Our Story
Neighbors organizing to protect the rural character of the Escondido area.
Note: Donations made through the Change.org petition platform go directly to the platform, not Protect Rural Escondido.
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Who we are
Your neighbors, organized
Protect Rural Escondido began as a grassroots effort by residents concerned about increasing housing development pressure on the rural and county unincorporated areas surrounding Escondido, including the loss of community character, view corridors, animal keeping, open space, wildlife habitat, starry skies, and the rural quality of life that defines our neighborhoods. Residents also raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure to support additional growth, the reality that transit is not an effective transportation option for the rural community, and the ongoing road safety issues on already-congested rural routes along with real concerns of firestorm conditions that would impede the life saving evacuation of people and animals.
Community members have expressed concerns about the cumulative impacts of nearby proposed housing developments, including the recently County of San Diego–approved Pasqual Heights project—a 10-acre subdivision with 44 homes located at the northwest corner of Idaho Avenue and San Pasqual Valley Road scheduled to begin construction in 2026.
What started in one neighborhood quickly grew as residents from other rural and unincorporated areas came forward with similar concerns, including the potential impacts of annexation, zoning changes, and policy shifts that could affect private property rights—such as the ability to maintain equestrian and farm animals uses and the unknown potential impacts to property taxes or costs for sewer improvements.
Today, we are neighbors working together to build a stronger, united voice for balanced growth, thoughtful planning, and meaningful public participation. We are committed to ensuring rural residents are informed, seen, heard, and represented in decisions that affect their homes, neighborhoods, and future.
Our approach
Maybe in My Backyard
Two familiar acronyms often dominate land-use debates: NIMBY — “Not in My Backyard” — and YIMBY — “Yes in My Backyard.” Neither describes us.
A reflexive “no” treats every proposal as a threat. A reflexive “yes” treats every proposal as progress. Both overlook the question that should guide every land-use decision: Does this specific project fit the specific place where it is proposed?
MIMBY offers a balanced alternative: “Maybe in My Backyard.”
Show us the available water, roadway capacity, emergency access, infrastructure and environmental review. Place density where existing services can responsibly support it. Demonstrate that a proposal respects community character, protects public safety and addresses its environmental impacts.
When those conditions are met, the answer can be yes. When they are not, the answer should be no — clearly stated, supported by the record and reached through a transparent public process.
What We Stand For
We are not opposed to growth. We are opposed to growth that ignores the land and the people already here.
Rural Character
Open space, agricultural land, animal keeping, and starry skies are important to the rural quality of life. They are the reason this community exists.
Thoughtful Planning
Infrastructure, water, and public safety access should be settled before higher density is approved, not after.
A Represented Voice
The voices of county unincorporated residents are too often dismissed because of inadequate communication, insufficient public notice and the lack of a formal avenue for meaningful participation. When we organize and speak together, we become considerably harder to overlook.
Add Your Voice
The campaign runs on neighbors showing up. Start with the mailing list — it is how we reach you when a hearing date lands.