...The Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) is now partnering with Nextdoor.com, the free and private social network for residents to connect with each other in their neighborhoods. CVPD shares information on crime prevention, safety, public events, and emergency notifications. There are already about 6,500 Chula Vista resident's participating in Nextdoor with hopes that other communities participate as well.  Please be assured that your Nextdoor website remains private. Chula Vista Police Department staff will NOT be able to see any of the content on your neighborhood website except for the direct replies to their posts.
 

Nextdoor is not the appropriate way to request emergency services, police services, report criminal or suspicious activity, file a report, etc. If you require emergency services, please call 911. To report suspicious activity and persons, please call our non-emergency line at (619) 691-5151. Research shows that a connected community is safer and more resilient and we urge all communities to join the conversation and get started with their own Nextdoor network, CLICK HERE.  We look forward to connecting with you to build stronger, safer neighborhoods throughout Chula Vista.
 

... congratulations to the CLEAN Champion Award winners who are recognized for their environmental leadership in the following areas: Resident - Oscar Romo; Business - Bonita Learning Academy; Organization - Chula Vista Garden Club; Youth - Miguel Angel Aldrete of Kids 4 Our World; and City Employee - Public Works Parks Division. 
 

A visit to the Civic Center and South branches of the Chula Vista Library will demonstrate why the Chula Vista Garden Club was recognized. Member Joan Gerber and her team have been instrumental in weeding and replanting several planter boxes at both libraries and at City Hall. In addition, club members have participated in the Mosaic Community Garden located at 960 Fifth Ave., planted trees at the Chula Vista Veterans Home, and participated in planting and litter abatement in Rice Canyon.  Most recently, a tree was planted for Arbor Day in the newly built off-leash Dog Park at Eucalyptus Park.  For the past 20 years, the garden club has donated scholarship funds to deserving Southwestern College students pursuing horticulture-related careers.  More than 85 percent of club members have qualified to receive Wildlife Habitat Certification.  The Chula Vista Garden Club offers a warm and inviting environment to anyone interested in horticulture, civic beautification and learning how to conserve natural resources. Meetings are held monthly on the third Thursday (excluding July and August) at 10:30 a.m. at Norman Park Center.
 

...kids, teens and adults are encouraged to sign up for the library's annual Summer Reading Program, Read to the Rhythm.  Sign up begins Saturday, June 6, in the libraries or CLICK HERE.  Participants not only will read for fun, but will receive prizes and can attend a variety of free entertaining and educational programs.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Chula Vista Library, some events include Zumba classes for adults, swing dance classes for the whole family, "Just Dance" classes for ages 9 through teen, yoga classes, musicians, arts and crafts, storytellers, and much more!
 

...there seems to be an increase of illegal dumping around the City of Chula Vista. We are not sure why sofas, grills and mattresses are showing up abandoned, but perhaps residents are unaware that large bulky items can be picked up for free in front of your home. For homes and businesses with cart service: Up to 10 bulky items can be picked up weekly, or 60 items in any 90 day period, FREE of charge. Additional items may be picked up for a small fee. Please call Republic Services at (619) 421-9400 at least 24 hours before your service day to schedule this special service. Apartment/Condos: Apartment managers or homeowner association representatives may schedule FREE collection of bulky items by calling Republic Services at (619) 421-9400. Please contact your complex representative. Business owners without cart service: If your business gets dumped on illegally, call Republic Services at (619) 421-9400 for bulky item pick at $3.79 per item. Please help keep your City clean!
 

...Chula Vista City Manager Gary Halbert presented the draft Fiscal Year 2015-2016 budget at the May 26 City Council Meeting. The proposed $140 million General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16 is balanced and maintains current service levels with limited service enhancements. The Capital Improvement Program budget proposes $27.5 million in funding.  The City Council will consider the budget at the June 2 Council meeting.

...our CVPD Crime Lab and Evidence Control units have just been certified by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD/ISO) under the International standards. Previously, the Crime Lab and Evidence Control unit was certified under the "Legacy" standard. The new ASCLD/LAB ISO certification is the highest certification standard possible for crime laboratories and evidence control units and the certification is the result of the expertise and a lot of hard work by our extremely capable staff.  ASCLD/ISO re-certification places CVPD's crime laboratory and evidence control unit among only four San Diego County agencies to attain this coveted certification. A big round of applause to our own CSI crew!

 

...Kindergarten boot camps are scheduled in June and July for those entering kindergarten this fall.  Session 1 is June 15-18 and June 22-25 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Session 2 is July 6-9 and July 13-16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Registration is required by calling (619) 585-5755 or online, CLICK HERE.
 

...Sleep Train Amphitheatre has a great line-up of artists this season including Brad Paisley, Nickelback, Lady Antebellum, 5 Seconds of Summer, Niki Minaj and many more.  CLICK HERE to view the complete concert listing and what you can and cannot bring into the venue (definitely no professional cameras and no weapons - even for off-duty CVPD and other peace officers.) Don't want to drive to the show?  They are now contracted with Uber and offer a special pick up and drop off zone!  If you do drive, be prepared for heavy traffic to and from the show and always assign a designated driver!   
 

...you can help Chula Vista welcome Special Olympics World Games delegates from Argentina and Puerto Rico!  This summer from July 25 - August 2, Los Angeles will become the global stage for 7,000 athletes from 177 countries to compete in 27 sports for the Special Olympics World Games. For four days prior to the athletes arrival in Los Angeles (July 21- 24), the cities of Chula Vista, Coronado and National City will welcome more than 100 delegates from Argentina and Puerto Rico as part of the San Diego South County Host Town.  The Special Olympic delegates will have the opportunity to participate in social and cultural activities and events that are unique to the South Bay, as well as rest and practice prior to commencement of the games. With your support, we can showcase our great City, get to know the athletes, and foster an international connection to our local community. Help us make this a trip these Special Olympics World Games delegates will never forget!  To learn more about opportunities to volunteer and donate to the cause, CLICK HERE.
 

... San Diego Housing Federation honored the City of Chula Vista, in partnership with the County of San Diego and other local housing providers, for excellence in Affordable Housing and Community Development with their Ruby Award in the CSH Supportive Housing category.  The Chula Vista Housing Initiative addresses chronic homelessness through a unique and strong collaborative effort bringing together chronic homeless who are high utilizers of mental health services with available housing.  The initiative serves as a new pathway for stability of some of the most vulnerable homeless persons on their road to recovery and wellness. 
 

...bricks are available for purchase on the City's Walk of Honor at Veteran's Park and Community Center from June 1 through July 31 to honor veterans, fire and police personnel.  The commemorative brick, at a cost of $100 each, will be placed in the walkway by Veterans Day 2015.  To order a brick, please call (619) 409-5979.
 

...annual maintenance of Parkway Aquatic Center is scheduled for June 8-12. The Loma Verde Aquatic Center, located at 1420 Loma Lane, will be available during this time.  CLICK HERE for hours or call (619) 409-1987.
 

...Otay Recreation Center and two libraries will be offering a summer food lunch program for children ages 1 to 18.  From June 15 to July 17, kids can get free lunch and an afternoon snack at the Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, Monday through Friday.  Lunch, usually consisting of a sandwich, fruit, milk and juice, is served from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and snack is served at 2:30 p.m. The program is offered by the South Bay Union School District.  All food must be consumed on the premises and the facility is closed on Friday, July 3.

Civic Center and South Chula Vista branch libraries also will serve lunch from June 8 through July 10 compliments of the Chula Vista Elementary School District.  Children ages 1 to 18 can get lunch at 12 p.m. and a snack at 3 p.m.  Again, all food must be consumed on the premises. 
 

...if you'd like to get more involved with your City, here's your opportunity:  apply for one of the many Boards and Commissions!  Currently, the following have vacancies:  Board of Appeals and Advisors, Board of Ethics, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Aging, Cultural Arts Commission, Growth Management Oversight Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Advisory Commission, Mobile Rent Review Commission, Parks and Recreation, Resource Conservation and Safety Commission.  CLICK HERE for more information.
 

...our Chula Vista Library and libraries countywide will join the annual One Book, One San Diego reading program hosted by KPBS.  This year's selected titles are Carlos Zafon's The Shadow of the Wind; children's book, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce; and teen graphic novel, Jimmy Gownley's The Dumbest Idea Ever.  Several copies are available with more on order so check them out!
 

...extended recreation hours are in place for the summer at Otay Recreation Center from June 8 through July 17, from noon to 4 p.m.  Activities include game room and billiard tournaments, open gym for basketball and indoor soccer, arts and crafts, and special events such as Wii games contest, movie night and back to school BBQ.  For more information, call (619) 409-1999. 
 

...congratulations to our Principal Civil Engineer Frank Rivera who received the Outstanding Service Award for a Public Agency from the American Public Works Association San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter. He was recognized for his collaborative efforts during his 30-year career working on transit, rail, highway, traffic engineering, and bike projects. Way to go Frank!
 

...HarborFest is back on Saturday, August 22, and promises to be better than ever.  Save the date for 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 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will feature three exciting performance stages, engaging educational exhibits with interactive programs, playful harbor activities in the water, a fantastic discovery zone and more!  This year's event also includes special ticketed events - the Taco Coup and Spirits Revolution and a Wine & Craft Beer Festival!  CLICK HERE for more information.