The Vallejo Beautification Commission on Wednesday discussed revisions to its annual work plan and moved informally to form an ad hoc committee to coordinate Earth Day activities with local schools.

Commissioners said they want to use Earth Day and related outreach to broaden student participation and to align the commission’s cleanup goals with existing community partners. The commission did not take a formal vote to create the ad hoc but discussed returning next month with appointments and a proposed timeline centered on Earth Day (April 22).

Why it matters: Commissioners said the goal is to amplify volunteer turnout, connect cleanups to schools’ curricula and awards programs, and concentrate limited staff and commission resources on coordinated, recurring events rather than one-off efforts.

City staff told the commission that some calendar dates on the draft work plan reflect the city’s fiscal year rather than the calendar year, shifting a planned March date from March 2025 to March 2026. The council liaison reminded the commission that Beautify Vallejo Day is an official city day established by proclamation and “is always the first Saturday after the vernal equinox,” meaning its date varies year to year.

Commission members discussed practical steps for the ad hoc: limiting membership to three commissioners (the commission’s current ad-hoc rule), drafting objectives and a target completion date (the group suggested Earth Day as an end date), and inviting partners such as school district staff and local nonprofits to participate. The commission’s secretary offered to circulate a resource list and existing city programs that can support school engagement and campaigns.

Commissioners and staff emphasized coordination with existing community groups and city programs rather than duplicating effort. Staff recommended setting firm event dates early so the city can provide promotion, public-works support and, when appropriate, help secure volunteer resources.

Next steps: Commissioners said they will return next month prepared to appoint members to the ad hoc and present a short work plan so the group can begin outreach to schools, community partners and Recology for possible in-school presentations. No formal motions or votes were recorded on the ad hoc at the meeting.