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IT'S EARTH MONTH!
To celebrate Earth Month - Earth Day is April 22 - many special events are planned for the entire family to enjoy. The City of Chula Vista is committed to sustaining a green, clean and healthy environment for us all. Ever wonder how Earth Day started? This observance arose from an interest in gathering national support for environmental issues. In 1970, San Francisco activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson separately asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration. McConnell chose the spring equinox (March 21, 1970) and Nelson chose April 22. Millions of people participated, and today Earth Day continues to be widely celebrated with events on both dates. The most common practice of celebration is to plant new trees for Earth Day.
* Free screening of "A Fierce Green Fire: the Battle for a Living Planet," detailing five decades of the environmental movement, April 5, at 2 p.m., Civic Center Library, 365 F Street.
* Community Garden Workshop - free event to learn how you can be a part of the Mosaic Community Garden located at 960 Fifth Avenue. April 19, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. RSVP to (619) 409-3893 or EMAIL.
* CLEAN Champion Awards, April 15, 2 p.m. Join the City Council in recognizing local environmental stewards in Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue.
* Creek to Bay Cleanup, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. Sites include Otay Valley Regional Park, Chula Vista Bayfront Park and Rice Canyon at Discovery Park. To register, CLICK HERE.
* Go Green & Clean Family Day to promote active lifestyles, healthy families and environmental stewardship. April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road. Also includes waste disposal for electronics, household hazardous waste, tires and unused/expired prescription medicine; grocery bag exchange; energy roadshow; and oil change kit give-away.
In addition to the above activities, the Living Coast Discovery Center, (foot of E Street and Bay Boulevard), will be conducting Composting Workshops on Sundays from 1-2 p.m. Learn how to use your yard clippings as a resource, naturally achieve a beautiful, healthy yard and garden, and reduce your use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. For more information, call (619) 409-5900.
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LOFTS ON LANDIS
Last month a celebration was held for the groundbreaking for Lofts on Landis, a new mixed-use affordable housing community situated in the heart of downtown Chula Vista at 240 Landis Avenue. Located one block west of Third Avenue on an underutilized site that was vacant for many years, the multifamily development will  help revitalize the area by creating a community of 33 affordable homes. It will also offer parking and office space for the nearby Chula Vista Family Health Center.
Consisting of 6 one-bedroom, 15 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom apartments with rents ranging from $506 to $1,209 per month, the homes will be targeted to working families and will feature a number of energy-saving features. The City allocated $2 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnership and Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds for the project. This is the first mixed-use project approved under the City's Urban Core Specific Plan and the result of a unique partnership between Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation, the Family Health Centers of San Diego and the City. To receive construction updates via email newsletter, EMAIL. For more information, please call (619) 326-6229.
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DISTRICTING COMMISSION
Residents of the City of Chula Vista are encouraged to apply for the Districting Commission which will recommend four City Council districts to be used in future elections, beginning in 2016. Currently, the City is not divided by districts and residents vote for each council candidate citywide. However, in 2012, voters approved an amendment to the City Charter that City Councilmembers will be elected by geographic district beginning with the 2016 election. Those running for Council must reside in the district they wish to represent and residents will vote only for candidates in their respective district. For example, the Councilmember serving District 1 will reside in District 1 and be elected only by voters who reside in District 1. The Mayor will continue to be elected at-large.
Minimum qualifications for the Districting Commission members are that the applicant must be a Chula Vista resident, a registered voter and at least 18 years of age. Detailed requirements and qualifications can be found in the City Charter, Section 300.5, CLICK HERE. Applications, which will be accepted through April 17 at 5 p.m., can be submitted online CLICK HERE. For further information about the application process, contact the City Clerk's office at (619) 691-5041.
After April 17, the Charter Review Commission will review all applications and select ten of the most qualified. Out of those ten, four will be selected randomly to be Districting Commission members, then those four will select the final three for a total of seven members from the initial list of ten. In an effort to have the districts drawn by the July 2015 campaign fundraising season, the Charter Review Commission's goal is to seat the Districting Commission by July 2014, giving the members one year to complete the task. |
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APRIL POOLS DAY
Did you know that in California, 400 people die from drowning each year? And in 2011, 78 children between the ages of 1-18 died from drowning; 50 of those children were 1-4 years of age according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been avoided.
To help address the issue, the City of Chula Vista is kicking off Drowning Prevention Month with an April Pools Day event on Saturday, April 12, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Parkway Aquatic Center. The center is located at 385 Park Way in downtown Chula Vista. Children from 6 months to 16 years old will have an opportunity to participate in free swim lessons. The event will feature a demonstration from Chula Vista Fire Department and Recreation Department lifeguards. In addition, there will be a free BBQ compliments of the Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation.
May is officially National Drowning Prevention Month with drowning as a leading cause of death among children. April Pools Day is a national campaign designed to spark awareness about drowning prevention efforts prior to the summer swimming season.
One of the most effective ways to prevent drowning is to teach children how to swim. The free April Pools Day lessons are designed to provide an introduction to the swim lessons that are offered through the City's Recreation Department. Chula Vista Recreation instructors are Red Cross certified and all classes integrate water safety components that help children become safer in, on, and around water. Last year, more than 5,000 children participated in the City's swim lesson program.
Participants can pre-register for the free swim lessons by calling (619) 409-1985, or EMAIL prior to Friday, April 11, or they can register the day of the event if space is available. Classes will be held at 12, 12:35, 1:10, 1:45 and 2:20 p.m. Children under the age of four must have a parent in the water with them and a swim diaper. An adult must accompany all children to the event. For more information regarding the April Pools Day event or the City's Aquatics programs, please CLICK HERE, and CLICK HERE. |
DID YOU KNOW...
...our City Manager, Jim Sandoval, announced his retirement effective July 1, 2014,  after a 15-year career with the City. As City Manager of the county's second largest municipality with a population of 250,000, Sandoval administers a $261 million annual budget and oversees 10 departments with a workforce of nearly 1,000 employees. Some highlights of his service to Chula Vista include addressing the previous dire financial situation, creating more efficient and cost effective ways to provide public service, and making great progress on major projects important to the community. No decision has been made at this time on his replacement.
...Come hear about the Chula Vista City budget and proposed FY 2015 funding for services and capital projects. Two budget workshops are scheduled: April 29, 5:30-7 p.m., Council Chambers in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, or April 30, 5;30-7 p.m., Otay Ranch Town Center Library Community Room (near the Food Pavilion), 2015 Birch Road, Suite 409. Attendees are welcome either night to hear the latest about the budget. Information will be presented at 5:45 and 6:30 p.m. followed by Q&A. The same information will be provided at both presentation times. Or you can provide your input on budget priorities CLICK HERE. For more information, contact (619) 691-5296 or EMAIL.
...April is Pardon a Pit Month at our Chula Vista Animal Care Facility (ACF)! There are many pit bulls at the ACF just waiting for their adoption family. During this special event, all pit bulls will have a reduced adoption fee of only $25 (normally $75). In addition, adopters will receive a $20 Petco gift card and a bag of goodies for the new family member. The ACF is located at 130 Beyer Way. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with adoptions processed until 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with adoptions processed until 3 p.m. For more information, please call (619) 691-5123.
...first the Civic Center Branch Library was rewired and now it's the South Chula Vista Branch Library's turn! The South Branch, 389 Orange Avenue, will be closed Friday, April 18, through Sunday, April 27, to install new cables and wiring providing faster, more reliable WiFi and Internet connections. During the closure, patrons can visit the Civic Center Branch, 365 F Street, or the Otay Ranch Branch in the Otay Ranch Town Center, during normal hours of operation.
...the Living Coast Discovery Center announces a new exhibit for spring and summer, "Splash of Color: Wildlife & Art." The seasonal exhibit celebrates the colorful science of the natural  world with a combination of live animals and original local artwork. More than 50 new animal species are being introduced, as well as a new pop-up art gallery space featuring wildlife-inspired work. As part of the exhibit, the Living Coast will also be unveiling a new walk through, free-flight aviary featuring a colorful collection of 20-30 birds. The Splash of Color exhibit, which runs through Labor Day, is included with regular admission to the center. For more information, call (619) 409-5900 or CLICK HERE.
...Norman Park Center has a variety of activities to keep you busy and enlightened. Check out these great and affordable offerings: Introduction to Computers offered Thursdays in April and Tuesdays in May from 9 a.m. to noon; Introduction to Internet and Email offered Tuesdays in April, Thursdays in May and Tuesdays in June from 9 a.m. to noon; April Shower's Dance on April 3 and Spring Fling on May 1 for only $5 per person; Bunco every Friday from 2:30 to 5 p.m.; drop in Scrabble every Monday and Wednesday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Also, on April 18, a Spring Pancake Breakfast is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. For more information on any of the programs and events at Norman Park, drop by the center at 270 F Street or call (619) 409-1930.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Dog Day in the Park 
Plan to attend this community event to help raise funds to build a new dog park to be located in Eucalyptus Park, Fourth and C Streets, on Saturday, April 5, from 12 to 4 p.m. Featured activities include a K-9 fashion show, exhibits, entertainment, prizes and drawings. Also, the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility will be on site for a dog wellness and adoption event. For more information, please call (619) 585-5614.
 South County Intergenerational Games
Recruitment is still open for active adults age 90 (yes, 90!) or over for the 12th Annual South County Intergenerational Games. The games are set for Thursday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Olympic Training Center, 2800 Olympic Parkway. This unique event, sponsored by the South County Action Network (SoCan), partners older adults with third grade students from the Chula Vista Elementary School District to form healthy relationships and community pride.
For more information about SoCan or to register for the Intergenerational Games, EMAIL or call
(858) 495-5525.
Village Street Faire
Fun for the whole family is planned for Sunday, April 13, along downtown Chula Vista's Third Avenue Village between E and G Streets. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy live entertainment on two stages, food, artisans, commercial and community vendor booths, a kids fun zone and much more! For more information, call (619) 422-1982.
Firefighter's Annual Easter Egg Hunt
The Chula Vista Firefighter's Annual Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by the Chula Vista  Firefighter's Foundation and the City of Chula Vista, will be held on Saturday, April 19, at Mt. San Miguel Park, 2335 Paseo Veracruz. Admission to the egg hunt is free to children up to age 10, but they must be accompanied by an adult and have a ticket to the event. Tickets can be picked up at your local Chula Vista fire station between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note that there are a limited number of tickets available and once all are given out, no more will be provided.
Day of the Child
Celebrating their 14th annual year, the Day of the Child community fair will be held on Saturday, April 19. This popular, family-friendly and free event will be held in Memorial Park, 373 Park Way, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Informational and interactive vendors will be on hand as well as activities and entertainment.
 Get your tickets now for this spectacular event hosted by the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation! Held at the Otay Ranch Town Center food pavilion, 2015 Birch Road, on Saturday, April 26, guests will enjoy wine tasting and restaurant samples from popular local establishments. A silent and live auction will also take place during the event scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available for $40 per person at any Chula Vista Public Library Branch or at the door the night of the event. Must be 21 or older to attend; no children please.
Cycle EastLake
Registration is still open for Cycle EastLake with more events this year than ever! The event is set for Saturday, April 26, at the Otay Ranch Town Center in conjunction with the City's Earth Day activities. Choose from 100K cycling tour, 25 mile Marty Garcia Memorial Ride, 18 mile mountain bike and poker ride, family roll and stroll, EastLake half marathon or a 10K run. The first event begins at 6 a.m. CLICK HERE or call (619) 997-6470 for more information. Proceeds benefit the EastLake Education Foundation.
Fun Run Registration
Sign up now for the sixth annual Chula Vista Community 5K Fun Run! This family fun event will be held on Saturday, May 17, at the U.S. Olympic training Center with proceeds benefiting
Chula Vista Recreation programs and services.
Schools, groups, clubs and businesses are encouraged to participate as a team. Dogs on leashes and parents pushing strollers are welcome to participate too. Registration is only $10 per person and includes a t-shirt. CLICK HERE for more details and to register. |
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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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