Sunday, May 24, 2026
New openings, closings, and business news from Santee's local economy.
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
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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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