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 […]
Benicia Letters Once More: Children Growing
The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters […]
City manager announces locations for cannabis biz requests
After issuing Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for cannabis-related businesses in town, City Manager Lorie Tinfow announced that nine proposals had been received for cannabusinesses in the city’s weekly newsletter. In early 2018, the Benicia City Council approved ordinances related to cannabis business related operations. The council limited the number of retail businesses no more than […]
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.” […]
Planning Commission narrowly OKs use permit for digital billboard at Bayshore Road
By a slim margin, the Planning Commission approved a use permit to modify a conventional billboard on Bayshore Road into a digital LED billboard at Thursday’s meeting. Associate Planner Charles Enchill presented a history of the project. In 2012, applicant Bruce Qualls of Clear Channel Outdoor proposed converting two static billboards— one on Park Road […]
BHS nabs 13 Arty nominees apiece for 2017-18 productions; BOTTG nets 5
The Performing Arts Network (PAN-Arts) announced its nominees for the 34th annual Arty Awards, which honor theatrical productions at all levels in the counties of Solano, Napa and– for the first time this year– Yolo, this morning. Once again, Benicia High School and Benicia Old Town Theatre Group are well-represented among the nominees. Benicia High […]
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 […]
Arts Benicia goes ‘dark’ for curated exhibit
Although most would rather not think about it, the Halloween season is starting to creep in. Just look at all the Halloween decorations in stores, advertisements for pumpkin spice lattes and emergence of Halloween specialty stores— all in the middle of September. Arts Benica’s curated exhibition, “After Dark,” is not Halloween-themed, but it is still […]
New exhibit to light up Plein Air Gallery
Judy Feins is bringing light to the Benicia Plein Air Gallery. Specifically, the light is in her paintings which capture the luminous elements of nature. Feins has exhibited at the gallery before— local art aficionados might remember last year’s show “Luminous”—, but those who want to get a further understanding of the East Bay artist’s […]