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TREE CITY USA
The City of Chula Vista has been nationally recognized as a Tree City USA for more than 23 years and values trees for the ecosystem services and environmental benefits they contribute to the City. However, just as all living things have a life span, every tree - even a well-kept one - eventually grows old and declines. Tree removal then becomes mandatory to eliminate a potential hazard.
Trees located on Chula Vista City property are inventoried and assessed for the condition and health of the City's urban forest to identify and preemptively remove  any trees that could be harmful. The removal of defective, diseased, declining and dead trees is an ongoing endeavor and staff considers all options before determining it is time to remove a tree. California's multi-year drought has triggered early aging, lowered immunity and activated a decline in trees throughout the state including Chula Vista. Such trees pose an ever present risk to the community as they may fall causing injuries to people or damage to property if they are not removed before failure. Also, certain trees, including invasive fan palm trees, are considered potential fire hazards. Even with annual trimming, fan palm trees can grow so tall, they affect adjacent utility poles and wires. In the interest of public safety, and in preparation for the upcoming predicted El Niņo weather, Chula Vista has begun removing affected trees in certain locations. While some may question why trees are being removed, every effort has been made to first consider other options. The good news is that the City will benefit from a grant provided by the California State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). This grant will provide funding to restock many vacant tree sites over the next two to three years. About 900 new trees will be planted throughout Chula Vista along with other suitable drought-tolerant shrubs and soft-stemmed plants. Replenishing the forest in Chula Vista will have many benefits including improved  storm water capture, improved water quality by reducing water pollution, improved air quality, increased soil moisture, and welcomed shade. Our first tree planting event is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, on Fifth Avenue between E and H Streets. To participate in the planting, EMAIL, or call (858) 210-6451. Residents are welcomed to come watch the plantings as well at 9 a.m. at the corner of Fifth and E. For any questions regarding Chula Vista's tree maintenance and open space areas, please call Sam Oludunfe, City Forester and Open Space Manager, at (619) 397-6000, or visit the Public Works webpage, CLICK HERE.
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PUBLIC WORKS PREPARATIONS
Probably all of us have been hearing meteorologists around the world warning of a possible record-setting El Niņo weather pattern this winter that could bring intense rain and flooding to Southern California. What exactly is an El Niņo, you ask? It's when winds over the Pacific Ocean change their usual pattern near the equator and spread warm water. This warm water then causes dramatic weather changes worldwide - usually heavy rain in our area. Occurring every three to seven years, El Niņo generally begins in late December.
In preparation, our City Public Works Department has already started taking action in advance of the predicted rains. Since January, crews have cleared vegetation and debris from more than 146,000 square feet of storm drain channels, repaired or replaced more than 300 linear feet of corrugated metal pipe, inspected 3,327 catch basins and cleaned out 836 of them. During this time, over 7,254 pounds of trash, 15,661 pounds of green waste and 58,605 pounds of sediment was removed. That's a lot of debris that had the potential of clogging storm drains and ultimately flooding City streets! Public Works also has purchased an additional sand bag machine capable of making more than 1,500 sand bags per hour. Chula Vista residents can receive up to 10 sand bags by visiting the John L. Lippitt Public Works Center at 1800 Maxwell Road (off Main Street). The sand bag distribution area is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Just bring your proof of residency (a current utility bill is good!) and pick up your bags. The Public Works Center is the only location to receive the free sand bags in Chula Vista.
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RIBBONS & SHOVELS WINNERS
Ten projects were recognized recently at the Ribbons & Shovels awards dinner for  improving and enhancing the appearance and appeal of Chula Vista. The awards celebrated the best in art, architecture, landscape, historic preservation, environment, and more. The City of Chula Vista recognized individuals, organizations or businesses for outstanding projects that were completed between 2010 and 2014. Winners include: New residential construction project: Corta Bella, Honorable Mention: Cooper Remodeling; New non-residential construction project: the Douglas & Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center; Commercial or residential renovation and restoration project: Chula Vista Center; Public or private landscaping project: Flacke Family  Front Yard Landscape Project, Honorable Mention: Chula Vista Library Entryway Water Feature; Improvements in the public realm: MTS and SANDAG Trolley Renewal; Art visible to the public: Hilltop Child Development Center "Habitat gARTen;" Historic Preservation Project: "Rohr" House - Chula Vista Historic Site #98; Affordable Housing: The Landings at Winding Walk; Green building design or improvements: Southwestern College DeVore Stadium; and Mayor's Award for Neighborhood Revitalization: Del Mar and Davidson Apartment Complex developed by Mario Lopez.
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HOMELESS CONCERNS
In recent years, the City of Chula Vista, like other communities throughout San Diego County, has experienced an increase in homeless-related concerns. To address these concerns, the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) has created a Homeless Steering Committee tasked with analyzing environmental and societal factors related to the quality of life in Chula Vista as it relates to homelessness, developing strategies to deal with these factors, and implementing these strategies for the betterment of everyone. CVPD, in partnership with the City's Housing Division, has also developed resources for community members, businesses, and homeless persons.
The City believes that all residents are individuals of great worth and importance and place no subjective moral judgment on those who, either by choice or through unfortunate circumstance, find themselves living without a home. To balance the needs of residents, businesses and the homeless, and to promote a positive and healthy quality of life, the following may be of interest: Residents - Chula Vista strives to create and preserve a healthy, safe, family-friendly environment in residential areas and parks. For public safety concerns  frequently raised by residents, CLICK HERE. And for contact information, CLICK HERE for local resources. Businesses - The City understands many of the societal issues that often accompany homelessness (public drinking, loitering, and trespassing) can have a detrimental effect on businesses. For frequently asked questions from the business community, CLICK HERE and for additional resources, CLICK HERE. Homeless Persons - Treating all persons with respect, dignity, and fairness is a core value of our City. We strive to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing the most useful resources for information and services. For those needing shelter, food or meals, clothing, or other types of assistance, contact 2-1-1 San Diego, CLICK HERE. Operators have access to a centralized database of agencies, shelters, and services for people who are homeless or have other community needs. Their services are available by phone throughout the City and County of San Diego. For frequently asked questions by homeless individuals, CLICK HERE, and for more information and resources for homeless, CLICK HERE. Visit the City's Housing website, CLICK HERE, for more information on this sensitive and timely subject.
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DID YOU KNOW...
...exciting changes are happening around the City! The old K-Mart location at Third and Moss is under construction with two new businesses opening in 2016. And the old Target store garden area located on Fourth Avenue (near C Street) will house four tenant spaces. Construction begins in November with the new stores opening in late summer of 2016. Stay tuned to see what businesses are coming to Chula Vista!
...the Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) is proud of its latest acquisition... a 2015 Pierce Arrow XT Type 1 fire engine. Housed at Fire Station #1, which sees over 5,000 calls per year, the new engine replaces a 2001 Pierce engine with an  average lifespan of 10 to 12 years of frontline use. CVFD, with nine Fire Stations, responds to more than 17,000 calls per year ranging from medical assistance to firefighting. In addition, CVFD participates in the Master Mutual Aid Agreement in California which sends resources - both personnel and equipment - to fires throughout the state in need of assistance. Pictured here with their new ride are Engineer Thomas Hyde, Captain Francisco Soto, and Firefighter Matt Carleton.
...a special thanks goes out to ASIS San Diego who donated an additional $1,000 to the Chula Vista Police Department body camera program. In April, ASIS also donated $5,000 to the program. This additional funding will allow the Department to purchase 12 more cameras which record both video and audio. Thank you, ASIS, for helping CVPD keep Chula Vista safe!
...Chula Vista residents perceive that maintaining the quality of city facilities, services and infrastructure is among the most important issues facing the community, and strongly support providing adequate local funding to address critical needs. According to a recent telephone survey of 800 randomly selected Chula Vista voters, seven in ten respondents say they would back a measure to  provide local sales tax or bond funding. The measure would enable the City to repair neighborhood streets, sidewalks and potholes, upgrade aging public safety vehicles and equipment, upgrade water systems and retrofit storm drains, and fix libraries and recreation centers. In the coming months, City staff will update the City Council on a comprehensive assessment of all City owned infrastructure elements, conduct additional community engagement on resident priorities, and coordinate with the Council on next steps for a potential funding measure. ...our South Chula Vista Library, 389 Orange Avenue, is hosting two free programs of interest to seniors. Each Tuesday and Thursday is Tai Chi for Seniors from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Healthier Living with Chronic Conditions is offered on Fridays, November 6 through December 18, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving week). Learn to manage conditions such as arthritis, depression, diabetes and more as well as reduce pain and fatigue, eat better and exercise. Call (619) 585-5755 for more details. ...our CLEAN business program added 11 new businesses and added a new webpage, CLICK HERE. Businesses can access the site and fill out a scorecard which City staff verifies. If you would like to have a photo of your business featured on the website, please contact the conservation section at (619) 409-3893. The CLEAN Business program assists businesses in their efforts to become more sustainable and lower their carbon footprint. One of the new initiatives financed by SDG&E and the San Diego Foundation is the provision of guidelines for small businesses to calculate their GHG emissions and report to the Climate Registry (the same organization the City reports to). For more information, please CLICK HERE. ...you can help the City develop the Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan! Focusing on seven key areas - engagement, land use, transportation, healthy food access, physical activity, health care and prevention, and the environment - we want to hear your ideas. Bilingual (English/Spanish) meetings are scheduled as follows:  Monday, November 16, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Chula Vista Center, 555 Broadway #1016 (former Anna's Linens location); Tuesday, November 17, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the HUB, Otay Ranch Town Center Library, 2015 Birch Road; and Wednesday, November 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Castle Park Middle School cafeteria, 160 Quintard Street. For more information, please contact Stacey Kurz, EMAIL or (619) 585-5609. CLICK HERE if you cannot attend a meeting and wish to share your input. ...if you want to have fun while working out, try Zumba offered at Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way. New classes begin each month on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fees are $20 for Chula Vista residents and $25 for non-residents. CLICK HERE to sign up. ...free mulch give-away for Chula Vista residents only is set for Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your own buckets, shovel and tarps to the Otay Landfill, located at 1700 Maxwell Road. Load your own with one load per household while supply lasts. Proof of residency is required. ...the Chula Vista library has new Kinder, Ready, Go! Literacy Kits to help  prepare for kindergarten. Through books and education tools, accompanied by a curriculum sheet for parents and educators, you and your child will be kindergarten ready! Visit the library for more information. ...registration is open through December 10 for the coed winter basketball league for youth ages 6-13. Games will be held on Saturdays from January 16 to March 19. Fees are $95 for Chula Vista residents and $119 for non-residents. Register at any Chula Vista Recreation Center or online, CLICK HERE. ... Chula Vista's CAST - Citizen's Adversity Support Team - is taking registration for the next training session to be held in January through mid-April. CAST consists of volunteers trained to provide families of trauma victims with compassionate, supportive assistance. Volunteers, on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year, are trained by professionals including police officers, firefighters, psychologists, and emergency room staff. First responders summon CAST to a variety of emergency calls - serious motor vehicle accidents, murders, domestic violence, shootings and fires. For more information, or to request an application, please contact Maria Zadorozny at (619) 691-5213 or EMAIL. ...several fun activities are planned for kids at the library in November as we  celebrate Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month. From Legend of the Turkey Craft to Little Gobblers Storytime, check out the complete list of programs, CLICK HERE. ...you can sponsor a Chula Vista Starlight Parade Ambassador with a scholarship. Learn more about how to sponsor the two selected high school students, CLICK HERE. Contact: Angelica Wallace, EMAIL, for more information.
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Children's Author Visits LibraryAward-winning author/illustrator, filmmaker and story pioneer William Joyce will visit the Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street, on Saturday, November 7, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., as part of the KPBS "One Book, One San Diego" community-wide reading program. Joyce's popular book, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, is the 2015 selection for children. The program is free and the public is invited although attendees are asked to reserve a seat, CLICK HERE. This event will be tailored toward an adult audience, exploring the author's professional development, creative process, and inspirations as a writer and illustrator. Dr. Joseph Thomas, Director of the National Center for the Study of Children's Literature at San Diego State University, will interview Joyce during the event.
Veterans DayIf you or a member of your family has ever served or is currently serving in the  United States Armed Forces, we salute you! Thank you for your service to this great country. Veterans Elementary School is celebrating with a parade on Friday, November 6. City offices and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day, however, the public is invited to a Veterans Day observance. It will be held in Memorial Park Bowl, 373 Park Way, at 11 a.m., and is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign War Post 2111. Got milk? We have pie!
"On your mark, get set, GO!" That's what you'll hear on Thursday, November 12, when children age 5-12 years old compete in the free annual Pie Eating Contest from 3 to 4 p.m. Held at Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, contestants will race to finish a whole plate of whipped cream. Winners will receive their very own pie to take home; be sure to come hungry! Call (619) 409-1999 for more information. Night Out for KidsThe kids will never miss you at this fun pajama themed event while you sneak out for a movie or quiet dinner. Children 6-12 years old are invited to enjoy crafts, games and dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 13, at Parkway Community Center. The fee is $12 for Chula Vista residents and $15 for non-residents. Sign up now, CLICK HERE, and don't forget to have the kids wear their PJs! Parade Band Review  In a salute to our Veterans, the sixth annual Parade Band Review and Festival is set for Saturday, November 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year the parade will be held on H Street at Marina Parkway and Bay Boulevard with the festival held in Bayside Park. CLICK HERE for more details. Turkey Bowling
Gobble your way down the bowling lane at Otay Recreation Center to compete in this event to win a frozen turkey! No, we won't be tossing turkeys down the lanes, but the competition is set for Wednesday, November 18, from 3 to 4 p.m. for children 5-12 years old. Pre-register at the Otay Recreation Center front counter for this free event. Kendama Kraze DayHeritage Park and Community Center, located at 1381 East Palomar Street, will be  the site of a Kendama Kraze Day on Friday, November 20. From 2-4 p.m. children from elementary to high school age can watch T.J. Kolesnik, Kendama USA Pro, as he demonstrates the latest tricks and competitions. Bring your Kendama and your friends to this free event. Call (619) 421-7032 for more information. Night Out for Parents
Children ages 6-12 can enjoy a good time while parents spend an evening out on Friday, November 20. From 6 to 9 p.m., the Montevalle Community Center staff will provide activities, arts and crafts, a movie and a light dinner. Located at 840 Duncan Ranch Road, registration is $10 for Chula Vista residents and $12 for non-residents. Sign up at any City recreation center or Music at the Library
A free concert by Elxir Solar will be held at the South Chula Vista Branch Library on Wednesday, November 25, at 6:30 p.m. Come hear this popular local and Baja trio performing an enticing fusion of classical, flamenco and jazz music. Pumpkin Pie, Please!  Norman Park Senior Center is the place to be on Wednesday, November 25, beginning at 1 p.m. for the Pumpkin Pie Social. For only $2 for Chula Vista residents and $3 for non-residents, enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie, coffee or tea, and conversation with friends. Games and a Thanksgiving craft are included at the Center, located at 270 F Street. CLICK HERE to register. Turkey Time
All City offices and facilities will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27. We wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! Turkey Trot and Food Drive There will be a 5k, 10k and 15k on Thanksgiving day! USA Endurance invites you to join the San Diego South Bay Turkey Trot and Food Drive at Rohr Park on November 26, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. It's the only Turkey Trot in San Diego County that offers three distances so the whole family can join in the fun! CLICK HERE to register. Time for TeensMontevalle Community Center is also hosting a Teen Night on Friday, December 4, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Activities include game room tournaments, dodgeball, refreshments, prizes, and the movie, Jurassic World. For teens ages 12-16, the fee is $5 for Chula Vista residents and $7 for non-residents. CLICK HERE to sign up or register at any City recreation center.
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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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