Escondido, CA — The City of Escondido is taking decisive action to address significant environmental and public health concerns in the Escondido Creek near Harmony Grove area, following initial testing of water conditions demonstrating contamination related to encampments in the area.
A proclamation of local emergency has been declared, with critical measures planned to protect community health, safety, and the environment. The emergency proclamation will enable City staff to act swiftly to address risks posed by contamination in the creek bed area, ensuring the health of residents and safeguarding natural resources. Recent water quality test results show elevated bacteria populations that include:
• Coliform bacteria populations are 2 to 3 times higher than generally acceptable standards for safe and sanitary human contact, while Enterococcus bacteria levels are generally 7 to 14 higher than acceptable standards for human contact. One location near an encampment showed an Enterococcus population over 23 time the acceptable standard.
• Both Coliform and Enterococci are typically used as so-called “indicator” bacteria whose
presence is indicative of the overall bacteria population.
• The presence of trash and human waste, coupled with the bacteria populations indicate both harm to the waterway and an unsafe human living condition.
The City is providing advance notice to those affected in the area, and contacting nearby residents and businesses.
This effort will include collaboration with local non-profit service providers, regulatory agencies, and community partners that include:
– Turn Behavioral Health Services
– North Inland Mental Health Center
– Serenity House
– Interfaith Community Services
– YMCA Transitional Aged Youth Services
– Office of Homeless Solutions
– Neighborhood Healthcare
– Love Esco
– McAlister’s North Inland Regional Recovery
– San Diego Rescue Mission
– Acadia Healthcare Comprehensive Treatment Center
The Church of God, Escondido will serve as a staging area for outreach and support services during this process. To secure the area, fencing will be installed to prevent further damage and contamination, while invasive vegetation and debris will be removed to help restore environmental health. Ongoing efforts include establishing a security plan, monitoring the site, and conducting a second phase of cleanup once the fencing is in place.
“This is not an overnight process,” emphasized Chris McKinney, Deputy City Manager “While you will see progress, ratifying the emergency order, securing necessary resources, and connecting people with support services are essential first steps before fencing or other remediation efforts can begin.”
The City recognizes that homelessness is a complex issue that requires compassion and collaboration. This declaration aims to protect public health and the environment while providing necessary resources and support to those affected.
“We understand the sensitivity of this issue, especially during the holiday season,” said Sean McGlynn, City Manager “Our goal is to balance urgent environmental, public health and safety needs with empathy for those impacted by these actions.”
On December 16 at 4 p.m. the City will hold a special City Council meeting to ratify the City Manager’s proclamation of local emergency and request that the Council allocate 4 million dollars from City reserves to address the public health and environmental risks associated with the area.
The City will also provide regular updates to ensure transparency and maintain open communication with residents and stakeholders.
