Intern describes Vacaville�s 'Summer at City Hall' as career-launching mix of classes and rotations

An intern in the Summer at City Hall program said the internship pairs classroom lessons in resumes and professional conduct with hands-on rotations through city departments, giving high school participants practical experience and exposure to public service.

The intern, speaking about the Vacaville City program, said students attend workshops on interviews and cybersecurity, take field trips to places such as Solano Community College and the wastewater treatment plant, and meet elected officials. "We met with the vice mayor, Mr. Silva," the intern recalled, adding that a mock city council meeting included Council Member Sarah Chapman, Jeanette Wylie, Michael Silva and Mayor John Carli.

The program places interns in a range of city offices. "I'm interning for the city attorney's office," the intern said, and listed other assignments including community and economic development, police, housing and community services, fire, human resources, parks and recreation, Camp Cooper/Camp Adventure, public works and utilities water quality.

Participants perform concrete tasks, the intern said, citing work with the police department: "I've gotten to help out with evidence. Which, I have been taking fingerprints for them." In transit, interns helped plan Bus Rider Appreciation Week by designing posters and organizing a raffle, and they prepared safety notices for Halloween and fire-reduction campaigns. The intern also described taking part in fire extinguisher training and learning the PASS method: "Pull the pin, aim, squeeze and sweep."

Hands-on civic projects extended to an irrigation audit to map which grassy areas receive water, accompanying building inspectors to monitor construction compliance, and planning community events such as Creekwalk. The intern said they are researching short-term rental rules used by nearby cities because "Vacaville doesn't allow short term rentals or STRs," compiling potential benefits and options for future consideration.

Program organizers also integrate civic institutions and courts into the curriculum; the intern described a mock trial at the Solano County Court built around a simple Goldilocks-themed case used for teaching courtroom procedure.

Why it matters: The intern said the program helps participants practice workplace skills, build confidence and explore career paths. "Summer at City Hall is a great program to get into if you want to find out more about your future, more about yourself," the intern said, recommending the program for other eligible students.

The session recorded these reflections but contained no formal council actions or votes. The intern said the program is ongoing and their placement rotations and field trips will continue as scheduled.