Vallejo Weekly | Vol 10 | Issue 39

Art As Activism Builds A Community

Art has social relevance and is arguably an effective means of activism. Current social and environmental crises make artbased activism especially relevant today. On Saturday, September 24th volunteers were able to grab a brush and paint the artistic mural on Santa Clara St. inspired by the "Black Lives Matter" movement. The beautifully designed mural was endorsed several years ago by the Vallejo Commission on Arts and Culture and in a City Council Proclamation. COVID may have delayed the project but it certainly did not stop the commitment of our community partners in making the mural a reality.

Askari Sowonde, the lead organizer of the Black Lives Matter mural put together a team of community members to host a Block Party style installation so resident artists, local youth, and vendors could gather to

participate in a positive, uplifting communitybuilding event.

“It was amazing seeing so many different people come together to support this cause and be a part of this historic artwork in Vallejo. I loved watching and hearing the different performances, as well as having the honor of being able to paint with other artists, volunteers, and especially youth,” said Victoria Grace, Youth Coordinator for the City of Vallejo.

The City of Vallejo sponsored the event, supplying the volunteers with the proper paint and other materials, along with staff from multiple departments who committed time and energy in support of this successful community event.

Please, come down to Vallejo City Hall and see just how stunning this mural is!

THE BOOKWORM!

On a hot August afternoon, I stepped into The Bookworm Education Supplies and was greeted with a warm smile from the store’s owner, Kelli Orona. Located at 1822 Springs Road, the store’s modest exterior does not prepare you for the wonderland that awaits inside. With an eclectic array of children’s book, unparalleled to anything you’ll find in a big box store, and a plethora of multicultural books, including bilingual books in Spanish, and much sought after, Filipino children’s books that teach Tagalog. I quickly realized The Bookworm was more than an educational supply store.

In 1983, the Orona family moved from Los Angeles to Vallejo. One of the key factors in choosing Vallejo as their new home was the naval feel provided by Mare Island. Kelli opened The Bookworm in 1993 and has provided our community with educational supplies, books, and toys for nearly thirty years.

“We love the beauty and culture of Vallejo. I wish more people could experience everything Vallejo has to offer.”

Located on the Springs Road corridor, The Bookworm Education Supplies shares a

building with a popular breakfast and lunch spot, The Joy of Eating. Just up the road is the Pacific Island Market and a Sac’s Tasty Hot Dog, a Vallejo staple since 1976.

Kelli says the store doesn’t get much foot traffic. “I’d love to see this area updated to encourage people to visit this part of the city.”

Her wish is about to come true. The City of Vallejo has plans to improve roadway conditions, automobile safety, and pedestrian safety on Springs Road from Maywood Drive to Humboldt Street/Miller Avenue.

In the beginning, The Bookworm Educational Supplies catered mainly to educators. As a homeschooling parent, Kelli taught both of her daughters, who are UC Davis graduates, and now she teaches her grandchildren.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Kelli understands the challenges of teaching at home, something most parents were not adept to through the pandemic. During 2020, it was parents who kept The Bookworm thriving. With public schools closed, Kelli’s store provided parents with the tools needed to educate their children at home, as well as, a way to keep them busy during the lockdown.

“When parents come in looking for supplemental learning aids, I give them tips on how to teach their kids using the books,” said Kelli. On the store’s website, Kelli is quoted as saying, “What most people forget is learning is not the same as teaching. I tell all my customers who come in to The Bookworm to look at their children as if they are a blank page, we are writing on that page whether they like learning or hate learning it’s how we teach them.”

Kelli often assists Kaiser Permanente Hospital in selecting sensory aids for the elderly and persons with sensory processing disorders. As if that wasn’t enough; Kelli also provides yearround virtual tutoring services for pre-school to 12th grade, English language immersion, and adult learning.

The Bookworm is a teacher’s dream. In fact, teachers can even create a “Wish List” on the store’s website, offering an easy way to let parents know how they can contribute to the classroom. Whether shopping in person or online, you’ll find everything needed to create a thriving learning environment, at school or in your home.

Over the years, the store has evolved into a place where anyone from 0-105 years old can find something new to learn. From infant learning toys to fidget spinners and slime kits, to adult coloring books, and elaborate 3D puzzles, Kelli has made sure the store has

something to fit all budgets. Although you can shop online, this is one place you’ll want to visit in-person. The fuzzy hand puppets, cooing birds of Northern California, and the incredible selection of books make it worth the trip!

Keeping inventory fresh and up to date with the ever-changing fads is one reason the store has a dedicated and supportive clientele. Bright colored pop-its sit across from wooden mechanical puzzles made in the Ukraine. You’ll find a toddler book on the History of Rap and classic Little Golden Books on display. Wide aisles of art supplies and posterboards, thousands of stickers, and inspirational classroom posters.

As a minority, woman owned business, Kelli is mindful of the items she chooses for the store. She carries inclusive books and

Vallejo Weekly 5 BookworkOwner,KelliOrona

classroom posters to represent and celebrate different nationalities and cultures from around the world. In addition to the mecca of new products, a used book section was recently added, catering to all ages. You’ll find mainstream best-selling novels to vintage children’s’ books selling for more than 50% off retail.

The Bookworm encourages people of all ages to explore, learn, and grow. Most importantly, it will inspire and motivate parents to be part of their child’s learning journey from birth and beyond. Vallejo is honored to have The Bookworm of Vallejo in our community.

Support The Bookworm by donating gently loved books. Contact the store for donation times.

Shop Local! You can shop in-store or online for birthday, back-to-school, homeschool supplies, school projects, nursery/learning décor, special occasion, or holiday gifts.

Website: thebookwormofvallejo.com

Facebook: @thebookwormofvallejo

Instagram: @vjobookworm

The story was provided by the Vallejo Economic Vitality Commission

Vallejo High School

Unity Rally

In response to recent events at Vallejo High School (VHS), Mr. Lewis Brown, VHS teacher and advisor to the Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation Career Pathway, along with his students, organized a Unity Rally on campus to honor school staff, whose names have not been released pending an investigation, as well as VHS alum, the honorable Judge Robert Rigsby. On September 23rd, students were greeted with an inspirational presentation by Judge Rigsby, who, along with the school staff, received special recognitions from Mayor Robert McConnell. Judge Rigsby spoke to students about his own struggles as a youth in Vallejo and how the community helped get him to where he is today. The City of Vallejo’s new Youth Coordinator, Victoria Grace, also an alum of VHS, offered her support and appreciation to staff and students on campus.

“It goes without saying that our beloved staff will be officially recognized and thanked for

their heroic efforts in protecting the students from our campus in the recent melee.” Said Mr. Brown.

One staff member suffered non-lifethreatening injuries following a shooting in front of VHS on September 13th. As a response, Vallejo High School offered their staff, students, and families support through the Vallejo City Unified School District Crisis Team, which included school psychologists and Mental Health Support Providers, who worked closely with VHS Counselors. There were also collaborations with Solano County Office of Education clinicians, Solano County Mental Health clinicians and A Better Way clinicians.

If you are interested in learning more about anti-violence, there is an upcoming workshop called the Solano County Alternatives to Violence Project, hosted by Watch Me Grow, Inc. This is a final workshop of the series on 10/8/22 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Solano County Probations Youth Achievement Center (719 Tennessee Street, Vallejo).

Vallejo Weekly

UPCOMING ARPA Funding Community Meetings

Upcoming ARPA Funding Community Meetings

The City of Vallejo has received its second round of American Rescue Act (ARPA) funding, and they want to hear from you about how to spend it!

Join us for one of our next community meeting to hear a presentation about ARPA funding and then share your suggested uses/projects for the money. To learn more, visit MYVALLEJO.COM/ARPA

Click here to submit your suggestions on how the City of Vallejo should spend this second round of ARPA.

Vallejo Kid's Book Festival Books Can Take You Anywhere!

A FREE family event at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.

WHEN: Saturday October 8, 2022 10a - 4p

WHERE: Vallejo Naval & Historic Museum, 734 Marin St.

The Vallejo Kids Book Festival, Sponsored by First Five Solano and in partnership with the Vallejo Literacy Alliance, is coming up on Saturday, October 8th!

It's their 3rd annual kids book giveaway! There will be an inflatable forest, singing, dancing, storytelling and more!

Vallejo Weekly

VALLEJO HOUSING AUTHORITY TEMPORARY LOBBY CLOSURE

Starting on October 5, 2022, the Vallejo Housing Authority (VHA) will be closed due to an ADA Compliance Improvement Project in front of the VHA’s public entrance located on the Santa Clara Street side of the building (right across from the JFK Library).

Clients with prior scheduled appointments will be contacted for further instructions.

The VHA will reopen to the public on Monday, October 17, 2022.

For general inquiries, please call (707) 648-4507 or email housing@cityofvallejo.net. Program participants with questions pertaining to their case are advised to contact their Housing Specialist.

DON'T KNOW WHO YOUR HOUSING SPECIALIST IS? View the directory guide here

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Waterfront Weekend

October 1-2, 2022

The Vallejo Waterfront Weekend returns on Saturday and Sunday, October 1st and 2nd, and they are celebrating with the City of Vallejo! But this year, don't just attend the event, be a PART of the event! Whether you'd like to try your hand at our Kornhole Tournament, enter your car in the Classic Car Show, compete in Disc Golf, or race in one of our runs supporting our local children, there is something for everyone!

Come join in one of the family friendly tournaments happening both Saturday and Sunday over the weekend- Kornhole tournament OR the Disc Golf Tournament... both are open to family, friends, or singles! Spinal Care Injury Active Network welcomes you to sign-up for our Kornhole Tournament in social and competitive divisions. The Napa Disc Golf in conjunction with Benicia and Vallejo Disc Golf Clubs will host an exciting 18-hole disc golf tournament on Mare Island's waterfront and throughout Alden Park. All ages are welcomed for both events.

The Hot Rod and Classic Car Show will be hosted by the Boyz Under The Hood Car Club and benefiting Operation Care and Comfort. The car show will run from 9 am to 3 pm and

cars will begin parking at 8 am along the Vallejo Waterfront Marina Green. The Car Show is open to all makes, models and years of cars and trucks: Classics, Customs, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Rat Rods, etc.

And why not choose one of our runs to support the local youth? On Saturday, end your day at the Vallejo Waterfront Weekend by running in the Glo Run, hosted by the Vallejo Unified School District! Ride the Ferry over to the starting line by the Mare Island Ferry Terminal at 6:30 pm, and enjoy a fun run along Mare Island and the Vallejo Waterfront promenade, finishing the race with a "glowing" celebration on the festival grounds. On Sunday morning, start your day by supporting Vallejo PAL while honoring on fallen officers. Enjoy a 5K run around Mare Island, beginning and ending at the Mare Island Historic Core.

New this year will be Kayak Self-Guided, ecological, and human history tour aboard a rented kayak or whaleboat featuring the Vallejo waterfront, Mare Island straight, and NapaSonoma Marsh.

Don't miss out on being part of the fun! Sign up now! All event information can be found at VallejoWaterfrontWeekend.com. Please note events subject to change.

Saturday, October 1, 2022

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Overland Alley Clean-up

Meet at Sutter Street and Overland Alley (the alley between Louisiana and Ohio Streets) Vallejo.

Hosted by: Washington Park Neighborhood Association

Please bring your own trash grabber tools (and buckets if you like). Contractor-grade garbage bags and nitrile gloves will be provided. Face masks are encouraged.

Remember, if you are walking to the event, you can collect street litter on the way, and add it to the pile!

Interested in hosting a community cleanup? Send us an email at volunteers@cityofvallejo. net or (707) 648-8616 to get started.

cityofvallejo.net

555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

Facebook.com/cityofvallejo

Instagram.com/cityofvallejo

For maintenance emergencies, please call: (707) 648-5235

Photo: Walter Gutierrez