Home Page | Rotary Club of Chula Vista

Rotary Sunset Cruises aboard the Bill of Rights

Thank you for your interest in our club!

Making a Difference

We meet In Person

Tuesdays at 6:30 PM

Westmont at San Miguel Ranch

2325 Proctor Valley Rd
Chula Vista, CA 91914
United States of America

District Site

Bulletins

Venue Map

Create Hope in the World

The Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake is known as the FUN club. We have fun while serving the community, making long-lasting friendships, hosting fabulous social events, giving out meaningful grants and donations locally and globally, and upholding the Object and Guiding principles of Rotary.

Rotary is a service organization. Membership is not only a privilege but a commitment to the service of others locally and internationally. Rotary’s motto is “Service above self.” Our members are expected to volunteer their time and skills to serve our community by participating in Club service projects.

To learn more about Rotary, please contact me or any club member. The world needs more Rotarians. We need you!

Miguel Hernandez

2023-24 President

Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake

Click Me!

Join Our Sip 'N Sail Annual Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake invites you to their annual fundraising event, Sunset Sip ‘n Sail. Step aboard the majestic tall ship “The Bill of Rights” on August 26th to enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, delectable food, and stunning ocean views all while supporting the Rotary’s upcoming projects and volunteer programs.

Enjoy your evening at the Sunset Sip ‘n Sail as you immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of Chula Vista’s beautiful schooner “The Bill of Rights”. Since 1998, this iconic vessel has served as a unique learning environment for many young students and program participants. As you embark on this one-of-a-kind journey, take a moment to admire the beauty and historical importance of the ship.

Prepare to be charmed by the electrifying music of our DJ that will make you hit the dance floor and bust out your best moves. Celebrate the power of philanthropy as you feast on a spread of delicious food and vie for exciting prizes. This evening is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you sail across San Diego Bay in celebration of the positive impact the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake has made in the San Diego community and beyond.

By attending the Sunset Sip ‘n Sail, you not only indulge in an evening of elegance and beauty but you also contribute to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake’s volunteer projects like building homes for the poor in Mexico and supporting a home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, east of Tecate, Mex.. Your generous support also directly impacts the San Diego community through our local partnerships and enables the Rotary to continue its valuable work and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 26, and join the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake for a night of magic and purpose. Step aboard the beautiful ship “The Bill of Rights” and soak in the ocean views while supporting a wonderful organization.

Tickets are $80. To reserve your spot or for any further inquiries, please RSVP by August 10, 2023, by contacting Miriam G. at 619-259-9810 / minigonzalez2068@gmail.com or Miguel Hernandez at at 619-813-4404 / miguelhrndz@yahoo.com . Payment accepted via Venmo or by check to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake.

Sunset Sip ‘n Sail promises to be a memorable event that combines philanthropy, entertainment, and bay views. Come together with fellow supporters to make a lasting difference in the community we call home.

DA Stephan Announces Opening of Second Family Justice Center

Posted by Brianna Millican, Special to Chula Vista-Eastlake Rotary Club

“I knew that I would spend the rest of my life trying to make sure that that look of fear, terror, and indignity leaves somebody’s eyes.” This is the promise District Attorney Summer Stephan made to herself when she started her career as a prosecutor.

Since 2018 Stephan has been using her experience and influence as San Diego County’s District Attorney (DA) to combat the rise in fentanyl deaths, human trafficking, and homelessness in California’s second-largest city.

Over the past few months, Stephan has been visiting Rotary clubs across San Diego discussing her plans to provide San Diegans with equal and

fair justice. Recently, she visited the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake to talk about her accomplishments and future initiatives. Her dedication to keeping the San Diego community safe stems from reading about the abuse of little girls in Sumatra at the age of 12. Stephan has been pursuing her promise to erase the feelings of fear and indignity from the community through her criminal justice programs.

Her latest project, a family justice center called One Safe Place, gives victims of violence a safe place to receive acute crisis care, counseling and therapy, connections to a safe shelter and housing, and other essential services–all under one roof. It is a passion project for Stephan, who dreamed of creating a center just like this since becoming district attorney. One Safe Place opened in July 2022 in San Marcos with the goal of breaking the cycle of abuse and homelessness for female and child survivors. Since its opening, the center has helped 2,239 victims and over 200 children.

Stephan is committed to providing additional centers for abuse victims elsewhere in the county. With support from District 1 County Supervisor Nora Vargas, the two trailblazing politicians plan to open a second One Safe Place in Chula Vista. Designs for the center are underway, and a building contract for the project is nearly complete.

Stephan’s game-changing criminal prevention programs don’t stop at family justice centers. Stephan and her team have been hard at work fighting to curb the rise in fentanyl deaths, human trafficking, and homelessness in San Diego. Fentanyl has become the number one cause of death for people aged 18 to 45 years old. Since 2019, the number of fentanyl-related deaths has steadily doubled from 152 deaths to 462 deaths to 814 deaths. The DA plans to tackle this epidemic head-on by collaborating with parents of fentanyl overdose victims to write letters and send them to large drug companies. Stephan hopes that the companies will be persuaded to create a commercial that raises awareness about the devastating effects of fentanyl.

The DA has also joined forces with the United States Attorney and the Drug Enforcement Agency to form team FAST and homicide team 10 to apprehend drug suppliers. She has also advocated for drug awareness campaigns and brought back drug education in San Diego public schools.

The DA and her team have also been combating the rise in human trafficking. Stephan recently spearheaded a human trafficking operation with law enforcement that captured 57 bad actors and saved eight young girls. In response to the rise in homelessness, Stephan intends to make mental healthcare treatment accessible for homeless people in need.

Rotary District 5340 has a dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking task force that launched a series of initiatives designed to increase the awareness of San Diego County's human sex trafficking scourge and generate measures to help prevent individuals–primarily young people–from becoming victims. Efforts include an educational workshop series to understand the elements of human sex trafficking in San Diego County and what residents can do to keep their eyes and ears open to combat it.

The district attorney sets an example of servant leadership, Rotary leaders say. Stephan’s programs and initiatives demonstrate her values of ethical prosecution, prevention of harm, protection of victims, and partnerships with the community.

“We are setting a standard in modern-day prosecution, innovation in how we treat our community, and how we partner with our community,” Stephan said.

Experience the Magic of Buenos Aires…in Chula Vista!

'A Night in Buenos Aires!': A Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake Fundraiser

Are you ready for a night of exquisite dining, mesmerizing dance performances, and live music that will take your breath away? Then mark your calendars for "A Night in Buenos Aires!" on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Westmont San Miguel Ranch in Chula Vista, CA.

This highly anticipated event is brought to you by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake, an organization dedicated to making a positive impact on our local community and beyond. With your help, we can continue to support our service projects and make a difference in the lives of those in need.

The highlight of the evening will be a mouth-watering Argentinian dinner, featuring some of the country's most beloved dishes. Savor the rich and flavorful tastes of empanadas, and chimichurri steak, and flan, among others. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Argentinian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this dinner is sure to delight your taste buds.

As you enjoy your meal, be prepared to be swept away by the sultry moves of Tango dancers. This dance, originating in Buenos Aires, has captured the hearts of people worldwide with its passionate embrace and intricate footwork. You'll be mesmerized by the skill and grace of our performers, who will transport you to the streets of Buenos Aires for a night. We will have you tapping your feet and swaying to the rhythm.

Tickets for "A Night in Buenos Aires!" are $110 per person, with seating limited to just 80 people. So, act fast to secure your spot and join us for a fun, fabulous evening. Not only will you enjoy an unforgettable experience, but you'll also be supporting the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake's service projects. Your contributions will help us build a home for an indigenous family in Ensenada, conduct facility repairs at a seniors home in La Rumorosa, Mex., and support the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program in local schools here in San Diego, among other worthy causes.

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable night out while also making a difference in the community, look no further than "A Night in Buenos Aires!" on Saturday, April 29, 2023. With delicious food, captivating dance performances, and live music that will have you on your feet, this event promises to be one of the highlights of the year. So, mark your calendars, order your tickets, and get ready to experience the magic of Buenos Aires right here in Chula Vista.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Join us in Building a Home for a Working Poor Family

Can you imagine living without running water, electricity, or a sewer system? The working poor, often indigenous farm workers, who live in the hills south of Ensenada survive without such basic infrastructure every day. Help us break the culture of poverty that has impacted generations of working poor. Participate for the day or the weekend on a project where we build a real home. Act now by making your contribution here: https://bajabound.org/rotary-club-

build-fundraiser. Make a donation, sign up to volunteer, and/or invite friends and family to participate. View our brief video from last year’s house build!

Lodging: Click here to view where we will be staying overnight. The two nights-lodging costs of $154 is covered by the club for members and their families. We can cover up to 20 volunteers, including our members. For guests above 20, a donation is expected toward the project. The lodging includes all meals. It is an absolutely beautiful location.

The build is from Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26, 2023. Ideally, we are expected to arrive there on Friday morning and leave Sunday late afternoon. However, whatever your schedule allows is greatly appreciated, even if just Saturday! For those who don't have a SENTRI CARD, staying until Monday morning may be the best option. The typical house build schedule is as follows:

Friday: Group meets at CALIMAX in Maneadero, Ensenada, between 10-11 AM. A Baja Bound representative(s) will greet us there, and we will caravan to the construction site. The construction work will at around 5 PM. We then head to the BAJA BOUND hospitality camp/lodging site for dinner and fellowship.
Saturday: For those who are driving down during the morning, please meet at Calimax in Maneadero at 8 a.m. For those at the lodging, breakfast is served from 7-8 a.m. Work at the site continues from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then, Taco Night Celebration at local taco shop for all volunteers.
Sunday: Breakfast 7-8 a.m., work at the site from 8:30 to about 12 noon or so. Then, the House dedication takes place with the presentation of keys to the family.

Note: For people arriving on Saturday morning, a reminder that the meeting point will be at CALIMAX in MANEADERO. A project leader will guide the group to the worksite. If you arrive after 8 a.m., a map will be sent via text so you can still participate. The cell phone for our Rotary Club project leader is Jorge Garcia (619) 454-2182. Please do not hesitate to contact Jorge via phone or email at jlgarcia70x7@gmail.com in advance with any questions.

Making a Difference for Abandoned Seniors

A group of our Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake members helped make sure that a seniors home in Baja California Norte had hot water during the chilly holiday season. Member Miguel Hernandez has served as project leader in ensuring basic facilities needs are addressed for these most vulnerable of seniors. Our club funded improvements to the facilities at La Casa Para Pobres Desamparados in La Rumorosa, BC, Mexico. our club paid for the installation of a water pump and a new electric water heater. The installation work was carried out by "Handyman Nacho" and his two sons. Thanks to the work of many, the seniors in La Rumorosa will now have hot water to bathe, wash dishes, and other basic needs. Special thanks to the Chula Vista Rotary Club, which generously donated to this effort, as well as the fundraising of new member Miriam Gonzalez.

Members Visit Orphanage, and Seniors Home in Baja California

Several of our members made a pit stop at the Outreach for Nazareth Orphanage in Tecate, Mex., on Saturday, November 5. We dropped off school supplies and helped a bit in the computer lab. We were pleased to meet volunteers from the San Diego County foundation which supports the orphanage's work. Our Rotary club is exploring ways to support its next event in January. We were all really moved by the experience. The children were so grateful for the school supplies, the donated computers from church groups in San Diego, and the interaction with the volunteers.

The same day we visited the orphanage, we continued on to the home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, Mex. There, we dropped off food, blankets, and clothing for the coming cold weather. We are planning a return to La Rumorosa on Saturday, December 3, to make facility improvements. For example, the seniors' home is without hot water again. Our club is exploring ways to purchase and install a new water heater, as well as a water pump to ensure the water heater has sufficient flow to continue operating without interruption.

La Rumorosa is in a high desert region of northern Baja California. It is bitterly cold in the winter and brutally hot in the summer. In many ways, it seems the center could not have been located in a more desolate region. La Rumorosa has one main traffic artery. From there, a dusty, deeply rutted side road leads to the Casa Para Pobres Desamparados.

Special thank you to the Chula Vista Rotary Club (the Noon Club) for its partnership and donation to support our work. In addition, Rotary District 5340 grant funding is assisting our efforts in support of the center. The day was a long one, but members Julio Armenta, Miriam Gonzalez, Miguel Hernandez, and Anthony Millican had a great discussion on ways to make a more lasting impact for the residents of the seniors' home.

We invite others to help us with the seniors' project, the orphanage, or other service and fellowship opportunities in the weeks ahead. The "season of giving" begins with you.

Club Donation Supports Food4Kids Backpack Program In Local Schools

Did you know the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake is a supporter of the Food4Kids Backpack Program? The program provides weekend food packages to chronically hungry elementary school students from low-income households who are at risk of hunger over the weekend when free school meals are unavailable. To assist the program, our club made a generous donation of $1,000 to the San Diego Food Bank, which will provide 2,000 meals for local families in need! In addition, San Diego Food Bank CEO Casey Castillo was a guest speaker at a recent meeting.

Every Friday afternoon students in the program are called out of class, often to the school nurse’s office, and discretely given a bag of food that is tucked into their backpacks. Each bag contains enough food to see the students through the weekend, and the discreet distributions remove the stigma that might be attached to the program.

School staff members identify students who display signs of chronic hunger. Warning signs include stomach aches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, hoarding food from the cafeteria, and absenteeism. Once a child has been identified as “chronically hungry,” a referral form is sent to the Food Bank and the student’s parents are sent a permission slip to enroll the student in the program. Learn more about the Backpack Program here.

Thank you to all who support our events so that we can in turn make a difference for the organizations who do such important work in our community!

October 2023
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
01	02	03	04	05	06	07
08	09	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30	31	01	02	03	04

Enter your email address and the message you want to send.

fields are required

Name

Comments

I consent to the collection, storage, and use of my information by Rotary Club of Chula Vista - Eastlake as described in this Privacy Policy. I understand that I may receive emails, and can opt out at any time.