Gretchen Smail

Gretchen Smail

51 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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  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....

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  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....

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  Jul 09, 2026

Company proposes AI-powered emergency shelters at Solano County fairgrounds

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

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  Jun 22, 2026

Developer reveals plans to transform Benicia refinery

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

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  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....

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  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....

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  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....

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  May 15, 2026

Suisun City manager addresses concerns about city’s expansion plan

City Manager Bret Prebula discussed data center rumors, the project’s timeline, and calls for a citywide advisory vote....

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  May 13, 2026

7,000 gallons of disinfectant discharged at Vallejo water treatment plant

Four workers were exposed to the chemical, but no hospitalizations have been reported....

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  May 11, 2026

It’s going to be a bad tick season, according to the CDC

The western U.S. is seeing high rates of emergency room visits for tick bites, according to the CDC’s tick bite data tracker....

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  Apr 29, 2026

Valero fined $3.25M for years of emission leaks and compliance issues in Benicia

Even as Valero idles operations, the Bay Area Air District is requiring it to improve emissions monitoring....

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  Apr 28, 2026

California Forever project could threaten sensitive Solano County habitat, environmentalists say

The project could affect endangered species like fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and the California tiger salamander....

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