Vallejo Weekly | Vol 12 | Issue 5

Vol 12 | Issue 5 | Feb 1, 2024

VA LLEJO W EEK LY

Cover Photo Credit: J. Daughtry

message from mike Hello, Vallejo!

Today kicks off Black History Month and we would like to celebrate our diverse Community by highlighting two of our Water Department Staff members in this issue. I hope you enjoy the articles.

With the stormy weather upon us, it’s important to be prepared with flashlights, batteries, emergency food and supplies, sandbags if needed (see our City’s social media sites for resources) and to stay informed with the latest conditions in the City. A couple weeks ago, a backup generator failed during a power outage at City Hall and caused a small exterior fire-fortunately there were no injuries but we closed City Hall out of an abundance of caution for public and employee safety.

After a thorough cleaning and conducting air testing, the City of Vallejo is pleased to announce it will re-open City Hall to the public on Monday, February 5 at 9 am. Test results show the building is officially safe for re-occupation without any restrictions. Normal City Hall office hours, Monday - Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, will resume on Monday. We’d like to thank the Community for showing patience while Staff worked with a restoration service to ensure City Hall was safe for employees and citizens.

Also, I am pleased to announce our Citizens Academy launch last week was a big success and we have many applicants! We have found many residents who have thoughtful reasons and comments as to why they’d like to learn more about the inner workings of the City of Vallejo. If you haven’t had a chance to apply, please check out the flyer in this Weekly and apply by 2/14/24.

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Respectfully,

2

Mike Malone Vallejo City Manager

Thank you to our PIT Count Volunteers!

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Wednesday morning at 5:30AM, volunteers from around our community met in the Vallejo Room to prepare for the bi-annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count. The nearly 40 volunteers then went out into the streets to engage with the unhoused residing in our community. During their engagement they conducted surveys with the unhoused individuals where they learned more about them and the services that they need. Our volunteers were also provided with basic needs backpacks, provided by Partnership Health, to provide to those they encountered.

3

The PIT Count is an essential element in our effort to end homelessness in Solano County.

This process allows for a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges our unhoused residents face, hear personal experiences from those experiencing homelessness and demonstrate the compassion of the Vallejo community.

This is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandated effort that is conducted biennially and helps the appropriate agencies make funding decisions for vital State and Federal programs, ensuring that support and resources make it to those in need.

The PIT Count data will be reviewed and analyzed over the next few weeks before being submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We look forward to sharing the finalized report with the community once we receive it.

The City would like to extend a heartfelt

THANK YOU

to all of the volunteers who showed up in the early hours of the morning to help with the count!

We can’t do this without YOU and your participation helps change lives!

Val l ej o W ee kl y

The City of Vallejo Celebrates Black History Month

4

"Through courage, perseverance, faith, and resolve against incredible prejudice and hardships, Black Americans have positively influenced, enriched, and advanced every aspect of American life, and the continuing fight for civil rights, equality, and respect motivates every American to strive for a more promising, peaceful, and just future ..."

processes) to a reusable and reclaimed water source which then can be retreated. The byproduct of this process creates a dirt that is recycled in landfills, so nothing is wasted.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND? My professional background began in retail where I worked for companies such as Target, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Whole Foods, primarily doing jobs related to shipping and receiving roles. I then worked for the United States Postal Service in San Jose for 5 years as a carrier and supervisor. And directly before coming to Vallejo, I worked with the Contra Costa Water District as a temporary water quality inspector and lab technician assistant.

Black History Month

Val l ej o W ee kl y

VALLEJO WATER DEPARTMENT STAFF SPOTLIGHT: NATHAN NELSON, WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR TRAINEE II

5

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU LOOK LIKE? A typical day for me consists of doing our routine sampling of the water for lab analysis and verifications on our raw and treated water.

Doing safety checks and inspections on the facility, equipment, and chemicals we use daily.

Learning to operate our Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which helps us control the treatment of the raw water entering the plant with chemical and mechanical applications. It also controls the distribution of that treated water through tanks/ reservoirs, pump stations, and water mains in the community. I also help with the backwashing of filters that clean the water before being distributed to the public. And some days I run the belt press which processes the sludge (a byproduct of the coagulation and sedimentation

WHO, OR WHAT, INSPIRED YOU TO WORK IN PUBLIC SERVICE? I was inspired to work in public service and particularly in water because of my grandfather.

He worked in wastewater down in Riverside and San Bernardino. I also was looking for a career that I felt would help impact my community and future generations in a positive manner, and this career allows me to fulfill that.

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR POSITION WITH THE CITY? What I find most rewarding about my position is the way that it challenges me mentally and allows me to use my training to provide an essential service to the community, and the accountability it provides to make sure that I do my job at a high and efficient level, so everyone stays healthy and safe.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SERVING THE VALLEJO COMMUNITY? What I love about serving the community of Vallejo is that it allows me the hands-on ability to help serve and provide for a community that has a large population of people that looks just like me. Ultimately, I hope I can in some way inspire others to get involved in the community in some capacity so that we can continue to make a positive impact in the areas we live and work in.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AT WORK? I am most proud that my work is essential to the survival of any community because without clean water we can’t survive. And I take pride in providing the highest quality of water for any and everyone who needs it.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT SURPRISED YOU ABOUT YOUR JOB OR THE WATER DEPARTMENT? I was surprised by how large and intricate our water system is for the Vallejo water Department.

And for such a small group how much we accomplish on a daily basis.

WHAT’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN YOUR ROLE? The biggest challenge I have faced in my role is learning multiple sites and multiple treatment plant operation techniques. Each treatment plant has unique processes and procedures which require very close attention to detail. Also, the length of our shifts took some getting used to – especially when working overnight.

WATER OPERATIONS IS A BIG JOB THAT REQUIRES A LOT OF ATTENTION TO DETAIL. WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I enjoy taking time to exercise, hike, do photography (primarily landscape minimalism), and spend time with my family.

Val l ej o W ee kl y

WHAT IMPACT WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE WITH THE WATER DEPARTMENT? I would like to impact the Water Department by creating more awareness and interest for the public on what it is that the Water Department, as a whole, goes through to deliver safe drinking water that is used every day by the public.

6

AS WE HONOR AND CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH, HOW DO YOU FEEL DIVERSITY, OR A LACK THEREOF, HAS SHAPED YOUR CAREER? I do feel there is a lack of diversity in the water treatment operations division, but it motivated me to want to get into the industry and inspire my peers to do the same, so that our public services actually represent the diverse communities that it serves.

our Distribution team for leaks, breaks, and hit hydrants, in which they get repairs handled efficiently – our process and delivery of water to our customers is met without loss in quality.

There is a lot of paperwork and reporting that is handled daily and hourly, as well.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND? Communications, Finance, Management, Entrepreneur.

WHO, OR WHAT, INSPIRED YOU TO WORK IN PUBLIC SERVICE? My brother had told me about the water industry, and it just made sense to me. You can go without power, but you can’t go without water.

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR POSITION WITH THE CITY? The most rewarding part of my position is knowing that I’m providing our community with high quality, safe drinking water, and I take pride in my work.

Black History Month

Val l ej o W ee kl y

VALLEJO WATER DEPARTMENT STAFF SPOTLIGHT: VALENTINO HICKS, WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

7

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU LOOK LIKE? A typical day for me is monitoring our distribution system (tank levels, pumps, and reservoir levels) and monitoring the quality of our raw water sources – those can be Lake Berryessa Water (from the Putah South Canal), or the Delta (from the North Bay Aqueduct), and in some situations both. I monitor our plant process and make changes as needed. I collect samples and run lab tests periodically to ensure our drinking water meets or is above standards in quality before releasing it to the public. I also try to put eyes on every piece of equipment in our plant to make sure they are operating properly. If there are any issues that need to be addressed, my team and I get in touch with our Facilities team and they make magic happen. I also work with

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AT WORK? I’m proud of my journey here at work. I started off as a temp in Distribution, worked in Facilities, and now I’m an Operator-in-Training. It took a lot of work and still requires a lot of work both inside and outside of work.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT SURPRISED YOU ABOUT YOUR JOB OR THE WATER DEPARTMENT? The amount of work that goes into delivering safe drinking water to customers. It’s definitely something that is taken for granted. I used to think you just turn on the water, and there it is.

There’sa whole lot more to it than just that. A lot of people are working around the clock to make sure water is safe when it gets to your house.

WHAT IMPACT WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE WITH THE WATER DEPARTMENT? I hope the impact I make with our Water Department is unity, encouragement, support, love, passion, positive vibes, trust, respect, growth, and kindness.

Water Operations is a big job that requires a lot of attention to detail. What do you do to relax? Golf, time with family, even spending some time with myself.

Val l ej o W ee kl y

AS WE HONOR AND CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH, HOW DO YOU FEEL DIVERSITY, OR A LACK THEREOF, HAS SHAPED YOUR CAREER? It has absolutely shaped my career in moments where there was definitely a lack of and also in times where there was an abundance. It’s a part of my life that you learn to just handle accordingly. I have no control over anyone other than myself. I can’t allow myself to fall victim to another person’s self-hatred or whatever their case may be. What I have control over is putting myself in to a position to where I can’t be told no in the things I pursue.

8

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD ABOUT YOUR JOB, THE WATER DEPARTMENT, OR BLACK HISTORY MONTH? I would like to share lastly, don’t ever allow anyone to stop you in whatever your dreams and goals are. Pursue them to the fullest, get educated, get comfortable with the uncomfortable, there is life outside of our comfort zones. Learn from others no matter what color, race, religion, or background. We all have a story, we all bleed the same, cry the same, experience pain, use the bathroom the same.

We as human beings will always have more in common than what’s different. Stand for morals, standards, principles, and values. Be the change you want to see. Also remember: no matter what you do there will always be someone with something negative to say. Don’t pay any attention to the negativity, just do your best and give it all you got. Don’t be afraid of making a mistake. Mistakes sometimes are the best learning lesson. If you don’t know something, it’s okay to say you don’t know; I guarantee you someone will say, “lets figure it out then.” Lastly, I would like to say: Thank you for the support system that I have here in the Water Department as well as members of the city and community.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SERVING THE VALLEJO COMMUNITY? I was born and raised in Vallejo. I have a sense of ownership here and know the potential this city has in becoming great. To be a part of the positive change is one of the biggest things that I love.

Vallejo Fire Department Promotional Ceremony Following a long break due to the challenges of COVID-19, the Vallejo Fire Department's Promotion Ceremony is back!

This event is a special time to recognize and applaud the career advancement of our valued team members who have moved up in the organization. They've met all the necessary requirements and tackled a tough testing process, showing their dedication and merit in earning these promotions.

Val l ej o W ee kl y

The ceremony held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, recognized the following staff:

9

ENGINEER PROMOTIONS Jesse Wilson Alex Aceves Liam Clauzel Nicholas Pond Ramon Villanueva Gary Antunano Juan Rafael Kyle Potter Kevin Reustle Anthony La Sala

• • • • • • • • • •

CAPTAIN PROMOTIONS • Johnathan Barrett • Aaron Klauber • Kevin Brown • Jason Ward • Patrick Wong • Brandon Whitney • Anthony Capella • Whitey Long • Steven Thompson

BATTALION CHIEFS • James Rustice • Arthur Gonzales

Congratulations to all!

10

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Val l ej o W ee kl y

11

The Vallejo Citizens Academy aims to empower Vallejo residents by offering insights into City government and its operations. You'll be able to explore City Departments and make a meaningful difference in our community.

• • •

WHAT IS CITIZENS ACADEMY? The Vallejo Citizens Academy is an 11-week* interactive educational course aimed at helping Vallejo residents understand more about City government and, specifically, how the City of Vallejo operates. We hope that with this information, individuals feel more empowered to participate in Vallejo through their day-to-day work, in the political landscape, or by spreading information to their neighbors. The Citizens Academy will give residents a deeper dive into all City Departments and provide information that residents may not have realized is part of the City’s operations.

•

City departments that will be included are: • City Manager’s Office and City Clerk’s Office • City Attorney’s Office • Vallejo Fire Department • Vallejo Police Department

•

•

Public Works Department Water Department Planning and Development Services & Economic Development Department Housing and Community Development Department Human Resources Department, Risk Management and Information Technology Department Finance Department

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Vallejo Citizens Academy is an 11-week* interactive educational course beginning on March 6, 2024. Classes will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Vallejo Room, located below the JFK Library. Class size will be limited to 25 participants, and a small fee of $25 will cover the cost of materials and light dinners that will be provided over the 11 weeks.

For more information and to submit your application, MyVallejo.com/CitizensAcademy * The class meets twice a month from March August 2024

Building Inspection Supervisor The Building Inspection Supervisor position CLOSES 2/16/24 - 5:00 PM

SALARY: $100,555.10 - $122,225.17

Val l ej o W ee kl y

BRIEF DESCRIPTION / IDEAL CANDIDATE Successful Building Inspection Supervisor candidates will be innovative and creative problem solvers with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate concisely and effectively with contractors, developers, homeowners, tenants, co-workers, and other City staff members.

12

For the Building Inspection Supervisor position, successful candidates should already be in possession of their ICC C8 certification as a combination inspector (or equivalent) and ICC C5 commercial combination inspector certification (or equivalent) and will be required to maintain their certification while employed with the City.

While not required, CASp certification, and Central Square and/or TRAKiT software experience is highly desirable.

offer those in the industry a chance to bring their knowledge and experience to government and directly impact the local community. You will be part of a team that is the face of the City, conducting inspections while developing and nurturing strong relationships with a diverse group of customers.

To supervise, assign, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for performing technical building inspection and plan check work in enforcing compliance with building codes, regulations and ordinances; to perform inspection tasks for major and complex projects, and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

To read the full job description, review benefits and apply, CLICK HERE.

Executive Secretary (Confidential) CLOSES 2/19/24 - 5:00 PM SALARY: $70,362.03 - $85,525.23

Val l ej o W ee kl y

BRIEF DESCRIPTION / IDEAL CANDIDATE This recruitment is being conducted to fill one full-time vacancy with the Finance Department.

The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, and temporary vacancies for up to one years.

13

The ideal Executive Secretary (Confidential) candidate will possess at least three years of increasingly responsible secretarial experience, can manage multiple projects and tasks on tight timeframes, and coordinate schedules with discretion. They take initiative and have the ability to handle complex and highly sensitive matters with tact and diplomacy, and is able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-

paced setting. The successful candidate will be detailed-oriented, highly organized, a creative thinker and problem solver, and demonstrates exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

To read the full job description, review benefits and apply, CLICK HERE.

PLANNING MANAGER CLOSES 2/9/24 - 5:00 PM SALARY: $130,696.59 - $158,862.91

Val l ej o W ee kl y

BRIEF DESCRIPTION / IDEAL CANDIDATE The successful planning manager candidate will have extensive experience working with the public, project management skills, including current development, long-range planning, special studies, zoning, and general plan updates. They will be a hands-on team player eager to assist applicants in meeting the requirements. They will be an innovative and creative problem solver with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate concisely and effectively, including public speaking and presentation skills.

14

To direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the programs and activities of the Planning Division within the Development Services Depart­ment; to coordinate assigned activities with other City

departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Planning and Development Services Director.

The Planning Manager is distinguished from the next lower level classification of Principal Planner in that the latter is a supervisory class over a planning work unit or section while the former is a division head that has a broader responsibility in the administration of a formal division of the department and assists in the administrative duties of the department head.

To read the full job description, review benefits and apply, CLICK HERE.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 2024 Veteran Home Rehab • One or more household members must qualify Applications Deadline - 3/31/24 as Military (Active, honorably discharged, Rebuilding Together Solano County provides our home rehabilitation services to veteran and surviving spouses of veterans, seniors and disabled homeowners residing in Solano County, CA.

•

Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy living environment for low-income veteran homeowners and community facilities. Our services are provided free to qualified and selected homeowners.

•

Do you know of someone or do you qualify yourself for our home rehabilitation program?

HOW TO APPLY: Complete 2024 Veteran / Military Homeowner Application (from RTSC website) NO LATER THAN 03/31/2024

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Mail the completed Application and all supporting documentation to: RTSC, PO Box 5996, Vallejo, CA 94591.

15

Contact Rebuilding Together at: Ehoffman.rtsc@ gmail.com if you have additional questions or need an application mailed to you.

Note: For 2024, RTSC's funding is restricted to serve veterans, surviving spouses of veterans and active military.

•

•

retired or a surviving spouse of military) Own and live in a single family residence located within Solano County. Home to be stick-built; The following items must be paid current: 1) Mortgage(s) 2) Property Taxes 3) Homeowner’s Insurance; Potential homeowners cannot own other property or units unless located on the property of the primary residence; Household Income must fall below the lowincome guidelines for Solano County (less than 80% of Area Median Income for 2023-2024)

1 Person

2 Person

3 Person

4 Person

5 Person

6 Person

$64,050

$73,200

$82,350

$91, 50 0

$98,850

$106,150

donations of construction materials (i.e. painting supplies, electrical, plumbing, yard tools) or household furniture in good condition.

In-Kind Services – RTSC encourages in-kind construction / home services (i.e. plumbing, electrical, landscaping, pest, etc.) as well as other services including printing, t-shirts, hauling, etc.

We are counting on you to join with Rebuilding Together Solano County to make a difference in our community!

For further details, visit - www.

RebuildingTogetherSolanoCounty.org

G E T C O N N E C T E D VA L L E J O

Val l ej o W ee kl y

16

FACEBOOK | (Set us to your favorites so you never miss a post!)

• The City of Vallejo • Vallejo Police Department • Vallejo Fire Department • Vallejo Water Department • VIP Fiber INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/cityofvallejo VALLEJO WEEKLY | vallejoweekly.com Read our free, digital, weekly newsletter and stay in the know!

SUBSCRIBE | cityofvallejo.net/subscribe Get our weekly newsletter, city council agendas, important updates and information, press releases and more delivered right to your inbox.

EMERGENCY ALERTS | alertsolano.com Get real-time alerts about missing persons, severe weather, evacuations, and more.

MYVALLEJO | myvallejo.com Stay up to date on current projects, provide feedback, and more.

17

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Pet of the week

18

more good-hearted kitty mischief? Possibly!

Will all be forgiven with a few loving snuggles NONO and nose boops? Absolutely. No No enjoys the DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR, MALE, YOUNG company of other cats and would do great in a house with other feline friends. If you are ready Introducing No No! This 5-month-old Orange to say YES to No No, please visit HSNB.org and fill Tabby cutie is looking for his forever home. No No out a cat adoption interest application. is a positively wonderful kitty! He seeks a home where he can play, nap, get into a bit of mischief, and then nap some more. Will he get into a little

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Pet of the week

19

BRUCE American Bulldog, male, adult This handsome guy is Bruce! He is a 4-year-old gray and white American Bulldog mix. Don't let his 60+ pound size or his serious-looking mug fool you. Bruce is a sweet, happy, gentle boy who

LOVES to give and get affection! Bruce is a bit shy at first but warms up quickly. He would do best in a calm home with older children or no children as he doesn't like a lot of noise and raucousness.

In return, he will be the most loving and loyal companion ever! To set up a meet and greet with Bruce, go to HSNB.org and fill out a dog adoption interest application.

UPCOMING GVRD COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District Presents: BLACK HISTORY MONTH "HOMECOMING" BLOCK PARTY! Saturday, February 24th - 12-5 PM FREE EVENT! Children's Wonderland Park Join us in the celebration of Black History Month.

Enjoy entertainment, food, vendors, and more!

Join in the fun with a variety of other events for youth and families brought to you by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD).

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., Sat 9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. All GVRD Board & Committee Meetings are held at 401 Amador St (administration, finance, & human resources).

ValVal l e jol e We eklekl y y jo We

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

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

20 20

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

Vallejo Business Highlight: The Grind Cafe

Val l ej o W ee kl y

With countless coffee options around the world, Vallejo boasts one of the absolute best: The Grind Café. Nestled at 402 Tuolumne St., this familyowned business serves up artisan coffee and delectable made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, seven days a week.

21

On a recent bone-chilling morning, I agonized over my breakfast sandwich choice. Then, inspiration struck: it's restaurant week – two sandwiches for the price of one! Seizing the opportunity, I opted for the Pesto Bagel Sandwich and the Toasted Tomato Provolone Croissant. As I write this, I wistfully remember the warmth of the Cheddar Bagel embracing the creamy pesto sauce and shredded Parmesan.

Sure, you could add bacon, but trust me, this bagel didn't need it. Don't get me wrong, bacon can enhance anything, but the pesto's creamy perfection elevates everything it touches.

The second masterpiece? Fresh tomatoes, toasted provolone cheese, and spinach nestled within a garlic butter croissant. Stop reading and repeat after me: garlic. butter. croissant.

Just when I thought my morning couldn't get better, I bit into this veggie-filled marvel, and angels seemed to sing. The Grind Café is a slice of heaven on earth, and I haven't even reached the coffee!

Usually, I reserve sweet coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up, but this rainy day demanded an exception. My Caramel Cream Brulee lived up to every expectation: creamy, sweet, phenomenal, and half the price of chain stores. Yes, half! 50% less for double the flavor, exceptional service, and a posh setting that radiates good vibes.

The Grind Café is a Vallejo gem. Don't sleep on it! Well, okay, sleep is necessary. But when you awake, make The Grind Café your first stop.

Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 7am-6pm Website: www.yourgrindcafe707.com Instagram: @thegrindcafe707

the insights of talented individuals. Don't miss Exploring Vallejo's Rich this chance to connect with our community and celebrate the diverse tapestry of Vallejo.

Character and Culture: A Conversation at Vallejo Naval For more information, please contact a Adjoa McDonald, at adjoa@vallejoproject.org. and Historical Museum

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Join Vallejo Project on February 3rd, from 10 am to 11 am, at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, located at 734 Marin Street, for an engaging exploration of Vallejo's character and culture. This event will center around the captivating images showcased in their 2024 calendar, serving as inspiration for a thoughtprovoking conversation.

22

ABOUT VALLEJO PROJECT: Vallejo Project was founded by Adjoa McDonald in 2020 to provide youth with valuable internships and mentorships. Vallejo Project is a community 501c3 non-profit in Vallejo, California. This team of community leaders collectively has over 150 years of youth development expertise, which is utilized toward the goal to improve quality of life outcomes by connecting transitional age youth with multi-generational enrichment.

Committed to fostering community spirit, Vallejo Project organizes events and activities that bring residents together and create lasting relationships. For more information visit vallejoproject.org

Vallejo Project is delighted to announce the participation of local youth artist, Orobosa Olotu, whose unique perspective promises to add vibrancy to our discussion. Furthermore, they extend their gratitude to Matt Thompson, the esteemed New York Times editor, for his invaluable investment of time and talent. Mr. EVENT DETAILS Thompson played a pivotal role in the production of the calendar, contributing his editorial WHEN: February 3rd - 10 am to 11 am expertise.

This event is a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of Vallejo's identity, guided by the visual narrative of our calendar and enriched by

WHERE: Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, 734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Chamber Dinner

23

With a mix of long gowns, tuxedos sand sparkling attire, a jubilant crowd gathered at the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce 149th Installation Dinner at the Veteran’s Memorial Building. Many special presentations and awards took place last Friday, including the Installation of 2024 Officers and Directors. Guests delighted in savory dinners with catering by Manny’s Steakhouse.

Vallejo Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer, Shawna Gilroy, and Chair 2024 Peppino Messina, among other speakers, kept the audience entertained with humor and history of what makes Vallejo a special place to work and live!

creation judged and a winner will be revealed each week. The team with the most wins by the end of the season will be deemed the regular season champion. The season will conclude with The Coach Sarna STEM League Championship sponsored by Phillips 66.

Last Week To Sign Up For The LEGO STEM League Thursday, February 8th, 2024, is the last day to register your child ( 5th grade-9th grade) for The Coach Sarna League’s STEM League. The Coach Sarna STEM League uses their sports league structure and LEGO bricks to create a competitive STEM Engineering League for 5th grade and up.

Val l ej o W ee kl y

Participants will be on teams of four to five builders who are within their age group to compete in a 7-week season. Builders will work together to create the most original, creative, and structurally sound LEGO build while following the parameters and inspiration given to them each week (inspired from the TV show LEGO Master Builder).

24

The weekly Saturday competitions begin with a short instructional video and demonstration that will teach students a new technique they will need to use in their build (i.e. how to build a sphere or a cornerstone, etc.). Participants will then be exposed to the theme of the week, which they will need to base their LEGO build off of. They will have three hours to work as a team in their designated stations, using the LEGO bricks provided at their tables to make the best build in the room. At the end of the allotted time, participants will have their

Just like their NFL Flag Football League, their promise is that every builder who wants to build, will indeed build regardless of their financial circumstances. This means anyone who needs a scholarship will receive one. Scholarship recipients can help by volunteering. This could mean serving at one of our professional fundraising days at LEVI's stadium on a Saturday or Sunday with the league, being a judge for the weekly competitions, or setting-up and tearing down during the season.

All builders will receive a STEM League T-Shirt on Opening Day (mandatory to wear the T-Shirt for all Saturday competitions). The Coach Sarna League will attempt to accept as many buddy requests as possible. Sign up today!

Registration closes: 2/08/2024 at 09:00 PM Season Dates: Saturday, 2/10/2024 to Saturday, 3/23/2024 Competition location: Northgate Church in Benicia 2201 Lake Hermon Road, Benicia, CA, 94510 Time of competitions: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

All builders must be picked up from the facility by no later than 12:30. Families are welcome to stay and watch but may not help the builders in any way.

Ages: 5th grade through 9th grade only Price for the season: $125.00 (includes a shirt) Please reach out to Coach Sarna at 707-316-3029 for scholarship questions and needs.

CONTACT 555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA 94590 Facebook.com/cityofvallejo Instagram.com/cityofvallejo cityofvallejo.net For maintenance emergencies, please call: (707) 648-5235