Property owner makes $900K claim against city as state agency calls for cleanup Historic Arsenal Park, a property owner represented by attorney James R. Arnold, has filed a $900,000 claim against Benicia, saying toxic substances were released on the property by industrial tenants during the city’s ownership, City Attorney Heather McLaughlin told the City Council […]
City manager report: Opt-out for MCE begins Feb. 19, ends May 15
Brad Kilger offers residents Q&A information on energy supplier switch City Manager Brad Kilger, who regularly publishes a public report on Benicia’s operations, has used his Feb. 10 report to give residents information about the upcoming change in electricity supplier. The city has joined Marin Clean Energy, a community choice aggregation agency that will give […]
Nurses back refinery strikers
RNs to join steel workers union at news conference California Nurses Association and National Nurses United representatives said they will announce at noon Thursday in Martinez that they are joining refinery workers who have walked out on strike at Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery. Spokespersons Charles Idelson and Jon Jeter said the two nursing unions may […]
Council OKs bus hub loan agreement
■ $85K from SolTrans moves Industrial Park transit center forward Benicia City Council has taken the next step in getting a bus hub built in the city Industrial Park by approving an $85,000 loan agreement with SolTrans. SolTrans is the joint powers authority that has been providing public transportation — both local and express bus […]
Authors’ latest eyes sustainable ‘revolution’
Benician, Nobel winner pen 3rd collaboration For Benicia business owner and writer Grant Cooke, the question isn’t whether crude oil should come in by rail, pipeline or tanker ship. Nor which is better, hybrids or all-electric cars. Cooke is looking ahead to hydrogen-powered vehicles that are no more combustible than those powered by gasoline and […]
County’s view of state parks questioned
Ire raised by 4 C’s ‘local issue’ stance Benicia City Council has seen the 2015 State and Federal Legislative Platform for consideration of the City-County Coordinating Council. a panel nicknamed “4 C’s” and made up of the mayors of each of the county’s cities as well as the five Solano County supervisors. At the Council’s […]
Guard unit welcomes new leader
Lt. Col. Beegles takes over in Sunday ceremony “I never imagined myself here,” Lt. Col. Barbara J. Beegles said Sunday, shortly after assuming command of the 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the California Army National Guard. In a ceremony at the Benicia Armory, Beegles praised her predecessor, Lt. Col. Donna A. McDermott, who commanded […]
Officials react to supe’s retirement
“Dedicated.” “Deeply knowledgeable.” “A pleasure to work with.” There are the words past and present Benicia officials used to describe Janice Adams, the superintendent of Benicia Unified School District, who announced recently she plans to conclude her 41-year career in education at the end of the current school year. “Janice has been a pleasure to […]
Benicia Biz Beat: Cullen’s Saloon to open Valentine’s Day
DENISE AND DENNIS CULLEN, who own Cullen’s Tannery Pub, 131 First St., will celebrate the Valentine’s Day opening of Cullen’s Saloon 7-9 p.m. Saturday with a whiskey and chocolate tasting. The saloon will specialize in handcrafted spirits tastings and private parties, and the Cullens are planning similar tastings and monthly educational sessions there as a […]
Adams: Time to call it a career
Benicia schools superintendent to step down at end of semester After 41 years in the education field and eight years as superintendent of Benicia Unified School District, Janice Adams has announced she is retiring in June. “My husband, Peter, retired four years ago,” she said Friday, saying the couple wants to spend more time together. […]