Vallejo Weekly

Hello Vallejo

ANDREW’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

The City has created a new website to provide community members with key information and resources regarding immigration matters. We encourage people to visit the site - https://www. myvallejo.com/vallejo-immigration-support-hub.

February has greeted us with wonderfully warm weather, creating the perfect backdrop for the Winged Migration event on Mare Island this past weekend. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the scenic beauty our city has to offer.

This month, we celebrate Black History Month, honoring the many contributions African Americans have made to both America and Vallejo. I held my monthly meeting with members of the Vallejo NAACP earlier this week, where we discussed key City projects and ways to improve City services.

Additionally, I attended the regular biweekly meeting on police reform with representatives of the California Department of Justice (Cal DOJ), the Vallejo Evaluation Team, and City staff to work on advancing reform. We discussed a number of mechanisms that we can use to accelerate progress.

I am honored to serve as the Secretary for the Police Oversight and Accountability Commission (POAC), the City’s new citizen oversight body that will review police complaints, investigations, and discipline and make recommendations on Police Department policies. The POAC held its first business meeting on Tuesday, at which it reviewed three complaints that had been received and made a recommendation about whether they should be investigated internally by the Police Department or by an outside independent investigator. I am looking forward to continuing to support this group.

We have created a new report that provides realtime updates on open and closed SeeClickFix tickets - www.myvallejo.com/seeclickfix-activityreport. This new report offers greater transparency and keeps residents informed about ongoing efforts to address community concerns.

Thank you for staying engaged and helping make Vallejo a vibrant and connected city.

With Appreciation

Andrew Murray City Manager

Winged Migration - 10

SeeClickFix reports - 12

Join A Board or Commission - 13

RIPA Dashboard Launches - 16

Winter Water Main Breaks - 18

Touro Student Clinic - 21

Caltrans Traffic Advisory - 23

Fairgrounds Dr Update - 25

Boat Launch Update - 26

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Reach your city council

Mayor Andrea Sorce (Term Expires Jan 2029)

Andrea.Sorce@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4377

Vice Mayor Diosdado “JR” Matulac (District 2 - Term Expires Jan 2027) JR.Matulac@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4132

Council Member Alexander Matias (District 1 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Alexander.Matias@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4134

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 Peter Bregenzer (District 5 -Term Expires Jan 2027) Peter.Bregenzer@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4131

Council Member Helen-Marie Gordon (District 6 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Helen-Marie.Gordon@cityofvallejo.net 707-649-7711

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Join your friends and neighbors and GIVE LITTER THE BOOT!

It is National Alley Community Cleanup

This Saturday, Feb 7th from 9 to 11 AM

Meet at Sutter St and National Alley (the alley between Ohio and Kentucky Streets) Vallejo.

HOSTED BY: Washington Park Neighborhood Assoc. In cooperation with Vallejo’s Adopt-A-Block Program. Please bring your own trash grabber tools (and buckets if you like). Contractor-grade garbage bags and nitrile gloves will be provided. Face masks welcome.

Remember, if you are walking to the event,you can collect street litter on the way and add it to the pile! Looking forward to seeing you there for more information: patrick.gaul@wpnavallejo.org

LPC Coordinator: Juanita Morales

VALLEJO 2nd FRIDAY ARTWALK

February 13th 5-9 pm

Début exhibit by 8 artists at The McCune Threads That Tie Us

Discover the intersection of everyday objects and artistic expression through fiber and textile art. Challenging the boundaries between Craft and Art, this exhibition celebrates the creativity and skill behind works that transform raw or recycled materials into pieces of beauty and authenticity. Featured artists—Britt-Marie Alm, Stephanie Brown, Risa Iwasaki Culbertson, Amanda Farrell, Jennifer Laursen, Youngmi Angela Pak, Leigh Ann Parente, and Vida Vazquez—each bring a unique vision to this vibrant and diverse collection. 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, tea and refreshments to be served Details & map: mccunecollection.org/about

PETS of the week

Visit HSNB.org for these and other animals looking for their forever family.

Open daily by appointment, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm 1121 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo

707-645-7905

Fraise

Shepherd mix, brown and black, F, 1 yo, 41 lbs, $350 adoption fee

This joyful pup loves people and dogs alike. Playful, confident, and gentle, she’s a shelter helper dog learning leash manners. Energetic, loving, and eager to learn, ready for a family to celebrate her big heart.

Ritz

Domestic Short Hair, orange tabby, M, 7 mo, 8 lbs, $150 adoption fee

This lively, affectionate cat loves playtime, especially with other energetic cats. Social, vocal, and full of charm, he needs a feline friend. After the fun, he enjoys cuddles and lap time. Ready to bring joy home!

Vallejo’s Winged Migration Draws Thousands

Vallejo’s annual Winged Migration event took flight this past weekend, January 31 and February 1, attracting thousands of visitors eager to learn about the incredible birds that pass through our region—and those that call Vallejo home year-round. The event offered a unique opportunity to explore the habits of these fascinating creatures and understand the vital role they play in our environment. From educational exhibits to guided birdwatching, attendees discovered how migration patterns connect ecosystems and why protecting these species matters. If you couldn’t make it out, don’t worry! We’ve captured some amazing moments from the event. Check out the photos and learn more about Winged Migration here: https://www.wingedmigrationexpo.com/

Serve Your Community – Join a City Board or Commission!

The City of Vallejo is seeking passionate residents to serve on boards, commissions, and committees. This is your chance to shape local policies, share ideas, and represent your neighbors. Current Openings Include:

• Architectural Heritage & Landmarks Commission – 5 vacancies

• Code Enforcement Appeals Board – 1 vacancy

• Design Review Board – 1 vacancy

• Housing & Community Development Commission – 1 vacancy

• Housing Authority – 2 tenant commissioners

• Human Relations Commission – 1 vacancy

• Marina Advisory Committee – 5 vacancies

• McCune Collection Commission – 1 vacancy

• Measure P Oversight Committee – District 1 & 2 vacancies

• Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee – 7 member & 3 alternate vacancies

Deadline to apply: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. Applicants must attend an interview to be considered. How to Apply:

Visit the Boards and Commissions page: https://www.vallejo.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=17871653 OR www.myvallejo.com/vallejo-seeks-applicants-for-its-boards-commissions-and-committees City Hall, Office of the City Clerk, 555 Santa Clara Street, 3rd Floor Email: dawn.abrahamson@cityofvallejo.net | Phone: (707) 648-4527

The City of Vallejo is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms to plan and execute 2–3 pop-up events at the Ferry Building and in Downtown Vallejo.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring vibrant, creative experiences to our community!

Learn more and submit your proposal here: https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/42510/bo/bo-detail/136989#bidDocs

Help Shape the Future of the Vallejo Ferry Terminal!

San Francisco Bay Ferry and the City of Vallejo want your input to make ferry access safer and more convenient—whether you walk, bike, drive, or take transit.

Share your experience and ideas today: fp.mysocialpinpoint.com/vallejoferry-terminal-access-study

Questions? Contact Gabe Chan at gabriel.chan@sfbayferry.com

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

Vallejo Police Department Launches RIPA Stop Data Dashboard

The Vallejo Police Department is proud to announce the launch of an interactive RIPA Stop Data Dashboard, now available on our official website at VallejoPD.net. This new tool reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

The dashboard provides detailed information about officer-conducted stops, as required by California’s Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015 (RIPA). Under this law, law enforcement agencies must collect and report data on vehicle and pedestrian stops, including:

• Date, time, and general location of the stop

• Reason for the stop

• Perceived race, ethnicity, gender, and age range of the individual

• Whether a search was conducted

• Actions taken and the outcome of the encounter

This data helps communities, policymakers, and agencies analyze patterns, identify disparities, and address concerns based on objective information.

Why

an Interactive Dashboard Matters

Making this data accessible and interactive allows residents to see how often stops occur, who is being stopped, and what outcomes result from these encounters. It also provides the Vallejo Police Department with a structured way to review practices, identify areas for improvement, and guide future training and policy decisions. Transparency builds trust—and trust starts with what the community can see for themselves.

“As a police department committed to meaningful and sustainable reform, we recognize the importance of RIPA data in building transparency, accountability, and community confidence,” said Deputy Chief Bob Knight. “We are exploring benchmarking methods beyond population comparisons, such as crime offender benchmarking, exposure/location benchmarking, and peeragency comparisons, to ensure evaluations are accurate and fair. Our goal is to communicate these findings clearly and reinforce our commitment to bias-free policing.”

Each year, Vallejo PD publishes an annual RIPA report analyzing stop data to identify potential disparities and guide improvements in training and policy. Moving forward, we will share key findings, summaries, and updates through our website and social media channels. We encourage community members to review the dashboard, ask questions, and participate in upcoming discussions and town halls.

Access the Dashboard

Visit VallejoPD.net to explore the RIPA Stop Data Dashboard and learn more about our efforts to create a safer, more equitable Vallejo.

Water Treatment Plant Operator - Closing Date

2/9/2026

Senior Landscape Inspector - Closing Date

2/9/2026

Senior Public Works Maintenance Worker - Closing Date 2/16/2026

Communications Operator I - Closing Date

3/26/2026

Police Officer (Entry Level - Academy Graduate) -

Closing Date 6/30/2026

Police Officer (Lateral) - Closing Date 6/30/2026

Police Cadet - Closing Date 6/30/2026

Police Officer (Recruit) - Closing Date 6/30/2026

Winter Water Main Breaks: The Human Element

This is the third and final article in a three-part series examining why water mains are more likely to break during the winter months—and what it takes to repair them. This story looks at the work behind those repairs from the perspective of Water Distribution staff, focusing on the long hours, challenging conditions, and personal trade-offs involved in restoring service.

Water Distribution is the division of the Water Department responsible for delivering treated water to homes and businesses through an extensive network of underground pipes. The work is largely unseen, but it plays a central role in keeping water service reliable throughout the City.

Interview with Geovanni Cortez, Water Utility Supervisor

Q: How long have you been working for the Vallejo Water Department, and what made you interested in a career in water?

A: I have been with City of Vallejo for six years. The main thing that got me interested is that it’s close to home and I can make it a career instead of only another job.

Q: Vallejo’s water distribution system is one of the most complex in the state, spanning hills, valleys, and even running beneath the Napa River. With infrastructure of varying ages and wear, there’s probably no such thing as a truly “typical” day. When you walk into work, do you generally know what to expect, or do you need to be more flexible?

A: Working with this system, you always must expect the unexpected. Today I can be working around Vallejo fixing a water main or a city service connection, but tomorrow I can be in Fairfield’s Green Valley, where we also supply treated water. The City of Vallejo also has water mains on the hillsides that bring untreated water into the City of Vallejo water treatment facility. The Water Department also supplies water to Old Cordelia and a section of Fairfield called Green Valley.

Q: As a supervisor, you are often on call. Of course, that’s the nature of the job, although it can be disruptive to personal and family life. Over the past few months, how frequently have you been called out after hours, and what does that kind of schedule demand from you personally?

A: Over the past few months I have been out on jobs seven times, helping Water Department crews with the repairs, so we can supply the customer with water as quick as possible. We try to fix the water mains as quickly as possible, so the customers have minimum impact with water service outages. It demands lot of time and effort, not only for me but for the crews that are doing their best to get customers back into water service. Especially at nighttime, we wake up and work because water is not a commodity—it’s a need.

Q: Can you share a particularly memorable water main break you’ve responded to—especially one that occurred during the winter? What made that call stand out?

A: There are lots of main breaks I have responded to in the winter time. But the one that stands out the most is on Thanksgiving Eve, 2022. There was a main water break that affected customers with

low water pressure. For that main break, we worked till 1:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. We got it fixed. My coworkers and I were so tired at our Thanksgiving dinners with our families! But we all had the satisfaction that our customers had water service on Thanksgiving.

Q: Water distribution is a challenging career, but you’ve clearly demonstrated that you’re up to the challenge, given you promotion last year to supervisor. (Congratulations!) What do you love about this work?

A: Thank you! The main thing that I love about this work is the satisfaction that I work for the city where I live. Another satisfaction is showing up to work or an after-hours emergency, fixing whatever the problem is, and getting the residents back on water. It makes me very proud to know our customers have water when they need it.

Q: Finally, what’s one thing you wish Vallejo residents understood better about water distribution, the people who do this work, or the mission of the Water Department as a whole?

A: The City of Vallejo Water Department supplies potable water to a big portion of Solano County. Water Distribution travels to Cordelia, Fairfield’s Green Valley, and Suisun. We have customers outside of City of Vallejo city limits. The Water Department as a whole works 24/7/365 to supply the best drinking water to our residents and businesses.

Geovanni at work

Celebrating Service at Touro University’s Student-Run Free Clinic

Touro University California recently hosted its annual celebration honoring the dedicated team behind the StudentRun Free Clinic (SRFC). Since opening in 2010, the SRFC has been a cornerstone of community care, providing free, compassionate, and high-quality health services to Vallejo and surrounding areas.

What makes this clinic unique is its student-driven model. SRFC is organized and staffed by students from across Touro’s health programs, offering them invaluable hands-on experience while serving those in need. Under the direct supervision of licensed clinicians, these future healthcare professionals deliver care that reflects Touro’s commitment to service and education.

The celebration recognized the hard work, energy, and passion that keep the clinic thriving. It was a moment to reflect on the impact SRFC has made over the years—and to look forward to continuing its mission of improving health access for all

NEIGHBORHOOD DUMPSTER PROGRAM*

Caltrans Traffic Advisory

Caltrans is continuing to work on the installation of new electrical equipment to improve pedestrian safety at unsignalized crosswalks around Solano County in February. This includes new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps and restriping the crosswalks around the intersections.

A new ADA-compliant curb ramp will be constructed in several locations from Tuesday, Feb. 3rd, through Friday, Feb. 27th. A single lane will be closed with one city street open in the direction of travel during the day from 9 AM until about 3 PM.

All work is dependent on the weather.

Pedestrians are directed to utilize the crosswalk on the other side of the road via signage and barricades on the sidewalk.

Work will continue in the following locations in Vallejo:

• SR-29 – at Ryder Street and at Arkansas Street.

• SR-37 – at Eastbound off-ramp to Wilson Avenue

• I-80 – Westbound on-ramp from Springs Road/Solano Avenue (SR-29)

Ramp Detour: Drivers trying to get on WB I-80 from Springs Road/Solano Avenue should take Mariposa Street toward Tennessee Street; take a right on Tennessee Street and then take the on-ramp to Westbound I-80.

• I-80 – WB On/Off-Ramp from/to Tennessee Rd.

Ramp Detour: Drivers trying to get onto WB I-80 on-ramp from Eastbound Tennessee Street: take a right on Mariposa Street; continue on Mariposa Street and take the on-ramp to Westbound I-80.

• I-780 – Eastbound off-ramp to Glen Cove Road

Ramp Detour: Motorists trying to get on I-780 from Glen Cove Road need to continue on Glen Cove Parkway toward Benicia Road and take a right on Benicia Road; then a right on Columbus Parkway; take a right on Rose Drive/State Park Road and onto the on-ramp to Eastbound I-780.

Do you own a vacant property in Vallejo? Help us protect our community by taking proactive steps to maintain your property and prevent blight.

The Vacant & Foreclosed Real Property Registration Program is here to help!

Submit required documents

Get your questions answered

Contact Code Enforcement at 707-648-4469

Or visit: https://cityofvallejo.co/VacantRealPropertyRegistration

Together, we can keep Vallejo vibrant and safe!

State Route 37/SR-37- Fairgrounds Drive Interchange-

Solano Transportation Authority and Caltrans Begin the Next Phase of Construction, Expect Delays on Fairgrounds Drive; See Map with Alternate Routes!

The Solano Transportation Authority (STA), in close coordination with its transportation partner, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is continuing construction work on the new State Route 37 (SR 37)/ Fairgrounds Drive Interchange Project in Vallejo. The interchange improvement project will enhance motorist safety and improve bicycle and pedestrian access with the 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.

What to Expect During Initial Construction Work

Construction at SR37 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. Now, STA and Caltrans are moving forward with work to reconstruct the existing Fairgrounds Dr and widen the roadway to accommodate the upcoming Diverging Diamond Interchange.

The following construction-related activities are slated for Monday - Friday during the weeks of January 26, 2026, and February 2, 2026.

Community members and motorists are advised to expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this time. (Please see the map)

• Contractor to reduce northbound Fairgrounds Dr. from SR37 to Gateway Dr. down to one lane, day and night

• During this period, weather-permitting, Fairgrounds Drive will be restriped utilizing single lane closures during daytime hours, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Motorists should drive with caution in construction zones and expect travel delays. All work is weather dependent. We appreciate the community’s and motorists’ cooperation and patience as important work to improve the safety and accessibility of this important project continues!

For general questions, please email our project team at: SR37-FairgroundsPIO@portal3.pbid.com

For more information about the project and to view a video explaining the DDI design, please visit: https://sta.ca.gov/project/redwood-parkway-fairgroundsdr-improvement-project/#

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Former Vallejo MGP

Boat Launch Parking Lot Restoration Project Weekly Report 1/30/26

PG&E provides this update on restoration work occurring in the boat launch parking lot that is part of a larger 26acre City of Vallejo-owned property at the corner of Curtola Parkway and Sonoma Boulevard (site). This is the final phase of the restoration work associated with PG&E’s former Vallejo Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) environmental cleanup project. In December 2023, PG&E completed cleanup work under the oversight of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to address impacts from a gas plant that operated at the site from 1872 to 1930. To learn more about this project, or if you have questions, please contact us at the email address or phone number listed below.

Work Completed 1/26/26 to 1/30/26

• Continued removing construction equipment no longer needed and cleanup of work areas.

• Installed a spike strip/speed bump at the parking lot exit

• Secured the perimeter fence.

Upcoming Work

• Continue installing electrical infrastructure components.

• Install handrails along access walkway.

• Continue removing construction equipment no longer needed and cleanup of work areas.

Work Hours

• 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Anticipated Impacts

• To allow for restoration work to occur safely, Mono Street and the boat launch parking lot will be closed to public traffic until after restoration activities are complete Upon completion of restoration activities, PG&E will return control of the site to the City of Vallejo.

• Safety signage will be in place to direct construction-related traffic.

Site Security

• Access gates are closed to the public, and the site is under surveillance.