Don’t be fooled I have talked about the “Shadow Government, the self-appointed leader of whom appears to be Mayor Patterson. Her self-appointed second in command is Vice Mayor Young. She is now hard at work to get Birdseye elected to the City Council as a third vote and have a very simple majority. Now she […]
Steve Young: Benicia voters should be wary of fake poll
While relaxing at home one evening, I received a call from a Saratoga phone number. The caller said she was conducting a poll for Research America on the upcoming election for governor, senator and City Council. Having more than a passing interest in the topic, I agreed to be questioned on my opinions. However there […]
Incumbent school board president seeking another term
As the only incumbent in the school board race, Board President Diane Ferrucci is looking to continue her experience not only on the school board but also her extensive education background. “I am well-qualified to continue in my position as a board member, having served multiple facets of education,” she said. “I’ve been a teacher, […]
Letter: Birdseye for council
Birdseye for council Ever since I was elected to be your supervisor, I have found Kari Birdseye to be a tireless advocate for Benicia. Nearly two decades ago, Kari and her husband chose to make Benicia their home. Kari raised her family in Benicia, put her kids through Benicia’s schools and volunteered numerous hours as […]
Candidate Spotlight: Christina Strawbridge seeking return to council
Following her defeat in 2016, Councilmember Christina Strawbridge knew exactly what she wanted to do: run again to get back on the City Council. “I really enjoyed being on the council,” Strawbridge, who had served from 2011 to 2016, said. “It was a progression as far as my involvement with the town, having been on […]
Letters: Elections and endorsements
An important election For many, this November’s election is insignificant due to it not being a presidential election. However, for the citizens of Benicia, it holds great significance. Residents and business owners have been burdened with a City Council of “tax and spend” philosophy these last few years. Increases in water rates, building fees, security […]
Candidate Spotlight: EDB Chair Lionel Largaespada taking another shot at council seat
A defeat in 2016 did not deter Lionel Largaespada from running again for the Benicia City Council. If anything, he says it has made him more energized. “Friends, residents, voters asked me to keep at it,” he said. “Momentum was on our side, and that really inspired and motivated me to stay in the race.” […]
City Council candidates discuss issues at Chamber of Commerce forum
Viewers of Wednesday’s Candidate’s Night forum, sponsored by the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, had an opportunity to ask questions of the City Council candidates and learn their perspectives on hot-button issues facing the city. The forum was held in the Council Chambers of City Hall and moderated by James Cooper, the president of the Vallejo […]
Bob Livesay: The state of the Democratic Party in Benicia
By Bob Livesay Special to the Herald I have been following politics for many years. The first election I voted in was 1954. My first presidential election was 1956. I voted for Eisenhower, and he won. You had to be 21 then, and I was not 21 for the 1952 presidential election. So as you […]
Pat Toth-Smith: Birdseye puts safety first
It’s been two years since the 2016 crude-by-rail permit for Valero was denied, but a strong memory of it remains for me and probably for a lot of Benicians. It’s because of that experience that I’m urging Benicians to vote for Kari Birdseye for the Benicia City Council. Birdseye was a new Planning Commissioner […]