Buffers won’t work Some of the rejectors of regulated cannabis activity in our town have pleaded for extensive distance buffers around schools, day care businesses, youth centers, religious assemblies, parks and any other place they could think of where minors or other “sensitive populations” (?) are likely to be in attendance. The common rationale was […]
The Benicia Fullosopher: The truth about cruising
By Joyce Middlebrook The Benicia Fullosopher I recently retired from working part time on cruise ships and–with 30 years of cruising experience–I now feel free to reveal all the things they don’t tell you in the slick brochures, magazine ads, and thrilling videos that promise luxury, exotic ports, fabulous food and maybe even romance. There […]
Letters: League of Women Voters, cannabis
Thank you, LWV It is essential in our representative form of democracy that we, the public, take an interest and participate in our own governance especially at the local level. I would like to thank the Benicia chapter of the League of Women Voters for organizing and presenting its 13th annual Meet Your Local Officials […]
Letters: Weapons and cannabis
One bullet The record will show that in the ’80s, my father William stood in his classroom in Pinole Junior High School when, from Appian Way, a shooter fired one bullet from a high-powered rifle through the outside wall of his school. The bullet landed next to his fellow teacher, Al Williams, in the adjoining […]
Letter: Kudos to Solano College
Kudos to Solano College I would like to publicly thank Solano Community College’s softball team for allowing me to throw out the ceremonial pitch, Thursday Feb. 1. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this effort. Receiving a Solano College shirt, the softball I used and flowers was such a surprise. Thank you, Athletic Director Erik […]
A Different Drummer: Searching for doubt in a technological kaleidoscope
It’s difficult to write 800 words of new and unique insight regarding gun laws, school shootings, and our warped society. It’s all been said and I agree with the majority. To me, there is no mystery. Water is thicker than blood. Easy access to military-grade weaponry by every consumer in America is profitable and protected […]
Christina Strawbridge: Water and sewer rates need to be delayed
The winter months have provided California with little rain, making weather forecasters wonder and worry if this is the start of another drought. In November of 2016, as a Benicia Councilmember, I voted along with two of my colleagues to increase the water and sewer rates over a five-year period. Based upon information given […]
Letter: Rejection without merit
Rejection without merit The window of opportunity is now closed for present politicians and this year’s announced or presumptive candidates to reconsider their persistent dismissive views on cannabis, even as medicine for many members of our community. Some have acknowledged the efficacy of medicinal cannabis but believe regulated access to medicine is still “not right […]
Letter: Benicia deserves better
Benicia deserves better Benicia is the only Bay Area refinery town that does not have the community protection of an Industrial Safety Ordinance, or ISO. In 1999, the city of Richmond and Contra Costa County adopted their interlocking ISOs. The Richmond ordinance mirrors the Contra Costa ISO, and Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Division is […]
Letter: Teaching scholarships available
Teaching scholarships available Each year, scholarships are available to residents of Solano County who have bachelor’s degrees and are seeking California teaching credentials. These applicants must be studying at accredited universities. The scholarships are made available through the C. Shirley Michel Scholarship Fund, administered by Division No. 24 of the California Retired Teachers Association. Last […]