Community Connection
March 2013 (Click HERE to visit the City's Calendar)
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SPRING FORWARD...AND TEST SMOKE ALARMS MONTHLY

  

With spring just around the corner (daylight savings time "springs forward" on March 10), now is a good time to remember to change batteries in your smoke alarms -- and if you don't have smoke alarms, it's time to install them! The Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD), the Burn Institute, and SDG&E want to remind residents that simply testing the batteries in your smoke alarms each month could help prevent burn injuries or even death.

 

By the time flames are roaring through a house, it may be too late to stop the fire. Even worse, it may be too late to safely get your family out of your burning home. Fires can start and spread quickly, often while you're asleep. So to protect yourself and your family from fires, install a smoke alarm in every crucial area of your home. A smoke alarm, also called a smoke detector, can sense a fire early on and warn a family of impending danger before tragedy strikes. Smoke alarms are sold at hardware and home improvement stores, and even some supermarkets.

 

You'll need to change the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once each year. Pick a time that's easy for you to remember and stick to it. Many people like to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when daylight savings ends each fall or begins in the spring. You could also choose a holiday or a birthday. Statistics show that while more than 90 percent of homes have smoke alarms, half may not be working because of missing or dead batteries.  And if smoke alarms aren't working, they can't help save a life.

 

To help spread the word, CVFD has specially designed wraps on many of their fire engines. Look for the unique reminder display in your neighborhood....and change those batteries!

   
HELP US SOLVE
A CRIME

 

Do you want to help be the "eyes and ears" of the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD)? Do you have information about an unsolved crime and want to share it? Do you know something that could help bring closure for the family of a cold case? If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, then you now have an opportunity to partner with CVPD and the "Help Us Solve a Crime" program.

 

Currently, CVPD is focusing on six types of unsolved crimes where the public can provide tips. They are missing adults at risk, missing juveniles at risk, theft/burglary, violent crimes/robbery,unsolved murder/cold cases, and vandalism/graffiti. The CVPD website contains descriptions of unsolved crimes in these specific areas including photographs. Simply click on the photo to see more information about each case and then, if you have information to share, provide a crime tip to Chula Vista Police.
  
The Help Us Solve a Crime program offers three options to report a crime tip: call the Tip Line at (619) 422-TIPS (8477), submit a tip online at CLICK HERE or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at (858) 580-8477.
POLICE CADETS WANTED
   

The Chula Vista Police Department soon will be recruiting Police Cadets to work at Police headquarters located at 355 F Street. This entry level position provides first-hand experience and is an excellent opportunity for college students interested in a career in criminal justice. Police Cadets are civilian employees who work 20 hours per week during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Paid work hours are set around school schedules.

 

Although there are many attributes required to be successful in a career in law enforcement, customer service is one of the most crucial. Police Cadets develop this important skill while interacting with the public on a daily basis with such duties as signing off fix-it tickets, providing Livescan and ink card fingerprint services, evaluating requests for police reports, processing payments for fees and police related services, and entering information into the Department's Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and records management systems.

 

Police Cadets must be full-time students enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university. An interest in the field of law enforcement or a related field is preferable. The Police Cadet position is often the first step in the pursuit of a law enforcement career.

 

Check the City of Chula Vista website CLICK HERE for upcoming recruitment details. For additional information regarding the position, please contact Police Support Services Manager Barbie Brookover at (619) 691-5128.

CITY "WARN" PROGRAM RECEIVES STATE AWARD  

 

Along with warmer weather comes thoughts of water activities and home swimming pools. In response to the fatal drownings of three children in 2007, the City of Chula Vista Fire and Recreation Departments developed the Water Awareness in Residential Neighborhoods (WARN) program, a comprehensive drowning prevention plan to educate residents about water safety. City staff worked diligently to target Chula Vista's residents using professional partnerships, creative solutions, ingenious marketing and family events. Each year since, staff has provided information on the program to Chula Vistans who own back yard swimming pools.

 

Recently the Recreation Department submitted an entry to the 2012 California Park and Recreation Society's (CPRS) Awards Program for the Creating Community Award of Excellence, and was selected a winner for the WARN program. This means the program has met the highest standards for achieving excellence

through CPRS.

 

And obviously the program works...since the inception of the WARN program in late 2007, there have not been any drownings in the City of Chula Vista. To learn more about WARN, please CLICK HERE.

                                                          DID YOU KNOW....
   

...nearly 1,000 children were invited to the Chula Vista Police Department's Shoe/Sock Give-Away event? The kids - specially selected for the give-away -- along with their parents and CVPD converged on the Payless Shoe Store in the Chula Vista Center to select a new pair of shoes and socks. Afterwards, the participants were treated to goodies from many of the mall food stores. Thank you and congratulations to the CVPD School Resource Officers who coordinated this third successful event and to the Chula Vista community who donated funds to make it possible.

  
...you can nominate a Local Eco-Hero? There are numerous individuals and organizations that work to improve Chula Vista's quality of life everyday by saving energy and water, protecting open space, reducing waste, and preventing pollution. Help recognize their environmental dedication and leadership by nominating them for a "Chula Vista CLEAN Champion Award." The award winners will be selected by the City's Resource Conservation Commission and recognized by the City Council in April. For more information and the CLEAN Champion Award nomination form, please CLICK HERE.

   

...the City has several areas you can reserve for your next party, event or tournament?  Residents can reserve park gazebos, community rooms and sports fields up to six months in advance.  For more information or to make reservations, CLICK HERE.

...the Civic Center is the first Chula Vista municipal facility to host Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers for public use? Over the next two months, additional EV chargers will be installed at the Third Avenue parking structure and multiple recreation centers including Parkway, Loma Verde, and Montevalle. The chargers are operated by the BLINK Network at no cost to the City and help to promote cleaner vehicles in the community.  Residents and visitors with electric vehicles can sign-up to use the chargers, CLICK HERE.  Interested in buying an electric vehicle?  CLICK HERE to find information and incentives on clean vehicles!

  

....Third Avenue Village Association (TAVA) kicks off the "3rd on Third" event series starting Saturday, March 16 at participating businesses within the Third Avenue business district?  "3rd on Third" provides a monthly opportunity to showcase restaurants, retail businesses and professional services.  Look for special discounts and promotions on the third Saturday of each month at businesses along Third Avenue. For details and a list of participating businesses, please call 
 
(619) 422-1982.

 UPCOMING EVENTS
 
From Mariachi to Opera
Cheer on "Mariachi Week" on

Tuesday, March 12, at the Otay Ranch Town Center by watching Chula Vista High's Mariachi perform a free mini concert at 5:30 p.m. Mariachi Week supports San Diego Opera's promotion of the world's first mariachi opera, Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, on March 16. The week showcases local high-school and college mariachi programs. For a full schedule, CLICK HERE, or for more information about Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, CLICK HERE.

 

State of the City

Mayor Cheryl Cox will deliver her State of the City address on Tuesday, March 12, at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend in Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue.

 

Taste of Third & Art Walk

This walking culinary art event, scheduled for Thursday, March 14, from 4 to 8 p.m., features a self-guided tasting tour of 15 Third Avenue Village eateries. Along the way, enjoy unique art displays, a cappella musical acts and sidewalk chalk art exhibits. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. To purchase, please visit theThird Avenue Village Association office located at 353 Third Avenue.

 

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, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Southwestern College's South Bay Botanic Garden. 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!

 

Aquatica Job Fair

If you are interested in a fun, exciting employment opportunity in Chula Vista, then 

plan to attend the Aquatica Job Fair on Saturday, March 23. SeaWorld recently purchased the former Knott's Soak City and will be opening this summer as Aquatica. The Job Fair will be held at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You also can apply online:  CLICK HERE.

 

Registration Open to Run or Walk

Have you registered for the Fifth Annual Chula Vista Community 5K Fun Run/Walk to be held on Saturday, May 11? The event will be held on the U.S. Olympic Training Center's inspirational grounds where participants can run alongside Olympians through the exclusive Olympic Village -- all to benefit Chula Vista Recreation programs and services. Early bird registration, which includes t-shirts with a new Fun Run logo design, ends Friday, April 26. For more details and registration information, CLICK HERE. 

 

Food, Vino and Fun

Tickets are now available for the annual Chula Vista Public Library Foundation Bon Appétit fundraiser from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at Otay Ranch Town Center. The evening will feature food and wine tastings from an array of area restaurants, as well as a silent auction and opportunity drawing. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased at all three branch libraries, First Bank (2314 Proctor Valley Road), or at the door.  Proceeds will benefit Chula Vista library programs and services.

  

Spring Break & Recreation = Good Times!

Chula Vista Public Schools are on spring break from March 18-29 so our Recreation staff has planned some great activities and camps to keep the kids entertained.  Check out these featured camps:

Salt Creek Recreation Center in cooperation with My Village and SportOutlier will be offering two new spring break camps.  My Village will be offering a traditional day camp for youth in grades K-6 with an emphasis on providing fun, positive experiences that build community and confidence. The program runs March 18-22 and March 25-29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended day care offered daily. Camp is $225/week with an additional $50 for the extended care option. For more information, CLICK HERE or call (619) 395-5621.

Also at Salt Creek with SportOutlier, headed by former Olympic Gold medalist Al Joyner and Olympic Sport Psychologist Dr. Ross Flowers, is a unique Sports and Conditioning Camp.  This camp will be taught by current and former Olympics athletes and hopefuls, who will provide the fundamental physical and mental training skills to build a strong foundation of fitness, improve athletic skills and enhance personal strengths in and outside of sports.  Cost is $175 and runs 9 a.m to 2 p.m., March 25-29.  To register or for more information, please call Salt Creek Recreation Center at (619) 585-5739.

Parkway Family Aquatic Center is offering Aqua Camp for children ages 9-14 on March 18-22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The camp features an introduction to aquatic sports such as water polo, competitive swimming, diving and snorkeling, and much more. Camp fees are $115 per person and include lunch and snacks. In addition to lessons at the camp, students will hear from first responders to introduce them to careers in Fire or Police. Funding for the camp is provided by Kaiser Permanente.  To register or for more information, CLICK HERE or contact Parkway Family Aquatic Center at (619) 409-1985.                                                

Loma Verde Family Aquatic Center offers swim classes, lifeguard training, recreational swim, water fitness class and lap swim. CLICK HERE or contact Loma Verde Family Aquatic Center at (619) 409-1987 for details.

Montevalle Recreation Center is featuring Art Camp, March 18-21 for ages 5-14 years.  Cost is $86 ($46 registration; $40 for materials) and class is held from 9 to 11:30 a.m.   Ages 6-12 can attend Basketball Camp, March 18-22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Cost is $75.  Tumbling Camp, offered March 18, 20 and 22 is for those ages 5-10 years.  Class is from 3 to 5 p.m. and cost $66.  For additional information on the above camps and other free activities at Montevalle, CLICK HERE or call (619) 691-5269. 

This Edition:
Smoke Alarms
Help Us Solve a Crime
Recruiting Police Cadets
WARN Awarded
Did You Know...
Upcoming Events

 
 
Contacts

  ______________________

 

SERVICES

 

Animal Care

Animal Control:  476-2476

Pet Adoptions:  691-5123

  Animal Care Online

 

Environment

CLEAN Business Program: 

409-1975 

 

Energy & Water Conservation:  

409-3893

 

Storm Water Hotline:  397-6000

 

Environmental Services, 

Household Hazardous Waste, Recycling and Solid Waste: 

691-5122

 

Community

Graffiti Hotline:  691-5198

Graffiti IN PROGRESS:  911

 

Park Reservations Online

 

Service Requests:  397-6000

  Service Requests Online 

 

Transit:  233-3004

  

Library

Civic Branch:  691-5069

South Branch:  585-5755

Otay Ranch Branch:  397-5740

 Library Online

 

Recreation

Administration:  409-5979

Recreation Online

 

CV Woman's Club:  691-5083

Heritage Center:  421-7032

Loma Verde Center:  691-5082

Loma Verde Pool:  691-5081

Montevalle Center:  691-5269

Norman Park Center:  691-5086

Otay Center:  476-5325

Parkway Center:  691-5083

Parkway Pool:  691-5088

Parkway Gym:  691-5084

Salt Creek Center:  585-5739

Veterans Center:  691-5260

__________

  

DEVELOPMENT

Land Development:  691-5024

Building:  691-5272

Planning:  691-5101

Code Enforcement:  691-5280

Redevelopment & Housing:

691-5047

Development Services Online

  

Economic Development:

409-5870

Small Businesses:  691-5248

__________   

 

PUBLIC SAFETY

Emergency:  911


Fire

Main Line:  691-5055

Prevention Division:  691-5029

Prevention Online

 

Police

Report Crime/Dispatch: 

691-5151

  Report Crime Online

__________   

  

GOVERNMENT

Mayor & Council:  691-5044

__________   

  

ADMINISTRATION

 City Attorney:  691-5037

City Clerk:  691-5041

City Manager:  691-5031

 

Communications

Media Relations & 

Special Events:  691-5296

 

Finance

Main Line:  691-5250

Purchasing:  691-5141

Business Licenses Online

 

Human Resources

Main Line:  691-5096

Job Hotline:  691-5095

 Volunteering:  691-5000  

 

City of Chula Vista  |  Office of Communications  |   www.chulavistaca.gov