City of Santee Changes Its Internet Domain Name

The city of Santee has changed its domain name to www.cityofsanteeca.gov

 The change was done to standardize the city’s web presence and be consistent with other city websites.

 The city’s former domain name, www.ci.santee.ca.us, will remain functional but will hopefully fade away as the public’s use of the new name becomes more dominant.

10,000 Expected to Attend Santee Fireworks Event July 4

Photo from Santee Salutes 2012

An estimated 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Santee Salutes, an annual 4th of July celebration sponsored by Waste Management Inc. and coordinated by the City of Santee Community Services Department.

 Held at Town Center Community Park East beginning at 3:30 p.m., the event features live music and carnival-style attractions, gourmet food trucks and a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. by Fireworks America.

At 6 p.m. Santee Mayor Randy Voepel will lead a patriotic ceremony with the Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 color guard from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

“Each year we try to add new attractions to enhance the experience, but Santee Salutes will always be a family oriented event with a patriotic theme,” said Cherie Meek the city’s special events supervisor.

New rides and attractions this year include a privately owned fire truck, laser tag games, a mini-Ferris wheel, a mechanical bull and mechanical surf board ride and rock wall climbing. Parents can avoid waiting in line at the California Health Network Fun Zone by purchasing tickets in advance at the Elite Events and Party Rental website: http://www.sdelite.com/Santee-Salutes-4th-of-July-s/208.htm

To reduce congestion at the conclusion of the fireworks show, the city is adding an extra half-hour of free live music by the 80z All Stars, an ‘80s music tribute band, until 10 p.m.

“Instead of everybody rushing off all at once, patrons can stay at the park and listen to some live music while the roads clear out,” Meek said.

To help offset the cost of the event and support youth sports programs, the city is charging $5 to park at city owned parking lots.  Preferred parking closest to the fireworks is $15. A portion of the revenue is shared with local youth sports leagues that provide volunteers who collect the parking fees.

Patriotic T-shirts and glow necklaces will be available for purchase.

Attendees can park for free at the Costco parking lot and take a free shuttle to the park. The shuttle service will be available from 3:30 to 11:00 p.m.

Prior to the event, the City of Santee Aquatics Center and Cameron Family YMCA will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The following streets will be limited to resident traffic during evening hours: Bilteer Drive, Bilteer Court, San Remo Court, San Remo Drive, Conejo Place, Magnolia Park Drive, Cottonwood Avenue, Verde Vista Lane, Day Creek Trail and Leavesly Trail.

Area residents are encouraged to safely secure dogs or bring them inside.

This community event is made possible through the financial support of Waste Management, the California Health Network and in-kind donations from radio station KSON, Bob’s Crane Service, Cottonwood Electric Cart Service, Rice RV and Lekos Electric.

Additional information is available at the city’s website: www.cityofsanteeca.gov
or by calling the Special Event Hotline at (619) 258-4100 ext. 201

Busted: Deputy Nabs Suspect in City Hall Fuel Thefts

Good old-fashioned detective work by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department has resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old Santee man on suspicion of siphoning gasoline from government vehicles parked at Santee City Hall.

The suspect, Chans Milstead, was arrested June 9 and taken to the downtown jail, where his bail was set at $50,000.

Gasoline thefts from city vehicles have been a chronic problem at City Hall.

A break in the case occurred in the early morning hours on Memorial Day (May 27), when video surveillance cameras recorded images of two men prowling the City Hall parking lot. One of the suspects, a man with a goatee, was carrying a large green gas container and a section of hose. A second man, who appears to be younger, was wearing a sweatshirt bearing the name and logo of an El Cajon middle school.

A “wanted” poster made from the video images caught the attention of a Santee sheriff’s investigator, who recognized the bearded man as the person the deputy had recently arrested on various charges, including possession of illegal drugs and a felon in possession of ammunition.

After obtaining a search warrant, the deputy searched the suspect’s car and found a section of hose similar to the one depicted in the City Hall video. Also found were items authorities describe as “burglary tools.”

Investigators would like to talk to the second man in the surveillance video who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt. Anyone  who has information about him should contact the Santee sheriff’s station at (619) 956-4000 during regular business hours.

New Ordinance Aims to Keep Parks Family Friendly

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.

Bird of the Month: Great-tailed Grackle

The great-tailed grackle is Santee’s bird of the month for June.

We found this male foraging for food at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve.

These fascinating birds have bright yellow eyes and tails that are nearly as long as their body. They are somewhat comical as they strut around in a princely manner.

National Geographic’s website says there are three subspecies of western great-tailed grackles in North America. The one typically found here in Southern California is the nelsoni subspecies.

Grackles are increasing their range and population because they are not as susceptible to habitat loss as other birds. They can adapt and thrive in land that is farmed and in urban areas with roads and shopping centers.