Our History

In the aftermath of World War II, a group of Filipinos residing in Vallejo, California, recognized the need for a communal space where they could gather, socialize, and support one another.  Many of these individuals were retired seniors who had previously worked at Mare Island, alongside others who found employment in various cities around the San Francisco Bay Area.

In 1945, the seniors who frequently met, decided to establish an organization.

On April 3, 1946, the seniors decided to establish and organization, and registered the organization in the State of California.  The new organization was officially named the Filipino Community of Solano County, Inc. ("FCSCI")  The mission of FCSCI was to operate as a non-profit organization and was built to serve the needs of the Filipino-Americans in Vallejo and throughout the greater Solano County area.  It provided a means for mutual support, friendly camaraderie, and preservation of Filipino Culture and heritage.

The community continued to thrive, attracting more members from diverse backgrounds and generations.  FCSCI programming expanded to include multiple social activities, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.  It's purpose was to enrich the lives of it's members and promoted cultural understanding throughout the broader community.  FCSCI continued to grow from is dedicated founders and became a recognized body in Solano County.  Eventually the organization was approved for its 501(c)3 status.

The community set its roots purchased its first property at 820 Sonoma Blvd. in South Vallejo.

As the founders of the community began to get older, the next generation of community leaders took over and continued to manage the Filipino Community Center.  They renovated the building, turning it into a beautiful spacious gathering space available for events.

After years of planning and overcoming challenges, FCSCI. closed escrow on a new and much larger community center at Florida and Amador streets, the site of the former Vallerga's Supermarket.

With future goals of the community as top of mind, the space will be the showcase for displaying cultural and historical artifacts. It will serve as a venue to attract Filipino youth, so that successive generations will know and appreciation Filipino history, culture and contributions to Vallejo.

“We need a place where we can meet and be proud of our legacy,” past president Al Berenguer said, “The ancient ones want to leave a legacy for the young ones so they can have something they can be proud of.”

Resource:  Vallejo Times Herald, 5/12/2013

The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus performs at the Filipino Community Center.

"The chorus appearance was good for the Filipino-American community, said Councilmember Rozanna Verder-Aliga, because “they will have a better appreciation of Philippine folk music as well as Filipino pop music. Additionally, they will see the Filipino talent and musical artistry when they perform different types of music. They will also feel the warmth and versatility of the UP Concert Chorus as they perform their songs with choreography wearing beautiful costumes.”

Resource:  Vallejo Times Herald, 7/8/2012

The Filipino Community of Solano County, a nonprofit organization based in Vallejo, raised almost $2,000 with a brunch fundraiser.

More than 1,200 people were killed by the Typhoon Sendong, which struck the southern islands in December, and 52 people were also killed earlier this month when a 6.9 earthquake struck the province of Negros Oriental in the central Visayan region.

“So many people died because they were covered in mud caused by the typhoon,” said Norma Placido, the organization”s president. “We always try to help anyone that is in need.”

Resource:  Vallejo Times Herald, 2/27/2012

The event – brought together by the Filipino Community of Solano County, the Vallejo Arts Fund and Center for Cultural Innovation – will took place at 611 Amador St.

For Filipinos, hanging a parol outside your house is an expression of shared faith and hope during the Christmas season. Derived from the Spanish word farol, the parol means lantern and is symbolic of the star of Bethlehem from the Bible.

Amidst a gathering of esteemed guests, dignitaries from Vallejo and Solano County, and members of the community, the Filipino Community of Solano County, Inc. (FCSCI) celebrated a historic moment as it welcomed its new President, Annie Frias-Ramos. The event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s 79-year journey.  Read More.