The results are in, and now it's time to Vote, Vallejo!

Here are the nominees for each category:

Organization (community service):

• The Humane Society of the North Bay - local animal shelter

Nominated because not enough recognition is given to the efforts made at the local shelter.

• Vallejo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

They are a community service organization that supports the community of Vallejo in education, social action, and scholarships. 

Nominated because they have been around for 45+ years in the city of Vallejo supporting other community organizations and schools.

• Straits of Mare Island Rowing Association

Building Community – Changing Lives – Having Fun; They row as a team in whaleboats. Carrying on a tradition that has been practiced in our waters since the days of the US Navy working this strait. Nominated because the organization is always ready to lend a hand and help the city and all other non-profit groups. They always are giving back and supporting all people

Organization (serves youth):

• Watch Me Grow 

Its mission is to strengthen the child, families & communities by partnering up with different organizations all over the Bay Area, to build a bridge between the resources and families in need. Nominated because this organization is growing rapidly and is impacting the youth in Vallejo through their Impact Vallejo Youth (IVY) events and training.  The organization goes above and beyond in serving the youth of Vallejo. The organization also brings our city's youth and adults together for collective action, such as trash pickups, that directly improve our community. With groups like Watch Me Grow to cultivate next-generation leaders, there is truly hope for our city!

• Angels with Heart

Brings awareness to single, absent fathers who are widowed; fathers are still in the home and still present in their child's life. These fathers struggle to find services within the community. The programs offer service and support as well as classes to teach many fathers how to be great dads, role models, and active parents. This organization has touched a nerve by offering mentoring and afterschool programs; over 400 kids signed up in the first year.

• Team Rampage

AAU basketball team based in Vallejo. Their goal is to prepare kids for college academically first, athletically second, to teach our youth that it is important to be good citizens in our society and help the next person.

• Vallejo PAL

Vallejo PAL provides quality, healthy activities for the youth of Vallejo while fostering a sense of community between Police Officers and the young people of Vallejo. Nominated because they keep kids off the streets and offer mentorship through training and life skills development

Individual (Youth):

• Jack Willingham

Jack was nominated because he "is one of the most compassionate and bright young people I've ever had the privilege to know."

Individual (Adult):

• Thomas Bilbo

He gives time and resources to many different causes in Vallejo, a city he loves dearly. He volunteers in a number of organizations as a leader and as a benefactor.

• Lisa Gutierrez-Wilson

Lisa offers kindness and inclusiveness to anyone that crosses her path. As a long-time Vallejo volunteer, she always encourages a posse of volunteers to participate in community events. As the Flashmob Dance instructor, embodying the Grinch at the Holidays to feeding the unhoused, Lisa doesn't seek the limelight.....she IS the Light that brings people together in service of others!

• Brandon Bracy

Brandon runs team rampage almost singlehandedly, and he never lets the roadblocks that Vallejo environment puts forth stop him and remains consistent for our youth to have a place to grow their love and skills for the game of basketball.

• Dave Belef

Nominated for his advocacy of safe biking for youth, with training, bike giveaways, public advocacy, and volunteerism

• Faith Hazeltine

Faith started the Straits of Mare Island Rowing Association (SOMIRA) and ensures that the community support portion is top of mind. She works with the Waterfront Weekend, where the SOMIRA club donates hours, boats, and expertise to help this event raise funds.

• Michael George

Michael passed away unexpectedly on the morning of August 29, 2022, at the age of 54, leaving behind his wife of 22 years and an 18-year-old daughter. Michael was the epitome of someone who went the extra mile– he was someone you could always count on; he made a special effort to ensure that the people who lived, worked, and visited our downtown was safe, he was a mentor, friend, and role model to his colleagues, and he went above and beyond to aid some of Downtown Vallejo’s most vulnerable citizens – the mentally ill and homeless. Michael accomplished all of this with enthusiasm, a smile, and a heart of gold. Michael provided security in downtown Vallejo for over a decade.  A security guard’s job is to provide surveillance, evict trespassers, and discourage nuisance behavior. Many have said Michael was more than just a security guard; he made them feel like they were a member of his family. He didn’t just patrol, and he made a point of checking in on merchants, especially those he knew worked alone. Karen from Alibi Bookstore shared a sentiment— “Michael was such as kind man and cared so much about Vallejo, especially downtown. He ensured that we shopkeepers were safe and that people were treated with respect and humanity. We were lucky to have had him looking out for us. He was truly one of the good ones.” 

Michael provided access security at the Saturday Farmer’s Market – one marketgoer commented, “he takes his job seriously, but he always has a smile on his face and a friendly demeanor.” Michael took care of people and things that no one seemed to care about – he frequently purchased, with his own money, food and water for those in need and even on his own dime removed large, dumped items – one that comes to mind was a large copier left on the 300 block of Georgia Street which sat there for at least a month. Neither the City nor anyone else stepped up to dispose of it. Michael loaded it in his personal truck and took it to the dump. Michael often commented how much he loved our downtown and the people who lived and worked here, which certainly showed in his commitment to our community. Chong Thao, Market Manager at the Vallejo Farmers’ Market “I have come to know Michael on a professional level. He always brings a sense of calm and smile to work. His presence at Vallejo Farmers’ Market made our market more secure. I knew I could count on him. His willingness to go out of his way to help others when he didn’t have to is much appreciated. The Vallejo Farmers’ Market community will forever miss his gratitude, professionalism, and smile”. Jim Kern, former Executive Director of Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, “He was an indispensable part of the downtown, and especially helpful to the Vallejo Museum.” Marion Swanson, a former employee at Fighting Back Partnership, “I adored this kind and giving man. What a huge loss for Vallejo.” Ron Fuller, a security guard at Grocery Outlet, “Michael was a mentor to me when I worked under him at Black Talon and later at SVT Gruppe. When I began working at Grocery Outlet, he often came to check on me and assist me when making an arrest or detainment, and he kept me up to date on problems downtown that I should be aware of. Michael was an all-around great guy, and I will miss him”. Olga Tyukina, Property Manage Marina Towers: What can we say about Mike that hasn’t already been said… Mike would be here in a flash whenever we needed him. Mike treated each resident like family, always asking if they needed anything and always making sure everyone felt safe. Mike was a rockstar who went above and beyond for all of us here at Marina Tower and Annex. I think the one thing we will miss most about Mike is hearing his infectious laugh. Words can’t express how much we will miss seeing him, talking to him, and bonding with him in our own ways. We are forever thankful to have met Mike and had him in our lives.

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