Transcribed by Keri Luiz Assistant Editor From the Desk of Publisher Arthur W. Gluckman Public Schools Week “WHAT! ANOTHER WEEK TO BE OBSERVED?” cries the alarmed citizen. But wait a moment. This is Public Schools Week we’re speaking of, and of all the year’s special weeks, few are more worthy of observance. If a more […]
Trustees hear calls for teacher pay raises
‘Time to return’ some of reserve to staff, union bargaining chair says; no layoffs this year, board president notes By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor The public comment portion of the Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting Thursday was lengthy, filled with teachers from the district pleading their case for a long-delayed raise. “To […]
Residents brainstorm ideas for First Street
Packed house for Economic Development Board workshop; residents say use of waterfront is big priority By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor Wednesday night’s Economic Development Board meeting used a unique format. A room at the Benicia Community Center was set up with five tables, with a group at each table made up of merchants, community members […]
Trustees to honor top employees in district
High school drama, dance teacher to be recognized; custodian ‘does whatever it takes’ By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor A highlight of Thursday night’s meeting of the Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees will be a bit of good news, as board members single out for praise two district employees. Benicia High School drama and […]
This Week in Benicia History: 70 years ago: April 16, 1942
Transcribed by Keri Luiz Assistant Editor From the Desk of Publisher Arthur W. Gluckman What About Benicia’s Future? THERE HAS BEEN SOME WAGGING OF HEADS, and some tongue-clucking here about the great number of homes being constructed in Benicia. The headwaggers and tongue-cluckers want to know what is to become of the city after the […]
Workshop to shine light on 1st Street
Special meeting to focus on needs, wants; free-flowing brainstorm session hoped for By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor The city’s Economic Development Board will hold a special workshop Wednesday to discuss First Street, Main Street and Chamber of Commerce activities. Calling it a “roundtable discussion,” acting Economic Development manager Mario Giuliani said the meeting at the […]
Descent into ‘Madness’
In ‘Reefer,’ Benicia thespians tackle the sublimely ridiculous By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor Everyone knows: Marijuana kills. At least, that’s what everyone thought they knew in the first half of the 20th century. That misinformation — spread eagerly by official propaganda — is the basis of the spoof “Reefer Madness: The Musical,” which opens Friday, […]
Has BHS principal been fired after all?
Online job posting indicates BUSD looking for new administrator By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor An online job posting for a new principal at Benicia High School could mean Gary Jensen has lost his fight to remain the head of that school — despite Benicia Unified School District trustees opting not to go ahead with his […]
Behind the wine
Benicia filmmaker goes behind scenes at 5 Sonoma vineyards By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor LOCAL FILMMAKER JOHN BECK wanted to know more about wine. But he wasn’t interested in making a documentary about what makes a great pinot noir. It was the frantic, exhausting work of the harvest — from vineyard owner to grape picker […]
Singular Achievements
■ Terry Hughes offers the tactile — and the unique — as Plein Air Gallery artist of the month By Keri Luiz Assistant Editor We all wish that we could do what we love. That we could follow — like Terry Hughes, this month’s featured artist at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery — our passion. […]