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NOVEMBER 2017
Home for Heroes Veterans Home Residents Mina "Birdie" Ward and Leo Charron
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: VETERANS ADVISORY + SAFETY COMMISSION
CONTENTS/ EDITOR'S LETTER Last weekend my husband and I attended my cousin Bjorn’s wedding in Colorado. Like many Marines, Bjorn wore his dress blues during that sacred ceremony. He looked handsome, and his bride was radiant.
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANA ROMO
Why did Bjorn wear his military uniform to a civilian wedding? You can guess the answer—he is proud of his service. Proud enough to show everyone present that he is a Marine. Proud enough to be memorialized in wedding photos that generations will view. Our military, naval, and air service soldiers serve Americans in countless ways. But that service eventually comes to an end for each individual. According to va.org, a veteran is “any individual that completed a service for any branch of armed forces…as long as they were not dishonorably discharged.” And according to the U.S. Census Bureau, we have 21.8 million veterans in the U.S. Chula Vista is home to one of eight Veterans Homes in the state. CalVet Homes “provide the state’s aged or disabled veterans with rehabilitative, residential, and medical care and services in a home-like environment.” Our local Home is a 305-bed, long-term care facility for veterans age 55 or older, located near Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. This November, in honor of Veterans Day, OHTM brings you some history about the Veterans Home and why staff and residents alike enjoy being there. Service doesn’t stop with our armed forces, though. Our police officers, firemen, and other civilian officers risk their lives every day for us. Articles in this issue include information about the Fire Chief and Marine Corps League Detachment leading a Toys for Tots effort, the Chula Vista Police Department hiring officers and dispatchers, and the Public Library enhancing access to resources for veterans and their families.
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04 BRAVO Announcements
06 NEWS On your Doorstep
16 FEATURE Home for Heroes
19 ON TOPIC Celebrating the Holidays with Those with Memory Loss
20 SCHOOL NEWS 25 CALENDAR Out & About
26 BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Veterans Advisory Commission and Safety Commission
This month, take a moment to be grateful for the peacetime we currently live in, and thank a veteran for serving.
—AMBER WEBER, editor
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BRAVO
. . . great things happening in our community
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.
PUBLISHED BY
MICHAEL MONACO, Publisher
AMBER WEBER, Editor
MELISSA MONROY, Design
Advertising inquiries: Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com.
› To the CITY OF CHULA VISTA for being awarded a grant from Kaiser Foundation Hospitals for the city’s Operation Splash for the 10th consecutive year. The $93,500 grant will be used to serve 1,800 students over a two-year grant period. The City of Chula Vista and Kaiser have the shared goal of improving the health and wellness of local children and to provide a safe environment to learn how to swim. The partnership between the two bodies has served over 12,800 4th grade students from 16 elementary schools in lowincome neighborhoods. Each school is receiving two weeks of free daily swim lessons, as well as transportation to and from the swimming pool. Chula Vista Deputy Mayor John McCann said, “This is the power of community partnerships and shows what we can accomplish together. We all have a shared interest, our children and the prospect of a healthy future for them.” The swimming program, in combination with what kids are learning in schools, the changes in school wellness policies, and emphasis on safer routes to schools will fight the obesity epidemic and ensure children are healthy and ready to learn.
food and toy drive. CV PAL thanks all those who attended and supported this event and looks forward to seeing everyone at next year’s event. To download event photos that the wonderful Angie Oleary from Snaps Photo Video took, please visit www.snapsphotovideo.com. › To the sponsors and participants of the KIWANIS CLUB OF BONITA FOUNDATION’S annual “KidsNeedKiwanis” charity golf tournament. Held in September, the event raised $14,000 to support service projects and programs helping homeless teens, survivors of human trafficking, feeding the needy, mentoring the disadvantaged, and helping children access a bright and limitless future. Special thanks to the sponsors who made this event a success: Henebery Celebrated Whiskey, Glen Abbey/Dignity, San Diego Pest Control, Seacoast Commerce Bank, Walmart, Village Cremation, and Wells Fargo Bank, plus 27 Hole and Wounded Warrior sponsors. The Bonita Kiwanis Club meets at the Community Room in the Bonita-Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita on Thursdays. Visit bonitakiwanis. org for info.
› To the CHULA VISTA POLICE › To BALDWIN & SONS for ACTIVITIES LEAGUE (CV PAL) bringing to fruition Otay Ranch’s on a tremendously successful Editorial Contributions: first hotel, a Residence Inn by 2nd Annual Pingo event. Pictured from top to bottom: CIty of Chula Vista was Amber Weber at Marriott. The grand opening Pingo involves playing bingoawarded a grant from Kaiser Foundation Hospitals; Editor@OurHometownMag.com. celebration was held on October like games where all the prizes Vanessa McCoy, Michael Monaco and Kristi McClure enjoying the CV PAL Pingo event; and attendants of the 19 and featured remarks by are designer purses: Coach, Visit us online at bachyard opera for an orphanage in Tecate, Mexico. Mayor Mary Casillas Salas and Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, and www.OurHometownMag.com. Baldwin & Sons CEO Al Baldwin. Kate Spade, just to name a few. Councilmembers John McCann Thanks to sponsorships from Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. and Stephen Padilla were also in attendance to help cut La Prensa San Diego and Vanessa McEvoy’s Farmers Reproduction in any form, in the ribbon and welcome the community. Those present Insurance Agency, the purses were as fabulous as the whole or part, without written enjoyed food and drinks, live music and tours of the hotel people who attended the event! Additional sponsorships permission is prohibited. OHTM rooms and amenities. were from Copy Link, En La Mosca Adventures, First Inc. is not responsible for the Bank, Galley at the Marina, Guild Mortgage and Kiwanis views of contributing writers and Guests of the Residence Inn may choose to stay in a spacious assumes no responsibility for Chula Vista. This year’s guest emcee was Our Hometown errors appearing within. Opinions studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom unit, all featuring Magazine’s publisher Michael Monaco, who called the expressed are those of the separate living and sleeping areas that mimic the design games and made sure that fun was had by all. CV PAL writers and not necessarily those of an upscale apartment home. The convenient location also accepted a special $1,000 donation from Altrusa for of the Publisher or advertisers. next to the Otay Ranch Town Center allows for walking to its scholarship fund. All proceeds raised at the event will OHTM Inc has the right to refuse numerous dining, shopping and entertainment options. be used to fund the programs that help at-risk youth in advertising. Contact OHTM Inc. at 4 (619) O U R840−7722. H OMETOWN • NOV EMBChula E R 2 0 17 Additionally, guests are encouraged to take advantage of Vista, including the scholarship fund and annual
the hotel’s numerous amenities including a fitness center, swimming pool, spa, meeting room, sport court, lounge area, and outdoor barbeques and fire pit. The hotel also offers a daily breakfast buffet and hosts evening social events on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The Residence Inn will offer a convenient, high quality lodging option for residents and visitors of Chula Vista in the heart of Otay Ranch. › To the group of EASTLAKE NEIGHBORS who held a backyard opera as a benefit for an orphanage in Tecate, Mexico. The weather couldn't have been more perfect to enjoy the music of Gerardo Gaytan, Ana Laura Rojas and Norma Navarrete, all professional singers from Tijuana. The highlight of the Oct. 8 evening was the moving speech given by Cesar Uribe, founder and director of the orphanage Casa Hogar, Rancho el Milagro. He shared some of the challenges the orphanage faces caring for 25+ children. "The biggest gift that the children receive are the visits that local families have made for years to the ranch to share their time and love with the children," he emphasized to the crowd of over 100 people. The event planning committee included Mia Bertelsen, Lourdes Acosta, Gillian Dvorak, Elvira Salgado and Tina Grant. Many thanks to the restaurant sponsors who donated to the event, Chilaquiles and Pizzo's. If you are interested in helping to support the children of Rancho el Milagro, the next trip will be in December to take them Christmas gifts, baby formula and diapers. Contact miabert@yahoo.com for details. › To the more than 80 newly tenured CVESD TEACHERS who were recognized at the 25th Annual Tenure Reception on October 18. Each had to pass the written application process, background checks, oral interviews, a two-year evaluation process and frequent walkthroughs to achieve tenured status. "By earning tenure, the District has committed to a working relationship that in many cases will exceed 30 years," said Jeff Thiel, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, in addressing the teachers and their family members. "That means we're talking about the 2050s by the time many of you will choose to retire. It seems so far away, but you won't believe how time flies. Enjoy this moment, and every day you spend in the classroom. You are going to make a difference for generations of our students."
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NEWS
/ On your Doorstep
City of Chula Vista Offers Amazon $400 Million Incentive Package for Headquarters
The Chula Vista City Council is offering a $400-million incentive package to attract Amazon’s next headquarters, which includes a shovel-ready office location and the opportunity to co-create California’s next university. The Chula Vista site provides eight million square feet for the tech giant in a new headquarters located minutes from downtown San Diego, Lindbergh Field and the U.S.-Mexico border. The incentive package was approved unanimously by the City Council on October 17 and includes:
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• Partnering to create a new four-year, multi-institutional, binational university, • Providing Amazon with 85 acres of Innovation District property at no cost (currently valued at $100 million), • Waiving $10 million in Transportation Development Impact Fees for buildings owned or occupied by Amazon, • Providing an amount equal to the property tax received by the City for 30 years per phase of development for buildings owned and occupied by Amazon (estimated $300 million), and
• Providing an autonomous shuttle that will serve Millenia – the 200-plus acre, mixed-use hub where Amazon Headquarters 2 would be located. “We have the best proposal for Amazon,” declared Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “We can provide eight million square feet of space in a continuous greenfield development. And, Amazon can embrace our unmatched quality of life in master planned communities with housing for all income levels, biking and hiking trails, recreational activities and an incredible climate. We are ready for this.”
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On your Doorstep
Inside Chula Vista Ballet
Designed by Gensler, the architecture of the proposed campus emphasizes themes of collaboration and connectivity. The design includes buildings that are joined together through a series of outdoor bridges. The City of Chula Vista, in partnership with Chesnut Properties, proposes to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that is LEED Platinum and WELL Building certified well ahead of Amazon’s stated 2019 deadline for HQ2. In San Diego County’s second largest city, Amazon will find a Smart City-focused community with global transportation connections, a skilled workforce, and housing choices from apartment and condominium communities to single-family homes and gated estates. The location also gives Amazon the opportunity to co-create California’s next university, offering the technical curriculum and pedagogy required to educate Amazon and the region’s current and future workforce.
The City’s proposal is presented in a 48-page book titled “Welcome Home Amazon” that details workforce, sustainability, lifestyle and development options. Visit www.chulavistaca.gov/amazon for the City and Chesnut Properties proposals.
On a typical Saturday morning, the hallways at Neisha's Dance & Music Academy are filled with music and dancers. Bodies are sprawled across the dance floor stretching, strengthening, and preparing for the Chula Vista Ballet (CVB) Company class. Dancers are getting mentally focused, reviewing choreography and music cues. The chatter is silenced when the ballet teacher arrives, and a two-hour intense ballet class begins. Ask any of these dancers dripping with sweat, and they will admit that the classwork is grueling. But missing class is not an option because they love the process of training and performing far too much. When the dancers finish their class, they rest with a 30-minute lunch break. Then it's back to work again for another four hours of rehearsal. In the fall, the dancers’ job is preparing for the annual Nutcracker production. They work under the direction of CVB Artistic Director Taeko Nishino. Between rehearsals, the most elegant, handcrafted tutus are meticulously fitted on each of the dancers’ bodies. Each one in itself is a work of art. Throughout the afternoon, local young students can be seen coming and going to rehearse the community roles they fill in the show. Each of these children are smiling ear to ear and giggling with anticipation and delight over the joy of being in rehearsal, dancing with the inspiring company members that they dream of growing up to be. As the afternoon wraps up, excited chatter over the upcoming shows ensues.
The company dancers invite everyone to kick off the holiday with CVB and the festive holiday tradition of The Nutcracker. This year's production is Saturday, November 18 at 2 and 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at ChulaVistaBallet.org or locally at Neisha's, the host studio where the Chula Vista Ballet company rehearses. OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 7
On your Doorstep
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On your Doorstep
City Council Adopts 2017 Climate Action Plan
Energy Efficiency and the CLEAN Business Program Update
The Chula Vista City Council recently adopted the 2017 Climate Action Plan (CAP), which will aid in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and will lower Chula Vista’s vulnerability to expected climate change impacts.
The City of Chula Vista has a proud history of being a leader in sustainability. Sustainability is how we use our resources, ensuring that they can be renewed in a clean and effective way without producing pollution or being depleted. In addition to conserving our precious natural resources, we also recognize that our environmental efforts create numerous benefits for our communities, such as utility cost savings, less congested streets, healthier and more connected neighborhoods, local economic development, and an overall higher quality of life. The City of Chula Vista continues to work hard at making the people-planet-prosperity concept a core component of our neighborhood and community initiatives.
Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas stated, "This plan is the next step in our City's long history of working to address climate change, and allows us to showcase that a clean environment and economic development can progress together." Created with the assistance of a year-long stakeholder engagement effort, the Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) is comprised of residents, businesses, nonprofits, academia, utility representatives and community group representatives. In recognition of this innovative engagement, This plan is the San Diego chapter of the Association the next step of Environmental Professionals awarded in our City's the CCWG an award for outstanding long history public involvement. When the CAP is of working to fully implemented, the new actions, or equivalent actions, are anticipated to reduce address climate approximately 200,000 metric tons of carbon change, and dioxide equivalent, allowing the City to allows us to comply with state greenhouse gas goals and showcase improve the quality of life for residents.
that a clean environment and economic development can progress together.
Four major sectors including water conservation and reuse, waste reduction, renewable and efficient energy, and smart growth and transportation are the focus of the CAP. Under each sector, there are various objectives that will be achieved. City staff will continue current outreach programs such as the CLEAN business, FREBE, Recreation’s Empower Hour, Library’s Energy Lounge and Home Energy & Water Check-Up programs that provide free information on how residents and businesses can save energy and water while reducing utility bills. It also contains a number of new actions such as requiring new homes to have solar PV panels, increasing water reuse, completing bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and adopting a Zero Waste Plan, just to list a few. Another new feature is the User Guide to Action designed to translate the objectives and actions that the City will be taking at the community level to actions that individuals can take.
To review the full 2017 Chula Vista Climate Action Plan, please visit www.chulavistaca.gov/clean. If you have any questions, please contact the Conservation Section at (619) 409-3893 or conservation@chulavistaca.gov.
Businesses in Chula Vista have been at the forefront of innovation for many years, taking advantage of SDG&E rebates and incentives programs as well as connecting with City staff to improve their business operations and their facility performance. Businesses do not need to allocate large financial resources to improve their impact on the environment; just by taking advantage of SDG&E energy efficiency programs, such as Business Energy Solutions, they can save an average of $4,158 per year. The City of Chula Vista also offers free waste audits for businesses, which can help to significantly lower their trash bill and impact on the environment. In return the City markets businesses that have joined the CLEAN Business program, listing them on its CLEAN page and highlighting them on social media and articles. For more information on the CLEAN Business program, please visit http://www.chulavistaca.gov/clean. 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 it will require owners of commercial, mixed-use and multifamily buildings larger than 50,000 sq. ft. to benchmark, reporting annually their metrics using Energy Star Portfolio Manager publicly. 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 benchmark coaching at no cost.
For more information please contact the City of Chula Vista at (619) 409-3893, or visit https://energycenter.org/sdrep/benchmarking. OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 9
On your Doorstep
Family Festival Features New Snow Globe
Celebrate the holidays at Village Walk at EastLake this year with a new Snow Globe experience. Located near the children’s play area, the Snow Globe will be open on three Sundays in December: December 3, 10 and 17. The annual holiday fun begins with this year’s Family Festival on December 2 from 12 to 3 p.m. Santa Claus will give each child a coloring book and pose with them for pictures in his sleigh. The Family Festival also features train rides and a holiday craft activity where children ages 12 and under can make a jingle bell bracelet or tree ornament. A special daytime snow will fall at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. during the Festival. The nightly magical snow, accompanied by choreographed music and lights, is a must-visit holiday event for people of all ages. Village Walk at Eastlake is the only location in San Diego County where people can frolic in a nightly snowfall at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. from December 2 through 24. “The nightly snowfall is a popular backdrop for people to take Christmas card photos and videos,” said property manager Dianna Lawless. The free annual event transforms the beautiful shopping center’s courtyard near the Koi Pond into a winter wonderland as the magical snow falls twice nightly. The eco-friendly MagicSnow vanishes upon contact, leaving no residue. Children receive free “magic” glasses to watch the snow falling in rainbow colors. Caroling groups walk through Village Walk at Eastlake to entertain guests between the snowfalls. The shopping center makes donations to each community caroling group, many who have participated since the first magical snowfall started seven years ago. Mark your calendars to take pictures and videos inside the giant Snow Globe at the Holiday Family Festival on Saturday, December 2 and during the nightly, magical snowfall and holiday caroling from December 2 to 24.
All of these holiday events at Village Walk at EastLake are free. Watch a video of last year's magical snowfall and learn more about the holiday events at www.shopvillagewalk.com. Village Walk at EastLake is located at the intersection of EastLake Parkway and Miller Drive in Chula Vista. 10 O U R HOMETOWN • NOVEMB E R 2 0 17
On your Doorstep
Welcome the Holidays with Starlight Parade Children’s Faire
Legacy 4 Life Presented Soccer for a Cause On September 19, a 7.1 earthquake struck Mexico City, leaving 371 residents dead and over 6,000 injured. Buildings collapsed, and search teams struggled to find survivors within the days that followed. A nationwide effort to help the victims attracted an outpouring of support and prayers worldwide. One local organization, Legacy 4 Life, took matters into its own hands, raising money through a charity soccer tournament to help the victims and bring our community together for a common cause. “Legacy 4 Life is a way we can leave a legacy through helping others,” said Founder Miguel Aldrete. “This particular cause hit home due to the fact that one of my close friend’s 8 year old nephews, Raul Alexis, passed away in the tragedy along with 21 of his classmates.” While Legacy 4 Life was originally founded to help cancer patients in Mexico, it has branched out to help several causes across borders. Less than a month after the earthquake, Miguel Aldrete decided to reach out to local soccer coaches to organize a tournament raising money for the victims. It was called “Coaches for a Cause,” where coaches from various clubs across the city competed. Despite not having played in years, over 60 coaches came out to play and show their support. “When our players see us participating in community events such as this one, I am hoping they will see it as an example and want to give back in the future as well,” said Bonita Matrix Coach Stacey Troop. Hundreds of players came out to watch their coaches play on October 12. Through cheers, smiles, and goals, the local soccer community came together in solidarity to help our neighbors across borders. Despite recent political turmoil, the coaches wanted to take a stand together and show us that when there are others in need, borders should not be considered. “It doesn't matter what city or country it is for, what matters is that there were people who needed our help and we needed to do something about it,” said local soccer coach Mark Petrosian.
At the end of the night, Legacy 4 Life used the most popular sport in the world to raise money for victims, bring our community together, and show the next generation the importance of giving back. With more fundraisers in the near future, people are urged to visit www.Legacy4Life.us to learn how they can help.
It’s never too early to spread holiday cheer when you know that the Chula Vista Starlight Parade is coming to town. The City of Chula Vista is thrilled to announce the return of the Chula Vista Starlight Parade, which will run down historic Third Avenue in Chula Vista. The festivities will take place Saturday, December 2 with Frosty's Snow Hill and the Holiday Children’s Faire opening at 2:00 p.m., followed by the parade at 6:00 p.m. Before finding your place to view the parade, make your way to Memorial Park and take a ride down Frosty’s Snow Hill. You won’t have to drive for hours to get to the snow this holiday season because real snow will be in the South Bay! The Snow Hill is free, frosty fun for all to enjoy from 2-5 p.m. The new Holiday Children’s Faire will delight the entire family with interactive games from Chula Vista Parks and Recreation, STEAM fun from the Chula Vista Public Library, carolers, pictures with Santa, and a special appearance from the Grinch. Before settling down for the parade, be sure to visit Snack Alley for delicious handheld treats to delight in. Just as the winter sky grows dark, joyful parade units will travel down the historic route of Third Avenue, beginning at H Street and finishing up at E Street. You will be whisked away to a whimsical winter wonderland of twinkling lights, holiday décor, and fun surprises for the whole family to enjoy! A variety of colorful floats, caroling groups, marching bands, dance teams, classic cars, and other participants will usher in the holiday season as part of San Diego County's largest nighttime parade.
Share in the joy of building a holiday tradition that will warm your winter memories for years to come. For more information or to participate in the parade, please call (619) 233-5008 or email Amanda@McFarlanePromotions.com. OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 11
On your Doorstep
Veterans Connect @ the Library by Stephanie Loney
In 2015, Chula Vista Library joined other libraries statewide to enhance access to resources for veterans and their families. The initiative, entitled Veterans Connect @ the Library, is a partnership between public libraries and the California Department of Veterans Affairs and is intended to assist veterans and their families with state and federal education, employment, housing, health, disability and other benefits that may be available to them. A special focus of this project is to help reintegrate California veterans into the workforce. Other goals include increased registration in the CalVet Reintegration system, increased California veteran benefit claims, and connecting veterans and their families to library resources.
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The Civic Center branch of the Chula Vista Library already had a Veterans Wing created in 2010 to honor those who served, so it was a natural fit for Veterans Connect @ the Library to be based there. When Principal Librarian Stephanie Loney had a chance introduction with Danny Carreon, a Navy veteran volunteering with the City of Chula Vista, she wasn’t about to let him slip away without suggesting he volunteer at the library instead. After all, who better than a veteran to understand veterans and the issues they struggle with? Two years later with Danny’s help, the program has grown and the library now offers the following programs and activities: a Vet to Vet support group
each Monday at 4:30 p.m., benefits filing with the San Diego County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs on the third Wednesday of the month between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and computer use for veterans and their families on Thursdays and Saturdays (proof of service needed). In addition the library has informational and recreational books and videos for veterans who have a library card with Chula Vista Public Library. Since 2015, over 500 veterans have visited the library and talked to Danny or other volunteers; the library has established partnerships with 30 different veteran service providers. The library also hosted two very successful exhibits of
Toys for Tots Goal Increased by Fire Chief and Marine Corps League Detachment
interest to veterans: When War Comes Home, an exhibit of personal communications sent home from the battlefield, and the more poignant exhibit Remembering Our Fallen, which featured 725 individuals from all branches of the U.S. military from California who made the ultimate sacrifice after September 11, 2001.
Center Library Auditorium at 5 p.m. starting November 2 with the documentary Patriot Guard Riders. Other documentaries include Where Soldiers Come From, New American Soldier and When I Came Home. These documentaries can be borrowed by the general public once the series concludes.
In November to honor Veterans Day, the library will host a weekly film documentary series in the Civic
For information visit www.chulavistalibrary. com or the Chula Vista Public Library Civic Center Branch at 365 F Street.
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The South Bay has long been one of the strongest supporters of the "Toy for Tots" campaign. Traditionally, over 100 collection boxes are placed throughout the area. This season, the Toys for Tots Foundation is also supporting hurricane victims in Houston, Texas and Puerto Rica. With this in mind, Chula Vista Fire Chief Jim Geering and Marine Corp League Detachment 1207 Commandant Jim Thomas have joined forces to reach a new goal. Toys may be dropped off at the nearest fire station or at 736 First Avenue in Chula Vista. Cash donations are also welcome and may be made payable to Toys for Tots Foundation and mailed to the above address. Questions? Call (619) 410-3690.
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On your Doorstep
New Otay Ranch Developments from Baldwin & Sons
What started in 1956 with the subdivision of the family’s chicken farm and construction of five custom homes in Temple City in east L.A. County has now spanned more than 60 years, much of Southern California, and three generations. Al Baldwin, CEO of Baldwin & Sons, has made a career out of building not just homes, but also communities. Lessons learned from his father Noel, a postman and veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, while they were building just one home a year laid the groundwork for his companies that have now built over 20,000 homes. Baldwin & Sons’ current focus is on two active developments in Otay Ranch, the Village of Montecito and a 36-acre project along Olympic Parkway (just east of SR-125), that will serve as the northern entrance to the Otay Ranch Town Center. Montecito has been the most active development in Chula Vista over the past decade, recently seeing the opening of a new school, Saburo Muraoka Elementary, and the Montecito Swim Club and Recreation Center. The company is now under construction on six different for-sale neighborhoods, a public park is nearing completion, and the 300-unit Enclave luxury apartment project is nearing full buildout. Additionally, planning is underway on three more public parks, a second private swim club, the State Street mixed-use center, and two more apartment projects. Key for Baldwin & Sons in the development of this village has been providing a wide range of product types that allows buyers to find the right home for their family at the right price. From the Parc Place triplexes to the larger detached homes at Signature and Cantamar, Baldwin & Sons believes that it has a product that can fit the needs of any family. All of these projects blend together to continue enhancing the Village of Montecito by creating the small-town charm and pedestrian-friendly ambiance that has made Otay Ranch a national model for successful master planned communities. At the other site, the plan is to take advantage of everything that the vibrant Otay Ranch Town Center has to offer and provide a more urban experience. The original approval for the site was for a low rise “big box” retail center serviced by a sea of parking. Because of the location along public transit facilities and the fact that it is within walking distance of so many shopping, dining and entertainment options, Baldwin & Sons has spent the last 14 OU R HOMETOWN • NOV EMB E R 2 0 17
seven years working to change the entitlements and obtain the approvals to create a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented, mixeduse development that will allow residents and guests to take advantage of these amenities. Today the first fruits of this labor are evident in the opening of the 148-room Residence Inn by Marriott, Otay Ranch’s first hotel and Chula Vista’s first new hotel in over two decades, and the start of construction on the first residential units in the project. The full plan for the project includes two hotels (a Courtyard by Marriott will join the Residence Inn), two for-sale residential neighborhoods and a mixed-use project that will add luxury apartment homes and 15,000 square feet of retail along the east side of Town Center Drive. To make sure that the project truly focuses on the pedestrian, Town Center Drive will undergo a “road diet” – shrinking from four lanes with parallel parking to two lanes with diagonal parking – and the whole project will be anchored by a twoacre central park. This park, which will be the most highly amenitized in Otay Ranch, is intended to create a place where residents, hotel guests, shoppers, and the community at large can all come together. Beyond their business interests in Chula Vista, Baldwin & Sons has long played a role in supporting the community. From its work with organizations such as the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation, South Bay Community Services and the Southwestern College Foundation, to the recent partnering with Deputy Mayor John McCann to honor fallen Chula Vista veterans through the naming of streets in the Village of Montecito, the company has worked to leave a positive mark on the City. The street naming opportunity was especially important to the company, as it really captured what community is all about. It allowed for the honoring of Chula Vista heroes and a part of the City’s history within this village that will be part of the City’s future. “Dedicating the street names after these young men will provide lasting memory so that their legacy will not be forgotten,” said Baldwin. “Future families that live here will be reminded of their service and their everlasting commitment will make this a better community.”
HOME FOR HEROES
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OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 15
Veterans Home Residents (pictured from left to right) John Russell, Mina "Birdie" Ward, Les Brigham, Leo Charron / Photography by Ana Romo
Home for Heroes It all started in the late ‘80s when Navy Veteran Bill Ayers suggested that Chula Vista get a veterans home due to the high concentration of military vets.
Around 1991, California Governor Pete Wilson recognized the need for a new Veterans Home. Yountville was the first location to establish a Veterans Home, with Barstow second. The third location was up for grabs. Fortunately, Greg Cox, who had recently termed out as Mayor of Chula Vista, was working in Sacramento with Governor Wilson as the Deputy Director of Local Government in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. This put him in close contact with the Director of Veteran’s Affairs and others involved in planning future Veterans Homes, and southern California was the next location. The City of Chula Vista made a move and bought the property next to the KOA Campground. However, Col. Jay R. Vargas, Secretary of California Department of Veteran’s Affairs, was not impressed. He stated, “As Marines we always take the high ground.” The KOA site was considered low ground.
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The City needed to consider an alternative. Meanwhile, the Sweetwater Union High School District owned property at East Naples, which was planned for a junior high. "My father, Joseph Rindone, was [a previous] Superintendent of Schools for the Sweetwater Union High School District and the founder of Southwestern Community College,” remembers Jerry Rindone. “As school superintendent, he purchased on behalf of the citizens and residents of the community land for future new school sites. One of these prime pieces of land he purchased was the site of the current Chula Vista Veterans Home. Its view was fabulous and quite breathtaking." The land purchased by the District was swapped with the City of Chula Vista "because of its location, access to our residents and the fantastic views.” Jerry Rindone, who was then on the Chula Vista City Council, continues,
“We needed to offer this fantastic site to win the selection of the next Veterans Home in California. At the time, we did not know if this would be the last new Veterans Home selected for California. The city was in direct competition with Lancaster, CA and we did not want to lose this opportunity for our veterans and residents in the community. The City of Chula Vista has had a long record of supporting our veterans, and selection of this site for the next Veterans Home was high on our agenda to support our veterans living in our community.” He goes on to add, “The selection of this fabulous site for the new Veterans Home in Chula Vista was made possible by the cooperation of the Sweetwater Union High School District, the City of Chula Vista and the strong support of the many veterans living in our community…Without question, this site was perfect and its location well serves the needs of our many veterans wanting to live in our community.”
HOME FOR HEROES This property had some great advantages. With a beautiful view atop a hill and access to SHARP Medical Center, an acute care medical center, Col. Jay R. Vargas got excited. The race was on. Chula Vista stakeholders put on the full court press. Community leaders like Bob White, Stephen Arends, and Bill Ayers fought hard to get the Veteran’s Home approved. In the end Chula Vista was victorious. “For their service and their sacrifice, America’s military veterans deserve to live out their lives in dignity, security and pride. The Veterans Home of Chula Vista, with its views of the Pacific and its cultural and recreational amenities, helps do that for some 300 local veterans,” says former Mayor Shirley Horton. “Completed in May 2000, the success of the Veterans Home of Chula Vista was due to the hard work of many forward-thinking individuals. County Supervisor Greg Cox was instrumental in setting aside 30 acres adjacent to a major medical center for the Veterans Home. Bill Ayers, a retired Navy veteran, was relentless in support of the Chula Vista site. He made sure that I met with everyone involved in the selection process, including the governor. I smile when I think of Bill’s passion to land the Veterans Home in Chula Vista because he knew he would be helping so many of his fellow veterans. Bill Ayers stood with me, Gov. Pete Wilson, Supervisor Cox and others helping to put the first shovel in the dirt at the official ground breaking for the Chula Vista home, the third Veterans Home in California and the only Veterans Home in coastal, urban Southern California. It was a proud moment,” she recalls.
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Dedication Day was Saturday, May 13, 2000. The first residents, Earl and Rosanne Faulk from Chula Vista, were admitted on May 30. From its start, employees of the Veterans Home have served its residents with pride. “I started with the home in 1999 so have seen it literally grow from the ground up, “says Susan Shipp, Chief Domiciliary Services. “For me the home is about the veterans and allows me to give back to them not just for their military service but for the lives they have lived. When someone shares parts of their life stories with you that is a precious gift. I would encourage everyone who has an interest in history, wants to make new friends or just say thank you to our veterans to come visit the home and get to know the folks who live here.” Thuy Mascarro, Administrator of the Veterans Home, says, “I took on the challenge because I truly believed that I could make a positive impact in the lives of our residents, our staff and the Home. Having been at the Home since 2009 and wrapping up my one-year mark as the Administrator I can say, "Yes, I did make a difference." I can see it in the smiles from our residents, the dedication from our staff, and feel it in the energy of the Home. This has made my job worthwhile and I am proud to lead our Home to a brighter future,” states Thuy. “I worked for the State of California for seven years at another agency. I left there because I had an inexplicable need to do something more fulfilling,” says Claudia M. Estrada. “Luckily,
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HOME FOR HEROES
I was hired here as an assistant to the Administrator, Thuy Mascorro…This is a five-star rated Home, and I see the dedication it takes to achieve that rating. I do not see this as an office or a facility, but a home to our veterans, and I am mindful that this is their space. Every day I come in I am proud to be a part of what goes on behind the scenes at the Home; we are consistently focused on the quality of life for the resident, as it’s what motivates everyone. Every day I get to connect with our residents and learn about who they are and the lives they led before coming to the Home. They love to share, and I feel lucky to be able to spend my week working to make a difference in their day,” she proudly proclaims. More importantly, the residents feel at home. Meet John Russell. He is a Navy veteran, having served as an aircraft mechanic from 1978 to 1982. John enjoyed his time in the Navy and the places he was able to visit, including the Mediterranean, Singapore, Australia and going through the Suez Canal. After the military, John worked in warehousing until he became disabled. With a long wait for approval for social security disability, John eventually found himself homeless on the streets of Sacramento. John remembers well what a hard time this was, getting meals from rescue missions and trying to sleep out in the cold.
With residents who have found security and companionship, and a committed staff who have found meaning in their work, the Veterans Home of California in Chula Vista is truly a home for heroes.
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ON TOPIC After two years John was able to find help and housing through the Sacramento Veterans Resource Center. The staff at the center assisted John with applying for admission to the Veterans Home in Chula Vista, and he was admitted to the home in August 2011. John is a valued member of the Veterans Home’s resident helper program, which allows him to earn a small monthly stipend. When asked how he feels about living at the home, John says, “I love it! I never want to leave and will stay here until the end.” He brings a smile to those around him and is known for his upbeat and grateful attitude and for his sincere catch phrase to everyone he comes in contact with: “You have a great day.” Events at the Veterans Home take place year-round. Staff and residents celebrate all birthdays with music and cake. Activities like bingo, pokeeno, movies, musical performances, pet therapy, computer instruction, history clubs, reading clubs, and more are scheduled daily. At Christmastime the residents celebrate a holiday party, which brings great community turnout and volunteer support. And in May, the Veterans Home celebrates Founders Day, which recognizes the efforts it took to build the Home. Community and family members are invited to a big outdoor BBQ with lots of activities including craft booths, horse and carriage rides, a petting zoo, gravity jumps and a rock climbing wall for children. Finally, in May there’s an annual golf tournament to benefit the Home, and several residents participate!
With residents who have found security and companionship, and a committed staff who have found meaning in their work, the Veterans Home of California in Chula Vista is truly a home for heroes. For more information,please visit http://bit.ly/calvet-cv.
How to Best Celebrate the Holidays with Those with Memory Loss By Sophia Anguiano, Marketing Director, ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch
With the holiday season fast approaching it’s time to start planning your parties and family gatherings. It is also a good opportunity to make holiday arrangements for the seniors in your life. There are several ways to ensure your loved ones with memory loss feel comfortable and enjoy the season as well.
Involve the Person with Dementia • Incorporate past traditions and memories. Focus on activities that are meaningful to the person with dementia. Your loved one may find comfort in singing old holiday songs, watching his/her favorite holiday movies, or looking through old photos. • Include the person in holiday preparation. As the person's abilities allow, invite him or her to help you prepare food, wrap packages, or help decorate. This could be as simple as having the person measure an ingredient or hand you decorations. (Be careful with some decoration choices. Blinking lights may confuse or scare a person with dementia, and decorations that look like food could be mistaken as edible.) • Maintain a normal routine. Sticking to the person's normal routine as much as possible will help keep the holidays from becoming disruptive or confusing. Make sure to plan time for breaks and rest.
Plan a Safety Check If you are visiting an elderly person living alone and are concerned for his/her welfare, follow these simple steps to see how he/she is coping:
• Give him/her a hug. With a full embrace, share your love, but also feel for frail frames or prominent bones, indicating a decline in weight. Clothes can hide a lot. Improper nutrition or a medical condition can contribute to weight loss. • Check the refrigerator. Take a glance inside the refrigerator for expired food, lack of fresh vegetables or even something that's not supposed to be in there (like a television remote control). Lack of nutrition or dehydration can affect health. • Review the mail. If checking on an aging parent, glance through the recent mail to ensure that bills are being paid in a timely manner. Also, look for scams that target seniors.
When the Person Lives in a Senior Care Community A holiday is still a holiday whether it is celebrated at home or at an assisted living community. Here are some ways to celebrate together: • Consider joining your loved one in community-planned holiday activities. (Check your community’s schedule for upcoming events.) • Bring a favorite holiday food to share. • Sing holiday carols and ask if other residents would like to join in.
Looking for more holiday tips? ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch can help. Call (619) 202-1023 for free resources for family caregivers. A Nurse Care Manager can even visit your loved one and provide a free wellness assessment.
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Sweetwater District Awarded $8 Million Department of Defense STEM Grant
Recently, the Department of Defense kicked off San Diego Fleet Week by presenting the Sweetwater District with an $8 million grant to begin implementation of the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) College Readiness Program. The program will be implemented in 10 Sweetwater District high schools that have children of military personnel in their student bodies. “This grant is giving us an opportunity to really provide the time and training to enhance teaching and learning for students and for staff,” said Sweetwater District Superintendent Dr. Karen Janney. The NMSI grant is intended to increase the number of students taking college-level courses to prepare them for the 21st-century economy. The program also places an emphasis on increasing access and achievement among traditionally underrepresented students. The program will be implemented at Bonita Vista, Chula Vista, Eastlake, Hilltop, Montgomery, Mar Vista, Olympian, Otay Ranch, Southwest and Sweetwater high schools. “Over the last couple of years, we have worked very hard as a district to implement strategies in our teaching and learning and overall curriculum that ensure that our students are not only getting into college, but that they are prepared when they get there,” said Arturo Solis, Sweetwater District Board of Trustees President. “Our motto has been “Putting Students First” and with the help of this program, we will be able to do just that.” The presentation at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier helped kick off Fleet Week San Diego. Chula Vista High student Roman Cisneros opened the program by singing the National Anthem and Mar Vista High’s NJROTC paraded the colors. Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, attended the event and encouraged students to “continue being innovative and keep exploring.”
NMSI is a 10-year-old program that has been implemented in 217 high schools that serve military families in 31 states, 93 military installations and four military services. 20 O U R HOMETOWN • NOV EMB E R 2 0 17
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The Port of San Diego Helps to Tackle the Pollution Problem at its Source
Little Free Library
Five-year grant is largest CVESD has received for coastal education
The Chula Vista Elementary School District was awarded $68,800 by the Port’s Environmental Advisory Committee for its Coastal Education Program, located at the Living Coast Discovery Center. The funding is to be used to provide transportation and admission costs for students over the next five years. The CVESD Coastal Education Program allows students to enhance the knowledge they are learning in the classroom by actually coming face to face with the flora and fauna in and around the San Diego Bay. An emphasis of the program includes teaching students about their local watershed, how pollution enters the bay and what they can personally do to reduce this preventable problem. “Students actually trace the flow of water from the mountains, through the neighborhoods and into the Bay as they stare off of one of the observation decks at the Living Coast,” said Karen Quirós, the Resource Teacher in charge of the Coastal Education Program. “They see exactly how the trash in the street by their house or school goes directly into the ocean.” Since January 2010, funding from the Unified Port of San Diego has made it possible for more than 22,000 students from almost 800 classes to attend a Coastal Education Program at the Living Coast Discovery Center. A major obstacle for teachers is the cost of transportation. The funding from the Port eliminates this barrier, which makes the program more accessible to all Chula Vista Elementary students. During the next five years, the funding from the Port will allow about 20,800 more local students and about 2,400 chaperoning adults access to environmental education that focuses on storm water and watershed awareness, pollution prevention, and waste reduction. The students’ science content knowledge and knowledge of pollution are tested before and after their participation in the program. Over the past seven years, students have shown an average 20 percent increase in their knowledge after their three- to four-hour learning experience. Students have opportunities to touch and observe numerous animals. They hike on the trails with binoculars to discover evidence of animals and view local habitats. They collect plankton and water to test in the lab and view under the microscope. All students come face to face with nature and learn to care about the amazing animals in their local coastal habitat.
Burton C. Tiffany Elementary teacher Steve Adair built a “Little Free Library” for the front of Tiffany School. Like the many Little Free Libraries throughout San Diego County, families are welcome either to take or leave a book. Mr. Adair said the idea began to take root at the end of May 2017, when Tiffany Principal Chris Carroll shared an article about how Little Libraries are popping up around San Diego. “He knew I had built a few things at home and…thought a Little Library would be great here at Tiffany,” Mr. Adair recalled. After reading about Little Libraries, Mr. Adair discovered that it is an easily accessible, community box where people can place a book that they have enjoyed and/or select a book that someone else has left to enjoy. “I came up with a design I thought would look good,” Mr. Adair recalled. “I balanced building the library with my other projects throughout the summer and finished everything but the lettering on the door by the middle of August…Eileen Loyola, a 5th grade teacher at Tiffany, has the artistic skill to help with the lettering, but she knew someone even better— her daughter, Jillian Loyola, a senior at Eastlake High. I told her what I wanted the wording to be and she delivered.” They contacted the District’s maintenance department, whose staff made time to install the mounting post. “A few days later, I installed the Little Library in front of Tiffany School. I ‘seeded’ the library with some books the day I put it up,” Mr. Adair said. “By the next morning several books had been taken and some had been dropped off. I even had our school custodian tell me he saw several older students participating. The community has been enriched by this simple service.” Thank you, Mr. Adair and Tiffany staff! If you are ever in the Tiffany neighborhood, swing by and pick up or drop off a book. OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 23
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OUT & ABOUT
NOVEMBER NEED ASSISTANCE PAYING FOR COLLEGE? ATTEND A FINANCIAL AID EVENT. For more information, contact College & Career Readiness at (619) 600-3340. Cash for College - Saturdays 11/4 @ 9 a.m. - Noon @ Montgomery, Computer Lab Financial Aid Events 11/8 @ 6 p.m. @ Otay Ranch High School, Theater 11/15 @ 6 p.m. @ Sweetwater High School, Theater and Library 11/16 @ 5 p.m. @ Palomar High School, Computer Lab
12TH ANNUAL HONOR OUR VETERANS PARADE @ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Veterans Elementary School, 1550 Magdalena Avenue in Chula Vista. Bring thank-you signs and flags to cheer our veterans.
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SOUTH BAY PUMPKIN SMASH GAME OF THROWS @ 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. @ Salt Creek Golf Club, 525 Hunte Parkway in Chula Vista. Build a mechanical device, smash pumpkins and win cash prizes. Participants range from 3rd to 12th grade. Schools, scouts, clubs, etc. are all welcome. For more information, visit www.LabRats.org.
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CHULA VISTA ZERO WASTE 101 WORKSHOP @ 10 a.m. - Noon @ Chula Vista Hills Garden, 980 Buena Vista Way in Chula Vista. This informational and interactive workshop will provide resources and share tips and tricks to implement a zero-waste lifestyle at home and on the go. Activities will include educational booths, a swap ‘n’ shop (remember to bring items for this!), kids craft, and make-and-take station. For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/cv-zero-wasteworkshop-17.
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VETERANS WALK 2017 @ 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. @ Veterans Home of California, 700 East Naples Court in Chula Vista. Support our Heroes at the 16th Annual 6K/4 Mile Walk/Run. The event kicks off with a ceremony and ends with food, festivities, a celebration and activities. All proceeds will go to Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation for aging and disabled veterans. For more information or to register, visit TheVeteransWalk.org. FILM FORUM @ 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Chula Vista Civic Center Auditorium, 365 F St. in Chula Vista. Enjoy a free dance performance featuring students from Selah Groove Performing Arts Academy, followed by a film screening of The Wedding Plan in Hebrew with English subtitles at 6 p.m. This free, all-ages event is sponsored by the Friends of the Chula Vista Library.
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CHULA VISTA CHAMBER MIXER @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Join your community’s business owners in a networking event hosted by Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. Health screenings and flu vaccinations will be provided. $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Located at Hilltop Business Center, 3804 Main Street, Suite C in Chula Vista. To RSVP, call (619) 4206603 or email admindesk@ chulavistachamber.org. MARINE CORPS LEAGUE DETACHMENT 1207 MEETING @ 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. @ Bldg. F, Veteran’s Home, 700 E. Naples Court in Chula Vista. Join former and retired Marines, Navy, Army and Air Force veterans. Call (619) 227-9535 for info.
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VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS @ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane in Chula Vista. Get started on your holiday shopping with more than 40 high-end crafters. Support local veterans with high teas, Toys for Tots, and the Adopt a Veteran stockings. Sign up for the blood drive and/or bring a toy and receive a free daily drawing ticket! Admission is free. THANKSGIVING CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR @ 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ The Glenner Memory Care Centers, 280 Saylor Drive in Chula Vista. Bring a canned good and get a free raffle ticket!
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FIRESIDE CHATS – “NEGOTIATING THE COMPLEX MAZE OF HEALTHCARE" LUNCH & LEARN @ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. @ St. Paul's Plaza, 1420 E. Palomar Street in Chula Vista. Speaker is MaryAnn Lentini from Love Right Home Care. To RSVP, call Mary Johnson at (619) 591-0600 or email mjohnson@stpaulseniors.org.
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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF TOURNAMENT @ 10 a.m. Shotgun start @ Salt Creek Golf Club, 525 Hunte Pkwy in Chula Vista. $450 for foursome, $125 for individuals. Includes green fee, cart, range balls, boxed lunch and awards banquet. Email info@ chulavistachamber.org for details. CHULA VISTA BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER @ 2 and 6 p.m. @ Chapman Theatre, Eastlake High School, 1120 Eastlake Pkwy in Chula Vista. Tickets are $25 in advance, $27 at the door. Purchase in person at the Chula Vista Ballet or online at chulavistaballet.org.
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VETERAN DOCUMENTARY SERIES on Thursdays @ 5 p.m. @ Civic Center Library Auditorium. Honoring our veterans with a weekly movie series. 11/02: Patriot Guard Riders 11/09: Where Soldiers Come From 11/16: New American Soldier 11/30: When I Came Home
SAVE THE DATE 12/2: FREE HOLIDAY FUN AND SNOWFALL @ Noon - 8 p.m. @ Eastlake Village Marketplace, 2225 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista. Enjoy the free activities, holiday crafts and snap a photo with Santa. Don’t miss the Winter Wonderland experience in San Diego with special afternoon (and night) snowfalls. It’s completely free and completely magical. For more info, visit shopvillagewalk.com. 12/2: STARLIGHT PARADE @ 6 – 8 p.m. @ Third Avenue Village. This free family event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Don’t miss Frosty’s Snow Hill at Memorial Park from noon to 5 p.m. where kids of all ages can play in the snow. For more info or to participate in the parade, please call (619) 233-5008 or email Camille@ mcfarlanepromotions.com.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
12/3: GIANT SNOW GLOBE AT VILLAGE WALK @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. @ Eastlake Village Marketplace, 2225 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista. Stop by for the perfect photo or backdrop for your holiday cards or social media located near the children’s play area. For more info, visit shopvillagewalk.com.
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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION The purpose of the Veterans Advisory Commission (VAC) is to provide information and recommendations to the Council on matters relating to the veterans community. The VAC works with the City Council and City staff to implement projects within the community. Some of their successful projects include: • Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE): The Chula Vista VAC worked to have the City adopt procurement practices that recognized the DVBE status and supported DVBE businesses. • Fallen Veteran Memorial at Memorial Park: The Chula Vista VAC had support from City staff to establish a Fallen Veteran Memorial at Memorial Park. • Fallen Heroes Banners: The Chula Vista Mall management agreed to place banners honoring individual local fallen veterans. The goal is to have the banners in place by November 2017. • Chula Vista Veteran of the Year: A Chula Vista Veteran of the Year is selected each year and is recognized at a City Council meeting. This honoree also represents the City in the County of San Diego Veteran of the Year event. • Other veteran issues discussed/supported by the Commission: The VAC also works to support various veteran-related charities/non-profits/organizations such as Us4Warriors, United Veterans Council, VFW and FRA Associations, Chula Vista Veterans Home Foundation, Million Veteran Program, Veterans Stand Down, Veterans Connect, Food4Warriors, and others.
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For more information on the Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission, please visit http://bit.ly/2ypocFk.
SAFETY COMMISSION The Safety Commission is composed of seven Chula Vista residents who work in coordination with the Engineering Department to consider and develop ideas and suggestions to contribute to the improvement of personal, traffic or property safety within the City. They meet each month to discuss and conduct public hearings on matters related to public safety, such as vehicle, bicycle, and/or pedestrian traffic safety within the public right of way. Some important recommendations the commission has forwarded to the City Council include establishing timelimited parking along the west side of Silvas Street in front of 2620 Main Street, prohibiting overnight parking along Fourth Avenue from Main Street to the southerly city limit, and adopting the Main Street Streetscape Master Plan. The duties of the Safety Commission have evolved over the years. Initially, the Commission served as an advisory group to the City Council. Due to an increase in population, vehicular ownership, and traffic in the City, traffic issues brought to the City Council increased tremendously. As a result, on March 14, 1995, the City Council adopted a policy granting additional authority to the City Engineer on matters heard before the Safety Commission.
The Safety Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The public is encouraged and welcome to attend any meeting. Please check the Safety Commission's website for agendas and information at http://bit.ly/2yJ0kNF.
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