Thursday, December 28, 2006

Mother of injured boy needs gas money

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By Ian Thompson

SUISUN CITY - The Suisun City Housing Authority is pitching in to help a Suisun City mother shoulder the expenses of seeing her injured son, who is hospitalized in Oakland.

The money is being turned into a gas card for the mother of 10-year-old Jordan Callison who was severely injured in the Nov. 17 rush hour crash on Highway 12 between Fairfield and Rio Vista.

The crash that fractured Jordan Callison's spine also killed two of his brothers, Demari Hutchinson, 12, and Emanuel Callison, 7. Regina Jackson was also injured in the accident.

His working mother is now shuttling between her home in Suisun City and Children's Hospital in Oakland to be with her son, as well as caring for a 2-year-old child.

Anyone wishing to help the efforts can drop off cash donations at the Housing Authority Office in Suisun City Hall, 701 Civic Center Blvd.

For more information, call 421-7333.

This is one of several fund-raising efforts local community groups have held to help the family.

Earlier this month, the Fairfield-Suisun Christian Center held a fund-raiser with games, refreshments and music to help with Jordan Callison's medical care.

Nicola Bucci, 34, of San Francisco, the driver of the vehicle that slammed into the car carrying the Callisons and Hutchinson, has since been charged with two counts of second-degree murder.

Those interested in helping the family can also make out checks to the Jordan A. Callison Relief Fund, Travis Credit Union, Attn. MSA department, 1 Travis Way, Vacaville, Calif. 95696.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Giving 'code' helpful to kids in Suisun City

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Reporter Staff Report
Dozens of Suisun City children will enjoy a brighter Christmas this year thanks to Code Kid, a new program developed by the Suisun City Police Department and a private security firm.

The nonprofit program has gathered donations of new toys and bicycles from residents, local businesses and charitable efforts of various government agencies, including the California Highway Patrol's "CHIPS for Kids" program.

Today, officers will hit the streets to distribute 20 bikes and numerous gifts to children in families identified as needing extra help to make Christmas bright this year. In one case, five children from a single family will receive bikes and gifts.

"This is really what working with the community is all about," said Commander Ed Dadisho. "Christmas is a tough time for a lot of families.

If we can help reduce that stress and show the kids and their parents that we care about them, it's a great win-win for everyone."

Code Kid was the brainchild of David Silva, owner of First Cavalry Security, and Officer Andrew White, Suisun City's school resource officer. The pair was working together on a community policing program when they saw a need to build stronger bonds between youth, the police and the community.

"Our goal from the outset was to find a way to provide some assistance for kids in need," White said.

Since August, Code Kid has collected donations and working with local schools, government agencies and community members to identify children who could benefit from a little extra generosity.

Though the major Christmas gift delivery is taking place today, Code Kid will continue to receive donations throughout the year to support children in need and reward youth who are caught doing the right thing.

Anyone wishing to support Code Kid may contact Officer White at 435-5845.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Suisun fire department gives gifts to the needy

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By Daily Republic staff

SUISUN CITY - For about 50 years the Suisun City Fire Department has been handing out gifts to needy children in Suisun City.

This year is no exception.

About 45 families Wednesday night received a surprise visit from the firefighter volunteers bearing two to three toys for each child.

About 6 p.m. volunteers gathered at the fire department on Pintail Drive. Toys were loaded on to the fire trucks and they dispersed to various parts of the city to hand out toys to unsuspecting families, who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford gifts for their children.

The toys were collected at various functions and were donated by the community, as well as local businesses and the volunteer fire department members. The names of needy families were collected from local schools and gifts were matched with the sex and age of each child.

"It's a fun night," Suisun City fire Chief Mike O'Brien said

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Solano clears first state bond hurdle

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By Barry Eberling

FAIRFIELD - So far, so good in Solano County's quest for state bond money to help fix the interstates 80 and 680 interchange and widen Highway 12 in Jameson Canyon.

The two projects appear on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission staff recommendation list for the bond money. They made the first cut in a competition that has counties all over California vying for a share of a relatively small pot of money.

Also, the projects appear on a draft state Department of Transportation list of recommended projects for the bond money.

"Right now, we're in a good spot," Solano Transportation Authority Executive Director Daryl Halls said Tuesday. "As of today, the best you can be is on both lists."

County Supervisor-elect Jim Spering, the area's MTC representative, said the chances of getting money are far better than a shot-in-the-dark.

"Our project has as good a chance as any other project in the state," Spering said Tuesday.

Voters on Nov. 7 passed Proposition 1B, a $20 million transportation bond. The California Transportation Commission on Feb. 28, 2007, will discuss handing out $4.5 billion for projects that help ease congestion, with $1.8 billion to go to Northern California.

So the competition is on. Bay Area counties alone have come up with about 50 projects totaling more than $4 billion.

The MTC will decide which Bay Area projects are submitted to the state for consideration. Commission staff has come up with a list of recommended projects totaling $1.9 billion.

Included on the list is $200 million for the I-80/I-680 interchange at Cordelia. This would help build a new connection between the two freeways. It's the next phase in renovating an interchange that is the county's biggest traffic bottleneck.

The local stretch of I-80 carries commerce to and from the Bay Area, Spering said. Fixing the interchange is more than a Solano County project, he said.

"The way I read it, it's a high priority for the state," he said.

Economic Development Corp. works to build Solano

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By Ines Bebea

FAIRFIELD - Bringing new businesses and employers to Solano County is more than a full-time job. It requires endless self-promotion, friendly competition and cooperation to let potential leads know of the benefits of having an office, plant or store in the county.

For Michael S. Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corp., the challenges appear when he has to match the interest of a perspective employer with the needs, wants and availability of a city.

"The most important issue is making sure that the community is ready to welcome the investment," Ammann said. "We don't want a business to open and then go out of business. That doesn't work for anyone."

Getting prospective employers interested in Solano County is a long and slow process where only a fraction of those who show interest commit to a site, Ammann said. A lot of the leg work is done by Ammann, who travels constantly to trade shows and conventions to let companies know about the county.

The membership-based organization has 175 members and brings together the public and private sector.

"Many companies get to hear about Solano EDC through referrals from people we have worked with," Ammann said. "But we also get leads from other local economic development organizations who for whatever reason could not make the deal happen."

A couple of Ammann's most pressing goals are to bring high-paying jobs to the county and decrease the number of residents commuting out of the county for work.

"When you have people work where they live, that also gives them more opportunities to be involved in their community," he said. "Whether it is serving on a board, attending school activities or spending money locally."

He is passionate about Solano County because it can also be marketed as a family oriented community.

"Before all of our new development, people thought of Solano as a short stop between San Francisco and Sacramento," he said. "Now we have a Six Flags in Vallejo, great access to Napa, Walnut Creek, Jelly Belly, fresh produce and family activities."

While the organization doesn't have to create a certain number of companies or jobs each year, he is confident that 2007 will be a good year for the county.

"Presently we have 24 (companies or organizations) who are showing interest," he said. "The economy for California at this time looks promising with all the bio-technology companies in the state and development opportunities."

The surging economies in China and Japan are also a great source of possibilities for the ports in the Bay Area and its surrounding counties, Ammann said.

Suisun City approves plan to negotiate summer concerts

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By Ian Thompson

SUISUN CITY - The Suisun City Council told its Recreation Department to go ahead with plans to work out a deal with Pepperbelly's Comedy and Variety Theater owner Jim Ignatieff to offer a second summer season of Harbor Nights concerts.

They also gave a thumbs-up Tuesday night to better support the "Saturday Night at the Movies" in the Harbor Plaza by offering more films.

There was more reticence to provide the First Saturday market events' organizer with funds to find more vendors, but the council agreed with the stipulation that once the venue is making a profit, the city is paid back.

Recreation Department head Mick Jessop proposed having the Harbor Nights concert series for a second season at the Harbor Plaza starting in July, offering five free concert along with three to four ticketed events.

According to a possible agreement with Ignatieff, the city would manage the free events and Ignatieff would manage the ticketed ones.

Last summer's concerts were described as going relatively well, but attendance was less than expected. It ended up costing Suisun City $30,145 and Ignatieff $34,439.

Jessop is asking the City Council to agree to pay $33,145 to help put on the 2007 concert series.

Councilmembers debated whether to close off the public dock to boaters who moor there to listen to the music for free, but chose not to close down the dock.

Councilman Mike Segala suggested more specific advertising to let residents know which concerts would be free and which would require a ticket.

Jessop forwarded a request from Saturday market promoter Debbie Kiikvee for financial support for the open-air crafts vendor markets she runs on the first Saturday of each month.

Kiikvee's events weren't well-attended in 2006 and a drop in interested vendors forced her to run the markets at a financial loss.

Jessop is asking the council for help with the 2007 Saturday markets by funding $1,000 per event for advertising and another $300 per event to allow Kiikvee to spend more time finding vendors, pre-planning the markets and developing themes for each market.

Councilman Sam Derting made the point that the city shouldn't simply pay out the $300 without a proviso that it be paid back once an increased number of vendors put the market back in the black.

Jessop wants to offer a weekly Saturday Night at the Movies that would run for eight Saturday nights starting on July 7 in the Harbor Plaza.

This idea was spurred by the popularity of the 2006 series that offered movies once a month during the summer with support from the Old Town's Business Improvement District.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Suisun City eyes entertainment changes for '07

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By Ian Thompson
SUISUN CITY - Will there be more summer movies at the Harbor Plaza, increased city support of the Saturday crafts markets and another Friday night concert season?


That is what the Suisun City Recreation Department wants the City Council to weigh in on Tuesday night as department head Mick Jessop prepares his department's 2007 event calendar.

These are three possible changes Jessop wants to make in a calendar of events that starts in April with an Easter egg hunt and wraps up with Christmas in Old Town.

The first is bringing back the Harbor Nights concert series for a second season at the Harbor Plaza starting July 13, but offering five free concerts along with three to four ticketed events.

"It is another event that both the community enjoys and puts Suisun City on the map for quality entertainment in a prime location," Jessop wrote in a memo to the City Council.

Under an agreement being worked out with Pepper Belly's owner Jim Ignatieff, the city would manage the free events and Ignatieff would manage the ticketed ones.

Last summer's series went relatively well considering how quickly it was planned and put together, but attendance was below what was expected and the image of the fence surrounding the concert put off residents.

The concerts ended up costing Suisun City $30,145 and Ignatieff $34,439.

Jessop is asking the City Council to agree to pay $33,145 to help put on the 2007 concert series.

The second possible change is a request from Saturday Market promoter Debbie Kiikvee for financial support from the city for the open-air crafts vendor markets she runs on the first Saturday of each month.

Kiikvee's events weren't well attended in 2006 and a drop in interested vendors forced her to run the markets at a financial loss.

Jessop is asking the council for help "to help turn the corner on making this event a mainstay event for the community." The 2007 Saturday markets are expected to run from May through August.

Kiikvee wants assistance in the form of $1,000 per event for advertising and another $300 per event to allow her to spend more time finding vendors, pre-planning the markets and developing themes for each market.

The third is offering a weekly Saturday Night at the Movies that would run for eight Saturday nights starting on July 7 in the Harbor Plaza.

This idea was spurred by the popularity of the 2006 series that offered movies once a month during the summer with support from the Old Town's Business Improvement District.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Suisun City Council to review proposals to develop waterfront

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By Ian Thompson
SUISUN CITY - Suisun City's last two undeveloped waterfront areas go before the City Council Tuesday for votes on if the city should start talks with a developer to build on one and hire a consultant to examine the best possible uses for the other.

No one has developed a 3.44 acre site at the end of Civic Center Boulevard due to concerns about potential toxic contamination. An old sewer plant was located there.

Now, Suisun City planners wants the City Council to approve exclusive negotiations with the Concord-based Silverwing Development to see if the site can be developed.

The land just west of it, which is also open, is being considered for possible development as open space, pedestrian trails and public access to the waterfront.

If the council agrees, the city and Silverwing have the next 90 days to determine if the land can be built on.

The council will also vote on whether to hire Berkeley-based Design, Community & Environment to determine if city proposals to improve the waterfront south of the Delta Cove neighborhood are feasible.

In September, the City Council heard a shopping list of ideas city planners sketched out for the area including:
  • Relocating the fuel dock closer to the boat launch and moving the fuel storage area away from where potential development may go.
  • Extending the pedestrian promenade south to the
    walking trails.
  • Improving the fishing pier or create two new piers, one for fishing and the other for people who just want to watch aquatic activity on the slough. This could include a dock that would accommodate kayakers and the local youth rowing club. A new fishing dock may be put adjacent to the boat ramps.
  • Putting in an aquatic center and storage building to allow the Parks and Recreation Department to store material for waterfront events.
  • Extending the boat ramps farther south.

Design, Community & Development is offering to examine the city's ideas and come up with possible designs for $15,000. Two other firms offered to do the work for $67,000 and $96,000.

Suisun City eyes developer for vacant land off Highway 12

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By Ian Thompson
SUISUN CITY
- Vacant land next to the Sunset Shopping Center could finally get businesses built on it if the Suisun City Redevelopment Agency agrees to exclusive negotiations with two interested developers.

The Redevelopment Agency wants to cut a deal with Silverwing Development of Concord and Truestreet Properties of Florida to develop the 8.29-acre site just north of Highway 12.

Silverwing and Truestreet propose to build 32,000-square-feet of specialty retail buildings on the site as well as put in two building pads that could eventually take a restaurant and a bank.

The two developers also want to put up a 120-room hotel, an idea that comes a couple of months after the city Redevelopment Agency showed the City Council plans with a hotel developer interested in building a hotel next to the waterfront.

Monte Vista Equities, the developer not backed by Suisun City planners, had proposed to build 33,150 square feet of office and retail space along with 100 units of senior housing which would take advantage of the proximity city's senior center a block away.

While planners liked both proposals, they went with Silverwing and Truestreet because "they had superior resources" and "extensive existing relationships with prospective retailers," according to a memo to the council from Suisun City Project Manager Jason Garben.

While Silverwing is expected to design and build the project, Truestreet will provide most of the funding and would market the project, the memo stated.

This is one of the sites targeted for development early this year after the Suisun City Council undertook a study of its vacant commercial sites to find out how best get more businesses built in town.

Bringing in more businesses and increasing the city's sales tax revenue to bolster a tight city budget is a top priority for city hall.