Local leaders lobby in D.C.
By Danny Bernardini/DBernardini@TheReporter.com
Posted: 02/06/2009
Local leaders this week backed up their written requests for federal transportation funding with face-to-face meetings in Washington, D.C.
The Solano Transportation Authority Board of Directors made its annual trip to the nation's capitol to lobby for funding for several projects it hopes will be financed by proposed stimulus packages.
Vacaville Mayor Len Augustine said the conversations went well .
"It went pretty good, considering everything is in turmoil," Augustine said. "I feel pretty optimistic. I feel there will be some money this year."
Joining Augustine on the trip were fellow mayors Harry Price of Fairfield, Pete Sanchez of Suisun City and Solano County Supervisor Jim Spering.
A full schedule of meetings with Solano County's congressional members or their staff took place this week. Included in this group were Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, Reps. Mike Thompson and Gerald McNerney and the offices of Reps. George Miller and Ellen Tauscher.
"They took time to see us," Augustine said. "California is in a good position to pick up some of the money because the leadership is centered."
The STA approved a list of priority projects in January and submitted the following for the 2010 fiscal year Transportation Appropriations Program:
* Travis Air Force Base North Gate access improvements, $5 million.
* Alternative fuel replacements for SolanoExpress buses, $2 million.
* Highway 12 Major Investment Study, $500,000.
* Construction of the Fairfield Transportation Center, $2 million.
* Construction of the Vacaville Intermodal Station, Phase 2, $2 million.
Funding priority has been placed on projects ready to start in the near future.
"That's what they are looking for," Augustine said. "They want money to get on the road. We have a reputation that when we get the money, we deliver the projects."
Friday, February 6, 2009
Drivetrains Inc. gets 'green' light, pulls into Dixon
Drivetrains Inc. gets 'green' light, pulls into Dixon
By Melissa Murphy/ MMurphy@TheReporter.com
Posted: 02/06/2009
An electric vehicle research center will be plugging into Dixon today.
Sparked by the city's green-consciousness characteristics and location, Silicon Valley-based Efficent Drivetrains Inc. will set up shop and run the company's technology research and development center.
The city has entered into a $150,000 business loan agreement with the firm through Dixon's Community Development Block Grant Program.
Efficient Drivetrains, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and electric vehicle technology provider, has its headquarters in Palo Alto and will use the loan exclusively to set up and run the company's Dixon center, according to a press release.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be 2 p.m. today at the new location, 1150 Business Park Drive.
"It's really the future coming to Solano County," said Mike Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corporation. "Most people have no idea about plug-ins and we'll have a top-notch researcher here in Solano County."
The funds, a press release explained, will be used for securing working capital, purchasing machinery and equipment for the business, housed in a 3,600-square-foot building in part of the city's central redevelopment area.
"The city of Dixon is excited about the business expansion and quality technology jobs associated with Efficient Drivetrains," said Mark Heckey, economic development director for the city. "We look forward to their success and future expansion of Dixon's role in the movement toward the new Green Technology Industrial Sector."
Mayor Jack Batchelor agreed.
"The Dixon business community is very excited that Efficient Drivetrains has chosen Dixon as the home for its technology research and development center for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles," he said in a press release. "This company's products will bring forth a new breed of vehicles that will significantly reduce carbon emissions and provide clean and efficient transportation, while providing local employment."
Efficient Drivetrains' goal is to displace liquid fuels with cheaper, more environmentally friendly electricity.
"We hope to help Dixon carve out a little larger space on the map, as we also help to expand the concepts behind green vehicles around the world," said Andy Frank, founder and chief technology officer of Efficient Drivetrains.
Ammann added that having Efficient Drivetrains will create opportunities for other businesses.
"Because of his (Frank's) patents, other businesses might come to the area," Ammann said. "It would lead to a cluster of businesses that work together with the smart technology and knowledge. EDI could just be the start of something like that."
By Melissa Murphy/ MMurphy@TheReporter.com
Posted: 02/06/2009
An electric vehicle research center will be plugging into Dixon today.
Sparked by the city's green-consciousness characteristics and location, Silicon Valley-based Efficent Drivetrains Inc. will set up shop and run the company's technology research and development center.
The city has entered into a $150,000 business loan agreement with the firm through Dixon's Community Development Block Grant Program.
Efficient Drivetrains, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and electric vehicle technology provider, has its headquarters in Palo Alto and will use the loan exclusively to set up and run the company's Dixon center, according to a press release.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be 2 p.m. today at the new location, 1150 Business Park Drive.
"It's really the future coming to Solano County," said Mike Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corporation. "Most people have no idea about plug-ins and we'll have a top-notch researcher here in Solano County."
The funds, a press release explained, will be used for securing working capital, purchasing machinery and equipment for the business, housed in a 3,600-square-foot building in part of the city's central redevelopment area.
"The city of Dixon is excited about the business expansion and quality technology jobs associated with Efficient Drivetrains," said Mark Heckey, economic development director for the city. "We look forward to their success and future expansion of Dixon's role in the movement toward the new Green Technology Industrial Sector."
Mayor Jack Batchelor agreed.
"The Dixon business community is very excited that Efficient Drivetrains has chosen Dixon as the home for its technology research and development center for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles," he said in a press release. "This company's products will bring forth a new breed of vehicles that will significantly reduce carbon emissions and provide clean and efficient transportation, while providing local employment."
Efficient Drivetrains' goal is to displace liquid fuels with cheaper, more environmentally friendly electricity.
"We hope to help Dixon carve out a little larger space on the map, as we also help to expand the concepts behind green vehicles around the world," said Andy Frank, founder and chief technology officer of Efficient Drivetrains.
Ammann added that having Efficient Drivetrains will create opportunities for other businesses.
"Because of his (Frank's) patents, other businesses might come to the area," Ammann said. "It would lead to a cluster of businesses that work together with the smart technology and knowledge. EDI could just be the start of something like that."
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Copart expands again
Copart expands again
Daily Republic staff | February 04, 2009
FAIRFIELD - Copart Inc. today announced the opening of a new facility in Montgomery, Ala. The facility will be the Fairfield-based company's fourth in Alabama and 146th worldwide.
The facility will be located on a 20-acre site.
Copart remarkets vehicles through Internet sales for insurance companies, banks, finance companies, fleet operators, dealers, car dealerships and the public and others. The company was founded in 1982.
For more information about the company, go to http://www.copart.com.
Daily Republic staff | February 04, 2009
FAIRFIELD - Copart Inc. today announced the opening of a new facility in Montgomery, Ala. The facility will be the Fairfield-based company's fourth in Alabama and 146th worldwide.
The facility will be located on a 20-acre site.
Copart remarkets vehicles through Internet sales for insurance companies, banks, finance companies, fleet operators, dealers, car dealerships and the public and others. The company was founded in 1982.
For more information about the company, go to http://www.copart.com.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
New Suisun Elementary classrooms earn rave reviews
New Suisun Elementary classrooms earn rave reviews
By Talia Sampson | Daily Republic | February 03, 2009
Suisun Elementary School second grader Brianna Medina works on math problems in one of the school's new classrooms. Classes in the new building began in December and the a new playground should be finished sometime this week. Photo by Chris Jordan
FAIRFIELD - Fifth-grader Taya Randolph is excited every time she walks into her new classroom at Suisun Elementary School.
'The coolest part is the SMART board,' said Taya, 11, who added that built-in cabinets made the room more organized than the cramped portable her class called home until January. 'There's a lot more space to be in groups.'
The portable classrooms, which originally were meant to be temporary, wore out their welcome after more than 25 years and were removed in December.
Students and teachers were not sad to see them go.
'The other rooms were small and messy,' Taya said. 'Everyone was crammed together, the carpet was stained and they seemed shaky.'
Using bonds from Measure C, which was passed in 2002, the school built a new wing with 12 classrooms and improved technology. The playground is being expanded, Principal Richard Yee said, and a sustainable teaching garden will be created.
Each classroom is 960 square feet.
'The biggest thing I noticed was the light because I can finally see,' said Jeff Wurth, a second-grade teacher. 'With the old portables, we were living in the dark ages.'
Wurth attended the school in the 1980s and spent time in the same portable classroom where he was teaching before the new wing was built.
The teachers moved into their new classrooms the week before Christmas, and students entered the new wing for the first time when they returned from winter break.
'The first day I let (my students) go and open cupboards and all the drawers,' Wurth said. 'We have one cupboard that we talked about being big enough to sleep in.'
See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.
By Talia Sampson | Daily Republic | February 03, 2009
Suisun Elementary School second grader Brianna Medina works on math problems in one of the school's new classrooms. Classes in the new building began in December and the a new playground should be finished sometime this week. Photo by Chris Jordan
FAIRFIELD - Fifth-grader Taya Randolph is excited every time she walks into her new classroom at Suisun Elementary School.
'The coolest part is the SMART board,' said Taya, 11, who added that built-in cabinets made the room more organized than the cramped portable her class called home until January. 'There's a lot more space to be in groups.'
The portable classrooms, which originally were meant to be temporary, wore out their welcome after more than 25 years and were removed in December.
Students and teachers were not sad to see them go.
'The other rooms were small and messy,' Taya said. 'Everyone was crammed together, the carpet was stained and they seemed shaky.'
Using bonds from Measure C, which was passed in 2002, the school built a new wing with 12 classrooms and improved technology. The playground is being expanded, Principal Richard Yee said, and a sustainable teaching garden will be created.
Each classroom is 960 square feet.
'The biggest thing I noticed was the light because I can finally see,' said Jeff Wurth, a second-grade teacher. 'With the old portables, we were living in the dark ages.'
Wurth attended the school in the 1980s and spent time in the same portable classroom where he was teaching before the new wing was built.
The teachers moved into their new classrooms the week before Christmas, and students entered the new wing for the first time when they returned from winter break.
'The first day I let (my students) go and open cupboards and all the drawers,' Wurth said. 'We have one cupboard that we talked about being big enough to sleep in.'
See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.
High achievement awards go to seven Solano schools
High achievement awards go to seven Solano schools
Posted: 01/30/2009
Seven Solano County schools were selected by the California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE) and Just for the Kids-California (JFTK-CA) program to receive the title of 2008 Honor Roll School.
Schools receiving this distinction from California's business community have demonstrated consistent high student academic achievement and have made significant progress toward closing achievement gaps among their students.
The following schools were recognized: Joe Henderson Elementary and Matthew Turner Elementary, of the Benicia Unified School District; Nelda Mundy Elementary and Suisun Valley Elementary, of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District; and Alamo Elementary, Elise P. Buckingham Charter and Orchard Elementary, of the Vacaville Unified School District.
The CBEE/JFTK-CA is the only school recognition program in California that uses hard data, individual school and student subgroup performance data based on the California Standards Tests and the California High School Exit Exam, to evaluate school academic performance.
Posted: 01/30/2009
Seven Solano County schools were selected by the California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE) and Just for the Kids-California (JFTK-CA) program to receive the title of 2008 Honor Roll School.
Schools receiving this distinction from California's business community have demonstrated consistent high student academic achievement and have made significant progress toward closing achievement gaps among their students.
The following schools were recognized: Joe Henderson Elementary and Matthew Turner Elementary, of the Benicia Unified School District; Nelda Mundy Elementary and Suisun Valley Elementary, of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District; and Alamo Elementary, Elise P. Buckingham Charter and Orchard Elementary, of the Vacaville Unified School District.
The CBEE/JFTK-CA is the only school recognition program in California that uses hard data, individual school and student subgroup performance data based on the California Standards Tests and the California High School Exit Exam, to evaluate school academic performance.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Hearn honors its employees
Hearn honors its employees
Posted: 02/01/2009
Hearn Construction recently held its yearly awards banquet. Each year, Hearn takes several opportunities to thank all of its employees for their efforts and outstanding results. The employees were recognized by their peers for exemplifying the high standards set by the company.
Rory McLeod, general superintendent, was awarded Overall Construction Employee of the Year for his passion for quality and customer service, and for his compassion and management. Deanna Bohler was named Project Manager of the Year, due in large part to her management of the fast paced Vacaville Christian High School project. Jim Hansen was named Superintendent of the Year. Jim is enthusiastic, diligent, and interfaces well with clients, subcontractors and coworkers. Noel Scott received the Safety Superintendent of the Year Award for his thorough attentiveness to safety issues on each of his projects. Jennifer Wilson, Senior Assistant Project Manager, concurrently helped manage a large hotel project and a multifamily project in 2008, and was honored as the Administrator of the Year. Nann Gardener was the first winner of the Business Development Employee of the Year Award, for providing excellent internal and external customer service throughout the year.
Posted: 02/01/2009
Hearn Construction recently held its yearly awards banquet. Each year, Hearn takes several opportunities to thank all of its employees for their efforts and outstanding results. The employees were recognized by their peers for exemplifying the high standards set by the company.
Rory McLeod, general superintendent, was awarded Overall Construction Employee of the Year for his passion for quality and customer service, and for his compassion and management. Deanna Bohler was named Project Manager of the Year, due in large part to her management of the fast paced Vacaville Christian High School project. Jim Hansen was named Superintendent of the Year. Jim is enthusiastic, diligent, and interfaces well with clients, subcontractors and coworkers. Noel Scott received the Safety Superintendent of the Year Award for his thorough attentiveness to safety issues on each of his projects. Jennifer Wilson, Senior Assistant Project Manager, concurrently helped manage a large hotel project and a multifamily project in 2008, and was honored as the Administrator of the Year. Nann Gardener was the first winner of the Business Development Employee of the Year Award, for providing excellent internal and external customer service throughout the year.
AAA announces move to Solano
AAA announces move to Solano
Posted: 02/01/2009
AAA Northern California recently announced that 225 employees will be moving into a new facility at 5251 Business Center Drive in Fairfield, according to the Solano Economic Development Corp.
Of those employees, about 165 will be relocating from the San Francisco headquarters, and about 60 others will relocate from their current office in Fairfield.
"Where we locate specific functions is based on what makes the most sense for the business unit and the company, and the new Fairfield location is a perfect fit," said Matt Skryja, AAA Northern California spokesperson. "The addition of more jobs in Fairfield means not only an economic boost for the Solano County economy, but it also is the most efficient and cost-effective way to organize our work groups."
AAA needed a larger facility in Solano County given that AAA is joining its business fulfillment center operations, already in Fairfield, with business fulfillment center employees currently working in the San Francisco headquarters.
The new office location is a 104,000-square-foot, single-story building, of which AAA will lease 52,000 square feet. Employees are scheduled to begin phased relocation to the new facility in March 2009 and complete the move by June 2009.
Posted: 02/01/2009
AAA Northern California recently announced that 225 employees will be moving into a new facility at 5251 Business Center Drive in Fairfield, according to the Solano Economic Development Corp.
Of those employees, about 165 will be relocating from the San Francisco headquarters, and about 60 others will relocate from their current office in Fairfield.
"Where we locate specific functions is based on what makes the most sense for the business unit and the company, and the new Fairfield location is a perfect fit," said Matt Skryja, AAA Northern California spokesperson. "The addition of more jobs in Fairfield means not only an economic boost for the Solano County economy, but it also is the most efficient and cost-effective way to organize our work groups."
AAA needed a larger facility in Solano County given that AAA is joining its business fulfillment center operations, already in Fairfield, with business fulfillment center employees currently working in the San Francisco headquarters.
The new office location is a 104,000-square-foot, single-story building, of which AAA will lease 52,000 square feet. Employees are scheduled to begin phased relocation to the new facility in March 2009 and complete the move by June 2009.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)