Home Care In Vacaville, CA

California Forever, the billionaire-backed company proposing to build a new Solano County city, opened up offices that will soon outline their plans.

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) -- California Forever, the billionaire-backed company that's proposing to build a new city in Solano County, opened up offices Thursday that will soon outline their plans.

CEO Jan Sramek says the two offices are located in Vacaville and Vallejo - with more openings in Fairfield and Rio Vista in the coming weeks. He says the goal is to have around 50,000 people living in this city by late 2030. But that vision has a long road ahead, as the project will be subject to voter approval.

The new offices

The I-Team got a tour of the Vacaville office nestled in a strip mall along Alamo Drive.

"I know that there's been a sense of mystery about it going back a number of years and a lot of people still have questions," said Sramek. "And so that's what it's for, to come in and get your questions answered. Hear more about the project here, about why we believe that this would be a really good thing for all of Solano County."

Inside the offices are posters of renderings of what the city could look like - people fishing, riding bikes, and lots of walking. Sramek told the I-Team in September, the city's affordability and walkability will make it stand out.

"Many cities in California are not walkable and there's a lot of people that really like that lifestyle," Sramek told ABC7's Stephanie Sierra.

VIDEO: Heated town hall in Vallejo over California Forever's proposed new city in Solano Co.

Each office has a team of people sorting through thousands of surveys sent to local residents asking questions about the county's future and potential for change.

"We're looking at what people are excited about and more qualitative data about the issues that they're concerned about," said Kikuye Fujii, a woman who recently joined the California Forever team.

Sramek encourages residents to stop by.

"All Solano County residents are invited to stop by to talk to our team and learn the facts about our project. We're excited to share the story of how we can bring good-paying local jobs, middle-class homes in safe, walkable neighborhoods, and greatly increased tax revenues to fund schools and social services for all of Solano County," Sramek said.

Where's the water?

Sramek has received support along with a slew of concerns from the public during a series of recent town halls. Including one on Wednesday night, where residents asked questions about the lack of infrastructure and access to water.

Local city and county officials have consistently voiced opposition, including Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy.

"I can tell you right now there are zero mayors in Solano County who are willing to sell or give up some of their water rights," Moy told Sierra during an October live interview.

Sramek told ABC7 News this week - accessing water won't be a problem. He explained the Solano County Water Agency recently rejected their request to access a nearby aqueduct, but reassured them it wouldn't impact their plans.

VIDEO: Sierra Club calls California Forever's plan for new Solano Co. city a 'hostile takeover'

"Since the water agency decided not to do that, we will just work on our own infrastructure," Sramek said. "We've always had enough water rights for our project and that remains the case."

The CEO says California Forever has water rights to a large part of the groundwater basin as well as water rights from the river.

"Those water rights alone would be enough to support a population of tens of thousands of people," said Sramek.

According to Sramek, the universal theme he's learning from Solano County residents is the desire for change. He says he's hopeful these new offices will bring clarity to his mission that's focused on affordable housing.

The CEO added he's expecting more formal plans to be announced in January.

Office locations

California Forever Vacaville Office

965 Alamo Dr.

Vacaville, CA 95687

California Forever Vallejo Office

537 Georgia St.

Vallejo, CA 94590

Take a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team.

Vacaville, CA offers a remarkable living experience with stunning landscapes and a welcoming community. The favorable climate with mild winters and inviting summers encourages an active outdoor lifestyle. Residents can explore breathtaking natural destinations such as Lagoon Valley Park, Lake Berryessa, and Napa Valley. Moving to Vacaville strikes a perfect balance between small-town tranquility and easy access to larger cities, providing a satisfying quality of life. However, as with every city, there are drawbacks to living there. So whether you’re searching for Vacaville apartments, homes for sale, or you just want to know if Vacaville is a good place to live, Redfin can help. So read on for the ten pros and cons of living in this city.

Pros of living in Vacaville, CA

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Living in Vacaville means experiencing the best of both worlds: abundant sunshine and breezes that grace the region. In the winter, the temperature averages 59 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for getting outside. Whether strolling through the charming downtown area or indulging in outdoor activities, Vacaville’s mild climate provides a refreshing experience.

2. Proximity to major cities

One of the major advantages of moving to Vacaville is its proximity to major cities. Situated between Sacramento and San Francisco, Vacaville offers residents easy access to the bustling urban centers while maintaining a serene and relaxed lifestyle. This prime location provides many benefits, allowing individuals to enjoy both. Within a short drive, one can explore the vibrant cultural scenes, diverse culinary options, and world-class entertainment of both Sacramento and San Francisco. The opportunities are virtually endless, whether it’s catching a professional sports game, attending a renowned concert, or immersing oneself in vibrant arts and cultural events.

3. Access to outdoor recreational activities

Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Vacaville is a gateway to many outdoor adventures. The city boasts a network of well-maintained parks, hiking trails, and bike paths, providing ample opportunities for strolls, invigorating hikes, and exhilarating bike rides. Moreover, Vacaville’s proximity to the stunning landscapes of Napa Valley and Lake Berryessa allows residents to embark on scenic drives or partake in water sports and fishing activities.

The nearby Lagoon Valley Park is a treasure trove for outdoor lovers, offering opportunities for birdwatching, picnicking, and even paragliding. For those seeking more adrenaline-pumping experiences, the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains provide skiing, snowboarding, and hiking options in breathtaking alpine surroundings.

4. Great entertainment opportunities

The region is renowned for its exquisite wineries, where wine enthusiasts can indulge in tastings and tours and learn about the art of winemaking. From the picturesque Suisun Valley to the world-famous Napa Valley, plenty of vineyards exist to explore and enjoy. Vacaville is renowned for the iconic Nut Tree, a beloved attraction that provides a delightful fusion of entertainment, shopping, and dining. Guests can explore scenic gardens, shop at distinctive boutiques, and indulge in delicious cuisine at diverse eateries.

5. Great educational opportunities

The city is home to a highly regarded school district committed to providing a well-rounded education. From elementary to high school, Vacaville offers a range of public and private schools that prioritize academic excellence, personalized learning, and the holistic development of each student. Additionally, Vacaville boasts the presence of Solano Community College, offering higher education and career training programs. The college provides diverse academic courses, vocational programs, and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Cons of living in Vacaville, CA

1. High fire risk

Like many areas in California, Vacaville faces a significant fire risk due to its geographical location and climate conditions. The region experiences hot and dry summers and strong winds, creating conditions that can contribute to the spread of wildfires. The proximity of Vacaville to areas with dense vegetation, such as grasslands and forested areas, further add to the fire risk. Residents must take necessary precautions to mitigate fire hazards, such as maintaining defensible space around their properties, learning how to heatproof their homes, following local fire safety guidelines, and staying informed about fire alerts and evacuation procedures.

2. High housing costs

As a desirable location within California, Vacaville’s popularity and proximity to major cities have increased demand for housing, subsequently driving up prices. The median sale price is $625,000, over the national median of $419,103. The competitive real estate market may pose challenges for individuals or families looking to purchase a home or find affordable rental options. As for rent, a two-bedroom apartment averages around $2,343, which can be costly for some. Although these prices seem high, it’s important to remember that neighboring metropolitan areas like San Francisco has a median sale price of 1,400,000.

3. Summers can be hot and dry

Summers in Vacaville are characterized by hot and dry conditions, which is a potential drawback to living in the area. The region experiences high summer temperatures averaging around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and limited rainfall, creating a dry environment. The intense heat can be challenging for those sensitive to high temperatures or prefer milder climates. Take extra precautions to stay hydrated, protect oneself from the sun, and learn how to keep your house cool in extreme heat.

4. High property taxes

Property taxes are levied based on the property’s assessed value, and in regions with higher property values like Vacaville, the tax burden can be significant. The average state property tax rate is 0.81% while Vacaville is 0.93%, which can impact homeowners’ monthly expenses and overall cost of living. Potential residents must consider property taxes as part of their budgetary planning when contemplating a move to Vacaville.

5. Limited public transportation

The city’s public transportation system is less extensive and comprehensive than in larger metropolitan areas, which may pose challenges for residents who rely on public transit or prefer not to use private vehicles. The transit score in Vacaville is 20 which makes it a car dependent city. Although Vacaville City Coach offers local bus services, the routes and frequency may be less convenient and extensive than in urban areas. This limited public transportation can pose challenges for those who rely on or prefer using public transit, affecting commuting, accessing services, and exploring nearby cities.

Is Vacaville, CA a good place to live? Final thoughts

Whether Vacaville is a good place to live depends on individual preferences and priorities. The city boasts attractive features like a mild climate, close proximity to cities, and abundant outdoor activities. However, it’s crucial to weigh drawbacks such as costly housing, scorching summers, wildfire risk, and limited transportation. In conclusion, individuals should extensively research and evaluate their specific needs before deciding if Vacaville suits their desired living environment.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

Serving homebuyers and sellers in the San Francisco area, Timothy Moore is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater San Francisco area, Timothy Moore possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.

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VACAVILLE — Skeptics did not hold back and the California Forever CEO did not back down in an emotional town hall in Vacaville about a proposed new Solano County city.

Vacaville resident Mary Heiser was one of the first members of the public to speak.

"Jan, my name is Mary, so I'm going to call you Jan," Heiser said.

California Forever CEO Jan Sramek stood in front of the crowd, which was filled with opposition.

"You need to work on your soft skills," Heiser told Sramak. "Don't insult us when you come to talk to us."

The drama surrounds California Forever's proposed massive Solano County development that would create a new city.

Despite the overwhelming opposition, Sramek stayed calm while handling the questions.

"To say we have to shut this down so quickly before we even see the plan? I think that's premature," Sramek said.

Heiser is an adamant opponent of the plan.

"They've walked around being secretive for so long, and to suddenly pop out of the woodwork, 'We're the best thing since peanut butter.' Are you? Well, prove it," Heiser said.

Jim Wise is a California Forever supporter and blames opponents he says fear change.

"The fact of the matter is this world waits for nobody, and we will have change," Wise said.

California Forever purchased 50,000 acres of land in the county for nearly a billion dollars, in secret, over the last six years, only now revealing the intention to build a city. That one-time secrecy has become its number one public relations problem.

"I think you have to learn to love the process," Sramek said. "And you get better at it, I get better at it."

The California Forever developers will need Solano County voter approval to make this project work. They will begin gathering signatures for a ballot measure next year.

VACAVILLE, Calif. — Standing at 70 feet tall, a dark tower looms over a Vacaville shopping center, leaving residents wondering what it is.

The owner of The Ranch, formerly known as the Alamo Plaza shopping center, says it’s meant to be a “landmark” for the area, something to draw people in — at least once it’s finished.

The tower started construction in 2018, but has been in planning since about 2007. The owner of the plaza, Daria Hosseinyoun, says he hopes the tower will be finished sometime this year.

“The tower was built as a landmark to be easily visible throughout part of Vacaville,” he said. “The top will eventually be lit up to serve as a modern day beacon. We hope to continue to make The Ranch a destination with our recent improvement efforts.”

Current plans are to put a restaurant or business in the lower half of the structure to increase community engagement.

“The purpose of the tower is to become a hot spot restaurant that continues to evolve Vacaville away from the large chain restaurants,” said Hosseinyoun. “We want to create something modern with an indoor and outdoor element with food that makes it a top destination in Vacaville.”

Credit: Daria Hosseinyoun, FH One, Inc.

He says the ultimate goal is to let locals and tourists have “an experience that doesn’t exist in Vacaville.”

Located on the corner of Alamo Drive and Merchant Street, the plaza was built in the 1970s and began undergoing revitalization efforts in 2007 due to a “significant decline in occupied tenant spaces over the years,” not having an “anchor store” and an overall vacancy rate of “approximately 50%,” according to a 2007 staff report by then city planner Ward Stewart.

The changes originally wanted a 78-foot tower in the space, but it was eventually limited to 70 due to city codes.

Additional changes added new pedestrian paths “to encourage greater connectivity within the center,” new landscaping, play structures, public restrooms, designated outdoor dining areas for eating establishments and a 5% reduction in on-site parking to accommodate the proposed changes, according to a city planning commission document.

There aren’t currently any plans for a specific restaurant to get into the space, but the original design is set for a "burger tower" and residents on social media expect something like another coffee shop.

Some residents on social media think the tower is some sort of bat-signal, a 5G cell tower or just an eyesore. Even with the mixed reviews on how it looks, people are excited to have something new the area.

THE NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Global pharmaceutical firm Genentech is planning to unload its production plant in Vacaville.

The South San Francisco-based company, founded in 1976 and acquired by Roche of Basel, Switzerland in 2009, will seek out a suitable buyer for the 427,000-square-foot site anchoring the Solano County biopharmaceutical cluster, Roche announced Wednesday. The site’s “large-scale” production capacity will be moved to one of its newer facilities.

The company intends to retain its 800 employees at the Vacaville plant. Otherwise, its representatives declined to say what would happen if the sale doesn’t go through. The company also wouldn’t provide the cost savings or whether the sell-off is designed to offset losses. It also didn’t say what it would list the facility for on the market.

“It’s always disappointing when a company closes, but we’re hopeful Genentech will find a company that will be able to utilize the facility at its existing site,” Vacaville Economic Development Director Don Burrus told the Business Journal. “We think that’s a great plan.”

The $250 million Vacaville plant built in 1998 on New Horizons Way is one of the oldest in the Roche network and specializes in biologics medicines including Herceptin, Actemra, Perjeta, Rituxan, Ocrevus and Vabysmo. The drugmaker’s experience creating monoclonal antibodies from genetically-modified living cells has placed it on the map as a cancer-fighting trailblazer. Genentech has more than 13,000 employees.

As a member of the Roche Group, Genentech’s parent company’s Pharmaceutical division reported $47.7 billion in global sales in 2022. U.S. sales are about half that, which includes Genentech and other U.S. affiliates.

“We aim to find a buyer who shares our values and respects the contributions and expertise of our colleagues at the facility,” Global Head of Pharma Technical Operations Susanne Hundsbaek-Pedersen said in a statement.

Russ Moroz, a commercial real estate broker with Marcus & Millichap based in Palo Alto, said the company that was ranked No. 14 on Forbes largest California companies may want to consider a sale-leaseback option in this type of high interest-rate environment. The proposal, which involves selling the property then renting it from the new owner, would involve a lease to counter “high borrowing costs.”

“More buyers are doing this now, but there are so many variables involved with something like this,” Moroz said.

Whatever option proves prudent for the drugmaker, the first order of business for the company’s next chapter involves the announcement, said spokeswoman Heather Gloe.

“(The) announcement now allows us to initiate that confidential process (of finding a potential buyer),” she said.

Matt Gardner, chairman of the California Biomanufacturing Center based in Vacaville, indicated it’s probable another biomed firm may go in the space and use the same tooling and equipment — one that will therefore need the human expertise to run the operation. Gardner added the Solano County facility has launched many careers.

“If they just change the hardware, all kinds of processes (with different companies) could use the tooling. Yes, other users may have to make some modifications,” he said.

Gardner commended the leadership of the Genentech team and its accomplishments, having conducted 10 “successful clinical trials in a row” starting in 2004 — a decade after it bought the land in the high-growth region of Solano County. Gardner insisted Genentech led the monoclonal development path, then “the rest of the industry caught up.”

This monoclonal research, used to identify the presence of proteins, represents a global therapeutic market valued at $115.2 billion in 2018, according to the Journal of Biomedical Science. It’s estimated to reach $300 billion by 2025.

This story has been updated to reflect global and U.S. sales for Roche, Genentech’s parent company.

Susan Wood covers law, cannabis, production, tech, energy, transportation, agriculture as well as banking and finance. She can be reached at 530-545-8662 or [email protected]