Solano CC staff gets emergency training |  dailyrepublic.com

Solano Community College has concluded a comprehensive training program on Emergency Operation Center protocols, culminating in a strategic tabletop exercise.

The training was aimed at preparing staff for effective management of resources during emergencies, which often present complex challenges, including the allocation of personnel, equipment, and facilities. Recognizing the potential stress of such scenarios, the training was designed to bolster the college’s preparedness for safeguarding its community.

Source: Solano CC staff gets emergency training | News | dailyrepublic.com

Solano students, teachers prepare for the ‘big one’ – Times Herald Online

By Thomas Gase

Much of the nation and Solano County were like Bill Haley and the Comets on Thursday morning — ready to shake, rattle and roll.

A day after an earthquake hit Northern California, schools across the nation and in Vallejo prepared to deal with “the big one” by participating in the ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:19 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

According to www.shakeout.org, there were more than 56 million people participating in the drill globally. Of those, most came came the United States, with 10 million participants coming from California alone for the drill that began taking place yearly in 2008. Of the 10 million in California, Solano County had 45,938 participants, including 40,188 in K-12 schools and districts as well as another 1,287 in college universities and 579 in childcare and preschools. Non-profit organizations in the county had 1,220 people do the drill.

Source: Solano students, teachers prepare for the ‘big one’ – Times Herald Online

SPI’s Summit to Support Youth and Reduce Crime – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Amid reports of a spike in crime, including crimes committed by juveniles, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is developing a new program to help youth prepare for bright futures and to help prevent youth from engaging in crime.

Thurmond announced today that he will be working with partners to develop a paid internship program to help teens and young adults earn while they learn about career pathways. Youth will also be connected with career advisors who will help them learn about career and employment opportunities to ensure they have a secure role in the global economy in the years ahead, which will benefit not only themselves and their families but their respective surrounding communities.

Source: SPI’s Summit to Support Youth and Reduce Crime – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

City Lauds Malone (DUSD), Approves Liens – Dixon Independent Voice

By Debra Dingman

The last City Council meeting was a packed agenda with the 4th of July annual report, information on the lights and landscape expenses, and the approval of new limited parking signs at the Pardi Plaza.

In between those topics were reviews of citizens who have not paid their sewer and/or their garbage bills and the collection process to collect or place liens.

The meeting kicked off with an official commendation of Police Officer Jason Malone by Chief Robert Thompson. Malone has served the past four years as the School Resource Officer at Dixon High School. He has just completed the “inaugural first 4-year assignment,” as Thompson put it, for a pilot program initiated by the Dixon Unified School District and the City for an officer on campus. “He has excelled in that role,” Thompson added recalling the first summer when Malone returned to regular duty, the phone would ring incessantly because of the relationships he had established with the students.

Source: City Lauds Malone, Approves Liens

SCC’s Department of Public Safety celebrates first year – The Vacaville Reporter

Solano Community College’s Department of Public Safety will celebrate its firs turn around the sun on May 1.

The last time SCC had its own stand-alone police department was circa 2013. Unfortunately, due to budgetary reductions throughout the district in the same year, SCC disbanded the Police Department and began contracting security services with the Solano County Sheriff’s Office on July 1 of that year.

The security contract with the Sheriff’s Office ended April 30, 2022.

Source: SCC’s Department of Public Safety celebrates first year – The Vacaville Reporter

SCC Public Safety Officer saves a life at recreational basketball game – Daily Republic

Luz Daniels, a Solano Community College Department of Public Safety officer, was credited with saving a life Sunday night during a recreational basketball game.

A 53-year-old man suddenly collapsed on the court at the Fairfield campus gymnasium, according to a Facebook post from the department.

“There was panic amongst the players and spectators since this person was not breathing and had no pulse,” the post said.

Source: SCC Public Safety Officer saves a life at recreational basketball game

Benicia parents fear for children’s safety after pedestrian bridge demolished – Fox 2

By Brooks Jarosz

A pedestrian bridge in Benicia was demolished Friday causing some parents to fear their children won’t have a safe path to get to school.

The City of Benicia said a commercial truck crashed into the walking bridge over Military West on Tuesday, damaging it beyond repair. It continued to deteriorate and pose a serious safety risk.

Source: Benicia parents fear for children’s safety after pedestrian bridge demolished

State of Emergency Declaration – Nutrition (CA Dept of Education)

Working to protect Californians from the incoming winter storms, Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed a state of emergency throughout California to support the ongoing response to recent winter storms.

The emergency proclamation supports emergency relief efforts including authorizing the mobilization of the California National Guard to support disaster response, directing the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) to request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program to support highway repairs and other support for local response and recovery efforts. The text of today’s proclamation can be found here External link opens in new window or tab.

The Governor has also activated the State Operations Center to its highest level, and the state and federal government have stood up the Flood Operations Center, which covers forecasting, reservoir operations coordination, and provides technical support as well as flood fighting materials like sandbags for local agencies.

Source: State of Emergency Declaration – Nutrition (CA Dept of Education)

Critical incident scenario tests Vacaville PD officers – The Vacaville Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

As mass shootings have become more prevalent over the last two decades, police officers everywhere are frequently being trained on how to respond in a way that is fast, safe and responsive to victims and survivors.

That includes in Vacaville.

While the city has not experienced such an incident, officers need to be prepared to respond in the event that a shooting does occur. Thus, the first of two critical incident training exercises was held at Will C. Wood High School Wednesday morning, bringing multiple agencies and volunteers together for a realistic roleplaying scenario.

Source: Critical incident scenario tests Vacaville PD officers – The Vacaville Reporter

Vallejo Police Department says ‘no’ to schools at 2 X 2 commission meeting – Times-Herald

By Sharon Pearce

Despite safety remaining an issue at Vallejo schools, the Vallejo 2 X 2 Commission was told at its Wednesday meeting there would be no additional staff or funding coming from the city or the police department.

The 2 X 2 Commission — composed of two representatives from the city and two from the school district tasked to find answers within the city’s school system — heard directly from the school district. Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent William Spalding explained that he had heard concern over safety issues from the public on a number of occasions. He offered suggestions such as closing Nebraska Street between Amador and Broadway streets near Vallejo High School during the day to help the school deal with gunfire and infrastructure problems.

Source: Vallejo Police Department says ‘no’ to schools at 2 X 2 commission meeting – Times-Herald

Solano College plans conversation with police personnel – Daily Republic

Solano College Public Safety officers will meet with students, faculty, staff and the public in what is being billed as the first in a series of “Conversations with Solano Community College Department of Public Safety.”

The event will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday in Room 113 of the new library on the rural Fairfield campus, 4000 Suisun Valley Road. To register, send an email to sccdps@solano.edu. State how many are in your party.

Source: Solano College plans conversation with police personnel

Solano College public safety team designed to strengthen campus ties – Daily Republic

By Barbara Navolanic

The Solano Community College Department of Public Safety has created a Community Partnership Team to help strengthen the relationship between the department and the campus community it serves.

The team will work to educate students, faculty and staff on what to expect from the campus department of public safety officers and how they can work together to build a safer, more inclusive community.

Source: Solano College public safety team designed to strengthen campus ties

New SCC team slated to foster relationships – The Vacaville Reporter

Community.

That’s what the brand-new Community Partnership Team at Solano College is slated to foster.

A product of SCC’s Department of Public Safety, the team — led by Sgt. Bryant Williams — will work toward building and strengthening ties with those who use the campus.

“Our team will work to educate students on what to expect from their campus department of public safety officers and how we can work together to build a safer and a more inclusive community,” explained Chief Brian Travis in a press statement. “Our officers strive to be guardians of our community and model for the future of campus safety. We recognize that students may come to campus with a variety of different experiences with law enforcement, and we are committed to building a positive relationship with our community.”

Source: New SCC team slated to foster relationships – The Vacaville Reporter

Grange resource officer earns nod as nation’s best – Daily Republic

By Matt Miller

Police Officer Joshua Bender said he never expected to get any awards for the work he does in the community.

“I’m just trying to find ways to help others,” he said.

Bender, who spends the bulk of his hours at Grange Middle School, was recently selected as the National School Resource Officer of the Year. The award goes to those who have made significant contributions to their schools and community.

Source: Grange resource officer earns nod as nation’s best

SCOE welcomes input on school safety plans – The Vacaville Reporter

School safety is always a priority, and local leaders want your input on helping to keep local students protected.

On Tuesday, the Solano County Office of Education will welcome parents, guardians, staff and the community in sharing insight on safety plans for Golden Hills Community School in Fairfield, the TC McDaniels Early Education Center in Fairfield and Irene Larsen Center in Vacaville. Come review the plans and provide feedback.

A Zoom meeting will be held from 4-5 p.m. at https://solanocoe.zoom.us/j/96169013289?from=addon#success.

Source: SCOE welcomes input on school safety plans – The Vacaville Reporter

Solano College hires chief for new Dept of Public Safety – The Vacaville Reporter

By Kimberly K. Fu

Nearly three years after retiring from local law enforcement, Brian Travis will again don a badge.

This time, the former Solano County Sheriff’s lieutenant and former Solano Community College director of Campus Safety and Security will return to SCC as the head of its new Department of Public Safety.

Travis is set to be sworn in on Feb. 1.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to working hard, to building trust and strengthening trust with the community,” he told The Reporter.

Source: Solano College hires chief for new Dept of Public Safety – The Vacaville Reporter

Veteran Vacaville police sergeant to retire after nearly three decades – The Reporter

By Kimberly K. Fu

Jason Johnson has always had a heart for community.

Which is why the Arizona native, who grew up around the world in a military family before settling in Vacaville, served 11 years with the California Highway Patrol and the last nearly 17 with the Vacaville Police Department.

And why the sergeant’s pending retirement this April is bittersweet.

“It’s so rewarding,” he said of his job.

He was 16 when he decided on a life of service. The TV show “CHiPS” portrayed fun and excitement and no report writing.

Source

SCOE announces free threat assessment training – Daily Republic

The Solano County Office of Education is sponsoring a course for educators and public safety on threat assessment, scheduled virtually from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 24 and Jan. 31.

The course will be led by Sgt. Jason Johnson of Campus Safety Consultations. There is no cost to participate in the online sessions.

Recognizing Signs of Targeted Violence is a course designed for the school site professional, administrator, academic counselor or mental health clinician who works directly with students.

Source: Solano County Office of Education announces free threat assessment training

VHS principal urges frank talk about keeping campus ‘safe, positive’ – The Vacaville Reporter

By Richard Bammer

Acknowledging campus tensions among students in recent days, the injury of a female student, questionable social media chatter, misinformation, and assorted rumors, Vacaville High Principal Adam Wight, in a Thursday letter to VHS parents, wrote: “This evening I ask that each of us take a moment and talk with our children about the importance of maintaining a safe and positive school environment.”

The Vacaville Police Department deferred comment on the situation at the West Monte Vista Avenue campus, with Sgt. Katie Cardona telling The Reporter that all inquiries should be directed to Wight or Elaine Kong, Vacaville Unified’s public information officer.

Wight confirmed a female student had been injured on campus last week but did not describe the nature of her injuries.

Source: In wake of student violence, VHS principal urges frank talk about keeping campus ‘safe, positive’ – The Vacaville Reporter

Dixon school board to discuss site emergency response plans – The Vacaville Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

How schools plan to responds to any emergency situation on campus will be just one topic presented at Thursday’s Dixon school board meeting.

By law, schools are required to submit safety plans to ensure that their campuses are prepared for emergencies that may arise on campus. The California Department of Education has a checklist that schools are required to meet.

The safety plan that was included in the agenda packet for Thursday’s meeting was the emergency operations plan for Dixon Unified School District’s three elementary schools, although the middle and high schools have their individual plans as well.

Source: Dixon school board to discuss site emergency response plans – The Vacaville Reporter