SEPTEMBER 26’ UPDATE Sponsored By:
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS’ LETTER
CHRIS RICO President & CEO Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC, Last week I had the honor of standing alongside Governor Newsom and other local and state leaders as we were awarded $2.425 million from the California Jobs First fund. We are being tasked with standing up a regional backbone organization for all things maritime. Coupled with the two grants that Cal Poly Maritime received for workforce and technology, Solano County was entrusted with $8.3 million in pursuit of shipbuilding companies and jobs. The Governor had hoped to be able to stand on Mare Island in front of the Golden Bear and announce that Solano had voted in favor of legislation that would have made this all more likely to happen. On August 13, 2026, President Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum, “Rebuilding the United States Navy and America’s Shipbuilding Industrial Base,” which orders a plan to establish a fifth public Navy yard within 120 days. His order specifically outlines that the new shipyard must support nuclear-powered submarine and aircraft carrier readiness and be located near the U.S. Pacific Fleet. In 2008 the County had the good sense to create a maritime industrial zone in Collinsville, recognizing this asset and opportunity. We have, by far, the best site in the United States to build a new shipyard. This is why Saronic wanted to bring their $3.5 Billion dollar investment to Solano County. Unfortunately, we were not willing or able to move quickly enough and we lost that opportunity to Texas, as California so often does. I’m a proud Californian. Like most of us, I’m committed to building an economy that places a value on our environment and our natural resources. With that said, we need to place equal, or greater value on all of the people who were not represented in the County Supervisors’ chambers the day the decision was made to delay or deny taking bold action. The conversation around investment opportunities should be centered on the under and unemployed, the unhoused, the rent burdened, and the ⅔ of our residents that spend hours each day in a car community out of Solano County to afford to live in the most affordable county in the Bay Area. Solano County has the highest unemployment rate in the Bay Area. We also have the greatest percentage of people on public assistance. In the last year, we have seen a wave of disinvestment, losing three of our largest employers. The only way to bring prosperity and
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS’ LETTER
opportunity to Solano County, to create home buying jobs, to lift people out of poverty, to create safer, more successful communities where parents are home more hours of the day is to aggressively and enthusiastically pursue investment and opportunities when they present themselves. This is how other states outcompete us almost every time. One of the reasons we lost the Saronic Opportunity is that we could not guarantee that this venture capital backed company, that had orders from the U.S. Government, and geopolitical circumstances that required speed to market, wouldn’t be tied up in lawsuits for a decade. That leaders of companies with this kind of investment and urgency want to be met with a willingness to help them be successful, is not unreasonable. Building on Moving Solano Forward 3, which was partially funded by the County, and the Priority Production Area studies that were funded by MTC/ABAG, the Solano EDC is ready to lead, partner, and collaborate on all of the things that will facilitate higher wage advanced manufacturing in Solano County. We are in the process of applying for another grant from the EDA to facilitate this work. I encourage all of us to work together as a region to send the signal to the market that we are open for business and willing to do what it takes to help companies thrive in Solano County. This will make all of the foundational work we’re all trying to do so much easier. If you’re a business owner, a job creator, a realtor, a banker, or someone who wants better jobs, shorter commutes, and more prosperity for our cities and our people, I encourage you to bring your voice into this conversation. We need to make decisions as a community more objectively where all of the stakeholders' wants and needs are considered. Wishing you continued good health and prosperity, Chris Rico President/CEO
SOLANO EDC NEWS - UC DAVIS
SOLANO EDC NEWS - UC DAVIS
SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
Keep Your Kitchen Cool. Keep More Money. Funding for Smarter Refrigeration Upgrades BayREN’s Refrigerant Replacement (BRRR) Program helps eligible food and floral businesses improve commercial refrigeration with technical support, energy-efficiency upgrades, and available incentives.
See if your business qualifies
SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
BAYREN BUSINESS PROGRAM
SMARTER ENERGY. SMARTER BUSINESS. Energy-Efficiency Support for Bay Area Businesses BayREN Business helps eligible businesses identify opportunities to save energy and improve their operations with expert guidance, energy-efficiency upgrades, and available financial incentives.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
EXPERT SUPPORT
AVAILABLE INCENTIVES
SEE WHAT BAYREN CAN DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS LEARN MORE
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO ADU
UNLOCK MORE POSSIBILITIES Add a small home. Expand your options. An ADU is a secondary residential unit on the same property as your primary single-family or multifamily home—your backyard, reimagined.
WE SIMPLIFY THE ADU PROCESS.
Your project. Our guidance. A smoother path forward.
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDES
SMALL HOME. BIG IMPACT.
MORE VALUE. MORE FLEXIBILITY.
Step-by-step resources to plan, design, and build with confidence.
Create space for family, guests, or rental income—right in your backyard.
ADUs adapt to your life today and increase your property’s potential.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY
COMMUTER CONNECTION PROGRAM
Capitol Corridor + Lyft For $20, the Capitol Corridor + Lyft Program provides commuters with a 10ride train pass on the Capitol Corridor plus 10 Lyft rides ($25 off per ride) to either of the Solano County train stations for connections to the train.
$20
10
PROGRAM COST
TRAIN RIDES
Capitol Corridor train service
10
LYFT RIDES
$25
OFF PER RIDE
Rideshare connection to the train
ELIGIBILITY
KEY PROGRAM LIMITS
The program is for Solano County residents or employees commuting for paid work (must have an employer/employee relationship) and are new to taking the Capitol Corridor for commuting to work.
Participants can use this program up to 3 times. The 10-ride train pass and Lyft rides expire 60 days from the start date printed on the pass.
Participants must start or end their journey on the Capitol Corridor at either of the two Solano County Train Stations. Lyft rides are applicable only in Solano County, to or from the SuisunFairfield Amtrak station or the Fairfield-Vacaville Amtrak station, up to $25 per ride. Lyft rides (up to $25) are only available for the duration of the 10-ride train pass, which is 60 days. ELIGIBLE SOLANO COUNTY STATIONS
Suisun-Fairfield Amtrak station • Fairfield-Vacaville Amtrak station
The Lyft portion of this program shall not be used for pickup or drop off outside of Solano County. Staff reserves the right to remove participants for misuse of the program. For questions, call 800-535-6883!
CLICK TO APPLY To sign up for the program, please fill out form below.
More questions? Call the mobility call center: 1-800-535-6883
SOLANO EDC NEWS
Newsom Announces $8.2 Million Investment in Mare Island Maritime Development Gov. Gavin Newsom announced $8.2 million in state funding for Mare Island to support Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s shipbuilding program and a new maritime innovation center. The investment, part of California’s broader Jobs First initiative, aims to strengthen maritime workforce development, revive shipbuilding opportunities and support economic growth in Solano County.
Click here to read the full article in the Daily Republic
SOLANO EDC NEWS
INVESTING IN A STRONGER SOLANO
Garamendi Secures $1.09 Million for Mare Island Sewer Rehabilitation Congressman John Garamendi presented $1.092 million in federal funding to Vallejo Flood & Wastwater to rehabilitate Mare Island’s aging sewer system. The investment aims to reduce the risk of raw sewage reaching San Francisco Bay, strengthen critical wastewater infrastructure, protect public health and safety, and support environmental restoration efforts.
Click here to read the full article FOR MORE INFORMATION
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF DIXON
CITY GOVERNMENT
Dixon Appoints Melissa Eads as City Manager, Kate Zawadzki as Assistant City Manager Dixon has appointed Melissa Eads as city manager and promoted longtime Finance Director Kate Zawadzki to assistant city manager. Eads will oversee daily operations and strategic initiatives, while Zawadzki will support organizational leadership and major projects. City officials said their experience and continuity will help guide Dixon’s future growth and services.
Click here to read the full article in the Daily Republic
SOLANO EDC
ECONOMIC UPDATE
SOLANO EDCSutter NEWS Health
Sutter
Sutter
Sutter
Sutter Health Celebrates Opening of New Benicia Primary Care Center
Sutter
Sutter
Sutter
Sutter Health celebrated its new Benicia Primary Care Center, which has served about 5,000 patients since opening in January. The facility offers primary care, laboratory services and diagnostic imaging under one roof. With five providers, the center expands healthcare access in Solano County as Sutter plans additional growth in Vallejo.
Click here to read the full article in The Reporter
SOLANO EDC NEWS
HEALTH
NorthBay
NEW COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
NorthBay Health Opens Green Valley Plaza in Fairfield NorthBay Health has officially opened its new Green Valley Plaza location in Fairfield, expanding convenient access to healthcare services for residents in the Green Valley area and surrounding communities. The new location offers primary care, urgent care, and lab and blood draw services, providing patients with more options to receive essential care closer to home. Solano EDC is pleased to highlight this continued investment in our community and the expansion of accessible healthcare services throughout Solano County.
Click here to read the full article FOR MORE INFORMATION
SOLANO EDC NEWS
20
th
Anniversary of
Maker Faire A Weekend Packed with Wonder and Whimsy Maker Faire brings together legendary makers and new innovators across the creative continuum, where art, technology, and science collide.
Tech & Electronics
Science & Engineering
Crafts & Artisans
Live & Interactive
Humanoid robots, drones, AI-powered builds,Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects, wearable tech, and retro computing.
Amateur robotics, Teala calls, Rube Godberg machines, mechanical madness, and bio-hacking.
Forging, woodturning, fiber art, and laser-cut designs.
Interactive light installations, a cupcake car, and unexpected discoveries around every corner.
September 25 - 27, 2026 CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
SOLANO EDC NEWS
TWENTY YEARS OF
INSPIRING
YOUNG MINDS THROUGH
NATURE
NEARLY 71,000 STUDENTS HAVE ENROLLED IN SOLANO RCD EDUCATION PROGRAMS FROM 2019-2026
“More than 40 years of research shows that meaningful childhood experiences in nature are associated with adult conservation behaviors.” Connecting with Nature to Care for Ourselves andthe Earth:Recommendations for Decision Makers - Nature ForAll & Children & Nature Network
Travis AFB Dixon 2593 4862 Rio Vista 753
Fairfield 18081
120,000
Studentsengaged since 2008
Vacaville 11988
11,145
Students participating during the 2026-2027 school year
Suisun City 7367 Benicia 10845 Vallejo 14496
“When you think about overall wellness and getting our young people out in nature, you'll see how it helps them develop a greater appreciation for the world around them. Programs like the RCD’s are crucial for students; they remind us that this environment is here for us as a resource to care for.” - Lisette Estrella-Henderson Former Solano County Superintendent of Schools
SOLANO EDC NEWS
ABOUT US Solano Resource Conservation District, a special district to the state of California, works on a wide variety of projects, including environmental education and outreach; habitat restoration and conservation; agriculture and water; and wildfire prevention and post-fire recovery. We work closely with a variety of partners on public and private lands, including Solano County, local cities, local agencies, indigenous tribal nations, landowners and community members, to offer a wide variety of services that meet local environmental needs and challenges. Through our on-the-ground watershed stewardship work and our environmental education work, we reach a diverse audience of stakeholders in Solano County’s urban and rural landscapes.
OUR APPROACH TO EDUCATION Our award-winning environmental education programs have served Solano County K-12 students for more than two decades, cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards who will develop resilience and a connection to the natural world, allowing them to meet the future with understanding, hope, and agency.
An analysis by Stanford University found that environmental education is "an efficient and cost-effective way to help public schools meet academic achievement goals and build critical thinking and 21st century skills.”
We have spent 20 years learning how to effectively engage students in outdoor learning, taking students out to interact with their environment. Students learn what it means to be stewards of our water resources, and they experience our local open spaces firsthand.
TAKE ACTION TODAY Please help us expand the reach of our programs by donating or partnering with us. Whether you are a business owner looking for sponsorship opportunities or an individual participating in our Live Solano, Give Solano fundraising drive on October 7th, your support helps us reach towards our goal of getting all Solano County 3rd & 6th graders outside! Once Live Solano, Give Solano closes, donations are always accepted directly on our website.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT SOLANO RCD INDIVIDUALS & PRIVATE GROUPS
BUSINESS OWNERS & LOCAL AGENCIES
OR CONTACT Marianne Butler Deputy Executive Director Environmental Education 707.678.1655 ext.114 marianne.butler@solanorcd.org
Solano Resource Conservation District. 1170 N Lincoln St. Suite 110 Dixon, CA 95620
SOLANO EDC NEWS - BENICIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOLANO EDC NEWS - VALLEJO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOLANO EDC NEWS - VACAVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOLANO EDC NEWS - DIXON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOLANO EDC NEWS - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
SOLANO EDC NEWS - BENICIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF WINTERS
SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
UPCOMING FREE ENERGY CODE TRAININGS ALL TRAININGS ARE FROM 9-10:30AM CLICK DATES TO PRE-REGISTER
WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 30
2025 ENERGY CODE CHANGES – SINGLE FAMILY
WEDNESDAY – OCTOBER 7
2025 ENERGY CODE CHANGES – MULTIFAMILY
WEDNESDAY – OCTOBER 21
2025 ENERGY CODE CHANGES – NONRESIDENTIAL
SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
Unlock Your FREE $70 Energy Kit! Power up your home — the smart, sustainable way. GO GREEN WITH SOLANO! Ready to cut your energy bills and protect the planet? Claim your FREE Energy
MORE INFORMATION HERE
No catch. No cost. Just smart savings.
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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
Here’s What’s in Your FREE Energy Kit: LED light bulbs High-efficiency bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerhead(s) (same pressure, less water) A toilet leak detection test Your choice of: a smart power strip ($70 value), two smart energy plugs, OR a single burner induction cooktop One smart LED light bulb Energy savings tips booklet Foam weather tape
MORE INFORMATION HERE
Connect with Rising Sun to receive a Kit, fill out a survey online or call: (510) 665-1501 EXT. 300 RISINGSUN.TFAFORMS.NET/3 The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is a coalition of the Bay Area’s nine counties partnering to promote resource efficiency at the regional level, focusing on energy, water and greenhouse gas reduction.
SOLANO EDC NEWS - EVENTS
SEPTEMBER EVENTS SOLANO COUNTY Click on city logos for more information
BENICIA BENICIA DIXON DIXON FAIRFIELD FAIRFIELD
RIO R RIO IO VISTA VISTA SUISUN S SUISUN UISUN CITY CITY VACAVILLE VACAVILLE VALLEJO V VALLEJO ALLEJO
Thank you Solano EDC Major Investors! $25,000 INVESTORS
$15,000 INVESTOR
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$7,500 INVESTORS
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