Vallejo Weekly | Vol 10 | Issue 41

Commission on Culture & the Arts Artist Highlight: LIBERTY PIERSON

Liberty Pierson is a visual artist, educator, and designer. She has been a professional working artist and graphic designer for over 15 years. Past collaborators include Strong for All Economy, Coit Tower, Lookout! Records, Vallejo Food and Art Walk, and El Comalito Collective. Liberty received an A.S. Graphic Design and studied Illustration and Art Education at Pratt Institute. Since 2014 she has been volunteering and working within the Vallejo Arts community.

In 2019 Liberty Pierson joined the Vallejo Teaching Artists (VTA). There she has led multigrade visual art classes at two Vallejo Unified School District campuses. During the 2020 pandemic she produced a series of educational videos for the VTA. In 2022 Liberty was the recipient of SolTrans’ Diversity Sculpture Grant. The award was given to design, produce, and install a 6’x5’ concrete and tile sculpture at the

Vallejo SolTrans Transit Center. That sculpture and four others were unveiled in a city ceremony in the Fall of 2021.

In her home studio she is expanding her pyrography portrait series. Pyrography is the free-handed art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks resulting from the controlled application of a heated object such as a poker. Her body of work focuses on themes of ethnic diversity, representation, and empowerment. Liberty Pierson’s medium of choice is intended to be an intricate and tedious method. Contrasting against the inspiring and whimsical imagery that she creates on the wood. Existing works have been displayed and sold in multiple galleries throughout the Bay Area and California.

You can Find Liberty on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

This Vallejo Artist Highlight is brought to you by the Vallejo Commission on Culture & the Arts.

I80/SR29 Bridge Replacement Project: EB I-80 at Sequoia Ave. off-ramp closed

October 10, 2022, Through January 2023

(Motorists are encouraged to use EB I-80 at Magazine St. off-ramp)

On October 10, Caltrans closed off the eastbound Interstate 80 at Sequoia Avenue off-ramp to ensure the safety of motorists and workers due to the construction work on Interstate 80/ State Route 29 Bridge Replacement Project located near the Carquinez Toll Plaza in Vallejo.

This past weekend, crews were able to install crash cushions, moved concrete barriers also

known as k-rails and re-stripe the roadway inside the work limits.

Crews are currently re-building the eastern bridge span which is part of the I-80/SR-29 Bridge Replacement Project in south Vallejo.

The ramp closure is expected to be in place until January 2023.

To learn more about the I-80/SR-29 Separation Bridge Project Vallejo: i80sr29projectvallejo. com

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT: Pedro Quintana, Caltrans District 4 Public Information Officer T: (510) 867-6028 E: pedro.quintana@dot.ca.gov

October 20th is California Great Shake Out Day

Earthquakes are just a part of living in California. Even for those of us who have lived here our entire lives, a little practice to keep us safe in the event of our next sizeable earthquake can mean the difference between living or perishing in this type of natural disaster.

Cal OES is asking all Californians to participate in the annual Great California ShakeOut drill, that will take place on October 20, 2022, at 10:20 AM PDT local time.

Cal OES and the City of Vallejo encourage our community to be proactive and download the free MyShake App to their device as part of the earthquake drill. The MyShake app allows you to quickly understand the impact of an earthquake

and see damage and shaking reports submitted by other community members along with information from the USGS and other global earthquake authorities. It also allows you to report what you see, felt, or heard in your area during the quake.

To learn more about the MyShake App and download it for Google Play and iOS devices, visit https://myshake.berkeley.edu/

The City of Vallejo also encourages our community to stay in loop during emergency situations in the area by signing up for AlertSolano at alertsolano.com

To sign up for the 2022 Great California ShakeOut drill, visit www.shakeout.org/california.

Sedimentation Basin Inspection Water Facilities staff recently participated in training conducted by the manufacturers of the components that make up sedimentation basins within the water treatment plant.

Sedimentation is the process by which suspended particles, such as inorganic and

organic materials derived from soils, plants, and rocks that the raw water has come in contact with are removed from the water by gravity or separation. The basins enhance the filtration process by removing these particulates.

The training was being conducted to show our staff what deficiencies to look for during our annual or bi-annual inspections, and how we can repair them safely and correctly.

CYBER SECURITY MONTH

Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, helping individuals protect themselves online as threats to technology and confidential data become more commonplace.

Did you know the number of phishing attack victims increased by 34% in 2021, and remains the number one type of cybercrime in the world? Three out of four organizations fall victim to ransomware attacks, up 61% from 2020. 64% of those organizations paid the ransom, but four ten never recovered their data. Ransomware takes hold of networks

and restricts access to files, often demanding payment in exchange for restoring systems, and threatening to destroy them if the ransom isn’t paid. Every hour of downtime due to a ransomware attack costs an average of $250,000.

The City of Vallejo hosted a proclamation recognizing Cyber Security Month at the October 11 City Council Meeting and the Information Technology Department encourages staff and the general public to verify your current security settings, turnon 2-Way Authentication on your accounts (if applicable), and ensure you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and organization.

VPD GRANT AWARD

The Vallejo Police Department was recently awarded nearly $1M from the California Board of State and Community Corrections' Proposition 47 grant program. These funds will be used for VPD’s Project HOME (Homeless Outreach, Mentorship, and Empowerment), a program for justice-involved transitional-aged youth ages 16 to 24 experiencing homelessness and mild to moderate mental health and/or substance use disorders.

In 2021, the VPD had over 2,100 arrests, 21 of which were of individuals under 18, and 710, or one-third, were between 18 and 29 years of age. Homelessness at any point in a young person's life can cause severe trauma, hamper development, disrupt relationships, and put their health and safety at risk. Project HOME will transform how law enforcement utilizes different tactics and strategies to divert homeless youth from becoming involved with the justice system.

Project HOME brings together 14 community groups to create a full spectrum of wraparound services that leverage each partner organization's individual expertise and resources. These organizations include On The Move, Vallejo Together, OLE Health, Planned Parenthood, and Solano Pride Center. They will provide various services, including intensive peer-to-peer case management, job/training, housing support, transportation to safe housing, substance abuse counseling, and legal services. Ole Health and Planned Parenthood will also offer female medical and health services in the program. Solano PRIDE will also partner with Project HOME to provide mental health counseling for the LGBTQIA population.

“Building healthy, safe, and vibrant communities requires that we empower those who have been marginalized or justice-involved with mentoring, coaching, and resources to succeed,” said Police Chief Shawny Williams. “I am grateful for our many partners in this endeavor because it takes a united community to bring hope and create real change.”

Local Business Highlight: Freedom McGee Designs

Freedom McGee Designs offers Vallejo so much more than beautifully handcrafted jewelry. Her love for Vallejo reminds us why we call this city our home.

Freedom McGee curates incredible jewelry using materials she inherited from her grandmother.

“I’ve been around jewelry making my entire life,” said Freedom. “My grandmother was a silversmith, my aunts’ made pottery.” Freedom passionately follows in her grandmother’s footsteps and spends hours honing her craft and learning new techniques when she isn't working as a jewelry technician. Her hard work was beautifully displayed at an amazing event highlighting local artists, crafters, and musicians called Cruel Summer Makers Market on Mare Island.

According to Freedom, Vallejo has responded favorably to her designs, and I could see why. Nestled in the center of the market, Freedom McGee Designs could not be missed. The natural beauty of her colorful pieces drew people in with an eclectic selection of stunning feather earrings, elegantly crafted tiaras, bold necklaces, and dainty beaded bracelets. The exceptional artistry and quality of her pieces made it difficult to walk away empty-handed!

Events like the Cruel Summer Makers Market and the 2nd Friday Vallejo Artwalk, allows creators to

showcase their work and provides them an opportunity to grow their small business as well as offers locals a chance to meet new people in the community.

When asked if she was a Vallejo resident, Freedom offered an ecstatic, “Yes!”

Freedom grew up in Arizona, where she raised her two children. Soon after moving from Arizona to Oakland, she discovered Vallejo and about a year ago, Freedom officially became a Vallejoan!

“I was drawn to the beauty of the city, but mostly the artist community.”

With a 10% annual growth rate, Vallejo is a magnet for artists, families, and businesses. Vallejo is a blossoming community thanks to people like Freedom McGee. Economic Vitality Commissioner Nicole Loufas asked Freedom if there was anything she would like to add; she replied, “I want to thank Vallejo for being so welcoming to me. I am so happy to be here!”

Thank you, Freedom, for choosing Vallejo!

Learn more about Freedom McGee Designs on Instagram: @freedommcgeedesigns

This article was brought to you by the Vallejo Economic Vitality Commission, to learn more about the Commission, visit MyVallejo. com/EVC

Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15

In the event of fire, time is the biggest enemy, and every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. Have escape plans to get out of your home quickly. Practice E.D.I.T.H. — Exit Drills in the Home — with your family.

CREATING YOUR HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN

• Draw your home floor plan using a home escape plan template.

• Label all the rooms and identify the doors and windows.

• Plan 2 escape routes from every room.

• Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.

• Agree on a meeting place where everyone will gather after you have escaped.

• Considering buying an Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL)-approved collapsible ladder to escape from upper story windows.

PRACTICE YOUR HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN

• Review your escape plan with everyone that stays in the house, including children.

• Sound the smoke alarm.

• Practice crawling low beneath the smoke.

• Remember to check doors for heat with your hand; if a door is hot, do not open it.

• Close the doors as you leave.

• Practice with a collapsible ladder, if you have one.

• Go directly to your meeting place; do not stop to find your pets or valuables.

• Remember to GET OUT FIRST, then call 9-1-1 for help.

• Practice your plan at least twice a year.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll until the flames are extinguished.

• Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years.

• Change the batteries in the smoke alarms, every 6 months (when you change your clocks).

• Test alarms monthly by pushing the “test” button for 3-5 seconds.

IF YOU LIVE IN AN APARTMENT BUILDING

• Learn and practice your building’s evacuation plan.

• Know primary and secondary exits.

• If you hear the fire alarm, leave immediately.

• Use the stairs.

• NEVER use elevators during a fire.

Free Fall Dump Day

It is estimated that the City of Vallejo Maintenance Department disposes of over 150 tons of illegally dumped material each year!

In our effort to give residents an alternative to illegal dumping, the City of Vallejo will be working in conjunction with Recology Vallejo and Caltrans to host a FREE Fall Dump Day Event on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 7 a.m. to 12p.m.  at 100 Solano Street in Vallejo. (Participants will need to enter from the North Side of Sonoma Boulevard.)

This FREE Dump Day is open to Vallejo

Residents only and proof of residency will be required to participate.

Acceptable items will include the following: Tires, Furniture, Mattresses, Refrigerators, Garbage, Yard Waste, All Appliances, E-Waste (anything with a plug) and metal objects.

Unacceptable items will include the following:  Household Hazardous Waste, Chemicals, Propane Tanks, Sharps or Medical Waste and Construction and Demolition Debris.

Residentswillbeallowedtomakemultiple tripsthroughouttheevent.

VPD Removes Loaded Firearm and One Pound of Meth from Community Streets

Recently a Vallejo Police Department officer observed a stolen vehicle traveling past his patrol unit. The suspect driving the stolen vehicle exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The officer quickly caught the fleeing suspect and arrested him. VPD officers searched the stolen vehicle and discovered one pound of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and a weight scale.

Thank you to our hard-working officers who not only took a loaded firearm off our streets but also recovered a stolen vehicle, as well as this significant quantity of illegal drugs. To put this in perspective, the average meth user uses approximately one half to two grams per day. There are approximately 453 grams in one pound – this is enough meth to last the average user well over one year.

GOOD WORK OFFICERS!

GVRD October Events!

Looking for something to do this month to celebrate the season?

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) is hosting a variety of fun-filled events for the whole family throughout the month of October. To pre-register, see the schedule of programs and events, or for more information, please visit their website at GVRD.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 FLOATING PUMPKIN PATCH

Cunningham Aquatic Complex

801 Heartwood Ave, Vallejo Session 1: 12:30pm - 1:30pm Session 2: 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Price: $5.00 per adult (18+), $10 per child (17 & under)

Come swim and pick out a pumpkin from GVRD's “patch.” Each child will receive one large pumpkin! Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event. Registration is required for each individual attending

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 MOVIE UNDER THE STARS - THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Children's Wonderland Park 360 Glenn Street, Vallejo Doors open at 6:00pm – Movie begins at 6:30pm

Bring your family, chairs, and blankets and join in for this FREE movie night! No outside food or drinks allowed. Concessions and souvenirs available for a nominal fee!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

PUPKIN PATCH DOG FESTIVAL City Park 425 Alabama Street, Vallejo 10am-3pm

FREE event! Raffle! Rescues! Eats! Adoptions! Vendors! Demos! Everyday Dog Show with categories: Best costume, Best owner/Dog Look-A-Like, Best wag, Best body part, Best Trick, Best Bark

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31

NIGHTMARE ON GLENN STREET - FREE FAMILY EVENT

Children’s Wonderland 360 Glenn Street, Vallejo 5pm-7pm

Music, Activities, Trick or Treat Lane, and Cosplay Costume Contest! This event is absolutely FREE and includes entrance to the park, haunted alley, bounce house and more! Cosplay Costume Contest will be held at 5pm and trick-or-treat lane to follow. Adults will not be permitted in the park without being accompanied by a child.

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