Escondido is doing its part to get us through this epidemic. Reported cases in Escondido of COVID-19 stand at 95 total cases through 4/27. Please do continue the stay-at-home orders unless you’re exempt, practicing social distancing rules, and following the County’s guidelines to help bring this to an end. We all want to begin the process of opening back up our world. We’re getting there.

And, as we get there keep up with the Chamber’s activities as we’re monitoring the effects on our

business community, sharing important updates, and providing insightful virtual calls with selected

elected officials and professionals to help guide you through this. It’s not easy with so many programs all

seeming to blend together and none seeming to be as simple as first presented. But whenever are

things?

The Chamber is teaming up with the City and pushing out a program to highlight one of the most visible and impacted industries specifically here in Escondido --- our local restaurants. Be sure to look for the press release and links to this new program on our site as well as the City’s in coming days. We need your support of this plan as well as your help in spreading the word on this program. That’s one way we’re helping and there are many others.

We’re 6 weeks into managing our way through this disruption but we’re at the tip-of-the-spear feeling its full impact. Lives have been lost, confidence shaken and businesses are going to close. Not all businesses are going to close, and already some have found creative ways to pivot and survive, to hang on hoping to come out on the other end of this threat and feel good again. Be patient and be supportive. Remember that we are stronger together than we are alone. Each of us will play a pivotal role in our recovery and I mean specifically here in Escondido. Please keep this in mind the next time you order something, anything and consider buying local whenever you can.

I do want to congratulate and draw attention to several businesses that are essential and are doing really good things to help us all during this challenge. Sculpt Nouveau, Glennie’s Office Products, Grangetto’s Farm & Garden Supply, and all of the local restaurants who are creatively filling needs we never had before.

The strength of Escondido lies in its most valuable asset and that’s our people. It’s time to shine

Escondido, time to show our real character. It’s time to reach out and support local businesses. That’s

the best we can do now, and right now, we need your help.

Sincerely,

James Rowten (JR)