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FEBRUARY 2018
CITIZEN OF THE MONTH: PEDRO ANAYA , JR.
CONTENTS/ EDITOR'S LETTER When you hear the word “police,” what do you think of? Maybe you think of traffic cops, getting pulled over, or wishing someone had been pulled over. Maybe you think of public safety, criminal investigations, or arrests. Perhaps you even think of Chief Hopper in Stranger Things or RoboCop.
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04 BRAVO Announcements
06 NEWS
When my husband thinks of the police, he remembers a personal experience. When Mark began his senior year of high school, his mom sought refuge for her children and herself. She needed to get her family out of their home to a place where they would be safe. Where did they go? A local police officer and his family took them in and housed them. Mark and his siblings didn’t start the school year off the way they expected to, but they started it with a sense of security, which was far more important. Mark will never forget the generosity of the police officer and his family.
On your Doorstep
Some people have very personal—perhaps too personal—experiences with the police force, while others know them vaguely to be “out there, doing their thing.” Whatever your experience has been, this month I invite you to consider how well the Chula Vista Police Department has functioned despite significant budget cuts, and how funds could be raised to support hiring needs. Policemen and women do not have a glamorous job and often take a lot of flak in the news; yet, they are incredibly important to the welfare of our society.
Students Participate in Happiness Project
This February, enjoy the Valentines Day and Presidents Day holidays, and take a moment to be grateful for the safety and security that you have experienced. If you aren’t safe, please dial 911 for emergencies, (619) 691-5151 for non-emergency incidents, or South Bay Community Services for domestic violence support services at (800) 640-2933. No one deserves to live in fear.
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16 FEATURE State of the CVPD
22 SCHOOL NEWS
School Resource Officers
25 CALENDAR Out & About
CITIZEN OF THE MONTH Pedro Anaya, Jr.
—AMBER WEBER, editor OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 3
BRAVO
. . . great things happening in our community
PUBLISHED BY
› To TIM SMITH, newly elected president of the Otay Water District (District) Board of Directors. He represents Division 1 and has served on the board since December 2014. Smith’s election as president follows one year of board leadership under past president Mark Robak. At the January 3, 2018 meeting, the board also elected Mitch Thompson, who serves Division 2, as vice president, and Mark Robak, who serves Division 5, as treasurer.
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AMBER WEBER, Editor
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“I’m proud to be part of the District’s leadership to sustain achieving our mission of providing high value water and wastewater services to our customers,” said Smith. “I look forward to working in partnership with our Board members, the general manager, and staff to continue evaluating practices that create efficiencies for the District, providing services to our customers at affordable rates. I pride myself and the District in being dedicated to community service.” The five-member Board of Directors is the governing body of the District and is responsible for setting rates for service, taxes, policies, ordinances, adopting the annual budget and other matters related to the management and operation of the water agency. Each director is elected by voters within one of five divisions to represent the public's interest on the Board. Directors serve four-year terms in office. › To the OTAY RANCH BRANCH OF THE CHULA VISTA PUBLIC LIBRARY for being chosen the 2017 National Passport Acceptance Facility of the Year by the U.S. Department of State. It was selected from over 7,500 passport acceptance facilities in the nation. Since its opening in 2015, the Otay Ranch Library Passport Acceptance Facility has built a reputation as a warm, welcoming environment that assists all members of the public easily through the passport application process. In two years, the Otay Ranch facility has processed over 33,000 passport applications and 16,000 passport photos. Passport agents at the facility offer 30 hours of service weekly including evening and weekend hours. Several library programs have been created to promote world travel, including the Little Passports story time where children and their family are able to explore cultures throughout the world.
Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. OHTM Inc. is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions Known as a welcoming and “hassle-free” expressed are those of the environment, applicants have praised the passport writers and not necessarily those agents at the facility as being knowledgeable and of the Publisher or advertisers. responsive. This contributed to the U.S. Department OHTM Inc has the right to refuse advertising. OHTM Inc. at• F EBRUA R Y 2 0 18 4 O UContact R H OMETOWN (619) 840−7722.
of State recognizing the Otay Ranch facility as one that goes above and beyond to educate customers applying for passports through the library’s website, offering convenient hours, photos, walk-in service and weekend passport fairs. The Otay Ranch Branch Library, located at 2015 Birch Road, #409 in Chula Vista, is open Monday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 to 6 p.m. Call (619) 397-5740 for more information. › To the ROTARY CLUB OF CHULA VISTA and the ROTARY CLUB OF CHULA VISTA-EASTLAKE for hosting 25 District Governor Elects and their spouses from around the world. Every January since 2006, nearly 1,500 District Governor Elects, their spouses and trainers travel to San Diego for training. This is the only Rotary International event held in the same place, San Diego, every year. The training seminar is one week long with a traditional hosted dinner by local clubs on Wednesday night. This year the Rotary Club of Chula Vista and the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake hosted these honored guests from New Zealand, the UK, India, Brazil, Honduras, Germany, Canada, Norway, USA and the Netherlands at the home of Eastlake Club Past President Lourdes Valdez. In addition, the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club held its annual Hospitality Night with over 50 District Governor Elects and spouses at the home of Mike and Rowena Bell in Bonita. District Governor Elects traveled from the UK, Norway, Japan, India, Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and parts of the USA. The evening ended at both events with the District Governor Elects sharing about their clubs and honoring their hosts. › To the EASTLAKE YMCA for completing upgrades to its facility. On Saturday, Jan. 6, the Y held a grand re-opening celebration featuring a showcase of new equipment, special demos for new classes and vendors with giveaways. The Y installed a Queenax, a free standing functional training unit that can accommodate suspended body weight training activities, into the layout of its new wellness floor. Additionally, the branch added state-of-the-art cardio equipment including ARC trainers, recumbent ellipticals and elevated row machines in addition to its existing cardio equipment. During the upgrade, the Y focused on reformatting the layout of the facility to include a dedicated stretching area and larger training zone. Also, the branch recently opened its YMCA Sports Complex
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to members Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for pickup basketball and other organized sports. The facility is located across the street from the Eastlake YMCA and features basketball and multipurpose courts. The Eastlake YMCA is located at 2311 Boswell Road, Suite 7 in Chula Vista, and the YMCA Sports Complex is located at 2390 Boswell Road, #300 in Chula Vista. For information about joining the YMCA, visit YMCA.org/Membership or call (619) 421-9622. › To LAUREN SHELTON, VAPA Coordinator of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, for being named the California Music Educators Association’s 2018 CMEA Outstanding Administrator Award for the state of California and the Southern Border Section. “The work happening in Chula Vista continues to be recognized on so
many different platforms,” Lauren said. “I am very proud to represent our District and the amazing work that we do not only in the arts, but for the whole child. I don't know where I would be today without having music in my life growing up. I know our work isn't easy, but it's 100% worth it!”
Photos (L-R): Newly elected president of the Otay Water District, Tim Smith and VAPA Coordinator of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, Lauren Shelton.
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NEWS
/ On your Doorstep
Chula Vista Charitable Foundation Celebrates $500,000 Endowment Milestone By Susana Villegas
An organization started by everyday Chula Vistans has accomplished something extraordinary. In January, the permanent endowment fund of the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation (CVCF) surpassed the $500,000 mark. "We went from zero to half a million dollars in ten years," said Debbie Espe, founding CVCF member and CVCF chair. "We started with three people, no money, and the idea that Chula Vistans have the power to pool their resources to give back to the community in a strategic
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way that makes our communities better." Over four years, that group of three people, former Mayor Cheryl Cox and Dency and Paul Soubal, grew to 18 dedicated Chula Vistans who steadily raised money to build a fund that in 2011 made its first grant to local nonprofit organizations. "In the beginning, we wanted to show our community that you didn't have to be wealthy or a big company to give back, to do philanthropy that could
really help Chula Vista," said Espe. "There is strength in numbers, and as we grew in numbers, so did the ability of CVCF to do great things for Chula Vista." Today, CVCF has grown to about 100 resident and company members that are united in their dedication to improving quality of life and meeting emerging needs in Chula Vista. Its members have helped to grow the culture of philanthropy in Chula Vista and to build a community endowment for the
On your Doorstep
benefit of the region. The endowment, established through the San Diego Foundation, provides funds annually to community organizations and causes. It also gives the community a vehicle for legacy planning and gifts that will benefit Chula Vista. One-hundred percent of donations made to CVCF either go to its endowment or are pooled with other donations to fund local non-profits. Already, CVCF has given $240,000 to
non-profit organizations in Chula Vista that improve physical and mental wellbeing, that protect the environment, that combat food insecurity, that promote workforce development, and that help at-risk populations. On behalf of its members, CVCF vets non-profits for funding through a request-for-proposals application process. “The Foundation leverages the power of collective giving to make a difference in the community,� said Espe. "We grew the endowment to more than $500,000, dollar by dollar
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through membership and community donations, to create a foundation of the community, by the community, for the good of Chula Vista for generations to come. "But the same rule of strength in numbers still applies," said Espe. "We welcome more residents and businesses from the region to join the Foundation so that we can keep growing the endowment and do even more to support Chula Vista's communities."
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On your Doorstep
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New Chula Vista Museum Exhibit Now Open A new, year-long exhibit opened on Saturday, January 27, in the Chula Vista Heritage Museum’s space located in the Civic Center Branch Library at 365 F Street. “Fronterizos: A History of the Spanish Speaking People of the South Bay, San Diego” replaces the exhibit on Rohr Corporation that opened last January. Prior to the opening of the new exhibit, the Friends of the Chula Vista Library held their annual meeting with a presentation by local historian Barbara Zaragoza. Focusing on the cultural heritage of the majority of residents in this region, the South Bay will be seen within the larger context of Mexican-
American history. Included in the exhibit will be the Portola Expedition, the land grants to the first families, the great immigration during the Mexican Revolution, the Otay Valley farmers and labor strikes, jockeys and card dealers during Prohibition days, service member contributions, and the Chicano Movement of the 1970s and 1980s.
The exhibit is free of charge and open to the public during regular library hours. Funding is provided by the Chula Vista Heritage Museum, a Chapter of the Friends of the Chula Vista Library; a Community Enhancement Program grant via County Supervisor Greg Cox; and a City of Chula Vista Performing and Visual Arts grant.
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Celebrate Chula Vista Champions The 2018 Chula Vista Champions Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. Beginning at 11 a.m., the event celebrates nominees who have excelled in sports, academics, arts and more. This is the second year the City of Chula Vista will honor its champions. Nominations are now being accepted for an individual, team, class or other groups who live, work or play in Chula Vista. Categories include academics, sports, community service, cultural arts and other areas. Champions who have received an award within the last five years in the specific categories will be recognized. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. Go to www.chulavistaca.gov/champions for more information about the celebration and to nominate a champion.
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On your Doorstep
SANDAG Makes $30 Million in Grants Available to Fund Smart Growth and Bike/Pedestrian Projects Applications Due March 15
To incentivize projects that promote smart growth, as well as increase walking, biking and transit usage, SANDAG is calling on local jurisdictions to submit applications for more than $30 million in competitive grants available under its TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program and TransNet Active Transportation Grant Program. Approximately $27 million in smart growth funds and $3.6 million in active transportation funds are available. Up to $1 million from the smart growth funds will be made available for local jurisdictions to complete Climate Action Plans and Complete Streets Policies. Grant applications for both programs are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. The money for the grant programs comes from two sources: TransNet, the regional half-cent sales tax for transportation approved by San Diego County voters, which sets aside two percent of annual revenues for each grant program, and funds distributed by the state under the California Transportation Development Act. Only local cities and the County of San Diego can apply for the grant funds. Nonprofit and community-based organizations may collaborate to apply for funding in conjunction with the cities or the county, but cannot apply directly for the funds. For details about the evaluation criteria for the current funding cycle, visit sandag.org/ cycle4grants. About SANDAG The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is the San Diego region's primary public planning, transportation, and research agency, providing the public forum for regional policy decisions about growth, transportation planning and construction, environmental management, housing, open space, energy, public safety, and binational topics. SANDAG is governed by a Board of Directors composed of mayors, council members, and supervisors from each of the region's 18 cities and the county government.
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On your Doorstep
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OnStage Playhouse Presents Satirical Comedy
Local Red Cross Announces 2018 Tournament of Champions Training Sessions Volunteers can take several training courses throughout the month of February
The American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties will host a series of volunteer development classes throughout the month of February in order to provide additional training to new volunteers and offer advanced training to volunteer leaders. The “training tournament” will officially kick off on Saturday, Feb. 3, with a keynote speech delivered by WD-40 Chief Executive Officer Garry Ridge to inspire attendees toward developing leadership and teamwork skills. OnStage Playhouse opened As Bees in Honey Drown, a witty comedy with a sting, on January 12. Written by Douglas Carter Beane, the show introduces Evan Wyler, a young writer, as the latest “hot young thing” to hit New York City. He finds himself in the irresistible clutches of one Alexa Vere de Vere, who promises him fame and fortune—and takes him on a whirlwind of a ride. Ultimately realizing he’s been “had,” Evan embarks on a quest to find out the truth about Alexa, seeking help from many others whom Alexa has “discovered.”
Twenty-eight different classes along with personal and professional development and career planning advice will be offered in more than 35 night and weekend sessions at the regional headquarters office in Kearny Mesa throughout the month-long event. Classes cover a variety of topics including shelter management, disaster operations fundamentals, logistics and more.
As Bees in Honey Drown is directed by Bryant Hernandez. It contains language and themes not suited for children. The show runs until February 10 and is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists, Inc.
“After the unprecedented natural disasters of 2017, it's more important than ever for our volunteers to be trained and even better prepared to respond to future disasters and emergencies,” said local Red Cross Chief Executive Officer Sean Mahoney. “By developing volunteer leaders here in San Diego and Imperial Counties, we will be a more prepared region for our own needs and we can also be relied upon to send experienced and effective volunteers to help with disasters around the nation.”
Tickets are $20-22; group rates are available. Call (619) 422-RSVP (7787) or visit www.onstageplayhouse. org. Curtain times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. OnStage Playhouse is located on historic Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista, within walking distance of many restaurants for pre- and post-show dining. Parking is easily available on nearby streets or in several City lots.
New volunteers are welcome to participate in the training tournament, but are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Participants can accumulate points to win prizes throughout the tournament. The event will culminate with a disaster response simulation activity on March 1 and 2. This simulation allows participants to experience key elements of a disaster operation and prepare them to respond strategically.
To become a Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteer. For more information about the American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties, please visit redcross.org/sandiego. About the American Red Cross of San Diego/ Imperial Counties The American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties provides lifesaving preparedness training, disaster relief services, services to deployed military personnel and their families, and nutritional counseling through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross. org/sandiego or connect on Facebook and YouTube and Twitter. OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 13
On your Doorstep
Seven Mile Casino to Host Inaugural “Big 24-Hour Giveback” Benefiting South Bay Community Services On February 28, Seven Mile Casino will host its inaugural Big 24-Hour Giveback, a philanthropic event benefitting South Bay Community Services (SBCS). The event rules? Just show up! Each person who simply steps into Seven Mile Casino will receive a $100 donation placed in their name, maxing at our goal of $75,000. Although no purchase is necessary for the $100 donation to be made, all guests must be 21 and over.
Each person who simply steps into Seven Mile Casino will receive a $100 donation placed in their name, maxing at our goal of $75,000.
Your attendance alone will help South Bay Community Services provide a wide range of needs for children and families here in Chula Vista and across San Diego County. For over 40 years, SBCS has proudly served the overwhelming needs of children, youth and families. Life-changing programs offered by the organization include Mi Escuelita, a therapeutic preschool designed to meet the specialized needs of children affected by domestic violence and abuse. SBCS is leading the charge on ending the vicious cycle of violence by creating healthy environments for children and families in need of a loving hand.
“Seven Mile Casino is proud to partner with South Bay Community Services for this exciting inaugural event,” said Stones Casino Group partner Ryan Stone. “SBCS is an incredible organization. As a father myself, I am heartened to see the work they do each day to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless children.” Seven Mile Casino is a family-owned company dedicated to supporting the local community. The event is one of many scheduled for the year ahead to help foster an increased connection between the Casino and the community. The Stones Casino Group took ownership of Seven Mile Casino in 2017, with a vision of transforming the facility into a premier entertainment facility on the Bayfront. Seven Mile Casino provides Chula Vista with fun for all ages, including a family-friendly restaurant – it’s truly a must-see. “We are honored that Seven Mile Casino has selected SBCS as the beneficiary of this event,” said President and CEO Kathryn Lembo. 14 OU R HOMETOWN • F EBRU A R Y 2 0 18
CYT San Diego Presents “A Little Princess”
CYT San Diego is proud to present the beloved tale of A Little Princess right here in Chula Vista at the Mater Dei High School Theater, February 16-25. It is a story that has touched the hearts of millions of people, young and old, with its encouraging spotlight on the power of strong will and imagination. Performed entirely by local talent between the ages of 8 and 18, patrons will be amazed by the caliber of these creative and hard-working youth. Sara Crewe is played by upand-comer Alanna Morgan, with a stunning chemistry of friendship between herself and her stage-mate, Carissa Shelton, who plays the role of Sara's new-found companion and fellow maid at the school. A Little Princess is based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which was honored by the School Library Journal as one of the "Top 100 Chapter Books" of all time. This reimagined version of the classic tale expands beyond the confines of Victorian England to Africa, giving the writers ample opportunity to include lively African music and dance, exotic locales like Mali and Timbuktu, and create an unforgettable journey around the world. Separated from her father and the open-hearted Africans who have helped him raise her, young Sara Crewe is sent to boarding school in London. When things go badly for her there, her imaginative powers come to the rescue– helping to transform a drab institution into a place of magic and mystery. As the girl wins the affection of the other boarders, she draws the ire of Miss Minchin, the dour headmistress, who forces Sara to work as a maid when her father is reported dead and his fortune is seized. Sara counters all of Miss Minchin's best efforts to degrade her, all the while maintaining the grace and virtue of a little princess. Performances are at Mater Dei Catholic High School, 1615 Mater Dei Drive in Chula Vista on February 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:00 p.m., as well as February 18, 24 and 25 at 2:00 p.m. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through quality training in the arts. Since its founding in 1981, CYT has served our community with educational classes, camps and wholesome, familyfriendly productions.
On your Doorstep
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Cover and Supporting Photography by Melissa Monroy
STATE OF THE CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
by Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy
t
he Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) is a full-service law enforcement agency serving more than 267,000 residents in the second largest city in the County of San Diego. Chula Vista’s location, climate, high-quality schools, vibrant economy and family-oriented community culture are just a few reasons that
generations have called Chula Vista home. Chula Vista has grown and developed worldclass communities that have attracted tens of thousands of residents and businesses to our beautiful South County location. During the peak of the housing boom in 2003, Chula Vista was one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. While Chula Vista’s robust growth has been beneficial in many ways, it also has created strain on basic city services and infrastructure. This strain is a challenge for the Police Department, which has struggled to keep pace with the City’s growth since the economic downturn of 2007. Prior to 2007, the Chula Vista Police Department was staffed with 259 sworn officers and 114 civilian staff, the equivalent of 1.12 officers per 1,000 population. At that time, the number of officers was within the County of San Diego average, which allowed the Police Department to offer outstanding service to residents of Chula Vista. The long economic downturn took its toll on the City of Chula Vista, forcing significant budget and staffing cuts across all departments. To this day, the Police Department has not recovered to 2007 staffing levels, much less the levels necessary to provide the level of police service that residents of Chula Vista expect. Today, the Chula Vista Police Department is authorized for 232 sworn officers and 91 civilians. This staffing level places the Chula Vista Police Department at only .87 officers per 1,000 population, by far the lowest staffing ratio in San Diego County and the second lowest staffing ratio for similarly sized agencies in California. Steve Padilla, a Chula Vista City Councilmember, stated, “The safety of Chula Vista residents remains my first priority. Working in conjunction with the Chula Vista Police Department, the City Council must develop a comprehensive plan that will provide our police professionals with the tools required to continue keeping our community safe. A robust, long-term public safety plan is increasingly necessary as our city continues to grow every day. I strongly believe we must increase PD staffing levels and strive to assure we can attract the best people and provide them with state of the art equipment and training.”
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STATE OF THE CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
w
hen asked for her thoughts on the Police Department’s staffing, Councilmember Pat Aguilar replied, “I have always believed my most sacred responsibility as a City Councilmember is to keep the residents of this city safe. The amazing men and women of the Chula Vista Police Department are doing this – Chula Vista is one of the safest large cities in the nation. “But there are very, very serious warning signs,” she continued. “Among 10 California cities with populations between 250,000 and 500,000, CVPD has the lowest staffing ratio in the entire state. At .86 officers per 1,000 population, CVPD also has the lowest staffing ratio in the county, regardless of city size. (Carlsbad is second-lowest with 1.01 officers per 1,000 residents.) CVPD would need to hire 40 police officers immediately just to be tied for last place with Carlsbad! “The city’s population grew by 9% from 2010 to 2017, but the number of CVPD officers has shrunk 11% from its historical staffing peak. The Patrol Department is 35% understaffed, meaning responses to emergency calls are slower than they should be. “Clearly, we need more police officers, and we need them as soon as possible. However, it is unlikely that the city will be able to hire more officers without a new revenue source. But we must find a way to do it if we want to keep our city the great place to live that it is today,” ended Councilmember Aguilar. Despite significant fiscal and staffing constraints, Chula Vista has the reputation of being one of the safest cities of its size. A large part of the Police Department’s success may be credited to the outstanding officers and professional staff; however, this credit is shared with our community and business partners. The bedrock of the Chula Vista Police Department’s organizational culture is community-oriented policing and customer service. Even as the Police Department shrank in size, its officers and management team implemented efficiencies and forged even stronger relationships with citizens and community partners.
according to the FBI, Chula Vista is listed as the tenth safest city in the nation, with populations over 200,000.
“As your City Councilmember my primary focus is the safety of our children, community and neighborhoods. A main reason I ran for City Council in 2014 was to strengthen our public safety and increase the number of police patrols on the East side of the City. I am very proud to have successfully led efforts that have doubled the amount of police patrols in our eastern communities, which has decreased the police response times to our citizens. I am pleased to have spearheaded endeavors to provide our police with new state of the art equipment and technology to make our officers and police dispatchers’ jobs more effective and efficient. We recently replaced the 19 year old archaic police dispatch system and purchased a new Motorola dispatch system. The new system uses GPS for vehicles, officer issued phones and destination locations for quicker reaction time. While we have made significant progress in adding manpower and technology to our Police Department, I support a substation on the East side of the City and hiring additional officers to improve police response times and provide our citizens with greater customer service with law enforcement.” —Councilmember John McCann
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STATE OF THE CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Providing law enforcement service to a city as large and diverse as Chula Vista is a complex and challenging endeavor, one which requires dedicated employees with the proper training and skill sets to ensure positive outcomes. I am proud to say that our employees have never wavered on their emphasis of handling every citizen contact thoroughly and professionally.
City Councilmember Mike Diaz said, “A recent report from San Diego’s regional planning agency, SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments), shows how our police officers work harder than any other police agency in the region. Chula Vista has been listed as the tenth safest city (with populations over 200,000) in the nation by the FBI. Our police officers are doing that with less than half the force of cities of similar populations. How long can these dedicated officers keep that pace up before something bad happens? It’s not a question of ‘if;’ it’s a question of ‘when.’
Despite these efforts, budget and staffing constraints continue to negatively impact the level of service provided by the Police Department, especially regarding traffic enforcement, response times, and investigative follow up. The Police Department’s extremely low staffing levels have prevented it from meeting its response time goals for Priority 1 (life threatening) calls for the last four years. The Police Department also has missed its Priority 2 (urgent) call goal for over 19 years. Critical units like the Traffic Division, School Resource Officer Unit and Investigations Division no longer provide the same level of service they did a decade ago. "We appreciate the discussion and consideration of public safety needs with the Public Safety Advisory Committee, Chula Vista Police and Fire Departments, and staff," said Chula Vista City Manager Gary Halbert. "In February, we are planning to present to the City Council options for placing a half-cent sales tax measure on the ballot that would provide funding to address public safety staffing."
“An investment in public safety will reduce the economic and human impacts of crime.”
“As a retired public safety professional, I understand perfectly what can happen when we understaff our public safety force,” he continued. “ We need to be proactive in preventing crimes. That is why I support the idea of a half-cent sales tax to pay for improving our public safety. I believe that the investment will provide a good return to our citizens. Currently many crimes go unpunished because we do not have enough people to keep up with the 7000 cases that our understaffed detectives work on each year. An investment in public safety will reduce the economic and human impacts of crime.”
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STATE OF THE CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
In June 2017, the Chula Vista City Council directed City staff to look for solutions to public safety staffing challenges. To engage the public in this process, the City Manager formed a Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) to provide for community input into public safety priorities. The committee includes Chula Vista residents, business owners and community leaders. The PSAC has met four times to provide input as the Public Safety Staffing Report and Public Safety Staffing Strategies Report were developed. In October 2017, the City engaged a research firm to conduct a public opinion survey to identify resident priorities regarding public safety and public services. Among the top priorities identified in the survey were providing faster 911 response times, reducing graffiti, reducing gang and drug activity, and increasing police patrols. The Public Safety Staffing Report identifies the critical staffing needs of the CVPD. The analysis focused on desired outcomes like meeting Priority 1 and Priority 2 response time goals, increasing community patrols, expanding the Traffic Division and School Resource Officer units and expanding the Homeless Outreach Team. The analysis indicated that the Police Department would need to increase staff by at least 62 full-time employees to meet the expected service demands of Chula Vista. Adding these employees would allow the Chula Vista Police Department to staff an eastern storefront or substation to better serve the residents of Eastlake and Otay Ranch. It would also allow for better responses to trafficrelated complaints and the expansion of community patrols, Communication Center Dispatch staffing, School Resource Officers and provide for more detectives to follow up on crime investigations. 20 O U R HOMETOWN • F EBRU A R Y 2 0 18
According to Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, “Public safety has always been our top priority. Two years ago, the only positions added were…two police officers and a park ranger to help deal with our homeless problem. This year, the only positions added were five police officers and—thanks to a federal grant—twelve fire fighters. Over the next few years, our long-term plan calls for the hiring of five police officers every year. “Since 2010, our population has grown by 9% however the number of police officers fell by 11%. That we continue to be a safe city is a testament to our police officers and the great relationship they have with our community." She continued, “But our residents must be confident that a call to 9-1-1 will result in a prompt response by both Fire and Police Departments. We have the lowest ratio of police officers and firefighters of any city in San Diego County and one of the lowest in the state. We are a safe city, but in order to maintain that level of safety, we must increase the number of police officers on patrol. “We have promised to keep our city safe. Everything that we do at the City Council must ensure that we raise the needed funds to increase the number of police officers and fire fighters. We have a shared responsibility to deliver on this promise to our neighbors, so that we remain safe in our homes, our streets and our neighborhoods.”
We are a safe city, but in order to maintain that level of safety, we must increase the number of police officers on patrol.
This need for more officers and critical civilian staff far outweighs projected revenues to the City for the forseeable future. The City Manager’s office and the Chula Vista City Council are exploring additional revenue sources to meet the public safety needs of our growing community. Chula Vista was fortunate to win the support of its citizens in Measure P, the 2016 ballot initiative which provided a half-cent sales tax increase for critical infrastructure needs. The dedicated members of the Chula Vista Police Department hope to gain community support for further investment in public safety. And while these policy discussions continue, the Chula Vista Police Department remains committed to providing the highest level of law enforcement service to the residents of Chula Vista.
STATE OF THE CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
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SCHOOL
/ News
Students Participate in Happiness Sprinkling Project
Students and staff from Wolf Canyon Elementary School recently greeted parents after school with signs such as “It's Going to Be All Right,” “Trust Yourself,” and “Life is Good.” The event was part of the Happiness Sprinkling Project, a national movement to spread messages of happiness and optimism. The movement was started in 2012 by Laura Lavigne of the Anacortes Center for Happiness in Washington state.
For the Wolf Canyon event, the messages to motorists and pedestrians also included phrases such as “You are Delightful,” “You ARE a Good Parent,” “Life is Good,” and “Tell Them You Love Them.” Wolf Canyon Principal Debra McLaren heard about the movement at a conference. "When I saw the Sprinkling Happiness Campaign that was going on nationwide, I said we have to do this, especially in light of all the negative things happening in our country and in our world," McLaren said. "I really wanted to start the new year off with happiness. She reached out to the faculty advisors to the school's K-Kids, the elementary arm of Kiwanis. "They jumped on the opportunity. We were really excited to be a part of this," McLaren recalled. When the day finally arrived to “sprinkle happiness,” teacher Janice Sullivan was amazed at the response. “All of the children really rose to the occasion,” Sullivan said. "Just seeing it in action was just amazing. It was so positive, and happy. The children were really involved. Like Ms. McLaren said, it was a chance to start the new year with something positive." The idea has also spread to other schools in the Chula Vista Elementary School District. That's not a surprise to teacher Ziphorah Hernandez. "As a school community, our group leaders agree that we are bombarded with negativity from current events and media sources. We want people to know we care and want to start the year promoting positive feelings and happiness for all," Hernandez said.
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School Resource Officers are Integral Part of Sweetwater District
In the Sweetwater Union High School District, School Resource Officers (SROs) have been a valuable asset to improving school climates, ensuring safety and supporting student achievement. Since the early 1990s, the Sweetwater District has had a partnership with local police department units to provide services that ensure safer schools.
Each school within the district is assigned to at least one SRO. “Our SROs truly feel like an extension of our district,” said Czajkowski. “Many of them have strong community and personal ties to our district and they all put in a lot of time and effort getting to know staff and students.” According to Czajkowski, when incidents occur, SROs are able to
help manage them as smoothly as possible with the district as a unified command. Often times SROs are able to deescalate situations using innovative techniques that school staff can use in future cases. Said Czajkowski, “In spite of how difficult their work day may get, our SROs always operate in joy and pride and are very sensitive to all issues concerning students and staff.”
“The services our SROs provide to not only our schools, but the entire Sweetwater District are so valuable,” says John Czajkowski, Sweetwater District Security Coordinator and Advisor. For the Sweetwater District, SROs supervise lunchrooms, coach sports, promote drug and alcohol awareness and become confidants to teens who might have never thought they'd befriend a police officer. SROs have the opportunity to build relationships at a key time in many young people's lives. SROs are specially trained, sworn-in police officers responsible for preventing crime and responding to emergency situations fulltime. According to Czajkowski, almost on a weekly basis, an SRO can be found working after hours on any campus.
“The lengths that these officers go to ensure our students are safe and healthy go way beyond their regular shift hours. Often times they can be found taking care of after hour incidents, wellness home checks or providing support staff trainings like active shooter trainings.” OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 23
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f e b r ua ry 01-10 AS BEES IN HONEY DROWN @ Onstage Playhouse, 291 3rd Avenue in Chula Vista. A witty comedy…with a sting. The show runs on Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. All tickets are $20-$22. Call (619) 422-RSVP (7787) or visit www. onstageplayhouse.com. MARINE CORPS LEAGUE SOUTHBAY DETACHMENT 1207 (SOUTH BAY) MEETING @ 7 – 8 p.m. @ Bldg F, Chula Vista Veterans Home, 700 E. Naples Ct. Plan to join former and retired Marines, Navy, Army and Air Force veterans to hear a special speaker. Call Commandant Jim Thomas at (619) 227-9535 with questions.
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SUHSD STATE OF THE DISTRICT @ 9 a.m. @ Montgomery High School in the new gymnasium, 3250 Palm Avenue in San Diego. Student exposition will immediately follow. To RSVP or for more information, call Grants and Communications at (619) 691-5578 or email gcomm@ sweetwaterschools.org. CHULA VISTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INSTALLATION DINNER AND DANCE @ 6 – 11 p.m. @ The Venue at EastLake, 871 Showroom Place, Suite 100 in Chula Vista. Congratulate former officers and welcome officers and board members for 2018. RSVP on or prior to Friday, February 9. Please call (619) 420-6603 with any questions.
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OUT & ABOUT
PRESIDENT'S DAY
CHULA VISTA GREEN BUSINESS SOLUTION WORKSHOP @ 4:30 – 7 p.m. @ Chamber of Commerce, 233 4th Ave. in Chula Vista. Identify the importance of a zero waste lifestyle and how to implement these practices in your business. Network, share ideas and create a more eco-conscious workspace. Register at http://bit. ly/greenbiz-workshop-18.
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CITY PLANNING 101: DISCUSSION OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT @ 6-7:45 p.m. @ the Chula Vista Public Library, “F” Street, Chula Vista. A panel of CV leaders including City Manager Gary Halbert; Councilmember Pat Aguilar; and Kelly Broughton, Development Services will discuss how projects are developed, where development is taking place, and how citizens can become involved in these processes. Sponsored by the City of Chula Vista, League of Women’s Voters, and So Bay CAN.
CHULA VISTA CHAMPIONS CEREMONY @ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. @ Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Parkway in Chula Vista. The City of Chula Vista will hold a ceremony to celebrate nominees who have excelled in sports, academics, arts and more. Nominations are now being accepted for an individual, team, class or other groups who live, work or play in Chula Vista. Nomination deadline is February 18.
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THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA PRESENTS AGEFRIENDLY COMMUNITY CHATS @ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Join a community roundtable and provide input on how we can make our neighborhoods more livable for people throughout the age spectrum. Topics will include housing, transportation, social participation, health and community, open spaces and buildings, healthy food access and more. Light snacks will be provided. District 1 Northeast • Wednesday, February 21 • Montevalle Recreation Center @ 840 Duncan Ranch Road District 4 Southwest • Thursday, February 22 • South Chula Vista Library @ 389 Orange Avenue
District 2 Northwest • Wednesday, February 28 • Chula Vista Women’s Club @ 357 G Street District 3 Southeast • Thursday, March 1 • Heritage Park and Community Center @ 1381 E Palomar Street Please RSVP at https://agefriendlycv. eventbrite.com.
Not sure which Council District you live in or the meeting to attend? Find out through the interactive map at https://tinyurl.com/ y6uvb6g3.
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SAVE THE DATE 03/03: THE NEW TAX REFORM AND HOME OWNERSHIP @ 10 a.m. – noon @ 1924 E. Palomar Street, Ste 104 in Chula Vista. Don't miss out on the opportunity to hear how the new tax reform will affect you when purchasing or selling property, going throught the lending process, having a successful escrow transaction, and/or insuring your home. Special Guest: Marvin Harrison. RSVP to Michelle Jockin at MHickin@ OakwoodEscrow.com. 03/08: THE TASTE OF THIRD @ 4 – 8 p.m. Enjoy savory samples from assorted Village eateries, cocktail lounges, breweries and tasting rooms. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event, if available. Ticket quantities are limited. For more information, including participating locations, visit http:// thirdavenuevillage.com/ taste-of-third-avenue/.
03/11: THE 6TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MARIACHI FESTIVAL & COMPETITION @ 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. @ Pepper Park, 3299 Tidelands Avenue in National City. This free day-long, community-friendly event celebrates San Diego’s Mexican heritage through Mariachi music, colorful traditional ballet folkloric dancing, and a grand celebration of the arts, culture and culinary delights. OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 25
CITIZEN OF THE MONTH
Pedro Anaya, Jr.
If you live or work in Chula Vista, chances are you’ve met Pedro Anaya, Jr. This Chula Vista High School graduate is a man with boundless energy, who is deeply involved in local politics, cross-border issues and cultural pursuits. We are proud to call him a resident of Chula Vista City Council District 2, and he is Councilmember Pat Aguilar’s choice for February’s Citizen of the Month. Though Anaya is a soft-spoken man, he is a public affairs professional whose level of accomplishments and many awards belie his seemingly relaxed persona. After earning a dual bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Psychology and Chicano/Chicana Studies, Anaya went on to earn his master’s degree from the University of San Diego in Nonprofit Management and Leadership Studies. While still in college he was a community outreach worker for the Logan Heights Family Health Center, a community organizer for the Consensus Organizing Institute, and a program director for the National Conference for Community & Justice, among other jobs. After earning his advanced degree, he went on to become associate executive director at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, the executive director of the Greater Golden Hill Community Development Corporation, and finally senior manager of binational affairs and community relations for Southwest Strategies—a position he has held for nearly five years. 26 O U R HOMETOWN • F EBRU A R Y 2 0 18
But that’s not all. Anaya is also a member of the City of Chula Vista’s Planning Commission and the Public Safety Advisory Committee, and sits on the Port District’s Bayfront Cultural and Design Committee, the San Diego Probation Department’s Chief’s Advisory Board, and the Kaiser Permanente Patient Advisory Board. He has also held at least a dozen other volunteer positions over the years. More than 20 years ago Anaya founded La Voz de San Diego, a newsletter that keeps San Diego, the South Bay, the nonprofit and Latino communities connected. He still edits and produces La Voz, distributing it online to more than 8,000 community and business leaders. A devoted husband and father of two young girls, when Anaya is not at Disneyland with his family, he can be found performing with Danza Mexi’cayotl, San Diego County’s oldest Aztec dance circle. The group frequently performs at local schools and cultural events, but has participated in events as far away as Gallup, New Mexico, and Queretaro, Mexico. His wife and daughters are also members of the dance group. We are fortunate to have Pedro Anaya in our city, and honor him for all his hard work on behalf of our community. We look forward to all his great accomplishments to come!
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