There is a lot of construction going on in the city of Chula Vista and there's a lot more to come.
San Diego's second-largest city is moving forward on a long-awaited Bayfront development project and efforts to improve downtown.
So you might think this South Bay city would be the talk of San Diego, as it embarks on the largest coastal development in the state, but not so much.
A recent survey found that six out of 10 San Diegans have a negative view of Chula Vista, and a third of those surveyed don't have thoughts about it at all.
This week, a public forum called "Chula Vista — the good, the bad and the just plain wrong!" aims to address the city's image problem, debunk myths and celebrate the reality of the city.
The program is set for Friday, May 30, from 8:30–11 a.m. at the Civic Center Library Branch, 365 F St.
“In light of these perceptions, we invite everyone to join us for a lively and interactive exchange of ideas about what it means to live and work in Chula Vista. We want to talk about what we can do to promote the positive aspects of our city, and brainstorm ideas for improving its image,” said library director Betty Waznis.
The program will be moderated by Mesa College political science professor Carl Luna, director of the new Institute for Civil Civic Engagement, a partnership between the University of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College and San Diego City College.
“It is important for members of the public to be active participants in the decisions of the community,” said Luna. “Public issues require engagement and coordination from the entire community — not simply the government or a few activists. There is nothing we, as a community, working civilly together, cannot accomplish.”
The forum is part of the library’s Pathways to Civic Engagement program, funded by a grant from the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation, an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation.
