Vallejo W e e k ly Vo l u m e 9 I s s u e 8 February 26, 2021
Photo Credit: Gary Cullen
Check out the latest job openings at the City of Vallejo by visiting www.governmentjobs.com/careers/vallejo 2
Volume 9 Issue 8
MEET MCE
Hey Vallejoans! MCE will become your primary electricity provider, starting with your April 2021 billing cycle. MCE is a groundbreaking, not-for-profit, public agency. As a customer of MCE, you’ll benefit from their comprehensive local energy programs and help fight climate change at the same time. MCE provides cleaner, locallycontrolled, and competitively priced electricity options for all residents and businesses. MCE is offering several virtual workshops for residents and businesses to learn more about the transition to cleaner energy. The next virtual workshop is March 10, 2021 @ 6:00 PM Click HERE to attend
Visit MCE’s website www.mceCleanEnergy.org/2021enroll Follow MCE on Facebook Follow MCE on Instagram February 26, 2021
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Participatory Budget (PB) Project Spotlight
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First Place for Youth In Cycle 6, First Place for Youth was awarded PB funds to support Vallejo foster youth employment development. The non-profit’s mission is to help foster youth build the skills they need to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and responsible adulthood. They support Vallejo youth by offering one-onone employment coaching, including job readiness, linking to apprenticeship opportunities, job searching, and skill development. Since COVID-19, they have shifted to online workshops, one-on-one coaching, and even virtual shopping sessions for youth who needed interview attire. In the past six months, First Place for Youth has conducted over 250 individual sessions with youth and over 90 workshops on topics like self-care, effective communication, mental health, democracy, and nutrition. First Place for Youth will continue offering a range of services for Vallejo foster youth. They will also provide youth with Digital Literacy and Learning toolkits to support changing employment opportunities due to COVID-19.
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What is your role with Vallejo Water, and how long have you been with the city? I have been with the city for 20 years! I started in 2000 as a Public Works Maintenance Worker I/II, then was a Pipe Mechanic I/II, and currently, I’m a Utility Supervisor in the repair section of the Water Distribution Division. I supervise maintenance crews that repair and maintain Vallejo’s distribution system - we work on water mains and service breaks of various sizes, as well as install new service lines, meters, backflow devices, and fire hydrants. We also respond to customer water calls, underground service alerts markings for our water lines (USA’s), assist water engineering with contractor support for Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) and after-hours emergency calls. What does a typical day look like for you? Every day is different - we can go from a scheduled job to all hands on deck due to an emergency, like a water main break. Having an aging distribution system makes it very challenging, and we stay very busy! Usually after crews have been dispatched, I will prepare work schedules for the week, assist crew leads with any unique situations that arise in the field, return calls to customers regarding water questions, discuss upcoming projects with the other water section supervisors and Distribution Superintendent Fred Mayo. I also meet with contractors for distribution projects and collaborate with Water Engineering for CIPs. What is your professional background? I’ve been in construction since my teens; my father was a concrete construction contractor for 45 years. My brothers and I 6
worked every summer with his company, and after graduating high school I continued working for the company until I got the opportunity to work for a city. Who, or what, inspired you to work in public service? My father. Once he knew I wanted to do something other than concrete construction, he suggested working for a city. He and I worked on construction projects with numerous cities and counties in the area, so when he encouraged me to apply, I did! I got my first opportunity with the Suisun City Public Works Department and, as they say, the rest is history. Volume 9 Issue 8
What do you find most rewarding about your position with the city? I enjoy being part of a team that works together to create effective ways to solve problems, and maintain and repair the challenges we have within the distribution systems. I most of all enjoy creating a respectful, positive, safe, trained, constructive, and motivated group of employees, to help ensure they enjoy working for the Water Department both now, and in the future. What do you love about serving the Vallejo Community? Working for the Vallejo residents, and knowing I am helping provide an important service to the community is a great feeling. The citizens here have recognized and supported distribution staff by sending letters about crews’ tremendous service, or about an employee who went above and beyond to help resolve a problem. Knowing the quality and care it takes to maintain the water systems - it is remarkable.
As we honor and celebrate Black History Month, how do you feel diversity, or a lack there of, has shaped your career? As an African-American, I am proud to celebrate our culture, not only this month but everyday. When I was first hired with the city, I was surprised by the few number of AfricanAmericans in Distribution! I was the 7th hired at the time, with the 8th hired a few months later. Fellow African-American City employees over the years, including Bert Wooden, Marcus Clark, Oni Brown, and Shedrick Wilson, were instrumental in shaping my career. It has been exciting to see the hiring of Water Director Michael Malone, and Public Works Director Terrance Davis, along with other African-American department heads, managers and employees within the city. It gives me a sense of pride when citizens we come into contact with tell us how proud they are to see someone who looks like them representing the City. These interactions often lead to them becoming interested in learning more about how to become part of the City’s team.
What are you most proud of? During the 2014 Napa earthquake, the Water Distribution Division repaired over 50 main and service breaks! Coming together as a department, and a city, and working together alongside Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District to overcome such a disaster was a huge accomplishment. No matter what’s going on, the Water Department has dedicated itself to restore water service as efficiently and safely as possible. What is one of the biggest challenges in your role? In the repair section there are so many things that require my attention, like evaluation, training staff, and assisting customers - I have to know when to delegate tasks. When it comes to our customers I want to keep their confidence and trust by striving to complete our tasks on time, and on schedule.
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What advice do you have for those aspiring to enter into a career in public service? Public service is a rewarding career - knowing that what you do each and every day impacts the community, and provides a much-needed service, gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride within the community you serve. 7
What is your role with Vallejo Water, and how long have you been with the City? I joined the City of Vallejo Water Department as an Associate Civil Engineer in August 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. Within my role, I have been working on many projects such as Urban Water Management Planning, which ensures we have ample water supply to meet future demands during extended drought, repair and replacement of facilities, water model calibration, emergency power supply, improvements to facility controls, and more.
What lured you here from the private sector, and why Vallejo? My decision to switch from the private to public sector of water was not an easy one. Prior to working for the City, I worked for West Yost, a really great water resources engineering firm. As a consultant, I helped various water agencies plan, model, design and maintain their facilities. I had a great team of engineers to work with, and learn from, and absolutely loved being able to help so many different people all over California and Oregon. Eventually I got the opportunity to work as a consultant for the City of Vallejo, and saw the impact I could have on the community where I was raised, and still call home. I have always been interested in Vallejo water, as shown by my senior project at California Polytechnic State San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), which focused on the feasibility of using recycled water in Solano County, and my Master’s Project, which used Vallejo data to 8
analyze the financial sustainability of new developments. Once I started working alongside Vallejo Water Department staff, and went on site visits, I knew I had to work for the City. Though there is a lot of work to be done, I take a lot of pride in knowing that I am helping to create sustainable, healthy water systems for the city. My City.
What does a typical day look like for you? Since I joined during the pandemic, I have been working from home, for the most part. A portion of my day is committed to a variety of different virtual meetings and/or trainings. Otherwise, my days typically consist of project management, hydraulic modeling, model review, transient (water hammer) analysis, designing, design review, master planning, cost estimating, report writing, condition assessments, and development reviews.
What is your educational background? I attended Glen Cove Elementary, North Hills Christian School and St. Patrick’s/St. Vincent’s High School here in Vallejo. From there, I completed my undergrad at Cal Poly, with a B.S. in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering. I went on to completed my masters at the University of California, Davis with an MS in Water Resources Engineering.
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systems in America. Issues in water need to be solved at the state and federal levels, but water has not been a top priority for most people. The water industry is faced with the challenge of having old infrastructure, yet not wanting to increase rates, as water should not only be affordable, but is a human right.
As we honor and celebrate Black History this month, how do you feel diversity, or a lack there of, has shaped your career? The water industry is far from diverse. I am striving to change that by getting friends and family excited and interested in water. Working with Vivet Beckford-Nelson, a Black female teacher and leader of the Vallejo High School Engineering Academy, has been a great way to get some of our local high school students interested in water. We need diversity in the water industry, and in our Water Department specifically, to help ensure our diverse city is being managed equitably.
Who, or what, inspired you to get into the field of engineering? I have always had a love for math and science. As a kid I wanted to be an “inventor,” so I could create gadgets to help people. It wasn’t until I was nearly a senior in high school that I learned what engineering was. I developed a passion for water engineering after learning about the many obstacles people around the world face in getting access to clean water. I love to help people and I figure there isn’t a better way than to ensure people have access to what I consider to be the most important asset on this planet - water.
What do you find most rewarding about your position with the City? I love knowing that each day I work to provide water to my family, friends and community. I also love learning more about the rich history of Vallejo’s water while at work. Lastly, I am proud to help improve and create lasting systems for future generations of Vallejo residents.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing? I look forward to updating and calibrating our hydraulic model. Once that is done, we can analyze different scenarios, improve operations, reduce energy costs, and more.
What is one of the biggest challenges? Water is undervalued. Many of us take for granted our access to water. Access to clean water is considered to be a human right, but there isn’t enough money being spent to maintain our water February 26, 2021
What advice do you have for those aspiring to enter the engineering field? First, reach out to different engineers and ask about their careers. Find contact information online or from others and reach out. Second, learn to relate theoretical problems to the real world. Be prepared to study a lot and take long tests. That may sound intimidating, but if you can relate what you’re studying to your life it can become an amazing passion. Many engineers love being civil servants. It’s rewarding knowing that the work you do helps hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people. An engineer designed the water system that you likely use daily (especially during a pandemic). An engineer designed the device you’re reading this on or the printer used to print it. Engineering encompasses computers, electricity, biomedical, plastic, water, and so much more. Find your passion and explore it! 9
Trash Talk: Upcycling is Good for the Environment! What’s the saying?? One man’s trash is another’s Obtainium? Obtainium Works is a local art studio comprised of a group of volunteer artists, designers, costumers, and creatives. They opened their doors in Vallejo in 2012. Obtainium Works gets its name from the use of recycled and repurposed materials. They have built several art cars for festivals, such as Burning Man, Maker Faire, and Vallejo’s own Mad Hatter Parade. The largest piece they have ever created is the Neverwas Haul, which is currently on display in downtown Las Vegas. Whenever possible, they build these from vehicles that have been discarded and construct their whimsical facades with all sorts of fun items that they get through donations from individuals, businesses, and collections off the street. Obtanium Works has created art pieces from surrendered guns through a gun buyback program with the Robby Poblete Foundation and recycled plastic from the US Forest Service’s Visions of the Wild Recycled Plastic Art program. For more information, visit obtainiumworks.net
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Volume 9 Issue 8
February 26, 2021
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#job opportunities
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY (CONFIDENTIAL) The Vallejo Fire Department is
While not required, formal
seeking dynamic candidates
or informal supervisory
for their Executive Secretary
experience and some college
(Confidential) position.
level course work in in business administration or
The ideal Executive Secretary
related field is highly desirable.
(Confidential) candidate will be
City of Vallejo or public agency
an outstanding communicator
experience is preferred.
with at least three years of increasingly responsible secretarial experience, who
To apply for this amazing
can manage multiple projects
opportunity and for more
and tasks on tight timeframes
information about the
and coordinate the schedule
recruitment and process
and office of the Fire Chief with
selection, click HERE.
tact discretion. The perfect candidate will be a quick thinker who is detailed-oriented and able to demonstrate creative thinking and problem solving. 12
Volume 9 Issue 8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANAGER Is Economic Development your
The most successful candidates
passion? Then we have the position
will have a minimum of four
for you!
years of increasingly responsible project management experience
The City of Vallejo’s Economic
in Economic Development or
Development Division is seeking
Planning and a Bachelor’s degree
a dynamic candidate to play an
in Public Administration, Business
important role in managing elements
Administration, Planning, or related
of the City’s economic development
field. While not required, senior-level
efforts, including programs and
experience with larger Economic
projects designed to expand the local
Development and/or Planning projects
economy, promote community vitality
and a project management certificate
and expedite quality development
are highly desirable.
and redevelopment in the City. Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented,
To apply for this amazing opportunity
creative problem solvers, experienced
and for more information about the
project managers who are versatile in
recruitment selection process, click
all aspects of Economic Development,
HERE.
and can manage multiple projects within tight timeframes. February 26, 2021
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CLICK THE FLYER TO VISIT THE WEBSITE
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Volume 9 Issue 8
IMAGEN CLICK PARA VISITAR EL SITIO WEB
February 26, 2021
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We have organized a series of topics for you in the Lunch and Learn events. Enjoy your own lunch while we share little tidbits from CERT Basic Training. Check it out Tuesdays at noon on Zoom. All are free! DISASTER DOCUMENTATION February 9 CERT FREE TRAINING CLASSES Winter/Spring 2021 Spring 2021 The ease and importance of documenting what you see. Martinez Area CERT
Martinez Area CERT CERT FREE TRAINING CLASSES Winter/Spring 2021 Spring 2021 UTILITY SAFETY Martinez Area CERT
February 16 Secure your gas, electric and water resources, if and when needed. We have organized a series of topics for you in the Lunch and Learn
events. Enjoy your own lunch while we share little tidbits from CERT We have organized a series of topics for you in the Lunch and Learn DEFENSIBLE SPACE Basic Training. Check it out Tuesdays at noon on Zoom. All are free! events. Enjoy your own lunch while we share little tidbits from CERT February 23 Make your home safer during fire season. Basic Training. Check it out Tuesdays at noon on Zoom. All are free!
DISASTER DOCUMENTATION DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON February 9 DISASTER DOCUMENTATION March 2 The ease and importance of documenting what you see. February 9 Personal safety for all during an earthquake. The ease and importance of documenting what you see. UTILITY SAFETY RESPIRATION, PERFUSION, AND MENTAL STATUS (R.P.M.) February 16 UTILITY SAFETY March 9 Secure your gas, electric and water resources, if and when needed. Recognize someone needing immediate medical care. February 16 Secure your gas, electric and water resources, if and when needed. DEFENSIBLE SPACE BLEEDING MANAGEMENT February 23 DEFENSIBLE SPACE March 16 Make your home safer during fire season. Save someone from excessive bleeding. February 23 Make your home safer during fire season. DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON FIRE SAFETY March 2 DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON March 23 Personal safety for all during an earthquake. Safely use a fire extinguisher on small fires. March 2 Personal safety for all during an earthquake. RESPIRATION, PERFUSION, AND MENTAL STATUS (R.P.M.) FRS/GMRS RADIOS March 9 RESPIRATION, PERFUSION, AND MENTAL STATUS (R.P.M.) March 30 Recognize someone needing immediate medical care. Communicate what you see. March 9 Recognize someone needing immediate medical care. BLEEDING MANAGEMENT Register for these free Lunch and Learn events by emailing your name and contact phone March 16 number to martinez.cert@gmail.com BLEEDING MANAGEMENT Save someone from excessive bleeding. March 16 Save someone from excessive bleeding. FIRE SAFETY March 23 For more information visit your Martinez Area FIRE SAFETY Community Emergency Response Team, (CERT) Safely use a fire extinguisher on small fires. at martinezcert.org March 23 CERT Training January2021 Safely use a fire extinguisher on small fires. FRS/GMRS RADIOS March 30 FRS/GMRS RADIOS Communicate what you see. March 30 Register for these free Lunch and Learn events by emailing your name and contact phone Communicate what you see. number to martinez.cert@gmail.com Register for these free Lunch and Learn events by emailing your name and contact phone number to martinez.cert@gmail.com 16 Volume 9 Issue 8
CERT FREE TRAINING CLASSES Winter/Spring 2021 Spring 2021
PERSONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS “PEP” Martinez Area CERT
Saturday February 20th 10am – noon or Saturday April 17th 10am – noon We have organized a series of topics for you in the Lunch and Learn Learn how to prepare yourself and your family for when a major disaster events. Enjoy your own lunch while we share little tidbits from CERT strikes. Topics covered will include: CERT FREE TRAINING CLASSES Winter/Spring 2021 Build a kit. Basic Training. Check it out Tuesdays at noon on Zoom. All are free! Make a plan. § Identifying your disaster risks Martinez Area CERT Be prepared. § Preparing your Go Bag and emergency kits § DISASTER DOCUMENTATION Secure home and personal data § February 9 Shelter-in-place CERT is offering two FREE Zoom classes. The ease and importance of documenting what you see. § Fire safety and evacuation
Each two-hour class is offered twice in Winter/Spring 2021 Register for this free training by emailing your date preference, name and UTILITY SAFETY contact phone number to “PEP Class” to martinez.cert@gmail.com February 16 PERSONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS “PEP” Secure your gas, electric and water resources, if and when needed. th EARTHQUAKE HAZARD MITIGATION - Secure Your Space Saturday February 20 DEFENSIBLE SPACE 10am – noon or
th 10am – noon Saturday April 17 February 23 Saturday March 20th 10am – noon or Learn how to prepare yourself and your family for when a major disaster Make your home safer during fire season. th 10am – noon Saturday May 15 strikes. Topics covered will include: Learn how to safely secure your home or workplace for an earthquake. § DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON Identifying your disaster risks Securing common items like televisions, computers, bookcases, appliances, March 2 § Preparing your Go Bag and emergency kits and furniture will be discussed. Mitigation of non-structural hazards will Personal safety for all during an earthquake. § Secure home and personal data be emphasized. § RESPIRATION, PERFUSION, AND MENTAL STATUS (R.P.M.) Shelter-in-place § March 9 Assess your home or workplace Fire safety and evacuation § No and low-cost prevention options Recognize someone needing immediate medical care. Register for this free training by emailing your date preference, name and § Identify and select products mitigate hazards contact phone number to “PEP Class” to martinez.cert@gmail.com BLEEDING MANAGEMENT Register for this free training by emailing your date preference, name and March 16 contact phone number to “Secure Your Space” to martinez.cert@gmail.com Save someone from excessive bleeding.
Build a kit. Make a plan. Be prepared. Earthquakes SHAKE! Plan ahead.
EARTHQUAKE HAZARD MITIGATION - Secure Your Space
FIRE SAFETY th 10am – noon or Saturday March 20 March 23 th 10am – noon Saturday May 15 Safely use a fire extinguisher on small fires. Learn how to safely secure your home or workplace for an earthquake. Securing common items like televisions, computers, bookcases, appliances, FRS/GMRS RADIOS For more information visit your Martinez Area and furniture will be discussed. Mitigation of non-structural hazards will Earthquakes March 30 Community Emergency Response Team, (CERT) SHAKE! be emphasized. Communicate what you see. at martinezcert.org Plan ahead. CERT Training January2021 § Register for these free Lunch and Learn events by emailing your name and contact phone Assess your home or workplace § number to martinez.cert@gmail.com No and low-cost prevention options § Identify and select products mitigate hazards
Register for this free training by emailing your date preference, name and For more information visit your Martinez Area contact phone number to “Secure Your Space” to martinez.cert@gmail.com
Community Emergency Response Team, (CERT) at martinezcert.org CERT Training January2021
February 26, 2021
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