It is my belief that it is not out of the ordinary for people to look back on their youth, recall memories and reminisce. I’m doing that here. It’s a good thing that in my old age I still have the scrapbooks from my youth. In the Benicia where I grew up, things were obviously […]
James Garrett: Former Benicia High School star athletes make good
Benicia High School has had many fine athletes move on past their playing days to successful careers. The foundation for many of those careers is based on remembering their roots and applying that learning time to helping others. It is passing the torch. I am very proud of all those written of here and all […]
2008 class gift unveiled as new BHS mural
A parting gift from Benicia High School’s 2008 graduating class has finally seen the light of day, and it can be seen by anyone who drives into the front parking lot or even passes it by when driving down Military West. Every year, the outgoing senior class announces its Senior Class Gift. The funds are […]
Six great Benicia High School backs of the ’50s as seniors (Part 3)
CHARLES KIMBLE Sophomore season The team finished with a record of 4-5, but that was largely due to the fact five or six sophomores at a time were in the starting lineup. The season previously was the first time the huge majority of the now sophomore players had ever worn a football uniform. There was […]
James Garrett: Six great Benicia High School backs of the ’50s as seniors–Part 2
ROLLAND VAN BLARICOM (pronounced “Raw-land”) Junior season The 1955 team was a Co-Champion of the Solano County Athletic League and had a record of 6-2-1. Rolland Van Blaricom only scored 13 points as a junior. Big things were ahead for him as a senior. Senior season In the second game of the season, the 1956 […]
James Garrett: New novel captures spirit of early ’60s high school football
My novel “One Great Season 9-0!” continues to reach people as football season approaches. The fictional city of Homestead, and Homestead High School, is an obvious reference to Benicia and Benicia High School. I wanted to capture the atmosphere of a small town in 1960 as it was in Benicia at that time. Too much has […]