Embrace the Vallejo Experience

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE ADVERTISING FEATURE Vallejo

Embrace the Vallejo experience INSIDE Real estate: Buyers turn to affordable Art: Vibrant scene offers steampunk Outdoors: Visitors enjoy kayaking, homes in waterfront city N4 creations, painters, symphony N8 golfing, riding rollercoasters N12 N2 San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature • Vallejo • Sunday, October 15, 2017

PHOTOS BY LAURA MORTON Left: The historic Empress Theatre was built in 1911 in downtown Vallejo. Right: Sir Stryker performs at the piano during his concert “Sir Stryker in Concert: A Story of Hope.” H istory meets creativity in downtown Vallejo

By Maurice Robie

The potential of Vallejo’s historic downtown has been redis- covered as a burgeoning arts and entertainment district. With working artist studios, a performing arts venue and ap- pealing food options, the district has added creative flair to the city. Combining classic Vallejo institutions with the fresh energy of new businesses, downtown has become a fun and vibrant destination. THE EMPRESS THEATRE Originally built in 1911 and opened in 1912, the Empress Theatre has changed hands many times and undergone numerous renovations. At first, the building was home to touring vaudeville acts and then a motion picture palace. Eleven years ago, the city spent $5 million bringing back some of the splendor of the original red velvet seats and ornate gold leaf painted clouds on the ceiling. Now the beautiful 400- seat hall is a multi-use facility anchoring a revitalized downtown. V isitors head into the 400-seat Empress Theatre in Vallejo before the start of the performance “Sir Stryker in Concert: A Story of Hope.” “We’re already establishing ourselves as an entertainment Kitchen in downtown Vallejo or at clothes are newly made from If you go center,” general manager Kevin the Vallejo Ferry Dock for manufacturers recreating the Frazier said. commuters. signature styles. The Empress Theatre: 330 Virginia St., Vallejo, (707) 552-2400, With Frazier booking a variety She also makes box lunches for Owner Serenity Beth Holzman www.empresstheatre.org. of music, comedy and performing 10 or more. A popular choice is calls herself an “old soul” who just The League of Chefs: 300 Virginia St., Vallejo, (510) 423-1911, acts, the theater has this year her Tuna Sandwich Box with sus- loves the classic eras the clothes doubled its attendance from last tainably caught wild tuna salad evoke. www.leagueofchefs.com. Pick-up from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. year. The Vallejo Symphony is now with peas, Vidalia red onions and With her husband, who’s a Pick-ups are also available at the Vallejo Ferry Dock from 4 p.m. performing at the theater with shredded carrots served on house celebrity and pin-up-style photog- to 8:15 p.m. and other locations listed on their website. their first concert of the new sea- made rosemary focaccia. rapher, Holzman decided to fill a Boutique Classique: 1711 Sonoma Blvd., Vallejo, (707) 641- son at 3 p.m. today. “People are hungry here and niche. 1231, www.boutiqueclassique.net. Open 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday- Frazier wants locals to know they can’t get enough good “We realized there was a need what they have in their historic food,” Hodge said in her kitchen for this fashion. There’s nothing Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. downtown. while preparing a night’s dinner else like this around,” Holzman Temple Arts Lofts: 707 Marin St., Vallejo, (707) 649-4100, “Once they adopt this as their bounty. “Vallejo needs high qual- said. “We got the shop and then search @temple.artlofts on Facebook. performing arts center, then ev- ity fresh organic food.” we realized this genre just took erything else comes into place She also has a dining room off.” Victory Stores: 435 Virginia St., Vallejo, (707) 642-0467. Open with that — people will start to see which seats 36 and she has occa- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. TEMPLE ARTS LOFTS this as a destination city,” Frazier sional weekend dinner nights The Hub: 350 Georgia St., Vallejo, (707) 561-6514, said. there, turning the room over once Temple Arts Lofts is the trans- www.thehubvallejo.org. Open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, His goal is to book the same for two seatings and 72 people all formed combination of two his- Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. acts one could see in San Fran- together. Hodge has successfully toric buildings — the 1917 Ma- cisco or Oakland so locals don’t experimented with special sonic Temple and the 1872 City The Ferry: 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, (707) 643-3779, have to go there. themed pop-up dinners that have Hall. The building now houses 29 www.sanfranciscobayferry.com. “There is lot happening around become so popular, they sell out affordable live/work lofts for artists what’s going on in Vallejo right before the menu is even posted. as well as a performance hall and now,” Frazier said. “As soon as the reservations office space for a nonprofit arts Dickies overflow counters in huge and a fantasy role play night. open up, they book seats. They organization. stacks and there are flannels, THE LEAGUE OF CHEFS just trust that it’s going to be Located in the midst of Vallejo’s boots and shoes, military wear THE FERRY Nicole Hodge just wants to good,” Hodge said. blossoming arts and entertain- and what seems to be customers’ With the only predictable cook good food for you. The She’s found that Vallejo is the ment district the award-winning favorites — eclectic vintage and aspect of Bay Area traffic being its owner and lead chef of The perfect place for her business. project has become an energizing current surplus military gear. The growth, alternative commuting League of Chefs has many ways to “It’s affordable. A community- force in Vallejo’s downtown revital- store can also stamp military dog methods have grown steadily in make that happen. Three nights a oriented, friendly, welcoming ization efforts. tags from a restored vintage ma- recent years. The San Francisco week (Tuesday through Thursday), place. Vallejo is the city of oppor- chine created just for that Bay Ferry service between Vallejo Hodge and her staff prepare tunity. I feel like I can spread my VICTORY STORES purpose. and San Francisco makes 15 gourmet dinners, such as home- wings and take a risk,” Hodge Their motto is “working class weekday departures to San Fran- made beef lasagna with a said. clothes for working class people” THE HUB cisco and seven weekend depar- chopped romaine Caesar salad. but don’t be surprised if you see a Poetry, pottery and hula-hoop tures, most going direct from There are always vegetarian op- BOUTIQUE CLASSIQUE young hipster or two in the store. are just a few of the activities you’ll Vallejo to the San Francisco Ferry tions, like ricotta lasagna, and Located in historic downtown The iconic Vallejo business has find at the aptly named communi- Building although a select few kids’ options as well. Vallejo, this small shop specializes been open since 1945 and is still ty venue “The Hub.” routes also make stops at Mare It’s all ordered in advance from in the glamour of a bygone era. owned by third generation de- Opened in 2013 and run by an Island and Pier 41. her website and pick up options Though the vintage styles are all scendants of the original owner. all volunteer staff, the former The trip takes about an hour include her League of Chef’s from the ’20s through the ’50s, the Brands such as Ben Davis and empty storefront has created a and tickets are available at the welcoming space for artists and Vallejo Ferry Building. Ridership the community to show and sell on the Vallejo service in July 2017 VALLEJO SECTION work, listen to music or simply alone reached an all-time high relax playing a board game with a serving nearly 105,000 passen- Steve Weimer Cyrus Taghavi Maggie Creamer friend. gers. The Ferry also offers direct Multimedia Sales Manager Account Executive Editor There’s a boutique offering service to and from AT&T park on (415) 777-7257 (415) 777-6121 [email protected] handmade items by local artisans some game days during the sea- [email protected] [email protected] and a stage for music and theater son. During weekend games, the performances. Upcoming events Ferry goes directly to and from the On the cover: Vallejo’s waterfront includes plenty of opportunities for recreation. include open mic sing alongs, a park, and on weekday games, the Photo by City of Vallejo Day-of-the-Dead painting party Ferry goes from the park only. Sunday, October 15, 2017 • Vallejo • San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature N3

A hidden gem, tucked away in the rolling hills on the eastern shores of San Pablo Bay

• 36-hole golf complex, featuring two 18-hole championship golf courses and a 28 stall driving range • Easy access from highway I-80 • Municipal golf course with competitive rates, friendly service and excellent golf course conditions

Come visit our Ferry Taproom Located in the Vallejo Ferry Building 289 Mare Island Way Vallejo, CA 94590 Open daily 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

Blue Rock Springs Golf Club 655 Columbus Parkway Vallejo, CA 94591 (707) 643-8476 Historic Mare Island arrive surprised...... leave amazed

rom its inception in 1854, the Mare Island Naval FShipyard etablished itself as the preeminent, and oldest, naval installation on the west coast. During its long history, Mare Island has built hundreds of ships and dozens of submarines, and has seen visits from many Presidents during its commission. St. Peter’s Chapel, erected in 1901, is the oldest Naval chapel in the United States and is decorated with the largest collection of TiOany stained glass windows outside of a museum. Pe Admiral’s Mansion and Captain’s Mansion were home to high ranking oNcers furnished with grand stairways and formal living rooms with birdseye maple doors and moldings.

he Mare Island Historic Park Foundation oOers a Tglimpse of Mare Island in its hayday with Naval artifacts dating as far as 1814, a vast photo collection at the Mare Island Museum and tours of historic structures. Come visit Historic Mare Island today!

Located at 1100 Railroad Avenue, Vallejo, CA 94592 For more information, call (707) 557-4646 Open weekdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm N4 San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature • Vallejo • Sunday, October 15, 2017

LAURA MORTON The George W. Wilson House, which was designed by Julia Morgan at the turn of the century, is on Capitol Street in the the Heritage District in Vallejo. Vallejo’s real estate market in middle of renaissance

By Jordan Guinn

As real estate prices contin- ue to rise in the Bay Area, Vallejo is now in the middle of a renaissance as home buyers flock to the waterfront city in Solano County. Nearly a decade removed from municipal bankruptcy, Vallejo boasts a thriving housing market, tech-savvy infra- structure and an improving school system. As the property values surge in Oakland and San Francisco, potential buyers have expanded their search area when shopping for a home. This proves to be a boon for Vallejo, which has seen a multi-year rally in its real estate market as their prices remain a fraction of those in the rest of the Bay Area. “There are substantial sav- ings across the bridge,” said Linda Daraskavich, president of the Solano Association of Realtors and a broker for Cold- well Banker. “What you’re seeing here is consistent with other parts of the Bay Area, OPEN HOMES PHOTOGRAPHY where you have multiple offers and homes selling for over the 3024 Overlook Drive, a four-bedroom, three-bathroom in the Hiddenbrooke Golf Course Community, recently sold for more than $800,000. asking price.” Location remains the most important factor in real estate, and Vallejo’s proximity to Oak- land and San Francisco ac- counts for part of its appeal. However, new housing devel- opments and the city’s new high-speed broadband network aims to make the city both a destination for buyers and a hub for the tech community. “Fiber communications are critical to public services and commerce in the 21st century,” Vallejo Mayor Bob Sam- payan said. “With downtown and Mare Island right on the waterfront and affordable commercial real estate, we are perfectly situated in the San Francisco Bay Area to become a destination for the new economy.” The gigabit fiber is a public-private partnership that leases city-owned fiber to Inyo Networks, Inc. The network PHOTOS BY LAURA MORTON firm markets and provides retail services to a variety of A bove left: A stained glass window is seen in the George W. Wilson House, which was designed by Julia Morgan at the turn of the agencies, including govern- century. Above right: Former owner Judith Hilburg loved the house and was known to invite curious visitors inside for a look. ment, medical and educational institutions. city, while newer construction on the upswing. quarter of an acre 10 minutes ple move from San Francisco Vallejo has ranked No. 1 for by Lennar, Shea and KB The city now features a from the Vallejo Ferry. Built in to this area.” nine consecutive months this Homes feature Mediterranean mixture of private, public and 2002, the home offers hillside Any time a city transforms year in Realtor.com’s “hotness” and contemporary designs. charter schools. For the third views, new windows, a modern in such a dramatic way there index. Realtor.com’s hotness Famed architect Julia Mor- straight year, U.S. News and kitchen with stainless steel are concerns about lost iden- index measures where houses gan even built in Vallejo. In World Report named Mare appliances and hardwood tity. Vallejo celebrates its di- sell the fastest and what mar- 2015, one of her designs hit Island Technology Academy flooring throughout. versity and offers plenty of kets have the most views on the market and listed for less “One of America’s Best High The Hiddenbrooke Golf room for growth, so citizens the website. Vallejo has sat than a million dollars. The Schools.” The publication’s Course, designed by Arnold aren’t in immediate risk of toward the top of the list every brown-shingle five-bedroom award is based on academic Palmer, winds behind the being forced out by rising month this year and outpaces would command a price north achievement, graduation rate home that features gabled home prices, said Joanna Alt- other major players like San of $4 million had it existed in and percentage of students rooftops and a turret near the man, assistant to the city man- Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara San Francisco, listing agent going to college. front door. ager. and San Francisco-Oakland- Jason Born said. Other coveted schools in- While the community is an With so many local afford- Hayward. Typically, a house spends clude Annie Pennycook Ele- enclave with one access road, able housing options available, The median price of a sin- one month on the market in mentary, St. Patrick-St. Vincent residents of the Hiddenbrooke Vallejo is not seeing the type gle-family home in Solano Vallejo before selling. That’s High School and Vallejo Char- community represent a micro- of exodus that comparable County is $378,000, roughly slightly less time than the ter School. cosm of Vallejo itself, Bechelli Bay Area cities are experienc- half of the Bay Area’s median surging markets of San Fran- Realtor Valerie Bechelli and said. Young professionals, tech ing, she said. price, and the city boasts a cisco and San Jose. her team recently sold 3024 workers and retirees all call the “Bay Area wide housing stock of classical homes and Schools will always be a Overlook Drive in Vallejo’s community home. and rent prices are on the rise, recent construction. Victorians, concern for families looking to Hiddenbrooke Golf Course “The demographics are but Vallejo remains the afford- bungalows, and tract houses buy a home, and Vallejo’s Community. The four-bed- kind of across the board,” she able option,” she said. are peppered throughout the educational opportunities are room, three-bathroom sits on a said. “We’ve had several peo- “Choose Vallejo.” Sunday, October 15, 2017 • Vallejo • San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature N5

VALLEJO SYMPHONY PRESENTS 2017-18 SEASON REVOLUTION - SUNDAY 01.28.2018 - 3 PM MAESTRO MARC TADDEI

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PHOTO: CHRIS RILEY - TIMES HERALD N6 San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature • Vallejo • Sunday, October 15, 2017

PHOTOS BY LAURA MORTON Baylee Weeks pours a beer for a customer while working at the Mare Island Brewing Co. Taproom, located in the Vallejo Ferry Building. Vallejo embraces breweries, wineries, distilleries

By Carey Sweet If you go

L eave it to Mare Island Mare Island Brewing Co. Taproom: 289 Mare Is- Brewing Co. co-owners land Way (in the Vallejo Ferry Building Waterfront Kent Fortner and Ryan Rotunda), Vallejo, (707) 556-3000, www.mareisland Gibbons to dub an emerg- brewingco.com. Open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. ing stretch of craft beverage companies around Napa Smith Brewery: 101 Yolano Drive, Vallejo, their business “The Wet (707) 252-4392, www.napasmithbrewery.com. Open Mile.” noon to 9 p.m. daily. The duo, who run their Vino Godfather Winery Mansion Tasting Room: three-year-old taproom in the Vallejo Ferry Building 500 Walnut Ave., Vallejo, (707) 552-2331, www.vino and are finishing the final godfather.com. Open noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, details on a new brewery Saturday and Sunday and noon to 8 p.m. Thursday just across the Mare Island and Friday. Strait, are already known for Savage & Cooke: 1096 Railroad Ave., Vallejo, their inventive beer names. Their Hydraulic Sand- www.savageandcooke.com. wich IPA, for example, salutes Vallejo’s former Then, by spring, the new Solano Brewing Co., closed World War II naval workers’ Savage & Cooke distillery is with prohibition in 1920. code phrase that meant slated to open just down “There’s such communi- J ess Begley, left, and Quinn Begley play Jenga at Napa Smith Brewery in Vallejo. “beer for lunch.” the waterfront from the ty and culture here, and The area, after all, brewery. we’re trying to bridge the MARE ISLAND refers to the directive is- more than doubled produc- boasts a rich history as a The two spots join Napa history gap via beer,” said BREWING CO. sued by Secretary of the tion, from 600 barrels last military and shipbuilding Smith Brewery, which Gibbons, of his other trib- TAPROOM Navy Josephus Daniels in year, to 1,300 this year. base that flourished from opened this past Novem- ute beers like Survivor’s Tale 1914, banishing all alcohol More beer is on the way, 1852 to 1996. ber in northern Vallejo, and Pale Ale and Saginaw Gold- Co-owners Kent Fortner from Naval bases and ships. too, thanks to their new Now, with Fortner and Vino Godfather, a wine en Ale, named for the first and Ryan Gibbons both live And trivia: As Gibbons is brewery, set up in June in a Gibbons leading the way, tasting room that debuted ship keel laid on Mare on Mare Island, and as quick to explain to a guest, collection of historic “turtle Vallejo is poised for a re- in a former naval com- Island in 1857. “Old vets self-described fans of the legend has it that “cup of hump” design buildings emergence of liquid meals, mander’s home on Mare especially love it. They buy historic area, celebrate its Joe” originated as a not-so- called the Coal Sheds be- in the form of beer, wine, Island in 2015. our logo pint glasses at our naval tradition in every complimentary salute by cause the nine waterfront bourbon, whiskey and rye. All the activity marks taproom to take to other aspect of their beer busi- sailors to Daniels when his structures used to store Their new brewery will quite an evolution for Val- restaurants (that carry our ness. order suddenly made cof- coal for the navy’s open for its first tours and lejo, considering the area’s beer) since they won’t drink Their General Order No. fee the strongest drink on steamships. tastings in November. last beer manufacturer, out of Coors glasses.” 99 porter, for example, the base. Debuted as an 8,000- Indeed, there are coffee square-foot, 15-barrel notes in this intense brew operation, plans are already aged in former whiskey and underway for more tanks, Pinot Noir barrels for six and also a 4,000-square- months, blended and then foot restaurant that may bottle-conditioned in — come online in 2019. get this — a historic bomb A larger kitchen is in the shelter on Mare Island. The works at the Vallejo Ferry result is bold yet creamy Building taproom, too, and elegant, with hints of where chef Scotti Hazeltine chocolate, fresh-milled works from-scratch magic in grain, vanilla spice and a 210-square-foot kitchen. toast. And like all the Mare The kitchen soon will Island Brewing beers, the span 900 square feet, for suds remind of wine with dishes like a beer-steamed Marc Taddei, their balance and finesse; pastrami sandwich with Western thank Fortner and Gibbons’ homemade sauerkraut and Music Director vintner backgrounds for the Swiss on rye, or a smoked graceful style. pork and veal bratwurst Railway Small batch seasonal steamed in Coal Shed stout recipes change often, and with sauerkraut and IPA www.wrm.org the beers have been so well spicy mustard. Museum received since the taproom Guests also soon will opened in 2014, that find a greatly expanded Ride vintage electric trains in the heart of Fortner and Gibbons have restaurant here, extending Northern California. This family friendly 2017 – 2018 SEASON museum offers: October 15, January 28, April 15 The Vallejo Naval and Historical • 11-mile round trip train ride Museum preserves and exhibits the • Tours and Exhibits history of the City of Vallejo and TCHAIKOVSKY, MOZART, CHOPIN, • Picnic Grounds the US Navy at Mare Island SHOSTAKOVICH, SAINT-SAËNS • Museum Store and Cafe Cecile Licad, Open: 10:30am - 5:00pm Featured Season Artist Saturday & Sunday Summer: Wednesday - Sunday Museum Hours: Empress Theatre, Vallejo Tuesday–Friday•12:00pmto4:00pm Saturday•10:00amto4:00pm 5848 State Highway 12, Suisun City, CA 94585 707-643-4441 734MarinStreet,Vallejo,CA 707-374-2978 vallejosymphony.org 707-643-0077•www.vallejomuseum.org Sunday, October 15, 2017 • Vallejo • San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature N7

i nto the Ferry Building lobby, and upstairs, to a 125-seat observa- tion deck offering spectacular water, shipyard and coal shed views. NAPA SMITH BREWERY The brewmaster at this expansive operation in a former Sears service center building is named, oh-so appropriately, Stein Servick. And he’s serious about the 14 beers on tap that he and his team craft in small batches totaling some 5,500 barrels. “We’re hyper seasonal,” Ser- vick said. “It’s good for our customers, who want variety among our core beers. And it’s great for our brewers, who don’t want to make the same beer day after day.” Since relocating from multiple buildings in south Napa to Vallejo last winter, Servick and crew are luxuriating in 36,000 square feet of space, including an airy taproom anchored by a floor-to- ceiling mural painting of the brewing process. The new taproom is doing double the business of the Napa space, said hospitality manager Row. Spanning 7,500 square feet, Above left: Dave Chavez Noelle Roldan, partly because it’s the three-story white manse fea- enjoys a beer tasting flight at more accessible now for visitors tures formal parlors set with an- Napa Smith Brewery Taproom and commuters off Highway 80. tique chandeliers and coal burn- in Vallejo. Above right: A glass The tasting set-up definitely ing fireplaces, double staircases, a of Saginaw Golden Ale is the helps with the “wow” factor, too. full attic and goodies like a carved flagship ale of Mare Island Twelve beers are served in small wood cupboard panel that opens Brewing Co. Right: The band glasses set into a carved out to a secret compartment etched Sa-Zil performs at Napa Smith wood barrel stave with two more by the home’s former resident: Brewery Taproom, which has beers available on the side. The “CDR John J. Beck and Millie and live music on Saturday amount looks intimidating, but Mittens” — complete with a tiny, afternoons. Roldan assures guests the flight dark-stain cat paw print. only adds up to about 20 to 24 Owners Frank Kennedy and expansive emerald lawn. ounces, or “two regular beers, Twila Nixon acquired the lease On Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m., easy enough to enjoy.” and turned the space into a tast- live music makes this one of the The range offers something for ing destination in 2015, show- best party places in town, featur- every palate, too, from the crisp, casing Kennedy’s approachable, ing notable acts like the legend- light Pilsner, to the inky dark, fruit forward wines from Suisun ary Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz does come with a pedigree. Initial focus is on setting up the velvety smooth Black Chasm Valley and Clarksburg sourced Ensemble. Savage & Cooke is owned by distillery, according to Savage & stout brimming with notes of grapes. It’s the first and only wine David Phinney, who also was Cooke general manager Lauren coffee and tobacco. tasting room in the area with the SAVAGE & COOKE winemaker at Orin Swift Cellars of Blanchard, with a tasting room to Tip: Soak up live music on Vino Godfather name being a tip By spring, bourbon, whiskey St. Helena, and is known for his follow. Saturdays, and dive into the ribs, of the hat to Kennedy’s family tree and rye lovers will be able to Splinter Group Spirits’ Straight Already, the company is pro- chicken, pulled pork and fried of longtime winemakers. admire a brand new distillery, Edge Bourbon Whiskey and ducing several small batch spirits catfish from Earl’s Barbecue truck The $10 tasting brings about a housed in a very old brick build- Slaughter House American Whis- off-site, including Second Glance parked daily by the taproom door. half dozen wines, and once you ing next door to the Mare Island key. He recently sold Orin Swift to American Whiskey and The Burn- find your favorite, you’ll want to Museum. Set in Building 45 in the E&J Gallo and Splinter to Vintage ing Chair Bourbon, both finished VINO GODFATHER WINERY grab a full glass ($8 to $13) and Mare Island Historic Core, the Wine Estates. in wine barrels from Phinney’s MANSION TASTING ROOM relax on the front porch, nibbling two-story waterfront brownstone At more than 16,000 square Napa Valley Cabernet projects, The setting is just too cool — a complimentary spicy cracker mix. was originally built in 1864 and feet, renovating the building has and Ayate Reposado and Ayate grand, Colonial Revival Com- It’s timeless elegance, the porch used as a Navy apprentice train- been an undertaking, guided by Añejo tequilas, both finished in mander’s house built in 1901 on framed with carved columns and ing facility. Vallejo’s Architectural Heritage wine barrels from Phinney’s Napa Mare Island’s gracious Mansion banisters and overlooking an While the business is new, it and Landmarks Commission. Valley Chardonnay projects.

For Work. For Play. N8 San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature • Vallejo • Sunday, October 15, 2017 Sunday, October 15, 2017 • Vallejo • San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature N9

PHOTOS BY LAURA MORTON Far left: Shannon O’Hare stands with an art car that Obtainium Works warehouse created for a private client to take to Burning Man. Above: Fifteen-year-old Orobosa Olotu, youth resident artist at Artiszen Cultural Arts Center, works on a drawing outside the center in Vallejo. Left: A steampunk Pinocchio puppet is seen at the Obtainium Works warehouse in Vallejo.

M akers, painters, steampunk bohemians all flock to Vallejo’s eclectic art scene By Carey Sweet If you go

A Vallejo artist might work with Obtainium Works: 510 Penn- chalk, sketching elaborate designs sylvania St., Vallejo, (510) 292- for the Visions Of The Wild Chalk Art 5879, www.obtainium Festival that swept across the city’s works.net. downtown sidewalks this past Sep- tember. Artiszen Cultural Arts Center: Other local artists might use 337 Georgia St., Vallejo, (707) paint or a camera to capture their 649-8984, www.artiszen.org. minds’ eye. Coal Shed Art Studios: 153 Or a Vallejo artist might create a fantastical papier-mâché Tyranno- Waterfront Ave. at 4th St., saurus Rex head, morphing a baby Vallejo, (707) 552-2293, stroller into a roaring, fang-toothed www.coalshedstudios.com. monster (complete with a real baby Vallejo Symphony: 330 Virgin- inside) to wheel around the Annual ia St., Vallejo, (707) 643-4441, Obtainium Cup Contraptor’s Rally that takes place each summer on www.vallejosymphony.org. Mare Island. Re:Sound: www.re-sound.net. It’s clear — there’s a healthy dose Jen Tough Gallery: 336 Geor- of madcap going on in this waterfront city. This fall, Vallejo even at- gia St., Vallejo, (707) 563-1360, tracted the film crew of Paramount, www.jentough.gallery. LAURA MORTON who with area artists helped trans- form parts of downtown into movie tribute to an acclaimed artist-based Above: Artists Kathy O’Hare and Shannon O’Hare, right, pose for a portrait in the art car “The Neverwas Haul” at the their Obtainium Works sets. institution in Ireland, founded in warehouse, which is known for steampunk-inspired art cars. Below: The Vallejo Symphony is the second-oldest civic orchestra in all of California. Still, the cultural classics thrive 1823, while Obtainium’s mission is here, too, such as the Vallejo Sym- to support Vallejo’s do-it-yourself vacated when Vallejo’s naval base phony founded in 1931, and the community of “tinkerers, gear heads closed in 1996, and it resides on the Empress Theater, built in 1911 and and steam bohemians who fabricate 215-acre Mare Island Shoreline bustling today with live stage works, art out of repurposed industrial Heritage Preserve. As for that sound local bands, touring artists, jams, art detritus.” abstraction, the building is a con- movies and the Symphony itself. We can thank these Victorian-era crete munitions storage measuring The local art scene continues to influenced dreamers of an imaginary 55-by-100 feet beneath 15-foot tall expand. Just this past September, world for creating magical, sci-fi ceilings. The architecture traps the the city officially proclaimed and vehicles for events such as Burning electronic sound, resulting in long LAURA MORTON supported the fourth anniversary of Man, the Mad Hatter Parade, the reverberations that often feel med- the 2nd Friday Art Walk. For this Obtainium Cup, Maker Faire, the Dominique Gutierrez, Charles Barnes and Sean Gutierrez, seated left to right, talk with with friends while seated outside the Artiszen Cultural itative, especially when the sound is community stroll, resident artists set Grand Kinetic Championship and Arts Center in Vallejo. The co-op offers space for rent and a 1,600-square-foot gallery for shows, workshops and public or private parties. mixed with recordings of Vallejo up on the sidewalks of historic the Battlebots television series. nature. downtown Vallejo, playing music There are no rules for this merry or backyard shed. But at some point, Island Naval Shipyard. In 1999, artist VALLEJO SYMPHONY seats. In another welcome addition, For Re:Sound’s most recent show and selling handcrafted wares band of brave, artistic explorers, that talent is going to outgrow the Tim Rose started work transforming there’s a bar, too, for drinks at in- this past September, artists David among the neighborhood’s retail other than art materials must be small four walls. And that’s where one of the nine historic structures, A bit of trivia: this is the second- termission. The Symphony will kick Dunn, Cheryl Leonard, Jorge Bach- gallery open houses. discards, as in second-hand, found Artiszen Studio steps in. The expan- outfitting the 8,000-square-foot coal oldest civic orchestra in all of Califor- off the season at 3 p.m. today with mann, Kevin Corcoran and Re- Art lovers should also put Nov. 11 by dumpster diving or chance find- sive co-op offers space for rent, shed for a work and gallery space nia, playing for 86 seasons now. Evolution. Revolution will be on Jan. :Sound founder/producer Jen Boyd and 12 on their calendars, for the ings or as donations. anchored by a 1,600-square-foot housing 18 artists. Founded in 1931 by a group of 28 and the season will wrap up with joined together at a new venue. 2017 Vallejo Open Studios week- To admire the marvelous works, gallery for shows, workshops and Today, the eclectic collection community leaders hoping to recap- Resolution on April 15. They set up a sound show in the end. The free, self-guided tours of fans can attend the refreshingly public or private parties. includes painters, woodworkers, ture their city’s culture during the River Bank, a downtown Vallejo galleries and working studios run crazy Mad Hatter parade on Dec. 2 Visitors are welcome, as well, to metalworkers, printmakers, photog- Great Depression, the Vallejo Sym- RE:SOUND landmark with a 3,840-square-foot from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, (hattervallejo.com), showcasing enjoy periodic open mic concerts, raphers, videographers, sculptors, phony still plays with a full orchestra, In a novel re-use of a Naval Am- main performance area and 30-foot including free admission to the Obtainium’s costumes and mobile “trashion” shows of fashion made textile artists and space for solo and often augmented by soloists to munition Depot, a concrete building ceilings, decorated with original LINDSAY HALE Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum creations. Or, the art center — and from repurposed items, dance group exhibitions are held in the Tim headline the shows. Earlier this year, has been transformed into a venue fixtures and the vault from the build- on Marin Street near Capitol Street. its Hibernian headquarters — is classes, theater performances and Rose Gallery. the group moved to a new home, space for experimental music series. ing’s early days as a working bank. ing make it happen, with her salon selves vary through the changing sures: A Juried Group Exhibition, it open on Sundays for tours. constantly changing art shows. Open by appointment and dur- the Empress Theatre, which re- As its creators describe the experi- showcasing contemporary works by exhibitions, from wax works to runs from Nov. 10 through Dec. 3, OBTAINIUM WORKS ing art shows, the Coal Shed will also ceived a $5 million renovation to ence, the idea is to “explore the JEN TOUGH GALLERY more than a dozen artists. painted canvas, Victorian letterform with an artist’s reception on Nov. 11. How to summarize a place that ARTISZEN CULTURAL ARTS COAL SHED ART STUDIOS welcome guests for the Vallejo highlight its Skouras-style ceiling relationship between forgotten Gallery director and owner Jen Just opened in March, the sleek and ink printing. Artists from the Bay Area but also proudly boasts it’s the home of the CENTER These are actual former coal Open Studios weekend Nov. 11 and (that means undulating wave design spaces, sound abstraction and the Tough says that downtown Vallejo is space spans white walls, a white One upcoming show features a across the world are invited to sub- Hibernian Academy of UnNatural An artist may start his or her sheds, originally used to store 12 and the Holiday Bazaar Dec. 9 with draperies and cloud-like gilded natural environment.” “an up-and-coming area with a floor and white ceiling, to best set particularly broad collection of mit their two-dimensional pieces for Sciences? The Hibernian name is a career at home, working in a garage steamship supplies for the Mare and 10. forms), and arranged 400 red velvet And why not — the depot was thriving art scene.” And she’s help- off the art pieces. The pieces them- multiple artists. Titled Guilty Plea- galley consideration. N10 San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature • Vallejo • Sunday, October 15, 2017

PHOTOS BY LAURA MORTON Michael Warring works on preparing a dish of ocean trout with foie gras, hearts of palm, fennel pollen and popcorn jus. He serves six-course dinners at his Vallejo restaurant. Chef creates meticulous, seasonal dishes

By Carey Sweet mained intact. The result: very easy and versatile a silky and light, yet rich way of getting things cold O n a recent evening at and velvety topping for quickly,” he explained. his eponymous restaurant Warring’s olive oil cake, These days, the tiny, on the Vallejo outskirts, finished with marshmal- 20-seat Michael Warring chef Michael Warring was low fluff and oatmeal restaurant is outfitted with busy with a tank of liquid streusel. all the kitchen equipment nitrogen, employing the Despite the scientific the chef needs, but War- cryogenic art to flash- trick, Warring does not ring maintains his no- freeze chocolate anglaise. consider himself a molec- nonsense approach to As frosty smoke bil- ular chef, he insisted. His creating his six-course lowed, the creamy cus- art came from a simpler dinners ($69). The menus tard froze so quickly that inspiration. Necessity. change weekly, reflecting virtually no ice crystals “We didn’t have a the seasons because, as formed, and the fat’s freezer when we opened the chef notes, the sea- cellular structure re- in 2012, and nitrogen is a sons are what drive food.

A bove: Restaurant partner Ali Gulczynski pours wine for a table during a dinner seating at Michael Warring in Vallejo. The restaurant offers a six-course tasting menu with an option for wine or beer pairings. Below: A dish of ribeye with maiitake mushrooms, red verjus and sumac parsley was served as a fourth course.

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California State University Maritime Academy Vallejo, CA | www.csum.edu Sunday, October 15, 2017 • Vallejo • San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature N11

If you go Michael Warring: 8300 Bennington Court, Vallejo, (707) 655-4808, www.mi- chaelwarring.com. Dinner by credit card-held reservation only, 5:30 p.m. to closing, Wednesday-Sunday. $69 prix-fixe, $33 wine pairing, $21 beer pairing.

Tomatoes are at their peak in late September through early October, for example, so he created a dish of heirloom tomatoes brightly dressed with sorrel, crème fraiche sabayon and a drizzle of aged balsamic. “I would describe my cuisine as personal,” he said. “It’s not rooted in tradition or culture, but rather in trying to get better and better products and coupling them with how I’m feeling in that moment.” And he’s not afraid of break- ing rules, such as many chefs’ obsession with showcasing local foods. “I don’t put a lot of impor- tance on locality,” he said. “It’s more important to me that the products are good, rather than where they’re from. Most of the Left: Michael Warring works on preparing a dish of ocean trout with foie gras, hearts of palm, fennel pollen and popcorn jus. Right: fish is from Tsukiji Market in Warring cooks a noodle dish with fairytale eggplant, guanciale, padron peppers and black truffle. Below: A dish of heirloom tomatoes Japan, although it gets flown in with sorrel, creme fraiche sabayon and aged balsamic is carried to a table for the first course. from all over. For special events, we also fly in A5 Wagyu from Yountville. Now, they keep Japan. The wild foods we get — » “I would describe my plenty busy staffing their restau- truffles, mushrooms, pollens, cuisine as personal. rant entirely on their own, draw- sumac, miner’s lettuce — as well ing on management tools they as some cultivated items like It’s not rooted in learned while studying at the mushrooms, hearts of palm and tradition or culture, Culinary Institute of America in white asparagus, come from all but rather in trying to Hyde Park, N.Y., and boot camp over the U.S. as well as France skills they picked up while in the and Australia.” get better and better trenches at their previous jobs. Five years into business, he’s products and For the time being, the cou- used to being asked how he coupling them with ple is fine being the only fine chose such an unexpected strip dining destination in the area, mall space for his upscale res- how I’m feeling in but should expansion come, taurant, tucked in the remote that moment.” they’re ready for that, too. suburban Hiddenbrooke area. Chef Michael Warring “It would be great if more The place used to be an ice restaurants came to the area, cream parlor, but now gleams He and his wife and co-owner but I haven’t really seen a lot of with an open kitchen where of the restaurant, Ali Gulczynski, growth,” Warring said. “Maybe guests vie for the few prime have customers who travel from more restaurants will open in seats at the chef’s counter, all all over to enjoy meticulous areas not commonly associated the better to watch Warring to dishes like ocean trout with foie peppers and a scattering of ring’s time at Napa Valley’s with great food. We’re happy prepare a pretty plate of Asian gras, bottarga, radish, hearts of black truffle. Auberge du Soleil a decade ago with where our restaurant is pear trimmed with wood sorrel, palm and ice-wine vinegar, or The couple has already en- and at Bouchon Beverly Hills, now, but we’re always excited crème fraiche sabayon and a noodles laced around fairytale joyed their share of big-name while Gulczynski worked at about the future and what it may dusting of dill pollen. eggplant, guanciale, padron cooking, too, including War- Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc in hold.” YYOUROUR BBAYAY AAREAREA FFUNUN SSTARTSTARTS HHEREERE!!

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@VISITVALLEJO VisitVallejo.com . 707.642.3653 N12 San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature • Vallejo • Sunday, October 15, 2017

CITY OF VALLEJO Vallejo’s waterfront offers beautiful views of Mare Island and trails for people to run, bike and walk their dogs. Explore the outdoors on Vallejo’s waterfront

By Carey Sweet

Everybody in Vallejo, it seems, looks forward to each October, when the southern end of Mare Island morphs into Nightmare Island. Through the Halloween month, the Mare Island Shoreline Heri- tage Preserve comes alive (or maybe becomes dead?) with a frightful haunted house, dark- of-night cemetery excursions, paranormal tours of spooky old abandoned buildings, a “petting zoo” of bloodthirsty carnivorous plants, meet-and- greets with live bats and owls, a horror film competition, a NorCal HearseCon undertak- ers’ car show, and the highlight — hordes of zombies staggering about. The series of evenings is admittedly bizarre as zombies (gruesomely painted volun- teers) crawl out of ancient naval ammunition and spy GREG GRUDT/MATHEW IMAGING bunkers, recreating themes of “Walking Dead” and “Night of Above: Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, a thrilling swing pendulum ride, opened this year at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. the Living Dead.” Below: Walkers are seen along the Bay Area Ridge Trail at Glen Cove Waterfront Park in Vallejo. Then, there’s the 160-year- old Mare Island Naval Ceme- Today, it’s common to see If you go tery that is the final resting players proudly wearing ridicu- place of three Medal of Honor lous patterned golf pants as Mare Island Golf Club: 1800 recipients as well as Anna Key they navigate ten former am- Club Drive, Vallejo, (707) Turner, the fifth child of Francis munition bunkers amid the 562-4653, www.mareisland Scott Key, who penned The 18-hole fairways. And it’s tradi- golfclub.com. Star Spangled Banner. It’s the tional for players to gather for oldest Naval cemetery on the 19th Hole beverages at the McIntyre Ranch/Greater West Coast, sure to be packed clubhouse, a building that Vallejo Recreation District: 1 with battle-worn spirits. served as a radio frequency St. Johns Mine Road, Vallejo, Still, for all the underworld monitoring station for overseas (707) 648-4600, www. fun, there are plenty of other transmissions during World mcintyreranch.org. less eerie, year-round adven- War II. tures to be enjoyed in this Kayaking: www.kayak lovely area cradled by the MCINTYRE vallejo.com Napa River where it empties RANCH/GREATER VALLEJO RECREATION Alden Park: At 8th St. and into San Pablo Bay and the Walnut Ave., Vallejo. Carquinez Strait. DISTRICT Certainly Vallejo is known Surrounded by more than for its family-favorite Six Flags 900 acres of breathtakingly ALDEN PARK Discovery Kingdom. Theme beautiful open space owned park enthusiasts can enjoy the by the Solano Land Trust, the You can spend plenty of new Wonder Woman Lasso of historic property is open by quality time at this park, Truth spinning/swinging pen- appointment only. But it’s well thanks to the unique displays dulum ride and holiday events, worth making a reservation for of antique Civil War cannons. including FrightFest on select its ranching/homesteading Visitors are welcome to days through Oct. 31, and classes (build a chicken coop!), picnic, and relax in the shade then Holiday in the Park on demonstration gardening, of the 1895 gazebo/band- select days from Nov. 24 animal care workshops with stand. Be sure to salute the through Dec. 31. lambs and calves and equestri- flag here, too — the original But for something really an activities/therapy through flagpole was erected Oct. 3, LAURA MORTON / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE different, how about a relaxing the on-site Jane’s Good 1854, and it still stands today. game of golf, played on grassy Horses group. hillsides with stunning water and city views and a few bun- KAYAKING ker play-arounds (meaning real This nimble water sport is former military bunkers)? so popular on Vallejo’s rivers Upcoming fun events in Vallejo Or perhaps you’d like to and straits that there’s an en- picnic in a pretty public park, tire website dedicated to the NIGHTMARE ISLAND under 5, free; age 6-plus, $10; front at 6:30 p.m. your lunch spread on a blanket fun (www.kayakvallejo.com). family/group pack, 4 tickets for Dec. 2. Events are free. in the shade of 100-plus year- No matter your experience On select spooky nights $30. (707) 241-4285, www.night www.hattervallejo.com. old trees brought back in the level, you can join in the pad- through the Halloween month, mareislandvallejo.com. 1800s from New Zealand, dling, registering for email the historic Mare Island Ammuni- 8TH ANNUAL GRAND South America and Australia. notifications on events, or tion Depot/ Mare Island Shoreline 8TH ANNUAL MAD HATTER VICTORIAN HOMES TOUR Only in Vallejo. checking the Kayaking and Heritage Preserve turns spine- HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF VALLEJO Biking Vallejo Facebook site chilling with its Undertaker theme What’s not to love about the The downtown Vallejo neigh- MARE ISLAND GOLF CLUB (www.facebook.com/groups/ walk-around horror show and Wonderland Festival Activities borhood is known for its late 19th Opened in 1892, this is one souzasounds). Either way preserve fundraiser. Guests are that include dancing horses ca- century architecture, including the of four Vallejo golf courses, brings access to group ad- encouraged to come in costume vorting around giant (costumed) elaborately ornamented Italianate and America’s oldest course ventures like casual races de- and bring flashlights. New this white rabbits? It’s part of the design Daniel Webster Harrier west of the Mississippi River. In parting from the Vallejo Yacht year is a two-part haunted house, Alice-themed parade starting at House, built in 1870 by the found- its old days, hazards included Club, wildlife tours off Point including an upgraded Extreme 4:30 p.m. at Georgia St. and er and president of the Vallejo rattlesnakes and a horse be- San Pablo, and playtime Terror section with extra scary Sonoma Blvd. But start the fun Bank. Come explore the gor- longing to a Marine Lieutenant around the Vallejo Marina and actors and live animatronics. Also with craft and food vendors and geous mansions, including sev- that liked to stand on the Dan Foley Park. You don’t new: The Hysterical Emporium children's games beginning at 2 eral listed on the National Regis- greens in between golfers’ even need your own equip- will be open every night, selling p.m. in Unity Plaza at John F. ter of Historic Places. balls and the pin. Eventually, ment; everything from kayaks weird curiosities with multiple Kennedy Library, then move on to Dec. 10. Tickets $35. rules allowed players to relo- to life jackets is available for food vendors on-site. the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 www.hattervallejo.com. cate balls blocked by the rent, with beginning class 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 15, 20-22, 27-29 p.m. at the library, and a finale horse, without penalty. guidance offered, too. & 31. Entry donation: Children Lighted Boat Parade on the water- — Carey Sweet. Sunday, October 15, 2017 • Vallejo • San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature N13

PHOTOS BY LAURA MORTON Above: Ship operations students use a hose to spray down the deck of the Golden Bear training ship at California Maritime Academy in Vallejo. Below left: The California State University school is the only degree-granting maritime university in the West. Below right: Students walk down stairs on the Golden Bear training ship.

College and Cal Maritime as “key partners” in Vallejo’s economic From education to healthcare, Vallejo’s development. “The city continues to find ways to support them as they business community is booming grow, as all three institutions have plans to double enrollment, in- By Jeanne Cooper crease their programs and grow their campuses,” she said. When Hollywood studio man- One of Vallejo’s largest em- ager Mark Walter decided to open ployers is healthcare provider a Bay Area production facility last Kaiser Permanente, which num- year, he discovered Vallejo’s Mare bers 4,300 employees in the city, Island. and a total of 6,900 in Solano and A joint venture between Film Napa counties combined. The Mare Island and Los Angeles- diversity in cultural backgrounds based Cinelease, the soundstage and skill sets of Vallejo’s workers on the former naval base had only makes the city “very attractive,” been open for two days when a according to Nor Jemjemian, Paramount TV production moved senior vice president and area in. Once its crew discovered what manager for Kaiser Permanente’s downtown Vallejo also had to Napa Solano Area. offer, five days of filming turned “From a labor standpoint we’re into five months. able to attract a variety of levels of “To have them be that im- workforce,” he said. “From the pressed with the area and the educational institutions around us, island means a lot,” Walter said. we can get anyone from nurses to These days, a big-budget physicians to the technically movie and the second season of trained, to storeroom workers and “13 Reasons Why” currently in receptionists.” production keeps more than 600 The city’s wide array of ethnic workers and vendors busy on any California Maritime Academy student Sean Ramaha, right, walks Katelyn Tuttle home after a visit to groups is also reflected in the given day on Mare Island, and the the Golden Bear training ship. The school educates 1,100 undergraduates on its 89-acre campus. company, much to its benefit, Cinelease venture is also just one Jemjemian adds. of the 110 businesses bringing That includes “big power Details “Kaiser Permanente is known new energy to the former naval grids” from the former nuclear industry-wide as the No. 2 diverse shipyard established in 1854, the submarine base, ideal for compa- For Vallejo’s business video, see https://youtu.be/5iN6GN0w3Os. company in the country. Vallejo first on the West Coast, and de- nies that require substantial offers so much diversity that we’re commissioned in 1996. amounts of energy. town, as well as the now-private Solano Community College, able to bring in a diverse work- Just like the families who have “There are plenty of new econ- shipyards on Mare Island, said which recently added a 400-stu- force,” Jemjemian said. “It affects made Vallejo the nation’s second omy applications that are pretty James Cooper, president and dent auto tech program to its local the quality of care because there hottest real estate market, busi- power-hungry,” Brinson said. CEO of the city’s Chamber of campus, and Touro University, are different viewpoints and differ- nesses are discovering the city has Vallejo also has “an incredible Commerce. which trains its 1,465 students for ent cultural practices ... and if you a lot to offer, from its industrial water supply — we sell water to This year more than a million health care professions. have a diverse workforce in your past to its innovative future, with- other cities and we have 25 per- ferry passengers will land at the At the West Coast’s only de- hospital, you’ll be able to artic- out the high prices of the rest of cent unused water treatment waterfront, which regularly hosts gree-granting maritime academy, ulate and connect with the individ- the Bay Area. capacity,” he said. festivals and lies only two blocks Arp notes, “we produce gradu- uals you’re serving in those Local developer and fifth- This helped the city attract from a downtown with recently ates that not only go to sea as hospitals.” generation Vallejo resident Dennis Napa Smith’s multimillion-dollar improved lighting, sidewalks and deck officers or engineers, we’re City officials recently decided Brinson points to several of the brewery and taproom to Sonoma security. producing people who are facil- to showcase the human and phys- city’s “compelling resources” as Boulevard (Highway 29), accord- “There’s a real ambience that’s ities engineers or mechanical ical resources of Vallejo and its drivers in its booming home sales ing to Brinson. being created and developed,” engineers, who are more than business-friendly policies in a new and job growth. A public-private partnership Cooper said. “That’s where the meeting the needs of local busi- portal, www.choosevallejo.com, “Vallejo is a natural transit hub with Inyo Networks, launched in opportunity lies.” ness, including manufacturers.” and a YouTube video that reflects for the area, from rail to buses that summer 2017, is utilizing an exist- Employers are also discovering Nearly 95 percent of students many business leaders’ enthusi- connect to BART to ferries to San ing city fiber network to provide Vallejo’s rich human assets, in part are employed upon graduation, asm for the city’s positive eco- Francisco and the major highways gigabit internet services to busi- created by the city’s institutes of he said. nomic climate. of 37, 29, 780, 680 and 80, and nesses at unparalleled rates. This higher education. “We have a growing number of “The Vallejo business boom is pricing on homes is half of what new public internet initiative is “In a very broad sense, Vallejo internships and summer place- not hype, it’s the reality,” Jem- you’d experience in San Francisco, enabling Vallejo to significantly is a college town,” said Bob Arp, ments, not only within the ship- jemian said. “Now people are which is a pleasurable ferry ride lower the operating costs for vice president for university of ping industry, but with a wide discovering it, I’m very confident away, or by car right down 80,” he businesses and employers in the advancement at CSU Maritime variety of businesses and opportu- we’re going to see more major said. “But the nuts and bolts of city. Academy, also known as Cal Mar- nities,” Arp said. organizations here, whether in why a new economy employer Vallejo’s resources also include itime, which educates 1,100 un- Joanna Altman, the city’s pub- manufacturing, IT or service. The would be here is our unique infra- ready-to-develop sites on its dergraduates on its 89-acre water- lic information officer, hails Touro transformation of Vallejo is hap- structure. ” scenic waterfront and in down- front campus. Vallejo also boasts University, Solano Community pening today.” N14 San Francisco Chronicle Advertising Feature • Vallejo • Sunday, October 15, 2017 Choose VALLEJO

San Francisco Oakland

where talent, location Berkeley & opportunity intersect

With a strong manufacturing base for Advanced Materials, Food and Beverage and Technology and a con3uence of 4ve universities offering advanced technical training, Vallejo has the talent.

With close and convenient access to both the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento markets, as well as Napa and Sonoma wine valley, Vallejo has the location.

With the hottest U.S. residential real estate market and business operating, commercial and industrial costs all lower than the rest of the Bay Area, Vallejo has the opportunity.

See yourself here. www.choosevallejo.com