E. & J. Metal Supply first opened its doors in July 2004 and was founded by brothers Efrain and Jose Mendoza. After working in the metal business for more than twenty-seven years, the two brothers decided to open a steel yard of their own. They both put their minds to it and ventured out to make their dream come true.

As we head towards the future, E.&J. puts Yessenia Mendoza, Efrain and Amparo's daughter, up front and center. Yessenia was appointed as part owner in 2017.

She will lead us into the next phase of the family business.

Isaac, Luke and James are students attending Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad. They have a ton of business ideas and are true Entrepreneurs at the fearless age of 13 and 14. They discuss how they became friends and business partners, their successes, their challenges and their next idea.

Paul Loska, CEO and co-founder of GIS Surveyors is responsible for managing the overall operations of the company. With 30 years of land surveying expertise, Paul’s vision is clear: Cultivate the right team of professionals to deliver high-quality, innovative geospatial solutions for every client.

Under Paul’s leadership, he has grown GIS Surveyors to more than 70 employees with offices in San Diego and Orange counties, as well as Seattle and Cincinnati. The firm is now an employee-owned company with clients in the industry segments of municipalities, utilities, and government agencies.

The mayor discusses the passage of Measure I, and his vision for how the increased revenue can best be used to address the city's budget challenges - and even hopefully make the city better.

Elected in November, 2022, Dane White is Escondido's youngest mayor at age 33. White is a fifth generation Escondido native. He is married to Kelsey White, a special education teacher. They have two daughters SonnyJan and Hattie. He comes to the mayor’s job from serving on the Escondido Union High School District board.

Genaro Rodriguez has always been very business-oriented, always into building something for himself. “That’s all thanks to my parents. We come from very financially unstable families … But when you’ve been in that situation, you try everything to not be in that situation again.”

In addition to the E•’lo•te stand in Valley Center, his parents grow and sell strawberries and run the Rodriguez Nursery in Valley Center.

Unlike a traditional Mexican restaurant, E•’lo•te has a limited menu of a handful of dishes. Once a customer decides between a burrito, taco, corn, or potato, then they can pick which protein and toppings they want. Other hallmarks include an open kitchen so customers can quickly get their food after ordering from a kitchen they know is clean. Also, Rodriguez prioritizes high-quality, fresh and diverse ingredients so that both the tastebud-driven omnivore and health-conscience vegan can enjoy burritos together, even if it means higher prices than more traditional spots in the area.

Mary Hillebrecht represents the vibrant history of Escondido! Her family has been a part of our city for over 100 years. She and her siblings still farm here, and are the owners of the iconic Farm Stand West.

As a whole, the agricultural picture in San Diego County has changed remarkably from 1924 when George Hillebrecht came here to plant virgin land to an orchard. The crops then were citrus, flowers, vegetables, grapes, and grain and feed crops for the livestock. There were many poultry ranches, dairies, and cattle ranches in those days. Today, the San Diego County billion dollar agricultural production has shifted to flower, and ornamental plants…. not food crops…. for over half of the total agricultural income. Behind that number one category are avocados, citrus, row crops, strawberries, a few dairies, many acres but not much income from cattle ranching, egg ranches, mushrooms, and herbs. People do not think of agriculture when you mention San Diego County, but we still bring a great many jobs here and also many dollars. These are our own estimates and our own views!

Stef Holden is a Navy Vet and a dedicated volunteer in our city. Currently he is the 2nd Vice Chair of American Legion Post 149, President of Brothers of 6, President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Escondido, and Co-Chair of VetFest. He also volunteers at Brother Bennos, and is on the Steering Committee for Grape Day Fest.

Escondido VetFest – put on by American Legion JB Clark Post 149 and the Brothers of 6 Charities, Inc – is looking forward to the fifth VetFest Parade and Festival to be held November 11, 2024.

With an understanding of the practical needs of his clients, Carl J. Skaja’s extensive litigation and transactional experience have earned him a reputation of excellence throughout Southern California. Carl has earned the respect of both his clients and opposing counsel by skillfully managing his clients’ matters with a results-oriented approach.

His case management, mediation, arbitration, trial and transactional skills provide his clients with valuable insight geared toward the most efficient and cost-effective resolution of both litigation and transactional matters. Carl represents a wide variety of clients including, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, landlords, retail business owners, realtors, brokers and many other small to medium sized businesses with all of their legal needs.