Viewers of Wednesday’s Candidate’s Night forum, sponsored by the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, had an opportunity to ask questions of the City Council candidates and learn their perspectives on hot-button issues facing the city. The forum was held in the Council Chambers of City Hall and moderated by James Cooper, the president of the Vallejo […]
Planning Commission to vote on downtown design guidelines
After nearly a year of discussions at various commissions, amendments design guidelines in the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan (DHCP) will go for a second round of votes at Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting. The guidelines were previously adopted at a Historic Preservation Review Commission meeting, and— if approved by the Planning Commission— will go before the […]
Electric vehicles return to farmers market for Drive Electric Week
It is that time of year when one can expect to find electric vehicles at the foot of First Street during the Benicia Certified Farmers Market. For those who have been considering buying an electric vehicle, this is the week to learn more. Benicia is currently in the midst of National Drive Electric Week, a […]
City attorney to leave in March
After having a presence at Benicia City Council meetings for more than 20 years, City Attorney Heather McLaughlin will be exiting the dais in March. McLaughlin said after nearly 22 years in the position and numerous health issues over the years, it was time to move on. “I love this position,” she said. “I […]
BUSD survey results presented to school board
Results from the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) and Relationships Effort Aspirations Cognition and Heart (REACH) Survey were presented at Thursday’s school board meeting. Dr. Carolyn Patton, Benicia Unified School District’s special services director, presented a quick overview of the two surveys’ results. The reports come out publicly in November, so Patton initiated a preliminary […]
School board approves tentative agreement with teachers union
Following nearly a yearlong impasse over contract negotiations with the Benicia Teacher Association (BTA), the Governing Board of the Benicia Unified School District voted to ratify a tentative agreement with a 2.5 percent salary increase at Thursday’s meeting. Throughout the 2017-18 school year, the BTA and BUSD’s bargaining teams met for several negotiation sessions. In […]
Arts & Culture Commissioner Gethsemane Moss running for school board
With more than 20 years of educational experience and a child about to graduate high school in the spring, Gethsemane Moss is ready to serve Benicia and its youth in another big way. She wants to be a school board trustee. Moss is running for a seat on the Governing Board of the Benicia Unified […]
Council scrutinizes proposed accessory dwelling unit regulations
A discussion on proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulation amendments to the Benicia Municipal Code prompted a lot of feedback and even some recommendations by Benicia City Councilmembers at Tuesday’s meeting. An ADU, also known as an in-law unit, is a room or a set of rooms within a single-family home that has […]
Benicia High sophomore raising funds for volunteer trip to Africa
Olivia Andrade just started her sophomore year at Benicia High School, but she is already looking forward to the summer where she will be embarking on a volunteer trip to West Africa as part of Global Leadership Adventures (GLA). GLA is an organization that offers study abroad programs for high schoolers to provide them service […]
Council to vote on amendments to Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations
After receiving hearings from the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Review Commission, an ordinance to amend the Benicia Municipal Code in regards to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations will go before the Benicia City Council for a vote Tuesday. An ADU, also known as an in-law unit, is a room or a set of rooms […]