SIX LOCAL “FAMILY-FRIENDLY” BUSINESSES HONORED

First 5 Solano will present awards to six local businesses that make the workplace more “family-friendly” for their employees at a Solano Economic Development Corporation breakfast event on Wednesday, June 29 at the Fairfield Hilton Garden Inn. 

The “Family-Friendly Business Awards” program was developed by the Solano Alliance of Business for Children, a group of Chamber of Commerce and Solano EDC members from across the county that advises First 5 Solano on ways to increase awareness and support in the business community for early childhood investments. 

“The Solano Alliance of Business for Children has been invaluable in helping us strengthen and deepen our partnerships with businesses and economic development collaboratives in Solano County,” said Dan Ayala, who chairs the First 5 Solano Commission.  “We want to actively work with business to support the health and well-being of young children as a way to make our communities more attractive to economic development.”

The 2011 “Family-Friendly Business Award” honorees, nominated by their employees, are:

·        AT&T California
·        First Northern Bank
·        NorthBay Healthcare
·        Panera Bread Fairfield
·        State Farm Insurance Vallejo
·        Travis Credit Union

A Panera Bread employee wrote “Panera is not only great to every customer that walks in the door, but they also strive for having a ‘Panera family’.  There is great flexibility with short notice time off and [they are] spectacular with any family emergencies.”

A State Farm employee noted “Specifically in the Vallejo Operations Center, State Farm benefits includes paid time off to care for an ill relative, paid family leave, and paid time to volunteer for a school.”

“Policies and practices such as these are the backbone of a healthy and vibrant business climate,” said Sandy Person, Solano EDC President. “We join First 5 Solano in congratulating these local leaders who understand that their profitability rises when employees have reliable child care and other support to meet both family and work responsibilities.”

First 5 Commission Chair Dan Ayala and County Supervisor/First 5 Commission Vice-Chair Linda J. Seifert will present the awards. The theme of the June 29 event is “Closing the Achievement Gap: How Investments in Early Learning Increase the Bottom Line” and features speakers from the Bay Area Council and Solano County Office of Education.

Finding ways to unite business, education in Solano County

by Ryan Chalk / The Reporter
Posted: 06/30/2011 01:03:49 AM PDT

Local business professionals, elected officials and education leaders met for breakfast in Fairfield on Wednesday to hear about ways to improve Solano County's business climate through investment in education.

Hosted by the Solano Economic Development Corporation and held at the Hilton Garden Inn, the talk focused around the theme of, "Closing the Achievement Gap: How Investments in Early Learning Increase the Bottom Line." Speaking to the crowd were Matt Regan, vice president of governmental affairs for the Bay Area Council, and Lisette Estrella-Henderson, assistant superintendent of educational services for the Solano County Office of Education.

The idea is that children are the county's best investment for the future and a well educated and trained workforce not only benefits existing employers, but can attract other businesses to the region.

It's a competitiveness issue, according to Regan, who applauded Solano County for leading the state in terms of advocating for early childhood education.

"You will be rewarded for it in growth and economic expansion in years to come," he said.

For that to work, children must begin their education before kindergarten, and it takes everyone, from parents and family members, acting as teachers themselves. For business, it means support for working families by offering or subsidizing child care and providing the flexibility for employees to participate in their child's school or in the community.

Estrella-Henderson implored the audience not to think of their role in early learning as being limited to just their own children, but to all children in the county.

"It really is about our children throughout Solano County and the economic vitality and economic future of Solano County," she said.

The challenge is preparing current and future generations of children to be able to solve problems and perform jobs that don't yet exist, according to Estrella-Henderson.

"That is why we must invest in early learning opportunities. Education is the key," Estrella-Henderson said.

"Folks, it doesn't start in high school, it doesn't start in middle school, it doesn't start in elementary school. We're talking about starting before they get to elementary school," she added.

Helping to promote the notion of early learning is First 5 Solano and on Wednesday, First 5 Solano representatives honored six local businesses for being family friendly.

First 5 Solano offered six ideas for connecting business and children in Solano County. They include: join First 5 Solano's Alliance of Business for Children; assist employees with high quality early childcare and education; provide paid time for employees to volunteer at schools and child care facilities; hold or sponsor organizational family events; provide flexible scheduling; and support family-friendly legislation and regulations.

For more information contact the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission at 784-1332.

Big-rigs to pay more to cross Bay Area bridges | Recordnet.com

Big-rigs to pay more to cross Bay Area bridges | Recordnet.com


Big-rigs to pay more to cross Bay Area bridges
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June 29, 2011 9:37 AM
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Tolls on San Francisco Bay area bridges are going up for big-rig trucks.

Starting Friday, five-axle big-rigs will pay $18 — up from $11.25 — to cross the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the Antioch, Benicia, Carquinez, Richmond-San Rafael, San Mateo and Dumbarton bridges. A year from now, the toll for those trucks will rise to $25.

On the Golden Gate Bridge, big rigs will pay $22 — up from $15 — starting Friday. The toll on the Golden Gate will climb to $30 a year from now.

Although the rate hikes do not affect two-axle cars, cars towing trailers will also pay higher tolls.

Bay Area Toll Authority officials, who are responsible for the seven bridges other than the Golden Gate, say the increase is needed in part to pay for seismic retrofits.

Nonprofits look for crumbs in county budget | Recordnet.com

Nonprofits look for crumbs in county budget | Recordnet.com


Nonprofits look for crumbs in county budget
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Claude Brown, president of the San Joaquin County Historical Society, makes his pitch for funds Tuesday in front of the Board of Supervisors.
CLIFFORD OTO/The Record

By Zachary K. Johnson
Record Staff Writer
June 29, 2011 12:00 AM
STOCKTON - Compared with San Joaquin County's $1.249 billion budget, the $33,000 requested by Family & Youth Services seems insignificant.

But without it, a program that allows first-time misdemeanor offenders to perform community service instead of paying high court fines or doing time behind bars would end.

"It's just a small amount of money, but it does a lot," said Linda Mascarenas, the nonprofit group's executive director. If the amount of work done is valued at $10 an hour, that means the offenders in the program perform $243,670 worth of community service, she said.

Mascarenas spoke on the first of three days worth of budget hearings before the Board of Supervisors. A group of nonprofit organizations asking for a total of about $400,000 in funding topped the agenda Tuesday afternoon.

"We know it's a tough year, but all the nonprofits here do a great job," Mascarenas said.

Board Chairman Larry Ruhstaller said it's not the quality of the organizations that's in question.

"The question is: Where are we going to dig up the cash for these requests."

Many of these groups have seen the amount they receive from the county dwindle in recent years as elected officials struggle with tough budget cuts. And though the nonprofit organizations receive funding through other parts of the budget, the amount of supplemental funding awarded at the tail-end of the budget process has been slipping. Four of the groups that came before the board were told earlier this year they were receiving no such funding.

One of those groups, the San Joaquin Partnership, received $59,000 last year in its efforts to attract businesses to the county. Without the money, the group will have to seek out more private donations or reduce its staffing. President and CEO Michael Ammann asked for the same again this year. "It's essential to keep solidarity in these tough economic times," he said.

The county has been shedding jobs in recent years as costs have risen and the down economy has sapped revenue, including from such sources as property taxes and state program funding. Officials said this year's proposed budget again dips into one-time pots of money that won't be helpful in the future if the county can't close the gap between costs and revenue.

In the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning Friday, county departments are asking for more than $3 million in supplemental funding. The department heads will make their case when the hearings continue today at 9 a.m. on the Sixth Floor of the County Administration Building at 44 N. San Joaquin St.

Contact reporter Zachary K. Johnson at (209) 546-8258 or zjohnson@recordnet.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/johnsonblog.

Solano Economic Development Corporation president comfortable with new leader taking over

By Melissa Murphy/ MMurphy@TheReporter.com
Posted: 06/13/2011 01:01:34 AM PDT

Mich A change in leadership at the Solano Economic Development Corporation is expected to be seamless when President Mike Ammann leaves and Vice President Sandy Person takes over.

"It will be steady as she goes," Ammann said. "It's always my goal to leave a good foundation for the next person to take the next step."

Ammann's last day is Tuesday. Afterward, he is headed to San Joaquin Partnership, a Stockton-based organization similar to the EDC.

For the next three months, Person will serve as the interim president at the nonprofit business until a decision is made on the position by the board of directors.

During Ammann's eight-year tenure with the EDC, he has worked vigilantly to build a name for Solano County, statewide and nationally.

"We moved from Solano County being on the edge to the center of a mega region," he said.

He said the first thing he did with the EDC is hit the road with the business community's message: "Plant your business in Solano County."

"We knew the county was rapidly changing, but we wanted to have a factual story and a consistent message. We identified challenges and pulled people together to support our vision."

His positive attitude and willingness to travel earned him the nickname "Mayor of Solano."

"He's everywhere," Person said.

Ammann said it was necessary.

Using the strengths inside Solano County, the EDC, along with its public and private partnerships, see the area as a growing market, he said.

"Using those partnerships, we've built the legacy of our name," he added.

Ammann also had a integral part in creating Team California, a statewide economic development team.

He explained that developing a statewide team leveraged dollars for the state, which helped Solano County and then helped each city in the county.

With a staff of only three, Person said they're a lean and high-functioning organization.

"We've been told we're the nicest competitor," Ammann said. "The reality is, we're competing and winning."

Even in the midst of new economic challenges, there have been some good outcomes, according to the duo.

"People continue to want to live here," Person pointed out.

Ammann added that the alternative energy industry continues to grow and specialty markets such as retail, health care and biotechnology are attractive to outsiders looking to locate to the area.

"It's been fun," he said. "It's the type of organization that attracts great people. I haven't had to look over my shoulder since I started. It's been a pleasure to work on behalf of Solano County."

Person is now on a mission to create a voice within the business community, to show up in front of regulatory government bodies and explain how the decisions they make affect businesses and the economy.

"We need to have a voice along with everyone else at the meetings," Person said.

Ammann added that regulatory environment is the biggest issue businesses face today.

"We need to make it known that without growth, we can't reach other goals," he said. "We need to be able to grow our economy, but we need to be rational about the process instead of fighting each other."

Person explained that anyone can go to the meetings of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Association of Bay Area Governments, air quality districts and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.

"We've got to show up," she said.

orth Texas Street gateway seeing construction activity

June 03, 2011 | Posted by Barry Eberling

North Texas Street gateway seeing construction activity

FAIRFIELD - Fairfield's North Texas Street gateway at Manuel Campos Parkway is taking shape.

The city drastically reconfigured this area last year when it widened the nearby interchange at Interstate 80 and extended Manuel Campos Parkway. A few businesses had their front entrances become their back entrances amid shifting road patterns.

Now a different type of construction work is taking place at and around the intersection of North Texas Street and Manuel Campos Parkway.

Grading has begun on the site targeted for a Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. A soon-to-open Arco gas station recently had a new, power-saving sign installed. A Chevron station will be relocated to a new site.

Things are happening, though much remains to be done to fulfill the city's vision for this area.

"In this economy, it's not like you'll see all four corners built at one time," city Economic Development Manager Curt Johnston said. "It will take some time."

Grading work under way at the Lowe's site involves flattening part of a hill. That will free up room for a development that Johnston said should create a little bit of excitement and draw people to the North Texas Street gateway.

"It will be sort of an economic driver for that area," he said.

Meanwhile, the now-closed Chevron station will be moving to a city-owned site to the south. That's because as a result of the interchange reconfiguration work, the state Department of Transportation ended up owning part of the original Chevron property. Getting the land from Caltrans could take up to a year.

As a result, it's impossible to rebuild the Chevron station at the existing site right now, Johnston said.

But Johnston sees moving the station as an opportunity. From an aesthetic standpoint, the city would like to have a nice, sit-down restaurant or retail store at this gateway site, he said.

The City Council on May 17 awarded a $195,113 contract to A+ Environmental Solutions of Santa Cruz to remove an underground storage tank at the former Chevron gas station. That's a step toward someday getting that restaurant or retail store on the land.

In addition, an Arco station is being rebuilt at the intersection. Crews from JSJ Electrical Display Corp. of Fairfield on May 23 put up a 45-foot-tall sign that has a "green" twist. The sign includes light emitting diodes modules so it can display fuel prices while consuming less energy than a typical display sign.

The Arco building itself is rapidly taking shape. An exterior that only a few weeks ago looked like bare wood now appears largely finished.

Fairfield is seeking other projects for other sites.

For example, the city last year bought a site on Nelson Road near North Texas Street that for about two decades had a vacant former Howard Johnson's restaurant building. The building was demolished several months ago.

"It was a nuisance," Johnston said. "That building needed to come down."

What will take its place remains to be seen. But that will be another step in the reshaping of the North Texas Street northern gateway.

Reach Barry Eberling at 425-4646, ext. 232, or beberling@dailyrepublic.net.

Farm-fresh fruits, vegetables abound in Solano County

Farm-fresh fruits,
vegetables abound
in Solano County

By Kimberly K. Fu/ KFu@TheReporter.com

Posted: 06/06/2011 01:03:52 AM PDT

As a kid, nothing compared to cavorting outside on
a sunshiny day, plucking ripe fruits and veggies
from the garden and popping as many in my mouth
as in designated baskets.

The garden's since gone kaput but, thankfully, in
Solano County there's an abundance of places to
round up farm-fresh produce whenever the mood
arises.

That means even when the skies are gray -- such as
today -- and when temperatures resemble winter
more than spring. But weather forecasts promise a
warmer atmosphere come Tuesday, with highs in the
80s and nothing but sun predicted throughout the
week. So pack a jacket if need be, grab a pal or two
and head outdoors for a few hours of tasty bliss.

In Vacaville, locals flock to the Certified Farmer's
Market in the 300 block of Main Street between
Parker and Dobbins streets.

Open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon through October,
it features produce galore, along with fresh flowers,
bakery and prepared foods, among other products
for sale. There's also live music at the Downtown
Vacaville Business Improvement District-sponsored
event, shops straddling both sides of the street and
eateries offering hearty meals or simple, savory
snacks.

Go further north and you'll find Aliki's Produce,
where gigantic Brandywine tomatoes are legendary.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, as the folks are
always willing to answer. Who knows -- you might
try something new and actually like it. Aliki's is
located on the corner of Orchard Avenue and
Fruitvale Road

and it's open through October.
Sweet, sweet strawberries are ample in town and
definitely should not be missed. Whether small or
large, the ruby red fruit is always juicy and, well,
kids both young and young at heart love them.
There are at least two stands in the area that seem to
be open nearly every day. One is on Leisure Town
Road, just south of Elmira Road; the other is on
Fruitvale Road, just off Gibson Canyon Road.

Produce stands abound in either direction from
Vacaville.

North of the city, you'll find Dixon and its Certified
Farmer's Market in the Women's Improvement Club
Park on North First and C streets.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Sept.
24, local farmers exhibit aromatic cherries and
strawberries, lush peaches and nectarines,
brilliantly colored peppers, fat ears of corn and all
types of salad greens. The gathering, sponsored by
the Downtown Dixon Business Association, also
features food vendors, live musicians and more.

South of Vacaville, there's a farmer's market in
almost every adjacent city -- which could make for a
great day trip, as you make pit stops at one or more,
depending on how long you linger.

In Fairfield, the Certified Farmer's Market runs from
4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 6. Officials with
the Fairfield Main Street Association said the event
promotes locally grown offerings from produce to
honey. There's fresh-popped kettle corn, too, along
with live entertainment.

In nearby Cordelia, Erickson Ranch at 2482 Cordelia
Road is open through October. On the menu are
Blenheim apricots and more than 20 varieties of
white and yellow nectarines and peaches. You can
also pick your own fruit here.

Next door is Suisun City, which boasts a Certified
Farmer's Market in Harbor Plaza, at Main and Solano
streets. It's open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays
through September.

Not free on Fridays, you say? Well drive a few miles
into Suisun Valley and enjoy fresh fruits and
veggies to your heart's content.

Larry's Produce at 4606 Suisun Valley Road is a
longtime destination favorite. Open through
December, Larry and company offer all types of
produce and flowers, some of which you can pick
yourself. There are also special events throughout
the growing season, including a Haunted House
and pumpkin patch in October. Once, crop circles
were found here. Turns out aliens weren't the
culprit, but that's another story.

The Vegetable Patch on Rockville Road is open year-
round. Aside from produce that you can pick y
ourself, there's a variety of local jams, vinegars,
dried fruits, nuts, fresh salsa, organic farm fresh
eggs and more. There are also seasonal activities,
such as a pumpkin patch around Halloween.

Castaneda Bros. Produce at 4075 Green Valley Road
is a relatively new venue and will be open July
through November. Expect to find squash, heirloom
tomatoes, 15 types of cherry tomatoes, tomatillos,
melons, cucumbers, peppers and fresh Mexican
blue corn. If you have the urge, you can also pick
your own produce.

For more information on Suisun Valley growers, go
online to www.suisunvalley.com/plan-your-visit
/farm-stands/.

There's are more farms and growers throughout the
county. Check out www.solanogrown.org for Farm
Trails maps of participants in Suisun Valley, as well
as Pleasants Valley in rural Vacaville.