In a recent letter to the editor, Bob Livesay asked when Mayor Patterson is going to do something for Benicia, and questioned where the mayor’s focus is these days, and why isn’t it on Benicia? Well, I’ll let those of you who have been through the mayor’s first two terms to answer for yourselves whether […]
A Different Drummer: The Age of Women, where you be?
Globally over two million women and supporters marched to draw attention to the threats and limitations on women’s rights. A good two million of them came from the USA. Was it also a protest against the new restrictive, authoritarian administration? You’re darn tootin’ it was. Washington numbers are estimated at twice the numbers for the […]
Matt Talbot: Fear, loathing and Donald Trump
Over the next four years, I’m going to make a distinction in my columns between Donald Trump and the people who voted for him. Donald Trump is a narcissistic, grandstanding blowhard, whose presidency is likely to make the venal, corrupt incompetence of George W. Bush’s administration look like the reign of Marcus Aurelius. With his […]
Letters: Two views on local/national politics
No place for street politics It is very evident to me that the Benicia voters were sold a false campaign issue. This last city election was all about crude by rail and anti-fossil fuel. That is over, and our good neighbor Valero did not sue the city. Now it is time to get down to […]
The A Cappella Handyman: The Inauguration and Marches…
The Women’s March on Washington, D.C. How Fantastic! I salute all my activist sisters! Yippee! It was reported that there were some 600-plus marches around the globe. Obviously, people of all origins and situations are ticked at the status quo. Outstanding, ladies, contrast that to a lame 53 percent voter turnout in the U.S. this […]
Letters: AAUW says thanks
AAUW says thanks On behalf of the Benicia-Vallejo branch of the American Association of University Women, I wish to thank the businesses that donated gift certificates, supplies, services, and other raffle items to help make our Jan. 21 fundraiser a great success. As a result of their generosity, as well as donations from several AAUW […]
Letters: Benicia Main Street events and mayor’s agenda
Benicia Main Street events in coming weeks Since 1987, Benicia has had the distinction of being one of a handful of certified Main Street Programs in California. In a community blessed with so much history, our Main Street has iconic status, literally, as the Seal of Benicia bears the image of our State Capitol (1853-54) […]
A Different Drummer: The Garden of Earthly Delights
For more than half my life, I lived in a happy fantasy world of optimism. I thought that most of us wanted peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind. Now I’m a cynic, a hopeless pessimist. Only the powerless and disenfranchised seem to want equality. As a child, a teen, and a young adult, I […]
Letters: Honored to be your supervisor
Honored to be your supervisor I am so honored to represent Benicia on the Solano County Board of Supervisors. It was truly a privilege to be sworn in by Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson on Jan. 9. I look forward to a working relationship with Benicia’s leaders as we move forward. I want to get to […]
Matt Talbot: Polite congratulations, plus random thoughts
So, Donald Trump will take the oath of office today, and will be the 45th president of the United States. Out of good sportsmanship, respect for the office of the presidency and believing that Donald Trump legitimately won the election in November, I will hold my tongue this week and offer my sincere congratulations to […]