As turkeys sat brined and last-minute grocery runs were being planned on Wednesday, a few of Vacaville’s civic leaders took a moment to reflect on what the holiday means to them this year. This Thanksgiving, Vice Mayor Sarah Chapman said she is most thankful for the health of her family and loved ones, as well as the chance to serve her community. “I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given to help others, to assist others, to make a difference,” she said. “And in order for me to do all of that, I’ve been blessed, as I stated before, for having the health, the knowledge, the skills, and the desires to do good.” Chapman said she maintains an open door to family and friends each Thanksgiving and makes a point to call those who have lost loved ones and invite them to celebrate with her. She said her family has always been blessed to share in the lives of others this time of year. “We’ve been blessed, my family has been blessed,” she said. This year, the Vice Mayor said she is excited to have her daughter, who works in Washington, D. C., at home for the holiday. Chapman said she will cook a full Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, and that her family most looks forward to dessert. “We are traditional eaters, so we have the traditional turkey, dressing, greens and candied yams,” she said. Police Chief Chris Polen told The Reporter that Thanksgiving is a time to reflect gratefully on living in a community with shared goals, particularly a safe, prosperous and respectful city. “For me, Thanksgiving is about gratitude for the privilege of serving as the police chief while also being a proud member of this community,” he said. “It strengthens my commitment to collaboration, to building a future where people feel connected to their police department, and to doing everything we can to improve the quality of life for our residents.” Polen said he was grateful for the partnership that the department has with Vacaville residents and expressed gratitude for those he works with in law enforcement. “I am especially thankful for the men and women who serve this community every day,” he said, “Our police officers, dispatchers, professional staff, firefighters, and all first responders will spend this holiday away from their own families so others can enjoy time with theirs. Their dedication and the support they receive from their families is the backbone of public safety.” Mayor John Carli said Thanksgiving is one of his favorite celebrations of the year because it offers him the opportunity to take a step back and take stock of the year with gratitude. He said Thanksgiving is a time for people to embrace the best in one another and look past their differences and disagreements. “I look back at my life and realize what a place of gratitude that I feel,” he said. Having worked in law enforcement for many years, Carli said that the opportunity to spend Thanksgivings at home with family is a particular blessing for him in recent years. He said more than anything now, he enjoys the opportunity to sit and spend time with the people he cares about. “It isn’t just the food, it’s the fellowship,” he said. Carli said he also enjoys the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday because those coming home to the community for the holiday often gather with old friends. “You will come across people you haven’t seen in years on Wednesday,” he said. In terms of food, the Mayor said that a generous portion of gravy is a standout on his plate each year, but the real star of the show comes after the main course. “I don’t often have dessert, but rest assured, I will have pumpkin pie,” he said.
https://www.thereporter.com/2025/11/26/vacavilles-leaders-give-thanks/
Vacaville’s leaders give thanks
