Put DMUMP amendment on ballot

Accurate community sentiment about cannabis on First Street can be measured by placing the Downtown Mixed Use Master Plan (DMUMP) amendment on the ballot with the local cannabis tax measure next year. This is the only certain and indisputable method of determining how we feel about it, otherwise it will always be left to individual opinions of elected officials.

Stan Golovich,
Benicia

Santa had fun at parade

Herald circulation manager Pam Donohue poses with the award the paper won for best decoarated automobile at the Benicia Christmas Parade. (Courtesy photo)

As always in December, Santa receives many, many letters from children (and adults) all over the world, and once again Santa was happy to spend a delightful morning in the fair city of Benicia, California, USA last Saturday in the Annual Christmas Parade and Shopping Extravaganza.
Instead of a letter to Santa, this is a letter FROM Santa. It’s my turn to write to all of you during this wonderful time of the year.
It is the 4th year I was invited to pilot my alternate sleigh Lucille in the parade; she is 40 years young and looks remarkably like a vintage Cadillac Sedan DeVille. Her name is on loan from another jolly fat man, B.B. King. My regular sleigh is busy getting ready for my big trip on the evening of the 24th and all the reindeer are resting. I’m told this sleigh is also borrowed on or near July 4th for Benicia’s Independence Day Parade piloted by my contemporary Uncle Sam.
This year Lucille was decorated by Parmelia Donohue as she does for every parade; once again she won the Chamber of Commerce trophy for best decorated car. This was the 4th time she won this trophy for one of the two yearly parades. The trophies are on permanent display in the front window of the Benicia Herald which sponsors the entry twice each year.
As is the tradition for both parades, employees of the Herald hand out goodies to youthful fans. Last Saturday the elves were played by Herald Editor Nick Sestanovich and George Johnston, ace reporter. In keeping with the holiday spirit, I am aware that Nick and Santa share the same first name; George tells us that he has a secret identity of Clark who has a contemporary hero that wears a blue suit trimmed with a red cape! (Who knew of all these coinkidinks, a term borrowed from Moe?)
Last, but not least, my copilot and treat dispenser as always was Pamela Donohue who is year-round circulation manager for the Herald was well as year-round Mrs. Claus and annual sidekick to Uncle Sam.
As all of you know, Santa has lots of roles he plays in malls, store, schools, etc. everywhere. Every time one of us dons the traditional red suit, we are solemnly transformed into the true essence of Santa. Every time we exchange looks into the eyes of kids from 1 to 93, there is a brief moment where all is right in the world. Hoping to see all of you next year.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a “Good Night”!!!

Kris Kringle,
The North Pole

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