CVESD’s third annual Community Expo is back to showcase our programs, provide resources to our families, and connect with the community as we start the 2024-25 school year.
Saturday, July 27, 2024
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 84 East J Street, Chula Vista 91910
• Free food for all attendees while supplies last
• Interactive activities for kids
• District resources and community services
On July 10th burn survivors aged 8 - 17 learned about firefighting and gain support from one another as part of a special visit to Chula Vista Fire Station 4 by the Burn Institute’s Camp Beyond the Scars. The day trip included discussions with burn survivor firefighters, a firefighter obstacle course, and fire engine and station tours. This event was a significant part of the healing process for many burn survivor campers, who first met firefighters on one of the worst days of their lives. There was also a special motivational discussion with a firefighter who is a burn survivor. Camp Beyond the Scars is a weeklong sleepaway summer camp offered by the Burn Institute to children who have experienced a burn injury. The camp is free of charge for burn survivors treated at the UC San Diego Regional Burn Center, or who live in San Diego or Imperial Counties. This year’s camp is based at a campground in Chula Vista. In addition to typical summer camp activities, the camp offers a supportive space where campers can learn coping skills, build relationships, and begin a lifelong conversation about how burn injuries have impacted their lives. The camp is led by adult burn survivors, healthcare and mental health professionals, and off-duty firefighters.
The Burn Institute is dedicated to reducing the number of burn-related injuries and deaths in San Diego and Imperial Counties through fire and burn prevention education, burn survivor support programs, and funding towards vital burn care research and treatment.
In the first two articles in this series, “Are we prepared for wildfire” we defined the threat of wildfires in Chula Vista, and we then described what the City as a government is doing to address it. Now will dive into what your Chula Vista Fire Department is doing about wildfire response and prevention.
The Fire Department’s mission is to protect life, environment, and property. We do this primarily by responding quickly with properly trained and equipped firefighters to keep fires small and simultaneously evacuate the public from harm’s way.
Response activities are something the Fire Department must do, as fighting these fires is dangerous and requires specialized training and equipment to do so safely and e ectively. Response capability includes having an e ective response force, or the number of firefighters available and distributed throughout the city so that the first fire engine arrives at fires within seven minutes.
Our personnel are highly qualified firefighters and must complete initial nationally recognized wildland firefighter training. They must complete annual continuing education training to maintain their qualifications. These training requirements are set in place due to the unique hazards that exist in this firefighting environment, and unfortunately claim the lives of serval firefighters every year.
Coupled with our personnel, is properly equipping them to act as a force multiplier to their training. The equipment incorporates both personal protective equipment that our firefighters wear while fighting fires but also includes fire apparatus specifically designed for wildfires. Our firefighters are outfitted with specialized wildfire-resistive jackets and pants which are lightweight to reduce stress induced by steep terrain and typical high temperatures associated with these types of fires.
Another piece of safety equipment that firefighters wear while fighting wildfires is called a fire shelter. This is a small, singleperson-aluminum lined fabric tent that can be deployed by firefighters as a last resort if they become overrun by wildfire flames. This piece of equipment is required by law to be carried by firefighters in this work environment and requires firefighters to complete an annual skills verification to ensure they can use the shelter properly if needed at a fire.
Before fires occur, the Fire Department also focuses on preventing fires from taking place and growing beyond the capabilities of firefighters. Unfortunately, fires may always be a hazard we must live with here in Southern California; however, we can adapt our ways to reduce the threat to life, the environment, and property. These actions come in the form of adopting modern
building and fire codes, requiring fire protection plans for new development, and local ordinances allowing for ongoing seasonal hazardous fuels removal near homes and evacuation routes.
Chula Vista Fire Department Fire Inspectors play a large role in ensuring current building and fire codes are amended, adopted, and enforced within the city. These codes create a safer living environment in your homes and public spaces that we all visit for our daily needs, such as stores and businesses. Preventative measures include creating a defensible space around homes and other buildings where natural vegetation grows within 100 feet. This is commonly referred to as the Wildland Urban Interface or WUI. The Chula Vista Fire Department has recently assembled a Hazardous Fuels Reduction Hand Crew, or Fuels Crew for short. This crew works for the fire department and focuses on removing hazardous fuels on city-owned property and is a proactive measure to reduce the risk associated with wildfires. This crew has removed more than 75 acres of hazardous fuels throughout the city since they began working in December of 2023.
Cristiansbigheart.org celebrates 10 years in South Bay by Joining Forces to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest Among Teenagers
September 1,2014 was supposed to be an ordinary day for Rolling Hills residents Tanya Cruz-Flores & William Flores, but it wasn’t. While visiting home from college their son Cristian Acosta-Flores passed away at their home from an undiagnosed enlarged heart one day shy of his 19th birthday. Cristian was a student athlete at both Eastlake and Olympian High schools before graduating to attend San Jose State. From the outside looking in, nothing was physically wrong with Cristian, but his sudden passing left family and friends in disbelief. His sudden passing is one of many thousands just like it that have silently struck teens in increasing numbers across the country To this day, family and friends remember Cristian for how he always lent a hand, encouraged others, and cared deeply for those around him - truly living out a Big Hearted life.
This tragic loss ten years ago kicked o a quest for Cristian’s parents Tanya & William. Their search for answers, understanding and purpose behind this loss led them to learn about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and the Eric Paredes Save-a-life Foundation. Founders Hector and Rhina had lost their son Eric to cardiac arrest in 2009 to which they established EP Save-a-life Foundation to honor him through their commitment to prevent this tragedy from happening to other families.
Since the time that Tanya, William, Hector and Rhina met they have brought their families, and their organizations together, to help other families avoid the same tragedy they went through. For the last 10 years Cristians Big Heart has honored the tragic loss of Cristian by raising money and awareness to help families screen their teens throughout San Diego County. In a powerful display of community commitment to youth health, Cristians Big Heart and EP Save-a-life Foundation have embarked on annual joint fundraising campaigns to prevent sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) among teenagers aged 12-25. Since 2014, Cristian’s Big Heart has raised and donated $357,000 to sudden cardiac prevention.
EP Save-a-life Foundation, renowned for its advocacy and expertise in cardiac health, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience
to the partnership. Through collaborative e orts, both organizations aim to enhance cardiac screening programs, promote CPR and defibrillator training, and advocate for policies that prioritize youth cardiac health in educational settings.
Sudden cardiac arrest, often striking without warning, claims the lives of thousands of young individuals each year. Recognizing the urgent need for proactive measures, Cristians Big Heart and EP Save A Life Foundation have pooled their e orts and resources to tackle the issue head-on.
Since it’s founding EP Save-a-life Foundation, has performed 41,221 Heart screenings for teens (identifying 642 Cardiac Abnormalities), Placed 198 AEDs, conducted 56,769 Sudden Cardiac Arrest Trainings, and helped pass 3 Laws.
“At Cristian’s Big Heart, we are dedicated to honoring the memory of Cristian and all young lives lost to sudden cardiac arrest,” expressed William Flores, Cristian’s Father. “Teaming up with EP Save-a-life allows us to increase our impact and reach more families, schools, and communities with lifesaving education and resources.”
Scheduled to run from Sunday, August 31, 2024, through Tuesday, September 2, 2024, this years virtual event aims to raise awareness, educate communities, and provide essential resources to combat
“At Cristian’s Big Heart, we are dedicated to honoring the memory of Cristian and all young lives lost to sudden cardiac arrest”
this silent deadly condition. The south bay community is invited to participate, sponsor, or donate to continue saving lives one screening at a time. Further, e orts to update legislation to screen teens as part of their annual examination have been gaining traction in recent years, especially in light of the increased national prevalence of this silent killer among youth.
Funds raised during the upcoming fundraiser will directly support initiatives such as the purchase of state-of-the-art cardiac screening equipment, expansion of community-based CPR training programs, and the distribution of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to schools and public spaces.
“We believe in a future where every
teenager has the opportunity to live a healthy life, free from the fear of sudden cardiac arrest,” emphasized Tanya Cruz, Cristian’s mother. “By working together, we are creating a more prepared community.”
Local businesses and organizations have routinely pledged their support to the joint initiative, underscoring the widespread community backing for youth health and safety. Through collaborative e orts and public support, both organizations aim to raise awareness, foster community resilience, and ultimately save lives through the Screen your Teen Program.
Fundraiser Details:
Virtual Event Dates: Sunday, August 31, 2024 through Tuesday, September 2, 2024
(Crisitan’s Birthday)
Register to Participate or Donate at: www. Cristiansbigheart.org
Register your Teen for an upcoming Free Heart Screening at: www.epsavealife.org
This collaboration between www. Cristiansbigheart.org and www.epsavealife. org underscores the importance of community partnerships in tackling health challenges and highlights the dedication and determination of individuals and organizations to protect the future of our youth. For more information on how you can support or to make a donation, please visit www.Cristiansbigheart.org and www.epsavealife.org.
“We believe in a future where every teenager has the opportunity to live a healthy life, free from the fear of sudden cardiac arrest”
Bill of Rights Ship
J Street Marina, Chula Vista, Ca 91910
rsvp
Miriam- (619) 259-9810
Stephanie (619) 851-2984
Laura (619) 943-0750 Departing at 5:30pm Adult Event Only
The groundbreaking of the Amara Bay Community on June 26, 2024 marks a significant milestone for Chula Vista’s Bayfront. The future Bayfront village will include improved public access to tidelands, dining options, housing opportunities, shopping availability, preserve significant acreage of sensitive habitat and create new jobs. Over the next several years, Chula Vista’s Bayfront will become a regional destination for Chula Vistans and visitors.
I am honored as Mayor to have led the groundbreaking to celebrate our new community. As a City Councilmember and now Mayor, I am humbled to have been part of the project from its inception to the beginning of its construction. The Amara Bay Community represents the foundation of a brighter future for our residents. It is the cornerstone for the revitalization of our older communities by bringing in new revenue to improve infrastructure, fix potholes, maintain our roads, improve our parks, and fund additional first responders.
The 35-acre project is a testament to our collective vision, hard work, and commitment to creating a thriving, inclusive, and vibrant community. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a place where families can grow, businesses can flourish, and everyone can feel a true sense of belonging. As we recently turned the first shovel of earth, a journey began that will transform the Chula Vista Bayfront into a beacon of hope for generations to come.
I want to personally thank Chairman Ash Israni of the Pacifica Companies for his over $1 Billion dollar investment in Chula Vista with the Amara Bay Community; Chula Vista’s Port Commissioner Ann Moore, and before her Senator Steve Padilla and Bill Hall, for their years of leadership in making this community happen; and all the community stakeholders, sta and elected o cials who have supported this project over the years to make it a reality.
The Amara Bay
Community will include 1,500 condominium units spread across seven residential towers, a 250 room hotel, and 400,000 square feet of commercial o ce space.
The public improvements for the project will be significant. It will involve the construction of new public infrastructure and utilities surrounding the development. Work will include the demolition and reconstruction of Marina Parkway, J St., and a
Submissions:
portion of Marina Way as well as new roads on the project site.
The work is expected to take roughly 1824 months to complete and will progress in phases that allow access to all marina facilities throughout the construction period. Once the public improvements for the project are completed, residential, hotel, and o ce components of the project will begin.
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Send an email tojmccann@ chulavistaca.gov if you’re interested in subscribing to our monthly community newsletter.
I Wish I Would Have Known the Truth About Reverse Mortgages.
Years ago, my parents sold their home in Orange County. Rising healthcare costs and age-related living expenses were overwhelming them and causing terrible stress. They were in their mid-60s and lost most of their retirement savings due to market downturns. They purchased the property in the mid-80s and had a lot of equity but couldn’t refinance or qualify for a home equity loan due to limited social security income. If they had a choice, they would have preferred to stay in their home where they lived for 25 years, raised two kids, were friendly with the neighbors and felt very comfortable. However, they were told that selling the home and renting was the most sensible option to solve their financial problems. Their home eventually sold in a bad market for much less than they had planned. Coupled with high closing costs, moving expenses, and paying o debt, they had barely enough left over to manage the new rent payment. Two months after closing and moving into the new rental, the main water line leaked and flooded the entire ground floor, destroying many of their personal items. Moreover, the landlord put the unit up for sale only a year later, and my parents had to pack up and move all over again. They were devastated. Sadly, these events took a drastic toll on their health and spirits. Prior to listing their home, my parents were extremely active and happy people. I felt guilty and helpless because I didn’t have the financial resources to help them. I did the best I could, but my heart was broken seeing them so miserable.
reverse mortgages called “HECM’’ for homeowners aged 62 and older. The new “HECM’’ reverse mortgage of today does NOT resemble the prior predatory loans, other than it o ers no monthly mortgage payment. The bank does not go on title, there are no prepayment penalties, and the borrowers have the same rights as traditional FHA loans. Additionally, there are numerous consumer protections woven through the sales process and product structure itself, including mandatory reverse mortgage counseling prior to an application and a three day right of rescission.
home as your primary residence. This is becoming increasingly popular with Baby Boomers looking to downsize for a variety of reasons. With the HECM for purchase, seniors can considerably increase their purchasing power while eliminating mortgage payments forever.
There Was Another Option I Never Considered Years later, I learned that my parents had another option that I never knew much about: Reverse Mortgages. If you are like me, just hearing those two words together makes you cringe. I can’t explain why I felt that way, because I really didn’t know anything about reverse mortgages. But I knew that they were bad, so this was not a good option – at least I thought I knew. I thought a reverse mortgage meant that the bank would eventually own the home, and the heirs (specifically myself) would be stripped instantly of any inheritance. I had no authority for that conclusion, other than what I had heard in the movies and other people, and so I just accepted it as true. I don’t have many regrets in life, but one of my biggest regrets is not looking into reverse mortgages for my parents.
After learning more about reverse mortgages, I decided to dig deep to find out why these loans had such a bad reputation. I learned that in the 1960s, there was a pilot program for a new mortgage product designed specifically for senior homeowners with no monthly payment obligations. This early structure assigned many rights to the bank, resulting in considerable authority. The bank was on title and could initiate foreclosure against the borrowers for numerous causes, resulting in seniors losing title to their homes. Over the past 50 years, the program and product has been completely overhauled. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a law for new
Simply stated…. A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62 and older to access a portion of their equity to use for any purpose without ever having to make a mortgage payment. The bank does not go on title, and when the home is sold, the equity goes to the designated heirs. The heirs have up to one year to either refinance the property into their name or sell the home and receive the equity. There is no prepayment penalty and the homeowners can sell the home anytime. The only di erence between a HECM reverse mortgage and traditional mortgage is that there are no mortgage payments - ever - with the HECM. Qualifying for a HECM is also considerably less stringent than a traditional mortgage.
The homeowner is only responsible for paying the related property taxes, HOI and HOA dues. In my parents’ case, they could have used a reverse mortgage to pay o their existing loan, received over one hundred thousand dollars at closing, and most importantly been able to stay in their home until they passed without ever having to make a mortgage payment. And when they passed, I could have sold the property and received the equity as we had initially planned. I can’t imagine the di erence that would have made in their overall happiness and peace of mind during their final chapter. Instead of being stressed and worried all the time, they could have stayed in their home, traveled the world, and enjoyed retirement the way we always envisioned.
You can now purchase a home using a reverse mortgage with the same benefits and protections. Instead of paying all cash for a new home (most seniors don’t qualify for traditional loans), you can put down 60-65% of the purchase price with no mortgage payments for as long as you reside in the
Additionally, the new improved reverse mortgage HECM has a line of credit feature which allows a borrower to place the unused portion of their reverse mortgage proceeds into a line of credit with a growth rate consistent with current mortgage interest rates. Because of this feature, more savvy, sophisticated and a uent homeowners are using the reverse mortgage as a component to their overall retirement plans, particularly during market downturns. The line of credit (LOC) is also a great hedge against inflation and potential future housing crashes. Unlike a HELOC, the reverse mortgage LOC has no monthly payment and can never be canceled. Reverse mortgages are no longer a last resort for the needy. Instead, sophisticated financial advisors and CPAs are recognizing their hidden valueespecially in the line of credit feature - and are recommending reverse mortgages for many clients.
For Yourself?
Since Covid, Chula Vista real estate has experienced as much as 60% appreciation, creating billions of dollars in equity gains for homeowners. With a reverse mortgage, you can access a portion of those gains tax free and create a living legacy for your family. Imagine having access to hundreds of thousands of dollars to use for anything you want without ever having to make a payment? Take a cruise around the world, remodel your kitchen, give money to your grandkids for college, or set up a line of credit for emergencies and health care. The truth is that today’s reverse mortgage is safer and better than ever and, if used responsibly, can be a very smart planning tool that solves many problems unique in retirement.
The experienced team at American Retirement Group, Inc. specializes in Reverse Mortgages and senior-focused mortgage products. They have funded thousands of reverse mortgages and make the process seamless. They can typically close a loan in 30 days or less, which is twice as fast as most other lenders. Moreover, they analyze your current loan terms and available equity, and o er solutions to maximize the utility of your home equity. Call ARG today at 888-ARG-0009 to learn more with no obligation. It might be the best decision you ever make for your retirement. You can also visit www.AmericanRetirementGroup.com for more information or to schedule a free consultation.
ARG is seeking local senior residents interested in participating in focus groups relating to products and services specifically for seniors. Meet like minded locals and make a direct contribution towards the improvement of products for seniors. Food and refreshments provided after. Email info@americanretirementgroup.com to request information on how to participate in upcoming focus groups.
ARG is hiring local residents for full time and part time positions. Looking to make an actual di erence in peoples lives? Interested in learning about mortgage lending and real estate specifically for seniors? We want to meet you and learn more about your skills, personalities and backgrounds! Email info@americanretirementgroup. Com to request additional information about current job openings for local residents.
• Home renovations
• Pay o credit cards
• Take a vacation
• Buy an investment property
Take advantage of your equity gains and take some chips o the table to use right away.
Call ARG at 888-ARG-0009 and mention code ourhometown24. www.americanretirementgroup.com
ARG is seeking local Chula Vista resident high school and college students interested in summer internships. Marketing, sales, social media, community outreach, education, jr. management, processing, and administration support. Email info@ americanretirementgroup.Com if interested in summer internship opportunities. Internships may lead to exciting and rewarding permanent positions!
Rick Richardson CEO, Child Development Associates
(CDA)
SB Elavate New Founder Member
Rick leads a workforce of 286 employees dedicated to creating positive change. Rick believes all families deserve access to quality childcare, education, and supportive services that will promote children’s healthy development and family success. His connection to CDA’s mission is based on his experience with childhood poverty and his mother’s struggles as a single parent.
Under Rick’s leadership, CDA has earned state and local recognition for innovative learning environments, high-quality education, family support services, and exemplary program administration. With a budget of over $235 million dollars, CDA helps 7,664 San Diego low-income families a ord child care services so they can work, attend school or seek employment to strengthen their economic security. CDA supports over 9,000 child care providers with nutrition education, funding, and business support.
Rick’s passion to create positive change in the community is reflected in his state and local service. He serves on the board of Thriving Families California, Chula Vista Community Foundation and Rotary Club. Rick is a Commissioner on the County First 5 Commission and member of the County Child Care and Development Planning Council, where he passionately advocates for children, families, and child care providers.
Before CDA, Rick served over 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as Colonel. Rick served his county as a combat arms o cer, base commander, and strategic planner. His military decorations include the Bronze Star for combat service and the Defense Superior Service Medal.
He served eight years as a nationally-licensed head coach for the Eastlake High School Mountain Bike Team, and founded the South Bay Composite Team. He is currently a performance driving instructor with Porsche Club San Diego. In his free time Rick can be found with his family and dog, helping out in the community, exploring the desert, or driving anything that blows his hair back!
SB Elavate New Charter Member
Peter is presently a Realtor and Broker with two decades of real estate experience (licensed in 2004) working in several capacities to serve a wide range of clients with many real estate needs. When he is not working in real estate you might find him with his wife and four children serving within the community as well as at various school or church functions.
Peter is the broker/owner of Praecelsus Property Management, a local, highly reputable property management firm in East Chula Vista specializing in single family and multifamily residential rental properties throughout San Diego County. His background in business administration and marketing has helped him to realize continued substantial growth over the years in this business venture.
Peter is also a Realtor and Broker Associate with Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Clarity in Eastlake where he works to serve buyers, sellers and investors. His background in property management and real estate investing has given him a unique view into the benefits
Keren Lopez is a first-generation college graduate and business owner. Keren is fluent in reading and writing in both Spanish and English. Upon graduating from San Diego State University in 2019 with a BS in Accounting, Keren received her Federal Enrolled Agent’s license. Keren is proficient in completing individual, corporate, and all other tax returns; as well as performing accounting and payroll duties for various local Chula Vista clients. As a dedicated alumni to SDSU, Keren also helps current students navigate their careers through the Aztec Mentor Program. Keren’s main goal is to help clients achieve their financial goals and leave her o ce with peace of mind.
and strategies of home ownership and sales.
His experience includes:
• First Time Buyers
• Military Buyers
• Sellers looking to maximize sales price
• Investors (buy and sell)
• Relocation Services
• Referrals to top agents world-wide
• Leasing/Property Management
• Short Sale Negotiations
• Foreclosures
Peter has a strong background in entrepreneurial ventures which has helped him to thrive in a variety of markets. His unique skills and insight have allowed him to find new ways to meet his clients’ needs as markets have continued to adjust.
In his spare time, you may also find Peter working on his future goals which include publishing a variety of books, mentoring/coaching, playing bass and practicing his less-than-stellar surfing skills.
For reviews on Peter Carlseen, please visit https://www.zillow.com/profile/CVReal-Estate-Xpert/
You can also follow in Instagram @theCVseen or on YouTube @PeterCarlseen
The Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates steady at its meeting on June 11-12, 2024, maintaining the federal funds target rate at 5.25% to 5.5%.
This rate has been unchanged since July 2023. To combat inflation, the rate was increased 11 times from March 2022 to July 2023. Although inflation has decreased, the Fed seeks more positive economic data before considering rate cuts.
In March 2024, the central bank predicted three quarter-point rate cuts by year-end, but this has become uncertain. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets eight times annually to decide on the federal funds rate, influencing overnight lending rates between commercial banks. Led by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the 12-member committee considers factors like inflation, employment, and borrowing rates.
So far in 2024, the FOMC has met
Ask Minnie about:
• Buying/Selling
• Preforeclosure Consultation
• Real Estate Investments
• Property Management
• Probate/Trust
• Divorce
“My husband and I moved back to San Diego after living in Sacramento for 10+ years. Minnie was a dream to work with: attentive, caring, responsive, motivated, honest, professional and trustworthy. She listened as we described our style and location preferences, and always found 3-4 listings that matched what we wanted. It felt like we were her only clients. It’s been almost four years since we bought our house, I can text or email Minnie with a question and she responds quickly.” ~ Sharon M.
four times without changing rates. The remaining meetings are scheduled for July 30-31, September 17-18, November 6-7, and December 17-18.
When interest rates eventually decrease, various financial sectors will be impacted di erently. Banks are required to hold 10% of deposits in reserve, loaning money back and forth to maintain this level. The FOMC sets the federal funds rate, which banks use to determine the interest rates they charge consumers. The current rate of 5.25% to 5.5% is the highest since January 2001.
Lower federal funds rates will lead to reduced rates for certificates of deposit (CDs), money markets, and bank savings accounts almost immediately, with cuts likely occurring in 0.25% increments over several years. Mortgage rates, influenced by creditworthiness and loan terms, may not move exactly in tandem with federal rate cuts but are expected to decline overall.
In anticipation of rate reductions, adjustablerate mortgages (ARMs) can be an attractive option. ARMs start with a fixed rate for a set period before adjusting periodically. For example, a 7/1 ARM o ers a fixed rate for seven years, followed by annual adjustments. With mortgage rates expected to drop, a variable rate mortgage could be beneficial.
Improving your credit score is crucial if you’re
waiting for lower rates to apply for a mortgage or personal loan. A higher credit score can qualify you for better rates. Key steps include making on-time payments in full, requesting higher credit limits to lower your credit utilization ratio, and avoiding new lines of credit that could temporarily lower your score.
When rates do decrease, several financial moves can be advantageous:
Refinance Your Mortgage: Homeowners who bought during high rates in 2023 should consider refinancing to take advantage of lower rates.
1.Refinance Student Loans: As interest rates drop, so will
the rates on student loans, providing relief to borrowers.
2.Pay O High-Interest Credit Cards: Lower rates will reduce the annual percentage rate (APR) on credit cards, making it easier to pay o balances.
Prioritize making substantial payments on high-interest
debts before rates rise again to maximize financial benefits.
Minnie Rzeslawski has been in the real estate field for over 35 years and understands the process of buying and selling a home. She can be reached at (619) 804-5373 or MinnieR@remax.net.
An estate plan is not just for high-net-worth individuals, it’s for everyone who is single, has a spouse, has a partner, has dependents, owns a business, has investments, has retirement funds, owns property, or has material possessions of value such as a car. An estate plan may reduce estate taxes and shield your beneficiaries from having to go through probate. It means your last wishes will be heard. You can name a guardian for any young children and can even direct how you wish a beloved pet to be cared for after you are gone. Having an estate plan can also prevent a mess by bringing clarity to your beneficiaries, and it can protect assets from unforeseen creditors.1
The estate plan2 may contain a will or living trust, the names of your beneficiaries, the appointment of an executor, a letter of intent that tells a beneficiary or executor what you wish to be done with specific assets, funeral details, and special requests. It should contain a healthcare directive with a power of attorney appointing a trusted person to make medical decisions for you when you can no longer voice your opinion, and a durable power of attorney appointing a trusted friend or relative to make financial and legal decisions for you, if you become incapacitated. It may also contain a trust or trusts for passing on assets to your beneficiaries. Life insurance can be an important component in the overall estate plan.
You should update your estate plan whenever a major change occurs in your life, such as purchasing a home, moving in with a significant other, getting married, having or adopting a baby, selling your business, getting a divorce, retiring, or having a beneficiary die before you do. Review your plan when federal and state laws on estate taxes change.
If you should die without a will (which is called “intestate”),3 the state and federal governments will have standard procedures for distributing your assets, and they may not be in line with your wishes. Your beneficiaries may have to pay more in estate taxes, and probate may take considerably longer than it would if you had a will in place.
Consult a professional advisor on tax and estate planning. Trusts can be complicated to set up, so consult a professional trusts and estates attorney or certified public account before you begin.
1 Julie Garber, “5 Reasons You Need an Estate Plan,” The Balance.com, Updated November 3, 2021. https://www.thebalance.com/top-reasons-why-you-need-an-estate-plan-3505444
2 Glenn Curtis, “6 Estate Planning Must-Haves,” Investopedia.com, Updated February 27, 2022. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/estate_plan_checklist.asp
3 Julia Kagan, “Intestate,” Investopedia.com, Updated November 23, 2022. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/intestate.asp
This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Jorge L Garcia, Agent, CA Ins. Lic. # 4032407. New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact :
Jorge L Garcia 619-454-2182
Jlgarcia03@ft.newyorklife.com
Nominations are now open for the City of Chula Vista’s 2024 Veteran of the Year Award.
This annual honor recognizes the exceptional service and contributions to the community by local military veterans and highlights the City’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices and resilience of its veteran population.
The City is encouraging nominations of deserving veterans who have made significant impacts through continued service, leadership, and dedication to the Chula Vista community since serving in the military. Nominations can be submitted online through the official Veteran of the Year Nomination Form, where there is also further information on nomination requirements. The submission deadline is August 1, 2024.
The nomination process is facilitated by the Veterans Advisory Commission, whose members advocate for the interests and well-being of veterans in the City. The Veteran of the Year Award aligns with the commission’s mission to support and empower the veteran community in Chula Vista. For inquiries or further assistance, individuals can contact the commission via email at VAC@ChulaVistaCA.gov.
“The Veteran of the Year Award is a testament to the incredible individuals who have served our nation and continue to make a difference in our community,” said Nimpa Akana, chair of the City’s Veterans Advisory Commission. “We are excited to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our local veterans and their ongoing contributions to Chula Vista.”
Through this recognition, the City of Chula Vista aims to honor the selfless service and ongoing contributions of veteran residents, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation within the community. Veterans Advisory Commission Member Tony Stewart is a previous recipient of the award. “It is indeed an honor to be recognized by our peers and our community in this way, not only for our military service, but how we have committed ourselves in service to others in the years that follow.”
Details of selection and award presentation ceremonies will be announced later this year.
For more information about the award and nomination process, please visit https://www.chulavistaca.gov/our-city/veterancommunity/veteran-of-the-year.
The City of Chula Vista is seeking input from residents on infrastructure funding priorities, through a new survey available in both English and Spanish. To continue upgrading and maintaining streets, sidewalks, underground storm drains, as well as improve parks, recreation facilities and other local infrastructure, the City Council is considering placing a measure on the November 2024 ballot to renew the Measure P half-cent sales tax for an additional 10 years at the current rate.
As the City evaluates options for continuing to protect services and keep the community well-maintained, resident input is important. An informational mailer is being delivered the week of May 27 to homes,
condominiums, and apartments to invite residents to take the survey. The survey is included in the
and an online
is also available. In addition, an awareness campaign will encourage resident participation via
and
and
Since Measure P took effect on April 1, 2017, more than $190 million has been allocated to projects throughout the city, including street repairs and maintenance, energy and water efficiency upgrades, and new construction of fire stations and community facilities. The ballot measure also established the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee,
which is composed of members who review and report on City compliance with the measure’s provisions. The City has also used the funds to upgrade police, fire, paramedic and emergency life-saving equipment, vehicles, and facilities. A new, modern, 9-1-1 dispatch system ensures rapid emergency response times. The City has also updated and
transformed parks, recreation, and library facilities. Please visit the City’s Renewing Measure P webpage to find links to the survey or more information. The survey is available in English at tinyurl.com/CityofChulaVistaSurvey or in Spanish at tinyurl. com/CityofChulaVistaSpanishSurvey.
Aquatic programs and services at the Y empower people to live healthier lives! Make waves this year with a variety of safe, fun and engaging activities like swim lessons for all ages, swim team, water exercise and more!
To view all available swim lessons, go to ymcasd.org/sbswim. AVAILABLE MONTHLY IN GROUP OR PRIVATE LESSONS.
Ages 6-36 months
Infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences, while parents learn about water safety, drowning prevention and the importance of supervision. Parent participation is required in stages A and B.
SWIM BASICS
Ages 3 and up
Students will learn personal water safety and the fundamental elements of front crawl (freestyle) swimming, integrating arm and leg movements with rhythmic breathing, to achieve basic swimming competency in stages 1-3. Available for preschool and school ages, teens and adults.
SWIM STROKES
Ages 3 and up
After mastering the fundamentals, students will advance to stages 4-6 learning additional water safety skills and deep-water techniques, increasing swim stamina and building stroke techniques. Available for preschool and school ages, teens and adults.
SWIM TEAM
Ages 6-17
Our YMCA Swim Team programs offer a fun and challenging environment for swimmers who demonstrate basic skills and are ready to advance to the next level! Dedicated swimmers will compete with teammates and improve their skills.
