Underground utilities project in Lakeside’s Historic district complete

Lakeside’s Historic Business District has been waiting more than 10 years for the undergrounding of utilities along Maine Avenue. Now, thanks to some grants from County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, SDG&E’s hard work, AM Ortega Construction, and Can Do Electric, the project finally came to an end. The actual work began two years ago with digging up the street and laying conduit and wires underground.

Lakeside’s Historic Business District has been waiting more than 10 years for the undergrounding of utilities along Maine Avenue. Now, thanks to some grants from County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, SDG&E’s hard work, AM Ortega Construction, and Can Do Electric, the project finally came to an end. The actual work began two years ago with digging up the street and laying conduit and wires underground.

On Aug. 25, SDG&E and the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce held a “Last Pole Standing” party. The Hosanna Church parking lot was used for the gathering. The Chamber had set up a tent to shade the folks from the hot sun, but a surprise rain shower cooled things off a bit.

Jacob was onboard since the inception of the project. Her Lakeside Revitalization Infrastructure sub-committee and Maine Avenue Revitalization Association worked on the community side of the project. Lawrence Hirsch from county staff and Brian Jones from the Infrastructure Committee had walked the streets until they knew every crack in the sidewalk. They contacted the businesses and property owners and kept things moving forward.

Jacob said that 12247 feet of overhead wire was removed for 47 customers. Her Lakeside Revitalization Infrastructure Committee and the County of San Diego had a goal in mind—to beautify the community. The old wood poles were a fire threat and an eyesore. This was a $4 million project.

The poles were removed from Woodside Avenue to Mapleview Rd.—a total of 26 poles. The last pole standing was in front of Main Street Reality. The big truck and several SDG&E workers carefully pulled it out to the cheers of the community. Several people mentioned that now that the poles and wires are gone you could see the beautiful mountains. This was a real community project, working toward the goal of beautifying the Historic District of Lakeside. You may see more about the undergrounding project on Facebook.

Meanwhile other community activists were busy doing good for Lakeside as well. A Hallelujah Dinner was served at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Aug. 19. Sisters Lee Bost, Cathie Ditomaso and Audra Parnell hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for all the folks who work at the church events. These sisters have been hosting this event for 10 years! On this day they were expecting more than 200 hungry volunteers. Father Ron Buchmiller said a prayer to bless the workers and families who serve the church.

An upcoming event on Sept. 12 will be the KIDS CARE FEST at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event is geared toward the children of East County and their families. Grossmont Healthcare District is sponsoring the Health Fair. Bring the kiddies to have free health screening and some fun things to do too.