ESCONDIDO — The city swore in a new council member, welcomed back a returning representative, and honored a longtime council veteran during an emotional meeting on Dec. 11 at Escondido City Hall.
Newly elected Councilmember Christian Garcia, appointed nearly two years ago, was sworn in to represent District 3.
Garcia expressed optimism for Escondido’s future, buoyed by his victorious campaign and the passage of Measure I, a one-cent sales tax to improve public safety, address homelessness and tackle the city’s budget shortfall.
“Today, we stand on a precipice overlooking a bright and beautiful future,” Garcia said.
Judy Fitzgerald, a former police officer, was sworn in to represent District 4, replacing outgoing Councilmember Mike Morasco, who stepped down after 14 years of service.
Fitzgerald thanked her mentors, including Morasco and his wife, Pam, for their guidance and expressed confidence in the city’s direction following the approval of Measure I.
“We are all in this together,” Fitzgerald said. “I know that we’re going to be working through some things that we may not agree on, but one thing we do agree on is that the future of this city is looking better because of the decisions made here today and Measure I passing.”
Morasco, first appointed to the council in 2010 and subsequently re-elected in 2012, 2016 and 2020, also prepares to retire from his career as a physical therapist on Dec. 21. Reflecting on his tenure, Morasco expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
“It has been an absolutely fantastic ride, one that we have enjoyed tremendously from start to finish,” Morasco said.
Morasco tearfully acknowledged his one regret was not serving more time alongside former Councilmember John Masson, who passed away in 2020 following a battle with cancer. He thanked city staff, colleagues and the community for their support.
“Thank you for affording me this opportunity to serve our community for as long as I have been able to do it,” he said. “It’s time to get rid of the old and ring in the new.”
Mayor Dane White delivered an emotional tribute to Morasco, his father-in-law.
“I’ve never met anybody as dedicated to their personal life, their family life, and their professional life, and I just wanted to say thank you very much for your service to this community,” White said. “I think it’s profoundly recognized with anyone you’ve come in contact with over the last 14 years.”
At the same meeting, Treasurer Douglas Shultz, who ran unopposed, won reelection, and Councilmember Consuelo Martinez was appointed deputy mayor for the following year.
