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Santee council declares emergency for river-corridor brush maintenance, targets specific sites
Summary
Council approved a resolution authorizing maintenance of existing defensible-space areas in the San Diego River Corridor as an emergency action and found the activity exempt from CEQA guidelines, while staff outlined coordination needs with Caltrans and other jurisdictions.
The Santee City Council on June 25 adopted a resolution proclaiming an emergency and authorizing maintenance of existing defensible-space areas along portions of the San Diego River Corridor, and found the work exempt from CEQA under Guideline section 15269(c).
City staff and council described 10 specific areas targeted for brush management and maintenance, including sections west of Carlton Hills, near Mass Park and north and east of the I-125 corridor. Staff emphasized coordination is required with other landowners and agencies because some riverbed parcels fall under county or Caltrans jurisdiction.
Public commenter Carl Constantino asked about recurring fires near the 125 and whether the city map properly reflected jurisdictional boundaries; staff responded that some of the right-of-way in that area is Caltrans jurisdiction and that the city has been meeting with Caltrans about clearing encampments and brush. Staff also said maps in the staff report will be updated to show legends identifying city, county and Caltrans parcels and to flag habitat areas that may limit brush removal.
City managers said the action is intended to preserve and maintain defensible space where the city has authority and to coordinate with adjacent agencies where required. Council approved the recommendation and the motion carried unanimously.
Staff said they will follow up with an updated map legend, continue interagency coordination and proceed with emergency maintenance in city-controlled areas.
