Chula Vista, the second largest city in San Diego County, is also the seventh largest city in Southern California and the fifteenth largest city in California. It was incorporated in 1911.

Prior to the area being occupied by Spain, it was home to the Kumeyaay People for thousands of years. In 1921, the area became part of the Mexican Empire which became the Mexican Republic two years later. After the defeat of Mexico in the Mexican-American War, the area became a territory of the United States. California was subsequently admitted to the union as a state in 1950.

In early 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the infamous Executive Order 9066 ordering that all American Citizens of Japanese ancestry be removed from their homes and communities for forced incarceration in what was called a "relocation camp". Thousands of Americans of Japanese ancestry living in San Diego, Chula Vista, and the surrounding communities, were incarcerated in one of 38 "relocation camps." Most lost their homes, cars, and businesses.

Today, the economy of Chula Vista is heavily based on tourism. Some of the attractions include the Chula Vista Marina, the Living Coast Discovery Center, Otay Valley Regional Park, Chula Vista Nature Center, and the Onstage Playhouse. The Onstage Playhouse is the only live theater in South Bay San Diego.

 

Chula Vista Bayfront

The Chula Vista Bayfront is a large planned development on the San Diego Bay waterfront in Chula Vista which is in South Bay San Diego. The development started in the 1970s and is one of the largest waterfront projects in the entire United States. The development includes hotels, restaurants, condominiums, and a large convention center which attracts visitors from all over San Diego County and Imperial County.

 

Otay Valley Regional Park

Otay Valley Regional Park is jointly administered by the city of San Diego, San Diego County and Chula Vista. The park offers passive recreational amenities including 8.3 miles of hiking trails and several picnic areas that include seven ponds and excellent bird watching areas.

 

South Bay Historical Society

The South Bay Historical Society, established in 2013, is located in Chula Vista. The non-profit membership organization offers exhibits, photos, videos, speakers, events, tours, and more for those wanting to learn more about the communities in South Bay - San Diego, including Chula Vista, Bonita, East Otay Mesa, and National City. Memberships are available and donations are always welcome.

 

Chula Vista Heritage Museum

Chula Vista Heritage Museum is a non-profit organization whose mission.is to preserve the heritage of the local community. The museum is located inside the Chula Vista Library and is open during library hours. There is no cost of admission.

 

Living Coast Discovery Center

The Living Coast Discovery Center is an environmental educational center with extensive animal, marine animal, reptile, and bird exhibits located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge which is in Chula Vista.

 

Otay River

The Otay River is a 25 mile long river in southern San Diego County that originates at San Miguel Mountain, flows through Chula Vista and San Diego to its mouth in Imperial Beach at San Diego Bay. The Savage Dam, completed in 1921, forms the 49,510 acre Lower Otay Reservoir. The Upper Otay Dam, completed in 1901 forms the Upper Otay Reservoir. Jamul Creek is a tributary of the Otay River.

 

Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a two-year, accredited community college in San Diego County. Locations are in Chula Vista, National City, Otay Mesa, and San Ysidro. Earned college credits are transferable to the University of California and all of the California State Universities. Southwestern College offers the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Science degree, and numerous certificate programs.

 

Rancho Melijo

Rancho Melijo, also known as Milijo, and more recently referred to as Rancho La Punta was a Mexican land grant made in 1833, Rancho Melijo included all of modern day Imperial Beach, a large part of southwestern Chula Vista, Otay Mesa West, and several neighborhoods in southern San Diego.

 

Rancho de la Nación

Rancho de la Nación was a 26,632-acre Mexican Land Grant given in 1845 by Governor Pio Pico to John Forster. The land included present day Chula Vista , National City, Bonita, and a part of the Sweetwater Valley.

 

San Diego Regional East County

Chamber of Commerce

For over 100 years, the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce has been the respected voice of and advocate for improving business opportunities, public policy, and business relationships throughout San Diego County. Membership benefits include opportunities for networking, inclusion in the chamber directory, valuable workshops, inexpensive advertising opportunities, and more. Members are from San Diego, EI Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Spring Valley, Poway, Lemon Grove, Chula Vista, and the surrounding areas.