Our Hometown Chula Vista - March 2017 by OurHometownMag

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MARCH 2017

Clean and Green

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT: 2016 CHULA VISTA CHAMBER INSTALLATION DINNER AWARD RECIPIENTS BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: GROWTH MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION

CONTENTS/ EDITOR'S LETTER

Clean and Green

“Thrifting” is one of my and my husband’s favorite weekend activities. Variety abounds in San Diego County’s many swap meets, or flea markets, and we have brought home all sorts and sizes of unique items. We purchased all of the vintage lighting fixtures in our home from either a swap meet or antique store, fun art and antique mirrors decorate our interior, and brand new office supplies like sheet protectors, envelopes and even Scotch tape reside in my home office after spying them at a swap meet. In fact, if I were to give a tour of our home, I could probably point out a dozen items in each room that were previously owned by someone else. What does thrifting have to do with being “clean and green?” You’ve probably heard the phrase “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Well, most people’s junk ends up in landfills. But plenty of people consider that junk as much more. Mark and I are certainly examples of people who “reuse” items. Others upcycle and sell their goods on Etsy or craft fairs. In turn, we keep a “thrift box” in the garage. As we no longer want items—even if we can’t see any reason why someone else might want them—we add them to the box, and periodically throughout the year Mark drops it off at a Chula Vista thrift store. Often one of us will find an obscure item from a local vendor or shop and think, “I bet he never thought someone would buy that!” So, we never know who might want our old junk either. Not everyone likes to buy used items—I understand. But everyone can thrift clean items rather than throwing them in the trash, and everyone can recycle. Our trash container is rarely even half full because we compost and recycle so much. Recycling and reusing save energy, reduce landfills, protect forests and wildlife, reduce our carbon footprint and even help the economy. Our March feature mentions many opportunities to live and work “clean and green.” Choose to act in a small but mighty way.

M A R C H 2 0 17

04 BRAVO Announcements

06 NEWS On your Doorstep

16 FEATURE Clean and Green

20 SCHOOL NEWS Summer Arts Academy

23 CALENDAR Out & About

24 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT 2016 Chula Vista Chamber Installation Dinner Award Recipients

26 BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Growth Management Oversight and the Sustainability Commission

—AMBER WEBER, editor OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 3

BRAVO

. . . great things happening in our community

PUBLISHED BY

› To JASON PAGUIO and DEPUTY MAYOR

MICHAEL MONACO, Publisher

PAMELA BENSOUSSAN, new NTC Foundation board members. Jason is a small business owner, nonprofit founder and public policy advisor who lives in Chula Vista. While a music teacher, Jason founded Parade Band Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit which helps to connect school music programs with their community and has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in grants, scholarships and incentives to school music programs.

AMBER WEBER, Editor

Deputy Mayor Bensoussan has served on the Chula Vista City Council since 2008. In addition to her Council work, she is a professional art and antique appraiser, with senior accreditation from the American Society of Appraisers, and is a two-term past president of the Society’s San Diego chapter. Her local public commissions include the cataloguing and appraisal of the San Diego Unified School District art collection (containing many WPA works) and the appraisal of the Aztec Brewery’s murals and artifacts for the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.

MELISSA MONROY, Design

ASHLYN O'HARA, Intern

Advertising inquiries: Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com.

As part of the 17-member board, Jason and Pamela will help the San Diego community to be more engaged to help sustain the Arts District at Liberty Station and move forward on the Barracks Hotel Project.

Editorial Contributions: Amber Weber at Editor@OurHometownMag.com. Visit us online at www.OurHometownMag.com. Copyright 2015. 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 expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or advertisers. OHTM Inc has the right 4 OtoUrefuse R H OMETOWN advertising. • MARC H Contact OHTM Inc. at (619) 840−7722.

› To STAN CANARIS, “Mr. EastLake” to many, for being presented with the Legacy Award at the EastLake Educational Foundation (EEF)’s Taste of EastLake on January 20. Dr. Susan Mahler, past principal of Olympic View Elementary School and EEF board member, presented him with the award saying, “There isn’t anything that you 2 0 17

haven’t done or anything that you wouldn’t do for anyone. You are the true definition of a friend. If we could give you just one thing, we would love to give you the ability to see yourself through our eyes. Then you would realize how very special you are to all of us. Stan, you’re the man…What a mighty good man!” Stan helped create and establish the EastLake Educational Foundation in efforts to provide technology support to all six local public schools in the EastLake Community. Because of his support, the Stan Canaris Invitational is hosted at the EastLake Country Club every summer in August. Stan is a model of someone who demonstrates what’s possible, and that is the gift of empowering others to do exactly the same, to be an example and servant to others.

› To the SOUTH BAY FAMILY YMCA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT DELEGATION, who attended the California YMCA's 69th Model Legislature and Court Program in Sacramento. This five-day program for high school students enabled them to explore their interests in politics, government, media and the judicial system. The students spent a year preparing, exploring legislative process and practicing advocacy in a group setting. During the Sacramento event, students served as mock legislators, lobbyists, media reporters, legislative analysts and lawyers in and around the State Capitol building. They discussed topics such as education, the economy, workforce development, immigration, building vibrant communities and being civically engaged, educated voters with Senator Ben Hueso.

SEND US YOUR GOOD NEWS!

Email editor@ourhometownmag.com prior to the 15th of the month and we will do our best to put the good news in an upcoming issue.

Clockwise from top to bottom: Senator Ben Hueso with South Bay Family YMCA Youth and Government Delegates in Sacramento; Students from Casillas, Eastlake, Heritage, JuarezLincoln, ParkView and Rosebank with Certificates of Recognition; Stan Canaris, "Mr. Eastlake" and New NTC Foundation board members Deputy Mayor Pamela Bensoussan and Jason Paguio.

He praised the high school delegates for dedicating their time to the program and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. He also praised the YMCA for offering such a great experience to the delegates.

› To the CITY OF CHULA VISTA for being named one of ten finalists for a Smart Cities Council Readiness Challenge Grant. The Smart Cities Council awarded challenge grants to help five American cities apply smart technologies to improve urban livability, workability and sustainability. The City of Chula Vista, in partnership with the Port of San Diego and City of San Diego, submitted a comprehensive application focusing on innovation in energy, telecommunications and transportation. Although the City was not one of the five awardees, “the City of Chula Vista has assembled an exceptional team of partners with the Port of San Diego, City of San Diego and other industry experts to work together for the successful deployment of smart city technologies across our region,” said Chula Vista Chief Sustainability Officer Dennis Gakunga. For more information about the Smart Cities Council and the Challenge Readiness Grant, visit smartcitiescouncil. com/.

› To the CASILLAS, EASTLAKE, HERITAGE, JUAREZ-LINCOLN, PARKVIEW AND ROSEBANK STUDENTS who led the Pledge of Allegiance at the February Board of Education meeting. Each student was presented a Certificate of Recognition. Well done! OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 5

NEWS

/ On your Doorstep

A Break from School Doesn't Need to be a Break from Learning

Spring Break is a great refresher for children and parents alike. But just because children are out of school, it doesn't mean they can't continue to learn by taking part in fun and educational activities. As a parent, take advantage of the holidays to spend fun, learning time together. Here are a few ways you can keep learning alive during Spring Break: Writing To help writing skills, encourage your children to start a diary or to write letters to a grandparent or friend. If you are traveling on a vacation, ask your children to keep journals recording where you stayed and what you did. At the end of every day, talk through the activities with your children and help them with the journals. It not only helps with their writing skills, but it also creates great family memories. Mathematics Helping Mom or Dad with cooking can familiarize students with weights and measures, organization and planning, and following a recipe. Perhaps you and your child could make a special dessert for the whole family. Help him or her choose a recipe, create an ingredients list and go shopping together. Reading Visit www.BookAdventure.com, a free, interactive reading motivation program. Children can create their own book list from more than 7,500 titles, take short comprehension quizzes and redeem their accumulated points for small prizes. “Show your children how the lessons learned in the classroom apply in day-to-day life,” suggests Candice DeVane from Sylvan Learning of Eastlake. For more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, visit www. SylvanLearning.com or call (619) 267-8705.

6 OU R H OMETOWN • MARC H 2 0 17

On your Doorstep

Thousands of Mariachi Fans to Attend National City’s 5th Annual Mariachi Festival

The Unified Port of San Diego and the National City Chamber of Commerce invite the public to the 5th Annual International Mariachi Festival, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 12 at Pepper Park, 3299 Tidelands Avenue in National City. “For five years running, this festival has welcomed some of the best mariachi talent in the world,” said Jacqueline Reynoso, President and CEO of the National City Chamber of Commerce. “This year, we’re proud to welcome for the first time performing at the festival, Mariachi Sol de America from Guadalajara, Javier Rodriguez y Mariachi Los Aventureros and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Mariachi Aztlán.” Travel accomodations are made possible through the generous support of Southwest Airlines. More than 15 mariachi groups will participate at the International Mariachi Festival, and sponsors include the Port of San Diego, Sycuan Tribal Development Corporation, University of San Diego, SDG&E, Mariachi Scholarship Foundation, Hollywood Casino, City of San Diego Commission for Arts & Culture, Mile of Cars, Pier 32 Marina, Pasha Automotive Services, Mariachi Juvenil de San Diego and the County of San Diego. Free to the public, the annual Mariachi Festival welcomes more than 20,000 visitors who come to enjoy world-class mariachi music, ballet folklórico, Aztec dance, a Mariachi-attire fashion show, tequila tasting and beer garden. Free, family-friendly activities also abound, among them “wow factor” attractions and inflatables, a rock climbing wall, water sports, art pavilion and more. The public can avoid traffic and parking by taking the UC San Diego Blue Line to the 24th Street Trolley Station to and from the event site. Street parking is free. For more information, visit mariachifest.com.

OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 7

On your Doorstep

New Southwestern College President Welcomes New Spring Semester

Southwestern College’s new Superintendent/ President, Dr. Kindred Murillo, has kicked off the start of the new semester. At the college’s Opening Day session for faculty and staff in January, Dr. Murillo introduced herself and shared her vision and values for her presidency. “Students are the reason we exist,” Dr. Murillo told faculty and staff. “We are here for students, and closing the achievement gap is one of my passions. I believe that if we do not close the achievement gap, we are setting our community, our state and our nation up for failure.” Dr. Murillo comes to Southwestern College with more than 20 years of educational and leadership experience in the California Community College system, including most recently serving as Superintendent/ President of Lake Tahoe Community College. Previously, she served as the Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services for the Contra Costa Community College District and as Vice President of Administrative Services at Pasadena City College. For Dr. Murillo’s full bio, visit www.swccd.edu/president. This semester, Southwestern College welcomes more than 17,000 students who will be taking classes at the Chula Vista campus; the Higher Education Centers in National City, Otay Mesa and San Ysidro; online; plus the Crown Cove Aquatic Center.

About Southwestern College

Established in 1961, Southwestern College is the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County, serving approximately 400,000 residents of communities including Bonita, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City, Nestor, Otay Mesa, Palm City, San Ysidro, Sunnyside and Coronado. The College District offers more than 300 associate degree and certificate options. More information is at swccd.edu.

8 OU R H OMETOWN • MARC H 2 0 17

Involved Exceptional Parents Day Conference

Involved Exceptional Parents Day is a unique, one-day conference for parents of children with special needs and the professionals who work with them. Each year parents and professionals come together in the best interest of the children to learn in an environment of collaboration. The conference includes up-to-date resources and current information on laws, policies and best practices. Workshops are presented by parents and professionals. Avenues for advocacy for those who do not have a strong voice in our society are discussed and brought to the forefront by the featured speakers, workshop presenters and the resource fair. The 34th Annual Involved Exceptional Parents Day Conference will be held on Saturday, March 18 at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This conference provides an important opportunity for parents of children with special needs to attend workshops, learn about resources and connect with other parents.

For additional information, visit www.iepday.org or contact Sandra Bishop (in English) at (858) 576-2966 or Sonia Griffin (en Español) at (858) 336-6687.

On your Doorstep

Students Offer Free Tax-Preparation Services Sessions in English and Spanish are scheduled throughout March and April

Southwestern College (SWC) students are gaining hands-on experience by providing free tax-preparation services in English and Spanish to low-income community members and fellow Southwestern College students. SWC student volunteers work one-on-one to prepare the tax returns, and a coordinator from South Bay Community Services files them. When Accounting Professor Maria Martinez-Sanabria was in college, she was a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteer for two years. That experience made Martinez-Sanabria want to bring the program to Southwestern College three years ago. Now, students gain more than 30 hours of tax-preparation training and must pass a test administered by the Internal Revenue Service. Students who volunteer with the VITA program not only get professional experience and learn how to correctly file tax forms, but they also they learn how to use IRS-supplied software and receive a letter of recommendation from the IRS upon completion. Students who are also in Southwestern College’s business work experience class can get college credits. Ivette Larios, a Southwestern College business major with a focus in finance, is volunteering for her second year. She said, “It helps us learn and get experience, but I just love seeing the people smile when they’re done. It’s really nice helping them out, we do it for free, we answer the questions and we get great training.” The services are available on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone who’s earned less than $54,000 during 2016. Those interested in the services should bring tax documents such as W-2s or 1099s and social security cards for each family member on the tax return. Married participants must have their spouse present. March Dates:

Mondays: March 6, 13, 20 from 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays: March 1, 8, 15, 22 from 5-7 p.m. Fridays: March 3, 10, 24 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

April Dates: Mondays: April 3, 10, 17 from 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays: April 5, 12 from 5-7 p.m. Fridays: April 7, 14 from 10 am.-3 p.m. Location: Southwestern College, Room 203 900 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista, CA 91910 Free parking in Lot B (white-lined spaces only)

Southwestern College business major Ivette Larios, right, prepares taxes for free as part of Southwestern College's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program benefiting low-income community members.

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For more information, call (619) 420-3620. OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 9

On your Doorstep

Sweetwater Woman’s Club Offers Delightful Decadence

Women in the Chula Vista community are invited to join the ladies of the Sweetwater Woman’s Club (SWC) for an afternoon of “Delightful Decadence.” This popular event features fine wine, chocolates, cheeses and fine company. It will be held on March 25 at the historic SWC clubhouse, located at 3855 Sweetwater Road in Bonita from 3 to 5 p.m. This philanthropic project will support the South Bay Community Services Domestic Abuse Violence Program. Reflecting the mission statement of the SWC, which emphasizes promoting the charitable, educational and cultural community welfare of the Sweetwater Valley and its environs, this event is one of many projects regularly sponsored by this 105-year-old club. A community favorite is the Bonita Holidays Home Tour and Craft Show, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary this coming October. The Sweetwater Woman’s Club annually provides over $20,000 in scholarship assistance to local students and participates in the Veteran’s Outreach and Fireman Recognition Service. One project alone provided local firemen with a $10,000 thermal imaging camera. Additionally, other ongoing projects include participation in Meals on Wheels, Penney Pines and assistance to local food banks.

The cost to attend Delightful Decadence is $20, and checks may be mailed to Sweetwater Woman's Club, P.O. Box 334, Bonita, CA 91902. Pre-sale tickets may be picked up at the door, or you may include a stamped, self-addressed envelope to receive your tickets by return mail. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. For additional information, please call Terry Cleary at (619) 479-3545 or visit sweetwaterwomansclub.org.

10 O U R HOMETOWN • MARC H 2 0 17

Walk+Bike Chula Vista Announces CiclaVista Open Streets Celebration

On April 30, neighbors across San Diego County will ditch four wheels for two at Chula Vista’s first-ever open streets celebration, a culmination of a year’s activities as a part of Walk+Bike Chula Vista. Titled “CiclaVista,” this is a car-free community celebration to support local businesses and encourage neighborhood discovery. “People cherish the ability to discover, or rediscover, the nooks and crannies that make their neighborhood special, and you can’t do that from inside a car,” says Bike Coalition Executive Director Andy Hanshaw. “CiclaVista will expose the charm of Downtown Chula Vista in a CiclaVista way that’s interactive, relaxed and fun.”

is a great opportunity to enrich our community and continue the promotion of active transportation while also supporting local businesses along Third Avenue.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, CiclaVista attendees can roll and stroll from E Street to H Street on Third Avenue without the stress of car traffic. The mile-long route of historical downtown Chula Vista is popular in the community—already home to a weekly farmers market and frequent community festivals. CiclaVista invites people of all ages to play in the street, shop locally and explore a neighborhood that’s gaining two-wheeled momentum in San Diego County. “CiclaVista is a great opportunity to enrich our community and continue the promotion of active transportation while also supporting local businesses along Third Avenue,” says City of Chula Vista Director of Recreation Kristi McClure Huckaby.

Walk+Bike Chula Vista Education, Encouragement, and Awareness Campaign is a SANDAG grant-funded program operated by the City of Chula Vista's Recreation Department, together with the San Diego Bicycle Coalition and Circulate San Diego. It is a program designed to encourage and promote biking and walking throughout the City. For more information, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/walkbike.

On your Doorstep

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OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 11

On your Doorstep

Border View Family YMCA Awarded Grant for New Playground

Target and national non-profit KaBOOM! awarded the Border View Family YMCA, a branch within the YMCA of San Diego County, a $15,930 grant to use toward the purchase of an Imagination Playground in a Cart™, an innovative playground equipment system. KaBOOM!, the national non-profit dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve through play, is working with Target to increase access to play across the country. Grants for Imagination Playgrounds are helping to achieve that goal by bringing active play to more than 430,000 kids. Imagination Playground in a Cart™ is an innovative design in play equipment that encourages creativity, communication and collaboration. With a collection of custom-designed, oversized blue foam parts, Imagination Playground provides a changing array of elements that allows children to turn their playground into a space constantly built and re-built by their imagination. “This generous grant and new equipment will help enhance the quality of life of our local youth by strengthening relationships through fun, educational and healthy activities,” said Deanie Marin-Lucchesi, Executive Director of the Border View Family YMCA. “We pride ourselves on being the go-to place for families in our community, which happens to be one of the most underserved in San Diego County. We’re grateful to be able to provide another way of incorporating a holistic approach to child and youth development programs.” The YMCA is one of the only recreation centers that offers programming for all youth. The Border View Family Y’s equipment originally consisted of typical sports equipment such as foam balls, bowling pins, cones, parachutes, mats, soccer goals and various balls. The creative play products from KaBOOM! will enhance both the participant and parent's experience by allowing YMCA programming to provide cognitive and kinesthetic development, 12 OU R HOMETOWN • MARC H 2 0 17

On your Doorstep

Grants for Imagination Playgrounds are bringing active play to more than 430,000 kids.

and open up unstructured play time as a member benefit. In the future, the Border View Family YMCA will be integrating the Imagination Playground into their youth and camp programs. Unstructured, child-directed play has proven to help kids develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually, yet today’s kids have less time and fewer opportunities to play than any previous generation. The grant is part of Target’s ongoing efforts to help make wellness more affordable, accessible and inspirational for its team members, guests and communities.

“This generous grant and new equipment will help enhance the quality of life of our local youth by strengthening relationships through fun, educational and healthy activities.” -Deanie Marin-Lucchesi

 Follow @ourhometownchulavista on Facebook!

OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 13

On your Doorstep

New South Bay Adult Education Collaborative Launches Outreach Campaign

The South Bay Adult Education Consortium/ Southwestern (SBAEC), a new collaborative of Southwestern College (SWC), the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) and the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD), has launched a website and outreach campaign to assist adult students in attaining their educational goals. The new website, www.southbayadulted.org, consolidates class offerings and schedules across the three districts, enabling students to easily find the classes they want. In addition to launching the website, the SBAEC will conduct outreach through a variety of communications channels to raise awareness about adult educational opportunities among communities in the South Bay. "We recognized that students were limited to the offerings at their local campus, which might not have the classes they needed to advance their educational goals," said Crystal Robinson, SBAEC project director. The SBAEC enables adult students to acquire the skills they need to succeed in educational programs, prepare for a career with a sustainable, living wage, and participate fully in the community. The schools in the consortium offer the following programs and services: elementary and secondary basic skills, classes and courses for immigrants eligible for educational services in citizenship, English as a Second Language, programs related to entry or reentry into the workforce, services for adults with disabilities, short-term career technical education programs, and programs offering preapprenticeship training. SBAEC collaborates with a core group of partners, including the San Diego Workforce Investment Board/San Diego Workforce Partnership, the South County Career Center, the San Diego County Public Library System, San Diego Job Corps, the San Diego Council on Literacy and the California Department of Rehabilitation. 14 OU R HOMETOWN â&#x20AC;˘ MARC H 2 0 17

On your Doorstep

EASTER at FREE Community Easter EGGstravaganza HOSTED TOGETHER WITH

SATU R MA DAY

RCH

Activities from 9 to noon & Easter Egg Hunt at 10am

25TH

CONCORDIA Join us for Easter Sunday,

APRIL 16, 2017

8:00am Classic Worship 10:00am "Fam Jam" 11:30am "Fam Jam" OLYMPIC PARKWAY

SR-125 FREEWAY

1695 Discovery Falls Drive, Chula Vista, Ca, 91915

www.concordiachurch.com

OTAY RANCH TOWN CENTER

EASTLAKE PARKWAY

Thank you to our EGGstravaganza sponsors:

N E

W S

CONCORDIA CHURCH & PRESCHOOL

BIRCH RD. THE MARKET PLACE

OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 15

CLEAN & GREEN

Clean and Green BY

C I T Y O F C H U L A V I S TA C L E A N T E A M S TA F F

S M A R T C I T I E S I N I T I AT I V E S

The City of Chula Vista has a long history of tackling large problems in an effort to minimize impacts to our residents and businesses. Our “Smart Cities” initiatives enable us to solve old issues in modern ways. Smart Cities use technology and best practices to be a more livable, workable and sustainable city that improves the quality of life for all residents. The backbone of any Smart City is fiber-optic telecommunications, buildings with clean and efficient energy and water use, digitalized infrastructure, efficient public safety, accessible public transportation and sustainable waste management. Being a leader in sustainability is one way Chula Vista is being smart and using best practices to achieve our goals. We completed our first Greenhouse Gas reduction plan in 2000, updated it in 2008 and added an Adaptation plan in 2011. Led by stakeholder input we are now in the process of updating all of these documents into a comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP). Some of the notable policies that we anticipate being in the CAP are a zero waste plan, enhanced requirements for energy and water efficiency in new homes and increasing alternative transportation options. In 2016, a joint team from the City of Chula Vista and San Diego Unified Port District worked with Black & Veatch to evaluate energy technologies, energy efficiency and foundational Smart City infrastructure for the Chula Vista Bayfront project. 16 OU R HOMETOWN • MARC H 2 0 17

The team’s objective is to design the Chula Vista Bayfront as a miniature Smart City that incorporates cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, convenience and citizens’ quality of life, and also contribute to local economic development. Two reports were developed by the joint project team as part of the assessment efforts: Chula Vista Smart Bayfront Energy Technologies Assessment and Chula Vista Smart Bayfront Communications & Smart Infrastructure Assessment. The assessment reports lay out next steps for the detailed design of energy/telecom/smart city infrastructure, which could be incorporated into the future requirements for the Bayfront project. The City of Chula Vista intends to apply the findings from this project to other areas of the City, and the Bayfront project will serve as an excellent reference of what can be achieved when municipal leadership combines with leading technology innovators to develop a cohesive strategy for smart city implementation. The Economic Development department is excited about the unique opportunity to continue to work in partnership with the Port of San Diego to further our Smart City initiatives. Recent accomplishments include being selected as one of 10 cities for the USDOT’s Automated Vehicle Proving Grounds Pilot Designation, as a finalist for Envision America 2017 and as a finalist for a Smart Cities Council challenge grant.

CLEAN & GREEN

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CLEAN & GREEN

RECYCLING Give us your cardboard, plastics, glass and paper, and the City will give you free recycling collection containers! According to 2008 Statewide Waste Characterization data, the commercial sector generates nearly three fourths of the solid waste in California. Most waste from the commercial sector that disposed in landfills is recyclable. Diversion of recyclable materials from the landfill greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions in a number of ways. The extraction and processing of raw materials and manufacturing of new products all produce GHG emissions. Recycling makes more efficient use of the already extracted/processed materials, reducing GHG emissions. On June 27, 2012 the Governor signed Senate Bill 1018 which included an amendment that requires a business that generates four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week to arrange for recycling services. This amendment, or AB 341, requires local governments to implement a commercial solid waste recycling program. The law requires cities to provide education, outreach and monitoring of businesses and is designed to divert commercial recyclable waste from disposal.

18 O U R HOMETOWN • MARC H 2 0 17

FREE RECYCLING CONTAINERS FOR C H U L A V I S TA BUSINESSES With funds from CalRecycle, the City of Chula Vista proposes a free internal recycling container program that offers businesses recycling containers of varying size, signage and employee education. Through a competitive bidding process, the City of Chula Vista identified the most cost-effective vendor that could provide the necessary recycling containers for this program. The City hopes to incentivize business owners who may not be able to afford more recycling containers to comply with the regulation. To receive these recycling containers, businesses must: • Show an interest in increasing their recycling and be willing to have a service level evaluation before and after receipt of the containers. The service evaluation will assist businesses in quantifying an increase in recycling. • Complete a Recycling Container Application Form. The form asks pertinent questions about how these containers will be used, why the business requires them and how the business will monitor the progress of their recycling program. When submitting the form, business owners agree to periodic site visits to demonstrate their compliance.

As a supplement to the recycling containers, City staff will provide free employee education on recycling techniques and provide free recycling signage for businesses. The recycling program’s goal is to reach the state-mandated recycling goal of 75%. In addition, diversion of recyclable materials from landfills provides opportunities to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions, which will enable us to reach benchmarks set in the City’s Climate Action Plan. Recycling also creates jobs, saves citizens money and creates a healthy environment.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS FOR CHULA V I S TA B U S I N E S S E S Businesses in Chula Vista have been at the forefront of innovation for many years, taking advantage of SDG&E rebates and incentive programs as well as connecting with City staff to improve their business operations and facilities performance. In 2016 staff evaluated 624 businesses and recommended 305 to SDG&E programs through the Free Resource and Energy Business Evaluations to help them save energy and improve their bottom line. The CLEAN Business program is also doing very well; more businesses are participating and are partnering with the City.

CLEAN & GREEN

For example, Cool Down Coffee is a partner in the Alternative Transportation programs by donating gift cards to employees who use alternative transportation, and Novo Brazil will host the upcoming CLEAN Business Awards and Chamber Mixer on March 9. To RSVP please call the Chamber at (619) 420-6603.

A S S E M B LY B I L L 8 0 2 Looking ahead, the City, in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), is working on a campaign to bring awareness to Assembly Bill 802. The program is expected to begin in the Spring of 2018 and will require owners of commercial, mixed-use and multifamily buildings larger than 50,000 sq. feet to benchmark, reporting publicly annually their metrics using Energy Star Portfolio Manager. This bill aims at improving the energy performance of buildings in the State of California and mandates the consumption disclosure so that building owners can compare their property’s consumption to that of similar buildings in similar climate zones. CSE offers benchmarking coaching at no cost. For more information, contact City of Chula Vista Staff at (619) 409-3893 or visit energycenter.org/sdrep/benchmarking.

C I T Y FA C I L I T I E S The City of Chula Vista is currently working on a city-wide energy efficiency project to retrofit all lights to LEDs. The retrofit will impact the City’s costs by a prospective reduction of 30 to 60%. Also the City, in its pursuit of energy efficiency, will be exploring a small scale wind pilot for the Police Department facility and is looking to expand its photovoltaic panels at other City of Chula Vista facilities.

NEW ENERGY ACTIONS FO R YO U R H O M E As the City prepares its updated Climate Action Plan for City Council approval, you can take some early actions today to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve our quality of life. One of the more recent options is a new electrical rate being offered by SDG&E called EcoChoice, which allows any SDG&E customer to receive up to 100% clean and renewable electricity in their building without needing to install any equipment or new meters. Users who sign up will pay a small premium, and SDG&E will purchase renewable energy generated in California on their behalf. To sign-up for EcoChoice or get more information, visit www.sdge. com/EcoChoice or call 1 (800) 411-7343. While transitioning to green electricity is a great step, it should only be done after residents and business have made their homes as energy efficient as possible. The City can help you take that step.

One of the most popular energy efficiency upgrades Chula Vista residents are taking is replacing their old incandescent bulbs with new energy efficient LED bulbs. The LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy and last much longer, which can help you save up to $100 per bulb over their lifespan. Come join us at the South Bay Earth Day event at Bayside Park on April 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to buy discounted LED bulbs (eight bulbs for $10) and participate in our “Event Passport” for your chance to win a whole home LED retrofit (up to a $350 value). If you are not sure what you need to do in your home to save energy and you are a Chula Vista resident, sign up for a no-cost Home Energy & Water Check-Up. Trained City staff will walk through your home, identify how you can save energy and water, and prepare a detailed report based on their findings. If you would like to schedule this no-cost service, please call the Conservation Section at (619) 409-3893 or email conservation@chulavistaca.gov. The City of Chula Vista offers many smart ways for businesses and residents to be clean and green all year round. Do your part at home and work, and spread the word about making smart, earth-friendly decisions.

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SCHOOL

/ News

STUDENTS SHINE THANKS TO SUHSD SUMMER ARTS ACADEMY

The arts have been a priority in the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) for decades. Throughout the years of lean and fat budgets, turmoil and peace, the arts have remained strong in Sweetwater and continue to today. From award-winning ensembles to quality instruction in the classroom, this dedication to the arts is evident on every campus. The Visual and Performing Arts Department (VAPA) continues to offer traditional and respected programs such as the Summer Arts Academy, Band Pageant, Holiday Sing and the District Art Show as well as new and exciting opportunities for all of our students. Sweetwater and VAPA are dedicated to an inclusive environment that provides quality arts education to all students regardless of their background or situation. VAPA is supporting new courses for students with disabilities, expanding course offerings for non-traditional disciplines and offering ongoing training for VAPA educators. VAPA has many partnerships throughout the community, including the City of Chula Vista, La Jolla Playhouse, Arts Empower San Diego and the Mingei Museum. We also work closely with our partner districts to promote effective articulation and common goals for the arts. This summer, VAPA will once again sponsor the Summer Arts Academy, a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Sweetwater VAPA students to spend a week at camp. Each year, the Arts Academy receives nearly 500 student nominations and provides a total of 160 scholarships to students. Those selected represent a mix of grade levels, artistic disciplines and schools. The Arts Academy takes place in the mountains at the San Diego County Office of Education’s Outdoor School at Camp Cuyamaca. Students selected to attend the Arts Academy receive meals, lodging and instruction. In total, the $75,000 cost of the camp is absorbed by the district’s VAPA department.

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A number of characteristics of the SUHSD Summer Arts Academy sets it apart from any other visual and performing arts academy in the state. The Arts Academy exists to nurture students’ development in the arts in a setting which allows interaction with expert faculty and the opportunity to work with peers who share their specific interests in the arts. Criteria to be selected include outstanding academic and citizenship grades in their VAPA discipline. The week-long academy allows students the opportunity to enrich their skills in one of eight VAPA disciplines within the program. These include band, orchestra, jazz band, choir, visual arts, baile folklorico, mariachi and dance. Students undergo six hours of intensive instruction each day in their chosen discipline, instructed by teaching staff, college students and Arts Academy alumni. When they aren’t rehearsing, they are swimming, hiking or participating in a talent show. The culmination of the program is a student-driven production that showcases each discipline’s development over the course of the week. The Summer Arts Academy contributes to the total development of any given individual student and also teaches students a skill set that lasts a lifetime. VAPA Director Jeff Kover, Summer Arts Academy Director Deborah NevinArmstrong and several VAPA instructors are actively involved in the leadership of several arts advocacy groups and the overall planning of the Summer Arts Academy. Sweetwater is dedicated to expanding the role the arts play within our schools and the lives of our students. Developing and maintaining a network of community and cultural institutions that supports teachers and students in a standards-based arts curriculum are key to our success.

On your Doorstep

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OUT & ABOUT F E B R U A R Y

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OUT & ABOUT

MARCH 03-25 NEXT FALL @ 8 p.m. ThursdaySaturday and 2 p.m. Sunday @ OnStage Playhouse, 291 3rd Avenue in Chula Vista. "Next Fall" is a witty and provocative look at faith, commitment and unconditional love. Tickets are $17-23. Call (619) 422RSVP (7787) or visit www. onstageplayhouse.org.

ARCHERY FESTIVAL @ Noon – 3 p.m. @ Easton Archery Center of Excellence, 2800 Olympic Parkway in Chula Vista. This archery festival is in conjunction with USA Archery's Indoor Nationals tournament held at the Easton Archery Center of Excellence. Come take a shot at archery at this state-of-theart facility! Fun for the whole family! For more info, visit eastonarcherycentercv.org/.

STEM IN YOUR BACKYARD: CHULA VISTA @ 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. @ Chula Vista Public Library, 365 F Street in Chula Vista. Join the Biocom Institute Festival of Science & Engineering as we celebrate STEM in the Chula Vista community! Bring your family to the Chula Vista Public Library for a FREE and funfilled afternoon featuring over 25 interactive, hands-on STEM exhibits from local businesses, nonprofits and schools all meant to spark a love of science in your future innovator.

THE TASTE OF THIRD @ 4 – 8 p.m. Stroll the Village tasting petite portions from a variety of eateries along Third Avenue. Taste the best of what Chula Vista's “Original Neighborhood” has to offer.

CLEAN BUSINESS AWARDS MIXER @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. @ Novo Brazil, 901 Lane Ave #100 in Chula Vista. Celebrate the latest CLEAN Business Program accomplishments, mingle with other business professionals and experience amazing beer in a unique tasting room. Presented by the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and the City of Chula Vista’s CLEAN Team. $10 for members, $20 for non-members and FREE for Chula Vista CLEAN Businesses. For more info or to RSVP, call (619) 420-6603 or email admin@chulavistachamber.org. PRIMERAS GALA @ 11 LAS 5:30 – 11 p.m. @ San Diego

Country Club, 88 L Street in Chula Vista. Join an all-volunteer group of women dedicated to the legacy of compassionate giving as they host a Saturday Night Fever gala. $150 per person. Visit www. lasprimeras.org for more info.

PROMOTORES ACADEMY @ 8:30 – 4:30 p.m. @ Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, 404 Euclid Avenue in San Diego. Help families live healthier lives by understanding the role of promotores, community needs and resources, presentation skills, advocacy, health basics and much more. Call (619) 832-5834 or email PromotoresTraining@gmail.com.

SUHSD DANCE CONCERT @ 7 - 8 p.m. @ Chula Vista High School Jack Tygett Performing Arts Center, 820 Fourth Avenue in Chula Vista. Participating schools include Bonita Vista High, Castle Park High, Chula Vista High, Chula Vista Middle, Eastlake High, Olympian High, Otay Ranch High, Southwest High, and Sweetwater High. Tickets are $5 and are only available in advance. Contact a Sweetwater District Dance teacher for tickets.

VOLUNTEERS IN PROBATION 20TH ANNIVERSARY GOLF TOURNAMENT @ 12:30 p.m. @ Eastlake Country Club, 2375 Clubhouse Drive in Chula Vista. Volunteers in Probation provides assistance to offenders, at-risk youth and their families through community partnerships and fundraising. $115 per player. Price includes lunch, dinner buffet, t-shirt and goodie bag. Email registration@ volunteersinprobation.org or visit volunteersinprobation.org.

EASTER EGGSTRAGANZA @ 9 a.m. – Noon @ Concordia Church and School, 1695 Discovery Falls Drive in Chula Vista. Easter egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. For more information on this free community event, visit concordiachurch.com.

SAVE THE DATE 04/08 SOUTH BAY EARTH DAY @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ Chula Vista Marina (Bayside Park). Come shop green vendors and attend free yoga classes. The Go Green, Go Clean, Go Bike Event will include a beer garden, organic gourmet food, free bicycle valet, EV ride and drive and discounted LED light bulbs. For more info, visit chulavistaca.gov/clean. QUEENS HIGH TEA @ Elk's Lodge, 901 Elks Lane in Chula Vista. Enjoy music by Rhapsody and a craft show.Proceeds to benefit disabled children. Tickets are $25 and on sale now. For more info, please call (619) 240-0098. 04/22 DAY OF THE CHILD @ 11 a.m.-3 p.m. @ Memorial Park at 3rd Avenue and Park Way in Chula Vista. This free family event will have 100+ informational and interactive booths, entertainment and plenty of fun activities including a magic show, dance contest, games, face painting, stories, and more. For more info, call (619) 4099412 or visit chulavistacc.org.

FREE TALK FOR THE COMMUNITY @ 3:30 p.m. @ First Church of Christ, Scientist, Chula Vista, 41 “I” Street. Hear Jose de Dios Mata, CSB, share his talk about the Kingdom of Heaven and how to bring healing, restoration, and regeneration to your life. Call (619) 422-6400 for further information.

 FOLLOW @OURHOMETOWNCHULAVISTA ON FACEBOOK! PLEASE NOTE EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

EASTLAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION every Monday @ Eastlake Tavern & Bowl, Eastlake; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; www. ebanetworking.com.

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BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

2016 Chula Vista Chamber Installation Dinner Award Recipients

2017 Chula Vista Chamber Board Members pictured above (Front Row Left to Right): Vanessa Mapula Garcia, Jesse Navarro, Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, Dr. Pablo Velez, Lourdes Valdez, Susana Villegas, Zulema Maldonado, Todd Galarneau, Jim Lowther and (Back Row Left to Right): Nick Lee, Kevin Marshall, Steve Miesen, Martin Aguilera, William Hall, Carlos Cuevas, Chris Lewis and James Pollock.

2016 Presidential Award - Dr. Pablo Velez

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Joe Albert Ambassador of the Year Soraya Pasten-Martinez Life Time Ambassador Joe Rindone Excellence in Education Dr. Karen Janney Outstanding Support Award Claudia Valenzuela San Diego Gas & Electric Outsanding Support Award SDGE

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Outstanding Support Award UTC Aerospace Systems Extra Mile Award Novo Brazil Brewing Co. Pacesetter of the Year: Moving Business Forward William Hall Vivistar Pacesetter of the Year: Moving Business Forward Eric Crockett City of Chula Vista

Outstanding Business Leader of the Year Neisha Hernandez Neisha's Dance & Music Academy and Chula Vista Ballet Outstanding Business Leader of the Year Al Baldwin Baldwin & Sons

ï&#x201A;&#x201A; Follow @ourhometownchulavista on Facebook!

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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS The Growth Management Oversight Commission pictured above (front row, left to right): Gloria Juarez, Armida Torres (Chair), Javier Rosales and (back row, left to right): Gabe Guiterrez, Michael Lengyel, Raymundo Alatorre and Eric Mosolgo.

GROWTH MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMISSION The Growth Management Oversight Commission (GMOC) prepares an annual report assessing the City’s compliance with the “Growth Management” ordinance, created to ensure that quality of life is not sacrificed for new development. As Chula Vista grows, it is important that the City continues to provide adequate police and fire services, parks and libraries, and that traffic flows at acceptable standards. The GMOC’s report reviews 11 topics: Air Quality and Climate Protection, Drainage, Fiscal, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Police, Schools, Sewer, and Traffic to see if the quality and quantity of these services and facilities are keeping up with the pace of development. If the GMOC detects current or future shortfalls, their report includes recommendations to the City Council to correct them. Nine residents comprise the GMOC, representing four geographic areas within the city, as well as education, business, development, environmental, and the Planning Commission. The GMOC meets the first and third Thursday of each month and will present its 2017 report at its annual joint workshop with the Planning Commission and City Council on Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 276 Fourth Avenue.

Check out the GMOC's webpage at http://bit.ly/2lTmSEF for meeting agendas, minutes and reports.

environmental sustainability and other related fields. The Commission works in conjunction with the Economic Development Department - Office of Sustainability regarding environmental initiatives and programs that economically and environmentally advance sustainable local practices. Meetings are open to the public and are held on the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. at City Hall. Every year the SSC conducts the Clean Champion Awards to publicly recognize community members that demonstrate exceptional environmental leadership by contributing to achieve clean air, clean water and clean land within Chula Vista. Awards are presented in April as part of the City’s Earth Month celebrations.

AWARD CATEGORIES • Resident – recognizes the environmental leadership of a resident. • Business – recognizes the environmental leadership of a business participating in the CLEAN Business program. • Organization – recognizes the environmental leadership of a non-profit, civic group, public agency or other organization. • Youth – recognizes the environmental leadership of a youth organization or an individual under 18 years old.

SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION

• City Employee – recognizes a municipal employee (in a non-environmental position) that has contributed to improving the City’s sustainability.

The City of Chula Vista’s Sustainability Commission (SSC) provides citizens’ advice to the City Council in the areas of energy and water conservation, resource recovery,

Check out the SSC's webpage at http://bit.ly/2lflokW for meeting agendas, minutes, and cancellations.

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