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Chula Vista proclaims Jan. 20 Ben Vallejo Day, honors 24 years at Living Coast Discovery Center
Summary
Mayor John McCann presented a proclamation honoring Ben Vallejo for 24 years of service leading the Living Coast Discovery Center; council recognized the center’s transition to nonprofit status and growth in programs and revenue.
Mayor John McCann presented a proclamation on Jan. 20 recognizing Ben Vallejo’s 24 years with the Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista, praising the nonprofit aquarium and zoo for its environmental education and community engagement.
The proclamation cited milestones including the center’s transition to a nonprofit in 2010, a 2012 rebrand and growth in annual revenues from about $500,000 in 2010 to $2.5 million in 2025. It also noted capital projects overseen during Vallejo’s tenure, including expansions to sea turtle and shorebird exhibits and upgrades to aquatic life support systems, and the organization’s role in recovering from a 14‑month COVID closure.
Ben Vallejo accepted the proclamation and thanked the city for its long-term support, saying that the Living Coast and its staff “couldn’t be in the position where we are today without the support of the City of Chula Vista.” Council members and attendees applauded as the mayor declared Jan. 20, 2026, “Ben Vallejo Day” in the city.
The proclamation is ceremonial; no council action or appropriation was tied to the item. The council moved on to the consent calendar after the presentation.
