The introduction of priority-based budgeting and confirmation of strategic results is the only agenda item for the City Council’s short Tuesday meeting. According to a staff report by City Manager Lorie Tinfow, Benicia’s budget has been described as “fragile.” This fragility, Tinfow wrote, is caused by expense growth outpacing revenue increases, and future challenges associated […]
Solano County Fairgrounds hosting Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show
It should a gem of a time and pretty rocking too in Vallejo this weekend. On Feb. 24 and 25, the Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society is putting on its annual Spring Bling at the Solano County Fairgrounds. At the event will be games such Wheel of Fortune and Geode Cracking. Also at the “Spring […]
Council approves demolition appeal, request for cannabis background checks
The Foundry and Office buildings, the subject of a debate that has lasted more than a year, will remain standing. The Benicia City Council granted an appeal for an emergency demolition of the historic structures at 678 East H St. during Tuesday’s meeting. The two buildings, constructed in the 1850s and once the home of […]
Trivia Bee offers Benicians chance to test knowledge
Benicians have the chance to put their trivia skills to the test next Saturday at the Clocktower as the Benicia Public Library is hosting its annual Trivia Bee. The Trivia Bee has been a part of the library for 26 years, dating back to the institution’s previous location at East G Street. It is a […]
Cannabis business applications, Foundry and Office buildings back on council agenda
Once again, cannabis and a final decision on an emergency demolition permit for two historic buildings are on the Benicia City Council agenda for Tuesday. The council will discuss requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) to approve of conducting background searches of city employees would deal with applicants for commercial cannabis uses. At the Feb […]
Black Irish Band returning to Benicia Historical Museum for concert
Like clockwork, the Black Irish Band is returning to Benicia. The quartet is playing a concert of traditional Irish & Scottish, Italian and American folk music, along with Gold Rush-era songs at the Benicia Historical Museum on Saturday, Feb. 24. The Sonora-based group has been performing for nearly three decades and has been performing […]
General Plan report, takeout service approved by Planning Commission
Seven minutes was all it took for the Planning Commission to wrap up its Thursday meeting. The lone action on the agenda was to approve the consent calendar, which contained a number of items all approved by the commission in one motion. The first item on the consent calendar– apart from approving the draft minutes […]
Council takes first step in cannabis legalization with ordinance readings
The Benicia City Council completed its first reading of the city’s cannabis ordinances at Tuesday’s meeting. This is marks the first step in legalizing cannabis within the city. The seven ordinances read by the council regarded person cultivation of cannabis, commercial cultivation, laboratories for testing, manufacturing, commercial retail, microbusinesses and delivery. The council approved six […]
Takeout ordinance, use permit application on Planning Commission agenda
The Benicia Planning Commission meets Thursday, and on the agenda are a use permit for nonconforming outdoor storage of construction equipment and materials, and a Variance for takeout service. The commission held a public hearing on Nov. 9 to discuss the application of the use permit for nonconforming outdoor storage of construction equipment and materials. […]
Police, DOJ shut down illegal gambling operation
3 El Sobrante residents arrested Benicia police broke up an illegal gambling operation Thursday, according to a news release. The Benicia Police Department had partnered with the California Department of Justice Bureau of Gambling Control for a four-month investigation into an alleged illegal gambling business operating in the 2000 block of Columbus Parkway. The business, […]