Community Connection
September 2015 (Click HERE to visit the City's Calendar)
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HEALTHY CHULA VISTA  
  
In California, obesity rates for Latino children have doubled in the last decade, and approximately one in three children in western Chula Vista age 0-5 are reported as being overweight.  Obesity can contribute to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases once only seen in adults. 

In celebration of September's Latino Health and National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the City is working to educate residents of this changeable issue and help Chula Vista become healthier.  Partnering with Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP), a San Diego non-profit organization who was awarded a REACH grant of more than $2 million over three years, the City aims to increase access to healthy food and physical activity environments in western Chula Vista.  REACH utilizes the San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative's 5-2-1-0 messaging campaign, which promotes four practices that can be adopted daily to improve overall health and avoid obesity.  These are: 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreation screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sugary beverages which means drink more water! 
  
Objectives of the grant include working with the City's Healthy Chula Vista Initiative by incorporating language involving community health, identifying opportunities to encourage active transportation, and increasing access to healthy foods.  This fall, community outreach events are being planned to identify barriers and opportunities to healthier living.

REACH is working with Sweetwater Union High and Chula Vista Elementary School Districts to help increase access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity.  Partners in REACH Chula Vista also include the YMCA Childcare Resource Service.  Stay tuned for more information about the City's Healthy Chula Vista Initiative.

WHAT A FUN RIDE!

Whether you are a baseball fan or not, we hope you got caught up in the excitement with the Sweetwater Valley Little League (SVLL) team on their Little League World Series quest.  The team had the support of not only the City, but San Diego County and just about the entire West coast after winning the West Regional Championship and then advancing to the Little League World Series (LLWS)!  From viewing parties at restaurants to extensive media and social media coverage, the world now knows about the excellent team from the South Bay! 

We are so proud of the team, their manager, coaches and parents on representing this area with not only outstanding ball playing, but also with their great personalities and pure enjoyment of the game.  Ending the run in the top six out of 7,000 little league teams world wide is quite a feat! SVLL is the third team from the South Bay that has advanced to the LLWS in the last seven years.  In 2009, ParkView Little League won the World Championship and in 2013, EastLake Little League won the U.S. Championship. Way to represent Chula Vista and thanks for the ride!


ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER HONORED
 
Another winner representing the City is Lynn France, Environmental Services Manager, who recently was recognized by the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) for her efforts in reducing waste.  France is a founding board member, past Chair and current Secretary of the organization which was formed to address toxic and hazardous materials that were banned from landfills.  The State of California tasked local governments to handle the expensive hazardous waste disposal costs although manufacturers of products such as batteries, electronics and florescent lamps were not held accountable for toxicity and end-of-use management.   CPSC supports policies and projects of manufacturers who share in the responsibility of discarding products properly when no longer useable.

France was awarded the Associate of the Year Award by CPSC for advancing product stewardship through her efforts.  She is shown in this photo with CPSC Board members Kreigh Hempel and Wes Nelson. Congratulations Lynn! 
 
WATERSMART LANDSCAPE

Looking to save water in your yard? 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 Hub in the Otay Ranch Branch Library (2015 Birch Road, Suite 409) 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.

If you cannot attend the makeover series, there is a one day WaterSmart Landscape Makeover class on September 30 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. which also will be held at the Hub. This class is a shorter version of the makeover series and will provide you with information about how you can maximize your yard while minimizing water usage. To register for this class, EMAIL, or call (619) 476-2442. Space is limited, so sign up today!

DID YOU KNOW...  

...the west side of Chula Vista is sprouting some new homes including the brand new Bahia Vista Townhomes, a luxury 21-unit townhome development by Lanshire Housing Partners and Pathfinder Partners. The beautifully appointed homes are located in Chula Vista's Palomar Gateway at 778 Ada Street. Bahia Vista's spacious three-story townhomes range in size from approximately 1,636 to 1,788 square feet and boast three and four bedrooms (select units have two master suite bedrooms) and three full bathrooms. Pricing starts in the $300,000s with easy financing available. For more information, contact Robert W. Dudek at 1-800-207-4719 or CLICK HERE.  Stay tuned for other new developments in the Palomar Gateway area in the near future! 

...the South Line Freight Improvement Project will temporarily close L Street and Industrial Blvd. at the railroad crossings near Interstate 5 for five weekends.  The dates are September 18-21, 25-28, October 2-5, 9-12 and 23-26.  All closures begin at 10 p.m. on Friday and end by 6 a.m. on Monday.  Please look for detour signs in the area as SANDAG continues the railroad track improvements.

...sign up now for the International award-winning free program, Kindergarten Boot Camp, an introduction to kindergarten that helps children and parents prepare for school.  The South Chula Vista Branch Library will have classes Monday-Friday, September 21-25; Session 1 is offered from 10:30 a.m. to noon; Session 2 is from 1:30 to 3 p.m.  To register online, CLICK HERE.  The Civic Center Branch will have sessions Monday-Friday, September 28-October 2.  On September 28, class is from 10 a.m. to noon; and September 29-October 2, it is from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Register by calling (619) 691-5287.

...if food and drink are your passion, we have good news for you!  Modern and traditional Mexican dishes are featured at 277 Cocina Artesanal where everything on the luscious menu is made from scratch!  Cocina Artesanal, located at 277 Third Avenue, is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 1-6 p.m. and closed Monday, CLICK HERE. Are sweets your favorite?  Then you'll love Pike & Sons Candy Company that is taking orders for their delicious homemade fudge!  Check them out on Facebook at CLICK HERE or EMAIL.  Beer lovers will enjoy Bay Bridge Brewery which has opened at 688 Marsat Court, Suite B.  Don't let the industrial area fool you - they know what they are doing here with six great beers currently available.  On busy nights there are also food trucks!  Check them out Thursday and Friday from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday, 2 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m., CLICK HERE.

...the most requested corridor for bike facilities in Chula Vista is Broadway.  Currently, many cyclists ride on the sidewalks, sometimes in the wrong direction, which can be hazardous for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists.  A Bikes on Broadway study has been prepared by Chen Ryan Consultants for the City with recommendations that will provide for improved bicycle facilities, protect cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers, with the least amount of disruption for local businesses and residents.  The consultants have prepared two or three alternatives for each segment of Broadway between C Street and Main Street.  Removing some or all of the on-street parking in each segment is being considered. These alternatives will be presented for public comment at the following public meetings:  September 21, 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue and October 1, at 6 p.m. at South Chula Vista Library, 389 Orange Avenue.  A special presentation also will be given to the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce on September 30.

...special launch events and story time for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program are scheduled at all three library branches on Wednesday, September 23.  Parents need to read 1,000 books to their children before kindergarten and the kids are eligible for prizes along the way!  Reading is one of the best and most powerful ways to help kids prepare for school. Stop by the Civic Center Branch, 365 F Street, at 11:30 a.m., South Chula Vista Branch at 389 Orange Avenue at 11:15 a.m., or the Otay Ranch Branch, Otay Ranch Town Center, at 11:15 a.m.  Sign your child up and watch them soar to school success!

...older adults in our community have an opportunity to participate in a new recreation research study designed to improve their health through peer led physical activity.  Peer Empowerment 4 Physical Activity (PEP4PA) will conduct a two year program focusing on increasing the amount of walking and overall activity levels of older adults attending local senior or community centers.  Chula Vista's Norman Park Senior Center was selected to receive the physical activity intervention which will provide approximately 35 older adults a free two year walking program.  In addition, Loma Verde Center was selected as a site to receive five free onsite health fairs over the next 24 months.  A free informational meeting is scheduled at Loma Verde, 1420 Loma Lane, on Thursday, September 3, at 10 a.m. and Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street, on Wednesday, September 16, at 1 p.m.  Call (858) 534-5726 for more information.

...your SDG&E electricity rate is changing.  CLICK HERE to learn how this change will affect you.  If you see your bill increase, contact the Conservation Section at (619) 409-3893 or EMAIL to receive a free Home Energy and Water Check-Up.  Remember, the City is competing in the Georgetown University Energy Prize and every bit of energy you save helps us get closer to the $5 million dollar prize! CLICK HERE to learn more.

...with local schools on fall break in late September and early October, Montevalle Community Center is offering several mini day camps to keep the children kids-coloring.jpg entertained!  Featured camps include art camp, dance camp, and sports camps in basketball, tennis, skateboarding and more!  CLICK HERE to register.  Parkway Community Center will be offering Basketball Camp during the school fall break for ages 6-12.  Check it out, CLICK HERE and sign up for the September 21-25 camp!

...congratulations are in order for our Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano who has been appointed to the California Board of State and Community Corrections. The board oversees adult and juvenile criminal justice systems, sets policy for local and state detection facilities and administers a public safety grant program that distributes about $10 million a year.  Board members are appointed by the Office of the Governor and are not paid for their service.  Chief Bejarano will serve three years.  Way to go, Chief!

...to provide you the latest and greatest news on water usage and the drought, the San Diego County Water Authority has produced a new app that is supported by Apple, Android, and BlackBerry smart phones.  CLICK HERE to download the app and learn more! 

...Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) personnel are still assisting their comrades in both Northern California and the state of Washington.  At press time, four firefighters from our city are helping fight the devastating fires that have been burning since early August.   As a part of the Master Mutual Aid Agreement in California, CVFD has deployed a total of 25 personnel  to six different major fires this summer.  All ranks from Firefighter to Battalion Chief are representing CVFD in support and management functions of these fires.

Most assigned personnel are deployed for 14-21 days. CVFD has already completed two crew change-outs with new crews now assisting.   During this type of statewide support, CVFD continues to staff all nine Chula Vista Fire Stations on a 24/7 basis.   We salute all of these brave men and women.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS: 
  
Library Card Sign-Up Month!
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month.  Stop by your local branch and get the most important card for your wallet, purse or backpack!  To find hours of your local energy lounge sign library, CLICK HERE.
 
Solar Energy 101
Baker Electric will hold free Solar Energy 101 Classes at two library branches.  Stop by the South Chula Vista Branch on Tuesday, September 8, 15 and 22 at 5:30 p.m. or the Otay Ranch Branch on Saturday, September 12, from 2 to 3 p.m.
 
Condo/Apartment Management Seminar
Are you a manager of an apartment or condo complex?  Join the City and the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors to hear the latest on important regulatory issues on Wednesday, September 9. The free seminar, which includes lunch, will cover such topics as fair housing, public safety, code enforcement, sustainability, energy and water saving rebates.  Held at the PSAR complex at 880 Canarios Court, #100, space is limited.  RSVP by EMAIL, or call (619) 585-5766.
 
Red, White & Blue 5k
Everyone is invited to join the South Bay Ambassador program as they present a family fun run at Salt Creek Golf Course, 525 Hunte Parkway, on Saturday, September 12.  Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., all participants will receive a race t-shirt, finisher's medal and a swag bag.  A Wellness Vendor Expo will be held following the run with games, inflatables, a photo booth, face painting and more!  CLICK HERE for more details and to register.
 
Deshi Dojo
If you recognize the words in this title, then you know your karate!  And you need to attend the grand opening of the new U.S. Karate Academy set for Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!  The new school is located at 2445 Fenton Street in Chula Vista.  Grand opening activities include family karate class for all ages at 10:30 a.m., demo team performance at 11 a.m., guest speakers at 11:15 a.m., lunch, raffle and prizes!  To see their website, CLICK HERE.
 
Trolley Time!
Join SANDAG and MTS for the Trolley Renewal Completion Ceremony and community celebration at the E Street Trolley Station on Saturday, September 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The free event will include a speaking program, great food, live entertainment, and Z90 DJ Rick "Morton in the Morning," a t-shirt and backpack giveaway (while supplies last), photo booths, raffle prizes, and family-friendly activities. Take the Trolley or the bus to the event - kids ride free on weekends (12 and under - two kids per paying adult).  CLICK HERE for more information.
 
Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library with two free concerts!  On Thursday, September 17, famed guitarist Roberto Limon will perform at 6:30 p.m.  Come hear him play music by some of the most significant composers of Latin America at the South Chula Vista Branch Library, 389 Orange Avenue.  On Wednesday, September 23, local band TINKU Andean presents a mosaic of beautiful Andean melodies with vocals and authentic native instruments.  The concert will be held at the Civic Center Library, 365 F Street, at 6:30 p.m.
 
Twilight Parade
The second annual Bonitafest Twilight Parade will take place on Friday, September 18, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Sunnyside Saddle Club Equestrian Arena in Rohr Park.  Open to all who want to participate, you may ride horses, peddle bicycles, or walk; glow sticks or small flashlights are recommended.  Line up begins at 5 p.m. for the event that circles the 3.1 mile Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course.
 
Passport Party!
Just in time to plan your holiday travel, the Otay Ranch Branch Library is hosting a U.S. Passport Fair in conjunction with the United States Department of State.  The event takes place on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Library located at the Otay Ranch Town Center.  Call (619) 397-5740 for more information.
 
Annual Bonitafest
Bring the family to the 43rd annual Bonitafest street fair and Performing Arts Festival on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bonita Vista High School.  Located at the corner of East H Street and Otay Lakes Road, the free event will feature food, various vendors and activities. The Performing Arts Festival includes show choirs, dance troupes and musicians from local schools including the Bonita Vista High School Music Machine and Sound Unlimited.
 
Small Business Seminar and Expo 
Do you own your own business and want free advice to help your business grow?  Attend the free small business seminar and expo set for Wednesday, September 23, at the Chula Vista City Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue. Topics covered include getting SBA loans, funding sources, tax rebates, saving energy and more. The event, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes free coffee and lunch!  Presenters and exhibitors include South San Diego SBDC, California Board of Equalization, CDC Small Business Finance, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, Accion, Small Business Administration and others.  Registration and one-on-one meetings with an SBDC advisor or a City business specialist can be scheduled online, CLICK HERE, or call (619) 482-6391. 
 
Cool Classic Cars
Come on down to Bayside Park on Saturday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. car.jpg to enjoy viewing some real beauties!  South Bay Cruisers presents their 23rd annual "On the Bay" classic car show which is free to attendees.  For those wishing to exhibit a car, the cost is $30 with proceeds benefitting local charities.  Contact Vince Jacket (619) 426-1882, or Al Pahio (619) 428-3515 for more details.
 
 
Disposal and Prescription Drug Take-Back
Get ready for fall by cleaning out the garage, back of the closet, or that junk drawer!  The City is hosting a disposal event where you can drop off antifreeze, batteries, oil, paint, electronics, fluorescent lights/tubes and expired/unused prescription medicine.  Stop by Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Parking lots B and C (to the far left if using the main entrance off Otay Lakes Road), between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 26.  Items NOT accepted are gasoline, diesel, gas tanks, pesticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, thinners, degreasers and sharps.
 
Fire Department Open House
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 3, to attend the annual Fire Department Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Tour the station, interact with firefighters, check out fire equipment and participate in several activities at Fire Station #4, 850 Paseo Ranchero. 
 
Elks Health and Info Fair
Chula Vista Elks Lodge #2011, located at 901 Elks Lane, (off Telegraph Canyon Road), is hosting a free health and information fair on Saturday, October 3, at the Lodge.  From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a variety of activities, demonstrations, screenings and info for the entire family.  Some of the many featured participants include Chula Vista Police, Library, Graffiti, Animal Care Facility, Conservation and local reps from AAA, Sharp Hospital, American Heart Association, San Diego Blood Bank, Department of Veterans Affairs and much more.  Kids will enjoy a Kid Zone with jumpers and games, San Diego Zoo and the Living Coast Discovery Center.
 
Beautify Chula Vista
Registration is now open for the annual Beautify Chula Vista day to help pick up litter, clean up graffiti and remove weeds from two locations:  Rice Canyon or Otay Recreation Center.  To pre-register for the Saturday, October 10 event, CLICK HERE.  For more information, EMAIL.  Volunteers must provide their own transportation, wear appropriate clothing including work gloves, and bring snacks or lunch.  Community service hours forms will be provided upon request.  Sign up to help keep your city clean!
HAVE A SAFE AND PLEASANT LABOR DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
 
This Edition:
Healthy Chula Vista
Little League Stars
Recycling Expert
WaterSmart
Did You Know...
Upcoming Events

 
 
Contacts

  ______________________

 

SERVICES


 

Animal Care

Animal Control:  476-2476

Pet Adoptions:  691-5123

  Animal Care Online

 

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

 

 

Service Requests:  397-6000

  Service Requests Online 


 

Transit:  233-3004

  

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

__________   

  

GOVERNMENT

Mayor & Council:  691-5044

__________   

  

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  

 

City of Chula Vista  |  Office of Communications  |   www.chulavistaca.gov