The Vallejo Weekly | Vol 13 | Issue 6 by cityofvallejo

ANDREW'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Hello Vallejo,

I’d like to thank the City Council for convening a Public Safety Workshop on Tuesday evening and thank the many community members and City staff that participated. It was a thoughtful, energetic exchange of information and ideas about how to improve public safety in our city. We will compile the ideas raised and share them with the community as well as identify next steps to advance safety.

Please find in this edition of the Vallejo Weekly information on the many activities that will take place in the City to celebrate Black History Month! We continue our series this month with articles focusing on our diverse City of Vallejo staff.

We had a huge turnout for the Winged Migration Expo. Please enjoy the article and fun photos taken from the event. The rainy weather didn’t stop families from exploring and learning about nature in Vallejo.

We are aware that there are immigration concerns that are keeping some parents and children at home. You’ll find in this Vallejo Weekly information from the Vallejo Police Department regarding its commitment to ensuring the safety of all community members and the fact that it does not engage in federal civil immigration enforcement.

I am closely watching developments with Federal funding and grants and how recent decisions may affect public services in the City. We will provide updates to you as we learn more in this fluid situation.

With appreciation,

Andrew Murray Vallejo City Manager

National Burn Awareness Week is February 2-8, 2025

Burn risks exist in every living space—a house, apartment, or temporary shelter. Taking simple, proactive actions can help prevent burns and keep everyone safe.

Prevent Burns and Fires in the Home:

1. Keep cords out of reach

2. Do not leave candles unattended

3. Check smoke alarms monthly

4. Charge devices and store chemicals according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Prevent Burns and Fire Hazards While Cooking:

1. Turn pot handles inward

2. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby

3. Use oven mitts when handling hot items

4. Don’t multitask when carrying hot food

5. Use stable, heat-resistant dishes

6. Keep hot liquids spill-proof

7. Use timers when cooking

Prevent Fires in Sleeping Areas:

1. Extinguish candles before sleeping

2. Check heating devices for safety

3. Keep heat sources three feet away from fabrics

4. Avoid heating pads without an auto shut-off feature

5. Ensure cords are in good condition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: February 4, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Sgt. Rashad Hollis #675, Public Information Officer VallejoPolicePIO@cityofvallejo.net

VALLEJO POLICE DEPARTMENT'S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY TRUST AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Vallejo, CA —The Vallejo Police Department (VPD) prioritizes public safety for all residents, regardless of immigration status. As guided by California law (SB 54) and our policies, we do not engage in federal civil immigration enforcement, hold individuals solely based on their immigration status, or assist in immigration operations.

"Vallejo is a city built on diversity, and our strength comes from our unity. We want every resident to feel safe engaging with their police department, knowing that our officers are here to serve and protect without regard to immigration status. Trust is the foundation of public safety, and we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all." -Mayor Andrea Sorce

VPD does not collect or maintain information on immigration status and will not prolong or facilitate detentions based solely on immigration holds. Our priority is public safety, and we remain dedicated to strengthening trust with our community.

For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Sgt. Rashad Hollis by email at VallejoPolicePIO@cityofvallejo.net or by phone at (707) 567-4233.

Public Safety Workshop

Thank you to the community for packing the Vallejo Room on Tuesday to help improve public safety in the City!

The City Council last week unanimously approved this special meeting and the staff delivered, organizing the workshop where about 100 Vallejoans, City Council, Vallejo Police Department and staff gathered to share ideas, concerns and solutions that will be compiled for public release and further action in public safety.

The storm cleared for a few hours while the lively group collaborated and showed mutual respect for the challenges and positive changes ahead.

Vallejo Weekly

Winged Migration Expo 2025

Hundreds of children and adults flocked to the Winged Migration Expo last weekend. They learned about migratory birds and wildlife in Vallejo while seeing them closeup in all their glory!

Visitors also learned about the Pacific Flyway Center which is currently being constructed and will open in 2027 at the Suisun Marsh.

Exciting fieldtrips and more show and tells in store for Vallejo youth!

WELCOME

to the CITY OF VALLEJO CITIZENS ACADEMY

The Vallejo Citizens Academy aims to empower Vallejo residents by offering insights into City government and its operations. You'll be able to explore City Departments and make a meaningful difference in our community.

WHAT IS CITIZENS ACADEMY?

The Vallejo Citizens Academy is an 11-week interactive educational course aimed at helping Vallejo residents understand more about City government and, specifically, how the City of Vallejo operates. We hope that with this information, individuals feel more empowered to participate in Vallejo through their day-to-day work, in the political landscape, or by spreading information to their neighbors. The Citizens Academy will give residents a deeper dive into all City Departments and provide information that residents may not have realized is part of City’s operations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CITY DEPARTMENTS THAT WILL BE INCLUDED ARE:

City Manager’s Office and City Clerk’s Office

City Attorney’s Office

Vallejo Fire Department

Vallejo Police Department

Public Works Department

Water Department

Planning and Development Services & Economic

Development Department

Housing and Community Development Department

Human Resources Department, Risk Management and Information Technology Department

Finance Department

The Vallejo Citizens Academy is an 11-week interactive educational course beginning on March 5, 2025. Classes will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Vallejo Room, located below the JFK Library. Class size will be limited to 25 participants, and a small fee of $25 will cover the cost of materials and light snacks that will be provided over the 11 weeks. For more information and to submit your application, MyVallejo.com/CitizensAcademy

BUD'S ON BUZZ

In his 40 years of service as a City of Vallejo Water Treatment Plant Operator, Buzz Ney earned a reputation for building and strengthening relationships with his hometown of Vallejo. As a water treatment operator at Vallejo’s flagship Fleming Hill water treatment plant, he oversaw all the highly technical processes involved in treating drinking water to make it safe and tasty to drink. As a supervisor, he fostered relationships with his staff, building trust and seamless communications among employees as the Water Department underwent significant organizational and structural improvements over the course of his career.

One of the great traditions Buzz upheld was a semiregular luncheon with the entire water team. In those days only the operations team worked at Fleming Hill, and the mechanics worked out of the corporation yard. But the group would often come together at Fleming Hill to enjoy lunches like hot link feeds, barbeques, and the local Bud’s Burgers special. These lunches were mostly subsidized by recycling bottles and cans, plus a couple of bucks here and there from lunch attendees or managers.

Operators would get together with their team members who work in the field maintaining the pipes, valves, pump stations and treatment plants, and they talked about everything from work schedules and operational best practices to local sport to personal achievements and whose kid hit a home run in Little League. It was an opportunity not just to check in with staff but to cultivate lasting and meaningful relationships on both personal and professional levels.

On November 10, 2002, Buzz Ney retired from the Vallejo Water Department; sadly, in 2021, Buzz passed away.

Wanting to continue his father’s legacy, Buzz’s eldest son, Vallejoan Bart Ney began visiting Vallejo’s Fleming Hill Water Treatment Plant annually to provide Bud’s lunches to the new generation of operators and facilities maintenance staff who make clean and safe drinking water for Vallejo. Most recently, Bart brought

lunches – burgers, fries, and sodas – to the Fleming Hill Water Treatment Plant in October 2024 to feed and break bread with operators and facilities maintenance employees. He affectionately nicknamed the event “Bud’s on Buzz,” not only to acknowledge his father but to pass on some of the positive stories from that era.

“Visiting Fleming Hill and talking with the staff there feels like coming home to me,” said Bart Ney. “There has always been a feeling of family for me on that hill.”

Bart makes the “Bud’s on Buzz” run every October to commemorate the 2022 anniversary of when Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan formally and posthumously recognized Buzz’s honorable and lengthy service to Vallejo by closing out a board of supervisors’ meeting in his honor.

“In addition to his 40-year dedication in making drinking water that Vallejoans can be proud of, I believe Buzz Ney was a man who cared about his coworkers, and would bring a sense of family, friendship, and togetherness in the workplace – that’s something that is becoming harder to find in today’s world,” said Nick Rolley, Vallejo Water Treatment Plant Supervisor. “Following in Buzz’s

footsteps as a supervisor, that is a tradition and legacy I strive to carry on here in the Vallejo Water Department.”

Buzz Ney proudly served the City of Vallejo and the Water Department from 1963 to 2002.

UPCOMING GVRD COMMUNITY EVENTS

Join the fun with youth and family events by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD). The GVRD Main Office at 395 Amador St is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m for registrations and reservations. GVRD Board and Committee Meetings are held at 401 Amador St. To pre-register or find more information, visit www.gvrd.org, call (707) 6484600, or email recreation@gvrd.org. Click here to check our latest job openings.

View the Spring 2025 Activity Guide for more programs, events, classes and activities!

GLOW IN THE DARK: FAMILY DODGEBALL!

Saturday: February 8, 2025, 6:00-8:00 PM

Resident: $10.00

Non-Resident: $12.00 (per player)

Group Discount: Resident: $20.00

Non-Resident: $24.00 (per family - 4 tickets) $5 per additional player (discount applied at checkout)

GVRD Sports Gym, 501 Starr Ave

Let's Glow! Come play dodgeball with the family in the new GVRD Sports Gym! Put on something neon, play with family, and get competitive while fully submerged in a cool, glow in the dark ambiance. Come on in! Dodgeballs provided! *Players 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult Register here!

UPCOMING GVRD COMMUNITY EVENTS

VALENTINE'S DAY DANCE (ADAPTIVE RECREATION)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Resident: $10.00

Non-Resident: $12.00

North Vallejo Community Center, 1121 Whitney Ave.

Love is in the air! It is time for our valentine’s dance. Make a valentine card, show us your best dance moves, and enjoy snacks and refreshments. We will also have a photo opportunity, and prizes. This is an adaptive activity designed specifically for individuals with unique abilities as well as their friends and family.

SENIOR SOCIAL: COFFEE, PASTRIES, GAMES & CHATS

Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month, Wed, 8:30-10:30 AM

This is a FREE community event!

Vallejo Community Center, 225 Amador St.

Ages 55+

Join us for a fun and relaxed morning of socializing, coffee, and light activities! Our Senior Social takes place once a month on the second Wednesday, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, delicious pastries, and a variety of puzzles and games

while meeting new friends. It's a wonderful way to start your day and make new connections in a welcoming environment. Best of all, it’s completely free! We hope to see you there! Coffee is sponsored by a local Starbucks, pastries from local businesses, and games and puzzles are provided by GVRD.

Registration Optional!

JFK Library Upcoming Events

LIBRARY HOURS

MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

FRIDAY - SATURDAY 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SUNDAY 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

THURSDAY, FEB 6