By Richard Bammer

For the young and young at heart, Kids Day, with activities ranging from grinding corn to making a corn husk doll, returns Saturday to Pena Adobe Park in Vacaville.

Sponsored by the Peña Adobe Historical Society, the event, free and open to the public, will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the regional park, 4699 Pena Adobe Road, just off Interstate 80. Cookies and treats will be provided, said Cricket Kanouff, president of the Historical Society.

The Adobe, one of the oldest structures in Solano County, dates to 1842 and was once the home of the Juan Felipe Peña family, who, with the Vacas, settled in Vacaville more than 180 years ago.

Source: Kids Day on tap for Vacaville’s Pena Adobe Park – The Vacaville Reporter

Know how pizza makes life better?

So it could be for a group of Academy of 21st Century Learning students in Vacaville who, with your purchase of some mouthwatering pie, could make their academic dreams come true.

Two teams of Academy youths are headed to the Odyssey of the Mind world championships. They are the only school in all of Solano who participated and made it this far, so they’re representing not just Vacaville but the county as a whole.

Source: Eat pizza, help local kids realize academic dreams – The Vacaville Reporter

“The 20th Annual Loop the Lagoon Run/Walk Fundraiser is set to take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville.

“This long-standing and iconic event promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire community, with participants of all ages and skill levels taking part in the festivities.

“The Loop the Lagoon Run/Walk is a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone.

Source: May 6 | Loop The Lagoon Run/Walk Fundraiser For Students In Need 2023: Vacaville | Suisun City, CA Patch

By Richard Bammer

Are you a middle school or high school student in Solano County, handy with a video camera and have a tale of kindness to tell?

As it has in several past years, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office seeks submissions from the county’s secondary school students to participate in a video contest that showcases the power of positive behavior.

According to a press statement issued by the DA’s Office on Monday, the Kindness Campaign Video Contest invites students to submit a video between 30 seconds and two minutes in length that “expresses what the power of kindness can accomplish in their school community. It asks the question, ‘How can the power of kindness be used in our schools, homes, and communities to make a positive difference?’ ”

Source: DA’s Office seeks ‘kindness’ videos from Solano secondary school students – The Vacaville Reporter

Are you a Vacaville high schooler interested in learning about government?

Check out the Annual Summer at City Hall program in Vacaville.

This 4-week program — a partnership with the city of Vacaville, Vacaville Unified School District and Travis Unified School District — is open to Vacaville youth who will be juniors or seniors this fall.

Youth will participate in a class focused on skill development, civic engagement and local government. Students will also have an opportunity to intern with the city of Vacaville or Vacaville Unified School District.

Source: Leadership opportunity for Vacaville youth – The Vacaville Reporter

The Fairfield-Suisun City Visual Arts Association’s seventh annual Student Art Show opens Wednesday.

Artwork will be on display in 14 categories.

The show will feature artwork by some young and amazing artists from Solano County high schools. The show runs through April 1 at the Solano Town Center Gallery, 1350 Travis Blvd. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Source: 7th annual High School Student Art Show begins Wednesday

Students within the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District can enter the 2023 Clean Air Art Contest for the chance to win Amazon gift cards.

The top artist in each grade category – kindergarten to second, third to fifth, sixth to eighth and ninth to 12th – will get a $30 gift card, and second- and third-place entries will receive a $25 card.

“Additionally, winners will receive a certificate of achievement, recognition in a future press release and winning artwork will be used in district outreach materials,” the district said in a statement.

Source: Solano, Yolo students can win prizes in Clean Air Art Contest

The Leaven Kids Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to name an existing or in-development educational program after late Fairfield Mayor Harry Price, it was announced this week.

As a founding member and longtime supporter of Leaven Kids, this naming recognition is meant to memorialize Price’s contributions to the organization’s mission. The motion was led by Board Member Len Augustine.

Source: Leaven Kids program to be named for late Fairfield Mayor Harry Price – The Vacaville Reporter

By Kimberly K. Fu

Solano County sheriff’s deputies, all off duty, descended on Target in Vacaville early Saturday with one aim in mind — to make the holiday season bright for 20 students throughout the county.

Just after 7 a.m., the “Shop with a Deputy” event, sponsored by the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, was in full swing. Kids from pre-K to 10th grade, all who thrived despite experiencing adversity, were partnered with a deputy and then embarked on the ultimate shopping adventure.

“We’re always looking for ways to give back to the community,” advised Sgt. Christine Castillo. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Source: Deputies bring cheer to Solano students – The Vacaville Reporter

By Zachary Cimaglio

Cars and bikes of various makes and models gathered round in the parking lot of the Ball Metal Beverage Packaging plant in Fairfield Saturday for the 9th Annual Ball Metal Car and Motorcycle School Supply Drive Car Show.

The event consisted of a contest for attendees to vote on their favorite vehicles and a raffle table laden with various prizes.

The car show has been a staple in the community for nearly a decade, and public support appears to be as high as ever. Car junkies, bikers and various other community members came together to provide school supplies for students who may not have access to them as the school year gets into full swing.

Source: Solano County residents show off their rides to support local students – The Vacaville Reporter

The Workforce Development Board of Solano County is offering a free, five-week pre-apprenticeship training for young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 that will help them to complete all the training they need for an introductory trades position at no cost to them.

The pre-apprenticeship training will be offered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 11 to Aug. 15, at the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School.

“This program will truly open doors for their future,” said Nel Sweet-Davis, an employability specialist with the Workforce Development Board of Solano County and one of the organizers of the training program. “It’s more than the trades. It will encompass so many industries, industries that are becoming very common here in Solano County. We encourage the students to see this as a kickstart program to their future in the trades or labor industry.”

Source: Solano Workforce Development Board offering free pre-apprenticeship training program – Times-Herald

Travis Credit Union is challenging youths to be fiscally aware.

April is Financial Literacy Month and TCU is giving teens ages 13 to 18 the opportunity to complete four online money challenges and learn about managing money.

Every challenge will be a new online financial education activity on organizing finances, Avoiding debt, establishing savings and building credit. Those who complete every challenge will be entered to win an Apple iPad.

Source: Program teaches teens money management – The Vacaville Reporter