The Santee Magazine - V06.3 - Holiday 2017

SANTEE

Holiday Happiness

Tree Lighting and more!

Santee Resource Guide

Kristen Dare and Chamber Staff

The holidays are full of excitement and cheer, and that’s exactly what I felt when putting together this issue of The Santee Magazine.

By the time these hit mailboxes, we will have just experienced (personally my favorite holiday) Halloween. It seems like no sooner am I packing up my skeletons and scary décor when we almost rush past Thanksgiving and slide right into the December craze.

With this time of year being so fast paced, I often find myself glancing at calendars (and even more often, asking myself, “Where did the time go?”). This issue will take you through some of the holidays in town as I’ve experienced them and into the new year with what’s ahead.

I encourage everyone to take as many moments possible and give them back to yourself. Here are a few ways:

• Enjoy your loved ones for all they are worth and TELL them how much they mean to you.

• Pick something that gives back to our community, and CONTRIBUTE by volunteering or donating.

• Choose a holiday tradition (or create a new one!) and CELEBRATE how you see fit for you and your family.

• Choose a time to HOST someone in your home – even if it’s just for spending time together over a cup of tea.

• Find a fun decoration to MAKE so you have an excuse to create something new or tap into a hidden talent.

• Think of someone who could benefit from some quality time with you and VISIT with them.

• Remember it is always at no cost to you to GIVE certain things, especially to strangers: kindness, politeness, courtesy and warmth – we are all neighbors.

• Since buying goods and services is essential regardless of the time of year, SHOP LOCAL and keep those tax dollars in Santee.

13 Taste of Santee

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

16 Smart Shipping

29 Student Standouts

33 Life as Miss Santee

17-20 Business Resource Guide

22-23 Festive Finds in Santee

From the Office of the Mayor

Joh n Minto Mayor City of Santee

The Santee Chamber of Commerce is the backbone of our business community. It is not unusual to see chamber members supporting community organizations financially, or by attending a variety of events. The Santee Car Show Gala was one such event this summer. A portion of the proceeds went to help the Santee Food Bank. I would like to provide a special acknowledgment to Bob and Ailen Lloyd of Lloyd’s Collision & Paint Center for their hard work planning and implementing the event.

The Santee Food Bank has been an integral part of the community since 1983 and provides residents in need with temporary food assistance. They are an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that partners with various regional resources to serve approximately 400-500 individual families and senior residents each month. Their mission is to alleviate food insecurities within the City of Santee.

To better serve families and seniors who rely on the Santee Food Bank each month, they have relocated to a new facility with a larger space. The move was costly but necessary. Visit the food bank website at TheSanteeFoodBank.org to learn more about their mission and the great work they do. Please consider leaving a donation to help with the move.

One thing we have all learned over the years is that collaboration among the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is key for the success of all aspects of our community.

We are a community that shares a common vision. We want our city to be affordable, to provide opportunities for all, for residents to be able to raise their families comfortably, and for everybody to enjoy all Santee has to offer.

As always, have a great Santee day.

Mayor John Minto

Mike Clinkenbeard

Kristen Dare

Melissa Dombo

Greg Gagnon

Jennae Gonzalez

Rick Griffin

John Hossick

John Minto

Sam Modica

Marc Paksima

Susie Parks

Terry Rodgers

Liz Shank

Natalie Spitzlberger

Arli Wolfson

Sarah Wood

Publisher Santee Chamber of Commerce

Santee CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Chairman’s Message

10315 Mission Gorge Road • Santee, CA 92071 619.449.6572 SanteeChamber.com

2017 Officers

Mike Clinkenbeard, Chairman of the Board Farmers Insurance – 619.442.0415

Darlene Fenn, Chairman-Elect

C.O.H.R Consulting – 858.518.3702

Tim Staump,1st Vice Chair-Elect

Staump Productions – 619.888.7445

Kyle Whissel, 2nd Vice Chair-Elect Whissel Realty – 858.699.3895

Joe Mackey, Treasurer XL Security – 619.247.4918

Bobbie Jo Lewis, Secretary Walmart – 619.449.7900

Robert Lloyd, Interim CEO Lloyd’s Collision – 619.448.8768

2017 Directors

Travis Alegria

Sharp Business Systems – 619.258.1400

Pat Chambers Toastmasters – 619.561.2839

Kristine Costa Waste Management – 619.596.5100

Virginia Hall

Keller Williams Realty – 619.258.8585

Chris Jarrell U.S. Bank - 619.401.3303

Robert Jensen San Diego Christian College - 619.201.8700

Erick Lundy Lundy Insurance – 858.408.1404

Dan O’Brien O’Brien Insurance – 619.449.9075

Marc Paksima

Re/Max Hometown Realtors - 619.992.6397

Jim Peasley

Padre Dam Municipal Water District – 619.448.3111

Barbara Ryan

Santee School District – 619.258.2304

Warren Savage

U.S. Naval Sea Cadets – 619.258.1478

Pam White City of Santee – 619.258.4100

Office Staff

Kristen Dare Liz Shank

General Manager Membership Director

Jennae Gonzalez Roberta Daniel

Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant

Mike Clinkenbeard 2017 Chairman of the Board Santee Chamber of Commerce

It’s been a great year for Santee and the Chamber as we are near the close of 2017. I’d like to personally wish every family a safe and joyous holiday season knowing 2018 holds great promise for our wonderful community. We will have several new restaurants and retailers opening to add to the many choices we already have.

We just completed our 2nd annual Santee OTL at Town Center Park. I’d like to thank the Chamber SYP young professionals committee for taking on this event and doing a fantastic job. I’d also like to thank our sponsors; Trotter Door and Trim, Mission Realty Group, Allegiance Heating & Air Conditioning and Murray Lampert. Their support helped make the whole event possible with about 50 teams playing Over The Line during this family friendly event and the only one of its kind in East County. Mark your calendar for our 3rd annual Santee OTL next October!

Next up is the 30th annual Taste of Santee, sponsored by the Chamber, Union Bank, and Mission Realty Group and benefiting Santee Santas. All attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy and/or food to give to this terrific organization that benefits hundreds of local families and seniors. They do great work and the Chamber is proud of our association with them for these many years. This will be a family friendly event with a DJ, live entertainment from Expressions Dance & Movement Center, as well as a special guest from the North Pole.

Living and owning a business in Santee gives me a deep appreciation for the people, places, and events here. This is a town we can all be proud of, as our city officials and community leaders work diligently to make and keep it the great place it is. I believe the Santee Chamber has a part in achieving that goal as YOUR Chamber is here to serve YOU. We have many business networking opportunities, educational sessions, and terrific community-wide events. We are here to help businesses grow and prosper; please call the Chamber office if we can help you in any way.

Santee CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Santee Chamber’s 2nd Annual Black Tie Gala

It was a night to remember… entering what would ordinarily be considered a hangar at Gillespie Field, guests arrived at a space that was transformed as if they took a walk back in time at High Performance Aircraft.

The lights were low, allowing for the last of the day’s outdoor sunlight to sneak in. The tabletops were warm, adorned in creams, golds and hints of green, with floral arrangements sending sweet aroma into the air. There were luxury jets and classic cars hugging the corners and making it almost impossible to not want your photograph taken.

As the guests poured in, I felt myself forgetting I was at an airport in East County, and it began looking more like a party that I’ve read about at Jay Gatsby’s house in Long Island. The women were decked out in flapper dresses, gloves and vintage headpieces accompanied by their gentlemen, dressed to the nines. It truly was a vision.

As the program began, the Master of Ceremonies took the stage. Eddie Vandiver and assistant, Maria Maes, welcomed the crowd and introduced Honorary Chairman, Mayor John Minto to greet the 300 guests in attendance.

We had the privilege to present a Lifetime Achievement award to someone who is near and dear to so many in East County, Don Parent. He has dedicated himself to a career of community involvement while at SDG&E for over forty years. His brief appearance was the highlight for many guests as his son accepted the award on his behalf before he snuck in!

After a live auction, the band took the stage. Music echoed through the building and slipped out towards the runway, as guests danced the night away.

For those who missed it, they really did miss out on a night to remember.

Looking forward to next year’s event and dreaming of what it will look like.

Pediatric Dentistry&Orthodontics

Healthy Smiles ‘Tis the Season for Keeping Kids’ Teeth Healthy

The holidays are a wonderful time of year filled with parties, presents and special treats. Here are some tips for enjoying the season AND keeping your children’s oral health from falling by the wayside.

Eat Sweets Smartly

This time of year, it’s nearly impossible to keep kids (and adults!) away from sweet treats. However, you can minimize the effects of sugar on your children’s teeth.

• Include treats as a part of the main meal. Doing this will keep the acids produced by mouth bacteria from lingering on your children’s teeth throughout the day.

• If your kids can’t brush their teeth after a mid-day sweet fest, have them rinse their mouth out with water to wash away food particles and bacteria.

• Cheese is a healthy after meal snack that tastes great and helps neutralize acids that attack and soften tooth enamel. The calcium in cheese is great for their teeth too!

• Chewing sugar-free gum is another way to neutralize those pesky acids.

Keep a Routine

To make sure healthy habits are maintained even during the holiday season, follow these tips:

• Brush and floss at least twice a day. Make sure your kids brush before they go to bed and don’t let them sneak a cookie after brushing!

• Make a kid-friendly dental travel kit that includes a toothbrush, mini-toothpaste, travel size mouth wash and floss. This way you can make sure that the kids brush their teeth before falling asleep in the car after a fun day at grandma’s house.

Enjoying the holiday season doesn’t have to mean abandoning all the good oral health habits you’ve instilled in your children throughout the year. Following these simple tips will give your family more than one reason to smile! Happy Holidays! TSM

Yourself to Santee Lakes this Thanksgiving

Most people spend more time shopping and prepping their Thanksgiving meal than it takes to consume! We eat too much and then feel guilty for looking as stuffed as the turkey we just ate!

This year, consider changing the routine for your Thanksgiving Day and start it off by participating in a 5k on Thanksgiving morning! Join in with our local community for the 6th annual Waddle and Trot 5K event beginning at 8:00a.m. on, yes, I said it, Thanksgiving Day (November 23rd)!

Runners and walkers of all levels and ages are welcome.

This fast and flat 5K race starts and finishes within the beautiful Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve. The course winds around the first five lakes and provides runners with an excellent scenic route.

All participants will receive a custom designed 2017 Waddle and Trot T-shirt and an online finisher certificate.

Be in the first 500 registrants and you will also receive a commemorative collectible water bottle.

Finisher medals are given to the top three male and female finishers within 10-year age categories.

Why not avoid feeling guilty while serving yourself that extra slice of pumpkin pie late Thanksgiving night and get your family down to the Santee Lakes to participate!

And if that’s not reason enough, the proceeds are benefiting the Santee Santas and the Santee Lakes Foundation, keeping the holidays really running strong. TSM

Heating Up for the Holidays

As winter approaches, homeowners should plan ahead for the cooler temperatures to come. Furnace manufacturers recommend annual inspections and maintenance by a qualified technician before you turn it on. They also may have language in their warranties saying that damage to the units caused by improper maintenance is not covered.

Certified technicians from Allegiance Heating & Air Conditioning can perform a thorough safety inspection in advance so you are ready for winter. For example, the air filter may need to be changed, the blower belt may be worn, and air leaks may need to be patched. How are the pilot light and burner? Have they been cleaned to ensure proper ignition? Most furnaces will require at least a quick vacuum to remove accumulated dust, though, a fullservice cleaning may be recommended if the unit has not been cleaned in over a year.

Our technicians will also ensure clear pathways for airflow. Air must be able to enter the unit free of obstruction and the heated air must be able to reach the furthest corners of the home. The furnace exhaust must be expelled effectively through a chimney or vents. Lastly, our technicians will test the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they are in good working order. Remember, these safety detection devices can save lives only if they are actually working properly. Your safety is our concern!

A pre-winter furnace inspection may seem excessive when one can simply flip the switch yourself and see what happens, but experts do not agree. Furnace inspection will ensure that your unit is safe before you turn it on, and it will help make your furnace function at maximum efficiency. And most importantly, operate safely and dependable.

A quick call to Allegiance can save you money and keep you and your family safe through the winter months.

Help Santee Santas Foundation this Holiday Season

Please help the Santee Santas Foundation spread holiday cheer to families and seniors in need within our community.

Our Mission Statement: “An all-volunteer organization working together to deliver the holiday spirit throughout the Santee Community”.

Santee Santas Foundation is a community organization. We raise donations in our community, we shop primarily in our community, and we help the citizens of our community. We want to help the families that need us the most. Santee Santas is a non-profit, 501(C) (3) organization and is solely supported by community contributions, with minimal administrative costs, so 98% of every dollar goes directly to helping those in need.

If you would like to make a donation to Santee Santas Foundation, please mail your tax deductible donation to: Santee Santas Foundation, P.O. Box 710033, Santee, CA 92072-0033 or visit our website (www.santeesantas.org) and click on the “contribute” tab at the top of the page.

If you would like to volunteer for this year’s program, please call us at 619-258-5947 or visit us at www.santeesantas. org. and click on the ‘volunteer’ tab at the top of the page.

Santee Santas 2017 Holiday Program Application Information

Applications for the 2017 Holiday Program will be accepted at the Multi-purpose room of Rio Seco School according to the following schedule:

Saturday, November 4th - 10 am to 12 noon

Thursday, November 16th - 6-8 pm

Tuesday, November 28th - 6-8 pm

All applicants must bring their application and photo ID showing their current address along with photo copies of all required documentation. Photo copies will not be returned. Visit our website (www.santeesantas. org) for a list of all required documentation to submit along with your application.

Application forms will be available on or about October 30, 2017 at the Santee Chamber of Commerce Office; Santee Library; all Santee Elementary and High School Offices; and on our website at www.santeesantas.org

with Marc Paksima

Jerelyn Lindsay is well known throughout the Santee community. She cares for its families, especially the children. One take-away that I got from the interview is that there is always room to grow and learn. We can’t forget to appreciate what we have been blessed with. Please read on about Jerelyn and her involvement in the community.

Q: What made you want to start volunteering for Santee Santas?

Jerelyn: I wanted to be involved with something that helped support Santee families, especially the children. I jumped at the opportunity when asked to help by the outgoing board member. I also wanted to show my own children the importance of helping others.

Q: What do you think is the best thing about Santee Santas?

Jerelyn: Volunteering to do something I already knew about. Working at the schools in Santee gave me the opportunity to see how the Santee Santas program actually benefitted the families. Being connected with the Santee School District helped me know those children and families.

Q: There are a few other articles in this magazine that talk about Santee Santas history and how it works. Let’s talk about some fun stories. Any come to mind?

Jerelyn: Having to remind students after I’ve done a presentation on Santee Santas that I’m not as old as the organization even though they would question me on it.

Q: You’re a retired Administrator at the Santee School District and also on the board of directors of Santee Santas. Is there anything you can’t do?

Jerelyn: Yes. Lots of things I can’t do but I can volunteer while juggling grandma duty.

Q: What is your favorite Christmas movie and/ or TV special?

Jerelyn: Christmas movie is White Christmas. It was my father’s favorite movie. I watch it and cry every year without fail.

Q: Have you ever participated in the Waddle and Trot 5K?

Jerelyn: Yes. Every year. What better way to start Thanksgiving Day and get a little exercise. Seeing all of the people I know is fun too. Especially the kids.

Q: Any shout outs?

Jerelyn: To the other Santee Santas Board of Directors. There is no way to do every position. They are all crucial and different so it really takes everyone’s effort. However, the heart of the program comes from the Santee Community: People helping People.

It was wonderful to interview Jerelyn Lindsay. Yes, you read that correctly, two first names. Thank you Jerelyn for your kind heart for our community. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Till next time!

– Marc Paksima, RE/MAX

A Walk Back in Time with the

Santee Santas was established in December of 1953.

Primary organizers were Margaret Ness and Charles Skidmore, Superintendent of the Santee School District... with the support of Perry Shipman, Gelene Harritt, and John & Ruth Northcote.

The Santee School District coordinated the program until 1985 when it encouraged the establishment of a volunteer organization.

The Santee Santas Foundation was formed through the filing of incorporation papers with the State of California, and applied for non-profit status with the IRS in 1990.

It is an all-volunteer organization, with School District employees, City of Santee staff, Firefighters, Santee Sheriffs, local businesses, service organizations, and local citizens working together to make each year’s event successful.

In 1953

Santee was mainly farm and dairy land. The Santee School was the only school with about 200 students and Pepper Drive was a new community just being developed

• 4 or 5 families were served that first year

• Delivery was made by fire truck

In 2016

• 222 families including 110 seniors were assisted with food during our annual holiday program. Families included 404 children who received age specific toys/gift cards and books.

• Poinsettia plants to 151 Seniors living in our mobile home parks

• Stuffed animals to over 100 seniors living in the Stanford Court Nursing Home in Santee.

For more information about Santee Santas, check out www.santeesantas.org

Santee Volunteer Fire Department housed at Edgemoor in the mid 1950’s

All Fun and Reindeer Games ‘til there’s an Electrical Fire

My most favorite part about prepping for the holidays is pulling out my seasonal decor and walking through the new displays in the stores. I soak it all in and maybe even get a new treasure to display. It’s rewarding sitting on my couch with a cup of coffee surrounded by my family and festive holiday decor.

When it comes to decorating the outside of the house with light up goodies, it’s ALL my husband. He loves a little friendly competition with our fun neighbors. Text messages go a flyin’ back and forth as they compare who is more “festive”.

Start the holidays right with a few safety tips from your friendly-safety-minded-slightly-competitive-electrician.

1. When stringing lights on your house, using a staple gun can lead to many issues and even a shock. One rogue staple through your cord is not a good thing. Use clips that are meant to hang holiday lights.

2. Be on a look out for frayed or cracked wires.

3. Plug lights into a “GFCI” protected outlet. These types of outlets prevent shock and electrical fires.

4. Timers are a great addition so you don’t have to worry about leaving lights on all night or are away on vacation.

5. Prevent tripping by placing outdoor cords away from walkways and traffic areas.

6. Avoid overloading those extension cords by adding yard outlets.

7. Keep all cords “pinch-free”. Pinched cords in doors or windows can cause damage to the insulation in the cord posing a fire hazard.

8. Scan the space above your ladder before you place it upright.

9. Read the instructions. Do you know how many light strands can be connected without posing a fire hazard?

10. This last tip is for the safety of your wallet—consider upgrading to LED light strings. They use less energy and can last up to 10 times longer.

This message is brought to you by the Raceway Electric family. If you are getting ready for a big electrical load this holiday season - Griswold-style lights or lots of visiting family charging electronics and running blow dryers - it might be time to upgrade your electrical panel or consider the savings of solar. Call Mike at Raceway Electric & Solar for all of your electrical and solar needs at 619-596-1918.

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Ship Those Holiday Gifts Without Freaking Out

Some of us are not ready to bring on a personal assistant, butler or full-time psychologist for the holidays, so it’s widely advised by Santa and his henchmen — errrr, elves — to leverage the help of the area’s greatest local holiday resource: The Santee and Lakeside The UPS Stores.

Our stores offer full-service packing and shipping yearround and we kick up the jolly vibes during the holidays. “There’s a different air about the store this time of year,” says Madison Stowers, one of The UPS Store Lakeside’s elves. “I love playing Christmas music.”

Damaged goods be gone with our stores’ Certified Packing Experts and our Pack & Ship Guarantee, which reimburses customers in the event a center-packed item shipped via UPS is lost or damaged. Pretty cool, kind of like the North Pole, right?

For DIY-types, The UPS Store Santee elf Brandi Sabala says her favorite part of the holidays is “the joy in seeing everyone come together to give and receive”. She also suggests these self-packing tips:

• Choose a new, appropriately-sized cardboard box (designed for shipping) and seal it with (complimentary at the stores) professional-grade packaging tape.

• Use packaging material such as foam, packaging peanuts or bubble cushioning at least two inches thick all around the item. NO Newspaper please!

• Take batteries out of toys, electronics, etc., before shipping and wrap them separately to avoid contact with metal.

• Seal homemade holiday treats in an interior airtight container or plastic bag before packing them. Use an expedited air service, such as UPS Next Day Air®. Keep them fresh!

• Include a label on the inside of the package with the destination and return addresses.

• Use a shipping option, like UPS, that provides a tracking number.

Merry Tidbit #1: Shipping boxes are FREE December 4-22 when we do a full Pack and Ship.

Merry Tidbit #2: FREE Carbon Neutral shipping during the month of December. (The UPS Store Santee leads the Nation in Lowest Carbon footprint!) Everyone can keep Santa carbon-neutral just by shipping at one of our local The UPS Stores — It’s a nice Christmas gift to the environment from your two local The UPS Stores. The reindeer will be so pleased.

Find more information about UPS carbon neutral at: ups.com/carbonneutral

To reach The UPS Store Santee, 9625 Mission Gorge Rd, Suite B2 or call: 619.562.0888

Santee CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Consider shopping from these Santee Chamber of Commerce business members. Locally owned businesses provide more jobs and support more local non-profits. When you shop local, more of your money stays local, strengthening our local economy and community.

Music by Ben & Jameson Owens Speaker/author Rudy Shappee from the USS

O’ Christmas Tree

Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Santee Churches to help you celebrate the reason for the season. Find your spiritual side in Santee with dozens of places to worship.

Family Christmas Tree Farm

300 Pepper Drive, El Cajon

619.448.5331

Call for hours of operation

Home Depot

255 Town Center Parkway, Santee

619.258.9600

Mon-Sat 6 am-10 pm / Sun 7 am-8 pm

Lowe’s Home Improvement 9416 Mission Gorge Road, Santee 619.212.4100

Mon-Sat 6 am-10 pm Sun 7 am-8 pm

Oma’s Christmas Trees 14950 El Monte Road, Lakeside 619.390.2929

Tues-Fri 3 pm-8 pm / Sat 10 am-7 pm Sun-Mon Closed

Peter Gaughen Company

11311 North Woodside Avenue Santee 619.443.4578

8 am-10 pm daily Walmart 170 Town Center Parkway Santee 619.449.7900

6 am-12 am daily

Calvary Chapel of Santee Christian 10920 Summit Avenue 619.258.1946

Carlton Hills Lutheran Church Lutheran 9735 Halberns Boulevard 619.448.1888

Carlton Hills Southern Baptist Church Baptist 9225 Carlton Oaks Drive 619.448.4471

Christ United Reformed Church Christian 10333 Mast Boulevard 619.258.8500

Church of Christ Christian 10761 Woodside Avenue, Suite K 619.449.6855

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Mormon 10052 Magnolia Avenue 619.562.5921

Faith Bible Fellowship Christian 9971 Mission Gorge Road 619.596.0296

Fresh Anointing Christian Fellowship Christian 8835 Olive Lane 619.434.3724

Guardian Angels Church Catholic 9310 Dalehurst Road 619.448.1213

Grace Church Baptist 10217 Buena Vista Avenue, Suite C 619.562.3626

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Christian 10151 Mission Gorge Road 619.596.0480

Maranatha Bible Church Christian 9320 Willowgrove Avenue 619.449.0038

New Heights Community Church Wesleyan 10701 Magnolia Avenue 619.448.1622

Pathways Community Church Baptist 9638 Carlton Hills Boulevard 619.449.1269

Prospect Avenue Baptist Church Baptist 8836 Prospect Avenue 619.448.7588

Reunion Church Baptist 10601 Magnolia Avenue 619.567.9494

Riverview Community Church Christian 8861 North Magnolia Avenue 619.449.7500

Saint Columba’s Episcopal Church Christian 9720 Cuyamaca Street 619.258.8318

Saint Paul Syriac Orthodox Church Christian 8824 Cottonwood Avenue 818.288.2619

Santee Christian Church Christian 8410 Fanita Drive 619.448.5591

Santee United Methodist Church Christian 8964 Magnolia Avenue 619.448.4456

Sonrise Community Church Baptist 8805 Magnolia Avenue 619.596.7667

Summit Unitarian Universal Church Universalist 8778 Cottonwood Avenue, Suite 1 619.562.0833

Van Hanh Temple Buddhist Temple 8617 Fanita Drive 619.448.6611

World Mission Society Church of God Christian 9230 Prospect Avenue 619.448.0899

I’m Dreaming of a ‘Light’ Christmas

Santee

• Sunburst Santee neighborhood “Starlight Circle” (off Magnolia Avenue)

Many homes lit up in this circular walk with some selling food, drinks and more.

• 9325 Pebble Beach Drive

Displays on houses and yards set to music.

• 9230 Wethersfield Road

Very colorful nativity scene, Noah’s Ark, and many lights.

• 9239 Lake Country Drive

Many lights, plus Santa sleigh rides on December 16th and 17th.

• 9435 Saint Andrews Drive

Santee’s “Gingerbread House” with over 12,000 lights.

• 9773 Roe Drive

27,000 Christmas lights dance to 10 songs over 128 computer channels. Food Bank and St. Jude donations accepted.

El Cajon

• Jingle Bell Hill (intersection of Pepper Drive and N. Mollison Avenue)

Formerly known as Candy Cane Lane, this neighborhood has multiple homes heavily decorated with themed displays.

• 11456 Pegeen Place

“Nightmare Before Christmas” theme, complete with Jack, Sally, Zero, the Mayor & Oogie Boogie. Santa may make a surprise visit.

• 1838 El Pico Drive

Over 50 years of decorating the 20-foot star that sits 100 feet up. Also see a 56-foot train.

• 9777 Valley Ranch Road

Cul-de-sac of lights programmed to 89.1 FM/87.9 FM with giant dazzling trees, twinkling stars and a Winter Wonderland of computerized light and music.

• 1552 Cajon Greens Place

Light-o-rama with a 20-foot tree, thousands of lights, leaping arches, yard decorations, roof slopes of lights and video projector.

Lakeside

• 10248 Paseo Palmas Drive

20+ houses nicknamed “Tinsel Town.”

• 13518 Appaloosa Drive

48 channels of lights dancing to 88.11 FM.

La Mesa

• 6268 De Camp Drive

22-foot tree of lights and more. Lights dance to Christmas songs.

• 9367 Urban Drive

Decorated with lots of lights and inflatables.

• 7817 Quince Street

Houses lit up. Donations for Humane Society accepted.

• 8045 Stadler Street

Inflatables matched with traditional illuminations.

Tierrasanta

• 5306 Belardo Drive

100,000 lights and decorations all sequenced and animated to music at 106.1 FM.

Poway

• 12631 Stoutwood Street

Nicknamed “The Griswolds”

• 12659 Butterwood Court

Named “Candy Cane Courts”

Ramona

• 23542 Bassett Way

“Happy Lights Ramona” with 30,000+ lights animated to music on 106.9 FM using 996

The Holidays are always a busy time for families. There are more people on the roads, the weather is changing, and people are traveling to see family and friends.

It’s also a busy time for thieves. This time of year is not when you want to find out that you have a gap in your insurance policies. It’s a good time to take a few minutes and review all of you policies with your agent.

As you’re rushing around in your car on wet roads, going shopping, to parties, or family functions, you don’t want to learn the hard way that you don’t have all of the coverage you need and thought you had.

Is this a good time of year to find out that your policy doesn’t pay for a rental car should you be in an accident? Or that you don’t have roadside service if you get a flat tire?

When you’re away from your home more than usual this time of year, the chances of a burst pipe, a break-in, or a fire are more likely. You don’t want to find out the hard way that your policy doesn’t cover those kinds of things or that your deductible is higher than you thought.

While you are reviewing your auto and home policies, it’s also a good time to review your life insurance needs. People don’t like to think about leaving their loved ones behind or worse yet, losing a loved one, especially at the holidays. Why leave financial hardship in addition to heartache. We recommend that families take this time to review your current financial needs and life insurance program.

As you can tell, a few minutes spent reviewing your current insurance program for proper protection and to make sure you’re getting all of the discounts you’re entitled to, can save you time and money if something unforeseen happens.

Spend a few minutes with your personal agent to make sure there are no surprises.

Mike Clinkenbeard has been an agent with Farmers Insurance for over 35 years and owns an agency with his wife, Marla in Santee.

Relief to the Hill Tribes through Coffee

Santee Coffee Corner is excited to announce the launch of their roasting division!

Eight years ago, the Parks family opened one small coffee shop. Now with two locations serving great coffee and the best acai in San Diego, they saw an opportunity to take what they were already doing and have a bigger impact.

Several of their baristas have been traveling to the Hill tribes of Thailand over the last 5 years on developmental projects in the villages. Getting to know the people and their needs there inspired the launch of the Hill Tribes Coffee Roasting division.

Their goal is to provide great coffee to customers while having a direct impact on the lives of the “Karen” villagers as well as other tribal groups in the Northern Hill Tribes of Thailand and other parts of the world.

The story can be traced back over 55 years to Richard and Marlene Mann who are considered Thailand’s coffee pioneers. They arrived in Thailand in 1959 with the goal of seeing Thai highland villages become self-sustainable and free from the oppression of the drug cartels and human traffickers that inhabited the area.

The solution came in the form of a coffee plant. They slowly began working one village at a time, with the hope of eventually freeing all of northern Thailand of poverty.

Today, over 40 villages are growing coffee, and all crops are 100% owned by the villagers! (Learn more at HillTribesCoffeeRoaster.com)

Hill Tribes Coffee Roaster partners with Lanna Coffee

Co. to purchase green coffee, often paying beyond the fair trade value, and roasts it here in Santee. Their coffee is served in San Diego businesses, coffee shops, restaurants, churches, and every day at Santee Coffee Corner.

Thank you for making a difference with us one cup and one pound at a time!

Holiday Dinner with the Neighbors

What is holiday entertainment in your house? Is it watching your favorite holiday movies with your loved ones, or seeing how long you can prolong getting your holiday shopping done? For us, it’s always been telling stories. When friends and family get together, they tell stories, especially at Christmas time! What better way to reconnect with those who you haven’t had time to see in a while, than to share humorous stories with them around the dinner table! There might even be some ‘roasting’ and we aren’t talking about the turkey or ham that mom is roasting for the main entrée.

Off Broadway Live is proud to present, “Christmas Memories”... a holiday dinner show right here in town. Join Leonard Patton, Blake Beckcom, Bob Schulze & Steve Rolf as they tell stories and sing songs about Christmases past. The music will be fun, the harmonies will be awesome and it will definitely be a highlight of the Christmas time season! It’s the perfect excuse to get some laughs in while making memories with your family!

Enjoy a ham and turkey dinner with all the fixin’s, complimentary soft drinks and pumpkin pie for dessert. Be prepared for a holiday feast! Bring your family and friends... it will be a tradition unlike any other! Spend some time with us this Christmas, Tickets are on sale online at OffBroadwayLive.com, or by calling the box office (619.988.5483), but hurry, these shows sell out!

Off Broadway Live is located at 9490 Cuyamaca Street, right next door to Rita’s Italian Ice. Shows run from November 25th thu December 17th on Saturdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 1 pm.

New Guitar Shop in Santee!

NEW

Large selection of new & used Guitars and Amps

Guitar and Amp service and repair

Authorized dealer for Fender, Vox, Blackstar, Shure & more!

We buy guitars and amps working or not! VETERAN OWNED

8774 Cyuamaca Street, Santee

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

The Grossmont Healthcare District operates the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a comprehensive consumer health library that is open to the public and specializes in providing reliable health information on-site and online.

The Herrick Library, which opened in 2002, is located at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa. The library’s collection totals about 3,000 items including books, magazines, newsletters, pamphlets, DVDs, computer databases, and its website with extensive links covering all major health topics. Ten computers are available for public use. The library also offers two small meeting rooms that are available to community-based, nonprofit organizations for health-related workshops and meetings.

“The Grossmont Healthcare District’s 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. “For hospital patients and their families, the library is a valuable resource that provides current health information and research.”

A 2012 Pew Research Center poll found that 1 in 3 American adults have used the internet to try to diagnose

themselves or a loved one. With thousands of sites offering free health information, it can be difficult for people to know which resources are accurate and reliable. To this end, the library staff provides patrons with reference and research assistance for their health or medical questions.

Regular library hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more information about the library, phone (619) 825-5010 or visit www. herricklibrary.org. Like us on Facebook, www.facebook. com/HerrickLibrary, or follow us on Twitter, https:// twitter.com/HerrickHlthLib.

The Grossmont Healthcare District is a public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in the East Region. Formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, GHD serves as landlord of Sharp Grossmont Hospital, including ownership of the property and buildings on behalf of local taxpayers.

The District is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in San Diego’s East County. For more information about GHD, visit www. grossmonthealthcare.org. TSM

Santee’s High School Standouts

West Hills High School

Class of 2019

G.P.A: 4.458

Varsity Sport(s): Football, Track & Field Extra Curricular Activity(ies): Rock Youth Student Leader-ship at the Rock Church East County, Advanced Guitar Program at W.H.H.S, Secretary for class of 2019 W.H.H.S, President of Chess Club at W.H.H.S, Academic League at W.H.H.S, Rock Kids Leader at Rock Church East County.

Shane Johnson. His style is that of champions. He knows what it takes to succeed. He is only 16.

Q: What motivates you? Where does your drive to accomplish so many tasks come from?

Shane: College. Getting into college. Understanding that college is the only way to be successful in my career. It’s like a chain reaction.

Q: Who influences you to be better?

Shane: My peers at school. Academically competitive people. They find a way to push me to do well in my classes.

Q: What are your goals for this year? Life?

Shane: Short term goals are to finish both semesters with a 4.5 G.P.A, score above a 1,400 on the SAT & score above a 30 on the ACT. Long term goals are to get a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice & forensic science. Provide for my family.

Q: Providing for your family is my favorite part of that answer. What do you want to do for a career?

Shane: I want to be a private investigator/detective.

Q: What do you think of not the ex-NFL player Aaron Hernandez but the W.H.H.S student Aaron Hernandez?

Shane: No comment.

Q: Any shout outs?

Shane: My mother. For giving me tough love to push me to get into college.

Marc: Amen

Santana High School

Class of 2018

G.P.A: 4.139

Varsity Sport(s): Soccer (Starter since Freshman year), Baseball Extra Curricular Activity(ies): ASB President, Class President (Junior Year), Class of 2018 (2015-18), SD United Club Player (Team Captain), UT All-Academic Team, All-Grossmont League.

Ben Sampson is a guy you want to know. He could be the future President of the United States. He is soft-spoken with a lion’s heart. I was inspired after interviewing him. Please read on.

Q: What motivates you?

Ben: My older sister. She motivates me with what she accomplishes. I also enjoy helping people. It gives me the drive to do better.

Q: Who influences you to be better?

Ben: My dad mainly. He pushes me to be better. I try my best to make him proud.

Q: Is there anything in your life up until now that you would do differently?

Ben: Freshman year, I would’ve approached it differently. I wouldn’t have taken myself so seriously.

Q: What are your goals for this year? Life?

Ben: My main goal right now is to get into SDSU. I want to be a firefighter but I’m leaving doors open for other careers. I want to get married and have 2 kids but no more than 3.

Q: What is it like having a local Santee Realtor as a mom?

Ben: Uhhh

Q: Ok no worries. I was just trying to give a shout out to a fellow local Realtor. Speaking of shout outs. Have any?

Ben: My mom, dad & sister. Nona & Bama. Johannah.

Marc: Thanks, Ben

– Marc Paksima, RE/MAX

Shane Johnson

Ben Sampson

SMOAC President Adopts a New Way of Giving Back

SMOAC President, Buddy Rabaya adopts a new way of giving back with the “Adopt a Santee Senior” program starting this holiday season.

SMOAC (Santee Mobile Home Action Committee) is a volunteer-based non-profit organization which has been established for over 25 years. This year, every senior in the program will receive an ornament, personalized card, blanket for cuddles, and a pair of warm socks!

Many seniors are living alone, without a significant other or family in their home. This leaves them with minimal visitors during the year and often time finds them alone for the holidays. Not only will SMOAC give back to the local seniors in mobile home parks, but they will also extend their program out to Edgmoor Hospital and Stanford Court.

We need your help to spread holiday cheer to those seniors right here in Santee... plus anyone can adopt a senior! Just fill out the easy, no-requirement form below.

Once the form is received, SMOAC Volunteers will then put together a care package for the Santee Senior. During the week of December 16th, the gifts are distributed by SMOAC Elves. You can volunteer to be an Elf and take part in these special, personal deliveries! If you are involved in a classroom, volunteer committee or community organization, consider hosting a ‘Collection Day’ with your group. Your donations can help fill these care packages.

There will also be boxes located in different areas of Santee, including the Santee Chamber, for those who care to give. The most requested items by both men and women are toiletries, but here are other items to consider donating such as socks, blankets, towels, household cleaning items, gift cards, jigsaw puzzles, coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, pet food, word puzzles/searches, crossword puzzle books, checkers, chess, etc.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Overcoming the Unthinkable

Imagine waking up to find that water splashing on your hands feels dull and your feet feel partially numb. That was my reality on June 30, 2017. I brushed off those strange feelings until the next evening when while driving my left arm suddenly couldn’t lift up all the the way to turn my steering wheel.

Can you believe that... even after that I had an internal debate of whether it was ‘serious’ enough to wait for hours in an emergency room? Luckily for my impatient twenty-three year old self, there were only a couple people in the waiting room that evening.

That night I heard about Guillain-Barré Syndrome for the first time as the doctor explained the different possibilities for my symptoms. After a plethora of tests and MRIs to rule out other issues, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) by morning.

GBS is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the nervous system, damaging the nerve covering which results in tingling, numbness and weakness beginning in your extremities that can quickly ascend throughout your body leaving it in paralysis. It is defined as rare, with only one to two cases per 100,000 people each year.

The cause is unknown; however, approximately 50% of cases occur shortly after a viral or bacterial infection (such as the flu). I had been sick with a cough for quite awhile prior to the onset of GBS so I fit into that statistic.

GBS travels upward from the fingers and toes towards the torso and facial muscles, and can become fatal if it reaches the diaphragm, weakening the muscle and causing breathing to become labored.

In my case, within a few days I found myself in ICU almost completely paralyzed and on a ventilator and feeding tube. The weakness had spread to my diaphragm, throat muscles, and facial muscles which had begun to take away my ability to breathe and eat.

There is not a cure for GBS yet; however, Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Plasmapheresis (which removes plasma from the blood) help to speed recovery. Fortunately, more than 95% of patients recover with little to no residual effects. I spent almost three months in the hospital and almost a month in a rehabilitation center. After 111 days of hospitalization, I have finally found my way back home to Santee. During my varying stages of this disease, I have experienced an outpouring of support financially, emotionally, and spiritually from the Santee community.

To all of you who laid my foundation of support, I thank you. Thank you to those who held my hands even when I couldn’t squeeze back, who moved my limbs so they wouldn’t get stiff, who painted my nails and brushed my hair, who smiled at me when I couldn’t smile back, who told me stories when I couldn’t talk, who cried with me, who laughed with me, who wrote me well wishes, who brought me gifts to cheer me up, who kept me in their thoughts and prayers, who donated to the surprise GoFundMe, who orchestrated and participated in the surprise fundraiser, and who showed me in countless ways that I am loved. I never thought that I would feel so embraced by my hometown. While in the hospital, I determined that I would spread awareness about GBS as a way to thank those who are supporting me in this journey towards full mobility and health. I hope this article helped to do so. My GBS journey to recovery is not yet over but the best is yet to come. As Nelson Mandela stated, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

– Liz Shank, Santee Chamber of Commerce Membership Director

My Life as Miss Santee

After setting my heart and mind to something for 7 years I finally heard those 7 words I had been waiting for, “Your new Miss Santee is Jennae Gonzalez!” My parents both have always taught me to never give up on my dreams and I am proud to say my dream is now a reality. Being an older sister, to my one and only brother, Jason, it is important to me that I am a role model to him. Seeing those tears on his face as well during my crowning moment assured me that me being crowned meant the world to him. He was so excited to tell his friends that his sister, ‘is Miss Santee!’.

My reign has been nothing but amazing... from meeting new people around the community, to interacting and dancing with children at the Santee Summer Concerts, and being role models to all young women in the community, to now holding the position as an Administrative Assistant at the Santee Chamber of Commerce, I am so fortunate and grateful for what doors pageantry has opened for myself.

This experience could not have been possible without the help and guidance from my amazing pageant directors Sierra Billock, Maria Maes, and Erynne Grecco who are always willing to help not only as pageant directors but as close friends and mentors. Being originally from Texas, the past 10 years that I’ve been a Santee resident have made me realize that Santee is my forever home, and I am honored to finally get the opportunity to represent Santee!

Many people often misinterpret what being a titleholder truly means. We are not the stereotypical “toddlers & tiaras”. There is far more that goes into holding a title. We do countless hours of community service and are always willing to make a difference in our city. I am so lucky to have my Teen Santee Kamryn Correll, by my side to make the most out of our year. This said, pageantry is also about the sisterhood that you earn. Not only am I experiencing this dream with Kamryn, but I also have the pleasure to experience it with Miss La Mesa Heather Bardin, Miss Teen La Mesa Alexis Smith, Miss San Diego Cities USA Merissa Underwood, and Miss San Diego Cities Teen USA Marlene Freerksen. We have formed an amazing bond and are still making memories without our crowns and sashes.

If you would like to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity, please consider applying! Win or lose you will learn, grow and develop your skills throughout the competition process. Each of the rehearsals leading up to the pageant will include workshops where training is provided for interview technique, stage presence, public speaking, and wardrobe consultation. The ultimate goal is to have all contestants walk away from pageant night feeling accomplished and having gained important lifelong skills.

Hopefully you will decide to join the sisterhood because you will not regret it! With love, Jennae Gonzalez Your Miss Santee 2017

Santee Walmart

The Santee Walmart opened its doors in 1993 and, two decades later, is honored to continue serving Santee residents and visitors alike as an integral part of the community.

Walmart is proud to support many local organizations, including the Santee Girls Softball ASA, the Boys and Girls Club of East County, the Santee Food Bank and Santee Chamber of Commerce, and participate in local events like the Santee Street Fair.

Walmart understands that when we work together, we all live better.

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