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FIRE PREVENTION: SMOKE ALARMS
The Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) wants to remind residents that working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire. That's the message behind this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!"
Along with firefighters and safety advocates nationwide, CVFD is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, to remind local residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly.
According to the latest NFPA research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
"In a fire, seconds count," said Acting Fire Chief Jim Geering. "Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out."
This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign includes the following smoke alarm messages:
* Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home.
* Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do.
* Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
* Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don't respond properly.
* Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.
To learn more about smoke alarms, visit the NFPAs website, CLICK HERE.
In an effort to help promote the "Working Smoke Alarms Saves Lives!" campaign, CVFD will be hosting its annual Open House on Fire Prevention Day, Saturday, October 4. The family-friendly event, featuring a variety of activities and fire prevention information, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station #4, 850 Paseo Ranchero, in the Rancho del Rey neighborhood.
Along with smoke alarms, another important step to protecting your property from a potential fire is having a defensible space of at least 100 feet. Tips on how to do this are included in the City's "Ready, Set, Go!" wildfire action plan. Be "ready" with defensible space, be "set" by creating an action plan with your family and "go" if fire is threatening your home or you are ordered to leave by officials. To learn all about the Ready, Set, Go! plan, CLICK HERE.
Please be aware that some areas behind your home may be environmentally protected and cannot have all the vegetation removed. Call Public Works at (619) 397-6000 for open space questions or concerns. |
BRUSH CLEARANCE IN RICE CANYON
More Fire related news and an example of a City fire hazard area is Rice Canyon. It presents a unique fire safety challenge as adjacent construction was completed prior to CA Fire Code 49, "Requirements for Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area." Since construction, open space areas within the canyons have accumulated leaves, plants, and roots near residential structures.
The Rice Canyon area is a natural preserve protected by the Multiple Species Conservation Subarea Plan (MSCP) adopted in 2003. Thick stands of native lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia) and non-native acacia shrubs (Acacia redolens) as well as non-native grasses and other weeds, with slopes up to 55 percent, have increased wildfire fuel buildup in the area between the residences around Rice Canyon and the preserve area.
Chula Vista Public Works Department's Open Space Unit has established and maintained a 10-foot clear area within the wildland-urban interface and outside the Rice Canyon preserve over the years. However, this 10-foot brush clearance is inadequate to provide access for the Fire Department to defend the homes on the canyon's rim in the event of a fire. The MSCP provides guidelines for fuel load reduction in these areas.
Now, thanks to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, obtained through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the City of Chula Vista will be performing brush clearance behind homes around Rice Canyon from October 13, 2014, to January 30, 2015. The upcoming brush clearance project will provide fuel load reduction from the property line toward the canyon and will make it possible to create a more sustainable fuel management program around Rice Canyon.
For more information on brush clearance in Rice Canyon, contact Public Works Operations at (619) 397-6000. |
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STARLIGHT PARADE RETURNS
Everybody loves a parade and the long-standing tradition of Chula Vista's Starlight Parade was always a crowd pleaser. First held in the 1940s, the parade was the only night-time parade in San Diego County and drew thousands of people to Third Avenue. However, due to road construction and financial constraints, the parade was cancelled the past two years. Now for the good news... the parade is back this year!
The City is collaborating with the Third Avenue Village Association (TAVA) to hold the Starlight Parade following TAVAs Holiday in the Village festival on Saturday, December 6. Holiday in the Village will be held from noon to 5 p.m. in Memorial Park and at participating merchants along Third Avenue. Then pick your spot along Third Avenue between H and E Streets for the Starlight Parade which begins at 6 p.m. See you in downtown Chula Vista on December 6! |
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OCTOBER IS RIDESHARE MONTH
 Throughout October, the City and iCommute San Diego are working to increase the community's awareness and adoption of sustainable transportation choices. Residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to try alternative transportation - such as carpooling, vanpooling, public transit, teleworking, walking, and bicycling - to commute to work, school, or around the neighborhood. These transportation options can help save money and time for commuters and improve Chula Vista's air quality.
To help you get started, iCommute will be hosting a "Rideshare Roadshow" event in Chula Vista on Wednesday, October 8, at the Chula Vista Center (Broadway and H Street) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Stop by to find out what commute choices are available to you, sign up for a free iCommute account, and enter to win a bike from Bicycle Warehouse, valued at $450!
Visit the iCommute website, CLICK HERE, for free carpool ride matching services, vanpool incentives, bikeway maps, and teleworking information. More information is also available, CLICK HERE, or by calling the City's Conservation Section at (619) 409-3893. |
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WHAT'S FOR DINNER?
If you're tired of hearing "what's for dinner" as soon as you walk in the door, maybe some of these new dining establishments can help! The latest new eateries include
La Tequila, 89 Bonita Road, part of the Karina's Seafood restaurant group, CLICK HERE; Filippi's Pizza Grotto EastLake, 871 Showroom Place, #102 (in the District near  Sky Zone and Floaties Swim School), (619) 397-5000; and Chef Flor's Zarco Cocina de Baja at 277 Third Avenue, (619) 934-5700.
But maybe cooking dinner is your stress reliever. In that case, head on over to the new Grocery Outlet store at 1340 Third Avenue in the former Foodland Mercado building. Grocery Outlet passes savings on to its customers by buying surplus food and household goods. The grand opening celebration will be held on Saturday, October 4. Store hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. |
DID YOU KNOW...
.. our city receives limited federal grant funds each year to use for housing and community development projects that benefit our low and moderate income families. We are conducting a survey so you can have a voice in how the City spends these funds. For more information on the federal grant funds or to stay involved in this planning process, please contact Angélica Davis, Project Coordinator, EMAIL. We appreciate your interest in your city! Hurry -- survey closes on October 31! CLICK HERE for the survey.
... children ages 12-18 have a unique opportunity to participate in the Introduction to Sailing class offered October 11 to November 1. The Saturday sailing course will be held at the Chula Vista Yacht Club, located at 642 Marina Parkway, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The course teaches basic sailing for the beginner and intermediate sailors, boating safety and responsibility, boat maintenance and boat crew skill on large boats. Cost is $155 for residents and $188 for non-residents. Sign up now, CLICK HERE, or call (619) 409-1999. ... your annual sewer bill is based on your home's average water use from November through April. So by reducing your water use indoors and outdoors during this time period, you will be helping to lower your sewer costs throughout the year! There are rebates available to help you switch to more efficient washing machines, toilets, weather-based irrigation controllers, and landscaping. Apply for water conservation rebates today, CLICK HERE. Need more ideas for saving water around your home? Schedule a free water evaluation through the City's Conservation Section at (619) 409-3893 or EMAIL.
... a bilingual art class for artists of any level is being offered at Norman Park Center, 270 F Street. Class will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. by artist Ofelia Alvarado and is designed for both Spanish and English speakers. Bring your own supplies. Also at Norman Park is shuffleboard every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. Games are perfect for people of all different skill levels and athletic abilities. Call (619) 409-1930 for more information on either class.
... registration is now open for the annual clean-up event, Beautify Chula Vista, set for Saturday, October 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Choose your site: Rice Canyon at Discovery Park, 700 Buena Vista Way, or Harborside Park, 670 Oxford Street, to pick up litter, clean up graffiti and remove weeds. You need to provide your own transportation to the location, snacks or lunch, and work gloves if possible. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours! Volunteers must pre-register for the event, CLICK HERE. For more information, EMAIL, or call (619) 291-0103. ... Parkway Community Center is offering new fall classes including full body exercise,  pilates, guitar lessons and hip hop as well as old favorites such as judo, karate, Hawaiian dance and tumbling. Stop by the center at 373 Park Way for more information or call (619) 409-1980. ... your Chula Vista Public Library now has Zinio for Libraries! What is Zinio? It's the world's largest newsstand offered through the library's website, CLICK HERE. Chula Vista Library card holders have unlimited, free, multi-user access to more than 100 digital magazines, easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices. Titles as diverse as Better Homes & Gardens, Car and Driver, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Forbes, Men's Health, National Geographic and Rolling Stone are available for free, along with a number of magazines in Spanish. ... there's still time for boys and girls ages 8-14 to register for winter/spring youth coed basketball league. Fee is $95 for the first child and $75 for each additional child from the same family. Register by October 10, CLICK HERE. ... the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center (CVOTC) hosted a BMX Supercross World Cup event in late September and is now preparing to host the NORCECA Beach Volleyball tournament October 3-5. Top beach volleyball duos from throughout North America, Central America and the Caribbean will face off on the volleyball courts at the CVOTC beginning at 9 a.m. each day. The tournament is open to spectators and there is no admission charge! CLICK HERE for more details.  ... beginning October 7 through December, Salt Creek Recreation Center, located at 2710 Otay Lakes Road, is offering a monthly After School Tutoring program. Designed for students ages 6-14, sessions will be held each Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. A trained tutor will teach skills and behaviors for academic success as well as assist your child with their subject of difficulty. Fee for the month (either October or November) is $25 and $19 for the month of December. Space is limited; please CLICK HERE to register. ... there's always something fun and entertaining at the Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive (foot of E Street). This month features Happy Hatching Day on October 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to honor the Eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtles who are turning five years old! There will be celebration cakes, fun turtle themed games and story time. Then on October 25, you can participate in evening trail walks, creepy critter encounters and things that go bump in the night at the Mysterious Midnight on the Marsh! This family overnight event begins at 5:45 p.m. and ends the next morning with breakfast and more wildlife opportunities. CLICK HERE to register or call (619) 409-5908. ... Learn to Play Field Hockey is being offered to boys and girls ages 4-13 to teach them how to play hockey and how to use the equipment. Two classes will be held on Saturday mornings at Salt Creek Community Center: 9 to 10 a.m. for 4-8 year olds, and 10 to 11 a.m. for 9-13 year olds. The session runs from October 11-December 6. Registration is $64 for Chula Vista residents; CLICK HERE to register. |
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Cheap Reads
Friends of the Library will be conducting a Used Book Sale at the Civic Center Library, 365 F Street, selling children's books for only 10˘, paperbacks 25-50˘ and hardcover books $1. Videos and other miscellaneous will also be available. Hours are October 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and October 5, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Fire Open House
Save the date for the Fire Department's annual Open House on Saturday, October 4,  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, family friendly event will be held at Fire Station #4, 850 Paseo Ranchero, in the Rancho del Rey neighborhood. Observe live fire department demonstrations, fire equipment displays, and fire prevention exhibits. Children will enjoy rides on the "Little Fire Truck," the fire safety program in a specially designed house, and puppet shows demonstrating fire prevention and safety.
Oktober Fiesta!
Get your tickets now for the Chula Vista Rotary's unique Mariachi Oktober Fiesta set for Saturday, October 4, from 12 to 4 p.m. in Memorial Bowl. This family-friendly, fun-filled event will feature Mexican and German food, music and cultural experiences. Live Mariachi bands, bratwursts and beer, tacos and tequila will be available at this downtown Chula Vista fiesta. Tickets are $50 which includes entertainment, food and drink, or $10 for general admission for the music concert entertainment only. CLICK HERE for more details.
Two workshops to help you learn about new media and technology are offered by the Voice of San Diego. The free workshops will be held on Tuesdays, October 7 and 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street. Choose your date and register, EMAIL.
CarFit
 Older drivers are invited to a free check on how their cars "fit" them for optimal safety and comfort. Sponsored by the Norman Park Center and AARP, the event will be held on Thursday, October 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center. Learn your proper steering wheel tilt, head restraint, visual blind spots and more from a trained CarFit technician. The CarFit check takes approximately 15-20 minutes and is not a driving evaluation. Appointments are required and can be made by
calling (619) 641-7020.
Maximize Your Brain Strength
When people think about staying fit, they generally think about the body from the neck down. However, the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do. Plan to attend this presentation by the Alzheimer's Association of San Diego to learn what you can do to help keep your brain healthier. Scheduled for Friday, October 10, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Norman Park Center. Call (619) 409-1930 to reserve your seat.
Cancer is Everyone's Concern
Learn ways to increase prevention of cancer, warning signs, symptoms and treatment options on Monday, October 13, at 10 a.m. Sponsored by the Norman Park Center and Scripps Health, reserve your seat by calling (619) 409-1930.
Men's Health Discussion Group
Participants choose the topic regarding men's health at this monthly discussion to be held on Monday, October 13, from 12:15 to 2 p.m. at the Norman Park Center. Come hear general health advice specific to men led by Dr. Rosenblatt of Scripps Health Center. Call (619) 409-1930 for more information.
Districting Commission Meeting
The public is invited to the next meeting of the Chula Vista Districting Commission to be held on Monday, October 13, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue. The Commission, which has been formed to select and recommend four City Council districts to be used in future City elections, will meet monthly on the second Monday. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Swimming for Little Ones
Toddler Aquatics is scheduled from October 14-23, on Tuesday and Thursday, at the  Loma Verde Aquatic Center, 1420 Loma Lane. Geared for children ages two and three, toddlers will learn skills such as submersion and survival floating, as well as an introduction to the fundamentals of swimming. The one-on-one series includes four 15-minute classes at a cost of $40 for Chula Vista residents.
Climate Action Public Forum
The City's Climate Change Working Group will be hosting a public forum on Tuesday, October 14, at the Civic Center Library Auditorium, 365 F Street, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The forum will feature a presentation by Dr. Emily Young on the San Diego Foundation's recent report, "San Diego, 2050 Is Calling. How Will We Answer?," which reviews the impacts from the region's changing climate and opportunities to manage it. The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the Climate Change Working Group's draft recommendations to help reduce Chula Vista's carbon footprint. Potential recommendations include increasing incentives for indoor water conservation, implementing a Zero Waste Plan, delivering more "green" electricity through the grid, and designating preferred parking for alternative fuel vehicles. The first 20 attendees will receive a free indoor water/energy savings kit! For more information, please contact the City's Conservation Section at (619) 409-3893, or EMAIL.
Decorate Your Own Pumpkin
Participants are invited to bring an uncarved pumpkin to the Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, on Wednesday, October 15, at 3 p.m. Supplies will be provided to decorate your show stopping pumpkin! (619) 409-1999.
Therapeutics Monster Mash
Therapeutics is hosting a Monster Mash dance at Parkway Community Center on
Saturday, October 18. The dance is for those ages five and up and will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wear your costume and dance to your favorite tunes. There will be refreshments and raffle prizes. Fee is $6 for resident and $10 for non-resident.
Call (619) 421-7032 for more information.
Ideas to Action - the Chula Vista Conversation Continues
Part two of the community forum continues on Monday, October 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Otay Ranch Branch Library's new Hub community room. Located near the food court at the Otay Ranch Town Center, the program will be facilitated again by political science professor and political analyst Carl Luna. Discussion will focus on the list of ideas presented at the May forum on how to improve the image of Chula Vista and how to bring those ideas to reality. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is from 5:30 to 6 p.m. For more information, call (619) 691-5170.
Halloween Face Painting
Bring the kids by Otay Recreation Center on Tuesday, October 21, at 3 p.m. for free Halloween face painting! Choices include pumpkins, bats, spiders and ghosts. (619) 409-1999.
Heritage Halloween Activities
 Heritage Community Center, 1381 East Palomar Street, will host a pumpkin decorating and costume contest. Wear your favorite costume and we will provide the pumpkin to decorate! The event will be held on Friday, October 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. Please register by October 22 at (619) 421-7032.
Fall Fest
Everyone is invited to the free Fall Fest at Loma Verde Recreation Center, 1420 Loma Lane, on Friday, October 24. From 3 to 5 p.m., enjoy activities for all ages including games, prizes, food, photos and a costume contest. For more information, call (619) 409-1939.
Haunted Library
Haunters will lead tours for the fearless through the Civic Center Branch Library's spooky and spine-tingling auditorium! For ages 12 and over, this free event is scheduled for Monday, October 27 through Thursday, October 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. Stop by...it will be "spooktacular!"
Halloween Carnival for Tots
Preschoolers (ages 3-5) are invited to a free Halloween carnival on Thursday, October 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Otay Recreation Center. Costumes are optional for this fun event featuring activities, face painting, and more! (619) 409-1999.
Family Halloween Carnival
The entire family is invited to wear their costumes to a Halloween carnival at the Civic Center Branch Library on Thursday, October 30. Enjoy this free, family activity from  5 to 7 p.m. with crafts, games, prizes and a live action story. (619) 691-5069.
Grade 3-6 Costume Contest
Children in grades 3-6 are encouraged to enter a free Halloween costume contest on Friday, October 31, at Otay Recreation Center. The fun begins at 2 p.m. with judging in the following categories: funniest, cutest, scariest and most creative. (619) 409-1999.
Halloween Carnival at Parkway
Family fun is planned for Friday, October 31, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Parkway Recreation Center, 373 Park Way. Wear your costume and enjoy a costume contest, photos, games and food. Game tickets are 25˘ each or five for $1. (619) 409-1980. |
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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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