VALLEJO — Solano County’s biggest city has seen its share of tough times, but remains a destination for those looking for theme parks and waterfront activities.
Finally digging itself out of bankruptcy, Vallejo relies on Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, events at the Solano County Fairgrounds and several golf courses to entertain those who exit Interstate 80 on their way to or from the Bay Area.
Founded in 1851, it was named after Gen. Mariano Vallejo, who discovered the area. Vallejo successfully lobbied for the city to be the state capital twice, before losing out to Sacramento. In return, he was granted the West Coast’s first shipyard in 1854, to be known as Mare Island. It served as a large part of the community, closing in 1996. City officials hope to turn it into an attractive area with industry, companies and homes.
Vallejo’s proximity to water makes it an ideal spot to commute or travel to San Francisco and beyond. The Vallejo Baylink Ferry carries tourists and commuters from the Vallejo waterfront to the San Francisco Ferry Building, and to the Fisherman’s Wharf area.
Hosting the Solano County Fair, the fairgrounds offer the yearly celebration and other events. No longer housing the horse racing, the infield of the track houses a nine-hole short course. Solano County supervisors have approved plans to revitalize the ground into a mixture of business, retail and other attractions.
The California Maritime Academy, on land near the Carquinez Bridge on the city’s southern edge, is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the country. It is also part of the 23-campus California State University system. Vallejo is also home to Touro University, located on Mare Island.
Two of the major health care providers of Solano County, and biggest employers, Kaiser Permanante and Sutter Health, call Vallejo home. Vallejo houses one jail and courthouse, sharing the county’s housing of criminals with Fairfield.
With just under 116,000 people, Vallejo has the distinction of being the largest city in the county. Its population is also diverse: 32.8 percent white, 24.9 percent Asian, 22.6 percent Hispanic, 22.1 percent black, 0.7 percent American Indian and 11 percent some other race.
Danny Bernardini can be reached at 427-6935 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dbernardinidr.
City Hall: 555 Santa Clara St., 648-4527
Website: http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite
City Manager: Daniel Keen, 648-4575, [email protected]
City Council: Mayor Osby Davis, [email protected] (elected 2011, term expires 2015)
Councilwoman Marti Brown, [email protected] (elected 2009, term expires 2013)
Councilwoman Stephanie Gomes, [email protected] (elected 2009, term expires 2013)
Councilwoman Erin Hannigan, [email protected] (elected 2011, term expires 2015)
Councilman Bob Sampayan, [email protected] (elected in 2011, term expires 2015)
Councilman Hermie Sunga, [email protected] (elected 2009, term expires 2013)
Councilman Robert McConnel, [email protected] (elected 2011, term expires 2015)
