The Vallejo Weekly | Volume 8, Issue 13

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13 | JULY 2, 2020

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY

Mayor’s Message Dear Fellow Vallejoans, This week I want to spend a little time talking about the increased importance of continuing to be vigilant of the spread of coronavirus. Yesterday afternoon Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Solano County is one of four counties on the state’s watchlist for coronavirus.

The reason Solano County is on the State watchlist is because our COVID-19 numbers are on the rise again. While we still have open bed capacity at our hospitals, testing numbers have stayed the same, yet our positive cases have increased. This increase in positive cases could result in a rollback of the phased re-opening for our county. This could create yet another economic blow to our community. Additionally, Solano county has noted that the contagious age range is from 16 to 36 years old. I’m really speaking to our younger community when I say that we have all been there, we understand that this lockdown has been difficult in such a social-era for our younger generations, but please, do your part to help flatten the curve, if not for yourselves, then for your parents and your grandparents so that they might continue to live a long healthy life.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

On a more positive note, the spread of this virus is completely avoidable. Together we can fight COVID-19 by continuing to social distance, wearing our masks, and washing our hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20-seconds.

Turning to another explosive matter (yes, the pun was intended), I want to extend more words of caution about fireworks. Not only are fireworks illegal in the City of Vallejo, but they are also very dangerous, especially now when we are in a time of high fire danger. Myself and other council members have been receiving massive amounts of emails and phone calls from residents with concerns about fireworks being ignited all night long. Not only is it disruptive to their sleep it also creates anxiety and fear in their pets.

I’d like to refer you back to my Mayor's Message from last week which talks about fireworks, fires, and defensible space and how fireworks negatively affect our fur companions. You can find last week's message by visiting, cityofvallejo.net/mayorsmessage.

While this Fourth of July isn’t quite like all the ones we’ve enjoyed in the past, I’d like to wish you the most joyous and relaxing Fourth of July, as we celebrate our Nation’s independence together, but from a distance.

Happy Fourth of July, Your Mayor, Bob Sampayan

Employment Opportunities

PERSONNEL

The City of Vallejo is pleased to offer the following employment opportunities: 

Associate Planner



Communications Operator II (Lateral)



Planning Manager



Police Cadet



Police Officer (Entry - Academy Graduate)



Police Officer (Lateral)



Police Officer (Recruit)



Utility Mechanic I/II (Water)

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

City Hall Hours City Hall is currently open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Many staff continue to work remotely, with procedures implemented in response to COVID-19.

In observance of Independence Day, the COVID -19 hotline will not be available on Friday, July 3, as it is a City Holiday.

Updates and resources cityofvallejo.net/nCOV.

are

available

at

Page 2

Featured Recruitment: Utility Mechanic I/II (Water)

The ideal Utility Mechanic will be able to make minor and major repairs to a variety of utility systems and mechanical equipment including pumps, motors, pump stations, and related facilities, and to assist other departments with mechanical systems as required. While not required, possession of a Water Distribution Operator Grade D-2 issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is highly desirable.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2020. Applicants must submit a completed City of Vallejo online application, including all responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (Resume/Cover Letter Optional), by the posted deadline in order to be considered.

PERSONNEL

The City of Vallejo is seeking applicants for the Utility Mechanic positions, to become collaborative members of the City's Water Department. This recruitment is being conducted to fill two fulltime vacancies. The department may choose to fill these vacancies at the I or II level, depending on the qualifications of the candidate pool. This position is flexibly staffed. Employees may move from a I to a II level once qualifications have been met.

To apply for this amazing opportunity and for more information on the Utility Mechanic position please click here.

For more information about the City's Water Department and the different Divisions, please visit vallejowater.org.

Be Prepared for Any Emergency Preparing TODAY for an emergency helps individuals, families, communities, and businesses recover from disaster more quickly. Ensure that your family, workplace, house of worship, school and neighborhood have discussed possible hazards.

The purpose of the Solano COAD is to be a coalition of agencies and organizations fostering more effective coordination of emergency response and recovery services among its partner organizations and recruiting others to participate in an integrated plan that will ensure an effective and sustainable organization.

For updates on Solano COAD, you can follow them on Facebook.

Page 3

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

COMMUNITY

In our area, the Solano Community Organizations Active in Disaster's (COAD) mission is to facilitate partnerships, provide training, and foster effective service delivery to those affected by disasters in Solano County through the collaboration of community agencies throughout the disaster cycle - preparedness, response, and recovery.

Chief Williams Meets with Reverend Danté R. Quick, Ph.D. On June 25, Chief of Police Shawny Williams sat down to have a candid conversation with Reverend Danté R. Quick of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, to speak on core challenges in policing, steps toward community-based reform, and the importance of educating ourselves in the process.

Read up on VPD’s OIR Report and leave feedback on our implementation plan here.

COMMUNITY

Vallejo Police Department Supports #8CantWait Campaign Policies The Vallejo Police Department supports the #8CantWait policy initiatives championed by Campaign Zero and stands united in the nationwide movement to improve policing in our communities.

See our press release for a description of the VPD policies that align with the #8CantWait priorities.

While these measures represent progress, we realize there is more work to be done. That is why we are seeking community feedback on a proposed improvement plan, based upon an evaluation conducted by the expert consultant, OIR Group.

Members of the public are invited to visit Open City Hall between now and July 31, 2020 to see the proposed improvement plan and submit their feedback.

Vallejo Police Meet with Community to Discuss Challenges On June 19, Captain Iacono and Lieutenant Robinson had a healthy dialogue with community members on the challenges facing Vallejo, and the opportunities to resolve them through technology, collaboration and education.

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

Page 4

Unite to Improve the Community's Police Department Discussions around public safety in Vallejo in the past have all too often been “us” versus “them.” It is time for “us” and “them” to become “we.”

The City of Vallejo and the Vallejo Police Department are welcoming members of the community to share feedback on a proposed plan to improve VPD. Find out more and share your feedback by August 15 via Open City Hall at opentownhall.com/9067. Feedback can also be provided via email at vallejopolicepio@cityofvallejo.net.

Together we can unite to provide the best possible police department for our community.

Vallejo Police Seeks Community Feedback in Officer Selection Survey

The ongoing recruitment initiative aligns with VPD’s Exceptional Service Model & 21st Century Policing principles to create an environment of transparency, engagement and trust within the community.

The new process also comes as part of the OIR Group’s third-party assessment of VPD, which highlights the phase one priority of “strengthening the range and responsiveness of the workforce” by placing emphasis on “racial, gender and ethnic diversity in recruiting efforts.”

Get involved and take the community survey by clicking here.

Walmart Neighborhood Thanks Vallejo Police Officers

Market

On June 19, team members from the Walmart Neighborhood Market stopped by the police station to drop off boxes of ChickFil-A lunches for members of the department. The Vallejo Police Department is thankful for Walmart's continued support.

Page 5

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

COMMUNITY

The Vallejo Police Department recently announced its ongoing collaboration with the City of Vallejo Human Resources Department to include community leaders in the selection of VPD officers.

Sign Up for Alert Solano In order to receive important messages during emergencies, the City of Vallejo urges local residents who live, work, play, or travel through Solano County to sign up for its emergency alert system.

Alert Solano efficiently delivers messages and information during incidents and emergencies as they occur via email, cell phone, and/or text messaging.

To register, click here.

How To: Watch a Live, Virtual City Council Meeting Did you know there are now three ways to watch a live, virtual City Council Meeting?

COMMUNITY

You can now watch via any of the following methods: 

Stream via the City’s website, at cityofvallejo.net/streaming



Watch Vallejo’s local Channel 28



Join the Zoom webinar, by clicking here

How To: Share Public Comment at a Virtual City Meeting Want to submit a public comment at a virtual public meeting?

Check out this "how-to" video showing just how to share your comments at public City meetings.

Please note that hyperlinks to submit public comment will close at the conclusion of public comment for each item.

To access meeting video and agenda details, please click here.

Looking to Run for Office in the City of Vallejo?

The nomination period opens on July 13, 2020. Prospective candidates must review the Candidate Information Guide on the Voting and Elections page of the City's website.

You can also find other useful information on the Voting and Elections page regarding how to run for office, voting by mail, and polling locations.

Please note that due to COVID-19, new protocols for potential candidates have been set. You can view those protocols here.

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

Page 6

Partner Spotlight: Greater Vallejo Recreation District “Building community and enhancing quality of life through people, parks, and programs.”

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) is a separate government agency from the City of Vallejo, that provides parks and recreation programs for children, families, and seniors in Vallejo.

GVRD operates primarily by means of locally-controlled funding and also receives revenue from fees for services, park entrances, programs, and facility rentals. Grants and park dedication permit fees assist in the provision for new park development projects and ongoing maintenance.

GVRD manages 407 acres of public park space including twenty neighborhood parks, ten community parks, six special purpose parks, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and four community centers.

GVRD maintains over 1,000 acres of public land and offers programs that benefit over 120,000 Vallejo residents of all ages each year.

Interested in joining their team?

Click here to learn more about current career opportunities.

COVID-19 Testing Get free testing for COVID-19, even if you have no symptoms. The OptumServe community testing sites are available to anyone, including agricultural workers, undocumented individuals, residents, and homeless individuals.

Schedule your appointment today at lhi.care/covidtesting.

For those without internet access, call (888) 634-1123. Testing is free, and you will receive test results within 2-5 days.

Questions? For more information: 

Visit: solanocounty.com/COVID19



Call: COVID-19 Warmline at (707) 784-8988



Email: COVID19@SolanoCounty.com

Page 7

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

COMMUNITY

A frequently asked question is: “Why is GVRD a separate district and not a department of the City of Vallejo?” In the late 1930’s, members of the Vallejo Parent Teachers Association (PTA) decided they had a need for an individual to organize and manage recreational activities for local youth. The PTA hired Lyston Johnson, also known as “Mr. Recreation,” to do the job. In 1944, an election was held and voters elected to create the entity known today as The Greater Vallejo Recreation District.

Fourth of July and Fireworks Enforcement The City of Vallejo wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July.

As a reminder, fireworks are dangerous and illegal within the City of Vallejo, including unincorporated areas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all public displays of fireworks have been canceled at the City's Waterfront and at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Amusement Park.

COMMUNITY

The Vallejo Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Neighborhood Law Program (NLP), which is tasked with addressing quality of life issues in the community, are stepping up enforcement. The NLP will be issuing administrative citations for anyone possessing, storing, selling, or using fireworks in violation of Vallejo Municipal Code (VMC) section 12.28.120. The City may issue the citation to either the user, or the property owner.

Before issuing a citation, NLP attorneys will need video evidence of the fireworks use, the approximate date and time of the use, and either the name of the user or the property address where the violation occurred. If you have video evidence of illegal firework use, please email the video and information to ReportFireworks@cityofvallejo.net. Partial information will be accepted and may be helpful in mapping the locations of fireworks use for outreach and patrol purposes, but likely will not result in a citation or other enforcement action.

The Vallejo Police and Fire Departments will conduct community patrols on July 4th to educate and remind residents to remain safe and aware of the dangers associated with illegal fireworks.

Several additional measures have been implemented, and will continue to be in place throughout the duration of the Fourth of July holiday, including the following: 

"No Fireworks" door hangers will be placed on front doors of suspected fireworks violators (as staffing allows). Every operational fire station is being supplied with "No Fireworks" door hangers and other public educational flyers for their use.



"No Fireworks" banners have been installed at all operational fire stations.



On June 11, a "No Fireworks" Press Release from the Fire Chief was issued across social media channels, as well as local media.



A large electronic traffic sign stating fireworks are prohibited has been posted at the entrance to City Hall, at Capitol Street and Mare Island Way.



City Hall’s parking lot will be closed on the 4th of July.



VPD is working with parking lot owners, including commercial and schools, to secure them on the 4th of July.



Some city parks will be closed on the 4th to prevent access for potential fireworks violators.

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

Page 8



Defensible Space Vegetation Management brochures were mailed to over 5,000 residences that live near open space parcels.



Fire Prevention has increased the enforcement of vegetation management brush clearance on vacant parcels.



Fire Prevention recommends residences should have on hand one 2A10BC fire extinguisher and two garden hoses, in the front and back yard.

We appreciate the community's cooperation and support in ensuring the safety and protection of life and property by avoiding the purchase and use of fireworks. Each year, dozens of unnecessary injuries and property loss occurs, which are directly attributed to illegal fireworks.

To report active illegal fireworks, dial 9-1-1. For more information about reporting fireworks, visit cityofvallejo.net/reportfireworks.

To report offenders in your neighborhood, call Vallejo Fire Prevention at (707) 648-4565 during normal business hours, or email Vincent.Sproete@cityofvallejo.net.

Celebrate the Holiday Responsibly

Many events and shows have been canceled due to COVID-19, but more restaurants and bars are now open, making it that much more important for the Vallejo Police Department to keep the community safe.

"We are all anxious to get out and return to some sense of normalcy," said Vallejo Police Lieutenant Michael Nichelini. "But that doesn't excuse forgetting how to be safe on the road by driving impaired."

The Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or "operating heavy machinery," which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home. If you are going to a bar or restaurant, designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening.

The Police Department encourages the community to think of the safety of themselves and their families when enjoying the holiday. Your actions save lives.

Funding for DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Page 9

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

COMMUNITY

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Police Department encourages the public to be responsible and safe over Independence Day Weekend by not driving impaired.

Vallejo’s Independence Day Parade Goes Virtual Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vallejo Parade Association was forced to cancel Vallejo’s 167th Fourth of July Parade, including both the “Mad Hatter” July 4th Celebration and the traditional Vallejo Fireworks Spectacular on the Vallejo Waterfront.

But all is not lost! The traditional Vallejo Independence Day Parade will go virtual with a rewind of last year’s Parade, presented by Vallejo Community Access Television (VCAT).

The Parade will air this Saturday, July 4th, at 10:00 a.m. on Comcast Channel 27, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and on VCAT’s Facebook page. The broadcast will also contain new content from past Parades, as well as music videos and clips courtesy of Manuel Angel with Visit Vallejo.

For more information on the VCAT broadcast, please contact Sherry Prewitt via email at imontv27@gmail.com, visit their website at vallejojuly4.com, or contact the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce at (707) 644-5551 extension 13.

VALLEJO NEWS

Blood Donors Needed Vitalant is preparing for blood needs today, tomorrow and for the future. Together, all of us can ensure patients have what is needed for their best chance at life. Don’t let time slip away, please act now by making your blood donation appointment.

Thank you in advance for your support of a safe and available blood supply!

Vitalant is taking extra precautions to protect their staff and donors: 

Temperature check upon arrival



Six feet of space between donors



Continuous sanitation

Masks are required for all donors and staff 

Blood donation appointments will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Solano Town Center Mall, in the former Express Store on the lower level.

Pease click below to make an appointment for your desired day: 

Thursday, July 9



Friday, July 10

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

Page 10

Free Narcan Training On behalf of Touro University California and Drug Safe Solano, Solano County residents are able to participate in a free, virtual Narcan training session on Tuesday, July 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Subject matter experts will present a brief overview of the opioid epidemic as it pertains to Solano County, and then participants will be educated on what an overdose is, how to identify one, and how to administer Narcan to reverse the overdose and save a life.

Each participant will receive a certificate of completion and a Narcan unit. Please register for this training in advance by signing up here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more details on how to join the meeting.

SolTrans Increases Services

“Our objective with this service change is to meet our rider’s needs, with earlier morning and later evening service. We aren’t where we were pre-COVID-19, just yet.” Said Beth Kranda, SolTrans’ Executive Director. “We had to get creative in creating viable service with new riding policies and budgetary restraints and this is a great step forward.”

Finally, in observance of the Independence Day holiday, SolTrans will operate limited weekend service on Friday, July 3, and no buses will operate on Saturday, July 4 please plan accordingly.

New schedules and a detailed summary of changes can be found here.

Page 11

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

VALLEJO NEWS

Solano County Transit (SolTrans) will implement its first increase in service since the transit agency’s COVID-19 service reduction and travel limitations in March. On Sunday, July 5, SolTrans will increase service hours on both SolTrans SolanoExpress Lines and Local Routes. Capacity restrictions will continue to be enforced on all buses, along with mandatory facial coverings and social distancing of at least six feet apart when waiting for and on the bus. As part of the July 5 service changes, SolTrans will begin adding in, where possible, a sweeper bus service to pick up riders left behind due to the seating restrictions.

VALLEJO NEWS

Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District Reopens to the Public The Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District is pleased to announce that their offices are now open.

Protocols are in place to protect staff and visitors. These include: Modified hours: Monday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

One person at a time will be allowed into the lobby (if there are more people waiting, please wait outside and stay at least 6 feet apart).



Face coverings are required.



No hand-shaking or physical contact.



And, most importantly, please do not visit if you feel ill.

VFWW looks forward to seeing you soon!

Bike Vallejo Contest Winners Though COVID-19 protocols changed the original plan of announcing and distributing free bikes at one, big, fun-filled event downtown, four lucky winners were able to receive bikes courtesy of Bike Vallejo's 2020 middle school bicycle giveaway. Congratulations Enoch, Abigail, Lhatrell, and Raissa-Ann! Tentative dates for the Bicycle Rodeos are as follows, and are subject to change due to COVID-19: 

Saturday, September 12, 2020 during the Visions of the Wild Festival in Downtown Vallejo



Sunday, September 20, 2020 at the Mare Island Pedal Fest

Special thank you to Studio California, Vallejo Soup, and anonymous donors who made it possible for highquality bicycles and free repairs to be provided to Vallejo's local youth.

For additional information about Bike Vallejo and their contests, please visit their Facebook page.

Have a positive community story or event you'd like to submit for consideration in a segment of Vallejo News? Send us an email!

CITY OF VALLEJO | 555 SANTA CLARA STREET | VALLEJO, CA | 94590 CITYOFVALLEJO.NET | VALLEJONEWS@CITYOFVALLEJO.NET