If you have ever thought about serving your community as a volunteer, consider joining the CAST program. Chula Vista's CAST - Citizen's Adversity Support Team - consists of volunteers trained to provide families of trauma victims with compassionate, supportive assistance.

Volunteers, on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year, are trained by professionals including police officers, firefighters, psychologists, and emergency room staff. First responders summon CAST to a variety of emergency calls - serious motor vehicle accidents, murders, domestic violence, shootings and fires. Since 1993, CAST members have responded to thousands of calls in the communities of Chula Vista, Bonita, and Imperial Beach.

The next training session begins in January and runs through mid-April 2013.   For more information, or to request an application, please contact Dr. Emerald Randolph at (619) 691-5213 or EMAIL.

Chula Vista's Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Justin Gipson and Fire Captain Robert Nelson were recognized for achieving Professional Credentialing from the Commission on Professional Credentialing, an entity of the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. The two recently completed a stringent process to receive their exemplary awards.

Chief Gipson, a 13-year member of the Fire Department, achieved his Fire Marshal designation -- one of only 40 worldwide. Captain Nelson, who has 20 years with the Department, achieved his Fire Officer designation.

Interested in upgrading your home to make it more comfortable and more efficient, but don't know how to get started? Then check out the new "Energy Upgrade Demonstration Home" at 245 Ash Avenue. Some of the home's upgrades include high efficiency insulation, LED lighting, a tankless water heater, a solar photovoltaic system, and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. Residents are invited to an Open House event scheduled for Saturday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to tour the home and learn about incentives up to $4,000 through Energy Upgrade California.

The distressed property was purchased through the Chula Vista First-Time Homebuyer Program and will be resold to a qualifying low-income family. To learn more about the home and other energy efficiency programs, CLICK HERE or call (619) 409-3893.

Landscape Workshop

Residents who are interested in making their yards and gardens more sustainable are invited to a free "NatureScape-In-A-Box" workshop on Saturday, October 20 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Civic Center Library.  In addition to hearing from gardening and      water conservation experts, attendees will receive a free starter kit featuring native plants, bird feeder, and compost bin. Register today by calling (619) 409-3893 or EMAIL. Space is limited!

Annual Fire Department Open House

Everyone is welcome to the annual Open House at Fire Station #4 on Saturday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour the house, check out the trucks and apparatus, grab fire prevention information and enjoy a puppet show and jump house, too!  Fire Station #4 is located at 850 Paseo Ranchero off East H Street. 

Tenth Annual Beautify Chula Vista Day

Beautify Chula Vista Day will grow to four locations this year: Rice Canyon, Harborside Park, Otay Valley Regional Park, and Eucalyptus Park!  Sign up for Saturday, October 13 to participate in litter pick-up, graffiti clean-up and weed abatement. Volunteers must provide their own transportation, lunch/snacks and wear appropriate clothing including closed toe shoes and work gloves.  Registration is now open; CLICK HERE.