...recycling creates significant, positive, economic impacts within California and can save you money!  If you own a business, recycling is mandatory; businesses are required to separate recyclable materials from waste and either self-haul, or allow the pickup of recyclables. Our recycling specialists will consult with you, free of charge, to assist in developing an in-house recycling program. Employee training is available in both English and Spanish.  Call (619) 691-5122 for more information. 

...on Sunday, August 18, Caltrans will close a seven-mile stretch of I-805 in both directions from SR 54 in Chula Vista to SR 905 in Otay Mesa. The stoppage is scheduled for 3 p.m. August 18 until 5 a.m. August 19.  During that time, crews will demolish the East Palomar Street bridge, which eventually will be replaced by another bridge, direct carpool access ramps, a transit station and park and ride.  It is highly recommended that drivers STEER CLEAR of the 805 in South County during that time.  If you cannot avoid travel then, please bring your patience and be prepared for lengthy traffic delays on alternate routes.  Drivers will be asked to take either the I-5 or the SR 125 toll road, also known as the South Bay Expressway, which will be toll-free during that time.  For more information about the upcoming closure, CLICK HERE.  Need some suggestions for avoiding all travel then?  How about a Monopoly marathon with your family?  Or a barbeque with the neighbors.  Maybe clean out that closet or garage.  Stay home and have fun!

...and in more construction news, the second phase of the Blue Line Stations and Rail Rehabilitation project will require the J Street trolley crossing area in Chula Vista be completely closed from 10 p.m. Friday, August 16, to 6 a.m. on Monday, August 19. The road closure will physically be at the railroad/trolley tracks where they cross J Street. Track installation will be from just south of H Street to just north of L Street, (but only blocking J Street).  The rails, which are one solid piece of steel, are 1,600 feet long and are coming in on a train that is 2,000 feet long!  The road cannot be reopened until these new rails are installed, and the massive train -- almost one half of a mile in length -- cannot be moved until this operation is completed.  Then the train will be reloaded with the old rails which will be melted down at a steel mill and made into new rails for future use elsewhere in the country.  The ramps to I-5 freeway to and from J Street will remain open, but only accessible from Bay Boulevard to the west of the freeway. Traffic wanting to access the freeway from east of the J Street trolley crossing will be detoured to either H or L Street.

...the City of Chula Vista and other South County cities and organizations are working with the South County Economic Development Council to develop an economic vision for the area.  Please tell us what you think are the economioc strategies our region should focus on in the next five years.  Please join the conversation and take the survey CLICK HERE.   For more information, CLICK HERE.

...stop flushing your money down the drain ... literally!  Chula Vista residents are encouraged to take advantage of new rebates to replace your existing, inefficient toilet with a WaterSense-qualified 1.28 gallon per flush (or less) model.  In addition to reducing your water use, high-efficiency toilets may help reduce your sewer fees.  Rebates for qualifying toilets start at $50 and should be reserved at CLICK HERE. There are also rebates available for high-efficiency clothes washers, weather-based irrigation controllers, and rotating sprinkler nozzles.  Funding is limited, so act now! Need help identifying water-saving opportunities at your home?  Sign-up for a free home evaluation by contacting the City's Conservation Section at (619) 409-3893 or EMAIL.