Community Connection is here!

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

Contents: In this issue...

Articles		Every Issue
1 - Fourth Fest, Fireworks and Friends	3 - CVPD and Police Data	Did You Know...
2 - One, Two, Three, FORE!	4 - Library 40th Birthday	Events
		Contacts

Fourth Fest, Fireworks and Furry Friends

Spend the morning of the Fourth of July holiday with the Chula Vista Firefighter's Foundation (CVFF) who will hold their eighth annual Pancake Breakfast! Stop by Fire Station 7, located at 1640 Santa Venetia Street, on Monday, July 4, from 8 to 11 a.m. and enjoy pancakes, sausages, hash browns, coffee and juice. There is a suggested donation of $5 and all proceeds go to the CVFF to support fire safety, community programs and encourage fire suppression careers. Parking is available at Otay Ranch High School, 1250 Olympic Parkway, a few short blocks from Station 7. The event includes fire engine and truck displays and games for the kids.

A spectacular fireworks display will be featured at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) on the Fourth of July beginning at 9 p.m. Sponsored in part by SD Local, a group of five radio stations, the Chula Vista 4th Fest fireworks will be set off with special simultaneous music on the radio. Participating stations are 91X, Magic 92.5, 100.7 KFM BFM, AM 760 and Z90.3. Located at 2800 Olympic Parkway, the OTC can accommodate a maximum number of 3,000 attendees. Parking via the Visitor's entrance is limited to 500 cars and costs $10, cash only, per auto; attendees will be counted upon entrance. Gates at the OTC open at 6 p.m. and alcohol is not allowed on the premises. Nearby Mountain Hawk Park, 1475 Lake Crest Drive, opens at 7 a.m. and can accommodate 3,000 people for viewing the fireworks display. Some sections of Olympic Parkway between Hunte Parkway and Wueste Road will allow free on-street parking. In addition, free parking will be permitted at the New Hope Community Church, 2720 Olympic Parkway.

The Chula Vista Fire Department reminds everyone that private use of fireworks in San Diego County is against the law. All types of fireworks are illegal, including firecrackers, sparklers, bottle rockets, M-80's, roman candles, cherry bombs, snappers and poppers. Also, be aware that transporting fireworks into the United States from Mexico or any other location carries a penalty of fines, and/or imprisonment. For more information, contact the Chula Vista Fire Department at (619) 691-5029. To report unauthorized use of fireworks, call the Chula Vista Police Department dispatch non-emergency line at (619) 691-5151.

With the upcoming festivities, don't forget about your furry friends! We know your dog is like family and you want him to be part of the celebration, but there are many dangers for your pet on the Fourth of July. The Chula

Vista Animal Care Facility has a few tips to keep your pets safe: 1) leave your pet at home so he won't accidentally ingest unusual food. Some picnic food can cause severe digestion issues and even death; 2) keep your pet indoors - even if your pet is used to being outdoors, the sudden loud noise of fireworks can cause your pet to panic and jump or even break through a fence in an attempt to find safety; 3) have your pet properly identified - In case your pet happens to escape, be prepared. Have your pet properly identified with license tags and current telephone numbers on ID tags. Get your pet microchipped. It is also a good idea to have a recent picture of your pet in case you have to post lost signs. The Chula Vista Animal Care Facility offers microchipping for $30 available Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Happy Fourth of July! Stay safe and enjoy your holiday.

One, Two, Three, FORE!

Don't bogey this chance - sign up today for the second annual Humanimal Outreach Foundation Invitational Golf Tournament! Benefitting the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility (ACF) and CAST (Citizen's Adversity Support Team), the event is set for Friday, July 29, at Salt Creek Golf Club, 525 Hunte Parkway, Chula Vista. Numerous prizes will be awarded such as golf clubs, VIP concert ticket packages, and $10,000 cash for a hole in one! Plus there is a helicopter golf ball drop with a chance to win $1,000.

Player packages include green fee, power golf cart with GPS, range balls, snack bag, two drink coupons and a

great smokehouse BBQ dinner. Cost is $485 for a foursome, $145 for a single golfer, $35 for dinner only, or $25 for helicopter ball drop. Registration is at 10 a.m. with a noon shotgun start.

The Humanimal Outreach Foundation supports the needs of the residents and animals living in Chula Vista and San Diego County. This fundraising effort netted over $10,000 last year to assist the ACF and CAST volunteers. These outstanding volunteers assist families with their unique needs when requested by our Fire and Police Departments in time of trauma such as death, car accidents, suicides and more. Last year, CAST assisted over 161 families in their time of need.

Don't miss out on the fun and competition while supporting two great Chula Vista causes. Register before July 29. For more information on the golf tournament, email Femie Cupit or call (858) 220-5487.

CVPD Participates in White House Police Data Initiative

Last month, the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) was one of the first 53 jurisdictions nation-wide to participate in the White House Data Sharing Initiative. Launched by the Task Force on 21st Century Policing under President Obama, the Police Data Initiative (PDI) is committed to improving the relationship between citizens and police through uses of data that increase transparency, build community trust, and strengthen accountability.

CVPD's first commitment to the PDI includes three non-crime related data points: officer demographics, citizen complaints, and officer involved shootings. The information is available on the Police Department website. Here you can find race and gender of officers, the number of citizen complaints and the outcome of those complaints, and the yearly count of officer involved shootings including date and location using hundred block addresses

such as "100 block of Broadway."

"Police Departments are trying to be more transparent and this approach will allow the Chula Vista Police Department to engage our community," said Police Chief David Bejarano. "We look forward to sharing more data in the future."

With 219 sworn officers, tracking the data has become the duty of Melanie Culuko, CVPD's Senior Management Analyst. While police departments typically share crime data, the PDI approach is showing the business side of what police departments do.

Police Captain Vern Sallee stated, "Sharing this data tells our story. The transparency should increase public trust with checks and balances. If we find we are falling short, we can correct it."

For more information on Chula Vista's PDI efforts, please contact Captain Sallee.

Civic Center Library Turns 40

Chula Vista's Public Library Civic Center Branch is celebrating its 40th birthday with a party entitled, "Back to the Seventies," on Friday, July 8. The free event will be held at the Library, 365 F Street, from 3 to 9 p.m. and includes a costume contest for you and your pets, music, a piñata for the kids, and birthday cake. Specialty

food trucks will be selling refreshments in the east parking lot while the auditorium and marketplace will be rocking with Disco and other music!

The Civic Center Branch is one of the busiest in San Diego County. Offering weekly programs for all ages including crafts, concerts, book clubs, film screenings, musical performances and much more, this branch averages more than 1,000 visitors every day. With a dedicated staff and awesome volunteers, it really does have something for everyone!

For the July 8 birthday party, wear your groovy garb from the 70s and dress up your pet for the "Pup Culture" costume contest held from 3 to 5 p.m. Then from 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy a dance party with DJ John Phillips in the marketplace area, listen to the musical stylings of singer-guitarist Ray Ornellas & Friends in the auditorium from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and watch the kids attack two piñatas in the children's room. Get down at this cool party...it will be dyn-o-mite!

Did you know...

...several City Boards and Commissions will have vacancies effective July 1. Check out these available volunteer positions and apply today. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and registered to vote in Chula Vista elections. Call (619) 691-5041 for more information.

...our Recreation Department is pleased to offer the return of the Music in the Park Summer Concert Series. The shows will be held one Sunday afternoon each month from 3 to 6 p.m. at Memorial Bowl, 373 Park Way.

Each free concert will include community showcases, a magician, and a regional band headliner. July 10 will feature Bulevar Descarga musical ensemble playing traditional Latin American rhythms, funk, soul, rock, reggae and more. Save the dates of August 14 and September 11 for two more exciting summer concerts.

...the shaking we felt early in the morning of June 10 was a good reminder that we all need to be prepared for an earthquake at any time! During an earthquake, the most important thing to remember is Drop, Cover, and Hold On! Practice this drill with your family; you may only have seconds to protect yourself. Learn about what to do before, during and after an earthquake including creating a family disaster plan, securing items so they don't fall, and preparing an emergency supply kit.

...early childhood education is one of the smartest investments we can make. To assist your little ones, Chula Vista Recreation offers Tiny Tots and Spanish Immersion Tiny Tots, affordable early education programs. The next Tiny Tots session for kids 3 to 5 years old will be offered July 12 - September 15 on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 11:50 a.m. Cost is $188 for Chula Vista residents and $235 for non-residents. Spanish Immersion Tiny Tots will be offered July 13 - September 16 on Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. All toddlers must be potty trained. For more information, call (619) 409-1939.

...on Tuesday, July 19, representatives from the U.S. Olympic Committee will be at the 5 p.m. City Council meeting to celebrate the local athletes who will represent the United States at the summer Olympic Games. The Olympics will be held August 5 - 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Opening Ceremonies held on August 5.

...the library's Summer Reading Program for kids, teens and adults continues until July 22. "Read for the Win" awards prizes for reading and offers free special events for all ages. Pass the hot summer days reading under a shade tree!

...bicycling on East H Street will be much easier with the installation of new bike lanes. Located west of Buena Vista Way to the entrance of Southwestern College, in addition to new bike lanes, a new decomposed granite trail will be included on the south side of the street and new concrete sidewalks installed on the north side. Construction may last five months; use alternate routes if possible. Lane reductions will be removed in time for Southwestern College's August 18 fall semester.

...we are in need of adult literacy tutors at the library. Volunteers will teach basic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills with small groups or in a one-on-one setting. Contact Diana Ysla, or call (619) 585-5760 to sign up and for more information

...there's still time to bid on the fabulous auction items at the Chula Vista Police Foundation's (CVPF) online auction. New items are added daily and include golf packages, airline tickets, travel packages to Mexico and Hawaii, designer handbags, jewelry, gift cards, and much, much more! Final bidding will be held at the CVPF Evening with Heroes cocktail reception and Luau dinner on Saturday, July 16, where you also have the

opportunity to bid on more great items at a silent auction. Get your tickets to this fun and entertaining event while supporting the Foundation which assists families and children in need in our local community. At the event, held at the Olympic Training Center from 5 to 8 p.m., you can see demonstrations by SWAT, Police Canines and other CVPD personnel. Don't forget to wear your Hawaiian shirt! Can't make the event? You can still bid on the great auction items and help support the Police Foundation!

...Christmas in October applications and volunteers are now being accepted for the 17th annual event to be held on Saturday, October 8. The program helps preserve and revitalize houses of low income, elderly, and/or disabled and military veterans and their families. Homes may be painted, carpeted, or receive bathroom repairs as well as other upgrades (mobile homes are not included in the program). Volunteer workers are needed as well; this is a great opportunity for church groups, community service hours or your business to participate. To receive an application or to volunteer, call Emerald Randolph at (619) 250-9289.

...you can start your Saturday mornings right with new classes at Loma Verde Recreation Center, 1420 Loma Lane. Beginning July 16 through September 17, those 16 and over can sign up for Yoga held from 8 to 9 a.m.; fee is $46 for Chula Vista residents and $56 for non-residents or $5 for drop-in per class. For those ages 4-6, there is Tot Soccer and 6-12 year olds can participate in Basic Soccer. Kids will have lots of fun running and kicking while learning the basics. Tot Soccer is held from 9 to 9:45 a.m. and Basic Soccer is 10 to 10:45 a.m. Both classes are $40 for Chula Vista residents and $48 for non-residents.

...all ages are invited to participate in the Soda Free challenge from July 1 through August 12. Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and the City's Aquatic Centers, prizes will be awarded for participants who "Rethink Your Drink." Download the Soda Free Summer challenge sheet or pick one up at your nearest City Aquatic Center. Please return the completed form by email, or mail to the Loma Verde Aquatic Center, 1420 Loma Lane, Chula Vista, CA 91911, by August 12. Stop drinking soda and enjoy an active summer!

...later this summer we will see the opening of the East Palomar Street Bridge and Direct Access Ramp as construction crews are finalizing the project. Nearby Park & Ride parking lots are also nearly complete. Get the latest construction information and updates, email, or call (888) 941-5005.

...Chula Vista kids ages 9-14 are invited to participate in Aqua Fun to be Fit, a free class that encourages swimlesson

healthy lifestyles while providing fun and exercise in the water. Sponsored by a grant from Kaiser Permanente, participants must be able to swim 15 yards. Classes will be offered at Parkway Aquatic Center July 5-15, on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, or Loma Verde Aquatic Center July 6-16, on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Register in person for any of the three time slots at either location.

...single family residents can dispose of bulky items on your regular trash pick-up day for free. Republic Waste Services asks that you simply call one day in advance at (619) 421-9400, then place the item(s) at the curb on your regular pick-up day. Apartment and condo residents need to check with the manager or Home Owners Association for bulky pick-up details. If you see someone disposing of items illegally, please try to get a license plate or other descriptions and call the non-emergency Police Dispatch line at (619) 691-5151. Thank you for helping to keep Chula Vista clean!

...congratulations to the following who were recently promoted in the Chula Vista Police Department: Agent Patrick White, Sergeant Marc Ratchford and Lieutenant John Autolino. We appreciate your dedication to the City!

...registration is now open for fall basketball and volleyball leagues. Sign up soon for these classes that are coed and open to youth of all skill levels. First game for volleyball is set for August 20, and the fee is $75 for Chula Vista residents and $94 for non-residents. Basketball league starts September 17, and the fee is

$95 for Chula Vista residents and $119 for non-residents.

...the City has several ways to get important information to our residents including a free immediate messaging system called Nixle. Sign up for Nixle or text your Zip code to 888777 to receive information such as evacuation alerts, missing persons, or street closures. Information is sent to your cell phone and/or email. And don't forget to check out our Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram.

...WaBa Grill is now open at 1170 Broadway featuring a choice of low fat, healthy California grilled fusion-style

food. Serving boneless, skinless, fat-trimmed chicken and quality meat, salads, shrimp, salmon and tofu, there are more than 27 entrees priced under $12. Check out the healthy and fresh WaBa plate which offers a combination of grilled chicken and marinated rib-eye steak served over a bed of rice (white or brown), side of kale and seasonal fruit. YUM!

...Heritage Community Center offers Open Rec & Read for students ages 5-12 every Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. The free program features a variety of recreation equipment to use, activities and themed events.

...the popular Junior Lifeguard program for ages 9-14 is returning to Parkway Aquatic Center July 11-15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This class teaches an introduction to water rescue, first aid, and life saving techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing responsibility, professionalism, work ethic and fitness. Fee for Chula Vista residents is $100 and $125 for non-residents.

...you're invited to tour two habitat restoration projects and learn how the environmental and preservation work being implemented in the South County plays a role in the larger regional preserve system. You will be guided through the habitats being restored and learn about the species benefitting from the projects at the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Annual

Workshop. The City of Chula Vista is hosting the workshop on Thursday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mountain Hawk Park in Chula Vista. Two tours are planned: 9:30 a.m. from Mountain Hawk Park and 12:30 p.m. at the Otay River Valley. For more information about the annual MSCP Workshop or to reserve a space on a tour, contact Cheryl Goddard at (619) 476-2329.

...welcome to the six new Chula Vista Fire Academy 16-01 graduates! Joining CVFD as new Firefighter Paramedics are: William Armas, Matthew Collins, Jason Colorina, Richard Norris, Lee Petry, and Andrew Smith.

...July is California's Parks Makes Life Better Month. Chula Vista has 57 beautiful parks throughout the City with Orange Park joining the list soon. Have a picnic, watch the sunset, play ball and enjoy the beautiful outdoors in your City this summer!

...bargain shoppers will be happy to hear that the 99 Cents Only Store has opened at 1030 Third Avenue in the former K-Mart building. Featuring a large variety of product, including fresh produce, the store is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Mark Your Calendar!

United States Citizenship Classes
Free U.S. Citizenship classes will be held July 5-20, on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Students can practice for the test while practicing their English at the South Chula Vista Branch Library. Call (619) 691-5096 for more information.

Kinder Boot Camp
Another session of the award winning Kindergarten Boot Camp is offered Tuesday through Thursday, July 5-7 and Monday through Thursday, July 11-14. Register or call (619) 585-5755. Classes will be held at the South Chula Vista Branch Library from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Tech One-on-One
Are you having difficulty learning your new cell phone? Does your iPad drive you crazy? Bring your device and receive one-on-one instruction at Norman Park Senior Center any Wednesday from July 6 through September 26. Assistance is offered at $10 per 30 minutes for Chula Vista residents or $12.50 for 30 minutes for non-residents. Call to schedule an appointment at (619) 409-1930.

Do You Cribbage?
If you enjoy playing cribbage or want to learn but can't find anyone to play with, consider joining the free drop in

Cribbage! Held on Wednesday from July 6 through September 7, the game is played from 1 to 3 p.m. at Norman Park Senior Center. Call (619) 409-1930 for more information.

Spikers and Servers Wanted
Hey Volleyball enthusiasts! Sign up for the Volleyball Workshop scheduled July 11-15, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Designed for ages 10-17, the class is coed and will be held at the Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way. Fee is $24 for Chula Vista residents and $30 for non-residents.

Coffee with a Cop
Residents are invited to join Chula Vista Police Department for the next Coffee with a Cop on Tuesday, July 12. This is an opportunity to meet your local police officers, ask questions and share your concerns. It will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at the McDonald's Restaurant, 2254 Otay Lakes Road, in the Vons shopping center.

Good Doggie
If Fido is in need of some obedience training, then sign him up for this great program! On Tuesday, July 12 through September 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., your pooch will learn the seven basic commands, socialization and responsibility in this program. Classes will be held at Rohr Park, near Gate A, and are open to all dogs of any age with proof of current vaccinations. Fee is $75 for Chula Vista residents and $95 for non-residents.

Exercise is Good for You!
We all know that exercise is a good for us but don't always have the motivation. Let us help you with these two challenging classes at Salt Creek Recreation Center! Beginning July 12 through September 15, Balance Training and Functional Fitness

is offered on Tuesday and Thursday. Class is 10 to 11 a.m. and aimed at those age 50 and over. Fee is $60 for Chula Vista residents and $75 for non-residents, and appropriate for beginner to intermediate levels of fitness.

Or how about Circuit Training with Dan offered on Wednesday, July 13 through September 14, from 4 to 4:45 p.m. This fast-paced cardiovascular and muscular workout is for those 18 and over. Good for intermediate to advanced exercisers, fee is $56 for Chula Vista residents and $70 for non-residents.

ABC and 123
Toddlers and their parent(s) will play games, do art activities, listen to music and learn socialization skills at this interactive toddler/preschool class held at Parkway Community Center. Offered from 9 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13 through August 3, it is designed for ages 1 ½ to 3. Fee is $20 for Chula Vista residents and $25 for non-residents

Seniors with Style
Attention all fashion plates! We need you (men and women) to be models in the Norman Park Senior Center annual fashion show set for Wednesday, July 13, from 12 to 2 p.m. The fee is $5 for Chula Vista residents and $6 for non-residents and includes a finger food luncheon. Call (619) 409-1930 to attend the event and/or to be a model.

Crafts for Little Sprouts

Little ones ages 2-5 will create a different project each week using a variety of mediums, paint, markers and more. Parent participation is required in this fun event held on Thursday, July 14 through August 4, Held at Parkway Community Center at 4:40 p.m., the fee is $20 for Chula Vista residents and $25 for non-residents.

Selling or Buying or Both!
Space is still available at the Otay Parking Lot Sale set for Saturday, July 16, from 6 a.m. to noon. Bring your treasures and obtain your parking lot spot for only $10 for Chula Vista residents and $12 for non-residents. Table rental is $5 for resident and $6 for non-resident or bring your own table. Register in person only at the Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street. Call (619) 409-1999 with any questions. Don't want to sell? Then stop by to buy some terrific treasures!

Movie in the Park
Grab your blankets, chairs, and snacks and head to Rohr Park (Gate A) on Saturday, July 16, for the Movie in the Park. The Sandlot will be shown beginning at dusk and the event is free! Enjoy a night out under the stars with family and friends.

Otay Lake Adventure
Why not spend your Saturday morning with your son or daughter enjoying a fun class together on Otay Lake? The Otay Lake Adventure classes are being offered with the same information given at each: Saturday, July 16, 23 or 30 or August 27. All classes are held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you will learn how to use a kayak, row a boat, operate a motor boat, learn basic fishing skills and view wildlife that lives in the lake. Children must be at least eight years old and all children 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $17 for Chula Vista residents and $21 for non-residents (for both child and parent). All equipment including life vests is provided.

Back to School BBQ

A "Welcome Back to School BBQ" will be held for students ages 5-12 on Wednesday, July 20, at the Otay Recreation Center. Children can enjoy a free meal (hot dog, chips and beverage) and share what they did during summer break from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

CPR/First Aid/AED Training
Did you know that effective bystander CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can double a victim's chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest? CPR helps maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain and increases the amount of time that an electric shock from an AED can be effective. Become certified through the American Heart Association by enrolling in a Heartsaver First Aid with Adult CPR & AED class. The next class will be held on Thursday, July 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City's Public Works Center, 1800 Maxwell Road. Open to the public, the cost is $25. Southwestern College students pay $20 and the class is offered free to City of Chula Vista employees and volunteers. The class is also being offered on August 25, September 15 and October 20. Call Isabel Zetina at the City's Human Resource Department at (619) 407-3589 to sign up.

Team Up to Clean Up
Volunteers are welcome at this family friendly clean-up effort set for Saturday, July 23, at Eucalyptus Park, located at Fourth Avenue and C Street. Activities include planting and restoration projects and cleaning up the area. To sign up, contact Tina or call (619) 409-5905.

Clear the Shelters

Hundreds of animal shelters across the country will come together on Saturday, July 23, for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide push to place deserving animals in permanent loving homes. All adoption fees are waived that day. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility (ACF) is partnering with NBC 7/39 to help find new homes for cats and dogs waiting to be adopted. All interested pet owners must complete and submit an adoption application for approval. Last year, 800 animals in participating San Diego County shelters were placed in homes on Clear the Shelters day, with 58 animals adopted from our ACF alone. Come find your forever friend at the CVACF, 130 Beyer Way, on July 23!

Here's the Scoop
Scoop of ice cream, that is! Norman Park Senior Center is hosting an ice cream and trivia social on Wednesday, July 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. Stop by and get your free treat with all the yummy toppings and enjoy some fun trivia games with friends.

Movies at Montevalle
Montevalle Community Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Road, is hosting a free family movie night on Friday, July 29, in the park. Prior to the start of the movie at dusk, there will be fun recreation activities. Pack some snacks and enjoy time outdoors with your neighbors and family at this free event. The July 29 feature is the Minions. Call (619) 691-5269 for more information.

National Night Out
The Chula Vista Police Department will be hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. Held at the Police Headquarters, located at 315 Fourth Avenue, the free event will include tours of the facility, mobile field force demonstrations, Jaws of Life demonstration, Home Depot Children's workshop, a Game Truck for children, crime prevention information, and an opportunity to meet S.W.A.T. team members and more. Bring the family and meet your police officers!

Contacts

Animal Care

Animal Control: 476-2476

Pet Adoptions: 691-5123

Web Page

_________________

Environment

CLEAN Web Page

CLEAN Business Program:

409-1975

Conservation: 409-3893

Storm Water Hotline: