Officer Bowen, California Forever, New Sculpture & More!

Vacaville came out in force to show support for fallen Vacaville PD Officer Matt Bowen. The crowds who stood in the heat to line the procession route made me incredibly proud to be part of this community. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Bowen family and the Vacaville Police Department.

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California Forever Withdraws November Ballot Bid

In an abrupt change of plans, California Forever withdrew their bid to have residents vote on development of a new community in East Solano County this November. The group will instead pursue a more traditional re-zoning application through existing county protocols. County Supervisor Mitch Mashburn posted to social media, “Delaying the vote gives everyone a chance to pause and work together, which is what is needed.”

Mashburn encouraged California Forever “To prove to us how you’ll strengthen Travis AFB, how you’ll provide water, and how you will solve the transportation challenges… show us the financial engineering that makes it possible to pay for billions of dollars of infrastructure, without increasing our taxes.”

There is certainly more to come on California Forever, but we won’t see it on the ballot this November.

“Touch the Sky” Sculpture on Display Downtown

The City of Vacaville and Downtown Business Association worked to bring “Touch the Sky” to Andrews Park. The sculpture, created by Martin Taylor (@chromaforms), will reside on the School Street Bridge for one year. The sculpture stands over 12 feet tall and illuminates at night. An official unveiling took place on Wednesday evening.

Lt. Col. James C. Warren Memorial Dedication

The I-80 / I-505 interchange will be dedicated in honor of Lt. Col. James C. Warren of the United States Air Force. Warren was an original member of the Tuskagee Airmen, the first Black aviators who served in World War 2. He was also a Vacaville resident.

Warren passed away in 2014. Dedication of the interchange was signed into state law the following year, but never happened until Vacaville’s Rowland Freedom Center raised money for signage. A dedication ceremony will take place this Saturday at the Rowland Freedom Center.

$1 Car Washes at 7 Flags

To celebrate their 60th anniversary, 7 Flags Car Wash is offering $1 car washes at all their conveyor locations (Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, and Citrus Heights). The discounted washes are available from July 22, 2024 - July 27, 2024. Swing by and take advantage of their generous anniversary sale!

Other Stuff…

The train is up and running at Nut Tree Plaza after being closed for repairs.

Boys of Summer Comic Books celebrates 36 years in downtown Vacaville!

Vacaville’s Housing and Community Services Director, Emily Cantu, retires after 16+ years with the City. Congratulations!

Fatal motorcycle collision at intersection of Alamo & Peabody on Wednesday morning

City of Vacaville placing liens on properties for sidewalk repairs

Drive-thru Chipotle now open on Davis Street

Judge orders doctor to determine if Officer Bowen’s killer is mentally competent to stand trial

Events This Weekend

Here are some things going on around town this weekend…

Friday July 26th

• Hip Service | Creekwalk (6:30 PM)

• Dueling Pianos @ Makse (7PM)

• Laugh Lounge @ Journey Downtown (8PM)

Saturday July 27th

• Rockoustix @ Solano Brewing (5PM)

• Soulful Saturday Nights @ Journey Downtown (7PM)

• Solano County Farm Bureau Fundraiser @ Bally Keal Estate (6PM)

• Humor Tumor Comedy Show @ Hooby’s in Winters (8PM)

Sunday July 28th

• Bingo & Bellinis @ The Main Grape (2PM - 4PM)

• Summer Rock Showcase @ Journey Downtown (3PM)

More Events

• Benicia Waterfront Festival 7/27 - 7/28 (11AM - 6 PM)

One More Thing…

As a police officer, I had the honor and privilege of being in Matthew Bowen’s procession this Tuesday. Sadly, I’ve attended too many of these over the years.

But I’ve NEVER seen one like this. It wasn’t the police cars that made this special, it was how the community showed up!

There were never-ending crowds of people holding signs and flags. Garbage trucks lined up and their drivers stood by saluting. PG&E, CalTrans, and so many other crews paused their work to pay tribute to Officer Bowen. It seemed every crane or forklift within ten miles was brought in to raise a flag.

Clearly, many businesses allowed their employees to attend and the entire city shut down for an hour to give praise to a fallen hero.

I’ve never been so proud to say I’m from Vacaville.

- Brandon

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