Our current city flag is the city logo. This is great, but city flags should be a visual reminder and representation of that city’s culture and people. Escondido has been known for it’s culture for over a hundred years; from the old Grape Day Parades, in which people from all over the world would come to see, to today’s Cruisin’ Grand, where people from all over Southern California come by to see the vintage car culture of the city. Escondido has also been home to a number of historical sites such as the Santa Fe station, the Escondido Hotel, and others. On top of this, Escondido has some of the best communities across all demographics, and many cultures are shared and appreciated here. Escondidans are blessed to have a city council who support the people and their needs, including being supportive of the recent protests calling for nationwide police reform. Our city council has already done a great job integrating many things into the community and city life, and changing the flag would be right up their alley. By signing this petition, we are helping our wonderful city become even more patriotic and representative. 

There is a lot of symbolism within this design, but most notably:

Brown Stripe-

Historical significance of the local Native American tribe, the Luiseño/Kumeyaay, and in part, the San Pasqual Indian Reservation. 
The historically fertile land in the valley, perfect for growing things Escondido has been known for such as grapes, oranges, and as of the 1960’s, avocados. 

Green Stripe-

The numerous parks, known and loved by all citizens since before Escondido was established and still today. 
The historical significance of parks: Kit Carson, named after infamous explorer and Army Officer in the 1800’s; Grape Day Park, created in regards to the amazing historical Grape Day Parade in the early 1900’s, where the welfare and harvest of the city would be celebrated every year by people from across the country; and Felicita Park, where Ben Sherman’s revolutionary romantic, culturally-unionizing pagaent Felicita was performed for 4 years. 

Brown and Green Stripes-

Common colors worn by the Mexican Army in the mid 1800’s, represents the Battle of San Pasqual Valley. As you know, there was no clear winner of that battle; this, just like our city, is symbolic of the unity between the United States and Mexico. 
The colors of the original Santa Fe Depot train station which was one of the first buildings in Escondido and brought most of the earlier settlers to the town; this plus the historic Hotel Escondido brought many tourists and travellers, proving the communal and welcoming atmosphere of the city. The stripes being at both the top and bottom act as the rails of the train tracks; another testimony towards the significance of the Santa Fe Depot. 

Blue Arcs-

Represents the city name: “Hidden Valley”- and to an extent; the flourishing of this city within the valley. 
The color is for the Escondido Creek and city canals, staples within the culture and geography of the city. 
A throwback to the filling of Lake Wohlford; it was an important economical achievement for the city. 

Orange and Yellow Octagram-

Reminiscent of a sunset over the ocean; an unforgettable view seen on clear days from the hills surrounding the city. 
A shining star to represent the Palomar Observatory, a testimony to past scientific accomplishments and a vision into the future of the increasing STEM education within the city. 
The eight points are simply referring to the humor of an interesting founding year: 1888
The star is oriented like a compass: all eight main geographical directions. Escondido is a crossroads in Southern California, and connects all the unique and different parts of the region. 
The yellow and orange colors are reminiscent of the red/yellow on the flag of San Diego, the closest major city.