Ruocco tribù: Ruocco drive a Cyty of Santee

Santee is a suburban city in San Diego County, California, with a population of 53,413 at the 2010 census. Although it is a part of the East County region, Santee is located just 18 miles (29 km) from the Pacific Ocean. The city is connected to the coastline by State Route 52, a six-lane freeway that runs from Interstate 5 in La Jolla to State Route 67 in El Cajon. The city is bisected by the San Diego River, a linear greenbelt that includes parks, trails and more than 1,100 acres (4.5 km²) of natural riparian habitat. The city's potential for growth and progress was touted in a San Diego Union-Tribune editorial titled "All Roads Lead to Santee".^[2]

Community profile

In 2010, the city was populated by 19,272 households, of which 64 percent had incomes greater than $45,000 annually. In 2009, the median household income was $78,872 per year, according to the San Diego Association of Governments. In 2010, Santee had one of the lowest crime rates among cities in San Diego County.^[3] Unlike most of the county's coastal cities, Santee still has sizable portions of vacant land suitable for development. It is a growing suburban community that in recent years has added upscale housing, a major corporate business park and expansive shopping centers, along with a destination recreational complex called Sportsplex USA Santee.^[4]

Recreational attractions

Santee's Mast Park

Sports: Sportsplex USA Santee,[3] a 15 acres (61,000 m²) sports field complex, opened on June 1, 2010. Located within Town Center Community Park, it features three lighted softball fields, four batting cages, two lighted arena soccer fields, spectator seating, parking and a sports-themed restaurant offering food, beer and wine.

Outdoors: In addition to being a popular spot for mountain bikers, the city hosts a popular Southern California rock climbing venue called Santee Boulders.^[5] Santee Lakes ^[6]Regional Park and Campground offers 190 acres (0.77 km²) for fishing, camping, bird watching and picnicking.

Golf: A local landmark since 1958, the Carlton Oaks Golf Course and resort offers a premier golfing destination.^[7]The course was designed by the legendary Pete Dye,who is in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Music: A 10-week series of free concerts is organized each summer by the city's Community Services Department.^[8] The Santee Wine & Bluegrass Festival,[4] a fund-raiser for local park and youth recreation programs, is held each fall at Town Center Community Park.

Notable persons from Santee

Sharon Ryder Davis, wife of former California Gov. Gray Davis, was raised in the city and was crowned Miss Santee in 1968.^[9] Major League Baseball pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg, currently of the Washington Nationals, graduated from Santee's West Hills High School and was the school's 2006 Scholar-Athlete of the Year.^[10] Stand-Up comedian, Dat Phan also grew up in Santee. Manimal Vinyl Records label head and founder, Paul Beahan also grew up in Santee. Deceased bass player for the hardcore band, Swing Kids, Eric Allen lived in Santee for most of his teen years.

History

Original inhabitants were the Kumeyaay Indians, who established a village on the banks of the San Diego River called Sinyeweche.^[11] The city is named after Milton Santee, second husband of Jennie Blodgett, whose first husband was George A. Cowles, a ranching pioneer in the San Diego area.^[12] ^[13]

On March 5, 2001, 15-year-old Charles Andrew Williams opened fire in a boys' bathroom at Santana High School in Santee. Two students died, and thirteen students were wounded. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.

Transportation

State Route 52 has recently been extended eastward through this area from its current terminus at State Route 125 to State Route 67 on the city's east side. The city is bisected by four main thoroughfares: Mast Boulevard and Mission Gorge Road traverse east and west, while Magnolia Avenue and Cuyamaca Street cross north and south. Santee also is the eastern terminus of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Green Line trolley route, which connects East County to Old Town and downtown San Diego. MTS also provides bus service. Gillespie Field, the oldest and largest of eight commercial aviation airports operated by San Diego County, is located on Santee's southern border with the city of El Cajon. The airport serves as a hub for local businesses.^[14]

Public facilities

The 55 acres (220,000 m²) Town Center Community Park is located east of Cuyamaca Street along the San Diego River. The center of the park features a 15 acres (61,000 m²) sports field complex operated by Sportsplex USA Santee, and an aquatics center operated by the East County YMCA. The park's first two phases were completed in the fall of 2010. The $23.5 million facility was funded through a combination of redevelopment bonds, developer impact fees and grants.^[15]

As of 2011, the city had completed about half of a 4-mile (6.4 km)-long riverfront trail system that will eventually connect with trails in Lakeside and Mission Trails Regional Park.

Located on 15 acres (61,000 m²) in Santee is the Las Colinas Detention Facility,^[16] which serves as the primary point of intake for women prisoners in San Diego County. It began as a juvenile facility in 1967 and was converted to an adult women’s institution in 1979.^[17]

Geography

Santee, which averages 300 feet (91 m) above sea level, shares the northern part of a valley with the city of El Cajon. The city is bisected by the San Diego River, which flows east to west for approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) within the city limits. Hills form a natural barrier on its northern and western sides. Prominently overlooking the western side of Santee is Cowles Mountain. This natural landmark, which is the highest point in the city of San Diego, offers sweeping views of the county and is a popular hiking destination.

Demographics

2010

The 2010 United States Census^[20] reported that Santee had a population of 53,413. The population density was 3,231.6 people per square mile (1,247.7/km²). The racial makeup of Santee was 44,083 (82.5%) White, 1,057 (2.0%) African American, 409 (0.8%) Native American, 2,044 (3.8%) Asian (1.8% Filipino, 0.4% Chinese, 0.5% Vietnamese, 0.3% Japanese, 0.2% Korean, 0.2% Indian, 0.5% Other), 253 (0.5%) Pacific Islander, 2,677 (5.0%) from other races, and 2,890 (5.4%) from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8,699 persons (16.3%).

The Census reported that 52,447 people (98.2% of the population) lived in households, 77 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 889 (1.7%) were institutionalized.

There were 19,306 households, out of which 7,156 (37.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 10,304 (53.4%) wereopposite-sex married couples living together, 2,614 (13.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,157 (6.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,135 (5.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 119 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 3,986 households (20.6%) were made up of individuals and 1,534 (7.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72. There were 14,075 families (72.9% of all households); the average family size was 3.13.

The population was spread out with 12,710 people (23.8%) under the age of 18, 5,068 people (9.5%) aged 18 to 24, 14,790 people (27.7%) aged 25 to 44, 15,105 people (28.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 5,740 people (10.7%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.2 years. For every 100 females there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

There were 20,048 housing units at an average density of 1,212.9 per square mile (468.3/km²), of which 13,576 (70.3%) were owner-occupied, and 5,730 (29.7%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.0%. 36,198 people (67.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 16,249 people (30.4%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

As of the census^[21] of 2000, there were 52,975 people, 18,470 households, and 14,018 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,298.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,273.6/km²). There were 18,833 housing units at an average density of 1,172.7 per square mile (452.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.70% White, 1.48% African American, 0.81% Native American, 2.55% Asian, 0.41% Pacific Islander, 4.03% from other races, and 4.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.36% of the population.

There were 18,470 households out of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city, the population was spread out with 28.2% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males.

Estimated median household income in 2008: $71,806 (it was $53,624 in 2000)

Santee: $71,806 California: $61,021

Estimated per capita income in 2008: $28,330

Estimated median house or condo value in 2008: $393,609 (it was $172,800 in 2000) Santee: $393,609 California: $467,000

Mean prices in 2008: All housing units: $358,473; Detached houses: $439,456; Townhouses or other attached units: $268,881; In 2-unit structures: $388,840; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $292,418; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $258,262; Mobile homes: $41,759; Occupied boats, RVs, vans, etc.: $95,000

Politics

In 2011, the Santee City Council was composed of Mayor Randy Voepel and council members Jack Dale, John W. Minto, John Ryan and Rob McNelis.^[22] In the state legislature Santee is located in the 36th Senate District, represented by Republican Joel Anderson, and in the 77th Assembly District, represented by Republican Brian Jones, a former Santee Councilmember.^[23] Santee is located in California's 52nd congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +9^[24]and is represented by Republican Duncan D. Hunter.

Schools

Santana High School

Santee is served by two school districts: Santee School District and Grossmont Union High School District. The two high schools in Santee are West Hills High School and Santana High School, they are both part of the Grossmont Union High School District. Elementary and junior high education is unique in Santee. Each campus serves kindergarten through eighth grade (k-8). The schools are divided into Elementary (k-6) and Junior High (7–8). Each using different parts of the campus, and having different start and end times. This is contrary to the traditional practice of many smaller elementary schools feeding students into consolidated middle schools.

Elementary and junior high campuses

All elementary and junior high campuses are part of the Santee School District.

§ Cajon Park School

§ Carlton Hills School

§ Carlton Oaks School

§ Chet F. Harrit School

§ Hill Creek School

§ Pepper Drive School

§ Prospect Avenue School

§ Rio Seco School

§ Sycamore Canyon School

High schools

There are two high schools in Santee. Both are part of the Grossmont High School District.

§ Santana High School

§ West Hills High School

Footnotes

1. ^ U.S. Census

2. ^ Union-Tribune Editorial Board (December 29, 2010). "All Roads Lead to Santee". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved January 23, 2011.

3. ^ http://santee.patch.com/articles/by-the-numbers-santee-crime-rates

4. ^ [1]

5. ^ http://members.cox.net/stuff17/sandiego_rock.pdf

6. ^ http://www.santeelakes.com/

7. ^ http://www.carltonoaksgolf.com/

8. ^ http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=347

9. ^ http://firstladies.library.ca.gov/34-Davis.html

10. ^ http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/mbasebl/mtt/strasburg stephen00.html

11. ^ http://sdrc.ca.gov/docs/Minan_8.pdf

12. ^ City of Santee Official Website: History

13. ^ Santee Historical Society: History

14. ^ County of San Diego: Gillespie Field

15. ^ http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/index.aspx?page=229

16. ^ [2]

17. ^ http://www.sdsheriff.net/detentionfacilities/lcdf.html

18. ^ "CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING (1790–2000)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2010-07-30.

19. ^ Census figures in 1970 & 1980 enumerated prior to incorporation as Santee CDP.

20. ^ All data are derived from the United States Census Bureau reports from the 2010 United States Census, and are accessible on-line here. The data on unmarried partnerships and same-sex married couples are from the Census report DEC_10_SF1_PCT15. All other housing and population data are from Census report DEC_10_DP_DPDP1. Both reports are viewable online or downloadable in a zip file containing a comma-delimited data file. The area data, from which densities are calculated, are available on-line here. Percentage totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. The Census Bureau defines families as a household containing one or more people related to the householder by birth, opposite-sex marriage, or adoption. People living in group quarters are tabulated by the Census Bureau as neither owners nor renters. For further details, see the text files accompanying the data files containing the Census reports mentioned above.