CVEC AT A GLANCE
The Chula Vista Entertainment Complex (CVEC) is a first-ofits-kind creative campus in Southern California designed to support the future of storytelling, virtual production, digital content creation, and entertainment innovation. CVEC will blend traditional film & television media with community driven, digital content creation spaces to empower creators, attract top-tier talent, and reinvigorate independent storytelling. chulavistaec.com | V chulavistaec
SCAN AND SIGN TODAY! Advance the Future of CVEC by Supporting the San Diego County Film Initiative.
Loving Local
Chula Vista is my home. It’s where I grew up. From the character-filled streets of West Chula Vista to the ever-developing hills of Eastlake and Otay, my most formative years were filled with eating California burritos, jogging around the Bonita golf course, and singing in the local show choir. I’ve sat by the water with my family at L St. Marina more times than I can count, I’ve driven down Otay Lakes Road out to the reservoir and beyond when I needed a beautiful view and a moment to breathe, and I’ve cherished local traditions like the Lemon Festival, Starlight Parade, and Bonitafest year after year.
Growing up, I knew little about the history of this place we call home, but I knew that it was special. As I continue to connect with the partners of this magazine to help them tell their stories, there’s a theme that comes up again and again – how amazing it is that this massive city somehow still feels like a small town.
When you go to your favorite restaurant, it’s not uncommon to run into someone you know. When you talk about your high school rivalry, someone in the room almost always chimes in. It’s a nice feeling to remember that we’re never really strangers, after all. That’s part of what makes Chula Vista so special.
In this month’s issue, we are focused on celebrating our local community. You will read about businesses that have been in Chula Vista for decades and businesses that are brand new to the area but are making a big splash. What they have in common with one another is a deeply-rooted commitment to our neighbors and to building this community into one that is thriving, kind, and full of homegrown love.
Thank you for spending time with us here in these pages again this month, and thank you for being the kind of wonderful neighbor that makes Chula Vista so special!
Hope you spend some time loving local this month, too!
SARAH KRUEGER, EDITOR @CHULAVISTACITYLIFESTYLE
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Andrea Malave | andrea.malave@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Krueger | sarah.krueger@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Joaquin Suarez | LGNDRY Media
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
the Full Collection rebeccarobbfineart.com info@rebeccarobbfineart.com Vrebeccarobbfineart
city scene
Photography by LGNDRY Media- photographer Joaquin Suarez
Sunset, Spirits, and Local Flavors
Celebrate the “Season of Love” with a sunset dinner at The Galley at the Marina . A true Chula Vista staple, this waterfront gem offers a romantic sanctuary where coastal breezes and stunning harbor views meet exceptional local hospitality. Whether sharing a toast on the patio or enjoying their signature live music, “Love Local” by supporting a business at the heart of our bayfront for decades. Make your February date night unforgettable. thegalleyatthemarina.com
Love Local: Timeless Beauty by Rebecca Robb
The Art of Love with Rebecca Robb This February, “Love Local” by discovering the evocative work of Chula Vista artist Rebecca Robb. A fine art print or original painting is more than a gift; it is a legacy of beauty for your home. Specializing in sophisticated, high-end pieces, Rebecca’s art captures the grace and emotion of the “Season of Love.” Support a local creator and find a gift that speaks volumes. Visit rebeccarobb.com to shop her latest collections.
The Romantic Caribbean Escape
Local Experts, Global Romance
Celebrate the season of love with local experts Roxana Burns and David Grepe of Cruise Planners. For a romantic getaway, they recommend Celebrity Cruises’ sophisticated Caribbean voyage departing from Miami. Experience the magic of CocoCay, Cozumel, George Town, and Bimini with a design tailored for couples. Trust your Chula Vista neighbors to navigate the details of this world-class itinerary, ensuring a seamless getaway from start to finish. Connect with Roxana and David at cruiseloving.com.
Photography by Rebecca Robb
Photography by David Grepe- Cruise Planners
A Sanctuary for Local Heritage
Nestled within the Chula Vista Civic Center Library, the Heritage Museum is the city’s vault of memories. This space brings 19th-century farming and the mid-century aerospace boom to life through curated rotating exhibits, offering a refined, nostalgic escape for anyone seeking to connect with our community’s past. For more information and current hours, visit: chulavistaca.gov/ departments/library/
If you or a loved one has been injured, the path forward can feel overwhelming. Nahama Law is here to guide you through it. Our team represents adults and children hurt in car accidents, dog bites, and slip-or-trip incidents at stores, sidewalks, or other properties. We’ll stand by your side—every step of the way—to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
ROOM TO GROW
How a 30-year family-owned storage company is helping Chula Vista small businesses scale and thrive
A staple in the Chula Vista community for 30 years, L Street Self Storage is a woman-owned, family-run business serving as the quiet engine of growth and support for community members and local creative entrepreneurs, right here in our own backyard.
Despite the massive facility, L St. Self Storage is a relatively unassuming business located just off the 5 freeway and L St. in west Chula Vista. Their one-stop-shop, full-service shipping and storage services help local small business owners grow with ease, offering solutions for every kind of storage and shipping need.
Q: WHAT IS IT LIKE RUNNING A BUSINESS WITH YOUR FAMILY?
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY L ST. STORAGE
We had the chance to sit down with Vice President Jacob Berkson to learn more about their long history in Chula Vista, what they offer at their facility, and how they are supporting the growth of local business owners.
Q: L ST. SELF STORAGE HAS BEEN A CHULA VISTA STAPLE FOR THREE DECADES. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR HISTORY?
A: Of Course! L St. Self Storage started about 30 years ago as a family business. I’m the second generation so far and our manager has been with us for over 20 years now, which means she’s seen me grow up. We’re a very family oriented business. Since the very beginning, we’ve strived to truly support our tenants however we can with our services. When I joined the team about two years ago, we brought on a Postal Annex because many of our tenants were saying that they needed shipping or mailing services. We heard their needs and decided to implement a change to help them out even more.
A: We’re lucky because my mom and I work very well together. We have the same kind of mindset and goals about growth. We both want to be a pillar in the community and we ask ourselves regularly, “how do we do that?” At the end of the day, it comes down to the fact that we want to help. When we see our tenants – mom and pop shops and small business owners – we think about what we can do to support them. Maybe it’s helping them transition from shipping out of their garage to shipping from a storage unit, or maybe they need to palletize their shipment. Whatever they need help with, that’s what we do.
Q: BEYOND THE BUSINESS, HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY STAY ROOTED IN THE CHULA VISTA COMMUNITY?
A: We try to be involved in the community and give back whenever we can. For example, in recent years we’ve volunteered with the Police Foundation and Adopt a Family through SBCS. Giving back to our local community is something that means a lot to us, and actually something we want to do more of in the future.
Q: WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED AS A BUSINESS OWNER OVER THE YEARS?
A: The biggest lesson I’ve learned in this business is that everyone is a human being and every single person has a story. Maybe somebody is having a bad day, or maybe they are having a good day. Either way, it’s about treating people the way you want to be treated. That’s how we want to do business. For me and my staff, it’s really about
“OUR NUMBER ONE
VALUE IS SIMPLY TO HELP HOWEVER WE CAN.”
— JACOB BERKSON, VP
respect and getting to know the human and not just the situation.
Q: WHAT ARE L ST. STORAGE’S VALUES AS A BUSINESS?
A: We are a mom and pop shop, so we want to help mom and pop shops. Our number one value is simply to help however we can. If a situation comes up, we always approach it from a human-centered point of view. We always ask, “What is going on? Can we talk about it? How can we help?”
Q: WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT L ST. SELF STORAGE WHEN IT COMES TO SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS AND ENTREPRENEURS?
A: At L St Self Storage we offer solutions for our business owner tenants from start to finish. It’s common for small business owners, entrepreneurs, or online sellers to need to go to many different places to successfully sell their products and move their business forward. At L. St. Self Storage, they only need to come to us.
For anyone starting out or ready to move from their garage into a more streamlined business operation, our team helps them work through all of the logistics and offers space to make sure they can be successful.
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A “ONE-STOP-SHOP” FOR GROWTH?
A: Imagine, for example, that we have an Etsy client who needs to receive larger amounts of goods. Typically, they would have to rent a separate space somewhere in order to to receive truckloads of items and materials. They would then break down their pallets–or unload product from them–and take multiple trips to move them wherever their storage space is. In most cases, they then need somewhere to re-package and ship out their products. Rather than having to drive to three separate locations and pay multiple fees for receipt, storage, and shipping, they can do it all here with the help of our team. The time, money, and resources they save by managing everything in one place can then be put back into their business to grow. We offer everything from expert storage for personal and business needs, logistics for shipments and deliveries, pallet receiving and palletizing for outgoing shipments, and mailboxes and business mailing addresses, all in one place.
Q: AS YOU LOOK TO THE FUTURE, WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR L ST. STORAGE?
A: For me and my family, we just want to remain a steady pillar in the community. If anyone has any storage or mailing or shipping questions, we want to help them figure it out. We plan to continue being a steady force in the area and continue supporting local mom and pop shops in whatever ways we can.
YOUR LOCAL HOMEGROWN PAINT CONTRACTOR
MONTGOMERY PAINT OWNERS RAY AND TESS ON FAMILY, FUN, AND QUALITY WORK
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MONTGOMERY PAINT
When you think of a typical homegrown, family-owned painting business built on trust, craftsmanship, and pride in their work — you are probably thinking of a business just like Montgomery Paint Contracting.
Ray and Tess Montgomery are San Diego locals, first living in East County, then moving to Chula Vista nearly 10 years ago. Their painting business began back in the early 2000’s when Ray and his dad started taking on projects together fresh off leaving their prior company.
“Back then it was me and my dad working hand-in-hand, just the two of us,” he reminisces.
Ray’s experience in sales and marketing helped him and his dad get their first clients and begin building their painting business from the ground up. For years they built their reputation on word-of-mouth referrals and good quality work, and they began to grow. Over time, Ray was able to hire a few guys on the team, and eventually retired his dad. He continues to grow Montgomery Paint today.
Today, Montgomery Paint Contracting offers high-end residential and commercial paint services across San Diego. Ray and his team perform all kinds of projects–big and small—on all kinds of surfaces including interior, exterior, stucco repair, cabinets, and special projects. From homes to churches to apartment complexes, they offer fair and quality work that is always backed by warranty and a promise that they will treat your space like their own.
Ray and Tess are also big on family and community. When we asked them what they liked about Chula Vista they shared that, even though Chula Vista is big, it feels almost like a small town. Tess says she ran into someone from her daughter’s old soccer team just the other day at the store. “It feels so weird to run into people you know around town,” she says, “I would just think that would never happen.” Ray says people in Chula Vista are down to earth and kind, and that they have really built a community here.
When it comes to the day-to-day work of the business, Ray is upfront about the fact that he’s not the computer guy. Tess is the one who handles the contracts, bids, and online communications. Despite being a successful business owner, he still likes to be in the field, and will choose painting over sitting at a computer desk any day.
When asked what is the most important to them about their business, Ray and Tess answer quickly — integrity. “We do what we say we are going to do, and we are who we say we are,” says Ray. They will always ensure their work is high-quality, that’s why they have a warranty. He says their team is always willing to come back out and fix things if there is a problem. “I always tell my customers that if they see something after we leave, never hesitate to call me. We’ll come back and take care of whatever needs to be done.” That’s what sets them apart.
We asked Ray about some of the fun projects he’s worked on recently. He says they recently had the opportunity to paint a local presbyterian church, which was especially complicated indoors because the pews are bolted to the ground. “We had to be really careful not to make a mess while doing the ceiling repair, and to work around all of the furniture.”
They’ve worked with tire shops, dance studios, apartment complexes and industrial buildings. The mix of residential and commercial jobs keeps them busy, but not so busy that they can’t enjoy themselves.
Ray and Tess have three young children at home, and when they aren’t running their paint contracting business they’re spending their time taking the family to
Disneyland, choosing between Minnie Mouse outfits, and attending their children’s events and activities.
It’s easy to tell that they spend as much time as they can creating enjoyment for their family, frequenting places like Legoland, Sea World, and the Zoo. They recently even took a Hawaiian vacation just the two of them, one that stemmed from their history of quality work. “We offered some painting to the house we were staying in to trade for our stay, and we were able to have this incredible vacation by offering a little bit of work.” Their relationship building and paint bartering just goes to show what quality work and a friendly personality can do.
If you get the privilege of meeting Ray, Tess, or any of their young children around town, you’ll be fortunate enough to see firsthand how much love and playfulness goes into everything they do, and how much joy they bring to their work and beyond in everyday life.
Affordable Child Care Starts Here
Lights, Camera, Action
A New Creative Hub Takes the Stage in Chula Vista, Spotlighting Opportunity and Entertainment for Locals
ARTICLE BY SARHA KRUEGER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CVEC
Chula Vista has been building something special for years, largely out of the spotlight. Now, the city is ready to share it.
Built on cultural history, family-run businesses, and homegrown creativity, the city has always had stories worth telling. With Aaron Roberts’ involvement, Chula Vista is beginning to tell them in new ways.
The Chula Vista Entertainment Complex, known as CVEC, is a major new production facility being built in East Chula Vista and positioned to become a high-tech hub for film, TV, podcast, and digital content creation. More than a creative studio, CVEC represents a deliberate choice to invest in local creative talent and keep those opportunities close to home while also bringing in professionals from around the world. CVEC plans to grow San Diego’s presence in the entertainment industry while working alongside those already in the community, helping people develop their work and grow their careers right here in Chula Vista.
Aaron Roberts, the man spearheading the project, has spent decades working across film, music, and live entertainment. While his career has taken him far beyond the South Bay, his connection to San Diego has always remained personal. He grew up working in San Diego film with his father, and understands the industry well. He knows what it means to chase opportunity elsewhere, and what communities lose when creative talent is forced to leave home in order to succeed.
CVEC GREW FROM A SIMPLE QUESTION: WHAT IF THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES FOUND IN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK EXISTED RIGHT HERE IN CHULA VISTA?
That question now shapes every aspect of the complex as it grows and expands. Aspiring filmmakers, musicians, designers, and content
creators no longer have to look north or east for a chance to make it. Instead of sending talent away, CVEC brings the industry to the talent already here, creating space for local stories to be told by local voices and for creative careers to grow right here at home.
The first phase of CVEC, set to be completed in 2027, opens inside the new Millenia library building where the top two floors are being transformed into a vibrant creative hub. Think of an all-in-one creative ecosystem where podcast studios, photography spaces, editing suites, voiceover booths, and collaborative work areas converge seamlessly under one roof. Creators can walk in with an idea and walk out with professional-quality content. It’s a true, full-service production space designed to lower barriers and raise the bar for creative output.
But CVEC is also a place for connection.
The campus actively bridges the gap between creatives and Chula Vista businesses. Small businesses need strong branding, video, photography, and storytelling more than ever, and CVEC helps connect those needs with local talent ready to deliver.
The goal is simple and practical: help creatives spend more time creating and less time scrambling for unrelated work. By building these relationships intentionally, CVEC supports sustainable creative careers while helping local businesses tell
their stories more effectively. CVEC is creating space not just to work, but to belong.
GET READY FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY IMPACT
As CVEC grows, so does its impact.
Beyond the creative coworking hub, the second phase of development will include building state-of-the-art sound stages located just across the street. As a whole, the campus is designed to support everything from podcasting and digital media to full-scale film and television production, virtual sets, live tour rehearsals, and immersive experiences, positioning Chula Vista to become a place where creative work is based long term.
The cutting edge versatility of the space means that multiple creative projects can happen at once. From small-scale documentaries or independent shoots to larger-scale productions, Aaron expects that the CVEC campus will be active from morning to evening each day. Artists preparing for world tours can rehearse here. Film crews can build full sets here. Aspiring creative professionals can train, work, and advance their careers here without working in isolation, constantly relocating, or commuting long distances.
Beyond what happens inside the facility, the impact of the new center is estimated to support hundreds of jobs in the community, bringing up to a billion dollars
in economic revenue to the area over the first decade. From the production crews of over 100 people to the local businesses that will serve them — dry cleaners, local restaurants, retailers, distributors, hospitality businesses, hardware stores, and more — the whole city will feel the impact in a positive way.
Alongside their big dreams, the CVEC team has a strong commitment to the local community. Hiring locally is a key part of their plan, especially in the early stages of development. One way this happens is through local and state level film incentive programs that encourage productions to work with Chula Vista talent specifically, rather than bringing in people from other places. This means that opportunities reach residents, keeping as much of that economic activity within the community as possible.
While CVEC grew out of industry experience, it’s been shaped by the community around it. The focus is simple: keep creative opportunities local, but keep the dreams global.
For Chula Vista, that means we will no longer be just a stop along the coast for travelers, but a beacon for storytellers, creatives, musicians, producers, filmmakers, podcasters, game designers, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs to come together and build something meaningful. The people at CVEC are deliberately and artfully cultivating a sustainable creative ecosystem on par with the best in the world. Chula Vista is stepping into the spotlight in a way that will ripple through our identity, and economy, for decades to come. We can’t wait to see what the view looks like from center stage. From what we can tell, it’s shaping up to be spectacular.
LOVE POTION #9
ANNA BARNES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY
WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?
This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1.5 oz rosé
• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)
THE HOW-TO:
1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.
6. Enjoy!
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FEBRUARY 1ST – 28TH
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
San Diego Museum Month
Across San Diego
Throughout San Diego County Discover the art, science, and history of our region during San Diego Museum Month. Throughout February, residents and visitors can enjoy 50% off admission at over 60 participating locations, including South Bay favorites. sandiegomuseumcouncil.org
FEBRUARY 6TH – 8TH & 21ST – 22ND
57th USA Archery Indoor National
Easton Archery Center of Excellence - 2800 Olympic Pkwy #2000, Chula Vista, CA 91915
This February, Chula Vista’s world-class Olympic training facility is hosting the nation’s top archers for the Indoor Nationals. Whether you are a competitive member of USA Archery or an aspiring athlete, this event is a highlight of the local sporting calendar. Residents are encouraged to register early to secure their spot at this prestigious home-city tournament. www.usarchery.org
FEBRUARY 8TH – 11TH
53rd Annual Conference on Sail Training and Tall Ships
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center - 2800 Olympic Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91915 Chula Vista, CA
Tall Ships America is hosting its annual conference right here in our backyard. Under the theme “Traditional Sails, Modern Winds,” ship masters, crew, and educators from across the globe will gather to discuss the future of sail training and maritime safety. While this is a professional industry event, this conference highlights Chula Vista’s growing role as a hub for world-class athlete training and coastal leadership. tallshipsamerica.org
FEBRUARY 14TH
Valentines Day Tree Trek at Memorial Park
Chula Vista Memorial Park - 373 Park Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | 10:00 AM
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a love for the outdoors! Led by a certified arborist, this community walk offers a chance to identify local tree species, learn about their environmental benefits, and discover the history of one of our city’s most cherished parks. All attendees receive a free tree seed packet to help grow our local canopy. Visit treesandiego.org/treetreks to learn more.
CONTINUED >
It’s the Month of LOVE, and fueling your body with nutrients can be done as a couple!
Stop searching for a new plan—start finding your rhythm.
If you are ready for more energy, a sense of calm, and habits that actually stick, this is your moment. Our 7-Week Wholistic Wellness Course guides you through sustainable practices in nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset—without the restriction or guilt.
Embrace small, sustainable changes that transform how you feel long-term. Your journey to wholeness begins here!
wholistic-wellness-services.com
HomeStagingMadeto Show Better and Sell Faster
Small Plumbing Problems Don’t Stay Small
Slow drains, aging pipes, and hidden leaks can quietly turn into major damage if left unchecked—especially during San Diego’s winter months. February is the ideal time to address issues before they become expensive emergencies. At Ability Plumbing Service & Repair, we specialize in proactive plumbing solutions, including drain cleaning, leak detection, water heaters, and trenchless pipe lining. Our experienced team makes plumbing stress-free!
CONTINUED
FEBRUARY 14TH & 21ST
Wildlife Kayaking Eco-Tour
Bayside Park - 999 Bayside Pkwy, Chula Vista | 8:30 AM
Looking for a unique Valentine’s date? Discover the hidden beauty of the Chula Vista Wetlands with Ocean Connectors. These guided kayaking tours offer a peaceful morning on the water to observe coastal birds, sea turtles, and local marine life. It’s the perfect “Love Local” adventure to experience our city’s natural sanctuary while supporting environmental education for local students. Visit oceanconnectors.org
FEBRUARY 27TH
The Navy Ten-Mile
Bayside Park - 999 Bayside Pkwy, Chula Vista | 7:00 AM
Lace up your running shoes for the Navy’s flagship race! This scenic run along the Chula Vista waterfront brings together service members, veterans, and civilians to celebrate honor, courage, and commitment. Whether you tackle the 10-mile course, the 5K, or the Kids’ Run, you’ll be supporting Navy MWR programs that benefit Sailors and their families. Learn more at navyraces.com
