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Animals on the Bay Day 2025 Returns with Timed Tickets and Family Fun

Chula Vista Blog
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Animals on the Bay Day 2025 Returns with Timed Tickets and Family Fun

Get ready, Chula Vista, for Animals on the Bay Day 2025! If you haven’t visited the Living Coast Nature Center yet, consider this your friendly reminder to check out one of Chula Vista’s most beloved nature-themed events. I attended last year and had an amazing time exploring the exhibits, walking along the coastal trails, and getting up close with some of the center’s incredible Animal Ambassadors. It’s not every day that you get to meet a sea turtle, spot a hawk just a few feet away, and chat with local wildlife experts, all for just $5.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM, and the Living Coast is packing the day with animal encounters, educational booths, crafts, and food from some of San Diego’s favorite vendors. Tickets are on sale now. If you’re a fan of family-friendly activities, conservation education, and supporting local artisans, this event checks all the boxes.

What to Expect at the 2025 Event

For Animals on the Bay Day 2025, the Living Coast offers reduced admission of just $5, making it one of the most accessible family outings around. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, meet the folks from partner organizations, and experience what makes this bayside nature center such a gem.

Local groups like the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center, California Native Plant Society, and Chula Vista Police Department will be on-site alongside others such as Circulate San Diego, Chula Vista Park Rangers, County of San Diego, Fleet Science Center, Free Flight Bird Sanctuary, and many more. Visit their website for a complete list. There’ll also be stations for arts and crafts and live animal presentations.

To fuel the fun, food trucks like Kayak Cafe, Mahalo Shaved Ice, and My Pozole will serve local bites and sweet treats throughout the day.

Animals on the Bay Day 2025
Last year, numerous community groups and displays were available for visitors to learn more about wildlife.

A new ticketing system this year

While the event is always worth it, last year’s shuttle bus wait times were challenging—some guests waited more than 45 minutes just to board. In response, the Living Coast Nature Center is implementing a timed ticketing system for this year’s event. Guests must purchase tickets for a specific time slot: 10:00 to 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:00 to 2:00 PM, or 2:30 to 3:30 PM. This change is designed to help manage crowd flow and reduce daily wait times. All attendees will need to park at the Living Coast Center parking lot and board the shuttle from there, so plan accordingly and arrive on time for your selected window.

Once inside, you are welcome to enjoy the event for as long as you’d like—these time slots only apply to shuttle boarding and arrival. I was there last year and this was a mess. I’m curious to see how this new system will work.

The last shuttle boards at 3:30 PM, so make sure to arrive early enough to take full advantage of the activities. A limited number of walk-up tickets will be available at the event, but guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for a designated time slot to ensure entry and avoid long wait times.

Ready to enjoy Animals on the Bay Day 2025

Animals on the Bay Day is more than just a fun family outing; it’s a celebration of the wildlife, ecosystems, and community partnerships that help keep our bay healthy and beautiful. Whether you’re visiting for the animals, the education, or the handmade goods from local vendors, it’s a day well spent in nature.

For more information, visit the Living Coast Nature Center’s website and look for future events celebrating Chula Vista’s vibrant natural environment. See you out there Chula Vista!

Families Flock to Memorial Park for Day of the Child Chula Vista Event

Amanda Contreras
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Families Flock to Memorial Park for Day of the Child Chula Vista Event

This past Saturday, April 19th, Downtown Chula Vista came alive with the energy and joy of families celebrating the annual Day of the Child Chula Vista event at Memorial Park. Hosted by the Chula Vista Community Collaborative, this free, family-friendly event continues to grow in size and impact each year, becoming a cornerstone celebration in the heart of the community.

Celebrating Children and Community

Inspired by the Mexican holiday Día Mundial del Niño, the Day of the Child event focuses on celebrating and honoring children, particularly within Hispanic and Latin families. Memorial Park was packed with activity as local families explored booths dedicated to children’s health, safety, creativity, and community services. From health screenings and informational handouts to interactive games and crafts, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Adding to the festive atmosphere was a lineup of live entertainment that celebrated the richness of Mexican culture. Montgomery Middle School’s Mariachi group wowed the crowd with traditional music, while La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego performed beautiful Folclórico dances that highlighted the vibrant traditions of various regions of Mexico. These performances added color, rhythm, and cultural pride to an already unforgettable day.

Day of the Child Chula Vista
Classic cars and low riders beautifully lined the downtown street, showcasing over 40 stunning vehicles. It was the event’s biggest draw.

One of the most popular features was the incredible display of classic cars and lowriders that lined Third Avenue from G Street all the way to F Street. Car clubs from all over came out to showcase their vehicles, drawing crowds who eagerly snapped photos and chatted with the proud owners.

Adding to the excitement, Assemblymember David Alvarez and Chula Vista Mayor John McCann took part in the festivities by selecting their pick for the best car of the event. Mayor McCann shared that choosing just one was a difficult task, saying, “It was a hard decision because all of the cars were beautiful.” Their involvement added a special touch to an already unforgettable showcase of community pride and automotive artistry.

Day of the Child Chula Vista has come a long way

Having attended since the early days when the event featured only a handful of booths, it was amazing to witness how much the Day of the Child Chula Vista has grown. As a mother of two, this event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with health programs, ask questions, and learn more about the services available in our own backyard. Events like this are more than just fun—they are essential in helping families discover resources they may not even know exist.

The presence of the lowrider community added even more vibrancy and pride to the day. Speaking with Jovita Arellano, CVCC Coordinator, it was clear how much heart went into making this year’s event a success. “Families need events like this that give them the chance to learn about what is available for them and what help they can get,” she shared. She also thanked the lowrider community, saying, “To see them out here to help support this event is amazing and I thank them.”

Day of the Child Chula Vista 2025
Families had the opportunity to walk through the informational booths and learn more about the health programs available in the community. There were also craft booths and more for the kids. You will not want to miss the Day of the Child Chula Vista in 2026. Stay tuned for the next one.

What’s Coming Up This Summer

If you missed this weekend’s event, don’t worry—there’s a lot more coming your way this summer in Chula Vista. Be on the lookout for CVArtFest in June, one of the city’s most creative festivals. And, of course, mark your calendar for the Chula Vista Lemon Festival in August, a beloved event for locals. Plus, summer movie nights hosted by the city are always a hit with families.

To stay in the loop about all the fun events happening around town, be sure to visit our website event calendar here and follow us on social media. We’re here to help you make the most of everything Chula Vista has to offer!

Stay Connected with Chula Vista Living

At Chula Vista Living, we believe our community deserves more of the spotlight. That’s why we’re here—to keep you informed, inspired, and connected. Be sure to follow us for updates on local events, family resources, and all the good things happening right here in our city.

To learn more about the Chula Vista Community Collaborative and the work they do, visit their website or follow them on social media.

About the Chula Vista Community Collaborative

The Chula Vista Community Collaborative (CVCC) began in 1993 as a partnership between the South Bay Human Services Council and Vista Square Elementary to address growing community needs that extended beyond the classroom. With support from a Healthy Start Planning Grant, the City of Chula Vista, local nonprofits, and service agencies, the Collaborative evolved into a key connector for family services in the region. Now part of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, CVCC has spent over 30 years helping families access vital resources including health care, food assistance, parenting programs, advocacy, and more. Their mission is rooted in the belief that strong families build strong communities, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Be sure to follow them on social media here.

The Return of the Bonita Glarfs: Honoring Jerry Goss’s Creative Legacy

Chula Vista Blog
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The Return of the Bonita Glarfs: Honoring Jerry Goss’s Creative Legacy

In a heartfelt and joyful gathering at the Bonita Museum, community members, elected officials, students, and artists celebrated the long-awaited return of a beloved piece of local history: the Bonita Glarfs—whimsical, dinosaur-like sculptures created by the late Jerry Goss in the late 1950s.

The Bonita Glarf Celebration, filmed by Love Life Photography, paid tribute not only to Goss’s enduring legacy but also to the team of volunteers, civic leaders, and artists who helped restore the statues and secure their place once again on Bonita Road.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Miss Chula Vista Isabel Caballero and Miss Bonita Alicia Ontiveros, followed by remarks from Sophia Petrulius, chairwoman of the celebration and a psychology major at Southwestern College. “We are thrilled to have you here today,” Petrulius said, “as we celebrate Rumby and Rangai and the extraordinary community that stood by them.”

A Tribute in Music and Memory

A powerful rendition of “Stand by Me” performed by Saria Plato and the Bonita Vista High School vocal department set a reflective tone early in the program. The musical performances continued throughout the event, featuring original compositions inspired by Goss’s life and work, including “Dream About Dreams” and “Where Do You Hide a Dinosaur?”

The audience was then treated to Kyler Avery’s stirring ballad “Phoenix,” a tribute to resilience and rebirth—an apt metaphor for the journey of the Glarfs, which were lost for decades before their recent restoration.

Remembering Jerry Goss

Ella Aldridge, a San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts student, offered a detailed history of the Glarfs. Created by Jerry Lee Goss when he was just 15 years old, Rumby and Rangai were made from chicken wire, concrete, and rhubarb as birthday gifts for his mother. Installed in his family’s yard—dubbed “Veral Janass”—the sculptures quickly became a local attraction. Goss’s imaginative vision extended to creating Dinosaur Land in Alpine and other community decorations before his untimely death in a 1963 car accident.

Nancy Goss Williams, Jerry’s sister and guest of honor, shared touching anecdotes from their childhood. She described camping under eucalyptus trees and enduring the infamous jumping cactus of the Bonita hills. “Jerry would be so proud to know that his vision is still alive,” she said, holding back tears. “To see the Glarfs welcoming people back to Bonita means the world to me.”

Civic Leaders Champion Restoration of the Bonita Glarfs

Former and current public officials were on hand to recognize the years-long effort to restore the sculptures. Supervisor Nora Vargas and Supervisor Greg Cox were both credited with securing neighborhood reinvestment grants and logistical support for the project. Chula Vista Mayor John McCann presented a special proclamation honoring Kelly Tracy, the sculptor who led the physical restoration.

“Kelly Tracy is the Michelangelo of Bonita,” McCann proclaimed. “His work has not only saved these sculptures, but also strengthened the bond of this community.” April 12, 2025, was officially declared “Kelly Tracy Day” in the City of Chula Vista.

Tracy was recognized for his extensive restoration work dating back to 2004, including repairing Rumby’s head, recreating Rangai, and reinforcing both structures with modern materials for durability and public safety.

Rumbi The Glarf on Bonita Rd.
Rumbi The Glarf is looking good after the restoration. They even have a new plaque that has their story.
Rangui The Glarf
Rangui The Glarf is also looking good and ready to welcome you as you drive through Bonita California.

A Community United by Imagination

The event culminated with the debut of Bonita’s official song, “Home in Bonita,” written and performed by Ella Aldridge. The lyrics—evoking hills, breezes, and lifelong memories—left few dry eyes in the room.

As the final musical number faded, a resounding message echoed through the museum: the Glarfs are more than just sculptures. They are a symbol of community, creativity, and the enduring power of love. As one speaker poignantly stated, “Jerry put so much love into his Glarfs, and we can still feel it today.”

For the residents of Bonita, that love has never left—it simply took a little time and a lot of dedication to roar back to life.

Exciting Changes on the Bayfront as Gaylord Pacific Resort Prepares to Open

Amanda Contreras
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Exciting Changes on the Bayfront as Gaylord Pacific Resort Prepares to Open

If you’ve been following the progress along the Chula Vista Bayfront like I have, then you know what a big deal this is. For years, I’ve walked by the construction site of the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center — curious, excited, and wondering what it would look like when it was finally complete. Now, we’re closer than ever to seeing that vision come to life.

The fences are down. That’s right — the construction barriers that surrounded this massive project for so long have finally been removed. And just like that, the grounds around the Gaylord Pacific are open to the public. Even though the resort itself doesn’t officially open until May 15, the community doesn’t need a reservation or day pass to see all of the progress and improvements that have been happening. I still remember seeing the small RV resort in this area back in 2012 when it was rumored that we would have a massive project like this. Here we are, 13 years later, and it is now a reality.

More Park Space, More Access, More Chula Vista to Love

One of the most exciting aspects of this project, aside from the stunning hotel architecture, is its impact on our community. The space around the resort has transformed our waterfront. What used to be a narrow 12-acre stretch of parkland has now expanded to nearly 27 acres of public access. That includes beautifully landscaped paths, open bay views, and even more green space to enjoy.

Eventually, we will see over 50 acres of protected park and open space, including the new Harbor Park and the nearby Sweetwater Park. For Chula Vista, that’s something we haven’t had since before World War II, when factories dominated the area. We’ll have a video coming soon, all about the new Harbor Park and the exciting features it will offer—so stay tuned!

This isn’t just about building a hotel—it’s about shaping a shared future. The Port of San Diego and the developers made a promise to give something back to the people who live here. Walking around the site now, it really feels like they’re delivering on that commitment.

Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista
Now that the fence is down you can walk up to the front and all around the property. It’s amazing to see this project almost complete and up close like this.

A Project Built for the Community, Not Just Visitors

My boyfriend and I went down recently to see the Gaylord Pacific Resort grounds for ourselves, and I have to say, the energy down there is something else. People were out enjoying the open space, soaking in the fresh bay air and the incredible views. While we were there, we ran into a friend who had also come to check it out. They told us how much they loved the new layout and how exciting it was to finally see the resort up close. They also asked about whether the resort might offer day passes for locals to enjoy amenities like the pool and spa without having to book a room. Hopefully, more details will come as we get closer.

The team behind the resort calls it a world-class destination, and it’s hard to argue with that when you see the scale of it. But more importantly, they’ve stayed focused on how this space serves the community. From improved public access to expanded green space, it’s a meaningful addition for all of us.

Our very own Mr. Chula Vista was down there covering the new progress and announcing his partnership with the Port of San Diego to help promote the area to local residents.

Mark Your Calendars: May 15th is Just Around the Corner

Construction crews are busy putting the finishing touches on the Gaylord Pacific Resort, laying new grass, cleaning up landscaping, and preparing the space for its big debut. While the resort is officially set to open on May 15, they have asked the public to hold off on rushing to visit right away. Staffing will be limited during the initial launch, and not all amenities will be available. They expect to be fully open to the public by the following weekend. Be sure to follow the resort on Instagram for updates and more. Of course, you know Chula Vista Living will be there covering the event.

We’ve been watching this transformation for years, and now that it’s here, it’s even more exciting than I imagined. If you haven’t taken a walk by the bayfront lately, now’s the perfect time. The views are incredible, the space is open, and a whole new chapter for Chula Vista is unfolding right before our eyes.

Let me know if you’ve visited the site yet or plan to when the resort opens. I’d love to hear your thoughts. This is just the beginning, and I have a feeling it’s going to be something truly special.

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