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Councilmember Jose Preciado
District 2 Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2024
ISSUE 1
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Celebrating Black History Month | |
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Dear Council District 2,
In February, the Office of District 2 is proud to celebrate Black History Month. African Americans are central to the history, present, and future of the United States. We want to thank Chula Vista’s growing African American community for their role in building the vibrancy and character of this great city we all share.
In this issue, we are featuring two Black Chula Vistans. Dr. Annjennette McFarlin and Mr. Chuck Ambers. They both made important contributions with their life's work and passions for our city and surrounding region. You can read more about them and discover additional historical resources at our Chula Vista Library. We also invite you to become familiar with community resources and academic programs that are part of Chula Vista Elementary School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, and Southwestern College. We hope you have had an opportunity to enjoy a variety of aquatic sports and recreation on our Bayfront, as well. R&R Surf, a veteran and Black-owned business, is ready to assist you with equipment and guidance.
Did we miss any Black history events in Chula Vista’s District 2? Contact us and let us know. Make sure you, your friends, and your family don't miss our upcoming newsletters - subscribe!
Cordially yours in service,
Councilmember Jose Preciado
City of Chula Vista, District 2
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Spotlight on: Chula Vista Black History
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Dr. Annjennette McFarlin (1935-2013)
Dr. Annjennette McFarlin's family moved from Florida to Chula Vista's Woodlawn Park community in the early 1940s. Here is where she built her own family and spent most of her life. Dr. McFarlin dedicated her career to researching and teaching communications. In 1975, she became the first African American to earn a Doctorate in Rhetorical Studies from Washington State University. Her most notable piece of research, "Black Congressional Reconstruction Orators and Their Orations," made Dr. McFarlin the first recognized scholar of orator Hallie Quinn Brown. She taught at multiple schools, including Southwestern College and San Diego State University. She was recognized by the State Chancellor for her leadership of the San Diego Imperial County Community College Association Regional Faculty Internship Project. In the '90s, she helped found Black Storytellers of San Diego Inc., which keeps Black culture and tradition alive through the art of storytelling. Dr. McFarlin's impact on local education and the arts is felt to this day. Read more about Dr. Annjennette Mcfarlin: x, x, x
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Chuck Ambers
Chuck Ambers is the founder of the African Museum Casa del Rey Moro in Old Town. Originally from Detroit, Ambers moved to San Diego in 1962 for university. He went on to become a teacher at the Chula Vista Elementary School District for over thirty years. Here, he advocated for changing outdated and discriminatory textbooks. He also encouraged Chula Vista administrators to name an elementary school after the first Black Supreme Court justice, Thurgood Marshall—the school can be found in Chula Vista's District 1. While teaching sixth grade, Ambers discovered his passion for African history and art. He then opened the African Museum Casa del Rey Moro, focusing on African-Spanish, African-Mexican, and African-American heritage. Visit the museum website for more information. Read more about Chuck Ambers: x, x
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Started by husband-and-wife duo Artiss and Arlyn Redmond, R&R Surf is the first Black-owned water sports business on the Chula Vista Bayfront. They held their ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and Mayor John McCann back in the summer. The veteran-owned business offers unique, environmentally-friendly equipment and experiences. See their website for all details. | |
Did you know Southwestern College offers an associate degree program in African American Studies? The program explores the Black experience in the United States through history, anthropology, sociology, and more. There is also a focus on literary, musical, and artistic culture. Read the catalog for course descriptions and more. | |
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RISE: African American Scholars Conference
Each year, the Sweetwater Union High School District hosts a free leadership conference for Black middle and high school students in Chula Vista. This year's conference will be held at Olympian High School on Saturday, February 10th. Activities include breakfast and lunch, a keynote speaker, workshops, entertainment, and resource fair.
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Parks & Rec Scholarship
The Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Recreation are offering scholarships to qualifying families for recreation activities. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis to children under 18 years old. Scholarships are offered each quarter for up to $50. If qualified, each child on your application will be awarded a scholarship. Fill out your application today! For questions, contact Recreation Administration at 619-409-5979.
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City Council and Southwestern College Special Meeting | |
Last month, the Chula Vista City Council and the Southwestern College Governing Board met for a special meeting with the University Now Initiative. The team presented updates to their research, including an academic program and workforce needs assessment study. The City of Chula Vista Economic Development Department reported the construction progress of the Think Campus. Watch the 24/7 live stream of construction and see progress in real-time. Read the assessment. | |
San Ysidro Health Community Engagement Meeting | |
The Office of District 2 was invited by San Ysidro Health to a Community Engagement Meeting. Executives, partners, patients, and community leaders joined in conversation regarding the growth and positive impact of San Ysidro Health in Chula Vista. | |
Upcoming Events in District 2 | |
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Free Tax Assistance
AARP will be providing free tax assistance with IRS-certified volunteers at the Civic Center Library every Thursday & Friday beginning on February 1st. They will be open from 10AM-2PM. The last day of the program will be April 12th. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring ID and all necessary materials - see flyer for information.
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Community Leadership Workshop
The Chula Vista Police Department is hosting an inaugural Community Leadership Workshop. This FREE class is for community leaders, such as business owners, elected officials, community advocates, church representatives, and more. Participants will learn about modern policing practices and gain insight into crime data analysis. There will be a use-of-force training simulation and opportunities to engage with city leaders at a Q&A session. There will be two sessions of this two-day workshop. For more information and applications, see here.
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Disney-Inspired Lovers Market
Friendship Pop-Up has a brand new location! Come to Illusion Hall at 281 Third Ave on Sunday, February 4th for a Disney-Inspired Lovers Market. The first 60 adults in line at the start of the market will get door prizes—the first 20 adults get Disney-inspired ears and the next 40 adults get Disney-inspired pins. The line starts at 9:30AM and doors open at 11AM.
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Computer Basics for Adults
Starting February 7th, the Civic Center Library will host a Computer Basics for Adults class every Wednesday at 1PM. This FREE course will cover topics such as using the library computers, navigating the web, email basics, and apps. Topics will repeat monthly and capacity is limited to 12 people, first-come, first served.
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Cafecito Business Networking
Business community: Join fellow business owners, professionals, and community partners to network and build relationships. This free in-person meet-up happens on the first Wednesday of every month at Rambler Coffee. The next meeting will be Wednesday, February 7th at 8AM. For more information, see here.
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STEAM @ Civic
Free STEAM classes for kids at the Civic Center Library continue in February! Come in every Thursday at 6PM for fun, interactive learning.
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San Diego FixIt Clinic
Instead of throwing away our broken items, why not learn how to fix them? The San Diego Fixit Clinic is coming to the Civic Center Library on Saturday, February 10th.
Bring your broken non-working items—electronics, appliances, computers, toys, bicycles, clothes, and more—for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair. Workspace and specialty tools will be provided and guidance to help you take apart and troubleshoot your item. Space is limited, RSVP now.
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Performing and Visual Arts Grant 2024
We are pleased to announce the return of our annual Performing and Visual Arts Grant for 2024! The PVAG supports art projects in dance, design arts, media arts, music, photography, theater, traditional/folk arts, visual arts, or interdisciplinary expressions involving more than one of the above fields. Applications will be accepted until February 11, 2024. PVAG applications will be reviewed by the Chula Vista Public Library staff and the PVAG Review Panel. Recommended projects will be presented to the Cultural Arts Commission for their input and then to the City Council for final approval. If you have questions about the Performing and Visual Arts Grant, see here or email [email protected].
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La Rondalla de San Diego Concert
Gather your loved ones at the Civic Center Library on Saturday, February 17th at 1PM for a free concert. Sing along and enjoy the music with La Rondalla de San Diego as they perform a series of classical and traditional tunes celebrating Valentine’s Day and all types of love.
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Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Southwestern College! Come to the Mayan Hall Patio on Tuesday, February 20th from 12-3PM. There will be traditional lion dances, food, live performances, interactive stations, and local Asian-American-owned businesses. See more info and events here.
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Monthly Car Seat Safety Checks
The Chula Vista Fire Department has announced dates for the 2024 free car seat installation checks at the Otay Ranch Town Center and the Chula Vista Shopping Center. Both events will take place in front of the Macy’s entrances. The checks are offered to parents, grandparents, or child caregivers to teach proper car seat installation and keep your child safe!
See all upcoming dates.
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what3words App
Emergencies can happen anywhere, from an incident at a remote hiking location to an accident on the side of a highway. But, identifying precisely where help is needed can be near impossible if you’re in an area with no address or if that address covers a large area in Chula Vista. When you share an incident’s what3words address with the Chula Vista Police Department, they can quickly identify the exact location and send life-saving resources to where they are needed.
How to use for emergencies:
Call 911; then use the app to find your what3words location and tell the call taker your 3 words.
Download the free app today on the App Store or Google Play. Learn more here.
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Zip Books
Chula Vista Public Library is bringing the library to you! Zip Books is a free service to request books not owned by the library. The books are purchased and shipped directly to your home via Amazon Prime. Once you’ve finished reading the books, you can return them to the Account’s Desk at any Chula Vista Library branch! Order here.
The following are the eligibility requirements:
- A valid Chula Vista Library card
- Requested materials must be physical books or audiobooks not already in our collection
- Items must not exceed $50 each (sales tax not included)
- Titles must be eligible through Amazon Prime
- You may only have 5 active Zip Books at a time.
**Additional restrictions may be applied at the Library’s discretion. The Zip Books Program is funded by the California State Library.
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Weekly Farmers' Market
The Chula Vista Farmers' Market takes place every Sunday in Downtown Chula Vista from 10AM to 2PM. Rain or shine, the market is open. Stock up on fresh ingredients, grab a snack, or buy a bouquet of flowers on Park Way between Third and Fourth Aves. See here for updates.
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SDG&E: Free Appliance Inspection
In the colder months, the use of natural gas appliances like water heaters, furnaces, and ovens can go up. Schedule a free gas appliance check with SDG&E to ensure your appliances are working properly and efficiently to help keep gas bills lower. Getting your appliances inspected is a great way to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning too. Visit sdge.com/GasCheck for details. You can schedule your appointment at sdge.com/MyAccount or on SDG&E’s mobile app. When in My Account, select “Services,” “Services Overview” then “Gas Appliances Check.” If you’re in the app, select the “More” tab. From “Services,“ select “Gas Appliances Check.” If you are an NEM customer, make sure to select your gas account before scheduling an appointment.
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Cox: Save up to $30 on your internet
Lower-income households can sign up for up to $30 credit for their internet bill through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Approximately 66% of eligible households still haven't signed up! Read more.
Have any questions? Call Cox at 619-262-1122. For in-person assistance, visit 511 Telegraph Canyon Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91910.
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Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to thousands of seniors, disabled veterans, and caretakers. Deliveries are made daily by volunteers.
Want more information on how to get meals delivered to you or someone you know's doorstep? Call the South County Service Center at 619-420-2782 or visit them on the 2nd floor of the Norman Park Senior Center at 270 F St, Suite 22, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
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FREE Community Shuttle
Attention 55+ residents! Chula Vista has partnered with Circuit to provide you with free rides within the limits of the Northwest (see map). Catch a ride to a doctor's appointment, the grocery store, to see a movie, and more!
Rides are ADA-accessible and door-to-door while using all-electric vehicles. As of July 2023, over 13,000 free rides were given, with an average wait time of around 8 minutes.
To request a ride, download the Ride Circuit app or call 646-504-3733 and press option 7. Shuttle service is available Monday-Friday from 7AM to 7PM,
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Did you know...
The City of Chula Vista has an official app for reporting non-emergency issues, such as graffiti, potholes, abandoned vehicles, and more? With ACT Chula Vista, you can upload photos, see nearby issues, and check on the status of your report.
Download ACT Chula Vista now!
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File an online police report:
The Chula Vista Police Department has an online reporting tool for non-emergencies. Before reporting, make sure the incident meets ALL requirements below:
- This is not an emergency.
- This incident occurred within Chula Vista City limits.
- There are no known suspects.
- This did not occur on a state freeway.
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The incident falls under one of the following categories:
- Harassing phone calls
- Hit and runs
- Identity theft
- Lost property
- Theft of property
- Theft from a vehicle
- Vandalism
- Vehicle tampering
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Do you know you live in District 2?
Chula Vista's District 2 sits North of L Street and West of Paseo del Rey.
Contact our office -
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Senior Council Aide: Diana Quintero - [email protected]
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