It has been a hectic but wonderful December in East County, and at home. There is so much going on it is nearly impossible to keep up with it. But some exciting things have happened that we haven’t covered that deserves some recognition.
It has been a hectic but wonderful December in East County, and at home. There is so much going on it is nearly impossible to keep up with it. But some exciting things have happened that we haven’t covered that deserves some recognition.
I cannot tell you how excited I am about the City of El Cajon’s new contract with Live Nation for the East County Performing Arts Center. As long as this project and the many discussions, this is a decision that I think we can easily live with happily. Live Nation is known for its ability to run and operate performing arts of all types and I am looking forward to seeing what they have to offer East County in the upcoming year.
Don’t forget that the new Marriott will be opening this year. Construction is going well and it is starting to look like a very promising place to be. I am anxiously waiting to see what the inside is going to look like and what amenities it will offer, not only for those who stay there, but for the community as a whole. I’ve talked with people at the hotel at several events and it is apparent that they are as much in anticipation as we are to show off what they are accomplishing. And a new Hilton Hampton Hotel on Fletcher Parkway is coming up in 2018.
Spring Valley is looking at a moderate priced 208-unit housing project by developer Douglas Wilson Co., which will offer townhouses on a 52-acre development starting in the low $400,000. This is good news for Spring Valley and will bring a lot to this small-unincorporated community. Having lived in Spring Valley, I feel it is often overlooked when it has so much to offer with its space and its very diverse community. And they are not the only ones. Santee, La Mesa, El Cajon all have several new housing developments in the works. Some are very specific, but the majority is for all who are looking for new homes in East County areas. Although housing can always be a controversial subject, so far from what I have seen, all of these cities have worked hard to make these developments a welcomed addition that serves residents well and brings more revenue into the city. I’m usually the first to start knocking down new developments, but as long as they stay away from our protected areas and don’t overpopulate to the point that the communities cannot handle the influx, I’m for it. I’ll be honest, there is some research to do on some projects in the works, but it is nice to see that officials are listening to their constituents on what will and will not work in their communities.
Last, for now, we have elections this year. And there are some hot tickets on the 2018 ballot. Congressional races are already getting heated up and we with term limits we have a couple of long-term elected officials that need filling, so the race is on for county supervisor, state assembly and could there be a new sheriff in town this year? This could prove to be a very interesting election cycle. There is mayoral and two council seats open for La Mesa, two council seats for Lemon Grove, three council seats in Santee and El Cajon has a mayoral race and one council seat open.
So let the games begin, and may the best person for the job earn their spot.
We’ll talk more next year!
