Vallejo Weekly | Vol 13 | Issue 31

Page 1


VALLEJO WEEKLY

Translate much of this publication into any language by downloading the file, then uploading it to Google Translate then pick your preferred language.

Visit VallejoWeekly.com for versions in Spanish & Tagalog.

Traduzca gran parte de esta publicación a cualquier idioma descargando el archivo y luego subiéndolo a Google Translate y luego seleccione su idioma preferido.

Visita VallejoWeekly.com para versiones en español y tagalo.

Isalin ang karamihan sa publikasyong ito sa anumang wika sa pamamagitan ng pagdownload ng file, pagkatapos ay i-upload ito sa Google Translate pagkatapos ay piliin ang iyong gustong wika Bisitahin ang VallejoWeekly.com para sa mga bersyon sa Espanyol at Tagalog.

Connect to

MY Vallejo Vallejo Weekly Subscribe Vallejo

Cover Photo: Heirloom tomatoes at the Vallejo’s Farmer’s Market Photo Credit: Robert Briseño

In this issue

National Night Out Update Page 4

The Vallejo Broadway Gets An Upgrade Page 10

Solano Provides A Map Page 12

Mare Island Meets The Movies Page 14

Caltrans Gears Up For An Upgrade To Sonoma Blvd Page 19

Mare Island Bridge Ready For A Renovation Page 24

Eureka ! Page 26

Highlighting A 100, Please Help Page 29

Vallejo Weekly

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

Solano County’s National Night Out is moving to Tuesday, October 7th for a cooler, more comfortable evening with fewer vacation conflicts.

Past August events were often hindered by heat and summer travel, so the Solano County Law Enforcement Administrators Association (SCLEAA) is making the shift to boost attendance and community connection. While some Northern California counties stick to August, many nationwide have already made this change for the same reasons.

Join us in Vallejo to celebrate our police, first responders, and each other. Let’s make this night unforgettable— building relationships, honoring service, and creating lasting memories together.

The City of Vallejo registration form for National Night Out 2025 is: https://cityofvallejo.formstack.com/forms/vallejo_national_night_out_event_registration

See you on October 7th!

Hello Vallejo,

ANDREW'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hard to believe it’s already August tomorrow! We’ve had quite a busy week with the tsunami watch earlier this week and the City working quickly to help resolve the rodent issue in the waterfront and downtown areas. The tsunami watch has fortunately been canceled. Public Works staff continues to provide street sweeping and pest control in targeted problem areas. I want to thank the community for helping the City identify locations requiring attention and we will keep you updated on the progress.

This past week, City staff also met with Caltrans to hear from the community and Councilmembers’ ideas on how to improve the safety of the soon to be repaved SR-29. Construction is set to begin soon. Check out the flyer in this Vallejo Weekly that shares details about the exciting project in Vallejo. There are also contacts listed if you have any questions or comments on the project.

A

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Next week at the special Council meeting, City staff plans on presenting requests for honorary street sign designations and keys to the City. We’ll release more details soon on the ceremonial events planned for honoring these Vallejo natives who have accomplished significant and long-term cultural and professional achievements.

The City appreciates all those who turned out to help with preparing Vallejo’s Broadway Project for move-in day. This project will bring 47 units of permanent supportive housing to Vallejo. Individuals must have an active coordinated entry profile which can be started by calling 2-1-1 anytime day or night.

With appreciation,

Vallejo Weekly 5

Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park

FREE SHOWS IN THE PARK As You Like it

No chairs provided - Bring a blanket or low chair to sit on

All shows in the park at 4pm

July 26TH & 27TH Hanns Park, Vallejo

August 2ND Marina Pavilion Green, Benicia

August 3RD Susana Park, Martinez

August 9TH Solano Community College, Fairfield

August 10TH Lower Dracena Park, Piedmont

Final shows at 7pm. $25 donation

August 15TH & 16TH Vino Godfather Winery, Vallejo

Vallejo Weekly

Every 2nd Friday Month from 5 to 9 PM In downtown Vallejo Come

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

Vallejo’s Broadway Project Gets a Cozy Upgrade

Last week, Vallejo’s Broadway Project took a major step towards becoming a true home for future residents, thanks to the power of community and generosity.

This transformative project—bringing 47 units of permanent supportive housing to Vallejo—celebrated the installation of brand-new furniture, thoughtfully designed spaces, and a dash of artistic charm.

The furniture installation was made possible by a generous grant from Wells Fargo and sponsored by Make It Home, whose volunteer interior designer, Minta Hsu, curated every room with care and creativity. From beds and bedding to side tables, lounge chairs, dining sets, and artwork, each space now radiates warmth and dignity.

Volunteers from Wells Fargo, Make It Home, the City of Vallejo, FFCH, and Healthy Vallejo rolled up their sleeves and made it all happen, piece by piece. Hallways now feature inviting artwork, lending libraries on each floor hold over 400 donated books, and the community room and outdoor patio burst with games, kitchen supplies, and cozy furnishings.

The result? A fresh chapter for Broadway Project residents—one full of comfort, belonging, and hope.

If you’d like to contribute or get involved, reach out to Taryn at taryn@ffchousing. Every little bit helps turn this house into a home.

To be referred to Broadway Village potential participants must use the Coordinated Entry System. Individuals need to have an active coordinated entry profile. To conduct an assessment and create a profile you should call 2-1-1 anytime day or night.

If you are interested in being referred to the project or are interested in finding out if you may qualify for a referral, please connect with resource Connect Solano. Resource Connect Solano: (707) 652-7311 or RCS@ caminar.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

Vallejo

Mare Island Meets the Movies: Behind the Scenes of the Lucas Museum

Hollywood magic landed in Vallejo—well, sort of. Oscar-winning filmmaker George Lucas is building the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, a futuristic showcase for storytelling and cinematic history. And guess where part of that magic was made? Right here on Mare Island.

Lucas tapped MAD Architects to bring his vision to life, and they turned to Kreysler & Associates, a trailblazing firm based in American Canyon, to fabricate the museum’s jaw-dropping spaceshiplike façade. The project is the largest Kreysler has ever tackled—requiring 1,400 unique fiberglass pieces, each ranging from 3 to 50 feet long. Every piece needed its own mold, a skilled team of fabricators, and a whole lot of space.

Enter Mare Island

Bill Kreysler, the firm’s founder, had long had his eye on Mare Island. Back in 2000, he considered it as a home base before settling in American Canyon. When the Lucas Museum came calling, he knew exactly where to go. He secured Building 461, a former Navy battery repair shop with nearly 40,000 square feet of floor space and soaring ceilings— perfect for this epic build.

Even better? Kreysler & Associates brought in local Vallejo talent to help get the job done. The project became a community effort, with residents stepping up to help fabricate the museum’s otherworldly exterior.

What’s Next?

The buzz around the Lucas Museum has sparked more interest in Kreysler’s work, and the firm is now fielding calls for future projects. That could mean more jobs, more innovation, and more action right here on Mare Island. Stay tuned—we’ll be watching closely.

Bill Kreysler shows of a sample of the SF MOMA
The Lucas Museum under construction

Want to See Their Work Up Close?

If you can’t make it to LA just yet, you can still admire some of Kreysler’s craftsmanship around the Bay Area:

• SF MOMA – They fabricated the museum’s stunning façade.

• Hearts in San Francisco – Those beloved sculptures supporting SF General Hospital? All made in American Canyon.

• Cupid’s Span – That giant bow and arrow on the SF waterfront? Yep, Kreysler helped bring it to life.

From movie magic to public art, Kreysler & Associates is shaping the future—one fiberglass masterpiece at a time.

Pieces for a new project
A new heart for San Francisco is being made
Sections for the Lucas Museum get fabricated on Mare Island
Sections for the Lucas Museum get fabricated on Mare Island
Vallejo Weekly

Preserve Vallejo’s Legacy: Your Invitation to Reimagine the Historic Herbert House

Calling all champions of heritage and revitalization—the City of Vallejo is excited to launch a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the sale or long-term lease of the iconic Herbert House, located at 1 Kentucky Street, Vallejo, CA.

This landmark, nestled in the St. Vincent’s Historic District, is a charming two-story, Queen Anne - shingle style structure with approximately 2,400 sq ft of character waiting to be restored. While it currently requires repairs and upgrades, the real beauty lies in its potential to be transformed— either at its current riverside location next to the picturesque Mare Island Strait or relocated to a site of your choosing.

What’s on the Table:

 Option 1: Lease the entire property for up to 15 years, revitalizing it in place.

 Option 2: Purchase the building and relocate it to a new site for restoration and reuse.

With three parcels totaling 17,258 sq ft, there’s ample opportunity to dream big. The City invites proposals that celebrate history, support community spirit, and breathe new life into this storied structure.

Key Dates:

 Mandatory Site Visit: August 6, 2025, at 11 AM

 Proposal Deadline: September 3, 2025

Proposals will be reviewed on creativity, experience, financial capacity, and vision. To access full RFP documents and submit questions, visit the City’s procurement portal: https://vendors. planetbids.com/portal/42510/bo/bo-detail/131655

Whether you›re a preservationist with a passion for architectural history, or a developer with an eye for innovation, this is your chance to honor Vallejo’s past while shaping its future. Let’s write the next chapter of Herbert House—together.

Economic Development Director - Closing Date 8/3/2025

Engineering Technician I/II/Senior (Water) - Closing Date 8/4/2025

Senior Water Distribution Technician - Closing Date 8/4/2025

Meter Mechanic - Closing Date 8/11/2025

Heavy Equipment Operator - Closing Date 8/11/2025

Fire Prevention Manager - Closing Date 8/4/2025

Communications Operator I - Closing Date 12/25/2025

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

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.

For more, go to our Caltrans Project Website at: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-sr 29-vallejo

PROJECT CONTACTS: VINCE JACALA Public Affairs Branch Chief, Caltrans Bay Area And Acting Caltrans Solano County Public Information Officer (PIO)vince.jacala@dot.ca.gov

RYAN LEONG Caltrans Public Information Officer (PIO) Ryan.leong@dot.ca.gov

Caltrans Meets with the City Staff and Community to discuss SR-29

Exciting changes are on the horizon as Caltrans’ SR-29 improvement project moves full speed ahead! Councilwoman Gordan recently joined forces with a local business owner and City staff to meet with Caltrans representatives, diving into key topics like safety concerns, proposed upgrades, and innovative solutions. The conversation was productive and forward-thinking— reflecting the community’s shared enthusiasm for a safer, more efficient roadway. With anticipation building, residents and businesses alike are eager to see the positive impact these improvements will bring to the heart of our city.

Vallejo

Vallejo Launches RFQ for Community Partners in Charge Against Violence

City of Vallejo With Vallejo Police Department Announces Release of Request for Qualifications, Seeking CBO’s to Assist With Implementation of Community Violence Intervention Strategies and Programs. Read the full press release here: https://conta.cc/3IE2S4F

You can access the RFQ here: https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/42510/bo/bo-detail/132060

V-Town Bikes

A local community group that meets up and rides bikes in Vallejo. Check them out on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/2788243731496623

Thinking About Building an ADU? Start Here!

The City of Vallejo has released a brand-new ADU Mini-Guide for Homeowners to help you plan, design, and build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior ADU (JADU) on your property. Whether you’re looking to create space for family, generate rental income, or boost your property value, this guide walks you through the entire process. What’s Inside?

 Step-by-step breakdown of the ADU process

 Key design and permitting tips

 Overview of local rules, fees, and timelines

 Links to helpful tools and financing resources

View or download the guide: Vallejo ADU Mini-Guide for Homeowners (PDF) If you’ve been wondering whether an ADU is right for you - this is the place to start! For questions, contact the City of Vallejo Planning Division at (707) 648-4326 or planning@cityofvallejo.net.

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.

Exciting Improvements Ahead: Mare Island Causeway Bridge Repairs Set to Begin!

Essential upgrades to the Mare Island Causeway Bridge are on the way! What to Expect:

August 4 – September 30, 2025

• Weekdays (Monday–Friday): One-lane traffic from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with traffic control provided by onsite flaggers.

• Weekends: The bridge will remain FULLY open with one lane in each direction.

October 1 – December 31, 2025

• The bridge will operate under a 24/7 reversible one-lane traffic configuration, controlled by automated timed signals.

Please note: This reversible one-lane setup is expected to continue into most of 2026 to support ongoing construction and safety monitoring.

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

EUREKA!

It is expected that the the Eureka will be traveling North to Mare Island between August 18 - 21. The exact date will depend on the tides and weather conditions. Once here, the Eureka will not be open to the public because it will be undergoing restoration work. Learn more about this historic vessel here: https://www.nps.gov/safr/learn/ historyculture/eureka.htm

Della

Pit bull Terrier mix, Brindle brown, F, 4.5 yo, 41 lbs, $200 fee

An active, affectionate girl who loves to chase a ball or any toy, and bring it right back. She would make an great buddy, friendly, loves a good belly rub, and gives gentle kisses! She adores human attention and would prefer to be your only fur

MAD EYE MOODY

Domestic Short Hair, Black, M, 3 mo, 2.5 lbs, $225 fee

An adventurer may have limited vision, but he zips around like a mini panther on a mission! He is curious, confident, and always in on the action. He gets along with humans and cats, loves being pet, and doesn’t mind being held. This fearless, resilient, and cheerful boy is a hidden gem!

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

N o c o n t r a c t s & f e e s .

J u s t f a s t i n t e r n e t .

L o c a l l y o w n e d a n d o p e r a t e d

r i g h t h e r e i n V a l l e j o !

S I G N U P N O W

w w w . v i p f i b e r . c o m

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

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.