Vallejo Weekly | Vol 11 | Issue 21

VALLEJO WEEKLY

Meet US AT THE MARKET THIS SATURDAY!

City staff from across our departments will be at the Vallejo Downtown Farmer’s Market on the last Saturday of each month!

Come say hello, ask questions, grab some swag, and get to know our team, all while supporting local vendors!

We’ll be at the corner of Georgia and Marin Streets, in front of Brickmania, at 350 Georgia Street from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays:

• Saturday, May 27 - Police recruiters, City Manager's Office, Planning and Building Department, Human Resources Department

(Schedule/staffingsubjecttochange)

To learn more about the Vallejo Farmer’s Market, visit pcfma.org/vallejo.

THE WEEK OF MAY 21 – 27, 2023

iS “PUBLIC WORKS WEEK”

This week is Public Works Appreciation Week. Every year we take a week in the spring to celebrate accomplishments and milestones while raising awareness to the contributions public works has on our community and our everyday lives.

During Public Works Week, Vallejo recognizes the professional and dedicated women and men who make daily contributions to public worksrelated efforts that include designing, planning, operating and improving the City’s infrastructure; graffiti removal; street, water, storm drain, sewer and treatment plant repair; engineering and mapping services; pavement materials lab; and traffic control devices.

We are grateful for you and we THANK YOU!

PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF MAY 21 – 27, 2023 AS “PUBLIC WORKS WEEK”

WHEREAS, public works services provided in the City of Vallejo by the Public Works Department are a vital part to the health and well-being of our residents’ everyday lives; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 theme is “Connecting the World Through Public Works” which illustrates how public works connects us all through infrastructure and service, enhancing the quality of life for the communities served; and

WHEREAS, such facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works employees, who are responsible for and must design, build, operate, and maintain the roadways and bridges, water supply, refuse disposal systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential to serve our residents; and

WHEREAS, the health, safety and comfort of this community greatly depends on the quality and effectiveness of public facilities, as well as their planning, design, construction, and

maintenance, which are vitally dependent upon the efforts and skill of Vallejo’s Public Works Department employees; and

WHEREAS, the Vallejo Public Works Department was the 13th agency in California to become Accredited by the American Public Works Association, attesting to the ability of the Department to provide consistent and high quality, professional, and excellent services in engineering, infrastructure maintenance, and recycling and solid waste management; and

WHEREAS, the efficiency of the qualified and dedicated personnel who staff our Public Works Department is materially influenced by Vallejo residents’ attitudes and understanding of the importance of the work they perform; and

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the citizens and civic leaders of this country to gain knowledge of and to maintain a progressive interest in the public works needs and programs of their respective communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Robert H. McConnell, Mayor of the City of Vallejo, and the Vallejo City Council, hereby declare the week of May 21st, 2023 as “National Public Works Week” in the City of Vallejo, and call upon all residents and civic organizations to acquaint themselves with the issues involved in providing public works services, and to recognize the contributions which Public Works Department employees make every day to our health, safety, comfort, and quality of life.

May 9, 2023

ROBERT H. MCCONNELL, MAYOR

Vice Mayor Rozzana Verder-Aliga, EdD, District 1

CouncilMember Diosdado “JR” Matulac, District 2

CouncilMember Mina Loera-Diaz, District 3

CouncilMember Charles Palmares, District 4

CouncilMember Peter Bregenzer, District 5

CouncilMember Christina Arriola, District 6

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Vallejo Weekly

Vallejo students honored in the 2023 Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, a nationwide high school art competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.  The Congressional Art Competition is a great way to showcase students’ creative efforts and provide recognition for the artistic talent throughout their respective congressional districts. Vallejo is represented by Congressman John Garamendi and is part of the 8th Congressional District that includes much of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

This year, Vallejo students’ creative talents won them several spots on the list of winners. The panel of judges named Jesse Bethel High School student Alizon Miajarez as this year's

Grand Prize winner with her piece, "Belonging," that will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. Among the Solano County Winners was Bethel High School student Raven Guilas with her piece, “To Let Go”. Both students, along with other winners throughout District 8, were honored at a ceremony in Suisun City. A gallery of every art piece is available HERE.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in our Congressional District. The winning artwork of our Congressional District's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork from each district is also featured on House. gov's Congressional Art Competition page.

Caltrans Career Fair

Caltrans District 4 is centrally located in Oakland near Lake Merrit, vibrant shops, and public transportation. Our team serves the communities in the 9 Bay area counties of:

• Sonoma

• Napa

• Solano

• Marin

• Contra Costa

• Alameda

• San Mateo

• Santa Clara

• San Francisco

Opportunities to Speak 1-on-1 with Caltrans employees in the following areas:

• Environmental Planning and Engineering

• External Affairs

• Construction

• Information Technology

• Operations

• Program/Project Management

• Administration

• Planning

• Maintenance

• Right of Way

• Design

• Transportation Planning and Local Assistance

• Equipment

WHEN: May 31, 2023 - 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

WHERE: District 4 Office - 111 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94612

** Parking: Limited paid and street parking may be available on a first-come, first-served basis; public transportation use encouraged

Fighting Back Partnership is holding their annual art calendar contest!

Youth, ages 4-18 who live in or attend a school in Vallejo are invited to enter their art and win big!

The theme this year is, “If Vallejo had a superhero, what would they be known for? Do you know a superhero in the community?”

Twelve (12) winners will be selected, four (4) students per group (elementary, middle, and high school)

• 1st Prize - $200 Visa Gift Card

• 2nd Prize - $100 Visa Gift Card

• 3rd Prize - $50 Visa Gift Card

• Nine (9) runner-up's will receive a $25 Target gift card

Youth and students should scan or take a photo of their art submission and include the follwing information:

• Full Name

• Age

• Grade

• Address

• Phone Number

• School

• Teachers name

And submit their art and information at calendarcontest@fight-back.org

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS MAY 31, 2023

Save the Date!

Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon Festival

Sat. June 3 - 11 am - 6 PM

You're invited to immerse yourself in the Filipino culture through food entertainment, shopping and cultural learning experiences offered in the

36 annual signature festival, Pista Sa Nayon. Pisat Sa Nayon takes pride in uniting different generations and encouraging how are used to take leadership, roles, and events that uplift our community.

Parking on the island will be limited, so be sure to take advantage of the FREE FERRY RIDE from mainland Vallejo to the Mare Island Coal Sheds.

Art in the Making With The Arc-Solano

The Arc-Solano organization has supported people with developmental disabilities and their families since 1953. Its mission is to promote the most significant personal growth, community understanding, and full participation of people with developmental disabilities and their families through support, education, and advocacy. Executive Director Stacey Martinez serves our Vallejo and Solano County community in many ways thru her work at The Arc-Solano and beyond.

Art@Arc is the creative arts program of The Arc-Solano, which was established in 1995. The program provides consumers with a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere to explore their creative voices. The freedom to create and make individual choices are the cornerstones that allow program participants to gain recognition and increase self-esteem.

Many works have been exhibited in various local galleries and other venues, including the Solano County Fair. Our Art@Arc artists were featured for two years at the Temple Art Lofts on Marin Street in two different displays and at the JFK Library on Santa Clara Street.

The Amy Scopesi Art Gallery is featured at the Vallejo office at 3272 Sonoma Blvd., suite 4, and is open to the public from 8a – 4p, Monday thru Friday. All the artwork is for sale, and the proceeds go back to the program for more supplies and to the artists as a commission. In addition, the CafePress store features high-quality merchandise with a large variety of Art@ARC artwork. All proceeds help support the organization. Please visit the gallery HERE.

On SUNDAY, JUNE 4, AT 1:00 PM, The Arc-Solano is hosting a PAINT & SIP FUNDRAISER to support the essential services provided to their program participants. Tickets are only $35 and include all painting supplies, wine, and appetizers. You can purchase tickets online at www.thearcsolano.org.

City Manager Malone Visits

ELITE Public School

On Monday, May 22, Vallejo City Manager Mike Malone visited ELITE Public School in Vallejo and spoke to 4th and 5th graders about his role as City Manager. CM Malone shared the challenges he has faced in his career and his youth with the hope of inspiring young students to not only pursue their dreams but also to show them

that no matter the challenges they face, they are capable of overcoming any adversity they might experience. At the end of the presentation and talk, students were able to ask questions resulting in an overall amazing experience for the City Manager and students alike!

To learn more about ELITE Public School, visit https://elitepublicschools.org/

There is still time!

DON't FORGET TO VOTE!

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:

• 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.

Police Memorial

On Wednesday, May 25th the Vallejo Police Department joined fellow law enforcement agencies from across Solano County to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, to serve and protect, for the the 34th Annual Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony.

A ceremony was held before the Peace Officers Wall of Honor in remembrance of the peace officers who lost their lives since the county was incorporated in 1892:

CITY OF VALLEJO

• Frank Toal - Vallejo Police DepartmentEOW Sept. 2, 1896

• William L. Easson, Jr. - Vallejo Police Department – EOW Apr. 7, 1966

• Calvin C. Thacker - Vallejo Police Department - EOW Apr. 7, 1966

• Jeffrey L. Azuar - Vallejo Police Department - EOW April 12, 2000

• James L. Capoot - Vallejo Police Department - EOW Nov. 17, 2011

CITY OF FAIRFIELD

• Arthur W. Koch - Fairfield Police Department – EOW Jul. 29, 1984

CITY OF SUISUN

• Anson G. Burdick - Suisun City Police Department – EOW Sept. 1, 1927

CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

• Charles H. Sorenson - California Highway Patrol – EOW Mar. 15, 1963

• Gary Hughes - California Highway Patrol –EOW May 23, 1976

• George F. Butler - California Highway Patrol – EOW Dec. 8, 1986

• Kirk A. Griess - California Highway Patrol – EOW Aug. 10, 2018

TOWN OF RIO VISTA

• Jarvis P. Emigh - Rio Vista Police Department - EOW Aug. 29, 1914

CITY OF DIXON

• Dan McKinnon - Dixon Police Department - EOW Nov. 22, 1918

SOLANO COUNTY

• James B. Power - Solano County – EOW Mar. 25, 1925

• Hale Humphrey - Solano County Sheriff’s Department – EOW Mar. 15, 1963

• Jose Cisneros - Solano County Sheriff’s Department – EOW Aug. 25, 1985

• John P. Sandlin - Solano County Sheriff’s Department – EOW Apr. 23, 2004

STATE of CALIFORNIA

• Steven L. Armenta - California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement – EOW Dec. 5, 1973

• Albert W. Patch - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - EOW Aug. 17, 1980

• John Howard - Sacramento Transportation Company - EOW Jun. 20, 1892

Their memory lives on in the hearts and stories of their colleagues and loved ones, and they will never be forgotten.

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 cutting-edge 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!

CELEBRATE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AT LAKE SOLANO THIS JUNE 3RD

Lake Solano County Park, CA (May 22, 2023): The 13th annual Solano County World Environment Day cleanup is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3 at Lake Solano County Park. Participants will remove trash from Lake Berryessa, plant native vegetation, create takehome seed packets, and enjoy a free picnic lunch. Registration is required and can be completed at cleanupsolano.org through June 1st, although those who register by May 30 will also receive a free World Environment Day event t-shirt.

“Lake Berryessa, Lake Solano, and the Putah Creek watersheds are lifelines for Solano County,” shared Narcisa Untal, Senior Planner with the Solano County Department of Resource Management. “They provide us with high quality drinking and irrigation water as well as recreational opportunities, but they are also impacted by the activities that occur within them. Trash degrades water quality, impacts the functionality of the water system, and poses a hazard to boaters and recreators. Join us in the movement to keep Solano County clean and green by volunteering on June 3rd at Lake Solano.”

World Environment Day builds global awareness of the environment, draws political attention to environmental issues, and supports individual and community projects. Lake Solano is part of a constructed watershed delivering high quality drinking water from Lake Berryessa, the seventh largest reservoir in California, to around 500,000 Solano County residents. This water is also the primary source of irrigation water for growers in the region and companies like Anheuser-Busch and the Jelly Belly Factory selected to operate in Solano County to use Lake Berryessa water. Also filling and leaving Lake Solano is Putah Creek, a vital ecological link between the neighboring mountain range and the Yolo Bypass.

The Solano Resource Conservation District coordinates the annual World Environment Day event in partnership with Solano County Water Agency, Anheuser-Busch in Fairfield, Solano County, Lake Berryessa Watershed Partnership, and Volunteer Solano/CVNL. Additional support for this year’s event is being provided by Solano County Parks, Putah Creek Council, MCE, and US Bureau of Reclamation. To learn more about these and other Solano County cleanup activities, including Solano County Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23, please visit cleanupsolano.org.

City of Vallejo attends Bethel High School College and Career Day

Last week, City of Vallejo staff from several different departments joined many others to speak with Jesse Bethel High School students as part of their College and Career Fair. The College and Career Fair was hosted by the Vallejo City Unified School District and organized by the College and Career Liaisons. Employers and colleges from around the Bay Area were present to exhibit at the fair to help build student awareness of educational paths and potential careers in their industry. Over 1,200 high school students participated throughout the day. Students walked around and listened to each college and employer to learn about the different career opportunities they can pursue after high school, different careers that the professionals had, and ways that they could get connected to those careers.

The City of Vallejo had members from their Water Department bring tools and instruments they use on the job and directed kids to QR codes that showed different job offerings and some they may qualify for right after high school. The codes also connected students with educational classes that would help set them on a career path in the water industry. Public Works staff brought a traffic signal cabinet to show kids how to control and operate a traffic signal intersection, an LED Street Light fixture, and a solar powered flashing beacon light which is used to slow down or stop traffic. “I had a great time interacting with the students and giving them information about our Traffic Section. Students seemed very interested in the traffic signals and street lighting.” said Rodney Henderson, Public Works Supervisor of the Traffic Section.

The Human Resources Department staff spoke to students about what they do for the City of Vallejo and the importance of HR departments tin managing things like recruitments, staffing positions and worker’s benefits.

Staff from the City Manager’s Office

discussed career paths in local government, what the City Manager’s Office does and future internship opportunities. They also discussed the importance of youth voices in government and assisted students who were 14 and older to vote in the Cycle 8 Participatory Budgeting Program. Staff from the City Attorney’s Office offered advice to get into the law field and their personal experiences in their career paths. Kristoffer Jacobs, Deputy City Attorney for the City of Vallejo and former Bethel High School Graduate stated, “Career Day was a wonderful event where I was able to speak with high school students about career opportunities not only with the City of Vallejo, but beyond. As a Bethel grad, it was especially rewarding to be able to impart personal and professional advice to fellow Bethel students. Hopefully, they will consider a career in helping to grow their hometown. There was a lot of interest in the Participatory Budget program, so there is great leadership potential in the student pool and for the City of Vallejo!” The Vallejo Fire Department had several engine squads rotate in throughout the day including a number of Vallejo natives. The Vallejo Police Department had cadets and officers on site to talk about their careers and pathways into law enforcement.

UniverSoul Circus City of Vallejo Family and Friends Night

Join us at the UniverSoul Circus to celebrate City of Vallejo Family and Friends Night on Thursday, June 1st at the Hilltop Mall in Richmond. A special performance from the Vallejo High School Cheerleaders will open the show and the guest Ring Master for the Night is City of Vallejo Youth Coordinator, Victoria Grace Barksdale! Come enjoy a night of amazing entertainment with the UniverSoul Circus and the City of Vallejo! Their Bay Area Show is open now and runs through June 19th 2023 and is celebrating 29 years of fun!

For more information, ticket sales and showtimes, visit their website at www. universoulcircus.com. For discounted tickets to Vallejo Friends and Family Night CLICK HERE.

VENUE: Hilltop Mall

2200 Hilltop Mall Rd, Richmond, CA 94806

SHOWTIMES:

Thurs-Fri: 7pm

Sat: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm Sun: 11:00am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm

BOX OFFICE HOURS:

Tues: 11am - 6pm

Wed-Fri: 11am - 8pm

Sat: 9am - 8:30pm

Sun: 9am - 7:30pm

Mon: 10am - 5pm (Memorial Day)