City of Vallejo, CA

The HR Department created a partnership with Kaiser and kicked off the first Wellness Campaign in connection with Kaiser - "Maintain Don't Gain," held November 11 through December 31, 2019.
The first intern, Arturo Bravo, started on October 15, and is excited to join the Vallejo team. He has completed most of his courses in the automotive program and looking to add more practical experience with the variety of equipment and vehicles that Fleet staff work on.

On November 6, 2019, the HR Department launched a new Citywide Unconscious Bias Training.

The Public Works Department has partnered with Solano Community College to provide internships to students in the automotive program. A student will be paired with a staff member from the Fleet Section and given guidance and hands on instruction on how to do basic maintenance and repair on vehicles.

The first intern, Arturo Bravo, started on October 15, and is excited to join the Vallejo team. He has completed most of his courses in the automotive program and looking to add more practical experience with the variety of equipment and vehicles that Fleet staff work on.

On October 7, 2019, the HR Department rolled out City Values to the organization. The department also began the rollout of a citywide employee recognition campaign, “Catch Me Being GREAT,” to recognize employees for demonstrating the City Values.

The City's Senior Leadership Team, management and supervisory staff meet bi-annually to discuss important topics impacting the organization. The agenda typically includes training, team-building and brainstorming activities.

To continue efforts on this City Council goal, Training and Organizational Development Manager Kristen Bennett unveiled B.E. G.R.E.A.T. More information will be coming out on how the community can get involved. To get it started, there are B.E. G.R.E.A.T cards in every office. Check it out and share how City staff are representing the B.E. G.R.E.A.T. qualities.

Bravery
Efficiency
Growth
Respect
Excellence
Accountability
Trust

First Annual Summer Intern Program

On August 15, the City concluded the first annual summer internship program. Fifteen young adults participated in the program. Interns were recognized for completion of the course during the Employee Appreciation event at Wilson Park. The 10-week internship program was designed to connect youth and young adults to local government and provide a work-based learning opportunity. Along with the City's 15 interns, a grant program funded through the service line warranty program, covered the cost for eight youth to participate in New Dawn's Summer Youth leaders program who also attended weekly learning sessions offered by City departments.

Each City Department and Division hosted special sessions and activities to provide interns first-hand experience of each department's functionality and relation to other departments. Sessions included a tour of Fleming Hill Water Treatment Plant, a visit to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and a presentation on disaster preparedness, and hands-on experience with the Vallejo's Police Department and the VirTra simulator. Along with the informational sessions, the City's Human Resource Department hosted a workshop for interns on improving their individual appeal in the job market, for either public or private sector, resumes writing skill building and interview recommendations.

To learn more about the City's Intern program, click here. A call for applications will be released in early Spring 2020, for the Summer 2020 Program.

On August 15, 2019, the City Manager’s Office, in conjunction with HR, held an Employee Appreciation Event.

On August 22, 2019, the HR Department hosted a citywide Health and Benefits Fair.

The HR Department reformed a Wellness Committee, with the kickoff meeting on July 25, 2019.

On June 21, 2019, the HR Department launched a new Citywide Harassment Prevention Training.