Gretchen Smail

Gretchen Smail

56 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.

follow me :

  Sep 10, 2026

Solano County veterans struggle with federal cuts to mental health services

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has canceled group therapy for Mare Island and Fairfield veterans and shortened sessions as wait times have ballooned....

Read More

  Sep 03, 2026

Bay Area Air District announces $40M in funding for city of Benicia, school district

The grant was awarded from a record $82 million fine against the Valero Refining Company in 2024....

Read More

  Aug 26, 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces shipbuilding award in Vallejo for Mare Island and Cal Poly Maritime Academy

The $8.2 million investment will go towards building a research campus and a career pipeline....

Read More

  Aug 04, 2026

Number of homeless people in Vallejo decreased this year, according to county report

But experts say various factors could lead to this being an undercount....

Read More

  Aug 04, 2026

Vallejo police release video of July 20 shootout that killed suspect

The department screened footage of the shootout with Rommel Delfin Querol during a Monday town hall meeting....

Read More

  Jul 21, 2026

Vallejo police shot and killed a man Monday afternoon

The department alleges that Rommel Delfin Querol opened fire on officers before he was killed....

Read More

  Jul 17, 2026

California Cadet Academy shows off new electric boat

The nonprofit trains teens for careers as fire fighters, law enforcement officers, first medical responders, and now, coast guards....

Read More

  Jul 09, 2026

Company proposes AI-powered emergency shelters at Solano County fairgrounds

Global Stack LLC envisions connecting 70 fairgrounds using the same system....

Read More

  Jun 22, 2026

Developer reveals plans to transform Benicia refinery

Signature Development Group is proposing housing, retail shops, and a community park....

Read More

  Jun 08, 2026

The city of Vallejo’s budget, explained

Where the city gets its money, where it goes, and why we’re in a deficit....

Read More

  Jun 04, 2026

How Vallejo’s Pista Sa Nayon grew to be the Bay Area’s most enduring Filipino cultural festival

The event started as a small community gathering celebrating the Philippines independence 40 years ago....

Read More

  May 19, 2026

Local Filipino artist to be featured at Vallejo’s Mare Island Brewery

Niki Toney created the label art for the brewery’s Pista Sa Nayon-themed lager....

Read More