...our new City website was just honored by Vision Internet for its 2015 "What's Next Awards" competition in the area of transparency.  Chula Vista is only one of four cities nationwide to receive the prestigious award and was recognized for our efforts in sharing important information with residents.  Using the website, social media and other online tools to facilitate the electoral redistricting efforts, Chula Vista's website also provided an interactive map of the new districts.
 
...in an example of never giving up, our Cold Case Investigator and retired CVPD Sergeant Bob Conrad recently helped convict a murder suspect.  In November 1999, three suspects went to the residence at 511 Paseo Burga with the intent of robbing the residents.  One of the suspects used a gun and shot homeowner Sergio Morales, a local businessman, who died at the scene. Based on a lack of evidence at the time, the case went cold and the suspect(s) could not be identified.  Sgt. Conrad picked up the investigation approximately three years ago and was able to obtain DNA evidence from a knit cap that was left at the scene.  He worked tirelessly in his investigation and was able to identify Joe Mora as a suspect in this case through witness statements and DNA evidence.  Mora was arrested in 2013 and was convicted last month of first degree murder with special circumstances of using a firearm in the commission of the crime. Congratulations and thank you Sgt. Conrad and the Crimes of Violence Unit.  His efforts have provided the Morales family some answers and peace to their horrific tragedy.
 

...the Civic Center Library will be installing a landscaped diagonal pedestrian corridor through the existing east parking lot to allow easier access to the library. Featuring native drought tolerant plants in planter boxes throughout, the Parklet will include informational boards explaining the benefits of native plants and water conservation, as well as listing upcoming library events.  The new Parklet project is expected to begin late summer and will take approximately one year to complete.
 

...Chula Vista artist Michael Leaf has produced another masterpiece.  Using scrap metal from the decommissioned South Bay Power Plant that was imploded in February 2013, he has designed this beautiful piece that sits at the end of J Street, near the boat ramps. In addition, Leaf will be installing a bench and a map also made from the plant's scraps in the same location.
 

...in preparation for the second phase of the Third Avenue Streetscape project, several Queen Palm trees were removed from the median area of the street.  Our City arborist and the project team decided to remove the unstable trees as a safety concern.  Once the streetscape project is complete, which consists of new landscaping, widened sidewalks, crosswalk pavers, ADA pedestrian ramps and more, new Queen Palm trees will be installed.  The second phase is expected to be completed in late spring 2016.
 

...if you are interested in basic criminal investigations or internet crime or just would like an inside view of policing, sign up for the annual Citizen's Police Academy!  CVPD is accepting applications for the fall 2015 academy which runs each Wednesday from August 26 through November 4.  Applicants must be at least 19 years old to participate in the free 11-week program.  Classes will be held at the CVPD, 315 Fourth Avenue, from 6 to 9 p.m.  Applications are available, CLICK HERE.  For more information, please contact Steven Lenoir at (619) 691-5127 or EMAIL.
 

...the WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series will take you through every step needed to replace your lawn with drought tolerant plants that improve your property and can lower your water bill.  Classes will be held at the City Civic Center complex, 276 Fourth Avenue, Building C on September 24, October 8, October 22 and November 5, from 5 to 9 p.m.  This is a series of classes so you must attend all four classes and commit to replace a section of your turf within six months after completion of the last class to enroll. The trainings are sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority. To learn more and to register, CLICK HERE.
 

...our Therapeutic recreation programs are designed for those age six and up with developmental and/or physical disabilities.  Registration is now open for classes including fitness, Zumba, learn to swim, basketball, boot camp and more!  CLICK HERE for more information.
 

...the Chula Vista Public Library introduces its latest service, Freegal Music, which offers free music downloads. With your library card, you can download three Freegal files per week and stream five hours of music per day.  Selections include more than seven million songs with over 28,000 music labels from 101 countries.  CLICK HERE to learn more.
 

...a new youth fall basketball league is now taking registration for those ages 6 to 13 years old. Games will be held on Saturdays, August 28 through November 21, with practices held once or twice a week. Open to participants of all skill levels, the fee is $95 for Chula Vista residents and $119 for non-residents. CLICK HERE to register.
 

...on July 14, the Chula Vista City Council unanimously approved the Districting Commission's recommended districting plan which recommended the City be divided into four electoral districts. Beginning in 2016 with Districts 3 and 4, those running for councilmember will have to live in their respective districts and will be elected by voters living in the respective districts.  Elections for Districts 1 and 2 will be held in 2018. To view the map with Council District boundaries and numbers, CLICK HERE.
 

...reading is one of the most powerful ways to give childeren a head start with their schooling and the Chula Vista Public Library is here to help.  With the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, parents/grandparents/caregivers are encouraged to read 1,000 books to your children before they enter kindergarten! Pick up a colorful reading log (English or Spanish) in the library, check out books, and start on the road to school success! Win prizes along the way to 1,000 books and share the love of reading.    
 

...the 2015 Orange Crate Derby, sponsored by the Chula Vista Sunrise and Sunset Rotaries will be held on Sunday, August 30, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Rancho Del Rey Parkway between Terra Nova Dr. and Del Rey Boulevard. If you are interested in signing up your child for the race, entry deadline is August 22. Find all the information needed about how to build a car, CLICK HERE, or stop by the Build A Car Clinic on August 8 in the parking lot of the South Bay Family YMCA Goodrich Teen Center, 820 Paseo Ranchero. Old cars are available for sale for those who don't have the time or tools to make their own. A few of the cars need various degrees of repair but some are former champions! If you don't have time to make a car and can't afford to purchase one, your child can race a "community car". There is limited space for community cars with four racers per car and first time racers get preference. To inquire about racing a community car, contact Bob Lechner, via EMAIL .