Staff Report The Benicia Public Library’s Marilyn O’Rourke Gallery is accepting applications for its 2019 schedule of exhibitions, according to a news release by the library. Applications are open to all artists, and the deadline is Sept. 28. Applications and information about the exhibits are available on the library’s website at benicialibrary.org/gallery/submissions. Applications should be […]
Library gallery seeking artists, committee members
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 […]
Fire Department receives $15K grant for vegetation management
Staff Report The Benicia Fire Department was recently awarded a $15,000 grant to expand the use of goats grazing in high risk, overgrown vegetation areas, according to a news release by the city. The grant was the result of a partnership between the California Fire Foundation and Pacific Gas & Electric, which have […]
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 […]
Benicia PD to raise breast cancer awareness through participation in Pink Patch Project
Staff Report Throughout October, the Benicia Police Department will be raising awareness of breast cancer through its first-ever participation in the Pink Patch Project (PPP), according to a city news release. The project is a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association and public safety agencies throughout the country. The […]
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 […]