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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Package - 11-19-2025 Date:Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Time:6:00 p.m. Location:City Hall, Bldg. C, Conference Room B-112 276 4th Avenue, Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting ______________________________________________________________________________ In-Person Public Comments: 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 minutes to address the Commission. Electronic Public Comments: At  www.chulavistaca.gov/boardmeetings, locate this meeting and click on the comment bubble icon. Select the item and click on "Leave Comment." The deadline to submit e-comments or any comments emailed to VAC@chulavistaca.gov will be noon on the day of the meeting. 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 contacting the 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, and Pine. 3.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 4.PUBLIC COMMENTS The public 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 Committee from discussing or taking action on any issue not included on the agenda. The Committee may schedule the topic for future discussion or refer the matter to staff. 5.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. 5.1 Presentation on the Center for Military and Veterans Reintegration (CMVR) Project from the San Diego Veterans Coalition Maurice Wilson to present an update on the CMVR project. 6.CONSENT CALENDAR 6.1 Approval of Center for Military and Veterans Reintegration (CMVR) to be Submitted for City Endorsement and Press Release 4 Commission to discuss and approve submission of the new CMVR to be endorsed by the city and request a press release. Recommended Action: Commission to approve and endorse submission to the city for endorsement and press release. 6.2 Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2025 7 Recommended Action: Commission to approve the meeting minutes. 7.ACTION ITEMS Action items are considered individually by the Commission and are expected to elicit discussion and deliberation. City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission November 19, 2025 Agenda Page 2 of 9 7.1 Discussion of the City of Imperial Beach's Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Meeting Commissioners to discuss the November 3rd, 2025 meeting held by the City of Imperial Beach. 7.2 Update on Veteran of the Year Subcommittee Members of the subcommittee to present an update. 7.3 Update on Military Reintegration Program Subcommittee Members of the subcommittee to present an update. 7.4 Update on Outreach Subcommittee Members of the subcommittee to present an update. 8. STAFF COMMENTS 9. CHAIR'S COMMENTS 10. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS 11. ADJOURNMENT to the regular meeting on December 17, 2025. 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 November 19, 2025 Agenda Page 3 of 9 I declare under penalty of perjury that I am employed by the City of Chula Vista in the Fire Department and that I posted this document in accordance with Brown Act requirements. Dated: 11/14/25 Signed__________________ DRAFT — DRAFT — DRAFT — "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" — DRAFT — DRAFT — DRAFT City of Chula Vista Launches Region’s First Center for Military and Veterans Reintegration (CMVR) A First-of-Its-Kind Off-Base Transition Hub Connecting Military Service to Civilian Success CHULA VISTA, Calif. — [Insert Date] — The City of Chula Vista proudly announces the establishment of the region’s first Center for Military and Veterans Reintegration (CMVR) — a groundbreaking initiative marking the nation’s first off-base equivalent to the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Two years in the planning, the CMVR represents a visionary collaboration between the City of Chula Vista, American Legion Post 434, the San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC), and NVTSI.org (National Veterans Transition Services, Inc.), also known as REBOOT — the nation’s only “reverse boot camp” with 15 years of proven success in veteran reintegration. The CMVR was formally endorsed by the Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission and approved by the Chula Vista City Council, underscoring the city’s strong commitment to supporting its military and veteran community. Facility improvements for the new CMVR were made possible through a grant from The Home Depot Foundation, whose investment reflects broad business community support for this pioneering initiative. The grant enabled key infrastructure upgrades, accessibility enhancements, and technology integration—transforming the site into a modern, welcoming space that honors those who served while equipping them for success in civilian life. A Next-Generation Reintegration Model The CMVR provides comprehensive reintegration services that extend beyond traditional transition programs by combining human expertise, advanced technology, and community partnerships. Through this high-touch, high-tech model, participants gain access to: • REBOOT Workshops from NVTSI — nationally recognized “reverse boot camps” focusing on personal identity, civilian mindset adaptation, and career readiness. • VeteransMatch AI — an intelligent career and reintegration platform that uses advanced algorithms to align each veteran’s Career DNA with real-time opportunities in education, employment, and mentorship. • OnwardOps.org — a Department of Defense-backed digital platform that connects service members directly to trained sponsors and mentors for a personalized, community-based transition experience. • Coaching and navigation by trained Community Transition Assistance Advisors (CTAA) from the San Diego Veterans Coalition and its network of over 150 partner organizations, providing wraparound services for housing, wellness, family support, and employment. Page 4 of 9 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission November 19, 2025 Agenda • Education, skills training, and workforce connections in partnership with local colleges, employers, and workforce development agencies. Quotes from Leaders “Chula Vista is proud to lead this regional transformation in how we welcome our service members home,” said Mayor John McCann, City of Chula Vista. “As a Navy veteran myself, I understand how vital it is to have a strong, community-based support network that helps our service members and their families successfully reintegrate into civilian life. The CMVR represents a model that will inspire communities nationwide.” “The CMVR represents what we’ve always envisioned — a seamless, community-powered continuation of TAP that begins before separation and continues well after,” said Maurice Wilson, USN (Ret.), President and Executive Director of NVTSI / REBOOT. “By combining the strength of partners like VeteransMatch AI, OnwardOps, and business supporters such as The Home Depot Foundation, we’re bringing 21st-century innovation and community heart together in one powerful effort to take care of those who served.” “This partnership shows what can happen when community, city, and veteran organizations unite behind a single mission,” added [American Legion Post 434 Commander’s Name]. “We’re not just offering services — we’re rebuilding a sense of belonging and purpose.” About the Center for Military and Veterans Reintegration (CMVR) Located at [insert address / American Legion Post 434 location], the CMVR serves as a central hub for reintegration and career readiness for transitioning service members, veterans, and their families. Its programs are designed to rebuild personal identity, reconnect veterans to purpose, and rebrand them for civilian success through tailored support that includes employment, housing, education, and wellness services. The CMVR model embodies NVTSI’s proven philosophy of High Touch, High Tech, and High Trust, ensuring that every participant receives personalized attention supported by intelligent tools like VeteransMatch AI and community sponsorship through OnwardOps.org. About the Partners City of Chula Vista – A veteran-committed city recognized for its proactive approach to supporting military families and fostering civic-military collaboration. American Legion Post 434 – A cornerstone of South County veteran support, dedicated to advocacy, mentorship, and community service. San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC) – A trusted network of over 150 community-based organizations advancing coordinated care across the region. NVTSI / REBOOT – The nation’s only reverse boot camp, with 15 years of success helping service members relearn, rebuild, and rebrand their civilian identities. Page 5 of 9 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission November 19, 2025 Agenda OnwardOps.org – A national sponsorship network connecting transitioning service members to civilian mentors and resources through the Department of Defense’s Onward to Opportunity initiative. The Home Depot Foundation – Committed to serving veterans and their families through housing, training, and community improvement projects nationwide. Media Contact [Name] Public Information Office City of Chula Vista Phone: [###-###-####] Email: [press@chulavistaca.gov] Website: [www.chulavistaca.gov] Also, here is a DRAFT Key to the City Challenge Coin <chula vista.png> Maurice D. Wilson, MCPO, USN (Ret) 1st VP/E3 Action Group Champion San Diego Veterans Coalition Cell: 619-602-2577 | Office: 619-822-2704 | Fax: 866-535-7624 E-mail: Maurice.Wilson@sdvetscoalition.org | Website: www.sdvetscoalition.org Mission: The SDVC is a catalyst that inspires collaboration and cooperation among service partners to deliver premier support for Veterans in the San Diego region Schedule a Meeting: https://calendly.com/maurice-nvtsi Page 6 of 9 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission November 19, 2025 Agenda 1 City of Chula Vista Regular Veterans Advisory Commission Meeting MINUTES September 17, 2025, 6:00 p.m. City Hall, Bldg. C, Conference Room B-112 276 4th Avenue, Chula Vista Present:Elmer Jimenez, Francia Castro, Ricardo Nava, Lynne Pine, Tanya Williams, Nimpa Akana, Anthony Stewart Also Present:Fire Captain Martinez, Deputy City Attorney Pietanza Minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the agenda. _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Veterans Advisory Commission of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:01 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Liaison Martinez called the roll. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS - No comments. 5. PRESENTATIONS - No presentations. 6. ACTION ITEMS 6.1 Selection of the 2025 Veteran of the Year Award Recipient - Commission unanimously voted Linda Sundberg as the recipient for the Veteran of the Year Award. Moved by Anthony Stewart Seconded by Elmer Jimenez Page 7 of 9 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission November 19, 2025 Agenda 2 Commission to vote for this year's Veteran of the Year Award recipient. Result: Carried Unanimously 6.2 Update on Outreach Subcommittee - No update. 6.3 Update on Military Reintegration Program Subcommittee - Commissioner Stewart mentioned that Maurice Wilson from the Veterans Coalition is still working on adapting the Military Reintegration Program. - The organization has to designate one branch of theirs residing in Chula Vista to be the one to adopt the program and therefore be the point of contact for all interested citizens. - Commissioner Stewart also recommended the commissioners to find other ways in which the city can help veterans reintegrate into the city. 6.4 Update on Veteran of the Year Subcommittee - Commission voted for the recipient of the Veteran of the Year Award. OTHER BUSINESS 7. STAFF COMMENTS - Liaison Martinez notified that he will be having a replacement who will be attending the meetings from December to June. 8. CHAIR'S COMMENTS - Chair Nava thanked Commissioner Stewart for his time and contribution to the commission as he is resigning from his position. 9. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS - Commissioners thanked commissioner Stewart for being part of the commission for so many years. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m. Minutes prepared by: Karina Aguilar, Secretary Page 8 of 9 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission November 19, 2025 Agenda 3 _________________________ Karina Aguilar, Commission Secretary Page 9 of 9 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission November 19, 2025 Agenda