CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - Chula Vista’s Police Chief and a city councilman hosted a public safety meeting in a community where most would think safety isn’t an issue. Chief Roxana Kennedy and Councilman John McCann met with several residents Wednesday night at the Montevalle Community Center.
“I feel the balance is like this: Housing, people, lights, traffic, less parking and police protection and presence are here,” said Chula Vista resident Dianne Farsetta while holding one hand up and one hand down. “It is a little scary. We want to be in a safe environment.”
Community groups on Facebook and Nextdoor appear to post more instances of crimes throughout the communities of Eastlake and Otay Ranch. Farsetta said the city is growing faster than its police force.
However, Councilman McCann says the crime in his district is still less than half the crime level in other Chula Vista districts. Additionally, McCann said Chula Vista is still one of the safest cities of its size in the country. Nevertheless, McCann and Chief Kennedy listened to the community Wednesday night.
“We want to make sure that we’re working with our police and our community to continue to make it as safe as it is,” he said.
Farsetta and several others want to see more police on the streets and a police substation on the city’s eastern side. Headquarters is on the western side of the city.
McCann said the city’s immediate need is more officers on patrol. He added he wants a substation but that the estimated $50 million price tag is too much for Chula Vista.
