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Vallejo Weekly | Vol 14 | Issue 16

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VALLEJO WEEKLY

Today a new chapter starts for the City leadership. The City Council has directed that ACM Nalungo Conley and myself rotate the Interim City Manager responsibilities over the next 4-8 weeks while Council works on placing a longer-term Interim City Manager to assist through a competitive recruitment process for the next City Manager. I look forward to serving the City and community as a whole through this transition. Transitions like this give us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to strong governance, transparency, and community engagement. I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside ACM Conley to ensure continuity of service provision in our community and consistency in support to the citizens of Vallejo and City Council.

Our spring weather continues to keep us guessing, with sunshine breaking through between passing showers. The good news: the rain looks like it will hold off for this weekend’s Earth Day celebrations!

On Saturday morning, the City, together with Recology, will host a Free Dump Day for Vallejo residents. Saturday afternoon brings something new and exciting: the SF Bay Ferry’s first-ever Ferry Fest on Mare Island. Solano County will also be coordinating clean up events here in Vallejo and throughout the county. And that’s just part of the lineup—several other community events are happening on Saturday as well.

Sunday will be just as lively, with Día Del Niño at Children’s Wonderland, a community bike fair, and a performance by the Vallejo Symphony. As we move deeper into spring and summer, expect the festival season to ramp up across the City. Keep an eye on the Weekly so you don’t miss any of the great happenings around our community. Planning for a new series of downtown pop-up events is underway and you won’t want to miss these!

GREETINGS FROM GILLIAN A

MESSAGE

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Our Public Works team is also preparing to launch road paving projects Citywide. Like many of you, we’re eager to see these improvements completed. Crews are waiting for a stretch of dry weather, since paving on wet surfaces prevents the asphalt from curing and bonding properly, ultimately shortening the lifespan of the new roadway surface. In the meantime, they’re making good progress on sidewalk repairs and other prep work. Once we have a reliable rain free window, paving will begin. Caltrans is also at work on sidewalk improvements along Sonoma Boulevard ahead of their full resurfacing of State Route 29. Smooth roads are coming before next winter’s rain returns.

This week, the City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians. This agreement allows the City to provide temporary municipal services to the Tribal trust property near Columbus Parkway and I 80 as they continue their federal and state process for a larger casino project. The Tribe will reimburse the City for those services as the temporary project moves forward.

Lastly, the Roosevelt Group has unveiled Vallejo’s Strategic Plan for Maritime Revitalization, an important milestone for our city’s future in shipbuilding, maritime industry, defense, and innovation. We look forward to digging into the plan and using it as a roadmap for modernizing and strengthening Vallejo’s role as a leader in the maritime sector.

As always, please feel free to reach out to ACM Conley or myself if there is anything we can do to assist during this interim time.

With Appreciation Gillian Haen

Vallejo’s Acting City Manager

Earth Day Events - 6

Business Grants - 9

Police Reform Spotlight - 10

Sign up for 4th of July - 11

Event Grant Funding - 13

CERT Graduates - 16

Caltrans Traffic Alerts - 25

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Cover Photo: Sunset over the Mare Island strait Credit: Robert Briseño
Vallejo Weekly

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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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Dum

Dump

Dump

A C C E P T E D I T E M S

:

A p p l i a n c e s

E l e c t r o n i c w a s t e ( e - w a s t e )

O l d f u r n i t u r e & m a t t r e s s e s

M e t a l o b j e c t s

T i r e s ( u p t o 9 )

Y a r d w a s t e

G a r b a g e

N O T A C C E P T E D

:

C h e m i c a l s

H a z a r d o u s w a s t e

C & D d e b r i s

C o m p r e s s e d a i r , h e l i u m ,

o r p r o p a n e t a n k s

M e d i c a l w a s t e

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

RIO VISTA

Location: Sandy Beach Park

Time: Saturday April 18, 10am-12pm

Contact: Marissa Medders

Email: MAMedders@SolanoCounty.gov www.solanocounty.gov

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

VACAVILLE

Location: Andrew’s Park

Time: Saturday April 18, 9am-11am

Contact: Robyn Slater

Email: robyn.slater@solanorcd.org www.cityofvacaville.com/creekcleanup

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

SOLANO WORKFORCE STABILITY GRANT PROGRAM

The Vallejo Police Reform Spotlight

VPD Revises Personnel Complaint Policy

The Vallejo Police Department (VPD) is excited to announce the release of its draft revised Personnel Complaint Policy. We invite community members, business owners, and stakeholders to review the policy and provide feedback by April 24, 2026.

This updated policy demonstrates VPD’s commitment to building public trust, accountability, and continuing fair investigative practices. It outlines the procedures for accepting, classifying, investigating, and resolving complaints against VPD personnel. The draft policy includes safeguards to ensure all complaints are handled with professionalism, impartiality, and transparency.

In accordance with Government Code sections 3300 through 3313 and Penal Code section 832.5, the policy stipulates that all complaints will be accepted without delay, bias, or retaliation. Every allegation will be thoroughly investigated in alignment with California law and VPD standards.

Key highlights of the draft policy include:

• Complaint Accessibility: VPD accepts complaints from anyone through multiple channels: in person, online, by phone, email, mail, or anonymously. Forms and brochures will be available in English, Spanish, and Tagalog at the department lobby and on VallejoPD.net. Interpretation services will be offered, and oral complaints may be recorded upon request. All complaints will be documented, reviewed by a supervisor, and followed up promptly. Complainants will receive a copy of their statement and may submit additional information at any time.

• Community Outreach and Oversight: Vallejo PD will distribute complaint forms, brochures, and informational materials in our front lobby, on our website, and throughout the community. These resources will also be distributed to local churches, community organizations, and oversight bodies such as the Police Oversight and Accountability Commission and the Chief’s Advisory Board.

• New Public Complaint Portal: A new online Public Portal will allow community members to submit complaints and feedback directly through a secure, user-friendly web platform. The portal is available in multiple languages and can be accessed anytime from a phone or computer, making it easier than ever to engage with the department. Users will also receive real-time updates as their complaint moves through the review process.

• Clear Classification and Oversight: Complaints will be categorized as formal, informal, or public inquiries. The Professional Standards Division will oversee the fair handling of all complaints, regardless of their source.

• Strict Anti-Retaliation Protections: Any attempt to interfere with or retaliate against a complainant, witness, or cooperating party will result in disciplinary action, which can include termination.

• Transparency and Reporting: An annual public report summarizing complaint trends and dispositions will be published each year.

• Thorough Investigative Standards: All personnel complaint investigations will be conducted with diligence, including the recording of interviews and evidentiary reviews, and will follow a preponderance-of-evidence standard.

• Annual Audit and Training: The Professional Standards Division will perform annual audits of the complaint process. All relevant Vallejo PD personnel will receive training on complaint intake and investigation procedures. The Vallejo Police Department will host a town hall meeting on April 30, 2026, to present the draft complaints policy and listen to community comments and concerns regarding the revised complaint policy.

We encourage all community members to review the draft policy and submit their questions or feedback by visiting: https://www.myvallejo.com/vallejo-police-department-releases-draft-complaint-policy-for-public-feedback and click on the IDEAS button.

Community members may submit questions and comments to the Vallejo Police Department by email at VallejoPolicePIO@cityofvallejo.net or by mail to 111 Amador Street, Vallejo, CA 94590, Attention: Professional Standards Division.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

NOW OPEN!

City of Vallejo Special Event Sponsorship Grants (FY 2026–27)

Bring your event to life with support from the City of Vallejo!

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026–27 Special Event Sponsorship Program (SESP). SESP provides funding for community events that celebrate Vallejo’s culture, boost local economic activity, and strengthen community connections. If you’re planning an event that brings people together and showcases the vibrant spirit of our city, we want to hear from you!

Application Period: Open Now

Apply today: https://www.cityofvallejo.net/residents/special_event_resources

All funding awards are contingent upon approval of program funding by the Vallejo City Council. Let’s make 2026–27 another year of exciting, community-driven events in Vallejo!

Vallejo Graduates 16 New CERT Members

The City of Vallejo celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of its 2026-1 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy, marking the first CERT class held in Vallejo in a decade.

Sixteen dedicated community members successfully completed the program, gaining valuable skills in emergency preparedness, basic first aid, and hands-on rescue techniques. Throughout the academy, participants trained in how to safely assist their neighbors and support first responders during disasters and large-scale emergencies.

A key contributor to the success of this academy was the SFARY Firefighter Youth Academy, whose members played an integral role in instruction and mentorship. Their involvement brought energy, expertise, and a strong sense of community collaboration to the program, helping bridge generations of public safety education.

The graduation represents an important step forward in strengthening Vallejo’s community resilience. With more trained residents prepared to respond in times of crisis, the CERT program continues to build a safer, more connected city.

Residents interested in joining future CERT academies are encouraged to sign up online at: https://www.vallejo.gov/residents/volunteer_resources/community_emergency_response_ team___c_e_r_t_

For updates, training opportunities, and community highlights, follow the Vallejo CERT program on Instagram: @vallejocert.

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.

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

Need Help with Your Electrical Bill?

Affordable energy is an important component of housing stability. High utility costs can strain household budgets and reduce resources available for other essential needs, including housing, education, childcare, and healthcare. Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California (FHANC) is pleased to share information about energy assistance programs offered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) that may help reduce monthly utility expenses.

Eligible households may qualify for a monthly discount of 20% or more through PG&E’s California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. Participation in public assistance programs such as WIC, CalFresh/SNAP, or MediCal may meet eligibility requirements. Learn more and apply at pge.com/care.

Households that do not qualify for CARE may be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program, which offers an 18% discount on electricity bills. Applications are available at pge.com/fera.

Additional programs may also be available to assist with essential services, including medical device support and phone or internet services. For more information, visit pge.com/billhelp. Applications may be submitted online or by mail.

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_

Team?

You might be a great fit!

Traffic Engineer - Closing On 4/27/2026

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

PETS of the week

Beauty

Pit bull Terrier-Lab Mix, Black and white, F, 6 mo, 21 lbs, $350 adoption fee

A joyful, curious puppy who loves all kinds of toys and brings playful energy to every moment. Still learning, she thrives with patient, positive guidance, and after playtime she happily settles in for cuddles and a recharge.

VALLEJO HOUSING

Smokey

Domestic Short Hair, Grey, M, 6.5 yo, 11 lbs, $150 adoption fee

A gentle, quiet cat who starts out shy but forms a deep, trusting bond once he feels secure. He enjoys pets, sitting nearby, and occasional lap time. Best suited for a calm, predictable, adult home where he can thrive.

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

Caltrans Traffic Advisory

Daytime Ramp Closure of Westbound On/off Ramp of Interstate 80 (I-80) at Tennessee St. in Vallejo, Solano County

Caltrans Construction will fully close the westbound onand off-ramps at Tennessee St. to install trash capture systems for the safety of workers and motorists. The closures will be on Friday, April 17th from 9 AM to 3 PM.

This project includes installation of trash capture systems to prevent debris from entering local waterways. Additional work includes guardrail upgrades, construction of mainline pullouts for maintenance vehicles, and erosion control improvements.

DETOUR:

WB I-80 Off-Ramp at Tennessee St. Motorists who want to exit I-80 will need to continue on I-80 and take Exit Solano Ave/Springs Rd (31 A). Cross Solano Ave., then continue on Mariposa St. to Tennessee St

WB I-80 On-Ramp from Tennessee St. Motorist on Tennessee St. will need to turn on Mariposa St. toward Solano Ave. then cross Solano Ave and take WB I-80 On-Ramp.

CANCELED

55 Hour Closure of Solano Ave/Spring Rd –Interstate 80 (I-80) On-Ramp

Caltrans had to cancel this project due to weather. New dates will be determined so that they can construct curb ramps and install new traffic signals at the intersection of Solano Avenue/Springs Road and the WB I-80 OnRamp.

Schedule: Starting - April 17, 2026, at 7 PM Ending - April 20,2026 at 5 AM

For general questions, please email: sabrina.martinez@dot.ca.gov

See the full press release here: https://files. constantcontact.com/d01fd34f901/1b6efe39-ae69-470fa583-8aa84cc398a6.pdf

Motorists should drive with caution in construction zones and expect travel delays. All work is weather dependent and subject to change

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED

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.

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

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