Our Hometown: Chula Vista / Bonita September 2022

Community Newsprint

Meet the Candidates

Ammar Campa-Najjar

Carolina Chavez

Dan Smith

Jose Preciado

John McCann

Marco Contreras

Simon Silva

Steve Stenberg

LETTER FROM MICHAEL MONACO

How times have changed. In December of 2019, Our Hometown published its last magazine. We were finally moving into the 21st century by going digital. With great excitement and support from our advertisers, we spent January and February 2020 designing and building a state-of-the-art website. We finished on schedule and were ready to launch on Monday March 16…. We all know the rest of the story, right? COVID 19 happened, and everything changed. Businesses and schools shut down. There was a mad rush to buy basic supplies. Our streets and highways were empty. Uncertainty was the prevailing thought for most everyone.

Due to the lack of good news and community events, we too “shuttered”. Our state-of-theart website went dormant and for the next 18 months we had very little good news to publish. In late 2021 and early 2022 we started to get a glimmer of hope with kids back in school, high

school sports teams practicing, and community events being scheduled.

This was our cue to come back. We looked at what we learned as a media outlet over the last 18 months and decided to update out strategy. First, print is still relevant. So, as you can see, we are now a newsprint collaborating with Brad Weber and Local Umbrella Media. Second, digital has great benefits. We are posting new stories online with interactive links to videos and additional resources. Finally, we are going to start hosting Podcasts in late September.

I hope Our Hometown Newsprint will once again become a trusted and positive source of information for our community. We could all use a little good in our life.

“Our Hometown, share what’s good about Chula Vista and Bonita”

Sincerely,

Food and Yard Waste Recycling Program

Republic Services and the City of Chula Vista are proud to announce that the “Food and Yard Waste Recycling Program” officially started on July 1, 2022, for residents living in single-family homes! Single-family residents can begin placing their food waste and food-soiled paper products, along with their yard waste items, in their Republic Services green carts.

This program will allow our community to combat the climate crisis by collecting organic material, which will be converted to compost at our Otay Composting Facility…the first fully solar-powered composting facility in California!

The program has not yet started for commercial or multi-family customers. Service for these customers will begin later this year and will phased with on-site waste assessments. For more information on the program, or on kitchen caddy distribution, please visit our website below, or call 619.421.9400

RepublicServices.com/ChulaVistaCA

Michael Monaco

Brad Weber Publisher Design2Pro Graphics & Design

Michael Monaco Community General Manager

Ari Pintado Community Editor

Hasti Sharif Intern

Maria Ulloa Intern

THE CHULA VISTA POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SERVING THE YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY

The Chula Vista Police Activities League is celebrating 30 years of service to the youth in and around the Chula Vista area. Though the approach and goals may have shifted the intent has not. Since its inception in 1992, CVPAL has remained focused on bringing together members of the Chula Vista Police Department and the community to serve youth and their families with a specific focus on those that are the most underserved or at-risk.

In the early days of CVPAL, most of the programming revolved around sports. Officers and community mem bers would host clinics and workshops for basketball, golf, and other sports. The sports season rotated period ically and would always take a break in November and December when CVPAL turned its focus on the annual food and toy drive. Teaming up with the Chula Vista Elementary School district, families were identified by staff and the school nurses and CVPAL would coordinate with officers to deliver food and wrapped toys directly to these families.

While CVPAL still teams up with the CVESD and the Chula Vista Welfare Council for the annual food and toy drive, CVPAL president Vanessa McEvoy states that budget constraints, the availability of officers, and the needs of our youth have shifted, and they’ve had to adjust how and what they offer. With officers stretched thin, rather than hosting clinics and programs, CVPAL looks for opportunities to sponsor activities and programs for the youth we serve. In recent years we’ve provided fund ing and scholarships for kids to participate in the Orange Crate Derby hosted by Rotary, sports clinics, trips to see the Chula Vista Ballet perform, and provided funding for free cooking classes from the Chefs d’ Cuisine foundation and the Velodrome bike program, just to list a few.

While kids programs and support are a big part of the mission of CVPAL, CVPAL also focuses on older youth through sponsoring STEM events like the Pumpkin Smash (***feel free to add the true name of the event!!!), and a unique scholarship program. Unlike most scholar ships that are a “one and done type scholarship” CVPAL

president McEvoy states “we are trying to remove barriers for high school seniors to pursue higher education or career technical certifications. Our scholarships are specifically to Southwestern College and fill the gaps left behind by other programs students may qualify for. First off, our scholarship only requires a 2.5 GPA, and provides: a brand new laptop computer, any tuition not covered by other grants and programs, all textbooks that are required by the professor as well as a parking permit or monthly transit pass. In addition CVPAL can cover incidentals that can be purchased at the campus bookstore that are

required. This can include anything from graphing calcu lators to composition books required for exams. We are looking to remove barriers and allow these students to focus on either completing the transfer process or career technical certification.” CVPAL is proud of all the students who take advantage of this program. Some of their scholarship winners have become high school principals, military officers, two recently graduated from UCSD, one has just transferred to UCSD, and one is transferring to CSU San Marcos after completing transfer requirements in just a year and a half.

CVPAL is funded through donations, grants, and through their annual Pingo Fundraiser. To learn more about how you can support CVPAL or attend this year’s fundraiser, visit: https://cvpal.org/

CALIFORNIA’S SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANT REDUCTION STRATEGY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ORGANIC

Recycling SB1383 California is experi encing the effects of climate change: ex cessive heat during summer, devasting f ire seasons and prolonged droughts. According to CalRecycle, greenhouse gases released by human activities, such as landfilling organic waste like food waste and yard waste, contribute to cli mate change.

A s part of California’s strategy to combat climate change, California is focusing its efforts on reducing the volume of organic waste deposited into landfills. Why organic waste? When food and other organic materials are landfilled and decompose, methane gas is released. Methane gas is a super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide and is one of the main contributors to climate change.

In 2014, the State performed a Waste Characterization Study and found that California landfilled approximately 30 million tons of waste. More than 30% of this waste was considered organic waste. Food waste alone made up near ly 6 million tons.

In 2016, Sena te Bill 1383 (SB 1383) was signed into law, establishing meth ane reduction targets for California in a st atewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP). The targets include:

• Reducing organic waste disposal 50% by 2020 and 75% by 2025.

• Recovering at least 20% of edible food currently disposed to feed people in need by 2025.

Chula Vista residents can help achieve California’s goals by placing food waste in the green waste cart. Food Waste Disposal in the Green Waste Cart Will Be Required for All Californian res idents are required to place organic waste in their gr een waste cart.

What can now be placed in the green waste cart along with yard waste?

• F ruit

• Vegetables

• Bones

• C offee grounds

• Dair y products

• Egg shells

• F ish and meat

• Gr ains

• Bak ed goods

• FOOD- SOILED PAPER

• Piz za boxes

• N on-coated paper plates

Keeping Your Green Cart Clean

Here are some tips:

• Wrap your food waste in newspaper or place it inside a paper grocery bag.

• Keep your food scraps in the freezer and place them in the green waste cart before your collection date.

Please don’t place these materials in the green waste cart:

Plastic bags, rocks, diapers, polysty rene foam, hazardous waste, manure or pet waste tr eated or pressure wood, coated or painted wood.

Reduce Your Food Waste

Shop your fridge before you go to the grocery store. Take stock of your re frigerator and pantry to find out if you ha ve anything that needs to be used before it spoils.

Plan your meals and make a list of items that you need for those meals. Monitor your leftover food and decide if you can prepare smaller meals.

If you have a lot of leftovers, consider freezing and or refrigerating some to extend their life.

Store your food in clear containers so you can see what’s inside. Arrange items in your refrigerator and pantry from the oldest to newest, so you can use the food that is about to be spoiled first.

For more information about the new food and yard waste program, visit www.chulavistaca.gov or call (619) 6915122

Food and Yard Waste Recycling Program

On July 1, 2022, Chula Vista began a Food and Yard Waste Recycling Program for residents living in single-family homes! These residents can begin placing their food waste and food-soiled paper products, along with their yard waste, in their Republic Services green carts.

Starting in Fall 2022, multi-family and commercial customers will be contacted directly and phased in with site visits and outreach by Republic Services and City of Chula Vista staff, throughout the remainder of the 2022 year.

Food and yard waste collected is being converted to compost at our Otay Composting Facility, which allows our community to combat the climate crisis and reduce greenhouse gases.

Please call 619.421.9400 or visit RepublicServices.com/ChulaVistaCA for more information on the program or kitchen caddy distribution.

6TH ANNUAL SOUTH BAY PUMPKIN SMASHGAME OF THROWS & FALL FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER 5TH AT EASTLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL PRESENTED BY THE FRIENDS OF CHULA VISTA PARKS & RECREATION

On Saturday morning, November 5th, an enthusiastic crowd of onlookers will cheer on teams of students from grades 3rd through 12th as they lay siege to Eastlake Middle School in Chula Vista for the Sixth Annual South Bay Pumpkin Smash - Game of Throws competition. The students’ aim? To win honor and prizes by hurtling left over Halloween pumpkins with both accu racy and distance using homemade Medi eval-style siege devices under the watchful eyes of the event’s King.

Presented by the Friends of Chula Vista Park & Recreation and co-sponsored by the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD), this free public festival of flying fruit provides boys and girls from all over the South Bay with the opportunity to learn not only history, but also science, engineer ing, and art by participating in a fun, handson project. This event challenges their imag inations and develops their skills in design, construction, and costumes. Plus, returning this year we have the Open Division. The Open Division is for non-educational teams like families, service clubs, Boys & Girls Scouts, and youth groups. See event website for details at: bit.ly/sbps-gameofthrows

Another new addition this year is a free family Fall Festival from 11:00am to 3:00pm. There will be vendors, food, and crafts for the whole family.

“The Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Rec reation a non-profit foundation couldn’t be more excited to partner with such a fun and exciting STEAM activity. Friends of CVPR support youth development, water safety, and community advocacy for our under served and at-risk youth. This is a perfect event to engage this community and build self-esteem. Our mission is to promote and

assist recreational programs in our com munity by raising funds and identifying resources and coordinating services all with the emphasis on our youth, states Ashley Gonzalez, President of the Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Recreation.”

“That’s why we’ve created a public spec tacle where science meets messy fun,” adds local entrepreneur and publisher, Michael Monaco, the event’s creator and principal

organizer. “It’s a free hometown Renais sance competition and festival for the entire community. It’s going to be a smashing good time”.

“Creativity is Imagination in Action - This is STEAM [science, technology, engineering, art and math] at its best. No batteries re quired & no programming necessary. Partic ipants get to use hand tools on a hands-on project to design and construct a mechanical device to smash pumpkins with accuracy. The possibilities for creativity are endless!” says Dr. Jesus L. Ulloa-Higuera, Launch Vir tual Academy Principal for SUHSD. All pro ceeds from this event will help fund STEAM programs in the South Bay.

“The Pumpkin Smash event is a perfect way for students, parents, educators, and the community to come together and partici pate in this fun STEAM activity. It’s value in relation to 21st century STEM concepts and skills cannot be underestimated. It’s a way we can inspire students who can become creative scientist, technologist, engineer, and mathematician for a positive future” states Brahim Wahib, STEAM Coordina tor-SUHSD.

The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m. when the Chula Vista Fire Department will drop the largest pumpkin in the land from the top of a 100-foot fire engine ladder to the cheers of the assembled throng. Look for elected officials and high-ranking members from local school districts to be amongst the attendees.

For information about the event please contact Michael Monaco at (619) 840-7722. For information about SUHSD’s participa tion, contact Brahim Wahib at 619-796-7700, or go to event website @ http://bit.ly/sbpsgameofthrows

Meet the Candidates

Councilmember John McCann is the most qual ified candidate for Chula Vista Mayor being a 16year City Councilmem ber, four-time Deputy Mayor, a decorated Navy & Iraq War veteran, successful 30-year small business owner and the only Mayoral candidate who is a lifelong Chu la Vista resident. That is why the Chula Vista Police Officers Associa tion, Retired Police Chief David Bejarano, Former Chula Vista Mayors Greg Cox and Shirley Horton have endorsed John Mc Cann for Mayor.

Ammar is a third-generation Mexi can-Arab American Chula Vistan, small business owner, and former Obama White House official. He was born in East San Diego County and raised in Chula Vis ta by his mother, the child of Mexican immigrants. Growing up with his single parent and grandparents between H and J Street, Ammar lived on both sides of the 805, searching for housing his family could afford, and working as janitor and groundskeeper at Eastlake Community Church while attending Eastlake High School to help make ends meet.

His mom, teachers, pastors, and men tors inspired him to pursue a life of service, graduating from Southwestern College and SDSU. Ammar started as a community organizer in Chula Vista, worked hard, and was selected to serve at the White House for President Barack Obama. After the White House, Ammar served as an executive at the U.S. Hispan ic Chamber of Commerce advocating for small businesses, and as a federal official at the U.S. Department of Labor serving working families like the ones he grew up with.

Ammar is a proven leader, building the partnerships we need. Ammar will deliv er on the bayfront development and new university, creating new industries, jobs, housing opportunities, and increase rev enue to invest in our roads, public safety, schools, and small business grants. We won’t get there with career politicians, who for decades, have failed to deliver long-overdue projects. We can't wait 20 more years, we need a new mayor with the energy to work hard and deliver re sults with a vision to innovate and reju venate Chula Vista from Broadway to 3rd Avenue, Otay Ranch to Millenia, east to west of the 805.

Councilmember John McCann’s common-sense vision will keep Chula Vista one of the safest cities by increasing the number of police, supporting local busi nesses, protecting single family neighborhoods and defending against tax increases by opposing the mileage tax, additional sales taxes and protect homeowners’ property tax increases by support ing Prop 13.

Councilmember John McCann championed public safety by hir ing over 142 new police officers since 2014, increasing the num ber of officers from 200 to over 270. Under John McCann’s guid ance police patrols have doubled and police body-worn cameras have been implemented, which has moved Chula Vista into a Top 10 Safest City over 200,000 people in the USA.

Councilmember John McCann, a successful small-business owner, will continue to streamline permitting processes to support individ uals and local businesses. John McCann was part of the team that approved and started the construction of the Gaylord resort hotel convention center on the Bayfront and the Innovation District that will attract thousands of high-paying professional jobs.

Councilmember John McCann was raised in a working-class family by a single mother who worked at the Rohr Aerospace Factory. John McCann attended every grade from pre-school through 12th grade in Chula Vista public schools. McCann earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Master’s Degree in Economics from SDSU.

Councilmember John McCann John McCann joined the U.S. Navy as an enlisted member and was later commissioned as a Naval Officer. John McCann was mobilized to serve “boots on the ground” in Mosul, Iraq, during the War in Iraq. McCann still serves our country as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

Councilmember John McCann is a consummate communi ty volunteer, having served prior on the Board of Directors for the South Bay YMCA, the Chula Vista Boys & Girls Club, AYSO youth soccer and the Bonitafest Committee. In 2008, Coun cilmember John McCann was awarded the San Diego County Local Elected Official of the Year and has been selected in the Star News reader poll as one of the best South Bay elected official multiple times.

Councilmember John McCann and his wife, Myssie (Wyllie) just celebrated their 24th anniversary. They have loved raising their four children, and now watching their grandson Jaxon grow up, here in Chula Vista, where they have owned a home for over 25 years. Their dogs love the city, too! John and Myssie understand the value of community and are the epitome of the true defi nition of not only establishing roots in our beautiful city, but continuing the roots their families planted here almost 100 years ago.

Meet the Candidates

Dan Smith has served Chula Vista residents from his local law office across from the Chula Vista Court House now and for the last 30 years. He has practiced civil and criminal law in state and federal courts with a com mon sense attitude . He and his wife of 22 years, Layla Villegas Smith have lived in the City of Chula Vista 18 years and raised 3 children from Chula Vista Elementary to Sweetwater District high school where he believes transparency is needed in the education of the parent’s children.

Dan Smith got to know many of you while he ran for Chula Vista City Council in 2014 and finished re spectfully against the incumbent. Dan Smith earned his degree in Economics at ASU and studied law locally at CWSL and started his career as a federal trial attorney. He was raised by parents, Judge Ralph Smith of Iowa and his mother, Elba Diaz Smith of Puerto Rico and benefitted from his diversity in serving the local community of Chula Vista in soccer, BSA, GSA, Little League, EEF, ECC and too many community volunteer programs to recall. Dan Smith and his family in Chula Vista were awarded the Presidential Family Volunteer Award.

Dan Smith is running for Chula Vista City Attor ney to bring common sense in the City conversation about public safety by assuring funding to attract and keep the best trained officers using the latest technology such as plate scanners and drones that help save law enforcement lives.

Because Dan Smith runs his business in Chula Vista, he understands that small businesses in Chula Vista should be encouraged by lowering the costs. Chula Vista should welcome start-up companies by encouraging businesses and acting as a partner in business rather than a regulatory agency that chokes a small business during the critical first year of busi ness.

As Chula Vista City Attorney, Dan Smith will bring the common sense of a successful businessman and Attorney to the City. Dan Smith will solve problems by bringing common sense to the politicians. Dan Smith will work to see that public safety has proper funding, businesses are not chased away by useless regulations and the citizens of Chula Vista will not be forced to increase taxes to pay for ineffective pro grams created by people that don’t know Chula Vis ta and may not live here. Furthermore, Dan Smith will negotiate contracts with the likes of Republic Waste to anticipate potential problems in perform ing on its contract with the City of Chula Vista. It is time to bring some common sense to Chula Vis ta’s way of governing the second largest city in the County.

Vote for Dan Smith because you want a City Attor ney for the safety of people of Chula Vista, for the small businesses that make you want to do business here and for common sense programs that do not tax the hard working people of Chula Vista. Vote Dan Smith for City Attorney of Chula Vista because he lives here, works here and he wants the best for you and our City of Chula Vista.

We are sad to report that Deputy City Attorney Simon Silva Passed away on Satur day September 3,2022. We are publishing his bio out of respect.

Simon Silva is running to be the next Chula Vista City Attorney because Chula Vista deserves a leader who is com mitted to integrity, justice, and community. Chula Vista is Simon’s home. It’s where he bought his first house, raised his children, and sees how amazing Chula Vistans are everyday. Chula Vista has a future filled with opportunity. Simon will ensure that Chula Vista continues to succeed.

Simon has been a lawyer for 29 years, including the last 12+ years as a Chula Vista Deputy City Attorney. Simon is a dedicated and experienced municipal lawyer ready to tackle the issues Chula Vista faces. He brings an independent voice, providing unbiased, straightforward, and honest legal advice.

Simon has a diverse background and an upbringing rooted in community. His father came to the U.S. as a farmworker under the Bracero Program, eventually becoming a janitor at a sugar factory in Salinas, California. Simon’s father was a single parent to him and his brother. They lived in poverty. Simon’s father spoke little to no English growing up, so Si mon translated and advocated for his father. He also helped his neighbors--translating and explaining documents. Simon recognized the power of advocacy, motivating him to become a lawyer. Simon’s upbringing keeps him humble and commit ted to serving his community. Indeed, while in college at UC Santa Barbara, Simon became a Marine Reservist (infantry mortarman/forward observer) and a Santa Barbara Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy.

Simon has broad and significant legal experience. After graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law, Simon became a Deputy Attorney General, working on felony appellate cases. He moved to the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, working as a prosecutor in its nationally renowned Do mestic Violence Unit, protecting victims of domestic violence and elder abuse, and later assigned as a Police Legal Advisor to the San Diego Police Department.

In 2009, Simon became a Deputy City Attorney in the Ch ula Vista City Attorney’s Office. He has worked on a variety of matters, including labor and employment, redevelopment, affordable housing, governmental ethics, and advising the Board of Ethics, Civil Service Commission, Mobile Home Rent Review Commission, Sustainability Commission, and Human Relations Commission. Simon has helped update the Civil Service Rules; create the City’s Code of Ethics; negotiate and reach agreements with the City’s labor unions; saved the City twenty million dollars from being taken by the State, allowing those funds to be kept by the City for essential ser vices; and, in times of crisis, has prepared emergency declara tions.

As City Attorney, Simon is committed to principled lead ership that involves advancing transparency; ensuring high ethical standards; seeking out community engagement, listen ing, and being accountable; and, ensuring the City acts in an inclusive and equitable non-discriminatory manner. Simon Silva is a trusted leader, doing the job now, to make sure the City receives independent, honest, and straightforward legal advice that protects Chula Vistan’s interests.

Simon Silva has the needed leadership and experience to be City Attorney on day one.

Learn more at: https://www.simonsilvaforcityattorney.com/

Meet the Candidates

My name is Marco Contreras, and I am running for Chula Vista City Council District 1. I am a hus band, father, small business owner and local pastor, and I am ready to answer a higher calling to serve my commu nity on a new level.

My family and I are proud to call this dynamic and vibrant city our home, and I will do everything in my power to preserve the beautiful family oriented livelihood of Chula Vista.

Carolina Chavez is a longtime Chula Vista resident. As an immigrant and recent Citizen of the United States, Carolina has dedicated her life to ensure that everyone’s voice is at the table. Her background in journalism, service non-profits, and cross-border rela tions have guided her to take this next step in public service.

Carolina Chavez is a professional economic pol icy advisor, and a proven consensus builder with extensive experience as a healthcare advocate. Caro lina Chavez currently serves as Director of Business and Economic Policy for San Diego Councilmem ber Stephen Whitburn. She has previously served as Chair of International Business Association for the San Diego Chamber of Commerce and the Di rector of Binational Affairs, Public Relations and the SIMNSA Foundation at SIMNSA Health Care. Carolina Chavez is one of our region’s binational leaders advocating for business development and Public Health.

As a binational regional leader, Carolina is ex perienced in working with local, state, and federal governments on both sides of the United States/ Mexico border. Carolina has led projects for land acquisition, negotiations of contracts for medical projects and Urban development. She’s worked on projects with the Chambers of Commerce in our region, South County EDC, SANDAG, Caltrans, and the Institute of the Americas at the Universi ty of California, San Diego. She is well equipped to tackle the issues facing our communities today. From bringing business development to our district to being a regional leader in public health.

As Director of the SIMNSA Foundation, her philan thropic work isn’t overlooked. Carolina helps under privileged families in vulnerable situations through medical assistance, food and clothing donations, scholarships, and programs that support endangered youth.

Carolina is ready and equipped to work on be half of residents in District 1. Carolina will work to strengthen our neighborhoods and work with stake holders across our region, both public and private, to increase economic development and create more jobs so Chula Residents can work and live here.

My plan to achieve this vision includes three main points: supporting local law enforcement, supporting small businesses, and promot ing policies that overall preserve the beauty of Chula Vista’s District 1.

My wife Natalie and I have been married for 14 years and have two beautiful children. As a father, ensuring our next generation has a safe, positive, and successful environment to grow in is personal. District 1 has some of the lowest crime rates in our county, and to keep it that way I fully oppose the extreme leftist “defund the police” ideology, which we have seen to only prohibit safety and destroy communities. As your next city coun cilman, I will ensure that our local law enforcement is allocated the funds and other means of support necessary to perform their duties to the fullest extent. We must tackle homelessness; we will partner with mentorship programs that will empower and train the homeless to become contributors to our society. As a pastor, I have been able to mentor thousands of people to overcome limiting beliefs and find their purpose, this is the same mentorship I plan on bringing to Chula Vista. I am in support of a university being established in east Chula Vista, however, one that is not teaching our students ex treme leftists’ ideologies. Access to a university in Chula Vista will not only provide local residents with access to more avenues of education closer to home, but also open a door for more job opportunities and municipal reve nue. A constant comment I hear from residents is their concern over Chula Vista not being business friendly, especially for small and local businesses. Under my lead ership and experience in business, I am ready to trans form Chula Vista into the easiest city to do business in. I understand the value of hard work, launching a business and wanting to grow in your career. I am eager to apply the same principles that grew my company to promote sustainable growth within our city. Many of our current practices limit the growth within our city, and with more damaging policies on the horizon such as the gas mile age tax, which will tax every mile you drive on top of the massive amount of gas taxes we already pay, it is time for common sense driven change. Let me be clear, I will op pose the mileage tax.

At the core of who I am is the belief that anything is possible. This is what I envision for our beautiful city. My name is Marco Contreras, and I would be honored to earn your vote on November 8th.

Meet the Candidates

About Jose Precia do- Jose is a lifelong resident of San Diego South Bay where he at tended Nestor Elemen tary, Southwest Middle School and Southwest High Schools. He earned both a Bachelors in Latin American Studies and Spanish Literature and a Master of Arts in Teaching from San Di ego State University.

Jose is a student ser vices professional and lecturer and is completing his 24th year with San Diego State University. He was recently promot ed to Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies in recognition of his work with new college students. In addition, Jose directs the Faculty-Student Men toring Program and the Supplemental Instruction Program. Both programs support student success and advanced student achievement. Jose has served in other leadership roles with SDSU including as director of College Readiness Programs and director of Academic Engagement Programs. Jose volunteers his time to serve as part of the campus community as an elected representative to the University Sen ate and on various policy, budget, and equity com mittees. He recently completed two terms as Uni versity Senate Secretary.

Jose moved to West Chula Vista in 2006 and was elected in 2008 to the South Bay Irrigation District/ Sweetwater Authority. Now in his 14th year of service, Jose chairs the Finance and Administration Committee and serves on the Engineering, Devel opment and Capital Infrastructure Committee. In 2015, Jose was appointed by his fellow directors as the South Bay Irrigation District representative to San Diego County Water Authority. There, Jose chairs the Water Resource and Environmental Plan ning Committee and serves as a member of the Im ported Water Committee, the Colorado River Task force and as an alternate on the SANDAG Borders Committee.

Serving the community has been his priority. He is a recognized regional advocate promoting high quality public schools in every neighborhood, ac cess to higher education and a 4-year university for Chula Vista, increasing housing options for working families and seniors, and expanding civic participation to improve the quality of life for all South County residents. He is a member and Pres ident of the Board of Directors of CSA San Diego (a nonprofit fair housing organization), past-Pres ident and Convener of the South Bay Forum (a member-driven organization engaged in public policy issues impacting the South Bay region), and co-founder and longstanding club officer of the Ch ula Vista Democratic Club.

Jose lives just behind Hilltop High School in the Windsor Heights community with his brother, Ser gio. Jose is an avid listener of podcasts and audio books. Jose enjoys supporting Chula Vista’s local restaurants and food trucks. A proud and involved uncle, he looks forward to weekly family gatherings to catch up on the latest happenings with his nieces and nephews.

Stenberg grew up in Chula Vista since 1964. He raised his family here and has three small grandchildren who are Chula Vistans! His father, Sherman was CV Assistant City Manager. His mother, Joan retired from CVESD as a teacher, and his wife, Me linda works for SUHSD.

From an early age, through scouting, and community service, Stenberg learned the value of dedicating your life to serving and protecting your community.

After serving in the USAF and USAF Reserves, Stenberg served in both law enforcement and the fire service. He served in the Border Patrol in the early 1980’s. Stenberg served as a US Customs Officer in the 1990’s, where he seized $1.2 million in illegal drugs. After 23 years as a firefighter, Stenberg retired in Feb of 2009 with a com bined 30 years of public safety service.

Not able to stay away from public service for long, Sten berg accepted a position with San Diego County FD as an engineer. Five months later, Stenberg promoted to Captain.

After retiring, Stenberg was hired as bus driver for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC, where he enjoyed meeting Olympic athletes from 34 countries.

In 2012, Del Mar FD hired Stenberg as a Defensible Space Inspector( DSI), where he educated and assisted homeowners to keep their properties safe from wildfire. For the past nine years, Stenberg has continued serving and protecting our communities as a DSI with Cal Fire.

In 2015, Stenberg’s family opened a small business in Chula Vista’s Third Avenue Village, earning the “Mayor’s Award for Neighborhood Revitalization.”

Stenberg has enjoyed various volunteer roles over the years. He played “Santa” to orphanages and to children with special needs; tutored young children in reading, participated in the Angel Tree Program, and brought firetrucks and dalmation dogs to schools to teach stu dents about fire safety. In addition, Stenberg has coor dinated fundraisers to benefit families who lost their homes to fire, for suicide awareness, and for fellow fire fighters to pay medical expenses.

This year, Stenberg will retire with 45 years of public safe ty service. Stenberg wants to draw upon his accumulated expertise to give back to his hometown, Chula Vista.

As Chula Vista City Councilmember, Steve will:

• Prioritize Public Safety by ensuring our neighbor hoods are staffed with police and firefighters to keep us safe.

• Support Chula Vista’s Small Business Community to ensure a strong local economy and more revenue for city services.

• Improve and Update Infrastructure in Northwest Ch ula Vista and ensure our older communities receive their fair share of resources.

• Address Homelessness with real solutions by coordi nating with regional governments, non-profits and pub lic safety to ensure safe neighborhoods.

Steve Stenberg believes that he is the best candidate for Chula Vista City Council 2022.

STEVE STENBERG finished in first place in the June 2022 Primary, and is now the FRONTRUNNER racing toward the Nov 2022 Election.

Steve Stenberg would be honored to earn your vote for Chula Vista City Council on November 8, 2022!

Kids on the Go was born out of a mother’s desire to stay home with her first child while her husband was deployed. Fifteen years ago, the business started out as a small, licensed family childcare in a one-bedroom, third floor apartment and has grown over the years into a large licensed center.

Kids on the Go is more than childcare, they are a family service center. Their vision statement is to be the communities’ “third parent”. They accomplish this by collaborating with organizations such as the San Diego County Office of Education, the California Department of Edu cation, and other local family child care homes. Local and national companies support the mission, as Kids on the Go nurtures the com munities and families they have the privilege to serve.

At Kids on the Go, they have developed a site that serves everyone in the community. They serve all families across all income levels under one roof. All children deserve a high standard of services regardless of income and they have developed a unique approach to accomplish this. They focus on listening and meeting the needs of the children, families, and communities they serve. Demand for their services is growing and soon they will be adding an additional site in the Otay Ranch area.

REACHING UNITY THROUGH CIVILITY

By Hasti Sharif

One of America’s top fears; pub lic speaking is being addressed in a unique way and by students at Olympian High School in the Sweetwater Union High School District. Starting with a club of 16 students to a full classroom, the new Speech and Debate class is continuing to empower students in public speaking involved in the program.

Behind it all, Stephen Fazio (“Mr. Fazio”), refers to the students as “hungry wolves” who could be viewed as underdogs lacking the resources that some private schools provide. The desire to compete and win and against their opponents, creates “a sense of urgency to every class period.” This, in all, is empow ering because it creates an environ ment where students unite with their classmates even through their differences. As Mr Fazio would explain , “...going through the fire together brings a sense of unity.” People with different opinions and from all walks of life come together to compete and that is what makes the Speech and Debate class unique amongst the required general edu cation courses.

In today’s society, most issues in our world stem from the inabil ity to listen to the other side. To have a civil disagreement almost seems like an impossible task that most adults struggle with. Howev er, to create peace and unity, one must have the ability to hear out

the other side with differing opin ions and that is exactly what the speech and debate class does. While you may not think debate teaches this skill because of its aggressive nature, the most important part of winning an argument is by listen ing. Mr. Fazio explains how “you won’t win a debate unless you listen to the other side… you must learn how to disagree in a way that sheds more light than heat.” Debate class not only benefits the students involved in the program, but it also advances society as a whole. These future students will go into the world and create change with their different perspectives on how to go about a disagreement. They will stitch back the ever growing gap in our society via civility.

Ther e are a variety of debate styles, with a few of them replicat ing real world political debates. The debates can range from a congressional style to the English Parliamentary debating style. In parliamentary debates you are given the topic on the spot and are forced to come up with an argu ment quickly. In Congress, you are given a bill that you have to go for, or against it passing. These are just a few examples of the many more styles that students can take on. This month (September 2022) Olympians’ Speech and Debate Club will participating in their first competition of the school year. The team is optimistic to make it to the national finals for the first time in Olympian’s history.

SPONSORED BY:

Lynn Twork, Co-Founder KOTG and Kevin Marshall, President Copy Link

CASTLE PARK MIDDLE TEACHER MELISSA RAINS NAMED

San Diego County Teacher of the Year

Melissa Rains, Science Teacher from Castle Park Middle School was named one of the five San Diego County Teachers of the Year at the 32nd annual “Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers” event.

Rains and four of her San Diego County teacher honoree counterparts were announced at a reception Friday, August 26 as part of the annual Techer of the Year recognition program that honors teachers of the year for all San Diego County. The event was hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education, COX Communications, in partnership with San Diego County Credit Union.

Students in Melissa Rains’ science class are greeted with a daily “Question of the Day” designed to gauge how they are feeling coming into class. The answers guide the first topic of conversation when class begins, and the group segues into a “mindful moment” before the

science lesson of the day. Melissa believes that her connection with her students is the foundation from which they can explore and appreciate science.

“As a County Teacher of the Year, I see myself as a representative not just of the work that I am doing, but also of the work the other 24,000 teachers in the county are doing,” said Rains. “Within our own district, five teachers were nominated, and each of them deserves their own recognition for the powerful work they are doing with students. I see myself more as a spokesperson for our collective efforts rather than just my single efforts as the sense of community we have here in South Bay is one of our greatest strengths.”

For the past six years, Rains has lead Castle Park Middle’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program. This year, she will merge her work with her colleagues who are implementing other

initiatives to transform how education is designed and delivered for students at Castle Park Middle.

“This last year in teaching was one of the hardest of my career,” said Rains. “This recognition sent the message that even though I found a lot of struggle in my year as a teacher, what I did still mattered to my students, their families, and our community. Hearing the recognition for the hard work we all put into ensuring our schools are safe learning spaces where students feel like they belong, can help make us more resilient as we face the challenges of the current state of education.”

“The Sweetwater District truly is defined by the quality of our teachers, both their classroom instruction and the culture they create as role models and leaders,” Dr. Moises Aguirre, Sweetwater District Superintendent said. “We’re so proud of Ms. Rains and all our educators.”

CVESD CELEBRATES 130 YEARS AS A SCHOOL DISTRICT

One hundred and thirty years ago, the Chula Vista Elementary School District opened its doors to eager students ready to embark on an educational journey. Back then, with the start of a new century looming, the possibilities of what to come were foremost in the minds of students, staff, and the community. Quality public education was still a relatively new concept at the time, but the intention of preparing students for emerging opportunities informed teaching and learning. The district continues to live out that mission today and build upon a legacy of academic excellence.

As the district celebrates 130 years as a school district this year, they honor the past and look forward to the future. With the district’s high-quality instruction, technology-based curriculum, innovative programming, and strong visual and performing arts, they provide a highly sought-after education for all students. While they mark this milestone in their history, they also have definitive, and defining, plans for their future. This year the district’s focus is on teaching and learning with a vision of purpose. The success of all their students is the district’s top priority.

On October 20, 2022, the Chula Vista Elementary School District will host a 130th-anniversary celebration event at Hedenkamp Elementary School for all community members to attend. The free event will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm and will celebrate the district’s students, programs, and staff who have impacted the district over the years. The district looks forward to celebrating with all community members this milestone of their history.

JURIED ART SHOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS OCT 8TH FOR OCTOBER EXHIBITION

The Chula Vista Art Guild (CVAG) is holding our 22nd Annual Community Art Show from October 8th to October 29th and is accepting paintings for the juried exhibition on October 8th from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The competition is open to all San Diego County Artists who are 18 years of age or older both members and non-members. For a copy of the prospectus, please go to www.chu lavistaartguild@yahoo.com Facebook.

Up to 60 accepted entries will be on dis play at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Arts Center, 4355 Bonita Road in Bonita from October 8th to the 29th. The show will be open to the public on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and all work will be for sale.

An award reception will be held Friday, October 14th from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Bonita Museum. Artists are encouraged to bring guests and friends. The public is invited. During the reception, awards will be presented. First place $300, Sec ond place $200, Third place $100. Two Honorable Mentions will receive certifi cates.

The Chula Vista Art Guild was founded in 1945 by Alfred R. Mitchell. The guild has been active in the Chula Vista Area for 77 years. We meet monthly and spon sor demonstrations at these meetings. We also sponsor work shops where the public is invited. We give two scholarships a year to art students at Southwestern Col

lege and annually give a prize at the San Diego County fair to a winning young artist.

Winners of the Chula Vista Art Guild Spring Show held this year on May 1st to the 30th at Rose Lane Gallery in the South Chula Vista Library. All winners are members of the Chula Vista Art Guild. This Spring Show is held yearly.

Chula Vista Art Guild Inc. Spring Show Winners

SOUTH BAYFRONT ARTISTS PRESENTS ART ABOARD!

“SEE WHAT YOU CAN SEA”

Sunset Cruise and Art Contest

Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA – Pho tographers, artists, mariners, and friends of the arts are invited to join us aboard the tall ship BILL OF RIGHTS for a sunset cruise on San Diego Bay and a juried art contest. Par ticipants are invited to submit photos or artwork inspired by their cruise experience to our “Art Aboard!” contest. The cruise will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 4 pm to 8 pm boarding at the Chula Vista Excursion dock, 600 Marina Parkway, Chula Vista, CA.

Join fellow photographers and artists, for a unique art cruise on a historic tall ship. The schooner BILL OF RIGHTS debarks Chula Vista, cruises up the bay, under the Coronado Bridge up to San Diego Bay and returns as the sun sets on the horizon and the birds begin

settling for the evening. Capture the golden hour on the water and visions of a historic schooner. Photograph the San Diego water front from a unique perspective.

The cruise fee is $65 per person for non-members and $45 per person for mem bers. Includes entry fee for South Bayfront Artists “See What You Can Sea” Juried Art Show. Snacks and drinks are provided. After the cruise, artists will have three weeks to choose and submit up to three of their best works. All entries must be original work based on the cruise experience. Artwork will be juried by esteemed artists Michael Leaf and Don Johnson. Winners will be an

nounced, and work will be posted on South Bayfront Artists Art show website.

Information and tickets available at: www. SouthBayfrontArtists.org

First Place: Penelope Quinn

Second Place: Sharon Hyde

Third Place: Gloria Galbraith