THE VALLEJO WEEKLY VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32 | NOVEMBER 12, 2020
MAYOR’S MESSAGE Hello Vallejo, This has been quite an interesting year with so many changes, but unfortunately, one thing that hasn't changed is the existence of Covid-19 in our world. From the lives it has claimed to the blows to our local economies, none of it has been easy. As we head into winter, I want to remind everyone that we need to do our part to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy, especially as we head into the holidays where families tend to gather together. Holidays this year are going to look very different from what they have in the past; we are going to have to do things slightly modified from years prior. In my next letter to the community, I will share some creative and safe ways that I will celebrate the holidays with my own family. Hopefully, this will spark some creativity in you being able to find ways to be apart safely but still be together during this special time of year. Covid-19 is a tricky disease. We still don't know everything about Covid-19, but we know a bit about protecting ourselves from infectious diseases. The CDC is still recommending the people practice the following habits:
When possible, avoid large gatherings. In Solano County, many of our cases have been correlated to gatherings where many people in attendance did not live in the same household.
Wash your hands regularly. We should be doing this anyway, but it's a simple step in protecting yourselves against the spread of disease. 20-seconds of hand-scrubbing under warm water with soap should do the trick! Wear a mask. I know many people are over wearing masks. I see maskless folks all over town now, but that doesn't mean the virus is gone. We must continue to do our part in protecting others by wearing that mask. Lastly, it's important that you get your flu shot. Solano County had its first case of a co-infection of the flu and Coronavirus last month. Having the flu or any other illness weakens our immune system and puts us at a greater risk for contracting other diseases, even the Coronavirus. Whether you have health insurance or not, there are options out there for you to get the flu shot at low- or no-cost clinics. You can find that information at vaccinefinder.org.
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
I am worried that if we continue on this upwards trend of more and more cases, we may see restrictions put back into place, so let's work together to make sure that doesn't happen. Until next week, Vallejo, Your Mayor, Bob Sampayan
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32
PAGE 2
The City of Vallejo is pleased to offer the following employment opportunities: - Building Maintenance Supervisor
- Legal Secretary - Meter Reader - Police Cadet - Police Officer (Entry - Academy Graduate) - Police Officer (Lateral and Recruit)
PERSONNEL
- Transportation Manager Visit governmentjobs.com/careers/vallejo for more information and to apply.
PAGE 3
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
TRANSPORTATION MANAGER
PERSONNEL
The City of Vallejo invites your interest in the position of Transportation Manager. The Transportation Manager position in the Public Works Department will manage, supervise, plan and coordinate the City’s transportation infrastructure plans and projects; coordinate assigned activities with other Public Works divisions, City departments, outside agencies, and the general public; and provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Public Works Director. For a complete description of this position, please review our brochure, which can be found here. In order to be considered for the position of Transportation Manager, interested candidates should attach a resume, cover letter, and 3-5 references by the application close date of November 16.
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32
PAGE 4
PERSONNEL
WATER DISTRIBUTION TECHNICIAN The City of Vallejo is seeking candidates for five Water Distribution Technician positions, as collaborative members of the City's Water Department. This recruitment is being conducted to fill five full-time vacancies. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, parttime, limited term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year. The ideal Water Distribution Technician will be skilled in installation and be able to perform maintenance services of water distribution systems; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas or responsibility. To apply for this amazing opportunity, or for more information about the recruitment process, please click here.
PAGE 5
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
DEVELOPING VALLEJO
COMMITTEE CHOOSES DEVELOPER FOR FAIRGROUNDS SITE On October 22 the Solano360 Implementation Committee, comprised of two county Supervisors and two City of Vallejo City councilmembers, met to hear a recommendation from County and City staff regarding developer proposals for the Solano Fairgrounds site. The City and the County initiated a two-step process which included a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), where four developers issued their qualifications for the project. The second step in the process included the committee choosing two of the proposers to move forward to submit a concept and proposal through a limited distribution Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The Lewis Group, and JLL/IRG both submitted proposals to develop the fairgrounds site, and after a detailed review of the proposals, the Committee selected JLL/IRG as the developer for the 149-acre site. To view the proposal submitted by JLL/IRG, click here. To view the proposal submitted by the Lewis Group, click here. For more information about the qualification process, and the Solano360 Project, please visit solanocounty.com/solano360.
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32
PAGE 6
BUILDING DIVISION UPDATES
The structure for the former Momentum Car Dealership, located at 1001 Admiral Callaghan Lane, received approval for its final inspection for the fire damage repair permit issued on September 4. On September 30, TESLA submitted plans for a tenant improvement project at this same location. This project is valued at $452,000. Nation's Giant Hamburger, located at 2525 Sonoma Boulevard, received their Temporary Certificate of Occupancy on October 13 for the newly remodeled Nations Giant Burger. This project was valued at $618,200.
BUILDING DIVISION PERMITS ISSUED
On October 8, The Cunningham Aquatic Complex located at 801 Heartwood Avenue were issued plans to build a new 1,125 Warm-Up Swimming Pool. This project valuation is $245,000.
On October 14, The 7-Eleven Convenience store located 1610 Fairgrounds Drive received plans for their interior and exterior remodel. The improvements include the store and fueling station. Total square footage is 4,265. The total valuation is $299,000.
On October 28, The Korean Mama’s Cooking Restaurant received their plans for a tenant improvement. This restaurant will be located at 3624 Sonoma Blvd at the former location of Mya’s Thai House (who has moved next door). Korean Mama’s tenant improvement is valued at $13,300.
PAGE 7
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
DEVELOPING VALLEJO
Bath and Body Works, located at 137 Plaza Drive, received their final inspection on September 21. The bath store is located at the former site of The Avenue Women’s Apparel. The valuation for this tenant improvement project was $15,000.
COMMUNITY
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY DAY The Vallejo Police Department (VPD) is working with its Operation PEACE Community Taskforce (OPCT) to host their first Virtual Community Day on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. The primary focus of this event is to provide a public platform for VPD to re-establish positive relationships with community members. The goal is also to inform the public about services and resources available to them by highlighting community-based organizations, individuals and advocacy groups doing great work in the community. Viewers can expect to hear from members of the 4Cs (Community, Cops, Clergy, Council) who will share various tips, education, resources and solutions for a better Vallejo. Registration: To register for the Virtual Community Day, click here, or tune in live on the VPD's Facebook Page! You may also visit vallejopd.net for more information. OPCT Mission: The Operation PEACE Community Taskforce (OPCT) represents diverse community members working to identify the contributing factors of crime and violence, mitigate their effects and create long term solutions for a safer Vallejo. The Operation PEACE Community Taskforce will achieve these goals by building community partnerships and increasing awareness about the programs, services and resources available to the public. To get involved with the OPCT, please email VallejoPolicePio@cityofvallejo.net and take the Community Taskforce Survey. VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32
PAGE 8
FLU SEASON IS HERE! Now more than ever, with Coronavirus still present, it is important that you protect yourself and the ones you love by getting your flu shot this winter. Click here to find low-cost and no-cost vaccine flu clinics near you.
SUBSCRIBE TO ALERT SOLANO EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS
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.
COMMISSION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS GRANTS $80,000 in community art grants will be awarded by the Commission on Culture and the Arts. There are three categories in which to apply: Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Cultural Events. At least one award will be given in each category. Projects must be completed by 2021 and grantees must make a final presentation to the Commission on Culture and the Arts upon completion. There are two $10,000 grants, five $5,000 grants and twelve $2,500 which will be awarded. Grants to organizations will be awarded to groups that provide our community with access to high quality artistic experiences, build audiences and provide opportunity for greater understanding and appreciation of the arts. Grants for artists will be given to allow artists to explore and create, help to build audiences, and provide support in career development. Interested parties should email renayconlin@vallejoarts.org. Once your proposal is submitted, a selection committee will review all the grants applications and make decisions about awardees. The deadline for submission is November 17 by 6 p.m. For more information about this grant, click here.
PAGE 9
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
COMMUNITY
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.
COMMUNITY VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32
PAGE 10
DOLLAR DAYS ON THE BAY San Francisco Bay Ferry wants to thank essential workers and welcome new riders on board with one dollar fares through the month of November. The ferry offers a pleasant, fresh air trip across the Bay and use critical health measures in effect to protect passengers and crews. Masks are required on board at all times and capacity is limited to ensure proper social distancing. For this promotion of one dollar fares, download the Hopthru app on smartphone and connect a credit card, Apple Pay or a prepaid debit card. You can click the links below to go right to Hopthru in your app store of choice; search for San Francisco Bay Ferry. Purchase one dollar one-way promo tickets for your chosen route. Buy two if you’re taking a round trip. You can buy tickets for multiple members of your party if you're riding in group. For Vallejo: Activate your ticket before boarding the ferry and show it to the deckhand at the top of the ramp. You can activate multiple tickets and slide your finger across the screen to show them all to the deckhand. Then you can board the ferry safely and find a seat, maintaining distance from other passengers who have already boarded.
For more information, click here.
GVRD TEN-YEAR MASTER PLAN Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) is developing a comprehensive 10-year master plan to see where their parks can grow, how their programs can expand, what improvements can be done for their facilities, and better ways to serve the community. They would like feedback from the Vallejo community about their master plan to guide the district for the next 10 years. The survey can be taken online at vallejoparksurvey.org/open, or in person by visiting the GVRD office at 395 Amador Street.
COVID19 TESTING Help protect yourself and the people around you by getting tested for COVID-19. Public health officials globally are working together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding access to reliable screening is critical to containment efforts. For more information about getting tested, visit the following sites: Project Baseline, CVS Pharmacy, OptumServe.
PAGE 11
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
COMMUNITY
For Alameda/Oakland and Richmond: As you arrive at your destination, activate the ticket and disembark safely. Show the deckhand at the end of the ramp to confirm payment. You can activate multiple tickets and slide your finger across the screen to show them all to the deckhand. From there, enjoy the rest of your journey.
DONATION DRIVE FOR EBT-EXEMPT ITEMS What is true today is that individuals and families cannot live by food alone; other items to maintain hygiene and cleanliness are also needed. Our community's less fortunate have EBT cards to purchase food, however are unable to purchase other essential items. To meet this challenge, the Proper 47 Network of Vallejo has partnered with North Bay Ministers Union and other Non-Profit Organizations to host a contactless donation drive. They are asking for donations of:
COMMUNITY
Soap, Laundry Detergent, Cleaning/Disinfecting Wipes Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Toilet Seat Covers Toiletry Items Travel Size Hygiene Kits Diapers Feminine Hygiene products Disposable Face Masks.
Join them on November 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Faith Fellowship Church at 551 Sonoma Boulevard. For additional information, please contact Pastor Neal Young Jr. at 707-304-4763 or at oyoung@ccyoso.org
GIVING THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) is hosting a Thanksgiving food drive and accepting donations until November 20. They are accepting non-perishable items like canned vegetables, instant potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce. Drop off locations are 395 Amador Street between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 801 Heartwood Avenue between the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. GVRD is also providing Turkey Kits filled with a Thanksgiving meal. This curbside event will be held on November 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information or to register for this event, click here.
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32
PAGE 12
COMMUNITY
PAGE 13
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
COMMUNITY VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32
PAGE 14
COMMUNITY
VALLEJO FIREFIGHTERS HOST ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE Ask any Vallejo Firefighter and they will tell you that their annual Holiday Toy Drive is one of their proudest charitable campaigns. The toy drive dates back at least 25 years and has grown to collect and distribute over 15,000 toys annually! This year, the toy drive offers a couple of extra donation options. With COVID-19 taken into consideration, our firefighters wanted to ensure that our community members had options beyond just in-person donations. Monetary donations are accepted through the Solano Napa Firefighters Foundation website, which helps sponsor the annual event. Additionally, persons can purchase gifts from an Amazon Gift Registry set up by the firefighters. New and unwrapped donations will continue to be collected at each open Vallejo fire station. Local business partners will be announced as toy donation bins are placed at their locations around town. The toy drive partners with numerous local organizations such as House of Acts, Solano AIDS Coalition, Faith Food Fridays, Christian Help Center and more. If you or your family is in need of assistance, we encourage you to contact these local organizations.
PAGE 15
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
COMMUNITY VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32
PAGE 16
COMMUNITY
PAGE 17
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
COMMUNITY VOLUME 8, ISSUE 32
PAGE 18
CALTRANS TO BEGIN WORK ON INTERSTATE 80 SIX BRIDGES PROJECT Beginning the week of November 16, Caltrans crews will increase the vertical clearance on six overcrossings that cross over Interstate 80 (I-80) in the city of Vallejo just north of the Carquinez Bridge, as part of the "Six Bridges Project." The bridges will be worked on one at a time, starting with Springs Road, followed by Magazine Street, Benicia Road, Georgia Street, Tennessee Street, and Redwood Street. In order to ensure worker and public safety, eastbound and westbound Springs Road will be closed at Interstate 80 for four months starting on the week of November 16, 2020 until mid-February 2021. Springs Road Bridge Detour Route Westbound Detour:
Motorists traveling westbound on Springs Road will need to turn right onto Humboldt Street, make a left turn onto westbound Tennessee Street, make another left turn onto southbound Mariposa Street and back to Springs Road. Eastbound Detour:
Shuttle Service Available A 24-hour shuttle service will be available for pedestrians and bicyclists who need to cross Springs Road Bridge. Shuttle service information will be available at i80sixbridgesvallejo.com during the Springs Road Bridge Closure. Transit Services Caltrans Bay Area and Solano County Transit (SolTrans) is collaborating on making sure bus services will continue to run in the area while the construction is underway. Routes 7A and 7B will detour around Springs Road overcrossing to Tennessee Street causing a five to ten minute delay after the following stops: • 7A – Springs & Humboldt (Stop ID 822060) • 7B – Florida & Solano (Stop ID 821096) Vallejo Transit Center departure times will not be affected. For real-time bus information and route schedules visit SolTrans.org. To learn more about I-80 Six Bridges project, visit i80sixbridgesvallejo.com.
PAGE 19
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
VALLEJO NEWS
Motorists traveling eastbound on Springs Road will need to turn left on northbound Mariposa Street, right turn on eastbound Tennessee Street and a right turn onto southbound Humboldt Street to Springs Road. Springs Road Bridge will be completely closed to motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists, day and night, during the four-month construction period.
VALLEJO NEWS VALLEJO WATERSHED ALLIANCE NOVEMBER CLEANUPS In the month of November, the Vallejo Watershed Alliance is offering a couple of volunteer opportunities, including their first get-together. There will still be DIY Cleanups, but the Alliance will also team up with the North Bay Ploggers for a safe cleanup along the waterfront. On November 21 at 9:00 a.m., there will be a meet up at the north end of the Ferry Building/Front Room parking lot on Mare Island Way. The Vallejo Watershed Alliance, North Bay Plogger, and volunteers, will spread out and cover the waterfront for this cleanup. Wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing, mask, hat, sunscreen and gloves. Bring a trash picker if you have one. Supplies, sanitizer, snacks and water will be provided. All month long, the focus for this month’s DIY Cleanups is Hanns Park and Delta Meadows Park. You pick the location, day and time of your cleanup and email Info@VallejoWatershedAlliance.org with the information. The Vallejo Watershed Alliance can provide disposable gloves, trash bags, hand sanitizer, waiver and pickers, and will be happy to drop them on your porch. Once your cleanup is complete, leave the filled trash bags next to the garbage cans at the park and let us know how many bags there are and any other items that are too big for the bags, along with how many people were there. The Alliance will notify GVRD and they will dispose of the filled bags. For all events, the rules of COVID still apply: Don’t do this if you feel ill or have a fever, face coverings are strongly recommended, keep at least 6 feet of social distance with people who aren’t in your household, and sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow.
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