Support music education I was delighted to attend Mary Farmar Elementary School’s music fundraiser held at Lucca Beer Garden on July 25. As a retired math teacher, I know evidence has shown that music helps the brain. Music makes you smarter, happier and more productive at any age. Mary Farmar is a wonderful elementary school. […]
Devon Minnema: The ongoing impact of the Jones Act
There are many obscure laws out there that affect our communities, however there are few as impactful on West Coast communities than the Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. First, a quick definition of a somewhat rare term. “Cabotage” is the shipping of goods by water to and from ports […]
A Vibrant Faith for the 21st century: A great book on reading scripture
By Rev. Henry Sun In 1976, what I consider the defining book on an evangelical doctrine was published. Written by Harold Lindsell, at that time the editor of Christianity Today, “The Battle For the Bible” made the case that the foundational doctrine for Christianity was its doctrine about the Bible, and the most faithful, historic […]
Letter: Poor CPUC decision
Poor CPUC decision I’m a resident of Benicia who lives just up the hill from the Valero refinery on Lindo Street, and the fact that the CPUC’s decision NOT to penalize PG&E for its “inadequate training of operations personnel and slow response” is ludicrous. In fact, the CPUC should be penalized for making such a […]
Letter: Cannabis meeting at Rossmoor
Cannabis meeting at Rossmoor Benicia residents, especially seniors and veterans, with an interest in how cannabis works to relieve pain, inflammation, and stress are invited to attend the next meeting of the Rossmoor Medical (Cannabis) Club, on Tuesday, Aug. 14, Diablo Room, Hillside Clubhouse, 7:15 p.m. The guest lecturer is an expert botanist/herbalist. You will […]
Counseling Matters: Attend college OR learn a trade?? A false choice!
Love it or leave it! You’re either with me or a’gin me. Either we walk or take a taxi! Each of these examples is a blatant fallacy: what critical skills people and rhetoricians label “a classic false-choice” proposition. (Want more? Listen to politicians of all stripes talking in front of crowds….). Another instance of a […]
Letter: Like-minded groups are good
Like-minded groups are good Benicia is run by democratic principles; fair elections, free press, open government. Complaints about agendas and biases and quasi-shadow interest groups miss the point. Of course there are diverse opinions, and of course,there are groups formed of people with like minds. How else would issues be brought to light, examined and […]
Letter: Whose city is this?
Whose city is this? It seems like a simple enough question, but is it? Benicia appears to be in the process of being taken away by what I call quasi-shadow government groups. The simple explanation of a shadow government is they are run by non-elected officials who are bound together by a common cause or […]
A Vibrant Faith for the 21st Century: Troubling Old Testament texts
“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die’” (2 Samuel 12:13-14 [New International Version]). “Parents are not […]
Letter: They got the Beat
They got the Beat Kudos to our great community for coming out to support the “Gimme A Beat” benefit concert at Lucca Bar & Grill last Wednesday to help fund music programs at Mary Farmar Elementary School. Fun was had by all, including the kids. Music is such an integral part of a child’s growth. […]