(This article originally appeared in the June 12 print edition of the Herald) BENICIA – At its June 2 meeting, the Benicia City Council unanimously approved a resolution requesting that Caltrans plant replacement trees along the freeways and work with the City and local organizations on other tree planting and maintenance projects. The Benicia Tree […]
Benicia High School students hold Youth Against Brutality protest and march on First St.
Galen Kusic, Editor Aleta Andrews, Correspondent As the country continues to mourn in anger over the brutal police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week, activists and protesters have taken to the streets to call for justice and accountability for not only Floyd’s murder, but the countless other black and brown people that have […]
Ace Hardware employee tests positive for COVID-19; owner assures customers store is safe
Galen Kusic, Editor On Mon., Pedrotti Ace Hardware in Benicia received a report that an employee had tested positive for COVID-19. Solano County Health Department officials have reviewed the case and have instructed the store to inform employees that were considered in “close contact” to get tested immediately. Employees are able to continue to work, […]
Rio Vista Fire Battalion Chief fired after violent social media post
Galen Kusic, Editor News broke Mon. in Rio Vista when it was revealed that Rio Vista Fire Battalion Chief Brandon Vaccaro was fired after using inflammatory language on social media toward Sacramento protesters in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week. He wrote: “Start blasting!!!! They will go home. […]
Thompson announces 2020 Summer Reading Challenge
Encourages all CA-05 pre-K through 8 students to join Washington – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced the beginning of his 2020 Summer Reading Challenge open to students through eighth grade who live in the Fifth Congressional District. A statement from Thompson is below. “Particularly now while our social activity is limited, reading is an incredible […]
Solano County issues Local Emergency and Curfew Order
SOLANO COUNTY – In cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, Solano Sheriff Thomas A. Ferrara has imposed a Countywide Local Emergency and CurfewOrder effective immediately, commencing this evening, June 2 at 8 p.m. The curfew requires people in the County of Solano to stay indoors from 8 p.m. through 5 a.m. The Local Emergency will […]
Benicia Council rejects mandate to wear masks in local businesses by 3-2 vote
Galen Kusic, Editor The issue of mandated face coverings in closed public spaces has been a contentious debate in Benicia. The City has received many emails requesting that the City mandate the wearing of face coverings. Currently, the shelter-at-home orders for Solano County and the State of California do not mandate face coverings, but it […]
County amends health order to include barbershops and hair salons to reopen with modifications
SOLANO COUNTY – Public Health Officials have amended the County’s stay-at-home health order and directive, giving barbershops and hair salons permission to reopen immediately if they meet specific guidelines as outlined in the updated health order. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) made the announcement this week, giving Counties that have attested to meeting […]
Council unanimously adopts Climate Emergency Resolution
Galen Kusic, Editor At the Sept. 3, 2019 council meeting, the City Council agreed to discuss a request from Mayor Elizabeth Patterson considering the adoption of a Climate Emergency Resolution. The request was discussed again on Feb. 4 at a Special City Council meeting, where a subcommittee was formed consisting of Councilmembers Tom Campbell and […]
Benicia planning to start reopening city facilities June 1
BENICIA – Benicia is beginning to reopen city facilities slowly but surely. “I’m very pleased to announce that we are planning to offer modified services to the community starting on Monday, June 1, 2020,” said Benicia City Manager Lorie Tinfow. The modifications include changes to program and service delivery and changes to the physical environment […]