Plans to bring a university to Chula Vista stalled by state

The mayor called it a “huge win.” The state assemblyman called it “the first step.”

On Wednesday, the City of Chula Vista and state leaders joined dignitaries from San Diego state University and the Cal state University Board of Trustees to announce plans for a new Cinematic Arts Academic Center and Library, which would be located in the Millenia development in the Otay Ranch part of town.

The $89 million facility would house new studios and workspaces for SDSU’s Television, Film, and New Media program. The 168,000-square-foot facility would also contain Chula Vista’s first new public library since 1995.

Mayor Mary Casillas Salas said the partnership will open doors in the South Bay.

“For [SDSU] to put their cinema program here in Chula Vista is such a huge win for all of us,” said Mayor Salas.

“This is really important,” added state Assemblyman David Alvarez, who helped secure $25 million in state funding for the project. Chula Vista is offering $59 million while the state is offering $5 million more.