Vacaville Magazine

01/23/2025

Vacaville Rotary is hosting their Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament on Friday, March 21. Sign up now!

01/16/2025

So glad he’s ok!

VACAVILLE K9 “MURPH” SUSTAINED GUNSHOT WOUND DURING SUSPECT APPREHENSION

*** 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟴:𝟬𝟬𝗣𝗠 ***

Our beloved K9, Murph, has successfully come through surgery and is now in recovery. Sadly, due to the severity of his injury, his left front leg had to be amputated. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible Vacaville community for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support during this time.

*** 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 ***

On January 15, 2025, at approximately 1:30pm, Vacaville Police K9 “Murph” sustained a gunshot wound to an extremity while apprehending an armed suspect, identified as Darren Crail (52) of Vacaville, CA.

City of Vacaville Police Department (VVPD) SWAT and crisis negotiators responded to the 300 block of Regency Circle after Crail, who claimed to be armed with a rifle, called 911 and threatened to shoot others.

Before and leading up to this incident, Crail called VVPD Dispatch several times threatening to harm himself. Officers contacted Crail who unfortunately declined all resources and various services offered to him.

The incident escalated after Crail called VVPD Dispatch threatening to shoot members of the community. At approximately 1:30 pm, Officers and K9 Murph responded to the residence. Several announcements were made to have Crail exit his residence. Crail exited the front door armed with a rifle. He refused to surrender peacefully and K9 Murph attempted to take Crail into custody. Crail fired at least one rifle round, striking K9 Murph. Officers transported K9 Murph to an emergency veterinary hospital and he is expected to survive.

Crail sustained minor injuries as a result of the apprehension and was treated at a local hospital. He will be charged with multiple violations including, but not limited to, Felony PC 600a Harm Police Dog, Felony PC 246.3 Negligent discharge or a firearm, Felony PC 30605a Illegal possession of an assault weapon, PC 422 Criminal Threats, and PC 69 Resisting arrest.

K9 Murph has been a dedicated service member of the Vacaville Police Department for over three years. Please keep both Murph and his handler in your thoughts during this time.

Media inquires to Lieutenant Lechuga at 707.449.5269

01/14/2025

💖 The City of Vacaville is excited to unveil the latest addition to our public art collection – Labyrinthine Heart, a vibrant sculpture created by artist

Generously donated by Genentech and the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, this stunning red heart with a spiraling gold pattern now stands proudly at the corner of Main and Parker Street in Downtown Vacaville. 🌟

This beautiful heart symbolizes compassion, community, and the power of art to connect us all. As part of the Hearts in San Francisco program, we’re thrilled to showcase this piece as a lasting reminder of the importance of care and unity.

A huge thank you to Genentech and the Foundation for partnering with us to bring this incredible artwork to our city! ❤️

01/13/2025

I’m looking for an auctioneer for Saturday, Feb 22nd and would love recommendations. Thank you!!!

01/01/2025

I’m looking for pictures of Vanden Football winning state… does anyone have some that you can send me ASAP?! Thank you!!!

12/31/2024

Rain or shine! Bring your young players to our indoor facility to train with our current and past National Team (now college) players.
.ortega_

12/28/2024

What a score! These cannot be sold after Tuesday in California - if you anticipate needing one - now is the time to buy!!

12/27/2024

It’s that time of year!! Please mark your calendars for the Admirals 4th annual crab feed! Tickets are live so grab yours today!

https://playadmiralsbaseball.com/crab-feed

12/27/2024

We’re throwing my mom a concert celebration of life and would love everyone who knew and loved my mom to attend! RSVP is not necessary but it would be nice to give us a clue of how much food to provide. We hope to see everyone there!

https://forms.gle/cyRc3TBrDTW1Tito7

12/24/2024

Attention Little League and Pony baseball players!

Rain or Shine!! Have your younger players come train with our current and past National Team players. January 2 and 3, 2025 from 9 am - Noon at our Vacaville indoor ACE location, 1276 Callen Street. Ages 7-13.

Sign up for one day or both days!

1 day --> https://square.link/u/IjXXBc1y

Both days --> https://square.link/u/cfADlrtO

12/22/2024

Our Executive Director is AWESOME and her story of overcoming is truly remarkable!

“When I first walked through the doors of Opportunity House, I was 90 days sober with two bags of belongings. I had lost my children, my job, my home, and myself. What I found at Opportunity House was a second chance. They accepted me into their program despite my criminal history, substance use disorder, mental health struggles, and broken family. I was excited, grateful, and blessed that there was a community of people who wanted to help me and my family change the trajectory of our lives. Opportunity House gave me the chance to stand on my own two feet, find my voice, and become the woman I had lost. They gave me my future back.

After graduating from Opportunity House, I knew I wanted to continue to be of service to others. I returned to work for Opportunity House, where I continued to learn and grow. My passion is to keep these doors open for others to find themselves and their families, and to be the individuals they were meant to be. Opportunity House accepted me at my worst, Vacaville accepted me into their community, and today I advocate for those who haven’t yet found their voice. For those who are still unhoused, for those trying to break the chains of substance use or generational poverty. Today, Opportunity House is their voice.”

12/17/2024

Congrats Officer Polen!

Vacaville Announces Chris Polen as New Chief of Police

VACAVILLE, Calif. – City of Vacaville City Manager Aaron Busch announces the appointment of Vacaville Captain Chris Polen as the new Chief of Police, effective January 1, 2025.

A finalist in the 2021 Chief of Police nationwide recruitment and multi-dimensional interview process, Chief Polen brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience and a deep commitment to the community in which he has lived for a lifetime.

Reflecting on his new role, Chief Polen stated, “It is both an honor and a privilege to be selected as the next Chief of Police in my hometown. I am committed to serving our City, fostering relationships forged by my predecessors, and providing leadership to the police department. I am especially excited about the strides we are making in technology with the new Real Time Information Center (RTIC) that will be activated in the early part of next year. This new technology along with our well-trained police staff and the support of our esteemed community will continue to make Vacaville a safe place to live.”

Chief Polen began his career in law enforcement in 1998 with the City of Suisun City Police Department before joining the Vacaville Police Department in 2000. Over the course of his career, he has served in various capacities, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and Detective in the Investigative Services Section. He has held leadership roles as a Sergeant, Lieutenant, and most recently as Captain, overseeing many critical functions of the department including Investigative Services, Training, Internal Affairs, and Hiring and Recruitment.

A dedicated professional, Chief Polen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from National University. He is a graduate of the prestigious Senior Management Institute for Police and the POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Executive Leadership Program.

City Manager Aaron Busch enthusiastically shared in his appointment of Chief Polen: “Chris’s extensive experience, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to our community make him the ideal choice to lead the Vacaville Police Department into the future. I am confident that under his leadership, we will continue to prioritize community safety and collaboration across all City departments to maintain and enhance Vacaville’s outstanding quality of life.”

Outgoing Chief of Police Ian Schmutzler also expressed his support: “I am thrilled that Chris Polen will succeed me as the next Chief of Police. Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Chris, and his passion for serving our community is unmatched. His leadership, work ethic, and empathy make him the perfect choice to guide the department and continue ensuring that Vacaville remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.”

Chief Polen has been instrumental in guiding the department through significant challenges, including the tragic loss of Officer Matthew Bowen earlier this year. His focus on leadership, collaboration, and community engagement has been central to the department’s success and will remain a cornerstone of his tenure as Chief.

As Chief Polen steps into this new role, he will lead a talented team of dedicated law enforcement professionals committed to serving and protecting Vacaville. His vision includes not only enhancing public safety but also strengthening partnerships with residents, businesses, and schools to ensure that Vacaville continues to thrive as one of the safest cities in Northern California.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Chris Polen on his appointment. A formal swearing-in ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks.

12/15/2024

Congratulations Vanden High School Football!!!

LONGBEACH — Leading 42-41 on Saturday night, the Vanden High School football team was one stop away from being crowned state champions. After scoring a touchdown in overtime, Rio Hondo Prep tied th…

12/15/2024

Will C Wood Sylvan Singers!

12/11/2024

For your Athlete's in the family! Fleet Feet Vacaville

12/10/2024

Please come out tomorrow to support Officer Bowen’s family!