Watch South Bay Power Plant Implode, Feb. 2

Byline: Ambrosia Brody CHULA VISTA — Plans for the redevelopment of the Chula Vista Bayfront are closer to being realized with the removal of the South Bay Power Plant scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, weather permitting. Demolition of the steel-framed structure will open the site to public parks and redevelopment — and the public can watch the old plant get blasted off the Bayfront. After years of working toward demolishing the plant, the actual implosion is expected to take just two minutes. Port of San Diego officials anticipate a large spectator turnout, since residents and city officials have been looking forward to the removal of the plant — often referred to as a local “eyesore” — for several years. “We will be ready for potentially thousands of visitors,” said Tanya Castaneda, public information officer for the Port of San Diego. “We will have signs and traffic enforcement officers directing people to the viewing area.” Free public parking will be provided near the demolition viewing area on the far south side of Bayfront Park, at the foot of Marina Way in Chula Vista. “This is a wonderful, unobstructed view of the South Bay Power Plant,” Castaneda said. “We believe it will be the best...