Gretchen Smail

Gretchen Smail

13 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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  Dec 04, 2025

Vallejo holiday craft fair returns for its 28th year

The event will feature local handmade goods and fair trade gifts from global nonprofits....

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  Nov 26, 2025

Community marks Transgender Day of Remembrance at Vallejo Museum

Attendees at the annual memorial gathered to honor 62 transgender people who died by suicide or homicide in 2025....

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  Nov 21, 2025

Vallejo is drafting a plan to address sea level rise

The entirety of White Slough, large sections of Mare Island, and portions of South Vallejo could be flooded by 2050....

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  Nov 17, 2025

Solano County Kaiser midwives are bargaining for their first union contract

The union has held a one-day strike since negotiations began in May 2024....

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  Oct 31, 2025

Benicia mayor asks air district for grant funding to offset city shortfall

The money would come from recent air pollution violation payments, like an $82 million settlement with Valero....

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  Oct 31, 2025

Bambino’s drag brunch lights up downtown Vallejo

Owner Ismael Palacio said community support has been overwhelming since it debuted in June....

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  Oct 23, 2025

Benicia, Rodeo environmental groups push for stricter emissions monitoring at Bay Area refineries

Environmentalists are questioning the accuracy of data reported by the refineries as the Bay Area Air District prepares to revise its regulations....

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  Oct 02, 2025

Vallejo nonprofit announces new environmental justice initiative

Fresh Air Vallejo is working with the city to engage the community in environmental policy decisions....

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  Oct 01, 2025

Nonprofits brace for loss of donations from Valero with Benicia refinery closure

Valero, often known for its environmental mishaps, also donated millions to charity....

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  Sep 23, 2025

Vallejo Kaiser nurses picket to address layoffs, staffing shortages, and AI

Nurses at 22 different Kaiser facilities in California participated in the day of action....

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  Sep 19, 2025

How end of EPA emissions reporting program could affect Solano County

Refineries in Solano and Contra Costa counties are some of the largest polluters in California....

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  Sep 11, 2025

Environmental groups rally against proposed carbon dioxide pipeline in Solano County

The Montezuma NorCal Carbon Sequestration Hub is currently waiting on a permit from Solano County to build a test well....

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