Hello Vallejo,

What a fantastic 707 Week our community enjoyed! I hope you were able to take part in the celebrations and experience everything that makes Vallejo and Solano County so special.

You may have noticed that the Weekly looks a little different. We’re transitioning from the flipbook magazine style to a more streamlined, email‑friendly single‑column layout. This new format makes it easier to read on any device and gives us far more flexibility with story length, visuals, and multimedia. Our goal is to create a more engaging experience and reach a broader audience. We hope you enjoy the refreshed look, and we welcome your feedback.

This week’s City Council meeting featured several important presentations and updates. Our new Fire Chief recognized three Vallejo Firefighters for their heroic lifesaving actions. Caltrans provided an overview of upcoming work on the Carquinez Bridge, including the scheduled westbound span closure from August 21–24.

The Vallejo Police Department shared an encouraging update: crime statistics and staffing levels continue to trend positively, great news for both the department and the community. The Council also approved the new fee schedule for the fiscal year, completing the City’s budget process. In addition, staff received approval to pursue the California Pro‑Housing designation, which could offer Vallejo priority consideration in a variety of state funding programs.

I also want to remind the community that the City Council will hold a goal‑setting session on Saturday, July 25, at 9 a.m. at the Vallejo Masonic Event Center, 101 Temple Way. Please join Council and City staff as we work together to chart our priorities for the year ahead.

With Appreciation
Harry Black
Vallejo’s Interim City Manager

Vallejo Sister City Delegation Visits Ensenada, Mexico

Vallejo and Ensenada officially became Sister Cities in 2024, and last month, a delegation from Vallejo traveled south to strengthen this new partnership. Mayor Andrea Sorce joined Sister City commissioners, performers from La Maestra Yajaira MoonAzteca, and representatives from the Coach Sarna League for a series of meetings and cultural exchanges with local leaders in Ensenada, including the city’s first woman Mayor, Presidenta Municipal Claudia Agatón.

A highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a vibrant mural at Ensenada’s Civic and Cultural Center. Designed by local youth, the artwork features Vallejo landmarks and symbolizes the growing friendship and shared aspirations between our two communities.

To celebrate the partnership, the Vallejo delegation presented a “Taste of Vallejo” gift basket filled with local favorites: products from Anchor Pantry and the Vallejo Museum, Moschetti coffee, Pista Pils from Mare Island Brewing featuring art by Niki Toney, and, fitting for World Cup season, Vallejo-Mexico shirts from Momo’s. A heartfelt thank-you to all our local businesses for helping showcase Vallejo’s spirit and creativity.

The delegation returned home full of gratitude and excitement, looking forward to a strong, meaningful, and long-lasting relationship between our Sister Cities.

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.

Vallejo’s Summer Fellow Spotlight

As part of Vallejo’s participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative’s Program, the City is hosting a Summer Fellow through Harvard University. Each year, graduate students from across Harvard are competitively selected to spend the summer working within local governments, contributing to service improvements and presenting their recommendations to mayors, senior leaders, and key stakeholders in cities around the world.

This summer, Vallejo is pleased to welcome Avi Chaudhary, who will be working with us for 10 weeks. Avi joined the City in early June and will wrap up his fellowship in August. He is supporting the Economic Development Division, focusing on outreach efforts to help strengthen small business growth and retention, as well as strategies to fill vacant commercial spaces throughout the community.

Avi is originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration in International Development at the Harvard Kennedy School. He completed his undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Economics, and his professional background includes work in education and small business. He is passionate about public‑private partnerships that create meaningful and sustainable economic opportunities for communities at all levels—local, regional, and international.

Outside of his studies, Avi enjoys spending time training his energetic 4‑year‑old poodle, Stella Nova. He also loves cooking, exploring national parks, and discovering new cities by walking and taking in the sights.

Personnel Complaints Policy Town Hall

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.

The City of Vallejo is excited to announce that applications are now open for the FY 2026–27 Special Event Sponsorship Program (SESP)!

The SESP helps bring vibrant, community‑building events to life—celebrations that highlight Vallejo’s diverse culture, boost local businesses, spark community pride, and welcome visitors from across the region. If your organization is planning a special event for the coming year, this is your opportunity to receive financial support and partner with the City to make it extraordinary.

Application Window

• Opens: Monday, July 13, 2026
• Closes: Friday, August 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon)

Interested organizations are encouraged to review the program guidelines and submit applications early to ensure all required documents are included. Please note that late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Apply Online:

https://cityofvallejo.formstack.com/forms/2026_27_sesp_grant_application

The City looks forward to supporting events that energize our neighborhoods, celebrate our shared identity, and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive Vallejo.

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact specialevents@cityofvallejo.net