Benicia Literary Arts members want you to tell them your stories of Benicia. Residents can email the organization to sign up for interviews April 25, or can show up that afternoon at the Doña Benicia Room of Benicia Public Library, said BLA member Carolyn Plath, who also is a regular contributor to The Herald.
Rep. pens crude-by-rail safety bill
■ Mike Thompson: Recent accidents show need for ‘robust’ action U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, the Napa Democrat who represents Benicia in the House, has introduced the Crude-by-Rail Safety Act he co-authored to establish comprehensive safety security standards for transporting crude oil by train. The act, presented to the House on Wednesday, is a response to concerns […]
Historical talk to focus on ‘Benicia’ vessels
The name “Benicia” not only came from the wife of General Mariano Vallejo — and it is not only the moniker given to the South Solano County city founded by Dr. Robert Semple and Thomas O. Larkin on land Vallejo sold to them. Benicia also is the name given to several sailing vessels over the […]
Law Day contests commemorate anniversary of signing of Magna Carta
The Magna Carta, signed and sealed June 15, 1215 by King John of England at Runnymede near the River Thames, set unprecedented — and to many, including John himself, unheard-of — limits on the crown’s authority. The landmark document was reissued in 1216 under the regency of John’s son, King Henry III, and incorporated the […]
Benicia resident salvages rooftop runoff
When Gov. Jerry Brown declared that California was in a severe drought, at least one Benicia resident, Dan Schaefer, took the announcement seriously. Schaefer quit watering his lawn, letting the grass turn brown. He’s been catching his shower water in a 5-gallon bucket. And he began making other changes recommended by city officials and others […]
Panel on bees: Get a permit
Over-the-counter process for prospective keepers recommended to City Council Few on the Benicia Planning Commission wanted prospective urban beekeepers to pay for 500-foot notification of their intent to establish a backyard hive, or to have to undergo public hearings and other delays. But few were satisfied, however, with beekeepers simply filing information with Solano County […]
Benicia Biz Beat: ABC Music to offer percussion classes
A SIX-WEEK PERCUSSION CLASS, “Rhythm and African,” is being offered starting this month at ABC Music Store and Academy, 739 First St. Cost to attend the information and registration night, 7 p.m. April 23 at the store, is $12, and cost for the six-week class, which includes a drum to take home, is $72. Those […]
Vallejo picks new community engagement officer
Vallejo Police Department has chosen officer Brenton Garrick, a 25-year veteran, as its new community engagement officer, Lt. Kenny Park, public information officer, said Thursday. “The primary role of this new assignment is to more actively engage with the community and to enhance communications between the citizens of Vallejo and the police department,” Park said.
MCE outreach has gaps, agency rep told
At Council meeting, official hears criticism of effort, suggestions for improvement Marin Clean Energy’s efforts to inform power customers about next month’s switch away from Pacific Gas and Electric as Benicia’s primary electricity provider needs further refining, members of both the City Council and the public suggested last week. Allison Kirk, account manager for Marin […]
State sets record for West Nile activity
Last year was one of the most active for West Nile virus in California, said Dr. Karen Smith, state Department of Public Health director and state health officer. Smith said in 2014, California had the second-highest number of human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) since the virus first showed up in 2003. The state […]