Packed summer in the city

There are lots of summer happenings you can get involved in Chula Vista.

The city of Chula Vista is rolling out an expanded slate of summer programming designed to bring residents together through recreation, public safety education, and community engagement, according to John Cihomsky, chief communications officer for the city of Chula Vista.

He said the effort aligns with the city’s Strategic Plan priority of enhancing quality of life and safety for residents by offering a broad range of accessible events

At the center of the initiative is a simple goal: making it easier for residents to participate in activities that are both enjoyable and informative.

Cihomsky said, “These events advance that goal by offering opportunities across a wide range of interests, ensuring there is something for everyone to benefit from.”

A key component of this year’s approach is the intentional blending of recreation with public safety education. Cihomsky emphasized that the two elements are designed to complement each other rather than exist separately.

“The two really go hand in hand,” he said, adding that the goal is to ensure Chula Vista remains “a safe, thriving, and inclusive community recognized for its exceptional quality of life.”

He said that events are structured to make safety information more accessible by integrating it into family-friendly activities and community gatherings.

Big Events
Among the most highly anticipated events are the San Diego FC Soccer Celebrations in Chula Vista, which are expected to draw significant crowds. Cihomsky said the city anticipates more than 25,000 attendees at the June 18 celebration on Third Avenue, where three matches will be broadcast on a large screen for public viewing.
City outreach for summer initiatives is conducted through multiple communication channels, with an emphasis on digital engagement.

Cihomsky said residents are encouraged to follow official city updates on Facebook, Instagram, and NextDoor, as well as sign up for electronic newsletters through the city’s website. He said these tools help ensure residents are informed about upcoming programming across neighborhoods.

Public safety remains a central focus, particularly as fire season approaches in the region as well. Cihomsky said ongoing concern about open spaces in East Chula Vista and referenced continued community awareness following last year’s Border 2 Fire. As part of preparedness efforts, he said residents are being encouraged to download the AlertSanDiego and Genasys Protect apps to receive real-time emergency notifications from city and county agencies.

The city’s broader summer programming also includes events such as CPR training sessions, preparedness fairs, and family campouts. Cihomsky said these activities are part of a larger strategy to strengthen community pride while reinforcing safety education.

“These events highlight different areas of interest for residents, and together they contribute to enhancing our overall quality of life,” he said.

Community response, Cihomsky said, is reflected most clearly in participation levels. Well-attended events indicate strong resident engagement, including long-running programs such as the Snores N’ S’mores Family Campout, which has been held since 2007.

Together, these initiatives reflect Chula Vista’s ongoing effort to combine recreation, education, and preparedness into a unified summer experience aimed at strengthening community connection across the city.