Awards program honors child advocates in Solano

Child advocates and political dignitaries from across Solano County gathered with their families and friends to honor those who have dedicated their services to help benefit the lives of children at the second annual Champions for Children Awards Thursday evening at NorthBay Conference Center in Green Valley.

Awards program honors child advocates in Solano

Dodd bill to help ID theft victims passes Assembly

A bill meant to slash the time it takes to clear your name after an identity theft attack unanimously passed the Assembly Floor this week, Assemblyman Bill Dodd's office announced.

The Napa Democrat's Identity Theft Resolution Act will dramatically reduce the time it takes for identity theft victims to end harassing phone calls and remove negative credit reporting, he said.

Dodd bill to help ID theft victims passes Assembly

New historic art display at American Canyon City Hall

AMERICAN CANYON >> The look of the city of American Canyon today is a far cry from what it was 60 years ago, but a new display of sketches by local artist Audrey "Bonnie" Waxman can give visitors to City Hall a hint of that by-gone era.

Waxman and American Canyon Arts Foundation head City Councilman Mark Joseph said the new display resulted from a cooperative effort.

New historic art display at American Canyon City Hall

Linda Seifert to hold office hours in Benicia

Starting in May, Solano County District 2 Supervisor Linda Seifert will hold public office hours from 4 to 6 p.m the first Thursday of every month at the Benicia Farmers Market at the foot of First Street, she announced.

Office hours give Solano County residents living in Seifert's district an opportunity to connect with the supervisor and her staff, ask questions, bring up concerns or simply introduce themselves and say hello, her office staff said.

Linda Seifert to hold office hours in Benicia

Vallejo police host neighborhood training event

Vallejo Police Department's Community Services Section and Code Enforcement met with neighborhood watch leaders Tuesday evening at John F. Kennedy Library.

The quarterly meeting gave citizens representing neighborhoods throughout the city a chance to share personal experiences and strategies to prevent crime.

Vallejo police host neighborhood training event

American Canyon water rates to rise

AMERICAN CANYON >> Right now, the biggest problem some of this city's water service rate payers think they have, is a brownish-yellow tint and a funny taste, but a rate hike is coming down the pike as soon as officials can figure out the fairest way to do that.

This was the upshot of a meeting of the city's Blue Ribbon Committee on Water held Tuesday evening.

American Canyon water rates to rise

Thompson pushes update to wine excise tax rules

The U.S. Tax code can be an obstacle to progress, says Rep. Mike Thompson, so he's introduced bi-partisan legislation to change that, his office announced this week.

The St. Helena Democrat, senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and Co-Chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus and who represents most of Napa and Solano counties, introduced the Wine Excise Tax Modernization Act.

Thompson pushes update to wine excise tax rules

Solano County seeks paid care-givers for elderly, disabled

Solano County's seniors and disabled need good caregivers, and the Department of Health and Social Services, In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Public Authority "is looking for a few good men and women to become paid caregivers for seniors and the disabled here in Solano County," officials said.

The Public Authority uses a customized database to match the needs of Solano County IHSS clients with pre-qualified Registry Home Care Providers, they said.

Solano County seeks paid care-givers for elderly, disabled

Sutter Health named among top U.S. health systems

Sutter Health and its Valley Area -- which includes Vallejo's Sutter Solano Medical Center -- was named this week among the country's top-performing health systems, by Truven Health Analytics, Sutter officials announced.

In its 15 Top Health Systems study, Truven recognized Sutter Health and its Valley Area as two of the nation's top five performers among large health care systems, they said.

Sutter Health named among top U.S. health systems

Vallejo students, parents, faculty draw lessons from Holocaust survivor's story

With help from a presentation by a Holocaust survivor, some of Vallejo teacher John Dwyer's history students are able to draw a parallel between the plight of Europe's Jews during the 1930s and what's happening to millions fleeing war-torn Syria today, he said.

Nearly the entire St. Patrick-St.

Vallejo students, parents, faculty draw lessons from Holocaust survivor's story

Thompson still trying to save quake-damaged, historic Napa post office

The United States Postal Service is again calling for bids for the purchase of the earthquake-damaged, historic Franklin Station Post Office in downtown Napa, Rep. Mike Thompson announced this week.

The deadline for bids is May 3, he said.

At Thompson's urging, the USPS listed the Franklin Station Post Office for sale in October 2015, bids were submitted and the agency entered into negotiations with a prospective buyer.

Thompson still trying to save quake-damaged, historic Napa post office

AmCan's new Farmers Market kicks off Sunday

AMERICAN CANYON >> An eagerly anticipated Farmers Market makes its debut from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday in the Phillip West Aquatic Center parking lot, organizers said.

Specifically, the market will be set up in the parking lot between Community Park 2 and the Phillip West Aquatics Center, 100 Benton Way.

AmCan's new Farmers Market kicks off Sunday

Volunteer crews eliminate blight for Earth Day

Mother Earth sighed with relief Saturday as volunteers donated time picking up trash in Vallejo and surrounding areas.

Local efforts focused primarily at Blue Rock Springs Creek, South Vallejo and nearby state parks.

Hogan Middle School also held a cleanup operation, as did a team of volunteers at the Napa River Bay Trail in American Canyon.

Volunteer crews eliminate blight for Earth Day

Few Vallejo shoppers likely to answer call to boycott Target over rest room policy

If the American Family Association succeeds in getting people to boycott Target stores over its rest room/changing room policy, there won't likely be much cooperation in Vallejo, if comments from random customers Thursday are any indication.

The Mississippi-based Christian nonprofit called for a boycott of Target on Thursday, "after the retail giant publicized its policy to allow transgendered individuals access to opposite-sex store bathrooms and fitting rooms," according to a press release.

Few Vallejo shoppers likely to answer call to boycott Target over rest room policy

New free Rx savings card available to Solano residents

Solano County residents have a new way to save money on prescription medications and other medical needs, with a card called Coast2CoastRx.

An official launch is planned for noon Tuesday in Fairfield, but the card is active and available online now, company spokesman Martin Dettelback said Thursday.

New, free Rx savings card available to Solano residents

Longtime local substance abuse treatment agency holds graduation

Vallejo's House of Acts holds its graduation ceremonies on May 21, for some 20 people who have completed the program, organizers said.

The House of Acts is a nonprofit, faith-based substance abuse treatment program in a transitional housing setting for men, women and youth. The organization also operates a thrift shop called Hidden Treasures Boutique's, at 940 Tennessee St.

Longtime local substance abuse treatment agency holds graduation

American Canyon mansion project approved despite loss of promised hiking trail

AMERICAN CANYON >> "Disappointment" was the watchword Tuesday, as City Council members approved in a 4 to 1 vote, allowing the "Canyon Estates" luxury custom home development to proceed without the promised trail extension, but with an extra $250,000 donation to the city from the developer instead.

American Canyon mansion project approved despite loss of promised hiking trail

New American Canyon bakery/cafe sees growing popularity

Unlike the stereotypical struggling actor who works in restaurants while trying to break into show business, Jay Magsano of American Canyon traded in a movie career to open a restaurant/bakery -- an enterprise he said has always been his calling.

The Le Paris Artisan & Gourmet Cafe at 3921 Broadway, near the corner of Poco Way in American Canyon, opened in December, and has since gained an enthusiastic following.

New American Canyon bakery/cafe sees growing popularity

Vallejo area home prices fell last month report shows

Unlike most of the rest of the Bay Area, Solano County's home prices lost some ground last month, but also registered the highest percentage increase in the number of homes sold compared to a year ago, according to a new industry report.

The local Realtor's association president takes issue with some of those findings, however.

Vallejo area home prices fell last month, report shows

Dodd Frazier bolster Solano economic development

A new bill meant to strengthen Solano County's economic development powers was introduced by Assemblymembers Bill Dodd and Jim Frazier, Dodd's office announced this week.

Dodd, (D-Napa) and Frazier (D-Oakley), who both cover parts of Solano County, have partnered to introduce the new legislation that would enable the county and its seven incorporated cities to create economic opportunities through the acquisition, sale or lease of properties, and to boost rehabilitation of commercial buildings by offering loans to owners or tenants, the Dodd's office said.

Dodd, Frazier bolster Solano economic development

American Canyon's 17th Annual Community Recognition Ball a hit

AMERICAN CANYON >> Karina Servente was presented the city's most prestigious Gateway Award at the 17th Annual Community Recognition Ball on Saturday, Parks & Recreation Department spokeswoman Sherri Cassidy said.

The Gateway Award is the community's top honor, acknowledging long lasting and impactful community service in American Canyon, she said.

American Canyon's 17th Annual Community Recognition Ball a hit

7th Annual Vallejo Crop Hunger Walk planned for Saturday morning

The American Canyon Family Resource Center is one of several nonprofits set to benefit from a Crop Hunger Walk planned for Saturday, April 23 at the Vallejo Waterfront, organizers said.

"Please join us and if you can't, go on line to Crop Walk Vallejo, and donate to our team: ACFRC Hunger Stoppers," agency director Sherry Tennyson said in an email.

7th Annual Vallejo Crop Hunger Walk planned for Saturday morning

San Francisco Ferry grant will also help Vallejo, source says

The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) was awarded a $4 million grant for its downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal project, agency officials announced Friday.

Though the competitive Federal Transit Administration grant was awarded for the San Francisco Ferry Terminal project, the Vallejo ferry service also stands to benefit, former Vallejo mayor and WETA board member Tony Intintoli said.

San Francisco Ferry grant will also help Vallejo, source says

American Canyon aims to stay out of court, move forward with projects

AMERICAN CANYON >> Tuesday's City Council meeting will address keeping the city out of court if construction projects go bad, moving the long-awaited Devlin Road project forward and going ahead with the Canyon Estates project despite the developer not being able to deliver promised trails.

Council members on Tuesday will consider having letters sent to the State Senate in opposition to a Senate Bill which "prohibits contracts that require state licensed design professionals, including engineers, land surveyors, architects, and landscape architects, to defend claims made against other persons or entities involved in construction projects.

American Canyon aims to stay out of court, move forward with projects

Free 'electric experience' offered in Fairfield this weekend

If you've ever wanted to test drive the latest in electric cars, this weekend's Fairfield Total Home and Garden Show is for you, organizers said.

On Saturday and Sunday show visitors will be able to test drive some of the newest models of electric cars at Fairfield's Specialty Event Center, 300 Chadbourne Road, organizers said.

Free 'electric experience' offered in Fairfield this weekend

Employment Expo next week at Napa Valley College

NAPA >> An inaugural Spring Community Employment Expo is planned for April 23 at Napa Valley College, Assembly member Bill Dodd's office announced this week.

Dodd, Workforce Napa and the Department of State Hospitals, have partnered to sponsor what organizers say they hope is the first Spring Community Employment Expo from 11 a.

Employment Expo next week at Napa Valley College

Mare Island business finally recovered from 2014 earthquake

A year and a half ago, the Hunter brothers of Vallejo were not sure there would be a light at the end of the tunnel created for them by the so-called South Napa Earthquake.

The Mare Island building, which housed their successful business, was badly damaged in the Aug. 24, 2014 temblor, forcing them to move and they weren't sure where they were going to go.

Mare Island business finally recovered from 2014 earthquake

Diabetes expert, now at Touro University, launches studies, programs

More than half of California adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes, a recent UCLA study shows, and a Touro University study hopes to prove that they may not be safe on the road.

It's one of the diabetes-related efforts being undertaken by Touro's Jay Shubrook, a diabetiologist who has also implemented Diabetes Prevention and Diabetes Education programs in Vallejo.

Diabetes expert, now at Touro University, launches studies, programs

Vallejo coffee roaster gets to know the folks that produce his beans

Vallejo-based coffee roaster Fabrice Moschetti says he likes to have some idea how the people who grow and pick his coffee beans live and work, so, when he can, he meets with representatives face-to-face.

On Tuesday, he met in Vallejo with two representatives of a coffee co-op in Costa Rica along with a coffee broker and a representative of the firm that imports the product.

Vallejo coffee roaster gets to know the folks that produce his beans

Start-Up Benicia competition announced

BENICIA >> The deadline to sign up for Start-Up Benicia is April 15, city officials announced.

The city of Benicia, in partnership with the Solano Community College Small Business Development Center, recently announced the launch of the inaugural Start-Up Benicia competition -- an opportunity for prospective entrepreneurs and start-ups to showcase their ideas and business concepts.

Start-Up Benicia competition announced

St. Pat's grad assumes command of nuke attack deterrent U.S. Navy submarine squadron

U.S. Navy Capt. Thomas R. Buchanan said he partially credits his years at Vallejo's St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School with preparing him for his job helping prevent a nuclear attack against the United States as the newly named Commander of the United States Navy Submarine Squadron 20.

A change-of-command ceremony was at the chapel aboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on March 24, Navy officials announced.

St. Pat's grad assumes command of nuke attack deterrent U.S. Navy submarine squadron

Vallejo man arrested in American Canyon with loaded, stolen gun

A Vallejo man faces gun-related charges after he was stopped Sunday at an American Canyon intersection, American Canyon Police officials said.

At around noon on Sunday, officers stopped a 2016 Dodge Dart sedan at Flosden Road and Corcoran Avenue and found a stolen and loaded 9mm handgun, Sgt.

Vallejo man arrested in American Canyon with loaded, stolen gun