July 29, 2005
Marine World expects profits to jumpVallejo's share may hit $2.4 million
By CHRIS G. DENINA, Times-Herald staff writer
Thanks to a new animal exhibit, Vallejo's Six Flags Marine World theme park is set to end a three-year slump in attendance and profits to the city.
In an annual report to the Vallejo City Council this week, park officials said the attraction could take in about $59 million in revenues this year. That's roughly $5 million more than last season.
In turn, the city can expect more money as its share of the profits, park General Manager Bill Davis told the council Tuesday. Six Flags Inc. runs the park, splitting revenues with the city. The Oklahoma City-based company has an option to buy the property.
"We feel we will beat last year's attendance significantly," said Davis, who was hired this year as the new park boss.
Last year, about 1.5 million visitors passed through the park turnstiles, spending an average of nearly $34 each on such things as food, drink and souvenirs.
This year, they may end up parting with a couple bucks more apiece, helping boost profit for both the park and city.
In May, Marine World opened its Ocean Discovery attraction, featuring dolphin, penguin and stingray pools, where visitors can get up close with the animals. In some cases, park-goers are allowed to pet the stingrays and feed the dolphins.
So far, the exhibits have paid off in terms of attendance and earnings.
That should mean a larger payoff for Vallejo, which could receive $2.4 million as its share of the profits. That's about $700,000 more than last year's cut.
The city in recent years has added the money to its coffers to pay for general fund expenses, which include police and fire service. In each of the past three years, the city received a small check as its share of profits.
The turnaround may be on the new manager's watch, but plans for the new attraction were made before Davis started the job in March.
Councilmember Joanne Schivley said Tuesday she hopes Davis carries on some of the work of the past manager, who left for unspecified reasons. Marine World has taken part in local events including a race to raise money for local groups.
"And we certainly hope you will have the same community involvement as your predecessors have had," Schivley said.
Davis said he plans to continue Marine World's participation.
"And frankly we play to try and beat those numbers as substantially as we can," Davis said.
- E-mail Chris G. Denina at cdenina@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6835.
Friday, July 29, 2005
City of Fairfield Planners OK request to build a 1.1 million-square-foot wine bottle distribution and warehouse facility on a 55-acre
Article Last Updated: Thursday, Jul 28, 2005 - 10:58:44 pm PDT
Planners OK bottle distribution warehouse
By Jeff Mitchell
FAIRFIELD - City planning commissioners this week approved the construction of a massive wine bottle distribution plant on the 2600 block of Stanford Court.
Voting unanimously Wednesday, the panel approved Saint-Gobain Containers' request to build a 1.1 million-square-foot wine bottle distribution and warehouse facility on a 55-acre undeveloped parcel off Stanford Court near Air Base Parkway and Peabody Road.
The company currently operates two existing smaller distribution and warehouse facilities in the Cordelia area. The intent of the new project is to combine the operation under one roof. The operation primarily serves the West Coast wine industry.
Panel also says yes to coffee kiosk
FAIRFIELD - Red Top Road park and ride commuters will soon be able to perk up faster thanks to the Fairfield Planning Commission's approval this week of a drive-thru coffee and beverage kiosk.
The prefabricated kiosk will be called Cafe Xpresso and will be located at 120 Red Top Road on a 5,372-square-foot city-owned lot that will be leased to applicant and cafe developer Richard Bordeaux.
The commission voted 5-1 Wednesday to OK the project with Commissioner Stan Silverman casting the lone dissenting vote.
Silverman opposed the project out of a concern the business might encourage drivers to not fully concentrate on the road while consuming beverages purchased at the kiosk.
Biz Bits . . .
Copart Inc. officials this week announced the opening of its ninth salvage facility in the state of Florida. Located in Hialeah, the new yard is a 22-acre greenfield facility and will add needed storage capacity in Florida, a company spokesman said earlier this week.
Fairfield-based Copart is the largest provider of vehicle salvage disposition services in the nation.
Solano Community College officials recently announced that two introduction to biotechnology classes will be offered this fall.
The classes will start Aug. 22 and Aug. 25 at SCC's Vacaville Center and at the college's main campus in Fairfield. For more information or to register online, call 864-1006 or go to www.solano.edu.
Solano Community College's Small Business Development Center is offering a "Business Planning for Financing" seminar Aug. 4 to help existing, start-up and potential small business owners prepare to borrow.
The seminar will begin at
6 p.m. at the center. Cost is $25. Reserve a seat by calling 864-3382 or registering online at www.solanosbdc.org.
"Business Matters" is a column that runs Tuesday and Friday focusing on Solano County business affairs. If you know of a newsworthy item or event, please e-mail jmitchell@dailyrepublic.net. Please be sure to include a contact name and phone number.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
Planners OK bottle distribution warehouse
By Jeff Mitchell
FAIRFIELD - City planning commissioners this week approved the construction of a massive wine bottle distribution plant on the 2600 block of Stanford Court.
Voting unanimously Wednesday, the panel approved Saint-Gobain Containers' request to build a 1.1 million-square-foot wine bottle distribution and warehouse facility on a 55-acre undeveloped parcel off Stanford Court near Air Base Parkway and Peabody Road.
The company currently operates two existing smaller distribution and warehouse facilities in the Cordelia area. The intent of the new project is to combine the operation under one roof. The operation primarily serves the West Coast wine industry.
Panel also says yes to coffee kiosk
FAIRFIELD - Red Top Road park and ride commuters will soon be able to perk up faster thanks to the Fairfield Planning Commission's approval this week of a drive-thru coffee and beverage kiosk.
The prefabricated kiosk will be called Cafe Xpresso and will be located at 120 Red Top Road on a 5,372-square-foot city-owned lot that will be leased to applicant and cafe developer Richard Bordeaux.
The commission voted 5-1 Wednesday to OK the project with Commissioner Stan Silverman casting the lone dissenting vote.
Silverman opposed the project out of a concern the business might encourage drivers to not fully concentrate on the road while consuming beverages purchased at the kiosk.
Biz Bits . . .
Copart Inc. officials this week announced the opening of its ninth salvage facility in the state of Florida. Located in Hialeah, the new yard is a 22-acre greenfield facility and will add needed storage capacity in Florida, a company spokesman said earlier this week.
Fairfield-based Copart is the largest provider of vehicle salvage disposition services in the nation.
Solano Community College officials recently announced that two introduction to biotechnology classes will be offered this fall.
The classes will start Aug. 22 and Aug. 25 at SCC's Vacaville Center and at the college's main campus in Fairfield. For more information or to register online, call 864-1006 or go to www.solano.edu.
Solano Community College's Small Business Development Center is offering a "Business Planning for Financing" seminar Aug. 4 to help existing, start-up and potential small business owners prepare to borrow.
The seminar will begin at
6 p.m. at the center. Cost is $25. Reserve a seat by calling 864-3382 or registering online at www.solanosbdc.org.
"Business Matters" is a column that runs Tuesday and Friday focusing on Solano County business affairs. If you know of a newsworthy item or event, please e-mail jmitchell@dailyrepublic.net. Please be sure to include a contact name and phone number.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
Rush Ranch to receive $500,000 in improvements - Rush Ranch is a 2,070-acre open space area located in Suisun Marsh a few miles south of Suisun City
Article Last Updated: Thursday, Jul 28, 2005 - 11:10:04 pm PDT
Rush Ranch to receive $500,000 in improvements
By Barry Eberling
FAIRFIELD - Rush Ranch is poised to get about $500,000 in improvements to help with its role as part of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Regional Reserve.
The immediate goal is to build a new caretaker's house, classroom and small laboratory at the ranch. That will give researchers a place to stay and do their work.
Rush Ranch is a 2,070-acre open space area located in Suisun Marsh a few miles south of Suisun City on Grizzly Island Road. The Solano Land Trust bought the property in 1988.
Residents can go there, learn about the area in a visitors center and hike trails. Trails lead along marsh sloughs and through cattle grazing land to the top of Suisun Hill.
The ranch received the national estuarine reserve designation in 2003. Researchers use the site as part of a nationwide effort to monitor the health of coastal habitats.
Being designated as a reserve made the ranch eligible for federal money. The $500,000 grant is going toward improvements to help researchers do their job.
"They want a little bit of office space and a lab," said Marilyn Farley, Solano Land Trust executive director. "If they bring in specimens, they might want to put them on a counter and have a sink to wash up in. This isn't going to be a high-tech lab, it's going to be a field lab."
Meanwhile, the Land Trust will replace the old ranch house with a new one. This is where a caretaker lives on the preserve.
The Solano Land Trust Board on Tuesday approved paying Arc Inc. Architects $70,000 to design the building or buildings. Since the ranch is off the electric grid, the design could incorporate such things as solar and wind power.
New structures will likely be in a ranch style, Farley said. Construction could begin next year, she said.
The existing visitors center, barn, corrals, sheds and old blacksmith's shop will remain, she said.
Reach Barry Eberling at 425-4646 Ext. 232 or at beberling@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
Rush Ranch to receive $500,000 in improvements
By Barry Eberling
FAIRFIELD - Rush Ranch is poised to get about $500,000 in improvements to help with its role as part of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Regional Reserve.
The immediate goal is to build a new caretaker's house, classroom and small laboratory at the ranch. That will give researchers a place to stay and do their work.
Rush Ranch is a 2,070-acre open space area located in Suisun Marsh a few miles south of Suisun City on Grizzly Island Road. The Solano Land Trust bought the property in 1988.
Residents can go there, learn about the area in a visitors center and hike trails. Trails lead along marsh sloughs and through cattle grazing land to the top of Suisun Hill.
The ranch received the national estuarine reserve designation in 2003. Researchers use the site as part of a nationwide effort to monitor the health of coastal habitats.
Being designated as a reserve made the ranch eligible for federal money. The $500,000 grant is going toward improvements to help researchers do their job.
"They want a little bit of office space and a lab," said Marilyn Farley, Solano Land Trust executive director. "If they bring in specimens, they might want to put them on a counter and have a sink to wash up in. This isn't going to be a high-tech lab, it's going to be a field lab."
Meanwhile, the Land Trust will replace the old ranch house with a new one. This is where a caretaker lives on the preserve.
The Solano Land Trust Board on Tuesday approved paying Arc Inc. Architects $70,000 to design the building or buildings. Since the ranch is off the electric grid, the design could incorporate such things as solar and wind power.
New structures will likely be in a ranch style, Farley said. Construction could begin next year, she said.
The existing visitors center, barn, corrals, sheds and old blacksmith's shop will remain, she said.
Reach Barry Eberling at 425-4646 Ext. 232 or at beberling@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Council OKs changes to Nut Tree development deal
With a measure of glee and good spirits, the Vacaville City Council approved some changes Tuesday night to the city's agreement with Nut Tree developer Snell & Co.
The council unanimously approved an amendment to the 2003 development agreement, allowing Snell & Co. to purchase more land for parking and extending the deadline for the close of escrow to the first week of September.
The developer will now enter into negotiations with the city over a 3.9-acre piece of property currently being used as temporary parking for Travis Credit Union Park. A representative from Snell & Co. said last week that the lot could add up to 90 parking spaces for the project, which will mesh retail, eateries and a family park.
Ground is expected to break on the project the second week of August.
The council unanimously approved an amendment to the 2003 development agreement, allowing Snell & Co. to purchase more land for parking and extending the deadline for the close of escrow to the first week of September.
The developer will now enter into negotiations with the city over a 3.9-acre piece of property currently being used as temporary parking for Travis Credit Union Park. A representative from Snell & Co. said last week that the lot could add up to 90 parking spaces for the project, which will mesh retail, eateries and a family park.
Ground is expected to break on the project the second week of August.
Bordoni project moving forward in Vallejo
July 28, 2005
Bordoni project moving forward
City Council OKs 1st steps in process
By CHRIS G. DENINA, Times-Herald staff writer
Amid concerns from residents, Vallejo officials have approved several early steps in the process to consider a proposed 445-unit housing project called Bordoni Ranch.
The City Council reached its decision late Tuesday night after hearing from dozens of speakers, including some supporters of the proposal by Danville-based Braddock & Logan Services Inc. Opponents, however, helped pack the council chambers and submitted letters and petitions asking the council to leave the 190 acres as mostly open space.
The council voted after 11 p.m. to move forward and consider pre-zoning the project, certifying a report on the development's impacts and asking a county commission to let Vallejo annex the ranch land into its city limits.
With the city's population expected to grow in coming years, Vallejo needs more housing, Councilmember Gary Cloutier said.
"We're going to have to make room for people to live, and that's the unfortunate reality," Cloutier said.
He added he saw no legitimate reason to reject the environmental report, a major hurdle for the development to proceed.
Vallejo officials said the city would be able to handle the new residents the proposed neighborhoods would bring. But opponents said the Bordoni Ranch development would put a strain on resources including the fire department.
"Developers need to foot the bill for their projects, not the citizens of Vallejo," Margo Myles, who lives near Bordoni Ranch, told the council. "We don't need this project."
A grassroots opposition group (available online at SmartGrowthOpenSpace4Vallejo.org) turned in about 2,000 petition signatures against the project. A lawyer for the group couldn't immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.
While the development raises some concerns, it's important to point out some positives, Councilmember Tony Pearsall said. The project would leave 97 acres as open space, add 3,400 feet of trails and expand Highlands Park by 10 acres, he said.
Local union representatives said the project could help the local economy, bringing many new jobs to the area.
"It's going to put Vallejo workers to work," said Rod Cameron, business manager of Plumbers & Steamfitters Union, Local 343.
Consultants hired to study the project's impacts on the area said the housing project could cause some problems. For example, the added homes would bring more traffic to the area, especially along Columbus Parkway.
A representative for the developer said the company's open to talks about helping pay for the road-widening work.
The environmental analysis also highlighted plans to build a single road for the western side of the project, which is divided by Columbus Parkway. Having only one road to enter the neighborhood could be an issue in an emergency. The report said leaving the western parcel as open space is the preferred alternative.
City officials said the report accomplished its job - raising major issues with the development.
"I think we've had a good discussion," Councilmember Gerald Davis said. "I know that not everybody is going to leave here happy."
- E-mail Chris G. Denina at cdenina@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6835.
Bordoni project moving forward
City Council OKs 1st steps in process
By CHRIS G. DENINA, Times-Herald staff writer
Amid concerns from residents, Vallejo officials have approved several early steps in the process to consider a proposed 445-unit housing project called Bordoni Ranch.
The City Council reached its decision late Tuesday night after hearing from dozens of speakers, including some supporters of the proposal by Danville-based Braddock & Logan Services Inc. Opponents, however, helped pack the council chambers and submitted letters and petitions asking the council to leave the 190 acres as mostly open space.
The council voted after 11 p.m. to move forward and consider pre-zoning the project, certifying a report on the development's impacts and asking a county commission to let Vallejo annex the ranch land into its city limits.
With the city's population expected to grow in coming years, Vallejo needs more housing, Councilmember Gary Cloutier said.
"We're going to have to make room for people to live, and that's the unfortunate reality," Cloutier said.
He added he saw no legitimate reason to reject the environmental report, a major hurdle for the development to proceed.
Vallejo officials said the city would be able to handle the new residents the proposed neighborhoods would bring. But opponents said the Bordoni Ranch development would put a strain on resources including the fire department.
"Developers need to foot the bill for their projects, not the citizens of Vallejo," Margo Myles, who lives near Bordoni Ranch, told the council. "We don't need this project."
A grassroots opposition group (available online at SmartGrowthOpenSpace4Vallejo.org) turned in about 2,000 petition signatures against the project. A lawyer for the group couldn't immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.
While the development raises some concerns, it's important to point out some positives, Councilmember Tony Pearsall said. The project would leave 97 acres as open space, add 3,400 feet of trails and expand Highlands Park by 10 acres, he said.
Local union representatives said the project could help the local economy, bringing many new jobs to the area.
"It's going to put Vallejo workers to work," said Rod Cameron, business manager of Plumbers & Steamfitters Union, Local 343.
Consultants hired to study the project's impacts on the area said the housing project could cause some problems. For example, the added homes would bring more traffic to the area, especially along Columbus Parkway.
A representative for the developer said the company's open to talks about helping pay for the road-widening work.
The environmental analysis also highlighted plans to build a single road for the western side of the project, which is divided by Columbus Parkway. Having only one road to enter the neighborhood could be an issue in an emergency. The report said leaving the western parcel as open space is the preferred alternative.
City officials said the report accomplished its job - raising major issues with the development.
"I think we've had a good discussion," Councilmember Gerald Davis said. "I know that not everybody is going to leave here happy."
- E-mail Chris G. Denina at cdenina@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6835.
Necessary medicine - VacaValley to expand its ER
Necessary medicine - VacaValley to expand its ER
By Julie Kay/Staff Writer
Activity around the nurses station at the VacaValley Hospital ER busles during a recent day shift. The hospital held a groundbreaking Tuesday for an ER expansion, set to begin within a month. (Joel Rosenbaum/The Reporter)
A tenuous calm hovered over NorthBay's VacaValley Hospital's nearly full emergency room at midday Tuesday. A child with an earache lay in one of seven patient spots. A patient with a pulmonary embolism lay in another.
Suddenly, paramedics wheeled in a man whose heart had stopped. A man gasping for breath followed soon after. Then four people hurt in a car crash arrived by ambulance. Within minutes, the staff was reassigning beds like musical chairs.
"We've been known to have a patient here, a patient there, one in every possible space," said lead nurse Heather Venezio, gesturing about the room.
But all of that is about to change.
Construction begins on the non-profit hospital's new emergency department next month. The facility will be three times the size of the current one, and will feature technology including electronic bedside registration and imaging capabilities.
Outside the hospital, staff and friends gathered in the parking lot for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the expansion.
A group of them plunged blue-handled shovels with gold spades into a pile of dirt deposited in front of the hospital.
"Since 1987, the hospital has nearly doubled its use," said Mayor Len Augustine, one of the speakers at the event. "It's about time for the change to take place."
With Vacaville's population skyrocketing since the hospital was built in 1987, the emergency department deals with constant overcrowding, said Joel Kahn, one of the hospital's emergency room physicians.
"I see patients in gurneys in the hallways," said Kahn. "Waiting times are increasingly long."
Sometimes the wait is so long that patients simply give up, said emergency room physician
Lance Gough. He recalled a young boy who recently came to the emergency room with his grandparents, having hurt his wrist.
Staff took X-rays, then sent him back to the waiting room while they treated patients with more urgent needs. After several hours, the grandparents decided not to wait any more and took the boy home.
When Gough looked at the X-rays, he found the boy's wrist was broken.
"This time we had a good outcome," said Gough, who called the boy's mother and had him brought back in.
But in other cases where patients' ailments are more serious, said Gough, returning home can be a dangerous - even deadly - decision.
The emergency room's lack of space also causes privacy issues, said Kahn.
"Often, patients can hear and see what's happening to their neighbor," he said.
The expansion, which will be designed by BFHL Architects and built by DPR Construction, will be funded in part by a $500,000 donation from Genentech. The NorthBay Healthcare boards, senior managers, and NorthBay Guild provided an additional $500,000.
"It's long overdue, both for us, and for the community," said Kahn of the expansion.
Construction is expected to be complete on the new emergency room in late 2006.
Julie Kay can be reached at schools@thereporter.com.
By Julie Kay/Staff Writer
Activity around the nurses station at the VacaValley Hospital ER busles during a recent day shift. The hospital held a groundbreaking Tuesday for an ER expansion, set to begin within a month. (Joel Rosenbaum/The Reporter)
A tenuous calm hovered over NorthBay's VacaValley Hospital's nearly full emergency room at midday Tuesday. A child with an earache lay in one of seven patient spots. A patient with a pulmonary embolism lay in another.
Suddenly, paramedics wheeled in a man whose heart had stopped. A man gasping for breath followed soon after. Then four people hurt in a car crash arrived by ambulance. Within minutes, the staff was reassigning beds like musical chairs.
"We've been known to have a patient here, a patient there, one in every possible space," said lead nurse Heather Venezio, gesturing about the room.
But all of that is about to change.
Construction begins on the non-profit hospital's new emergency department next month. The facility will be three times the size of the current one, and will feature technology including electronic bedside registration and imaging capabilities.
Outside the hospital, staff and friends gathered in the parking lot for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the expansion.
A group of them plunged blue-handled shovels with gold spades into a pile of dirt deposited in front of the hospital.
"Since 1987, the hospital has nearly doubled its use," said Mayor Len Augustine, one of the speakers at the event. "It's about time for the change to take place."
With Vacaville's population skyrocketing since the hospital was built in 1987, the emergency department deals with constant overcrowding, said Joel Kahn, one of the hospital's emergency room physicians.
"I see patients in gurneys in the hallways," said Kahn. "Waiting times are increasingly long."
Sometimes the wait is so long that patients simply give up, said emergency room physician
Lance Gough. He recalled a young boy who recently came to the emergency room with his grandparents, having hurt his wrist.
Staff took X-rays, then sent him back to the waiting room while they treated patients with more urgent needs. After several hours, the grandparents decided not to wait any more and took the boy home.
When Gough looked at the X-rays, he found the boy's wrist was broken.
"This time we had a good outcome," said Gough, who called the boy's mother and had him brought back in.
But in other cases where patients' ailments are more serious, said Gough, returning home can be a dangerous - even deadly - decision.
The emergency room's lack of space also causes privacy issues, said Kahn.
"Often, patients can hear and see what's happening to their neighbor," he said.
The expansion, which will be designed by BFHL Architects and built by DPR Construction, will be funded in part by a $500,000 donation from Genentech. The NorthBay Healthcare boards, senior managers, and NorthBay Guild provided an additional $500,000.
"It's long overdue, both for us, and for the community," said Kahn of the expansion.
Construction is expected to be complete on the new emergency room in late 2006.
Julie Kay can be reached at schools@thereporter.com.
Dixon ok near on homes plan with high school plot
July 27, 2005
OK near on homes plan with high school plot
By David Henson/Staff Writer
After a year-long courtship by a Danville-based homebuilder, the Dixon City Council essentially married itself Monday night to the developer's plans - in spite of some concerns.
Brookfield Homes is planning a 520-unit subdivision, which will include both single-family homes and an assisted-living facility for senior citizens.
In addition, the project site also has ties to a proposed new high school and a needed city drainage pond, which were part of Monday's proceedings.
While two key pieces remain before the Brookfield project is ready for final approval - a development agreement and tentative map, Monday's certification of the Brookfield environmental impact report commits Dixon to the subdivision's basic concept, City Manager Warren Salmons said.
And that's good news for anxious Dixon Unified School District officials, as it means their proposed new high school on an adjacent tract of land will go forward on-time and on-budget.
"One way or another we will build a high school," Superintendent Wally Holbrook said at Monday's meeting. "If this project doesn't go through as proposed, we can't build the high school on the budget proposed and the timeline proposed with all the amenities we all want."
In a deal that helped encourage city officials to rearrange housing restrictions under a limited-growth measure, Brookfield Homes pledged 40 acres toward the new high school. In addition, the developer has promised to provide site-grading and infrastructure to the site, hopefully beginning within the next few weeks, said Brookfield Vice President Pete Petersen.
Some, such as Councilman Steve Alexander, have said the project violates Measure B's 3-percent limit on growth. However, most on the council, including one of the measure's architects, Loren Ferrero, said the project maintains the spirit of limited and smart growth.
The project's location outside the city limits was a necessity as well, in order to make the land affordable for the school district, according to Vice Mayor Gil Vega.
Despite a heated argument Monday night between one outspoken critic and city council members, public reaction to the three-tiered project has been overwhelmingly supportive.
Still, community members and city officials have expressed concerns that were also highlighted in the Brookfield EIR, such as increasing traffic congestion.
Under the current plan, the proposed development and high school could only be accessed by one road, Parkway Boulevard at Highway 113.
Other worries included a lack of fire protection if a proposed new substation is delayed beyond Brookfield's home construction start date of 2008.
There is also the possibility that the historically-significant Bloom House could be razed in the process of building the senior citizens facility.
Those concerns, along with mitigation measures, however, could be addressed within the development agreement or during approval of the tentative map, officials added.
Judging from past relations among the three involved parties - the school district, city and developer - hammering out the final two elements of the deal is not expected to be too contentious or to drag on for months.
"It's been a very intensive year where a partnership really has developed," Petersen said.
David Henson can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
OK near on homes plan with high school plot
By David Henson/Staff Writer
After a year-long courtship by a Danville-based homebuilder, the Dixon City Council essentially married itself Monday night to the developer's plans - in spite of some concerns.
Brookfield Homes is planning a 520-unit subdivision, which will include both single-family homes and an assisted-living facility for senior citizens.
In addition, the project site also has ties to a proposed new high school and a needed city drainage pond, which were part of Monday's proceedings.
While two key pieces remain before the Brookfield project is ready for final approval - a development agreement and tentative map, Monday's certification of the Brookfield environmental impact report commits Dixon to the subdivision's basic concept, City Manager Warren Salmons said.
And that's good news for anxious Dixon Unified School District officials, as it means their proposed new high school on an adjacent tract of land will go forward on-time and on-budget.
"One way or another we will build a high school," Superintendent Wally Holbrook said at Monday's meeting. "If this project doesn't go through as proposed, we can't build the high school on the budget proposed and the timeline proposed with all the amenities we all want."
In a deal that helped encourage city officials to rearrange housing restrictions under a limited-growth measure, Brookfield Homes pledged 40 acres toward the new high school. In addition, the developer has promised to provide site-grading and infrastructure to the site, hopefully beginning within the next few weeks, said Brookfield Vice President Pete Petersen.
Some, such as Councilman Steve Alexander, have said the project violates Measure B's 3-percent limit on growth. However, most on the council, including one of the measure's architects, Loren Ferrero, said the project maintains the spirit of limited and smart growth.
The project's location outside the city limits was a necessity as well, in order to make the land affordable for the school district, according to Vice Mayor Gil Vega.
Despite a heated argument Monday night between one outspoken critic and city council members, public reaction to the three-tiered project has been overwhelmingly supportive.
Still, community members and city officials have expressed concerns that were also highlighted in the Brookfield EIR, such as increasing traffic congestion.
Under the current plan, the proposed development and high school could only be accessed by one road, Parkway Boulevard at Highway 113.
Other worries included a lack of fire protection if a proposed new substation is delayed beyond Brookfield's home construction start date of 2008.
There is also the possibility that the historically-significant Bloom House could be razed in the process of building the senior citizens facility.
Those concerns, along with mitigation measures, however, could be addressed within the development agreement or during approval of the tentative map, officials added.
Judging from past relations among the three involved parties - the school district, city and developer - hammering out the final two elements of the deal is not expected to be too contentious or to drag on for months.
"It's been a very intensive year where a partnership really has developed," Petersen said.
David Henson can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Unemployment rises in June, up half a percent in Solano County
Article Last Updated: 7/26/2005 12:12 AM
Unemployment rises in June, up half a percent
By Times-Herald staff
Vallejo Times Herald
Unemployment was up locally in June, but not by much, according to the Employment Development Department.
Solano County's unemployment rate was 5.5 percent in June, up from a revised 5.0 percent in May, but below the year-ago estimate of 6.1 percent. The figures place the county's unemployment rate slightly above the state and national figures.
In Napa, where the figures fall below those of the state and the nation, June's 4.0 unemployment rate was also up from a revised 3.6 percent in May but below the year-ago estimate of 4.4 percent.
Cynthia Solorio, this region's EDD labor market consultant, said there were more than 2,000 more jobs in June in the Vallejo-Fairfield metropolitan area than there were in June 2004. The largest gains were in construction, which gained 1,100 new jobs, and government, which saw an increase of 600 new jobs. Professional and business services gained 400 jobs in that period.
Solano County's leisure and hospitality industry lost 300 jobs from last year. Those industries saw no change in the Napa area.
In the Napa area, there were 500 total jobs gained, the largest number - 200 - in the government sector, the figures show.
Big tasks ahead for new boss in Suisun City
Article Last Updated: Saturday, Jul 23, 2005 - 08:07:35 pm PDT
Big tasks ahead for new boss in Suisun City
Suisun City appears to finally have a permanent city manager, which is good news. But the job facing Suzanne Bragdon is daunting. The City Council last week announced the city had hired Bragdon, the former city manager of Pismo Beach, even though there were some details in her contract left to complete. She's expected to be in town by Sept. 1, replacing interim city manager David Martinez.
Bragdon has worked in both the private and public sector during her 20-plus-year career, including a stint as the assistant city manager in Napa. In Suisun City, her position will also include heading up the city's redevelopment agency responsible for almost all growth in the city.Most of the comments at last week's council meeting dealt with Bragdon's ability to boost the city's economic development and were optimistic. Councilman Sam Derting spoke for his colleagues when he said, "We picked a good candidate and she will do wonders for the city."
There are plenty of tasks on the front-burner for the 46-year-old Bragdon - most notably the Main Street West project, which city leaders hope will spur continued growth of the town's waterfront area. A partnership between area developer Miller-Sorg and Basin Street Properties of Petaluma promises to help bring some major tenants to the marina area.
A proposed Super Wal-Mart near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Cordelia Road will also be a major focus for her in the future.And what to do about the police department - the city farms out its middle-of-the-night law enforcement to the Sheriff's Department and there is concern about the future of the Suisun City Police Department - will undoubtedly require her attention.
However, her first task may be as important: Filling four major leadership positions - community development director, economic development director, assistant to the city manager and finance director. All are crucial to the long-term health of the city, providing stability and a visio.We'll see in time whether Bragdon is able to do the high-profile part of her job, which Suisun City has found difficult in the past - making deals to bring major tax-producing businesses to the city. But her first task will be to permanently fill the majority of the city's major management spots.I t will, at least, be Bragdon's team.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
Big tasks ahead for new boss in Suisun City
Suisun City appears to finally have a permanent city manager, which is good news. But the job facing Suzanne Bragdon is daunting. The City Council last week announced the city had hired Bragdon, the former city manager of Pismo Beach, even though there were some details in her contract left to complete. She's expected to be in town by Sept. 1, replacing interim city manager David Martinez.
Bragdon has worked in both the private and public sector during her 20-plus-year career, including a stint as the assistant city manager in Napa. In Suisun City, her position will also include heading up the city's redevelopment agency responsible for almost all growth in the city.Most of the comments at last week's council meeting dealt with Bragdon's ability to boost the city's economic development and were optimistic. Councilman Sam Derting spoke for his colleagues when he said, "We picked a good candidate and she will do wonders for the city."
There are plenty of tasks on the front-burner for the 46-year-old Bragdon - most notably the Main Street West project, which city leaders hope will spur continued growth of the town's waterfront area. A partnership between area developer Miller-Sorg and Basin Street Properties of Petaluma promises to help bring some major tenants to the marina area.
A proposed Super Wal-Mart near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Cordelia Road will also be a major focus for her in the future.And what to do about the police department - the city farms out its middle-of-the-night law enforcement to the Sheriff's Department and there is concern about the future of the Suisun City Police Department - will undoubtedly require her attention.
However, her first task may be as important: Filling four major leadership positions - community development director, economic development director, assistant to the city manager and finance director. All are crucial to the long-term health of the city, providing stability and a visio.We'll see in time whether Bragdon is able to do the high-profile part of her job, which Suisun City has found difficult in the past - making deals to bring major tax-producing businesses to the city. But her first task will be to permanently fill the majority of the city's major management spots.I t will, at least, be Bragdon's team.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
Weathering the weather - Forget the summer blister, farmers still dealing with strange spring
Article Launched: 07/24/2005 07:20:23 AM
Weathering the weather
Forget the summer blister, farmers still dealing with strange spring
By Catherine Moy/Special to The Reporter
Bob Hansen shows how a lot of hard work by grape growers in Suisun Valley has eliminated mildew issues brought on by an extended spring. (Rick Roach/The Reporter)
Never mind the blistering heat of summer. Bob Hansen is still dealing with the spring weather that promoted disease and delayed some Solano County crops.
Hansen, a farmer, also runs the Suisun Valley Fruitgrowers Association and is an elected member of the Solano Irrigation District, which supplies water to Solano County farmers and ranchers.
Late rains caused problems in some crops, such as cracking in cherries and, overall, pollination was slow due to the cool spring and precipitation, Hansen said. But many farmers locally may have dodged irreparable damage.
"It was cold for so long that we didn't get the heat units
Water stands in pools around an almond orchard after a rain storm left Dixon soaked in late March. (Brad Zweerink/The Reporter)
we needed," he said." The Suisun Valley Fruitgrowers Association has sold four times the usual amount of products to stop fungi and other disease that the weather can cause, Hansen said.
"We have had a real problem with pears - especially because of the rain on June 17," he said.
Hansen and his son are working more hours than usual, starting with the rising sun. They don't usually leave his orchards and vineyards until nightfall, he said.
Farmers and ranchers are used to dealing with various weather patterns. Solano County farmers will pull through the weather problems, said Mario Moratorio, small farms adviser for the California Cooperative Extension Office for Yolo and Solano counties.
"They are really doing a good job," Hansen said.
Agriculture is a major engine for Solano County's economy. Last year, the gross agricultural product for the county was $205,748,600, down 4 percent from 2002. That number does not include the costs of business for farmers and ranchers, many of whom are struggling to survive.
Farmers who grow field crops have taken a serious hit in the
past decade from international growers, who don't work under
the stringent pesticide laws and environmental restrictions that U.S. farmers face. Solano County farmers in 1995 brought in $67 million in gross receipts for field crops, but that number plummeted to $49 million last year, according to Solano County's 2004 crop report.
The unusual spring weather may turn out to be a blessing for some local farmers and ranchers, Moratorio said.
While the rain can cause mildew problems with wine grapes - Solano County's No. 6 grossing crop last year at $10 million - the spring weather may boost the crop, he said.
"Extra rains in spring for grape growers might have been a godsend," Moratorio said.
The weather may also help produce a good prune crop.
"Prices should be good for prunes," Hansen said.
Things are not so rosy in other parts of the state, according to the California Farm Bureau Federation. Farmers report that warm spring rains forced them to stay out of their fields and caused rust on hay.
"The 2005 cherry season concluded with approximately half of the overall crop being destroyed by consistent rains through the season," San Joaquin County grower Missy Gotelli told the Farm Bureau.
Mike Vukelich, a Contra Costa County nurseryman, told the Farm Bureau that the late spring rains will hurt business, which is already burdened by low prices and increased costs of production.
"Our family's horticultural growers Color Spot and Cal Color suffered one of the worst springs in many years," he said. "Consumers did not purchase as many plants as normal because of continuous rain during the spring season."
Weathering the weather
Forget the summer blister, farmers still dealing with strange spring
By Catherine Moy/Special to The Reporter
Bob Hansen shows how a lot of hard work by grape growers in Suisun Valley has eliminated mildew issues brought on by an extended spring. (Rick Roach/The Reporter)
Never mind the blistering heat of summer. Bob Hansen is still dealing with the spring weather that promoted disease and delayed some Solano County crops.
Hansen, a farmer, also runs the Suisun Valley Fruitgrowers Association and is an elected member of the Solano Irrigation District, which supplies water to Solano County farmers and ranchers.
Late rains caused problems in some crops, such as cracking in cherries and, overall, pollination was slow due to the cool spring and precipitation, Hansen said. But many farmers locally may have dodged irreparable damage.
"It was cold for so long that we didn't get the heat units
Water stands in pools around an almond orchard after a rain storm left Dixon soaked in late March. (Brad Zweerink/The Reporter)
we needed," he said." The Suisun Valley Fruitgrowers Association has sold four times the usual amount of products to stop fungi and other disease that the weather can cause, Hansen said.
"We have had a real problem with pears - especially because of the rain on June 17," he said.
Hansen and his son are working more hours than usual, starting with the rising sun. They don't usually leave his orchards and vineyards until nightfall, he said.
Farmers and ranchers are used to dealing with various weather patterns. Solano County farmers will pull through the weather problems, said Mario Moratorio, small farms adviser for the California Cooperative Extension Office for Yolo and Solano counties.
"They are really doing a good job," Hansen said.
Agriculture is a major engine for Solano County's economy. Last year, the gross agricultural product for the county was $205,748,600, down 4 percent from 2002. That number does not include the costs of business for farmers and ranchers, many of whom are struggling to survive.
Farmers who grow field crops have taken a serious hit in the
past decade from international growers, who don't work under
the stringent pesticide laws and environmental restrictions that U.S. farmers face. Solano County farmers in 1995 brought in $67 million in gross receipts for field crops, but that number plummeted to $49 million last year, according to Solano County's 2004 crop report.
The unusual spring weather may turn out to be a blessing for some local farmers and ranchers, Moratorio said.
While the rain can cause mildew problems with wine grapes - Solano County's No. 6 grossing crop last year at $10 million - the spring weather may boost the crop, he said.
"Extra rains in spring for grape growers might have been a godsend," Moratorio said.
The weather may also help produce a good prune crop.
"Prices should be good for prunes," Hansen said.
Things are not so rosy in other parts of the state, according to the California Farm Bureau Federation. Farmers report that warm spring rains forced them to stay out of their fields and caused rust on hay.
"The 2005 cherry season concluded with approximately half of the overall crop being destroyed by consistent rains through the season," San Joaquin County grower Missy Gotelli told the Farm Bureau.
Mike Vukelich, a Contra Costa County nurseryman, told the Farm Bureau that the late spring rains will hurt business, which is already burdened by low prices and increased costs of production.
"Our family's horticultural growers Color Spot and Cal Color suffered one of the worst springs in many years," he said. "Consumers did not purchase as many plants as normal because of continuous rain during the spring season."
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Mariani Packing begins celebration
By Catherine Moy/Special to The Reporter
Vacaville's Mariani Packing Company begins its celebration of 100 years in business tonight with a dinner for the family who helped build the company that now sells dried fruit to nearly 90 percent of United States supermarkets.
Paul A. Mariani Sr. started the business in 1906 after moving from the Mediterranean region to the Bay Area. He treated employees as family, many of whom worked for the company for years, said Mark. A. Mariani, Pauls grandson who now heads the company as chairman/CEO.
"A family business can only survive on trust," Mark Mariani said.
Mariani is truly a family business. Mark Mariani works with his cousin, company President George Sousa Sr., and George Sousa Jr., vice chairman. Four generations have worked from fields to boardrooms to strengthen and expand the company's international reach.
"We all have to work together. We just contribute differently," Mark Mariani said.
Mariani Packing moved its headquarters to Vacaville in 2001 because of the city's great business atmosphere and the availability of affordable housing for employees, Mark said.
The company moved into the plant that was previously home to American Home Foods. It also has plenty of room to expand into the future. The company has five plants - four in California and one it opened in Thailand last year.
As the largest independent dried fruit processor in the world, Mariani Packing processes more than 125 million pounds of dried fruit each year.
"We really want to thank the people here in Vacaville for welcoming us," Mariani said.
Vacaville's Mariani Packing Company begins its celebration of 100 years in business tonight with a dinner for the family who helped build the company that now sells dried fruit to nearly 90 percent of United States supermarkets.
Paul A. Mariani Sr. started the business in 1906 after moving from the Mediterranean region to the Bay Area. He treated employees as family, many of whom worked for the company for years, said Mark. A. Mariani, Pauls grandson who now heads the company as chairman/CEO.
"A family business can only survive on trust," Mark Mariani said.
Mariani is truly a family business. Mark Mariani works with his cousin, company President George Sousa Sr., and George Sousa Jr., vice chairman. Four generations have worked from fields to boardrooms to strengthen and expand the company's international reach.
"We all have to work together. We just contribute differently," Mark Mariani said.
Mariani Packing moved its headquarters to Vacaville in 2001 because of the city's great business atmosphere and the availability of affordable housing for employees, Mark said.
The company moved into the plant that was previously home to American Home Foods. It also has plenty of room to expand into the future. The company has five plants - four in California and one it opened in Thailand last year.
As the largest independent dried fruit processor in the world, Mariani Packing processes more than 125 million pounds of dried fruit each year.
"We really want to thank the people here in Vacaville for welcoming us," Mariani said.
Goat milk becomes goat soap in Vacaville
Article Last Updated: Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 10:59:11 pm PDT
Sarah Hawkins' 5-acre farm is home to three dozen Nigerian Dwarf goats. She uses their milk to make soap.
Goat milk becomes goat soap
By Ian Thompson
VACAVILLE - Devoted as dogs, Sarah Hawkins' business partners follow her around the barnyard as she sees to their needs before handcutting more bars of soap."They really have great personalities," Hawkins said of the thigh-high Nigerian Dwarf goats who greet all visitors to the farm with an inquisitive nuzzle.While the goats provide the milk, Hawkins provides the expertise to create soap for her seven-month-old business. Hawkins went into the goat milk soap business after becoming disillusioned with her career as a staff member for various politicians in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento. Hawkins was introduced to goats when she visited a friend at an organic farm who said "you have to meet my favorite animals on the farm."
"I fell in love with the goats," Hawkins said, of what she lovingly refers to as "great portable weedeaters."Last winter, Hawkins moved to her small farm in English Hills, decided to start breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats and began researching how to make soap using goat milk.The English Hills Soap Company was born after a friend asked for a bar of Hawkins' soap to give as a Christmas present and learned the recipient really loved the soap. She researched different formulas and reworked the ingredients to make the scents more subtle and the soap. The higher percentage of butterfat in the Nigerian Dwarfs' milk, the more gentle to the skin. "Goat milk has been used for centuries as a skin tonic," Hawkins said. "We started doing farmers markets," said Hawkins of a schedule that has her at the Davis farmers market on Saturdays and at the Benicia market on Thursday evenings. She now sells the 31 different scents such as Cucumber Melon, Rose Petals, Spring Rain and Lavender at a couple of small stores, at bed and breakfasts and a winery in Yolo County. "We have gotten some good responses from our customers," Hawkins said.She has been mildly surprised that the male customers tend to be more effusive in their praises of goat milk soap than the female customers.
The 5-acre farm is now home to three dozen goats who are looked after by Hawkins, her boyfriend Andy Pestana and two guard llamas who protect them from predators. Her days usually involve getting up early to milk the goats who follow her around like the family dog would. Then she filters the milk and proceeds to mix the soap ingredients together.After the soap congeals to become handcut four-ounce bars, Hawkins wraps and labels the product with labels that bear the likeness of Gingersnap, one of her goats. She also cares for nearly all their veterinary needs from vaccinations to birthing after she found out local veterinarians really didn't know much about goat care. "I couldn't even watch somebody get a shot, let alone give one before this," Hawkins said.
Once a rare breed, the Nigerian Dwarf goats are increasing in popularity among American breeders. The Nigerian Dwarf goat population in Solano County is expected rise significantly on July 23 and 24 when Hawkins puts on the Summer Daze Nigerian Dwarf Goat Show at the Ranchotel in Lagoon Valley. About 20 to 30 breeders from as far away as Nevada and Arizona are expected to show up along with up to 180 goats, who will complete in one of four shows. Two of the shows will be sanctioned by the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association and two will be sanctioned by the American Goat Society.
For more information about the English Hills Soap Company or the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Show, call 448-4655 or go online to www.Castlerockfarm.net.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
Sarah Hawkins' 5-acre farm is home to three dozen Nigerian Dwarf goats. She uses their milk to make soap.
Goat milk becomes goat soap
By Ian Thompson
VACAVILLE - Devoted as dogs, Sarah Hawkins' business partners follow her around the barnyard as she sees to their needs before handcutting more bars of soap."They really have great personalities," Hawkins said of the thigh-high Nigerian Dwarf goats who greet all visitors to the farm with an inquisitive nuzzle.While the goats provide the milk, Hawkins provides the expertise to create soap for her seven-month-old business. Hawkins went into the goat milk soap business after becoming disillusioned with her career as a staff member for various politicians in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento. Hawkins was introduced to goats when she visited a friend at an organic farm who said "you have to meet my favorite animals on the farm."
"I fell in love with the goats," Hawkins said, of what she lovingly refers to as "great portable weedeaters."Last winter, Hawkins moved to her small farm in English Hills, decided to start breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats and began researching how to make soap using goat milk.The English Hills Soap Company was born after a friend asked for a bar of Hawkins' soap to give as a Christmas present and learned the recipient really loved the soap. She researched different formulas and reworked the ingredients to make the scents more subtle and the soap. The higher percentage of butterfat in the Nigerian Dwarfs' milk, the more gentle to the skin. "Goat milk has been used for centuries as a skin tonic," Hawkins said. "We started doing farmers markets," said Hawkins of a schedule that has her at the Davis farmers market on Saturdays and at the Benicia market on Thursday evenings. She now sells the 31 different scents such as Cucumber Melon, Rose Petals, Spring Rain and Lavender at a couple of small stores, at bed and breakfasts and a winery in Yolo County. "We have gotten some good responses from our customers," Hawkins said.She has been mildly surprised that the male customers tend to be more effusive in their praises of goat milk soap than the female customers.
The 5-acre farm is now home to three dozen goats who are looked after by Hawkins, her boyfriend Andy Pestana and two guard llamas who protect them from predators. Her days usually involve getting up early to milk the goats who follow her around like the family dog would. Then she filters the milk and proceeds to mix the soap ingredients together.After the soap congeals to become handcut four-ounce bars, Hawkins wraps and labels the product with labels that bear the likeness of Gingersnap, one of her goats. She also cares for nearly all their veterinary needs from vaccinations to birthing after she found out local veterinarians really didn't know much about goat care. "I couldn't even watch somebody get a shot, let alone give one before this," Hawkins said.
Once a rare breed, the Nigerian Dwarf goats are increasing in popularity among American breeders. The Nigerian Dwarf goat population in Solano County is expected rise significantly on July 23 and 24 when Hawkins puts on the Summer Daze Nigerian Dwarf Goat Show at the Ranchotel in Lagoon Valley. About 20 to 30 breeders from as far away as Nevada and Arizona are expected to show up along with up to 180 goats, who will complete in one of four shows. Two of the shows will be sanctioned by the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association and two will be sanctioned by the American Goat Society.
For more information about the English Hills Soap Company or the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Show, call 448-4655 or go online to www.Castlerockfarm.net.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
High-traffic flow may be plus for Geri-Towne sale in Fairfield
Article Last Updated: Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 10:49:02 pm PDT
High-traffic flow may be plus for Geri-Towne sale
By Matthew Bunk
FAIRFIELD - A large shopping center on Oliver Road is up for sale, even as new buildings are being constructed nearby. The owner of Geri-Towne retail center on Wednesday announced plans to sell the property for $16 million. Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage has owned the shopping center since 2003."
We believe the market conditions are ripe to find an investor to take the property to the next level," Marcus and Millichap representative Jerry Wise said. "We're looking for somebody to invest in future upgrades for the property."Constructed in 1978, Geri-Towne is located at 3001 Travis Blvd., adjacent to Interstate 80 and across the freeway from Westfield Shoppingtown Solano mall. Raley's supermarket anchors the 83,000-square-foot shopping center on 7.5 acres of land. Other tenants include Subway, H&R Block and Vitamin Adventure. Construction has started nearby on buildings that will house Mel's Diner, a Jiffy Lube service station and Patelco Bank.
Marcus & Millichap also owns the land where those new businesses are being built. Those lots, too, are up for sale, but aren't included in the asking price for Geri-Towne, according to a statement from the company. Because most land nearby has already been developed, Wise said Geri-Towne's most attractive quality might be its location.
The daily traffic count for the area is more than 190,000 vehicles, the company said."This is a true repositioning opportunity for a property located at what might be the best intersection in the best part of Fairfield," Wise said. "There is little competition and virtually no developable land in this affluent part of the city. "City economic development officials didn't return phone calls Wednesday.
Founded in 1971, Marcus & Millichap is represented by more than 900 investment professionals nationwide. The Geri-Towne sale is being handled out of its Los Angeles office.
Reach Matthew Bunk at425-4646 Ext. 267 or mbunk@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
High-traffic flow may be plus for Geri-Towne sale
By Matthew Bunk
FAIRFIELD - A large shopping center on Oliver Road is up for sale, even as new buildings are being constructed nearby. The owner of Geri-Towne retail center on Wednesday announced plans to sell the property for $16 million. Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage has owned the shopping center since 2003."
We believe the market conditions are ripe to find an investor to take the property to the next level," Marcus and Millichap representative Jerry Wise said. "We're looking for somebody to invest in future upgrades for the property."Constructed in 1978, Geri-Towne is located at 3001 Travis Blvd., adjacent to Interstate 80 and across the freeway from Westfield Shoppingtown Solano mall. Raley's supermarket anchors the 83,000-square-foot shopping center on 7.5 acres of land. Other tenants include Subway, H&R Block and Vitamin Adventure. Construction has started nearby on buildings that will house Mel's Diner, a Jiffy Lube service station and Patelco Bank.
Marcus & Millichap also owns the land where those new businesses are being built. Those lots, too, are up for sale, but aren't included in the asking price for Geri-Towne, according to a statement from the company. Because most land nearby has already been developed, Wise said Geri-Towne's most attractive quality might be its location.
The daily traffic count for the area is more than 190,000 vehicles, the company said."This is a true repositioning opportunity for a property located at what might be the best intersection in the best part of Fairfield," Wise said. "There is little competition and virtually no developable land in this affluent part of the city. "City economic development officials didn't return phone calls Wednesday.
Founded in 1971, Marcus & Millichap is represented by more than 900 investment professionals nationwide. The Geri-Towne sale is being handled out of its Los Angeles office.
Reach Matthew Bunk at425-4646 Ext. 267 or mbunk@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
Wal-Mart nears deal on Mission Village locale in Fairfield
Article Last Updated: Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 10:59:08 pm PDT
Wal-Mart nears deal on Mission Village locale
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - The ongoing saga of whether retail giant Wal-Mart will open a new supercenter - or two - in Fairfield and Suisun City has picked up momentum. Wal-Mart's purchase of Mission Village Shopping Center is expected to close July 30, a Wal-Mart spokesman said Wednesday.
The Arkansas-based corporation is in negotiations to buy the beleaguered shopping center from owner Capital and Counties, based in San Francisco. "We have not closed on the Mission Village site yet," said Kevin Loscotoff of Wal-Mart community affairs. "We have it under contract." Loscotoff wouldn't disclose how much Wal-Mart is paying to acquire Mission Village.
A representative with Capital and Counties wouldn't comment on negotiations with Wal-Mart and city officials also wouldn't touch the discussion. "It's a private sale transaction, it's not something that we get involved in," said Dave Feinstein, associate planner with the Department of Planning and Development. "The city is reviewing a proposal to construct a Wal-Mart on that site." The proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter would be located at Mission Village on the west side of North Texas Street, between Atlantic Avenue and Hawthorne Drive.
The project involves demolition of most of the existing shopping center, and new construction of a roughly 187,000-square-foot retail building and a 15,000-square-foot outdoor garden center. Suisun City is performing its own study regarding a 71-acre retail center anchored by a Wal-Mart Supercenter on property located between Highway 12 and Cordelia Road at Pennsylvania Avenue. That proposal is expected to undergo environmental and economic review and a comprehensive public review process. Developers seek to break ground in 2007.
Fairfield business people say the city needs to be straight about what's going on with Wal-Mart. Officials with Hytek Computer Solutions, which has had a monthly lease at Mission Village for the last two years, were notified last month that Wal-Mart is their new landlord. "(The previous owner) came in and said, 'Wal-Mart owns it, sign these papers,' " said Keith Erbert, a technician with the computer upgrade and custom systems retailer. "I knew it was going to be sold, but not necessarily to Wal-Mart. They've been trying to sell this place for years."
Linda Salmon, president of the North Texas Street Business Association, maintains the city didn't keep its end of the bargain to notify the business community. "We have a liaison with the city and I feel that liaison has a responsibility to keep us informed and I don't think it's happened," Salmon said. "I would've liked the land to be sold for another purpose."
Regardless of ownership, Wal-Mart will need an amendment to the city's General Plan before it can begin building anything. That's because the plan requires Mission Village to have a mix of retail, office and housing.
The Fairfield City Council ultimately has the final say on whether Wal-Mart would be able to proceed. The city hired Economic Planning Systems in San Francisco to study the cumulative economic and environmental impacts of having two new Wal-Mart supercenters in Fairfield and Suisun City. A final report is expected in late summer or early fall, Feinstein said.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net. Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
Wal-Mart nears deal on Mission Village locale
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - The ongoing saga of whether retail giant Wal-Mart will open a new supercenter - or two - in Fairfield and Suisun City has picked up momentum. Wal-Mart's purchase of Mission Village Shopping Center is expected to close July 30, a Wal-Mart spokesman said Wednesday.
The Arkansas-based corporation is in negotiations to buy the beleaguered shopping center from owner Capital and Counties, based in San Francisco. "We have not closed on the Mission Village site yet," said Kevin Loscotoff of Wal-Mart community affairs. "We have it under contract." Loscotoff wouldn't disclose how much Wal-Mart is paying to acquire Mission Village.
A representative with Capital and Counties wouldn't comment on negotiations with Wal-Mart and city officials also wouldn't touch the discussion. "It's a private sale transaction, it's not something that we get involved in," said Dave Feinstein, associate planner with the Department of Planning and Development. "The city is reviewing a proposal to construct a Wal-Mart on that site." The proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter would be located at Mission Village on the west side of North Texas Street, between Atlantic Avenue and Hawthorne Drive.
The project involves demolition of most of the existing shopping center, and new construction of a roughly 187,000-square-foot retail building and a 15,000-square-foot outdoor garden center. Suisun City is performing its own study regarding a 71-acre retail center anchored by a Wal-Mart Supercenter on property located between Highway 12 and Cordelia Road at Pennsylvania Avenue. That proposal is expected to undergo environmental and economic review and a comprehensive public review process. Developers seek to break ground in 2007.
Fairfield business people say the city needs to be straight about what's going on with Wal-Mart. Officials with Hytek Computer Solutions, which has had a monthly lease at Mission Village for the last two years, were notified last month that Wal-Mart is their new landlord. "(The previous owner) came in and said, 'Wal-Mart owns it, sign these papers,' " said Keith Erbert, a technician with the computer upgrade and custom systems retailer. "I knew it was going to be sold, but not necessarily to Wal-Mart. They've been trying to sell this place for years."
Linda Salmon, president of the North Texas Street Business Association, maintains the city didn't keep its end of the bargain to notify the business community. "We have a liaison with the city and I feel that liaison has a responsibility to keep us informed and I don't think it's happened," Salmon said. "I would've liked the land to be sold for another purpose."
Regardless of ownership, Wal-Mart will need an amendment to the city's General Plan before it can begin building anything. That's because the plan requires Mission Village to have a mix of retail, office and housing.
The Fairfield City Council ultimately has the final say on whether Wal-Mart would be able to proceed. The city hired Economic Planning Systems in San Francisco to study the cumulative economic and environmental impacts of having two new Wal-Mart supercenters in Fairfield and Suisun City. A final report is expected in late summer or early fall, Feinstein said.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net. Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Development of Nut Tree site ready to begin
By Christine Cubé
VACAVILLE - The first phase of a massive $200 million development at Nut Tree breaks ground next month.
City officials and developers are gearing up for the project, which includes 320,000 square feet of retail space and an entertainment park for families and visitors. Retail developer Westrust, which has offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, has already signed on five major retail anchors: Best Buy, Borders, PETsMART, Sport Chalet and HomeGoods.
"We think it's the best lineup in Fairfield or Vacaville," said Ricardo Capretta, regional partner with Westrust, mentioning the retail leases were locked in during the second quarter.
Nut Tree Associates, a joint venture between Rockwood Realty and Snell & Co., is the master land developer for the 80-acre project. Westrust is handling the retail development for 30 acres of the total space.
Subsequent phases of
the project will include
120,000 square feet of office space, 180 townhomes, a limited-service hotel and a hotel and conference center. Developers have not yet secured hotel brands for the project.
When the project is complete, the retail and entertainment components of the Nut Tree are expected to draw
3 million visitors each year, officials said.
That's roughly the same number of tourists who stop at The National Zoo or the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Jim Randolph, senior vice president and director of retail services with Cornish & Carey Commercial in Santa Clara, talked about the scope of the project before a group of real estate investors Thursday. While he admitted some large retail centers and destination concepts do not materialize, he said: "This is a real center that's going to happen."
Special components of the project include bringing back the original Nut Tree train and recreating the hobby horses, said Jill Katz, project manager with Larkspur-based Snell & Co. The train has been stored on the site, she said.
"We're creating a park with seven rides for small children," Katz said, adding visitors will be able to walk through market pavilion buildings with local vendors selling produce and food. "Our goal is to create a place where parents, grandparents and small children will have fun and relax and enjoy themselves."
Project developers are currently working with city officials and city council to hammer out the actual date for the groundbreaking event. The first phase of the project is estimated to be complete by August 2006.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
VACAVILLE - The first phase of a massive $200 million development at Nut Tree breaks ground next month.
City officials and developers are gearing up for the project, which includes 320,000 square feet of retail space and an entertainment park for families and visitors. Retail developer Westrust, which has offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, has already signed on five major retail anchors: Best Buy, Borders, PETsMART, Sport Chalet and HomeGoods.
"We think it's the best lineup in Fairfield or Vacaville," said Ricardo Capretta, regional partner with Westrust, mentioning the retail leases were locked in during the second quarter.
Nut Tree Associates, a joint venture between Rockwood Realty and Snell & Co., is the master land developer for the 80-acre project. Westrust is handling the retail development for 30 acres of the total space.
Subsequent phases of
the project will include
120,000 square feet of office space, 180 townhomes, a limited-service hotel and a hotel and conference center. Developers have not yet secured hotel brands for the project.
When the project is complete, the retail and entertainment components of the Nut Tree are expected to draw
3 million visitors each year, officials said.
That's roughly the same number of tourists who stop at The National Zoo or the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Jim Randolph, senior vice president and director of retail services with Cornish & Carey Commercial in Santa Clara, talked about the scope of the project before a group of real estate investors Thursday. While he admitted some large retail centers and destination concepts do not materialize, he said: "This is a real center that's going to happen."
Special components of the project include bringing back the original Nut Tree train and recreating the hobby horses, said Jill Katz, project manager with Larkspur-based Snell & Co. The train has been stored on the site, she said.
"We're creating a park with seven rides for small children," Katz said, adding visitors will be able to walk through market pavilion buildings with local vendors selling produce and food. "Our goal is to create a place where parents, grandparents and small children will have fun and relax and enjoy themselves."
Project developers are currently working with city officials and city council to hammer out the actual date for the groundbreaking event. The first phase of the project is estimated to be complete by August 2006.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Big tasks ahead for new boss in Suisun City
Suisun City appears to finally have a permanent city manager, which is good news. But the job facing Suzanne Bragdon is daunting.
The City Council last week announced the city had hired Bragdon, the former city manager of Pismo Beach, even though there were some details in her contract left to complete. She's expected to be in town by Sept. 1, replacing interim city manager David Martinez.
Bragdon has worked in both the private and public sector during her 20-plus-year career, including a stint as the assistant city manager in Napa. In Suisun City, her position will also include heading up the city's redevelopment agency responsible for almost all growth in the city.
Most of the comments at last week's council meeting dealt with Bragdon's ability to boost the city's economic development and were optimistic. Councilman Sam Derting spoke for his colleagues when he said, "We picked a good candidate and she will do wonders for the city."
There are plenty of tasks on the front-burner for the 46-year-old Bragdon - most notably the Main Street West project, which city leaders hope will spur continued growth of the town's waterfront area. A partnership between area developer Miller-Sorg and Basin Street Properties of Petaluma promises to help bring some major tenants to the marina area.
A proposed Super Wal-Mart near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Cordelia Road will also be a major focus for her in the future.
And what to do about the police department - the city farms out its middle-of-the-night law enforcement to the Sheriff's Department and there is concern about the future of the Suisun City Police Department - will undoubtedly require her attention.
However, her first task may be as important: Filling four major leadership positions - community development director, economic development director, assistant to the city manager and finance director.
All are crucial to the long-term health of the city, providing stability and a visio.
We'll see in time whether Bragdon is able to do the high-profile part of her job, which Suisun City has found difficult in the past - making deals to bring major tax-producing businesses to the city. But her first task will be to permanently fill the majority of the city's major management spots.
It will, at least, be Bragdon's team.
The City Council last week announced the city had hired Bragdon, the former city manager of Pismo Beach, even though there were some details in her contract left to complete. She's expected to be in town by Sept. 1, replacing interim city manager David Martinez.
Bragdon has worked in both the private and public sector during her 20-plus-year career, including a stint as the assistant city manager in Napa. In Suisun City, her position will also include heading up the city's redevelopment agency responsible for almost all growth in the city.
Most of the comments at last week's council meeting dealt with Bragdon's ability to boost the city's economic development and were optimistic. Councilman Sam Derting spoke for his colleagues when he said, "We picked a good candidate and she will do wonders for the city."
There are plenty of tasks on the front-burner for the 46-year-old Bragdon - most notably the Main Street West project, which city leaders hope will spur continued growth of the town's waterfront area. A partnership between area developer Miller-Sorg and Basin Street Properties of Petaluma promises to help bring some major tenants to the marina area.
A proposed Super Wal-Mart near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Cordelia Road will also be a major focus for her in the future.
And what to do about the police department - the city farms out its middle-of-the-night law enforcement to the Sheriff's Department and there is concern about the future of the Suisun City Police Department - will undoubtedly require her attention.
However, her first task may be as important: Filling four major leadership positions - community development director, economic development director, assistant to the city manager and finance director.
All are crucial to the long-term health of the city, providing stability and a visio.
We'll see in time whether Bragdon is able to do the high-profile part of her job, which Suisun City has found difficult in the past - making deals to bring major tax-producing businesses to the city. But her first task will be to permanently fill the majority of the city's major management spots.
It will, at least, be Bragdon's team.
Major retailers ready to ink local deals
By Tom Hall/Staff Writer
More major retailers are setting their sights on Solano County, which could add 2 million square feet of new shopping along Interstate 80 in the next few years and bolster efforts to resurrect the Nut Tree property in Vacaville.
A local real estate expert said Thursday that deals soon could be announced to bring Borders, PetSmart, Sport Chalet and HomeGoods to the Nut Tree Village.
Overall, the net gain for Solano County would include two new Best Buy electronics stores and a couple of new Wal-Mart stores along the I-80 corridor, as well as the Nut Tree additions.
Jim Randolph, the director of the retail division for Bay Area real estate firm Cornish & Carey, took more than 120 local business leaders on a verbal tour from Vallejo to Dixon, charting a course for growth in shopping centers. He spoke at the Solano Economic Development Corporation's Real Estate Round-up Thursday morning in Fairfield.
Representatives from Westrust, the firm developing the Nut Tree Village, could not be reached to confirm the list of top tenants being wooed to Vacaville.
Randolph said a spin-off of Best Buy and five restaurants are also in the works for the 31-acre project that borders the redevelopment of the legendary Nut Tree property.
Larkspur-based Snell & Co. is developing a master-planned project that will include facets of the old Nut Tree and possibly two hotels and a convention center, as well as some residential units and a retail component.
Randolph said some projections show that the redeveloped Nut Tree could bring up to 3.3 million visitors a year to the city.
He also pointed at a neighboring project - the Vacaville Pavillion - being developed by Phoenix-based Kornwasser Shopping Center Properties. The Kornwasser project has been described as a "lifestyle center," combining upscale restaurants with home furnishing stores and specialty retail.
That project is in early stages on 72 acres just north of I-80 and just east of I-505.
Randolph also outlined various projects in Fairfield, including a Long's Drugs store scheduled to feature a drive-through window. He added that a development north of Air Base Parkway near Clay Bank Road that hopes to bring 2,400 homes to the area, along with a neighborhood shopping center anchored by a major national supermarket.
Randolph touched on several proposed Wal-Mart stores in the area, as well, including one scheduled for the massive Main Street West development in Suisun City, one along North Texas Street in Fairfield and the contentious construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in American Canyon.
Tom Hall can be reached at vacaville@thereporter.com.
More major retailers are setting their sights on Solano County, which could add 2 million square feet of new shopping along Interstate 80 in the next few years and bolster efforts to resurrect the Nut Tree property in Vacaville.
A local real estate expert said Thursday that deals soon could be announced to bring Borders, PetSmart, Sport Chalet and HomeGoods to the Nut Tree Village.
Overall, the net gain for Solano County would include two new Best Buy electronics stores and a couple of new Wal-Mart stores along the I-80 corridor, as well as the Nut Tree additions.
Jim Randolph, the director of the retail division for Bay Area real estate firm Cornish & Carey, took more than 120 local business leaders on a verbal tour from Vallejo to Dixon, charting a course for growth in shopping centers. He spoke at the Solano Economic Development Corporation's Real Estate Round-up Thursday morning in Fairfield.
Representatives from Westrust, the firm developing the Nut Tree Village, could not be reached to confirm the list of top tenants being wooed to Vacaville.
Randolph said a spin-off of Best Buy and five restaurants are also in the works for the 31-acre project that borders the redevelopment of the legendary Nut Tree property.
Larkspur-based Snell & Co. is developing a master-planned project that will include facets of the old Nut Tree and possibly two hotels and a convention center, as well as some residential units and a retail component.
Randolph said some projections show that the redeveloped Nut Tree could bring up to 3.3 million visitors a year to the city.
He also pointed at a neighboring project - the Vacaville Pavillion - being developed by Phoenix-based Kornwasser Shopping Center Properties. The Kornwasser project has been described as a "lifestyle center," combining upscale restaurants with home furnishing stores and specialty retail.
That project is in early stages on 72 acres just north of I-80 and just east of I-505.
Randolph also outlined various projects in Fairfield, including a Long's Drugs store scheduled to feature a drive-through window. He added that a development north of Air Base Parkway near Clay Bank Road that hopes to bring 2,400 homes to the area, along with a neighborhood shopping center anchored by a major national supermarket.
Randolph touched on several proposed Wal-Mart stores in the area, as well, including one scheduled for the massive Main Street West development in Suisun City, one along North Texas Street in Fairfield and the contentious construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in American Canyon.
Tom Hall can be reached at vacaville@thereporter.com.
Fairground complex plans move ahead
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - A proposed $200 million retail and entertainment complex at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo is swiftly moving along in the development pipeline.
Project developers for the Fair of Solano have until Sept. 15 to submit a master plan for a 1-million-square-foot facility complete with a 300-room hotel and conference center, destination retail and specialty retail. The plan also calls for entertainment venues and fairground facilities, including a Solano County welcome center and RV park.
The plan, to be submitted to the Solano County Fair Association and Board of Supervisors, will include a habitat survey and a detailed traffic and infrastructure analysis.
The firm is currently reaching out to the community, said Brian Clark, development director with Arlington, Va.-based Mills Corp., which plans to develop the Fair of Solano.
Literally.
"We have a booth at the (Solano County) fair, and we've met with a couple thousand people who have come (here)," Clark said on his cell phone at the fairgrounds.
Mills Corp. is the entity behind many massive shopping centers across the country. In California, their developments include Ontario Mills, Great Mall in Milpitas and Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance.
The proposed development has the potential to be a big, mixed-use center, said Jim Randolph, senior vice president and director of retail services with Cornish & Carey Commercial.
"There's a lot of negotiation going on," Randolph said Thursday during the annual Solano EDC Real Estate Round-Up member-investor breakfast at the Clubhouse at Paradise Valley.
The Fair of Solano is one of several projects local real estate experts touched on during the meeting.
Industrial vacancy in Fairfield is about 2.6 percent, which is approaching "land scarcity," said Brooks Pedder, managing partner with Colliers International.
"That's about as healthy a vacancy rate as you're going to possibly get," Pedder told the group.
Other figures: Vacaville holds a 12 percent vacancy rate and the overall vacancy rate for the region is 6.9 percent. He compared the figures to the industrial hub of Hayward, which has an 11 percent vacancy.
The flipside to Fairfield's low vacancy is that there are few places for new businesses or expanding business to go. Dixon and Vacaville are positioned to capture that business, Pedder said.
Reach Christine Cubé at
427-6934 or
ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
FAIRFIELD - A proposed $200 million retail and entertainment complex at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo is swiftly moving along in the development pipeline.
Project developers for the Fair of Solano have until Sept. 15 to submit a master plan for a 1-million-square-foot facility complete with a 300-room hotel and conference center, destination retail and specialty retail. The plan also calls for entertainment venues and fairground facilities, including a Solano County welcome center and RV park.
The plan, to be submitted to the Solano County Fair Association and Board of Supervisors, will include a habitat survey and a detailed traffic and infrastructure analysis.
The firm is currently reaching out to the community, said Brian Clark, development director with Arlington, Va.-based Mills Corp., which plans to develop the Fair of Solano.
Literally.
"We have a booth at the (Solano County) fair, and we've met with a couple thousand people who have come (here)," Clark said on his cell phone at the fairgrounds.
Mills Corp. is the entity behind many massive shopping centers across the country. In California, their developments include Ontario Mills, Great Mall in Milpitas and Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance.
The proposed development has the potential to be a big, mixed-use center, said Jim Randolph, senior vice president and director of retail services with Cornish & Carey Commercial.
"There's a lot of negotiation going on," Randolph said Thursday during the annual Solano EDC Real Estate Round-Up member-investor breakfast at the Clubhouse at Paradise Valley.
The Fair of Solano is one of several projects local real estate experts touched on during the meeting.
Industrial vacancy in Fairfield is about 2.6 percent, which is approaching "land scarcity," said Brooks Pedder, managing partner with Colliers International.
"That's about as healthy a vacancy rate as you're going to possibly get," Pedder told the group.
Other figures: Vacaville holds a 12 percent vacancy rate and the overall vacancy rate for the region is 6.9 percent. He compared the figures to the industrial hub of Hayward, which has an 11 percent vacancy.
The flipside to Fairfield's low vacancy is that there are few places for new businesses or expanding business to go. Dixon and Vacaville are positioned to capture that business, Pedder said.
Reach Christine Cubé at
427-6934 or
ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
County housing-price increase leads Bay Area region
By Jeff Mitchell
FAIRFIELD - Solano County's ever-escalating residential home-price increase led the entire nine county Bay Area region in June, DataQuick Information Systems officials announced this week.
From June 2004 through 2005 Solano County saw the median prices for residential real estate rise from $358,000 to $449,000, a 25.4 percent increase, DataQuick said in a press statement.
Veteran Solano County broker Annie Vogelpohl said Thursday she was not surprised by the rising prices or the sharp increase in local home sales - particularly by out-of-town buyers.
"This county remains one the last great areas in Northern California in terms of home values," Vogelpohl said. "It's been an exciting time. We've been extremely busy."
Closely following Solano County was Sonoma County, which saw the median price of homes increase 24.1 percent.
While Solano County topped median home price increases on a percentage basis, the Bay Area region in general passed a milestone as well in June, when median home prices across the region hit their second- highest level at $610,000, DataQuick officials said.
A total of 13,014 new and resale houses and condos were sold in the nine-county region last month. That was up 2.5 percent from 11,308 for May, and down 7.7 percent from 14,104 for June last year,
The year-ago June sales count was the highest in DataQuick's statistics, which go back to 1988.
"Robust demand, unchanging mortgage interest rates and a few more homes on the market are the likely factors behind the strong June numbers. We expect the rest of the summer to be like this," said DataQuick President Marshall Prentice.
The median price paid for a Bay Area home was $610,000, a new record. That was up 2.5 percent from $595,000 in May, and up 18.2 percent from $516,000 for June a year ago. The median went through the $500,000 range in 13 months, it was in the $400,000 range for 25 months before that.
Indicators of market distress are still largely absent. Foreclosure rates are low, down-payment sizes are stable and there have been no significant shifts in market mix, DataQuick reported.
DataQuick Information Systems contributed to this report.
Reach Jeff Mitchell at 427-6977 or jmitchell@dailyrepublic.net.
FAIRFIELD - Solano County's ever-escalating residential home-price increase led the entire nine county Bay Area region in June, DataQuick Information Systems officials announced this week.
From June 2004 through 2005 Solano County saw the median prices for residential real estate rise from $358,000 to $449,000, a 25.4 percent increase, DataQuick said in a press statement.
Veteran Solano County broker Annie Vogelpohl said Thursday she was not surprised by the rising prices or the sharp increase in local home sales - particularly by out-of-town buyers.
"This county remains one the last great areas in Northern California in terms of home values," Vogelpohl said. "It's been an exciting time. We've been extremely busy."
Closely following Solano County was Sonoma County, which saw the median price of homes increase 24.1 percent.
While Solano County topped median home price increases on a percentage basis, the Bay Area region in general passed a milestone as well in June, when median home prices across the region hit their second- highest level at $610,000, DataQuick officials said.
A total of 13,014 new and resale houses and condos were sold in the nine-county region last month. That was up 2.5 percent from 11,308 for May, and down 7.7 percent from 14,104 for June last year,
The year-ago June sales count was the highest in DataQuick's statistics, which go back to 1988.
"Robust demand, unchanging mortgage interest rates and a few more homes on the market are the likely factors behind the strong June numbers. We expect the rest of the summer to be like this," said DataQuick President Marshall Prentice.
The median price paid for a Bay Area home was $610,000, a new record. That was up 2.5 percent from $595,000 in May, and up 18.2 percent from $516,000 for June a year ago. The median went through the $500,000 range in 13 months, it was in the $400,000 range for 25 months before that.
Indicators of market distress are still largely absent. Foreclosure rates are low, down-payment sizes are stable and there have been no significant shifts in market mix, DataQuick reported.
DataQuick Information Systems contributed to this report.
Reach Jeff Mitchell at 427-6977 or jmitchell@dailyrepublic.net.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
High-traffic flow may be plus for Geri-Towne sale
By Matthew Bunk
FAIRFIELD - A large shopping center on Oliver Road is up for sale, even as new buildings are being constructed nearby.
The owner of Geri-Towne retail center on Wednesday announced plans to sell the property for $16 million. Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage has owned the shopping center since 2003.
"We believe the market conditions are ripe to find an investor to take the property to the next level," Marcus and Millichap representative Jerry Wise said. "We're looking for somebody to invest in future upgrades for the property."
Constructed in 1978, Geri-Towne is located at 3001 Travis Blvd., adjacent to Interstate 80 and across the freeway from Westfield Shoppingtown Solano mall. Raley's supermarket anchors the 83,000-square-foot shopping center on 7.5 acres of land. Other tenants include Subway, H&R Block and Vitamin Adventure.
Construction has started nearby on buildings that will house Mel's Diner, a Jiffy Lube service station and Patelco Bank.
Marcus & Millichap also owns the land where those new businesses are being built. Those lots, too, are up for sale, but aren't included in the asking price for Geri-Towne, according to a statement from the company.
Because most land nearby has already been developed, Wise said Geri-Towne's most attractive quality might be its location. The daily traffic count for the area is more than 190,000 vehicles, the company said.
"This is a true repositioning opportunity for a property located at what might be the best intersection in the best part of Fairfield," Wise said. "There is little competition and virtually no developable land in this affluent part of the city."
City economic development officials didn't return phone calls Wednesday.
Founded in 1971, Marcus & Millichap is represented by more than 900 investment professionals nationwide. The Geri-Towne sale is being handled out of its Los Angeles office.
Reach Matthew Bunk at
425-4646 Ext. 267 or mbunk@dailyrepublic.net.
FAIRFIELD - A large shopping center on Oliver Road is up for sale, even as new buildings are being constructed nearby.
The owner of Geri-Towne retail center on Wednesday announced plans to sell the property for $16 million. Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage has owned the shopping center since 2003.
"We believe the market conditions are ripe to find an investor to take the property to the next level," Marcus and Millichap representative Jerry Wise said. "We're looking for somebody to invest in future upgrades for the property."
Constructed in 1978, Geri-Towne is located at 3001 Travis Blvd., adjacent to Interstate 80 and across the freeway from Westfield Shoppingtown Solano mall. Raley's supermarket anchors the 83,000-square-foot shopping center on 7.5 acres of land. Other tenants include Subway, H&R Block and Vitamin Adventure.
Construction has started nearby on buildings that will house Mel's Diner, a Jiffy Lube service station and Patelco Bank.
Marcus & Millichap also owns the land where those new businesses are being built. Those lots, too, are up for sale, but aren't included in the asking price for Geri-Towne, according to a statement from the company.
Because most land nearby has already been developed, Wise said Geri-Towne's most attractive quality might be its location. The daily traffic count for the area is more than 190,000 vehicles, the company said.
"This is a true repositioning opportunity for a property located at what might be the best intersection in the best part of Fairfield," Wise said. "There is little competition and virtually no developable land in this affluent part of the city."
City economic development officials didn't return phone calls Wednesday.
Founded in 1971, Marcus & Millichap is represented by more than 900 investment professionals nationwide. The Geri-Towne sale is being handled out of its Los Angeles office.
Reach Matthew Bunk at
425-4646 Ext. 267 or mbunk@dailyrepublic.net.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Suisun City names new city manager - former Pismo Beach city manager Suzanne Bragdon
By Ian Thompson
SUISUN CITY - The Suisun City Council tentatively agreed to hire former Pismo Beach city manager Suzanne Bragdon as the city's top executive Tuesday night.
The council and Bragdon still need to work out some final details to her contract, "but it is nothing that is insurmountable," Mayor Jim Spering said.
Councilmembers lauded Bragdon's educational background, managerial experience and her desire to make Suisun City a destination city.
"Ms. Bragdon's extensive knowledge of city operations, and her resourcefulness and attention to detail will definitely assure Suisun City of a steady march toward putting in place the infrastructures to generate the revenues needed to deliver basic services to the public," Vice Mayor Pete Sanchez said.
"We picked a good candidate and she will do wonders for the city," City Councilman Sam Derting said.
Bragdon, 46, is expected to start work here on Sept. 1 as the city manager/redevelopment agency director.
She is replacing interim City Manager David Martinez who held the job since Steve Baker stepped down in December 2004 to become city manager for the Central Valley town of Oakdale.
Councilmembers said they want the next city manager to be more of a redevelopment director than a traditional city manager in order to push the city's economic fortunes.
Martinez proved to be an able stand-in with his work getting the city's Main Street West redevelopment project off the ground earlier this year.
One of the new city manager's first duties will be what to do with four city positions presently filled with interim department heads - the community development director, the economic development director and assistant to the city manager and the finance director.
She will also face putting city finances on a solid footing and bring more economic development to the city.
One attribute that caught the council's eye was what councilmembers described as a proactive style in encouraging input from city staff and the community as well as creating workable solutions to tough problems.
Bragdon is moving here from Pismo Beach where she had served as city manager, and more recently, as an economic development consultant for the neighboring city of Grover Beach.
Prior to that, she was assistant city manager for Napa and spent 16 years with the firm of Ralph Anderson & Associates, a management consulting firm that worked for local governments.
Bragdon is married to artist Kirk Bragdon and has a 13-year-old daughter, Stephanie.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
SUISUN CITY - The Suisun City Council tentatively agreed to hire former Pismo Beach city manager Suzanne Bragdon as the city's top executive Tuesday night.
The council and Bragdon still need to work out some final details to her contract, "but it is nothing that is insurmountable," Mayor Jim Spering said.
Councilmembers lauded Bragdon's educational background, managerial experience and her desire to make Suisun City a destination city.
"Ms. Bragdon's extensive knowledge of city operations, and her resourcefulness and attention to detail will definitely assure Suisun City of a steady march toward putting in place the infrastructures to generate the revenues needed to deliver basic services to the public," Vice Mayor Pete Sanchez said.
"We picked a good candidate and she will do wonders for the city," City Councilman Sam Derting said.
Bragdon, 46, is expected to start work here on Sept. 1 as the city manager/redevelopment agency director.
She is replacing interim City Manager David Martinez who held the job since Steve Baker stepped down in December 2004 to become city manager for the Central Valley town of Oakdale.
Councilmembers said they want the next city manager to be more of a redevelopment director than a traditional city manager in order to push the city's economic fortunes.
Martinez proved to be an able stand-in with his work getting the city's Main Street West redevelopment project off the ground earlier this year.
One of the new city manager's first duties will be what to do with four city positions presently filled with interim department heads - the community development director, the economic development director and assistant to the city manager and the finance director.
She will also face putting city finances on a solid footing and bring more economic development to the city.
One attribute that caught the council's eye was what councilmembers described as a proactive style in encouraging input from city staff and the community as well as creating workable solutions to tough problems.
Bragdon is moving here from Pismo Beach where she had served as city manager, and more recently, as an economic development consultant for the neighboring city of Grover Beach.
Prior to that, she was assistant city manager for Napa and spent 16 years with the firm of Ralph Anderson & Associates, a management consulting firm that worked for local governments.
Bragdon is married to artist Kirk Bragdon and has a 13-year-old daughter, Stephanie.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Solano County's jobless rate dips slightlyin May
By Jeff Mitchell
FAIRFIELD - Solano County's jobless rate dropped slightly in May over the previous month, state unemployment officials said this week. The May unemployment rate in the county was 4.9 percent, 0.3 percent less than the jobless rate for April, said Cynthia Solorio, a spokeswoman for the state Employment Development Department.
The total number of jobs in the county for the month increased by 400 positions over the 129,100 state EDD representatives counted 30 days earlier, Solorio said. Most of those were farm- or agriculture-related positions, she added.
May is the month from which the latest job statistics are available. In a year-over-year comparison, the number of jobs in all areas of the county workforce went up, Solorio said. In May, EDD officials tracked a total of 129,500 jobs in Solano County. This number marked an increase of 2,500 positions over the May 2004 figures, she said.
If you know of a newsworthy item or event, please e-mail jmitchell@dailyrepublic.net or ccube@dailyrepublic.net. Please be sure to include a contact name and daytime phone number.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
FAIRFIELD - Solano County's jobless rate dropped slightly in May over the previous month, state unemployment officials said this week. The May unemployment rate in the county was 4.9 percent, 0.3 percent less than the jobless rate for April, said Cynthia Solorio, a spokeswoman for the state Employment Development Department.
The total number of jobs in the county for the month increased by 400 positions over the 129,100 state EDD representatives counted 30 days earlier, Solorio said. Most of those were farm- or agriculture-related positions, she added.
May is the month from which the latest job statistics are available. In a year-over-year comparison, the number of jobs in all areas of the county workforce went up, Solorio said. In May, EDD officials tracked a total of 129,500 jobs in Solano County. This number marked an increase of 2,500 positions over the May 2004 figures, she said.
If you know of a newsworthy item or event, please e-mail jmitchell@dailyrepublic.net or ccube@dailyrepublic.net. Please be sure to include a contact name and daytime phone number.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
Fairfield to get furniture giant Ashley Furniture store
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - Home furnishings giant Ashley Furniture plans to open a massive store in Fairfield next to the Saturn dealership on Interstate 80. The Austin, Texas-based Retail Endeavors Group closed on the deal Monday with local real estate brokerage Colliers International. The group bought 5.41 acres to make way for a 46,000-square-foot furniture store, which will be the company's first store in Solano County, according to the Fairfield Planning and Development Department.Representatives with Retail Endeavors Group and Ashley Furniture, which is based in Arcadia, Wis., didn't return calls for comment.
Brooks Pedder, managing partner with Colliers International, said the furniture facility's location in Fairfield will yield huge economic benefits to Fairfield and Solano County. He said the store anticipates generating total sales of about $40 million a year."Anything that fronts I-80 is gold," Pedder said. "It's a commodity that's becoming more and more scarce and (land) values are rapidly increasing." The building likely will be delivered by first quarter of 2006.
Mike Ammann, president of the Solano EDC, said Ashley Furniture will offer local residents variety and selection on furniture."We're building a lot of homes that need to be filled with furniture," he said. "There are a lot of different types of furniture needs because of the different types of housing projects we have under way."
On its corporate Web site, Ashley Furniture touts itself as the second-largest home furniture manufacturing company. Last year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on more than 22,000 units of Ashley Furniture bunk beds that presented a potential entrapment hazard to children.
For more information, visit www.ashleyfurniture.com.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
FAIRFIELD - Home furnishings giant Ashley Furniture plans to open a massive store in Fairfield next to the Saturn dealership on Interstate 80. The Austin, Texas-based Retail Endeavors Group closed on the deal Monday with local real estate brokerage Colliers International. The group bought 5.41 acres to make way for a 46,000-square-foot furniture store, which will be the company's first store in Solano County, according to the Fairfield Planning and Development Department.Representatives with Retail Endeavors Group and Ashley Furniture, which is based in Arcadia, Wis., didn't return calls for comment.
Brooks Pedder, managing partner with Colliers International, said the furniture facility's location in Fairfield will yield huge economic benefits to Fairfield and Solano County. He said the store anticipates generating total sales of about $40 million a year."Anything that fronts I-80 is gold," Pedder said. "It's a commodity that's becoming more and more scarce and (land) values are rapidly increasing." The building likely will be delivered by first quarter of 2006.
Mike Ammann, president of the Solano EDC, said Ashley Furniture will offer local residents variety and selection on furniture."We're building a lot of homes that need to be filled with furniture," he said. "There are a lot of different types of furniture needs because of the different types of housing projects we have under way."
On its corporate Web site, Ashley Furniture touts itself as the second-largest home furniture manufacturing company. Last year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on more than 22,000 units of Ashley Furniture bunk beds that presented a potential entrapment hazard to children.
For more information, visit www.ashleyfurniture.com.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved
Travis AFB $5 million redesigned gate project to be reopened this fall
By Ian Thompson
TRAVIS AFB - When will Travis Air Force Base's Front Gate be completed and opened?The best answer at present is "sometime this fall," according to Rick DeBernardi, a project manager with the 60th Civil Engineering Squadron. Both the Main Gate and the North Gate are in the midst of a massive redesign and reconstruction that has forced all traffic to enter the base through the Hospital Gate.The last schedule released by the contractor said the gate will be finished by Oct. 31. The contractor also promised base commander Col. Lyn Sherlock to get the gate finished by Sept. 10.Travis closed its Main and North gates last September for reconstruction shortly after work was finished on the Hospital Gate.
The work was part of an Air Mobility Command-wide project to redesign all of the entrances to AMC bases to improve vehicle access as well as base security.Parsons Corp, the contractor doing the work, originally said it would finish its work by February, but disagreements between Parsons and the Air Force stalled work earlier this year until an agreement was reached. Once completed, the $5 million project will have a new visitors center, more parking and vehicle inspection bays, according to the news item. The delays getting on base last year due to construction were part of the reason the base canceled Travis' first public air show in years.Public Affairs assured this October's air show will go on with special lanes open through the front gate to accommodate visitors.
Travis' other major construction project, the Westwind Inn, is slated for opening in November. The new hotel, which cost about $40 million to put up, will have 350 rooms, a day spa, business center and a coffee shop for guests. Once opened, it is expected to save the Air Force money over the long run by allowing visiting Air Force and other military people, to stay on base and not have to be lodged in an off-base hotel. Travis' Lodging General Manager Doug Marchel said that it cost the government $11 million to lodge people off-base.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
TRAVIS AFB - When will Travis Air Force Base's Front Gate be completed and opened?The best answer at present is "sometime this fall," according to Rick DeBernardi, a project manager with the 60th Civil Engineering Squadron. Both the Main Gate and the North Gate are in the midst of a massive redesign and reconstruction that has forced all traffic to enter the base through the Hospital Gate.The last schedule released by the contractor said the gate will be finished by Oct. 31. The contractor also promised base commander Col. Lyn Sherlock to get the gate finished by Sept. 10.Travis closed its Main and North gates last September for reconstruction shortly after work was finished on the Hospital Gate.
The work was part of an Air Mobility Command-wide project to redesign all of the entrances to AMC bases to improve vehicle access as well as base security.Parsons Corp, the contractor doing the work, originally said it would finish its work by February, but disagreements between Parsons and the Air Force stalled work earlier this year until an agreement was reached. Once completed, the $5 million project will have a new visitors center, more parking and vehicle inspection bays, according to the news item. The delays getting on base last year due to construction were part of the reason the base canceled Travis' first public air show in years.Public Affairs assured this October's air show will go on with special lanes open through the front gate to accommodate visitors.
Travis' other major construction project, the Westwind Inn, is slated for opening in November. The new hotel, which cost about $40 million to put up, will have 350 rooms, a day spa, business center and a coffee shop for guests. Once opened, it is expected to save the Air Force money over the long run by allowing visiting Air Force and other military people, to stay on base and not have to be lodged in an off-base hotel. Travis' Lodging General Manager Doug Marchel said that it cost the government $11 million to lodge people off-base.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
SF salami company to build facility in Fairfield's Solano Business Park
dailyrepublic.com
SF salami company to build facility here
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - A Bay Area gourmet meat processing company snagged the last major piece of Solano Business Park in a bid to move its manufacturing operations here.
Columbus Salame, (http://www.columbussalame.com/index.php) which is known for its dry-cured, specialty meats and salami, recently bought a 22-acre parcel adjacent to Professional Hospital Supply, where it plans to build a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, said officials close to the deal.
Phil Garrett, managing partner with Colliers International, who assisted in bringing Columbus Salame to Fairfield with the help of San Francisco real estate agent Primo Repetto, declined to comment on the actual sale price of the land.
Construction for the new facility will cost roughly $40 a square foot, Garrett added. At a minimum, the building shell will cost $10 million before the move-in of any production or manufacturing equipment.
Executives with Columbus Salame didn't return calls seeking comment.
The deal with Columbus Salame has been in the works since initial contact was made early last year, said Joe Lucchio, economic development project manager with the city of Fairfield.
"They looked at other jurisdictions and felt that Fairfield offered the best location," Lucchio said, mentioning the company also considered Busch Corporate Center for its manufacturing facility. "We met with (Columbus Salame) representatives and toured one of their processing facilities in Hayward. They wanted to expand and consolidate operations."
Actual development will be done in phases and completion of the building is expected within 36 months. The company plans to bring certain business functions such as packaging and distribution to the new facility, Lucchio said. Employees here will number about 200, he added.
"I'm sure they'll (relocate) some employees, but I would anticipate the majority of the employees at the facility will be hired here," Lucchio said.
The most recent company similar to Columbus Salame to move to Fairfield was Englehart Gourmet Foods, which moved into Busch Corporate Center following the completion of its building in mid-2003.
It's a big deal for the region to land a tenant such as Columbus Salame, said Brooks Pedder, managing partner with Colliers International.
"It's really important to get people that invest money in the facility and that makes them a permanent neighbor and not a transitory neighbor," Pedder said.
Solano EDC vice president Sandy Person agreed.
"This is precisely the type of employer that the community is seeking to attract," she said. "It's an ideal scenario: A longtime San Francisco company seeking to grow and expand will now call Solano County and Fairfield home."
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
SF salami company to build facility here
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - A Bay Area gourmet meat processing company snagged the last major piece of Solano Business Park in a bid to move its manufacturing operations here.
Columbus Salame, (http://www.columbussalame.com/index.php) which is known for its dry-cured, specialty meats and salami, recently bought a 22-acre parcel adjacent to Professional Hospital Supply, where it plans to build a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, said officials close to the deal.
Phil Garrett, managing partner with Colliers International, who assisted in bringing Columbus Salame to Fairfield with the help of San Francisco real estate agent Primo Repetto, declined to comment on the actual sale price of the land.
Construction for the new facility will cost roughly $40 a square foot, Garrett added. At a minimum, the building shell will cost $10 million before the move-in of any production or manufacturing equipment.
Executives with Columbus Salame didn't return calls seeking comment.
The deal with Columbus Salame has been in the works since initial contact was made early last year, said Joe Lucchio, economic development project manager with the city of Fairfield.
"They looked at other jurisdictions and felt that Fairfield offered the best location," Lucchio said, mentioning the company also considered Busch Corporate Center for its manufacturing facility. "We met with (Columbus Salame) representatives and toured one of their processing facilities in Hayward. They wanted to expand and consolidate operations."
Actual development will be done in phases and completion of the building is expected within 36 months. The company plans to bring certain business functions such as packaging and distribution to the new facility, Lucchio said. Employees here will number about 200, he added.
"I'm sure they'll (relocate) some employees, but I would anticipate the majority of the employees at the facility will be hired here," Lucchio said.
The most recent company similar to Columbus Salame to move to Fairfield was Englehart Gourmet Foods, which moved into Busch Corporate Center following the completion of its building in mid-2003.
It's a big deal for the region to land a tenant such as Columbus Salame, said Brooks Pedder, managing partner with Colliers International.
"It's really important to get people that invest money in the facility and that makes them a permanent neighbor and not a transitory neighbor," Pedder said.
Solano EDC vice president Sandy Person agreed.
"This is precisely the type of employer that the community is seeking to attract," she said. "It's an ideal scenario: A longtime San Francisco company seeking to grow and expand will now call Solano County and Fairfield home."
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
dailyrepublic.com
dailyrepublic.com
SF salami company to build facility here
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - A Bay Area gourmet meat processing company snagged the last major piece of Solano Business Park in a bid to move its manufacturing operations here.
Columbus Salame, which is known for its dry-cured, specialty meats and salami, recently bought a 22-acre parcel adjacent to Professional Hospital Supply, where it plans to build a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, said officials close to the deal.
Phil Garrett, managing partner with Colliers International, who assisted in bringing Columbus Salame to Fairfield with the help of San Francisco real estate agent Primo Repetto, declined to comment on the actual sale price of the land.
Construction for the new facility will cost roughly $40 a square foot, Garrett added. At a minimum, the building shell will cost $10 million before the move-in of any production or manufacturing equipment.
Executives with Columbus Salame didn't return calls seeking comment.
The deal with Columbus Salame has been in the works since initial contact was made early last year, said Joe Lucchio, economic development project manager with the city of Fairfield.
"They looked at other jurisdictions and felt that Fairfield offered the best location," Lucchio said, mentioning the company also considered Busch Corporate Center for its manufacturing facility. "We met with (Columbus Salame) representatives and toured one of their processing facilities in Hayward. They wanted to expand and consolidate operations."
Actual development will be done in phases and completion of the building is expected within 36 months. The company plans to bring certain business functions such as packaging and distribution to the new facility, Lucchio said. Employees here will number about 200, he added.
"I'm sure they'll (relocate) some employees, but I would anticipate the majority of the employees at the facility will be hired here," Lucchio said.
The most recent company similar to Columbus Salame to move to Fairfield was Englehart Gourmet Foods, which moved into Busch Corporate Center following the completion of its building in mid-2003.
It's a big deal for the region to land a tenant such as Columbus Salame, said Brooks Pedder, managing partner with Colliers International.
"It's really important to get people that invest money in the facility and that makes them a permanent neighbor and not a transitory neighbor," Pedder said.
Solano EDC vice president Sandy Person agreed.
"This is precisely the type of employer that the community is seeking to attract," she said. "It's an ideal scenario: A longtime San Francisco company seeking to grow and expand will now call Solano County and Fairfield home."
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
SF salami company to build facility here
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - A Bay Area gourmet meat processing company snagged the last major piece of Solano Business Park in a bid to move its manufacturing operations here.
Columbus Salame, which is known for its dry-cured, specialty meats and salami, recently bought a 22-acre parcel adjacent to Professional Hospital Supply, where it plans to build a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, said officials close to the deal.
Phil Garrett, managing partner with Colliers International, who assisted in bringing Columbus Salame to Fairfield with the help of San Francisco real estate agent Primo Repetto, declined to comment on the actual sale price of the land.
Construction for the new facility will cost roughly $40 a square foot, Garrett added. At a minimum, the building shell will cost $10 million before the move-in of any production or manufacturing equipment.
Executives with Columbus Salame didn't return calls seeking comment.
The deal with Columbus Salame has been in the works since initial contact was made early last year, said Joe Lucchio, economic development project manager with the city of Fairfield.
"They looked at other jurisdictions and felt that Fairfield offered the best location," Lucchio said, mentioning the company also considered Busch Corporate Center for its manufacturing facility. "We met with (Columbus Salame) representatives and toured one of their processing facilities in Hayward. They wanted to expand and consolidate operations."
Actual development will be done in phases and completion of the building is expected within 36 months. The company plans to bring certain business functions such as packaging and distribution to the new facility, Lucchio said. Employees here will number about 200, he added.
"I'm sure they'll (relocate) some employees, but I would anticipate the majority of the employees at the facility will be hired here," Lucchio said.
The most recent company similar to Columbus Salame to move to Fairfield was Englehart Gourmet Foods, which moved into Busch Corporate Center following the completion of its building in mid-2003.
It's a big deal for the region to land a tenant such as Columbus Salame, said Brooks Pedder, managing partner with Colliers International.
"It's really important to get people that invest money in the facility and that makes them a permanent neighbor and not a transitory neighbor," Pedder said.
Solano EDC vice president Sandy Person agreed.
"This is precisely the type of employer that the community is seeking to attract," she said. "It's an ideal scenario: A longtime San Francisco company seeking to grow and expand will now call Solano County and Fairfield home."
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Business space stays strong despite vacancy increases
With the economic slowdown since 2000, vacancy rates in retail, industrial, commercial and "flexible" light office/manufacturing/distribution space have risen in the central Bay Area.
Despite this, the Fairfield market continues to be strong for this space. The Planning Department has been hit with a slew of new applications over the last few weeks, and we thought our readers might be interested in some of the things coming down the freeway.
Green Valley Ranch Plaza: A master plan for this large shopping center was approved for the intersection of Link and Pittman roads in 2000. The project will have a "western" theme. Unlike many shopping centers, this project is not being built at one time by one developer. Instead, each component will be developed separately, with Planning Department review ensuring each piece fits the overall theme approved for the center.
The proposed center includes sites for retail and restaurant tenants. The city is reviewing applications for four buildings on three parcels, including two buildings about 6,000 square feet and two larger (12,000 square feet and 15,000 square feet) buildings.
Fox Commercial: A proposed 20,000-square-foot speculative commercial/industrial building on Grobric Court.
Ashley Furniture: A 46,000-square-foot furniture store/warehouse facility on Auto Plaza Court. This would be the company's first store in Solano County.
Calbee Foods: Fairfield continues to attract interest from food products manufacturers. This 46,000-square-foot factory could produce snack foods for the Japanese and American markets.
Oakmont Plaza, Phase II: This proposed project would provide 46,000 square feet of retail space next to the existing FoodMaxx store on North Texas Street. Instead of a larger major user, the new plan shows 10 smaller storefronts.
Lincoln Fairfield Center: A 119,000-square-foot spec building for distribution/light manufacturing on Chadbourne Road at Maxwell Way. Tulloch Construction continues to bring new product into the Fairfield market.
Saint Gobain Packaging: By far the biggest project currently in the review pipeline, the Saint Gobain Packaging facility will involve more than 1 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space under one roof at the corner of Peabody Road and Huntington Drive. The company plans to distribute glass bottles for the wine industry from this facility. The facility will employ about 80 people.
Comcast Technical Operations Center: Approved in June, this 27,000-square-foot building on Watt Court will be the "workshop" for Comcast cable operations in the Fairfield area.
Fairfield continues to be a focal point for industrial uses. With relatively inexpensive land, "relatively" affordable housing, and access to regional transportation links and regional markets (Napa Valley, Sacramento, San Francisco), facilities serving the wine and food industries "make sense."
The city also continues to see new retail development in the Cordelia area, with the remaining sites visible from the freeway being rapidly developed. During the next two years, the city also anticipates new development near the proposed Fairfield-Vacaville Train Station (Peabody Road/Vanden Road), in the "Villages at Fairfield" project in northeast Fairfield, and downtown Fairfield.
Economic Notes: An update from Fairfield City Hall is written by Brian Miller and Karl Dumas of the Fairfield Planning and Development Department. They can be contacted at 428-7461 or e-mail at kdumas@ci.fairfield.ca.us or bkmiller@ci.fairfield.ca.us.
Despite this, the Fairfield market continues to be strong for this space. The Planning Department has been hit with a slew of new applications over the last few weeks, and we thought our readers might be interested in some of the things coming down the freeway.
Green Valley Ranch Plaza: A master plan for this large shopping center was approved for the intersection of Link and Pittman roads in 2000. The project will have a "western" theme. Unlike many shopping centers, this project is not being built at one time by one developer. Instead, each component will be developed separately, with Planning Department review ensuring each piece fits the overall theme approved for the center.
The proposed center includes sites for retail and restaurant tenants. The city is reviewing applications for four buildings on three parcels, including two buildings about 6,000 square feet and two larger (12,000 square feet and 15,000 square feet) buildings.
Fox Commercial: A proposed 20,000-square-foot speculative commercial/industrial building on Grobric Court.
Ashley Furniture: A 46,000-square-foot furniture store/warehouse facility on Auto Plaza Court. This would be the company's first store in Solano County.
Calbee Foods: Fairfield continues to attract interest from food products manufacturers. This 46,000-square-foot factory could produce snack foods for the Japanese and American markets.
Oakmont Plaza, Phase II: This proposed project would provide 46,000 square feet of retail space next to the existing FoodMaxx store on North Texas Street. Instead of a larger major user, the new plan shows 10 smaller storefronts.
Lincoln Fairfield Center: A 119,000-square-foot spec building for distribution/light manufacturing on Chadbourne Road at Maxwell Way. Tulloch Construction continues to bring new product into the Fairfield market.
Saint Gobain Packaging: By far the biggest project currently in the review pipeline, the Saint Gobain Packaging facility will involve more than 1 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space under one roof at the corner of Peabody Road and Huntington Drive. The company plans to distribute glass bottles for the wine industry from this facility. The facility will employ about 80 people.
Comcast Technical Operations Center: Approved in June, this 27,000-square-foot building on Watt Court will be the "workshop" for Comcast cable operations in the Fairfield area.
Fairfield continues to be a focal point for industrial uses. With relatively inexpensive land, "relatively" affordable housing, and access to regional transportation links and regional markets (Napa Valley, Sacramento, San Francisco), facilities serving the wine and food industries "make sense."
The city also continues to see new retail development in the Cordelia area, with the remaining sites visible from the freeway being rapidly developed. During the next two years, the city also anticipates new development near the proposed Fairfield-Vacaville Train Station (Peabody Road/Vanden Road), in the "Villages at Fairfield" project in northeast Fairfield, and downtown Fairfield.
Economic Notes: An update from Fairfield City Hall is written by Brian Miller and Karl Dumas of the Fairfield Planning and Development Department. They can be contacted at 428-7461 or e-mail at kdumas@ci.fairfield.ca.us or bkmiller@ci.fairfield.ca.us.
Genentech to issue $2 billion in bonds -- Funds to help pay for growth of its cancer drug business
Bernadette Tansey, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Genentech Inc. announced plans Wednesday for a $2 billion bond offering that will help fund the South San Francisco biotechnology company's rapidly expanding cancer drug business.
The company will use $585 million from the issue of senior notes for lease payments on its plant in Vacaville, where it is increasing capacity.
An undisclosed amount will go toward upgrading another plant in Oceanside (San Diego County) that Genentech bought from Biogen Idec Inc. for $408 million in late June.
The funds will also help pay for gaining Food and Drug Administration approval to produce its colon cancer drug Avastin in Oceanside.
The rest of the cash will be used for other purposes, such as research and development, capital projects and acquisitions of products or businesses, Genentech said in a statement. Company spokeswoman Debra Charlesworth said it could not comment further before the bond deal is completed.
Genentech, whose corporate fortunes have been rising on positive news about Avastin and other drugs, is racing to realize the full commercial potential of its approved products while seeking a next wave of drug candidates to continue its growth.
The biotech giant, which just reported a 73 percent increase in profit for the second quarter, is considering buying other biomedical companies to add to its pipeline of experimental drugs.
Financial experts said the bond issue offers a successful company like Genentech many advantages over other means of raising money, such as selling more shares.
For one thing, it's cheaper, said Chris O'Connor, senior managing director at Bear Stearns. With its excellent credit rating, Genentech can sell the bonds at a lower interest rate than less solid companies whose notes would carry more risk. Moody's rates Genentech at A-1, he said.
Genentech plans to offer a combination of five-, 10- and 30-year senior notes. O'Connor said their average interest rate could be 5 percent or lower - - a narrow spread over U.S. Treasury bond yields.
Genentech can also deduct the interest to reduce its tax liability, O'Connor said. By comparison, an equity offering provides no tax advantages, and raising capital that way could cost as much as 9 percent, he said.
Issuing new shares would dilute earnings, spurring investors to sell and drive down the share price, said Arthur Wong, director of Standard & Poor's corporate ratings group. Companies that maintain high-priced shares can use them as valuable currency to acquire other companies or compensate employees, he said.
Raising capital through debt instruments like bonds is a preferred method for mature companies and is increasingly being used by larger biotech firms, he said.
"It means that the biotech industry has come of age,'' Wong said.
Standard & Poor's raised Genentech's corporate credit rating from A to A+ Wednesday, assigning an A+ rating to the proposed bond issues as well.
"The upgrade reflects a marked improvement in Genentech's business position accompanied by a sustained commitment to conservative financial policies,'' S&P analyst David Lugg said in a note.
Genentech shares gained 9 cents, or 0.92, percent to close at $86.68 Wednesday.
E-mail Bernadette Tansey at btansey@sfchronicle.com.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Genentech Inc. announced plans Wednesday for a $2 billion bond offering that will help fund the South San Francisco biotechnology company's rapidly expanding cancer drug business.
The company will use $585 million from the issue of senior notes for lease payments on its plant in Vacaville, where it is increasing capacity.
An undisclosed amount will go toward upgrading another plant in Oceanside (San Diego County) that Genentech bought from Biogen Idec Inc. for $408 million in late June.
The funds will also help pay for gaining Food and Drug Administration approval to produce its colon cancer drug Avastin in Oceanside.
The rest of the cash will be used for other purposes, such as research and development, capital projects and acquisitions of products or businesses, Genentech said in a statement. Company spokeswoman Debra Charlesworth said it could not comment further before the bond deal is completed.
Genentech, whose corporate fortunes have been rising on positive news about Avastin and other drugs, is racing to realize the full commercial potential of its approved products while seeking a next wave of drug candidates to continue its growth.
The biotech giant, which just reported a 73 percent increase in profit for the second quarter, is considering buying other biomedical companies to add to its pipeline of experimental drugs.
Financial experts said the bond issue offers a successful company like Genentech many advantages over other means of raising money, such as selling more shares.
For one thing, it's cheaper, said Chris O'Connor, senior managing director at Bear Stearns. With its excellent credit rating, Genentech can sell the bonds at a lower interest rate than less solid companies whose notes would carry more risk. Moody's rates Genentech at A-1, he said.
Genentech plans to offer a combination of five-, 10- and 30-year senior notes. O'Connor said their average interest rate could be 5 percent or lower - - a narrow spread over U.S. Treasury bond yields.
Genentech can also deduct the interest to reduce its tax liability, O'Connor said. By comparison, an equity offering provides no tax advantages, and raising capital that way could cost as much as 9 percent, he said.
Issuing new shares would dilute earnings, spurring investors to sell and drive down the share price, said Arthur Wong, director of Standard & Poor's corporate ratings group. Companies that maintain high-priced shares can use them as valuable currency to acquire other companies or compensate employees, he said.
Raising capital through debt instruments like bonds is a preferred method for mature companies and is increasingly being used by larger biotech firms, he said.
"It means that the biotech industry has come of age,'' Wong said.
Standard & Poor's raised Genentech's corporate credit rating from A to A+ Wednesday, assigning an A+ rating to the proposed bond issues as well.
"The upgrade reflects a marked improvement in Genentech's business position accompanied by a sustained commitment to conservative financial policies,'' S&P analyst David Lugg said in a note.
Genentech shares gained 9 cents, or 0.92, percent to close at $86.68 Wednesday.
E-mail Bernadette Tansey at btansey@sfchronicle.com.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Travis continues lobbying, privatization plans
Business space stays strong despite vacancy increases
With the economic slowdown since 2000, vacancy rates in retail, industrial, commercial and "flexible" light office/manufacturing/distribution space have risen in the central Bay Area.
Despite this, the Fairfield market continues to be strong for this space. The Planning Department has been hit with a slew of new applications over the last few weeks, and we thought our readers might be interested in some of the things coming down the freeway.
Green Valley Ranch Plaza: A master plan for this large shopping center was approved for the intersection of Link and Pittman roads in 2000. The project will have a "western" theme. Unlike many shopping centers, this project is not being built at one time by one developer. Instead, each component will be developed separately, with Planning Department review ensuring each piece fits the overall theme approved for the center.
The proposed center includes sites for retail and restaurant tenants. The city is reviewing applications for four buildings on three parcels, including two buildings about 6,000 square feet and two larger (12,000 square feet and 15,000 square feet) buildings.
Fox Commercial: A proposed 20,000-square-foot speculative commercial/industrial building on Grobric Court.
Ashley Furniture: A 46,000-square-foot furniture store/warehouse facility on Auto Plaza Court. This would be the company's first store in Solano County.
Calbee Foods: Fairfield continues to attract interest from food products manufacturers. This 46,000-square-foot factory could produce snack foods for the Japanese and American markets.
Oakmont Plaza, Phase II: This proposed project would provide 46,000 square feet of retail space next to the existing FoodMaxx store on North Texas Street. Instead of a larger major user, the new plan shows 10 smaller storefronts.
Lincoln Fairfield Center: A 119,000-square-foot spec building for distribution/light manufacturing on Chadbourne Road at Maxwell Way. Tulloch Construction continues to bring new product into the Fairfield market.
Saint Gobain Packaging: By far the biggest project currently in the review pipeline, the Saint Gobain Packaging facility will involve more than 1 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space under one roof at the corner of Peabody Road and Huntington Drive. The company plans to distribute glass bottles for the wine industry from this facility. The facility will employ about 80 people.
Comcast Technical Operations Center: Approved in June, this 27,000-square-foot building on Watt Court will be the "workshop" for Comcast cable operations in the Fairfield area.
Fairfield continues to be a focal point for industrial uses. With relatively inexpensive land, "relatively" affordable housing, and access to regional transportation links and regional markets (Napa Valley, Sacramento, San Francisco), facilities serving the wine and food industries "make sense."
The city also continues to see new retail development in the Cordelia area, with the remaining sites visible from the freeway being rapidly developed. During the next two years, the city also anticipates new development near the proposed Fairfield-Vacaville Train Station (Peabody Road/Vanden Road), in the "Villages at Fairfield" project in northeast Fairfield, and downtown Fairfield.
Economic Notes: An update from Fairfield City Hall is written by Brian Miller and Karl Dumas of the Fairfield Planning and Development Department. They can be contacted at 428-7461 or e-mail at kdumas@ci.fairfield.ca.us or bkmiller@ci.fairfield.ca.us.
With the economic slowdown since 2000, vacancy rates in retail, industrial, commercial and "flexible" light office/manufacturing/distribution space have risen in the central Bay Area.
Despite this, the Fairfield market continues to be strong for this space. The Planning Department has been hit with a slew of new applications over the last few weeks, and we thought our readers might be interested in some of the things coming down the freeway.
Green Valley Ranch Plaza: A master plan for this large shopping center was approved for the intersection of Link and Pittman roads in 2000. The project will have a "western" theme. Unlike many shopping centers, this project is not being built at one time by one developer. Instead, each component will be developed separately, with Planning Department review ensuring each piece fits the overall theme approved for the center.
The proposed center includes sites for retail and restaurant tenants. The city is reviewing applications for four buildings on three parcels, including two buildings about 6,000 square feet and two larger (12,000 square feet and 15,000 square feet) buildings.
Fox Commercial: A proposed 20,000-square-foot speculative commercial/industrial building on Grobric Court.
Ashley Furniture: A 46,000-square-foot furniture store/warehouse facility on Auto Plaza Court. This would be the company's first store in Solano County.
Calbee Foods: Fairfield continues to attract interest from food products manufacturers. This 46,000-square-foot factory could produce snack foods for the Japanese and American markets.
Oakmont Plaza, Phase II: This proposed project would provide 46,000 square feet of retail space next to the existing FoodMaxx store on North Texas Street. Instead of a larger major user, the new plan shows 10 smaller storefronts.
Lincoln Fairfield Center: A 119,000-square-foot spec building for distribution/light manufacturing on Chadbourne Road at Maxwell Way. Tulloch Construction continues to bring new product into the Fairfield market.
Saint Gobain Packaging: By far the biggest project currently in the review pipeline, the Saint Gobain Packaging facility will involve more than 1 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space under one roof at the corner of Peabody Road and Huntington Drive. The company plans to distribute glass bottles for the wine industry from this facility. The facility will employ about 80 people.
Comcast Technical Operations Center: Approved in June, this 27,000-square-foot building on Watt Court will be the "workshop" for Comcast cable operations in the Fairfield area.
Fairfield continues to be a focal point for industrial uses. With relatively inexpensive land, "relatively" affordable housing, and access to regional transportation links and regional markets (Napa Valley, Sacramento, San Francisco), facilities serving the wine and food industries "make sense."
The city also continues to see new retail development in the Cordelia area, with the remaining sites visible from the freeway being rapidly developed. During the next two years, the city also anticipates new development near the proposed Fairfield-Vacaville Train Station (Peabody Road/Vanden Road), in the "Villages at Fairfield" project in northeast Fairfield, and downtown Fairfield.
Economic Notes: An update from Fairfield City Hall is written by Brian Miller and Karl Dumas of the Fairfield Planning and Development Department. They can be contacted at 428-7461 or e-mail at kdumas@ci.fairfield.ca.us or bkmiller@ci.fairfield.ca.us.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Local chambers join forces, form an economic alliance
Resolving that their differences were way less important than their common goals, all four of the Vallejo area's chambers of commerce have joined forces to encourage local economic growth.
Leaders of the Solano County Black Chamber, the Filipino-American Chamber of Solano County, Inc., and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Solano /Napa, joined the Solano College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce at a meeting at the Vallejo Chamber's offices Tuesday. Under discussion were both the upcoming second all-chambers mixer later this month, and a business expo planned for November. The expo, the first in which the alliance will have a hand, is in its ninth year, organizers said.
The alliance was formed last year to "revitalize the business community in this area and advertise the city of Vallejo as a good place to do business with," said Hermie Sunga, head of the Filipino American chamber.
Though its formation was the result of cooperation between all the groups, Vallejo chamber head Rick Wells "really spearheaded it," said the Black Chamber's Veronica Stone.
The idea for an all-chamber alliance came to Wells during a mixer, he said.
"There are so many independent organizations with overlapping purposes," Wells said. "We wanted to increase communication between them and provide a regular venue to communicate. It's amazing how much we learn when we get together."
SBDC director Charles Eason said a similar coalition existed some years ago and included the city of Vallejo and downtown business groups. But city funding for the group became a budget casualty two years ago and the effort fizzled. Besides, it was never as cohesive and cooperative as the new alliance is turning out to be, organizers said.
Until the alliance formed, the smaller, ethnic chambers operated more or less in a vacuum, providing services for their individual members, while the Vallejo Chamber dealt with larger issues, the leaders said.
Stone said the ethnic chambers serve a niche market and help smaller, less-experienced entrepreneurs feel comfortable among other business owners.
"Some business owners join our chamber, for example, because they want to be identified as an African-American business," Stone said. "Also, we can focus on the special needs of our members."
Ethnic chambers can also help business owners with language barriers, Martinez said.
Stone said past attempts at chamber cooperation were only marginally successful. The events the alliance has produced have been hugely successful by comparison. An all-chamber mixer held last year, the first the alliance produced, drew hundreds of participants, organizers said. In comparison, a typical chamber mixer draws dozens of business owners, the said.
None of the Tuesday meeting's participants could definitively explain what may have made the difference, except that perhaps it involved a gelling of the right combination of personalities.
"The time wasn't right" until now, said SBDC's Sandy Stelter.
"We all want a stronger local economy, which results in a better quality of life for everyone who lives in this city," Wells said. "More jobs, better jobs, a strong diverse business community. We all want that."
Leaders of the Solano County Black Chamber, the Filipino-American Chamber of Solano County, Inc., and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Solano /Napa, joined the Solano College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce at a meeting at the Vallejo Chamber's offices Tuesday. Under discussion were both the upcoming second all-chambers mixer later this month, and a business expo planned for November. The expo, the first in which the alliance will have a hand, is in its ninth year, organizers said.
The alliance was formed last year to "revitalize the business community in this area and advertise the city of Vallejo as a good place to do business with," said Hermie Sunga, head of the Filipino American chamber.
Though its formation was the result of cooperation between all the groups, Vallejo chamber head Rick Wells "really spearheaded it," said the Black Chamber's Veronica Stone.
The idea for an all-chamber alliance came to Wells during a mixer, he said.
"There are so many independent organizations with overlapping purposes," Wells said. "We wanted to increase communication between them and provide a regular venue to communicate. It's amazing how much we learn when we get together."
SBDC director Charles Eason said a similar coalition existed some years ago and included the city of Vallejo and downtown business groups. But city funding for the group became a budget casualty two years ago and the effort fizzled. Besides, it was never as cohesive and cooperative as the new alliance is turning out to be, organizers said.
Until the alliance formed, the smaller, ethnic chambers operated more or less in a vacuum, providing services for their individual members, while the Vallejo Chamber dealt with larger issues, the leaders said.
Stone said the ethnic chambers serve a niche market and help smaller, less-experienced entrepreneurs feel comfortable among other business owners.
"Some business owners join our chamber, for example, because they want to be identified as an African-American business," Stone said. "Also, we can focus on the special needs of our members."
Ethnic chambers can also help business owners with language barriers, Martinez said.
Stone said past attempts at chamber cooperation were only marginally successful. The events the alliance has produced have been hugely successful by comparison. An all-chamber mixer held last year, the first the alliance produced, drew hundreds of participants, organizers said. In comparison, a typical chamber mixer draws dozens of business owners, the said.
None of the Tuesday meeting's participants could definitively explain what may have made the difference, except that perhaps it involved a gelling of the right combination of personalities.
"The time wasn't right" until now, said SBDC's Sandy Stelter.
"We all want a stronger local economy, which results in a better quality of life for everyone who lives in this city," Wells said. "More jobs, better jobs, a strong diverse business community. We all want that."
Anheuser-Busch brewery donates $4,000 to restore C-141 at Jimmy Doolittle Air & Space Museum at Travis AFB
FAIRFIELD - The Anheuser-Busch brewery donated $4,000 to the Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum Foundation to help restore the C-141 Golden Bear for display at Travis Air Force Base, it was announced this week.
The C-141, or Starlifter, joined the Air Force inventory in 1965 and with the C-5 formed the backbone of military aircraft for more than 30 years. The Golden Bear was the first operational C-141 and the first assigned to Travis. The Golden Bear was the first C-141 to transport wounded troops from Vietnam to the United States, and the first to fly into Saigon. Its last flight into Travis was in June 1966.
When the restoration is complete, the Golden Bear will be displayed at the Travis Air Museum.
The C-141, or Starlifter, joined the Air Force inventory in 1965 and with the C-5 formed the backbone of military aircraft for more than 30 years. The Golden Bear was the first operational C-141 and the first assigned to Travis. The Golden Bear was the first C-141 to transport wounded troops from Vietnam to the United States, and the first to fly into Saigon. Its last flight into Travis was in June 1966.
When the restoration is complete, the Golden Bear will be displayed at the Travis Air Museum.
Plans to base 13 C-17 at Travis AFB on schedule for 2006-07 fiscal year
For local groups that have advocated for Travis Air force Base for years, this week's trip to Washington, D.C., is the first since the happy news that the base would not be targeted for closure.
It put a nice spin on the trip to see a slew of Congressional representatives, including Sens. Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Reps. Ellen Tauscher, Dan Lungren, George Miller and Mike Thompson, said Bud Ross, a past president of the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee.
But there's no reason to be arrogant about Travis' situation, he said.
"There are a lot of people smiling, but we're not smug," Ross said.
There are other reasons that the local group is happy about their trip.
Plans to base 13 C-17 airlifters at Travis as early as the 2006-07 fiscal year are on schedule, local advocates learned.
Travis could be scheduled to receive $31.6 million for a number of improvements related to the C-17s making their way to the base, including:
• Global reach deployment center - $19 million
• Life support facility - $1.3 million
• Composite shop - $3.2 million
• Maintenance training - $8.1 million.
The appropriation for the funds has cleared three hurdles and awaits a final one in the U.S. Senate, Ross said.
"The long and short of it is that it is good news," he said.
The possibility also exists for Travis to be in line to receive additional C-17s beyond the 13. A plan floating around Washington, D.C., is to purchase 42 C-17s in addition to the 180 already in plans.
Today, the group is scheduled to visit the Pentagon to discuss military housing and other base issues.
Jason Massad can be reached at county@thereporter.com.
It put a nice spin on the trip to see a slew of Congressional representatives, including Sens. Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Reps. Ellen Tauscher, Dan Lungren, George Miller and Mike Thompson, said Bud Ross, a past president of the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee.
But there's no reason to be arrogant about Travis' situation, he said.
"There are a lot of people smiling, but we're not smug," Ross said.
There are other reasons that the local group is happy about their trip.
Plans to base 13 C-17 airlifters at Travis as early as the 2006-07 fiscal year are on schedule, local advocates learned.
Travis could be scheduled to receive $31.6 million for a number of improvements related to the C-17s making their way to the base, including:
• Global reach deployment center - $19 million
• Life support facility - $1.3 million
• Composite shop - $3.2 million
• Maintenance training - $8.1 million.
The appropriation for the funds has cleared three hurdles and awaits a final one in the U.S. Senate, Ross said.
"The long and short of it is that it is good news," he said.
The possibility also exists for Travis to be in line to receive additional C-17s beyond the 13. A plan floating around Washington, D.C., is to purchase 42 C-17s in addition to the 180 already in plans.
Today, the group is scheduled to visit the Pentagon to discuss military housing and other base issues.
Jason Massad can be reached at county@thereporter.com.
Solano EDC courts biotechs at BIO for the county
FAIRFIELD - Solano County put its best foot forward when the Super Bowl of biotechnology conventions met last month on the East Coast.
What the county came out with was a short list - specifically four companies - to continue conversations with in hopes to lure their biotech manufacturing facilities here. Solano County has a leg up on the local competition when it comes to biotech with major tenants such as Genentech, ALZA Corp. and Chiron Corp.
Solano EDC president Mike Ammann is keeping mum on the identity of the companies so as not to jeopardize future talks with them. Keith Sutton, business development director for the Oakland-based Economic Development Alliance for Business and chairman of TeamCalifornia, which represented the state at the BIO 2005 convention in Philadelphia, wouldn't budge either.
"That's confidential information," Sutton said. "(Solano County) is a cost-effective place to do manufacturing, which is certainly one of the most critical areas to focus on. I think we'll always maintain our research and development status but capturing the manufacturing jobs created by these companies has been a challenge - a lot of these companies are going internationally. Manufacturing is our best opportunity for growth in terms of the biotech industry."
TeamCalifornia is a group of mostly mid-sized economic development organizations and cities that stress the importance of economic development and marketing. The team has shouldered the responsibility of bringing California to the biotech table, largely through three national biotech trade shows, after the termination of the California Trade and Commerce Agency in 2003. In addition to BIO, the two other biggies are CoreNet and the Medical Design & Manufacturing trade show.
"These trade shows have the most potential for business development," Sutton said, mentioning TeamCalifornia made contact with more than 300 firms at BIO.
The trade show attracted more than 18,000 attendees, said Danielle Cohn, spokesperson for the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Estimated economic impact there: $35 million.
"BIO only goes to cities where there is a strong biotech industry in place," Cohn said. "For any city to be in front this group is a tremendous opportunity and a wise investment."
According to Solano EDC's Ammann, the secret to luring biotech involves a simple formula: A major research university performing clinical trials such as the University of California, Davis, a well-educated workforce and major sources of venture capital. UC Davis produces the largest number of life sciences graduates in California, and was ranked 15th in research funding among U.S. universities with $426 million.
In terms of location, Solano County's position between San Francisco and Sacramento couldn't be better.
"We really see ourselves actively working together (with San Francisco and Sacramento)," Ammann said. "We're going to work with both areas."
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
What the county came out with was a short list - specifically four companies - to continue conversations with in hopes to lure their biotech manufacturing facilities here. Solano County has a leg up on the local competition when it comes to biotech with major tenants such as Genentech, ALZA Corp. and Chiron Corp.
Solano EDC president Mike Ammann is keeping mum on the identity of the companies so as not to jeopardize future talks with them. Keith Sutton, business development director for the Oakland-based Economic Development Alliance for Business and chairman of TeamCalifornia, which represented the state at the BIO 2005 convention in Philadelphia, wouldn't budge either.
"That's confidential information," Sutton said. "(Solano County) is a cost-effective place to do manufacturing, which is certainly one of the most critical areas to focus on. I think we'll always maintain our research and development status but capturing the manufacturing jobs created by these companies has been a challenge - a lot of these companies are going internationally. Manufacturing is our best opportunity for growth in terms of the biotech industry."
TeamCalifornia is a group of mostly mid-sized economic development organizations and cities that stress the importance of economic development and marketing. The team has shouldered the responsibility of bringing California to the biotech table, largely through three national biotech trade shows, after the termination of the California Trade and Commerce Agency in 2003. In addition to BIO, the two other biggies are CoreNet and the Medical Design & Manufacturing trade show.
"These trade shows have the most potential for business development," Sutton said, mentioning TeamCalifornia made contact with more than 300 firms at BIO.
The trade show attracted more than 18,000 attendees, said Danielle Cohn, spokesperson for the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Estimated economic impact there: $35 million.
"BIO only goes to cities where there is a strong biotech industry in place," Cohn said. "For any city to be in front this group is a tremendous opportunity and a wise investment."
According to Solano EDC's Ammann, the secret to luring biotech involves a simple formula: A major research university performing clinical trials such as the University of California, Davis, a well-educated workforce and major sources of venture capital. UC Davis produces the largest number of life sciences graduates in California, and was ranked 15th in research funding among U.S. universities with $426 million.
In terms of location, Solano County's position between San Francisco and Sacramento couldn't be better.
"We really see ourselves actively working together (with San Francisco and Sacramento)," Ammann said. "We're going to work with both areas."
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Study predicts healthy future for Solano business
By Robin Miller/City Editor
Biotech giant Genentech expands, the real estate market continues to boom and employment numbers grow by some 2 percent each year. This is the picture painted of Solano County in a study released last week by the University of the Pacific's Business Forecasting Center. The 100-page report projects the business climate statewide and in nearly a dozen metropolitan areas, including Solano County, through the next 25 years.
Among the study's more significant findings is that employment in Solano County will grow by some 13 percent by 2010 - from 127,400 jobs in 2005 to 143,900 jobs in 2010. The construction, service, professional, education, health and leisure/hospitality job sectors are all expected to see growth in the news few years, according to the study.
Meanwhile, it predicts that as population continues to grow steadily through 2007, the unemployment rate is remain stable around 5.6 percent. "The continuing trend of Bay Area workers migrating east in search of affordable housing is expected to fuel employment growth in the construction sector," the report states.
And although manufacturing employment is down on average statewide, the study says it will continue to grow at 2.2 percent per year "as firms like biotech giant Genentech and bio-diesel producer Bio-Energy Systems grow."
The real estate market and its future also play a significant role in the report's findings. "The U.S. housing market, in general, and California specifically have seen steep price appreciation in recent years," noted Sean Snaith, director of the Business Forecasting Center.
"The run up of prices has been fueled by record low long term interest rates which, despite the best efforts of the Federal Reserve, have stayed low and recently have dipped even lower."
But Snaith disagrees with other recent studies that liken the state's real estate market to a bubble that is about to burst.
Instead, Snaith likens the market to the baking of a souffle because "it is the end result of just the right ingredients put together at just the right time in just the right environment that has allowed for prices to make this historic climb."
If any of the ingredients are removed - which Snaith said includes "demographics, rising employment, falling unemployment, record low mortgage rates, financial innovation in mortgage markets, low inflation and rising incomes,"- the souffle will deflate.
"When will the housing market deflate? How far and how fast? The answers to these questions have implications not only for the housing market, but also for the overall economics of the United States and California," Snaith writes. "In the meantime, tiptoe past the oven and refrain from opening the door."
As for the rest of the state, the long-run outlook for California's economy is strong, Snaith said. Shorter term, he predicts that California's payroll will grow at a rate of 1.6 percent per year through 2007, while unemployment holds at around 5.8 percent.
Robin Miller can be reached at citydesk@thereporter.com.
Economic Highlights
• Average annual wage will grow from $42,200 in 2005 to $54,200 in 2010.
• Total employment will grow from 127,400 in 2005 to 143,900 in 2010.
• Unemployment rate will remain steady at 5.6 in 2005 and 5.7 percent by 2010.
• High growth sectors statewide include construction, professional and business services, and transportation, warehousing and utility.
Biotech giant Genentech expands, the real estate market continues to boom and employment numbers grow by some 2 percent each year. This is the picture painted of Solano County in a study released last week by the University of the Pacific's Business Forecasting Center. The 100-page report projects the business climate statewide and in nearly a dozen metropolitan areas, including Solano County, through the next 25 years.
Among the study's more significant findings is that employment in Solano County will grow by some 13 percent by 2010 - from 127,400 jobs in 2005 to 143,900 jobs in 2010. The construction, service, professional, education, health and leisure/hospitality job sectors are all expected to see growth in the news few years, according to the study.
Meanwhile, it predicts that as population continues to grow steadily through 2007, the unemployment rate is remain stable around 5.6 percent. "The continuing trend of Bay Area workers migrating east in search of affordable housing is expected to fuel employment growth in the construction sector," the report states.
And although manufacturing employment is down on average statewide, the study says it will continue to grow at 2.2 percent per year "as firms like biotech giant Genentech and bio-diesel producer Bio-Energy Systems grow."
The real estate market and its future also play a significant role in the report's findings. "The U.S. housing market, in general, and California specifically have seen steep price appreciation in recent years," noted Sean Snaith, director of the Business Forecasting Center.
"The run up of prices has been fueled by record low long term interest rates which, despite the best efforts of the Federal Reserve, have stayed low and recently have dipped even lower."
But Snaith disagrees with other recent studies that liken the state's real estate market to a bubble that is about to burst.
Instead, Snaith likens the market to the baking of a souffle because "it is the end result of just the right ingredients put together at just the right time in just the right environment that has allowed for prices to make this historic climb."
If any of the ingredients are removed - which Snaith said includes "demographics, rising employment, falling unemployment, record low mortgage rates, financial innovation in mortgage markets, low inflation and rising incomes,"- the souffle will deflate.
"When will the housing market deflate? How far and how fast? The answers to these questions have implications not only for the housing market, but also for the overall economics of the United States and California," Snaith writes. "In the meantime, tiptoe past the oven and refrain from opening the door."
As for the rest of the state, the long-run outlook for California's economy is strong, Snaith said. Shorter term, he predicts that California's payroll will grow at a rate of 1.6 percent per year through 2007, while unemployment holds at around 5.8 percent.
Robin Miller can be reached at citydesk@thereporter.com.
Economic Highlights
• Average annual wage will grow from $42,200 in 2005 to $54,200 in 2010.
• Total employment will grow from 127,400 in 2005 to 143,900 in 2010.
• Unemployment rate will remain steady at 5.6 in 2005 and 5.7 percent by 2010.
• High growth sectors statewide include construction, professional and business services, and transportation, warehousing and utility.
Plans afoot to make Solano a tourism hub
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - Two separate initiatives are underway in Solano County to boost travel to the area and allow localities to cash in on the lucrative tourism dollar.
In Fairfield, tourism officials are close to naming a site for a proposed California Welcome Center. Final negotiations are underway to use a site owned by a "great friend of the tourism effort (here)," said Kevin Johnson, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn. A local tourism movement has been a dream for Johnson since he arrived from upstate New York to open the hotel in 2002.
What's pending is the official CWC designation from the state, which would make the Fairfield center California's 12th welcome facility.
Already local tourism officials have preliminary designs of the proposed structure, which will house an orientation section with a plasma screen and a huge helping of brochures on local attractions on the 2,800-square-foot first floor. The top level, about 1,200 square feet, will feature an executive board room as well as administrative offices for the Fairfield Hotel Association Inc.
Candy Pierce, executive director of the hotel association, said the group still may not know for a few months regarding designation from the state. In the meantime, the group is focusing on construction of its Web site, and finalizing plans to construct a 62.5-foot sign adjacent to the Auto Mall to capture travelers along Interstate 80.
The sign should be up by the end of September to early October, Johnson said.
In Vacaville, officials are awaiting results from a study by San Francisco-based PKF Consulting regarding a proposed hotel and conference center as part of the Nut Tree development project.
"The city manager and assistant city manager are reviewing some of the information in the report right now, and examining some of the options," said Bob Macaulay, redevelopment project coordinator for the Vacaville Redevelopment Agency.
"They have not identified a time for a public release (of the report) or a time to review the information with city council.
"The first phase of the study looks at whether there is a market in Vacaville to support either a regional meeting and conference market or a larger convention market, which would bring in out-of-town travelers and allow the city to compete for conventioneers who would otherwise take their meetings to Napa or the San Francisco Bay Area.
The study also looks at the health of the local hotel industry, looking at overall occupancy at Vacaville's roughly 10 hotel properties.
In addition to the PKF Consulting study, there are many other tourism projects underway, said Antonette Eckert, executive director of the Vacaville Conference & Visitors Bureau, which opened in March. Among them: A visitors guide, Web site and marketing study for the bureau.
"The study will help us understand where we stand in the marketplace and who we need to go after in terms of targeting specific groups," Eckert said. The study will be complete in September.According to the California Travel & Tourism Commission, traveler spending rose 7.4 percent to $82.5 billion in 2004, marking a second consecutive year of growth. Travel spending in California directly supported 892,600 jobs with earnings of $26.5 billion.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
FAIRFIELD - Two separate initiatives are underway in Solano County to boost travel to the area and allow localities to cash in on the lucrative tourism dollar.
In Fairfield, tourism officials are close to naming a site for a proposed California Welcome Center. Final negotiations are underway to use a site owned by a "great friend of the tourism effort (here)," said Kevin Johnson, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn. A local tourism movement has been a dream for Johnson since he arrived from upstate New York to open the hotel in 2002.
What's pending is the official CWC designation from the state, which would make the Fairfield center California's 12th welcome facility.
Already local tourism officials have preliminary designs of the proposed structure, which will house an orientation section with a plasma screen and a huge helping of brochures on local attractions on the 2,800-square-foot first floor. The top level, about 1,200 square feet, will feature an executive board room as well as administrative offices for the Fairfield Hotel Association Inc.
Candy Pierce, executive director of the hotel association, said the group still may not know for a few months regarding designation from the state. In the meantime, the group is focusing on construction of its Web site, and finalizing plans to construct a 62.5-foot sign adjacent to the Auto Mall to capture travelers along Interstate 80.
The sign should be up by the end of September to early October, Johnson said.
In Vacaville, officials are awaiting results from a study by San Francisco-based PKF Consulting regarding a proposed hotel and conference center as part of the Nut Tree development project.
"The city manager and assistant city manager are reviewing some of the information in the report right now, and examining some of the options," said Bob Macaulay, redevelopment project coordinator for the Vacaville Redevelopment Agency.
"They have not identified a time for a public release (of the report) or a time to review the information with city council.
"The first phase of the study looks at whether there is a market in Vacaville to support either a regional meeting and conference market or a larger convention market, which would bring in out-of-town travelers and allow the city to compete for conventioneers who would otherwise take their meetings to Napa or the San Francisco Bay Area.
The study also looks at the health of the local hotel industry, looking at overall occupancy at Vacaville's roughly 10 hotel properties.
In addition to the PKF Consulting study, there are many other tourism projects underway, said Antonette Eckert, executive director of the Vacaville Conference & Visitors Bureau, which opened in March. Among them: A visitors guide, Web site and marketing study for the bureau.
"The study will help us understand where we stand in the marketplace and who we need to go after in terms of targeting specific groups," Eckert said. The study will be complete in September.According to the California Travel & Tourism Commission, traveler spending rose 7.4 percent to $82.5 billion in 2004, marking a second consecutive year of growth. Travel spending in California directly supported 892,600 jobs with earnings of $26.5 billion.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
Friday, July 08, 2005
School's out - Now building improvement can begin
By Audrey Wong
FAIRFIELD - For 30 years, Grange Middle School educated students, even though the campus was incomplete.
Crews are finishing what was left undone and will continue through the summer and next school year. When builders finish, Grange students will have new places to eat, play and learn.
The Grange completion is among a number of school construction projects slated for the summer. The Fairfield-Suisun School District will carry out projects funded by the $101 million Measure C fund, plus some school improvements covered by other money. Other districts such as the Travis School District and Solano Community College will renovate their campuses as well.
It was the Measure C bond that enabled the district to complete Grange, said Rob Pierce, director of facilities.
When Grange was built decades ago, the district didn't have enough money to cover the rest of the campus and the lack of a bond didn't help, Pierce said.
"It's one of those projects we take a lot of pride in to give those kids things they deserve, that middle school experience," he added.
The first phase was constructing the football field, track, two softball fields and a large open grass area. Field work should be done by the end of summer, Pierce said.
"There was a large portion of the school grounds that was not lawn, just weeds," said Jim Williams, president of the Grange Parent Teacher Organization. "Half the field space was just weeds. Now we will have real fields, real tracks. It will all be good."
"The PE department has been the main one who was inconvenienced by this," Grange Principal Eric Tretten said. "They did really good working around it . . . They've probably made the biggest sacrifice."
Grange never had a cafeteria. Students ate in a covered area or teachers would allow them to spend lunch in their classrooms, especially during bad weather, Tretten said.
Crews will build a new gymnasium, administration wing and four new classrooms. The old gymnasium will be converted into an indoor eating area. The old administration wing will serve as a teachers' lounge and workroom. The current teachers lounge will become two classrooms.
Construction workers will also demolish two portable classrooms, make parking lot improvements and perform more modernization to the main building.
The gym and new administration wing won't be done until March 2006. Crews are expected to finish the four classrooms by Christmas time. Crews will fence off areas under construction.
New high school fields
Athletes at Armijo and Fairfield high schools will have new tracks and fields to play on when workers finish installing new turf and tracks under Measure C. Both Fairfield and Armijo seniors had to move their graduation ceremonies because of the construction.
Synthetic turf made from recycled tires, rubber and shoes will replace actual grass. The material is soft and feels like grass, Pierce said. The new track is composed of recycled tires. The manufactured turf for Armijo will sit on a fabric base pad.
"The great thing is you can use them 24-7 and there is no harm to the fabric," Pierce said.
During the rainy season, teams dealt with numerous puddles and slippery mud. An extensive drainage system under the new track and field will remove water from the playing area.
The new field and tracks will save money on irrigation. Maintenance crews won't have to mow, weed or line the fields, since the turf will already have lines, Pierce said. The rubber turf will also save living fields. After rains, cleats tear up the grass and the rough activities destroy turf.
District work continues
The district will start work on the future Rolling Hills and Southbrook elementary schools. Construction is expected to last a year and open by fall 2006. The Rolling Hills school will accommodate about 600 students and Southbrook 750 to 800 students.
Sullivan Middle School has received some sort of work every summer since Measure C was passed in 2002, Pierce said. This summer crews will perform additional modernization in the main building. They will remodel bathrooms and remove any asbestos tiles they find.
Workers will also install framing and stucco to the glass hallway that connects three wings at Sullivan. Sun pours into the large picture windows, heating the hallway to high temperatures. In the winter the hallways become very cold. The glass-lined hallways also amplify footsteps and voices. The principal ropes off the hallways between classes so students won't walk through it and disturb classes.
SCC gets a boost
Solano Community College has its $124.5 million Measure G bond to fund renovations for the Rockville campus and building new Vallejo and Vacaville satellite campuses. This summer, work crews are scheduled to remodel the science and businesses buildings, said Alan Rosen, program manager for Kitchell CEM, the project managing group.
The college prepared for displaced summer classes by relocating the aeronautics shop classes to Nut Tree Airport. Crews converted the vacant space or "swing space" into classrooms that were completed in June. Business and science students moved into those classes for their summer sessions. Business and science classes should return to their buildings by mid-August, said Ray Ogden, director of facilities. When crews begin renovating the math and engineering building this fall, math and engineering classes will move into the swing space.
College staff plan to solicit bids this month to replace the hot and cold water pipes on campus. The project calls for construction to take place this summer. Crews will leave the old pipes in place while they install new ones. Then the college will switch to the new pipe system when students aren't on campus.
Modernization at Vanden
Construction workers are currently hammering, nailing and sawing phase one of a modernization project of Vanden High School.
Vanden's C wing illustrates the school's overcrowding. Ten classes funnel into an 8-foot-wide hallway. Between classes, 300 students flood the hall and it's hard to move against the masses, Principal Sheila McCabe said.
The problem is that students can only exit classrooms through a single door that leads to the hallway. Work crews will build doors on the exterior of the building so students have options for leaving class.
Crews are repairing roofs on three buildings, and making bathrooms in one building accessible for people with disabilities. They are updating the fire alarm, bells, and the public announcement system, McCabe said.
The first phase should be completed before students return Aug. 29, McCabe said.
The second phase of the modernization calls for four new classroom wings with six classes each. Crews will build a new music building and convert the current one into a cafeteria that will accommodate a larger numbers of students. Plans include two fine art studios.
The new buildings will allow for removal of portable classrooms and give more room to the quad area. Crews will add a parking lot. The district hopes to go to bid in winter and start construction next spring, McCabe said.
The district will pay for construction with state money and developer fees.
Reach Audrey Wong at 427-6951 or awong@dailyrepublic.net.
SCHOOL WORK
Major contruction work at area schools, by district:
Fairfield-Suisun
New field, track, gymnasium, administration wing and classrooms at Grange Middle School; new tracks and fields at Armijo High School and Fairfield High School modernization at Sullivan Middle School; construction begins on new Rolling Hills and Southbrook elementary schools.
Travis
Modernization and new classrooms at Vanden High School.
Solano Community College
Remodeling of science and business buildings at Rockville campus.
FAIRFIELD - For 30 years, Grange Middle School educated students, even though the campus was incomplete.
Crews are finishing what was left undone and will continue through the summer and next school year. When builders finish, Grange students will have new places to eat, play and learn.
The Grange completion is among a number of school construction projects slated for the summer. The Fairfield-Suisun School District will carry out projects funded by the $101 million Measure C fund, plus some school improvements covered by other money. Other districts such as the Travis School District and Solano Community College will renovate their campuses as well.
It was the Measure C bond that enabled the district to complete Grange, said Rob Pierce, director of facilities.
When Grange was built decades ago, the district didn't have enough money to cover the rest of the campus and the lack of a bond didn't help, Pierce said.
"It's one of those projects we take a lot of pride in to give those kids things they deserve, that middle school experience," he added.
The first phase was constructing the football field, track, two softball fields and a large open grass area. Field work should be done by the end of summer, Pierce said.
"There was a large portion of the school grounds that was not lawn, just weeds," said Jim Williams, president of the Grange Parent Teacher Organization. "Half the field space was just weeds. Now we will have real fields, real tracks. It will all be good."
"The PE department has been the main one who was inconvenienced by this," Grange Principal Eric Tretten said. "They did really good working around it . . . They've probably made the biggest sacrifice."
Grange never had a cafeteria. Students ate in a covered area or teachers would allow them to spend lunch in their classrooms, especially during bad weather, Tretten said.
Crews will build a new gymnasium, administration wing and four new classrooms. The old gymnasium will be converted into an indoor eating area. The old administration wing will serve as a teachers' lounge and workroom. The current teachers lounge will become two classrooms.
Construction workers will also demolish two portable classrooms, make parking lot improvements and perform more modernization to the main building.
The gym and new administration wing won't be done until March 2006. Crews are expected to finish the four classrooms by Christmas time. Crews will fence off areas under construction.
New high school fields
Athletes at Armijo and Fairfield high schools will have new tracks and fields to play on when workers finish installing new turf and tracks under Measure C. Both Fairfield and Armijo seniors had to move their graduation ceremonies because of the construction.
Synthetic turf made from recycled tires, rubber and shoes will replace actual grass. The material is soft and feels like grass, Pierce said. The new track is composed of recycled tires. The manufactured turf for Armijo will sit on a fabric base pad.
"The great thing is you can use them 24-7 and there is no harm to the fabric," Pierce said.
During the rainy season, teams dealt with numerous puddles and slippery mud. An extensive drainage system under the new track and field will remove water from the playing area.
The new field and tracks will save money on irrigation. Maintenance crews won't have to mow, weed or line the fields, since the turf will already have lines, Pierce said. The rubber turf will also save living fields. After rains, cleats tear up the grass and the rough activities destroy turf.
District work continues
The district will start work on the future Rolling Hills and Southbrook elementary schools. Construction is expected to last a year and open by fall 2006. The Rolling Hills school will accommodate about 600 students and Southbrook 750 to 800 students.
Sullivan Middle School has received some sort of work every summer since Measure C was passed in 2002, Pierce said. This summer crews will perform additional modernization in the main building. They will remodel bathrooms and remove any asbestos tiles they find.
Workers will also install framing and stucco to the glass hallway that connects three wings at Sullivan. Sun pours into the large picture windows, heating the hallway to high temperatures. In the winter the hallways become very cold. The glass-lined hallways also amplify footsteps and voices. The principal ropes off the hallways between classes so students won't walk through it and disturb classes.
SCC gets a boost
Solano Community College has its $124.5 million Measure G bond to fund renovations for the Rockville campus and building new Vallejo and Vacaville satellite campuses. This summer, work crews are scheduled to remodel the science and businesses buildings, said Alan Rosen, program manager for Kitchell CEM, the project managing group.
The college prepared for displaced summer classes by relocating the aeronautics shop classes to Nut Tree Airport. Crews converted the vacant space or "swing space" into classrooms that were completed in June. Business and science students moved into those classes for their summer sessions. Business and science classes should return to their buildings by mid-August, said Ray Ogden, director of facilities. When crews begin renovating the math and engineering building this fall, math and engineering classes will move into the swing space.
College staff plan to solicit bids this month to replace the hot and cold water pipes on campus. The project calls for construction to take place this summer. Crews will leave the old pipes in place while they install new ones. Then the college will switch to the new pipe system when students aren't on campus.
Modernization at Vanden
Construction workers are currently hammering, nailing and sawing phase one of a modernization project of Vanden High School.
Vanden's C wing illustrates the school's overcrowding. Ten classes funnel into an 8-foot-wide hallway. Between classes, 300 students flood the hall and it's hard to move against the masses, Principal Sheila McCabe said.
The problem is that students can only exit classrooms through a single door that leads to the hallway. Work crews will build doors on the exterior of the building so students have options for leaving class.
Crews are repairing roofs on three buildings, and making bathrooms in one building accessible for people with disabilities. They are updating the fire alarm, bells, and the public announcement system, McCabe said.
The first phase should be completed before students return Aug. 29, McCabe said.
The second phase of the modernization calls for four new classroom wings with six classes each. Crews will build a new music building and convert the current one into a cafeteria that will accommodate a larger numbers of students. Plans include two fine art studios.
The new buildings will allow for removal of portable classrooms and give more room to the quad area. Crews will add a parking lot. The district hopes to go to bid in winter and start construction next spring, McCabe said.
The district will pay for construction with state money and developer fees.
Reach Audrey Wong at 427-6951 or awong@dailyrepublic.net.
SCHOOL WORK
Major contruction work at area schools, by district:
Fairfield-Suisun
New field, track, gymnasium, administration wing and classrooms at Grange Middle School; new tracks and fields at Armijo High School and Fairfield High School modernization at Sullivan Middle School; construction begins on new Rolling Hills and Southbrook elementary schools.
Travis
Modernization and new classrooms at Vanden High School.
Solano Community College
Remodeling of science and business buildings at Rockville campus.
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