Chula Vista Daily: Storm Cleanup, Taquería Fire Fallout, Downtown Food Fest

Chula Vista, CA is balancing cleanup from this week’s rain, community support for a beloved taquería after a fire, and preparations for a popular downtown food event.

City crews address storm impacts, free sandbags offered

After back-to-back winter storms, Chula Vista has seen steady rain and slick roads. Recent county rainfall totals show the city receiving close to an inch of rain over a three-day period, with more unsettled weather possible in the short term.

To help residents protect homes and small businesses, the city opened its Public Works Facility on Maxwell Road for distribution of free sandbags. Households can pick up a limited number of bags while supplies last, with proof of residency required. Officials continue to urge drivers to slow down, keep headlights on in wet weather, and avoid flooded intersections and low-lying areas.

Valentine’s Day fire shutters popular Chula Tacos

A week after a Valentine’s night fire at Chula Tacos on H Street, the community is still rallying around the family-owned taquería. Firefighters traced flames to the attic area of the building and were able to keep the blaze from spreading to neighboring businesses, but the dining room suffered significant smoke and fire damage.

One person was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and has since been reported in stable condition. The owner, who had briefly stepped away to celebrate the holiday, returned to find the restaurant filled with smoke and quickly helped evacuate customers and staff. The H Street location is expected to remain closed for several months while insurance adjusters review damage and repairs are arranged.

Regulars have been sending messages of support and checking for updates on the restaurant’s social media pages, as the owners look for ways to support employees during the closure.

Downtown gets ready for Taste of Third

Looking ahead, downtown merchants are preparing for the return of the Taste of Third food festival on March 19. The evening event will once again turn Third Avenue into a walking corridor of small bites, live music, and neighborhood discovery.

With a passport-style ticket, attendees will be able to sample dishes from a mix of longtime favorites and newer spots along the avenue, from taquerías and cafes to breweries and dessert shops. Organizers say the focus this year is on highlighting locally owned businesses and giving residents a chance to support them after a wet winter.

Tickets are available in advance, and the festival typically sells out, so residents are encouraged to plan ahead if they want to join the culinary tour.