There is real momentum building in anticipation of reopening and the Chamber is in full support.
When this will happen and what this will look like is not clear. We do know that one the County’s first in-person live outdoor event was last Saturday at the Daley Ranch which played host to The Ranch 50K/Half Marathon run by Second Wind Trail Running.
The event which received a special permit from the county health department was by all accounts a success. Runners were given specific starting times and asked not to arrive more than 10 minutes before stepping off to avoid crowds of people standing around together before or after competing. Temperature check-ins for all runners and volunteers were required, and participants wore masks when within 20 feet of others on the trails.
The number of entrants was capped at 150 — 100 fewer than last year’s inaugural event.
The point is it all went smoothly and we congratulate all the participant’s and Second Wind Trail Running for hosting a successful event.
What’s next?
The stock market is at an all-time high with speculative investors trying to get in on the Bitcoin upside ride. The economy is poised for a robust recovery but, at what cost? Businesses have closed and commercial real estate vacancies in our area has sky rocketed and you don’t need a commercial real estate website tracker to see the effect, it’s all around us.
The recovery may be robust for some but for others it cannot come soon enough. If ever there is a time to support local it is now. Please consider buying local whenever you can. Our local businesses collect sales taxes, employ locals and contribute to the financial health of our community. Roads are built, resurfaced, local law enforcement hired, schools are maintained and new one’s built, parks and recreation are all supported by these funds. Not so much when you buy online or purchase outside Escondido. I realize this is not easy when we’re still in the purple range restricting the opportunity to buy local.
We do believe this, habits established over the last 12 months will be hard to shake but if we want to enjoy the essential services provided to us we must think about the price of convenience.
Thank you goes out to Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer for joining our Government Affairs monthly meeting via Zoom yesterday. The 3rd District Representative shared her insights and plans for the District as she settles into her role as our elected representative to the County Board of Supervisors. A link to the webinar is here and can also be found on the Chamber’s website.
The Chamber is also proud to announce the final touches are being solidified on our new podcast. "Wonderland" will launch in the coming weeks, and you won't want to miss this new Chamber endeavor!
As we all look forward to the day we can shed our masks, open our doors and greet each other in-person let’s not forget the toll this has taken on neighbors, friends and families. We’re not there yet but, when the bell rings we’re ready to answer the call.
Sincerely,
James Rowten (JR)
