Escondido, California

"Escondido" is a Spanish word meaning "hidden". One source says the name originally referred to agua escondida or hidden water or valley;{{cite book|last=Fetzer|first=Leland|title=San Diego County Place Names A to Z|year=2005|publisher=Sunbelt Publications Inc.|location=San Diego|isbn=978-0-932653-73-4|pages=44–45}} another says it meant "hidden treasure".{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n120 121]}}

The Escondido area was first settled by the Luiseño, who established campsites and villages along the creek running through the area. They named the place Mixéelum Pompáwvo or "Mehel-om-pom-pavo." The Luiseno also had another village north of Mixéelum Pompáwvo called Panakare.{{Cite web|title=American Indian Studies Program Provides Powerful Testimonial – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)|url=https://www2.palomar.edu/pages/dei/american-indian-studies-program-provides-powerful-testimonial/|access-date=December 6, 2020|website=www2.palomar.edu|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829165724/https://www2.palomar.edu/pages/dei/american-indian-studies-program-provides-powerful-testimonial/|url-status=live}} The Kumeyaay migrated from areas near the Colorado River, settling both in San Pasqual Valley and near the San Dieguito River in the southwestern and western portions of what is now Escondido. Most of the villages and campsites today have been destroyed by development and agriculture.{{cite web| url=http://www.library.escondido.org/pioneer/history.htm| title=The History of Escondido| publisher=Escondido Public Library| access-date=August 5, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315105101/http://www.library.escondido.org/pioneer/history.htm| archive-date=March 15, 2007}}

File:SanPasqual.jpg was a battle between American and Californio forces during the U.S. Conquest of California.]]

Spain controlled the land from the late 18th century to the early 19th century, and established many missions in California to convert the indigenous people. When Mexico gained its independence from Spain, the local land was divided into large ranchos. Most of what is now Escondido occupies the former Rancho Rincon del Diablo ("Devil's Corner"), a Mexican land grant given to Juan Bautista Alvarado (not the governor of the same name) in 1843 by Governor Manuel Micheltorena. Alvarado was a regidor of Los Angeles at the time, and the first Regidor of Pueblo San Diego. The southern part of Escondido occupies the former Rancho San Bernardo, granted in 1842 and 1845.{{cite book| last=Rush| first=Philip S.| title=Some old ranchos and adobes| year=1965| location=San Diego, California| pages=46, 47| chapter=Rincon del Diablo| lccn=65021995}}

In 1846, during the Mexican–American War, the Battle of San Pasqual was fought southeast of Escondido. This battle 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 Escondido is named for Carson.

File:Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway depot - Escondido, California.jpg depot in Escondido, {{circa|1887–1889}}|215x215px]]

The city was home to a largely Spanish-speaking population in the first census, taken in 1850 when California became a state. After statehood, non-Hispanic settlers came to Southern California in increasing numbers, many of them from the Midwestern states.{{cite web | url=https://www.californiahistoryteachers.com/blog/immigration-to-california-1850-1900 | title=Immigration to California: 1850-1900 }} The decade of the 1880s is known as the "Southern California Land Boom" because so many people moved to the state.

In 1853, pro-Southern Copperheads proposed dividing the state of California to create a new Territory of Colorado (at this time the territory that would become the state of Colorado was named "Jefferson"). San Diego Judge Oliver S. Witherby suggested placing the capitol of the new territory in Rancho Rincon del Diablo. He envisioned a railroad connecting San Diego to Fort Yuma through an area about two miles (3 km) south of the current Escondido site, heading east through San Pasqual. With a series of deeds in 1855 and 1856, the rancho was transferred from the heirs of Juan Bautista Alvarado to Witherby. He planned to profit from the town that he believed would be established from the dividing point on the railroad below the eastern hills.{{cite journal| last=Stanford| first=Leland G.| year=1978| title=Devil's Corner and Oliver S. Witherby| journal=Journal of San Diego History| volume=24| issue=2| url=http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/78spring/corner.htm| access-date=August 5, 2010| archive-date=June 4, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604224512/http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/78spring/corner.htm| url-status=live}} 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. It was effectively killed in 1861 when Congress organized the Territory of Colorado in the area previously occupied by the Jefferson Territory. With Witherby's vision of owning a bustling state capitol unrealized, he set up a mining operation on the rancho instead.

In 1868, Witherby sold the rancho for $8,000 to Edward McGeary and John, Josiah, and Matthew Wolfskill. McGeary owned half the rancho, while the three Wolfskill brothers each owned an equal share of the other half. John Wolfskill farmed sheep, horses, and cattle on the rancho for a number of years. Wolfskill had frequent conflicts with the Couts family, owners of the neighboring Guajome, Buena Vista, and San Marcos ranchos, over grazing lands and watering holes.

In October 1883, a group of Los Angeles investors purchased Rancho Rincon del Diablo. This group sold the land to the newly formed Escondido Company in 1884. On December 18, 1885, investors incorporated the Escondido Land and Town Company, and in 1886 this company purchased the {{convert|12814|acre|km2|0|adj=on}} area for approximately $100,000. Two years later, in 1888, Escondido was incorporated as a city; the vote was 64 in favor of cityhood with 12 votes against. The Santa Fe rail line was laid in the 1880s. The opening of U.S. Route 395 in 1930 boosted economic growth in Escondido.

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - San Pascual Valley Orchard Escondido.jpg

Escondido was primarily an agricultural community, growing muscat grapes initially. After a dam was built in 1894–1895 to form what is known today as Lake Wohlford, orange and lemon trees were planted in large numbers, as were olive and walnut trees. By the 1960s, avocados became the largest local crop. Since the 1970s, Escondido has lost most of its agricultural land to housing developments, but still retains a significant agricultural presence in the San Pasqual Valley, including vineyards, citrus orchards, and avocado orchards.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|37.0|sqmi|km2}}. {{convert|36.8|sqmi|km2}} of it is land and {{convert|0.2|sqmi|km2}} of it is water. The total area is 0.48% water.

Escondido is also bordered by San Marcos to the west and northern San Diego to the south.

The city contains several neighborhoods, including:

• File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Downtown Escondido Aerial.jpg Downtown Escondido centers on Grand Avenue between Centre City Parkway and the site of the old Palomar Hospital. The city's general plan defines the Downtown Specific Plan Area as approximately {{convert|460|acres|km2|1}} bounded by Centre City Parkway on the west, Hickory and Ivy Streets on the east, Washington Avenue on the north, and Fifth Avenue on the south, with an additional narrow section extending west along Valley Parkway to Interstate 15.{{Cite book| title=City of Escondido General Plan| chapter=II. Land Use| pages=141, 142, 169| chapter-url=http://www.escondido.org/Data/Sites/1/pdfs/Planning/GP/Section2.pdf| date=June 6, 1990| access-date=March 29, 2010| archive-date=May 5, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505194039/http://www.escondido.org/Data/Sites/1/pdfs/Planning/GP/Section2.pdf| url-status=live}} Downtown Escondido includes a mix of coffee shops, restaurants, assorted retail, art galleries, bakeries, a comedy club, and the newly renovated historic Ritz Theater.
• File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Escondido Historic District Neighborhood Afternoon.jpgOld Escondido Historic District is bounded by Escondido Boulevard on the west, Chestnut Street on the east, Fifth Avenue on the north, and Thirteenth Avenue on the south. This area is made up of mostly single-family residential housing{{Cite book| title=City of Escondido General Plan| chapter=II. Land Use| page=18| chapter-url=http://www.escondido.org/Data/Sites/1/pdfs/Planning/GP/Section2.pdf| date=June 6, 1990| access-date=March 29, 2010| archive-date=May 5, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505194039/http://www.escondido.org/Data/Sites/1/pdfs/Planning/GP/Section2.pdf| url-status=live}} built in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the Victorian and Craftsman styles and is a 5- to 10-minute walk to Grand Avenue in Downtown Escondido.

The Escondido Creek bisects the city. It originates at the {{ill|Lake Wohlford Dam|ceb|Lake Wohlford 834 Dam}} in the northeast, passes through downtown and leaves the city through the Harmony Grove area in the southwest before eventually emptying into the San Elijo Lagoon. The creek path through the city was developed into a concrete flood control channel in the 1960s. A Class I bicycle path runs along most of the channel's length.{{Cite report |first1=Karen |last1=Chieng |first2=Jason |last2=Andrews |first3=Katherine |last3=McNiel |first4=April Marshburn |last4=Miller |year=2010 |title=Revealing Escondido Creek |url=http://www.escondido.org/Data/Sites/1/media/pdfs/Neighborhood/RevealingEscondidoCreek.pdf |publisher=California State University, Pomona |page=62 |access-date=June 1, 2012 |archive-date=May 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506072551/http://www.escondido.org/Data/Sites/1/media/pdfs/Neighborhood/RevealingEscondidoCreek.pdf |url-status=live }}

The community of Valley Center is located just northeast of Escondido. Valley View Casino, owned by the San Pasqual Band of Diegueno Mission Indians, is located in Valley Center.

Natural vegetation types in the Escondido area include chaparral brushland, oak woodland, riparian (stream) woodland, and grassland. The Daley Ranch Preserve north of the city provides a good location to view these natural vegetation types.

{{wide image|Mark Skovorodko Photography - Escondido Geography Aerial.jpg|1000px|alt=Looking south across Escondido from over Dixon Lake. At the very left in the distance is the peak of El Cajon Mountain, with Mount Woodson looming closer at left of center. Farther right is the flattened rise of Twin Peaks, with Black Mountain at right side of the frame.|Looking south across Escondido from over Dixon Lake. At the very left in the distance is the peak of El Cajon Mountain, with Mount Woodson looming closer at left of center. Farther right is the flattened rise of Twin Peaks, with Black Mountain at right side of the frame.}}

Escondido has a borderline semi-arid climate (Köppen: Bsh) and hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csa) with hot summers and cool, wet winters. Owing to its inland setting, it is considerably warmer than coastal cities like San Diego, Carlsbad or Oceanside during the summertime, and cooler in the winter. Yearly precipitation averages around {{convert|15|in|mm}} and can vary considerably from year to year. Rainfall totals are higher in the hills to the north and east, with {{Convert|20-24|in|mm}} falling in most areas above {{Convert|2,000|ft|m}} in elevation, and over {{Convert|30|in|mm}} on Palomar Mountain, {{Convert|15|mi|km}} to the east. More than 80% of all precipitation takes place from November through March. Snow is virtually unheard of, though occasionally winter and springtime thunderstorms will drop small hail. The climate is mild enough to allow widespread cultivation of avocados and oranges. Escondido is located in a plant hardiness zone 10a. The hottest temperature recorded in Escondido was {{Convert|115|F|C}} on September 6, 2020. The coldest temperature recorded in Escondido was {{Convert|13|F|C}} on January 2, 1901, and January 7, 1913.{{cite web|url=https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sgx|title=National Weather Service – NWS San Diego|last=Team|first=National Weather Service Corporate Image Web|website=w2.weather.gov|language=EN-US|access-date=November 30, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426005251/https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sgx|url-status=live}}

{{Weather box

|location = Escondido No 2, California (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present)

|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 92

|Feb record high F = 95

|Mar record high F = 97

|Apr record high F = 103

|May record high F = 106

|Jun record high F = 109

|Jul record high F = 112

|Aug record high F = 103

|Sep record high F = 115

|Oct record high F = 106

|Nov record high F = 100

|Dec record high F = 96

|Jan avg record high F = 83.0

|Feb avg record high F = 83.3

|Mar avg record high F = 85.9

|Apr avg record high F = 90.3

|May avg record high F = 92.1

|Jun avg record high F = 94.4

|Jul avg record high F = 98.1

|Aug avg record high F = 99.7

|Sep avg record high F = 101.8

|Oct avg record high F = 96.8

|Nov avg record high F = 88.5

|Dec avg record high F = 80.9

|year avg record high F = 104.7

| Jan high F = 68.8

| Feb high F = 68.7

| Mar high F = 71.0

| Apr high F = 74.2

| May high F = 76.7

| Jun high F = 81.9

| Jul high F = 87.2

| Aug high F = 89.0

| Sep high F = 86.9

| Oct high F = 80.8

| Nov high F = 74.6

| Dec high F = 68.0

| year high F = 77.3

| Jan mean F = 56.8

| Feb mean F = 57.3

| Mar mean F = 59.9

| Apr mean F = 63.0

| May mean F = 66.6

| Jun mean F = 71.1

| Jul mean F = 75.8

| Aug mean F = 77.2

| Sep mean F = 75.0

| Oct mean F = 69.1

| Nov mean F = 61.9

| Dec mean F = 55.9

| year mean F = 65.8

| Jan low F = 44.8

| Feb low F = 45.9

| Mar low F = 48.9

| Apr low F = 51.8

| May low F = 56.4

| Jun low F = 60.2

| Jul low F = 64.4

| Aug low F = 65.3

| Sep low F = 63.1

| Oct low F = 57.3

| Nov low F = 49.1

| Dec low F = 43.8

|year low F = 54.3

|Jan avg record low F = 34.0

|Feb avg record low F = 36.4

|Mar avg record low F = 39.4

|Apr avg record low F = 43.1

|May avg record low F = 48.0

|Jun avg record low F = 52.5

|Jul avg record low F = 58.0

|Aug avg record low F = 57.6

|Sep avg record low F = 54.1

|Oct avg record low F = 47.1

|Nov avg record low F = 39.0

|Dec avg record low F = 33.4

|year avg record low F = 31.7

|Jan record low F = 13

|Feb record low F = 20

|Mar record low F = 20

|Apr record low F = 24

|May record low F = 30

|Jun record low F = 35

|Jul record low F = 38

|Aug record low F = 36

|Sep record low F = 32

|Oct record low F = 25

|Nov record low F = 20

|Dec record low F = 15

|precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation inch = 3.19

| Feb precipitation inch = 3.57

| Mar precipitation inch = 2.20

| Apr precipitation inch = 0.99

| May precipitation inch = 0.35

| Jun precipitation inch = 0.09

| Jul precipitation inch = 0.12

| Aug precipitation inch = 0.06

| Sep precipitation inch = 0.16

| Oct precipitation inch = 0.57

| Nov precipitation inch = 1.08

| Dec precipitation inch = 2.14

|year precipitation inch = 14.52

| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

| Jan precipitation days = 6.4

| Feb precipitation days = 6.9

| Mar precipitation days = 5.8

| Apr precipitation days = 4.0

| May precipitation days = 2.6

| Jun precipitation days = 0.9

| Jul precipitation days = 0.7

| Aug precipitation days = 0.4

| Sep precipitation days = 1.0

| Oct precipitation days = 2.3

| Nov precipitation days = 3.7

| Dec precipitation days = 6.3

|year precipitation days =

|source 1 = NOAA{{cite web | url =https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sgx | title =NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data | publisher =National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | access-date =November 30, 2018 | archive-date =April 26, 2021 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20210426005251/https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sgx | url-status =live }} |access-date = February 8, 2021

{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00042863&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Escondido #2, CA

|access-date = May 24, 2023

}}

}}

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Dixon Lake Boating Escondido.jpg

{{Main|Dixon Lake, Escondido}}

Dixon Lake is located in the north of Escondido. It is a popular place for picnics, camping, and fishing. Dixon Lake has been granted an Aquaculture Permit by the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, so that fishing licenses are no longer required. However, all anglers eight years and older will need daily lake fishing permits, which are available at the concession stand. Throughout the year, the city keeps stocking different types of fish, which include bass, bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, and trout. Each year the Trout Derby event is also hosted at Dixon Lake.{{cite web| title=Dixon Lake| url=http://www.escondido.org/dixon-lake.aspx| publisher=City of Escondido| access-date=July 10, 2017| archive-date=June 27, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627201704/https://www.escondido.org/dixon-lake.aspx| url-status=live}}

{{US Census population

| 1890 = 541

| 1900 = 755

| 1930 = 3421

| 1940 = 4560

| 1950 = 6544

| 1960 = 16377

| 1970 = 36792

| 1980 = 64355

| 1990 = 108635

| 2000 = 133559

| 2010 = 143911

| 2020 = 151038

| estyear = 2023

| estimate = 149799

| estref = {{cite web|url=https://dof.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/352/Forecasting/Demographics/Documents/E-1_2023PressRelease.pdf|title=State's Population Decline Slows While Housing Grows per New State Demographic Report|access-date=September 4, 2023|archive-date=June 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622050408/https://dof.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/352/Forecasting/Demographics/Documents/E-1_2023PressRelease.pdf|url-status=dead}}

| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015|archive-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701194652/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|url-status=live}}

}}

In the 2010 United States Census,{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0622804|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715024748/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0622804|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Escondido city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}} Escondido had a population of 143,911. The population density was {{convert|3,890.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup was 60.4% White (Non-Hispanic White 40.4%), 2.5% African American (2.1% Non-Hispanic black), 1.0% Native American, 6.1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 25.4% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 48.9% of the population.{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0622804.html |title=Escondido (city), California |work=State & County QuickFacts |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=January 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106032814/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0622804.html |archive-date=January 6, 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Race and Hispanic Origin for Selected Cities and Other Places: Earliest Census to 1990 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812191959/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |archive-date=August 12, 2012 }}

The Census reported that 141,792 people (98.5% of the population) lived in households, 1,333 (0.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 786 (0.5%) were institutionalized.

There were 45,484 households, out of which 18,989 (41.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 23,535 (51.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 6,082 (13.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 3,115 (6.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 3,121 (6.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 343 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 9,528 households (20.9%) were made up of individuals, and 4,235 (9.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.12. There were 32,732 families (72.0% of all households); the average family size was 3.57.

The age distribution of the population showed 39,778 people (27.6%) under the age of 18, 15,455 people (10.7%) aged 18 to 24, 41,043 people (28.5%) aged 25 to 44, 32,551 people (22.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 15,084 people (10.5%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

There were 48,044 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,298.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}, of which 23,759 (52.2%) were owner-occupied, and 21,725 (47.8%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.0%. 70,936 people (49.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 70,856 people (49.2%) lived in rental housing units.

As of the census{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website |archive-date=December 27, 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/ |url-status=live }} of 2000, there were 133,559 people, 43,817 households, and 31,153 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,421.4/km{{sup|2}} (3,680.9/mi²). There were 45,050 housing units at an average density of 479.4/km{{sup|2}} (1,241.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 67.82% White, 2.25% African American, 1.23% Native American, 4.46% Asian, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 19.19% from other races, and 4.81% from two or more races. 38.70% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 43,817 households, out of which 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.50.

In the city, the age distribution of the population showed 29.7% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 17.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,567, and the median income for a family was $48,456. Males had a median income of $32,627 versus $27,526 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,241. 13.4% of the population and 9.3% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 17.9% of those under the age of 18 and 5.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

The city can be divided into two demographically distinct areas. Peripheral hilly areas to the north, southeast, and southwest are relatively wealthy and populated by non-Hispanic whites, and flat areas adjacent to the downtown are predominantly Hispanic. As of 2006–07 school year, non-Hispanic white children comprised 71.7% of all students in Bernardo Elementary School (southwest), 60.8% of all students in L.R. Green Elementary School (southeast), and 54.7% of all students in Reidy Creek Elementary School (north); In contrast, Farr Avenue, Pioneer and Lincoln Elementary schools (three large schools just north of the downtown) all have more than 85% of Hispanic and less than 6% non-Hispanic white students.

Escondido ranks in the top 5 neighborhoods of San Diego with the highest crime rate as of 2022. Escondido's crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. Escondido's Crime Rate is 72% higher than the national average. The chance of being the victim of a crime in Escondido in 1 in 14.{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Crimegrade - Most dangerous areas of Escondido CA |url=https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-escondido-ca/}} Escondido crime rates rank similar to El Cajon, National City, Oceanside, Lemon Grove, Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, and Santa Ana.{{Cite web |title=San Diego Crime Rates |url=https://neighborhoodscout.com }}{{Cite web |title=Escondido - CrimeGreade |url=https://crimegrade.org/}} The most dangerous neighborhoods in Escondido are Harmony Grove, Vineyard, Midway, Central Escondido, and South Boulevard. The safest neighborhoods in Escondido are Felicita, East Valley, Kit Carson, and East Canyon.{{Cite web |title=Escondido Neighborhood Safety |url=https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-escondido-ca/}}

Like many other cities, Escondido has struggled with gangs and gang activity. Escondido saw the most gang related activity from 1970–2010. Most notable gangs from Escondido are the Diablos (Also known as Escondido Diablos Viejos, Escondido Viejo Diablos, and Varrio Esco Viejo), Westside (Also known as West Side Gang, WSG, and Westsiders), Santos (Also known as VES and Saints),

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Palomar Hospital Escondido.jpg

Residents work in a range of industries. 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; 11% in manufacturing; and 11% in other services.{{cite web| url=https://www.census.gov| title=C24050. Industry by occupation for the civilian employed population 16 years and older| work=2006–2008 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| access-date=August 1, 2010| archive-date=December 27, 1996| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/| url-status=live}}

According to the city's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,{{cite web |title=Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023 |url=https://www.escondido.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6084/Escondido-2023-ACFR-022924-PDF |access-date= |publisher=City of Escondido}} the top employers in the city are:

In 2006, Stone Brewing Co. moved its headquarters and brewery from San Marcos, California to a new, much larger facility in the Quail Hills area of Escondido.{{cite news| last=Fikes| first=Bradley J.| title=Stone Brewing Co. grows in Escondido| url=http://www.nctimes.com/business/article_abd07f96-d6aa-5469-b743-2eaa958a6b92.html| newspaper=North County Times| date=March 5, 2006| access-date=May 24, 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201160926/http://www.nctimes.com/business/article_abd07f96-d6aa-5469-b743-2eaa958a6b92.html| archive-date=February 1, 2010| df=mdy-all}} Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps is also located in the city.

• The Farmers Market in downtown Escondido is a certified Farmers Market that showcases fresh-picked California-grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers.{{cite web| title= Farmers market| url= https://www.escondido.org/farmers-market.aspx| publisher= City of Escondido| access-date= July 10, 2017| archive-date= September 3, 2017| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170903074337/https://www.escondido.org/farmers-market.aspx| url-status= live}}
• The Escondido Swap Market has operated over 40 years, and features used and new merchandise and food.{{cite web| title= Escondido World Market| url= http://www.escondidowm.com/contents/home.aspx| publisher= Escondido World Market| access-date= July 10, 2017| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170807100838/http://www.escondidowm.com/contents/home.aspx| archive-date= August 7, 2017| url-status= dead}}
• Westfield North County, which opened in 1986, is an indoor shopping mall on Via Rancho Parkway in southern Escondido. It features JC Penney, Macy's, and Target.

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Escondido Historic Downtown Aerial.jpg

File:1st Marine Division Band hosts annual concert in Escondido DVIDS397893.jpg performing at the Escondido Arts Center|251x251px]]

Downtown has become more active in the past few years with the opening of restaurants, cafes, and galleries.

A satellite location of 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.{{cite web | url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2010/apr/02/escondido-mingei-museum-closure-more-bad-news-for/ | title=ESCONDIDO: Mingei museum closure more bad news for downtown | date=April 2, 2010 | access-date=June 5, 2016 | archive-date=August 5, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805214927/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2010/apr/02/escondido-mingei-museum-closure-more-bad-news-for/ | url-status=live }} One block off Grand Ave. is Grape Day Park with the civic center and the California Center for the Arts, which features two theaters, a visual arts museum, an educational complex, and a conference center. Grape Day Park also hosts the Escondido History Center, an independent non-profit museum. San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, across the street on N Broadway, features hands-on exhibits and programs for children up to 10 years of age, with an authentically regional perspective on natural and social science. The History Center features the city's original Santa Fe Depot, first library, Victorian house, barn, and blacksmith shop. The Pioneer Room of Escondido Public Library (located in the Mathes Center building next to the Main Library) offers photographs, maps, oral histories, genealogical collections, directories and yearbooks documenting Escondido's history.[http://www.library.escondido.org/pioneer/index.htm Pioneer Room] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108190205/http://www.library.escondido.org/pioneer/index.htm |date=January 8, 2007 }} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.escondido.org/cruisin-grand.aspx|title=Home page|work=Cruisin' Grand|access-date=June 5, 2016|archive-date=May 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531083228/http://www.escondido.org/cruisin-grand.aspx|url-status=live}}

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 in Escondido. 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,{{cite web|url=http://www.escondidoarts.org|title=HOME PAGE - Escondido Arts Partnership|website=Escondido Arts Partnership|language=en-US|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609154741/http://escondidoarts.org/|url-status=live}} and publishes an annual collection of poetry and art called "Summation".{{cite web|url=http://hitherandyahn.com|title=Hither and Yahn|website=hitherandyahn.com|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924202716/http://hitherandyahn.com/|url-status=live}}

Distinction Gallery on Grand Avenue celebrated its 20th anniversary in September 2023.{{Cite web |title=Distinction Gallery {{!}} Original Art Available by Gabe Leonard, Kelly Vivanco, Jana Brike... |url=https://distinctionart.com/exhibitgallery.php?showID=208&fltr=exhibit |access-date=September 30, 2023 |website=distinctionart.com}} Known for its eclectic collection, the gallery has a particular focus on surrealism.{{Cite web |url=https://distinctionart.com/about.php |title=Distinction Gallery |access-date=September 30, 2023 |website=distinctionart.com}} It represents such notable surrealist painters as Casey Weldon{{Cite web |title=Casey Weldon {{!}} Distinction Gallery |url=https://distinctionart.com/caseyweldonart.php |access-date=September 30, 2023 |website=distinctionart.com}} and Jon Jaylo.{{Cite web |title=Distinction Gallery {{!}} Artists featuring Gabe Leonard original art and prints |url=https://www.distinctionart.com/featured.php?artist=Jon%20Jaylo |access-date=September 30, 2023 |website=www.distinctionart.com}} It is in the same arts complex as the nonprofit ArtHatch.{{Cite web |title=ArtHatch - About |url=https://www.arthatch.org/about.php |access-date=September 30, 2023 |website=www.arthatch.org}}

From 1964 to 1968, the San Diego Chargers held training camp in Escondido.{{cite web|title=Chronology 1959-1969 |url=http://www.chargers.com/team/history/chronology/1959-1969.html |publisher=San Diego Chargers |access-date=September 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410180446/http://www.chargers.com/team/history/chronology/1959-1969.html |archive-date=April 10, 2009 }}

In 1981, Escondido National Little League became the 19th{{cite web |url=http://www.unpage.org/west/wrn-state.htm |title=West Region State Little League Champions |access-date=January 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130110352/http://unpage.org/west/wrn-state.htm |archive-date=November 30, 2010 |url-status=dead }} team to make it to the Little League World Series from the state of California. The team was first District 31 champions, then District 8 champions.{{Cite web |url=http://www.unpage.org/socal/cs-1981.htm |title=1981 Southern California Little League Tournament Results |access-date=January 15, 2008 |archive-date=March 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302175853/http://www.unpage.org/socal/cs-1981.htm |url-status=live }} They then won the Southern California Divisional Tournament at Youth Athletic Park by beating San Bernardino Civitan 3–2 in the quarterfinals, then beating Granada Hills American 5–1 in the semifinals and then beating Ladera National 7–5 in the finals to earn a trip to the Western Regional. At the Western Regional in San Bernardino, the Escondido team won four straight games to earn the trip to Williamsport.{{cite web |url=http://www.littleleague.org/series/history/rosters/1981rstr.htm |title=1981 Little League World Series Rosters |access-date=January 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302181044/http://www.littleleague.org/series/history/rosters/1981rstr.htm |archive-date=March 2, 2008 |url-status=dead }}

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, led by Jeff Moorad, part-owner and CEO of the Beavers parent team, the San Diego Padres.{{cite news |last=Fentress |first=Aaron |date=October 14, 2010 |title=Portland Beavers to be sold, likely moved to Escondido, Calif. |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/pbeavers/index.ssf/2010/10/portland_beavers_to_be_sold_mo.html |newspaper=The Oregonian |access-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-date=October 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017000456/http://www.oregonlive.com/pbeavers/index.ssf/2010/10/portland_beavers_to_be_sold_mo.html |url-status=live }} The ownership group discussed building a stadium in Escondido to become operational for the 2012 baseball season at the earliest. In December 2010, the Escondido city council voted to go ahead with the ballpark.{{cite web |url=http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/play-ball-escondido-approves-minor-league-baseball-park-padres |title=Play Ball! Escondido Approves Minor-League Baseball Park for Padres |author= |date=December 16, 2010 |publisher=East County Magazine |access-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112543/http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/play-ball-escondido-approves-minor-league-baseball-park-padres |url-status=live }}
{{cite news |last=Payton |first=Mari |date=December 16, 2010 |title=Escondido OKs Ballpark Proposal |url=http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/Escondido-OKs-Ballpark-Proposal-111992954.html |newspaper=KNSD |location=San Diego |access-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402150320/http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/Escondido-OKs-Ballpark-Proposal-111992954.html |url-status=live }}
{{cite news |last=Skimble |date=December 16, 2010 |title=Escondido Approves Minor League Baseball Stadium |url=http://www.10news.com/news/escondido-approves-minor-league-baseball-stadium |newspaper=KGTV |location=San Diego |access-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402165702/http://www.10news.com/news/escondido-approves-minor-league-baseball-stadium |url-status=live }} The stadium was slated to open in April 2013.[http://www.oregonlive.com/pbeavers/index.ssf/2010/10/portland_beavers_to_be_sold_mo.html Portland Beavers to be sold, likely moved to Escondido, Calif] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017000456/http://www.oregonlive.com/pbeavers/index.ssf/2010/10/portland_beavers_to_be_sold_mo.html |date=October 17, 2010 }}
[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101014&content_id=15635170&vkey=affililiate&c_id=sd MLB.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021084341/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101014&content_id=15635170&vkey=affililiate&c_id=sd |date=October 21, 2010 }} However, the plan to move the team fell through in late 2011.{{cite news |first1=Bill |last1=Center |first2=J. Harry |last2=Jones |title=Escondido ballpark dead, says mayor; Moorad likely to sell |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/29/escondido-ballpark-dead-says-mayor/ |newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune |date=December 29, 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-date=January 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130211741/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/29/escondido-ballpark-dead-says-mayor/ |url-status=unfit }}{{cbignore}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-74058844 |title=Greetings from Southwest University Park |last=Hill |first=Benjamin |date=May 2, 2014 |website=The Farm's Almanac |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133106/http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140502&content_id=74058844&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_farmalmc&sid=milb |url-status=live }}

The San Diego Sabers of the United States Premier Hockey League played at Ice-Plex in Escondido until relocating to Carlsbad Icetown in 2020.{{cite news |last=Loh |first=Stefanie |date=January 28, 2015 |title=Ducks new AHL team called SD Gulls? |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jan/28/anaheim-ducks-bring-back-san-diego-gulls/ |newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune |access-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-date=January 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129043905/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jan/28/anaheim-ducks-bring-back-san-diego-gulls/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.sandiegosabershockey.com/team-history |title=History |website=San Diego Sabers |access-date=September 9, 2024}}

In 2019, San Diego Rebellion of the Women's National Football Conference was established, playing in Escondido High School.{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Amelia |date=2025-03-06 |title=Tackling It All With San Diego Rebellion's Power Couple |url=https://sandiegomagazine.com/everything-sd/san-diego-rebellion-womens-football/ |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=San Diego Magazine |language=en-US}}

Escondido has fifteen parks:{{cite web | url=http://www.escondido.org/parks-lakes-trails.aspx | title=Parks, Lakes and Open Space | publisher=City of Escondido | access-date=June 8, 2011 | archive-date=June 3, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603230214/http://www.escondido.org/parks-lakes-trails.aspx | url-status=live }}

• File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Daley Ranch Escondido Aerial.jpgDaley Ranch is a {{convert|3058|acre|km2|adj=on}} conservation area acquired in 1996 by the City of Escondido and is managed in perpetuity for the preservation of a biologically unique and diverse habitat area of regional importance. Daley Ranch has over {{convert|20|mi|km}} of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Six distinct trails cover most of the property. Most popular are the Boulder Loop Trail (2.4 miles) which affords views of Escondido, and the Ranch House Loop (2.5 miles), which passes two small ponds and the site of Daley's original log cabin. Several species of oak trees are common, as well as chaparral (brushland). Wildlife include deer, coyote, bobcats, rabbits and hawks. Cougars are sometimes present, but not frequently seen.
• El Norte Park is a small "green lung" park, off El Norte Parkway in northern Escondido. It features mature trees and a kids playground.

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Kit Carson Park Escondido.jpg

• Kit Carson Park is a {{Convert|285|acre|km2|adj=on}} municipal park featuring 3 ponds, multiple sports fields, playgrounds, a disc golf course, an arboretum, and Queen Califia's Magical Circle, the last major international work by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. De Saint Phalle, a colleague of Salvador Dalí and Jasper Johns, is best known for her Stravinsky Fountain, located in Paris, France. The artist chose Escondido as the site for her final work because it reminded her of Italy.
• Grape Day Park is located behind the Escondido City Hall and the performing arts complex. This park was named after the annual grape day harvest, an event held on the first Saturday after Labor Day from 1908 to 1950.{{cite web | url=http://www.escondido.org/grape-day-park.aspx | title=Grape Day Park | publisher=City of Escondido | access-date=June 8, 2011 | archive-date=May 5, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505164253/http://www.escondido.org/grape-day-park.aspx | url-status=live }}
• Jesmond Dene Park in North Escondido features 3 ball fields, a playground, and BBQs.

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Dixon Lake Picnic Area.jpg

• Dixon Lake supplies Escondido with fresh water and is a popular location for fishing, as fishing permits can be purchased at the store on site. Swimming is not allowed but rowboats, motorized boats, and pedal boats are available for rental. Dixon Lake has about 34 campsites which look out over the lake and/or over Escondido. 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. However, ample free parking next to the trailheads of Daley Ranch is available outside the Dixon Lake gate.
• Lake Wohlford is in the northeast corner of Escondido. The lake has some walking trails around the perimeter and allows fishing. In addition, the northern shore is home to the Lake Wohlford Cafe, founded in 1949 and prominently featuring locally caught catfish in its menus.
• Mountain View
• Rod McLeod Park is an {{Convert|18|acre|m2|adj=on}} green space offering a tot lot, a paved trail, restrooms, benches, picnic tables, and BBQs.
• Washington Park is an urban park located on the eastern side of central Escondido. It features lighted facilities for baseball, softball, tennis and basketball, a 25-yard swimming pool and water slide, and a smaller children's pool. The park's numerous mature trees create plenty of shady areas and tables are provided for picnics.{{cite web | url=http://www.escondido.org/washington-park.aspx | title=Washington Park | publisher=City of Escondido | access-date=June 8, 2011 | archive-date=May 5, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505164209/http://www.escondido.org/washington-park.aspx | url-status=live }}
• Westside
• Frances Ryan Park is a {{convert|67|acre|m2|adj=on}} complex of soccer fields, supported by a concession stand and public restrooms. The park is adjacent to Valley High School in eastern Escondido at the corner of Valley Parkway and El Norte Parkway. As of October 2010, the park features 7 soccer fields, 5 of which have lights for night time practice and play. The park is named for a former teacher at Escondido High School.{{cite web| url=http://www.escondido.org/ryan-park.aspx| title=Ryan Park| publisher=City of Escondido| access-date=December 2, 2010| archive-date=January 1, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101015821/http://www.escondido.org/ryan-park.aspx| url-status=live}}
• Grove Park was so named to recognize the city's agricultural history. It was built about 2008 (approximate date). It is about {{convert|4.5|acre|m2}} in size and is located in the Mission Park neighborhood.
• Felicita County Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located near Escondido, in the San Pasqual Valley within the city limits of San Diego. It is the sister park to the San Diego Zoo. The Safari Park shows animals in open habitats.

{{Sister cities

|boxname=Sister cities{{cite web| url=http://www.escondido.org/escondido-sister-city.aspx| title=Escondido Sister City| publisher=City of Escondido| access-date=June 1, 2012| archive-date=May 6, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506091648/http://www.escondido.org/escondido-sister-city.aspx| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=http://www.city.itoshima.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/2928.pdf| script-title=ja:糸島市国際交流基本計画| language=ja| trans-title=Itoshima International Exchange Basic Plan| publisher=糸島市 (Itoshima City)| access-date=June 1, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513010909/http://www.city.itoshima.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/2928.pdf| archive-date=May 13, 2014| url-status=dead}}

| city1 = Itoshima, Japan

| country1 = Japan

}}

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Escondido City Hall.jpg

Escondido is governed by a council-manager system. The city council consists of a mayor and four City Council members. Along with the City Treasurer, they are elected at large to four-year terms. The current mayor is Dane White. Current City Council members are Consuelo Martinez, Jose M. Garcia, and Michael Morasco.{{cite web|url=https://www.escondido.org/city-council|title=City Council|publisher=City of Escondido|access-date=January 5, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209080930/https://www.escondido.org/city-council|url-status=live}} The current City Manager is Sean McGlynn.{{cite web|url=https://escondido.org/city-manager|title=City Manager|publisher=City of Escondido|access-date=June 24, 2022}} The current City Treasurer is Douglas Shultz.{{cite web|url=http://www.escondido.org/city-treasurer.aspx|title=City Treasurer|publisher=City of Escondido|access-date=March 20, 2017|archive-date=March 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302211049/https://www.escondido.org/city-treasurer.aspx|url-status=live}} The most recent election was held on November 8, 2022.{{cite web|url= https://www.livevoterturnout.com/ENR/sandiegocaenr/16/en/Index_16.html |title=Election Results - County of San Diego - November 8, 2022 Statewide General Election|publisher=Registrar of Voters – County of San Diego|access-date=January 5, 2023|archive-date=November 9, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221109055045/https://www.livevoterturnout.com/ENR/sandiegocaenr/16/en/Index_16.html|url-status=live}}

The city is particularly known for its positions on illegal immigration. Approximately half of the population is Hispanic, and then-council member Sam Abed estimated in 2006 that 35,000 people, or 25% of the city population, are undocumented. Since 2010 federal immigration officials have worked out of the Escondido police station in an unprecedented city-federal partnership. In 2006 the city council proposed and then abandoned an ordinance to punish landlords who rent to illegal immigrants.{{cite news|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/Jun/26/chief-aim-of-escondidos-illegal-immigration-polic/|title=Escondido chief explains city's illegal immigration policy|last=Hall|first=Matthew T.|date=June 26, 2012|work=San Diego Union Tribune|access-date=January 22, 2014|archive-date=February 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201170208/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/Jun/26/chief-aim-of-escondidos-illegal-immigration-polic/|url-status=live}} Due to a public outcry and legal challenges to that proposed housing ordinance,{{cite news|url=http://napavalleyregister.com/news/national/judge-to-consider-halt-to-city-s-law-targeting-illegal/article_1db28dc9-cf39-5fda-b930-efd849afcfcc.html|title=Judge to consider halt to city's law targeting illegal immigrants|last=Spagat|first=Elliot|date=November 17, 2006|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Napa Valley Register|access-date=January 22, 2014|archive-date=December 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201062152/http://napavalleyregister.com/news/national/judge-to-consider-halt-to-city-s-law-targeting-illegal/article_1db28dc9-cf39-5fda-b930-efd849afcfcc.html|url-status=live}} as well as the election of Diaz to the City Council, the council has ceased any overt measures against illegal immigrants.{{cite news|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20061004-9999-7m4illeg.html|newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune|title=Escondido to vote on housing ordinance|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501163825/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20061004-9999-7m4illeg.html|archive-date=May 1, 2009}} Council policies now focus on "quality of life" issues instead. Periodic police checkpoints are set up which randomly stop drivers to check drivers licenses, registration, and insurance. An overnight parking ordinance has been proposed that would limit the number of cars each household can legally park on city streets.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/09/10/news/inland/escondido/z2a299ee36e4dc838882574c00082a1a9.txt |title=City delays adoption of parking ordinance |access-date=September 28, 2008 |archive-date=February 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213133444/http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/09/10/news/inland/escondido/z2a299ee36e4dc838882574c00082a1a9.txt |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite news| last=Fox| first=Zach| title=Escondido faces another fiscal obstacle: fewer people| url=http://www.nctimes.com/business/article_057ab19c-65c4-5d81-a452-11a8b4ffe8c5.html| newspaper=North County Times| date=September 23, 2008| access-date=May 24, 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815083400/http://www.nctimes.com/business/article_057ab19c-65c4-5d81-a452-11a8b4ffe8c5.html| archive-date=August 15, 2009| df=mdy-all}}

The City of Escondido is a member of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).{{cite web| url=http://www.sandag.org/uploads/publicationid/publicationid_52_6470.pdf| title=Fact Sheet| publisher=San Diego Association of Governments| access-date=December 2, 2010| archive-date=August 3, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803233258/http://www.sandag.org/uploads/publicationid/publicationid_52_6470.pdf| url-status=live}}

In the California State Legislature, Escondido is in {{Representative|casd|40|fmt=sdistrict}}, and in {{Representative|caad|76|fmt=adistrict}}.{{cite web

| url = https://a76.asmdc.org/district-map

| title = District Map

| publisher = California State Assembly

| access-date = January 6, 2023

| archive-date = December 21, 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181221203349/https://a76.asmdc.org/district-map

| url-status = live

}}

In the United States House of Representatives, parts of Escondido are in {{Representative|cacd|50|fmt=district}},{{Cite GovTrack|CA|50}} while others are in {{Representative|cacd|48|fmt=district}}.{{Cite GovTrack|CA|48}}

{{Update section|date=May 2022}}

In the United States presidential election of 2008, 53.3% of voters residing in incorporated Escondido voted for John McCain, 44.9% for Barack Obama, and 1.8% for a third-party candidate. Unincorporated areas were considerably more conservative: among voters in neighborhoods of Rincon Del Diablo, Hidden Meadows, and Valley Center, 62.3%, 65.5%, 66.9% of voters respectively cast their votes for McCain. A survey by The Bay Area Center for Voting Research found that among American cities with populations over 100,000, Escondido was the 11th most conservative city in the United States based on voting results in the 2004 presidential election.{{cite web |url=http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/statesman/metro/081205libs.pdf |title=The Most Conservative and Liberal Cities in the United States |author=Jason Alderman |author2=Gitanjali Gurudatt Borkar |author3=Amanda Garrett |author4=Lindsay Hogan |author5=Janet Kim |author6=Winston Le |author7=Veronica Louie |author8=Alissa Marque |author9=Phil Reiff |author10=Colin Christopher Richard |author11=Peter Thai |author12=Tania Wang |author13=Craig Wickersham |publisher=The Bay Area Center for Voting Research |access-date=July 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720230956/http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/statesman/metro/081205libs.pdf |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

The vast majority of Escondido is within the Escondido Union Elementary School District and Escondido Union High School District. Some portions are within the San Pasqual Union Elementary School District and the Escondido Union HSD. There are portions that extend into the San Marcos Unified School District and into the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st06_ca/schooldistrict_maps/c06073_san_diego/DC20SD_C06073.pdf|title=2020 census - school district reference map: San Diego County, CA|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|page=2 (PDF p. 3/7)|accessdate=2024-12-21}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st06_ca/schooldistrict_maps/c06073_san_diego/DC20SD_C06073_SD2MS.txt Text list]

The Escondido Union ESD, San Pasqual Union ESD, and Escondido Union HSD serve the City of Escondido and the Unincorporated communities such as: Jesmond Dene, North Ridge, Hidden Meadows, Deer Springs, San Pasqual Valley, Del Dios, Elfin Forrest, East Canyon, Cloverdale, and Lake Wolford. The city has 19 elementary, seven middle, and seven high schools.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}

Escondido Adult School was established in 1968 by the Escondido Union High School District. Escondido Adult School is a provider of adult education services in Escondido and its surrounding communities. Escondido Adult School offers adult education services for adults in the areas of: high school diploma, GED, HISET, adult basic education, ESL, parenting classes, community education courses, and career technical education courses. Escondido Adult School also offers a robust selection of short-term medical training courses such as: Certified Nurse Assistant, Certified Home Health Aide, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, Medical Billing and Coding, CPR/BLS training and certification, and Veterinary Assistant. Escondido Adult School is a member of the Education to Career Network of North San Diego County. ETCN is one of 71 consortiums in the State of California and is funded by the California Adult Education Program.

Public Post-Secondary schools:

Escondido Adult School and

Palomar College-Escondido Campus

Public high schools:

• Escondido High School
• Orange Glen High School
• San Pasqual High School
• Classical Academy High School
• Escondido Charter High School
• Valley High School[http://www.euhsd.k12.ca.us/districtinfo/intermediate_school_pages/vhs_intermediate.htm Valley High page at EUHSD] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224033739/http://www.euhsd.k12.ca.us/districtinfo/intermediate_school_pages/vhs_intermediate.htm |date=December 24, 2007 }}
• Del Lago Academy: Campus of Applied Science
• Balboa School

Middle schools:

• Classical Academy Middle School
• Bear Valley Middle School
• Del Dios Middle School
• Heritage Junior High School
• Hidden Valley Middle School
• Mission Middle School
• Rincon Middle School
• Quantum Academy Middle School
• Limitless Learning Academy

Elementary schools

• Bernardo Elementary
• Central Elementary
• Classical Academy
• Coastal Academy
• Conway Elementary
• Farr Avenue Elementary
• Felicita Elementary
• Glen View Elementary
• Heritage Elementary
• Juniper Elementary
• L. R. Green Elementary
• Lincoln Elementary
• Miller Elementary
• North Broadway Elementary
• Oak Hill Elementary
• Orange Glen Elementary
• Pioneer Elementary
• Reidy Creek Elementary
• Rock Springs Elementary
• Rose Elementary

There is a wide range of API scores for Escondido schools, reflecting the demographic diversity of the city. As of 2009,{{cite report| title=2009-10 Accountability Progress Reporting (APR)| url=http://api.cde.ca.gov/AcntRpt2010/2009Base_Dst.aspx?cYear=&allcds=3768098&cChoice=2009BDst| year=2009| publisher=California Department of Education| access-date=July 31, 2010| archive-date=February 29, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229144250/http://api.cde.ca.gov/AcntRpt2010/2009Base_Dst.aspx?cYear=&allcds=3768098&cChoice=2009BDst| url-status=live}} two elementary schools in the district scored above the 80th percentile of all schools in the state, and nine elementary schools scored below the 20th percentile.

The Escondido Public Library system consists of the Main Branch, the Pioneer Room, Computer Center, and a bookmobile.

Westminster Seminary California is located in Escondido.

In 2013 John Paul the Great Catholic University relocated its main campus to Escondido.

File:Santa Fe train station, Grape Day Park.jpg

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Escondido Highway 15 Aerial.jpg

Two highways serve Escondido: Route 78 and Interstate 15. Route 78 enters from the west as a freeway from Oceanside, which ends at Broadway. The highway follows surface streets and leaves the city heading east into the San Pasqual Valley. I-15 continues from the city to Temecula in the north and San Diego in the south.

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Escondido Transit Center Aerial.jpg

The North County Transit District (NCTD) operates local bus service, with the Escondido Transit Center serving as a hub. The transit center has connections to both the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and the Riverside Transit Agency.

File:Mark Skovorodko Photography - Escondido Sprinter Light Rail.jpg

The Sprinter hybrid rail service, operated by NCTD, links the transit center to Oceanside using the existing {{convert|22|mi|km|0|adj=on}}-long Escondido Subdivision trackage of the San Diego Northern Railroad. The rail line opened in 2008, making Escondido one of the first cities in the United States to operate Siemens Desiro class diesel multiple units manufactured in Germany. At the Oceanside Transit Center, the Sprinter connects to three commuter rail lines (the Coaster, Orange County and Inland Empire–Orange County lines) and is also served by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner.

The California High Speed Rail Authority listed Escondido as a stop along the proposed high-speed rail system running from Southern to Northern California.{{cite report| title=Notice of Preparation of a Project Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the California High-Speed Train Project from Los Angeles to San Diego via the Inland Empire, CA| url=http://cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/images/chsr/20091002134320_NOP_Signed.pdf| year=2009| publisher=California High-Speed Rail Authority| access-date=July 31, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617113916/http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/images/chsr/20091002134320_NOP_Signed.pdf|archive-date=June 17, 2010| url-status=dead}}

BNSF Railway provides freight rail service to Escondido on the Escondido Subdivision.{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2020 |title=Digest: BNSF to take over route operated by California short line |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/digest-bnsf-to-take-over-route-operated-by-california-short-line/ |access-date=February 19, 2021 |website=TrainsMag.com |language=en}}

San Diego Gas & Electric is the electric utility for the city.{{cite web| title=Our Service Territory| url=http://www.sdge.com/aboutus/serviceTerritory.shtml| publisher=San Diego Gas and Electric| access-date=February 14, 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210202407/http://www.sdge.com/aboutus/serviceTerritory.shtml| archive-date=February 10, 2010| df=mdy-all}} The City of Escondido Water Utilities serves most customers within the city while Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District serves potable and recycled water to the greater Escondido valley and some portions of the incorporated city.{{cite web| title=Our History| url=http://www.rinconwater.org/our_history.htm| publisher=Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District| access-date=February 14, 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040911141355/http://www.rinconwater.org/our_history.htm| archive-date=September 11, 2004| df=mdy-all}}

Palomar Medical Center is a hospital located in west Escondido near the I-15/78 interchange. It is the only designated trauma center in northern San Diego County. It opened in 2012, replacing a PMC facility that has stood in central Escondido since 1950. The original Palomar hospital, located east of downtown at the Valley Parkway/Grand Avenue junction, remained open and was rebranded Palomar Medical Center Downtown, serving as a standby/overflow medical center until 2021, when it was scheduled for demolition. The building was completely demolished in 2022.

Westminster Seminary California is located in Escondido.

The Meeting of the Lord Monastery is located at 14952 Stonebridge Road outside of Escondido. The monastery, in the care of V. Rev. Milan Vuković, is under the omophorion of Bishop Maksim Vasiljević of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Ascension Lutheran Church is a Christian church of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Escondido.{{cite web |title=Ascension Lutheran |url=https://www.myascension.org/ |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131353/https://www.myascension.org/ |url-status=live }}

Deer Park Monastery is a Buddhist sanctuary that occupies {{convert|400|acre|km2}} in the hills north of Escondido and west of Daley Ranch. It is one of three monasteries in the United States under the direction of well-known Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh.

• Anacani: featured singer with the Lawrence Welk orchestra
• Tom Anderson: co-founder of MySpace{{cite news| last=Angwin| first=Julia| author-link=Julia Angwin |title=Putting Your Best Faces Forward| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123819495915561237| newspaper=The Wall Street Journal| date=March 29, 2009| access-date=February 14, 2010| quote=Born November 8, 1970, he grew up in Escondido, a sleepy farm town about a half hour's drive north of San Diego.| archive-date=May 25, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525123905/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123819495915561237| url-status=live}}
• Corey Baird: soccer player{{Cite web |title=Corey Baird |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/corey-baird/ |access-date=January 3, 2025 |website=Major League Soccer}}
• Lester Bangs: rock music critic
• Texas Rose Bascom: movie actress, "World's Greatest Female Trick Roper," National Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee{{cite web | title=Escondido Cowboy, Cowgirl Honored | website=Escondido Times-Advocate | date=2021-08-19 | url=https://www.times-advocate.com/articles/escondido-cowboy-cowgirl-honored/ | access-date=2025-04-26}}
• Billy Bevan: silent and talkies movie actor, born Orange, New South Wales, Australia 1887; died Escondido, California 1957.
• Ken Block: rally car driver, and founder of DC Shoes
• Harold F. Blum: physiologist who first explored sunlight-induced skin cancer
• Sam Brannan: California's first millionaire
• E. H. Bronner: soapmaker
• Ray Conniff: bandleader and arranger
• Joe Coscarart, former Boston Braves infielder
• Pete Coscarart: former Brooklyn Dodgers infielder
• D. D. Crabb, rancher and Arizona State Senator
• Gavvy Cravath: former right fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies
• Richard Denning: actor, An Affair to Remember, Creature from the Black Lagoon; died in Escondido
• Caitlin Glass: voice actress and ADR director
• Robert Klark Graham: eugenicist and inventor, founder of the Repository for Germinal Choice ("Nobel Prize Sperm Bank")
• Chapman Grant (1887–1983) herpetologist, historian
• Steve Hendrickson: former Chargers football player
• George Horine: held world record in the high jump; won an Olympic bronze medal
• Randy Johnson: Major League infielder, special assistant to Oakland A's GM Billy Beane; graduate of Escondido High School
• Jacque Jones: former baseball player for the Minnesota Twins
• Jovan Kirovski: forward for the L.A. Galaxy MLS team
• Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: founder and resident of the "Shanti Nilaya" (Home of Peace), retreat in Escondido in the late 1970s and early 1980s
• Korey Lee: Major League Baseball Player. Catcher for the Chicago White Sox
• Jim Londos: professional wrestler
• Shannon MacMillan: professional soccer player and graduate of San Pasqual High School
• Anthony Menconi: marine engineer from California Maritime Academy
• Haley Moore: amateur golfer
• Deborah Jeane Palfrey: the so-called D.C. Madam{{cite news| last=Eastman| first=Quinn| title=Escondido a quiet corner of 'D.C. Madam's' life| url=http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/escondido/article_4ae2dbd7-5bdd-5199-a4d9-511988044d59.html| newspaper=North County Times| date=May 9, 2007| access-date=February 14, 2010| quote=Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the woman recently accused by federal prosecutors of running a Washington, D.C., prostitution business by phone from California, owns a house in Escondido, but her neighbors said last week that it provided her a quiet refuge, rather than a remote command post.| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906150922/http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/escondido/article_4ae2dbd7-5bdd-5199-a4d9-511988044d59.html| archive-date=September 6, 2012| df=mdy-all}}
• Robbie Peralta: MMA UFC fighter
• Pamela Radcliff: historian and professor at the University of California at San Diego and an authority on the history of modern Spain.Radcliff, Pamela. [http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.694.9542&rep=rep1&type=pdf Interpreting the 20th Century: The Struggle Over Democracy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019111645/http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.694.9542&rep=rep1&type=pdf |date=October 19, 2017 }}, The Great Courses. The Teaching Company, 2004. Accessed October 18, 2017. "Pamela Radcliff, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of History; University of California, San Diego - Pamela Radcliff was born in Passaic, New Jersey, and grew up in Clifton, New Jersey, and Escondido, California."
• Mark Redman: professional baseball player and graduate of Escondido High School
• Steve Reeves: bodybuilder, Mr. Universe, and actor, Hercules; died in Escondido {{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/05/us/steve-reeves-74-whose-hercules-began-a-genre.html|title=Steve Reeves, 74, Whose 'Hercules' Began a Genre|last=Lyman|first=Rick|date=May 5, 2000|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 15, 2009|quote=After he stopped making films in 1969, the couple raised horses at their ranch near Escondido, northeast of San Diego.|archive-date=November 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119162435/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/05/us/steve-reeves-74-whose-hercules-began-a-genre.html|url-status=live}}
• Brett Salisbury: college football quarterback, member of Escondido's 1981 Little League World Series team, and younger brother of Sean Salisbury.
• Sean Salisbury: former NFL quarterback and ESPN anchorman, and graduate of Orange Glen High School; older brother of Brett Salisbury
• Brian Simnjanovski: punter for the Berlin Thunder, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL teams
• Riley Steele: pornographic actress
• Randy Vasquez: actor
• Hernán D. Vera: federal judge on the United States District Court for the Central District of California
• Eric Weddle: free safety for the NFL San Diego Chargers; resides in Escondido{{cite news| title=Weddle wants to get out of the house| first=Mike| last=Sullivan| url=http://www.nctimes.com/sports/football/professional/nfl/chargers/article_18a5f7f2-752c-51d5-a63a-3f0fc979f0e4.html| access-date=July 31, 2010| newspaper=North County Times| date=July 20, 2007| quote=Eric Weddle recently moved into a house in Escondido.| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904110548/http://www.nctimes.com/sports/football/professional/nfl/chargers/article_18a5f7f2-752c-51d5-a63a-3f0fc979f0e4.html| archive-date=September 4, 2012| df=mdy-all}}
• Royce Williams: ace Navy pilot during the Korean War
• Harold Bell Wright: author in the 1920s and 1930s
• Andrea Zittel: contemporary artist, graduate of San Pasqual High School
• Kevin Kiner: film and television composer
• Madison Cunningham: musician

• Daily Times-Advocate – Escondido newspaper published from 1909 to 1995

{{Portal|California}}

• North County Times
• Rincon bleachers
• The Road to Escondido, an album by J.J. Cale, Colin Tappe and Eric Clapton

{{Clear}}

{{reflist|group=(Report). City of Escondido. 2017. p. 185. Retrieved September 6, 2018.}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://escondidochamber.org/visit-escondido/ Escondido Chamber of Commerce]

{{San Diego Metropolitan Area}}

{{San Diego County, California}}

{{Southern California megaregion}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Escondido, California

Category:Cities in San Diego County, California

Category:North County (San Diego County)

Category:San Diego metropolitan area

Category:Incorporated cities and towns in California

Category:Populated places established in 1888

Category:1888 establishments in California