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.” […]
Board, commission appointments will go before council Tuesday
Some citizens may continue serving their community on various boards and commissions, others will be seeking seats for the first time. All will be voted on by the Benicia City Council at its Tuesday meeting. After a lengthy process that included interviews by a council subcommittee and Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, the council will be voting […]
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 […]
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 […]
City attorney to leave in March
After having a presence at Benicia City Council meetings for more than 20 years, City Attorney Heather McLaughlin will be exiting the dais in March. McLaughlin said after nearly 22 years in the position and numerous health issues over the years, it was time to move on. “I love this position,” she said. “I […]
Christina Strawbridge: The citizens are our customers
On Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, I appeared before the Benicia City Council for the third time concerning the new increases in water and sewer rates. Previously, I had asked that the rates be deferred from July to November with the reasoning that usage would be down in the winter months. This was not accepted. The […]
Council scrutinizes proposed accessory dwelling unit regulations
A discussion on proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulation amendments to the Benicia Municipal Code prompted a lot of feedback and even some recommendations by Benicia City Councilmembers at Tuesday’s meeting. An ADU, also known as an in-law unit, is a room or a set of rooms within a single-family home that has […]
Candidate’s Night set for Sept. 12
Staff Report As election season begins and yard signs for candidates pop up all throughout town, many Benicians may be trying to decide which of the four City Council candidates to vote for. For those trying to get a sense of where the candidates stand on certain issues, the Chamber of Commerce will be providing […]
Council to vote on amendments to Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations
After receiving hearings from the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Review Commission, an ordinance to amend the Benicia Municipal Code in regards to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations will go before the Benicia City Council for a vote Tuesday. An ADU, also known as an in-law unit, is a room or a set of rooms […]