ESCONDIDO (KGTV) — A new sign on Highway 78, just west of Broadway, is turning heads in Escondido. The landmark, a partnership between Caltrans and the city, cost $400,000, according to Caltrans.
Local business owner Suzanne Armstrong noticed the sign while driving through the area.
"I was headed to Carlsbad, and I saw the sign, and then on the way back I thought, oh, this is such a nice welcoming sign," Armstrong said.
Armstrong started her business in Escondido almost 2 years ago. She believes the new sign could help put the city on the map.
"I think it brings an awareness to our community, hopefully a lot of pride from our residents and visitors," Armstrong said.
Councilman Christian Garcia says the sign is one of many ways residents can take pride in Escondido.
"I think the idea of the sign is to have something that's really expressive of what people can be proud of. It's something that people could really see as something that's going to be welcoming to their hometown," Garcia said.
I reached out to local Escondido Facebook groups about their thoughts. Some residents questioned whether $400,000 was the right investment. But Garcia says the overall response has been positive.
"I think a lot of people have shown excitement about it. I think people are looking at it and seeing that, hey, this is actually something pretty cool and something to be proud of," Garcia said.
Escondido is known as the "Hidden City." Armstrong says the sign will help bring the city to light.
"Maybe this sign will help more people discover us and in our welcoming environment," Armstrong said.
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