VOLUME 8, ISSUE 21 | AUGUST 27, 2020
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY
MAYOR’S MESSAGE Hello Vallejo, The last six months have posed some severe challenges to our community. From COVID 19 to economic hardship for our residents, businesses, and city government, to a spike in crime. It is the latter I wish to write about. As of today, our homicide rate is at an alarming 19. Shootings are on the rise, as are auto thefts. I have received many messages voicing your concerns about crime. Residents of our city are afraid; and as your Mayor, I hear the concerns, your heartbreak, and fears. I have taken your comments directly to the City Manager, Greg Nyhoff, and Police Chief Shawny Williams, demanding that we take back our city. I suggested that we enlist the help of the California Highway Patrol as we did in the mid-1990s where they augmented our patrol staffing with eight officers patrolling some of the more challenging areas of Vallejo. That program, Operation Safe-Streets, was a success with a large reduction in crime, firearms were taken off the street, many stolen vehicles were recovered and perpetrators sentenced to jail.
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Chief Williams has agreed to this strategy and has written to the CHP Commissioner as well as the Area Commander, asking for help. He and Assistant Chief Allio have also asked for the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the ATF for assistance. FBI has committed resources to us. This is all part of a larger project to reduce crime in Vallejo. You can read more about Operation PEACE Project and the plan of action to decrease crime in our city by clicking here for more information. Lastly, I am excited to share the news about our COPS Hiring Program grant award! This grant award will allow for eight new sworn positions in VPD. VPD plans to increase their number of detectives, expand their Crime Reduction Team, address quality of life concerns many in our community have, and reduce the growing gun violence. The COPS grant is a win-win for the City of Vallejo. As always, I wish you all well. Your Mayor, Bob Sampayan
Featured Recruitment: Risk Manager and Safety Officer
PERSONNEL
The City of Vallejo is seeking applicants for the position of Risk Manager & Safety Officer. This is a highly collaborative position as the Risk Division provides a comprehensive, cost-effective, and proactive approach to managing risks to support total worker health of City employees and volunteers, and safeguards the City’s financial assets and property. The Risk Manager and Safety Officer will be adept at managing a large and complex risk program, have a proven track record in improving the risk experience for employers by aggressively managing claims and taking proactive preventative steps to reduce risk exposure. While not required, ARM or CRM designations are desirable. Applications are due by 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Applicants must submit a completed City of Vallejo online application, including a cover letter, resume, and 3-5 references, by the posted deadline in order to be considered. To apply for this amazing opportunity and for more information on the Risk Manager & Safety Officer position please click here. Or for more information about the City's Risk Division, you can visit the City's website at cityofvallejo.net.
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 21
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Firefighters Protect Water Department Assets Three Vallejo Fire Department apparatus' were sent to Suisun/Green Valley area during the height of the LNU Lightning Complex fire on August 19 to protect the Vallejo Water Department's treatment plant at Lake Curry. Firefighters stayed on site for 24 hours to ensure the majority of the property was protected.
The Vallejo Fire Department has been awarded two grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with purchasing equipment and supplies. The first is an Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - COVID-19 Supplemental from FEMA to help with the purchase of COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, surgical gowns, protective eye wear, and latex gloves. The Department was awarded $27,594. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant is also from FEMA for the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. SCBA's ensure firefighters can breathe while while battling fires and rescuing citizens. The Department's current units are over 12 years old and do not meet current safety guidelines. The Department was awarded $572,727.
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THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 21
DEPARTMENTS IN ACTION
Fire Department Awarded Two FEMA Grants
Traffic Calming on Skyline Drive
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
City staff has been working with a group of Skyline Drive residents to improve safety and reduce speeding on Skyline Drive. This effort has led to a Pilot Project to install speed cushions with corresponding signage and striping on Skyline between Vervais Avenue and Redwood Street. A speed cushion is a speed bump that requires all passenger vehicles to slow down to go over them, but allows larger vehicles like Fire Trucks proceed over them without slowing and therefore will not impact emergency response time. These temporary rubberized speed cushions were installed and will stay in place for 12 months (unless there is a safety reason to have them removed earlier), as staff keep track of comments/ feedback. At the end of the 12 month program, staff will review all comments/data and make a final decision on whether to keep the speed cushions in place. If you have any questions, or want to provide feedback once the speed cushions have been installed please contact David Yatabe, Consultant Traffic Engineer at (707) 648-4300 or by email at david.yatabe@cityofvallejo.net.
Water Tanks Get Washed Did you know that the water flowing from your tap is first processed at the Fleming Hill Water Treatment Plant and then pumped to a neighborhood tank to be stored until you need it? Drinking water storage tanks are located throughout Vallejo to make it easy for water to flow upon demand to homes, businesses, and hydrants. These neighborhood tanks are a critical part of the City’s water system as they provide water pressure for your kitchen sink and neighborhood fire hydrants.
The Water Department inspects, cleans, and repairs these tanks regularly to maintain the tanks’ integrity and reliability. Recently tanks in the Heather Ridge neighborhood and Glen Cove (named Hunter’s Ranch 1 and Dos Reis 1, respectively) were cleaned as part of the 5-year cycle to maintain all 27 of the tanks in your City of Vallejo water system. Water Director Mike Malone explains: “Tank cleaning is a critical, collaborative effort undertaken by our various Water divisions to add longevity and resiliency to our infrastructure. I am proud of the Water team for their diligence and proactive work in this area. ” THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 21
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The tank cleaning program is a commitment Water staff made to Council and the community during the 2019 water rates process, to tackle deferred maintenance in Vallejo’s water system. Cleaning a tank is more complex than one might think. It takes a month or two from start to finish! First, Water staff disconnects the tank from the water distribution system by closing the valves in the pipes that lead to the tank. Then the tanks are drained and power-washed with fresh potable water (“potable” means drinking water). Next, tank experts inspect the tank and, if needed, provide repairs. The process is completed by disinfecting, refilling, and testing the tank before reconnecting it back to the distribution system. Fortunately, water service is not disrupted during this long process because of careful planning and system redundancy. “Redundancy” means there’s more than one way to deliver the water to where it needs to go. Water staff have made sure that nearby tanks can handle neighborhood demands while the tank being cleaned is temporarily out of service.
Upcoming tanks planned for maintenance will be in the North Hills neighborhood (Skyview tank), then in Glen Cove (Dos Reis 2 tank) and then back to the Heather Ridge neighborhood for the second tank (Hunter’s Ranch 2 tank). For more important information about the Water Department, please visit VallejoWater.org.
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THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 21
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
Water Department Engineer, Melissa Cansdale, leads the City’s water tank maintenance program. Water Engineering Manager, Mark Quady, shares that “Melissa Cansdale is our Project Manager, and she is doing an excellent job leading and coordinating this project. It really is a team effort, and requires close coordination with the Department’s Operations, Distribution, and Water Quality divisions, as well as exterior agencies like Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District (VFWD), and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).”
Public Works and Student Conservation Association Partner to Plant Trees
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
The US Forestry Service applied for a Cal Fire grant to plant trees in low income neighborhoods while utilizing local youth to provide the labor. Sean Taylor of the Public Works Department identified locations on City property that met the criteria for planting boundaries and Student Conservation Association (SCA) has planted a total of 300 trees over the last 3 years. These are the last 27 trees planted as part of the grant.
Illegal Dumping Cameras Deployed As illegal dumping continues to plague many parts of the city, Public Works in partnership with the IT department, as well as the Community Services Section (CSS), worked together to come up with a plan to tackle the issue. A list of hot spots where illegal dumping continuously occurs were identified based off of CSS and Public Works Crews feedback. Poles, electricity and all equipment needed for installation were secured and cameras have began to be deployed. Cameras are a huge component of the City's illegal dumping prosecution efforts. Funds for the cameras were secured through the winning Mobile Cameras for Illegal Dumping Campaign project from Cycle 6 of the Participatory Budgeting process. If you see someone actively dumping trash/debris anywhere, call the police department immediately at 9-1-1 or (707) 648-0445 or e-mail IllegalDumping@cityofvallejo.net. Ensure you get a good description of the person dumping, the vehicle that they were driving, and if possible, the vehicle license plate number. Please try and take videos and photos of the dumper and their vehicle. Be careful. Do not compromise your safety. If you see illegally dumped trash after the fact on public property i.e.: street, sidewalk, alley, State CalTrans, GVRD or other City owned property: Call Public Works Maintenance at (707) 648-5207 or report via SeeClickFix. For dumping on a vacant lot or private property: Contact Code Enforcement Division at (707) 648-4469 or Code.Enforcement@cityofvallejo.net. It is possible to obtain a Free Neighborhood Dumpster from the Code Enforcement Division. Please click this link to find out more about the Free Neighborhood Dumpster Program.
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Wildland Safety Throughout California, wildfires will continue to be fueled by a buildup of seasonal dry vegetation driven by extreme dry conditions and local strong winds, making brush fuels extremely dangerous and challenging for firefighters. The Vallejo Fire Department stands ready to quickly respond and contain wildfires, but we can't do this without your cooperation. The "Ready! Set! Go!" brochure is intended to provide valuable information on being prepared in the event of an immediate evacuation order due to an emergency like a brush fire. The "Defensible Space" brochure provides critical information on proper protecting your family and property associated with the threat of wildland fires. Both brochures can be downloaded and referred to for pre-planning and preparation.
Prepare yourself by taking the necessary steps to give you, your family, and property the best chance of surviving a devastating wildfire. For additional information, please visit the Fire Department's website.
Sign Up for Alert Solano In order to receive important messages during emergencies, the City of Vallejo urges local residents who live, work, play, or travel through Solano County to sign up for its emergency alert system. Alert Solano efficiently delivers messages and information during incidents and emergencies as they occur via email, cell phone, and/or text messaging. To register, click here.
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THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 21
COMMUNITY
Please take the time to learn how to create and maintain a defensible space around your property and how to harden your home against flying embers. You play the most important role in protecting your family and home in the event of wildland fires evacuations and other significant emergencies.
Town Hall Meetings: Update on Solano County’s COVID-19 Situation Solano Public Health is hosting town hall meetings to provide a Solano County COVID-19 update. During the town halls, Solano County Health Officer Dr. Bela Matyas, will provide a brief data synopsis, an update on reopening, and reminders for bringing people back to work safely. The next town hall meeting will occur on August 27 from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
COMMUNITY
The meeting will be held via Microsoft TEAMS
Click here for the link or call (323) 457-3408 with conference ID 461 864 509# For more information visit the Solano County Public Health’s website or Facebook page.
Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke People who have heart or lung diseases, as well as older adults and children, are at higher risk from wildfire smoke. Check local air quality reports through airnow.gov. Keep indoor air as clean as possible if you are advised to stay indoors. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner, but keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, go to a designated shelter away from the affected area.
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 20
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Property Tax Relief for Victims of the LNU Lightning Complex Fire Property tax relief is available to owners of property that have been damaged or destroyed in the LNU Lightning Complex fire. Those eligible are owners of real property, business equipment and fixtures, orchards or other agricultural groves, aircraft, boats and certain manufactured homes. Property owners may be eligible for a reinstatement of the home’s previous base year value; household furnishings do not qualify for tax relief. Property owners are able to rebuild the property in a like or similar manner or may choose to buy another comparable property and transfer your base year value to the new property. A property owner’s current property taxes will be reduced for the portion of the property damaged or destroyed by the fire, with the reduction remaining in effect until the property is rebuilt, after being surveyed by the County Assessor.
To obtain a copy of the “Reassessment of Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity,” visit the Assessor/Recorders website, call (707) 784-6210, email Assessor@SolanoCounty.com or visit in person, at 675 Texas Street, Suite 2700, in Fairfield, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. To read the full press release, click here.
Solano Disaster Relief Grant Program Solano Community Foundation has begun accepting applications for their Solano Disaster Relief Grant Program until December 31, 2020. The Solano Disaster Relief Fund was established to support recovery and rebuilding efforts to help the nonprofits that are providing direct services to individuals and families. Grants from the Solano Disaster Relief Fund will focus on emergency medical care, counseling, temporary shelter, food and meals to the individuals and families affected by the fires in Solano County. Nonprofits may apply for small grants up to $2,500 to help support relief projects that are short-term, meet the most urgent needs of victims, and are time sensitive (food, clothing, temporary shelter). Nonprofits may also apply for larger grants up to $7,500 to support intermediate and long-term, more complex recovery programs (e.g., employment development or training, healthcare, transportation). The application for is the same for small and large grant requests. Page 9
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 20
COMMUNITY
To qualify for property tax relief, property owners must file a written application with the county assessor within 12 months immediately following the disaster. The damage or destruction of the property must be $10,000 or more of the current market value (sale value before the damage occurred) to qualify the property for this relief.
VALLEJO NEWS Those that are eligible are nonprofit organization (with 501(c)(3)), faith-based organization or government agency. Funding can only be used to pay for (or reimburse) ongoing disaster response efforts, relief and recovery services that will be provided (or that have been provided) to people who live or work in Solano County and are adversely affected by fires in Solano Counties. For more information about this grant program, click here.
SolTrans Awarded $1.85 Million for All-Electric Buses and Infrastructure Solano County Transit (SolTrans) was awarded their second Federal Transit Administration Revitalize America’s Bus Infrastructure Grant. The grant will provide funding to plan, construct, and install electrical charging infrastructure, including en route charging at the Vallejo Transit Center and Curtola Park and Ride Hub, for their growing all-electric bus fleet. SolTrans currently has 4 all-electric buses in their local fleet and are looking to add an all-electric bus to their SolanoExpress fleet in spring 2021. The new SolanoExpress bus will pilot the electric needs for the express fleet and moving towards the all-electric goal. The SolTrans and Maintenance Facility in Vallejo already houses four chargers, the future of the project includes en route charging at the transit centers which will allow buses to charge up while they stop to load and unload passengers making service more efficient.
“We are thrilled to be one of the five California projects to be awarded this grant. We are moving forward with our goal to be all-electric by 2040 and committed to providing a greener, clearer and healthier transit service for our southern Solano Communities.” said Pat Carr SolTrans’ General Service Manager and Project Manager of the Electric Infrastructure Project. To read the full press release, click here.
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CITY OF VALLEJO | 555 SANTA CLARA STREET | VALLEJO, CA | 94590 CITYOFVALLEJO.NET | VALLEJONEWS@CITYOFVALLEJO.NET