[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6609693,"mediaKeyId","2906758-3dbd74cd6f7fc1f50f68c7e2ad2c0e47","parentId",2906758,"title","Vacaville officials review new state wildfire-hazard maps as residents press insurance, mitigation concerns","audioSeconds",1224,"startMs",4635000,"endMs",5859000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906758-3dbd74cd6f7fc1f50f68c7e2ad2c0e47&start=4635&end=5859","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906758-3dbd74cd6f7fc1f50f68c7e2ad2c0e47/thumbnail_4635000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6609693/Vacaville-City/Solano-County/California/Vacaville-officials-review-new-state-wildfire-hazard-maps-as-residents-press-insurance-mitigation-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609693-051e1150e2bd09f5bff1f1eb897c52d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448535&Signature=BObpNsMgozBHHijdQXwoOMFiP57tnygwBcLMQZ47Te8WQbo6tvcpF2etZNFNzUF1oFNEq6k6nRHWCxOICg8NhBRD4I6RzK4WflLShwHlIr57IJ5FJwGEDvoc422HRxr7ynsyy~tdCZyVJbKR1BhiwjNGs6l4wOQMj~UTdJjO1hyfRsjCYg0LHZDd8ToDN~PGrVmBGDsxIi6Tn6tRDaOyhPmXzCxO1~LBiTpIZNxcX824g1hBi5e~UfWdSDEfIP2g9kxnEBdmu7-hQgx-RvxWqBIKB7Ne~l6nqhGJQ51-xO6WFJYWr-lgWbnlzh8ugjmFQCbI794uo6OZyo2hZ~BQuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Vacaville","date","2025-04-09T06:09:12.857Z","article","Vacaville officials spent more than an hour on April 8 detailing newly issued state fire-hazard severity zone maps and answering residents’ questions about how the designations could affect insurance, building requirements and neighborhood safety.

Chief Chris Concepcion and Fire Marshal Jill Childers led the session, telling the City Council that the maps were produced by Cal Fire using updated weather grids and a model that emphasizes fuel, weather and topography — and now includes ember-cast risk. Concepcion said the state’s methodology means the maps identify a hazard “without considering mitigation measures such as home hardening, recent wildfires, and fuel reduction.”

Why it matters: The state’s updated map adds moderate, high and very-high classifications in parts of Vacaville where earlier maps showed none. A local designation of high or very-high hazard triggers California building-code 7A requirements for new construction in those zones, including ignition-resistant exterior materials and vents designed to reduce ember intrusion. Residents fear the designations could raise insurance costs or lead to coverage loss, and several urged the council to pursue additional clarity or legal options.

What the council heard and discussed

- How maps were made: Concepcion said the new maps use specific two-kilometer weather grids over a multi‑year period and that the model’s focus on embers and flame behavior produced different boundaries than earlier maps, which often stopped at city limits. He noted the state’s maps are intended to be stable for a decade and do not reflect local mitigation such as grazing, recent weed abatement or home hardening. “The science has changed a little bit — they take ember cast much more into consideration than they used to,” Concepcion said.

- Insurance and risk: Staff cited published statements from Cal Fire and the California insurance commissioner that differentiate hazard maps from insurance company risk models. As the presentation summarized, “Insurance companies use risk models which differ from hazard models because they consider the susceptibility of a structure to damage and other short-term factors.” The city attorney’s office also told council members the insurance commissioner promulgated regulations in 2022 directing insurers to consider mitigation when setting rates and that those rules are codified in state law.

- What the city can (and cannot) do: Childers and staff emphasized that state law requires local jurisdictions to adopt the recommended maps within 120 days after receipt, and that local governments may only increase a mapped hazard level or add areas — they cannot lower or remove an area designated by the State Fire Marshal. Childers said the city had published the state-provided map online and provided an interactive look‑up so residents could check parcels.

- Public comment and next steps: The city encouraged residents to submit comments and said it will send those public comments to the State Fire Marshal even though Cal Fire has declined to accept direct public submissions in this round. City staff also described planned local efforts: expanded outreach on wildfire preparedness (Ready, Set, Go), door‑to‑door education in neighborhoods adjacent to open space and continued enforcement of annual weed‑abatement notices. City staff said it will return to council with an update at a later date and will coordinate with county, state and insurance officials as questions continue.

Residents’ concerns

Dozens of residents attended and several spoke. People living near canals and in new subdivisions argued that water features, grazed pastures and cleared canal corridors function as defensible space and should be reflected in map decisions; others reported elevated noise and quality‑of‑life effects related to living near development riparian corridors. Several speakers urged the council to press state authorities for a transparent methodology, and to pursue avenues to ensure residents’ mitigation efforts are recognized by insurers.

Legal and policy context

Staff and the city attorney cited recent state legislation that expanded local responsibilities for fire hazard maps, including Senate Bill 63 (2021) and Assembly Bill 211 (2022), and said the city received the State Fire Marshal’s recommendations on Feb. 20, 2025. Staff also referenced new Cal Fire mapping methods and noted the Insurance Commissioner adopted regulations in 2022 to encourage insurers to account for mitigation in underwriting decisions (staff cited Government Code section 11349.3 and implementing Title 10 regulations when explaining the state framework).

Where this goes next

City staff said they will: (1) collect and forward public comments to the State Fire Marshal, (2) continue public education and local mitigation programs (including door‑to‑door Ready, Set, Go outreach and ongoing weed‑abatement enforcement), and (3) pursue legislative and administrative avenues for additional state-level transparency on mapping methodology. City officials repeatedly told residents that 7A building-code requirements apply to new construction in mapped high and very‑high zones but are not retroactive for existing homes.

Ending

Council members thanked staff for the briefing and several asked staff to continue outreach to state officials, Cal Cities and Sacramento lawmakers. Multiple council members also urged using the city’s existing mitigation programs — from weed abatement to defensible-space assistance — to reduce risk on the ground while the state’s map and implementation questions continue to be resolved.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4/8/2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Vacaville officials spent more than an hour on April 8 detailing newly issued state fire-hazard severity zone maps and answering residents’ questions about insurance, building-code changes and neighborhood mitigation.","taxTitle","Vacaville City, Solano County, California","taxId",3924,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609688,"Vacaville council rejects Homekey Plus plan to convert Quality Inn into up to 85 supportive units",7128,9528000,16656000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906758-3dbd74cd6f7fc1f50f68c7e2ad2c0e47&start=9528&end=16656","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906758-3dbd74cd6f7fc1f50f68c7e2ad2c0e47/thumbnail_9528000.jpg","/articles/6609688/Vacaville-City/Solano-County/California/Vacaville-council-rejects-Homekey-Plus-plan-to-convert-Quality-Inn-into-up-to-85-supportive-units","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609688-c9c02311e3f8fcdb59f2d78f1b388bf3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448536&Signature=okv24P7jIGa1CZAJk19ia~AF9-GG3DW85PNm3EklERuDGCcuU-uUXTXqrK~5i5IcP3V2eLSthcACIojpROLz5lz6OU-XWhLM~3qNTGVgZC9-qtlBw7C4b35Cxl3if15Zxtmf2u~UNC~74NAyLs4NyQxTINuFiL9mdqMZRZehC9j-UG61-K4ZxGVhGjyPMP4ZvKVqawjGaYtSU0BazposAXrM-rp1xjGPaoF33QuY7DzIujSWP0MHlsPC9TlpdXra3Utk4i~eFVq63pMpVn0dDx5PF79VWTi8Dv4gFrP--3mgyF0QabccVZXZoLUoB3DcYNV25uC8gTXz3PGMGGw53w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vacaville City Council voted 4–3 on April 8 to reject three proposals to use state Homekey Plus funding to convert the Quality Inn, 1050 Orange Drive, into affordable or supportive housing.

What passed: Councilmember Greg Ritchie moved to deny all three options. The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Stockton — yes; Ritchie — yes; Silva — no; Freeman — yes; Wylie — no; Chapman — no; Mayor John Carley — yes. The vote leaves the property in private hands; no acquisition, funding application or development agreement was authorized.

Background and proposals

Staff presented three options for the motel conversion after a development negotiation changed hands during prior outreach:

- Option 1: Full Homekey permanent supportive housing — 85 studio units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with on-site management and an estimated staffing model of about 8.5 full-time positions. Capital funding would combine state Homekey awards, a city ARPA match and philanthropic sources for a projected capital need of roughly $25.5 million; operating subsidies would be a mix of state Homekey operating funds and project-based vouchers.

- Option 2: Mixed/phased model — a Homekey-funded phase of 25–30 permanent supportive units (staffed at a reduced level), with the remaining 55–60 units developed as conventional affordable housing using low‑income housing tax credits and project-based vouchers. Staff recommended opportunity for a local service provider (Opportunity House/Vacaville Solano Services Corporation) to provide supportive services for the PSH portion.

- Option 3: Standard affordable housing — no Homekey subsidy or supportive units; the entire property would be rehabilitated as conventional affordable housing (estimated $40 million capital) with project-based vouchers for operating support.

Council debate and public concerns

The Council heard extensive public comment for and against Homekey conversions. Supporters of the conversion argued the city has people currently in navigation and temporary housing who could transition into stable units; Opportunity House staff estimated about 20 local clients could move directly to PSH. Opponents — including neighbors, business-owners and multiple council members — raised concerns about scale, site context (a freeway-corridor motel location), the challenge of policing guest behavior, and the risk that units could attract people from outside the city and change neighborhood dynamics.

Several council members said they favored smaller, locally designed transitional programs that prioritize community-based service providers over a large, state-funded conversion. Council members urged staff to work with local partners; Councilmember Ritchie explicitly proposed denying the three Homekey options and asked staff to pursue alternative transitional solutions in coordination with local providers.

Formal action and vote

- Motion: Deny all three Homekey options for the Quality Inn project at 1050 Orange Drive.
- Mover: Councilmember Greg Ritchie
- Second: (recorded in proceedings as a second)
- Vote: Yes — Councilmembers Stockton, Ritchie, Freeman and Mayor John Carley; No — Councilmembers Silva, Wylie and Vice Mayor Chapman.
- Outcome: Motion approved (4–3); staff was not authorized to submit a Homekey application or execute an acquisition for the site under the three proposed options.

Follow-up and next steps

After the vote staff and several council members discussed alternatives. Multiple council members asked staff to explore smaller transitional‑housing approaches and to coordinate with Opportunity House, Vacaville Solano Services Corporation and other local providers to identify locally controlled solutions. Staff also said it will report back to the council with options for how ARPA or other local resources might be used for locally shaped transitional programs.

Ending

The council’s rejection of the three Homekey scenarios preserves local discretion for the next steps. City staff and council members said they will continue discussions with Opportunity House and other local partners to design smaller transitional programs that the council said would be more appropriate for Vacaville’s circumstances.","Vacaville’s City Council voted 4–3 on April 8 to decline three options to convert the Quality Inn (1050 Orange Drive) into Homekey Plus‑funded housing, citing concerns about scale, local controls and program design.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609678,"Neighbors press Vacaville council for sober‑living ordinances after local home purchase sparks alarm",325,2294000,2619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906758-3dbd74cd6f7fc1f50f68c7e2ad2c0e47&start=2294&end=2619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906758-3dbd74cd6f7fc1f50f68c7e2ad2c0e47/thumbnail_2294000.jpg","/articles/6609678/Vacaville-City/Solano-County/California/Neighbors-press-Vacaville-council-for-soberliving-ordinances-after-local-home-purchase-sparks-alarm","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609678-361aedc2ab0f29e363c50cf9dceefa00/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448536&Signature=ATuM3dlDlEOgWLimNsD1tk-8mRHN0D6Vjq0HrviItStZaAWjEE4kA2HcKEJHYysEcgMRjd3YaF7aqI0FGuRZAlvF0TBuFCj52eWSuIaotdIYaz0QBks3u2mJFED4gep0wob52wh22jhQoZazyUKXWgcB-rIJFM0M~4I9bjzP32ZW2dPTaFc5Q6KEuC2hWyibHlPoYaeiGQifZ8k5dahXQS5E9r3jX9XRnV~X9lh0KYVSPVsWMn2bBQn-lX~7rOmBKatWgaEevR3Q5cExm5T0YG5E07tp2kWOLC8xgEgOPwyy8wMbJFwl914ocali8pU9Gmau7X56VLP6b6KzNwyK5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A series of residents asked the City Council on April 8 to act on clustered sober‑living homes after neighbors said a pending sale at 491 Stonewood Drive and other properties had raised safety and property‑value concerns.

What residents said

Residents in Stonegate and other neighborhoods described experiences they attribute to unsupervised sober‑living homes: reports of increased late‑night activity, an alleged rise in calls for service, and complaints that buyers are marketing houses as sober‑living investments. One speaker named a local operator and an online business called “Sober Living to Riches” and asked the council to take ordinance action before additional purchases proceed. Another speaker representing the Stonegate Neighborhood Association said buyers and renters were leaving properties on the MLS and that owners were losing equity because of uncertainty about the homes’ future uses.

Staff response and council direction

City Manager Aaron (staff) told the council the city is studying whether Costa Mesa’s ordinance — a high-profile, court‑tested local regulation — provides a model. He warned that Costa Mesa’s circumstances are not identical and that the city must avoid creating rules that violate fair‑housing protections; the city’s legal team is reviewing options. City Manager Aaron said the city would return on April 22 with an update “and not necessarily an action, but a discussion item so that our council understands all the different elements.”

Councilmember Greg Ritchie said he intends to host a neighborhood town hall but said his planned outreach was delayed while staff consult legal counsel to avoid compromising the city’s position. “I have every intention to do a neighborhood meet up, a town hall,” Ritchie said. “The city has been actively working … and I couldn't come to you until I knew where they were.”

Why this matters

Cities across California are wrestling with how to regulate so‑called sober‑living homes while complying with state and federal fair‑housing law, which restricts rules that could discriminate against people with disabilities (including substance‑use disorder). Vacaville staff said the city is gathering legal analysis, comparing local models and coordinating with other jurisdictions before returning with policy options.

Ending

Councilmembers asked staff for additional legal analysis and for a public update on April 22; residents said they will press for ordinance changes that provide clearer neighborhood protections while respecting fair‑housing constraints.","Multiple residents urged Vacaville elected officials on April 8 to move quickly to regulate sober‑living homes after reports of clustered houses and neighborhood impacts. City staff said they are reviewing other cities’ ordinances and will return to the council with an update April 22; a district councilmember said a planned town hall was delayed",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609683,"Solano EDC tells Vacaville council power, workforce and housing are county obstacles to job growth",391,2705000,3096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906758-3dbd74cd6f7fc1f50f68c7e2ad2c0e47&start=2705&end=3096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906758-3dbd74cd6f7fc1f50f68c7e2ad2c0e47/thumbnail_2705000.jpg","/articles/6609683/Vacaville-City/Solano-County/California/Solano-EDC-tells-Vacaville-council-power-workforce-and-housing-are-county-obstacles-to-job-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609683-eaa7fed746e18b11208e924ace3b9473/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448536&Signature=lbD2~Q8AC3EXGj7TSUwy1agc55Y1DJl05XXG4hX80j1b7HRjZbfMyZOO2G3qNcl4aKkH46r9REeNPu5maaXSw-4sGlCsY7IPFfSGedU5pzkWwLiIwFhoEmnhiePsYD68vM4Ipkrnczh7g9iOnw6VIqk-AvZZbFEuhRJ9ByJWQgHO~WRXBlZ3rcRS9WRlG6k6SqbSZhn3B6gILfy-ux3hgXf-SqNjo3mskgh~1dFgzhtrAoU0b0TsLh2-D~2AYv7eDIHdHMaqymQxaGW69D4a6QFjJ1fo8A-1qVul8vzmCmcYFxRpIGxGQGhR6uK2Ery1-qnoNf2JRGY-83gO7Plgjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Solano County Economic Development Corporation briefed the Vacaville City Council on April 8 about countywide steps to attract new jobs and prepare industrial land — and about obstacles that could limit success.

Chris Rico, president and CEO of the Solano EDC, told the council that the county’s top infrastructure constraint for higher-value manufacturing is electric power capacity. “Our biggest inhibitor to economic development in Solano County … is power,” Rico said. He told council members the EDC is working on “priority production areas” planning and infrastructure-readiness projects so jurisdictions are “shovel ready” if large federal or state infrastructure funds become available.

Key takeaways from the presentation

- Power and infrastructure: Rico said the EDC secured planning and grant funds to prepare industrial lands for advanced manufacturing; the lack of readily available power is a primary impediment to landing major projects.

- Workforce and housing link: Employers repeatedly told EDC staff they cannot attract and retain young talent without the right housing options near downtowns or transit. Rico said projects aimed at walkable workforce housing near transit stations are county priorities.

- Small-business revolving loan fund: The EDC described a $4 million revolving loan fund, capitalized with ARPA funds from the county. The program partners with multiple lenders to offer lower-cost credit to borrowers with lower credit scores (one negotiated product allowed a 630 FICO threshold and roughly 6% interest), plus technical assistance via SBDC to reduce default risk.

- ADU and housing tools: The EDC has developed adu.org (with grant support) and other programs to simplify accessory‑dwelling-unit construction as part of a broader housing‑and‑workforce strategy.

- Other initiatives: The EDC reported countywide speaker series on topics such as AI and battery storage, nonprofit capacity-building efforts, and a business-retention specialist to maintain continuity for companies seeking city and county services.

Why it matters: Vacaville officials said they are already working on many of these fronts but welcomed the county-level coordination. Council members raised power, traffic and workforce transitions — and asked how Vacaville can collaborate on workforce training and infrastructure investments to capture potential large projects.

Ending

Rico said the EDC’s work is intended to make the seven Solano cities competitive for a changing economy. The council asked staff to continue coordination with the EDC on power readiness, housing solutions and workforce pipelines.","Chris Rico, president of the Solano County Economic Development Corporation, updated the Vacaville City Council on county efforts to attract manufacturing and high-value jobs, highlighting power capacity shortfalls, a revolving small-business loan fund, ADU outreach and grants for industrial land readiness.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Vacaville officials review new state wildfire-hazard maps as residents press insurance, mitigation concerns

Vacaville council rejects Homekey Plus plan to convert Quality Inn into up to 85 supportive units

Neighbors press Vacaville council for sober‑living ordinances after local home purchase sparks alarm

Solano EDC tells Vacaville council power, workforce and housing are county obstacles to job growth