Latest from the newsroom
Proposed East Vallejo subdivision review pushed back until January
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | December 20, 2025 VALLEJO – As expected, the city’s Planning Commission agreed on Monday, December 15, to push back review of a proposed 51-unit East Vallejo housing subdivision until January. City staff requested the month delay as they seek more time to complete several conditions of approval. “The reason for…
Federal judge tosses lawsuit from former Vallejo police officer
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | December 9, 2025 VALLEJO – A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a former Vallejo police officer’s lawsuit after he missed several deadlines to amend his civil complaint against the city of Vallejo and former police department whistleblower. U.S. Senior District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller agreed with a series of recommendations…
James Rustice appointed interim Vallejo fire chief
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 20, 2025 VALLEJO – City officials announced Thursday that interim Deputy Fire Chief James Rustice has been appointed as the city’s newest interim fire chief, becoming the third such interim fire chief since June 2024. Rustice starts his new position on Friday, November 21, replacing Arthur Gonzales, who served…
Touro University seeks to build new guardhouse; Vallejo commission to review application
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 14, 2025 VALLEJO – In an attempt to enhance campus security, Touro University is proposing to build a new guardhouse at the north entrance of the university located at the intersection of Azuar Drive and Talos Avenue on Mare Island. Vallejo’s Architectural Heritage and Landmark Commission is scheduled to…
Cal Poly Maritime Academy closes Anchor Center in downtown Vallejo
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 13, 2025 VALLEJO – Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s push into downtown Vallejo has stalled, for now, as officials confirmed that the Anchor Center, meant to offer space to students and the community, has closed. “Staff reductions and attrition in recent years led to programming being removed from the university’s…
Benicia Planning Commission to review application for waste tire facility
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 11, 2025 BENICIA – The city’s Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, November 13, to discuss an application from EcoCycle Ventures, Inc. to operate a waste tire processing facility at 3130 Bayshore Road. The applicant is retroactively seeking Planning Commission approval after the business was cited for…
Greater Vallejo Recreation District to honor outgoing board members Aliga and Briseño
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 11, 2025 VALLEJO – The Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) Board of Directors is scheduled to honor two of its outgoing members during an upcoming board meeting on Thursday, November 13. Rizal Aliga and Robert Briseño will each be recognized by the board as their respective terms are set…
Vallejo’s police chief tops city manager in base salary, records show
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 7, 2025 VALLEJO – Police Chief Jason Ta became the highest paid city employee, by base salary, in July after the city’s unpresented employees received a five percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), pushing his annual base salary to $309,484.66. Ta’s salary is $6,484 higher than City Manager Andrew Murray’s $303,000…
Vallejo accepting proposals for seasonal warming shelter; expected to open in December
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 6, 2025 VALLEJO – The city has begun accepting proposals from third parties to operate a seasonal warming center to shelter the unhoused during the upcoming winter months, according to an official request for proposals (RFPs) placed on the city’s website. “The Warming Shelter will offer overnight shelter to…
Former Vallejo police officer at risk of having federal lawsuit tossed
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 6, 2025 VALLEJO – A former Vallejo police officer is at risk of having his federal lawsuit tossed after he failed to comply with a judge’s order to file an amended complaint in a timely manner, court records show. United States Magistrate Judge Jeremy D. Peterson explained in his…
Planning Commission approves new East Vallejo subdivision; 130 homes planned
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 5, 2025 VALLEJO – The Vallejo Planning Commission unanimously approved a new housing development Monday night which will see the construction of 130 single-family homes on the site of four abandoned little league baseball fields in East Vallejo. Commissioners spent over two-hours debating the merits of the project, including…
GVRD to host community meeting on proposed Franklin Recreation Center Park
by JohnGlidden.com Staff Report | glid24@protonmail.com | November 3, 2025 VALLEJO – The Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) has scheduled a meeting next month to allow residents to receive information about the future of the Franklin Recreation Center Park, located at the former Franklin Middle School site, the district announced on Monday. The meeting will be…
Vallejo’s public safety subcommittee to get first look at proposed Sex Trafficking Reduction Program
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 2, 2025 VALLEJO – A special public safety subcommittee of the Vallejo City Council is scheduled to receive information next week about a proposed Sex Trafficking Reduction Program, which is expected to cost the city at least $160,000. The proposal also includes the purchase of two new drones. The…
Beautification Commission to debate on sending letter to Vallejo City Council
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 1, 2025 VALLEJO – The city’s Beautification Commission will debate next week on whether to send an official letter asking the Vallejo City Council “to take action on items of concern that affect the visual appearance, quality of life, pride and safety of our city.” Signed by all seven…
9th Circuit Court rejects Vallejo’s request to rule on homeless encampment removals
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 30, 2025 VALLEJO – The city of Vallejo was dealt a legal blow earlier this month when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request that it rule on the city’s appeal of a February decision from a federal judge granting a preliminary injunction to an unsheltered…
Vallejo police explains its stance on immigration enforcement
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 29, 2025 VALLEJO – Vallejo police last week reiterated the department’s position on immigration enforcement, saying it “prioritizes crime prevention and public safety not immigration enforcement.” Police Sgt. Rashad Hollis made the comments during the October 23 2×2 Committee meeting. The committee gets its name from having two city…
Criminal defense attorney Wendy R. Casas appointed as Solano County judge
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 26, 2025 VALLEJO – California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on October 22 that he appointed 12 new judges across the state, including naming Yolo County criminal defense attorney Wendy R. Casas as a judge in the Solano County Superior Court. Casas replaces Judge Christine A. Carringer, who retired in…
Vallejo code enforcement meeting canceled after lack of quorum
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 24, 2025 VALLEJO – The city’s Code Enforcement Appeals Board was scheduled to receive an update about Vallejo’s Tobacco Retailer License ordinance on Thursday, October 23; however, that did not happen as the meeting was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. A video recording shows Board Chair Kevin…
New self-storage proposed for North Vallejo
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 23, 2025 VALLEJO – A 1,000-unit indoor self-storage facility may be coming to North Vallejo soon. The applicant, DXD Capital, is proposing a new 4-story, 137,318-square-foot self-storage facility on 2.20-acres near the intersection of Lewis Brown Drive and Sonoma Boulevard. No outdoor storage nor hazardous material storage is being…
Benicia city manager receives 2.5% cost of living increase
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 22, 2025 BENICIA – City Manager Mario Giuliani will soon have more in his pocket, as the Benicia City Council voted Tuesday, October 21, to give him a 2.5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) retroactive to the end of June 2025. Giuliani’s new monthly salary will be $20,211.13,…
GVRD board expected to give its general manager a new contract
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 21, 2025 VALLEJO – The Greater Vallejo Recreation District Board of Directors is expected to approve a new employment agreement with longtime general manager Gabe Lanusse, who will see his base salary increase to over $229,000 per year starting in January. Lanusse began earning $220,517.60 as of July 1,…
East Vallejo Planet Fitness allowed to expand hours
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 21, 2025 VALLEJO – The city gained another overnight business as the Planning Commission unanimously approved a major-use permit on Monday night allowing the newly opened East Vallejo Planet Fitness to operate 24-7. The gym, located at 42 Springstowne Center, currently operates from 6 a.m. to midnight every night.…
Vallejo’s finance director leaves for Hayward job
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 17, 2025 VALLEJO – The city has lost another department head as Finance Director Rekha Nayar accepted a similar position with the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. The Vallejo Times-Herald was the first on Friday to report on Nayar’s departure. Nayar had been the second longest tenured department…
Review of proposed East Vallejo housing development pushed back
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 10, 2025 VALLEJO – A public hearing on a proposed East Vallejo housing project, which would include 130 single-family homes, has been delayed at the request of the developer. The city’s Planning Commission was set on Monday, October 6 to review the project which would see four unused little…
Vallejo loses its community engagement manager
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | October 8, 2025 VALLEJO – After just two years on the job, Sharon Lund, the city’s community engagement manager has left Vallejo, JohnGlidden.com has confirmed. As of Tuesday, October 7, Lund’s name was no longer on the city’s website, prompting JohnGlidden.com to contact the city on the same day regarding…
Planning Commission to get look at proposed East Vallejo housing development
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | September 20, 2025 VALLEJO – The Vallejo Planning Commission is tentatively scheduled early next month to get its first look at a proposed housing development that would include 130 single-family homes built on four unused little league fields in East Vallejo, according to a recent legal notice published in the…
Vista Cove subdivision moves forward
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | July 27, 2025 VALLEJO – A new 51-unit housing subdivision proposed for the Glen Cove neighborhood cleared its first hurdle earlier this month after the city’s Design Review Board recommended the project move forward to the Planning Commission. During a July 10 meeting, the Design Review Board got a look…
Vallejo’s hires new second assistant city manager
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | July 26, 2025 VALLEJO – The city of Vallejo has hired a second assistant city manager, filling a position that has been vacant for well over a year. Nalungo Conley, who began with the city on July 7, previously served as chief of staff and human development manager at the…
Former councilmember called out ‘inappropriate’ email from senior Vallejo official lobbying for interim city manager in 2024
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | April 1, 2025 VALLEJO – Shortly before City Manager Mike Malone was set to depart Vallejo in April 2024, a member of Vallejo’s senior leadership team lobbied for Assistant City Manager Gillian Haen to become interim city manager, causing one councilmember to call the request “inappropriate,” newly released email records…
Vallejo hires new public information officer
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | March 22, 2025 VALLEJO – Almost a full year after losing its public information officer, the city of Vallejo has turned to a familiar face to fill the crucial position. Vallejoan Robert Briseño has been tapped to serve as Vallejo’s new Communications and Public Information Officer, replacing Christina Lee, who…
Vallejo hotel review delayed after meeting cancelled for lack of quorum
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | March 15, 2025 VALLEJO – The review of a proposed Vallejo hotel project has been delayed after the city’s Design Review Board couldn’t field a quorum for its meeting this week. A video of the aborted meeting shows city officials, and at least one board member Jamiah Adams, seated at…
New hotel planned for North Vallejo
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | March 10, 2025 VALLEJO – A new 96-room La Quinta hotel could be coming to North Vallejo in the near future. Vallejo’s Design Review Board will be asked on Thursday to approve the design of the hotel, which would be a four-story, 49,741-square-foot building situated on 10.86 acres of land…
Solano College governing board asked to reaffirm district’s commitment to protecting students
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | March 2, 2025 VALLEJO – The Solano Community College Governing Board will get its first look at a new district-wide policy on Wednesday that would codify the college’s commitment to protecting the privacy of its students, regardless of their immigrant status. In addition, the seven-person governing board is being asked…
Vallejo school board asked to approve appointment of new administrator
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | March 1, 2025 VALLEJO – The Vallejo school district’s push to erase a multi-million budget deficit continues Wednesday when the board of trustees will be asked to approve the hiring of Ruben Fernandez, as the new assistant superintendent of business services and operations. In early January, the school board approved…
Vallejo may get a trampoline park in former Bed, Bath & Beyond building
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | February 27, 2025 VALLEJO – A trampoline park may be coming to the city very soon. The Vallejo Planning Commission will be asked Monday to hold a public hearing and approve an application to create a 40,964-square-foot indoor Sky Zone Trampoline Park inside the former Bed, Bath, & Beyond store…
GVRD board to consider proposal from former Vallejo city manager
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | February 26, 2025 VALLEJO – A familiar face may be coming back to the city of Vallejo, albeit temporarily. The Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) Board of Directors will be asked on Thursday to consider a proposal from Daniel Keen Consulting to conduct a facilitated performance evaluation of GVRD General…
Mudslide closes bike way above eastbound I-80 outside of Vallejo
by John Glidden.com Staff Report | glid24@protonmail.com | February 18, 2025 VALLEJO – A portion of the Solano Bikeway located above eastbound Interstate 80, just outside the city of Vallejo, was closed due to a mudslide. “The mudslide occurred across from the interstate from the Hunter Hill rest area, making the route impassable until fixes can…
‘Air Toxics and Your Health’ community forum set for Feb. 27
by John Glidden.com Staff Report | glid24@protonmail.com | February 17, 2025 BENICIA – The Benicia Community Air Monitoring Program (BCAMP) announced it will host a public forum later this month to help answer the public’s questions and concerns about toxic chemicals and the impact of particulate matter on the community’s health, BCAMP announced on Monday. The…
Tacos and Taxes
by John Glidden.com Staff Report | glid24@protonmail.com | February 16, 2025 VALLEJO – Hate doing your taxes but love eating tacos? Then you’re in luck. State Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, D-Suisun City, will be hosting a free Taco and Taxes event on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the John F. Kennedy…
State Senator Christopher Cabaldon named to oversight commission
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | February 15, 2025 VALLEJO – Newly elected State Senator Christopher Cabaldon, D-West Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Little Hoover Commission, a 13-person nonpartisan oversight agency tasked with investigating state operations and policy. Cabaldon’s appointment was made by the California Senate Rules Committee, the Little Hoover Commission announced recently. Cabaldon…
Vallejo commission gets update on closure of major stores in city
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | February 14, 2025 VALLEJO – On Wednesday, members of the city’s Economic Development Commission received confirmation of rumored bad news that had been circulating the city for days: Vallejo’s two Walgreens locations are closing this month, while the Safeway grocery store on Admiral Callaghan will shutter in April. Assistant City…
Vallejo committee gets updates on immigration and public safety
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | February 12, 2025 VALLEJO – About 40 percent of the Vallejo school district student population didn’t show up to class during ‘A day without immigrants’ national protest held on Monday, February 3, in opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The attendance information was shared by Vallejo City Unified School…
Vallejo loses economic development director
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | February 12, 2025 VALLEJO – City Manager Andrew Murray has another important vacancy to fill in his administration following the departure of Economic Development Director Michael Nimon in January. Nimon accepted a similar position with the city of Walnut Creek, according to his LinkedIn profile. Nimon was originally hired in…
Vallejo to host several community meetings to receive input on police chief search
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | June 22, 2024 VALLEJO – The city has scheduled at least three community meetings asking for residents to discuss what they would like to see in Vallejo’s next police chief. Vallejo has retained the executive recruiting firm Bob Hall and Associates to conduct the nation-wide search to fill the chief…
Vallejo hires new planning and development services director
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | June 19, 2024 VALLEJO – Just a month into becoming city manager, Andrew Murray as already begun to fill vacancies within his administrative team. Kristin Pollot has been hired as Vallejo’s new planning and development services director, the city announced Tuesday (June 18). Pollot replaces Christina Ratcliffe, who left the…
Federal judge denies push to change venue in criminal case involving a former Vallejo High School principal
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | June 17, 2024 VALLEJO – A federal judge last week denied a motion to change the venue in an alleged defrauding case involving a former Vallejo High School principal. In his six-page decision issued on June 12, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey S. White argued it was proper for the…
Vallejo’s surveillance board asked to consider new cameras
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | June 16, 2024 VALLEJO – New Automated License Plate Reader Cameras (ALPRs) may soon be on their way to the city of Vallejo. The city’s Surveillance Advisory Board (SAB), a watchdog commission which makes recommendations about the use of surveillance technology in Vallejo, will receive a presentation on Thursday…
Measure P Oversight Committee to hold first meeting
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 14, 2023 VALLEJO – A seven-person committee, created to review how the city of Vallejo spends Measure P monies, will convene for the first time on Wednesday, Nov. 15. More than 55% of Vallejo voters approved Measure P — a seven-eighths-cent sales tax increase — last November. Passage of…
Changes to JohnGlidden.com
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | Oct. 8, 2021 Hi, everyone! I’m pleased to announce that JohnGlidden.com has expanded into the Vallejo Sun, an independent news publication covering the city of Vallejo and Solano County. The Vallejo Sun is owned and operated by myself and regional reporters, Scott Morris and Brian Krans. I started JohnGlidden.com…
Two Boogaloo Bois plead guilty to destroying records related to murder of police
by Scott Morris | OakMorr@protonmail.com | Sept. 13, 2021 SAN FRANCISCO– Two admitted members of the right-wing Boogaloo Bois pleaded guilty in federal court in San Francisco on Monday to destroying records relating to the murder of police officers in Oakland and Santa Cruz County by an active-duty U.S. Air Force sergeant who was stationed…
Few Solano cops vaccinated for COVID-19
by Scott Morris | OakMorr@protonmail.com | Sept. 3, 2021 VALLEJO – Few law enforcement officers in Solano County have confirmed with their employer that they have been vaccinated for COVID-19, despite the agencies placing restrictions on employees who do not confirm their vaccination status, according to data obtained through public records requests. Overall, only about 25%…
UPDATE: Vallejo council backs plan to name Malone as interim city manager
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | Sept. 1, 2021 VALLEJO – Multiple sources have confirmed to JohnGlidden.com that the Vallejo City Council has directed staff to open negotiations with Mike Malone for possible appointment as interim city manager. The council voted 5-2 during a special closed session Tuesday night to begin the process of naming Malone,…
Vallejo council doesn’t name new interim city manager – yet
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | Aug. 31, 2021 VALLEJO – A new interim Vallejo city manager wasn’t named Tuesday night as the Vallejo City Council instead gave direction to city staff about filling the position. Vallejo City Attorney Veronica Nebb didn’t specify what that direction was after she reported out about what happened in the…
Sources: Vallejo’s water director in contention for interim city manager position
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | Aug. 30, 2021 VALLEJO – Multiple sources have confirmed to JohnGlidden.com that Mike Malone, the city’s water director, is a top choice to be Vallejo’s next interim city manager. The Vallejo City Council is scheduled to meet in a special closed session Tuesday to discuss naming the next interim city…
Solano supervisors to discuss possible new oversight of sheriff’s office
by Scott Morris | OakMorr@protonmail.com | Aug. 30, 2021 VALLEJO – The Solano County Board of Supervisors will have a discussion in September or October about possibly instituting a new oversight board of the Solano County Sheriff’s Office. Such a board would be authorized under new state legislation passed last year that allows the supervisors to…
Prosecutor alleges DA of retaliation, discrimination over request to work from home
by John Glidden | Bay City News Foundation | Aug. 28, 2021 This article was first published for the Bay City News Foundation. VALLEJO – A veteran Solano County prosecutor has filed a lawsuit claiming her boss, District Attorney Krishna Abrams, retaliated against her after she requested to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharon…
Former Vallejo councilwoman says she has no interest in being interim city manager
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | Aug. 28, 2021 VALLEJO – Marti Brown, a former Vallejo councilmember, and current interim city manager with the city of Willows, has no interest in serving as Vallejo’s interim city manager, she confirmed to JohnGlidden.com on Friday. Brown declined to comment when asked if she would be willing to serve…
Solano sheriff’s deputies beat Black woman unconscious for no reason, lawsuit alleges
by Scott Morris | OakMorr@protonmail.com | Aug. 19, 2021 SACRAMENTO – A woman who was dragged from her car and beaten unconscious by Solano County Sheriff’s deputies last year sued the department on Wednesday, alleging excessive force and that the department covered up the deputies’ conduct. Nakia Porter, 33, said that she pulled over in Dixon…
Vallejo mayor gives early monetary support to potential council candidates
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | Aug. 16, 2021 VALLEJO – Mayor Robert McConnell has thrown his support behind two potential Vallejo City Council candidates by giving each $500, according to campaign forms submitted to the Solano County Registrar of Voters. Former Vallejo school board Trustee Ruscal Canyangyang is eyeing a run to represent District 4,…
Police Reform: Summary of findings
Complex problems in Vallejo suggest myriad solutions by John Glidden | Bay City News Foundation | Aug. 14, 2021 This story was first published on LocalNewsMatters.org, an affiliated nonprofit site supported by the Bay City News Foundation. VALLEJO – There is no magic solution to reforming a police department. The city of Vallejo is learning that the hard…
Police Reform: Technology Assist
by John Glidden | Bay City News Foundation | Aug. 13, 2021 This story was first published on LocalNewsMatters.org, an affiliated nonprofit site supported by the Bay City News Foundation. VALLEJO – As cities struggle with tight budgets, many police departments are turning to technology to leverage law enforcement efforts. Technological assists come in many different forms, from…
Police Reform: ‘Defunding’ the police
As calls for reform intensify, Vallejo and other cities struggle with proper role, budget for police by John Glidden | Bay City News Foundation | Aug. 12, 2021 This story was first published on LocalNewsMatters.org, an affiliated nonprofit site supported by the Bay City News Foundation. VALLEJO – Following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis over a…
Police Reform: Federal monitor
In extreme situations, communities like Vallejo look outside for police oversight by John Glidden | Bay City News Foundation | Aug. 11, 2021 This story was first published on LocalNewsMatters.org, an affiliated nonprofit site supported by the Bay City News Foundation. VALLEJO – By all accounts, Carl Edwards was having an ordinary day in July 2017 as the…
Police Reform: Police commission
Civilian oversight offers one tool for keeping police accountable in Vallejo by John Glidden | Bay City News Foundation | Aug. 10, 2021 This story was first published on LocalNewsMatters.org, an affiliated nonprofit site supported by the Bay City News Foundation. VALLEJO – As protests against police violence swept across the country following the death of George Floyd…
Police Reform Measures: Walking a beat
Could community patrols help build relationships and overcome distrust of Vallejo law enforcement? by John Glidden | Bay City News Foundation | Aug. 9, 2021 This story was first published on LocalNewsMatters.org, an affiliated nonprofit site supported by the Bay City News Foundation. VALLEJO – Before George Floyd, there was Michael Brown Jr., an 18-year-old Black man shot and…
Police Reform Measures: A look at four Bay Area Communities and past reform efforts
by John Glidden | Bay City News Foundation | Aug. 6, 2021 This story was first published on LocalNewsMatters.org, an affiliated nonprofit site supported by the Bay City News Foundation. VALLEJO – Just around the corner from the Vallejo Police Department, the black-and-white portrait of a young Latinx man looks over the street, his warm eyes…
Ferrara’s re-election campaign brings in $9,000 during first half of 2021
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | Aug. 3, 2021 VALLEJO – Solano County Sheriff Thomas Ferrara raised more than $9,000 in cash and non-monetary contributions in his bid for another term as the county’s top cop, according to campaign records submitted to the Solano County Registrar of Voters this week. The contributions were all received during…
Investigation into Vallejo police ‘blood death ritual’ to conclude soon
A Vallejo city attorney told a Solano County judge that the independent investigation into so-called ‘badge bending’ should be done by mid-September. by Brian Krans | July 30, 2021 VALLEJO – An attorney for the city of Vallejo says an outside investigation into allegations that some officers in the department celebrated fatal on-duty shootings by bending…
City of Vallejo settling excessive force lawsuit
by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | July 20, 2021 VALLEJO – The city of Vallejo has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit alleging three of its officers used excessive force while attempting to take a man into custody during a May 2017 confrontation. The terms of the agreement, however, have yet to be made public. Vallejo…
Wife blocks release of Vallejo man accused of plotting to bomb Democrat HQ
by Scott Morris | OakMorr@protonmail.com | July 20, 2021 VALLEJO – A federal judge was prepared to release a Vallejo man accused of plotting with a Napa mechanic to blow up the Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento, but then ordered the man to remain in jail after his wife declined to act as his custodian. In…
Vallejo man tied to Three Percenters charged in bombing plot with Napa mechanic
by Scott Morris | July 16, 2021 VALLEJO – A Vallejo man accused of being a co-conspirator in an alleged plot to blow up the Democrats’ headquarters in Sacramento was arrested this week and charged in federal court with conspiracy and destruction of evidence, federal prosecutors said. Jarrod Copeland, 37, was arrested in Sacramento on Wednesday,…
Solano cops should monitor for extremist infiltration, oversight body report finds
by Scott Morris | July 12, 2021 VALLEJO – An oversight body recommended that Solano County law enforcement officials monitor officers’ social media postings for extremist support, something that none of the six agencies polled currently do. The Solano County Civil Grand Jury’s most recent report, released June 30, also found that while each law enforcement…
Cardwell dodges questions about her future in Vallejo city manager position
by John Glidden | July 10, 2021 VALLEJO – Acting City Manager Anne Cardwell evaded questions on Friday about her future plans as the city’s CEO. Cardwell declined to answer if she is interested in serving as Vallejo’s interim city manager following the recent resignation of City Manager Greg Nyhoff. “The City Council will be taking…
Vallejo police captain retires, says crime ‘a systemic problem’ for city
by John Glidden | July 7, 2021 VALLEJO – Vallejo Police Capt. Joseph Iacono sent a department-wide email last Friday announcing his retirement, while also taking time to call crime in Vallejo a “systemic problem.” “It is often a generational and structural force that, in my opinion must be confronted,” Iacono wrote about crime in Vallejo.…
Vallejo City Council asked to approve reopening of Glen Cove fire station; expected to cost $2 million
by John Glidden | July 6, 2021 VALLEJO – A fire station shuttered over a decade ago due to the city’s financial issues may soon re-open. The Vallejo City Council will be asked Tuesday to approve the the re-opening of Station 26, located at 1585 Fulton Ave. in the Glen Cove area of the city. Station…
City Manager Greg Nyhoff to leave Vallejo; walk away with $577,536
by John Glidden | June 30, 2021 VALLEJO – The Greg Nyhoff era in Vallejo is over. The Vallejo City Council will meet during a special meeting Thursday to approve a $577,536 resignation and separation agreement between the city of Vallejo and Nyhoff. The payment is the remaining balance owed to Nyhoff under his employment agreement…
How protests over police violence are changing a city where officers kill with near-impunity
As protests against racism and police violence were sweeping the country, a Vallejo, California detective shot and killed Sean Monterrosa. His death has galvanized a community. Editor’s note: This article was originally published by The Appeal on Sept. 21, 2020. by John Glidden VALLEJO – Late last year, Vallejo, California, hired its first Black police chief. The city…
Vallejo City Council to meet in closed session about possible litigation regarding Nyhoff
by John Glidden | June 25, 2021 VALLEJO – The mystery surrounding the employment status of Vallejo City Manager Greg Nyhoff continues as the city council is expected to meet in closed session next week about possible litigation involving Nyhoff. The agenda for the special closed session briefly states that the council will receive information about…
Vallejo updates its mask requirements for city buildings; fully vaccinated don’t have to wear a mask
JohnGlidden.com staff report | June 19, 2021 VALLEJO – Starting Monday, fully vaccinated members of the public will be allowed inside Vallejo’s city buildings without the need to wear a mask, the city announced Saturday. The change in mask requirements is in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Cal/OSHA, officials added. “Members…
Vallejo seeking applicants for various city commissions
JohnGlidden.com staff report | June 16, 2021 VALLEJO – Want to give back to the city of Vallejo? Now is your chance. City Hall has extended the application period for a number of Vallejo commissions. To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the city. The following seats are currently open: Architectural Heritage &…
Vallejo’s city manager currently away from office; no reason given
by John Glidden | June 3, 2021 VALLEJO – Days before the Vallejo City Council is expected to review and ultimately approve its 2021-2022 fiscal year budget, Vallejo City Manager Greg Nyhoff is out of his office with the city mum on when he will return. City Spokeswoman Christina Lee confirmed Wednesday night that Nyhoff was…
Sources: Vallejo’s housing manager placed on leave
by John Glidden | June 2, 2021 VALLEJO – Judy Shepard-Hall, Vallejo’s housing & community development program manager, was placed on leave sometime during the past few days, multiple sources confirmed to JohnGlidden.com. JohnGlidden.com attempted to email Shepard-Hall on Tuesday about a separate item. An auto message from Shepard-Hall’s city email address stated that “Judy Shepard-Hall…
Solano Sheriff to seek reelection, despite controversy
by Scott Morris | May 28, 2021 VALLEJO – Solano County Sheriff Tom Ferrara announced on Friday that he would run for reelection in 2022, seeking another four-year term after 10 years in the position. Ferrara has faced recent controversy after it was revealed that several deputies posted symbols of the Three Percenter anti-government militia on…
Drone files raise new questions of evidence destruction in Vallejo police killing of Sean Monterrosa
by Brian Krans | May 26, 2021 VALLEJO – On June 2, 2020, Vallejo police Detective Jarrett Tonn fired his rifle five times from the back seat of an unmarked police truck as it pulled up to a Walgreens pharmacy, hitting Sean Monterrosa once in the back of the head, according to his official autopsy report.…
Vallejo councilwoman ‘stunned’ to learn police department moving more services into waterfront building
by John Glidden | May 21, 2021 VALLEJO – A Vallejo councilwoman says she was “stunned” to learn through an email sent out by the Vallejo Police Department early Thursday afternoon that the city will host a grand opening for a new victim’s center which is opening up in 400 Mare Island Way on Monday. “Is…
Vallejo school superintendent to be evaluated by board in closed session
by John Glidden | May 17, 2021 VALLEJO – Vallejo school district Superintendent William Spalding’s job performance will be reviewed during a special closed session of the Vallejo school board on Tuesday. The evaluation is built into Spalding’s contract which requires both the superintendent and school board meet before May 31 each year to “agree upon…
Vallejo school board asked to approve $1 million in salary increases
by John Glidden | May 16, 2021 VALLEJO – The Vallejo school board will be asked Wednesday to approve more than $1 million in combined salary increases with two different unions which represent non-teachers in the Vallejo City Unified School District. The increases represent a two percent pay bump and are retroactive to July 1, 2020.…
New body camera video shows Vallejo officer who killed Sean Monterrosa shoot at man’s back in 2017
by Scott Morris | May 14, 2021 VALLEJO – Three years before Vallejo police Det. Jarrett Tonn shot and killed Sean Monterrosa, he fired at a carjacking suspect who was fleeing on foot in a residential neighborhood. Tonn insisted that he saw the man, Victor Hurtado, with a gun, but none was ever found. New body…
Benicia City Council to mull approving installation of 45 license plate readers throughout city
by John Glidden | May 13, 2021 BENICIA – The Benicia City Council will be asked Tuesday to approve a two-year lease agreement with Flock Group Inc. for the installation of 45 automated license plate readers (ALPR) throughout the city of Benicia. If approved, the project would cost the city $236,250, with Benicia paying $5,000 for…
Local businesswoman announces bid to represent District 5 on Vallejo City Council
by John Glidden | May 12, 2021 VALLEJO – Local businesswoman Tara Beasley-Stansberry kicked off her campaign for Vallejo City Council on Monday, becoming the first to announced plans to run for the 5th District during the upcoming 2022 election. “I love my district,” Beasley-Stansberry told JohnGlidden.com this week. “I’m in a place in my personal…
New Vallejo cannabis dispensary not a done deal as appeal is filed
by John Glidden | May 10, 2021 VALLEJO – Approval of a new 17,000 square foot cannabis storefront inside the old Food 4 Less building in North Vallejo isn’t a done deal – after all. California Collective Care (CCC), a cannabis dispensary along Lewis Brown Drive, filed an appeal blocking a March 15 decision by the…
Vallejo police lieutenant with history of excessive force allegations gone from department
by John Glidden | May 7, 2021 VALLEJO – A Vallejo police lieutenant with a long history of excessive force allegations, including allegedly pointing his gun at a man’s head outside an Oregon bar while off-duty, is no longer with the Vallejo Police Department. Lt. Michael ‘Kent’ Tribble officially separated from the police department on Feb.…
Numerous police-related items before Vallejo City Council on Tuesday
by John Glidden | April 26, 2021 VALLEJO – Several police-related items will go before the Vallejo City Council for approval on Tuesday, including a request from the city’s police chief to add an in-car camera system for all 39 of the Vallejo Police Department’s patrol vehicles. The proposal with Axon Enterprises includes installing two cameras…
Vallejo City Council to get update on excessive force lawsuit filed against officer who held man at gun point while off-duty
by John Glidden | April 24, 2021 VALLEJO – The Vallejo City Council will receive an update on the status of two different lawsuits filed against the city including an excessive force lawsuit alleging an off-duty Vallejo police officer repeatedly slammed a man’s head against the pavement following a verbal argument outside a Walnut Creek pizzeria…
Vallejo councilwoman hosting monthly meeting with residents
JohnGlidden.com staff report | April 15, 2021 VALLEJO – Newly elected Vallejo Councilwoman Mina Diaz announced this week that she will begin to host a ‘Coffee with Mina’ event with residents every month – starting in April. The first event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., April 24, at the La Michoacana Bakery, located…
Council to get update on city’s negotiations with developer regarding Blue Rock Springs revitalization project
by John Glidden | April 12, 2021 VALLEJO – The Vallejo City Council will meet during a special closed session Tuesday to discuss three different items, including getting an update about the city’s negotiations about the price, terms of payment and conditions of 10 city-owned parcels associated with the Blue Rock Springs revitalization project. Vallejo City…
Vallejo fire chief suddenly resigns on Monday
by John Glidden | April 12, 2021 VALLEJO – Fire Chief Daryl Arbuthnott suddenly resigned on Monday after more than two years with the city. In a phone interview with JohnGlidden.com, Arbuthnott said the decision to leave was made on his own. “It’s something I’ve been contemplating for some time,” he said. “At least the last…
Vallejo sent warning letter to former staff attorney after she was named as a witness in whistleblower complaint
by John Glidden | April 9, 2021 VALLEJO – Randy Risner claims he wasn’t trying to intimidate a former staff attorney when he had a warning letter mailed to the person’s new job last year reminding them about maintaining attorney client privilege and honoring their ethical obligations. The letter was sent to former Assistant City Attorney…
Vallejo searches for new HR lead, while former director is accused of ignoring complaints
by John Glidden | April 7, 2021 VALLEJO – City officials have begun the process of finding a new human resources director following the departure of Heather Ruiz, who left Vallejo last month amid allegations she failed to investigate racial discrimination and bullying complaints that were brought to her attention. The city released the job announcement…
Vallejo city manager confirmed Tonn as shooter days after Monterrosa was killed, emails show
by John Glidden | April 6, 2021 VALLEJO – Five days after Sean Monterrosa was shot dead by Vallejo police detective Jarrett Tonn outside a local Walgreens, City Manager Greg Nyhoff confirmed Tonn’s identity to at least two members of the Vallejo City Council, newly released emails show. In response to an email from then-Vallejo Councilman…
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