News

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 24NOV21

Hello Santee! Well it's been a whirlwind past two weeks and we are jumping right into the holidays. I have to start by saying thank you to every single person, business and organization who contributed towards the construction of the Santee Veterans Memorial we dedicated on Veterans Day to the City on Veterans Day. The event was a success with an estimated crowd of over 500 and the only photo I think I grabbed was with Senator Jones as he made sure the Chamber received a certificate of recognition. We

‘Tis the Season to Help Our Furry Friends Have a Happy Holidays - Donate Online to SDCCU ‘Presents for Paws’

SDCCU is proud to once again partner with local animal shelters and rescues in San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties to help provide supplies and resources for our four-legged friends. Last holiday season, SDCCU’s “Presents for Paws” combined donation efforts collected a total of $10,000 for shelter animals in need, and our goal this year is $10,000 again! This will be SDCCU’s tenth consecutive holiday season supporting the “Presents for Paws” campaign.   Please help us raise funds for much needed

Santee Honors Our Veterans on 11-11-21 with a One-of-a-Kind Memorial Monument and Bridge Dedication

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 04NOV21

Hello Santee!This week I was able to sit down with member John Olsen, Realtor, and hop back into the co-host podcast seat and he recorded another weekly episode of his show, The Santee Update. His guest this week was no stranger to the Santee Chamber, it was Operator of the local Chick-fil-A, Kyle Steck. His restaurant just won a Santee's Favorites award from us last month and it's not just their Spicy Chicken Sandwich getting attention from those who voted for his location.  Kyle has done an amazing job

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 28OCT21

Hello Santee!Last week I was a guest of Cox Communications at the East County Chamber's 19th annual Women In Leadership Luncheon at Viejas Casino & Resort. It was a perfect afternoon of networking and getting to know one of Cox's newer team members, Allen Young, their Manager of Government Affairs. He was a gracious host and wonderful company as we were privileged to sit among friends as we heard the tale of Rose Schindler's life. Rose is an author, educator, and Holocaust Survivor who exemplified the theme

GUHSD's Tiffany Jokerst is State Teacher of the Year

GUHSD’s Tiffany Jokerst is State Teacher of the Year West Hills High School Math and Engineering Teacher Earns California’s Highest Honor EL CAJON - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Friday that West Hills High School math teacher Tiffany Jokerst is one of five 2022 California Teachers of the Year. “In what may be the toughest ever time for California families, students and educators, these five innovative and caring teachers have made profound differences in the lives of

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 21OCT21

Hello Santee! Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the Grand Opening Ceremony for the Pedego Electric Bike Store here in Santee. Pandemic impacts had delayed the ceremony for several months so the anticipation was substantial. When it comes to Pedego, the owners Greg and Stephanie Carter are as enthusiastic as they are knowledgeable. Their genuine passion as experienced users is evident and compliments their deep understanding of the product they believe in.    The ceremony was my first

Interactive Cyber Security

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (October 12, 2021) –  San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is going one on one with cyber security expert Jim Stickley with an interactive interview on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (PT). This free webinar is open to the public, but virtual seating is limited and reservations are required. To register and for details, please visit sdccu.com/fww.   Stickley will offer an inside look into various

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 14OCT21

Hello Santee! Some of my favorite events with the Chamber have been on hiatus the past year and a half and honestly, it’s been saddening to not gather the way we had pre-pandemic. It never feels good to postpone, suspend or even cancel an event and it’s always followed by disappointment. I’m happy to report we finally held an event for our members that was both “large” (about 100 guests) and intimate at the same time! Sycuan Casino Resort came in to save the day when we told them we still hadn’t hosted our

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 08OCT21

Hello Santee! Wednesday night was one for the books. Lantern Crest Senior Living officially premiered their newest building for senior independent living, The Plaza, and the party showcasing their newest space was incredible. I've never been more excited for my 55th birthday to be able to consider living at a property like this! This luxury facility boasts a 50s Diner with bowling lanes, a dinner theater, a credit union, pharmacy, dog park, chapel, gym, indoor pool and spa, tea room, bocce ball court,

“Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers” television special to air Sunday, Oct. 17 at 9 p.m.

“Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers” television special to air  Sunday, Oct. 17 at 9 p.m. on YurView Network     Pre-recorded one-hour program to highlight new San Diego County Teachers of the Year, share inspirational stories from local educators amid COVID-19 pandemic    San Diego, Calif. – Oct. 7, 2021 – As part of the 31st annual “Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers,” Cox Communications will televise a one-hour special that shares the stories of five teachers from across the region named a 2021-22 San

Nominate an Outstanding Teacher for SDCCU Classroom Heroes

Nominate an Outstanding Teacher for SDCCU Classroom Heroes®   Winners will be recognized and will receive a $250 SDCCU Visa® gift card     SAN DIEGO, Calif., (October 1, 2021) -- San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution, is proudly honoring San Diego County teachers through SDCCU Classroom Heroes, launched in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education.   SDCCU and the San Diego County Office of Education are recognizing three

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 30SEP21

Hello Santee! Yesterday I was invited into Momentum Tutoring for a deeper-dive into what they've been offering our community and primarily, what I've been missing out on! Founder and Executive Director, Terri Bozhor, was an incredible host... She not only spared her time for my visit but also arranged for me to meet one of her mentors, a collaborative partner, an employee, several students and a parent, giving me a well-rounded look at how incredible her business has become and the diversity which helps her

Justin Serrano Named Vice President, Field Operations & Maintenance Cox Communications’ California Markets

  Justin Serrano Named Vice President, Field Operations & Maintenance Cox Communications’ California Markets   Serrano succeedsIngo Hentschel, who is now Senior Vice President and Region Manager for Cox Communications’ California Markets   SAN DIEGO, Calif. – September 22, 2021 – Justin Serrano has been named vice president, field operations and maintenance for Cox Communications in California. Serrano succeeds Ingo Hentschel who was recently named senior vice president and region manager for Cox

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 23SEP21

Hello Santee! It's been no secret that the Chamber moved to remote working after the pandemic showed itself as a plunge into the abyss rather than a swim in shallow waters. After working for months and people easing back to in-person meetings, I have had the privilege of business members offering their workspace as a place of my own when needed. Often times it's Mission Realty Group or selfishly, the Coffee Corner or Carlton Oaks Golf, but recently I've been able to pop into Sportsplex USA and combine some

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 03SEP21

Hello Santee! Wednesday was a very special day in town. We held a small groundbreaking ceremony for what will soon be home to the Santee Veterans Memorial. This project is something that has been a longtime dream of resident and business owner, Dustin Trotter (TDT Construction) but he has been able to move it forward in his short time so far as he is serving his first term on City Council. For those who haven't heard about this project, it will be fast and furious. Being 100% self-funded, the Santee Chamber

Weekly Update 26AUG21

Hello Santee!Yesterday we hosted a free online workshop for businesses who need to comply with state mandates regarding organics recycling. I'm so grateful for our relationship with the City of Santee, their partnering abilities with CalRecycle, and our joint relationship with Waste Management to have us all team up and put on this educational event. Several mandates have come down from a state level over recent years and as we strive to extend the lives of our landfills, so it could be safe to assume there

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 19AUG21

Hello Santee!I have to admit... there are a lot of days when my job is really fun. Tuesday started out that way and here we are on Thursday, continuing the trend through the week. A few days ago I sat down as John Olsen, Realtor's sidekick on his podcast: The Santee Update. This time he let me sneak in my good pal, Santee resident and longtime radio host, Clint August. At one point, I thought to myself: How cool is it that I get paid to hang out and talk with my friends?  But as the saying goes, "Work hard,

Cox helps people connect to the internet through FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund

A reliable internet connection can make all the difference by breaking down barriers and giving people the chance to participate in life more fully, even beyond their neighborhoods. That’s why Cox Communications is working with local schools and libraries to help provide internet service through the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program to help people get connected to what matters most.    The ECF program is open to students, educational staff and library patrons who would otherwise lack a

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 12AUG21

Hello Santee!Have you all noticed the construction that has taken place under Sky Ranch? Or maybe for those who have lived here a while, you may still call that area Rattlesnake Mountain (guilty). Over the years we've seen a lot going on there... in addition to the Sky Ranch development, Lantern Crest Senior Living now boasts three large buildings in addition to the villas onsite. This facility continues to impress as each addition becomes a bigger, bolder statement and a redesign of how I've ever viewed

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 05AUG21

Hello Santee!Tuesday night you may have seen a large crowd over in Trolley Square, full of emergency vehicles, personnel and more! That's because it was "National Night Out".  National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. It enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 30JUL21

Hello Santee!After months of anticipation, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is now open in town! With a special friends and family night on Wednesday, they rolled right into the first full day of business with long lines and excited customers. A special thanks to local resident, Jennifer Johnson, as she allowed me to "borrow" this picture of her adorable kids from yesterday. Her eldest child (Dominic) was a student of mine at Guardian Angels and I still enjoy seeing him around town or just enjoying family

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 22JUL21

Hello Santee!Yesterday I was invited to celebrate the success of some regional chamber leaders who have been making an impact on a national level. The CEOs of Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber (Patrick Ellis) and the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber (Nancy Hoffman-Vanyek) were honored at an Economic Forecast event with the Small Business Advocate of the Year award for their establishment and hard work on the Save Small Business Coalition (SSBC). The SSBC was their response to the economic hardships of the

Ingo Hentschel named Senior Vice President and Region Manager for Cox Communications' California Reg

Ingo Hentschel has been named Senior Vice President and Region Manager for Cox Communications‘ California region, overseeing day-to-day operations and employees in San Diego, Orange County, Palos Verdes and Santa Barbara.    A former crew chief with the U.S. Marine Corps, Hentschel has held various leadership roles during his nearly 30-year career at Cox and most recently served as Vice President of Field Operations for California. He succeeds Sam Attisha, who was promoted to lead a new national team

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 08JUL21

Hello Santee!There are many advantages to living in this big-little town of ours. For me, I've always loved our small-town vibes with big-city access, giving us the best of both worlds. In town we have low crime rates and great schools, but just outside of town we have all of San Diego from beaches, to zoos and museums, to exciting night life and beyond. We really have it all, or can drive for about 20 minutes to get it!  Something I've always enjoyed in our outskirts is the casinos and accompanying

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 01JUL21

Hello Santee!Last Thursday was a busy day of being back to in-person events. We celebrated the grand opening of Board & Brew right before heading over to Town Center Community Park to get back in the habit of the beloved Summer Concert Series! The Summer Concert was jam-packed, full of energy, and started with a celebration for some very special young ladies, the contestants of the Miss Santee program.  This longtime city tradition has evolved from a beauty pageant into a leadership program to empower and

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 25JUN21

Hello Santee! It's been a while since I've had to help someone cut through red tape, at least real, tangible red tape in front of a business storefront. Yesterday afternoon broke the long streak of zero in-person grand openings for over 15 months! It was a small but mighty group that gathered to welcome the newest eatery in town, Board & Brew. It already felt great to get our "band" back together to celebrate a new business opening but it was even better to walk in to this newly converted space to try a

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 17JUN21

Hello Santee!Late this afternoon, I was among a select crowd invited to watch the ceremony for the official dining deck opening at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. Although some have already been out and shared photos of the beautifully enhanced area, I was so glad to finally see the completed project. I really can't put into words what I saw... (1) I'm not that great of a writer and (2) I feel like you need to go see for yourself. So with that, I'm sharing a picture on the deck, not showing too much of it

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 10JUN21

Hello Santee!This week I had the pleasure of catching up with the Special Events Supervisor for the City of Santee, Jon Shellhammer, as he joined me and John Olsen, Realtor in another weekly episode of John's podcast, The Santee Update. 30 episodes in and I think I may have found my replacement as co-host! (Hopefully not, he's just that good!) Shellhammer, who has been with the city since 2015, had some exciting news: the Santee Summer Concert Series will return in June! In addition to that, they will also

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 03JUN21

Hello Santee!What a difference a year makes. Over Memorial Day weekend, the Chamber traditionally hosts the Santee Street Fair behind Trolley Square. For those who have attended in recent years and have had the privilege of viewing the "Remembering Our Fallen" exhibit, it has been our honor to pay homage in a small way to those who we've lost while serving our great country. I look forward to bringing this traveling, memorial exhibit back to Santee when possible. Last year when we cancelled the event, I

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 21MAY21

Hello Santee!As we transition back to more and more in-person events, it was my pleasure to host our first Business After 5 Mixer of 2021 at Carlton Oaks Golf Club last Wednesday night. To add to the fun, we joined forces with our friends and neighbors, the East County Chamber of Commerce. It was wonderful seeing so many members from both organizations and allowing for opportunities for our business communities to network and do what they do best: get back to business!  EC Chamber's CEO, Rick Wilson, has

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 13MAY21

This week celebrates American Craft Beer Week! With the brewery industry being among many who have suffered throughout the pandemic, I felt it necessary to shine some light on those who are in Santee and we started at what is now the longest standing brewery, BNS Brewing & Distilling over off of North Woodside Avenue on Wheatlands Avenue. I grabbed a beer with some of my Magazine Committee and snagged a quick picture with one of their owners as we talked about their local favorite pour, Gunslinger.  With

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 06MAY21

Hello Santee!Last week my husband and I had a chance to get up close and personal with the City of Santee's Fire Department. Unlike many of my interactions with EMS personnel in town, this was unexpected and unfortunately, a little unwelcomed to begin with. Our son dislocated his shoulder while playing in a high school water polo game. Although we never want to see our children get hurt, when they do, it feels comforting to be able to rely on the medical professionals around us. I am grateful for some

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 29APR21

Hello Santee!On Monday I was able to join about 20 other Chamber Executives from the western region of the United States as we met to discuss and plan the next annual conference for the Western Association of Chamber Executives. About half of us were able to break off for dinner that evening, and I once again have to boast about the colleagues-turned-friends... it is so important to surround yourself with greatness if you aspire to also be great. I'm appreciative of my short, but impactful trip to Phoenix

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 22APR21

Hello Santee!This week is the start of the school year... in some ways! The Santee School District has modified their hybrid learning model to now offer full-time instruction on campus for K-5th grade (junior high has extended hours now too but with modifications due to variations in their courses offered). For months, K-8 students have been broken into two cohorts, with schedules offered in either the morning or afternoon for just shy of three hours. This new extension in their program was a much-welcomed

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 15APR21

Hello Santee!Last week San Diego encountered some rare history when East County native, Joe Musgrove, hit a no-hitter for the Padres. This away-game was watched by thousands as we watched in awe of this first-time experience for the 53-year-old team. I was among many at Sycuan Casino Resort, rooting for our home team; even luckier than most, my husband and I were invited as guests to stay in the incredible Padres Suite at their facility - what an amazing night to have been chosen for such a privilege! In

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 08APR21

Hello Santee,And hello Orange Tier! We have moved into a less restrictive order under the state and the County has finally been able to give an estimated timeframe of when we will be out of these tiers altogether as the Governor announced "Beyond the Blueprint" and the idea of retiring the entire tier system as early as June 15th. This is great news! As we ease back into some in-person gatherings, the Santee Chamber will resume some light networking opportunities. We started this past week with a low

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 25MAR21

Hello Santee, This past week we celebrated St. Patrick's Day as San Diego County re-entered the red tier in the state's recovery plan. We saw restaurants able to reopen some of their indoor dining, gyms and fitness centers move back indoors, retail operations up their capacity to half of what it was a year ago and finally, some youth sports resume. I listened in on a weekly tele-briefing from the County on Wednesday where health officials predicted us moving into the next phase (yellow tier) around the

Weekly Update 19 MAR21

Hello Santee,It's been a long time since I've enjoyed some live entertainment on purpose! Going out for dinner and a show seems a thing of the past for many, but we are blessed with a winter that often requires only the addition of closed-toe shoes and a sweater. I was especially thankful for these bearable winter nights on this past Sunday as I was invited back to the darling Off Broadway Live. I caught the Fleetwood Mac edition of their Encore Supper Club with my mom in their outdoor theater (full with

Cox Enables Customers with Physical Disabilities to Control Contour Video Guide with Eyes

Cox Enables Customers with Physical Disabilities to Control Contour Video Guide with Eyes   SAN DIEGO, Calif. – (March 11, 2021) – Cox today unveiled a new feature that empowers people with disabilities to control their TV with their eyes. The Accessible Web Remote for Contour gives those who have lost fine motor skills – whether from degenerative conditions or paralysis – the ability to browse the video guide with a glance.   Specifically, a free web-based remote control is navigable using various

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 11MAR21

Hello Santee,I'm curious to know how many of you out there used to commute from Santee into other parts of the county, and are now able to telecommute. As we reach the one year mark of this pandemic, I know several people who have transitioned into a new full-time routine from the comfort of their own home, myself included. As the Chamber did our part to slow the spread and not have staff in a place considered "non-essential" (as much as I beg to differ), we realized quickly that our commercial space wasn't

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 18FEB21

Hello Santee!I am always aware of how wonderful it is to live and work in a community where business relationships turn into friendships. There is a wave of young professionals around town and within our region who are my colleagues, my teachers, my motivation and my friends. These people are the catalyst, conveners and champions for a stronger Santee and they live out the mission of their work through their everyday being. We are pretty lucky... in fact, we are lottery winners if you think about it. We

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 12FEB21

Hello Santee!Outdoor dining resuming has given me so much joy this week! It's funny how much perspective I've gained and gratitude I have for the things I easily took for granted pre-pandemic. While at Junction 52 yesterday, I saw members from Mission Realty Group, Three Frogs Brewing, 5 Diamond Mechanical, Sportsplex USA, TDT Construction and Movement Mortgage, not to mention my lunch dates from the County of San Diego and the ECEDC! It made for quite the clubhouse feel and I loved every bit of it. The day

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 05FEB21

This time of year is usually a really exciting time for me professionally. Over the past few years I have been lucky enough to be plugged into a chamber networking group that I have come to love and adore: the Western Association of Chamber Executives. Wednesday through Friday of this week is their annual conference where hundreds of chamber professionals gather to connect, share and grow together and as we strengthen ourselves for our communities.  Last year the conference was held in Portland and this

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 28JAN21

Hello Santee!As of Monday, the state has lifted the regional stay-at-home order and we are back into the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, placing San Diego County back into the Purple Tier of the plan. This is good news as we move towards reopening safely for certain impacted businesses. Outdoor dining may resume, salons can open with limited capacity indoors, and some youth sports may resume! This is music to my ears, although we still have a long way to go.  On Wednesday I stopped by the office of our

Media Alert - San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson

SUPERVISOR ANDERSON: NO COVID ENFORCEMENT WITHOUT SCIENTIFIC PROOF OF HEALTH HAZARDS Board of Supervisors approved Anderson’s motion requiring scientific data, fair and consistent enforcement and full public disclosure of enforcement criteria used  WHAT: Press Conference. Hear from businesses impacted by COVID-19 enforcementWHY:  Supervisor to explain how his recent action should relieve restaurants and businesses of arbitrary enforcement.WHEN: Wednesday, January 20, 2021                10:00 a.m.WHERE:

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 14JAN21

Hello Santee! Yesterday I was invited to join a video call with several other East County chamber executives. Although we too have "Zoom fatigue" and are eager to meet in person, I always feel recharged being in the presence of those who share my line of work. With some hope on the horizon for the pandemic to be nearing its end, we know economic recovery is still years beyond us. As a region, it is more important than ever to band together and build our business community back up and I am so thankful for

Economic Recovery Letter to Gov. Newsome - 13JAN21

The Santee Chamber along with over 150 other business organizations and chambers in California, banded together to call for action from state leaders yesterday. Cal Chamber lead the charge to urge Governor Newsome and member of the legislature to temporarily suspend several laws/regulations on business and to enact new policies in 2021 which will assist with economic recovery. Be sure to read the full letter here: Click Here

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 07JAN21

Hello Santee! We are finally in the new year although it doesn’t quite seem like 2020 is “over”. Changing the calendar over does, however, provide comfort in knowing we can set new goals, priorities and hopes for the future. Something I love about the new year is new opportunity. This comes in many forms as the universe always seems to provide… or in this case, the state: California announced a new COVID Relief Grant Program for small business and the application process is open. If you are a small

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 31DEC20

Hello Santee! And GOODBYE 2020!I don't have the ability to describe what kind of a year this has been because it has truly impacted people so differently depending on their personal walk of life. To say it has been hard is an understatement, and I feel like often times I am still trying to catch my breath. The Chamber has decided to keep its leadership team intact going into 2021. What does this mean? Our Board of Directors has rotations each year (some leave after terms have been served, some are welcomed

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 17DEC20

Hello Santee!If you are a member of our Chamber, this week you received a copy of the letter which was sent to our Governor, State Senator, Assemblyman, County Supervisor, Mayor and City Council from our Chamber along with over 80 other Chambers and Business Organizations in California. This letter was drafted out of frustration on our end after seeing, yet again, the mistreatment of our small business community under state regulations dropped down during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I urge you to read

80-plus business groups blast COVID restrictions as discriminatory

Read full article from The San Diego Union Tribune here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-12-14/80-plus-chambers-blast-covid-restrictions-are-discriminatory  

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 10DEC20

Hello Santee!This week has been quite the rollercoaster as the stay-at-home orders for Southern California came into effect on Monday. What does this mean for us? Well, as residents maybe not much has changed. As business owners, they are faced (yet again) with a hurdle to jump and I hope they all make it over... this pandemic has caused irreversible damage on our business community and we need to help. I urge you to contact our local Senator, requesting help now to assist small business, the community and