Assemblymember Patel Delivers $1,230,000 to Escondido YMCA at First-Ever AD 76 Family Palooza

Assemblymember Patel Delivers $1,230,000 to Escondido YMCA at First-Ever AD 76 Family Palooza

ESCONDIDO, CA - Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (San Diego County) hosted the first-ever AD 76 Family Palooza on Saturday, a free resource fair connecting North County families with health services, food resources, public safety programs, and youth activities. Partners include the YMCA, Neighborhood Healthcare, the San Diego Food Bank, LiveWell, the California Highway Patrol, and the Escondido Public Library. This event brings government resources and partnerships directly to communities in North San Diego County, showing taxpayer-funded resources in action.

Assemblymember Patel presented a $1,230,000 state grant to the Escondido YMCA for infrastructure upgrades to its soccer field, gymnasium, and playground, expanding access to safe recreational spaces for North County families. The investment highlights the event's focus on strengthening trusted community institutions that serve families year-round.

In a single visit, families accessed dental screenings, food assistance, public benefits navigation, and bicycle safety resources. This event meets Californians where they are, incorporating everything together for a chance to see the full range of public services and community support rather than scattered across separate agencies and appointments in a difficult-to-navigate process that requires a lot of time and resources.

"For the first time in Assembly District 76, we are uniting community organizations, local leaders, and public agencies in one place to provide resources and support for North County families," said Assemblymember Patel. "The Escondido YMCA exemplifies the kind of trusted community partner that makes this possible, which is why I am honored to have secured $1,230,000 to modernize their soccer field, gymnasium, and playground. This investment ensures more families have access to safe, high-quality spaces to connect, play, and thrive."

"As the YMCA of San Diego County continues to expand its impact, this investment represents a powerful commitment to the health and well-being of our community," said Cesar Silva, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of San Diego County. "We are proud to partner with Assemblymember Patel and regional leaders to advance a shared vision-one where families have greater access to high-quality programs, integrated services, and opportunities to thrive. This funding strengthens our ability to deliver on that vision in Escondido and beyond."

"Events like the Family Palooza demonstrate what is possible when community partners come together to invest in our youth and families," said Ron Lealakes, the Executive Director of Escondido YMCA-A Campus for Community Well-Being. "We are deeply grateful to the State of California and Assemblymember Patel for this $1.23 million investment in the Escondido YMCA - A Campus for Community Well-being. This funding will strengthen our partnership with Neighborhood Healthcare, National University, and Escondido Union School District, expanding access to education, healthcare, and youth development opportunities for our community."

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Dr. Darshana Patel represents Assembly District 76, which includes the cities of Escondido, San Marcos, and northern parts of the City of San Diego, as well as the unincorporated areas of Del Dios, Elfin Forest, Fairbanks Ranch, Harmony Grove, Lake San Marcos, and Rancho Santa Fe. Assemblymember Patel is the Chair of the Assembly Education Committee and serves on the following committees: EDGHI (Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact), Health, Higher Education, Budget, and the Budget Subcommittee #3 on Education Finance.