Santee adopts private event ordinance ahead of this year's Starlight Circle

SANTEE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Just in time before one of the most popular holiday attractions starts up, the city of Santee is doing its part to help keep events like Starlight Circle running smoothly and safe.

For many residents in that neighborhood, going all out for the holidays comes with the territory. However, the annual draw has taken on a life its own as thousands of people and cars come through, particularly during Christmas time.

Residents say vendors seem to be one of the bigger concerns.

"They just set up in one spot either on the sidewalk and they have to be told to move off the sidewalk, or they set up in the street," explained local Rob Zabrowski. "Well, then the crowd around them tends to spread out further and that’s what blocks the traffic."

"We can’t just go from year to year saying, 'ok how are we going to do this, this year?'" commented Santee Mayor John Minto.

On Wednesday night, the city council adopted a new ordinance that will allow the city to declare and enforce rules on private events that affect city functions as needed.

Mayor Minto says the measures being taken are more of a safeguard.

"Nobody’s going to be coming out here to monitor, except maybe the sheriff's department, because we want to make sure traffic continues to move, pedestrian traffic continues to move, and make sure that people are safe," he said. "If something happens, it allows the city to step in and take control of the situation."

Santee already provides trash cans, traffic signs, parking at nearby Santana High School, and temporarily prohibits some parking in the area.

The ordinance supports the city deploying resources that protect public health and safety during similar events.

"For them to acknowledge there are challenges having thousands of people come through every night and hundreds of cars every night but not wanting to take over, I appreciate that myself," said Zabrowski.

Additional regulations for vendors haven’t been proposed yet, but Mayor Minto says they will not be allowed to block any public right of way.

This ordinance officially takes effect one month from Oct. 23.