LIFESTYLE LETTER
From My Heart to Yours: A Holiday Letter
As the twinkle of the holidays fills our homes and neighborhoods, I find myself reflecting on the true heart of this season—connection. The beauty of December isn’t found only in the lights, gatherings, or traditions we hold dear, but in the ways we give—of our time, our kindness, and our hearts.
For many, this season is the happiest time of the year. For others, it can be a tender season of remem bering, reflection, or loss. My hope is that we all take a little extra time to reach out and check on a friend, send a note, or offer a helping hand. Sometimes the smallest acts of giving make the biggest difference.
For me, this holiday season is a time to embrace the joy and light that faith and gratitude bring, and to extend that light to others.
Here in Chula Vista, I’m constantly reminded of the generosity and spirit that make our community so special. As we close out another incredible year, may we carry that spirit forward—spreading kindness, celebrating one another, and embracing the magic of giving in all its forms.
From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful, peaceful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and meaning.
ANDREA MALAVÉ, PUBLISHER @CHULAVISTACITYLIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Andrea Malave | andrea.malave@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Krueger | sarah.krueger@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Eric Scire & Spearhead Media, Conner Umphreyville, Andrea Malavé & Light House Electrical
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Grazing Tables & Boards
inside the issue
Light House Electrical, proudly serving San Diego County, CA, offers unparalleled electrical services for both residential and commercial customers. With over 18 years of hands-on experience, our team of licensed professionals is dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient electrical solutions. As a service-connected, disabled veteran-owned business, we bring a unique blend of expertise, commitment, and integrity to every project.
city scene
1 – 3: Volunteers gather to clean up trash, graffiti, and restore neighborhoods for Beautify Chula Vista Day 4 – 5: Building community at the Rev Body fundraiser supporting the Loving You Through It Foundation for women going through cancer treatment 6 – 7: Celebrating the one year anniversary of Hotworx Chula Vista Millenia
From Tired to Thriving, Whole & Well
Wholistic Wellness is for busy, driven moms and businesswomen who are ready to trade burnout for balance. With compassionate accountability, you’ll get support in nutrition, hydration, movement, and deepening your faith in Jesus Christ. Together, we’ll create simple, sustainable habits that not only fuel your body and nourish your spirit, but also inspire and enhance healthy living for your whole family.
Start your journey today-because when you thrive, your family thrives too. Let’s build the habits that will transform your health, your faith and you.
Original
Oil Paintings & Fine Art Prints
South Bay Community Services Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
This past October, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate SBCS as they cut the ribbon on their brand new Center for Impact in downtown Chula Vista. The new center will allow the organization to reach 10,000 more children, youth, and families each year—increasing their impact and building a brighter future for San Diego. SBCS sends a “Thank You” to all of the community members and supporters who make their life changing programs possible.
Celebrate the Holidays at Village Walk at EastLake
Village Walk at EastLake invites families to enjoy festive December events, including the Dazzling Holiday Light Show, snowfall, and community caroling every Friday through Sunday. On Saturday, December 6, from noon to 3 PM, visit Santa, ride the Holiday Express Train, and enjoy crafts. On Sunday, December 7, from 4 to 6 PM, take photos with Frosty at the LifeSize Photo Frame. All events are free and family-friendly. shopvillagewalk. com/special-events
HoliGlow Brings a New Kind of Holiday Magic to Chula Vista
This season, Casa De Otay introduces HoliGlow, an immersive holiday pop-up at Otay Ranch Town Center (Nov 15–Dec 24). Step into a glowing wonderland filled with peppermint walls, twinkling lights, and a life-size snow globe. Enjoy festive photo ops and Casa De Otay’s Frozen Café Bar. HoliGlow celebrates connection, creativity, and community—bringing the joy of the holidays home. theholiglowexperience.com
Even in sunny San Diego, winter can bring plumbing surprises — from sluggish drains to overworked water heaters. This December, let Ability Plumbing keep your home holiday-ready with expert service, honest pricing, and fast response times. Book before December 31st and receive 10% off any residential repair. Enjoy the season knowing your plumbing is ready for anything!
LOCAL ELECTRICIAN LIGHTS THE WAY FOR HOMES, BUSINESSES, AND SPIRITS.
The Light on the Hill
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden —Matthew 5:14-16
While a bible verse might not be the first thing you think of when looking for electrical services for your home or business, William Evans—Chula Vista local and President of Light House Electrical—says this verse is at the heart of what they do.
William has lived in Chula Vista for seven years now, and runs an electrical services business across all of San Diego County. His team provides electrical solutions for both commercial and residential projects and is well known for fair, value-focused, and customer centered work. This is because the founder, William, lets his faith guide him in his business pursuits.
William began his career in the Navy. After four years in the service, he felt a clear message from God: “Get out and get ready.” In this time of discernment, he recognized that it was time for him to leave the Navy and embark on a new journey—the one, he says, that God was guiding him toward.
“I got into the Navy to serve,” says William, “but I also got out of the Navy to serve—just in a different way.”
While he didn’t know immediately what was next, William made a promise to himself that whatever he chose to do, he would make sure it allowed him more time for ministry. He felt called to serve his community through his church, and wanted to use his skills in a way that gave him the freedom to do just that.
William spent the next few years honing a variety of skills—heavy machinery, tugboat mechanic, and as an apprentice for a large construction equipment manufacturer. He did well in these roles, but again— his desire for ministry gave him pause. He looked around at his colleagues and noticed how many of them worked long hours and weekends. This particular path, he realized, wouldn’t allow him to spend
the time in ministry that he’d always felt called to. So he took another turn.
William finally stepped into electrical work, and that’s when things really began to fastrack. He went to trade school to study to become an electrician, and within two months he was unexpectedly hired by a big name company in the industry. For the next three years William fine-tuned his ability to figure out complex electrical problems and developed his customer-centered approach.
Ultimately, this winding journey led William right to where he is today—the Founder and President of Light House Electrical. Today, Light House Electrical has a team of 5 skilled electricians and serves a handful of notable clients across San Diego including Baldwin and Sons, the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery House, and Golden State Warrior basketball player Jimmy Butler. Their services span from large complex underground projects to installing electrical vehicle chargers, and are always evaluated and completed with the customer’s best interest in mind. The best part for William is that having a team of people that he trusts to help run the day-to-day field operations of his business opens him up to his lifelong dream of using his offwork time to become more deeply involved with his pull toward ministry.
A BUSINESS BUILT ON PURPOSE
Since opening Light House Electrical, William has run his business with a strong sense of conviction that people matter more than profit. When an older couple came to him for a panel upgrade, for example, he was happy to help them out. Upon inspection, he
“I got into the Navy to serve, but I also got out of the Navy to serve—just in a different way.” “ ”
determined it wasn’t a whole new panel they needed—an almost $12,000 job—but rather, simply a sub panel and a single circuit that was improperly wired—a $2,500 fix. Did he receive top-dollar for the project? No. Has he yet to receive additional business from them? Not yet. But he shares that he knows he was doing the right thing. This, William says, is the way he will always conduct business.
LIGHTING THE WAY
Recently, William and his family received the news that they’ll soon be fulfilling their dream by starting
a new church out in Ramona. Some would say the path ahead of him has been lit up, little by little, for his entire journey. From the Navy to electrician to minister, William has leaned into his faith to show him each next step.
In the coming years, not only will he continue to help his customers light their homes through his electrical business, but will help his community light their spirits through his new church. Light House—showing people the way and lighting up their lives—is indeed a fitting name for such a worthy cause.
CVEC AT A GLANCE
The Chula Vista Entertainment Complex (CVEC) is a first-ofits-kind creative campus in Southern California designed to support the future of storytelling, virtual production, digital content creation, and entertainment innovation. CVEC will blend traditional film & television media with community driven, digital content creation spaces to empower creators, attract top-tier talent, and reinvigorate independent storytelling. chulavistaec.com | V chulavistaec
SCAN AND SIGN TODAY! Advance the Future of CVEC by Supporting the San Diego County Film Initiative.
that’s a WRAP
DIY Gift Wrapping That Stands Out During
The Season
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
‘Tis the season to get crafty, clever or characterized! Wellwrapped holiday packages create immediate enthusiasm and somehow seem to make gifts more meaningful. Whether going for shiny, vintage, colorful, rustic, playful or eco-friendly impressions, the following are some Do-It-Yourself gift-wrapping ideas to make the wrapping process even more satisfying. Simply applying jute twine to gifts provides a ‘less is more’ vibe.
ADD NATURAL TOUCHES TO CRAFT PAPER:
For gifts with a rustic, organic feel, use seasonal accents, such as sprigs, pine cones and cinnamon sticks, tied up with twine, encircling recycled paper for the wrapping.
FIRST INITIAL DECORATION:
In lieu of a gift tag, attach an oversized paper mâché letter of the recipient’s first initial to the top of the box. The letter then can serve as customized décor, too.
POLKA DOTS:
Wrap gifts in plain craft paper and then cut out big, multicolored polka dots to glue down. It’s hard not to smile at big, bright dots.
CARDBOARD BOX SNOWPERSON:
Wrap three or four boxes in white paper, with different gifts inside, and then stack them. Tape the boxes together,
the SEASON
tapering to the top. Glue buttons on the bottom ones, create a snowperson’s face on the top one, with carrot nose cut out of orange paper. Attach a real hat, if desired. Tie wider, festive bow around the snowperson’s ‘neck.’ Add a real corncob pipe for a bonus finishing touch, if preferred.
MINI TREE GIFT WRAPPING:
Pine needles and small tips of real tree branches make quick and easy mini Christmas trees that can be glued onto Christmas gifts. They will smell nice, too.
BOOK PAGE WRAPPING PAPER:
Repurpose old book pages by cutting out
shapes of dreidels, snowflakes, ornaments, candles or reindeer to paste on gifts.
DIY STAMP WRAPPING PAPER:
Wrap gifts in solid colors of paper. Secure ink stamps and an ink pad in a themed color(s), and stamp the paper as much or as little as desired.
UNBOXED:
Apply other types of containers, rather than boxes or bags, for gift wrapping; examples: canisters, pillow cases, baskets, fabric scraps, maps, glass containers, towels, blankets, scarves, Bento bags (also called triangle bags or origami bags).
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC SCIRE & SPEARHEAD MEDIA, CONNER UMPHREYVILLE
Keeping Traditions Alive
Magic is in the air as the Starlight Parade & Festival kicks off the holiday season
If you grew up in Chula Vista, you’re probably familiar with the twinkling lights, glittering floats, and spirited horns of the high school marching bands as they glide by in the annual Starlight Parade—an event where where families and community members gather to revel in festive holiday fun. Since 1964, the Starlight Parade and Festival has been a staple of our community and a marker that the holiday season is upon us. Children and adults alike gather around for an evening of celebration and cheer in downtown Chula Vista, creating a sense of community for all.
During the day, the Starlight Festival is filled with family friendly activities like a holiday market full of local vendors, live entertainment, children’s crafts, Santa visits, and even a storefront decorating competition for local businesses.
As dusk approaches, the parade kicks off and the energy builds as visitors soak in the glittering lights around them. When the 25ft tree is lit in Memorial Park, all in attendance feel the little sparkle of holiday magic, welcoming in the season of celebration.
The parade is a dazzling representation of the our diverse Chula Vista community united as one. Local business, elected officials, dance teams, Girl and Boy Scout troops, high schools, and cultural groups fill the streets in an illustrious display of unity, togetherness, culture, and celebration. The iconic Third Avenue sign glitters in the flashing lights, and for a few moments, we bask in our communal identity as Chula Vistans.
While this may seem like an extravagant explanation of this time honored community event, it’s true that the Starlight Parade strikes a chord in the hearts of many in the Chula Vista community. For decades, it’s been a place when we can come together and celebrate people from all walks of life that call Chula Vista home. With over 300,000 residents, it’s events like this one that somehow make it feel like Chula Vista is still a small town.
KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE
In 2020, the Starlight parade took its first hiatus in over 50 years. In a year where many were divided and longing for community, the soft echo of the missing parade rang loudly.
For three years following the outbreak of the pandemic, Third Avenue stayed quiet in early December. In response, residents shared their CONTINUED >
longing for the festivities with local leaders, business owners, and neighbors, and in 2023, things changed. With the help of the mayor, the city worked hard to bring this time honored tradition back to Third Ave, successfully welcoming the parade for its 58th run.
The magnitude of the effort to bring back the parade was was monumental. “There was a huge amount of effort and work that went into it,” says Mayor McCann. “We had to be very, very diligent. Together as a community we increased the momentum and truly made it happen.”
When the parade and festival opened their doors again on December 3, 2023, organizers expected anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 attendees. As dusk approached, however, 50,000 Chula Vista residents
gathered for the festivities—more than they could have ever dreamed. It was clear that our community was hungry for the joy of gathering and celebrating in community once again.
Today, the tradition of the Starlight Parade and Festival continues, but it takes all of us to make it happen. From local businesses serving as sponsors to generous volunteers ensuring logistics and safety, there’s a role for everyone. Check out www.starlightparade.com to see how you can be a part of bringing magic to our community.
This year’s 61st Annual Starlight Parade and Festival will be held on December 6th. Grab your friends, family, and fill your heart with the joyous start of this holiday season!
“With over 300,000 residents, it’s events like this that somehow make it feel like Chula Vista’s still a small town.”
HOLIDAYS MEET THE HIGH SEAS
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CRUISE PLANNERS
What better way to say “I love you,” for the holidays than to gift your loved ones—or yourself—with the luxurious experience of a lifetime.
Far from the crowded mega-ships, today’s luxury cruises offer intimate spaces, gourmet dining, and personalized excursions that turn your voyage into a tailor-made travel experience. Imagine gazing out at vast landscapes as you glide across the ocean in a floating boutique hotel, where every detail of your day is designed with care and sophistication.
Or waking up to the gentle rhythm of the sea—stepping onto your private balcony to watch the horizon glow with the coming sunrise—then spending the day immersed in unforgettable experiences crafted for culture, comfort, and indulgence.
These are the types of experiences curated for you by Cruise Planners, Chula Vista’s very own local travel planning duo. Dave Grepe and his wife Roxana Burns take all of the stress out of travel planning by crafting packages designed specifically with you in mind, determined to help you create the trip of your dreams.
TOP DESTINATIONS FOR 2026
The ever-popular hot spot destinations for cruise travel are always a good choice for those looking for fun, versatile, entertaining travel. Trips to Alaska, the Caribbean and the
Mediterranean boast breathtaking views and offer a variety of ship experiences from parties and live entertainment to slower, more luxury-focused experiences.
If it’s a more off-the-beaten path approach that you’re after, then, distinctive options like an excursion across Southeast Asia, Japan, or New Zealand offer epic journeys accompanied by fine dining, cultural experiences, and access to destinations you may have never dreamed of visiting otherwise.
No matter where you decide to go, giving the gift of travel through Cruise Planners opens up opportunities for you and your loved ones to experience the time of your life with the relief of knowing that the preparation and planning is in good hands. Cruise planners handles all reservations, activities, and problem solving directly, meaning your only job is to bask in the anticipation of your upcoming trip and revel in the luxury of the experience once it arrives. No pre-packaged trips, unnecessary add-ons, or ill-fitted experiences, either. Dave listens to what you enjoy, what your budget is, and what you hope for…then curates the perfect experiences to match your desires.
YOURSELF SIPPING WINE WITH A CASTLE-TOPPED BACKDROP, OR DRIFTING ACROSS RAINFORESTS WHILE TREATED TO A DECADENT MULTI-COURSE MEAL.”
“PICTURE
TRAVEL SLOW WITH A RIVER CRUISE
Another way to lean into the decadence of a unique cruising experience is with a luxury river cruise. River cruises are offered in locations around the world on smaller, more intimate river boats designed for cruising into narrower areas— giving you access to a wider variety of scenic, cultural, and historic experiences.
Instead of rushing between airports or packing and unpacking every few days, you simply drift along iconic rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Ganges, or Amazon, and wake up each morning in a new storybook town or dream location. With fewer guests and personalized service, these cruises offer refined comfort with beautifully designed cabins that feel like you’re in a five-star boutique hotel. Each journey offers rich cultural immersion and thoughtfully organized experiences crafted to create lasting memories.
QUICK TIPS FOR PLANNING A CRUISE:
• Plan ahead. Make sure to start your planning process at least 6 months to a
year ahead of your trip. This will allow you to find the best value, make choices without pressure, and is also when you’ll find the most promotions and add-ons. If you are giving a cruise as a gift, this also allows the recipient to make sure they’re available.
• Give yourself time. It’s not always a luxury everyone has, but if you can—give yourself time on your vacation. While hopping from place to place in a whirlwind can be fun and exciting, there’s
nothing like a long meandering river cruise or a multi-day land travel add-on experience without the pressure of rushing through a new and vibrant city. Allow yourself the time to soak it all in— you won’t be sorry you did.
• Check the weather. There are definitely times of year that are better than others for enjoyable travel in certain parts of the world. Do you research. It’s often right before or right after the peak season that makes for the best travel—less crowds while still enjoying milder weather.
If you have any questions along the way, Dave is just a call away to help you plan the immersive, elegant, personalized, and endlessly inspiring trip of your dreams!
CONFECTION
Elevate your holiday hot chocolate with a charcuterie experience
As winter settles in and the air chills, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. While a simple cup of hot cocoa can warm the soul, why not take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board? Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy. Let’s explore the wonders of old-fashioned hot cocoa and all the accompaniments you can use to create your very own hot cocoa charcuterie board.
THE DELIGHTS OF OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Old-fashioned hot cocoa transports us to simpler times and brings with it a sense of nostalgia. The slow, traditional process of making hot chocolate from scratch – with real chocolate, milk and a touch of sweetness – provides a distinctly memorable experience for the holidays.
OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Ingredients
• ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER
CREATING THE PERFECT HOT COCOA
CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure, and serve as a sweet centerpiece to your holiday gatherings.
Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.
VARIATIONS TO SAVOR
Indulge in some exciting recipes that are sure to elevate your hot chocolate into fun and festive beverages during the holidays and throughout the colder months.
MINTY FRESH WONDER
Embrace the festive season with a mint-infused hot cocoa. Fancify your beverage with a peppermint stick or make your
own crushed candy cane dust for a touch of holiday cheer. This minty delight is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect indulgence for cozy winter evenings.
SPICY AZTEC ELIXIR
Channel your inner adventurer with an Aztec-inspired hot cocoa. Infuse your drink with a touch of chili powder and a dash of cinnamon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation. This fiery blend will ignite your senses and warm you from the inside out.
GROWN-UP GRASSHOPPER
Transform your drink into a rich adult-only grasshopper hot cocoa by adding 2 oz. of crème de menthe or a shot of peppermint schnapps. Adorn with a crushed candy cane rim for a playful offering.
DECADENT SALTED CARAMEL INDULGENCE
Elevate your hot cocoa experience with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel. The combination of slightly bitter cocoa and sweet, buttery caramel is a match made in heaven. Sprinkle an extra pinch of sea salt for that irresistible contrast.
DECEMBER 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 5TH
December Nights
Balboa Park | 3:00 PM
San Diego’s largest free holiday festival takes place on the first Friday and Saturday of December. The massive two day event in Balboa Park features light displays, performances, multicultural food, drinks, vendors, and family friendly activities. Join in the fun on December 5th from 3pm-11pm and December 6th from 11am-11pm.
DECEMBER 6TH
Starlight Parade and Festival
Memorial Park and Third Ave. | 3:00 PM
Celebrate the magic of the holidays in Chula Vista at the 61st Annual Starlight Parade and Festival. Kick off the holiday season with live music, a festive holiday market, Santa photos, and an outdoor movie. Watch as Downtown Third Avenue transforms into a glowing wonderland of floats, bands, dancers, and performers. Family fun for all!
DECEMBER 7TH
Downtown Chula Vista Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
Memorial Park - 73 Park Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | 3:00 PM
Downtown Chula Vista is excited to kick-off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony with the support of the City of Chula Vista. Hear remarks from city officials and community leaders followed by the iconic lighting of the Christmas tree. The Farmer’s Market will have extended hours so you can enjoy food, drinks, and shopping during the festivities.
CONTINUED
DECEMBER 13TH
Chula Vista Live Steamers Public Run Days
Rohr Park - 4548 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita, CA 91902 | 2:30 AM
Every second full Saturday of the month, the Chula Vista Live Steamers host a Public Run Day for kids of all ages to come out and enjoy riding the train. Rides are free of charge to everyone, with the request of an honor-system donation to help support the mission and maintain and repair the track - every dollar counts!
DECEMBER 14TH
San Diego Parade of Lights
Downtown San Diego Waterfront | 5:30 PM
On December 14th and 21st, enjoy glittering lights at the Downtown San Diego bayfront for this year’s Out Of This World Christmas themed boat parade. The 55th annual parade can be viewed from multiple locations: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, The Embarcadero, The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, and the Ferry Landing on Coronado. Free and family friendly.
BEGINNING DECEMBER 14TH THROUGH THE END OF THE SEASON
Chula Vista Christmas Circle
Whitney Street &, Mankato St, Chula Vista, CA | 5:30 PM
One of the best places in San Diego to see holiday lights! For over 60 years, Christmas Tree Circle in Chula Vista has lit up the community with holiday cheer. Gather your friends and family and walk or drive the circle to bask in the best Christmas lights in South Bay.
In-home petsitting serving Bonita, Eastlake, Otay R anch, and parts of Chula Vista.
Fuzzy Buddies Petsitting LLC is licensed, bonded, a nd insured — meaning you can rest assured knowing that we provide the best possible pet care you can find.
