Simply San Marcos: State of the city, 25th annual trails day, arts and cultural grants

San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond delivers State of the City Address

Actually, this is the 2015 address. The 2016 version will be posted as it becomes available.

Another North County mayor giving a state of the city speech, another “the city is strong and future is bright” assertion.

This time it was San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond, who gave his state of the city address at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 as the keynote to the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Board Member Installation and Business Awards Luncheon. The speech took place at Cal State San Marcos University Student Ballroom, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.

“San Marcos is a diverse and thriving community, built on partnerships and a strong foundation of high-quality education,” Desmond said.

Desmond touched on the accomplishments in the community during 2015 and presented a vision for the City’s future in the areas of public safety, parks and community services, community development, traffic and transportation, and other quality of life issues.

Desmond credited San Marcos residents, schools, businesses, and non-profits for their vital role in the progress taking place in the community and in forging a brighter future for future generations.

The Mayor’s State of the City Address aired live on San Marcos TV Channel 19 (Cox Communications), Channel 24 (Time Warner Cable), Channel 99 (AT&T) and will be posted on the city’s YouTube channel when available, according to city officials.

City to celebrate 25th annual San Marcos Trails Day with group hikes

Some of last year’s hikers.

If your boots are made for walking, hike on up Saturday, March 5 to Lakeview Park, 650 Foxhall Drive. That’s the scene for the free group hike celebrating the 25th anniversary of San Marcos Trails Day.

The San Marcos Community Services Department will sponsor two “Discover San Marcos Hikes” hikes. Participation is free with hikes beginning at 9 a.m. The event is subject to cancellation in the event of rain, but, hey, it’s not going to rain, so come on folks.

An easy two-mile hike will visit Discovery Lake and the Discovery Creek trails. A more challenging seven-mile hike with more than 1,000-foot elevation gain will be offered to Double Peak Park via the Cima Loop Trail and La Plaza Drive.

An adult must accompany all minors. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Bring water, sunscreen and trail snacks. Dogs must be on a maximum 6-foot leash at all times.

Don’t forget to share your hiking moments on Instagram at sanmarcoscity and hashtag #discoverSanMarcos.

For more information on hikes or the city’s trails, visit www.san-marcos.net or call (760) 744-9000, ext. 3535.

San Marcos Community Foundation accepting arts and culture grant applications

Arts and culture grant applications accepted through April 6.

How does $3,500 sound when it comes to staging an arts or cultural event? Granted, it probably sounds pretty good, so get those applications in by 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 6 to the San Marcos Community Foundation for inclusion in its annual Arts and Cultural Grant Program.

With $3,500 available, these grants are designed to assist eligible organizations with implementing artistic and cultural events and/or activities that benefit the San Marcos community.

The San Marcos Community Foundation is a non-profit organization established by the City of San Marcos in 1988 when a $1 million endowment was received by a local developer.

Since its inception, the foundation has granted more than $1 million to programs and projects that help improve the quality of life for San Marcos residents.

Overall, the goal is to support organizations serving San Marcos residents specializing in programs in the areas of children and youth, seniors, arts and culture, education, health and well being, and military families.

Complete details regarding the application process and funding availability for the Arts and Cultural Grant Program, as well as other available grants, are available online at www.sanmarcoscommunityfoundation.org or call Michael Gordon at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3116.