Lionel Largaespada, the vice chair of Benicia’s Economic Development Board, will be running for City Council in November. (Courtesy photo)
Lionel Largaespada, a candidate for Benicia City Council, will be at The Loft Wine Bar and Restaurant this evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a meet and greet event.
Benicia residents are invited to attend and ask questions of the candidate while supporting a local downtown business. The event will be hosted by Loft owner Jason Diavatis.
Largaespada is currently vice chair of Benicia’s Economic Development Board. He shared some of his views with the Herald Tuesday on issues currently facing the City Council.
The main thing he hopes to accomplish, he says, is to prioritize items in the city’s General Plan in a way that encourages sound, long-term economic growth. In particular, Largsespada supports Valero Benicia Refinery’s Crude-By-Rail Project. He feels that encouraging growth in industry is as important as promoting environmental safety.
“The two can co-exist. It’s not a zero-sum game,” he explains.
The issue is much larger than just Valero, he adds.
“Benicia needs to be a place that welcomes and encourages businesses to preserve local jobs, and the history and heritage of the city. The best way to protect our environment is to sustain our economy.”
Largaespada also indicated that he is “disappointed” with the city’s recent plan for restructuring water and sewer rates, “especially its impact on businesses, restaurants in particular.” He suggested that changes should be more incremental, and notes that local restaurants stand to bear a disproportionate share of the financial burden. “That’s unacceptable.”
Largaespada is a strong proponent of open government and hopes to make Council actions as clear as possible to the public. Without calling out or placing blame on individual staff members, he plans to boldly ask “the right questions at the right time.”
The Loft is located at 280 First St. The meet and greet will be held this evening between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. For more information call 745-4200.
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“The issue is much larger than just Valero, he adds.” Yes, Lionel, the issue is much bigger than Valero/Benicia. The trains don’t magically appear out of nowhere at the city limits. They have traveled hundreds, if not thousands of miles by rail. I look forward to picking your brain on this aspect that you seemingly ignore.
we know who you support. Are you still living in Benicia?.
Bob, Sorry to not get back to you sooner. I was out at the coastal range and had a brisk mountain bike ride, which included some very pleasant single-track through the redwoods. The descents were not too technical Good to hear from you. Hope you are doing well. Cheers!
Thanks. Are you still living in town? Thanks for getting back
The usual. ~9 months up here, ~3 month in the southern hemisphere. Great to have a job I can do from anywhere.
Hey, Also been meaning to ask, I saw that you are using a nickname. Did you come up with that, or was it someone else? What’s the significance?
Mine. I own it. The “OWL” is always watching.
Beyond business as usual…
From the above article:
“The main thing he hopes to accomplish, he says, is to prioritize items in the city’s General Plan in a way that encourages sound, long-term economic growth. In particular, Largsespada supports Valero Benicia Refinery’s Crude-By-Rail Project. He feels that encouraging growth in industry is as important as promoting environmental safety.
“The two can co-exist. It’s not a zero-sum game,” he explains. ”
This isn’t any kind of new thinking. Sounds more like your typical EDB boilerplate.
Mr. Largsespada, thanks for being upfront on your views on this important issue facing our “little city.”
As we go forward into our election season (typically Labor Day to Election Day) it will come down to who the voters trust to protect our small town atmosphere; and how we as a community will have to transition (in our past history) from a military town to a refinery town, to the next phase be it renewable energy (wind .solar etc. .) or something yet to be determined.
We have been in our past and present history a city that has grown (Economic Engine) by the use of polluting industries: the military ( with expensive cleanups: the Arsenal; Tourtelot; Ghost Ship Fleet) is the biggest polluter in the world and of course the oil industry (Valero is a huge emitter of greenhouse gases in both the Bay Area and in California) is a close second. So we will need representatives on the council, city staff, EDB and Planning Commission that understand this dynamic as we go forward—.the General Plan is our guide but we will need conscientious people (Marilyn Bardet; Tom Campbell and Elizabeth Patterson come to mind ) going forward to implement the plan and yet, understand the big picture of not only Benicia’s future but California and the planet’s existence.
Below: more valuable information for Mr. Largsespada, city staff, appointed and elected officials and our citizenry to seriously consider going forward into a very worrisome economic and environmental future…
“The nation’s top scientific organizations have an important reminder for members of Congress: human caused climate change is real, its impacts are already being felt in the U.S., and only a significant slashing of greenhouse gas emissions will stave off the worst risks.”
“Impacts in the U.S. include “extreme weather events, sea level rise, and increased risk of regional water scarcity, heat waves, wildfires, and the disturbance of biological systems,” the letter states. “The severity of climate change impacts is increasing and is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades,” it states.
“The letter adds that “adaptation is necessary to address unavoidable consequences for human health and safety, food security, water availability, and national security, among others,” and concludes by offering to collaborate with the lawmakers as they “seek to address the challenges of our changing climate.”
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/29/nations-top-science-groups-demand-bold-climate-action-congress-
“Economics has become an idolatrous religion, with economic growth understood to be the highest good. This religion is especially destructive insofar as economic growth is based on fossil fuel energy and influential economists treat continued growth as more important than mitigating climate change.”
Source: Unprecedented: Can Civilization Survive The CO2 Crisis. Clarity Press. 2015.
From the above article:
“The main thing he hopes to accomplish, he says, is to prioritize items in the city’s General Plan in a way that encourages sound, long-term economic growth. In particular, Largsespada supports Valero Benicia Refinery’s Crude-By-Rail Project. He feels that encouraging growth in industry is as important as promoting environmental safety.
“The two can co-exist. It’s not a zero-sum game,” he explains. ”
This isn’t any kind of new thinking. Sounds more like your typical EDB boilerplate.
Mr. Largsespada, thanks for being upfront on your views on this important issue facing our “little city.”
As we go forward into our election season (typically Labor Day to Election Day) it will come down to who the voters trust to protect our small town atmosphere; and how we as a community will have to transition (in our past history) from a military town to a refinery town, to the next phase be it renewable energy (wind .solar etc. .) or something yet to be determined.
We have been in our past and present history a city that has grown (Economic Engine) by the use of polluting industries: the military ( with expensive cleanups: the Arsenal; Tourtelot; Ghost Ship Fleet) is the biggest polluter in the world and of course the oil industry (Valero is a huge emitter of greenhouse gases in both the Bay Area and in California) is a close second. So we will need representatives on the council, city staff, EDB and Planning Commission that understand this dynamic as we go forward—.the General Plan is our guide but we will need conscientious people (Marilyn Bardet; Tom Campbell and Elizabeth Patterson come to mind ) going forward to implement the plan and yet, understand the big picture of not only Benicia’s future but California and the planet’s existence.
Below: more valuable information for Mr. Largsespada, city staff, appointed and elected officials and our citizenry to seriously consider …
“July 6-12, 2016, citizens will gather again at events across the US and Canada to demand an immediate ban on oil trains. We are calling on President Obama, Congress and Governors to take three urgent steps to solve this problem.”
” Ban oil trains: There is no safe way to transport crude oil by rail.”
” Deny all federal permits for oil train infrastructure: Stop the oil industry from expanding oil train traffic carrying the dirtiest, most dangerous crude.”
” Protect the authority of local governments: States, cities and citizens must have the right to say no to oil trains.Uphold the authority of our cities and towns to protect the public safety, and to ensure first responders have the necessary information and resources to respond to oil train disasters”
http://beniciaindependent.com/2016-stop-oil-trains-week-of-action/
Will who are you going to vote for Mayor? Also who are you going to vote for f City Council. I do believe you have indicated that but please verify. Your issues with Hillary seem to conflict with who you would vote for in the Benicia city election.
He sounds reasonable to me. Committed to sound economic growth. We need growth in order to drive revenues.
Not at the expense of our health and safety!
Lawrence are you going to be at the 4th parade3 shouting and cheering the planning commission and especially Steve Young. Also waving your silly signs etc.
“Economics has become an idolatrous religion, with economic growth understood to be the highest good. This religion is especially destructive insofar as economic growth is based on fossil fuel energy and influential economists treat continued growth as more important than mitigating climate change.”
Source: Unprecedented: Can Civilization Survive The CO2 Crisis. Clarity Press. 2015.
From the above article:
“The main thing he hopes to accomplish, he says, is to prioritize items in the city’s General Plan in a way that encourages sound, long-term economic growth. In particular, Largsespada supports Valero Benicia Refinery’s Crude-By-Rail Project. He feels that encouraging growth in industry is as important as promoting environmental safety.
“The two can co-exist. It’s not a zero-sum game,” he explains. ”
This isn’t any kind of new thinking. Sounds more like your typical EDB boilerplate.
Mr. Largsespada, thanks for being upfront on your views on this important issue facing our “little city.”
As we go forward into our election season (typically Labor Day to Election Day) it will come down to who the voters trust to protect our small town atmosphere; and how we as a community will have to transition (in our past history) from a military town to a refinery town, to the next phase be it renewable energy (wind .solar etc. .) or something yet to be determined.
We have been in our past and present history a city that has grown (Economic Engine) by the use of polluting industries: the military ( with expensive cleanups: the Arsenal; Tourtelot; Ghost Ship Fleet) is the biggest polluter in the world and of course the oil industry (Valero is a huge emitter of greenhouse gases in both the Bay Area and in California) is a close second. So we will need representatives on the council, city staff, EDB and Planning Commission that understand this dynamic as we go forward— The General Plan is our guide but we will need conscientious people (Marilyn Bardet; Tom Campbell and Elizabeth Patterson come to mind ) going forward to implement the plan and yet, understand the big picture of not only Benicia’s future but California and the planet’s existence.
Below: more valuable news, information and graphics for Mr. Largsespada, city staff, appointed and elected officials and our citizenry to seriously consider …
“Global CO2 Spike Spurs Hottest June on Record, Extreme Weather For US”
“According to NOAA, the United States just experienced its hottest June ever recorded in the whole of the national climate record starting 122 years ago in 1895. That’s an average temperature of 71.8 F (22.1 C) across the contiguous United States — or 3.3 F (1.83 C) hotter than a typical June.”
Are we paying attention, yet? Read the rest of this article (if you care about your children and your grand children) for a wake-up call!!
https://robertscribbler.com/2016/07/07/global-co2-spike-spurs-hottest-june-on-record-extreme-weather-for-us/
Question: How many feet above sea level is Benicia, California?
Answer: 33 feet.
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” – Albert Einstein
“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw
As we go forward into our election season (typically Labor Day to Election Day) it will come down to who the voters trust to protect our small town atmosphere; and how we as a community will have to transition (in our past history) from a military town to a refinery town, to the next phase be it renewable energy (wind .solar etc. .) or something yet to be determined.
We have been in our past and present history a city that has grown (Economic Engine) by the use of polluting industries: the military ( with expensive cleanups: the Arsenal; Tourtelot; Ghost Ship Fleet) is the biggest polluter in the world and of course the oil industry (Valero is a huge emitter of greenhouse gases in both the Bay Area and in California) is a close second. So we will need representatives on the council, city staff, EDB and Planning Commission that understand this dynamic as we go forward— The General Plan is our guide but we will need conscientious people (Marilyn Bardet; Tom Campbell and Elizabeth Patterson come to mind ) going forward to implement the plan and yet, understand the big picture of not only Benicia’s future but California and the planet’s existence.
Below: more valuable news, information and graphics for Mr. Largsespada, city staff, appointed and (un-decided) elected officials and our citizenry to seriously consider …
“Coastal Cities, Critical Infrastructure Unprepared to Face the Rising Tides of Climate Change”
“… with fossil fuel burning continuing at near record levels globally, and with many corporations and political bodies around the world dragging feet on greenhouse gas emissions cuts, the level of heat-trapping carbon held aloft in our airs will continue to rise for some time. These vastly irresponsible actions will further heat the atmosphere and ocean — melting a greater share of the world’s land ice and forcing seas to ultimately rise even more. If CO2e exceeds a range of 550 to 650 parts per million — which could easily happen even under so-called moderate rates of fossil fuel burning before the middle of the 21st Century — then all the land ice on Earth will be placed under melt pressure. And that vast sum of ice melt represents about 220 feet of sea level rise long term so long as the greenhouse gas melt and heat pressure remains.”
“Despite continued snide claims by climate change deniers to the contrary — it really is a global emergency. One that includes difficult impacts now and a rising risk of far worse impacts to come. A very real kind of long emergency for human civilization and the natural world combined. One made no less worse by its current deceptively slow, if massive and inexorable, advance,”
Read the rest of this detailed article on sea level rise, it should” change your mind”‘ on the impacts that climate change is having on our environment…
https://robertscribbler.com/2016/07/08/coastal-cities-critical-infrastructure-unprepared-to-face-the-rising-tides-of-climate-change/
Who will the citizenry trust with our immediate and long term future? As we contemplate crude-by-rail, locally, scientists at the national level have some stark data for our future .
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” – Albert Einstein
“Our science is a drop, our ignorance a sea.” –William James, 1895.
“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw
” I love that smell of the emissions.” –Sarah Palin, 2011
As we go forward into our local election season (typically Labor Day to Election Day) it will come down to who the voters trust to protect our small town atmosphere/environment; and how we as a community will have to transition (in our past history) from a military town to a refinery town, to the next phase be it renewable energy (wind .solar etc. .) or something yet to be determined.
We have been in our past and present history a city that has grown (Economic Engine) by the use of polluting industries: the military ( with expensive cleanups: the Arsenal; Tourtelot; Ghost Ship Fleet) is the biggest polluter in the world and of course the oil industry (Valero is a huge emitter of greenhouse gases in both the Bay Area and in California) is a close second. So we will need representatives on the council, city staff, EDB and Planning Commission that understand this dynamic as we go forward— The General Plan is our guide but we will need conscientious people (Marilyn Bardet; Tom Campbell and Elizabeth Patterson come to mind ) going forward to implement the plan and yet, understand the big picture of not only Benicia’s future but California and the planet’s existence.
Below: more valuable news and scientific information for our candidate(s) for council, Mr. Largsespada and Steve Young, city staff, appointed and elected officials and our citizenry to seriously ponder…
“If we keep burning fossil fuels, Earth will be 8 degrees warmer, returning to the climate of 52 million years ago, according to new research. It’s the most dire prediction yet.”
“In even the bleakest climate change scenarios for the end of this century, science has offered hope that global warming would eventually slow down. But a new study published Monday snuffs out such hope, projecting temperatures that rise lockstep with carbon emissions until the last drops of oil and lumps of coal are used up.”
“Global temperatures will increase on average by 8 degrees Celsius (14.4 degrees F) over pre-industrial levels by 2300 if all of Earth’s fossil fuel resources are burned, adding five trillion metric tons of carbon to the atmosphere, according to the research by Canadian scientists published in Nature Climate Change. In the Arctic, average temperatures would rise by 17 degrees C (30.6 degrees F).”
“Those conclusions are several degrees warmer than previous studies have projected.”
“If these temperatures do become reality, greenhouse gases would transform Earth into a place where food is scarce, parts of the world are uninhabitable for humans, and many species of animals and plants are wiped out, experts say.”
“It would be as unrecognizable to us as a fully glaciated world,” says Myles Allen, head of a climate dynamics group at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Allen was not involved in the new study, but his research has focused on carbon’s cumulative impacts on climate.”
Read the rest of the post to understand the full impact of climate change on Mother Earth.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/05/160523-climate-change-study-eight-degrees/
Who will the citizenry trust with our immediate and long term future? As we contemplate crude-by-rail, locally, a major decision has been made in the pacific northwest .
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” – Albert Einstein
“Our science is a drop, our ignorance a sea.” –William James, 1895.
“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw
” I love that smell of the emissions.” –Sarah Palin, 2011
As we go forward into our local election season (typically Labor Day to Election Day) it will come down to who the voters trust to protect our small town atmosphere/environment; and how we as a community will have to transition (in our past history) from a military town to a refinery town, to the next phase be it renewable energy (wind .solar etc. .) or something yet to be determined.
We have been in our past and present history a city that has grown (Economic Engine) by the use of polluting industries: the military ( with expensive cleanups: the Arsenal; Tourtelot; Ghost Ship Fleet) is the biggest polluter in the world and of course the oil industry (Valero is a huge emitter of greenhouse gases in both the Bay Area and in California) is a close second. So we will need representatives on the council, city staff, EDB and Planning Commission that understand this dynamic as we go forward— The General Plan is our guide but we will need conscientious people (Marilyn Bardet; Tom Campbell and Elizabeth Patterson come to mind ) going forward to implement the plan and yet, understand the big picture of not only Benicia’s future but California and the planet’s existence.
Below: more valuable news and information for our candidate(s) for council, Mr. Largsespada and Steve Young, city staff, appointed and elected officials and our citizenry to seriously ponder…
“Oil Train Project In Pacific Northwest Dealt Big Blow By Washington Attorney General”
“More than a month of hearings over a proposed oil-by-rail terminal in Vancouver, Washington came to an end on Friday with the state’s attorney general dealing a significant blow to the project by calling for its denial.”
“Protecting the environment and public safety are top priorities of my office, and we considered the evidence presented with the care those priorities demand,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a statement timed to coincide with the closing arguments of the project’s environmental review. “The bottom line is that the potential benefits of this project are dramatically outweighed by the potential risks and costs of a spill.”
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/08/01/3803677/washington-oil-terminal-attorney-general-deny/