Chula Vista Daily Briefing: Storm Prep, Taco Shop Fire, and University Push

Gusty winds and showers keep Chula Vista on weather alert

Strong showers and gusty winds are moving across coastal and inland San Diego County today, with Chula Vista among the areas seeing the brunt of the latest system. Forecasters warn that wind gusts could top 50 miles per hour in some spots, raising the risk of downed branches and blowing debris.

Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, use extra caution on the roads and be prepared for brief, intense showers through the day. The storm follows a wet start to the week across Southern California, with more unsettled weather possible in the coming days.

Valentine’s fire shutters popular Chula Tacos on H Street

A fast moving fire on Valentine’s night forced the closure of Chula Tacos on H Street, a family run spot that had quickly built a loyal following. The blaze started in the attic area while the dining room and drive thru were busy with evening customers.

Staff rushed to evacuate the restaurant after smoke filled the building, and one employee was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and later released. Fire crews contained the flames before they spread to neighboring businesses, but damage inside the taqueria is extensive.

The H Street location is expected to remain closed for months while repairs are made. The owners are pointing regulars to their other location so they can keep supporting employees during the rebuilding period.

City offers free sandbags as neighbors brace for more rain

With back to back storms soaking the region, Chula Vista residents have been lining up at the city’s Public Works Facility to pick up free sandbags. The city is providing a limited number of bags per household to help prevent flooding around driveways, garages and low lying yards.

Neighbors who saw water seep into their homes during earlier storms say they are not taking chances this time. Officials encourage anyone in a flood prone area to prepare now rather than wait for the heaviest rainfall.

Higher education task force inches university plan forward

Chula Vista’s long running effort to land a four year university took a small but notable step this week. City leaders have identified six finalists to serve on a new higher education task force that will advise on partnerships, potential sites and academic priorities.

Interviews with the candidates are expected early next month. The task force is intended to keep momentum going on a project seen as key to expanding local degree options and boosting the South Bay economy.