Valero Energy Corporation announced Monday that it would be nixing its planned acquisition of two petroleum and distribution terminals in Richmond and Martinez owned by Plains All American Pipeline. The decision followed a July lawsuit in which California Attorney General Xavier Becerra alleged that the purchase could contribute to higher gas prices in the state […]
Attorney General Becerra hopes to block Martinez terminal sale to Valero
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News Gazette Special to the Herald California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced he is seeking an injunction to block Valero Energy Corporation from buying the Martinez petroleum terminal, a purchase he called “anti-competitive behavior” and “unacceptable.” A court hearing on the motion is expected to take place next month. Becerra […]
Local authors write World War II novel with a twist
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News-Gazette Special to the Herald Two longtime friends have collaborated on a World War II novel with a twist that has been flying off Amazon’s shelves even before its formal release date. The book is called “Fata Morgana,” named for both a specific type of mirage and a sorceress from […]
Community development director takes new job in Martinez
Benicia will have to say goodbye to one its own very soon. Christina Ratcliffe, the director of the Community Development Department, will be transitioning to Martinez on July 5 for a new position for the city. Ratcliffe said Martinez represented a really good opportunity for her. In her new position, Ratcliffe will be the community […]
Congressional bill would allow John Muir Site expansion
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News Gazette A new bill introduced into both houses of Congress would pave the way to add 44 acres in the Alhambra Creek watershed to the John Muir National Historic Site. U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-11), in whose district is a portion of Martinez, and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) […]
Woman jumps from Benicia Bridge after car crash; Jumper reportedly ran down pedestrians at family law center
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News Gazette A woman who apparently deliberately ran down three pedestrians Monday morning at Court and Main streets jumped to her death from the Benicia-Martinez Bridge after crashing her car about midspan, Martinez Police Commander Eric Ghisletta said. “Her name is being withheld until positive identification from the Contra Costa […]
Bluebird of Happiness returns
By Georgette Howington Special to the Herald Rarely seen 30 years ago because of severe population decline, the Western Bluebird, once a common harbinger of spring is making a comeback in the Bay Area. Nest box monitors, taking care of birdhouses season-after-season, smile when they hear news like, “I saw a bluebird for the first […]
Scene on the Strait returns to Martinez for 20th year, Benicia artists will take part
Art festival aims to raise money to restore butterfly habitat This Saturday, Martinez’s Scene of the Strait art festival will hit an important milestone: 20 years of helping kids help the environment. The festival began in 1995 as a fundraiser for the Carquinez Regional Environmental Education Center (CREEC) in Crockett, which employs underserved teenagers […]
Benicia native scores gig at Armando’s with new band Westerly
The spirit of traditional folk music is alive in the hearts of four Bay Area musicians who call themselves Westerly. Westerly are a Benicia-based band who blend folk music with Americana and even a little bit of gospel with lyrics that are heartfelt but also socially conscious and rooted in tradition. The current lineup consists […]
The 1-percenters
THIS IS NOT ABOUT INCOME INEQUALITY. Doesn’t involve Warren Buffett or the Koch brothers (er, not directly anyway). This is about oil train safety. Another crude oil train just derailed this past week, exploding cars dumped into the James River in Lynchburg, Va. Could have been much worse. A 100-car oil train right in town. […]