ELAINA KELLY, left, Hannah Herguth and Maria Swoboda of the Benicia Special Education Local Advisory Committee (SELAC) wrap one of First Street’s trees in a blue ribbon to mark April as Autism Awareness Month.
Donna Beth Weilenman/Staff
Panel urges city: Find alternative
By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor
The Downtown Benicia Alliance is preparing the send an official letter to the city about tree ribbons, urging that the city come up with an alternative for groups seeking to spread awareness.
DBA Chair Leah Shelhorn said Monday during the panel’s regular monthly meeting that such promotions — in the case of the current blue ribbons adorning downtown trees, for autism awareness — are ineffective and conflict with the lights that were the DBA’s first major expenditure after being formed late last year.
“We set up a Business Improvement District last year,” Shelhorn said. “We assessed ourselves, we all wanted an improvement district. When the sashes go up on the trees, it then becomes a cause marketing area.”
She said the ribbons also are a maintenance issue, showing photos of the sashes tied over and under the lights that are wrapped around the trees. She also expressed concerns about vandalism.
“My suggestion is to take it up to the park, wrap all the trees up there, make it a splash, put up a sign, have a rally up there — whatever the group wants to do,” she said. “Let it be in the park, let people acknowledge it, see it, then pass it and come down (First Street).”
DBA Secretary Jeanne Steinmann agreed.
“I see this as an opportunity to do something that gets the message out for the nonprofits that are wrapping the trees,” she said. “I can never keep track of the colors, I don’t know which nonprofits are doing them. I think it’s a great opportunity to give the nonprofits a better choice so that they make a better splash, (so) it’s not diffused and spread out along First Street. It’s in an area that you can have some sort of contemplation if you want to go and honor somebody that you know is ill and have it be more recognizable for the nonprofit.”
Economic Development Manager Mario Giuliani explained that the ribbons are coordinated through the city Parks and Community Services Department and require a special event permit.
“That group would come to parks and fill out a special event application. That is reviewed by the participants and city staff,” he said. “To my knowledge there has been no businesses that have been vocal one way or another to city staff. As such. because there has been no opposition, city staff have approved the wrapping of the trees.”
Giuliani suggested the DBA send official correspondence to Parks and Community Services “letting them know that in their opinion this does not foster a good business environment and that an alternative of doing it in City Park has been offered.
“Additionally you would request that should such a request come in, that you be notified so that you can attend the meeting,” he said. “You have added weight since you have financial investment in the lights.”
Vice Chair and Treasurer Eric Hoglund made a motion to write a letter to the city and it was unanimously approved.
Also Monday, the DBA settled on an insurance carrier and heard several reports on the design of a logo, the collection of assessments from member businesses, promotions and other items.
The panel also learned that it will be one member short, as Pat Ryll has handed in her resignation.
The vacancy can be filled at the DBA’s next meeting, Giuliani said.
The DBA chose State Farm as its Directors and Officers and liability insurance carrier after a presentation by Hoglund and a brief discussion.
Giuliani reported on the status of the collections of the BID assessments, which amount to $192 a year for first-floor downtown businesses and $60 a year for second-floor businesses. He said the DBA can expect to collect about $31,000 annually.
The assessment payments were due from downtown businesses by the end of March, and Giuliani said he hoped to have a total collection figure by the end of April.
“My hope is once I reconcile with Finance (Department) what we have received, by the end of April to send a check to the DBA for your first deposit,” he said. “Once we have all our year one receipts in, I will then take the contract between the DBA and the city of Benicia to the (City) Council.”
A DBA subcommittee tasked with designing the panel’s logo met with local designer Gordon Gray, and Jeanne Steinmann said “by our next meeting we should have something for you to look at.” She said the subcommittee, which includes Rellik co-owner Tom Hamilton, did not discuss a DBA website “because until we get a logo … all other marketing and efforts will stem from what that logo looks like. Once we have a logo and a look, we can go on to talk about Web design and how you’re going to utilize that particular graphic to brand the DBA.”
Christina Mead, owner of Capitol Café, presented a report on promotions to generate revenue.
“I interviewed over 43 different merchants, got a wide idea from people on First Street,” Mead said. She discussed the top four: a motorcycle show and spa promotion for the rider’s partner at the end of July; Benicia “Games” involving anything from bed races to kiteboarding during Labor Day weekend; an Oktoberfest Beer Challenge during the last two weeks of October; and a New Year’s Eve party event on Dec. 31.
The ideas are expected to get further review starting at the DBA’s next meeting, May 13.
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Leah Shellhorn is absolutely right! Aside from the issues she brought up, there is the idea that the ribbons take away from what the merchants are trying to do, and their message would be far better presented in the park.
Judy Goldsmith
Good for you Leah..I was downtown Sat nite and nobody could tell me what they were for!
Shelhorn i…In a community the culture Should be seen What a perfect way to bighten and bring color to the gray business district having some bright blue is a perfect way to alleve the stressfull economical depression that is always on the onset mind of CEOs and executives Along with showing out of towners the community cares about those with special needs …Shelhorn think deeply about benifits the community is giving you not the negatives like the clean up later and the cost im sure you can work that all out with the awareness group. Best of Culture To You All
I personally like the ribbons on First Street. Even though I (usually) don’t know what they mean – I feel like it really brings me back to that “small town cares” kinds of feeling. But I understand what they are saying about the maintenance problems it could cause (although have they, as of yet?). I also appreciate their comment about using the park as a better way to advertise more clearly what is going on. If people hung a banner or posted signs on the lawn there, I would understand the cause while maybe still getting that small town feel.
I had no idea what the blue ribbons are for either. I honestly thought they were for the Benicia Schools fund or what ever that one is called. Figured they were up to something again…As far as putting up ribbons in the park, well I think it would look a bit trashy. I think people realize Benicia is a small town when they turn up First Street.
I guess when the city will let me wrap all the trees with “Let Keep the Merry in Christmas” ribbons all through the park I might change my mind. These days every thing has a awareness month or day. If you let one, you need to let them all.
Traveling down First St on Friday night I noticed 2 blocks of trees already darkened.
“Light it up Blue Ceremony” was presented at the gazebo on first street on April 2nd. This is the second year in a row that the Benicia Special Education and Local Advisory Committee(BSELAC) in works with the Benicia Unified School District has worked together to help bring awareness to the city about Autism. Ribbons were tied around trees to bring awareness and discussion to the public about autism and the effects on the community. The mayor of Benicia, Mrs. Patterson provided a proclamation, and Heather Jackson from Autism speaks gave a brief informative speech on autism awareness. The DBA set up a Business Improvement District, and I feel these ribbons represent an improvement to the city. It should show that the city cares. The BSELAC went through all the right channels, and got all the permission place ribbons on the trees. The BSELAC would be more than happy to clean up the ribbons at the end of the month, should they be requested to do so. I am really bothered that DBA’s feel the ribbons distract from the lights, especially because lights are best seen at night, and the ribbons are difficult to see at night. The purpose of the ribbons is to get people to start talking about Autism, making them aware of the disability that has struck so many adults and children. Make them more compassionate about other peoples differences. Apparently the DBA needs to learn more compassion and become more informed before they speak to a newspapaer. They should not try to put a special needs group away in a park. The community has every right to learn about autism awareness, and learn that disabilities exist. The DBA should attend some meetings of the BSELAC to learn more about the group, and more about what special needs is, before they want to hide them in a park somewhere.
Sorry, but I do not agree. First, no one, and I mean no one, I have talked to has a clue as to what the ribbons mean. Second, the DBA has a very valid point. They pay to put the lights on and I agree with them. Instead of talking about the lights people I know have been talking about what the ribbons mean. You did go through the proper channels but channels need to change withbthe establishing of a DBA. I do not understand how concentrating the ribbons in the park would “hide” them. If anything they would be more apparent. Maybe you need to attend some DBA meetings to learn more about the obstacles our local business community is up against to become more compassionate about these difficulties.
I support both local businesses and other groups. My family, along with most of the community of Benicia, support local. First street is great for everyone. I dont mind attending more meetings when I have time (announce meetings/when/where/public?), but what voice does the public have there?. Really, there is enough room for everyone, as for the park, it would be nice, but foot traffic is greater on first street, and the trees are public. The ribbons are sharing the trees, not taking over. The lights are beautiful at night, and not seen during the day. There is no harm for either.
Cara said, “and the trees are public.” I believe that Cara is 100% correct. If I recall correctly, about 10 years ago sidewalk damage due to tree roots resulted in First Street sidewalks and the trees being replaced. Benicia strong armed the businesses into paying for the sidewalks and Benicia paid for the new trees.
Therefore the BID, DBA, and BBID have no more authority over the trees than any member of the public.
Do they have any more say regarding the tree lights than the public? In three years they will have paid for the lights assuming 100% of the dues are collected and all of the dues go toward paying off the lights.
What do you think would happen if the merchants decided to remove the lights? Would Benicia allow the lights to come down?
Again does ANYONE other then the people who put them up really know what they are for? How does that show the CITY cares? They city didn’t install them. What color is next months?
Second question.. anyone not know what Autism is? I do not need a ribbon to tell me…
Wow, your compassion and understanding is truly expressed for the special needs community. How dare we challenge people to find out why actions are taken in the community. I guess you wouldn’t want people to ask questions. I guess you wouldnt want to support any causes for the community that may distract from beautifying your community. But please think about the families afflicted with all of these causes, we cant just rip down a ribbon and make our lives beautiful. We face these causes every day. The ribbons will be down soon, so you will have something new to complain about next month.
Cara, I am one of these families afflicted daily with MANY of these causes. Be it mental illness, cancer or a host of other causes. I have watched my family live & die from many. You have no idea about what I have dealt with, so save your nasty comment on me personally. I am more then informed in my community AND I am just stating that if you have no idea what is for, it is not working. Maybe imprint the ribbons.
What color will next month be and what will it stand for? Geez am I complaining? Onward with my less then compassionate life…. maybe a class on Politics and Ribbons 101.
Nothing personal Carol. I hope I have been able to inform more people or get people to ask more questions. Sorry to offend. Everyone has been touched by multiple causes, and we as a community should be willing to accept people who are wlling to share there causes. If people dont want to listen that is fine. I am sure we dont need a class on ribbons, we just need to remeber that we can ask questions, and the ribbons aren’t hurting businesses, people, or public awareness.
And just think, the merchants agreed to tax themselves for this bad publicity. Oh well, at least we have $80,000 worth of year round Christmas lights.
And the “dues” go directly to the city for what reason?
The ribbons quickly get wind-blown and ragged; I and many others spend countless hours on morning walks picking up pieces of the what-ever-color plastic wrapping has been installed.
just take a walk down the road this morning and look how worn and ragged the blue plastic looks — surely there’s a more effective method to advertise a cause that doesn’t end up looking like trash.
W did you pick up any dog poop on your walk? It is there and it does tell a very disturbing story. Some dog owners do not care about the behavior of their dogs. I have no problem with symbols of support. If you do not know by now what they stand for you sure have been asleep at the switch. I have no problem with them and have told many folks what they stand for. Guess what they had no problem with it. I may be in a minority on this issue but at the same time I have no problem with the awareness. The wind comes up and blows leaves and some of these folks hair poeces off their head. Whats next? Cannot wear a hairpiece on First Street. Now that could really cause a problem. Think about it.
The other thing that I woild like to ask is has it driven business away from First Street? The Merchants can answer that and tell us why and how much? Because of the ribbons are folks not coming down First Strret. to shop-? Can any one tell me that. Is business not as it it was a year ago because of the ribbons ? I do not know that but the merchants surely could supply us with that info. Could it be that the econ is not where we would like it to be? I personally believe the First Strteet merchants are doing every thing they can to be suiccessful. I do not believe a ribbon will put them out of business. As residents of this fine city lets do every thing we can to support our local merchants. They indeed do deserve it.
I agree with Bob (gasp!). The ribbons hurt nothing and they do raise awareness. If nothing else they start conversations, as even their detractors admit. And they show we care.
On behalf of The American Cancer Society Relay for Life Benicia, I have to say, across this great nation communities celebrate those surviving Cancer, Remember those who have lost their fight and Pledge to Fight Back by painting our town Purple, in the month of August, when our community Relay takes place, we too have put purple ribbons on the trees, as well we have asked the merchants to decorate their windows in purple. This is all about awareness. May I suggest that maybe we decorate the beautiful tree at the end of First Street in the colors of the non profit. This tree gets attention one time a year, why not? The posts and chains around the tree could be adorned as well. I know most people travel to the end, make the turn and head back up. What a pretty way to end the tour downtown.
At least we all now know what the blue ribbons are for! So now everyone here can tell everyone who doesn’t already know, what the blue ribbons are for. Yeah!! Just so everyone knows… I spoke to the Chairman of the Benicia SELAC and he informed me that an attempt to hang a sign so everyone would know what the blue ribbons meant was put down by the city. So… SELAC tried to tell everyone. Cheers!
Wow! I guess Leah & the DBA doesnt like competition! Wait, thats not competition for anything. What is it then? It’s the newly formed DBA trying to bully the most innocent of our community & then wonder why we wont set foot inside their door! I will not darken the doorstep of these businesses any longer.