Wednesday, July 8, 2026
We translate the biggest stories in America into what they actually mean for Santee residents — your wallet, your commute, your home.
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 →A bipartisan bill in Congress would reauthorize a federal grid-resilience program aimed at reducing blackouts, public safety power shutoffs and utility-caused wildfire risk. For Santee and East County residents, the local question is whether future funding helps harden power lines before the next extreme-weather event.
Read the breakdown →Four rare western spotted skunks have been released after rehabilitation through San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. Two more remain in care as wildlife staff prepare them for a future return to the wild.
By Santee Pulse Staff
Deputies say an 8-year-old boy broke the front door of a Lakeside pet store and left with a red fire sand boa before being found nearby. The snake was returned, and officials said no arrest or charges are pending.
By Santee Pulse Staff
Cal Fire says the first phase of a $12 million renovation at the Ramona Air Attack Base is complete, adding support for larger aircraft and more daily staffing. For Santee and East County residents, the upgrade matters as hot, dry weather raises wildfire risk across the inland region.
By Santee Pulse Staff
Santee United Methodist Church has been named the 2026 Light of Pride Award recipient by San Diego Pride. The honor recognizes the church's role in affirming LGBTQ+ members of the faith community and organizing the Santee Pride Walk.
By Santee Pulse Staff
Sheriff's officials say a 33-year-old Escondido man was arrested after deputies found a man and woman with fatal injuries in Ramona Monday night. The case remains under investigation, and the Sheriff's Office said there is no known ongoing threat to the community.
By Santee Pulse Staff
Santee Council Takes Up Land Use Update Tonight
View all →Public SafetyRamona Air Attack Base Upgrade Adds Firefighting Capacity for East County
View all →BusinessBass Pro Shops Plans First San Diego County Store at Grossmont Center
View all →CommunityMidsummer Events Bring Concerts, Theater and Festivals Across East County
View all →DevelopmentBackcountry Solar Project Draws Fire Safety Questions Before County Hearing
View all →Local ImpactCalifornia Gas Tax Increase Hits Santee Drivers Ahead of Holiday Weekend
View all →El Cajon City Council Approves New Downtown Parking Structure
East County Magazine · 144d ago
La Mesa Village Association Plans Spring Wine Walk for March
Patch · 144d ago
Lakeside Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase on I-8
San Diego Union-Tribune · 145d ago
Alpine Fire District Seeks Volunteers for Wildfire Preparedness Program
East County Magazine · 145d ago
Ramona Unified School District Budget Shortfall Prompts Emergency Meeting
Ramona Sentinel · 145d ago
New Urgent Care Clinic Opens in Spring Valley Plaza
Patch · 146d ago
El Cajon Police Investigate String of Catalytic Converter Thefts
San Diego Union-Tribune · 146d ago
La Mesa Considers Rent Stabilization Ordinance for Older Apartments
East County Magazine · 146d ago
Lakeside Rodeo Grounds to Host Vintage Car Show in April
Patch · 147d ago
Alpine Creek Town Center Adds Three New Retail Tenants
East County Magazine · 147d ago
Spring Valley Residents Push Back on Proposed Warehouse Project
San Diego Union-Tribune · 147d ago
Ramona Grasslands Preserve Trail Reopens After Storm Damage Repairs
Ramona Sentinel · 148d ago
El Cajon Transit Center to Get $6M Accessibility Upgrade
East County Magazine · 148d ago
Lakeside Planning Group Reviews 48-Unit Housing Proposal on Maine Ave
Patch · 148d ago
La Mesa Craft Beer Festival Returns to Downtown May 3rd
San Diego Union-Tribune · 149d ago
Two Injured in Multi-Vehicle Collision on Jamacha Road in Spring Valley
East County Magazine · 149d ago
Ramona Community Planning Group Debates Solar Farm Proposal
Ramona Sentinel · 150d ago
Alpine Library to Expand Hours Starting March 1
San Diego Union-Tribune · 150d ago
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