If you’re looking for a scenic escape, Otay Lakes County Park offers stunning views of Otay Lake and the surrounding hills. This 78-acre park, a proposed eastern gateway to the Otay Valley Regional Park, has been a beloved spot in the South Bay for years. Whether you’re planning a family day out or just need some fresh air, Otay Lakes County Park has something for everyone.
Bring the kids to enjoy the spacious playground, challenge friends at the horseshoe pits, or take a relaxing stroll along the park’s hiking trails. Don’t forget to check out the native plant and demonstration garden, a perfect spot for nature lovers to learn more about local flora. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to marvel at, as the park and surrounding area are home to a wide variety of bird species.
Planning a gathering? Life really is a picnic here, with five reservable areas that can host everything from casual get-togethers to weddings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying the day, Otay Lakes Park is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.
Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the U.S. Running from September 15 to October 15, this celebration honors the people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
In Chula Vista, we have two incredible events lined up that will excite the whole family to join the fun. As a proud Latina female from Chula Vista, I love the diversity of this community. It makes me happy to see that Chula Vista is celebrating our heritage. I invite everyone to get out there and take part in these events. Plus, it’s a good reason to enjoy some tacos!!
Get ready for one of the biggest El Grito celebrations in San Diego County! This family-friendly event celebrates Mexican Independence Day with music, food, and a strong sense of community. The festivities will kick off at Memorial Park in Downtown Chula Vista, with the traditional “Grito” led by Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma, the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego. Last year the performance was amazing. I was shocked at how good it was, and I hope this year will be just as good, if not better.
You can expect live entertainment, performances showcasing Mexican culture, and plenty of delicious food vendors to keep your energy high. Tip: Arrive early to get a good spot and beat the long food lines! Whether you’re here to celebrate your heritage or just soak in the lively atmosphere, it will be an evening to remember. A big shout out to Chula Vista Mayor John McCann & Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma for putting on this event. You can also catch it on XEWT Channel 12 if you miss it live.
The Chula Vista El Grito Celebration was a phenomenal event last year. The turnout was amazing, and the live music and “Grito” celebration were the perfect way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month.
Otay Ranch Town Center Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Head over to Otay Ranch Town Center for a lively celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! This family festival offers a little something for everyone, with live music, cultural performances, delicious food, and plenty of activities for the kids. From face painting to themed character meet-and-greets, this event is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled evening with the family.
The night will wrap up with the final installment of “Salsa Under the Stars,” featuring a pop-up salsa dance party led by the Manny Cepeda Orchestra. Bring your dancing shoes—you will not want to miss the opportunity to dance! “Salsa Under the Stars was a fun event, and we hope it will return next summer.
Don’t forget, Tuesdays are also Farmer Market nights at the Otay Ranch Town Center, so this will be perfect for walking the many vendors. They also have a lot of food vendors.
These two events are just a taste of the vibrant celebrations happening in Chula Vista for Hispanic Heritage Month. So, gather your family and friends, get out there, and have fun!
Do you know of another event we should mention? Drop it in the comments below! Our own Kurt Bunch will be out at both events, capturing all the best moments, and we’ll share photos and videos soon. Stay tuned!
Chula Vista reached an exciting new milestone on Tuesday with the construction of the Millenia Library, the area’s most extensive public library. Local leaders gathered to celebrate a key moment in the project, which promises tremendous educational and community benefits. Let’s dive into what this means for Chula Vista and what’s next!
A Milestone for the Millenia Library in Chula Vista
The celebration marked the placement of the highest beam on the new four-story library building, a major step toward completing Chula Vista’s first new library in almost 30 years! Located in the vibrant Millenia neighborhood, this modern library will span 168,000 square feet. The new library is more than just a building—it promises greater access to resources, a learning hub, and a community connection space.
Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and other local officials emphasized the importance of this project, which is part of a broader vision to bring higher education and business opportunities to the area. Once completed, this state-of-the-art library will feature modern amenities like community meeting spaces, a passport office, and even a business incubator to support local entrepreneurs. Once this library is open, the Chula Vista Library at the Otay Ranch Town Center will be moved here.
The Millenia Library will be more than just a beautiful building. There will be so many other elements to this location and we can not wait to see them. (Construction Concept Photo)
What the Community Can Expect Next
So, what’s next in this exciting journey? Construction began in 2023 and is expected to be finished by next year. Once the doors open, the library will be a central part of a much larger development project known as UniverCity, including office spaces and, eventually, Chula Vista’s first four-year university. This ambitious project has been years in the making, driven by the desire to create educational and economic growth in the area.
The $96 million library project is being funded with $30 million from the state, thanks to the efforts of local legislators like State Assemblyman David Alvarez and Senator Steve Padilla. Both officials are committed to making Chula Vista a center for higher education and high-paying jobs.
What are you most excited about with this new library? Is it the community meeting spaces, the small business resources, or the dream of a university in Chula Vista? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let us know what you’re looking forward to. And if you want to see more, check out the progress photos and videos on our website or social media accounts! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the grand opening!
This is an exciting time for Chula Vista, and we can’t wait to see this project come to life.
I had hoped to snap some photos and videos, but, let’s be honest—that was just a little too early for me.
This morning, I decided to take a stroll down Third Avenue to see the street without the patios. After getting so used to them, seeing the empty space feels strange. It’s like something is missing. If you’re curious, check out my YouTube video for a before-and-after look at the street as it is now. The one I’ll miss the most is the patio at Vogue Tavern. It was the first one I dined at during the pandemic and the last one I visited. My wife and I had dinner there on Friday to say our goodbyes. Even though the patios are gone, I’ll continue to support these businesses in every way I can.
Let me know in the YouTube comments if you’ll miss the patios, too. Interestingly, my Instagram video sparked quite a bit of conversation—some people are happy to see them go, saying it’s time to return to “normal.” The city has put together a planning commission to explore ways to bring them back in some form, but I’m not holding my breath.
