Santee Lakes

KOVAL RETIRES FROM SANTEE LAKES, CONTINUES SECOND GIG AS CITY COUNCILWOMAN

By Mike Allen

May 21, 2023 (Santee) -- Laura Koval is retiring from her regular job as director of the Santee Lakes park, but says she’s keeping her part-time job on the Santee City Council. In fact, she’s announced she intends to run again for the seat in 2024.

Working has been part of her life since she was a youngster. Beginning at the tender age of 17 as an usher for the San Diego Padres and continuing to her current job that will end next month, Koval has worn many different hats. But one she still wears proudly today has SD on it.

Koval, 58, worked for the Padres for 26 years, including during the team’s only two World Series appearances in 1984 and 1998.


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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: LIGHTS AT THE LAKES HOLIDAY SHOW IN SANTEE

 

December 16, 2022 (Santee)  -- ECM took a drive through the first-annual Lights at the Lakes holiday show, now running on select dates through December 24 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. John Levken's video shows highlights of the one-mile drive through over 35 different sparkling light displays set to music synchronized to your car radio.

Each time guests attend the show, it's a new experience.

Tickets are not available on site, and must be pre-purchased online.


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AMERICAN MELANOMA FOUNDATION FUNDS SHADE STRUCTURE AT SANTEE LAKES

Source:  Santee Lakes

June 9, 2022 (Santee) - Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is proud to announce our new Campground shade structure has been the perfect addition to our Campground! We would like to thank the American Melanoma Foundation (AMF) for partially funding this 30’x40’ structure to cover our playground in the campground and protect our camping kiddos.


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DROP A LINE: TROUT REOPENER JANUARY 15-16 AT SANTEE LAKES

East County News Service

Photo: Creative Commons image of rainbow trout via Bing

January 10, 2022 (Santee) – Santee Lakes invites you to Trout Reopening Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, January 15 and 16 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lakes 2, 3 and 4 will be stocked with a whopping 2,500 pounds of rainbow trout including large fish up to eight pounds.

Find details and directions at https://www.santeelakes.com/.


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CELEBRATING ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY, SANTEE LAKES GETS EVEN NICER WITH NEW LAKEVIEW DECK AT TIN FISH RESTAURANT

By Mike Allen
 
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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COME CATCH A WHOPPER: CATFISH SEASON OPENS APRIL 17 AT SANTEE LAKES

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2021 (Santee) – Get your rods and reels ready.  Santee Lakes invites you to drop a line at its Catfish Season Opener, when the lakes will be stocked with 2,000 pounds of catfish.


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BIRD TALK: CINNAMON TEAL AT SANTEE LAKES

By Greg Dunne                                           

March 14, 2021 (Santee) - The ducks are out at Santee Lakes. Santee Lakes is a great place to do some bird watching, get a walk in, or of course do some fishing. And, if you are birding, maybe get a chance to see a Cinnamon Teal.

Of all the lakes out in the East County, I think the one with the largest population of ducks is Santee Lakes--from the Mallards, Northern Shoveler and Wood Ducks, to the American Wigeon. Plus you are guaranteed to always find the American Coots hanging out with the ducks. Santee Lakes is one of my favorite places to bird watch because of the wide diversity of species ranging from Osprey and Peregrine Falcons to Snowy Egrets and Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers as well as Western Kingbirds. An estimate of over 200 species can be seen in a calendar year at Santee Lakes.


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SANTEE LAKES PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION DESPITE SETBACKS

By Mike Allen
 
Photo: Santee Lakes general store/grill concept rendering
 
December 22, 2020 (Santee) -- A three-building construction project at Santee Lakes is nearing completion, but because of the pandemic, exactly when it will be finished is still difficult to know.
 
Laura Koval, the director of parks and recreation at the Santee Lakes Preserve, said while the finish line is in sight, it could be anytime between February to April.
 
“What I’m saying is spring of next year,” Koval said in a recent interview with East County Magazine. “When you add COVID to the mix, you just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
 

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SANTA AT THE LAKES DEC. 6 IN SANTEE

East County News Service

November 30, 2020 (Santee) -- Santa is coming to town on Sunday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Santee Lakes (Lake 1 Gazebo).  A physically distanced meeting and photo opportunity will be available with Santa.

A reservation to visit Santa is encouraged, however walk-up visits will be available throughout the day based on availability. Make your reservation to visit with Santa at https://santaatthelakes.setmore.com/


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HO HO! SANTA AND SNOW COME TO SANTEE LAKES DEC. 8

East County News Service

 

November 25, 2019 (Santee) - Santee Lakes invites you join Santa at the Lakes on Sunday, December 8th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festivities will feature a snow hill for sledding fun, carnival rides, inflatable jumps, crafts, food, character meets and greets and Santa Claus.  

 

Parking is $10 and tickets are $1 each with activities and rides ranging from 1-8 tickets.

Get more information at www.SanteeLakes.com

 


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SANTEE LAKES RECREATION PRESERVE NAMED PLAN-IT-GREEN PARK OF THE YEAR

Award presented to park owners at the 2019 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo
 
Contact-person David Basler, ARVC
Photos by Miriam Raftery
 
November 22, 2019 (Santee) -- The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has named Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, located in Santee, California, its Plan-It-Green Park of the Year at the 2019 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), held November 4-7 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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ROCK ‘N’ ROLL AND COUNTRY MUSIC GROUPS HEADLINE SANTEE’S CONCERT AT THE LAKES JULY 27

By Miriam Raftery

July 17, 2019 (Santee) - The July 27 Concert at the Lakes in Santee will feature a “whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll and a little bit of country,” according to organizers. This year’s lineup of the event at Santee Lakes will feature Shannon Rae & 100 Proof, Tom Petty and the Heartshakers and DSB.

The concert is open to those age 14 and up.  Lawn and table tickets are available at https://www.concertatthelakes.com/.


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BAYOU BROTHERS IN CONCERT JUNE 15 AT SANTEE LAKES

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 27, 2019 (Santee) – The Bayou Brothers will present a rollicking concert complete with Cajun, Zydeco and blues  music at Santee Lakes on Saturday, June 15th at 7 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayous – and you just may get a free lesson in how to play the rub board.


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SANTEE LAKES PRESENTS THE ANNUAL CATFISH OPENING WEEKEND EVENT

 
 
East County News Service
 
March 28, 2019 (Santee) – Catfish Season Opening Weekend is coming April 6 & 7 to Santee Lakes. Two thousand pounds of Catfish with trophy sized fish will be stocked for this weekend event. Greg Even, coordinator for the Opener, said “This event is great for everyone, including families that want to spend some quality time together.  It’s also perfect for sport fishermen because there will be some trophy fish included in the stock."

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COMFORTABLE CABINS AT SANTEE LAKES, INCLUDING FLOATING LODGING

 

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Mike Allen, East County Magazine

February 22, 2018 (Santee) -- Ever since wood cabins were built at the end of Santee Lakes some seven years ago, I’ve been curious about what they were like.

I’ve stayed in a few cabins in my life, some quite rustic and spartan, and others with all the stuff you’d ever need if you’re “camping,” including one that had a spa tub.

The cabins at Santee Lakes are definitely at the higher end, in fact, downright luxurious with just about everything a family would need to enjoy one of America’s best campgrounds situated smack dab in the middle of Santee.


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SANTEE LAKES 2018 EVENTS START OFF WITH TROUT SEASON REOPENER JANUARY 13 AND 14

 

East County News Service

January 6, 2018 (Santee) – From fishing events to movies, concerts, and holiday celebrations, you’ll find lots of activities coming up in the New Year at Santee Lakes—starting with Trout Re-Opener days on January 13 and 14, when the lakes will be stocked with 2,000 pounds of rainbow trout.

Scroll down for details and learn more at www.SanteeLakes.com.


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SANTA – AND SNOW – ARRIVE AT SANTEE LAKES DEC. 10

 

East County News Service

December 3, 2017 (Santee) — Santa comes to Santee Lakes on Sunday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Children can also delight in meeting favorite characters from Star Wars and Disney movies on Storybook Island, sliding down Snow Hill, crafts, face painting, carnival rides and rides on ponies, tractors and a train.


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GONE FISHIN’…

 

By Robert Gehr

August 14, 2017 (Santee) -- I spent a wonderful Sunday morning hanging out with my ‘son’ Jeffrey Caton and his son Jeffrey junior at this relaxing place of beauty.

The morning dawning was cool and slightly overcast, with a hushed calm accompanied by the pleasant sounds and smell of nature filling my senses.


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KIDS DISCOVER ADVENTURES AT SANTEE LAKES

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

April 17, 2017 (Santee) – Santee Lakes is an idyllic place to let kids enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood.  On a sunny afternoon over spring break, kids at the lakes gleefully discovered their inner Tom Sawyer or Becky Thatcher. 

I spotted a group of kids piloting a pedal boat around one of several islands in the lake.   A large Canada Goose skidded to a water landing in front of another pedal boat, where a startled dad snapped photos while his kids looked on, pointing with delight.  


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THOUSANDS OF EASTER EGGS AT SPRING EGGSTRAVAGANZA APRIL 15

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (Santee) -- The City of Santee, and Santee Lakes present the 14th annual Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve (Lake #5) on Saturday, April 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.


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SANTEE LAKES PRESENTS SANTA AT THE LAKES DEC. 11

 

Source: Santee Lakes

November 30, 2016 (Santee) - Santa and snow are in the forecast on Sunday, December 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 16th annual Santa at the Lakes event at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve.

Kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities including Snow Hill, photos with Santa, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, carnival rides, holiday crafts, and hay rides.


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LADIES OF THE LAKE WOMEN'S EXPO AT SANTEE LAKES

 

East County News Service

September 2, 2016 (Santee) - Come celebrate local women in business and leadership at Santee Lakes' Ladies at the Lake Women's Expo.


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NIGHT FISHING AT SANTEE LAKES STARTS JUNE 9

 

East County News Service

June 7, 2016 (Santee) -- Night Fishing is coming to Santee Lakes on Thursday evenings June 9, 23, July 7, 21, and August 4, 18.


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FISH WITH THE FIREFIGHTERS: JUNE 25 AT SANTEE LAKES

 

East County News Service

May 20, 2016 (Santee) – The Santee Firefighters Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, June 25 at Padre Dam’s Santee Lakes (Lake 3 and 4, Area G) from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.   Derby participants will receive a free day permit, worms, raffle ticket, hot dog lunch and free door prizes while they last.


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LIGHTS, CAMERA, BEAGLE! THE PEANUTS MOVIE AT SANTEE LAKES JUNE 24

 

East County News Service

May 8, 2016 (Santee) - Movies & More by the Lake Presents ”Lights, Camera, Beagle! The Peanuts Movie" on Friday, June 24th from 6 p.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. at Santee Lakes.


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SANTEE LAKES EGGSTRAVAGANZA MARCH 26

 

East County News Service

March 3, 2016 (Santee) - Santee Lakes invites you to bring the kids for its annual Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 26th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fun-filled event features continuous egg hunts, live entertainment, a petting zoo, craft booths and carnival rides, all hosted by the Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the City of Santee. 


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NIGHT FISHING AT SANTEE LAKES OPENS FOR SUMMER

East County News Service

May 28, 2015 (Santee) -- Santee Lakes invites you to drop your line for night fishing.   Lakes 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be open for night fishing on June 4 and 18, July 16 and 30, August 13 and 27 from 5 p.m. to 11 :30 p.m.

Bring a lantern--but no radios please, to keep the lake quiet for best fishing.


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TROUT STOCKING AT SANTEE LAKES FEB. 6

 

February 3, 2015 (Santee Lakes) - Santee Lakes will be stocking lakes two and three with 1,000 pounds of trout on Friday, February 6th – bringing the total of Rainbow Trout planted in the lake since November to a whopping 10,500 pounds.  For  fishing information, you can visit www.SanteeLakes.com.


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TROUT REOPENER AT SANTEE LAKES JAN. 10-11

 

 

December 31, 2014 (Santee) - If you love to fish, you may want to mark your calendars for the Trout Reopener at Santee Lakes on January 10th and 11th, when the lakes will be stocked with two thousand pounds of rainbow trout.


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BIRD TALK: THE GREAT BLUE HERON

 

By Greg Dunne                                          

August 8, 2014 (Lake Murray) --Always dazzling when you see them with their long S-shaped necks, usually standing motionless, they look as if they are in stealth mode. The Great Blue Heron is one of our largest, most majestic birds in the East County.


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