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Vallejo Weekly | Vol 14 | Issue 20

Page 1


VALLEJO WEEKLY

20

Hello Vallejo,

There’s exciting progress happening in North Vallejo! The new Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Fairgrounds Drive and State Route 37 is nearly ready to open. The Solano Transportation Authority (STA), working closely with Caltrans, is wrapping up final construction.

To complete the transition into the new Diverging Diamond configuration, the intersection will be closed from Friday, May 15th through the morning of Saturday, May 16th. When it reopens, the DDI will be operating in its new configuration. Additional work will continue throughout the project, and once fully completed, this will be the first DDI in the Bay Area and only the second in the entire state of California. Stay connected through the Vallejo Weekly and the City’s social media channels for updates and driving guidance.

This week, May 10–16, also marks National Peace Officers Week, with Peace Officers Memorial Day observed on Friday, May 15th. This is an important time to honor the brave men and women who serve as police officers here in Vallejo and across the country—and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Vallejo will be buzzing with activities, including the annual Vallejo

NOTES FROM NALUNGO

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Garden Tour hosted by the Vallejo Naval Museum on Sunday, May 17th. With beautiful spring weather on the way, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the city’s most stunning local gardens. Be sure to add it to your calendar! You can learn more about the event and get your tickets here: https://vallejomuseum.net/event/vallejo-gardentour-2026/

The warmer, drier weather is also helping the City make steady progress on roadway repaving efforts. Dry conditions are essential for asphalt to set properly, and we know our community is eager to enjoy smoother streets as we head into a season filled with local events. Over the next few weeks, the City of Vallejo Public Works team will continue its Cape Seal repaving work. The larger street repaving project is also moving forward, with paving scheduled for mid-summer. In addition, Caltrans is advancing its Complete Streets program for State Route 29/Sonoma Boulevard, with repaving expected to begin in late fall.

With Appreciation

Vallejo Garden Tour - 6

Traffic Alert - 8

Pista Sa Nayon - 11

Honoring Centenarians - 12

Cover Photo: Some of May’s Flowers Credit: Robert Briseño

Connect to

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Translate much of this publication into any language by downloading the file, then uploading it to Google Translate then pick your preferred language. Visit VallejoWeekly.com for versions in Spanish & Tagalog.

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

Traduzca gran parte de esta publicación a cualquier idioma descargando el archivo y luego subiéndolo a Google Translate y luego seleccione su idioma preferido.

Visita VallejoWeekly.com para versiones en español y tagalo.

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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.

Get more information about the project here: https://sta.ca.gov/project/redwoodparkway-fairgrounds-dr-improvement-project/

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.

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 5/18/2026

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

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

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

Our Services

Contact Us

Rayvon Williamson, Program Manager

911 Crisis Response

Tel: (707) 648-4502

Cell: (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

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

Katie Burns, Admin Data Analyst

Tel: (707) 917-411

Cell: (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

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

Girls in Robotics Leadership Summer Camp

Free C-STEM Girls in Robotics Leadership Camps for students* entering grades 6-12 in Solano County!

All camps are at Solano Community College:

Vacaville: June 8-12, 2026, 9am-3pm

Fairfield: June 15-18, 2026, 8:30am-3:30pm (June 19th is a holiday)

Click

Vallejo: June 22-26, 2026, 9am-3pm

Steph Morgado

Program Manager, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) and Robotics smorgado@solanocoe net, (707) 399-4439

*Note: While the purpose of the camps is to motivate girls to learn leadership and STEM concepts, all students, regardless of gender are welcome to apply

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

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*

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

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

What Does Participation Involve?

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