VALLEJO WEEKLY
Hello Vallejo
ANDREW’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
December has arrived, and with it comes the sparkle of the holiday season! As the countdown to the end of the year begins, Vallejo is gearing up for a weekend full of festive holiday cheer, community spirit, and memorable events.
Friday, December 5th, kicks things off with two magical tree-lighting ceremonies. The Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) will host its annual celebration at Children’s Wonderland, a perfect setting for families to gather and enjoy the season. Meanwhile, over on Mare Island, the holiday lights will shine brightly along the waterfront next to the sail of the SSBN Mariano G. Vallejo, offering a unique and picturesque backdrop for the festivities.
Then, on Saturday, December 6th, the city transforms into a whimsical wonderland with the return of the Mad Hatter Parade, a Vallejo favorite!
This one-of-a-kind event features an eclectic mix of parade entries, from Darth Vader and Krampus to fire-breathing mechanical beasts and other fantastical creations that never fail to amaze.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Saturday also includes a holiday festival, the City’s official tree lighting, and a magical lighted boat parade, making it a full day of celebration for all ages.
And that’s just the beginning—throughout the weekend, a variety of other events will showcase the vibrant diversity and creative energy that make Vallejo such a special place to call home.
Bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, enjoy everything this festive weekend has to offer, and as always, drive safely.
With Appreciation
Andrew Murray City Manager
Mare Island Tree Lighting - 6
Mad Hatter Festival & Parade - 7
GVRD Events - 8
Community Watch Meetings - 11
Volunteer for the PIT Count - 12
Caltrans Alerts - 14
Youth Summit - 16
6 11 16 7 8 12 14
Cover Photo: Public Works Crews installing lights for the Holidays Photo Credit: Robert Briseño
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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) Helen-Marie.Gordon@cityofvallejo.net 707-649-7711
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Historic Downtown Vallejo
Saturday, December 6, 2025
“California’s Most Whimsical Fantasy Holiday Happening” An Alice in Wonderland experience that’s magical to all! Activities FREE unless noted.
2:00 PM Mad Hatter Holiday Festival (in front JFK Library)
Carolers, marching bands, train rides, holiday market plus an international food court. Witness dragons, animated Wonderland characters and the Red Queen coming out of the Rabbit Hole with a host of creatures -creating an interactive robotic Jurassic Park.
4:30 PM Mad Hatter Holiday Parade
Down Georgia St. from Sonoma Blvd to Santa Clara St.
6:00 PM Tree Lighting Ceremony (behind JFK Library)
6:30 PM Lighted Boat Parade (on the waterfront) Vallejo Yacht Club boaters, CAL Maritime Cadets, United States Coast Guard
Sunday, December 14, 2025 Grand Victorian Homes Tour
2:30 - 4:30 PM Reception at USA World Classic Car Museum Music, food,wine and Museum Tour
$40 Tickets available at Reception, or at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6734722
3:00 - 7:00 PM Homes Open
5:00 - 8:00 PM After Party at Vino Godfather
Check HatterVallejo.com for other added Mad Hatter activities and partnerships in the Historic Downtown.
VALLEJO 2nd FRIDAY ARTWALK
~Dec 12 th 5:00-9:00pm~
A special encore exhibit @ The McCune: Posters & Studio Studies
By Gilbert Johnson
Bay area native and graduate of San Francisco Art Institute, Vallejo resident Gilbert Johnson has done everything from the design and carpentry of sets to lighting (including underwater!) to storyboard artistry in his long career spanning over 25 films and television productions. Gilbert’s encore exhibit at The McCune is a rare opportunity to see firsthand some of his original most iconic posters and studio studies as well as to meet and talk with the famed artist himself.
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
GRAND VICTORIAN HOMES TOUR OF VALLEJO
SUNDAY, DEC. 14, 2025 2:30-4:30 PM 1521 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo
The McCune Collection is located in the lower level of the JFK library building. Enter via the newly refurbished lower plaza at the corner of Georgia & Santa Clara Streets. ~Coffee & refreshments to be served~ Details & map: www.mccunecollection.org/about 5:00-8:00 PM
3:00-7:00 PM Reception Homes Open
After Party
tickets
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
PIT COUNT 2026
Make sure that every person is counted. Participate in the 2026 PIT Count today!
WE’RE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
The PIT count empowers our community to identify housing needs and collaboratively track our progress toward the shared goal of eradicating homelessness.
Point-in-Time Count Date: JANUARY 29, 2026
All Cities in Solano County
CalTrans Traffic Alerts
State Route 37/SER-37 - Fairgrounds Drive Interchange - Vallejo Construction Shifts into Gear - December 2025 Watch for Traffic Lane Shifts/Overnight Ramp Closures
The interchange improvement project will enhance motorist safety and improve bicycle and pedestrian access with construction of a new divergent diamond interchange. This is the first-ever divergent diamond interchange (DDI) constructed in the Bay Area and only the second-ever constructed on a major highway in California.
Construction at SR 37 and Fairgrounds Drive started construction in April 2025. The site is near the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Theme Park and the Solano County Fairgrounds. In May traffic in both directions was shifted to the west side of SR 37 and a temporary pedestrian walkway was constructed. Beginning mid-December, traffic will be shifted to the east side of SR 37, under the freeway.
For more information about the project and to view a video explaining the DDI design, please visit https://sta.ca.gov/ project/redwood-parkway-fairgrounds-drimprovementproject/
Daytime Single Lane Closure on State Route-29, Interstate-80 and Interstae-780 Schedule: Lane Closure from 9 AM to 3 PM
Caltrans is continuing to work with installation of new electrical equipment to improve pedestrian safety at unsignalized crosswalks around Solano County. This includes new ADA curb ramps and restriping the cross walks around the intersection. Work will continue in the following Location:
• SR-29 – at Arkansas St. (PM 3.02)
• I-80 – Westbound On/Off-Ramp from/to Tennessee Rd. (PM 3.42)
• I-780 – Eastbound Off-Ramp to Glen Cove Rd (PM 6.02)
Installation of foundations for new electrical poles will require a lane closure. Starting Monday, December 1 to December 12 a single lane will be closed with one city street open in the direction of travel during the day from 9 am to 3 pm. All work is dependent on weather. Pedestrians are directed to utilize the crosswalk on the other side of the road via signage barricades on the sidewalk. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay
For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
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.
NATIONAL DPP LIFESTYLE CHANGE PROGRAM
The National DPP (Diabetes Prevention Program) Lifestyle Change Program is proven to reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
Are you at RISK for Diabetes? Do you have Pre-Diabetes? Did you have Gestational Diabetes? If YES - this program is for YOU!
Fall 2025 Session!
STARTING NOV 5TH| 1PM
Three in-person meetings at the Florence Douglas Center in Vallejo (including the first, at 6 months, and last) The rest of the session will happen via Zoom!
--Information sessions available, contact us for details-REGISTER TODAY!
Click the link to find the registration form: https://linktr.ee/diabetestuca
can the QR code with your phone!
✓This group program focuses on healthy eating, weight loss, increasing physical activity, stress management, problem solving and achieving the vision of health you have for yourself!
✓ A health coach works with you for a year to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke!
✓ Health insurance information will be requested to cover the cost of the program. No additional cost will apply to you.
Vallejo Youth Shine at the National League of Cities City Summit Conference
Through the Two by Two Committee, the City of Vallejo and the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) have established a partnership on several projects. One of these collaborative efforts has been establishing a Vallejo Youth Delegation of VCUSD students to provide an opportunity to gain leadership and civic engagement skills. Since March 2020, this partnership has provided 44 students from VCUSD high schools the opportunity to attend conferences in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Georgia, Tampa, Florida and this past November in Salt Lake City, Utah. These visits included opportunities to engage with youth leaders from across the US while participating in workshops, networking events, visiting historical sites and a college tour.
On November 18th -November 21st 8 students from VCUSD High Schools traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah to represent Vallejo at the National League of Cities City Summit Conference. The students attended workshops focused on communication, urban planning, and accessibility. Many took the opportunity to step up and present in front of the crowd on behalf of their groups and contributed meaningful ideas and suggestions to other youth. They had the opportunity to explore around Salt Lake City, learning about its history from the host city youth planning committee, and attended a Salt Lake City Mammoths Hockey Game. The students also received a tour of the University of Utah with a special visit to the Robotics Department. The Youth Delegates will be providing City Council with a presentation on outcomes of their trip during the January 13th Regular City Council Meeting. Check out the full blown story on outcomes and highlights after their Council presentation.
The Vallejo Youth Delegates
Zirva Irshad- Vallejo HS
Renee-Elise Meneses- Jesse Bethel HS
Kwamé King – John Finney HS
Hector Tinocoplancarte- Vallejo HS
Ibrahim Edais- Vallejo HS
Zanyah Deleon- Student Trustee, John Finney HS
Beroj Arbab- Student Trustee, Jesse Bethel HS
Sonia Valdez- Student Trustee, Vallejo HS
Public Works Director - Closing Date 12/12/25
Assistant Public Works Director - Closing Date 12/12/25
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
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) have released the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+, a long-range plan to guide growth, housing, transportation, and sustainability across the region’s nine counties
What’s Inside the Plan:
35 strategies for a more affordable, connected, and resilient Bay Area
A bold new vision for the region’s public transit through Transit 2050+
Policies to support housing, climate resilience, and vibrant communities
Learn more and share your input! Visit planbayarea.org/draftplan for full event details, Zoom links, and meeting times.
New Website Connects Solano Residents to Aging & Disability Support
8:00 AM - 12:00
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Starting October 28, 2025, participants can request appointments by scanning the QR code with your smartphone or tablet or by clicking on this link. For
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.
Paisley
Domestic Short Hair, brown tabby, F, 6 mo, 5 lbs, $150 adoption fee
This sweet, green-eyed girl loves gentle pets, wand toys, and cozy catio time. Friendly and calm, she enjoys snuggles and gets along great with other cats—including her brother Cruz. Paisley is ready to bring love and serenity to her forever home!
Sundance
Pit bull Terrier mix, brown brindle, M, 6 mo, 23 lbs, $350 adoption fee
A sweet, smart, and snuggleready! Crate trained, learning commands, and doing great with dogs—and even the cat. Loves bedtime cuddles and is catching on fast with potty training. He’s ready to thrive with a loving home!
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.
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
Countywide Programs: Solano County Older Adults Medical Trip Concierge Service
■ This program provides subsidized Uber/Lyft services for Solano county residents to get to and from medical appointments (hospital, dentist, chiropractor, pharmacy, etc.).
■ Veterans of any age can access Travis AFB, Martinez VA clinic, Hume Center, and the Med Evals/QTR Assessment Center in Concord.
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■ In-person,
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