Cannabis has been on the minds of Benicians since California residents voted to legalize the substance back in November. There have been numerous City Council meetings on the subject, and it has been a source of debate amongst city officials and representatives. The Planning Commission decided where cannabis business could be located and use at […]
Water rates, building demolition on council agenda tonight
Water rate increases and the potential demolition of a historical building are up on the dock for the Benicia City Council at tonight’s meeting. First up for the council will be the water rate increases. The city of Benicia recommended the water and sewer rate increase after an 18-month dialogue and review by independent financial […]
Planning Commission gives green light to car wash
Talkin’ about the car wash was what the planning commission did at their Thursday meeting. On the agenda was an approval of a use permit and variances for a gas station, convenience store and car wash at 505 Miltary East. In August of 2016, Sat Singh sent an application to the city of Benicia to […]
Wine Country fires affect Benicia events
Smoke from the Northern California fires has canceled and postponed two weekend events in Benicia. The Benicia Historical Museum’s “I Dig Benicia” event and the Benicia Fire Department’s open house, both originally slated for Saturday, will no longer be taking place on their scheduled dates. Both the Benicia Museum and Fire Department have cited poor […]
School canceled in Benicia due to smoke
Amidst public health concerns, Benicia children and teenagers will have the rest of the week off from school. According to a statement issued by Superintendent Dr. Charles Young, Benicia Unified School District officials decided to end classes early on Wednesday when it was believed the smoke from several Northern California fires had become a health […]
Benicia High Schoolers take Casey’s pledge
It was a somber morning Thursday at Benicia High School. A group of students gathered during the school’s new Access period to hear the story of a young woman whose life was taken by a drunken driver and take the pledge not to drink and drive. The assembly began with an introduction by students involved […]
North Bay Art & Film Festival returns to Benicia this weekend
(This article has been updated from the print edition.) It’s a film lover’s chance to experience cinema paradiso in Benicia as Carter’s Biz Cafes hosts the North Bay Art & Film Festival. The festival is an annual three-day event which screens films created by independent filmmakers and select artists from around the globe. Independent filmmakers created […]
Council approves bleacher replacement project
The Benicia City Council made a decision to move forward on the Fitzgerald Field Bleacher Replacement Project at its Tuesday meeting. In May, the council set aside $750,000 to replace bleachers at the storied downtown baseball field. The construction cost estimate was expected to exceed the project budget. Staff entered a partnership with the Richmond […]
Gas tax, dog attack claim on council agenda tonight
The Benicia City Council will make a decision on the approval of the street projects to receive gas tax funding at its regular meeting tonight. In April, Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1. This bill aims to increase the per gallon fuel excise taxes, diesel fuel sales taxes and vehicle inspection registration fees. It […]
Union Pacific still investigating cause of derailment Saturday
A Union Pacific Railroad train derailed in Benicia on Saturday afternoon. The train, consisting of nine hopper cars, derailed near Bayshore Road in the Benicia Industrial Park around 3:40 p.m. No injuries were reported from the incident, and no hazardous materials were spilled. Union Pacific Railroad is currently investigating the situation, representatives for the company […]