April 12, 2010 (Santee) – The City of Santee has amended its social host ordinance after working in partnership with the City Attorney, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, and local community groups. Under the new law, party hosts are required to take all reasonable steps to prevent consumption of alcohol by minor and drugs by anyone.

By E.Z. Pickens
 

April 1, 2010 (Santee) – The San Diego Chargers have received an offer from the City of Santee to construct a new Chargers stadium in the East County community.
 

“This will be a win-win for the Chargers and East County,” said Santee Mayor Randy Voepel, wearing a sporty bolts blazer. With the upcoming completion of Highway 52, Santee will be easily accessible from all parts of San Diego. Having an NFL team in Santee will not only be good for Charger fans, but will also boost revenues for our city.”

February 20, 2010 (Santee) - In early February Santee’s Community Policing Unit developed information on a prolific tagging crew consisting of seven criminal graffiti "taggers". Using the Graffiti Tracker investigation system, the San Diego County Sheriff’s office documented that the "tagging crew" had committed over 80 incidents since April 2009 with a significant spike in activity last week.

February 10, 2010 (Santee)—If you’re a Santee resident who would like to represent your city as a community ambassador and be eligible for scholarships, the Miss Santee Contest wants to hear from you. The competition is open to women ages 13-26. (Girls ages 6-12 should contact pageant officials for information on the Santee Princess Program.) Entry is free! Deadline is February 21st.

by Christopher Mohr

January 12, 2010 (Santee) - What started out as a competitive game between two rival schools from Santee soon became a rout as the host Wolfpack of West Hills High School  surged past the Lady Sultans of Santana High School with a comfortable 54-31 win.

December 2, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Jimmie Johnson, the first driver in history to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup titles, has donated half a million dollars to local schools. Johnson made several local appearances this week, including an event honoring him in Santee hosted by Lowe’s Tuesday night.

“We are most proud of you,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob, noting that Johnson grew up in East County and graduated from Granite Hills High School. “Besides the greatness you’ve achieved, you’ve given back to your community—you haven’t forgotten your roots.” The San Diego County Board of Supervisors named December 1st “Jimmie Johnson” day in his honor.

November 18, 2009 (Santee) -- On November 17, Santee traffic deputies, school resource officers, juvenile detectives and the COPPS Unit conducted a teen driver compliance detail. Special attention was given to drivers near schools. Drivers were stopped and cited for various traffic violations including use of cell phones, not wearing seat belts, violation of provisional license restrictions and equipment violations.

Within the first 90 minutes, 27 citations and 36 violations issued near Santana High School. During the lunch hour, 9 citations and 14 violations were issued near West Hills High School.

By Miriam Raftery
 

November 15, 2009 (Santee) – Nutrition Zone, a retailer of discount sports nutrition and weight loss products, didn’t just talk about fitness at its grand opening last weekend. Guests climbed a rock wall, jumped and bounced on giant inflatable recreation devices. On hand were fitness and nutrition experts to advise on everything from diet to exercise to shedding unwanted pounds. Not a couch potato in sight!

October 24, 2009 (Santee) – Santee firefighters and the Santee Sheriff’s station invite the public to the 11th annual Santee Pancake Breakfast at the Santee Fire Station #4, 8950 Cottonwood (corner of Mission Gorge and Cottonwood). All proceeds will benefit local families in need.

September 23, 2009 (Santee) – San Diego Master Chorale presents “From Handel to Halloween”, a concert of “spirited” music on October 16 at the Sonrise Community Church in Santee. The program features classics, folk songs, popular music in keeping with the season, spirituals, and a special focus on men’s voices at this family-oriented concert.

August 13, 2009 (Santee) -- The Santee City Council held a town hall meeting on Wednesday, August 12th to discuss a proposed cable ski park at Santee Lakes.