The Extra Mile - One Man on a Mission Making a Difference

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference.” ~Nelson Mandela~

In 2020, the City of Vallejo began a volunteer pilot project to clean up litter in our streets. A small group of individuals opted to join the Litter Picker Pilot and patrol their area on a regular basis picking up trash and debris. The City supplied them with a litter picker, safety vest and trash bags. Once they had collected 3 full bags, they contacted the Volunteer Coordinator so Public Works staff could be dispatched to pick up and dispose of the bags they filled.

Many of the pilot sites focused on highly visible freeway entrances, as well as Columbus Parkway, Tennessee St., Springs Rd, and Rollingwood Way.

The pilot, complimenting the efforts of larger groups who reserve the Community Tool Trailer, has had big results. One man, Dave Smail, took the pilot up a notch with his efforts by responding to reports on SeeClickFix.

The number of hours and bags of trash he has collected since July 2021 through April 2022 is truly remarkable! When he finds auto batteries, he takes them to a local auto supply store who can dispose of these hazardous materials safely. He has also used SeeClickFix to report tires, large pieces of furniture and large dumps of household trash.

Dave has consistently communicated with staff when an area maintained by CalTrans is in need of attention. Thanks to his proactive calls, and the calls of staff, and other community members, CalTrans has been much more responsive in addressing dumping issues in the main arteries in Vallejo around highways 29, 37 and 780.

In total, Dave has volunteered 191 hours and has collected almost 300 bags of debris. On average each bag is estimated to weigh 15 pounds… that is over 2 tons of litter off our streets and waterways!

What a difference one man on a mission has made!

Thank you Dave, you are an inspiration to us all!

You are invited!

Mare Island Community Workshop

Join the Mare Island Co. For a community meeting on the Mare Island Specific Plan. The format for this meeting will be presentation style, not an interactive workshop.

Topics will be Infrastructure and Sea Level Rise.

Expert speakers will give a virtual tour of the island's shoreline and existing infrastructure. Examples from around the world will also be presented to showcase how the Island's redevelopment can address flood, sea level rise, and other climate challenges to improve the Island's resiliency and sense of place with adaptable waterfront and open space strategies.

WHEN: May 4, 2023

Doors open: 5:30 pm

Presentation begins: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

WHERE: VALLEJO NAVAL & HISTORICAL MUSEUM 734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

RSVP for in-person presentation or via Zoom at: https://May4CommunityWorkshop.eventbrite. com

Questions?

MareIslandProjectManager@Gmail.com

The Mermaid Series Marathon Comes to Mare Island!

Mermaid Series is building a welcoming community that inspires women from all backgrounds to experience the joy of crossing the finish line. On May 13, 2023, runners from all over the region will converge on Mare Island to compete in Vallejo for the first time!

The events serve as a platform for women to pursue new goals in fitness and in life. Mermaid Series aim to provide a positive and encouraging envirosnment that inspires all of the Mermaid Athletes to cross the finish line.

All levels of walkers, joggers and runners welcome!! The new venue highlights running along the Mare Island waterfront and the historic shipyard. The 5K and 10K are entirely on the road. The Half Marathon includes several miles of groomed dirt trails. The 10K and the Half both have one climb that takes you up to the top of the Mare Island Preserve.

Mermaids receive a stylish race shirt, finisher medal, necklace and post-race food.

In 2004, the Mermaid Series hosted their first Mermaid event with a women's triathlon & duathlon! Building on the success of the first event they added a second Mermaid triathlon & duathlon in 2005, thus creating the Mermaid Series. Their focus is to provide a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere where athletes from all backgrounds could experience the joy of crossing the finish line.

In 2006, they added the first Mermaid Run to the series and have since grown the portfolio of events to include triathlons, duathlons, training clinics, cycling, running races and trail runs.

The Mermaid Series is owned and operated by founder Carlo Facchino.

You can contact him at: carlo@mermaidseries.com

To register CLICK HERE.