CANDY
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FAIRFIELD FUNERAL HOME
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1750 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
F AIRFIEL D, CA 94533
707-425-1041
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Comp are and Save – More Ser vice, Less Cost
Fairfield Funeral Home is committed to o ering our families the highest quality ser vice at the lowest possible cost for traditional funerals, packaged funerals, rental casket funerals and cremations.
• Courteous sta available twenty-four seven
• Over half a century of service with thousands of satisfied customers
• Three year interest-free before need planning for all budgets
• Guaranteed prices
• Cremation Services
• Private boat char ters
• Price quote by phone
We are the largest provider of quality services in Solano County—There must be a reason! Call our experienced sta for quotes.
• More services for a lower total cost
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More civic awards, community improvement awards and ethnic service awards than any other funeral home owner in the U.S.A.
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James Holland is the owner of Liled’s Candy Kitchen in Vallejo.
JAMES HOLLAND LIVES THE SWEET LIFE AT LILED’S CANDY KITCHEN
Life is sweet at Liled’s Candy Kitchen. It will get sweeter in the fall as the business celebrates its 90th anniversary. James Holland purchased the business in 2021. Born and raised in San Jose, he made trips to Kendon Candies Inc. in that town.
“That’s really where the spark started,” Holland said. “Looking back, I can honestly say my first ‘business’ was selling candy. I’d buy it from Kendon’s and resell it to friends and family, not realizing at the time where that
Three decades later, he’s creating and selling
In late 2020, Holland discovered freezedried candy, which he brought to a family dinner. Their reaction prompted him to explore the idea of making it. Within a year, he was preparing to launch a freeze-dried candy
Since he was the first to request a permit for that process, things moved slowly. Holland began looking for a commercial space and found Liled’s. He submitted an inquiry online and visited the store for the first time.
“I was immediately drawn in. From the moment I sampled the mint fluff and pecan roll, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” he said.
“Within two weeks, I was under contract, and within a month, I became the owner.
“I still remember sitting at my kitchen table each night reviewing documents while working my way through all the treats I had picked up
STORY BY AMY MAGINNIS-HONEY • P HOTOS BY AARON ROSENBLATT
Caramel apples are a favorite at Liled’s Candy Kitchen in Vallejo.
during that first visit.”
His favorite treat at Liled’s? The Strawberry Cheesecake Meltaway inspired by the mint fluff already being sold. It was a finalist for the Grand Confection Award at the 2025 Retail Confectioners International Candy Conference.
Customers at the Vallejo shop, located at 1318 Tennessee St., opt for the plain caramel apple to caramel clinging to nuts and chocolate.
“They’re a nostalgic go-to. Cordial cherries are another standout, made with Maraschino cherries, fondant and chocolate, then rested until the center turns into a sweet syrup.”
Those looking for a new treat can indulge in Dubai chocolate. Holland was a little hesitant to add it to the lineup. Customer requests changed his mind.
He began making his own pistachio cream. The first batch was good. Holland continued to refine it.
Liled’s roasts the pistachios and grind them into a smooth, sweet drizzle for the Dubai chocolate bars and strawberry cups. Paired with fresh strawberries, chocolate ganache, the pistachio cream and crispy kataifi, it’s become a real standout, he said.
“It’s rich, layered and something a little different. The popularity has grown quickly and has helped us connect with both new customers and familiar faces coming back to try something new.”
Customers walk in the door happy.
“Our customers make it easy to love what we do. How could we not? We know life changes over time, but certain places and flavors have a way of bringing people back,” Holland said.
“That’s what we aim to be. A place where you can slow down, enjoy something sweet, and reconnect with those simple, familiar moments. We keep that feeling alive by creating a welcoming space where everyone feels seen and appreciated.”
There are times when Holland feels like
the scene from “I Love Lucy,” in which she and Ethel went to work in a candy factory.
“But more often I find myself in a rhythm, listening to good music while making a pot of fudge or caramel, or getting lost in the motions of hand-dipping chocolates,” he said.
Holland attributes Liled’s longevity to staying rooted in the simple tradition of a place people can count on.
“While so much changes over time, we’ve stayed rooted in the simple idea of offering a place where people can slow down and enjoy something sweet. It’s about consistency, care and connection,” he said.
“Generations of customers have walked through our doors for celebrations, tradi tions and everyday moments, and we’ve always tried to meet them with the same warmth and quality. Those memories and experiences build over time, and that’s what keeps people coming back.”
Liled’s has a staff of five and was a shooting location for a Willy Wonka-theme video shoot. Watching the Bliss Dance Company, led by Fatena “Fae” Salfiti, bring their vision to life was incredible, Holland shared.
They came in with so much excitement and completely transformed the shop into a scene inspired by “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” from Oompa Loompas to Charlie.
“The energy, creativity and attention to
Zion White mixes caramel at Liled’s Candy Kitchen in Vallejo. A variety of chocolates are on display at Liled’s.
detail made it really special. It was one of those moments where the shop became more than just a place to buy candy. It turned into an experience, and we were grateful to be a part of it,” he said.
Holland has worked since he was in high school with jobs in a pizza restaurant, a smoothie shop, selling women’s clothing and time in big box retail. For the past 18 years, he’s worked in the railroad industry, which “has been a big part of my professional life. Each of those experiences, in different ways, has helped prepare me for what I do today,” he said.
He took over Liled’s at the end of the pandemic. One of the first steps was to create an online presence to be prepared for anything.
“It took some time for customers to return, but I stayed consistent, focused on learning the business, and made sure we were ready to adapt. That steady approach helped us get through that period and build momentum moving forward,” he said.
There have been some changes at Liled’s since. Ice cream offerings were expanded from 12 rotating flavors to 24, along with six to eight soft serve options.
Based on customer feedback, the hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. were important.
The business partners with local creameries to offer highquality ice cream with a mix of classic and unique flavors. Flavors are rotated so there’s always something new to try.
Liled’s continues to carry a good selection of sugar free candy
and soft serve. Holland’s favorites include sugar free peanut brittle, sugar free salt water taffy and sugar free peanut butter cups.
Holland has more plans for Liled’s. “With access to the original recipes, there’s a real opportunity to bring some longtime favorites back from the ‘vault’ and reintroduce them to a new generation,” he shared.
“At the same time, we enjoy exploring new ideas and trends, finding ways to keep things fresh while staying true to who we are. There’s always something being tested, something in the works, and a few surprises still taking shape. And with our 90th anniversary coming up this year, there’s even more to look forward to.”
For more information, visit https://liledscandykitchen.com.
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FAMILY, FAITH, FOOD INSPIRED FATSOZ KITCHEN
Choosing a name for his new eatery was the biggest challenge for Michael Ambeau. So he reached out to his best friend who quickly offered three ideas.
The one that stuck out the most: Fatsoz.
“There wasn’t any other place named Fatsoz, it was catchy and it was my goal to fatten everyone up with my family’s recipes,” Ambeau said.
Growing up, Ambeau’s family owned and ran restaurants and catering businesses. Ambeau helped out, avoiding the responsibility of ownership. One day he woke up and decided he was tired of working for someone else.
“I decided to step out on faith and use my love for cooking to share with the community,” he shared.
Located in the Suisun Marina Center, Fatsoz offers both a
STORY BY AMY MAGINNIS-HONEY • P HOTOS BY AARON ROSENBLATT
Michael Ambeau II is the owner of Fatsoz Kitchen in Suisun City.
catering and counter menu.
“We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options on the catering menu and the items are vastly expanded to fit any occasion and accommodate any food preferences,” he shared. “For catering we offer anywhere from just dropping off the food to full-service catering where we are professionally serving and setting up and breaking down.”
The majority of the business is counter service. Monthly catering orders come from online orders and surrounding businesses.
“There is a lot more catering done during the holidays,” he said.
The fried turkey is very popular at Thanksgiving, and Fatsoz offers specials on Christmas trays.
Customers have a clear favorite – oxtails with rice and
gravy and a choice of two sides and choice of bread.
“There are not many restaurants in the area that serve smothered oxtails five days a week,” Ambeau said. “We are also known for our famous kool-aid and flavored lemonades that are to die for.”
The recipe was given to him by his father, who owned two restaurants – M&L Soul Food and Michael’s Southern Delights. That’s where Ambeau mastered the skills to cook and serve the highly requested oxtails.
“I make fresh oxtails daily and people come from different cities to try them out,” he said.
Ambeau said they are his favorite, too, served with macaroni and cheese.
“I do a lot of experimenting with them and have come up with some popular menu items like
Ambeau prepares oxtails at Fatsoz Kitchen in Suisun City. Oxtails with rice and gravy are a clear favorite with customers.
oxtail grilled cheese, oxtail loaded fries and oxtail egg rolls, which I put as a special from time to time,” he said.
He credits his sister, Star (@rawstarz_ on), for the business’s social media content. The website says, “If It Ain’t Fried, It’s Smothered!”
Fatsoz roots may be sowed in divine intervention. Ambeau is a member, and server, at The Building Christian Fellowship in the Marina Center.
One day after church, he noticed a for lease sign in one of the windows, called the number, and explained what he was hoping to achieve in the establishment.
“He (the owner) loved the idea and I loved that it was close to home and church where I can also serve my community,” Ambeau said.
Michael
Ambeau was born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland prior to moving to Fairfield as he started high school. He now lives in Vacaville with his wife and three children, Kierra, Makayla and Kanani, who often help out at Fatsoz.
Family has always played a key role.
“At a young age of 9, my grandmother started me off in the kitchen peeling yams, cutting onions and watching her do ‘a pinch of this,’ ‘a cup of that,’” Ambeau said. “Then I graduated to cutting meats, like whole chickens, prepping and seasoning dishes (better than the adults).
“As I got older, I began working in my father’s restaurants
being held responsible for cooking and helping out with catering. I was never actually taught how to make dishes it was more so told to ‘do this’ and ‘add that’ and ‘taste it to make sure it’s good.’”
His father showed him how to fine tune flavors and cook in large quantities. And he was always, and still remains, there to help and support him.
“Now that I have my own restaurant, I’ve added my own
twist to the flavors and menu items hoping to combine past favorites and start new ones,” he said.
Fatsoz employs seven and is in the process of hiring more.
It’s just the beginning for Ambeau.
“My hopes are to continue growing and potentially expanding into different cities,” he said. “My goal is to keep giving people real southern soul food that makes them feel they’re at their granny’s house for Sunday dinner.”
For more information, visit https://fatsozkitchen.com.
Turkey wings fresh from the oven at Fatsoz Kitchen in Suisun City.
» Biz COMMUNITY
COOL DAWGS: WHERE NEW JERSEY MEETS PUPSICLES, PERSONALIZED CANINE TREATS
AMY MAGINNIS-HONEY
An homage to New Jersey and a fun job for a loving mother are two of the motives Ashley Forder found to launch Cool Dawgs, which is slated to open in June.
“It’s just me,” Forder said, as the sole proprietor.
“Although the biggest motivation for opening this shop is my mom. My goal is to retire her from the grind and have her run this with me, in a space that’s fun, creative and full of life.”
Her mom raised Forder and her brother by herself while working hard. Forder wants to give something back.
dog tags.
“I made a bunch myself and did the Vacaville farmers market one Saturday,” she said. “The response was really positive and I sold a lot more than I thought I would, and thought, ‘here’s my niche, let me build a brand and maybe open a storefront.’”
Forder loves to hear customers laugh at the charms, grab a friend, show them one and say, ‘This one is totally my dog.’
“She deserves to enjoy this chapter, not just work through it,” Forder shared.
When it came to choosing a name, Forder thought of ice pops for pups.
“Thats where cool came from. Dawg is my ode to New Jersey where I am from,” she said. “I don’t have a thick New Jersey accent, but sometimes it comes out so I thought it would be a fun way to pay tribute to my roots.”
Forder has always dreamed of opening a brick and mortar where she could unite her passion and love for dogs, baking, creating, design and community. This
space allows her to do all of that and more.
Main Street traffic in downtown Vacaville will notice the black and white checkerboard design. Forder designed a checkered collar for her dog and decided to incorporate the pattern into the shop.
“To me it’s a classic pattern that’s universal. It’s been fun finding ways to incorporate it in my branding,” she said.
Cool Dawgs stocks some fun dog collar charms that are risque. Forder made one when she made a “slightly inappropriate dog collar for her lab Molly.
A friend saw it and wanted to know where Forder found it. That prompted her to think of some other funny, clever, and slightly inappropriate sayings to go on
She began looking at locations in downtown Vacaville as she wanted the shop to be in an area with a large sense of community. There was another place in downtown Vacaville on Main Street, but it fell through. Forder “stumbled” upon the location, learned the history, saw the vault, and fell in love with it.
The venue is also home to a barkery whose offerings include making custom treats to the breed and a personalized birthday box. “It’s always a bit more special when something is personalized,” she shared.
Forder began calling Solano County home about four years ago. She worked for Porsche for 10 years and has been on the marketing side for the automotive industry for 15 years.
COURTESY PHOTO
Ashley Forder with her dogs, Molly, below, and Chica.
» Biz COMMUNITY
NEW VACAVILLE BREWERY BORN OUT OF PASSION TO MAKE BEER
Mathew Woolums was in his element on a spring Wednesday afternoon, pulling taps and serving his own crafted beer to eager customers.
One glass, then another, then another ...
STORY BY TODD R. HANSEN
The Blue Lagoon Brewing Co. taproom was filled with laughter, the pints offering different shades, smells and tastes of the 11 beers he was offering that day.
There are 10 regular offerings poured from the 15 taps, with one seasonal craft and four that rotate every month or so. The most popular have been tough to keep available, Woolums said.
As it turns out, some of those most popular beers were created with a bit of luck. Woolums said you cannot be afraid of making mistakes when trying to find the right combination of ingredients.
“Because most of the time, when you make mistakes, you get a pleasant surprise,” Woolums said.
Take for example, the Iggy Squiggy, a combination of blueberry, vanilla and wheat ale, or the Hazy IPA, another fruitinfused offering. But there are others that emphasize the harder
bite of hops.
Woolums actually grows his own hops – two varieties – at home and at the brewery. The more he can grow, the more beer he can make.
His head brewer is Todd Troy – régisseur of seven fermenters – making 1,400 to 1,500 gallons of beer each month.
Many of the men and women sitting at the bar, and around the tables of the Blue Lagoon, nestled in a small strip mall at 211 Peabody Road, are also members of a home brewing club that helped Woolums get his dream on solid footing. Their advice and support, he said, proved to be invaluable –and none more so than the
PHOTOS BY AARON ROSENBLATT
Owner Matt Woolums stands next to fermentation tanks at Blue Lagoon Brewing Co. in Vacaville.
wisdom offered by another commercial craft brewer, Jason Ledford, owner of True Symmetry in Suisun City.
Woolums came to Vacaville in 1986. He is a 2004 graduate of Winters High School. He has two children: a son who is 5, and a daughter who is 7.
He opened Blue Lagoon on Jan. 15.
By the time he turned 30, the focus had changed. It was no longer about partying, but rather making beer.
“Then I got together with two friends of mine and started brewing like crazy,” he said.
Woolums spreads the word about his place at beer festivals and other events.
He gets a fair amount of foot traffic from a nearby oil change shop, and has regulars from Costco and PG&E. Residential neighbors have taken to walking or riding their bikes to the brewery.
In time, Woolums looks to expand his footprint another 3,000 square feet, carving into the space next to his and opening
a kitchen so he can offer pizza and other food, as well as have even more space for music and activities he offers already.
It won’t be a waterslide amusement park – where Woolums had hoped to locate at the site of the former Blue Lagoon Waterside park – but it will be filling in the vision he has for his brewery.
“When I was a teenager, I was probably as interested in beer as any teenager,” Woolums said.
He recently returned from the Capital Brew Fest in Sacramento, where he took a fair amount of ribbing for bringing 450 liters of beer with him. That’s a lot, his competitors said.
Blue Lagoon poured 1,400 4-ounce cups in about four hours.
And while he plans to go to as many festivals as he can manage, his vision also includes starting one in Vacaville.
Head Brewer Troy Todd stands next to fermentation tanks at Blue Lagoon Brewing Co. in Vacaville.
STUDENTS LEARNING FINANCIAL LITERACY THROUGH TRAVIS CREDIT UNION PROGRAM
TODD R. HANSEN
Manny Chizer is studying Business Administration and Philosophy at Cal.
The 2025 Armijo High graduate said the pairing actually works better than it might seem given his aspirations for a career somewhere in the financial world.
He said philosophy teaches him how to form arguments, develop perspectives and better understand why people do certain things, insights that can help him make business decisions.
Chizer just isn’t completely sure in what field those decisions
will be made.
“My career goals at the moment are still a little undefined,” Chizer said. “In five years, I want to live in an urban area like San Francisco.”
Eventually, however, he wants to retire back to Fairfield.
What he focuses on mostly, as a freshman in college, is a balance between his studies and enjoying the experience.
Chizer is also working on building personal wealth. By investing $150 a month in a simple portfolio, a challenge to be sure, by the time he is 65 he will have amassed nearly $3 million.
That is a goal he began to develop when he got involved with the Generational Wealth program at Travis Credit Union, under the tutelage of Steward Pimienta, senior community engagement officer the past five years.
Armijo High did not yet have the program like other schools, so Chizer actually attended a public session.
“I thought it would be like an entire day,” said Chizer, who found out it was a 2.5-hour program. “What I really liked about Generational Wealth ... it was very interactive.”
Students at Vacaville Christian High School participate in a financial literacy course through Travis Credit Union. COURTESY PHOTO
He would later help form a club and then a pilot program at Armijo. He is using the $2,000 scholarship he was awarded through the program to begin his investments. Twenty are given out each year.
Pimienta said the financial literacy program, born out of Mad City Money, is designed to give participants a make-believe life with a job, family and debt. They learn quickly how to navigate the options on how to stabilize and grow their wealth.
problems and medical expenses, to provide a little more reality.
Chizer said he had no idea what an impact those “surprises” can have on a family’s financial situation.
High alum.
One of the first questions he asks the students is what wealth means to them. He said there is a surprisingly varied response, and they all come from their own personal experiences.
“From time to time, there are some that do surprise me,” Pimienta said.
“This generation is very optimistic, and they have a lot of tools,” he said.
Pimienta said it goes way beyond how to spend or save money, the day-to-day budgeting of finances and other practical management needs. He said the program really is about learning how to generate personal wealth.
Of course, the program tosses in a few surprises, like car
Pimienta said Travis Credit Union has brought the program to 35 high schools and middle schools and involves about 7,000 students each year.
“And that number is steadily growing each year,” said Pimienta, adding that the course was revamped in 2024 and is more intuitive and evolving.
He is a 2014 Vanden
Once the session is over, the students do have access to Knowledge Space so they can continue to learn and apply what they learn.
So far, only about 10% to 15% take advantage of that opportunity, Pimienta said, but like the interest in the program, more and more students are taking advantage of that opportunity, too.
COURTESY PHOTO
VALLEJO WELCOMES 278TH SKY ZONE
DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF
Ultimate dodgeball, a log roll and a Ninja warrior course are just a few of the offerings at the new 41,000-squarefoot Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Vallejo.
“Sky Zone was created to reimagine active entertainment by turning everyday movement into something fun, social and accessible for all ages. The impetus for opening Sky Zone was to build a place where families, friends and communities could come together to play, celebrate and stay active in a high-energy environment,” said Brian DeCato, regional vice president of Sky Zone.
The Vallejo site is one of several in Northern California. Other locations are in Vacaville, Brentwood, Sacramento and San Carlos, to name a few.
“This expansion reflects
that continued momentum and our deep roots in the state,” DeCato said.
Sky Zone makes active play accessible to everyone, offering special time for home school youth and sensory play.
Specific programs and offers are tailored park-by-park to best serve the local neighbors, with the goal to always to be an inclusive, high-energy space where every family feels welcome to come jump, socialize and have fun.
Trampolines are continuing to be one the most popular activities.
“At Vallejo, we’re also excited to feature two Air Courts, which have become extremely popular across our parks,” DeCato said.
The decision to open in Vallejo was because it stood out as a community-oriented city with a growing population of young families, DeCato said.
Sky Zone’s first location
opened in Las Vegas in 2004.
All guests are required to sign a waiver prior to participation. Guests ages 13 or younger need a parent or legal guardian to complete the waiver and provide supervision while in the park.
All guests must wear Sky Zone grip socks at all times, follow posted attraction rules and listen to team members to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone. Sky Zone team members are always available to answer any questions a guest may have.
The Vallejo staff has already enjoyed some friendly games of Dodgeball.
“Sky Zone is thrilled to join the Vallejo community and welcome local families to come and experience some serious fun,” DeCato said.
For more information, visit www.skyzone.com/vallejo-ca/ attractions.
Boulder Balls, above, and the Drop Zone are two activities offered by Sky Zone in Vallejo. COURTESY PHOTOS
GIVE A LITTLE TIME, CHANGE A LOT VOLUNTEER WITH MEALS ON WHEELS SOLANO COUNTY
MEALS ON WHEELS
When we think about helping others, grand gestures often come to mind. Yet sometimes, the most meaningful difference is made in just one heartfelt knock at someone’s front door. At Meals on Wheels Solano County, our volunteers are doing just that – delivering nourishment, dignity, and a friendly face to homebound seniors across our community.
WHY YOUR TIME MATTERS
Beyond nutrition: More than just meals, your presence conveys compassion and human connection. Many clients eagerly await their delivery not just for the food, but for the chance to see someone caring about them.
Flexible roles: Whether you prefer active work or behind-the-scenes support, there’s a volunteer role that fits your strengths and schedule. Options include the warmth of meal delivery, the precision of meal packing, the support of office assistance, and the energy of fundraising and event help. mealsonwheelssolano.org
Meaningful impact: Every hour you invest nurtures independence, combats isolation, and strengthens our local safety net.
VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION
Imagine: you sign up for a weekly delivery route. You step into a quiet neighborhood, knock on a client’s door, hand them a nutritious meal, and share a brief greeting. That brief exchange
A volunteer prepares meals, which are to be frozen and distributed
may brighten their entire day. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, another volunteer is organizing bags for the next day, ensuring every client gets the regular, nourishing food they deserve.
Behind the scenes, in the office, volunteers help with administrative tasks, data entry, or calls that keep the program running efficiently. Others bring their energy to fundraising events, spreading awareness and support for this vital service.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
It doesn’t take long to make a difference. Volunteers of all backgrounds and ages are welcome. mealsonwheelssolano.org/volunteer You choose what role suits you best and how
much time you can give.
• Deliver Meals: Bring nutritious meals and compassion to seniors’ doorsteps
• Pack Meals & Produce: Help prepare shelf-stable and fresh produce bags
• Office Assistance: Support administrative and operational work
• Events & Fundraising: Assist with community outreach, events, and campaign efforts
Ready to step in? Apply today and join a community of caring volunteers who show up – sometimes with a meal, always with heart. Your dedication can change lives and uplift the spirits of those who need it most.
Visit mealsonwheelssolano.org/ volunteer to learn more and sign up.
DAILY REPUBLIC FILE
to seniors, at the Meals on Wheels office.
MAY IS BIKE MONTH!
Join Solano Transportation Authority’s (STA) Solano Mobility in celebrating biking throughout the month of May. Whether you are running errands, visiting friends, or commuting to work, we encourage you to ride your bike wherever you need to go!
In 1994, the Bay Area cele brated the first Bike to Work Day with the Metropolitan Transpor tation Commission (MTC) leading the nine Bay Area counties. After the pandemic, Bike Month’s focus on bike commuting became more inclusive, expanding to Bike to Wherever Days in recognition of all reasons to ride.
EVENTS AND RESOURCES
• STA’s Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program will host five community bike fairs across the county in Vallejo, Dixon, Fairfield, Benicia, and Vacaville, beginning in April. These events are open to all ages and offer no-cost bike repair, bicycle and pedestrian safety training, helmet fitting and decorating, and more. For event details and updates, please visit SolanoSR2S.ca.gov.
To celebrate cycling, Solano Mobility and STA’s Safe Routes to School will host several community fairs, and bike challenges, highlighted by two special days: Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 6th and Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 14th.
Last year, over 300 Solano County cyclists participated in the Annual Bike to Work Day with support from enthusiastic volunteers at 11 Energizer Stations. This year marks the 32nd Annual Bike to Work Day. Join the celebration as we continue to grow this sustainable mode of transportation.
HOW CAN YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR EMPLOYEES TO JOIN THE BIKE FUN?
There are several ways to participate. Encourage your employees to take the Solano County Pledge to Ride to commit to cycling during the month of May. This is the best way to stay informed about Solano County bike events and opportunities via email.
• On Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 14th, encourage your employees to ride their bikes to work
Stations around the county. Local businesses, popular bike paths, and major transit hubs will host stations with refreshments and commemorative bike bags. Thanks to our local sponsors, Fairfield Bicycles, Ray’s Cycle, Fisk’s Cyclery, Solano Baking Co., and Village 360 for their support.
• Community based cycling group, V-Town Bikes, will feature two community rides. Rides are approximately 12-16 miles on mixed surfaces in and around Vallejo. All skill levels are welcome. The featured rides are on Sunday, May 10th and 24th.
• The Bay Area Bike Challenge encourages bicyclists in all nine Bay Area counties to bike as many miles as possible. This year, the challenge is to log a collective 175,000 miles between May 1st and May 31st using the Ride with GPS app. Bicyclists who participate can earn various prizes. Sponsor a friendly competition for employees who log their rides.
• Each year, Solano Mobility recognizes a Bike Champion of the Year. Champions are highlighted for their advocacy and effort to cycle and promote responsible biking. Nominations start in February. Plan now to nominate your champion in 2027 and check our website for this year’s winners!
• Discover a new cycling route or challenge yourself to check off the top 10 routes in Solano County. Cycling and walking route maps, provided by Solano Transportation Authority, are available online and at all our events.
• Prepare for Bike Month with a new bike! Solano Mobility’s Bucks for Bikes program offers Solano County students and bicycle commuters, aged 18 and older, an incentive that offers reimbursement of 60% of the cost of a new bike and helmet, up to $300.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit SolanoMobility.org/ BTWD2026 for details about Bike to Wherever Days events, programs, and resources in Solano County. Visit SolanoSR2S.ca.gov for details about Bike to School Day and community bike fairs. Visit BayAreaBikeToWork.com for details about the region-wide program.
In addition to MTC (the transportation planning, financing, and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area), 511 (the region’s traveler information system), and Amazon, Bike to Wherever Days 2026 receives regional support from BARTable, Google, and Spare the Air.
Happy Biking from Solano Mobility. We hope to see you and your bike this May!
