The tall flagpole that stands in front of the historic Mare Island Hospital in Vallejo will be dedicated Friday morning in a ceremony attended by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson.
Conservation negatively impacts budget, staff tells City Council
California is requiring residents to cut back on consumption of potable water because of the severe drought, but costs to treat water to make it drinkable are fixed and can’t be reduced, Benicia City Council heard Tuesday night. Even a recent rate increase and emergency drought surcharge aren’t replenishing losses to the city water and […]
Police chief sworn in
Law officers flock to support colleague at Benicia ceremony Though Erik Upson has been Benicia’s police chief since April 20, he took the oath of office and officially received his badge Tuesday morning in a City Hall Council Chamber packed with friends, family, civic leaders and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies. Upson’s wife, Janet, […]
SCC approved for bachelor’s in biomanufacturing
The Board of Governors of California Community Colleges has agreed to let Solano Community College provide a bachelor’s degree in biomanufacturing, starting in the 2017-18 academic year, Dr. Yashica Crawford, SCC chief of staff, said. SCC and 14 other community colleges will participate in the baccalaureate degree pilot program, she said.
Famed glassblower dies
Benician Micheal Nourot, known worldwide for his art, was 66 Micheal Nourot, founder of award-winning Nourot Glass Studio whose clients have included presidents and the pope, has died. He was 66. Citing health problems, including illnesses he contracted in connection with travels to South America, the blown glass artist retired in 2012, concluding a career […]
Benicia Biz Beat: Kimono, new East 2nd Street restaurant, opens
KIMONO, 1652 East Second St., opened Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included such dignitaries as Mayor Elizabeth Patterson. General Manager Omer Sidike and executive chef Hiroshi Sekita, who have a combined 35 years’ experience in the restaurant industry, will operate the restaurant owned by John Meric, Napa, along with his brother, Raffi, and father, […]
Council asked to support fee hikes
■ Revenue would back transportation, road repair projects The California League of Cities will ask Benicia City Council on Tuesday to support a state Senate bill and Assembly constitutional amendment that would raise gas, diesel and vehicle fees to pay for road repairs and ease requirements for local governments to pass special taxes for transportation […]
Drought continues to impact city budget
❒ Council to hear how water fund losses are affecting reserves Despite a rate increase in 2012 and a surcharge imposed last year, Benicia’s budget still is being impacted by the drought, according to a report by City Manager Brad Kilger, Assistant City Manager Anne Cardwell and Finance Director Karin Schnaider. The City Council will […]
Commission denies neighbors’ appeal of Cooper Drive day care approval
Benicia Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously sided with city staff’s recommendation to uphold a zoning administrator ruling to issue a use permit for a home-based family day care at 579 Cooper Drive. The decision, with minor adjustments to conditions of approval to accommodate parking and clients’ dropoff and pickup space, supports a ruling originally issued […]
UPDATE: Arrest in Vallejo student’s shooting death
A Jesse Bethel High School student was shot and killed near a Vallejo skate park Thursday morning, and Vallejo police arrested a suspect Friday and charged him with the murder, Lt. Kenny Park said. Park said Zachery Kroll, 19, was arrested shortly after midnight, culminating a day-long search after the shooting of a Jesse Bethel […]