Our Hometown Chula Vista - September 2019 by OurHometownMag

The Chula Vista

BAYFRONT C H U L A V I S TA - B O N I TA

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is Coming!

SEPTEMBER 2019

E D U C AT I O N A D V O C AT E : T O N I F A D D I S

IN THIS ISSUE 04

EDITOR'S LETTER

BRAVO

This past month I had the opportunity

Announcements

to ride along with Mayor Mary Casillas on a tour of Chula Vista. The first

06 NEWS On your Doorstep

16 FEATURE Chula Vista Bayfront

place she took me? Bayfront Park. The

SEPTEMBER 2019

salty water methodically lapped onto the rocks at the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. The sun warmly shone in the sky as I looked across the bay to the Silver Strand. Although it was not my first time at the bayfront, it felt different this time. The picture before me was calm, quiet and peaceful. Almost as though it were waiting for something.

20 SCHOOL NEWS

And so it is, I thought. Chula Vista has long been a city of

opportunity. For generations, residents

CALENDAR

and business owners have made a

Out & About

for their families. The new Chula

name for themselves and provided Vista Bayfront project ensures that for

26 EDUCATION

generations to come, citizens of Chula Vista can enjoy their city to its fullest.

ADVOCATE

The development of the bayfront is no

Toni Faddis

small project, but it is steadily moving forward. Check out the feature story for details. If you have time, take a look at our Community News articles also. Good things are happening in Chula Vista!

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;AMBER WEBER, Editor O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 3

BRAVO

/ Great things happening in our community SEND US YOUR GOOD NEWS!

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

PUBLISHED BY

MICHAEL MONACO Publisher

AMBER WEBER Editor

MELISSA MONROY Design

ARIANNA PINTADO Contributor

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Amber Weber at Editor@OurHometownMag.com. VISIT US ONLINE AT: www.OurHometownMag.com. Copyright 2019. 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 to refuse advertising. Contact OHTM Inc. at (619) 840−7722.

› To six ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT WINNERS of the Otay Water District’s newly relaunched “Water is Life” Student Poster Contest. As one of the District’s various educational programs, the contest offers an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity while reflecting on the importance of using water efficiently in their daily lives. Through the contest, students are encouraged to illustrate on a poster the value of water that is used inside and outside the home.

› To the WINNERS OF THE 2019 ORANGE CRATE DERBY, organized by the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club. Held on August 17 and 18, students participated in four age groups. Congratulations!

More than 245 students from 10 schools in the District’s service area submitted entries. The District judged the entries based on categories grouped by grades K-3 and 4-6. The six poster winners were submitted by the following Chula Vista Elementary School District students:

Group B, 9-10 year olds: First Place: ROBBY HITCHCOCK, "The Beast" Second Place: SANTIAGO MARQUEZ, "Terminator" Third Place: MITZY GONZALEZ, "Mitzy Pink Fire"

JEEANNA MENDOZA, Grade 3, Camarena Elementary School (First Place, K-3) AMERIE CONSTANTINO, Grade 1, Wolf Canyon Elementary School (Second Place, K-3) MIGUEL-ANGEL GONZALEZ, Grade 2, Wolf Canyon Elementary School (Third Place, K-3) MAYA SANTANA, Grade 5, Wolf Canyon Elementary School (First Place, 4-6)

Group A, 7-8 year olds: First Place: MALACHI BHOORASINGH, "Beat the Heat" Second Place: DANICA JOHNSON, "Danica's Dream Ride" Third Place: REYES OROZCO, "Mavens"

Group C, 11-12 year olds: First Place: DUSTIN HOBBS, "Engine No. 1" Second Place: JOVHANY CAPUCHINO, "Bones" Third Place: NATHAN COX, "Smokey's Fire Patrol" Group D, 13-14 year olds: First Place: YSABELLA MARQUEZ, "Termitenator" Second Place: GABRIEL PAPAIOANU, "Waverunner" Third Place: JW HOBBS, "Ride the Dog"

“We’re proud to offer students this opportunity to have fun and be creative, while at the same time thinking and learning about water conservation,” says General Manager Mark Watton.

› To THOMAS M. RICE, WWII paratrooper who was one of the first to jump into Normandy, France, with the 101st Airborne Division. The Chula Vista City Council recognized him on August 13 at the City Council meeting under Special Orders. Additionally, Thursday, August 15 was proclaimed as Thomas M. Rice Day in the City of Chula Vista in honor of the war hero and teacher. After leaving the Army, Mr. Rice taught social sciences and history at Chula Vista and Hilltop High Schools for 44 years.

To learn more about the Otay Water District’s “Water is Life” Student Poster Contest, visit otaywater.gov/education.

Mr. Rice turned 98 years old on August 15. At age 97, he jumped in tandem in France to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Thank you for your service, Mr. Rice!

MALAYIAH WILLIAMS, Grade 5, Wolf Canyon Elementary School (Second Place, 4-6) RIN SMITH, Grade 5, Wolf Canyon Elementary School (Third Place, 4-6)

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 5

NEWS

/ On your Doorstep

Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Recreation Present the 2019 South Bay Pumpkin Smash--Game of Throws

On Saturday morning, November 2, an enthusiastic crowd of onlookers will cheer on more than two dozen teams of students from grades 3 through 12 as they lay siege to Eastlake Middle School in Chula Vista for the fourth annual South Bay Pumpkin Smash -- Game of Throws competition and faire. The students’ aim? To win honor and prizes by hurtling leftover Halloween pumpkins with both accuracy and distance using homemade Medieval-style siege devices under the watchful eyes of the event’s King and Queen.

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Presented by the Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Recreation and co-sponsored by the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD), this free public festival of flying fruit provides boys and girls from all over the South Bay with the opportunity to learn not only history, but also science, engineering and art by participating in a fun, hands-on project that challenges their imaginations and develops their skills in design, construction and costumes. Plus, this year a new Open Division has been added. The Open Division is for non-educational teams like families, service clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and youth groups.

“The Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Recreation, a non-profit foundation, couldn’t be more excited to partner with such a fun and exciting STEAM activity, stated Ashley Gonzalez, President of the Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Recreation Foundation. “Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Recreation support youth development, water safety and community advocacy for our underserved and at-risk youth. This is a perfect event to engage this community and build self-esteem. Our mission is to promote and assist recreational programs in our community by raising funds and identifying resources and coordinating

On your Doorstep

services all with the emphasis on our youth.” “That’s why we’ve created a public spectacle where science meets messy fun,” added local entrepreneur and publisher, Michael Monaco, who is the event’s creator and principal organizer. “It’s a free hometown Renaissance faire for the entire community. We’ll have costume contests, food and more. It’s going to be a smashing good time.” Dr. Jesus L. Ulloa-Higuera, STEAM Programs Coordinator for SUHSD, said “Creativity is Imagination in Action. This is STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math)

at its best. No batteries required and no programming necessary. Participants get to use hand tools on a hands-on project to design and construct a mechanical device to smash pumpkins with accuracy. The possibilities for creativity are endless!” The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m. when the Chula Vista Fire Department will drop the largest pumpkin in the land from the top of a 100-foot fire engine ladder to the cheers of the assembled throng. Look for elected officials and high-ranking members from local school districts to be among the attendees.

For information about the event, please contact Michael Monaco at (619) 840-7722. For information about SUHSD’s participation, contact Dr. Jesus L. Ulloa-Higuera at (619) 600-3340 or visit http:// bit.ly/sbps-gameofthrows. All proceeds from this event help fund STEAM programs in the South Bay.

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 7

On your Doorstep

San Diego Restaurant Week Returns September 22 – 29 The coveted San Diego Restaurant Week returns for its 15th year on Sunday, September 22 through Sunday, September 29 for an edible extravaganza to celebrate the end of the summer season. For eight days only, over 180 participating restaurants will offer three-course dinner menus for $20, $30, $40, $50, or $60 per person and/ or two-course lunch menus for $10, $15, $20 or $25 per person. This foodiefavorited week is the perfect time to take a culinary tour throughout the diverse and thriving food culture of San Diego. Find out why San Diego Restaurant Week is the time to dine with over 150,000 fellow diners and introduce yourself to the best California-based cuisine! All new in September 2019 is the “Restaurant Week Your Way” feature with the same great price points but with more flexibility. Create your perfect palate with personalized menu options from your favorite participating San Diego eateries. Choose between combinations of entrée, appetizer, drink and dessert to create your own customized, one-of-a-kind Restaurant Week experience. You now have the freedom to create your perfect menu selections at the best restaurants–all at exclusive discounted prices. This means you can taste more, save more and enjoy more of San Diego with both new restaurants and old favorites. Gather your food connoisseur crew, prepare your appetites and embark on an unforgettable edible journey. Don’t just eat and drink like any other week— indulge until your heart’s content, laugh and share! Tickets are not necessary for Restaurant Week, but reservations are recommended. Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek. com for more information.

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South Bay YMCA Gymnasts Win 2019 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship

The South Bay Family YMCA Gymnastics team won the 2019 YMCA National Championship on June 23 for the first time in program history. The competition was held in Wisconsin Dells, at the Woodside Wisconsin Dells Dome from June 19-23. The competition featured 2,000 gymnasts from 93 YMCAs across the United States. Five gymnasts from the South Bay Family YMCA team competed in the Championship Division and placed first in three out of the four events, earning them first place nationally. The Championship Division is the highest and most advanced level for gymnasts in the competition and is comprised of Level Nine and 10 gymnasts. The South Bay YMCA team performed exceptionally well, winning the National Championship Team title and also had Level Seven, Level Eight and Xcel Diamond gymnasts compete and earn medals in vault, bars, beam, floor and all-around. All of the gymnasts in the competition had to achieve a minimum qualifying score at an earlier competition to be eligible for the National Championships. South Bay YMCA Gymnast Sophia Dewar led the way, earning the title of National AllAround Champion in 2018 and 2019. The other members of the National

Championship team are Irene Flynn, Sofia Retegui, Sophia Rodriguez and Amanda Shaw. The Eastlake YMCA Kari Lyn Sutherland Gymnastics Center held a congratulatory event on August 6. Kari Lyn Sutherland presented a plaque to this year’s competing gymnasts, recognizing them for their hard work and dedication. Kari Lyn participated in gymnastics on the South Bay Family YMCA team in the 1990s and won the all-around title at the Special Olympics World Games in Ireland in 2003. About the YMCA of San Diego County The YMCA of San Diego County is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through development of the spirit, mind and body. It is the second largest Y in the nation serving nearly 400,000 San Diego County residents and employing more than 5,000 people. Through a variety of programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y unites men, women and children - regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Visit www.ymca.org to find your local YMCA or call (858) 292YMCA (9622).

On your Doorstep

1290 Santa Rosa Drive Chula Vista, CA 91913 OtayRanchSeniors.com

WINE & CHEESE OPEN HOUSE SAVE THE DATE | SEPTEMBER 18TH | 4 - 6 PM

As wine gets better with age, so do our friendships here at Sienna at Otay Ranch! You are cordially invited to join us on September 18th and meet the extraordinary servant leaders of Sienna at Otay Ranch. Please RSVP by 09/16/19 at (619) 550-4521 or DSM@OtayRanchSeniors.com.

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NOW ACCEPTING RESIDENTS  CALL TODAY!

619.550.4521

A NEW KIND OF SENIOR LIVING License 374604103

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 9

On your Doorstep

OnStage Playhouse Presents New Artistic Director and Next Musical

With new leadership and vision, OnStage Playhouse (OSP), South Bay’s only live theatre, is raising the bar. In addition to launching a new logo and website, OSP welcomed James P. Darvas as its new artistic director in August. He succeeds Teri Brown, who was OSP’s artistic director for over 15 years. James has been an enthusiastic participant in the field of contemporary performing arts for over 20 years and has extensive experience producing, curating, administering, fundraising and developing new audiences for three years at OnStage as Managing Director. The Ohio native made his home in San Diego in 2008. “OSP is thrilled to have someone of James P. Darvas’s talent, experience and vision to lead the next phase of our artistic programming,” said OSP President, Lynne Batchelor. “We have so many exciting plans in the works…as we move forward with our vision of being an inspiring destination for diverse audiences to enjoy world-class, innovative contemporary theatrical experiences.” James will lead the next years of programming at OSP with a particular focus on offering more contemporary presentations, integrating art and technology in new ways, and deepening the nonprofit organization’s engagement with local artists and the community at large. His appointment comes at a time when San Diego’s theatre scene continues to boom and expand its reputation as a cultural and arts destination. However, the geographical area south of Hwy 94, east and west, is devoid of live theatre. This alone increases the importance of new leadership and vision at OnStage Playhouse. "We know that there is a small but enthusiastic audience in the Chula Vista community for what OSP has done so far,” James says. “But it is time to increase our reach into the newer and larger populated areas of Eastlake, Bonita, San Ysidro and Imperial Beach. We welcome the residents of those areas to participate in the conversation about the evolutions of contemporary culture reflected on the stage here at OSP. And when new patrons 1 0 OUR HOME TOWN / SE PTEM B ER 2 0 1 9

OnStage Playhouse Artistic Director, James P. Darvas

discover us, they seem to understand that right away. There’s a feeling I get from almost everyone I speak with, that anything is possible, that we can invent new ways of doing things and that it will be supported.” James is equally enthusiastic about the recent addition of a new Managing Director, the position he held previously. Kelsie Morris, a familiar face at OnStage behind the scenes working often as Stage Manager and Technical Director, has stepped up to take over as Managing Director, overseeing the business end of the theatre. Kelsie hails from Oklahoma and has been involved in all aspects of local theatre for over five years. “Kelsie and I have worked closely together on many productions,” says James. “We are completely in sync about so much. That makes this transition enjoyable for both of us and benefits the playhouse and the community all around." OSP’s next production is Carrie: The Musical, opening on September 27. The stage show, a focus of cult adoration and critical derision, lasted through only 16 previews and five regular performances

when it debuted on Broadway in May 1988. It has lived through several updates and iterations. The musical is adapted from the 1978 movie and the original 1974 Stephen King horror novel about a telekinetic young woman (Carrie, played by Mary Grace Sumner) who is an outcast at school because she’s “weird” and a virtual prisoner at home because her fanatically religious mother (Wendy Waddell) tries to protect her from the real world. When Carrie is bullied past her limit, all hell breaks loose. Of course, the story builds up to the prom, when the antagonistic Chris (Sierra McMurtry) springs a bloody prank that drives Carrie to unleash her psychic powers on the assembled teens. Just remember, when blood hits the fan, duck! Former Artistic Director Teri Brown directs this production, and the cast of 14 and crew of 12 will be busy managing all the special effects in and around the music and choreography. OnStage Playhouse is located at 291 Third Avenue in Chula Vista. Tickets are available online at onstageplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (619) 422-7787.

On your Doorstep

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Returns with Family Festival Regional Shopping Destination Brings Back Afternoon of Music, Fun and Food

On Saturday, September 14 from noon to 3 p.m., Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista is hosting an afternoon of music, food, cultural performances and fun for the whole family celebrating the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month. Well-known Latino group Bulevar Descarga will perform a free concert in the center's Popper Fountain and Dining Pavilion area during the event. This high-energy band with members living on both sides of the border blends classic rock, soul, reggae, funk, groove, classical and Latin jazz into a unique sound that gets people moving. Well-known Latino group Bulevar Visitors can spend the Descarga will perform afternoon browsing a free concert in various booths with the center's Popper information related to Fountain and Dining local Hispanic cultural Pavilion area during and civic organizations, the event. This highdig in to tasty food energy band with choices provided by a members living on selection of vendors both sides of the and Otay Ranch Town border blends classic Center tenants, enjoy rock, soul, reggae, dance and folklorico funk, groove, classical performances, and and Latin jazz into a kids can complete a unique sound that gets make-and-take craft tied people moving. to Hispanic Heritage Month. Several Otay Ranch Town Center merchants will hand out samples or coupons and host other activities throughout the afternoon as well. About Otay Ranch Town Center: Located 4 ½ miles east of the I-805 or just off the South Bay Expressway SR-125 in Chula Vista at Eastlake Parkway and Olympic Parkway. Otay Ranch Town Center is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about Otay Ranch Town Center, call (619) 656-9100 or visit www. otayranchtowncenter.com.

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EastLake Leadership College welcomed new and returning students back to campus last month for the second full year of classes. Enrollment has more than doubled, due in large part to the highly personalized student experience, since the college opened in early 2018. “Making great leaders means we have to care about more than just academics,” said Dr. Amanda Pavich, the new director of the college. “Our goal is to take care of the whole student, so we put together a world-class group of advisors and mentors that make up our Student Support Team. They are committed to providing a meaningful, hands-on learning experience for our students.” EastLake Leadership College is the strategic partnership between EastLake Church, here in Chula Vista, and Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, one of the top five fastest-growing colleges in America. Through this partnership, students can enroll in high-quality, accredited degree programs in the areas of organizational leadership, ministry, and digital media and design at the local campus. Financial aid is available to qualified students. “The friendly, caring environment allows our students the space to try new things, something that is often lacking in a traditional college setting,” said Pavich. Sophomore Casey Foster utilized his mentor team to help him rethink his approach to the creative field. A talented musician and writer who spent his freshman year in the ministerial leadership program, this year he will make a change by taking advantage of the new digital media and design program to expand his knowledge and opportunities outside of the faith-based environment. “I love music, but I also want to stretch myself," said Foster. To find out more about the EastLake Leadership College, visit eastlake.college or email apavich@eastlake.college.

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 11

On your Doorstep

1 2 OUR HOME TOWN / SE PTEM B ER 2 0 1 9

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On your Doorstep

Vacancies on Boards and Commissions Help shape and influence the decision-making process by applying to serve on a City of Chula Vista Board or Commission. Many commissioners termed out in June, so several vacancies exist. Applicants must be registered to vote in the City of Chula Vista. The following boards and commissions have at least one vacancy available: Board of Appeals and Advisors, Board of Ethics, Board of Library Trustees, Charter Review Commission, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Aging, Cultural Arts Commission, Growth Management Oversight Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Advisory Commission, Human Relations Commission, International Friendship Commission, Mobilehome Rent Review Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Safety Commission. Additionally, students in 10th, 11th or 12th grade may apply to serve on the Youth Action Council. Please visit www.chulavistaca. gov/departments/city-clerk/ boards-commissions for more information and to apply.

Real Estate Update: Home Inspection Courtesy of Minnie Rzeslawski, ReMax 24k

Completing a home inspection is an important part of the process because it helps the buyer know if the home needs or may need costly repairs before fully committing to purchase. What is uncovered during an inspection can become part of a sales negotiation between the buyer and seller or work as a deal breaker should the repairs go beyond what a buyer is willing to do. A home inspection occurs once an offer on a home has been accepted and shortly after escrow is opened. As a buyer, you can and should attend a home inspection. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments of your life. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, but you are now armed with the knowledge needed and know what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information is important to know. If you're already a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that may help avoid costly repairs down the road. Additionally, if you are planning on selling your home, an inspection gives you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

There are limits to what a home inspector looks at. Certified inspectors do not generally inspect the following: additional structures separate from the home, such as sheds or barns, chimney, interior wall spaces, septic tank, water testing and well pumps. However, just because an inspector doesn't check some areas of a home doesn’t mean you can't have those areas inspected. Often, the inspector may be able to perform additional inspections or recommend that you hire a professional to inspect specific areas in the home. If you are concerned about any aspect of a home, talk to your agent about what to do. Minnie Rzeslawski, a realtor at RE/ MAX 24K, advises that, “Additional inspections can potentially save you a lot of money and give you added peace of mind.” A home inspection in San Diego costs $350-$550 or more depending on the number of square feet and what type of inspection is performed. Your realtor should have a list of all inspections available to add to the general home inspection. Do not let the cost deter you from performing the general home inspection. It could save you thousands, and you cannot put a price on peace of mind.

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 13

On your Doorstep

New Local College Enters Second Year of Enrollment

Making a Difference, Team-up to Clean-up By Tina Matthias, Volunteer and Programs Manager, Living Coast Discovery Center

Driving around Chula Vista, you get to experience the city’s beauty from the bayfront to Mount Miguel. But have you actually had the opportunity to get out and walk your neighborhood? Over the years, throughout Chula Vista neighborhoods, there has been an increase in plastic trash, bottles, cigarette butts and fast food waste in our gutters, streets and marina.

EastLake Leadership College welcomed new and returning students back to campus last month for the second full year of classes. Enrollment has more than doubled, due in large part to the highly personalized student experience, since the college opened in early 2018. “Making great leaders means we have to care about more than just academics,” said Dr. Amanda Pavich, the new director of the college. “Our goal is to take care of the whole student, so we put together a world-class group of advisors and mentors that make up our Student Support Team. They are committed to providing a meaningful, handson learning experience for our students.” EastLake Leadership College is the strategic partnership between EastLake Church, here in Chula Vista, and Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, one of the top five fastest-growing colleges in America. Through this partnership, students can enroll in high-quality, accredited degree programs in the areas of organizational leadership, ministry, and digital media and design at the local campus. Financial aid is available to qualified students. “The friendly, caring environment allows our students the space to try new things, something that is often lacking in a traditional college setting,” said Pavich. Sophomore Casey Foster utilized his mentor team to help him rethink his approach to the creative field. A talented musician and writer who spent his freshman year in the ministerial leadership program, this year he will make a change by taking advantage of the new digital media and design program to expand his knowledge and opportunities outside of the faith-based environment. “I love music, but I also want to stretch myself," said Casey. To find out more about the EastLake Leadership College, visit eastlake.college or email apavich@eastlake.college.

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The Living Coast Discovery Center educates our local children during class visits on how to keep our watershed clean. The center takes it one step further by offering a way for the community to take action through monthly community clean-ups, called TEAM UP to CLEAN UP. Since the Center began its community cleanup efforts in 2015, it has removed over 66,700 pounds of trash from our local streets, freeways, parks and waterways. The program brings in community members of all ages who volunteer their time to remove the trash and debris, and give back to their community. During the clean-up events, I’ve heard grade school children exclaim how much they picked up and how disgusted they were to find so much plastic and so many bottle caps and paper cups just sitting on the side of the road, in a bush or in the rocks along the water’s edge. We have cleaned up cell phones, TV’s, computers, furniture, clothing, broken plastic toys, food wrappers, Styrofoam, car parts and tires. Nothing surprises us anymore during the clean-ups except for the amount of trash collected at the end of the event. Please take charge of your Chula Vista neighborhood trash, and walk your streets with a plastic bag and tongs. You may also join a monthly, local clean-up, make a difference and receive community service hour credits. Mark your calendar for the biggest clean-up effort around the world on Saturday, September 21, for National Cleanup Day / Coastal Clean-up Day. Visit www.thelivingcoast.org/ events/tutcu/ for more information about the clean-ups. I believe Mahatma Gandhi says it best: 'Be the change that you wish to see in the world.'

On your Doorstep

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O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 15

The Chula Vista

BAYFRONT is Coming!

The Chula Vista Bayfront has been a long time in the making. While it is still years away from completion, notable strides continue to be made. One of the last large waterfront development opportunities in Southern California, the project will transform an underutilized industrial landscape into a thriving destination in Chula Vista for residents and visitors alike. When the Chula Vista Bayfront project is complete, the public will enjoy more than 200 acres of parks, open space, a shoreline promenade, walking trails, RV camping, shopping, dining and more. You'll be able to get there either on foot or by car, bike or public transit. The Chula Vista Bayfront project will also establish ecological buffers to protect wildlife habitat, species and other coastal resources. 2019-2020 is an important time for the Chula Vista Bayfront. Three important projects are anticipated to break ground over the next year.

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—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— The Chula Vista Bayfront is Coming!

COSTA VISTA RV RESORT

By Sun Communities, Inc.

Construction is anticipated to begin in September with an anticipated opening in mid-2020.

On August 13, 2019, the Board of Port Commissioners granted a 66-year lease to Sun Chula Vista Bayfront RV, LLC, a subsidiary of Sun Communities, Inc., for its Costa Vista RV Resort project for the Chula Vista Bayfront and approved plans for offsite improvements related to the project. The RV park will be the first development project envisioned in the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan to break ground. As next steps, Sun will need to obtain a grading permit and building permits from the City of Chula Vista in order to commence construction, which could begin as early as September 2019. Sun anticipates opening in mid-2020.

The Costa Vista RV Resort will feature a total of 246 spaces, including 172 RV stalls and 74 RV park models. Additionally, Costa Vista will feature a variety of RV park amenities, such as:

• Aquatic features including a

children's play pool, family pool and Jacuzzi

• Day spa/salon, massage/

treatment rooms, sauna, and work-out gym

• Grill/restaurant • Entertainment arcade and game room

The 19-acre site is located at E Street and Bay Boulevard in the northern Sweetwater District of the Chula Vista Bayfront. The scenic site for the RV park is near the Living Coast Discovery Center, the Sweetwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Bayshore Bikeway, and offers stunning views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean and the Downtown San Diego skyline. It's also within easy driving distance of Mexico, San Diego International Airport and South County's Imperial Beach.

• Business center and a multi-

Sun Communities, Inc., which recently acquired Northgate Resorts LLC, is based out of Southfield, Michigan and is an experienced, award-winning RV park developer and operator with more than 100 RV resorts across North America. Sun's team includes the engineering and construction firm, Atwell, LLC. The Sun team has partnered with local contractors for the project Tucker Sadler Architects, Rick Engineering and Wimmer Yamada Landscape Architects.

marketplace, restrooms, showers and guest laundry facilities

purpose room for educational and large guest gathering

• A covered picnic area with outdoor grills

• Children's rock climbing and

playground, bocce ball courts and horseshoe pits

SWEETWATER PATH Construction on this multi-use bike and pedestrian path in the northern portion of the bayfront began with site preparation in August and will be complete in spring 2020. The Sweetwater Path will be a new, multi-use pedestrian and bicycle pathway in the northern portion of the Chula Vista Bayfront along which South Bay residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a walk, run or bike ride with beautiful views of San Diego Bay. The Sweetwater Bicycle Path and Promenade project will consist of a three-quarter mile Class I bike path and pedestrian walkway linking the regional Bayshore Bikeway to waterfront amenities and future development sites on the Chula Vista Bayfront.

• Welcome center with a

The project cost is approximately $55 million, which includes both on and offsite costs.

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SWEETWATER PATH features include:

• 22-foot wide multi-use path and

promenade system consisting of an eight-foot wide decomposed granite path, 12-foot wide multi-use asphalt path and a two-foot porous concrete buffer on one side. In portions of the path, the decomposed granite and asphalt multi-use path are separated by vegetation.

• Native trees, shrubs and ornamental landscaping

• A 70-foot long and 16-foot wide steel truss bridge to span the F & G Street Marsh inlet ( just east of Marine Group Boatworks)

• Improvements near the bridge

to restore a naturalized channel bed and channel stability while also creating new wetland habitat and increasing resiliency of the wetlands to sea level rise

RIDA RESORT HOTEL and Convention Center

Construction is anticipated to begin as early as next summer with site preparation and public infrastructure. The Port began exclusive negotiations with RIDA, out of Houston, TX, in 2015. Just this June, the Port granted concept approval for the project and authorized the issuance of a Coastal Development Permit. The next steps are site preparation and construction of public infrastructure, which is anticipated to begin mid-year in 2020. The opening is currently anticipated for mid-2023. FEATUR E S I NC LUDE :

• Gaylord Hotels property with up to 1,600 hotel rooms

• 275,000 usable square feet of convention and meeting space

• Benches and overlook areas for

• Associated retail and resort-level

• ADA-compliant features including

• Pool with a lazy river • Spa • Recreational facilities • Restaurant/bar/lounge facilities • Bike rentals • Boat rentals • A 1,600-space parking garage or

optimal views of San Diego Bay seating areas and cross-slopes on all designed surfaces.

The total project cost is $5.63 million, $4.8 million of which is being funded through an Urban Greening Grant awarded to the Port by the California Natural Resources Agency. The intent of the grant is to encourage the development of facilities that connect a community to destinations that they may not normally drive to and to encourage the use of trees and vegetation to provide oxygen production, carbon dioxide sequestration and urban heat island reduction in temperatures. Additional funding of $794,000 is provided by the Port's Capital Improvement Program and $33,000 is provided by the City of Chula Vista. 1 8 OUR HOME TOWN / SE PTEM B ER 2 0 1 9

amenities such as:

1,200-space surface lot.

The total project cost, which includes both public infrastructure (parks, roads and utilities, etc.) and private development, is estimated to be just over $1 billion.

"The Chula Vista Bayfront project is designed to create new public parks, provide convention and visitor-serving amenities, and develop an important asset for the San Diego region, the South Bay, Chula Vista residents, and coastal visitors. With our partners at the City and in the community, we envision a world-class destination—a unique place for people to live, work and play," said Commissioner Ann Moore, Chula Vista's representative on the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. "While providing long-awaited, enhanced shoreline recreation and an active, commercial harbor in the South Bay, the Chula Vista Bayfront project will also generate billions of dollars for the regional economy and create thousands of jobs," said Commissioner Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. For more information, please visit portofsandiego.org/chulavistabayfront.

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SCHOOL

/ News

A Heart, a Drive, a Difference Parents Turn Heart-Breaking Loss into Prevention Campaign

Tanya CruzFlores is driven by a wrenching desire. “I don’t want any parent to go through what I went through,” she says.

She has lived through a parent’s worst nightmare— coming home to find her son, Cristian AcostaFlores, dead from an undiagnosed enlarged heart. Cristian’s life was cut tragically short on September 1, 2014, one day shy of his 19th birthday. Tanya and her husband Memo have turned their grief into action by launching Cristian’s Big Heart, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of youth heart ailments while also raising funds for prevention measures such as heart screenings for teens and the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for local schools. The couple were on hand recently for a special assembly at EastLake Elementary. Guided by

2 0 OUR HOME TOWN / SE PTEM B ER 2 0 1 9

experts from San Diego Project Heartbeat, fifth-grade students demonstrated how to conduct hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use the life-saving AEDs. As students learned, AEDs are the only way to restart a heart in cardiac arrest, and the latest devices are simple to use. The event was billed as “A Great Day to Save a Life.” It was easy to see why. The students learned to serve as the bridge until emergency responders arrive when someone suffers a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading “silent killer” of our nation’s youth. A multi-faceted partnership is determined to combat such deaths in South County. Schools in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) and the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD)

On your Doorstep

are receiving dozens of replacement AED units for use at their respective schools. Support for these life-saving devices came from the County of San Diego’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Program at the recommendation of County Supervisor Greg Cox. Additional AEDs were donated by the Eric Paredes Save-A-Life Foundation and Cristian’s Big Heart organization. CVESD Board President Laurie K. Humphrey said everyone needs to be prepared if and when a loved one experiences distress or cardiac arrest. “These kinds of incidents can occur anywhere—at school, at home, at the pool, at a restaurant,” she said. “Our

students will be empowered to help their families, to help in our community, should an incident occur.” Cristian grew up in the community, attending CVESD elementary schools and SUHSD middle and high schools. He had deep family ties to the education community. His grandfather is a former CVESD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, his grandmother is a retired CVESD principal, and his aunt is Superintendent in SUHSD. After his death, his family launched a 5K at Rohr Park, and initially funded

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youth scholarships. “We didn’t want to stop there,” Tanya said. “I want to honor his life. I want to keep a legacy going. I don’t want any other parent to open the door and find their child passed away.” Cristian’s Big Heart organization has grown to champion heart screenings along with the Eric Paredes Save-A-Life Foundation— also founded by parents of a teen who died unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart condition. In addition to heart screenings, the two organizations teamed with San Diego Project Heart Beat to ensure the devices are in place at all area schools.

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 21

Financial Aid Events 2019 - 2020 Date

School

Time

Place

Sept 18, 2019

Otay Ranch HS*

6:00 pm

Theater

Oct 10, 2019

Bonita Vista HS*

6:00 pm

Gymnasium

Oct 17, 2019

Olympian HS*

6:30 pm

MPR

Oct 22, 2019

Eastlake HS*

6:00 pm

Theater

Oct 24, 2019

Castle Park HS**

9:00 -10:00 am English 10:00 - 11:00 am Spanish

Cafeteria

Oct 29, 2019

Hilltop HS*

6:00 pm

Cafeteria

Nov 1, 2019

Southwest HS*

9:30 am

Cafeteria

Nov 7, 2019

Chula Vista HS**

6:00 pm

Theater/Drama Building

Nov 14, 2019

Mar Vista HS**

6:00 pm

New Gym

Nov 13, 2019

Palomar HS

4:00 pm

Computer Lab

Jan 23, 2020

Sweetwater HS*

6:00 pm

Theater, Library

Jan 30, 2020

San Ysidro HS**

6:00 pm

Theater

Feb 27, 2020

SUHSD—Office of College and Career Readiness/SDSU

5:00 pm - 8:00pm

680 L Street, Suite E, Chula Vista, CA 91911

Cash for College - Saturdays Date

School

Time

Place

Oct 12, 2019

Eastlake HS

9:00 am – 12 noon

Computer Labs

Oct 19, 2019

Montgomery HS

9:00 am – 12 noon

Computer Labs

Nov 16, 2019

Chula Vista HS

9:00 am – 12 noon

Computer Labs

Feb 1, 2020

Olympian HS

9:00 am—12 noon

Computer Labs

Feb 8, 2020

Castle Park HS

9:00 am—12 noon

Computer Labs

Important Websites: FAFSA — www.fafsa.gov Web Grants for Students— www.csac.ca.gov Federal Student Aid for Students — www.studentaid.ed.gov Financial Aid Calculators — www.finaid.org/calculators CSS Financial Aid Profile—student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile Southwestern College Financial Aid—www.swccd.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid

* Translation services available ** Separate Spanish presentation

For More Information: College and Career Readiness Office— 619-600-3340

2 2 OUR HOME TOWN / SE PTEM B ER 2 0 1 9

School News

Sweetwater District Receives New AED Machines for School Sites

What can start off as just another day on the playground or regular activity in the school gym can suddenly turn into a child unexpectedly going into cardiac arrest and in worst cases, a tragedy. One in 300 young hearts are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and, in most cases, parents are not aware. A simple heart screening is peace of mind, in addition to access to an automated external defibrillator machine (AED). Onsite AEDs have been known to save precious treatment time and can improve survival odds before emergency medical service One personnel arrive.

in 300 young hearts are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.

Thanks to a partnership with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Chula Vista Elementary School District, Cristian’s Big Heart Foundation, San Diego Project Heart and Eric Parades Save a Life Foundation, new AEDs were recently donated to schools in the South Bay.

“Thank you Supervisor Greg Cox and all of our partners on contributing to this purpose,” said Sweetwater District Superintendent Dr. Karen Janney. “By providing this equipment to our schools we could potentially prevent future tragedies.” Eastlake Elementary School hosted the AED distribution event where representatives from the partner organizations spoke to an auditorium full of sixth grade students on the importance of the partnership and what that ultimately means for students and their school. In addition, students went through a drill simulating a scenario where they learned the important steps of being a first responder, important signs to be aware of, how to administer CPR and how to properly use an AED machine. “Equipping schools with AEDs is the only way to ensure that children suffering from SCA can receive the treatment they need within this critical treatment window,” said Maureen O’Conner, Public Access Defibrillation Program Manager for the San Diego Project Heart Beat.

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