News

Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Releases Annual Report

May 14, 2025  Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Releases Annual ReportGUHSD earned its third consecutive perfect transparency score from the San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationEL CAJON – Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Governing Board President Dr. Gary C. Woods has announced that the GUHSD Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) released its 2024 Annual Report. The report offers a wealth of information regarding District expenditures on GUHSD construction projects approved by voters

Amanda Daugherty Appointed as New President and CEO of Santee Chamber of Commerce

The Board of Directors of the Santee Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Daugherty as its new President and CEO, effective Wednesday, May 14th. Amanda brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit and business development, with a strong focus on community outreach and Chamber of Commerce advancement. Her expertise in strategic planning, financial oversight, and building collaborative partnerships makes her exceptionally well-positioned to guide

Governing Board Saves East County Taxpayers Millions!

Governing Board President Dr. Gary Woods of the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) has announced that the GUHSD Governing Board approved a major bond refinancing plan, saving East County taxpayers nearly $19 million by reducing long-term interest costs on its existing school construction bonds. “These savings are exceptional. East County taxpayers’ investment in our bond program has completely transformed the educational opportunities that we will be able to provide students for years to come,”

The Invisible Handshake: Digital Best Practices for Building Meaningful Business Connections

In the last five years, the landscape of business relationships has gone through a quiet revolution. No longer confined to conference halls or working lunches, collaboration now unfolds across time zones, Slack channels, and shared drives. The opportunities are boundless, but so are the challenges. As more professionals turn to screens for synergy, there’s an urgent need to approach digital networking not just with strategy, but with tact, empathy, and real intention. Start With Signals, Not Sales One

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PALISADE SANTEE COMMERCE CENTER PROJECT (SCH# 2023090144)

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PALISADE SANTEE COMMERCE CENTER PROJECT  (SCH# 2023090144) To view notice click here

Santee Chamber Honors Local Heroes

Santee, CA – On Thursday evening, the Santee Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its annual Santee Heroes Celebration, an evening dedicated to recognizing outstanding individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Santee community through leadership, service, and dedication. The event was graciously hosted by Steve and Jennifer Rolf at their charming venue, Off Broadway Live. This year’s ceremony honored twelve local heroes across a variety of sectors, including education, public safety, military,

FREE Grossmont Office Professional Training Program

Advocacy Alert: Litigation Transparency Act of 2025

Advocacy Alert for Litigation Transparency Act of 2025 Click Here

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE SANTEE COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT

CITY OF SANTEE NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE SANTEE COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT Public Review Period: April 28, 2025 to May 28, 2025 Click here to view notice

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 20MAR2025

Hello Santee! Spring has officially arrived (today), bringing longer days, fresh beginnings, and plenty of opportunities to connect! We celebrated the season with a fantastic networking mixer at Deano’s Pub East earlier this month, where the Velasco family welcomed us with open arms and great hospitality. It was a perfect reminder of how local businesses create the heart and soul of our community. Dean (pictured here with me) is heavily involved in our community and we are looking forward to his setup in

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 13MAR25

Hello Santee! Last Thursday we held our annual Business Awards Night at Sycuan Casino Resort. It's our largest celebration of members each year, our biggest networking opportunity, and a ''fan favorite'' when it comes to some of our signature events. We honor our Strategic Partners and the winners of our Santee's Favorites program (see full list HERE), surprise a winner with the Chair Award (congratulations Karl Burris of Live Life Physiotherapy), and showcase our Business of the Year (Awesome Family

Grossmont Union High School District’s Patient Care Pipeline Program Wins Prestigious CSBA Golden Bell Award

Grossmont Union High School District’s Patient Care Pipeline Program Wins Prestigious CSBA Golden Bell AwardDesigned to meet San Diego’s healthcare workforce needs, program recognized for transformative impact El Cajon, CA – Grossmont Union High School District’s (GUHSD) Patient Care Pipeline program has been honored with the prestigious Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association (CSBA). Established in June 2022, the Patient Care Pipeline is a collaboration between GUHSD's Health

Advocacy Alert: SB 253 (WIENER) CLIMATE CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

Advocacy Alert for SB 253 (WIENER) CLIMATE CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT: HEARING SCHEDULED – MARCH 15, 2023 OPPOSE – AS INTRODUCED ON JANUARY 30, 2023 UPDATE DECEMBER 17, 2024 Click Here  

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 5DEC24

Hello Santee!   We are proud to introduce, the Santee Chamber Foundation: Empowering Santee's Future Through Community-Driven Initiatives   The Santee Chamber Foundation is the new, strategic, solution-seeking arm of the Santee Chamber of Commerce. Its primary focus is fostering a stronger, more vibrant community by supporting local businesses, engaging with residents, and creating opportunities for collaboration and growth while overcoming pressing issues, including workforce development and

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 14NOV24

Hello Santee! Another thank you to all our Veterans as we celebrated on Monday with a beautiful day in Santee. Moving forward into the week, we are wrapping up our final issue of The Santee Magazine for this year and I had so much fun on our photoshoot at Barker Chiropractic. I am so thrilled to be sharing their story in this issue and grateful for the artistic eye of Jon with CreativVisuals who provided the photography for the cover image and accompanying article.   Looking forward to sharing more

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 08NOV24

Hello Santee! Yesterday we hosted our 6th annual (sellout) Veterans Appreciation Golf Tournament at Carlton Oaks - what a day. Our two staffers (Jennae Gonzalez and Andie Reyes) along with some key volunteers (Mike Aiken, Max Wiltz, Melissa Dombo and Pam White to name a few) put together such a special day honoring our past service members along with some outstanding veteran owned businesses. This year we proudly added a Veterans Resource Expo to our day for golfers to experience before tee-off and for

How You Can Start Using Data Processing with AI and Machine Learning

In a data-driven world, companies are at the edge of a digital shift, where efficiency and accuracy reach new heights. Massive amounts of raw data now convert seamlessly into actionable insights, enabled by AI and machine learning advancements. These technologies act as catalysts, changing how businesses handle data to maintain a competitive edge. Integrating AI into data processes refines decision-making, reduces operational errors, and elevates the business path forward.Amplifying Data Processing with

Acrobat Power Moves: Adobe Tools Help Women Entrepreneurs Crush It

This Women’s Small Business Month, it’s time to spotlight the resources that help women entrepreneurs soar. Adobe Acrobat simplifies key business processes, from document management to team collaboration, freeing up time for what matters most—scaling their companies. Whether refining workflows or speeding up decision-making, these features give women business owners a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. Acrobat AI Assistant: With Acrobat AI Assistant, you can see for yourself

Superintendent Fowler Officially Opposes Parole for 2001 Santana Shooter

Superintendent Fowler Officially Opposes Parole for 2001 Santana Shooter  EL CAJON  – Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Mike Fowler has sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Board of Parole Hearings urging the denial of parole for Charles “Andy” Williams, the 2001 Santana High School shooter.Mr. Fowler’s letter can be foundhere.###

Advocacy Alert: SB 1299 (CORTESE) FARMWORKERS: BENEFITS REQUEST FOR VETO

Advocacy Alert for SB 1299 (CORTESE) FARMWORKERS: BENEFITS REQUEST FOR VETO Click Here

Advocacy Alert: AB 2499 (SCHIAVO) UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION AND PAID SICK DAYS: VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE - REQUEST FOR VETO

Advocacy Alert for AB 2499 (SCHIAVO) UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION AND PAID SICK DAYS: VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE REQUEST FOR VETO Click Here

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 29AUG24

Hello Santee!   Have I told you lately I have an amazing Board of Directors? Let me remind you: I have an amazing Board of Directors. Two in particular (Darcy Fagerwold, EDMC and Tim Staump, Staump Music School) came together and formed the Elev8 Arts Foundation and gave me the privilege of now serving on a board with them. last night we hosted a launch party at the workplace of another director (Bryan Koci, Whissel Realty) and were joined by several other from our board who came out to show their

Press Release - Santee Voters Forum 2024

                      Media Contact: Kristen Dare, ACE - President/CEO Santee Chamber of Commerce 619.449.1515 | dare@santeechamber.com Release Date: August 29, 202   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Santee Chamber Hosts a Candidates Forum Santee,  California - The Santee Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum for candidates running for State Congress District 48, State Assembly District 75, County Supervisor District 2, Santee City Mayor and Santee City Council District 4 in the November general

Advocacy Alert: Measure S - Protect Santee

Advocacy Alert for Measure S - Protect Santee Click Here

Advocacy Alert: Measure NN Improving Local Schools

Advocacy Alert: Santee Chamber of Commerce votes to support Measure NN For information on Measure NN Click Here

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 15AUG24

Hello Santee!   Thank you to everyone who came out over the weekend to support the Santee Youth Business Fair. This was the Chamber’s second year working in collaboration with Momentum Tutoring and the Kiwani’s Club as we hosted over 60 youth entrepreneurs in the gym atSantana High School this past Saturday. Kids had their booths set up and on display from 10am-2pm as we welcomed the public to come in and shop with them. Many of them have been working with Momentum Tutoring for the past several months

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 9AUG24

Hello Santee!   Some of the sweetest business owners in town just celebrated their 15 year anniversary… I am so happy to congratulate Duane and Susie Parks for all their success with their Coffee Corner locations. Susie also happens to be my current chair of the board at the Santee Chamber so we get to spend plenty of time collaborating together.    When my husband and I purchased our house back in 2012, we were just a few blocks away from their original location in Pathways Center, thus sparking my

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 1AUG24

Hello Santee!   This morning at 9am, Trader Joe’s officially opened to the public in Santee in their Mission Gorge site, replacing our former Best Buy location. The crowd was as eager and excited to shop as their staff was to welcome in the guests – in fact, one employee stood by the entrance and welcomed each guest with a continuous round of applause as it took over 15 minutes to feed the crowd into the building! The space is clean, fully stocked and ready for consumers. This particular location will

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 18JUL24

Hello Santee!   Many of you have heard of redevelopment plans for our home golf course, Carlton Oaks. This course was established back in the 60s and even hosted the NCAA Western Region Finals and the NCAA Championship in 1974. Last month, the city held a Public Scoping Meeting. This is designed to provide an opportunity for agency staff and interested members of the public to submit written comments on the scope of the environmental issues analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The public

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 11JUL24

Hello Santee!   Last month, Councilmember Laura Koval hosted a presentation at City Hall. Working with elected officials has always been a Chamber priority, so when she reached out to the Chamber to collaborate, it was an easy “yes” on our end. Connecting people, especially businesses, to government is a goal of ours for many reasons. This bridge can allow for our business community to advocate for our needs and interests and potentially influence policy when the decision-making process is happening.

Advocacy Alert: Historic PAGA Reform Signed by Governor Newsom Agreement Between Business, Community and Labor Groups Will Create a Better, Fairer System for Workers and Employers

Historic PAGA Reform Signed by Governor Newsom Agreement Between Business, Community and Labor Groups Will Create a Better, Fairer System for Workers and EmployersSacramento – Today, the Fix PAGA coalition, representing non-profits, social justice advocates, family farmers, health care providers and businesses, applauded Governor Newsom and legislators for enacting historic reform to the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). Governor Newsom signed the two PAGA reform bills today – Senate Bill 92

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 27JUN24

Hello Santee!   I hope you are all surviving the heat and enjoying the shift in weather typical for our Summers here in Santee. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some community partners invite me to lunch outings at some of my favorite coffee shops and restaurants. I've even had the chance to cheer on our local Padres at Petco Park. Thank you, Cox Communications, for bringing me out lately to enjoy Petco Park alongside great company from other chamber staffers from the San Diego Regional Chamber and

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 13JUN24

Hello Santee!   As the school year comes to an end for all students in Santee, I want to congratulate each class of 2024. It’s been an exciting two weeks for Santee and a special one for our family as our daughter promoted out of 8th grade yesterday from Rio Seco, ending our 15 years there as a family.    At the heart of our mission lies workforce development, a cornerstone of opportunity for our community. So it was our honor (late last year) when we introduced a new event, spearheaded by board

Advocacy Alert: AB 2876 (BERMAN) PUPIL INSTRUCTION: MEDIA LITERACY: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY

Advocacy Alert for AB 2876 (BERMAN) PUPIL INSTRUCTION: MEDIA LITERACY: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY: CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS: INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SUPPORT – AS AMENDED APRIL 9, 2024 SCHEDULED FOR HEARING – JUNE 12, 2024 Click Here

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 06JUN24

Hello Santee!  Last night, we celebrated Santana High School's Class of 2024, and tonight, West Hills High School will do the same. Next week will truly put a bow on the end of the school year as the Santee School District dismisses over 6,000 students and promotes 8th graders from eight different campuses on Wednesday (my daughter being one of them!). The celebrations have been many, with several still ahead, but the first took place on May 21st.   The Santee School District held their regular Board

Request to Stay and Delay Implementation of the Noncompete Rule

Advocacy Alert for Request to Stay and Delay Implementation of the Noncompete Rule Click Here

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 23MAY24

Hello Santee!   Last week we had the pleasure of celebrating the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of HotWorx Studio, a unique 24/7 gym located right here in Santee. What sets HotWorx Studio apart is their innovative workout experience offering sessions in saunas or infrared rooms. Each sauna features video workouts to guide you, with a variety of machines including bikes, rowers, and more. They also have a Functional Exercise Zone (FX Zone), a fully equipped area with bands, weights and

Advocacy Alert - HR 7198 Prove It Act

Advocacy Alert for HR 7198 Prove It Ace Click Here

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 16MAY24

Hello Santee!   Last weekend the Santee Historical Society hosted their annual Butterfly & Bee Party at the Santee Historic Barn on Magnolia Avenue. This free-to-the-public event was a perfect way to spend the Saturday before Mother’s Day. With over 300 visitors, they were treated to free milkweed plants, face paintings, coloring and crafts activities and more! There were several for-purchase vendors there too with nature themed items available (my favorite were the natural soaps) and some community

News Release: Santee Heroes Celebration 2024

Media Contact: Kristen Dare, ACE President/CEO Santee Chamber of Commerce 619.922.1031 dare@santeechamber.com   Release Date: April 4, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Santee Chamber of Commerce Announces 2023 Person of the Year Santee, California - The Santee Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the recipient of the prestigious Person of the Year award. This esteemed honor is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the Santee