VA L L E J O W E E K LY
Volume 10 | Issue 26 July 1, 2022
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Looking for something to do on the 4th of July?!
JULY 4, 2022
JULY 2-4, 2022
The Mad Hatter Celebration returns with two food courts, a tented eating area, cultural performances, live music, a Hatter’s Beer and Wine Pub, kite flying display, community booths, crafts and jewelry vendors, as well as children's activities. Dine on an international cuisine that will include Mediterranean, Hawaiian, Ceviche, Mexican, Salvadorean as well as BBQ favorites of ribs, chicken, links, and hot dogs. There will be shaved ice, ice cream, kettle corn, juices and smoothies as well.
SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM COCOACOLA JULY 4TH FEST Park hours vary, fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary Celebrate the biggest holiday of the summer at Six Flags July 4th Fest, presented by CocaCola. It’s an epic three-day party, July 2-4. Say Happy Birthday America with screamin’ rides, spectacular fireworks, music and of course ice-cold Coca-Cola.
For more information visit HatterVallejo.com.
For more information, click here.
Interested in volunteering? Click here.
JULY 4, 2022
JULY 4, 2022
167TH 4TH OF JULY PARADE AND FESTIVAL! 10:00 a.m. FREE! (Parade float entry fees vary)
SPIRIT SHIP CELEBRATION 5:00pm – 10:00pm $0-25/ticket
View the parade route, sign up to be in the parade, and learn more at VallejoJuly4.com.
Join the Southern Land Company and the The Nimitz Group for their Spirit Ship Celebration on Mare Island for food trucks and sweet treats, cold beverages, a DJ and kid’s zone, games and prizes and waterfront views. Enjoy fireworks at 9:30 pm Sponsored by the Southern Land Company, fireworks will light off from a barge on the Mare Island Straits.
Interested in volunteering? Click here!
Grab your tickets here!
Gather your friends and family and Join Grand Marshal Richard Freedman in one of the oldest 4th of July Parades in Northern California as we “Re-Unite the Spirit of Vallejo!”
Interested in volunteering? Sign up here.
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Check out these awesome events!
MAD HATTER CELEBRATION AT THE WATERFRONT 11:00 a.m. - Dusk - FREE!
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According to NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes that involved an alcoholimpaired driver in 2020. That same year, 493 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 This July 4th, as we celebrate America’s a.m. July 6). Forty-one percent (201) of those independence, the Vallejo Police Department fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crashes. With many Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, (NHTSA) want to remind drivers that Buzzed more cars will be on the roads at night. Over the Driving Is Drunk Driving. 2020 July 4th holiday period, of the 201 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle Unfortunately, too many people think that traffic crashes, 85% of the fatalities occurred in driving after a few drinks is acceptable. The numbers say otherwise: In 2020, more than 200 nighttime crashes (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.). people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving “Everyone deserves to have a safe, enjoyable crashes over the 4th of July holiday period. Fourth of July,” said Vallejo Police Sergeant Jeff That’s over 200 people who could have made Tai. “We’re partnering with NHTSA to share the it home if everyone had planned ahead for a sober ride. If you celebrate Independence Day reminder that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. with alcohol and decide to get behind the wheel It is never okay to drink and drive — even after just a few drinks. There are so many options for a of a vehicle, you aren’t just putting yourself in sober ride these days. So, plan ahead — if you’ll danger; you put everyone on the road at risk. Plan ahead for a safe and sober ride every time be drinking this Fourth of July, or any other day, you drink. Stay safe for the people in your life — arrange for a sober ride.” loved ones, parents or children, your buddies. The 4th of July holiday period is consistently Drive sober to protect them and to protect one of the deadliest times of year on the nation’s yourself.
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Remember, this 4th of july - BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING
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Remember these tips for a safe Independence Day weekend: •
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Plan Ahead for a Sober Ride This Fourth of July, the Vallejo Police Department and NHTSA urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan how you will get around without driving. If you wait until after you’ve been drinking to make this decision, you’re already too impaired to make the right choices.
Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. If available, use your community’s sober ride program or rideshare service. If you see a drunk driver on the road, dial 911 or contact the Vallejo Police Department at 707-552-3285. See a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
This Fourth of July and every day, drive only if you’re 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/riskydriving/drunk-driving. For media inquiries, please contact VallejoPolicePIO@cityofvallejo.net
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roads. From 2016 to 2020, there were 901 people killed in drunk-driving crashes over the 4th of July holiday period. Thirty-nine percent (542) of the drivers killed were alcoholimpaired (with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), and more than half (51%) were between the ages of 21-34. During the 2020 July 4th holiday period, 60% of those who died in alcohol-impaired crashes were in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a BAC at or above .15. That’s almost twice the legal limit in most states.
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VALLEJO FIRE DEPARTMENT INCREASES EDUCATION AND OUTREACH REGARDING ILLEGAL FIREWORKS The Vallejo Fire Department has responded to numerous vegetation fires since the official start of summer. As we are reminded year after year, when the weather warms, fire severity increases.
limiting fires caused by illegal fireworks. This plan is reliant upon outreach, education, and an increased presence of firefighters. Starting immediately, firefighters will be patrolling neighborhoods at different times of the day to discourage and deter the use of illegal fireworks. During the weekends, citizens may see firefighters in their neighborhood knocking on doors and handing out educational materials in an effort to further discourage illegal firework usage.
Vallejo Fire Department is reminding residents that all fireworks are strictly prohibited within City limits, including the unincorporated areas.
“We must work together as a community. By reporting illegal fireworks on SeeClickFix, we can more efficiently utilize our resources to target areas with firework activity.” The Fire The use of illegal fireworks, while always Department will use the reports to identify high dangerous, pose an ever-increasing threat due use areas, which Firefighters and Prevention to expanding drought conditions and increasing staff will patrol while on-duty. temperatures. At this level, the fire season is expected to last year-round, with the number of Chief Long is also directing the Fire Department fires and cost to the City and affected citizens to increase staffing over the 4th of July weekend significantly increased compared to nonso that firefighters can respond to emergencies drought years. more quickly.
Fire Chief Kyle Long plans to minimize the local threat caused by vegetation fires in part by
For additional information, please visit www. cityofvallejo.net/reportfireworks. Interested in more news like this? Sign up for the City of Vallejo's press releases and public notices by clicking here!
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The City is asking for citizens to report the use of illegal fireworks on SeeClickFix. Reports will be reviewed and a warning or administrative citation will be issued where possible. The Fire Department will use the reports to identify high use areas, which Firefighters and Prevention staff will patrol and make contact with neighbors to educate them on the dangers of illegal fireworks use leading up to the 4th of July holiday. The Department will also provide door hangers with the same information.
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City moves up from stable to a positive outlook The City of Vallejo is pleased to announce that S&P Global Ratings, one of the nation’s top authorities on the fiscal health of public and private institutions, upgraded its rating this month on the City's 1999 certificates of participation (COPS) by two notches, from "BBB" to “A-“ , and assigned a positive outlook. The upgrade is due to the City's maintenance of a strong financial position during the past five fiscal years and updated projections that indicate generally balanced performance during the next five fiscal years. "This is excellent news for Vallejo," said City Manager Mike Malone. "This rating upgrade is a testament to what our Finance team has accomplished in the last five years, especially with two of those fiscal years occurring during an economy-rocking pandemic."
The positive outlook infers that there is at least a one-in-three chance that S&P could raise the rating further during the next two years if Vallejo's general fund continues to perform well. In general, higher credit ratings can result in lower borrowing costs as investors view those securities as less risky. Finance Director Rekha Nayar remarked, "Not only does the City's finance team work hard, but they also work smart every day to ensure the City's continued financial stability and accountability to its citizens. These ratings are a recognition of our continued commitment to them." Interested in more news like this? Sign up for the City of Vallejo's press releases and public notices by clicking here! Val l ej o W ee kl y
CITY OF VALLEJO RECEIVES RATING UPGRADE FROM STANDARD & POOR'S (S&P)
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Looking for a specific part of a council meeting?!
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Well, you are in luck! Thanks to our talented staff, bookmarks on recorded Council meetings are now available! Just visit cityofvallejo.net/agendas, click the section in the agenda below the video window to
jump to that section. No more scrubbing through entire Council meetings to find what you are looking for!
Get connected Vallejo INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/ cityofvallejo VALLEJO WEEKLY | vallejoweekly.com Read our free, digital, weekly newsletter and stay in the know!
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FACEBOOK | (Set us to your favorites so you never miss a post!) • The City of Vallejo • Vallejo Police Department • Vallejo Fire Department • Vallejo Water Department
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Essence ...The Heart & Soul of A People
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Exhibit at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
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Join Askari Sowonde Productions for their first art exhibit on July 2, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m, at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, 734 Marin Street, Vallejo. Vallejo and Bay Area artists coming together for Essence...The Heart & Soul of A People Exhibit are; Verlania Manchester, Liberty
Pierson, Jean Cherrie, TJ Walkup, Shiloh Drake, Jean Ballard, Elaine Paurel, Mario Saucedo, Luna, Tom Ari Donch, Sophia Othman, Chris Riley, Lerecia Davis Evans, Ric Alexander, and more. Bring your friends and support Vallejo’s own at this exciting and FREE event! Light appetizers will be provided and DJ sounds by Jaime. For more information, please click here.
In April 2022, the Solano Transportation Authority (STA) and Solano County Transit (SolTrans) announced the consolidation of the SolanoExpress Lines to be operated by one agency. SolTrans will be the single operator of all 4 SolanoExpress Lines, Green, Red and Yellow, are already operated by SolTrans. The SolanoExpress Blue Line will join the SolTrans service on Monday, August 8, 2022. The Blue Line is currently being operated by Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST). Due to unforeseen delays in new bus production, SolTrans will temporarily reduce the Blue Line schedule for the first six weeks of service. On Monday, September 19, 2022, the Blue Line
service will be expanded to mirror its current span of service. Schedules are slightly adjusted to accommodate transfers to BART’s updated September schedule change. WHAT DOES THE TRANSITION MEAN FOR THE PASSENGERS? SolTrans passengers will have access to realtime bus information and real-time service alerts through the various technologies SolTrans offers like: SolTrans.org, Transit App, Moovit App, and 511.org Passengers will also have access to the Token Transit App for mobile fare purchases. Passengers can continue to use paper and Clipper passes on the Blue Line. For updated schedules and real-time information visit SolTrans.org
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SolanoExpress Blue Line to be Operated by SolTrans
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SOLTRANS Service Alert:
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Effective Monday, July 4, 2022, in observance of July 4th, SolTrans Local and SolanoExpress buses will NOT operate. Regular service is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
To view SolTrans’ website, click here.
Help us welcome our newest graduates and servant leaders to our Vallejo Community and the Vallejo Police Department Family! Officers Sarah Phipps and Forest Coleman were sworn in on June 16, 2022 after graduating from the police academy. They are now part of the next generation of 21st Century Policing, which
aims to promote effective crime reduction while building public trust and safeguarding officer well-being. We are so proud of them for this achievement! Interested in joining 21st Century Policing in Vallejo?
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VPD Welcomes New Officers
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This year's 3rd Grade Reading Program was a success!
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In partnership with the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD), this program was a welcomed event for us at the PD after going on hiatus during COVID.
The program left a positive impression on almost 900 of our Vallejo youth, and brightened the days of every VPD member who participated. We were able to visit 15 schools, 33 different 3rd grade classes, and 833 students. We can't wait until next year!
Law Enforcement Torch Run
symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity, uniting communities around the globe.
For over 35 years, law enforcement officers have been raising awareness and funds for the Special Olympics, an event known to many as the Law Enforcement Torch Run or LETR. Known as Guardians of the Flame of Hope, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. They also carry it into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional, and World Games. There are over 97,000 law enforcement members that carry the “Flame of Hope” annually. The flame
On June 21, the torch arrived for Vallejo officers courtesy of Solano County Sheriffs' deputies. Vallejo officers then ran slightly over 5 miles to deliver the torch to our partners at the Benicia Police Department who dutifully carried the torch on!
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For more information on the Torch Run visit www.LETR.org or for information on the Special Olympics visit www.specialolympics.org
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We're Hiring! The City of Vallejo is pleased to offer the following Employment Opportunities: • • • • 18
Communications Operator I Communications Operator II (Lateral) Deputy Police Chief Housing and Community Development Program Manager
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Police Cadet Police Officer (Entry – Academy Graduate) Police Officer (Lateral) Police Officer (Recruit) Transfer List
For a list of all current City of Vallejo job openings, or to subscribe to receive announcements for future recruitments, please click here.
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Photo: Walter Gutierrez
CONTACT
cityofvallejo.net 555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA 94590 Facebook.com/cityofvallejo Instagram.com/cityofvallejo For maintenance emergencies, please call: (707) 648-5235