The Vallejo Weekly | Vol 12 | Issue 28 by cityofvallejo

VALLEJO WEEKLY

GREETINGS FROM GILLIAN

A MESSAGE FROM GILLIAN HAEN, ACTING CITY MANAGER

Hello Vallejo,

Hope you had a safe 4th of July and are managing to get through this heat wave!  Fortunately, it is supposed to cool down a bit this weekend.  There have been many complaints about the use of illegal fireworks in the City and we will do our best to respond to the calls and reports on seeclickfix. A big thank you to our firefighters and police officers who helped keep the public and property safe while responding to many calls regarding sideshows and illegal fireworks over the holiday.  Thank you to the Community for remaining vigilant and reporting anything suspicious in your neighborhood.  In Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor McConnell provided an update that the California Highway Patrol will not be providing extra officers to help Vallejo since the CHP is also looking to recruit officers. The City remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies in our region to assist on calls while we continue recruiting efforts for new officers to the Vallejo Police Department.  Sadly, Sunday night we lost one of our own, a City of Vallejo Dispatcher,  Teri Wilson who was off duty when the tragedy occurred.  We send our love to her family during this difficult time.  Please see the full page article dedicated to her in this issue.

This past week, City Council and Staff have also responded to the growing controversy over California Forever, the proposed new community for East Solano County coming to the ballot in November 2024 . We have provided our analysis to the County Board of Supervisors on the negative impacts this project would have on Vallejo’s economic development, recruitment for City Staff, and future revenues for the City.  Please weigh in on this project throughout the process, stay informed, and vote as this will directly affect the future of all Vallejoans.

An encampment clean-up took place 2 weeks along Auto Mall Parkway and another one this week at Mare Island Way between Tennessee and Florida.  Thanks to all staff involved in these clean-ups, it takes a team to get this completed!  We appreciate the work so much!

Lastly, The Mare Island Causeway Bridge is back in action!  A special thanks to Public Works staff and all those involved in the complicated fix!  We appreciate you!!

Much respect,

Gillian Haen Acting City Manager

On Monday morning July 8, 2024, Mayor Robert McConnell attended the United States Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s Change of Command Ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Vino Godfather Winery on Mare Island. Vice Admiral Andrew Tiongson, commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony. Musical accompaniment was provided by members of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West.

After serving as the Polar Star’s commanding officer from July 2022 to July 2024, Captain Keith M. Ropella, USCG, was relieved by Captain Jeffery J. Rasnake, USCG. Captain Ropella will be transitioning to Coast Guard Cutter Headquarters in Washington, D.C., to serve as the chief of cutter forces. Captain Rasnake previously served as the executive officer of the Polar Star from 2017 to 2019.

During the ceremony Captain Ropella received the Meritorious Service Medal and members of the crew were recognized for their achievements. Captain Ropella delivered a heartfelt farewell speech, thanking his executive officer and crew for their exemplary service during his command. He also thanked his wife for supporting him during a career which had him away from home for months at a time.

Best wishes to both Captains as they embark upon their new assignments.

The United States Coast Guard maintains a search and rescue station in Vallejo.

NOW Hiring

Accountant

Regular Full-Time

$78,141.65 - $94,981.54 Annually

Closing Date

7/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Click here for more info.

Administrative Clerk II

Regular Full-Time

$44,555.06 - $54,156.96 Annually

Closing Date

7/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Click here for more info.

Principal Planner

Regular Full-Time

$115,357.22 - $140,217.58 Annually

Closing Date

7/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Click here for more info.

Senior Planner

Regular Full-Time

$104,653.74 - $127,207.39 Annually

Closing Date

7/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Click here for more info.

To see more openings with the City of Vallejo and apply, CLICK HERE.

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. Please note that the Terrace Park playground is closed for renovations and Lake Dalwigk Park may have intermittent closures due to improvements funded by CalTrans. To pre-register or find more information, visit www.gvrd.org, call (707) 648-4600, or email recreation@gvrd.org. Click here to check our latest job openings.

View the GVRD Summer 2024 Activity Guide for more programs, events, classes and activities!

THE FLAVOR TOWN TUESDAYS

Tuesday, July 9th 4:00-8:00pm

Tuesday, July 23rd 4:00-8:00pm

Tuesday, August 6th 4:00-8:00pm

Children's Wonderland Park

360 Glenn Street

This is a FREE community event!

Flavor town is back for season two! If you missed out last year, come support local owned businesses. We'll feature some of vallejo's most popular and hidden gem eateries. Enjoy food, desserts, cocktails, and more.

BANDS AND BREWS SUMMER SCHEDULE 2024

Friday, June 28th, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Friday, July 12th, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Friday, July 26th, 6:00PM-8:00 PM

Saturday, Aug 10th, 6:00PM-8:00PM

Blue Rock Springs Park

This is a FREE community event!

Live Music in the Park with free lawn seating, food, and beverages for sale.

UPCOMING GVRD COMMUNITY EVENTS

MOVIES ON THE DECK: KUNG FU PANDA 4

Saturday, July 27th Doors open at 7 PM. Movie begins at 7:20 PM. Ends at 9:15 PM

Cunningham Aquatic Complex

$10 Resident/$12 Non-Resident

Join us for a magical Community Movie Night at the pool!

As dusk settles, our pool deck transforms into an open-air theater perfect for families and friends.

Two pools available: the Olympic size pool and the toddler pool!

No swimming experience needed; Lifeguards will be on deck.photo op.

RIBBON CUTTING - TERRACE PARK PLAYGROUND

Wednesday, July 17th, 4:00 PM

Terrace Park on Daniels Avenue @ Selfridge Street

This is a FREE community event!

GVRD invested over $250,000 in improvements to Terrace Park on Daniels Ave. The State of California Prop. 68 Water Bond Act of 2018 will provide $177,952 of the funding. We believe that upgrading the amenities in our parks will help more people stay active, spend time outdoors, and build stronger relationships with their neighbors.

UPCOMING GVRD COMMUNITY EVENTS

PARKS N' REX DAY!

Saturday, July 27th 12:00-4:00pm

Children's Wonderland Park 360 Glenn Street

$10 Resident/$12 Non-Resident

Celebrate National Parks Day with us at Childrens Wonderland for Parks N Rex Day '24! Bring your clothes for some fun in the sun. Patrons can play with water slides, foam parties, and lawn games while the DJ rocks the party. We will have concessions, vendors, and games available. Each family will have a chance to meet Parker with a photo op.

ADAPTIVE REC LUAU CELEBREATION

Tuesday, July 30th, 11:00AM-1:00PM

Cunningham Aquatics 801 Heartwood Ave, Vallejo CA, 94590

$10 FEE

Hawaiian inspired music, games, and food. This is an adaptive activity and is designed specifically for individuals with disabilities as well as their friends and family. Participants are encouraged to bring swim wear, extra clothing, a towel, and sunscreen. Event will take place during rec swim.

Call for Contributors: Communal photography project at The Temple Art Lofts Gallery in downtown Vallejo as part of the ninth annual Visions of the Wild festival, September 13-14, 2024.

The theme of this year’s festival is Re•Generation, which celebrates our communal resilience, renewal, and restoration.

As part of the festival, we are planning a community photography project and are seeking Solano County contributors.

Have you seen changes to the natural beauty of Solano County? Has your family lived in Vallejo or other parts of Solano County for generations? We are looking for members of the community to contribute "then and now" photos. These photos should illustrate how an element of nature has changed, for better or worse, over several decades. “Then and now” photos will be displayed in an exhibition as part of the Visions of the Wild festival.

Example 1: Maybe you are living in a house that has been in your family for many years and you have a photo of your grandparents in the backyard with a young tree they planted, and now today that same tree has grown and shades your house. Take a photo of yourself replicating your grandparents' photo, and then share both the old and new photos with us.

Example 2: Maybe you grew up in an area that now looks very different, and you have photographs from when you were young that you can replicate to show how it's changed. A path on your walk to school, a place your family would picnic, or a building that's been replaced by a natural park.

Example 3: Maybe you don't have personal photos from decades past but are interested in the history of Solano County. There are many historical photographs in the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, for example. You can replicate a historical photo that depicts how the nature of the area has changed over time.

Please email your photography contributions in a .jpeg format to info@visionsofthewild.org by July 31.

Please include:

• Your name

• The approximate dates of both photos

• The approximate location where the photos were taken.

• Any related story that might add context for both photos.

Please call or text Robin Gross at (707) 853-5655 with any questions, comments, or concerns.

National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that is sponsored nationally by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Vallejo Police Department. Over 38 million people nationwide are expected to participate in National Night Out efforts to strengthen partnerships between neighbors and local law enforcement agencies.

Your neighborhood is invited to participate with many other neighborhoods throughout Vallejo in celebration of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024!

National Night Out is designed to:

- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships

- Heighten crime prevention awareness

- Generate support for and participation in local crime prevention efforts

Neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of events ranging from small potlucks and BBQs to block parties. Some additional event ideas include but are not limited to community giveaways, games, contests, food, and fun.

For further questions about National Night Out, contact the Vallejo Police Department at Monica.Gomez@ cityofvallejo.net or call Monica Gomez at 707-648-4540.

We look forward to meeting you and your neighbors at your National Night Out event this year!

NEWS RELEASE

July 8, 2024

Contact: Mandi Renshaw

SolTrans

311 Sacramento St Vallejo, CA 94590 (707) 736-6982

SolTrans Offers Multiple Free Ride Programs to Enhance Community Access

Solano County, CA –– Solano County Transit (SolTrans) provides a range of programs designed to offer free rides on Local Routes and Solano Express Lines, ensuring that various segments of Solano County communities can enjoy accessible and affordable transportation. The free ride programs range from youth to super seniors. See if you are eligible for free fares in the summaries below:

Free Rides for Youth

SolTrans offers youth 18 and under FREE rides on all SolTrans Local Routes and Solano Express Lines. This pilot program, running through June 2025, aims to promote public transit access for a new generation, boost school attendance, and increase ridership.

Solano Community College Students

Solano Community College students can enjoy the same benefit of riding free by presenting a valid student ID on all SolTrans and Fairfield and Suisun Transit ( FAST) Local services, and Solano Express Lines. This ongoing program supports students in their educational pursuits by providing reliable and cost-effective transportation options to the Fairfield and Vallejo campuses.

Free Rides for Seniors 80+

And finally, super seniors aged 80 and above are eligible for free rides on SolTrans local routes, FAST local routes, and Solano Express lines. To qualify, seniors simply need to present a photo ID showing their birth year to confirm they are 80 or older to the operator. This program ensures our senior community members have access to essential transportation services without financial burden.

SolTrans is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all community members by providing accessible, affordable, and sustainable transportation solutions. We look forward to the positive impacts these programs will bring and will continue to assess their effectiveness in meeting community needs.

For more information about these free fare programs, schedules, and other SolTrans services, please visit www.SolTrans.org

Solano County Transit (SolTrans) has been the public transportation provider for south Solano County since July 2011. SolTrans provides local and SolanoExpress fixed routes and complementary paratransit. The agency is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) governed by a six-member Board of Directors, composed of two representatives from the cities of Benicia and Vallejo, Solano County’s representative on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and a representative from the Solano Transportation Authority.

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