Memorial Day set at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery

FAIRFIELD — Col.

Derek M. Salmi, commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, will be the keynote speaker at Saturday’s Memorial Day commemoration at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.

The event honors “the legacy of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” William T. Pickard III, the cemetery director, said in a statement.

The Band of the Golden West, the cemetery Honor Guard and Dixon Mayor Steve Bird also are scheduled to participate. The ceremony is set to begin at 9 a.m.

Flags will be placed on the gravesites of all veterans buried at the cemetery, and will remain in place until June 3.

The public is welcome and is encouraged to bring their own water.

The cemetery is located at 5810 Midway Road near Dixon.

Government meetings

on

week’s calendar

FAIRFIELD — A handful of government meetings will be held this week. They are all open to the public.

The meetings will include: n Suisun-Solano Water Authority Board of Directors, 6 p.m. Monday, 701 Civic Center Blvd. Info: http://ca-sid. civicplus.com. n Solano County Board of Supervisors, 9 a.m. Tuesday, County Government Center, 675 Texas St. Info: www.solanocounty. com/depts/bos/meetings/ videos.asp. n Vacaville City Council, 6 p.m. Tuesday, council chamber, 650 Merchant St. Info: ci.vacaville.ca.us. n Suisun City Parks and Recreation, 6 p.m. Wednesday, 701 Civic Center Blvd. Info: www. suisun.com/parksrecreation-commission.

Fiesta Days celebrates all weekend

VACAVILLE — Fiesta Days brings back traditional weeklong fun for the whole family.

The annual event has celebrated the city’s Spanish and Western heritage since 1957.

The parade, carnival, live musical offerings and contests will all be back this year. There will be the traditional jalapeño eating contest, vendors, Kid Zone and pageant activities.

This years theme is “Helping Hands.”

Opening this year’s event will be the carnival at 5 p.m. Thursday along with Fiesta Garden, food, beverages and music at Andrews Park. At 6 p.m., music will be provided by Journey’s Edge at the CreekWalk.

The Fiesta Garden and carnival will open again at 5 p.m. Friday, along with the Family Fun Zone. At

6 p.m., California Cowboys will be playing on the stage.

The traditional pancake breakfast will take place at 7 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 101 West St., Vacaville. Advance ticket prices are $7 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children ages 4-10. Tickets at the door will be an additional $1. For more information, call 707-330-6552.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Main Street.

A full day of activities is planned Saturday with a car show at noon on East Main Street. At 3:15 p.m., Pub Kats will be playing at CreekWalk. The Great Wide Open, a tribute band to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, takes the stage at 6:15 p.m.

A Traditional Mass in the Park is planned for Sunday at the Main Stage with the Rev. Berg. Afterward, a Mariachi band will perform from noon to 1 p.m.

The Diaper Derby registration starts at roughly 9:30 a.m., the event begins at 10 a.m. The traditional races are open to tiny athletes 7 months to 4 years old.

Same day entry is

Bay Area-to-Hawaii plane crashes off Half Moon Bay, killing 2

tRibune content agency

A small twin-engine plane crashed into Half Moon Bay on Saturday, killing its two occupants, who were headed from the Bay Area to Hawaii.

The flight departed from the Santa Rosa airport and was bound for Honolulu. It impacted on the Pacific Ocean about 40 miles off the coast around 2 p.m. The Federal Aviation Administration said both occupants of the Viking Air DHC-

6-400 Twin Otter were killed. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that it is investigating the crash.

Preliminary flight data posted on publicly available flight trackers shows the plane appeared to turn back toward the California coast before ultimately crashing into the ocean. Although it is not common for small planes to attempt crossing the Pacific to Hawaii, it is possible, usually with modifications like an auxiliary fuel tank.

In 1997, the National Transportation Safety Board investigated a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter crash on an Oakland-to- Honolulu flight. The pilot, who was delivering the plane to its owner in Hawaii on what’s called a “ferry flight,” realized he didn’t have enough fuel to make it. He tried to divert to Hilo but ended up ditching in the Pacific Ocean. He was able to land on the water, and Coast Guard rescuers picked him up before the aircraft sank.

Vaca council to discuss possible ordinance giving homebuyers access to enrollment at neighborhood schools

Daily Republic Staff DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

VACAVILLE — The Vacaville City Council will discuss a possible or policy ordinance requiring Realtors or anyone selling a home to provide a onepage information sheet indicating the current enrollment at neighborhood schools.

At the March 28 city council meeting, Councilman Mike Silva asked for the discussion during the “Reports of City Council” phase of the meeting.

“It was further noted that the purpose of this policy/ordinance would be to provide new homebuyers with details about local schools while attempting to hold real estate agents accountable for proper disclosure of such details,” the agenda reads.

The city’s policy for requests under Reports of City Council can be placed on a future agenda for discussion only. If the majority supports the request, the item may be on a future agenda.

“While there are not many recent examples of this type of agenda request, historically, the practice was understood to be that staff would not do any significant work on the item such as research, staff reports with recommendations, meeting with affected groups, or preparing resolutions or ordinances until directed to do so by a majority of the council,” the agenda reads.

“If and when an item would be brought back on a future agenda, the councilmember who agendized it would take the lead in discussing the item and seeking a majority of support for follow-up action from staff.”

Initially, Silva’s request focused on the proposal for a new process that would require Realtors or anyone selling a home to produce a document with school enrollment details for new homebuyers. There was additional discussion from other members of the council as well as staff, which resulted in more discussion topics on this subject. villa, and Alerta Maxima. school and high school students in Solano. The camps provide an opportunity for students to learn leadership and STEM concepts through a fun and exciting roboticsbased curriculum.

Given the multiple elements of this subject that were raised, staff is recommending that Silva introduce the topic along with his objectives for this item with the council to determine if there is a consensus to be reached on any next steps. The strategic plan goal is listed as to maintain effective and efficient services.

The council meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 650 Merchant St.

The complete agenda can be found at https:// www.ci.vacaville. ca.us/government/ agendas-and-minutes.

Speaking of music filling the air, registration for the Idol Singing Contest will begin at 12:30 p.m. The contest is open to ages 8 and up. There will be cash prizes and a chance to be a star on stage.

The Jalapeño and Onion Contest will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The event winds down on Monday with the carnival at noon and music by the Shuffle Band, also playing at noon. Go to www.vaca villefiestadays.org for more information or call the Fiesta Days office at 707-448-4613.

$15 (cash only). There are five age divisions for boys and girls: Crawlers (7 to 11 months), Shrimps (12 to 18 months), Tippy Toes (19 to 24 months), Rugrats (25 to 36 months) and Youngsters (37 to 48 months).

E ntertainment for Sunday will include Reventon Latino from 1 to 3 p.m. More music will fill the air throughout the day with the sounds of DSAS3, Banda La Va Octava Mara-

Deadline for Girls Robotics camps is Monday

This is the last week to register for the Summer Girls in Robotics Leadership camps. The Solano County Office of Education is offering free five-day Girls In Robotics Leadership camps, which are held in partnership with UC Davis Computing-Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for middle

Lieutenant Colonel Bruce L. Sooy, US AF (Ret.)

Lieutenant Colonel Bruce L. Sooy, USAF (Ret.), one of the last of “The Greatest Generation” and a 65year resident of Vacaville, passed away May 13, 2023 at the age of 106.

Bruce was born April 8, 1917 in Greenbank, NJ. His parents died in the flu epidemic of 1918. He was adopted and raised by his maternal grandparents, Mark and Estella Sooy. As a young boy he worked in his grandfather ’s garage, picked cranberries, and cut fire lines in the Pine Barrens for the Civilian Conser vation Corps. After turning 18, he went to work for the Wicaco Machine Company as a machinist. In 1939, Bruce enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps where he became a crew chief on a B-17 bomber and later a line chief in charge of 7 other crew chiefs.

In 1942, after being encouraged by several pilots in his unit, Bruce took and passed the Aviation Cadet Exam. One of his training bases was in Phoenix, AZ. While on a bus, returning to the base, he gave up his seat to a pretty brunette telephone operator named Evelyn Keyes. Evelyn would become the love of his life. Their love affair would last 67 years, ending with Evelyn’s death in 2013.

After completing pilot training, Bruce was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. and assigned to Gowan Field, in Boise, ID. There he trained as a co-pilot on a B-17. Shortly before graduation, he was asked to stay at Gowan Field and train his own crew flying the faster B-24 Liberator. Once this training was complete Bruce was assigned as an aircraft commander and he and his crew were sent overseas to Wendling, England in August 1943.

Bruce and his crew started flying operational missions in October 1943 and by March 1944 they had completed 22 of their required 25 missions. Their 23rd mission was to Friedrichshafen, Germany on March 18. After they dropped their bombs, they were attacked by scores of Luft-

John Sullivan

John Michael Sullivan of Rancho Murieta, CA passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the age of 72.

John was born on September 15, 1950, in Fairfield, CA to Charles and Susanna Sullivan. He graduated in 1968 from Armijo High School where he excelled in both academics and sports, serving as the varsity basketball team’s starting guard during his junior and senior years, and leading the golf team to three league championships. His senior year he was also the Delta League’s shotput champion and when he wasn’t engaged in track, golf or basketball, he played the bass drum in the school’s marching band.

He went on to attend Chico State University, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. During his four years there, he was a member of the Chico State golf and basketball teams as well as a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. In 1970, he won the Green Valley Country Club Championship. Following graduation, John married Carol Anderson and in 1978 they moved to Rancho Murieta, among the first homeowners in the newly developed community. Four years later, they welcomed their daughter Erin. John has remained an active resident, community leader and developer in Rancho Murieta for more than 40 years.

An avid golfer for most of his life, John was a fixture of the Rancho Murieta Country Club and golf community, and often atop many tournament leader boards.

Growing up in close proximity to Napa Valley, John had a passion for and deep understanding of viticulture. Over the years, John would grow his love for winemaking into business ventures opening two wineries, Winterbook and Oakville Estates, located along Napa’s Silverado Trail.

Most recently, John partnered with his daughter and extended family in the development of Angel Wing Winery located near Rancho Murie-

At the end of the week, students will showcase their video projects and coding skills. The high school camps include the Arduino-based curriculum. Applications must be submitted online by Monday at https://www. solanocoe.net/girlcamp. For more information, contact SCOE’s director of Innovative Programs and Student Success, Lilibeth Pinpin, at lpinpin@solano coe.net or 707-399-4439.

Camp dates and schedules are:

Middle school: n June 20-23, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Solano Community College, Vacaville campus n June 26-30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Solano Community College, Fairfield campus n July 10-14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Solano Community College, Vallejo campus

High school: n July 10-14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Solano Community College, Vallejo campus waffe fighters resulting in the loss of 16 of the 24 Liberators in his flight element including Bruce’s bomber, “Pink Lady”. All ten crew members bailed out safely, were captured and spent the next 13 months as prisoners of war. ta. John was always generous with the wines he produced, famously signing and dating gifted bottles to mark special holidays and occasions. John’s career in finance and business development spanned five decades and included Chief Financial Officer of Pacific Coast Building Products, and, mostly recently, Manager and Partner for numerous ventures throughout the Sacramento region. His love for the community of Rancho Murieta was evidenced by decades of leadership around its development, growth, and prosperity

After his release from prison camp and return to the United States, Bruce and Evelyn were married. Bruce became a test pilot at both Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and Muroc Dry Lake Testing Facility (now Edwards AFB), CA. He was stationed at Eglin AFB, FL and ser ved consecutive two-year tours at Wiesbaden AFB, Germany and Burtonwood AFB, England before receiving his last assignment at Travis AFB where he ser ved in several capacities including commander of the 1501st Field Maintenance Squadron before retiring in November of 1960. Throughout his military career, he flew more than 19 different types of military aircraft, he subsequently went back to work for the Air Force for another 19 years, retiring in 1979 as the Deputy Director of Logistic Plans for the 22nd Air Force.

Bruce and Evelyn enjoyed their retirement traveling the United States in their trailer and country western dancing even after Evelyn was diagnosed with Alzheimer ’s Disease.

Bruce is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn and his son-in-law, Dr. Albert Mitchell. He is survived by his three children, Mark (Debbie) of Gardnerville, Nevada, Yvonne Mitchell of Fairfield and Carol Passantino (Sal) of North Bend, WA. He also leaves behind a grandson, Sal Passantino, Jr., step-grandson Brian Mitchell and step-granddaughters Kristina McClellin and Maria Mitchell and four step-great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, May 23 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Vaca Hills Chapel, 524 Elmira Rd., Vacaville, CA with a funeral service with full military honors on Wednesday, May 24 at 10:15 a.m. at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, CA. A reception will follow and the location will be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Bruce’s name to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (T2T.ORG), 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

Funeral arrangements by Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home.

Most recently, John led the investment and development of the Murieta Inn and Spa, Rancho Murieta Marketplace, as well as new housing developments throughout the community. No one was more optimistic and excited about the future of the Rancho Murieta community than John.

He is survived by daughter Erin P. Sullivan of Sacramento, CA, sister Katie Lemos of Roseville, CA, brother Charles Sullivan (Carolyn) of Davis, CA, granddaughter Hannah Laird, nieces Mari Bradford, Michelle Lehman, nephew Matthew Lemos, former wife Carol Anderson Ward, and many additional family members, friends, and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother-in-law Richard Lemos, and niece Chessa Sullivan.

John will be remembered for his larger-thanlife laugh, intellect, quick wit, memory and recall of exact numbers and details, thoughtful political discussions, and loyalty to family, friends, and his beloved community of Rancho Murieta

A private burial will take place at St. Vincent De Paul (St. Mary’s) Cemetery in Rancho Murieta, with a Celebration of Life at the Rancho Murieta Country Club on May 19, 2023, at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of John to the Rancho Murieta Country Club Junior Golf Program, West Coast Equine Foundation, or Youth on Course Golf Program.

Checks may be addressed to: Junior Golf Program Rancho Murieta Country Club 7000 Alameda Drive Rancho Murieta, CA 95683