SANTEE M AG A ZI NE
Who are these guys and why are they on the cover?
Santee Street Fair
Event map and schedule
New view of Santee Gillespie Field: A Brief History
Santee Schools High Achieving
Editor’s Notepad... Hi! I’m John Olsen, the Editor of the Santee Magazine and the Executive Director of the Santee Chamber of Commerce.
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I hope you enjoy this first issue of the Santee Magazine. It’s a publication of the Santee Chamber modeled after the San Diego Magazine and several other local publications. The Santee Magazine (TSM) is intended to help readers discover the hidden jewels that are right out in front of us everyday. I hope that you’ll find TSM entertaining and relevant as we introduce you to some of the people and businesses that make Santee such a great place to live.
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This publication replaces the Special Edition Echo and will be published twice a year, once before the Street Fair and again the week before the Car Show and BBQ Festival in October. In 2013 we hope to publish TSM quarterly. If you know of any items of interest about the community that you’d like us to consider for an article, please email me at John@SanteeChamber.com. The Street Fair has brought the Chamber to the attention of many of Santee’s citizens. However, we are more than just fundraisers and events. We’re committed to maintaining and improving the local economy, promoting the community and creating opportunities for our members to grow their businesses and organizations.
Honoring
Our
Military Heroes
May 26 10 7 am to pm
Rides & Games
300 Food & Vendor Booths
LIVE Entertainment on 3 Stages Atomic Groove Creedence Relived
FREE sion Admis
Gue
Clintst Announcer Augu st
The Chamber is involved in many of the activities and planning groups that shape the East County and the region. We’re active members of the East County Economic Development Council and several other organizations, always with the intent of representing our members and the community’s best interests. The Chamber works tirelessly to make the City and the region better for commerce and business without sacrificing the quality of life we’ve come to expect.
out of the park
Thank you to everyone that helped with this first issue of the Santee Magazine. Without Arli Wolfson, Joan Kling, Steven Bartholow, Bryan Koci, Mark Carlson, Gina Olsen, Alexis Melrose, and the advertisers, this publication wouldn’t possible. Most of all, thank you for giving TSM a shot and investing a few minutes to see what it’s about.
Starry Lane
Remember to Shop Santee - We still have the lowest sales tax allowed by law, and all of your favorite stores in a safe, friendly environment.
See you next time,
John Olsen
Liquid Blue
Beer Garden Featuring
Manzanita Brewing Co.
SanteeStreetFair.com
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4 City and Berghoffs hit one
6 Mesa Road Trail 8 The Sound of Freedom 13 Sweet Science behind 15 2012 Street Fair 22 Girl Scouts...
serving the community and more! Spring 2012
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Welcome to the Santee Chamber of Commerce’s newest publication.
Santee
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
You can turn to the Santee Magazine to get the pulse of the Santee business community and learn what’s happening in our growing city. The magazine will be published twice a year.
10315 Mission Gorge Road Santee, CA 92071 (619) 449-6572
2012 Officers
Hard to believe we’re nearly half-way through the 57th year that the Santee Chamber has represented local business interests. The Chamber functions include its usual mixers, awards and grand openings. The Street Fair, and the Car Show & BBQ Festival are still to come. I have had a wonderful time as President of the Chamber, especially helping plan the two signature events in town, and am ready to celebrate Santee style! The Santee Street Fair expects thousands of people coming through... 250+ vendors, three stages of music and entertainment and a beer garden featuring Santee’s own Manzanita Brew Company. You can find a map to help navigate the fair in the middle of this magazine. The Car Show & BBQ Festival on October 13th is ready to roll this fall, bigger and better than ever! You’ll find more than 150 vendor booths, live music, raffles, and more than 200 cars, trucks, motorcycles and hot rods on display right in the heart of Santee. I am excited by the addition of the BBQ Festival to the Car Show, officially sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. What goes better with cars than a good rack of ribs? Just don’t spill that BBQ sauce on the upholstery! This year’s classic car to be raffled off is a beautiful piece of Americana, a 1956 Chevy Bel Air that’s ready to make those raffle tickets zoom out the door, for only $20 each. Not only does Santee have amazing businesses, it has many local non-profit organizations that offer so much support to the growing community! The Chamber thanks the Santee Food Bank, Santee Santas, Boys & Girls Club, Rotary, Lions Club, Kiwanis, American Cancer Society Relay For Life Santee, and all the other non-profits that address local needs. Thanks also goes out to Santee Patch.com, Santee’s only online daily news source. Enjoy this new magazine, a look into what makes Santee such a great place to live and do business. I’ll see you at the Street Fair May 26!
President: John Morley Morley & Son Signs – 619-306-2479 1st Vice President: Tina Hertenstein Walmart – 619-449-7900 2nd Vice President: Eddie Vandiver Sportsplex USA – 619-334-1000 x 403 3rd Vice President: Robert Lloyd Lloyd’s Collision & Paint Ctr – 619-448-8768 Treasurer: Jana Bradley Union Bank – 619-596-8283 Secretary: Sandy Pugliese Sharp Grossmont Hospital – 619-740-4406 Immediate Past President: Ronn Hall Ronn Hall Insurance & Notary – 619-449-8585 Executive Director: John Olsen Santee Chamber of Commerce – 619-449-6572
2012 Directors Pat Chambers Newport Coast Securities – 619-561-2839 Mike Clinkenbeard Farmers Insurance – 619-442-0415 Ike Enzenauer Santee Lions Club – 619-443-3510 Virginia Hall Coldwell Banker – 619-258-8585 Forrest Higgins Boys & Girls Club, East County – 619-440-1600 Dan O’Brien O’Brien Insurance – 619-449-9075 Don Parent SDG&E – 619-441-3895 Bill Pommering Padre Dam Water District Board – 619-504-9210 Barbara Ryan Santee School District – 619-258-2300 Warren Savage U.S. Naval Sea Cadets - 619-249-2282 Phil Simon Simon’s Carpet Care – 619-596-8092 Pam White City of Santee – 619-258-4100, x 223 Ken Zuorro Affordable Massage – 619-449-6689 ______
John Morley 2012 Chamber President
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Santee Magazine
Office Staff Aremy Barrera
Samantha Olsen
SANTEE M A G A ZI N E
A publication of the Santee Chamber of Commerce Volume 1 • Number 1
Publisher/Editor John Olsen Graphic Design Arli Wolfson of Graphic Resources Contributing Editors Alexis Melrose Gina Olsen Arli Wolfson Contributing Writers Natasha Bowman Mark Carlson Joan King John Olsen Jaime Schwartz Contributing Photographers Natasha Bowman Dr. Irene Gendelman Rich Kenney Bryan Koci John Olsen Jaime Schwartz Advertising Sales John Olsen Printer Advanced Web Offset
Joining the Santee Chamber of Commerce is a great way to meet local business owners who are involved in the community. Check us out online at www.SanteeChamber.com
From the Office of the Mayor The City of Santee enjoys a longtime partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. We share mutual goals of serving the Santee business community, supporting our local economy, and enhancing Santee’s Quality of Life. I’m also proud of the collaborative efforts of other agencies such as the Santee School District and the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. In tough times like these, we’re all challenged to work smarter with fewer resources, and partnerships become all the more important. This past year, the Santee community has been dealt a hard blow by State budget actions. We’ve lost our redevelopment income that had supported streets and flood control, affordable housing, and made possible much of Santee’s retail growth — Costco, Walmart, Town Center Parkway, Trolley Square, Kohl’s & Lowes, and Marketplace at Santee. Our local schools have also been heavily impacted by the State’s practice of delaying their annual funding payments to schools. Santee School District is now owed over $10 million in “deferred” payments from the State, and Grossmont Union High School District is owed $29 million. We’ve all had to make tough decisions in tough times, but we’re pulling together to make Santee the best it can be. Despite these challenges, Santee is also facing a very promising future. With direct access to State Route 52, we’re now connected to the region as never before. Santee has the seventh highest median household income in the region and one of the lowest crime rates. We’re a business-friendly community, with safe neighborhoods, high-performing schools, and award-winning parks. People come here to raise their families — what greater compliment can any community receive than that. Thanks to the Chamber’s “Shop Santee and Save” program, Santee’s retail performance is bouncing back with several new businesses over the coming year. I would encourage everyone to shop local, support our local businesses, and look out for one another, because Santee is not just a City, we are family. These are the ties that bind a community together and make it stronger.
Randy Voepel Mayor, City of Santee
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City & Berghoffs hit one out of the park The Family behind the success of Sportplex USA by Joan Kling
What is one thing the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition (a.k.a. Chicago’s World Fair) and the City of Santee have in common? Answer: the Berghoff family. Herman Joseph Berghoff sold his own brew at the fair and his third and fourth generation descendants operate the Sportsplex USA in Santee.
When prohibition was repealed in 1933, the City of Chicago issued its very first liquor license to The Berghoff. According to the restaurant’s website, no meal at The Berghoff was complete without some of the selections that made it famous such as a cold stein of Berghoff beer, a side order of the legendary creamed spinach or a piece of freshly baked apple strudel for dessert.
The rags to riches story began when Herman Berghoff, at 17 years old, immigrated to America through Ellis Island in 1870. The Berghoff family still holds Soon after he was the victim of Chicago liquor license No. 1 a pickpocket and lost the little and Berghoff beer is still sold in Reprinted with permission from the Berghoff Family Cookbook money he had. He tried various Chicago today. jobs until he started his own brewery in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. With hopes of exposing Fast forward to 2012 where you find the 3rd and 4th his Dortmunder-style beer to a large audience, Herman generation of Berghoffs, Paul and his son, Bill, established transported it in large casks on horse drawn wagons to in Santee as the operators of Sportsplex USA Santee. The the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1893. He sold the beer to fairconcession stand at the Sportsplex coincidentally sells goers for a nickel and offered a turkey sandwich for free. beer and turkey sandwiches just like Herman Berghoff did at the Chicago World’s Fair 119 years ago. Responding to the wide public acclaim the beer received at the fair, in 1898, Herman opened the Berghoff Cafe in Paul Berghoff, an avid sports fan and graduate of the downtown Loop section of Chicago. He sold a glass of Michigan State in Hotel and Restaurant Management, beer for a nickel, a stein for a dime and again sandwiches loves the San Diego area and had been vacationing were offered for free. The bar remained open through the in Coronado with his family for more than 20 years. In Prohibition Era by selling near-beer and Bergo soda pop. It 1993, his long time friend, Chuck O’Malley, called from became a full service restaurant and a Chicago landmark Scottsdale, telling Paul about a sports complex with a and tradition. The restaurant had two floors, each with its concession stand that was proposed in Poway. Paul, who own full kitchen, and seating for 350 diners. It employed said his fortes and passions are food and investments, 70 waiters and five full-time butchers. In its heyday, the was interested. With the attitude that “it costs you nothing restaurant served up to 5,000 meals each day and was to say no,” Paul looked over the proposal. Paul liked what the 50th largest restaurant in the country. he saw and Sportsplex USA Poway opened under his
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Photographs by Bryan Koci
management in 1994 with 17 teams playing softball. Today 1,000 teams play softball there each year. The complex also has indoor soccer arenas and batting cages. “We had experienced a home run in Poway,” so when the opportunity availed itself in Santee, the Berghoffs jumped on it. “The Santee complex is a mirror of Poway only with newer bells and whistles,” Paul said. Sportsplex USA Santee is “one of the largest economic drivers to the City of Santee,” said Deputy Mayor Rob McNelis. “We are proud they are here.” In exchange for your $2.50 entrance fee, you get a token redeemable for a drink. But when you walk through the gate, you get much more. It’s like you step back to a time when things were simpler; it is almost as if the outside world does not exist. Families fill the park in a circle of life kind of way: parents are watching children play and children are watching parents play. The atmosphere is alive with excitement. There’s nothing quite like the sound of a ball hitting a bat, or the thud of a ball captured in a glove, or the shrill sound of a whistle at a soccer game. Add the sight of parents volunteering their time to teach children sports that years before were taught to them by other parents. Add the smell of hot dogs and the hustle and bustle of a group of uniformed youth and you have small town Americana. Much much more than that, you feel hope and confidence for the future. “The complex offers an exceptional venue to recreate at no cost to the City of Santee,” Bill Berghoff, president, said. In fact, the park pays the City an annual percentage to lease the land. “This public-private partnership is the biggest win/win I have ever seen for both the City and us,” said Paul. “It involves millions of dollars of economic impact to the City and surrounding business each year, from the restaurants to the gas stations. They all benefit when we have a tournament in town.” And tournaments they have. In fact, virtually every weekend they host soccer and/or baseball and softball tournaments, drawing from the local area and out of the region. “We are here so people can come and enjoy the surroundings, the great food, and have a fun night out in Santee,” General Manager Eddie Vandiver said in an earlier article. “We have something for the every day athlete as well as for the once-a-week athlete.” You don’t have to come with a team intact. “We take free agents.” Paul said. “Come over – continued on page 29 and talk to us and we’ll place you on a team. We have a waiting list every night.” Spring 2012
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Photograph by Steven Barthelow
Mesa Road Trail:
A Different View of Santee by Steven Bartholow, Editor of Santee Patch.com Tired of taking the trek up the front of Cowles Mt. with hundreds of other hikers? You should try out a backside route that begins in Santee.
Mesa Road, which is accessible from the west end of Mission Gorge Road in Santee. The road becomes gravel and parking is available near the trail head.
With so many trail options right around Santee, between the boulder laden hills to the north, Mission Trails, the San Diego River Trail, and options in City parks like the West Mast Trail, it can be overwhelming deciding where to go. But, fellow hikers that I’ve met on the Mesa Road Trail continue to come back to this quieter side of the mountain.
So, next time you’re saving on sales tax by “Shopping Santee,” you should take in a bit of the great outdoors that surrounds the community, starting with the Mesa Road Trail.
A seasonal creek runs by the trail, forming a small pool near the head of the trail when the weather is wet and includes a foot bridge. The trail is at its peak season in the spring, when the lush green vegetation and bright flowers bloom over the mountainside. But, no matter the season, the bountiful plant life along the trail is what makes this hike a real gem. You also get sweeping views of East County, especially Santee, that aren’t found anywhere else on the mountain. This less traveled path is optimized for mountain bikers, with bells by the side of the trail to ring to warn approaching hikers that a bike is winding its way down the trail. Mesa Trail joins up with Big Rock Trail just less than a mile up, where the trail gets a bit steeper and wider, as it is also used for emergency vehicles to get on the mountain. You can reach the summit of Cowles Mountain by taking a right when the trails meet. Mission Trails designates the Mesa Trail as “moderatelychallenging,” but it’s a trail easily traversed by the whole family. It was recently chosen as the Favorite Trail in Santee in the Santee Patch Readers’ Choice 2012 poll. It is named for the road taken to get to the trail head,
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Read more about Santee’s outdoors, business, schools and other hot local topics at Santee.Patch.com
Waste Management Supporting Business and Multi-Family Complexes In Preparation for New State Recycling Law Beginning July 1, 2012, Governor Brown’s recently signed legislation AB 341 will take effect, requiring both businesses that generate more than four yards per week of solid waste and multi-family complexes with five units or more to have a recycling program in place. While our state leads the nation in solid waste diversion, opportunities for apartment complexes and businesses has been lagging. Less than 40% of those living in multi-family residences currently have access to convenient recycling and, as a result, more than 85% of the waste generated at multi-family residences goes to landfills. Compliance with AB 341 is easy and Waste Management is here to help. Waste Management is working with the City of Santee on a program to support commercial customers and multi-family complexes in meeting the AB341 requirements. Whether you have an existing recycling program or a starting from scratch-here are some quick and easy tips from your recycling team at Waste Management: Tips to Maximize Your Success: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle • Appoint an office champion- identify someone who will take ownership of the AB 341 process and coordinate employee participation. • Request a free site assessment- A Waste Management recycling coordinator will conduct a comprehensive site assessment to determine ways you can reduce waste and increase recycling. The assessment also includes determining appropriate levels of
service and proper carts or containers as well as free staff training to sustain the program. • Recycle- Place a desk-side recycling container (an empty copier paper carton will suffice) at every desk. Collect paper, bottles, cans, and cardboard/paperboard from all your employees. Recycle old printer cartridges using mail-back containers from the supplier. Collect batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs and tubes, along with e-waste for convenient recycling by mail (www. thinkgreenfromhome.com). • Reduce- which may help lower your monthly trash bill. Think before printing a document. E-mail information to co-workers instead of using a hard copy. By reducing the amount of material going tin your trash bins and increasing the level of recycling, you will have immediate impact on your monthly trash rate. • Reuse- Encourage employees to re-use. Use paper already printed on one side for notes or printing drafts on the other. Bring your lunch to work in reusable containers. Drink coffee out of mug or bring a travel mug with you to the coffee shop. • Rot (compost) - Organics comprise nearly one-third of the materials found in the trash. Starting a food scraps program helps eliminate food from the trash and contributes to the creation of compost helping to conserve natural resources. Waste Management is here to help Santee businesses and multi-family complexes achieve compliance with AB 341. For more information visit www.wastemanagementsd.com or call 1-866-WM RECYCLE.
Spring 2012
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Photography by Rich Kenney
East County’s Skies Once Again Roar with the Sound of Freedom by Mark Carlson
East County residents while driving their daily commute and on personal business often find themselves driving around and past Gillespie Field. For most people in the area, Gillespie is little more than a normal municipal airport, home to small Pipers and Cessnas, several helicopters and a few executive jets. They hear the drone of propellers and the chatter of rotors morning, noon and night. But Gillespie Field has a story to tell. It’s a story we should all know. In the first turbulent and uncertain months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the entire west coast was held in the grip of fear. Fear of invasion, of war coming to California. San Diego County was home to key military installations like the MCRD, Naval Training Center, Pacific Fleet berths, NAS North Island and the Pt. Loma facilities. Consolidated Aircraft had its huge plant near downtown, cranking out PBY Catalinas for the Navy and parts of the big B-24 Liberator bomber. In quiet East County things were about to change. In the summer of 1942 the Marine Corps began work on Camp Gillespie, a 688-acre plot of land, for training the new parachute battalions. Known as Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Field Gillespie, it was part of Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. The skies over East County resounded with the sounds of powerful Pratt & Whitney and Wright radial engines. Several Marine and Navy squadrons bound for the distant Pacific war were rotated out of the state via Gillespie Field. Marine Scout Bomber Squadron (VMSB) 141 was commissioned at Camp Kearny, and departed Gillespie Field on 31 August 1942. During the long and bloody Solomons Campaign of 1942-43 VMSB-141’s Douglas SBD Dauntlesses were part of the famous ‘Cactus Air Force’ fighting against great odds to keep the Japanese from taking Guadalcanal. Then the Marines began the long campaign to retake the Pacific. On Gillespie’s runways thousand of young men of the 1st and 2nd Marine Parachute Battalions climbed into Douglas transports to learn their craft before being sent to the fighting on New Caledonia and Bougainville. When the war ended, Gillespie Field was turned over to the County of San Diego as a general aviation airport. The
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Pipers and Beechcrafts, Cessnas and Bell Jet Rangers took over. Gillespie is quiet 51 weekends of the year. But every June, the sound of freedom carries across the hills and fields of San Diego County. The annual Wings Over Gillespie Air Show, hosted by Air Group One of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) welcomes dozens of rare and vintage warplanes from all over the southwest to thrill San Diegans just as they did seventy years ago. This year marks Gillespie’s 70th birthday, as well as El Cajon’s Centennial. Visitors will be able to see and learn about some of America’s most famous warbirds from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. Scores of rare planes from the San Diego Air & Space Museum will be on static display, while others, their mighty metal hearts still pumping out thousand of horsepower will soar over the field just as they did during the Second World War. Many of the visiting aircraft will be flown in from other CAF wings, as well as the famous Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California. The CAF’s Arizona Wing is bringing two of the crown jewels of the CAF’s huge collection, the one and only Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sentimental Journey,’ and a North American B-25J Mitchell, which had undergone 28 years of restoration. The B-25, named ‘Maid in the Shade’ has actually seen combat in the skies over the Mediterranean in 1944. P-51 Mustangs and a rare British Fairey Firefly will be flying, along with the only Northrop NM9 Flying Wing. The Marines will have their say at the 2012 Wings Over Gillespie Air Show. This year marks the Centennial of Marine Corps Aviation and they will be represented with three products of Grumman’s famous ‘Iron Works,’ the F4F-4 Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, and the mighty F8F Bearcat, all of which played a crucial role in winning the Pacific War. So on June 2-3, the residents of East County will have more to enjoy in the skies than the usual Lears and Beechcrafts. They will be able to see and hear what it was like seventy years ago when Gillespie Field played its part to help America win the war. For more information, go to: www.ag1caf.org
Celebrate Independence Day in Santee This July 4th, celebrate community and the American spirit with fun for the entire family. Join the City of Santee and Waste Management at SANTEE SALUTES…July 4th from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East soccer fields and stage. Live music will be provided by the 80’s All Stars followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a food court with local vendors and food trucks, along with a Kids’ Fun Zone; complete with inflatable attractions and carnival games. In addition, the City of Santee Aquatics Center will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. On-site event parking will be $5 throughout the park with limited preferred parking available for $15. Ample free parking will be available in the Costco parking lot with a continuous free shuttle service from 3:30 to 10:00 p.m. between Costco, Town Center Park West, the City of
Santee Aquatics Center/Cameron Family YMCA and the event entrance at Town Center Park East. In addition to the new event site, a limited number of reserved picnic spaces that include a 10’ by 10’ canopy or gazebo and preferred parking will be offered for $100 to $150. Reservations can be made on line at www.ci.santee.ca.us on the special events page or at Santee City Hall, 10601 Magnolia Avenue, Community Services Department building 6. Area residents are encouraged to safely secure dogs or bring them inside. This community event is made possible through the support of event sponsor Waste Management. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. A special thanks also goes to the City’s adopted Marines units, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment and Marine helicopter unit, HMH- 462. Town Center Community Park East is located at 550 Park Center Drive. For more information, call the Santee Special Event Hotline at (619) 258-4100 ext. 201 or visit www.ci.santee.ca.us.
Spring 2012
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Santee School District
An innovative leader in education inspiring students to realize their unique potential
Santee School District serves students in Kindergarten through 8th grade and is a model of a successful K-8 school system for the County of San Diego. The K-8 system shows proven results in exceptional learning. The District also provides a variety of pre-school options as well as before-andafter-school child care services, providing maximum support for families. There are 6600 children currently enrolled in our nine schools and preschool programs. Our Mission is to assure a quality education, empowering students to achieve academic excellence and to develop life skills needed for success in a diverse and changing society. Santee schools have received a variety of awards and honors, including California Distinguished School, Golden Bell, and Classroom of the Future. Santee School District students are high academic achievers and the District proudly boasts an Academic Performance Index (API) of 857, a 91 point gain over the past 9 years. All of our schools have an API over 800. API is an academic “score” appointed by the State and schools with an API over 800 are considered “high achieving schools.” Santee School District shares the highest API in the East County. Strong partnerships build strong learning connections for our students. All schools have an active parent community and partnerships with the local business community. Our families have a strong educational culture which keeps our student attendance rates above 96%, far exceeding the County average.
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The District works hard to provide a balanced program for students, incorporating enrichment classes whenever possible. Character education, art, integrated technology and nutrition education are infused into classroom instruction. A wealth of after school programs is available for students, such as: Project SAFE, drama, art, dance and aerobics, sports, music, cooking, science, math tutoring, and homework assistance. In 2008, following the passage of Prop R, a modernization program began throughout the District. Eight of our nine schools have been modernized and five new two-story classroom buildings have been constructed. The newly modernized schools have more efficient lighting, improved science labs, state-ofthe-art media and library centers, and new or upgraded P.E. facilities, providing students with contemporary and enhanced learning environments. We are educating students for their future and are focused on equipping them with 21st Century learning skills. Technology learning tools are in each classroom and the District is working to keep up with the fast paced changes to provide the most updated technology for learning.
Santee School District Belief Statements Children are our first priority. Therefore we believe….
All students can learn. Student growth, academic performance, and positive personal development are the highest measures of student and district success.
Trust, integrity, respect, citizenship, honesty, responsibility, commitment, and pride are the foundations on which our district is built.
Students should understand and respect the origin of the nation, the law of the
Santee School District is truly “Where Young Minds Meet Open Doors.”
land, and the principles of our democracy.
Parent and community involvement in our schools is crucial to the academic success of our students.
Knowledgeable, motivated, and inspired employees assure the success of our students.
Everyone has the right to learn and work in a safe, healthy, orderly, and clean environment.
The district operates efficiently and effectively through focused leadership, fiscal responsibility, and open communication, with a strong academic program as the top priority.
Additional and current information about the Santee School District is available on the website at www.santeesd.net.
Naval Sea Cadets Making Waves by LCDR Scott D. Oram, NSCC Local Cadets Will Learn about Seamanship, Leadership and Other Military Skills CHALLENGER Division and Training Ship COLUMBIA based at Tierra Del Sol Middle School in Lakeside are providing opportunities for young people throughout the East County. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps and Navy League Cadet Corps offer a non-school based, extra-curricular program similar to NJROTC for young people ages 10-17. Through organization and cooperation with the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard the program is designed to encourage and aid American youth in developing an interest and skill in basic seamanship and in its naval adaptations. Additionally it will train them in seagoing skills, and teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues” in a drug-, gang- and alcohol free lifestyle. Both the Navy and NSCC strive to provide Naval Sea and League Cadets with a broad educational base so as to develop the “whole person” concept. To this end, both civilian and military lecturers are invited to present to cadets the wide range of civilian and military career opportunities available to them, and to help explain youth’s responsible role in society. There is no obligation to join any military component upon graduation. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps is just what young people are looking for to broaden their horizons and increase
their opportunities to socialize with young people their own age. Our programs are traditionally held during the “school year” between September and June, with camp
SAN DIEGO – Cadets participate in the annual San Diego Veterans Day Parade. – Photo courtesy of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps
and away training periods held between June and August. Our camps are subsidized though federal funding, and are some of the most affordable available to families today. Cadets train in sailing, marksmanship, military drill and many more exciting activities. Our summer training schedule has recently been released, as well as other opportunities available in the fall and winter. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps supports education by offering a wide variety of scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors interested in matriculating to college or beyond. The NSCC partners with organizations such as the Presidents Physical Fitness Challenge, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Office of Naval Research to challenge our Cadets, physically, ethically/morally, and scientifically. As an ADA compliant organization, we welcome all young people who are willing to accept the challenge. There are volunteer opportunities for adults, as well! Please visit our National Website at www.seacadets. org for more information. Interviews can be arranged by contacting LCDR Scott D. Oram, NSCC at (858) 997-8721 or LT Anthony Tanner at (619) 876-3712
SDG&E’s Customer Assistance Programs Help Lower your monthly bill and receive free appliances and services from SDG&E’s Customer Assistance program. If you qualify, the CARE program can save you an average of 35% on your SDG&E bill each month, or you could receive new lighting, showerheads and more from the Energy Savings Assistance program. If you or someone in your home has a medical condition or equipment that affects your SDG&E bill, sign up for our Medical Baseline Allowance program. Some of your energy use is billed at the lowest rates and average savings is $33 a month. Connect at sdge.com/assistance to learn more today. Spring 2012
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Santee School District Foundation Supports Education in Santee Annual
GOLF CLASSIC June 28, 2012
Each June a special event takes place at Carlton Oaks Country Club that helps enhance education for children in Santee. It’s the annual Golf Classic. The Golf Classic is a grass roots fundraiser sponsored by the Santee School District Educational Foundation and the Santee Chamber of Commerce.
displayed and art enthusiasts bid on both individual and collaborative art projects from each school. The event was a wonderful way to show the creativity and talent of the students in the Santee community.
This annual event began eight years ago and has continued to grow each year. Some of our annual sponsors include: Balfour Beatty Construction, Al’s Sport Shop, Drew Ford, Pardee Homes, Walmart, Costco, Allied Waste, Mission Federal Credit Union, RCP Brick, Cox Business, school district employee groups and local PTA units. The funds raised are donated to the schools for a specific purpose that supports the vision of the Foundation: To help Santee Schools produce good citizens and future leaders for our community. Since the inception of the Foundation, over $200,000 has been donated to the Santee School District. The donations have been used specifically to fund reading programs, Arts Attack art curriculum, and to assist in providing technology learning tools in the classrooms. The Arts Attack curriculum was purchased by a grant from the Foundation and the financial support continues by providing coordinators and materials to carry out the program in all grades, kindergarten through eighth. The success of the Arts Attack program was recently spotlighted when the Santee School District Foundation held their Third Annual Art Show and Auction on February 28, 2012. A wide range of student art was
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Santee Magazine
ACB
The Foundation’s 9th Annual Golf Classic, held in collaboration with the Santee Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2012, at the Carlton Oaks Country Club. Community members are invited to become active in the Foundation and are encouraged to become part of this annual Santee event. You can help by providing a sponsorship, donating a prize, or participating in a sunny afternoon of great golf. It’s the perfect time of year for 18 holes while supporting a good cause. Tee time is at Noon. If golf is not your sport, we invite you to attend the dinner for an evening of good food, silent and live auctions, fun, and prizes. In the past, participants have won cruises, vacation packages, Chargers and Padres tickets and autographed sports memorabilia, golf weekends and much, much more. The Foundation and Chamber of Commerce have made a commitment to continue to provide resources for art instruction and technology learning tools for students in the Santee School District. Please support this worthwhile organization that donates all funds back into the Santee community! Let’s help meet this goal!
Santee School District
FOUNDATION
Sponsors and golfers are encouraged to call Evonn at 619-258-2320 or visit the Santee School District Foundation website at www.santeefoundation.org for more information.
The Sweet Science Behind Starry Lane by Jaime Schwartz
At one time or another everyone’s life hits a turning point. The path you’ve been traveling for years pivots, or forks, or on rare occasions ends in a sharp precipice overlooking a bottomless and terrifying gorge. Perhaps you spent years training for your first big marathon, only to fall down a flight of stairs and fracture your ankle the night before the big race. Or maybe your childhood dream of being a Naval officer was thwarted by the sudden and unrelenting onset of seasickness. My downfall came from a most unexpected source, the snowy white marzipan coating on a three tiered wedding cake. After four years at Rutgers University studying biology, evolutionary anthropology, genetics, and any other disciplines of science I could fit into my schedule, I realized that spending my life doing lab work held little appeal. Congratulating myself on avoiding a life of boredom, I immediately packed up my sporty little pt cruiser (yes, people still drive them) and headed across the country to attend the Culinary School at the Art Institute of California. Previously baking was something I did to break the stress during finals week, or at 2am when I had a 15 page paper due the next day and was so burned out I couldn’t have typed the alphabet if someone offered me $50. All of a sudden that thing I did to shut out the world when life was getting to stressful became a viable career option. I mixed, I chopped, I piped things out of plastic bags with funny shaped tips on the end. I realized that most of what I was learning was based on the basic scientific principles I had studied during college. The protein strands in egg whites, gluten molecules in rising dough, the way your taste buds react more favorably to flavorings mixed with fat; even why we add salt to sweet things like chocolate. I was learning what to do in culinary school, but I had already learned the why at Rutgers, and I wasn’t even aware of it. Time passed, I graduated culinary school and got a job prepping, cooking, and most importantly baking for a
hotel in downtown San Diego. I loved it. I spent all day cooking. People would eat what I made and be happy. This made me feel good, so I cooked more and they ate more, and it was perfect. Things were going so well, that one of the managers at the hotel asked me to make her wedding cake. It was a gorgeous cake, three floating tiers of square dark chocolate cake with panels of marzipan coated in sunshine yellow royal icing, decorated with flood filled flowers piped to resemble stained glass. Of course I hadn’t made a wedding cake before and I was nervous. It was my boss’s wedding, and it had to be perfect. So I practiced, and I practiced some more, and when I was sure I had it down, I practiced a little more, just to be sure. The wedding went off without a hitch. The cake was perfect, everyone was happy. I went home and had a piece of one of the practice cakes to celebrate. Then my throat closed up. It was the marzipan. Marzipan is a paste made of sugar and finely ground almonds, and I had been elbows deep in the stuff for weeks. After a rather eventful ER visit, and an extensive allergy test panel at the doctor’s the next day, I was diagnosed with Adult Onset Food Allergies. Or, more specifically, I was now highly allergic to almonds and cashews. As anyone who is living with a food allergy knows, overnight the world becomes a scary and uncertain place. Was my burger cooked on the same flat top as the almond encrusted tilapia? Did my candy bar get made on equipment that also makes nougat? Had the friend stealing a sip of my soda just finished eating a handful of spiced cashews? The answer was inevitably yes. I went through a dozen epinephrine pens that first six months. My family had to relearn how to eat, and how to shop. Almost all processed foods were out, restaurants were chancy (putting my life in the hands of an overworked line cook did not appeal), and all baked goods were out unless I made them myself. Worst of all, my job, the job I loved, disappeared after an ill fated – continued on page 21
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Our thanks to Raneri & Long When long-time Santee Chamber of Commerce members Raneri & Long Roofing & Windows discovered that the Chamber’s building was being renovated, they stepped up to help in a big way. They donated eight new Simonton DayLight Max windows to replace the old, hard-to-open windows in the Chamber’s office. “There was no energy efficiency left in the older windows at the Chamber office and they had outlived their lifespan,” says David Hancock, owner and president of Raneri & Long Roofing & Windows. “These new energyefficient Simonton windows will make working in these offices so much more comfortable and enjoyable for our hard-working Chamber staff!” Executive director John Olsen credits the new windows with reducing stress levels in the office and increasing the productivity of his team. “We’re on the busiest street in Santee, and it’s extremely noisy with all the traffic. After the windows were installed we noticed how quiet the office was. We no longer hear the cars driving by and all the outside activity --- we just see it from inside our new windows! David made a great recommendation when he suggested the Simonton windows. The temperature is more consistent in the office, which is certainly a savings
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on our energy bills. The installers were professional and efficient, I can’t thank David and his team enough.” In January, Hancock’s team came in to remove the older windows and install the new vinyl windows. “We knew immediately that this structure needed Simonton windows,” says Hancock. “They’re our preferred vendor because of the quality of their product and superior service. We wanted to supply the best products possible for the Chamber offices, which is why we selected the DayLight Max windows.” “These new slider windows in the Chamber offices are easy-to-operate and will help reduce heating and cooling bills,” says Hancock. “We’re proud to be a member of the Santee Chamber of Commerce and thrilled to contribute our products and expertise to the ongoing renovation of their offices.” A member of the Chamber for more than two years, Raneri & Long Roofing & Windows serves homeowners throughout the San Diego area. The family-owned and run business, which employs 10 people, has been located in El Cajon since 1986. The company specializes in window and roof replacement, along with the installation of seamless rain gutters and attic insulation.
May 26 Military 10 7 Honoring
Our
Heroes
am to pm
Rides & Games
300 Food & Vendor Booths
LIVE Entertainment on 3 Stages Atomic Groove Creedence Relived
Liquid Blue
FREE sion Admis
Guest Anno u
Clint
n
Augucer st
Beer Garden Featuring
Manzanita Brewing Co.
SanteeStreetFair.com Spring 2012
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Street Fair Entertainment Schedule Main Stage
Opening Ceremony Atomic Groove Credence Relived Liquid Blue
10: 00 10:30 - 12:30 1:30 - 3:30 5:00 - 7:00
Trolley Stage
Silvermine Divided Soul Mudwolf
10:30 - 12:30 1:00 - 2:30 3:30 - 5:00
Community Stage
City Rec Programs Ronald McDonald Country Rockin’ Rebels
10:30 -1:30 2:00 - 3:00 3:30 - 5:00
Car Raffle Tickets
Available at Chamber Booth Scheduled times and acts are subject to change
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Air Duct Cleaning & Health Related Issues A Public Service Article From Temperature Control Air Conditioning & Heating According to the American Lung Association, Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors. It further asserts that people are far more likely to experience breathing-related problems due to indoor air pollution than they are from outdoor air pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports the assumption that a buildup of dust, mold, and bacteria within your home or business ductwork/ventilating system can exacerbate the symptoms of some asthmatic and breathing conditions. Additionally, the EPA has listed poor indoor air quality as America’s fourth largest environmental threat. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) maintains that a total ventilation system cleaning should be performed every 3-5 years. While normal, repeated cycling of dust in a home or business can increase the need for air duct cleaning, other factors may push your air duct cleaning timetable forward even more: • Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander. • Residents with allergies or asthma. • Prior to occupancy of a new home.
• Cigarette or cigar smoke. • Water contamination/damage to home or HVAC system. • After renovation or remodeling projects. Proper air duct cleaning is more than just blowing out the vents in your home. According to ConsumerReports. Org, companies that run coupons in the $100-range are red-flags for inadequate service, skills, and equipment. These companies try to “up-sell” you at the home for poor service, leaving your ducts unclean. Temperature Control is proud to offer fair, up-front pricing with our Honest Pricing Guarantee. Feel free to contact our office with questions or concerns regarding the ducts and vents in your home or business! NATE Certified 619-562-2000 tcair@att.net 9736 Airport Vista Road Santee CA / Since 1975
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The Real Deal about ‘Medical’ Marijuana In 1996 California voted to exempt marijuana for avoiding crime and many of the other problems associated medicinal purposes for “seriously ill” patients. The law allows with dispensaries by refusing to allow dispensaries in Santee. patients and defined caregivers who possess or cultivate The City of San Diego chose not to act on the issue, and in a marijuana for medical treatment recommended by a very short amount of time, nearly 200 dispensaries cropped physician to be protected from criminal laws which otherwise up in the city. prohibit possession or cultivation of marijuana. In other words, Prop 215 made no mention of retail storefronts on our marijuana was not legalized by Proposition 215; streets. These businesses communicate that it merely provides protection from prosecution for smoked marijuana is “medicine” reducing the those who have a doctor’s recommendation. The perception that smoking marijuana is harmful. vague language of the law lists several illnesses According to the California Healthy Kids Survey, as well as: “any other illness for which marijuana SOLUTIONS only 42 percent of 9th grade students at Grossmont provides relief,” leaving the door wide open Union High School District students thought that for people to use marijuana for any number of occasionally smoking marijuana was harmful reasons, from headaches to restless leg syndrome; during the 2008-2009 school year. That number leaving the door wide open for wide spread marijuana use. fell to 37% only two years later (2010-2011). Decreased However, Federal law supersedes state and local laws, and perception of harm results in increased usage among youth. marijuana is illegal under the Federal Controlled Substance A study in the September issue of Annals of Epidemiology Act. Even with the passage of Proposition 215, marijuana found that, among youth age 12 to 17, marijuana usage possession, sale and cultivation are illegal under federal law. rates were higher in states with medical marijuana laws (8.6%) So-called “dispensaries” are illegal under federal law, and compared with those without such laws (6.9%), as reported property owners, individuals, elected officials, or anyone else in the Los Angeles Times, “Medical marijuana laws linked to that works to accommodate a dispensary can be subject to higher overall usage” September 1, 2011. federal prosecution. Prosecutions have been happening in Los Angeles, which once had more marijuana dispensaries the City of San Diego for the past several months. in its downtown district than Starbucks, has reversed its policies Another misconception is that marijuana can be on marijuana dispensaries due to neighborhood problems prescribed. Prop 215 requires that marijuana used for medical with crime and violence. The damage has already been purposes must be deemed “appropriate” and comes with done. Youth use of marijuana is up, consistently. Use of the recommendation of a doctor, not a prescription. There is marijuana by teens will continue to cost lives. We need only no specific location to get the marijuana and there are infinite remember the recent crash on HWY 52 involving youth from refills. The potential for abuse and resale is huge, as a person Santee and racing under the influence of marijuana is a can just go from one dispensary to another purchasing reminder that marijuana is not a harmless drug. more marijuana. Without regulation by the Food and Drug Santee Solutions Coalition is a community driven Administration (FDA), the marijuana available at dispensaries organization that empowers youth and adults to address the may be tainted by other, unknown chemicals. impact of alcohol, tobacco & other drugs. Through prevention Confusion around these issues resulted in a city’s ability advocacy & education, we will serve as a catalyst for sustainable to regulate dispensaries within city limits. In Santee, Council community change. You can reach us at info@santeesolutions. action has protected individuals and property owners alike, org, or call 619-328-5787.
SANTEE COALITION
Life as a Santee Fire RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)
Does your heart skip a beat when you see a fire engine racing by with red lights flashing and sirens blaring? Do you ever wonder what caused the fire? Do you wonder, “Could the residence or building have been saved?” Do you ask yourself, “Is everyone OK?” There is a team of retired volunteers that regularly ask themselves these questions. We are the Retired Senior Volunteers of the Santee Fire Department. Our backgrounds are varied. We were once bankers, postal workers, UPS employees, executive assistants and service members that now share a united goal. Our purpose is to assist our fire department with inspections that can keep residents and businesses safe and ultimately fire free. Each week, we perform inspections of assigned locations with the intention of checking and ensuring buildings are fire code compliant and fire hazard free. In
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performing this task, we greet and meet many different types of people, business owners, employees and staff. We assure them that we are visiting for their benefit and well being, as well as that of their neighbors and friends. It is an investment in our community well worth our volunteer time and effort. Our service provides us with pride and satisfaction knowing that we helped spare them a firefighter response. If you are tired of sitting at home watching re-runs, come join us. If you have a few hours of free time, we always need volunteers. The next time a fire engine races by with lights flashing, you’ll know you’ve done your best for Santee’s citizens. It is certainly more fulfilling than wondering, “Is everyone OK?” For more information, please contact Division Chief, Richard Smith at (619) 258-4100 ext 204. No prior experience is necessary.
Starry Lane’s Sweet Science meeting with a batch of rainbow cookies in the kitchen (almond flour and paste are the main ingredients). I couldn’t blame them, I was a liability, and I put my own health and safety at risk every time I entered the kitchen. But what was I going to do, rewind five years and start out as an intern in a lab? Absolutely not! Get a job at Barnes and Noble? Tempting, very tempting, but no. I loved working in a kitchen, and I didn’t want to stop. The only solution, as outrageous as it seemed, was to open my own place where I could control what ingredients were used, and what products were created. While I was researching for my business plan, trying to come up with anything that might convince a bank to lend me the truly staggering amount of money needed to open a bakery, I discovered something interesting. There were hundreds of thousands of people in the United States just like me. Children who had to be homeschooled because they couldn’t risk a peanut butter sandwich at lunchtime. Adults who were baking their own bread because they couldn’t eat gluten. It was like an epidemic had swept the country, and the only people who were aware of it were the ones affected. So I started playing with my recipes. It’s easy to make a chocolate chip cookie without nuts, but what about eggs? Not so hard as it turned out, but then what if you don’t use the common vegan egg replacer that contains soy? Much, much harder. Then remove the flour. That pancake-like greasy puddle on the cookie sheet? That’s what happens when you remove the flour, or the eggs, or the milk, or one of a hundred other ingredients that may not have one of the top six food allergens, but could be contaminated by one due to how it was processed.
– continued from page 13
As it turns out, a lot. Unfortunately, not all of the allergen free baked goods on the market today would pass the grandmother test. Maybe they taste alright, but they look like half baked balls of dough. Or it appears to be a perfectly normal cookie, but when you bite into it your mouth is coated by some odd oily substance that doesn’t go away no matter how much water you drink. The truth is, it’s difficult to bake great desserts without flour, butter, and milk, but not impossible. By deconstructing each cookie, determining the cause and effect of each ingredient and their combinations, and using a basic knowledge of how molecules interact with each other during the baking process, I was able to develop recipes that taste, feel, and look as much like the genuine article as it is possible to get them. There were failures, and they were epic, but the successes more than made up for them. Crisp biscotti coated in chocolate, dense moist macaroons with candied orange peel, soft chocolate chip cookies, and a jam filled shortbread that you have to taste to believe. When I dreamt about the future as a kid, I never saw myself here, owning my own business, waking up at 5 each morning, burying myself in cookie dough, and spending each night pouring over accounts and product catalogues. I hit my turning point, swerved off the road, and found to my surprise that I’m thoroughly enjoying the scenic route. Stop by Starry Lane Bakery to see how great gluten free can be. My bakery is located at 10769 Woodside Avenue, or checkout my website at StarryLaneBakery.com.
What started as a challenge, a way to fight my way out of the depression that inevitably follows a health crisis, became a passion. How many people are there out in the world who crave an honest to goodness chewy oatmeal raisin cookie just like their grandmother baked, but are allergic to the ingredients it takes to make one? Spring 2012
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Girl Scouts Serve the Santee Community by Natasha Bowman
For 100 years the green vests and adorable smiles have been synonymous with the Girl Scouts. What most people don’t see is the impact that the Girl Scouts have both in the community and in the lives of young girls. Mackensie, like many of the girls in Troop 6093, started as a Daisy early in grade school and has progressed through Girl Scouts into high school. In addition to camping and crafts, she has traveled with her troop to San Francisco where they crossed the Golden Gate Bridge with 7,000 other Girl Scouts. Most recently, Mackensie and her troop traveled to Oahu, Hawaii as part of their travel goals, and have set their next goal of going to Europe as high school seniors. When asked about what advice she could offer a girl that is considering joining Girl Scouts, Mackensie said, “It’s great! It’s a lot of fun and you learn things about yourself, like how to be a leader. You have so much fun, get to meet amazing people and Girl Scouts opens a lot of opportunities.” Girl Scouts strive to make the world a better place by helping those in need and working to beautify the outdoors. Some recent activities include planting trees and flowers at parks and schools, and riverbed clean-up. The girls in the Magnolia Trails Service Unit have also organized several events to collect food, toys, pet supplies and birthday items for the needy. The Magnolia Trails Service Unit boasts more than 400 participating Girl Scouts with 200 adult volunteers organizing the many troops around Santee. Girls and parents are encouraged to visit the council website at www. sdgirlscouts.org and the service unit website at www.magnoliatrails.org for more information about how to join Girl Scouts and find out how girls can do anything!
Santee Certified
Farmer’s Market Local San Diego & California Farmers & Artisan food makers Featuring
seasonal fresh dates, peaches, pears, grapes, oranges, lemons, limes, apples, plums, melons, squash, greens, heirloom tomatoes, beans, avocados, flowers, beets, herbs, range-free eggs, rare fruits & more Product Vendors:
Petrou Olive Oils, Jams and Jellies, Honey, Smoothies, Twisted Kettle Corn, The Baker’s Wife, Baba’s Hummus, Gourmet Tamales, prepared foods, and craft booths!
d .. . No Fa rms. .. No Fo o Fa rme rs ! S u pp o rt yo u r lo c a l Every Wednesday, 3-7 pm 10445 Mission Gorge Road (old Santee Elementary School site)
www.santeefarmersmarket.com
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Take a walk back in time with the If you grew up here, you will enjoy this look back at earlier times. If you’ve come here recently, discover what used to be... in Santee. Cover photo courtesy of Santee Historical Society
Then Looking west down Mission Gorge Road, circa 1917
Cover photo courtesy of Jay Renard, JSR Imaging
Now Looking west down Mission Gorge Road, September 2011
The Edgemoor Barn
located on Magnolia between Mission Gorge and Mast
is one of the few historical landmarks remaining in Santee. The Barn is open each Tuesday between 10 am to noon, and one Saturday each month. Check Legends of Santee on facebook for details and come visit with us.
Stop by the SHS booth at the Santee Street Fair and learn a little more about Santee’s history. Spring 2012
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Santee’s Memorial Program Honor a friend, relative or favorite organization by donating a park bench, picnic table or tree in their name at one of Santee’s city parks. Although benches and tables are a standardized design, contributors can choose from a variety of tree species. Park benches can be donated for $1,400. Picnic tables are $1,000. For each bench or picnic table donated, the city will install a 5-by-10-inch memorial plaque with the name of the person or organization being commemorated. Trees are $100 for a 15-gallon size, $200 for a 24-inch box and $700 for a 36-inch box. Each donated tree is recognized with a brass leaf etched with the honoree’s name that is placed on a commemorative tree plaque at City Hall. The donation covers the cost of acquisition and installation. All donated trees, tables and benches will information be maintained by the city of Santee for the duration of and their useful life. registration in May! In addition to acknowledging someone you wish to remember, your contribution will support recreational opportunities and enhance Santee’s parks. Applications can be obtained at the Community Services Department at City Hall, 10601 Magnolia Avenue, Santee, CA 92071. The application is also available to download on the park page of the City’s website. Contact Community Services to sign up for electronic updates!
WWW.CI.SANTEE.CA.US 619 258-4100 ext. 222
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Follow the City Anywhere You Go The best way to keep up with the latest news from City Hall is to subscribe online to the Santee Review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribing is simple. Just go to the city website at www.ci.santee.ca.us, click on the link that says “Santee Review City News,” then click on the “Santee Review” link to open the newsletter. The subscribe button is on the upper right. If you’re registered on Facebook, you can receive updates notifying you when articles are posted on the Santee Review by clicking the “like” button on the City of Santee page. You can also follow the city on Twitter @CityofSantee. Articles are updated in the newsletter throughout the week. The city’s recreation guide and event information is also available electronically by clicking on the Recreation Services logo on the front page of the city web site. You can browse the program guide and register for city programs right from your computer. If you need assistance finding the site you want, feel free to call us at (619) 258-4100 ext. 222.
Introducing Cox’s new online social hub Cox Business recently launched a new free online social hub designed to provide real-time resources to help business owners grow their businesses.
annual membership $40 e ff e c ti v e
J u ly 1, 2 0
After school recreation for tweens to teens SANTEE TEEN CENTER
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After school transportation available
The site, known as Blue, will offer exclusive content from approximately 30 nationally-recognized contributors, social media and marketing experts, and business leaders. Small-to medium business owners and professionals can access specific trending industry topics of interest, videos and webinars, downloadable E-books, and business how to’s including: ways to grow business leads; B2B email lists; using social media as a marketing tool; essential steps for closing a sale; and tips from top influencers. For more information, visit www.coxblue.com. Business registration is free.
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Santee Teen Center... Creating Leaders You never know when an empowering experience— which doesn’t exclude something fun—will become a stepping stone to your future. It could even happen at a summer day camp. That’s how it was for Kristen Caldwell, who found her true north during her early teens after enrolling in Santee’s Junior Camp Leader program. Today the 21-year-old college senior is a few months away from completing her bachelor’s degree in child and family development at San Diego State University. After graduation, she intends to pursue a career as a high school counselor. Caldwell said the camp leader program that enlivened her summers from age 13 to 15 helped her discover herself, buoyed her confidence, and allowed her to develop a talent for mentoring other young people. “It teaches you to be less self-centered when you’re in that teenage egocentric stage of life,” said Caldwell. Junior Leaders is exactly what it sounds like: a program aimed at grooming teens into responsible young adults through leadership training and acquiring skills helpful in the job market. Aside from fostering future leaders, the program helps teens build a foundation for community involvement. They also gain valuable work experience and training to give them a head start on entering the workforce. The program covers job hunting basics, such as writing a resume and how to ace a job interview.
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Teens also earn certificates in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), skills that give them an edge when competing for employment. The curriculum includes seminars on money and finance. Those who complete the program are eligible for letters of recommendation for employment or college entrance applications. Caldwell said the 400-plus hours of community service she accrued during her three years in the program gave her something special to put on her resume. After three years of progressive growth and training, Caldwell was hired as a seasonal day camp employee. She worked her way up the ranks, and today is the day camp’s lead staff member. The program has avoided becoming stale, and the training for teens has never been more valuable, relevant and sophisticated, Caldwell said. “It if wasn’t such an amazing program I wouldn’t have wanted to climb the ladder,” she said. “I’ve always loved coming back each year.” Students from grades 8 to 11 are eligible for the Junior Leader summer program, which was recently restructured so that veteran teens enrolled in the program coach the first-timers. “This year, we’ll have our ‘varsity’ junior leaders come in to help train our rookies,” said Aliah Brozowski, who oversees teen programs for the city’s Community Services Department. The first week is a boot camp of sorts where only those who are truly committed are invited to
complete the rest of the program, which includes weekly field trips and team-building training. Those who graduate to the second phase of training are recruited as volunteers to provide staff support at special city events, such as the summertime concerts-in-the park and the annual Santee Salutes July 4th celebration. Graduates of the program have gone on to college and successful careers, including many who have been part-time employees for the city’s summer day camp program and the Santee Teen Center at Santee Lakes. “Eighty percent of our staff have come from the Junior Leadership Program,” said Brozowski. The success of the Junior Leader Program is a reflection of how the city’s Teen Center has evolved over the past decade. Although funding has declined, the city’s teen programs have become more focused, effective and valuable. “The Teen Center is not just a place where parents come to drop off their kids,” said Brozowski. “It’s a place where young people are nurtured and mentored, where they can make friends and feel connected to the Santee community.” The Teen Center offers a safe, structured environment
where adolescents and teens from 6th through 12th grade (up to 17 years old) can make new friends, have fun and learn new skills. At the center, young people are free to socialize, play games or finish their homework in the computer lab. The center is staffed with a minimum of one staff member for every 15 participants by city of Santee employees who are certified in First Aid and have passed a State Department of Justice background checks. A different activity, one inside and another for outdoors, is scheduled each day. Example: On Monday, there’s a flag football game and a ping pong tournament; on Tuesday they switch to roller hockey and Nintendo. High school students can participate in a leadership program in which they mentor younger teens. Middle school students can learn leadership skills by participating in the Street Team Advisory Group. The center is open Monday thru Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. After-school transportation is available to students from the Santee School District in grades 6, 7 and 8 for a weekly fee. The annual membership fee is just $20 for Santee residents and $30 for non residents. ($30 residents and $40 non residents after July 1.) For more information or to get your teen enrolled, call the city of Santee Teen Services at (619) 258-4100 ext. 120
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Sportsplex
– continued from page 5
Hey, all you single ladies out there! There are lots of single men at the complex every day. Also jot down June 16-22, 2012, that’s when Sportsplex USA Santee will be hosting the softball and indoor soccer portion of the National Police and Fire Games. Participants from 35 states are expected to attend. This will be the first of a three-year contract. Other exciting events coming up in 2012, include Extreme Sports World Series (boys baseball). And for the next five years, the complex will host 140 teams for the Triple Crown Girls 14 and under Fast Pitch World Series. “Last summer, we hosted the highest level of girls softball in the world,” said Bill, a graduate of University of San Diego’s School of Business. This was during the National Championship Finals for ASA/USA Girls’ GOLD 18 and under Fast Pitch. “We had college scouts looking at girls from 30 states and contributed to 5,000 hotel room nights.” “We are very proud of receiving New Business of the Year from the Santee Chamber of Commerce and Business of the Year from the East County Regional Chamber of Commerce.” “We have a really hard-working crew. Where else can you find adults playing softball until 11 p.m. on Friday night and the fields ready for a two-day youth baseball tournament at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. Followed by another switch back to adult softball on Sunday night.” The complex also has the capacity to host corporate event such as company picnics, team building and retreats. They have hosted many companies including
Qualcomm, American Airlines, Hawthorne Machinery, Hewlett Packard, Cox Communications, Sony, Sea World, General Motors, Coca Cola, and Petco. I stopped by on a recent Friday night to take in the experience once again. In honor of Herman Joseph Berghoff at the Chicago World’s Fair, I ate a turkey sandwich and ordered a beer for my friend. For a dollar more, I added some tater tots in remembrance of my mother on meatless Fridays years ago. We sat and watched a man from the adult softball league hit a two run homerun as his wife cheered and his children jumped up and down. Yeah, life is good in Santee.
Four Reasons to Locate Your Business in Santee • CONVENIENT ACCESS: With direct access to three freeways (SR52, SR67, and SR125) and 5-minute access to Interstate-8, Santee is located just 20 minutes from the beaches and silicon businesses of La Jolla/Sorrento Valley or 25 minutes to downtown San Diego and South County. Santee Transit Center also provides Trolley service to SDSU, Mission Valley and Old Town/San Diego, or take the Trolley downtown one station away. • ECONOMIC STABILITY: Santee has the 7th highest median household income and the 7th lowest unemployment rate in the region, with over 70% of homes owner occupied, and two-thirds of the housing stock comprised of single-family homes. Santee’s ten largest retail centers have less than 5% vacancy, and have stayed below 5% throughout the recession. There are 126 national chains and regional retailers, with a net gain of ten national/regional chains since 2008. The City prides itself on having family-based neighborhoods, high-performing schools, and one of the lowest crime rates in the region. • BUSINESS FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT: The City takes a pro-active and supportive approach in dealing with businesses, developers and contractors. Both the City of Santee and the Santee Chamber have partnered on several programs to assist local businesses, including sponsoring business workshops and job fairs. Local businesses can access free technical assistance from the Small Business Development Center and the Santee Contracting Opportunities Center. • FUTURE GROWTH POTENTIAL: Santee offers unparalleled opportunities for corporate growth and expansion -- access to regional freeways, available land, skilled labor force, and high-profile demographics. Sportsplex USA opened last year and is drawing up to 350,000 visitors annually with major tournaments and events. San Diego Christian College is relocating their 500-enrollment college campus to Santee over the next 14 months, with expansion plans for up to 1,200 students. Another major employer is slated for the downtown area in the next few months, and Santee will soon be welcoming Chipotle’s, Phil’s BBQ, Buffalo Wild Wings, In N Out, and Chick fil-A. Spring 2012
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District Attorney Campaign to Reduce Workers’ Compensation Fraud Insurance Fraud costs consumers in the United States more than $80 billion a year. In California, insurance fraud costs consumers annually $15 billion. Approximately $4 billion of this amount is lost to workers’ compensation (WC) fraud. As a result, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office has an entire team of professionals dedicated to reducing WC fraud. Our staff works closely with the California Department of Insurance to enhance public awareness, deter potential defrauders, and proactively investigate and prosecute WC fraud. Last year, we prosecuted 134 defendants for WC fraud and have obtained 123 convictions. Additional cases are pending. Three Categories of WC Fraud in California I. Employee fraud or Applicant fraud involves workers lying to illegally obtain WC benefits. Examples include employees faking a work injury to collect WC benefits or employees receiving WC benefits from one employer while working and being paid by another employer. Applicant fraud is a felony. II. Employer fraud. Claim denial fraud. Employers may deny injured workers the full range of WC benefits. For example, an employer may pay a medical bill or persuade an employee to accept cash in lieu of filing a WC claim. Claim denial fraud is a felony. Premium fraud. This involves employers lying to insurance carriers regarding payroll to obtain reduced WC premiums. Employers may pay workers in cash and fail to report this payroll to their carrier. Premium fraud is a felony. Operating a business without WC insurance. For example, an employer with 10 employees but no WC insurance. This is a misdemeanor.
received numerous referrals as a result of these public outreach efforts. While our office is ready to prosecute insurance fraud, we hope to discourage individuals from entering the criminal justice system. Overall, we seek to promote a competitive and fair business environment. The public sector, working with employers, employees, insurance carriers and others can assure a level playing field for law-abiding employers to compete for business. This ultimately leads to lower WC rates for employers, more benefits for injured workers, and a reduction in the costs of goods and services for consumers. Presentations concerning WC Fraud and compliance can be provided by Community Relations Representative, Jesse Navarro S. D. County District Attorney’s Office (619) 531-3053
G LIN STING P A AM D S INE T O O W F & ION T R C E AU BE NT E L SI
Santee Bluegrass Festival
SANTEE PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE
Beer, Wine, Dine & let the Bluegrass shine
Featuring Live Bluegrass Music Box Canyon
The Tail Draggers
Saturday, September 22, 2012 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Town Center Community Park East 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, CA 92071
Funds raised will benefit the Santee Teen Center, park improvement projects, and the Recreation Scholarship Program which provides financial assistance to qualifying Santee children, teens and seniors to take part in City recreation programs.
III. The third category of crime involves Medical and Legal Providers falsely billing insurance carriers for services never performed. Suspects include patients, doctors, chiropractors, and lawyers. Provider fraud is a felony.
Tickets: $35 Advance / $40 On-Site Designated Driver Ticket available on-site No one under 21 admitted, including infants
Tickets available online at www.ci.santee.ca.us or in person at Santee City Hall, Bldg 6 For more information, please call 619-258-4100, ext. 222
Anti-fraud campaigns will encourage people to think twice before committing insurance fraud and also lead to new case referrals. The DA’s Office has already Spring 2012
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Meeting Santee’s Challenges The Santee Collaborative is on a mission to promote a healthier more proactive community that builds resilient children and families. The Collaborative consists of community-based organizations, faith groups, schools, government, and Santee citizens who meet monthly to gather a better understanding of what is going on in Santee and how we can work together to solve complex problems in a community way.
Special projects this year include a career exploration program that is a partnership between, Santee Teen Center, Santee Chamber of Commerce, and our schools. The program is titled Careers In… Santee and its purpose is to enhance youth awareness of career opportunities within our community. So far this partnership has had a presentation on Media Arts from Platt College at the Santee Teen Center and a career fair with 19 local career options from photography to the state senate that was held at Cajon Park School.
In addition to addressing emerging trends and challenges that exist in Santee the group brings immense resources together to strengthen the tools of service providers and bring awareness to citizens.
AT&T Invests in San Diego We’ve all seen the commercials, rival cellular phone companies vying for a larger piece of the mobile phone market, making claims about how their service is better. Well, AT&T now has the statistics to prove it. In an article dated released April 2012, AT&T announced that their investments in the San Diego community are paying dividends. The company’s most recent push to drive investment and innovation to improve voice and data performance within their network is considered a great success. Those investments are paying off in strong service performance, including reducing the dropped call rate in San Diego area by 25%, keeping more wireless calls connected. AT&T has invested nearly $700 million over the past two years in Greater San Diego as part of their drive to deliver the nation’s best mobile Internet experience. Those services include making more than 1025 network upgrades in 2011, activating approximately 20 new cell sites or towers to help improve network coverage, and deploying faster fiber-optic connections to more than 450 cell sites. Combined with HSPA+ technology, these deployments enable 4G speeds (the fastest internet speed out there). By adding capacity or an extra layer of frequency to cell sites, like adding lanes to a highway, and with the addition of approximately 525 of these layers, this investment and innovation resulted in a 25% improvement in AT&T’s dropped call rate since a year ago.
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On Saturday, May 5th, youth ages 8-17 were treated to an airplane ride at Gillespie Field courtesy of the Young Eagles and the Air Group One organizations that want to expose youth to the many career options in Aviation. More field trips, internship opportunities and presentations are being planned so please check the Santee Chamber website for details. The Santee Collaborative meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. If you want to become involved in the Santee Collaborative, please contact Meredith Riffel, 619-258-2345, meredith.riffel@santeesd.net.
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