Suisun City News

President Thanks Suisun City Hero

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:10:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY FIREFIGHTER, TRAVIS MASTER SERGEANT GETS VOLUNTEER MEDAL FROM PRESIDENT BUSH

Few people are more self-effacing than firefighters who all too often do what many of us think we'd never be able to do to help someone else then shy away from special honors meant to say "thank you."

The Suisun City Council last month honored Hall and the other volunteer firefighters on his crew for their efforts to save the life of a 1-year-old girl who nearly drown in her family's wading pool.

But Gary Hall Jr. - an Air Force Master Sergeant and volunteer driver-operator for the Suisun City Fire Department - couldn't escape the Commander in Chief when he came through Travis Air Force Base last week.

Hall was there when President Bush came off Air Force One and was presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, for which he was nominated by his Air Force unit.

Here's some of what Daily Republic reporter Ian Thompson wrote about the encounter:

FAIRFIELD - President Bush has recognized a Travis Air Force Base master sergeant for his work as a volunteer firefighter in Suisun City.

Master Sgt. Gary Hall met with Bush on the Travis flightline Thursday afternoon when the president stopped at Travis on his way to a fundraiser in Napa.

Bush presented Hall with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Hall was nominated for the award by members of his Air Force unit.

'It is an honor to get to salute the commander in chief,' Hall said Friday. 'It is also an honor to receive an honor for what I enjoy doing.'

When not on military duty, Hall spends three nights a week serving as a volunteer driver-operator with the Suisun City Fire Department.

'A lot of the guys in Suisun City volunteer as much as I do and I am in no way unique,' Hall said. 'The rest of the guys work as hard as I do. It is just fortunate that the military has a process to recognize people for their community involvement.'

For more of the Daily Republic's report, visit www.dailyrepublic.com. We'd like to thank the DR for use of the photo above, as well.

The Napa Valley Register also carried an article by Editor Bill Kisliuk on Hall's honor:

Few Napans got to see President George W. Bush on Thursday. Gary Hall shook his hand.

Hall, 43, a Vintage High School graduate, Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and volunteer with the Suisun Fire Department, had the honor of being present when Air Force One landed at Travis Air Force Base Thursday afternoon.

Hall was tapped for the special occasion both for his work as an in-flight refuel operator for the 6th Air Refueling Squadron and for some recent heroics with Suisun’s volunteer fire department.

On June 1, Hall helped save the life of a toddler found floating in a residential pool, and on Fathers Day helped with the emergency delivery of a baby, even cutting the umbilical cord for the mother.
Then came Thursday.

The president, Hall said, “got off the aircraft. He greeted some VIPs on the base — the base commander, wing commander and some other people ... He came over and I got to salute my commander-in-chief, which very few people get to do.”
Hall told the president, “Welcome to California.”

The president, he said, thanked Hall for his service to the country, then he moved.

“He had other things to do,” said Hall, who noted the president also greeted a woman — whom Hall did not know — who like Hall appeared to have been chosen because of her community service.

Hall grew up in Napa and graduated from Vintage High School. He was a city of Napa Fire Explorer as a teen, and was a reserve firefighter for the city of Napa before entering the Air Force in 1986.

He, his wife Peggy and daughter Nicole live in Suisun. He plans to retire from the service in February.

So, what was it like to meet the president?

“It was cool,” said Hall. “Like I said, as a member of the military, he’s my commander in chief. Not many people in the military get to be personally recognized. It’s special I got to do it.”

Hall appreciated the honor, but insisted others are just as deserving. Acknowledging the other volunteers in the Suisun Fire Department, he said, “There are an awful lot of people who do the same thing I do.”

Suisun City is very proud of Gary and all of the volunteers who selflessly staff the City's fire department. All of our residents owe you more thanks than could ever be adequately expressed.

Major Safety Improvements Get Started

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:24:00 +0000

SUNSET AVENUE PROJECT WILL ENHANCE POPULAR ROADWAY &

RAIL CROSSING

Crews will restripe Sunset Avenue north of Railroad Avenue on Friday (July 18) in preparation for a six-month construction project to improve traffic flow on this major entrance to Suisun City and install new safety enhancements ordered by the City Council at the railroad crossing.

Working in partnership with the City of Fairfield, the Suisun City Public Works Department will oversee the installation of new synchronized traffic signals, additional traffic lanes, center medians and other roadway improvements. At the same time, a new 36-inch water line for the City of Fairfield will be installed to improve Fairfield’s water system.

The project will require traffic to be re-routed to one side of the roadway while work is performed on the other. Significant traffic delays of up to 25 minutes are anticipated.

Starting Monday, traffic lights on Sunset Avenue at East Travis Blvd. and Railroad Avenue will be set to require three-way stops. Drivers are urged to plan ahead or use alternate routes to avoid the construction zone.

Detailed information about the project and related traffic impacts is available at www.suisun.com.

McCoy Creek Bike Trail work starts

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:40:00 +0000

Construction work started this week on the McCoy Creek Bicycle and Pedestrian Path, a major new neighborhood asset that will provide alternate transportation options and add to the City's safe routes program.

It's the first phase of a bike path that is planned to follow McCoy and Laurel creeks right through the middle of Suisun City.

The work being done now will connect the Central County Bikeway on the north side of Highway 12 with Pintail Drive. That will allow residents of the Pintail area to access the Central County Bikeway to get to the Sunset Avenue Shopping Area.

This phase of the project is being funded by $400,000 in grants from Caltrans and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The BAAQMD offers these types of grants to innovative projects that specifically provide opportunities for alternative modes of transportation.

Work on the new bike path is expected to wrap up in mid-September.

Click here for more detailed information about this exciting addition to Suisun City's bike trail system.

Jazz on Sundays on the Waterfront

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:53:00 +0000

The rock group Chicago may have made Saturday in the Park a huge hit, but it's Sunday afternoons during the summer that are really special in Suisun City.

Each Sunday at 3 p.m. come enjoy the Waterfront Jazz Series. This free concert series hosts the most diverse array of top quality jazz music by the region's best musicians. You won't want to miss this.

July 20 – Dalt Williams Quartet (swing and straight-ahead jazz)
July 27 – Ted Schafer’s Jelly Roll Band (Dixieland)
Aug. 3 – Dream Door (original smooth jazz)
Aug. 10 – Dave Rocha Jazz Group (straight-ahead modern jazz)
Aug. 17 – Outta Nowhere (contemporary jazz)
Aug. 24 – Second Planet (smooth jazz)
Sept. 7 – Reality Check (jazz, Latin, funk & rock)
Sept. 14 – Delbert Bump
Sept. 21 – Blusion
Sept. 28 – Jerry Macchia Band

Click here for all the information, including an interactive map showing parking area, dining suggestions, even the weather.

Come early for lunch at a great local restaurant. Then bring your low-slung chair, blankets, and dessert or snacks to Harbor Plaza for the free jazz concert at Solano and Main Streets.

When you come to the Waterfront District these days you will notice some really exciting construction projects underway.

Right off Highway 12 at Civic Center Blvd, a new Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel is under construction. This 102-room waterfront hotel is expected to open next Spring and provide a terrific place to stay overnight right in the heart the burgeoning Waterfront District. (Click here for more information.)

On Main Street at Solano Street (right across from the Harbor Plaza concert stage), 40,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and office space is nearing completion. Harbor Square is expected to be completed this fall with exciting new restaurants to open there in early 2009. (Click here for more information.)

Come see Waterfront District renaissance, then grab a friend to come explore the Waterfront District again for yourselves.

Saturday Movies Outdoors on the Waterfront

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:40:00 +0000

What could say "summer" better than a comfortable & fun Saturday Night @ The Movies?

That's exactly what you get when you bring your family to the Suisun City Waterfront District each Saturday night for the free movie series through Sept. 27 (except for Memorial Day weekend, which we leave to your family activities.)

The line-up is pure family fun, with a mix of newer hits with older favorites:

July 19 – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (PG-13, Warner Bros., live action)
July 26 – Surf’s Up (PG, Sony Pictures Animation)
Aug. 2 – The Goonies (PG, Amblin Entertainment, live action)
Aug. 9 – The Water Horse (PG, Beacon Pictures, live action, family fantasy)
Aug. 16 – Back to the Future (PG, Amblin Entertainment, live action)
Aug. 23 – The Golden Compass (PG-13, New Line Cinema, live action, family fantasy)
Sept. 6 – High School Musical 2 (G, Walt Disney Pictures, live action, musical)
Sept. 13 – Ratatouille (G, Pixar Animation Studios)
Sept. 20 – Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (PG-13, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, live action, adventure)
Sept. 27 – Happy Feet (PG, Kingdom Feature Productions, animation)

Come early for dinner at a great local restaurant, then stroll over to Harbor Plaza for the free movie, starting at dusk (approx. 9 p.m.) at Solano and Main Streets. Check out all the info online with an interactive map showing directions, parking and dining suggestions.

Make sure to pack the blankets and low-slung chairs because evenings can be a bit cool. Popcorn and light theater fare available for purchase.

When you come to the Waterfront District these days you will notice some really exciting construction projects underway.

Right off Highway 12 at Civic Center Blvd, a new Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel is under construction. This 102-room waterfront hotel is expected to open next Spring and provide a terrific place to stay overnight right in the heart the burgeoning Waterfront District. (Click here for more information.)

On Main Street at Solano Street (right across from the Harbor Plaza concert stage), 40,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and office space is nearing completion. Harbor Square is expected to be completed this fall with exciting new restaurants to open there in early 2009. (Click here for more information.)

Come see Waterfront District renaissance, then grab a friend to come explore the Waterfront District again for yourselves.

Fridays Jam in Suisun City

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:14:00 +0000

Friday Nights @ The Waterfront are back for 2008 bringing more music and more fun to the Suisun City Waterfront District.

The free annual concert series got underway on July 11 with an amazing performance by Evolution - A Salute to Journey. The award-winning tribute band brought the house down with all of Journey's top hits. It proved an excellent warm-up act for some die-hard Journey fans who then went to see the 'real' Journey in Tahoe over the weekend.

The weekly concerts continue with an awesome lineup of really diverse music:

July 18 – Inner Soul (R&B, funk, old school dance band)
July 25 – Bayou Boys Band (Cajun, Zydeco, New Orlean R&B)
Aug. 1 – Graydaze (70s & 80s variety band)
Aug. 8 – California Cowboys (New Country)
Aug. 15 – Poyntlyss Sistars (Classic rock ‘n’ roll, 80s party music)
Aug. 22 – Tom Rigney & Flambeau (Cajun, Zydeco, New Orleans fusion)

All the concert info, plus directions, parking information and suggestions for nearby restaurants are all online at www.suisun.com/events.

When you come to the Waterfront District these days you will notice some really exciting construction projects underway.

Suisun City Fireworks Show Will Go On!

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:36:00 +0000

WATERFRONT DISTRICT FIREWORKS SHOW SET FOR 9:15 P.M. FRIDAY

SUISUN CITY - The best July 4th Celebration in Solano County will be capped with the best fireworks show in the region as usual this Friday evening in Suisun City.

Due to high fire danger and the large number of fires burning across California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged residents not to buy or use "safe-and-sane" fireworks in the areas were they are legal. Some cities and counties in areas of particularly high fire danger have cancelled public displays.

However, Suisun City conducts its public display over the Waterfront District, which dramatically decreasing any risk of wildfire. Suisun City and Pyrospectaculars by Souza have an excellent fireworks safety record.

All personal fireworks displays - whether using the "safe-and-sane" type or illegal fireworks - are banned in all parts of Suisun City, and all areas of Solano County, except for Rio Vista, Fire Chief Mike O'Brien said.

All personal displays pose high risks of starting fires and causing great bodily injury, O'Brien said.

Make plans now to join us on Friday July 4 for a full day of terrific family celebration and entertainment in the Suisun City Waterfront District. Click here for the full schedule of events and details.

Cordelia Road closed Thursday & Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:43:00 +0000

PUBLIC WORKS CREWS TO CLOSE ROAD OVERNIGHT FOR MAJOR RAILROAD IMPROVEMENTS

SUISUN CITY — Suisun City Public Works crews will temporarily close Cordelia Road at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing at about noon Thursday, June 26, for continued installation of major track and traffic improvements.

Cordelia Road is expected to be closed entirely from noon Thursday, June 26, until about 5 p.m. Friday, June 27, to allow Union Pacific crews to finish replacing the road’s railroad crossing as part of a major Union Pacific track improvement project.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the Cordelia Road crossing entirely by using these alternate routes:

Eastbound traffic on Cordelia Road should travel north on Pennsylvania Avenue, turn right onto Highway 12 and exit at Civic Center Boulevard (bearing right toward Main Street) to access the Suisun City Waterfront District.
Westbound traffic should travel north on Main Street to westbound Highway 12 then turn left at Pennsylvania Avenue and right at Cordelia Road.

An interactive map showing alternate routes is available on the City's main web site.

Union Pacific is installing 40,000 new track ties and upgrading bridges between Suisun City and Martinez as second installment of a multi-year upgrade project between Sacramento and Oakland that will keep the railroad in good condition so trains can operate reliably.

The rail crossing will be replaced by Union Pacific with custom concrete and metal panels laid flush with the rails to ensure a smooth and consistent roadway for motorists. Suisun City Public Works will assist Union Pacific with this critical work.

The railroad improvement project is funded by Union Pacific.

SMOKE & FIRE

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:53:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY CREWS HELP FIGHT 3,750-ACRE FIRE NORTHWEST OF THE CITY

Suisun City is under a pall of smoke this morning from the Wild Fire burning in rugged terrain in Napa County and upper Green and Suisun Valleys. Some of our fire crews and equipment have joined the CALFire task force battling the blaze, which is located well outside Suisun City limits.

However, we join all those concerned about our rural neighbors, and stand ready to help in any way we can.

You can stay informed about the fire through the CAL Fire web site. Use this link to go directly to the Wild Fire incident information. With so many active fires across the state, the website can be a bit balky, so please be patient.

With so much smoke in the air, use common sense when exercising outside for the next several days. If you have respiratory challenges, try to remain indoors and avoid the drifting fire smoke. If your breathing becomes difficult or life-threatening, contact your doctor or 911 immediately for assistance.

State water officials to discuss Delta future in Suisun City

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:38:00 +0000

Suisun City will be ground zero next week for the statewide discussion of the future of the Sacramento Delta and Suisun Marsh.

From 6 -8 p.m. Monday June 23 at the Nelson Center (corner of Merganser and Village Drives), state officials will hold one of three town hall meetings to discuss how to balance water delivery and protecting the environment.

Here's what the Sacramento Bee reported Wednesday:

State water officials will host three town hall meetings on Delta issues
next week, with the aim of helping the public understand the many studies and
programs under way to correct ecological and water delivery problems in the
estuary, the largest on the West Coast of the Americas.

Programs involving the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta include the
governor's Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force, the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan,
emergency response planning, habitat restoration and flood-safety improvements.
The public will have a chance at each meeting to learn about these programs, ask
questions and share concerns.

The 740,000-acre Delta is witnessing the decline of nine fish species,
serious water quality problems, and legal and environmental constraints that
have sharply reduced water exports this year.

The various Delta research programs are examining new water delivery
plumbing, improved levees, and proposals to increase and improve wildlife
habitat. These efforts could affect some communities by dramatically altering
land use in the Delta.

Click here for more information on the Town Hall meetings
Click here to go to the Delta Vision website, deltavision.ca.gov

Cordelia Road railroad crossing closures set for next week

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:54:00 +0000

PUBLIC WORKS WILL TEMPORARILY CLOSE ROAD TO ALLOW FOR MAJOR UPGRADE

SUISUN CITY — Suisun City Public Works crews will temporarily close Cordelia Road at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing next week to allow installation of major track and traffic improvements.

From Monday June 16 through Friday June 20, Cordelia Road will be subject to closure to all vehicle traffic to allow Union Pacific crews to replace the road’s entire railroad crossing as part of a major Union Pacific track improvement project.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the Cordelia Road crossing entirely by using these alternate routes:

Eastbound traffic on Cordelia Road should travel north on Pennsylvania Avenue, turn right onto Highway 12 and exit at Civic Center Boulevard (bearing right toward Main Street) to access the Suisun City Waterfront District.
Westbound traffic should travel north on Main Street to westbound Highway 12 then turn left at Pennsylvania Avenue and right at Cordelia Road.

Click here for interactive map showing alternate routes.

Union Pacific is installing 40,000 new track ties and upgrading bridges between Suisun City and Martinez as second installment of a multi-year upgrade project between Sacramento and Oakland that will keep the railroad in good condition so trains can operate reliably.

The rail crossing will be replaced by Union Pacific with custom concrete and metal panels laid flush with the rails to ensure a smooth and consistent roadway for motorists. Suisun City Public Works will assist Union Pacific with this critical work.

The railroad improvement project is funded by Union Pacific.

Later this month, Union Pacific expects to close the Sunset Avenue crossing to conduct similar work. Residents should be aware that work is pending, and the City will issue advisories when specific dates and routes are determined.

Thank You Tops in Blue!

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:25:00 +0000

Suisun City was very proud to serve Monday night as the community partner with Col. Steven Arquiette and Travis AFB to host "Tops In Blue," the Air Force's top touring entertainment group.

More than 1,500 people came to the Suisun City Waterfront District to enjoy this world-class family entertainment in one of three performances in California this year.

We'd like to thank Tops In Blue and Travis Air Force Base for choosing the Suisun City Waterfront District as the venue for this outstanding performance. We could not have found a better way to support Team Travis and showcase the Waterfront District renaissance.

Events such as this provide a glimpse of the 24/7 destination the Waterfront District will soon become.

We hope everyone in attendance enjoyed their evening in Suisun City. Come visit us again and enjoy one of our plentiful unique restaurants and the beautiful natural setting.

Jet skis! Family fun! This weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:10:00 +0000

It's not quite summer, but it's a lot better than winter!

So let's celebrate! It's a June Thing this Saturday!

The family fun starts on the Waterfront District at 10 a.m. with

live entertainment
ice cream tasting
Jet Ski races starting at noon
arts & crafts vendors

Plus, the Suisun City Public Works Department is selling authentic City street signs for only $10 each! This spring, we replaced every street sign in town. Before we recycle the old ones, we wanted to offer residents a chance to own one of their favorites. With such a large number of streets bearing unique bird, location and proper names, we thought this would be a terrific opportunity!

The signs are available first-come, first-served and their is a limited quantity. Whatever is leftover goes to the recycling company on Monday. All proceeds - from the sales and recycling - go right back into the city's Streets Fund. For more on the program, visit www.suisun.com/signs

In addition to the fun along the Marina, the Suisun Wildlife Center is holding its Baby Animal Shower on Saturday. It's a nice walk along the Promenade down to the Center. They will have some of their resident animals out on display, hands-on kids activities and a chance to watch baby birds be fed! It's a great place to learn about the Marsh and have free fun close to home (always thinking about saving gas, these days).

Enjoy your day in Suisun City! It's only the start of a summer of great free Waterfront District entertainment.

Infant rescued from pool

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:19:00 +0000

FAST ACTION BY SUISUN CITY POLICE AND FIRE DEPTS. SAVES CHILD

SUISUN CITY - A 1-year-old girl was resuscitated on Sunday and is expected to recover from an apparently accidental drowning because of the life-saving CPR administered by Suisun City Police officers and Firefighters.

About 10:11 a.m., Suisun City Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call reporting a 1-year-old girl had drown in the family pool of a residence in the 1000 block of Whistler Drive. Within 2 minutes, Police Officer Philip Steemers and Fire Engine 47 were on the scene.

The child's mother had pulled the child from the pool and initiated CPR , which started clearing the child's lungs. Meeting Officer Steemers in the front yard, she handed over her daughter, who was not breathing and had no pulse. Officer Steemers continued CPR for less than a minute before the EMT-D trained fire crew took over life-saving treatment.

"After approximately 10 long minutes, and much heartfelt effort from all, these special people were able to bring the child back to life," said Officer David Fong, who arrived at the scene after the fire crew and witnessed their efforts. "Prior to the ambulance transporting the young victim (to NorthBay Medical Center), the victim was breathing and a pulse was present."

With medical attention from hospital personnel, the girl's breathing improved and it appears as though she will make a successful recovery, fire Capt. Mel Torres said.

In an e-mail he later wrote to his public safety colleagues, Officer Fong was clearly filled with deep appreciation for the determined, quick and professional actions of his Suisun City colleagues.

"People like this is why I love working within the City of Suisun City," Officer Fong wrote. "You are all heroes to me and our victim."

In addition to Officer Steemers and Capt. Torres, Firefighters Gary Hall and Richard Anderson and Reserve Firefighter Phillip Martin responded to this family's call for help.

"Congratulations on an extraordinary job well done!" said City Manager Suzanne Bragdon.

Suisun City is extremely appreciative of its all-volunteer Fire Department, the members of which are dedicated to the highest level of training to be there when the community needs them most.

Baby animal shower

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:48:00 +0000

If you were looking for a good time to invite family or friends to Suisun City, this is the perfect weekend!

In addition to the 'It's a June Thing' summer kick-off celebration in the Waterfront District, the Suisun Wildlife Center is having its Baby Animal Shower on Saturday June 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Drop by the Center at 1171 Kellogg Street for cake, refreshments and a visit with the resident Golden Eagle and other animals native to the Suisun Marsh. You'll also get the chance to watch handlers feed baby birds and enjoy some of the educational displays available every day at the Suisun Wildlife Center.

So come on down to the Waterfront District along Main Street on Saturday. Enjoy the jet ski races and free entertainment, then walk along the Promenade to the Wildlife Center (located adjacent to the boat launch).

The Vacaville Reporter carried this nice write up about the Baby Animal Shower.

Here's a map to the Wildlife Center

View Larger Map

Capitol Corridor maintenance challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:13:00 +0000

Service for four daily Capitol Corridor trains will be transferred to a bus link between Martinez and Suisun City during June.

Union Pacific Railroad is undertaking a major track maintenance program that involves replacing thousands of railroad ties holding the tracks together. To their credit, they are doing the work in the middle of the day to minimize the disruption during the peak commute hours.

Here's what Capitol Corridor.org said about the work:

Union Pacific will be upgrading track infrastructure (primarily railroad ties & bridges) between Benicia (North of Martinez) and Suisun/Fairfield, installing approximately 40,000 new wood ties at their own expense. This is the second installment of a multi-year track upgrade project between Oakland and Sacramento, which will keep the railroad in good condition so trains can operate reliably.
This construction is expected to last approximately 4 weeks from June 3rd -June 28th, 2008. During the course of the track work, some morning and early afternoon Capitol Corridor trains will not operate between Martinez and Suisun/Fairfield. Instead, connecting buses will carry passengers between those two stations, and trains will operate on the remainder of the route on a modified schedule.

For detailed info from Capitol Corridor about the scheduled work, click here.

This announcement got some pretty good local media play, including a story in the Contra Costa Times.

Run for the hills

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:02:00 +0000

We know there are lots of Suisun City residents who love to get outdoors and enjoy the terrific scenery in and around Suisun City.

So when we heard about a new trail run being put on in Lynch Canyon, we knew we just had to pass along the information.

Here's the skinny:
On Saturday June 21 starting at 8 a.m., there will be a half-marathon, 10K and community fun run through the hills of Lynch Canyon Park, a new open space park just north of I-80 between Fairfield and Vallejo.

Of course, all the real details are online at lynchcanyontrailrun.blogspot.com. There you'll find all the registration fees, key times, directions and even a map of the race course!

The Daily Republic had a good story on the race over the weekend, too.

Lace up your shoes and have fun!

If anyone takes part and gets good pictures, please feel free to share them!

Even if you don't like to run, Lynch Canyon in a beautiful place to visit. It's operated by the Solano County Land Trust and Solano County, and open to the public Wednesday through Sunday.

Preserving YMCA Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:42:00 +0000

On June 30, the San Francisco YMCA will no longer operate the North Bay YMCA in Suisun City. For years, the local YMCA has struggled financially, and the parent organization in San Francisco can no longer afford to subsidize local operations.

City staff is working diligently to examine which of the YMCA's children's and youth programs we may be able to continue at existing City or school locations with the staff and financial resources we have available. While research is continuing, it appears as though we may be able to continue between 80% and 90% of those programs.

The City also is working with another regional YMCA and two private parties that have shown interest in the possibility of operating the current facility, or major components of the facility. Details of those offers are being reviewed by City staff. At its June 17 meeting, we plan to present the City Council with options and alternatives for how we can proactively address the situation.

We understand the disruption the loss of this type of key asset has on the community and local families. Supporting Suisun City youth and families is a key mission of our Recreation and Community Services Department. We also take very seriously our responsibility to the community to manage taxpayer funds in a highly responsible and sustainable manner.

ABC 7 News recently did a news piece on the situation. Follow this link to see that news piece.

Hunters help the Marsh, too!

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:48:00 +0000

Lest you think that only college and government researchers work out in the Suisun Marsh (see earlier post about UC Davis biologists trudging around in the Marsh), Barry Eberling over at the Daily Republic wrote a story about duck hunters who build boxes 6-to-8-feet in the air to help wood ducks breed.

As Barry explains, wood ducks usally breed in trees. But habitat destruction and unregulated hunting made the sighting of wood ducks on Grizzly Island very rare. Now, officials are reporting seeing flocks of them thanks to the volunteer efforts of duck club owners and hunters who have built thousands of nesting locations for the birds.

To see Barry's article, visit the Daily Republic website at www.dailyrepublic.com.

Suisun City in books

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:30:00 +0000

We're always looking for new and exciting ways to share the beauty of Suisun City and the surrounding area with as many people as we can reach. The main purpose is to encourage them to come visit, fall in love with the area, plan a return trip and spend a few dollars in our local businesses in the process.

Over the weekend, we became learned that Steffni & Tom Muehleisen have published a compact book of their photos of the area called "A Walk in the West Wind." It's a great little book perfect to buy as a souvenir or send to family members as a keepsake of the beauty of Suisun City.

We don't know if it's available in local stores, but it can be purchased online. Worth checking out!

If you know any other books about Suisun City or its environs we can share with others, please pass along the tip by leaving a comment or shooting me an e-mail at scorey@suisun.com.

What are those scientists doing in Suisun Marsh?

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:15:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered just what those field researchers are doing out in Suisun Marsh?

We hear frequently that Suisun Marsh is one of the most important ecological resources in California and perhaps the entire West Coast of North America. We know it is the largest contiguous brackish marsh on the West Coast, and just happens to border our little burg, Suisun City, as one of the best neighbors anyone could request.

But I've never had opportunity (nor desire, frankly, aside from general speculation) to go along with any researchers out into the Marsh to see what they are up to.

But leave it to Anna Opalka, an intrepid student journalist with the UC Davis California Aggie, to don the hipwaders to bring her readers an interesting and readable first-hand account of what UC Davis biologists, researchers and students are looking for as they ply the Marsh. (The short answer: they are catching and counting small fish).

If you didn't see my other links, click here to get to Anna's story here.

2008 Street Resurfacing Project RFP released

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Fri, 23 May 2008 23:21:00 +0000

The Suisun City Public Works Department has released for bids one of the most aggressive street resurfacing projects undertaken in Suisun City in several years.

The requests for proposal for the project is now available on the Public Works website. You can also click the headline of this article to get there or go to our homepage at www.suisun.com.

Depending on the results of the bidding, the City could resurface as many as 34 street segments across the City. By using a rubberized asphalt process rather than traditional grind and pave process, Public Works expects to really stretch the City's road improvement dollars.

Plus, the new process takes thousands of used automobile tires and reuses them as a durable road surface rather than send them off to landfills or other less green disposal processes.

The bids are due to be opened June 19, with work likely later this summer.

Marketing RFQ/P Issued

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Regular readers of this news blog thankfully mostly know a lot about Suisun City.

But, alas, we find that many people don't know much about Suisun City, until they get here! Then, it's "WOW! I had no idea this is what Suisun City was like!"

The City's Economic Development Department would like to change that dynamic for the better. So we've issued an RFP/Q for help in putting together a marketing strategy that will really amp up our efforts to 'get the word' out about Suisun City.

If you meet the qualifications, we'd invite you to submit a proposal. Feel free to pass along the information if you know someone else who may be interested.

All the information is available on the City's main website at www.suisun.com/marketing.

A special thanks to Rick (who goes by Suisun over at flickr.com) for this great photo of the Suisun City Marina.

And now, back to the news

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:10:00 +0000

We're getting back to our regular habit of posting updates here after a couple pretty hectic weeks of putting together the next issue of our City newsletter - Discovery.

It's going to be hitting local mailboxes next week with tons of updates on local infrastructure improvements, including:

$1.2 million in local street improvements this summer
A new monument sign proposal for the City's Highway 12 entrances
Major improvements on Sunset Avenue at Railroad Avenue
Reconstruction of Goepp Park
Three new bikeway expansions
Plus, a fantastic event season, including a first-ever performance of the Air Force's "Tops in Blue" right on our waterfront!

We'll get more details up soon about all of this great news, including new & improved ways of viewing this information over at our main website www.suisun.com.

McCoy Creek Trail RFP Issued

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:54:00 +0000

The City of Suisun City Public Works Department has issued a Request for Proposals for construction of the McCoy Creek Trail.

This concrete 2,000-foot long trail will connect the Central Solano Bikeway running along the north side of Highway 12 with Pintail Avenue along the west side of McCoy Creek. It is an essential piece of the expanding network of pedestrian and bike routes through the City.

The deadline for McCoy Creek submittals is June 10.

We also have a bid open for the reconstruction of Goepp Park posted online.

For complete bidding info, follow this link to our Public Works Projects page.