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April 2016 (Click HERE to visit the City's Calendar)

Contents: In this issue...

Articles		Every Issue
1 - It's Earth Month!	3 - City Employee Recognition	Did You Know...
2 - Veterans Connect at the Library	4 - Road to Rio: Olympic Spotlight	Events
		Contacts

It's Earth Month!

Mark your calendars and bring the entire family to the City's Go Green/Go Clean/Go Bike Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 9! The free event to promote active lifestyles, healthy families, and the environment will be held at the Chula Vista Marina in Bayside Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy food trucks and fresh fruits and vegetables, art exhibits and booths, games for the kids, free bike safety checks for those who bike to the event, yoga classes on the bay, and discounted light bulbs for sale. Other activities include a grocery bag exchange -

swap grocery store bags for reusable bags (while supplies last), and oil change kits - get a reusable drain pan, cardboard crawler and shop towels (while supplies last). See you on the bay April 9 for some fun in the sun!

The Chula Vista Public Library also is hosting several Earth Month activities including an Earth Day Fair, Friday,

April 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Civic Center Branch. Learn a variety of ways to save our planet. Think globally, act locally! The South Chula Vista Library will host Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Earth Day Craft for Kids and Teens, on Thursday, April 21, at 4 p.m. Activities at the Otay Ranch Branch Library are "Instructable Tuesdays" Crafts for ages 5 and over on April 12, 19 and 26, at 5 p.m.; Guerilla Gardeners Series: Composting for Adults, on

Wednesday, April 20, at 5 p.m.; Terrarium Succulents Take-Home Craft (ages 17 and over), on Thursday, April 21, at 6 p.m.; and Little Recyclers Celebration, on Thursday, April 28, at 11:15 a.m. for ages 2 to 5. Bring your little one and discover ways to help the earth.

Veterans Connect @ the Library

Our City Public Library opens its doors to armed services veterans and their families with a range of services, events and materials. The Veterans Resource Center services in the Civic Center Branch, 365 F Street, include a Veterans Wing that opened in 2010, a new veteran volunteer, computer lab access, special book collection, in-house office hours of a representative of the San Diego County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, exhibits, and more.

These services are part of the California State Library initiative, "Veterans Connect @ the Library." Navy

Veteran Volunteer Danny Carreon is available for questions and guidance in the Civic Center Library on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon. The County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs will have monthly office hours in the library on the third Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; no appointment is needed. In addition, the library's computer lab is open to veterans and their families with a private computer cubicle on Thursdays, from 5 to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. One goal of these library services is to help veterans apply for their CalVet (California Department of Veterans Affairs) benefits, such as medical services, home loans, fee waivers, disability-related issues and employment.

On Thursday, April 14, the Civic Center Library will host author and Chula Vista native Susan Herney, whose new book Steadfast is based on World War II correspondence between her parents. Herney's talk will take place at 4:30 p.m.

Chula Vista veterans services are coordinated by librarian David Janning. For more information, please call the library at (619) 691-5069.

City Employee Recognition

While we think all of our employees are a fine representation of Chula Vista, the City recently implemented a new Employee Recognition Program which acknowledges employees who have made an outstanding contribution through a project, program, action, idea, effort, or service to the community. Please join us in a round of applause for the following who are recognized the first quarter of 2016:

Grace Knepper is a Secretary in the Fire Training Division. Grace shows up to work every day with a positive attitude and with the intent to make her work place a better place than it was the day before. She is patient, dependable, professional, and technically proficient. She has a compelling "can-do" attitude and produces a remarkable amount of high-quality work. She is sincerely happy to help, and does so with a smile.

A team that has consistently worked together to provide great service to our customers is the Development Services Team. Their helpful can-do attitude has served them well in adapting to a new permit tracking system, staff cutbacks, and a considerable increase in permit activity. Each team member brings special skills to the job but all share similar qualities: they are conscientious, empathetic, and have a great work ethic. They are role models for other City staff and represent the City well to the development community. The Counter Team is made up of Cynthia Barba, Alfonso Camacho, Ivette Cortez, Bernice Gonzalez, Janice Kluth, Brian Mercado, Hilda Nunez, Rouya Rasoulzadeh and Caroline Young.

The Chula Vista Police Department Narcotic Enforcement Team (NET) consistently performs at a high level, demonstrating their dedication and service to our community. They take every concern of illicit activity to heart, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of bringing tranquility back to our neighborhoods. They help each other daily, working as a team, to accomplish the mission with very little information and minimal time. For the protection of undercover operations we are not naming the honorees, but they know who they are!

Road to Rio: Olympic Spotlight

Wheelchair Tennis made its Paralympic debut at the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona. In the game, players use a racket to hit the ball over the net into their opponent's half of the court, scoring points if their rival does not manage to return it. The main difference between Paralympic tennis and able-bodied tennis is that the ball is allowed to bounce twice.

Athlete spotlight - David Wagner
David lost his ability to walk as a result of a surf accident in 1995. His neck was broken, which damaged his spinal cord. Prior to his accident, David was a collegiate level tennis player. Upon becoming paralyzed, doctors had little hope that he would ever walk again let alone play tennis. In rehab, he gained back his love for tennis and started to train again. Wagner competed for the third time at the Paralympic Games in London and won his third consecutive gold medal in doubles tennis with his partner Nick Taylor. Wagner also has three individual Paralympic medals and will be aiming for more at the 2016 Paralympic Games.

Did you know...

...many of you have already completed and mailed back the survey we recently sent to your homes asking for feedback about how to make Chula Vista stronger and safer. Thank you! If you haven't mailed back the community survey yet, you can fill it out online.

...construction continues on the South Bay Rapid project with lane reductions in place. Also, the speed limit

on East Palomar Street has been reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph in construction areas from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Police presence has been increased in the area for the safety of both workers and motorists. Sign up to receive email updates on the project.

...congratulations to our Chula Vista Police Department Senior Public Safety Analyst Melanie Culuko who will be inducted to Southwestern College's Athletic Hall of Fame! In 1997, Culuko was named the College's Best All Around and Best Defensive Volleyball Player and was selected to the Pacific Coast Conference First Team. On the school's softball team in 2000, she earned All-Conference honors as a second year player and the Steve Miner's Coaches Award. Retired CVPD Captain Gary Ficacci is also being inducted for his outstanding efforts in football at Southwestern from 1980-1982. Bravo to both!

...our Recreation Department is again offering an Introduction to Sailing class for kids ages 10-16. Come sail away at the Saturday classes held from April 16 to May 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the South Bayfront Sailing Association, located at the Chula Vista Harbor, 604 Marina Parkway. Fees are $150 for Chula Vista residents and $188 for non-residents.

...April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and our Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) is participating in the effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. On April 7 and 20, CVPD will join a statewide enforcement campaign of "zero tolerance days" where all agencies will be especially vigilant for distracted drivers. In addition, CVPD will conduct six distracted driver operations during the month of April. Distracted driving continues to be a problem especially with the use of cell phones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 3,179 people died in 2014 in distracted driving collisions. An additional 431,000 people were injured in motor vehicle collisions involving distracted drivers. Don't be a statistic!

What is distracted driving? Any activity that diverts a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. These include: texting, using a cellphone or smartphone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading (including maps), using a navigation system, watching a video or adjusting a radio, CD or MP3 player. Since text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. Remember: U Drive, U Text, U Pay.

...in 2012, Chula Vista voters amended the City's Charter to require that City Councilmembers be elected by district starting with the 2016 elections. Representatives for Districts 3 (southeast) and 4 (southwest) will be elected this year. Chula Vista conducts its general election in June and a run-off election for the top two vote-getters in November. The nomination period for candidates wishing to run for these positions closed March 11. Since only two candidates, Steve Padilla and Jason Paguio, qualified for the District 3 election, they will go straight to the November run-off election. There will be four candidates for District 4 on the June 7 ballot: Mike Diaz, Rudy Ramirez, Eduardo Reyes, and Emmanuel Soto. The top two vote-getters will advance to the November election. Additional information regarding the election and 2016 candidates is available on the City Clerk's elections webpage.

...the last day to register to vote in the June 7, 2016, election is May 23, 2016. Voters may register online, or pick up a registration form at the Chula Vista City Clerk's office or any Chula Vista library. Remember to re-register if you have moved or changed your name.

...the office of Congresswoman Susan Davis now holds office hours in The Hub, the Otay Ranch Library's community room, on the first Tuesday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. and the third Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is invited to discuss issues and concerns with the Congresswoman or her staff. For an appointment, please call (619) 280-5353.

...last month, our Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) Urban Search and Rescue 53 training staff had the unique opportunity to work with the 1st Division Chemical Biological Incident Response Force of the U.S. Marines. This elite group of Marines are the first responders to the White House as well as responders to other major disasters. CVFD, as well as San Diego Fire staff, assisted with training on complex rope rescue operations including confined space rescues with part of the training taking place at the Otay Dam.

Special thanks goes to our CVFD training captains Frank Godinez and Brendan Barahura who helped plan and train for the event so that different technical rescue teams can work collaboratively.

...during the month of April, the Civic Center Branch Library will be the location of the National Conflict Resolution Center and the San Diego Law Library's "Information on Divorce" series. Topics include: April 6: What is divorce mediation?; April 13: Divorce and money; April 20: Child support and custody; April 27: Minimizing the effect on family. The free classes will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.

...the South Bay Family YMCA is celebrating a grand re-opening of an expanded wellness center, all new state-of-the-art fitness equipment, upgraded locker rooms, new family changing rooms and a refreshed aquatics area with new deck surface. Check it out at 1201 Paseo Magda.

...two new exhibits are now open at the Living Coast Discovery Center. Passport to the Pacific: A Tour

Around the World's Largest Ocean, showcases the diverse animals that make their homes in and around the Pacific region with new animals and interactive components. Turtle Lagoon returns with enhanced water volume and more interactive elements. Visit the non-profit zoo/aquarium at the foot of E Street from the I-5 freeway, or call (619) 409-5900.

..everyone is invited to join the Living Coast's team for clean-ups, plantings and restoration projects. Two upcoming events are Saturday, April 9, for kids ages 10 and up held at the Living Coast at 10 a.m. or on Saturday, April 23, at 9 a.m. for the annual Creek to Bay clean up at J Street Park. For more information on these events, call (619) 409-5900 or contact Tina.

....our Fire Department CERT (Citizen's Emergency Response Team) is offering a free training to Chula Vista residents. FAME, which stands for First Aid, utility Meter, and fire Extinguisher will be held on Thursday, April 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn basic first aid, how to shut off gas meters and how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Attendees will be given a free gas meter wrench and a fire extinguisher for their home. Space is limited to 30 participants so sign up now (deadline April 12) for this valuable training.

...check out the new trash/recycle bins at City facilities next time you are at the Civic Center Buildings A, B and C, Civic Center Library, South Library, Norman Park Senior Center and some of our Recreation facilities. These new containers are made from 100% recycled materials and agricultural by-products. We make it easy to recycle!

...registration is now open for youth summer basketball and volleyball leagues. Summer basketball is open to those ages 6-16 and is a coed league open to all skill levels. Register by May 10; the first game is scheduled for June 11. Fee is $95 for Chula Vista residents and $119 for non-residents. The coed volleyball league is open to those in the 5th to 8th grades with registration closing on May 4. The first game is set for May 21 and the fee is $75 for residents and $94 for non-residents. Call (619) 409-1980 for more information on both leagues.

...nominations for the 2016 Gayle McCandliss Art Awards has been extended to April 28 at 5 p.m. 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.

Mark Your Calendar!

Hello, Can You Hear Me?
Residents age 50 and over are invited to a free hearing screening on Wednesday, April 6, at the Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street. Conducted by Connect Hearing, screenings will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Book your complimentary screening by calling (619) 420-2151 although no registration is required.

Phone and Tablet Help
Are you still trying to figure out how to use that new cell phone or tablet? Is there something you've struggled with while using your device? Then sign up for the tech one-on-one instruction class for ages 50 and up held at the Norman Park Senior Center each Wednesday, from April 6 through June 29. Cost is $10 for Chula Vista residents and $13 for non-residents for a 30-minute session. Call (619) 409-1930 to schedule your appointment.

Tai Chi
Norman Park Senior Center is also the location for Tai Chi on Friday, April 8 through May 6. Learn beautiful, flowing movements that will reduce your stress and improve your strength and flexibility. Class is offered from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and cost is $20 for Chula Vista residents and $25 for non-residents.

Saturday Karate Class
This club offers training in the martial arts of karate in the Ryuei-Ryu discipline. Nationally recognized belts are awarded for those participants who successfully pass skills for each color. For ages 5 to adult, the class is held Saturday, April 9 through June 11, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Parkway Community Center. Fee is $35 for residents and $44 for non-residents.

Watercolor Painting for Adults

Are you interested in learning to paint with watercolor? Instructor Ed Roeder will teach classes at Norman Park Senior Center on Monday, April 11 through May 16, from 9 a.m. to noon. Fee is $25 for Chula Vista residents and $31 for non-residents.

Sand Volleyball
Practice serving, setting, volley and game play in this five-week class at the sand volleyball court in Eucalyptus Park, located at Fourth and C Streets. Offered Tuesday, April 12 through May 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the class is designed for ages 10-17. Fee is $26 for Chula Vista residents and $36 for non-residents.

Hero vs Villain Dodgeball Tournament
Are you a hero or a villain? Children ages 5-12 years old are invited to come dressed as their favorite hero or villain at this free tournament on Thursday, April 14, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street. A special prize will be awarded to the winning team. Call (619) 409-1999 for more details.

Pee Wee Karate
Karate for little people ages 3 to 5 teaches the basics while developing strength and flexibility with cardiovascular endurance. Class is offered Tuesday, April 12 through June 14, from 4:14 to 4:45 p.m. at Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way. Fee is $37 for residents and $47 for non-residents.

Picasso and Pie
Unleash your hidden talent for painting as you follow step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful piece of art at this class for ages 50 and up on Saturday, April 16, at the Norman Park Senior Center. Fee is $10 for Chula Vista residents and $13 for non-residents and include a delicious piece of pie! All painting supplies will be provided for the class held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tijuana Youth Symphony Concert

Two free concerts are set for Saturday, April 16 featuring the pride of Tijuana - the Tijuana Youth Symphony. The first concert will be held at the Civic Center Branch Library at 2 p.m. and the second one will be at the South Chula Vista Branch Library at 5:30 p.m. Don't miss these very talented young people!

We Support U Cancer Run/Walk
Sign up for this family event to raise money for cancer patients. The 5k run/walk is set for Sunday, April 17, beginning at 6:30 a.m. and runs alongside Bayside Park and surrounding streets. During and after the run, there will be booths and entertainment at Bayside Park.

Archery Olympic Trials
The second round of U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Archery will be held at the Chula Vista Olympic training Center April 18-21. At the event, the top 16 national archers will be reduced to the top eight who will then compete in the final round May 26-29. Admission to the event is free so come cheer on local resident athletes like Olympic hopeful and Chula Vista native Lauren Clamon and Olympians Brady Ellison and Khatuna Lorig. Competition is set Monday-Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon.

And More Archery!

Perhaps you and your family will be motivated to try archery after hearing about the outstanding Olympic athletes here in Chula Vista! Our recreation department is offering Archery for the Family (must be eight years old and over) at Paseo Del Rey Park, 750 Paseo Del Rey, on Sunday, April 17 through June 5, from 10 to 10:55 a.m. Participants can take aim and learn the sport from an instructor certified by the National Archery Association. All equipment is provided. Fee is $75 for Chula Vista residents and $95 for non-residents.

Senior Spring Breakfast
Ring in spring with a relaxing morning at the Norman Park Senior Center as you enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and a short film. Set for Wednesday, April 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the cost is $5 for Chula Vista residents and $6 for non-residents.

Sundae on Wednesday
Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, will host a free Build Your Own Ice Cream Sundae for children ages 5-12 only on Wednesday, April 20. From 2:30-3:30 p.m. kids can choose from a variety of flavors and toppings at this delicious event. Call (619) 409-1999 for additional information.

Hey Ref!
Do you have an interest in being a referee at our youth basketball league games? And are you looking for a great part-time job with the City's Recreation Department? Then don't miss the free basketball referee clinic to be held on Wednesday, April 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way. Here's a chance to show your skills! Participants must have knowledge of basketball rules. League games are played on Saturdays in the fall, winter and summer. Call (619) 409-1980 to reserve your spot.

Nutrition News You Can Use
Sign up for this information series held on six Thursdays from April 21 through May 26 at the Norman Park Senior Center. Scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., the free nutritional classes are courtesy of the San Diego Food Bank and will include nutrition educational handouts, recipes and free produce.

Got Gowns?
If you've got gently used prom dresses or are able to donate new dresses, the South Chula Vista Library is participating in the Princess Project Dress Drive and Give-Away on Saturday, April 23. Gowns must be in excellent condition, and all sizes, fabrics and colors are accepted for the dresses that are donated to financially challenged teens. Drop off your donations to the library, 389 Orange Avenue, by April 22. The give-away event requires an appointment and teens must have a valid high school ID card.

April Pools Day
To kick off Drowning Prevention Month (May), the City's Loma Verde Aquatic Center will host April Pools Day on Saturday, April 23. Located at 1420 Loma Lane, the free event will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. for children ages 6 months to

16 years old who will receive free swim lessons. Other activities include demonstrations by the City's Fire and Recreation Departments, free BBQ compliments of the Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation, water safety themed story time and more. Register in advance or the day of the event providing space is available. Call (619) 409-1987 for more details.

Day of the Child
Fun for the entire family awaits you at the popular and free 16th Annual Day of the Child event on Saturday, April 23. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Memorial Park, 373 Park Way, enjoy live entertainment, games and activities for children, health screenings, prizes and much more! Call (619) 427-2199 with any questions.

Ten Steps Toward Financial Success
Want to know the ten steps needed toward financial success? Number one: attend this free presentation! Sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union, participants will learn how to set goals, develop a spending plan, weigh insurance needs, and other useful tips. No registration is necessary for the event held at the Norman Park Senior Center on Thursday, April 28, at 10 a.m.

Kids in the Kitchen
Your "Junior Chef" will enjoy the opportunity to chop, measure, mix and stir in this hands-on cooking class at Parkway Community Center on Friday, April 29. For ages 8-13, the class will feature kid friendly, savory and sweet recipes from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Fee is $8 for Chula Vista residents and $10 for non-residents.

Dispose of Meds and More
Chula Vista residents are invited to get rid of household hazardous waste and old medicines at a free disposal event on Saturday, April 30. The national prescription take-back day and disposal event will be held at Castle Park High School, 1395 Hilltop Drive, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dispose of antifreeze, batteries, oil, paint, electronics, fluorescent lights/tubes, and expired/unused prescription medicine - no questions asked! Items NOT accepted are gasoline, diesel, gas tanks, pesticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, thinners, degreasers, and sharps. For more information, call (619) 691-5122.

South Bay Motorsports Open House
Stop by the South Bay Motorsports Open House on Saturday, April 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1890 Auto Park Place (off Main Street). Activities include performances byTeam ICON riders, as well as new product demonstrations by ICON, complimentary BBQ and free raffle.

Camarena Color Splash
Gear up for this fun 5k event on Saturday, April 30, which begins and ends at Camarena Elementary School, 1650 Exploration Falls Drive. Starting at 8 a.m., the run takes place on surrounding streets and benefits the Camarena Elementary PTA. Over 600 participated last year, so register early!

Bon Appetit Food and Wine Celebration
Don't miss this fun annual event to benefit the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation on Saturday, April 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. Held at Salt Creek Recreation Center, 2710 Otay Lakes Road, enjoy gourmet taste treats, a variety of wines provided by the Wineries on Highway 94, silent and live auctions, prizes, music, dancing and more! Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at any City library. Tickets will also be available at the door the evening of the event. Must be 21 or older.

State of the City
Mayor Mary Casillas Salas will deliver her State of the City address on Tuesday, May 3, at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Everyone is invited to attend.

Contacts

Animal Care

Animal Control: 476-2476

Pet Adoptions: 691-5123

Web Page

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Environment

CLEAN Web Page

CLEAN Business Program:

409-1975

Conservation: 409-3893

Storm Water Hotline: