Suspect in Early Morning Residential Burglaries Arrested

SUISUN CITY – The Suisun City Police Department arrested a 27-year-old Suisun City man on Tuesday on suspicion of numerous hot prowl residential break-ins dating back to mid-August.

After intensive targeted patrols and an extensive investigation, police collected enough evidence to arrest Jason Lee Harris for entering 11 homes on the east side of Suisun City during late night or early morning hours while the residents slept. Upon entering the home through unlocked doors, the suspect would take any accessible items of value that could be easily concealed then flee.

“This series of hot prowl burglaries was extremely unsettling for Suisun City residents, and very uncharacteristic of local criminal activity,” said police Commander Tim Mattos. “Thanks to the focused efforts of all our officers and civilian personnel on both day and night shifts, we were able to make this arrest and restore peace and safety to neighborhoods east of Emperor Drive.”

Since the burglary spree started in mid-August, the Suisun City Police Department increased enforcement in the areas of the break-ins, and assigned extra officers to special details to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The Police Department also notified all Suisun City residents asking them to be extra vigilant in securing their homes and report any suspicious activity or people to police.

Jason Lee Harris became a person of interest after officers spotted him several times during early morning hours in the area of the reported burglaries. He also lived nearby.

But police investigators were able to secure an arrest warrant for Harris on Tuesday after finding a key piece of evidence at the site of a recent break-in that linked him to the crime.

Harris was arrested and booked into Solano County Jail on multiple burglary charges, and is awaiting arraignment.

The Police Department investigation into this series of break-ins continues.  Anyone with information regarding these incidents should call Sgt. Dave Kasid or Commander Tim Mattos at 707-421-7373.

This announcement was released today by the U.S. Department of Defense.  We are distributing it as a service to Suisun City area veterans and eligible service members. This is not a program of the City of Suisun City.   

 The Oct. 21, 2011, deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) is one month away. The deadline was previously extended to allow those eligible more time to apply for the benefits they have earned under the program guidelines.

     "The nation has rallied behind this effort -- the military services have been joined by the White House, Congress, the VA, veteran and military service organizations, and friends and family members around the world," said Lernes Hebert, director of Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management. "Despite these remarkable outreach efforts, some people may still not yet have applied. If you think you are eligible, and have not yet applied, now is the time to do so."

     Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay was established to compensate for the hardships military members encountered when their service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss authority between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligible members or their beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service in order to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status.

     When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible for this benefit. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts, to include multiple direct mailings, public service announcements, and continuous engagements with military and veteran service organizations, social networks and media outlets.

     To apply, or for more information on RSLSP, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov/stoploss .

Suisun City Seeks Train Station Cafe Operator

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Suisun City is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial-minded operator who can provide cafe (or similar) services at the Suisun City Train Station.

This unique location has a number of advantages over the typical café / food service location. It is easily accessible from the Central County Bikeway, which connects the City from end to end; it is positioned at the only Capitol Corridor commuter rail service stop in Solano County; serves as a multi-modal transit hub for Solano County with regular Greyhound stops; it is within a 10-minute walk from the Solano County Administrative Building and within walking distance of the scenic Suisun City Promenade. Additionally, the Train Station is adjacent to a popular park-n-ride lot and is visible to passing cars on Main Street which offers a vast pool of potential customers.

Suisun City envisions the Train Station as a transit center; as such it is an important gateway to our community and more specifically the revitalized Waterfront District. When a traveler passes through the Suisun City Train Station, the first and sometimes only impression they have of Suisun City is the one they receive while visiting the Train Station.

As a result, the City is keenly interested in creating a lasting positive impression that entices people to return and further explore the Waterfront District. This directly relates to the overall Waterfront District goals and objectives that are geared towards building local economic activity through destination tourism. It is important to ensure the Train Station is open and welcoming for travelers and visitors alike while offering convenient services to enhance their travels and experience in Suisun City.

Submittals are due Oct. 20, 2011.

>> Click here for detailed information on this opportunity

City Council to Hold Budget Workshop Focused on Service Priorities

SUISUN CITY, Calif. – Faced with making $1.4 million in additional budget reductions on the heels of 35% budget cuts in recent years, the Suisun City Council will hold a public budget workshop at 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, at City Hall. >> map >>

While Suisun City has avoided significant service reductions, layoffs and furloughs during the national economic downturn, the additional 13% reduction in the City’s budget forced by recent State action will undoubtedly impact future service levels, City officials said.

In June, the State enacted two laws that changed the way redevelopment functions in California. Whether the Suisun City Redevelopment Agency is eliminated entirely or modified as required by the State, the City will face an approximate $1.4 million budget shortfall starting in July 2012.

Though a lawsuit is pending in the California Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of those laws, the City Council wants to begin discussing budget cuts that will be necessary if legal challenges fail.

Among the issues to be discussed during the Tuesday night workshop are

• The basic structure of the City’s budget.
• The strategy of selling select fixed assets and reducing spending that preserved public services thus far during a significant economic downturn, which has forced other cities to slash budgets and programs.
• The State’s decision to end Redevelopment as it previously existed during a prolonged economic slide that has forced the City to face very difficult decisions, and its impact on Suisun City.
• An array of budget changes that could reach $1.4 million.
• Service level priorities that will help guide future decision-making.

Given the severity of the challenges that lie ahead, the City Council wants the public to provide input to help prioritize services that are most important to Suisun City residents.  The City Council may set additional workshops in the future.

The workshop agenda and supporting information will be posted online by Thursday evening to www.Suisun.com.

World Trade Center Artifacts Arrive in Suisun City

SUISUN CITY - "We are now the custodians of a piece of American history," Suisun City Fire Chief Mike O'Brien declared Thursday as two steel beams recovered from the World Trade Center were delivered to the Suisun City Fire Department.

The 10-foot-long beams were donated to the Suisun City Fire Department ,and delivered for free across the country from the New York Port Authority by L&A Transport of Union, New Jersey.

The 9/11 artifacts will be a centerpiece of a 10th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony to be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at Harbor Plaza. More information on this event.

The beams were immediately loaded onto a trailer so they could be moved around the City for various temporary displays. Their first stop within hours of arriving in Suisun City was Suisun Elementary School, where the entire student body waited with flags and banners.

The beams will be integrated into a permanent 9/11 memorial to be erected in front of the Fire Station at 621 Pintail Drive. The Suisun City Firefighters Association is raising $20,000 to construct the memorial. More information on how to help or call the Fire Station at 707-429-1297.

The Firefighters Association launched a Facebook page to help gather support for the Memorial at www.Facebook.com/Suisun911Memorial.

Supplies Dwindle for Salvation Army's Effort to Feed Solano County Families

ORGANIZATION ASKS FOR THE PUBLIC'S HELP TO 'FEED THE NEED'

The Salvation Army issued the following information this week regarding it's need for the public's help:

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - With recent reports of longer periods of unemployment after job losses and the unemployment rate still high, The Salvation Army serving Solano County is seeing heavy demand for food relief.  More and more, neighbors are telling The Salvation Army they’ve finally reached the end of their savings.  These people desperately need help.

"We don’t feed statistics, we feed people," said Captain Jonathan Harvey, Solano County Coordinator, explaining his assessment of increased need.  "In this community, we are seeing a whole new population coming to us for food.  Our regulars are now being joined by the formerly middle-class, a group that's just begun to embrace a nightmare they probably thought they'd never see; no money for food.  With foreclosures, gasoline and utility costs rising, not to mention the effects of recession, times are hard for many in our community."

Unfortunately, this phenomenon coincides with a seasonal low in Salvation Army food pantry supplies.  "We've used up our holiday donations feeding people through the holidays and beyond," Captain Harvey said. "We need a new influx of support."  

The Salvation Army is asking for donations of non-perishable food items.  There are certain “staples” provided in every box, including:

Soup                                Stew                        Jelly                        Pancake Mix        
Baby food                        Cereal                        Boxed Dinners        Spaghetti noodles        
Canned fruit                        Rice                        Spaghetti sauce        Canned Meat                
Beans                                Mac & Cheese        Peanut butter                Canned Veggies                

Individuals who would like to donate food for the food pantry can drop it off at Solano County’s Service Offices located in Fairfield and Vacaville at: 630 Orange Drive, Suite M in Vacaville >> map >> or 1216 Missouri Street in Fairfield. >> map >>

Monetary donations are always needed and can be sent to:
The Salvation Army of Fairfield        The Salvation Army of Vacaville:          Or, visit: www.GoSalArmy.org
P.O. Box 3157                                P.O. Box 5664                                to make a secure donation
Fairfield, CA 94533                        Vacaville, CA 95688                        

For more information, please contact:
Captain Jonathan Harvey-Solano County Coordinator
(707) 439-7881 Office   Jonathan.Harvey@usw.salvationarmy.org

World Trade Center Steel to Arrive in Suisun City

Steel beams reclaimed from the World Trade Center

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Two 10-foot-long sections of steel reclaimed from the World Trade Center are scheduled to arrive at the Suisun City Fire Station at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011).

The artifacts of the 9/11 attacks in New York City were donated to the Suisun City Fire Department so they could be used for a permanent display in front of the Fire Station, at 621 Pintail Drive.

The steel pieces are being transported to Suisun City free of charge by New Jersey trucking company L&A Transport.  The company also is bringing a smaller section for the Rio Vista Fire Department.

The steel will be featured at a public memorial ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.  The Suisun City Firefighters Association is sponsoring the ceremony, which will officially begin at 12:30 p.m. at Harbor Plaza on Main Street at Solano Street. The public will be able to view the World Trade Center steel starting at Noon on Sunday.  For more information on the ceremony, go to www.visitsuisuncity.com/event/9-11-ceremony

The truck bringing the steel to the Fire Station is expected to travel westbound on Pintail Drive from Walters Road to the Fire Station.  The community is invited to watch the arrival, and encouraged to bring American flags and wear patriotic clothing.

In the near future, the Suisun City Fire Department will develop a program to bring the steel artifacts to local schools are part of a 9/11 education program.

The Suisun City Firefighters Association also raising approximately $20,000 to design and erect the permanent memorial using the 9/11 steel pieces.  For more information, go to http://suisun9-11.blogspot.com/; https://www.facebook.com/Suisun911Memorial; or call 707-429-1297.

Stay posted on what's happening in and around Suisun City on www.facebook.com/SuisunCity or www.twitter.com/SuisunCity

Pintail Drive Rehabilitation Project Construction Begins Tuesday

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Construction work on the $500,000 Pintail Drive Rehabilitation Project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011, and continue through about mid-November, depending on weather conditions.

The work will include significant sidewalk and curb work, isolated road base repair, and complete roadway resurfacing of Pintail Drive from Sunset Avenue to Emperor Drive. Road base repair and crack sealing on Pintail Drive will extend from Emperor Drive to Walters Road.

To limit the impact to nearby residents, all work is to be conducted between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work hours or times may be extended for construction conflicts or emergencies.

During the entire construction period, the contractor - Ghilotti Construction Co. - is required to maintain through traffic controls to allow traffic flow and bus service through the construction zone. However, some unavoidable traffic delays and detours are to be expected during the construction period.

Construction and Public Works officials are coordinating all work to minimize impact upon the Suisun City Library, Suisun Elementary School, the Suisun City Fire Department, and ongoing construction of the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

For more details on this project, go to www.suisun.com/pintail.html