Destination Vacaville

Visit Vacaville Chairman Dave McCallum is the guest on this episode Destination Vacaville! Chairman McCallum has called Vacaville home since moving there as a child.  In addition to being the Chairman of Visit Vacaville, he works at KUIC Radio 95.3 (both on and off the air). First, Melyssa and Dave chat about tourism in Vacaville. Next, they let us in on the many ways the tourism industry supports local economies. Then they share how tourism is rebounding from the pandemic. Finally, they talk about the return of Visit Vacaville's Annual Tourism Breakfast on May 04, 2022, the kickoff celebration for National Travel & Tourism week!

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Chief Schmutzler is a 22-year veteran of the Vacaville Police Department and a Northern California native. Chief Schmutzler became Chief of Police in late 2021. Chief Schmutzler and host Melyssa chat about the steps Vacaville Police Department takes to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists, the police department's success with keeping crime stats down, and how the police department is working with community groups to help unhoused citizens. 

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Paul Mirich, the General Manager of The Rowland Freedom Center, is this week's guest on Destination Vacaville. The Rowland Freedom Center is a museum honoring America's history (and future) in aviation. Join Melyssa and Paul as they discuss the museum's history, Paul's journey to become the General Manager of the museum, and exciting displays for guests to see.

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Chris Rico, the new President and CEO of Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC), sits down with Melyssa for this week's episode of the podcast. Solano EDC helps strengthen Solano County's economy by attracting new jobs, investments, and helping established businesses (and new businesses) stay competitive. Chris chats about his goals for his new role, his insights into helping supports EDC's goals (which also supports Solano County's communities), and what he likes to do in Vacaville and Solano County in his free time. 

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

This week Destination Vacaville highlights Ben Lyons, otherwise known as Farmer Ben. Farmer Ben founded his farm, Lockewood Acres, after finding inspiration in a 1954 publication that championed self-sustenance. Lockewood Farms supplies many of the fresh farm-to-fork fruits and vegetables served in many of Vacaville's fine dining establishments. In addition to the fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, Lockewood Farms is home to goats, sheep, pigs, and Stevie, the famous Lockewood Farms' dog.

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Hello! Destination Vacaville returns with none other than the City of Vacaville's very own Mayor Ron Rowlett. Mayor Ron Rowlett and Melyssa Reeves chat about Vacaville surviving the Great Recession and growing during the pandemic. Next, Mayor Rowlett shares why Vacaville is quickly becoming the center of bio-manufacturing in California. The industry is spurring a growth in tourism, income, and housing for the residents of Vacaville.  Melyssa and Mayor Rowlett also discuss the ways Downtown Vacaville will change. Finally, they chat about Play4All Park, Vacaville's "free, safe and accessible place for families to go for fun, sports, picnics, entertainment and relaxation."

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Melyssa Reeves chats with Lisa Hilas, President of On Stage Vacaville, in this episode the podcast. On Stage Vacaville helps promote the arts and culturally diverse programming for Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre (Melyssa spoke with Theatre Manager Rachel Morgan in Episode 8).  Melyssa and Lisa dive into all that On Stage Vacaville does to help support community arts for Vacaville and how the community can help support On Stage Vacaville. They also chat about Lisa's other project that is very close to her heart, Saving Gracie, which is an angel fund for pets and their owners.

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Our host Melyssa Reeves chats with Mark Mazzaferro, Founder of NV Confections. They chat about Mark's leap from working for the City of Vacaville to becoming the maker of a much-in-demand brittle candy. Additionally, they delve in how Mark came up with the name NV Confections (contrary to rumors, it has nothing to do with Napa Valley). NV Confections is available for purchase online, at farmers markets in Vacaville and surrounding areas, and at the offices of Visit Vacaville.  Get your NV Confections before they sell out for the holidays!

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Colleen Berumen is the guest for this episode Destination Vacaville. Berumen is the Executive Director of Vacaville Solano Services Corporation, which oversees the Opportunity House. Opportunity House is a drug-free shelter providing safe and secure housing along with life-skills training.  Our host Melyssa Reeves sits down with Colleen to learn more about Opportunity House and upcoming fundraising events that benefit Opportunity House, like the Festival of Trees Gala, Cookies for a Cause, and the Opportunity House Thrift Stores in Vacaville and Fairfield.

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Join host Melyssa Reeves as she chats with Rachel Morgan, Theatre Manager of Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre . The two discuss the Theatre's upcoming shows, which kicks off with a performance by ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro on November 5, 2021. Additionally, Rachel shares all of the fun shows in store for the holiday season, like Christmas In My Town, the Nutcracker, and Christmas from a Celtic Table. Finally, Rachel shares how Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre supports Vacaville's performing community and how the performing community supports Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre.

Destination Vacaville? Let's go!