HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-17 VAC MINUTESVeteran's Advisory Commission
City of Chula Vista
Minutes
May 17, 2011 Chula Vista Veterans Home
6:00 P.M. 700 E. Naples Court
Chula Vista, CA 91910
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL: Present: Gene Pellerin, P John Acosta,_P_ Terry Jensen, _P Keith
Blum,_P_ Virgil Whitehead, P and Alex Galicia. P Stephen Sprenkle
E
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The April minutes were approved by Virgil Whitehead,
seconded by Terry Jensen and approved unanimously.
2. ACTION ITEMS:
^ Veteran of the Year: Virgil Whitehead voted for Tony Stewart for Veteran of the Year,
seconded by John Acosta and approved by members present with Alex Galicia
abstaining.
^ Veterans Home: Gene Pellerin discussed the Veteran's Home foundation golf fundraiser
was a success. The fundraiser raised $12,000 compared to the $7,000 raised last year.
There are currently 304 residents at the home, which is close to capacity. It was a move
up from 270-280 residents. The Foundation is looking into a project to build a gated
patio, which is required for Alzheimer's residents. The Southbay YMCA will conduct a
fundraiser on Memorial Day. Participants to pay a fee to exercise and all money raised
will be donated for the fence project.
Veterans Home Founders Day is set May 21, 2011.
^ Meeting with Assembly Member Ben Hueso: Gene Pellerin stated Assembly member
Ben Hueso requested aloes-key tour of the Veterans Home. Bobby Price and Gene
Pellerin met with Assembly member Hueso and discussed CDVA funding.
^ Third Avenue rework: Gary Ficacci discussed a possible meeting with Council members
Aguilar and Ramirez regarding the Third Avenue rework, between E Street and H Street
to make the Memorial Bowl more prominent. John Acosta suggested a meeting to see
what Council members Aguilar and Ramirez have in mind and to strategize. John Acosta
volunteered to meet with the Council members. Gene Pellerin will contact them and set
up a meeting.
^ The Boards and Commission recognition event is set for June 6, 2011 at 7:OOpm at the
Council Chambers.
• Library update: John Acosta stated something should be displayed for Memorial Day,
although the display is very small.
^ Veterans Activities: Virgil Whitehead discussed upcoming activities: On May 21, 2011
the VAC will have a canopy at the Veterans Home Founders Day.
Veteran's Home Foundation Golf tournament was a success.
Veterans Benefit Seminar was on May 15, 2011 at the Elks Club.
Stand Down is set for July 15-17, 2011, volunteers needed. Memorial Day is May 30,
2011.
Miramar National Cemetery is now open 0800-1630. To schedule burial call 1-800-535-
1117, office phone is 619-553-2084.
When completing tax return, there is a new donation block on you return for Veteran's
Homes. $113,553 was received for 2010.
Numerous Wounded Warriors Fundraisers, commission should look into which are legit.
Help is needed in finding homeless vets places to live, even temporary.
Midway Museum is requesting volunteers. Must make a monthly commitment.
SD Home Renovation program is underway with a Sears grant to renovate a home. Any
active duty military person qualifies. Contact Mary Tanner 858-676-6766.
New parking lot construction at VA Hospital will be underway June 2011.
Honor a Vet is being organized for the 75'h District. Recommendations due by April 29,
2011.
VA Berated for giving inadequate mental care. Sued by two not for profit organizations.
(Veterans for Truth-Santa Barbara and Veterans for Common Sense- Washington DC)
•
Coronado 4`h of July Parade. VAC will participate with Veterans Home, DAV, Marine
Corp League.
American legion is requesting used cell phones.
Memorial Day celebration at Fort Rosecrans and Glen Abbey.
3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
Comments/ Adjourn:
4. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM. The Veterans Advisory Commission will have the
next regular meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at the Chula Vista Veterans' Home, 700 E.
Naples Court.
The City of Chula Vista, in complying with the American With Disabilities Act (ADA),
request individuals who require special accommodation to access, attend and/or participate in
a City meeting, activity or service request such accommodation at least forty-eight hours in
advance for meetings and five days for scheduled services and activities. Please contact
Mariluz Alvarez for specific information at (619) 691-5146 or Telecommunications Devices for
the Deaf (619) 585-5655. California Relay Service is also available for the hearing impaired
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~_.. _ ... Mariluz ez