Community outraged as park access locked for exclusive use

During a recent city council meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to the exclusive use contract granted to the Sunnyside Saddle Club (SSC) for the equestrian arena at Rohrer Park. The contract, approved on October 17, 2023, has resulted in the locking of the arena, which has historically served as a public resource for local horse owners.

Speakers at the meeting highlighted that the decision to grant SSC exclusive access contradicts previous assurances from city officials that the arena would remain open to the public. Concerns were raised regarding potential violations of local and state laws, including Chula Vista municipal code and California resource code, which emphasize public access to community resources.

Community advocate Judy Teber, who is also the president of the Sui Water Valley Civic Association and owner of Mount Miguel Stables, faced scrutiny for her support of the contract, raising questions about conflicts of interest among city officials. Critics argued that the exclusive agreement undermines the city’s responsibility to ensure equitable access to public spaces.

Additionally, the installation of surveillance equipment without public notice has sparked privacy concerns, with references made to California penal code regarding privacy rights. The council was reminded of previous incidents where local law enforcement was called to investigate horse owners, further complicating the relationship between the SSC and the community.

In response to the backlash, city officials noted that membership to the SSC is available to the public for a nominal fee, with no residency requirements, suggesting that access is still possible despite the exclusive contract. However, community members remain adamant that the locking of the arena represents a significant loss of public access to a cherished community resource.