Farm & Flour will utilize locally sourced, organic ingredients For the past three years, States Coffee & Mercantile has been a popular destination in downtown Martinez. The locally sourced coffee remains a big hit in its community, which is why Brett Benzer, who helped open States, is bringing the coffee to Benicia for his new […]
Planning Commission to vote on proposed digital billboard at Bayshore Road
If you have ever stopped at the foot of the Interstate 680 offramp leading onto Bayshore Road, then you might have noticed a large billboard on the lefthand side— or on the righthand side when driving down the freeway. However, if the Planning Commission approves an application from Clear Channel Outdoor, then it could […]
BUSD announces guidelines for free, discount meal eligibility in 18-19
The Benicia Unified School District announced its guidelines for free or reduced meal programs under the National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs for the 2018-19 school year. According to a news release, BUSD’s Food and Nutrition Department offers lunch services at Matthew Turner Elementary School, breakfast and lunch services at Mary Farmar Elementary, Joe Henderson Elementary, Robert […]
Most businesses comply in alcohol, tobacco sales stings
All but one business refused to sell alcohol or tobacco to a minor during an annual compliance check conducted by the Benicia Police Department, the city announced in a news release. During compliance checks, underage decoys attempt to purchase alcohol or tobacco from a selected retailer. If the business asks the minor for identification, as […]
Local candidates emerge as filing deadline nears
(This post has been updated from the print edition.) The last day for candidates to declare their candidacies and submit nomination papers is Friday, but some fields are emerging in Benicia’s City Council and school board races. The Benicia City Council has two seats open in this year’s race, those belonging to councilmembers Mark Hughes […]
Benicia man killed in Vallejo boat crash
(This post has been updated.) Richard Todd Denno of Benicia was killed in a boat crash off the coast of Vallejo last weekend. On the evening of Saturday, July 28, Denno and a driver were on a 24-foot outboard motor boat on the Carquinez Strait. After a dinner at The Front Room at the Wharf, […]
Tile artist returns with ‘New Work’ at Gallery 621
Daniel Hunter is back with a new exhibition at Gallery 621. Those who have frequented the gallery over the years might remember the El Sobrante artist’s showcase of toys encased in ceramic tiles in last year’s exhibit, “Tile Tales.” Hunter is creating art out of tiles again in his new show— “New Work,” which opens […]
Man’s life sentence for stabbing outside Benicia bar overturned by appeals court
The life sentence of a Richmond man convicted of stabbing a man outside a Benicia bar in 2008 was overturned Tuesday by the Court of Appeals. In 2009, Richmond resident James Bilbrey was found guilty of attempted murder and aggravated mayhem in the stabbing of Benicia resident Joseph Tomada, then 23, outside the […]
West Vallejo Grocery Outlet receives healthy makeover
The Grocery Outlet on Marin Street in Vallejo underwent a health-conscious makeover yesterday, and consumers will get to see these changes with a celebration at the store Thursday. The discount grocery chain was the eighth in Solano County to receive a “Healthy Stores for a Healthy Community” makeover from VibeSolano Alliance, a coalition of stakeholders […]
Benicia ranks on list of America’s top ‘beach towns’ for second year in a row
Benicia has cemented its status as a waterfront community by being named as one of the most livable “beach towns” in the United States by personal finance site WalletHub. It even bested last year’s rank of No. 34 by slotting in at No. 22. Of course, what constitutes a “beach town” is purely subjective. Many […]