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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Fire Department Promotion Ceremony

Wednesday, April 30, 2014


Scott Walker and Chief Richard Mattick

Newly installed fire chief Richard Mattick, who was promoted April 16,  received his chief’s badge this morning in a ceremony at City Hall attended by firefighters, their families and city staff. 

 Mattick’s close friend, Scott Walker, a retired Bonita Sunnyside fire chief, had the honor of pinning the badge.

“My highest priority as the fire chief of this organization is to provide the very best customer service that we can to our citizens, businesses and visitors to the city of Santee,” Chief Mattick said.

At the ceremony, Chief Mattick also promoted former captains Tim Stuber, Brad Peterson and Jason Custeau to the new battalion chief rank. Custeau was unable to attend the promotion ceremony because he was overseeing the command center at a fire that was flaring up along the San Diego River.

Stuber will be in charge of the city fleet, fire equipment and IT; Peterson will oversee emergency medical services and fire prevention; and Custeau will oversee training and safety. 

Former fire engineer Aaron Bagley received his captain’s badge, which was pinned by his wife.



BC Brad Peterson
 
BC Tim Stuber
 
Captain Aaron Bagley



Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Free Computer Workshop for Seniors

Tuesday, April 29, 2014


Computer instructor Len Berman

Computer wiz Len Berman is offering another workshop 10 a.m. on May 14 to help seniors boost their computer skills. The free class will be at Room 8A at Santee City Hall, 10601 Magnolia Avenue.

Berman has been teaching computer classes and tutoring seniors one-on-one for more than a decade.

His workshop in March focused on using the internet to save money. He told a great story about learning how to fix his own washing machine and the tail light of his car by viewing do-it-yourself videos on YouTube.

His upcoming workshop at the Santee Seniors’ Club  will explain the differences and similarities of the most popular search engines and browsers. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions.  Those who attend receive via email a detailed set of lesson notes.  More info is available by calling Recreation Services at (619) 258-4100 ext. 222.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Get Rid of E-waste for Free

Monday, April 28, 2014


Get rid of unwanted, broken or obsolete computers, televisions, printers, etc. at a free electronic waste collection event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 in the parking lot of the Santee Aquatic Center and Cameron Family YMCA.

The event, which will be hosted by E-World Recyclers and Waste Management Inc., will take place in conjunction with SanTree Fest and the San Diego River Run at Town Center Community Park.

The YMCA is located at 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, 92071.

Photo identification, such as a driver’s license, is required.

Products suitable for disposal at the event include telephones, radios, stereos, FAX machines, VCRs,microwaves, printers , computer keyboards, speakers, portable DVD players and computer monitors.

Items not eligible for disposal at the event include refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, light bulbs, batteries or household hazardous waste such as paints, oils, solvents, fertilizers or chemicals.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Santee Fire & YMCA Team Up for Pool Safety Event

Thursday, April 24, 2014


Bring your kids to the Santee Aquatic Center at the Cameron Family YMCA this Saturday, April 26, for a fun event focusing on water safety. 

It all takes place from 9 a.m. to noon at the center, located at 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, 92071.

In conjunction with their Safe Kids San Diego program, the YMCA will offer info on life jackets and give free swim lessons as well as instruction on poolside rescue techniques.

At the same time and location, the Santee Fire Dept. will be holding April Pools Day.  Fire personnel will demonstrate CPR techniques and perform a simulated emergency rescue.

 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Prospect Ave Corridor Enhancement Project Update

Monday, April 21, 2014

Storm drain work

This week we’re installing more electrical conduit so we can underground overhead electric wires. This work will continue east of Cottonwood Avenue.

We’re also installing storm drain structures called curb inlets and catch basins on the south side of Prospect Avenue.

There’s also work being done on a retaining wall near Magnolia Avenue.

SDG&E is lowering gas pipes to allow us to install the new storm drain system.

The third of seven structures slated for demolition has been completed near Magnolia Avenue.


Building retaining wall
 
Work days and hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Please observe the 25 mph speed limit within the construction cone zone, where traffic fines are subject to being doubled.  

Questions? Contact senior civil engineer Toby Espinola at 619-258-4100 x 174.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Thursday, April 17, 2014




Fire Chief Richard Mattick
Richard Mattick, Santee’s newest fire chief, is a seasoned firefighter and administrator who said he has learned different things from the six chiefs who preceded him.
“I have pretty big shoes to fill,” said Mattick, whose promotion from deputy chief was effective April 16.  “We’ve had some outstanding fire chiefs come out of this department.”
First on Mattick’s agenda is implementing the department’s new management structure. The department, which has 56 employees, recently promoted three experienced captains to newly created battalion chief positions. They will oversee day-to-day operations at the city’s two fire stations and supervise three major functions: emergency medical services; city fleet and equipment; and training and fire prevention.
The promotions of those fire captains, and the pending retirement of another, will trigger the need to promote several fire engineers and/or firefighter paramedics to fill those vacancies. At the same time, the department is hiring three new firefighter paramedics.
“This is a huge impact on our department,” said Mattick, noting that the extensive reshuffling due to promotions and staff openings is unprecedented in  his 35 years with the department.
The staff changes also mean that some of the department’s  personnel will be reassigned to different shifts and different fire stations, Mattick said.
While he has plenty of work to keep him busy, Mattick said he’ll continue to enjoy riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and “rock crawling” with his Jeep in the desert during his time off the job.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Free Workshops on Water-saving Landscaping

Tuesday, April 8, 2014


Learn how to replace your thirsty lawn with colorful, drought-tolerant plants  by attending a free, four-session series of classes being offered by the San Diego County Water Authority.
Participants must register at least three weeks before the first class and agree to replace a portion of their lawn. The deadline is April 18 for East County residents who wish to attend the workshops at Cuyamaca Community College in El Cajon.
The workshops also will be held in Clairemont at the SDG&E Innovation Center beginning April 30 and at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas beginning May 3.
To apply, go online at landscapemaker.watersmartsd.org; you can also email questions to landscapemakeover@sdcwa.org or phone (619) 289-8890.