Our Hometown - Nov. 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 11

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BEYOND THE STREETS City of Chula Vista’s Comprehensive Approach to Identifying Homelessness Solutions Making a Difference

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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

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“The biggest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it!” – Robert Swan, author.

My name is Tina Matthias, and I like to start my article with this quote because this statement unfortunately reflects the belief of so many.

hometown.

CHULA VISTA & BONITA NOVEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 11

B R A D WE B E R

Publisher

M I CH A E L M O N AC O

Community General Manager A R I P I N TA D O

Independent Contributor R ACH E L PE R E Z

Independent Contributor RILE Y KAI

Intern Photographer H A S T I SH A R I F, M A R I A U L LOA

Interns

BRAD

MICHAEL

MARIA

ARI

RACHEL

VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

HASTI

RILEY

When I started South Bay Sustainable Communities Network, (SBSC) a nonprofit over 3 years ago, I never would have believed it would have grown to the scale it is today. After retiring from a 32.5-year career at the Living Coast Discovery Center and 6 years on the City of Chula Vista’s Sustainability Commission, I realized that our planet is changing because we are living in unsustainable ways. All over the world there are so many signs that we are destroying ourselves: intense forest fires that last weeks, crops being plagued by drought, warming oceans are bleaching the coral reefs and bringing hurricanes to our California Coastline, and 3 species are being eliminated from our plant hourly, just to name a few and all of this is due to human impact.

Leading by example, through educating and creating sustainable changes that impact not only our lives but our Chula Vista Community, and our environment. In 2022, SBSC diverted over 50K pounds of food waste from the landfill within 16 communities and turned it into compost. Reaching and educating Left to Right: Kevin our students, who are our future, is Marshall, President of what I am most proud of. Our ‘Youth Copy Link and Tina 4 a Sustainable Future’ program has Matthias, Founder and Executive reached students throughout south Director of South Bay Sustainable San Diego. Not only are these students Communities Network educating the community at fairs, events and clean-ups, but they are making a big impact at school. Students throughout 9 middle and high schools last school year diverted more than 33K pounds of food waste from the landfill, of which rescued over 30K pounds of edible food that went to feed our local community.We recently planted 48 fruit trees at our SB farm where we plan to host a local pick your own community orchard.

As a nonprofit, we are volunteer based, please get involved and help support our mission of building healthy and sustainable communities.

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

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SENIOR NEWS

Elder Fraud:

Protecting Our Seniors from Scams

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his is the third article in a four-part series focusing on elder fraud; the Grandparent Scam was featured in the September 2023 issue and Tech Support Scams in the October 2023 issue. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that 88,262 victims of fraud age 60 and older suffered $3.1 billion in losses in 2022, an 84% increase from the prior year, with each victim losing an average of $35,101. Native Chula Vistan and current Bonita resident Elizabeth Cox is Immediate Past President of the FBI San Diego Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBISDCAAA). In that capacity, she is committed to sharing information that prepares and prevents seniors from becoming victims of scams. More information and resources are available at SDElderFraud.com.

The Rise of Gift Card Scams Gift card scams – where the unsuspecting victim is coaxed into buying gift cards and then sharing their redemption codes – have become a prevalent modus operandi for fraudsters.

Particularly vulnerable to these scams are the elderly, who might not be as familiar with the nuances of the digital world.

Understanding the Gift Card Scam In a typical gift card scam, the scammer contacts the victim by phone, email, or social media.

By posing as a distressed family member, a government official, or a tech support representative, they instill a sense of urgency. They claim that a pressing issue can be instantly resolved by purchasing gift cards from popular retailers and then sharing the codes with the scammer. Once these codes are in the scammer’s hands, the money is gone in a matter of minutes. What do these scams look and sound like?

• Several south county residents

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have shared stories of getting an email from a friend who urgently needed to get a graduation or birthday gift for a niece or nephew. The friendly recipient is asked to buy a large denomination gift card – such as $200 in Target or $500 in Amazon cards – and email the redemption number to the sender for depositing in their so-called relative’s account.

This is an example of an email hack that sends a message to all your contacts and monitors the account for responses, quickly redeeming any gift cards that are transferred, often without the email recipient even knowing about the transaction.

• At an FBISDCAAA elder fraud outreach presentation a few weeks ago, a staff member from the host venue shared her story as a recent gift card scam victim. She was new to the job and got an urgent text message that looked like it came from the CEO. The executive’s message said she was in back-to-back meetings and urgently needed the employee to purchase Ebay gift cards for a critical purchase.

Wanting to please her new manager, the employee did what was asked and texted photos of the scratched-off back of the gift cards to her “boss”. More gift cards were needed, and more purchases were made. It was when the employee was asked to get more gift cards – a third time – that she started to wonder, and the store clerk told her this sounded like a scam. “I was reluctant to share what happened to me. When I realized the gift cards were spent and that I had no idea who the person was on the other end of the text message, I felt dizzy and angry and terrified. Violated.

Dirty. Stupid. Embarrassed.”

When she started to open up, the employee said friends asked, “How could you not know?” and “Why did you buy more gift cards?” Other friends were astounded at the lengths the scammer went to get all the information that made the employee

feel confident that the person texting her really was her boss.

She bravely shared her story so that Our Hometown readers are forewarned.

• In other recent scams, criminals have posed as utility company representatives and required victims to stay on the phone while they purchased gift cards and provided redemption numbers over the phone. Savvy grocery checkout clerks have been reported to spot the scam and point to a sign that indicates gift cards are a common medium for scams, giving the shopper a moment to pause and process what’s happening to them.

• Another common scam is one in which criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to pay off debt, overdue taxes, or another made-up offense.

It’s important to keep in mind that SDG&E, Cox Communications, Sweetwater Authority, and other utility companies will never contact customers to ask them to pay bills by purchasing gift cards.

Neither will the IRS, FTC, Social Security Administration, County Assessor, or any other government entity. When in doubt, hang up the phone or close the email and navigate to the entity’s website or phone number on your own – never click a link in an email that seems questionable and don’t call a number that pops up on your screen or is provided via text or voice mail; always independently verify who you’re contacting.

Why are Seniors Scam Targets?

Several factors make the elderly prime targets: • Digital Unfamiliarity: Seniors might not understand the digital

implications of gift cards and the fact that sharing the redemption code is tantamount to giving away money.

• Isolation: Living alone or being distant from family makes seniors susceptible to scams, especially when a scammer poses as a trusted person – such as a friend, government official, or utility company representative.

• Cognitive Challenges: Agerelated cognitive decline can hinder seniors’ ability to quickly recognize suspicious activities.

• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers fabricate scenarios that prompt strong emotional reactions, muddling the targeted individual’s judgment. This isn’t limited to seniors – these kinds of scams have targeted people of all ages.

The FBI’s Role in Combating Scams Recognizing the growing threat of such scams, especially to vulnerable groups, the FBI has been proactive in its response. The Bureau regularly releases information on current scamming tactics, helping to educate the public about what to watch out for. Specialized FBI cybercrime units are dedicated to tracing and tracking digital scam operations, and working diligently to shut them down. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) encourages victims to report scams, which are part of a national database that helps the Bureau identify patterns and track down culprits.

Prevention and Protection Despite the FBI’s efforts, prevention remains the best form of protection: • Stay Educated: Understand the common scams and never provide personal or payment information impulsively.

• Verify Information: Always

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double-check any suspicious claims by contacting the alleged source directly.

• Limit Online Exposure: Be cautious about sharing personal details online, which can be manipulated by scammers.

• Maintain Connections: Regular interactions with family can help detect and prevent suspicious activities.

• Report: If scammed, report to local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. This aids in tracking down the perpetrators and alerting others.

Know Who You Send Money To The lead FBI Special Agent for the Elder Justice Task Force in San Diego offers simple advice, “Never send money to someone you don’t know.”

While technology brings immense convenience, it also introduces avenues for criminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

Gift card scams targeting the elderly are an element of the darker side of digitization. With institutions like the FBI leading the charge against these threats, and through individual vigilance and community awareness, we can safeguard our society’s most vulnerable members.

VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

Introducing ProduceGood to Chula Vista

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roduceGood is a food rescue nonprofit that gleans excess fruits and vegetables from backyards, small farms, Farmers Markets and local grocers and delivers the bounty to over 80 partner agencies that feed the 1 in 4 San Diegans struggling with food insecurity. Instead of letting fresh, nutritious food go to waste and clog up our landfills, we redirect it to those who can use it most, fighting hunger and food insecurity along the way.

Community-centered food recovery - we go where you’re planted Unlike traditional food recovery organizations, ProduceGood goes to the source of food surplus--the orchard, the farm, the Farmer’s Market--to rescue and upcycle produce and transport it to the need: food pantries, shelters and feeding agencies. We are transporters, not collectors. We have no warehouse, no storage.

Our strength is our agility in identifying excess and mobilizing the community to move it to the

EXPERT

need. We are movers and shakers, not centralized food storers. We go into the community, city by city, to find the food and get it to the people that need it.

And now we have come to Chula Vista! We are looking for backyard growers, volunteers and feeding partners in your city, so that we can reduce food waste and hunger while building community.

How can you help?

If you have citrus trees that may produce too much fruit, please sign up as a grower on our website: www.producegood.org/ growers If you would like to volunteer with ProduceGood and help pick surplus fruit to help feed your community, please sign up as a volunteer on our website: www. producegood.org/volunteer If your organization can benefit from donations of fresh fruits and vegetables to feed your clients, please sign up as a Feeding Partner on our website: https://producegood.org/feedingpartners/

Any other questions, please email us at: info@producegood.org It takes time to establish local roots, but the result is an empowered community able to take from its own bounty to feed its own food-insecure members and neighbors. We can’t wait to start empowering Chula Vista. Let’s start to glean it like we mean it!

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

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CIT Y NEWS

FREE Holiday Light Show Premier

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ou’ll want to drive to Chula Vista for a memorable holiday experience at least once in December! Village Walk at EastLake invites the public to the NEW, FREE Holiday Light Show with choreographed music and dancing lights.

The show premiers on Friday, December 1 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The costumed character Frosty will welcome families to the premier and the Discovery Charter School Choir will perform at 5:30 p.m. and between the two light shows.

People can come to enjoy the Holiday Light Shows, each about 15 minutes long, at the same times every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 24 near the Koi Pond at the beautiful shopping village. Children will receive free Magic Glasses to view the light show in assorted colors.

The free community activities at Village Walk at EastLake Village

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Walk, located at the intersection of Eastlake Parkway and Miller Drive in Chula Vista, continue through December! The Family Holiday Festival is Saturday, December 2 from 12 – 3 p.m. After Santa’s arrival at noon, he’ll listen to children’s wishes as parents take keepsake pictures with their cameras and smart phones. Children will get a holiday activity book from Santa’s Elf and enjoy decorating a holiday stocking at the Craft Activity area. Everyone in the family can take a free ride on the Holiday Express Train.

On two Sundays, December 3 and 10, from 4 – 6 p.m. a professional photographer will use attendees’ mobile phone or camera to take free pictures of family and friends as they pose in the life-size photo frame near the children’s play area at the shopping center. Children will love meeting the costumed character, Frosty, at these special Sunday events!

VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

PODCASTS

Produced by IQ Podcasts

Hosted by Michael Monaco

Episode 7 Sweetwater Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Moisés Aguirre

Episode 8

Mayor John McCann

Topic - Mayor John McCann leading Chula Vista into the future

Episode 9 Community caroling groups will sing holiday favorites to entertain visitors between the 6 and 7 p.m. light shows in December: December 2 Bonita Vista High School Show Choirs: The Music Machine & Sound Unlimited December 3 Girl Scout Troop 6139 December 7 Southwestern College Choir December 8 Girl Scout Troop 66891 December 9 Front Row Center-Pro Performers December 10 Olympian High School Choir December 14 Eastlake High School Choir December 15 Eastlake High School Choir December 16 First United Methodist December 17 Eastlake High School Choir December 21 Boy Scout Troop 5 December 22 Mater Dei Catholic High School Show Choir December 23 St. Rose of Lima Glee

Chula Vista Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Eduardo Reyes

Episode 10 Chula Vista City Manager Maria Kachadoorian

Website: ourhometown.online Email: info@ourhometownmag.com Instagram: @ourhometownonline

Visit www.shopvillagewalk.com for information about the FREE holiday events during December at Village Walk at EastLake.

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

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CIT Y NEWS

California Dreams Came True at the Evening With Heroes for the Chula Vista Police Foundation

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ver 500 guests attended the 10th Annual Evening With Heroes event on September 23rd, at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center to benefit the Chula Vista Police Foundation. Guests enjoyed interacting with Police Officers at the Information Booths, meeting the K-9 Police Dogs close up, and trying out many of the new tech equipment used to keep our officers and community safe.

Over 200 auction items were also available to bid on and raise money for the men and women in blue.

The “California Dreaming” themed event decked out with uniquely designed Surf Boards was emceed by ABC-10 anchor, Kimberly Hunt and raised over $200,000 in one evening to fund critical equipment, provide programs to the community, and enhance new technology.

Special thanks go to the generous sponsors: Platinum Level: Seven Mile Casino, Bob & Sue Sutherland, Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation, Ron & Lupita Cohn Chief’s Four Star Alliance: Community Health Group, Cushman Foundation, Roxana Kennedy & Mike Tardy, Malcolm Family Trust Chief’s Circle: AT&T, Axon, Balboa Thrift and Loan, Children’s Primary, Cheryl & Gregory Cox, Dimensional Signs and Graphics, Gaylord Pacific, Henry Martin Jr., Highland Construction, Imagine Media, Peter & Ginny Jensen, Patti & Jeff McKelvey, M. Kevin O’Neill Construction, Ramin Pourteymour, SDG&E, Stanford & Associates, and Tacos El Gordo.

Join us next year for the 2024 Evening With Heroes on Saturday, September 14th at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, Easton Archery Center.

FREE Holiday Event at EastLake Village Marketplace

C

ome see Santa arrive on the holiday express train, Saturday, December 9 at 1 p.m. Then enjoy free train rides, free face painting, a free craft activity and free balloon sculptures. Be sure to bring your camera or mobile device to record that special moment of your child with Santa.

Children ages 12 and under will enjoy decorating wooden ornaments. All materials will be provided free of charge. Children will also marvel at the incredible balloon sculptures as they can request their favorite character! Everyone can enjoy the special musical entertainment provided by local community groups that begins at 1 pm and ends at 4 pm with these featured performances: 1:00 - 1:30 1:30 – 2:30 2:30 – 3:00 3:00 – 4:00

Southwestern College Jazz Vocal Ensemble The Music Machine and Sound Unlimited from Bonita Vista High School Serenity Sisters EastLake High School Titan Concert Choir & Titanium

EastLake Village Marketplace is located on the corner of Eastlake Parkway and Otay Lakes Road and features 30 shops and services including Target, Lowe’s, Office Depot and BevMo. For information on this holiday event and other special events held throughout the year, visit their website at www.ShopEastLakeMarketplace.com.

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

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POLITICAL NEWS

Mayor John McCann’s Desk

Beautify Chula Vista Office of Mayor and City Council Directory Mayor John McCann 619-694-5044 jmccann@chulavistaca.gov Council Member Carolina Chavez, District 1

619-691-5044 cchavez@chulavistaca.gov

In 2003, I was proud to be on the City Council that created Beautify Chula Vista. We saw a need to have a community cleanup event. We wanted to bring the community together and spruce up the City by working together and taking pride in our town.

A Lasting Legacy Now 20 years later with 5,000 volunteers historically, Beautify Chula Vista is one of our lasting legacies for our residents to give back to the community and revitalize our treasured areas of the City.

Council Member Jose Preciado, District 2

619-691-5044 jpreciado@chulavistaca.gov Council Member Alonso Gonzalez, District 3

619-691-5044 agonzalez@chulavistaca.gov Council Member Andrea Cardenas, District 4

619-691-5044 acardenas@chulavistaca.gov 10

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Beautify Chula Vista has accomplished various projects over the last 20 years, such as litter pickup, illegal dumping removal, brush clearing/weed abatement in canyons and trails, tree planting, mulch spreading, cleaning of recreation center gym equipment, and graffiti removal.

2023 Highlights This year, Beautify Chula Vista supported the Animal Care Facility and Memorial Park. At the Animal Care Facility, we had more than 120 volunteers and 1,040 pounds of debris was picked up.

At Memorial Park, we had more than 160 volunteers, 3,200 pounds of debris picked up, graffiti removed on 12 dumpsters, and 800 square feet of graffiti removed on walls and fences.

I am thankful to all our volunteers that participated. I have participated almost every year, and this year I was joined by one of my sons and my wife. We spent the morning picking up trash on the West Side of Chula Vista with several volunteers.

Acknowledgements I applaud all the 300 volunteers who came out on Saturday, October 21st. Beautify Chula Vista is successful because of residents like you being proactive in making our City beautiful.

Thank you to all our City Staff in the Environmental Services Division and Public Works, along with Tina Mathias (CEO of South Bay Sustainable Communities) for their weeks of organizing and planning all the logistics: Victor Sanchez, Jesus Zuniga, Ivan Lira, Manuel Medrano, Martie Solomon, Mike Hice, Dave DiDonato, Joseph Coppola, Robert Coleman, Alejandro Ruiz-Velasco, Mayra Estrada, Lucas Escobedo, Francisco Arias, and Carlos Sanchez.

I want to thank our sponsors, Baldwin & Sons, Cox Communications, and San Diego Community Power, for their generosity and support that helped make this event a huge success.

It is moments like this that affirm that we together are a great community, and I am Mayor of the best City in America. I am proud to raise my children and grandchild with my wife in a community that believes in neighbors helping neighbors.

KEEP UP WITH MAYOR MCCANN Twitter: @mayorjohnmccann Instagram: @mayorjohnmccann Facebook: Mayor John McCann Youtube: Mayor John McCann Next Door: Mayor John McCann Send a Direct Message if you’re interested in subscribing to our monthly community newsletter.

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

Beyond the Streets CITY OF CHULA VISTA’S COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING HOMELESSNESS SOLUTIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By Karla Mendez and Angelica Davis

H

omelessness is a complex social problem that crosses borders and jurisdictions.

In Chula Vista, the City is taking a proactive and comprehensive approach. As part of a City Council workshop last month, City officials shared that this collaborative model is yielding results, thanks to its focus on the individual needs of those who are unsheltered.

The initial groundwork of the City’s approach goes back to 2015, when City Park Ranger Sam Alzubaidi teamed up with the Chula Vista Police Department to create a Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). Homelessness is driven by multiple underlying economic and social factors, including poverty, affordable housing shortages, physical and mental health issues, and addiction. Alzubaidi knew a collaborative effort was needed.

“We recognized that only by working together with a crossdepartmental team and our community partners would we be able to address the growing unsheltered crisis to move individuals from our streets into self-sufficiency and permanent housing,” he said.

What started as a small team of two officers and a park ranger, has today grown into a comprehensive operation supported by a network of City departments, agencies, and nonprofit partners.

Last year, the City increased its investment further by forming the Housing and Homeless Services Department, to more systematically address local housing needs and advance solutions for the City’s unhoused population. Staff work closely with the City’s Public Works, Police, and Development Services departments, as well as with community organizations and nonprofits.

Alzubaidi leads the City’s Park Ranger program, which coordinates clean-up efforts with Public Works and the HOT team in multijurisdictional areas like

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the Otay Valley Regional Park and the Sweetwater River Valley. He oversees job re-entry programs with nonprofit organizations Alpha Project, McAlister Institute, and the City’s Animal Care Facility.

The City’s Code Enforcement team is also instrumental in navigating code issues related to private property. Together, City staff bring a special set of skills, and most importantly, a high level of compassion.

“The City of Chula Vista’s vision is to build lasting solutions through a compassionate, dedicated, data-driven approach,” said City Manager Maria V. Kachadoorian. “The road ahead may be challenging, but the City is committed to navigating it with empathy, understanding, and a determination to make a difference.”

A LOOK AT THE DATA One day each January, the San Diego region conducts a federally mandated Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, to identify how many people lack housing locally.

The results are used to allocate resources and track progress. This year’s results showed record-high levels of homelessness in the San Diego region. Of the total 10,264 homeless individuals, 6 percent, or 625 people, were found to be in South County. The count identified 318 unsheltered people in Chula Vista, representing a 54 percent increase over the prior year.

The City’s HOT team made it a priority to further understand the issue and assess the current needs of homeless individuals. Having the most accurate data and indepth analysis is essential to policy making and financial decision making. Since 2021, the HOT team has been conducting independent counts in the City. The team uses the same digital application and survey questions as the regional count, along with more specific questions regarding how long unhoused individuals have been in Chula Vista and where they last permanently lived. Incorporating

these questions provides a fuller picture of the City’s demographics.

This year’s count occurred in September. The City used it as an opportunity to engage with unhoused individuals and families to offer resources.

The approach yielded helpful insights. The overall count came in far higher than the regional tally at 786 unsheltered residents in Chula Vista. This number included two categories. The first was individuals on the streets, which added up to 510. The second was those staying in transitional and emergency shelters for victims of domestic violence, as well as youth transitioning out of foster care, clients at the Chula Vista Village at Otay Bridge Shelter, and those in programs utilizing hotels and motels, which totaled 276. Members of the second group technically live under a roof but are considered unsheltered because without government or faith-based assistance they would otherwise be on the streets. The count found the densest concentrations of homelessness on the City’s west side, and in the Otay Valley Regional Park and Sweetwater River Valley.

The count also collected responses to survey questions from 256 unsheltered individuals.

Highlights included: • 47 percent of respondents said they had been homeless for 36 months or more.

• Most fell within the age ranges of 35-44 and 55-64.

• Men composed 66.26 percent of the unsheltered population.

• Over 50 percent were from outside Chula Vista, while 41 percent were from Chula Vista.

• Top reasons for becoming unsheltered included family issues and job loss.

• Veterans made up just 4.38 percent, while 8.29 percent reported being unhoused due to domestic violence.

• 49 percent self-reported experiencing substance abuse disorder.

CHULA VISTA’S TAILORED APPROACH The Housing and Homeless Services Department, in partnership with the HOT team, is deeply committed to changing lives through innovative and datadriven solutions. This approach involves offering tailored resources and tools to guide unsheltered individuals toward self-sufficiency.

Success hinges on the expertise and unwavering dedication of the HOT team, which works to establish the crucial trust needed to motivate unsheltered individuals to accept resources provided by the City and partners.

The City’s strategy centers on reaching out to those who are unsheltered, with an emphasis on meeting clients where they are located. Every Wednesday, the HOT team embarks on coordinated outreach efforts, relying on crucial partnerships with agencies providing an array of services, including showers, health care, public assistance and legal resources.

The City also offers an array of housing options. This includes the City’s Homeless Prevention program, which aids clients facing housing instability and eviction.

The program helps qualifying clients keep up with rent and utility payments. The City also reconnects clients with family through the Family Reunification program. When appropriate, clients receive hotel/motel vouchers while working on longer-term housing plans. City programs are enhanced by strong partnerships with organizations such as East County Transitional Living Center, the Salvation Army, San Diego Rescue Mission, McAlister Institute, and SBCS. These partners offer housing options including residential programs for substance abuse and mental health stabilization.

The Chula Vista Village at Otay Bridge Shelter, which opened in May 2023, is another important resource. The facility provides safe, low-barrier temporary housing, along with stabilization and wrap-

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

“We are committed to preventing our community members from becoming unhoused and ensuring they are connected with the services they need” around services. Once off the streets, the next step in the housing plan often includes providing clients with up to 24 months of rental subsidies in a tenant-based rental assistance program. This financial assistance stabilizes clients as they work toward self-sufficiency.

City officials are frequently asked about the options for addressing homeless encampments, in which one or more homeless people live in an unsheltered area, often in tents or other temporary shelters.

The City must navigate federal laws in determining how to respond.

The courts have found that the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prevents the criminal prosecution of individuals for sleeping outdoors when no home or shelter is available. The Fourth Amendment mandates notice and due process before removing personal belongings on public property. The City uses two types of property removal notices, depending on the circumstances: a 72-hour notice when responding to an encampment, followed by outreach services, or a 24-hour notice in response to items that appear abandoned, soiled, or that pose a public health hazard.

When it comes to funding, the City receives about $3 million in federal entitlement dollars annually for housing programming and projects. New state funds have added about $1.5 million annually to address homeless outreach and housing operations. Leveraging onetime pandemic-related funding and grant opportunities, this year the City committed approximately $23 million to homeless-related services.

The City strives to empower unsheltered individuals to attain self-sufficiency. To achieve this, the City has established programs that allow individuals to gain immediate transitional employment, as well as job training and re-entry support.

Programs such as the Operation

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Pride Program, in collaboration with Alpha Project through Take Back the Streets, McAlister Institute with Work for Hope, and the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility are helping individuals build soft skills to reenter the work force and an opportunity to give back to their community. Participants work on beautification projects in parks and care for the unsheltered animal population.

THE RESULTS ARE STARTING TO COME IN Chula Vista’s multifaceted approach to addressing homelessness goes beyond numbers and statistics.

It focuses on the individual stories, the journeys of those in need, and collaborative efforts to create lasting change. The City is committed to providing services that cater to the unique needs of unsheltered individuals, with the HOT team leading the charge.

It is also important to track the outcomes of contacts with unsheltered individuals. Since February 2023, the City team has successfully linked at least 244 individuals and households to housing services tailored to their specific needs. Despite the team’s best efforts, 536 individuals have unfortunately declined services as the City cannot force acceptance of assistance.

No one understands this better than the City’s first Homeless Solutions Manager, Angelica Davis.

“We are committed to preventing our community members from becoming unhoused and ensuring they are connected with the services they need,” Davis said. “Sometimes we can do so in one day and other times it takes years of relationship building and continuously offering resources. When they are ready, we are here for them.”

While some turn down resources, there are also many success stories.

One is the story of a client who did not want to share her name.

Thanks to the City’s assistance, this individual achieved self-sufficiency.

The Chula Vista team encountered this client and her puppy while she was parked at Rohr Park. Having recently lost her job, she could no longer afford rent and was close to eviction. She began sleeping in her vehicle. On the day the HOT team met her, her car had also run out of gas. The team carefully listened to her story and immediately began to help. After filling her car with gas, the HOT team got her into a hotel for the night and placed her puppy temporarily at the City’s

Animal Care Facility while the team worked with her to develop a plan. With a roof over her head, internet access and hope that night, she began looking for a job. The next day, the City moved the client and her puppy into the City’s Chula Vista Village at Otay Bridge Shelter.

The next step was placing her in the City’s Tenant-based Rental Assistance program. However, thanks to her own hard work and persistence, the client landed a full-time job and no longer needed help with rent payments. She plans to soon move out of the shelter and into permanent, market-rate housing. This is just one example of Chula Vista’s successful, clientcentered system deploying the services needed to end homelessness, one person at a time.

LOOKING AHEAD Meanwhile, the City is working to expand its affordable housing inventory, with over 500 units in development or opening this year alone. The City recently acquired a motel in southwest Chula Vista, with plans to transform it into

permanent supportive housing.

This type of housing is desperately needed in the South Bay with only 30 beds currently existing out of the total 6,865 beds in the San Diego region. Permanent supportive housing combines permanent rental subsidies with crucial support services and life skills to help stabilize individuals and families who have been chronically homeless.

If you are experiencing homelessness or know someone that is, email the HOT team at homelessness@chulavistaca. gov. If you have a concern about unsheltered individuals impacting the community, please reach out to the City through the ACT Chula Vista App or by visiting https://seeclickfix.com/chula-vista/ report. Members of the public can also report concerns such as graffiti and potholes. After you select your issue of concern, the app will automatically route your input to the appropriate City department.

For more information on the City’s homeless services efforts, visit chulavistaca.gov/homeless.

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Chula Vista Elementary School District

Join Our Team!

The Chula Vista Elementary School District is currently seeking applicants to join our amazing classified team! Positions include: • • • • • • •

Child Nutrition Services Noon Duty Instructional Assistant/ Student Attendant Clerical Custodian Bus Driver And more!

Scan the QR code to explore job opportunities and apply today!

84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910 • (619) 425-9600

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

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CIT Y NEWS

@OURHOMETOWN.MEDIA @OURHOMETOWN.MEDIA

Chula Vista Public Library Secures Nearly $19.5 Million In State Grants

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unds will go towards upgrades at Civic Center and South Branch libraries The Chula Vista Public Library has been awarded nearly $19.5 million in state grants to make critical upgrades at the Civic Center and South Branch libraries. The grants each total $9,735,000 and are part of the California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program. The renovations are expected to be completed in 2027. “These grants from the California State Library allow the library to implement muchneeded enhancements to our facilities to ensure they continue to support future generations,” said the Deputy Director of Community Services Joy Whatley, who led the effort to secure the grants. “The upgrades to our two branches will ensure the Civic Center and South libraries continue to be the nucleus of learning, culture, and recreation that they have been for decades to Chula Vista.” The Chula Vista Public Library recently learned that the projects were among 34 local libraries chosen from across the state to receive a portion of the nearly $173 million in state grant funding. The grant awards are part of the second round of the largest single investment made by the state in California’s public libraries.

In the first round of the Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program, the state provided more than $312 million in grants to public libraries in 182 cities across 34 counties in California. Construction is expected to begin in March 2024, and the upgrades at the two libraries will likely be completed simultaneously, Whatley said. Work at the Civic Center Branch project will include upgrades to electrical panels and services, the HVAC system, interior and exterior paint and stucco and the replacement of an outdated elevator. The library was built in 1976 on the site of the former F Street Elementary School and sees more than 600,000 visitors a year.

2-2-2 PUBLIC LIBRARY SECURES GRANTS The South Branch improvements will include replacement of flooring, upgrades to the HVAC and electrical systems, repair and painting of the interior and exterior stucco and additional repairs throughout the facility. The South Branch was built in 1995 and receives more than 190,000 visitors a year. For more information on the Chula Vista Public Library, visit Library | City of Chula Vista (chulavistaca.gov).

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

CIT Y NEWS

City Of Chula Vista Installs Smart Parking System

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ext time you visit downtown Chula Vista, you won’t have to hunt for coins to pay a parking meter. More than 435 new parking meters are now accepting credit and debit cards, as well as contactless options such as Apple Pay or a new parking app. The machines still accept coins too. The M5 Single-Space Smart Meters are located along many of the streets of the City’s Downtown Parking District. The City hired IPS Group, Inc. to provide and install the new meters with the goal of creating a more convenient parking experience for residents and visitors and helping manage parking demand.

In addition to the additional payment options, the meters will offer an intuitive user interface, and modular components designed to be replaced and repaired easily. The systems use energy-efficient solar power.

Customers can use the new IPS PARK SMARTER™ mobile payment application to find available parking spaces. Once parked, the app sends real-

time alerts when the meter is due to expire and customers can add more time directly from their phone. Customers can view, download, and print parking receipts, or receive receipts by email via MyParkingReceipt.com.

The City’s Downtown Parking District is located in downtown Chula Vista and concentrated around Third Avenue, between E Street and H Street. The District encompasses a roughly 120-acre area bounded by E Street to the north, Del Mar Avenue to the east, H Street to the south, and Garrett Avenue to the west. Third Avenue, a major commercial thoroughfare, runs in a north/south direction through the center of the District.

Businesses along the busy Third Avenue area will receive flyers regarding the new parking meters to give to customers. In addition, a website further describes the program at https:// ipsgroupinc.com/chulavista/. For specific information, please contact Chula Vista’s parking contractor, Ace Parking, at acechulavistameterinfo@aceparking.com or call 1-800-925-7275.

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Dine-In | Take-Out | Delivery | Catering 2322 Proctor Valley Rd, Ste 101, Chula Vista

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Prescription Drug Take-Back Food Waste Collection is HERE! Food Waste Collection is HERE! FOOD WASTE COLLECTION PLEASE PUTINFOOD YOUR GREEN CART ALONG WITH YARD W PLEASE PUT FOOD WASTE YOURWASTE GREENINCART ALONG WITH YARD WASTE. & Electronic Waste with Cart Service The itemsFood below can now be put in your green cart.

Waste Collection is PUT HERE! Event Disposal THE ITEMS BELOW CAN NOW BE IN YOUR GREEN THE ITEMS BELOW CAN NOW BE PUT IN YOUR GREEN CART.

Chula Vista Municipal Code 8.25 now requires that food waste Chula Vista Municipal Code 8.25 now requires that food waste is kept out of trash cart Chula Vista Municipal Code 8.25 now requires that food waste is kept out of trash carts/bins. is kept out of trash carts/bins.

PLEASE PUT FOOD WASTE IN YOUR GREEN CART ALONG WITH YARD WASTE.

Please put food waste in your greenfood cart along with yard waste.

FOOD WASTE FOOD-SOILED P FOOD FOOD-SOILED PAPER ChulaWASTE Vista Municipal Code 8.25 now requires that waste is kept out or of trash carts/bins.

Dispose of expired unused NO PLASTICS OF ANY TYPE. prescription NO METAL.medications NO GLASS.- no THE ITEMS BELOW BE PUTEggs/Shells, INasked YOUR GREEN CART. Coffee Grounds, Coffee CAN Grounds, NOW Eggs/Shells, questions plus electronics!

Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and Vegetables Piz Pizza Coffee Filters andBoxes Tea Bags Coffee Filters and Tea Bags FOOD WASTE FOOD-SOILED PAPER · Computers, Laptops, Gaming Systems

Saturday, April 27, 2019 10 am - 2 pm

Paper Towels Paper Towels (Apple, Chromebooks & PCs) and Napkins and Napkins Coffee Grounds, Eggs/Shells, Bread, Yard Public Works Bread, Mice Fruits and Vegetables · Monitors (any size), Keyboards, Cereals, Pizza Boxes Cereals, Coffee Filters and Tea Bags Tortillas, 1800 Maxwell Road, Chula Vista Tortillas, · Servers, Routers and Switches Rice and Beans Rice and Beans Seafood Seafood · Software, Hardware For more information, call (619) 691-5122 Paper Towels Meat and Bones Meat and Bones and Napkins or email environmentalservices@chulavistaca.gov · Tablets (iPads, Androids) Dairy Dairy Bread, Paper/Card Paper/Cardboard Products Products Cereals, Takeout Con PaperPhones, Plates · Cell Phones, Land TakeoutFax Containers Paper Plates Tortillas, Rice and Beans · Printers, Copiers, Scanners, Projectors Seafood NOOF PLASTICS OF ·NO ANY TYPE. NO GLASS. METAL. NO PLASTICS ANY METAL. Meat TYPE. and Bones Ink and Toner Cartridges (new) NO GLAS Dairy Flowers and Paper/Cardboard Flowers and Products · Televisions, VCRs, DVRs, Recorders YARD WASTE Houseplants YARD WASTE Takeout Containers Houseplants Paper Plates Proceeds from the collection of electronic waste at this event will help (without pots (without pots · Radios, Stereo Equipment, Speakers provide computers for low-income families. or soil) Leaves or soil) Leaves FO FOOD · Miscellaneous Cords NO PLASTICS OF ANY TYPE. NO METAL. NO GLASS. Grass PLASTIC bags.

NO PLASTIC bags. NOGrass

WA WASTE NO PLASTIC wrap. NO PLASTIC wrap.

YARD WASTE RECYC RECYCLING Tree and (without pots Tree and NO PLASTIC packaging.

NO PLASTIC packaging.

Brush Clippings willorNOT be accepted! soil) Brush Clippings Leaves FOOD is EA is EASY! NO compostable PLASTIC. Grass PLASTIC bags.

NONO compostable PLASTIC. Clippings WASTE FOOD WASTE 1. SEPARATE food 1. SEPARA NO PLASTIC wrap. waste. waste.

RECYCLING RECYCLING IS EASY! Tree and NO PLASTIC packaging.

Brush Clippings 2. COLLECT using 2. COLLEC 1. SEPARATE food waste.

NO PLASTIC bags. is EASY! a contai a container of NO compostable PLASTIC. Clippings

Clippings

NO PLASTIC wrap.

NO PLASTIC packaging.

NO compostable PLASTIC.

Flowers and Houseplants Household Hazardous Waste

your cho 1.

SEPARATE food container of your choice. waste.

3.

EMPTY into your3. EMPTY i 3. EMPTY into your Green Cart.

Green Cart. using Green C 2.

COLLECT a container of your choice.

2. COLLECT usingyour a choice.

information andand helpful on food and yard waste For more informationFor andmore helpful tips on food yardtips waste 3. EMPTY into your collection, scanchulavistaca.gov/sustainability. the QR Code or visit chulavistaca.gov/sustainability. collection, scan the QR Code or visit

Green Cart.

Baje este código con suinformación celular para en obtener información en español Baje este código con su celular para obtener español el programa de colección deydesechos sobre el programa desobre colección de desechos de comida jardín. de comida y jardín.

For more information and helpful tips on food and yard waste collection, scan the QR Code or visit chulavistaca.gov/sustainability.

Special Thanks to Diane Howell

“It came to our attention that Diane was instrumental in researching last month’s article featuring the Starlight Parade.”

Baje este código con su celular para obtener información en español sobre el programa de colección de desechos de comida y jardín.

O

ur Hometown Newsprint wants to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Diane Howell, a Public Information Specialist for the City of Chula Vista. It came to our attention that Diane was instrumental in researching last month’s article featuring the Starlight Parade. She spent countless hours researching historical records and photos. Diane is also responsible for providing Our Hometown Newsprint with ess releases from the city. Thank you, Diane, for your professionalism and support.

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

E D U C AT I O N N E W S

2023 South Bay Pumpkin Smash Game of Throws Winners

O From left to right: Michael “The King” Monaco and Montgomery Middle School Principal Mark Patterson.

n Saturday morning November 4th at Montgomery Middle School the 7th Annual South Bay Pumpkin Smash – Game of Throws hosted 12 teams from across the South Bay region. This was a wonderful turnout for the new location.

Like in the past, the opening ceremony was dropping the largest pumpkin for sale in San Diego County. This year one of our sponsors Wyyerd Fiber brought their large bucket truck and dropped a 50+ pound pumpkin from height of 50 feet.

Next, event coordinator and “King” Michael Monaco loaded pumpkins for the traditional dignitary throws in his custom-built trebuchet.

The first throw was given to Montgomery Middle School Principal Mark Patterson. Next throw was Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustee President Nicholas Segura, followed by Dennis Kyle, Wyyerd Fiber President, and to cap it off was Arturo Solis Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustee.

Immediately after the dignitary throws, we went right into competition. This year, we had teams representing two divisions. Division 2, students from grades 7th & 8th grades and Division 3, students from grades 3rd-6th.

Everyone had a wonderful time and the competition between teams was very close. The winners of the 2023 South Bay Pumpkin SmashGame of Throws are: Division 2: 1st Montevalle Recreation Center 2nd Montgomery Middle School 3rd Eastlake Middle School Division 3: 1st Liberty Elementary School 2nd Otay Recreation Center 3rd Allen Elementary School Team 3 Winners of the Distance competition (Only one per Division) Division 2: Eastlake Middle School Division 3: Liberty Elementary School

in-home

Maternity & Newborn Photography

www.riley.photography/newborn hello@riley.photography

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In addition to the pumpkin throwing contest, participants and their families were treated to a Fall Festival with activities like crafts, games, and food for the entire family. Thank you to the following vendors for their support; Republic Services, South Bay Sustainable Communities, Montgomery Middle School ASB, South Bay & Borderview YMCA, Chula Vista Police Activities League (CVPAL), Rotary Club of Chula Vista – Eastlake, and Wyyerd Fiber.

The South Bay Pumpkin Smash-Game of Throws would not be possible without the generous support of San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, Baldwin & Sons-Otay Ranch, Sweetwater Union High School District STEAM Programs, Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Recreation, Republic Services, Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake, Chula Vista Police Activities League (CVPAL), Dixieline Lumber, Wyyerd Fiber, STEAM Ahead Foundation, and South Bay Brothers in Christ. South Bay Pumpkin Smash-Game of Throws 2024 is scheduled for Saturday November 2nd at our new home Montgomery Middle School.

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

November 15 is America Recycles Day! By properly recycling, you can help make a positive impact on our environment by saving energy, conserving resources and reducing pollution.

Recycling is as simple as 1-2-3 1. Know what to throw. Your recycling cart should contain only cardboard, paper and uncoated paper products, plastic bottles, aluminum cans and any CRV containers.

2. Empt y. Clean. Dry. Keep all recyclables free of food and liquid. Just one dirty item can contaminate the entire load and cause it to no longer be able to be recycled.

3. Don’t bag it . Plastic bags can get tangled in recycling sorting machinery and jam the entire process.

Instead, put items loose in your recycling cart.

SB 1383 Food and Yard Waste Collection Program The de com po sition of organic was te in our landfills ge ne rate s m e thane , a gre e nhouse gas m ore pote nt than CO2. By participating in this program, your organic waste is converted to compost at our Otay Composting Facility and helps combat the climate crisis!

Remember, acceptable items include: food scraps, food-soiled paper (no waxy or plastic coating) and yard waste.

Unacceptable items include: trash (including produce stickers), recyclable or biodegradable plastics, glass, m e tal, re cyclable s of any kind, fats, oil, gre ase , diape rs, pe t was te , foo d wrappe rs, plastic film , polystyrene foam, ash, concrete, dirt, rocks, sand, treated or painted wood.

Holiday Collection Schedule Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23 One-day delay for residents serviced on Thursday.

Call 619.421.9400 or visit RepublicServices.com/ ChulaVistaCA for more information.

©2023 Republic Services, Inc.

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FIRST DAY

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A new Christian school is starting in Chula Vista--and not just any Christian school. Courage Christian Academy is based on America’s historic Christian method of Biblical reasoning which makes the Truths of God’s Word the basis of every subject in the school curriculum. Courage Christian Academy is a Principle Approach® school whose aim is to raise up Christian leaders who can think and reason from the unchanging principles of God’s Word. Courage Christian Academy is a Biblical classical school that teaches children how to apply those principles in every area of life through the 4Rs of learning: Researching, Reasoning, Relating, and Recording what they learn in their own notebooks. Noah Webster of dictionary fame defined education as a “all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations.” At Courage Christian Academy we see children as a gift of the Lord who have a God-given purpose and destiny. We are here to partner with you in that great endeavor!

Together, let’s change our nation!

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VOLUME 21 | NOVEMBER 2023

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WE HAVE A GIFT FOR MAKING THE HOLIDAYS SPECIAL. The most wonderful time of the year starts here – at Chula Vista’s two fresh-air centers. We’ve got what it takes to make the holidays special for everyone. Exciting shops. Essential services. Home décor.

And more! Including 15-plus restaurants & eateries that are perfect for relaxing and refueling deliciously.

Yule love everything about Millenia Commons and Millenia Place.

We put the happy in holidays just for you!

SPECIALTY RETAIL HomeGoods Mattress Firm Michael’s Ross Dress for Less World Market

SPECIALTY RETAIL

SERVICES

619-348-5324 619-934-8100

EATERIES Grater Grilled Cheese Hurricanes Grill & Wings Iceskimo South Bay La Sabrosita Botanero Luna Grill Paris Baguette Pizzo’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar Sharetea

EATERIES Board and Brew Ceviche Craft El Tianguis Jamba Juice McDonald's Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Okama Ramen & Grill Starbucks

619-349-3500 619-397-0271 619-350-8322

Great Clips Kosoohae Tae Kwon Do Laseraway

SERVICES Eastlake Modern Dentistry World Nails and Spa

858-294-3485

Corks and Bottles

619-397-3715 619-598-1890 Coming Soon 619-421-9024 619-210-1141

619-494-4059 619-202-5580 619-500-5850 619-737-3807 619-349-3334 619-289-8763 619-947-6988 619-397-3789

619-816-5001 619-421-7888 858-216-1111 619-349-3019 619-790-5862 619-500-5868 619-745-5300 619-934-1244

Good shopping & dining for all at 1610 Millenia Avenue just off 125 at Birch Road in Chula Vista, CA 91915 @SHOPMILLENIA

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SHOP.MILLENIA

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SHOPMILLENIA.COM

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