SAN DIEGO — Celebrating Chula Vista's past and eyeing its bright future: Mayor John McCann delivered his second State-of-the-City address Tuesday, which touched on everything from economic development to public safety to tackling homelessness.
This State of the City celebrated Chula Vista's "big vision" for the future as well as its track record of providing real services for residents here. That was one of the main messages of Mayor McCann, who made a memorable entrance this evening.
Accompanied by the Charros from Rancho La Laguna, he arrived at his second State of the City on horseback, celebrating Chula Vista's past.
After taking the podium, he began to lay out his vision for the future of the city.
"This is Chula Vista's decade," McCann said. "We have taken the small town of Chula Vista to a vibrant city that is a regional leader."
He touted the ongoing construction of the massive Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center, on track to open in May of next year.
"This $1.3 billion project will create 2,900 jobs and has already created 7,000 construction jobs," he noted.
Coming to Otay Ranch: a new master-plan community of entry-level homes.
"I want to ensure the younger generation has the opportunity to purchase a home in Chula Vista," he added,
The mayor also announced plans to re-open Harborside Park, which has remained closed down since 2022 after being overtaken by homeless encampments.
"Now the park will have new amenities and programs," he said. "As mayor, i will not allow public space to be taken over by homelessness and drug use."
Calling public safety "his main priority," the mayor announced plans to re-model the city's oldest fire station as well as add two additional fire stations set to open next year.
He also shared plans to expand the city's police force.
"Putting more police on the streets has always been a priority for me," he added. "I'm proud to have funded 87 new positions increasing the number of police officers on patrol."
With an eye to the future, Mayor McCann also mentioned the new 'UniverCity at Chula Vista,' which broke ground last year, adding the first new city library since 1995 and also providing space for a new four-year university in the South Bay in the years to come.
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