Fire Department Upgrades and a Holiday Weekend Full of Free Events
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Fire Chief Harley Wallace confirmed delivery this week of new firefighting hose and nozzle equipment for the Santee Fire Department, funded through a grant from the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and the San Diego River Conservancy. The upgraded gear is designed for greater durability and improved water-flow control across both structure fires and wildland incidents — a distinction that matters in Santee, where the San Diego River corridor creates meaningful fire exposure risk during dry summer conditions. Separately, the department is advancing plans for a fourth fire station at Woodglen Vista Park, estimated at $4.7 million for an interim facility with construction targeted to begin in January 2027.
The holiday weekend's centerpiece celebration, Santee Salutes — America's 250th, takes over Town Center Community Park East at 550 Park Center Drive on July 4th. Attendees should note that the YMCA and Town Center pedestrian footbridge is closed due to ongoing Santee Community Center construction, eliminating access from that side of the park. On-site paid parking is limited; drop-off is available at the Cameron Family YMCA lot. Admission is free.
On July 3rd, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve at 9310 Fanita Parkway is hosting live music as part of America 250 programming: Joe Rathburn and the Invisibles perform from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by The Tradesmen Band from 5:00 to 7:00. Food and drinks are available from Topwater Grill, and the concerts are free for park day-use guests. El Cajon's Fourth of July celebration runs July 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Kennedy Park, 1675 East Madison Avenue, with train rides, arts and crafts, DJ Danny from 35 Productions, and fireworks at nine o'clock — also free.