Chula Vista Daily: School lockdown cleared, new library food pantry, and Purple Star honors

1) Mater Dei Catholic lockdown lifted after threat call

Mater Dei Catholic High School in East Chula Vista briefly went into lockdown Thursday, Feb. 26, after an anonymous phone call referenced a possible shooting and bomb threat. Police responded, restricted entry and exit, and searched the campus with school security.

Authorities said a drone and bomb-sniffing K-9 units were used during the sweep. No credible threat was found, and restrictions were lifted later that afternoon. The incident remains under investigation.

2) City-run food pantry set to open inside Civic Center library

Chula Vista and Catholic Charities celebrated the launch of a city-operated food pantry at the Civic Center Chula Vista Public Library, 365 F St. City officials described it as a first for the South Bay, aimed at helping residents facing food insecurity with staples and other essentials.

The pantry is scheduled to officially open Wednesday, March 4. Planned public hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 7 p.m. Organizers say registration is required before visiting.

3) Multiple Chula Vista schools named 2026 California Purple Star Schools

On Friday, Feb. 27, the state announced its 2026 California Purple Star Schools list, recognizing campuses that put extra supports in place for military-connected students and families during transitions.

Locally, the list includes McMillin (Corky) Elementary, Olympic View Elementary, Salt Creek Elementary, and Sonia Sotomayor Elementary in the Chula Vista Elementary School District, as well as Eastlake High and Otay Ranch Senior High in the Sweetwater Union High School District.

Sources

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/mater-dei-catholic-high-school-001829689.html
https://www.kpbs.org/news/economy/2026/02/26/chula-vista-catholic-charities-diocese-debut-food-pantry-at-library
https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel08.asp