For our last meeting of the year, Solano County Assessor-Recorder, Marc Tonnesen stopped by to update us on the state of property values in Solano county.  While still not back to the peak values of 2007/2008, total assessed values in Solano County are on the rise.  New permit activity is still bouncing along the bottom, but that too will help keep our values up, welcome news to homeowners throughout the county!

This week's meeting was temporarily relocated so that our very own Carl Smeltzer could treat us to a special breakfast at the Outback.  Judging by the spread he and wife Cate laid out, you would've thought some very special people were in attendance, and you'd be right!  Joining us that morning was a two-fer.  First, Candy Pierce stopped by to inspire us with stories from her work with CASA.  Several members chipped in to help out with gifts for CASA's upcoming holiday party.  For many of the youth supported by CASA, it would be the first time they had received anything for the holidays.

Candy is a tough act to follow but Michelle Shown-Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Solano County Library Foundation did so admirably.  The mission of the Solano County Library Foundation is to support the programs of the Solano County Library and the literacy and lifelong learning needs of the community it serves.  Since its establishment in December 1994, the Foundation has raised over $2.3 million in support of library projects and services that promote reading and literacy in Solano County.  Michelle was excited to announce their next big fundraising event, The Big Solano BrewHaHa coming in May.  Attendees will be treated to an evening of brews, comedy and music at the Special Events Center in Fairfield.