Vallejo Weekly | Vol 13 | Issue 34

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VALLEJO WEEKLY

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Cover Photo: Chalk art from Vallejo’s August Summer Nights Photo Credit: Robert Briseño

In this issue

Neighborhood Watch Captain’s Meetings Page 4

Tobacco Retailers License Update

Page 8

All About IHart Page 8

Why Power Matters For Your Drinking Water Page 12

Vallejo Staff Wins Golf Tournament Page 16

Feeling In The Dumps? Page 17

Want To Have A Party? Page 20

Eureka Delayed Until Next Week Page 27

Vallejo Weekly

ANDREW'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Hello Vallejo,

I hope that families are having a nice first week back at school. Unwind and relax Friday night in downtown Vallejo with August Summer Nights, where you’ll find a kid zone, face painting, and a car show along with good music and fun. Speaking of fun events, you’ll find in this edition of the Weekly details on a new City program where you can apply for City funding to throw a neighborhood block party! The City Council approved these funds this past summer to help improve public safety by encouraging communities to come together and build friendships and partnerships. Stay tuned for more information on Neighborhood Watch block parties as well to strengthen community involvement with the Vallejo Police Department to help mitigate crime.

Also in this Weekly, you’ll find information on how the Tobacco Retail License ordinance has been implemented, mandating that all tobacco retailers obtain a license from the City. This

ordinance aims to strictly regulate the number of tobacco retailers within the City, prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, and prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors. The ordinance also provides the enforcement tools needed by the City’s staff to ensure the tobacco retailers’ compliance. This is a step in the right direction to protect youth in Vallejo.

The City Council’s annual goal setting meeting, originally scheduled to take place next Tuesday (September 2nd), will be deferred so that the City Council can discuss and determine whether it would like to use a different framework for goal setting this year. City staff look forward to working with Council on the priorities for the City and receiving direction on where energy and resources should be applied to achieve Council’s goals.

With appreciation, Andrew Murray Vallejo City Manager

Vallejo Weekly 5

CENTER FOR URBAN EXCELLENCE PRESENTS:

CHALK CHALK THE BLOCK!

AGES: 2 & UP AGES: 2 & "TINY HANDS, BRIGHT MASTERPIECES."

CHALK ART COMPETITION CHALK ART COMPETITION CHALK ARTISTS CHALK ARTISTS FOOD VENDORS FOOD VENDORS GAMES & MORE! GAMES & MORE!

SAT, AUG 30, 2025

SAT, AUG 30, 2025

CHILDREN'S WONDERLAND 360 GLENN STREET, VALLEJO FREE EVENT - 12-4PM FREE EVENT - 12-4PM

SPONSORED BY:

Neighborhood Watch Captains & Neighbors

Join us for upcoming meetings in your area:

• Beat 6: Aug 21, 6 pm – IHART, 2 Florida St

• Beat 7: Aug 22, 6 pm – Union Baptist Church, 128 Encerti Ave

• Beat 8: Aug 28, 6 pm – Impact Bible Ministries, 1680 Fairgrounds Dr

Open to Captains & those interested in becoming one. Vallejo PD, IHART & Code Enforcement will be present.

If you know a neighbor who is interested in becoming more involved, please invite them to join us.

Representatives from the Vallejo Police Department, IHART, and Code Enforcement will be present. We will focus on:

• Concerns and questions from residents

• Updates on safety and quality-of-life issues

• Guidance on how to start or strengthen a Neighborhood Watch group

• Ways to effectively report concerns so resources can be directed where they are most needed

Thank you for your commitment to keeping everyone engaged and informed.

Vallejo Weekly

Tobacco Retail License (TRLs) Program Update

The City of Vallejo has recently enacted the Tobacco Retail Licensing(TRL) Ordinance, mandating that all tobacco retailers obtain a license from the City. This ordinance aims to strictly regulate the number of tobacco retailers within the city, prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, and prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors. The ordinance also provides the enforcement tools needed by the City’s staff to ensure the tobacco retailers’ compliance. The application and processing window for TRL’s has officially closed. The City of Vallejo Planning Division has completed its review and processing of all submitted applications. A total of 71 licenses have been issued to eligible retailers. With the licensing phase now concluded. The City will begin transitioning to the next phase,which includes enforcement of the ordinance (this will be primarily focused on those operating without a license) and inspection of existing license holders to ensure continued compliance with all applicable local regulations. For further information or inquiries, please contact the City of Vallejo Planning & Development Services Department by Calling: (707) 648-4326;

Visiting: 555 Santa Clara St., Vallejo, CA. 94590 during normal business hours; or

E-mailing: planning@cityofvallejo.net (please use “Tobacco Retail License” in your subject line).

The Integrated Health & Resource Team (IHART)

About IHART

The Integrated Health and Resource Team (IHART) is a civilian-led crisis response program dedicated to providing compassionate, community-based support in Vallejo. We handle low-level 911 calls without police assistance, co-respond with officers, and offer follow-up case management to ensure long-term stability for individuals in crisis. IHART bridges the gap between emergency services and community resources, fostering trust, safety, and well-being.

Who We Serve

Individuals in Crisis

Supporting those experiencing behavioral health challenges, housing instability, or urgent needs

Victims & Families

Providing emotional and logistical assistance following traumatic events

Contact Us

Rayvon Williamson, Program Manager

Tel: (707) 648-4502

Cell: (323) 761-4071

Youth & Schools

Engaging students through in-school wellness programs, after-school initiatives, and restorative justice

Underserved Communities

Meeting people where they are, addressing barriers to care, & promoting equitable access to services

Katie Burns, Admin Data Analyst

Tel: (707) 917-411

Cell: (415) 286-3590

Our Services

911 Crisis Response

Handling non-violent, low-level emergency calls without police presence

Co-Response Support

Assisting officers & providing follow-up support for unresolved cases

Soft Case Management & Navigation

Ensuring individuals receive continued care until they’re stable

Homicide Victim & Family Support

Offering resources, communication, & case management for affected families

Program Components

Crisis Intervention

Rapid response and de-escalation for community emergencies

Case Management

Comprehensive follow-ups & warm handoffs to ensure stability & connection to long-term support

Contact Us

Rayvon Williamson, Program Manager

Tel: (707) 648-4502

Cell: (323) 761-4071

Impact Team Response

Providing post-crisis community engagement after incidents like homicides and drive-by shootings

Faith-Based Crisis Support

Partnering with VPD chaplains to assist in faith-sensitive crisis situations

Neighborhood Watch & Community Engagement

Strengthening relationships between residents & law enforcement

School-Based Programs

Implementing wellness support, restorative justice, & after-school initiative

Education & Training

Offering mental health awareness, first aid, & wellness programs for reside

Community Partnerships

Collaborating with CBOs, faith organizations, & local agencies for holistic care

Katie Burns, Admin Data Analyst

Tel: (707) 917-411

Cell: (415) 286-3590

Vallejo

Why Power Matters For Your Drinking Water

In Vallejo, we all expect safe, clean water to come out of the tap. After all, water is essential to our daily lives. Behind the scenes, it takes a surprising amount of electricity to keep that water moving. Water Doesn’t Move Itself.

Vallejo’s landscape is full of hills, winding streets, and the tidal Napa River. That geography makes our city beautiful, but it also makes delivering water a little more complex. Water needs to be pumped up hills and across long distances to reach homes, schools, and businesses. Without electricity, those pumps don’t run.

Even beyond pumps, power is required to operate:

• Treatment plants, where raw water is cleaned and disinfected,

• Control systems, which monitor water quality and tank levels,

• Valves and infrastructure, to direct water where it’s needed most.

What Happens During a Power Outage?

If PG&E calls a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) or an emergency cuts off electricity to parts of Vallejo, the water system may be affected. Some neighborhoods – especially those located on hills – may experience low pressure or temporary interruptions to water service.

That’s because without electricity, we can’t refill local tanks, pump water uphill, or run key equipment. And while our reservoirs and tanks store water, they only hold enough for a limited time without needing to be replenished.

The Good News: The Water Department Has Planned for This.

Vallejo Water maintains a fleet of mobile generators that can be deployed during emergencies to keep our most critical infrastructure online and operational. Our on-call teams are trained to respond quickly and strategically: we bring power where it’s needed most to maintain water service.

Still, every situation is different. Extended outages, especially those that affect multiple sites, can pose real challenges.

We’re in This Together!

We know that water is not optional. Every person in Vallejo depends on it for drinking, cooking, hygiene, firefighting, and more. That’s why we work hard, behind the scenes, to keep your water service as reliable as possible – even when the power goes out.

You can help, too!

• Ensure that you have an emergency water supply stored at home (at least one gallon, per person, per day for several days).

• Sign up for PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff alerts and stay tuned to local emergency updates.

• During a power shutoff, reduced water pressure can sometimes occur. If it happens, it’s likely related to the outage, and our crews will be working to restore normal service as quickly as possible.

Together, we’ll keep Vallejo’s water flowing!

Want to know more about Your Water Quality?

The Vallejo Water Department has updated its water quality webpage to help answer your questions about taste, appearance, and troubleshooting your own water at home.

Visit the Water Quality Division’s webpage for FAQs, helpful tips, and the latest reports about your water quality.

Vallejo Weekly

Planning an Event in Vallejo?

You may need a permit for that, especially if it’s more than 75 people. Let our team help you with that. Please visit the City of Vallejo’s website for more information: https://www.cityofvallejo.net/cms/one. aspx?portalId=16925451&pageId=17554100

If you are ready to submit your application you can do that here: https://cityofvallejo.formstack.com/forms/special_ event_application

If you have questions you can email specialevents@cityofvallejo.net or call us at 707-648-8616

Accounting Clerk I/II - Closing Date 8/25/2025

Police Assistant - Closing Date 8/25/2025

Meter Mechanic - Closing Date 8/25/2025

Communications Operator I - Closing Date 12/25/2025

Police Cadet - Closing Date 12/31/2025

Police Officer (Recruit) - Closing Date 12/31/2025

Police Officer (Entry Level - Academy Grad) - Closing

Date 12/31/2025

Police Officer (Lateral) - Closing Date 12/31/2025

Vallejo

City Staff Win Golf Tournament...again

We did it again, Vallejo! A team of our dedicated City staff clinched victory at the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament last Friday, August 15th, at Blue Rock Springs. This marks our third consecutive win!

Our team’s hard work, skill, and camaraderie shone brightly on the greens, making us proud once more. Let’s celebrate this fantastic achievement and the spirit of teamwork that drives our community forward.

Congratulations to our champions!

Anthony Raygoza – Commercial Services

Justin Salum – Commercial Services

Nick Causbrook – Maintenance

Manny Angel– IT

We look forward to you winning next year!

FREE NEIGHBORHOOD DUMPSTER PROGRAM*

The City of Vallejo is offering a Free Neighborhood Dumpster to help residents with exterior clean-up projects. This program is available once a year per block and gives neighbors a chance to work together to clean up their street.

To qualify, five residents from the same block must sign up, and all participants must have current garbage service. Main applicant must own and occupy residence. The dumpsters are for outdoor use only and are issued on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Key Requirements

 Must have 1 main applicant and 4 additional neighbors (5 total) from the same block.

 Current Recology Vallejo garbage service

 Owner-occupied single-family home

 Exterior clean-up only – no garage or interior junk allowed.

DUMPSTER SIZE

 Delivery Monday or Friday  Stays for 3–4 days  Early pick-up possible with 24-hr notice by contacting Recology @ (707)552-3110

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORM SCAN BELOW

$80 PER PERSON

INCLUDES: LIVE GERMAN MUSIC & DANCERS, DJ, AUTHENTIC GERMAN FOOD, EXCITING GAMES, RAFFLE, AND 2 BEER/WINE TICKETS (ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE)

18 October 2025, 4pm

Masonic Temple, 101 Temple Way, Vallejo

Vallejo Weekly

Interested in Having a Party?

Hey Vallejo neighbors! Ever thought about throwing a block party? The City of Vallejo is here to help make it happen!

Why a block party? Getting to know your neighbors isn’t just fun—it also helps reduce crime in our community. That’s why we’re excited to offer a grant of up to $300 to cover eligible expenses for your next block party!

How to get started:

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the requirements.

2. Apply: Complete the application form.

3. Follow the Rules: Adhere to the guidelines and details provided.

Ready to bring your neighborhood closer together? Let’s make it a party to remember! For more information, contact the Special Events Liaison at 707-648-8616 or email specialevents@cityofvallejo.net. or visit the City of Vallejo’s web page at www.cityofvallejo.net/residents/block_party

Big News! National Night Out Date Has Changed for Solano County

Solano County’s National Night Out is moving to Tuesday, October 7th for a cooler, more comfortable evening with fewer vacation conflicts.

Past August events were often hindered by heat and summer travel, so the Solano County Law Enforcement Administrators Association (SCLEAA) is making the shift to boost attendance and community connection. While some Northern California counties stick to August, many nationwide have already made this change for the same reasons.

Join us in Vallejo to celebrate our police, first responders, and each other. Let’s make this night unforgettable— building relationships, honoring service, and creating lasting memories together.

The City of Vallejo registration form for National Night Out 2025 is: https://cityofvallejo.formstack.com/forms/vallejo_national_night_out_event_registration

See you on October 7th!

V-Town Bikes

A local community group that meets up and rides bikes in Vallejo. Check them out on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/2788243731496623

Vallejo Weekly

New Website Connects Solano Residents to Aging & Disability Support

A new online resource, www.aaans.org, makes it easier for Solano County’s older and disabled adults and those who care for them to connect to vital support. The site offers user-friendly directories of free local services, from healthcare counseling and transportation to caregiver respite and legal advice. It also features downloadable resource guides in English and Spanish, plus direct connections to staff for personalized support. With Solano’s older adult population growing rapidly, access to trusted, easy-to-use information is more important than ever. Visit www.aaans.org to explore the full range of services available.

Visit HSNB.org for these and other animals looking for their forever family.

Open daily by appointment, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1121

Sonoma Blvd., Vallejo.

707-645-7905

Bryce

Pit bull Terrier mix, Brn/Wht, M, 5 mo, 29 lbs, $300 adoption fee

Curious, adventurous, and gentle boy. He arrived with an injury to his left eye. It was successfully treated to the point that he can keep his eye. Unfortunately, Bryce has lost his eyesight in that left eye but he still has 80% vision, he is still exploring the world with an eager spirit.

Makayla

Domestic Short Hair, Brn/ Grey tabby, F, 3 mo, 4 lbs, $225 adoption fee

Perfect blend of calm and playful-she’ll happily chase a wand toy or a piece of string, then settle in quietly to watch the world around her. She gets along well with other cats and kittens, and humans too (especially ones with toys or treats).

Thinking About Building an ADU? Start Here!

The City of Vallejo has released a brand-new ADU Mini-Guide for Homeowners to help you plan, design, and build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior ADU (JADU) on your property. Whether you’re looking to create space for family, generate rental income, or boost your property value, this guide walks you through the entire process. What’s Inside?

� Step-by-step breakdown of the ADU process

� Key design and permitting tips

� Overview of local rules, fees, and timelines

� Links to helpful tools and financing resources

View or download the guide: Vallejo ADU Mini-Guide for Homeowners (PDF)

If you’ve been wondering whether an ADU is right for you - this is the place to start! For questions, contact the City of Vallejo Planning Division at (707) 648-4326 or planning@cityofvallejo.net.

Vallejo

NEW UPDATE...It is expected that the Eureka will be traveling North to Mare Island between August 25 - 29. The exact date will depend on the tides and weather conditions. Once here, the Eureka will not be open to the public because it will be undergoing restoration work. Learn more about this historic vessel here: https://www. nps.gov/safr/learn/historyculture/eureka.htm

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SURVEY

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS IN THE CITY OF VALLEJO FOR THE HUD-REQUIRED CONSOLIDATED PLAN

TAKE OUR SURVEY BELOW

City of Vallejo, Housing & Community

The City of Vallejo provides its programs and services in a non-discriminatory manner, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Vallejo also encourages women and minority-owned businesses to submit bids and proposals for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and HOME Investment Partnerships Program contracts. For further information, contact the City of Vallejo Housing and Community Development Division at (707) 648-4507. For further information on this public notice, the hearing-impaired may call the California Relay Service at 1-800-735-2922 without a TTY/TDD, or 1-800-735-2929 with a TTY/TTD.

We want to hear from you! for Vallejo Youth Ages 12-25

The city of Vallejo wants your input on community challenges and ways to improve our community! Feedback from the survey will help to inform the Youth Strategic Plan and assist the city in decision making and future investment for youth. Share your feedback for the chance to win $50 gift card! An Email is required to enter Questions?

Contact Victoria Grace-Barksdale at 707-334-5765 or victoria.grace@cityofvallejo.net

Vallejo

Exciting Improvements Ahead: Mare Island Causeway Bridge Repairs Set to Begin!

Essential upgrades to the Mare Island Causeway Bridge are on the way! What to Expect:

August 4 – September 30, 2025

• Weekdays (Monday–Friday): One-lane traffic from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with traffic control provided by onsite flaggers.

• Weekends: The bridge will remain FULLY open with one lane in each direction.

October 1 – December 31, 2025

• The bridge will operate under a 24/7 reversible one-lane traffic configuration, controlled by automated timed signals.

Please note: This reversible one-lane setup is expected to continue into most of 2026 to support ongoing construction and safety monitoring.

The project is expected to run for approximately 18 months, with an anticipated completion date of January 5, 2027. Let’s build the future—together!

Emergency services (Police & Fire) will have priority at all times. If you have questions contact: Sam Kumar, Project Manager (707) 648-4432 - Sam.Kumar@cityofvallejo.net

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Caltrans will perform roadway pavement rehabilitation on approximately six miles in both northbound and southbound travel directions of State Route 29 (SR-29)/Sonoma Boulevard in Vallejo to enhance the safety. Caltrans will also add new ADA accessible sidewalks, curb bulb outs, enhanced crosswalks, landscaping in various medians, marked bike lanes, and street lighting. The project will take place from Maritime Academy Dr in South Vallejo to Mini Drive in North Vallejo.

PROJECT SCHEDULE:

Construction is tentatively scheduled to start as early as mid-late July 2025 and be completed sometime in Spring 2026. All work is weather dependent.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Caltrans does not plan to completely close the route during the work. One lane in each direction on SR-29/Sonoma Boulevard will always remain open.

However, during construction, the public should expect various lane reductions, daytime construction noise and dust, various alternating temporary sidewalk closures, various temporary alternating driveway closures.

Caltrans will provide more detailed times and dates regarding construction activities as soon as information becomes available.

Caltrans appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as we work to improve and maintain our state’s highways, bridges and tunnels.

For more, go to our Caltrans Project Website at: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-sr 29-vallejo

PROJECT CONTACTS: VINCE JACALA Public Affairs Branch Chief, Caltrans Bay Area And Acting Caltrans Solano County Public Information Officer (PIO)vince.jacala@dot.ca.gov

RYAN LEONG Caltrans Public Information Officer (PIO) Ryan.leong@dot.ca.gov

Vallejo Weekly

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