Open Vallejo
@openvallejo.org
Open Vallejo is an award-winning, independent, non-partisan, nonprofit newsroom serving the public interest. We seek to illuminate a small city long burdened by police violence, corruption, and neglect.
https://openvallejo.org
https://openvallejo.org
Pinned
Open Vallejo
@openvallejo.org
· Nov 13
Vallejo police bend badges to mark fatal shootings
The tradition is known at the highest levels of Vallejo city government and to Solano County's district attorney, sources say.
openvallejo.org
For a generation, a secretive clique within the Vallejo Police Department has commemorated fatal shootings with beers, backyard barbecues, and by bending the points of their badges each time they kill in the line of duty, an investigation by Open Vallejo has found.
In a newly released deposition, former Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams said he resigned after the city failed to investigate a series of anonymous threats against him and alleged that the Vallejo City Attorney’s Office tried to intimidate him over his testimony.
Former Vallejo police chief says city ignored threats
Former Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams resigned after receiving a series of anonymous threats, according to newly-released deposition testimony. He is the latest in a string of former city offici...
openvallejo.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:30 PM
In a newly released deposition, former Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams said he resigned after the city failed to investigate a series of anonymous threats against him and alleged that the Vallejo City Attorney’s Office tried to intimidate him over his testimony.
Reposted by Open Vallejo
EXCLUSIVE: The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the unredacted recordings. Watch the video here.
Vallejo police shot a man amid a mental health crisis. Here is the footage the DA refuses to release.
The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the...
openvallejo.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:31 AM
EXCLUSIVE: The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the unredacted recordings. Watch the video here.
Today and every day, our nonprofit newsroom is ready to cover the stories that need to be told.
If you value our local investigative reporting, will you contribute to Open Vallejo during our #NewsMatch campaign? Your gift will be matched up to $1,000!
Thank you! Donate here: openvallejo.org/donate
If you value our local investigative reporting, will you contribute to Open Vallejo during our #NewsMatch campaign? Your gift will be matched up to $1,000!
Thank you! Donate here: openvallejo.org/donate
Donate to Open Vallejo
Support award-winning, nonprofit investigative reporting in Vallejo, a city long burdened by police brutality, corruption, and neglect.
openvallejo.org
November 12, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Today and every day, our nonprofit newsroom is ready to cover the stories that need to be told.
If you value our local investigative reporting, will you contribute to Open Vallejo during our #NewsMatch campaign? Your gift will be matched up to $1,000!
Thank you! Donate here: openvallejo.org/donate
If you value our local investigative reporting, will you contribute to Open Vallejo during our #NewsMatch campaign? Your gift will be matched up to $1,000!
Thank you! Donate here: openvallejo.org/donate
EXCLUSIVE: The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the unredacted recordings. Watch the video here.
Vallejo police shot a man amid a mental health crisis. Here is the footage the DA refuses to release.
The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the...
openvallejo.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:31 AM
EXCLUSIVE: The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the unredacted recordings. Watch the video here.
Open Vallejo has compiled a shareable list of places to get free groceries in Vallejo.
The federal government will fund only partial food stamp benefits this month, the Trump administration said in court filings Monday.
See the list: openvallejo.org/2025/10/31/w...
The federal government will fund only partial food stamp benefits this month, the Trump administration said in court filings Monday.
See the list: openvallejo.org/2025/10/31/w...
November 3, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Open Vallejo has compiled a shareable list of places to get free groceries in Vallejo.
The federal government will fund only partial food stamp benefits this month, the Trump administration said in court filings Monday.
See the list: openvallejo.org/2025/10/31/w...
The federal government will fund only partial food stamp benefits this month, the Trump administration said in court filings Monday.
See the list: openvallejo.org/2025/10/31/w...
Today kicks off our #NewsMatch campaign!
There’s never been a more critical time to stand up for nonprofit newsrooms like ours. Through 12/31, the impact of your tax-deductible donation is DOUBLED!
Will you show your support today?
There’s never been a more critical time to stand up for nonprofit newsrooms like ours. Through 12/31, the impact of your tax-deductible donation is DOUBLED!
Will you show your support today?
Donate to Open Vallejo
Support award-winning, nonprofit investigative reporting in Vallejo, a city long burdened by police brutality, corruption, and neglect.
openvallejo.org
November 2, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Today kicks off our #NewsMatch campaign!
There’s never been a more critical time to stand up for nonprofit newsrooms like ours. Through 12/31, the impact of your tax-deductible donation is DOUBLED!
Will you show your support today?
There’s never been a more critical time to stand up for nonprofit newsrooms like ours. Through 12/31, the impact of your tax-deductible donation is DOUBLED!
Will you show your support today?
Local nutrition assistance organizations have already seen an increase in need, and are preparing for more amid a potential cutoff of food aid on Saturday. Here is where to find free groceries, how Solano County's efforts compare to those of its neighbors, and how to help.
Where Vallejo finds free groceries amid federal shutdown
Local organizations have already seen an increase in need, and are preparing for more amid a potential cutoff of food aid.
openvallejo.org
October 31, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Local nutrition assistance organizations have already seen an increase in need, and are preparing for more amid a potential cutoff of food aid on Saturday. Here is where to find free groceries, how Solano County's efforts compare to those of its neighbors, and how to help.
Vallejo immigrant rights groups braced for raids as warning flyers appeared downtown on Friday. By this afternoon, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced that federal authorities had canceled sweeping plans for operations across the greater Bay Area.
Bay Area immigration surge called off, officials say
Organizations serving Vallejo immigrant communities braced for federal agents to flood the Bay Area this week, as flyers warning of expected immigration raids appeared on buildings downtown. But on Fr...
openvallejo.org
October 25, 2025 at 4:04 AM
Vallejo immigrant rights groups braced for raids as warning flyers appeared downtown on Friday. By this afternoon, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced that federal authorities had canceled sweeping plans for operations across the greater Bay Area.
Vallejo Police Department Critical Incident Review Board member Phillip Balbuena resigned one day after Open Vallejo reported on his online comments and those of another commissioner, which experts said threatened the integrity of the oversight process.
Vallejo police oversight official resigns over online posts
Phillip Balbuena, who served as a member of the Vallejo Police Department’s Critical Incident Review Board, stepped down on Sept. 30, one day after Open Vallejo reported on his online commentary and t...
openvallejo.org
October 17, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Vallejo Police Department Critical Incident Review Board member Phillip Balbuena resigned one day after Open Vallejo reported on his online comments and those of another commissioner, which experts said threatened the integrity of the oversight process.
Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, blocked the administration’s attempt to sidestep an earlier order finding protests in Oregon were “not significantly violent or disruptive” enough to justify federalizing the Oregon National Guard.
Federal judge blocks deployment of California Guard to Portland
Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, blocked the administration’s attempt to sidestep an earlier order finding protests in Oregon were “not significantly violent or disruptive” enough to justify f...
openvallejo.org
October 6, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, blocked the administration’s attempt to sidestep an earlier order finding protests in Oregon were “not significantly violent or disruptive” enough to justify federalizing the Oregon National Guard.
Solano County will pay $17 million to resolve a “historic” civil rights lawsuit involving the sheriff’s office, as supervisors approve an $11.2 million contract to deploy deputies in Vallejo.
Amid $17 million settlement, sheriff to expand Vallejo patrols
Solano County will pay $17 million to resolve a “historic” civil rights lawsuit, as supervisors approve an $11.2 million contract to deploy sheriff’s deputies in Vallejo.
openvallejo.org
October 1, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Solano County will pay $17 million to resolve a “historic” civil rights lawsuit involving the sheriff’s office, as supervisors approve an $11.2 million contract to deploy deputies in Vallejo.
The comments, about the shooting of a man suffering a mental health crisis in the back, included praise for officers’ marksmanship. A national use-of-force expert called the commentary “wildly inappropriate,” while Vallejo’s mayor called for one official’s “immediate removal” from the investigation.
Vallejo officials’ online comments cloud police shooting review
The comments, about the shooting of a man suffering a mental health crisis, included praise for officers’ marksmanship and a determination that they had “no choice” but to shoot him in the back. A nat...
openvallejo.org
September 30, 2025 at 1:00 AM
The comments, about the shooting of a man suffering a mental health crisis in the back, included praise for officers’ marksmanship. A national use-of-force expert called the commentary “wildly inappropriate,” while Vallejo’s mayor called for one official’s “immediate removal” from the investigation.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials released the recommendations as part of the state’s newly formed health alliance with Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.
California releases vaccine recommendations as CDC shifts policy
Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials released the recommendations as part of the state’s newly formed health alliance with Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.
openvallejo.org
September 19, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials released the recommendations as part of the state’s newly formed health alliance with Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.
Police video and court proceedings revealed new details of the shooting, even as officials seek to prevent further disclosures.
New details emerge in Aug. 29 Vallejo police shooting
Police video and court proceedings revealed new details of the shooting, even as officials seek to prevent further disclosures.
openvallejo.org
September 18, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Police video and court proceedings revealed new details of the shooting, even as officials seek to prevent further disclosures.
The California Supreme Court has denied a last-ditch effort by the city of Vallejo to conceal an investigation into officers who bent their badges to mark fatal shootings.
State Supreme Court rejects Vallejo’s bid to conceal badge-bending report
The California Supreme Court has denied a last-ditch effort by the city of Vallejo to conceal an investigation into officers who bent their badges to mark fatal shootings.
openvallejo.org
September 18, 2025 at 1:20 AM
The California Supreme Court has denied a last-ditch effort by the city of Vallejo to conceal an investigation into officers who bent their badges to mark fatal shootings.
Vallejo police found a 73-year-old woman safe on Wednesday, more than two days after she went missing.
Vallejo police locate Alzheimer’s patient missing since Monday
Vallejo police found a 73-year-old woman safe on Wednesday, more than two days after she went missing.
openvallejo.org
September 17, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Vallejo police found a 73-year-old woman safe on Wednesday, more than two days after she went missing.
Vallejo police are investigating the 12th homicide in the city this year, after police officers and firefighters found a man shot dead inside a car Monday morning.
Vallejo police find man killed in car Monday
Vallejo police are investigating the 12th homicide in the city this year, after police officers and firefighters found a man shot dead inside a car Monday morning.
openvallejo.org
September 17, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Vallejo police are investigating the 12th homicide in the city this year, after police officers and firefighters found a man shot dead inside a car Monday morning.
A new state bill awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature would give officials more tools to identify and combat sexual abuse and educate students to better identify the most common signs of grooming behavior.
State bill targets sexual abuse in California schools
A new state bill awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature would give officials more tools to identify and combat sexual abuse and educate students to better identify the most common signs of grooming be...
openvallejo.org
September 17, 2025 at 5:57 PM
A new state bill awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature would give officials more tools to identify and combat sexual abuse and educate students to better identify the most common signs of grooming behavior.
Vallejo police are investigating the 11th homicide of 2025 after a man was found dead on the 100 block of Carolina Street Thursday afternoon.
Man killed in daytime shooting in Vallejo Thursday
Vallejo police are investigating the 11th homicide of 2025 after a man was found dead on the 100 block of Carolina Street Thursday afternoon.
openvallejo.org
September 12, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Vallejo police are investigating the 11th homicide of 2025 after a man was found dead on the 100 block of Carolina Street Thursday afternoon.
Congratulations to our colleagues at @kcdefender.bsky.social for winning the 2025 @inn.org Community Champion Award! Read about their groundbreaking B-REAL Freedom School here.
Community Champion Award
Honors an INN member organization that made a significant contribution to the well-being of its community through a journalism-centered project or
inn.org
September 11, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Congratulations to our colleagues at @kcdefender.bsky.social for winning the 2025 @inn.org Community Champion Award! Read about their groundbreaking B-REAL Freedom School here.
For the second time in three days, a Vallejo police SUV collided with a civilian vehicle on city streets, disabling both vehicles and prompting an emergency response.
Vallejo police in second collision in three days
For the second time in three days, a Vallejo police SUV collided with a civilian vehicle on city streets, disabling both vehicles and prompting an emergency response.
openvallejo.org
September 9, 2025 at 2:29 AM
For the second time in three days, a Vallejo police SUV collided with a civilian vehicle on city streets, disabling both vehicles and prompting an emergency response.
Reposted by Open Vallejo
There's still time to register for ProJourn's Newsgathering Legal Training on Wednesday!
Held in partnership with @theajp.bsky.social, this free, virtual session will cover journalists' legal rights on topics like recording, trespass, and more.
Sign up: https://www.shorturl.at/yaHxM
Held in partnership with @theajp.bsky.social, this free, virtual session will cover journalists' legal rights on topics like recording, trespass, and more.
Sign up: https://www.shorturl.at/yaHxM
September 8, 2025 at 8:16 PM
There's still time to register for ProJourn's Newsgathering Legal Training on Wednesday!
Held in partnership with @theajp.bsky.social, this free, virtual session will cover journalists' legal rights on topics like recording, trespass, and more.
Sign up: https://www.shorturl.at/yaHxM
Held in partnership with @theajp.bsky.social, this free, virtual session will cover journalists' legal rights on topics like recording, trespass, and more.
Sign up: https://www.shorturl.at/yaHxM
The Vallejo Police Department has identified two officers who shot and injured a 24-year-old man during an apparent mental health crisis last week.
Vallejo names officers in Aug. 29 nonfatal shooting
The Vallejo Police Department has identified two officers who shot and injured a 24-year-old man during an apparent mental health crisis last week.
openvallejo.org
September 6, 2025 at 12:01 AM
The Vallejo Police Department has identified two officers who shot and injured a 24-year-old man during an apparent mental health crisis last week.
State officials said they acted in response to what they called the “destruction” of scientific integrity at the nation’s top public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
California forms state consortium to counter health misinformation
State officials said they acted in response to what they called the “destruction” of scientific integrity at the nation’s top public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
openvallejo.org
September 5, 2025 at 12:30 AM
State officials said they acted in response to what they called the “destruction” of scientific integrity at the nation’s top public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A Vallejo police SUV collided with a blue sedan Tuesday evening, injuring an officer and one other person.
The crash occurred the same week as an alleged hit-and-run just four blocks away that left a bicyclist with life-threatening injuries.
The crash occurred the same week as an alleged hit-and-run just four blocks away that left a bicyclist with life-threatening injuries.
On-duty Vallejo police crash injures officer, civilian
A Vallejo police SUV collided with a blue sedan Tuesday evening, leaving an officer and one other person with minor injuries.
openvallejo.org
September 4, 2025 at 11:57 PM
A Vallejo police SUV collided with a blue sedan Tuesday evening, injuring an officer and one other person.
The crash occurred the same week as an alleged hit-and-run just four blocks away that left a bicyclist with life-threatening injuries.
The crash occurred the same week as an alleged hit-and-run just four blocks away that left a bicyclist with life-threatening injuries.