The Vallejo Weekly | Vol 12 | Issue 30 by cityofvallejo

VALLEJO WEEKLY

ANDREW'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Hello Vallejo,

I am grateful for another week of wonderful weather in which to enjoy our beautiful community and its fun activities, many of which you can find listed in this edition of the Vallejo Weekly.

As you might know, the City Manager’s Office has been expanding the City’s Communication and Community Engagement efforts. This has involved convening more town hall meetings within the past year and participating in more community events to share information about City programs and services. Please stop by the City table this Saturday at the “Blues and R & B - A Soulful Vibe Experience” event in Richardson Park 12:30 - 7 pm.  I will be there and look forward to seeing you! Also, come visit our City table at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday 9 - 2 pm while you enjoy the fresh air and family environment.

National Night Out is coming up on August 6th, an annual community-building event that promotes policecommunity partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.   We appreciate community members for hosting block parties that evening and getting to know our wonderful staff in the Vallejo Police Department, Fire Department, and City of Vallejo!  Check out details on the upcoming event in this edition of the Vallejo Weekly.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, we introduced (through a video montage) all of the new City staff members that have been hired since the beginning of 2024. It is an amazing, diverse group of dedicated people. You can find more information on our new employees in this issue of the Vallejo Weekly. At Tuesday’s meeting, I also thanked Assistant City Manager Gillian Haen for the excellent work she did serving as Acting City Manager while I was away for two weeks.

You are probably aware that there have unfortunately been 14 homicides in the City of Vallejo since the beginning of the year. Fortunately, the Vallejo Police Department has made 7 arrests in those cases and has done an excellent job investigating with significant leads on several other cases and future arrests anticipated.

Thank you for what you do to make our community the unique, special place that it is.

With appreciation, Andrew Murray

Vallejo Sister City Association hosts 18th Annual International Dinner and Auction

You are cordially invited!

On Saturday, August 24th , 2024, the Vallejo Sister City Association (VSCA) will be hosting their 18th Annual International Dinner and Auction celebrating their 35th year Sister City anniversary with La Spezia, Italy! The event will feature delicious foods representing each of their seven (7) Sister City regions: Akashi, Japan; Baguio City, Philippines; Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Jincheon, South Korea; La Spezia, Italy; Trondheim, Norway and Ensenada, Mexico. Join VSCA in your best cultural attire to delight your taste buds with cuisines from around the world while enjoying live entertainment, a no-host bar, and a silent auction!

This fundraising event helps VSCA celebrate Vallejo’s beautiful diversity while fulfilling their mission of promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation- one individual, one community at a time. This year, VSCA , in collaboration with the Vallejo Sister City Commission, hosted events such as their annual traditional Japanese Tea Gathering, hosting honored guest from Akashi, Japan as well as young leaders from across South East Asia, concluding their first year of a Sister School Program with Griffin Academy and Baguio City High School, and officially welcoming their newest Sister City: Ensenada, Mexico, with a delegation led by Mayor Robert McConnell. Additionally, VSCA continues to support local community through participation in notable events such as Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon, the Solano County Fair, the 4th of July Parade and more!

For more information about the Vallejo Sister City Association including membership, events, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.vallejosistercity.com. We hope you will join VSCA for a night of great food, entertainment and community!

Ticket information:

$60 (Advanced), $75 (At the Door), $600 (Table of 10)

There are several options to purchase tickets:

1. Purchase a ticket directly from any VSCA board member - Board members will add your name to the registration list and/or provide a ticket to bring to the door

2. Purchase tickets via Venmo using the link or QR code (https://account.venmo.com/u/VallejoSister-CityAssociation) Please include names for tickets in the description. Your name(s) will automatically be added to the registration list upon Venmo purchase.

3. Purchase tickets online by scanning the Eventbrite QR code to the right - Your name will automatically be added to the registration list upon Eventbrite purchase. Online purchase convenience fees may apply.

For more information about the International Dinner and Auction contact: Victoria Grace-Barksdale @ (707)704-8964

VCUSD Welcomes New Superintendent Rubén Aurelio

The Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) welcomed Rubén Aurelio as its new Superintendent on July 1, 2024.

According to a recent news release by VCUSD, the board unanimously selected Superintendent Aurelio following former Superintendent William Spalding's retirement on June 30.

Aurelio, who most recently served as the Superintendent of the St. Helena Unified School District, has a proven track record of leading academic initiatives and fostering community partnerships. His tenure was marked by praise for his administration experience, work ethic, focus on student and family engagement, and ability to establish community partnerships, as noted by St. Helena School Board president Lisa Pelosi in a 2022Berkeleyside article.

Before that, Aurelio was the associate Superintendent and chief academic officer of the Berkeley and West Contra Costa Unified School Districts. He held roles in the San Leandro Unified School District for 12 years, including director of assessment and data and assistant director of technology, assessment, research, and evaluation. His passion for education began in positions as principal and teacher earlier in his career.

Aurelio's career is hallmarked by his success in building relationships and bridging the gap between diverse groups in the community. His background contributed to his passion for the community, having grown up near Los Angeles in a monolingual Spanish-speaking

immigrant family. He earned a bachelor's in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, a master's degree from California State University, East Bay, and is certified as a chief business official. Aurelio is a proud firstgeneration college graduate and is pleased that his entire education has been in public schools.

The Vallejo City Unified School Board anticipates Superintendent Aurelio's leadership and continuation of VCUSD's Strategic Plan and Portrait of a Graduate. "His background in nearby urban school districts and his proven commitment to equity will make him an asset not just to VCUSD but to the community of Vallejo," VCUSD Board President Dr. Latyna Young stated.

Aurelio is eager to bring his commitment to equitable outcomes and student success to Vallejo City Unified School District. He looks forward to working with the community to

further this commitment.

Along with leading the school district, Superintendent Aurelio will continue to work towards strengthening the relationship and supporting collaborative efforts between VCUSD and the City of Vallejo. The Vallejo City Council has identified youth development as a multi-year goal and priority and is actively working to increase positive outcomes for the city's youth. This work is supported by regular meetings between Superintendent Aurelio, City Manager Andrew Murray, and Interim Police Chief Jason Ta. Additionally, the City of Vallejo/VCUSD 2x2 committee, which includes school board trustees and city council members, and ongoing collaboration and communication with the City of Vallejo youth coordinator, a position within the City Manager’s office, further supports these efforts. The 2x2 committee focuses on improving communication and collaboration between both organizations, increasing school safety, and sharing resources. Some notable projects between the city and school district have been funded by participatory budgeting, a recently piloted Nebraska Street closure program, and an annual youth delegation trip of students from VCUSD that the city and VCUSD cosponsor.

The City of Vallejo welcomes Superintendent Aurelio and looks forward to continuing to support the Vallejo City Unified School District and positive youth outcomes for the Vallejo community!

NOW Hiring

Assistant/Associate Civil Engineer

Job Type:

Regular Full-Time

Closing Date:

8/16/24 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$45.06 - $63.46 Hourly

$3,604.75 - $5,077.05 Biweekly

$7,810.30 - $11,000.27 Monthly

$93,723.55 - $132,003.25 Annually

Economic Development Program Manager

Job Type:

Regular Full-Time

Closing Date:

8/5/24 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$55.46 - $67.41 Hourly

$4,436.82 - $5,392.98 Biweekly

$9,613.10 - $11,684.80 Monthly

$115,357.22 - $140,217.58 Annually

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

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Meet us at the market

EVERY LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH - 8:30 AM TO 2:30 PM

Join us at the corner of Georgia and Marin Streets every last Saturday of the month.

Come and grab some Vallejo swag, sign up to receive City communications, and ask Vallejo staff questions!

• APR 27, 2024

• MAY 25, 2024

• JUN 29, 2024

• JUL 27, 2024

• AUG 31, 2024

• SEP 28, 2024

• OCT 26, 2024

• NOV 30, 2024

• DEC 28, 2024

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.

BOARD MEETING & BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, July 25th, 6:30 PM

401 Amador Street, Vallejo

This is a FREE community event!

The Board of Directors of the Greater Vallejo Recreation District will meet to hold a public hearing on the 24/25 Preliminary Budget. Any person may attend and be heard regarding any item in the budget or regarding the addition of other items.

For additional information on attending the meeting, call (707) 648-4604.

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.

sizzle

Step into the cozy Empress Marquee Lounge for an evening of smooth jazz and libations. Sizzle, a dynamic five-piece band, features Earnest Nation (keyboards), Donnie Rogers (bass), Manny Melchor (sax), Bobby Jones (drums), and Steve Jackson (guitar). They deliver a soothing mix of Jazz, R&B, Blues, and Rock, playing tunes from legends like Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. Enjoy the steamy jazz sounds of Sizzle, mingle, and enjoy a summer series curated by Kim Pruitt and Mark Elliott every Thursday night!

tribute to gladys knight

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, Nzuri Soul honors Gladys Knight at the Empress Theatre with an exceptional band. Special guests include JANUARY as DIANNA ROSS, BEBO as ETTA JAMES, PARIS MONEA as MINNIE RIPERTON, and JUST YOLA as ARETHA FRANKLIN. Nzuri Soul, an award-winning R&B singer from Oakland, is known for her powerful vocals and stage presence, with multiple awards including "R&B Band of the Year" and "Best Female Live Performer."

Mari started singing as a toddler, inspired by her family's love of jazz, blues, rock, and R&B. By 18, she was performing in NY clubs. After a car accident, she moved to San Francisco, now living in Northern California. Mari is known for powerful blues and sultry jazz tones. Her latest album, "Can’t Go Back," features the single "Birthday Suit" and includes performances by top Bay Area musicians and the band Sonia Dada. july 25, 2024 | 6:30-8:30pm

july 27, 2024 | 8:00-10:00pm july 31, 2024 | 6:30-8:30pm

mari mack & livin' like kings

uncensored comedy

Get ready for a night of laughter with the Bay Area's top comedians! Headliner Terrell "Big-T" Butler brings his act to Vallejo after headlining major clubs and the Empire State Comedy Fest. Frankie Marcos, a global touring comic, will crack up the Empress for the first time. Alvin Duke, known for his raunchy humor, will keep you on your toes. Hosted by Bay Area Comics founder, Guile Mosher! Don't miss this incredible lineup!

aug 1, 2024 | 7:00-8:30pm

steve freund blues band

Guitarist and producer Steve Freund, praised by Rolling Stone for his "masterful, no-nonsense guitar work," shares his love for the blues. He started in Chicago with legends like Hubert Sumlin and Homesick James. He played with Big Walter Horton and was Sunnyland Slim's main guitarist. Freund also worked with Pinetop Perkins, Jimmy Walker, and James Cotton for nine years.

aug 7, 2024 | 6:30-8:30pm

faith you can see

Tonight's premiere of "Faith You Can See," a Gospel dramamusical by Cindy M. Isaac M.A., explores a family's journey with Leukemia through song, dance, and comedy. Brian Lee Finley stars as "Sammy Harrington," with Min. Christopher Lea in a surprise double role. Candy M. Thomas and Pauletta “PercyMae” Hickerson add drama and laughs, while young actors Faith Cooksey and Osiezhe Bramah bring the climax. Fayette Foster, as "Honey Harrington," adds dynamic special effects and a surprise ending.

aug 10, 2024 | 6:30-8:30pm

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, JULY 25