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SOUTH BAY RAPID
This month, construction will begin on East Palomar Street for the South Bay Rapid project, a $113 million effort to provide travelers with a frequent and reliable transit choice. The 21-mile route will run between the Otay Mesa Port of Entry through Chula Vista to downtown San Diego, connecting residents to employment and recreation opportunities. Construction will take approximately two years, with Rapid service expected to begin in the South Bay in 2018.
On Monday, March 7, there will be an open house conducted by SANDAG for you to learn more and ask questions from the project team members. Information will be provided on the project, construction schedule, traffic detours and closures. Held at Otay Ranch High School, located at 1250 Olympic Parkway, the open house is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. You also can sign up to receive email project updates, CLICK HERE.
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RELIEF FOR PETS...AND THEIR OWNERS
After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, local emergency management teams are required by federal law to have readiness plans and resources available to help citizens and their pets in the event of a disaster. Now, thanks to the generosity of various kennel clubs, the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility (CVACF) is equipped should a disaster occur.
Through the efforts of Andrew Mills from the Del Sur Kennel Club and contributions from other kennel clubs, $22,000 was raised toward the purchase of the AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer for the CVACF. Mr. Mills was able to raise all the needed funds in less than 60 days. More than 40 cities across the United States have Pet Disaster Relief trailers ready to mobilize and another 16 cities are fundraising to purchase a trailer.  The fully equipped trailer is stocked with essential supplies to house at least 65 pets the first few critical days after a disaster is declared. It is wired for electricity to run off either a generator or a power supply. In addition to the generator, the trailer includes crates, pet carriers, bowls, collars and leashes, microchips, a microchip scanner, fans, cleaning supplies and much more. All of the included equipment allows emergency personnel to put together a lost-and-found pet shelter if needed. AKC Pet Disaster Relief's life-saving trailers were initiated in response to previous emergency plans which did not include pets. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, many people stayed in harm's way because they didn't want to leave their pets. Mariya Anton, CVACF Manager, said, "having this Pet Disaster Relief trailer available to our residents helps make a disaster a little more tolerable knowing their pets will be well taken care of."
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PD, PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
The City of Chula Vista, like other communities throughout San Diego County, has experienced an increase in homeless-related concerns and how to best address these concerns. Encampments, abandoned property and misappropriated shopping carts are left throughout the City on a weekly basis. Last November, a new collaborative approach was developed to address homeless people inhabiting several City parks. The effort consists of the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) and the Public Works Department including the Parks division.
The pilot program was spearheaded by CVPD Lt. Mark Jones, Public Works Signing & Striping Supervisor Dave Savage and Park Ranger Supervisor Sam Alzubaidi. This same team successfully abated open space encampments in other areas of the City earlier in the year. The same model was then implemented in the  affected parks. Together, CVPD and Public Works were able to tag and remove abandoned property and shopping carts throughout the City concentrating on City parks and other areas that have a disproportionate number of issues or homeless individuals. Confiscated items are stored for 90 days prior to destruction allowing owners to retrieve their property if they desire to do so at no cost.
An outreach component was added in January 2016 to include a partnership with San Diego Dream Center which provides counselors to speak to the homeless individuals while the cleanup occurs. So far, San Diego Dream Center has assisted nine families in Chula Vista for a total of 33 people. In addition, they have offered a one year program to another 39 individuals. To learn more about San Diego Dream Center, CLICK HERE. Other partners that have played an important role in the overall impact to our City parks include the Veterans Affairs, Third Avenue Village Association, and South Bay Community Services. These organizations provide housing and food assistance, counseling and other services to assist the homeless.
 Each week, approximately five Public Works staff along with assistance from an outside organization and a CVPD officer, clean the parks of excessive trash and abandoned belongings. You can see the difference in these before and after photos of Harborside Park! Special thanks to these hard-working individuals who allow us to enjoy our beautiful Chula Vista parks while providing assistance to those who need it.
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ROAD TO RIO OLYMPIC SPOTLIGHT
BMX made its Olympic debut in Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games. The sport consists of heats of eight cyclists, competing for the top four spots that will qualify them for the next round of heats, eventually qualifying them for the final round. In each heat, cyclists race simultaneously over an obstacle course, with high jumps and tight corners. The winner of the heat is the first cyclist to cross the finish line.
Athlete Spotlight- Alise Post  In 2008, Post was one of the top U.S. female BMX racers, but she was ineligible for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team because she was too young. BMX in the Olympic Games has an age requirement of 19 years old. Following her high school graduation in 2009, she was invited to train at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center, where she has taken advantage of the many tracks on which to train. By 2010, she was the top-ranked American, and second-ranked female BMX athlete in the world. She is the current reigning and six-time USA Cycling BMX Elite National Champion. Post is a 2012 U.S. Olympic Team member and is a 2016 Olympic hopeful.
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CLICK HERE
DID YOU KNOW...
...both City Aquatic Centers are offering expanded hours of operation for the spring. Parkway Aquatic Center, located at 385 Parkway, and Loma Verde Aquatic Center, 1420 Loma Lane, begin new hours on March 19. For more information, CLICK HERE.
...according to national statistics, adults age 65 and older are two times more likely to die in a home fire than any other segment of the population. For those 75 and over, that risk nearly quadruples. Despite these alarming numbers, thousands of  seniors in our community do not have working smoke alarms in their home. To help combat this issue, the Burn Institute's Senior Smoke Alarm Program provides seniors with free smoke alarms and installations. To qualify, you must be 62 years of age or older and own your own home. Call the Burn Institute at (858) 541-2277, ext. 18 for more details and to sign up. ... in a step forward for developing the Chula Vista Bayfront, North C.V. Waterfront L.P., also known as Pacifica, the California State Lands Commission, and the Port of San Diego closed escrow on a land exchange on February 18, 2016. The Port exchanged approximately 35 acres located within the Harbor District of the Chula Vista Bayfront east of the marina for approximately 97 acres located within the environmentally sensitive Sweetwater District of the Chula Vista Bayfront. The land exchange is part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Chula Vista Bayfront, gradually replacing former industrial sites with new development including a future convention center and hotel, signature park, open space, recreation, and cultural areas. ...if Fido is in need of some obedience training, we've got the class for you (and  him!) A basic obedience Dog Training course is scheduled on Tuesdays, April 5-June 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Rohr Park. Covering seven basic commands, socialization and responsibility, the training is open to all dogs of any age with proof of current vaccinations. Fee is $75 for Chula Vista residents and $95 for non-residents. To register, CLICK HERE. ... applications are being accepted for the 2016 Gayle McCandliss Art Awards, now through April 6. Given annually to individuals and groups who have made a substantial contribution toward the arts in Chula Vista, the fund is named after former Mayor Gayle McCandliss, who was a strong supporter of the arts. McCandliss Art Awards recipients will be recognized at a future City Council meeting. CLICK HERE for more information. ...the Living Coast Discovery Center (LCDC) received a field trip grant from the National Park Foundation which will allow bus transportation for local fourth grade classes to visit the non-profit zoo/aquarium. Situated at the foot of E Street in Chula Vista, the LCDC is located within the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge on San Diego Bay and features hands-on exhibits and up-close encounters with more than 350 plant and animal species native to Southern California. To learn more, CLICK HERE, or call (619) 409-5900. ...a free Open Rec & Read program is offered Monday through Friday for elementary school age children. From 2 to 5 p.m., activities are planned along with  homework help at Heritage Community Center, located at 1381 East Palomar Street. CLICK HERE for more details. ...if you would like to help guide the healthy lifestyle of Chula Vista residents, sign up to be a member of the Healthy Chula Vista Advisory Commission which will guide policy decisions related to the Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan. The nine commissioners must be residents and registered voters in the City of Chula Vista and meet one of the following criteria: expert in one of the action Plan focus areas of Land Use, Transportation, Nutrition, Health Care, Physical Activity and/or Environment (5 seats); or resident in one of the four Council Districts (4 seats). Meetings will be held on the second Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. beginning April 14. CLICK HERE to read more about the commission and to submit your application by March 18. ...Lofts on Landis celebrated their grand opening on February 26 bringing a new mixed-use community of affordable homes with healthy programs for residents in the heart of downtown Chula Vista. With 33 one, two and three-bedroom homes, and parking and offices for the nearby Chula Vista Family Health Center, Lofts on Landis residents will have access to health and wellness programs in the on-site community room. ...a great parent/child activity is set with five different sessions to choose from in our Recreation Department Otay Lake Adventure class! Learn how to row a boat,  operate a motor boat, learn basic fishing skills and more while enjoying the beautiful Otay Lake. Geared for children between the ages of 8 to 17, the child must accompany their adult companion at all times. All equipment is provided for the three hour class offered April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $17 for Chula Vista residents and $21 for non-residents (includes both parent and child). To register, CLICK HERE . ...walking is a great physical activity for your mental and cardiovascular health! Those over age 50 are invited to join the PEP4A Walking Group who walk on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Offered free, the two-year program is the result of a partnership between the City and UCSD Health Family Medicine. Call (619) 409-1930 for more information.
...one in ten homes in California has a leak and minor leaks account for more than a trillion gallons of water wasted each year. To help raise awareness of this issue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency promotes Fix a Leak Week March 14-18. CLICK HERE to learn more. Fix a Leak Week is an annual reminder to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. Locally, residents who are in the Sweetwater Authority district can learn more CLICK HERE, and Otay Water district cutomers can CLICK HERE. ...our Recreation Department is offering a youth summer basketball and youth summer volleyball league. Registration is open until May 4 for both leagues. CLICK HERE to learn more. ... you are invited to join Special Olympics San Diego for Chula Vista's coolest  event of the year - the Plunge, Splash & Play at Aquatica Sea World on Sunday, May 22! Not only will you brave the wild waters of the largest wave pool in Southern California, but you'll have the opportunity to earn prizes, party with friends and family all while helping to support Special Olympics San Diego athletes. To find out how you can support these great athletes, CLICK HERE . ...congratulations are in order to our Chula Vista Public Library Director, Betty Waznis, who was selected as one of the 80th Assembly District's 2016 Women of the Year. The recipients will be honored on International Women's Day, Tuesday, March 8, at the Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration, CLICK HERE, is recommended.
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PJs at ParkwayA pajama party will be held on Friday, March 4, for kids ages 6-12 and will include crafts, games and dinner. The event will be held at Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way, from 6 to 9 p.m. Fee is $12 for Chula Vista residents and $15 for non-residents. CLICK HERE to register.
First-Time Homebuyer FairLooking to purchase a home in Chula Vista? Then you'll want to attend the free Chula Vista First-Time Homebuyer Fair on Saturday, March 5. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees will learn about a new program offering $76,000 to use toward the down payment and closing costs for first-time buyers. A variety of workshops and vendors will be participating in the event held at the Chula Vista City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Building A. CLICK HERE for more details.
Soldier Ride  The Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2003 by a group of veterans to help injured service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. The project serves to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred a physical or mental injury. Through adaptive sports like the Soldier Ride, the project helps wounded warriors achieve independence and pursue an excellent quality of life. This year, the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride will be held in the City of Chula Vista on Saturday, March 5. If you see the soldiers riding down the street, please take a moment to celebrate and honor these heroes! Speak Up!On Monday, March 7, the South Chula Vista Branch Library will host a discussion for age-friendly communities from 10 to 11:30 a.m. What would improve your quality of life? What is needed in the future? Spanish translation is available and light refreshments will be served. Please reserve your spot. EMAIL, or call (858) 495-5525. Hands-On Happenings
STEM returns to the Civic Center Branch Library on Wednesday, March 9. From 4 to 7 p.m., the free interactive event for kids and teens will include 20 fun Science, Technology, Engineering and Math hands-on stations. Taste of ThirdGet your tickets now before they sell out to the annual Taste of Third Avenue!  Scheduled for Thursday, March 10, from 4 to 8 p.m., ticket holders will receive petite portions of signature dishes from an array of eclectic Village eateries. Cocktail lounges and tap rooms will join the food-filled festivities this year, offering the 21 and up crowd the opportunity to taste discounted drinks. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at CLICK HERE. Music to Your Ears
Everyone is invited to hear the San Diego Youth Symphony's Community Opus Project on Thursday, March 10, at Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street. The free event begins at 5 p.m. and no registration is required. Cancer Talk
Cancer 101, a talk by representatives from Scripps Health, is set for Monday, March 14, at 10 a.m. at the Norman Park Senior Center. The free event will discuss ways to increase cancer prevention, warning signs, symptoms and treatment options. One Potato, Two PotatoNorman Park Senior Center will host their annual potato bake on Wednesday, March 16, from 12 to 2 p.m. for ages 50 and over. Cost is $5 for Chula Vista residents and $6 for non-residents. Come enjoy a large baked potato with all the fixings and stay for fun trivia games! CLICK HERE to register. St. Patrick's Scavenger Hunt  Kids ages 5-12 are invited to a St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt at Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, on Thursday, March 17. The free event, from 2 to 3 p.m., offers a prize to the winner plus free pizza for all participants! Call (619) 409-1999 to sign up as space is limited. Egg Hunt
Hop on over and join the annual Spring Extravaganza Egg Hunt from 2 to 3 p.m. at Otay Recreation Center! On Friday, March 18, children ages 5-12 can look for over 200 eggs! Space is limited for this free event, so please call (619) 409-1999 to register. Everyone who finds five eggs or more will receive a special treat bag. St. Patrick's CelebrationOn Friday, March 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., children age five and over can participate in a fun celebration while their parents enjoy a night out! Featuring dancing, refreshments and fun, attendees are encouraged to wear their green at Heritage Park and Community Center. To reserve your spot at this free event, CLICK HERE. Spring Basketball CampRegister now for this co-ed camp for kids ages 6-12 held March 21-25 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Drills include dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, scrimmages and game play. Fee is $45 for Chula Vista residents and $56 for non-residents. CLICK HERE for details. Rowing RegattaFrom March 21-25, a National Selection Regatta will take place at the Olympic Training Center boathouse, 2800 Olympic Parkway. This regatta serves as the second 2016 Olympic Games qualification opportunity for athletes. Come cheer on athletes as they #RowtoRio! All vehicles must park on the south side of the boathouse, parking and event entry is free. For more information, CLICK HERE. Kindergarten Boot CampThree sessions are offered to help prepare your child, ages four and five, for school  at the library's award-winning Kindergarten Boot Camp! Offered March 21-25, the South Chula Vista Branch will have two sessions: 10:30 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3 p.m. CLICK HERE to register or call (619) 585-5755. The Civic Center Branch offers the class 10:30 to noon; call (619) 691-5069 or stop by to register. Eggs-travaganza at Norman Park Who will find the golden egg at the Norman Park Senior Center Easter Egg Hunt? Those ages 50 and over are invited to join the fun looking for eggs hidden and filled with different goodies on Wednesday, March 23, from 12 to 2 p.m. Registration is required for the free event, CLICK HERE. Lights! Camera! Action!
Everyone is invited to see the movie, Age of Adeline, on Wednesday, March 23, at 5:30 p.m. The film will be shown in the newly restored auditorium at the Civic Center Branch Library.  Concert at Civic CenterLa Rondalla de San Diego will perform at the Civic Center Branch Library on Wednesday, March 23, at 2 p.m. Enjoy 25 seniors performing old favorite Mexican and Latin American tunes at this free bilingual program. I See You!
The Norman Park Senior Center will host an "All About Eyes," living with vision loss presentation on Thursday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. This seminar will address low vision issues, provide practical solutions, and facilitate interactive discussion for those who may be experiencing vision loss. The free event does not require registration and family and friends are welcome to attend. Girls Basketball AcademyPerfect for players of all abilities wanting to improve their skills in a fun, challenging environment, girls ages 7-14 will work on dribbling, shooting, passing, defense and offense skills. Offered Fridays, March 25-April 29, the fee is $30 for Chula Vista residents and $38 for non-residents. Class will be held at Parkway Community Center from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. CLICK HERE to sign up. Weird Science CampYoung scientists ages 6-12 will enjoy this exciting week of hands on experiments to understand reactions, nature and explosive energy. Using household items and recycled goods, they will learn experiments to share at home! The camp will be held March 28-April 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Parkway Community Center. Fee is $36 for Chula Vista residents and $45 for non-residents. To register, CLICK HERE. Cesar Chavez Day All City offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, March 31, in honor of  Cesar Chavez Day. Normal operating hours will resume on Friday, April 1 (seriously, no April Fool joke!)
Library Book Sale
The next library book sale will be held at the Civic Center Library on Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. Stop by for some great reads at a great price! Bon Appetit!
The library's annual Bon Appetit Food & Wine Celebration is set for Saturday, April 30, at Salt Creek Recreation Center. Mark your calendars now for the event, held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets, which are $40 each, can be purchased at any City library or at the door.
 SPRING FORWARD ON SUNDAY, MARCH 13!
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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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