March 28, 2024

Mayor Jim Desmond delivered his annual State of the City Address on Tuesday, February 28 at the historic Williams Barn at Walnut Grove Park to an audience of around 140 residents and community leaders.

The theme for this year’s event was “Honoring Our Vibrant Heritage, Celebrating Our New Horizons.”

READ THE SPEECH HERE

Desmond covered achievements made over the last few years and touched on exciting new projects coming in the years ahead like the Creek District, University District and SR-78 Improvements.

During the event, the San Marcos City Council also recognized their “San Marcos Champions” for exemplarily work that has contributed to the betterment of San Marcos.

Vice Mayor Hal Martin honored former San Marcos Vice Mayor Pia Harris-Ebert for her years of service on the city council; Council Member Chris Orlando recognized Steve and Kathleen Kildoo for their involvement with several city commissions and other volunteer organizations; Council Member Rebecca Jones honored affordable housing developer Ginger Hitzke of Hitzke Development for her work in San Marcos; and Council Member Kristal Jabara honored Green Gables Estate Owner Karen Sherman for taking over the Old Richland Schoolhouse.

The annual State of the City Address is a fundraiser for the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce and was sponsored by several local businesses including Cal State San Marcos, EDCO, Corky’s Pest Control, SDG&E, Hunter Industries, Markstein Beverage Company, Tri-City Medical Group and Vallecitos Water District.