June 2018 Community Connection

June 2018 (Click HERE to visit the City's Calendar)

Contents: In this issue...

Articles		Every Issue
1 - This Is Chula. - Round 2	3 - New Intersections & Pedestrians	Did You Know...
2 - Traffic and Driving Concerns	4 - Summer Camps, Swimming & Fun	Events
		Contacts

"THIS is Chula." - Round 2

San Diego County residents and visitors will be seeing " THIS is Chula." billboards return throughout the region in addition to new elements including MTS Transit Shelter ads, a campaign video, multi-media digital ads, and social media engagement. The " THIS is Chula." advertising and awareness campaign was initially launched in 2017 to increase awareness and correct misperceptions about Chula Vista, the second largest city in San Diego County. The first phase demonstrated an increase in positive perceptions about Chula Vista and earned the EPIC Award (Excellence in Public Information and Communications) for the branding campaign from the

California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) at its annual conference. The City also received a Hermes Creative Award for the 2017 " THIS is Chula." campaign. This international competition award recognizes marketing and communication programs and print, visual and audio materials.

Phase Two of " THIS is Chula." focuses on the "beauty of" the city, natural landscapes, recreation, new and established businesses, sustainability programs and community warmth and pride. A new video captures this beauty with images of the Chula Vista Marina, Third Avenue Village, the Chula Vista Bayfront, local parks, trails and the world-class Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. The video, digital ads and billboards celebrate several of the "beauty of" concepts, including, "The beauty of discovery," "The beauty of community," "The beauty of learning," and "The beauty of innovation."

The website, Explore Chula Vista that was launched in phase one of " THIS is Chula." has been updated to reflect the new "beauty of" messaging and features photos from all corners of Chula Vista. It also contains photos and links to recreation activities, shopping and dining, cultural arts,

schools, concerts, festivals, entertainment attractions, parks, and open spaces.

A new " THIS is Chula." billboard has been posted in Kearny Mesa on Convoy Street between Kearny Mesa Road and Othello Avenue, and additional billboards will be seen within the next few weeks. MTS Transit Shelter ads are displayed in the City Heights and Normal Heights areas along some of the busiest routes on University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard. The MTS ads will run through July. The billboards will rotate throughout San Diego county locations through November 2018. In addition, the " THIS is Chula." video can be seen on the City's You Tube Channel. Digital ads and the Explore Chula Vista website feature images that enhance the "beauty of" messaging. The City's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media accounts reinforce the campaign with #THISisChula used to expand engagement.

Traffic and Driving Concerns

With more traffic in the City of Chula Vista, and with more distracted and hurried drivers, the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) Traffic Division is actively enforcing and educating its residents to help keep our city safe. In addition to routine traffic enforcement efforts, the division also participates in focused efforts including motorcycle awareness month, DUI checkpoints, and the national Click It or Ticket campaign, among others. Many of these special enforcements are the result of a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

We recently spoke to Officer Brian Carter of the CVPD Traffic Division. He shared what traffic related issues are of most concern and what drivers can do. Officer Carter stated that officers do turn on their body worn cameras at every motor vehicle stop and accident.

The top three factors causing a vehicle collision in Chula Vista are speeding, abuse of traffic signs or signals,

and DUI. Fourth on the list could be distracted driving.

We all have seen those distracted drivers who are holding their cell phone while driving, looking all around the vehicle interior, eating, applying make-up, or looking at their cell phone and texting. Also witnessed by CVPD are pets sitting on the driver's lap causing a new distraction for drivers when the pet moves around, blocks the drivers view or even jumps out the open window! Recently a distracted driver cut off a police cruiser when they quickly pulled in front of the police car, missing the front end by inches. When pulled over for the infraction, the driver had no idea there was a car next to them; but of course, they didn't look either.

The biggest concern of the Traffic Division is speeding. Officer Carter said, "Everyone is in a hurry and not paying attention to their surroundings." The speeding issue is especially prevalent on the eastern side of Chula Vista along with ignoring traffic stop signs and signals. According to CVPD, vehicles are constantly going through stop signs and lights causing a true hazard to anyone in the vicinity. With east side streets wider and longer, many drivers reach freeway speeds on City streets. It is not unusual for officers to cite motorists going 20 or more miles over the posted speed limit!

Consisting of six motors (motorcycle officers), one agent and one Sergeant, the Traffic Division is responsible for traffic in all 52 square miles of Chula Vista. They respond to complaints of speeding and stop sign and traffic

light violations. Did you know there is no "three second" rule when stopping at a stop sign? Just make sure you come to a complete stop before proceeding. Another misperception is that drivers can turn right on red without stopping. That is not true! Drivers must stop at the red light, look to make sure all is clear and then proceed.

The west side of Chula Vista also has its share of traffic problems but with shorter and more narrow streets, the issue is pedestrian related. Since January 2018, four pedestrians have been struck and killed by a vehicle. Unfortunately, these deaths have mostly been the fault of the pedestrian, but drivers still need to be aware of their surroundings to help alleviate this issue.

With your help, Chula Vista can be traffic safe but drivers must do their part. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, obey all traffic rules - including speed limits - and focus only on your driving.

New Intersections = Safe Pedestrians

To help support pedestrian safety in the City, work has begun on improvements to four heavily used pedestrian intersections. The improvements will allow pedestrians to safety and efficiently travel through the intersections and will also comply with ADA requirements.

The project includes relocating traffic signal poles to allow four-feet of clear space along sidewalks, installing pedestrian street crossing push buttons at sidewalk ramps and "countdown style" pedestrian crossing signals; placing new reflective pedestrian crossing signs on poles with rapidly flashing lights to warn motorists; painting reflective pavement striping to delineate pedestrian cross walks and traffic "keep clear" zones; and placing pedestrian barricades to prevent crossing in dangerous areas. Not all improvements will be installed at all four intersections, but all will receive the pedestrian barricades and reflective pavement striping.

Work is scheduled Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following intersections: H Street and Oaklawn Avenue; Fourth Avenue and Davidson Street; Fourth Avenue and Park Way; and H Street and Woodlawn Avenue. No work will take place on weekends and holidays but some work will be conducted at night to

minimize disruptions. Streets will not be completely closed but lanes will be closed intermittently to allow the construction work. MTS has been notified and bus stops should not be impacted by the project.

As addressed in the previous traffic story, pedestrian safety has been a significant concern of the Chula Vista Police Department in recent months. In 2017, there were nine pedestrian fatalities in Chula Vista, which was a 125% increase over 2016. In addition, four pedestrian fatalities have occurred in 2018, which is a 200% year-to-date increase. While there are a number of factors involved, pedestrians were identified at being at fault in seven of the nine collisions last year. Distracted driving has been a factor in some fatal pedestrian collisions. The intersection improvement project is designed to help residents to #StaySafeChulaVista.

Funding for the project was obtained from federal and local programs to reduce traffic injuries and fund transportation projects including the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), TransNet (from SANDAG), and the City's Traffic Signal Fund. The entire pedestrian intersection improvement project is estimated to be completed by late July.

Summer Camps, Swimming and Fun

There's no time to be bored this summer with the vast array of offerings from the City's Recreation Department! Kids will love the different camps planned for the school break including Crazy Sports Camp; Montevalle Adventures; and Montevalle Summer Finale Camp. Heritage Community Center is offering All Sports Camp; Hoop It Up Basketball Camp; Bump, Set, Spike Grass Volleyball Camp; and In the Net Soccer Camp.

And don't forget about swimming! Both of the City's Aquatic Centers, Parkway located at 385 Park Way and Loma Verde at 1420 Loma Lane, offer swimming lessons continuously through the summer. The 30-minute classes are offered for ages six months to adults at various times of the day. In addition, other aquatic programs are available.

Otay Recreation Center at 3554 Main Street will expand recreation hours for the summer with special events planned for all ages. Also, a free summer food and snack program for children ages one to 18 years old will be provided. Activities include arts and crafts, Wii games, free Sno-Cone day, water balloon relay race and much more! The fun is offered Monday-Friday from June 4 to July 13, between 12 and 4:30 p.m.

For more information on all of the summer camps, swimming opportunities or other recreation classes, please visit the website. Happy Summer!

Did you know...

... election day is June 5! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Do your part and vote! Find election results at the Registrar's website.

...another way you can participate in the decision-making process is by serving on one of the City's Boards and Commissions. Check the website for available openings on one of the City's many Boards and Commissions - Board of Appeals & Advisors, Board of Ethics, Board of Library Trustees, Charter Review

Commission, Commission on Aging, Cultural Arts Commission, Growth Management Oversight Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Advisory Commission, Human Relations Commission, International Friendship Commission, Mobilehome Rent Review Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Safety Commission, Sustainability Commission, or Veterans Advisory Commission.

...the City of Chula Vista is one of 20 regional organizations approved as part of the U.S. Transportation Department National Unmanned Aircraft System Testing Partner. The San Diego region (including Chula Vista) is among ten agencies chosen nationwide to advance aerial innovation, spur economic growth and create jobs. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot program is an opportunity for state, local and tribal governments to partner with private sectors to accelerate the development of drone technology. Mayor Mary Casillas Salas said, "This unique opportunity will help the City design, develop and test drones to support police officers and firefighters during emergencies."

...in May, Chula Vista was recognized for excellence in energy leadership by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) for demonstrating sustainability initiatives that are good for both the environment and the bottom line. The City has led in energy efficiency, fleet vehicle electrification, and climate action planning. Thanks to our residents for helping us to keep Chula Vista sustainable.

...there are many different scams once again circulating on social media and via cell phone and land line phones. CVPD wants to remind you of some issues that have come to our attention. Fraud threat: The messages contained threats that the resident is guilty of fraud and will be arrested; one message claimed they were with the IRS. Police are reminding residents that neither the police nor the IRS will call you on the phone telling you that there is a warrant for your arrest and that you will be arrested immediately unless you send money via wire transfer or a prepaid gift card. Never give your credit/debit card number or bank routing number if you are unsure if the call is legitimate. Virtual Kidnapping: This extortion scheme is trying to get your money! The FBI says to look for these possible indicators: Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line; calls do not come from the supposed victim's phone; callers try to prevent you from contacting the "kidnapped" victim; calls include demands for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer to Mexico; ransom amount demands may drop quickly. If you suspect a real kidnapping is taking place, or you believe a ransom demand is a scheme, contact your nearest FBI office or local law enforcement immediately.

...Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, offers Vinyasa Flow Yoga every Friday for those ages 15 and up from 9 to 10 a.m. The free class is a high energy style of yoga that integrates breath and movement.

Participants must bring their own yoga mats.

...the population over the age of 55 is expected to double in Chula Vista over the next 30 years. To better address the needs of the aging community, the Age-Friendly Chula Vista Action Plan has been drafted. The public is encouraged to view and comment on the plan by June 15. The final plan will go to the Age-Friendly Joint Task Force in late June before going to the City Council in July.

... street paving continues throughout the City thanks to Measure P, the half-cent sales tax measure approved by voters in 2016. So far this year, $22 million worth of street paving has been performed throughout Chula Vista. A normal year sees $5 million in street paving and repairs.

...with summer just around the corner, it's a good time to remind both parents and children about water safety tips. WARN (Water Awareness in Residential Neighborhoods) provides safety tips to prevent drowning: Safer Kids, Safer Water, Safer Response. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1-14 in San Diego County with the majority drowning in residential or community swimming pools. Go to the website to learn what you can do to keep children safe around water.

...the 2018-19 proposed City budget is now available for review and input. At the June 12 City Council meeting, the council will consider the proposed budget and hold a hearing to give the public an additional opportunity to participate in the budget process.

...construction news from SDG&E includes the Miguel to Bay Boulevard 230 kilovolt Transmission Line Project which will add a second 230 kv transmission line on the vacant side of existing electric structures. Approximately 55 existing overhead structures over the span of 10 miles will be affected. Work hours are Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and some Sunday work may be required. Helicopters will be utilized for construction and support activities but SDG&E will try to minimize the impact of the helicopter operations when possible. The project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2018.

...the Sustainability Commission has announced the winners of the 2018 CLEAN Sustainability Champion Awards which are designed to recognize individuals, groups and businesses that are helping to achieve clean air, clean water and clean land.. Nominations were submitted by members of the public and City staff. And the winners are: Resident Category - Janette Grutzmacher; Business Category - Vision Power, LLC and its founder, Raechel Kadoya; Organization Category - Living Coast Discovery Center; Youth Category - Melissa Nunez,

Chula Vista High School and Living Coast Discovery Center volunteer; City Employee Category - Hugo Martinez, Public Works Department; Teacher Category - Mia Vaughnes, founder of Good Neighbor Gardens and Garden Educator at Stephen Hawking STEAM Charter School; Community Contributor Category - Gloria Barry from Mosaic Community Garden. Congratulations!

... Spanish class for toddlers is offered Monday and Wednesday beginning July 9-September 19. Designed for ages 3-5, kids will explore the Spanish language through activities such as art, music, dancing and reading. They will learn basic vocabulary used in greetings, colors, numbers and family. The class is offered at Otay Recreation Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sign up now!

Events

Cancer Survivorship Celebration

All South County residents who have been affected by cancer - either personally or through loved ones - are invited to the Cancer Survivorship Celebration on Saturday, June 2, at Veterans Park, 785 East Palomar Street. From 12 to 3 p.m., there will be lunch, activities for kids, hand massage and aromatherapy, opportunities to meet doctors, cancer education resources, prizes and more. Although the event is free, registration is required. The event is hosted by the Douglas and Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center at Sharp Hospital Chula Vista.

Montecito Neighborhood Park Meeting

Residents of the Montecito Village are invited to an informational meeting regarding the development of Montecito's neighborhood parks. The update will be held on Monday, June 4, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Montecito Swim Club, 1595 Santa Diana Road. Discussion will include what will be in the parks and when they are scheduled to be constructed.

IFC at Novo Brazil
Help support the International Friendship Commission (IFC) at their fundraiser on Wednesday, June 6, at Novo Brazil, 901 Lane Avenue. The brewery will donate $2 from every pint sold between 5:30 and 8 p.m. to the IFC Odawara, Japan, Ambassador Exchange Program. Guests can also make a donation to enter an opportunity drawing for

Chula Vista-themed prizes.

Flag Day Dance
Get in the spirit of America at the Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street, at their annual Flag Day dance on Thursday, June 7, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Members of the Chula Vista Senior Club receive a $1 discount off the $5 fee.

Book Sale
The Friends of the Chula Vista Public Library will be having a book sale at the Civic Center Library, located at 365 F Street. Hours are Friday, June 8, and Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, there's a special shopping offer: purchase a $5 bag and fill it with as many books, videos, etc. as you can! Sorry, you cannot bring your own bag, but must purchase the bag offered by the Friends of the Library for this deal.

Village Summer Nights
On Tuesday, June 12, and Tuesday, June 26, stroll down the Third Avenue Business District from E Street to Park Way while enjoying art exhibits, live music and classic cars from 5 to 8 p.m. Village Summer Nights is a free, family-friendly event, intended to showcase our local small businesses. See you there! Look for more Village Summer Nights to be held throughout the summer.

Senior Fashion Show and Luncheon

Check out this annual event that is open to women and men flaunting the latest in fashion and style! Held on Wednesday, June 13, at noon at the Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street, the fee is $5 for

Chula Vista residents and $6 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required; please call (619) 409-1935.

Rummage Sale at Center
The Chula Vista Senior Club is hosting a rummage sale at the Norman Park Senior Center on Thursday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact a Senior Club member if you are interested in selling your goods. Rental space fees are $10 for Senior Club members and $15 for non-members.

Hospice vs. Palliative Care
Silverado Hospice will discuss quality of life for the chronically ill as well as hospice vs. palliative care. Kevin Summer-Eisenbraun, a bereavement group facilitator, will discuss spiritual/emotional aspects of hospice. The free event is scheduled for Friday, June 15, at 10 a.m. at the Norman Park Senior Center.

Otay Regional Trail Study Meeting
If you would like to provide input on the new Otay Regional Trail, here's your opportunity! A second public workshop will review environmental factors and trails under consideration for the study. You will be able to speak to the agencies involved and share what you'd like to see in a regional trail system in Otay Valley. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 20, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Arroyo Vista Charter School, 2491 School House Road, Chula Vista.

Snores & Smores
Pack up your camping gear and join us for Montevalle Community Center's annual Snores N S'mores family campout on Friday/Saturday, June 22-23. Register early for this fun evening of activities including flash light snack hunt, movie in the park and more. Fees are $7 for Chula Vista residents and $9 for non-residents. Children age two and under are free.

Evening with Heroes

There's still time to get your ticket for the Sixth Annual Chula Vista Police Foundation (CVPF) Evening with Heroes cocktail reception and Luau dinner on Saturday, June 30. Held at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center's Easton Archery Center from 4 to 8 p.m., this fun event features great food, wonderful auction items, and interactive experiences by some of Chula Vista's finest police officers including demonstrations from SWAT, Mobile Field Force and K-9 team. Tickets, which are $100 per person, can be purchased online.

Whether you are able to attend or not, don't miss out on the opportunity to also support the online auction. A large assortment of fabulous prizes are up for grabs including airline tickets, designer handbags, jewelry, concert tickets, golf packages and baseball events to name a few. Check the auction site often as new items are added weekly.

CVPF is a non-profit organization that provides funding to the Chula Vista Police Department for specialized equipment, training, and programs not funded by the City budget. Some of these programs include K-9, SWAT, Tactical Operations, School Resource Officer Program, Senior Volunteer Patrol and Police Explorer Programs. See you on June 30 at the event...Aloha!

Looking Ahead:

Fireworks on the Fourth

A fireworks spectacular will be featured at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (CVTC) on the Fourth of July beginning at 9 p.m. The Chula Vista 4th Fest fireworks will be launched from the Training Center, located at 2800 Olympic Parkway, with patriotic music simulcast on the radio. For those that want to celebrate our nation's birthday all day, Fourth Fest at the Lake - at Mountain Hawk Park,1475 Lake Crest Drive - will

feature food trucks, free activities for the kids from Fern Street Circus, and more. Parking at the Training Center will cost $10 per auto, cash only, and gates open at 6 p.m. Seating is limited. Sorry but alcohol, animals and drones are not allowed at the CVTC. Free parking will be permitted at New Hope Community Church, 2720 Olympic Parkway, adjacent to the Training Center. Happy 4th of July!

Parking Lot Sale
Ready to clean out the garage, closets and drawers and make some money? Sign up now to rent a spot at the annual Otay Recreation Center parking lot sale on Saturday, July 21. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration begins June 11 and is held in person only at the Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street. Vendors may bring one pop up canopy for each spot rented. Spots are $10 each and tables can be rented for $5. Set up time is 5 to 6 a.m. and the sale is from 6 a.m. to noon.

Invitational Golf Tournament

Here's an opportunity to enjoy a round of golf and support two great Chula Vista causes at the same time. In fact, you don't even have to golf to join the fun! Coldwell Banker Royal Realty is holding its fourth annual golf tournament to benefit the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility (CVACF) and CAST (Citizens Adversity Support Team). The event will be held on Friday, July 27, at Eastlake Country Club 2375 Clubhouse Drive. Registration is at 10 a.m. with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Golfers are $485 a foursome or $145 single golfer and includes a great player package including a smokehouse BBQ dinner, green fee and golf cart, snacks, water and more. Non-golfers are invited as well to dinner ($35) or participate in the unique helicopter ball drop ($25) for a big prize! Visit the website for more details and to register. CAST helps survivors of crisis situations and the CVACF provides care to more than 6,000 stray and injured homeless pets each year.