Vallejo Weekly | Vol 11 Issue 36

VALLEJO WEEKLY

Message from Mike

Hello, Vallejo!

I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend with family and friends. Thank you for reading the Vallejo Weekly and checking in on the exciting events and opportunities in our thriving and diverse City. Whether you live or work in Vallejo, I think we can all agree we have one united goal-to make Vallejo the best to live and play. I hope community members, elected officials and City staff continue to work together on that every day.

In this week’s edition of Vallejo Weekly, you’ll find a segment on the pilot program installation of solar lights in the City. We have recently reported in the Weekly and the City’s social media posts the growing problem of copper wire theft and its impact on many neighborhoods, perhaps your neighborhood, leaving them in the dark and without streetlights. To date, Public Works has replaced 19 streetlights with solar-powered streetlights on new poles due to wire theft and damaged equipment. Our Public Works Department is finding innovative ways to combat the problem. These changes won’t happen overnight, but we are hoping the program is a success and hope to target other areas for this solar lighting to improve safety and help reduce crime in the City.

As your City Manager, I look forward to providing updates in my new “Message from Mike” segment in the Weekly. Our City Manager’s Office staff are working hard on volunteer and youth opportunities, Participatory Budgeting, helping the unhoused and organizing townhall meetings to discuss these hot topics in your neighborhood. Please feel free to email us at pio@cityofvallejo.net with any questions or ideas on how to help improve Vallejo!

Respectfully,

Mike Malone Vallejo City Manager

Public Works Tennessee Street Lighting Project

At the end of August, Traffic and Lighting Technicians from the Public Works Department put up solar powered lighting on Tennessee Street. The department is using this location as a test environment to see if it is a viable option moving forward. This could help with energy costs and remove the threat of wire theft that has been occurring in the City.

September EVENTS

Join in the fun with a variety of events for youth and families brought to you by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD). GVRD offices are now open Saturdays and are temporarily relocated at the Cunningham Aquatic Complex (801 Heartwood Ave). To pre-register for events or for more information on programs, events, classes and activities visit their website at www.gvrd.org, call (707) 648-4600, or email recreation@gvrd.org.

ANGELS WITH HEARTS STORY & ACTIVITY TIME

Every Friday through September 29

September 8, September 15, September 22 and September 29 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Children’s Wonderland Park 360 Glenn Street

FREE Entry! Discover your next great read at Children’s Wonderland! Enjoy your day with story time, arts & crafts, snack time, games, and more. To learn more check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/Angelswithhearts

STORYTIME AT CHILDREN’S WONDERLAND

Every Thursday through October September 14, September 21 and September 28 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Children’s Wonderland Park - 360 Glenn Street

This is a FREE event.

Join GVRD and friends from the Solano County Library for storytime!

DIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHTS @ CUNNINGHAM!

Saturday, September 23, 2023 - The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (run time: 88 mins)

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Movie begins at 7:15 p.m.

Cunningham Aquatic Complex 801 Heartwood Avenue

Cost: $5.00 pre -registration

$7.00 register at the door

The Aquatics Department introduces their first ever Dive-In Movies! Participants will be able to swim while watching a movie. Two pools are available: the Olympic size pool and the toddler pool. No swimming experience needed. Lifeguards will be on deck. Concessions will be available for purchase.

To register go to www.gvrd.org. For more info call (707) 648-4663 or email rallen@gvrd.org

September EVENTS

Join in the fun with a variety of events for youth and families brought to you by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD). GVRD offices are now open Saturdays and are temporarily relocated at the Cunningham Aquatic Complex (801 Heartwood Ave). To pre-register for events or for more information on programs, events, classes and activities visit their website at www.gvrd.org, call (707) 648-4600, or email recreation@gvrd.org.

FLAVORTOWN TUESDAYS

Second and fourth Tuesdays through September

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Children’s Wonderland Park

360 Glenn Street

FREE Entry to park. Food and drink costs vary by vendor. Bring your family, friends, or come solo to Flavor Town Tuesdays at Children’s Wonderland! This is a free community event for the entire family. Food trucks, outdoor games, live music and so much more!

CENTER STAGE!

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Vallejo Community Center

225 Amador Street

Cost: $20.00

Join GVRD at Center Stage! This fundraiser is in support of the Adaptive Recreation Program. There will be a talent showcase, refreshments, raffles, and a silent auction. All individuals with any disability may reach out to perform.

To purchase tickets, visit gvrd.org. For more info call (707) 648-4600 or email recreation@gvrd.org.

MOTHER OF ALL SALES COMMUNITY GARGAE SALE

Saturday, September 16, 2023 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Children’s Wonderland Park (Parking Lot)

360 Glenn Street

Cost per spot to sell: $20.00

Find gifts, update your home decorations, or just indulge in a one-of-a-kind item just for you. Join GVRD for their community garage sale. One man’s trash is another one’s treasure! Declutter your home today and bring items to sell. Bring your own table, canopy, etc. Small artists, crafters and local vendors are welcome.

To register visit gvrd.org. For more info call (707) 648-4600 or email recreation@gvrd.org.

POLICE TOWN HALL MEETING

The second scheduled VPD town hall meeting on September 7, 2023, regarding Alarm Calls for Service Responses is postponed to September 14, 2023. The town hall will still proceed from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Vallejo Room, 505 Santa Clara St.

As a reminder, due to limited sworn police staffing, the Vallejo Police Department has been forced to make many difficult decisions, including those related to a reduction in police services. We have carefully examined a variety of calls for service and have determined that alarm calls have approximately a 98% rate of being unfounded. In an effort to provide efficient services to our community, we are proposing to no longer respond to selected unverified alarm calls.

Unfortunately, our proposal will eliminate calls for service to unverified alarm calls classified as Audible Alarm or Silent Alarm. We will continue to respond to manually activated Panic Alarms and Silent Robbery Alarms. We will also respond to alarm calls that demand a dual response which requires both the Police and Fire Department for medical reasons. Additionally, we will respond to Video Alarms that depict an inprogress crime occurring or having just occurred.

Dispatch personnel are directed to perform the following:

1. Take the phone call from the alarm company or other applicable caller.

2. Input the call for service in its entirety, including the area of activation(s).

3. If the alarm is determined to be an audible alarm or a silent alarm, the dispatcher will explain to the caller that we will not be responding to unverified alarm activations and offer the reporting party the incident number.

4. The call will then be cleared out with a disposition of “PC, canceled due to lack of staffing protocol.”

5. If we can determine a burglary is in progress, the dispatcher will dispatch the event based on call priority and staffing availability as soon as practical.

This special order directive does not exclude police response if the Watch Commander determines that response is necessary. The watch commander can direct field units dispatched to the event in accordance with standards.

For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer, Sgt. Rashad Hollis by email at VallejoPolicePIO@cityofvallejo.net or by phone at (707) 567-4233.

Mare Island Dock of Bay Music Festival

The Annual Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival Returns with a Stellar Two-Day Line Up!

The 2023 Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival is a memorable experience where attendees can explore the waterfront, promenade, and historic coal sheds while listening to the headline bands on the main stage. While enjoying the acoustic music in the Chef de Cuisine Food Court, guests can take in the amazing views of the Vallejo Marina and the Napa River. We are excited to expand the festival to two days and have upgraded a number of the festival amenities to better serve all attendees.

The 2023 festival will have a full-service cocktail lounge with many specialty cocktails and spirits to choose from. Alongside the cocktails, we will offer a number of micro brews, domestic beer, and premium wine choices. There are two new VIP lounges with comfortable seating, chef inspired food, premium spirits, sponsored surprises, and professional bartenders at the ready.

The premium VIP experience features a special whiskey tasting by Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills the “Official Whiskey” of the festival, and a wine tasting and food pairing by Vino Godfather Winery.

SATURDAY OLD SCHOOL FUNK FEST - SEPT 9

Line-up: Morris Day and the Time, Con Funk Shun, Average White Band, Cold Blood

SUNDAY SPECTACULAR SOUL FEST - SEPT 10

Line-up: The California Honeydrops, Fantastic Negrito, Monophonics, The Altons

WHEN:

Saturday, September 9, 2023 and Sunday, September 10, 2023

Doors Open: 12:30 p.m.

Music: 1:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Location: 850 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592

Single Day Price: GA $95 / VIP $150 / Premium VIP $250

• VIP Ticket Includes: (limited quantities available).

• VIP Parking: Exclusive parking in the main parking lot closest to the entrance

• VIP entrance: VIP attendees will have a separate entrance that allows them to bypass long lines and enter the festival quickly and easily

• VIP-only viewing area along the waterfront, giving you the best seats in the house for all of the festival’s top acts

• VIP lounge: A dedicated lounge with a specialty cocktail bar, professional servers, fine wines, micro brews, and premium spirits.

• Private restrooms: Access to private portable restrooms for VIP’s only

• Premium VIP Ticket Includes: (everything above plus a few perks)

• Reserve Wine Tasting: Select Premium wines with chef created food pairings to compliment every sip

• Savage and Cooke Tasting: Exclusive tasting featuring The Burning Chair Bourbon, Second Glance American Whiskey and Lip Service Rye, paired with soulful southern bites.

• Front Row seating along the waterfront in the VIP section

• 25% off Festival Merchandise sold at the festival

Two-Day Pass: GA $170 / VIP $280 / Premium VIP $480

• TWO DAY PASS DISCOUNT WILL AUTO APPLY

(must purchase in a single order for discount to apply) When you buy a Saturday & Sunday ticket together, even if they are different prices, you will get $10 per ticket discount

Parking: Included with ticket purchase

Website: dockofbayfest.com

Volunteers Needed for Coastal Cleanup Day!

Join more than 40,000 volunteers across the state for the largest volunteer day on the planet! This vital community-building event takes place every September, encouraging residents to cleanup their local shorelines, rivers, creeks, lakes and inland waterways.

“Coastal Cleanup Day is back and better than ever,” says Jennifer Kaiser Nelson, Public Information Officer at Vallejo Flood & Wastewater District. “We’ll have approximately 20 different cleanup sites throughout Vallejo, and volunteers can choose their location. It’s a fun event for all ages.” Sites include Dan Foley Park, Hanns Park, River Park, Cullinan Ranch, Blue Rock Springs Park, Glen Cove Marina and Glen Cove Waterfront Park, Vallejo Municipal Marina, Lake Dalwigk, Meadows at Catalina and Delta Meadows Park, Rindler Creek (Coach Ln at Fairgrounds Drive, and White Slough (behind EcoThrift)).

Solano County Cleanup organizers are committed to eliminating the waste created by the cleanup itself. They ask volunteers to bring reusable cleanup supplies, such as work gloves, a water bottle, or a bucket to help ensure their work sites generate no trash of their own. Each site will be well-stocked with the necessary supplies if needed.

VOLUNTEER INFO

WHAT IS NEEDED?

Cleanup Volunteers

WHEN?

Saturday, September 23 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE?

Find a site near you by calling (707) 645-8258 or email Info@ValcoreRecycling.org or visit CleanupSolano.org

Additional Info

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver before participating. Volunteers should wear sunscreen, sturdy shoes, a hat, mask and work gloves.

This year’s local cleanups are made possible through the active participation of the cities and counties of Solano, the California Coastal Commission, Vallejo Flood & Wastewater District, VALCORE Recycling, Recology Vallejo, and the Greater Vallejo Recreation District. PLEASE REGISTER AT (707)-645-8258!

Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum’s Annual Gala Fundraiser: Vallejo Music!

Vallejo Museum’s annual gala is here! This year’s theme is “Vallejo Music” through the decades! There will be a cocktail bar, dinner, music highlighting songs performed in Vallejo through the years, as well as music by Vallejo musicians! This is their annual museum party and fundraiser that’s both a blast from the past and a celebration of the present! There will be both a live and a silent auction whereall funds raised go to support the museum’s mission to serve our community. Black tie is optional; be prepared to have fun!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website: Vallejo Museum Gala Eventbrite

DATE: Saturday, September 9, 2023

TIME: 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum

734 Marin Street

Vallejo, CA 94590

CONTACT: (707) 643-0077

September is #NationalPreparednessMonth!

With Californians facing risks from flooding, wildfire, earthquake, and extreme heat, getting ready can save lives and keep insurance costs low. Watch @CDInews for more tips and follow @Cal_OES and @Readygov for more. www.insurance.ca.gov.

SPANISH: ¡Septiembre es #MesNacionalDePreparación! Con los riesgos de inundaciones, incendios forestales, terremotos y calor extremo, prepararse puede salvar vidas y mantener bajos los costos del seguro. Sigue a @CDInews para más consejos y a @Cal_OES y @Readygov para más información.

Insurance is something we often forget about until we need it. During #NationalPreparednessMonth, check out these #insurance considerations to make sure you are protected and prepared before any accident or disaster. https://vimeo.com/344803780

Sunday Serenades: A Musical Potpourri!

DATE: Sunday, September 10 | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Event Location: St. Peter’s Chapel

1181 Walnut Ave., Mare Island

This fun concert will feature a wide array of music — pipe organ, piano, vocal and marimba! Performers are all Friends of the Foundation, and will offer different styles of music - classical, musical theater, and oldies-but-goodies.

There will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Arrive early to see St. Peter’s Chapel, a stunning Arts & Crafts chapel with 25 Tiffany stained glass windows. A docent will be present to answer questions.

The concert is FREE, with donations encouraged.

A light reception will follow the concert. Reserve your space at: MIHPF.org/events

Vallejo, CA

The Bay Trail/Vine Trail project will construct approximately 5 miles of bike and pedestrian trail facilities in the north end of Vallejo to ultimately connect the Vallejo Ferry Terminal to the jurisdictional boundary with American Canyon. The project will build sections of multi-use trail and bike lanes. The project will also include enhancements such as wayfinding, shelters, interpretive panels, and mileposts.

10-10:15

Welcome guests

Bay Trail/Vine Trail Construction Project Closures

10:15-10:45

Speakers

City of Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell

Caltrans District 4 Office Chief Sergio Ruiz

Napa Valley Vine Trail Founder and Board President Chuck McMinn

Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan

Solano Transportation Authority/City of Benicia Mayor Steve Young

City of Vallejo, Assistant City Manager Terrance Davis

The City of Vallejo is excited to announce the beginning of the Bay Trail/Vine Trail Construction Project which will help close the 5-mile trail gap that now exists through Vallejo up to American Canyon. The project will build sections of Class I multi-use trail and sections of Class II and IV bike lanes along sections of Wilson Ave., Sacramento Street, Enterprise Drive, Lewis Brown Drive, Broadway Street, Sonoma Blvd., Meadows Drive, and Catalina Way. The project includes trail enhancements such as wayfinding signage, counters, a rest shelter, interpretive panel, and mileposts. The project addresses accessibility along all of the segments and will produce a safe and inviting facility for bike and pedestrian travel in northern Vallejo. Vallejo will serve as the trailhead and gateway to reach the larger Bay Area!

10:45-11:30

To construct the project as safely as possible, the public should expect project area closures of the existing trail between White Slough and Highway 37 between Sacramento Street and Enterprise Drive starting as early as September 18 into early 2024. Please plan accordingly byallowing extra time to follow signage and use alternate routes when in these project areas.

Refreshments and giveaways -Thank you for coming!

For media inquiries, please contact: Sharon.Lund@cityofvallejo.net

Humane Society of the North Bay

The Humane Society of the North Bay is hosting a gala at The Empress Theatre and Lounge in Vallejo, California on Saturday, September 16. This is our first gala since 2019 and we look forward to seeing many of our friends and supporters at this event!

Country music will be performed by the California Cowboys in the Empress Theater. Enjoy line dancing lessons by Heidi Dee,an adoptable dog parade, and enough appetizers to fill you up provided by Provisions.

Buy a VIP ticket for access an hour early at 5:30 p.m. and enjoy a delicious boxed country dinner provided by Provisions with seating in the Empress Lounge. VIPs get an early jump on the crowd and will be the first to fill their cowboy boot mug, view the silent and live auction items, and participate in a line dance lesson before doors open at 6:30 p.m.

VIP Ticket includes:

• Early access to the Empress Theater/Lounge at 5:30 p.m.

• Boxed dinner provided by Provisions (vegetarian option)

• One drink ticket

• Swag bag of gifts

The evening’s finale will feature a live auction hosted by MC Richard Freedman and Auctioneer Michael Wilson. Don’t miss out on the chance to bid for getaways to Nashville, Cambria, and Las Vegas for a Raider’s Game or even a stay-cation at the Napa Silverado Resort. How about a catered BBQ dinner for 20 and you keep the margarita machine and outdoor rolling cooler? Want to own a prized artwork by actor Pierce Brosnan? Or what about that custom bar cart you’ve always wanted? All of these will be up for grabs and more...

Tickets can be purchased HERE

HUMANE SOCIETY PET OF THE WEEK

CHESTER

Chihuahua, male, 6 months old

Affectionately known as “Chester the Jester,” this playful, goofy guy will ensure a life of boredom is not in the cards! Chester is an affectionate, curious bolt of pure puppy energy. Chester can also be a vocal little guy! When he wants to play or be held, he lets out a funny high-pitched howl that can make your eyelashes curl. Chester rescued himself by confidently waltzing into the living room of a good Samaritan, who brought him to the Humane Society of the North Bay. If you are ready to waltz into Chester’s world, go to HSNB.org to fill out our dog adoption interest application. For a list of our available cats and dogs, go to HSNB.org and click on 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 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 by appointment, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, with up to two Open Shelter Saturdays per month. 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.

HUMANE SOCIETY PET OF THE WEEK

APPLES

Domestic Shorthair, male, age 4 months

Apples is our little pirate boy! This sweet Orange Tabby had a severe infection in his eye, and the veterinarian recommended removal to prevent ongoing problems. Apples is an adorable kitty who is always ready to “wink” at you for good luck and always ready to snuggle with you for love. He won’t let anyone’s superficial judgment bring his spirit down; he’s been through the tough part already. He’s handsome as heck and he knows it! (We know it, too.) To meet Apples, go to HSNB.org to fill out our cat adoption interest application.

For a list of our available cats and dogs, go to HSNB.org and click on 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 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 by appointment, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, with up to two Open Shelter Saturdays per month. We are actively seeking fosters for our pets in need, and we are always seeking donations to help us do the lifesaving work we do.

Ride & Win Youth Rider Contest

Turn your everyday bus rides into exciting chances to win awesome prizes! SolTrans is introducing the Ride & Win Youth Rider Contest. You can score points in two ways:

1. Scan the QR code on their buses to receive one contest entry per day.

• Each time you hop on a SolTrans bus, keep an eye out for the special QR code. Scan it with your smartphone to instantly earn points and get one step closer to winning.

2. Post your ride to Instagram, mentioning @ridesoltrans and tagging #Ride&Win. Each Instagram post and tag is a contest entry, with no daily entry limits!

• Capture the essence of your bus journey in a snapshot! Take pictures during your ride, showcasing the sights, friends, or even your favorite window view. Share the photo on Instagram, tag @ridesoltrans, and use the hashtag #Ride&Win for extra points!

Participants must be between the ages of 13-21 as of the date of entry. The Contest begins on Friday, September 1, 2023 and ends on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Entries submitted before or after the entry period will not be eligible. Additional terms and conditions apply. More information at https://soltrans.org.

Winners will be announced the week of October 8, 2023.

THE CITY OF VALLEJO BROADBAND SERVICE VALLEJONET IS NOW VIP FIBER

The City of Vallejo is excited to announce that its municipal broadband service, formerly known as "VallejoNet," has been rebranded as "VIP Fiber."

This rebranding initiative is part of the City,s ongoing efforts to position Vallejo as a hub for technological innovation and to reflect its commitment to providing high-quality, reliable internet service to its residents and businesses. With VIP Fiber, Vallejo will continue providing customers with the same fast and affordable internet service they have known and loved, backed by great local customer support and technical expertise.

The new name, VIP Fiber, better reflects the premium level of service and cutting-edge fiber optic technology that Vallejo,s community can expect from this broadband service. Additionally, please sign up for a service quote today and get

added to the alerts and updates for when VIP Fiber service is available in your area of Vallejo. Customers who are Onnet and currently serviceable by the existing fiber network can expect to see up to a 30% saving on their services compared to their current provider. Customers that are Offnet and not currently serviceable will soon be able to access VIP Fiber,s fast and reliable internet service as the City continues its investment in expanding the fiber optic network. Offnet customers who are on our pre-registration list will be notified as soon as VIP Fiber service is available in their area and receive a special introductory offer.

Request a quote today to experience the premium internet service offered by VIP Fiber and join Vallejo in its mission to lead technological advancements in the region while enjoying fast and affordable internet!

Introducing Solano Volunteers

Introducing Solano Volunteers

Follow these five easy steps to get started today.

Easily connect with organizations and businesses across Solano County — where together you’ll make a bigger impact. Volunteernow.org is the place where you can create a custom personal profile, then find and engage with what matches your skills, interests, and the causes you care about. Improved, intuitive technology makes it easier than ever for you to give back.

Easily connect with organizations and businesses across Solano County — where together you’ll make a bigger impact. Volunteernow.org is the place where you can create a custom personal profile, then find and engage with what matches your skills, interests, and the causes you care about. Improved, intuitive technology makes it easier than ever for you to give back.

1. CREATE AN ACCOUNT

Click the “Login” icon. Selecting “Click here to Register” allows you sign up with just your email, or by using Facebook.

2. CUSTOMIZE YOUR PROFILE

Volunteers, it’s FREE for you to create a profile!

Anyone can create a free account. Opportunities of all kinds are being added and updated each day by our growing community of organizations and businesses.

The more complete your profile, the better Solano Volunteers will be able to match you to your next opportunity!

3. FIND OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers, it’s FREE for you to create a profile!

Find an opportunity now. Follow the five easy steps on the back to get started today.

Anyone can create a free account. Opportunities of all kinds are being added and updated each day by our growing community of organizations and businesses.

SEE

FIND AN OPPORTUNITY NOW.

Under “For Volunteers” the “Find Opportunities” page offers advanced searching based on location, keyword, or interests.

4. SAVE YOUR SEARCHES

“Saved Searches” provide a way for you to easily recall a set of search parameters — and even share with your friends, family, or colleagues!

5. SIGN UP! YOU’RE SET TO VOLUNTEER

Touro University — California’s Success with Diabetes September

2023 Session

The Diabetes Services at Touro University California will provide a FREE weekly program to help you learn how to live a healthier life with diabetes starting September 22, 2023. In this free interactive 6-session program, you will learn how to understand your lab values, medication management, and exercises of all skill and age levels. To register and for more resources, visit the Touro University Diabetes DREAM Team linktree. For more information, email mramsey2@touro.edu or call (707) 638-5970.

THE CITY OF VALLEJO COMMUNITY TOOL TRAILER PROGRAM

The City of Vallejo maintains a Community Tool Trailer stocked with landscaping tools and cleanup supplies to assist groups with community cleanups or beautification projects. This resource is offered to residents and groups free of charge to assist resident volunteers who gather together to give litter the boot!

Community projects must be in the City of Vallejo and must be on public, nonprofit, public school or church property. There is a minimum of ten volunteers committed to the project to make the group eligible for use of the trailer.

The trailer is booked on a first-come, first-served basis year-round – weather permitting. A Public Works staff driver brings the trailer to your event site, stays with the trailer for the duration of the event, and will remove collected bags of litter and/or bulky items.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must be used in Vallejo, CA.

• Must be 18 years old or older to reserve the trailer.

• Must have a minimum of 10 volunteers.

• Project must be on public property (park, greenspace, school), church or nonprofit. NO PERSONAL PROPERTIES.

• Event must have project coordinator or lead volunteer.

• Completion and submittal of trailer application and participant list must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the event to prepare staff schedule.

• All volunteers are required to complete and sign a City of Vallejo volunteer waiver.

TO REQUEST A TOOL TRAILER RESERVATION, SEND AN EMAIL TO VOLUNTEERS@CITYOFVALLEJO.NET OR CALL 707-648-8616.

The City of Vallejo Community & Volunteer Coordinator will call/email within 72 hours to confirm and review details of the event.

GROW WITH GOOGLE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS

Main Street America and Grow with Google have teamed up to help business owners gain new skills through local digital coaches. Through the Grow with Google Digital Coaches program, 10 coaches in small towns across America are offering live trainings and hands-on coaching on topics like how to connect with customers, sell more products online, and improve business productivity – all for free.

Starting in September and continuing through November, Grow with Google Digital Coaches will host a series of both live and on-demand virtual workshops for small business owners. These workshops are free and open to all small business owners and entrepreneurs across the network, beyond the 10 states hosting in-person trainings.

To learn more about each workshop and find registration details, visit the Grow with Google website.

The Vallejo Kids’ Book Festival

The Vallejo Literacy Alliance’s 4th annual Vallejo Kids’ Book Festival is coming up on Saturday, September 16, 2023 to inspire a love for reading and to improve literacy in our community. Vallejo Kids’ Book Festival promises to be an unforgettable day! Every child will receive a free book to take home, participate in a variety of book-themed crafts, watch lively performances, and listen to engaging book readings by our local community members. It’s a time for families to come together and celebrate the magic of reading at the beautiful Children’s Wonderland Park. This event is hosted by Another Chapter Solano, On the Fringe Visual and Performing Arts, Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, and Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD). Don’t miss out on this fun-filled day dedicated to promoting literacy and the joy of reading among families in Solano County!

WHEN:

Saturday, September 16, 2023

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Children’s Wonderland Park

360 Glenn Street

Vallejo, CA 94590

COST: FREE!

SPOTS OF HOPE FUNDRAISER

Attend this special event dedicated to celebrate the cheetahs at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and their wild counterparts. The event will include appetizers, a wine pull, entertainment and a silent auction. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Six Flags website.

WHEN:

Friday, September 15, 2023 6 p.m.–9 p.m.

WHERE: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

COST: $150 per person

2023-24 SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORSHIP GRANT PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

The City of Vallejo is excited to announce the Special Event Sponsorship Grant Program (SESGP). To be considered for sponsorship, event organizers must meet all eligibility criteria and apply to the program.

SESGP PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND GOALS

The Special Events Sponsorship Grant Program (SESGP) offers financial assistance to support special events in the City of Vallejo. These events include festivals, parades, and community celebrations that may require the support services of the Police Department, Fire Department, and/or the Public Works Division on the day(s) of the event. SESGP awards are made once a year through a competitive application and review process. The program aims to foster successful high-impact community events and programs that:

• Enhance economic development;

• Encourage community participation;

• Promote arts and cultural growth; and

• Provide a rich variety of festivities for residents and visitors. The program is not intended to support events where the primary purpose is fundraising for a cause. The SESGP awards are meant to partially offset the cost of city services by providing financial support for events. Award amounts may vary per event per year. Organizers could request up to 50% of the anticipated total event cost or 100% of the anticipated cost of city services, whichever is higher. Award amounts may be less than the amount requested.

Fiscal Year 2023-24: The grant application window opened on Thursday, August 17, 2023. The grant submission deadline is the Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Late and/or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

ADMINISTRATION

The Vallejo City Manager’s office manages the administrative process of the SESGP, as the department also manages the permitting process for high-impact special events in the City. To be considered for funding in this current cycle, FY 2023-24, grant applications must be submitted for review by Thursday, September 28, 2023, 12:00 p.m. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application no later than Wednesday, 10/25/23.

NOTE: For Fiscal Year 2024-25, the Grant Application period will open October 26, 2023, and all requests will be due on December 20, 2023, 12:00 p.m.

Moving forward, the amount of funds available for the program and for each applicable event will be presented for City Council consideration in June. While funding will not be approved until Council adoption, the City will calculate anticipated award amounts by early May, based on eligible applications received and the City’s budget proposal at the time. All anticipated award amounts are not guaranteed and are subject to adjustments based on Council adoption. The final allocation of sponsorship funds will be determined and announced following the City’s current Fiscal Year budget adoption in June.

For detailed information regarding the program, including eligibility, fund use restrictions, evaluation criteria, application instructions and checklist, contact Community & Volunteer Coordinator Shelee Loughmiller, via email at SpecialEvents@cityofvallejo.net or call 707-648-8616 to schedule an appointment.

BAY AREA MAKER FAIRE MARE ISLAND

The legendary and mind-blowing Maker Faire is back for its 15th time in the Bay Area this October with a new direction, a new location, new makers, and old friends! After a few years’ hiatus, organizers are excited to bring back their flagship Maker Faire to California’s San Francisco Bay Area in Vallejo over two weekends at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard on October 13–15 and October 20–22, 2023. Experience the ultimate showcase of creativity, innovation, and endlesspossibilities at Maker Faire!

Immerse yourself in a world where robots come alive, art defies boundaries, drones soar through the sky, and groundbreaking technology shapes the future. Don’t miss out on this full-throttle event that will leave you awe-inspired and yearning for more! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Maker Faire Eventbrite webpage.

WHEN:

October 13–15, 2023

Friday, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

October 20–22, 2023

Friday, 11:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Mare Island

850 Nimitz Avenue

Vallejo, CA 94592

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