Hello Vallejo,

Cooler weather has arrived, and with it a hint of fall as we approach the final week of October. Last night’s and this morning's light rain caused only a minor slowdown for several Public Works and Caltrans paving projects, as well as the Mare Island Bridge renovation. Our teams are ready to get everything back on track Monday as warmer weather returns and the skies clear.

Last week, I spent a full day with our leadership team discussing the City Council’s vision and goals. Together, we began shaping a twelve‑month plan to guide our work. It was an energizing and productive session that will help us continue moving Vallejo forward.

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the International City/County Management Association conference in Long Beach. Connecting with more than five thousand city leaders from around the world provided valuable insight into innovative ideas and practices that I look forward to bringing home to Vallejo.

The City Council’s next meeting is Tuesday, October 27. With the holidays approaching and the year winding down, only a few meetings remain. This will also be the final meeting before Election Day on Tuesday, November 3. I encourage everyone to vote and stay engaged at all levels of government.

Beginning tonight, Thursday, October 22, Caltrans will begin work on Highway 37 to prepare for the expected wet winter conditions associated with El Niño. Westbound Highway 37 will close after the Mare Island exit to Sears Point from 7 PM to 4 AM on Friday, October 23. The highway will close again on Friday night at 10 PM, in both directions, reopening Monday, October 26. More details are available in the Vallejo Weekly.

As we enter the last week of October, Halloween will once again wrap up the month. With the holiday falling on a Saturday, more children may be out and about for longer periods. Please watch carefully for trick‑or‑treaters and help ensure everyone enjoys a safe evening.

With Appreciation
Harry Black
Vallejo’s City Manager

“Treat Yourself” Resource Fair for Unhoused and At-Risk Community Members held on October 21, 2026

Solano County Transit (SolTrans) and Catholic Charities Yolo-Solano brought the community together during this year’s Treat Yourself Resource Fair, which was held on Wednesday, October 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Vallejo Transit Center. The event transformed the parking lot at 311 Sacramento Street, for the third year, into a welcoming hub of care, connection, and support for individuals who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused.

Attendees received mobile haircuts, showers, medical care, clothing, and a warm meal. They were also connected with a variety of essential services that help foster dignity and comfort as the colder months approach. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and relief as guests accessed resources that many of us take for granted, yet mean so much to those facing housing instability.

This year SolTrans and its contractor Transdev set an ambitious goal to assemble 500 shelf-stable food bags valued at ten dollars each. Last year’s total was 300, and the community responded enthusiastically to help reach the higher target. Donations of food, funds, and supplies flowed in throughout the weeks leading up to the event.

The Vallejo Rotary Club, the Vallejo Executive Lions Club, and generous partners such as Vallejo Smart and Final contributed more than four thousand eight hundred dollars toward this year’s effort. Community members also stepped up by donating socks, pajamas, blankets, hygiene products, and gently used or new coats at the Vallejo Transit Center Ticket Office. These items provided much needed warmth and comfort for neighbors preparing for the winter season.

“We are truly moved by the generosity of our community and partners who continue to show up to support our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Beth Kranda, SolTrans Executive Director. “Each donation, large or small, helps ensure that everyone who attends this event receives kindness and care. Together, we can make a real difference.”

The 2026 Treat Yourself Resource Fair highlighted what is possible when a community comes together with compassion and purpose. With every haircut, every warm meal, and every donated item, Vallejo showed once again that collective care has the power to lift spirits and change lives.

See photos from the event HERE or HERE for a short video

Click the flyer to discover all the details! For even more exciting events happening around the city, visit Visit Vallejo: https://discover.visitvallejo.com/

You can right‑click the image to open it in a new window and view it in a larger size.

The Office of the California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., has provided these important digital voter education resources for the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election.

The best way to get the most up to date information is to visit The November 3, 2026, General Election it offers the most up to date trusted information regarding the upcoming election. We have highlighted a few of the voter education resources below.

______________________________________________________________________________

Voter Education Resources

• Register To Vote or Update your Voter Registration
  • Eligible Californians can register to vote or update their registration online. The application is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.
  • registertovote.ca.gov
• Where’s My Ballot
  • Sign up to track your ballot when it is mailed, received, and counted by email or text notification.
  • https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/
• State Voter Information Guide
  • The official state Voter Information Guide provides helpful information for voters to make informed decisions. The guide includes information about candidates statements and important election rules and rights of California voters.
  • voterguide.sos.ca.gov
• Guide to Voting in California
  • This guide describes many of the rights and responsibilities of voters and provides important information you need to vote and have your voice heard.
  • https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/outreach/pdf/guide-to-voting.pdf
• Voter Bill of Rights
  • The Voter Bill of Rights explains your rights as an eligible California voter.
  • https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-bill-rights

Voting Rights Restored

• This website provides information for previously incarcerated individuals about their restored rights to vote. https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-rights-restored

• Key Dates and deadlines
  • Visit this website for important election key dates and deadlines.
  • https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026

California Trusted Information Flyers

• November 3, 2026, General Election Quick Facts
  • vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/voter-info.pdf
• Displaced Voters Fact Sheet
  • Displaced Voters Fact Sheet for Persons Displaced as a Result of Fires or Other Emergencies
• Voters Experiencing Homelessness Fact Sheet
  • https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/pdfs/trusted-info/trusted-info-homelessness.pdf

Hello Vallejo,

A warm weekend is on the way, and there are several fall events to enjoy across the city. GVRD will host its Floating Pumpkin Patch at Cunningham Pool on Friday, October 16. The next day, October 17, Loma Vista Farm will hold its annual Harvest Festival. Late summer weather may linger a bit longer, but the rainy season will eventually arrive. Weather experts continue to predict a wet winter due to the expected El Niño pattern. Vallejo Flood and Wastewater opened the City’s sandbag center on October 15, and it will remain available through April 15. Now is a great time to prepare.

Paving work continues throughout Vallejo. Caltrans is completing its nighttime paving project on Highway 29, and our Public Works Department has several paving projects underway as well. Dry weather is critical because once the rainy season begins, paving must pause for the year since asphalt does not cure or adhere properly when wet. We are all hoping crews can finish their work before that time comes.

The Mare Island Bridge will be closed to all traffic this Saturday, October 17, for an unexpected repair. The bridge will be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Traffic heading to the Island will be detoured via State Route 37.

Caltrans has also announced significant work on State Route 37 that will require several closures beginning October 23 and continuing into November. More details about this project and other updates can be found in this week’s issue of the Weekly.

The City Council met on Tuesday, October 13 and they adopted a resolution recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. They also heard a joint presentation from the Solano Transportation Authority and the Napa Valley Transportation Authority regarding potential expansion of light rail service in the region. The Council also engaged in a substantial discussion about the costs and design of a new public safety building and directed staff to develop a more cost-effective approach that balances Police Department needs with the City’s budget.

Enjoy the warm weather this weekend, and thank you for staying engaged, Vallejo.

With Appreciation
Harry Black
Vallejo’s City Manager

Hello Vallejo,

October has started with some of the warmest days of the year, and we hope you are staying cool and enjoying the sunshine. The temperatures are expected to return to the comfortable 70s this weekend, which should be perfect for getting outdoors. It is also Fleet Week in the Bay Area, and the US Navy Blue Angels will be performing over San Francisco. Many of you may be able to see them or at least hear their familiar roar over Vallejo.

The warm, dry weather is helping the City and Caltrans move forward on several major road paving projects throughout Vallejo. If conditions continue to cooperate with no rain, we expect to finish these improvements by the end of November. This will be welcome news for drivers and will allow crews to start 2027 without the backlog caused by the early rains in late 2025.

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending my first National Night Out in Vallejo. It was truly inspiring to meet so many engaged community members and to spend the evening talking and sharing food in homes, parks, and neighborhoods across the city. I want to thank the Vallejo Police Department for organizing the event and the Fire Department, Code Enforcement, and City staff for their participation.

A reminder that the Mare Island Bridge will remain closed to pedestrians and bicyclists Monday through Friday until October 23. The bridge will also be closed to ALL traffic on Saturday, October 17, as crews continue repairs and work on the larger refurbishment project.

City Council will meet on Tuesday, October 13, with a full agenda of important projects and plans. I encourage everyone to attend or tune in to stay informed about what is happening in our city.

City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day.

Thank you for staying engaged, Vallejo.

With Appreciation
Harry Black
Vallejo’s City Manager

EDC Launches Citywide Pole Banner Initiative

For more than two years, the volunteer members of the Economic Development Commission have been hard at work bringing the Streetlight Pole Banner Program to life. The idea first surfaced during the FY2023-24 planning period, when Commissioners identified the project as a priority for their Work Plan. What followed was a lengthy and thoughtful process that included researching how other cities manage banner installations, reviewing Vallejo’s existing policies, and determining how the program could best serve the community.

Throughout FY2023-24, the Commission shaped a clear set of goals for the Streetlight Pole Banner Program. Their vision focused on preserving community and cultural identity, promoting vibrancy throughout the city, creating high-visibility opportunities for nonprofit partners to promote events, and supporting exhibits that bring positive energy to Vallejo’s districts.

Their commitment went far beyond planning. Commissioners spent many hours evaluating design options, identifying strategic locations, and coordinating installation logistics. In total, the Commission purchased approximately 176 banners at a cost of about fourteen thousand dollars. Installation has already begun on Georgia Street and along the Waterfront promenade, bringing color, pride, and renewed visual interest to these key areas. Additional installations are planned on other streets in the near future.

This project represents a significant investment of time, collaboration with multiple departments in the city and with local vendors. It also aligns with the EDC’s 2025 Work Plan approved by City Council, which includes a strong focus on addressing Public Safety and Economic Viability. Their dedication has helped create a program that celebrates Vallejo’s identity while strengthening connections within our community and ultimately economic vitality.

Stitching Community Together: Home Sewn opens in Vallejo

When Joann closed in 2025, the community was left with even fewer options for fabric. This led Monique Perez Goff to begin exploring commercial spaces and revisiting a dream she had carried for years: opening her own fabric and yarn shop. The timing was not quite right, so she put the idea aside once more. In early 2026, she realized her job no longer felt like a good fit, and she did not want to spend hours commuting each day. Instead of waiting for the right opportunity to appear, she decided to create it herself.

Working at the shop gives her a short three-mile commute and allows her to contribute meaningfully to Vallejo, her home since 2008. Monique is a passionate crafter with a wide range of skills and experience, and she enjoys helping customers on their creative journeys. Opening Home Sewn has been an adventure, and she is grateful to be part of the community.

Home Sewn opened on Marin Street in May, bringing a much-needed fabric and yarn shop to downtown Vallejo. The store was created with a love for sewing, fiber arts, crafting, upcycling, and creativity. It offers high-quality materials for makers of all experience levels, along with classes and workshops designed to help people learn new skills and enjoy the simple pleasure of making things.

The shop is meant to be more than a place to purchase supplies. It is a welcoming space where people can learn, share ideas, and find inspiration.

The community response since opening has been incredibly encouraging. Vallejo has welcomed Home Sewn warmly, and the business owners along Marin Street have offered steady support. Home Sewn is excited to be part of a growing creative district that includes Anchor Pantry, Alibi Bookshop, Make It Sew, and The Exchange, which provides space for workshops and creative co-working. A new coffee shop is also opening soon. Together, these businesses are bringing new energy and activity to downtown Marin Street, and continued support from Vallejo residents is essential to maintaining this momentum. Shopping locally, taking a class, attending a workshop, or simply stopping in to see what is new all make a difference.

Home Sewn hopes to continue growing as a place where people can find the materials, guidance, and community that support creativity and bring people together through the joy of making.

Discover Home Sewn at 630 Marin St. in downtown Vallejo. You can also find them online on Instagram or Facebook at @home_sewn_vallejo or at homesewnvallejo.com.

National Night Out

It was a wonderful evening for the community to come together and enjoy an early fall night that was hotter than expected. Even with the warmer temperatures, residents came out to say hello and connect with Vallejo Police, Fire, Code Enforcement, and other City staff throughout the city. Enjoy some of the photos from the evening.

If you right-click the image, you can open it in a separate window to enlarge it.

Hello Vallejo,

Welcome to October! I hope you’re all enjoying this unexpected stretch of summer warmth in early fall. With temperatures expected to climb into the low 90s this weekend, please remember to stay hydrated and keep cool.

We’ve got a full weekend ahead. Vallejo Fest, our annual waterfront celebration, returns on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s a perfect chance to take in the sunshine and enjoy our beautiful waterfront. The festival will feature a car show, a 5K run, splash chair rides, food trucks, live music, and plenty of family‑friendly activities. Come out and celebrate one of the final waterfront festivals of 2026!

Starting Monday, Public Works will begin a new phase of improvements on the Mare Island Bridge. Crews will be applying polyester concrete and methacrylate to the roadway surface. These materials can cause nausea or headaches with prolonged exposure, so pedestrian and bicycle access will be closed during the week from 7 a.m. Monday through 5:30 p.m. Friday, October 5–23. Vehicle traffic will remain open. Pedestrians and cyclists may use the Hwy 37 Napa River Bridge pedestrian walkway during these hours.

On Tuesday, October 6, Vallejo will participate in National Night Out. Our Police and Fire Departments, along with City staff, will be out visiting neighborhood gatherings throughout the city. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet your neighbors, connect with first responders, and strengthen community ties.

This week, the City Council held a special study session to hear from staff and residents on strengthening renter protections and supporting housing stability. Council will receive a progress update and next steps from staff during the November meeting.

Meanwhile, Caltrans continues its improvements along Sonoma Blvd/State Route 29, and Public Works is moving forward with this year’s citywide paving projects. Both teams are working to wrap up paving before the rainy season arrives. Stay tuned for updates.

Thank you for staying engaged, Vallejo.

With Appreciation
Harry Black
Vallejo’s City Manager