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OUR NEW WEBSITE IS HERE!
"Easy to navigate;" "Cleaner and more modern;" Beautiful images;" and "It works well with mobile devices." These are some of the comments we are hearing upon the unveiling of the City's new website last month. The redesigned site, www.chulavistaca.gov, features many new options such as the "I Want To" page designed by City staff where you can apply, find, pay, renew, report, request, reserve, schedule and view a large variety of items. More than 30 online transactions and services are available. Our City social media feeds, Facebook and Twitter, are also prominently placed on the home page as well as City news releases and calendar of events.
The year-long redesign of the new website included a team of City employees from every department. The group streamlined their department pages, proofread, and made sure that users could easily navigate their pages before it went live in early February.
Last year, over 700,000 visitors accessed the City's website with over 10,000 people watching Chula Vista City Council meetings online. Navigating the new site on portable devices such as smart phones and tablets is easier than ever. Check it out!
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SMILE, YOU'RE ON CAMERA!
 Our dedicated Chula Vista police officers are exposed to a wide variety of encounters on a daily basis. Sometimes these encounters are not very pleasant. In an effort to maintain public trust and confidence, as well as protect officers against false allegations of misconduct, the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) is equipping its force with body-worn cameras.
Although CVPD tested cameras several years ago, and had purchased a few, Police Chief David Bejarano made it a top priority this year to equip our officers. Each patrol officer will have his/her own camera which now gives CVPD 120 body-worn cameras.
Two examples of how the body-worn cameras have worked in our City include a DUI officer conducting a field sobriety check showing the driver with slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and an unsteady gait. The driver denied the claims. When the incident went to court, the jury was shown the indisputable evidence from the officers' body-worn camera and the driver lost the case. The camera proved to be very powerful evidence!
In another situation, an agitated man armed with sticks challenged an officer to fight. Once the officer called for back-up and was able to take the man down to the ground - all while his body-worn camera was filming - the suspect then was arrested and plead guilty.
Besides traffic stops and arrests, other incidents are recorded on a case-by-case basis. At the end of each shift, officers download their day's video to be stored on the manufacturer's internet "cloud." Officers do not have access to edit the video, however, there are provisions to stop recording if no crime is occurring. Cloud storage and data management will cost the department about $90,000 each year.
Chief Bejarano said, "the use of body-worn cameras is an important advancement in policing. Community Policing is built on trust and partnerships with the community. The body-worn cameras demonstrate our commitment to having a professional department that is transparent and accountable. This technology also plays a critical role in the collection of evidence, leading to more successful investigations and prosecutions. We are proud and excited to be using technology that makes us more efficient, effective, and restores trust and confidence in policing."
CVPD is one of only four local agencies in the county to deploy body-worn cameras to all patrol officers.
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PASSPORTS R US
Are you heading to some exotic location in another country for spring break? Or maybe you are planning your family summer vacation and need passports. The Chula Vista Public Library Otay Ranch Branch is now open for passport processing in The Hub. Located in Suite 407 next to the food court, the Hub joins the Civic Center Branch Library as a passport processing center. The Hub will be open for passport business on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 5:45 p.m. on a walk-in basis.
Items that must be brought to the center include a completed UNSIGNED application (available at the center), evidence of U.S. citizenship, an official form of identification (such as a current valid driver's license), and passport photos. The Library also provides passport photo services for a $15 fee. For further information on the requirements for obtaining a U.S. passport, please check the Library's webpage, CLICK HERE.
Two payments will be requested per person: one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the City of Chula Vista for a $25 processing fee. Fees are $110 for adults for a passport book, $30 for a passport card or $140 for both and for children it is $80 for the book, $15 for the card or $95 for both. Personal checks or money orders are the only method of payment accepted - no credit cards, cash, or debit cards.
Stop by The Hub on Tuesday, March 10, for an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. Enjoy music, entertainment, a library book sale, light refreshments and apply for your passport!
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POLICE CHIEF NAMED PRESIDENT
Our Chula Vista Police Chief, David Bejarano, was elected President of the California Police Chiefs Association in late February. The one-year term to the distinguished group is a great compliment to the Chief who has served in leadership positions on various local, state, and national boards.
 "I am honored to lead the California Police Chiefs Association this year. We will continue to address issues related to the implementation of Public Safety Realignment, the passage of Proposition 47, and the recent turmoil surrounding national use of force," said Chief Bejarano. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on these and many other issues that impact the safety of California citizens."
The California Police Chiefs Association represents the state's municipal police chiefs whose agencies protect over 26 million Californians. Pictured are Citrus Heights Police Chief Chris Boyd (left), Chief Bejarano, and his wife, Esperanza Bejarano.
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DID YOU KNOW...
... if you are looking for a safe, fun environment for your child after school and one that helps with homework, check out the Heritage Park and Recreation Center at 1381 East Palomar Street. Open Rec & Read is offered Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and is open to children of all ages. No registration is necessary. For more information, call (619) 421-7032.
... you can nominate an individual or organization that works to improve Chula Vista's quality of life everyday by saving energy and water, protecting open space, reducing waste, and preventing pollution for a Chula Vista CLEAN Champion Award! All nominees must either live or work in Chula Vista. Nominations must be submitted by March 30. The award winners will be selected by the City's Resource Conservation Commission and recognized by the City Council at its April 28 meeting. For more information and the CLEAN Champion Award nomination form, please CLICK HERE. 
... beginning March 9, recreation registration is open. Classes run from April to June and include new offerings such as max interval training at Salt Creek for a ten week session ($126); senior weight training for those 55 and over ($63 for ten weeks); and non-contact Serevi rugby for ages 7 to 11 years old ($105 for eight weeks). CLICK HERE for registration information.
... Districting Commission workshops will be held the week of April 6. Please check the website, CLICK HERE, for times and locations.
... the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center is hosting the International Hockey Federation Men's World League Round 2 with quarterfinals set for Thursday, March 5, at 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Then Saturday, March 7, is the semifinals at 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Sunday, March 8, will be the finals at 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Come cheer on your USA team! Also in March, the OTC will see the USAV Beach Collegiate Challenge March 13-15 competing in sand volleyball. Practice on Friday, March 13 has TCU from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Hawaii 12 to 2 p.m.; and CSU Bakersfield 2 to 4 p.m. Competition Saturday has rounds at 9, 10, and 11 a.m., 12 and 1 p.m. with first round of 32 team bracket at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Sunday is second round at 9 and 9:50 a.m.; third round at 11:30 a.m.; semifinals at 1 p.m.; and finals at 2 p.m.
... kids ages 2 to 14 can participate in the Kids Firefighters Challenge on Saturday, March 14. Participants will pull a fire hose, go through tunnels, crawl  through the educational fire trailer and more! The event cost is $20 per person and 100% of the proceeds benefit the YMCA's Annual Support Campaign. Held at Fire Station #4, 850 Paseo Ranchero, registration begins at 8 a.m. and the event at 9 a.m. Pre-register at any Chula Vista Fire Station, the South Bay Family YMCA, CLICK HERE, or on the day of the event.
... tickets will soon be available for the annual Bon Appetit event featuring wine tasting, restaurant sampling, live and silent auctions to benefit the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation. Save the date of Saturday, May 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. and stay tuned for details!
... with funding support through federal Community Development Block Grants, the City's Housing Section has partnered with the San Diego Urban Corps to create the new "Green Street Chula Vista" program. The program supports neighborhood revitalization by providing energy and safety upgrades (up to a $3,000 value) to income-eligible homeowners at no charge. Improvements may include weather stripping, window replacement, smoke detectors, hood vents, water heater blankets, low-flow faucet aerators and shower heads, and minor electrical and plumbing repairs. Funds are limited, so apply today!
Applicants who have received a previous grant or loan from the City of Chula Vista and mobile homes do not qualify for the program. Preference will be given to applications for upgrade projects located in western Chula Vista. For more information and income eligibility guidelines, please CLICK HERE, or contact Vinitha Jagtab, San Diego Urban Corps, at (619) 235-6884, ext. 3504.
... City offices and facilities will be closed on Tuesday, March 31, in honor of Cesar Chavez. Trash pick-up in the City will not be affected and emergency operations will continue as usual. Southwestern Community College and the Chicano Latino Coalition will celebrate Cesar Chavez Day with the 11th Annual Scholarship Breakfast on Friday, March 27. Contact Lourdes Sevilla for tickets via EMAIL.
... City pools will have extended hours during the upcoming public schools spring break, March 21 through April 3. Parkway Aquatic Center, located at 385 Park Way, will be open for adult lap swim on Sunday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and family  recreation swim Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Loma Verde Aquatic Center, located at 1420 Loma Lane, will offer adult lap swim Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Family Recreation Swim at Loma Verde is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
City recreation centers will also have extended hours during the break; check your local center for times.
... Norman Park Center is looking for teachers for upcoming computer classes. They are offering beginning and intermediate computer classes in April and May. If you have an interest in teaching computer classes, please call (619) 409-1930. Thanks for volunteering your services!
...the Princess Project Prom Dress Drive is still in effect at the South Chula Vista Branch Library, 389 Orange Avenue. Donate your new or gently worn prom dress to local teens who can't afford one.
Gowns must be in excellent condition; all sizes, fabrics and colors are accepted. Also needed are stylish jewelry, purses and wraps.
Drop off your donation during regular library hours of Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
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Heart Disease and You
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Learn ways to prevent heart disease at the Your Heart, Your Life series scheduled for Monday, March 9, 16 and 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Norman Park Center, 270 F Street. Register for the free event in person at the Center or online, CLICK HERE
Singing Seniors Show 
Singing Seniors St. Patrick's Performance is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The free show features a medley of Irish songs at the Norman Park Center.
Master Composter Course
Beginning Wednesday, March 11, a seven week hands-on master composter training course will begin. No experience is needed and includes instruction, lectures, field trips and discussion. Call (619) 476-2409 for more information.
Hip Hop Happenings
A free Hip Hop Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, at 5 p.m. for children of all ages. The event, held at Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way, is a good introduction for the Center's new Hip Hop class that begins April 8 for kids ages 6-13.
Taste of Third
 Bring your walking shoes and your appetite to the Third Avenue Village Association's 18th annual food event on Thursday, March 12. Taste of Third, from 4 to 8 p.m., allows ticketholders to stroll Third Avenue from H to E Street, enjoying tastings at 19 Village eateries. For a complete list of participating eateries, CLICK HERE. Taste of Third tickets are now on sale at the Third Avenue Village Association office. Tickets are $20, and the event usually sells out, so get yours now!
Scavenger Hunt
Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, will host a free St. Patrick's Scavenger Hunt on Tuesday, March 17, at 3 p.m. Participants with the most success in finding hidden items will win a great prize! For more information, call the center at (619) 409-1999. 
State of the City
Everyone is invited to Mayor Mary Casillas Salas' first State of the City address on Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. Can't attend the event? Watch it live on streaming video, CLICK HERE, or on television (only in the City of Chula Vista) on Cox Communications Channel 24 or AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.
Lunch time!
Norman Park Center is hosting its annual potato bake and chili event on Wednesday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 for Chula Vista residents and $6 for non-residents, and are on sale now at the Center or online, CLICK HERE.
Otay Egg Hunt
A Spring Eggstravaganza is planned at the Otay Recreation Center on Friday, March 20, at 2:30 p.m. The free event is for kids ages 7-12, and a grand prize will be awarded to whoever collects the most plastic eggs.
Library Book Sale
Stop by the Civic Center Library, 365 F Street, March 20-22 for the Friends of the Library book sale. Hours are Friday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. Don't miss the chance for some cheap good reads and more!
Eucalyptus Dog Park
 Join us as we celebrate the opening of the Dog Park at Eucalyptus Park, Fourth and C Street, on Saturday March 21, beginning at 11 a.m. There will be an official ribbon cutting along with light refreshments. The Chula Vista Animal Care Facility Spay Shuttle will be onsite for animal adoptions. If you have a four-legged friend, or if you are thinking of adopting one, stop by to celebrate the City's newest Dog Park.
Basketball 3 on 3 Tournament
A 3 on 3 basketball tournament will be held on Saturday, March 21, at Salt Creek Community Center. Four age divisions are planned: 13-15; 16-8; 19-34; and 35 and over. Contact Parkway Center at (619) 409-1980, or Salt Creek (619) 585-5739, for more details.
KinderReadyGo!
Kindergarten Boot Camp will be held at the South Chula Vista Branch Library, 389  Orange Avenue, on Monday-Friday, March 23-27, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. These free sessions will prepare your child for kindergarten with activities that foster social/emotional, cognitive, and motor skills. For children ages 4 and 5. Contact Diana Isla at (619) 585-5760 to register.
Women in Solar
Grid Alternatives is a non-profit organization which provides solar power for low-income families across the United States while also offering volunteers and job trainees hands-on solar installation experience. The City of Chula Vista has partnered with Grid Alternatives and SunEdison to promote their Women in Solar Initiative to bring more women into the solar industry and support them in their professional advancement. Our Conservation Section will host an orientation for women who wish to volunteer on Thursday, March 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Building C, 276 Fourth Avenue, Room B112. The training will help volunteers on a solar installation later at a Chula Vista home. For more information or to register, please contact Barbara Locci at (619) 691-5134, or EMAIL. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Free Compost Give-Away
Spring is almost here and all gardeners will be interested in the Mulch Madness - Compost Give-Away event set for Saturday, March 28. Bring your own shovels, buckets, containers and tarps to load your compost at the Otay Landfill Customer Convenience area, 1700 Maxwell Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until supplies last. This give-away is for Chula Vista residents and non-landscaping Chula Vista businesses only. For more information, please call (619) 691-5122.
Happy Hoppy Lunch
 Children over 4 years of age are invited to have lunch with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $9 for Chula Vista residents and $12 for non-residents. Call Parkway Community Center at (619) 409-1980 for details.
Special St. Patty's Potluck
Children with special needs are invited to a St. Patty's Day Potluck Picnic on Saturday, March 28. The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at Heritage Park and Community Center and guests are asked to bring an appetizer to share. Children with physical and developmental disabilities will enjoy games, crafts and fun! Register in person at any Chula Vista recreation center or online,CLICK HERE. For more information, call (619) 421-7032.
Spring Break Camp
Salt Creek Recreation Center is hosting a multi-sport Spring Break Camp from Monday, March 30-Friday, April 3. Designed for kids ages 6-12, the emphasis on the half-day camp will be on good sportsmanship and teamwork. Games include basketball, kick ball, ping pong, football, soccer and more. No camp on Tuesday, March 31, due to City holiday. Participants will need to provide their own snack and drink. Register online, CLICK HERE, or call (619) 585-5739.
Easter Egg Hunt in Eastlake
The Chula Vista Firefighters will be holding their annual Easter Egg Hunt on  Saturday, April 4, at Mt. San Miguel Park in Eastlake. The Easter Egg Hunt is open to all children 12 and under who live in Chula Vista. Space in the egg hunt is limited, so those wishing to participate must pick up a ticket to the event at your neighborhood Chula Vista fire station. For more details, please visit the Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation website, CLICK HERE, or follow the Foundation on Facebook.
SPRING YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD THIS WEEKEND; TIME CHANGES SUNDAY, MARCH 8!
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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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