Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Wake Up & Rise Up! for May 25th, 2025!




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Check out the latest:
- Traffic [511.org]
- Weather [wunderground.com]


News -
- Vallejo Times Herald [timesheraldonline.com]
- Vallejo Sun [vallejosun.com]
- Benicia Independent [beniciaindependent.com]
- Fairfield Daily Republic [dailyrepublic.com]
- The Vacaville Reporter [thereporter.com]
- Rio Vista Beacon [riovistabeacon.com]
- Napa Valley Register [napavalleyregister.com]
- Center for Biological Diversity [biologicaldiversity.org/news/breaking]
- Indy Bay newswire [indybay.org]
- Sonoma County Gazette (sonomacountygazette.com
- Petaluma Argus-Courier (petaluma360.com
- Sebastopol Times (sebastopoltimes.com)
- Community Voice in Sonoma Valley (thecommunityvoice.com)
- Diablo Gazette (diablogazette.com)

Community Calenders
Art Vallejo [artvallejo.org]
Visit Vallejo [visitvallejo.com]

Be sure to support -
- Global Center for Success [globalcenterforsuccess.com]  
- Vallejo Together [vallejotogether.org]
- Food Banks of Contra Costa & Solano Counties [foodbankccs.org/blog]


Other community resources -
- The Ecological Center [ecologycenter.org]
- Regional in Nature activity guides from the East Bay Regional Park District [ebparks.org/whats-new/rin]


- Vallejo Poet Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne: [facebook.com/jacalyn.eyvonne.author]
- Vallejo Poet Laureate Kathleen Herrmann: [facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091732097112]


Facebook pages
- Vallejo Arts Network [facebook.com/groups/138984779625625]
- Vallejo City Politics [facebook.com/groups/833317280051203]
- Solano County Community Awareness [facebook.com/groups/215277106946851]

- National Day Calender [nationaldaycalendar.com]

- Edible East Bay [edibleeastbay.com]
- Slow Food East Bay [slowfoodeastbay.com/events]

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Interview with...


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Community News 

* "Dixon author explores speed of light in latest book" (2025-05-12, https://www.dailyrepublic.com/news/dixon-author-explores-speed-of-light-in-latest-book/article_3aa10ca6-223d-4d4d-8758-f899e5f52703.html) [https://archive.is/kFqKI]
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* "Habitat for Humanity drops out of Victory Gardens in Vacaville" (2025-05-05, https://www.dailyrepublic.com/news/habitat-for-humanity-drops-out-of-victory-gardens-in-vacaville/article_f14b6d8c-ee86-4b63-9f26-77341ea42557.html) [https://archive.is/RiFaz]
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* "Vallejo Juneteenth extends application deadline to May 31" (2025-05-09, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2025/05/09/vallejo-juneteenth-extends-application-deadline-to-may-31/) [https://archive.is/Id8eo]
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GO SEAWEEDS!
Home games in Vallejo listed at [santarosascubadivers.com]
Next game up: May 31st, 6:30pm, versus Dublin Leprechauns [dublinleprechauns.com]

* "Under further review, Seaweed returning to Vallejo; Minor league squad will play nine games at Wilson Park and play for two different cities, team names" (2025-05-02, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2025/05/02/under-further-review-seaweed-returning-to-vallejo/) [https://archive.is/vze7j]
* "Kevin Reilly saves the ship in Vallejo" (2025-05-04, https://www.pecosleague.com/pecosleague.asp?page=28&article_id=14274) [https://archive.is/mVdXp]


* "Vallejo’s rich history of baseball tales" (2025-03-06, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2025/03/06/brendan-rileys-solano-chronicles-vallejos-rich-history-of-baseball-tales/amp/) [https://archive.is/buTFs]

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Community Calendar



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Bay Area Butterfly Festival
Sunday, June 1st, 10am 'til 5pm, suggested donation $15 adults, $5 for children 12 & under!
At the Mare Island Promenade, 860 Nimitz Ave.
A festival with music, lots of food, vendors, arts and crafts, plant sales, presentations, a huge children’s section, face painting, workshops and fun for all.


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2nd Saturday's Vallejo SummerFest 
Saturday, June 14th, 11am 'til 4pm 
At the Vallejo Waterfront Park, adjacent to the Ferry Terminal, corner of Georgia st. and Mare Island pkwy!
Event page [facebook.com/events/1278439753260774]
Join us as we open 2nd Saturday’s Vallejo community waterfront marketplace. Sip n’ Savor delicious food trucks, drinks and treats, test out and sample new products, enjoy art and handcrafted creations, checkout local vendors, then enjoy live music and jam to the latest DJ mixes by the water.
Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs, invite your friends and jam with us this Summer at the waterfront
Series Dates Include:
June 14th Sip n’ Savor Summer
July 12th Jazzy July
Aug 9th Sip n’ Thrift

2nd Saturday’s Vallejo - SummerFest 
Join us as we open 2nd Saturday’s Vallejo community waterfront marketplace. Sip n’ Savor delicious food trucks, drinks and treats, test out and sample new products, enjoy art and handcrafted creations, checkout local vendors, then enjoy live music and jam to the latest DJ mixes by the water.
Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs, invite your friends and jam with us this Summer at the waterfront
Series Dates Include:
June 14th Sip n’ Savor Summer
July 12th Jazzy July
Aug 9th Sip n’ Thrift

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Juneteenth Celebration
at the Suisun City Waterfront District
Event page [facebook.com/events/1425087798647572]

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Solano County Black Owned Businesses (updated 2022)

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The Sparrow Project — First Baptist Church Vallejo
Free meals for the community so that nobody in Vallejo goes hungry. 

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Loma Vista Farm 


Vallejo Peoples Garden 
Sunday 9am-11am
1055 Azuar Dr., Mare Island


Unity Garden 
Sunday 10 am-1 pm 
2166 Sacramento Street


Kyles Temple Community Garden
Mondays 3-5 pm
2807 Sonoma Blvd.
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Benicia Community Gardens 
a project of Sustainable Solano 

Swenson Garden is located on the grounds of Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1400 East Second St., Benicia

Avant Garden is located at 400 First St., Benicia
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* Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden 

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including Vallejo, Benicia, Contra Costa County, etc. 

Sonoma Valley farmer's markets
list from West County Gazette, October 2024

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And some music too!
* Sly & The Family Stone mash-up [archive.org/details/lenlow-do-your-thing-to-the-music-2021]
* Bob Marley Rainbow Remix [youtube.com/watch?v=QxKcPp2TcmQ]
* Duran Duran Pressure Off [youtube.com/watch?v=5qFhSWA9Cz4]


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California Fishing Passport
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1400 Tennessee St, Vallejo
(707) 652-5259

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Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening of one and only Soccer Field in Vallejo 🎉 Contact Eduardo Paniagua, owner of La Cuchara Restaurant, 105 Couch Street, Vallejo (707) 654-8284 to get information about using the Soccer Field

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2025 Citizen Science Project: sampling the Napa River in Vallejo
Napa River water quality
Vallejo's Napa River has a long history of pollution from industrial sources, the local wastewater plant and rainwater runoff. Companies have been fined for violating water pollution laws during recent years. We want to sample the Mare Island Strait to better understand what's in the water, so we can work on improving the river strategically.

Why native plants?
Native plants are not only beautiful, they also benefit our ecosystem in multiple ways. Native plants require less water than non-native plants, and their robust root systems help filter and clean water before it runs off or percolates into the ground. Native plants don't rely on chemical fertilizers, an they provide food and shelter for native pollinators and wildlife.

Our free native plants are available to residents in 94590 or 94589 zip codes, where many neighborhoods have histories of discriminatory housing practices and increased pollution burdens.
Questions? Comments? Want to collaborate or volunteer? Contact annie @ocefoundation.org (510) 910-4535

Our Children's Earth [www.ocefoundation.org]
Rose Foundation for communities & the environment
California Sportfishing Protection Alliance


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Support the Monarch Migration
Help Monarch Watch Get Milkweeds in the Ground
Monarch butterfly numbers are at an all-time low. Many pollinators are declining as well. Loss of habitat threatens the monarch migration. Your support for habitat threatens the monarch migration. Your support for habitat restoration will help sustain monarchs, pollinators, ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. Over 70% of our native plants and more than 30% of our crops are pollinated by insects.
Your generous contributions allow us to work with nurseries to produce and distribute  hundreds of thousands of milkweeds each year. Donations are used to underwrite our Free Milweeks for Restoration program through which we distribute milweeds to organizations that lack funds for habitat restoration.
Donate to Monarch Watch: monarchwatch.org/donate
To apply for free milkweeds, please visit monarchwatch.org/free-milkweeds
To obtain milkweeds for gardens, please visit our Milkweed Market via milkweedmarket.org
Visit Monarch Watch online at monarchwatch.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, or X.com (Twitter) for the latest monarch news and information.

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Green House Calls [https://risingsunopp.org/programs/ghc/]
Provided by BAYREN and Rising Sun Center for Opportunity
(510) 665-1501 ext. 300
Our Climate Careers program provides energy and water efficiency services, called Green House Calls, to households throughout the greater Bay Area and city of Stockton
The best part? It won’t cost you anything. Really.
 Take part in an in-person or virtual Green House Call by completing our 15-minute online survey to determine your personalized efficiency needs.
What do I receive when I participate in a Green House Call?
As part of your Green House Call, you’ll receive:
LED light bulbs
High-efficiency bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerhead(s) (same pressure, less water)
A toilet leak detection test
Your choice of: a smart power strip ($70 value), two smart energy plugs, OR a single burner induction cooktop
One smart LED light bulb
Energy savings tips booklet 
Foam weather tape 


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The Vallejo First 5 Center // at 3375 Sonoma Blvd. Suite #10 in Vallejo // [https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/first5/vallejo_first_5_center.asp]

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Solano County Behavioral Health 

Healing Through Stories: A Discussion Panel
May 22 | 2 PM – 3:30 PM
John F. Kennedy Library, Vallejo
Hear powerful personal stories and insights on healing, recovery, and resilience.

Movie Night: Inside Out 2 + Discussion
May 29 | 5 PM – 7:30 PM
601 Texas Street, Fairfield
Enjoy a screening of Inside Out 2, followed by a short, thoughtful discussion on emotions and mental wellness.

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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Solano County
EDUCATION * SUPPORT * OUTREACH * ADVOCACY
www.NAMISolaoCounty.org
NAMI Solano County is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
Organized in 1985, NAMI SOlano County is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to assisting those living with mental illness and their families.
NAMI Solano County is an affiliate of NAMI National and NAMI California. WIth renowned programs, classes, dedicated volunteers, workshops and conferences, publications and online resources, we seek to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness.
Funding Provided by Solano County Board of Supervisors, Health and Social Services and also funded by the Mental Health Services Act.
P.O. Box 3334, Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 438-9510
info@NAMISolanoCounty.org

Our Mission -
- Education: Our programs provide the tools, awareness, and coping skills needed to overcome the challenges faced by people and families affected by mental illness.
- Support: Our groups are facilitated by trained family members and indivduals who have firsthand experience coping with mental illness.
- Outreach: We strive to end discrimination and stigma for all those persons affected by mental illness through broader education and collaboration with the whole community.
- Advocacy: We advocte for the rights of those living with mental illness and their families on the local, state and national levels, striving to raise awareness of mental health issues and improve access to quality care.
Learn more about NAMI and mental illness at www.nami.org/Learn-More

Help us stomp out stigma! Volunteer with us!
As a volunteer organization, it is our community (like you!) that conducts all our local activities, classes, fundraising, advocacy, service projects and support.
- Participate in our annual Holiday Gift Bag project which has delivered more than 10000 bags filled with gifts and hygiene items for those living mental illness.
- Lend your voice to improve officer and consumer safety. Respected by local law enforcement, NAMI is welcome at Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Trainings.
- Advocate for better treatment and services for those with mental illness by writing letters and meeting with legislators and community leaders.
- Be visible at community events. Speak out to educate and reduce stigma.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities and sign up on our website - www.NAMISolanoCounty.org
Demonstrate your ongoing support of Mental Health in Solano County. 

Become a member. Membership benefits include: 
- "Members Only" section of our website
- Membership with NAMI California & NAMI National
- Periodic newsletter 
- Friends and a support network of peers
Membership is annual, $40 for individuals, $60 for household, $5 for those in need.
Make checks payable to NAMI Solano County.

Our Resource Line: (707) 422-7792
The Resource Line offers non-judgemental support, Compassionate listening, and information and/or referrals on multitude of mental health issues and resources, including:
- Understanding mental illness and its effect on individuals, families, and friends.
- Understanding the mental health laws and systems, how to obtain mental health services, and how to overcome obstacles to getting help with mental health problems.
- NAMI education classes and programs.
- Support groups for individuals and their families, offered by NAMI and other organizations.
- Referrals to services available from agencies within Solano County.
- Referrals to commonly requested community resources, including: legal services, financial assistance, housing, job training and placement, and social support and activities.
Resource Line volunteers have years of lived experience and personal knowledge of the problems individuals and families are facing.
Our Resource Line is not answered immediately. Please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message. Someone WILL return your call!

Monthly General Meetings
Featuring Educational & Supportive Speakers
All are Welcome!
Last Monday of each month at 6:30pm
(No Meeting in May or December)
Check our website for the monthly meeting topic and other details.
www.NAMISolanoCounty.org

Education Classes, Support Groups, Speakers, and Outreach
Please email or call for details, dates and registration
info@namisolanocounty // (707) 438-9510
Education & Groups are Nationally Acclaimed, and Always Free of Charge, Taught by trained facilitators who have lived experience with mental illness.
- Family-to-Family: A 9-session educational class for family members of those living with mental illness.
- Basics: A 6-session class for parents/caregivers of children and teens with mental health conditions. (on-line)
- Peer-to-Peer: An 8-session course for adults living with mental health challanges.
- In Our Own Voice: A presentation by trained speakers who share their stories of living with mental health challenges and achieving recovery.
- Mental Health 101: A multi-media, culturally diverse informative presentation showcasing mental health signs and symptoms.
- Ending the Silence:  A 50-minute presentation designed foe teens to educate about the warning signs of mental health conditions and how to help.
- NAMI on Campus (High School & College): These student-;ed clubs raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on campusthrough peer-led activities and education.
- Connection Support Group: A support group for adults living with mental health challenges.
- Family Support Group: A Support Group for family members, friends and advocates of people living with mental illness.


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Bay Area Rescue Mission 
Fighting homelessness. Changing Lives.

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California Commission of the Status of Women
[women.ca.gov] // (916) 651-5405

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A Shared Blessing on 1610a Springs rd accepts donations. They distribute food and clothing to the homeless and needy in Vallejo.

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4th Second's Youth Empowerment Program [4thsecond.org/about-us] - youth center on Tuolumne st. [instagram.com/4thsecondyep]


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Common Ground IAF
We work on concrete issues that we can do something about. Once potential issues are identified, we do research and power analysis to develop practical, achievable solutions. We measure success with a triple bottom line: Are we bringing about change? Are we developing leadership? Are we growing the power of people to act on their values?
Join us on Monday, September 30 from 6:30–8:00pm at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church (1905 Florida Street in Vallejo) for our Common Ground Civic Academy.

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Recology Vallejo American Canyon
2021 Broadway Street
Vallejo, CA 94589
707.552.3110 Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM
recology.com/vallejo
facebook.com/recologyvallejoamericancanyon


One of the most effective ways to help our planet be healthier is by adopting sustainable practices such as the five Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot.

WHATBIN.COM
Recycling saves precious resources, such as water and trees, and reduces energy consumption.
Materials such as paper, glass, and some metals and plastics are remanufactured and made into new products. Recology accepts a variety of materials for recycling.
The Recology website whatbin.com is an excellent tool to know, without a doubt, what goes in which bin. 
YOUR PLASTIC BOTTLE CAPS CAN BE RECYCLED!
Once the plastic bottle is empty, screw the cap back on and put it in your blue bin.
Caps must be on the plastic bottle to be recycled, or they fall through the sorting machines and end up in the landfill. 
COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS AREN’T
Compostable plastics are marketed as a green alternative to plastics. They are supposed to break down into compost. However, the reality is that we do not yet have the infrastructure to break these materials down. These items can’t be recycled either because they are not plastic and should not be mixed with plastic. Please put them in the landfill bin. Better yet, employ reusable containers and utensils.

PET WASTE GOES IN THE LANDFILL BIN
Our cats’ and dogs’ poop can contain harmful parasites and bacteria. If flushed or composted, these can end up in our waterways or food systems. And no one wants that.
Please put pet waste in the gray bin, even kitty litter that may be labeled “flushable.”

LANDFILL FACTS
When waste is sent to the landfill, nothing is sorted out.
This is why it’s especially important to keep recyclables, food scraps and other compostables, and hazardous waste out of the gray bin. Landfills can only hold so much material, and when they’re filled up, more dump space must be found.
Putting recycling in the landfill means wasting a lot of materials that could be used for new products.
Putting food scraps, yard trimmings, and other compostables in the landfill increases emissions of harmful gases, such as methane.
Putting hazardous materials, such as paints, solvents, and batteries in the landfill can start fires and release toxic compounds into the air.
Sort your discards to get the full benefits of recycling and composting and help protect the environment.

FARMS, NOT LANDFILL -
By participating in curbside collection for composting, you keep food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper out of the  landfill, thus reducing methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Recology collects these materials and turns them into nutrient-rich compost that nurtures soils on local farms. In this way, composting helps close the loop on food production, making it an effective way to return valuable nutrients to the earth and promote healthy ecosystems.
Pick up Recology compost for use in your yard at 2021 Broadway, 8 AM – 3:30 PM Thursday – Saturday. Limit 2 bags while supplies last. Reusing, recycling, and composting are powerful ways to take action and make a positive difference for the planet.

CLEAR CLUTTER FOR FREE!
Use your annual Dump Coupon or one of your four free Bulky Item Pickups to remove big or heavy items that won’t fit in your bins.
The Dump Coupon, which you should have received in the mail, is good for a one-time use at the Devlin Road Transfer Station through the end of the year. You may drop off one load up to and not exceeding 1,000 pounds. The original coupon must be presented with an ID that matches the address of your Recology account.
A single-family residence Bulky Item Pickup is equivalent to 2 cubic yards (3ft x 3ft x 6ft): approximately 12, 32-gallon bags of trash and 3 oversized items such as furniture, mattresses, or a refrigerator.
Freon removal charges apply. Schedule a pickup by calling 707.552.3110 or emailing vallejocustomerservice@recology.com. 


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* (https://suscolcouncil.org/) [https://archive.is/AN5QV]



Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Wake Up & Rise Up! May 13th, 2025




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Check out the latest:
- Traffic [511.org]
- Weather [wunderground.com]


News -
- Vallejo Times Herald [timesheraldonline.com]
- Vallejo Sun [vallejosun.com]
- Benicia Independent [beniciaindependent.com]
- Fairfield Daily Republic [dailyrepublic.com]
- The Vacaville Reporter [thereporter.com]
- Rio Vista Beacon [riovistabeacon.com]
- Napa Valley Register [napavalleyregister.com]
- Center for Biological Diversity [biologicaldiversity.org/news/breaking]
- Indy Bay newswire [indybay.org]
- Sonoma County Gazette (sonomacountygazette.com
- Petaluma Argus-Courier (petaluma360.com
- Sebastopol Times (sebastopoltimes.com)
- Community Voice in Sonoma Valley (thecommunityvoice.com)
- Diablo Gazette (diablogazette.com)

Community Calenders
Art Vallejo [artvallejo.org]
Visit Vallejo [visitvallejo.com]

Be sure to support -
- Global Center for Success [globalcenterforsuccess.com]  
- Vallejo Together [vallejotogether.org]
- Food Banks of Contra Costa & Solano Counties [foodbankccs.org/blog]


Other community resources -
- The Ecological Center [ecologycenter.org]
- Regional in Nature activity guides from the East Bay Regional Park District [ebparks.org/whats-new/rin]


- Vallejo Poet Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne: [facebook.com/jacalyn.eyvonne.author]
- Vallejo Poet Laureate Kathleen Herrmann: [facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091732097112]


Facebook pages
- Vallejo Arts Network [facebook.com/groups/138984779625625]
- Vallejo City Politics [facebook.com/groups/833317280051203]
- Solano County Community Awareness [facebook.com/groups/215277106946851]

- National Day Calender [nationaldaycalendar.com]

- Edible East Bay [edibleeastbay.com]
- Slow Food East Bay [slowfoodeastbay.com/events]

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Interview with...
Kristin Woods, of the Citizen Air Monitoring Network
We are a group of Vallejo residents working to make the air and environment better for all here in our community.  We have monthly meetings open to all, and we welcome a diverse participation from all Vallejo residents including the voices of our youth. We have worked to build a network of air monitors in Vallejo to help us know when there is unsafe air around us, and to help us learn about potential problems and advocate for change to make our air and our health better.

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Citizen Air Monitoring Network, via facebook.com/groups/303126756731690/)
For many years, we have observed that our AQI or air quality index turns from good to moderate, or sometimes to bad when the wind shifts directionally and blows from east to west.  We speculated that this is likely due to polluted air from the Central Valley, or maybe from the refineries in West Contra Costa County and Benicia.  But those are only educated guesses.
This year, we finally have the opportunity to identify with a great degree of confidence the composition of those pollutants and likely get an indication of their source.  Our partners from the University of California - Davis have installed a Toxic-metal Aerosol Real Time Analysis Instrument (TARTA) and a rotating DRUM instrument that collects particulate matter of different sizes that will be analyzed in a specialized laboratory in the coming months.  In addition, they have also installed a wind sensor with these two specialty instruments.
We thank our friends from the UC Davis Air Quality Research Center and the Department of Human Ecology for the generous use of these instruments, free of charge to the Citizen Air Monitoring Network of Vallejo.  And of course to our Volunteers and gracious host in Glen Cove whose home has a stunning and unobstructed view of Vallejo's Eastern Front.

(Thanks to UC Davis Air Quality Research Center!)


Spotlight on...
Vallejo Creative Reuse

Located at 531 Capitol Street, in downtown Vallejo
open by appointment (707) 788-8171 // creativevallejo@gmail.com

* "Creative Reuse of Vallejo offers free art supplies, workspace; The nonprofit seeks to make art more accessible but has struggled to keep its doors open" (2024-01-05, https://www.vallejosun.com/creative-reuse-of-vallejo-offers-free-art-supplies-workspace/) [https://archive.is/Ot2cG] [begin excerpt]:
In a ground floor shop just below the Legacy at Sonoma apartments in downtown Vallejo, shelves overflow with art supplies in a riot of color, surrounding the large work tables in the center of the room. 
Need to patch those jeans but don’t have the right fabric? Interested in taking up crochet? Perhaps you want to get into painting, but don’t have the funds to invest in canvas, paint and brushes – Creative Reuse of Vallejo, located at 531 Capitol St. is the place to go.
Kristin Woods opened the nonprofit Creative Reuse of Vallejo in September 2022 to provide low cost art supplies, a workspace, and make creativity more accessible to the people of Vallejo. She said there’s no need to go out and buy a glue gun, card stock and a set of colored pencils when you want to make one greeting card. Creative Reuse of Vallejo has it all.
Woods was inspired by the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse in Oakland, which opened in 1979 to provide space for artists, educators and community members to receive low cost supplies while making their lives simpler and more sustainable. 
Woods said her goal is to provide a place for people to be creative and share things. She’s planning on offering more free workshops and holding future events like an ugly sweater making workshop and an upcycle fashion show. [end excerpt]
- image caption: Kristin Woods in the Create Reuse of Vallejo space in downtown Vallejo. Photo: Gretchen Zimmermann.




* (update from Kristin Woods):
Thank you Dr G for having me on Ozcat radio this morning. I tried to plug all downtown businesses I could but forgot Momo’s 😫 Please, please support @momoscafe we need them back open. Support them in donating, buy a shirt and share your merch! Designed by @chalberto at Northstar. #Vallejo

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Community News 

* "Vallejo’s mobile crisis response team calls for city aid to avoid shutdown; IHART sent layoff notices to all its staff for the end of May" (2025-05-12, https://www.vallejosun.com/vallejos-mobile-crisis-response-team-calls-for-city-aid-to-avoid-shutdown/) [https://archive.is/NpFOL]
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* "The bay’s best deal is a $19 two-hour cruise. Don’t let the destination hold you back" (2025-01-23, https://www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf/article/san-francisco-bay-ferry-20049214.php) [https://archive.is/U1H5y]
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* "Legacy of Maria Guevara still resonates; Late Vallejo Together Founder continues to inspire through her advocacy for unhoused communities" (2025-05-06, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2025/05/06/the-legacy-of-maria-guevara/) [https://archive.is/9tOj3]
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* "Vallejo Juneteenth extends application deadline to May 31" (2025-05-09, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2025/05/09/vallejo-juneteenth-extends-application-deadline-to-may-31/) [https://archive.is/Id8eo]
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* "Singing, dancing and joking, Cinco de Mayo joins 2nd Friday Art Walk" (2025-05-10, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2025/05/10/singing-dancing-and-joking-cinco-de-mayo-joins-2nd-friday-art-walk/) [https://archive.is/MHvlw]
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* "Local student selected as Congressional Art Competition Winner; Isabella Macias, a sophomore at American Canyon High School will be flown to Washington D.C., where her work will be displayed" (2025-05-10, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2025/05/10/local-student-selected-as-congressional-art-competition-winner/) [https://archive.is/uFw5n]
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* "Vallejoans gather to commemorate the new and improved Lake Dalwigk Park; Vallejo’s District 6 receives park improvements due to a 4.7 million dollar grant" (2024-12-19, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2024/12/19/vallejoans-gather-to-commemorate-the-new-and-improved-lake-dalwigk-park/) [https://archive.is/NGBBp]
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GO SEAWEEDS!
Home games in Vallejo listed at [santarosascubadivers.com]
Next game up: May 31st, 6:30pm, versus Dublin Leprechauns [dublinleprechauns.com]

* "Under further review, Seaweed returning to Vallejo; Minor league squad will play nine games at Wilson Park and play for two different cities, team names" (2025-05-02, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2025/05/02/under-further-review-seaweed-returning-to-vallejo/) [https://archive.is/vze7j]
* "Kevin Reilly saves the ship in Vallejo" (2025-05-04, https://www.pecosleague.com/pecosleague.asp?page=28&article_id=14274) [https://archive.is/mVdXp]

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* "Vallejo’s rich history of baseball tales" (2025-03-06, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2025/03/06/brendan-rileys-solano-chronicles-vallejos-rich-history-of-baseball-tales/amp/) [https://archive.is/buTFs]
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* "How to plan an all-natives Sonoma County garden; Transform your Sonoma County yard into a thriving, all-native oasis! Discover the best plants, design tips, and eco-friendly strategies to support local wildlife and create a resilient, water-wise landscape" (2025-02-07, https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/sonoma-county-news/how-to-plan-an-all-natives-sonoma-county-garden/) [https://archive.is/iqDxs]
---


* "Ancient power: Where age-old tradition defines real politics, and will for decades to come; Traditional governance models in Africa are successfully incorporated into the modern sociopolitical life" (2025-01-22, https://www.rt.com/africa/611390-nigeria-modern-political-life/) [https://archive.is/IxNas]
---


* "Steve Jobs Swore the 10-Minute Rule Made Him Smarter. Modern Neuroscience Is Discovering He Was Right; Stuck on a tough problem? Do what Jobs would have done and follow the 10-minute rule" (2024-09-26, https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/steve-jobs-swore-10-minute-rule-made-him-smarter-modern-neuroscience-discovering-he-was-right.html) [https://archive.is/fhdPm]
* " 'Take A Walk': Steve Jobs’ 10-Minute Rule Can Skyrocket Creativity, Say Experts" (2024-09-27, https://www.boredpanda.com/steve-jobs-10-minute-rule-made-him-smarter-neuroscience-experts-confirm/) [https://archive.is/XES8R]
---


* "Microgreens Deliver Major Nutritional Benefits" (2024-12-18, https://www.diablogazette.com/2024/12/microgreens-deliver-major-benefits/) [https://archive.is/JKJRG]
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Community Calendar

ParkFest
Saturday, May 17th, 12 noon 'til 7pm
Produced by the American Canyon Arts Foundation [amcanart.org]
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Bay Area Butterfly Festival
Sunday, June 1st, 10am 'til 5pm, $10 adults, free for children 12 & under!
At the Mare Island Promenade, 860 Nimitz Ave.
A festival with music, lots of food, vendors, arts and crafts, plant sales, presentations, a huge children’s section, face painting, workshops and fun for all.

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2nd Saturday's Vallejo SummerFest 
Saturday, June 14th, 11am 'til 4pm 
At the Vallejo Waterfront Park, adjacent to the Ferry Terminal, corner of Georgia st. and Mare Island pkwy!
Event page [facebook.com/events/1278439753260774]
Join us as we open 2nd Saturday’s Vallejo community waterfront marketplace. Sip n’ Savor delicious food trucks, drinks and treats, test out and sample new products, enjoy art and handcrafted creations, checkout local vendors, then enjoy live music and jam to the latest DJ mixes by the water.
Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs, invite your friends and jam with us this Summer at the waterfront
Series Dates Include:
June 14th Sip n’ Savor Summer
July 12th Jazzy July
Aug 9th Sip n’ Thrift

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Solano County Black Owned Businesses (updated 2022)

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The Sparrow Project — First Baptist Church Vallejo
Free meals for the community so that nobody in Vallejo goes hungry. 

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Loma Vista Farm 


Vallejo Peoples Garden 
Sunday 9am-11am
1055 Azuar Dr., Mare Island


Unity Garden 
Sunday 10 am-1 pm 
2166 Sacramento Street


Kyles Temple Community Garden
Mondays 3-5 pm
2807 Sonoma Blvd.
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Benicia Community Gardens 
a project of Sustainable Solano 

Swenson Garden is located on the grounds of Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1400 East Second St., Benicia

Avant Garden is located at 400 First St., Benicia

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including Vallejo, Benicia, Contra Costa County, etc. 

Sonoma Valley farmer's markets
list from West County Gazette, October 2024

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And some music too!
* Sly & The Family Stone mash-up [archive.org/details/lenlow-do-your-thing-to-the-music-2021]
* Bob Marley Rainbow Remix [youtube.com/watch?v=QxKcPp2TcmQ]
* Duran Duran Pressure Off [youtube.com/watch?v=5qFhSWA9Cz4]


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California Fishing Passport
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1400 Tennessee St, Vallejo
(707) 652-5259

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Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening of one and only Soccer Field in Vallejo 🎉 Contact Eduardo Paniagua, owner of La Cuchara Restaurant, 105 Couch Street, Vallejo (707) 654-8284 to get information about using the Soccer Field

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2025 Citizen Science Project: sampling the Napa River in Vallejo
Napa River water quality
Vallejo's Napa River has a long history of pollution from industrial sources, the local wastewater plant and rainwater runoff. Companies have been fined for violating water pollution laws during recent years. We want to sample the Mare Island Strait to better understand what's in the water, so we can work on improving the river strategically.

Why native plants?
Native plants are not only beautiful, they also benefit our ecosystem in multiple ways. Native plants require less water than non-native plants, and their robust root systems help filter and clean water before it runs off or percolates into the ground. Native plants don't rely on chemical fertilizers, an they provide food and shelter for native pollinators and wildlife.

Our free native plants are available to residents in 94590 or 94589 zip codes, where many neighborhoods have histories of discriminatory housing practices and increased pollution burdens.
Questions? Comments? Want to collaborate or volunteer? Contact annie @ocefoundation.org (510) 910-4535

Our Children's Earth [www.ocefoundation.org]
Rose Foundation for communities & the environment
California Sportfishing Protection Alliance


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Support the Monarch Migration
Help Monarch Watch Get Milkweeds in the Ground
Monarch butterfly numbers are at an all-time low. Many pollinators are declining as well. Loss of habitat threatens the monarch migration. Your support for habitat threatens the monarch migration. Your support for habitat restoration will help sustain monarchs, pollinators, ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. Over 70% of our native plants and more than 30% of our crops are pollinated by insects.
Your generous contributions allow us to work with nurseries to produce and distribute  hundreds of thousands of milkweeds each year. Donations are used to underwrite our Free Milweeks for Restoration program through which we distribute milweeds to organizations that lack funds for habitat restoration.
Donate to Monarch Watch: monarchwatch.org/donate
To apply for free milkweeds, please visit monarchwatch.org/free-milkweeds
To obtain milkweeds for gardens, please visit our Milkweed Market via milkweedmarket.org
Visit Monarch Watch online at monarchwatch.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, or X.com (Twitter) for the latest monarch news and information.

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Green House Calls [https://risingsunopp.org/programs/ghc/]
Provided by BAYREN and Rising Sun Center for Opportunity
(510) 665-1501 ext. 300
Our Climate Careers program provides energy and water efficiency services, called Green House Calls, to households throughout the greater Bay Area and city of Stockton
The best part? It won’t cost you anything. Really.
 Take part in an in-person or virtual Green House Call by completing our 15-minute online survey to determine your personalized efficiency needs.
What do I receive when I participate in a Green House Call?
As part of your Green House Call, you’ll receive:
LED light bulbs
High-efficiency bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerhead(s) (same pressure, less water)
A toilet leak detection test
Your choice of: a smart power strip ($70 value), two smart energy plugs, OR a single burner induction cooktop
One smart LED light bulb
Energy savings tips booklet 
Foam weather tape 


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The Vallejo First 5 Center // at 3375 Sonoma Blvd. Suite #10 in Vallejo // [https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/first5/vallejo_first_5_center.asp]

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Solano County Behavioral Health 

Healing Through Stories: A Discussion Panel
May 22 | 2 PM – 3:30 PM
John F. Kennedy Library, Vallejo
Hear powerful personal stories and insights on healing, recovery, and resilience.

Movie Night: Inside Out 2 + Discussion
May 29 | 5 PM – 7:30 PM
601 Texas Street, Fairfield
Enjoy a screening of Inside Out 2, followed by a short, thoughtful discussion on emotions and mental wellness.

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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Solano County
EDUCATION * SUPPORT * OUTREACH * ADVOCACY
www.NAMISolaoCounty.org
NAMI Solano County is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
Organized in 1985, NAMI SOlano County is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to assisting those living with mental illness and their families.
NAMI Solano County is an affiliate of NAMI National and NAMI California. WIth renowned programs, classes, dedicated volunteers, workshops and conferences, publications and online resources, we seek to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness.
Funding Provided by Solano County Board of Supervisors, Health and Social Services and also funded by the Mental Health Services Act.
P.O. Box 3334, Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 438-9510
info@NAMISolanoCounty.org

Our Mission -
- Education: Our programs provide the tools, awareness, and coping skills needed to overcome the challenges faced by people and families affected by mental illness.
- Support: Our groups are facilitated by trained family members and indivduals who have firsthand experience coping with mental illness.
- Outreach: We strive to end discrimination and stigma for all those persons affected by mental illness through broader education and collaboration with the whole community.
- Advocacy: We advocte for the rights of those living with mental illness and their families on the local, state and national levels, striving to raise awareness of mental health issues and improve access to quality care.
Learn more about NAMI and mental illness at www.nami.org/Learn-More

Help us stomp out stigma! Volunteer with us!
As a volunteer organization, it is our community (like you!) that conducts all our local activities, classes, fundraising, advocacy, service projects and support.
- Participate in our annual Holiday Gift Bag project which has delivered more than 10000 bags filled with gifts and hygiene items for those living mental illness.
- Lend your voice to improve officer and consumer safety. Respected by local law enforcement, NAMI is welcome at Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Trainings.
- Advocate for better treatment and services for those with mental illness by writing letters and meeting with legislators and community leaders.
- Be visible at community events. Speak out to educate and reduce stigma.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities and sign up on our website - www.NAMISolanoCounty.org
Demonstrate your ongoing support of Mental Health in Solano County. 

Become a member. Membership benefits include: 
- "Members Only" section of our website
- Membership with NAMI California & NAMI National
- Periodic newsletter 
- Friends and a support network of peers
Membership is annual, $40 for individuals, $60 for household, $5 for those in need.
Make checks payable to NAMI Solano County.

Our Resource Line: (707) 422-7792
The Resource Line offers non-judgemental support, Compassionate listening, and information and/or referrals on multitude of mental health issues and resources, including:
- Understanding mental illness and its effect on individuals, families, and friends.
- Understanding the mental health laws and systems, how to obtain mental health services, and how to overcome obstacles to getting help with mental health problems.
- NAMI education classes and programs.
- Support groups for individuals and their families, offered by NAMI and other organizations.
- Referrals to services available from agencies within Solano County.
- Referrals to commonly requested community resources, including: legal services, financial assistance, housing, job training and placement, and social support and activities.
Resource Line volunteers have years of lived experience and personal knowledge of the problems individuals and families are facing.
Our Resource Line is not answered immediately. Please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message. Someone WILL return your call!

Monthly General Meetings
Featuring Educational & Supportive Speakers
All are Welcome!
Last Monday of each month at 6:30pm
(No Meeting in May or December)
Check our website for the monthly meeting topic and other details.
www.NAMISolanoCounty.org

Education Classes, Support Groups, Speakers, and Outreach
Please email or call for details, dates and registration
info@namisolanocounty // (707) 438-9510
Education & Groups are Nationally Acclaimed, and Always Free of Charge, Taught by trained facilitators who have lived experience with mental illness.
- Family-to-Family: A 9-session educational class for family members of those living with mental illness.
- Basics: A 6-session class for parents/caregivers of children and teens with mental health conditions. (on-line)
- Peer-to-Peer: An 8-session course for adults living with mental health challanges.
- In Our Own Voice: A presentation by trained speakers who share their stories of living with mental health challenges and achieving recovery.
- Mental Health 101: A multi-media, culturally diverse informative presentation showcasing mental health signs and symptoms.
- Ending the Silence:  A 50-minute presentation designed foe teens to educate about the warning signs of mental health conditions and how to help.
- NAMI on Campus (High School & College): These student-;ed clubs raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on campusthrough peer-led activities and education.
- Connection Support Group: A support group for adults living with mental health challenges.
- Family Support Group: A Support Group for family members, friends and advocates of people living with mental illness.


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Bay Area Rescue Mission 
Fighting homelessness. Changing Lives.

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California Commission of the Status of Women
[women.ca.gov] // (916) 651-5405

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A Shared Blessing on 1610a Springs rd accepts donations. They distribute food and clothing to the homeless and needy in Vallejo.

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4th Second's Youth Empowerment Program [4thsecond.org/about-us] - youth center on Tuolumne st. [instagram.com/4thsecondyep]


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* (https://suscolcouncil.org/) [https://archive.is/AN5QV]