Vallejo Weekly

Vol 12 | Issue 17 | APR 25, 2024

INTERIM CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE

HELLO, VALLEJO,

Thank you for your patience and support as the City navigates the recruitment process for a new City Manager. I appreciate the Council's selection of me as the Interim City Manager for Vallejo, and I look forward to serving your community to the best of my ability.

Having roots in the Bay Area, I take great pride in having raised my family in the Martinez area and have long cherished the vibrant atmosphere of Vallejo. The memories forged here hold a special place in my heart.

In my new role, I'm excited to help with the City's current projects and kick off the planning for next year's budget. We're happy to let you know about an upcoming budget workshop on May 30th at 6:00 pm in the Council chambers. Everyone is welcome to come and share their thoughts. Your ideas are crucial as we work together to shape Vallejo's future. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

All the best,

Beverli Marshall Interim City Manager

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Photo: Durunk Photography

Acknowledging the Backbone of Local Governance: City Clerk Dawn Abrahamson and Deputy City Clerk Angelina Joya

In the realm of municipal governance, City Clerks are often the unsung heroes, quietly ensuring the smooth functioning of administrative processes. On Tuesday, April 23, the Vallejo City Council took a moment to honor City Clerk Dawn Abrahamson and Deputy City Clerk Angelina Joya for their dedication to serving the community.

City Clerks play a crucial role in local democracy, overseeing elections, maintaining records, and

facilitating citizen engagement. They ensure transparency by keeping detailed records and providing access to public information.

Abrahamson and Joya's recognition highlights the importance of their work in upholding democratic principles and fostering community engagement. They embody professionalism and dedication, essential qualities in preserving the integrity of local governance.

In essence, City Clerks like Abrahamson and Joya are the backbone of local governance, working tirelessly to ensure the effective functioning of democratic processes and the well-being of the community.

Read the full proclamation honoring Dawn Abrahamson and Angelina Joya on the next page.

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Solano EDC Speaker Series

A CONVERSATION ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN SOLANO COUNTY - SPONSORED BY KAISER PERMANENTE

WHEN: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12pm - 1:30pm

Be sure to join Solano EDC next Wednesday, for their Speaker Series sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, on Affordable Housing in Solano

County. Their President and CEO Chris Rico will host the conversation with Adam Briones - CEO of California Community Builders (CCB), Carol J Galante - Professor & Faculty Director of Terner Center for Housing Innovation, University of California, Berkeley, Scott Johnson - Director at The ADU Center and Johnathan Logan - Founder of JDL Strategies.

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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Presented

IN VOLUNTEERING? CLICK HERE

By: The Vallejo People's Garden, the Monarch Milkweed project, Solano Resource Conservation District, Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, The Watershed Nursery, and the Solano County Water Agency

INTERESTED

Vallejo Garden Tour

DATE: May 19, 2024

TIME: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

LOCATION: Throughout Vallejo

Tickets on sale now for $40!

The Vallejo Garden Tour, held on May 19 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, is a highly anticipated, wellattended annual fundraiser for the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum. This event showcases local gardens throughout the city, offering a glimpse into the vibrant flora of our community.

Master gardeners will be present at each location to share their expertise on the specific flora. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to explore the unique gardens throughout our beautiful city. Please, come out and help support our community museum!

Tickets to the Vallejo Garden Tour are available at the museum gift shop Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets online by CLICKING HERE.

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Celebrating National Arbor Day: Honoring Trees and Those Who Tend Them

Every year, communities across the globe come together to celebrate National Arbor Day (April 26), a day dedicated to planting and caring for trees. Originating in Nebraska in 1872, Arbor Day has since blossomed into a worldwide movement, highlighting the vital role that trees play in sustaining our environment and enhancing our quality of life.

The Importance of Arbor Day: Arbor Day serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of trees in our ecosystem. From purifying the air we breathe to providing habitat for wildlife, trees offer a myriad of benefits to both humans and the planet. They combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigate soil erosion, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of our surroundings.

Arbor Day fosters a sense of community engagement and environmental stewardship. It provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments to come together to plant trees, educate the public about their importance, and promote sustainable forestry practices.

BECOMING AN ARBORIST: At the heart of Arbor Day is the dedication of arborists, skilled professionals who specialize in the cultivation, management, and study of trees. Becoming an arborist requires a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, and a deep passion for trees and the environment.

Typically, aspiring arborists pursue degrees in forestry, horticulture, or arboriculture, where they learn about tree biology, soil science, pest management, and tree care techniques. Additionally, many arborists undergo specialized training and certification through organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), which sets standards for

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arboricultural practices worldwide.

THE ROLE OF ARBORISTS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT:

Arborists employed by local government agencies play a crucial role in preserving and managing urban forests. They are responsible for assessing the health of trees, diagnosing diseases and pest infestations, and implementing strategies to maintain the vitality of urban green spaces.

These dedicated professionals conduct tree inventories, develop tree care plans, and oversee tree planting initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of urban landscapes. They also respond to emergency situations such as storm damage, providing timely assistance to mitigate risks and safeguard public safety.

Additionally, arborists working for local government often engage with community members, offering educational programs and workshops on tree care practices and the benefits of urban forestry. Here in Vallejo, we do this by hosting tree planting days where we invite the community to enjoy a day outdoors, learning about different trees and making them partners in growing our urban forest. By fostering partnerships and collaboration, they empower residents to become stewards of their local environment and advocates for the preservation of trees.

NATIVE TREES AND PLANTS OF VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA:

Here in Vallejo, we have a rich diversity of native trees and plants that contribute to our City’s unique ecosystem. Among the native species found in Vallejo are the Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), California Buckeye (Aesculus californica), and California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica).

These trees not only provide shade and habitat for local wildlife but also serve as integral components of Vallejo's natural landscape.

In addition to trees, Vallejo is home to a variety of native shrubs and wildflowers, including California Lilac (Ceanothus spp.), Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis), and California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica). These native plants play vital roles in supporting pollinators, preventing erosion, and preserving the ecological balance of Vallejo's ecosystems.

As we commemorate National Arbor Day, let us celebrate not only the beauty and importance of trees but also the rich tapestry of native flora that enriches the landscape of Vallejo, California. Together, let us continue to cherish and protect these natural treasures for future generations to enjoy.

INTERESTED IN AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN HORTICULTURE?

Check out Solano Community College's Horticulture program by clicking here!

In addition to having arborists on staff in the City of Vallejo, there are also other opportunities in the City to work in the field of horticulture and forestry, such as the US Department of Forestry, whose regional office is located right here on Mare Island!

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TRAFFIC ENGINEER

CLOSES 5/17/2024 - 5:00 PM

SALARY: $122,176.08 - $148,505.97

BRIEF DESCRIPTION / IDEAL CANDIDATE

This is an advanced level engineering classification. Work in this class is distinguished from that of lower classes by the administrative responsibilities performed in overseeing additional engineering personnel and/or for assigning and reviewing work on major projects. The Traffic Engineer works as a project leader on major projects or programs and provides support to other Public Works Sections and City Departments. Either registration as a Traffic Engineer (which is preferred) or as a Professional Civil Engineer with traffic engineering experience in the State of California is required.

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of civil engineering design and construction, including current working knowledge of civil engineering processes, theories, laws, principles,

conceptual models, best practices; and will bring creative, innovative, and tech savvy solutions and ideas to expand and improve services for the City of Vallejo.

License or Certificate: Registration as a Professional Traffic Engineer in the State of California (preferred); or registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California (requires substantive coursework or work experience in traffic or transportation engineering).

To read the full job description including requirements for work experience, degree, and to review our benefits and apply, CLICK HERE.

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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 "VallejoNet," has been rebranded as "VIP Fiber."

Local businesses currently using VIP include Brooks & Co. Real Estate, Kindred Motorworks, Aardvarks Adventureland, Better Chew Kitchen, Suite Treatments Inc., and many more! You, too, can be a part of VIP.

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.

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.

Community-owned ISPs are driven by the needs and interests of the local residents rather than profit-driven motives. The profits generated stay within the community, promoting local growth, job creation, and economic development. VIP is committed to upholding net neutrality principles, ensuring everyone enjoys a level playing field on the internet.

Community-owned ISPs are driven by the needs and interests of the local residents rather than profit-driven motives. The profits generated stay within the community, promoting local growth, job creation, and economic development. VIP is committed to upholding net neutrality principles, ensuring everyone enjoys a level playing field on the internet.

Learn more about your local ISP and 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!

Stay updated with the latest news, updates, events, and more on our social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook!

Check your availability today at www.vipfiber.com

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The Vallejo CROP Hunger Walk is back!

The Vallejo CROP Hunger Walk is back! Mark your calendar for May 4th, 2024 at 10am! The Vallejo Crop Hunger Walk is a 3k walk along the Vallejo Waterfront to raise funds and awareness of hunger and poverty issues in our world and community.

What is the Mission? It is simple... NO ONE IN THIS WORLD SHOULD GO HUNGRY. That's why the Vallejo CROP Hunger Walk is more than just a gathering of people. We're part of a movement, taking steps and raising funds together to provide meals for those in our own community who need them - and supporting programs that create sustainable food security in communities all around the world. 75% of the funds got to support the global mission of Church World Service https://cwsglobal.org a faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. 25% of the funds raised will stay local and be split between Vallejo Together and the Amador Street Hope Center.

Please join us in the fight against hunger! The steps we take and funds we raise will make a difference in the lives of others. For more information, to participate as a team or individual, or to make a donation, please visit the website https://events.crophungerwalk.org/ cropwalks/event/vallejoca

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Stay up to date on current projects, provide feedback, and more.

Meet us at the market

EVERY LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH - 8:30 AM TO 2:30 PM

Join us at the corner of Georgia and Marin Streets every last Saturday of the month.

Come and grab some Vallejo swag, sign up to receive City communications, and ask Vallejo staff questions!

• APRIL 27, 2024

• MAY 25, 2024

• JUN 29, 2024

• JUL 27, 2024

• AUG 31, 2024

• SEP 28, 2024

• OCT 26, 2024

• NOV 30, 2024

• DEC 28, 2024

Booth CancelledBUT you can find Vallejo staff at Earth Daze AND Dia Del Niño !

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BROWNIE

Pets of the week

BROWNIE

American Pit Bull Terrier, female, adult

Meet Brownie! This 2-year-old brindle beauty is double-fudge chocolate brownie sweet, for sure! Brownie is a medium-energy pup who can ramp up the athleticism for playtime and bring it right back down for cuddle time. She is a smart girl who picks up new tricks quickly. She already knows her "sit" and "down" manners and is eager to learn more. Brownie is a quiet girl who is non-reactive to other dogs on a leash and has had successful play dates with other shelter dogs her size. To set up a meet and greet with this super sweet pup, go to HSNB.org and fill out our dog adoption interest application.

KOVU

KOVU

Blue Heeler/Siberian Husky, male, young

Kovu is a spunky 8-month-old pup who loves everyone he meets! He enjoys playing with toys, snuggling, chasing balls, and going for walks. His leash manners are improving, and he is working on the "sit" command. Kovu is treat-motivated and eager to please. He is looking for a forever family that will continue to work with him on basic skills. He thrives in the company of other dogs and would do well in a home with a canine companion. His energetic personality would make him an ideal jogging or hiking partner! If you think Kovu might be your next best friend, go to HSNB.org and fill out our dog adoption interest application.

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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, APRIL 26

• 2-4:45 PM Makery: Open Use

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

• 12-3 PM Paint and Sip! – Coffee and Tea

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

• 9:30 AM Baby Bounce

• 10:30 AM Family Storytime

• 3-7 PM Makery: Open Use

• 3:30-5 PM Bohart Bugs

• 3:30-5:30 PM Homework Help

• 5:30 PM ESL Conversation Group

• 5:45–7:15 PM Design It! – Troubleshooting Workshop Night

For more information about the JFK Library, Click Here!

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UPCOMING GVRD COMMUNITY EVENTS

MOTHER OF ALL SALES

WHEN: Sunday, April, 28 - 11-3 PM $25, per parking space, $30 for Non registered

WHERE: Childrens Wonderland Parking lot

Find gifts, update your home decorations, or just indulge in a one-of-a-kind item just for you. Join us for our community garage sale and sell any items you would like! Local vendors are welcome.

DOWNLOAD GVRD's ANNUAL REPORT BY CLICKING HERE!

Join in the fun with a variety of events for youth and families brought to you by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD). GVRD is a separate government agency from the City of Vallejo that provides parks and recreation programs for children, families, and seniors in Vallejo. GVRD operates primarily by means of locally controlled funding and receives revenue from fees for services, park entrances, programs, and facility rentals. Grants and park dedication permit fees assist in the provision for new park development projects and ongoing maintenance.

The GVRD Main Office (registrations & reservations) is temporarily relocated to Cunningham Aquatic Complex (801 Heartwood Ave). Open M-F 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. All GVRD Board & Committee Meetings are held at 401 Amador St (administration, finance, & human resources). The playground at Terrace Park will be closed through April for renovations.

View the GVRD Spring 2024 Activity Guide for more programs, events, classes and activities.

To pre-register for events or for more information, visit www.gvrd.org, call (707) 648-4600, or email recreation@gvrd.org.

View these events and more at www.gvrd.org or scan the QR code

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Evento divertido y creativo al aire libre. Unase a nosotros para una feria de recursos, saltadores, premios, juegos, musica y mucha mas diversion.

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Ubacacion: City Park 425 Alabama Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

ABRIL

State Route-37 Solano Pavement Repair Project: 55 hr. Full Highway Closures on State Route-37 between State Route-29 (Vallejo) and State Route-121 (Sonoma)

Weekends of April 26, May 3, & May 10, 2024

SOLANO and SONOMA COUNTIES – Caltrans is scheduled to alternately close eastbound and westbound State Route 37 (SR-37) on four consecutive weekends. Due to weather, the new starting date will be of Friday, April 19, 2024. During the 55-hour weekend full highway closures, Caltrans will perform major pavement repair work on eastbound and westbound SR37 between Solano and Sonoma counties. One traffic direction on SR-37 will be worked on at a time. Detours will be in effect. All work is weather dependent.

WESTBOUND (WB) SR-37 FULL HIGHWAY CLOSURES AT SR-29 (VALLEJO) TO SR-121 (SONOMA) WEEKEND APRIL 26:

Weekend closure on WB SR-37 is scheduled on the weekend of April 26. WB SR-37 will be closed and traffic detoured beginning at the WB SR-37 Connector Off-ramp to SR-29 in Vallejo.

Closures will start Friday, April 26 at 9:00 PM and conclude the following Monday, April 29 at 4:00 AM.

WB SR-37 DETOUR:

Motorists traveling westbound on SR-37 will need to exit right onto northbound SR-29 (Sonoma Blvd) in Vallejo and continue on NB SR-29

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(Broadway) in American Canyon to SR-29/SR12; then turn left and continue on SR-12/SR-121 (Carneros Hwy/Fremont Dr); turn left on SR-121 (Arnold Drive) and make a right back onto WB SR-37.

EASTBOUND SR-37 FULL HIGHWAY CLOSURES AT SR-121 (SONOMA) TO SR-29 (VALLEJO) WEEKENDS OF APRIL 26 AND MAY 3:

Weekend closures on eastbound (EB) SR-37 is scheduled on the weekend of May 3 & May 10. EB SR-37 will be closed and traffic detoured beginning at the NB SR-121 (Sears Point) in Sonoma.

Closures will start Friday May 3 at 9:00 PM. and conclude on the following Monday May 6 at 5:00 AM.

The following weekend, closures will start Friday, May 10 at 9:00 PM and conclude on the following Monday, May 13 at 5:00 AM.

EB SR-37 DETOUR:

Motorists traveling eastbound on SR-37 will need to exit left onto northbound SR-121 in Sonoma; Make a right on SR-12/SR-121(Carneros Hwy) and continue; Right on SR-12/SR-29; Enter left for the connector loop Off-ramp back to EB SR-37.

Please note that all work is weather dependent. The weekend of May 17, 2024 may be scheduled as contingency if any scheduled work is delayed or postponed.

If you have a question or want to share a concern about the project, please call the SR-37 Pave Project Hotline (510) 286-0319.

You can also learn more about the SR-37 Paving Project on our Caltrans Bay Area project webpage at; www.37pave.com

For 24/7 traffic updates, please visit 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay

For real-time information, please visit Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov

Or follow Caltrans on Twitter at: https://twitter. com/CaltransD4

William Butkus

Legislative Affairs Liaison

Caltrans Bay Area (District 4)

Mobile: (510) 715-7247

William.Butkus@dot.ca.gov