VALLEJO WEEKLY
Hello Vallejo,
ANDREW'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Summer is coming to a close and the hot weather is definitely making it known that it’s not over yet. We had a fun Fiestas Patrias event last weekend in the City, celebrating Vallejo’s cultural diversity. Please check out the colorful photos in this edition of the Vallejo Weekly of the celebration that commemorates the independence of different Latin American countries.
Also, Caltrans held a groundbreaking ceremony last Friday for the SR-29 Pavement Rehabilitation and Complete Streets Project. We are ecstatic this project is underway! Construction is expected to take place from September this year to September 2026. This project will make Sonoma Boulevard safer with new bikeways, lighting and traffic signals. The Vallejo Police Department provided an update this week regarding the progress it has made on reform efforts. You can read about the many areas in which the Department has modernized in this edition of the Weekly. Under the prior three-year Collaborative Reform Initiative and the current five year Settlement Agreement with the California Department of Justice (CalDOJ), the Department has overhauled Use of Force policies and practices; instituted a robust, independent process to review all officer-involved shootings; created policies and provided mandatory training on bias-free policing; modernized its practices regarding stops,
searches, and seizures; and implemented a system for behavioral health specialists to respond to mental health incidents, rather than having Police Officers respond. Although there is still much reform to accomplish, this is significant progress that is delivering measurable improvements in transparency, accountability, and service to the community.
You’ll also find in this Weekly a new quarterly report showing how many issues were entered and addressed in the City’s SeeClickFix request system. We hope this will provide more transparency on the process and responsiveness to your reports in SeeClickFix. This online tool, on which you can find more information in this Weekly, allows you to report and share pictures of any trouble spots in the City. We hope you will find this new quarterly report informative and helpful in solving some challenges that currently exist in Vallejo.
Hope you’ll get out and participate in the California Coastal Clean-up Day this weekend! Thank you for helping to move Vallejo forward.
With appreciation, Andrew Murray Vallejo City Manager
In this issue
Vallejo Firefighters Rise To The Challenge Page 10
City of Vallejo and Vallejo Police Department Advance Reform Efforts Page 12
SR-29 Rehabilitation Project Ground Breaking Page 16
Meet Javier Barrios of Club Stride Page 21
SeeClickFix Quarterly Report Page 22
Fiestas and Kites In Vallejo Page 26
Cover Photo: A kite takes flight at the Kite festival Credit: Robert Briseño
Vallejo Weekly
Reach your City Council
Mayor Andrea Sorce (Term Expires Jan 2029) Andrea.Sorce@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4377
Vice Mayor Peter Bregenzer (District 5 -Term Expires Jan 2027) Peter.Bregenzer@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4131
Council Member Alexander Matias (District 1 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Alexander.Matias@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4134
Council Member Diosdado “JR” Matulac (District 2 - Term Expires Jan 2027) JR.Matulac@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4132
Council Member Tonia Lediju, Phd (District 3 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Tonia.Lediju@cityofvallejo.net 707-649-7716
Council Member Charles Palmares (District 4 - Term Expires Jan 2027) Charles.Palmares@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4133
Council Member Helen-Marie Gordon (District 6 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Marie.Gordon@cityofvallejo.net 707-649-7711
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CALIFORNIA
PLANT
Documentary Film September 28, 1-5 JFK Library, 505 Santa Clara, Vallejo
ROCKTOBERFEST
Vallejo Weekly
As California’s wildfire season intensifies, Vallejo firefighters are answering the call—bringing courage, expertise, and heart to some of the state’s most dangerous and demanding incidents.
From the towering forests of the Sierra to the sun-scorched hills of Central California, Vallejo Fire Department personnel have been deployed to major wildfires, including the Garnet Fire, Gifford Fire, TCU Complex, Salt Fires, and Dillon Fire. Whether battling flames in unforgiving terrain or coordinating critical operations behind the scenes, their presence has made a powerful difference. Vallejo firefighters have taken on a wide range of roles: fire suppression, medical support, safety oversight, and public information. Each assignment reflects the department’s deep commitment to mutual aid and its mission to protect lives, property, and California’s natural heritage—no matter how far from home.
which has scorched tens of thousands of acres in the Sierra National Forest. Brown’s role has been vital—delivering real-time updates, sharing stories from the fire line, and ensuring communities stay informed and prepared.
Among the most unforgettable moments he witnessed: the heroic efforts of the Redding Smokejumpers to save the ancient McKinley Grove of giant sequoias. These towering trees—some over 200 feet tall and thousands of years old—faced a dire threat as embers rained down from wind-driven flames. In a breathtaking operation, smokejumpers scaled the giants using ropes and climbing gear, hauling water lines into the canopy to douse the fire. Their success preserved a living monument of natural history for generations to come.
One such mission brought Vallejo Fire Department’s Public Information Officer Kevin Brown to the front lines of the Garnet Fire,
Elsewhere across the state, Vallejo firefighters have been equally essential— cutting fire lines, treating injured personnel, and enforcing safety protocols in rapidly evolving conditions. Whether on the front lines or in command posts, every role has been critical to the collective fight.
Though wildfire deployments take them far from Vallejo, their work is always rooted
in service. As the season continues, Vallejo firefighters remain ready to deploy wherever they’re needed most. Their efforts on incidents like Garnet, Gifford, TCU Complex, Salt, and Dillon are a testament to the department’s core values: courage, service, and unity. From protecting ancient sequoias to safeguarding small towns, this work is about more than fighting fire—it’s about defending lives, preserving history, and delivering hope, one mission at a time.
Vallejo Weekly
City of Vallejo and Vallejo Police Department Advance Reform Efforts under California DOJ Settlement Agreement
The City of Vallejo and the Vallejo Police Department (VPD) announces substantial progress in advancing police reform and strengthening community trust under a five-year Settlement Agreement with the California Department of Justice (CalDOJ).
The Settlement Agreement, entered in April 2024, builds on the foundation of a three-year Collaborative Reform Initiative (CRI) launched in June 2020 following 45 recommendations from the OIR Group. To date, 27 of those original recommendations have been fully implemented, demonstrating VPD’s commitment to meaningful and lasting reform. Work continues on the remaining CRI recommendations, while the Settlement Agreement provides a comprehensive blueprint for further improving services to the community.
Under the Settlement Agreement, VPD is implementing reforms across nine categories and more than 100 individual measures designed to strengthen best practices, increase transparency, enhance accountability, and deepen community partnerships.
Key reforms have been completed in the following areas:
Use of Force Policies, Practices, Reporting, and Review
VPD has overhauled its Use of Force policy to emphasize the sanctity of life and require deescalation when feasible. A robust Critical Incident Review process, which includes a community member, now ensures timely and comprehensive evaluations of critical events, examining training, tactics, supervision, equipment, and response. VPD also tracks and publishes monthly data on incidents where officers display a firearm.
Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol
VPD’s procedures for investigating officer-involved incidents have been significantly strengthened. The Department no longer conducts its own criminal or administrative investigations. In 2020, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office established the Solano County Major Crimes Task Force (SCMCTF), which is now responsible for conducting independent criminal investigations into all officer-involved uses of deadly force by VPD. This process ensures investigations are thorough, transparent, and free from any perceived conflicts of interest. To keep the community informed, VPD has implemented a robust communication protocol that provides timely and accurate public updates, including a comprehensive town hall meeting held within 7 to 14 days of an incident. In addition, the City of Vallejo contracts with an outside, independent investigator to conduct administrative investigations and determine whether any policy violations occurred. Finally, as noted above, each incident is reviewed through a Critical Incident Review Board (CIRB) to evaluate whether improvements are needed in training, tactics, supervision, equipment, or response.
Bias-Free Policing
Revised policies and mandatory annual training reinforce VPD’s commitment to constitutional, bias-free policing, ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all community members.
Stops, Seizures, and Searches
Officers must identify themselves by name, rank, and badge number during detentions, including vehicle and pedestrian stops, and provide business cards with instructions for submitting feedback, whether that is a complaint or commendation. Supervisors also conduct randomized body-worn camera audits to ensure compliance with policy and accountability standards.
Response to Behavioral Health and those in Crisis
VPD has expanded alternative response options by integrating the Integrated Health and Resources Team (IHART) crisis response team into daily operations. IHART provides specialized support for individuals in crisis, allowing officers to remain focused on violent crimes and enforcement-related calls.
To coordinate and sustain these reforms, VPD created the Compliance, Integrity, and Accountability Division (CIAD), a dedicated unit managing reform design, policy development, implementation, and reporting. The division is staffed by one lieutenant, two sergeants, two corporals, and five analysts, ensuring data-driven accountability and measurable progress across all reform areas.
“Vallejo is committed to building a modern police department that reflects best practices, prioritizes community trust, and holds itself accountable to the people it serves,” said Vallejo Chief of Police Jason Ta. “While reform is an ongoing process, many of these changes are already in place, delivering measurable improvements in transparency, accountability, and service to our community.”
The City of Vallejo and VPD remain dedicated to completing all reforms outlined in both the CRI and the Settlement Agreement. Regular reports will continue to be provided to CalDOJ and to the community to ensure transparency. VPD will begin publishing periodic progress reports highlighting reform milestones and outcomes.
A detailed CRI Progress Report is available at: Collaborative Reform Initiative Progress — Vallejo Evaluator
A detailed progress report outlining the Settlement Agreement progress to date is under development and will be released by VPD in the near future. We will publish information on this progress tracker when it is released.
The Vallejo Police Department is committed to forging a new era of policing built on accountability, transparency, and trust. Each reform represents more than a policy change; it is a commitment to the people we serve. VPD’s mission is clear: Safeguard Vallejo with integrity, confront challenges with courage, and build lasting trust through service and partnership.
Vallejo Weekly
Police Officer (Entry Level - Academy Grad) - Closing Date 12/31/2025
Police Officer (Lateral) - Closing Date 12/31/2025
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
Emmett
Siberian Husky-Shepherd mix, tri-color, M, 2 yo, 58 lbs, $350 adoption fee
Shy but affectionate boy with a sweet temperament. Loves to run and play fetch, he is always in motion! He’s found a play pal in KURUMI! He is mostly quiet as you pass his kennel as he patiently waits for treats or walks and playtime.
Lemonade
Domestic Medium Hair, black, F, 4 mo, 5 lbs, $225 adoption fee
Full of energy and always on the move. A little shy at first, but her spunky side shines through. Gets along well with other cats and kittens. She would love a buddy to play with. She is curious, playful, and ready to add a splash of fun to the right forever home.
Vallejo Weekly
AT A GLANCE
COST
$31,573,000
FUNDING
SHOPP Funds: $31,447,000
City of Vallejo Contribution:
$126,000
Construction Capital: $31,573,000
PROJECT LIMITS
In Vallejo, from Maritime Academy Drive to North of Mini Drive. (PM 0.0/5.955)
KEY TARGET DATES
Construction Start: SEP 2025
Construction End: SEP 2026
PROJECT TEAM
Project Manager: Ambreen Ansari
Design Senior: James Ley
Consultant Design: AECOM
STATE ROUTE - 29
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION & COMPLETE STREET PROJECT IN THE CITY OF VALLEJO
EA: 2Q520 ID:0419000021
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Sonoma Boulevard will be paved in both directions, from Cal Poly Maritime Academy to North of Mini Drive at the Solano County/Napa County line. The project includes Complete Streets elements along with work to rehabilitate pavement and upgrade facilities to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Some of the Complete Street features include: the construction of a 5 miles Class 2 and 4 bike way with vibrant green bike way markings, curb extensions, and a Lane Diet from Magazine Street to Curtola Parkway. The lane diet will create new parking spots for residence on the Sonoma Boulevard who are currently forced to park on sidewalks. Additional safety features include: Light Emitting Diode (LED) light fixtures for vibrant, safer, well light downtown and curb bulb outs at certain locations for safer crossing, and new traffic signals for a smoother traffic flow. Downtown will be enriched with the addition of new trees, benches and bike racks in the downtown area.
PROJECT CONTACT
Sabrina Martinez
Public Information Officer
Caltrans District 4 (510) 934-5257
Sabrina.Martinez@dot.ca.gov
PROJECT SCOPE
Preserve and extend life of existing pavement and increase mobility/safety of pedestrians and bicyclist by enhancing and revitalizing the environment.
PURPOSE AND NEED
During field reviews it was found that the pavement in both directions where cracked, deteriorating, and covered with various potholes. Also it was noted that the area was not ADA compliant and need of revitalization for both pedestrians, bicyclist and motor vehicles.
This project will restore SR-29 surface condition to a good state of repair, extend the life of the existing pavement and provide a safe travel way. Complete Street Features will enhance the mobility and safety for all residents.
SR-29 Project
Groundbreaking
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.
Thinking About Building an ADU? Start Here!
Vallejo
The Integrated Health & Resource Team (IHART)
About IHART
The Integrated Health and Resource Team (IHART) is a civilian-led crisis response program dedicated to providing compassionate, community-based support in Vallejo We handle low-level 911 calls without police assistance, co-respond with officers, and offer follow-up case management to ensure long-term stability for individuals in crisis IHART bridges the gap between emergency services and community resources, fostering trust, safety, and well-being
Who We Serve
Individuals in Crisis
Supporting those experiencing behavioral health challenges, housing instability, or urgent needs
Victims & Families
Providing emotional and logistical assistance following traumatic events
Youth & Schools
Engaging students through in-school wellness programs, after-school initiatives, and restorative justice
Underserved Communities
Meeting people where they are, addressing barriers to care, & promoting equitable access to services
Our Services
Contact Us
Rayvon Williamson, Program Manager
911 Crisis Response
Tel: (707) 648-4502
Cell: (323) 761-4071
Handling non-violent, low-level emergency calls without police presence
Co-Response Support
Assisting officers & providing follow-up support for unresolved cases
Soft Case Management & Navigation
Ensuring individuals receive continued care until they’re stable
Homicide Victim & Family Support
Offering resources, communication, & case management for affected families
Program Components
Crisis Intervention
Rapid response and de-escalation for community emergencies
Case Management
Comprehensive follow-ups & warm handoffs to ensure stability & connection to long-term support
Contact Us
Rayvon Williamson, Program Manager
Tel: (707) 648-4502
Cell: (323) 761-4071
Impact Team Response
Katie Burns, Admin Data Analyst
Tel: (707) 917-411
Cell: (415) 286-3590
Providing post-crisis community engagement after incidents like homicides and drive-by shootings
Faith-Based Crisis Support
Partnering with VPD chaplains to assist in faith-sensitive crisis situations
Neighborhood Watch & Community Engagement
Strengthening relationships between residents & law enforcement
School-Based Programs
Implementing wellness support, restorative justice, & after-school initiative
Education & Training
Offering mental health awareness, first aid, & wellness programs for reside
Community Partnerships
Collaborating with CBOs, faith organizations, & local agencies for holistic care
Katie Burns, Admin Data Analyst
Tel: (707) 917-411
Cell: (415) 286-3590
Walking Beside the Community
The Prop 64 initiative in Vallejo is more than a project plan — it is a living collaboration where organizations and residents move forward together to create a healthier, stronger community.
At the center of this work is Javier Barrios, a passionate leader with a background in data analysis, project management, and community engagement. Javier leads Club Stride’s community prevention workshops, designed to address barriers to prevention by tackling the social determinants of health that impact youth and families. These sessions are open to the public and create safe spaces where youth, parents, and neighbors come together to share experiences, learn, and shape solutions for lasting change. Javier brings technical expertise and community passion to Prop64 prevention initiatives. With experience using data systems like The California Cradle-to-Career Data System, Javier bridges the gap between data insights and on-the-ground action.
Supporting Prop 64 Goals
Javier’s workshops directly support Prop 64’s key objectives, including:
• Expanding youth access to prevention education and services
• Engaging families and communities as active partners in prevention
• Reducing inequities and risk factors that increase vulnerability to substance use
• Strengthening partnerships among schools, agencies, and local organizations
Each workshop includes interactive activities, leadership development, and data collection through surveys and storytelling. These efforts ensure that prevention strategies are community-driven and informed by real experiences.
Listening to the Community
In addition to workshops, Club Stride hosts community listening sessions to gather input directly from youth, parents, and stakeholders. These sessions are designed to:
• Build trust and open dialogue around substance use prevention and youth well-being.
• Collect honest feedback to guide program planning and policy recommendations.
• Create opportunities for community members to shape the direction of Vallejo’s prevention work. The next listening session: October 2025.
Learn more about the listening session series and how to participate at: https://www.clubstride.org/ resilience
A Connected Vision
These prevention workshops and listening sessions align closely with Club Stride’s broader youth empowerment work, including programs like the “I Am Community” program supported by Elevate Youth California. Together, these initiatives form a connected pathway that strengthens prevention efforts while developing youth as leaders and advocates for change.
By aligning data from workshops, insights from listening sessions, and the voices of youth and families, Club Stride is helping to create a sustainable, equity-focused prevention network for Vallejo.
Get Involved
These prevention workshops and listening sessions are free and open to the community, and Club Stride is actively seeking partners and organizations to join this growing network of prevention champions.
For upcoming events and ways to engage, visit: www.clubstride.org
Javier Barrios
Vallejo Weekly
SeeClickFix
The City of Vallejo is stepping up its commitment to transparency and community engagement!
Starting this quarter, City staff will begin publishing quarterly reports based on the feedback and reports submitted through SeeClickFix. These reports will highlight:
• Progress made (or areas still needing attention) across key categories
• How community reports are processed and addressed
• Insights into the City’s ongoing efforts to improve quality of life issues for the City’s residents.
This new initiative is designed to keep residents informed, showcase the work being done, and ensure accountability as we work together to build a better Vallejo.
Learn more and see the reports at: www.myvallejo.com/seeclickfix-quarterly-activity-report
Learn about MEHKOs!
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.
New Website Connects Solano Residents to Aging & Disability Support
A new online resource, www.aaans.org, makes it easier for Solano County’s older and disabled adults and those who care for them to connect to vital support. The site offers user-friendly directories of free local services, from healthcare counseling and transportation to caregiver respite and legal advice. It also features downloadable resource guides in English and Spanish, plus direct connections to staff for personalized support.
With Solano’s older adult population growing rapidly, access to trusted, easy-to-use information is more important than ever. Visit www.aaans.org to explore the full range of services available.
Vallejo Weekly
Some scenes from the Fiestas Patrias and the Kite Festival
Photo Credit: Kristian Medina with Cochitta Films & Media Production
Photo Credit: Kristian Medina with Cochitta
Production
Vallejo Weekly
