A BENICIA MAIN STREET CONTEST marking Antiques, Vintage and Collectibles Month is asking, “Where’s Jack London?” Participating businesses are displaying framed pictures of London, author of such classics as “Call of the Wild” and “White Fang,” and each has a key word on the back of its frame. Those playing can email key words and […]
With hire, city ends department’s long vacancy
Christina Ratcliffe to serve as new head of community development City Manager Brad Kilger announced Monday that Christina Ratcliffe will be Benicia’s new community development director starting March 30. It’s been nearly two years since Kilger, citing the city’s financial troubles, laid off Charlie Knox, who had been a Benicia employee for seven years. At […]
Cooper Drive day care gets belated nod
In a decision made more than a week after he heard testimony both for and against the request, interim Community Development Director Dan Marks approved Kristi Claverie’s use permit to operate a day care center at her home at 579 Cooper Drive.
Congressman grilled — by Benicia eighth graders
Thompson, visiting city, takes middle schoolers’ questions When U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson’s schedule had a last-minute change, he was unable to speak with Benicia Middle School eighth grade history students during their earlier trip to Washington. It’s a trip the school has been making for many years, and usually it involves a meeting with Benicia’s […]
Council OKs shift for Public Works staff
Department chief gets approval to move interim engineer into assistant director job In a single vote without comment last week, Benicia City Council agreed to a shift in its contracted Public Works Department personnel, and several other matters on its consent calendar. Until Tuesday’s vote, the department has been contracting with Pakpour Consulting Group for […]
City’s former Assembly member hopes to succeed its current senator
Mariko Yamada represented Benicia until redistricting Mariko Yamada, who succeeded Lois Wolk in the state Assembly, has announced she is a candidate for the state Senate in the district seat Wolk will vacate in 2016 because of term limits. Yamada is hoping to represent the Third District, which is made up of Solano and Napa […]
Brown seeks $1B for drought relief plan
Gov. Jerry Brown, joined by a bipartisan group of state lawmakers in Sacramento, said Thursday he is seeking passage of a $1 billion legislative package that would help local communities deal with the ongoing severe drought. Joining him in the announcement were two Democrats, Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León and Assembly Speaker Toni […]
City to seek water recycling grants
Council gives OK to effort to fund study of Valero refinery project Benicia City Council agreed unanimously Tuesday with Public Works Director Graham Wadsworth’s request to seek federal and state grants to fund the first steps that could lead to a recycled water project at Valero Benicia Refinery. Valero uses half the city’s water, and […]
‘Pasta with Paws and Purrs’ to help homeless animals for 2nd year
For the second year, people can dine out on pasta and help homeless animals while they’re waiting for adoption, Ruby Waderich said. Waderich, information officer for Solano County Friends of Animals, said the group will have its Pasta for Paws and Purrs event — “the biggest fundraiser of our year” — next month at Benicia’s Clock […]
MCE outreach changes earn praise
Urgency in mailer meets with City Council approval, but more steps urged Marin Clean Energy has put the Benicia city logo on its envelopes and made other changes in hopes its information mailings about the upcoming power supply change won’t end up in a trash can, recycling bin or shredder, MCE account manager Allison Kirk […]