April 12, 2023 Economic Development Strategic Plan Community Meeting Update

from Vallejo Weekly | Vol 11 | Issue 15

GRANT APPLICATION PERIOD EXTENDED: CAPITOL REGION CREATIVE CORPS PROGRAM

The Second Community Meeting, held to invite community member input on the Economic Development Strategic Plan, was held this week. Hosted by Council members Arriola and Matulac, the World Café style discussion invited members of Districts 2 and 6 (as well as the general community) to add their input on the Strategic Plan. Held at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church on April 12, 2023, the meeting was well attended. Additional information on the meeting/outcomes will be provided in a future Vallejo Weekly!

Upcoming Meeting

A Third Community Meeting will be held on Monday, April 24th between 6 and 7:30 pm at the Vallejo Room-505 Santa Clara Street. Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga will be sharing host duties with Council members Bregenzer and Palmares.

Vip Fiber

The City Of Vallejo Broadband Service Vallejonet Is Now Vip Fiber

The City of Vallejo is excited to announce that its municipal broadband service, formerly known as "VallejoNet," has been rebranded as "VIP Fiber."

This rebranding initiative is part of the City's ongoing efforts to position Vallejo as a hub for technological innovation and to reflect its commitment to providing high-quality, reliable internet service to its residents and businesses. With VIP Fiber, Vallejo will continue providing customers with the same fast and affordable internet service they have known and loved, backed by great local customer support and technical expertise.

The new name, VIP Fiber, better reflects the premium level of service and cuttingedge fiber optic technology that Vallejo's community can expect from this broadband service. Additionally, please sign up for a service quote today and get added to the alerts and updates for when VIP Fiber service is available in your area of Vallejo.

Customers who are Onnet and currently serviceable by the existing fiber network can expect to see up to a 30% saving on their services compared to their current provider. Customers that are Offnet and not currently serviceable will soon be able to access VIP Fiber's fast and reliable internet service as the City continues its investment in expanding the fiber optic network. Offnet customers who are on our pre-registration list will be notified as soon as VIP Fiber service is available in their area and receive a special introductory offer.

Request a Quote today to experience the premium internet service offered by VIP Fiber and join Vallejo in its mission to lead technological advancements in the region while enjoying fast and affordable internet!

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT: TJ WALKUP

“ICONOCLAST, CARTOON ILLUSTRATOR, FILMMAKER”

Born in 1970 in Napa, California, TJ has studied and practices in multiple creative and technical disciplines, MIDI and Sound Design, Stagecraft, Art and Graphic Arts in LA, Napa, Central Coast and San Francisco. TJ is a solo artist and a contributor and collaborator in various forms from art shows, published in activist rags advocating for homeless with Street Spirit, Street Sheet and Homeless in the Homeland. As a musician and recording technologist he has played on college radio and on underground pirate radio.

TJ recalls “I had a one-man painting show at the last club with a cabaret license in SF and Edward Snowden was in attendance”. Locally TJ produced the Punk and Edge Arts Festival “Mocktoberfest,” the first of its kind in Vallejo.

Children received instruments and lessons free of charge in their chosen genre. This was in partnership with the Mira Theater and included 2 stages at the Empress and Mira theaters with 13 bands as well as a showing of “Afropunk” and an art show. Former museum director Jim Kern’s set list sheets from "The Cramps” appeared in the art show as well as an “Otaku Patrol Group” Cyberpunk leather jacket as artifact displays. Klaus Flouride of the Dead Kennedy’s was in attendance and a presenter through Schroom Custom Guitarworks, Consumer music and Ernie Ball were sponsors.

Today TJ and his wife Christina own and operate a small production company Omnific Pictures. He is actively illustrating zines, books and reimagining classic literature as graphic novels, and makes experimental music under a secret moniker in the top 10 of the genre for 8 years.

This Artist Highlight was brought to you by the Vallejo Commission on Culture and the Arts.