...the Norman Park Senior Center at 270 F Street is pleased to offer two new classes. Functional Fitness and Dynamic Balance Training is offered Tuesday and Thursday beginning October 4, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Fee is $45 for Chula Vista residents and $56 for non-residents, and is designed for beginner to intermediate levels of fitness. A seven week Tuesday Meditation is beginning October 18, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Try it for free and you will want to sign up ($32 Chula Vista residents and $40 for non-residents) as you learn to manage and reduce stress, calm your mind and increase overall awareness.         

...kudos to a Chula Vista Police officer whose act of kindness recently went viral on social media. A group of special needs adults were passengers in a van involved in a vehicle collision after a visit to Bayside Park. During the subsequent traffic investigation, officers noticed the passengers were agitated and were in need of some comfort. CVPD Patrol Sergeant Scott Schneider retrieved some stuffed animals from his patrol car and gave them to the passengers to help calm them down. Your compassionate act, Sgt. Schneider, was greatly appreciated!

             

...discounted Fall swim lessons are being held for ages six months to adult at both city Aquatic Centers, Loma Verde, 1420 Loma Lane and Parkway, 385 Park Way, which are heated year round. Register online or in person at either pool. Check the website for more information about our aquatic programs.

...volunteer tax preparers are needed by AARP to help the public prepare tax papers at our libraries. You don't need to be an expert as a two week training is provided January 9-20, Monday through Friday. Contact AARP regional manager Donley Cates for more information.

...new and improved businesses in our fine city include Kula Yoga specializing in Vinyasa style yoga with classes for all levels: beginners, core awareness, restorative/reiki, and yoga for you. Find them at 305 Third Avenue next to Fruit Cantina. La Concha Bakery at 334 E Street now serves gourmet coffee such as cappuccinos and espressos along with their delicious and vast selection of baked goods.

...a collaboration of the Chula Vista Public Library and the Chula Vista Adult School has successfully allowed 20 students to take the U.S. Citizenship exam since January. Administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the class is free. Contact the South Branch Library at (619) 585-5755, or email Jorge Castillo for more information.

...winter basketball league registration is open October 5 to December 10 for youth ages 6-13 of all skill levels. The coed league games will be played on Saturdays from January 7-March 11. Registration is $95 for Chula Vista residents and $119 for non-residents. Call (619) 409-1980.

...you can help Chula Vista win the Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP) of 5 million dollars.  Find out how your energy savings helps the City in this competition!

...California law requires local agencies to conduct their business out in the open, and to give the public an opportunity for input. City officials - including mayor, councilmembers, and members of city boards and commissions - must also comply with state and local ethics standards. These topics will be addressed at the Thursday, November 3, City Council workshop at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 276 Fourth Avenue. Presentations will be given and questions answered by Chula Vista City Attorney, Glen Googins, and Deputy City Attorney, Simon Silva. Although the focus will be on training City councilmembers and other city officials, the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

...you can get a great workout at the Urban Line Dance classes scheduled from October 4-December 13, at Parkway Community Center! Held on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., participants will learn the Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, the Hustle and more. Fee is $30 for Chula Vista residents and $38 for non-residents.

...Chula Vista small businesses are offered to join free Sustainability Circles which is a great opportunity to get insights and ideas from other businesses like yours during a four-session workshop series beginning mid-October. The guidance and tools will help you develop your own sustainability action plan to lower costs and help your business thrive. Get answers to questions such as: How can my business use less energy, water and produce less waste? What are businesses in San Diego doing to reduce their footprint? How can I engage my employees and customers in my "green" plans? Register today! Contact David Gatcha or (760) 642-9829 or visit.

...the City of Chula Vista has joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. This designation supports the vision the City and community have created to promote active lifestyles with easy access to transportation, recreation, shopping, health care and other services. These communities have committed to making improvements in eight domains that influence the health and quality of life for residents of all ages. These domains are: outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; and community support and health services. We now join Boston, Honolulu, the City and County of Los Angeles, as well as the cities of San Francisco, Saratoga, and West Sacramento as members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.

...the Chula Vista Police Department held a community forum this week to address three timely topics of interest to our residents: police video technologies, homeless outreach, and medical marijuana dispensaries.  A frequently asked questions sheet was provided to those who attended. If you couldn't attend the forum, you can view the FAQ sheet now on the Police Department website.

...disasters do happen, but how they affect us depends on how well we prepare to survive and recover. The world's largest earthquake drill will take place on Thursday, October 20. Chula Vista City employees will take part in the drill at 10:20 a.m. on 10/20. To help you, here are the "Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety:"

* Prepare by securing your space, make a plan, organize disaster supplies and minimize financial hardship.

* Survive by using the Drop, Cover, and Hold On plan and improve safety.

* Recover - reconnect and restore.

Another important thing to remember is if you smell gas, you need to turn it off. Gas meters are generally outside the structure; locate yours now to be prepared. Learn this and other great tips for your work, home, and school through the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) America's PrepareAthon.