Dean Velasco – Deano’s Pub

Dean Velasco, known affectionately as “Deano,” is a respected community leader and successful entrepreneur with deep roots in Santee. With years of experience revitalizing local businesses and a proven commitment to civic leadership, Dean has played a significant role in shaping the community through his work in both business and public service.

Dean moved to the San Diego area at the age of three, growing up in a family rooted in the hospitality industry. His father owned and operated several restaurants, instilling in Dean the values of hard work, dedication, and community service. By age 12, Dean was working alongside his father, developing a passion for serving others and learning the importance of community-focused establishments. This early exposure to business and community involvement shaped Dean’s future as a leader and entrepreneur.

After studying at San Diego State University, Dean began working in audiovisual management. In 2001, he joined Qualcomm, a global leader in wireless technology, where he would spend the next 23 years excelling in various leadership roles. He eventually led the AV Production department, where he managed a team of 20+ employees. Dean’s ability to innovate, manage teams, and execute large-scale projects was key to his success at Qualcomm. Beyond his technical contributions, Dean was also a Board Member of eQuality, Qualcomm’s employee network dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees.

Dean’s commitment to the Santee community began when he and his wife, Erika, moved to the city in 2002, seeking the perfect place to raise their family. The couple, who met in junior high and have now been married for 27 years, found Santee to be the ideal environment for their two children. Both of their children went on to attend San Diego State University.

Over the past 15 years, Dean has served on the Board of and coached soccer through the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), launching the program at the Santee Sportsplex. He has also coached softball in the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) league and regularly volunteers at Carlton Hills Elementary, sharing his love of disc golf and chaperoning field trips. Dean’s service extends to organizing deep-sea fishing trips for under-represented youth and raising funds for local parks and recreation programs, continually shaping the lives of Santee’s youth.

As Chairperson of the Santee Park and Recreation Committee (SPARC) for the past seven years, Dean has led numerous initiatives, raising significant funds for municipal parks, community programs, and the Recreation Scholarship Program. He has also spearheaded special events and addressed public concerns regarding parks and recreational spaces. His involvement in local disc golf initiatives includes helping to install new courses and assisting at Mast Park as part of the SD Aces disc golf club.

In addition to his SPARC role, Dean has supported various civic efforts, including serving on the Santee City Council Salary Setting Committee, acting as President of the Riverwalk Homeowners Association, and membership with the Santee Kiwanis. He regularly volunteers for events like the Santee Summer Concerts, Street Fair, and the Chamber of Commerce’s Veteran Appreciation Golf Tournament. Dean’s dedication to veterans is a hallmark of his civic engagement, from volunteering at the VFW and American Legion to raising funds for the Santee Veteran Memorial and escorting disabled veterans to its dedication ceremony. Dean has also been a passionate advocate for the LGBT community, serving as DJ on the largest float in the Pride parade for four consecutive years, and continues to be actively involved in LGBTQ+ initiatives in Santee and beyond.

In 2017, Dean took a bold step into entrepreneurship by founding Riverwalk Grill in Santee’s Town Center Community Park. This family-owned and operated establishment quickly became a beloved gathering spot, reflecting Dean’s commitment to community-focused hospitality and revitalizing the area. The success of Riverwalk Grill demonstrated his ability to create spaces where locals could connect, relax, and enjoy a welcoming environment rooted in the values he learned from his family’s restaurant business.

In 2021, Dean expanded his entrepreneurial efforts beyond Santee by revitalizing a struggling establishment in La Mesa, transforming it into the first Deano’s Pub. This venture became a thriving community hub known for its live music and inclusive atmosphere. Building on that success, Dean brought his vision back to Santee in early 2024 with the opening of Deano’s Pub East, revitalizing the former Hi-C-Era property on Woodside Avenue. This family-run venue has quickly become another vibrant social hub, offering live music, sports, and a welcoming environment that has made it a cornerstone of the community. Deano’s Pub East is more than just a business—it actively supports community outreach programs like Buddy’s Backpacks, which provides school supplies to children in need. Dean’s ability to breathe new life into these spaces has solidified his reputation as a successful entrepreneur dedicated to the betterment of Santee.

Dean’s leadership in civic roles has shaped key community programs, from expanding recreational opportunities to supporting local veterans and ensuring that underprivileged youth have access to meaningful experiences. Whether through his hands-on efforts with SPARC or his business sponsorships that benefit local schools and parks, Dean’s influence is felt in every corner of Santee. His unwavering commitment to community service was perhaps best demonstrated in times of crisis, such as his quick response in organizing equipment and support following a tragic airplane crash in Santee, showing that his dedication extends well beyond business.

Dean Velasco’s impact on the Santee community is immeasurable, embodying the very essence of hard work, dedication, and service to others. His journey—from corporate success to community advocate—demonstrates the power of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to giving back. His proven ability to revitalize local businesses while deeply engaging with the community shows his dedication to making Santee a thriving, inclusive place for its residents. With his unwavering commitment to creating social bonds and supporting local causes, Dean continues to be a driving force in the city he calls home.