Compiled by Nick Sestanovich 75 years ago Observation Post Changes Command (July 1, 1943) After two years, A.W. Stapleton, who was appointed chief observer by the Fourth Fighter Command Aircraft Warning Service, has resigned that office and recommended that Mrs. Ivy Nance be appointed to succeed him. In summing up two years, Stapleton stated that […]
Letter: Reasonable approach to marijuana retail
Reasonable approach to marijuana retail An all-cash business dealing in a potentially intoxicating substance such as liquor or marijuana should do business fully in the public eye – not in some shadowy corner. The ideal location has lots of traffic, police patrols, good parking and bright lighting at night. This is best for both public […]
Arsenal artists’ holiday Open Studios tradition continues
In the mid-’90s, Arts Benicia began hosting Open Studios, in which artists open the doors of their studios to showcase the creative environments they work in. The event was such a success that it became an annual occurrence each May, drawing 4,000 visitors each year, many from outside Benicia. However, Benicia being the art haven […]
Charles P. Stone: The unsung hero and patriot who founded the Benicia Arsenal
By Reg Page Special to the Herald As the Herald reported, the city of Benicia celebrated its 170th birthday on May 19 of this year. In an earlier article published in the Herald, I wrote that the city might not have been established at all were it not for fortuitous timing and the efforts of […]
HPRC to consider supporting designation of Arsenal as ‘cultural district’ at Thursday’s meeting
The Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) will consider supporting a request from the Arts and Culture Commission for the Arsenal to be designated as a cultural district by the California Arts Council. If approved, the request could go before the Benicia City Council as soon as its March 28 meeting. In a staff report, Community […]
Benicia Historical Museum to unveil new permanent Arsenal exhibit Sunday
Long before Southampton…long before the Industrial Park…even long before First Street, Benicia’s permanent development consisted primarily of the Arsenal, a U.S. military reservation which operated from 1851 to 1964. A lot happened in Benicia and the world during that time, and the Benicia Historical Museum has condensed more than a century of history into […]
Historical Society invites community to reflect on mid-20th century Benicia life
As long-time Benicians know, the Benicia of today is not like the Benicia of yesteryear. The population had 20,000 fewer residents, the Arsenal was the largest employer in the city, the Industrial Park did not exist, the area now known as Southampton was undeveloped, there was no bridge to Martinez for cars and Benicia High […]
Council hears Arsenal update, funding recommendations
At its regular meeting Tuesday, the city council heard updates on the city’s new emergency notification system named Alert Benicia, the Busines Resource Incentive Program, and Measure C spending; and recommendations for a street improvement plan, among other items. Arsenal update City Attorney Heather McLaughlin reported that while no progress has been made on the […]
Benicia writer to host launch party for new book about Stephen Vincent Benet
Benicia writer Donnell Rubay, who previously had written books about Jack London and John Muir, is about to release her newest biography about writer Stephen Vincent Benet, titled “With a Dream So Proud: The Life of Stephen Vincent Benet.” The launch party will take place at Carter’s Biz Cafes at the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, the […]
Benicia couple to celebrate 60th anniversary, 65 years in Benicia
Gordon and Donna Bennett of Benicia will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in Benicia Saturday at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall on First Street – if it will hold them and all of their expected guests, that is. The last time they celebrated here, Mr. Gordon says, they filled the hall to its capacity of […]