THE VALLEJO WEEKLY VOLUME 8, ISSUE 34 | NOVEMBER 26, 2020
MAYOR’S MESSAGE Hello Vallejo, This week, I have been asked quite a few times about the status of the Nimitz Group and Southern Lands Company (SLC) regarding development on Mare Island. In this week's message, I would like to take a moment to dispel some rumors circulating in our community. First and foremost, both Nimitz and SLC are working together. Nimitz is the primary owner of Mare Island and has hired SLC as the master developer. SLC is a separate entity, and they are not a partner of the Nimitz Group. SLC manages the project and is actively manning and running the development. Southern Land Company has opened a regional office on Mare Island, which allows the company to hire the talent needed to expand its operations. With the immediate focus of staffing the Mare Island redevelopment team, the company launched its West Coast hiring efforts with the appointment of Thomas D'Alesandro as President of West Coast operations.
D'Alesandro specializes in the visioning, planning, development, and marketing of large-scale masterplanned communities in urban and suburban areas. He will manage all development efforts for Mare Island. Since he arrived in April of this year, he has been involved in an in-depth analysis of the "what and how" needed for Mare Island to be successful. D'Alesandro will report back to the City and our community once the analysis is complete. We expect that much of his research on attracting new businesses to Mare Island will be relevant and valuable to all of Vallejo. Another question that has come up has been the status of North Mare Island. Geotechnical studies show challenges with the soil in that part of the Island. In its present condition, it is not suitable for development just yet. Efforts are currently underway to address these challenges. Such efforts could take as much as several years to accomplish. I've also been asked about Dave Phinney's status with Nimitz Group. Dave is one of three partners with the Nimitz Group and is the visionary for the group. He and his partners, Sebastian Lane, and Gaylon Lawrence, Jr., are active in the day to day operations. Dave and his partners closely follow the progress of the new team and regularly provide support, insights, and advice. Additionally, Dave's vast network of connections has brought Mare Island to the attention of several exciting prospective tenants. Southern Land is currently researching and negotiating with retail, lodging, housing, and recreational ventures planned to be strategically placed on the Island. Plan details will be announced this coming year as the Southern Land team is still in the vetting and negotiation phase with the different entities. Please remember that these types of projects do not happen overnight. Each project must be carefully analyzed for its potential not only for the company but, more importantly, for the Vallejo community. I am hopeful that some of them will come to fruition very soon, but we have to be patient. Buildout and completion of such a large development program, which is composed of hundreds of individual projects, can take as long as 20 years. It must be done correctly to be successful. Recently, a post on social media cited what they believed to be the failing of both Southern Land Company and the Nimitz Group. Nimitz Group reviewed the post and an additional email provided by the same poster. The Nimitz Group responded to the social media post and email by issuing a letter on November 10, 2020. The letter stated, "We want to assure you that all the claims made by� the poster “about The Nimitz Group in their statements made on November 8 are false and without merit". Lastly, in speaking with SLC and Nimitz, it was agreed that there needs to be more communication with our residents. That said, Mr. D'Alesandro has decided and is committed to building an interactive webpage for the community that will highlight the latest news about what is being planned for Mare Island. It will also include a calendar showing records and documents associated with past events and a schedule of upcoming events, along with previews of individual projects as they advance in planning and design. Tom and his senior leadership team will be posting new information at least once a month. They will also hold regularly scheduled meetings in the community with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. A lot is going on on the Island. All of the businesses on the Island are in full swing. Employment is surging, and many of the businesses are expanding as I write this! This is an exciting time for Mare Island and our community. I'm proud of the Nimitz Group, Southern Land Company, City staff, City Manager Greg Nyhoff, and the economic development team for their many accomplishments. Together, there is a brighter future ahead. Your Mayor, Bob Sampayan
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NOVEMBER 26, 2020
The City of Vallejo is pleased to offer the following employment opportunities: - Fire Prevention Inspector (Non-Sworn) - Police Cadet - Police Officer (Entry - Academy Graduate) - Police Officer (Lateral) - Police Officer (Recruit) - Senior Accountant Visit governmentjobs.com/careers/vallejo for more information and to apply.
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FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTOR (NON-SWORN) RECRUITMENT The City of Vallejo is seeking candidates for two regular, full-time Fire Prevention Inspectors (Non-Sworn) and two Extra Help, full-time Fire Prevention Inspector (Non-Sworn) positions, as collaborative members of the City's Fire Department. The ideal Fire Prevention Inspectors will be able to conduct technical fire inspections and public fire education; perform investigative work to ensure compliance with laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the prevention and control of fires and the safe storage; and obtain the knowledge to handle and use of hazardous materials. Candidates should possess a valid Class C driver's license and equivalent to completion of a certificate program in Fire Technology or Fire Science from an accredited college; or completion of California State Board of Fire Services accredited courses Fire Prevention 1A, and 1B or Fire Inspector 1A and 1B prior to applying. The Fire Prevention Inspector (Non-Sworn) job announcement and application period closes on Tuesday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m. To apply for this amazing opportunity or for more information about the recruitment and selection process, please click here.
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NOVEMBER 26, 2020
CALTRANS BEGINS WORK ON INTERSTATE 80 SIX BRIDGES PROJECT On November 23, Caltrans crews began increasing 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, until mid-February 2021.
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SPRINGS ROAD BRIDGE DETOUR ROUTES
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: 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.
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. To utilize the shuttle, call (415) 263-4000.
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.
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NOVEMBER 26, 2020
TRAVIS CREDIT UNION VIRTUAL EVENT Join Travis Credit Union for free virtual events designed to teach youth, ages 13 to 21, about financial aid opportunities for post-secondary education, choosing a school, and preparing for next-level schooling. The next events will be held on December 3, and December 10. Youth should register now at traviscu.org/ finance-u to be entered in a drawing to win a new Chromebook and other prizes.
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. For more information about getting tested for COVID-19, visit the following sites:
Project Baseline
CVS Pharmacy
OptumServe.
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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 December. 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 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. For more information, click here. PAGE 9
NOVEMBER 26, 2020
EMMANUEL ARMS COMMUNITY COAT DRIVE Emmanuel Arms Community Inc. will be hosting a coat drive through the entire month of December. Every Monday in December from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. you can give or receive new and gently used coats at 900 6th Street, Vallejo. For more information contact Assistant Pastor Johnnie Hubbard, Executive Director at (707) 642-2391 or visit emmanuelarmsinc.org.
SOLTRANS OFFERS 50% OFF LOCAL PASSES WITH TOKEN TRANSIT APP Solano County Transit (SolTrans) continues to encourage riders to use cashless fare payment to reduce surface touch points on buses and help slow the spread of COVID-19. Riders can help protect the health and safety of SolTrans passengers and staff this holiday season by using the Token Transit Mobile Ticketing app. To encourage riders to make the switch to Token Transit, from November 27 through December 31, 2020, SolTrans is offering 50% off all Local fares purchased in the Token Transit App. Purchase Local One-Ride Fares, Local 10-Ride Passes, and Local 31-Day Passes and receive 50% off! Token Transit is a fast and convenient mobile app that lets you pay for and ride public transit with your phone. Riders purchase transit passes on their smartphone and board the bus by showing the driver the pass on their phone. While all SolTrans passes are available with Token Transit, the promotion is only valid for SolTrans Local passes. “We want to thank our riders who continue to diligently follow safety protocols. We wanted to offer a promotion that encourages safety but also gives back to our riders. Let’s remember to take care of ourselves and each other this holiday season; we hope our riders enjoy the savings.” said Mandi Renshaw, SolTrans Program Analyst. For more information visit soltrans.org or download ‘Token Transit’ on your iPhone or Android.
TOURO UNIVERSITY ZOOM INTO WELLNESS: WELLNESS WHEN YOU’RE BUSY Join Touro University in their weekly Zoom into Wellness series on November 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. There will be highlights from previous seminars and discussions on how to integrate wellness habits into your busy schedule. Registration is free but mandatory in order to participate. Click here to register for the final speaker series or to view previous lecture.
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NOVEMBER 26, 2020
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: SENIOR ACCOUNTANT The City of Vallejo is seeking candidates for one Senior Accountant position, as a collaborative member of the City's Finance Department. The ideal Senior Accountant will be able to supervise the staff responsible for providing financial record keeping, reporting and cost accounting functions within the Finance Department. The incumbent will perform a variety of professional accounting tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility, including: creating training documents, organizing and conducting training sessions for all levels of staff Citywide. The perfect Senior Accountant will prioritize quality customer service and will be an innovative and creative problem solver with excellent communication skills, both in writing, verbally, and when presenting financial information with the ability to communicate concisely and effectively. While not required, advanced level excel knowledge and experience being able to work with multiple worksheets, filtering data, integrating functions, manipulating databases, managing Macro commands and creating Microsoft Excel application are highly desirable. Ideal candidates will also have experience documenting financial procedures and professional governmental supervisory experience within a public agency. The Senior Accountant job announcement and application period closes on Monday, December 14, at 5:00 p.m. To apply for this amazing opportunity or for more information about the recruitment and selection process, please click here.
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NOVEMBER 26, 2020
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CADEMY UPDATE
vember 17, Fire Academy attended Fire Control 3 nducted with the assistance ra Costa County Fire. The a two-day live fire training hat allows the firefighters to f the skills they have learned past three months to use.
st day of Vallejo's Fire y class is December 10. ing recruits will then start three-year apprenticeship m and will work alongside refighters in the stations.
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NOVEMBER 26, 2020
WATER TECHNICIANS KEEP POWER AND DRINKING WATER FLOWING Every homeowner has likely had to locate the main fuse box that distributes electrical power in their home, and flip a few switches to perform some preventative maintenance. Sometimes the visit to the fuse box is needed because something caused a surge in electrical power that tripped safety circuits, protecting both household occupants and appliances from dangerous overvoltage conditions. Those same troubleshooting and preventative maintenance measures are performed at multiple critical drinking water production facilities and distribution system pumping stations located throughout Vallejo. Highly skilled Instrument Technicians in the Vallejo Water Department routinely handle this work to keep the water flowing to our customers 24/7/365. Shown below, Instrument Technician Terry Duncan and his supervisor Jacob Barlow perform scheduled maintenance on high voltage components and circuit breakers designed to protect six, massive 4,160-volt, electrically-driven, water pumps with a combined total 5,050 horsepower capacity -- enough muscle to lift and move water from a storage reservoir in Cordelia - all the way to the Fleming Hill drinking water treatment plant - located miles away in Vallejo. These large electrical motors and pumps are essential water infrastructure capital assets that are needed to sustain an uninterrupted average daily flow of 14 million gallons of drinking water to Vallejo homes and businesses. The main fuse box in a typical home is small, and is usually located on an exterior wall near the garage, while the Water Department’s mammoth fuses and breakers are sometimes housed in structures the size of a convenience store.
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VALLEJO CELEBRATES FIGHTING BACK PARTNERSHIP The City of Vallejo congratulates Fighting Back Partnership who has been awarded by Elevate Youth California to continue their work in increasing leadership skills and advocacy in youth of color in Solano County through youth-led campaigns, peer mentoring, storytelling, and an annual convening to advocate for and effect policy change. Fighting Back Partnership plays a critical role in the Vallejo Community as one of the leading social service and community development organizations in Vallejo. Since 1988, they have been providing crisis support and economic development for individuals and families and supporting under served communities to increase safety, eliminate blight, and curtail alcohol and tobacco use among youth. To learn more about Fighting Back Partnership, and how you can help them in their mission, click here.
SOLANO COUNTY ACCESS TEAM Solano County Access team has the Behavioral Health COVID-19 warmline available to anyone who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, and/or feelings of depression, while dealing with the daily struggles and disruptions in our lives due to COVID-19. A therapist is ready to listen, offer support, suggestions, as well as, referrals to appropriate mental health and substance abuse services. The confidential line and voicemail can be reached at (707) 784-8539 and is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in both English and Spanish. For COVID-19-related community resources, visit SolanoCares.org.
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NOVEMBER 26, 2020
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK LIGHTS Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will continue the animal-focused Marine World Experience with Holiday in the Park Lights - an outdoor event that features themed, marine-animal presentations, millions of twinkling lights, decorations around the park, and festive food offerings, in a safe and fun outdoor environment. Holiday in the Park Lights will operate select days, November 27 through January 3. Families can celebrate the holidays together with a variety of safe activities including:
Millions of dazzling LED lights and spectacular light displays
Joyous holiday-themed entertainment that features sea lions in A Very Merry Christmas and dolphins in A Dolphin Holiday and Wanted: Santa’s Helper
Special, scrumptious, seasonal menu items including gooey s’mores enjoyed next to toasty fire pits
One-stop holiday shopping with hundreds of perfect stocking stuffers like fun apparel, unique ornaments and soft plush toys. For every Holiday Friend plush toy purchased, Six Flags will donate a plush to local children’s hospitals and non-profit organizations while supplies last
New opportunities to meet and learn more about the marine animals in the park’s care
Dozens of holiday-inspired, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities featuring giant ornaments, massive stacks of presents, and larger-than-life toys.
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ILLEGAL DUMPING UPDATE The City of Vallejo has been working in partnership with CalTrans to address the significant cleanups needed at the City's entrances. The week of November 16 saw meaningful actions, including teams from CalTrans, Community Services Section, and Public Works cleaning up the Sonoma Boulevard entrance and overpass. Code Enforcement and the Neighborhood Law team have addressed the illegal dumping near the clothing donation box in the CVS parking lot at Sonoma and Redwood. The City Attorney’s office is working with the Beautification Commission to develop an Ordinance to address the donation boxes that attract illegal dumping and general blight.
What began as a grassroots effort has blossomed into a sustainable community-led attempt to restore a cleaner Vallejo one street at a time. We have a long way to go and need your help! If you would like to be an official "Litter Picker" come join any of the cleanups scheduled. You can find the date, time, and location by clicking on the Community Calendar. Show up and see how good you will feel knowing you're helping restore pride and unity in our City.
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NOVEMBER 26, 2020
COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP EFFORTS PROMOTE PRIDE AND UNITY
In the Fall of 2019, the City launched a new volunteer-driven program to clean up Vallejo's streets. It began when City Manager Greg Nyhoff authorized the purchase of a Community Tool Trailer stocked with all the items needed to host neighborhood clean-ups and support the volunteer groups who took on the challenge. Community Volunteer Coordinator Shelee Loughmiller has worked closely with the Public Works staff to coordinate the tool trailer reservation system, schedule drivers who bring the tool trailer out to the clean-up locations, and follow up to deal with additional pick-ups of larger items. When the COVID-19 crisis halted group activities, the streets, alleys, freeway entrances, and business corridors experienced a dramatic increase in illegal dumping and flying trash. In February 2020, the City of Vallejo supported the team from Clean with Hakeem as they mobilized neighbors such as Girls Empowerment Club in North Vallejo and Emmanuel Arms in South Vallejo for clean-ups. Soon other civic organizations rose to the occasion and began making an impact to Give Litter the Boot! Every Saturday in October and November, the Community Tool Trailer has been busy meeting up with teams of volunteers from various organizations to get the litter off the streets in a safe and socially distanced manner. VOLUME 8, ISSUE 34
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Momentum has been building, and the following groups have adopted streets: North Bay Ploggers: Derr Street and other waterfront sites up to the Hwy 37 Bridge
Vallejo Watershed Alliance: Hanns Park, Lake Dalwykg, and other waterfront sites
Solano Association of Realtors: Springs Road (I-80 to Columbus Parkway)
US Bloom: Springs Road and surrounding streets
Soroptimist Intl of Vallejo: 200 Rollingwood Baseball fields to Benicia Road
Leadership Vallejo Alumni – 920 Tennessee Street to Monterey Street
Vallejo VFW Posts – Virginia St. Alley and another site near veteran's homes
The Vallejo Street Stewards have formed a coalition of individuals who migrate to support the adopted locations and conduct their alley clean-ups with neighbors who share access. They met out at the North Vallejo Community Center on October 24 to clean up the park on Fairgrounds. The Hill Church joined the Vallejo Rotary Club for the first clean up on Springs Road and had a great time being of service. The Rotary Club of Vallejo is also sending their teams of volunteers to adopted locations, turning out about 30 consistent volunteers, including parents and children around town. Individuals in neighborhoods that have been keeping their streets free from debris can now request a pick up when they collect three or more large trash bags of collected litter by contacting Shelee.Loughmiller@cityofvallejo.net or call (707) 648-8616. Click here for the Tool Trailer Reservation request form.
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NOVEMBER 26, 2020
VALLEJO FIREFIGHTERS PROVIDE 35 FAMILIES WITH THANKSGIVING DINNER On November 24, the Vallejo Firefighters gathered all of the fixings needed to outfit 35 local families with a full Thanksgiving dinner! This annual event is 20 years strong - the firefighters work with the Vallejo City Unified School District to identify families in need, and FoodMaxx assists with groceries. Firefighters First Credit Union and IAFF Local 1186 Firefighters provide funding for the event. The Vallejo Firefighters put in the leg work to gather and sort the groceries, and then deliver them to families across The City of Vallejo. Thank you to every organization that helps with this phenomenal program!
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