Chula Vista, CA March 2026

Welcome Home

Affordable Child Care Starts Here

Many families in our community qualify for subsidized child care services they don’t know exists. CDA offers eligible families access to affordable, quality child care with their choice of provider, while managing the payments seamlessly. Share this resource with your community and help families build the stability they deserve.

We are enrolling. Discover more at cdasd.org

A Place to Call Home

For the last 13 years, I have had the privilege of calling Chula Vista home. It is where my family’s story has unfolded, where my faith has been strengthened, and where I have seen firsthand the vibrant heart of a community that looks out for one another.

But as I’ve grown alongside this city, I’ve realized that “home” isn’t just the space within our own four walls. It’s also the places we return to so frequently that they become an extension of our lives— the local businesses, the shared tables, and the familiar corners of our neighborhoods that offer us a sense of belonging. These are the “homes” away from home that make the South Bay so unique.

In this issue, we wanted to celebrate the intentionality that goes into tending to these sanctuaries. We highlight the local experts who help us care for and improve our surroundings, but more importantly, we celebrate the spirit of hospitality that makes Chula Vista so special. Whether we are tending to our own front porch or welcoming a neighbor in, we are all stewards of the peace and restorative rest that home should provide.

Thank you for continuing to invite me into your homes and your stories. It is an honor to highlight the people and places that make our city feel like home.

Let’s keep building something beautiful together.

Warmly,

ANDREA MALAVÉ, PUBLISHER @CHULAVISTACITYLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Andrea Malave | andrea.malave@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sarah Krueger | sarah.krueger@citylifestyle.com

STAFF 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

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Sun, Sand, and Savings: Fly Smarter with CBX

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.

CARREE K. NAHAMA PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY & OWNER

Make 2026 the year you trade the commute for the coastline. Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is the South Bay’s “secret passage” to Cabo, Cancun, and beautiful Pacific sunsets. Skip long border lines by walking directly into the Tijuana Airport for affordable direct flights. This spring, travel is more accessible than ever with an exclusive 20% off promo bundle for families and long-term parking. Start your stress-free journey today at the smartest gateway south: bit.ly/cbx-southbay-promo

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Shark Carpet & Floor Cleaning

There is nothing quite like the feeling of a refreshed home. David and his team at Shark Carpet & Floor Cleaning are the local experts in restoring the beauty of your interiors. Using their signature high-powered extraction system, they specialize in deep-cleaning carpets, tile, and upholstery with meticulous care. For a professional-grade spring refresh and a healthier home, they are Chula Vista’s premier choice.  sharkcarpetandfloorcleaning.com

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Jorge Alvarez, REALTOR® | Compass

We are proud to showcase a recent Chula Vista listing on this month’s cover! While he is a dedicated Chula Vista neighbor, Jorge’s expertise and “client-first” approach extend across all of San Diego. Whether you’re selling a premier local property or searching for a new home anywhere in the county, his professionalism and deep market insight make him an invaluable guide. Follow him for the latest listings and expert tips! jorgealvarezsandiego.com

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Spring Forward With Worry-Free Plumbing

Winter rain, roots, and aging pipes can quietly cause damage beneath your home. March is the perfect time to protect your plumbing before spring and summer demand hits.

Ability Plumbing Service & Repair offers: Drain Cleaning & Hydro Jetting | Sewer Camera Inspections Leak Detection | Pipe Replacement & Pipe Lining Water Heater Services

Lighting Your Home With Care

SOLUTIONS FOR HOME BUILDS, RENOVATIONS, LUXURY UPGRADES, AND CUSTOM FIXTURES WITH PACIFIC VIEW.

ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY PACIFIC VIEW ELECTRIC

From aspiring lawyer to successful electrician and business owner, San Diego native Cesar Roldan of Pacific View Electric offers wide ranging solutions for home and commercial lighting. From the time he was 17 years old until now, Cesar has committed himself to learning all aspects of the trade, quickly becoming an expert in residential electrical, commercial electrical, and eventually, solar services. The constant learning is something he passes on to the guys on his team each and every day, a legacy that he leaves behind for young electricians as they learn the trade.

Cesar and his team remain detail oriented and nimble, keeping up with trends in the electrical and solar industry. Things like smart panels, custom lighting options, and wireless electric setups mean that he and his guys are always growing and learning new skills alongside the industry as it transforms. If you’re considering electrical repairs or upgrades for home or commercial renovations, Pacific View Electric is the top pick for the job.

Whether it’s small projects you’re looking for - like replacing a light switch - or quarter million dollar custom light fixture installations, Cesar says his team at Pacific View Electric has the knowledge needed to make sure you’re 100% satisfied with their work and to help create the environment that makes you feel most at home, no matter the size of the project.

We had a chance to sit down with Cesar and discuss some of the most important home lighting and electrical moves to consider in 2026, and here is what he had to say.

HOME LIGHTING TIPS

The first and most important aspect of upgrading your home electrical system is finding an electrician you trust. As you may know, it is hardly as simple as

it sounds. The electrical industry, Cesar says, is one where you can call ten different electricians and receive ten different quotes. To find a quality electrician who does good work, it’s important to ask questions, listen, and notice if your electrician is explaining the details clearly. It’s also important that your electrician can clearly articulate both their process and what you can expect for the final result. There are many quick fixes available with a google search, but an honest, high-quality electrician will walk you through detailed solutions that will actually last.

Second, there are a handful of custom lighting options and simple lighting upgrades to consider that have the power to completely transform your home environment. Not everyone realizes the power of lighting to impact your everyday mood and elevate your living space to a more luxurious and welcoming environment. It all depends on what ambiance you want to set in the room. For some people, a lamp in the corner might seem like enough, but when you add multiple layers of lighting – sconces, recess lighting, dimming options, color variations, etc – you completely alter the mood of a space.

Some custom lighting options allow you to set the scene in a room with the push of a button. Time to relax? Press the button and the overhead lighting dims, extra lights turns off, and lamps fade to a soft warm glow. Want to mimic daylight in your office to keep you lively and awake? That’s possible too. But what works in an office might not be the best fit for a moment of luxury in the bathroom or relaxation in the bedroom. In the kitchen, you want to see the color and detail of the food you’re cooking, so brighter lights are the way to go.

Small changes like under counter lighting in the kitchen and backlit mirrors in the bathroom can make

“Not everyone realizes the power of lighting to impact your everyday mood and elevate your living space to a more luxurious and welcoming environment.”

a big difference, too. Adding landscape lighting outdoors, like lighting up the path to your front door, is another simple and effective way to change the curb appeal of your home. Adding smart button technology and motion sensored lights in your bathroom (especially helpful if you have kids at home) can make your home experience more enjoyable. Even adding simple dimmers to the lights in your home can help create ambiance at different times of day, and reduce the amount of energy you use.

Finally, sustainability is the talk of the town in 2026. With endless options to upgrade to all- electric appliances and vehicles, having an electrician who understands how to incorporate comprehensive solutions for fully integrated wireless smart home systems can be a godsend. Smart panels are the future of home electricity, and offer all kinds of upgrades in terms of sustainability. Going on vacation? You can use your smart panel to turn off specific appliances that won’t be in use while you are away. Looking to track your energy usage? Smart panels make it seamless and simple to identify which parts of your home use the most energy.

At the end of the day, no home is complete without electrical wiring for appliances and lighting solutions that make it feel like home and prepare your property for the future. Having a relationship with a trusted electrician is essential for high-quality work at all levels — something you are sure to find with Pacific View Electric.

Family owned and operated, Pacific View has been in the community over 10 years. They provide commercial and residential lighting solutions like design, install, and energy upgrades, custom home wiring, solar energy systems and battery solutions, smart home automation and security systems, EV charger upgrades, and whole home rewiring and panel upgrades.

Don't leave $10,000 on the table! Qualified new solar + battery customers, or existing solar owners, could receive up to a $10,000 rebate. Ask about our financing options and learn how you qualify for these significant savings. San Diego Community Power has just launched their Battery Savings Program!

Contact Us Today!

HOME STYLING FOR A HAPPY HOME

Finding inspiration all around us, bringing joy into your space, and loving your home with Stephanie Rich.

ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOAQUIN SUAREZ

From a long time banking career to full time home styling and staging, Stephanie Rich from Leather and Blush brings happiness to your home through individualized and highend home styling.

HOME STYLING VS. HOME STAGING

Have you ever felt like you had a vision for how you want a room in your home to feel, but just can’t seem to figure out the details to get it there? You look through endless magazines and purchase items from every store, but somehow it just doesn’t seem to pull together exactly how you imagine it? Stephanie Rich founded Leather and Blush to help your home styling vision come to life. When you don’t know where to start in making your home look and feel like you want it to, she does.

Home Staging, on the other hand, is a service provided to realtors with homes on the market to help potential buyers imagine what it looks like to actually live in the space. When staging, Stephanie comes in to help curate home furnishings that feel attainable to potential buyers, helping them envision what their life will look like in the home. If it’s a family home, she might stage a playroom complete with activities for the

kids. If it’s a condo for a young, single professional on the other hand, she may set up a bar area where friends can gather over a drink. Her job is to make the space invoke a sense of comfort and possibility, so potential homeowners can walk in and think, “Yes. I can do this.”

A LIFELONG LOVE FOR INTERIOR DESIGN.

Stephanie shares that she spent her childhood constantly rearranging the furniture in her bedroom, imagining every way she could curate her space. Her love for interior design runs deep, but it wasn’t until recent years that she was able to make the jump to doing home styling full-time. She says she made the transition for her kids. “I want to set an example for them,” she says. “I want them to love what they do and not dread going to work every day. If they want to do something creative, I want them to go for it. That’s what motivates me to follow my dream.”

“When I’m home styling, I always try to bring something I love into every space, and I recommend to my clients to do the same.”

HOME STYLING FOR HAPPINESS

Stephanie says that the most important thing she considers when working with someone to style their home is what makes them feel happy. “When I’m home styling, I always try to bring something I love into every space, and I recommend to my clients to do the same,” she says, That’s because your home should feel like a place that you genuinely love.

It often starts with simple questions like: What colors do you like? What kind of feeling are you looking for in this space? After establishing a foundation, Stephanie takes her clients on a walk through stores like Home Goods so they can point to things they like to give her a sense of

direction. When people can actually touch the things that draw their attention—pick up a vase or hold a piece of art—it makes the inspiration much more tangible than simply flipping through a magazine.

For Stephanie, building a home around things that bring her joy looks like a funky set of mustard yellow curtains with blue birds hanging in her office or a christmas tree in her bathroom during the holiday season. They aren’t exactly ‘trendy,” she says, but she finds that they bring her joy and energy every time she walks into the room. For others it may be a bold colored bathroom or a funky wallpaper in the hall closet. Or maybe it’s pictures of your family in the living room or your dog sleeping on the couch. Whatever it

is that draws you in is worth pursuing because anything can feel homey if you incorporate it in a way that makes sense, says Stephanie. Home is about finding your happy, and surrounding yourself with it as much as you can.

INSPIRATION IS ALL AROUND US + 2026 TRENDS WE LOVE

Stephanie shares that she finds inspiration far beyond the typical places you would expect. She doesn’t simply flip through home magazines and scroll Pinterest, she finds inspiration in the colors, architecture, and natural world all around us. Sometimes she walks through Balboa Park and feels inspired by the architecture, or sees a beautiful plant and thinks, “how can I incorporate that into my home?”

When we asked Stephanie if there are any current trends that she enjoys, she said that bold colors are

making a comeback and she is all for it. 2026 is the year when people are getting playful with color in their homes, opening up a ton of possibilities for design.

Finally, Stephanie leaves us with some easy tips to freshen up your home on your own this Spring, and throughout the year. If you are looking for a refresh, start by simply changing out your throw pillows with the season. Consider moving your couch to a new area or painting one wall a different color. Add different textures to your environment to create visual interest and consider adding a natural scent like sage, citrus, or floral to your living space. Or perhaps find a funky new art piece to place on your bookshelf or in your kitchen to add a sprinkle of fun. Don’t be afraid to play around and change things up — you might be surprised how it makes you feel! If you need help, Stephanie is only a phone call away.

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.

Plumbing

ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ABILITY PLUMBING

On faith, perseverance, and running a plumbing business with heart

with Purpose

PLUMBING

For more than two decades, Ability Plumbing Service and Repair has served homes across San Diego County with expert, reliable plumbing solutions. Founder, Owner, and CEO Michael Sottile leads a team of skilled plumbers that provide exceptional workmanship in each and every one of their jobs. This family owned business is more than just a plumbing business, though. It’s a family owned, community centered passion project built on stories of perseverance, fueled by the purpose of helping others, and rooted in core values of faith.

PERSEVERANCE

Michael is a high school dropout, though his story is not exactly the one you might expect. In about the 9th grade, he knew quickly that high school was not going to be for him. The way education was structured at the time – sit down, be quiet, pay attention — didn’t pair well with his boundless energy and desire to be busy with hands-on work. “8 hours of school every day just didn’t fill my soul,” says Michael. Instead, he began working at Italian family restaurants when he was 14. Soon after, he connected with a family member in the construction plumbing business. It was then that he began learning the plumbing trade during by day while continuing to work at restaurants by night.

Michael shares that his family wasn’t exactly poor growing up, but they were working hard to support five kids, one of which had special needs. One day he was picked on at school for his off-brand shoes. When he went to his mother later that evening to ask for new ones, she said something he will never forget: “Honey, your father and I can provide what we can provide for you, but you can go get whatever you want in life. You can go get those shoes, you just have to work for it.”

So he did. He began knocking on neighbor’s doors, asking them to pull their weeds, take out their trash, and paint their fences for cash. Soon, Michael could buy whatever pair of shoes he wanted. Since then, he has been an aspiring business owner and an endlessly hard worker, learning more from his mothers advice and his own perseverance, dedication, and gusto than he had ever been able to learn in the traditional structure of the school classroom.

In his 40’s, Michael ran into one of his old teachers. When she told him that he had been “her biggest pain in the butt,” in school, he told her about his self-taught skills and his successful

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multimillion dollar business. The lesson? There is no one way to be successful. You get out of life what you put into it. If you put nothing, you will get nothing. Michael says that’s why it’s better to try and fail than to never try at all. “You can be anything as long as you work hard and put your mind to it.”

FAITH

Ability Plumbing’s core values are rooted in faith. Literally. That’s F.A.I.T.H. Here’s what we mean: F - Family

A - Assurance

I - Integrity

T - Trust

H - Honor

Family: From employees to customers, Ability Plumbing strives to treat every family they meet as if they were their own. Assurance: Staff members provide customers with informed guidance and helpful options to choose from so they can make the best decisions possible. Integrity: from start to finish, Ability’s plumbers always complete jobs thoroughly and honestly. Trust: They build trust by doing quality work, doing what’s right, and always doing

what they say they are going to do. And finally, Honor: When all of these things happen, the Ability Plumbing team can walk away from their finished projects with a sense of honor and pride in their work.

HELPING OTHERS

One thing Michael loves about residential plumbing in particular, are the opportunities where he sees someone in distress over a plumbing situation, is able to help calm the distress and fix the problem, then see them come out on the other side. Opposed to commercial plumbing where you don’t get to meet the people you’re working for, this personal connection to helping people solve problems in their home motivates him.

Michael also takes the idea of “looking out for people” very seriously. He makes it a priority to  take great care of Ability Plumbing’s employees and customers alike. While they may not be the cheapest company in town, they are a company that uses their income to support their staff members, their staff members’ families, and community members any time and every time they can. Whether it is providing services to a community member struggling to make ends meet, supporting an employee’s child

with disabilities, helping employees afford medical care for their loved ones, or donating to local charities — when you work with Ability Plumbing you are part of that network of care.

Michael says, “When I was first starting out, I thought it was the money I was looking for. Then, the money came and the happiness didn’t. What I learned is that it’s helping other people that gives me my true fulfillment in life. I believe we are all here to uplift each other and encourage each other rather than lying in despair and confusion. The plumbing industry has helped evolve me into the person I was divinely created to be. I know it’s only going to get better from here.”

At the end of the day, Michael and the Ability Plumbing Team are more than just your average plumbing company. They have a rich story built on dedication to the craft, trusting in themselves and their community, and always doing the right thing. If that’s the kind of business you prefer to support, the Ability Plumbing team is the right one for you.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR HOME PLUMBING MAINTENANCE

While plumbing maintenance isn’t always at the top of mind for most home owners, it is essential for planning for the future. Not only will these tips save you money in the long run, but also time, heartache, and the potential for a big mess.

1. Set aside a fund for plumbing problems. It’s not a matter of if they will happen, it’s a matter of when. Having a plumbing emergency fund set aside will help you manage any disaster situations that arise unexpectedly. 2. Get your water heater flushed. Doing this a minimum of once per year protects your family,

home, and plumbing system from buildup, bacteria, algae, and other contaminants, while promoting the longevity of your water heater.  3. Monitor your pressure regulator. Making sure the water pressure in your home is not too high and not too low will prevent long term damage to your fixtures. Water is strong enough to shape the Earth over time, so it is strong enough to shape (and damage) your plumbing components over time, too.  4. Schedule regular checks with a trusted plumber. Once per year, have a plumber come to flush your water heater and perform a whole home safety inspection to help keep you ahead of the curve, keep your home safe for you and your family, and detect problems before they get serious.These tips can help you prevent disastrous plumbing issues, prolong the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures, and give you peace of mind to sleep well knowing your home plumbing is well cared for.

Fuzzy Buddies Fuzzy Buddies

Lighting the Way Home Keeping Your Sanctuary Safe and Bright Is Our Top Priority.

Light House Electrical

Light House Electrical, proudly serving San Diego County, CA, offers unparalleled electrical services for both residential and commercial customers. With over 18 years of hands-on experience, our team of licensed professionals is dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient electrical solutions. As a service-connected, disabled veteran-owned business, we bring a unique blend of expertise, commitment, and integrity to every project.

Schedule your spring

events

MARCH 1ST – MAY 10TH

Carlsbad Flower Fields

Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch - 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008 | 8:00 AM

Experience one of Southern California’s most breathtaking traditions. Each spring, nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus burst into a sea of vibrant color for just six to eight weeks. From wagon rides to sun-drenched photo ops, this annual bloom is the official announcement of spring.

MARCH 14TH

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

Balboa Park - Fifth Avenue & Laurel Street | 9:00 AM

Celebrate the luck of the Irish in Balboa Park with a day of parades, music, dance, and authentic food. The festivities extend into our own backyard, with local Chula Vista favorites hosting multi-day parties and community bar crawls to mark the holiday. Balboa Park Parade begins at 10:30am.

MARCH 14TH

CVWC Annual Fashion Show

357 G Street, Chula Vista, CA, 91910 11:00 AM

Join the Chula Vista Women’s Club for their Annual Fashion Show and Fundraiser Luncheon. This years theme is The Wild Wild West! Enjoy a glamorous day of style and community spirit as the club raises funds for local initiatives. For tickets and more information, visit chulavistawomansclub.org

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MARCH 19TH

Taste of Third

Memorial Park on 3rd Ave | 4:00 PM

Raise your glasses and forks for the annual Taste of Third! Experience an evening of delicious bites and sips as you stroll through Downtown Chula Vista. Enjoy live music while getting to know over 20 local business owners in the heart of our city. Visit downtownchulavista.com for details.

MARCH 21ST

Chula Vista Chamber 5k Bunny Hop

Chula Vista Bayfront

Hop over to the Chula Vista Bayfront for the first annual Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce 5k Bunny Hop. Whether you run or walk, it’s a great way to enjoy the bayfront views and support our local business community. Register at chulavistachamber.org

MARCH 26TH

Padres Opening Day

Petco Park - 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 | 1:00 AM

The San Diego Padres kick off the 2026 season with a highly anticipated home opener against the Detroit Tigers. Head to Petco Park to cheer on the Friars as baseball returns to the city. For tickets and fan information, visit mlb.com/padres

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like. Recipe from Sisoo.com