VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22 | SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY
Flex Alert Issued for Holiday Weekend The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning Saturday and extending through Monday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Labor Day weekend temperatures are forecast 10-20 degrees above normal for California, and the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use. Overnight temperatures statewide are projected to be at least 10 degrees higher than normal, which doesn’t allow infrastructure to cool down. High heat is also predicted throughout the West for the weekend, which can limit the ISO’s ability to import energy to serve demand. Consumers can actively help by shifting energy use to morning and nighttime hours. Conservation can lower demand and avoid further actions, including outages, and lessen the duration of possible power interruptions. For example, consumer conservation efforts during a heat wave on Aug. 17 and 18 were key to preventing expected power outages. For more information on how you can reduce your energy use, click here.
Featured Recruitment: Risk Manager and Safety Officer 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.
PERSONNEL
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.
Join Our Team! In addition to the above, featured recruitment, the City of Vallejo is pleased to offer the following employment opportunities:
Communications Operator II (Lateral)
Police Cadet
Police Officer (Entry - Academy Graduate)
Police Officer (Lateral)
Police Officer (Recruit)
Visit governmentjobs.com/careers/Vallejo for more information and to apply.
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
Page 2
Vallejo Police Department: Answering the Call
PERSONNEL Dispatchers are often the first to respond in an emergency and are a vital connection between our officers and our community. Our dispatchers are the backbone of Vallejo PD. Stephanie has been a dispatcher at VPD for five years. In her role, Stephanie wears many hats, including managing police and fire radio traffic, coordinating allied agencies, and handling multiple emergencies, nonemergencies and 911 calls simultaneously. We’d like to recognize Stephanie and all of our dispatchers for being there when we need them the most.
Soon, we will take you behind the scenes of our dispatch center in the first episode of our “Inside Vallejo PD” series. Stay tuned to find out how our dispatchers handle the toughest calls and what it takes to be on the frontlines of our department.
Page 3
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
DEPARTMENTS IN ACTION
Vallejo Firefighters Reassigned to LNU Complex Fires
On August 13, four Vallejo Firefighters were deployed as part of Solano County Strike Team 2350C to the Lake Fire, burning in the Angeles National Forest. 10 days later, they were re-assigned to assist with fires burning closer to home- the SCU Lightning Complex fires burning in the south and east bay. This strike team was relieved by another round of firefighters after 16 long days on the front lines. As of September 1, the relief crews assigned to 2350C have been reassigned once again, now to the North Complex fires burning on the Plumas National Forest. While the North Complex is nearing 50% containment, there are still weeks of work left. Even once full containment is reached, fires burning deep within the fire perimeters will need to be extinguished, to prevent any rekindle. Additionally, tens of thousands of feet of fire hose need to be removed from the fire lines that stretch across miles of steep terrain. We've certainly seen an increase in early-season large scale fires, however, local fire departments across the state anticipate several more tough months ahead. THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
Page 4
VFD: By the Numbers SUPPRESSION There were 1168 calls for service within the Suppression section during the month of August, broken down as follows:
There were 297 total prevention responses in August, as depicted below.
Page 5
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
DEPARTMENTS IN ACTION
PREVENTION
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
Construction Resumes and Naval Cemetery
at
Mare
Island
Preserve
The Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program has resumed construction at the Mare Island Preserve and Naval Cemetery. The work began today, and requires a closure of the Preserve until the project is complete. The IRT project includes grading, installation of drainage systems, minor restoration of burial sites, and fence repair throughout the Naval Cemetery and Preserve. It is anticipated that the Preserve will reopen to the public on October 9. The IRT suspended their work in March 2020 due to COVID-19, and the Preserve was reopened in May for limited public access every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The City of Vallejo closed the Mare Island Preserve in October 2019 after a series of wildfires burned over 40 acres. Since the fire, City staff has addressed various wildfire-related issues on the open space, including shoring up burned areas and addressing safety issues resulting from severe fire damage. You can learn more about the project by watching the City Council meeting link here. For more information on the Mare Island Preserve, click here.
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
Page 6
Vallejo Police Department Launches Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Operation Taking care of our community by removing abandoned vehicles is one of the many steps we can take to improve the City of Vallejo. On August 21, the Vallejo Police Department Traffic Division conducted an abandoned vehicle abatement operation. The target of the operation was to address the over 900 current complaints of abandoned vehicles on public streets throughout the city. The operation consisted of sworn and civilian personnel and covered all eight police beats. The results were 273 complaints checked, 177 vehicles gone on arrival, 42 vehicles towed, 35 tagged for tow, 19 unfounded, and 1 cited.
Community members are encouraged to report abandoned vehicles in Vallejo by calling the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at 707-648-4682 or visit bit.ly/ReportAbandonedVehicles to file an abandoned vehicle report online. See the press release to learn more.
Page 7
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
Abandoned vehicles contribute to blight and are the subject of concern for many of our community members. The Vallejo Police Department Traffic Division conducts daily checks of abandoned vehicles throughout the city and periodically conducts large scale abatement operations.
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
Upgrades to the Vallejo Water System: Water Main Replacement Projects Get Underway The Water Department will be replacing 5,600 feet (over 1-mile) of water mains and installing 124 feet of new water service lines starting August 31, 2020. The water main project is part of the Department’s Capital Improvement Plan to upgrade the water distribution system and increase its reliability. The construction begins this week on Elliot Drive and the intersection of Lorenzo Drive. Water main replacements are your water rate dollars at work! The current water rate plan, approved by Council last fall, prioritizes attention to deferred maintenance and infrastructure. Replacing water mains is just one of many projects moving forward that invest in the long-term effectiveness of your water system for the community!
Benefits of new water main pipes:
Reduces frequency of main breaks and leaks
Increases water flow by replacing and upsizing corroded pipelines
Increased water flow supports fire protection and reduces pumping costs
New pipe materials last longer
Stay tuned for start dates and details for projects at these locations:
Rinaldo Drive: Roleen Dr. to Elliot Dr.
Elliot Drive: Mini Dr. to Lorenzo Dr.
Rome Drive: Elliot Dr. to Diana Dr.
Dillon Drive: Elliot Dr. to Diana Dr.
Roney Avenue: Rice St. to Campbell Ave.
Los Santos Court: Tuolumne St. to End
Sheldon Avenue: Florida St. to Springs Rd.
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
For more information about the upcoming project, please visit: VallejoWaterProjects.org. Page 8
Water Rate Increase and Water Rate Assistance Program Have you noticed an increase in your water bill recently? On July 1, a City-Council approved 10% water rate increase went into effect. This increase will help to pay for deferred infrastructure improvements and maintenance of the Vallejo Water System. Vallejo water bills cover two-month periods. If you’re just receiving your bill now, please remember this billing cycle covers the hottest months of the year when most people tend to use more water - think sprinklers, gardens, and inflatable pools. BUT WAIT, there is good news!
If you want more information about water conservation, click here. For background information on water rates, click here.
Introducing the VALUE List Want to know what’s happening in Vallejo? The Economic Development and Planning and Development Services (PDS) Departments introduce the VALUE list.
The VALUE list (Vallejo Land Use Entitlements) is a snapshot of City of Vallejo projects that are currently in review or have recently been approved. Click here to check out our pending development list and give us your input on community projects! For more information about a specific project, please contact the Project Manager identified on the list. Page 9
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
You may qualify for the City’s Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP). If you are enrolled in PG&E’s CARE program, you may be eligible. For more information please call the Vallejo Water Billing team at (707) 6484345 or to apply click here.
Wildland Safety Throughout California, wildfires will continue to be fueled by a build-up 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.
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. 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.
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
Page 10
Bay Area Explorer
To learn more about this campaign, click here.
California Volunteers As school starts up again and distance learning begins for students, California Volunteers is looking for people to assist families and students during these changing times. California Volunteers will connect you to opportunities to safely help your neighbors, communities, and all of California. Various opportunities to help including being a tutor, mentoring, bridging the digital divide, being a college guide, or monetary donations. Some of these opportunities are virtual or with limited in-person contact. To learn more about each of these opportunities, click here.
Page 11
THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 22
VALLEJO NEWS
Agents of Discovery will host the first ever Bay Area Explorer Campaign. It will kick off this year on September 4 thru October 30. Players will be able to get involved in local parks, including Blue Rocks Spring, and earn badges by completing Missions in the area. The mission is to explore the trail and complete the challenges. Along with this adventure, you will discover new and exciting facts about our world.
VALLEJO NEWS Solano County Library Update Starting September 12, Solano County Library will extend its schedule and services with Saturday hours being from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with their three large branches, John F. Kennedy Library, Vacaville Public Library- Cultural Center, and Fairfield Civic Center Library. On Monday, September 14, the Springstowne Library will reopen to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Springstowne Library is the last Solano County Library branch to reopen due to its small size and social distancing constraints. Extended Solano County Library branch hours are:
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (John F. Kennedy, Fairfield Civic Center Library, and Vacaville Public Library- Cultural Center only)
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Seniors-Only hour
Solano County Library offers in-building service by appointment only. Visit solanolibrary.com to sign up for a day and time. If you do not have access to the internet, you may call 1-866-572-7587 or text “book” to 707-6049700 during business hours to make an appointment for up to 1 hour library access. During your visit you can browse, pick up holds, check out materials, and enjoy some quiet reading or work time. Computers are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Time and capacity limits are in place to promote social distancing and keep everyone safe. Face coverings are required for staff and public. Curbside service will continue to be provided for those who prefer picking up their materials outside of the library. Questions? Email us at askus@splashlibraries.org or call us at 1-866-57-ASKUS (1-866-572-7587). Keep up with the latest library news and events at solanolibrary.com
Subscribe to the Vallejo Weekly, and other City communications, here.
View previous issues of the Vallejo Weekly, here. Submit your positive community story or event for consideration in the Vallejo News section, here.
CITY OF VALLEJO | 555 SANTA CLARA STREET | VALLEJO, CA | 94590 CITYOFVALLEJO.NET | VALLEJONEWS@CITYOFVALLEJO.NET