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 patientsAmerican Canyon >> The Broadway Specific Plan - which in any case isn't envisioned to happen before 2036 - will, if implemented, create air pollution and traffic issues bigger than can reasonably be mitigated, according to the Draft Environmental Impact Report, which was released this week.
The document's 45-day public review period ends Jan.
American Canyon's Broadway Specific Plan finds unavoidable traffic, pollution problemsAs part of the multi-agency response to the recent Northern California fires, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has started to remove asbestos-contaminated debris at fire-damaged properties in Lake and Mendocino counties, agency officials said.
This follows the completion of household hazardous waste collection and disposal conducted by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, they said.
EPA removes debris at fire-damaged properties in Lake and Mendocino countiesFor several years now, it's been bothering Bob and Linda Taylor of Vallejo that people with physical challenges had problems navigating their annual holiday decoration extravaganza, so this year, they did something about it.
Now in its 19th year, the display at the Taylor home at 817 Old Glen Cove Road, has become a Vallejo staple, attracting hundreds over the month of December, they said.
Old Glen Cove Road annual holiday display is now wheelchair accessibleNAPA >> Napa County Supervisors Belia Ramos and Alfredo Pedroza were elected Tuesday to the Latino Caucus of California Counties Executive Committee during the 123rd annual California State Association of Counties annual meeting in Sacramento.
It is the first time two Napa County supervisors have been named to the caucus, Napa County officials said.
Former American Canyon councilwoman elected to state Latino CaucusThe price of national forest and grassland visitor maps will increase by several dollars on Jan. 1, U.S. Forest Service, officials of the Mare Island-based agency announced.
Plastic visitor maps that are now $10 and the paper ones that are now $9, will both be going up to $14.
All maps are available for purchase online from the Forest Service at the National Forest Map Store, http://www.
U.S. Forest Service raising price of mapsAMERICAN CANYON >> A moving video from the firefighters'-eye-view was followed by a standing ovation from a packed City Council Chambers on Tuesday, when the council officially recognized its Fire Prevention District personnel for their contribution in battling last months devastating wildfires.
Council members also thanked retiring Police Chief Tracey Stuart and swore in new Police Chief Oscar Ortiz at Tuesday's meeting.
American Canyon fire fighters honored, new police chief sworn in TuesdayRep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) announced Wednesday that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) approved the outstanding requests from the State of California for Public Assistance disaster relief funding for communities struck by the fires in Sonoma, Napa, and Lake counties.
"I'm glad FEMA has approved the remaining requests for Public Assistance disaster relief.
Thompson announces added FEMA funds for fire victimsContractors and tradespeople who lost their tools in the recent wildfires can get them replaced through a program sponsored by the North Coast Builders Exchange, a 1,150-member contractors association based in the North Bay, organization officials announced.
The exchange is a 63-year-old nonprofit contractors association that provides services and representation to construction-related firms in Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, and Napa counties, they said.
Tool replacement program for tradespeople who lost theirs in the firesVallejo Police Department officials want people to know that some criminals are using apps on their own cellphones to find any electronics left turned on in your car.
'Tis the season to be wary when shopping, and the Vallejo Police have rolled out their Hideit. Lockit. Takeit. Holiday Shopping Season Awareness Campaign, aimed at reducing thefts this holiday season.
Police warn: Beware of thieves this holiday seasonThis year, SolTrans wants to help take the edge off your holiday stress by taking over driving duties at extremely affordable rates, agency officials said.
On weekdays throughout December, all local routes will cost 25 cents for a one-way fare, and $1 for a day pass, officials said. On the weekends, all local routes are free.
Soltrans' December Dollar Days, all month longNew traffic lights and other safety enhancements installed along a 2-mile stretch of Highway 29 through Vallejo appear to be an unexpected casualty, temporarily, at least, of the October North Bay wildfires, a California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) spokesman said Monday.
"We're waiting on PG&E at this point," Caltrans spokesman Vince Jacala said.
New safety lights are up, but not on, along Highway 29 in VallejoThe Napa Valley Unified School District is reeling from the loss of several members of the Horn family, who were killed in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 80 in San Pablo on Saturday night.
The multi-vehicle crash left four people dead, officials said.
Killed in the wreck were Daryl Horn, 50, a longtime member of the Napa Valley Baseball Club, and his 14-year-old son, Joe, a student at Redwood Middle school, who played for North Bay Basketball Academy.
Deadly alcohol-related crash on I-80 Saturday takes lives of four members of Napa familyAn acknowledgment of fire fighter efforts during the recent Napa and Sonoma County fires and the likely acceptance of a new police chief are just two of the items scheduled for discussion at Tuesday's City Council meeting.
The meeting's public portion is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
A new Police Chief will likely be approved in American Canyon on TuesdayTouro University students impacted by the devastating North Bay wildfires will benefit from the school's Giving Tuesday Campaign this year, which includes a new wrinkle, school officials said.
"Giving Tuesday is an annual national fundraiser that helps various organizations with financial support," officials said.
Touro University campaign helps raise funds for fire victim studentsVallejo native Randy Larson said he thinks he's hit on the future of building - and an answer to the homeless problem in Vallejo and other cities - all while recycling something that's outlived its original use.
Larson's Transport Products, Unlimited, Inc. and several dozen of his closest friends, recently celebrated the grand opening of a tire shop in Alameda he built with his recycled cargo containers.
Vallejo company turns used cargo containers into just about anythingNAPA >> Most Napa County offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Law enforcement and public safety services will continue to be provided.
The Local Assistance Center, 2751 Napa Valley Corporate Dr., Building A, will be closed.
The Napa County Sheriff's Office will be available; however, the public office will be closed on these days.
Most Napa County offices closed Thursday, Friday for ThanksgivingSolano County's Probation Department was awarded a $280,083 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, to help ensure that high-risk, felony, and repeat DUI offenders are complying with all court orders, county officials announced.
These offenders are over-represented in traffic crashes involving alcohol and other drugs, often with tragic results, they said.
Solano County Probation gets more than $200,000 to monitor repeat DUI offendersThere's more than one way to tell a story, and a Vallejo high school history class learned how museums do it during an annual field trip to the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum on Tuesday.
"My AP U.S. History class is taking part in the 'Hands on the Past' project, in conjunction with the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum," St.
St. Patrick-St. Vincent High students take a day at the museumMaria Guevara says she's not really concerned that Vallejo Together is short by a significant margin on the food her volunteers plan to feed seniors and others on Thanksgiving, because she puts her trust in a higher power and that's worked every time so far.
"I'm not worried," the organization's founder said.
Vallejo Together's free seniors' Thanksgiving still needs some itemsAs one of the traditionally busiest travel times in America, Thanksgiving weekend can also be one of the deadliest on the roadways. To help motorists avoid tragedies, the California Highway Patrol will be out in force, agency officials announced.
CHP officials plan to have all available officers on patrol during a Maximum Enforcement Period, which will start at 6:01 p.
CHP to be out in force over Thanksgiving holiday weekendAAA wants Californians to start the holidays safely, and is putting its money where its mouth is, so to speak, by offering a free ride home to those too tipsy to drive, company officials announced.
The safety advocate is urging motorists to plan for a safe ride home before heading out to celebrate this season.
Tipsy Tow is one option on ThanksgivingSome of the out-of-state insurance adjusters brought in to help handle the thousands of claims in the aftermath of the Northern California wildfires, are giving some claimants incorrect information, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a news release.
In response, he "directed the California Department of Insurance to issue a formal notice to insurers, licensed public adjusters and admitted carriers to make sure all claims adjusters assigned to wildfire claims, including those not licensed in California, are properly trained on the California Unfair Practices Act, Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, and all laws relating to property and casualty insurance claims handling.
Some fire victims getting misinformation from insurance adjustersThe 1891 Queen Anne, Easterlake-influenced historic house at 705 Georgia St. in Vallejo, was nearly 120 years old when it was snatched from the bulldozers' jaws.
Best known as the Commodore Potts House, the gingerbread-looking home was lovingly restored 45 years ago, and maintained since then, but its longtime owner, Annzell Loufas, passed away, and her daughter, who lives with her family in Oregon, is seeking the right buyer.
19th Century Vallejo home on the market for first time in 45 yearsThe San Francisco Bay Ferry will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, but will operate on a modified schedule for the holiday weekend from Friday through Sunday, officials announced.
. The Vallejo/SF route will operate on a modified schedule on Friday and Saturday. The regular fall weekend schedule will resume on Sunday.
San Francisco Bay Ferry releases Thanksgiving holiday scheduleVallejo Together and SolTrans are throwing a free Thanksgiving feast from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, at the Loyal Order of Moose - 337 Nebraska St. - and offering free rides there and back, officials of both agencies said.
It's the eighth year for the free lunches, and Vallejo Together produced Thanksgiving dinners for three years before that, agency founder Maria Guevara said.
Free bus rides, Thanksgiving lunch for seniors, homeless, others in VallejoAmerican Canyon Police Chief Tracey Stuart will retire at the end of the year, but a new chief has already been selected to take over, city officials said Monday.
Though Stuart's last day is officially Dec. 31, she is on vacation until then, a woman from her office said.
The city's police services are administered through the Napa County Sheriff's Office.
American Canyon gets new Police Chief as first female chief retiresShop classes. Vocational Training. Career Technical Education. Career Education programs.
Whatever you call it, programs for preparing students for careers working with their hands are back in fashion after a decades-long hiatus.
"California Community Colleges launched a new statewide campaign in July to raise awareness among students, parents, counselors, teachers and others about Career Education programs (formerly referred as Career Technical Education) offered at all 114 community college campuses across the state," California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office spokeswoman Sarah Pollo said.
New push for not your grandfather's vocational trainingSeveral new laws take effect in 2018 that will impact businesses statewide, California Chamber of Commerce officials said.
Some of the new laws create significant changes in key areas, while others make small changes to different parts of an existing law or may affect only employers in specific industries.
CalChamber releases list of new employment laws for 2018Unemployment was down slightly in Solano County in October, and up slightly in Napa County according to the latest state figures, released Friday.
Solano County's unemployment rate last month was 4.3 percent, down from a revised 4.6 percent in September, and below the year-ago estimate of 5.
October unemployment down in Solano, up in NapaThe 21st Annual Meyer Factory Outlet Sale will run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 at both the Vallejo and Fairfield locations, company officials announced.
The tradition of Meyer Corporation doubling donations to the Humane Society of the North Bay by matching gifts up to a total of $15,000 also continues, they said.
21st Annual Meyer Factory Outlet Sale starts Nov. 30 in Vallejo, FairfieldAMERICAN CANYON >> The American Canyon Fire Protection District, once again in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps Reserve, is sponsoring the "Toys for Tots" drive in town.
New, unwrapped toys for children up to age 12 will be accepted at the locations below from Nov. 21 through Dec.
American Canyon Toys for Tots drive starts TuesdayAmerican Canyon families in need of holiday help can register at the American Canyon Family Resource Center until Nov. 30, officials said.
The Holiday Assistance Program serves Napa County families with children who are 12 or under, they said. Registration is available at the center's offices, 3423 Broadway, Suite D1 in American Canyon from 11 a.
American Canyon holiday help program registration ends Nov. 30The California Department of Motor Vehicles will begin offering the option to apply for a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or identification card beginning Jan. 22, at DMV offices statewide, officials announced. Californians may choose either a REAL ID or a federal non-compliant card.
The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress in response to the events of 9/11.
California DMV to offer new REAL IDs in 2018Vallejo firefighters from Fire Station 27 responded to a reported solo vehicle into a light pole near the Blue Rock Springs Golf Course just after 8 a.m. Thursday, a Vallejo Fire Department consultant said.
Fire/paramedic crews arrived to find the driver trapped in the vehicle "due to the major intrusion on the drivers door," created by the pole, former Vallejo Fire Department spokesman and current consultant, William Tweedy said.
Man taken to hospital following solo-vehicle crashTwo American Canyon home owners foiled attempted break-ins, and two would-be burglars were arrested in apparently unrelated incidents Wednesday, American Canyon Police Department officials said.
The first call dispatched officers to Montevino Drive at about 10:45 a.m., Lt. Oscar Ortiz said.
"The victim saw three unidentified males flee over his backyard fence, but was able to identify their 'get-away' driver to officers," Ortiz said.
Two home burglaries foiled by American Canyon home ownersIn most of the Bay Area, a rising tide does not lift all quality-of-life boats, a new study found. The exception, the study's authors said, is Solano County.
The first of its kind initiative, called Race Counts, measures racial disparities in California's 58 counties across key issues and found that if you're black here, you are substantially more likely to be poor, be in prison and to die young.
Solano exception to race disparities among California counties, study findsA free screening of the film "The Longest Road" - preceded by a reception with cast members - is planned for Tuesday at Cal Maritime's Rizza Auditorium, school officials announced.
In the 2016 film, whose title comes from a Kurdish proverb ... "A good companion shortens the longest road. ...
Documentary about American vets returning to Iraq to fight ISIS to be shown at Cal MaritimeBitten by the theater bug at age 8, Jeremy Kreamer, of Vacaville, said he never really considered any other direction for his life.
Now pushing 30, Kreamer is featured in a one-night-only screening in Vallejo and nationwide, of a film of a play he toured with, called "The MeshugaNutcracker!"
Playing at 7 p.
Local man in one-day-only nationwide screening of The MeshugaNutcracker!Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) on Wednesday, introduced a bill to deliver temporary tax relief to survivors of the Northern California fires, his office staff announced.
"The fires that tore through our California were the worst in our state's history, leaving communities devastated. The bill I'm introducing today would bring important tax relief to those communities, giving them more tools to begin the process of rebuilding and recovering," Thompson said.
Thompson introduces bill to bring more disaster tax relieve to fire survivorsBroken On All Sides, a documentary on "race, mass incarceration and new visions for criminal justice in the U.S.," was screened at Touro University on Monday as the last in a series of Health Equity and Criminal Justice-related events for 2017.
The series sets the school's public health program up for the 2018 launch of a new push for health equity in public health, Touro's Gayle Cummings said.
Mass incarceration of minorities is a public health concern, Touro event organizers sayVallejo's only synagogue has increased its security measures partly in response to a perceived increased risk to minorities and others nationwide, and they are not alone.
Pastor Scott Peterson of The Hill, Vallejo said his congregation is feeling a little nervous, too.
"Yes, we are more vigilant," he said.
Some Vallejo houses of worship eyeing beefed-up security after Texas church massacreThe Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $30 million in federal disaster loans for California businesses and residents impacted by the recent wildfires in Napa, Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Nevada, Orange, Sonoma and Yuba counties, the agency's disaster field operations center-west director Tanya N.
Small Business Administration fire-related loans tops $30 millionIn order to accomplish its core mission of saving lives, Solano, Stockton and South Sacramento area offices of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) are jointly using a federal grant to conduct a traffic safety campaign on Highway 12 in Solano, San Joaquin, and Sacramento Counties, agency officials announced.
CHP involved in new year-long push for safety along Highway 12If you get a notice from the Social Security Administration about a Social Security benefits filing you know you didn't make, you've likely been the victim of a scam that Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley is warning Napa County residents about.
The District Attorney's Office received several reports from residents whose personal identifying information, including social security numbers, was used to file a fraudulent claim for Social Security benefits, her office staff said.
Napa D.A. warns of Social Security benefits scamThe U.S. Small Business Administration and the Napa/Sonoma Small Business Development Center on Friday announced the closing of the Business Recovery Center in Santa Rosa at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
"SBA opened the center to provide personalized assistance to businesses that were affected by the wildfires that occurred Oct.
SBA to close Santa Rosa Business Recovery CenterThe Solano County District Attorney's Office and the Family Justice Center is hosting a Domestic Violence Prevention Forum on from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16 at Fairfield's County Events Center, Room A, 601 Texas Street.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free informational forum, to learn more about awareness and the prevention of domestic violence, organizers said.
Solano County D.A. hosts Domestic Violence Prevention ForumIf you really want to honor America's veterans this Veterans Day, and year 'round, hire a few, state officials said.
The California Employment Development Department is calling on California's employers to celebrate Veterans Day with a renewed commitment to hiring those who have served in the military, officials said.
State officials: Celebrate Veterans Day by hiring a vetTurnovers can be monumental in the Sac-Joaquin Section football playoffs.
Visiting River Valley of Yuba City had just a pedestrian two on Thursday night at Wolf Den Stadium.
That might not seem like much, but American Canyon did not have one.
That might have been the difference as the No.
American Canyon High football team wins thriller over River Valley in playoffsAMERICAN CANYON > > An 18-year-old man from Vallejo was killed on Thursday morning after his car collided with a big rig, a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol said.
The man was driving north on Highway 29 in unincorporated Napa County when he ran a red light at South Kelly Road and his Nissan struck a Kenworth truck and trailer traveling west, police said.
Vallejo man in fatal crash on Hwy 29Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) on Thursday announced it will offer free installation and removal of temporary electric service to eligible customers rebuilding after the devastating October 2017 wildfires.
Through Dec. 31, 2018, PG&E will provide no-cost installation and removal of temporary electric service for customers' rebuilding efforts across Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Solano, Sonoma and Yuba counties, officials said.
PG&E offers free temporary electricity for rebuilding fire victimsAMERICAN CANYON >> Anthony Krager said he discovered a problem when he took his daughter trick-or-treating on Halloween this year.
The nearly three-year resident said he set out to take his 9-year-old daughter, Faith, who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, around town to collect goodies on Halloween, only to be stymied by the city's lack of curb ramps.
Father of disabled American Canyon child raises concern about lack of proper sidewalks, curbsOne way locals seeking to make a difference in the North Bay Fire recovery effort is by hunting up acorns, according to the Napa Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society.
The group has put out a call for people to find and gather acorns to help replenish the many native oak trees lost in the blazes.
All hands on deck for re-oaking wine country expert says.U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) on Thursday released a statement urging those whose property was destroyed in the recent fires to submit "right-of-entry" forms to receive free debris removal services from the Army Corps of Engineers.
"Debris cleanup is the first and often an expensive hurdle for many people who return to a burned down home.
Deadline to submit free fire debris clean-up forms is today for Napa victimsA new study suggests lower-income renters in Vallejo are being replaced by higher-income ones.
The Apartment List study finds that more than half of Vallejo renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. This is significantly fewer than just a few years ago, indicating that the area's economic demographics may be changing.
Vallejo area experiencing some gentrification, new study findsAMERICAN CANYON >> With the precise location of outdoor exercise equipment still to be determined, the American Canyon City Council on Tuesday approved a Master Plan for the Clarke Ranch development that will one day likely be a regional draw.
They also heard an explanation of how publicly funded affordable housing developments here will benefit local residents with the city's local preference policy, and officially OK'd adding 10 years to the Napa Logistics Park's permit for phase 2.
Ambitious Clarke Ranch Master Plan unveiled at American Canyon council meetingFor the eighth consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation offers unique holiday gift ideas, organization officials announced.
Give-A-Tree cards, for instance, "offer a unique holiday giving opportunity with conservation benefits that will endure for generations," they say. These can be purchased individually and with customized text, for $5.
Unique gift ideas from the Arbor Day FoundationCongressman Mike Thompson (D-St Helena), who chairs the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, led a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis on Wednesday, signed by 76 other members, asking for an explanation as to why the Texas shooter's military conviction for domestic abuse was not entered into the National Criminal Information Center Database, his office announced.
Thompson, others, demand explanation for Air Force's failure to report church shooter's convictionThe American Canyon Family Resource Center is cosponsoring a Campus Hiring Event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Napa Valley College Student Activities Center, officials said.
This event is open to the public, including students, alumni and the rest of the community in Napa and Solano counties, Resource Center director Sherry Tennyson said.
Napa Valley College Career Center hosting hiring event ThursdayMore than 300 people spent several hours stranded between San Francisco and Vallejo, on the MV Intintoli ferryboat Monday night, ferry officials confirmed Tuesday.
For part of that time, there were no functioning toilets or food or beverages available, they said.
Ferry spokesman Ernest Sanchez said the vessel experienced mechanical issues and had to stop about 20 minutes from the Vallejo Ferry Terminal.
Packed ferry stranded for hours in San Pablo Bay on Monday nightOne of the men buried in the Mare Island Cemetery drowned in the line of duty, leaving a wife and children who spent the next decades protecting passing and approaching ships. Another died in battle in the Philippines. Yet another lost his life in France during World War I, just two days before the Armistice.
Veterans Day event planned at historic Mare Island CemeteryAmerican Canyon city officials plan an event to officially thank those who stepped up and helped their neighbors impacted by the October fire storms, they said.
The event is planned for 6 p.m. Nov. 15, though the location has yet to be nailed down, Interim City Manager Jason Holley said. More information will be available next week, he said.
Fire response Thank You event planned in American CanyonBenicia's much anticipated decision on marijuana - set for Tuesday's city council meeting - will have to wait until next month.
Agenda Item 15A on the City Council meeting agenda - the first reading of the city's Cannabis Ordinance - will be continued to the council meeting set for 7 p.m. Dec.
Benicia Cannabis Ordinance discussion delayed till DecemberAARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking to expand its team of Solano County volunteers for the upcoming tax season, officials said.
"Soon approaching its 50th year, Tax-Aide offers free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can't afford a tax preparation service," they said.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program seeks volunteersIf you hadn't set your clocks back Sunday morning with the end of Daylight Savings Time, you have almost certainly figured out your mistake by now.
But, did you also check your smoke alarm?
Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoke alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Agency, Vallejo Fire Department officials said, and they remind readers "to not only change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time but to also check your smoke alarms.
You've set your clocks back, but have you checked your smoke alarm?AMERICAN CANYON >> Development in the city has increased so much that the contractor hired to do its development engineering has nearly burned through its entire budget, so staff is asking to add $70,000 to it at Tuesday's city council meeting.
The 6:30 p.m. public session at City Hall is also set to include a presentation on the city's Affordable Housing Local Preference Policy.
It's full steam ahead for American CanyonCampers from a 70-year-old Jewish summer camp badly damaged in the recent North Bay wildfires, will spend next summer at Vallejo's Cal Maritime campus, officials of both organizations announced.
The Union for Reform Judaism's URJ Camp Newman's Santa Rosa facilities were made unusable less than a month ago in the fire storm, so its officials put out the word and were able to make arrangements with California State University Maritime Academy, "located on the waterfront in Vallejo, a short drive from both Santa Rosa and San Francisco," camp officials said.
Vallejo's Cal Maritime to host Santa Rosa Jewish camp next summerU.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) and Peter King (R-NY) on Friday introduced a bill aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill.
H.R. 4240, the bipartisan Thompson-King background check legislation - officially known as the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 2017 - expands the existing background check system to cover all commercial firearm sales, including those at gun shows, over the internet or in classified ads, Thompson's office staff said.
Thompson, King propose 'anti-criminal, pro-Second Amendment' gun control billNAPA >> Thursday is the deadline to submit a Right of Entry form to participate in the Government Debris and Ash Removal Program, Napa County officials said.
The ROE form grants Napa County, the State of California and the federal government the right to enter your property for purposes of inspecting, testing materials, removing and clearing all residential structural debris, waste, and other materials.
Form for free fire debris cleanup due ThursdayReed and Bernice Robertson, owners of Vallejo's Newell Mobile City mobile home park, have hit on a way to make a little money in what is typically a low-to-no-profit business, by renting furnished units to some temporary refinery workers and others.
This, however, does not set well with some people.
Vallejo mobile home park renting furnished units -- some cry foulIf things go according to plan, a 3-year-old Mare Island-based business could save more than $2.4 billion in annual medical costs with a new federal grant aimed at fighting acne, company officials announced.
Riptide Bioscience, Inc.'s Executive Vice President Henry Lopez, this week announced the company's receipt of a grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, an agency of the National Institutes of Health.
Vallejo firm gets large federal grant to find acne treatmentPacific Gas and Electric Company is offering its customers in communities recovering from the October 2017 Northern California wildfires, free assistance in cutting down and hauling away larger wood from their property, company officials announced.
Customers can request wood removal for qualifying hazard trees PG&E cuts down near its power lines to help ensure public safety and protect its electric and gas infrastructure, they said.
PG&E offers free help hauling away wood in wildfire-impacted areasAMERICAN CANYON >> The new, giant building at American Canyon's Napa Logistics Park, will house an IKEA Internet sales distribution center, it was learned this week.
The park's developer, Orchard Partners, confirmed this week that IKEA signed a lease for the 646,000-square-foot building located off Devlin Road.
Ikea distribution center, some 200 jobs, coming to American CanyonA year-long federal grant will be applied to help save lives in Solano, Stockton and South Sacramento areas, California Highway Patrol officials announced.
"Saving lives is the core mission of the CHP," the news release says. "In order to accomplish this mission, the CHP Solano, Stockton and South Sacramento Area offices will jointly use a federal grant to conduct a traffic safety campaign on Highway 12 in Solano, San Joaquin, and Sacramento counties.
CHP launches regional life-saving effortIn the wake of the deadly and destructive North Bay fires, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) and Mark Amodei (R-Nevada) introduced H.R. 4208, the Wildland Fires Act of 2017, to better prepare for and prevent costly wildfires. It's the companion to the recently introduced Senate bill by the same name.
Thompson, Amodei introduce wildfire prevention bill for high-risk communitiesKaiser Vallejo's unionized nurses plan an informational picket from 3:45 to 6 p.m. Thursday over what they say is "a growing erosion of care conditions in Kaiser Permanente hospitals and clinics."
A similar event is planned at the Vacaville Kaiser, at 1 Quality Drive, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Kaiser nurses plan to picket Thursday afternoonFor the tenth consecutive year, Kaiser Permanente Northern and Southern California are the state's only health plans to earn a four-star rating - the highest possible - for overall clinical effectiveness in the annual Healthcare Quality Report Card from California's Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA).
Kaiser Permanente gets top score statewideVallejo is a step closer to having an In-N-Out Burger in town, as well as a Panera Bread Company and Sonic Burger locations, the city's Chief Building Official said Tuesday.
The Panera Bread bakery-cafe restaurant, which is set to open at 169 Plaza Drive in the Gateway Plaza shopping center, submitted plans for a second review on Aug.
In-N-Out, Panera Bread, Sonic projects moving forward in VallejoA health alert was issued for Vallejo-based Ghiringhelli Specialty Foods salads with chicken meat products, due to concerns about possible Listeria contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Tuesday.
The alert was issued over concerns that these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, though a recall was not requested because it is believed that none of the products are still in stores and all are past their "Use by" dates, officials said.
USDA issues health alert for some foods made by Vallejo-based firmNow that the large animals that were evacuated from firestorm-threatened areas to the Solano County Fairgrounds have gone home, the site will further help fire victims through a deal made this week with the federal government to get temporary housing to those who need it.
The Solano County Fair Association Board of Directors voted unanimously on Wednesday to enter into an agreement with the United States General Services Administration (GSA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the storage, cleaning and restoration of temporary housing units provided to victims of the recent Napa and Sonoma County Fires, Fairgrounds general manager Steve Hales said.
Solano Fairgrounds to be staging hub for temporary FEMA housing for fire victimsThe Sears Appliance & Mattress store that opened in the Vallejo Corners shopping center in 2013 is closing, but the center's owner/managers are already looking for a replacement retailer and have potential tenants for the center's other empty spaces, company officials said.
An employee at the Sears store said she's not sure what day will be its last.
Vallejo Sears specialty store is closing, new store soughtThe immigration law firm that Melissa Atienza works for as a paralegal has been fielding calls from frightened locals. So has Holy Family Catholic Church in American Canyon.
That's why the two have teamed with some others to hold a free immigration workshop from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the church - 101 Antonina Avenue, Atienza said.
Free immigration workshop in American Canyon on SundayDespite a better than 10 percent year-over-year rise for two-bedroom units, rents in Vallejo are still the Bay Area's most affordable, and though the area has dropped one rank, it's still the second hottest housing market in the United States, according to newly released data.
Despite this, new data also shows that more people in Vallejo experience eviction than the national average.
Vallejo area rents, home prices still relatively affordable but risingDue to the severe damage and evacuations caused by the Northern California wildfires, Food and Nutrition Services retailers in Solano, Napa, Butte, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Nevada, Orange, Sacramento, Sonoma, Sutter, and Yuba counties may accept SNAP (CalFresh) benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises, it was announced Thursday.
'Food stamps' can temporarily buy hot foods in fire-impacted countiesAfter 100-plus years in business, in its seventh year on Mare Island, Alstom Transportation, Inc.'s most recently awarded contract promises to be "a game changer" for the firm, several of its principals said.
The company, named for two of its founders (Alsaciennes and Thompson), was awarded a several-years-long contract worth more than $140 million by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO) to perform the mid-life overhaul of 52 P2000 light rail vehicles which operate on LA's Blue, Green and Expo lines, company officials said.
Mare Island's Alstom snags game-changing contract, promises growthFor those applying for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) help in recovering from the recent devastating wildfires, Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley warned of scams involving fraudulently filed applications.
The District Attorney's Office received several reports from residents whose personal identifying information, including their Social Security numbers, was used to file a fraudulent FEMA application, Haley said.
Scammers targeting wildfire victims in Napa County, officials warnKaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center hosts a free Cancer Awareness Event called, "Saving Lives," from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, hospital officials announced.
The event, which you need not be a Kaiser member to attend, coincides with the weekly farmers market there, at 975 Sereno Drive, in Vallejo.
Free cancer awareness event at Kaiser Vallejo on FridayAn organization formed to help areas destroyed by the recent North Bay wildfires to rebuild, announced on Wednesday its selection of former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) director James Lee Witt to lead it.
Rep. Mike Thompson, whose Congressional District was hardest hit by the fires, introduced Witt at a news conference at Sonoma State University's Student Center on Wednesday, officials said.
Rebuild North Bay taps Witt to help area recoverVallejo Police Department officials are asking the public's help in tracking down the driver who hit two toddlers in a stroller on Turner Parkway on Sunday and fled the scene.
The investigation so far revealed that the vehicle may be a white, early 2000, Acura TL 4-door sedan with a sunroof.
Vallejo police seek hit and run driver who injured two toddlersIf your kids want to dress up for Halloween and go trick-or-treating, but you're concerned about letting them knock on strangers' doors, Vallejo's downtown merchants have an alternative.
A similar alternative event is planned in American Canyon too.
The fourth Haunting of Downtown is planned for about 4:30 to about 5:30 p.
Safe trick-or-treating alternatives for Halloween fun can be found in VallejoThe Red Cross and Goodwill have joined forces to handle the tremendous amount of non-financial donations made to the survivors of the devastating North Bay fires, officials of both agencies announced.
"In response to California Wildfires, a tremendous amount of donated goods from individuals, companies, and organizations have been received," they said in the announcement.
Red Cross, Goodwill team up to help wildfire survivorsA man had to be extricated from a vehicle after a crash Monday night, Vallejo Fire Department officials said.
"Dispatch for the vehicle accident was at 1933 hours (7:33 p.m.)," department spokesman Kevin Brown said. "Engine 25, Truck 21, Battalion 21 and two Medic Ambulance units were dispatched," to the location on Highway 29, just north of Highway 37, he said.
Man rescued from car after Vallejo crashAMERICAN CANYON >> An American Canyon couple was arrested at their home Monday after police learned the man was a suspect in some Vallejo crimes, American Canyon Police Chief Tracey Stuart said.
"An officer developed information that a man living at 2555 Flosden Road #15 was a suspect in some car burglaries in Vallejo, was a convicted felon, and that there were firearms in the home," she said.
American Canyon couple arrested as suspects in Vallejo car burglariesToday at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Standard time/ 10:15 p.m. local time, Congressman Mike Thompson (D- St. Helena) will stand on the House Floor and call for a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives in the deadly California fires, and to show the U.S. House of Representative's commitment to help rebuild the lives of those who've lost everything, his office announed.
Thompson to hold moment of silence on House floor for fire victims TuesdayThe large animals that were evacuated to the Solano County Fairgrounds during the recent North Bay wildfires have been able to go home, leaving behind some of the many pounds of donated feed and other materials, county officials said.
Vallejo's Loma Vista Farm is a beneficiary of some of that material.
With evacuated animals gone, Solano County Fairgrounds to re-donate leftover feed, other materialsHouseholds impacted by the recent Northern California wildfires could be eligible for help buying food through the USDA's Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday.
Those who may not normally be eligible for nutrition assistance under regular SNAP rules may qualify for D-SNAP - if their income is under the disaster limits and they have qualifying disaster-related expenses, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said.
USDA: Seven Northern California counties affected by wildfires to get federal food helpNapa Public Health officials announced the start of free flu shot clinics as the area continues to recover from this month's devastating wildfires.
"A flu shot now, prior to widespread illness, increases your chances of staying healthy," Public Health Officer Karen Relucio said. "The flu vaccine is safe and effective.
Napa County public health officials: get a flu shot, stay healthy during fire recoveryNAPA >> An interactive online mapping tool that shows the status of local structures impacted by recent fires was developed by Napa County, officials announced.
The map includes a search feature that details whether a building has been red tagged or yellow tagged as a result of the fires.
A red-tagged building has been deemed unsafe and should not be occupied as occupancy poses a threat to life safety.
Map of fire-impacted Napa buildings now onlineThe unemployment rates in Solano and Napa counties fell in September compared to August, according to the most recent state figures, released Friday.
In the Vallejo-Fairfield Metropolitan Statistical Area (Solano County), the September jobless rate was 4.6 percent, down from a revised 5.5 percent in August , and below the year-ago estimate of 5.
Unemployment was down in Solano, Napa in SeptemberFor the seventh consecutive year, Kaiser Permanente's Medicare health plans in California have earned five out of five stars for 2018, the highest overall rating for quality and service from the#xa0;Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Kaiser officials announced.
CMS created the Medicare star quality rating system to help people assess Medicare plans based on quality of care and service delivery, so they can make an informed decision when choosing a plan.
Kaiser earns high marks for Medicare, Medicaid servicesA coalition of private and public legal organizations have created a hotline to provide legal aide to fire victims across California, it was announced.
The hotline number is (415) 575-3120. Callers can also leave a message. Spanish and Chinese language attorneys will also be on the hotline, according to the announcement.
Lawyer organizations offer help for fire victimsThere are two more free lectures planned at Vallejo's Touro University as part of a series focusing on the health impacts of incarceration - not just on inmates, but also on their families and communities.
"Mass incarceration is a major public health challenge facing the United States, impacting millions of people cycling through the justice system every year," said Gayle Cummings, director of the Touro Public Health Program.
Last two free Touro lectures on incarceration, public healthAs wildfires continue to burn throughout Northern California, AAA is offering advice to help motorists stay safe and protect their vehicles from the harmful ash that's settled on neighborhoods across the state, including in Vallejo, a company spokesman said.
"Our hearts are with all residents in Northern California who have been devastated by these persisting wildfires," AAA Northern California Manager of Public Affairs John Moreno said.
AAA offers tips for safely cleaning the ash off your carIn response to the Northern California wildfires, AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah is taking additional action to assist its members, company officials announced.
The AAA claims assistance trailer has been stationed at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, since Tuesday, Oct. 10.
AAA adds locations for members impacted by NorCal wildfiresNAPA >> St. Joseph Health, Queen of the Valley Medical Center remains open and fully functional, despite the fires that raged through the area, officials said this week.
Firefighters have made much progress on the containment of the wildfires in Napa and Sonoma counties and the hospital on Monday, resumed several services that had been postponed last week.
Napa's Queen of the Valley resumes services halted due to wildfiresAmerican Canyon roommates Carren Reisinger and Efrain Ramirez either caught an arsonist in the act and held him for police, or captured a smoker who may have accidentally started a fire.
The roommates insist they foiled an attempted arson behind their American Canyon mobile home park Tuesday night - catching the arsonist and holding him until police came.
American Canyon roommates thwart possible arsonistAMERICAN CANYON >> While it was business as usual at Tuesday's City Council meeting, the wildfires that swept through the area last week weighed heavily on everyone's mind.
Council members each mentioned the fires - the devastating loss of life and property - as well as the local response, which Councilman David Oro described as "inspiring.
American Canyon officials proud of city's response to tragic North Bay firesAMERICAN CANYON >> The Multicultural Event planned for Saturday has been canceled out of respect for those who suffered losses in the North Bay fire storms, organizer Arvind Nischal announced.
Nischal said he apologizes for any inconvenience, and will announce when the event is rescheduled - likely this winter.
American Canyon multicultural event cancelled because of firesAfter a few days of respite, Vallejo's air quality was deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups by officials on Tuesday as smoke drifted into the area from numerous wildfires burning in the area.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) issued a spare the air, and health advisory for the Bay Area, confirming the unhealthy air quality is likely to remain through Wednesday "as onshore winds are forecast to develop and push smoke eastward across Napa County and Solano County.
Bad air keeps some area schools shutteredSolano Community Foundation has established the Solano Disaster Relief Fund to aid nonprofits in the county to assist their clients and community members in disaster recovery activities following the devastating North Bay fires, agency officials announced.
"After the frenzy and chaos of a devastating fire disaster like this one passes, the long road to recovery and rebuilding begins - and it is here that philanthropy can play a distinct and critical role," they said.
Solano Community Foundation to help nonprofits helping fire victimsBenicia >> Throughout the month of October, Benicia Fire Department personnel have been wearing limited-edition T-shirts to support and raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, officials said.
"We have traded in our normal duty T-shirts for blue and/or pink," they said.
All proceeds will be donated to the "Pink Heals" Pink Fire Engine of Solano County.
Benicia firefighters wear pink for the causeThe devastating North Bay wildfires turned out to be an unexpected boon for some of the local needy, as thousands of pounds of items meant for fire victims were re-directed to Vallejo's Faith Food Fridays, organization officials said Tuesday.
"Many churches and organizations in Vallejo began collecting clothes for the North Bay fire victims before the official policy of 'only new clothes' was announced," Faith Food Fridays' Mary Ann Buggs said.
Overflow donations to benefit Vallejo nonprofitThe fire fighter killed in a traffic accident in Napa County on Monday, was identified as 38-year-old Garrett Paiz, a volunteer firefighter from Missouri, Napa County Sheriff's Office officials announced.
Paiz was involved in a fatal crash on Oakville Grade while driving a privately owned Water Tender.
Firefighter killed in crash in Napa area ID'd as Missouri volunteerNapa County will open a Local Assistance Center to help county residents impacted by last week's fires, officials announced.
The center, which will be at the county's Health and Human Services Building A Conference Center - 2751 Napa Valley Corporate Drive - will offer federal, state and local disaster assistance resources including financial assistance.
Feds approve disaster relief for North Bay Fire victimsNapa area officials warn residents not to begin clearing fire-related debris until state officials have checked for hazardous materials.
"Debris and ash from residential and commercial fires is likely hazardous and may contain toxic substances due to the presence of synthetic and hazardous materials," officials said.
No demo or rebuilding permits to be issued in Napa County until hazardous material clearedNapa County District Attorney Allison Haley warned anyone so inclined that price gouging after a disaster like the North Bay fires carries heavy penalties.
Price gouging refers to sellers trying to take unfair advantage of consumers during an emergency or disaster by greatly increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services, she said.
Napa area warns price gougersA 21-year-old Napa man was in custody Sunday after a traffic stop in American Canyon, Police Chief Tracey Stuart said.
At about 3:50 a.m. Sunday, an officer stopped a Nissan Altima on American Canyon Road at Broadway for an illegal U-turn, she said. As the officer was stopping the car, he was told that it had been reported stolen out of Napa on Friday, she said.
Napa man arrested in American Canyon with stolen carNapa County District Attorney Allison Haley warns residents to beware of scammers hoping to take advantage of people hoping to donate to victims of the North Bay fires.
"In the wake of the recent wildfire disasters, numerous charities have done and continue to do invaluable work to help our community," she said.
Beware bogus North Bay fire-related charitiesNAPA >> Bus rides are free in Napa Valley for the next three weeks, Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) officials announced.
NTVA is offering free rides on Vine Transit for the next three weeks to aid in the recovery from the fire disaster, they said.
During this no-fare period, riders will not have to pay to ride anywhere Vine Transit operates in Napa County, officials said.
Free Napa area bus rides announcedVolunteers with experience handling large animals are needed at the large animal evacuation center at the Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo, county officials said Monday.
Fires have displaced hundreds of animals in Solano, Napa and Sonoma counties, many of which are finding temporary refuge at the large animal shelter at the Solano County Fairgrounds, officials said.
Large animal experience needed at Solano County FairgroundsDue to the are quality issue resulting from the recent Napa County fires, the October Friends of the American Canyon Library Book Sale, planned for this weekend has been cancelled.
The organization will have a several days-long book sale in February, organizers said.
American Canyon Friends of the Library book sale cancelledThe operation appeared well-organized as volunteers - some of them in air-filtering masks - off-loaded donated items from a constant stream of vehicles on Thursday in the parking lot of American Canyon High School - now an evacuation center for those displaced by the ongoing North Bay fire storm.
The scene was simultaneously heartening and surreal.
Fire storm evacuees welcomed to American CanyonAs of Thursday afternoon, Cal Fire listed the containment of the Napa Fire Complex, which includes the Atlas, Nuns, Adobe, Norrbom, Pressley and Partrick fires, at 10 percent.
"There are now more than 1,300 personnel, 150 engines, two dozen helicopters and air tankers from numerous agencies coordinating fire fighting efforts," officials said.
Fires, evacuations battle continues on ThursdayThe city of Vallejo's website offers the following tips for preparing in case of the need to evacuate:
Before an evacuation:
. Learn the types of disasters that are likely in your community and the local emergency, evacuation, and shelter plans for each specific disaster.
. Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
Evacuation tips, just in caseWith winds expected to increase and change direction overnight, Vallejo Fire Department officials remained confident Wednesday that the fire breaks in place between the massive blazes to the north and the city of Vallejo will hold.
"High winds are expected to return (Wednesday) afternoon. Winds will be blowing from the northwest, but contingency lines and Highway 12 are expected to prevent the fire from threatening Vallejo residents," spokesman Kevin Brown said.
Locals keep their eyes and ears open for fire developmentsFor North Bay residents worried about the calls, questions, and paperwork associated with dealing with their insurance and claims, consumer research group ValuePenguin have a list of six things they should keep in mind for the days ahead:
. Both the fire and smoke damage would be covered by renters and homeowners insurance policies.
Tips for after the fireWells Fargo & Company announced Tuesday it is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for those impacted by the California fires. The bank is also providing $50,000 to the Salvation Army-Del Oro Division so they can feed evacuees and first responders fighting fires in Northern California.
Wells Fargo donates to NorCal fire victimsThe Trump administration on Tuesday partially approved the federal disaster assistance requested by the state of California for areas impacted by the ongoing Northern California fires, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) announced.
"The approval of these federal disaster funds is an important step in our recovery.
Trump administration approves partial FEMA help for fire ravaged Nor Cal areasThe Friends of American Canyon Library three-day Book Sale event is set for Oct. 19 through 21 at the Library, 300 Crawford Way, organizers announced.
A wide variety of books, including paperbacks, tradebacks and hardcover volumes, plus DVDs, music CDs and audiobooks on CD as well as children's books, are available.
American Canyon Library book sale this monthAs long as the wind cooperates and the firebreaks hold - most of Solano County - including Vallejo, should escape being seriously impacted by the fire storm ravaging much of the surrounding area, a Vallejo Fire Department spokesman said Tuesday.
"I can't get you a first-person account because everyone we sent out there is still out there," department spokesman Kevin Brown said.
Vallejo looks to avoid devastating North Bay firesGov. Jerry Brown issued an emergency proclamation Monday for Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties due to the#xa0;effects of multiple fires, including the Tubbs and Atlas fires, which have damaged critical infrastructure, threatened thousands of homes and caused the evacuation of residents, state officials said.
Wine Country burning, widespread damage, evacuations in Napa, Sonoma, Yuba counties.The Philippines, Mexico, India, African-American, Native American.
These are some of the cultures that will be represented in music, dance, food and/or costume during the 4th annual Multi-Cultural event in American Canyon - Napa County's most ethnically diverse community.
The free event is set for 4 to 8 p.
Multi-cultural event in American Canyon helps educate residentsAfter some three years raising money to fix the faded Mare Island Naval Shipyard Logo, Tom Watson said he's thrilled that the City of Vallejo has taken the project on as part of the E.D. Wichels Causeway Bridge-Painting Project.
"The city went out to bid for restoration and maintenance of the bridge, and the Navy has set aside money for this, and they include the restoration of the logo as part of the bid," he said.
Faded Mare Island logo to be restored, Vallejo officials sayCongressman Mike Thompson on Thursday led a letter to President Trump, urging him to take action to prohibit "bump stocks," the accessory that allowed the Las Vegas shooter's semi-automatic weapons to function as fully automatic weapons, his office announced.
The Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force joined the task force's 13 co-chairs in signing the letter, they said.
Thompson leads efforts to ban gun accessory that made Vegas shooter more lethalNAPA >> A bill providing permanent, annual funding to support Napa County's three farmworker housing centers was signed into law on Wednesday, Napa County officials announced.
Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 317 into law, so, starting in the next budget cycle, the Napa County Housing Authority will receive $250,000 in matching dollars each year.
Gov. Brown signs bill giving Napa permanent state funding for farmworker housingThe bill was introduced in response to the Wells Fargo scandal in which millions of accounts were fraudulently opened without consent, using personal consumers information from existing accounts. The new law eliminates the use of forced arbitration clauses in contracts that were fraudulently created by financial institutions, giving victims their day in court, Dodd's office said.
Dodd's Wells Fargo-response bill signed into lawNapa >> Elizabeth Cunningham, a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained surgical oncologist specializing in breast surgery, was recognized as one of only two Hidden Scar Trained Surgeons in the North Bay, St. Joseph Health, Queen of the Valley Medical Center officials announced.
She is one of only two surgeons trained and certified to perform Hidden Scar lumpectomies or nipple sparing mastectomies in the North Bay, and the only surgeon to perform these surgeries in Napa, according to the announcement.
Napa's Queen of the Valley hospital has new breast cancer surgery optionRather than wait for a disaster to strike and then react, a Bay Area group has set about creating advance fixes for potential disasters. The group toured the Vallejo area this week, a spokesman said.
"After hurricane Sandy in New York left the coastline decimated, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development worked with the Rockefeller Foundation and developed this process," spokesman Derek Jansen said.
Local teams seek solutions to prevent major natural disaster damageNAPA >> Napa County and the Bureau of Reclamation will hold a meeting of the Lake Berryessa Community Forum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at the Lake Berryessa Senior Center, 4380 Spanish Flat Loop Road, in Napa.
Forum meetings are designed to create another way to provide community input on recreational opportunities and services at Lake Berryessa, organizers said.
Lake Berryessa concessionaires sought, discussion planned Oct. 11 in NapaAMERICAN CANYON >> If you were planning on opening a recreational pot shop here, you're going to have to wait a while.
City officials extended their urgency marijuana moratorium ordinance at Tuesday's city council meeting.
Meanwhile, the on-again-off-again PG&E substation landscaping project is on again, with city staff having "found" the needed funding.
Pot shops on hold in American CanyonUntil the Dec. 22 deadline, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is accepting nominations for the 29th Annual National Wetlands Awards, officials announced.
The National Wetlands Awards Program honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation's wetlands, they said.
National Wetlands Awards nomination period opensAn armed Vallejo woman was arrested Sunday night after a traffic stop, American Canyon Police Chief Tracey Stuart said.
Just before 10 a.m., an officer stopped a car near 7011 Main St. in American Canyon, for a traffic violation, she said.
The driver, whose identity was unclear, was arrested for being unlicensed and having no identification, Stuart said.
Vallejo woman arrested in American Canyon for having a loaded gunThe Solano County Workforce Development Board (WDB) hosts its Annual Fall Regional Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, at Fairfield's One-Stop Career Center, 320 Campus Lane, organizers announced.
The WDB assists job seekers by providing networking opportunities, job listings, and job search assistance, they said.
Free regional career fair set for Thursday in FairfieldVallejo resident Martin Gewing said he usually regrets it whenever he decides to drive on Highway 37, and he's not alone. The troubled 100-year-old road is the subject of a series of informational public events, the latest of which was held in Vallejo on Monday.
"I take 37 occasionally, and I always wish I hadn't because it's such a nightmare," Gewing said.
Dozens fill Vallejo museum to discuss possible Highway 37 improvementsNAPA >> More than $3 million was raised at Queen of the Valley Foundation's annual Generous Heart gala last week, organizers said.
More than 300 guests attended the gala at Parduxx, where $3.1 million was raised for the foundation's Regional Cancer Center and tribute paid to event honorees Nancy and Dan Duckhorn.
More than $3 million raised for Queen of the Valley cancer centerWith both parents being doctors, it's not surprising that Abhishek Dosi has spent his career working in hospitals.
The surprise is that he's not a doctor, but Sutter Solano Medical Center's new CEO.
The 34-year-old married father of a 14-month-old daughter took over the medical center's helm on April 3, replacing John Boyd, who took a position elsewhere in the organization.
Sutter Solano's new CEO focused on improving patients' experienceMarijuana is back on the American Canyon agenda for Tuesday's 6:30 p.m. City Council meeting, as is an effort to move forward on landscaping the PG&E substation and several other projects.
City staff is recommending council members extend by another six months - until May 4 - a temporary moratorium on outdoor marijuana cultivation that is set to expire Nov.
Pot growing, city beautification on tap for American Canyon meetingSutter Solano Medical Center is offering free mammograms one day in October, to women age 40 and older, hospital officials announced.
Sutter Solano Medical Center's Imaging and Mammography Department will be offering free mammograms to underinsured community members. Appointments are required and space is limited, they said.
Free mammograms in October for under-insured women over 40 in VallejoNAPA >> The Napa Valley Transportation Authority is seeking public input on the final draft of a Vine Transit Express Bus study that focuses on providing faster transit to key regional destinations on Napa County's main travel corridors.
Key travel destinations include the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, the El Cerrito del Norte BART station, and Amtrak's Capitol Corridor in Suisun City.
Napa bus study seeks respondentsOne in a series of public meetings to discuss the fate of Highway 37 is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Vallejo, organizers announced.
The Highway 37 Improvement Plan, which will be discussed at the informational Open House, is being developed in response to conditions suggesting something needs to be done before the roadway becomes impassable.
Highway 37 planning meeting open to the public in Vallejo MondayKaiser Permanente officials on Thursday announced a $1 million contribution to the CDC Foundation to provide immediate public health support in Puerto Rico following the devastation caused by recent hurricanes.
The CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit created to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to extend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) lifesaving work, officials said.
Kaiser Permanente gives $1 million to help Puerto RicoFollowing some concern generated by a media report about the possible release of a convicted Napa area murderer, a California Department of Corrections spokesman said a definitive decision has not yet been made yet.
Department of Corrections spokesman Luis Patino said there is still a process to go through before Jerre Allen, 75, who was convicted of murdering his ex-wife in 1994, is actually granted parole.
Convicted Napa murderer may not be paroledWhile Vallejo remains the San Francisco Bay Area's most affordable place to rent a home, it's not clear how long that will last, since a new report finds rents here are rising faster than elsewhere.
"Vallejo has the largest year over year rent for two bedroom units, up nearly 15 percent," Zumper spokeswoman Crystal Chen said.
Vallejo most affordable rents rising fastOnline fraud occurs when someone poses as a legitimate source (like your bank, favorite shopping site or internet provider) to obtain your personal information - data that can then be used to conduct transactions on existing accounts, experts at First Bank said in a news release.
People who commit fraud use a variety of methods to ply their trade, including fake emails, pop-up messages and/or web sites, officials said.
First Bank offers tips for staying secure online