Our Hometown: Chula Vista & Bonita - July 2023

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 17 | JULY 2023

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

OUR hometown.

Right to Left: Raul Ochoa, Luis Ochoa & Lilia Ochoa - Owners of R & L Performance Auto Service and Kevin Marshall - President of Copy Link

In 1978, after spending years in other people’s repair shops, Armando Ochoa realized he had everything he needed to start his own business. He began to look for a place to hang his shingle, and found his plot of land on the corner of Bay Blvd and Palomar Street. And in a matter of months, a new business was born.

Over the course of twenty years, Armando established a reputation for integrity and hard work; qualities which he passed on to his sons, Raul and Luis Ochoa. As teenagers, Raul and Luis worked in the shop under their father’s tutelage. In the early 2000’s, Armando officially passed the torch to his sons. A true family business, his daughters, Lilia and Sara Ochoa, joined the staff as well, working in the front office.

As partners, Raul and Luis divide the work according to their strengths. An ace mechanic in his own right, Raul assumed the role of lead technician. While Luis, with his buoyant and charming personality, effortlessly fit the role of service writer and customer liaison. In the two decades that followed, this dynamic duo grew the business to over 6,000 customers and counting.

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BRAD MICHAEL ARI HASTI MARIA

The story of R & L Performance Auto Service is the story of one man’s entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to create a better life for himself and his family. And it has become the legacy that he left to his children.

RILEY

Chula Vista Rotary Clubs Continue to Lead

By Rachel Perez

Think of any service-based group in Chula Vista, and chances are the first one to come to mind is the Rotary Club. According to their website, The Rotary Club is a community organization which “promotes integrity, through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders’. Rotary is an international organization with more than 46,000 individual clubs, 1.4 million members worldwide and representation in 200 countries. In Chula Vista, there are three clubs. They are often known by when they meet. For example, there is the “sunrise” that meets for breakfast, the “noon” club that meets for lunch, and the “sunset” aka Eastlake club that meets for dinner. Membership into Rotary is done on an invite basis and through a sponsor. The Rotary Club of Chula Vista “noon” is also credited for sponsoring the first club in Tijuana in the 1930’s. Each club has its own executive board, directors, and committees. Examples of different committees include community service projects, membership, fundraising, and scholarships. With three Rotary clubs in Chula Vista, there are many members ready to embrace the “Service above Self” motto through community projects. However, the urge to serve is nothing new for Chula Vista Rotarians.

The first Rotary club in Chula Vista was founded in 1926, known today as the “noon” club. Rotary already had a presence in San Diego County since 1911 and was quickly growing in popularity through service projects and donations to those in need.

The first Chula Vista Rotary club meeting took place in an office belonging to Ed Melville, located at the corner of Third avenue and F Street. The first attendees of this meeting were Chula Vista

businessmen and community leaders.

There are many Chula Vista Rotarians who have participated and added to the positive development of the city, and many club members have been notable city officials. These include the current city manager, Maria Kachadoorian, previous city attorney Glen Googins and previous mayors Cheryl and Greg Cox, to name a few. It is worth noting that Rotary is not a political organization, therefore members who become elected city officials become honorary members while in office.

A notable Rotarian from past decades is aerostructure engineer Fred H. Rohr, who was named “Mr. San Diego” by the San Diego Rotary club in 1956. This title was given to a Rotarian who “... has contributed outstanding community betterment to the San Diego region in a variety of ways,

through his/her efforts over a long period of time”. Rohr had many contributions to the city, so many that he has a park and elementary school named in his honor. Most notably, Rohr pioneered the concept of a “feeder” subcontractor to supply airplane components to factories where planes were assembled. This helped pioneer a new age of aerospace engineering and further advance the field as a whole.

One of the most memorable moments in the Rotary Club of Chula Vista’s history took place on October 21, 1960. It was a day to remember. Schools were closed so students could see the President of the United States in Chula Vista. President Dwight Eisenhower accepted the Rotary Club’s invitation to speak to delegates of the Inter-American Municipal Congress meeting in San Diego. Air Force One landed at North Island in the morning. Following a twenty-one-gun salute at the Naval Air Station, Navy boats took the President across the bay to San Diego for a parade down Broadway. At noon, he flew to Chula Vista in a Marine helicopter, landing at the San Diego Country Club before a crown of 25,000. It seemed everyone in town showed up for the event. Chula Vista Congressman Bob Wilson

arranged the visit, and his brother Dick Wilson drove the golf cart that brought Ike through the crowd. The combined bands of Chula Vista and Hilltop High School played the national anthem. A luncheon followed the invocation given in English and Spanish. Eisenhower wanted to speak to a foreign audience, so Rotarians and dignitaries from Tijuana joined the Inter-American Congress delegates in the audience that stretched across the fairway. Ike faced south towards Mexico as he praised the work of the municipal delegates as an example of people-to-people diplomacy. Today this historic event is remembered by a tree and plaque that stands in the courtyard in front of Chula Vista City Hall. It was dedicated on February 19, 2009, to commemorate the event.

After a May 4, 1987 Supreme Court Ruling, Sylvia Whitlock became the first female to be inducted to the Rotary Club of Marin Sunrise California. In 1989 Rotary’s Council on Legislation voted to admit women into Rotary. After that clubs grew in both size and functionality. Many leaders in the Rotary today are women; 202324 “noon” club president Mora Keller de Murguia, and “sunrise” Bonita club president Gina Woodard are two shining examples of Rotary leadership. Woodard

Chula Vista Rotary Club meeting, 1951.

“There are many Chula Vista Rotarians who have participated and added to the positive development of the city, and many club members have been notable city officials. ”

is an excellent ambassador of the Rotary club’s core efforts towards health advancements worldwide; as a biology teacher at Hilltop High School, she is passionate about engaging her students in research, service learning and communitybased learning opportunities.

On the international level, Rotary is on the forefront in the efforts to eliminate the Poliomyelitis (polio) virus. In collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, local Rotary clubs and Rotary International has donated a substantial amount toward research efforts. While the outcome of these efforts may not be apparent tomorrow, the impact of local Rotary service projects has continued to change lives. The service projects and scholarships depend on the membership of each club. The “noon” Rotary club in Chula Vista specifically does a vast

amount of work with veterans and students. Each December, members decorate Christmas trees at Veterans Park. The club also donates gift cards to veterans around the same time, making sure that those who served our country can feel secure in basic needs during the holiday season. During the academic school year, the clubs sponsor a speech contest through the Chula Vista Elementary School District. The winning students come and give their speeches to members. A larger project the clubs look forward to each year is traveling to Tijuana to build a home for a family in need each year.

The newly installed Rotary Club of Chula Vista Presidents for 20232024 are:

Rotary Club of Chula Vista

“sunrise”: Gina Woodward

Rotary Club of Chula Vista “noon”: Mora Keller de Murguia

Rotary Club of Chula Vista “sunset, aka Eastlake”: Miguel Hernandez

While Rotary club service projects may change as leadership grows, the core values of “Service above Self” will stay strong.

Special thanks to Jerry May for Rotary’s historical content, and Steven Schoenherr author of the Chula Vista Centennial book whose Eisenhower story can be found on page 113.

(Clockwise from top left) Mora Keller de Murguia; Congressman Bob Wilson and Mayor Bob McAllister at the Country Club with President Eisenhower October 21, 1960. (Photo courtesy of Chula Vista Elementary School District.); Miguel Hernandez; Gina Woodward.

Join The Rotary Club of Chula VistaEastlake’s Annual Sip ‘n Sail Charity Event!

The Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake invites you to their annual fundraising event, Sunset Sip ‘n Sail. Step aboard the majestic tall ship “The Bill of Rights” on August 26th to enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, delectable food, and stunning ocean views all while supporting the Rotary’s upcoming projects and volunteer programs.

Enjoy your evening at the Sunset Sip ‘n Sail as you immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of Chula Vista’s beautiful schooner “The Bill of Rights”. Since 1998, this iconic vessel has served as a unique learning environment for many young students and program participants. As you embark on this one-of-a-kind journey, take a moment to admire the beauty and historical importance of the ship.

Prepare to be charmed by the electrifying music of our DJ that will make you hit the decks and

bust out your best moves. Celebrate the power of philanthropy as you feast on a spread of delicious food and vie for exciting prizes. This evening is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you sail across San Diego Bay in celebration of the positive impact the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake has made in the San Diego community and beyond.

By attending the Sunset Sip ‘n Sail, you not only indulge in an evening of elegance and beauty but you also contribute to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake’s volunteer projects like building homes for the poor in Mexico and supporting a home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, east of Tecate, Mexico. Your generous support also directly impacts the San Diego community through our local partnerships and enables the Rotary to continue its valuable work and make a lasting impact on

the lives of those in need.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 26, and join the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake for a night of magic and purpose. Step aboard the beautiful ship “The Bill of Rights” and soak in the ocean views while supporting a wonderful organization.

To reserve your spot or for any further inquiries, please RSVP by August 10, 2023, by contacting Miriam G. at 619-259-9810 / minigonzalez2068@gmail.com or Miguel Hernandez at at 619-8134404 / miguelhrndz@yahoo.com . Payment accepted via Venmo or by check to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake.

Sunset Sip ‘n Sail promises to be a memorable event that combines philanthropy, entertainment, and bay views. Come together with fellow supporters to make a lasting difference in the community we call home.

By attending the Sunset Sip ‘n Sail, you not only indulge in an evening of elegance and beauty but you also contribute to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake’s volunteer projects like building homes for the poor in Mexico and supporting a home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, east of Tecate, Mexico.

Navigating San Diego’s Real Estate Market: Pressing Forward in a Competitive Environment

In San Diego’s real estate market, some buyers are choosing to remain on the sidelines, hoping for a rollback in interest rates and prices. However, others are forging ahead, adapting to the new normal and reaping the benefits. Multiple offers, cash buyers, and homes selling above list price are still prevalent in the market. While adjusting to the changing landscape may be challenging, it presents opportunities for those willing to embrace them.

Seizing the Opportunity: Waiting for interest rates and prices to decrease often leads to unfavorable outcomes. Holding onto low mortgage rates may come at the expense of finding a home that provides the space or location needed to thrive. Recognizing that time is a precious commodity, many buyers are opting to purchase now and refinance later when rates potentially decrease.

Managing Higher Monthly Payments: To accommodate

higher monthly mortgage payments, buyers are taking practical steps, such as reducing other expenses and purchases. They are factoring in potential wage increases and exploring options like borrowing cash from relatives or redistributing family estates. Some buyers even negotiate sale prices to offset a portion of the increased borrowing costs. Additionally, including furniture items in the purchase can help offset furnishing expenses.

Creative Deal-making: In a less competitive environment, creative deal-making can yield long-term benefits. While some buyers remain cautious, others are seizing the opportunity to negotiate favorable terms. They understand that adapting to the new normal might be painful, but it can lead to advantageous outcomes in the long run.

Future Outlook: Looking ahead to 2023, a modest recession is projected, with the Federal Reserve expected to continue raising interest rates. As the 2024

elections approach, political pressure may mount to reduce mortgage rates and inflation. Supply chain challenges and fluctuating gas prices contributed to inflation, while homeowner equity has nearly doubled over the past decade. San Diego’s residential construction may see a decline, but non-residential construction, including hospitals, life sciences, military projects, education, and apartments, will continue without interruption.

Navigating San Diego’s real estate market requires adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. While some buyers wait for favorable conditions, others are pressing forward, capitalizing on the opportunities available. Buying now and refinancing later, managing higher monthly payments strategically, and engaging in creative deal-making can lead to long-term gains. Understanding the future outlook and recognizing the value of homeowner equity can further inform decision-making. By embracing the new normal and

taking calculated steps, buyers can position themselves for success in San Diego’s dynamic real estate landscape.

Minnie Rzeslawski has been both a real estate broker/ owner and investor for the past 34 years. She can be reach at Minnier@remax. net or (619) 804-5373 with any real estate related question. DRE#01019749

Minnie Rzeslawski

Community Schools improve students’ lives by bringing more services into our schools, offering more before and after school opportunities, expanding our local community partnerships, and sharing decision making with the entire community. Community Schools offer enrichment beyond the classroom, igniting creativity and fostering a love for learning.

Mayor John McCann’s Desk

Celebrating Chula Vista Woman’s Club 110th Anniversary

The Chula Vista Woman’s Club has provided quality activities and support to charities in the Chula Vista community for over 110 years. The women have been extraordinary leaders in making Chula Vista a better place.

The Chula Vista Woman’s club was founded on July 13, 1913 by a group of 26 women. By September 1913, the membership had increased to 78 and Mrs. H.J. Penfold was the first President. By 1922, the ever-growing club membership knew it was time to consider buying property on which to build a clubhouse.

On July 14, 1927, Mr. Thomas Howe offered a gift of two adjoining lots at Garret Avenue and G Street in Chula Vista. A building fund was established, and it was supported by Living Picture Productions, community dinners, fashion shows and wine tasting events. In October 1928, the new clubhouse, which is the current home of the Chula Vista Woman’s Club, was completed and dedicated to the community.

The Chula Vista Woman’s Club continues to support the activities of the Chula Vista community with donations to charitable organizations in Chula Vista each year. They raise money through Fashion Shows, Bunco and Bingo Events, Rummage Sales, Craft Fairs; plus, the annual Christmas Silent Auction. Scholarships are given to senior girls in Chula Vista high schools as they pursue higher education goals. Backpacks with school supplies have been given to South Bay Community Services for students of all ages. Placemats are decorated for Meals on Wheels trays. Care Kits have been given to Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) for victims of domestic violence. Sundries for Seniors are given to St. Paul’s PACE. A Penny Pines plantation donation is sent in as part of the costs of replanting replacement trees indigenous to a particular damaged area. Winter wear donations are given to the Chula Vista Veterans along with

treats for special occasions. Toys are given to the Salvation Army during the holidays. Currently, the club has 41 active members ranging from the ages of 23 years old to 88 years young. Co-Presidents Barbara Kruegel and Ceci Garcia lead the group along with their six board officers. The members meet on the first Friday of every month at the clubhouse. Breakfast Mixers are held every third Monday of every month at various South Bay restaurants. They take a summer break for July and August. If you would like to join the Chula Vista Woman’s Club, email Debbie Benson at draebenson54@yahoo.com Join me in honoring Chula Vista Woman’s Club for their 110th anniversary. As Mayor, I am appreciative of the dedication they have brought and the positive impact they have made in our community and City in the last century.

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Mayor McCann at Woman’s Club Crafts Fair.

Chula Vista Police Foundation Celebrates 20 Years

The Chula Vista Police Foundation is celebrating 20 years of service to the community and its Police Department, and cordially invites all to join in the celebration at the 10th annual Evening With Heroes fundraising event on September 23rd. This year’s theme is “California Dreaming,” and guests will enjoy a fabulous meal, participate in interactive booths, partake in photo opportunities with the Chief of Police and her officers, and have the opportunity to bid on over 200 silent and live auction items.

Since its inception in 2003, the mission of the Foundation has been to provide financial support to the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) for specialized safety equipment, contemporary training, and community programs that are not otherwise funded by the city’s budget.

Examples of specialized equipment include ballistic vests for detectives and police canines, protective hearing equipment for firearms training, tactical tourniquets for all field personnel, body worn cameras, and mobile forensic equipment plus digital data software to enhance investigations. All of these wares were funded by the Foundation and would not be available to officers without the generous support of donors.

In addition to equipment, the Foundation is committed to providing funding for programs that enhance safety in the community, strengthen relationships between citizens and law enforcement through community outreach, and utilize innovative technology to keep officers and the public safe.

Thanks to a generous donor, the Foundation was able to institute a wellness program at CVPD to provide officers and staff the resources and ongoing skills necessary to handle the day-to-day strains of police work. It is essential for officers to pay attention to their physical, mental, and emotional health to effectively conduct their daily duties. CVPD officers and staff now have access to a wellness app on their phones (which provides a wide range of wellness tools and services), pre-packaged healthy meals available 24/7 in a smart fridge, and a wellness breakroom that is designed with comfortable furniture and surroundings to help staff decompress after a stressful incident.

One groundbreaking program supported by the Foundation is the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. This internationally recognized program provides responding officers with the ability to see what is going on at an incident before they physically arrive on scene. The small, remotely operated drone feeds live-streaming video to the commanders and first responders, so officers are well informed with critical information prior to arriving at an incident, keeping both officers and the people that they contact safer. Earlier this year, the DFR program reached a significant milestone, surpassing 14,000 missions. CVPD Chief Roxana Kennedy has called the DFR program one of her most important tools in improving situational awareness, de-escalating dangerous situations, and protecting her officers and community. The Foundation was instrumental in providing the initial funding to launch this program and continues to provide funds for new and existing equipment.

Another facet of the Foundation’s support is with the CVPD K9 Unit. CVPD canines Bob, Titan, Mattis, Cooper, Kelso, Jasen and Mando provide invaluable support for their human partners. These highly trained dogs help reduce safety risks and the use of force needed to apprehend an offender. Police dogs help keep people safe in some of the most extreme types of emergency circumstances. The K9 Unit is also trained in other areas such as finding illegal drugs and locating weapons or other missing items that were left behind at crime scenes. The K9 Unit is beloved by the public and participates in many community events. The Foundation supports the K9 Unit by providing new dogs, training, equipment, and medical care for the dogs.

A new program funded by the Foundation is the “Engrave and Save” program, which aims to combat catalytic converter theft in Chula Vista. As catalytic converter theft continues to affect communities nationwide, the Foundation purchased two specialty engraving tools that are being used by the Police Department to inscribe VIN numbers on the catalytic converters of Chula Vista residents. The Chula Vista Police Department has hosted five events and engraved over 250 vehicles in order to make residents’ vehicles less desirable targets for theft. This simple act not only helps deter theft but could also assist police in investigating stolen parts. It’s one strategy in a larger effort to address catalytic converter theft in Chula Vista.

Since its inception in 2003, the mission of the Foundation has been to provide financial support to the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) for specialized safety equipment, contemporary training, and community programs that are not otherwise funded by the city’s budget.

The Foundation is committed to making the Chula Vista community where people live, work and play safer and more resilient. Through community engagement programs, Foundation volunteers and CVPD staff collaborate with local organizations and businesses to deliver necessary services to families in need and make a positive impact on the community. CVPD’s annual National Night Out event on Aug 1st attracts over 2,000 residents. Families and community members participate in games, demonstrations, and tours of the Police Department. This event provides a great opportunity for the public to meet officers one-onone in a relaxed and fun setting. Additionally, the Shoe and Sock Drive supplies new shoes, socks and school backpacks to the less fortunate youth living in our community. Over 300 students from the Chula Vista Elementary School District are invited to a local shoe store to select their new shoes, socks, backpacks, and school supplies in preparation for the upcoming school year. Moreover, the annual Holiday Meal and Toy Giveaway provides local families with a holiday meal and toys to enjoy during the holiday season.

Hundreds of families in need not only receive toys and food, but also receive hope and joy from the community during a difficult time for them emotionally and economically.

All of these programs and services are made possible by the generosity of donations from the public. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors (chaired by Debbie Escobedo) and is composed of community leaders who are passionate about public safety. The Board works closely with CVPD Chief Roxana Kennedy to fulfill the mission of the Chula Vista Police Foundation.

The 10th Annual Evening With Heroes is taking place on September 23rd and attracts over 500 people each year. There are many sponsorship levels available for businesses wanting to take part in the event. For more information about sponsorship opportunities and to buy event tickets online, visit www. chulavistapolicefoundation.org or contact Veronica Worthington at veronica@chulavistapolicefoundation.org. All proceeds of the event help support the many worthwhile community outreach programs, critical equipment, and specialized training for the Chula Vista Police Department.

The 10th Annual Evening With Heroes is taking place on September 23rd and attracts over 500 people each year.

Don’t Get Conned by a Scam Text

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

You may have stopped answering calls from unknown phone numbers long ago to avoid fraudsters, but con artists can still sneak into your finances through scam text messages, in a scam known as “smishing” or “phishing.” Scammers are impersonating organizations and financial institutions you know and trust to get you to click on links. They use fear and doubt to convince you that if you don’t click on a PayPal link, for example, an enormous charge on your account will go through.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were $330 million in losses to scam texts in 2022 -- more than double compared to the previous year. Texts offering free gifts or warning of dire consequences are hard to ignore and scammers know this. This scam is a new flavor of what is commonly referred to as “social engineering.” Their goal is to trick you into providing personal information such as your account number, password or Social Security number. Other messages might install harmful malware on your phone that steals your personal or financial information without you realizing it or will give access to the bad actor, allowing them to control your device or install other malware.

The top text scams according to the FTC are:

• Bank fraud prevention alerts

• Bogus gifts from retailers

• Fake package delivery problems

• Phony job offers

• Scam Amazon security alerts

Common red-flag tactics in scams texts include:

• You’re told to act quickly (urgency is a hallmark of these types of scams).

• You’re told there is a problem with your account, so you should click on a link.

• Spelling errors in the message.

• Offers of free gifts or paid off loans.

• You’re asked for personal information from someone you don’t know.

• Texts arrive in a group text format.

To avoid these and other text scams, follow these tips:

• Don’t click on links or respond to unexpected texts.

• If you think a text might be legitimate, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Don’t use the information in the text message.

• Report text scams. Forward them to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.

The DA’s Consumer Protection Unit is composed of Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators and Paralegals dedicated to protecting consumers and law-abiding businesses from fraudulent or unfair business practices. To report a consumer complaint, you can call (619) 531-3507 or email consumer@sdcda.org

As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and the public in order to keep you safe. I hope these consumer and public safety tips have been helpful.

District Attorney Summer Stephan

Chula Vista Council Approves 2023-24 Budget

On May 23, the Chula Vista City Council approved a $543.9 million budget including a General Fund operating budget of $258.2 million and a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget of $66.6 million. The budget also includes $26.4 million in Measure A and $16.5 million in Measure P expenditures. The Measure A and Measure P Citizens’ Oversight Committees affirmed that the proposed fiscal year budgets are in compliance with the adopted Measure A and Measure P expenditure plans. “I am pleased we were able to approve a prudent 2023-24 budget which is balanced and maintains existing service levels,” said Chula Vista Mayor John McCann. “Thanks to Measure A, we can continue public safety hiring and Measure P funding allows the City to address critical infrastructure needs.” The City Council held a hearing on the adopted budget for public testimony and reviewed e-comments from the public in addition to conducting two budget workshops to allow participation on the budget process. The Chula Vista FY 2023-24 budget is available at www.chulavistaca.gov/budget.

Neighborhood Watch Programs Thrive in Chula Vista

By Rachel Perez

Chula Vista has been ranked as one of the safest cities in The United States, according to a 2022 report from WalletHub. Chula Vista is known for its tightknit communities and strong local police department. A large part of our success, safety wise, are the neighborhood watch programs which bring residents together while promoting safety education.

Chula Vista Police Department Officer Sarah Camacho is the advising officer for all neighborhood watch programs in the city. Under Officer Camacho’s leadership, there are currently 30 active neighborhood watch programs in west and east Chula Vista.

“The purpose of the neighborhood watch programs is to reduce the levels of fear and crime in our neighborhoods,” said Camacho. “We teach residents how to protect themselves, their property and most importantlytheir family.”

Two of the most active neighborhood watch programs in the city are in the Brentwood Mobile Home Park in west Chula Vista and Rolling Hills Ranch in the Eastlake area.

In most of the active neighborhood watch programs around the city, neighbors stay connected to their blocks through alerts, group chats, meetings and social media (such as popular

neighborhood apps Nextdoor and Townsquare). Program leaders notice that many residents say the networking apps help reassure the feeling of safety. Camacho says the level of activity each neighborhood watch has is completely up to the residents, and there is no cost to start a group.

“Police educate on what is an emergency and a non-emergency issue,” said Camacho. “One of our goals is to educate citizens about how to approach a variety of situations that may arise.”

Camacho says the Chula Vista Police Department has seen a rise in crime being reported on the app Nextdoor, and while she said this is great for community awareness, she also warned that it decreases the rates of reported incidents with the police department. To be considered active, a neighborhood watch program needs to hold at least one meeting per year. There is no cost to start a neighborhood watch and the time commitment is completely up to the neighborhood.

While most neighborhood watch programs cover individual streets or a couple blocks at most, there was a growing demand to broaden the zones covered in east Chula Vista. The program organically grew and now serves the areas of Rolling Hills Ranch, San Miguel and other parts of Eastlake. Camacho says the police

department wants residents to take pride in their neighborhoods, and getting to know your neighbors could potentially be life-saving.

“One time, there was a family who was on vacation in Europe for a couple weeks. They told their neighbors when they would be gone, so they knew to keep an eye on the house,” said Camacho. “The neighbors noticed a moving truck, two men had the garage door open and were taking things out of the house. The neighbors immediately contacted the family to see if this was expected. The family said no, and the police were alerted immediately.”

Examples like this are one of the many benefits of neighborhood watch programs. Each neighborhood watch program requires resident leaders to step up and collaboratively organize the specific program. Grandfathergrandson duo Don and Tyler

Miller are an excellent example of community leadership and have committed much of their time to upkeep the Rolling Hills Ranch neighborhood watch, which has grown to cover about 1,500 homes due to a growing demand for a watch group in the area. This neighborhood watch covers different parts of Rolling Hills Ranch, San Miguel and Eastlake. Rolling Hills Ranch neighborhood watch co-captain Tyler Miller is excited to see how the group grows in the future.

“Being a captain for the neighborhood watch program creates joy for me,” said Miller. “I love doing it and the connections that I have made through helping the community.”

If you would like more information on neighborhood watch programs, please contact Chula Vista Police Department Officer Camacho, (619) 407-3586

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