The Vallejo Weekly | Volume 8, Issue 23

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 23 | SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

THE VALLEJO WEEKLY

Mayors Message Dear Vallejo, Last week the Vallejo Police Department unveiled Operation P.E.A.C.E. (Predictive Enforcement and Community Engagement) in a press conference which was broadcasted live on the department's Facebook page. VPD and the City understand that there is a critical need to combat the steep rise in crime and gun violence in our City. The numbers don't lie, Vallejo; this year has been one of the most violent years on record since 1994.

Chief Shawny Williams talked about the plan to combat this uptick in crime. He also covered the goals that the department hopes to achieve through Operation P.E.A.C.E. ...Continue reading at cityofvallejo.net/mayorsmessage.

Join Our Team!

PERSONNEL

In addition to the above, featured recruitment, the City of Vallejo is pleased to offer the following employment opportunities: 

Information Systems Technician II



Police Lieutenant (Internal Promotional Only)

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Communications Operator II (Lateral)



Police Cadet

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Police Officer (Entry - Academy Graduate)



Police Officer (Lateral)



Police Officer (Recruit)

Visit governmentjobs.com/careers/Vallejo for more information and to apply.

PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES

Vallejo Police Department Launches Operation PEACE Project This year, the City of Vallejo has experienced significant increases in gun violence and violent crimes against men, women and children. The Vallejo Police Department (VPD) is committed to combatting and eliminating these crimes to ensure that the vision of seeing Vallejo become a safe, vibrant and prosperous city is realized.

In order to address the issue of crime in our neighborhoods, VPD has recently launched its’ Operation P.E.A.C.E Project, also known as Predictive Enforcement and Community Engagement. The initiative promotes positive interactions and relationship building between officers and the community and also increases police visibility to deter crime in the city.

“We must all remember that behind the statistics are real people experiencing real trauma,” Chief of Police Shawny Williams stated. “Our community needs and deserves our compassion, service and commitment during times of difficulty and we are hopeful that Operation P.E.A.C.E. will help us achieve that goal.”

The Operation P.E.A.C.E. Project includes a four-part plan focused on crime reduction and community policing. Click here read a complete overview of the plan.

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City of Vallejo Acquires COPS Hiring Program Grant The Vallejo City Council has adjusted the City's budget to recognize a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice funding eight new officer positions within the Vallejo Police Department (VPD).

The City and VPD look forward to welcoming new officers to help serve the community!

With the additional staffing, VPD plans to increase its number of detectives, expand the Crime Reduction Team, better address quality of life concerns, and reduce gun violence through the department’s new Operation P.E.A.C.E. Project. Check out the press release to learn more!

On September 9, Caltrans District 4 began a pavement repair project on all six miles of SR-29 (Sonoma Boulevard) in Vallejo.

The project improves roadway safety and provides motorists a smoother ride. This is general pavement repair work on sections of SR-29 that are worn and need attention - a future project will address larger paving rehabilitation, tentatively scheduled for 2023.

All work will take place during day and nighttime hours, weather and conditions permitting.

For worker and public safety during construction, various traffic lanes on SR-29/ Sonoma Boulevard will be temporarily closed, however one lane in each direction will remain open at all times.

Motorists should also watch for temporary “Tow Away” construction zones and signs along various sections of SR-29/Sonoma Boulevard.

On September 14, crews will be closing off the eastbound I-80 to the northbound SR29 connector ramp overnight. Detour signage will be up while the closure is in place.

For additional information, including information in additional languages, please click here.

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THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 23

PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES

Caltrans State Route 29 Pavement Repair Project

Virtual Podium Now Available Members of the public can now "step-up" to the virtual podium and speak during public comment.

Here's how: On a computer: Connect to Zoom at zoom.us/j/91400750676- Enter your name (or a unique identification so you know when it's your turn to speak)- Enter an email- When you wish to speak on an agenda item, click the "raise hand" button On a smartphone: Download the Zoom app at zoom.us/download- Enter the meeting ID: 914 0075 0676- Enter your name (or a unique identification so you know when it's your turn to speak)Enter an email- When you wish to speak on an agenda item, tap the "raise hand" button On a phone: Dial (669) 900-6833- When you wish to speak on an agenda item, press *9 on your keypad Via email:

COMMUNITY

Send your written comments to the City Clerk at city.clerk@cityofvallejo.net. Written comments will be forwarded to Council for review, but will not be read aloud during the meeting.

*The Open Town Hall written commenting feature will no longer be available.

Photo tutorials and additional information is available at cityofvallejo.net/publiccomment.

Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke People who have heart or lung diseases, as well as older adults and children, are at higher risk from wildfire smoke.

Check local air quality reports through airnow.gov.

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Wildland Safety Throughout California, wildfires will continue to be fueled by a build-up of seasonal dry vegetation driven by extreme dry conditions and local strong winds, making brush fuels extremely dangerous and challenging for firefighters.

The Vallejo Fire Department stands ready to quickly respond and contain wildfires, but we can't do this without your cooperation.

The "Ready! Set! Go!" brochure is intended to provide valuable information on being prepared in the event of an immediate evacuation order due to an emergency like a brush fire.

Both brochures can be downloaded and referred to for pre-planning and preparation.

Please take the time to learn how to create and maintain a defensible space around your property and how to harden your home against flying embers. You play the most important role in protecting your family and home in the event of wildland fires evacuations and other significant emergencies.

Prepare yourself by taking the necessary steps to give you, your family, and property the best chance of surviving a devastating wildfire.

For additional information, please visit the Fire Department's website.

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.

To learn more about this campaign, click here.

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THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 23

COMMUNITY

The "Defensible Space" brochure provides critical information on proper protecting your family and property associated with the threat of wildland fires.

Coronavirus Rental Assistance Program Beginning September 21, Solano County residents who have lost their jobs or had their wages reduced due to COVID-19 and need rental assistance, are urged to apply to the County’s funded Rental Assistance Program.

VALLEJO NEWS

On Tuesday, August 25, the Solano County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $4 million in CARES Act funding to support a COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program (RAP). The RAP, administered by Catholic Charities of Yolo-Solano, will provide rental assistance paid direct to landlords on behalf of eligible renter households.

To qualify for the COVID-19 cash-assistance rental program, applicants must have a head of household over 18 years of age, be a Solano County resident as of January 1, 2020, have an income at or below 100 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines and can demonstrate financial hardship and/or loss of income due to COVID-19, including a letter from their most recent employer, bank statements and verification of income. Eligible participants may receive up to $4,000 in one-time rental assistance per household.

Applicants are asked to apply online at www.ccyoso.org or in person at Catholic Charities’ offices located at 125 Corporate Place, Suite A, Vallejo, beginning September 21. All materials associated with the program will be made available in English, Spanish and Tagalog. The general application period will close on Monday, October 12 at 5:00 p.m.

To read the full press release, click here.

PSPS Preparation Are you prepared for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?

Visit pge.com/pspsupdates, and learn what you can do today, to prepare for a future PSPS outage.

Subscribe to alerts, lookup your address, view an outage map, apply for the PG&E Medical Baseline Program if you depend on power for a medical necessity, and more.

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Vallejo Youth Art Contest Calling all young artists! Can you create a work of art that expresses the small steps you can take every day in order to fulfill your dreams and hopes for an eco-friendly world?

This contest seeks to encourage children to think seriously about conservation of the environment around them and of the earth, as well as about the earth’s future and express their thoughts in paintings.

Be creative, have fun, try different color combinations, explore patterns. Be bold, be unique, be you!

To be eligible, children must be between the ages of 7 and 12 by the end of August 2020.

How to enter: Take a photo of your art piece entry and email it to renayconlin@vallejoarts.org. Be sure to include your name and telephone number Entry deadline:

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VALLEJO NEWS

Paintings or sketches must be received by midnight Friday, September 30.

Community Resource Fair

VALLEJO NEWS

Emmanuel Arms Community Inc. will hold a community resource fair on September 22, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Resources available include health services, Census 2020 information, free masks (while supplies last), employment assistance, free clothing, and much more. There will be free lunch between 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM and produce giveaway between 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

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Solano County Voting Options The Solano County Registrar of Voters (ROV) is pleased to announce several voting options are available for voters for the upcoming General Election, including no-contact voting, limited-contact voting, and traditional polling locations; designed to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 transmission in the community, all while protecting the integrity of the voting process.

No-Contact Voting- All voters will receive a vote by mail ballot and can vote safely and securely from home, mailing back the completed ballot at their convenience.

Limited-Contact Voting- Using your vote by mail ballot, voters can return their completed ballot in one of 15 drop-off locations throughout the County, or at any polling place on Election Day. Traditional Election Day Voting- All voters can vote at a traditionally assigned election day poll place. Over 100 locations are available, all of which will have social distancing and safety precautions in place to limit COVID-19 transmission.

Ballots will be mailed to all voters on the last week of September and ballots can be dropped off starting October 5. Early Voting starts October 5, from the Registrar of Voter’s Office at: 675 Texas Street, Suite 2600, Fairfield. Details on voting options and key election dates are available on the Registrar of Voter’s website.

Connect with Us! The City of Vallejo has a number of communications lists, to bring you current and important information.

Visit cityofvallejo.net/subscribe to sign up, and stay in the know!

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THE VALLEJO WEEKLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 23

VALLEJO NEWS

“Voting by mail is safe, secure, and easy.” said Tim Flanagan, Solano County Chief Information Officer and Registrar of Voters. “We have a five-step ballot validation process for every ballot, ensuring only the voter who intended to vote cast the ballot.”

VALLEJO NEWS USS Emory S. Land Returns The USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) arrived in Vallejo on August 17, for a scheduled maintenance availability at Mare Island Dry Dock. Land is scheduled to spend 150 days at Mare Island Dry Dock to complete a regular overhaul and dry dock period.

Land spent nearly eight months deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations supporting theater security cooperation efforts in the Indo-Pacific region in 2019 and 2020. The ship made port visits to seven countries to conduct training and repair missions with partner nations.

Mare Island was the first U.S. naval base on the West Coast established in 1854, building 512 ships and repairing many more. In spring of 1996 the dry dock closed, but re-opened in 2013. In 2018, Land became the first Navy ship in more than 20 years to conduct shipyard maintenance there.

“This maintenance availability period is intended to improve the material readiness of the ship,” said Luckett. “Our ability to deploy for so long is a testament to the great work done by the men and women at Mare Island in 2018. We’re looking forward to getting this maintenance work completed so our crew can get back to meeting the demands of operating at sea.”

Prior to departing Guam, the crew completed a 14-day sequester period and underwent testing for COVID19 to ensure the crew was healthy. Since then, Land has traveled more than 5,000 nautical miles in route to the West Coast.

To read the full article, click here. To see a time-lapse of the vessel docking, click here. To keep up to date on their travels, follow them on Facebook.

Subscribe to the Vallejo Weekly, and other City communications, here.

View previous issues of the Vallejo Weekly, here.

Submit your positive community story or event for consideration in the Vallejo News section, here.

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