No. The annual neighborhood-coordinated light display in the Starlight Circle neighborhood in Santee is not a city-sponsored nor a city-sanctioned event. The City has no role in coordinating or planning this resident-led event. The decision to do or not to do these displays is entirely upon each of the homeowners and the City is not in any way involved in that decision-making process. The City has no role in coordinating or planning the displays, including the dates and times the lights are turned on or off. The City Manager may issue regulations and orders regarding a community event, as needed, should the event impact safety or City functions.

No, the City cannot shut down the holiday light display or prevent it from occurring. The City of Santee does not have the authority to prohibit homeowners from decorating their private property during the holiday season. The City cannot “cancel” the displays in the Starlight Circle neighborhood as the nature of the event is such that each individual homeowner chooses to decorate or not, chooses the scope of their decorations, and the days and times they turn the lights on.

The City has no authority to regulate the holiday light display hours and days, as it is a private activity.

Yes, this is free. Do not pay to view the light displays. 

Yes, the City of Santee has provided porta-potties for attendees to use, located in the Santana High School parking lot. Restrooms will be locked during the weekdays and unlocked Friday-Sunday.

Please submit a service request online or via the MySanteeApp (available on Apple or Android) 8am – 5pm during the week so the City can properly track and address all concerns as needed. If the situation is threatening your safety or the safety of others, please call 9-1-1. Non-emergency concerns should call the Non-emergency Sheriff dispatch – (858) 868-3200, issues will be addressed based on availability and by the level of urgency. 

Residents may sell food from their home provided they comply with all requirements of the City of Santee and County of San Diego. Please see the next question for more information.

Please read this section carefully before determining which permits you should apply for. There are two permits that pertain to selling food from your home. One permit is issued by the City of Santee and one permit is issued by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (“County”). The permit issued by the City of Santee is the Home Occupation Permit, which can be applied for online through the Santee’s Permitting & Licensing Portal. This City-issued permit is required for all resident-vendors. The second permit is a Cottage Food Permit. This permit is issued by the County. There are two classifications for this Permit: Class A and Class B. Specifications and regulations for each classification can be found on the County’s website. Questions regarding this permit need to be directed to the County. The City does not issue this permit. If you are selling baked goods produced in your kitchen and/or repackaging food items produced outside of your kitchen, a Cottage Food Permit is required.

For any public event operating without a permit, the City must treat street vendors the same as in other areas. If a vendor has obtained the required permits, they would be allowed to vend according to the same rules that apply to the rest of the city. The City has the ability to issue citations for illegal activities, city-wide.

Stationary sidewalk vendors are prohibited in areas zoned residential. Should you see a vendor not complying with the set regulations, please contact Code Enforcement by submitting a service request online or via the MySanteeApp (available on Apple or Android) 8am – 5pm during the week so the City can properly track and address all concerns as needed with the category “Code Enforcement”. However, if the vendor is creating a safety issue, please call 9-1-1 or non-emergency dispatch (858) 868-3200.

You may park your vehicle and walk through Starlight Circle rather than driving through the neighborhood, should you choose to. There are temporary “No Parking” signs placed on Tomel Ct. No parking will be allowed where these signs are posted. This is for safety reasons, to ensure that emergency vehicles may access the neighborhood, if needed.

Visitors are encouraged to park at Santana High School and walk up to Starlight Circle to reduce impacts on the neighborhood. Visitors’ cooperation in complying with all posted traffic signs and traffic laws is greatly appreciated.

You may drive your street legal vehicle through the public streets that run through the Starlight Circle neighborhood to view the lights, should you choose to.

No, City streets are available for parking on a first-come first-served basis. Blocking the street to prevent vehicles from parking is not allowed.

Temporary “No Parking” signs are placed on Tomel Ct. to ensure access for emergency or service vehicles.

Additional trash bins and coordinated additional sanitation pick-ups have been scheduled.

An illuminated light board to assist with traffic control and inform visitors of parking restrictions on Magnolia Ave.

A partnership with Santana High School for additional parking and space for porta-potties has been renewed for the 2025 holiday season.