Horse People Keep Pressure on Parks & Recreation

Norman Park Senior Center Conference Room | 270 F St., Chula Vista

At the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting last night, the horse people filled the majority of the chairs. Many made public comments. Until the horse arena is put back on the Master Plan, I think that this might be the norm. At the present time, we have been told the decision will take a year.

Mary Johnson Powell, President of the Tijuana River Valley Equestrian Association (TRVEA), mentioned in her comments that vital information had been omitted from the minutes of the December 11, 2025 Commission meeting. There was no mention of the Commission members being in favor of keeping the arena and that is was just on the agenda as an informational item.

Once the comments were complete, Chair Martin Calvo dived right into discussion of the minutes. He asked the members one by one if they wanted to keep the arena. John Zarem was not at the December meeting and was asked which way he was leaning. It was agreed that the majority of members were for keeping the arena. A motion was made, seconded and voted on to add this information to the meeting minutes. The minutes were approved.

Chair Calvo also mentioned that electronic comments had been received and to please read them. They read as follows:

Item 4.1 Approval of Minutes Public Comment (2)

"Opposition to Agenda Item 5.3 drew significant public participation, with many community members speaking against the removal of the Rohr Park Horse Arena. Riders, families, and long-time residents took time to appear and use their two minutes, time limit as so many speakers were there to support keeping the horse arena in the master plan and to voice strong opposition to eliminating the only public horse arena in the region. Used as proven large animal evacuation site, sports equity women comprise of 77% of participants.

Despite this clear and well-documented public opposition, there is no corresponding agenda item to vote on preserving the Rohr Park Horse Arena in the Master Plan. At the next meeting This omission is especially troubling given that the mayor personally visited the Rohr Park Horse Arena on January 6, 2026, and was on multiple television networks and expressed support for keeping the arena in the Master Plan. Notably director Frank Carson was not present

When community members show up in large numbers, speak consistently, and receive public assurances of support, it is reasonable to expect that support to be reflected in the agenda and in an opportunity for formal action.

How many more residents must appear and demand their three minutes at the podium before the preservation of the Rohr Park Horse Arena is brought forward for an official vote?

The community has spoken clearly. What is missing is a transparent, accountable opportunity for the city to act."—Darrell Jett | 4.1 Comment | 01.09.26 @ 08:03PM

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"I am submitting this comment to address procedural concerns regarding the Rohr Park equestrian arena.

The December 11 meeting minutes reflect that fourteen public comments were received in opposition to the removal or reduction of equestrian facilities, one neutral comment was received, and one written comment was submitted in support. Despite this clear public opposition, the equestrian arena has never been presented as a standalone, formally noticed agenda item for discussion or decision. (This doesn't seem to reflect written comments which were submitted)

This is concerning. The potential elimination or displacement of the arena appears to be advancing indirectly through draft planning materials rather than through a transparent, agendized process that allows the Commission and the public to clearly understand what is being proposed and why.

An informational update is not a substitute for formal Commission consideration. When a long-standing public facility with unique recreational value and significant community support is treated as incidental to broader planning, it undermines public confidence in the process.

I respectfully request that any proposed change to the status or future of the equestrian arena be brought forward as a clearly identified agenda item, with full disclosure and an opportunity for meaningful Commission discussion before assumptions are carried forward into environmental review or future planning phases.

Thank you for your consideration."—Stacy Jett | 4.1 Comment | 01.15.26 @ 11:40AM

Item 4.2 Memorial Park Plaza Planning Public Comment (4)

"I oppose the proposed artistic rendering concepts for Memorial Park. All of the renderings depict the park as uniformly flat, which does not reflect its actual topography. While the eastern end of the park is relatively level, then the terrain slopes it is not flat.

None of the concepts presented appear to account for the park’s existing geological features. The park already includes a natural river corridor along the north side, complete with bridges, and a well-established tree canopy. These elements are defining characteristics of the park and should be treated as assets, not ignored or re-imagined.

Additionally, the performance bowl is currently underutilized. Unlike Coronado Park, which successfully draws the community with Sunday concerts where families bring lawn chairs and enjoy music in a relaxed park setting, Memorial Park has not embraced similar programming.

Rather than redesigning the park to fit abstract concepts, the City should work with what already exists. Activating the park through regular music or community events would enhance public use, preserve its natural character, and strengthen community engagement without flattening or fundamentally altering the landscape."—Darrell Jett | 4.2 Comment | 01.09.26 @ 08:41PM

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"I oppose the Jetts taking over everything related to Chula Vista parks when they don't even live in the City. Stop hijacking our proceedings."—Community Member | 4.2 Comment | 01.13.26 @ 02:52PM

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"For the record, public comment at this meeting is not limited to city residents. I work in Chula Vista, pay taxes here, and am directly affected by these decisions. Regardless, the First Amendment protects the right of all members of the public to speak on agenda items in this forum."—Darrell Jett | 4.2 Comment | 01.13.26 @ 08:49PM

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"Commissioners heard Rohr Park Master Plan Draft presentation and listened to the many equestrians and community neighbors, many of whom are Chula Vista residents, who spoke asking that the Rohr Park Horse Arena be put back in the Draft Plan, Martin Calvo lead a discussion with the commissioners. Commissioners agreed unanimously that the Rohr Park Horse Arena should be put back in the Master Plan Draft, but Frank Carson said a motion could not be made since the Agenda only allowed “hear the presentation” not allowing voting to Recommend anything. However, your meeting directions read: 'Action on these item(s) is typically limited to the Commission receiving the presentation and providing direction or feedback to staff, as appropriate.'

So why can’t direction/feedback be that commissioners recommend to staff that the Horse Arena be reinstated into the Master Plan Draft.

And why is this not in the minutes!?!"—Mary Johnson Powell | 4.2 Comment | 01.14.26 @ 07:34PM

Item 5.2 Hilltop Park Slope Stabilization Project Public Comment (1)

"I fully support the Hilltop Park slope stabilization project. I support implementing a long-term solution that properly manages stormwater, preserves the integrity of the slope, and prevents heavy rains from damaging the park. Sound engineering is essential, as intense rainfall has repeatedly shown how vulnerable this area can be without effective stabilization measures."—Darrell Jett | 5.2 Comment | 01.09.26 @ 08:47PM

Item 5.3 Recreation Program Plan Draft Public Comment (1)

"The Rohr Park Master Plan must include the equestrian area consisting of a large arena and two round pens. This area is vital to equestrians in the South Bay as it is the only public arena in this area of the county. Losing this arena would disappear the equestrian community that is integral to the culture of the area. Additionally, equestrians outside of Chula Vista also rely on this equestrian arena when they trailer their horses to South Bay."—Michael Lopez | 5.3 Comment | 01.15.26 @ 08:44AM

Here is the 01.15.26 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda.

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