Rio Vista - Caltrans is advising motorists of six scheduled weekend closures of the Rio Vista Bridge (Helen Madere Memorial Bridge) on State Route 12 (SR 12) for ongoing repairs This $27.2 million project is funded through the Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement Program and will require multiple 56-hour weekend closures for the work to be completed because of the limited width of the bridge to allow for heavy equipment access The project is making necessary mechanical repairs replacing the movable deck span and replacing bridge rails During the weekend closures that are scheduled between March and June the contractor will replace the movable span bridge deck concrete and 60 steel stringers needed to extend the service life of the bridge Due to the limited width of the exiting bridge deck 56-hour weekend bridge closures are necessary to facilitate safe access to the work for contractor and Caltrans personnel The weekend bridge closure schedule will lessen total project workdays and help avoid long wait times at peak commute hours during the week Motorists could encounter additional travel times of up to two hours using detours from Rio Vista to Sacramento County on SR 12 across the Sacramento River (see map below) Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements KQED Live EventsPRX Podcast Garage EventsEvents Around the Bay AreaMember Benefits with KQED LiveVideos from KQED LiveWatch recordings of recent KQED Live events FeaturedThat's My WordAn ongoing exploration of Bay Area hip-hop history See Senior Director of TV Programming Meredith Speight’s recommendations from this month’s KQED 9 Watch recordings of recent KQED Live events Support KQED by using your donor-advised fund to make a charitable gift In January, Suisun City’s council took a similar action to consider annexing land surrounding its borders Although the directive didn’t specifically mention California Forever a large portion of unincorporated land to the east of the city is owned by the company’s subsidiary “This decision is about just getting to the table,” Rio Vista Mayor Edwin Okamura said shortly before Tuesday’s vote “Many of us were content waiting for further studies on the original impacts of the California Forever project before weighing in Suisun’s bold move requires Rio Vista to take steps to protect our interests.” The council directed staff to start the lengthy process of determining how much land the city could annex, the process for annexation, and how such a move might impact its budget. Included in that process is a request to explore expansion while still maintaining Rio Vista’s character as “a quaint river town.” At just 6.6 square miles and 4 square miles Rio Vista and neighboring Suisun City are the county’s two smallest cities who was recently appointed to the city council said she wants to protect the 700-acre open space buffer between Rio Vista and the proposed city “I wanted to live in a small rural town surrounded by open space and that’s why I’m here,” she said “I’m not happy about the position that I’m in tonight but I was appointed to make the best decisions possible for Rio Vista and the community.” Company executives were prepared to present the plan to voters in November but pulled the ballot measure a few months before the election instead promising to publish an environmental impact report and a development agreement before bringing the measure back to voters in 2026 officials in neighboring cities have been slowly warming up to negotiating with California Forever During a Jan. 21 meeting, Suisun City officials directed City Manager Bret Prebula to study whether expanding the city’s limits could broaden its tax base to bolster its dwindling revenues. During public comment, opponents of the East Solano Plan cited concerns about a lack of transparency in the council and agenda not mentioning California Forever or acknowledging at the outset that this move would require talking to the company’s representatives “This isn’t about Suisun City trying to do a land grab,” Prebula told KQED “It’s about us doing it for our own survival and for the future for our residents.” Shortly after the meeting, Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy and other city officials announced they wanted to work with California Forever to bring defense tech companies to their city California Forever spokesperson Julia Blystone said the company is “committed to working with all stakeholders to build a stronger Solano County.” If the company receives an invitation to explore annexations from Rio Vista or Suisun City Blystone said it would “be open to a conversation.” Neither city has specified how much land it would annex or how the move would impact the company’s proposed East Solano Plan The land is currently within Solano County’s jurisdiction but a spokesperson for the county did not return a request for comment In a report detailing Rio Vista’s options for annexation staff said potential benefits could include broadening the city’s tax base improving infrastructure and retaining the ability to negotiate with California Forever to ensure the East Solano Plan benefits Rio Vista During her presentation to the council, City Manager Kristina Miller reminded the public that annexation would “take years to complete” and that anywhere in the process, the city could choose to move in an alternative direction. A majority of the more than two dozen residents who spoke during public comment encouraged the council to explore annexation with some speaking in favor of the East Solano Plan’s promises to bring jobs and housing to the county a resident of the city since 2022 who lives in the Trilogy at Rio Vista retirement community she said many of the people who do work on her property travel from outside the city “There’s not housing for people who do the jobs here in town,” she said “So we think it’s very important that we at least have a seat at the table to change things here.” a local resident and opponent of the East Solano Plan said she was concerned about the farmland and open space the proposed new city might consume “I oppose exploring annexation and development of our county’s farmland due to the reality that this will put into process a motion that will cause us to lose so much that we can never get back,” she said “We could develop smarter within city boundaries with existing infrastructure.” Okamura said he would prefer if the city focused on infill development before expanding outwards But he worried that if Rio Vista decided to do nothing both California Forever’s proposed new city and Suisun City could grow to reach Rio Vista’s border potentially depriving the city of its own growth economic development opportunities and open space their project could reach us and pin us between the river and the development,” he said “That does not necessarily mean that [annexation is] what we need to do it just means that we’re studying the options that are available.” Prebula said he wants to work with Rio Vista officials as both cities navigate their positions in shaping the East Solano Plan “It almost seems like a natural path that we would help each other out along the way — we’re the two smallest cities,” he said “The region benefits broadly if we’re walking together.” To learn more about how we use your information, please read our privacy policy. RIO VISTA — The first of six 56-hour closures across the Rio Vista Bridge begins March 28 This $27.2 million project is funded through the Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement Program Closures are needed because of the limited width of the bridge to allow for heavy equipment access the state Department of Transportation stated the contractor will replace the movable span bridge deck concrete and 60 steel stringers needed to extend the service life of the bridge Motorists could encounter additional travel times of up to two hours using detours from Rio Vista to Sacramento County on Highway 12 across the Sacramento River The last of those dates is Rio Vista High School's graduation Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates Receive occasional local offers from our website and its advertisers summary of the weather details and news of any severe weather We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen  Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-Edition email Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account How to watch Texas high school softball: Axtell vs Axtell High School will host Rio Vista High School How to watch Rio Vista vs. Axtell softballRio Vista and Axtell will hit the diamond on Friday, April 25, at 8 p.m. CT. Don't miss out on any of the action with NFHS Network The NFHS Network gives you access to live high school sports around the country Follow your favorite team and never miss a game Want to track your alma mater, local team or family member's school throughout the playoffs? NFHS Network has high school softball streaming live plus on-demand replays and highlights of all the action from thousands of schools across America Watch Axtell vs. Rio Vista on NFHS Network! All NFHS Network events are available to watch online at NFHS Network and through the NFHS Network Mobile Apps for iOS and Android and TV Apps for ROKU Rio Vista - Caltrans is advising motorists of a rescheduled weekend closure of the State Route 12 Rio Vista Bridge (Helen Madere Memorial Bridge) for ongoing construction work The weekend closure has been moved from December 13-16 to 9 p.m January 13 to avoid disruptions and extensive delays during the holiday season This $11.24 million project has required multiple 55-hour weekend closures for the work to be completed because of the limited width of the bridge to allow for heavy equipment access The project is rehabilitating the roadway surface by repaving and placing a polyester concrete overlay on the bridge deck and constructing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps These upgrades will improve safety and comply with ADA accessibility requirements to improve access for pedestrians and bicyclists This third 55-hour weekend bridge closure schedule will lessen total project workdays and help avoid wait times during peak commute hours Motorists could encounter additional travel times of up to two hours when detouring around the bridge closure The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.  Rio Vista - Caltrans is alerting motorists to nightly and early morning delays on the State Route 12 (SR-12) Rio Vista Bridge through February 5 Motorists can expect delays as crews work to finish the remaining pavement work One-way traffic control will be in place nightly and motorists should expect delays up to 20 minutes Work crews will avoid peak commute times in the morning and afternoons Caltrans is notifying recreational boaters and commercial vessels that all vessels will be required to provide four-hour advanced notification to the draw bridge tender seven days a week 24 hours a day prior to requiring a draw span opening The United States Coast Guard will announce the temporary deviation in the Local Notice to Mariners and/or Broadcast Notice to Mariners that the lift span of the bridge will open on signal if at least four hours notice is given to the draw tender Nightly Roadwork Schedule With One-Way Traffic Control: For additional information on Delta Region work go to: https://bit.ly/CTDeltaRegion Work is scheduled as listed but subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/ or materials, and other construction-related issues. Caltrans will issue construction updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3 For real-time traffic conditions, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play Rio Vista - Caltrans is advising motorists of a scheduled closure of the Rio Vista Bridge (Helen Madere Memorial Bridge) on State Route 12 (SR-12) for ongoing repairs This $11.24 million project funded through the Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement Program will require multiple 55-hour weekend closures for the work to be completed because of the limited width of the bridge to allow for heavy equipment access The project is making necessary mechanical repairs and rehabilitating the roadway surface by placing a polyester concrete overlay on the bridge deck During the weekend closure from November 15-18 the contractor will be placing polyester concrete on the bridge deck Potential strong odors from the overlay are a normal part of the process of the material being used to improve rideability for the bridge deck These upgrades will improve safety and comply with ADA accessibility requirements to expand access for pedestrians and bicyclists The 55-hour weekend bridge closure schedule will lessen total project workdays and help avoid the wait times during peak commute hours during the work week Motorists could encounter additional travel times of up to two hours using the described detours (see maps provided) from Rio Vista to Sacramento County on SR-12 across the Sacramento River Please allow for extra travel time to reach your destination especially for scheduled appointments and work schedules All work on road construction projects will be suspended on weekends and holidays Solano County — One-way traffic control is in effect on State Route 12 at the Rio Vista Bridge due to a bridge spall that occurred earlier today A maintenance crew is on location repairing the bridge deck and expects one-way traffic control to remain in place until 3:00 p.m The Real McCoy II delta ferry is in service meaning those travelling to Sacramento can take SR-84 instead of the Rio Vista Bridge Rio Vista - Caltrans is advising motorists of a scheduled closure of the Rio Vista Bridge (Helen Madere Memorial Bridge) on State Route 12 (SR-12) just east of the City of Rio Vista due to a paving project The $11.24 million project funded through the Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement Program will require multiple 55-hour weekend closures for the work to be completed The project will make necessary bridge repairs and updates by rehabilitating the roadway surface placing a polyester concrete overlay on the bridge deck During the November weekend closure from November 1- 4 the contractor will be placing polyester concrete on the bridge deck Although there will be a strong odor present the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) deems this normal for this process These upgrades will improve motorist and non-vehicular bridge users’ safety comply with ADA accessibility requirements expand access for pedestrians and non-motor vehicles Find projects that are building California’s climate-friendly future at Build.ca.gov and RebuildingCA.ca.gov How to watch Texas high school softball: Rio Vista vs April 24Data SkriveRio Vista High School will host Axtell High School at 6 p.m How to watch Axtell vs. Rio Vista softballAxtell and Rio Vista will take the field on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. CT. Don't miss out on any of the action with NFHS Network Watch Rio Vista vs. Axtell on NFHS Network! Watch Axtell High School all season long on NFHS Network! Rio Vista High School softball scheduleApril 24 vs. Axtell High School: 6 p.m. CT | Alvarado, TX | NFHS NetworkApril 25 vs. Axtell High School: 8 p.m. CT | Alvarado, TX | NFHS NetworkWatch Rio Vista High School all season long on NFHS Network! Team schedules reflect available data from NFHS and may not include every upcoming game We look forward to working with Solano County and the cities of Rio Vista and Suisun City to find the right mix and approach to making Solano stronger with new industries Below: California Forever’s Invitation and Response to Rio Vista on Discussing Annexation Below: California Forever’s Invitation and Response to Suisun City on Discussing Annexation Join our email list to receive the latest updates and event invitations about the transformative California Forever project and start building like California used to the parent company of Flannery Associates LLC speaks to members of the media during a press conference announcing the start of the ballot measure campaign for the proposed General Plan amendment and Specific Plan for a new city near Rio Vista at the Rio Vista Veterans Memorial Building FAIRFIELD — Suisun City and Rio Vista have reached out to California Forever about the possibility of annexing properties into the cities The development group behind a proposed 400,000-resident city in eastern Solano County “We look forward to working with Solano County and the cities of Suisun and Rio Vista to find the right mix and approach to making Solano stronger with new industries and the Solano Shipyard," California Forever stated A letter was sent back to Suisun City about its inquiry a signature on its letter to acknowledge interest "A reimbursement agreement is ready to be sent to you promptly after you reply," the Rio Vista letter stated was short and to the point – but with a significant vision "The city of Rio Vista is interested in the annexation of lands owned by Flannery Associates including properties known as the 'East Solano Plan,' and properties located in the Montezuma hills the Collinsville area," Miller's letter states The Collinsville reference is to the 1,400 acres being eyed as a possible Sacramento River port for a shipbuilding enterprise linked to the U.S Miller stated that Rio Vista is working with Suisun City "to ensure consistency in approach and timeliness." and even highlights potential benefits to California Forever Those include enhanced police and fire protection; inclusion in its in-depth Parks & Recreation services; access to other municipal services; and eligibility for city infrastructure improvements signed by Development Director Jim Bermudez the "City Council will continue to go through a planning process around its interest in any newly annexed land • Travis Protection Zone; establishing a buffer zone (Suisun Greenbelt) around Travis Air Force Base to permanently protect Travis AFB • Increase well-paying jobs to allow people to live and work with far less commute • Increase commercial zones around essential day-to-day retail and specific high-quality consumer retail • Diversity in housing type and affordability levels • Net fiscal benefit to support ongoing operational and capital service needs citywide founder and chief executive officer of California Forever "California Forever is interested in exploring the possibility of annexation into Suisun City," Sramek stated in his letter dated April 1 well before the April 15 deadline the city was requesting for an answer Sramek then asked the city about what the next steps would be Sramek also is the person who signed the Rio Vista letter SUISUN CITY — The Suisun City and Rio Vista councils this week approved an agreement "surrounding annexation and regional planning." "This MOU (memorandum of understanding) establishes a framework for proactive collaboration between the two cities acknowledging the shared interest in unified planning protection of regional resources and maximization of positive outcomes for both jurisdictions," a statement released by Suisun City on Wednesday said The councils approved the agreement at their respective Tuesday meetings each city is negotiating an exclusive reimbursement agreement with California Forever "This next step represents the beginning of the pre-development process and focuses on formalizing the working relationship with California Forever The agreements will outline clear commitments from California Forever including full reimbursement for city staff time and associated costs necessary to support the planning and entitlement efforts," the Suisun City statement said "This formalized partnership ensures each city has the necessary resources to engage in the project while maintaining control and oversight throughout the process." Suisun City Mayor Alma Hernandez called the MOU "a thoughtful and collaborative regional approach" to growth "We have an incredible opportunity right now to change the trajectory of our cities by shaping smarter and more sustainable development that benefits not only our residents This kind of partnership ensures we're prioritizing local needs while creating a stronger foundation for shared prosperity," Hernandez said “As the two smallest cities in Solano County it’s imperative we work together as we explore annexation Rio Vista treasures our open space and recognizes that infill and strategic annexation may provide economies of scale that ensure a resilient city with its own sense of place This MOU provides us with a framework for intentional We all win when we work together toward shared goals.” both cities have established a commitment to good-faith negotiations on the following priorities:  • Protection of Travis Air Force Base operations • Long-term sustainability of regional ground and surface water • Comprehensive traffic impact analysis and mitigation • Prioritization of educational investment • Ensuring economic sustainability for infrastructure and operational maintenance The MOU also sets a schedule for monthly staff meetings and bi-annual joint public meetings between the city councils "The (cities) recognize that while their legal processes for annexation will proceed independently environmental and infrastructural  – will transcend city boundaries," the statement said RIO VISTA — The Rio Vista Police Department plans a DUI checkpoint Locations are chosen based on data showing incidents of impaired-driving crashes "Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Officer David Elgard said in a press release "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety." Drivers charged with a first DUI face an average of $13,500 in penalties and fines John Harter processes a comic book sale at Waterfront Comics in Suisun City Four Solano County cities kick off April with higher sales taxes Suisun City voters ratified an extension of a city sales tax with an increase It brings the city’s total combined sales tax from 8.375% to 9.125% It's predicted to generate approximately $1.8 million per year for the city's general fund Appointments to the General Tax Oversight Committee are slated for the April 1 meeting There are two appointments for five-year terms expiring April 2030; one appointment to fill one unscheduled vacancy term expiring April 2027 Rio Vista residents and visitors will pay a 1% sales tax increase It's a general tax that will be deposited into the city's general fund and can be used for any legal governmental purpose without restriction Measure K committee members will be appointed soon A 1 cent sales tax increase also won approval from voters in Dixon in 2024 making the city’s combined sales tax rate 8.375% Dixon city officials hope Measure J will bring in about $3 million each year The measure requires an annual audit and disclosure report detailing revenues and expenditures a specific purpose sales tax to fund critical road infrastructure improvements It implements a 0.5% (half a cent) sales tax on retail purchases earmarked exclusively for repairing Benicia’s streets and sidewalks Measure F is projected to generate approximately $4 million annually Vacaville now has the lowest sales tax rate at 8.125% RIO VISTA — Motorists are reminded the Rio Vista bridge will be closed for 55 hours Stay updated with Caltrans on X @CaltransDist3 and Facebook Caltrans District 3 For real-time traffic, check QuickMap.dot.ca.gov The Rio Vista Bridge over the Sacramento River RIO VISTA — The Rio Vista bridge will remain open this weekend Caltrans said in a social media post Wednesday afternoon Rain in the weather forecast was given for the reason for cancelling the planned work requiring the closure The span is undergoing an $11.24 million rehabilitation making repairs and updates to the roadway surface placing polyester concrete overlay on the bridge deck and constructing Americans with Disabilities Act compliant switchback ramps The 55-hour weekend bridge closure should lessen total project workdays and help avoid the wait times during peak commute hours during the work week RIO VISTA — The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday giving staff approval to have dialogue with California Forever The notion surfaced after the Suisun City council permission to explore ideas with the Flannery Group About 25 people spoke on the subject during public comments Getting "a seat at the table" was favored by two-thirds "Grab the golden ring" and "swing and hit a home run" were some of the comments "It's a false choice," one man said in opposition "The notion of Rio Vista being like Sausalito is a fantasy "Don't we already have 500 acres of California Forever land in our city?" he asked rhetorically Do we have to annex more land to talk to them?' Plans were in place in case the council chamber that seats 70 filled up There were a few remaining seats and some speakers left after making comments Public comment was limited to three minutes City Manager Kristina Miller gave a presentation on the pros and cons of what California Forever could offer "Any development in Suisun City is likely to have impacts in Rio Vista," Miller said "Suisun's bold moves requires us to take steps to protect our interests," Rio Vista Mayor Edwin Okahara said "We are in an unusual position," Councilman Walt Stanish said "I thought (this discussion) was coming in the future." He came out against California Forever and remains opposed but feels the city needs a voice at California Forever and it's plans Vice Mayor Sarah Donnelly attended the meeting "We're up again more than a Matterhorn pushing us into the river," she said A few speakers felt Suisun City's action had forced Rio Vista into rushing the decision Kevin McNamara was not pleased with Suisun City's move and felt Rio Vista needed to get involved or possibly "locked in and unable to grow." The conversation also included the city's General Plan and the fact Economic reasons were the main reason speakers supported opening the conversation with California Forever "It will benefit us now and in future generations," one woman said RIO VISTA — The Rio Vista Bridge closure has been moved to the weekend of Nov The 55-hour closure is slated to begin at 9 p.m No traffic will be permitted on the bridge The department will issue construction updates on X click on Caltrans’ QuickMap or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play RIO VISTA – Fairfield Poet Laureate Emerita will speak at RioVision's community forum at 6 p.m The title of Bruce's presentation is “The Shape of Words: How Poetry Transforms Thoughts.” Suzanne will introduce us to Ekphrastic poetry "Ekphrastic poetry uses descriptive imagery and narrative to describe artworks meaning She will also discuss several other forms of poetry and help us understand what makes something poetry rather than prose - even if it does not rhyme." Those who attend will have the opportunity to participate in a fun interactive The forum is held at the Community Center, 45 Main St., in Rio Vista. For more information, contact Jae Anderson at jaebanders@msn.com RIO VISTA — The city is hoping to earn a Clean California Community Designation joining more than 20 others who are members The program hopes to have 100 cities as members by June The state Department of Transportation has launched a new statewide designation to reward communities for their hard work at staying clean and beautiful • Personalized signage to be posted on-site with the Clean California Community designation seal • Recognition on state websites and social media posts • Right to officially promote your community as a Clean California Community committed to the Zero Litter goal • Priority access to national grant opportunities educational materials and volunteer cleanup kits (while supplies last) from Keep America Beautiful • Automatic membership with state organization must meet several criteria including a commitment from top local officials regular local cleanups and litter collection drives establishing measurements tracking litter removal and engaging local stakeholders and businesses The new designation is the result of Clean California which has created 18,000 jobs and hauled away more than 2.6 million cubic yards of litter across the state Learn more about the Rio Vista Litter Pickers at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070045774644. For more information or an application for the Clean California Designation Program, visit cleanca.com/designation.  RIO VISTA — The city has named its new police chief Chief Dax West is a second generation law enforcement officer who began his career with the Contra Costa Sheriff's Department in 1997 He was hired by the Solano County Sheriff's Department in 2000 as a correctional officer He was promoted to deputy sheriff in 2002 and attended the Napa Valley College Police Academy a narcotics detective assigned to the California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team West was also a member of the Sheriff's Office Mobile Field Force and a driver for the department's emergency vehicle operations course investigations and the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course team He was promoted five years ago to lieutenant He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration West will be appointed by the city council and sworn in at Tuesday's City Council meeting Authorities have identified the two victims who tragically lost their lives in a midair collision between two small planes at Marana Regional Airport The collision involved a single-engine Lancair 360 MK II hit the ground near a runway and burst into flames each of the two planes involved in the collision had two people aboard While the second plane was able to land safely showing the Lancair descending before bursting into flames The news of their deaths has left the local community shaken and residents of Rio Vista are mourning the loss of the two individuals who were known in the area was flying the Lancair when the crash occurred was tragically killed in the incident as well The cause of the crash is still under investigation by federal authorities This collision is part of a series of tragic aviation incidents that have raised concerns about air safety in the U.S another fatal accident occurred in Scottsdale involving a private jet owned by Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil One of the pilots was killed when the plane veered off the runway and collided with a business jet experienced its deadliest aviation disaster since 2001 when a midair collision in Washington between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S Army helicopter resulted in the deaths of 67 people a medical transport jet crashed in Philadelphia is a small town situated about 50 miles south of Sacramento Known for its tight-knit community and riverfront views Rio Vista is now mourning the loss of two of its residents in this tragic aviation accident The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the cause of the midair collision Preliminary reports suggest that the crash occurred in midair but further details will be released as the investigation continues.