The second Saturday in August is creeping up fast, which in Benicia means it is time to put the peddle to the metal. It is the 2018 Peddlers’ Fair. This Saturday, more than 200 volunteers will join Benicia residents, businesses, vendors and visitors for the Peddlers’ Fair, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary […]
Community mourns loss of Benicia author, historian Donnell Rubay
Donnell Rubay, a Benicia author, historian, educator and one-time mayoral candidate, died Thursday night. “Benicia has lost a fabulous historian,” fellow Benicia writer Kathryn Reiss said. “Her meticulously researched biographies and historical fiction for children and young adults entertained and educated a generation of readers. A light has gone out in Benicia.” A resident […]
Photo: A new kind of “Flower Box”
New coffee, sandwich shop to open Friday
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 […]
Library adds bilingual storytime in English, ASL
Staff Report The Benicia Public Library has added a monthly bilingual storytime in American Sign Language (ASL) and English to its Saturday storytime repertoire. The library also hosts a storytime in English and Mandarin. “We are so excited to add another bilingual storytime,” Library Director David Dodd said in a statement. “Our Mandarin storytime […]
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, […]