In January, Vallejo native Shay Miles decided to submit a proposal to Solano County Supervisor Cassandra James on a whim. Now she’s spearheading a new community-based week of engagement across the county.

The original idea was for a day, July 7, dedicated to Solano County and resources the community offers. James and Miles ran with the idea, and what started as a day of celebration transformed into a week of events, talks and gatherings that cover a variety of topics. 707 day, named after the local area code, will take place each year on July 7, or 7/07.

“I thought this would be a great way to amplify the community,” said Miles. “This is a way to change that narrative.”

Kicking off the week on Monday, Moschetti Artisan Coffee Roaster will offer a 707 exclusive coffee blend and a new signature drink. In the evening, Vino Godfather Winery will host a 707 week launch party.

Tuesday, or Taco Tuesday, welcomes community members to Tacos Jalisco for a live podcast recording of “Mics and Mindsets,” which will discuss everything happening now in Solano County.

Wednesday, July 9 brings a Happy Hour session, where locals have an opportunity to talk with James and Council member Dr. Tonia Lediju. At the same time, King’s Events Downton is hosting Sarah’s Playhouse, a chance to disconnect from the ever-present internet and try out karaoke, arcade games and more.

Thursday morning, July 10, a career fair at Solano Community College advertises employers who are ready to hire. In the evening, the Vallejo Seaweed takes on the Martinez Sturgeon at Wilson Park.

Friday, July 11 is a full day, with Bay Area 707 City Tours available for bookings, the 707 Art Café’ at The Exchange, Film showings by local filmmakers with Bay Area Cinema and late night summer basketball at ELITE Public School’s gym.

The Vallejo 2nd Saturdays Waterfront Weekend is also getting a 707 spin, and after a day by the water, Bambino’s is hosting the 707 Hangout with music and “unapologetic local pride,” according to the 707 week website.

Closing out the week of events is 707 Books and Brunch on Sunday at Bambino’s. The event engages local writers including Fàtimáh Hanif and Vallejo Poet Laureate Kathleen Herrmann.

Although the week of events are all based in Vallejo, Miles says there are already plans to expand throughout the county in future years.

“We are piloting this in Vallejo on purpose because the goal is to go countywide for next year. We just wanted to work out all the kinks,” she says.

The budget for 707 week is nonexistent, which goes to show how little is needed to shine a positive light on the community in Vallejo, said Miles.

“We wanted to also prove that it doesn’t take a lot of money to bring people together, to be on the same page, to use your community as a solution. We want to make that point to the city and to the county and to the state and to the U.S. federal government,” said Miles.

Miles and the 30-some person team behind 707 week already have bright hopes for future years to come, but the most important thing for the first year is engaging the community, she says.

For more information visit 707week.com