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“Cease si Puede” – New Mural for Padres Star in Chula Vista

If you’re driving around Chula Vista, you might notice a new splash of color on the side of California Holistic. The “Cease si Puede” mural is new and celebrates Padres pitcher Dylan Cease, who has popped up, bringing a bit of baseball spirit to the South Bay. This latest piece, by the talented local team at Ground Floor Murals, is going to be another hot spot to come take a photo and show your support for the team.

The Story Behind the “Cease si Puede” Mural

The mural’s clever title, “Cease si puede,” is a play on the pitcher’s last name and the familiar phrase “Sí, se puede.” The artists, who grew up right here in Chula Vista, wanted to create something that resonated with the local community. And what better way to do that than with a nod to both baseball and the culture that makes this part of town so special?

The mural celebrates Cease and pays tribute to the late Padres owner, Peter Seidler. The artists were proud to create something meaningful, especially in their hometown.

Ground Floor Murals has added "Cease si Puede" mural in Chula Vista
If you visit the “Cease si Puede” mural, you can also get a special from California Holistics. Make sure you scan the QR code next to it.

A South Bay Landmark

Since its completion, the Cease si Puede mural has drawn plenty of attention. People are stopping by regularly, snapping pictures, and enjoying the vibe that it brings to the area. Whether you’re a baseball fan or appreciate a good piece of art, it’s worth checking out.

Located at California Holistic, the mural is easy to find and admire. If you haven’t already, swing by and take a look! You can also pick up some medicinals while you’re there.

Visit Other Ground Floor Murals

If this piece leaves you wanting more, there are several other Padres murals painted by Ground Floor Murals across San Diego County and Chula Vista. Each one has its own unique flavor, capturing the energy and spirit of the team and its fans. Pretty much everyone has visited the Manny Machado mural located on the side of the historic Vogue Theater. Are you even a resident if you have not checked it out or taken a photo of the mural? They do some amazing work and we love to everything they do.

Be sure to stop by and support local art while celebrating the team that keeps our city cheering.

Have you seen the mural yet? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Bonitafest 2024: A Celebration of Chula Vista’s Heritage and Community Spirit

Bonitafest is back and better than ever! Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the Chula Vista area, this weekend event is the perfect way to experience the vibrant community spirit of Bonita. Let’s dive into what makes this the Bonitafest 2024 so unique and why you won’t want to miss it.

What is Bonitafest?

For over 50 years, Bonitafest has been a beloved tradition in the South Bay area, bringing together the community to celebrate local history, culture, and talent. This year’s event will feature everything from the famous Twilight Trail Parade to the Performing Arts Festival on Saturday, September 21st. It’s free, family-friendly, and guaranteed to be a great time for everyone!

Bonitafest 2012 was a big event in Chula Vista
If you have lived in Chula Vista for a long time, then you remember the Bonitafest parade. Here is a photo of the parade in 2012.

The Twilight Trail Parade: A Must-See Spectacle

Starting at 6 p.m., the Bonitafest Twilight Trail Parade will march from Rohr Park to the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center. With performances from local high school bands, community groups, and even sports teams, the parade is sure to be a colorful and entertaining experience. Pro tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot!

Do you have fond memories of past Bonitafest parades? You’re not alone! Many longtime Chula Vistans remember when the parade was the year’s highlight. This year, organizers are working hard to recapture that magic, and you can help by showing up and supporting the event.

If you want to step back in time, check out this video from the 2011 Bonitafest Parade and event.

Live Performances at the Performing Arts Festival

Once the parade wraps up, the festivities continue with the Performing Arts Festival. From local musicians to talented high school groups like Sounds Unlimited and The Music Machine, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The festival will run until around 10 p.m., so bring your friends, family, and some lawn chairs to settle in for a night of entertainment under the stars.

And here’s a fun fact: This year, the festival is being organized by young community leaders, including Nicolette Luna and Lyra Rhoades. Both are passionate about keeping Bonitafest alive and thriving. Be sure to thank them when you see them working hard at the event!

Honoring Community Heroes

Bonitafest isn’t just about fun and entertainment—it’s also a time to honor those who have made a difference in the community. This year’s Pioneer Award goes to Jerry McCormick, who was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the local journalism scene. Meanwhile, Lee Romero, the dedicated principal of Bonita Vista High School, will be the grand marshal of the parade. Let’s give these community champions a round of applause!

Be sure to follow Bonitafest on Instagram to learn more about the Festival and all of its planned events.

Don’t Miss the Bonitafest Melodrama!

The fun doesn’t stop on Saturday! On September 25th, the 47th annual Bonitafest Melodrama will kick off with a “Thin Skins & Hayseeds!” performance at Sweetwater Community Church. This year’s melodrama, co-written by local student Ella Aldridge, is a Romeo & Juliet-inspired tale with a historical twist. It’s a great way to learn more about Bonita’s history while enjoying a night of laughs and entertainment.

Get Involved and Show Your Support!

Want to be part of the fun? The event is free and open to the public, and anyone is welcome to join in the Twilight Trail Parade. Bring the kids, as there will be plenty of giveaways, including glow sticks, stickers, and more!

See You at Bonitafest 2024!

Bonitafest 2024 is shaping up to be an incredible weekend of community, culture, and fun. Whether you’re there for the parade, the live performances, or the melodrama, one thing’s for sure—you’ll leave with a smile on your face and some great memories.

Stay tuned to Chula Vista Living for all your local event updates, and we hope to see you at Bonitafest this weekend!

Top 3 Cheese Burger Spots in Chula Vista

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What is happening, Chula Vista? It is National Cheeseburger Day, and I wanted to share my top three Cheese Burger Spots in Chula Vista. You know I love to support local.

  1. Balboa Burger in Downtown Chula Vista! You know I love this locally owned spot. When I’m in the mood for a delicious burger, it’s always at the top of my list. The burgers are phenomenal, and the service always delivers. You will probably find me there today.
  2. Rey’s TJ Burgers on Main Street – This is one of those spots that you need to visit, and once you do, it will be your favorite. The owners are super people, and the burgers are so good. Check out their Instagram account for locations and times. He is also setting up at some local markets.
  3. Banging Benny’s Burgers in various locations—This is another local favorite. You can find him grilling up some delicious burgers at the Manhattan Bar and Grill on Broadway. For the schedule, check out his Instagram account. I’ll leave the links below.

Here are the top three spots for a cheeseburger in Chula Vista. If you leave me a comment for your favorite spot, I might visit.

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Otay Ranch Town Center celebrated Hispanic Heritage month last night

Hispanic Heritage Month is officially in full swing, and Chula Vista knows how to celebrate! This past weekend, the community came together at Otay Ranch Town Center for an evening filled with music, dancing, and delicious food. The event was a perfect way to honor the Hispanic community’s rich cultural traditions and contributions. It was also the last night for the Salsa Under the Stars event.

Music and Dance Take Center Stage

The event started with live salsa music that had everyone on their feet. From beginners to seasoned dancers, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The energy was contagious as dancers from Deso Studio even taught a few steps to event-goers, making sure no one missed out on the fun. The usually quiet shopping center transformed into a lively celebration space.

Tonight was the last The Salsa Under the Stars event, and I will miss it. Manny Cepeda and Orchestra have been performing on various Tuesdays throughout the summer. People love the music and dancing while enjoying the summer nights. Hopefully, the Otay Ranch Town Center will bring this event back next year.

Otay Ranch Town Center event
During the Hispanic Heritage event, Manny Cepeda and Orchestra performed their last Salsa Under the Stars event. We hope to see them return next year.

A Taste of Mexico at the Otay Ranch Town Center

The Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market was another night’s highlight. Several vendors always offer traditional Mexican food. Ana Aguilar, owner of a pop-up restaurant, shared some of her favorites from Mexico City, including Pam Bazo, Sope, and Flautas. For many, this was more than just a meal—it was a taste of home. Ana was thrilled to give visitors a chance to experience authentic flavors.

Pride in Hispanic Heritage

For many, this celebration went beyond food and music. It was a chance to reflect on their pride for their roots. Veronica Ortega, originally from Guadalajara, shared how meaningful it is for her to honor her Mexican blood. Meanwhile, Theodore Ortega spoke about how the celebration brought back cherished childhood memories.

Everyone was having a lot of fun, and I’m happy to see all of these events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Events like this always remind me of my childhood in Mexico and the celebrations with music and happiness. It also gives me the chance to eat some delicious food.

Be sure to find an event near you this month

This event was just the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, with more activities planned throughout Chula Vista and San Diego in the coming weeks. This past Sunday, the city of Chula Vista hosted the annual El Grito Celebration at Memorial Bowl. It was a huge event that had everyone celebrating. You can read more about the El Grito event here on our website.

Let’s keep the spirit alive and continue celebrating the vibrant culture that makes our community unique! Have you attended any of the events?