February 2017 (Click HERE to visit the City's Calendar) 
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Contents:
In this issue... 
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CVTC and City Of Champions
To help mark the ownership transition of the former U.S. Olympic Training Center - now named the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (CVTC) - a Celebration of Champions is scheduled for Saturday, February 25. The public event, held in conjunction with Elite Athlete Services, includes a Fun Run, a City of Champions ceremony and festival.
The day begins with the
Fun Run at 9 a.m. when participants will walk or run around the CVTC campus where many Olympic and Paralympic athletes train. Fee to participate is $25 and children under age 10 are free with paid adult entry.
At 11 a.m., the City of Champions ceremony with officials from the City of Chula Vista, U.S. Olympic Committee, Elite Athlete Services and Point Loma Trust will celebrate the successful transition. Chula Vista champions in athletics, academics, arts, community service and other areas will also be recognized and publicly applauded for their accomplishments.
A free festival with Olympic sports demonstrations, walking tours of the CVTC, music, food trucks, and more is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nominations are now open for Chula Vista Champions! You can nominate an individual, team, class or other group who live, work or play in Chula Vista. Champions will be recognized for receiving an award in academics, sports, community service, cultural arts, and more. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. See you
at the CVTC on February 25!
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Calm, Cool and Collected - CVPD Dispatch
It's 3 a.m. and you hear a noise outside. As you peek out the window, you see someone prying open your neighbor's house window and you know they are away. You quickly call 911 and hear a Dispatcher say, "Chula Vista Police, this is Tina. What is your emergency?" As you provide answers to her questions, she relays that police are on the way. Sure enough, very quickly CVPD is on the scene and the perpetrator is caught. Later, when the neighbors return and thank you, you wonder about the Dispatcher you spoke with and how did she remain so calm when you were so frantic?
This is just one example of a call that comes in to the Chula Vista Police Dispatch center, which averages 223 calls on the 911 line every day. Calls range from serious crimes to traffic accidents and from reports of drunk drivers to prank calls and many more. The dedicated men and women who answer these calls work with the police officers as a team. If an officer is injured on the job, the Dispatchers are greatly affected.
When asked what motivates her to listen to people yelling, screaming, crying and being quite hysterical during their emergency, Dispatcher Supervisor Carla Even said, "I wanted a job that makes a difference and to do something that is bigger than myself. It isn't a job...this is a career." Even, who has been a Dispatcher for 16 years, says her number one priority is to assist and protect the officer who in turn helps the community.
Dispatchers undergo an extensive background check with six to nine months of training. While many Dispatchers initially thought of being a police officer, that is not a job for everyone. Some say working as a Dispatcher is the closest thing to being an officer and still being able to help the public.
Michelle Ramirez, Dispatcher Supervisor with 19 years experience who works on the graveyard shift (Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.), added, "This is a rewarding and challenging life-long career. I learn something new every day on this job." Ramirez would like the public to remember that cell phones do not display your location or address. If you call 911, please clearly state the address or at least a location, such as a restaurant, so help can get there quickly.
Believe it or not, CVPD receives a large number of unintended calls to 911, so please be careful when you put that phone in your pocket! Non-emergencies, such as loud parties, non-injury minor vehicle accidents, and inquiries should call the
non-emergency line (619) 691-5151. Calls related to Fire or emergency medical service are transferred from 911 to the Fire Dispatch Center so please do not hang up!
If you have a desire to help the public and are interested in a career with great benefits in a family environment, then you are in luck as CVPD is now hiring Dispatchers. Check out the
qualifications
and see if you can be among our calm, cool and collected crew!
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Wild Weather Wreaks Havoc
If you were in town January 20-22, you know that some very wild weather struck Chula Vista causing all kinds of problems. With torrential rain and high winds in excess of 40 m.p.h., we experienced downed power lines, fallen trees and large tree branches, flooding, gas leaks and blocked roadways.
City crews, including Public Works, Police, Fire, and Police Dispatchers worked throughout the weekend and are still attending to the most critical damaged areas while using caution tape on areas to address later. Chula Vista Police dispatchers were inundated with 911 calls. Typically, they receive an average of 223 calls to 911 per day. However, on Friday, January 20, they received 475 calls to 911, with 135 calls occurring between 3 and 4 p.m.
 Consequently, the Public Works telephone lines were opened throughout the weekend so that residents could report non-emergency issues such as potholes and downed trees.
Over 300 trees were damaged or fell in City parks, fields, and roadways resulting in the closure of one-third of the City's parks. In Rohr Park, 60 trees were damaged or destroyed and the park still is closed until it is determined to be safe for public use.
We certainly hope we don't experience drastic weather conditions like this again anytime soon but if we do, know that your City is capable of handling whatever comes our way. In the meantime, we did officially declare a local emergency which allows the City to obtain any and all local, county, state and federal aid to assist in recovery from the disaster.
To help the City and County of San Diego track how the storm affected residents, please
report any damage to your property. If you experienced damage to your home, business or property, you will need to work with your insurance agency to receive any potential compensation. Also, those who have filled sandbags are encouraged to keep them until the rainy season is over and then reuse the gravel or sand in the bags.
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Fire Fleet Expands
Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) Station 7 welcomed two new fire engines last week replacing older units that have been in service for 15 years. Featuring improved handling, stopping and much better emissions, the new engines also have LED lighting for improved visibility. The old engines will be used to improve CVFD's
 reserve fleet by replacing engines that have been around since 1987. These older engines have firefighters sitting outside exposed to the elements, exhaust gases and in wild-land incidents, fires, smoke and embers.
The replaced vehicles are an example of what Measure P will provide to the City. Measure P is a temporary, ten-year, half-cent sales tax approved by 68 percent of Chula Vista voters in 2016 to fund high priority infrastructure needs. The funds are being used to upgrade police, fire, paramedic and 911 equipment, vehicles and facilities; fund streets and sidewalks; improve parks; repair recreation facilities; replace storm drains to prevent sinkholes; and repair or replace other city infrastructure. Visit the
website for more information.
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Did you know...
...you can easily report things such as potholes, dark street lights, abandoned vehicles, graffiti and more by using the
ACT mobile app or website
. Requests submitted via ACT are entered into a computer system making  them easy to track. In fact, requestors receive an email with updates on the status of their request. In addition, these items can also be reported by calling Public Works at (619) 397-6000.
...nominations are open for the 2016 Gayle McCandliss Art Awards through February 21. Given annually to individuals and groups who have supported the arts in Chula Vista, the fund is named after former Mayor Gayle McCandliss, who was a strong supporter of the arts. All recipients must reside in Chula Vista and self-nominations are encouraged. Categories include the "Rising Star" award for dance, theater, music, media, visual and literary arts; the "Bravo" award for community pride and art appreciation, and the "Literary" award celebrates local writers. Nomination forms are available on the
Cultural Arts website
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...in 2016, the HOT (Homeless Outreach Team) consisting of CVPD and Public Works Park Rangers (and many others), collected a whopping 80,000 lbs. of trash for the year. The clean-up effort concentrated on City parks but also included river bed areas and other locations in the City. Besides trash, the team collected 1,991 shopping carts during the year used by homeless individuals.
...the
Living Coast Discovery Center
is celebrating 30 years with special events and new exhibits. And you can save 30% off the admission fee by simply saying you'd like the 30th Anniversary discount! The discount is good February 1-28 for one time use only and cannot be used with any other coupons or discounts. Visit the Center, open daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., at the corner of Bay Boulevard and E Street.
...several members of the Chula Vista Police Department were recently promoted at a Badge Presentation Ceremony. Congratulations to Captain Fritz Reber, Lieutenant Chris Kelley, Sergeant Jason Deaner, and Agents Joe Briles and Marshall Gillon. CVPD also welcomed Police Officer Jordan Garcia, Police Service Officer Christopher Hutson and Dispatcher Margaret Preciado. Thank you all for your service and dedication to Chula Vista!
...Rohr Aircraft Corporation had a profound impact on the history of Chula Vista and the aircraft industry. To showcase its effect on our community, a new exhibit on the history of Rohr is on display at the Chula Vista Heritage Museum, located in the Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street. Included in the exhibit are photographs, historic materials from the Rohr Corporation, items from the library's local history collection and  memorabilia from the Rohr family. The Museum is open during regular library hours Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
...a new, cool coffee spot and art gallery has opened on Third Avenue. Stop in and check out The Nest on Third at 260 Third Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This eclectic store hosts delicious coffee and tea and promotes local art. You should see their vintage record album collection!
...struggling suspects apprehended by CVPD used to be quite a challenge for officers using a maximum restraint system where a nylon cord was used to secure the feet which was then attached to the handcuffs. Once in that position, a strong suspect could loosen the strap and potentially start kicking out a patrol car window. In addition, it was a challenge for officers to get them in the patrol car and many suspects had trouble breathing in a prone position. Now, The WRAP is used which allows officers to secure the subject within 30 seconds. And it is a much safer restraint for both the suspect and the officers. Once handcuffed, the suspect is quickly placed in The WRAP, made of strong nylon with steel rods and then buckled in using seat belt-like  restraints. Suspects are in a seated position making it much easier for them to breathe and officers can easily transport them using handles on the sides. CVPD has had approximately 40 deployments of The WRAP over the past seven months with no suspect injuries from its use. Used all over the country, The WRAP has become our number one tool for restraining suspects.
...Recreation is hosting several Therapeutic events this month for adults with disabilities including a Sweetheart's Dance, Got Science? class, Tea Time, and Let's Stretch. Salt Creek Recreation Center is featuring many fun events in February. There's the afterschool study session, A.S.P.I.R.E., Ballet classes, Soccer academies, Starting Spanish and Tiny Tots. Check out these and many other events, programs and activities on the
Recreation website
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...the Willow Street Bridge Replacement Project will upgrade and improve a critical north-south connection between the City of Chula Vista and Bonita in the County of San Diego. The project will begin in the coming weeks and will take two years to complete. The existing bridge, which was constructed in 1940, will be replaced with a larger, state-of-the art structure with two traffic lanes in each direction, new bike lanes, and upgraded sidewalks, railings and barriers. Funding for the $15.2 million project is from the Federal Highway Bridge Program and local Transportation Development Impact Fees. The new 610-foot-long bridge also accommodates the established equestrian trail undercrossing, replaces the drainage culvert that feeds to the Sweetwater River, and improves connections to adjacent roadways. Replacement of the bridge will occur in two stages to ensure continued traffic flow on Willow Street.
Check the website
for more information and project updates.
...Youth Soccer League
registration
is open until February 15, with games played on Saturdays from March 25 to May 20. For ages 6-14, the fee is $75 for Chula Vista residents and $94 for non-residents.
...two new affordable rental housing properties will be coming to Millenia later this year. Duetta features 87 family units with one, two or three bedrooms and Volta consists of 123 senior units of one or two bedrooms. Sometime in March, an interest list will be started with a lottery held in late spring for qualified applicants.
Check the website
or call (619) 691-5047 for updates.
...spring camps are scheduled March 20-31 when Chula Vista public schools have their Spring Break.
Parkway Community Center
will offer Cheer, Tumbling, Science, Cooking, Basketball and Anything Goes Camp. Loma Verde Recreation Center is hosting swimming, sports, arts and crafts, games and cooking.
Check out the camps and sign up now!
...you can meet your "purrfect" match at the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility! Many bachelors and bachelorettes are waiting to be adopted by a Valentine cat lover. This month, adopt a cat for only $25 (regular fee is $65); adopt a black cat and receive a bag full of goodies. Visit the Center, at 130 Beyer Way, Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
...our City is part of the San Diego region partnership selected as one of ten U.S. Department of Transportation proving grounds for autonomous vehicles. Testing will take place on the South Bay Expressway and some surface streets in Chula Vista.
An autonomous car, also known as a driverless car, self-driving car or robotic car is a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input. The San Diego region is the only Southern California proving ground and one of two on the West Coast. While no specific date has been set, the pilot program is expected to get underway later this year.
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Events
Otay Lakes Adventure
Looking for a fun and interesting time with your child ages 8-17? Try the
Otay Lake Adventure and learn how to row a boat, operate a motor boat, learn basic fishing skills and more! Two classes to choose from:
Saturday, February 4 or March 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the lower Otay Lake, 2154 Wueste Road. Fee for both parent and child is $17 for Chula Vista residents and $21 for non-residents.
Teen Chocolate Extravaganza
Youth ages 10-14 will love this yummy class learning skills and techniques to
make chocolate creations such as Tuxedo chocolate strawberries, chocolate candy and cake pops. Held at Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way, the tasty lesson is on
Monday, February 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. Fee is $10 for Chula Vista residents and $13 for non-residents.
Coffee with a Cop
Residents are invited to stop by and meet their local Chula Vista police officers at an informal gathering on
Thursday, February 9. Held at the Broken Yolk, 884 Eastlake Parkway, from 8 to 10 a.m., sip a cup of coffee
 and chat with those who serve and protect!
Lunch and Love
To celebrate the month of love and friendship, the Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street, is featuring a
Valentine's Luncheon on
Wednesday, February 8, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. The fee is $5 for Chula Vista residents and $6 for non-residents and includes a festive lunch, dessert and games.
Library Book Sale
Are you looking for a book of poems to read to your true love on Valentine's Day? Or maybe a romantic comedy or even a sci-fi novel? Then stop by the Friends of the Chula Vista Library for their next book sale and see what treasures fit your taste! The sale will be held at the Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street on
Friday and Saturday, February 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
Sunday, February 12, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Tweets, Treats, and Trails
Visit the Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive (foot of E Street), on
Saturday, February 11, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a guided bird walk. Get up close with some of our feathered friends on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The free event is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Cupid's Arts and Crafts
Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, is hosting a free Cupid's Arts and Crafts workshop on
Tuesday,  February 14. Children ages 5-12 can make a Valentine's Day card for someone special and all supplies will be provided for a Valentine's Day craft. The activity will be held from 3 to 4 p.m.
Consumer Protection Workshop
Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) is quickly becoming an important tool for energy and water saving upgrades to homes. Attend the free workshop on
Thursday, February 16, to learn more and provide your feedback. Held in the Civic Center Library Auditorium, at 365 F Street, the presentation begins at 4 p.m.
Resilience Film and Community Discussion
On
Tuesday, February 21, a new film titled "Resilience: the Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope," explores the emerging science of toxic stress on children and offers innovative solutions for helping vulnerable young people build resilience. The
free event will be held at 3 p.m. at the Chula Vista High School Performing Arts Center, 820 Fourth Avenue, and the subject matter is designed for high school students and up.
Stone Soup
Come share a cup of soup and hear the story that inspired this funny and heart-warming tradition on
Wednesday, February 22, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Just bring a can of your favorite soup to the Norman Park Senior Center at 270 F Street by February 21, and then join us for a
yummy lunch the next day!
Anthem Blue Cross Talk
Learn about Medicare basics with
Anthem Blue Cross representatives who will discuss Part A, B, D, and how to enroll. The free event will be held on
Thursday, February 23, at the Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street, at 10 a.m.
Princess Party
Little princesses ages 4-8 are invited to make magic wands, tiaras, play games and attend a tea party with pizza
 and cupcakes on
Friday, February 24, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Participants should come dressed in their favorite princess or prince outfit to Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way. Fee is $10 for Chula Vista residents and $13 for non-residents.
We Are The Champions
Mark your calendar and bring the family to the
City of Champions Celebration on
Saturday, February 25. Join in the Fun Run at 9 a.m. or watch the Ceremony of Champions at 11 a.m. or maybe visit the festival with free entertainment, activities and tours of the Chula Vista Training Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Center is located at 2800 Olympic Parkway.
Mardi Gras Party at Otay
Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street, is inviting children ages 5-12 to the Otay Mardi Gras party on
Tuesday, February 28, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. At this free event, kids can create their very own Mardi Gras mask using glitter, feathers and beads. A special award will be presented for the most creative mask, most original, and colorful. Visit the Center's front counter to pre-register for the event.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FEBRUARY 14!
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Contacts
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Animal Care
Animal Control:
476-2476
Environment
CLEAN Business
Program:
409-1975
Conservation:
409-3893
Storm Water
Hotline:
397-6000
Environmental
Services,
Household
Hazardous
Waste, Recycling and
Solid Waste:
691-5122
_________________
Public Works
Graffiti
Hotline: 691-5198
Graffiti
i
n progress
: 9-1-1
Service Requests
397-6000
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Library
Civic Branch:
691-5069
South Branch:
585-5755
Otay Ranch:
397-5740
Recreation
Administration:
409-5979
Woman's Club:
409-1980
Heritage Center:
421-7032
Loma Verde
Center: 409-1939
Pool: 409-1987
Montevalle Center:
691-5269
Norman Park
Center: 409-1930
Otay Center:
409-1999
Parkway
Center: 409-1980
Pool: 409-1985
Gym: 409-1990
Salt Creek Center:
585-5739
Veterans Center:
691-5260
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Development Services
Land Development:
691-5024
Building: 691-5272
Planning: 691-5101
Code Enforcement:
691-5280
Housing: 691-5047
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Economic Development
________________________
Administration
City Attorney:
691-5037
Communications,
Media
Relations
& Special Events:
691-5296
Mayor & Council
691-5044
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Fire
Main: 691-5055
Prevention:
691-5029
Police
Report Crime
(Dispatch):
691-5151
__________________
Human Resources
Main: 691-5096
Volunteer:
691-5000
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Finance
Main: 691-5250
Purchasing:
691-5141
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