By Miriam Raftery

Updated 2:45 p.m.

July 31, 2024 (Santee) – An autopsy confirms that a couple found dead with head trauma yesterday morning at the Lantern Crest senior living facility in Santee died of gunshot wounds. The Sheriff's homicide unit has concluded that Michael Sheehan, 74, shot and killed his wife, Beverly Slater-Sheehan, then committed suicide.

 The incident is the second time this year that homicide investigators have been summoned to Lantern Crest to investigate suspicious deaths.

In May, homicide investigators were summoned to Lantern Crest to investigate another pair of deaths that were determined to be a murder-suicide. Investigators found that 82-year-old David Soulner fatally shot his wife, 79-year-old Claire Soulner, then  shot and killed himself.

By Mike Allen

June 30, 2024 (Santee) -- The Santee City Council has unanimously approved an initiative to raise the sales tax charged within the city by a half cent for improved fire protection, including two new stations and firefighters.

The measure, which would increase the tax on items sold in the city from 7.75 to 8.25 percent, will expire in 15 years if passed by a a simple majority of Santee voters in November. Called the Santee Emergency Safety Protection Ordinance, the initiative was championed by the Santee Firefighters Association, which collected some 3,800 valid signatures from city residents to qualify for the ballot.

The Council voted this week to place it on the ballot and forego a detailed report on how the funds would be spent.

By Mike Allen

June 20,2024  (Santee) -- A nasty fight involving 25-30 teenagers at the first of Santee’s Summer Concerts at Town Center Community Park last Thursday resulted in changes in how the city manages the popular event.

Bree Osborne, a spokeswoman for the city of Santee, said the fight began soon after the June 13 concert ended at 8:15 p.m. when a “group of teens and minors caused some issues.”

She said the fight, which was centered around the restrooms at the west side of Town Center Community Park, required the response of an unknown number of Sheriff’s Department personnel, and that arrests were made.

Hearing set for June 25; some neighbors are teed off

By Mike Allen

Photo: Augie Scalzitti at his home on Inverness Road looking at the Carlton Oaks Golf Course

June 15, 2024 (Santee) -- Augie Scalzitti is enjoying the good life in Santee, gazing from his deck to a stunning, clear view of the nearby Fortuna peaks and hills at Mission Trails Regional Park.

But that view will be dramatically altered if a proposed residential development for the Carlton Oaks Golf Resort that abuts his house on Inverness Road goes forward.

He points to a fence beneath his deck where trees and shrubs make up the “rough” part of Carlton Oaks’ carefully manicured 18-hole course. “They’re going to have to build that up about 10 feet, and the two-story homes will be another 30 feet above that,” he said. “When it’s done, I’ll be able to see into (future homeowner’s) bathroom.”

June 4, 2024 (Santee) -- Step back in time at the Santee Renaissance Experience on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, held at 9000 Edgemoor Drive in Santee, will feature real Medieval style battles, multiple guilds to entertain and educate you, plus pirates, fairies, mermaids and a Madrigal choir.

You can also try your hand at archery, shop for crafts and wares, enjoy exotic food vendors and a beer garden.

Update May 28, 2024 -- The deceased have been identified as 82-year-old David Soulner and his wife, 79-year-old Claire Soulner. According to the Sheriff's Department, David Soulner fatally shot his wife, then shot and killed himself.

By Miriam Raftery

May 27, 2024 (Santee) – The San Diego Sheriff’s department is investigating the deaths of two elderly adults found dead with apparent head trauma yesterday morning at their home in Lantern Crest, an upscale senior living facility on Lantern Crest Way.

Deputies responded to a call at 11:25 a.m. yesterday reporting the deaths of an elderly man and woman. Identifies of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of family members.

“Sheriff's Homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the circumstances of these deaths. There are no outstanding suspects and no danger to the community,” says Lieutenant Michael Krugh, who adds the an investigation is ongoing.

East County News Service

April 24, 2024 (Santee) – Heartland Coin Club invites you to discover a fascinating world of coins and currency at the club’s bi-annual coin show on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   There will be something for everyone, from seasoned collectors to curious beginners, at the Cunnane Social Center at Guardian Angels Catholic Church,  9310 Dalehurst Rd. in SanteeEnjoy a fun-filled day with your family and friends as you explore:

• a wide array of collectible U.S. and foreign coins, antique coins, and currency from trusted dealers.

• rare and interesting coins, including early American coins, Buffalo nickels, Seated Liberty quarters, and more.

• modern U.S. coins, commemorative coins, and error coins.

• ancient coins and foreign currency from countries that no longer exist.

• tokens, medals, and other collectibles.

• free coin appraisals by over 20 expert dealers and club members with 44 tables and thousands of rare coins, medals, and paper currency.

• fun activities and free coin collecting items for kids in our Young Numismatists Area.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Forensic artist PJ Puterbaugh created this sketch that helped to identify the deceased woman. 

February 25, 2024 (Santee) -- A citizen’s tip helped the County Medical Examiner’s Office identify a woman who died in the Jan. 22 storm. The body of Faith Angle, 46, was found in brush along Forester Creek in Santee.

East County News Service

Photo, left: Forensic artist PJ Puterbaugh created this sketch of the unidentified woman found in Santee and a tattoo of a winged dolphin and hearts on her leg.

February 3, 2023 (Santee) -- The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office needs assistance identifying a woman found unresponsive in the brush on the southern border of Forester Creek in Santee. Paramedics responded to help on the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 22, but she could not be resuscitated.

A forensic sketch artist created this drawing of the woman. Photographs of the tattoo and jewelry are also provided.

November 21, 2023 (Santee) -- A woman has been arrested in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a child in Santee.

On Monday, November 20 just before 6 p.m., a woman tried to remove a one-year-old child from a shopping cart in the 100 block of Town Center Parkway. The suspect was not successful, since the child was secured in the cart with a lap belt. She then took off on foot heading south toward Mission Gorge Road. Despite a thorough search of the area by Sheriff's Deputies and a Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter, the suspect was not located.

Detectives from the Santee Sheriff's Station immediately began investigating the incident. On Tuesday, November 21 around 7:30 p.m., detectives arrested Isela Ortega, 21,  in the 400 block of Orsett Street in Chula Vista.

November 16, 2023 (Santee) -- The city of Santee will host its holiday lighting celebration on Friday, November 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santee Trolley Square (9884 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee).

Visitors can enjoy sledding, live music by the Bayou Brothers, holiday photo opportunities with Santa, face painting, and a tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.

By Mike Allen

Image,left: Rendering of planned auto dealership project

November 4, 2023 (Santee) -- A long-vacant, rock strewn lot on Mission Gorge Road just west of Magnolia Avenue is slated to become the Santee Auto Center, following approval of the project by the City Council last week.

The 13.1 acre site at 10335 Mission Gorge Road once housed Santee Elementary School, which opened in 1891 and closed in 2003 due to declining enrollment. Santee-based Cameron Brothers Construction Co. plans to convert the site into two dealerships, one of which is Chevrolet.

The center includes two warehouse buildings of more than 33,000 square feet, an auto body shop, and car wash. It will have six entrances and 688 parking spaces, mostly for inventory and customer service.

By Chuck Westerheide, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  forensic sketch artist P.J. Puterbaugh created this image of the unidentified accident victim

November 3, 2023 (El Cajon) - San Diego County Medical Examiner’s investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify a woman fatally hit by a car while crossing Cuyamaca Street north of Weld Boulevard in El Cajon late in the evening of September 22.

By Shiloh Ireland

Photo, left:  Former San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernest J. Dronenberg cuts ribbon to dedicate the Archive Reading Room in Santee

October 25, 2023 (Santee) – A ceremony was held today at the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder’s office in Santee, where Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Jordan Marks dedicated the Archive Reading Room to his predecessor, Ernest J. Dronenberg, Jr.  The event also celebrated Dronenburg’s legacy of public service.

The facility was full of guests, local county politicians and officials including Mayor Bill Wells of El Cajon, Santee City Councilmembers Ronn Hall and Vice Mayor Laura Koval,  Andrew Hayes, staffer for  Senator Brian Jones as well as an Assembly candidate and Lakeside Union School Board President,  Padre Dam Director Bill Pommering, Jordan Gascon, Chairman of the San Diego Republican Party, and others.

Bow ties were requested to be worn, since that was Dronenburg’s  signature look during his tenure.  Dronenburg was accompanied by his wife. His colleagues described him as a “numbers guy” and praised his service.