Vallejo Weekly

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Cover Photo: The LaRussell concert at the Solano County Fair on June 13th Photo Credit: Robert Briseño

In this issue

Vallejo prepares to cut the ribbon on their New Navigation Center

Page 9

Page 14

Vallejo’s Firma Lodge Nominated to the National Register

MIT Mock Trial team vies for State Championship

Page 22

Page 28

Take a look at the Vallejo City United School District graduates

The Solano County Fair happened last week, take a look at some of the fun that took place

Page 34

Vallejo Weekly

Hello Vallejo!

ANDREW'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Happy Juneteenth! Join us on Saturday for the Juneteenth parade and festival in downtown and at the waterfront.

City Hall is closed today, but it will be open tomorrow, June 20th, for Assembly District (AD) 11 Day with Assemblywoman Lori Wilson. There will be a presentation from Caltrans on latest projects here in Vallejo and her staff will answer your questions and have information on State resources available to you. Hope to see you at AD 11 Day in the Council Chambers.

At a special City Council meeting earlier this week, Council unanimously approved the contract with the Solano County Sheriff’s Department to provide assistance and staffing to improve public safety in Vallejo. The contract still needs to be approved by the Solano County Board of Supervisors. We will keep you posted on

developments. The plan would be to have Solano County Sheriff’s deputies help Vallejo Police Department respond to calls starting January 1, 2026, through the end of that year.

Some exciting news for the community - Vallejo Late Night Basketball starts this Friday. This will give children a fun, safe place to go and mingle while shooting hoops with friends. Take a look at the flyer in this edition of the Vallejo Weekly.

This Monday, June 23rd, please join our community celebration at the Navigation Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! In this Weekly, you’ll find pictures of the site and details on the event. See you there!

With appreciation, Andrew Murray Vallejo City Manager

Vallejo Weekly

Exciting news for Vallejo! The City of Vallejo proudly invites the community to the much-anticipated Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the brand-new Vallejo Navigation Center A transformative hub designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness.

Join Us as We Open this New Facility

Date: Monday, June 23, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: 1937 Broadway Street, Vallejo, CA

Learn More at: https://conta.cc/3HuTUpZ

Vallejo Weekly

City of Vallejo Housing Department Temporarily Adjusts Lobby Hours Starting June 23, 2025

Due to temporary staffing shortages and increased workload, the City of Vallejo Housing and Community Development Department will adjust its lobby hours starting June 23, 2025. The new schedule allows staff to address service backlogs and maintain quality support. Regular hours will resume once staffing improves, with updates provided as available.

Temporary Lobby Hours (Effective June 23, 2025):

• Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

• Friday: Closed

The Department is hoping to return to regular hours in fall 2025.

Learn more here: https://www.vallejo.gov/our_city/city_government/vallejo_housing_ authority

El Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Vallejo ajusta temporalmente su horario de atención a partir del 23 de junio de 2025

Debido a la escasez temporal de personal y al aumento de la carga de trabajo, el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario de la Ciudad de Vallejo ajustará su horario de atención al público a partir del 23 de junio de 2025. El nuevo horario permite al personal atender los retrasos en el servicio y mantener un servicio de calidad. El horario habitual se reanudará una vez que mejore la dotación de personal, y se proporcionarán actualizaciones según estén disponibles.

Horario temporal de atención (vigente a partir del 23 de junio de 2025):

• Lunes a jueves: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

• Viernes: Cerrado

El Departamento espera volver a su horario habitual en otoño de 2025.

Más información aquí: https://www.vallejo.gov/our_city/city_government/vallejo_

Pansamantalang Babaguhin ng City of Vallejo Housing

Department ang Lobby Hours Simula Hunyo

23, 2025

Dahil sa pansamantalang kakulangan ng mga tauhan at mas dumaming workload, aayusin ng City of Vallejo Housing and Community Development Department ang oras ng lobby nito simula Hunyo 23, 2025. Ang bagong iskedyul ay nagbibigay-daan sa mga kawani na tugunan ang mga backlog ng serbisyo at mapanatili ang kalidad ng suporta. Magpapatuloy ang regular na oras kapag naayos ang staffing, kasama ang pagbibigay ng update kung maging available ito.

Mga Pansamantalang Oras sa Lobby (Epektibo sa Hunyo 23, 2025):

• Lunes–Huwebes: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

• Biyerne: Sarado

Umaasa ang Departamento na babalik sa regular na oras sa Fall 2025.

Higit na matuto pa dito: https://www.vallejo.gov/our_city/city_government/vallejo_ housing_authority

Vallejo

Vallejo Firefighters Ask Residents to Celebrate Safely—No Illegal Fireworks This Summer

As summer begins, the Vallejo Fire Department has already seen a significant increase in vegetation fire responses. Fast-moving fires in Vallejo, across Solano County, and throughout California have demonstrated just how volatile conditions are in 2025. With the arrival of hotter, drier weather, the risk and severity of wildfires continue to escalate.

The Vallejo Fire Department reminds residents that all fireworks are strictly prohibited within City limits, including the unincorporated areas. Illegal fireworks are not only dangerous—they are a direct threat to public safety, particularly in a year where high fire activity has already taken hold across the region.

Learn more about what you can do to help keep Vallejo Safe: https://conta.cc/3ZW9H7o

Historic Firma Lodge Selected as 2025 Underrecognized California Nomination Site

The California Preservation Foundation (CPF) proudly announces that the Firma Lodge in Vallejo, California, has been selected as the 2025 site for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places through the Underrecognized California initiative. Now in its third year, the program honors significant yet overlooked places that illuminate California’s diverse history.

Constructed between 1916 and 1917 by African American veterans of the Spanish-American War— known as Buffalo Soldiers—Firma Lodge stands as one of Vallejo’s most powerful symbols of civic resilience, cultural pride, and architectural permanence. This Classical Revival fraternal hall has long served Vallejo’s Black community as a center of civic engagement, religious fellowship, and civil rights advocacy.

“Firma Lodge is more than a building—it is a living symbol of civic courage, selfdetermination, and Black legacy,” the application reads. “Its preservation honors not only its architecture but the generations who built, sustained, and gathered within it.”

The 2025 nomination will be led by Me’Lisa “Mel” James, a rising leader in historic preservation and a Master’s student in

Heritage Conservation at the University of Southern California. James brings extensive experience in cultural research, nonprofit development, and community-based planning, including work with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, and the Paul R. Williams Archive Project.

“Mel’s dedication to uncovering overlooked stories in heritage and her communitycentered approach make her an ideal

1209 Georgia St, Vallejo

student lead for this important project,” said Clare Flynn, Senior Architectural Historian at Page & Turnbull, the preservation firm overseeing the nomination.

Page & Turnbull, with offices across California and more than 50 years of historic preservation leadership, will mentor James throughout the research, writing, and regulatory nomination process. The project also includes oral history gathering, site photography, and preparation of all documentation required to submit Firma Lodge for inclusion on the National Register.

Underrecognized California is a special initiative of the California Preservation Foundation launched in 2022 to elevate historic places that reflect the full breadth of California’s cultural and community heritage—particularly those that have not yet received formal recognition. Now in its third year, the program provides essential technical and financial support to help secure landmark status for sites rooted in African American, Latinx, Asian American, and other community histories. Underrecognized California is made possible through the generous support of Stephen and Sherry Schafer, Liz’s Antique Hardware, and individual donors to the Underrecognized

California Fund who share a commitment to honoring overlooked stories and preserving California’s diverse past.

To learn more about the Underrecognized California program or to support the nomination effort for Firma Lodge, visit www.californiapreservation.org/

Founding Member James M Owens

Members of Firma Lodge #27 F. & A. M. Vallejo, California, ca. 1950s,

Vallejo Weekly 15

Friday,

REGISTRATION for the JULY 4TH PARADE

Vallejo’s grand July 4th Parade is calling your name! The largest in Solano County, drawing more than 20,000 spectators eager to celebrate the 4th in style. This year will commemorate the 170th anniversary! Whether you’re part of a club, team, organization, or business, this is your chance to march, drive, or roll through the streets of downtown Vallejo, soaking in the cheers of patriotic fans. The parade kicks off at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 4, starting at El Dorado & Tennessee St, traveling on Sonoma Blvd, and finishing on Georgia Street in Vallejo’s historic district.

“Being in the July 4th Parade is a great way to show your patriotism and promote your business or organization,” says Shelee Loughmiller, Volunteer Chair of the Parade Committee. “You’ll have thousands of flag-waving spectators to cheer you on, and it’s a really fun thing to do, too!”

Spots fill up fast—secure yours before June 26, 2025!

Email: specialevents@cityofvallejo.net Call: Shelee Loughmiller at (707) 648-8616

Let’s make this July 4th unforgettable—will we see you in the parade?

Weekly Friday Sessions 9-11AM Starting June 6th, 2025

Develop skills to take care of yourself and your Diabetes:

✓ Improve your quality of life and prevent complications from diabetes.

✓ Understand and make sense of your lab values.

✓ Learn about your medications and medication management.

✓ Learn a variety of exercises for all skill and age levels.

✓ Improve your eating habits. Classes

Planning an Event in Vallejo?

You may need a permit for that, especially if it’s more than 75 people. Let our team help you with that. Please visit the City of Vallejo’s website for more information: https://www.cityofvallejo.net/cms/one. aspx?portalId=16925451&pageId=17554100 If you are ready to submit your application you can do that here: https://cityofvallejo.formstack.com/forms/special_ event_application If you have questions you can email specialevents@cityofvallejo.net or call us at 707-648-8616

Vallejo Weekly

The city of Vallejo wants your input on community challenges and ways to improve our community! Feedback from the survey will help to inform the Youth Strategic Plan and assist the city in decision making and future investment for youth.

for the

An Email is required to enter

Questions?

Contact Victoria Grace-Barksdale at 707-334-5765 or victoria.grace@cityofvallejo.net

Owner-Occupied Housing

Rehabilitation Program Is Your Home in Need of Repairs?

The Homeacres Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program aims to improve housing conditions, safety, code compliance, and revitalize the community. Solano County is offering financial assistance to help eligible homeowners repair and improve their homes.

We understand that keeping up with repairs can be tough, especially for those on a tight budget. That’s why Solano County is excited to introduce a program that helps homeowners like you make essential home repairs and improvements.

Financial Assistance

• Low-Interest Loans for up to $80,000 with a 30-year term and a unique deferred payment option. Make NO monthly payments throughout the entire loan period!

• Emergency Repair Grants: Only offered in limited cases

• Health & safety repairs & upgrades

• Roof repair or replacement

• Foundation repair (cracks, uneven floors)

• Funds are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Approved Use of Funds

Eligibility

• Must be the homeowner and live on the property needing repairs.

• Open to low-to moderateincome residents of u unincorporated Homeacres Neighborhood (see map on reverse)

• Electrical repairs, heat-pumps, solar installation

• Window upgrades & attic insulation

Application and Information

MIT Mock Trial team vies for State Championship

This past August, the Mare Island Technology Academy’s (MIT) Mock Trial competed at the 44th Annual California High School Mock Trial State Finals in Los Angeles for the second consecutive year. The State Finals featured students from 32 California counties vying for the honor to advance to the National High School Mock Trial Championship. The team ultimately did not attain the top prize, but the team produced extremely successful results. Eliza Chavez for the prosecution and James Maravilla for the defense secured pretrial motion victories. Additionally, the defense team led by Vincent Hartman-Baker, Miliano Gonzalez, and Grayson Elle Shaw as defense attorneys secured a not guilty verdict. The following members of the team also won Most Valuable Player awards: Mariacristina Prado Nunez as lead prosecution attorney, Miliano Gonzalez as defense attorney, Faustine Njuguna as prosecution witness, and Jacqueline Gamez as defense witness.

The team’s success this year is a testament of the remarkable growth of the program and its student participants since its initiation just a year ago. The team benefited from a depth of experience that it lacked last year, as many of the participants in the inaugural program elected to participate in the program again. Mariacristina Prado Nunez commends the program for helping her gain more confidence and improving her speaking and communication skills.

The program also benefited from additional support from the community. The Honorable Dan J. Healy of the Solano County Superior Court opened his courtroom for the students to practice in on weekends. Meanwhile, the Honorable Kelly J. Trujillo and the Honorable Marlo S. Nisperos of the Solano County Superior Court spent Saturdays coaching the students and judging scrimmages.

Hence, while the MIT Mock Trial team did not win the top prize in the State Finals, the students returned home to Vallejo with pride. The students competed valiantly and the many awards the students earned in the competition reflected those efforts.

Back home also, the students’ heroic efforts in representing in the City of Vallejo and the County of Solano was recognized by the mayor for the City of Vallejo, Andrea Sorce, and by the Board of Supervisors for Solano County through a resolution. When reached for comment on her thoughts about the Mock Trial team, Supervisor James provided the following statement: “The MIT Mock Trial Team is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in our youth. This program goes far beyond teaching legal skills—it empowers young people to find their voices, engage with the justice system, and see themselves as future leaders in our community. I was deeply honored to present a resolution at the June 3rd Board of Supervisors meeting recognizing their incredible success this year. Later that day, I had the privilege of meeting the students

in a more personal setting and presenting certificates to them at their school. Their dedication, resilience, and teamwork reflect the best of Vallejo’s youth—and it’s up to all of us in the community to continue supporting programs like this that uplift, inspire, and prepare our next generation.”

Students have already expressed interest in participating in the Mock Trial next year. However, the continued success of the

program needs support from the community. The program was funded by grant money for the past two years. The grant ends this year, which means that the Mock Trial program’s future will depend on the generosity of the community.

If you would like to contribute, support, or learn more about the program, please contact Nara Robert at nrobert@mitacademy.org.

The MIT Mock Trial team that competed in the State Finals consisted of Anaiya Allen, Daniela Arana, Eliza Chavez, Axel Davis, Natalie Dobson, Theodora Duazo, Jacqueline Gamez, Russell Gabriel Gonzales, Miliano Gonzalez, Nicolas Guzman, Vincent David Hartman-Baker, Kimberly Kariuki, Noah Montevirgen, Faustine Njuguna, Mariacristina Prado Nunez, Andrew Isaiah Que, Awasys Vicente Sharma, Grayson Elle Shaw, James Maravilla, and Acacia Lujan.

Vallejo Weekly

Vallejo

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SURVEY

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS IN THE CITY OF VALLEJO FOR THE HUD-REQUIRED CONSOLIDATED PLAN

TAKE OUR SURVEY BELOW

City of Vallejo, Housing & Community Development Survey

The City of Vallejo provides its programs and services in a non-discriminatory manner, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Vallejo also encourages women and minority-owned businesses to submit bids and proposals for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and HOME Investment Partnerships Program contracts. For further information, contact the City of Vallejo Housing and Community Development Division at (707) 648-4507. For further information on this public notice, the hearing-impaired may call the California Relay Service at 1-800-735-2922 without a TTY/TDD, or 1-800-735-2929 with a TTY/TTD.

Solano County Mobility Programs

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Vallejo City Unified School

District Graduates of 2025, Congratulations on your achievement! The entire city looks forward to the positive changes you will make to our city, our state and our country.

Vallejo Weekly

Know a local centenarian? Supervisors want to honor them

The Solano County Board of Supervisors needs the community’s help in identifying centenarians living in our community for recognition at a Board of Supervisors meeting later this fall as part of the 19th annual centenarian commemoration celebration.

For the past 18 years, the Solano County Board of Supervisors has celebrated the lives of local centenarians by hosting a special recognition ceremony during a Board meeting. This annual commemoration not only honors some of the county’s oldest residents but also highlights their life stories and draws attention to the unique challenges facing the senior community.

The life stories of our centenarians are documented in a hard cover yearbook as well as a video that features interviews with those that can participate. We present the video to the public at a Board of Supervisors meeting each year and a copy of the book is given to each centenarian and/or their family as a lasting tribute to their life and contributions to the community. This program, while rewarding for the Board of Supervisors, is really an important part of preserving our County’s rich history. These stories become part of the permanent record, not just for future generations of the centenarians’ families to hold, but for all of us.

To date the Board has honored more than 275 centenarians in Solano County. Two centenarians reached super-centenarian status, including Marie West in 2011 and Reta Wills in 2021. Super-centenarians are those individuals who have reached 110 years or older, which only occurs at a rate of about 1 in 7 million people. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2024 population estimates, approximately 101,000 Americans are aged 100 or older at any given time in the United States, with California having the most at nearly 9,000 residents. Centenarians, according to the Pew Research Center, are predominately women (78 percent), have a family history of long-lived parents, enjoy regular physical activity, have a balanced diet, and maintain close relationships with family and friends.

HOW TO CONTACT THE COUNTY ABOUT CENTENARIANS

If you know of a centenarian, or, someone who is currently 99 years old and will be turning 100 by year’s end. Please email Centenarian@SolanoCounty.gov and/or call (707) 784-3004 by or before August 1, 2025. Please relay the following information over the phone or in an email to the Supervisor, including (1) the person’s name, (2) their address, (3) their phone number, (4) and their best contact email address.

Bernadette

Domestic Short Hair, F, Kitten - 3 months old, 3 lbs

Meet Bernadette! This sweetheart came to us with her mom and siblings. Shy Bernadette loves running around playing with her also adoptable sister Penny, then enjoys a long catnap. She is OK around other cats.

Vallejo

Overdue tolls?

PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE!

Do you have unpaid, overdue tolls for Bay Area Express Lanes or bridges? Bay Area FasTrak is making it easier to pay, with payment plans for qualifying, low-income drivers to help you pay off your balance over time. Need help? Just ask.

For more information about the Bay Area Toll Payment Plan and eligibility requirements, visit www.BayAreaTollPaymentPlan.org.

In case you missed the fair this year

The Napa Vine Trail starts in Vallejo and is planned to stretch 47 miles North to Calistoga, learn more at: https://www.vinetrail.org/

Resource Connect Solano Partners with United Way Bay Area to Expand 2-1-1 Access

As of March 3, Resource Connect Solano (RCS) is proud to announce its official partnership with United Way Bay Area, expanding access to Coordinated Entry System services. Now, individuals in Solano County experiencing or at risk of homelessness can simply call or text 2-1-1 to connect with vital resources.

RCS streamlines access to housing and supportive services, helping individuals navigate both immediate and long-term housing needs. Through the Coordinated Entry System, RCS identifies and facilitates the most appropriate response to each person’s unique situation.

Thanks to this new partnership, callers to 2-1-1 will be able to complete an intake and assessment in real-time with a United Way Bay Area Call Center Specialist available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This around-the-clock access marks a significant step forward in ensuring that those in need can connect to services whenever they need them day or night.

The 2-1-1 Bay Area Database includes a comprehensive network of non-profit and governmental agencies offering health and human services across the region. This confidential service is available to the public in English, Spanish, and 140 other languages. Whether for everyday needs or during times of crisis, 2-1-1 provides streamlined access to essential services such as:

Food and shelter

Counseling and mental health support Drug and alcohol intervention

Employment assistance

Volunteer and community support opportunities

If your organization provides health or human services and would like to be included in the 2-1-1 Bay Area Database, Click here to learn more.

Flyer with additional information are available at the City of Vallejo’s Homeless Resource page in Español, and Filipino For more information, email RCS@caminar.org

What is the Comprehensive Transportation Plan?

THE QR CODE BELOW CONTACT US kphsolano.org (707) 316-8047 kphsolano@uwccr.org

El Condado de Solano y CAP Solano JPA se han asociado con United Way California Capital Region para ayudar a prevenir la falta de vivienda en nuestras comunidades.

Keep People Housed – Solano es un programa que puede brindar asistencia financiera para pagar la renta, servicios públicos, depósitos de seguridad o costos de mudanza, así como referencias legales y otros servicios para evitar que los residentes del Condado de Solano se queden sin hogar. Solicita ayuda ahora escaneando el código QR a continuación.

CONTÁCTANOS kphsolano.org (707) 316-8047 kphsolano@uwccr.org

Solano Transportation Authority (STA) is developing a comprehensive transportation plan for Solano County, which is the primary long-range planning document for Solano County designed to create a safe, equitable, and sustainable multi-modal transportation system that meets the diverse mobility needs and sustainability goals of our communities.

How to Get Involved – We Want To Hear Your Feedback!

A key element of updating the Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) is collaborating with members of the public to create a shared vision for a transportation system that is safe, equitable, sustainable, and meets the needs of Solano residents. We want to hear your feedback! Your input will play a crucial role in shaping transportation decisions in Solano County for the next 30 years.

Click

for more information

Or click HERE to take the survey