Dear Randy: What's Going On Under the Overpass

You can call up , send emails all over, and reach out in many directions in looking for an answer to a local problem or help with an issue- or we can get that question right to , and he can use his resources and local government know-how to get the best answer around.

Send your questions or comments on any topic, preferably a local issue, to steven.bartholow@patch.com, or leave it as a comment below, and we'll pass it onto Mayor Voepel. He's agreed to shoot for answering one a week, so let's get those questions coming!

Q. Dear Randy, What the heck is going on at the & 67 site near Prospect Avenue?

A. This is an easy one folks. As part of the highway 52 expansion, Cal Trans is responsible for all landscaping along the freeway.

The land under the overpass has been finely graded and many trees and shrubs will be going in. Grass is very expensive to plant (averages $22,000 per acre a year for water and maintenance) but they will probably and drought resistant ones as well.

All in all, the Cal Trans folks seem to be doing a quality job, it won't be park like, but it will be pleasing to the eye. Cal Trans is a law unto itself, but in this case things look like they are working out to the taxpayers advantage. This project was funded by the TransNet half cent sales tax that was passed by the voters some years back.

Also before I sign off... I would like to give honorable mention to past Mayor and current Council Member . Jack spent over 20 years working with Cal Trans and SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) to keep the Highway 52 extension alive, many times against daunting odds. Jack never gave up, beat the odds for Santee and . Onnce again, Jack E. Dale, well done, good public servant... Salute!

Respectfully submitted,

Mayor, City of Santee