I just attended my first State of the City address this morning at the California Center for the Arts. This was the Mayor's event, and the staff at City Hall did a fine job of carrying out his vision via this morning's well attended event. The Chamber works together with the City on this event by hosting, and we are grateful for our sponsors who stepped up to make this happen. A list of our sponsors for this morning's event can be found here. And, we will have a link to the presentation up shortly on our website.

 

The Mayor artfully presented his vision of the future for Escondido, and it would be hard to argue that anyone would want anything different. Smart growth, City pride, and a link back to Escondido's agriculture roots and a museum to showcase our agricultural history is included in his vision presented. We don't doubt that what the Mayor see's will come to fruition. He wanted Escondido to honor veterans with a Veterans Day parade here in Escondido, and now we have one. He wanted the State of the City to be as inclusive as possible, and thus today's event was free and open to everyone.

 

Nothing comes without a cost, and the Mayor lightly touched on this with a reference to our comparatively low sales tax rate when compared to other cities in San Diego County as a basis for a proposed sales tax increase initiative, which will go to a vote in November.

 

Housing of course was addressed and the Mayor pointed to the achievements made in this critical area here in Escondido. More is needed.

 

Cantor Larry Kornit led the invocation which included his announcing the move of the Congregation B'nai Tikvah from Carlsbad to Escondido becoming our first synagogue.

 

Overall a very well laid out and executed State of the City address and a terrific opportunity for me to greet and meet many old and new Chamber supporters.

 

Not that you need a reminder but, next Tuesday is Election Day and every citizen of voting age has the power to be heard via their vote. We encourage you to get involved, understand the issues, find a candidate whom you think represents your vision and vote!