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Vallejo Weekly | Vol 14 | Issue 26

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Hello Vallejo,

What an incredible weekend we just had! Last Friday, our Late-Night Basketball program tipped off in a big way. Vallejo youth and families packed the courts, the energy was high, and the community spirit was even higher. Saturday’s 37th Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival also drew fantastic crowds along Sonoma Boulevard and the waterfront, with music, food, and celebration all afternoon long.

This week, the City Council took action on two major items that will shape Vallejo’s future. First, the Council approved the FY 26–27 budget, along with all required resolutions and the introduction of an ordinance outlining the City’s spending plan for the coming fiscal year. The Council also held a public hearing and adopted the 5 year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), presented by both Public Works and the Water Department. Together, these plans strengthen Vallejo’s financial footing and pave the way, literally, for the continued improvements to our infrastructure, especially our roads.

HELLO

FROM HARRY

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

As we head into the final weekend before July 4th, the City is getting ready for a full slate of celebrations. Vallejo’s 177th annual parade kicks things off, followed by the Mad Hatter Celebration along the waterfront. Over on Mare Island, you’ll find a waterfront festival with live music and a drone show lighting up the evening sky.

Tomorrow, Friday, June 26th, Late-Night Basketball returns, and GVRD launches its free summer “Bands and Brews” concert series at Blue Rock Springs, another great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the summer. And on Saturday, June 27th, City of Vallejo staff will be out at the Farmers Market sharing information on upcoming initiatives and answering community questions. Please stop by and say hello, we’d love to see you.

With Appreciation

Late Night Basketball- 10

Apply To A Board - 12

Visit the Mare Island Ships- 13

Small Business Survey - 15

Tap or Bottled Water - 16

Juneteenth Highlights- 20 Police Reform Spotlight - 24

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

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July 9, 2026, 6:00pm

District 4

September 10, 2026, 6:00pm

District 5

November 4, 2026, 6:00pm

District 6

The gym came alive last Friday night and will continue until August 7th. Youth 1225 and their families are encouraged to come out and play from 6 PM to Midnight. Learn more at latenightbasketball.org

Seeking Community Voices: Apply for Vallejo’s

Boards & Committees

Ready to make a real difference in Vallejo? Now’s your chance! The City of Vallejo is looking for committed, community minded residents to join its boards, commissions, and committees. These groups help guide local decisions, shape policy, and bring new ideas to life—so your voice truly matters. Whether you’re passionate about arts, planning, economic development, or community services, there’s a place for you to contribute. If you’re ready to step up and get involved, submit your application and supplemental questionnaire today. Vallejo’s future is being built now—let’s shape it together!

NOTE: Most positions require applicants to be residents of the City of Vallejo. Each application includes a description of the board or commission’s responsibilities, along with any specific eligibility requirements. Unless otherwise noted, appointments typically last for a four-year term. The application period is open now through 5 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026. To be considered, applicants must participate in an interview. Interview dates will be announced soon.

Learn more at: www.myvallejo.com/vallejo-seeks-applicants-for-its-boardscommissions-and-committees

Visit the Ships

The National Park Service is now welcoming visitors aboard one or more historic ships at Mare Island in Vallejo every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, depending on staff availability.

You’ll find the ships docked at the iconic Mare Island Coal Sheds, located at 860 Nimitz Avenue, Vallejo, CA 94592.

Come explore these remarkable vessels, chat with park rangers, and discover how these ships helped shape America’s maritime heritage along the Pacific Coast.

Learn more at: nps.gov/safr

REGISTER

Utility Supervisor - Closing On 6/29/2026

Police Officer (Lateral) - Closing On 6/30/2026

Police Cadet - Closing On 6/30/2026

Police Officer (Recruit) - Closing On 6/30/2026

Police Officer (Entry Level) - Closing On 6/30/2026

Police Officer (Entry Level - Academy Graduate) - Closing On 6/30/2026

Heavy Equipment Operator - Closing On 7/6/2026

Chief Building Official - Closing On 7/6/2026

Communications Operator I - Closing On 11/24/2026

Tap Water vs. Bottled Water: How Do They Compare? Do

When it comes to drinking water, many people assume bottled water is safer, healthier, or higher quality than tap water. The reality may surprise you.

For Vallejo residents and businesses, high-quality drinking water is available whenever you need it, right from the tap.

Tap Water Is Carefully Tested and Regulated

Vallejo’s drinking water is rigorously tested, monitored, and managed to meet extensive state and federal drinking water quality regulations. Water Quality staff from the City of Vallejo Water Department collect samples throughout the city every week to verify that our drinking water continues to meet applicable health and safety standards.

Every year, public water agencies are also required to publish detailed water quality results so customers can see what is (and is not) in their drinking water. Vallejo’s annual Water Quality Report will be published on July 1 and will be available in print in English and online in English, Spanish, and Tagalog.

The report will provide the details behind the good news: Vallejo’s drinking water meets all state and federal health-based drinking water standards.

Tap Water Is an Excellent Value

High-quality drinking water is incredibly valuable, and tap water costs only a tiny fraction of the cost of bottled water.

An average 16-ounce bottle of water in California can cost about $1.50 at the grocery store, which equals roughly $11.52 per gallon. By comparison, a gallon of Vallejo tap water costs less than half of one cent.

For individuals and families who regularly purchase bottled water, switching to tap water can add up to meaningful savings over the course of a year.

Tap Water Is Better for the Environment

Tap water is also one of the most environmentally friendly beverage choices available. In the United States, 50 billion plastic water bottles are used every year. Many of those bottles end up in landfills, waterways, or the natural environment. If placed along the equator, these 50 billion bottles would circle the earth 380 times. Plastic bottles also take hundreds of years to break down, creating long-term waste and contributing to the growing challenge of landfill capacity and waste management costs.

Choosing tap water helps reduce single-use plastic waste while providing safe, reliable drinking water close to home.

Tap Water Is Convenient, Reliable, and Local

Vallejo’s drinking water is tested, monitored, and delivered every day to meet state and federal drinking water standards. It provides residents and businesses with a safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible source of drinking water, right at home.

So the next time you reach for a drink of water, remember: Vallejo tap water is high quality, highly regulated, affordable, and always close by.

GOLDEN G O L D E N

Social Club

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.

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.

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

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_

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!

A Celebration of Community and Culture

The 37th annual Juneteenth parade and festival took place on Saturday June 20th and it was well attended by the community as they enjoyed music, food and some of our great Vallejo weather.

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.

Money to Get Rid of Wood Smoke –Upgrade & Save with a Heat Pump!

Enjoy powerful, efficient air conditioning now and warm, reliable heating in the winter—all in one easy-to-use system. If you use a wood or pellet stove, fireplace insert, or fireplace for heat, you could qualify for up to $10,500 to replace your existing wood-burning device.

Vallejo Property Owners — Let’s Keep Our Neighborhoods Thriving!

Do you own a vacant property in Vallejo? Help us protect our community by taking proactive steps to maintain your property and prevent blight. The Vacant & Foreclosed Real Property Registration Program is here to help!

Register your property

Submit required documents

Get your questions answered

Contact Code Enforcement at 707-648-4469

Or visit: https://cityofvallejo.co/VacantRealPropertyRegistration

Together, we can keep Vallejo vibrant and safe!

PERSONNEL COMPLAINTS POLICY TOWN HALL

Police Reform Spotlight

Questions and Responses

Thank you to everyone who attended the Vallejo Police Department Town Hall regarding the Drafted Personnel Complaints Policy. We appreciate the community members who took the time to attend, ask questions, share concerns, and provide thoughtful feedback during the public comment period.

Community input remains an important part of strengthening transparency, accountability, and communication between the Vallejo Police Department and the community we serve. All questions submitted during the Drafted Personnel Complaints Policy Town Hall and public comment period, along with responses from the Vallejo Police Department, have been compiled in the new “Community Questions and Responses” section located within the “File a Complaint or Compliment” page on VallejoPD.net.

Community members are encouraged to review the questions and responses by visiting: Vallejopd.net. For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Sgt. Rashad Hollis by email at VallejoPolicePIO@cityofvallejo.net or by phone at (707) 567-4233.

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 Vallejo’s Planning Division at (707) 648-4326 or planning@cityofvallejo.net

https://solanolibrary.com/

https://solanolibrary.libnet.info/events?

FREE NEIGHBORHOOD DUMPSTER PROGRAM*

Systemwide

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

@vjo_sharks vallejoaqua�cs

Prac�ce Dura�on: 60 - 120 min*

Costs: $130 - $170*

*depending on skill level

SOPHIE@VALLEJOAQUATICS.ORG (707) 553-SWIM (7946)

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