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Watching the Council Meeting tonight...I do have a few comments.

I do not agree with a 2 day event and actually was surprised by the suggestion when I first read about it several months ago.

The 4th was never about making money. It was about providing a day where AC residents came together and enjoyed themselves. There is a risk in trying to provide entertainment for 2 days. Such as: If the first day is not successful for vendors, what guarentee is there that those vendors will show up on the 4th?

The plug could be pulled if some residents or guests that attend on the first day and for whatever reason do not behave themselves.

A message to the committee...you do not have to blow the community away with taking over this event...you just have to make it better!

It is apparent (to me) that you are fighting an upward battle.

Good Luck!

True colors were shown tonight, and a bit a politics too. Heres my comments:

If all you are looking for is to make it better, that should not be too difficult given the former poor leadership, and lack of any budget in the past, or accountability.

It was disappointing that any council member would make disparaging remarks about vallejo residents, as many of AMerican Canyon residents are from Vallejo and moved here. This is an opportunity for all in and around our community to come together. Isolationism from our neighbors is just wrong.

Im glad to see that those who are working on the committee have done planning far in advance. and undoubtably this year , second day or not, will be a success. Clearly the event is much better managed, and more thought when into making it better for the community.

In my view, if the second day works, great, if not, hey we can always go back to one day. I applaud the efforts to try something new and provide more opportunity for the community.

Good work by all those involved.

The former leadership did have budgets-they have been in the hands of the City-if anyone bothered to ask.

Past events are being criticized by people-did you even attend? Anyhoo-this is a city event for AmCan. Quite frankly-don't care about VJO or the fiscal crisis they've created for themselves.

Let's all do what we can to make ALL AmCan City events a success through our united efforts-put personal feelings and personalities aside. We are all in this together. We all win or lose. All benefit or suffer.

Have a nice Friday.

I went to last nights meeting to make a comment, but they opened and closed public comment without letting anyone but Fran speak. So, for what it is worth, here is my opinion.

I moved here nine years ago from Fremont. Fremont had a very popular 4th of July celebration in their park at Lake Elizabeth. In the early 1980's Fremont decided to outlaw individual fire works because of the danger of wild fires in the hills around town as well as the cost of injuries and fires related to them. Hayward and Newark, the two towns closest to Fremont, continued to allow "Safe and Sane" fire works. So as a means of giving the citizens of Fremont an alternative choice, The city council decided to pull out all stops and put on the best show they posibly could. People loved it! They came out in droves! Within a few years Newark passed a similar fire work ordinance, and their citizens started coming to Fremont as well. I'm not sure if Hayward ever followed suit, but it doesn't matter.

Within just a few years the event became so popular that people would show up in the middle of the night on the 3rd to set up shade tarps and reserve their spaces. Private fireworks were so prevelent at the park that the police couldn't contain it. There were drunken fights, gang stabbings, and general mayhem. And even though there are three 4 lane roads leading to the park, traffic was a nightmare. Pedestrians were run over in traffic!

Finally, Fremont had to cancel the event. It cost too much money! The venders of course were furious. Now the town has no leagal fire works at all. And my family all come here instead.

I believe that the average person learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others. And a fool never learns! Which of these are we? I miss the small home town party. I, like most of you, work for a living and will be working on the 3rd. Which by the way is my youngest childs 14th birthday! The cost to the City will be too much. The festivities are out of line with what the attendance has demonstrated. During the day of the 4th, I plan to be BBQ-ing at home with my family, not throwing away my money needlesly to a bunch of hawkers.

Rick Thein

You have brought up several interesting questions for the Council, Committee and yourself.

First, why was public comment cut off after Fran's comments. If I remember correctly Fran attends another towns 4th.

Second, I will agree with you that I would like to keep that "small town feeling" on the 4th. I also work on the 3rd and I believe it is not the responsibility of the city to entertain children because they will have a long weekend. This long weekend actually could work against attendance due to the fact that many families go camping or boating or whatever and leave town.

Third, if I understand from previous posts, Mr. Thein, you have been very involved with the 4 H in town. In fact, I think we can thank you for bringing this club to AC. Have your kids in the 4 H walked in the parade with their animals or run a booth in the past? This question is not meant to be harmful it really is a question because I don't know the answer.

Last, if the opportunity to BBQ at the park were an option, would you invite your family to join you there instead of at home? Why/Why Not?

My observation from previous 4th of July's...Alot of people come to the event at noon but there is not enough going on to keep them there all day. I think if you entertain the kids...the parents will stay and arrange their plans to accommodate their children.

ac94503

You are very correct. In fact while we were leading the 4H we had the very first float entered into the parade. We won first place three years in a row! These are facts we are very proud of. We had booths for kids to enjoy. They were not and could not, by 4H regulations, be games of chance or proffit making. In otherwords they were free to the public. As I understand it, now the booths cost $150.00 even to the non-proffits. So try to find 4H there this year. If my information is wrong, I'm sure I will be corrected. But from what I heard this is about bringing in money. Sure we can have a few things to keep it old fashioned, but only as long as we support the buisnesses that pay for it. Maybe thats modern life.

I truley love our parade. With its local charm. I think its great to see our city in all its glory! But what I heard at that meeting was, that in order to be successfull we had to bring in big time venders and we need to spend, spend, spend so that they will come back next year. I'm starting feel like I do at Christmas. Its not about Christ anymore. Its' about spending thousands of dollars so the mall can make a proffit. Or Its' my fault when Sears goes out of business.

I want to see our kids have fun! I want to see my city celebrate our countries' founding. Have you ever seen a BBQ at Community Park 1? I haven't. I have seen them at Park 2 near Donaldson Way. I think the food venders would have a fit if we allowed that there. Now understand me when I say I have always purchased food and beverages from Lyons and VFW and local service groups. I support their causes because they give back to the community. But this second day is only to insure that the businesses make money. Cindy said as much in the Council Meeting. And the city will pay for it with increased police, redirection of public services etc.

The 4th of July is about "Happy Birthday United States" , " Good to See You Friend" and "Thank You For Your Sacrifice To Our Country". Or maybe I'm just naive.

Rick Thein

AmCan considers extending 4th of July festivities into longer affair
By KERANA TODOROV, Register Staff Writer
Sunday, March 18, 2007
American Canyon’s Fourth of July celebration could become a two-day affair, despite the concerns of some elected officials.

The city’s Fourth of July Committee wants to schedule Independence Day events on July 3 and 4, in part to draw more people to the city and attract vendors. The national holiday this year falls on a Friday.

Traditionally, the city’s Fourth of July events have included children’s games, food and local music and dance groups. Charities and vendors staff as many as 60 booths at Community Park 1.

City Councilwoman Cindy Coffey, who chairs this year’s Fourth of July Committee, said the committee wanted to try “something new” this year. Having a two-day event will attract “quality vendors,” she told the City Council.

“It’s a huge opportunity,” Coffey said.

The idea, however, has raised concerns from other city council members who wonder who will pay for the cost of having public works, police and fire staff to work a second day.

“The city is going to be on the hook,” City Councilman Ed West warned.

West, who said he’s always enjoyed the city’s Fourth of July celebrations as they are, also said he does not want turn the event into a “retail operation” for out-of-town visitors.

“I don’t want those crowds,” West said. The city has had “quality events” for 10 years, he said.

Vice Mayor Joan Bennett cautioned that parents may not be present on July 3, a Thursday, to supervise their children.

The City Council later directed Randy Davis, the city’s Community Services director, to prepare a breakdown of the costs of past years’ events. That report may be presented at the council’s April 5 meeting, Davis said.

Over the past couple of years, the city’s Fourth of July Committee has raised money to rent stages and portable toilets, hire security guards and cover the costs of other Independence Day-related activities.

The city’s Fourth of July Committee spent about $11,000 in 2006, Davis said.

The city sponsors the morning parade through town and the evening’s fireworks. The fireworks display and the extra insurance required add up to $15,000, Davis explained.

Davis said the city accounts for “every nickel” the committee members raise.

“As of right now, I don’t believe any money has been raised,” Davis said.

Cori Badertscher, chairwoman of the city’s Fourth of July Committee for the past three years, said she has reservations about having a two-day event.

She is concerned that parents will not come out on July 3. “It would work on the weekend,” said Badertscher.

She is also not certain that charities have enough volunteers to staff booths on both days.

“I think it’s a valiant effort but I’m not convinced it’s going to work,” she said.

I am going to ask for a post-script to my previous posts regarding the 4th.

The way that Mr. Davis presented the committee's plans for the 4th really had a very bland nature to it. There was no enthusiasm from this presenter. Just the facts...

I still stand by the one day event but in no way do I believe this committee has not worked extremely hard to get to this presentation.

Reading comments on the register article today... Regardless of VicRiv's post that we all lose or win...Others in the community choose to attack.

I posted my opinion and I believe Mr. Thein also posted his opinion.

I'm sure the committe is hurt to think that a few choose to disagree with their plans for the 4th. I however, have confidence that this group of citizens are going to take the 4th of July to a higher level of entertainment than we have seen in the past.

Best of Luck to you all. It was time for a change and don't be discouraged if every idea you have is not accepted by the Council or the Public.

I look forward to the 4th. And just in case you have not been thanked for you efforts??? Thankyou!

We hold these truths to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Remember these powerful words.....they are what the 4th of July is all about.....yet....

The dark side of American Canyon poke its head again in this article(written by the worse reporter American Canyon has ever seen), questioning whether something will work or not, or complaining about someone making money, or trying to isolate the community and "keep others out".

This is very unfortunate and a betrayal of the civic duty of those in office.

Not much different than the sign ordinance, in which individuals sworn to uphold the US Constitution, are willing to violate it to promote their own agenda, now we have political payback and favors which illustrate a lack of respect for the importance of the 4th of July.

Here we have government officials complaining about capitalism, founded on democracy, and promoting isolationism from nearby communities. "Keep them out" - but who is they? Is it the newer residents, is it the blacks, is it the asians, is it the latinos, who the hell do you want to keep out of our community? The racial undertones of this statement is disturbing. Whats wrong with residents from Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, Sonoma, Napa, or any other community around here coming and joining the festivities in AMerican Canyon?

Some attitude, wanting to keep out others, which is reflective of an underlying mean spirited unwelcoming and downright rude attitude that some in this community support and promote. Its unacceptable, and just not ok.

Wow. They just dont get it do they. Sad.

I've read Paul Maguire's response about 6x and I have some ?s.

1) Who do you mean by "dark side" People who are engaged/involved in planning city event? or people who simply don't agree with you?

2) The worse reporter? I notice you've never denied what she is writing as untrue. Maybe you don't like people pointing out what you say/do?

3) "keep them out" comment was specifically relating to out of town vendors. How did you make the leap to make it a racial comment?

4) 'Underlying mean-spirited, unwelcoming rude attitude.' Again-puzzled by such a leap-because they are practicing due diligence to ensure the city isn't stuck 'paying the piper". Suggesting Accountability for not having a budget? I recall a previous casino owner pulling his $5000 donation and reducing it to $500 because supposedly 'there wasn't a budget" Watching the Council meeting-no funds have been raised, no budget was presented-so what am I missing? or which meeting did you watch?

No One wants the July 4th celebration to fail. Asking ?s isn't a bad thing. Holding people accountable is proper protocol for anyone performing any type of planning/due diligence.

Cindy and Volunteers are working hard-just like Cori and other volunteers have done.

Let's support them and make the event a success for the city and if out-of towners want to attend-they are welcome-just like new residents and others who don't always agree with us!

Have a nice day.

Well, try reading it sober.

Paul-your attempt to be witty is as successful as your American Canyon political career...non existent. Keep it real & have a nice day.

Paul,

I must admit I was very surprised to see that your post remained on this site.

Vic, good come back!

Call it like it is!

The only one with a non existant political career is you Victor....you have never ran. In the last election, to your dismay I am sure, I pulled in 850 votes- you, pulled in none. You are just another one of those guys who barks from the bleachers, but doesnt have what it takes to get into the game. Thats ok, someone has sit there freezin their behinds off.

Since your candidates have taken office, in the first 12 weeks, they committed 12 million dollars to a new interim city office building. Thats one million a week. If this keeps up, you can be sure after the next election, your friends political careers will be non existant!

Oh, and you have a nice day too....

I thought this forum was about the 4th of July.
Not sore losers trying to make jabs at people?
I cant believe that the 4th of July is still be planned
as a 2 day event. This is stupid. And their activities
they have listed in their flier on line, what a joke.
When will the TEENS in this community be recognized
as people. Everything is gaged for young kids, elementry school age
kids and adults. I guess every teenager is expected
to ride a skate board in this city, seems that is the only
thing the city and the 4th of July committee can offer them for entertainment on the 4th. This event is turning into a JOKE!

Well, if it's such a JOKE, then where are YOUR suggestions? We are just trying to make it a wonderful event for all. What are some events you want to see for the teens? It's been said before and I'll say it again - can't please everyone, as usual, some will see it as a great time, others will have an opinion otherwise. It's the way it is in American Canyon. It's always been this way and until we all work together, it's the way it always will be.

Two days of Independence fun in AmCan
By KERANA TODOROV
Register Staff Writer
Friday, April 06, 2007
American Canyon’s Fourth of July celebration will begin a day early this year if enough money is raised for a two-day event.

The American Canyon City Council unanimously voted Thursday to have Independence Day celebrated on July 3 and 4 if the city’s Fourth of July Committee can raise enough money to organize two days of activities.

The parade and fireworks will remain on July 4, a Wednesday; nonprofit organizations and vendors will have booths at Community Park 1 on July 3 and July 4.

Council members had raised concerns about the extra costs for a two-day event. On Thursday, however, those concerns were set aside after Community Services Director Randy Davis said the city estimates the second day of activities will cost an extra $3,786 in staff time and other expenses.

The city’s Fourth of July committee will have to raise an extra $1,400 to hire security guards for a second day and $700 for a sound technician, Davis wrote in a memorandum to the City Council. Other expenses included Public Works Department’s expenses at $1,120.

In his staff report, Davis said the rental costs of the stage, canopies and tents for a second day will not increase.

American Canyon’s Fourth of July activities includes a city-sponsored parade through town and an evening fireworks sow. Volunteer members of the city’s Fourth of July Committee raise money for the afternoon activities at Community Park.

Last year’s committee raised $13,700, Davis told the City Council.

City Councilwoman Cindy Coffey, who heads this year’s Fourth of July Committee, said her committee will bring in the first round of funding commitments early May.

“Our goal is to make a profit,” Coffey said.

After the vote, Davis explained he only tracks donations for the event. So far, donations have added up to about $100, he said.

The City Council also approved hiring Pyro Spectaculars Inc. for up to $15,000 to put on the fireworks

My Comments: Why the Register felt this was so important to update their site tonight is beyond me.

Another question is why did Mr. Davis wait until after the vote to inform the Council that donations so far were only $100.00?

I think this group may be able to pull this off even though I am not totally convinced that a 2 day event is really needed.

Good Luck to the Committee and remember if it doesn't work there are those that will never let you forget!

So this is your opportunity to prove yourselves and apparently many are watching!

Best of Luck and I am totally impressed with your website.

Give American Canyon an event to remember!

This is the type of story that deserves an update!!!

Masked man robs Vallejo bank, shoots teller
By MATTHIAS GAFNI/Times-Herald staff writer
Article Launched: 04/06/2007 03:55:58 PM PDT


Click photo to enlargeCrime scene tape clocks off the Wells Fargo bank branch inside the Glen Cove Safeway in Vallejo...«1»A masked man shot and wounded a bank clerk during a brazen lunchtime robbery at a Wells Fargo kiosk in a Vallejo grocery store, police said.
A 27-year-old male bank teller was hit in the lower abdomen, near his right hip, by a single bullet, Vallejo police Lt. Rick Nichelman said. The unidentified victim was transported by helicopter to a local hospital, he said. His injuries were not life threatening, a Wells Fargo spokeswoman said.

The incident happened at about 12:07 p.m. as the grocery store bustled with lunchtime shoppers. The suspect, who remains at large, emerged from a bathroom next to the bank booth, wearing a light grey hooded sweatshirt, with his face partially covered by a mask, Nichelman said.

The suspect pulled a handgun and frantically demanded cash from the teller at the bank branch inside the Glen Cove Safeway, 122 Robles Way, around 12:07 p.m., Nichelman said. Before the teller could react, Nichelman said the suspect fired one shot, then jumped the counter and grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash from the drawer. The robber then jumped back over the counter and fled on foot out the front door.

"(The teller) didn't have much time to react. He fired one time and didn't wait," Nichelman said.

A female teller and another customer were not injured in the robbery, Nichelman said.
Police were checking surveillance tapes to help identify the suspect, Nichelman said. The FBI is assisting in the case. As of now, Vallejo police say they have not connected Friday's robbery to any other recent crimes.

Investigators interviewed 8 to 10 witnesses who saw the robbery, Nichelman said.

"They're fairly shook up, some are very upset," he said.

Shortly after the robbery, investigators had taped off the area of the store surrounding the bank and collected evidence, as shoppers went about their business. A sign hung on the crime tape from Wells Fargo, alerting customers: "We are unexpectedly closed due to an emergency and will reopen as soon as possible."

A Wells Fargo representative said that branch will remain closed until Monday. Wells Fargo is also offering a $5,000 reward leading to the capture of the suspect.

Evelyn Manigault, 47, of Vallejo, a regular at the Wells Fargo branch and left the Safeway on Friday with her 14-year-old daughter.

"I come to this bank all the time and they are always so sweet," she said. "It makes no sense. It makes me want to cry.

"It's Good Friday," she said, shaking her head. "They need to nail his butt to the cross."

E-mail Matthias Gafni at mgafni@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6825.