Santee Events

09/03/2026

As a long-time Santee resident who loves our town, I think it’s time we have an honest conversation about our city’s future.
Lately, a lot of the pushback on this proposed 1¢ sales tax increase is coming from non-residents who come into Santee to make major purchases and leave. But as actual Santee residents, we’re the ones who live here every day—and we’re the ones seeing the reality on the ground.
Our city staff is already operating at bare-bones levels compared to the rest of East County. Programs are getting cut, positions are going unfilled, and our infrastructure and emergency services are stretched thin. We’ve enjoyed a high quality of life in Santee for decades, but we can't take it for granted anymore without a dedicated local funding source.
When out-of-town visitors shop here, they use our roads, our traffic signals, and our public safety resources. A local sales tax means visitors help pay for the infrastructure they use—and every single penny raised stays right here in Santee, legally protected from Sacramento.
Here is what everyone living in Santee needs to understand about how we got here and why this vote matters for our community's survival:

Santee Has Never Had a Local Sales Tax: [Santee local funding details](https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/our-community/local-funding) show that since incorporation in 1980, the city has operated with 0% local sales tax. Out of the current 7.75% sales tax paid in Santee, the city only gets a single 1% share. The remaining 6.75% goes directly to the state, county, and regional agencies.
Now let that sink in!

Enjoy the charm of hometown living on any given day. The close bonds between people in Santee are palpable from the stands of the Sportsplex to the crowds of Summer Concerts. It is this tight-knit sense of community that sets the city apart, and you are more than welcome to join at every establishme...

09/01/2026

The main reason this measure is critical comes down to how Santee is structured compared to almost every other city in San Diego County:
Santee Has Never Had a Local Sales Tax: [Santee local funding details](https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/our-community/local-funding) show that since incorporation in 1980, the city has operated with 0% local sales tax. Out of the current 7.75% sales tax paid in Santee, the city only gets a single 1% share. The remaining 6.75% goes directly to the state, county, and regional agencies.
Addressing a Massive Infrastructure Gap: Right now, Santee is facing an estimated $322 million infrastructure shortfall for long-term repairs. According to the City of Santee local funding portal, local storm drains are over 50 years old, roads and traffic signals need modernizing, and the city has only added one permanent fire station since 1964—when the population was roughly 11,000.
It Keeps Funds Local: A locally passed measure ensures 100% of the money raised stays in Santee. Sacramento cannot take it or redistribute it to other areas.
It ONLY Applies to Specific Sales: This is strictly a sales tax on general retail purchases—it is not a property tax, income tax, or tax on housing. Essential everyday items are fully exempt, including groceries, prescription medications, and diapers. Plus, anyone visiting or shopping in Santee from neighboring towns pays into it, helping fund local roads and emergency services alongside residents.
It’s about securing a reliable local funding stream so Santee isn't forced to defer vital public safety upgrades and neighborhood road repairs.

Enjoy the charm of hometown living on any given day. The close bonds between people in Santee are palpable from the stands of the Sportsplex to the crowds of Summer Concerts. It is this tight-knit sense of community that sets the city apart, and you are more than welcome to join at every establishme...

09/01/2026

While keeping Santee affordable is a priority we all share, we also need to look closely at the facts from the recent city council finance meetings. It has been over 15 years since a sales tax adjustment was seriously addressed, and a decade and a half of chipping away at our budget has left our city with a $322 million infrastructure shortfall.
Those "savings" are no longer invisible—the structural cutbacks are actively affecting the day-to-day safety of our families.
Let's look at the actual math regarding our neighbors and where our tax dollars go:
East County Comparisons: Santee currently sits at a 7.75% sales tax rate. Our neighbors in El Cajon are at 8.25% and La Mesa is at 8.50%. We literally have the lowest sales tax rate in East County.
The "Penny" Impact: A 1-cent increase would generate an estimated $14 million annually. Most importantly, by law, 100% of these funds stay strictly in Santee to repair local streets, fix potholes, and fully fund our emergency response services—including the paramedics and fire protection we desperately need.
Who Actually Pays? Essential purchases like groceries, prescription medications, and diapers are entirely exempt from sales tax. Furthermore, a massive portion of Santee's sales tax is actually paid by out-of-town visitors who shop at our major commercial centers or pass through our city. They use our roads and rely on our emergency infrastructure while here; a local sales tax ensures they pay their fair share to maintain them.
Our city leaders and public safety staff aren't asking blindly; they are warning us that the baseline services keeping this community secure are stretched to their limits. A 1-cent local tax adds just 10 cents to a $10 taxable purchase, but it collectively builds a safer, more sustainable Santee for all of us.
Let’s look at the long-term safety and well-being of our community, rather than just the immediate penny.

If Measure Y is approved by voters in November, that would make Santee the highest taxed city in the East County.

08/02/2026

Congratulations to Hilltop Deli on celebrating their 1-year anniversary! If you haven't dropped by yet, you can find them in the Gillespie Field Business Park at 1870 Cordell Ct #114, El Cajon. They are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM serving up fresh sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie!

08/02/2026

Yesterday marked the 12th Annual Buddy’s Backpack Giveaway, and what an incredible day for our community! 🎒✨
Volunteers came together at Rio Seco School to host the drive-through giveaway, placing 750 fully stocked backpacks directly into the hands of local students to set them up for a successful school year.
Continuing the beautiful vision started by the late Buddy Rubaya in 2015, John Hossick, the dedicated committee, local business partners, and tireless volunteers continue to prove what makes Santee so special. Over the past 12 years, this labor of love has supported more than 14,000 East County kids and families!
Thank you to everyone who donated, packed bags, directed traffic, and brought a smile yesterday. Here’s to setting our local students up for greatness! 📸❤️

👇 Link to all the photos in the first comment! 👇

08/01/2026

12th Annual Buddy’s Backpack Drive! 🎒✨
Yesterday, community volunteers gathered at Meadowbrook Mobile Home Park to assemble 750 backpacks packed full of school supplies for local K–12 students!
Started back in 2015 and continuing in honor of founder Buddy Rubaya, this amazing community tradition ensures our East County kids start the school year confident and ready to learn. Huge thanks to John Hossick, the Santee Mobilehome Owners Action Committee (SMOAC), and all the wonderful volunteers who lent a hand! Special thank you to Jimmy's for wonderful breakfast burritos

📸 Photos from the giveaway are coming soon! Stay tuned to see all the smiles.

08/01/2026

Happening Now 8 to 10

08/01/2026

Buddy’s Backpacks School Supply Giveaway! 🎒
Help your students gear up for the new school year! Join the Santee Mobilehome Owners Action Committee (SMOAC) tomorrow morning for our annual Buddy’s Backpacks Drive-Through Giveaway.
When: Tomorrow (Saturday) | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Who: Free backpacks with school supplies for students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade
Format: Drive-Through Only — stay in your vehicle for a quick and easy pickup!
📍 Location & Address:
Rio Seco School
9545 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA 92071
🚗 Directions:
From Hwy 52 East: Exit onto Cuyamaca Street and head north for about 2 miles. Rio Seco School will be on your left, just past Mast Boulevard.
From Mission Gorge Road: Head north on Cuyamaca Street. Continue straight through the Carlton Hills area past Mast Blvd, and the school will be on your left.
Follow the signs and volunteer directions as you pull into the parking lot for the drive-through line.
Hope to see you there! ✏️📓

06/20/2026

Out shooting last night for the East County Community Times at the Santee Summer Concert Series, and what an incredible night it was! Journeymen absolutely rocked the stage at Town Center Community Park East, bringing the ultimate Journey tribute to a massive, energetic crowd. 🎸✨

It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces and neighbors enjoying live music under our beautiful Santee sunset—a true testament to the community spirit that makes our city so special.
A huge thank you to City Council Members Laura Koval (District 3), Rob McNellis, and Dustin Trotter for coming out, supporting this cherished local tradition, and continuously championing events that bring us all together.
Keep an eye out for my photo coverage in the upcoming edition of the East County Community Times! 📸💙
👇 I’ll drop a link to the full photo gallery in the first comment below! 👇

06/18/2026

Out shooting last night for the East County Community Times at the Santee Chamber of Commerce "Business After 5" Mixer, and I left feeling so incredibly inspired by our community. Massive thank you to Sedano Chevrolet on Mission Gorge Road for hosting such a fantastic event from 5 to 7 PM!
It was wonderful to see so many of our local small businesses coming together, shaking hands, and genuinely networking. Let’s face it—with the economic uncertainties we are facing right now, pulling together as a community isn't just a nice idea; it’s absolutely essential. We need to actively back the small businesses that form the backbone of Santee.
A huge welcome to the several new Chamber members who attended last night! It was wonderful meeting everyone, including the team from Bank of America and the great folks from Feels Like Home: Dog Care right over off Railroad Avenue.

Looking back, the Santee Chamber has been fighting for us since it was first formed back in 1955—way before Santee was even officially incorporated as a city! For over 70 years, it has progressed from a small group of dedicated local pioneers into a powerhouse network. Today, we have a young, vibrant, and strong team at the helm who are completely dedicated to guiding our small businesses so they can truly thrive in this economy.
It really takes an entire community to get behind local business. If you’ve been on the fence about joining the Chamber, I highly encourage you to take the leap. It brings real, tangible new business in, and more importantly, it connects you to a family that has your back.
Support local, buy local, and let’s keep thriving together! 💙 Keep an eye out for my photos in the East County Community Times!