Vallejo ePlanet

2004-09-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

California comes calling again for NASCAR aces: "Gordon is hoping to pull off a Golden State triple by winning all three Nextel Cup races held in California in 2004. He already has won at California Speedway and Infineon Raceway and hopes to win the inaugural Pop Secret 500 on Sunday. ... Gordon, a native of Vallejo, Calif., led the most laps last spring on the way to his third career victory at California Speedway. " USA Today

2004-09-01T22:50:00.000-07:00

Raucous crowd forces delay in Wal-Mart vote: "A rambunctious crowd of more than 300 people tried to squeeze into an American Canyon Planning Commission meeting Tuesday night to weigh in on a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter, forcing city officials to cancel the meeting because the crowd created a fire hazard." Napa Valley Register

2004-09-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Closure expected for flour plant: "Vallejo's 75-year-old General Mills plant, once the largest flour producer in California, likely will close in October, company spokeswoman Marybeth Thorsgaard said Tuesday." The Reporter

2004-04-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

Local School Board Asks for State Control: "The moves comes one week after the district fired its superintendent. The Vallejo school board also moved to cut costs by closing an elementary school, laying off music teachers, school counselors and librarians. " KRON TV News

2004-04-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

Vallejo set for state takeover: "The board also has asked a Solano County grand jury to investigate how the district fell into its fiscal crisis, board president Rozzana Verder-Aliga announced to a boisterous crowd that overflowed outside.
The board is concerned district officials may have been aware of the district's deficit before the school board was informed, Verder-Aliga said, citing several meetings and a letter about which the board did not know." Contra Costa Times

2004-04-01T22:01:00.000-08:00

Vallejo School Board Asks State To Take Over District: "With the district facing a deficit of $20 million, members of the Vallejo City Unified School District voted unanimously Wednesday night to turn the district over to state control.
The school board blames the money trouble on financial mismanagement. Now the school board is looking into allegations that the district office received information of financial problems." NBC11 News

2004-03-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

Man with video camera shuts freeway / Long lens aimed at I-80 rattles commuters: "Law officers arrested Rickey Roy Badgley, 51, almost two hours later after a standoff, only to discover he seems to have been targeting motorists with a video camera fitted with a high-powered lens, not a rifle fitted with a high-powered scope. They released him late Tuesday afternoon. " San Francisco Chronicle

2004-03-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

What went wrong?

Vallejo school district facing state takeover: "The Vallejo school district may need $50 million to pay its bills through the fall and an emergency state loan just to keep its classroom doors open this year, district officials said." Contra Costa Times

2004-03-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

Vallejo man fatally knifed; suspect found: "A 28-year-old Vallejo man died late Monday after someone stabbed him outside of a fast-food restaurant, authorities said Tuesday.
Around 9 p.m. Monday police received a report of a man down outside of a Church's Fried Chicken restaurant at 9120 Solano Ave., Vallejo police Lt. Jim Jaksch said." Daily Republic

2004-03-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Vallejo man slew officer, jury says: "Joseph Teitgen murdered a Vallejo police officer and tried to kill another, a jury decided this week, nearly six months after the 38-year-old's first trial resulted in a hung jury" Contra Costa Times

2004-03-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

Indians' Sabathia goes home: "A team spokesman said Sabathia, whose father died of cancer last fall, went home to Vallejo, Calif., and would likely return to camp on Sunday. Sabathia is scheduled to make his third spring start Monday against the Montreal Expos." Ledger-Enquirer

2004-03-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

Retrial Yields Guilty Verdicts in Death of Vallejo Police Officer: "Joseph Teitgen, 38, was accused of first-degree murder for shooting and killing Officer Jeffrey Azuar in April 2000. Azuar and other officers had gone to Teitgen's home to serve him with an arrest warrant for failing to serve a 90-day jail sentence on a grand theft conviction. " KXTV News10

2004-03-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

Sewage Backup Forces Residents From Their Homes In Vallejo: "Sewage began backing up in at least three apartments Sunday morning, but it wasn't until the evening that emergency maintenance crews got on scene." KTXL Fox40

2004-02-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

Two to stand trial for fatal shooting: "Judge Dale Hahn decided Tuesday afternoon that there is enough evidence for Kevin Clarke, 39, and Brian Lee Parker, 28, of Vallejo, to stand trial on charges of murdering Kenneth Hamel and shooting a bystander in East Palo Alto in April, San Mateo County Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. " Palo Alto Weekly

2004-02-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

Rescued dolphin recovers: "Cupid was rescued from a Texas beach last Valentine's Day. He was nursed back to health at the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Networks' island rehabilitation center in Galveston.
Today, he's being flown to California. He'll be making his home at the Flags Marine World in Vallejo (vah-LAY'-hoh), California." NBC 25

2004-02-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

A Daily Look at U.S. Iraq Military Deaths: "Identifications reported by the military: --Air Force Master Sgt. Jude C. Mariano, 39, Vallejo, Calif.; died Tuesday in Doha, Qatar, of injuries from a vehicle accident; assigned to the 615th Air Mobility Operations Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. " Atlanta Journal-Constitution

2004-02-10T22:22:00.000-08:00

Jury selection begins for alleged cop killer
: "Joseph Teitgen is facing a second jury for the shooting death of officer Jeff Azuar in April 2000 when Azuar and two other officers went to Teitgen's Vallejo home to serve an arrest warrant." Daily Republic

2004-01-05T22:49:00.000-08:00

One Man Killed, 4 Wounded In Vallejo Shootings It was a violent first weekend of the year in Vallejo. Five people were shot — including one fatally — in three separate shootings in the city. KGO News

2004-01-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

Vallejo fireboat answers call to anti-terrorism duty: "Since the Sept. 11 attacks, the Vallejo Fire Department has assisted the Coast Guard by prowling the North Bay waters.
Its role involves scrutinizing sensitive infrastructure that could attract terrorists, including bridges, power lines, railways, refineries and other places that officials decline to discuss." Contra Costa Times

2004-01-05T22:44:00.000-08:00

Seven Dead, Several Wounded In Weekend Violence: "The new year in the Bay Area got off to a violent start over the weekend as shootings from Vallejo to San Jose left six dead and several others wounded." Fox News Reno

2004-01-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

Tug McGraw dead at 59: "McGraw was born Aug. 30, 1944, in Martinez, Calif. He was a 1962 graduate of St. Vincent Ferrer High School in Vallejo, Calif. He is survived by a brother, Hank; three sons, " Philadelphia Inquirer

2003-12-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

2-Year-Old Boy Possibly Abducted: "The boy's mother, Esmeralda Flores, said her boyfriend -- 24-year-old Emanuel Sanchez Flores -- had abducted her son, Emanuel Flores Jr., and fled in a Ford Thunderbird, according to the statement.
The man is not the biological father of the child, according to police.
Investigators believe the suspect may have gone to Vallejo in the San Francisco Bay area." NBC4 News Pomona, CA

2003-12-23T21:45:00.000-08:00

Daily Republic: NEWS Index: "Local emergency rooms are flush with flu patients as hospital officials ask residents to take preventive measures against the disease.

Sutter Solano Medical Center in Vallejo began offering masks to emergency room patients who are around flu victims or don't want to spread the disease themselves." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-12-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

CHP Officer Hurt in I-80 Motorcycle Crash: "The California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer involved in a crash on eastbound Interstate Highway 80 Thursday afternoon has been identified as 31-year-old Brian Wittmer. " KRON TV

2003-12-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

Bring back the joy of teaching and learning: "Marie Avera saw her moment of truth in the eyes of a bewildered child.

Stressed out about raising test scores, the Vallejo City teacher was trying to drill a math concept into her students' brains when it became obvious that one child just didn't understand. 'I said, somewhat sharply, 'Don't you get it?' He just looked at me with his big brown eyes. I felt terrible.'" California Educator

2003-11-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

Cop killer back in court : "Teitgen, along with his two defense attorneys were back in court Monday for the first time since September when a jury deadlocked over whether Teitgen was guilty of first or second degree murder in the shooting death of Vallejo Police Officer Jeffrey Azuar at Teitgen's home in April 2000." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-11-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

Solano Bicycle Classic needs volunteers s: "The Solano Bicycle Classic (SBC), a four-day event in California which consistently draws a top domestic field, is in dire need of volunteers for 2004. Event organizers may be forced to drop the amateur and public races, leaving only the pro races. Now the entire SBC is in jeopardy due to lack of logistical support.
Scheduled for April 1-4, 2004, the SBC could be cancelled all together if organizers can not attract sufficient volunteer resources. The decision could be made as early as the next committee meeting on Monday, November 24, or by December 1, according to race chairman Scott Reynolds.
'There's about eight core people on the committee and you can't do it with that number,' said SBC amateur race director Tim Jones in a Daily Republic interview. 'It's all but dead unless there's an outpouring of people willing to commit time from now until the end of the races - and they commit by Thanksgiving. I'm operating under the assumption it's dead.'
Sponsor Development director Denise Kirchubel encourages anyone interested in devoting time between now and the April race dates to call her at (707) 326-2312 or come to Monday's 5:15pm meeting at the Fairfield Community Center, Conference Room C. " CyclingNews.com

2003-11-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

Man, 20, shot by Pinole police after alleged robbery try: "The suspect, Vallejo resident Christopher Siegle, was treated for minor injuries and arrested, Pinole police Cmdr. John Miner said.
The arrest capped an early morning robbery and hostage situation at the Albertsons supermarket at 2750 Pinole Valley Road." Contra Costa Times

2003-11-21T01:30:00.000-08:00

Man pleads innocent to murder of Louisiana couple: "Three other suspects remain in jail in California pending the outcome of extradition proceedings. John Glenn Spencer, 30, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His wife, Bernice Spencer, 21, and her brother Vasco Terrell Zinnerman, 29, are charged with being accessories after the fact. All are from Vallejo, Calif." The Times-Picayune

2003-11-21T01:27:00.000-08:00

Vallejo Mother Found Guilty of Trying to Drown Son: " jury in Vallejo has found 34-year-old Cheavon Brown guilty of attempted murder for dropping her son into the chilly waters of San Pablo Bay.

Brown threw her three-year-old son into the water near the Vallejo Ferry Terminal on April 17. After dropping the child into the Bay, Brown walked from the scene." KXTV 10

2003-11-21T01:26:00.000-08:00

Police identify man run over by motorist: "Sergio Cruz DeJesus, 30, of Vallejo, who suffered major head trauma, is on life support at Queen of the Valley Hospital, Napa Police Cmdr. Andy Lewis said.

DeJesus' body was discovered around 4 a.m. Sunday by a motorist who was eastbound on Shetler Avenue. When the driver first saw DeJesus lying in the middle of the road, he was uncertain if what he had seen was a body, police said." Napa Valley Register

2003-11-14T22:13:00.000-08:00

Caltrans to investigate traffic mess: "Caltrans has begun investigating what caused the construction problem that snarled traffic approaching the country's newest suspension bridge for more than seven hours.
Thousands of motorists were stuck in the Tuesday morning gridlock after the contractor reduced Interstate 80 from three lanes to just one, north of the new Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge." Napa Valley Register

2003-11-14T22:12:00.000-08:00

Pregnat robber arrested: "A pregnant robbery suspect who, in the past two weeks escaped Richmond police custody and broke both ankles while fleeing Vallejo officers, was finally arraigned in her hospital bed, authorities said.
Tomi Rachelle Davis, who is five months pregnant, underwent surgery at a Vallejo hospital Wednesday and, with both legs in plaster casts, was arraigned on two counts of robbery, a Solano County deputy district attorney said." San Jose Mercury News

2003-11-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

Napa Solano Post: "You will find that this publication will enhance your desire for community information and up to date local news. The Napa-Solano Post will be distributed twice a month. What to expect with this publication. This paper offers insight to the happenings of your city government in and around American Canyon and will not censor information but deliver it objectively and effectely providng the reader with the facts as they are reported. Topics include holiday tips, recipes, mobile home news, apartment living, legal briefs, school news, and local sports."

2003-11-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

Carquinez Charter School : "Carquinez Charter School Foundation (CCSF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization formed by a group of local parents working to develop a public Waldorf-methods charter school in the Carquinez Straits area around Benicia, California (Solano County)."

2003-11-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

Bank branches open at Safeway: "Pleasanton supermarket chain Safeway Inc. (SWY) started the process of opening 163 branches of U.S. Bank. Four stores will open in the East Bay in November, in Concord, Livermore, Dublin, Concord and Vallejo." Contra Costa Times

2003-11-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

Home to cell number transfer OKd: "The decision to let residents in the United States' 100 biggest metropolitan areas transfer their land-line numbers to their cell phones is designed to spur competition in the telecommunications industry.
...MSAs sometimes combine communities - for example, Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Holland, Mich. - that are smaller individual urban areas than Madison but move ahead of Madison when combined into an MSA.

The Nov. 24 list also includes communities - Vallejo, Calif., and Fort Wayne, Ind. - that were in the top 100 MSAs in 1990 but fell out in 2000." The Capital Times

2003-11-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

Vallejoan earns promotion at Infineon Raceway: "Infineon Raceway employees Michelle Norman and Rachal Pollen have recently earned promotions within the company, raceway officials announced.
...Pollen has been named Marketing and Sponsorship Services Manager. Her responsibilities include management of the raceway's signage program, as well as assisting on sales and sponsorship contracts and event-marketing execution. Pollen began at Infineon Raceway in 1999 as a Ticket Sales Representative and continued in that position until her recent promotion.
" The Motor Sports Forum

2003-11-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Police break up Albany hip-hop party: "Cockerham's parties are legendary in the local law enforcement community for their destructive aftermaths. A crowd coming from a party broken up by police in Clayton last year clashed with others leaving a concert at the Chronicle Pavilion in Concord, resulting in looting and a shooting that killed 25-year-old Richmond resident Donald Ivan Tate Jr.
An 18-year-old man died in August 1999 after someone fired more than 20 rounds in the parking lot of a Vallejo venue where Cockerham held a party." Contra Costa Times

2003-11-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

Student Clubbed With Flashlight at Party: "A UC Berkeley student was beaten with a flashlight at a fraternity party just before 1 a.m. Saturday morning by a party security guard, police said.
Security guard Massa Wells, 25, of Vallejo, was arrested after he allegedly assaulted the 20-year-old student with his metal flashlight after the student punched him, said Berkeley police Officer Kevin Schofield. " The Daily Californian

2003-11-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

Traffic Jams 1st Day of Al Zampa Bridge: "Drivers on their maiden voyage across the newly opened bridge ran into a traffic nightmare because all cars were funneled through a single westbound lane nearing the bridge over the Carquinez Strait, while the other two lanes on the approach were closed for roadwork. " KRON TV

2003-11-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

Snarled traffic causes delays on new suspension bridge: "Westbound traffic between Vallejo and Crockett was backed up for miles after cement trucks forced traffic heading toward the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge into a single lane. As part of the transition from the original 1927 bridge, which the Alfred Zampa bridge replaces, CalTrans employees were still working Tuesday morning to paint traffic lines and erect barriers directing motorists toward the new bridge. " San Francisco Chronicle

2003-11-07T01:14:00.000-08:00

Carquinez to open amid flying sparks : "No mere ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for the Carquinez Bridge opening ceremony on Saturday.
The Bay Area's first new suspension bridge since the 1930s is named after iron worker Al Zampa. Zampa's descendants are also iron workers." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-11-07T01:13:00.000-08:00

Vallejo kidnapping was just a hoax : "Police said Thursday that a 12-year-old boy lied to them when he described the abduction of a young girl the previous day.
The boy, whose name was not released, apparently made up the entire tale of a 13- to 14-year-old girl being kidnapped by a driver of a black pickup in broad daylight." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-11-06T01:02:00.000-08:00

Police Believe Teen Kidnapped In Vallejo: "Vallejo police are searching for a 13- or 14-year-old girl who they believe was kidnapped Wednesday afternoon.
Police said the girl was walking along McGrue Avenue when a black pickup truck pulled up alongside her. The driver was wearing a ski mask and forced the girl inside the truck, according to authorities." KCRA News

2003-11-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

ELECTION RESULTS

CITY OF VALLEJO

MAYOR #/RPT 24 %/RPT 48.0

JOANNE SCHIVLEY 1727 20.4
RICK ORTIZ 821 9.7
ANTHONY INTINTOLI JR 4277 50.6
PAMELA PITTS 1615 19.1
=======================================
MEMBER OF CITY COUNCIL #/RPT 24
(No. to vote for 3) %/RPT 48.0

TONY PEARSALL 4571 20.7 ELECTED
VICTORIA GRAY 2539 11.5
GERALD R DAVIS 4269 19.3 ELECTED
MICHAEL L MANLOWE 1178 5.3
GARY R CLOUTIER 4286 19.4 ELECTED
LINDA LABRADO ENGELMAN 2261 10.2
THOMAS W BARTEE 2904 13.1

=========================================
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER #/RPT 26 %/RPT 50.0

CATHY PREOVOLOS 5675 40.7 ELECTED
BILL PENDERGAST 5107 36.6 ELECTED
BURKY H WOREL 3151 22.6

2003-11-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Celebration to mark opening of new Carquinez Bridge: "The Bay Area's first suspension bridge since the fabled Golden Gate will be dedicated Saturday, Nov. 8, and should open to traffic by Monday, Nov. 10. It will bear the name of iron worker Al Zampa, who helped build the 1927 cantilever bridge the new span will replace." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-11-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

Vietnam War Vets Reunite In Thailand : "The reunion was organized by Jim Gilmore, 51, a veteran from Vallejo, California, who repaired and maintained aircraft at the base in the early 1970s and three years ago launched the U-Tapao Alumni Association, an online forum with about 300 members. " Military.com | Associated Press

2003-11-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

KVON 1440 AM to broadcast LIVE in Vallejo
Thursday; Nov 6, 2003
6:00 AM-10:00 AM
Mel's Roast Coffee
326 Virginia Street

Related News:
KVON AM Radio Revamps Lineup - Napa Valley Register
Public Outcry gets a DJ Fired - Vallejo Times Herald

2003-10-28T22:05:00.000-08:00

Indictments issued in slayings
: "Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett said the panel indicted Jimmy Turner, 25, of Pleasant Hill and John Glenn Spencer, 29, of Vallejo, Calif., each on two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Nancy and Andy Johnson.

And rather than have the grand jury indict the other two suspects, Burkett formally accused Vasco Terrell Zinnerman, 29 and Spencer's wife, Bernice, 21, both of Vallejo, with accessory after the fact by filing bills of information. Zinnerman initially had been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. " Shreveport Times

2003-10-28T22:04:00.000-08:00

KVON revamps a.m. lineup again: "KVON will try to become more of a regional news and talk station serving not only the lower Napa Valley, but Vallejo, Sonoma, Petaluma and northern Marin County" Napa Valley Register

2003-10-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

North Bay Bancorp Announces Record Earnings: "North Bay Bancorp is the parent company of two community banks in the North Bay Region of Northern California -- The Vintage Bank based in Napa County and Solano Bank based in Solano County. Both subsidiaries are full service commercial banks offering a wide selection of deposit, loan and investment services to local consumers and small business customers. Each bank has a separate board of directors composed of local business and community leaders. " Business Wire

2003-10-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

Solano units pitch in to battle blazes : "Most Solano County fire agencies sent units to Southern California but fire officials say the missing units will not affect their response time to fight local fire outbreaks.

Two units from the Vacaville Fire Protection District were sent to San Diego and the Fairfield Fire Department sent one reserve unit strapped with four firefighters. The Vallejo Fire Department also sent forces Saturday." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-10-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

Vallejo man arrested in death of child: "A Vallejo man has been booked for investigation of murder and felony child abuse in the death of a four-year-old girl.
Aaron Heredia was the child's guardian. He already was behind bars at the Solano County Jail in a drug case when he was arrested yesterday in the child's death." San Jose Mercury News

2003-10-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Gordon wins rain-delayed "Cup" race: "Jeff Gordon captured the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, defeating Tony Stewart under caution for a Ryan Newman crash. The drivers had completed 38 of the scheduled 325-lap event on Sunday before rain brought the race to a halt.
The victory was Gordon's third of the season and 64th of his Winston Cup career. " The Sports Network

2003-10-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

Vallejo Student Test Scores Jump
16 schools met or exceeded target for 2002-2003 but still short of State goal

2002-2003 Academic Performance Index (API) Growth Report
(State Goal: 800)

Vallejo Schools Ranking according to API Results:
ELEMENTARY 2003 API (2002 API)
1. Wardlaw 754 (711) +43
2. Glen Cove 743 (728) +15
3. Pennycook 733 (688) +45
4. Beverly Hills 721 (704) +17
5. Lincoln 713 (663) +50
6. Cave 708 (651) +57
7. Steffan Manor 697 (647) +50
8. Dan Mini 691(649) +42
9. Widenmann 686(658) +28
10.Cooper 681(600)+81

MIDDLE SCHOOLS
1. Mare Island 667(650) +17
2. Solano 654(616) +38
3. Springstowne 652(648) +4
4. Franklin 644(613)+31
5. Vallejo Middle 588(562) +26

HIGH SCHOOLS
1. Hogan 647(611) +36
2. Bethel 620(608) +12
3. Vallejo 614(585) +29

2003-10-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Tribe eyes Solano site for casino : "The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians proposed a casino in a letter to Solano County. The project would cover 430 acres on what would become the Guidiville reservation.
A gaming complex, hotel and convention center, homes, a school, tribal government offices, farming and an elder care facility are among the things that could be located on the reservation." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-10-22T01:34:00.000-07:00

Vallejo bus accident seriously injures driver
: " Vallejo Transit bus carrying 11 passengers collided with a pickup truck at Alameda and Florida streets Tuesday morning, seriously injuring the pickup driver and leaving several passengers on the bus with minor injuries.
The collision occurred when the pickup, traveling eastbound on Florida Street, failed to stop for a red light and collided with the bus which was traveling southbound on Alameda on a green light, police said." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-10-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Visionary developer sets his sights on Vallejo
In Vallejo, Callahan and DeSilva are planning a number of upgrades for the 127-acre waterfront project:

• Offices, retail and a hotel totaling 865,000 square feet.

• More than 1,200 residential units.

• A performing arts center, a transit center and offices, plazas, promenades and parks.

Contra Costa Times

2003-10-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Jeff Gordon sweeps away competition at Martinsville : "Jeff Gordon overpowered the rest of the field Sunday, completing a season sweep of the two NASCAR Winston Cup races at Martinsville Speedway.
The victory in the caution-filled Subway 500 was the 63rd win of Gordon's career but only his second of the season. The four-time series champion led 313 of the 500 laps on the half-mile oval.
'This baby just needed to be out front in clean air and it was a rocketship,' Gordon said. 'It's awesome to be back in Victory Lane.'" Tacoma News Tribune (WA)

2003-10-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

Officer shoots, kills man in Vallejo: "Roylan Tugade, 42, was shot about 7 a.m. as he charged at an officer after taking the officer's baton and hitting him with it, according to Vallejo police Lt. Eric Mortenson. The officer, whose name was not released, was placed on routine leave pending an investigation of the shooting. " San Francisco Chronicle

2003-10-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Shooting for second, Gordon gets pole: "Four-time champion Jeff Gordon is looking at a more modest goal with only five races left in the 2003 season.
'We're within striking distance of second place,' Gordon said Friday, minutes before winning the pole for the Subway 400 at Martinsville Speedway. " Buffalo News (NY)

2003-10-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

Bill could aid Mare Island cleanup

: "Gov. Gray Davis has signed a bill that could keep the hazardous materials cleanup at Mare Island on schedule.
And that could boost Vallejo's dreams of turning the former naval shipyard into an economic engine with industry, businesses, subdivisions, nature preserves and historic buildings." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-10-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

Longtime Vallejo attorney appointed commissioner : "D. Scott Daniels will replace retiring court commissioner John P. Dean who has served on the bench in Vallejo since 1990. Daniels learned of his appointment after a vote was taken by all of Solano County's judges at a Tuesday lunch meeting. Word of the vote was delayed until after Thursday's swearing-in ceremony of Judge Mike Mattice." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-10-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Homicide suspects' extradition delayed again: "Friday, a Solano County Superior Court judge postponed the extradition hearing of John Glenn Spencer, 29, wife Bernice Spencer, 21, and Spencer's brother-in-law Vasco Terrell Zinnerman, 29, after the trio vowed to fight their return to Louisiana by filing writs of habeas corpus, essentially denying they are the wanted persons. " Shreveport Times (LA)

2003-10-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

CNN.com - CNN projection: Davis out, Schwarzenegger wins: "CNN projects that California's electorate will recall Democratic Gov. Gray Davis and choose actor-turned-politician, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Golden State's next governor, based on statewide exit polls. " CNN

2003-10-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

Election Results: "
GOVERNOR #/PCT 243
#/RPT 0
(No. to vote for 1) %/RPT 0.0
SHALL GRAY DAVIS YES 0 0.0
BE RECALLED NO 0 0.0

GOVERNOR #/PCT 243
#/RPT 0"

2003-10-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Punch-card system sees its last election
: "Despite allegations that punch-card ballots are error-prone, and a federal lawsuit concerning them that nearly derailed the recall election, registrars in the six counties using the system today for the last time said Monday they are confident that it will work fine" San Jose Mercury News

2003-10-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Vallejo downtown plan advances: "The city has been attempting for decades to revitalize its downtown, which has suffered not only from the general movement of business from urban cores to suburban shopping centers and malls, but also from the 1996 closure of Mare Island Naval Shipyard. The closure cost the area some 13,000 skilled jobs and sent it into a decline from which it has yet to recover. " East Bay Business Times

2003-10-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Locate Your Polling Place Here:
"Polling Place Lookup
October 7, 2003 Special Election "

2003-10-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

Your blog manager is on vacation until 10/5/03.

2003-09-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Solano County Fair board selects developer The Solano County [California] Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution on Tuesday authorizing the Solano County Fair Association to enter into exclusive negotiations with the Mills Corp. for redevelopment of the county’s fairgrounds site in Vallejo. The vote was 5-0. Thoroughbred Times

2003-09-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

Vallejo man arrested for DUI after crash: "Early morning solo crash sends driver to jail, passengers to hospital
An early morning crash landed two people in the emergency room and the driver in the county jail.
Robert Lee Schwerin, 18, of Vallejo was arrested just after midnight on Sunday on suspicion of felony DUI and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia." Napa Valley Register

2003-09-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Slaying suspect caught by police: "Aided by a tip from an 'America's Most Wanted' viewer, East Bay law enforcement officers on Tuesday arrested a suspect in an East Bay double homicide who had eluded capture for nine months, authorities said.
Vallejo and Contra Costa County SWAT team members caught up with Dominique Alexander Wright, 18, at a Vallejo home at about 4 p.m., according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office." Tri-Valley Herald

2003-09-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

Two people shot on East Tabor
: "Police and emergency workers raced to the scene and also found a bleeding man about 50 feet away on a resident's back porch. The 20-year-old Vallejo man had a gunshot wound to the buttock, police said." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-09-24T01:02:00.000-07:00

Self-professed killer of 11 girls appeals verdicts: "After two years of delays, Curtis Dean Anderson, convicted child kidnapper and self-professed killer of 11 young girls, has appealed the guilty verdicts that landed him a 251 years to life prison sentence.
Anderson's appellate attorney, Bobbie F. Stein, of San Francisco, filed the appeal last week with the State Court of Appeals." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-09-24T01:01:00.000-07:00

County, developer have big plans for fairgrounds : "A 5,000-seat Bill Graham Presents amphitheater, stores mixing shopping with entertainment in ways unique to the region - these possibilities and more are part of a developer's pitch to revamp the Solano County Fairgrounds." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-09-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

Board to get update on fairground plans : "Efforts to make the Solano County Fairgrounds a year-round destination with shops and a hotel could soon take a major step forward.
The county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will discuss letting the Solano County Fair Association negotiate with the Mills " Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-09-18T02:16:00.000-07:00

Woman Kidnapped From Solano College Lot: "Police said a witness called authorities about 8:45 p.m. to say that she had seen two men push a woman into the back of a car in parking lot No. 5 at Solano College. The car then sped away on Suisun Valley Road.
The woman was later found in Richmond, where she told police she was forced into her own car and driven to Richmond, where she was then forced out of the car. She also said the kidnappers stole her money. Solano College is now on a heightened alert." KCRA 3 News Sacramento

2003-09-18T02:13:00.000-07:00

Whites no longer majority in region: "According to the census estimates, Solano County has the biggest percentage of blacks -- 16 percent -- in the Bay Area, followed by Alameda County, with 15 percent. San Francisco, long a destination for immigrants, continues to have the largest proportion of Asians -- 34 percent. Agricultural Santa Cruz County, meanwhile, has the highest share of Latinos -- 28 percent." San Jose Mercury News

2003-09-18T02:11:00.000-07:00

SCC administrators urge caution after kidnapping: "A kidnapping at SCC Tuesday evening left administrators urging students to focus on campus safety and take preventative measures when leaving classes.
Shortly before 9 p.m., two men kidnapped a SCC student as she walked to her vehicle. They sped off in her green Ford Contour and then dropped her off on a desolated road hours later in Richmond, officials said." Daily Republic

2003-09-18T02:06:00.000-07:00

Despite Ruling, Punch-Card Voting Continues: "Dennis McGeary was casting his absentee ballot in Solano County, which is one of the six in California still using the Votomatic punch card machine that was ruled not acceptable for the recall election by a three-judge panel Monday. It took McGeary 15 minutes to vote. Not because of the machine. He couldn't find his candidate." KPIX 5 News

2003-09-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Top Philippine rock band Rivermaya Heads Off to America: Will play in Vallejo this Friday
Award-winning rock band Rivermaya flies off to America this September 2003 with its much-awaited “Tuloy Ang Ligaya” U.S. Tour, produced by NOSAJ Entertainment.

Fresh from their win at MTV Pilipinas 2003 Music Video Awards as “Favorite Group”, Rivermaya will perform some of their biggest hits from their award-winning albums from multi-platinum favorites “Umaaraw, Umuulan” and “Wag Na Init Ulo Baby” to chart-topping songs “Alab Ng Puso”, “Rodeo”, “Nerbyoso”, and “Awit Ng Kabataan”.

Friday Sept 19 -
The Banquet
Sonoma & Redwood, VALLEJO, CA
Ticket & Info: 408.509.5816

Links: Rivermaya.net Philmusic.com

Also playing in Chicago, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York

Source: Philmusic.com

2003-09-17T01:58:00.000-07:00

Vallejo Cam:
The camera now shows the new suspension bridge being built across the Carquinez Strait. Online since 1997, hosted by Words and Graphics.

2003-09-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Mare Island To Medusa

Saturday, November 8, 2003
Come for the Race, Head for the Hills, & Stay for the Party

2003-09-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Armed robbery suspect arrested: "One man, Narcisco Santiago Decastro, 28, of Vallejo, matched the description of one of five suspects in an armed robbery Thursday evening of two Chicago businessmen at a hotel parking lot on Gateway Blvd., also in South San Francisco." San Mateo Daily Journal

2003-09-14T23:49:00.000-07:00

Lennar scores island leases: "Lennar Mare Island can count success in tangible numbers. When the base closed in 1996, the number of businesses plummeted to zero and thousands of jobs were lost. Today, 70 businesses call Mare Island home, including the Japanese train-building firm, Kinkisharyro Co. Ltd., and Touro University, a medical school; and 3 million square feet of commercial space has been taken. About 800 employees drive over the Mare Island Strait causeway on work days." MSNBC

2003-09-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

DA will again seek death for Teitgen : "One day after a mistrial was declared in the murder trial of an accused cop killer, Solano County's District Attorney announced his office would still be pursuing a death penalty.
"The prosecution of this police officer under the circumstances in this particular case warrants the penalty of death,' District Attorney David Paulson said Thursday." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-09-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Vallejo gets development boost: "The city of Vallejo says its waterfront restoration and development plans have received an assist with the enactment of a state law that allows resolution of state tidelands claims. " East Bay Business Times

2003-09-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Gas prices stay high amid new problems: "In the Vallejo-Fairfield area, the AAA reported prices at $2.145, down a penny in 24 hours, but still 31 cents higher than last month and 53.3 cents higher than last year. " East Bay Business Times

2003-09-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

What Is The Bay Area's Meanest Commute?: "According to a new study, the region's meanest motorists can be found on the Nimitz Freeway (Interstate Highway 880), the Oakland-to-Vallejo portion of Interstate Highway 80, U.S. Highway 101 from San Francisco to San Jose, the MacArthur Freeway (Interstate Highway 580) and state Highway 17 between San Jose and Santa Cruz. " Fox Reno

2003-09-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

EPA Switch Allows Sale of PCB-Tainted Sites: "The Bush administration has quietly allowed the sale of properties contaminated with PCBs, reversing a 25-year-old policy aimed at protecting people from exposure to the highly toxic chemicals.
An Aug. 14 memo from the EPA's general counsel about the policy change cites the transfer of the former Navy facility on Mare Island in Northern California to the city of Vallejo as an example of PCB contamination hindering the redevelopment of valuable land.
But that property was transferred in March, before the cleanup. EPA's old policy allowed the sale of a property if EPA had first approved a cleanup plan. State and EPA officials approved the cleanup plan for Mare Island last year, according to EPA officials in California.
" Common Dreams News

2003-09-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

New Medical School Could Ease Physician Shortage: "A new medical school in downtown Las Vegas could attract some much-needed physicians to the area. The new osteopathic school of medicine still needs final accreditation, but school officials say they hope to begin enrolling 75 students next September.
The new college will be a branch campus of Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California. The four-year medical school program will eventually be expanded to include programs in nursing, physical therapy and physician's assistant training." KVBC TV News, Las Vegas

2003-09-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

2 people die in 3-car crash: "A 43-year-old woman and 12-year-old boy, Vallejo residents who were not wearing their seat belts, died after the 2003 Nissan they were riding in crossed into oncoming traffic at 12:45 a.m. Saturday. The Nissan collided with a 1995 Chevrolet driven by a 22-year-old Stockton woman, a California Highway Patrol officer reported. She was taken to an undisclosed hospital with major injuries." Tahoe Daily Tribune

2003-09-08T01:15:00.000-07:00

Vallejo sets sights on Suisun Creek water: "Vallejo is moving ahead with plans to once again steer Suisun Creek water stored in Lake Curry to its homes and businesses.
Suisun Creek is a riparian swathe that winds through Suisun Valley farmland past Fairfield and into Suisun Marsh. It is about 10 miles from Vallejo - a mere hop, skip and jump in the water world." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-09-08T01:08:00.000-07:00

Vallejo firm gets library contract: "Construction of a new joint community/high school library in Winters has been awarded to the Vallejo-based Paul Roberts Partners its contract to develop the facility
'Paul Roberts and his partner, Scott Fleming, both showed extensive experience with libraries, public projects and educational facilities,' said Mary Stephens, Yolo County's Librarian. 'We were very lucky to find a firm with this combined experience.'" Woodland Daily Democrat

2003-09-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

Vallejo lands a deal on fire boat: "In April, the LAFD replaced three of its existing fireboats. Vallejo fire officials went to Los Angeles this year to check out the craft and found a well-maintained boat with more than $200,000 in engine replacement and repairs during the past two years, city officials said." Fairfield Daily Republic

2003-09-05T02:02:00.000-07:00

Space Infrared Telescope Facility Powers Up Instruments: "NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) -- the space observatory that was launched late last month -- has powered up two of its onboard instruments and captured some star-spangled first images in the process." The Planetary Society

2003-09-05T01:52:00.000-07:00

Plan to end fair racing in Vallejo inches forward: "The selection of the top candidate to redevelop the Solano County Fairgrounds, which will result in the termination of live horse racing at the site, should be completed by month¹s end, according to Leon Vann, operations manager for the Solano County Fair Association.
The project, as outlined by the fair association last March, will include a concert facility, hotel, and conference complex and a park for recreational vehicles, as well as refurbished livestock and exhibit facilities for the annual fair. But the seven-eighths mile oval, which hosted its first live racing meet in 1951, will become a thing of the past." Thoroughbred Times

2003-09-05T01:47:00.000-07:00

Fourth suspect arrested in Pleasant Hill homicides, Other 3 await extradition from California: "Jimmy Turner, 25, of Pleasant Hill was booked into the Sabine Detention Center on two counts each of first-degree murder and armed robbery less than 24 hours after two Sabine sheriff's detectives returned from questioning three other suspects being held in a Vallejo, Calif., jail.
Already suspected in the Aug. 24 deaths of Andy Johnson, 58, and his 56-year-old wife, Nancy Johnson, are Vasco Terrell Zinnerman, 29, his brother-in-law, John Glenn Spencer, 29, and Spencer's wife, Bernice Spencer, 21, all of Vallejo. John Spencer is formerly of Pleasant Hill." The Town Talk (LA)