Article Last Updated: Wednesday, Oct 26, 2005 - 11:11:11 pm PDT
VA hastens veterans cemetery construction
By Ian Thompson
DAILY REPUBLIC
FAIRFIELD - Spring weather permitting, the first burials in the fast-tracked portion of the proposed veterans cemetery near Dixon could happen by June 2006, federal officials told veterans Wednesday.
Under pressure by aging Northern California veterans and their families, the VA is fast-tracking construction of a 14-arce portion of their planned 561-acre national cemetery, said Cliff Schem, the VA's regional director for cemeteries.
Families of many Northern California veterans who have died are keeping their remains in anticipation of permanent burial at the Dixon cemetery.
The VA will solicit for bids on the fast-tracked portion of the cemetery within two weeks. Work will start as early as possible in 2006, local veterans learned.
The VA plans to open an office by Christmas with people to handle arrangements for those wanting to be buried in the cemetery. The VA planned to open the office in Sacramento, but local veterans suggested the agency locate the office in the VA facilities next to David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base.
The VA bought the land for a cemetery just outside of Dixon in July 2004 because of the large number of veterans living in the area and the fact the nearest veterans cemetery, in the Presidio in San Francisco, is closed to new burials.
The closest cemetery with space still available is 100 miles away in Gustine.
As many as 2,400 people could end up buried in the cemetery every year once it's finished, officials told a veterans committee chaired by Solano County Supervisor Mike Reagan.
Veterans also asked if the VA has decided what to name the cemetery. They want it to be named the Solano National Cemetery but fear other veterans groups and local governments in the Sacramento Valley area might push for a Sacramento area name, they said.
The VA Director has made no decision on a name, Schem said.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Solano's jobless matches national average
Article Last Updated: Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 - 11:11:58 pm PDT
Solano's jobless matches national average
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - Unemployment in Solano County fell in September over the previous month, according to figures released by the state Employment Development Department.
The county boasted a workforce of 215,200 - 204,400 employed people and 10,800 unemployed. The September jobless rate was 5 percent.
In August, the rate was 5.3 percent.
Solano County's unemployment rate is greater than the state's: California's unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in September. In August, the state reported a rate of 5.1 percent. A year ago, the state's jobless rate hovered at a little more than 6 percent.
Throughout the Vallejo-Fairfield metropolitan statistical area, there were a total of 130,900 jobs in September. That's up 1,500 jobs over August, mostly nonfarm positions in areas such as government and construction.
EDD's survey of employers found nonfarm payroll employment across the state fell by 23,700 jobs last month, for a total of 14,807,700 jobs.
According to a separate survey of households, the number of Californians holding jobs in September reached a record high of 16,999,000. This marks the sixth consecutive month of record-high employment here.
The state recorded a boost of 41,000 jobs over August, and up 468,000 positions from the employment total for the same period a year ago.
Throughout the state, 906,000 people didn't have jobs, a decrease of 27,000 compared with August and down by 164,000 compared with September 2004.
Of the unemployed, 278,400 were laid off, 102,300 left their jobs voluntarily and the remaining were either new entrants or folks returning to the labor market.
Solano County's jobless rate is roughly equal to that of the rest of the country.
The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the jobless rate was 5.1 percent in September. Nationally, the number of unemployed individuals last month was 7.7 million.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Local employment figures for September 2005
Location Labor Force Employment Unemployment Rate
Solano County 204,400 10,800 5 percent
Benicia 16,800 500 3.0 percent
Dixon 8,700 400 3.9 percent
Fairfield 46,500 2,700 5.4 percent
Rio Vista 2,300 100 3.6 percent
Suisun City 14,200 800 5.1 percent
Vacaville 44,600 1,700 3.6 percent
Vallejo 61,000 4,100 6.3 percent
Source: State of California Employment Development Department Labor Market Information Division
Solano's jobless matches national average
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - Unemployment in Solano County fell in September over the previous month, according to figures released by the state Employment Development Department.
The county boasted a workforce of 215,200 - 204,400 employed people and 10,800 unemployed. The September jobless rate was 5 percent.
In August, the rate was 5.3 percent.
Solano County's unemployment rate is greater than the state's: California's unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in September. In August, the state reported a rate of 5.1 percent. A year ago, the state's jobless rate hovered at a little more than 6 percent.
Throughout the Vallejo-Fairfield metropolitan statistical area, there were a total of 130,900 jobs in September. That's up 1,500 jobs over August, mostly nonfarm positions in areas such as government and construction.
EDD's survey of employers found nonfarm payroll employment across the state fell by 23,700 jobs last month, for a total of 14,807,700 jobs.
According to a separate survey of households, the number of Californians holding jobs in September reached a record high of 16,999,000. This marks the sixth consecutive month of record-high employment here.
The state recorded a boost of 41,000 jobs over August, and up 468,000 positions from the employment total for the same period a year ago.
Throughout the state, 906,000 people didn't have jobs, a decrease of 27,000 compared with August and down by 164,000 compared with September 2004.
Of the unemployed, 278,400 were laid off, 102,300 left their jobs voluntarily and the remaining were either new entrants or folks returning to the labor market.
Solano County's jobless rate is roughly equal to that of the rest of the country.
The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the jobless rate was 5.1 percent in September. Nationally, the number of unemployed individuals last month was 7.7 million.
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Local employment figures for September 2005
Location Labor Force Employment Unemployment Rate
Solano County 204,400 10,800 5 percent
Benicia 16,800 500 3.0 percent
Dixon 8,700 400 3.9 percent
Fairfield 46,500 2,700 5.4 percent
Rio Vista 2,300 100 3.6 percent
Suisun City 14,200 800 5.1 percent
Vacaville 44,600 1,700 3.6 percent
Vallejo 61,000 4,100 6.3 percent
Source: State of California Employment Development Department Labor Market Information Division
Solano County get Chinese Sister City - Ji'an
October 26, 2005
Solano County gets sister city
By Sarah Arnquist
FAIRFIELD - The Solano County Board of Supervisors and delegates from Ji'an, China, hope the Sister City agreement they signed Tuesday leads to future cultural, business and education exchanges.
Solano County and Ji'an have many things in common, including their inland locations and mixed agricultural and industrial economies, Ji'an Mayor Hu Changlin said.
“We will get a mutual understanding between both people,” Changlin said through an interpreter. “We would like to have developments in terms of education and social undertakings.”
Ji'an has a population of 4.7 million and is significantly larger in area than Solano County, but their economic bases are similar, county officials said. The purpose of a Sister City relationship is to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development, officials said.
In 2004, Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez, County Administrator Michael Johnson and Assistant County Administrator Quang Ho traveled to Ji'an. They said they wanted to reciprocate the warm welcome and hospitality they received while visiting China.
Following the signing ceremony Tuesday morning, the delegates and county supervisors toured the Jelly Belly Candy Co. and Anheuser-Busch factories. They also met with Rodriguez High School and Solano Community College officials.
Educational exchanges are a top priority of the agreement, Vasquez said.
“We hope to build educational ties,” he said. “We'd really like to see teachers go over there.”
Today the four delegates plan to tour the Nourot Glass Factory in Benicia and the Vacaville fruit processing plant of Mariani Packing Co. The trip will end with a tour of early Chinese immigrants in Solano County at the Vacaville Museum.
It is important for local governments to host international exchanges and Sister City programs because it fosters personal, one-on-one relationships, Supervisor Mike Reagan said.
“Personal relationships is the only thing that does make diplomatic approaches possible,” he said.
Creating a relationship with a Chinese city is a very strategic diplomatic move in today's world, Reagan added.
Reach Sarah Arnquist at 427-6953
Solano County gets sister city
By Sarah Arnquist
FAIRFIELD - The Solano County Board of Supervisors and delegates from Ji'an, China, hope the Sister City agreement they signed Tuesday leads to future cultural, business and education exchanges.
Solano County and Ji'an have many things in common, including their inland locations and mixed agricultural and industrial economies, Ji'an Mayor Hu Changlin said.
“We will get a mutual understanding between both people,” Changlin said through an interpreter. “We would like to have developments in terms of education and social undertakings.”
Ji'an has a population of 4.7 million and is significantly larger in area than Solano County, but their economic bases are similar, county officials said. The purpose of a Sister City relationship is to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development, officials said.
In 2004, Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez, County Administrator Michael Johnson and Assistant County Administrator Quang Ho traveled to Ji'an. They said they wanted to reciprocate the warm welcome and hospitality they received while visiting China.
Following the signing ceremony Tuesday morning, the delegates and county supervisors toured the Jelly Belly Candy Co. and Anheuser-Busch factories. They also met with Rodriguez High School and Solano Community College officials.
Educational exchanges are a top priority of the agreement, Vasquez said.
“We hope to build educational ties,” he said. “We'd really like to see teachers go over there.”
Today the four delegates plan to tour the Nourot Glass Factory in Benicia and the Vacaville fruit processing plant of Mariani Packing Co. The trip will end with a tour of early Chinese immigrants in Solano County at the Vacaville Museum.
It is important for local governments to host international exchanges and Sister City programs because it fosters personal, one-on-one relationships, Supervisor Mike Reagan said.
“Personal relationships is the only thing that does make diplomatic approaches possible,” he said.
Creating a relationship with a Chinese city is a very strategic diplomatic move in today's world, Reagan added.
Reach Sarah Arnquist at 427-6953
Solano County gets sister city in China
October 26, 2005
Solano County gets sister city
By Sarah Arnquist
FAIRFIELD - The Solano County Board of Supervisors and delegates from Ji'an, China, hope the Sister City agreement they signed Tuesday leads to future cultural, business and education exchanges.
Solano County and Ji'an have many things in common, including their inland locations and mixed agricultural and industrial economies, Ji'an Mayor Hu Changlin said.
“We will get a mutual understanding between both people,” Changlin said through an interpreter. “We would like to have developments in terms of education and social undertakings.”
Ji'an has a population of 4.7 million and is significantly larger in area than Solano County, but their economic bases are similar, county officials said. The purpose of a Sister City relationship is to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development, officials said.
In 2004, Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez, County Administrator Michael Johnson and Assistant County Administrator Quang Ho traveled to Ji'an. They said they wanted to reciprocate the warm welcome and hospitality they received while visiting China.
Following the signing ceremony Tuesday morning, the delegates and county supervisors toured the Jelly Belly Candy Co. and Anheuser-Busch factories. They also met with Rodriguez High School and Solano Community College officials.
Educational exchanges are a top priority of the agreement, Vasquez said.
“We hope to build educational ties,” he said. “We'd really like to see teachers go over there.”
Today the four delegates plan to tour the Nourot Glass Factory in Benicia and the Vacaville fruit processing plant of Mariani Packing Co. The trip will end with a tour of early Chinese immigrants in Solano County at the Vacaville Museum.
It is important for local governments to host international exchanges and Sister City programs because it fosters personal, one-on-one relationships, Supervisor Mike Reagan said.
“Personal relationships is the only thing that does make diplomatic approaches possible,” he said.
Creating a relationship with a Chinese city is a very strategic diplomatic move in today's world, Reagan added.
Reach Sarah Arnquist at 427-6953 or sarnquist@dailyrepublic.net.
Solano County gets sister city
By Sarah Arnquist
FAIRFIELD - The Solano County Board of Supervisors and delegates from Ji'an, China, hope the Sister City agreement they signed Tuesday leads to future cultural, business and education exchanges.
Solano County and Ji'an have many things in common, including their inland locations and mixed agricultural and industrial economies, Ji'an Mayor Hu Changlin said.
“We will get a mutual understanding between both people,” Changlin said through an interpreter. “We would like to have developments in terms of education and social undertakings.”
Ji'an has a population of 4.7 million and is significantly larger in area than Solano County, but their economic bases are similar, county officials said. The purpose of a Sister City relationship is to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development, officials said.
In 2004, Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez, County Administrator Michael Johnson and Assistant County Administrator Quang Ho traveled to Ji'an. They said they wanted to reciprocate the warm welcome and hospitality they received while visiting China.
Following the signing ceremony Tuesday morning, the delegates and county supervisors toured the Jelly Belly Candy Co. and Anheuser-Busch factories. They also met with Rodriguez High School and Solano Community College officials.
Educational exchanges are a top priority of the agreement, Vasquez said.
“We hope to build educational ties,” he said. “We'd really like to see teachers go over there.”
Today the four delegates plan to tour the Nourot Glass Factory in Benicia and the Vacaville fruit processing plant of Mariani Packing Co. The trip will end with a tour of early Chinese immigrants in Solano County at the Vacaville Museum.
It is important for local governments to host international exchanges and Sister City programs because it fosters personal, one-on-one relationships, Supervisor Mike Reagan said.
“Personal relationships is the only thing that does make diplomatic approaches possible,” he said.
Creating a relationship with a Chinese city is a very strategic diplomatic move in today's world, Reagan added.
Reach Sarah Arnquist at 427-6953 or sarnquist@dailyrepublic.net.
Vallejo Waterfront deal OK'd
October 28, 2005
Waterfront deal OK'd
Council vote brings out large crowd; opinions still split
By CHRIS G. DENINA, Times-Herald staff writer
Three decades after Vallejo first adopted a waterfront renewal plan, city officials Thursday finally gave the green light to an ambitious project calling for more than 1,000 homes, shops and parkland.
To the applause of many, the Vallejo City Council voted 4-1 to give preliminary approval to a master plan and a deal with the project developer.
Not everyone was happy. Some residents, including members of a grassroots group pitching an alternative plan, pleaded with the council to reject Callahan DeSilva Vallejo LLC's plan to revamp 92 acres along Mare Island Way.
"I wish there were a way to satisfy everyone with everything they want," Mayor Tony Intintoli Jr. said, adding there will be more opportunities for discussion as the project moves ahead.
"It's gonna take a lot of input, a lot of trust," Intintoli added.
Hundreds turned out for both Thursday's meeting and another session earlier this week when the council approved an environment study. The earlier vote cleared a major hurdle for any development.
Councilmember Gary Cloutier was the lone dissenting vote Thursday, though he had voted to OK the environmental report. Councilmembers Tom Bartee and Gerald Davis earlier this week recused themselves, saying they had a conflict of interest because they own property in the project area.
The controversial project may face legal challenges.
A grassroots group called the Vallejo Waterfront Coalition has threatened to sue if the project is approved. Coalition members also said they would seek a referendum to get the matter on a ballot so voters can decide whether to endorse or reject the council's vote.
In any event, opponents may have another chance to shape the project.
Before any construction begins Callahan DeSilva must seek approvals on individual project areas. The company aims to begin work at the waterfront's end next year developing as many as 1,090 residential units along the waterfront, 562,000 square feet of retail space and about 25 acres of parks and open space on the waterfront.
"This will not be a 'my way or the highway' type project," Councilmember Pamela Pitts said.
In coming months, city officials plan to take a deeper look at the project, including seeking further public input in such area as the development of parks and open space. The city may create a design review board to evaluate the individual buildings and developments.
And officials plan to consider requiring fees for creating such public art projects as sculptures.
Dozens spoke out for and against the project Thursday. Some spectators supporting the plan wore blue T-shirts saying "YES!"
The shirts have become familiar attire at the recent hearings on the project.
Lou Franchimon, a local union leader, asked the council to OK the project. Union officials say the project would create many jobs.
"Make Vallejo a great place to live and work for the next generation," Franchimon said.
Critics said the project needs more open space and is designed to benefit the developer, not residents. Coalition members, for example, said the project's northern waterfront Parcel A should have higher density housing on a smaller area to leave more room for open space.
"I don't want a gated or walled subdivision on Parcel A that doesn't do anything but make money," resident Mark Hutchins told the council.
In the 1970s, city officials originally adopted redevelopment plans for the waterfront. In 1997, the current developer began work on the project.
Callahan DeSilva's first plans to focus on the waterfront's north end, building about 173 town homes and 3.5 acres of parks at Mariner's Cove, near the Mare Island causeway and Mare Island Way.
Next is the southern waterfront. Plans call for developing housing, stores and about 11 acres of parkland and open space near Curtola Parkway and Mare Island Way.
The last area is the central waterfront, where shops, a hotel, office space, a parking garage and open space are proposed near Georgia Street and Mare Island Way. That development depends on moving the U.S. Postal Service's downtown branch to make way for Vallejo station, a proposed $53 million parking public garage and transit center.
- E-mail Chris G. Denina at cdenina@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6835.
Waterfront deal OK'd
Council vote brings out large crowd; opinions still split
By CHRIS G. DENINA, Times-Herald staff writer
Three decades after Vallejo first adopted a waterfront renewal plan, city officials Thursday finally gave the green light to an ambitious project calling for more than 1,000 homes, shops and parkland.
To the applause of many, the Vallejo City Council voted 4-1 to give preliminary approval to a master plan and a deal with the project developer.
Not everyone was happy. Some residents, including members of a grassroots group pitching an alternative plan, pleaded with the council to reject Callahan DeSilva Vallejo LLC's plan to revamp 92 acres along Mare Island Way.
"I wish there were a way to satisfy everyone with everything they want," Mayor Tony Intintoli Jr. said, adding there will be more opportunities for discussion as the project moves ahead.
"It's gonna take a lot of input, a lot of trust," Intintoli added.
Hundreds turned out for both Thursday's meeting and another session earlier this week when the council approved an environment study. The earlier vote cleared a major hurdle for any development.
Councilmember Gary Cloutier was the lone dissenting vote Thursday, though he had voted to OK the environmental report. Councilmembers Tom Bartee and Gerald Davis earlier this week recused themselves, saying they had a conflict of interest because they own property in the project area.
The controversial project may face legal challenges.
A grassroots group called the Vallejo Waterfront Coalition has threatened to sue if the project is approved. Coalition members also said they would seek a referendum to get the matter on a ballot so voters can decide whether to endorse or reject the council's vote.
In any event, opponents may have another chance to shape the project.
Before any construction begins Callahan DeSilva must seek approvals on individual project areas. The company aims to begin work at the waterfront's end next year developing as many as 1,090 residential units along the waterfront, 562,000 square feet of retail space and about 25 acres of parks and open space on the waterfront.
"This will not be a 'my way or the highway' type project," Councilmember Pamela Pitts said.
In coming months, city officials plan to take a deeper look at the project, including seeking further public input in such area as the development of parks and open space. The city may create a design review board to evaluate the individual buildings and developments.
And officials plan to consider requiring fees for creating such public art projects as sculptures.
Dozens spoke out for and against the project Thursday. Some spectators supporting the plan wore blue T-shirts saying "YES!"
The shirts have become familiar attire at the recent hearings on the project.
Lou Franchimon, a local union leader, asked the council to OK the project. Union officials say the project would create many jobs.
"Make Vallejo a great place to live and work for the next generation," Franchimon said.
Critics said the project needs more open space and is designed to benefit the developer, not residents. Coalition members, for example, said the project's northern waterfront Parcel A should have higher density housing on a smaller area to leave more room for open space.
"I don't want a gated or walled subdivision on Parcel A that doesn't do anything but make money," resident Mark Hutchins told the council.
In the 1970s, city officials originally adopted redevelopment plans for the waterfront. In 1997, the current developer began work on the project.
Callahan DeSilva's first plans to focus on the waterfront's north end, building about 173 town homes and 3.5 acres of parks at Mariner's Cove, near the Mare Island causeway and Mare Island Way.
Next is the southern waterfront. Plans call for developing housing, stores and about 11 acres of parkland and open space near Curtola Parkway and Mare Island Way.
The last area is the central waterfront, where shops, a hotel, office space, a parking garage and open space are proposed near Georgia Street and Mare Island Way. That development depends on moving the U.S. Postal Service's downtown branch to make way for Vallejo station, a proposed $53 million parking public garage and transit center.
- E-mail Chris G. Denina at cdenina@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6835.
Vallejo schools bump up its testing scores
October 28, 2005
Vallejo schools bump up its testing scores
By SARAH ROHRS, Times-Herald staff writer
Using the state's complex measuring system, Vallejo schools saw some improvement in academic achievement over last year, though not enough to meet the state average, scores released Thursday show.
Nine Vallejo schools met their yearly growth targets as measured through the Academic Performance Index (API) while eight schools showed some improvement, but not enough to meet their marks.
Meanwhile, academic progress at six schools was on the decline over last year.
Vallejo school district officials were enthusiastic about the California Department of Education state's announcement Thursday of how many schools statewide had met or exceeded their API growth targets.
"Seventeen schools that made growth is great news," said Tish Busselle, district spokeswoman.
In Vallejo, 39 percent of the schools met or exceeded their growth targets in 2004-05, compared to 19 percent in 2003-04.
All Benicia schools met or exceeded their targets. There, two schools have scores over 900 and five over 800. One school is under 800.
Statewide, 68 percent of the schools met or exceeded their growth targets in 2004-05. That is a 20-point gain over 2003-04, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced.
Under API, schools strive for scores of 800, and measure their progress based on previous year's scores.
All but one of Vallejo middle and high schools met or exceeded their growth targets. Vallejo Middle School saw some growth, but did not meet its target.
Some Vallejo elementary schools achieved impressive gains, including Glen Cove, Wardlaw and Widenmann, and Mare Island Technology Middle School.
By contrast, some elementary schools saw major declines, such as Beverly Hills, John Davidson and David Farragut.
No Vallejo schools have achieved scores of 800, but some are close. Wardlaw is at 787 and Glen Cove at 772.
Growth reports are part of the state's efforts to measure academic success of a school on the basis of how much it improves each year.
API scores are based on standardized tests given in English/math and science at all school levels. Middle school students take additional tests in social science; while high school students take even more tests - in history, science plus the California High School Exit Exam.
State scores also showed "significant improvement" by minority groups and socio-economically disadvantaged students, O'Connell said in a written announcement posted on his department's website.
Nearly 20 percent more schools statewide showed increases in overall academic growth over the previous year, he said. Schools' emphasis on a standard-based curriculums is paying off, he added.
Other API results indicate that Vallejo schools are doing a better job of ensuring that most of the students take the tests necessary to be included in the scores.
Under State Administrator Richard Damelio's control, the district has focused more strongly on academic achievement that can be measured through the standardized tests.
That focus includes common curriculum and textbooks, more staff development opportunities, pacing guides, and common assessments.
- E-mail Sarah Rohrs at srohrs@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6832.
For more info...
API results can be viewed at http://api.cde.ca.gov
Vallejo schools bump up its testing scores
By SARAH ROHRS, Times-Herald staff writer
Using the state's complex measuring system, Vallejo schools saw some improvement in academic achievement over last year, though not enough to meet the state average, scores released Thursday show.
Nine Vallejo schools met their yearly growth targets as measured through the Academic Performance Index (API) while eight schools showed some improvement, but not enough to meet their marks.
Meanwhile, academic progress at six schools was on the decline over last year.
Vallejo school district officials were enthusiastic about the California Department of Education state's announcement Thursday of how many schools statewide had met or exceeded their API growth targets.
"Seventeen schools that made growth is great news," said Tish Busselle, district spokeswoman.
In Vallejo, 39 percent of the schools met or exceeded their growth targets in 2004-05, compared to 19 percent in 2003-04.
All Benicia schools met or exceeded their targets. There, two schools have scores over 900 and five over 800. One school is under 800.
Statewide, 68 percent of the schools met or exceeded their growth targets in 2004-05. That is a 20-point gain over 2003-04, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced.
Under API, schools strive for scores of 800, and measure their progress based on previous year's scores.
All but one of Vallejo middle and high schools met or exceeded their growth targets. Vallejo Middle School saw some growth, but did not meet its target.
Some Vallejo elementary schools achieved impressive gains, including Glen Cove, Wardlaw and Widenmann, and Mare Island Technology Middle School.
By contrast, some elementary schools saw major declines, such as Beverly Hills, John Davidson and David Farragut.
No Vallejo schools have achieved scores of 800, but some are close. Wardlaw is at 787 and Glen Cove at 772.
Growth reports are part of the state's efforts to measure academic success of a school on the basis of how much it improves each year.
API scores are based on standardized tests given in English/math and science at all school levels. Middle school students take additional tests in social science; while high school students take even more tests - in history, science plus the California High School Exit Exam.
State scores also showed "significant improvement" by minority groups and socio-economically disadvantaged students, O'Connell said in a written announcement posted on his department's website.
Nearly 20 percent more schools statewide showed increases in overall academic growth over the previous year, he said. Schools' emphasis on a standard-based curriculums is paying off, he added.
Other API results indicate that Vallejo schools are doing a better job of ensuring that most of the students take the tests necessary to be included in the scores.
Under State Administrator Richard Damelio's control, the district has focused more strongly on academic achievement that can be measured through the standardized tests.
That focus includes common curriculum and textbooks, more staff development opportunities, pacing guides, and common assessments.
- E-mail Sarah Rohrs at srohrs@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6832.
For more info...
API results can be viewed at http://api.cde.ca.gov
Last-minute Negotiations Key to Deal for Waterfront
October 29, 2005
Last-minute negotiations key to deal for waterfront
By MATTHIAS GAFNI/Times-Herald staff writer
It took some 11th-hour negotiations by city staff and a council swing vote to get the long-delayed waterfront plan passed at Thursday's meeting.
And the late plan additions, including the creation of a design review board, apparently have softened the stance of the plan's major opposition, possibly keeping the grassroots group from suing or pursuing a referendum to delay the project.
For a waterfront that's been waiting three decades to be redeveloped, some of the biggest strides unexpectedly were made in the final days before Thursday night's 4-1 vote of approval.
That vote gave preliminary approval to a master plan and a deal with project developer Callahan DeSilva Vallejo LLC. Councilmembers Gerald Davis and Tom Bartee recused themselves, citing a conflict of interest because they owned property in the waterfront area. Their action meant that any approval would be by the slimmest of margins.
On Tuesday, the council voted 5 to 0 to pass the environmental impact report (EIR) for the waterfront project. However, the project's overall approval was still very much up in the air.
Because of Bartee's and Davis' recusal, Councilmember Joanne Schivley, who has only weeks left in office, suddenly became a swing vote, since the body needed a four-member majority to pass the project.
Schivley and city staff met Callahan DeSilva representatives numerous times this week and just hours before Thursday's meeting, ironed out three key amendments, the councilwoman said.
"There were a lot of 11th-hour negotiations," Schivley said Friday.
Developer Joe Callahan said years worth of issues came to a head in this final, critical week.
"It took until this week to get it done and it resulted in a lot of last-minute flapping around," Callahan said Friday.
In the end, the developer agreed to:
• Each waterfront parcel improvement will require council approval. In the past, only the planning commission's OK was needed. "We needed flexibility in place to respond to market conditions and citizen input," Schivley said. • Have an appraiser value the waterfront property with the appropriate zoning, compare that to the original appraisal and buy the land with the higher appraisal. The land is currently zoned commercial and with a change to the project's actual zoning needs, the city would see significantly more money, Schivley said. • Create a waterfront design review board. "There's going to be a downtown design committee, so it seems perfectly appropriate for one on the waterfront as well," Schivley said. "I am thrilled because it benefits everyone in Vallejo," Schivley said of the modifications.
Callahan had previously opposed a design review committee.
"My concern and objection to it previously was I didn't feel a commitment by the city to work and set it up," Callahan said Friday. "I've had very good (design review boards). If they're set up properly and the members are professionals in the field I don't object to it In the long run, it will lead to a better understanding of the projects."
The city still must explain the role the design board will take, along with other details, Callahan said. Schivley said she expects the council will name the design group's members.
The appraisal changes will most likely result in "higher prices" for the waterfront property, Callahan said. The formal written agreement to that change still must be finalized, Callahan said, expecting a council vote on Nov. 15.
"While I would have liked to leave the appraisal process alone, I think it was a reasonable approach," he said.
As for each parcel coming back for approval, Callahan said: "We've always had to do that now it just goes to the City Council."
Stephanie Gomes, a council candidate and member of the Waterfront Coalition, said the extra step is "critical."
"With this process we will all be able to get involved every single step of the way, so there will be no more State Farm buildings on the waterfront," Gomes said, referring to the new office building that has received the scorn of coalition members.
While construction could begin on the project in late spring, Gomes said the Waterfront Coalition will wait for the Nov. 8 election before discussing its next move.
"Personally, I feel like we all scored a victory last night. We got a better deal for Vallejo and that's the most important aspect," Gomes said.
"It's not perfect, but we still have room to work on it," she said.
No decision has been made on previous talk of a lawsuit or referendum, Gomes said.
"Whatever is done it will put the best interest of Vallejo," she said. As for her personal involvement in the coalition, Gomes has said she would quit the group if the project passed to prevent a conflict of interest if she's elected to the council.
A lawsuit doesn't concern Callahan, but he said it could jeopardize some of the $53 million accumulated for the Vallejo Station transportation hub.
"Unfortunately, I've been in court on four (challenges to projects' EIRs) and I've never lost," Callahan said. "We spent a lot of time and effort to make sure (the Vallejo waterfront EIR) is a highly defensible document.
"Once the Waterfront Coalition sits back and looks at our consideration to the concerns raised, we hope they won't do that and will work with us," he said.
Councilmember Gary Cloutier, the lone dissenting vote Thursday night, said a lawsuit or referendum is not the appropriate route at this point.
"Now that the issue is decided, I firmly believe it is time to come together as one. A referendum or lawsuit to stop the project will not serve the interest of moving the city forward," Cloutier wrote in a Times-Herald letter to the editor. (The complete text of his letter will appear in Sunday's edition.)
So, why did he still vote against the plan?
"I thought too many people opposed the plan for good reasons and it was dividing the community," Cloutier said Friday by phone.
"I thought features of the plan were not satisfactory as well, including Parcel A," he said. "The best way to develop that parcel was to concentrate the development and preserve large portions as open space."
Cloutier said the developer's plan was "suburban sprawl," but that overall there were "definite improvements in the project."
Parcel A is one segment of Callahan DeSilva's plan to overhaul the waterfront area, developing as many as 1,090 residential units, 562,000 square feet of retail space and about 25 acres of parks and open space.
The Waterfront Coalition, which included many of the same citizens who fought against an LNG plant coming to Mare Island, played a significant role in the final plan.
"I'm proud we had so much public input and it has created a project much more than we originally hoped for," Councilmember Pamela Pitts said. "They are responsible for helping craft a better project."
Even the developer acknowledged the Waterfront Coalition's impact Friday.
"While the Waterfront Coalition and I certainly don't agree on everything, their intense review of the project forced us to look at each parcel in far more depth than we would have otherwise," Callahan said. "Ultimately, the outcome was a far better project and I respect their efforts."
- E-mail Matthias Gafni at mgafni@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6825.
Last-minute negotiations key to deal for waterfront
By MATTHIAS GAFNI/Times-Herald staff writer
It took some 11th-hour negotiations by city staff and a council swing vote to get the long-delayed waterfront plan passed at Thursday's meeting.
And the late plan additions, including the creation of a design review board, apparently have softened the stance of the plan's major opposition, possibly keeping the grassroots group from suing or pursuing a referendum to delay the project.
For a waterfront that's been waiting three decades to be redeveloped, some of the biggest strides unexpectedly were made in the final days before Thursday night's 4-1 vote of approval.
That vote gave preliminary approval to a master plan and a deal with project developer Callahan DeSilva Vallejo LLC. Councilmembers Gerald Davis and Tom Bartee recused themselves, citing a conflict of interest because they owned property in the waterfront area. Their action meant that any approval would be by the slimmest of margins.
On Tuesday, the council voted 5 to 0 to pass the environmental impact report (EIR) for the waterfront project. However, the project's overall approval was still very much up in the air.
Because of Bartee's and Davis' recusal, Councilmember Joanne Schivley, who has only weeks left in office, suddenly became a swing vote, since the body needed a four-member majority to pass the project.
Schivley and city staff met Callahan DeSilva representatives numerous times this week and just hours before Thursday's meeting, ironed out three key amendments, the councilwoman said.
"There were a lot of 11th-hour negotiations," Schivley said Friday.
Developer Joe Callahan said years worth of issues came to a head in this final, critical week.
"It took until this week to get it done and it resulted in a lot of last-minute flapping around," Callahan said Friday.
In the end, the developer agreed to:
• Each waterfront parcel improvement will require council approval. In the past, only the planning commission's OK was needed. "We needed flexibility in place to respond to market conditions and citizen input," Schivley said. • Have an appraiser value the waterfront property with the appropriate zoning, compare that to the original appraisal and buy the land with the higher appraisal. The land is currently zoned commercial and with a change to the project's actual zoning needs, the city would see significantly more money, Schivley said. • Create a waterfront design review board. "There's going to be a downtown design committee, so it seems perfectly appropriate for one on the waterfront as well," Schivley said. "I am thrilled because it benefits everyone in Vallejo," Schivley said of the modifications.
Callahan had previously opposed a design review committee.
"My concern and objection to it previously was I didn't feel a commitment by the city to work and set it up," Callahan said Friday. "I've had very good (design review boards). If they're set up properly and the members are professionals in the field I don't object to it In the long run, it will lead to a better understanding of the projects."
The city still must explain the role the design board will take, along with other details, Callahan said. Schivley said she expects the council will name the design group's members.
The appraisal changes will most likely result in "higher prices" for the waterfront property, Callahan said. The formal written agreement to that change still must be finalized, Callahan said, expecting a council vote on Nov. 15.
"While I would have liked to leave the appraisal process alone, I think it was a reasonable approach," he said.
As for each parcel coming back for approval, Callahan said: "We've always had to do that now it just goes to the City Council."
Stephanie Gomes, a council candidate and member of the Waterfront Coalition, said the extra step is "critical."
"With this process we will all be able to get involved every single step of the way, so there will be no more State Farm buildings on the waterfront," Gomes said, referring to the new office building that has received the scorn of coalition members.
While construction could begin on the project in late spring, Gomes said the Waterfront Coalition will wait for the Nov. 8 election before discussing its next move.
"Personally, I feel like we all scored a victory last night. We got a better deal for Vallejo and that's the most important aspect," Gomes said.
"It's not perfect, but we still have room to work on it," she said.
No decision has been made on previous talk of a lawsuit or referendum, Gomes said.
"Whatever is done it will put the best interest of Vallejo," she said. As for her personal involvement in the coalition, Gomes has said she would quit the group if the project passed to prevent a conflict of interest if she's elected to the council.
A lawsuit doesn't concern Callahan, but he said it could jeopardize some of the $53 million accumulated for the Vallejo Station transportation hub.
"Unfortunately, I've been in court on four (challenges to projects' EIRs) and I've never lost," Callahan said. "We spent a lot of time and effort to make sure (the Vallejo waterfront EIR) is a highly defensible document.
"Once the Waterfront Coalition sits back and looks at our consideration to the concerns raised, we hope they won't do that and will work with us," he said.
Councilmember Gary Cloutier, the lone dissenting vote Thursday night, said a lawsuit or referendum is not the appropriate route at this point.
"Now that the issue is decided, I firmly believe it is time to come together as one. A referendum or lawsuit to stop the project will not serve the interest of moving the city forward," Cloutier wrote in a Times-Herald letter to the editor. (The complete text of his letter will appear in Sunday's edition.)
So, why did he still vote against the plan?
"I thought too many people opposed the plan for good reasons and it was dividing the community," Cloutier said Friday by phone.
"I thought features of the plan were not satisfactory as well, including Parcel A," he said. "The best way to develop that parcel was to concentrate the development and preserve large portions as open space."
Cloutier said the developer's plan was "suburban sprawl," but that overall there were "definite improvements in the project."
Parcel A is one segment of Callahan DeSilva's plan to overhaul the waterfront area, developing as many as 1,090 residential units, 562,000 square feet of retail space and about 25 acres of parks and open space.
The Waterfront Coalition, which included many of the same citizens who fought against an LNG plant coming to Mare Island, played a significant role in the final plan.
"I'm proud we had so much public input and it has created a project much more than we originally hoped for," Councilmember Pamela Pitts said. "They are responsible for helping craft a better project."
Even the developer acknowledged the Waterfront Coalition's impact Friday.
"While the Waterfront Coalition and I certainly don't agree on everything, their intense review of the project forced us to look at each parcel in far more depth than we would have otherwise," Callahan said. "Ultimately, the outcome was a far better project and I respect their efforts."
- E-mail Matthias Gafni at mgafni@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6825.
The Vacaville Planning Commission is expected to vote on housing plans for a 221-lot Browns Valley subdivision "Cheyenne at Browns Valley"
Article Launched: 10/29/2005 08:04:59 AM
Development up for vote by planning commission
By Tom Hall/Staff Writer
Vacaville planning officials wanted to avoid the cookie-cutter mold with any new residential development in the northern parts of Browns Valley.
Tuesday, those officials will decide whether the developer has delivered such an out-of-the-ordinary neighborhood.
The Vacaville Planning Commission is expected to vote on housing plans for a 221-lot Browns Valley subdivision at its regular meeting Tuesday.
The development, now named "Cheyenne at Browns Valley," was approved in March. The land it will sit on, in the far northern part of Vacaville, officially was annexed into the city in January.
The subdivision, which sprawls across 150 acres north of McMurtry Lane and west of Browns Valley Road, previously was known as Reynolds Ranch.
The house plans call for large homes on lots varying from from a quarter-acre to a half-acre in size. The subdivision also includes one-acre lots, but a staff report indicates custom homes will be designed for those spaces, which wrap around near the perimeter of the project.
The homes on the smaller, interior lots will range from 2,700 square feet in size to 4,300 square feet. Some models will be single-story, though two-thirds of the lots will feature two-story homes.
Six of the eight housing plans feature four bedrooms, with the two 4,000-square-foot models featuring five.
The largest plan includes five bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms, a four-car garage, an office, a retreat, a porch, a front balcony and an optional loft.
In March, planning commissioners lobbied for the subdivision to create a transition from densely developed Vacaville to sparsely inhabited unincorporated city land.
The commission will also be asked to approve a sign program for a Merchant Street retail building currently under construction.
The applicant, Jerry Kirkpatrick, is requesting approval for a 12-foot sign in the southwest corner of his property next to Baker's Square restaurant near the corner of Merchant and Alamo Drive.
Kirkpatrick's six-tenant retail building was approved in April.
The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chamber at City Hall at 650 Merchant St.
Tom Hall can be reached at vacaville@thereporter.com.
Development up for vote by planning commission
By Tom Hall/Staff Writer
Vacaville planning officials wanted to avoid the cookie-cutter mold with any new residential development in the northern parts of Browns Valley.
Tuesday, those officials will decide whether the developer has delivered such an out-of-the-ordinary neighborhood.
The Vacaville Planning Commission is expected to vote on housing plans for a 221-lot Browns Valley subdivision at its regular meeting Tuesday.
The development, now named "Cheyenne at Browns Valley," was approved in March. The land it will sit on, in the far northern part of Vacaville, officially was annexed into the city in January.
The subdivision, which sprawls across 150 acres north of McMurtry Lane and west of Browns Valley Road, previously was known as Reynolds Ranch.
The house plans call for large homes on lots varying from from a quarter-acre to a half-acre in size. The subdivision also includes one-acre lots, but a staff report indicates custom homes will be designed for those spaces, which wrap around near the perimeter of the project.
The homes on the smaller, interior lots will range from 2,700 square feet in size to 4,300 square feet. Some models will be single-story, though two-thirds of the lots will feature two-story homes.
Six of the eight housing plans feature four bedrooms, with the two 4,000-square-foot models featuring five.
The largest plan includes five bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms, a four-car garage, an office, a retreat, a porch, a front balcony and an optional loft.
In March, planning commissioners lobbied for the subdivision to create a transition from densely developed Vacaville to sparsely inhabited unincorporated city land.
The commission will also be asked to approve a sign program for a Merchant Street retail building currently under construction.
The applicant, Jerry Kirkpatrick, is requesting approval for a 12-foot sign in the southwest corner of his property next to Baker's Square restaurant near the corner of Merchant and Alamo Drive.
Kirkpatrick's six-tenant retail building was approved in April.
The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chamber at City Hall at 650 Merchant St.
Tom Hall can be reached at vacaville@thereporter.com.
A white tablecloth Italian restaurant and lounge will likely open in downtown Vallejo this spring
October 30, 2005
Project in works to bring Italian cuisine to Vallejo
By RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN/Times-Herald staff writer
A white tablecloth Italian restaurant and lounge will likely open in downtown Vallejo this spring, it was learned Thursday.
The owner of the recently remodeled building at the southwest corner of Sonoma Boulevard and Georgia Street, who wished to remain anonymous, says a project in the works for several years is expected to be finalized shortly. When it is, work will begin on turning the large, historic building into a high-end, southern Italian-leaning eatery, said chef Fabrizio Protopapa.
"I'm going to do food from my region of Italy, Puglia," said the 36-year-old former chef and owner of San Francisco's Brindisi Restaurant. "I want to share my culture with people."
The restaurant's concept is not set in stone, said one of Protopapa's two partners, Guillermo Corona of Napa, owner of Taqueria Rosita in American Canyon and Napa.
"It will be Italian-leaning," Corona said. "Maybe a cross between the Rutherford Grill and a Don Giovanni's. American and Italian."
Between Corona, Protopapa and the third team member, restaurateur Fernando Villa Senor of Napa, the site will become a "destination restaurant" while the heritage of the building itself will be "respected and showcased," Corona said.
"There will be an oval bar in the middle and the kitchen will be an island, like a show, where people can interact," Protopapa said. "We'll have white tablecloths, a cocktail/appetizer area and, eventually downstairs, a lounge with live music. Jazz. What have you."
Protopapa, a chef since the age of 18, said the trio chose to open their place in Vallejo because of changes they see coming.
"The building's owner told me how Vallejo will be developing in the next two years, and there are few really nice restaurants there," Protopapa said. "Lots of people are moving there from The City, and why should people in Vallejo and American Canyon have to go to Napa for a really nice meal?"
Protopapa is adopting Vallejo as his own, he said.
"I'm moving here. I love Vallejo. It's beautiful here. I used to live in Napa, and whenever Vallejo was
mentioned, you only heard it is a ghetto," Protopapa said. "But when I started riding through there, on my motorcycle mostly, I found it
doesn't deserve its bad name. It deserves to be one of the best places in the Bay Area. And I hope I can make a contribution to that."
- E-mail Rachel Raskin-Zrihen at RachelZ@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6824.
Project in works to bring Italian cuisine to Vallejo
By RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN/Times-Herald staff writer
A white tablecloth Italian restaurant and lounge will likely open in downtown Vallejo this spring, it was learned Thursday.
The owner of the recently remodeled building at the southwest corner of Sonoma Boulevard and Georgia Street, who wished to remain anonymous, says a project in the works for several years is expected to be finalized shortly. When it is, work will begin on turning the large, historic building into a high-end, southern Italian-leaning eatery, said chef Fabrizio Protopapa.
"I'm going to do food from my region of Italy, Puglia," said the 36-year-old former chef and owner of San Francisco's Brindisi Restaurant. "I want to share my culture with people."
The restaurant's concept is not set in stone, said one of Protopapa's two partners, Guillermo Corona of Napa, owner of Taqueria Rosita in American Canyon and Napa.
"It will be Italian-leaning," Corona said. "Maybe a cross between the Rutherford Grill and a Don Giovanni's. American and Italian."
Between Corona, Protopapa and the third team member, restaurateur Fernando Villa Senor of Napa, the site will become a "destination restaurant" while the heritage of the building itself will be "respected and showcased," Corona said.
"There will be an oval bar in the middle and the kitchen will be an island, like a show, where people can interact," Protopapa said. "We'll have white tablecloths, a cocktail/appetizer area and, eventually downstairs, a lounge with live music. Jazz. What have you."
Protopapa, a chef since the age of 18, said the trio chose to open their place in Vallejo because of changes they see coming.
"The building's owner told me how Vallejo will be developing in the next two years, and there are few really nice restaurants there," Protopapa said. "Lots of people are moving there from The City, and why should people in Vallejo and American Canyon have to go to Napa for a really nice meal?"
Protopapa is adopting Vallejo as his own, he said.
"I'm moving here. I love Vallejo. It's beautiful here. I used to live in Napa, and whenever Vallejo was
mentioned, you only heard it is a ghetto," Protopapa said. "But when I started riding through there, on my motorcycle mostly, I found it
doesn't deserve its bad name. It deserves to be one of the best places in the Bay Area. And I hope I can make a contribution to that."
- E-mail Rachel Raskin-Zrihen at RachelZ@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6824.
A glimpse at Vallejo's waterfront future
October 30, 2005
A glimpse at Vallejo's future (Editorial)
Picture, if you will, in your mind the waterfront development plan actually finished.
For longtimers, wipe away, if you can, the cobwebs that have gathered in your imagination over the past 30 years while waterfront plan after waterfront plan has been proposed, analyzed, discussed, redrawn, reheard and, eventually, disappeared into a mysterious black hole.
Imagine, now, the sights that should exist within the next few years.
Starting at Georgia and Santa Clara streets, where you parked in the new, clean, well-lighted parking structure, you walk toward what once was the downtown post office.
The first thing you notice is all the landscaping. The attention to detail in types of plants, positioning, and the creation of a village-like atmosphere puts you in a pretty good mood. You feel safe.
As you face what once was the post office, it's replaced by a cluster of shops and stores, with attractive condos where many of those people who use those businesses live. Some are longtime Vallejoans, delighted to be living in the city's thriving core. Some are people new to the area, charmed and lured by the prospect of a convenient, comfortable, more-affordable way of life.
Pick up a snack at one of those shops, and head down Georgia toward the waterfront.
The line might be a little long for your snack, since these places of business are popular, but the wait is well worth it, you've heard, because this eatery relocated from the East Bay and it's food is to die for.
You've heard correctly, you decide after the first taste, and begin your walk.
On your right, just past the library, are still more shops and boutiques, but you don't have time to poke around there just now.
Besides, people living in the condos on that side of the Georgia Street and Vallejoans from across town are crowding the three new designer shops having their grand opening.
Further down Georgia, to the right, you note the boutique hotel that looks like a pretty good place to stay, especially with so much parking available alongside it at the new parking garage.
You ponder why they call it a "boutique" hotel and decide it's just another way of saying luxury hotel, but on the smaller side. Nice landscaping, you note. Nice place. The regional conference you attended there last week made you proud to call Vallejo your home.
Though it gets a little tiresome, these new people are always gushing: "I never thought Vallejo would be this classy." We've always been classy.
In truth, you have to admit, the new buildings do look better as they blend in with the historic, and now well-tended, downtown buildings. In fact, the look of this area is simply welcoming. They've made buildings with awnings, intriguing storefronts, varying rooflines, and well-thought-out entrances.
It's not stark urbanity, it's more like a village. The stucco-and-stone construction works well. Storefronts have a subdued look - no more huge, gaudy paint on windows, but clean storefronts. The signage is tasteful, some of it whimsical.
Continuing on are the new apartments with another group of shops - one with fresh produce daily advertised, another with "vegetarian" signs everywhere - but you're more the meat type. The new premium meat market downtown is more your style.
Thinking of downtown, you make a mental note that there is a new play opening next week at the Empress and you'd better make dinner reservations at that fusion restaurant across the street. It's always crowded.
You take a left on Mare Island Way deciding to save for another day the views to the right: The restored wetlands with that boardwalk, the public gardens, the Discovery Center with its caf . The high-priced village-style houses down there have all been sold, and River Park has rebounded to one of the area's best nature walks.
Stopping a moment at the end of Georgia Street, a sweeping view of the waterfront shows what can happen with careful design, compromise, and thought. Lots of thought. Decades of thought. This place is a showcase.
You head across the street toward the ferry building and festival green. The crosswalk itself is a work of art with a crossing signal that counts down the time you have to cross.
People are sitting around the gazebo, listening to a musician and enjoying the warm sun.
Historic markers go along the walkway, noting Vallejo's shipbuilding past. Here and there are sculptures that reflect this heritage.
Now you can walk farther out over the river on carefully placed overlooks. Comfortable, forest green benches are readily available - even the new, forest green trash "housing" looks good. Canary palms and frontier elms give a distinctive look. The entire area's lighting, landscaping and design has turned what once was a pleasant walking area to a place to linger and savor. Though a lot of people are still getting in a hearty day's walk, you note. It's a good walk, now that it runs along the entire waterfront with no locked fences. Where the sidewalk ends is not here.
You would go on farther toward Sonoma Boulevard to check out the relocated post office, the new housing and retail down that way, and the public park with its amphitheater, but decide to leave that for another day.
Two more musicians have ambled onto the gazebo, the crowd has grown, and it's time to stop gawking and start enjoying.
Clearly, to examine the details that have gone into this entire area is more than a one-day outing.
And you know this is why it took so long to decide on the most-perfect plan.
A glimpse at Vallejo's future (Editorial)
Picture, if you will, in your mind the waterfront development plan actually finished.
For longtimers, wipe away, if you can, the cobwebs that have gathered in your imagination over the past 30 years while waterfront plan after waterfront plan has been proposed, analyzed, discussed, redrawn, reheard and, eventually, disappeared into a mysterious black hole.
Imagine, now, the sights that should exist within the next few years.
Starting at Georgia and Santa Clara streets, where you parked in the new, clean, well-lighted parking structure, you walk toward what once was the downtown post office.
The first thing you notice is all the landscaping. The attention to detail in types of plants, positioning, and the creation of a village-like atmosphere puts you in a pretty good mood. You feel safe.
As you face what once was the post office, it's replaced by a cluster of shops and stores, with attractive condos where many of those people who use those businesses live. Some are longtime Vallejoans, delighted to be living in the city's thriving core. Some are people new to the area, charmed and lured by the prospect of a convenient, comfortable, more-affordable way of life.
Pick up a snack at one of those shops, and head down Georgia toward the waterfront.
The line might be a little long for your snack, since these places of business are popular, but the wait is well worth it, you've heard, because this eatery relocated from the East Bay and it's food is to die for.
You've heard correctly, you decide after the first taste, and begin your walk.
On your right, just past the library, are still more shops and boutiques, but you don't have time to poke around there just now.
Besides, people living in the condos on that side of the Georgia Street and Vallejoans from across town are crowding the three new designer shops having their grand opening.
Further down Georgia, to the right, you note the boutique hotel that looks like a pretty good place to stay, especially with so much parking available alongside it at the new parking garage.
You ponder why they call it a "boutique" hotel and decide it's just another way of saying luxury hotel, but on the smaller side. Nice landscaping, you note. Nice place. The regional conference you attended there last week made you proud to call Vallejo your home.
Though it gets a little tiresome, these new people are always gushing: "I never thought Vallejo would be this classy." We've always been classy.
In truth, you have to admit, the new buildings do look better as they blend in with the historic, and now well-tended, downtown buildings. In fact, the look of this area is simply welcoming. They've made buildings with awnings, intriguing storefronts, varying rooflines, and well-thought-out entrances.
It's not stark urbanity, it's more like a village. The stucco-and-stone construction works well. Storefronts have a subdued look - no more huge, gaudy paint on windows, but clean storefronts. The signage is tasteful, some of it whimsical.
Continuing on are the new apartments with another group of shops - one with fresh produce daily advertised, another with "vegetarian" signs everywhere - but you're more the meat type. The new premium meat market downtown is more your style.
Thinking of downtown, you make a mental note that there is a new play opening next week at the Empress and you'd better make dinner reservations at that fusion restaurant across the street. It's always crowded.
You take a left on Mare Island Way deciding to save for another day the views to the right: The restored wetlands with that boardwalk, the public gardens, the Discovery Center with its caf . The high-priced village-style houses down there have all been sold, and River Park has rebounded to one of the area's best nature walks.
Stopping a moment at the end of Georgia Street, a sweeping view of the waterfront shows what can happen with careful design, compromise, and thought. Lots of thought. Decades of thought. This place is a showcase.
You head across the street toward the ferry building and festival green. The crosswalk itself is a work of art with a crossing signal that counts down the time you have to cross.
People are sitting around the gazebo, listening to a musician and enjoying the warm sun.
Historic markers go along the walkway, noting Vallejo's shipbuilding past. Here and there are sculptures that reflect this heritage.
Now you can walk farther out over the river on carefully placed overlooks. Comfortable, forest green benches are readily available - even the new, forest green trash "housing" looks good. Canary palms and frontier elms give a distinctive look. The entire area's lighting, landscaping and design has turned what once was a pleasant walking area to a place to linger and savor. Though a lot of people are still getting in a hearty day's walk, you note. It's a good walk, now that it runs along the entire waterfront with no locked fences. Where the sidewalk ends is not here.
You would go on farther toward Sonoma Boulevard to check out the relocated post office, the new housing and retail down that way, and the public park with its amphitheater, but decide to leave that for another day.
Two more musicians have ambled onto the gazebo, the crowd has grown, and it's time to stop gawking and start enjoying.
Clearly, to examine the details that have gone into this entire area is more than a one-day outing.
And you know this is why it took so long to decide on the most-perfect plan.
Vacaville schools do well with state targets
Article Last Updated: 10/28/2005 07:50 AM
Vaca schools do well with state targets
By Julie Kay/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com
Two-thirds of Vacaville's 15 public schools last year met both of the state's targets for growth in test scores, according to figures released Thursday by the California Department of Education.
And while five of the district's schools did not meet growth targets for certain demographic minorities, that number decreased from eight schools.
Scores are reflected in schools' Academic Performance Indexes - a number on a 1,000-point scale based on the results of several standardized tests.
To meet both state targets, the API of a school's population overall must rise a certain amount from the prior year, and so must the API's of its significant subgroups.
The API of the Vacaville district as a whole rose from 703 to 726 from 2004 to 2005.
Hispanic or Latino students, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, the district's two largest subgroups, also both showed significant improvement, with the former increasing its API from 618 to 641, and the latter increasing its API from 601 to 632.
In nearby districts, about the same number of schools which met both targets last year did so this year. Four of Dixon's six schools, 15 of Fairfield-Suisun's 26 schools, and three of Travis' seven schools met both targets.
While schools' API's were first released in August, they were used then primarily to determine whether schools met federal goals. The information provided Thursday shows whether schools met state targets. The two calculation methods vary considerably. The state model is based on growth; the federal model is based on whether or not enough students show proficiency.
Of all of Vacaville's schools, Markham Elementary showed the most growth in test scores among its demographic minorities. The API for the school's Hispanic and Latino students shot up 64 points from 572 to 636 from 2004 to 2005; the API for the school's socioeconomically disadvantaged students rose 62 points from 588 to 650.
Will C. Wood High School and Alamo, Callison, Fairmont and Sierra Vista elementaries lost ground in closing the gap between one or more subgroups and the rest of the school population. Wood, Fairmont and Sierra Vista also failed to meet state targets for the student population as a whole.
Statewide, a greater percentage of schools met state targets than last year, reflecting the fact that more subgroups of students also met targets.
"I am particularly pleased to see progress made by all students and in subgroups of students," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell in a written statement. "While we clearly have a long way to go, this shows our schools' focus on California's standards-based curriculum is paying dividends in improved student achievement."
The 2004-05 API Growth reports are available on the California Department of Education's Web site at http://api.cde.ca.gov.
Julie Kay can be reached at schools@thereporter.com.
Solano County Supervisors consider new English Hills subdivision
Supervisors consider new English Hills subdivision
By Ian Thompson
VACAVILLE - English Hills residents, concerned that a proposed upscale rural subdivision will threaten their water supply, are asking the Solano County Supervisors to turn away the development.
Plans to build a 32-home gated subdivision on rural land north of Vacaville goes before the Solano County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
The subdivision, located on 80 acres at the southern end of Dove Creek Trail next to Sweeney Creek, is the first of its kind to be put among the farms and ranches of English Hills.
The developer proposes to put in a private park next to a pond already on the site. Developers also propose to extend Dove Creek Road further south to Cantelow Road, which involves putting in two new bridges.
The supervisors are being asked to rezone the 80 acres from agricultural to rural residential uses, which allow for the building of one house per every two-and-a-half acres.
“It concerns me that we are having a subdivision built here,” said Cantelow Road resident Judy Neal. “This is just not the place for that.”
Neal worried not just about this proposal, but for the precedent it will set, maybe prompting other landowners or developers to put up similar projects out there.
One of the landowners to the south is already planning to go to the Supervisors later this year asking that his land get a similar rezoning.
Sandy DeGeorge, whose land lies on the project's east side, is concerned about how the subdivision will affect the well water supplies of the surrounding homes.
DeGeorge doesn't so much argue against the subdividing of the land itself, but of what she calls “a pretty irresponsible use of water.”
“The development plans to use an existing irrigation well to recharge a stock pond to use it for recreational purposes,” DeGeorge said. “There are many people who rely on their private wells which draw from same aquifer.”
“They don't have a right to negatively impact the rest of the community,” DeGeorge said.
She is also worried about clustering of the proposed home, which means the septic tanks will also be clustered close together, increasing the possibility of contamination.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Solano County Board of Supervisors chamber at 675 Texas St.
By Ian Thompson
VACAVILLE - English Hills residents, concerned that a proposed upscale rural subdivision will threaten their water supply, are asking the Solano County Supervisors to turn away the development.
Plans to build a 32-home gated subdivision on rural land north of Vacaville goes before the Solano County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
The subdivision, located on 80 acres at the southern end of Dove Creek Trail next to Sweeney Creek, is the first of its kind to be put among the farms and ranches of English Hills.
The developer proposes to put in a private park next to a pond already on the site. Developers also propose to extend Dove Creek Road further south to Cantelow Road, which involves putting in two new bridges.
The supervisors are being asked to rezone the 80 acres from agricultural to rural residential uses, which allow for the building of one house per every two-and-a-half acres.
“It concerns me that we are having a subdivision built here,” said Cantelow Road resident Judy Neal. “This is just not the place for that.”
Neal worried not just about this proposal, but for the precedent it will set, maybe prompting other landowners or developers to put up similar projects out there.
One of the landowners to the south is already planning to go to the Supervisors later this year asking that his land get a similar rezoning.
Sandy DeGeorge, whose land lies on the project's east side, is concerned about how the subdivision will affect the well water supplies of the surrounding homes.
DeGeorge doesn't so much argue against the subdividing of the land itself, but of what she calls “a pretty irresponsible use of water.”
“The development plans to use an existing irrigation well to recharge a stock pond to use it for recreational purposes,” DeGeorge said. “There are many people who rely on their private wells which draw from same aquifer.”
“They don't have a right to negatively impact the rest of the community,” DeGeorge said.
She is also worried about clustering of the proposed home, which means the septic tanks will also be clustered close together, increasing the possibility of contamination.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Solano County Board of Supervisors chamber at 675 Texas St.
City of Dixon Planners, Council to digest report on environmental review of Dixon Downs
Article Launched: 10/31/2005 06:14:51 AM
Planners, Council to digest report
By David Henson/Staff Writer
The city of Dixon will hold back-to-back workshops this week to help residents and city leaders digest an extensive environmental review of Dixon Downs, a controversial proposed horse racing complex.
The joint planning commission and city council meetings will be held Wednesday and Thursday, each beginning at 7 p.m.
Ontario, Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corp. wants to build a racetrack, regional mall and office space on 260 acres just southwest of the intersection of Interstate 80 and Pedrick Road.
The project has stirred off-and-on controversy in the city since Magna's first overtures five years ago. Most recently, the City Council rebuffed calls for a special election.
This week's meetings aren't meant to turn into a forum on the merits of the project, city officials said.
Instead, it is a chance to clarify, probe and pose questions about the project's environmental impact report. The lead EIR consultant, Brian Boxer, will be on hand to field questions.
The first meeting is intended primarily for questions from planning commissioners and city council members. If time permits, up to 10 p.m., then residents will be allowed to participate.
The follow-up meeting will be primarily for the public's questions. Those wishing to speak will have to turn in a speaker card.
The meetings are a lead-up to the Nov. 30 conclusion of the public comment period on the draft EIR. At that time, planning commissioners are set to discuss Magna's project.
David Henson can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
Planners, Council to digest report
By David Henson/Staff Writer
The city of Dixon will hold back-to-back workshops this week to help residents and city leaders digest an extensive environmental review of Dixon Downs, a controversial proposed horse racing complex.
The joint planning commission and city council meetings will be held Wednesday and Thursday, each beginning at 7 p.m.
Ontario, Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corp. wants to build a racetrack, regional mall and office space on 260 acres just southwest of the intersection of Interstate 80 and Pedrick Road.
The project has stirred off-and-on controversy in the city since Magna's first overtures five years ago. Most recently, the City Council rebuffed calls for a special election.
This week's meetings aren't meant to turn into a forum on the merits of the project, city officials said.
Instead, it is a chance to clarify, probe and pose questions about the project's environmental impact report. The lead EIR consultant, Brian Boxer, will be on hand to field questions.
The first meeting is intended primarily for questions from planning commissioners and city council members. If time permits, up to 10 p.m., then residents will be allowed to participate.
The follow-up meeting will be primarily for the public's questions. Those wishing to speak will have to turn in a speaker card.
The meetings are a lead-up to the Nov. 30 conclusion of the public comment period on the draft EIR. At that time, planning commissioners are set to discuss Magna's project.
David Henson can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
Novartis to Buy Rest of Chiron for $5.1B
Print Story: Novartis to Buy Rest of Chiron for $5.1B on Yahoo! News:
Novartis to Buy Rest of Chiron for $5.1B
By SAM CAGE, Associated Press Writer
Mon Oct 31, 7:59 AM ET
Note: Chiron has a production facility in the City of Vacaville located in Solano County.
Swiss pharmaceutical maker Novartis AG said Monday it agreed to buy the 58 percent of Chiron Corp. that it does not already own for $5.1 billion, improving a previous offer that the embattled biotechnology company had rejected.
Novartis, which made an initial $4.5 billion proposal last month that was rejected by the second-largest vaccine maker in the United States, said it had sweetened its offer to acquire approximately 113 million Chiron shares for $45 each in cash.
That represents a 23 percent premium over Chiron's closing price on Aug. 31, the last trading day before Novartis proposed buying the shares at $40 each, the Basel, Switzerland-based company said. Shares of Chiron rose 85 cents, or about 2 percent, to $44.25 in pre-market trading.
Chiron's board had called that offer "inadequate," but has recommended that shareholders vote to approve the new offer.
Vaccines will form a new business unit at Novartis, while Chiron's biopharmaceuticals will be integrated into the Swiss company's existing pharma business, said Novartis Chairman and Chief Executive Daniel Vasella.
"Our plan is to turn around the Chiron vaccines business, which will require investments in R&D and manufacturing to increase quality and capacity, so that we can better meet customer demand and address public health needs," Vasella said.
The transaction will give Novartis entry into a "dynamic growth market," while strengthening Chiron's ability to meet patients' needs with high-quality vaccines, the company said.
Annual cost synergies of $200 million are anticipated within three years of closing the deal, with half expected to be achieved in the first 18 months, Novartis said.
Chiron has been crippled this year by plunging profits and surging expenses resulting from a vaccine debacle last year, when problems at its British production facility kept it from delivering any of its Fluvirin flu vaccine to the United States. Chiron had been slated to supply about half the nation's vaccine.
Similar problems at a Chiron vaccine plant in Germany this year also forced the company to scrap plans to supply the European flu shot market.
Chiron's 2004 profit of $156 million and revenue of $1.7 billion was about half of what the Emeryville, Calif.-based company earned in 2003. Novartis had profits of $5.8 billion and $28.2 billion in revenue last year and is the world's sixth-largest drug company.
Last week, Chiron Corp. reported its third-quarter earnings nearly doubled from last year to $51 million on revenue of $479.6 million. Most of the profit improvement was because the manufacturing problem was in the third-quarter of last year.
Chiron called the latest quarter a "turning point" because federal regulators have approved its first batches of flu shots, about 1.5 million, for delivery. The company offered no further guidance on how many flu shots it expects to deliver this year.
Novartis to Buy Rest of Chiron for $5.1B
By SAM CAGE, Associated Press Writer
Mon Oct 31, 7:59 AM ET
Note: Chiron has a production facility in the City of Vacaville located in Solano County.
Swiss pharmaceutical maker Novartis AG said Monday it agreed to buy the 58 percent of Chiron Corp. that it does not already own for $5.1 billion, improving a previous offer that the embattled biotechnology company had rejected.
Novartis, which made an initial $4.5 billion proposal last month that was rejected by the second-largest vaccine maker in the United States, said it had sweetened its offer to acquire approximately 113 million Chiron shares for $45 each in cash.
That represents a 23 percent premium over Chiron's closing price on Aug. 31, the last trading day before Novartis proposed buying the shares at $40 each, the Basel, Switzerland-based company said. Shares of Chiron rose 85 cents, or about 2 percent, to $44.25 in pre-market trading.
Chiron's board had called that offer "inadequate," but has recommended that shareholders vote to approve the new offer.
Vaccines will form a new business unit at Novartis, while Chiron's biopharmaceuticals will be integrated into the Swiss company's existing pharma business, said Novartis Chairman and Chief Executive Daniel Vasella.
"Our plan is to turn around the Chiron vaccines business, which will require investments in R&D and manufacturing to increase quality and capacity, so that we can better meet customer demand and address public health needs," Vasella said.
The transaction will give Novartis entry into a "dynamic growth market," while strengthening Chiron's ability to meet patients' needs with high-quality vaccines, the company said.
Annual cost synergies of $200 million are anticipated within three years of closing the deal, with half expected to be achieved in the first 18 months, Novartis said.
Chiron has been crippled this year by plunging profits and surging expenses resulting from a vaccine debacle last year, when problems at its British production facility kept it from delivering any of its Fluvirin flu vaccine to the United States. Chiron had been slated to supply about half the nation's vaccine.
Similar problems at a Chiron vaccine plant in Germany this year also forced the company to scrap plans to supply the European flu shot market.
Chiron's 2004 profit of $156 million and revenue of $1.7 billion was about half of what the Emeryville, Calif.-based company earned in 2003. Novartis had profits of $5.8 billion and $28.2 billion in revenue last year and is the world's sixth-largest drug company.
Last week, Chiron Corp. reported its third-quarter earnings nearly doubled from last year to $51 million on revenue of $479.6 million. Most of the profit improvement was because the manufacturing problem was in the third-quarter of last year.
Chiron called the latest quarter a "turning point" because federal regulators have approved its first batches of flu shots, about 1.5 million, for delivery. The company offered no further guidance on how many flu shots it expects to deliver this year.
Chiron gets $62M deal for bird flu vaccine stockpile - 2005-10-28 - Sacramento Business Journal
Note: Chiron has a production facility in Vacaville located in Solano County.
LATEST NEWS
October 28, 2005
Chiron gets $62M deal for bird flu vaccine stockpile
Chiron Corp. said Thursday it got a contract for $62.5 million from the U.S. government for influenza vaccine to be used in a stockpile against a possible bird flu pandemic.
Emeryville-based Chiron (NASDAQ: CHIR) will make the drugs at its Liverpool, England factory for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Making the H5N1 avian influenza vaccine there will not affect Chiron's production of its Fluvirin vaccine, the company said.
The government stockpile woud include enough vaccine for 20 million people and enough viral medication for another 20 million. Chiron did not say how many doses it would make for the government. No one at the company could be reached for comment.
Chiron will begin delivering the drug to the government next year.
Chiron last year acquired Davis-based biotech company Sagres Discovery, which used research developed at University of California Davis to identify genes that can cause tumors and was working with pharmaceutical companies, but had trouble raising sufficient additional capital on its own. The company was expected to be folded into Chiron's Emeryville operation.
LATEST NEWS
October 28, 2005
Chiron gets $62M deal for bird flu vaccine stockpile
Chiron Corp. said Thursday it got a contract for $62.5 million from the U.S. government for influenza vaccine to be used in a stockpile against a possible bird flu pandemic.
Emeryville-based Chiron (NASDAQ: CHIR) will make the drugs at its Liverpool, England factory for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Making the H5N1 avian influenza vaccine there will not affect Chiron's production of its Fluvirin vaccine, the company said.
The government stockpile woud include enough vaccine for 20 million people and enough viral medication for another 20 million. Chiron did not say how many doses it would make for the government. No one at the company could be reached for comment.
Chiron will begin delivering the drug to the government next year.
Chiron last year acquired Davis-based biotech company Sagres Discovery, which used research developed at University of California Davis to identify genes that can cause tumors and was working with pharmaceutical companies, but had trouble raising sufficient additional capital on its own. The company was expected to be folded into Chiron's Emeryville operation.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Solano County seeking its foothold on the wine industry
Solano County seeking its foothold on the wine industry
Workers are busy picking merlot grates at the Ledgewood Creek Winery's property along Abernathy Road in Suisun Valley. (Photo by Judith Sagami)
By Christine Cubé
FAIRFIELD - When it comes to wine, most people - Californians included - think of Napa Valley.
From wine connoisseurs to the trained sommelier, Napa is known as the wine capital of the world.
Most folks don't think of Solano County.
But the business of wine is growing here. The county has more than a half dozen wineries, stretching from Suisun Valley to Dixon, and many are wrapping up their grape harvest this weekend. Several already are crushing grapes.
Brenda Inman, who co-owns with Rory Horton the Purple Pearl Vineyards in Dixon, said the facility is nearly finished its crush, which began in September. Only a couple of bins are left, representing a single row of grapes.
A young operation, Purple Pearl Vineyards is a year-and-a-half old. The 40-acre vineyard is located at 9177 Currey Road in Dixon.
The owners now are setting up the business to accommodate visitors on a regular basis - three days a week a tasting room will be open, starting in November. To this point, it has been open only by appointment.
Purple Pearl produces Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Muscat and a French grape called Valdiguié.
“We're mainly just farming, getting the name out there,” Inman said. “We haven't had enough time or space to have people over yet.”
By production standards, Purple Pearl Vineyards is a relatively small fish. The facility produces about 7,500 gallons of wine a year, or roughly 2,500 cases of Purple Pearl label wine.
By comparison, a larger winery in Solano County - Ledgewood Creek Winery & Vineyards in Suisun Valley - produces 10,000 cases of wine annually.
Because of cooler temperatures throughout the county, many local wineries pushed the harvest back about four weeks. Facilities usually have their grapes plucked by Oct. 1; this year it's closer to Nov. 1.
Bountiful harvest
State agriculture officials recently upgraded their estimate for the state's annual wine harvest.
The California Agricultural Statistical Service put this year's crop of wine grapes at 3.2 million tons, up from a previous forecast of 2.95 million tons.
Last year, 2.78 million tons of wine grapes were crushed, according to the service.
The larger-than-expected crop could cause some short-term surpluses. Also, the long, cool growing season that led to the larger harvest should result in tastier grapes, experts say.
Rick Wehman, manager of Ledgewood Creek Winery & Vineyards, said Solano County is at an advantage being so close to Napa Valley.
The winery, located at 4589 Abernathy Road in Suisun Valley, covers about 400 acres, 330 acres of which are planted.
Suisun Valley contains about 15,000 acres; roughly a fifth of the area is under vine.
“The typical Napa Cabernet is $30 to $60,” Wehman said. “Here, it's $15 to $20.”
The vineyards at Ledgewood Creek Winery & Vineyards have been around since 1987. The winery itself is just three years old.
Grape picking was to conclude by this weekend. The facility grows a number of grapes, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Mourvedre.
Wehman said the wine market is a tough business to break into.
“Napa tends to be a destination for people to visit (and) Solano County wineries are not at this point,” he said. “We probably have to do a little harder work on advertising than most of the Napa wineries. That's your competition really - is getting people to come out to taste the wines. Our wines are more affordable.”
Travelers find the wineries here. Most of the time, they're locals.
But the Purple Pearl Vineyard's Inman recalled once a New Jersey couple drove up, wandering around in their rental car.
A growing business
As Solano County continues to secure its foothold on the wine industry, local vineyards are working to become a unique attraction.
“It's a lot of work and it's a lot of learning,” Inman said. “If you're going to sell anything, wine is probably the easiest thing to sell as far as the product . . . There's thousands of labels of wine. Everybody gets their own following.”
A new player - more accurately the sale of a winery, new management and a name change - is GV Cellars in Green Valley.
The name is not yet official and Green Valley Vintners LLC, the investor group that bought the Volkhardt Estate Winery, is waiting for confirmation from the U.S. Department of Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau to proceed full steam ahead.
Until then, the facility and its 40 acres of grapes are still technically Volkhardt Estate Winery.
Lark Welton, an investor in GV Cellars, said the facility is preparing for the future, actively crushing grapes and setting up the business.
Officials say by spring, they'll be open for tasting.
Under the former owners Ben and Phyllis Volkhardt, the winery produced 5,000 to 6,000 cases of wine each year. The new owners expect to take the facility to the next level, producing more cases of wine, including Merlot Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Dolcetto.
The winery likely also will perform custom crush for clients, a practice many wineries do for others in the business. Other facilities ship their grapes to larger wineries in Napa.
Ledgewood Creek Winery & Vineyards uses only about 10 percent of its grapes for its own winery. The remainder of the fruit goes to neighboring Napa or Sonoma counties to service wineries like Beringer Vineyards and Ravenswood Winery.
“Most wineries buy outside fruit,” Wehman said. “You get to a point where you can't grow all the fruit.”
Reach Christine Cubé at 427-6934 or ccube@dailyrepublic.net.
Infobox
Solano County's wine grapes, 2004
Dark 6,691 tons
White 8,426 tons
Total 15,117 tons
Value: $10.2 million
Acres: 4,153
Source: Annual Crop and Livestock Report, 2004
Friday, October 28, 2005
Arming for potential disaster in Vacaville
Article Last Updated: 10/27/2005 06:32 AM
Arming for potential disaster
By Kimberly K. Fu/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com
Emergency responders from across the region are congregating in Vacaville this week for a three-day weapons of mass destruction threat and risk assessment planning and management program.
Essentially, public safety and other personnel, together with representatives of private industries such as Alza Corp. and Genentech, are learning skills to help them prevent, react to or recover from a terrorism incident with the potential for mass casualties.
That's not to say that there is any imminent terrorist threat to Vacaville or any other California city, officials said.
"Fortunately, nothing like that has happened in Vacaville. But, we want to be prepared in case something does," said Bob Powell, manager of the Solano County Office of Emergency Services. "And, it also helps us prepare for natural disasters."
From Tuesday through today, the nearly 45 participants engaged in classwork and field exercises. The course - taught by instructors with the Texas Engineering Extension Service - was conducted through a grant by the Department of Homeland Security.
Participants learned to assess risks - to buildings, events, etc. - and write needs assessments - including necessary equipment, training and other aid - to address those risks.
For example, instructor Bill Graner focused on a slide of a "secure" building featuring a security camera.
"Security cameras are great, but they're not worth a doggone if no one's watching them," he pointed out.
Wednesday's field exercise was to evaluate risks at seven Vacaville sites chosen at random. Participants were given nearly three hours to visit their assigned site and give it a thorough going over. After pinpointing any issues and photographing them, students would then present their findings to the class. A needs assessment report would follow.
"It's really easy to find weaknesses," Graner emphasized. "It's a lot harder to find good practices."
Several main goals would be accomplished by course's end, said Senior Instructor Bob Lowrey - teamwork, skills to better aid each jurisdiction in emergency preparedness and standardized training, meaning the participating agencies would be on the same page as others across the nation.
Everything, again, comes down to preparedness, Powell said.
"It just gives us a real good look at what we have in the county," he said. "And it's just a good example of how all the agencies are trying to work together ... to accomplish the same mission."
Kimberly K. Fu can be reached at cops@thereporter.com.
Calif. new-home building set for banner year -report of a 15-year high
Calif. new-home building set for banner year -report
Thu Oct 27, 2005 7:58 PM ET
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 27 (Reuters) - New home construction in California is poised to match last year's level, a 15-year high, after a sharp jump in housing starts in September, especially in Riverside County near Los Angeles, a home builders group said on Thursday in a report.
Propelled by a doubling of housing starts in fast-growing Riverside County, southeast of Los Angeles in Southern California, a total of 20,952 building permits for new homes and apartments were issued statewide last month, according to the California Building Industry Association.
That marked an increase of 21.3 percent from August and 20.9 percent from a year earlier, the industry group said in a report based on information gathered by the Construction Industry Research Board.
"In Riverside County -- by far the state's leading growth area -- housing starts doubled in September to 4,140 new homes and apartments, compared to 2,049 in August. That accounts for nearly 56 percent of the statewide increase from August to September of 3,680," the home builders group said in its report.
Soaring home prices in coastal California markets are driving home buyers and builders inland to more affordable areas such as Riverside County, neighboring San Bernardino County and the state's Central Valley.
According to the home builders' group, single-family housing starts in California in September rose to 15,087, up 12.8 percent from August and 20.5 percent from a year earlier. Multifamily starts in California last month totaled 5,865, up 50.8 percent from August and 22 percent from a year earlier, indicating a strong market for condominiums.
Total housing starts in California from the start of the year through September totaled 164,042, an increase of 3.7 percent from the same period a year earlier, positioning starts this year to match last year's total of 212,960, which marked the state's busiest year for home building since 1989, according to the home builders' group.
California has had one of the hottest homes markets in the United States in recent years thanks to torrid demand, low mortgage interest rates, a growing population and a persistent shortfall of housing.
Thu Oct 27, 2005 7:58 PM ET
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 27 (Reuters) - New home construction in California is poised to match last year's level, a 15-year high, after a sharp jump in housing starts in September, especially in Riverside County near Los Angeles, a home builders group said on Thursday in a report.
Propelled by a doubling of housing starts in fast-growing Riverside County, southeast of Los Angeles in Southern California, a total of 20,952 building permits for new homes and apartments were issued statewide last month, according to the California Building Industry Association.
That marked an increase of 21.3 percent from August and 20.9 percent from a year earlier, the industry group said in a report based on information gathered by the Construction Industry Research Board.
"In Riverside County -- by far the state's leading growth area -- housing starts doubled in September to 4,140 new homes and apartments, compared to 2,049 in August. That accounts for nearly 56 percent of the statewide increase from August to September of 3,680," the home builders group said in its report.
Soaring home prices in coastal California markets are driving home buyers and builders inland to more affordable areas such as Riverside County, neighboring San Bernardino County and the state's Central Valley.
According to the home builders' group, single-family housing starts in California in September rose to 15,087, up 12.8 percent from August and 20.5 percent from a year earlier. Multifamily starts in California last month totaled 5,865, up 50.8 percent from August and 22 percent from a year earlier, indicating a strong market for condominiums.
Total housing starts in California from the start of the year through September totaled 164,042, an increase of 3.7 percent from the same period a year earlier, positioning starts this year to match last year's total of 212,960, which marked the state's busiest year for home building since 1989, according to the home builders' group.
California has had one of the hottest homes markets in the United States in recent years thanks to torrid demand, low mortgage interest rates, a growing population and a persistent shortfall of housing.
VA hastens veterans cemetery construction near Dixon
VA hastens veterans cemetery construction
By Ian Thompson
DAILY REPUBLIC
FAIRFIELD - Spring weather permitting, the first burials in the fast-tracked portion of the proposed veterans cemetery near Dixon could happen by June 2006, federal officials told veterans Wednesday.
Under pressure by aging Northern California veterans and their families, the VA is fast-tracking construction of a 14-arce portion of their planned 561-acre national cemetery, said Cliff Schem, the VA's regional director for cemeteries.
Families of many Northern California veterans who have died are keeping their remains in anticipation of permanent burial at the Dixon cemetery.
The VA will solicit for bids on the fast-tracked portion of the cemetery within two weeks. Work will start as early as possible in 2006, local veterans learned.
The VA plans to open an office by Christmas with people to handle arrangements for those wanting to be buried in the cemetery. The VA planned to open the office in Sacramento, but local veterans suggested the agency locate the office in the VA facilities next to David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base.
The VA bought the land for a cemetery just outside of Dixon in July 2004 because of the large number of veterans living in the area and the fact the nearest veterans cemetery, in the Presidio in San Francisco, is closed to new burials.
The closest cemetery with space still available is 100 miles away in Gustine.
As many as 2,400 people could end up buried in the cemetery every year once it's finished, officials told a veterans committee chaired by Solano County Supervisor Mike Reagan.
Veterans also asked if the VA has decided what to name the cemetery. They want it to be named the Solano National Cemetery but fear other veterans groups and local governments in the Sacramento Valley area might push for a Sacramento area name, they said.
The VA Director has made no decision on a name, Schem said.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
By Ian Thompson
DAILY REPUBLIC
FAIRFIELD - Spring weather permitting, the first burials in the fast-tracked portion of the proposed veterans cemetery near Dixon could happen by June 2006, federal officials told veterans Wednesday.
Under pressure by aging Northern California veterans and their families, the VA is fast-tracking construction of a 14-arce portion of their planned 561-acre national cemetery, said Cliff Schem, the VA's regional director for cemeteries.
Families of many Northern California veterans who have died are keeping their remains in anticipation of permanent burial at the Dixon cemetery.
The VA will solicit for bids on the fast-tracked portion of the cemetery within two weeks. Work will start as early as possible in 2006, local veterans learned.
The VA plans to open an office by Christmas with people to handle arrangements for those wanting to be buried in the cemetery. The VA planned to open the office in Sacramento, but local veterans suggested the agency locate the office in the VA facilities next to David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base.
The VA bought the land for a cemetery just outside of Dixon in July 2004 because of the large number of veterans living in the area and the fact the nearest veterans cemetery, in the Presidio in San Francisco, is closed to new burials.
The closest cemetery with space still available is 100 miles away in Gustine.
As many as 2,400 people could end up buried in the cemetery every year once it's finished, officials told a veterans committee chaired by Solano County Supervisor Mike Reagan.
Veterans also asked if the VA has decided what to name the cemetery. They want it to be named the Solano National Cemetery but fear other veterans groups and local governments in the Sacramento Valley area might push for a Sacramento area name, they said.
The VA Director has made no decision on a name, Schem said.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Traffic fears mar Solano County fairgrounds plan
Article Last Updated: 10/27/2005 06:35 AM
Traffic fears mar fairgrounds plan
By GREG MOBERLY, Times-Herald staff writer
Vallejo Times Herald
Simulated cars rushed across a new Turner Parkway overpass as concerned citizens quickly jockeyed Wednesday to question the real impacts of a proposed fairgrounds redevelopment.
Again, as with the previous week's open house meeting, most individuals attending had a vested interest in the project. But there were a few new faces at the meeting. Among them were officials from Mills Corp., the project's developer, and Solano County Fair, and opposition group members.
Mills has proposed redeveloping the fairgrounds into a year-round attraction with residential villages, shops, walking trails, streams and parkland to be mixed with annual fair activities.
The property is located on 152 acres between Highway 37 and Coach Lane, just off of Interstate 80. Mills consultant Brian Clark said with or without a fairgrounds redevelopment there are traffic problems. Mary Crane, who lived in a nearby trailer park, had no doubt about that.
"I have trouble getting out onto Fairgrounds Drive now," Crane said of her morning commute. She said she heard "a whole lot of uncertainties" about the project Wednesday that failed to set her mind at ease.
Steve Harris, a transportation engineer with Wells & Associates, explained how he saw a four lane Turner Parkway overcrossing connecting to a widened Fairgrounds Drive to move traffic quicker.
Fairgrounds Coalition for Responsible Development member Janet Sylvain said she wanted to take more time viewing the project's Web site (fairofthefuture.com) to better comprehend the traffic impact with the overcrossing.
The Fairgrounds Coalition for Responsible Development is a group backed by downtown Vallejo businesses and the Westfield Corp., which owns Westfield Shoppingtown Solano in Fairfield.
The previous week Sylvain said traffic impacts are a main concern.
Andy Kinane of Benicia talked with project developers and still wasn't certain how the traffic would improve either.
"It still isn't very clear how they're going to handle it," Kinane said. He said he liked the village concept.
Mike Brown, with the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau, said he favored much of what he heard of the project.
"Any project like this that'll boost tourism is a positive," Brown said.
But coalition members and others told Clark they didn't hear enough to set them at ease.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors have until the end of the year to decide whether to move ahead with the redevelopment plans. Clark has said the project will be tweaked before then.
Vallejo resident Darrell Edwards said he's not against the project but didn't like the meeting's open house format.
"It allows Mills to be in control at all times," Edwards said. He said he would have preferred an assembly type format where people listen and then ask questions.
Coalition member Paula Culbertson, who has voiced opposition to the project, said there are still a lot of people in Vallejo who don't know about the project.
- E-mail Greg Moberly at GMoberly@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6833.
Traffic fears mar fairgrounds plan
By GREG MOBERLY, Times-Herald staff writer
Vallejo Times Herald
Simulated cars rushed across a new Turner Parkway overpass as concerned citizens quickly jockeyed Wednesday to question the real impacts of a proposed fairgrounds redevelopment.
Again, as with the previous week's open house meeting, most individuals attending had a vested interest in the project. But there were a few new faces at the meeting. Among them were officials from Mills Corp., the project's developer, and Solano County Fair, and opposition group members.
Mills has proposed redeveloping the fairgrounds into a year-round attraction with residential villages, shops, walking trails, streams and parkland to be mixed with annual fair activities.
The property is located on 152 acres between Highway 37 and Coach Lane, just off of Interstate 80. Mills consultant Brian Clark said with or without a fairgrounds redevelopment there are traffic problems. Mary Crane, who lived in a nearby trailer park, had no doubt about that.
"I have trouble getting out onto Fairgrounds Drive now," Crane said of her morning commute. She said she heard "a whole lot of uncertainties" about the project Wednesday that failed to set her mind at ease.
Steve Harris, a transportation engineer with Wells & Associates, explained how he saw a four lane Turner Parkway overcrossing connecting to a widened Fairgrounds Drive to move traffic quicker.
Fairgrounds Coalition for Responsible Development member Janet Sylvain said she wanted to take more time viewing the project's Web site (fairofthefuture.com) to better comprehend the traffic impact with the overcrossing.
The Fairgrounds Coalition for Responsible Development is a group backed by downtown Vallejo businesses and the Westfield Corp., which owns Westfield Shoppingtown Solano in Fairfield.
The previous week Sylvain said traffic impacts are a main concern.
Andy Kinane of Benicia talked with project developers and still wasn't certain how the traffic would improve either.
"It still isn't very clear how they're going to handle it," Kinane said. He said he liked the village concept.
Mike Brown, with the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau, said he favored much of what he heard of the project.
"Any project like this that'll boost tourism is a positive," Brown said.
But coalition members and others told Clark they didn't hear enough to set them at ease.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors have until the end of the year to decide whether to move ahead with the redevelopment plans. Clark has said the project will be tweaked before then.
Vallejo resident Darrell Edwards said he's not against the project but didn't like the meeting's open house format.
"It allows Mills to be in control at all times," Edwards said. He said he would have preferred an assembly type format where people listen and then ask questions.
Coalition member Paula Culbertson, who has voiced opposition to the project, said there are still a lot of people in Vallejo who don't know about the project.
- E-mail Greg Moberly at GMoberly@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6833.
Sacramento in top 50 of logistics-friendly cities
9:57 AM PDT Tuesday
Sacramento in top 50 of logistics-friendly cities
Sacramento ranks No. 31 on a list of the most logistics-friendly cities in the United States, according to a study conducted by Expansion Management and Logistics Today magazines.
The study ranks 362 metropolitan areas in the country based on their transportation infrastructures, according to the report.
"Whether a company is setting up a manufacturing facility, distribution center, retail outlet or whatever, it is absolutely critical that the location it chooses be supported by a robust transportation infrastructure," according to the magazines' researchers. "Regardless of the specific type of facility, it will need to be able to quickly and economically move raw materials, supplies and finished products in and out."
The site selection ranking annually evaluates the overall logistics infrastructure based on 10 categories: the transportation and distribution industry, transportation and distribution work force, road infrastructure, road congestion, road conditions, interstate highway access, vehicle taxes and fees, railroad access, water port access and air cargo access.
Sacramento's best showing in any category was in the work-force category; its worst was in the roads criterion.
Topping this year's list as the most logistics-friendly metro is New York City, followed by Houston, Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit.
St. Louis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Francisco/Oakland, Kansas City, Mo./Kansas City, Kan., and Jacksonville, Fla., round out the top 10, according to the report. The study was done before the recent hurricanes wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast.
Sacramento tied with Albany, N.Y., for the No. 31 slot. San Antonio was No. 33.
Stockton weighed it at No. 72, while Vallejo/Fairfield was at No. 204. Yuba City/Marysville finished 348th.
Chico fared the worst among California metro areas, seven ranks below Yuba City/Marysville and seven notches above the basement-dweller, Goldsboro, N.C.
Los Angeles was No. 14. Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario finished 51st. Stockton was No. 72. The mags adjudged San Jose as 105th. Bakersfield and Fresno checked in at 139th and 146th, respectively. El Centro was No. 167. Santa Barbara weighed in at No. 183. Visalia/Porterville was a dozen ranks below Santa Barbara. Oxnard/Thousand Oaks/Ventura claimed the 230th spot, immediately followed by Modesto. Santa Rosa/Petaluma was 241st. Hanford/Corcoran was No. 286 in the eyes of the magazines' judges. Santa Cruz/Watsonville weighed in at 291st. Salinas was No. 314. Merced checked in at No. 322. San Luis Obispo/Paso Robles was 336th.
Sacramento in top 50 of logistics-friendly cities
Sacramento ranks No. 31 on a list of the most logistics-friendly cities in the United States, according to a study conducted by Expansion Management and Logistics Today magazines.
The study ranks 362 metropolitan areas in the country based on their transportation infrastructures, according to the report.
"Whether a company is setting up a manufacturing facility, distribution center, retail outlet or whatever, it is absolutely critical that the location it chooses be supported by a robust transportation infrastructure," according to the magazines' researchers. "Regardless of the specific type of facility, it will need to be able to quickly and economically move raw materials, supplies and finished products in and out."
The site selection ranking annually evaluates the overall logistics infrastructure based on 10 categories: the transportation and distribution industry, transportation and distribution work force, road infrastructure, road congestion, road conditions, interstate highway access, vehicle taxes and fees, railroad access, water port access and air cargo access.
Sacramento's best showing in any category was in the work-force category; its worst was in the roads criterion.
Topping this year's list as the most logistics-friendly metro is New York City, followed by Houston, Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit.
St. Louis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Francisco/Oakland, Kansas City, Mo./Kansas City, Kan., and Jacksonville, Fla., round out the top 10, according to the report. The study was done before the recent hurricanes wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast.
Sacramento tied with Albany, N.Y., for the No. 31 slot. San Antonio was No. 33.
Stockton weighed it at No. 72, while Vallejo/Fairfield was at No. 204. Yuba City/Marysville finished 348th.
Chico fared the worst among California metro areas, seven ranks below Yuba City/Marysville and seven notches above the basement-dweller, Goldsboro, N.C.
Los Angeles was No. 14. Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario finished 51st. Stockton was No. 72. The mags adjudged San Jose as 105th. Bakersfield and Fresno checked in at 139th and 146th, respectively. El Centro was No. 167. Santa Barbara weighed in at No. 183. Visalia/Porterville was a dozen ranks below Santa Barbara. Oxnard/Thousand Oaks/Ventura claimed the 230th spot, immediately followed by Modesto. Santa Rosa/Petaluma was 241st. Hanford/Corcoran was No. 286 in the eyes of the magazines' judges. Santa Cruz/Watsonville weighed in at 291st. Salinas was No. 314. Merced checked in at No. 322. San Luis Obispo/Paso Robles was 336th.
Developers seeking out shut-down military base in Concord
Developers seeking out shut-down military bases
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The Wall Street Journal
Note: Concord is located in Contra Costa County adjacent to Solano County.
When the military announces another round of base closings, the news sends chills through cities and towns fearful of losing a source of good jobs and a steady flow of cash generated by the troops.
Not so in Concord, Calif. The city, located about 20 miles from Oakland, actually asked federal officials to shut down the Concord Naval Weapons Station, hoping to develop the land. The Defense Department agreed to close a roughly 5,200-acre portion of the property -- quite enough to stir up Concord.
"Everybody is very, very excited about it," says Jim Forsberg, Concord's director of planning and economic development. "It represents a major opportunity to do good things for our city."
The Concord property is on the current list of U.S. military base closings that has been approved by President Bush. If Congress doesn't reject that list in the next two weeks or so it becomes law. Thanks to the hot real-estate market and some high-profile successes with former bases, the current wave of closings is very different from past efforts. Some cities and towns are eager to start planning what to do with these bases, and big-name real-estate developers are angling for the properties.
Even the military, which in the past has often given the land to local communities, has caught on to the real-estate boom.
In the current round of base closings, developers expect the military will try to sell more former bases at market value, potentially bringing millions into the federal coffers. This shift sparked a niche industry of insurers, lawyers and lobbyists specializing in turning massive tracts of government land into housing, shopping centers and parks. The Navy, which by the nature of its business owns lots of valuable waterfront property, has hired real-estate consulting firm Jones Lang LaSalle to advise it.
"It used to be 'Clean it up, give it to city,' " says Jill Votaw, a spokeswoman for the Navy's program-management office for Base Realignment and Closure. "The current administration says, 'Wait a minute that property is worth some money -- maybe we should get some back for the taxpayers.'"
Some sought-after properties on the 2005 BRAC list, according to developers and the Association of Defense Communities, might include the Concord Naval Weapons Station, Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Fort Monmouth in New Jersey and the main campus of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in northern Washington, D.C.
Developers, like Lennar Corp. and Actus Lend Lease, are actively analyzing the properties. Others are quietly assessing opportunities and waiting to pounce on some of the 22 major bases that were ordered closed by the commission.
"I can't imagine all the significant developers in the U.S. are not doing what we are," says Jeffrey Simon, a senior vice president of development at Actus Lend Lease, a subsidiary of Australian developer Lend Lease. "They are looking at the list, putting together what they know about the properties and when the time is right they will go after them."
Towns like Concord hope to replicate what happened at the El Toro Marine Air Corps Station in Orange County, Calif., just west of Irvine, which was sold early this year in a closely watched auction.
Lennar, one of the country's biggest home builders, paid the federal government $649 million, one of the highest prices ever paid for a shuttered base. The sale came after years of squabbling between local government officials over the fate of the 3,700-acre tract of land in the red-hot market of Southern California. The parcel that Lennar bought is zoned for 3,400 homes, three million square feet of research and development space, several golf courses, a cemetery and university campus. A large portion of the land will become park space.
"I don't know where you are going to find that much land in a land-constrained market," says Emile Haddad, president of Lennar's Western region.
To be sure, there are some properties that will be a tough sell because of their remote location or serious pollution issues. For example, the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, which is on the closure list, is located in rural southeastern Kansas about 115 miles north of Tulsa, Okla.
Local disagreements and indecision have kept several bases empty and forlorn for years after they close, despite their prime locations. Near Boston, local officials have come up with three different redevelopment plans for the former South Weymouth (Mass.) Naval Air Station, which was closed in 1997, although local redevelopment officials are confident the latest plan will work. In San Francisco, the Navy has been negotiating for years with the city over the terms of transferring a former naval station on Treasure Island, located in San Francisco Bay.
In January, the Government Accountability Office reported that as of Sept. 30, 2004, the military still owned 28 percent of the land from previous closure rounds, mostly because of environmental cleanup issues.
Pentagon officials say they are learning from their mistakes and figuring out better ways to dispose of the land than in the previous round of closures, which began in the mid-1990s, following the end of the Cold War.
Developers say they have more information about pollution on the bases, which helps them determine whether the properties are worth investing in. Based on this information, developers can assess the risks of developing these properties and local communities can be more realistic about their chances for reuse.
The improved information also allows the military to divide up large installations and transfer the less polluted pieces for redevelopment. Another tool helping developers is environmental insurance, which they say reduces the risk they face if pollutants are found on the site.
Environmental problems, "just don't have the disqualifying affects that they did previously," says Actus Lend Lease's Mr. Simon.
One of the biggest changes in this round of base closures could be the real-estate market itself, which has dramatically raised the value of some of the bases. In 2002, the Navy auctioned off a Naval medical center in the hills of Oakland to a local church for $22.5 million. But when the church couldn't pay the bill, the sale fell through.
A second auction for the medical center started in August and as of Tuesday the top bid was $93.5 million.
In Concord, city officials are eager to begin the planning process for the Naval property, but they want to be sensitive to residents' concerns about traffic, open-space preservation and housing.
Even though the military hasn't closed that portion of the naval station yet, the pressures are mounting. When Mr. Forsberg attended a conference recently about reusing military bases, he was treated like a celebrity. Real-estate consultants and developers were buzzing about the city's Naval installation. "They said, 'Concord. Let's talk,' " says Mr. Forsberg.
Mr. Forsberg says the city is looking for money to hire consultants to help study a reuse plan. Developers have offered to help. But, Mr. Forsberg says they will find the funds elsewhere.
"There is going to be a lot of pressures on the community to go go go -- but we have to get this right," he says.
Barracks to Brownstones
Developers say these and other bases slated for closure could become valuable real estate.
Concord Naval Weapons Station, inland portion (Calif.) 20 miles north of Oakland 5,200 acres
Fort Monmouth (N.J.) 50 miles south of New York City 1,120
Fort McPherson (Ga.) Near downtown Atlanta 487
Walter Reed Army Medical Center Northern Washington, D.C., near the Maryland border 113
Sources: Department of Defense; Assocation of Defense Communities; WSJ research
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The Wall Street Journal
Note: Concord is located in Contra Costa County adjacent to Solano County.
When the military announces another round of base closings, the news sends chills through cities and towns fearful of losing a source of good jobs and a steady flow of cash generated by the troops.
Not so in Concord, Calif. The city, located about 20 miles from Oakland, actually asked federal officials to shut down the Concord Naval Weapons Station, hoping to develop the land. The Defense Department agreed to close a roughly 5,200-acre portion of the property -- quite enough to stir up Concord.
"Everybody is very, very excited about it," says Jim Forsberg, Concord's director of planning and economic development. "It represents a major opportunity to do good things for our city."
The Concord property is on the current list of U.S. military base closings that has been approved by President Bush. If Congress doesn't reject that list in the next two weeks or so it becomes law. Thanks to the hot real-estate market and some high-profile successes with former bases, the current wave of closings is very different from past efforts. Some cities and towns are eager to start planning what to do with these bases, and big-name real-estate developers are angling for the properties.
Even the military, which in the past has often given the land to local communities, has caught on to the real-estate boom.
In the current round of base closings, developers expect the military will try to sell more former bases at market value, potentially bringing millions into the federal coffers. This shift sparked a niche industry of insurers, lawyers and lobbyists specializing in turning massive tracts of government land into housing, shopping centers and parks. The Navy, which by the nature of its business owns lots of valuable waterfront property, has hired real-estate consulting firm Jones Lang LaSalle to advise it.
"It used to be 'Clean it up, give it to city,' " says Jill Votaw, a spokeswoman for the Navy's program-management office for Base Realignment and Closure. "The current administration says, 'Wait a minute that property is worth some money -- maybe we should get some back for the taxpayers.'"
Some sought-after properties on the 2005 BRAC list, according to developers and the Association of Defense Communities, might include the Concord Naval Weapons Station, Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Fort Monmouth in New Jersey and the main campus of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in northern Washington, D.C.
Developers, like Lennar Corp. and Actus Lend Lease, are actively analyzing the properties. Others are quietly assessing opportunities and waiting to pounce on some of the 22 major bases that were ordered closed by the commission.
"I can't imagine all the significant developers in the U.S. are not doing what we are," says Jeffrey Simon, a senior vice president of development at Actus Lend Lease, a subsidiary of Australian developer Lend Lease. "They are looking at the list, putting together what they know about the properties and when the time is right they will go after them."
Towns like Concord hope to replicate what happened at the El Toro Marine Air Corps Station in Orange County, Calif., just west of Irvine, which was sold early this year in a closely watched auction.
Lennar, one of the country's biggest home builders, paid the federal government $649 million, one of the highest prices ever paid for a shuttered base. The sale came after years of squabbling between local government officials over the fate of the 3,700-acre tract of land in the red-hot market of Southern California. The parcel that Lennar bought is zoned for 3,400 homes, three million square feet of research and development space, several golf courses, a cemetery and university campus. A large portion of the land will become park space.
"I don't know where you are going to find that much land in a land-constrained market," says Emile Haddad, president of Lennar's Western region.
To be sure, there are some properties that will be a tough sell because of their remote location or serious pollution issues. For example, the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, which is on the closure list, is located in rural southeastern Kansas about 115 miles north of Tulsa, Okla.
Local disagreements and indecision have kept several bases empty and forlorn for years after they close, despite their prime locations. Near Boston, local officials have come up with three different redevelopment plans for the former South Weymouth (Mass.) Naval Air Station, which was closed in 1997, although local redevelopment officials are confident the latest plan will work. In San Francisco, the Navy has been negotiating for years with the city over the terms of transferring a former naval station on Treasure Island, located in San Francisco Bay.
In January, the Government Accountability Office reported that as of Sept. 30, 2004, the military still owned 28 percent of the land from previous closure rounds, mostly because of environmental cleanup issues.
Pentagon officials say they are learning from their mistakes and figuring out better ways to dispose of the land than in the previous round of closures, which began in the mid-1990s, following the end of the Cold War.
Developers say they have more information about pollution on the bases, which helps them determine whether the properties are worth investing in. Based on this information, developers can assess the risks of developing these properties and local communities can be more realistic about their chances for reuse.
The improved information also allows the military to divide up large installations and transfer the less polluted pieces for redevelopment. Another tool helping developers is environmental insurance, which they say reduces the risk they face if pollutants are found on the site.
Environmental problems, "just don't have the disqualifying affects that they did previously," says Actus Lend Lease's Mr. Simon.
One of the biggest changes in this round of base closures could be the real-estate market itself, which has dramatically raised the value of some of the bases. In 2002, the Navy auctioned off a Naval medical center in the hills of Oakland to a local church for $22.5 million. But when the church couldn't pay the bill, the sale fell through.
A second auction for the medical center started in August and as of Tuesday the top bid was $93.5 million.
In Concord, city officials are eager to begin the planning process for the Naval property, but they want to be sensitive to residents' concerns about traffic, open-space preservation and housing.
Even though the military hasn't closed that portion of the naval station yet, the pressures are mounting. When Mr. Forsberg attended a conference recently about reusing military bases, he was treated like a celebrity. Real-estate consultants and developers were buzzing about the city's Naval installation. "They said, 'Concord. Let's talk,' " says Mr. Forsberg.
Mr. Forsberg says the city is looking for money to hire consultants to help study a reuse plan. Developers have offered to help. But, Mr. Forsberg says they will find the funds elsewhere.
"There is going to be a lot of pressures on the community to go go go -- but we have to get this right," he says.
Barracks to Brownstones
Developers say these and other bases slated for closure could become valuable real estate.
Concord Naval Weapons Station, inland portion (Calif.) 20 miles north of Oakland 5,200 acres
Fort Monmouth (N.J.) 50 miles south of New York City 1,120
Fort McPherson (Ga.) Near downtown Atlanta 487
Walter Reed Army Medical Center Northern Washington, D.C., near the Maryland border 113
Sources: Department of Defense; Assocation of Defense Communities; WSJ research
Solano County Board of Supervisors and delegates from Ji'an, China, sign the Sister City agreement
Solano County gets sister city
By Sarah Arnquist
FAIRFIELD - The Solano County Board of Supervisors and delegates from Ji'an, China, hope the Sister City agreement they signed Tuesday leads to future cultural, business and education exchanges.
Solano County and Ji'an have many things in common, including their inland locations and mixed agricultural and industrial economies, Ji'an Mayor Hu Changlin said.
“We will get a mutual understanding between both people,” Changlin said through an interpreter. “We would like to have developments in terms of education and social undertakings.”
Ji'an has a population of 4.7 million and is significantly larger in area than Solano County, but their economic bases are similar, county officials said. The purpose of a Sister City relationship is to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development, officials said.
In 2004, Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez, County Administrator Michael Johnson and Assistant County Administrator Quang Ho traveled to Ji'an. They said they wanted to reciprocate the warm welcome and hospitality they received while visiting China.
Following the signing ceremony Tuesday morning, the delegates and county supervisors toured the Jelly Belly Candy Co. and Anheuser-Busch factories. They also met with Rodriguez High School and Solano Community College officials.
Educational exchanges are a top priority of the agreement, Vasquez said.
“We hope to build educational ties,” he said. “We'd really like to see teachers go over there.”
Today the four delegates plan to tour the Nourot Glass Factory in Benicia and the Vacaville fruit processing plant of Mariani Packing Co. The trip will end with a tour of early Chinese immigrants in Solano County at the Vacaville Museum.
It is important for local governments to host international exchanges and Sister City programs because it fosters personal, one-on-one relationships, Supervisor Mike Reagan said.
“Personal relationships is the only thing that does make diplomatic approaches possible,” he said.
Creating a relationship with a Chinese city is a very strategic diplomatic move in today's world, Reagan added.
Reach Sarah Arnquist at 427-6953 or sarnquist@dailyrepublic.net.
By Sarah Arnquist
FAIRFIELD - The Solano County Board of Supervisors and delegates from Ji'an, China, hope the Sister City agreement they signed Tuesday leads to future cultural, business and education exchanges.
Solano County and Ji'an have many things in common, including their inland locations and mixed agricultural and industrial economies, Ji'an Mayor Hu Changlin said.
“We will get a mutual understanding between both people,” Changlin said through an interpreter. “We would like to have developments in terms of education and social undertakings.”
Ji'an has a population of 4.7 million and is significantly larger in area than Solano County, but their economic bases are similar, county officials said. The purpose of a Sister City relationship is to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development, officials said.
In 2004, Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez, County Administrator Michael Johnson and Assistant County Administrator Quang Ho traveled to Ji'an. They said they wanted to reciprocate the warm welcome and hospitality they received while visiting China.
Following the signing ceremony Tuesday morning, the delegates and county supervisors toured the Jelly Belly Candy Co. and Anheuser-Busch factories. They also met with Rodriguez High School and Solano Community College officials.
Educational exchanges are a top priority of the agreement, Vasquez said.
“We hope to build educational ties,” he said. “We'd really like to see teachers go over there.”
Today the four delegates plan to tour the Nourot Glass Factory in Benicia and the Vacaville fruit processing plant of Mariani Packing Co. The trip will end with a tour of early Chinese immigrants in Solano County at the Vacaville Museum.
It is important for local governments to host international exchanges and Sister City programs because it fosters personal, one-on-one relationships, Supervisor Mike Reagan said.
“Personal relationships is the only thing that does make diplomatic approaches possible,” he said.
Creating a relationship with a Chinese city is a very strategic diplomatic move in today's world, Reagan added.
Reach Sarah Arnquist at 427-6953 or sarnquist@dailyrepublic.net.
The unemployment rate in Solano County was down to 5 percent in September
Article Last Updated: 10/26/2005 06:54 AM
Unemployment numbers down in Napa-Solano
By Times-Herald staff
Vallejo Times Herald
Unemployment is down in the Solano and Napa county areas, according to the state Employment Development Department's latest figures.
The unemployment rate in Solano County was 5 percent in September, down from 5.3 percent in August and below the year-ago estimate of 5.2 percent. At 3.7 percent, Napa County's unemployment rate is also lower, down from 4 percent in August and below the year-ago estimate of 3.8 percent.
These figures compare with a 4.8 national and state unemployment rate during the same period, according to the EDD statistics.
In Solano County, the biggest job gains over the year were in construction, professional services and government, while leisure and hospitality, education and health services and the trade, transportation and utilities industries lost jobs over the year.
The big gains in Napa County were in government and the leisure and hospitality industries, though jobs were lost in construction, manufacturing, transportation, trade and utilities and professional services.
These figures seem to support the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, which indicates that 31 percent of western state employers surveyed expect to hire new people in the fourth quarter of 2005 while only 9 percent plan on letting people go.
The latest manpower figures predict a healthy job market in the Solano and Napa county regions in the next quarter, with 23 percent of companies interviewed planning to hire new employees and none planning to reduce their workforce. Another 44 percent said they'd make no change in their staff levels, while 33 percent report uncertain hiring plans.
These figures are up from the last quarter report when 27 percent of the firms interviewed planned to hire but 7 percent planned to let people go.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Chiron expects market share boost
Posted on Wed, Oct. 26, 2005
Chiron expects market share boost
By Judy Silber
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Note: Chiron has a production facility in Vacaville, CA located in Solano County.
Despite a difficult year, executives from Chiron Corp. said they are looking to expand flu vaccine production and be a significant player in that market.
The Emeryville-based company said on Tuesday that it has begun an early-stage clinical trial for a cell culture-based method of making flu vaccine, a technique that will provide greater flexibility for manufacturing than current technology. In addition, it is discussing production of a vaccine for the deadly avian flu with the U.S. and European governments.
The company reported in a third-quarter earnings conference call with investors that it will have shipped only 5 million doses of flu vaccine by the end of this week. Because of production delays and lower outputs than usual, Chiron said it will not meet the total of 18 million doses predicted earlier this year.
"It is the price we pay in order to maximize our confidence that this return to the United States supply will be sustainable," said Howard Pien, chief executive officer of Chiron.
After losing its flu vaccine manufacturing license one year ago, Chiron implemented a 2,000-step overhaul of its Liverpool, England, facility to clean up severe bacterial contamination. The company received clearance to ship the first doses of finished vaccine earlier this month.
Chiron's production season was about one-third of the usual length, Pien said. There were "challenges associated with new equipment and processes," he added. The company was also extra careful about installation so that the facility would run smoothly and sustainably once back online, Pien said.
Pien refused to predict how many doses Chiron will deliver this year. Chiron has already twice changed projections for the 2005-06 flu season. "If we were wrong, someone will say that Chiron is shooting itself in the foot again and again," he said.
Compared to one year ago, when Chiron was forced to write off sales of its flu vaccine, third-quarter profits nearly doubled for 2005. The company reported net income of $51.3 million dollars, or 27 cents per share for the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared to $27 million, or 14 cents per share, for the same period in 2004.
In addition to depressed sales of flu vaccine in the U.S. market, Chiron took a $41 million hit for the shut-down of its plant in Marburg, Germany. The company said the clean-up is much easier than what was needed in Liverpool, and expects that facility will be producing vaccine again in 2006.
Though this year's flu season is a disappointment for the company, Pien stressed that the company is looking ahead.
The cell culture technique for flu vaccine production is faster and more adaptable than the current method of using chicken eggs. Since last year's debacle with Chiron, health officials have stressed the importance of getting cell culture systems up and running because they offer greater flexibility.
Though the U.S. trials are only just beginning, Chiron is in late stage clinical trials in Europe and expects to file for approval there in 2006.
Planning for a pandemic outbreak of the avian flu virus has also become a top priority for Chiron. Chiron scientists began working on an avian flu vaccine in 1997. Pien said the company is discussing the prospect of making a vaccine for the federal stockpile with health officials.
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Judy Silber covers biotechnology and the business of health care. Reach her at 925-977-8507 or jsilber@cctimes.com.
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© 2005 ContraCostaTimes.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.contracostatimes.com
Chiron expects market share boost
By Judy Silber
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Note: Chiron has a production facility in Vacaville, CA located in Solano County.
Despite a difficult year, executives from Chiron Corp. said they are looking to expand flu vaccine production and be a significant player in that market.
The Emeryville-based company said on Tuesday that it has begun an early-stage clinical trial for a cell culture-based method of making flu vaccine, a technique that will provide greater flexibility for manufacturing than current technology. In addition, it is discussing production of a vaccine for the deadly avian flu with the U.S. and European governments.
The company reported in a third-quarter earnings conference call with investors that it will have shipped only 5 million doses of flu vaccine by the end of this week. Because of production delays and lower outputs than usual, Chiron said it will not meet the total of 18 million doses predicted earlier this year.
"It is the price we pay in order to maximize our confidence that this return to the United States supply will be sustainable," said Howard Pien, chief executive officer of Chiron.
After losing its flu vaccine manufacturing license one year ago, Chiron implemented a 2,000-step overhaul of its Liverpool, England, facility to clean up severe bacterial contamination. The company received clearance to ship the first doses of finished vaccine earlier this month.
Chiron's production season was about one-third of the usual length, Pien said. There were "challenges associated with new equipment and processes," he added. The company was also extra careful about installation so that the facility would run smoothly and sustainably once back online, Pien said.
Pien refused to predict how many doses Chiron will deliver this year. Chiron has already twice changed projections for the 2005-06 flu season. "If we were wrong, someone will say that Chiron is shooting itself in the foot again and again," he said.
Compared to one year ago, when Chiron was forced to write off sales of its flu vaccine, third-quarter profits nearly doubled for 2005. The company reported net income of $51.3 million dollars, or 27 cents per share for the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared to $27 million, or 14 cents per share, for the same period in 2004.
In addition to depressed sales of flu vaccine in the U.S. market, Chiron took a $41 million hit for the shut-down of its plant in Marburg, Germany. The company said the clean-up is much easier than what was needed in Liverpool, and expects that facility will be producing vaccine again in 2006.
Though this year's flu season is a disappointment for the company, Pien stressed that the company is looking ahead.
The cell culture technique for flu vaccine production is faster and more adaptable than the current method of using chicken eggs. Since last year's debacle with Chiron, health officials have stressed the importance of getting cell culture systems up and running because they offer greater flexibility.
Though the U.S. trials are only just beginning, Chiron is in late stage clinical trials in Europe and expects to file for approval there in 2006.
Planning for a pandemic outbreak of the avian flu virus has also become a top priority for Chiron. Chiron scientists began working on an avian flu vaccine in 1997. Pien said the company is discussing the prospect of making a vaccine for the federal stockpile with health officials.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judy Silber covers biotechnology and the business of health care. Reach her at 925-977-8507 or jsilber@cctimes.com.
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© 2005 ContraCostaTimes.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.contracostatimes.com
Office space leases slowing in Silicon Valley
Posted on Tue, Oct. 25, 2005
Office space leases slowing
BROKERS EXPECT PACE TO PICK UP BY YEAR-END
By Jon Ann Steinmetz
Mercury News
InnoPath Software knew it was time for a bigger office when it started cannibalizing conference rooms, demo rooms and equipment rooms for work space.
The maker of software for managing mobile gadgets like cell phones and PDAs doubled its workforce over the past year and was ``absolutely bursting at the seams'' in its 14,000-square-foot office in San Jose's Alviso neighborhood, said David Sym-Smith, senior vice president of marketing.
The company just moved 130 employees to a new 53,000-square-foot headquarters in Sunnyvale, nearly four times bigger than the previous space, in one of the top leases in Silicon Valley in the third quarter.
The commercial real estate market could use more companies like InnoPath. Vacancies in research-and-development buildings dropped for the sixth consecutive quarter, but the pace of leasing activity slowed noticeably from the first half of the year, according to a recent report by NAI BT Commercial. Brokers, however, are expecting another rush as 2005 winds down.
``Definitely. Definitely. Definitely,'' said Phil Mahoney of Cornish & Carey. ``We're working on a number of things that may well close'' by the end of the year.
The vacancy rate in R&D buildings, the typical one- and two-story offices that make up the bulk of Silicon Valley's building stock, dropped to 20.6 percent in the third quarter from 21 percent in the second quarter and 22.3 percent a year ago, NAI BT Commercial found. And while there were only 25 deals of more than 25,000 square feet, down from 35 in the second quarter, companies still took 565,700 square feet off the market.
Office building vacancies fell for the eighth quarter in a row, dropping to 13.6 percent from 13.7 percent last quarter and 15.3 percent a year ago.
``The third quarter saw more tour activity, but it was somewhat disappointing from a signed-lease standpoint,'' said Drew Arvay, managing partner of NAI BT Commercial's San Jose office. ``There were a lot of people out looking, but not as many actually signed.''
Perhaps more than 10 percent of the valley's 31.7 million square feet of vacant space is obsolete and will probably never be rented, and millions more square feet will be converted to residential use, said broker Erik Doyle of CB Richard Ellis. That, plus a strong demand for Class A buildings -- newer buildings with security and other amenities -- means the market could be healthier than the numbers indicate.
``By the end of the year, we're probably going to see all of the A product gone,'' he said.
The average asking rents increased by a penny for R&D space, to 88 cents a square foot. On the high end, Palo Alto's R&D rents averaged $1.81 per square foot; Campbell and Los Gatos averaged $1.20; and Mountain View was $1.07. Newark's asking rents were the area's lowest, averaging 73 cents a foot.
Venture capital activity is a key driver in the commercial real estate market. VC's invested more than $2 billion in Silicon Valley companies in the third quarter, according to data released Monday by VentureOne, a San Francisco venture research group, and Ernst & Young.
The combination of local investment, tenant demand and the lack of new construction means ``we're going to have a really good year'' in terms of available space being absorbed, Doyle said.
Brokers are expecting more than a dozen leases larger than 100,000 square feet to be signed in the coming months, but so far, progress is still at a measured pace.
``Smaller fledgling companies have been forced by VCs and their own mantra to do more with less,'' said Bob Steinbock of CB Richard Ellis. ``So until they absolutely, positively need the space, they're not moving up.''
That was the case for InnoPath, Sym-Smith said.
``Being a VC-funded company, we started off with a concept and several people, and you grow as you secure your customers,'' he said.
InnoPath's customers include wireless carriers including Cingular, Sprint and T-Mobile, as well as handset makers LG, NEC and Toshiba. The company also added employees recently when it acquired Openwave's mobile device management unit, Sym-Smith said.
``Given the fact that we were growing at such a fast pace, it wasn't a tough decision'' to expand.
``This building had a lot of attractions,'' Sym-Smith said. Besides being a stand-alone building with enough room for growth, ``it was the former Broadcom headquarters, so it was basically move-in ready. It has excellent wiring and facilities and really addressed our needs.''
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Contact Jon Ann Steinmetz at jsteinmetz@mercurynews.com or (408) 271-3667.
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© 2005 MercuryNews.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.mercurynews.com
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Vallejo Waterfront developer waits for OK from council
October 22, 2005
Waterfront developer waits for OK from council
By CHRIS G. DENINA/Times-Herald staff writer
Pending city approval, Vallejo's waterfront developer may break ground as early as spring on the controversial project to revamp 92 acres overlooking the Mare Island Strait.
The Vallejo City Council plans to vote Tuesday on the general project - which includes housing, shops and a hotel - that has been years in the making and fraught with debate.
Developer Joe Callahan of Callahan DeSilva Vallejo LLC said he's eager to move forward. The waterfront project, along with efforts to renew the downtown and Mare Island, will help revitalize Vallejo's west side, he said.
"I think that's really what's been needed for a long time," Callahan said Friday.
The waterfront, however, plan's approval, however, is not a sure thing.
While the Planning Commission unanimously endorsed the project, it's unclear how the seven-member council will vote. Two may be unable to vote because they own property in the affected area, and one member - Gary Cloutier - says he opposes the plan.
That means the plan would need the support of the four remaining members: Mayor Tony Intintoli, Jr. and Councilmembers Tom Bartee, Pamela Pitts and Joanne Schivley.
Meanwhile, members of a group calling itself the Vallejo Waterfront Coalition, said if the waterfront plan is passed they will sue to stop the development and try to take the issue to voters on a ballot next year.
If the council OKs the project, the first step is to develop a parcel known as Mariner's Cove at the waterfront's north end, Callahan said. The site, near the Mare Island causeway and Mare Island Way, is slated for about 173 townhomes and 3.5 acres of parks.
The first homes could go on sale as early as spring 2007, he said.
In recent weeks, Callahan DeSilva officials said they've compromised on some elements of the project design with the coalition. For example, the company changed the location of a proposed hotel.
"It's an inch better when it should be a mile longer," coalition member Diana Lang said Friday.
The band of residents is continuing to lobby for changes to the plans, Lang said Friday. Mariner's Cove, for instance, should be revamped to add more housing in a smaller area - 140 units on a 4-acre site, she said. The coalition's recommendations also include building a children's museum nearby.
Lang called the developer's plans for Mariner's Cove "typical suburban sprawl that's not appropriate use of our waterfront."
The council should hold off on voting on the project and continue discussion about the plans, she said.
"Where this project goes will affect our future," Lang said. "If it takes a little bit more time to do the best plan, let's do that."
After Mariner's Cove, Callahan DeSilva next aims to revamp the waterfront's south end, near Curtola Parkway and Mare Island Way. That includes developing housing and stores, plus about 11 acres of parkland and open space.
Lastly, plans call for developing the central waterfront, near Georgia Street and Mare Island Way. The project includes housing, shops, open space, a hotel, a building with shops and office space, and a parking garage.
Those plans, however, hinge on moving the U.S. Postal Service's downtown branch, which would be the site of a proposed $53 million parking public garage and transit center. Vallejo Station is the main reason the waterfront project's taken eight years to reach the council for a vote next week, Callahan said.
"In my opinion we're there, period, today," Callahan said. "We're ready to go."
The waterfront renewal project could be a boon to the area, said Tony LoForte, owner of a waterfront restaurant called Zio Fraedo's Restaurant. The eatery, formerly known as the WaterBarge Restaurant & Tavern, is slated to open next month, he said.
"It would be good for me as a business owner to have more residents here," LoForte said. "There would be people who could basically walk to the restaurant."
- E-mail Chris G. Denina at cdenina@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6835.
By the numbers
The 92-acre waterfront project includes:
- About 25 acres of parks and open space
- As many as 1,090 residential units
- As much as 562,000 square feet of retail space
Waterfront developer waits for OK from council
By CHRIS G. DENINA/Times-Herald staff writer
Pending city approval, Vallejo's waterfront developer may break ground as early as spring on the controversial project to revamp 92 acres overlooking the Mare Island Strait.
The Vallejo City Council plans to vote Tuesday on the general project - which includes housing, shops and a hotel - that has been years in the making and fraught with debate.
Developer Joe Callahan of Callahan DeSilva Vallejo LLC said he's eager to move forward. The waterfront project, along with efforts to renew the downtown and Mare Island, will help revitalize Vallejo's west side, he said.
"I think that's really what's been needed for a long time," Callahan said Friday.
The waterfront, however, plan's approval, however, is not a sure thing.
While the Planning Commission unanimously endorsed the project, it's unclear how the seven-member council will vote. Two may be unable to vote because they own property in the affected area, and one member - Gary Cloutier - says he opposes the plan.
That means the plan would need the support of the four remaining members: Mayor Tony Intintoli, Jr. and Councilmembers Tom Bartee, Pamela Pitts and Joanne Schivley.
Meanwhile, members of a group calling itself the Vallejo Waterfront Coalition, said if the waterfront plan is passed they will sue to stop the development and try to take the issue to voters on a ballot next year.
If the council OKs the project, the first step is to develop a parcel known as Mariner's Cove at the waterfront's north end, Callahan said. The site, near the Mare Island causeway and Mare Island Way, is slated for about 173 townhomes and 3.5 acres of parks.
The first homes could go on sale as early as spring 2007, he said.
In recent weeks, Callahan DeSilva officials said they've compromised on some elements of the project design with the coalition. For example, the company changed the location of a proposed hotel.
"It's an inch better when it should be a mile longer," coalition member Diana Lang said Friday.
The band of residents is continuing to lobby for changes to the plans, Lang said Friday. Mariner's Cove, for instance, should be revamped to add more housing in a smaller area - 140 units on a 4-acre site, she said. The coalition's recommendations also include building a children's museum nearby.
Lang called the developer's plans for Mariner's Cove "typical suburban sprawl that's not appropriate use of our waterfront."
The council should hold off on voting on the project and continue discussion about the plans, she said.
"Where this project goes will affect our future," Lang said. "If it takes a little bit more time to do the best plan, let's do that."
After Mariner's Cove, Callahan DeSilva next aims to revamp the waterfront's south end, near Curtola Parkway and Mare Island Way. That includes developing housing and stores, plus about 11 acres of parkland and open space.
Lastly, plans call for developing the central waterfront, near Georgia Street and Mare Island Way. The project includes housing, shops, open space, a hotel, a building with shops and office space, and a parking garage.
Those plans, however, hinge on moving the U.S. Postal Service's downtown branch, which would be the site of a proposed $53 million parking public garage and transit center. Vallejo Station is the main reason the waterfront project's taken eight years to reach the council for a vote next week, Callahan said.
"In my opinion we're there, period, today," Callahan said. "We're ready to go."
The waterfront renewal project could be a boon to the area, said Tony LoForte, owner of a waterfront restaurant called Zio Fraedo's Restaurant. The eatery, formerly known as the WaterBarge Restaurant & Tavern, is slated to open next month, he said.
"It would be good for me as a business owner to have more residents here," LoForte said. "There would be people who could basically walk to the restaurant."
- E-mail Chris G. Denina at cdenina@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6835.
By the numbers
The 92-acre waterfront project includes:
- About 25 acres of parks and open space
- As many as 1,090 residential units
- As much as 562,000 square feet of retail space
Fairfield City staffbegins study to look at motel sites along Texas Street corridor
Article Last Updated: Saturday, Oct 22, 2005 - 10:19:14 pm PDT
City begins study to look at motel sites along Texas Street corridor
By Brian Miller and Karl Dumas
With recent talk about the abundant supply of hotel rooms in Fairfield, along with new hotels in the planning stages or under construction (four hotels totaling 331 rooms are pending), the demolition this month of the former 83-room Economy Inn on Auto Mall Parkway seems to have occurred at an appropriate time.
The long-term viability of the older motels in town, especially those along the West Texas/North Texas Street corridor, is of increasing concern.
While demolishing older motels is not necessarily the best answer, these properties may face increased challenges in surviving the changing lodging market.
With Fairfield's growth in the Cordelia area, newer larger and more modern hotels there are increasingly capturing more travelers from the older lodging properties in town.
There may be better potential uses of the relatively large, centrally located sites - especially given the increase interest in infill development and redevelopment.
The city of Fairfield has begun a study to look at motel sites along this corridor, and we are considering zoning ordinance changes to clarify the city's regulations pertaining to motels and hotels.
The Economy Inn was located at 2353 Auto Mall Parkway and contained a 23,000-square-foot building on 1.46-acres. It was constructed in 1974 and endured several name changes including Motel 6 and Travelodge.
The property suffered from a variety of problems, including a somewhat hidden location and competition from newer, larger and more visible motels. Toward the end of its life, the Economy Inn had a history of police incidents (more than 600 service calls in 2004), health and safety violations and other problems.
Physically, the aging rooms needed extensive refurbishing - funds the owners did not have or wish to allocate to the property. The old carpets, moldy bathrooms, drafty windows, rotting walls and ceilings did not create an inviting place to rest for the night. Nor did a green pool of water lure any guest for a swim on even the hottest day in Fairfield. The property had several outstanding unpaid liens including taxes and water. In the first quarter of 2005, the occupancy at Economy Inn hit an all-time low with less than 20 percent of the rooms being occupied. It's virtually impossible for a motel to pay a mortgage and survive with occupancies below 50 percent.
While fending off a pending foreclosure on the Economy Inn building, the operator who had the controlling interest in the property came to the city's Redevelopment Agency and offered to sell the property.
The agency agreed to purchase the property for $2.8 million, which was less than the assessed value of $3.3 million declared on the county assessors' tax roll.
The property owner also agreed to demolish the building prior to transferring it to the Redevelopment Agency.
By purchasing the former Economy Inn property, the agency hoped to facilitate the future expansion of the Fairfield Auto Mall. The parcel creates attractive potential for auto sales.
The auto-related uses of neighboring properties along Auto Mall Parkway certainly lends credence to the belief the economic life of the former Economy Inn building had dwindled beyond recovery.
Functional obsolescence had set in.
Newly constructed lodging facilities are blanketed with a different style of architecture, and interior room arrangements.
In evaluating the issues that faced the former Economy Inn property, the recommended alternative was to acquire the property with a demolished building, resell the parcel and create a higher and better land reuse development opportunity.
In this case, it also does not hurt that 83 rooms were taken out of an already oversupplied hotel market.
Economic notes is an update from Fairfield City Hall 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.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
City begins study to look at motel sites along Texas Street corridor
By Brian Miller and Karl Dumas
With recent talk about the abundant supply of hotel rooms in Fairfield, along with new hotels in the planning stages or under construction (four hotels totaling 331 rooms are pending), the demolition this month of the former 83-room Economy Inn on Auto Mall Parkway seems to have occurred at an appropriate time.
The long-term viability of the older motels in town, especially those along the West Texas/North Texas Street corridor, is of increasing concern.
While demolishing older motels is not necessarily the best answer, these properties may face increased challenges in surviving the changing lodging market.
With Fairfield's growth in the Cordelia area, newer larger and more modern hotels there are increasingly capturing more travelers from the older lodging properties in town.
There may be better potential uses of the relatively large, centrally located sites - especially given the increase interest in infill development and redevelopment.
The city of Fairfield has begun a study to look at motel sites along this corridor, and we are considering zoning ordinance changes to clarify the city's regulations pertaining to motels and hotels.
The Economy Inn was located at 2353 Auto Mall Parkway and contained a 23,000-square-foot building on 1.46-acres. It was constructed in 1974 and endured several name changes including Motel 6 and Travelodge.
The property suffered from a variety of problems, including a somewhat hidden location and competition from newer, larger and more visible motels. Toward the end of its life, the Economy Inn had a history of police incidents (more than 600 service calls in 2004), health and safety violations and other problems.
Physically, the aging rooms needed extensive refurbishing - funds the owners did not have or wish to allocate to the property. The old carpets, moldy bathrooms, drafty windows, rotting walls and ceilings did not create an inviting place to rest for the night. Nor did a green pool of water lure any guest for a swim on even the hottest day in Fairfield. The property had several outstanding unpaid liens including taxes and water. In the first quarter of 2005, the occupancy at Economy Inn hit an all-time low with less than 20 percent of the rooms being occupied. It's virtually impossible for a motel to pay a mortgage and survive with occupancies below 50 percent.
While fending off a pending foreclosure on the Economy Inn building, the operator who had the controlling interest in the property came to the city's Redevelopment Agency and offered to sell the property.
The agency agreed to purchase the property for $2.8 million, which was less than the assessed value of $3.3 million declared on the county assessors' tax roll.
The property owner also agreed to demolish the building prior to transferring it to the Redevelopment Agency.
By purchasing the former Economy Inn property, the agency hoped to facilitate the future expansion of the Fairfield Auto Mall. The parcel creates attractive potential for auto sales.
The auto-related uses of neighboring properties along Auto Mall Parkway certainly lends credence to the belief the economic life of the former Economy Inn building had dwindled beyond recovery.
Functional obsolescence had set in.
Newly constructed lodging facilities are blanketed with a different style of architecture, and interior room arrangements.
In evaluating the issues that faced the former Economy Inn property, the recommended alternative was to acquire the property with a demolished building, resell the parcel and create a higher and better land reuse development opportunity.
In this case, it also does not hurt that 83 rooms were taken out of an already oversupplied hotel market.
Economic notes is an update from Fairfield City Hall 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.
Copyright Daily Republic. All rights reserved.
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