By Miriam Raftery

November 5, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – All four East County cities had measures on the ballot to raise or extend sale taxes, and three of the four are winning by large margins.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left to right:  District 4 candidates Kim Hales and Ivan Andujar,  District 2 candidates Robert Lloyd Senior and Suzanne Till

November 2, 2024 (Santee) – Four candidates are vying for two seats on the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. The district provides water, including recycled water, to over 100,000 East County residents and businesses.  In division 4, appointed incumbent Ivan Andujar, a facility operations manager at Lions, Tigers and Bears, faces a challenge from biologist Kim Hales.  In division 2, incumbent Suzanne Till , a veteran with a PhD in water resources management, is being challenged by business owner Robert “Bob” Loyd, Sr.  Key issues include water affordability, accessibility, and reliabilty.

By Mike Allen

October 16, 2024 (Santee) -- At least four Santee sports groups including the local Pop Warner club, the Ravens, and youth soccer teams will soon get to experience the newly installed synthetic turf fields at Town Center Community Park.

The two new fields that feature lines for both football and soccer and can accommodate lacrosse were recently installed after an unusually long delay from having to wait to be adequately dry after a wet spring.

Stephanie Price, a member of the Santee Park and Recreation Committee (SPARC), was happy to see the brand new turf at the Oct. 10 dedication ceremony that took some six months to install due to the drying out time.

By Mike Allen

September 24, 2024 (Santee) -- The never-ending churn of new retailers continues in Santee, a city where national and regional chains apparently see plenty of opportunity.

Among the new eateries expected to open before the end of this year is The Stand, a Los Angeles-based specialty burger joint. It’s planned to take over the former U.S. Bank site in the Sprouts-anchored shopping center at 9355 Mission Gorge Road.

Court finds City Council should have allowed citizens to vote on ballot initiative before approving project

By Mike Allen

Photo: Fanita Ranch site, courtesy of Preserve Wild Santee

August 15, 2024 (Santee) -- Santee’s Fanita Ranch project, which would put about 3,000 new homes into the northwest quarter of the city, was dealt another set back last week when a Superior Court judge ruled that the City Council didn’t follow its own rules regarding new development.

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.