Maker Faire Bay Area 2026 lit up the Historic Mare Island Naval Shipyard from September 25–27, marking a milestone 20th anniversary for the beloved celebration of creativity, innovation, and community. This year’s event brought together an extraordinary range of makers, from seasoned inventors and visionary artists to curious beginners eager to learn. Attendees explored hands-on projects, interactive exhibits, and bold new ideas shaping the future of technology and craftsmanship.

Across the shipyard’s storied grounds, visitors connected directly with makers who generously shared their work, insights, and guidance. Whether showcasing cutting-edge robotics, imaginative art installations, sustainable design concepts, or DIY inventions, each maker contributed to the vibrant culture that has defined Maker Faire for two decades.

This year’s anniversary wasn’t just a celebration of innovation; it was a celebration of the region’s collaborative spirit, and Mare Island proved once again to be the perfect backdrop for a gathering that inspires creativity in all of us.

Vallejo Fire Captain Provides Regional Wildfire Support at Yosemite

The Vallejo Fire Department’s support of wildfire response efforts across the West continues, with Captain Kevin Brown once again serving in a Public Information Officer role—this time on the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park.

Captain Brown began his assignment on September 23 and is expected to remain assigned for approximately two weeks. Following his recent 23-day assignment on the Timber and Plaskett Fires in Monterey County, Brown is again helping residents, visitors and tourists understand current fire conditions and the impacts of the incident.

The Dome Fire is burning in the southern portion of Yosemite National Park. While the fire has resulted in some limited road and trail closures in the area around Glacier Point, much of Yosemite remains accessible, including the popular Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point Road was closed September 23 due to smoke and firefighting operations.

As a Public Information Officer, Brown is working with the incident management team to help communicate changing fire conditions, access information, closures and other updates to the public. His assignment is another example of the many roles Vallejo Fire Department personnel can fill during major emergencies beyond traditional fire suppression.

Throughout the 2026 fire season, Vallejo Fire Department personnel have continued to deploy throughout California and the western United States, providing a variety of specialized resources. Vallejo personnel have served in fire suppression, safety and supervision, medical support, public information and other overhead positions on incidents throughout the region.

These deployments allow Vallejo firefighters to support communities facing significant emergencies while bringing valuable experience back to the department and the Vallejo community.

Hello Vallejo,

Fall has officially arrived, even if this week’s sunshine feels more like summer, which is perfectly typical for our area. Last weekend’s annual Coastal Cleanup was a tremendous success. Nearly 12,000 pounds of trash were collected across the county. Thank you to every volunteer who showed up and took part. Your efforts make a real difference, and it’s a reminder that keeping Vallejo clean is a daily commitment. Let’s all continue to help trash, compostables, and recyclables find their proper place, so our coastlines, streams, roadways, and sidewalks stay beautiful.

This week, the City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 22, and tackled a full agenda. The Council approved a plan that will equip the City with vital tools to build a long‑range financial plan. They also voted to advance Measure P funding for police body cameras and to extend work with consultants who support the grant‑seeking efforts—both essential to the Vallejo Police Department. Funding was also approved to help stabilize the Vallejo Housing Department.

Looking ahead, we have several important events happening this week:

• Gun Buyback Event – Hosted by the Vallejo Police Department this Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Vallejo Room beneath the JFK Library next to City Hall.
• Maker’s Faire at Mare Island – Also this weekend, welcoming more than 25,000 attendees. It’s an incredible chance to experience cutting‑edge ideas, creativity, and innovation from around the world—and right here at home.
• Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame Induction – New members will be honored this Saturday.
• Annual Greek Festival – Taking place Friday and Saturday at Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church on Alabama Street.

There are many other events happening across the city, and I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy them.

On the infrastructure front, Caltrans began grinding work on Sonoma Blvd/Hwy 29 this week as part of their complete street rehabilitation program. Paving is anticipated to begin the week of October 5 and wrap up by mid‑November, weather permitting.

Meanwhile, Vallejo’s Public Works Department will begin its own grinding work in early October, with paving to follow shortly after. Both Caltrans and Public Works are racing the seasonal clock. Paving can’t be done during wet weather, which means any delays could push work as far as April 2027. Once complete, these freshly paved roads will be a welcome improvement for all of us.

Stay connected, stay engaged, Vallejo.

With Appreciation
Harry Black
Vallejo’s City Manager

Hello Vallejo,

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather and the great events held over the weekend, including the Kite Festival and Fiestas Patrias. Our community spirit was truly on display, and there’s even more to look forward to in the days ahead.

This Saturday, September 19, from 9 AM to noon, Vallejo will participate in the 42nd Annual Coastal Clean-Up Day. Fourteen clean-up sites will be hosted by the Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District, and volunteers are encouraged to join in. It’s a wonderful way to mark the final weekend of summer, with the first day of fall arriving Tuesday, September 22. There will be plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend; let’s make the most of it together.

Next Tuesday, September 22, is also our next regular City Council meeting. We have a full agenda, and I encourage the public to attend and take part. Council meetings are a great opportunity to learn more about what’s happening in Vallejo and to share your thoughts. During our last meeting, the Council recognized National Hispanic Heritage Month, which began September 15 and runs through October 15. Hispanic history and culture are woven deeply into Vallejo’s identity, from our namesake General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo to generations of families whose heritage continues to enrich our city.

There is also good news regarding ongoing street repaving efforts throughout Vallejo. Caltrans plans to begin paving next week, September 21, for the State Route 29/Sonoma Boulevard project. Most of the work will occur overnight, beginning at 8 PM each evening, with completion expected by the end of October, weather permitting. In addition, the City’s Public Works team is preparing to start its own paving work in early October along Tennessee, Georgia, Redwood, and Alameda streets. As with all paving projects, dry and warm weather is essential to ensure the asphalt cures properly, and schedules may adjust as needed. I know we will all look forward to smoother roads before the winter weather arrives.

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Vallejo Executive Lions Club to share an update on the state of the City and ongoing initiatives. I will also speak at the Vallejo Community Democratic Club Town Hall and Candidate Forum this Saturday, September 19, at the Norman C. King South Vallejo Community Center. The event begins at 10 a.m., and I hope to see many of you there.

Stay involved, Vallejo!

With Appreciation
Harry Black
Vallejo’s City Manager

Fall 2026 CERT Academy

The City of Vallejo is accepting applications for its Fall 2026 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy, providing Vallejo residents and workers with valuable training to prepare for emergencies and disasters.

The Vallejo CERT program teaches participants basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Through classroom and hands-on training, CERT members learn how they can assist their families, neighbors, and workplaces following a major emergency when professional emergency responders may be overwhelmed or temporarily unavailable.

To participate, applicants must be at least 17 years old, live or work within the City of Vallejo, and meet the program's eligibility requirements. The Fall 2026 training series will be held at the Solano Community College Vallejo Campus, with a final hands-on training session at the Vallejo Fire Department Fire Training Center.

Ready to get involved? The CERT application can be found at the bottom of the City's CERT webpage. Completed applications may be brought to the City Manager's Office on the third floor of City Hall, 555 Santa Clara Street, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or submitted by email.

Learn more and access the application at City of Vallejo CERT webpage.

For additional information, contact the Vallejo CERT team at volunteers@cityofvallejo.net or 707-648-8616.

Fall 2026 CERT Training Series:
Dates: 10/13, 10/15, 10/20, 10/22, 10/27, 10/31
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 pm-10 pm
Saturday (10/31): 9 am- 1 pm
Location: Fire Training Center, 703 Curtola Parkway

Here are some photos from last years class

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

Weblink: https://www.vallejo.gov/residents/volunteer_resources/community_emergency_response_team___c_e_r_t_)

How heavy is it?

For some people, the perfect job blends hands-on problem‑solving with the thrill of operating powerful machinery. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to help fix Vallejo’s roads or water systems; and I’d love to drive big trucks, cranes, backhoes, and other heavy equipment,” the City of Vallejo just might have the job for you. If you hold a Class A driver’s license, you could be exactly who the City is looking for.

Heavy Equipment Operators Jeff Dilag and Daniel Sandoval recently sat down with Vallejo Weekly to share what the job is really like. Since joining the City in 2018, both have worked their way up to operating an impressive range of machinery used to keep Vallejo running smoothly. On any given day, they might be lifting, pushing, digging, hauling, or tackling a range of essential tasks that help keep roads open and drinking water flowing to residents.

The City maintains a fleet of equipment—and when a specific machine isn’t available, it’s rented. And while Vallejo spans nearly 50 square miles, the City’s water system reaches far beyond that, stretching across Solano County. That means some of the heavy equipment must be transported significant distances to keep infrastructure operating reliably.

Jeff and Daniel say they genuinely love their work. The variety, the challenge, the responsibility; it all adds up to a career they find deeply rewarding. Their advice to anyone considering joining the team is simple: Be patient, and be ready to put in the work. There’s always a job that needs doing, and the team stays busy.

For those who enjoy big machinery, essential service, and making a measurable impact on their community, this might be the perfect path. Vallejo relies on dedicated operators like Jeff and Daniel, and there’s room for more.

Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/3TbJAZX

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

Healthy Vallejo Community Support Services: Empowering Youth, Supporting Seniors, and Strengthening Vallejo

Healthy Vallejo Community Support Services, Inc. is a faith‑based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to transforming lives and uplifting neighborhoods across the City of Vallejo. By employing disconnected youth and young adults, the organization provides meaningful work experience while restoring and beautifying the community.

Many of the young people who join Healthy Vallejo have faced significant adversity, including human trafficking, drive‑by shootings, substance use in the home, and deep poverty. Healthy Vallejo offers them structure, mentorship, and paid employment. This gives participants a chance to rebuild their lives while making a visible, positive impact on the city they call home.

Building Pathways to Education and Careers

Approaching its fifth anniversary, Healthy Vallejo is celebrating the success of its employee interns, many of whom have gone on to colleges and universities such as Howard University, Coppin State University, San José State University, Sacramento State University, and Solano Community College.

Others are pursuing vocational trades, training to become electricians, carpenters, and skilled professionals. The organization continues to strengthen partnerships with labor unions, including the Operating Engineers and Pipefitters, to expand access to these career pathways.

Some participants have moved directly into the workforce with local employers such as C & H Sugar, Urgent Care Health, and other regional companies, demonstrating the long‑term impact of early mentorship and job experience.

Beautifying Vallejo and Supporting Residents

Healthy Vallejo remains deeply committed to improving the daily lives of Vallejo residents. In addition to employing local youth, the organization provides free or very low‑cost yard work and basic home repairs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Its work includes: • Residential yard cleanup and basic home care support.

• Neighborhood beautification and cleanup projects citywide.
• Collaboration with the City’s Code Enforcement and Public Works Departments.
• Partnership with City Administrators on the Proposition 64 anti‑drug use initiative.

Recent before‑and‑after projects include yard transformations on Heartwood Street, off Georgia Avenue, and cleanup of an illegal dumping site along the rail tracks between Valle Vista and Redwood Streets.

Residents may see the vested Healthy Vallejo crew working in neighborhoods, clearing public spaces, and restoring areas impacted by blight. Each project reflects Healthy Vallejo’s mission: to build opportunities for young people while strengthening community pride and supporting residents in need.

Healthy Vallejo is proud and grateful to partner with the City of Vallejo in making a lasting, positive impact on youth, seniors, families, and the local business community.

Heartwood St - BEFORE	Heartwood St - BEFORE	Heartwood St - AFTER	Heartwood St - AFTER
Rail tracks between Valle Vista and Redwood Streets - BEFORE	Rail tracks between Valle Vista and Redwood Streets - BEFORE	Rail tracks between Valle Vista and Redwood Streets - AFTER	Rail tracks between Valle Vista and Redwood Streets - AFTER

The City of Vallejo honored the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a solemn ceremony on the steps of City Hall. Led by the Vallejo Fire Department, with support from the Vallejo Police Department, the gathering paid tribute to the lives lost and the heroes who responded that day. You can watch the full ceremony on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkdEu4ThwAM

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

Hello Vallejo,

I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing Labor Day weekend and is staying cool during this brief warm‑up. City operations came roaring back this week as the City Council returned from their short summer recess and met on Tuesday, September 8, for a full and active agenda.

The evening began with a resolution recognizing the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which will start on September 15 and run until October 15. The Council also took action to honor and recognize two Vallejo community members: Pearl Pinson and Andre “Mac Dre” Hicks. Resolutions were approved to install a commemorative plaque near the Interstate 780 pedestrian bridge in Pearl’s honor, and to designate Taper Avenue in North Vallejo as “Mac Dre Way.” We’ll share more information soon as plans for both installations are finalized.

Council also received a report from the Vallejo Police Department highlighting recent accomplishments and ongoing areas of focus over the past two months. Several additional items were reviewed and approved throughout the evening. The Council will convene again on Tuesday, September 22, for its next regular meeting.

Tomorrow, Friday, September 11, marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks on our nation. The City will observe the day with a brief ceremony on the steps of City Hall led by the Vallejo Fire Department.

Also on Friday evening, the 2nd Friday Art Walk returns to Downtown Vallejo, joined by the vibrant Fiestas Patrias celebration. We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the evening, and make the most of these final weeks of summer.

On Saturday, the City is proud to help host the Vallejo Kite Festival at Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park. The event is free, family‑friendly, and a great opportunity to enjoy kite flying and activities along our beautiful waterfront. With clear skies ahead, it’s the perfect chance to spend an afternoon together as a community.

Let’s get out there, Vallejo, and enjoy these last warm days before the countdown to the holidays begin.

With Appreciation
Harry Black
Vallejo’s City Manager

City Council Highlights

In addition to a full agenda, the City Council took time on September 8 to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month and approved resolutions to install commemorative plaques honoring Pearl Pinson and to designate an Honorary Street Sign for Andre “Mac Dre” Hicks. The final planning and installation of plaques and street signs will take place over the next several weeks, and the City will share more once the plans are finalized.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Group Photo See the proclamation HERE En español aquí

Pearl Pinson See the City Staff Report HERE

Mac Dre Way Group Photo See the City Staff Report HERE

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