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Dear residents of Solano County:
On behalf of the Solano County Board of Supervisors and County staff, we are pleased to present our 2019 annual report.  We remain committed to providing residents with programs and services that promote resiliency, self-sufficiency and local-control, in addition to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone who lives, learns, works and plays in Solano County.

On January 29, 2019, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Department of General Services, opened the new SB 1022 Rourk Vocational Training Center.  Located at the Sheriff’s campus in Fairfield, the 39,000 square-foot facility features an educational building, equipped with classrooms, vocational training spaces and instructor-led program areas.  The center is working to prepare the currently incarcerated with the skills necessary to become self-sufficient when they re-enter society and the local workforce.

Now in its second year, the Solano County Mobile Food Pharmacy continues to promote health and wellness through the delivery of thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables.  The program fills food prescriptions for patients at the Family Health Services clinics in Fairfield, Vacaville and Vallejo and has given patients the ability to become resilient against preventable diseases, including high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.  The program, which has been made possible through grant funding from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, has been recognized for awards by the National Association of Counties and California State Association of Counties.    

Summer 2019, construction and tenant improvement work began on the First 5 Center in Vallejo.   The new First 5 Center will provide families with children a safe space to play while center staff and on-site partners connect families to locally-controlled community resources, including health care, job and vocational training, child care and many others – all in a convenient, free, one-stop-shop.  The new First 5 Center is anticipated to open in January, 2020.

Fall 2019 brought four Pacific Gas and Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events in Solano County, affecting more than 25,000 customers.  The Solano County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, in coordination with all County departments, helped Solano County residents prepare for and stay safe during PSPS events through an extensive radio, online and social media public safety campaign.  The outreach efforts, including radio, social media and use of the County’s Alert Solano emergency notification system, helped families to prepare for what to expect prior to, during and after PSPS events.

As we end year 2019, we invite you to explore our annual report at the County’s website, SolanoCounty.com, where you will find many more accomplishments.  We thank our employees, community partners, the seven cities and Travis Air Force Base for everything they do, for the programs and services they provide, and for making Solano County a wonderful place to live, learn, work and play.

Sincerely,
Erin Hannigan, District 1 Supervisor and Chairwoman of the Board
Birgitta E. Corsello, Solano County Administrator

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IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING
OF THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK HERE
Solano County is committed to the improvement of health and wellness of all those who live and work in our community and has quality programs and services to support these goals

CONNECTING VETERANS TO THEIR BENEFITS
Solano County is home to more than 34,000 veterans, 90,000 of their dependents and men, women and families stationed at Travis Air Force Base.  The County’s Veteran Service Office (VSO) helped more than 15,000 veterans gain access to their benefits in 2019, filing more than 9,500 claims for compensation and pension, resulting in $24 million in new dollars to veterans.  Solano County VSO has also been recognized once again as the number one VSO in the state, with more than 37.5% of veterans in Solano County using their services.  All Solano County veterans are encouraged to access the VSO for assistance with a variety of benefit claims, including college tuition fee waivers, health and medical care, dependent issues, veterans court and housing referrals. Call the VSO at (707) 784-6590.

CONNECTING PARENTS TO SERVICES
The Department of Child Support Services expanded and strengthened its partnerships with the community to help parents support their families.  A new partnership with Travis Air Force Base was established to support our military community with their child support needs.  By maintaining a regular presence on base, military newcomers and those transitioning to civilian life receive information on how child support works when parents are in different states, what to do when circumstances affecting income change, and how to qualify and apply for debt relief.  All partnerships, whether new or continuing, help connect parents and families with the services and support they need.

NEW FIRST 5 CENTER IN VALLEJO - CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
First 5 Solano has begun construction of a new First 5 Center in Vallejo, located at 3375 Sonoma Blvd.  The First 5 Center will be an innovative hub to engage families and allow children to play, learn and grow.  Parents and caregivers will find a safe and welcoming environment where they can participate in parent-child interaction activities, receive information and holistic support to meet family needs and be connected to appropriate resources in the community. Community partners will provide on-site programs and services – all at no cost. The Center is anticipated to open in January 2020.  Follow the construction progress @ Facebook.com/First5Solano.

MOBILE FOOD PHARMACY RECEIVES RECOGNITION
Solano County Health and Social Services, Public Health division, has expanded the Mobile Food Pharmacy, Food Rx program to serve three additional Federally Qualified Health Centers, including Community Medical Centers, Inc., La Clinica de la Raza and OLÉ Health. These clinics are in addition to the Solano County clinic locations already being served.  Over the past year, the Mobile Food Pharmacy has provided more than 6,000 households with 93,505 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables and won two prestigious awards, including the National Association of County Governments (NACo) National Achievement Award in the health category and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Challenge Award.

NEW VALLEJO MAKERY SPACE ENCOURAGES INNOVATION
Solano County Library Services opened the brand new Makery Space to the public at the John F. Kennedy branch in Vallejo in August.  The Makery Space - where science, art and technology meet - is a collaborative space that is free and open to teens and adults.  The Library provides structured programs and drop-in use hours so that adults and teens have access to technology, and can use the space to learn, grow and create with others.  Solano County, along with nine other libraries, were chosen to take part in the state-wide cohort and participate in this exciting multi-year grant.

PROBATION CHANGING LIVES
Solano County Probation is protecting the public through innovative programs which seek to reduce reoffending.  Probation officers trained in cognitive behavioral interventions and supervision techniques have been shown to be effective in increasing positive behavior change.  The department operates two Centers for Positive Change (CPC), offering clients cognitive, behavioral, substance abuse and mental health treatment, job readiness, vocational training and a full-service charter high school.  Probation CPCs graduated 72 high-risk individuals in 2019.

HELPING CHILDREN GET THE BENEFITS THEY DESERVE
Child Support Services provides free paternity testing to families that qualify.  By using DNA and genetic testing, the department confirmed fatherhood and  established paternity for 267 children in 2019.  Once paternity is legally established, children are entitled to financial support, as well as medical, life insurance and social security benefits.  Establishing paternity is critical to helping children get financial support they need to thrive.

PROGRAM ACHIEVES HOUSING SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Solano County Health and Social Services, Child Welfare division, participated in a two-year Bringing Families Home (BFH) pilot program, designed to help reduce the number of families and children in the child welfare system.  The program helps families currently experiencing homelessness, and those at-risk of experiencing homelessness, with tools to help promote housing self-sufficiency.  To date, Solano County Child Welfare Services, through the BFH pilot program has successfully housed 29 families, with 25 families achieving housing self-sufficiency.

NEW TECHNOLOGY REMINDS CLIENTS OF APPOINTMENTS
The Solano County Public Defender and Alternate Defender’s Office partnered with software provider Uptrust to provide text message reminders to clients to help reduce failures to appear in court. Like those used by doctors and dentists, text reminders have been proven to increase attendance at court dates, which reduces costs to criminal justice agencies in issuing and serving warrants and jail costs when those defendants are later incarcerated.

TOM HANNIGAN HONORED BY TRAIN STATION DEDICATION
On September 27, officials gathered to recognize Assemblymember Tom Hannigan by renaming the “Fairfield-Vacaville Hannigan station” in his honor.  The train station, which serves approximately 3,600 passengers per month, is the newest stop along the Amtrak-operated Capitol Corridor route, linking passengers between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area.  Hannigan is remembered for his forethought in championing the creation of the Capitol Corridor, the highest performing train route in California.

MANAGING PUBLIC SAFETY DURING PSPS EVENTS
The Solano County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) helped Solano County residents face a new challenge this year, including preparing for and staying safe during Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E) Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.  Due to extreme fire conditions, PG&E proactively shut off power four times in Solano County, including in June and three times in October.  More than 25,000 Solano County customers were affected – some were without power for up to five days.  Solano OES helped residents prepare for PSPS events through an extensive Facebook, Alert Solano, and public outreach campaign.

HELPING REPLACE FOOD AFTER POWER OUTAGES
More than 38,000 individuals rely on CalFresh benefits for nutritious food in Solano County. The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Employment and Eligibility division, in response to the October Pacific Gas and Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff events, helped more than 300 families replace food that had spoiled.  Many of the clients were families with children, elderly and/or disabled individuals who rely on their CalFresh benefits for food to make ends meet on a fixed income.

WORKING TO PROTECT THE LIVES OF ANIMALS
The Solano County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Services division is dedicated to protecting the lives of animals in Solano County.  In 2019, staff launched new programs and services that have saved the lives of feral cats and assisted the homeless with making sure their pets are vaccinated, microchipped and sterilized.  The division has also hosted a series of successful “clear the shelter” pet adoption events.  Because of their efforts, Solano County Animal Services successfully adopted out 1,751 cats and dogs.  Additionally, the animal shelter has an overall goal of becoming one of only a handful, no-kill shelters in the state of California.

5th ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR DRAWS A CROWD
The Solano County Family Justice Center, led by the District Attorney’s Office, hosted its 5th annual Health Fair in October in downtown Fairfield.  The event attracted more than 750 visitors and promoted health and wellness for everyone who lives, learns, works and plays in Solano County.  The event featured free medical, dental and vision screenings, as well as free immunizations and the opportunity to connect with 98 local vendors, all showcasing the health and wellness resources available in Solano County.

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS TESTS NEW VOTING EQUIPMENT
On October 16, the Solano County Registrar of Voters hosted a mock election, an event designed to give Solano County residents an opportunity to try out the County’s new voting equipment in preparation for the March 3, Primary and November 3, 2020 General Elections.  County officials received feedback from poll workers and voters on ways to streamline the process.  More than 500 Solano County residents voted to determine their favorite Disney character (Tinker Bell) and ice cream (mint chocolate chip).

NEW SHERIFF VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER
The Solano County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Department of General Services, completed construction of the new Rourk Vocational Training Center in January 2019.  Located on the Sheriff’s Claybank site in Fairfield, the 39,000 square-foot facility features an educational building, equipped with classrooms, vocational training spaces and instructor-led program areas, all designed to help prepare the currently incarcerated with future employment skills. 

14th ANNUAL CENTENARIAN CELEBRATION
On September 24, 2019, the Solano County Board of Supervisors, with support of the Solano County Department of Health and Social Services and the Senior Coalition of Solano County, celebrated the lives and stories of our most senior residents – our centenarians.  Together with their families and caregivers, the Board hosted a reception where they got tips on living to 100 years and beyond.  The County recognized 54 centenarians, representing more than 5,483 years of life experience.

RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE LAND USE
The Board of Supervisors considers the environment when creating policy and works to create a place where people may choose to live, work and play that respects and protects our precious natural resources

WETLAND PRESERVE PROTECTS ENDANGERED SPECIES
The Solano County Department of Resource Management, through a public-private partnership between the state, local agencies and Westervelt Ecological Services, established a new 460-acre wetland habitat, known as the Tule Red Tidal Wetland, in October along the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in the Suisun Marsh. By opening a levee and subjecting the area to tidal influence, the Tule Red Tidal Wetland provides critical habitat to benefit endangered fish and wildlife species.

IMPROVED VISITOR EXPERIENCE AT BELDEN’S LANDING
The Solano County Department of Resource Management, Parks and Recreation division, through a partnership with Suisun Resource Conservation District and California Fish and Wildlife, secured a restoration grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to improve the visitor experience and restore the wetland area at Belden’s Landing.  Work included the installation of a fish composting station with bait cutting table and the removal of invasive vegetation.  The grant will also lead to the installation of a kayak launch dock and an interpretive walkway.

AG TOUR HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINIBILITY
In April, the Solano County Agricultural Advisory Committee hosted an Ag Tour highlighting the importance agricultural sustainability in Solano County.  Tour participants visited walnut, vegetable and livestock producers who showcased their unique perspectives on farming in Solano County.  Topics of discussion included how issues like groundwater sustainability, changes in land use and state policies might influence the long-term sustainability of Solano’s agricultural industry and crop values.


STEWARDSHIP OF OUR COMMUNITY
The Board of Supervisors make strategic investments in programs, services and infrastructure improvements for County residents of today and tomorrow

PREPARING FOR THE 2020 CENSUS COUNT
In preparation for the 2020 Census, the Solano County Department of Resource Management, Planning Services division, has partnered with the Solano Economic Development Corporation to establish a Complete County Committee (CCC).  The CCC membership includes local City and County departments and agencies including the Office of Education, Children’s Network of Solano County, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, NorthBay Healthcare, La Clinica and the United Way.  An accurate and complete count will ensure California receives its fair share of federal funding and Congressional representation.  For every 1 percent of the statewide population that does not complete a Census questionnaire, approximately $5 million in potential revenues to Solano County is lost annually, which goes to fund essential services including health and social services, educational programs, transportation and infrastructure.

COUNTY RECEIVES ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS
The Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) was awarded the 2019 Outstanding Program of the Year Award by the Child Support Directors Association.  The award recognizes and celebrates local agencies that have consistently exemplified providing quality child support services to its community and constituencies.  DCSS was applauded for creating an efficient model of innovation with rich employee devotion and community respect.  The Department also received the Community Partnership Award from the Solano County Workforce Development Board for helping unemployed and underemployed parents, including those recently returning home from incarceration, find employment and debt relief.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKEBACK DAYS
The Solano County Department of Resource Management, Planning Services division, lead the countywide effort to coordinate participation in two U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sponsored Prescription Drug Takeback Day events throughout Solano County.  The public brought their unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs for free, safe and convenient disposal.  The events successfully received thousands of pounds of medications from more than 1,446 households throughout Solano County. 

STREAMLINED SERVICES DELIVER CHILD SUPPORT
The Department of Child Support Services (DCSS), in partnership with the Solano County Superior Court, expanded its electronic e-filing system.  The e-filing system allows DCSS and the Solano courts to electronically file forms back and forth to each other quickly, safely and securely.  The new system has reduced the turn-around time from several days to less than 24-hours and the number of pieces of paper needed to complete forms.  As a result, the streamlined system provides more timely delivery of child support payments to families.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Solano County strives to provide programs and services for our residents that use taxpayer dollars responsibly and sustainably as part of a balanced budget

A BALANCED BUDGET
On June 18, 2019, the Board of Supervisors adopted a comprehensive and balanced budget of more than one-billion-dollars, making us financially positioned to provide the programs and services necessary to help Solano County residents thrive.  This is accomplished, in part, due to our diverse economic base, proximity to the job markets in the greater Sacramento and Bay Areas, and the Count’s fiscally prudent management policies.  The public can access the County’s budget on the County Administrator’s page of the County website at
www.SolanoCounty.com/Depts/County_Admin.

GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING FOR FY2017/18
The Government Finance Officers Association awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the County of Solano and the Auditor-Controller’s Office for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.  This award recognizes the County’s CAFR for achieving transparency and full disclosure in financial reporting.   The County’s annual financial documents, including the award-winning CAFR can be found at www.SolanoCounty.com/Depts/Auditor.