VALLEJO WEEKLY
Hello Vallejo
ANDREW’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
As Thanksgiving approaches, we at City Hall want to thank and appreciate our vibrant, resilient, and compassionate community. Whether through participating in local events, sharing your voice in public forums, or simply looking out for neighbors, your involvement strengthens the fabric of our city every day.
We also recognize that while many of you will gather around tables with your family and friends to celebrate the holiday, there are those among us who will be facing challenges or spending the day alone. What continues to inspire us is the incredible compassion and generosity shown by so many in Vallejo—neighbors, community groups, faith-based organizations, and volunteers—who go above and beyond to ensure that no one is forgotten during this season. From organizing food drives to delivering meals and opening their homes, their acts of kindness reflect the very best of who we are as a city. We are honored to work alongside such
dedicated residents who care deeply about one another and about the future of Vallejo.
City Hall will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 27th and 28th, to allow our staff the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones and recharge for the busy season ahead. We look forward to reconnecting with you in December.
From all of us at City Hall, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and meaningful Thanksgiving.
With Appreciation
Andrew Murray City Manager
Diverging Diamond Project Update - 08
2nd Annual Operation Gobble Gobble - 12
Mare Island Causeway Bridge Update - 16
Empowering Youth with CUE - 19
Interim Fire Chief Announcement - 21
Cover Photo: Operation Gobble Gobble Photo Credit: Robert Briseño
Connect to
City Hall will be Closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday November 27th and 28th
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Reach your city council
Mayor Andrea Sorce (Term Expires Jan 2029) Andrea.Sorce@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4377
Vice Mayor Peter Bregenzer (District 5 -Term Expires Jan 2027) Peter.Bregenzer@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4131
Council Member Alexander Matias (District 1 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Alexander.Matias@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4134
Council Member Diosdado “JR” Matulac (District 2 - Term Expires Jan 2027) JR.Matulac@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4132
Council Member Tonia Lediju, Phd (District 3 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Tonia.Lediju@cityofvallejo.net 707-649-7716
Council Member Charles Palmares (District 4 - Term Expires Jan 2027) Charles.Palmares@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4133
Council Member Helen-Marie Gordon (District 6 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Helen-Marie.Gordon@cityofvallejo.net 707-649-7711
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Historic Downtown Vallejo
Saturday, December 6, 2025
“California’s Most Whimsical Fantasy Holiday Happening”
An Alice in Wonderland experience that’s magical to all! Activities FREE unless noted.
2:00 PM Mad Hatter Holiday Festival (in front JFK Library)
Carolers, marching bands, train rides, holiday market plus an international food court. Witness dragons, animated Wonderland characters and the Red Queen coming out of the Rabbit Hole with a host of creatures -creating an interactive robotic Jurassic Park.
4:30 PM Mad Hatter Holiday Parade
Down Georgia St. from Sonoma Blvd to Santa Clara St.
6:00 PM Tree Lighting Ceremony (behind JFK Library)
6:30 PM Lighted Boat Parade (on the waterfront)
Vallejo Yacht Club boaters, CAL Maritime Cadets, United States Coast Guard
Sunday, December 14, 2025 Grand Victorian Homes Tour
2:30 - 4:30 PM Reception at USA World Classic Car Museum
Music, food,wine and Museum Tour
$40 Tickets available at Reception, or at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6734722
3:00 - 7:00 PM Homes Open
5:00 - 8:00 PM After Party at Vino Godfather
Check HatterVallejo.com for other added
Mad Hatter activities and partnerships in the Historic Downtown.
Diverging Diamond Project Update
Caltrans, along with its partners, the Solano Transportation Authority and the Mayor of Vallejo, Andrea Sorce, provides an update on the Diverging Diamond project. You can watch the recorded Facebook Live video here: https:// fb.watch/DD2s2DPiAM/
Learn more about the project at https://sta. ca.gov/project/redwood-parkway-fairgroundsdr-improvement-project/
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
Current Recology Vallejo
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
Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 9am-12 NOON
documents commercially and securely shredded on site ( up to 10 bags/boxes per vehicle until shredding bin is full).
2nd Annual Operation Gobble Gobble
Volunteers helped prepare 2,500 meals as part of the 2nd annual Operation Gobble Gobble, sponsored by County Supervisor Lori Wilson. You can watch a recap video of the event here: https://fb.watch/DCmQWzEnyV/
CalTrans Traffic Alerts
State Route 37/SER-37 - Fairgrounds Drive Interchange - Vallejo Construction Shifts into Gear - December 2025 Watch for Traffic Lane Shifts/ Overnight Ramp Closures
The interchange improvement project will enhance motorist safety and improve bicycle and pedestrian access with construction of a new divergent diamond interchange. This is the first-ever divergent diamond interchange (DDI) constructed in the Bay Area and only the second-ever constructed on a major highway in California.
Construction at SR 37 and Fairgrounds Drive started construction in April 2025. The site is near the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Theme Park and the Solano County Fairgrounds. In May traffic in both directions was shifted to the west side of SR 37 and a temporary pedestrian walkway was constructed. Beginning mid-December, traffic will be shifted to the east side of SR 37, under the freeway.
For more information about the project and to view a video explaining the DDI design, please visit https://sta.ca.gov/project/redwood-parkwayfairgrounds-dr-improvementproject/
Daytime Single Lane Closure on State Route-29, Interstate-80 and Interstae-780
Schedule: Lane Closure from 9 AM to 3 PM
Caltrans is continuing to work with installation of new electrical equipment to improve pedestrian safety at unsignalized crosswalks around Solano County. This includes new ADA curb ramps and restriping the cross walks around the intersection. Work will continue in the following Location:
• SR-29 – at Arkansas St. (PM 3.02)
• I-80 – Westbound On/Off-Ramp from/to Tennessee Rd. (PM 3.42)
• I-780 – Eastbound Off-Ramp to Glen Cove Rd (PM 6.02)
Installation of foundations for new electrical poles will require a lane closure. Starting Monday, December 1 to December 12 a single lane will be closed with one city street open in the direction of travel during the day from 9 am to 3 pm. All work is dependent on weather. Pedestrians are directed to utilize the crosswalk on the other side of the road via signage barricades on the sidewalk.
For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay
For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Mare Island Causeway Bridge Upgrade Project and Traffic Flow
City Staff have been made aware that some community members were not alerted of the work on the Mare Island Bridge and the impact it will have on the traffic flow for those people accessing Mare Island.
Bridge Work & Traffic Flow
The City does not anticipate any additional full closures of the Mare Island Causeway Bridge as part of the upgrade project. Work will continue through 2026, with completion expected by January 2027.
During this time:
Westbound traffic will continue to use the bridge.
Eastbound traffic will be rerouted via Highway 37. Any changes or updates will be communicated promptly to residents, businesses, and students.
The City will continue to post the latest information for the Mare Island Causeway Project Page: https://www.cityofvallejo.net/cms/One. aspx?portalId=16925451&pageId=17937892
Our Public Works team is also reviewing the traffic flow on and off the island to determine if any improvements can be implemented. They are also assessing the need for additional signage and barriers on the bridge to enhance safety.
The City staff has also reached out to residents, businesses, and Touro University to see how we can more effectively connect with all the people who use Mare Island. To streamline communication, we’re launching a Mare Islandspecific email list for direct updates from the City. Sign up here: https://cityofvallejo.formstack.com/ forms/mareislandcommunications
There has also been concern about the Emergency Response and Preparedness on and off of Mare Island during this project. The Vallejo Fire Department has confirmed that the current
westbound-only traffic pattern has improved emergency response times to Mare Island versus two-way traffic controlled by a light and/or a flagman. Here’s how:
Dispatch coordinates with the City bridge operator to ensure the bridge is accessible during emergencies.
If the bridge is raised, crews are rerouted via Hwy 37 to minimize delays.
The Vallejo Fire Department is notified of any projects that could impact response times and has access to multi-agency resources, including air ambulances, for complex emergencies.
For large-scale emergencies like earthquakes or fires, Solano County Office of Emergency Services (OES) uses Alert Solano, a dynamic alert system.
We strongly encourage everyone to sign up: https://www.solanocounty.gov/government/ office-emergency-services/alert-solano
This system ensures timely, situation-specific instructions to help keep our community safe.
Additionally, as part of the ongoing and future development of Mare Island, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared. This comprehensive review will include an analysis of the island’s emergency response and evacuation capabilities. The City will assess current infrastructure and resources, and evaluate how these systems must evolve to support the anticipated growth. This forward-looking approach ensures that public safety remains a priority as Mare Island continues to develop. We’re committed to keeping you informed, safe, and connected. Thank you for your continued partnership and feedback as we move forward together.
Transportation Superintendent - Closing Date 12/1/2025
Senior Civil Engineer, Public Works - Closing Date 12/08/25
Public Works Director - Closing Date 12/12/25
Assistant Public Works Director - Closing Date 12/12/25
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
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) have released the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+, a long-range plan to guide growth, housing, transportation, and sustainability across the region’s nine counties
What’s Inside the Plan:
35 strategies for a more affordable, connected, and resilient Bay Area
A bold new vision for the region’s public transit through Transit 2050+
Policies to support housing, climate resilience, and vibrant communities
Learn more and share your input! Visit planbayarea.org/draftplan for full event details, Zoom links, and meeting times.
Center for Urban Excellence: Empowering Youth Through Purpose-Driven
Workshops
to Prevent Cannabis Use
This quarter, the Center for Urban Excellence (CUE) continued its commitment educating youth and young adults through a series of focused, high-impact workshops designed to provide information on Cannabis use and risk factors and protective factors prevention. Facilitated by Dionne Carter, these sessions offer a safe and culturally responsive space where youth can explore cannabis, identify harmful marketing of Cannabis, strengthen resilience, and build coping skills they need to respond to life challenges without Cannabis use.
Dionne remains a dedicated partner in the Prop 64 initiative, ensuring that her workshop curriculum aligns with the project’s broader prevention goals and uplifts the lived experiences of Vallejo youth impacted by trauma. As she continues delivering workshopbased programming, CUE brings an important perspective to the collaborative: one rooted in deep community ties, a practical understanding of the needs of systems-impacted youth and young adults, and culturally responsive health and safety education.
Her ongoing contributions help ensure that the Prop 64 project reflects diverse approaches to Cannabis prevention —combining public health education, community engagement, and prevention practices to strengthen outcomes across the city. For more information contact dionne@centerforurbanexcellence.org.
VALLEJO HOUSING AUTHORITY
ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Starting October 28, 2025, participants can request appointments by scanning the QR code with your smartphone or tablet or by clicking on this link.
cityofvallejo.co/47gz8Dy
The Vallejo Police Department (VPD) has released a publicly available Transparency Progress Report, covering the first year of reform implementation under the Settlement Agreement with the California Department of Justice (DOJ). This report seeks to provide the community with a snapshot of the progress the department is making in its reform efforts and the commitment to future work in the coming years. The progress tracker will be updated regularly or when there are significant developments in substantial compliance being granted. The Transparency Progress Report can be accessed at Vallejopd.net.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
For general inquiries: (707) 648-4507
City of Vallejo’s Settlement Agreement Evaluator recently released a Year-1 Status Report. The report covered the period from April 8, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and provides a comprehensive assessment of progress, accomplishments, and areas requiring additional focus as Year1 reform works comes to a conclusion. The Evaluator’s Status Report can be accessed at www.Vallejomonitor.com.
Chief Jason Ta reaffirmed the department’s commitment:
“The Vallejo Police Department continues to recognize the importance of this reform work. We are dedicated to meeting the requirements of the Settlement Agreement and enhancing accountability and trust within our community. While challenges remain, this first year reflects progress and our commitment to seeing the reforms through to completion.”
James Rustice Appointed Interim Fire Chief
City Manager Andrew Murray is pleased to announce the appointment of James (“Jim”) Rustice as Interim Fire Chief, effective November 21, 2025. Mr. Murray extends his sincere appreciation to Chief Rustice for stepping into this important leadership role and also thanks outgoing Interim Fire Chief Art Gonzales for his outstanding service since January 2025.
Chief Rustice brings more than two decades of experience and dedication to the role. He began his fire service career with the Vallejo Fire Department on January 3, 2000, as a member of the City’s first class of firefighter-paramedics. He was promoted to Fire Engineer in 2006 and to Fire Captain in 2016, where he led crews in operations, training, and emergency response. He was promoted to Battalion Chief in August 2023 and in July 2025, assumed the role of Interim Deputy Chief, supporting department-wide administration, strategic planning, and operational oversight.
With a strong commitment to public safety and professional excellence, Chief Rustice continues to serve the Vallejo community with integrity, resilience, and a forwardlooking vision for the fire service.
Shepherd
Kiva
Avery
PIT COUNT 2026
Make sure that every person is counted. Participate in the 2026 PIT Count today!
WE’RE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
The PIT count empowers our community to identify housing needs and collaboratively track our progress toward the shared goal of eradicating homelessness.
Point-in-Time Count Date: JANUARY 29, 2026
All Cities in Solano County
o c o n t r a c t s & f e e s . J u s t f a s t i n t e r n e t .
S I G
N U P
N O W w w w . v i p f i b e r . c o m
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
911 Crisis Response
von Williamson, Program Manager (707) 648-4502 : (323) 761-4071
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
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
Impact Team Response
Katie Burns, Admin Data Analyst
(707) 917-411
(415) 286-3590
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
support, restorative justice, & after-school initiative
