Rohr Park Horse Arena or Soccer Fields?

I recently wrote the candidates running for the offices of Chula Vista Mayor, Councilmember District 1 and Councilmember District 2. I asked them a few questions for the benefit of our Sunnyside Common Sense readers, to assist them in picking candidates that are inline with their own beliefs.

As of today's publishing, six of the eight questions asked have been answered by the participating candidates. Their names appear in the order that I received their responses.

Question 6: There is presently a debate over retaining the Rohr Park Horse Arena or replacing it with additional soccer playing fields. Which use do you support and why?

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Yair Gersten

I support retaining the Rohr Park Horse Arena while exploring ways to improve soccer access elsewhere or through a compromise that does not erase Bonita’s equestrian history. Soccer fields are important, and Chula Vista needs more youth recreation opportunities. But Rohr Park is not just an empty parcel on a map; it sits in a community with a unique semi-rural identity, horse trails, and generations of equestrian use. Removing the only arena in that area would solve one need by destroying another. My approach would be to preserve the arena, improve maintenance, and look for other locations, shared-use designs, or partnerships to expand sports access. A good master plan should balance needs, not force one community to lose what makes it special. I remember when my neighborhood was surrounded by wildlife, even cows grazing, and miss that calmness dearly, even if I recognize the need for growth.

John McCann

No response

Francisco Tamayo

No response

DISTRICT ONE CANDIDATES

Chuck Sanfilippo

The MLS and City/ County documents that I've read, state specific terms & conditions, as it is to remain agricultural / equestrian per the zoning. At City Hall meeting, posted on social media and attended arena events along with the Mayor. I am the only one of Council candidates that actually stood up for the Arena and it's use. It's what gives the City diversity and choices. There's something for everyone in Chula Vista, it just doesn't have to been all in the same space.

Joy Emmanuel

Bonita has always been a horse riding community. The MacMillan Bonita development was designed with horse trails that wind through the entire development. There are lots which are specifically zoned for stabling horses right next to homes. It is a rare fair feature and one that should never be lost. 

Bonita is one of the few places in the county where there is access to an equestrian ring at Rohr Park. The Rohr Park Horse Arena must remain. With more soccer fields we are only going to attract more soccer teams from all over the county. It is counter-intuitive to the community desire for fewer lights and less noise.

Carolina Chavez

The Rohr Park Horse Arena is a special part of our community, with a longstanding tradition that many generations of families have enjoyed. I also recognize the importance of creating more open spaces for youth and families in our community.

I support expanding access and awareness around our equestrian programs so that more young people, especially youth from disadvantaged communities within our city, have the opportunity to experience and participate in a sport with deep roots in our community. I would also be interested in exploring scholarship and community partnership opportunities that make those programs more accessible.

Most importantly, I believe this conversation should continue to bring people together so that every voice is heard.

Greg Martinez

No response

Sergio C. Vargas

No response

DISTRICT TWO CANDIDATES

Russ Hall

The park is big enough for both. Lets work to do this. We have a shortage of athletic fields. The school districts are terrible at allowing usage of their fields…this is why the city park system is so heavily relied on.

Jose Preciado

No response

Angelica S. Martinez

No response

Jesse Navarro

No response

Look for a second Q&A in today's Common Sense:

Rohr Park is in Chula Vista, yet it is located in the middle of the neighboring Bonita-

Sunnyside community. What are your ideas about calming traffic, quieting elevated

noise levels and reducing light pollution (from lighted fields) that may arise

from additions to the Rohr Park Master Plan?

Stay tuned for the final answers to tomorrow's questions:

The County of San Diego has reported 19,000 vehicles using Bonita-Sunnyside roads daily. Most of this traffic is traveling between Chula Vista and Eastlake (both directions) and avoiding tolls on SR-125. All of this traffic travels on San Miguel Road, a narrow residential road. What are your thoughts on reducing this traffic? Would you be in favor of removing the Proctor Valley Road connector section? Please also elaborate on other ideas you may have to relieve Bonita-Sunnyside of excess Chula Vista traffic.

Would you support the City of Chula Vista annexing the remaining parts of Bonita Sunnyside? What advantages/disadvantages do you see from that action?

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