Chula Vista, once known as the lemon capital of the world, is planning a sweet 100th birthday celebration.
City officials Wednesday announced a year-long series of mostly free events to mark the centennial of the second largest city in San Diego County, with more than 230,000 residents.
"Birthdays are always special," Mayor Cheryl Cox said during a morning press conference at Chula Vista City Hall. Councilwoman Pamela Bensoussan said volunteers have been planning the event for more than year.
"It's really community-driven," the councilwoman said. "This is a yearlong celebration that will culminate in December."
More than 200 volunteers are participating in various committees and the city continues to welcome more, as well as sponsors.
Planned events include the community kick off "We Love Chula Vista Day" on Feb. 14. A list of the events can be found at the city website: www.ChulaVista100.com
The website offers access to the Centennial's Facebook page, news feeds and an online store where a centennial book is available for advanced purchase. The coffee-table photo and history
book, titled "Chula Vista Centennial: A Century of People and Progress," was written by Steven Schoenherr, a retired University of San Diego history professor.
"This is a town that has contributed in many ways," Schoenherr said.
The book can be ordered online by visiting chulavista100.com.
The book covers Chula Vista's humble origins as an agricultural town with a population of 550 in 1911, when it incorporated as a city, through the war years and post-World War II population boom that continues today. Chula Vista is the seventh-fastest growing city in the United States.
Famous Chula Vistans include former San Diego Padres star Adrian Gonzalez and TV celebrity Mario Lopez.
The other major events are: Centennial Concert on March 7and 8; Chula Vista Centennial Day at the Padres, on April 10; Historic Home tour on April 30; Chula Vista Community Fun Run on May 21; the Chula Vista Elementary School District Centennial Viral Video Awards on May 25; Chula Vista Heritage Museum Centennial Photo Exhibit, opening on June 16; TAVA Centennial Scavenger Hunt on July 9; Centennial Military Day of Recognition on Aug. 14; Harbor Days Extravaganza & Art Show on Sept. 24 and 25; Rotary Centennial Trivia Event on Oct. 1; Founder's Day Festival on Oct. 16; Centennial Band Review on Nov. 12 and the Centennial Starlight Parade on Dec. 3.
[sidebar]For more information about becoming a business sponsor contact Mary Marcdante, centennial manager, at (619) 585-5682 or mary@chulavista100.com.[/sidebar]
Leonel.sanchez@sandiegored.com
