Development News for Vallejo, California

Ford Second Proposes Downtown Native Garden Youth Stewardship Program to Beautification Commission

The Beautification Commission received a presentation from Alejandro Pledo, the Growing Futures Manager at Ford Second, detailing a proposal for a downtown native garden youth stewardship program. This program, aimed at youth aged 16-26, focuses on permaculture, environmental health, and nature-based healing activities to promote positive mental health and civic engagement. The program plans to offer a 12-week curriculum, hands-on experience, and potential entry-level employment opportunities. Key learning areas include ecological principles, clean air/soil/water, personal growth, and advocacy. The proposal includes specific skills development related to planting, soil analysis, irrigation, and advocacy, with potential job pathways. The program intends to foster deeper understanding of urban greening and civic engagement, with hands-on learning experiences at spaces like the plaza garden. Collaborations with organizations like Sustainable Solano and Solano RCD are highlighted. Program details include a 12-fellow structure per cohort, 12-hour weekly commitment, and stipends supported by Ford Second and potential sponsors. Sponsored certifications, such as a six-week course from the nonprofit Pollinator Partnership, are also part of the plan. Program sessions will cover native plants, benefits of monitoring and tracking programs, and advocating for more green spaces in downtown Vallejo. The initiative also aims to enrich soil, sequester carbon, promote biodiversity, and support pollination through harvesting and propagation of native plants. Signage for native plants and environmentally friendly maintenance are emphasized, alongside community beautification efforts like increasing canopy coverage. The project proposes beautifying the plaza garden space and expanding urban greening efforts to other areas in downtown Vallejo. Questions from commissioners focused on program timing (after school hours, Saturdays, accommodating early release days, and safety considerations for reduced sunlight), identification of cultivation areas (with a focus on South Vallejo and downtown Vallejo near Georgia Street due to proximity and liability considerations for underage participants), and how the commission can partner with the program. Suggested partnerships include tapping into city resources for tools, marketing, and mentorship, potentially involving city workers or existing landscaping programs. The commission also discussed future opportunities with Independence Park and an urban greening grant for planting trees, noting workforce development aspects. The presentation also touched upon intergenerational collaboration, particularly with seniors at Marina Towers, to create spaces for mental health support and community unity through cultural events. Youth participants, Jana (intern at Ford Second) and Mario de Moretta (resident of District 1), shared their perspectives on the benefits of the program, including supporting pollinators, providing habitat for insects and animals, and fostering community beautification. Evelyn expressed a desire to help maintain and clean the space for the benefit of youth, animals, and the environment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ecological balance. Commissioner Slater suggested incorporating youth presentations at the end of each cohort to share their stories and the transformation of the garden. The secretary provided updates on Beautify Vallejo Day on June 13th at the 300 block of Virginia Street, and other cleanup events, including the White Slough cleanup and Terrell University's day of service on July 20th at Capitol Stairs Garden and the parking lot on York Street. The secretary also mentioned receiving an extension for the Native Garden grant project through the end of August and ongoing efforts to secure hardscape elements like benches and tables. A request for volunteers for the Capitol Sears community stewards project was also noted, as the current volunteers are aging.