VALLEJO WEEKLY
Hello Vallejo,
May has arrived with an unexpected late season storm, bringing some welcome rain but also briefly delaying our ongoing street repaving work. While the weather caused a short pause, our Public Works team remains confident that crews will be back on schedule soon. Once the work resumes, residents can look forward to smoother, safer streets as we continue investing in Vallejo’s infrastructure.
Last weekend, our community proudly hosted the 125th annual Great Vallejo Race, a beloved tradition on our waterfront. More than 100 sailboat crews made the trip from Berkeley to Vallejo, filling our Yacht Club marina with excitement and celebrating our city’s strong maritime heritage. Events like this highlight the vibrancy of our waterfront and showcase Vallejo as a welcoming destination for visitors from across the region. On Tuesday, the City Council received presentations from the Roosevelt Group and the Budget Team. The Roosevelt Group—our consultant supporting efforts to strengthen and expand the maritime industry on Mare Island—offered an insightful update and outlined potential next steps. The budget discussion also gave Council and staff an opportunity to begin shaping priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, setting the stage for more detailed conversations in the weeks ahead.
NOTES FROM NALUNGO
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Looking forward, several important meetings are on the schedule. The Police Oversight and Accountability Committee is meeting on May 7th to continue its critical review of current police policies. The discussion will center on the Complaints Policy. All public meetings can be watched either live or through a recording of the meeting on our website.
On Monday, May 11, the Measure P Committee will meet to further explore potential funding opportunities and community investments.
Tomorrow, May 8, Assemblymember Lori Wilson will host her annual AD 11 Day at City Hall from 10 AM to 5 PM. This is a valuable chance for residents to hear updates on state level initiatives and share community priorities directly with their representative.
Finally, with Mother’s Day approaching this Sunday, I want to extend heartfelt appreciation to all the mothers and mother figures in our community. Your dedication and care enrich our city every day. I hope we all take a moment this weekend to honor and celebrate you.
With Appreciation
Nalungo Conley
Vallejo’s Acting City Manager
Cover Photo: The Great Vallejo Race 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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The Vallejo Water Department Ensures Fire Hydrants Are Ready for Firefighting
The Vallejo Water Department has begun its annual Fire Hydrant Testing and Maintenance Program throughout the City’s water system. This work is essential to maintaining safe, reliable, and highquality fire suppression and drinking water supply for Vallejo.
Why We Test and Maintain Hydrants
Routine hydrant testing and maintenance are in line with water and fire industry standards, American Water Works Association, and the National Fire Protection Association recommendations. These activities help to:
• Confirm hydrants are fully functional and ready for fire protection
• Measure water system flow and pressure to support firefighting capabilities
• Identify maintenance needs and mechanical conditions so they can be completed promptly
• Improve Vallejo’s overall water system reliability because underground valves and pipes are checked at hydrant sites
• Support regulatory compliance and system performance monitoring
Benefits to the Community
This proactive and routine program provides important benefits to the community, including:
• Optimized fire protection and emergency preparedness
• Improved water system performance
• Removal of sediment buildup in the water mains
• Improved long-term water quality and system reliability
Temporary Water Discoloration
When the Water Department tests and flushes hydrants in your immediate area, you might experience temporary impacts to the color of the water coming out of your tap. This water discoloration does not pose a health risk because it is simply due to tiny particles of minerals that settle in the water pipes getting stirred by the water pipe flushing during hydrant maintenance. Discoloration is common and short-term –likely rust or amber colored.
If discoloration occurs, customers are advised to:
• Run a cold-water tap, preferably an outdoor hose, or an indoor bathtub/ shower.
• Allow water to flow for about 10 minutes or until it runs clear.
• Avoid using hot water or doing laundry until water runs clear.
Work Schedule and Coordination
Hydrant testing is being conducted in phases throughout the City. There should be no disruption of your water service as a result of the work. On rare occasions, brief shut down of a pipe may need to occur to isolate a hydrant needing repair. Crews are working to minimize disruptions, handle hydrant maintenance efficiently, and reduce impacts to traffic and customers.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions or continue to experience discolored water, please contact Vidia Gillula, Water Quality Manager for the Vallejo Water Department: Phone: (707) 649-3472
Email: Vidia.Gillula@cityofvallejo.net Website: https://www.cityofvallejo.net/ waterquality
For General Information on Hydrant Testing https://bit.ly/HydrantTesting
SPRING CLEANUP @ RINDLER CREEK SPRING CLEANUP @ RINDLER CREEK
AT
Rindler Creek flows out of the hills to the east of Vallejo, down into Lake Chabot It attracts a fair amount of trash, and it’s time for a spring cleaning! Wear sturdy clothes and shoes, gloves, hat and sunscreen If you are under 18, a parent/guardian must sign a waiver We will provide tools, trash bags, water, and refreshments.
To RSVP or request more information, visit VallejoWatershedAlliance.org, scan the QR code, email info@vallejowatershedalliance org, or call 707-652-7812
ANNUAL ART CALENDAR CONTEST!
MIT Academy Shines at 2026 California Mock Trial State Finals
The 2026 California Mock Trial State Finals were held in Oakland from March 20-22, 2026, and featured 34 high school teams from across the state competing at the Alameda County Courthouse. Two local schools ultimately competed for the top prize, with Lynbrook High School (Santa Clara County) County winning the championship over Moreau Catholic High School (Alameda County).
This year’s fictional case, People v. Fromholz, included a murder, a celebrity chef, a reality TV competition, and some very deadly mushrooms. The case centered on the trial of Haley Fromholz, a chef and contestant on the fictional reality TV cooking show, Recipe for Success. Fromholz is charged with murdering celebrity chef Morgan Sears using poisonous “heartstopper” mushrooms during the filming of the show.
The State Finals included the mock trial team from MIT Academy, representing Solano County at the State Finals for the third straight year. The MIT Academy’s roster included Russell Gonzalez, Kimberly Kariuki, Natalia Olivas, Natalie Dobson, James Maravilla, Christelle Njuguna, Christabel Njuguna, Amira Sarkar, Teresa Flores, Jacquelin Gamez (daughter of the City of Vallejo’s very own, Jose Gamez, Streets Supervisor), Awasys Sharma, Acacia Lujan, Mariacristina Prado Nuñez, Grayson Shaw, and Andrew Que. Notably, the MIT mock trial roster included several students who had participated in the mock trial program since its inception three years ago and, therefore, making their third appearance at the State Finals.
MIT teachers Nara Robert and Harrison Paul returned to coach the program, with Kristoffer Jacob, an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Vallejo, and Hayley Landman, an associate at the Norton Law Firm, serving as attorney coaches. The students were also coached by three sitting Solano
Superior Court judges: the Hon. Kelly Trujillo, the Hon. Marlo Nisperos, and the Hon. Dan Healy. The judges also welcomed the students to practice on Saturdays in the Vallejo Courthouse. Experience, dedication, and diligence helped the MIT Mock Trial program achieve what arguably may have been its best mock trial season to date. In preparation for the State Finals, the MIT Mock Trial team participated in scrimmages against more experienced schools from Sonoma County and Napa County. The MIT Mock Trial team won an impressive three out of four of the judges’ decisions in the scrimmages. Equally impressive, the defendant for the MIT Mock Trial was never found guilty in the scrimmages!
The MIT Mock Trial team continued their strong performance at the State Finals. The program also fielded a courtroom journalist, with your article author serving that role. The responsibility of the courtroom journalist was to gather information and write articles on the case. As courtroom journalist, I attended a special meeting for courtroom journalists to learn how to write a captivating trial article. At the conclusion of the meeting, I returned to join the rest of the team and watch the trial unfold. The trial began with a pretrial motion by the defense to exclude certain evidence for violation of Fromholz’s Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. The trial then proceeded with the prosecution’s and defense’s presentation of their respective evidence.
Ultimately, the MIT Mock Trial team secured three out of four pretrial decisions and earned one judge’s decision in a series of four exciting and hard-fought rounds. In addition, Acacia Lujan (defense attorney), Mariacristina Prado Nuñez (prosecution attorney), and James Maravilla (pretrial attorney for the prosecution) received MVP honors. As the courtroom journalist, I was also able to enjoy the benefit of being able to see the trial unfold from an objective lens, and to cheer on my teammates as they navigated through objections from the opposing side and presented their evidence to convince the judge of Fromholz’s guilt or innocence. The State Finals truly were an exciting two days filled with intense competition and challenges, and the MIT Mock Trial team pulled through to finish the 2025-2026 season strong!
By Andrew Que.
The courtroom journalist MIT Student
The City of Vallejo is submitting a grant proposal to fund improvements at Wilson Park. Your input in advance of the application is needed to guide the proposal based on your feedback.
Please help by completing the WILSON PARK IMPROVEMENTS SURVEY and tell us what you’d like to see at Wilson Park!
Stay tuned for upcoming in-person meeting dates!
We would love to hear from you about how you get to and from the ferry terminal and ways we can improve that experience.
Take our quick priorities poll here: https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/project/ vallejo-ferry-terminal-access-study/ or scan the QR code below:
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
IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE VALLEJO 171ST
$250 CASH PRIZES!!
*FUNNIEST
*MOST PATRIOTIC
*MOST VALLEJO SPIRIT
THE VALLEJO JULY 4TH PARADE IS CELEBRATING 171 YEAR S! OUR PARADE IS ONE OF THE OLDEST IN CALIFORNIA ENJOY ED BY NEARLY 20,000 SPECTATORS A YEAR ALONG TENNESSEE STREET, SONOMA BOULEVARD AND GEORGIA STREET!
ENTER YOUR BUSINESS, ORGANIZATION, GROUP OR TEAM TO SHOW YOUR PATRIOTIC SPIRIT AND COMPETE FOR CASH PRIZES!
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026 SO DON’T WAIT—ENTER TODAY!
Senior Civil Engineer, Water - Closing On 5/11/2026
Administrative Manager - Closing On 5/18/2026
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 Click
Celebrating 125 Years on the Water: The Great Vallejo Race Thrills Again
Over 100 sailboats surged into the Mare Island Strait on May 2 as the Great Vallejo Race returned for its 125th year of action on the water. Sponsored by the Vallejo Yacht Club, this iconic regatta continues to honor Vallejo’s deep nautical heritage while drawing sailors from across the region.
A steady spring breeze made for fast, lively racing as colorful spinnakers filled the strait and crews battled for position along the historic course. After crossing the finish line, sailors capped off the day with a festive evening in Vallejo before heading home on Sunday. If you missed the spectacle this year, don’t worry—next May’s race is already on the horizon. Mark your calendars and learn more at the Vallejo Yacht Club’s website: https://www.vyc.org/the-greatvallejo-race
PETS of the week
Mason
Domestic Short Hair, Grey & Whte, F, 8 mo, 6 lbs, $150 adoption fee
This medium-energy cat has a sweet-and-spicy personality and a chatty streak. Playful with wand toys and eager for attention, she thrives as a solo feline and offers a lively, expressive presence that brightens any home.
Picasso
Pit bull Terrier Mix, Black & White,M, 1.5 yo, 58 lbs, $300 adoption fee
This handsome, affectionate pup loves playtime, walks, belly rubs, and cuddles. Goofy and energetic, he’s done well with dogs of all sizes and people of all ages, and he may thrive in a secure home with continued training.
Planning a Community Clean-Up?
County Honoring Centenarians
The Solano County Board of Supervisors is inviting the community to help identify local centenarians for recognition by the Board of Supervisors later this fall as part of the 20th annual Centenarian Commemoration Celebration.
Now in its 20th year, the program has become one of the County’s most cherished traditions, celebrating the lives, legacies and wisdom of residents who have reached the extraordinary milestone of 100 years or more. To date, the Board has honored 347 centenarians, representing more than 35,000 combined years of life experience.
“Our seniors deserve to be supported, protected and given every opportunity to thrive,” said Monica Brown, District 2 Supervisor and Chair of the Solano County Board of Supervisors. “From helping them remain safely in their homes to expanding access to services, we must continue investing in programs that honor their dignity and recognize their lasting contributions to our community.”
Each year, the celebration shines a spotlight on the remarkable stories of Solano County’s oldest residents, preserving their history, honoring their contributions, and recognizing the invaluable role older adults play in shaping the community. As part of the commemoration, participating centenarians are invited to share their life stories through personal interviews, which are featured in a commemorative video presentation and preserved in a hardcover yearbook for families and future generations.
“This program holds a special place in my heart,” said John M. Vasquez, District 4 Supervisor and cosponsor of the annual event. “Twenty years ago, the Board launched this effort by honoring my first-grade schoolteacher when she turned 100 years old. What began as a tribute to one incredible woman has grown into a countywide celebration of hundreds of centenarians whose lives continue to inspire us all.”
Over the years, the program has also recognized rare “super-centenarians,” individuals who live to age 110 or older. These individuals are exceptionally rare, with only about 60 people living in the United States at any given time and roughly 300–500 worldwide, and reaching this milestone occurs in only about 1 in every 1,000 centenarians. In that context, Solano County’s recognition of two super-centenarians—Marie West (2011) and Reta Wills (2021)—over the past 20 years is an extraordinary and uncommon distinction that underscores the uniqueness of the County’s centenarian community.
CONTACTING THE COUNTY ABOUT CENTENARIANS
If you know of a centenarian, or someone who is currently 99 years old and will be turning 100 by year’s end. please email Centenarian@SolanoCounty.gov and/or call (707) 784-6129 by or before August 1, 2026. Please relay the following information over the phone or in an email to the Supervisor, including (1) name, (2) address, (3) phone number, (4) and best contact email address.
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 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.
Solano County Mobility Programs
Countywide Programs: Solano County Older Adults Medical Trip Concierge Service
■ This program provides subsidized Uber/Lyft services for Solano county residents to get to and from medical appointments (hospital, dentist, chiropractor, pharmacy, etc.).
■ Veterans of any age can access Travis AFB, Martinez VA clinic, Hume Center, and the Med Evals/QTR Assessment Center in Concord.
■ Any senior over 60 can use this program and receive a 60% subsidy, but qualifying low income seniors receive an 80% subsidy.
Volunteer Driver & Non-Profit Programs
■ Door-to-door rides for ambulatory seniors (60+). Please call 1-800-535-6883 for more information.
Travel Training
■ In-person, group, and classroom training for seniors to learn to safely and confidently use public transit.
Senior Clipper Card
■ Adults
or
Solano County. Transit Trip Planning
■
Additional Program for Solano County Residents: Solano County Intercity
■
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.
PROGRAM*
TRAFFIC ALERT:
State Route 37 (SR 37)/Fairgrounds Dr Interchange in Vallejo
The Solano Transportation Authority (STA), in close coordination with its transportation partner, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is in the process of completing construction work on the new State Route 37 (SR 37)/Fairgrounds Dr Interchange Project in Vallejo. The interchange improvement project will enhance motorist safety and improve bicycle and pedestrian access with construction of a new Diverging Diamond Interchange.
This is the first-ever Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) constructed in the Bay Area and only the second-ever constructed on a major highway in California.
What to Expect:
The new DDI is anticipated to open to traffic on Saturday, May 16, weather dependent. Work is underway and will involve overnight closures:
• Overnight closure scheduled on Friday, May 15 at 9 PM until 9 AM, Saturday, May 16.
• Motorists on Fairgrounds Drive at SR 37 should watch for temporary traffic lane shifts and follow all on-site signage.
• The eastbound and westbound on and off-ramps at SR 37/Fairgrounds Drive will be closed overnight with detours.
• Fairgrounds Drive will also be closed to traffic overnight from Sage Street to Gateway Drive in Vallejo.
• Please follow on-site signage for detours and see the embedded map for additional closure information.
Final construction, including final striping, will continue after the opening of the new Diverging Diamond to traffic.
We appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience as important work on this important project continues! Motorists should drive with caution in construction zones, slow down for worker safety and expect travel delays. All work is weather dependent.
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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