VALLEJO WEEKLY
Hello Vallejo
ANDREW’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Spring has officially arrived, and as we move through this first full week of the season—and the final week of March—we’re beginning to enjoy those longer, warmer days. Of course, we’re also keeping an eye on the forecast, as rain may return next week and bring the classic April showers along with it.
At this week’s City Council meeting, we saw two significant development proposals move forward. One project includes 51 new homes in Glen Cove, and the other focuses on the long anticipated redevelopment of the Blue Rock Springs Golf Course and surrounding area. The Council approved each project to advance to its next stage.
I’d also like to remind everyone that the Vallejo Police Oversight and Accountability Commission will hold a special meeting on Monday, March 30, to review the proposed revised Vallejo Police Department personnel
complaint policy. This is an important moment for community input, and I encourage you to attend or share your comments to help inform the Commission.
On a celebratory note, I had the privilege of attending the graduation for the Vallejo Fire Department’s newest class of recruits. Please join me in welcoming them to the team—we’re grateful for their commitment to keeping our community safe.
A final reminder: Vallejo City Unified School District’s two week spring break is underway, with students returning on Monday, April 6. Please stay mindful of increased youth activity throughout the community during this time.
With Appreciation
Andrew Murray City Manager
Women’s History Spotlight - 13
Vallejo Issues Two RFP’s - 15
Youth Delegation in DC - 16
Vallejo’s First Impression 19
VPD Helps Out - 20
Beautify Vallejo -23
Hwy29/Sonoma Blvd Update - 25
Connect to
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Reach your city council
Mayor Andrea Sorce (Term Expires Jan 2029)
Andrea.Sorce@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4377
Vice Mayor Diosdado “JR” Matulac (District 2 - Term Expires Jan 2027) JR.Matulac@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4132
Council Member Alexander Matias (District 1 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Alexander.Matias@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4134
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 Peter Bregenzer (District 5 -Term Expires Jan 2027) Peter.Bregenzer@cityofvallejo.net 707-648-4131
Council Member Helen-Marie Gordon (District 6 - Term Expires Jan 2029) Helen-Marie.Gordon@cityofvallejo.net 707-649-7711
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FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Other ways to participate: 6:30pm
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Thursday, June 11, 2026
GVRD Boardroom 401 Amador Street, Vallejo, CA Scan or click the QR code
provide input
Mindful Movement
Preschool Yoga • Mindfulness • Emotional Literacy Move. Breathe. Feel. Grow.
Join our joyful preschool yoga class designed especially for young children to explore movement, mindfulness, and emotions in a safe, playful way
What to Expect
Through age-appropriate yoga poses, stories, music, dancing and games, children learn to:
• Stretch and move their bodies with confidence
• Practice calm breathing and relaxation
• Recognize and name feelings like happy, sad, excited, or frustrated
• Build empathy, self-regulation, and kindness
���� Why Mindfulness & Emotional Literacy?
Early childhood is the perfect time to help children:
• Develop emotional awareness
• Learn healthy ways to manage big feelings
• Build focus, resilience, and self-confidence These skills support learning, friendships, and overall well-being on and off the mat.
���� Class Details
• Saturday 9:30 am
• March 7 14 21 and 28 (come to all or one, drop-ins welcome)
• Ages: 3–6 years
• Length: 45 minutes
• Setting: Playful, energetic and inclusive
• Where: Solano Family and Children’s Services (Fairfield Conference Room)
• Experience needed: None at all! Children and adults wear comfortable clothes and bring their energy Yoga mats are provided.
JOIN SOLANO RCD’S FREE ONLINE WORKSHOP
Creating a Monarch Butterfly Habitat
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM ND
Please join us for a special evening and museum exhibit honoring the Vallejo Watershed Alliance’s first 20 years of community stewardship and partnerships from creek cleanups and habitat restoration, to educational programs for people of all ages
More details to follow mark your calendars now!
The Online Workshop will Cover:
The natural history and life cycle of Monarch butterflies
The essential plants Monarchs need to thrive
How to properly install and manage those plants for the benefit of butterflies
To register for the online workshop, please use this link https://us02web zoom us/meeting/register/6E1 GWExRUixWULIRJ0n5A or email your first and last name to chelsea freeze@solanorcd org
Exhibit Opening Night Saturday, April 4, 2026 4:00 to 7:00 pm
VWA Exhibit on Display April 4 through May 28, 2026 Admission fees apply and grant
ptimist International of Vallejo is again ding college scholarships to women girls living in Vallejo who are uating from High School and plan to attend: 4-year University Community College Trade or Professional School
Applicants are evaluated on financial need, academic achievement, community involvement, and personal goals. The selection process will include an interview.
Are you a parent of a child aged 0-8 years old looking for community resources to nurture their growth? Maybe child care, extracurricular activities such as dance or karate, a welcoming dentist office for that first visit, or a face painter for their next birthday party?
Then come help us kick off the National Week of the Young Child at the Solano Young Children Resource Fair! This fair is designed to provide parents with resources for their young children and is free to the community. Attendees who RSVP below will receive one free raffle ticket per household and current (as of 4/2/2026) CAEYC members will receive TWO!
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: Noon-2pm
Cost: Free
Location: Fairfield-Suisun Adult School 900 Travis Blvd. Fairfield, CA 94533
LOVE IN LOVE IN ACTION DAY ACTION DAY
RSVP here: https://forms.gle/9J WE3cKdU3Pp4rcb8
Questions? Email: sn.caeyc@gmail.com
Join us for a day of family fun, delicious food and exciting activities
Presented by SOLANO-NAPA CHAPTER
Solano County
EARTH DAY CLEANUP
BENICIA
Location: Benicia Bus Hub
(Corner of Park & Industrial Way)
Time: Saturday April 18, 8am-11am
Contact: Sharon Denney
Email: SDenney@ci.benicia.ca.us http://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/stormwater
DIXON
Location: Pond C at 1265 Yale Drive
Time: Saturday April 18, 9am-11am
Contact: Leland Markusen
Email: LMarkusen@cityofdixonca.gov www.cityofdixonca.gov/stormwater
FAIRFIELD
Location: Lower Ledgewood Creek
(parking lot behind Home Depot)
Time: Saturday April 18, 9am-11am
Contact: Trang Bui
Email: TBui@fairfieldsuisunsewer.ca.gov https://www.fairfieldsuisunsewer.ca.gov/
LAKE SOLANO
Location: Lake Solano County Park
Time: Saturday April 18, 9am-12pm
Contact: Jamie Fussell
Email: JMFussell@SolanoCounty.gov www.solanocounty.gov
FOR MORE INFORMATION call 707.678.1655 (ext 104) or visit www.cleanupsolano.org
RIO VISTA
Location: Sandy Beach Park
Time: Saturday April 18, 10am-12pm
Contact: Marissa Medders
Email: MAMedders@SolanoCounty.gov www.solanocounty.gov
VACAVILLE
Location: Andrew’s Park
Time: Saturday April 18, 9am-11am
Contact: Robyn Slater
Email: robyn.slater@solanorcd.org www.cityofvacaville.com/creekcleanup
SUISUN CITY
Location: Lower Union Ave Creek
(dead end of Railroad Ave near Marina Blvd)
Time: Saturday April 18, 9am-11am
Contact: Trang Bui
Email: TBui@fairfieldsuisunsewer.ca.gov https://www.fairfieldsuisunsewer.ca.gov/
Location: Grizzly Island Road
(meet at Suisun Hill Bridge)
Time: Saturday April 11, 9:30am-12:30pm
Contact: Di Holokahi
Email: Di@solanolandtrust.org www.solanolandtrust.org
VALLEJO
Location: Blue Rock Springs Creek Corridor
(below Wardlaw Park)
Time: Saturday April 18, 9am-11:30am
Contact: Doug Darling
Email: ddfish4life@sbcglobal.net www.vallejowatershedalliance.org
Location: McGary Road (meet at Lynch Canyon parking lot)
Time: Saturday April 18, 9am-11:30am
Contact: Diana Samuels
Email: DLSamuels@SolanoCounty.goc www.solanocounty.gov
Vallejo Symphony Concert III
London Symphony
Symphony No. 1, “Classical” — Sergei Prokofiev, Saint Cello Concerto No. 1 — Camille Saint-Saëns, Isaac Pastor-Chemak, cello soloist Symphony No.104 “London” — Joseph Haydn Marc Taddei, conducting
Our grand finale brings Haydn’s last and greatest symphony to the stage—his jubilant farewell to the form he helped define. The evening opens with Prokofiev’s cheeky Classical Symphony and SaintSaëns’ passionate Cello Concerto No. 1, performed by our exceptional principal cellist Isaac Pastor-Chernik. His playing combines fire, grace, and total command of the instrument.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 3PM at the Empress Theatre
Women’s History Spotlight: Julia O’Rourke
When she arrived in the United States at just five years old, an immigrant from Guatemala, she never imagined that her journey would one day lead her to the City of Vallejo and a career in public service. Raised in Danville, with deep family ties her path has been anything but ordinary—shaped by hard work, resilience, and a deep love for community.
For more than a decade, she built a fast paced career in event production. From weddings to large scale productions and even major celebrations like the Warriors parades, she thrived in demanding environments where long hours and constant travel were the norm. “I’m really good at it, and I love putting out fires,” she said. But the toll of 17 to 18 hour days and weeks spent living in hotels made her rethink what she wanted her life to look like. When her husband—who works with the City of Pleasant Hill—suggested she consider government work, something clicked. Around the same time, the couple was exploring a move to Vallejo. They rented a home for a year, fell in love with the waterfront, the energy, and the community, and decided to put down roots. “We really liked it here. It just felt right,” she recalled. They purchased a home in South East Vallejo near Maggie’s Hamburgers, close to family and close to the water they enjoyed so much.
Determined to build a more stable, fulfilling future, she applied for a secretary position with the City of Vallejo. The hiring process took nearly a year, and after initially being placed on a list for the City Manager’s Office, she received a call from Public Works inviting her to move forward. “It was really meant to be,” she said. In January 2024, she officially joined Public Works—one of only a small handful of women in the department—but quickly found her place. “Everyone is so respectful and kind. I’m very social, so coming to work every day genuinely excites me.”
Life outside the office is equally full. She loves cooking, spending time with her two Rottweilers and her husband, and welcoming friends from Oakland. Recently, she took up running along the waterfront and even signed up for her first Mare Island 5K. She’s also an avid wine enthusiast and former winery worker who still enjoys exploring local tasting rooms.
Three years ago, she became a U.S. citizen—a milestone that coincided with getting married. She proudly kept her parents’ last name on her citizenship certificate as a tribute to their sacrifices and the foundation they built for her. Today, as she and her husband begin exploring adoption or fostering, she continues to lean into her lifelong desire to help others.
“I love this community. Vallejo is beautiful, and we can make it even more beautiful. I want to be part of the change we need.”
Water-Safe Beginners Ages 4+ Learn to Compete!
S U M M E R M O N - TH U R S
JUN 8 - JUL 2, 6-7PM
JUL 6 - JUL 30, 6-7PM
$132 for one session
$231 for both sessions
FALL M O N - TH U R S
AUG 31 - NOV 5, 6-7PM
$340 for the 10 week session
Prac�ce Dura�on: 60 - 120 min*
Costs: $130 - $170*
*depending on skill level
Economic Development Department Request for Proposal to Provide: Environmental Assessment and Reuse Planning Activities in the City of Vallejo on Two Target Areas: Mare Island and Downtown Waterfront, Focusing on Brownfield Sites
RFP released: February 18, 2026
Proposals Due 3 PM March 30, 2026
Learn more at HERE
The City of Vallejo and the Public Works Department Request for Proposal to Provide: Workforce Development Services for Urban Greening, Tree Planting, Irrigation, and Landscape Maintenance
VALLEJO UNITED SOCCER CLUB TRYOUTS
RFP released: February 23, 2026
Proposals Due 5 PM April 6, 2026
Learn more at HERE
Vallejo Youth Delegation Returns from Washington, D.C.
From March 13–17, 2026, the Vallejo Youth Delegation of six high school students from the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent Vallejo at the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional Conference. Joined by youth leaders from across the country, the students engaged in sessions on youth leadership, goal setting, budgeting, housing, and other key challenges facing cities nationwide. Each year, NLC brings together elected officials, municipal staff, and youth delegates for expert training, workshops, networking, and learning opportunities designed to help communities thrive.
In addition to the conference, the delegation enjoyed several enriching experiences throughout the D.C. area. Highlights included a special tour of Howard University and a student panel hosted by former Vallejo youth Jade Bess, Marquis McCleod, and Nia Flood. The group also visited historic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and World War II Memorial, explored the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History, and spent time in downtown D.C.
A visit to Capitol Hill provided the students the opportunity to meet Congressman John Garamendi and his staff, learn about their work, sit in on a Congressional Subcommittee meeting on the Coast Guard, and view the House Chambers.
Through the Two by Two Committee, the City of Vallejo and VCUSD have partnered on several joint initiatives, including the creation of the Vallejo Youth Delegation to help students build leadership and civic engagement skills. This year’s trip marks the seventh delegation cohort, with a total of 50 VCUSD students having now participated in civic learning experiences across the country.
The 2026 Youth Delegates will share a presentation on their trip and takeaways with the VCUSD School Board and the Vallejo City Council in the near future.
Vallejo Youth Delegation 2026
Beroj Arbab, Jesse Bethel High School
Tatara Arbab, Jesse Bethel High School
Zirva Irshad, Vallejo High School
Verania Cornejo Perez, Vallejo High School
Jozhius Susbilla, John Finney High School
Leniyah Dunn, John Finney High School
hsnb.org/pitties
The City of Vallejo Supports Your Efforts to Keep Our Community Clean and Beautiful. To ensure your event meets City requirements and to help us coordinate support, please reach out early in your planning process and review these guidelines for a safe and successful event. Get all the details here: https://www.vallejo.gov/residents/ volunteer_resources/planning_a_ community_clean-_up_
Need more Help? Call 707-648-8616 or Email: Volunteers@cityofvallejo.net
Canelo
Domestic Short Hair, Tricolor, M, 5 yo, 12 lbs, $150 adoption fee
A shy, gentle cat with blue eyes who tested positive for FIV. He needs a calm home as the only cat or with friendly FIV-positive cats. FIV cats can live healthy, loving lives.
Della
Pit bull Terrier-Hound mix, Brindle , F, 5 yo, 41 lbs, $75 adoption fee through 3/31
This active, affectionate girl loves chasing toys and bringing them back. She knows “sit,” walks well on a leash, enjoys belly rubs and gentle kisses, and would prefer being your only furry companion.
A New Beginning at the Water’s Edge: Reimagining Vallejo’s
First Impression
Every city has a point of arrival—a place that shapes the first question visitors ask: What kind of community is this? For Vallejo, that moment happens where Historic Downtown meets the Napa River at the foot of Georgia Street.
Now imagine that arrival transformed.
A waterfront that instantly tells people: You matter here. Native landscapes that move with the wind. Art that reflects Vallejo’s rich, layered story. Pathways, gathering spaces, and vibrant programming that invite people to slow down, explore, and connect.
This isn’t just a park. It’s a statement of belief—one that says residents deserve beauty, visitors have reached somewhere special, and Vallejo is investing in itself.
A revitalized waterfront has the power to turn a simple arrival into an experience. It creates a pause—a moment of curiosity that leads people from the shoreline into downtown to discover local businesses, history, and culture. That’s where momentum begins: when people don’t just pass through a city, but choose to stay.
Anchored in community input, the vision for this space is unmistakably Vallejo: • Art and design that celebrate our cultural identity
• Spaces for festivals, music, and community joy
• Areas where families gather, children play, and creativity thrives
A truly great waterfront connects—not just land and water, but people to place, and the riverfront to the heart of downtown. It signals pride, progress, and possibility.
And when a city’s front door opens onto something inspiring, people don’t just enter—they lean in. The Vallejo Waterfront Grant Implementation Plan, funded by the USDA Urban Greening Grant, is now taking shape. This effort includes both park design and a workforce development program. More updates will be available soon at MyVallejo.com.
Vallejo Police Department Help in the Community
Members of the Vallejo Police Department joined the Vallejo Rotary Club on March 12 to support their annual dictionary giveaway. Each year, the Rotary Club raises funds to purchase and distribute dictionaries to every third-grade student in Vallejo. This much-appreciated effort—valued by educators and cherished by students—has been a community tradition for more than 30 years.
Then, on Saturday, March 21, VPD once again partnered with Vallejo Rotary, GVRD, Friends of Lake Chabot, Recology, and California Fish and Wildlife to help host and staff “Fishing in the City.” This free event introduces inner-city youth to the basics of fishing and outdoor recreation. The program has been a beloved Vallejo staple for several decades, held at Lake Chabot in Dan Foley Park.
Interested in Joining Our Team?
You might be a great fit!
Code Enforcement Manager - Closing On 3/30/2026
Traffic Engineer - Closing On 3/31/2026
Building Plans Examiner - Closing On 4/13/2026
Communications Operator II (Extra Help) - Closing On 5/4/2026
Firefighter / Paramedic - Closing On 5/18/2026
Police Officer (Entry Level - Academy Graduate)Closing On 6/30/2026
Police Officer (Lateral) - Closing On 6/30/2026
Police Cadet - Closing On 6/30/2026
Police Officer (Recruit) - Closing On 6/30/2026
The Neighborhood Watch Program offers our community members a chance to stay informed, build connections, and enhance communication with one another and our police department. It’s about neighbors working together to create a safer community.
If you’re interested in how the Neighborhood Watch Program can improve your area, contact Sgt. Hollis at Rashad.Hollis@cityofvallejo.net for more information.
By taking proactive steps today, we can help create a safer tomorrow for our communities.
Click HERE to see all of our current job listings
Beautify Vallejo Day
What began as a Earth Day cleanup on Mare Island has grown into a quarterly citywide movement to revitalize Vallejo’s parks, entryways, and high traffic areas. Litter affects our environment, our neighborhoods, and our local economy. Together, we’re taking action to build a cleaner, greener Vallejo for generations to come.
Our first of four Beautify Vallejo cleanups for 2026 —organized by the Beautification Commission in partnership with the City—was a tremendous success. A heartfelt thank you goes to each Commissioner for their planning, dedication, and hands on leadership. Their outreach through the Rooted Vallejo website, flyers, and social media clearly resonated; the smiles and energy on cleanup day said it all.
We’re grateful to the many volunteers who showed up to “Give Litter the Boot.” Their hard work and community pride help transform our shared spaces and make Vallejo brighter for everyone.
Beautify Vallejo Day is part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our city welcoming for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
The first cleanup of the year was held on Saturday, March 21.
Learn more at RootedVallejo.com
State Route-29 Pavement Rehabilitation and Complete Street Update
A lot is happening along SR-29, and we’re excited to share the progress with you. Alleyways are being filled, new lighting is going up, and crews continue patching potholes to keep the route smoother and safer until full paving begins this spring.
As work moves forward, we’d like to highlight a key feature you’ll see along the corridor: bulbouts. So—what exactly are they?
A bulb-out occurs at intersections where pedestrians prepare to cross the road. The curb is extended out, creating a narrow roadway allowing pedestrians to have a shorter path of travel from one side of the road to the other. The bulb-out also makes pedestrians more visible to motorists and encourages motorists to slow down.
For project updates and additional information, visit the State Route 29 website.
For more information on this project please go to our website -Caltrans State Route 29 Webpage The project is expected to be completed in late Fall 2026
VALLEJO HOUSING AUTHORITY
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Participants can request appointments by scanning the QR code with your smartphone or tablet or by clicking on this link.
cityofvallejo.co/47gz8Dy
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
For general inquiries: (707) 648-4507
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
FREE NEIGHBORHOOD DUMPSTER PROGRAM*
cityofvallejo.net