Annual Open Studios, inaugural holiday market feature Benicia’s best By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor Creative happenings are afoot this weekend at the Arsenal — and Benicia residents and other visitors can get an unmatched close-up view. Artists with studios on Jackson and Tyler streets will participate in the annual Open Studios, giving art lovers the […]
BUSD seeks coaches for ‘Odyssey of the Mind’
by Keri Luiz Assistant Editor The Benicia Unified School District is looking for adults to coach Odyssey of the Mind teams again this year, and time is running short. Training is this Saturday in Concord. “We’re trying to get the word out: We need coaches,” Superintendent of Benicia Schools Janice Adams said. Odyssey of the […]
Tree, streets to be illuminated
Amid ‘Open House,’ Benicia to flip switch Friday on holiday decorations By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor The weather may threaten rain, but First Street is gearing up for sunny dispositions. Benicia’s annual holiday festivities officially begin Friday, including the traditional lighting of the city Christmas tree. And rain or shine, the festivities will go forward, […]
Blues to the rescue: Local concert to benefit Sandy victims
By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor Vallejo-based blues musician Steve Freund, unfortunately, has experience with organizing relief concerts. He did it when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005. Now Freund is using that experience in planning another benefit show, for victims of the latest massive storm to batter American shores. The Superstorm Sandy Blues Benefit […]
Survey: More pot use by students
■ 2-year state report finds alcohol, tobacco use drops in Benicia By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor While overall alcohol and tobacco use is down in Benicia grades seven, nine and 11 and fighting has decreased as well, marijuana use has seen an uptick, according to the recently released California Healthy Kids Survey. Superintendent Janice Adams […]
Django lives: Band invokes jazz legend
Bay Area native George Cole and Eurocana to light up Empress By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor If you’re from the East or North Bay, you may recognize the name George Cole — not from his music career but from his reputation as a teacher. In the 1980s, Cole was a popular guitar teacher at a […]
Merchants ready for Saturday early risers
‘Earlier Than the Bird’ is Benicia’s answer to Black Friday By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor It’s that time of year again, when First Street merchants open their doors early to give shoppers a chance to get an early jump on their holiday shopping. Saturday’s “Earlier Than the Bird” promotion was so named because it takes […]
Sex-ed materials back before board
By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor A review of DVDs that may be used in sex education classes for Benicia fifth graders resumes Thursday before the Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Benicia billboards may get upgrade — and city benefit may be ‘significant’
New deals may be worth hundreds of thousands, officials say By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor An overview of proposed upgrades to a trio of billboards that are visible from Interstate 680 will be up for discussion Thursday at the meeting of the Economic Development Board. City staff will present proposed upgrades to two billboards used […]
Richness of local art scene on display downtown
■ New Gallery 621 exhibit features ‘sampling’ of Arsenal artists By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor When space became available at Gallery 621 for a featured exhibit this month, member Carol Dalton took the opportunity to curate a show featuring artists with Benicia ties — especially those living and working in the Arsenal. “I’ve been dying to […]