There are right and wrong ways to properly say goodbye to your used Christmas tree, and right about now is the time to think about what those are.
Some dump the whole, decorated tree, in their trash cart, Recology Vallejo and American Canyon spokeswoman Ivonne Vaughn said, describing one way NOT to toss your tannenbaum.
Christmas tree disposalWhat will be open/operating and what won't over the holiday weekend:
Cities/Counties:
. Vallejo - City of Vallejo offices will be closed in observance of the Winter Holiday season through Jan. 1, 2018, except for the Fire and Police Departments. Business will return to normal operation on Tuesday, Jan.
What's open, what's not over the holiday weekendWhile California's devastating wildfires, in both Northern and Southern California, were the biggest news for local fire departments, there were also developments in law enforcement in Vallejo, Benicia and American Canyon in 2017.
Though accurate statistics for the year won't be available until several weeks after the first of the new year, major crimes in Vallejo are shaping up to be continuing a moderate downward trajectory, Police Chief Andrew Bidou said.
Crime mostly down in Vallejo, Benicia, American Canyon in 2017The year 2017 in American Canyon and in downtown Vallejo was one of change and gearing up for more, though some old sore spots remain tender and new controversies have arisen.
The biggest news of the year in American Canyon, may be when the high school was pressed into service as a shelter for those evacuated from the fire zone during the devastating North Bay wildfires, specifically the Napa Complex fires in October.
American Canyon, downtown Vallejo made news in 2017Rents in and around Vallejo are still the Bay Area's most affordable, but generally rising, according to the latest report by Zumper.
"Vallejo one-bed rents were up 4.6 percent last month and though two-bed prices were down a slight 1.9 percent (compared to October,) one-and two-bed rents were up 14.
Vallejo area remains least expensive Bay Area city for rentersThe State/Federal Disaster Recovery Center in Santa Rosa becomes a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center, still at the Press Democrat Building, beginning 9 a.m. Friday, officials announced.
"At this stage of the recovery process, the emphasis for assistance is to meet the long-term needs of businesses and individuals that were impacted by the wildfires that occurred Oct.
Santa Rosa Disaster Recovery Center becomes SBA Disaster Loan Outreach CenterA spokesman for Jurassic Tour, the Ultimate Family Dinosaur Adventure, which is coming to the Solano County Fairgrounds for the first time Jan. 6 and 7, said the funniest story he's heard about the exhibit in its 5-year history, was about a father with a minor historical-knowledge deficiency.
"I've heard a parent was disappointed that there weren't actually live dinosaurs at the exhibit," event spokesman Mike Henschel said.
Jurassic Tour coming to Vallejo for the first time next weekIt may have been Christmas Day for much of the world, but it was just another 25th of the month for the Pinson family, which spent part of the day cleaning up the pedestrian walkway in Vallejo where Pearl Pinson was last seen alive - being abducted at gunpoint - on May 25, 2016.
The then-15-year-old was walking her regular route to the school bus when she was snatched by 19-year-old Fernando Castro, who witnesses say dragged her kicking and screaming across the overpass to his waiting car, and drove away with her.
Family still holds out hope for missing Vallejo teen PinsonWhat may have begun as a fight in a downtown Vallejo bar on Saturday, left one man dead and two people injured, Vallejo Police Department officials said.
At about 11:43 p.m., Vallejo Police received a report of a shooting, involving multiple victims, in the 400 Block of York Street, they said.
One killed, two injured, near downtown Vallejo barPacific Gas & Electric Company officials have informed several organizations about donations the utility company is making as part of its commitment to supporting Napa Valley and its focus on helping fire-ravaged areas rebuild, company spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said.
PG&E officials announced they are donating more than $170,000 to several organizations in Napa County that are helping residents in fire-impacted areas, she said.
PG&E helping Napa County organizations assist those impacted by wildfiresNAPA >> The VineTransit Route 25 bus from Napa to Sonoma will cease to operate after Dec. 29, the Napa Valley Transportation Authority announced.
Agency officials cited low ridership as the reason for the change. It was losing money to the tune of $33,000-plus each year after a cut in federal transit administration funds, agency spokesman Derek Moore said.
Napa-to-Sonoma bus service ends Dec. 29The unemployment rate in the Solano and Napa counties was down in November, as is often the case in non-farm areas, as retail stores ramp up for the holidays, a state unemployment department spokesman said.
The Vallejo area unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in November, down from a revised 4.
Unemployment down in Solano, Napa, with most jobs found in FairfieldWhat will be open/operating and what won't over the holiday weekend:
Cities/counties:
. Vallejo - City of Vallejo offices will be closed in observance of the Winter Holiday season beginning at noon Dec. 22, through Jan. 1, 2018, except for the Fire and Police Departments. Business will return to normal operation on Tuesday, Jan.
What's open/operating, what's not, over holidaysAAA is urging motorists to plan for a safe ride home before heading out to celebrate over the holidays. For those who don't, the company offers an alternative to driving drunk, called Tipsy Tow, officials there said.
"Be sure you have a plan to get home safely if you're out celebrating this year," AAA spokesman Michael Blasky said.
AAA offers drunk driving alternative over holidaysRep. Mike Thompson on Thursday thanked the House for approving supplemental disaster relief for those impacted by the North Bay wildfires.
The matter next goes before the Senate for consideration, Thompson's office staff said.
Thompson (D-St. Helena) issued the following statement after House passage of a supplemental disaster funding package for those affected by recent natural disasters, including the California wildfires, which delivers $81 billion in additional disaster relief:
"I'm pleased the House has passed the vital supplemental disaster relief that the communities affected by the fires need to get back on their feet," he said.
Mike Thompson releases statement on passage of supplemental disaster relief for fire survivorsA Vallejo woman was booked into the Napa County Jail on Wednesday after allegedly trying to steal liquor from an American Canyon market, the American Canyon Police Chief said.
At about 5:24 p.m., American Canyon Police received a report of a strong-arm robbery at a local grocery store, Chief Oscar Ortiz said.
Vallejo woman nabbed trying to steal bottles of alcohol from American Canyon marketThe students at Vallejo's St. Basil the Great Catholic school are doing their part to make sure the city's homeless have a merrier holiday season.
The students spent weeks collecting items that the city's homeless might need to get through the winter more comfortably. On Tuesday they handed it all over to Maria Guevara to distribute to those down on their luck.
Vallejo Catholic schoolchildren offer warm wishes and more pragmatic items for the homelessWith more cold nights in the forecast this week across the North Bay, Pacific Gas & Electric Company is urging customers to be cautious when heating their homes.
PG&E meteorologists predict a cold Pacific weather system will move through the territory in the coming days, officials said.
Electric heating devices, like space heaters, are a home fire hazard when not properly used or monitored.
Tips for safely keeping warm from PG&EThe California Highway Patrol wants holiday revelers to know it will be out in force over the holidays.
The agency is set to begin its Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period, which is designed to help ensure the safety of the motoring public during a time when celebrations are in full swing, officials said.
CHP to launch holiday Maximum Enforcement Period on FridayAARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking for Solano County volunteers for the upcoming tax season, agency officials announced.
For nearly 50 years, Tax-Aide has offered free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can't afford a tax preparation service, they said.
"Tax-Aide volunteers make a difference in their communities by assisting many older, lower-income taxpayers who might otherwise miss out on the credits and deductions they've earned," they said.
Solano County volunteers needed for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide programRep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) on Tuesday issued this statement at once thanking the House for approving added disaster relief for North Bay fire victims and chastising Republicans for politicizing it.
Following the introduction of a supplemental disaster funding package for those affected by the California wildfires, which delivers $81 billion in additional disaster relief, Speaker Paul Ryan announced that the supplemental funding package would be added to the continuing funding resolution, Thompson's statement explains.
Mike Thompson slams GOP for making North Bay fire survivors 'political pawns'A subway signaling system devised by Mare Island-based Alstom Transportation, Inc. officially went into service this month at a Toronto subway extension, company officials said.
It's a first for the firm, they said.
"The extension officially went in to service Dec. 17, when it carried its first passengers," company spokeswoman Michelle Stein said.
Vallejo's Alstom created new signaling system for Canadian subwayThe California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is doing bridge deck work as construction of the new Laurel Street Bridge above Interstate-780 in Vallejo continues.
The old Laurel Street Bridge was demolished in June, and is being rebuilt above westbound and eastbound I-780.
Once completed, which could be as early as mid-January, the new Laurel Street Bridge will be up to the latest seismic safety standards.
More overnight road closures around Laurel Street Bridge work in VallejoTo Tracy "Lynette" Castle, art is life, and life is art. In more ways than one.
Essentially homeless for the past 15 years, Castle, 50, said creating art and helping others do the same, is what's gotten her through.
"I inspire the people walking by," she said from the area near the Vallejo Ferry Building that she's staked out for herself.
Homeless Vallejo woman sustained by artAfter years with several empty storefronts, Fairfield's Solano Town Center officials say they are ready for the opening of a number of new tenants.
Dick's Sporting Goods opened a space there in September, and four more stores have joined the mall recently or will join the mall in the coming months, including O'Chi Reflexology, Delta Soul, soul food, jewelry retailer Pandora and PLAYlive Nation.
Fairfield mall refilling with retailersThe Vallejo Police Department's Holiday Patrol - HideItLockItTakeIt - campaign has so far resulted in at least two arrests, Lt. Jason Potts said.
Just after 4 p.m. Dec. 13, Holiday Patrol officers were flagged down about someone suspicious near the Starbucks at Vallejo Corners, commonly called the Target Center, he said.
Vallejo Police Department Holiday Patrols are working, police sayNearly 20 downtown Vallejo merchants are in it to win it, and the local economy and city residents stand to walk away with the biggest prize: A vibrant, shop-able downtown.
Many of the merchants downtown have gone all out to decorate their windows for the holidays, in the hope of winning the most votes from shoppers and some prizes, said organizers of a contest now under way.
Downtown Vallejo holiday window display contest on nowFor her 25th anniversary show, the "mother" of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy is bringing together three of her favorite comics to be Jewishly funny - Jewishly funny - on Christmas.
In a Chinese restaurant.
What else?
It's a circumstance Lisa Geduldig said she never thought she'd be in.
"I can't believe it.
Kung Pao Kosher Comedy marks silver anniversary with three headliners, raises funds for disaster victimsAMERICAN CANYON >> Why no sidewalks will be forthcoming any time soon along one controversial street section will be disscused at Tuesday's City Council meeting.
Also on the agenda are steps to improve traffic flow and meeting the new minimum wage.,
The public portion of the meeting is set to start at 6:30 p.
American Canyon staff on needed sidewalks: Mystery solved, but it's complicatedTwo of four local women who survived October's Las Vegas massacre distributed 58 "Blessing Bags" to the Vallejo homeless on Friday - one for each life lost that night.
Shawna York of Benicia said she felt the need to recognize the experience in some meaningful way. When she ran across "58 Random Acts of Kindness," on the Internet, she knew this was the way.
Two local Las Vegas massacre survivors distribute 'blessing bags' in honor of those who didn't make itIt may look like it's made of eggs and milk, Cream of Wheat and some butter and sugar, but it's the secret ingredient that makes the Galakatobouriko the magical treat it is, according to the women of Vallejo's Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
"Love. You have to prepare it with love," said Nitsa Brodeur, 80, who spend the lion's share of the last two weeks preparing for the church's 30th annual bake sale fundraiser, along with "lead chef" Magda McPherson, 75, and five other women.
30th annual Greek bake sale in Vallejo this weekendMore work on Vallejo's Laurel Street bridge requires added street closures next week, California Department of Transportation said.
Caltrans workers will perform preparations to pave the roadway on and adjacent to the Interstate-780 Laurel Street Bridge, which will require a four-day closure of an additional block of Laurel Street just north of the bridge, they said.
More work on Vallejo's Laurel Street bridge, requires more street closuresLike in most of the rest of the Bay Area, gas prices in Vallejo are falling, according to AAA's most recent survey, which also finds that more than a third of Californians plan to travel this holiday season.
Vallejo's average per-gallon price for regular unleaded was $3.08, down .09 cents from last month, according to AAA.
AAA: Vallejo, California gas prices falling in time for holiday travelRep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) on Tuesday released a statement following the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 into law, which includes the provisions of his legislation, the Jack Alderson Toxic Exposure Declassification Act.
"For decades, veterans and civilians have been fighting to learn the truth about their exposure to toxic substances," Thompson's statement says.
Thompson applauds new law to help vets exposed to toxic substancesRep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) on Tuesday accepted the Health IT Pioneer Award from the Health IT Now coalition for his work on the Increasing Telehealth Access in Medicare Act, his office announced.
"It's an honor to accept the Health IT Pioneer Award," Thompson said in a statement. "I've worked on telehealth policy since my days in the California Senate because it is part of the future of healthcare.
Mike Thompson accepts Health IT Pioneer AwardKen Sarkis of Vallejo says there's just something about the sound of an industrial sewing machine that soothes his soul.
The California native said he's been around that sound all his life. He now uses such a machine to create leather goods in the basement of his historic Vallejo home.
"I love the sound of a big sewing machine," he said.
Old-fashioned goods being hand-crafted in vintage Vallejo houseEmma Carter-Alexander, 66, of Vallejo, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Mendez to one year in prison and ordered to pay $298,168.20 in restitution, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Since the death of her mother in 1993, Carter-Alexander has been collecting the older woman's Social Security disability benefits for her own use, according to court documents.
Woman sentenced for cashing dead mother's Social Security checks for nearly 25 yearsThe new statewide minimum wage that kicks in Jan. 1, is either going to be a godsend or the beginning of the end, depending which local business owner you ask.
As of July 1, 2014, the minimum wage in California became $9 per hour, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Vallejo business owners react to impending minimum wage hikeLongtime Vallejo resident Mel Orpilla said he noticed his brand new holiday decorations projector missing when he opened his front room curtains Monday morning.
"It wasn't even up a full 24 hours," he said.
The device was snatched sometime in the middle of the night Sunday or in the wee hours of Monday morning, he said.
Beware of holiday thieves in Vallejo and beyondNapa County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk John Tuteur will be working to offset a portion of the re-election filing fee by collecting signatures on petitions, he announced.
Tuteur will be circulating petitions throughout the county starting Saturday, for his bid for re-election as Napa County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk on June 5, 2018, he said.
Tuteur collecting signatures for sixth re-election bidThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has completed asbestos removals at 131 properties in Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties, as part of the multi-agency response to the recent North Bay fires, agency officials announced.
EPA has also completed household hazardous waste removals at 6,551 properties in Sonoma and Napa counties.
EPA updates North Bay fires responseThe Vallejo woman who struck and killed American Canyon cyclist Paul Schapiro with her vehicle last year was reportedly sentenced to three years probation in Napa County Superior Court last week and her driving privileges permanently revoked.
Patricia Hill, 77, was arrested June 3 last year after drifting onto the shoulder while going south on Highway 29 north of Airport Boulevard, and striking Schapiro with her 2009 Honda CR-V, according to California Highway Patrol.
Vallejo woman sentenced for hitting, killing American Canyon cyclist last yearShelly Lucido says she's been in sales since she was 7 and started a personalized Christmas card business in her Walnut Creek neighborhood. Her husband Chris Lucido, a Vallejo native, has been in the marketing game since he was 10 and won a Boy Scout fund raising award.
Together they have more than 40 years of successful sales and marketing experience, making it all the more unnerving that they were both laid off within months of each other, and of their wedding about a year ago.
Vallejo couple among millions nationwide forced to reinvent themselves after 50The American Canyon Police Department is on the lookout for car burglars during the holiday season, and this has already resulted in an arrest, though not for car burglary, Police Chief Oscar Ortiz said.
At about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, an officer who was patrolling near the Walmart Supercenter parking lot as part of the special burglary suppression effort, spotted a man "wandering suspiciously around the parking lot," Ortiz said.
Special car burglary suppression effort nets non-burglary arrest in American CanyonKaiser Permanente Napa Solano has named Christopher Walker its new physician-in-chief. He will help guide and oversee the physicians, clinical operations and staff serving patients and members in the area, Kaiser officials announced Friday.
Walker, a family medicine physician, will oversee the more than 650 doctors, as well as clinical staff caring for members and patients in the region.
New leadership at Kaiser Permanente Napa SolanoSeveral local animal welfare groups hope to recognize the grief of those who lost pets and other animals during October's deadly North Bay Wildfires with a Memorial Ceremony from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Silverado Resort.
The event is organized by Napa#xa0;Valley-based#xa0;Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch#xa0;and San Rafael-based In Defense of Animals, organizers said.
Memorial to animals lost in the October fires planned in NapaLuther Hendricks of Vallejo wore his Congregational Gold Medal around his neck at Thursday's Pearl Harbor Day unveiling of the city's newest Purple Heart Trail sign at the Tennessee Street entrance to Mare Island.
"I got it for fighting the war on two fronts - overseas and at home," the 92-year-old World War II veteran said.
Pearl Harbor Day backdrop for Thursday's Purple Heart Trail sign unveilingVallejo's new "Purple Heart Trail" sign is up a few months early at Mare Island's Tennessee Street entrance, and organizers have decided to take the opportunity to commemorate the 76th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day and celebrate Purple Heart recipients by unveiling it at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
The Purple Heart medal is awarded to U.
Pearl Harbor Day marked with unveiling of new 'Purple Heart Trail' sign near Mare IslandWhat may have been the biggest news out of Tuesday's City Council meeting was not even on the agenda, when several residents and their young children spoke out about the need for sidewalks along a stretch of Eucalyptus Street near Theresa Street.
The other main news was the city's unanimously passed a resolution formally asking the United States Postal Service to do something to improve postal service here.
Girls, parents plead case for sidewalks at American Canyon's City Council meetingPacific Gas & Electric and Napa County Fire Department officials urge everyone to call 811 before doing an rebuilding requiring digging.
"PG&E has received hundreds of customer requests for new electric and gas service in wildfire-impacted communities, signaling the rebuilding process has begun in the aftermath of the extraordinary October 2017 Northern California Wildfires," officials there said.
Call 811 before rebuilding starts, PG&E warns fire victimsSolano County is the nation's fifth fastest growing rental market among so-called "secondary markets," a new study found.
Secondary markets are basically suburbs of larger cities.
RealPage, a comprehensive property management software solutions provider, recently released its list of the top 10 secondary markets for rent growth in quarter 3 of 2017, which shows the Vallejo-Fairfield-Napa area tied for 5th place with Richmond, Va.
Vallejo-Fairfield-Napa area has the country's 5th fastest growing rents among suburbsAs of Tuesday afternoon, there were 144 customers without power in Pope Valley and St. Helena, but high winds caused power outages throughout the Napa area Monday, from American Canyon north, utility officials said.
The most recent outage started Tuesday afternoon and crews were working to determine the cause, Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
High winds causes area power outages MondayOctober home prices in Solano County rose more sharply than the national average compared to last year and slightly less than that compared to September, according to the most recent CoreLogic report, released Tuesday.
Vallejo-Fairfield area home prices, including distressed sales, increased 8 percent in October compared with a year ago, and .
Local home prices still risingStarting in July, passengers and drivers of buses like those SolTrans' operates in Vallejo and Benicia, must wear seat belts or be fined.
However, the law only impacts buses that are equipped with seat belts and does not require transportation agencies to install them in their seat belt-less buses, SolTrans Program Analyst Bisi Ibrahim said Monday.
New bus seat belt law to impact SolTrans over timeBe on the lookout for scam callers during this holiday season, the Federal Communications Commission warns. Illegal robocallers often spoof caller ID information and try to use real events to defraud consumers by tricking them into providing money or personal information, agency officials said.
Callers may pretend to be debt collectors, offer holiday deals, or use fear to extort money, they said.
Beware holiday season phone scamsNAPA >> The deadline for Napa County residents who sustained damage or losses due to the October wildfires to register for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance is Monday, Dec. 11, officials said.
Residents can also apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.
Napa County Local Assistance Center to close, FEMA registration deadline, Dec. 11According to the association, with increasing age come changes in physical, mental and sensory abilities that can challenge a person's continued ability to drive safely.
Family and friends have a major role in identifying changes in driving behavior and beginning discussions about older driver safety, they said.
CHP offers free senior drivers refresher courseThere is a right way and a wrong way to transport that Christmas tree from the lot to its destination, AAA officials said.
"Although it may be an annual tradition, transporting a Christmas tree isn't as easy as you think," AAA Northern California spokesman Michael Blasky said. "Every year, drivers break the law and damage their cars by improperly securing their Christmas trees or selecting a tree that would make Clark Griswold jealous.
AAA offers Christmas tree transport tipsCrime was not on holiday over the weekend, a Vallejo Police Department spokesman said Monday, with several serious crimes, many of them involving armed individuals, and one that could be considered a minor miracle, keeping officers busy.
The minor miracle, first.
Just before 2 p.m. Sunday, a Vallejo teenager was pepper-sprayed after meeting with someone who answered an advertisement on an app and agreed to buy his iPhone, Lt.
Several crimes committed in Vallejo over the weekendAmerican Canyon High's Lucas Gramlick (285 pounds) placed first and was voted MVP of the Vista Wrestling Invitational in Folsom on Saturday.
Recently, Gramlick was named honorable mention on the all-Sac-Joaquin Section football team for offensive tackle.
Also at the Folsom tournament, Aaron Villa Carlos (138) placed sixth.
American Canyon's Gramlick named MVP of Vista wrestling event in FolsomThe American Canyon High boys basketball team lost to De Anza of El Sobrante, 68-44, on Saturday in nonleague play.
The Wolves (1-1) were led by Roman Madayag, who had 10 points. Malik Ghiden had nine.
American Canyon hosts Ygnacio Valley on Tuesday.
American Canyon High boys basketball team falls to De AnzaCity officials plan to officially request the United States Postal Service upgrade the city's post office, at Tuesday's City Council meeting, offering proof that the one they have now is woefully inadequate.
Noting that what passes for a post office in town now is a "temporary" building first used during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and re-purposed in 2001 for the city's then-9,000 residents, staff reminds postal officials that the city's population has grown since then to more than 20,400.
American Canyon officials petitions U.S. Postal Service for new officeRep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) on Friday, led every California House member in urging that California's $4.4 billion fire-related relief request be included in upcoming supplemental disaster relief legislation, his office announced.
The representatives asked the state's request be included, in a letter to House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Nita Lowey.
Entire California House Delegation calls on Appropriations Committee to help wildfire victims recoverA Brentwood man was arrested in American Canyon Thursday trying to shoplift from Walmart, and was discovered to have hundreds of dollars of other stolen merchandise and a concealed dagger, Police Chief Oscar Ortiz said Friday.
After a call from Walmart officials just before 5 p.m., that a man was trying to leave the store with some $800 worth of merchandise without paying, police arrived and pulled over the man who was driving away and who was later identified as Daniel Herbert, 25, of Brentwood.
Brentwood man arrested in American Canyon with hundreds in stolen items and a weapon"Miss" Hattie Smith-Miles - surrounded by people who are pretty sure she saved their lives - cut the red ribbon stretched across the front of Vallejo's Hidden Treasures Thrift Store, officially kicking off its Grand Re-opening Friday.
Now located at 1010 Tennessee St., the House of Acts company store is offering a grand re-opening half-off sale through Dec.
House of Acts thrift store reopens in new Vallejo location; special sale through Dec. 8A group of a half-dozen or so American Canyon High School biology and anatomy/physiology and AP biology students and their teachers donated items to the Sutter Solano Cancer Center for the third consecutive year Thursday, and also got a tour of the facility.
They filed in with bags and baskets filled with items they believed breast cancer patients would appreciate.
Sutter Solano Cancer Center teams with American Canyon High School students to help cancer patients