North County Citizens for a Clean Environment

04/07/2026

Big news for Escondido neighbors: AES has officially withdrawn its massive “Seguro” battery farm proposal after months of community pushback and safety concerns. The project would have placed 220–230 lithium‑ion battery containers on 22+ acres right next to homes and Palomar Medical Center — one of the largest battery‑storage proposals ever floated near residential neighborhoods.

Residents organized, showed up, asked hard questions, and it worked. The application is now pulled, and the site is in limbo.
But this isn’t the end of the conversation. County leaders are still weighing new safety rules and buffer requirements for future battery‑storage projects, especially after several regional fires. Neighbors in the article make it clear: this is a welcome reprieve, not a final victory.

For now, it’s a reminder that local voices matter — and staying engaged is how communities protect their health, safety, and quality of life.

AES withdraws the Seguro battery plan near Escondido. Neighbors cheered, but the lot's future is undecided.

03/16/2026

We will miss having the library at the North County Mall but are happy to see they will soon have an improved forever home in our community.

Escondido library set to reopen downtown July 2026 with new teen and maker spaces.

03/12/2026

North County Mall is an important part of our community, and many residents want to make sure any new project fits well with nearby homes, schools, and local streets.

People who live closest to the site have been discussing a few key questions:
• How would a large warehouse and high capacity fuel station affect neighborhood traffic patterns?
• Could fuel odors, emissions, or lighting impact nearby homes?
• What would delivery truck activity look like during early mornings or late evenings?
• How might the project change the character and walkability of the area?

These are normal, practical questions for any community to ask when a major project is proposed next to residential neighborhoods.

If you live, work, or shop in the area, your perspective matters. To stay informed or join community discussions, email [email protected]

03/11/2026

Costco’s gas stations are high volume operations—and that comes with problems. Reports from other locations show issues ranging from fuel contamination to long queues and congestion spilling into surrounding streets.

Now imagine that level of intensity placed directly next to homes, schools, and busy intersections. Escondido families shouldn’t be the test case for a mega station that doesn’t belong in a residential corridor.

Help protect our neighborhood: [email protected]

03/08/2026

North County Mall is finally seeing new ownership and investment. Local reporting notes plans for new retail, a movie theater, and revitalization efforts already underway.

Dropping a standalone Costco warehouse and mega gas station—not even connected to the mall—would derail the chance for a true mixed use revival. Instead of walkable shops, restaurants, and community spaces, we’d get traffic, noise, and a giant concrete box.

Escondido deserves a future focused plan, not a short term land grab.

If you want a better vision for our community, email [email protected].

03/06/2026

Did you know Costco pulled its own application for this project in 2023? City Hall confirmed that Costco asked the City to stop processing their development application, even after paying all fees.

Now they’re back—still trying to force a warehouse and mega gas station onto a site that was never designed for this kind of high impact use. If the project was solid, they wouldn’t keep stopping and restarting.

Escondido deserves thoughtful planning, not corporate flip flopping.

Join neighbors who are standing up for responsible development: [email protected]

03/04/2026

Costco’s plan includes a 32 pump mega fuel station—one of the largest in the region. Internal documents show Costco expects queues of at least 24 cars or more waiting to fuel during peak hours at similar stations.

That means long lines of idling vehicles, noise, fumes, and headlights pointed toward nearby homes. This isn’t a small neighborhood gas station—it’s a regional fueling hub being dropped next to apartments, condos, and three schools.

Escondido families deserve clean air and safe streets—not a traffic magnet.
Want to help stop this? Email [email protected].

03/03/2026

North County Mall neighbors are already dealing with heavy traffic, school congestion, and long emergency response times. A Costco warehouse + 32 pump mega gas station would add 10,000–15,000 new car trips every single day, according to project documents and local reporting. That’s not “normal shopping traffic”—that’s a complete transformation of our neighborhood.

More cars mean more accidents, slower emergency vehicles, and more pollution for the hundreds of families who live right next to the site. People who don’t live here may want the convenience—but we’re the ones who would pay the price.

If you care about protecting our neighborhood, email us at [email protected] to get involved.

02/28/2026

Many people have been asking what’s planned for the former Sears site at North County Mall. A proposal has been submitted for a 156,873 sq. ft. warehouse and a 32 pump fuel station on the property.

Because hundreds of families live directly next to the mall, neighbors are taking time to understand how this project could affect daily life.

Some of the topics people are looking into include:
•Traffic volumes on already busy streets like Via Rancho Pkwy and Beethoven Dr.
•Air quality changes from a high volume fuel station and increased vehicle activity.
•Noise and lighting from extended operating hours and large scale deliveries.
•Safety considerations for nearby homes, schools, and pedestrian routes.

Sharing information helps everyone understand what’s being proposed and how it may fit with the surrounding community. If you’d like updates or want to learn more, reach out anytime at [email protected].

02/04/2026

Escondido deserves thoughtful, responsible development — not rushed decisions.

The North County Mall area is already one of the busiest corridors in the city. Any major project, especially one that includes a high‑volume fuel station, deserves careful review and full transparency.

Our community has always stood up for:
• Safe traffic conditions
• Clean air
• Strong neighborhoods
• A thriving, accessible mall
• Responsible planning that reflects local needs

We’re here to make sure those values guide the process. If you care about the future of the mall and the surrounding neighborhoods, follow this page and reach out at [email protected] to get involved.

02/02/2026

Community action starts early — and it starts with us.

As the City reviews Costco’s proposal for a warehouse and large fuel station at the North County Mall, residents can make a real difference by getting involved now. Here’s what helps most at this stage:
• Share updates with neighbors and HOA groups
• Help build our contact list so we can alert people when hearings are scheduled
• Support full environmental and traffic review by asking the City to require it
• Identify speakers who can talk about traffic, safety, and neighborhood impacts
• Connect with nearby businesses who may be affected

If you’re interested in helping in any capacity — big or small — email [email protected]. Community voices matter.