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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. Have you ever wondered 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.
On Saturday, April 25, the Otay Ranch Town Center will be hosting all day events to promote active lifestyles, healthy families, and environmental stewardship. The combined events include the City's Go Green & Clean Family Day, South Bay Family YMCA's Healthy Kids Day, and the EastLake Educational Foundation's Cycle EastLake and Half Marathon. Events scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until supplies last where applicable) are:
* Grocery Bag Exchange - bring used plastic grocery bags to receive one new reusable bag.
* Electronic Household Hazardous Waste, Tire Collection and Prescription Drug Take Back - dispose of antifreeze, batteries, oil, paint, electronics, fluorescent lights/tubes, unwanted tires (up to 9 passenger tires) and expired/unused prescription medicine. The following will NOT be accepted: gasoline, diesel, gas tanks, pesticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, thinners, degreasers or sharps.
* Oil Change Kits - while supplies last.
* Energy Roadshow - visit the trailer to learn about efficient sustainable materials for your home.
* Discounted LED Bulb Sale - purchase discounted energy efficient LED bulbs from an SDG&E vendor; 3 packs for $10.
Other upcoming events include: 
* Saturday, April 18, 8 a.m. to noon - WaterSmart San Diego Plant Fair at the Home Depot, 1320 Eastlake Parkway;
* Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Earth Fair in Balboa Park;
* Friday, April 24, 9 a.m. to noon - Arbor Day Tree Planting Event: CLICK HERE for locations or call (619) 397-6006 for more information;
* Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to noon - Creek to Bay Cleanup. Sites include Bay Boulevard Park, Rice Canyon, Bayfront Park, and Sweetwater River. To register, CLICK HERE;
* Saturday, April 25, 9:30 a.m. - Carbon Nation film to air at the HUB community room at the Otay Ranch Branch Library;
* Tuesday, April 28, 4 to 5 p.m. - CLEAN Championship Awards recognized at City Council meeting in Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue.
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 to 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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DISTRICTING COMMISSION WORKSHOPS
The Chula Vista Districting Commission, formed to recommend four City Council districts to be used in future City elections, will hold five public workshops in April to gain community input on districting boundaries. The Commission is overseeing a process for holding public meetings, proposing districts, conducting public outreach, and finalizing recommendations to submit to the City Council. The workshops will be held April 7 through 9, at 6 p.m., and April 11, at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
At the public input hearings, the Commission's consultants will provide a brief training for all attendees and an opportunity for attendees to look at maps and data before providing testimony. Participants will be able to fill out a form that describes their neighborhood or community of interest to submit to the Commission or they can tell the Commission about it in person. The workshops will be conducted in English and as a courtesy to residents, oral translation will be provided in Spanish, Filipino, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese. Materials will be provided in English, Spanish, Filipino, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese as well.
Workshops are scheduled as follows:
Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m., Bonita Vista Middle School (new location), 650 Otay Lakes Road;
Wednesday, April 8, 6 p.m., Women's Center, 357 G Street;
Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m., Otay Ranch Library The HUB, 2015 Birch Road
Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m., MAAC Charter School, 1385 Third Avenue
Saturday, April 11, 3 p.m., Greg Rogers Elementary, 510 East Naples
For those who can't attend a workshop, comments can be provided in writing and submitted via EMAIL, fax (619) 409-5884, mail or in person to Chula Vista Districting Commission c/o City Clerk, 276 Fourth Avenue, Bldg. A, Chula Vista, 91910, or at City Hall. Messages also may be left on the Districting Commission's phone line at (619) 409-1946. Visit the website, CLICK HERE, for more information.
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APRIL POOLS DAY
The City of Chula Vista is kicking off Drowning Prevention Month with an April Pools Day event on Saturday, April 18, 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 demonstrations from the Chula Vista Fire and Recreation Departments, as well as 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 swim lessons by calling (619) 409-1983, or EMAIL prior to Friday, April 17, 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.
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REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES
"We must remember these American Heroes. We can never forget those who sacrificed everything for our freedom." This quote, from Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University, is the reason behind the University's sponsorship of traveling exhibits across the nation including California's that will be coming to Chula Vista in May. A very emotional display, "Remembering Our Fallen," is a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by 710 fallen soldiers from California who were killed in the War on Terror since the Twin Towers fell on September 11, 2001. Seventy-seven of those were from San Diego County including 15 women, and several were from Chula Vista and the surrounding South Bay communities.
The 125-foot long exhibit, featuring military and personal photos of the fallen on both sides, will be on public display in the Veteran's Wing of the Chula Vista Civic Library from Sunday, May 3, through Thursday, May 14. The library is located at 365 F Street, and  operating hours are Monday-Thursday from 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. Marine Corps League Detachment 1207 will constantly be on guard during the exhibit.
A separate area of tribute will be set up to honor the fallen heroes from the South Bay area including Cpl. Salem Bachar, Sgt. Michael Idanan, Ssg. Kristofferson Lorenzo, Sgt. Michael "Mike" Martinez, Ssg. Joshua Mattero, Spc. Curtis Spivey, Sgt. Charles Wycoff Jr., Cpl. Erik Silva, and Spc. Matthew Holley.
The public is invited to the opening ceremony which will be held on Monday, May 4, at 1 p.m. in the Library. Special presentations include Chula Vista Elks Club #2011 presenting the Elks Medal of Valor to the families of fallen soldiers from San Diego.
In addition to Marine Detachment 1207 and the Chula Vista Elks, the "Remembering our Fallen" exhibit is made possible locally by American Legion Post 434, VFW Post 2111, and the Ladies of the Auxiliary, Military Order of the Purple Heart Unit 49. For more information on the exhibit, CLICK HERE.
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DID YOU KNOW...
...two new establishments in our fine city include Novo Brazil Brewery, CLICK HERE, opening mid to late April at 901 Lane Avenue. They will feature 13 beers on tap, a tasting room open noon to midnight and gourmet food trucks Tuesday-  Sunday. Cheers! And if beer isn't your thing, how about some delicious coffee? Cool Down Coffee, CLICK HERE, 750 E Street at the E Street Trolley Station, is now open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring freshly ground organic coffee, smoothies, bagels, and sandwiches, stop by for a real treat!
...the Futbol Factory, located at 2390 Boswell Road, Suite #400 in Chula Vista, offers soccer classes for kids ages 4-17 at their state-of-the art facility. In addition to classes, there is also a conference room available which seats 35-40 and week-long summer camps that run from June to August. For more information, CLICK HERE, or call (619) 271-3246.
...tickets are available for the Chula Vista Public Library (CVPL) Foundation's Bon Appetit set for Saturday, May 2. Featuring wine tasting, restaurant sampling, live and silent auctions, this annual event is a big hit! Held in the Otay Ranch Town Center food pavilion, from 5 to 9 p.m., proceeds benefit the CVPL foundation. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at any library branch or at the door. For more information, CLICK HERE, or call (619) 691-5170.
...Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way, is gearing up for Spring Recreation classes with new offerings such as Hip Hop (two classes: one for ages 6-12 and one for those 13 and up); Kids in the Kitchen for ages 8-13; Boogie Baby for 1-3  year olds; and Mom & Me Ballet/Tap for ages 2-4. Other favorites include Tiny Tots, Judo, Karate, Ballet Folklorico, Hawaiian Dance, Cheerleading, Youth Soccer and Basketball. Classes begin the first week of April so sign up now, CLICK HERE, or call (619) 409-1980!
... California law requires local agencies to conduct their business out in the open, and to give the public an opportunity for input. City officials - including mayor, councilmembers, and members of city boards and commissions - must also comply with state and local ethics standards. Learn more about these topics at an upcoming Chula Vista City Council workshop May 14, at 5 p.m. at the Chula Vista Council Chambers, located at 276 Fourth Avenue. Presentations will be given and questions answered by Chula Vista City Attorney Glen Googins, and Deputy City Attorney III, Simon Silva. Although the focus will be on training City councilmembers and other city officials, the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
...the seventh annual Chula Vista Fun Run will be held on Saturday, May 16, at the U.S. Olympic training Center in Chula Vista. Run, walk, or stroll with Olympians  and bring Fido (on a leash of course!) Following the race, enjoy a community expo with food, fun and music, a silent auction, opportunity drawing, and a pancake breakfast for only $5. Registration, which is $15 per person, includes a t-shirt; children age 3 and under are free. For more details and to register, CLICK HERE.
...if you have library fines and also want to reduce your electricity costs, the Chula Vista Public Library can help! Through the month of April, the Library, in conjunction with the City's Conservation section and SDG&E, are hosting a "LED Bulbs for Fines" program. The library will allow patrons to erase up to $15 in fines by bringing in the receipt from a purchase of LED light bulbs (must be purchased from a Chula Vista retailer.) LED bulbs are typically 75% more energy efficient than incandescent lights, making them a cost effective way to reduce your energy bill!
...thanks to the Chula Vista Friends of Parks and Recreation, adult lap swim hours at Parkway Aquatic Center, 385 Park Way, have been expanded until June 5. The program is offered Tuesday and Thursday from 12 to 2 p.m. Cost is $4 per swim or $24 for 10 swims; senior admission is $3 per swim or $18 for 10 swims.
...registration is open for Chula Vista adult sports teams including golf, basketball, and softball/kickball held at various sites during the spring. Fees, registration and start dates are as follows: Golf ($175 per team) registration ends April 27 and play starts May 4; Basketball ($310 per team) registration ends April 22 and play starts May 6; Softball/Kickball ($435 per team) registration ends April 13 and play starts April 20. For more information and to register, CLICK HERE, or call (619) 691-5052.
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Movie Time!
Kids can enjoy a free movie with popcorn at the Otay Club Rec hour on Friday, April 3, at 1 p.m. The movie "The Book of Life," will be shown at the Otay Recreation Center located at 3554 Main Street.
Get Fit with Frances
Frances teaches this intensive fitness class for those age 18 and over designed to help you achieve your fitness goals. The class is focused on weight training while adding in aerobic exercises and concepts. Classes will be held on Tuesday morning from 9 to 9:50 a.m. from Tuesday, April 7-June 9 at Salt Creek Recreation Center, 2710 Otay Lakes Road. The fee is $40 for Chula Vista residents and $50 for non-residents. To register, CLICK HERE, or call (619) 585-5739.
Cartoon Character Class
Here's a great opportunity for those budding young artists: learn to sketch from the former art director of design for custom comics at DC Comics! Held on Tuesday  from 5 to 5:50 p.m. at Salt Creek Recreation Center, the ten week class is for 7-12 year olds. Features include drawing fundamentals, learning how to draw using geometric shapes, working with volume, shading, and building a sketchbook of characters. Class begins Tuesday, April 7-June 9 and costs $56 for residents and $70 for non-residents. Call (619) 585-5739 for more information. CLICK HERE to register.
Flag Football Skills
Salt Creek Recreation Center is also the site for a ten week flag football skills training for those age 8-13. From 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 11-June 20, kids can learn the fundamentals of flag football while having a ton of fun! Focus will be on passing, defense, play calling and games. Fee is $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents. CLICK HERE, or call (619) 585-5739 for more information.
Spring Fling Therapeutic Parent's Night Out
Parents of special needs children age 5 and up can enjoy a night out while your child is entertained with music, games and crafts. Scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., the free fun will be held at Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way. For more information, call (619) 421-3859.
Village Street Faire
Mark your calendars to attend the third annual Village Street Faire on Sunday, April 12, in beautiful downtown Chula Vista! This annual block party will delight with  exotic food, art items, community information and live music from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the Third Avenue Village. Many Third Avenue merchants will be offering Village Street Faire specials and youngsters will enjoy the Faire Fun Zone with games, inflatables, bungee rides and more. CLICK HERE for more details.
Three Tales, Four Dogs
The local author of a newly published children's book, Three Tales, Four Dogs, will talk to dog lovers of all ages on Tuesday, April 14, at 5 p.m. at the Otay Ranch Branch Library. Chula Vista author Roz Silva and New Jersey illustrator Sue Ann Erickson will discuss their first collaboration which features lively tales told in rhyme about their canine pals. Silva, a writer, editor, publicist and mother of four, is a substitute teacher in her local elementary school district and lives here with her husband and two Yorkshire Terrier-mix dogs. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and autographs at the free public program.
Day of the Child
 Celebrating their 15th annual year, the Day of the Child community fair will be held on Saturday, April 18. 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.
Historical Society Everyone is invited to hear Michael Pallamary speak at the South Bay Historical Society meeting on Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m. Pallamary, a professional land surveyor in the state of California, will talk on the history of the border with Mexico. He has over 42 years experience in land surveying, land planning, land use consultation and engineering. A founding member of the Land Surveyors Advisory Council on Technical Standards, Pallamary also is a nationally recognized authority on land surveying and local land development regulations and writes a regular column for the American Surveyor magazine. Scheduled at the Civic Center Library Auditorium, 365 F Street, the event is free.
Sundae on Wednesday!
Kids will love to "chill" at the free build-your-own ice cream sundae on Wednesday, April 22, at the Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street. The event begins at 3 p.m. and gift certificates will be awarded for the Best Decorated, Most Unique, and Most Colorful Sundae. Call (619) 409-1999 for details.
St. Rose of Lima 5k In the spirit of building community, nurturing family time, and celebrating good health, the St. Rose of Lima School is organizing a 5k Fun Run to take place at Rohr Park on Saturday, April 25. The run begins at 8 a.m. with swag bags for the first 1,000 registrants. CLICK HERE for registration information.
 Happy Anniversary to South Chula Vista Branch Library!
Can you believe it's been 20 years since the South Chula Vista Branch Library opened? We're celebrating the anniversary of our award-winning designed library on Saturday, April 25, from noon to 3 p.m. Join us for entertainment, refreshments and activities at 389 Orange Avenue.
Distracted Driver Month
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Chula Vista Police Department will be joining over 200 other local law enforcement agencies in a month long "zero tolerance" enforcement and education campaign. Five special high visibility enforcement operations to cite cell phone violators will take place to persuade drivers to recognize the dangers of distracted driving. The "It's Not Worth It!" theme emphasizes that a phone call or text isn't worth a hefty fine or a collision. Currently, the minimum ticket cost is $161 with subsequent tickets at least $281.
"We take the issue of distracted driving very seriously," said Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano, "because we see the aftermath of these totally preventable crashes. Is that text message or cell phone call really worth $161, or worse, someone's life?"
Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. In addition, studies show that texting while driving can delay a driver's reaction time just as severely as having a blood alcohol content of a legally drunk driver! Remember, It's Not Worth It!
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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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