San Diego County this week sold at auction two vacant parcels
comprising 33.28 acres on the north side of the San Diego River next to Town
Center Community Park.
The winning bidder was San Diego businessman Conrad Prebys,
president of Progress Construction and Management based in Point Loma. He
submitted two bids totaling $36 million for the properties, which are zoned for
multi-family residential. The auction was held Jan. 28 during the regular
meeting of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
Prebys is a philanthropist who has given millions to various
institutions including the San Diego Zoo, UCSD, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
andScripps Health.In 2004, he donated $1 million toward the
construction of the Santee Boys and Girls Club.
City officials today asked for the public’s help in solving
a spate of copper wire thefts over the past month in the Town Center and
Mission Creek areas of Santee.
Since mid-December, thieves have struck at 13 locations,
including Town Center Community Park and Mast Park.The thefts have resulted in non-functioning
lightson walkways, parks and street
lights.
The replacement costs and repairs will cost the city approximately
$48,000.
The city is attempting to retrofit the electrical boxes to
make them less vulnerable to thieves, but the repairs will require time and
patience from the public.
Anyone with information about the thefts, or if you see
something suspicious, contact Det. Carl Miller at the Santee Sheriff’s Station
at (619) 956-4037.
Catch a rising country heartthrob at this Thursday’s free
concert at Santee’s premier live venue
Tony Suraci is a dynamic vocalist who can mimic the voices
of country music’s greatest “outlaw” superstars, including Waylon Jennings,
Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.
If they cloned Eddie
Vedder with Kenny Chesney, the result would be Tony Suraci.
He’s been playing sold-out shows at the Belly Up and other
local night clubs. And now he’s headed to Las Vegas for a career-changing gig
at the Hotel M Resort.
But before he pursues fame and fortune in Sin City, Suraci and his band of accomplished sidemen
will play at 6:30 p.m. at the outdoor performance stage at Town Center
Community Park, 550 Park Center Drive. It’s his first appearance in Santee, so
he deserves a warm welcome.
Bios posted on the web say Tony has worked as both a
musician and actor, including a role on Melrose Place. He’s also appeared on
stage in comedy, drama and dance productions since the age of 9. He can play
guitar and piano, but he also has something you can’t learn: charisma.
Click here
to view a YouTube video of Suraci strutting his stuff.
A new city
ordinance takes effect next week that bans the consumption of alcoholic
beverages at Town Center Community Park during weekdays, Monday through Friday.
The intent
of the law, which will be effective Monday, June 10, is to maintain a park-friendly
atmosphere for children and families.
Consumption
of alcohol is allowed on weekends and legal holidays, but beverages
in glass containers or kegs of any size are not permitted. Alcohol is also allowed during special events
that have been issued a permit by the city.
The City
Council voted for the ordinance in April after council members became concerned
that drinkers were intimidating the public and deterring families from using
playgrounds and other facilities at Town Center Community Park. The same restrictions on alcohol have been in force for several years at Mast Park.
The public
can report problems at city parks by using the Sheriff’s
Department non-emergency number, (858) 565-5200.
Some of the country’s top young female soccer players will
be showing their skills for college recruiters this weekendat Town Center Community Park.
The “College Showcase”tournament features hundreds of girls from ages 14 to 17 who play for
teams from the West Coast Futbol Club, a professionally run youth soccer program based in Orange County.
The games
are being scouted by coaches from dozens of NCAA Division I colleges, including
Stanford, Harvard, University of Michigan, Notre Dame and University of Florida.
The West
Coast Futbol Club has 45 competitive youth boys and girls teams playing in the
Southern California Developmental Soccer League, which is aimed at grooming players
to compete at the college and professional levels.
The College
Showcase games, which started Thursday and will continue through Dec. 1, are
being played at Town Center Community Park as well as Balboa Stadium, UCSD and
the Arco Olympic Training Center.
Community volunteers and local law enforcement officers yesterday proved
once again that kids are a top priority in the city of Santee.
Nearly 100 local kids participated in the Junior Chargers
Training Camp, an opportunity to learn the basics of football and to hear words
of wisdom from athletes who have made it to the professional ranks.
More than 20 local law enforcement officers, including
several from the Santee Sheriff’s Station, volunteered as assistant coaches.
Head coach was Sgt. Tom Miller of the San Diego Police Department.
The free event, which was held at Town Center Community Park,
is aimed at teaching youngsters the connection between fitness and a healthy
lifestyle and the path to success in whatever occupation they pursue.
Edwin Baker, a rookie running back for the San Diego
Chargers, fielded questions and talked to the kids about eating healthy and staying
fit. He was assisted by Santana High School football players J.T. Allen and
Anthony Diaz, who led the group calisthenics.
The kids, who ranged in age from 7 to 14, also received a
free T-shirt and refreshments.
The special camp was sponsored by the Police Athletic League's Sports Training Academics and Recreation Program (STAR/PAL), a nonprofit
dedicated to teaching kids positive values and to build bridges between youth
and law enforcement.
Ker-splash! That’s the sound of kids having fun on April Pools Day, a cooperative effort between the Santee Fire Department and the City of Santee Aquatics Center and Cameron Family YMCA.
The event, scheduled from to on Saturday, April 28, is intended to raise awareness about water safety and measures that parents can take to prevent accidental drownings.
The Aquatics Center is allowing kids to swim for free and participate in games, crafts and educational activities focusing on water safety.
Members of the Santee Fire Department will bring training mannequins to demonstrate proper CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) techniques and will stage a water slide accident and mock rescue. They’ll also demonstrate the correct fitting for a life jacket.
“There were two drownings EastCounty last summer and we’d like to reduce that number to zero,” said Santee Fire Captain Brad Peterson, who brought April Pools Day to the region about seven years ago.
“While many cities have regulations requiring child-proof fencing around private swimming pools, there are older homes in EastCounty where people still don’t have fences and gates,” Peterson said.
In Santee, April Pools Day is being held simultaneously with the YMCA’s nationwide Healthy Kids Day, an event aimed at encouraging kids to stay active during their summer break from school.
The YMCA plans to hold a fun/walk run, and other activities intended to instill the message that physically active kids stay healthier and do better in academics.
The aquatics center is located at the eastern end of TownCenterCommunityPark at 10123 Riverwalk Drive.The phone number is (619) 449-9622.
The sun is blazing hot and you’ve just finished your workout at TownCenterCommunityPark.Is there any relief in sight? The answer is yes.
Stand beneath the city’s newly installed mist-maker which also doubles as a drinking fountain that offers refreshment for both humans and dogs – from separate spigots, of course.
The city was able to purchase this fountain/mister thanks to a grant from Coca Cola’s 2011 Live Positively – America’s Favorite Park Campaign.The $10,000 grant also paid for recreation equipment at the SanteeTeenCenter at the Lakes and WoodglenVistaSkate & BMXPark.
Coca Cola also participated in last summer’s Family Fest event marking the opening of the final phase of TownCenterCommunityPark and to promote Santee as a healthy community.
A hearty crowd of volunteers braved intermittent light wind and rain the morning of Saturday, March 17 to plant trees and create a simulated streambed at TownCenterCommunityPark. It was a fitting way to celebrate California Arbor Week (March 12-18).
"We can’t thank the community and our sponsors enough for bringing their spirit and enthusiasm to brighten an otherwise rainy day," said CherieMeek, the city’s Special Events Supervisor. "Everyone pitched in to make this already stunning park and even more beautiful place."
Thirty-two decorative trees were planted, along with 40 shrubs that decorate the faux streambed in front of the City of Santee Aquatics Center/Cameron Family YMCA. Vendors provided hand outs and food samples to the crowd while scouts and community members enjoyed the green themed event in an array of rain gear, seldom worn in San Diego.
The event will ensure that Santee earns its Tree CityUSA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 11th consecutive year.
In case you missed it, here’s a video slide show that recaps the event.
Sportplex USA last weekend was home of the San Diego Classic, a women’s softball tournament that drew 11 NCAA college teams from throughout the U.S. to Santee.
Photo: courtesy of San Diego State University
The University of San Diego captured the championship by going 5-0 during the tournament, which was hosted by San Diego State University.
“Well over 500 people a day came to the park to see the games,” said Sportsplex USA General Manager Eddie Vandiver.
Sportsplex USA Santee, which opened in June 2010, hosts regional and national tournaments nearly every weekend throughout the year, with nightly attendance ranging from 600 to 1,000 spectators and recreational athletes.
The 15-acre sports field complex, which is part of Santee’s Town Center Community Park, will host three other major tournaments this summer. They are:
U.S. Police and Fire Championships, June 16-22
Triple Crown Sports 14 & under girls’ Fast Pitch World Series, July 16-21
Xtreme Diamond Sports Boys’ Baseball World Series, July 25-29
Leagues are also offered for team and individual players of all skill levels. If you’re interested in booking a tournament or playing in a league at this ultra-modern sports complex, visit www.sportplexusa.com for additional information.
Despite heat that topped 90 degrees, former WNBA player KristenMann gave an enthusiastic performance at Santee’s Family Fest event on Saturday, Aug. 27 at TownCenterCommunityPark.
Mann offered inspirational words and high energy as she paced participants through a series of drills during a fitness clinic aimed at increasing speed and agility.
Family Fest also featured live music by the Alley Cats, activity booths for kids, and free hot dog lunches for the public. Representatives for the Coca Cola Co. presented the city with a $10,000 grant that will be used for park and recreation improvements and equipment.
Family Fest was an opportunity to show off the city’s newest park and dedicate its special amenities, including a human sun dial and a walking path that was christened as a memorial to Santee’s two adopted U.S. Marine Corps units.
Development of the 55-acre park began in 2003 with the construction of the City of Santee Aquatics Center and Cameron Family YMCA. The second phase which included the sports complex, soccer and football fields, playground and other site amenities was completed at a total cost of $23.5 million.
Family Fest was presented with assistance from sponsors Western Rim Constructors, ACE electric, Area West Fence, MIG and Musco Lighting.
At a solemn ceremony Aug. 27, the city of Santee dedicated the walkway at TownCenterCommunityPark in honor of two U.S. Marine units.
The paved path, which is two-thirds of a mile long, was dedicated in honor of the Camp Pendleton-based2nd Battalion, 1st Marines Division, also known as “The Professionals,” and the “Heavy Haulers,” Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
The Mayor and city council members presided over the ceremony, which was attended by other elected officials from the region, and several members of the two Marine units.
A Marine officer read the names of several Marines who have been killed during the two wars in the Middle East.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Mayor and city council members gave a signal allowing a Marine color guard to place the first “boots on the ground” along the memorial walkway.
U.S. Marine color guard took the first steps
on the TownCenterPark walkway
after it was dedicated Aug. 27
The city has “adopted” the two Marine units through the Americans Supporting Americans program.
The community has hosted "thank you" events for the Marines and their families. The Marines, in turn, have volunteered at special events put on by the city, including the annual Santee Salutes 4ty of July celebration.
The city of Santee is holding a special event to show off the city’s newest park and to dedicate some of the park’s special amenities, a walking path, stage, soccer fields and a human sun dial.
Family Fest, celebrating the long awaited completion of TownCenterCommunityPark, is scheduled for on Saturday, August 27.
The event will include food, music and activities the whole family can enjoy, plus a special appearance by WNBA legend Kristen Mann.Mann, who played for four WNBA teams as well as professionally overseas, will lead a clinic for boys and girls from ages 7 to 13 that will encourage them to get outside and play this summer. Clinic participants will receive a free T-shirt.
Encompassing 55 acres along the north side of the San DiegoRiver, TownCenterCommunityPark also includes the Cameron Family YMCA, the City of Santee Aquatics Center, and a 15-acre recreational sports complex with batting cages, and lighted baseball, softball, and arena soccer fields operated by Sportsplex USA.
During Family Fest, the park’s circular walking path, which is nearly two-thirds of a mile long, will be dedicated in honor of the U.S Marines 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division and Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462.
Free hot dogs, chips and beverages will be available while supplies last. There will be inflatable jumps, laser tag, crafts and interactive booths, along with fitness contests and games. The City of Santee Aquatics Center will be open for free swimming all day.
Live music will be performed by doo-wop a capella group The Alley Cats, a dance and percussion group named Jr. Crew, and singer KelsieMartin, who starred in the MTV reality show Made.
The event is sponsored by Western Rim, ACE electric, Area West Fence, MIG, Musco Lighting, and Coca-Cola. Sponsor Coca-Cola will present the city of Santee with a $10,000 grant awarded as part of their America is Your Park campaign.This is the second year that the Coca-Cola “Live Positively” initiative has launched the national America is Your Park contest that includes donating a series of recreation grants to help provide families with ways to get active outdoors. TownCenter Community Park is currently vying for one of three grand prizes to be awarded through the program.
Town Center Community Park is located at 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, CA 92071. For more information, visit the city's websiteor call the Special Events hotline at 619-258-4100 ext. 201.
The city of Santee’s Community Services Dept. has agreed to extend operating hours at Sportsplex USA one hour later than normal on Thursday, July 28.
The one-time-only extension was granted to allow a San Diego girl’s softball team competing in a national tournament to attend the funeral of a teammate and her mother, who were killed July 18.
Players for the San Diego Renegade are mourning the tragic deaths of teammate BrianaWilliams and her mother, Donna, a veteran San Diego police officer, both of Rancho Penasquitos.
The Renegade is one of 64 teams from throughout the U.S. competing this week for the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America 18-Under Gold National Championship, which is being hosted by Sportsplex facilities in Santee and Poway.
Fans of Santee Parks can help the city win grant funds by going online and voting for TownCenterCommunityPark as their favorite park. TownCenterCommunityPark hosts a variety of recreation amenities for all ages that includes softball, baseball, soccer and football fields, play grounds, walking trails, picnic areas, an event stage, City of Santee Aquatics Center, the Cameron Family YMCA, and Sportsplex USA.
As part of its America Is Your Park campaign, Coca Cola will award grants of $100,000, $50,000 and $25,000 to three parks nationwide that garner the most votes. Coca Cola is calling all families to go out and play this summer. “We’re asking people to be ‘digital’ by voting online for their favorite park and then get ‘physical’ by getting out and having fun this summer” said L. Celeste Bottorff, Vice President, Living Well, Coca-Cola North America. The grants will help restore, rebuild or enhance recreation areas in parks where people can play and be active.
You can vote online as many times as you like at LivePositively.com through Sept. 6.
Bonus points are awarded if you upload photos or videos of TownCenterCommunityPark or by “checking in” to Town Center Community Park West using Facebook Places from any part of the park, including Sportsplex USA, the Cameron Family YMCA or the City of Santee Aquatics Center. To use "check in," register at LivePositively.com. No need to register to vote.
The campaign also encourages people to attend active healthy living events at local parks in select cities this summer including Santee's Family Fest on August 27 at TownCenterCommunityPark.
Pitcher Brooke Snyder, Catcher Cassidy
Matthie and hitter Page Bowler, from
the Santee ASA Gold All Stars team
take batting practice at Town Center
Community Park. (These girls are younger
than those who will be competing next week
for the GOLD National Championship.)
Top-ranked girls’ softball teams from across the country are coming to Santee next week to compete in the 2011 Amateur Softball Association 18-and-under GOLD National Championship.
Sixty-four teams will compete for the championship, which is considered the most elite title in youth fast-pitch softball, at the Sportsplex-USA softball facilities in both Santee and Poway.
Tournament director MikeSchuck said as many as 1,280 players and at least that many family members will be traveling here for the event, which runs from July 24 to July 30.
“San Diego is such a great destination, so we are expecting a large turnout of parents and families accompanying their players,” he said, adding that players competing in the event will range in age from 16 to 18.
The Danielle Tucker Band and The Mighty Untouchables had the crowd tapping their feet and grooving on the dance floor. A local gymnastics group put on an exhibition of their athletic skills. Food vendors offered everything from hot dogs to salads. There were carnival rides, face painting and plenty of games for the kids.
Photo courtesy of Cory Christensen
A dozen Marines from CampPendleton volunteered to provide security and help with parking. A Marine color guard, accompanied by WillTisch who wore a Revolutionary War uniform, presented the U.S. flag and reminded everyone of what July 4th represents.
This year’s event had a surprise: A “flash mob” performance by approximately 100 folks of all ages who were recruited from the community. They rocked the park for more than four minutes with a choreographed dance routine that was captured on video.
The event, which was sponsored by Waste Management Inc. and Cannon Pacific, culminated with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
The city of Santee today(June 30) posted warnings at TownCenterCommunityPark and MastPark urging the public to avoid contact with caterpillars.
Officials took this action after two parents in as many weeks reported that their children had experienced adverse physical reactions after touching caterpillars.
The incident that occurred today involved a toddler who experienced a toxic reaction that included a rash and difficulty breathing. The symptoms were severe enough that the parent took the child to the hospital.
Park officials aren’t sure which specific types or colors of caterpillars may be responsible for the toxic reactions, so they are urging the public to avoid touching all species.
June 15 was National Fly a Kite Day, and BrettO’Connell of Santee was the first to show up at Town Center Community Park East to participate in the event. At one point, there were eight kites in the air, all being held aloft by the westerly breeze that is typical this time of year. Don’t forget that tomorrow, June 16 at p.m.the city will hold the first free summer concert on the lawn at Town Center Park East.
Nearly 40 people turned out May 11 for a ceremony dedicating a newly completed half-mile section of the San Diego River Trail at Mast Park West.
Mike Nelson of the San Diego River Conservancy celebrated Santee's partnerships that made the trail possible.
Many stayed after the ceremony for a guided walk led by Shannon Quigley, (center, in white) program coordinator for the San Diego River Park Foundation. Ms. Quigley gave an animated talk about the flora and fauna found along the path, which bisects a 43-acre habitat preserve the city obtained in 2009 from The Environmental Trust.
The trail, which cost $405,586 to construct and took six months to complete, was funded by a state grant obtained on behalf of Santee by the San Diego River Conservancy, a state agency.
The new trail connects with about 2.5 miles of existing riverfront paths in Santee.
Pedestrians and bicyclists can now travel along the San Diego River from the city’s western boundary at Carlton Oaks golf course to the center of the city at Town Center Community Park.
Four new interpretive signs provide
information about the River's natural habitat.
Jordan Richardson of Troop 51 displayed
one of the markers along the trail.
The medallions were donated by the
San Diego River Park Foundation
and were installed as part of
Richardson's Eagle Scout project.
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