Escondido

Escondido is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. It was incorporated in 1888 and has a population of 151,038 as of the 2020 census. The city is known as Eskondiid in Kumeyaay, which means "hidden treasure" The city was home to a largely Spanish-speaking population in the first census, taken in 1850 when California became a state. In 1853, pro-Southern Copperheads proposed dividing the state of California to create a new Territory of Colorado. The proposal for splitting the state and creating the new territory passed in the California legislature, but died in Congress in the run-up to the Civil War. The Battle of San Pasqual was fought southeast of Escondido in 1846, during the MexicanAmerican War. It pitted Mexican forces under Andrés Pico (brother of then-California-governor Pío Pico) against Americans under Stephen W. Kearny, Archibald Gillespie, and Kit Carson. A park in Escondado is named for Carson. In the early 1900s, a group of Los Angeles investors purchased the land for $100,000. On December 1885, investors incorporated the Escondidos Land and Town Company, and in 1886, the company purchased the 12,814-acre (2.52 km) area for approximately $100.000. Two years later, the newly formed Escondridos Land & Town Company was incorporated. The company later sold the land to the Los Angeles Rancho Rincon del Diablo for $8000.

Etymology

Escondido is the primary city name, but also Elfin Forest are acceptable city names or spellings. "Escondido" is a Spanish word meaning "hidden". One source says the name originally referred to agua escondida or hidden water; another says it meant "hidden treasure" The city is known as Eskondiid in Kumeyaay. It is also known as "Eskondiad" or "Ekondiadi" in Yucatán. The city's name means "hidden water" in Spanish. It was also used to refer to hidden water in ancient times. The name is now used to mean "hidden treasures" in the city's history. It also means 'hidden treasure' in the Yucatan language. It means'hidden treasure' or 'hidden water' in Spanish, and 'treasure' in Yecatan. It's also used as a name for a type of water in the town of Kumeyay, which is also called "Eksondiag" or 'Ekonda' in English. It has been known to mean 'hidden treasures' in other languages, such as Spanish. The word is also used in the title of a book, "The Hidden Treasure of the City of Eskondido", which was written in the 16th century. It refers to a hidden treasure in the area. It can also mean'hidden water' or a 'hidden river' in a different version of the same name, "Agua Escondida", which means hidden water. It may also refer to a kind of water that runs through the city, or a hidden river.

History

Escondido was first settled by the Luiseño, who established campsites and villages along the creek running through the area. The Kumeyaay migrated from areas near the Colorado River, settling both in the San Pasqual Valley and near the San Dieguito River. Most of what is now Escondido occupies the former Rancho Rincon del Diablo, a Mexican land grant given to Juan Bautista Alvarado in 1843. In 1853, pro-Southern Copperheads proposed dividing the state of California to create a new Territory of Colorado. The proposal for splitting the state and creating the new territory passed in the California legislature, but died in Congress in the run-up to the Civil War. The decade of the 1880s is known as the "Southern California Land Boom" because so many people moved to the state. After a dam was built in 1894-1895 to form what is today known as Lake Wohlford, orange and lemon trees were planted in large numbers. Escondidos was primarily an agricultural community, growing muscat grapes, walnuts, and olive trees. The city was home to a largely Spanish-speaking population in the first census, taken in 1850 when California became a state. In 1886, investors incorporated the EscONDido Land and Company, and the 12,852-acre (2.2 km) town was incorporated as a city in 1888. The opening of the U.S. Route 395 in 1930 boosted economic growth.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.0 square miles (96 km²) The city is growing at a rapid rate. The city proper is surrounded by several sparsely populated unincorporated communities. Escondido has a borderline semi-arid climate (Köppen: Bsh) with hot summers and cool wet winters. The hottest temperature recorded inEscondido was 115 °F on September 6, 2020, and the coldest temperature recorded was 13 °F in January 1901 and 1913. Yearly precipitation averages around 15 inches (380 mm) and can vary considerably from year to year. Rainfall totals are higher in the hills to the north and east, with 20-24 inches falling in most areas above 2,000 feet elevation, and over 30 inches on Palomar Mountain, 15 miles east. More than 80% of all precipitation takes place from November through March. The climate is mild enough to allow widespread cultivation of avocados and oranges. It is considerably warmer than coastal cities like San Diego, Carlsbad or Oceanside during the summertime, and cooler in the winter. The area around Dixon Lake is a popular place for picnics, and Dixon Lake has been granted an Aquaculture Permit by the State of California. Fish fishing licenses are no longer required, but all anglers eight years and older will need a concession stand at the lake. Each year the city keeps stocking different types of fish, which include catfish, crappie and trout, at Dixon Lake.

Demographics

In the 2010 United States Census, Escondido had a population of 143,911. The racial makeup of the city was 60.4% White (Non-Hispanic White 40.4%), 2.5% African American (2.1% Non-Hispanic black), 1.0% Native American, 6.1%. There were 45,050 housing units at an average density of 479.4/km² (1,241.6/mi2). In 2000, there were 133,559 people, 43,817 households, and 31,153 families residing in the city. The average household size was 3.12, and the average family size was3.57. The city's median income for a household in the 2010 census was $42,542, and for a family of four or more, it was $60,816. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the city's population will rise to 143,000 by the end of the next census in 2010, with a population growth rate of 0.7%. The city has a population density of 3,890.7 inhabitants per square mile (1.502.2/km 2) and a population share of 38.70% (38.70%) of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 48,044 housing units, of which 23,759 (52.2%) were owner-occupied, and 21,725 (47.8%) were occupied by renters.

Economy

The Farmers Market in downtown Escondido is a certified Farmers Market that showcases fresh-picked California-grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Westfield North County, which opened in 1986, is an indoor shopping mall on Via Rancho Parkway. Stone Brewing Co. moved its headquarters and brewery from San Marcos, California to a new, much larger facility in the Quail Hills area ofEscondido. Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps is also located in the city. Out of the approximately 64,000 employed civilian residents over the age of 16, 15% work in educational, health care and social services; 13% in retail trade; 13%. in construction; 12% in professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services; 11% in arts, entertainment, recreation, and accommodation and food services. According to the city's 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in theCity are:. The city's largest employer is Stone Brewing Company, which has more than 1,000 employees. It is also home to a number of other well-known brands, including Westfield, Macy's, Target, and Abercrombie & Fitch, as well as a variety of health care providers, such as the University of California, San Diego and the San Diego Health System. It also has a large number of non-profit organizations, including the local chapter of the American Nursery and Life Sciences Institute, which provides health care services to low-income families.

Arts and culture

Downtown has become more active in the past few years with the opening of restaurants, cafes, and galleries. The Mingei International Museum, a well-known museum of folk art from around the world, occupied the former J.C. Penney building on Grand Avenue from 2003 to 2010. Grape Day Park with the civic center and the California Center for the Arts features two theaters, a visual arts museum, an educational complex, and a conference center. The History Center features the city's original Santa Fe Depot, first library, Victorian house, barn, and blacksmith shop. On Friday evenings a car rally called Cruisin' Grand takes place on seven blocks of Grand Avenue, featuring pre-1970 vintage cars every year from April to September. The Escondido Arts Partnership, a non-profit art organization established in 1995, created and hosts the Second Saturday Art Walk, involving several galleries and museums. It also has a Municipal Gallery including five galleries and five art study spaces. It operates the Betty Woodaman Memorial Art Library, a donated-based art library that offers art books local community, and publishes an annual collection of poetry and art called "Summation". The city has a municipal gallery with five galleries, and an art study space for art students. The city also has an art gallery for adults and a museum for children up to 10 years of age, with an authentically regional perspective on natural and social science. It is located on N Broadway, across the street from the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum.

Sports

In 1981, Escondido National Little League became the 19th team to make it to the Little League World Series from the state of California. In October 2010, Merritt Paulson, owner of the AAA Portland Beavers franchise, announced that the team was being sold to the North County Baseball ownership group. The plan to move the team fell through in late 2011. The San Diego Sabers of the United States Premier Hockey League play at the Iceoplex inEscondido. From 1964 to 1968, the San Diego Chargers held training camp in Escondidos. The city council voted to go ahead with the ballpark in December 2010. The stadium was slated to open in April 2013, but the plans fell through. The team is now based in San Diego, where it plays in the California League and the California Diamondbacks of the California Independent Baseball Association. It is the only team in the league to play in both the California and Nevada divisions. The club is also the only one in the state to have won the California State Little League Championship. It also won the Southern California Divisional Tournament at Youth Athletic Park in 1981. The U.S. Premier Hockey league's San DiegoSabers play in the city. The franchise is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and plays in San Francisco. The Sabers are a member of the National Hockey League's San Francisco Bay Area franchise. They are based at the San Fransisco Scandinavian Leafs Arena.

Parks and recreation

Daley Ranch is a 3,058-acre (12.38 km²) conservation area acquired in 1996 by the City of Escondido. It is managed in perpetuity for the preservation of a biologically unique and diverse habitat area of regional importance. Daley Ranch has over 20 miles (32 km) of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Wildlife include deer, coyote, bobcats, rabbits and hawks. Cougars are sometimes present, but not frequently seen. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located within the city limits of San Diego. The park's numerous mature trees create plenty of shady areas and tables are provided for picnics. There are several trails that follow the shoreline of Dixon Lake, as well as several fishing areas and floating docks on both sides of the lake. While entrance to the park is free, the city charges $5.00 on Saturdays and Sundays for taking a car into the park. The city has 15 parks, including Grape Day Park, which is named after the annual grape day harvest, an event held on the first Saturday after Labor Day from 1908 to 1950. It also has a 25-yard swimming pool and water slide, and a smaller children's pool. It features lighted facilities for baseball, softball, tennis and basketball, and is located in the San Pasqual Valley neighborhood. It was built about 2008 (approximate date) and is about 4,000 acres (18,000 m2) in size.

Government

Escondido is governed by a council-manager system. The city council consists of a mayor and four City Council members. A 2005 nationwide study listed the city of Escondido as one of the most conservative cities in America. Approximately half of the population is Hispanic. In 2006 the city council proposed and then abandoned an ordinance to punish landlords who rent to illegal immigrants. Due to a public outcry and legal challenges to that proposed housing ordinance, as well as the election of Diaz to the City Council, the council has ceased any overt measures against illegal immigrants and now focuses on "quality of life" issues instead. Since 2010 federal immigration officials have worked out of the Escondito police station in an unprecedented city-federal partnership. In the United States House of Representatives, Escondado is in California's 50th congressional district, represented by Republican Darrell Issa. The most recent election was held on November 3, 2020. The City is a member of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). The city is estimated to have lost as much as a quarter of its non-citizen population between 2006 and 2007; Latino activists attribute this to a perception of the city as hostile to immigrants. It is in the California State Legislature, represented in the 38th Senate District, and in the 75th Assembly District. The current City Manager is Sean McGlynn. The City Treasurer is Douglas Shultz. The  current mayor is Paul McNamara and the current City Council are Consuelo Martinez, Tina Inscoe, Jose M. Garcia, and Michael Morasco.

Air Quality, Water Quality, Superfund Sites & UV Index

The Air Quality index is in Escondido, San Diego County, California = 5.2. These Air Quality index is based on annual reports from the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The number of ozone alert days is used as an indicator of air quality, as are the amounts of seven pollutants including particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and volatile organic chemicals. The Water Quality Index is 75. A measure of the quality of an area’s water supply as rated by the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The EPA has a complex method of measuring the watershed quality, using 15 indicators such as pollutants, turbidity, sediments, and toxic discharges. The Superfund Sites Index is 70. Higher is better (100=best). Based upon the number and impact of EPA Superfund pollution sites in the county, including spending on the cleanup efforts. The UV Index in Escondido = 5.9 and is a measure of an area's exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. This is most often a combination of sunny weather, altitude, and latitude. The UV Index has been defined by the WHO (www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index) and is uniform worldwide.

Employed

The most recent city population of 151,038 individuals with a median age of 32.4 age the population grows by 4.22% in Escondido, San Diego County, California population since 2000 and are distributed over a density of 4,060.12 residents per square mile of area (1,567.61/km²). There are average 3.06 people per household in the 44,850 households with an average household income of $55,657 a year. The unemployment rate in Alabama is 11.00% of the available work force and has dropped -5.41% over the most recent 12-month period and the projected change in job supply over the next decade based on migration patterns, economic growth, and other factors will increase by 18.18%. The number of physicians in Escondido per 100,000 population = 243.9.

Weather

The annual rainfall in Escondido = 15.6 inches and the annual snowfall = 0 inches. The annual number of days with measurable precipitation (over .01 inch) = 44. The average number of days per year that are predominantly sunny = 266. 88 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily high temperature for the month of July and 37.7 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily low temperature for the month of January. The Comfort Index (higher=better) is 45, where higher values mean a more pleasant climate. The Comfort Index measure recognizes that humidity by itself isn't the problem. (Have you noticed nobody ever complains about the weather being 'cold and humid?) It's in the summertime that we notice the humidity the most, when it's hot and muggy. Our Comfort Index uses a combination of afternoon summer temperature and humidity to closely predict the effect that the humidity will have on people.

Median Home Cost

The percentage of housing units in Escondido, San Diego County, California which are owned by the occupant = 52.02%. A housing unit is a house, apartment, mobile home, or room occupied as separate living quarters. The average age of homes = 29 years with median home cost = $270,070 and home appreciation of -8.67%. This is the value of the years most recent home sales data. Its important to note that this is not the average (or arithmetic mean). The median home price is the middle value when you arrange all the sales prices of homes from lowest to highest. This is a better indicator than the average, because the median is not changed as much by a few unusually high or low values. The property tax rate of $7.35 shown here is the rate per $1,000 of home value. If for simplification for example the tax rate is $14.00 and the home value is $250,000, the property tax would be $14.00 x ($250,000/1000), or $3500. This is the 'effective' tax rate.

Study

The local school district spends $4,540 per student. There are 21 students for each teacher in the school, 146340 students for each Librarian and 1084 students for each Counselor. 6.33% of the area’s population over the age of 25 with an Associate Degree or other 2-year college degree, 13.54% with a master’s degree, Ph.D. or other advanced college degree and 6.56% with high school diplomas or high school equivalency degrees (GEDs).