Brother of Israel's most famous spy to speak in Solano County

It could be argued that Israel might not exist today were it not for Eliahu "Eli" Cohen, who was executed as a spy in Syria in 1965 - but not before passing on information that likely saved his country.

Fifty years later, Avraham Cohen, is still trying to get his brother's remains returned.

Cohen, Eli Cohen's last surviving sibling, will be speaking at Chabad of Solano County next week as part of a larger presentation on the historical and ongoing issue.

Brother of Israel's most famous spy to speak in Solano County

Legal Services of Northern California helps Vallejo's homeless, others, for free

Some of the people most likely to need the help offered by Vallejo's Legal Services of Northern California are probably among the least likely to have heard of them.

That irony notwithstanding, says staff attorney Jill Sowards, the legal aid agency covering Solano County since the 1960s is always busy, serving 35 to 40 people every week as it continues its constant efforts to get the word out.

Legal Services of Northern California helps Vallejo's homeless, others, for free

Thompson floats bill to name new Vallejo main post office after late Janet Capello

Vallejo's new main post office will be named for a well-loved Vallejo figure if U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson has his way.

Thompson (D-St. Helena) introduced a bill on Friday to designate the United States Postal Service facility at 2635 Napa St., as the "Janet R. Capello Post Office Building."

"Janet was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping our community, and renaming this building is a fitting tribute to her legacy," Thompson#xa0;said in a statement.

Thompson floats bill to name new Vallejo main post office after late Janet Capello

Hundreds of RC pilots converge at Fairgrounds for first West Coast festival

Thousands of spectators gathered to watch the daring antics of professional and hobbyist pilots and to check out the wares offered by a selection of RC plane and drone vendors as Flite Fest made its West Coast debut at the Solano County Fairgrounds on Thursday.

The event, a remote controlled airplane convention, runs through Sunday.

Hundreds of RC pilots converge at Fairgrounds for first West Coast festival

Twenty streets in Benicia to be microsurfaced in May

BENICIA > > Twenty streets in Benicia will be getting microsurfaced in May, causing closures during construction.

The streets include the following: Abbey Court, Allen Way, Aspinwall Drive, Barton Way, Belvedere Drive, Charles Court, Columbia Circle, Currey Court, Daffodil Drive (from Primrose to Snapdragon), Earl Court, Fuchsia Drive, Gallagher Drive, Gardenia Court, Kellyn Court, McCall Drive (from Kearney to Panorama), Paul Court, Regis Court, Violet Court, and Wisteria Court.

Twenty streets in Benicia to be microsurfaced in May

American Canyon scrambling to fill funding shortfall for planned affordable senior/vet housing project

City Council members on Tuesday, will, among other things, consider a move to close an unexpected funding gap in the eagerly anticipated senior/low-income/veterans housing project that's supposed to be starting soon.

The public portion of the meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) plans to begin construction of 70 senior and veteran apartment units on Natalie Lane off Theresa Avenue within the next few weeks.

American Canyon scrambling to fill funding shortfall for planned affordable senior/vet housing project

Vallejo rents Bay Area's lowest, but rising fast, report shows

Vallejo may be the last chance for relatively affordable housing in the Bay Area, and this could easily impact the local real estate market, experts say.

Besides home prices here being the lowest in the Bay Area, rents in Vallejo are also the regions's lowest. They are also the area's third fastest growing, a new real estate industry report shows.

Vallejo rents Bay Area's lowest, but rising fast, report shows

Home prices continue rising in Solano County

Solano County has the most affordable houses for sale in the Bay Area, though "affordable" is a relative term, as anyone house-hunting in the Bay Area well knows.

The latest CoreLogic data, released Thursday, shows that the median price of a home sold in Solano County in March was $382,750 - 6 percent higher than February's $361,000.

Home prices continue rising in Solano County

Benicia City Council to weigh removing Emergency Outdoor Watering Restrictions

BENICIA >> The city continues to be a leader in water conservation, and due to the very wet season, the town might remove the "Emergency Outdoor Water Restrictions" that have been in place since 2014.

Benicia's conservation rate in February was 42 percent, compared to the state average of 25 percent, according to the staff report.

Benicia City Council to weigh removing Emergency Outdoor Watering Restrictions

Woman killed in solo crash Tuesday was Vallejo nurse

The woman who died in a solo vehicle crash on Interstate-780 near Glen Cove on Tuesday, was identified as longtime Vallejo resident Deborah Barma, officials and a neighbor said.

Barma, 55, was pronounced dead at the scene Tuesday morning, California Highway Patrol officials said.

A longtime neighbor, Wayne Scott, said Barma was a home health nurse, a wife, a mother and a grandmother.

Woman killed in solo crash Tuesday was Vallejo nurse

New Salvadoran eatery gaining popularity in Vallejo

It's been at least two sushi restaurants, a Mexican one and a Korean place - and maybe others - in the past dozen years or so, but now, the free-standing eatery at 2200 Redwood Street in Vallejo is a Salvadoran restaurant.

A Salvadoran restaurant its owners say they are pretty sure will succeed.

New Salvadoran eatery gaining popularity in Vallejo

New World War I exhibit explores what happened over here while they were 'over there'

It looks like an ordinary bottle of bubbly in a basket, but this champagne belonged to a group of Solano County World War I vets who were keeping it until the last one alive opened it to toast the others.

Now it's on display at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum as part of a new exhibit.

New World War I exhibit explores what happened over here while they were 'over there'

Citywide Green Waste and Weed Abatement Clean-Up Program this Saturday in Benicia

BENICIA > > The Fire Department is co-hosting the annual Citywide Green Waste and Weed Abatement Clean-Up Program this weekend.

Residents who've braved the growth of excess weeds and other vegetation are invited to clear their yards and bring the yard waste to the Benicia Corporation Yard for disposal.

Citywide Green Waste and Weed Abatement Clean-Up Program this Saturday in Benicia

Benicia Tree Foundation invites residents to help plant trees on Arbor Day this Saturday

BENICIA > > Volunteers with the Benicia Tree Foundation will be celebrating Arbor Day on Saturday by planting trees along Rose Drive.

Folks will meet at 9 a.m. at the corner of Rose Drive and Mcallister Drive and a photo will be taken before the work begins.

From there, trees will be planted on the north side of Rose between Mcallister and Panorama Park.

Benicia Tree Foundation invites residents to help plant trees on Arbor Day this Saturday

Thompson will fight any effort to overturn Berryessa Snow Mountain monument designation

Rep. Mike Thompson expressed concern that the hard-won National Monument designation finally bestowed upon Berryessa Snow Mountain in 2015, could be lost as a result of President Trump's executive order directing the Interior Department to review all national monuments created since Jan. 1, 1996, his office announced.

Thompson will fight any effort to overturn Berryessa Snow Mountain monument designation

A floating restaurant created from The Sherman, unlikely in Vallejo

Although a recent city of Vallejo newsletter announced an old ferryboat was preparing to become a floating restaurant here, Vallejo is not the owners' first choice, their project manager said Monday.

The newsletter said the three-story, 144-foot steam ferry, The Sherman, was brought to the Vallejo Municipal Marina last month after spending three years in Stockton, which is true, Bob Thorpe said.

A floating restaurant created from The Sherman, unlikely in Vallejo

New lights being installed along Sonoma Blvd. through Vallejo

Four intersections along Sonoma Boulevard in Vallejo are having traffic lights installed in the hope of increasing safety, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) officials announced Tuesday.

The work will mean intermittent lane closures along Highway 29, they said.

Caltrans has started installation the new traffic signal lights and new, brighter street lights on Highway 29, (also known as Sonoma Boulevard in Vallejo), officials said.

New lights being installed along Sonoma Blvd. through Vallejo

Fatal crash on Vallejo freeway

A 55-year-old woman is dead after crashing and rolling her car on the freeway near Glen Cove in Vallejo Tuesday morning, California Highway Patrol officials said.

Just before 11 a.m., CHP officials heard reports about the single-vehicle crash, CHP spokesman Dave Harvey said.

"It was a red Nissan Versa traveling eastbound on I-780 east of Glen Cove in the No.

Fatal crash on Vallejo freeway

Possible signs of life at Vallejo's long-dormant former Walmart

Something may be going on at the long-abandoned site of Vallejo's old Walmart store at 5180 Sonoma Boulevard.

Readers reported seeing workers at the site last week and heavy equipment a few days later, though by Tuesday when Vallejo's Building Department personnel went to check on the site, it was shut up tight, and clean as a whistle, Chief Building Official Lonell Butler said.

Possible signs of life at Vallejo's long-dormant former Walmart

Benicia businesses that sell cigarettes tested with minor decoy

BENICIA >> Members of the city's Police Department Investigations Unit conducted tobacco compliance checks at several local businesses on April 21.

A minor decoy was sent into the establishments in an attempt to purchase cigarettes without an ID, and 13 of the 14 approached passed, a department spokesperson said.

Benicia businesses that sell cigarettes tested with minor decoy

Benicia Middle School Campus Supervisor Angie Porter given top honor by state

BENICIA >> An area middle school worker has been designated a Classified School Employee of the Year by State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson.

Campus Supervisor Angie Porter was given the honor for her "invaluable" service to the school in the category of Support Services and Security.

"Teachers, fellow staff, and all students rely on her calm, reassuring manner regardless of the situation," her nomination form said.

Benicia Middle School Campus Supervisor Angie Porter given top honor by state

Solano, Napa, other California counties got millions in PG&E property taxes

Solano County got more than $5 million from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) earlier this month, as its portion of the more than $337 million the firm paid in property taxes and franchise fees this spring to the 50 counties and 243 cities where it owns and operates gas and electric infrastructure serving 16 million Californians, company officials announced.

Solano, Napa, other California counties got millions in PG&E property taxes

Controversial 'La Migra' game under scrutiny in Benicia

kstclair@timesheraldonline.com

BENICIA > > An organized game played by Benicia High School students based on ICE agents "deporting" undocumented immigrants has split the town between those who say "kids will be kids" and others who find the game to be deeply offensive.

Either way, says a spokesperson for the Benicia Police Department, the game is "out of control.

Controversial 'La Migra' game under scrutiny in Benicia

Vallejo man's girlfriend's car carjacked when he takes it to dating site

A Vallejo man had his girlfriend's car carjacked when he took it to the site of a another date a Vallejo Police Department spokesman said.

"It seems this happy-go-lucky young man struck up a conversation with a female on a dating site called PlentyOfFish, and agreed to meet her in Vallejo on the corner of Solano and Rice, at about 1 a.

Vallejo man's girlfriend's car carjacked when he takes it to dating site

Front and Center: Mini-Edens being installed in Vallejo as edible teaching tools

Sustainable Solano is looking to bring a little piece of Eden to Vallejo.

The Enchanted Cottage Garden and the Ripple Effect Garden, both in Vallejo, will become "food forests" over a couple of upcoming weekends, as part of Sustainable Solano's planned workshops, which are free and open to the public, organizers said.

Front and Center: Mini-Edens being installed in Vallejo as edible teaching tools

Retired Navy Captain takes on quest for Mare Island Cemetery restoration

Retired Navy Captain Ralph Parrott recently visited the cemetery on Mare Island and didn't like what he saw.

He disliked the condition of the place so much, in fact, that he's embarked on a mission to bring it up to snuff.

Already, his efforts seem to be making headway in Washington D.

Retired Navy Captain takes on quest for Mare Island Cemetery restoration

Napa groundwater recovered from drought

NAPA >> Napa County groundwater has returned to normal levels after recent rains washed away years of drought influence on the valley floor, county officials announced.

The county is fortunate that a vast majority of the wells recharge quickly with winter rains, they said.

The 2016 Comprehensive Groundwater Monitoring Program Report, which provides an in-depth look at the community's groundwater levels, was released Tuesday.

Napa groundwater recovered from drought

Promotions, retirements mean new leadership in Napa school district

NAPA >> American Canyon High School principal Damon Wright was named Napa Valley Unified School District's executive director of secondary education, starting July 1, agency officials said.

Wright's appointment was approved at Thursday's Board of Education meeting, they said.

Wright succeeds Mark Morrison, who is retiring in June after eight years in the position.

Promotions, retirements mean new leadership in Napa school district

Unemployment in Solano, Napa, still falling in March

Like most of the country, Solano and Napa counties' jobless rates fell in March, the latest state figures, released Friday, show.

The Eonomic Policy Institute notes the data reveals "most states continuing their trajectory toward recovery. A majority of states saw modest gains in employment and declines in their unemployment rates.

Unemployment in Solano, Napa, still falling in March

Solano College District's credit rating upgraded

Standard & Poor's upgraded Solano Community College District's credit rating, improving the district's financial and economic position, district officials announced.

S&P Global Ratings raised the Solano Community College District's long-term and underlying rating from "AA-" to an "AA" on its outstanding general obligation bonds, according to the announcement.

Solano College District's credit rating upgraded

American Canyon city, high school students and Napa County partner to plant trees

AMERICAN CANYON >> The city is teaming with the Napa County Resource Conservation District and American Canyon High School to plant more than 200 trees around town in the next three years, in support conservation and environmental education, officials announced.

At the March 7 City Council meeting, when officials proclaimed March 7-14 as California Arbor Week, students from Christy Vough's American Canyon High biology class provided a presentation on the many benefits trees provide a community, including increasing community attractiveness and property values, reducing heating and cooling costs, the "urban heat island effect" and greenhouse gasses, improving air quality, protecting and purifying limited water resources and providing wildlife habitat.

American Canyon city, high school students and Napa County partner to plant trees

Vallejo's Raley's supermarket to close for good

A Vallejo grocery shopping mainstay for decades, the Raley's supermarket at 4300 Sonoma Boulevard will close for good in about two months, a company spokeswoman and an employee said Thursday.

The employee, who declined to give her name, said the 60 or so people working at the Vallejo store learned the bad news Wednesday.

Vallejo's Raley's supermarket to close for good

Benicia parks get help on Earth Day

BENICIA >> Nearly 200 volunteers will carpe diem and hit the parks in Benicia on Saturday for Earth Day clean-up and planting events.

The Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden is hosting an event sponsored by PG&E and expects 120 volunteers, though walk-ins are welcome. Workers will help out with weeding, removing non-native species, and planting new ones.

Benicia parks get help on Earth Day

Dodd bill to teach media literacy clears initial hurdle

A bill by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) to add media literacy to school curricula passed a key vote in the Senate Education Committee#xa0;on Wednesday, his office announced.

A rise in "fake news" was widely noted during the most recent presidential election, where hoax websites fooled visitors with deceptive headlines and falsehoods presented as facts, Dodd said.

Dodd bill to teach media literacy clears initial hurdle

Nan's Gourmet Foods is a festival of flavor for foodies

BENICIA >> Solano County residents that consider themselves "foodies" are always clamoring for unique culinary experiences like those enjoyed by their brethren in Oakland or San Francisco.

But around here, gourmands have to do a little footwork to quench their thirst for fine wine, specialty cheeses, and .

Nan's Gourmet Foods is a festival of flavor for foodies

Benicia High School chops off locks for good cause

BENICIA >> It can be a special sacrifice for a teenager to part with their hair, but for 16 Benicia High School students, handing over their locks for a good cause was more important.

The high school kids gathered at the quad during Wednesday's lunch hour to "Make The Cut," a charity event that donates healthy hair to make wigs for cancer patients.

Benicia High School chops off locks for good cause

American Canyon adopts its first public arts protocol

AMERICAN CANYON >> Some of this city's worst streets will be repaved over the summer, the Farmers Market has new management and the city adopted its first-ever public art program at the American Canyon City Council meeting Tuesday.

The American Canyon Farmers Market resumes May 7, running from 9 a.

American Canyon adopts its first public arts protocol

Benicia High, Benicia Middle honored with 'Gold Ribbon' awards

BENICIA >> Both Benicia High and Benicia Middle School were two of six Solano County schools to be selected for 2017's "California Gold Ribbon" recognition.

Gold Ribbon schools are designated by the California Department of Education and represent what it considers exemplars of "best practices" in education.

Benicia High, Benicia Middle honored with 'Gold Ribbon' awards

Rare Jewish family gathering planned in Benicia

Sometimes, people need a more informal, relaxed atmosphere than can be had at a religious institution to feel comfortable meeting new people, and that's why Amy Lerner of Benicia is hosting a Jewish Social Gathering and Potluck in her back yard.

The Jewish family potluck is meant to show participants who may feel reluctant to go to the local synagogue, that the Solano County Jewish community is accepting and welcoming of diversity, Lerner said.

Rare Jewish family gathering planned in Benicia

Solano County offers free suicide prevention education event

The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Behavioral Health Division, Wellness Recovery Unit hosts a free suicide education and prevention event from 6 to 8 p.m. May 9 at 2101 Courage Drive, multipurpose room, in Fairfield and everyone is welcome to attend, organizers said.

The event will feature a talk by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Gordon Doughty, Jr.

Solano County offers free suicide prevention education event

Multiple teens shot, wounded, after Vallejo house party

The Vallejo Police Department is still investigating a shooting that happened outside a Vallejo home early Sunday.

Several teens - the youngest who was 13 - were shot and injured outside that home after a party, police say.

Calls came in just after midnight about shots being fired in the 100 block of Calhoun Street near Benson Avenue, according to reports.

Multiple teens shot, wounded, after Vallejo house party

Benicia City Council to examine a long list of agenda items, including legalized pot

BENICIA >> Tuesday night's City Council meeting promises to be a long one, with several complicated issues being discussed.

Up for debate are a problem storm drain on St. Augustine Drive, street repaving, broadband expansion in the Industrial Park, historic buildings on the Amports property and perhaps the thorniest issue - whether or not to regulate legal marijuana in Benicia.

Benicia City Council to examine a long list of agenda items, including legalized pot

Benicia High School teacher arrested for statutory rape of 17-year-old student

A Benicia High School teacher was arrested on Monday for unlawful sexual intercourse and oral copulation with a minor. The alleged victim was a 17-year-old student at the school.

Riana McKenzie Lane, 23, was investigated after she was allegedly found with edible marijuana and stolen property in her vehicle near campus on April 7.

Benicia High School teacher arrested for statutory rape of 17-year-old student

Amports demands that Benicia City Council rehear its demolition request

BENICIA >> Auto processing company Amports is challenging a city council decision on March 28 to block demolition of two historic buildings on its property.

The buildings are the remains of the first industrial outpost west of the Mississippi, according to historian and author on the subject, Robert Chandler.

Amports demands that Benicia City Council rehear its demolition request

Vallejoan Jeff Trager marks 50 years in the industry

Having spent most of his adult life helping artists create gold and platinum records, Vallejo's Jeff Trager celebrates his golden anniversary in the music business this year.

Sometimes, he said, even he can't believe his good fortune.

The San Francisco native said he has no idea what he'd have wound up doing if he hadn't found the music business.

Vallejoan Jeff Trager marks 50 years in the industry

Visit Vallejo hosts annual tourism luncheon next month

Visit Vallejo hosts its 26th Annual Tourism Luncheon & Board of Directors Installation on Wednesday, May 10 at 101 Yolano Drive - the site of Vallejo's new Napa Smith Brewery & Taproom - with lunch catered by the new League of Chefs, organizers announced,.

Celebrating National Tourism Week, this luncheon is held annually at the start of travel season to remind Vallejo and surrounding communities about the economic benefits of the travel and tourism industry, and to install the bureau's new officers and directors, they said.

Visit Vallejo hosts annual tourism luncheon next month

Vallejo pet boutique burglarized

Vallejo police are looking for the man who broke into the Haute Dogs Boutique and Barkery on Georgia Street early Monday, caught on surveillance video making off with a small amount of cash, Lt. Kent Tribble said.

The glass front door of the shop was reported broken at about 8 a.m., and police responded but found no one inside the business, Tribble said.

Vallejo pet boutique burglarized

Free bus rides around Napa for Earth Day

NAPA >> Napa Valley Transportation Authority is offering free rides on all Vine Transit buses from Thursday through Saturday in celebration of Earth Day 2017, agency officials announced.

NVTA will also host an informational table from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Oxbow Commons for the Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County's Earth Day celebration, they said.

Free bus rides around Napa for Earth Day

Heavy load for Tuesday's American Canyon City Council meeting

AMERICAN CANYON >> A mixed bag of presentations and business create a full plate for City Council members at the meeting set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

Presentations will include information about services available from Fair Housing Napa Valley, Alcohol Awareness Month/Friday Night Live and proclaiming April as Arts Month, as well as a continuing discussion on adopting an public arts program.

Heavy load for Tuesday's American Canyon City Council meeting

Benicia's K-9 units get high scores at Travis Air Force Base Trials

BENICIA >> A pair of the city's police dogs brought home some distinguished accolades after placing first and second at the K-9 Trials at Travis Air Force Base on Saturday.

Atos placed second in "Narcotics Building Searches" and came in second overall in the entire competition.

Bak came in first in "Narcotics Vehicle Searches," fifth in "Narcotics Building Searches," and third overall in the competition.

Benicia's K-9 units get high scores at Travis Air Force Base Trials

Thompson returns from Congressional Korea/Japan trip

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) on Monday returned from a Congressional trip to South Korea and Japan, where he met with leaders to discuss the United States' security in the region, his office announced.

During his trip, Thompson inspected the demilitarized zone between South Korea and North Korea, discussed defenses with General Vincent K.

Thompson returns from Congressional Korea/Japan trip

Mike Thompson hosts annual pasta dinner in Vallejo

Rep. Mike Thompson hosts his Annual Vallejo Pasta Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at the Dan Foley Cultural Center, 1499 N. Camino Alto, his office announced.

Thompson has invited Rep. Doris Matui as his special guest, according to the announcement.

"Matusi (who has represented the city of Sacramento and its surrounding areas since 2005) represents the issues that are so important to all of us such as creating jobs, ensuring access to high quality health care, preserving Social Security and Medicare, bringing our troops home, funding our schools, and a science based response to global warming - must all be protected and fought for in Congress," it says.

Mike Thompson hosts annual pasta dinner in Vallejo

Teens shot, wounded, after Vallejo party Sunday

Several teens - the youngest 13 - were shot and injured outside a Vallejo home after a party early Sunday, Police say.

Calls came in just after midnight about shots being fired in the 100 block of Calhoun Street near Benson Avenue, according to reports. Responding officers found nine people injured.

Teens shot, wounded, after Vallejo party Sunday

Breast cancer in Asian American women may be related to westernization, study finds

Breast cancer rates are increasing among Asian Americans in California, including in Solano County, and it may be the result of adopting a "Western" lifestyle, a recently released study found.

This is the first examination of subtype-specific incidence patterns among Asian American ethnicities and the variation among Asian American ethnic groups, according to a news release on the study.

Breast cancer in Asian American women may be related to westernization, study finds

Last day to file taxes is Tuesday

The days of panicked procrastinators waiting in line at the post office at midnight on Tax Day has become a footnote in the history books, as most Americans file their income taxes online, a U.S. Postal Service spokesman said.

"There are no extended hours for Tax Day," Postal Service spokesman Augustine Ruiz said Friday.

Last day to file taxes is Tuesday

Earth Day coming to American Canyon

AMERICAN CANYON >> This city calls its Earth Day celebration, AmCan by the Bay, and this year it's planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22 at the Napa River Bay Trail - 625 Eucalyptus Drive, city officials announced.

Designed to "celebrate all things green and inspire participants to become more environmentally friendly," the event features various activities and information booths, organizers said.

Earth Day coming to American Canyon

Target recalls water-absorbing Easter Egg toys that can cause severe medical issues

The Target Corporation has voluntarily recalled three kinds of children's Easter egg toys out of concern for "intestinal obstructions" if consumed, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The water-absorbing toys, "Hatch & Grow Easter Eggs," "Easter Grow Toys," and "Hatch Your Own Dino," contain parts that "if ingested, can expand inside a child's body and cause intestinal obstructions, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, and could be life-threatening," the Safety Commission said.

Target recalls water-absorbing Easter Egg toys that can cause severe medical issues

Napa officers involved in deadly shooting named

Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley on Thursday identified the officers involved in a shooting last week in which a man was killed.

On April 5, the Napa County District Attorney's Office released a statement regarding the shooting that occurred just before 2 p.m. in the area of Linda Vista Avenue and Roberto Street in the city of Napa.

Napa officers involved in deadly shooting named

Blighted illegal dump site in Vallejo mayor's cross hairs

If you found yourself on the frontage road under Vallejo's Springs Road overpass in the past few weeks, you might have thought you had made a wrong turn and wound up at the city dump.

Or maybe a war zone.

A large area just off Lincoln Road East has been a major illegal dump site for some time, city officials and at least one local employee said.

Blighted illegal dump site in Vallejo mayor's cross hairs

Gigantic inflatable 'Trump chicken' to hulk over crowd at Saturday's Tax March in San Francisco

But where there's a will, there's a way. And Vallejo resident Danell Morton thinks she has that way: A giant cartoon chicken in the likeness of the 45th president of the United States..

Morton is one of the organizers of Saturday's "Tax March" in San Francisco - one of many such events set for April 15 across the country designed to put pressure on Congress to force the president to release his tax returns.

Gigantic inflatable 'Trump chicken' to hulk over crowd at Saturday's Tax March in San Francisco

Local events planned for Earth Day

Earth Day is upon us, and there are events planned in both and Napa and Vallejo.

In Vallejo, healthy eating and environmental awareness combine during the#xa0;Vallejo Farmers Market Earth Day 2017 Celebration#xa0;from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, in downtown Vallejo.

Festivities include entertainment by Rock Steady Jugglers and Earthcapades, door prizes, information on less-toxic garden products, a mercury thermometer exchange, California plant sales, Kids Corner, Recycled Art contest, and more, organizers said.

Local events planned for Earth Day

Microsurfacing project on Benicia's First Street delayed a week due to weather

BENICIA > > The planned microsurfacing of First Street from K Street to the waterfront next week has been rescheduled due to rain.

The job was originally set for Monday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 18, but will now be held the following week, on Monday, April 24 and Tuesday, April 25, weather permitting.

Microsurfacing project on Benicia's First Street delayed a week due to weather

Strike delivered to Napa man convicted in 2016 shooting

A Napa man earned a "strike" Wednesday with a conviction in connection with a 2016 gang-related shooting, Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced.

Marcos Rios Leon, 21, pled no contest on January 25, to assault with a firearm, personally inflicting great bodily injury during the commission of a felony and committing these acts to benefit a criminal street gang - qualifying the crime as a violent felony - or "strike" - per California sentencing law, she said.

Strike delivered to Napa man convicted in 2016 shooting

Board of Equalization tax officials to visit American Canyon businesses

American Canyon businesses are set to get an official visit from the Board of Equalization's (BOE) Statewide Compliance & Outreach Program (SCOP), agency officials said.

Visits to non-residential-based business in American Canyon's 94503 Zip Code are planned.

The purpose of the program, officials said, is to educate business operators about the#xa0;BOE, its#xa0;tax and fee#xa0;programs, "as well as identify gaps in compliance where businesses may be selling or leasing#xa0;tangible personal property without a seller's permit," they said.

Board of Equalization tax officials to visit American Canyon businesses

Local medical pot store honored with labor award

In what some are calling "a historic step in the fight to decriminalize and de-stigmatize cannabis in California," the owner of a Vallejo medical marijuana shop was recently honored with a labor award, company officials announced.

Gregory Schoepp, owner of Vallejo Holistic Health Center, was presented with the Labor Community Partner Award during the 7th Annual Napa Solano Central Labor Council Spring Salute Awards reception on March 31 at the Mare Island Museum.

Local medical pot store honored with labor award

New stores coming to Vallejo

Several new options are soon to open in two of Vallejo's main shopping centers, and that's good news all the way around, experts say.

As Vallejo's Community and Economic Development Director Andrea Ouse says, things are looking up in Vallejo.

The two retail centers - Gateway Plaza, home to Vallejo's Century 14 movie theater, and Vallejo Corners, commonly known as the Target Center - have experienced some ups and down over the years, in terms of occupancy.

New stores coming to Vallejo

Job expo planned for Napa Valley College this month

The American Canyon Family Resource Center is co-sponsoring a Career Expo at Napa Valley College's Library Quad-McCarthy Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on#xa0;Tuesday, April 25, agency officials announced.

Parking for the Spring Community Employment Expo is free and the event is open to the public, center director Sherry Tennyson said.

Job expo planned for Napa Valley College this month

Congressman Mike Thompson to appear at Benicia town hall

BENICIA > > A group of politically-active Benicians have organized a town hall discussion with Congressman Mike Thompson next Wednesday at the Benicia High School gymnasium.

Two groups are sponsoring the event, Carquinez Patriotic Resistance (C.P.R.) and Benicia Indivisible for Justice. Though both are left-leaning political groups, organizers hope that people of all stripes and parties attend, C.

Congressman Mike Thompson to appear at Benicia town hall

Dodd to host immigration rights forum in Fairfield this month

Senator Bill Dodd plans a free "Know Your Rights" community forum on immigration on Thursday, April 27, his office announced.

All Solano County residents are encouraged to attend this free event.

The forum will feature speakers from nonprofit immigrant service providers, legal services, and local law enforcement, he said.

Dodd to host immigration rights forum in Fairfield this month

Kaiser Vallejo, Vacaville get top marks from health care safety group

Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Vallejo and Vacaville received the top score of "A" from the Leapfrog Group in its annual safety report, which examined and graded more than 2,600 hospitals throughout the United States, Kaiser officials announced.

An independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits The Leapfrog Group, released its Hospital Safety Scores after examining publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors and infections at U.

Kaiser Vallejo, Vacaville get top marks from health care safety group

Friends of Benicia Library set to reach million-dollar fundraising mark

BENICIA >> The Friends of The Benicia Library has made millionaires of the local branch ... so to speak.

The nonprofit support organization has helped raise nearly $991,000 dollars for the library since 1994, according to president Carole Nail. Now it's on track to reach the million-dollar mark this summer.

Friends of Benicia Library set to reach million-dollar fundraising mark

Discounts on used Solano County computers, electronics in Fairfield

Bargains on used computers and other electronics will be available to the public at Solano County's "Spring Computer Sale," hosted by the Department of General Services from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at 2543 Cordelia Road, Fairfield.

The spring sale will include "clearance prices" on computers, monitors, printers, computer mice, keyboards, and miscellaneous electronics, organizers said.

Discounts on used Solano County computers, electronics in Fairfield

Forum on human trafficking awareness set for April 22 in Vallejo

There is a type of "boogeyman," trolling neighborhood schools, the internet and elsewhere for the most vulnerable of our community's children.

On Saturday, April 22 from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan hosts a free Human Trafficking Awareness Forum, to shed some light on the issue and offer suggestions for keeping our children safe, she said.

Forum on human trafficking awareness set for April 22 in Vallejo

Six indicted for defrauding Solano County energy company out of more than $2 million

A federal grand jury returned a 25-count indictment on April 6, charging six defendants in connection with defrauding a Solano County energy generation company of more than $2.2 million, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

The indictment was unsealed and all six defendants arraigned Monday, according to the announcement.

Six indicted for defrauding Solano County energy company out of more than $2 million

Vallejo Target store part of child car seat recycling/upgrade program

Target Stores, including the one in Vallejo - at 904 Admiral Callaghan Lane - has launched a car seat recycling/upgrade program, "just in time for Earth Day," company officials announced.

"It's spring cleaning time and if an old car seat is on the toss list, Target has you covered," the announcement says.

Vallejo Target store part of child car seat recycling/upgrade program

Thompson, others, host immigration Town Hall in Napa next week

A Town Hall meeting on immigration is planned for April 18 in Napa, Rep. Mike Thompson's office announced.

Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), is joining State Sen. Bill Dodd, (D-Napa) and wine country area assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry at the upcoming event, which is being held in response to "an alarming rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric coupled with troubling policy proposals to build border walls or ban refugees and religious groups from our shores," a news release says.

Thompson, others, host immigration Town Hall in Napa next week

Beware PG&E posers online, on the phone, in person, especially at tax time

There's a scam out there - with attacks coming online, by phone, and in-person - involving imposters posing as Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) employees, utility company officials warn.

"An aggressive and sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, has been making the rounds throughout the country," officials said in a news release.

Beware PG&E posers online, on the phone, in person, especially at tax time

Vallejo woman who lost her children in intentional car fire years ago becomes a mother again

Her name is Kealani - "white heaven" or "heaven's highest point" in Hawaiian - she's less than a week old and a miracle her mother had begun to think would never be.

Kealani's mother, Erin Weaver, had been trying for nearly 14 years to become a mother again, after losing both her children, Daelen, 2 and Devlin, 6, when her estranged boyfriend set the car they were all in on fire and walked away.

Vallejo woman who lost her children in intentional car fire years ago becomes a mother again

Removal of osprey nest on Orcem property sparks outrage

Naturalist Ralph Pericoli knows his ospreys.

He, along with other bird enthusiasts, are excited that the large birds of prey are finally building nests and raising young in the Bay Area for the first time ever, beginning in 2003.

Pericoli is a Golden Gate Raptor Observatory expert who monitors the nests of these dramatic shore birds in Vallejo each week, carefully taking down notes about their numbers and behavior and making sure they haven't been moved or otherwise molested.

Removal of osprey nest on Orcem property sparks outrage

Ambitious improvement plan for Benicia's Industrial Park seeks public input

BENICIA >> The Community Development Department is requesting input from residents and business owners about an ambitious "Industrial Park Transportation and Employment Center Plan," also known as the "TEC Plan."

The plan would transform the Industrial Park into a more inviting and user-friendly area, with improvements to the existing road and railway infrastructure, as well as creating bike and pedestrian paths.

Ambitious improvement plan for Benicia's Industrial Park seeks public input

Benicia hopes to finish First Street road improvements in time for farmer's market

BENICIA >> More road microsurfacing improvements on First Street in downtown have been announced for Monday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 18, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Parking on First Street won't be permitted during the construction.

Microsurfacing is a way to extend the life of pavement by installing a protective seal made from an asphalt emulsion and finely crushed stone .

Benicia hopes to finish First Street road improvements in time for farmer's market

Community meeting set to discuss noise ordinance issues in downtown Benicia

BENICIA >> Benicia is hosting a community workshop on Tuesday to discuss "amplified sound" - as in live music - in the downtown area. The goal of the meeting is to inform citizens what the current rules are about music downtown and to get the public's input on various proposed changes to the ordinance.

Community meeting set to discuss noise ordinance issues in downtown Benicia

American Canyon man arrested for murder after apparent suicide attempt

An American Canyon man was arrested at a hospital earlier this week after allegedly murdering another man in El Cerrito.

El Cerrito police officers were dispatched on a welfare check at 3:45 p.m. Monday to a house in the 7400 block of Park Vista, said Lt. Steve Bonini.

A coworker of the victim was concerned when he didn't show up to work and came by the residence to check on him, prompting the call.

American Canyon man arrested for murder after apparent suicide attempt

Thompson calls on Congress to strengthen Social Security

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) on Wednesday, joined Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01)#xa0;and more than 150 original cosponsors in introducing a bill that would increase Social Security benefits for all beneficiaries, reduce taxes and prevent seniors from retiring into poverty, Thompson's office announced.

Thompson calls on Congress to strengthen Social Security

Benicia residents express impatience at council meeting over faulty storm drain

BENICIA > > Residents who live near unreliable storm drains on St. Augustine Drive in Benicia addressed the city council on Tuesday night in order to prod them into action around the problem spot.

A drain overflowed in 2012 during a rainstorm, causing damage to at least six properties. It hasn't flooded since, but residents are concerned that the city is dragging its heels on rectifying the situation.

Benicia residents express impatience at council meeting over faulty storm drain

Benicia branch to celebrate National Library Week

BENICIA >> The Benicia Public Library has a few events planned for National Library Week, which recognizes the contributions of libraries and librarians. This year's celebration runs from April 9 to April 15, and its theme is "Libraries transform."

On Monday, April 10, the library will host chair yoga for seniors at 11:30 a.

Benicia branch to celebrate National Library Week

Benicia City Council appoints two new Planning Commission members

BENICIA >> Members of the Benicia City Council disagreed with one another on Tuesday night over the choice of who should fill a Planning Commission vacancy.

Two people have been selected to the commission - Kathleen Catton and Dan Masdeo - but councilmembers Mark Hughes and Alan Schwartzman respectfully dissented on the Masdeo appointment.

Benicia City Council appoints two new Planning Commission members

American Canyon City Council states the city's "inclusive" of immigrants position

City Manager Dana Shigley was voted her second pay raise in six years in a City Council meeting that began with Mayor Leon Garcia proclaiming the city welcoming and inclusive of everyone, including immigrants and refugees.

Stopping short of declaring American Canyon a sanctuary city, Garcia stood at the dais, holding the latest version of the We Heart Everyone in AmCan yard signs, as he explained the reasons this city stands with its immigrant residents.

American Canyon City Council states the city's "inclusive" of immigrants position

One of Vallejo's Payless ShoeSource stores among three Bay Area locations to close

One of Vallejo's two Payless ShoeSource stores is among three Bay Area locations that are closing in the wake of the company's bankruptcy, it was announced Wednesday.

The other stores closing are in Martinez and San Jose, according to a company press release.

The Payless at 600 Redwood Street, across from Seafood City is the Vallejo store marked for closure, company officials said.

One of Vallejo's Payless ShoeSource stores among three Bay Area locations to close

Vallejo woman is living proof of eating healthy

Evangelina Perez-Bechtel of Vallejo spent 20 years in a wheelchair before finding out just how true the old adage that "you are what you eat" really is.

A concert musician, singer and music teacher for the first part of her adult life, an accident in 1988 left Perez-Bechtel with a back injury so painful that she had to rely on a wheelchair to get around.

Vallejo woman is living proof of eating healthy

Solano home prices still rising

Home prices in Solano County continued climbing in February at a faster pace than the national average, compared to a year ago.

According to CoreLogic's most recent Home Price Index, released Tuesday, Vallejo-Fairfield home prices, including distressed sales, increased 9.6 percent in February compared with February 2016 and .

Solano home prices still rising

Thompson, King seek to strengthen background check databases

Reps. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena)#xa0;and#xa0;Pete King (NY-02)#xa0;led 167 bipartisan Congress Members to ask for more funds to strengthen the nation's criminal background check system, Thompson's office announced.

Thompson and King requested funding to implement the National Instant Background Checks Systems Improvement Amendments Act, which gives grants to states seeking to upgrade their electronic databases.

Thompson, King seek to strengthen background check databases

Five dilapidated, historical American Canyon buildings razed

AMERICAN CANYON >> What were likely the oldest buildings in American Canyon were torn town last week as part of a deal between the city and the owners of the Napa Valley Casino, officials of both entities said.

Though he can't guarantee it, casino owner Brian Altizer said he hopes to build a new facility there within the next year or so.

Five dilapidated, historical American Canyon buildings razed

Updated regional transportation plan released, group discussions set across Bay Area

After two years of public discussion and technical work, a long-range Bay Area regional transportation plan was released on Monday, with Vallejo residents set to get their chance to weigh in next month.

The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) released the Draft Plan Bay Area 2040 - an updated, long-range regional transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, officials said.

Updated regional transportation plan released, group discussions set across Bay Area

Benicia City Council will hear good news about town's water consumption

BENICIA >> Tuesday's Benicia City Council meeting will include reports from the Public Works Department and the Historic Preservation Review Commission, as well as a move to get the ball rolling on creating a regional park district in Solano County.

The Public Works Director will be presenting a monthly water update, with some good news.

Benicia City Council will hear good news about town's water consumption

Benicia mayor encourages others to support local library

BENICIA >> Next week is National Library Week and Mayor Elizabeth Patterson released an official proclamation inviting people to visit the Benicia branch.

"I encourage all residents to visit the library this week to take advantage of the wonderful resources available," she said.

The theme for this year's National Week is "Libraries Transform" and the honorary chair is Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Julie Foudy.

Benicia mayor encourages others to support local library

Victim of Friday's Vallejo shooting, ID'd as 21-year-old Fairfield man

The person shot and killed in the middle of a Vallejo street Friday was identified as 21-year-old Maleek Mitchell of Fairfield, Vallejo Police Department Lt. Kent Tribble said Monday.

Mitchell was found just after 11 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Marin and Pennsylvania streets, following reports of a shooting coming into the Vallejo Police Department.

Victim of Friday's Vallejo shooting, ID'd as 21-year-old Fairfield man

American Canyon officially declares it 'hearts' immigrants, refugees

AMERICAN CANYON>> City officials plan to start Tuesday's City Council meeting by declaring the city stands with its immigrant residents, and officials have put out a call for as many people as possible to show up in support.

A significant pay raise for the city manager and a voluntary public art policy are also set for discussion.

American Canyon officially declares it 'hearts' immigrants, refugees