VALLEJO PD TO HOST A COMMUNITY TOWN HALL MEETING

WHEN:

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Vallejo Room

505 Santa Clara Street

Vallejo, CA 94590

The Vallejo Police Department cordially invites you to attend our upcoming Community Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Vallejo Room located at 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA 92590.

The department will host a community discussion on “Changes in Response to Alarm

Calls” and the proposed changes to responding to alarm calls for service. Vallejo residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend this upcoming town hall meeting. If you are not able to attend this meeting, there will be an additional town hall meeting held at a late date and time.

We look forward to engaging with you and listening to your questions, comments, and concerns regarding the change in response to alarm calls for service.

For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer, Sgt. Rashad Hollis by email at VallejoPolicePIO@cityofvallejo.net or by phone at (707) 567-4233.

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!

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT: JEAN CHERIE

Jean Cherie spent her career in show business creating sculptures for movies, television, and theme parks, in addition to public art. Cherie works with many materials including bronze, stone, ceramics, paper, styrofoam and more.

Now living, working and creating in Vallejo, Jean Cherie is dedicated to supporting her diverse community through art. You can see her large cement sculpture of a mother and child across from the Vallejo Ferry Building. The sculpture is very popular within the Vallejo community and the commuters on the ferries.

To learn more about Jean Cherie, visit the Mare Island Art Studios website, her social media or her studio at the Mare Island Art Studios.

Business Highlight:

Straits of Mare Island Rowing Association (SOMIRA)

BUILDING COMMUNITY – CHANGING LIVES – HAVING FUN

The concept of rowing may be new to the people of Vallejo but this rowing club has been around for over two decades. You might have seen the Whaleboat Regatta during Vallejo’s Waterfront Weekend. That historic race is hosted by the Straits of Mare Island Rowing Association (SOMIRA).

WHAT IS ROWING?

According to SOMIRA’s president, Brenda Plechati, it is one of the best feelings in the world!

“There is nothing like being on the water. The camaraderie of the other rowers is what I love most,” Brenda shared. “I also love that anyone can do it.”

Michael Manner, a member since 2012,added, “Rowing truly is a life changing experience.”

Although rowing is an athletic event, you don’t need athletic ability to row. Each boat has eight rowers working in unison to propel through the water. SOMIRA currently has three fiberglass whaleboats, of which, two were donated to them by Cal Maritime. Historically, wooden whaleboats were used as lifeboats. The modern versions have a wood and fiberglass construction and are designed to float even if capsized!

SOMIRA meets twice weekly on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings to row on the waters of the Carquinez Strait and San Pablo Bay. These rowing enthusiasts have created a community rowing program that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. In the past few years, the club has seen membership drop. Not just due to the pandemic, some members are aging out. As a non-profit, SOMIRA’s future depends on membership and donations yet, through the pandemic they were able to stay afloat.

“We’d love to see young people get excited about rowing.” said Brenda. “If people want something more challenging, we do have competitive teams.”

A monthly membership is $20 but you can give it a test run before committing. SOMIRA offers four free lessons to anyone interested in learning how to row. There are a variety of rowing programs for adults, youth, and families. These programs include recreational rowing, competitive rowing, and Learn to Row classes.

Here are some of the benefits of rowing:

• It is a full-body workout that can help you burn calories, build muscle, and improve your cardiovascular health.

• Rowing is a low-impact sport, which means it is easy on your joints. This makes it a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels.

• The rhythmic motion of rowing can be very calming, and the fresh air and sunshine can also help improve your mood and relieve stress.

• It is a great way to meet new people and make friends. SOMIRA has a welcoming and inclusive community, and there are opportunities to row with people of all ages and abilities.

SOMIRA’s racing team has competed all over the world but their participation in our community is what keeps them going. As active volunteers, they are always willing to lend a hand during events and have supported many programs in the past with financial support such as Loma Vista Farms, Watch Me Grow, and the Vallejo High School Robotics team. SOMIRA also welcomes sponsorships and corporate events. Businesses can sponsor a race or book a private event. SOMIRA has hosted competitive races for businesses who want to treat their employees to a nontraditional team building activity. Cost is $250/ team and includes two training sessions. If you are interested in learning more about SOMIRA or getting involved in rowing, please visit the organization’s website at www.somira.org.