Arthur Bleich picked up groceries and essentials for homebound friends and family. Jazlyn Mendoza volunteered to provide COVID-19 vaccines. Growing Minds Montessori School provided childcare for essential workers. These are just a few of the people, business and organizations that the city of Chula Vista recognized at its virtual 2021 Chula Vista COVID-19 Community Champions Thank You ceremony on the city’s YouTube channel on Feb. 25. Mayor Mary Casillas Salas said this celebration recognized those who helped the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many people, organizations and businesses have helped others in a variety of ways. From the front line essential workers like our health care professionals, our grocery store personnel, our mail carriers and delivery drivers, to individuals who are helping our neighbors by making masks, donating to those in need, and checking in on the elderly, we are proud to recognize all of the wonderful groups and individuals that make Chula Vista the vibrant and caring community that it is,” said Casillas Salas.
Council member Steve Padilla said it is in times like these that the Chula Vista community really shines. At the beginning of the pandemic, Padilla had a life threatening case of COVID-19.
“I cannot think of champions any more deserving than the healthcare personnel who took care of me and are working so hard to keep our community safe,” said Padilla. “Thank you to all of our local staff at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista, Kaiser Permanente, San Ysidro Health centers as well as Family Health Centers. All of you are doing an amazing job day, and day out. For that, we are all truly grateful.”
Deputy Mayor John McCann said he is thankful to live in a community where neighbors come together in times of need to help each other.
“It is people like Katia Callahan who started a Facebook group Eastlake Food To Go. It helps our community get through the pandemic,” he said. “Eastlake Food to Go supports local restaurants and small businesses by encouraging people to dine local. Thank you Katya for doing your part to help our community.”
Council member Jill Galvez said she wanted to personally thank Victor Lopes, the owner of El Pollo Grill.
“Victor has been helping hundreds of families and people in need. Weekly his small business delivers a free meal to those that are struggling financially. He has also provided food to ICU staff and front-line workers,” she said.
Council member Andrea Cardenas said she was thankful for all the organization that ensured that food was available for those in need.
“Let’s celebrate the organizations that are ensuring food is available to those who need it,” she said. “That includes the San Diego Food Bank, South Bay Community Services San Diego, Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, Community through Hope, MAC Project. Lutheran Social Services, Operation Promise, South Bay Food Pantry, South Bay United Pentecostal Church, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Vision Clubhouse, the Chula Vista Elementary School District, and the Sweetwater Union High School District.”
City Attorney Glenn Googins said he was thankful for people in the community doing their part to fight the pandemic in big ways and small ways, helping those in need navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would particularly like to thank all of those making and distributing masks,” said Googins. “Two residents in particular have gone above and beyond with mask making. Sandra Sheller and Ann Owens have each sewn hundreds if not thousands of face masks for friends, family, neighbors and those in need. It is individuals like Sandra and Ann who care about our community so deeply that make Chula Vista the wonderful city it is.”
Casillas Salas said city staff and other public agencies were there to ensure basic public services were met during the pandemic.
“Thank you to city staff who are going above and beyond by setting up testing and vaccination sites, distributing masks, delivering food to those in need, our staff calling center, and providing vaccination and testing appointment help. You do remarkable work. And remember. Wear your masks. Wash your hands. Keep your distance. And stay safe,” she said.
