Summer is well and truly upon us and all the events and happenings that make up a National City summer are kicking off this week. The Fourth of July Carnival starts on July 1, National Night Out is scheduled for August 4, and the community is well and truly into the barbecue season. It's a fact, in National City, we know how to do summer right. Pour a tall glass of something cold and enjoy this addition of Your National City News.
The City of National City and the National City Host Lions Club will host the annual Fourth of July Carnival at Kimball Park from July 1st – July 5th. The carnival features games, rides, food and drink items for sale by area non-profit organizations, and various entertainment throughout the week including musical acts and contests. Events throughout the week include the 60th Anniversary of the Miss National City Pageant and the South Bay’s ONLY inland fireworks display.
The National City Library upgraded the very popular and well used ‘Computer Center’ in May 2015 with all new computers. A total of 64 computers were replaced and the library patrons are very pleased.
We will also be completing installation of new computers on the 1st floor of the Library very soon, which includes the Reference/Young Adult area and Children’s room.
For more information on the National City Library
Congratulations to our National City Police Department and National City Fire Department for winning First Place in the American Lung Association Fight For Air Climb Event. 
The City of National City is earning a reputation as a public agency that makes things happen. Regional organizations continue to honor National City with awards and recognitions for the great works that is being done. Among the most recent are:
Benjamin Peck is one of National City’s Police Officers and is being recognized as the Employee of the Quarter.
Officer Peck has proven to be a consummate team player since he began working for the National City Police Department 4 years ago. We cannot overemphasize enough the appreciation for the quality of work and enthusiasm Officer Peck demonstrates every day as he patrols our community.
We thank you Officer Peck for your dedication and relentless services to our community!
SDG&E has awarded a $2,500 grant to National City's Community Emergency Response Teams.
In May, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) launched the SAFE San Diego Initiative providing safety grants to San Diego County-based Fire Safe Councils (FSC) and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). A total of $125,000 was awarded to local FSC and CERT for emergency preparedness training, community education and outreach, and volunteer recruitment and retention programs. CONGRATULATIONS National City CERT team for being selected to receive a $2,500 grant as part of this initiative.
More information on National City's CERT Team.
or
https://www.facebook.com/NATIONAL.CITY.CERT
The National City Police Department, in partnership with the Sheriff’s Department and the Safe Routes to School program at Rady Children’s Hospital surprised students from Rancho de la Nación and El Toyon School with bikes and safety helmets just in time for summer break. 50 students were chosen by their teachers for demonstrating good citizenship, excellent attendance and leadership skills in their classrooms.
This program is the first of its kind here in National City, all of which is made possible through the partnership of the Police and Sherriff’s department collaboration with local inmates who refurbish donated bikes throughout the year. The program provides 25 bikes per school, the Police Departments hopes this program will soon include all the schools in the National City School District. “Our intent is twofold,” said National City Police Sgt. Alex Hernandez. “Educate kids about the importance of wearing helmets, and encourage kids to be good citizens, attend school and be leaders in the classroom.” Both City and School officials hope the giveaway and educational program made a lasting impression on the students to act as an incentive to practice safe bike riding during the school year and summer break.
Congratulations to the 2015 National City Scholarship Award Winners: CECILIO MICHAEL PORTILLO, ESTEVAN LOPEZ, AND LUIS FERNANDO PEÑA.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the graduate(s) must be from Sweetwater High School Class of 2015. The graduate(s) must attend Fire / EMT or Paramedic training at Southwestern College, San Diego Miramar College, and/or Palomar College.
Scholarship(s) will be awarded on the basis of essay and academic standing.
It is our goal that this scholarship assist parents of Sweetwater High School graduates in their efforts to pursue a college education.
Special thanks American Medical Response - San Diego & National City Firefighters IAFF Local 2744
The National City Fire Department - Prevention Bureau performs fire safety inspections on businesses and residential properties. Under the general direction of the Fire Marshal, fire safety inspections are carried out by a Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Inspector, and Reserve Fire Inspectors who are all trained to provide up-to-date information on current construction code requirements and all fire protection systems.
The Fire Department Reserve Fire Inspector Program has been in place since 1997. Reserve Inspectors assist Fire Prevention personnel with various office and field duties. They conduct fire safety inspections where they identify fire hazards and make recommendations for corrections. They research, interpret and apply codes, ordinances, and regulations; provide technical assistance; issue permits; and maintain files and records. They also participate in fire safety education programs, presentations and events.
For more information contact Fire Prevention at 619-336-4550.
For the July Gym and Facility Schedule visit the National City website.
Facility Hours are Monday through Friday 3-8pm, Saturday 11am-4:30pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm. Activities include FREE open play basketball and indoor soccer, dance classes, arts and crafts, and more! For Questions call the Community Services Department at (619) 336-4290 or email communityservices@nationalcityca.gov.
National City Police Officers are doing great things!
Officer Cody Kalankiewicz participated in the Open Division of the Surfing Contest for the Police and Fire Championships. Officer Kalankiewicz won a Gold Medal for his athletic abilities. Officer Kalankiewicz wanted to thank his entire squad for their support.
Congratulations!
Ocean Connectors has been using migratory marine life to educate, inspire, and connect underserved youth since 2007. Ocean Connectors participants get to visit aquariums, perform habitat restoration, and attend whale watching excursions all completely free of charge, through the generous support of our community partners.
The nonprofit has achieved great success, with programs reaching 1,500 National City school children each year as well as students in Nayarit, Mexico, but help was needed to take Ocean Connectors to the next level of organizational growth and development. Last year, the Director applied to LEAD San Diego, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing civically engaged leaders and informed, capable individuals who take action to effect positive change in our region. Each year, members of the LEAD San Diego Impact class are divided into six teams, and each team is matched with a local nonprofit agency that benefits from the team members’ expertise.
Ocean Connectors was one of six lucky nonprofits selected in 2015. An incredible team of seven local experts joined forces to develop a strategic plan that reveals next steps for the organization, identifies new partners, and engages the skills of local community leaders. The team helped Ocean Connectors launch a new website, implement a new logo, expand the Advisory Board, and develop an eco-tour social enterprise program. The LEAD team’s support will lay the groundwork for Ocean Connectors to grow to all schools in National City School District, thus helping to ensure that at-risk youth form a deep and meaningful connection with the coastal environment that surrounds them. The LEAD team members have become lifelong advocates for Ocean Connectors, after seeing the positive impacts of the programs in-action.
The LEAD team presented their work at the LEAD Graduation on June 5, 2015. The team was joined on stage by National City Mayor Ron Morrison, who expressed his sincere support for Ocean Connectors. Watch the video here: http://youtu.be/UEG9mTq4yAM
Please visit the Ocean Connectors website (www.oceanconnectors.org) to learn more, and consider making a donation to support this important organization!
“A” Avenue “Green” Street project will create a “Green Street” that implements Low-Impact Development (LID) infiltration measures to improve water quality of urban runoff entering the storm drain system which discharges downstream into paradise Creek at Kimball Park. It will create a safe, environmentally friendly walking path along “A” Avenue to connect Historic Brick Row, Morgan Square and the 8th Street Revitalization District to City Hall, National City Public Library and Kimball Park. It will also provide educational opportunities through implementation of interpretative signage and creek themed art.
