January 2017 (Click HERE to visit the City's Calendar)
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Contents:
In this issue...
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Chula Vista's newly appointed Police Chief, Roxana Kennedy, took the helm from retiring Police Chief David Bejarano on Friday, December 30, 2016. Kennedy is the first female Chief of Police for the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) and also the first Chief to be internally promoted in 60 years. Prior to her promotion as Chief, Kennedy served as the Department's first female Captain and the first female Lieutenant. She is the 24th Chief of Police for the City with a population of 265,000 residents.
Chief Kennedy oversees 224 officers and a budget of $50 million. She will focus on being a champion for police work and the dedicated men and women who serve. She also plans to improve customer service during her tenure.
Prior to being selected as Chief, Kennedy supervised the Patrol Operations Division of the Police Department and was Second in Command. The Patrol Division is the largest division in the Police Department and is
composed of 67 percent of all sworn personnel. Kennedy managed Patrol, Traffic, School Resource Officers, Street Team and Gang Suppression Unit, Community Policing Unit, Community Relations and Crime Analysis. In addition, this Division also includes Canine Units, Senior Volunteer Patrol, the Reserve Unit, Crisis Negotiations, SWAT, Mobile Field Force, bilingual services, and mental health assistance in coordination with the Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT).
During her 24-year career, Kennedy also worked as a Police Officer, Street Team Officer, Field Agent, Background Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Street Team Sergeant, Watch Commander, Geographic Policing District Commander, and Investigative Division Lieutenant. She served on both the Crisis Negotiation Team and the Mobile Field Force Unit for 22 years, including 12 years as the Unit Commander for each team. In addition, Kennedy directs a very active Wellness/Peer Support Team for the Department.
As a Police Officer, Kennedy established a reputation for an outstanding work ethic, professionalism, commitment to the community, and dedication to the job. Her passion for police work and providing the highest quality of service to the community is evident in her remarkable career. Congratulations Chief Kennedy!
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Initial Funding for Infrastructure Approved
Your Chula Vista City Council has approved an initial expenditure of $3.2 million of Measure P sales tax funds for infrastructure. This initial expenditure will be allocated to police and fire vehicles, 9-1-1 emergency
communication equipment, street paving, and sports field repairs. Measure P is the ten-year, half-cent sales tax approved by 68 percent of Chula Vista voters in November 2016. The initial $3.2 million in approved spending will be funded by the Measure P revenues estimated to be collected from April to June 2017.
Collection of the sales tax will begin April 1, 2017. The funds will be used to upgrade police, fire, paramedic and 9-1-1 equipment, vehicles and facilities; fund streets and sidewalks; replace storm drains to prevent sinkholes; improve parks; repair recreation facilities; and repair or replace other City infrastructure.
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Your Opportunity for Civic Engagement
Do you want to be more involved with your City? Boards and commissions provide an important civic engagement opportunity for citizens to participate in City of Chula Vista government processes. Their activities help shape and influence public policy, provide opportunities for public input in various stages of the decision making process, and provide diverse community input for the City Council to consider.
The City has more than 140 commissioners serving on 20 Boards and Commissions. Residents volunteer to consider issues regarding historic preservation, growth management, planning and development, recreation, cultural arts, sustainability, healthy communities, youth issues and more.
Chula Vista residents are encouraged to apply for a board or commission, which are voluntary positions. To be eligible, a citizen must reside in Chula Vista and be a registered voter (except for the Youth Council where members can be under the age of 18).
Applications are now being accepted for the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee (COC), the newest commission to be established. The COC has been created to review and report on all Measured P expenditure plans, financial reports, and audits. Collection of the temporary half-cent sales tax begins in April.
The COC will be composed of 16 members. Eleven of the COC members will be nominated, apply and serve as "Designated Members." Designated Members will be nominated by local organizations and individuals such as the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, Chula Vista Youth Sports Council, Chula Vista Growth Management Oversight Commission, and the Chula Vista Police and Fire Chiefs. The remaining five members will be "At-Large Members" selected from a pool of applicants who apply directly to the City. The City Council will interview and appoint each of the 16 members. The application period ends on February 2, 2017. More information on the COC can be found on the
website.
Serving on a Board, Commission or Committee is a great opportunity to give back to the community, be involved in local issues, and contribute to the decision-making process. For more information and to apply to any of the Boards or Commissions, check the City Clerk's
webpage.
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Recycling Batteries and Cell Phones
Now that the holidays are over and you're using your new gifts, what should you do with the old ones that have batteries? Since batteries and cell phones contain metals that need to be safely recycled, the City's
Environmental division encourages
everyone to recycle these products. It's pretty easy and free!
Ten Chula Vista locations are designated recycling locations for batteries and cell phones: Auto Zone at 225 Broadway, 685 Broadway, 885 East H Street, and 1315 Third Avenue; Gravity Repair at 555 Broadway, Suite 2046; NextGen Wireless Repair, 294 Center Street; O'Reilly Auto Parts at 241 Broadway and 1396 Third Avenue; San Diego Metro KOA, 111 North Second Avenue; and South Coast RV at 801 Broadway, Suite A.
To prepare batteries and cell phones for deposit into the recycling box, simply seal batteries and cell phones individually in clear plastic bags. Then bring them to one of the locations listed above and drop them in the Call2Recycle collection box. Recycled batteries and cell phones can be used to make new products such as silverware, pots and pans, golf clubs and more. Let's all do our part and recycle those batteries and cell phones!
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Did you know...
...effective January 1, the City is the new owner of the former
Olympic Training Center. The facility will remain as an elite training center for Olympic and Paralympic athletes under the new name of Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (CVTC), a USOC Olympic and Paralympic Training Site. Elite Athlete Services will operate the Center on behalf of the City. It will also be used for special events, clinics, and other activities associated with sports. Stay tuned for more details in the February newsletter.
...we have very generous and giving members in both our Fire and Police Department Foundations who recently had the opportunity to provide happier holidays to local Chula Vista families in need. On December 20, the
Chula Vista Police Foundation, Wal-Mart, and Athletes for Education held their annual turkey give-away. Members of the Chargers football team also participated in distributing food for holiday meals to more than 1,000 families.
The
Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation, in collaboration with the Police Activities League, distributed gifts to 35 children from 12 selected Chula Vista families. Toys, clothing, and food were provided to each family and
delivered by firefighters from Engine 51. Children were invited to sit in the fire engine which was a big thrill to many.
... here's your chance to learn how to
play guitar. Participants, ages 10 to adult, will learn how to hold a guitar and pick, as well as learn the parts of the guitar, a scale, a few chords, and a couple of songs.
Guitar lesson class meets on Monday, January 9-March 6, from 5 to 6 p.m., and the fee is $40 for Chula Vista residents and $50 for non-residents.
...the Civic Center Branch Library at 365 F Street is offering two new classes in 2017. Check out the
English Conversation Café on Saturday, January 7 and 21, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Non-native English speakers, adults ages 18 and up, can practice English in a relaxed setting and improve their speaking and listening skills. A weekly
Sensory Storytime begins January 11, from 11 a.m. to noon each Wednesday for children with autism or with developmental delays. The class provides interaction through various formats such as storytelling, songs, and movement.
...you can take your "walk for a dog," and not just your dog for a walk and benefit the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility (ACF)!
Walk for a Dog is a free fitness app for your smart phone that fundraises for your designated
shelter every time you walk. Just download the app, choose the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, and use the app each time you grab for the leash. It's healthy for you, your dog, and our shelter. No cost is involved to you as the shelter receives donations via sponsors and fundraising.
Check it out!
... According to the American Heart Association, use of an
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) more than doubles a victim's survival rate when sudden cardiac arrest occurs. Now, it's easier than ever to locate AED units in City facilities. This means that residents, visitors, employees and volunteers can find the exact location of these life-saving devices. All of the City's AED units have been entered into the PulsePoint AED app, which allows users to find AED locations. Simply open the app and click on "search this area." PulsePoint AED app is free from the App Store or Google Play. Learn more about
PulsePoint.
AED units can be found at the Civic Center Buildings A, B and C, 276 Fourth Avenue; Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street; Chula Vista Police Department, 315 Fourth Avenue; Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street; Parkway Community Center, Gym, and Aquatic Center, 385 Park Way; Heritage Recreation Center, 1381 East Palomar Street; Loma Verde Recreation Center and Aquatic Center, 1420 Loma Lane; Montevalle Recreation Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Road; Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street; Public Works Center, 1800 Maxwell Road; Salt Creek Community Center, 2710 Otay Lakes Road; South Chula Vista Branch Library, 389 Orange Avenue; and Veterans Park Recreation Center, 785 East Palomar Street.
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Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten Boot Camp is offered free to children ages 4-5 who will be entering kindergarten. Registration is now open for classes at the Civic Center and South Chula Vista Branch Libraries. At the Civic Center Branch,
email, and at South Branch, call (619) 397-5740 to enroll your child. The program, which focuses on motor skills, is offered in partnership with Altrusa International of Chula Vista.
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McClendon Jewelers has moved to 275 Third Avenue which is across the street and 1/2 block south of its previous location. The long established business is a great resource for jewelry repairs, or to purchase new and antique jewelry.
JP Motorsports and Marine, 476 Broadway, is open in the former La-Z-Boy furniture store (near H Street) and has a great inventory of new and used vehicles, parts, accessories and apparel to make one stop shopping a reality. They carry motorcycles, scooters, UTVs, boats, and more featuring brands from Honda, KTM, Yamaha, Sea-Doo, Mercury, Kawasaki, and others. There are literally thousands of parts available to the MotorSports enthusiast. Stop by and
check them out.
...if you want to find out about the
latest development projects in our city, check out the updated map on the
City's website.
...you and your family can start the new year right by joining one of the many classes or activities offered by the
Chula Vista Recreation Department. Otay will be hosting Bumble Bee Sports, Me, You, and Fun Too!, and Wiggly Worms Gymnastics for the little ones, while Parkway has Parent & Me Little Gym, Ballet, Hawaiian Dance, Hip Hop, Judo, Karate, Tiny Tots and more. Heritage offers free Therapeutic Recreation classes for those over 18, and Salt Creek has Ballet, Flag Football Skills, Starting Spanish Superstars, drop-in Fitness Classes, and adult indoor Soccer Leagues.
...January is
Cat Adoption Month at our Animal Care Facility. Start the new year right with a purrrr-fect resolution to make a cat part of your family! Adoption fee is $25 (regularly $65), but if you adopt a black cat, you will receive a $20 PetCo gift card in addition to a bag of goodies for your new furry friend. Stop by at 130 Beyer Way, Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
...the Otay Ranch Branch Library conducts monthly
Passport Fairs and walk-ins are welcome. Stop by Saturday, January 7 or 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Sunday, January 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and start your 2017 travel plans!
...CVPD Traffic Unit conducted a
DUI/Driver's License checkpoint on December 30. This program is supported by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Over 1100 vehicles traveled through the checkpoint with 376 vehicles screened. Two drivers were arrested for DUI, 9 citations were issued for license violations, 5 vehicles were impounded, and 8 citations were issued for other vehicle code violations. Checkpoints have proven to be very effective with 90 percent of California drivers approving of them. Look for more checkpoints during the year from CVPD and remember to call 9-1-1- to report drunk drivers.
...the
Direct Access Ramp (DAR) opened January 4 providing carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) users direct access to the I-805 carpool/HOV lanes. Motorists can now enter and exit the HOV lanes from East Palomar Street, improving safety, reducing congestion, enhancing traffic flow, and increasing travel time
reliability for all freeway travelers. Carpool/HOV users include carpools (two or more occupants), vanpools, transit, motorcycles, and solo drivers in permitted clean-air vehicles. While only certain motorists can use the DAR, all drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians can use the new pedestrian-friendly East Palomar Street bridge to cross I-805. The DAR at East Palomar Street, as well as the adjacent Transit Station and Park & Ride, are part
of Phase 1 of the
I-805 South Express Lanes Project -a $1.1 billion effort to create a modern new transportation backbone for San Diego's South County. The project will provide a connection between East Palomar Street and I-805 HOV for South Bay Rapid when the transit service begins in 2018.
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Events
Scripps Health Talks about Skin Health
Our skin changes with age, becomes thinner and less smooth, and heals slower. Love the skin you are in and learn what you can do to protect it at this
free talk offered by Scripps Health. From 10 to 11 a.m. on
Monday, January 9, at the Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street.
MLK Jr. Day
As most of us know, Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister and activist who was a leader in
the Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience. You can honor his legacy in a variety of ways: attend the annual
YMCA breakfast on
Friday,
January 13, go to the annual
Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, held on Harbor Drive in San Diego on
Sunday, January 15, at 2 p.m., or participate in the
National Day of Service. In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City offices and facilities will be closed.
Valentines for Veterans
Support our troops and create a Valentine that we will send to them! Stop by the Otay Ranch Branch Library on
Tuesday, January 17 through Sunday, February 12, and show your love. Otay Ranch Branch is located in the Otay Ranch Town Center and is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. Call (619) 397-5740 for more information.
Chair Volleyball
Is it too rainy or cold for you to play volleyball outside? Then try
Chair Volleyball at Norman Park Senior Center! Held on
Wednesday, January 18, the free, fun event is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m.
Health Fair
If you want a healthy start to the new year, stop by the Norman Park Senior Center on
Wednesday, January 25, for a free
Health Fair! Visit with organizations and resources that can help you achieve your health goals and participate in an opportunity drawing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Band on the Run
Join the Mater Dei Catholic High School Marching Band booster program on
Saturday, January 28, for a 5k Fun Run fundraiser to help the band purchase new uniforms and instruments. Held at Mater Dei High School, participants will receive a t-shirt and other items.
Register now and help support the band!
Friends of the Library
Everyone is invited to attend the annual meeting of the Friends of the Library on
Sunday, January 29, at 2 p.m. Held at the Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street, Dr. Steven Schoenherr will speak about the history of Rohr, Incorporated. Following his talk, the new Rohr exhibit in the Chula Vista Heritage Museum, located in the northwest corner of the library, will be unveiled.
Junior Chefs
Children ages 5-7 are offered a hands-on experience in cooking and preparing fun food and snacks in this
Junior Chef cooking class. Scheduled for
Wednesday, February 1, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. at Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way, the fee is $5 for Chula Vista residents and $7 for non-residents.
St. Rose of Lima 5k
In the spirit of building community, nurturing family time, promoting good health and celebrating community, the St. Rose of Lima School is organizing a 5k Fun Run to take place at Rohr Park on
Saturday, February 4. The run begins at 8 a.m. with swag bags and a finisher medal for the first 1,000
registrants.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Contacts
Animal Care
Animal Control:
476-2476
Environment
CLEAN Business
Program:
409-1975
Conservation:
409-3893
Storm Water
Hotline:
397-6000
Environmental
Services,
Household
Hazardous
Waste, Recycling and
Solid Waste:
691-5122
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Public Works
Graffiti
Hotline: 691-5198
Graffiti
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n progress
: 9-1-1
Service Requests
397-6000
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Library
Civic Branch:
691-5069
South Branch:
585-5755
Otay Ranch:
397-5740
Recreation
Administration:
409-5979
Woman's Club:
409-1980
Heritage Center:
421-7032
Loma Verde
Center: 409-1939
Pool: 409-1987
Montevalle Center:
691-5269
Norman Park
Center: 409-1930
Otay Center:
409-1999
Parkway
Center: 409-1980
Pool: 409-1985
Gym: 409-1990
Salt Creek Center:
585-5739
Veterans Center:
691-5260
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Development Services
Land Development:
691-5024
Building: 691-5272
Planning: 691-5101
Code Enforcement:
691-5280
Housing: 691-5047
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Economic Development
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Administration
City Attorney:
691-5037
Communications,
Media
Relations
& Special Events:
691-5296
Mayor & Council
691-5044
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Fire
Main: 691-5055
Prevention:
691-5029
Police
Report Crime
(Dispatch):
691-5151
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Human Resources
Main: 691-5096
Volunteer:
691-5000
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Finance
Main: 691-5250
Purchasing:
691-5141
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