Several important issues have been voted on by the Benicia City Council in the wee hours of the morning as of late. This past Tuesday was no exception. The packed Chamber was full of those who wanted to speak on the noise ordinance, and the rest of the attendees were there for the Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) discussion. In May of 2017, Mayor Patterson asked, as part of the two-step agenda process, that the adoption of an ISO be brought to the council for consideration. Her request came after the May 5, 2017 accident at Valero because of a power outage.
As a candidate for City Council, I try to attend as many meetings as possible. This issue was of particular interest for me considering the safety aspects that are included in an ISO.  As a Councilmember, I voted to deny Valero’s Crude-By-Rail Project because of rail safety concerns. Valero prides itself on its safety record. While on the council, I was invited to many of the Cal/OSHA VPP (Voluntary Protection Program) Star Site Designation luncheons honoring Valero and their achievements. The refinery has won the award multiple times and is one of two refineries in the state that has been recognized.
The California Voluntary Protection Program is designed to recognize employers and their employees who have implemented safety and health programs that effectively prevent and control occupational hazards. These programs go beyond minimal Cal/OSHA standards and provide the best feasible protection at the site.
At the stroke of midnight, I was one of the last to speak during public comment about adopting the Industrial Safety Ordinance. I stated three points about this implementation.
1. A citywide evacuation plan that would not only cover industrial mishaps but earthquake, fire and other disasters, is needed. During the May 5, 2017 incident, there were many questions regarding school lock downs, business closures and identifying emergency routes. Part of that plan would be  to assign a spokesperson from the community to get the correct information disseminated to the public and press.
2. Monitoring systems. I have attended several workshops that were hosted my numerous agencies, including the  Bay Area Air Quality Management District.  There seems to be conflicting information about the where and the when for installing neighborhood monitoring systems in Benicia and the approved fenceline monitors at Valero. These systems are crucial in tracking what is in the air we breathe.
3. Communication and coordination between Valero and the city of Benicia, including the Benicia Fire Department and the citizens. During the May 5 incident, there are contradicting reports about the coordination between the Valero and Benicia Fire Departments. A citizens committee that was a liaison between the public, city and Valero, has not met in over two years. The relationship between the city and Valero is at a historic low with little trust between them.
The council voted 3-2 not to move forward with the draft ISO and took staff’s recommendation of Option 2: Direct staff to monitor Solano County’s implementation of Program 4. In this case, the activities of an Industrial Safety Ordinance for industrial facilities within the City will continue to be carried out by the Solano County’s CUPA as the agency required to carry out these activities under new regulations that went into effect on Oct. 1. It was also agreed that Valero would install the permitted fence line monitor by the first meeting in November, or the council would move forward with drafting a ISO.
Many in attendance this past Tuesday used the term “good neighbor.” We are at a defining moment to change the culture of safety in Benicia. I believe that the change will come by truly becoming good neighbors for a better Benicia that begins with trust. During the next four months, my campaign will be focused on safety in Benicia now and for the future. We can do this!

Christina Strawbridge is a resident, business owner, former Benicia City Councilmember and current candidate for the City Council.

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