Southwest Chula Vista Civic Association

Minutes: July 23, 2007

1.Call to order: Meeting was called to order by Theresa Acerro at 6:55 p.m.

2.Communications:

Scott Tulloch, assistant city manager, shared information about the Citizen’s Leadership Academy. The intent of the class is to give citizens the opportunity to have a better understanding of how city government works. These citizens would then be able to share what they’ve learned with community groups such as SWCVCA. The city is accepting applications through August 20^th, with the first class being September 19^th.

Terry Thomas mentioned that Sweetwater Authority has sent out their water quality report and other information such as water conservation.

3. Theresa explained and there was discussion of two letters- Mobile Home Park resident support and letter to request a seat on the RAC. Items discussed about Mobile Home Parks were such things as recommendations from staff being unsatisfactory, value being unreasonable and unacceptable, recommendation of fixed market rate, and rental assistance should be based on net income not gross income. There was discussion about the letter to request for SWCVCA to be represented on the Redevelopment Advisory Committee (RAC). Members were asked to review both letters and submit written votes by the end of meeting.

4.Theresa discussed importance of increasing membership in order to have a stronger voice. She explained that we have a Mobile Home Park Committee and that it is very important for Mobile Home Park residents to get organized. A request was made for signatures on petitions, asking all to please sign and/or circulate. It is not required that one be a park resident to sign, supporters can sign as well. The importance of small businesses in our community was also discussed and suggestion was made that businesses get together as a committee in order to represent and educate all about current issues.

5. Action: Motion was made by Doc Howard to approve the minutes for June 25, 2007.Seconded by Marcia Morris. Motion passed.

6. Penny Bollinger announced and invited all to take part in Yard Sale fund raiser, 262 Second Ave., Friday August 17^th 7 am to 2 p.m. and Saturday, August 18^th 7 a.m. to noon, special members sale Thursday, August 16^th 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Donations can be dropped off on porch at 262 Second Ave. or call 619-871-1038 for pick-up.

7. Let Chula Vista Vote Presentation included possible and probable outcome of redevelopment and it’s effect on Chula Vista residents, including but not limited to high rises, traffic and negative effects on low-income residents and renters.

8. Action: Motion was made by Bette Lupi for SWCVCA to support/endorse electing a city attorney. Seconded by Karen Ratliff. Motion passed.

9. Action: Motion was made by Terry Thomas for SWCVCA to support/endorse height limits in Chula Vista. Seconded by Tony Macias. Motion passed.

10. Georgette Gomez and Laura Hunter from Environmental Health Coalition gave a presentation/explanation on what a Community Benefits Agreement is and the contents of the agreement signed by Pacifica for 1,500 condominiums on the bayfront. The Environmental Health Coalition is a nonprofit community and social justice organization which has been working on the bayfront for approximately seven years. Their primary goal is to support and facilitate an acceptable bayfront development plan. They explained such things such as Covenants and Conditions, contributions to South Bay natural resources, building heights, affordable housing, infrastructure and community impacts from traffic. They are requesting the support of SWCVCA for enforceable agreements, the Community Benefits Foundation Concept, off-site and lower AMI strategies for affordable and workforce housing, mitigating impacts, and job quality. They are also requesting input on other issues important to SWCVCA related to the bayfront.Laura also commented on the South Bay Power Plant. The lease from the port district expires in 2009.The EHC is currently working on removal of RMR designation in order to get rid of the plant.

11. Theresa and Earl gave a presentation regarding the truth about Redevelopment in Chula Vista and the state in general. They gave a brief history, approx. fifteen years of redevelopment in the southwest. They discussed tax increment, infrastructure, percentage of housing subsidies statewide, percentage of tax increment going to redevelopment agencies, affordable housing, project areas and eminent domain. There will be a representative from The Center for Policy Inititives, a social policy and advocacy organization in San Diego, at our next meeting. They will help us analyze the situation in Chula Vista and focus on potential solutions.

12. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Next meeting: Monday, August 27, 2007, 6:45 p.m. @ MAAC Charter School, 1385 3^rd Ave.