Santee Kicks Off Art Mural Program

Utility box 90 by 125 inches

What was ugly and plain is now a sight to behold. Artist Thom Guerra has completed murals on two utility boxes at Santee's Town Center Community Park. These will hopefully be the first of many community art projects that celebrate the beauty of Santee.

The artworks were commissioned by the Public Art Subcommittee of the Santee Parks and Recreation Committee. The committee raises funds for arts and recreation programs by selling treats and drinks at community events local and by hosting the annual Santee Wine & Bluegrass Festival.

Guerra said he enjoyed being in the spotlight at the park while he was painting the murals. Many folks expressed their appreciation. The native of El Cajon said he honed his craft while working at his mother's sign shop, called Mom's Sign Shop, that today is located on Mission Gorge Road in Santee and is operated by his brother. Guerra is a prolific muralist, having completed 20 in just the last year. His most notable effort was a 28-by-22 foot mural in El Cajon on a wall at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center.

Artist Thom Guerra

 





Free Workshop Saturday for Home Buyers

Prospect Avenue Project Update for June

Work is continuing on trenching to install conduit that will allow overhead electrical wires to be placed underground.

Storm drain work is progressing with the installation of new curb inlets and catch basins on the south side of Prospect Avenue.

Three more structures will be demolished near Cuyamaca Street in the next two weeks.

Work hours will continue to be Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Drivers are urged to observe the 25 m.p.h. speed limit within the construction area “cone zone,” where fines for traffic violations are subject to being doubled.

Questions or concerns can be directed to Senior Civil Engineer Toby Espinola at (619) 258-4100 ext. 174.

Kumeyaay Lake Campground Reopens This Week

Mission Trails Regional Park this week is reopening Kumeyaay Lake Campground, which was closed
nearly two years ago as a result of budget cuts.

The park’s citizens’ advisory committee is celebrating the reopening with a S’mores bar party and a performance by a storyteller at 7 p.m. Friday June 13 at the site.

The campground will be open weekends only for overnight use on Fridays and Saturdays for $20 per night.

Located at 2 Father Junipero Serra Trail, the campground has 46 campsites. Each has a concrete fire ring, picnic table, mulch-covered tent area and parking spot.

The 7,000-acre campground offers shoreline fishing in Kumeyaay Lake for bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and carp from sunrise to sunset. A California fishing license is required.

 

Mission Trails park includes more than 40 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and other outdoor activities.

The online camping reservation system can be accessed at: https://activenet020.active.com/sdparkandrec/

Bird of the Month: Audubon Warbler

Audubon's warbler, also known as the yellow-rumped warbler, is commonly seen in Southern California during their winter migration. A few stay year-round. The species eats not only insects, but seeds and berries, which means you can see them at your bird feeder.

Fire Department Promotion Ceremony

Three of Santee’s finest were promoted at a special ceremony today at City Hall.

Fire Chief Richard Mattick promoted Captain Jason Custeau to battalion chief, Engineer Chris Balch to captain and Firefighter/paramedic Scott Larson to engineer.

Chris Balch receives captain's badge from his father

Chief Richard Mattick pins Engineer Scott Larson's badge




Jason Custeau receives battalion chief's badge from his dad