Vallejo Weekly | Vol 11 | Issue 19

VALLEJO WEEKLY

Vallejo Weekly receives CAPIO AWARD

In early March, the city communications team submitted the Vallejo Weekly for a 2023 California Association of Public Information Officials Award. We are pleased to announce that the Vallejo Weekly won a CAPIO in the Creative Marketing category. Communications and Public Information Officers Christina Lee and Sgt. Rashad Hollis attended the CAPIO Annual Conference in Monterey to receive the award.

THE PROGRAM: The Excellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC)

Awards are presented annually by the California Association of Public Information Officials to honor outstanding public agency information and communications programs. The awards honor work that rises above innovation and craft – work that makes a lasting impact.

THE JUDGES: The EPIC Awards were judged by experienced professional communicators from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO). The judges' exchange partnership with TAMIO encourages a fair and effective process.

To learn more about CAPIO, visit www.capio.org

City of Vallejo Youth Coordinator Selected as National League of Cities Youth Excel Fellow

Victoria Grace-Barksdale, Youth Coordinator at the City of Vallejo, has been named a Youth Excel Fellow as a part of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Youth Excel Initiative. Through the Youth Excel Initiative, Fellows work in close partnership with NLC to help their cities promote long-term community economic security by developing partnerships and implementing strategies that improve access to high-quality postsecondary education and career pathway opportunities that lead to high-wage jobs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. The initiative has a specific focus on supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color) youth and Opportunity Youth, or those who have become disconnected from school and the workforce. With a firm commitment to incorporating the voices of both youth and

employers, the Initiative seeks to ensure that the Fellows’ work leads to impactful opportunities for young people in STEM.

Victoria Grace-Barksdale joins 12 other municipal staff members from cities across the nation to engage in monthly peer-to-peer virtual learning opportunities and receive tailored technical assistance from NLC's staff and national content experts as they work to advance the city's efforts in developing high-quality career pathways for young people.

“The City of Vallejo is building partnerships to set the foundations for city-wide coordination and collaborations as we advance workforce and economic development goals for all Vallejo Youth. I am excited to learn from experts in the field and other cities in the Fellowship. I am particularly interested in engaging with youth that are seeking internships, apprenticeships, and entry-level jobs, while developing pathways to help fill some of the local workforce needs for our Vallejo community. Not only can we better prepare our youth to be competitive workers, but we can also help our businesses understand what values our next generation of workers have. The Youth Excel Fellowship will provide essential guidance towards these goals.”

The Youth Excel Initiative, operated out of the National League of Cities’ Center for Leadership, Advancement, Education, and Development, addresses the urgent need to develop community-wide approaches to workforce development that prepare youth to access highquality careers in STEM fields. This initiative provides expert assistance to support cities and partners as they improve outcomes for youth and young people who are marginalized from economic success.

This cohort program runs from April 2023 through December 2023 and is made possible through the generous support of the Siemens Foundation. Learn more about NLC’s Youth Excel Initiative at www.nlc.org/initiative/youth-excel

CITY OF VALLEJO Grant Report – May 2023

GRANTS AWARDED

HOME KEY GRANT PROGRAM - $12.1M

Through the HomeKey Grant Program, the California Department of Housing and Community Development is making a significant investment statewide in an effort to sustain and rapidly expand housing for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Those that are disproportionately impacted by and at increased risk for medical diseases or conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other communicable diseases take priority for funding.

FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY (FSS) COORDINATOR GRANT

- $117,488

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is sponsoring the Family Self-Sufficiency program to support the Department’s strategic goal of increasing economic opportunity for HUD-assisted families. FSS provides grants to support the salaries and training needs of FSS Program Coordinators who assist participating families receiving housing assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/PBV) and Public Housing (PH) programs.

PROP 64- PUBLIC SAFETY & HEALTH

PROJECT: VALLEJO YOUTH PREVENTION & INTERVENTION PROGRAM - $1.4M

The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) announced the release of the Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety (Prop 64 PH&S) Grant Program Cohort 3 on October 19th, 2022. This funding opportunity made available $150 million through a competitive process for projects that address local impacts due to the legalization of cannabis in California.

HHAP- HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANCE & PREVENTION - $1,082,582

PROJECT: VALLEJO NAVIGATION CENTER

The Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Program’s purpose is to continue to build regional coordination and a unified regional response to reduce and end homelessness. The process is informed by a best-practices framework focused on moving homeless individuals and families into permanent housing and supporting the efforts of those individuals and families to maintain their permanent housing.

IIG - INFILL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT

PROJECT: THE BROADWAY PROJECT - $2.5M

The California Department of Housing and Community Development announced this grant as gap funding for infrastructure improvements necessary for specific residential or mixeduse infill development. The objective of the IIG program is to promote infill housing development by providing financial assistance for Capital Improvement Projects that are an integral part of, or necessary to facilitate the development of affordable and mixed-income housing.

GVRD RECREATION EXPO THIS SATURDAY

JOIN GVRD'S RECREATION EXPO ON SATURDAY, MAY 13, FROM 11:00AM-2:00PM!

This is a fun and friendly event for the entire family. They have some great activities lined up: Class Demos, Facepainting for kids, vendor booths, entertainment, raffle, and concessions available for a nomial fee, and much more.

Also, if you register for a youth summer program the day of the event you'll receive 10% off for each GVRD youth summer class or camp you register for!

This is a free event to the community!

WHEN: Saturday, May 13, 2023 11:00am-2:00pm

WHERE: Children's Wonderland Park 360 Glenn St, Vallejo, CA 94590

All parents must be accompanied by a child for entry to the park!

Humane Society of the North Bay

The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow as I pulled into the parking lot of the Humane Society of the North Bay. Located at Sonoma Blvd and Solano Avenue, the gated property is home to the lost or forgotten pets of Vallejo. I sat down with the shelter director, Kristen Eddy, and the board president, Brenda Mooney, to discuss the amazing service they provide to Vallejo.

The Humane Society of the North Bay (HSNB) began in 1986 and moved to Vallejo in 1991 where it has provided shelter for 32 years. HSNB’s mission is to provide shelter and compassionate care to the community’s animals in need, offer programs that improve their lives, and strengthen the lifelong commitment between animals and people.

“It has been an honor to serve Vallejo. We are so happy to be able to help our community,” Kristen shared. “Partnering with the community is critical to our survival.”

Like the rest of the city, the shelter struggled during the pandemic. With people barely able to keep their families fed, donations were scarce.

“Things have picked up in the last year but we always need more,” Brenda expressed.

The most needed items are: towels, blankets, cleaning supplied, and of course dog and cat food. The shelter has the capacity to hold 35 big dogs, 30-40 small dogs, and about 20 cats. Feeding over 100 pets is costly. Without the help and support from donations, the Humane Society of the North Bay cannot provide the care these animals need. It isn’t just tangible goods that are in short supply. The goal of HSNB is to provide forever homes for the animals, they also need foster families to take animals on a temporary basis while waiting for adoption.

LOST PETS

HSNB is a critical source in helping reunite owners with their pets. You can find helpful tips on what to do if you lose your pet on their website. It is important to note that owners must contact HSNB with proof of ownership (which could be a picture of you and the pet) and provide proper identification (DMV issued driver’s license or ID) before the pet is released.

WAYS TO MEET THE ANIMALS

HSNB loves to partner with schools or youth groups to teach kids how to handle pets or just for some playtime! You might see some of the adoptable animals at the Farmers Market on the last Saturday of the month. They have open houses where you can visit with the animals on a Saturday afternoon. Don’t forget, you can always schedule a visit!

If fostering or adopting isn’t possible, you can volunteer to walk dogs or spend cuddle time with a cat. Human interaction is extremely important to dogs in shelters. Like humans, they need love and attention to thrive. The staff at HSNB go above and beyond to ensure the animals are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped.

“We provide the best care we can but there is a shortage of vet technicians within the animal care community. Experienced vets are retiring with nobody to take their place,” Brenda explained.

Veterinary technicians earn $44-60k/year. If you love animals becoming a veterinary technician is a rewarding career. Find a school near you by searching for Vet Technician careers on Google.

WAYS TO GIVE

Small businesses can host fundraisers or offer special sale items with all, or a portion, of the sales going to HSNB. You can also use Facebook fundraising to raise money on social media. For more information on ways to support the animals, visit the HSNB website.

In this trying economy, one of their most important services is the food pantry which runs solely on donations from the public. Wet or dry food, canned or bagged, they will take it all. Treats too! The pantry provides pet food to anyone struggling financially, as well as, unhoused pet parents. To make a donation, visit their website for more information on drop-off times.

humanesocietynorthbay/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC_y9ChhWqpvB--Fr75_mrwQ

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@ humanesocietynorthbay?lang=en

This article was brought to you by the Economic

HUMAN SOCIETY CONTACT INFORMATION

WEBSITE: www.hsnb.org

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ HumaneSocietyNorthBay

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/

UP FOR ADOPTION

Well, hello! I'm Bobby! I'm an approximately 2-year-old Shepherd mix. The humans here tell me I have beautiful, loving eyes and am quite the looker! I just know...I love hanging out with people, would love to play with another doggo pal, and my favorite thing is playing fetch or chasing after a ball! I would make a really good & loyal family companion. I try to have good doggie leash manners but I'm a strong boy so I need an equally strong, confident handler in case I see something fun to chase-like a squirrel! I would love for you to come and meet me! And if you already have another dog, bring them to meet me to see if we will get along.

Luna is a very special dog. She's a super fluffy, black and white Siberian husky who loves to play, run, and get belly rubs. She loves people and dogs, is as gentle as they come, and has a "happy-to-be-alive" attitude. Luna enjoys all levels playing from chasing to wrestling with other dogs. She is very active and loves walks and runs. She can be overly-excited with other dogs on walks but proper training can improve her doggy social manners. Luna has nothing but love to give everyone and everything. She sleeps lazily and quietly throughout the day unlike the common loud behavior of huskies. Luna also absolutely loves and appreciates pets on her tummy and chest. Traveling is another activity she enjoys because she can smell new things and be in new places. She listens to commands well, behaves herself 99% of the time, and just wants to have fun.

To see more pets up for adoption visit, www.hsnb.org

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May

EVENT LOCATION:

200 Maritime Academy Drive

Vallejo, CA 94590

VEBA GALA WINEMAKERS DINNER

MAY 19, 2023 - 5:30 PM TO 10:30 PM

The Vallejo Education Business Alliance Gala sholarship fundraiser features Senator Dodd as the keynote Speaker.With a six course “Winemaker’s Dinner” and local entertainment; vocalist and DJ after dinner.

WINE TASTING MENU

APPETIZERS

• Wild Mushroom Purse

• Mini Jackfruit Tostadas with Refried Beans, and Pickled Cabbage

• Smoked Trout Crostini with Mascarpone, Chives and Lemon “Caviar”

• Bacon Jam Tart

SALAD COURSE

Frisee Salad with Orange, Toasted Almonds,

Manchego Cheese, Mint and White Wine

Vinaigrette

FIRST COURSE

Seared Scallops with Honey-Dijon and Avocado

Puree

SECOND COURSE

Chilled English Pea Ravioli with Heirloom Cherry

Tomatoes, Arugula and Goat Cheese Crema

MAIN COURSE

Braised Beef Short Rib with Potato Puree, Candied Leek, Enoki Mushrooms, Port Wine Demi Glace and Truffle oil

DESSERT

Chocolate Teton

European chocolate mousse and hazelnut

praline encased in a marbleized, pyramid-shaped chocolate shell.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Landscape Inspector

SALARY

$71,810.54 - $87,286.16 Annually

JOB TYPE

Regular Full-Time

CLOSES

May 26, 2023

BRIEF DESCRIPTION / IDEAL CANDIDATE(S):

To inspect work quality and materials used in a variety of landscape construction and maintenance projects and subdivisions to ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications and departmental regulations; and to maintain records and prepare reports pertaining to projects inspected.

For more information about open positions with the City of Vallejo, visit governmentjobs.com/careers/vallejo

Public Works Maintenance Worker I/II

SALARY

$47,800.69 - $60,924.86 Annually

JOB TYPE

Regular Full-Time

CLOSES

May 26, 2023

BRIEF DESCRIPTION / IDEAL CANDIDATE(S):

To inspect work quality and materials used in a variety of landscape construction and maintenance projects and subdivisions to ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications and departmental regulations; and to maintain records and prepare reports pertaining to projects inspected.

For more information about open positions with the City of Vallejo, visit governmentjobs.com/careers/vallejo

Community Celebration for Wilson Park’s Baseball Field Renovation

WHEN: Tuesday, May 16th at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Wilson Park Baseball Fields

1007 Solano Avenue

Vallejo, Ca 94590

Join GVRD and special guests from the San Francisco Giants for a community celebration in honor of the newly renovated Wilson Park

Baseball Fields! Free BBQ lunch will be served. Renovations were made possible by voterapproved tax funds from Measure K. Event sponsors include the Giants Community Fund and The Good Tidings Foundation.

SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE:

• Brandon Crawford- San Francisco Giants

Short Stop

• Larry Baer- San Francisco Giants President and CEO

• Renel Brooks-Moon- San Francisco Giants

Public Address Announcer

• Lou Seal- Giants Mascot

PB Cycle 8 Kicked off May 6th!

The Cycle 8 Participatory Budgeting (PB) Vote kicked off May 6 with an in-person polling booth at the Cinco de Mayo Festivities in downtown Vallejo. The PB vote will be held until June 30. Vallejo residents, including those living in the unincorporated areas, are invited to vote on which community projects to improve the City will go to Council for funding approval.

Residents are allowed to vote for up to two projects on the 10-proposal ballot. Projects fall into the following categories:

Infrastructure (e.g., park updates, street safety improvements, etc.)

Programs and services (e.g., youth programs, spay and neuter services, etc.)

Residents 14 years and older can vote online at www.pbvallejo.org, or in-person in City Hall, and a cell phone number and valid Vallejo address are required for online voting.

Visit myvallejo.com/pb8 to read the complete proposals.

Alternatively, residents can visit polling booths at:

• Second Friday Art Walk, Downtown Georgia Street, Friday, May 12 and June 9, 5:00 p.m.9:00 p.m.

• Saturday Farmer’s Markets, Downtown Georgia Street, Saturday, May 20 and June 10, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• GVRD Summer Recreation Expo, 360 Glenn Street, Saturday, May 13, 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

• Skate to Appreciate, Washington Park, Saturday, May 27, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Pista Sa Nayon, 850 Nimitz Avenue, Saturday, June 3, 11:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

• Vallejo Juneteenth Parade & Festival, Barbara Kondylis Waterfront, Saturday, June 17, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Cycle 8 ballot is the outcome of a 6-month process in which Vallejo volunteers and City staff liaisons screened, evaluated, and researched approximately 400 ideas submitted by community members.

Individuals or organizations interested in hosting a polling location or serving as poll workers or joining the Get Out the Vote (GOTV) outreach team can register online. For additional information, visit www.pbvallejo.org.