A crow found in Vallejo has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to officials from the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District and Solano County Department of Health and Social Services. “This is the first evidence that we have of local WNV activity in Solano County this year,” said Dr. Michael Stacey, Solano County chief […]
3 Wolk water bills clear Senate
■ Measures address management, climate change, conservation Three water measures introduced by state Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis, have cleared the Senate floor and are headed for the state Assembly. Wolk, who represents Benicia, said the bills are designed to improve water management, combat the effects of the severe drought and climate change and conserve the […]
Long-time Superior Court judge retires
Solano County Superior Court Judge Ramona Garrett has retired after 23 years on the bench, Brian K. Taylor, court executive officer, said. Garrett originally was appointed to the Municipal Court Jan. 28, 1992, by then-Gov. Pete Wilson.
Warbirds fly again over Benicia, Bay Area
‘Wings of Freedom Tour’ offers rides in storied survivors of World War II aerial combat That series of low rumbles Bay Area residents heard in the early morning and late afternoon hours this weekend was not thunder. Four World War II warbirds made stops in this area Saturday and Sunday, launching from Concord and rumbling […]
In water use, city doing its utmost
■ Benicians continue to out-conserve most; 30.2% drop from 2013 Benicia’s water customers continue to do their part to conserve during the severe California drought, the City Council will hear Tuesday. In a report, Public Works Director Graham Wadsworth wrote that while statewide conservation of potable (drinking) water was just 3.6 percent compared to consumption […]
Benicia Biz Beat: Forever Sala Thai opens on First Street
LONG-TIME BENICIA RESTAURATEUR KAY LOYOLA, who became known in the community for her popular Petals Bar and Restaurant and Sala Thai dining establishments on First Street, is being welcomed back by former patrons and new customers to Forever Sala Thai, 718 First St. Loyola has kept some of the favorite dishes on the menu, and […]
Council votes on budget Tuesday
■ Biennial document calls for temporary drop below 20% reserve Benicia City Council will vote Tuesday on the proposed two-year “status quo” municipal budget that would become effective July 1. At previous meetings, the panel has heard staff presentations on the General Fund, the city’s operating account that takes up about half the budget, and […]
HPRC OKs ‘Biz Café’ in Arsenal
The Benicia Historic Preservation Review Commission agreed Thursday that Carter Rankin should operate his co-working office space company in the Commanding Officer’s Quarters. Senior Planner Suzanne Thorsen said Carter, who is leasing the city-owned historic building in the Arsenal district, and the city of Benicia, as its owner, need a use permit because Rankin’s business […]
‘Village’ project to help older residents moving forward
May is Older Americans Month, and a group of Benicia citizens has been spending the month honoring the spirit of that designation. The Carquinez Village Project is in the process helping aging Benicians and others have full lives at home, its founders said. “We chose the name Carquinez Village Project rather than connecting the project […]
Agency calls end to burning of flood debris; Sunday is last day
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is ending the burn season for San Francisco Bay Area flood debris fires Sunday. But it is opening the burn season for double crop stubble Monday, Aaron Richardson, senior public information officer, said.