Construction to begin on new portion of Suisun Parkway
By Barry Eberling | DAILY REPUBLIC | July 04, 2009
FAIRFIELD - A major new four-lane road should be under construction in Suisun Valley on the north side of Interstate 80 by mid-month.
The North Connector is to link the Green Valley area of Fairfield with central Fairfield at Abernathy Road, providing an alternative to the freeway. The Green Valley segment already exists as Business Center Drive and Fairfield is building another segment near the California Highway Patrol truck scales.
But without a 1.7-mile link from Suisun Creek to Abernathy Road, the North Connector is a road to nowhere. This eastern link will run through the rural valley and is to be called the Suisun Parkway.
By winter of 2010, the North Connector is to have all the connections it needs to become a big factor in local traffic patterns.
People traveling westward on I-80 to Solano Community College or Green Valley will be able to exit at Abernathy Road and take the North Connector, said Janet Adams, Solano Transportation Authority director of projects. They'll be able to avoid the crowded freeway.
'It's a local road for local trips,' Adams said.
One goal of the North Connector is to reduce freeway congestion. Another is to reduce traffic on Rockville Road, a rural road that some people sometimes use an a roundabout way to avoid the freeway.
See the complete story at the Daily Republc online.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Bridge to Life Center takes shape
Bridge to Life Center takes shape
By Danny Bernardini/ DBernardini@TheReporter.com
Posted: 07/03/2009 01:00:20 AM PDT
A couple years ago, the empty lot at 310 Beck St. in Fairfield was nothing more than a collection of rocks, dirt and weeds.
No longer barren, three different buildings are starting to take shape as Mission Solano and other partners plug along building the 164-bed Bridge To Life Center.
The progress was shown off Thursday as more than 100 people gathered at the site for a progress report on the project that will double the amount of beds for homeless in Solano County. Plans are to have a shelter ready for the homeless by the fall.
Ron Marlette, executive director of Mission Solano, greeted the group and told a story about how five years ago, a group stood across the street in the rain looking at the unimproved lot.
"As you can see, we've done a lot of work since the walls went up," he told the group. "For many of us in the trenches, we don't get as excited when we see progress."
The Bridge to Life Center is planned to be a 31,000-square-foot complex, complete with a chapel, family units, day care, dining, a men's dorm and an area for single women and children.
Mission Solano has teamed with HomeAid Northern California -- which is funding half the project -- and other builders to make the dream a reality. HomeAid has already donated $4.8 million, Marlette said.
Also helping out in what Marlette and others referred to as a model of private/public partnerships, both Solano County and the city of Fairfield have helped fund the project.
Fairfield gave Mission Solano $900,000 while Solano County gifted $1 million two years ago before pledging a bridge loan of $750,000 earlier this year so construction could start.
Marlette told the Solano County Board of Supervisors at the time that the money most likely wouldn't be used, but was needed to show the banks that capitol was there. He said Thursday that the $750,000 was still sitting in an account untouched.
Supervisor John Vasquez told the crowd that the decision wasn't tough and was something that had to be done to get the project rolling.
"They were at that point, the tipping point. I think the doubters have put the doubt to rest," Vasquez said. "Mankind became human when they started caring about each other. This is a shining example of that."
It was just days after receiving that loan, Marlette said, that construction started at Beck Street. Now, Mission Solano must continue to raise $3.5 million to complete the complex. A campaign called "Countdown to Occupancy" is underway to help with that.
"I believe it can happen," Marlette said. "I believe we can raise the money and build this out to the street."
Mission Solano homeless center makes progress
By Ian Thompson | DAILY REPUBLIC | July 02, 2009 16:14
Israel Espinoza and Alberto Arroyo work on one of the buildings at the new Mission Solano Bridge to Life Center Thursday in Fairfield Photo by Chris Jordan
FAIRFIELD - Three of the eight buildings at Mission Solano's Bridge to Life Center are well on their way to completion and are expected to open in November to help the area's homeless.
But center backers need more money to finish the rest of the complex. They're working to receive grants and raise more funds from the community to get them built.
On Thursday, Mission Solano Board Chairman Tim LeFever both lauded the community for its support so far and added 'that we are going to ask you for more.'
Mission Solano has the money it needed to finish the current construction and it also has a line of credit from Solano County to fund future construction.
But LeFever and Mission Solano Executive Director Ron Marlette would rather only tap into the line of credit as a last resort.
LeFever agreed times are tight, but feels when the community sees what is being accomplished 'there will be additional help.'
'The less fortunate in our community are growing and this says that we care about you,' Marlette said of the center.
The Bridge to Life Center is a $11.5 million, eight-building campus located on Beck Avenue that will feature dorms for men and women as well as family housing.
On Thursday, Mission Solano members gathered at the site to thank those who have helped out and show them what has been accomplished so far.
A lot of the applause went to HomeAid of Northern California, the charitable building arm for the Home Builders Association of Northern California, which has been a major force in building the center.
So far, the 63-bed women's and children's building, the 60-bed family building and a day-care center have been framed and work has started to complete the walls and roofs.
The dining hall and laundry are next on the list to be built, followed by the education/administration building, single men's dorm, chapel and caretaker's residence.
For more information about Mission Solano and the Bridge to Life Center, call 422-1011 or go online to http://www.missionsolano.org.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
By Danny Bernardini/ DBernardini@TheReporter.com
Posted: 07/03/2009 01:00:20 AM PDT
A couple years ago, the empty lot at 310 Beck St. in Fairfield was nothing more than a collection of rocks, dirt and weeds.
No longer barren, three different buildings are starting to take shape as Mission Solano and other partners plug along building the 164-bed Bridge To Life Center.
The progress was shown off Thursday as more than 100 people gathered at the site for a progress report on the project that will double the amount of beds for homeless in Solano County. Plans are to have a shelter ready for the homeless by the fall.
Ron Marlette, executive director of Mission Solano, greeted the group and told a story about how five years ago, a group stood across the street in the rain looking at the unimproved lot.
"As you can see, we've done a lot of work since the walls went up," he told the group. "For many of us in the trenches, we don't get as excited when we see progress."
The Bridge to Life Center is planned to be a 31,000-square-foot complex, complete with a chapel, family units, day care, dining, a men's dorm and an area for single women and children.
Mission Solano has teamed with HomeAid Northern California -- which is funding half the project -- and other builders to make the dream a reality. HomeAid has already donated $4.8 million, Marlette said.
Also helping out in what Marlette and others referred to as a model of private/public partnerships, both Solano County and the city of Fairfield have helped fund the project.
Fairfield gave Mission Solano $900,000 while Solano County gifted $1 million two years ago before pledging a bridge loan of $750,000 earlier this year so construction could start.
Marlette told the Solano County Board of Supervisors at the time that the money most likely wouldn't be used, but was needed to show the banks that capitol was there. He said Thursday that the $750,000 was still sitting in an account untouched.
Supervisor John Vasquez told the crowd that the decision wasn't tough and was something that had to be done to get the project rolling.
"They were at that point, the tipping point. I think the doubters have put the doubt to rest," Vasquez said. "Mankind became human when they started caring about each other. This is a shining example of that."
It was just days after receiving that loan, Marlette said, that construction started at Beck Street. Now, Mission Solano must continue to raise $3.5 million to complete the complex. A campaign called "Countdown to Occupancy" is underway to help with that.
"I believe it can happen," Marlette said. "I believe we can raise the money and build this out to the street."
Mission Solano homeless center makes progress
By Ian Thompson | DAILY REPUBLIC | July 02, 2009 16:14
Israel Espinoza and Alberto Arroyo work on one of the buildings at the new Mission Solano Bridge to Life Center Thursday in Fairfield Photo by Chris Jordan
FAIRFIELD - Three of the eight buildings at Mission Solano's Bridge to Life Center are well on their way to completion and are expected to open in November to help the area's homeless.
But center backers need more money to finish the rest of the complex. They're working to receive grants and raise more funds from the community to get them built.
On Thursday, Mission Solano Board Chairman Tim LeFever both lauded the community for its support so far and added 'that we are going to ask you for more.'
Mission Solano has the money it needed to finish the current construction and it also has a line of credit from Solano County to fund future construction.
But LeFever and Mission Solano Executive Director Ron Marlette would rather only tap into the line of credit as a last resort.
LeFever agreed times are tight, but feels when the community sees what is being accomplished 'there will be additional help.'
'The less fortunate in our community are growing and this says that we care about you,' Marlette said of the center.
The Bridge to Life Center is a $11.5 million, eight-building campus located on Beck Avenue that will feature dorms for men and women as well as family housing.
On Thursday, Mission Solano members gathered at the site to thank those who have helped out and show them what has been accomplished so far.
A lot of the applause went to HomeAid of Northern California, the charitable building arm for the Home Builders Association of Northern California, which has been a major force in building the center.
So far, the 63-bed women's and children's building, the 60-bed family building and a day-care center have been framed and work has started to complete the walls and roofs.
The dining hall and laundry are next on the list to be built, followed by the education/administration building, single men's dorm, chapel and caretaker's residence.
For more information about Mission Solano and the Bridge to Life Center, call 422-1011 or go online to http://www.missionsolano.org.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
School on the water drops anchor in Long Beach - The California Maritime Academy's 500-foot ship, the Golden Bear, docked in the Port of Long Beach
School on the water drops anchor in Long Beach
By Andrew Shortall, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/02/2009 05:03:28 PM PDT
Cadets aboard the Cal Maritime's Floating Classroom, the Golden Bear, load food and supplies Thursday morning in preparation for their next cruise. (Brittany Murray/Staff Photographer)
LONG BEACH - The Queen Mary is going to have company in Long Beach over the weekend. The California Maritime Academy's 500-foot ship, the Golden Bear, docked in the Port of Long Beach on Wednesday and is here until Monday.
The Golden Bear is no ordinary ship - it's a training ground for future sailors. Aboard the vessel cadets learn the skills vital to a career as a professional mariner.
"It is a place where you take everything you learned in the classroom and practice it at sea," said Harry Bolton, captain of the Golden Bear. "This is where we cut the wheat from the chaff."
During the school year, the Golden Bear is kept at California Maritime's campus in Vallejo. On campus, it serves as a classroom, training facility, laboratory and residence hall for cadets.
In the summer, the Golden Bear serves a different function. Each summer the ship sets out for two, two-month cruises covering approximately 25,000 miles of the Pacific Ocean.
During these cruises, the ship is run by cadets under the supervision of officers from the school's faculty and industry experts.
The Golden Bear just returned from carrying more than 200 California Maritime cadets, faculty and staff as they completed a two-month training voyage.
Starting Monday, a crew of over 280 cadets from both the California and Texas Maritime Academy will take control of the ship. The crew will head to Catalina Island, where senior cadets will be able to maneuver
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the ship before heading to South America, with stops in Chile, Ecuador, Panama and Mexico.
The California Maritime Academy boasted a 100 percent employment rate for 12 consecutive years - until last year when the economy faltered. During those 12 years, cadets averaged 3.5 job offers with an average starting salary of $70,000, Bolton said.
This success is largely due to the skills and characteristics cadets develop aboard the Golden Bear, he said.
Michael Hess, a senior cadet from California Maritime Academy, is on his final cruise before graduating and hopes to have similar success. He said his time aboard the Golden Bear has been a confidence builder, letting him know he can do everything he learned in the classroom.
"Being in a simulator is one thing, but coming out here and actually getting to work on and run a vessel is a big step in a career," Hess said.
Cristino Molina, a senior cadet from Cal Maritime , is also beginning his second and final cruise aboard the Golden Bear. He said he came into the academy with no knowledge of what it took to work on a ship.
"This has been an opportunity to constantly learn," Molina said. "It solidifies the skills I need to be a professional mariner."
Captain Harry Bolton runs the Cal Maritime's Floating Classroom, the Golden Bear. (Brittany Murray/Staff Photographer)
By Andrew Shortall, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/02/2009 05:03:28 PM PDT
Cadets aboard the Cal Maritime's Floating Classroom, the Golden Bear, load food and supplies Thursday morning in preparation for their next cruise. (Brittany Murray/Staff Photographer)
LONG BEACH - The Queen Mary is going to have company in Long Beach over the weekend. The California Maritime Academy's 500-foot ship, the Golden Bear, docked in the Port of Long Beach on Wednesday and is here until Monday.
The Golden Bear is no ordinary ship - it's a training ground for future sailors. Aboard the vessel cadets learn the skills vital to a career as a professional mariner.
"It is a place where you take everything you learned in the classroom and practice it at sea," said Harry Bolton, captain of the Golden Bear. "This is where we cut the wheat from the chaff."
During the school year, the Golden Bear is kept at California Maritime's campus in Vallejo. On campus, it serves as a classroom, training facility, laboratory and residence hall for cadets.
In the summer, the Golden Bear serves a different function. Each summer the ship sets out for two, two-month cruises covering approximately 25,000 miles of the Pacific Ocean.
During these cruises, the ship is run by cadets under the supervision of officers from the school's faculty and industry experts.
The Golden Bear just returned from carrying more than 200 California Maritime cadets, faculty and staff as they completed a two-month training voyage.
Starting Monday, a crew of over 280 cadets from both the California and Texas Maritime Academy will take control of the ship. The crew will head to Catalina Island, where senior cadets will be able to maneuver
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the ship before heading to South America, with stops in Chile, Ecuador, Panama and Mexico.
The California Maritime Academy boasted a 100 percent employment rate for 12 consecutive years - until last year when the economy faltered. During those 12 years, cadets averaged 3.5 job offers with an average starting salary of $70,000, Bolton said.
This success is largely due to the skills and characteristics cadets develop aboard the Golden Bear, he said.
Michael Hess, a senior cadet from California Maritime Academy, is on his final cruise before graduating and hopes to have similar success. He said his time aboard the Golden Bear has been a confidence builder, letting him know he can do everything he learned in the classroom.
"Being in a simulator is one thing, but coming out here and actually getting to work on and run a vessel is a big step in a career," Hess said.
Cristino Molina, a senior cadet from Cal Maritime , is also beginning his second and final cruise aboard the Golden Bear. He said he came into the academy with no knowledge of what it took to work on a ship.
"This has been an opportunity to constantly learn," Molina said. "It solidifies the skills I need to be a professional mariner."
Captain Harry Bolton runs the Cal Maritime's Floating Classroom, the Golden Bear. (Brittany Murray/Staff Photographer)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
VITUS Wins Silver Metal
(Oakville, CA) VITUS Wines announces California State Fair Wine Competition results. There were 192 Merlot's entered into the California State Fair Wine Competition and VITUS received a Silver Metal for its 2006 Merlot. VITUS 2006 Merlot was harvested at the end of October from the Smith Family Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Exhibiting a dark inky color, Vitus Merlot is full of body with velvety tannins, loads of dark fruit and a hint of dark chocolate, espresso and vanilla. The merlot is aged for 2 years in new French and American barrels.
“The California State Fair Wine Competition is not only a ranking of the state’s best wines as viewed by our judges, but also a reflection of the growing quality of wine as we continue to have a wide impact on all Californians, and on the rest of the country.”- Norbert J. Bartosik, General Manager/CEO California State Fair. The California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is the oldest and most prestigious wine competition in North America. The competition is open to all California bonded wineries selling retail and each year, thousands of California wines are entered into the competition for the chance to win one of many coveted awards from the State Fair’s panel of expert wine judges.
For over 150 years, the California State Fair has recognized the best wines of the state and the dedication of wineries and vintners in the Golden State’s viticulture and enology industry. More than 600 wineries entered nearly 3,000 wines into the annual judging contest. The winners are determined by panels of judges that come from a wide range of backgrounds and are reviewed before they are permitted to evaluate the wines. From wine educators, wine makers, wine journalists, retailers and wholesalers to wine collectors and those from the restaurant trade, these knowledgeable judges share their personal opinions before reaching a consensus to determine the award winning wines.
To learn more about VITUS and how to purchase our wine visit us at www.vitusnapavalley.com. VITUS 2006 Merlot is almost sold out and is only available to Wine Club Members. To become a VITUS Wine Club Member email us at jamie@vitusnapavalley.com.
“The California State Fair Wine Competition is not only a ranking of the state’s best wines as viewed by our judges, but also a reflection of the growing quality of wine as we continue to have a wide impact on all Californians, and on the rest of the country.”- Norbert J. Bartosik, General Manager/CEO California State Fair. The California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is the oldest and most prestigious wine competition in North America. The competition is open to all California bonded wineries selling retail and each year, thousands of California wines are entered into the competition for the chance to win one of many coveted awards from the State Fair’s panel of expert wine judges.
For over 150 years, the California State Fair has recognized the best wines of the state and the dedication of wineries and vintners in the Golden State’s viticulture and enology industry. More than 600 wineries entered nearly 3,000 wines into the annual judging contest. The winners are determined by panels of judges that come from a wide range of backgrounds and are reviewed before they are permitted to evaluate the wines. From wine educators, wine makers, wine journalists, retailers and wholesalers to wine collectors and those from the restaurant trade, these knowledgeable judges share their personal opinions before reaching a consensus to determine the award winning wines.
To learn more about VITUS and how to purchase our wine visit us at www.vitusnapavalley.com. VITUS 2006 Merlot is almost sold out and is only available to Wine Club Members. To become a VITUS Wine Club Member email us at jamie@vitusnapavalley.com.
Suisun City approves shopping center remodeling
Suisun City approves shopping center remodeling
By Ian Thompson | DAILY REPUBLIC | June 30, 2009
Solano County Meals on Wheels employee Melvin "Bo" Bowen stops by the organization's office in the Marina Center Tuesday afternoon in Suisun City. Photo by Brad Zweerink
SUISUN CITY - A plan to remodel the aging Marina Shopping Center passed the Suisun City Planning Commission with flying colors Tuesday night.
The commissioners' biggest concern was the impact heavy delivery trucks would have on Lotz Way because they could not directly access the center from westbound Highway 12.
Otherwise, commissioners gave unanimous approval to the plan to extensively remodel the buildings, add several small pedestrian plazas and improve the landscaping.
Pellarin Enterprises of Redwood City, who purchased the shopping center 18 months ago, created the plans to turn the Marina Center into a retail magnet for downtown Suisun City.
The developer wants to knock down one of the center's buildings on the southwest side and demolish the northern half of two buildings in the center's interior.
All the remaining buildings would undergo an extensive redesign to create a look similar to that of Vacaville's Factory Stores.
Landscaping would be significantly improved and pedestrian plazas would be put in front of the center's two southern buildings.
See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.
By Ian Thompson | DAILY REPUBLIC | June 30, 2009
Solano County Meals on Wheels employee Melvin "Bo" Bowen stops by the organization's office in the Marina Center Tuesday afternoon in Suisun City. Photo by Brad Zweerink
SUISUN CITY - A plan to remodel the aging Marina Shopping Center passed the Suisun City Planning Commission with flying colors Tuesday night.
The commissioners' biggest concern was the impact heavy delivery trucks would have on Lotz Way because they could not directly access the center from westbound Highway 12.
Otherwise, commissioners gave unanimous approval to the plan to extensively remodel the buildings, add several small pedestrian plazas and improve the landscaping.
Pellarin Enterprises of Redwood City, who purchased the shopping center 18 months ago, created the plans to turn the Marina Center into a retail magnet for downtown Suisun City.
The developer wants to knock down one of the center's buildings on the southwest side and demolish the northern half of two buildings in the center's interior.
All the remaining buildings would undergo an extensive redesign to create a look similar to that of Vacaville's Factory Stores.
Landscaping would be significantly improved and pedestrian plazas would be put in front of the center's two southern buildings.
See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.
Crews work on safer route to school
Crews work on safer route to school
By Reporter Staff/
Posted: 06/30/2009
A construction worker uses heavy equipment to dig at the intersection of Peabody and Marshall roads. (Gilberto Ramirez / The Reporter)
Earth moving machines and construction workers are busy making an intersection near Will C. Wood High School just a bit safer and city officials hope to have the work done in time for the start of school in the fall.
The intersection at Peabody and Marshall roads is undergoing a massive overhaul as part of the Safe Routes to School program under the coordinated effort of Solano Transportation Authority, the city and the Vacaville Unified School District.
Vacaville's Deputy Director of Public Works Jeff Knowles said the project is designed to make the intersection more pedestrian friendly.
During the school year, more than 400 students walk through the intersection hourly, before and after school, while traffic backs up along the roadway, Knowles explained.
Once the project is completed, Marshall Road will have a second left turn lane onto Peabody. Peabody Road will also have a larger right turn lane onto Marshall.
The island that divides that right turn lane from the rest of Peabody will be much larger, to accommodate the big group of students waiting to cross the street. The sidewalk along Marshall on the high school side of the street will also be wider, creeping onto the school's property which the district gave to the city for the project.
Knowles said the work will not encroach on the Will C. Wood playing field or the track but only on the landscaped embankment.
So far, the project is on track and under budget, he said.
Eric Pessagno, an equipment operator from Vacaville and Arturo Garcia of Winters, work at the intersection of Peabody and Marshall roads on an effort to make the intersection safer for pedestrians. (Gilberto Ramirez / The Reporter)
By Reporter Staff/
Posted: 06/30/2009
A construction worker uses heavy equipment to dig at the intersection of Peabody and Marshall roads. (Gilberto Ramirez / The Reporter)
Earth moving machines and construction workers are busy making an intersection near Will C. Wood High School just a bit safer and city officials hope to have the work done in time for the start of school in the fall.
The intersection at Peabody and Marshall roads is undergoing a massive overhaul as part of the Safe Routes to School program under the coordinated effort of Solano Transportation Authority, the city and the Vacaville Unified School District.
Vacaville's Deputy Director of Public Works Jeff Knowles said the project is designed to make the intersection more pedestrian friendly.
During the school year, more than 400 students walk through the intersection hourly, before and after school, while traffic backs up along the roadway, Knowles explained.
Once the project is completed, Marshall Road will have a second left turn lane onto Peabody. Peabody Road will also have a larger right turn lane onto Marshall.
The island that divides that right turn lane from the rest of Peabody will be much larger, to accommodate the big group of students waiting to cross the street. The sidewalk along Marshall on the high school side of the street will also be wider, creeping onto the school's property which the district gave to the city for the project.
Knowles said the work will not encroach on the Will C. Wood playing field or the track but only on the landscaped embankment.
So far, the project is on track and under budget, he said.
Eric Pessagno, an equipment operator from Vacaville and Arturo Garcia of Winters, work at the intersection of Peabody and Marshall roads on an effort to make the intersection safer for pedestrians. (Gilberto Ramirez / The Reporter)
Nurses in training
Nurses in training
By Ben Antonius | Daily Republic | June 27, 2009
Incoming Fairfield High School seniors Mayra Ochoa, 16, Amanda Lazcano, 18, and Cindy Nguyen, 16, left to right, look at equipment in the NorthBay Medical Center cath lab Thursday. About 30 teens attended a four-day "Nurse Camp" through NorthBay Healthcare where they learned about different aspects of the medical field. Photo by Brad Zweerink
FAIRFIELD - On Tuesday, they were run through a trauma scenario. On Wednesday, they watched a helicopter deliver patients to VacaValley Hospital. On Thursday, they saw leg veins being harvested before open-heart surgery.
In the future, they might be handling those very tasks themselves.
NorthBay Healthcare ran about 30 teens through a four-day 'Nurse Camp,' which was designed to introduce prospective nurses to the tasks they would be performing.
Nurse Mary Hampen, one of the program's creators, said the goal to give the teens enough hands-on experience to help them determine whether nursing is a career they want to pursue.
'These are 17-year-old high school kids, many of them who have never been inside a hospital,' Hampen said.
Among the attendees in the 2009 camp was Tavonna Edwards, who recently graduated from Rodriguez High School. She said she has 'always wanted' to be a nurse and has volunteered at hospitals in the past.
'My dream job would be to do patient care in the Third World,' she said.Everything Solano... Find It Here.
Looking for a plumber? Try the new Solano Marketplace and find local businesses.
The program, which started five years ago, is not the first time NorthBay -- or other hospitals -- has tried to attract people to nursing, a profession that continues to be in heavy demand nationally.
See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.
By Ben Antonius | Daily Republic | June 27, 2009
Incoming Fairfield High School seniors Mayra Ochoa, 16, Amanda Lazcano, 18, and Cindy Nguyen, 16, left to right, look at equipment in the NorthBay Medical Center cath lab Thursday. About 30 teens attended a four-day "Nurse Camp" through NorthBay Healthcare where they learned about different aspects of the medical field. Photo by Brad Zweerink
FAIRFIELD - On Tuesday, they were run through a trauma scenario. On Wednesday, they watched a helicopter deliver patients to VacaValley Hospital. On Thursday, they saw leg veins being harvested before open-heart surgery.
In the future, they might be handling those very tasks themselves.
NorthBay Healthcare ran about 30 teens through a four-day 'Nurse Camp,' which was designed to introduce prospective nurses to the tasks they would be performing.
Nurse Mary Hampen, one of the program's creators, said the goal to give the teens enough hands-on experience to help them determine whether nursing is a career they want to pursue.
'These are 17-year-old high school kids, many of them who have never been inside a hospital,' Hampen said.
Among the attendees in the 2009 camp was Tavonna Edwards, who recently graduated from Rodriguez High School. She said she has 'always wanted' to be a nurse and has volunteered at hospitals in the past.
'My dream job would be to do patient care in the Third World,' she said.Everything Solano... Find It Here.
Looking for a plumber? Try the new Solano Marketplace and find local businesses.
The program, which started five years ago, is not the first time NorthBay -- or other hospitals -- has tried to attract people to nursing, a profession that continues to be in heavy demand nationally.
See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.
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