Cover Story

Raceway Electric & Solar

A SURGE OF RESPECT

FOR THE TRADES AND OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

Since the pandemic and rapid changes in our economy, we have seen a surge in demand and a whole new found respect for those in the construction trades. Everyone should know that the vital skills our tradesmen and tradeswomen provide are essential to our communities. In light of the ongoing demand for these valuable trades, I find myself wondering why the construction trades would be overlooked as a viable career. Not just in demand—they provide great pay, excellent benefits, and rapid growth potential.

The demand is real. Since taking over our family company in 2016, my husband and I haven’t seen demand like we are seeing and hearing about today. I have spoken with many of my friends in the construction industry and there is no shortage of conversation on the topic. Even though we are experiencing it firsthand I am optimistic that it will turn around. My husband (Mike Dombo, Raceway Electric & Solar) shares his perspective, saying, “People will be taking note of the rising pay for these skilled tradesmen, low to no debt for trade school education, shorter training schedules, and on-the-job training. This creates a very attractive opportunity just waiting to be tapped into.”

Robert Stacks at RDS Contracting also shared his thoughts with me. He said, “The construction field in general needs people who have the ability to take two-dimensional plans and build them into a three-dimensional field application. It sounds easy but way more difficult to implement. The field workers we deal with on a day-to-day basis are exceptionally smart and experienced. Majority have no college degrees but degrees in hard work and experience that you can't teach at college—yes these workers who want to excel within the trades have an unbelievable growth opportunity… They are needed and wanted in today's construction industry.” Sarah Wood with Allegiance Heating & Air comments on careers in the trades. “To the women who are considering a career in the trades—as intimidating as it may seem, the majority of men in our industry are ready to support those who are new to the trades, despite gender. Your success in the industry is up to you; opportunities are endless if you have the grit, passion, and willingness to learn.”

Beyond the demand for tradesmen, our local contractors are also an essential part of our community. When we take a closer look at the construction trades, it is nothing short of positive. Especially in East County, where it’s easy to see the community impact of this industry across a multitude of local projects. Local contractors are constantly investing back in the communities in which they live and work. Davis Roofing generously donated the roofs for the Santee homes that were destroyed back in October’s fatal plane crash. Please read more about Davis Roofing on page 27.

Davis Roofing

Raceway Electric & Solar working with local trade school at the Santee Veterans Memorial.

As a local electrical contractor Raceway Electric was honored to help with the new Veterans Memorial here in Santee. We invited a trade school to take a field trip and watch what we were doing—sharing some tips and hands-on tricks-of-the-trade along the way. Mike reflected on this particular job experience saying, “I hope those students can drive by that monument and feel some pride that they were onsite for that build because I know I do.”

HVAC contractor Sarah Wood puts money back into local education. Allegiance Heating & Air donates to the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractor’s Academy of San Diego – a non-profit that supports the education and hands on training for tradesmen eager to learn a skilled trade.

We all have seen amazing work from the trades on social channels, and many have amassed HUGE followings. The hype is real. This kind of exposure has really elevated the satisfaction of working with your hands—an online showcase shining a light on skilled trades work.

RDS Contracting

Allegiance Heating Air & Solar

The growth potential is there. Contractors are leveling up with modernization. “As a commercial electrician turned Electrical Contractor, the modernization of business systems and promotion of the trades make construction in residential services scalable and elevate our work.” says Mike Dombo, “Tradesmen can instantly share their craft online, work with integrated systems that perfect customer communication, GPS routing, log jobsite photos, SMS dispatching, and more. The sky really is the limit.”

The door is open. Skilled trade programs are readily available and easy to access. There is room for a whole new generation of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, builders, and more. From my perspective, the construction trades are a great career choice. It can provide meaningful work, satisfaction in a skilled craft that is in demand, and a great living. We are looking forward to watching the trades grow.

– Melissa Dombo Raceway Electric & Solar

Santee Lakes

Ducks, Dogs & More at the Lakes

Meet Jeffrey!

Not every bird at Santee Lakes has a name because we have over 230 species and thousands of birds that call Santee Lakes home, but some make a special connection with our guests and staff, like our favorite Snowy Egret, Jeffrey. You can find Jeffrey along the shoreline looking for tasty fish or hitching a ride on the harvester while we “mow the lakes’, snapping up fish snacks as they make their way up the conveyor belt. He’s one smart bird.

Another special bird story involves our beautiful Wood ducks. At one time they were endangered, but Santee Lakes and other wildlife preserves implemented nesting programs that have successfully aided in a population increase. Great job, Santee!

Other park favorites are Junior the Great Blue heron and Hot Fire and Nibbles the original Canadian geese duo.

Regulars at our park have come to find that our birds have personalities, just like pets. And although they are wild animals, we love them just the same.

What about Dogs?

Occasionally we are asked about our dog policies. Santee Lakes established ourselves as a bird and fish park long ago and are proud to be a migratory stop for many birds as well as the #1 hot spot for birding in San Diego County. Unfortunately, dogs disrupt wildlife, even when they’re leashed and well-behaved. There is also the issue of canine fecal matter, which carries a number of diseases and parasites that may be passed to our wildlife. Service Animals are allowed; however, all other pets (including therapy and emotional support animals) are not.

Dogs ARE Welcome in Designated Areas.

As a self-sufficient park and campground that does not receive Padre Dam rate payer or tax payer funds to operate, we’ve tried to strike the right balance for all of our guests, including a core base that comes to enjoy our wildlife. We allow dogs in the RV campground with registered campers and on our designated dog walk accessed through the Lake Canyon entrance. The good news for dog walkers is the City of Santee has four dog parks, including an entire acre in Mast Park. Santee Lakes enjoys being a great compliment to City services and parks.

For our bird list, bird story map, and gallery please visit:

https://www.santeelakes.com/birding

– Laura Koval Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve