HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-16 VAC Agenda Packet
Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Time:6:00 p.m.
Location:City Hall, Bldg. C, Conference Room B-111
276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA
Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting
Public Comments: Public comments may be submitted to the Veterans Advisory Commission in
the following ways:
In-Person comments during the meeting. Join us for the Veterans Advisory Commission
meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Each
person will be allotted three (3) minutes to address the Commission.
•
Submit an eComment. Visit www.chulavistaca.gov/boardmeetings, locate this meeting
and click on the comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on, and
then click on "Leave Comment."
•
Email comments. Submit comments via email to VAC@chulavistaca.gov •
The commenting period will close at noon on the day of the meeting. All comments will be made
available to the Commission and the public.
Accessibility: Individuals with disabilities are invited to request modifications or accommodations in
order to access and/or participate in a Veterans Advisory Commission meeting by commission
staff at VAC@chulavistaca.gov (California Relay Service is available for the hearing impaired by
dialing 711) at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
Commissioners Akana, Castro, Jimenez, Nava, Pine, Stewart, and Chair
Williams
3.PUBLIC COMMENTS
Persons may address the Commission on any subject matter within the
Commission’s jurisdiction that is not listed as an item on the agenda. State law
generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking action on any
issue not included on the agenda, but, if appropriate, the Commission may
schedule the topic for future discussion or refer the matter to staff. If you wish to
speak on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form and submit it to the
Secretary prior to the meeting or submit an electronic comment per the
instructions on page one of this agenda.
4.PRESENTATIONS
The following item(s) will be presentations given to the Commission. Action on
these item(s) is typically limited to the Commission receiving the presentation
and providing direction or feedback to staff, as appropriate. If you wish to speak
on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form and submit it to the
Secretary prior to the meeting or submit an electronic comment per the
instructions on page one of this agenda.
4.1 EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - VETERANS
WORKFORCE PROGRAM
Speaker Anthony to give a presentation about the Veterans Workforce
Program from the EDD in San Diego.
5.ACTION ITEMS
The Item(s) listed in this section of the agenda will be considered individually by
the Commission and are expected to elicit discussion and deliberation. If you
wish to speak on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form and submit
it to the Secretary prior to the meeting or submit an electronic comment per the
instructions on page one of this agenda.
5.1 APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18,
2024
4
Recommended Action:
Commission to approve meeting minutes.
5.2 APPROVAL OF EXCUSED ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER AKANA
FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
8
Recommended Action:
Commission to approve excused absence from commissioner Akana.
City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission
October 16, 2024 Agenda Page 2 of 11
5.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MILITARY REINTEGRATION
SUBCOMMITTEE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF 2024 - 2025
Recommended Action:
Commission to approve the establishment of the subcommittee
consisting of commissioners Nava and Stewart.
5.4 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OUTREACH SUBCOMMITTEE FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR OF 2024 - 2025
Recommended Action:
Commission to approve the establishment of the subcommittee
consisting of commissioners Nava and Stewart.
5.5 UPDATE ON VETERAN OF THE YEAR AWARD AND
SUBCOMMITTEE
9
Commission to discuss details of the Veteran of the Year Award.
OTHER BUSINESS
6.STAFF COMMENTS
7.CHAIR'S COMMENTS
8.COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
9.ADJOURNMENT
to the special meeting on November 21, 2024.
Materials provided to the Veterans Advisory Commission related to any open-
session item on this agenda are available for public review, please contact the
Fire Department at VAC@chulavistaca.gov.
City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission
October 16, 2024 Agenda Page 3 of 11
1
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Bldg. #C, Conference Room B-112
276 4th Avenue, Chula Vista
Present: Francia Castro, Elmer Jimenez, Ricardo Nava, Lynne Pine,
Anthony Stewart, Tanya Williams
Absent: Nimpa Akana
Also Present: Karina Aguilar, Eric Martinez
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Veterans Advisory Commission of the City of Chula Vista
was called to order at 6:02 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Secretary Aguilar called the roll.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
- online comment.
- citizen complained about not being able to see the commission's agenda and
meeting dates.
4. PRESENTATIONS
- No presentations.
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City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission
October 16, 2024 Agenda
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5. ACTION ITEMS
5.1 INTRODUCTON OF NEW COMMISSIONERS NAVA AND JIMENEZ
- New commissioners Nava and Jimenez introduced themselves to the
rest of the commissioners.
5.2 APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 17,2024
Moved by Lynne Pine
Seconded by Tanya Williams
Commission to approve meeting minutes.
Result: Carried Unanimously
5.3 APPROVAL OF EXCUSED ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER CASTRO
FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 17, 2024
Moved by Lynne Pine
Seconded by Tanya Williams
Commission to approve excused absence form of commissioner Castro.
Result: Carried Unanimously
5.4 APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 21,2024
Moved by Tanya Williams
Seconded by Francia Castro
Commission to approve meeting minutes.
Result: Carried Unanimously
5.5 APPROVAL OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
OF 2024 - 2025
Moved by Tanya Williams
Seconded by Lynne Pine
Commission to approve as amended the proposed goals and objectives.
Result: Carried Unanimously
5.6 UPDATE ON MILITARY REINTEGRATION PROGRAM
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October 16, 2024 Agenda
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- Commissioner Stewart explained the program to the new
commissioners.
- Mentioned there will be no presentation given to Council this September
or October due to City Council's agenda process.
5.7 APPROVAL OF SUPPORT FOR THE NAMING OF THE FILIPINO
AMERICAN VETERANS PARK
- Construction to be concluded 18 months from June 2024, located in Cota
Vera at Otay Ranch.
- Commissioner Pine would like to invite the group behind the park to
come to one of our meetings and give a presentation.
Moved by Tanya Williams
Seconded by Lynne Pine
Commission to approve the support of the park.
Result: Carried Unanimously
OTHER BUSINESS
6. STAFF COMMENTS
- Secretary mentioned that staff will take care of updating the commission's
website to include the new members.
- Jimenez is from District 1.
- Nava is from District 1.
- Secretary mentioned a possible presentation for October.
7. CHAIR'S COMMENTS
- Commissioner highlighted goals and objectives for fiscal year 2024 -2025.
- Commissioner would like to have a monthly check on where commission is at.
- He would like to motion for a new subcommittee to be in charge of social media
and revisit the already established ones to see if somebody wants to join.
- Subcommittees:
> VOTY - Williams, Stewart, Jimenez
> Outreach communications - Castro, Pine
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October 16, 2024 Agenda
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> Military reintegration - Nava, Stewart
8. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
- Commissioner Pine suggested to have the VOTY announcement before the
City Council meeting on November 20th.
- Commissioner Castro asked about the city's communications team's procedure
and agenda process.
- Liaison Martinez suggested to have an agenda with scheduled posts for the
communications team to post on social media.
- Commissioner Stewart mentioned upcoming food distributions for the rest of the
year.
- Commissioner Pine asked about including a logo for the commission's posts on
social media so people can recognize our posts.
- Commissioner Castro suggested to utilize the office of the mayor to see if the
commission can get on his weekly email letters.
- Commissioner Jimenez asked about quorums and meetings.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Minutes prepared by: Karina Aguilar, Secretary
_________________________
Karina Aguilar, Secretary
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City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission
October 16, 2024 Agenda
Request for Excused Absence Form – 6/19
REQUEST FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE
City of Chula Vista Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Name: _________________________________________________ Date of Absence: _________________________________
Board/Commission/Committee: _________________________________________________________________________________
Chula Vista Municipal Code section 2.25.110 (C) allows board/commission/committee members, by a
majority vote, to excuse a fellow board, commission, or committee member’s absence from a meeting for any
of the reasons listed below. A member who is absent from three consecutive, regular meetings will be
deemed to have vacated his or her membership, unless the member’s absence is excused by a
majority vote of the other members. An absence is only recorded as “excused” upon receipt of a member’s
request and majority vote of the board/commission/committee to excuse the absence. Accordingly, if you
have been absent from a regular meeting, please complete and submit this form to the chair or secretary.
Please indicate the reason for the absence:
1. Illness of the member, family member of the member, or personal friend of the member;
2. Business commitment of the member that interferes with the attendance of the member at a meeting;
3. Previously scheduled vacation of the member, notice of which was provided to the respective board
or commission in advance of the meeting;
4. Attendance of the member at a funeral, religious service or ceremony, wedding, or other similarly
significant event;
5. Unexpected, emergency situation that prohibits the member’s attendance; or
6. Other reason for which the member has given notice to the secretary of his or her unavailability at
least seven days in advance of the meeting.
OR
The absence was not for any of the above-listed reasons. I understand that the absence will be recorded
as unexcused.
I certify the reason for the absence indicated above is true and correct.
Member’s Signature: __________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________
If completed by secretary or staff to board/commission/committee:
Completed on member’s behalf by: _____________________________, per member’s Verbal Written request
on: _________________.
(date)
(secretary/liaison’s name)
Nimpa Akana September 17, 2024
Veterans Advisory Commission
xX
September 17, 2024
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City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission
October 16, 2024 Agenda
2024 CHULA VISTA VETERAN OF THE YEAR
PROPOSED PROCLAMATION
COMMENDING DANNY SHAFFSTALL AS CITY OF CHULA'S 2024 VETERAN OF THE YEAR
WHEREAS, Danny Shaffstall is a Veteran of the United States Navy and capably served his
community as a volunteer and professional for many years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Shaffstall dedicates countless hours in support of Chula Vista Veterans. His
services are evident through his work as Program Manager for the Us for Warriors Foundation,
Member of the Family Life Action Group of the San Diego Veterans Coalition, and Supporting
Member of the San Diego VA Regional Medical Center's "Food Empowerment Program"; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Shaffstall has assisted veterans recently released from active duty, those
struggling with hardships and their families in spearheading the Food4Warriors program of the
Us for Warriors Foundation by sustaining projects with two food distributions each month,
weekly pantry services, care boxes for homeless veterans and holiday support events; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Shaffstall has coordinated and led volunteer efforts in collaboration of
Homeless Stand Down events, providing food and resources to thousands of homeless
veterans and their families, including consistent monthly food distributions throughout the recent
COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Shaffstall has worked directly with posts of the American Legion and Veterans
of Foreign Wars, lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Veterans Affairs
Clinics, and local organizations to facilitate hundreds of food distributions for thousands of
military, veterans and families in need; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Shaffstall has served as a Volunteer Team Leader for several key projects in
support of the Veterans Home of California in Chula Vista as well as therapeutic sporting and art
events and community service projects supporting local veterans; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Shaffstall played a pivotal role in the recognition of the partnership of the San
Diego VA Regional Medical Center and the Us for Warriors Foundation as the 2024 Veterans
Health Administration National Community Partnership Challenge award recipients for work
alongside nutritionists, social workers and key leaders of San Diego VA Clinics with deliveries
and distributions of nutritional and dietary foods for Veterans with food insecurity issues
hindering a healthy quality of life.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN McCANN, 41st Mayor of the City of Chula Vista, California, do
hereby honor Danny Shaffstall as Chula Vista's 2024 Veteran of the Year. Chula Vista thanks
him for his personal contribution in service to our country and for his continued service to
improving the lives of Chula Vista Veterans.
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City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission
October 16, 2024 Agenda
POST-EVENT SELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Chula Vista Names Danny Shaffstall as 2024 Veteran of the Year
Chula Vista, CA – November 13, 2024 – The City of Chula Vista proudly presented the
prestigious 2024 Veteran of the Year (VOY) Award to Danny Shaffstall, a distinguished veteran
of the United States Navy, during the City Council meeting held on November 12, 2024. The
event, which took place at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers, recognized Mr. Shaffstall for
his outstanding contributions to the Chula Vista and greater San Diego veteran communities. A
proclamation was presented to Mr. Shaffstall by Mayor John McCann and members of the City
Council.
"The Veteran of the Year exemplifies the very best of our veteran community," said Mayor John
McCann. "Danny Shaffstall's tireless efforts to support and uplift our veterans are inspiring, and
we are honored to recognize his contributions today as a testament to the deep impact he has
made in Chula Vista and beyond. Chula Vista is a military and veteran city with a longstanding
tradition that honors the incredible service of our veterans, and we are committed to ensuring
that this recognition continues to highlight their ongoing contributions through the Veteran of the
Year program."
Mr. Shaffstall has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication through his extensive
volunteer work and professional efforts supporting local veterans. He currently serves as the
Program Manager for the Us for Warriors Foundation and is an active member of several
veteran support organizations, including the Family Life Action Group of the San Diego Veterans
Coalition and the San Diego VA Regional Medical Center's Food Empowerment Program. His
involvement in this program contributed to a significant achievement—the recognition of the San
Diego VA Regional Medical Center and the Us for Warriors Foundation as recipients of the 2024
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Community Partnership Challenge award. This
prestigious award honored their collaborative efforts in providing nutritional and dietary support
for veterans facing food insecurity.
One of Mr. Shaffstall's most notable contributions is his leadership in the Food4Warriors
program of the Us for Warriors Foundation, where he spearheaded projects that provide food
distributions twice monthly, weekly pantry services, care packages for homeless veterans, and
holiday support initiatives. Through these efforts, he has played a crucial role in alleviating food
insecurity among veterans, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, Mr. Shaffstall has consistently led volunteer efforts in collaboration with various
organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and local community
service groups, providing essential resources to thousands of veterans in need. His work with
the Veterans Home of California in Chula Vista and other key projects has further solidified his
commitment to supporting the well-being and health of his fellow veterans.
"The Veterans of Chula Vista represent a longstanding legacy of service, both in their military
careers and in their ongoing contributions to our community. This year, we were humbled by the
number of outstanding nominations, the most we’ve seen in years, all highlighting the incredible
impact veterans continue to make," said Tony Stewart, Chair of the Chula Vista Veterans
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October 16, 2024 Agenda
Advisory Commission. "We are proud to honor Danny Shaffstall as the 2024 Veteran of the
Year, and we remain committed to building upon the rich legacy established by the 23 past
honorees. We look forward to reinvigorating this program to ensure that veterans who are
making a difference continue to be recognized and celebrated. We hope that this year’s
honoree and future Veterans of the Year will have more opportunities to be showcased at events
throughout the community."
The Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission encourages any organizations or individuals
planning veteran recognition events to consider including the Veteran of the Year in their
celebrations. Those interested in having the Veteran of the Year appear at events throughout
the year are encouraged to contact the Veterans Advisory Commission for more information.
The Commission would also like to extend its gratitude to everyone who submitted nominations
this year. Each nominee will receive a letter of appreciation, acknowledging their service and
dedication to the veteran community.
The City of Chula Vista thanks Danny Shaffstall for his continued service to the community and
extends its gratitude for his commitment to improving the lives of veterans in Chula Vista and
beyond.
Contact:
Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission
Email: VAC@ChulaVistaCA.gov
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City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission
October 16, 2024 Agenda