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TRANSNET KEEPS CHULA VISTA MOVING
This year, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of TransNet, the local half-cent sales tax for transportation in San Diego County. Thanks to TransNet, numerous upgrades to the region and Chula Vista transit system, highway network, and local streets have been completed, as well as a variety of habitat conservation efforts.
In Chula Vista, more than $98 million has been allocated in the last 25 years to help fund local street and road projects including traffic signals, widening streets and bridges, freeway interchanges, sidewalks, ADA curb cuts, habitat restoration, bicycle lanes, and more. This funding also includes special grants the City of Chula Vista has successfully obtained to help fund theThird Avenue Streetscape, Bayshore Bikeway, Industrial Boulevard Bike Lane, Healthy Communities, and the Palomar Gateway Specific Plan.
South County Transit Projects include the South Bay Bus Rapid Transit service, which will provide rapid and reliable transportation from the Otay Mesa Port of Entry to downtown San Diego via eastern Chula Vista. Service will begin in 2015. The Trolley Renewal project renovating the Blue Line through Chula Vista to the International Border, is also funded in part by TransNet. When this nearly $1 billion project is completed, new low-floor trolleys will operate throughout the system. All stations will be equipped with next-arrival signs, new shelters and seating. The end result will be easier access, quicker trips, a more comfortable ride, and an enhanced transit experience.
South County Highway Projects include public acquisition of South Bay Expressway/SR 125 and subsequent reduction of tolls by up to 40 percent, expansion of SR 54 to connect South Bay and East County communities, completion of SR 125 from SR 54 to SR 94 and from I-8 to SR 52, and contributions to support border infrastructure and goods movement on SR 905 and SR 11.
In the coming decades, TransNet will continue to finance major initiatives to preserve and enhance the region's quality of life, including extending the San Diego Trolley to the University City area of San Diego, launching a rapid bus network, and building more than 40 bike projects throughout the region. For more information on TransNet-funded projects, CLICK HERE.
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Our Fire Department launched its Advanced Life Support (ALS) program in July and is already seeing more efficient use of resources. The ALS program places  at least one firefighter/paramedic on the majority of the City's engines that respond to a medical emergency or fire. Six of the City's nine fire stations now have firefighter/paramedics with the goal of having all nine stations fully staffed by the end of 2014.
The benefit of paramedic level care on first responder units is more timely advanced evaluation, treatment, and greater resources for the most critical patients. The Chula Vista Fire Department has forged a strong working relationship with our paramedic transport provider to bring the best care to the citizens we serve.
Chula Vista is successfully implementing the program by providing education and training to current firefighters so they can be certified as paramedics, and by ensuring all new hires are trained as firefighter/paramedics.
Until all fire stations have firefighter/paramedics on staff, the City continues to contract with American Medical Response (AMR) Ambulance Service to provide paramedic services more rapidly in those areas of the city.
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CHULA VISTA LEADERSHIP
Chula Vista officials are making their marks in leadership positions for their respective professional associations or agencies. Police Chief David Bejarano is President of the San Diego County Chiefs and Sheriff's Association. Fire Chief Dave Hanneman is President of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association. City Attorney Glen Googins is President of the City Attorneys Association of San Diego County. Ann Moore serves as the City of Chula Vista representative on the Port of San Diego Board. And City Manager Jim Sandoval serves as President of the San Diego City/County Managers Association.
Why should you care? Well, this means we are working with our peers on issues important to Chula Vista and critical to the region. We discuss good governance, economic development, public safety, law and public policy. We hear other's perspectives on moving the region forward and are able to share our expertise as representatives from Chula Vista, the second largest city in San Diego County.
Chief Bejarano in his leadership role coordinates law enforcement activities among federal, state, and local officials. Chief Hanneman collaborates with his colleagues who represent nearly 60 Fire Department Chiefs in the county. Chiefs Bejarano and Hanneman also serve together on the SANDAG Public Safety Committee.
City AttorneyGoogins is working with City Attorneys Association of San Diego County members to focus on current municipal legal issues. As the Chula Vista Commissioner for the Port of San Diego, Ann Moore is completing a successful year as Chair of the Board of Port Commissioners.
At the helm of the City County Managers Association, Sandoval collaborates with his colleagues from the 18 cities and the County of San Diego. The group has been at the forefront of pension reform, developing public-public partnerships, and working together to create sustainable communities in San Diego County.
In addition, Finance Director Maria Kachadoorian was recognized in 2013 as "CFO of the Year" for a government agency by the San Diego Business Journal. Under her financial leadership, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services raised the City's credit rating to AA-.
Chula Vista staff actively works to provide outstanding public service to our residents. And, with our peers, we are collaborating to improve the quality of life for all county residents. |
ADOPT-A-CANYON
Many of you are familiar with I Love A Clean San Diego's (ILACSD) Adopt-a-Beach program to help keep our beaches and bays clean. Equally important is maintaining our network of canyons and creeks that feed into the bay. To help with that effort, ILACSD has partnered with Chula Vista's open space staff to launch a new Adopt-a-Canyon program. Volunteers will commit to three or four cleanups and/or invasive plant removals per year in Rice Canyon or Del Rey Canyon in Chula Vista.
The goal of expanding the program is to further protect San Diego County's canyons from the harmful effects of litter and pollution. Protecting our local plants and animals is key; trash causes injury and death to animals through entanglement and ingestion as well as habitat destruction. Inland and canyon cleanups benefit not only the areas served but are also crucial in preventing marine debris. Over 80% of trash that winds up in the ocean starts inland and travels through San Diego County's 11 watersheds.
To learn more and register to Adopt-a-Canyon, CLICK HERE.
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DID YOU KNOW...
...we need your input on the City's new website! A new redesigned website is under construction now so you can have quick and easy access to City services, live and recorded City Council meetings, Board and Commission meetings, agendas and minutes, public notices, public input opportunities, facility rental information, reporting of non-emergency issues and more! Please take a few minutes to answer the short survey CLICK HERE, by January 9.
 ...a new year means a new you! Don't forget your local fitness center membership at Norman Park, Otay and Salt Creek Recreation Centers. Fees range from $28-35 per quarter. Stop by to inquire about the amenities, schedules and prices.
...CVPD is currently seeking new recruits: Police Lateral for those who have already completed a CA POST approved academy, and Police Recruit for someone who needs to attend an academy and has no previous experience.
To apply for a Police Lateral (Peace Officer) position, please visit the City's Human Resources page, CLICK HERE and follow the instructions for using the on-line application. This is an on-going recruitment effort with no application deadline.
If you are interested in receiving a Job Interest Card for the Police Recruit position, please CLICK HERE. You will be emailed when the next application process is open.
...members of the San Diego Chargers' defensive line joined Chula Vista Police  Department personnel for an annual food give-away in mid-December. Over 500 turkey dinners were distributed to local disadvantaged families courtesy of the Chula Vista Police Foundation, the Athletes for Education and Walmart.
...don't forget that live holiday trees are recyclable! Remove all ornaments, tinsel, stands, etc. If possible, cut the tree into four-foot sections, and place at the curb on your regular collection day. Apartment and HOA residents should contact your manager or HOA for their collection day schedule. Artificial trees must be disposed of as trash.
...there are a variety of classes for seniors at Norman Park Center including a walking group, bereavement discussions, ballroom dancing, singing seniors, world affairs, reflexology, computer classes, yoga, and much, much more! Newly added to the mix are Zumba Gold classes for only $1 per class for seniors or $2 per class for adults. And Senior Tech classes including Intro to Computers, Intro to Internet and Email, and Learning to Use Your iPad. Private computer instructions are also available. For more information on any of the above classes or others at the Norman Park Center, call (619) 409-1930.
 ...while the City recognizes one special employee each month as Employee of theMonth, for the first time ever, the City Manager and Department Directors have selected Mark Roberts, Construction and Repair Manager, as the first Manager of the Year. Roberts, a 12-year employee with the City, has proven his exemplary service with two promotions as he manages the City's facility assets. These include the Civic Center, Police Department, Fire Stations, Libraries, Recreation Centers and more. In addition, he recently took on the additional duty of managing the custodial division. Congratulations Mark! ...Norman Park Center is seeking new volunteers to staff the hostess desk, answer phones and assist with special events. If interested, please call (619) 409-1930 or stop by 270 F Street. ...13 Chula Vista Police Officers were recently promoted including the first female captain in the department's history! Congratulations and thank you for helping to make our city one of the safest in the country!
...December brought some beautiful sunsets to our J Street Marina area.   |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Library eBook Classes
Looking forward to using your new holiday gift of a eBook reader? The Chula Vista Public Library not only has a large collection of eBooks to checkout free of charge, but they are also hosting free classes to teach borrowers how to use the service. Sessions are scheduled for January 8 and 22, and February 5 and 19, from 4-5 p.m. at the Civic Center Branch, 365 F Street. Call (619) 691-5069 to reserve your space.
Fraud and Scam Awareness Training
The Chula Vista Police Department and Aging & Independent Services will present a free training on fraud and scam awareness at Norman Park Center, 270 F Street. The event will be held Wednesday, January 10, from 10-11 a.m. Handouts and additional resources will be available.
California Friendly Landscape Class
 Learn six important ways to make your garden California friendly at this free class on Saturday, January 11. The three hour class will be held at Sweetwater Authority's Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility, 3066 N. Second Avenue, Chula Vista, from 9 a.m. to noon. Please RSVP by January 9, to (619) 409-6779 or EMAIL.
Affordable Care Act Forum
Everyone is invited to attend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Town Hall and Resource Fair on Saturday, January 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Held at the Health & Human Services Family Resource Center, 690 Oxford Street, it will highlight benefits covered under the ACA, including Medi-Cal and CalFresh (Food Stamps).
Laundry to Landscape Graywater Workshop
Did you know that a simple graywater system for a clothes washer can reuse over 7,000 gallons of water annually to help irrigate shrubs, trees, and gardens? Learn how to safely and efficiently use this untapped resource already in your home by attending the "Laundry to Landscape" Graywater Workshop at the South Bay Botanical Garden on Saturday, January 18, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The South Bay Botanical Garden is located on the Southwestern College campus at 900 Otay Lakes Road. Space is limited, so please RSVP by contacting the City of Chula Vista's Conservation Section at (619) 409-3893 or EMAIL.
 Big Game Football Party
Montevalle Community Center is hosting a Parents Night Out on Friday, January 31, from 6-9 p.m. Football themed games, crafts, activities, a movie and dinner is included. For ages 5-12 years old; fee for residents is $10 and $13 for non-residents. Call (619) 691-5269 to register and for more information. |
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Contacts
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SERVICES
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
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: 409-1980
Heritage Center: 421-7032
Loma Verde Center: 409-1939
Loma Verde Pool: 409-1987
Montevalle Center: 691-5269
Norman Park Center: 409-1930
Otay Center: 409-1999
Parkway Center: 409-1980
Parkway Pool: 409-1985
Parkway Gym: 409-1990
Salt Creek Center: 585-5739
Veterans Center: 691-5260
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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
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Emergency: 911
Fire
Main Line: 691-5055
Prevention Division: 691-5029
Prevention Online
Police
Report Crime/Dispatch:
691-5151
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GOVERNMENT
Mayor & Council: 691-5044
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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
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