HomeMy WebLinkAboutPost-Meeting Minutes - VACR_Jan21_2026City of Chula Vista
Regular Veterans Advisory Commission Meeting
MINUTES
January 21, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Bldg. C, Conference Room B-112
276 4th Avenue, Chula Vista
Present:
Commissioner Castro, Chair Nava, Commissioner Pine, Vice Chair Akana
Absent:
Commissioner Jimenez
Also Present:
Fire Captain Kastelic, Fire Captain Martinez, Deputy City Attorney Pietanza
Minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the agenda.
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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
Secretary Aguilar called the roll.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
- No comments.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Veterans Transition Support Presentation
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
6.1 Approval of Excused Absence of Commissioners Castro and Jimenez for the Special Meeting of October 16, 2025
Moved by Commissioner Pine
Seconded by Chair Nava
Commission to approve the excused absence form for Commissioner Castro.
Result: Carried Unanimously
Commission to approve the excused absence form for Commissioner Jimenez.
6.2 Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2025
Moved by Commissioner Castro
Seconded by Commissioner Pine
Commission to approve the meeting minutes.
Result: Carried Unanimously
6.3 Approval of Excused Absence of Commissioner Akana for the Regular Meeting of November 19, 2025
Moved by Commissioner Pine
Seconded by Commissioner Castro
Commission to approve the excused form for Commissioner Akana.
Result: Carried Unanimously
6.4 Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2025
Moved by Commissioner Castro
Seconded by Commissioner Pine
Commission to approve the meeting minutes.
Result: Carried Unanimously
7. ACTION ITEMS
7.1 Update on Veteran of the Year Subcommittee
- Commissioner Pine stated that the subcommittee is working on a timeline and that commissioner Jimenez would like to be the point of contact for the color guard.
- Commissioners Pine and Jimenez would also like to have someone sing the national anthem on the City Council meeting in which the recipient will be awarded.
7.2 Update on Outreach Subcommittee
- Chair Nava mentioned that it would be a great idea to have some members of the commission reach out to other veteran organizations and give a presentation of what our commission's
goals are.
- City Attorney Pietanza stated that the first step should be to create a list of all local veteran organizations and then reach out to them to see if they would like to attend one of
the commission's meetings.
- Commissioner Castro stated that she will work on the list and later present it on the next public meeting.
7.3 Review and Address Proper Flag Lightning at City Hall
- Commissioner Pine stated that the only issue that she sees is that there is not enough lightning on the flag of the City Hall. Current lightning still passes standard code and adding
more lights to it would only be a recommendation to City Council.
- Commissioners made a motion to recommend City Council to provide an individual upplight for the American Flag Light outside of City Hall, and motion passed.
Yes (3): Commissioner Castro, Chair Nava, and Commissioner Pine
Result: Carried (3 to 0)
7.4 Discussion on the Process and Criteria for Adding Names to the Memorial Park War Wall
- Captain Martinez stated that individuals are reaching out to City Council and recommending that more names be added to the Memorial Wall. City Clerk's office has not found any information
on who took care of providing the list of individual veterans, only that the City financed it.
- Commissioners motioned to move this action item to next public meeting to give enough time to do research on the list of veterans that are missing on the Memorial Wall, and motion
passed.
- Commissioner Pine stated that the commission should come up with a process as well when making the recommendation to City Council.
- City Attorney Pietanza stated that the City has parameters on gifts and donations, and that they will make the decision as to how to include the outstanding names.
Yes (3): Commissioner Castro, Chair Nava, and Commissioner Pine
Result: Carried (3 to 0)
8. STAFF COMMENTS
- Captain Martinez stated that Captain Kastelic will be replacing for 6 months.
- He also mentioned to include the VAC email when emailing secretary Aguilar.
- City Attorney stated that City Council has made an update on Board and Commissions regulations on commissioner seats, however, it does not affect the current seats.
9. CHAIR'S COMMENTS
- Chair Nava stated that he biggest concern that he heard City Council mention is that District 4 is highly underestimated.
- He also requested Captain Martinez to include the Starlight Parade Subcommittee to the next public meeting.
10. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
- Commissioner Pine asked City Attorney if she can buy a banner to promote the Veterans Advisory Commission.
- City Attorney Pietanza stated that the City logo cannot be used due to copyright.
- Captain Martinez stated that although commissioners cannot endorse outside of public meetings, they can direct civilians to the commission's website.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Minutes prepared by: Karina Aguilar, Secretary
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Karina Aguilar, Commission Secretary