The Santee Magazine - V08.3 - Fall 2019

SANTEE

Santee

Hooked on a Feeling: CKO Kickboxing

Santee Healthy Lifestyles

Santee’s Active Plan

HOST A HERO

In this issue we really wanted to investigate businesses and opportunities around town, collecting the generalized fields of health, fitness, wellness and outdoor recreation into one pool.

This is something that would fill so many issues, but for now, just this one!

When looking around Santee, I was able to find so many things that (unfortunately) I’m just not taking advantage of. It really made me consider taking a deeper look at my own lifestyle and choose areas in which I want to improve.

I’ve recently watched my dad take serious control of his health, losing over 60 pounds in a 4-month period. With the help of medical professionals, he embarked in a rigorous program which promotes general health through nutrition courses heavy in education and accountability.

I think most of us can all safely say we could lose a few pounds, but it goes past the obvious number on the scale. With the help of many Santee businesses and residents who share their stories here, I cheer on all of you to find something that speaks to you and the story you’d like to write for your own health.

It could be as simple as facing your fear of the dentist and getting that overdue appointment booked, stepping out of your comfort zone and enrolling in a class you never thought you could take, joining a recreation sports league with some neighbors or coworkers, or finally taking the hike on the trailhead you pass by each week.

Whatever it is, do it for you. Give yourself a gift that keeps giving because you are nurturing yourself in a positive way that will benefit your overall wellness. Find it here in Santee where we can all live well together.

– Photo Credit: Deena Cormier Photography

on a Feeling: CKO Kickboxing Santee Santee Healthy Lifestyles Santee’s Active Plan

Kristen Dare & Staff Santee Chamber of Commerce

Santee

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

10159 Mission Gorge Road, Suite F Santee, CA 92071 619.449.1515 SanteeChamber.com

2019 Officers

Bobbie Jo Lewis, Chair of the Board

Walmart – 619.449.7900

Tim Staump, Chair Elect

Staump Productions – 619.888.7445

Darcy Fagerwold, 1st Vice Chair

Expressions Dance & Movement Center – 619.596.3362

Melissa Dombo, 2nd Vice Chair

Raceway Electric – 619.596.1918

Kristine Costa, Secretary Waste Management Inc. – 619.596.5100

Mike Clinkenbeard, Treasurer Farmers Insurance – 619.442.0415

Darlene Fenn, Past Chair COHR Consulting – 858.518.3702

2019 Directors

Laura Koval

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve – 619.258.4617

Ailen Lloyd

Lloyd’s Collision & Paint Center – 619.448.8768

Joe Mackey XL Staffing – 619.247.4918

Dan O’Brien O’Brien Insurance – 619.449.9075

James Peasley

Padre Dam Municipal Water District – 619.448.3111

Barbara Ryan

Santee School District – 619.701.5751

Warren Savage

U.S. Naval Sea Cadets – 619.249.2282

James Sly

East County Economic Devel Council – 619.258.3670

Kyle Whissel

Whissel Realty – 858.699.3895

Pamela White City of Santee – 619.258.4100 Ext 223

Doug Whitney Whitney Promotions – 858.735.6128

Office Staff

Kristen Dare CEO

Jennae Gonzalez Sydnee Cable Office Manager Membership Director

Volume 8 • Issue 3

Publisher

Santee Chamber of Commerce

Editor

Kristen Dare

Graphic Design

Arli Wolfson

Contributing Editors

Melissa Dombo

Jennae Gonzalez

Arli Wolfson

Committee Members

Kristen Dare

Melissa Dombo

Tom Romstad

Kristopher Shannon

Eddie Wall

Arli Wolfson

Contributing Writers

Bonnie Danieli

Kristen Dare

Melissa Dombo

Rick Griffin

Laura Koval

Amanda Morris

Susie Parks

Tom Romstad

Todd Tolson

Chris Vertrees

Ally Welborn

Contributing Photographers

Deena Cormier Photography

Maria Maes

Melissa Dombo

Printer

Advanced Web Offset

Junior Golf Academy Junior Golf Academy

Junior Golf Academy

Children ages 7-17 can take part in up to 12 group lessons per month for just $125 or $10 per session

Clinics Available:

Tuesday 4-5 p.m.

Thursday 4-5 p.m.

Children ages 7-17 can take part in up to 12 group lessons per month for just $125 or $10 per session

Saturday 12-1 p.m.

Clinics Available:

Children ages 7-17 can take part in up to 12 group lessons per month for just $125 or $10 per session

Tuesday 4-5 p.m.

Attend as many clinics as possible - they are all included in the monthly fee!

Clinics Available:

Thursday 4-5 p.m.

Clinics Available:

Tuesday 4-5 p.m.

Saturday 12-1 p.m.

Mission Statement

Tuesday 4-5 p.m.

Thursday 4-5 p.m.

Saturday 12-1 p.m.

Thursday 4-5 p.m.

Attend as many clinics as possible - they are all included in the monthly fee!

Saturday 12-1 p.m.

Our goal is to create a positive, safe environment so that each student is able to attain their personal goals. Each golfer's physical abilities will be fully developed in a fun curriculum which equally emphasizes character development and the true spirit of the game. Juniors will not only learn the skills necessary to play golf, but will understand how these same skills apply to life.

Attend as many clinics as possible - they are all included in the monthly fee!

Mission Statement

Attend as many clinics as possible - they are all included in the monthly fee!

Mission Statement

Our goal is to create a positive, safe environment so that each student is able to attain their personal goals. Each golfer's physical abilities will be fully developed in a fun curriculum which equally emphasizes character development and the true spirit of the game. Juniors will not only learn the skills necessary to play golf, but will understand how these same skills apply to life.

Our goal is to create a positive, safe environment so that each student is able to attain their personal goals. Each golfer's physical abilities will be fully developed in a fun curriculum which equally emphasizes character development and the true spirit of the game. Juniors will not only learn the skills necessary to play golf, but will understand how these same skills apply to life.

Our goal is to create a positive, safe environment so that each student is able to attain their personal goals. Each golfer's physical abilities will be fully developed in a fun curriculum which equally emphasizes character development and the true spirit of the game. Juniors will not only learn the skills necessary to play golf, but will understand how these same skills apply to life.

Contact Head Pro Cory Gladstone at (619) 213-3832 for more information.

Mission Statement

Contact Head Pro Cory Gladstone at (619) 213-3832 for more information.

For more information, contact Head Pro Cory Gladstone at 619.213.3832 or cory@carltonoaksgolf.com

Contact Head Pro Cory Gladstone at (619) 213-3832 for more information.

Contact Head Pro Cory Gladstone at (619) 213-3832 for more information. 9200

9200 Inwood Dr. Santee, CA 92071

9200 Inwood Dr. Santee, CA 92071

5 Years of Changing Lives GET HOOKED: The CKO Kickboxing Santee Story

Never in a million years did I think I would open a gym! Seven years ago, I was a sedentary 33-year-old female with a slew of unhealthy habits. I had a demanding corporate career that left me with minimal time for selfcare. Couple this with deeply rooted feelings of insecurity and lack of self-confidence due to a childhood filled with chaos, negativity and early self-reliance. I was completely burned out. I needed to lose weight and relieve stress. I wanted to feel better about myself, to prioritize my wellbeing, to empower myself to be happier and healthier. I sought to channel my negative thoughts into positive ones. I desperately wanted to fit in my old clothes versus wearing my husbands oversized t-shirts.

I NEEDED A CHANGE! That’s exactly where my CKO story began.

I googled “kickboxing” as I remember someone telling me it was a great workout. I took my first class at CKO Kickboxing and I was HOOKED. It was fun, different, motivating, covered strength and cardio in one hour and I could go at my own pace. The environment was welcoming and there were people of every fitness level. Everyone was friendly and there were no monster fitness egos or judgments. I had a trainer motivating me eliminating boredom and monotony. I could put on a pair of gloves, punch a heavy bag and release all those negative feelings inside! CKO was the place I wanted to trust with my fitness journey.

In eight months with CKO: I LOST 40lbs, had increased confidence and self-worth, fit back in my old clothes and for the first time was thinking more positively and felt happy! CKO Kickboxing gave me my life back both mentally and physically! It had changed my life.

After my husband, Brenton, tried CKO he fell in love with the concept too. We knew opening a CKO was the biggest risk of our lives, but we just had to share this amazing concept with more people. We gave up our corporate careers and everything we had worked for and went for it! I drove to a listing at 9802 Magnolia Avenue. I looked through the windows and knew this was the place for our CKO. We signed our lease and hit the ground running. As we started getting out in the community, we repeatedly heard the same thing. Our location had been many things over the years, including multiple gyms, that had gone out of business. Wait… What!?! Talk about stress! We stayed committed to our passion and used this knowledge, although difficult to hear, to fuel our relentless drive to let the community know that CKO was different, that we were dedicated, and that people will benefit from the

workout and the culture. Our unrelenting and pure belief in CKO Kickboxing inspired us to tell everyone in town about CKO and get people to just try the class!

What makes CKO Santee so different? It is rooted in 3 Main Pillars: Class, Culture and Community.

Class: CKO Kickboxing Santee offers One-Hour Full Body Fitness Kickboxing Classes. We utilize real 125lb heavy bags and every class participant has their own heavy bag each class allowing everyone to take the class at their own pace and modify if needed. We have members from the age of 13 and just had a new member join at the age of 72! In the trainer led class, we cover it all: cardio, strength training, toning, abs, warm up, cool down and stretch. Cardio and strength in the same workout! We have optional heart rate technology that tracks your effort level, heart rate and calories to stay engaged and monitor your progress. Before your first class, we do a full orientation of the moves, so you feel comfortable with the class structure including the form of the punches and kicks. No need to let not knowing the moves stop you from CKOwe show you! Members come to us for various reasons: weight loss, toning, strength, stress relief, motivation, something new, different, fun and for overall health and fitness improvement. CKO covers all this! Members often comment that the energy and components of a CKO class is unlike anything they have ever experienced. Members are losing weight (some approaching 100 pounds), getting healthier, happier, finding a workout they finally enjoy and accomplishing feats that they never thought possible before CKO!

Culture: Our Culture is about inclusion and a judgement free, friendly comfortable atmosphere. Someone greeting you by name when you walk in, friendly faces who support and encourage and a tenured staff who care about their job. You are welcomed no matter what your fitness level, age, weight, gender, previous injuries, etc. There are no mirrors in the workout area and when class starts, everyone is looking at their own bag - not each other. Our trainers have a combined 17 years of CKO experience and have taught a combined 4723 classes! We have a Certified Health Coach and Personal Trainer on staff offering Nutrition Programs and Personal Training. One of the main aspects of our culture is consistency. We focus on your long-term health and fitness. We celebrate those that are consistent such as with our Knock-Out Club at 12 Classes per month, 250+, 500+ Classes awards, etc. We realize that long term consistency is going to lead to

the most robust life and that is what we want for our members ~ an enduring life change!

Community: Community and CKO go hand in hand. We support this amazing town and its residents just like they have supported us. We are at the 5K’s hosting the warmup, sponsor Relay for Life, are a continued member of the Santee Chamber, host a Punch-A-Thon for the American Cancer Society, donate to the Santee Blue Grass Festival, have a booth at the Street Fair and Ladies at the Lake and donate to many local Fundraisers. When you are a member at CKO Santee, you are a part of a community gym!

From opening with minimal brand recognition and high levels of uncertainty to evolving into an established fitness facility where residents are seeing positive changes in their life due to CKO has been immensely rewarding and a true testament to the power of this amazing concept. We have even won Santee’s Favorite in our category four years in a row!

One of the most rewarding things we have seen at CKO Kickboxing Santee is witnessing members change from dreading the gym to wanting to work out! Many express to their amazement that for the first time in their lives, CKO has helped them enjoy exercise. By making that switch and loving the classes, culture and community that CKO offers, it leads to achieving amazing results both physically and mentally. Members share their CKO stories with us and here are some of theirs:

“When I first started at CKO I was looking for something new to keep me interested in working out. I was tired of the treadmill and not seeing results. I found so much more once I started. Two years later I still love coming to classes.

“When I started, I weighed 279lbs and struggled with many life and sports activities. Two years of CKO later, I’m 72lbs lighter, a Spartan racer, and avid enjoyer of life and a much happier person. Has it been easy? Absolutely not! In many ways it has been one of the most difficult journeys of my life, but at the center of it all, is this amazing group of trainers and people that have become my CKO family. The classes are amazing, and the best workout I’ve found. The people are amazing and help you reach your goals. The atmosphere is so positive it drowns out all negativity and relieves stress. My time at CKO Santee is one of the best parts of my day! I know CKO changes lives, because it absolutely changed mine and has been a constant driver in helping me reach my goals!! – S.W.”

“I am writing this because CKO has changed my life! And my hope is that someone will read this and be inspired to try CKO and let it change their life too! I have been a member for almost 3 years now and I feel stronger, I walk taller, and have more confidence in myself than I ever have before. There are no mirrors, no judgement…it’s just me and that bag and I let it ALL out!! It’s a physical workout but it is a mental release too...Try it, let it change your life like it did mine! – S.S.”

After experiencing my own CKO journey and seeing so many others in Santee change their lives with CKO – I have no doubt CKO can do the same for you.

We offer a Free Trial Class to try CKO! You can book online at CKOSantee.com or by calling 619.448.4040. Visit our website CKOSantee.com for more information. Check out our Facebook page. Looking forward to seeing you at CKO soon!

The classes are never the same and always challenging. I have lost 37lbs, double digit inches, 3 sizes. I’ve gained strength, confidence, friendships, stress management, a much healthier lifestyle. I’ve run multiple 5k’s and just completed my 3rd Spartan race. Something I would have never imagined doing before CKO. This place is more than a gym. It feels like family. – K.R.”

I get calls all the time where I hear, “I have been driving by your location for years thinking I can’t do that. I am going to be the only one there not in shape. I don’t think I can do CKO.” Once they come and experience the CKO class and culture, they say to me “I wish I would have come years ago! I CAN DO CKO and it is fun, different, beneficial to my health and I fit in!”

Stop thinking about it and come try CKO Santee. It might just change your life!

Bonnie Danieli,

TSM

Member

–

Owner and Santee Chamber

CKO Kickboxing Santee, corner of Mast & Magnolia

– Photos courtesy of Deena Cormier Photography

Santee Coffee Corner Celebrates 10 Years

Small business success is all about loyal customers!

The Parks family was thrilled to have so many come and help us celebrate 10 years.

THANK YOU to all of you, and the Santee community, for embracing our family business and for letting us be a part of your lives. We marked the occasion with a make-over for the Town Center shop, a fun new logo, lots of merch and a party! Seeing Coffee Corner packed out for several hours by so many friends was nothing less than humbling.

One of the things we love about Santee is that the whole community prioritizes service. We’ve enjoyed hosting and participating in events and fund-raisers for veterans, schools, students, teachers and families who have hit a rough patch. Opportunities to serve others bring a greater purpose to our business and we look forward to many more.

We are dedicated to Santee and we thank you for being a part of our family. Stop by soon for coffee, acai and a chat!

TSM

– Susie Parks, Owner & Santee Chamber Member Santee Coffee Corner

Santee’s Own Sportsplex

For over 25 years, Sportsplex USA has managed and operated San Diego’s premier sports and recreational facilities. Opening in January, 1994, Sportsplex USA Poway was one of the first public/private partnerships of its kind in the country. After a decade of success, the City of Santee and its leadership looked at the model of the Poway location and worked to develop a similar partnership for its community. Sportsplex USA entered into a partnership with the City of Santee in 2003. Following 7 years of project development and construction, Sportsplex USA Santee opened on June 1, 2010 to immediate success.

The 20 acre sports park has three tournamentquality softball fields with synthetic turf, two state-of-the-art indoor soccer arenas, four station slow-pitch batting cages and sports restaurant serving great food with 8 draft beers, wine and flat screen TVs. Celebrating our 10year anniversary next summer, Sportsplex USA Santee is Southern California’s best sports complex. In 10 years, nearly 4 million adult league players, youth sports parents, spectators and community residents have visited the park. Sportsplex USA Santee hosts the largest adult softball and adult soccer leagues in San Diego County with nearly 5000 weekly players. Averaging nearly 1000 adult visitors every day of the year, Sportsplex USA is Santee’s crown jewel.

Adult leagues are offered year-round, Sunday through Friday evening with games starting at 5pm and ending by 11pm. Sportsplex USA Santee hosts a very successful youth recreational soccer program for boys and girls ages 3 to 17. Nearly 900 players are expected to register for our Fall 2019 season! Our youth leagues are coached by volunteer parents and we strive to ensure every player, regardless of skill, has a positive and rewarding experience. In addition to recreational soccer, Sportsplex USA Santee hosts very large youth competitive soccer leagues for club-level teams throughout the county.

In addition to serving Santee and the East County community with youth and adult recreational sports and events, Sportsplex USA provides a significant economic impact to the business community in Santee. Most

weekends of the year, Sportsplex USA hosts a major youth or adult softball or baseball tournament. These weekend events bring in thousands of boy’s baseball, girls’ softball or adult softball teams from the county, the state or throughout the nation. During the summer months, Sportsplex USA hosts several youth World Series events drawing nearly 200 teams from around the country. Sports tourism and the economic benefit it provides is a significant factor to the continued financial growth in Santee. Events held at the park result in millions of dollars of positive economic impact annually to the local businesses in Santee!

Sportsplex USA is committed to offering the highest quality youth and adult sports programming in San Diego. We are a community-minded business dedicated to serving our community. Sportsplex USA partners with several local non-profits to offer the park for free to develop exciting fundraisers and special events. In addition, over 50 local and regional businesses also benefit through advertising and sponsorship programs at Sportsplex USA. Players and spectators at Sportsplex USA are a loyal and captive market offering several local businesses the opportunity to promote their services or products effectively and affordably. Chris Vertrees, Marketing Director of Sportsplex USA Santee says, “Sportsplex USA is proud to have served our community for nearly 10 years in Santee. Residents should be proud knowing that they have Southern California’s premier sports complex in their backyard. We look forward to continuing to serve East County for many more years to come!”

The tag line of Sportsplex USA is “Your Place to Play”. Since 1994, they have been San Diego County’s premier place to play softball and soccer. With millions of satisfied customers and players in the past 25 years, they look forward to serving the community of Santee for many more years to come! For more information about Sportsplex USA or how you can be involved, please visit Sportsplexusa.com or call 619-334-1000 TSM

– Chris Vertrees, Director of Marketing & Santee Chamber Member Sportsplex USA

A Walk Back in Time with the

It’s hard to believe but I was just told that there are some people, who don’t know there is a public golf resort right here in Santee...

My Hometown Life on The Course Engaging in a Healthy Lifelong Activity

“The dedication kicks in when they recognize the improvement in their skills. I can see the hunger in a few of these high school kids. This is a sport of experience; the more you play, the better you become. Golf is so different than any other sport. Some sports have the court, the hoop, or the field—they are the same size and shape, but on the course, everyday is new day. I look forward to working with these high school kids and frankly these Competitive Junior Clinics are my favorite day of the week.” says Cory Gladstone as he eagerly talks about his golf experience and his desire to share his knowledge with junior golfers.

“The same skills I am working on developing with these kids, I am also working on developing in my own game. It’s so important to build a solid foundation so you can continue to grow. In golf, there is always going to be part of your game to improve upon,” says Cory.

Cory is no stranger to golf at Carlton Oaks and reflects on his childhood, “I always played sports—mostly baseball. Right around 15 years old, I discovered golf. I found my passion in this sport right away. You would find me at Carlton Oaks throughout high school. I would get dropped off and play golf as much as I possibly could. After high school, I got into the mortgage banking business. It was a good business, I got to play some golf with clients, but I always had golf in the back of my mind, I really wanted to play professionally as my career.”

After Cory married his wife Leslie, he steered his career back to golf. “She was fully supportive of my dream to go pro, so we went all in. I traveled the US to get lessons from all the best. I was on track to play professionally; I qualified for 2 USGA events, taking low-amateur honors at CA State Open.” Cory shares.

Cory’s career course changed a bit when they decided to start their family. “I continued to play golf and taught full

time in the PGA program—passing along the knowledge that I received from some of the best instructors in the US. It has been very rewarding. The opportunity for me to join the team here at Carlton Oaks came about five years ago. A little over two years ago I became the Head Pro and I am proudly juggling my family life with two girls under 4. The career plan hasn’t changed much, I still plan to play pro one day.”

Cory says golf is the hardest sport he has ever played. “I have been playing for 26 years, there is no fast way to great. A pro’s day is 8-10 hours—chipping, putting, bunkers, etc. For these kids, you can tell when they haven’t touched a club since the last lesson and you can tell when they have been working at it daily. Sometimes they can’t see how much they have progressed, but I can show them short video clips of their swing over time and it is inspiring.”

Carlton Oaks Golf Club is the home course for our two local high schools; Santana and West Hills. Carlton Oaks is very supportive of these kids on the high school teams, offering deep discounts to them all year. “We don’t ask for much from these kids because we want to support them any way we can. If we can make golf accessible for them, it can be their life sport. It just makes sense, we want to see the game grow.”

He works with the teens on skills at the hole and their swing. He says it’s typical for people to start their practice with hitting balls at the range. Cory is a big believer in working at the hole, “…starting with your short game, you will progress better and be a better player for it. Every week we do competitive games with the high school kids, starting them at the putting course and work our way to the driving range.” shares Cory.

“These kids know they can’t wait until a week before golf – continued on page 29

The San Diego River: Recreation and Nature in Your Backyard

The San Diego River can be seen as a green ribbon winding its way through steep valleys, agricultural lands, industrial areas, residential developments, and dense urban settings as it journeys from the mountains near Julian to the Pacific Ocean. Cottonwood and willow trees mark much of its course as it travels approximately 52 miles. It is a river rich in history and ecological value.

Here in Santee, the River flows east-to-west through the center of town. Residential and commercial development surrounds a corridor of parks and natural spaces from Lakeside to Mission Trails Regional Park.

This natural resource presents opportunities for conservation, beautification, and recreation in local communities. The San Diego River Park Foundation is working to create a River-long system of parks, trails, and open spaces, called the San Diego River Park. This park system will be a contiguous natural space with wildlife habitat and places for members of the public to hike, run, fish, bike, play, explore, and more!

In Santee, much of the River Park system has already been completed. Mast Park, Town Center Community Park, and Walker Preserve make up Santee’s River Park, which includes 320 acres of public access parkland and six miles of trails. The vision of the River Park has been incorporated into the City of Santee’s General Plan.

The River Park helps to protect our River, supporting a healthy ecosystem for a healthy community. Research shows that increased recreation access in municipalities has been positively correlated with increased happiness and wellness among the population. This is because outdoor spaces offer opportunities for physical exercise and because nature experiences are shown to improve psychological well-being, especially in the developing brains of children.

Get outside with the San Diego River Park Foundation: • RiverBlitz - Once a year, volunteer teams use a smart

phone app to document trash and storm water debris along the San Diego River. This point-in-time data allows us to measure the health of the riparian ecosystem and plan our clean-up strategies for the next year. Next dates: 10/12/19 & 10/13/19

• River Kids Discovery Days – Join us for free two-day celebration of the San Diego River featuring fun in nature for youth and their families! Groups can take part in service projects and outdoor education opportunities, giving kids a leading role in protecting our natural resources and creating green spaces for the community. Next dates: 3/14/20 & 3/15/20 (Free field trips are available to schools and groups year round. Contact us to learn more.)

• San Diego River Days – San Diego River Days a special annual celebration that includes 30+ free activities all along our River. Join us and our partners for volunteer opportunities, guided hikes, art projects, bike rides, nature classes, kid-friendly adventures, animal encounters, and more! Next dates: 5/9/20-5/17/20

• Park Watch - Do you enjoy exploring your community on foot? You can volunteer in your neighborhood just by walking! Park Watchers independently walk a 2-5 mile section of the San Diego River Trail on a weekly or monthly basis. Volunteers keep our parks safe and beautiful by monitoring for and reporting on trash, vandalism, graffiti, broken amenities, and more.

• Teambuilding Activities – Looking for a chance to volunteer with your group? Bring your business, school, or organization out for a chance to work together, raise your profile, and give back in your community! Potential projects include trash clean-up, planting, mural painting, habitat restoration, park beautification, and more! TSM

To learn more about any of the above opportunities, visit www.sandiegoriver.org or contact us at volunteer@sandiegoriver.org or (619) 297-7380.

– Ally Welborn, Community Engagement Manager & Santee Chamber Member The San Diego River Park Foundation

Santee’s Active Plan

Improving Safety and Conveniences for Walkers and Bikers

The City of Santee is preparing a plan to make walking and bicycling safer and more convenient. The “Active Transportation Plan” (aka Active Santee Plan) will identify deficiencies in the city’s bicycle and pedestrian facilities and develop a comprehensive plan to facilitate nonmotorized transportation. While congestion relief remains a priority in transportation planning, safer and more connected bicycle and pedestrian facilities and networks can provide a healthy alternative to driving for many local activities.

Existing Santee trails provide opportunities to exercise, experience nature and access shopping. The Walker Preserve trail is popular with dog-walkers, joggers and parents with strollers. This 1.1 mile trail connects Magnolia Avenue with Lakeside along the San Diego River. The Forrester Creek trail connects Prospect Avenue with shopping on Mission Gorge Road. The Mast Park West trail extends from Carlton Hills Boulevard to the Carlton Oaks Country Club and offers views of the San Diego River and wildlife. A new park under construction in the Weston community north of West Hills High School will serve as a formal trail head for the Stowe Trail between Santee and Poway.

One component of the Active Santee Plan will be to identify connections between roadway facilities and soft-surface trails, including the aforementioned trails. However, the three main purposes of the Active Santee Plan are to establish a community vision for active transportation in Santee, to serve as a toolbox of community approved recommendations and to increase eligibility for a variety of grant funding sources so the prioritized projects and programs can be implemented once money becomes available.

The Active Santee planning process is designed to facilitate public participation. During the initial phase of the plan, identifying existing conditions, the project team attended the Santee Street Fair, two community

concerts in Town Center Community Park, had a display at the library and worked with Parks and Recreation to send information to parents of summer campers. At each of the community outreach events, and through the supplemental outreach at the library and through Parks and Recreation, residents were given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire on paper or given a link to complete the questionnaire later via the website. In total, 225 completed questionnaires with input on cycling and walking behaviors, level of safety and comfort, and ideas about how to increase personal cycling and walking were received.

The process will culminate with a community workshop where the conclusions and recommendations of the draft plan will be presented and public comment solicited prior to its consideration by the City Council in Summer 2020.

Residents are invited to check the project website (www. activesantee.com) often for updates on the planning process and project documents. Times and locations of future public outreach will be posted on the website. TSM

– Tom Romstad, Senior Management Analyst & Santee Chamber Member City of Santee

PROJECT TIMELINE

Santee Trails are No WiFi Zones… But You’re

Sure to Find a Better Connection

Stowe Trail

10402 Strathmore Drive

14.4 mile loop to Martha Grove

Trail to Cardiac Hill Loop for hikers, bikers and horseback riders Mission Trails Regional Park

1 Father Junipero Serra Trail

Over 65 miles among 52 different trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders

Santee Lakes

Mast Park 9125 Carlton Hills Boulevard

Expected to reopen in late 2019!

Recreation Preserve

9310 Fanita Parkway

Walking trails and camping throughout their 190-acre park

San Diego River Trail

10030 Marathon Pkwy, Lakeside

Parking lot for continued access of Walker Preserve alongside the San Diego River

Mast Park West

PROJECT TIMELINE

9300 Carlton Hills Boulevard

Half mile trail from Carlton Hills through the Carlton Oaks Preserve

Cowles Mountain Trail

8282 Mesa Road

Access Cowles Mountain from Big Rock Trail for a 4.5 mile hike

Town Center

Community Park

550 Park Center Dr.

Walker Preserve 9500 N. Magnolia Ave.

1.3 mile trail from Magnolia Avenue to Lakeside

Half mile loop walking trail around park north of San Diego River

Shadow Hill Park

9161 Shadow Hill Road

Half mile walking trail through the park on the north side of Rattlesnake Mountain

Santee School District Student Profile

Learn Continuously and Passionately Students relentlessly pursue knowledge and skills with confidence, passion, and vigor.

Students will be academically prepared for high school and beyond

Lead with Courage

Students inspire and influence positive change in the world around them.

Care Compassionately for Self, Others, and the Community Students reflect on individual actions and how these actions affect themselves and others, continuously demonstrating empathy, respect, responsibility, and integrity.

Think Creatively and Critically Students use a variety of resources to identify problems and solutions.

Communicate and Collaborate Effectively

Students think and exchange ideas with clarity, listen to understand, and interact productively to achieve common goals.

Santee School District website

Are You Taking Advantage of the Necessary Components of a Healthy Lifestyle?

Before we dive into talking about your health, let’s make sure we are on the same page when it comes to defining health and wellness. Is it weight, appearance, physical agility? Today’s culture often defines health by a number on the scale but I would like to offer you a new perspective on health. Understanding the link between mind and body is the first step in developing strategies to reduce the incidence of developing unwanted physical & mental health conditions and improving your overall well-being.

Most of you at some point in your lives can think of a time when you have considered yourself healthy. Maybe it was a time when you played sports as a child, before having children, prior to an injury or illness or perhaps you are still doing well in this area. Life happens and unfortunately our health and fitness are typically the first things to go by the wayside. Most of us know what we need to do to get back to a healthy lifestyle, so why do we struggle?

In part, it’s because we neglect our emotional health and do not realize the direct impact it has on our physical health. When we discuss physical health, the key piece physicians and health coaches typically miss is addressing emotional health. Yet, emotional health has a big impact on your physical health. In fact, The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The WHO states that “there is no health without mental health.”

When you think about your health goals I encourage you to consider the following four paradigms which include both the mind and the body.

1. What you put into your body (food, water, supplements).

2. Your gut health, including your body’s ability to digest, absorb and detox (food and environmental toxins).

3. Your emotional health (perception of stress, mindset, past or current traumas, lifestyle).

4. Your behavior (your ability to make healthy choices, correct the necessary things in your life that are not serving you, and maintain good habits).

In the spirit of not overthinking and just saying yes to health,

you can start anywhere on this paradigm. It’s common to be stronger in some areas more than others; however, if you want sustainability & long term success then you should consider and work towards improving all four.

The most common question I get from clients is “Where do I begin?” As simple as it sounds, I suggest you accept where you are, honor your space, avoid self-judgement and take one step forward. This is not always easy. We have the tendency to be overly critical of ourselves which can be defeating. In addition, stop comparing yourself to others. We all have different histories, genetics, stressors, incomes; the list is endless. Comparison to others is not helpful and a direct path to sabotaging your succes. Don’t overthink it or feel like you need to go from limited movement and poor eating to running a marathon in the next three months. Think daily and think small. The more you experience the confidence and reinforcement from meeting small goals the greater the long-term impact. Small victories will naturally turn into bigger & broader goals and greater success.

In addition to staying positive, here are 7 things you can do immediately to step up your health game.

1. Let’s start with the obvious. Eat well and move frequently. There are endless amounts of literature, Instagram posts, and articles that touch on this. To start, just move 20 minutes a day. If you are already in a routine, have fun exploring ways to take it up a notch. Don’t make it complicated. Once these small changes become habit they will naturally progress into something more finetuned and tailored to your liking. In addition, get rid of the processed foods. Your goal should be whole foods without processed sugars, added ingredients, or artificial flavors. Just because something says gluten-free or sugar-free does not mean it’s healthy. Do your best to cook when you can. It doesn’t have to be complicated. A rotisserie chicken, side of veggies, avocado slices and a sweet potato equals a healthy meal template with minimal prep work.

2. Keep a growth mindset. First, label yourself as a healthy person. This is important. Your body and behavior will follow your mind. If the first thing you say to yourself in the morning is something self-defeating or negative your behavior and emotions will follow. So if you start your day by saying “I am a healthy person,” you will behave like a

healthy person. You are not your yesterday and tomorrow isn’t here, so start and stay in today.

3. Consider health an opportunity. The ability to make healthy choices is a gift denied to many. Do you have access to clean water, organic food, proteins that come from free range cattle? This is something that many Americans and many people struggling across the globe do not have access to. This isn’t something you have to do,

4. Consider the trickle down benefits of health. If you can’t do it for you, do it for someone you love. Your improved health will create a trickle down effect to those around you. Recognize the impact a healthy foundation will have on the rest of your life. Creating a healthy foundation through mindset, nutrition and movement will provide you with a healthy foundation. This will be your gateway to a more successful business, happier family and improved relationships. Imagine the impact this will have on the world around you. The better space you are in the better

5. Don’t wait for motivation to begin. Jump into action,

perfect opportunity will never show up. We can however control how we respond to the world around us and our current situation by making clear and intentional choices.

7. Reduce stress. Stress equals cortisol which adds to belly fat and a host of other problems. Don’t overlook the negative impact stress has on your physical and emotional health. When the body is stuck in a chronic state of stress, also referred to as fight or flight, the body stops producing efficient quantities of serotonin, the hormone responsible for feelings of joy, happiness, and mood stabilization. Consider adding a non-traditional form of workout such as a walking meditation or slow breathing into your health routine.

East County has so many opportunities to move. Grab a friend or loved one and plan an outing to one of our many recreational spots. Take a stroll around the lakes, go on a hike, or choose a healthy meal at one of our local eating spots.

Health is a lifelong journey. I have been at my highest peaks and lowest valleys over the past 7- years as I’ve navigated three pregnancies and various injuries. I can promise you it will never be the perfect time. You have to run your own race. So whether it’s ordering a fitness magazine and reading it on the couch with your feet propped up, decreasing your caffeine intake by one cup or coffee, or signing up for a race, meet yourself where you are and

Integrative Psychotherapist, Health & Wellness Coach and Santee

Santee Teen Center at Big Rock Park

The Santee Teen Center is an after-school and summer break drop-in recreation program designed for pre-teens and teens in grades 6–9.

Leadership and volunteer programs are available at the Teen Center for teens in grades 10–12 (up to age 17).

School year hours begin August 21, 2019

Monday–Friday, 2:00–6:00pm

Hours adjusted to match early dismissal for Santee School District schedule

Closed: Sept 2, Nov 11, 25–29

Check out the Teen Center Monthly calendar online @SanteeTeenCenter.com

FREE Monthly Activities

Sept 9 School Year Kick-off

Sept 13 SD Nights—Environmental stewardship

Oct 11 SD Nights—Ranger led hike

Nov 14 Pre-Thanksgiving Gathering

Dec 19 SD Nights—Zovargo

Never

After-School Transportation

Available during the school year for Santee School District students in grades 6–8.

Registration opens August 1, 2019

SanteeRec.com

(Chet F. Harritt transportation not provided)

Monthly rates based on $16 per week fee.

August $32

October $64

September $80

November $48

Coaching the Coach in Me

It was August 10th, 2016 when I decided once-and-for-all that something had to change.

I’m not normally that good with dates, but I was definitely clear on that one, because that happened to be during the first week of football practice. It was my eighth season coaching with our local Pop Warner league in Santee, the Santee Ravens. It was a hot day, but I and my all-star coaching staff were excited. Our players were making a lot of progress, and we had our sights set on a postseason, playoff run. The main reason I remember August 10th though, is that one of my “Team Mom’s”, an aspiring photographer, brought her camera to practice that day, and unbeknownst to me, took several candid photos of our team and later posted them to our team’s Facebook group.

And there it was. She had taken a photo of me… a photo that I didn’t have a chance to pose for… a photo I couldn’t make sure she got my “best side” of… a photo that I wasn’t able to suck my gut in for. The truth was out there, and there was nothing I could do about it. I’m not normally the kind of person who is at a loss for words, but at that moment, I was speechless. I was disappointed in myself that I had let myself go that far.

I wanted to hide. It had been so long since I had stepped on a scale, I didn’t even know how much I weighed in that picture (I think I was close to 400 lbs).

But I also knew I had to make a choice, right then and there. I could choose to bury myself in my emotions, and comfort myself with more, meaningless, wishful thinking of “someday/maybe I’ll lose the weight” (while enjoying my favorite pint of Super New York Chunk Fudge ice cream, like I had 100’s of times before).

Or, I could choose to see the picture on my screen as a defining moment in my life. I was turning 40 in a few months, and there was still do much I had to live for, and so much left to do with my one-and-only life. And I still do!

I was tired. It takes a lot of energy to carry around all of that weight. And it was hard on my joints. So, not only was I exhausted all of the time, I was also in pain too. And I was just done with that.

I had finally had my Popeye Moment: “That’s all I can stands - I can’t stands no more!” I knew that if I wanted to get some different kinds of results in my life, I was going to

have to start making some different, uncomfortable kinds of choices. And, I wasn’t going to be able to do this by myself. That was for sure.

The first thing I did, was to sign up for ‘Team Training’ at Chuze, one of the many, awesome, local gyms in East County. I needed to be in a group environment, not because I didn’t know what to do, or how to work out, but because I know that I work best on a team, and I wanted a Coach to tell me what to do, and when to do it.

Honestly, working out at Team Training is the best hour of my day, because it’s the only hour of the day that I don’t have to make decisions. I just show up. I do what they tell me to do, and I go home. It’s not easy, but it is that simple.

The next thing I did, was to find out what eating plan was best for me. There are so many to choose from, so I won’t go into them here. But the way that I looked at it was, I didn’t want to be on a 21-day, 30-day, or even a 90-day program, and then slide back into my old eating habits. I wanted to something that I could do for the rest of my life.

Then I created a few fun, competitive challenges with some friends, to help keep me accountable to my goals. Think: “The Biggest Loser” – Santee edition. That eventually inspired me to run my first Spartan race last May, and my next one is this Fall!

Honestly, these three things: getting and staying active, eating right and having fun… along with the support of my amazing wife, Sarah, and the rest of my family, allowed me to lose 60+ pounds that first year, and I’m still losing!

The truth is, I haven’t arrived yet. I still have a long way to go…but I’m ok with that. Because every time I read the story of the Tortoise and the Hare, the tortoise wins every. single. time. Why? Because slow and steady wins the race, not the fast and the furious.

So… if you’ve been thinking about making some changes in your life, my hope and prayer for you is that you won’t put it off another day. May today be the defining, Popeyemoment you’ve been waiting for. Oh, and the next time you’re by Chuze, and you see me on a treadmill, come over and give me a high-five and introduce yourself. I’d love to hear your story too!

TSM

– Todd Tolson, Pastor & Santee Chamber Member Riverview Community Church

LIC#:

Santee Lakes, a Great Place to Get Healthy!

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is known for its great fishing, picnic areas and RV camping. Over 760,000 visitors flock to Santee Lakes annually to enjoy the 190 acres of recreational amenities that include our 300 site, full RV hook-up campground and 10 cabins with lake views. Not only is Santee Lakes a great escape for relaxation, but it is also the perfect place to enhance a healthy lifestyle with options for everyone.

WALKING, RUNNING, BIKING, SKATING & GEOCACHING

With over five miles of trails surrounding seven scenic lakes, Santee Lakes is one of the best places to walk or run a 1K, 3K or 5K on a fast, flat, scenic course. A fun way to turn your walk into a game is to download a Geocaching app on your smartphone and find one of the many treasure hidden at Santee Lakes. What is Geocaching? It’s basically a scavenger hunt using GPS coordinates. Not a runner or a walker? Bring your wheels! Get your blood pumpin’ and enjoy the scenery as you cruise around the Park on your bike or skates.

BOATING

Whether on a pedal boat or kayak, Lake 5 is a beautiful setting to take a leisurely boat ride or get in a great workout. Our fleet of pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and a row boat are available for guests to rent while at the Park. Make it your goal to boat around each of the islands and back to the dock for a great cardio and leg workout. You can also fish from the boats or feed the ducks. Fishing permits and duck food are available for purchase at the General Store.

BIRD WATCHING

Speaking of ducks, Santee Lakes has been identified as a prime birding spot by San Diego Audubon Society with over 230 species of birds that live or migrate through the Preserve. Species frequently spotted in the Park include the great blue herons, snowy egrets, mallards, ospreys and wood ducks. You might even be lucky enough to see one of the over 40 rare species that can be seen here. Akin to the adult version of Pokémon Go, download an app like Merlin Bird ID and start collecting your finds. (We also have many Pokémon and Gyms at Santee Lakes)

FISHING

It’s always fishing season at Santee Lakes! Each catfish and trout season, we host two-day opener events. Anglers have an opportunity to bag a trophy fish or get one of

the tagged fish for prizes. Catfish season begins in spring and trout season begins in fall. Anglers are required to purchase a Santee Lakes fishing permit; however, a state fishing license is not required. Fishing permits, bait, and a variety of snacks are available at our General Store. Opener details may be found on our website, santeelakes. com, or on our Facebook page.

PLAY

Get a great workout in on one of our SEVEN playgrounds. Our RCP Block Sprayground is perfect for those hot summer days. Boulder Island is sure to please with a dock entrance and several sizes of boulders to climb and explore. Bold ones may enjoy the 3-story Mega Tower located at Lake 1, with four slides including a tube slide that will give any age a thrilling ride. The Kiwanis Playground for Children with Disabilities located between Lakes 3 and 4 is perfect for all kids and is completely shaded. Tots have a playground, too, on the northeast corner of Lake 4 near the General Store. There are two more great playgrounds located at north Lake 5, as well as a large play structure in the Campground. While your kids are enjoying the playground, make it your own personal gym by trying some pull-ups, squats or lunges. There are several playground workouts available online to challenge yourself!

YOGA & MEDITATION

Yoga may be practiced almost anywhere, so why not Santee Lakes? Studies show that doing yoga in a natural surrounding increases your awareness and happiness factor. We have many inviting grassy areas, the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, and the songs of over 230 species of birds to provide a calming, peaceful backdrop for you while you find your Zen.

DID YOU KNOW?

Santee Lakes is a self-sustaining Park and Campground receiving no funds from water/sewer ratepayers or taxpayer subsidies. The Park operates from guest user fees, grants, and awards, as well as collaborations with community groups and partnerships. If you are looking for some great healthy lifestyle alternatives, come play at Santee Lakes and do something today that your future self will thank you for!

Find us, Follow us, Tweet us! TSM

– Laura Koval, Director of Park and Recreation & Santee Chamber Director Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Santee, CA 92071 (Next to Fillipi's Pizza)

Life on The Course

– continued from page 13

season and expect to be as good as those players that played all year. Colleges start looking at these kids when they are sophomores. I am impressed and excited to be seeing the talent of these freshmen kids this year. The great players never take time off, they know there is always some kid out there out-working them.”

“My hope is to get the word out in this community to come check out our club and get out on the course. It’s such a good life sport for adults and teens and my goal is to get even more teens involved. You go to Torrey pines, you see the juniors playing, but you don’t see that same level of interest in Santee, so I am hoping to spark interest and build up the local junior golfers.”

You can see that Cory is living and breathing golf and has made it his life’s work to share his knowledge with others that love the game. “I don’t ever plan to leave this sport. I can see myself here for quite a while.”

Cory’s summer Competitive Jr. Clinics worked with 6 local high school golfers to teach in a competitive atmosphere focusing on golf skills that help lower players scores. “We kept the group small to get the most out of the lessons, it worked out well. I do quite a bit of private lessons and plan to put together more clinics as interest builds.” says Cory.

Interested in learning the game? Call Cory Gladstone Head Golf Professional at Carlton Oaks Golf Club for clinics or private lessons at 619-213-3832.

To learn more about this local gem visit the Carlton Oaks Golf Club website carltonoaksgolf.com or stop by and have a drink and a bite to eat at their restaurant. It’s always a beautiful view.

TSM

– Melissa Dombo, Co-Owner & Santee Chamber Director Raceway Electric & Solar

Grossmont Healthcare District’s Herrick Community Health Care Library Serves East County Residents

Have you visited the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, either in person or online? If not, you are missing an East County gem! The Herrick Library is a public library that specializes in health information for East County residents.

Do you get overwhelmed when you do a Google search for health or medical information? Do you know which of those millions of search answers are from reliable sources? The library staff can help you sort through that maze and find the right information for you.

Diane Mayorga, an East County resident and regular patron, said she values the support from library staff in finding answers to her health questions. “We all need to reach out to each other and share information, especially about health. I’m really passionate about sharing knowledge and so is the staff here.”

What else does the Herrick Library offer?

• Approximately 3,000 items including books, DVDs, magazines, newsletters, and free pamphlets.

• Checkout of most of the books and DVDs with a Herrick Library card, available to those who live, work, go to school, or receive medical care in the East County region.

• Magazine, journal, and encyclopedia articles from Gale

Cengage databases: Health & Wellness Reference Center, Health Reference Center Academic, and General OneFile.

• Monthly “Wellness Wednesday” health talk, 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m., 4th Wednesday, January – October.

• Monthly blood pressure checks, 2nd Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• Website with extensive links to reliable and authoritative sites covering all major health topics.

• Ten computers for public use.

• Two small meeting rooms which may be reserved by health-related, community-based, nonprofit organizations for workshops and meetings.

• Support groups for addiction recovery, Alzheimer’s caregivers, cancer patients/survivors or caregivers, chronic lung diseases, chronic pain, and energy & healing.

“The Herrick Library is a tremendous community asset that is available to anyone who wants to access a broad array of healthcare resources and to gain a greater understanding of medical conditions and options,” said Nancy Greengold, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Sharp Grossmont Hospital.

The Herrick Library is operated by the Grossmont Healthcare District and is located at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, just east of Sharp Grossmont Hospital and next to La Mesa’s Briercrest Park. See the ad below for hours and contact information. TSM