Gretchen Smail

Gretchen Smail

29 posts

Gretchen Smail is a fellow with the California Local News Fellowship program. She grew up in Vallejo and focuses on health and science reporting.

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  Mar 10, 2026

Vallejo residents walk the waterfront to learn about sea level rise

The tour was part of the city’s goal to create a climate change adaptation plan....

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  Mar 05, 2026

Vallejo’s drag show on Mare Island is a 'hidden fantasy'

The Friday night show is held at Redwood Empire Whiskey Bar and hosted by military drag queen Ariel Fantasea....

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  Feb 25, 2026

Vallejo NAACP honors six ‘living legends’ for Black History Month

The NAACP chose six honorees who have dedicated their lives to serving the Vallejo community....

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  Feb 20, 2026

Vallejo Kaiser nurses join union day of action against ICE

The nurses union is asking Kaiser for guidance on a new bill that prohibits ICE agents from entering private hospital areas....

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  Feb 05, 2026

Benicia High School students hold anti-ICE walkout

The protest followed a week of school walkouts all across the nation....

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  Feb 03, 2026

Vallejo runners hold monthly cleanups for hiking trails

The group is encouraging people to get engaged and explore outside....

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  Jan 31, 2026

Vallejo High School students walk out to protest ICE

The walk out was done in solidarity with a national strike campaign started by Minnesotan students....

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  Jan 23, 2026

Vallejo resident gathering period product donations for homeless shelters

Donation boxes will be at the Springstowne and John F. Kennedy libraries until Jan. 30....

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  Jan 20, 2026

On anniversary of inauguration, Vallejo, Benicia protestors express frustration over Trump Administration

Protesters gather weekly in Vallejo and Benicia to voice their concerns about the president’s latest actions....

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  Jan 16, 2026

Some Vallejo churches work to fill affordable housing gap

Maintaining their efforts or even getting the projects off the ground has led to difficulties, in part because of confusion and mixed messages from the city and state regulators....

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  Jan 15, 2026

Jury orders Vallejo care facility to pay $15M in lawsuit over 96-year-old woman’s death

Ruby Evans developed a severe bedsore after staying at Windsor Vallejo Care Center for a week in 2019....

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  Dec 30, 2025

Sensor cars are mapping Vallejo’s air quality block-by-block

The tech company Aclima is working with the state on the $27 million initiative....

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