Saturday, July 18, 2026
We translate the biggest stories in America into what they actually mean for Santee residents — your wallet, your commute, your home.
Oil prices rose more than 3% Monday after the latest U.S.-Iran hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz. San Diego drivers are already paying an average of $5.44 for regular gas, so even a short-lived oil spike is worth watching.
Read the breakdown →California's gas excise tax rose July 1, adding 2.2 cents per gallon just as many East County families head into the Fourth of July weekend. AAA listed San Diego's regular-gas average at $5.455 on July 2.
Read the breakdown →Several California laws take effect Wednesday, July 1, touching restaurants, schools, housing, food labels and autonomous vehicles. For Santee residents, the most practical changes are likely to show up in grocery aisles, chain restaurant menus, student cellphone policies and housing debates near transit.
Read the breakdown →The San Miguel Fire Protection District has been added to California’s Fire Risk Reduction Community list, a designation insurers must consider when pricing wildfire risk. The district covers Crest, Spring Valley and Rancho San Diego, with lessons that matter across fire-prone East County.
By Santee Pulse Staff
The City of Santee is recruiting an assistant city manager to help carry out City Council priorities, lead strategic initiatives and oversee special projects. The first application review is expected the week of Aug. 17.
By Santee Pulse Staff
A Boulevard couple escaped the Thorn Fire after a sheriff's deputy and CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire paramedics returned as flames reached the area around their home. The rescue is another reminder for East County residents to prepare before evacuation warnings turn urgent.
By Santee Pulse Staff
A new SANDAG draft map identifies Santee among the San Diego County cities with transit stops affected by Senate Bill 79. The law could allow higher-density housing near qualifying transit stops once local implementation details are finalized.
By Santee Pulse Staff
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters opened its newest Santee cafe Friday on Cuyamaca Street, bringing the San Diego-born chain deeper into East County. The shop is marking its opening with grand opening festivities and a Santee-only drink for the next 30 days.
By Santee Pulse Staff
Santee Opens Search for Next Assistant City Manager
View all →Public SafetyNew Brush Engine Reaches Crest Firehouse Ahead of Peak Fire Season
View all →BusinessBetter Buzz Opens New Cafe in Santee
View all →CommunityRescued Julian Horses Relocated to El Cajon Equestrian Center
View all →DevelopmentGrossmont Center Food Court Tenants Told to Leave by Aug. 26
View all →Local ImpactOil Jump Puts Santee Gas Prices Back on Watch
View all →El Cajon City Council Approves New Downtown Parking Structure
East County Magazine · 154d ago
La Mesa Village Association Plans Spring Wine Walk for March
Patch · 154d ago
Lakeside Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase on I-8
San Diego Union-Tribune · 155d ago
Alpine Fire District Seeks Volunteers for Wildfire Preparedness Program
East County Magazine · 155d ago
Ramona Unified School District Budget Shortfall Prompts Emergency Meeting
Ramona Sentinel · 155d ago
New Urgent Care Clinic Opens in Spring Valley Plaza
Patch · 156d ago
El Cajon Police Investigate String of Catalytic Converter Thefts
San Diego Union-Tribune · 156d ago
La Mesa Considers Rent Stabilization Ordinance for Older Apartments
East County Magazine · 156d ago
Lakeside Rodeo Grounds to Host Vintage Car Show in April
Patch · 157d ago
Alpine Creek Town Center Adds Three New Retail Tenants
East County Magazine · 157d ago
Spring Valley Residents Push Back on Proposed Warehouse Project
San Diego Union-Tribune · 157d ago
Ramona Grasslands Preserve Trail Reopens After Storm Damage Repairs
Ramona Sentinel · 158d ago
El Cajon Transit Center to Get $6M Accessibility Upgrade
East County Magazine · 158d ago
Lakeside Planning Group Reviews 48-Unit Housing Proposal on Maine Ave
Patch · 158d ago
La Mesa Craft Beer Festival Returns to Downtown May 3rd
San Diego Union-Tribune · 159d ago
Two Injured in Multi-Vehicle Collision on Jamacha Road in Spring Valley
East County Magazine · 159d ago
Ramona Community Planning Group Debates Solar Farm Proposal
Ramona Sentinel · 160d ago
Alpine Library to Expand Hours Starting March 1
San Diego Union-Tribune · 160d ago
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