🏪 Business

New openings, closings, and business news from Santee's local economy.

Santee Pet Shop Owner Named California Small Business Person of the Year
BusinessMay 15· 3 min read

Santee Pet Shop Owner Named California Small Business Person of the Year

Village Pet & Feed founder Devon Julian has been named California’s 2026 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to The East County Californian. The recognition comes less than a year after the family-run Santee pet store opened.

Via The East County Californian

More Business Stories

May 15· 2 min read

Two Santee Restaurants Reopened After May 4 Health Inspection Closures

Einstein Bros. Bagels on Mission Gorge Road and Omelette Factory on North Magnolia Avenue were ordered temporarily closed May 4 after county health inspections. County SD Food Info records show both were approved to reopen May 5 and later received A grades.

Via San Diego County SD Food Info; SanDiegoVille

May 13· 3 min read

San Diego County farms lose $1.7M a year to natural hazards, report says

A new analysis cited by East County Magazine estimates San Diego County farms lose about $1.7 million each year to weather-related hazards. For Santee shoppers, the takeaway is simple: flooding, drought and other climate shocks can show up later in grocery prices.

Via East County Magazine

Jamul Casino Resort Earns AAA Four Diamond Rating After Hotel Expansion
May 11· 3 min read

Jamul Casino Resort Earns AAA Four Diamond Rating After Hotel Expansion

Jamul Casino Resort has received AAA’s Four Diamond designation, placing the East County property among a smaller tier of inspected North American hotels. The recognition comes about a year after the resort added a 16-story hotel tower, rooftop pool, spa and expanded dining.

Via East County Magazine

East County Entrepreneurs Invited to Small Business Expo in La Mesa
May 10· 3 min read

East County Entrepreneurs Invited to Small Business Expo in La Mesa

The San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center Network will host a Small Business Expo on June 11 at the La Mesa Community Center. The half-day event is aimed at entrepreneurs and small business owners across East County, including Santee.

Via East County Magazine

May 7· 3 min read

East County Chamber Golf Tournament Returns May 14 at Singing Hills

The 24th annual Grip It & Rip It! Golf Tournament is set for May 14 at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan. The East County Chamber event is expected to draw more than 100 local business leaders and community advocates.

Via East County Magazine

Santee Is Getting a Sixth-Floor Steakhouse at Lantern Crest
Apr 26· 3 min read

Santee Is Getting a Sixth-Floor Steakhouse at Lantern Crest

The Heritage Steakhouse is slated to open June 30 at Lantern Crest, bringing tableside classics, prime steaks and panoramic East County views to Santee. The restaurant will be open to the public at 200 Lantern Crest Way.

Via San Diego Magazine

Lantern Crest Plans Public Pickleball Court Opening and Barbecue in Santee
Apr 14· 3 min read

Lantern Crest Plans Public Pickleball Court Opening and Barbecue in Santee

Lantern Crest Senior Living says it will open a new pickleball court on April 29 and invite the public to a free barbecue and games in Santee. The event will also showcase the community's new Legacy buildings, part of a 106-residence expansion now in pre-leasing.

Via Patch

Apr 2· 3 min read

Jamul Casino's Tribal History Film Wins Top Advertising Awards

A short film detailing the history and resilience of the Jamul Indian Village of California, commissioned by the Jamul Casino Resort, has won two prestigious advertising awards.

Via East County Magazine

Mar 26· 3 min read

Lakeside's Hazard Construction Turns 100 — and the Roads Under Your Tires Show It

Hazard Construction, headquartered in Lakeside just off State Route 67, is marking its centennial this June. The East County firm has shaped San Diego's roads for a century, from the original 1926 excavation crews to current work at Gillespie Field and Lake Murray.

Via East County Magazine

TJ Maxx and Ulta Beauty Open at Grossmont Center, Bringing New Shopping to East County
Mar 25· 3 min read

TJ Maxx and Ulta Beauty Open at Grossmont Center, Bringing New Shopping to East County

Both retailers opened their doors this month at Grossmont Center in La Mesa, bringing more shopping options to East County at a time when many San Diego-area storefronts have been closing. La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis called the openings a sign that the city remains a "desirable destination for shopping and services."

Via Times of San Diego

Mar 18· 3 min read

Tariffs Meant to Help U.S. Factories Are Doing the Opposite — East County Businesses Feeling the Pinch

A new AP investigation finds that Trump's tariffs are squeezing the very American manufacturers they were designed to protect, with businesses facing higher material costs, shrinking payrolls, and price hikes passed to consumers. East County business owners reliant on imported parts and materials are navigating the same squeeze.

Via AP News

Mar 14· 3 min read

New Spirits Bar The Malt House Opens on Mission Gorge Road in Santee

The Malt House held its ribbon cutting on Mission Gorge Road in Santee on Friday, March 13 — a new bar focused on fine spirits now serving East County. The Santee Chamber of Commerce attended the opening.

Via Santee Chamber of Commerce

$26.5 Million Sale of Santee Apartment Complex Signals Strong Demand for East County Housing
Mar 12· 3 min read

$26.5 Million Sale of Santee Apartment Complex Signals Strong Demand for East County Housing

La Roca Plaza, a 100-unit apartment community on North Magnolia Avenue in Santee, has sold for $26.5 million, with CBRE brokering the transaction. The deal highlights continued investor confidence in East County's multifamily market as rental demand remains strong across San Diego's inland suburbs.

Via RE Business Online

Santee Is Getting Its First Fitness Center Built Exclusively for Adults 55 and Up
Mar 9· 3 min read

Santee Is Getting Its First Fitness Center Built Exclusively for Adults 55 and Up

Wise Owl Fit and Live Life Physiotherapy will celebrate its grand opening on March 21 — offering strength training, balance classes, and one-on-one physical therapy designed specifically for older adults.

Via Santee Chamber of Commerce

Santee Off-Road Racing Vehicle Maker Alumicraft Files for Bankruptcy
Mar 5· 3 min read

Santee Off-Road Racing Vehicle Maker Alumicraft Files for Bankruptcy

Alumicraft LLC, a Santee-based off-road racing vehicle manufacturer, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection with $16.7 million in total liabilities and fewer than $23,000 in assets. The company reported a sharp decline in revenue over the past three years.

Via edhat.com

Public Storage, Born in El Cajon, Is Leaving California for Texas
Feb 28· 3 min read

Public Storage, Born in El Cajon, Is Leaving California for Texas

The self-storage giant that got its start in El Cajon in 1972 — complete with mariachis and bright orange doors — has announced it is moving its corporate headquarters from Glendale to Frisco, Texas.

Via KOGO Newsradio 600

Feb 27· 3 min read

East County Gets New Economic Development Chief — And He Is One of Us

After a nationwide search drawing more than 300 applicants, the East County Economic Development Council has selected Matt Sanford as its new president and CEO. Sanford, an East County resident with nearly two decades in San Diego economic development, takes over March 23.

Via East County Magazine

Feb 17· 3 min read

California Lawmakers Advance Mileage Tax Study Despite East County Opposition

A proposed 6-9 cents per mile tax study advanced in the state Assembly over objections from East County Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, who called it a "sucker punch to working class Californians." The bill could affect daily commuters from Santee and East County who drive longer distances.

Via East County Magazine

Feb 17· 3 min read

La Mesa Breaks Ground on $400K Community-Funded Downtown Archway

A new landmark archway featuring 1,512 hand-painted tiles from local residents is rising at La Mesa Boulevard and Palm Avenue. The community-funded project, decades in the making, will serve as the gateway to La Mesa Village.

Via East County Magazine

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