Daisy Villanueva said she's installing solar panels on her downtown Vallejo building - making hers the first in the area - and challenging other local building owners to do the same.
Besides being a "greener" energy option and one that promises to save her money, Villanueva says that financing options are now available that take the sting out of the expense.
Downtown landlord installing solar, encouraging others to joinAll 38 of Kaiser Permanente's hospitals - including Vallejo's - were recognized recently as a "Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, hospital officials announced.
The foundation is the educational arm of one of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, according to the announcement.
Vallejo's Kaiser Permanente hospital among those recognized for LGBTQ equalitySolTrans' schedule for the SolanoExpress Route 78 serving Diablo Valley College and Walnut Creek BART and SolanoExpress Route 80 serving El Cerrito Del Norte BART and the San Francisco Transbay Terminal will change starting Sunday, officials announced.
The Route 78 changes to the late afternoon weekday service will help improve on-time performance and create better connections with Benicia's local Route 20, Diablo Valley College and both Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek BART stations, they said.
Soltrans bus schedule changes to enhance efficiency start SundayState Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) was honored this week with the 2017 "Champion for Coverage"#xa0; Health Award in recognition of his work on improving healthcare access for California's children and families, his office announced.
The award is presented annually by the California Coverage & Health Initiatives, a statewide 40-member network dedicated to ensuring that all California families are able to easily enroll in health coverage and access health services.
Dodd presented health coverage awardIts financial struggles notwithstanding, the Vallejo Deaf Church - still one of a very few houses of worship catering to the hearing impaired - celebrated its 20th year last month.
Pastor Oscar Bibb and his wife and associate pastor Olivia Bibb host people from all over the region at the church, located at 1640 Broadway St.
Vallejo's Deaf Church still plugging quietly away, struggling to replace leaky roofVallejo's Olive Garden restaurant has a new look, and the company has a new logo, firm officials announced Thursday.
"Olive Garden has completed the remodel of its Vallejo restaurant on Admiral Callaghan Lane, unveiling a stylish new look that creates a warm, vibrant atmosphere," according to the announcement.
Vallejo Olive Garden restaurant remodel completeBy Katy St. Clair
kstclair@timesheraldonline.com
BENICIA > > The Benicia City Council may have halted the proposed demolition of two historic buildings on the Amports property in the Industrial Park, but the car importer says it's not over.
"We are reviewing all options," Amports attorney Dana Dean said.
Benicia Amports vows to fight on its bid with two historic buildingsVallejo's Sutter Solano Medical Center was one of 21 affiliates within Sutter Health's network which earned recognition as a "Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Sutter officials announced.
The foundation is the educational arm of one of the country's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organizations.
Sutter Solano among 21 affiliates honored as LGBTQ healthcare equality leadersBENICIA > > Arts Benicia has taken the first step toward helping the city be officially designated a California "Cultural District."
Arts Benicia Executive Director, Celeste Smeland, applied to the "Cultural District" pilot program with the California Arts Council. If approved, the hope is that the designation will bring more tourism and activity to the Arsenal and downtown.
Arts Benicia applies to be a "Cultural District" of CaliforniaSolano County beat out San Francisco, Dallas, Denver and other cities to rank again as the nation's hottest real estate market in March, a new report shows.
A new list from#xa0;realtor.com, found the Vallejo area was the hottest housing market in the country during March, company spokesman Connor Osetek said.
Spring home-buying frenzy starts early with Vallejo as nation's hottest market againBENICIA >> The Benicia City Council passed a motion in a 3-2 vote on Tuesday night to halt the emergency demolition of two historical buildings on the Amports property in the Industrial Park.
The buildings in question date back to 1850 and are the foundry and office of what was once the Pacific Steamship Company.
Benicia City Council votes to halt demolition of historic buildingsAMERICAN CANYON >> There is no magic wand to make traffic issues through this city disappear, but efforts are being made to help while officials work on the grander, more permanent fixes.
That's basically the upshot of a special workshop held Tuesday night on the issue, Public Works Director Jason Holley said.
Traffic fixes through American Canyon to come piecemealDo you have 15 minutes to help change the world's perception of Vallejo?
Time is running out, but until the end of March, if you live or work here, you have a chance to do just that by filling out a survey to help a hired consulting firm "brand" the city.
The process is nearing an end, though organizers have been at it for a decade, said Mike Browne, president and CEO of Visit Vallejo - formerly the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Vallejo residents, workers, called on to help 'brand' the cityRhonda Renfro of Vallejo's Club Stride on Tuesday was named Solano County's Woman of the Year by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, based on nominations from across the Fifth Congressional District, his office announced.
In February, Thompson accepted nominations for his annual awards honoring women who make an impact in our community.
For third straight year, Solano County Woman of the Year is from VallejoIn commemoration of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 2-8, the Solano County District Attorney's Office and the Solano County Family Justice Center invite everyone to participate in two free events - one on April 4 and one on April 6 - to honor victims of crime and all those who advocate on their behalf, organizers announced.
Two Solano County events to commemorate Crime Victims' Rights WeekAMERICAN CANYON >> If you notice your tap water is an unusual color, there's no cause for alarm, American Canyon officials said, explaining it's the result of work being done on the water lines.
Public Works crews began flushing main water lines this week, and will continue doing so over the next few weeks, they said.
American Canyon water lines being flushedAMERICAN CANYON >> Tickets for this year's Community Recognition Ball are available, but there are only 300 seats available, organizers said.
The American Canyon Parks and Recreation Department hosts the 18th Annual Community Recognition Ball Sponsored by Napa Valley Vintners from 5:30 to 10 p.
American Canyon 17th annual Community Recognition Ball tickets availableThe Tooth Fairy doesn't exist, but don't tell that to Fairyella Ice Pop owner Kimberli Haris. The pixie is very much alive in her life - and in her Benicia-based company.
Haris has very fond memories of her mother introducing her to the idea of Fairyella, a friend who would "visit" her every time she lost a tooth.
Benicia mom's organic ice pop business heats upAMERICAN CANYON >> Despite skepticism from some Napa County transportation authorities, a special meeting to discuss ways to improve traffic flow through American Canyon is planned for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
The city's 2013 visioning process, which informed its first Strategic Plan, included the goal of improving the city's significant traffic issues, and city officials plan to find ways to do that despite anyone's doubts, Public Works Director Jason Holley said in a statement.
Special meeting Tuesday to discuss traffic through American CanyonCalls may not be pouring into Vallejo Police Department about a new "cramming" scam, a Vallejo Police Department spokesman said, but some locals have mentioned on social media getting phone calls similar to what the Federal Communications Commission is warning people to look out for.
The FCC is alerting consumers to watch out for scam callers seeking to get victims to say the word "yes" during a call, and later use a recording of the response to authorize unwanted charges on the victim's utility or credit card account.
Consumer alert: 'Can you hear me?' scamsA Vallejo man was hospitalized Sunday with a gunshot wound to the chest allegedly delivered by the mother of a woman with whom he had a relationship, Vallejo police and fire officials said.
It happened just after 10 a.m. in the 100 block of Carolina Street, they said.
"It was in the Marina Heights apartment complex, in the parking lot," Vallejo Police Department Lt.
Mother of a Vallejo woman arrested for shooting daughter's alleged domestic abuser SundayWhen KQED referred to Vallejo as the "Up Bay" a year ago due to its percolating arts scene, creative locals cheered - finally the Little Big City That Could might be put on the cultural map.
Now a new art space downtown has opened that features world-class artwork that could hang in any San Francisco gallery, further upping the "Up" in Up Bay.
New downtown art gallery seeks to further elevate cultural scene in VallejoSoon enough, as the weather warms up and the calendar turns toward summer, youngsters will beat the heat in American Canyon by heading to the Phillip West Aquatic Center. As American Canyon City Manager Dana Shigley watches swimmers once again pack the place "to the gills," she will once again pause to wonder:
Just how many of the young people frolicking at this city amenity know how it got its name?
That story actually started in the immediate aftermath of the Sept.
Front and Center: The West family's impact on American CanyonAmerican Canyon is California's small Recycled Water Agency of the Year, giving the city "name recognition and bragging rights," Public Works Director Jason Holley said. "And we got a plaque."
The agency handing out the awards, WateReuse California - a trade association focusing solely on water reuse - has been presenting these awards recognizing recycled water leadership since at least 2004.
American Canyon wins statewide recycled water recognitionRep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) and another California Congressman on Wednesday introduced a bill to prevent the federal government from taxing state grants designed to help homeowners prevent earthquake damage.
"As a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means, Thompson introduced this bill to bring federal tax law into step with state policy," his office officials said.
Thompson, Cook introduce tax incentives for homeowners preparing for earthquakesSolano and Napa counties are among 34 in California that could benefit from millions of federal dollars directed to cleanup efforts following January's heavy storms, U.S. Department of Labor officials announced Wednesday.
"Northern California paid a hefty toll for storms that brought heavy rain and snow in January 2017," according to the announcement.
Solano, Napa among counties to share $36 million in storm cleanup fundsBENICIA >> A man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and possession of methamphetamine around 5 a.m. Sunday morning.
Joshua Scott, 30, of San Ramon, was taken into custody after a member of the community reported someone allegedly casing cars with a flashlight on the 400 block of East 2nd Street, a police department spokesperson said.
Wanted man arrested in Benicia for suspected methamphetamine possessionBENICIA >> The Public Works Department has announced extensive maintenance projects for Benicia's wastewater treatment plant.
The Capital Improvement Project is being funded by approved rate increases that began taking effect on Nov. 1, 2016.
The total estimated costs for the upgrades and maintenance are at $2,110,150.
Upgrades to begin in Benicia wastewater treatment plantAMERICAN CANYON >> A twist in a case brought against the city by a former city fire fighter, a request for money to fix an apparent construction mistake and a possible significant pay raise for the city manager are among items up for discussion at Tuesday's city council meeting, set for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
A disgruntled former American Canyon fire fighter, city manager raise on tap for TuesdayThe Vallejo Police Department are asking for help in locating a missing mentally-disabled woman.
Lexus Dupaty, 26, was reported missing on Saturday.
Dupaty was last seen wearing a lime green jacket with a grey hoodie underneath and grey sweatpants.
Police say Dupaty's mental abilities are of that of a 12-year-old.
Vallejo police seek help to find missing womanIn an attempt to make ObamaCare more accessible to those living in more expensive parts of the county, Rep. Mike Thompson and another Bay Area Congress member on Friday, reintroduced the Fair Access to Health Care Act.
Thompson, who represents all or part of Solano, Napa, Contra Costa, Lake and Sonoma counties, and Anna Eshoo, whose 18th District is located between San Francisco, Santa Cruz and San Jose, introduced legislation to expand the eligibility for premium tax credits for people living in high-cost areas who purchase health insurance through the federal and state exchanges set up by the Affordable Care Act, also called OmabaCare.
Thompson, Eshoo, propose Fair Access to Health Care ActApparently "Benicia's Got Talent" too.
High school senior Zoe Goldie loves to sing and perform, and she thought it would be a great idea to create an event where locals could display their skills. The result is Friday night's "Best of Benicia Talent Show" at the Clocktower in Benicia.
Though she will not be competing for any top prizes, she will be singing for the crowd.
Local teen organizes talent show at Benicia ClocktowerOn Saturday, the Solano County Public Defender's Office, along with similar offices nationwide, will celebrate National Public Defense Week.
The celebration comes 54 years after the landmark Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, which declared that indigent criminal defendants have a constitutional right to a court-appointed lawyer, Solano Public Defender's Office officials announced.
Solano County celebrates National Public Defense WeekSolano County is home to an estimated 24,000 illegal immigrants - a small percentage of the estimated 2 million undocumented immigrants living in California - according to a newly released report from the Public Policy Institute of California.
That's a fraction of the more than 10 million immigrants who make their home in the United States, but it is still more than any other state, agency officials said.
Thousands of undocumented immigrants live in Solano, Napa countiesBENICIA > > The Umbrella of Hope Rescue will be doing its part to "Empty The Shelters" this weekend and get new homes for adoptable pets.
The organization will set up its mobile adoption unit outside of Pups N' Purrz on First Street in Benicia from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The "Empty The Shelters" day is being sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation, which has pledged to pay adoption fees at more than 20 shelters throughout the state, including Umbrella of Hope.
Pet adoption event to 'Empty the Shelters' Saturday in BeniciaA Fairfield man was robbed at shotgun-point on Wednesday, after agreeing to meet someone in Vallejo to buy a bike being offered for sale online, Vallejo Police Department Lt. Herman Robinson said.
The 39-year-old man arrived at the appointed time - about 7:30 p.m. - at the appointed location - Rosewood Avenue and Teakwood Street, in front of Hogan Middle School, where he expected to buy a 29 inch black "Public Enemy" racing bicycle for $400.
Fairfield man robbed at gunpoint in online sale setup WednesdayVallejo Police Department Traffic Division will be especially, visibly busy around town the next few days, department officials announced.
They will be conducting a city-wide abandoned vehicle abatement operation, and a traffic safety campaign, they said.
On Friday, officers will be deploying to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers in the department's ongoing traffic safety campaign, Lt.
Vallejo traffic division out in force for life quality operationsThree vehicles were hit by a jackknifed big-rig on eastbound Interstate-80 in Vallejo during Thursday's morning commute, officials said.
The crash, which closed all lanes of the freeway in the eastbound direction, occurred at about 8:34 a.m. near Tennessee Street, California Highway Patrol and Vallejo Fire Department officials said.
Minor injury crash on I-80 Thursday closes all eastbound lanes for at least an hourVallejo Together is looking for kind and compassionate people who have a desire to help Vallejo's less fortunate.
The local charity/advocacy organization is hosting Navigator Training from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on March 18. Also, Vallejo Together is offering a free workshop later in the month for the struggling seeking employment that is designed to address the types of issues that often prevent the homeless from regaining their footing.
Vallejo Together offers free volunteer training, employment readiness workshopsPolice are asking for help to identify a man who robbed a bank in American Canyon earlier in the month.
Officers were dispatched at 6:55 p.m. March 8 to a robbery at U.S. Bank at 103 American Canyon Road.
The suspect is described as a black male, 6-foot to 6-foot-4 inches tall, short or balding hair, 30 to 35 years old and weighing 180 to 190 pounds.
American Canyon police search for bank robberThe city of American Canyon is accepting applications from residents to fill vacancies on two boards and commissions, including:
. One vacancy as the city's representative on the Napa County Local Food Advisory Council for a four-year term ending in Jan. 2021. The 15-member council meets every other month in the early evening in Napa.
American Canyon seeks applicants for boards, commissionsAbhishek Dosi was named Sutter Solano Medical Center's new chief executive officer, effective April 3.
The longtime Sutter official replaces John Boyd, who recently was named Sutter Health's Executive for Mental Health Services.
Dosi served in various capacities for the past decade at Sutter Health's California Pacific Medical Center's Pacific campus in San Francisco, Sutter officials said.
Abhishek Dosi is named as new Sutter Solano CEOIn response to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office release of its official score of the Republicans' ObamaCare repeal, Rep. Mike Thompson demands they abandon the attempt, his office announced.
According to the CBO analysis, 24 million Americans could lose their health insurance by 2026 if the Republicans push forward with the repeal.
Mike Thompson demands GOP abandon ObamaCare repealAs home prices continue rising in the Vallejo area, the number of homeowners still upside down in their mortgages here continues falling, a property industry analytic firm announced.
According to CoreLogic's most recent report, just 7.2 percent of Solano County mortgage holders are still under water - or in negative equity.
Local real estate market still climbing, as fewer remain upside downPushing forward with its focus on diabetes, Vallejo's Touro University, in partnership with Sutter Solano Medical Center on Monday, launched a first-of-its-kind diabetes-mobile, officials of both institutions announced.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to engage in the community and take diabetes education on the road to communities where they need it the most in Solano," diabetologist, Touro's Director of Diabetes Service and professor Jay Shubrook, said.
Diabetes education-mobile launched in Vallejo on MondayThe Vallejo Police Department on Monday continued to deal with the fallout from a videotaped struggle between an officer and a man that went viral - nationally - on social media over the weekend.
Vallejo Police Department officials said Monday that there is often more to a situation than can be gleaned from a snippet of cellphone video.
Viral video of Vallejo police encounter sparks investigationFor the first time in Solano County, residents with an entrepreneurial bent are offered a free 48-hour program to launch a business, organizers announced.
Presented by the Small Business Development Center at the Vallejo campus of Solano Community College this month, the two-night program is open to anyone living in any of the county's seven cities.
Two-day business plan program comes to VallejoAMERICAN CANYON >> Mid-year money matters and an update on the Draft Broadway District Specific Plan are on tap for Tuesday's regular city council meeting, the public portion of which should start at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
The council will hear mid-year fiscal status reports from both the city manager and the fire chief, and discuss the latest draft of the new Broadway District (Highway 29 corridor) Plan.
Updates and money matters on American Canyon City Council meeting agendaThe Mare-Island-based U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Gas & Electric and California ReLeaf have partnered to give $50,000 to launch 2017's California Arbor Week Celebration Program,#xa0;March 7 to 14, agency officials announced.
By 2011 Assembly Resolution, California extended Arbor Day to a full week to emphasize how essential trees are to the health and well-being of California's communities, they said.
Forest Service and PG&E donate to Arbor Week this yearDozens of people, including children, ran out of their rooms in Vallejo's Travel Inn Motel to escape the flames of a three-alarm fire on Sunday with only the clothes they wore, some people who are helping in the aftermath said Monday.
Many of these were staying at the motel as semi-permanent residents, as the motel's owner regularly provides low-cost housing for the otherwise homeless.
Dozens of adults, children, displaced by 3-alarm fire at Vallejo motel/homeless residenceSome people are nervous, frightened and unsure about what's going on in this country concerning immigration and immigrants. Vallejo's Fighting Back Partnership officials want to relieve some of that by dispelling false rumors and distributing facts.
To that end, Fighting Back Partnership Presents: Solano County Immigration Forum; Empowered Communities Empower Vallejo, 5:30 to 8 p.
Free immigration forum at Fighting Back Partnership on March 10Vallejo and Benicia are blazing a trail in environmentally friendly public transportation, as SolTrans' new CNG fueling facility and electric bus fleet puts southern Solano County on the cutting edge of yet another positive development.
That was among the main messages at a well-attended event at SolTrans' operations and maintenance facility in Vallejo on Friday.
Vallejo, Benicia lead the way in sustainable public transitA Vallejo man and a Napa woman, both wanted by law enforcement officials, were arrested in American Canyon on Thursday in a stolen car full of other stolen items, American Canyon Police Chief Tracey Stuart said.
At about 2:30 a.m. officers checked a car parked at 7011 Main Street, with the engine running and two people apparently passed out inside, she said.
Two arrested in American Canyon in stolen carGrace Cervantes of Vallejo invites expectant families and new parents to belly up to the Doula Bar, so to speak, for a chance to find the best birth/new baby helper available.
Solano County organization, the Doula Bar, founded in August by Cervantes, and comprised of some half dozen "awesome moms and local professionals," is hosting a Family + Lifestyle Expo on March 25.
Local woman helps pair expectant parents with birthing helpersSolTrans will hold a ground-breaking for its new Compressed Natural Gas fueling station, replacing its existing diesel bus fleet with ones that run on CNG, and will introduce the addition of brand-new 100 percent electric buses.
The free event is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday.
The CNG buses require a special fueling and maintenance facility and operators have been making trips to and from a facility in American Canyon for that purpose.
SolTrans fueling facility groundbreaking, all-electric bus event on FridayRaley's, which operates a store in Vallejo, was named 2017 Independent Retailer of the Year by Grocery Headquarters magazine, company officials announced.
It's a national honor, a company spokesperson said.
Grocery Headquarters cited "Raley's world-class customer service, clean and easy-to-shop stores and its perception by customers as the gold standard for grocery retailing in Northern California and Nevada," according to the announcement.
Raley's wins national industry honorsAMERICAN CANYON >> The American Canyon Parks and Recreation Department is accepting nominations for community service recognition awards, this time including a new category, until 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 22.
New this year, is the category of Best Police Officer of the year. But, while it's presented at the annual event along with the others, the recipient is arrived at differently, city officials said.
Nominations being accepted for annual American Canyon awardsRep. Mike Thompson on Thursday, introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring March as Women's History Month - the origins of which are rooted in his own 5th District, which includes Vallejo.
"For too long, the impact and contributions of women were minimized and ignored," the St. Helena Democrat said.
Thompson introduces bipartisan resolution honoring Women's History MonthA handful of real life Rosie the Riveters are coming to Vallejo's California State University Maritime Academy next week for a free event, organizers said.
The program - part of the academy's celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day - will include a meet-and-greet, presentation, question-and-answer session, and reception, for the genuine Rosies who worked in factories and shipyards in the Richmond area during World War II.
Meet genuine Rosie the Riveters at free Cal Maritime event next weekIf you live in Benicia or own a business here, there may be a water rebate in your future, city officials announced.
The city of Benicia has revised water rebates for both residential and business customers, officials said.
There are new $50 rebates for pool covers, rain sensors, rain barrels, hot water recirculating system components and laundry-to-landscape system components, they said.
Benicia residential, commercial water rebates availableVallejo police on Wednesday, released the names of the victims of two apparently unrelated homicides this past weekend, as a Sparks, Nev., man in his 20s and a Vallejo man in his 40s.
Michael Knight of Vallejo, 44, was stabbed Saturday inside a residence in the 100 block of Western Avenue at about 10:15 a.
Two men killed in separate homicides in Vallejo identifiedBENICIA >> Weather permitting, First Street will have new curbs, ramps and sidewalk sections by the end of April, city officials announced.
City officials recently awarded the Measure C and Gas Tax-funded First Street Curb, Ramps, and Brick Pattern Sidewalk Replacement Project to Benicia-based Elizalde Construction Co.
Benicia First Street sidewalk improvement project may cause some inconvenienceFree, hands-only CPR training is being offered by the Benicia Fire Department in April, officials announced.
This free, non-certification course is being offered at 9 a.m., 11. a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at Fire Station 11, 150 Military West.
Participants will learn how to perform hands-only CPR on a cardiac arrest victim while waiting for first responders to arrive, organizers said.
Learn hands-only CPR for free in BeniciaThe city of Benicia and its garbage collecting firm, Republic Services, are hosting a free compost giveaway and used kids' stuff donation opportunity for Benicia residents just in time for spring gardening.
The Benicia Corporation Yard at 2400 East Second Street will be the site of the event from 9 a.
Free compost, used kids' stuff donation event in BeniciaThe Benicia City Council will consider a proposal to prohibit smoking in parks city-wide, officials announced.
The proposal would ban smoking within city or publicly-owned or controlled parks, recreation trails, or recreational facilities, officials said.
Brought up by the Benicia City Attorney's office, this idea has been heard by and received a positive recommendation from the Youth Action Coalition and the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission, officials said.
Smoking ban in Benicia parks?