Chula Vista Daily Brief: Harbor Park groundbreaking, acting police chief named, Taste of Third buzz

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Chula Vista, CA – March 6, 2026 – Harbor Park breaks ground on the bayfront, an acting police chief is named, and Taste of Third tickets go fast.


Here are the local stories Chula Vista residents were talking about heading into Friday.

Bayfront: Harbor Park project kicks off

City and regional port leaders held a groundbreaking March 3 for Harbor Park, a new 12-acre public space on the Chula Vista bayfront near the recently opened Gaylord Pacific resort and convention center. Plans call for a nautical-themed playground, a splash pad, new landscaping, and improved walking paths.

Construction is expected to roll out in phases. Officials have highlighted the south phase as the first funded segment, with the playground anticipated to open this fall and the splash pad targeted for early 2027. The work is part of the broader bayfront redevelopment effort that’s been adding new parks and shoreline access over the last few years.

Drivers and visitors should also expect some circulation changes near the project area as a temporary road is permanently closed and detours begin.

Public safety: Acting police chief appointed during extended leave

The city has named Assistant Chief Dan Peak as acting police chief while Chief Roxana Kennedy remains on extended medical leave. Kennedy has been on leave since January, and the city said it approved her request to extend that time.

The move lands amid ongoing public debate tied to a complaint stemming from a police union holiday party in December. Supporters have held rallies and say they’re worried Kennedy is being pushed out, while city officials have rejected claims that elected leaders pressured management to replace her.

Downtown: Taste of Third Avenue returns later this month

One of downtown’s biggest food-and-stroll nights is back March 19, with Taste of Third Avenue set to run from 4 to 8 p.m. along Third Avenue (roughly G Street to E Street). Organizers describe it as a self-guided tasting tour with bites and sips from more than 20 participating spots, plus live music along the route.

Ticket reminders are already circulating: early pricing has sold out, and the current ticket price is listed at $54, with no day-of sales. Check-in is expected to start at Memorial Park, where attendees pick up a ‘passport’ for the evening.

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