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When we started this Suisun City News blog in 2005, we were exploring a new frontier in online communications.  We weren't sure how many people would use the Internet to keep informed of all the new things going on in the community. Through this blog, our four websites, three Facebooks and three Twitter accounts, we've learned lots of people are interested in what's happening in Suisun City. And we are both grateful and humbled.

In recent months, the City of Suisun City has redesigned its entire website to incorporate a new host of web tools that have become increasingly commonplace in the online world of 2013.  Today, we enabled a subscription option on www.Suisun.com to enable followers of this blog to continue to receive the latest eNews and Updates, just as you did when this blog was more active.

We would invite you to subscribe to Suisun.com e-mails today or follow us through your favorite web-based news reader at http://feeds.feedburner.com/CityOfSuisunCity.

Even as this blog is officially mothballed, we want to thank everyone with an interest in making Suisun City a better place to live for embracing our growing stable of online tools.

See you soon over at our main hub www.Suisun.com!

New City Website Launches Monday

SUISUN CITY - On Monday, city staff will flip the switch to unveil the all new electronic portal for Suisun City.

The switch to a new platform with exciting new integrated features has been in the discussion and development stages for some time. Everything currently on the website will be available when the transition occurs. However, there may be some brief periods of down time during the switch over.

Because the new platform includes integrated blogging features, this site will eventually be phased out.  This blog that allowed us experiment a little and gain valuable experience that allowed us to move to the new web platform.  We thank you for joining us on that journey.

We hope you will enjoy the many new features on the all new www.Suisun.com!

Walmart Coming Soon

SUISUN CITY - A new sign was unveiled in a brief dedication ceremony Thursday afternoon announcing that Walmart is coming soon to Suisun City.

Grading and site preparation will begin in the coming months, with construction beginning in earnest in the Spring, according to Deborah Herron, a Walmart senior public affairs manager who spoke to the assembled crowd.

When the store opens, it will provide the community with hundreds of new jobs, and the opportunity to buy many clothing, home furnishings and other products that are not currently sold by any Suisun City retailer.

Ms. Herron thanked everyone in attendance for their perseverance and determination to see the proposed store all the way from concept to construction, a process that has taken more than six years.

News that Walmart was interested in locating in Suisun City first broke in 2005. By the next year, the company had secured the commercially zoned parcel at Highway 12 and Walters Road, and began the approval process.

The City Council unanimously approved the development plans and environmental studies for the store in February 2008.  In August 2010, California's First District Court of Appeal upheld the City Council's approval.

For more information about this project, please visit the Walmart Walters Road West Project page.

Suisun City Opens Recruitment for Housing Specialist

SUISUN CITY - The Community Services Department - Housing Division of the City of Suisun City today opened recruitment for a Housing Specialist to help serve clients and property owners by performing a wide range of administrative, compliance and clerical work in addition to providing excellent customer service.

This is a full-time, permanent benefited position.

The recruitment period closes on Monday Aug. 20, 2012.

For more information about the position and obtain an application, please click here.

Suisun City Opens Recruitment for Account Clerk

SUISUN CITY - The Administrative Services Department of the City of Suisun City today opened recruitment for an Account Clerk to help serve City utility customers and perform a wide range of accounting and financial duties.

This is a full-time, permanent benefited position.

The recruitment period closes on Monday Aug. 13, 2012.

For more information about the position and obtain an application, please click here.

Safe 'n' Sane Fireworks Now On Sale in Suisun City

RESIDENTS URGED TO FOLLOW SAFETY PROCEDURES

SUISUN CITY – For the first time in decades, fireworks will be sold the general public in Suisun City starting at noon on Thursday.

The City Council approved the sale of safe 'n' sane fireworks as a means to generate ongoing funding for community events, particularly the annual July 4th celebration.

Three booths will begin selling fireworks at noon Thursday and can continue selling them daily until 9 p.m. on July 4. The booths are staffed by local non-profit groups, which will each earn a share of the sales proceeds to fund their programs.

"Families and neighborhoods coming together to celebrate American independence around safe and fun fireworks displays has a rich tradition in many parts of this country," said City Marketing Manager Scott Corey. "We hope Suisun City residents will enjoy this new aspect of our local celebration and do so responsibly."

The booth locations and the groups involved are as follows:

• Highway 12 at Marina Boulevard - Solano Sea Otters swim club
• Heritage Park Shopping Center - Suisun City Historic Waterfront BID and the Suisun Titans Youth Football & Cheer
• Sunset Shopping Center - Suisun American Little League

Fireworks may be sold:

• June 28 - Noon to 10 p.m.
• June 29 - July 3 - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• July 4 - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Residents may legally use safe 'n' sane fireworks within City limits, but may not use them in the county areas surrounding the city nor in Fairfield. Fireworks cannot be used on city property, within city parks or in high fire danger areas. >>Use Area Map

Fireworks may be used:

• 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 28 through July 6
• Use during any other dates or times is unlawful

READ MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING AREAS WHERE FIREWORKS ARE NOT ALLOWED

Fireworks Sales Permit Applications Now Available

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Suisun City Council has legalized the sale of State-certified Safe and Sane fireworks within city limits from approved wholesalers to help raise money needed to fund future July 4th celebrations.

Local non-profit organizations interested in obtaining one of three available fireworks sellers permits can now apply to be selected.

The general process is as follows:

• Qualified non-profit groups can apply for one of three sales permits to be issued for 2012
• Applications are available at the Fire Station, City Hall and on this web page
• Completed applications with $50 application fee are due to the City Manager's Office by May 18
• If necessary, a lottery will be held at 10 a.m. May 22 in City Hall 
• Selected groups will be notified, and must complete all the steps outlined on the application, including submission of $85 permit fee, by June 11

For more information on the process, including links to the application and other important documents, please go to www.suisun.com/FD/Fireworks-Sales.html

Copper Thieves Target Street Lights

RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

SUISUN CITY, Calif. – Copper thieves are once again stripping street lights of their wiring in Suisun City, and the public’s help is needed to catch these criminals and safeguard our street lighting.

On April 17, the Police Department reported four street lights were not working on Railroad Avenue near Village Drive. When Public Works crews responded, they discovered the wiring had been cut and stolen from the conduit between the street lights, and found that additional lights also were affected.

Replacing street light wiring is both time-consuming and very expensive. The City does not have equipment necessary to rewire the lights so a private contractor must be hired, which is an unbudgeted expense.

For a period of more than a year, copper thieves have been stealing wiring from street lights on Walters Road and in the Peterson Ranch subdivision.

Residents should watch for unusual activity near street lights poles particularly during evening hours. Legitimate work on City street lights is normally conducted during the daytime by crews with vehicles and uniforms bearing the City emblem, PG&E logos, or a contractor employed by the City.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to immediately call the Police Department at 707-421-7373.

Free Family Movies Saved for 2012 by Suisun Foundation and Kiwanis

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Suisun City Community Services Foundation will keep the summer tradition of Saturday Night at the Movies alive this year thanks to a generous donation from the Kiwanis Club of Suisun City. The free family movies will run for eight consecutive weeks starting July 7, 2012.

"In a time where families are experiencing severe cutbacks in their personal budgets, entertainment is usually the first to go!" said Lori Wilson, Foundation co-chair. "This event helps families enjoy a fun night out at the beautiful marina and fosters a sense of community. It's exciting to know that organizations within the community care about the families of Suisun City."

Saturday Night at the Movies was among the community events cut from the city budget after redevelopment was abolished in California. The Foundation is working to raise enough money to continue as many of these events as possible, with particular focus on the July 4 celebration.

"Special thanks to Kiwanis, who helped the foundation save its first event!" Wilson said.

>> Read more, including the movie schedule

This Week in Suisun City - Community Meeting, Wildflower Train, Live Theater

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Here is a capsule look ahead at what's going on this week in Suisun City:

• Wednesday, April 18, 7 p.m. - Community meeting on youth, crime and drugs at the Nelson Community Center
• Wednesday, April 18 - Scenic Limited Wildflower Train, Western Railway Museum
  
• Thursday-Sunday, April 19-22 - 'Distracted' by Solano College Theatre at the Harbor Theater. This is the closing weekend for this show that has gotten tremendous reviews!
• Saturday, April 21 - Earth Day in Suisun City presented by Mission Solano.  A full day of activities for the whole family on Sheldon Plaza.
•  Saturday, April 21 - Native American Walk presented by the Suisun Wildlife Center at Rockville Hills Park
• Saturday, April 21 - Vintage Comet Wine Tasting Train, Western Railway Museum
• Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22 - Scenic Limited Wildflower Train, Western Railway Museum

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

• April 28 - Rush Ranch Open House
• April 28 - MS Walk: Solano County
• April 28 - Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
• May 13 - Mother's Day Artisan Fair

For more about all these events, go to www.visitsuisuncity.com or "Like" us at www.facebook.com/SuisunCity

This Week in Suisun City: Events fundraisers, wildflower trains, live theater

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Here is a capsule look ahead at what's going on this week in Suisun City:

• Wednesday, April 11 - Scenic Limited Wildflower Train, Western Railway Museum
  
• Wednesday, April 11 - Suisun Foundation Fundraiser Hosted by Athenian Grill, 5 pm to closing - 20% of meal ticket donated to support community events
• Friday-Sunday, April 13-15 - 'Distracted' by Solano College Theatre at the Harbor Theater, playing through April 22
• Saturday, April 14 - Suisun Foundation Fundraiser Hosted by Sunset Bay Kayaks - 50% of rental fees donated to support community events
• Saturday, April 14 - Vintage Comet Wine Tasting Train, Western Railway Museum
• Saturday & Sunday, April 14-15 - Scenic Limited Wildflower Train, Western Railway Museum

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

• April 21 - Native American Walk
• April 21 - Earth Day
• April 28 - Rush Ranch Open House
• April 28 - Prescription Take-Back Day
• April 28 - MS Walk: Solano County

For more about all these events, go to www.visitsuisuncity.com or "Like" us at www.facebook.com/SuisunCity

Field Survey & Monitoring Consultant Sought for Grizzly Island Trail Project

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Building and Public Works Department issued a request for proposals for firms qualified to perform field survey and monitoring work associated with the Grizzly Island Trail Project.

Under the direction of the Director of Building and Public Works, the consulting firm(s) is expected to perform

• Pre-construction surveys
• Perform follow-up field surveys
• Monitor the project site
• Coordinate and meet with regulatory agencies
• Provide guidance to City staff on implementing necessary measures
• Provide contractor education and training, prepare a noise monitoring plan
• Prepare reports on field surveys, and
• Perform other related work as described in this Request for Proposals (RFP)

The project is located along a portion of Highway 12, between Marina Boulevard and Grizzly Island Road. 

>> For more information, go to www.suisun.com

Notice Issued Seeking Construction Bids for Grizzly Island Trail Project

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Building & Public Works Department has issued a notice seeking construction bids for the Grizzly Island Trail Project.

The project is located along a portion of Highway 12, between Marina Boulevard and Grizzly Island Road. The planned work includes:

• a 0.8-mile-long concrete pathway parallel to portions of Marina Boulevard and Highway 12, and
• a 0.13-mile-long sidewalk along Grizzly Island Road.

The pathway adjacent to Marina Boulevard and Highway 12 will be 12-feet wide, and the portion adjacent to Grizzly Island Road will be sidewalks with varying widths. Other improvements include a school bus turnout and parking stalls in the southeastern portion of the work along Grizzly Island Road and other ancillary work. Other locations along the new pathway may include seat walls or other features that will require lightly loaded foundations. The site is at a relatively low elevation and some areas of the project may receive fills a few feet thick to improve drainage and for compliance with ADA criteria.

Bid are due April 17, 2012.

>> For more information, go to www.suisun.com
 

Regional Water Board Approves Suisun City Walmart Center

Regional Water Board Grants Suisun City Walmart Approvals

By Barry Eberling, Daily Republic
OAKLAND — Walmart won approval Wednesday from a regional water board for environmental steps that help clear the way for a proposed Suisun City store.

The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board heard from both proponents and opponents at a meeting in the state’s Elihu M. Harris building in downtown Oakland. Then it approved environmental mitigations for the project by a 4-0 vote, with one member abstaining.

Walmart is now waiting for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biological opinion and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit. Suisun City’s city manager, Suzanne Bragdon, expressed hope that construction of the 182,000-square-foot Walmart supercenter will be under way this fall.

>>Read more at www.suisuncitybusiness.com or www.dailyrepublic.com

Regional Career Fair Scheduled for April 5

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The 14th biannual WIB Regional Career Fair will bring more than 80 employers with current jobs to fill together with job seekers on Thursday April 5.

The Career Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Phoenix at 5253 Business Center Drive, Fairfield. >> map

This is the largest regularly scheduled job fair sponsored by the Workforce Investment Board of Solano County.

To help job seekers prepare for to meet prospective employers at the Fair, one-hour preparation workshops are being offered at the Fairfield and Vallejo WIB offices.

For more information and a complete list of employers, please go to www.solanowib.org or call 707-863-3596.

Audio Equipment and HVAC Bids Now Being Accepted

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Building and Public Works Department has opened bidding for two projects: 

1. Council Chamber Conference System, and
2. HVAC Controls Upgrade Project

Proposals and/or bids for each project are due on March 27, 2012.  For more information, please visit www.suisun.com 

The Council Chamber Conference System project consists of replacing the digital audio conferencing system used in the City Hall Council Chamber. The system must consist of nine council microphones, one audience podium microphone and one presenter microphone.

The HVAC Controls Upgrade Project involves upgrade or replacement of existing HVAC control system at the Community Center, install new compatible controls at City Hall, the Police Station and the Senior Center; integrate all locations to be computer controlled at the City Hall location; and other incidental work as required.

More detailed information about both projects, including complete notices, are available at www.suisun.com

City Recruiting for an Accountant

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Administrative Services Department is accepting applications for the position of accountant.  Applications are due March 26.

The is an excellent career position for someone with two years of professional accounting experience, particularly in a municipal government environment.  The monthly salary range is $4,225 to $5,703.

The position performs professional accounting work, recording and reporting of financial transactions and budgeting controls for assigned funds and City departments; reviews accounts payable, payroll, receivables and other fiscal records; and prepares financial report statement and analyses. Positions in this class require prior experience.

Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction and assistance as new or unusual situations arise, are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit, and require the ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.

For more information or to apply, please visit www.suisun.com today.

The Waterfront Cafe Pulling Into Suisun City Train Station

SUISUN CITY — A new café will open in the Suisun City Train Station to provide convenient food service and a unique atmosphere for commuters, transit users and nearby office workers.

The City signed a lease with The Waterfront Café, LLC., in December, concluding a search for a new operator for the historic Train Station location, a key regional transportation hub.

“We are very excited about the strong potential for The Waterfront Café to be a terrific ambassador welcoming people to Suisun City while providing commuters the services they deserve,” said Marketing Manager Scott Corey.

Local entrepreneurs Tina Montez and Kevin Smith are working to launch The Waterfront Café by early February, featuring as many local, healthy and sustainable products as possible.

“We’re looking forward to servicing the commuters as well as the community who live, work and visit the Waterfront District,” Smith said.

The café will complement the station’s key transportation services, including the Amtrak/Capitol Corridor, Fairfield-Suisun Transit (FAST), and Greyhound and other local connections provided at the station by the City of Rio Vista Delta Breeze transit service.

Terms of the lease require the station to be open by 6 a.m. weekdays to serve commuters using the increasingly popular Amtrak/Capitol Corridor train service, which operates 32 trains daily connecting Solano County’s only commuter rail stop with Sacramento and the entire Bay Area.

Supreme Court Delivers Worst-Case Scenario for Suisun City Redevelopment

SUISUN CITY — When the California Supreme Court upheld on Thursday the dissolution of Redevelopment Agencies and struck down a voluntary program to keep them alive, it delivered the worst-case scenario for the Suisun City Redevelopment Agency.

The elimination of the Redevelopment Agency will require cutting the current City budget by $1.4 million, which the City Council has discussed in theory for several months. Because the option to pay annually to retain the Redevelopment Agency was eliminated, Suisun City stands to lose approximately $13 million in additional cash and assets.

“We’re still digesting the court’s decision,” said City Manager Suzanne Bragdon. “But from reading the basic background provided by the court, it’s clear that those not at the local level – people not on the ground – miss the whole concept that redevelopment provides tools to make new development and new projects happen that wouldn’t happen by private investment alone.
 
"Instead, they describe redevelopment as a big shell game that allows cities to grab property taxes from other entities, rather than a tool to grow the overall property tax pool – not to mention the creation of other tax revenues and jobs – which benefits everyone, including schools and the State," Bragdon said. "This decision has severely limited future business development in a community like Suisun City.”

>> Read about more local impacts and link to the court opinion

$4.7 million Suisun City Affordable Housing Renovation Complete

Public-Private Partnership Extends Life of Housing Complex

 
SUISUN CITY — A $4.7 million renovation of the Village II apartment complex in Suisun City has been completed providing residents of the 106-unit affordable housing complex modern kitchens, bathrooms and other amenities.

The modernization project of the 40-year-old complex was undertaken by the Solano Affordable Housing Foundation (SAHF), with support from the City of Suisun City and numerous other federal, state and local public programs.

“The renovation of the Village II is a textbook example of how the community benefits when public and private entities work together,” said Suzanne Bragdon, Suisun City Manager. “Creating partnerships is how we get things done in Suisun City.”

Veronica Champine

With new affordable housing projects difficult to complete, it was important for the community to extend the lifespan of existing complexes such as the Village II, located at 506 Civic Center Blvd., in Suisun City.

Coordinating the strengths of government programs, a non-profit developer, and for-profit construction and management companies resulted in upgrades averaging $44,000 per unit. Many units received all new kitchens and bathrooms, washer/dryer, and upgraded electrical systems. The complex exterior and grounds also were upgraded.

The work pumped several million dollars into the local economy during a period when many construction projects are frozen. Local subcontractors performed $2.2 million of the construction work, with the balance awarded to companies in neighboring counties. Contractor Tricorp Hearn has offices in Vacaville, and the key on-site personnel are Solano County residents.

“SAHF strives to utilize as many local contractors as reasonably possible when building or renovating a complex,” said Michael Rice, President of Suisun City-based builder Main Street West Partners and a member of SAHF’s Board of Directors.

Financing the project was complex and involved federal, state, and local government agencies. The starting point was the City of Suisun City, which approved the use of tax-exempt bonds for the debt structure of the project. Though the City took on no obligation for repayment, it had to approve the bonds as meeting a public purpose. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided the mortgage insurance needed to secure the financing, and two departments of the California Treasurer’s Office issued the bond and tax-credit allocations.

Several private sector entities also participated, including the transaction lender PNC Financial of San Francisco. Equity for the transaction was provided by Oakland’s Merritt Community Capital Corporation (MCCC), a non-profit affordable housing investor that has provided several million dollars for Solano County affordable housing.

The project developer and general partner for the ownership group is SAHF, a non-profit corporation located in Fairfield, charged with increasing and improving the supply of affordable housing in Solano County. In its 20-year history, SAHF has constructed or renovated more than 1,000 dwelling units, and brought more than $80 million in affordable financing for housing to the County.

“Affordable housing transactions are very complex requiring the teamwork of a number of both public and private entities,” said Dennis McCray, Executive Director for SAHF. “The result for Village II was particularly positive: in 9 ½ months the team temporarily relocated 106 families and their belongings, and performed more than $40,000 per unit in improvements. The relocation tab alone was just shy of $1 million. The success of the project is largely due to the expertise of Tricorp Hearn, the contractor, the supervising architect, Construction Services Division of John Stewart Company, and the relocation firm of David Richman.”

Because affordable housing is increasingly difficult to build due to ever-increasing costs and complex regulations, upgrading 106 existing affordable units to current standards is a substantial benefit for both the community and building residents.

Marvin Leaks

Tenants at the Village II were very pleased with the results.

“I had all original fixtures in my apartment, now I feel like I have a brand new home!” said Veronica Champine, a 12-year resident of the Village. “I love my new kitchen with so much more cabinet space, the new bathroom is wonderful, and I got brand new carpet, which was a surprise. We now have air conditioning too! I love coming home. It’s the closest thing I have to owning my own home. I love it!”

“It’s just lovely!” said 14-year resident Marvin Leaks, fondly referred to as “Mr. Marv.” “We are so excited about our new kitchen cabinets, countertops, the new flooring, beautiful new closet doors, and air conditioning. We love our new home so much we bought a few new decorations for it. Property management did an excellent job preparing us for the construction process and temporary relocation. I love the whole deal.”