Solano Economic Update: June 2023

JUNE 23' UPDATE

CHRIS RICO

President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC,

This last month I had the honor of attending war college at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. I can honestly say this is not someplace I ever imagined I would find myself. I studied International Relations in college so it was fun to find myself back in lecture halls and seminars learning about our national security, and particularly about what is known as our “pacing threat, ” China. We joined several hundred soldiers from various branches of the military, and from 46 allied nations, who were in the final week of 11 months of training that would allow them to advance in their career. I met quite a few airmen who had called Travis AFB their home at some point in their journey. They all had fond memories. Not surprisingly, everyone seemed to know Sandy Person!

My biggest takeaway is that the average American has no idea just how big a threat China is to both our national security, and to liberal democracy around the world. Since I was in Montgomery, I planned to stay an extra day to experience the Legacy Museum and Memorial. The museum chronicles the African American experience in America from the first slave ship that left Africa in the 1500s through the Civil Rights movement and mass incarceration. What a profound experience. I have been to museums all over the world and I can honestly say this is the most well curated, thoughtful, and impactful experience I have had in such a setting. The memorial is a five minute shuttle ride from the museum and it is equally impactful. It is build into a hillside and it memorializes the 6500+ known lynchings in America. I’m grateful to have experienced this week.

May 20th marked the 40th anniversary of the Solano EDC! Originally chartered as SEDCORP in 1983, the name was changed under one of my many predecessors, Mike Ammann because he wanted people outside of the county to know who we were. Mike, Sandy Person, and a handful of other great leaders built and grew this organization with the help and support of the county, all seven cities, and leaders of businesses and organizations, both large and small.

So many of you have played significant roles throughout the years and we are grateful for your continued participation, support, and guidance. Congressman John Garamendi, via the terrific Lois Cross, presented us with a proclamation in honor of our 4 decades of service.

Lastly, a substantial team of Solano leaders attended the California Defense Leadership Summit in Sacramento last week. In fiscal year 2021, military and other national security activity in the state generated an estimated $158.2 billion in economic activity, approximately 4.7% of California's economy. Throughout the day we were engaged by speakers and panelists who addressed many of the challenges and opportunities that installations like Travis contend with. As was the case at war college, everyone knew Sandy Person. She’s a tremendous resource and asset to this county and I’m grateful every day that I get to work with, and learn from her.

Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.

Chris Rico President/CEO

New Partnership to Power Premier Fitness Center in Vacaville

Thanks to a new partnership between NorthBay Health and San Francisco-based Active Wellness, the facility once called HealthSpring Fitness will open its doors later this summer as Active Wellness Center at NorthBay Health.

“We’re very excited to have found the ideal partner to manage the fitness center for us, ” said president and CEO B. Konard Jones. “Our priorities are in alignment, and we are looking forward to seeing them create an exceptional experience in an environment where a healthy lifestyle is created, one that will well serve the members, our patients and our community. ”

Michele Wong, COO from Active Wellness, agreed. “Active Wellness Center at NorthBay Health is set to reopen stronger than ever. We’re honored to serve the Vacaville community, in partnership with NorthBay Health, to inspire healthier, more active lives. ”

Individual memberships and special corporate rates will be available.

Morgan Jolley, Assistant Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, has been involved in the process to find the right partner.

“This demonstrates NorthBay’s commitment to continue to invest in the health of our communities, ” he said. “As a leading health system in Solano County, we believe creating access to high-quality fitness centers, hospitals and everything in between is essential in order to elevate health in our community. ”

The three-story, 37,000-square-foot fitness center, which anchors the VacaValley Wellness Center at 1020 Nut Tree Drive, offers indoor cycling, yoga, boxing, small group training, heart-rate training, personal training services, medically integrated fitness programs and swim programs. The facility includes an indoor therapy pool, a whirlpool, a group exercise pool and a 25-yard lap pool. There will be a wide variety of group classes and lifestyle programs available.

HealthSpring Fitness, which opened in 2016, closed its doors in March 2020, after the pandemic caused California to shut down gyms statewide as a safety measure.

The new wellness center website at https://activewellnesscenter.com/northbay provides more details.

Sangeeta Marwaha, M.D., Chief of Dermatology

For Your Health:

Guarding Against Skin Cancer

Given the rainy winter we experienced, many people are probably looking forward to summer with warmer temperatures and more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. But as we embrace the sunshine, it’s important to remember that ultraviolet light from the sun is the main cause of most skin cancers. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with an estimated two million cases every year.

Sangeeta Marwaha, M.D., chief of dermatology for Kaiser Permanente Napa Solano, shares her expertise on what to look for and how to prevent skin cancer.

Q: Who is most at risk for developing skin cancers?

Skin cancer risk increases with sun damage, which is accumulated over time and usually is more predominant in people with fair skin, blonde or red hair, blue eyes, freckles, and those who sunburn easily. Those older than 80 also are at greater risk.

Q: What is something new or something people may not realize about skin cancer and sun damage?

Sun damage is additive meaning we accumulate it daily over our lifetime. It starts in childhood, and we add to it slowly. Even exposing yourself to the sun 15 minutes a day (such as going to the mailbox or taking a short walk) without sun protection can add to this damage. It’s important to account for the good sun protection performed as an adult not just the exposure that occurred as a child.

Q: What are the signs of skin cancer and how/when should you check for it?

There are three types of skin cancer: basal, squamous and melanoma. Most importantly, we should perform self-checks of our skin monthly for changes. Look for things that bleed (easily without scratching), nonhealing growths and enlarging pigmented lesions. Some may be normal age-related growths and it’s recommended that things that change or bleed be checked out by a health care provider. Monthly self-checks can be done effectively at home and in conjunction with checking your partner’s skin.

Q: What sunscreen is best and how should we apply it?

The best sunscreen is one you will wear. I recommend SPF 30 or higher applied daily and reapplied every two to four hours. Remember that one application will not last all day and even less time if the skin gets wet or sweaty. Application should cover the skin generously.

Q: Besides sunscreen, what else can we do to prevent skin cancer?

Protecting your skin from the sun is how we prevent skin cancer. Try to avoid the sun during peak times from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seek shade when possible, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and built-in UV protective factor (widely available through many retailers), wide-brimmed hats and wrap-around sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation.

Q: Will there ever be a vaccine to prevent skin cancer?

There is some work being done with vaccines for prevention of the recurrence of melanoma (not for initial diagnosis), and vaccines could be a possibility for prevention of some squamous cell carcinoma as some of these types of skin cancers are triggered by HPV.

Q: Are there any special recommendations for protecting children’s skin?

Children’s skin should be protected just as adults by avoiding the sun during peak times and wearing protective hats and clothing. Sunscreen is usually approved for those 6 months and older, but due to skin sensitivities, be careful when choosing a sunscreen for young children.

Upcoming Energy Code Trainings

BayREN & Energy Code Ace On-Line Training: Single-Family Standards - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

June 7 – 9am-10:30am

REGISTER HERE

BayREN C&S Training: 2022 Energy Code – Solar PV and Battery Standards

June 28 – 9am-10:30am

REGISTER HERE

*Trainings listed above will be online and are free. BayREN provides 0.1 ICC CEU for each training completed. CLICK THE

The Grid: What is it and Should it Shape Policy for All-Electric Buildings?

Questions about the electric grid’s capacity and reliability are coming up as local governments consider policies related to building energy use and electrification. Join us to explore these questions, starting with how the grid works. Speakers will also discuss California’s plans to ensure a reliable and affordable grid powered with renewable energy, the role of utilities, and how local governments are navigating the issues. This Forum is free and open to all and will be in a hybrid format with options to attend in person or virtually.

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CONGRATULATIONS

EARNSCHOLARSHIPS

TOFOUR-YEARSCHOOLS

Three Solano College student-athletes earn scholarships to four-year schools. Signing national letters-of-intent, after standout two-year careers with the Falcons in Softball and Volleyball.

KRISTY REGALDO

BIANCA BELO - DIAZ

DANI RYDJORD

JUNE OUTDOOR EVENTS

WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBER

The origins of Electrify My Home go back over 40 years to when our founder, Larry Waters, started in the HVAC industry. Over this time, Larry worked in multiple California climate zones to install and service furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters, as well as improve the performance of homes through insulation and air sealing upgrades. But as the state began pursuing lofty carbon reduction goals, it was clear: there is a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time. As the electrification movement was born, so was Electrify My Home still the only company in the country to specialize in comprehensive home electrification! After tackling hundreds of electrification projects since 2015, the groundwork was laid for Electrify My Home.