Compiled by Nick Sestanovich

75 years ago

Gen. Somervell Visits Benicia (Aug. 12, 1943)

(Editor’s note: This article originally contained a pejorative term commonly used to describe Japanese and Japanese-Americans at the time. That term will not be reprinted here.)

Lieutenant General Brehon B. Somervell, who heads the Army Service Forces, made a brief inspection of Benicia Arsenal on August 6. He was apparently well pleased with what he saw, and displayed particular interest in ship-loading activities.
Among other accompanying General Somervell was Major General F. Gilbreath, Commanding General of San Francisco Port of Embarkation.
The photo shows, from left to right, Lieutenant General Brehon B. Somervell, Major General F. Gilbreath and Colonel Herbert O’Leary, commanding officer of Benicia Arsenal.
In an interview in San Francisco, General Somervell stated that after Germany has collapsed the Allies will pour vast quantities of men and supplies through Pacific Coast ports for a cleanup campaign against the (Japanese) and the West Coast must be ready to handle the job.
He stated that he found Pacific Coast ports well organized and expressed particular interest with efficiency cargo handling in San Francisco.

40 years ago

Board revokes variance on odors at marina site (Aug. 9, 1978)

A variance which permitted Benicia marina excavation and land-fill operations to exceed hydrogen sulfide emission standards was revoked by the Bay Area Pollution Control District hearing board on Thursday, but Benicia officials do not expect the ruling to stop work on the marina project.
Benicia was granted special permission to exceed air pollution standards on July 6 for a 90-day period while excavation and land-fill work was underway at the marina site, but it was given on the condition that offensive odors from the site did not constitute a public nuisance.
On July 11, seven Benicia residents complained about the odor from the work site, and a claim was filed to rescind the BAAPC variance. Thursday’s action supported the citizen’s claim. If pollution standards are exceeded hereafter, the city will be subject to citations and fines.
Mayor Warren O’Blennis did not think the action would have an adverse effect on the project. There are about two weeks of work remaining on this phase of the marina excavation, and, according to the city, emission readings taken at the project site are not exceeding pollution standards.

25 years ago

Parks panel considers ‘doggy park’ for town (Aug. 10, 1993)

Benicia is the only city in Solano County where it’s against the law to walk a dog in a city park. But Wednesday night, the Parks and Recreation Commission may try to change that.
Parks commissioners will consider cautiously approaching the possibility of a “doggy park” by designating Francesca Terrace Park on Hillcrest Avenue as an area where pet owners can walk their pooches on a leash.
Larry Mazzuca, Parks and Community Services assistant director, is recommending commissioners amend the dog ordinance for a six-month trial run. After six months, parks staff, commissioners and police officers would review any dog-related complaints and take the matter from there. .

The full articles of these and other stories are available on microfilm at the Benicia Public Library.

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