VALLEJO WEEKLY
Hello Vallejo
ANDREW’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
I hope everyone had an opportunity to enjoy the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend with family and friends. Across our city, several events were held to honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice, equality, and service. It was truly inspiring to see residents of all ages come together to celebrate his vision and reaffirm our shared commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Vallejo. These moments remind us of the power of community and the importance of continuing the work that Dr. King began.
I’m also pleased to share an important update regarding public safety. The Solano County Sheriff’s Office has deployed a dedicated team to provide supplemental patrol support within Vallejo. These patrols will focus on East and South Vallejo, which will allow for additional visibility and quicker response times across the city, which will make a significant difference. This initiative has been in development for several years and reflects our long-term strategy to strengthen public safety while we continue recruiting and training new officers for the Vallejo Police Department. The goal is simple but vital: improve response times, increase police presence, and enhance community confidence in our public safety efforts. Patrols began on Wednesday, January 21st, and will continue through the end of the year. We deeply
appreciate the hard work and collaboration that made this possible. Partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when agencies work together for the benefit of the community.
As winter temperatures settle in, we are committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable residents have access to safe, warm spaces. The daily warming center is now open at the Vallejo Navigation Center on Broadway and will remain available through March. Guests will have access to a warm place to sleep, as well as the community room, bathrooms, and shower facilities. The warming center is open to adults aged 18 and older.
As we move forward into the new year, these initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to safety, compassion, and community. Whether it’s honoring the legacy of Dr. King, strengthening public safety through collaboration, or providing essential services to those in need, Vallejo continues to show resilience and unity. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we are building a city that reflects the values we all share.
With Appreciation
Andrew Murray City Manager
Help Improve the Waterfront - 6
Volunteer for the PIT count- 8
Calling All Event Creators - 9
Winter is Hard on Pipes - 12
Vallejo Youth Delegation - 14
Warming Center Update - 16
Housing Needs in Vallejo -18
Martin Luther King Celebration - 20
Sonoma Blvd/Hwy 29 Update - 23
Hwy 37/Fairgrounds Dr Update -25
Vallejo Boat Launch Update - 26
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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Help Shape the Vallejo Waterfront
The City of Vallejo is launching an effort to guide waterfront improvements—and we want YOU to be part of the process! The Vallejo Waterfront Grant Implementation Plan will identify locations for new planting and irrigation upgrades funded by a grant for urban greening from the USDA. Your input is essential to help prioritize these improvements.
What’s Happening?
Starting January 2026, the City will host community workshops to:
• Share the project scope and goals
• Identify areas for planting and irrigation improvements and pedestrian amenities
• Hear your ideas and preferences
Join Us for Round 1 Workshops
Workshop #1 – In Person Vallejo Room, JFK Library
Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Workshop #2 – Virtual Zoom https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83214707066
Monday, January 26, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Both workshops cover the same material—choose the one that works best for you! No prior knowledge needed, just an interest in Vallejo’s waterfront future.
Why Participate?
Your voice matters! We encourage residents, park users, community organizations, and stakeholders to join us and help create a greener, more resilient waterfront for Vallejo. More details and future engagement opportunities will be shared as the project moves forward.
For Additional Information please contact Oscar Alcantar, Interim Public Works Director for the City of Vallejo: oscar.alcantar@cityofvallejo.net Office: (707) 648-4105
An Afternoon of Filipino Art Songs and Favorite Arias
Benefiting the Vallejo Symphony
Senen Bagos, Jr. - Tenor
Debbie Barlow - Piano
Megan Rae Ibita - Piano
Edan Dimaisip - Piano
Justin Trujillo - Alto Saxophone
Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 3 PM
Riverbank Vallejo
332 Georgia St, Vallejo, CA 94590
$40
Buy tickets at the door or at vallejosymphony.org
“special events”
Learn more at : http://bit.ly/4pVlIUW
Build,
Learn
PIT COUNT 2026
Make sure that every person is counted. Participate in the 2026 PIT Count today!
WE’RE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
The PIT count empowers our community to identify housing needs and collaboratively track our progress toward the shared goal of eradicating homelessness.
Point-in-Time Count Date: JANUARY 29, 2026
All Cities in Solano County
The City of Vallejo is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms to plan and execute 2–3 pop-up events at the Ferry Building and in Downtown Vallejo.
This is an exciting opportunity to bring vibrant, creative experiences to our community!
Learn more and submit your proposal here: https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/42510/bo/bo-detail/136989#bidDocs
Help Shape the Future of the Vallejo Ferry Terminal!
San Francisco Bay Ferry and the City of Vallejo want your input to make ferry access safer and more convenient—whether you walk, bike, drive, or take transit.
Share your experience and ideas today: fp.mysocialpinpoint.com/vallejoferry-terminal-access-study
Questions? Contact Gabe Chan at gabriel.chan@sfbayferry.com
Water Treatment Plant Operator - Closing Date 2/9/2026
Communications Operator I - Closing Date 3/26/2026
Police Officer (Entry Level - Academy Graduate)Closing Date 6/30/2026
Police Officer (Lateral) - Closing Date 6/30/2026
Police Cadet - Closing Date 6/30/2026
Police Officer (Recruit) - Closing Date 6/30/2026 Click HERE to see all of our
Why Winter Is Hard on Pipes
When the seasons shift from fall to winter, it’s common to notice subtle changes like skin and hair becoming drier or nails more brittle. That’s because materials—whether in the human body or utility infrastructure—respond differently as temperatures and moisture levels change. When freezing winter nights come, local meteorologists might remind you to protect exposed pipes with foam pipe sleeves, towels, or even burlap. This protects the pipes themselves from freezing. Vallejo’s underground water mains—the large, main pipes that run beneath the City to deliver water to homes and businesses—don’t have that type of insulation, but they are protected in other ways. Surrounding soil helps buffer the temperature changes, and the constant movement of water through the system helps keep pipes operating in cold conditions.
Even with these protections, winter remains the most demanding season for water pipes. Across the industry, colder temperatures and saturated ground are known to increase the likelihood of water main breaks—and Vallejo is no exception. During the winter months, the Vallejo Water Department typically sees a noticeable increase in reports of leaks and main breaks as pipes respond to changing conditions underground. Responding to winter main breaks requires coordination, experience, and around-the-clock availability. Vallejo’s water distribution crews are responsible for maintaining hundreds of miles of water mains throughout the City—a task that becomes more demanding during the winter months. While staffing levels remain limited, crews continue to respond to every reported water main break and leak. In November, the Water Department responded to 25 such incidents. That number increased to 27 in December, reflecting the added strain that winter conditions place on underground pipes.
Water main breaks don’t happen on a schedule, and neither do repairs. Crews respond day or night, on weekdays and weekends, and during holidays—often leaving family events, birthdays, or anniversaries to ensure water service is restored as quickly and safely as possible.
“Water distribution is demanding, essential work,” said John Palesi, Water Operations Manager for Treatment, Distribution, and Facilities Maintenance. “It requires physical endurance, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to public health and safety. While winter conditions place added strain on our system, our crews respond 24/7/365, day and night, and on weekends and holidays because they understand how critical safe, reliable water service is to this community. Their dedication and perseverance ensure our customers continue to receive water when they need it most, and I’m extremely proud of their commitment to serving the community.”
PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
Vallejo Youth Delegation Shares Insights from National League of Cities Conference
On Tuesday, January 13th, students from the Vallejo Youth Delegation, enthusiastically presented their report to the Vallejo City Council and the community regarding outcomes of their trip to the National League of Cities Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The students discussed the conference workshops, on such topics as communication, public planning, and accessibility. “We talked about how AI is becoming more involved in everyday life, especially in education, hiring, and social media, and why it’s important to have regulations in place that make sure it’s being used responsibly,” stated Zirva Irshad, ASB President at Vallejo High School. The students also talked about opportunities they had to mingle with youth from other states, including a SWIG party at the Planetarium, a scavenger hunt exploring downtown Salt Lake City, and a Utah Mammoth’s Hockey Game.
During the conference, students participated in a City of a Vallejo scavenger hunt activity inside of the Expo Hall that featured different exhibitors showcasing programs, technology, and businesses that help municipalities run efficiently and effectively. Students were tasked with talking to the different vendors to identify solutions to common challenges that Vallejo and other cities face. Students worked in teams to identify resources that helped address things such as homelessness, climate change, youth, and public safety. They confidently talked to many different vendors and learned about different ways to improve communities. “I first learned about Just Serve at the Expo Hall and was thrilled to learn about the possible benefits it could bring to our school system here in Vallejo. That being said, my aim in the coming weeks is to champion this platform and propose connecting it with our school district,” stated Ibrahin Edais, of Vallejo High School.
The conference closed with the youth joining in on the adult opening sessions and some youth delegates attending adult workshops to ask questions and connect with elected officials. “The great thing about the adult session was that there were hundreds, if not
Vallejo Weekly
thousands, of city council members, mayors, and legislators from across the country and we were able to follow up and connect with them to get ideas about how we could improve our city of Vallejo” said Beroj Arbab, VCUSD Student Trustee for Jesse Bethel High School. Students also described their experiences attending a college tour of the University of Utah. Students were able to explore the campus, learn about the school’s programs and resources, and ask the guides meaningful questions about the university. Students were also given a special tour of the school’s robotics programs, including a stop at the Dynamic Autonomous Robotics Lab ( DARC Lab), where they had the opportunity to control robotic dogs and drones. “Overall, the visit helped us understand that choosing a university isn’t just about how a campus looks or its academic reputation. Feeling connected often depends on whether your values connect and your identities are truly acknowledged and supported,” stated Sofi Valdez, VCUSD Trustee for Vallejo High School.
The Vallejo Youth Delegation is an ongoing collaborative project, between the City of Vallejo
and the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) as part of the 2x2 Committee. The 8-student delegation was selected from applicants from Vallejo, John Finney, and Jesse Bethel High Schools through an application, evaluation, and scoring panel process involving the VCUSD and City staff as well as both City Council and School Board members from the 2x2 Committee. Spots on the delegation are also reserved for the VCUSD Student Trustees. This was the sixth Vallejo Youth Delegation Trip, with 45 students having served in the role of youth delegates representing the City of Vallejo and VCUSD over the course of the program. The next Youth Delegation trip will be to Washington, DC in March.
2025 Vallejo Youth Delegation Students
Zirva Irshad – Vallejo HS
Renee-Elise Meneses – Jesse Bethel HS
Kwamé King – John Finney HS
Hector Tinocoplancarte – Vallejo HS
Ibrahim Edais – Vallejo HS
Zanyah Deleon* – John Finney HS
Beroj Arbab* – Jesse Bethel HS
Sonia Valdez* – Vallejo HS
*VCUSD Student Trustees
City of Vallejo Opens Warming Center at Vallejo Navigation Center
The City of Vallejo announces the opening of a Warming Center located at the Vallejo Navigation Center to provide safe, warm overnight shelter during the winter season.
On January 13, 2026, the Vallejo City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the operator agreement with Five Keys Schools and Programs, expanding its scope of work to include Warming Center operations.
Funding for the Warming Center is provided through Cycle 8 Participatory Budgeting funds from the voter-approved Basic Needs for Warming and Cooling Centers project.
The Warming Center will be open beginning January 15, 2026, and will operate for up to 75 consecutive days, through March 2026.
Warming Center Operations
Five Keys Schools and Programs will provide Warming Center services continuously throughout the 75-day contract period, regardless of daily weather conditions or the City of Vallejo’s Extreme Weather Policy activation thresholds. This ensures consistent access to shelter throughout the winter months. The Warming Center is open to adults aged 18 or over.
Services Provided
• 20 mat spaces, plus use of any additional unoccupied shelter beds
• First-come, first-served admission
• Evening meals provided
• Access to community room, bathrooms and shower facilities
• Well-behaved pet may accompany a participant
• Overnight storage of personal belongings
(All belongings must be removed upon exit each morning)
Participants complete a brief nightly intake to support safety, capacity tracking, and appropriate service delivery
Hours of Operation
• Check-In: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Check-Out: By 8:00 AM
Location
Vallejo Navigation Center
1937 Broadway Street
Vallejo, CA
PETS of the week
Visit HSNB.org for these and other animals looking for their forever family.
Open daily by appointment, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm 1121 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo
707-645-7905
Barkley
Pit bull Terrier mix, gray, M, 3 yo, 61 lbs, $250 adoption fee
Happy, resilient pup thriving after foster care. Loves people and dogs, plays nicely, shares toys, and potty trained in two days. Food-motivated, improving guarding, learning manners. Best with older kids; mild separation anxiety, needs committed adopter for ongoing training.
Sydney
Domestic Short Hair, brown tabby, F, 8 mo, 7 lbs, $150 adoption fee
This sweet kitten is little shy at first, but her unique look is impossible to resist. This bundle of curiosity gets along well with other cats. With a gentle heart and a special style all her own, she is looking for a calm and patient forever home to help her blossom.
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 Housing and Community Development (HCD) Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss housing and community development needs in Vallejo.
When: Thursday, February 5, 2026, after 7:00 p.m. Where: Vallejo City Council Chambers 555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA 94590 Everyone is welcome to attend and share their input. Learn all the details at: https://cityofvallejo.co/4jTUc8W
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.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. For general inquiries: (707) 648-4507
Vallejo Community Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with
a Weekend of Celebration
The Vallejo NAACP and other community organizations came together to commemorate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with a vibrant weekend full of events designed to educate, inspire, and entertain residents of all ages. From thoughtprovoking discussions to family-friendly activities, the community came together to honor Dr. King’s legacy in meaningful ways. The turnout was incredible, and the energy was unforgettable. Here are just a few photos from this memorable celebration.
NEIGHBORHOOD DUMPSTER PROGRAM*
State Route 29 (SR-29) Pavement Rehabilitation & Complete Street Project Update
Welcome to this installment of the State Route 29 (SR-29) Pavement Rehabilitation and Complete Street Project update
Fifteen different alleys have been rehabilitated in recent weeks along SR-29 The alleys will offer a smoother transition on and off the main route and an easier path of travel for pedestrians. If we have clear weather ahead, completion of this portion of work is projected to finish at the end of January, or early February.
In addition, Caltrans’ Maintenance will be filling some of the large potholes along SR29.This is for the interim until our team reaches the full repaving portion of the rehabilitation project.
SR-29 is also seeing an additional project at work. Caltrans is continuing construction on the installation of new electrical equipment to improve pedestrian safety at un-signalized crosswalks around Solano County. This includes new ADA curb ramps and restriping the crosswalks around the intersections along SR-29. Additional lane closures will be utilized along the route.
This Caltrans Update for Solano County will be distributed on a bi-weekly schedule
CONTACT:
Caltrans Public Information Officers for Solano County
Sabrina Martinez Victor Gauthier General Information (510) 286-4444
CleanCA.com
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!
State Route 37/SR-37- Fairgrounds Drive Interchange-
Solano Transportation Authority and Caltrans Begin the Next Phase of Construction, Expect Delays on Fairgrounds Drive; See Map with Alternate Routes!
The Solano Transportation Authority (STA), in close coordination with its transportation partner, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is continuing construction work on the new State Route 37 (SR 37)/ Fairgrounds Drive Interchange Project in Vallejo. The interchange improvement project will enhance motorist safety and improve bicycle and pedestrian access with the construction of a new divergent diamond interchange. This is the first-ever divergent diamond interchange (DDI) constructed in the Bay Area and only the second-ever constructed on a major highway in California.
What to Expect During Initial Construction Work
Construction at SR37 and Fairgrounds Drive started construction in April 2025. The site is near the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Theme Park and the Solano County Fairgrounds. In May, traffic in both directions was shifted to the west side of SR 37, and a temporary pedestrian walkway was constructed. Now, STA and Caltrans are moving forward with work to reconstruct the existing Fairgrounds Dr and widen the roadway to accommodate the upcoming Diverging Diamond Interchange.
The following construction-related activities are slated for Monday - Friday during the weeks of January 26, 2026, and February 2, 2026.
Community members and motorists are advised to expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this time. (Please see the map)
• Contractor to reduce northbound Fairgrounds Dr. from SR37 to Gateway Dr. down to one lane, day and night
• During this period, weather-permitting, Fairgrounds Drive will be restriped utilizing single lane closures during daytime hours, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Motorists should drive with caution in construction zones and expect travel delays. All work is weather dependent. We appreciate the community’s and motorists’ cooperation and patience as important work to improve the safety and accessibility of this important project continues!
For general questions, please email our project team at: SR37-FairgroundsPIO@portal3.pbid.com
For more information about the project and to view a video explaining the DDI design, please visit: https://sta.ca.gov/project/redwood-parkway-fairgroundsdr-improvement-project/#
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Former Vallejo MGP
Boat Launch Parking Lot Restoration Project Weekly Report 1/16/26
PG&E provides this update on restoration work occurring in the boat launch parking lot that is part of a larger 26acre City of Vallejo-owned property at the corner of Curtola Parkway and Sonoma Boulevard (site). This is the final phase of the restoration work associated with PG&E’s former Vallejo Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) environmental cleanup project. In December 2023, PG&E completed cleanup work under the oversight of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to address impacts from a gas plant that operated at the site from 1872 to 1930. To learn more about this project, or if you have questions, please contact us at the email address or phone number listed below.
Work Completed 1/12/26 to 1/16/26
• Continued removing construction equipment no longer needed and cleanup of work areas.
Upcoming Work
• Install handrails along access walkways.
• Continue installing electrical infrastructure components.
• Continue removing construction equipment no longer needed and cleanup of work areas.
Work Hours
• 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Anticipated Impacts
• To allow for restoration work to occur safely, Mono Street and the boat launch parking lot will be closed to public traffic until after restoration activities are complete in late January or early February 2026. Upon completion of restoration activities, PG&E will return control of the site to the City of Vallejo.
• Safety signage will be in place to direct construction-related traffic.
Site Security
• Access gates are closed to the public, and the site is under surveillance.
Log
If you need additional information, please contact the PG&E toll-free response line at (866) 247-0581 or remediation@pge.com. Se habla español.
Photo
Worker cleans tank in preparation for removing the tank from the site.
Worker stacks fence panels for removal from the site
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.
