Dixon Youth Air Protectors Reflect on Program

Mar 2, 2026

SuSol launched our Air Quality program in 2022. The program is centered around Youth Air Protectors — high school students and young adults who learn about air quality challenges that affect their cities and seek ways to educate the community about those challenges and possible solutions while working on hands-on projects. In 2025, we were fortunate to receive funding from the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District to bring the Youth Air Protectors program to Dixon. Here are reflections from two students in the program, which will conclude by May.

Dixon Youth Air Protectors speak with community members about air quality, community priorities and locations for new bike racks at a community event in January 2026.

By Layla Booth, Dixon Youth Air Protector

My internship this year has been an eye-opening journey into the world of environmental health, specifically regarding the air we breathe every single day. One of the most impactful parts of my experience was getting directly involved with you, the community. Through conducting surveys and interviewing neighbors about their opinions on our local air quality, I discovered that while many are concerned about pollution, there is a powerful shared desire for a healthier environment. I also had the opportunity to host public events to promote clean air awareness, which showed me that when we come together, we can turn complex environmental issues into manageable, community-driven solutions.

Advocacy was another major pillar of my work. I had the privilege of speaking at a city council meeting to highlight how crucial walkability and bikeability are to our community’s future. By pushing for better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, we aren’t just making our streets safer — we are directly reducing the number of cars on the road and lowering the emissions that cloud our air. I also spent time attending public meetings to learn about sustainable practices like local gardening, even getting my hands dirty helping with the garden at our public library. These experiences taught me that air quality isn’t just about what comes out of a tailpipe; it’s about how we design our cities and nurture our local ecosystems.

As I wrap up this internship, I want everyone to know that improving air quality is something we all have a hand in. You can help today by choosing to walk or bike for short trips, supporting local gardening initiatives that help filter our air and staying engaged with city council decisions regarding our environment. Our collective voice matters — whether it’s through a community survey or a public meeting, your input helps shape a cleaner, more breathable future. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. Let’s continue to work together to keep our community’s air clear and healthy.

Dixon Youth Air Protectors work alongside community members to plant at the community garden

By Sophia Ferri, Dixon Youth Air Protector

In my time in this internship during the fall semester, I’ve learned a lot about air quality and generally everything surrounding it. I interacted with my peers in order to plan and survey the community on problems and their opinions. I had a lot of fun, actually; it was very interactive and educational at the same time. I’m doing the internship again in the spring semester and highly recommend it to students. Even if they’re not interested in the environment, there are still extremely intriguing topics discussed each meeting. The most fun I had was when we went to a community garden and planted with other community members. It was a fun way to reach out to others outside of the classroom we meet at. In general, this internship has furthered my understanding that air quality is such an important aspect to many people and everyday life.

Throughout my time in this internship, I was introduced to various resources that are available to anyone! Websites or maps that show air quality indexes or general environmental concerns in communities. I think that’s just really cool that we have that available to anyone. At one point in the internship, we created an air filter from vents and a fan! I learned how air filters work, which I didn’t previously know and now I do! I got to experience seeing my community up close as in many instances I had to research and survey common areas for people and other spots that need improvement. Whether that’s through bike racks, crosswalks, or more.

Overall I have really enjoyed my time in the internship. I got a lot closer with my peers and built friendships that’ll last a lifetime from this internship. It gave me something to look forward to every week.

Layla and Sophia build a DIY air purifer

We’re planning a countywide Air Quality Summit this fall that will bring together community members, citizen air quality organizations and experts to share knowledge. We want to hear about your interests when it comes to air quality. Take a short survey here!

Roots in the Ground: Tree Planting

Jan 28, 2026

By Maleah J. Brown, Rio Vista Youth Air Protector

Maleah, one of our Rio Vista Youth Air Protectors this fall, wrote this blog about the tree planting project the YAP did in partnership with the City of Rio Vista. Interested in planting more community trees? Our Fairfield/Suisun City Youth Air Protectors invite the public to plant trees Feb. 21 at City Church in Fairfield. Learn more and register here.

Planting a tree seems like such a small act, until you hold it and place it in the ground. When you walk away, knowing it’ll be in the same spot it was left in, that small act seems much bigger. At the tree planting in Rio Vista last November, the sense of community was touching. The small group we started with grew as it came time to start planting.

When I arrived early in the morning at Airport Road, I was greeted by my fellow Youth Air Protectors. We discussed how the event was going to go, as we sipped our coffee and ate our bagels. When participants ranging from residents, elected city officials, and even the fire department started arriving, we tied our hair back and grabbed our gloves.

Maleah, left, works with others to plant trees

We went through a brief instructional meeting on how to properly install the trees to insure longevity. From there we took a course of action and split into groups, 3-4 people a tree. People put their ideas together to help make the process smoother, like dedicating a group to installing all the tree support posts. I joined a group including two of my peers and someone who I’d never met. This experience not only helped me connect with my peers, but also helped me branch out and make new connections in the community. We worked together, shoveling soil, spreading compost, and placing trees in the ground. The smell of nature and the warm rays of the sun made the experience calming. In the end, my group succeeded in planting around four trees. Once we were all done, I helped distribute the extra compost soil on all the trees. We were finished after around three to four hours of planting.

I returned to the scene around eight weeks later to check on the conditions of the trees, as well as to plant some native wildflower seeds. The leaves have fallen off since I last saw them, which is unsurprising due to the currently cold weather conditions, but the trees seem to be stable and thriving. They were standing tall where they had been placed, and were bright and healthy. Soon, they will have new plants to share their soil with. The beautiful flowers will enhance the view of the road, as well as providing a food source and home for native pollinators. As I left, driving past the trees I had helped stamp into their new spot in my community, I knew this small act was bigger than I could have hoped.

The Rio Vista Youth Air Protectors program is funded through the California Air Resources Board and is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest, formerly known as Cap-and-Trade, dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Celebrating Outstanding Service: Honoring Noah Galgan and Stephanie Oelsligle Jordan

May 5, 2025

Stephanie Oelsligle Jordan, center left, accepts the award on behalf of Sustainable Solano’s Local Food team

By Taylor Collins, Development & Communications Coordinator

In recognition of their exceptional work to reach Solano County youth through Sustainable Solano’s Youth Wellness Program, Local Food program managers Noah Galgan and Stephanie Oelsligle Jordan were recognized Monday night at the 19th Annual CAC Recognition Awards.

The awards celebrate individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in supporting students with disabilities, and are presented by the Solano County Special Education Local Plan Area (or SELPA) Community Advisory Committee. This honor shines a light on the kind of dedication and hard work that Noah and Stephanie bring to the Youth Wellness Program, particularly in bringing the program to Golden Hills Education Center in 2024.

Through hands-on experiences in the kitchen and the garden, Noah and Stephanie have guided numerous students in harvesting, preparing, and sharing nourishing meals at the table. Cooking and gardening are incredible tools for teaching patience, responsibility, and resilience. These experiences also spark curiosity and confidence in students who may have never planted a seed or cooked a fresh meal before. By showing students that food doesn’t just come from a store shelf, but from the Earth and our collective care for it, the program builds both life skills and a sense of stewardship.

Since its inception in 2022, the program has served more than 160 Solano high school students.

Please join us in congratulating Noah and Stephanie for this well-deserved recognition!

Why Understanding Air Quality Matters More Than Ever in California

Feb 27, 2025

By Taylor Collins, Development & Communications Coordinator

Interns with the Vallejo Environmental Leadership Fellowship build DIY air purifiers after attending a virtual class on air quality

Air quality is something many of us take for granted — until it becomes a problem. In California, we know that wildfires can happen at any time of year, filling clear skies with thick, hazardous smoke. But wildfires aren’t the only cause of poor air quality. Vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and even household sources like gas stoves contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution that can make us sick.

Over the past few years, Californians have experienced extreme air quality events. From the urban fires in Los Angeles at the start of this year to the record-breaking wildfire season in 2020 that forced people indoors for weeks. Indoor air pollution can be just as harmful, especially for those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. However, with careful planning, we can protect ourselves while indoors. Learning about air filtration, monitoring air quality indexes, and improving indoor air circulation can help you stay safe.

Last month, we held a Virtual Air Quality Workshop with Dr. Nicholas Spada of the UC Davis Air Quality Research Center. We covered the basics of what is in the air and the science of keeping ourselves safe.

 

We’ll be holding an in-person workshop in Dixon on April 17 that will feature a live demonstration on how to construct an easy home air purifier. Materials to create the DIY purifier will be available, however, supplies are limited to the first 10 people who register. Register here for the class.

If you’re interested in helping your community monitor your air quality, sign up to receive a PurpleAir monitor using our Air Quality Interest Form. Due to limited supply, air monitors will be distributed based on neighborhood and geographic need first, and then in the order requests were received.

This work, including public air quality classes, the Vallejo Environmental Leadership Fellowship and air purifier and monitor distribution, are generously funded through support from the Solano Community Foundation.

Fairfield in Full Bloom

Feb 26, 2025

As part of our work in Fairfield around air quality, community members have asked about ways to create more walkable spaces. Some of this work has to be done through large changes, such as the ideas envisioned by our Youth Air Protectors in their street redesign projects. But other changes can be done on a smaller scale, such as planting trees in front yards that will shade sidewalks and improve the air, as was done through two Fairfield garden installations through this program. Then there is what can be done on a community scale. We are excited that this spring we will be coordinating with the city, the community and Fairfield artist Sheree Rayford to create a community mural along Linear Park Trail. We hope this mural will invite residents to use, enjoy and care for the trail more often. We thank Sheree for sharing her blog, below, on this project and process.

By Sheree Rayford, creative artist

A couple of weeks ago, we put out a call for feedback on what the new Fairfield mural should represent. The responses were truly inspiring, painting a beautiful picture of what Fairfield represents. Every word, phrase, and flower submitted reflects the heart of our city and the values that make it feel like home.

Words That Shined Through

These words highlight what people cherish about Fairfield — a place where people care for one another, where kindness and connection thrive, and where there’s always room for growth and possibility.

The Most Loved Phrases: 

  • All are welcome here
  • A diverse community that cares for all
  • Unity in diversity
  • Where dreams take flight
  • Forever United… Forever Strong!
  • El sol sale para todos / The sun rises for everyone

Each of these phrases speaks to the heart of Fairfield — a place of belonging, resilience, and shared dreams.

The Flowers of Fairfield & Their Meaning 

The community also shared floral symbols that reflect Fairfield’s spirit:

  • California Poppy – Resilience and renewal, much like our ever-growing city.
  • Sunflower – Warmth, unity, and perseverance, always turning toward the light.
  • Daisy – Fresh beginnings and joy, celebrating the vibrancy of our home.
  • Mustard Flower – Strength in numbers, just like our strong community bonds.
  • Marigold – Gratitude and perseverance, honoring the past while moving forward.
  • Forget-Me-Nots – Connection and community, ensuring everyone has a place.
  • Dahlia – Diversity and strength, reflecting Fairfield’s unique and beautiful mix of people.

The Process: From Ideas to Sketches

Taking that inspiration, I sketched up three rough design concepts that reflect these ideas. After sharing them with our partners at the city and getting approval from the building owner, we are moving forward with a design that embodies the idea of Fairfield’s potential blooming in full color.

Why This Mural Matters

Public art does so much more than just make a space look pretty (though, let’s be real, it’s about to be stunning). Studies show that murals:

  • Improve walkability, making people more likely to explore and engage with their community.
  • Reduce crime, creating safer, more inviting public spaces.
  • Boost local pride and identity, giving residents a deeper connection to their city.

This project is all about that — bringing color, joy, and a sense of belonging to our city, and I can’t wait for all of us to see it come to life together.

March 22: Community Mural Collaboration and Celebration

Mark your calendars because on March 22, we’re throwing a community celebration like no other! This mural isn’t just for Fairfield — it’s by Fairfield, and I want as many of you as possible to be a part of it. We’ll be inviting everyone out to add some final personal touches, making sure this piece is something we can all see ourselves in. More details are coming soon, but just know — it’s going to be beautiful.

Register to be part of the community mural event here

This mural project and Sustainable Solano’s Fairfield air quality work is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Celebration Gratitude from Sustainable Solano

Sep 30, 2024

By Sustainable Solano

Attendees could view a timeline of SuSol’s 25-year history (Photo credit (all): Luke George)

We would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who attended our 25th Anniversary celebration! Your presence truly made the evening special, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet new friends who share our passion for the mission of our organization.

A special thank you to Assemblymember Lori Wilson, and the representatives for Congressmen Mike Thompson and John Garamendi for attending our event. We are grateful for the state Legislature recognition, Congressional commendation, and recognition from Wanda Williams with the Board of Supervisors. Your support means the world to us and helps us continue our work!

Assemblymember Lori Wilson recognizes SuSol / Attendees enjoy a farm-to-table dinner from Chef Lindsey Chelini

It was fantastic to witness everyone coming together, sharing their insights, and contributing to our vision board. Your ideas and perspectives are invaluable as we shape the future of our programs. Look for a blog in November where we will share some of the insights we received from attendees, how they intersect with our current work and where they guide us to look in our future work.

We’d love for you to stay involved! Whether it’s attending future events or making a donation to keep this work going, your support is crucial in helping us continue our mission. Every little bit counts and makes a difference.

SuSol staff and a Youth Leadership Council alum discuss programs with attendees

Thank you once again for being part of our journey. We’re excited to move forward together, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!