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Open Vallejo

@openvallejo.org

6.5K followers 16 following 229 posts

Open Vallejo is an award-winning, independent, non-partisan, nonprofit newsroom serving the public interest. We seek to illuminate a small city long burdened by police violence, corruption, and neglect. openvallejo.org

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Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 31/07/2026

Open Vallejo has identified the officers in Vallejo’s first fatal police shooting in more than six years as Sgt. Matthew Komoda and Officer Himanshu Saini.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo officers in fatal July 20 shooting identified

Open Vallejo has identified the officers in Vallejo's first fatal police shooting in more than six years as Sgt. Matthew Komoda and Officer Himanshu Saini.

Reposted by Open Vallejo

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 13/11/2024

For a generation, a secretive clique within the Vallejo Police Department has commemorated fatal shootings with beers, backyard barbecues, and by bending the points of their badges each time they kill in the line of duty, an investigation by Open Vallejo has found.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo police bend badges to mark fatal shootings

The tradition is known at the highest levels of Vallejo city government and to Solano County's district attorney, sources say.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 23/06/2026

Ordered disclosed after a years-long legal fight, the report is the city’s own investigation into a tradition in which Vallejo police bent their badges to mark the civilians they killed. The report's release comes six years after Open Vallejo first exposed the macabre ritual.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo has released its long-secret police badge-bending report. Read it here.

Ordered disclosed after a years-long legal fight, the report is the city’s own investigation into a ritual in which Vallejo police bent their badges to mark the civilians they killed.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 23/04/2026

Solano County prosecutors have filed dozens of charges against a former Kaiser employee accused of secretly recording more than 30 people over a period of years.

openvallejo.org

Former Kaiser worker charged in Vallejo hidden camera case

Prosecutors accuse Randolph Villacrusis, a former Kaiser employee, of secretly recording more than 30 people over a period of years.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 14/04/2026

After Open Vallejo revealed that Vallejo officers bent their badges to mark fatal shootings, Fairfield police pledged to investigate “immediately.” Instead, the agency took more than a year to investigate a former Vallejo officer in its ranks — and only began after he retired.

openvallejo.org

Fairfield cleared badge-bending officer of wrongdoing, records show

After Open Vallejo revealed that Vallejo officers bent their badges to mark fatal shootings, Fairfield police pledged to investigate “immediately.” Instead, the agency took more than a year to investi...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 08/04/2026

The announcement comes just one day after Andrew Murray’s latest performance review in a closed session of the Vallejo City Council.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo city manager steps down after less than two years

Murray, who started as city manager in May 2024 as the city navigated a state-imposed police reform effort, said in a statement that it was “the right time to make a transition.”

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Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 21/02/2026

A UC Berkeley grad vanished for two years after leaving his life behind to join the Zizians, a cult-like group now allegedly linked to six deaths nationwide. His parents believed he had been brainwashed. He posted $15,000 and left a Maryland jail on Friday.

openvallejo.org

Berkeley man, missing for two years, ‘left everything behind’ to join Zizians

“He’s not a violent person,” Daniel Blank's father, Alexander Blank, said. “I don’t think that Daniel actually did anything really wrong except maybe being with the wrong people.”

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 31/01/2026

The California State Bar has opened a confidential inquiry into the Vallejo City Attorney’s Office, Open Vallejo has learned, adding a new front in the mounting scrutiny of the office. City Attorney Veronica Nebb wrote in an email Friday that her office is unaware of any investigation.

openvallejo.org

State Bar probes Vallejo City Attorney’s Office

The California State Bar has opened a confidential inquiry into the Vallejo City Attorney’s Office, Open Vallejo has learned.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 08/01/2026

When officials rush to comment on police shootings before the facts are in, they risk corrupting investigations and eroding public confidence in law enforcement, according to experts.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo officials’ online comments cloud police shooting review

The comments, about the shooting of a man suffering a mental health crisis, included praise for officers’ marksmanship and a determination that they had “no choice” but to shoot him in the back. A nat...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 07/01/2026

How should courts evaluate police shootings when someone tries to drive away? A unanimous Supreme Court ruled last May that courts must consider the totality of the circumstances — not just the moment before an officer pulls the trigger. #Minneapolis

openvallejo.org

U.S. Supreme Court rejects ‘moment of threat’ rule in police shootings

A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court shifted a contentious legal standard in favor of civil rights plaintiffs Thursday.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 01/01/2026

We are just $553 away from our $30,000 goal! Your tax-deductible gift is tripled until midnight. Will you help us over the finish line? openvallejo.org/donate

openvallejo.org

Donate to Open Vallejo

Support award-winning, nonprofit investigative reporting in Vallejo, a city long burdened by police brutality, corruption, and neglect.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 01/01/2026

Your tax-deductible donation will be TRIPLED if you give before midnight Pacific Time tonight! Support ethical, accurate, high-impact local news in the public interest. openvallejo.org/donate

A NewsMatch graphic noting that donations to Open Vallejo will be tripled until midnight tonight.

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Reposted by Open Vallejo

Nate Cardozo @natecardozo.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Open Vallejo is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that gets impactful journalism done all year long. I support them out of my own pocket and I urge you to do the same.

Reposted by Open Vallejo

RJKSac 🤦🏻‍♀️ @rjksac.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Please support local journalism. Open Vallejo has done incredible work!!

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 30/12/2025

Open Vallejo is the city's only nonprofit, investigative newsroom. With a little over 48 hours to go in #NewsMatch, we are 80% of the way to our $30,000 fundraising goal. Will you help us close the gap with a tax-deductible gift? openvallejo.org/donate

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 23/12/2025

We’re almost halfway to our $30K goal — and the finish line is just eight days away. If you value Open Vallejo’s unique, high-quality accountability reporting, donate today to help us thrive in the new year. #NewsMatch will double your tax-deductible gift!

openvallejo.org

Donate to Open Vallejo

Support award-winning, nonprofit investigative reporting in Vallejo, a city long burdened by police brutality, corruption, and neglect.

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Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 16/12/2025

Open Vallejo is the city's only nonprofit newsroom. Our high-quality investigative reporting is 100% reader supported, meaning we publish information that serves the public, not advertisers or political interests. Donate today, and your tax-deductible gift will be matched up to $1,000.

openvallejo.org

Donate to Open Vallejo

Support award-winning, nonprofit investigative reporting in Vallejo, a city long burdened by police brutality, corruption, and neglect.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 03/12/2025

It’s #GivingNewsDay at Open Vallejo. For five years, we’ve provided Solano County with meticulous accountability reporting on public safety, government, and more as the region’s only nonprofit investigative newsroom. NewsMatch will match your tax-deductible gift up to $1,000: openvallejo.org/donate

Four people standing shoulder to shoulder, smiling

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 24/11/2025

In a newly released deposition, former Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams said he resigned after the city failed to investigate a series of anonymous threats against him and alleged that the Vallejo City Attorney’s Office tried to intimidate him over his testimony.

openvallejo.org

Former Vallejo police chief says city ignored threats

Former Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams resigned after receiving a series of anonymous threats, according to newly-released deposition testimony. He is the latest in a string of former city offici...

Reposted by Open Vallejo

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 07/11/2025

EXCLUSIVE: The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the unredacted recordings. Watch the video here.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo police shot a man amid a mental health crisis. Here is the footage the DA refuses to release.

The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 12/11/2025

Today and every day, our nonprofit newsroom is ready to cover the stories that need to be told. If you value our local investigative reporting, will you contribute to Open Vallejo during our #NewsMatch campaign? Your gift will be matched up to $1,000! Thank you! Donate here: openvallejo.org/donate

openvallejo.org

Donate to Open Vallejo

Support award-winning, nonprofit investigative reporting in Vallejo, a city long burdened by police brutality, corruption, and neglect.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 07/11/2025

EXCLUSIVE: The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the unredacted recordings. Watch the video here.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo police shot a man amid a mental health crisis. Here is the footage the DA refuses to release.

The Solano County District Attorney's Office wants to shield video of the most recent Vallejo police shooting from public view, despite a state law mandating its release. Open Vallejo has obtained the...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 03/11/2025

Open Vallejo has compiled a shareable list of places to get free groceries in Vallejo. The federal government will fund only partial food stamp benefits this month, the Trump administration said in court filings Monday. See the list: openvallejo.org/2025/10/31/w...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 02/11/2025

Today kicks off our #NewsMatch campaign! There’s never been a more critical time to stand up for nonprofit newsrooms like ours. Through 12/31, the impact of your tax-deductible donation is DOUBLED! Will you show your support today?

openvallejo.org

Donate to Open Vallejo

Support award-winning, nonprofit investigative reporting in Vallejo, a city long burdened by police brutality, corruption, and neglect.

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Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 31/10/2025

Local nutrition assistance organizations have already seen an increase in need, and are preparing for more amid a potential cutoff of food aid on Saturday. Here is where to find free groceries, how Solano County's efforts compare to those of its neighbors, and how to help.

openvallejo.org

Where Vallejo finds free groceries amid federal shutdown

Local organizations have already seen an increase in need, and are preparing for more amid a potential cutoff of food aid.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 25/10/2025

Vallejo immigrant rights groups braced for raids as warning flyers appeared downtown on Friday. By this afternoon, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced that federal authorities had canceled sweeping plans for operations across the greater Bay Area.

openvallejo.org

Bay Area immigration surge called off, officials say

Organizations serving Vallejo immigrant communities braced for federal agents to flood the Bay Area this week, as flyers warning of expected immigration raids appeared on buildings downtown. But on Fr...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 17/10/2025

Vallejo Police Department Critical Incident Review Board member Phillip Balbuena resigned one day after Open Vallejo reported on his online comments and those of another commissioner, which experts said threatened the integrity of the oversight process.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo police oversight official resigns over online posts

Phillip Balbuena, who served as a member of the Vallejo Police Department’s Critical Incident Review Board, stepped down on Sept. 30, one day after Open Vallejo reported on his online commentary and t...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 07/10/2025

Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, blocked the administration’s attempt to sidestep an earlier order finding protests in Oregon were “not significantly violent or disruptive” enough to justify federalizing the Oregon National Guard.

openvallejo.org

Federal judge blocks deployment of California Guard to Portland

Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, blocked the administration’s attempt to sidestep an earlier order finding protests in Oregon were “not significantly violent or disruptive” enough to justify f...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 01/10/2025

Solano County will pay $17 million to resolve a “historic” civil rights lawsuit involving the sheriff’s office, as supervisors approve an $11.2 million contract to deploy deputies in Vallejo.

openvallejo.org

Amid $17 million settlement, sheriff to expand Vallejo patrols

Solano County will pay $17 million to resolve a “historic” civil rights lawsuit, as supervisors approve an $11.2 million contract to deploy sheriff’s deputies in Vallejo.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 30/09/2025

The comments, about the shooting of a man suffering a mental health crisis in the back, included praise for officers’ marksmanship. A national use-of-force expert called the commentary “wildly inappropriate,” while Vallejo’s mayor called for one official’s “immediate removal” from the investigation.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo officials’ online comments cloud police shooting review

The comments, about the shooting of a man suffering a mental health crisis, included praise for officers’ marksmanship and a determination that they had “no choice” but to shoot him in the back. A nat...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 19/09/2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials released the recommendations as part of the state’s newly formed health alliance with Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.

openvallejo.org

California releases vaccine recommendations as CDC shifts policy

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials released the recommendations as part of the state’s newly formed health alliance with Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 18/09/2025

Police video and court proceedings revealed new details of the shooting, even as officials seek to prevent further disclosures.

openvallejo.org

New details emerge in Aug. 29 Vallejo police shooting

Police video and court proceedings revealed new details of the shooting, even as officials seek to prevent further disclosures.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 18/09/2025

The California Supreme Court has denied a last-ditch effort by the city of Vallejo to conceal an investigation into officers who bent their badges to mark fatal shootings.

openvallejo.org

State Supreme Court rejects Vallejo’s bid to conceal badge-bending report

The California Supreme Court has denied a last-ditch effort by the city of Vallejo to conceal an investigation into officers who bent their badges to mark fatal shootings.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 17/09/2025

Vallejo police found a 73-year-old woman safe on Wednesday, more than two days after she went missing.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo police locate Alzheimer’s patient missing since Monday

Vallejo police found a 73-year-old woman safe on Wednesday, more than two days after she went missing.

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Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 17/09/2025

Vallejo police are investigating the 12th homicide in the city this year, after police officers and firefighters found a man shot dead inside a car Monday morning.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo police find man killed in car Monday

Vallejo police are investigating the 12th homicide in the city this year, after police officers and firefighters found a man shot dead inside a car Monday morning.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 17/09/2025

A new state bill awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature would give officials more tools to identify and combat sexual abuse and educate students to better identify the most common signs of grooming behavior.

openvallejo.org

State bill targets sexual abuse in California schools

A new state bill awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature would give officials more tools to identify and combat sexual abuse and educate students to better identify the most common signs of grooming be...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 13/09/2025

Vallejo police are investigating the 11th homicide of 2025 after a man was found dead on the 100 block of Carolina Street Thursday afternoon.

openvallejo.org

Man killed in daytime shooting in Vallejo Thursday

Vallejo police are investigating the 11th homicide of 2025 after a man was found dead on the 100 block of Carolina Street Thursday afternoon.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 11/09/2025

Congratulations to our colleagues at @kcdefender.bsky.social for winning the 2025 @inn.org Community Champion Award! Read about their groundbreaking B-REAL Freedom School here.

Community Champion Award

Honors an INN member organization that made a significant contribution to the well-being of its community through a journalism-centered project or

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 09/09/2025

For the second time in three days, a Vallejo police SUV collided with a civilian vehicle on city streets, disabling both vehicles and prompting an emergency response.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo police in second collision in three days

For the second time in three days, a Vallejo police SUV collided with a civilian vehicle on city streets, disabling both vehicles and prompting an emergency response.

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Reposted by Open Vallejo

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 08/09/2025

There's still time to register for ProJourn's Newsgathering Legal Training on Wednesday! Held in partnership with @theajp.bsky.social, this free, virtual session will cover journalists' legal rights on topics like recording, trespass, and more. Sign up: www.shorturl.at/yaHxM

A red and off-white graphic for three legal trainings for journalists, organized by ProJourn and the American Journalism Project.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 06/09/2025

The Vallejo Police Department has identified two officers who shot and injured a 24-year-old man during an apparent mental health crisis last week.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo names officers in Aug. 29 nonfatal shooting

The Vallejo Police Department has identified two officers who shot and injured a 24-year-old man during an apparent mental health crisis last week.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 05/09/2025

State officials said they acted in response to what they called the “destruction” of scientific integrity at the nation’s top public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

openvallejo.org

California forms state consortium to counter health misinformation

State officials said they acted in response to what they called the “destruction” of scientific integrity at the nation’s top public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 05/09/2025

A Vallejo police SUV collided with a blue sedan Tuesday evening, injuring an officer and one other person. The crash occurred the same week as an alleged hit-and-run just four blocks away that left a bicyclist with life-threatening injuries.

openvallejo.org

On-duty Vallejo police crash injures officer, civilian

A Vallejo police SUV collided with a blue sedan Tuesday evening, leaving an officer and one other person with minor injuries.

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Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 30/08/2025

Vallejo police shot a 24-year-old man during an apparent mental health crisis in East Vallejo Friday, the first shooting by Vallejo officers since November 2023.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo police shoot, seriously injure man Friday evening

Vallejo police shot a 24-year-old man during an apparent mental health crisis in East Vallejo Friday, the first shooting by Vallejo officers since 2023.

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 23/08/2025

Bay Area air quality regulators have ordered a Vallejo landscape supply company, Crown Hill Materials, to immediately shut down a concrete batch plant that it has allegedly been operating without required air quality permits.

openvallejo.org

Air district orders halt at Vallejo concrete plant

Bay Area air quality regulators have ordered a Vallejo landscape supply company, Crown Hill Materials, to immediately shut down a concrete batch plant that it has allegedly been operating without requ...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 22/08/2025

Two shootings less than four miles apart left two people dead in Vallejo Monday — the city’s ninth and 10th homicides this year.

openvallejo.org

Three people shot in Vallejo Monday; two dead

Two shootings less than four miles apart left two people dead in Vallejo Monday — the city’s ninth and 10th homicides this year.

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Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 12/08/2025

The shooting occurred in a homeless encampment on White Slough, near where a gunman shot three people in May, two fatally.

openvallejo.org

Two injured in Vallejo homeless encampment shooting Sunday

The shooting occurred in a homeless encampment on White Slough, near where a gunman shot three people in May, two fatally.

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Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 07/08/2025

The Vallejo City Council voted Tuesday to renew its search for a law firm tasked with exploring whether recent misconduct allegations against the City Attorney’s Office merit an independent investigation.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo misconduct inquiry stalls as city restarts firm search

The Vallejo City Council voted Tuesday to renew its search for a law firm tasked with exploring whether recent misconduct allegations against the City Attorney’s Office merit an independent investigat...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 01/08/2025

Dash cam footage of a high-speed Vallejo police pursuit surfaced on Instagram last month, alongside rap music and a warning, in apparent violation of multiple police policies.

openvallejo.org

Vallejo police pursuit leaks online, with a swaggering caption

Confidential dash cam footage of a high-speed pursuit surfaced on Instagram earlier this month, overlaid with rap music and an emoji-punctuated warning, in apparent violation of Vallejo Police Departm...

Open Vallejo @openvallejo.org · 01/08/2025

We’re thrilled to share that Open Vallejo met our $30,000 July fundraising goal. On top of this, we will also receive $10,000 in matching funds — all thanks to your generous support. There’s still time to donate! Help sustain our reporting by becoming a monthly member today.

openvallejo.org

Donate to Open Vallejo

Support award-winning, nonprofit investigative reporting in Vallejo, a city long burdened by police brutality, corruption, and neglect.