VALLEJO: MOVING FORWARD?
It’s been months since our last post. Wake up Vallejo!
Actually, a lot has occurred during that time and if you happen to take a walk to the ferry terminal, you’ll see there’s some construction going on. Better bring your hard hat! Thanks to an influx of federal stimulus funds, plans are underway for Vallejo Station, which is supposed to house an underground parking garage and a walkway connecting to the new bus terminal on Sacramento and Marin to the waterfront. Of course, I think the way it’s set up now where you have Vallejo Transit and other buses stop on Mare Island Way near the terminal as a destination point is perfect but hey, I don’t make the decisions. It’s the downside of being an outsider…..
For all those who wondered if Vallejo would have make a move as far as new buildings, the changes to the terminal itself are great. Wheelchair access is now available and Panama Red has a new outdoor concrete patio for patrons to sip on their tea and coffee outside. From the looks of it, more space and improved restrooms are also in the works for the building which desperately needs a facelift. I should note on the other side of town near I-80 and Solano, a shopping center is undergoing its own renovations with upgraded retail stores servicing residents nearby.
In an earlier post on this site, it has been said Vallejo sees itself as a beautiful girl with low self-esteem. Judging from the number of criticisms in print media and in online message boards or blogs, the persistent negative image especially in a difficult period, justifies the perception Vallejo is and will never be good enough to become a quality Northern California city. I say bull to that notion because Vallejo has over 120,000 people in it, not a small town as many people tend to believe it is. The current changes in the waterfront and the fact the Empress Theatre downtown has groups like The Whispers and Sheila E. performing should not only draw crowds to the venue, but the businesses around it like Havana Sol.
Yet, someone will find fault in these efforts. It’s part of the challenge of Vallejo moving forward but when has a few trite words stopped progress? The renovations at the waterfront are a good first step. The good people of Vallejo deserve more from their politicians and organizations for the betterment of this wonderful town which has the potential of being something much more than their neighboring cities. The jury is still out whether the waterfront renovations and Vallejo Station signals more progress or will it be the same old visions of what Vallejo should be stop it in its tracks? Guess we’ll find out.
Charles L. Chatmon
Chatmon's Books
Spring Has Come
This past winter, to me, seemed to be the longest winter ever. Vallejo has great weather, but the endless cold gave me a different perspective on things altogether. I always wanted to live near the water, but somehow since last November it just seemed to make the nights colder, and the ferry ride to work seem very uninviting. Until a week or so ago, all I thought about was getting home and under the warm covers with socks on. And I hate wearing socks.
Last weekend I cranked up the weed trimmer and slowly manicured the backyard. I didn’t realize how much I missed all the greenery, even though it had overgrown and was making my nose itch. The day was windy enough for me to not have to run from wasps and other flying friends, and although all of that raking was making my arms ache, my creative mind began to slowly unfreeze.
A little over a month ago multiple shootings, murders and other modes of violence made me want to stay indoors more than any cold day ever could. The gray skies matched the mood in our city. I began to wonder how I ever considered living in such a place. I had seriously declared Vallejo no-man’s land until day light saving’s time sort of snuck up on me. It’s amazing what a little light can do for your outlook.
I walked out of my home on Saturday morning and looked at the plant in this picture. This was the first shrub I planted when I moved to this house, and as many others have withered and died, this one continues to grow and amaze me with its beauty in the bright morning sunlight.
I believe that Vallejo has seen its winter. But just like all living things, it will surely see its spring. My block was once littered with vacant homes which now have occupants. Despite the fact that we are cash-strapped, we are still moving forward with transit expansion and small businesses that find the means to not only stay open but find time to plant flowers outside their doors.
What will you plant? How will you invite spring to your doorstep?
Goodie Goudeau
Recently, I sold copies of my book The Voices of South Central at the McCree-Goudeau Gallery in the Vallejo art district. I had a chance to sit down and listen to the experiences of Mr. Cleven ‘Goodie’ Goudeau. What I learned about this gentlemen I hope and pray our young people continue to emulate as he quietly recounted his journey from cartoonist to greeting card designer and producer of his own company, to the gallery he shares with his wife Jeanette. If you lived back in the 1960’s and 70’s, you may remember reading one of Mr. Goudeau’s greeting cards, very distinguishable from the Hallmarks or other brand name greeting cards in stores.
As I listened to Mr. Goudeau’s accounts of one Bay area newspaper refusing to hire him based on his skin color, to his first attempts of creating his cards without experience in the field and yet wound up a success because he fulfilled a need, to his travels around the world and the accolades he accomplished over time. I had a feeling of awe listening to him and another gentleman near Goodie’s age share stories about their challenges of racial prejudice, discrimination, and indifference.
The conservative phrase when it comes to people such as Goodie is to ‘raise yourself by your bootstraps’. For Goodie and those like him who overcome the odds and achieved a level of success, I appreciate all they’ve done and as I listened, I knew that with all our elders faced back then, I should have nothing, nothing to complain about. Our generation compared to those past, should pay attention and realize the struggle…will always be a struggle but never to give up regardless.
What we in this generation and those in the future must learn is to realize we do have the power to change our course in life, to manufacture products and services based on need rather than wanting things for ourselves. Goodie had no experience, no background in designing greeting cards, but he tried and from those few efforts built a line my older relatives recognize. We shouldn’t have to be pigeonholed into music or sports. That’s society’s game plan. What we can do is create more inventors, doctors, lawyers…even presidents. But this you have read before.
I salute men like Goodie for used his talents to create something positive for our elders and generations down the line. Reading his cards I was reminded that Black is Beautiful and it’s nothing to be ashamed about. It’s about pride; it’s about feeling good for one another when the world condemns you for who and what you are. It’s those messages we need to constantly keep on our minds and on our children’s minds. Let the world insist we create entertainers and athletes and nothing else. Then, let’s push ahead and defy those same voices by daring to dream, daring to live, daring to make a difference one for another.
Just like Goodie.
Charles Chatmon
Pomegranate Seeds Galleria - A Beader’s Treasure
I just don’t get around Vallejo enough these days. I was driving along Florida Street a couple of months ago and I noticed a bead shop. The thought of a bead shop in Vallejo just somehow didn’t register immediately -- I love beads, and I love making jewelry even more, so I had to repeat ‘bead shop’ a few times in my head before excitement truly set in. It actually took until Halloween, a day I just could not find a parking space in front of my own house, before I parked near the shop and walked through the doors.
I was immediately greeted by a warm smile and an introduction to the store. My mind was screaming ‘jackpot’ but that familiar anxiety also kicked in as I realized that I couldn’t buy everything in the store. I listened attentively during the tour, talked to another patron who was finishing a couple of projects, and the owner left me to gaze, caress and obsess over strands of my favorite gemstones.
Needless to say I have become somewhat of a regular at Pomegranate Seeds Galleria. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the store’s owners, Tonya Collins and learned as much as I could about what has quickly become one of my favorite neighborhood merchants.
Tonya explained that she had formed a partnership with her parents in 2007 to open a gallery and boutique. Fond of interior design and art, but acutely aware of shifts in the economy, the partners decided to focus on beads in February of 2009. Tonya is an experienced beader - she has lent her talent to Chabot College teaching bead craft and in assisting her fellow beaders in other bay area bead stores.
The owners of Pomegranate Seeds Galleria have a goal - they would like to establish a craft studio to include workshops in wire work, beading, jewelry making, seed bead classes, soldering. Candle making, soap making, and glass bead making workshops will be offered beginning late January.
Aside from just being nice and very helpful, Tonya is very business savvy and understands the business side of beading, jewelry selling and marketing. She’s an instructor at Women’s Initiative in Oakland and offered some solid advice for new beaders and jewelry makers - “Just jump in. If you are a left-brainer that doesn’t think you’re a right brainer, then beading is the place to start. I discovered my creative side by picking my first beads and stringing them. Pomegranate Seeds will welcome you wherever you are in your craft and help you achieve success!”
Pomegranate Seeds Galleria is located at 538 Florida Street in Vallejo.
Funky Art Town
This is Charles with a new round of thoughts.
Vallejo has a strong arts tradition. Painters, graphic designers, muralists, etc. Before I moved here, I never knew the wealth of talent the city had art wise, but if you’ve had a chance to actually know them as I’ve had the great fortune of doing, you’ll find out they’re excellent people as well. Now Vallejo used to have an Artists Guild, which no longer exists. However, it hasn’t stopped individuals from producing masterpieces in Vallejo.
Because this city has always encouraged its artists, you see their amazing works in several galleries downtown, exhibited in banks and on the waterfront. The galleries such as Pieced on Earth, McCree-Goudeau, and Pacific Rim showcases local talent and provides them with the platform and support of their creations. On our local cable station, VCAT, Shaaron Fox-Bent presents Arts In Action, a program that promotes these same artists in the city. The director of the art department, Harold Beaulieu has been tireless in bringing up the up and coming artists and the many mural projects seen in certain areas of Vallejo.
One suggestion that I hope is taken into consideration in the future is on a recent PBS News Hour covering the transformation of Philadelphia’s downtown; murals by local artists covered the blight of the area, making it attractive for outside businesses to invest in the city. If you don’t believe me, just google this title up and read the story that follows on the website: “Philadelphia's 'Love Letter' Murals Spark Neighborhood Revival”. Think of what that could do for Vallejo and improve the quality of life downtown if we put our artists, young and old to create what Philadelphia has done. Something to think about.
After living in Southern California most of my life, I’ve been exposed to various forms of art including theatre. In Vallejo, we have the Community Arts Foundation supporting visual, musical, and theatrical talents as well as developing funding for small Vallejo arts groups and special projects. The newly renovated Empress Theatre in the heart of downtown presents classic movies and on occasion, opens its doors for special events for the public. The Vallejo Music Theatre puts on live shows, musicals, opera and programs for the community. A Friday night supper club is one of their most impressive draws including a contest with prizes.
Despite the city’s financial troubles, this is a great city with a ton of creative individuals here. They’re using every means to promote their works while helping each other out, networking. Whether it’s galleries, parks, etc., these artists continue to display their talent throughout the city. It makes me wonder why am I’m trying to open a bookstore here, but maybe one day we’ll have a strong literary community to match.
It’s gonna take a lot of work, though.
Guest BloggerIt's a new dawn; but the journey continues.
Vallejo Poetry
This is Charles, owner of the mobile bookstore which sets up in front of the Art Department during the Farmers Market on Saturdays when I’m not traveling out of town for business. I would like to thank Chandra for allowing me to submit the following which I’ll share with you right now.
When I moved to Vallejo a while back, one of the first places I wanted to visit was the Listen and Be Heard café, a famous hot spot for spoken word artists in the North Bay. Unfortunately, the café closed down before I had a chance to share pieces from both of my books, The Depths of My Soul and The Voices of South Central. Without a venue for self-expression, I felt lost as I’m sure the lyrical artists felt when news of the café’s closure was announced.
Despite the loss of Listen and Be Heard’s physical presence, previous owners Tony and Martha Cinader Mims have maintained a strong online presence for their legion of supporters. One click to their website is an indication poetry is alive and well on their end. Although the Mims have moved away from the city, there are places and individuals who won’t allow the gift of the spoken word to fade away.
Slam artist GO is one of the leading names when it comes to spoken word poetry in the North Bay, especially Vallejo. He also participates in a monthly program in nearby Fairfield entitled Life Sentence produced by 3rd Eye Collective, for which GO is a member of. I had the privilege of meeting this dynamic spoken word artist and he was one of the first Bay area residents who greeted me with open arms when I started my new life in this part of the state. When you listen to him speak from his heart, you feel the energy and visualize his feelings about life, which are very powerful indeed.
Next up, is Profet’s Poetry by the Bay. Held every second and fourth Thursday inside Panama Red coffeehouse inside the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, local poets get a chance to share their self expression on the mic. Since Profet started the venue and kept the poetry flow going in Vallejo, this talented artist recently released a CD of his own works called Profetic Lyrics. He isn’t one to toot his own horn and is just happy to give a first run program beginning with the music of Khe Note, a band originating from the North Bay headlined by lead vocalist Khela. There are other bands who perform before the artists go on stage, so if you’re in the North Bay or waiting for a ride back to the City, I urge you to stop by and check out Profet’s show.
Finally, there are a group of poets who deserve mention. The next generation of spoken word artists go on stage every month inside the JFK Library for their Teen Poetry Slam. For all the negative talk about our young people, here is an event which is positive, encourages them to share their voices with the rest of the world and gives them an outlet to use that energy rather than the types of activities often mentioned on the printed pages of a newspaper. Prizes are handed out to middle and high school students who participate and I’ve even helped out by lending two of my own books for the winners of one slam. Our young people can do a lot to turn this city around, if we’re willing to listen to what they have to say without prejudice while understanding the challenges they’re facing in these troublesome times. That is not to say every young person is striving to be better than we were, but for those that are, they need our support without a doubt.
Vallejo is a city that is rich in talent..There may not be a Listen and Be Heard café anymore, but it doesn’t mean the spoken word has gone away. The gift of poetry always flourishes in times of distress, and for the venues mentioned above, a much needed relief for a city which sorely needs it.
Guest Blogger It's a new dawn; but the journey continues.
The Tranquil Life
I haven’t had anything unusual or particularly eventful happen while at home in Vallejo lately and I consider that a good thing. I see a lot of crime reported when I look in the local newspaper, budget cuts, schools threatening to close. These things happen everywhere and yet life goes on and good things do still happen everyday.
When return home from a long day’s work I can often count on the weather being at least a few degrees warmer than San Francisco here, although when it’s hot in San Francisco that usually means it’s steaming in Vallejo. I obviously don’t mind though since it will soon be ten years that I have lived in this city.
The only crowds and congestion I seem to run into here is at the farmer’s market on a sunny Saturday morning or afternoon. Lunchtime in the city means navigating crowds and timing lunch just right so that I can get a seat if I don’t want to return to my desk. Even on the weekends I would love to go shopping and dining in Berkeley, but the thought of traffic and the numerous bodies in my favorite establishments often make me rethink my recreation choices.
The fact that our dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it once did also makes me look around my immediate surroundings for ways to pass the time away. I have been saying for months that I can’t seem to find time to write on my time off -- that’s been nothing more than an excuse. I have some favorite spaces to write I have learned to appreciate as of late that don’t require that I come or go at a given time. I can arrive when I want, find a place to sit and relax, and leave when I please. There are places outside of my home, as well as inside my home. Sometimes it’s either too hot or too cold or I’m too sleepy or just not in the mood to write at home, but the space is here wherever I choose to expand my mind and share ideas with others.
I recently had someone ask me what life in Vallejo was like and I only hope I didn’t scare her away. I wanted to be honest - we do seem to attract quite a bit of crime and we are still suffering under the weight of bankruptcy, there’s no way around either of those facts. At the end of the day though, whether you’re passing through or here to stay, you can find a quiet space, a place to call home, a friendly conversation or an opportunity to expand your creativity here in this quiet and complex city.
Peaceful Afternoon
You can say whatever you want about Vallejo but this is one of the most peaceful places you can be on a Sunday afternoon, or literally anytime. Of course it does depend a lot on where you live in the city, but my neighborhood is quiet, very quiet and I love it. This morning I awoke to the sound of nothing. I laid back and listened to the sound of the ferry horn. At night when it’s warm and I don’t have the television or music in the background, I can hear crickets. The last time I could hear crickets (and see them, yuck) was when I lived in Georgia. Luckily they keep themselves fairly well hidden here.
I also love the fact that on a clear night I can look up and see the stars. I never experienced this all my years in California until I decided to go camping. Maybe there isn’t a whole lot going on up here, but sometimes that can be a good thing.
What in Tarnation Happened to Wednesday Night?
I ventured up in the Georgia/Virginia streets region last night to check out the happenings. What I saw was tumbleweed and a few yellowed, torn newspapers flying through the dusty wind.
Okay, I exaggerate but not by much. What in tarnation has happened to our ol’ girl Vallejo? I feel so bad for our city today. Vallejo didn’t do anything to anybody to deserve this, did it? The Wednesday Night Celebration was just fine on Georgia Street. I know I have mentioned before the problems with the teenagers, police, and wanna-be sophisticates, but it really wasn’t that bad. When I wasn’t a vendor I still enjoyed strolling up the street, running into people I don’t get much of a chance to see anymore, and listening to the fantastic entertainment. Now, Virginia street looks like a quarantined area where people aren’t quite sure whether to stay or break free.
Stay or break free. Those are the choices running through my mind as I watch this city show more signs of depression, anxiety and nervous break-down. I live here and will continue to live here indefinitely but the whole dog chasing its tail thing has got to go and I do mean now. BRING THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT CELEBRATION BACK TO GEORGIA STREET AND I DO MEAN NOW! Don’ even wait until next year, because there might not even be a next year. Or maybe that was the plan all along? Take one of the few things that is working for the city, blindfold it, and tell it to walk straight off the pier?
Well I stood for about five minutes on Georgia and Marin and couldn’t even bring myself to walk over to Virginia Street. I’m all for change if change makes sense but this is yet another bad decision that has come to fruition. When it’s all said and done though I hope this can be a ‘teachable’ moment for our community. Preserve the good things and challenge the rest.
Vallejo's Night Out
This morning I read that the city council is cancelling Tuesday’s meeting and I thought, where are they going? Can’t they wait until the weekend to party?
So the meeting is cancelled because of National Night Out. I’ve never heard of National Night Out, and since the Times Herald (online) offered no explanation, I googled it to try to understand a little better what is going on.
National Night Out has a website and is committed to building stronger communities through crime awareness and prevention. With as many problems as Vallejo has experienced with an impaired police force and increased poverty in California overall, why am I just hearing about it now, and why isn’t Vallejo making a bigger effort to publicize this day? Truthfully I think Vallejo should declare National Night Out, August 4, 2009 a holiday. I’m saying this not so much because of the crime, even though just about everyone on my block now has had either their car, home, or garage broken in to in the past couple of years.
One of my neighbors and I talked a few months ago and agreed that we needed to find ways to pool our resources and become more aware of our surroundings. Just the other night my garage door mysteriously opened and one of my neighbors rang our doorbell after midnight to let us know (I hope she identifies herself one day). I think this was especially thoughtful and caring of the person because our garage door faces and alley and my front door is on the other side of the block.
I wish I could do more, I wish I was the type of person that could strategize, organize and mobilize groups of people and change the world around me. Perhaps I have it in me, but have never tried - perhaps by just being here and trying hard to be a good and productive citizen I’m doing some good. I like the idea of National Night Out, but I think this spirit should be present 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And we all need to get involved to keep each other honest, and to represent diversity. It’s so easy to get caught up in us vs. them mentality. Those people who live over there, those people who talk like that, those people, those people, those people. Unless you’re part of the solution, you’re part of the problem, and Vallejo needs solutions.
