The Vallejo Weekly | Vol 12 | Issue 27 by cityofvallejo

VALLEJO WEEKLY

GREETINGS FROM GILLIAN

A MESSAGE FROM GILLIAN HAEN, ACTING CITY MANAGER

Hello Vallejo,

Hope you’re having a wonderful and safe 4th of July! There are many activities to enjoy today so please celebrate safely and be sure to stay hydrated! In this edition of the Weekly, you’ll find articles by the Fire Department and Water Department on how to help keep yourself and the community safe during the heat wave while celebrating Independence Day!

City Manager Andrew Murray is currently on vacation so I will be providing updates for the next few editions for the Weekly.

Some wonderful news-we recently received an upgrade in bond rating… In 2010, the City’s bond rating was “C” and we have been slowly and steadily building our financial strength to our current rating of “A”. We still have ways to grow to achieve “AAA” rating but here’s an update from our hardworking Finance Department and Staff:

CITY OF VALLEJO RECEIVES RATING UPGRADE FROM STANDARD & POOR'S (S&P)

City moves up from “A-“ to A rating

Vallejo, CA - City officials are pleased to announce that Standard & Poor's (S&P) has recently upgraded the credit rating on the City's Certificate of Participation (1999 Capital Improvement Project) obligations. The underlying rating (SPUR) has been raised to “A” from “A-”, with the outlook changed to stable from positive.

The rating upgrade is attributed to the City's improved financial position, supported by a management and policy framework that ensures ongoing financial stability.

The stable outlook reflects the expectation that the City’s operating performance will remain balanced in the near term, bolstered by recent revenue enhancements and financial practices that utilize long –term planning to identify future pressures and pursue long-term structurally balanced budget.

As you saw in a recent article in the Weekly, the Costco Project is well underway with construction of new retail opportunities, employment and housing for Vallejo! I worked closely with Lewis Construction when I first started here in the City and I look forward to seeing this incredible project become a reality. It was a complex project with many hurdles but the community, staff and the developer all collaborated to ensure a successful project for the City! Costco is one of the City’s highest tax contributors and we are thankful they call Vallejo home! When we work together, Vallejo does great things!

This past week, the sprung structures were erected on the Navigation Center site on Broadway. What an exciting moment to see the bones of what is to come for our houseless community by the end of the year! Pictures don’t do it justice, you have to drive by to see the progress for yourself!

Respectfully,

Gillian Haen Acting City Manager

LUFFY

Pets of the week

LUFFY

Pit Bull Terrier/Shar Pei, Male, Young

What is the color of honey and rhymes with "Goofy?" Why, it's Luffy! This 1-year-old, 53-pound cutie has a name that reflects his fun, slightly silly personality. Luffy enjoys fetching balls, and he loves to share the play yard with his canine shelter buddy, Bobby. Luffy's ideal family is one that understands his spirited nature. He's a smart cookie who can get a bit overstimulated during play but with a bit of patience and positive reinforcement training, Luffy will be a fantastic companion. If you'd like to meet Luffy, visit our Adoption Page at HSNB.org and fill out a Dog Adoption Interest Application.

THOR

Alaskan Malamute/Siberian Husky, Male, Adult

Thor is a staff and volunteer favorite, and once you meet him it's easy to see why! This 3-year-old, 70-pound cuddle bug craves affection and will lean against you while you pet him and tell him he's a "good boy." Once he's out of the chaotic shelter environment, Thor walks nicely on leash and has wonderful manners. He knows the "sit" command and takes treats gently. He's an intelligent boy who would thrive in a home that will provide plenty of mental and physical enrichment. Thor loves toys and will jump into the toy bin in the play yard to select his own playthings! He enjoys fetch, tug-o-war, and playing with other dogs. If you'd like to meet Thor, visit our Adoption Page at HSNB.org and fill out a Dog Adoption Interest

For a list of our available cats and dogs, go to HSNB.org and click the Adoptions tab. We welcome potential adopters to browse available animals on our website and if interested, download an application. Email cat applications to catadoptions@hsnb.org and dog applications to adoptions@hsnb.org. Pets are available at the time of article submission. We cannot guarantee they will be available upon publication. Humane Society of the North Bay is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We are located at 1121 Sonoma Blvd., Vallejo. We are open daily by appointment, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are actively seeking fosters for our pets in need, and we are always seeking donations to help us do the life-saving work we do.

NOW Hiring

Accountant

Regular Full-Time

$78,141.65 - $94,981.54 Annually

Closing Date

7/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Click here for more info.

Administrative Clerk II

Regular Full-Time

$44,555.06 - $54,156.96 Annually

Closing Date

7/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Click here for more info.

Principal Planner

Regular Full-Time

$115,357.22 - $140,217.58 Annually

Closing Date

7/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Click here for more info.

Senior Planner

Regular Full-Time

$104,653.74 - $127,207.39 Annually

Closing Date

7/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Click here for more info.

To see more openings with the City of Vallejo and apply, CLICK HERE.

Antique Fire Equipment on the Vallejo Waterfront

The Vallejo Waterfront hosted a unique event on Saturday, June 29th- a collection of privately owned antique fire apparatus. The gathering included horse drawn steam engines, an operational fire boat, and an antique tiller truck.

The majority of the vehicles are owned by local businessman Buck Kamphausen, who intends to grow the event into an annual display.

Vallejo Fire Department E24's crew poses for a photo in front of an antique fire engine.

An antique tiller truck.

An original 1883 FDNY horse drawn steam engine. This vehicle was present during the dedication of the original Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

A fully restored “Ward La France” fire engine from the Freeport Fire Department.

CITY OF VALLEJO HOLIDAY CLOSURE

City offices will be closed in observance of Independence Day

City Hall will reopen on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 9:00 am

UPCOMING GVRD COMMUNITY EVENTS

Join the fun with youth and family events by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD). The GVRD Main Office at 395 Amador St is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m for registrations and reservations. GVRD Board and Committee Meetings are held at 401 Amador St. Please note that the Terrace Park playground is closed for renovations and Lake Dalwigk Park may have intermittent closures due to improvements funded by CalTrans. To pre-register or find more information, visit www.gvrd.org, call (707) 648-4600, or email recreation@gvrd.org. Click here to check our latest job openings.

View the GVRD Summer 2024 Activity Guide for more programs, events, classes and activities!

THE FLAVOR TOWN TUESDAYS

Tuesday, July 9th 4:00-8:00pm

Tuesday, July 23rd 4:00-8:00pm

Tuesday, August 6th 4:00-8:00pm

Children's Wonderland Park

360 Glenn Street

This is a FREE community event!

Flavor town is back for season two! If you missed out last year, come support local owned businesses. We'll feature some of vallejo's most popular and hidden gem eateries. Enjoy food, desserts, cocktails, and more.

PARKS N' REX DAY!

Saturday, July 27th 12:00-4:00pm

Children's Wonderland Park

360 Glenn Street

$10R/$12NR

Celebrate National Parks Day with us at Childrens Wonderland for Parks N Rex Day '24! Bring your clothes for some fun in the sun. Patrons can play with water slides, foam parties, and lawn games while the DJ rocks the party. We will have concessions, vendors, and games available. Each family will have a chance to meet Parker with a photo op.

BANDS AND BREWS SUMMER SCHEDULE 2024

Friday, June 28th, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Friday, July 12th, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Friday, July 26th, 6:00PM-8:00 PM

Saturday, Aug 10th, 6:00PM-8:00PM

Blue Rock Springs Park

This is a FREE community event!

Live Music in the Park with free lawn seating, food, and beverages for sale.

ADAPTIVE REC LUAU CELEBREATION

Tuesday, July 30th, 11:00AM-1:00PM

Cunningham Aquatics 801 Heartwood Ave, Vallejo CA, 94590

$10 FEE

Hawaiian inspired music, games, and food. This is an adaptive activity and is designed specifically for individuals with disabilities as well as their friends and family. Participants are encouraged to bring swim wear, extra clothing, a towel, and sunscreen. Event will take place during rec swim.

RED FLAG WARNING

The City of Vallejo is issuing a notice to inform all residents of significant fire potential due to Red Flag Weather conditions. The National Weather Service has placed our area under a Red Flag Weather Warning until 8:00 PM on July 3rd, with the possibility of an extension. This warning signifies that the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds could result in extreme fire behavior.

Wildfires

The current weather pattern has allowed for two significant wildfires to start in our region. The Denverton Fire, located in east Solano County, has reached a size of 470 acres, and the Toll Fire, in northern Napa County, has grown to 50 acres in size. The forward progress of both fires has been halted. The emergence of these fires exemplifies the potential our region faces for new fire starts and rapid fire growth.

Safety Precautions

We urge all residents to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant. Avoid any activities that could potentially ignite a fire, including outdoor BBQs as part of your Independence Day celebrations. Additionally, we remind all residents that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Vallejo, including unincorporated areas.

Fourth of July Holiday Events

The City of Vallejo reminds residents that holiday events, particularly those involving fireworks, can significantly increase the potential for new fire starts. We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly and follow all safety guidelines to help protect our community.

Reporting Fires

If you see a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately to report it. Quick reporting can help contain fires before they spread and cause more damage.

For more information and updates, please stay tuned to local news outlets and the City of Vallejo's official social media channels.

Summer 2024 Water Conservation

This year’s winter rains brought with them a sigh of relief by anyone who’s been through a drought or wildfire. (We’re knocking on wood as we write this.)

The California Department of Water Resources’ Snow Survey results in April 2024 were 110% of average. This is great news for Vallejoans and the rest of California because it means California remains drought-free. There are no mandatory water conservation orders at this time, however the City’s Wasteful Water Ordinance was enacted in 2017, implementing commonsense water savings practices. Conserving water is always a good thing to do, even in moderation, and a great thing to introduce to younger Vallejoans.

The Vallejo Water Department’s Conservation webpage on www.VallejoWater.org includes a list of resources and activities for people of all ages.

If you’re interested in cutting back on your water use this year, here are some tips to help you create and stick to a water budget:

1. Set realistic goals.

The average Californian uses over 80 gallons of water per day. You’d be surprised how easy it is to cut your usage by 10% – about eight gallons – per day. Just turning off the water while you brush your teeth can save eight gallons every day (per person!). It’s water you don’t need to use, and money you don’t have to spend.

2. Check out Solano County’s rebate program. Creating a waterwise home doesn’t mean you have to break the bank by buying all new waterefficient appliances. The Solano County Water Agency can help you financially with some of your indoor and outdoor water conservation efforts. They offer rebates on projects like creating waterefficient landscapes, putting out rain barrels to collect water and installing water-efficient

appliances. For more information on rebates and water conservation ideas and information, visit https://scwa2.com/residential-rebates/

3. Try one of Vallejo Water’s handy tools to help you cut back. If you’re not ready for larger home projects, try one of Vallejo Water’s gadgets to help you cut back on water use. Simple things like a moisture meter (to make sure you’re not overwatering) or a shower timer (to limit your showers to five minutes) can make big differences to your water bill. To get one of these gadgets, contact Vallejo Water’s Conservation Coordinator, Oni Brown, at 707-648-5299 or Oni.brown@cityofvallejo.net

4. Measure how you’re doing. Take a look at your water bill to track how much water (and money!) you’re saving. You can adjust your water usage to meet your conservation goals and water budget.

Will this summer and coming fall bring rain or continue to deliver hot, dry days? What will fire season be like later this year? This early in the summer, no one can accurately predict that information. But like the old saying that tells us to save for a rainy day, it never hurts to save for the hot and dry ones, too.

Five Years of Success: Alibi Bookshop Honored by Mayor McConnell

On Thursday June 27, 2024, Mayor Robert McConnell presented a certificate of recognition to Karen Finlay, the co-owner of the Alibi Bookshop in celebration of their five–year anniversary. Karen co-owns the bookshop with husband Jon Burchard. The certificate stated, “Celebrating five years as Vallejo’s favorite independent bookstore. Congratulations!”

The bookstore at 624 Marin St. opened in 2019 and then weathered the pandemic storm, to the delight of the community.

“We are so happy and honored to be Vallejo’s bookstore. We look forward to many more years downtown.

three year contract approved for Lake Berryessa boater outreach program

The City of Vallejo commends the program’s commitment to source water protection messaging that is both friendly and engaging. The immediate installation of oil absorbents by many boaters, facilitated by the program's staff, underscores the practical impact of these educational efforts. This hands-on approach not only enhances the boater’s understanding of clean boating practices but also fosters a positive attitude towards the importance of protecting our water resources.

We believe that the Lake Berryessa Boater Outreach Program plays a crucial role in safeguarding the quality of our drinking water and maintaining the environmental health of Lake Berryessa. The program's success in raising awareness and promoting responsible recreation practices aligns with our city's goals of environmental stewardship and public education.

We are confident that the continued support and expansion of this program will yield even greater benefits for our community and the environment. The City of Vallejo fully endorses the Lake Berryessa Boater Outreach Program and looks forward to its ongoing contributions to water resource protection.

Please click here to check out the Vallejo intern summaries for this program.

PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE!

Do you have unpaid, overdue tolls for Bay Area Express Lanes or bridges? Bay Area FasTrak is making it easier to pay, with payment plans for qualifying, low-income drivers to help you pay off your balance over time. Need help? Just ask.

For more information about the Bay Area Toll Payment Plan and eligibility requirements, visit www.BayAreaTollPaymentPlan.org.

National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that is sponsored nationally by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Vallejo Police Department. Over 38 million people nationwide are expected to participate in National Night Out efforts to strengthen partnerships between neighbors and local law enforcement agencies.

Your neighborhood is invited to participate with many other neighborhoods throughout Vallejo in celebration of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024!

National Night Out is designed to:

- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships

- Heighten crime prevention awareness

- Generate support for and participation in local crime prevention efforts

Neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of events ranging from small potlucks and BBQs to block parties. Some additional event ideas include but are not limited to community giveaways, games, contests, food, and fun.

Register your neighborhood for this year's event today! You do not have to be a current Neighborhood Watch group to participate. National Night Out is for everyone! Registration is free and gives police and other city representatives an opportunity to attend local events as time and circumstances permit. Register now and begin planning your event as soon as possible.

Registration is open and available online by visiting www. vallejopd.net. The Vallejo Police Department will close registration on Friday, July 5, 2024.

For further questions about National Night Out, contact the Vallejo Police Department at Monica.Gomez@cityofvallejo. net or call Monica Gomez at 707-648-4540.

We look forward to meeting you and your neighbors at your National Night Out event this year!

JFK Library Upcoming Events

LIBRARY HOURS

MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

FRIDAY - SATURDAY 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SUNDAY 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

FRIDAY, JULY 5