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Vallejo Heights group enlists city crews, volunteers to restore Wilson Avenue median after two‑year effort
Summary
The Vallejo Heights Neighborhood Association described a two‑year effort to revive a barren median on Wilson Avenue — raising about $3,500, planting 200 fescue grasses, 12 apricot queens and several oak trees, and coordinating volunteer and city Public Works support to complete the project.
Steve Seidel, a member at large of the Vallejo Heights Neighborhood Association, told the Vallejo Beautification Commission the group spent two years planning and fundraising to restore the large median on Wilson Avenue between B Street and Hitchbourne.
Seidel said the association raised roughly $3,500 — through a silent art auction and donations — to cover plant purchases and related costs. "We raised $3,500," he said. He described working with Devil Mountain Nursery for wholesale pricing, coordinating with Public Works staff (including Scott Tidrow and Brian Waters) on irrigation and design, and recruiting more than a dozen volunteers for the planting day.
The group planted about 200 fescue (Elijah Blue) grasses, 12 "Apricot Queens" plantings and several Ingleman oak trees recommended by Public Works staff. Seidel said the median spans roughly 300 feet and that the oaks were chosen because they can reach 40–50 feet and provide a grand entrance to the neighborhood.
Commissioner Rick Warrick expressed concern about early wind damage to newly planted trees and recommended stronger anchoring. "I have one of my concerns about this is I've noticed you've got the young trees. I think the oaks were a great choice," Warrick said, adding that triangular anchors can improve stability. Seidel responded that each tree was staked with two stakes and that he would coordinate with Brian Waters to add further anchoring as needed.
Seidel credited interim Public Works Director Oscar Alcantar with helping cut red tape and enabling the project to move forward after earlier delays. He also cited donations of $500 each from Cassandra James and David Cates in support of the project and showed photos and drone images of the completed planting during the commission meeting.
The commission thanked the presenters and asked a few logistical questions about membership and ongoing maintenance; Seidel described the Vallejo Heights Neighborhood Association as a nine‑member board (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, members at large) with roughly 50–60 paying members and a low annual dues fee of about $25.
The presentation concluded with commissioners and staff praising the cooperative effort among neighbors, volunteers and Public Works and noting remaining maintenance steps including additional staking and watering-system checks.
Ending: The presentation did not require a commission vote; commissioners encouraged continued coordination with Public Works and suggested the association share materials and photos for city communications.
