Last Night's Public Safety Forum was Excellent
- Susan Heavilin
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Supervisor Paloma Aguirre made good on her word and returned to continue the discussion on Public Safety last evening at Valley Vista Elementary School. She was here just four months ago and ran a riveting forum on Public Safety at the February 2026 town meeting. Last night was no different with an engaged audience and so many hands up that time ran out before all the questions could be answered. But many were.
This time she was assisted by Chula Vista City Council Member Carolina Chavez, District One. District One covers pieces of Chula Vista located within Bonita-Sunnyside such as Rohr Park.
Emcee Officials (left to right): Supervisor Paloma Aguirre and Chula Vista City Council Member Carolina Chavez, District One | Click on images to enlarge
The supervisor brought plenty of County staff to follow up with answers to questions and make notes on actions to be taken. She also put together an incredible Law Enforcement Panel with top-ranking personnel from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, Chula Vista Police Department and California Highway Patrol.
The panel included CHP Captain Reggie Williams, CHP Lieutenant Jennifer Fernandez, County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Carrillo, Bonita-Sunnyside Fire District Deputy Chief Michael Smith, Chula Vista Police (CVPD) Acting Captain Lamar Barrett, County DPS Transportation Deputy Director Murali Pasumarthi and County Land Development Deputy Director Richard Whipple.
Panel members included (left to right): CHP Captain Reggie Williams, Bonita-Sunnyside Fire District Deputy Chief Michael Smith and Chula Vista Police (CVPD) Acting Captain Lamar Barrett | Click on images to enlarge
CHP Captain Reggie Williams has been at it for 26 years and stated he will be bringing more resources to our community. Two officers will be in place by July. They will be shared with other communities such as Lincoln Acres, 4S and Otay Lakes.
Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael Smith reported during the SVCA part of the meeting that Chief Sims' last day will be June 30, 2026. The Chief will be retiring after 31 years. Stop by the Fire Department and tell Chief Sims how much you appreciate the work he did in our community.
CVPD Lamar Barrett is frequently noted for leading the department's Strategic Operations and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) programs. Chula Vista is using drones for traffic situations and may be used for e-bikes.
Bonita-Sunnyside residents (left to right) that had something to say: Jim Groth, Sharon Coleman and Mike Clowers | Click on images to enlarge
Long-time resident Jim Groth was the first attendee to speak. He had created a "Solutions Based Ideas" handout and reviewed a few of his points with the audience.
Sharon Coleman, an officer in SVCA for many years, spoke about her experiences in trying to get traffic calmed in the neighborhoods feeding off of Winnetka Drive in the hills above Sweetwater Road. She offered plenty of history and I asked her to share it with Common Sense readers. Stay tuned.
Mike Clowers is a longtime Bonita-Sunnyside resident and a member of the San Diego County Traffic Advisory Committee. Mike often shares new traffic information at Sweetwater Valley Civic Association (SVCA) and Sweetwater Community Planning Group (SCPG) meetings. He sits on the boards of both.
County DPS Transportation Deputy Director Murali Pasumarthi (19 years) recommended using the County's "Tell Us Now" free phone app and said it should have been named "Get It Done." Reporting problems in your neighborhood, using the app, usually gets a rapid response. Click on the QR Code below to find the app.
I couldn't write down everything that was discussed but I highly recommend that you personally attend future Safety Forums.There is a lot to be learned.
I spoke to several of Paloma's staff. Some of the photos and such from last night's forum will be viewable on her Instagram page (Supervisor Aguirre).
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