Vallejo Weekly

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In this issue

The Seaweed Celebrate Page 11

707 Week Kicks Off Page 6

Vallejo Firefighters Graduates Page 14

GVRD Kicks Off Summer Concert Series Page 17

Sunset Rotary Strives For Peace Page 20

Vallejo’s School District Moves Forward Page 22

Vallejo Food Trucks Wins National Honor Page 25

Hercules Arrives! Page 28

Vallejo Weekly

Friday, July 4, 2025

Step off at 10am will be at the corner of El Dorado and Tennessee St.

707-648-8616 or email specialevents@cityofvallejo.net

ANDREW'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Hello Vallejo!

Hope you have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday weekend. In this edition of the Vallejo Weekly, you’ll find many activities for you and your friends and families, including the 170th Annual 4th of July parade and the Mare Island Spirit Ship Celebration. Earlier this week, we celebrated and recognized new recruits to the Vallejo Fire Department with the Graduation of Recruit Class 2025-1! Enjoy the photos and article of the event that packed the City Council Chambers to honor their accomplishments in the new hire academy.

On Tuesday, we also had a special City Council meeting on Community Violence Mitigation for Summer 2025. The Vallejo Police Department provided the City Council with the latest information on crime statistics in each District and discussed efforts now in place to try and combat crime. Some of the topics discussed by Council included funding for up to $500,000 for as many security tower cameras in high-crime hotspots as the budget allows; funding for up to $50,000 for the Block party program which is a proven community engagement strategy that enhances public safety by strengthening neighborhood relationships and building trust between residents, City leadership, and the police department; funding for up to $300,000 to subsidize (from zero up to 80% on a needs basis) for children to participate in the GVRD

year-round programs while reducing the likelihood of involvement in delinquent or criminal behavior; re-establish the Safe Start to School Programs at Lincoln, Hogan, St. Vincent, and Pennycook elementary schools from the start of the school year until summer break which focuses on increasing traffic awareness, educating drivers and reducing risks for children walking or biking to school; and up to $300,000 in funding for the Vallejo VISION Program with a deeper discussion to determine what that funding will provide and direct staff to continue to look for a grant and supplement the $300,000 with the grant.

Next week is 707 Week and you’ll find activities for every day in this Vallejo Weekly! Please note construction schedules ahead for SR-29 and the Mare Island Causeway Bridge Preventative and Repair project this summer. We also have a community meeting set for next week to hear your input on our next Fire Chief! We are on the road to many improvements and we thank you for your support!

With appreciation, Andrew

Murray Vallejo City Manager

Vallejo Weekly 5

L Y 0 7 - 1 3

707 Week, a grassroots-powered initiative running from July 7–13, 2025, celebrates the culture and creativity of Solano County, starting with a citywide launch in Vallejo.

SolTrans is offering FREE rides on all Local and SolanoExpress routes on Monday, July 7th—thanks to Vallejo’s own LaRussell, a musician and proud community advocate who will covering the cost of all fares for the day.

“707 Day is an opportunity to share with the Bay Area the resiliency, identity, and culture of Solano County,” said District 1 Solano County Supervisor, and Vallejo resident Cassandra R. James

The week includes numerous events for everyone including job fairs and storytelling events, cultural showcases, podcast takeovers, and locally crafted food and music. Visit 707week.com for all the details.

To end week, SolTrans will host the Vallejo Seaweeds game on Sunday, July 13th at 1 PM at Wilson Park. SolTrans Board Chair Terry Scott throws out the ceremonial first pitch AND first 100 fans will receive a special SolTrans giveaway—so get there early!

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

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

The Neighborhood Watch Program offers our community members a chance to stay informed, build connections, and enhance communication with one another and our police department. It’s about neighbors working together to create a safer community.

If you’re interested in how the Neighborhood Watch Program can improve your area, contact Sgt. Hollis at Rashad.Hollis@cityofvallejo.net for more information. By taking proactive steps today, we can help create a safer tomorrow for our communities.

Vallejo Weekly

Your Voice Matters, Vallejo!

The City of Vallejo invites YOU to help shape the future of our Fire Department! Join us for a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, July 9th, and share your thoughts on what qualities and priorities our next Fire Chief should bring to the job.

This is your chance to speak up, be heard, and help guide a crucial leadership decision for our community’s safety and resilience. Let’s build a stronger Vallejo— together.

Date: Wednesday, July 9th

Time: 7 PM

Location: Online — ZOOM:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82355686469?pwd=mgdMHHTjUw5cvGd9ck1C7p9cR NpmMa.1

Meeting ID: 823 5568 6469

Passcode: 217685

Vallejo JFK Library

Vallejo Weekly

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.

Big News! National Night Out Date Has Changed for Solano County

Exciting update for our community—Solano County is making a smart move by shifting its National Night Out celebration to the first Tuesday in October! Mark your calendars for October 7th because this change means a cooler, more comfortable evening for everyone. Also, with kids back to school it will conflict less with vacations. In past years, scorching temperatures—often reaching nearly 100 degrees— and summer vacations have put a damper on participation. By adjusting the date, the Solano County Law Enforcement Administrators Association (SCLEAA) hopes to encourage more people to come together, connect, and celebrate our vibrant community without the heat holding us back.

While this new date does not align with other counties across Northern California, many communities across the country have made the same switch, recognizing that extreme heat and the conflict with summer vacations can put a damper on the fun. The SCLEAA made this adjustment with that in mind—to ensure maximum participation and a night to remember! So let’s make this year’s National Night Out bigger and better than ever! Join us in Vallejo as we honor our police officers, first responders, and most importantly—each other. Let’s come together to strengthen our community, build relationships, and create lasting memories.

See you on October 7th!

Vallejo Weekly

Vallejo Fire Department Celebrates Graduation of Recruit Class 2025-1

The Vallejo Fire Department (VFD) is proud to announce the graduation of Recruit Class 20251, marking the successful completion of its intensive 20-week Firefighter I Academy. This significant achievement represents the first step in a structured three-year journey through the Cal-JAC Apprenticeship Program (California Joint Apprenticeship Committee), which will continue to develop these recruits into wellrounded, career firefighters.

The graduates of Recruit Class 2025-1 are:

• Jaden Caragan

• Matthew Gavello

• Christopher Meyers

• Jake Finley

• Christopher Almeida

• Joel Brown

• Nicholas Traylor

• Manuel Conde (a new hire with the American Canyon Fire Protection District who participated in the Vallejo academy as part of a cooperative training agreement between the two departments.)

The VFD’s new hire academy is designed to prepare recruits for all facets of professional firefighting. Over the course of 20 weeks, the class received comprehensive training in structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials

response, emergency medical care, and more.

The curriculum is physically demanding, mentally challenging, and structured to instill the teamwork, discipline, and operational readiness expected of today’s firefighters.

“This recruit class brought a high level of enthusiasm and professionalism from day one,” said Training Chief James Rustice.

“The Firefighter I Academy is both physically and mentally demanding, and each of these individuals rose to the challenge. We are proud to welcome them to the Vallejo Fire Department and look forward to seeing their continued growth through the Cal-JAC Apprenticeship.”

This year’s graduation also comes on the heels of a major department milestone. The VFD was recently recognized as the Cal-JAC Fire Department of the Year—a statewide honor reflecting the department’s exceptional commitment to training and its strong, collaborative partnership with IAFF Local 1186, the local firefighters union. Together, the

department and the union have built a training culture that prioritizes safety, mentorship, and career development.

With the academy behind them, these eight recruits will now begin their field assignments at fire stations throughout Vallejo and American Canyon. Under the guidance of experienced firefighters, they will continue to build their skills and knowledge through real-world experience and structured mentorship as part of the Cal-JAC Apprenticeship Program.

The VFD extends its deepest thanks to the families, instructors, and partner agencies who supported these recruits throughout their training. As the graduates of Recruit Class 20251 begin their careers in public service, they join a proud tradition of dedication, courage, and service to the community.

Congratulations to Vallejo Fire Department Recruit Class 2025-1 — your commitment and hard work have earned you a place among the ranks. Welcome to the fire service.

Vallejo Weekly

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

Pets of the week

Cheeks

Domestic Short Hair, male, 1 yo, 7 lbs

A shy, sweet and friendly young boy. He is ok around other cats. He would love to find a new home soon.

Monica

Husky mix, female, 1.5 yo, 50 lbs She loves to meet new doggy friends and playing fetch. With a high energy level, she is active and enjoys long walks. A curious gal, she loves to sniff and find things to put in her mouth on a walk. Affectionate, friendly she loves people, is quiet and doesn’t bark!

GVRD opened up their summer concert series at Blue Rock Spring Park last week on June 27th, make sure to check out their next one on Friday July 11th

Learn More at: https://www.gvrd.org/

bands-and-brews-summer-concert-series

Vallejo Weekly

Police Cadet - Closing Date 12/31/2025

Police Officer (Recruit) - Closing Date 12/31/2025

Police Officer (Entry Level - Academy Grad)Closing Date 12/31/2025

Police Officer (Lateral) - Closing Date 12/31/2025

Communications Operator I- Closing Date 12/25/2025

Water Treatment Plant Supervisor - Closing Date 7/7/2025

Senior Water Distribution Technician - Closing Date 7/14/2025

Water Resources Manager - Closing Date 7/18/2025

Firefighter / Paramedic - Closing Date 7/18/2025

Vallejo Weekly

Solano Sunset Rotary Club and GVRD

invite you to join our Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony

Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 10 am

Children’s Wonderland Park, 360 Glenn St., Vallejo CA 94590

2025-2026

Rotary PresidentElect Sheila Moran

2024-2025

Rotary President Frank Silveira

Join us for the dedication of Vallejo’s Peace Pole—a global symbol of hope, unity, and compassion. It bears the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, Russian, Chinese, and Korean—honoring the rich cultural diversity of our city.

This Rotary-led installation reminds us that peace begins with each of us— and reaches across every language, culture, and background.

To learn more about Peace Poles and their global signicance, visit rotarypeacepoles.org

What is a Peace Pole?

It is a monument that displays the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in multiple languages. A symbol of hope and a silent prayer, shared across borders, cultures, and generations. It honors the diversity of our community and features the message in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, Russian, Chinese, and Korean.

The Peace Pole movement began in Japan after World War II and has since spread across the globe, with more than 250,000 poles installed worldwide — each one a beacon of peace and unity.

Why This Matters

The Peace Pole represents Rotary International’s commitment to building a culture of peace — rooted in compassion, understanding, and shared humanity. Each pole serves as a reminder that peace begins with us — in our communities, our neighborhoods, and our hearts.

We invite you to stand with us as we dedicate Vallejo’s Peace Pole and reaffirm our shared wish for a more peaceful world.

Come, bring your friends and family, and be part of something meaningful. Together, may peace prevail on Earth.

For more information scan the QR code or go to rotarypeacepoles.world

Vallejo

VCUSD Regains Full Local Control

After nearly 20 years under state receivership, Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) officially regained full local governance effective June 30, 2025. This milestone marks a turnaround in the district’s history, achieved through years of financial reform, collaborative leadership, and community resilience.

“This is not just an administrative shift—it’s a full-circle moment for a district that has worked tirelessly to rebuild credibility, restore fiscal solvency, and center student success,” VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio said. “Our entire community—educators, families, partners, and students—has contributed to this recovery, and we are ready to lead with discipline and vision.”

VCUSD entered receivership in 2004 after a financial collapse required a $60 million emergency loan. District officials have worked under the guidance of state and county agencies to rebuild financial stability and internal controls.

Exciting Improvements Ahead: Mare Island Causeway Bridge Repairs

Set to Begin!

Big news for our community—essential upgrades to the Mare Island Causeway Bridge are on the way! This longanticipated repair project will enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and ensure a smoother commute for years to come.

What to Expect:

• July 17, 2025: Preliminary preparations will start offsite, with NO impact to current traffic flow.

• August 4, 2025: Traffic will be reduced to one lane as on-site construction begins. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.

The project is expected to run for approximately 18 months, with an anticipated completion date of January 5, 2027.

We appreciate your patience and support as we work to build a stronger, safer connection between Vallejo and Mare Island. The short-term inconvenience will lead to long-term benefits for everyone who lives, works, and travels through our city.

Let’s build the future—together!

Emergency services (Police & Fire) will have priority at all times.

If you have questions contact: Sam Kumar, Project Manager (707) 648-4432

Sam.Kumar@cityofvallejo.net

CLUB STRIDE INC

DIGITAL CAREER PATHWAYS FOR

VALLEJO YOUTH

ELEVATING YOUTH VOICE & DIGITAL FUTURES

At Club Stride, we believe young people should be seen, heard, and prepared to lead. Through digital storytelling, workforce development, and leadership training, we’re equipping Vallejo’s youth with the tools to share their experiences and create real change.

STORYS THAT INSPIRE

Our Digital Storytelling Lab gives youth handson experience with video, podcasts, and social media building confidence and career skills. Their stories inspire action and strengthen youth leadership across Vallejo.

VALLEJO RESILIENCE NETWORK

Club Stride is partnering with Center for Urban Excellence and Healthy Vallejo to prevent harm and expand youth opportunities as part of the Vallejo Resilience Network.

Together, we’re elevating youth voice and opening pathways to career readiness, and lasting success. Donate today to expand youth storytelling and workforce opportunities in Vallejo.

Roberto Rodriguez and his wife Marisol Michel are the proud owners of La Pinata Taqueria, located at 809 Broadway in Vallejo. Their food truck is ranked as number 6 on Yelp’s top 100 food trucks in the country. Stop in and learn why they were selected. You can read more about them and the other top food trucks in the country at:

https://www.yelp.com/article/top-100-food-trucks-2025

Vallejo Weekly

Some scenes of last week’s

Late Night Basketball Event

There is NO event scheduled for July 4th - it will start back on Friday July 11th

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.

Vallejo

Hercules Comes to Vallejo

The Hercules joined the other historic ships that have traveled North from San Francisco as their normal home at Hyde St Pier is being renovated. You can learn more about this historic ship at the Natonal Parks Website at: https://www.nps.gov/ safr/learn/historyculture/ hercules.htm

The mighty Hercules and her sister ships are docked and standing by as renovations continue—but not for long!

Later this year, they’ll be opening their gangways for public tours, offering a rare chance to step aboard these historic vessels. Swing by the Mare Island Waterfront to dive into their stories, explore their legacy, and see maritime history up close.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Caltrans will perform roadway pavement rehabilitation on approximately six miles in both northbound and southbound travel directions of State Route 29 (SR-29)/Sonoma Boulevard in Vallejo to enhance the safety. Caltrans will also add new ADA accessible sidewalks, curb bulb outs, enhanced crosswalks, landscaping in various medians, marked bike lanes, and street lighting. The project will take place from Maritime Academy Dr in South Vallejo to Mini Drive in North Vallejo.

PROJECT SCHEDULE:

Construction is tentatively scheduled to start as early as mid-late July 2025 and be completed sometime in Spring 2026. All work is weather dependent.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Caltrans does not plan to completely close the route during the work. One lane in each direction on SR-29/Sonoma Boulevard will always remain open.

However, during construction, the public should expect various lane reductions, daytime construction noise and dust, various alternating temporary sidewalk closures, various temporary alternating driveway closures. Caltrans will provide more detailed times and dates regarding construction activities as soon as information becomes available.

Caltrans appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as we work to improve and maintain our state’s highways, bridges and tunnels.

Vallejo