Public Meeting on Prospect Avenue Corridor Enhancement

The city of Santee is hosting an informational meeting to update the public on the Prospect Avenue Corridor Enhancement Project from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 7.

The meeting, which will be held at Prospect Avenue Elementary School, will allow the public a chance to view maps and other informational materials about the project. City staff and project consultants will be on hand to explain the project and answer questions.

“This is an opportunity for residents and business owners to learn about this exciting effort to improve the appearance, safety and mobility of this key east-west corridor along Santee’s southern boundary,” said Carl Schmitz, a principal civil engineer and project manager.

The $25 million project, which is currently in the design phase, calls for upgrading a mile-long section of  Prospect Avenue between Magnolia Avenue and Cuyamaca Street.

Proposed improvements include adding sidewalks, curbs and gutters, along with attractive but water-wise landscaping. Overhead utility wires will be undergrounded and utility poles removed. New street lighting will be installed and storm drains will be upgraded to eliminate flooding. On-street parking and bicycle lanes will be provided on both sides of the street. Traffic signals will be upgraded and a dual left-turn lane will be added.

“These comprehensive enhancements will not only improve the appearance, they will also make travel safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicular traffic,” Schmitz said.

Construction is expected to start in late 2013 or early 2014, and will take approximately a year to complete.

The project is funded by revenue from the city’s redevelopment tax area, which was recently eliminated by the state.

The city is hoping the extensive facelift of Prospect Avenue will attract firms seeking to relocate their corporate headquarters and foster the redevelopment of job-creating businesses and industrial parks.

Prospect Avenue offers premier access to air and ground transportation. It is ideally situated at the confluence of three major freeways and is adjacent to Gillespie Field, the county’s largest general aviation airport.

Contact: Carl Schmitz at (619) 258-4100 ext. 175 or cschmitz@ci.santee.ca.us

Santee Street Repair Update

Carlton Hills Boulevard

Watch for traffic cones and lane closures along Carlton Hills Boulevard
beginning May 29.

City contractors will be replacing corrugated metal storm drains at 5 locations along Carlton Hills Boulevard, starting at the northern terminus and working south towards Mission Gorge Road.
Storm drain construction will occur from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, is expected to last about 2 ½ months.

Once the storm drain is completed, look for updates concerning asphalt patching and a final asphalt overlay for Carlton Hills Boulevard.

Mission Gorge Road

An asphalt overlay project along Mission Gorge
Road between Cottonwood Avenue and Civic Center Drive
is scheduled to start the week of June 18.

To minimize any inconvenience to motorists, the work will take place overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Project manager Toby Espinola can answer questions at (619) 258-4100 ext. 174

Can We Brag? Our Summer Camps Rock!

Give your kids a memorable summer by enrolling them in a safe and affordable recreation camp offered by the city of Santee Community Services Department.

“We’re able to offer a quality summer recreation program because our staff is well-trained and motivated. In fact, they’re phenomenal” said camp supervisor Anne Morrison.

The city offers a variety of programs tailored to fit different age groups and interests.

Traditional day camp for children entering grades 1 through 5 features a  weekly scheduled that includes a field trip, a swim day and a day of outdoor activities at Santee Lakes.

X-Factor day camp is for tweens and teens entering grades 6 through 9. The weekly schedule includes a field trip, a swim day, table game tournaments and outdoor activities such as fishing or bike riding. Campers have a say in selecting activities, allowing them freedom of choice while still being guided and supervised by staff. To promote personal growth, X-Factor campers who exhibit responsible behavior can earn special privileges.

Santee also has a renowned Jr. Camp Leader program for youth entering grades 8 through 12. It includes a week-long training where participants learn how to supervise and mentor younger campers. This program is ideal for young people looking for an opportunity to gain work experience, leadership training and professional development.

Our Daily Deals offered during early summer from June 27 to July 6 allow parents and kids the option to pick and choose which days fit into the family’s schedule. Multi-family member discounts are also available for Santee Day Camp and X-Factor Camp.

Our specialty enrichment camps run the gamut from woodshop to skateboarding to performing arts. Some athletic camps offer those interested in team sports an opportunity to reach the next level of skills and fitness under the guidance of local high school coaches. We also offer sports camps aimed at introducing children to a new sport while teaching teamwork and sportsmanship.

Working parents can take advantage of our new extended hours’ program for specialty camp participants.  For a nominal extra fee, youngsters can participate in supervised activities until evening pick-up time.

Probably the best reason to enroll your kids in our summer programs is because they’re flat-out fun.

“The goal of our summer programs is to give kids a truly memorable experience,” said Morrison. “We’ll send them home tired – guaranteed."

For more information give us a call at 619-258-4100 ext. 222

There are five ways to sign up for summer camp:

• Register online at www.ci.santee.ca.us
• Download the application form and mail it to City of Santee, 10601 Magnolia Ave., Building 6 Santee, CA 92071
• Fax your registration to us at (619) 258-4189 with credit card info
• Deposit your registration in a sealed envelop at our 24-hour drop box at Community Services Building 6 at 10601 Magnolia Ave.
• Register at our City Hall office during regular business hours Monday through Friday

Free Fitness Class for Seniors

The price is right for this 30-minute low-impact fitness class led by fitness instructor Sandy Swenson.

Swinging in Santee at Seniors' Club

Swenson teaches exercise routines that seniors can practice at home on their own. Classes vary from week to week, but typically include muscle toning, stretching, chair exercises and walking. Last week, participants warmed up by playing on the swing sets at Woodglen Vista Park.

Aside from improving your fitness, the class offers a chance to hang out with active seniors 55 and older and make new friends.

You don’t have to sign up or mess around with any paperwork. Just show up 9 a.m. on Wednesdays wherever the Santee Senior Club is meeting that week. Check for locations online at the city’s website or call Community Services at 619-258-4100.

Bring a floor mat and wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Go 2 Bat for Santee Teen Center

Help support the Santee Teen Center by playing in the 1^st Annual Go To Bat for Rec Softball Tournament scheduled for June 2 at Sportsplex USA.

Proceeds will help support the operation of the Santee Teen Center at the Lakes.

Teams must pre-register by May 28. Registration forms are available online here.

Two divisions, co-ed and men’s, will compete for bragging rights and prizes.

Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. The tournament begins at 8 a.m.

Each team must have a minimum of 10 players who are at least 18 years of age. Co-ed teams must have a ratio of 7 males to 3 females. Games will be played three-pitch style and each team is guaranteed to play at least three games.

Registration fees are $275 per team. Players must also pay the $2.50 entry fee at Sportsplex, but admission includes a beverage token.

For more information contact Aliah Brozowski at (619) 258-4100 ext. 120 or at abrozowski@ci.santee.ca.us

Save $$$ at Pet Clinic this Sunday



Low-cost rabies vaccinations, dog licensing and microchip identification implants will be offered at a special clinic Sunday, May 20 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at Woodglen Vista Park in Santee.

Rabies vaccinations for dogs four months or older, and cats three months or older, are available for $6.00.



Dog lover Kevin Fiske with "Rambo"



Microchip identification devices are available for $20 to dogs, cats and rabbits. Dog owners need to present proof their pet is licensed.



All late fees will be waived with the purchase of a new dog license. A 1-year dog license is $14 if the animal is spayed or neutered, $30 if not.  Cats are not required to be licensed.

Participants can also pick up coupons to neuter male dogs, cats and rabbits for $25 and coupons to spay female dogs, cats and rabbits for $50.

Educational information on pet waste management and doggie bag dispensers will also be provided.

Dogs must be on a leash, and cats and rabbits are required to be in a carrier.

More information about the County Department of Animal Services is available at www.sddac.com

Keeping the River Clean: Consider Compost

Little known fact: Yard waste such as cut grass that ends up in your local storm drain can adversely affect water quality in the San Diego River and other local waterways.


As it decomposes, rotting yard waste releases nutrients that promote the growth of algae, which can lower the river's dissolved oxygen level. It can also promote bacteria growth. The result is a triple-whammy of low dissolved oxygen, high nutrients and elevated  bacteria levels that can cause problems for fish and other creatures in the river. Also, these stagnant conditions make the river less attractive for recreational use.

Residents can prevent yard waste from reaching waterways  by adding leaves and clippings to a compost pile or placing it in a curbside yard waste recycling container.

You can make a backyard compost pile by mixing grass clippings with leaves. Compost can return nutrients to the soil and help conserve water. Click here to watch a video on how to make your own compost.

This message is brought to you by the clean water team at Santee City Hall.