Community Connection
July 2014 (Click HERE to visit the City's Calendar)
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our videos on YouTube   Nixle Logo
    
City Logo

SWEET SUMMERTIME

 

Summer in Chula Vista is considered by many as just perfect - plenty of activities, abundant locations to visit, and all around great weather. While planning your family reunion, office picnic, or an important birthday party, don't forget the great amenities offered right here in your backyard!  You can reserve a gazebo or picnic area in one of our parks, and we have recreation centers and fields available for rent. Check out the details for the City's 52 parks, CLICK HERE or for information on the nine Recreation facilities, CLICK HERE.
  
POOL SAFETY
  
With summer upon us, Chula Vista Fire and Recreation departments want to remind residents to be safe around backyard and community swimming pools. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4 and most drowning accidents occur in residential pools. Nearly half of the drowing victims were last seen in the house and had been missing for fewer than five minutes.
  
Drowning is preventable: homeowners should install fencing and alarms around pools and lock doors to prevent unauthorized access. Children should learn to swim at an early age and should never be left unattended near a pool. An adult "water watcher" should supervise children when they are swimming.  How can you be prepared?  Learn CPR and have a phone nearby to call 911 if necessary. If a child is missing, always look in the pool area first.
  
For more information, CLICK HERE. And look for the new signs encouraging pool safety on all City fire engines.
PAWS TO READ
  
The library's summer reading program, "Paws to Read," is in full swing and continues through July 19; to sign up, CLICK HERE, or at the three branch libraries to win prizes for reading. Upcoming reading program events include:

* Petco Unleashed leads a dog training session on Wednesday, July 2, from 6-7 p.m. in Friendship Park behind the Civic Center Branch. Participants are invited to bring their dogs.  

* Chula Vista Animal Care Center's Adoption Bus visits the South Chula Vista Branch on Saturday, July 5, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Maybe you will find your forever friend!
  
* A Library Pet Party Finale with Petco Unleashed and Alakazam Magic Show at the Otay Ranch Branch on Saturday, July 19, from 1-3 p.m. Space is limited; register by calling any of the library branches: Civic Center (619) 691-5069; South Chula Vista (619) 585-5755; Otay Ranch (619) 397-5740.

Other summer library events include the local non-profit news organization, Voice of San Diego, who will cap off their first News Literacy workshop series with a community conversation, "Let's Talk Chula Vista," on Tuesday, July 29, from 6-7:30 p.m. The free, public event will be held at the South Branch library located at 389 Orange Avenue. The conversation with city officials will focus on the future of Chula Vista. Light refreshments will be provided.

Also in July, the South Chula Vista Library Branch continues its very popular Kindergarten Boot Camp, Monday through Wednesday, July 7-9 and July 14-16, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 1:30-3 p.m. These sessions give an invaluable boost and advance preparation for children entering kindergarten in the fall.  Registration is required by calling (619) 585-5760 or EMAIL

Children are invited to make their own super hero costumes for a Storytime and Costume Workshop on Thursday, July 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Library. After "suiting up" as their alter-egos, attendees can meet local super heroes - an officer and police dog from the Chula Vista Police Department's Canine Unit.

CAMPS, CRAFTS, AND COOKOUTS


Our Recreation Department has a vast number of fun summer happenings and entertaining events for you to choose from.  Some of the scheduled highlights include:

Otay Rec Center, 3554 Main Street, (619) 476-5325:  Free lunches and afternoon snacks for children ages 1-18, Monday-Friday through July 22.  Lunch is served 12:30-1:30 p.m. and snacks 2:30-3:30 p.m.  Free movie and popcorn night set for Wednesday, July 9, at 8 p.m.; free back to school BBQ on Wednesday, July 16, at 2 p.m.; and water balloon toss on Wednesday, July 23, at 2 p.m.
 
 Loma Verde Center, 1420 Loma Lane, (619) 691-5082:  Wii dance competition at 2:30 p.m.on July 2; 4th of July crafts at 2:30 p.m. on July 3; water balloon day on July 11, at 2:30 p.m.; back to school bingo at 2:30 p.m. on July 15; and back to school craft at 2:30 p.m. on July 18.

Norman Park Center, 270 F Street, ( 619) 691-5086:  Summer kick off picnic and dance on Thursday, July 3, from 12-3:30 p.m.  Tickets are $4 for residents, $5 for non-residents and space is limited.  Call (619) 409-1030 for information.  Movie Mondays 1-3 p.m. each Monday and line dance classes on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. add to the fun.

Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way, (619) 691-5083:  In addition to basketball and wet & wild camp, the center is hosting a free movie night on Friday, July 18. Come watch "The Lego Movie" in Memorial Bowl at 7:45 p.m.  Other events include Battle of the Bands on Saturday, July 19, at 10 a.m. -- all garage bands are welcome ($20 per band to register); volleyball workshop is set for July 7-17; and toddler playtime for children ages 24-36 months will be held July 7 through August 4, from 1-2:30 p.m.

Veterans Park Recreation Center, 785 East Palomar, (619) 691-5260:  Open recreation from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through July 18.  Activities include open gym basketball, game room, and arts and crafts.

Aquatics: Parkway, 385 Park Way, (619) 691-5088 and Loma Verde, 1420 Loma Lane, (619) 691-5081:  As a reward for the Soda Free Summer Challenge offered through July 25, CLICK HERE, where participants pledge not to drink sugary drinks for three weeks, all those who complete the challenge will receive a free movie ticket to a family movie at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.  The "Rethink Your Drink Family Movie Night" allows guests to enjoy a movie while relaxing in the heated pool!

Two other exciting offers this summer include Archery Camp, July 14-18 ($75 resident, $95 non-resident), and Introduction to Sailing Class, ($150 resident, $188 non-resident) on Saturdays, July 12-August 2.  For more information on these camps or other recreation classes, CLICK HERE.
DID YOU KNOW...  
  
... the Chula Vista Police Department has implemented a new security alarm program.  Effective July 1, citizens and business owners will be able to obtain permits, update permit information, pay permit fees and false alarm fines online, by mail or by telephone via PMAM Corporation. The Chula Vista Police Department Security Alarm program can be accessed online, CLICK HERE, or by telephone at (877) 503-6727. 
 
 ... until now, unused, unwanted paint has generally been managed through programs operated and paid for by local and state government agencies. However in 2012, a California state law was adopted to require the paint industry to develop a convenient, as well as financially and environmentally sustainable solution to manage unwanted paint. PaintCare, a non-profit organization, was formed to help. PaintCare has established hundreds of drop-off sites at paint retail stores, government-run household hazardous waste facilities, and other locations across California. Locally, five sites are available:  Dunn-Edwards, Sherwin-Williams, Vista Paint and the City's Household Hazardous Waste Facility.  To find a site near you and for more details, CLICK HERE, or call (855) 724-6809. 

 
... good eats and outdoor dining locations are plentiful in our beautiful city.  Dinner outside in the summer is relaxing and fun!  The latest new eatery is Fatburger located in the Chula Vista Center, 555 Broadway.  Do you think their "skinny fries" will offset the XXXL size burger and Cookies and Ice Cream milkshake?
  
... the Port of San Diego has issued an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) seeking a developer for a signature convention destination resort hotel as part of the Chula Vista Bayfront (CVB). The CVB project is one of the last great waterfront development opportunities in California and is creating a legacy destination for the public. It will transform 535 acres on San Diego Bay into a world-class destination for domestic and international visitors alike. For more information, CLICK HERE.
  
 ... the Chula Vista Fire Department will host a free CERT Academy to educate residents about disaster preparedness and recovery.  Topics include disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, disaster psychology, and terrorism. Attendees, 18 and over, must participate in all four training dates: July 29 and 31, from 6-9 p.m., and August 2 and 9, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Contact Hugo Bermudez, Program Manager, EMAIL or EMAIL.  Space is limited.
 
... our City is actively involved in the Cool California Challenge but we need your participation!  The Challenge awards points to residents for saving energy and reducing vehicle emissions.  And it's so easy...register online, CLICK HERE, input your energy and vehicle use data, track your savings and win prizes.  Currently we are #4; let's make Chula Vista really cool and go for #1!

   ... you can play your cards right during the Animal Care Facility's "Cat Sino Royale" July adoption event and find your new family member!  We have a "full house" and adoption fees for cats and kittens are only $25 (normal fee is $65).  Visit the facility at 130 Beyer Way on Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Come on...roll the dice for your new furry friend!
  
... applications are available for the annual Christmas in October event for low income, elderly, and/or disabled Chula Vista residents whose home is in need of minor repairs and renovations. Military veterans and their families are also encouraged to apply for the free renovations, provided by local corporations, individuals, foundations, and civic organizations. Houses may be painted, receive carpeting, windows, tile, pipes, water heaters, smoke detectors and more. Mobile homes are not eligible. To obtain an application, call (619) 691-5213, or pick one up at the front desk of Fire Administration, 276 Fourth Avenue, Building 300, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. until noon on Friday.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Independence Day Pancake Breakfast
  
All City offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, July 4, but you can spend the morning enjoying a delicious breakfast with firefighters! The Chula Vista Firefighter's Foundation (CVFF) will hold their Sixth Annual Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station Seven, 1640 Santa Venetia Street, from 8-11 a.m.  Firefighters will be serving pancakes, sausages, hash browns, coffee and juice for a suggested $5 donation.  All proceeds go to the CVFF to support fie safety, community programs and encourage fire suppression careers.  Parking is available at Otay Ranch High School, 1250 Olympic Parkway which is a few short blocks away from Station Seven.  Fire engine and truck displays and games for kids will also be included.
  
Summer Sunday Series
  
Village Walk at EastLake presents Summer Sunday on July 6 with a performance by The Earthmovers, Featuring Lady J, from 5-7 p.m.  Other events are Car Club exhibit by South Bay Cruisers, and a free "Art Apron" craft activity for children ages 12 and under as well as free face painting and free balloon sculptures, merchant food samples and giveaways.
  
Community Series at Petco Park
  
Help support Chula Vista and save $10 per ticket during the Chula Vista Community Series at Petco Park!  The next game benefiting the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation is Tuesday, July 29, at 7:10 p.m.  It's "Dog Days of Summer and Taco Tuesday."  See you at the ballpark!
  
Library Used Book Sale

Stop by the Civic Center branch of the Chula Vista Public Library, 365 F Street, on August 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or August 3, from 1- 4 p.m. and sift through the multitude of books ranging from children's books and fiction to encyclopedia sets. Most books range in price from ten cents to $1. Help the Friends of the Chula Vista Library raise money to purchase new books and support library programs while you take home a good read at the same time!

Farm to Bay Food & Wine Classic
  
The Living Coast Discovery Center hosts it's annual Farm to Bay Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, August 2, from 4-7:30 p.m. This fun, educational event is held at the Center and features sampling from over 30 restaurants, wineries, breweries and spirits as well as live musical performances on multiple stages, live and silent auctions, and up-close animal encounters. Tickets are on sale now for $75, CLICK HERE.  Last year's event completely sold out, so advanced tickets are highly recommended. 
 
Chula Vista Lemon Festival
  
The 18th Annual Lemon Festival is scheduled for Sunday, August 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is a fun, free family-oriented festival of lemons that spans six blocks of Third Avenue between E and G Streets and attracts over 30,000 people. The event features live entertainment, arts and crafts displays, children's activities, world-famous lemon pie eating contest, and much more. Come join us for a day of celebration and enjoy all that Third Avenue has to offer. For more information, CLICK HERE.
  
Harborfest 2014
  
Save the date of Saturday, August 16!  Harborfest is back and promises to be better than ever. The event will feature a wide array of activities for the entire family to enjoy.  Free to the public, this spectacular festival at Bayside Park in Chula Vista, from 11 a.m. to
8 p.m., will feature four exciting performance stages, engaging educational exhibits with interactive programs, playful harbor activites in the water, a fantastic youth zone and more!  This year's festival also includes special ticketed events - the Sustainable SeafoodFest and Wine and Spirits Garden!  CLICK HERE, or call 619) 233-5008 for more information.
This Edition:
Gazebos and Centers
Pool Safety
Summer Reading
Recreation Activities
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:  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

__________

  

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

__________   

  

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