Fireworks are back—along with many traditional Fourth of July festivities in San Diego’s inland region, from parades to picnics to patriotic music, rides, games, and more. Find Indepedence Day events and/or fireworks in El Cajon, Julian,Poway, Ramona, Santee and Valley Center.
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June 28, 2021 (El Cajon) -- Construction crews will fully close a segment of State Route 67/Magnolia Avenue at Interstate 8 (I-8) Tuesday, June 29 and Thursday, July 1 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for bridge repairs.
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June 28, 2021 (Lakeside) – In the 10th annual Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest, 61 photographers submitted entries. This year’s theme was “Life at the Lake.”
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June 25, 2021 (Santee) -- The City of Santee’s annual July 4 celebration is back in person this year and will provide the community with many of the traditional elements they expect when celebrating our nation’s birthday.
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June 24, 2021 (Santee) -- Santee City Council has approved a $50 million operating budget for its 2021-22 fiscal year, including 1.5 percent raises for city staff and the five Council members.
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Photos by Mike Allen and Rebecca Jefferis Williamson
June 19, 2021 (Santee) - Santee’s best known tourist attraction, Santee Lakes, just got a whole lot more attractive with the opening of a new observation deck at Lake 4.
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June 11, 2021 (Lakeside) - The El Capitan High School Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) awarded $1,000 in scholarships to graduating senior members. The scholarship winners are (left to right) Connor Crist, Samantha Wilson, Abby Burghart, Megan Zink and Hafeez Merali.
“People often ask where their PTSA membership money goes – what is it used for,” said Teresa Leader-Anderson, president, El Capitan High School PTSA. “At El Capitan, part of our membership money is used for senior scholarships so we can help hard-working students pursue their educational goals after high school.”
This year’s winners are:
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Photo: members of AWP board with Radhika Fox of the EPA
June 5, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County’s largest infrastructure project, the Advanced Water Purification Program (AWP), got a big boost towards its completion this month when it was awarded a $388 million low-rate federal loan.
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June 2, 2021 (Santee) -- On the same day that a San Jose rail yard employee fatally shot nine of his co-workers before killing himself, the Santee City Council unanimously voted to send a letter to Congressman Darrell Issa opposing a bill in Congress that would place more controls on gun ownership, including more stringent background checks.
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May 28, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- Padre Dam Municipal Water District is currently working on its upcoming Strategic Plan and 5-Year Business Plan. The agency seeks community input during a virtual community workshop on Thursday, June 3rd.
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May 28, 2021 (Santee) – If you’re ready for some live music, the Santee Summer Concert season returns after a year’s hiatus due to COVID-19. The 2021 concerts are slated for Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at 550 Park Center Drive, Santee from June 24 through August 12 (except not July 1 and July 8).
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May 25, 2021 (Santee) – Santee resident Kate Pittman posted these startling photos on Facebook with this message today. “This just happened. Fox chased my cat through the doggie door into our office.”
Pittman added that she opened a sliding glass door to let the fox out, which was “growling at me.” She adds, “What a way to start the day!”
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Pastor Joins Forces With Thank You Heroes Home Rebate Program to Maximize Facility
May 23, 2021 (Lakeside) -- Case De Oro Bible Church has become part owners in "Faith House," a sober living facility in Lakeside designed to assist those specifically coming out of incarceration or military service and break the cycle of addiction. Pastor Bob Lott has been working with Thank You Heroes Home Rebate Program, who assisted with the creation of Faith House and is now facilitating the church's purchase into the project.
"Faith House is an extension of our overall ministry," said Lott. "So many individuals battling addiction also face a crisis of faith and spirituality in their recovery. Becoming more involved with Faith House and elevating the spiritual side of sober living through personal one on one ministry, spiritually-based group activities and increased prayer and faith offerings can give these individuals the boost they need to successfully transition to a sober life," Lott said.
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May 23, 2021 (Santee) – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints is hosting a blood drive in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank on Saturday, June 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10052 N Magnolia Ave, Santee, CA 92071 in the parking lot. All participants will receive a San Diego Padres Blood Drive T-shirt. (size subject to availability and while supplies last).
Anyone 17 and older, who weighs at least 114 pounds and is in good health may be eligible to donate blood. A good meal and plenty of fluids are recommended prior to donation. We strongly encourage appointments. Photo identification is required. Please call (800) 469-7322 or visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org for more information.
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May 22, 2021 (Santee) -- The East County Advanced Water Purification Program (AWP), which will provide about a third of the region’s future water needs, is still in the planning stages and final costs are still being refined.
But this week, according to a report by the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) governing the AWP, the project’s total budget was revealed to be $790.9 million. That is a huge increase over the previous estimate of $642 million made less than a year ago, and the $528 million estimate in 2019.
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May 21, 2021 (Santee) -- Members of the Santee Interfaith Alliance came together on two weekends in April to help the Santee Christian Church repair and upgrade its parking lot.
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May 19, 2021 (Santee) -- Students at Santee’s West Hills High School, class of 2021, will be holding their senior prom on a football field. The event is titled: “Under the Stars” and is literally under a canopy of starlight this year.
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed many high schools’ senior prom plans. West Hills High School is also switching up their prom to be held this Saturday, May 22, as well. The dance floor will be at the 50-yard line with the stadium decorated with a light tunnel and more. It is undetermined if the football field lights will be dimmed for slow dances.
The event will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Additionally, the night will be capped off with fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
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Data raises troubling rural/urban equity disparity in vaccine distribution
By Miriam Raftery
May 17, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – COVID-19 Vaccination rates in East County communities are significantly below the county average – but most rural, mountain and desert communities haven’t even been documented.
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May 15, 2021 (Lakeside) – Forward spread has been halted on the #Shauntau Fire, which started near Shanteau Drive and Flinn Springs Road in Lakeside this afternoon.
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Photo: llustration of the long-planned Santee Community Center, via HMC Architects
May 14, 2021 (Santee) -- The ongoing pandemic has forced everyone, including local elected officials, to reevaluate their previous plans.
That’s what happened May 12 when the Santee City Council pressed the pause button on two long-planned decisions, building a community center and joining a Community Choice Aggregation program.
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Photo, left, taken by John Margolin from his home near the #CochesFire.
Update 5:35 p.m.: The evacuation advisory has been lifted and the evacuation center at W.D. Hall Elementary has been closed.
Update 5:10 p.m.: Cal Fire reports the fire's forward spread has been stopped at 30 acres; it is 5 percent contained. No structures have been damaged or destroyed.
May 12, 2021 (Lakeside) – The #CochesFire that started along I-8 east, south of Los Coches Road in Lakeside, has grown to 30 acres. Evacuation warnings have been issued for the area and anyone wishing to evacuate can go to WD Hall Elementary School at 1376 Pepper Drive in El Cajon. There are no mandatory evacuation orders as of 4:40 p.m.
The fire is burning at a moderate rate of spread and moving toward the Walmart and Valleyview Truck Trail. Air tankers, helicopters and multiple fire engine are battling the blaze.
The right lane of I-8 is blocked by the brush fire and traffic is backed up to state route 67/Magnolia exit. Expect delays of up to a half hour, KUSI reports.
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UPDATE 5:39 P.M.: The Evacuation Warning for the Coches Fire has beeen lifted. The Temporary Evacuation Point at W.D. Hall Elementary School is being closed.
UPDATE 4:59 P.M.: Fire remains at 30 acres, 5% contained. No structures damaged or destroyed.
4:35 P.M.: Fire is 30 acres spreading east along I-8 towards Los Coches Road. Evacuation warnings: anyone wishing to evacuate can go to WD Hall Elementary. No evacuation orders at this time.
4:32 P.M.: Fire is 25 acres spreading east along I-8 towards Los Coches Road. Evacuation warning for WD Hall Elementary. No evacuation orders at this time.
East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts
May 12, 2021 (Lakeside) -- Cal Fire is at the scene with cooperators of a vegetation fire along I-8, west of Los Coches Road in the Lakeside area. Four acres, moderate rate of spread. The right lane is closed on eastbound I-8 east of Greenfield.
To receive free East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts via email, sign up at the top right side of our homepage. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on Twitter for brief text messages on your mobile phone. We thank the Grossmont Healthcare District for their sponsorship of our alerts.
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May 10, 2021 (Santee) – The driver of a white Jeep SUV was seriously injured yesterday around 11:30 p.m. when the vehicle rolled over near the Santee Costco on Town Center Parkway, just north of Mission Gorge Road, trapping the motorist inside.
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May 9, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – As COVID-19 restrictions ease, some East County cities and organizations have announced plans to restart community events after a year of shutdowns.
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(Pictured Santee Fire Department's Deputy Fire Chief Justin Matsushita)
May 5, 2021 (Santee) Two fires broke out in Santee today, the afternoon of Cinco de Mayo. Santee Fire Department’s Deputy Fire Chief Justin Matsushita (photo), interviewed near the corners of Meadow Way and Riverview Parkway near the San Diego River, said his department got a call on the riverbed fire at 1:10 p.m. and had the fire extinguished in 45 minutes.
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May 3, 2021 (Santee) -- Santee is creating its own television station, one that will provide viewers with round-the-clock content on all things Santee related. The Council also voted to boost the city’s budget by up to $25,000 at its most recent City Council meeting.
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April 30, 2021 (Santee) – The city of Santee invites you to bring your furry friend and enjoy Fido Day at Santee Dog Parks on Saturday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for “arfs and crafts” as well as a Paw-caso paw print art and doggie spray tattoos.
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Congressman seeks funds for highways 52 in Santee, 78 at I-5, and 11 at Otay crossing
East County News Service
April 28, 2021 (Washington D.C.). — Yesterday, Congressman Darrell Issa announced CA-50’s Member Designated Projects submissions to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) for deliberation in the 2021 surface transportation reauthorization legislation.
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April 26, 2021 (Santee) – A man driving on State Route 125 north near the Mission Gorge Road exist was shot in the neck by an occupant in a black SUV shortly before 8 a.m.
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April 22, 2021 (Santee) -- Spurred by negative press resulting from two ugly incidents involving racist maskers inside local grocery stores and later, violent clashes at demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the city of Santee set out to deal with its image as a less than welcoming place for minorities.
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Source: Caltrans
East County News Service
Source: City of Santee
By 
By Mike Allen
By Teresa Leader-Anderson
By Mike Alle
By Mike Allen
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Pastor Joins Forces With Thank You Heroes Home Rebate Program to Maximize Facility
East County News Service
By Mike Allen
By Miriam Raftery
By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson
Data raises troubling rural/urban equity disparity in vaccine distribution 
By Miriam Raftery
By Mike Allen
UPDATE 5:39 P.M.: 
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
Photos and story by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson
By Mike Allen
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
By Mike Allen
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