Our Hometown - Chula Vista & Bonita: Jan. 2023

PHOTO BY ANDY CRUZ

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Bullen, Ruch & Neller LLC is a tax and accounting firm established in the early 1940s. We have been in Chula Vista for the entire duration. We help individuals, as well as businesses, take care of their tax needs - both federal and state. We specialize in many different tax areas including individual, corporations (both C and S), Partnerships and LLC’s, fiduciaries, non-profits, sales tax, and business property tax. Other services we provide are accounting, retirement planning, social security planning, bookkeeping, payroll (limited), and audit assistance.

BRNTAX has always been involved in our community. We participate heavily in Rotary and the Kiwanis Club of Chula Vista including holding all the offices in each organization. We are members of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and worked with the South Bayfront Sailing Association. We have won “Best of Tax and Accounting Firm” awards from the Star News for most of the past twentyfive years. Making Chula Vista our home is one of our major goals. We also teach on behalf of the Internal Revenue office, the Franchise Tax Board, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and other government agencies. Our firm believes that when the public understands tax laws, we can build more financially secure futures and a more successful business environment.

Our owners and most of our employees live in the south county area. We use vendors in this area exclusively and do accounting for hundreds of firms in Chula Vista. BRNTAX is loyal to our south county area because we live and work here and are heavily invested. It is truly our pleasure to serve Chula Vista, surrounding south county areas, and every state in the USA. We have seven tax professionals with federal enroll agent licenses and three accountants with QuickBooks Pro Certificates ready to serve you.

It is truly a pleasure to work, serve, and provide for the community!

Our Hometown Welcomes New Contributor

Rachel Perez is a journalism student at San Diego State University and has a passion for writing. Before attending SDSU, she was a student writer for the Southwestern College District News Center. She is a proud Chula Vista native and is excited to further engage with her community by being a part of the Our Hometown team. When she is not keeping up to date with local news, she enjoys exploring San Diego’s beautiful hiking spots, volunteering in her community and traveling.

SPONSORED

Chula Vista Establishes Department Of Housing and Homeless Services

More resources dedicated to address housing needs

The City of Chula Vista recently created the Department of Housing and Homeless Services. This new department will provide the staff and resources to more comprehensively address the housing needs of Chula Vista residents and to advance solutions for the city’s unhoused residents.

The ten-member department manages important programs to meet the housing needs of City residents across all income levels. Priorities for the department include the Homeless Outreach program, Chula Vista Bridge Shelter, Harborside Park outreach, affordable and middle-income housing development, firsttime homebuyer and rental assistance programs, Tenant Protection Ordinance, Community Development Block Grants and other Housing & Urban Development funding programs, as well as the Healthy & Age-Friendly Initiatives and state and local grant programs.

Stacey Kurz is the new Director of Housing and Homeless Services and brings 23 years of experience in planning, housing, and community engagement. She is experienced in addressing critical community

needs and implementing solutions through collaboration with city and community leaders. In addition, the new Department elevates needs of unsheltered through Angelica Davis as the City’s first Homeless Solutions Manager who will continue to provide support to the City’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) efforts and ongoing project management for homeless projects and programs.

“The creation of this department will provide additional focus and dedicated resources to meet the needs of our unsheltered community,” said City Manager Maria V. Kachadoorian. “We look forward to opening the first bridge shelter in South County and to working with our partners to provide services to support and house as many people as possible.”

Chula Vista will make great strides in 2023 with these milestones.

· The Tenant Protection Ordinance will go into effect March 1. It will enact new laws for no-fault evictions.

· The City will open the first bridge shelter in South Bay that will provide 66 individual units for unsheltered individuals. Construction is underway on the City-owned property at 27th and Faivre Streets.

· Over 400 units of Affordable Housing will come online including two projects in Otay Ranch, Encelia in Village 8 West and Columba in Millenia.

· Administration of the re-launched First-Time Homebuyer Program and development of standard plans and software to promote Accessory Dwelling Units.

· Implementation of the approved 2021-2029 Housing Element goals.

For more information and updates, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/housing.

“The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management staff. ”

Rady Children’s Hospital Auxilary Celebration

Celebrating our 70th anniversary Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary has worked in partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego supporting its mission by advocating for the health and well-being of children, increasing community awareness and fundraising. With twenty units and more than 1200 volunteer members we have raised more than $82 million! We raise over $2.5 million annually to support programs that often would not exist without philanthropy. But fundraising is not all we do.

Members learn about the various departments and specialties within the hospital through monthly education seminars, provide clothing and snacks to patients and families brought into the Emergency Department and provide support where needed.

Bonita is one of the original Auxiliary units formed in 1953 with members living in Bonita, Chula Vista, Eastlake, and other South Bay communities. We are a diverse group of women that includes working professionals, homemakers

and volunteers enjoying retirement. Members meet on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month at a member’s home.

The Bonita Unit is excited to host an all-new event this year in honor of fellow unit member, Pam Carlson who passed away from cancer in 2022. Put on your cowboy boots and grab your partner for Honky Tonk Blues April 28, 2023, from 6pm-10pm. We will have a little something for everyone. Food & drinks, music, dancing, auction, games and more. Net proceeds will benefit the Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders.

We are currently seeking sponsors, underwriters, and donations for the event. Those who are interested can go to our website at www.rchabu.org. New members are always welcome, so please join us. Please contact Kim Gorman at kbgorman4@gmail.com for more information.

We have units throughout San Diego County meeting at various times. If you know someone who might be interested in more information, please contact harriet. joinrcha@gmail.com

Presents

Sweetwater Union High School District Celebrates School Board Recognition Month

Every January, the Sweetwater Union High School District recognizes our elected Board of Trustees, who work tirelessly in service to the school district.

These five SUHSD residents volunteer many long hours each school year in their work to set the vision, mission, and goals for the district and determine the resources and budget necessary for the district to operate in a way that allows all students to connect, learn, grow and succeed.

The Sweetwater District community is grateful for the servant leadership of Board President Nicholas Segura, Board Vice President Dr. Adrian Arancibia, and Trustees Arturo Solis, Marti Emerald, and Elva Lopez-Zepeda.

Congratulations to our two newly elected Trustees, Marti Emerald, and Elva Lopez-Zepeda.

MARTI EMERALD

Marti Emerald was an awardwinning broadcast journalist for nearly 30 years, distinguishing herself as an investigative reporter and consumer advocate. She has been honored with hundreds of local, state, and national awards for community service and excellence in journalism, including honors from the National Press Club, for the best consumer journalism in the United States.

In 2008, Marti moved into politics to create healthier lives and opportunities for working men and women in the San Diego region. With support from local Labor and Democratic Party

volunteers, Marti earned a seat on the San Diego City Council. She served as Chair of the allimportant Public Safety/Livable Neighborhoods Committee during her entire eight years on the City Council, and retired in 2016, as the Council’s President Pro-Tem.

During her long career as a journalist and public advocate, Marti went back to school nights to earn her Bachelors’ Degree at National University, graduating Magna Cum Laude when she was 50 years “young”.

Now, Marti Emerald is stepping up to support public education, as the newest member of the Sweetwater Board of Trustees. She will work with parents and students, school staff, and fellow board members to restore public trust in the Sweetwater District, and help our students receive the world class education they deserve.

ELVA LOPEZ-ZEPEDA

Elva Lopez-Zepeda was elected to the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) in November 2022. She has been a resident of Chula Vista for over 20 years. She is a parent of two children who attended schools in the district.

Mrs. Lopez-Zepeda is an educator with over three decades of experience, who has worked to prepare students to become independent learners and lifelong learners at South Bay Union School District. As an educator and board member, she believes that schools have the important role of shaping our future and must provide students with a high

quality education to prepare them to meet the challenges of the future. Mrs. Lopez-Zepeda was the first in her family to graduate from a university when she received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Stanislaus. She obtained a Bilingual Cross-Cultural Language

Academic Development (BCLAD) teaching credential from San Diego State University. She later fulfilled the requirements for the Administrative Services Credential and a Master of Arts degree in Education from California State University, San Marcos. Thank you, SUHSD Board of Trustees!

CVESD Awarded Five Fortissimo Awards

The California Music Educators Association, Southern Border Section, released the names of their 2022 Fortissimo Award winners, including six Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) educators. The Fortissimo Awards honor music educators, school administrators, and industry leaders for exceptional work in music education throughout San Diego and Imperial County. The Fortissimo Award winners for the 2022-23 school year include four music educators, one classroom teacher, and one school principal from the district.

The Fortissimo Awards are selected through an open nomination process, followed by a selection process from the CMEASBS Executive Board. The CVESD award winners are:

• Melody Belcher, Ed.D., Lauderbach Elementary, Outstanding Administrator Award

• Hyrami Godoy, Allen and Montgomery Elementary, Ernest R. Yee Illuminating Culture Award

• Jessandra Kono, Marshall and McMillin Elementary, Newcomer

Award

• Stella Paredes, Valle Lindo Elementary, Classroom Teacher Award

• Jesse Rogers, Rosebank Elementary, Peripole General Music Educator Award

• Emma Schopler, Lauderbach Elementary, Elementary Specialist Award

“Congratulations to all CVESD award winners,” said Superintendent Eduardo Reyes, Ed.D. “Art education is essential as it enriches the lives of students and the community every day. The arts strengthen students’ social development and prepare our students for success in the 21st century.”

The Chula Vista Elementary School District has an awardwinning visual and performing arts program (VAPA) for its students. Every student receives regular access to an arts education during the school day. Visual and performing arts program teachers across the district provide classes for music, dance, theater, and media/visual arts. The investment in VAPA was among the services funded by the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan.

From Debated Sidewalks to Special Elections: 112 Years

Bold-colored candidate signs peppered along street median strips, zealous volunteers waving political posters near busy intersections, wrap trucks parading through the streets with candidate names lit up on them and mail pieces strategically placed on neighborhood doorknobs. It was difficult to miss any of these campaign traditions from the recent general election that blanketed west and east Chula Vista leading up to November 8, 2022.

Originally only 5 square miles with a population of 289 according to a 1890 census count, Chula Vista is now the second-largest city in San Diego County. Our land origins are typical for the Southern California region; the first areas of our city have been host to dinosaur fossils, Catholic Mission ventures, and was even underwater if we go back far enough. It’s only appropriate that Chula Vista host such a robust campaign season each cycle with a history like ours.

The City of Chula Vista itself began with an election in 1911, a popular vote of 121 to 88 voted what started as a dinosaur bone-filled land into a proper city. The vote was ratified in November 1911 by the State of California. Five elected members out of the young city’s 13 board of trustee members met for the first time later that same month, in the small city hall building built a year prior. The very first meeting agenda included discussions and votes for boundaries of the new city, board member logistics and thoughts on how to incorporate rural surrounding land into municipality.

On December 13, 2022, the current city elected officials were publicly sworn in and added as a link into the historical chain of our city government leaders. A packed room of onlookers including involved community members, news media, students, and family of the city council officials witnessed former city council member John McCann be sworn in as mayor, Carolina Chavez as District 1 Councilmember and Jose Preciado as District 2 Councilmember.

Chula Vista made political history this past election on a much more somber note as well with the absence of one elected seat. Simon Silva, who died from cancer in September 2022, was elected as city attorney. The race for city attorney was an extremely tight one, with Dan Smith coming in at only 756 votes behind Silva. Because the elected candidate is unable to fulfill the required duties, the new city council discussed the logistics of the required special election for the city attorney position during the December 20th council meeting, deciding on a November

2023 election date for the seat. They also voted to fill the district 3 seat by appointment - which is currently vacant after former Councilmember Steve Padilla was elected into the California State Senate. Surprisingly, this is not the first time Chula Vista has had a situation similar to this one to the city attorney situation. In January 1991, Gayle McCandliss was elected as the city’s second full-time mayor. McCandliss was sworn into office in December of 1990, she died a month later after a yearlong battle with colon cancer.

The decision for a special election was a hot topic for many community members, as funding for this will come from taxpayer money. Our city is no stranger to largely debated topics. After World War II, Chula Vista had a handsome economy and was able to revisit the topic of paving the main streets of the city with concrete, something that was considered very metropolitan for the time. This had been debated for years since the wars left us with a tight budget and many community members saw sidewalks and new infrastructures as frivolous. In the early 20th century, it was recorded that Chula Vista ladies would need sawdust to be placed down first when walking in some parts of the city, to keep their dresses from being soiled with mud. While this exact issue will (most likely) not be debated again anytime soon, it is certainly humbling to look back at our previous topics of debate as an adolescent city. By the end of the decade, most of the major streets, such as E Street and other areas in what we now know as downtown Chula Vista, had been paved. A new city hall building at 294 Third Avenue, which was built along with a new fire station in 1923, were also included in the wave of new buildings and streets around the young city.

Issues voted on and debated have also come a long way since the 20th century. Tune into a city council meeting on any given Tuesday evening and you may hear discussion about props, measures, and city spending, all supplemented by comments from the public. Chula Vista is no stranger to citizen civic engagement, either. In 1913, the city experienced severe flooding, followed by a winter freeze and then severe heat waves in the summer. This was a tough circumstance for the agricultural landscape, and many local families who relied on farming for their income suffered because of it. Out of this came a petition to disincorporate Chula Vista, and the city itself almost went bankrupt. As times changed so did the means of income, and farmers began to grow different crops. Many savvy Chula Vistans knew that our city used to be

By Rachel Perez

a hub for lemon groves (we still have the annual Lemon Festival every summer), but many of those farmers had to begin growing celery and other less needful crops. Immigrant families brought new languages and teaching opportunities as well, and larger businesses like distilleries became popular. One Chula Vistan who helped keep the backbone of the city strong through the changing climate was Edwin Thomas Sr., Chula Vista’s first mayor. Thomas contributed to the city’s farming climate as well, with one of the only known photos of him being that of him and his family with their watermelon patch on their land on Del Mar Avenue.

Chula Vista community gems such as Southwestern College, the Orange and Civic Libraries, local public schools, police and fire stations and Third

Avenue are just a few of the rewards of 112 years of political involvement and community strength. Each local election, city council meeting, political debate and community group have contributed to keeping Chula Vista the vibrant and diverse tight-knit city it has been since 1911. We do not know what our next election will hold, but Chula Vista remaining the not-so-hidden gem of San Diego will always remain.

Research for this article comes from Steven Schoenherr’s “Chula Vista

Centennial: A Century of People and Progress, 1911-2011”. Schoenherr’s acclaimed book has served as an educational resource for locals, students and media.

Schoenherr, Steven. Chula Vista

Centennial: A Century of People and Progress, 1911-2011. City of Chula Vista, 2011. (p.vii, ix, 5, 19, 21, 37, 147, 149, 181, 193, 192, 198).

Exercise with Dr. Melinda Silva

By Mia Bertelsen

Anew year is a time for many to reaffirm their personal goals for 2023. One of the most popular resolutions revolves around fitness goals. Unfortunately life can get in the way, and the plans and routines can be derailed and abandoned after a short time. Research shows us that we are more likely to stick to our fitness goals if we have a strong, supportive community to encourage us to keep on going. With group encouragement and our beautiful outdoors in Chula Vista, we are set up for success.

Exercise gives us an endorphin rush and so many health benefits. The key is finding what suits your needs and to stay consistent. It is even better when you can find a group of like-minded people who encourage you to stay the course.

Studies have found that community support motivates us better and is even more important than money spent on fitness. Knowing that if you miss a workout, your group will call you out on it, and you don’t want to let them down.

Dr. Melinda Silva, a local antiaging doctor practicing in Chula Vista, has won multiple national fitness competitions with AAU and NPF including Masters Fitness and Bikini. She shared with us her perspective on how group support helped her to stay on track during her strict training schedule. Dr. Silva stresses the importance of having workout partners. She stated, “My partners give me accountability and push me to excel. It is harder to miss a workout if I know my friend is counting on me to be there. Sometimes you will do things for others that you won’t do for yourself.”

The City of Chula Vista has 9 community centers, two aquatic centers and 65 parks to help residents to keep healthy. They offer group fitness classes for all ages at a reasonable cost. The current session is January 9 –March 20 and you can sign up at any of the community centers for a wide variety of classes.

Fitness instructor Tristan Curley leads classes at the Salt Creek Recreation Center and Mountain

Hawk Park. She teaches strength and toning classes, boot camp style, Pilates and Zumba Monday to Friday. Tristan knows a lot about motivating her students. She explained, “I like to send text reminders to stay on top of people to hold them accountable. Making excuses to a person you know is harder than making excuses to someone you don’t know. I also have a Facebook page called Tristan’s Fitness Motivation where I post motivational posts and quotes. Exercise is not just about getting skinny, it’s about getting healthy, feeling good and taking care of our bodies.”

Her classes create a welcoming atmosphere for all exercise levels and are a valuable community of like-minded people who don’t want to miss the workouts.

Mother Miguel mountain trailhead, located on the corner of Paseo Veracruz and Paseo Los Gatos, is a popular spot for a quick hike in the San Miguel Ranch neighborhood. Every day you will find people enjoying the 4.2 mile hike that takes an average of 2.5

hours to complete.

A group of ten dedicated local ladies hike Mt. Miguel twice a week starting at 5:20 a.m. They start early so they can be to work on time. The hiking group leader Patricia Salcedo has been organizing these outings for over five years.

“What works to motivate our members to hike is that we celebrate birthdays,” explained Salcedo. “When a birthday is coming, it is more motivation to be there for the birthday girl. That’s when everyone will show up. It doesn’t matter how the weather is, they will go. We do take really beautiful pictures, especially the sunrises. I think the sharing of the pictures is a big motivation too.”

The group is called Hiking4joy and they stay in touch with a chat on Whatsapp and Instagram. The amazing pictures document the journey and make the effort worth it.

Next step is to put on your tennis shoes and find your motivational group to support you. Good luck!

Dr. Melinda Silva participating in the NPF bodybuilding championship in Ohio (4th person from the left in black clothing).

Tristan Curley’s group workout at Mountain Hawk Park.

Mayor John McCann, Leading Chula Vista Into the Future

A LOVE STORY

“I saw you talking to John McCann. What did you think of him?,” asked Myssie Wyllie’s roommate. “I’m going to marry that man,” said Myssie Wyllie, now known among loved ones as Myssie McCann. Mayor John McCann was two grade levels above Myssie in High School. However, the two didn’t meet until years later at Myssie’s housewarming party, which began the romance that led eventually to the 24 year marriage of John and Myssie McCann.

Myssie McCann was correct, and the couple married a couple years later. Although they went to the same High School, they did not date or really know each other in High School. So, when it came time to plan their wedding, their guest list was pared down. “It was amazing how many mutual friends and common experiences we had. It was surprising we did not meet earlier and dated,” said Mayor John McCann.

Myssie served several years as the treasurer of the Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Bonita Unit and was a member of the Chula Vista Child Care Commission. Her parents owned Tomatoes Restaurant in Bonita from 1991-2001. With Myssie being a four-generation South Bay resident and John growing up in old Chula Vista and a third-generation Chula Vistan himself, it proved how small a world can be.

John as keynote speaker at an UEI Graduation.

Fast forward to 2023, John McCann is now the 41st Mayor of Chula Vista. John, a U.S. Navy veteran, lives with Myssie, where they are raising their 4 children, Blyss, Johnny, Grant, Kennedy, and 3 dogs. They are also helping raise their grandson Jaxon, who is growing up in Chula Vista. The couple are proud lifelong Chula Vista residents and feel blessed that they are raising their family in Chula Vista.

“Myssie and I have prospered and raised our children here. Our family has thrived in Chula Vista, because of our excellent neighborhoods. As Mayor, I want to protect the quality and safety of our neighborhoods, so children who grew up in Chula Vista all have the opportunity to be successful,” said Mayor John McCann.

The McCann family is a tight-knit family having supported youth soccer, local theater plays, and family game nights. The McCann’s are a soccer family with the oldest three children playing soccer from a young age. Almost every weekend was spent at the soccer fields supporting their children playing soccer, and many of the three-day holidays were spent at soccer travel tournaments in Lancaster, San Bernardino, or Las Vegas. Their youngest daughter, Kennedy, found her gift as an artist.

The McCann’s spend time enjoying watching her acting in theater and musicals.

Still the most interesting McCann events are the McCann family game nights. They rotate several board games, from Pictionary, Sorry, Charades, and others. This has been a family

tradition from when the children have been young. All family members must turn off their phones and put them in a basket before the game starts. Then everyone can fully focus on enjoying each other and not be distracted by their phones. John with his wife Myssie have built a successful life, but John did not always have it all.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

John’s mother and father were divorced when John was a young child. John grew up with his sister, Rhondel McCann, in a single income household and was raised by a single mother off of Orange Avenue Chula Vista, which is why he is committed to investing in the older communities in the city. John’s mother worked at Rohr Industries/Goodrich Aerospace for almost 30 years. John’s grandfather proudly served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific. John’s father served 28 years in the Navy and two tours in Vietnam before he retired.

John still blossomed living in modest means with his mother. John also had the assistance of a pair of honorary parents and a youth soccer coach, which are people that he attributes a lot to his success. John played soccer and loved Star Wars growing up. John attended all grades from kindergarten through 12th grade at Chula Vista schools.

After going through grade school, John attended San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in

Economics. During his undergraduate studies, John worked during the summer for the Department of the Navy in Washington D.C., at the Pentagon, where he gained exposure to national defense policy.

The following year, he later worked at the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office researching the FDIC insurance fund. In his senior year of college, John’s academic work led him to receiving the Center for Public Economics Scholarship.

After receiving his undergraduate degree, John decided to further his education, eventually receiving a Master’s Degree in Economics. With his advanced degree in hand, John then moved from the financial industry into the technology industry. John worked in management positions for several technology companies and in the technology field for more than 30 years. During that same time, John and Myssie created a small property management business that has prospered in the good and bad times due to great financial stewardship by the McCann’s.

Working in the technology industry, John saw the changing economy and wanted to give back to the community by teaching in the evenings. He attended weekend classes at the University of California, San Diego and received his Adult School teaching credential. He taught at several South Bay adult schools as well as part-time at Southwestern College. The principal noted his class always had a wait list of 20 people because of how much his students enjoyed his class.

John supporting the Senior Volunteer Patrols.

A SERVANT LEADER

John’s acts of service do not stop there. John formally served on several non-profit Board of Directors including the South Bay Family YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club of Chula Vista, the Bonitafest committee and AYSO soccer. John has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Chula Vista and Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce. John and his wife have been continuous volunteers in raising money for Nine Girls Ask? (a 501(c)3 organization looking to eradicate ovarian cancer), Children’s Hospital, and The American Cancer Society.

NAVY SERVICE AND SERVICE TO VETERANS

One of John’s biggest honors has been serving in the United States Navy and Navy Reserves for 22 years. John joined as a member of the enlisted ranks and did his initial training in Great Lakes, Illinois. John later received his commission as a Naval Officer. After the 9-11 terrorist attacks on America and during the Global War on Terrorism, John was mobilized to fight in the War in Iraq, serving in Mosul, Iraq for one year. In addition, during heightened tensions with North Korea in the Pacific, John served in South Korea. John continues to serve as a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve.

Being from a Navy family and a Navy veteran, Mayor John McCann makes veterans issues a priority in Chula Vista. Mayor John McCann serves our veterans being a member of the Chula Vista Veterans Home Foundation Board member. John is an active member of Chula Vista’s veteran organizations being a life member of American Legion Post 434, life member of the VFW Post 2111, life member of Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61 and the Marine Corps League.

In 2017, John took the initiative and led efforts in successfully naming city streets, in a new community in Otay Ranch, after fallen service members from Chula Vista community who served in the Global War on Terrorism, in order to honor them and recognize them for their ultimate sacrifice.

STEPPING INTO CITY GOVERNMENT

In the 1990’s being a citizen committed to community service, John was recruited and selected to serve on several city commissions. John served on the Planning Commission, Economic Strategy Committee, Housing Advisory Commission, and Beautification Committee for the City of Chula Vista.

John was then elected to the Chula Vista City Council in 2002 and then re-elected again in 2006. Councilmember John McCann made public safety a priority, hiring over 40 new police officers, building a new police station and building 3 new fire stations. John championed the first sidewalk project building sidewalks in our older communities, led efforts to repave decaying streets, and built 18 new parks under his tenure. In 2003, John was part of the City Council that began the master plan of the Chula Vista Bayfront.

In 2013, John almost lost his life in a car

accident on Telegraph Canyon Road. A speeding car driving almost twice the speed limit crashed into the driver’s side of John McCann’s vehicle. The vehicle accident was determined to be 100% the other driver’s fault. The recovery and healing was a long and difficult process as John was first put into a coma, treated in the ICU, several weeks in the hospital, and several months of rehabilitation to recover from his injuries. Attending nurses reported that John was incredibly gracious to all who encountered him during his recovery at the hospital, and they were struck by how caring he was despite his condition following the accident. Because of the support from the community and his family John endured and triumphed, with both grit and grace.

John was then elected back to the Chula Vista City Council in 2014 and then re-elected again in 2018. As a four-term City Councilmember and four-time Deputy Mayor, John made public safety a priority by voting to hire more police, increasing

John saluting and honoring our fallen veterans at 3rd Annual Wreaths Across America.

John with his wife Myssie and youngest daughter Kennedy.

the number of officers from 200 to over 270. Under John’s guidance, Chula Vista doubled the number of police patrols and implemented police body-worn cameras (increasing transparency), which has moved the City of Chula Vista into the Top 10 Safest Cities with a population of over 200,000 in the United States.

John worked for better traffic management, revitalization of Chula Vista’s older communities, strong public safety, and affordable housing. John opposed additional sales taxes and protected homeowners’ property tax increases by supporting Proposition 13.

With his experience as a 30-year smallbusiness owner, John worked to streamline the permitting processes to support individuals and local businesses to make Chula Vista a smallbusiness-friendly city. John was a part of the team that approved and started the construction of the Gaylord resort hotel convention center on the Chula Vista Bayfront and the Chula Vista Innovation District that will attract thousands of high-paying professional jobs.

A VISION FOR THE CITY

As Mayor, John is aiming to accomplish a lot by putting public safety first, to protect the taxpayers, finding solutions for the homeless, and working to decrease the high cost of living. John opposes the mileage tax that has been proposed by the San Diego Association of Government (SANDAG), advocates for more police officers, is leading efforts to open the new 66-unit bridge shelter with wrap-around services, increasing the City’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), and believes in providing your future children opportunities to have generational wealth through homeownership.

Mayor John McCann has a track record of proven results, legislative accomplishments, high ambition for the City’s future, and a detailed plan on how he wants to solve the most pressing issues for the community. What might be the most surprising tidbit of the 41st Mayor is, you would have never guessed his life story if you met him for the first time.

Under the John’s tenure for the next 4 years, he will push to complete the new $1.2 Billion Gaylord resort hotel that will create 4,000 new jobs, expand the educational opportunities in the South Bay by opening the San Diego State University Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library in Millennia, and master plan the renovation of Harborside park.

As a Councilmember, John McCann served as an anchor and was a part of the initial phases for all of these innovations. Now as Mayor, he will take these projects and much more across the finish line. Although these projects could be impressive to have under the Mayor’s belt, the personal intangibles he has exhibited quietly throughout his life go a lot deeper.

John is deeply humble and appreciates all the people he has worked with at the city and those who have helped the city get to where it is today.

John recognizes that without a test you won’t have a testimony. John understands the power of persistence and the fruit it bears if someone works hard. John knows what it means to sacrifice for a cause bigger than himself.

John McCann has proven that he is more than our Mayor.

(TOP TO BOTTOM): John at Bayfront Gaylord Ground Breaking Event with City Manager Maria and Deputy City Manager Tiffany Allen; John with Associate Chief Collum (then Captain Collum, he just got promoted) during the Faith and Blue event; John with Kindergarteners from Veterans Elementary School

Happy New Year, Northwest Chula Vista!

As your City Councilmember for District 2, I am diligently pursuing a vision for safe neighborhoods with great jobs close to home, vibrant small businesses, and workforce housing.

I represent the Northwest Chula Vista area of the City, which has many projects and programs that are planned or underway with significant benefits for all of us - for the short term, and for the future.

Job creation is a foundation of economic prosperity, and we have some good news to report! Thanks to the City’s visionary planning, there are approximately 7,000 new jobs being created for skilled construction workers through Bayfront development over the next two years. Elsewhere in the City, many additional construction jobs will be created as we look forward to completing planning and permitting processes for major projects this year. The Chula Vista Bayfront is beginning to fulfill its promise of being an economic engine. The $1.2 billion Gaylord Pacific hotel and convention center is currently under construction on the Bayfront.

Workforce housing is a major need, and the City is converting some vacant commercial properties to create new affordable homes. When we learned that Sears was closing its store at Chula Vista Center, we believed it was important to use the space wisely. I am pleased to report that we’re moving forward with a beautiful redevelopment project on the old Sears property. Brookfield Properties has advanced a plan for 244 new townhomes on the site. These for-sale homes are intended to serve our workforce needs. This Smart Growth project will provide homes for people who work and shop at the Center and elsewhere in our City – reducing traffic congestion and commutes. The City is also actively working to address the needs of our unhoused neighbors and implementing our overall housing strategy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed some of our favorite shops and restaurants struggle to survive. The City is working to support local businesses and help our commercial corridors recover from the impacts. Our food and hospitality sectors were the most impacted, with some business shuttering their doors permanently – but many have survived and are thriving. The Downtown Chula Vista Association has new leadership that’s focused on making our Downtown Third Avenue corridor a cherished, must-visit destination. In fact, the Association is working hard to welcome everyone back to Third Avenue with new programs and services including the recent Starlight Nights street fair and tree lighting event. Meanwhile, the City’s economic and communications departments have developed an “Explore Chula Vista” website http://explorechulavista.com/

This site encourages residents to shop, dine and explore Chula Vista. Whether you are new to Chula Vista or have lived here for generations, you should consider visiting our local businesses. You are sure to be delighted with a shopping and dining experience like nowhere else – from the unique vintage salt-and-pepper shakers at My Cup of Tea Unique Gifts, to the Japanese Tuna Ceviche at Teriyaki Grill.

These are just a few updates in our very active and busy District 2. I am eager to roll up my sleeves this year as we make further progress on safe neighborhoods, good jobs, vibrant businesses and workforce housing. As your Councilmember, my door is always open! I invite you to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Please contact me at jpreciado@chulavistaca.gov or my Senior Council Assistant, Diana Quintero at 619-585-5713 Ext. 5717 or email dquintero@chulavistaca.gov Once again, from my office at City Hall, we wish you a very Happy New Year!

“Job creation is a foundation of economic prosperity, and we have some good news to report! Thanks to the City’s visionary planning, there are approximately 7,000 new jobs being created for skilled construction workers through Bayfront development over the next two years.”

May the coming year, 2023, bring you and your families joy, health, and prosperity.

an Honor to Serve as the New City Councilmember for District 1.

Isee a resilient Chula Vista whose hardworking residents do things every day that simply amaze me. My background is in business, and my experience from serving as the Chair of the International Business Association Committee at the SD Regional Chamber of Commerce and as the former Director of Business and Economic Policy for San Diego Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, continue to guide my work to help promote our local businesses and cultivate economic development.

It is of great importance that our residents commute less and enjoy more time with their families and the many opportunities and amenities that locally we have to offer.

Every Chula Vistan should feel like they can stay in Chula Vista to work, shop and relax. So many of our residents have long commutes outside of our city and then leave again on the weekends to spend their leisure time outside of Chula Vista. I want to change that.

We need to give our local businesses the support they need to thrive. When someone is thinking about where in the region they should spend their time, their passion, and build their lives, I want them to say Chula Vista.

Our community has faced some challenging times, where many have felt isolated that is why creating events and access to places for people to gather will help our community to feel more connected, forging a sense of community and belonging.

We are also a city of immense diversity and I want that to be center stage. As we walk towards a better and brighter future, everyone belongs at the table, everyone in our city deserves to feel part of this story.

And as we build this vision for our city, we must also include our neighbors in the San Diego region and across the border. My experience as Director of Binational Affairs and Public Relations for Simnsa Health and as Chair of the Simnsa Foundation has given me perspective concerning our role as a border city. So much of who we are is who we spend our time with, who we care about, and who we know.

We are a city inextricably tied to our friends, our family, our businesses, and our neighbors on both sides of the border. In my time here I will be making sure to ask the tough questions we need at MTS, SANDAG, and other regional discussions to make sure that plans for our binational community connect the people of Chula Vista with the opportunities we have to grow as a region.

Finally, I want to make sure I am connected and responsive to the people of Chula Vista. I cannot possibly cover everything that needs to be done in a short statement, but I am committed to listening and fighting for you. I look forward to meeting with you at a future town hall or community listening session.

As an elected official a council representative, I want to be known as someone who is available and accessible to all.

While I may be occupying the seat at this dais, it is not mine, it in fact belongs to my constituents. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve.

It is

“We are also a city of immense diversity and I want that to be center stage. As we walk towards a better and brighter future, everyone belongs at the table, everyone in our city deserves to feel part of this story.”

Do you have a child between the ages of 3-5 years old? Choose CVESD today for your preschooler! The Chula Vista Elementary School District’s award-winning preschool program is free for eligible low-income families that live in San Diego County.

Do you have a child between the ages of 3-5 years old? Choose CVESD today for your preschooler! The Chula Vista Elementary School District’s award-winning preschool program is free for eligible low-income families that live in San Diego County.

Do you have a child between the ages of 3-5 years old? Choose CVESD today for your preschooler! The Chula Vista Elementary School District’s award-winning preschool program is free for eligible low-income families that live in San Diego County.

Learn more at cvesd.org

Learn more at cvesd.org

Learn more at cvesd.org