Longtime resident Jim Higginbotham has memories of Benicia dating back to the “invasion of Arkies and Okies,” as it was referred to at the time, that occurred toward the end of the Second World War in the early 1940s. “We took over Benicia without ever firing a shot,” he said with a laugh. Higginbotham came […]
Review: B8’s ‘Man’ a well-crafted biopic
B8 Theatre Company is back, and they’ve kicked off their 2017-2018 season with the world premiere of “Man of Letters: A View of Oscar Wilde,” a biographical collage of the words of the late playwright masterfully compiled into a sentimental one-act play by B8 actor and director Alan Cameron. B8 Theatre, formerly Butterfield 8, […]
Rock hound novelist to share thriller at fairgrounds gem shows
Bay Area author Garner Scott Odell will be at the Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society show, “Spring Bling” at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo next weekend to sign copies of “Emerald,” a novel following a precious gem as it makes its way from 16th century Columbian highlands to a 1930s London auction by Christie’s. […]
Carquinez Choraliers group seeks new members
The Carquinez Choraliers, a volunteer choral ensemble established in Benicia in 2015, is looking to add a few new members. “We’re always looking for new singers,” founder Jeanie Brown said. “We hope to bring cheer to people who need a little extra joy in their days.” The group performs regularly for seniors in Benicia […]
Council adopts inclusive city resolution
At its regular meeting Tuesday, among other items, the Benicia City Council voted to adopt a resolution affirming the city’s commitment to being an inclusive city. Economic Development Department Manager Mario Giuliani introduced the agenda item as the second part of Mayor Patterson’s request for a two-step process to consider adopting the resolution. The council, […]
City council addresses downtown noise ordinance, speed limits Tuesday
At its regular meeting Tuesday, the Benicia City Council addressed downtown noise regulations and discussed recommended changes to city speed limits, in addition to other items. Proclamations The council recognized Arts Benicia on its 30th anniversary as being essential to the promotion of art in the community, serving to stimulate, educate and nurture cultural life […]
Review: Vallejo Symphony sees high turnout for ‘Noon’
The Vallejo Symphony Orchestra (VSO) played the second concert of its 2016-17 season to an impressive crowd at the Hogan Auditorium in Vallejo Sunday. With 364 people attendind, it was the largest audience for the orchestra since 2014, according to VSO board member Tim Zumwalt. “Noon” was the middle concert of the season, falling […]
Council hears broadband, water updates Tuesday
The City Council heard updates on broadband internet service and water reliability Tuesday, beginning with a review by Economic Development Department Manager Mario Giuliani on the history and progress of bringing broadband internet service to the Industrial Park. In 2010, Giuliani reminded the council, the city commissioned a survey to determine the status of internet […]
City Council extends local emergency declaration, marijuana prohibition Tuesday
At its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, the City Council approved the extension of both a temporary moratorium on marijuana-related activities and a declaration of local emergency due to recent storms and flooding, among other issues. MCE The council discussed a staff report on city cost savings achieved from solar collectors and the Marin Clean Energy […]
Planning Commission completes training, reporting requirements Thursday
At its regular meeting Thursday, the planning commission completed its annual open government training and heard reports on its municipal service review, planning commission annual report and planning commission work program, among other items. After completion of the open government training, presented by City Attorney Heather McLaughlin, the commission appointed Kari Birdseye as its new […]