe this holiday season and May 2025 bring great prosperity and many blessings in comfort and joy to all Escondido residents, businesses and organizations. Together we are stronger and can accomplish many things in our years to come.

Deanna Smith Happy Holidays, Deanna Smith Madam Chairman Escondido Chamber of Commerce

If you have been busy decorating and gift wrapping, take a break on December 5th and join us at the Annual Community in Unity holiday celebration. There will be scrumptious tastings from dozens of local restaurants, wineries and breweries.

The food is always amazing! There will be chores and carolers throughout the evening and a Christmas Tree lighting under the beautiful rotunda at city hall.

Santa pictures and a super fun photo booth are courtesy of David Zumaya founder of My San Diego North County.

This is an event for 18 years of age and older, tickets are available now. In the same area of city hall is the California Center for the Arts Escondido and they ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024 7

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ESCONDIDO LEADERS

ENSURING SAFETY: Addressing Battery Storage Concerns in Escondido

by Jim Desmond, 5th District Supervisor

As the kids head back to school and the temperature begins to feel like Fall here in San Diego, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors is back to business. I wanted to take a moment to address an issue on the minds of many Escondido residents: commercial scale battery storage.

Recently, there has been increasing discussion around battery energy storage facilities, especially regarding safety concerns following recent fires in our region. I understand that many of you are worried about these facilities’ potential risks to our community and the environment.

I’m committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Escondido residents. I could not support recent actions regarding these facilities because they did not include a necessary

moratorium on new applications. I pushed to put a halt on new projects, considering the many issues surrounding these facilities, until we have more robust fire suppression and detection technologies in place.

As these projects come forward, I’ll continue to advocate for designs that put community safety and compatibility first, and push for responsible energy solutions that protect our residents and our environment. Addressing Escondido residents’ concerns, especially for safety, are my priority. Together, we will work towards a safer and more sustainable future for Escondido.

Here’s to a great school year and a safe, productive Fall!

ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024 9

ESCONDIDO’S

MAYOR

Dane White

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ESCONDIDO LEADERS

WHAT’S UP

ESCONDIDO! I can’t believe it’s been almost two years since I took office. The time has flown by and serving as mayor has been an absolute honor. I can confidently say we’ve accomplished a LOT in the first two years but recognize there is still much more work that needs to be done. In the coming months we will tackle regulations on Short Term Vacation Rentals, regulations on vacant commercial buildings and lots, regulations on street vendors and parkletts, a moratorium on Battery Energy Storage projects and more… Like I said, there’s lots to be done.

On a totally separate note, I’d like to take a minute to give you my thoughts on the upcoming election. In the coming weeks you will all receive your ballots to vote in the November 2026 election. I’ve talked to many of you who feel like voting doesn’t matter in the current political climate but I’m here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. Go out and vote! Your vote matters, especially in local elections.

With respect to Escondido there are two things of note where your vote could mean significant change. One is a local measure and the other a state measure.

Measure I in Escondido is a 1 cent sales tax increase. Now, I am about as anti-tax as it gets, but there’s a reason I’ll be voting YES on I. The important thing of note is that with other State and County taxes on the ballot as well, Escondido will reach its threshold for allowed sales taxes to be collected. The question I ask myself is, “do I want the money going to the state, county, or to Escondido.” The fact of

the matter is we will be paying more taxes. Where do you want your money to go? The sales tax is estimated to bring in over $20,000,000 annually and expires in 20 years.

Proposition 36 is a State Proposition that would repeal and change certain portions of Proposition 47, making it easier to get individuals into treatment after repeated offenses. Prop 47 removed most if not all consequences for people who commit crimes while addicted to drugs. It disincentivized drug court by turning what were once felonies into misdemeanors which allow people to perpetually commit crimes while addicted to drugs and face only a citation. This has caused most of what you see on the streets today. The Escondido City Council voted 5-0 to support a resolution in favor of Prop 36 and I would encourage all of you to vote YES on Prop 36!

I want to end with how grateful I am for all the support you all have given me. This has been an honor. As I said when I was sworn in, I hope to leave this great city better than I found it.

“Truth will ultimately prevail where pains are taken to bring it to light” - George Washington

Dane White DANE WHITE, MAYOR OF ESCONDIDO

ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024 11

ESCONDIDO BUSINESSES

FROM DREAMS TO STEEL: The Inspiring Journey of The Mendozas

In the early days of 1976, two brothers, Efrain and Jose Mendoza, embarked on a journey that would forever change their lives.

Leaving behind their home in Mexico, they arrived in San Diego, California, filled with dreams and determination. Little did they know, the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, triumphs, and the forging of a family legacy that continues to thrive today.

Upon their arrival, the brothers were eager to enlist in the Selective Service, driven by a desire to contribute to their new homeland. However, to their surprise, they discovered that after January 1, 1976, enlistment was only voluntary. This unexpected twist didn’t deter their spirits; instead, it propelled them to seek employment and build a new life.

Settling in Escondido, the Mendoza brothers quickly found work with Villa Park Group, toiling in the lush orange and lemon groves that dotted the landscape. The labor was demanding, but the brothers were no strangers to hard work. Their commitment and resilience shone through, laying the groundwork for their future endeavors. A couple of years later, they transitioned to Escondido Sales Yard, where they honed their skills in the metal industry, setting the stage for their ambitious dreams.

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In 1994, Efrain’s career took a pivotal turn when he became the Yard Foreman at Rancho Metals in Murrieta, California. Here, his expertise and leadership flourished, but the entrepreneurial spirit was brewing within both brothers. By 2003, they decided it was time to take a leap of faith and start their own business. After months of meticulous planning and preparation, E.&J. Metal Supply, INC was born. Their original location at 2414 Vineyard Avenue became a hub of activity, where Efrain and Jose, alongside their wives and children, worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life.

The family atmosphere was palpable, with every member contributing to the growing enterprise. The Mendoza brothers understood that success was not just about financial gain but also about fostering a sense of community and support within their family. As the business flourished, it became a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the power of family ties.

However, like many businesses, E.&J. Metal Supply faced significant challenges when the market crashed in 2008. The economic downturn tested their resolve, but the brothers remained steadfast. In 2009, they made the strategic decision to move their

operations to the current location at 610 Rock Springs Road in Escondido. This new chapter was not just a physical relocation but a renewal of their commitment to overcoming obstacles and continuing their legacy.

Today, the family’s story is one of resilience, unity, and success.

E.&J. Metal Supply has become a cornerstone of the community, providing jobs and contributing to the local economy. The journey from immigrant laborers to successful entrepreneurs exemplifies the American dream, a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and determination.

As they reflect on their journey, Efrain is filled with gratitude for the opportunities they’ve had and the family they’ve built. They inspire not just their children but also everyone around them, proving that with grit, perseverance, and a strong family bond, anything is possible.

In recent years, the Mendoza legacy has entered a new phase with the rise of Yessenia Mendoza, the eldest daughter of Efrain and Amparo Mendoza. With 20 years of experience in the metal industry, Yessenia embodies the dedication and passion that her father has instilled in their family. Born and raised in Escondido, she is committed to not only growing the family business but also ensuring that her community thrives alongside it.

Yessenia’s leadership extends beyond the family company; she is an active board member of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, currently serving her second term as board secretary.

Her role in the Chamber reflects her dedication to fostering

local businesses and building a strong community network. Additionally, she is serving her second year as secretary of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation, where she advocates for educational growth programs and initiatives that enhance the lives of Escondido students.

Her passion for supporting local businesses is palpable, as she encourages residents to shop local and invest in their community. This commitment was celebrated this past July, as family, friends, and community members gathered to toast to 20 years of E.&J. Metal Supply’s success and the promising future ahead.

As Yessenia takes the reins, E.&J. Metal Supply continues to strive to be the number one metal supplier in North County. With a focus on customer satisfaction and a commitment to providing quality materials at discounted prices, the company is well-positioned for the next chapter in its story.

“Cheers to many more years!”

ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024 13

ESCONDIDO SCHOOLS

Welcome Back to School!

Dear Escondido Community, As the Superintendent of the Escondido Union School District (EUSD), it is my pleasure to welcome you back to the 202425 school year! We are excited to continue our journey of “actualizing the unlimited potential of every learner.” This vision, which guides everything we do, is driven by our EUSD Framework for the Future, which serves as our north star. It is a powerful tool that helps ensure we are moving toward our goal of making a positive, lasting impact on every student.

EUSD remains deeply committed to being the district of choice for the children of Escondido. At the heart of our EUSD Framework for the Future is a learner-centered model that brings innovative and engaging programming for our students. The professionals across our district continue to collaborate and build a strong foundation for this framework, setting our students on the path to reaching their full potential. We believe that learning should be personalized, authentic, competency-based, and, most importantly, inclusive and equitable for all students.

In EUSD, all of our students are able to engage in authentic learning experiences that inspire them to understand how their education connects to the world around them. A shining example of this

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is the Middle School Medical Discoveries program, which is part of our science instruction for 8th graders. This program, made possible through our partnership with Palomar Health, offers students an immersive fieldwork experience. Palomar Health doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff connect with our students in hands-on, engaging activities that inspire a new generation of healthcare workers.

In Escondido, we believe in our students’ unlimited potential, and we are committed to providing the learning experiences they need to thrive. Thank you for your continued support of EUSD. Together, we will make this a year filled with progress, growth, and success.

Every Day Counts in EUSD,

Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Escondido Union School District For more information on the EUSD Framework for the Future, visit our website at: EUSD.org ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024 15

ESCONDIDO COMMUNITY

Supervisors honor Escondido Kiwanis on its 100th

Recently Fifth District Supervisor Jim Desmond and the Board of Supervisors honored the Kiwanis Club of Escondido Hidden Valley on its 100th anniversary. Attending and participating in the ceremony were Ron Rybak, president who gave remarks, Gene Scibilia, incoming president, Dave Schmitt, secretary; Mike Montanari, director; Mary Dillinger-Member-Past Board member and Taylor Hill-Corporate member, San Diego Children’s Museum. In the center, holding the certificate, is Supervisor Desmond.

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ESCONDIDO EATS

For glutenfree peeps It’s time again for tender, juicy roasted turkey and sweet honey ham, mountains of buttery mashed potatoes and stuffing dripping with homemade gravy. Then comes the scrumptious apple pie a’ la mode or the ultimate pumpkin pie dolloped with whipped cream. Hmmm, why not a little of both! But wait… is any of this gluten–free? For most of us, gluten or any food allergen is the last thing on our minds during the feasts of the holiday season unless you or someone you know and love is doing the “Gluten–Free Thing.” Some do it to feel better, some do it because they have a gluten intolerance, but one in 100 does it because they are Celiac and gluten causes life–threatening effects.

The great news is, yes, most any of your favorite holiday dishes can be made gluten– free and in some cases allergen free, too. No one has to go without at the holiday feast!

Tips for a Gluten-Free Holiday Season RSVP WITH AN OFFER TO ASSIST THE HOST Preparing gluteen-free & allergen–free foods can be intimidating, so offer to take on the job or send a “How to Prepare Safe Foods” check–off list, including the possibility of cross contamination.

BYO-GLUTEN-FREE This is your time to shine! Bring your favorite gluten–free or allergen–free holiday entrées; they have come a long way from the days of that cardboard taste! And you won’t be missing out.

GLAM UP THE TABLE WITH ENTRÉE LABELS Use place cards to list entrée ingredients, including “secret ingredients,” to keep your family recipes under wraps, and add a star to the gluten–free or allergen–free entrées.

EAT BEFORE YOU GO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Snacking beforehand will help keep your mind off what is or isn’t gluten–free so you can relax and enjoy your friends and family.

DON’T FORGET BACK UP GLUTEN-FREE SNACKS It’s a good idea to stash some snacks in your purse, car or jacket pocket. Rice crackers, individual packs of SunButter spread, gluten-free trail mix or gluten-free snack bars are my usual go–to’s.

ORDER GLUTEN-FREE FOOD AHEAD & SHIP DIRECT Especially if you’re traveling, order at DeannasGF.com and have your holiday items shipped to your door or directly to your holiday destination.

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Spreading Love Award

ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024 19

ESCONDIDO LEADERS

ESCONDIDO COMMUNITY

View From the Chief ’s Office Criticism comes with the territory when one accepts a career in law enforcement. This has been especially true in recent years. Police officers have been labeled racist, biased, ignorant, lazy, abusive, and far worse. Fortunately, the Escondido community is far more supportive than other U.S. cities. However, I frequently get asked why our officers do not do more to address issues in the community. I understand why I get asked these questions. I know why our community is frustrated. Frankly, I am frustrated too. However, more often than not the real cause of frustration is not a police officer refusing to do their job, but a police officer held back from taking the legal action they once could. The real culprit of inaction in policing these days is the complex web of dysfunction that has become the norm within the California criminal justice system.

I have long said that I wish our Escondido community could view the Escondido Police Department from my office. The view from my office is not one of an organization grounded in racism and laziness, but an organization comprised of genuine caring people willing to sacrifice it all for strangers. Despite the challenging legal environment holding us back, I witness daily examples of a team going above and beyond. There is not a week that goes by that you will not see officers, dispatchers, detectives, records technicians, the evidence management team, our forensic services team, volunteers, criminal intelligence analysts, and members of our support services team dropping everything to help navigate the latest emergency to hit Escondido. Sometimes the emergency is huge and newsworthy. Other times the emergency involves a highly sensitive crime such as child abuse or sexual assault. From my office, I see a team so committed that we often have to order them to go home and rest. The team will work for days with little to no sleep as they would rather work to bring justice to victims. A little-known fact is that, except for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and San Diego Police Department, the Escondido Police Department makes more arrests yearly than all other police departments in our county. The results speak for themselves. Our most recent crime data showed that Escondido experienced an overall 14% reduction in crime.

Ongoing training has been critical to the success of the Escondido Police Department. I believe that through training we can ensure that our police officers have every tool and skill needed to successfully respond to emergencies. We revamped police training in a manner that I believe leads our state in creating real-world police training.

The results have shown through the professional handling of highrisk events. While the national news would lead one to believe police use of force is overwhelmingly common, it is quite rare in Escondido.

In fact, Escondido police officers use force in less than .35% of all contacts. Yes, you read that right. Less than half of one percent of all contacts end in a use of force. I view that as pretty impressive to have a team leading the county in arrests while also maintaining an astoundingly low use-of-force rate.

Are things perfect? No, they are not. According to independent data, the Escondido Police Department is tied for the lowest per capita police officer staffing in the county. This means that most nights our 20 ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024

community only has seven police officers on duty and frequently only eleven working during peak call times. From my experience, that is woefully inadequate. We meet response time goals, lead the county in arrests, and engage in various community events only through the grit and dedication of every member of the Escondido Police Department. Regardless, we could accomplish so much more with the proper resources.

Despite all of the challenges, this police department goes out every day and wins. This is the police department that gives out $100 bills to community members through our Secret Santa Program. The police department that hosts an annual Children’s Christmas Party for families in need, including children who were victims of crime.

The police department that works with community partners such as Escondido Education COMPACT to mentor youth in Escondido that are on a pathway to street gangs and drug addiction. The police department whose officers are known for reaching into their own pockets to buy food, clothes, and toys for those they meet under often horrific circumstances. Despite all of the challenges, the view from my office is amazing. I am beyond proud to have a front-row seat to watch exceptional police performance play out every day. The members of the Escondido Police Department are truly remarkable.

Ed Varso Ed Varso Chief of Police Police Department, City of Escondido

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ESCONDIDO VOTING

MEASURE I CO-CHAIRMAN:

‘When you are in a crisis there is no possibility for vision’

By DAVID ROSS Measure I, on the November ballot for voters in Escondido, will raise the sales tax by one cent on the dollar, bringing it to 8.75% for non-grocery transactions within the city.

I interviewed co-chairmen of the Yes on I Campaign, Colleen MacKinnon, and George Weir about why they decided to lead the effort.

“There are a plethora of reasons,” said MacKinnon, “starting with the fact that California has set the sales tax maximum at 10 cents on the dollar and there are sales tax measures everywhere on the ballot.” Note: That includes one by SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) for a one cent increase.

“If we don’t get the sales tax increase now and we hit [the maximum] through SANDAG, then there is no future recourse to raising taxes.”

The second reason, she said, “With the CalPERS pension debt the city has to pay, over the last ten years we have cut a significant portion of city staffing. We are getting half of our ambulances answering from San Marcos. Police staffing is at 1990 levels. We’ve lost police and fire and city staff and spent almost all of our reserves. We will be out of them by 2029.”

The third reason, she said, is the inclusion of a budget oversight committee

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as part of Measure I. “The money raised by the measure,” said MacKinnon, “will all go into the General Fund. The measure establishes an oversight committee for the General Fund, the first time we’ve had that.” She added, “We’ve had it for propositions, which were for specific funding, this is for general revenue.”

The five member oversight committee will include one police officer, one firefighter (appointed by the police and fire unions), one from a business organization (appointed by the city council), one from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, one from the community at large (appointed by the council) and one alternate for a quorum (appointed by the council.)

The committee will have no punitive powers to force the council to do anything, but it will have moral power. “People in Escondido do not attend in large numbers our budgeting sessions,” said MacKinnon. “For me, this campaign starts in an awareness building process that should be carried on by the committee. I see a big benefit in having more eyes on what is going on with our tax dollars. With more people paying attention, if something comes up, we won’t feel as broadsided as we were by the library funding.”

Many bad things will happen if Measure I fails, said MacKinnon.

“If it doesn’t pass, say goodbye to meals for seniors at the senior center,” she said. “Say goodbye to the California Center For The Arts. Say goodbye to our parks. You can’t physically close Kit Carson Park—but you can get rid of the rangers and close the bathrooms. All are on the chopping block.”

Another reason she supports Measure I: “It sunsets in 20 years.

This measure, unless it gets re-voted on, would have to go on the ballot to be reauthorized. It’s not a forever tax.”

She added, “I’m very passionate about Escondido. My family moved here in 1952. My grandmother and mother were very involved in the community. After they died I did community service. I’ve watched the city slash our quality of life. I’ve also been super busy and didn’t volunteer for the previous efforts and they didn’t pass—so it was time for me to participate. And then, having finished my year as president of Sunrise Rotary Club, I knew a lot of the people involved. Right after I attended the first meeting they asked me if I would co-chair.”

Some argue that Escondido has created its financial problems and should live within its means. MacKinnon responds: “I think the city has tried as hard as they can to cut services without impacting the quality of life—but the cuts have started to severely impact quality of life.”

The city’s financial woes have made it harder to do things in the city, “like running a business, or getting a permit or putting on a parade.” The city, she said, “has raised the cost of lights for Pop Warner and increased fees for recreation and as a whole. The city is not as responsive to citizens as it should be. That’s because they don’t have the people, because they don’t have the money to pay them.”

Looking at the last decade, said MacKinnon, “although Escondido’s budget as a whole has increased, they have cut $50 million out of the budget. Some of them have been getting more efficient, 24 ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024

better contracts, but the most detrimental is the hiring freeze.”

If this goes on, in five years MacKinnon sees “an angry business community. I see increased wait times for police and fire to the point where it’s almost life threatening. I see parks that are abandoned, overgrown and not serviced. I see the city council being forced to start retail pot and retail dispensaries and I see that money barely closing the gap.”

Regarding such dispensaries, she says, “The anticipated revenue is $3 million on a good day and we need $18 million a year to pay CalPERS. That’s just paying our bills ad not investing in anything.”

Finally, “I see more people my age (44) seeking other options.

So many of my age have opted out of Escondido . People in their 30s and 40s are picking other places to live. They are missing out because Escondido doesn’t have a freeway running through us.

We have a sense of location. There are treasures all over town and places that can be made better. “ Noting that Escondido’s motto is “City of Choice,” she concludes.

“That probably won’t be our motto anymore if Measure I doesn’t pass.”

She adds, “A while ago the city had a really bad mission statement: ‘Safe, clean and reliable.’ I think they went by that when they were doing these cuts, because that is all we are holding onto. Basic services. When you are in a crisis there is no possibility for vision.”

The measure, she notes, will last for ten city councils, assuming you get a new council every two years “So there are ten possibilities to change the city council if you don’t like it.”

We also talked to Escondido businessman and philanthropist George Weir who began, “I am involved with the Measure I initiative simply because I care for our city! As an Escondido native, I have been privileged to live and work here for my entire life. I feel a great responsibility to our City and to everyone who calls it home.”

Weir continued, “I want this to be clear: this is not political for me - this is about ‘quality of life’! Public safety is an important component, so I’m glad to support our local police and fire departments.

At the same time, I want our city to also have the funds necessary to support the things that make Escondido unique and give people a reason to feel proud to live here. And the California Center For The Arts, Escondido is right up there at the top of my list!”

Weir concluded, “The City’s funding issues are complex and long-standing. I see Measure I as a tremendously impactful way to solve this problem. I haven’t heard of any other viable solution to address the City’s structural deficit. That is why I have joined other citizens of Escondido to offer a remedy that will actually make a difference. I hope that everyone will join me in voting YES on Measure I.” To find out more visit: Escondidocitizens.org.

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ESCONDIDO ENVIRONMENT

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RE+ -- the largest and most comprehensive event in North America for the clean energy industry -- was held this month at the Anaheim Convention Center. This year’s festivities included nearly 50,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibitors. It was an incredibly inspiring and encouraging event which prominently displayed new technology surfacing in the solar energy sector. This annual event showcases the business of solar, energy storage, micro grids and electric vehicles. Here are a few themes that stood out: • Inclusion of all diverse groups into the solar family.

• The presentation of safe new products and solutions from all sectors within the clean energy industry. Solar roofs, solar panels, battery storage systems, home energy automation, EV chargers, and bidirectional charging batteries were on display.

• Training and developing a new set of highly qualified field service professionals to not only install but service assets for the long term; to ensure systems peak efficiency for their 20+ year lifespan.

• Trusted solar service partners for home and business owners.

California solar companies needed this encouragement after The California Public Utilities Commission approved Net Metering 3.0 (Net Billing Tarrif), which devastated the local rooftop solar industry. After years of being the leaders of the industry, late 2023 and early 2024 saw local business owners and homeowners lose confidence that solar could even be any longer financially advantageous. Many companies went out of business; all companies had significant layoffs. But like a phoenix from the ashes, the California solar industry is rising up and adapting to the new circumstances presented by the Newsome administration’s decision to destroy the solar industry in California.

For years, homeowners have been asking for storage batteries in order to be more independent of the utilities. Now is the time. The Tesla Powerwall 3.0 is a compact, beautiful battery

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that stores homeowner’s solar production during the day so it can be used in the evening and especially during the peak hours when electricity rates are substantially higher. If the sizing of the system is right, very little solar energy will be returned to the utility grid.

It is a rechargeable lithium-iron battery that stores electricity for solar self-consumption, time of use load shifting and whole home backup during black outs. The Tesla Powerwall 3, with its built-in 11.5 kW inverter, is at the top of the market because it provides reliable back up for an entire house, and the solar panels will keep the battery charged at all times in case of an emergency or a grid failure. This is something that was not available a short time ago and the simplistic design of Tesla’s new battery reduces the amount of equipment needed for an installation and greatly reduces the amount of labor, leading to lower projects installation costs for homeowners. An optional Tesla Backup Switch can be installed to avoid lengthy wait times, having to upgrade a main service panel with SDGE, and allows for faster installation and commissioning.

The Franklin aPowerX Lithium-Iron Phosphate battery (sometimes referred to as “LFP”) came on the market in 2022. LFP chemistry has low flammability and is safe for residential and commercial use. The FranklinWH system helps save money during times of the day when electricity rates are at their highest, and also provides power after sundown and provides back-up power in the event of grid outage. The FranklinWH team prominently displayed their impressive battery system at RE+ this year and new features, such as a more powerful battery with a new meter collar to feed power straight behind the utility meter, as well as increased warranties.

These are two examples of the many batteries that are out on the market today, and it appears next year we can look forward to many new products that will provide homowner’s more options and lower prices.

Even though the Recent changes in Net Energy Metering by the 28 ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024

CPUC has raised questions about the feasibility of installing solar, going solar has never made more sense. Bahram Shadzi, President of Cosmic Solar gives us some of the main reasons: • The costs of electricity continue to go up by double digits each and every year. There is no end in sight.

• The cost of a typical solar system has been reduced dramatically during the past several years.

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• Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries are now vastly available. They are higher quality with even more capacity.

• In order to maximize savings, you can now add a battery to store excess electricity generated (instead of feeding it to the grid for little credit) and is then used during peak hours when electricity rates are the highest.

• Federal Tax Credit pays you 30% on the entire cost of the system plus generous cash rebates on batteries are still available, keeping your payback roughly the same as before.

• Many zero-down, lease and fixed financing options provide lower monthly payment compared to the utility bill. Savings go up every year as costs of electricity increase.

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At Cosmic Solar and Roofing, we are committed to providing you with your best and most cost-effective options and will answer all of your questions. Again, minimizing your electric bills and gaining true energy independence has never made more sense and has never been easier. For further information go to www.cosmicsolar.com or call 760-749-1111.

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ESCONDIDO HEALTH

ESCONDIDO MAYOR DANE WHITE JOINED OTHER VIPS FOR THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY. SHOWN ARE (FROM LEFT) MARC SCHAEFER OF SENATOR BRIAN JONES’S OFFICE; ADRIENNE CISNEROS-SELEKMAN, COMMUNITY LIAISON OF SUPERVISOR JIM DESMOND’S OFFICE; JENN IRVING, VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHCARE; ALEX NUNEZ, CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER, NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHCARE; DR RAKESH PATEL, CEO, NEIGHBORHOOD; DANE WHITE, MAYOR OF ESCONDIDO; DR JOSEPH JORDAN, DENTAL DIRECTOR, NEIGHBORHOOD; KRISTI PARNEL, CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER, NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHCARE; DEBBE DAMRON OF WHITE CONSTRUCTION, TONY GOULART OF WHITE CONSTRUCTION; ELIZABETH AHUMADA, VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS, NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHCARE AND ARCHITECT HEATHER MOORE.

Neighborhood Healthcare breaks ground on new Escondido dental location Neighborhood Healthcare, a regional Federally Qualified Health Center last week broke ground on its Ohio Street dental location.

The fully staffed facility will serve nearly 18,000 patients in its first year alone, including more than 9,000 children and youth ages 0 to 19.

“Escondido is where we began more than 50 years ago, and we’re proud to expand our dental services in the area,” said Rakesh Patel, MD, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare. “We believe a healthy community is a prosperous one. This new facility exemplifies our long-standing commitment to providing quality, compassionate whole-person care for everyone, regardless of circumstance, to individuals and families in Escondido.”

30 ESCONDIDO MAGAZINE | FALL 2024

Once up and operational, the facility will include state-of-the-art dental equipment and staff adding more capabilities to Escondido.

The new building is expected to open in 2025.

This initiative is part of Neighborhood Healthcare’s larger expansion strategy across Southern California. The non-profit’s current $10 million capital campaign will provide more families access to quality healthcare in San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

The City of Escondido Mayor Dane White, Deputy Mayor Christian Garcia and Councilmember Jim Garcia attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

ESCONDIDO HEALTH

SUPERVISOR JIM DESMOND, ESCONDIDO MAYOR DANE WHITE AND VISTA MAYOR JOHN FRANKLIN AT LAST WEEK’S GROUNDBREAKING OF THE PALOMAR HEALTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INSTITUTE. PHOTO BY LENNY KERBS

Palomar Health breaks ground on new behavioral health facility Palomar Health broke ground September 12 on Palomar Health Behavioral Health Institute, a new, state-of-the-art behavioral health facility being developed through a joint venture partnership with Lifepoint Behavioral Health, a business unit of Lifepoint Health.

This facility, located in Escondido, will provide much-needed care for adolescents, adults and geriatric patients across San Diego County.

“At Palomar Health, our commitment to reimagining healthcare is driven by our dedication to meet the evolving needs of our community,” said Diane Hansen, President and CEO of Palomar Health. “The Palomar Health Behavioral Health Institute represents a significant step in adapting and growing to provide exceptional, patient-centered care. Partnering with Lifepoint Behavioral Health will help us further our goal of addressing behavioral healthcare fears and creating a supportive environment that truly fulfills the needs of those we serve.”

The two-story facility will have 120 beds and provide 84,700 square feet of indoor and outdoor recovery space. Palomar Health Behavioral Health Institute will offer an environment that co-facilitates a healing experience alongside comprehensive recovery programs. Features include atriums, natural light, art and pleasant furnishings—all promoting a warm, calm environment supportive of socialization and engagement among patients within the facility.

This investment in behavioral healthcare follows a similarly innovative partnership between Palomar Health and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, also a business unit of Lifepoint Health, to bring comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation care to the greater San Diego community.

“This is an exciting day for our team as we break ground and begin construction on Palomar Health Behavioral Health Institute,” said Russ Bailey, president of Lifepoint Behavioral Health and Lifepoint Rehabilitation. “Our ongoing partnership with Palomar Health has proven our commitment to expanding access to vitally needed inpatient rehabilitation and behavioral health services to the communities we serve. We share a commitment to evidence-driven, patient-centered care, and I look forward to seeing all that we accomplish together on behalf of our patients in the greater San Diego region.”

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