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

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

$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.”

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.

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.

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

Coast and Creek Cleanup Coming Soon! Together We Make a Difference

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - On Saturday, September 17, 2011, Suisun City residents will come out to clean trash and debris from local urban creeks, marshes, and bays, as part of the statewide California Coastal Cleanup Day.

Last year, the three-hour citizen event coordinated by Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District collected nearly 4000 pounds of trash and recyclables from just the Suisun Waterfront and Estuary, the Rush Ranch area, and Belden’s Landing.

Throughout the cities of Suisun City and Fairfield, the 2010 Coast & Creek Cleanup volunteers covered 23 miles of waterways. The event was a huge success, due to the growing number of volunteers each year. Thank you to the tremendous turnout of our community members, like Trish Abbatiello of Sunset Bay Kayaks. For several years, she has provided kayaks to volunteers to help remove trash that is otherwise difficult to reach from the shore.

Would you like to make a difference?

Groups and individuals are invited to participate at any of the cleanup sites. No experience is required, but each volunteer (or parent/guardian if a minor) must sign a liability waiver to participate.

For more information about the Cleanup, visit the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District website at www.fssd.com, call the Don’t Pollute hotline at (707) 428-9191 or see the event listing at www.VisitSuisunCity.com.

Pre-registration is not required, and drop-ins are welcome!

Air Force Thunderbirds Arrive for Travis Air Expo this Weekend

The information below was provided by the Travis AFB Public Affairs Office regarding the arrival of the Thunderbirds, the elite air demonstration team of the U.S. Air Force.

TRAVIS AFB -- The Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team has arrived at Travis AFB.

The Thunderbirds fly F-16 jets, which are faster and louder than the cargo and tanker aircraft normally seen in and around Solano County.

The Thunderbirds will practice intermittently until about 6:30 p.m. tonight. They will hold practice flights again Friday beginning at about 1 p.m.

Other aircraft also will be arriving at Travis today and Friday, including more fighters, bombers and vintage aircraft.

Travis will open its gates Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. for the airshow. Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. each day. The event is free to the public.

The Thunderbirds will close the airshow each day with a performance that begins at about 3 p.m.

For more on the Air Expo, see www.visitsuisuncity.com/event/travis-air-expo

Youth Business Boot Camp

The Solano College Small Business Development Center will conduct a free week-long Youth Business Boot Camp on June 20-24, 9 am – 3 pm, as part the Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP) for for youth ages 14-27.

This free program is designed to teach young people how to start a business or simply explore the world of business. The Boot Camp will be held at the Solano College Main Campus, Room 706.

“We had 42 very motivated youth participate in our pilot program in Vacaville and Vallejo," said Charles Eason, Director of the SBDC, "Entrepreneurship is an important element for increasing the self-confidence levels of students. Many students have a desire to achieve their dreams and goals of developing a business. However they need guidance, a clear plan, and encouragement."

During the week long business boot camp, participants will work individually or in teams to develop a business plan for starting and growing a business of their choice. The 30-hour program is structured to offer practical and hands-on learning from Solano College Certified Business Advisors and Local Business Leaders.

The YEP program is funded by a grant through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office Economic Workforce Development Program to promote entrepreneurship as a career pathway.

The program focuses on practical interpersonal and technical skills needed to own and operate a business. The goal of YEP is to provide information, knowledge, and “real world” experience to help students master business related skills. “We are teaching youth how they can turn their passion and talents into a business,” Eason said.

For more information regarding the YEP program or to register for the Youth Business Boot Camp, contact the SBDC at (707) 864-3382 or visit www.solanosbdc.org.

Solano Land Trust Seeks Rush Ranch Docents

SUISUN CITY - Solano Land Trust is recruiting docents to teach about the ecology of Rush Ranch and Suisun Marsh. This is a brand new docent program that will complement the existing education and recreation programs at Rush Ranch.

do·cent, noun, \ˈdō-s^ənt, dō(t)-ˈsent\: a person who leads guided tours
ecol·o·gy, noun \i-ˈkä-lə-jē, e-\: a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments

No prior experience is necessary. New docents will receive four days of training, each covering a different topic about the marsh. The training dates are

• Thursday, June 9th from 6:30pm to 8pm
• Wednesday, June 15th from 6:30pm to 8pm
• Saturday, June 18th from 2pm to 5pm, and
• Thursday, June 23rd from 6:30pm to 8pm.

All trainings will be on-site at Rush Ranch: 3521 Grizzly Island Road, off Highway 12, about 2 miles south of Suisun City.

Rush Ranch is recognized as one of the best remaining brackish tidal marsh habitats in the United States, and therefore it's protected as part of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (San Francisco Bay NERR). Sarah Ferner of NERR will be the expert trainer for new docents. She'll share what makes Rush Ranch so special – how it’s exceptionally rich in plants and animals; why these plants and animals depend on Rush Ranch for survival; how the marsh provides essential habitat for commercially important fish and crabs; how it filters mud from the Bay's murky waters; and how it protects the shoreline from flooding. Docents-in-training will reflect on the ways the marsh was important for Native American food and travel, and how Rush Ranch continues to serve as a living laboratory for scientific research.

Docents in this new program will share insights about the marsh, guide and inspire children and adults, and join the Solano Land Trust community.

Solano Land Trust is a public benefit organization dedicated to protecting working farms and natural areas in Solano County. 2011 is Solano Land Trust’s 25^th Anniversary. Since 1986, it has permanently protected over 20,000 acres of land for the current and future residents of Solano County.

RSVP on or before Thursday, June 9th by contacting Natalie DuMont, Solano Land Trust Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, at 707-432-0150 x200 or volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org.

"Spring Fling" Saturday Celebrates Kroc Center Progress

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Salvation Army serving Solano County invites the entire community to participate in Saturday's "Spring Fling" to celebrate the progress of the Suisun City Kroc Center.

This community barbecue with jumphouses, inflatables, games, giveaways, music and much more will run 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the facility adjacent to Hall Park on Pintail at East Wigeon Way. >> map >>

The Salvation Army believes this community center will play a vital role to enhance and improve the lives of individuals and families living throughout Solano County. This new community center will offer people ways to improve the health of their mind, body and soul, enabling individuals to grow and improve themselves in all aspects of life.

The Salvation Army serving Solano County is pleased to announce that construction of this multi-million dollar life enrichment center is about to begin, the first step in the creation and implementation of this important project.

When complete, this community center will boast a full aquatic center, community rooms, cardio and weight machines, banquet and party facilities, a rock climbing wall as well as multiple group fitness areas and a chapel and performing arts center.

“This event will be an opportunity for the community to come together and learn more about this center and what it will be offering to them,” said Captain Jonathan Harvey, Suisun City Corps Officer. “We will have lots of fun things for the entire family, including a bbq lunch, bounce house for the children, and most importantly, a chance for neighbors to get to know each other.”

For more information about the Kroc Center, go to www.suisunkroc.org

Travis AFB Plans Friday Exercise

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Travis Air Force Base will conduct an exercise on Friday that may result in visible smoke and noise that can be heard from nearby urban areas.

The smoke should dissipate quickly, and is not expected to pose any hazards.

The exercise is part of the ongoing readiness mission of Travis Air Force Base as the leading military airlift facility on the West Coast.

For more information, please contact the 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Office at 707-424-2011.

Solano Community College Celebrates 65th Anniversary

Solano Community College has been a key part of the local higher education system for 65 years. Suisun City has long supported the College and its programs, including the Theater Arts program housed at Harbor Theater in the Suisun City Waterfront.

Here's the College's announcement regarding its upcoming gala celebration:

SCC CELEBRATES 65 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Solano Community College Foundation (SCCF) announces our 65th Anniversary Celebration on May 20, benefitting the SCC Osher Scholarship Endowment.

The anniversary celebration will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a wine reception and gourmet dinner by Alex’s Catering. Featured keynote speaker is Ed Rollins, former White House political director and Class of 1962 alumni.

Following dinner, jazz and blues legend, Barbara Morrison, will kick off a musical tribute to the evening’s theme, “Celebrating the College’s history; Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.” The musical tribute will include performances from the SCC Jazz Band and the Social Dance Club.

Peter Bostic, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement said that this musical reunion is going to be a fun way of raising $65,000 for student scholarships. The monies raised will be matched by the Bernard Osher Foundation through June 2011.

The anniversary event begins at the Ulatis Community Center for the reception and dinner, and then the musical concert will take place next door at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre. This will be an evening of gathering, food, and entertainment that will be remembered for years to come.

For more information on tickets and sponsorship, call 707-864-7141 or go to www.solano.edu.

About Solano Community College

Solano Community College is celebrating its 65th Anniversary this year! The College has been an icon in the county since 1945 when it started as Vallejo Junior College. In the early 1970s, the College moved to its present Fairfield site. The College serves over 12,000 students every semester and over 20,000 over the academic year. In addition to the campus in Fairfield, the College has two Centers at Vallejo and Vacaville, and offers courses at Travis Air Force Base. The College operates a School of Aeronautics at the Nut Tree Airport. The College offers Associate Degrees and Certificates in various disciplines and provides training in several trades. For more information, please visit us at www.solano.edu.

Mother's Day Artisan Fair

The Suisun City Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District is proud to present the Mother's Day Artisan Fair on the Suisun City Harbor Plaza ( map ) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday May 8, 2011.

The BID press release:

Celebrate Mother's Day at the Suisun Waterfront! We have a GREAT day planned for your family!

Over 50 unique artisans will participate in the 2nd annual Mother's Day Artisan Fair on Sunday May 8th, 10 am - 3 pm, at Harbor Plaza, Main and Solano Streets, Suisun City. The event will also feature "The Amber Snider Band" live with special guests "The Pine Dogz" (Amber's Mom and Dad!) making it a true family celebration for Mother's Day!

Booths featuring quality hand-crafted wares will be set up in the park and along the beautiful waterfront. Bring Mom to browse the booths, meet the artists and find a special treasure she will love!

Our talented artists are gathering from all over northern CA and will be selling handcrafted jewelry, soaps, candles, sea kelp and colorful woven baskets, ceramics and pottery, quilts, quilted baby sets, woven scarves, original art and art prints, journals, painting on china, garden art, metal sculpture, photography, wood crafts, glass platters and bowls, seasonal plants and herbs, fabric totes and sachets, specialty olive oils and coffees, homemade fudge, Hawaiian items, hair bows, crochet items, and so much more!

Bay Area singer-songwriter Amber Snider and her "Amber Snider Band" will bring their unique brand of folk-rock, country and blues to the Historic Waterfront stage. Amber has recently released two new CD's, was featured on KRON-TV's Best of the Bay and has been called "Super talented!" by Rich Freedman - Vallejo Times Herald. "The Amber Snider Band" plays more than 100 headline shows a year.

"The Pine Dogz", Diana and Steve Wallis, play the kind of music you grew up with, sang along with and remembered special occasions by......music from the 50's through the 90's and their own unique songs too! You and Mom are going to enjoy the show!

Before or after the fair, stop for a delicious brunch or lunch at one of the fine Waterfront District restaurants! The setting is awesome and there are twelve independent restaurants to choose from.....something to please any mom!

Make special Mother's Day memories....... SEE YOU THERE!

For vendor and shopper information: (707) 399-7195 or www.suisunwaterfront.com.

Public Invited to Comment on Grizzly Island Trail

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The public is invited to share its input on the Grizzly Island Trail project, which would create a pedestrian/bicycle trail from Grizzly Island Road to Marina Boulevard on the south side of State Route 12.

Any comments must be received by 6 p.m. Monday April 11, 2011. A hearing before the City Council will be scheduled for later in the month during which additional public comment can be offered.

This .9-mile concrete trail, will

• Eliminate or minimize the need for students who attend Crescent Elementary School and Crystal Middle School to cross Highway 12 to reach a sidewalk or bike path.
• Eliminate or minimize the need for Suisun City residents and visitors to cross Highway 12 when bicycling or walking to destinations on the south side of Highway 12, and to reduce the incidence of illegal/unsafe crossings of Grizzly Island Road and Marina Boulevard. These destinations include the Lawler Ranch neighborhood, the Lawler Ranch Commercial Area, the Waterfront District, and the multi-modal transit station, as well as the Solano County Offices and Downtown Fairfield.
• Augment and complement the existing natural educational programs administered by the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District and the Suisun Resource Conservation District.
• Provide a visual and recreational buffer between the Highway 12 corridor and the adjacent Suisun Marsh habitat to encourage viewing of wildlife and the marsh area.

The total project cost is about $2 million with grant funding secured through the Solano Transportation Authority and the state Safe Routes to School Program. The project has a construction deadline of June 2012.

>> See the designs and learn how to share your thoughts with the City >>

Free Veterans' Forum Focuses on Service Benefits

Suisun City, Calif. - A free forum to help all military veterans learn about and apply for state and federal benefits they earned through their service will be held Saturday, April 2, 2011, at the Nelson Community Center. >> Get Map >>

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a complimentary lunch for those who RSVP (see information below).

On hand to discuss services with veterans and their families will be representatives from

• California Department of Veterans Affairs
• United States Department of Veterans Affairs
• Social Security Administration
• Sacramento Valley National Cemetery
• Local veterans groups
• Several other groups.

The forum will be presented in two parts. In the morning session, speakers from federal, state, and local agencies will discuss services available to all veterans, such as health care, disability claims, survivor and burial benefits, and employment assistance.

Following a complimentary lunch, the afternoon sessions will focus on services specifically for women veterans and veterans readjusting to civilian life.

Caseworkers will be available throughout the day to help veterans file disability and pension claims. Please bring your DD214 if available.

For more information or to RSVP, call 707-455-8025 or click here.

The forum is sponsored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada and the City of Suisun City.

SOLANO COLLEGE THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR SUMMER SHOWS

Summer Production Classes Give Everyone a Chance to Experience Theatre

Fairfield, CA – March 22, 2011 – Solano College Theatre announces auditions for two upcoming summer productions, The Visit and Love’s Labour’s Lost. Unlike other SCT productions, everyone who auditions for these summer classes will receive a part. Both productions are completely student produced, and design and technical skills are needed as well.

Auditions for The Visit, directed by George Maguire, are April 25 and 27 at the Harbor Theatre in Downtown Suisun City. Callbacks are May 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Actors are asked to prepare a one-minute contemporary monologue. All roles are available, except the role of Claire Zachanassian, which will be played by SCT Conservatory Director Carla Spindt. Please see our website at www.solanocollegetheatre.com for a complete listing of available roles. Please call the Solano College Theatre production office at (707) 864-7000, ext. 4518 to schedule an audition appointment. Written by German playwright Friedrich Durrenmatt, The Visit takes place “somewhere in Central Europe” and tells of an elderly millionairess who, merely on the promise of her millions, swiftly turns a depressed area into a boom town…but with what macabre condition? Rehearsals for The Visit begin June 13, 2011. The play performs outside on the Suisun City Waterfront July 26-28 and August 2-4.

Auditions for Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, Directed by Carla Spindt, are April 29 from 6-10 p.m. and May 1 from 2-5 p.m. at the Harbor Theatre in Downtown Suisun City. Callbacks are May 9 from 6-10 p.m. Actors are asked to prepare a one-minute monologue from Shakespeare and be prepared to read from the script. All roles are available. Please see our website at www.solanocollegetheatre.com for a complete listing of available roles. Please call the Solano College Theatre production office at (707) 864-7000, ext. 4518 to schedule an audition appointment. Love’s Labour’s Lost is one of the bard's earliest comedies, in which four bachelors who have dedicated themselves to chastity and scholarly pursuits soon encounter the women of their dreams. Rehearsals for the play are June 6 to August 4, 2011, from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. It performs at the Harbor Square Courtyard in front of the fireplace on August 5-7 and 10-13.

Both of these shows are summer production classes. All actors are required to assist with technical and design support. Actors will also be required to register for four units at Solano Community College to participate in either production (or eight units to participate in both).

This Weekend in Suisun City

Here are some ideas for things to do this weekend in and around Suisun City, California:

Friday (March 18, 2011)

• "Eurydice" Presented by Solano College Theatre at Suisun City Harbor Theater. 7:30 pm; Tickets $13-20. 720 Main Street, Suisun City
  

Saturday (March 19, 2011)

• Get the Rush and Birds of Prey Workshop at Rush Ranch. 9am-5pm. FREE. Grizzly Island Road south of Suisun City. Hikes, blacksmithing demo, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more for the entire family.
  
  
• Salvation Army KROC Center Construction Kickoff Party. Noon-2pm. FREE. 586 E. Wigeon Way, Suisun City. BBQ, jump house, face painting, family games, info about new KROC Center.
  
  
• "Eurydice" Presented by Solano College Theatre at Suisun City Harbor Theater. 7:30 pm; Tickets $13-20. 720 Main Street, Suisun City

Sunday (March 20, 2011)

• "Eurydice" Presented by Solano College Theatre at Suisun City Harbor Theater. FINAL SHOW 2 pm; Tickets $13-20. 720 Main Street, Suisun City
  
  
• Solano Suzuki Strings presented by the Wednesday Club of Suisun's Young Artists Series. 2 pm; Tickets $10. 225 Sacramento Street, Suisun City
  

Ongoing

• Lawler House Gallery (718 Main Street) Open Noon to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday
• Solano History Exploration Center, now open 12-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Lawler House
• The Suisun Wildlife Center Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily
• Visit the rustic Suisun Valley wine country
• Western Railway Museum, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
  

For more upcoming events and things to do in Suisun City, go to www.VisitSuisunCity.com

Savation Army to Invest $44 Million in Suisun City Center

Endowment to Build Third California Kroc Center in Suisun City

SUISUN CITY, CALIF - The Salvation Army is pleased to announce its commitment to construct a $22 million Joan Kroc Community Center in Suisun City, CA. The money for the improvements to a facility already purchased in the city was given by the organization’s corporate headquarters in Long Beach, CA through a bequest left to The Salvation Army by Joan Kroc, wife of Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s corporation. When Joan Kroc died in 2003, she left The Salvation Army the largest charitable gift in history to the tune of $1.8 billion. Of that money, $450 million was allotted for the Western Territory of the United States. This community center in Suisun City will be the seventh in the Western United States. >> More about Kroc Centers >>

"The city of Suisun admires the leadership of The Salvation Army in pushing such a creative project forward in our community. This is an unprecedented program in our city and we are honored to house such a dynamic community center,” said Suisun City Mayor Pete Sanchez. “The city of Suisun pledges to support and help this profitable adventure in any way we can. The facility being built by The Salvation Army will improve our city in remarkable ways."

In whole, this community center is a $44 million commitment. $22 million is the budget for construction with a matching $22 million for endowment. The $22 million endowment will offset some of the operational costs of the facility.

"The Del Oro Division of The Salvation Army is humbled and excited to be rewarded this grant of such generous proportions. It is our goal to fully execute, with great care and certainty, a state of the art community center mirroring the vision of Joan Kroc,” said Major Douglas F. Riley, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army. “This center will be a great asset to the Solano County community and will work to enrich the lives of men, women and children throughout the area. We are blessed to have been rewarded such a wonderful opportunity."

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