September 2018 (Click HERE to visit the City's Calendar)                         View on Instagram    View our videos on YouTube   Follow us on Twitter   Like us on Facebook  

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Anchor1
National Preparedness Month
  
National Preparedness Month, recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. This year, we focus on planning with an overarching theme: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How. 2018 has seen significant devastation caused by raging wildfires. These events remind us of the importance of preparing for disasters.  It is likely that we will be the first in our communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself, your family, and your community. Some things you can do now include learning lifesaving skills such as CPR and First-Aid; check your insurance policies and coverage for hazards you may face; save for an emergency; and learn how to shut off water and gas meters.

Speaking of preparedness, have you taken the steps to ensure that you are able to receive emergency notifications? When there is an emergency, how will you be notified? How will you stay informed? Public safety officials use AlertSanDiego. This regional mass notification system will send telephone notifications to residents and businesses that may be endangered or impacted by an emergency or disaster within San Diego County. Officials use the system to provide information about a significant event and any necessary actions that should be taken such as evacuations or requests to shelter in place. AlertSanDiego will notify homes and businesses within a targeted affected area and only contacts phone numbers that are linked to addresses within the affected area. All landline phones are already included in the system. However, if you wish to receive notifications on your cell phone or Voice over IP, you will need to register those numbers with your home/business address. AlertSanDiego is also capable of sending text and email notifications. Register for  AlertSanDiego, or for more information, check out these frequently asked questions.

Another tool is the Federal Government communication application of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) that is now available to state and local public safety officials. WEAs are emergency notifications from first responders that are broadcast to cell phones in a targeted area, alerting residents about the emergency. WEAs are sent with important, but limited information such as the emergency's location, what actions residents should take, and how they can find out more information. WEA is not a new tool. You've typically seen WEA used in the form of AMBER alerts for missing/abducted children, or for weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Most newer phones receive WEA alerts which arrive with a unique tone and vibration, distinguishing it from a text message or other normal phone notification. Unlike AlertSanDiego, WEA does not require you to register. WEAs are geographically-targeted messages that are broadcast by cell towers within the affected area. If you are in range of the targeted cell tower, you are in range to receive the WEA. If you are not in the targeted area, you will not receive the notification until you enter the area and are in range of the broadcasting cell tower.

The City of Chula Vista actively communicates with its residents via AlertSanDiego, Nixle, Twitter and Facebook. Sign up for Nixle, a free notification system that sends messages to your cell phone and/or email such as emergency road closures, missing persons, evacuation orders and more. Preparedness is up to you!
Article2
New Adaptive Traffic Control System Underway

Traffic is a concern of many Chula Vista residents and to City staff as well. Residents will be happy to know that a new adaptive traffic control system is being installed in some of the most heavily traveled areas to help alleviate traffic congestion, reduce delays, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.  Adaptive traffic control systems will be installed at 28 intersections including East H Street (Terra Nova Plaza to Bonita High School); Otay Lakes Road (Bonita Vista Middle School to Telegraph Canyon Road); Paseo Ranchero (East H to Telegraph Canyon Road); and Telegraph Canyon Road (Otay Lakes Road to Canyon Plaza). These streets are among the most heavily traveled in the City carrying over 50,000 vehicles per day.

The $1.5 million project, funded in part via a Highway Safety Transportation grant, will include a new high speed communications network, traffic signal modifications, modern traffic signal controllers, almost two dozen traffic monitoring cameras, and several data (speed and count) collection devices. The new traffic signal controllers will replace outdated technology from the 1970s  All of these improvements are geared at improving traffic flow in the area, using real-time traffic data analysis and monitoring, and the latest in traffic signal technology.

This is the City's first large scale adaptive traffic control system deployment and part of its Smart City efforts to leverage the use of advanced technologies to provide a safer and more efficient transportation system for all users. Modernization of the traffic signal system, including upgrades to traffic signal controllers and a new robust communiations network, is a major focus for the City with funding coming from Measure P, TransNet, Developer Impact Fees, and various State and Federal grants.
Article3
Homeless Outreach Team Making a Difference
            
      

Two years ago, the City of Chula Vista recognized an increase in homelessness in the City and established the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) to specifically address the issue. HOT consists of a collaboration of City staff including the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD), Public Works, and Parks and Recreation, along with several community partners. This multi-disciplinary group focuses on outreaching to the homeless population daily. Specific emphasis is made on Tuesdays when the group provides outreach to five City parks: Eucalyptus, Friendship, Harborside, Lauderbach, and Memorial.
 
Led by CVPD Lt. Henry Martin, HOT members include Sgt. Frank Giaime, Officer Jeff Pace, Officer Hugo Cardenas, Park Ranger Sam Alzubaidi, and a trained member from PERT (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team) who accompanies the group. Each Monday, unattended items left in City parks and other areas are tagged and if not moved within a specific time, the items are hauled away. On Tuesdays, HOT members meet in the parks for homeless outreach with their community partners including San Diego Family Health Center, McAlister Institute, Community Through Hope, Bay View Hospital, Scripps Hospital, South Bay Community Services, Veterans Affairs, South Bay Pioneers, East County Transitional Living Center, South Bay Guidance Center, and the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

Homelessness is not a crime and homeless individuals cannot be forced out of a park or other location just because they are homeless. They have rights just like any other person and the Chula Vista HOT treats them with dignity and respect while honoring its commitment to keep our neighborhoods safe. HOT breaks down barriers allowing the homeless to take their first steps on a path to recovery.

Since its inception, HOT has documented contact with 721 individuals making a positive impact in helping them off the streets. In the past year, the statistics are encouraging with ten homeless to rapid rehousing through South Bay Community Services; 22 to Project One for All; ten to KIVA (McAlister); ten to Alpha Project; 30 to East County Living Center; one to St. Paul's Pace; two to Adelante mental health facility; two to the County's Whole Person wellness program; ten to Traveler's Aid; five to independent living facilities and five to South Bay
Pioneers.

From January through August 2018, Park Rangers have removed 106,330 lbs. (51 tons) of trash and 1,033 shopping carts from various locations throughout the City.

A new aspect of the Chula Vista HOT, in collaboration with McAlister Institute, is the "Work for Hope" job training program. Funded by a $35,000 Kaiser Foundation Hospitals grant, selected homeless individuals are offered work such as graffiti removal, painting, and other beautification projects in the City. (Please see before and after photos below.) The Work for Hope participants are paid cash during a three-day work week and offered vocational rehabilitation training, life skills instruction, and assistance with transportation, job readiness and possible housing. "This program has been a great success," said Sgt. Giaime, "Other homeless individuals have seen the efforts and are asking how they can be put to work too. And that is our ultimate goal...to help them be productive members of society."

Article4
Healthy Options at City Facilities
  
If you visit City Hall, the library or one of the recreation centers in the City of Chula Vista and want a healthy snack from a vending machine, you're in luck! To increase healthy options for residents and visitors and encourage overall wellness in the City, the Healthy Chula Vista Initiative is implementing healthy changes to vending machines located in City facilities.
   
During the next several weeks, the contents of all vending machines in City facilities will be changed to increase choices of healthy foods and beverages and reduce or eliminate calorie dense, nutrient poor foods and added sugar beverages. Snack machines now will feature baked chips, trail mixes, granola bars and other options, while beverage machines will contain water, diet sodas, new tea and 100 percent fruit juice options.

According to Healthy Chula Vista Coordinator Stacey Kurz, "We are choosing to be responsible by providing our residents, visitors and employees with the best options for nutritious snacks and drinks when working out at one of our recreational facilities, reading a book at the library or doing business at City Hall." Studies have shown that increasing healthy options in vending machines improves dietary behaviors. Poor diet is one of three behaviors contributing to early deaths due to obesity and other preventable chronic diseases. 

Other recent health improvements in Chula Vista include expanded smoking prohibitions at City facilities, an updated community garden policy, and an added urban agriculture incentive zone to allow more flexibility in the City for community gardens and other urban farming. The Healthy Chula Vista Initiative and the associated Action Plan is supported in part by the REACH Chula Vista initiative, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and implemented by San Diego County-based Community Health Improvement Partners. REACH Chula Vista works with multiple partners in improving health policies and environments in western Chula Vista.
DidYouKnow
Did you know...

...as part of our Smart Cities Action Plan, the City Council adopted an Open Data Policy to improve public access to public information. By making data publicly available and easily accessible, the City will empower the community, promote civic engagement, improve service delivery, and increase opportunities for economic development. Among the data the City makes available to the public are: Asset Management Data - information about the conditions of roadways, parks, fields, drainage system, and other infrastructure; Crime data - via Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS); Job descriptions and salaries; and Zoning and permit fee information.

...the City is replacing more than 18,000 bulbs with LED lighting indoors and out at all City facilities thanks to Measure P. The LED lighting project includes all libraries, recreation centers, fire stations, pathway lights in parks and City offices. The better to see you with my dear!                

...progress continues on the Willow Street Bridge project with Stage 1 now completed and traffic driving on the east side of the bridge. All pedestrian paths and trails are open and will remain so during Stage 2 construction. Completion of the west side is estimated to be late spring 2019. After the bridge was determined to be functionally obsolete, a replacement bridge was deemed necessary. The $16 million bridge superstructure will contain over 850 tons of steel reinforcement and more than 4,000 cubic yards of concrete delivered from 400 trucks.

... Vinyasa Flow Yoga class is offered every Friday at the Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, from 9 to 10 a.m. Stop by and try this free class; please bring your own yoga mat.

...there's still time to apply to be a member of the Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee. Measure A is the half-cent sales tax measure to fund public safety staffing and services that was passed by Chula Vista voters in June. Consisting of 11 members, the COC will review and report on all Measure A proposed expenditure plans, financial reports and audits. The application deadline is September 4; learn more on the City Clerk's website.

...you can enjoy FREE rides on the new South Bay Rapid from September 4 - 7! The limited service route runs between East Palomar Transit Station at I-805 in Chula Vista and downtown San Diego. It will operate Monday through Friday, during peak morning and evening hours, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes. The morning service to downtown Rapid stations will operate between 5 and 8 a.m. and evening service to Chula Vista will operate between 3 and 6 p.m. Starting in early 2019, South Bay Rapid will expand to full service and operate along a 26-mile route with 12 stations between the Otay Mesa Transit Center and downtown San Diego. Sign up for the Guaranteed Ride Home service. It provides a free ride home using a taxi, Uber or rental
car in case of an emergency or if you have to work late and transit isn't available. Visit the website for Rapid schedules, maps and information.

...recruitment is open for new members of the Chula Vista Police Department Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) program. SVP applicants must be at least 50 years old, have a valid driver's license, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have good communication skills. No law enforcement experience is necessary. Duties include vacation house checks, vehicle abatement, handicapped parking enforcement and more. Schedule a ride-along with a current SVP staff member to see how you can be a valued member of the Senior Volunteer Patrol!  Call (619) 476-2417 or visit the website.
  
...there's still time to donate to the annual Chula Vista Police Foundation shoe and sock give-away event. This is the eighth year CVPD School Resource Officers have provided shoes and socks for children under 18 years of age who live, go to school or attend counseling services in Chula Vista. Officers work with school principals, nurses and South Bay Community Services counselors to identify children who are unable to purchase new school items. The goal is to help 500 children by inviting them to Payless Shoe Source to select their new items. Mail your donations to the Chula Vista Police Department, ATTENTION: Officer Caceres, SRO Unit, 315 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Please make checks to "Chula Vista Police Foundation" and include "SRO Shoe and Sock Event" on the memo section. For more information, please call (619) 585-5704 or email.

... the public is invited to provide input on the design of Chula Vista's Bayfront parks. As part of the 535-acre Bayfront project, two new parks will be developed: Harbor Park and Sweetwater Park. Three input sessions are scheduled in the coming months. Please visit the Port website for more information and dates/times/locations when input sessions will be held.

...Chula Vista residents can easily dispose of old paint cans, batteries, used oil and other items that cannot be placed in the residential trash or recycle bins at the City's Household Hazard Waste center. The facility, at 1800 Maxwell Road, is open Wednesday and Saturday only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and identification is required. Please check the website for items that are accepted.      
  
... the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) is participating in a high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, through September 3. During this period, officers statewide will increase the number of staff on the road to stop suspected drunk or drug impaired drivers and motorcyclists. If you are caught driving or riding impaired, you will be pulled over and arrested. CVPD will show zero tolerance for impaired driving or riding. There are many options to get home safely and no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are impaired! This campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

... fall camps are a great option for the kids during the Chula Vista schools fall break. Salt Creek Community Center is offering Camp Creek with sports, crafts, scavenger hunts, dance-offs and much more. Session 1 is offered from September 24-28 and Session 2 is October 1-5; both sessions are from 8 a.m. to 5 pm. with extended care available for an extra fee. Sign up today!

...the Chula Vista Fire Explorer Program, which began in 1989, is now recruiting! This is a great opportunity for those ages 16 to 21 years of age to learn about the fire service. Participants will gain real life experience in the field of firefighting through ride-alongs, monthly drills, and the annual California Fire Explorer Academy. Visit the Fire Department webpage to learn more and to apply.

...have you tried the new cool treat at 4230 Bonita Road? Holy Paleta is all natural artisan popsicles that are handcrafted daily in small batches - meaning they do sell out of some popular flavors! And when they are sold out for the day, the store closes so go early! Visit them daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.  
                   
...there is plenty for the family to do thanks to all the great offerings from Parks and Recreation! After school activities include Empower Hour at six City parks where kids have fun with crafts, activities and sports while learning how to save energy. The free event is offered for those ages 6 to 12 years old. Call (619) 691-5052 for more information. Plus the A.S.P.I.R.E. (after school in recreation enrichment) for ages 5 to 16 offers homework assistance, sports, arts and crafts, games and more. Little ones ages 3 to 5 years old will enjoy Apples to Zebras, Preschool Ballet/Tap or Tiny Tots Check out all the great classes and events. And everyone can enjoy learning how to swim with classes offered for those six months old to adults. Visit the website for more swim class information.

...all City offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 3, in honor of Labor Day. Trash pick-up in the City will be delayed one day. Thank you to all who must work on the holiday including CVPD and CVFD - we appreciate you!
Events
Events
 
Bird of Prey Day
Come explore the skies at the Living Coast Discovery Center on Saturday, September 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free with admission to the Center and will include educational encounters with a raptor and other birds. Check the website for more details.

Movie in the Park: Leap
Enjoy a free movie over the Labor Day weekend as Recreation offers the movie Leap in Memorial Bowl at 373 Park Way on Saturday, September 1. Recreation activities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the movie airs at dusk.

Free Swim at Loma Verde
Here's a chance for the entire family to enjoy a free swim at Loma Verde Aquatic Center on Monday, September 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at 1420 Loma Lane, the Center will feature open swim, pool games, music and more. Those under the age of six must have an adult with them at all times and children three and younger must wear a swim diaper. All persons entering the pool must wear a swim suit and adults must accompany children to the event.

Movie in the Park: Jumanji
Bring the family to Orange Park, 1475 Fourth Avenue, to view the hit movie Jumanji on Saturday, September 8. Free recreation activities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the movie will air at dusk. Don't forget your blankets, chairs and snacks!

Music in the Park
Classic rock will be the theme as the group, Dirty Bird, performs for September's Music in the Park in Memorial Bowl at 373 Park Way on Sunday, September 9. Free recreation activities with the Empower Hour will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. and the band will perform from 5 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available for sale so come get your groove on!

Master Composter Program
The Living Coast Discovery Center is conducting a seven-week training on how to become a Master Composter with classes offered on Mondays from September 10 through October 22. Topics include building and maintaining a pile, soil ecology composting with worms and more. Email for registration information.

Free Film: The Conversation
On Wednesday, September 12, The Conversation, will be shown at the Chula Vista Civic Center Library, 365 F Street, beginning at 6 p.m. The free movie, by Francis Ford Coppola, is a haunting and spellbinding one featuring several famous movie stars. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chula Vista Library and a Chula Vista Visual and Performing Arts Grant.

Therapeutic Gardening Class
Therapeutic recreation is offering a free gardening class for adults with disabilities on Saturday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn hands-on gardening, explore different plants and learn how to grow their own garden.

Shelter After Dark
Here's an opportunity to visit the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility at night! On Saturday, September 15, the ACF will be holding a fundraiser only for those ages 21 and over from 5 to 8 p.m. Entrance is free and you can purchase beer, wine, and food, play games, purchase raffle tickets and visit some furry friends during a tour of the facility. Mark your calendars now and enjoy this unique evening at 130 Beyer Way.

Plunge, Splash & Play
Registration is still open to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics San Diego County at Aquatica SeaWorld on Sunday, September 16. This cool event features Southern California's largest wave pool, and tons of fun! The event begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. You also can help sponsor an athlete to participate! Check the website for all details. The Law Enforcement Torch Run, which Chula Vista Police Department is a member of, helps support the Special Olympic athletes and this fundraiser event.

Fall Break Ice Cream Party
Children ages 5 to 12 years old will enjoy this free build your own ice cream sundae on Thursday, September 20, to celebrate school fall break. Stop by Otay Recreation Center at 3554 Main Street between 2 and 3 p.m. to enjoy this yummy treat.

Baby Safety Fair
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is hosting a Baby Safety Fair on Saturday, September 22, from 8 a.m. to noon. Activities include free car seat installation and inspection from the California Highway Patrol; pediatricians available to answer questions; information on cord blood banking, baby-proofing and more; giveaways and raffle prizes. Registration is recommended for the free event held at 751 Medical Center Court.

Movie in the Park: Thor-Ragnarok
Recreation will air the movie, Thor-Ragnarok, on Saturday, September 22, at Harborside Park, 670 Oxford Street. Free recreation activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the movie will air at dusk.

Film Forum: Notorious
Alfred Hitchcock's 1946 movie, Notorious, featuring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant, will be shown at the Chula Vista Civic Center Library at 365 F Street on Wednesday, September 26, at 6 p.m. The free film is sponsored by the Friends of the Chula Vista Public Library and a Chula Vista Visual and Performing Arts grant.

Final Movie in the Park: Lego Batman
The final Movie in the Park for 2018 will be held on Friday, September 28, at Montevalle Park, located at 840 Duncan Ranch Road. Bring the family to see Lego Batman with the movie beginning at dusk. Free recreation activities begin at 5:30 p.m.

Looking Ahead:

Free Ride Day for San Diego Transit Systems
To promote National Rideshare Week, Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will hold a Free Ride Day on Tuesday, October 2. Free rides will be valid on all MTS fixed-routes services including buses, the Trolley, SPRINTER and COASTER. Passengers will not need a Compass Card for either system. MTS services will operate on a normal weekday schedule. Check out the details and plan your free ride!

Quarry Crusher Run Returns November 3
Register now for this cool run to benefit the Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation. Held at Vulcan Materials Company, 2275 Hard Rock Road, in Chula Vista beginning at 8 a.m., on Saturday, November 3. There is a 10k or 5k option or you can walk! Watch the video and sign up soon!
 



Contacts

Contacts (All with 619 area code)


Animal Care
Animal Control:  476-2476
Pet Ad options:   691-5123
Web Page

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
_________________
Engineering
Main: 691-5021
________________
 
Public Works
Graffiti  Hotline: 691-5198
Graffiti i n progress : 9-1-1
Service Requests
    397-6000
Library
Civic Branch: 691-5069
South Branch: 585-5755
Otay Ranch:  397-5740
 
Recreation
Administration: 409-5979 
Woman's Club: 409-1980
Heritage Center:  409-5349
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
Development Services
Land Development:  691-5024
Building:  691-5272
Planning:  691-5101
Code Enforcement: 691-5280
Housing: 691-5047
________________________
  
Economic Development
409-1976
Web Page
________________________

Administration
City Attorney:  691-5037
City Clerk:  691-5041
City Manager:  691-5031
Communications,  Media  
    Relations  & Special Events: 
    691-5296
________________________

Mayor & Council
691-5044
Fire
Main: 691-5055
Prevention:  691-5029
  
Police
Report Crime  (Dispatch): 
    691-5151
    Web Page
__________________   

Human Resources
Main: 691-5096
Volunteer:  691-5000 
_______________

Finance
Main: 691-5250
Purchasing:  691-5141
_______________

Cultural Arts
409-5465
See you next month!