The winners of the 2025 Chula Vista Starlight Parade were officially announced this week, and it was refreshing to see the City host a proper ceremony at the Chula Vista City Chambers. In past years, many parade participants were left wondering who won what. This year, the City listened, followed through, and made the effort to share the results publicly. That matters.
It’s wild to say “last year” when the 2025 Starlight Parade actually took place just last month in Downtown Chula Vista, but the improvements were clear. The parade felt tighter, the gaps were mostly gone, and the overall flow was noticeably better than 2024. Credit where it’s due, the parade organizers really stepped it up. It was a fun night, and it set a solid bar going forward.
Republic Services won for best use of lights, and their trucks were amazing. They did a great job.
Here are the official winners recognized during Tuesday night’s ceremony:
Best Holiday Theme: Neisha’s Dance Academy
Most Creative: St. Rose of Lima Glee
Best Use of Lights: Republic Services
Best Community Entry: St. Rose of Lima Glee
Best Car Club: San Diego OffroadHERs
Most Enthusiastic: Mater Dei Catholic High School Elementary Cheerleaders & Dancers
Best Dance: Grupo de Danza Folklórica Mexicana Wa-Kushma
Best Starlight Spirit: Mercedes Gonzalez
Best Military Entry: Sunny Jones Chapter 49 & Unit 49, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Auxiliary
Best Children’s Entry: Mater Dei Catholic High School Elementary Cheerleaders & Dancers
Best Historical Representation: Sunny Jones Chapter 49 & Unit 49, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Auxiliary
Best Marching Bands:
1st Place: Eastlake High School Titan Regiment
2nd Place: Bonita Vista High School Club Blue
3rd Place: Castle Park High School
One additional shout-out goes to Balboa South, which won Best Decorated Storefront along Third Avenue. They went all out, not just outside but inside as well, and it showed.
If you were one of this year’s winners, congratulations and thank you for being part of such a special Chula Vista tradition. And for everyone else, mark your calendars now. The 2026 Chula Vista Starlight Parade is tentatively scheduled for December 5th, and we’ll be sharing updates as soon as they’re announced.
I had the chance to visit the new 356 Korean BBQ & Bar in Chula Vista with my daughter, and it was such a great experience. We were invited in to try their premium menu options, and everything we tasted was excellent. The service was friendly and attentive, making the whole meal feel relaxed and enjoyable.
This new location marks the fourth 356 Korean BBQ & Bar in the Eastlake area, which shows just how popular this spot has become. I’d still love to see a Korean BBQ restaurant like this open on the west side of Chula Vista someday.
The food was a highlight across the board, but my personal favorite was the rib-eye. It had great flavor and cooked perfectly on the grill, though honestly, everything we tried was delicious. If you’re looking for a fun place to enjoy Korean BBQ with family or friends in Eastlake, this new spot is definitely worth checking out.
Our fitness scene just got a massive upgrade with the opening of Life Time Fitness in Chula Vista, and I was fortunate enough to get a VIP tour of this incredible new facility. Located at 1650 Main Street West in the growing Cota Vera community, this isn’t your typical gym—it’s a full-scale athletic country club spanning over 135,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.
I had the chance to explore every corner of this two-level facility, and what impressed me most was the resort-style outdoor pool area. Having visited many resort pools over the years, I can honestly say this one rivals the best of them. The facility features three pools, including a family pool with waterslides, an outdoor bar and dining area, and plenty of lounge space perfect for relaxing in the San Diego sunshine. I’m already planning my return visit this summer.
The fitness offerings are equally impressive, with a massive 26,000-square-foot workout floor featuring premium equipment, dedicated studios for group classes, and seven pickleball courts (three indoor and four outdoor). The staff I spoke with were genuinely excited to finally welcome members and help the community achieve their wellness goals.
Families will love the Kids Academy, which accepts children from 3 months to 12 years old, offering structured programming while parents work out. The luxury locker rooms feature saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges, while the LifeSpa offers massage and skin care services. There’s even a complimentary work lounge and LifeCafe serving healthy meals and beverages.
Memberships start at $249 per month with the initiation fee currently waived. Life Time Otay Ranch is open now with extended hours throughout the week. This is Life Time’s second San Diego County location and represents a significant investment in Chula Vista’s future. If you’re looking for a premium fitness experience, I highly recommend scheduling a tour to see it for yourself.
Chula Vista just got a major upgrade in the health and wellness department. Life Time, one of the country’s leading fitness brands, has opened its doors at Life Time Otay Ranch, bringing a whole new level of athletic excellence to the South Bay community. This isn’t just another gym—it’s being called an “athletic country club,” and once you hear what’s inside, you’ll understand why. This marks Life Time’s second location in San Diego County, following their boutique La Jolla club that opened in 2019.
I was thrilled to finally visit this stunning new location and experience it firsthand. During my VIP tour of the facility, I got to explore every corner of this incredible space—from the expansive two-level workout areas to the dedicated studios, and especially the outdoor pool complex that completely exceeded my expectations. I also had the opportunity to chat with several staff members who were genuinely excited about being part of this new facility. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they shared their eagerness to finally welcome members and help the community achieve their fitness goals.
A Massive New Facility Built Just for Chula Vista
Located at 1650 Main Street West in the growing Cota Vera community of Otay Ranch, this brand-new facility spans more than 135,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space across two levels. Unlike the La Jolla location, the Otay Ranch club was built from the ground up specifically for this community. It’s Life Time’s ninth location in California and represents a significant investment in Chula Vista’s future.
The company chose Chula Vista for good reason. The area, especially Otay Ranch, is experiencing rapid residential growth, and Life Time saw an opportunity to provide something special for families moving into the region. They purchased the 7.5-acre property for $5.1 million back in November 2022, recognizing that this booming community needed a comprehensive wellness destination.
The gym at Life Time Otay Ranch is massive and takes over the second floor.
What Makes Life Time Different?
General Manager Andrew Dewey is clear about what sets Life Time apart: “We’re not considered a gym. We’re an exclusive, athletic country club.” This distinction becomes obvious when you look at everything the facility offers. Nearly 200 team members staff the club, ensuring that members receive top-notch service and support for their fitness journeys.
The introductory membership rate starts at $249 per month for a single person, with the standard $300 initiation fee currently waived. While membership covers full facility access, additional services such as spa treatments, personal training sessions, swim lessons, and food and beverages are available for an extra fee. While this investment might seem substantial compared to budget gyms, the value becomes clear when you see what’s included.
Fitness for Every Style
The heart of Life Time Otay Ranch is its impressive 26,000-square-foot workout floor on the second level. This massive space houses hundreds of pieces of premium cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, barbells, and racks. Whether you’re into traditional weightlifting, functional training, or high-intensity cardio, you’ll find everything you need.
For those who prefer group fitness, the club features dedicated studios for various workout styles. You can take classes in GTX (group training), Pilates, yoga, barre, and large group fitness sessions, all led by expert instructors. There’s also an Alpha training space explicitly designed for coached workouts and functional training.
Pickleball Paradise
Beyond traditional fitness options, Life Time Otay Ranch also embraces emerging athletic trends. One of the standout features is the club’s commitment to pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport. Life Time Otay Ranch boasts seven pickleball courts total—three climate-controlled indoor courts on the second floor and four outdoor courts. Whether you’re a beginner looking for lessons or an experienced player ready for league competition, the club offers open play, clinics, and social events centered around this engaging sport.
Indoor pickleball courts inside the new Life Time Otay Ranch.
Aquatics and Outdoor Fun
Step outside, and you’ll discover what might be the facility’s crown jewel. I’ve been to many resort pools over the years, and I can honestly say this one rivals them all. The attention to detail and the overall atmosphere make it feel like a true escape from everyday life. The facility includes three pools: a lap pool for serious swimmers, a lesson pool for aquatic instruction, and a family pool complete with waterslides that kids will love. There’s also an outdoor bar and dining area, plus plenty of lounge space for relaxing in the California sunshine. I’m already planning to return this summer to spend some quality time at the pool area, lounging on one of those comfortable chairs with a refreshing drink in hand.
The outdoor pool is amazing. I can’t wait to visit during the summer.
Family-Friendly Features
Parents will appreciate the Kids Academy, which accepts children from three months old up to 12 years. For $50 per child per month, parents can drop off their little ones for up to 2.5 hours daily while they work out. The academy isn’t just babysitting—it offers structured programming including music, sports, and age-appropriate classes. There’s even a basketball court for active kids.
Recovery and Relaxation
After a challenging workout, members can take advantage of several recovery options. The Recovery and PT lounge features advanced tools for stretching, mobility work, and performance enhancement. The luxury locker rooms include saunas, steam rooms, warm spas, and cold plunges—all stocked with high-end Kiehl’s grooming products.
For more profound relaxation, the LifeSpa offers five treatment rooms for massage, skin care, and other rejuvenating services (available for an additional fee).
Work, Eat, and Socialize
Life Time Otay Ranch recognizes that modern life requires flexibility. That’s why they’ve included a complimentary work lounge where members can catch up on emails or take calls before or after workouts. The LifeCafe serves made-to-order drinks, smoothies, healthy meals, wraps, and bowls, along with a full-service bar for post-workout socializing.
A Community Investment
Beyond providing fitness amenities, Life Time Otay Ranch represents a significant economic boost for Chula Vista. The facility is expected to generate around $500,000 in annual property tax revenue for the city. When you factor in construction and operating costs, the total economic impact to the community is approximately $88 million.
I loved touring the cafe inside Life Time Otay Ranch.
Ready to Join?
Life Time Otay Ranch is now open with convenient hours: Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Interested residents can join the waitlist online at lifetime.life/locations/ca/otay-ranch or by calling 866-770-1546. With Life Time’s track record of success—the company operates 184 centers across 31 states and serves nearly 850,000 active members nationwide—this Chula Vista location is positioned to become a cornerstone of the community’s health and wellness scene for years to come.
If you’re curious about what sets this facility apart, I highly encourage you to schedule a tour and experience it for yourself. Trust me, the photos don’t do it justice!
