Chula Vista – The City of Chula Vista, Envision Broadway and students from South Bay Youth 4 Change joined the South Bay Sustainable Communities Network recently in the 20th annual Beautify Chula Vista Day neighborhood cleanup. Hundreds of volunteers participated in beautification activities throughout the city during the Saturday morning event.
The SBY4C students, who earned community service hours for participating, wanted to empower residents to keep their communities safe and clean, and encourage them to team up to keep their city beautiful. SBY4C is a group of students who advocate against drug and alcohol issues in their communities. Cleaning up the Broadway corridor will attract more shoppers and discourage vandalism and criminal activity to make neighborhoods cleaner, healthier and more vibrant.
“Some teenagers like to stay inside and play video games,” Montgomery High School Senior Aiden Cendana said. “But for me, helping out the community and being a part of the community is nice.”
SBY4C youth and Envision Broadway volunteers advocate against drug and alcohol issues in the community and are working to build a more vibrant, healthy and safe, Broadway business corridor while working with local businesses and residents to increase community connections.
Chula Vista Mayor John McCann kicked off the event and said the large turnout showed how residents take ownership in their community. “As Chula Vistans we care tremendously about our city and we want to make sure that the people who are living here have an opportunity to help improve it,” McCann said. “It’s a great community event and it’ a great neighbor event.”
Last year, volunteers removed over 10,000 pounds of debris, painted out graffiti, planted hundreds of plants, and cleaned up litter in neighborhoods and canyons. The annual event has made an extensive impact on Chula Vista, reaching dozens of focus areas with plans to continue on its path to make a difference in the future. Participation in the event is part of a series of strategies planned by the Chula Vista Envision Broadway committee, celebrating the revitalization efforts to balance business interests with community needs while promoting health, safety and improved quality of life.
“Supporting your community is the most essential thing you can do,” Julio Martha of the Chula Vista Revitalization Committee said. “I’m very excited about this. It’s a great turnout. It’s going to really make people understand that the community is here to help and support each other.”
he effort helps support the County’s Live Well San Diego Initiative. Anyone interested in joining future cleanup efforts can contact go the website at www.BeautifyChulaVista.org. Chula Vista Environmental Services Division can be reached by email at environmentalservices@chulavistaca.gov or by calling (619) 691-5122.