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

Contents: In this issue...

Articles		Every Issue
1 - Giving...and Thanks!	3 - Star Crossed Lovers	Did You Know...
2 - Ribbons & Shovels Winners	4 - Crocheting for a Cause	Events
		Contacts

Giving...and Thanks!

The month of Thanksgiving reminds us what we are thankful for. Among other things, Chula Vista is thankful for an outstanding work force including the police department that has dedicated, unselfish, and generous personnel. A prime example is Officer Jeffrey Pace whose act of kindness was witnessed by a couple. They then shared what they saw with a local television station that notified Police Chief David Bejarano.

Earlier last month, Mr. and Mrs. Calderon saw Officer Pace buying a late dinner at a local fast food restaurant for a homeless man. Upon talking to the officer, they discovered he was escorting the man to a rehabilitation facility. They were impressed and thanked Officer Pace for his generosity and asked if they could take some photos. The Calderon's wanted the public to know about this officer's decision to go above and beyond the motto to "serve and protect."

We appreciate the Calderon's for sharing this story and when we posted it to the City's Facebook page, it received over 36,000 views! Hundreds more commented and thanked CVPD for all they do. Thank you, Officer Pace and to all CVPD! You make your City proud.

Ribbons & Shovels Winners

Thirteen projects were recognized at the Ribbons & Shovels awards dinner on October 20 for improving and enhancing the appearance and appeal of Chula Vista. Winners were: New residential construction project - 2 winners - Hacienda Otay (single family) and Pulse Millenia Apartments (multi-family); New non-residential construction project - Easton Archery Center of Excellence (see photo); Commercial or residential renovation

and restoration project - 2 winners - Seven Mile Casino and Otay Ranch Branch Library; Public or private landscaping project - Fresh to Families/St. Rose of Lima Parish; Improvements in the public realm - Sweetwater Authority WaterSmart Landscape Renovation Projects, Honorable Mention: H Street Extension, Port of San Diego; Art visible to the public - Powering the Arts Sculpture at Bayfront Park, Artist Michael Leaf and Port of San Diego; Historic preservation project - Greg Rogers House and Honorable Mention: Byron Bronson House; Affordable housing - Congregational Tower; Green building design or improvements - Gateway Center Solar Project; Mayor's award for neighborhood revitalization - 2 winners - SDG&E D Street Fill Wetlands Restoration Project and Third Avenue Alehouse. Congratulations and thank you for making Chula Vista beautiful!

Star Crossed Lovers

Who doesn't like a good love story? This one will surely make you smile. Recently, an odd couple -- two stray animals -- were brought to the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility (CVACF) with no owner information. They were found together with the little male curled up and trembling with fear. The female would cuddle near him to comfort and protect. What makes them an odd couple? Well, the little male is a seven month old red tabby

kitten and the consoling female is a five-year old silver and gray Miniature Schnauzer!

Staff at the CVACF named the kitten Romeo after they realized he was getting love sick without Juliet (the dog also named by the staff), near him! Romeo was surrounded by other friendly felines, but he missed his dear friend and started to become sick and dehydrated. When staff brought Juliet to visit him, he immediately perked up and Juliet let out a tiny whimper as she nuzzled him.

Normally, the CVACF is not equipped to allow dogs and cats to live together. But this was a unique situation, so the staff was able to find an area for Romeo and Juliet to be reunited.

When this story hit the media, it generated a huge response. Hundreds of people contacted the CVACF to inquire about adopting the pair, as the shelter's biggest stipulation was they must be adopted together. We are happy to report that the pair was adopted by a loving family on October 21.

If you are looking for a true love to join your family, visit the CVACF at 130 Beyer Way,Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maybe you'll find Prince Charming and Cinderella!

Crocheting for a Cause

Your local library offers a little bit of everything from story time for little ones to homework help for teens to several programs geared toward Veterans and much more. But, did you know there is a group who crochet caps for premature infants? And yes, they crochet at the library!

The Otay Ranch Branch Library, located in the Otay Ranch Town Center, recently began the Crochet for a Cause class that meets every Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Led by Library employee Leslie Montz, a long-time crochet whiz, the class is offered to beginners as well as experts of all ages. They crochet side-by-side, enjoy

casual conversation, and encourage one another as they improve their crocheting skills all while benefiting a great cause. Currently there are 15 members in the group which started in July with only five.

Participants do not need to have any crocheting skills nor do they need to bring any materials. Everything is provided by funding from the Friends of the Library and public donations of yarn and crochet needles.

Caps are washed and identified with a tag indicating the name of both the library and the person who crocheted the cap. They then are donated to Miracle Babies, that provides them to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns. Miracle Babies is a 501C3 organization that helps families with sick newborns through financial assistance and supportive services. Several staff members at the Otay Ranch Branch Library have been assisted by Miracle Babies and were excited at the opportunity to give back to other families.

If you'd like to join the group, stop by any Wednesday evening - no registration is necessary - and crochet for a cause. A little baby and his/her family will appreciate your efforts.

Did you know...

...two eateries have recently opened in Chula Vista and, of course, we taste-tested for you! Looking for some mouth-watering delicious barbeque? Bubba's Smokehouse BBQ, located at 2110 Birch Road, is family owned and operated. The meats are cooked for 48 hours. Since it's all made fresh, when they're out, they're out - meaning if one of the meats is sold out for that day, you'll need to return the next day! And you will return....from

appetizers to salads, sandwiches, burgers and platters, all with a lip-smacking sauce, you'll want to save room for the homemade desserts too! Bubba's, which also provides catering, is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Or how about healthy, marinated, authentic flame-broiled chicken? El Pollo Grille has opened at 3041 Bonita Road #105, near the Starbucks. Here you will find another family run restaurant featuring fresh and yummy Mexican food. El Pollo Grille started in Lemon Grove in 1987 and we welcome them to Chula Vista! Besides scrumptious chicken, there are salads, burritos, family meals, and lots more! They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

...Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD personnel have responded to this year's natural disasters in California and other states. Besides helping to fight the many devastating fires in our state, CVFD personnel have assisted in the clean-up efforts from Hurricane Matthew that affected Georgia and North Carolina last month. CVFD Battalion Chief Jeff Peter was assigned as a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Branch Director in North Carolina and spent several days organizing rescues and relief efforts.

...the Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street, offers a variety of services through its Veterans Connect @ Your Library program. On the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, there is a Veterans Referral Service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Vet to Vet Support Group meets Mondays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and the San Diego County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs helps with filing for benefits the third Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (619) 691-5069 for more details.

...Loma Verde Recreation Center is offering a Thanksgiving Camp Monday through Wednesday, November 21-23, when school is out. For kids ages 6-12, the camp will be held at the center, 1420 Loma Lane, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $45 for Chula Vista residents and $56 for non-residents, with before (7 to 8 a.m.) and after (5 to 6 p.m.) care offered for an additional $15.

...in the past few months, the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) has been instrumental in helping to reclaim two homes that were previously taken over by squatters. The Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) and Special Investigations Unit (SIU) played a pivotal role in removing unwelcomed guests at these homes. On Twin Oaks Drive, a home was taken over when the owner passed away and a group moved in for two years with drugs and prostitution wreaking havoc on the neighborhood. Finally, the deceased owner's family was able to sell the house and a huge transformation occurred (see before and after photos above.) Neighbors are relieved and grateful to CVPD.

Police also received several reports of suspicious activity at a home on Oasis Avenue. NET and SIU detectives found the home in squalor with no electricity, gas or water, but an ex-con had moved in along with many feral cats! The suspect has a history of drug use and was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The City's Animal Care Facility officers and Code Enforcement officers assisted at the home as well. Great team work as CVPD collaboratively worked to restore safety in the neighborhoods. Thank you all!

... Chula Vista residents can still help the City finish strong in the final leg of the Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP) competition. Chula Vista receives points for the amount of energy its residents save providing the City a chance to win the $5 million dollar prize. Currently, Chula Vista is ranked 17 out of 50 competing cities. Only the top ten cities will compete for the award with the competition ending on December 31. If you want to learn how you can save energy and water in your home, schedule a no cost Home Energy and Water Check-Up. Trained City staff will walk through your home and provide a detailed and unbiased report on how you can save. To set up an appointment please visit, email, or call (619) 409-5310.

...composting workshops are held at the Living Coast Discovery Center each Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. Learn

how to reduce use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, naturally achieve a beautiful, healthy yard and garden, and use your yard clippings as a resource. Call (619) 409-5900 for more information. Workshop is included with the cost of admission to the Center.

...new classes are offered at the library to help keep you calm and relaxed. At the Civic Center Branch, 365 F Street, there is Stress Relief Coloring for adults on Friday from 12 to 2 p.m.; the South Branch, 389 Orange Avenue, has Tai Chi for Seniors on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon; and the Otay Ranch Branch offers Move to the Music Storytime everyTuesday at 11:15 a.m.

...the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) found that strong energy codes could save homeowners, building owners, and tenants over $100 billion on energy bills over the next 25 years. Winners for the 2016 Standard Bearers Awards for Excellence in Energy Code Compliance include Chula Vista, that was named the Local Jurisdiction Winner for our outreach efforts to educate local stakeholders. Our hands-on education strategies have led to increases in the state's strict energy code compliance. Hooray for us!

...Recreation's Therapeutic classes are offered at various dates and times through November for disabled adults ages 18 and over. All classes are free and held at Heritage Park and Community Center located at 1381 East Palomar Street. For more details and other Recreation offerings, check out the website.

...CVPD had a large contingent of volunteers work on a house for the annual Christmas in October project, including Police Officers, Community Service Officers, civilian employees, Cadets, Explorers and their family members. The home owners, who are on a fixed income, were unable to maintain their home because of the husband's recent hospitalization and his wife devoting her time to care for him. Volunteers from CVPD removed two dumpsters of trash, brush, and debris. They also repaired three gates (way to go, Lt. Kenny Heinz!) and repainted the entire house. A termite service removed an entire patio cover and replaced it with new wood for the very grateful residents.

...all three Chula Vista Public Libraries are in the spirit of Thanksgiving with fun events planned. At the Civic Center Branch on Wednesday, November 2, S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) program offers kids a food science class from 4:40 to 6 p.m.; a Pinecone Turkey Craft for children is set for Tuesday, November 22, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. At the South Chula Vista Branch, there is Create a Thanksgiving Centerpiece for adults on Tuesday, November 8, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. - call (619) 585-5755 to reserve a spot; Paint a Pumpkin Craft for adults is Tuesday, November 15, at 5:30 p.m. - call to reserve your space; S.T.E.A.M. Turkey Craft is at 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 17; and Celebrate Thanksgiving story times are set for Tuesday, November 2,2 and Wednesday, November 23, both at 11:15 a.m.; Turkey Craft S.T.E.A.M.

on Thursday, November 17, at 4 p.m.; and Otay Ranch Branch offers Stone Soup Storytime on Wednesday, November 23, at noon.

...special thanks goes to Chula Vista resident Terrance Smith who donated large boulders and stones for the Open Space area to use in City parks and landscaping. The decorative boulders, valued over $900, were used in several different locations. We appreciate your generous donation Mr. Smith!

...since 2007, the Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) has offered Fire Training technical rescue classes to local Fire agencies. Over 1,300 participants have received training from Chula Vista including personnel from the following counties: San Diego, Imperial, Riverside , Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and even agencies further north. Other agencies that have trained here are Cal Fire, Federal Fire, United States Marine Corp, United States Navy, San Diego Sherriff, CVPD, NASSCO, Local Indian Reservation Fire Departments, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, various K9 handlers, and many other Special Operations Teams. Some of the classes are Low and High Angle Rope Rescue, Trench Collapse Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Swift Water Rescue and Structural Collapse Rescue. CVFD has one of only four Type 1 Heavy Rescues in San Diego County- US&R 53. The personnel who respond on this specialty apparatus are trained to the highest levels and often serve as the instructors for the technical rescue classes.

...entries are now being accepted for the "We are Chula Vista" Photo Contest! Photographers are invited to submit a photo that depicts life in Chula Vista. Take a photo of your favorite place, activity, building, people or anything else that shows or expresses "We are Chula Vista." Check the website for more details.

...if you just can't wait until Election Day to cast your vote, in-person voting is available now through Election

Day at the Registrar of Voters office. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., they are located at 5600 Overland Ave, San Diego. Also, both the Civic Center Branch Library at 365 F Street and the Otay Ranch Branch at the Otay Ranch Town Center, are designated

mail ballot drop-off locations until Monday, November 7. The Civic Center and the South Chula Vista Branch Library at 389 Orange Avenue are voting sites on election day, Tuesday, November 8. If you are mailing your ballot, remember to place the proper postage- 67 CENTS - on the return envelope. Because of the two-card ballot, there will be additional postage required. Be sure you sign and date the outside of the return envelope. Did you know that you can check the status of your mailed-in ballot online? Also, Election results will be posted on the City's website on Election Day, beginning at 8 p.m.

Mark Your Calendar!

Celebrating Dia De los Muertos

On Wednesday, November 2, Norman Park Senior Center will celebrate the lives of our departed loved ones at a festive traditional Day of the Dead. The free event begins at 1 p.m. at the Center, located at 270 F Street. There will be an area to display photos or mementos to honor your loved ones. Coffee and Pan de Muertos (sweet bread) will be served.

Tech Club for Kids

Got a child interested in technology? The Civic Center Branch Library offers a new program for kids ages 5 and up on Thursdays. This month classes include Snap Circuits Jr. on November 3, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. On November 10, ages 5 and over can attend Spheros, and learn about a spherical robot that is controlled by a smartphone or tablet from 4:30 to 6 p.m.; Scratch Coding is offered on November 17, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for those age 7 and up.

Veteran's Parade

The 11th annual parade to honor our heroes past, present and future will be held on Friday, November 4, at Veterans Elementary School, 1550 Magdalena Avenue, from 9 to 11 a.m. Keynote speaker will be Master Chief Michael J. Magnetta with Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station San Diego.

Super Heroes - Kids Night Out

Children ages 6-12 are invited to dress up in their favorite super hero costume for this fun-filled evening on Friday, November 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. Held at the Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way, the fee is $12 for Chula Vista residents and $15 for non-residents. The event includes dinner, crafts and games.

Compost Give-Away

Bring your buckets, containers, shovels and tarps to the customer convenience area at Otay Landfill, 1700 Maxwell Road, on Saturday, November 5, between 8 a.m. and noon. This is a load-your-own process with one load per household while supplies last.

PINGO Party for PAL

Enjoy an afternoon of fun playing Bingo-like games to win designer purses and more at the first Pingo party (Purse + Bingo = Pingo!). Purses from Prada, Coach and Michael Kors are up for grabs and would make great Christmas gifts - or a nice present for yourself! Set for Saturday, November 5, from 4 to 8 p.m., the $40 entry fee includes two drink coupons, light food fare, and one Bingo card with approximately six rounds of play. Wear your most fashionable outfit to receive a complimentary opportunity drawing ticket during this Happy Hour party. All proceeds from the event, held at the Salt Creek Recreation Center, 2710 Otay Lakes Road, benefit the Chula Vista Police Activities League (CV PAL). PAL provides for less fortunate and at risk local youth. Some PAL activities include an annual toy and food drive to benefit approximately 300 families and 900 children each year, Southwestern College scholarships, and Sixth Grade Achievement Award Presentations.

Time to Fall Backward!

Yes, it's that time of year - turn those clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 6, when Daylight

Saving Time ends and we switch to standard time. Per your Fire Department, it's also a good time to change those smoke alarm batteries. More than 90 percent of homes in the United States have smoke detectors, but one-third are estimated to have dead or missing batteries. A working smoke detector more than doubles a person's chances of surviving a home fire so change your clocks and change your batteries!

Healthy Bones: Understanding Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that leads to an increased risk of fractures. In this talk, offered by Scripps Health, learn how to keep your bones healthy. Offered on Monday, November 7, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Norman Park Senior Center, the program is free.

Coloring - It's Not Just for Kids!

Want a fun way to reduce stress? Attend the free Benefits of Coloring class on Wednesday, November 9, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Norman Park Senior Center. This therapeutic activity helps evoke feelings of peace, enjoyment and satisfaction. And maybe you'll feel like a kid again!

Pie Eating Contest

"On your mark, get set, EAT!" Those ages 5-16 are invited to join us for the annual Pie Eating Contest at Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, on Thursday, November 10. The free fun begins at 3 p.m. with contestants racing to finish a whole plate of whipped cream for a special prize. Call (619) 409-1999 for more information.

Veterans Observance

The public is invited to a Veteran's Day observance, Friday, November 11, in Memorial Park Bowl, 373 Park Way. Hosted by American Legion Post 434, the event will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and features guest speakers, a rifle squad, color guard and placement of the Veterans Day ceremonial wreath. A reception will follow at Post 434. In observance of Veterans Day, City offices and facilities will be closed, however, emergency

personnel are on their normal 24 hours a day, 365 days a year schedule. To all veterans - past and present - thank you for your service!

Parade Band Review

In a salute to our Veterans, the seventh annual Parade Band Review and Festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The parade route will be held along H Street at Marina Parkway and Bay Boulevard with the festival held in Bayside Park.

Padres Pedal the Cause

Padres Pedal the Cause is a cycling event raising funds for cancer research facilities in San Diego County. Approximately 400 riders will leave Petco Park on Saturday, November 12, in waves of approximately 150 riders and travel through Chula Vista between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8.45 a.m. If you see riders on their route - cheer them on!

Turkey Bowling Time!

No, we are not bowling with frozen turkeys, but kids ages 5-12 have a chance to win a free turkey just in time for Thanksgiving dinner! Participants will compete in a game of bowling in this fun, free event set for Wednesday, November 16, at 3 p.m. Please pre-register in person at the Otay Recreation Center front counter, 3554 Main Street.

All About Eyes

Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Diabetic Retinopathy are some of the leading causes of senior related vision loss affecting approximately 6.5 million seniors over the age of 65. On Wednesday, November 16, the Braille Institute will conduct a free presentation from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Norman Park Senior Center. Through simulator glasses, and hands-on demonstrations, this event will take you on an educational journey into the world of age related eye conditions.

Pumpkin Pie Social

Sign up now to attend the pumpkin pie social at Norman Park Senior Center on Wednesday, November 16, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Besides pie, coffee and tea, enjoy chatting with friends, some games and a Thanksgiving craft! Cost is $2 for Chula Vista residents and $3 for non-residents.

South Bay Hunger Relief Forum II

Join us Wednesday, November 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the second food forum addressing food insecurity issues in the South Bay. Held at the Chula Vista High School Performing Arts Center at 820 Fourth Avenue, reservations are recommended due to limited seating for the free presentation. State Assembly member Lorena Gonzalez will speak, the film "Just Eat It. A Food Waste Story" will be shown and a panel discussion will be held on regional and local efforts in food waste diversion. Lunch and networking to follow.

MBA Information Night

Point Loma Nazarene University is hosting a MBA information night on Monday, November 21, in the City Hall Executive Conference Room at 276 Fourth Avenue. From 6 to 7 p.m. you will have an opportunity to learn more about MBA programs at PLNU, meet current faculty, and receive information on potential scholarships. A light dinner will be provided.

Fun with Food

We all have heard or said, "Don't play with your food!" This class will ask the question, "Why not?" The three day camp , set for Monday-Wednesday, November 21-23, will have kids ages 6-12 making a healthy snack each day, creating strange creatures and wonderful art with all things edible! Camp is held from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way. Cost is $45 for Chula Vista residents and $56 for non-residents.

Thanksgiving Day 5k, 10k and 15k

Run like a beast before you feast! USA Endurance invites you to the San Diego South Bay 5k, 10k and 15k Turkey Trot and Food Drive on Thanksgiving Day! The event will be held at Rohr Park on Thursday, November 24, from 8 to 11 a.m. It's the only Turkey Trot in San Diego County that offers three distances so the entire family can join in the fun! Check the website for registration and more information.

Turkey Time

All City offices and facilities will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25. Police and Fire emergency operations are not affected and will be fully staffed.