The Benicia City Council approved a grant by the California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) grant to the tune of $18,000 for the library’s Adult Literacy Services (ALS) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs at Tuesday’s meeting. In 1987, the Benicia Public Library established its ALS program, which provides 1:1 tutoring and […]
Bocce ball art exhibit rolls into Benicia Library
The popularity of bocce, the Italian ball sport, only continues to grow. With its roots in ancient Rome, the game is huge in Europe and also has sprouted leagues in North America as well, especially in California. This includes Benicia, where a bocce court was constructed in Civic Park in 2006 followed by an additional […]
Candidate Spotlight: Christina Strawbridge seeking return to council
Following her defeat in 2016, Councilmember Christina Strawbridge knew exactly what she wanted to do: run again to get back on the City Council. “I really enjoyed being on the council,” Strawbridge, who had served from 2011 to 2016, said. “It was a progression as far as my involvement with the town, having been on […]
City manager announces locations for cannabis biz requests
After issuing Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for cannabis-related businesses in town, City Manager Lorie Tinfow announced that nine proposals had been received for cannabusinesses in the city’s weekly newsletter. In early 2018, the Benicia City Council approved ordinances related to cannabis business related operations. The council limited the number of retail businesses no more than […]
Candidate Spotlight: EDB Chair Lionel Largaespada taking another shot at council seat
A defeat in 2016 did not deter Lionel Largaespada from running again for the Benicia City Council. If anything, he says it has made him more energized. “Friends, residents, voters asked me to keep at it,” he said. “Momentum was on our side, and that really inspired and motivated me to stay in the race.” […]
Planning Commission narrowly OKs use permit for digital billboard at Bayshore Road
By a slim margin, the Planning Commission approved a use permit to modify a conventional billboard on Bayshore Road into a digital LED billboard at Thursday’s meeting. Associate Planner Charles Enchill presented a history of the project. In 2012, applicant Bruce Qualls of Clear Channel Outdoor proposed converting two static billboards— one on Park Road […]
BHS nabs 13 Arty nominees apiece for 2017-18 productions; BOTTG nets 5
The Performing Arts Network (PAN-Arts) announced its nominees for the 34th annual Arty Awards, which honor theatrical productions at all levels in the counties of Solano, Napa and– for the first time this year– Yolo, this morning. Once again, Benicia High School and Benicia Old Town Theatre Group are well-represented among the nominees. Benicia High […]
Board, commission appointments will go before council Tuesday
Some citizens may continue serving their community on various boards and commissions, others will be seeking seats for the first time. All will be voted on by the Benicia City Council at its Tuesday meeting. After a lengthy process that included interviews by a council subcommittee and Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, the council will be voting […]
Arts Benicia goes ‘dark’ for curated exhibit
Although most would rather not think about it, the Halloween season is starting to creep in. Just look at all the Halloween decorations in stores, advertisements for pumpkin spice lattes and emergence of Halloween specialty stores— all in the middle of September. Arts Benica’s curated exhibition, “After Dark,” is not Halloween-themed, but it is still […]
New exhibit to light up Plein Air Gallery
Judy Feins is bringing light to the Benicia Plein Air Gallery. Specifically, the light is in her paintings which capture the luminous elements of nature. Feins has exhibited at the gallery before— local art aficionados might remember last year’s show “Luminous”—, but those who want to get a further understanding of the East Bay artist’s […]