Recently, a high-profile historic building was condemned in the 900 block of First Street. Scaffolding was added in case of a tremor or a strong wind gust. The red tag meant that it was unsafe to enter the businesses that had occupied the building for years. Estey Real Estate & Property Management, a long established […]
The A Cappella Handyman: Pedro’s Back! (No. 361!)
Yes, it’s true, The A Cappella Handyman is BACK! Let’s just say a sabbatical was in order and I got some home chores done, re-started my Friday Blog and gave a shot in the arm to my “Taproot & Aniseweed.” And yes, this IS my 361st column for the Benicia Herald. Really, since 2008, 360 […]
Letters: The pot ordinance
The pot ordinance I am writing to express my point of view regarding the upcoming Benicia City Council meeting’s discussion on the moratorium on all marijuana related activities in the city. I have smoked recreational marijuana for many years, beginning in college in 1969. I have used it to relax, to inspire myself, to enjoy […]
Letters: Keep your promise
Keep your promise Now that Trump has been elected president of the United States according to its Constitution and laws, all those who threatened to leave the U.S. if Trump was elected apparently lied to us in nothing more than an attempt to influence the election. On the top of the list: Al Sharpton, Cher, […]
Matt Talbot: The verdicts of history
“Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest, with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force take a drink from […]
Letters: Yes, it is a new year
Yes, it is a new year Guess how the mayor ushered in the new year for the city of Benicia? With an agenda item saying, “The City of Benicia is an inclusive city for all our residents and business.” That’s fine, except I do believe we already are. Then she goes on to make a […]
Letters: Storm, Affordable Care Act and safety
Newspapers must include climate change in water coverage We have been experiencing extreme tidal fluctuations in the Carquinez Straits. The heavy rains expected to persist throughout the week should show some serious water level increases. It should be interesting to watch. Dan Horan, Benicia Rebuttal to the rebuttal It was interesting to read […]
Matt Talbot: A great album and a great era
I’ve mentioned before that I drive for one of the car sharing services. Depending on when I drive, I sometimes have considerable time between passengers, and I often pass the time by listening to music. I have lately been listening to the Miles Davis album “Kind of Blue,” recorded in March and April of […]
Matt Talbot: Concluding thoughts on the Democrats and 2016
This is part 4 of my series discussing the progressive electoral failure of the Democratic Party over the last six years. There’s other stuff I’d like to talk about, so I think I’ll wrap this discussion up (for the time being) in today’s column. I’ve said before in this space that the most defining characteristic […]
Dennis Lund: Twelve words and phrases to lose in 2017
During a performance at Yoshi’s in Oakland, legendary Texas wordsmith, the late Guy Clark, asked the question: Is there a synonym for ‘Thesaurus’? He added that he never found one, but the word ‘lexicon’ was about as close as he could find. The lexicon, the words and phrases used on a daily basis, evolves, as […]