Celeste Smeland, the new executive director of Arts Benicia, began work at the arts nonprofit this week. “I have to say it is amazing how much people have wanted to meet and talk with me, and greet me, and the enthusiasm of me coming on board,” she said. “Everyone has been so incredibly gracious and […]
Community urges school board to act on teen suicide risk
At last week’s meeting of Benicia Unified School District trustees, many members of the community spoke about Board Policy BP 5141.52, which addresses suicide prevention. First to speak was Barbara Gervase, the mother of Kyle Hyland, the Benicia High School junior who took his own life Dec. 22, 2014. Gervase first commended the district on […]
Full slate for BUSD trustees; certain positions to be reduced
The Benicia Unified School District governing board has a busy night ahead. As part of its full slate tonight, the board will hear a presentation from Assistant Superintendent Michael Gardner on a plan to reduce the number of classified, or non-teaching, positions.
EDB to get report on COQ biz café
■ Arts’ economic impact also to be discussed Carter Rankin, owner of Carter’s Biz Café, will provide an update to the Economic Development Board Wednesday on the opening of his business in the Commanding Officer’s Quarters of the Arsenal. Rankin was scheduled to give a presentation in April but the EDB meeting was cancelled because of […]
‘Something for everyone’ at new gallery
For four years Renee Marie Jordan has been hosting local artists at her Jordan Real Estate office on First Street. But, “I wanted to do something different,” she said, and since the beginning of the year she has been transforming the front of her office into a full co-op gallery. With local artist Stephanie Grey […]
New schools supe ‘already energized’
❒ Dr. Charles Young era to begin July 1 at BUSD The new superintendent of the Benicia Unified School District was introduced during a special meeting of BUSD trustees on May 6. Dr. Charles Young will officially begin his new job on July 1. But first he must finish his fourth year serving as associate […]
New supe introduced to board, public
Dr. Charles Young’s contract approved The contract for the new Benicia Unified School District superintendent was approved in a special meeting of the governing board of trustees Wednesday, and Dr. Charles Young was introduced to those assembled. “As we looked at (retiring superintendent) Janice (Adams)’s contract we realized it was eight years ago. A lot […]
2nd Art Walk of 2015 gets kid-, family-friendly with eco theme
Last weekend the focus of Benicia’s art community was Open Studios, the annual event when artists, mostly in the Arsenal, open up their work spaces for visitors. This Saturday the focus shifts to downtown with Art Walk, the monthly event that draws tourists and residents alike to First Street for events, shopping and gallery gazing. […]
BUSD chooses new superintendent
❒ Dr. Charles Young has been assistant superintendent in Palo Alto Unified School District for 4 years Benicia Unified School District has a new superintendent. On Wednesday, trustees are expected to approve his new contract at a special meeting of the school board. Dr. Charles Young, currently in his fourth year serving as associate superintendent […]
Opening this weekend: City’s art studios
Public invited to go behind the scenes at workspaces of many Benicia artists The first weekend in May heralds the annual Arts Benicia Open Studios, where artists in the Arsenal and throughout the city open their studios to the public. More than 60 artists, most located in the Arsenal but several in the downtown area […]