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 […]
Bob Livesay: The state of the Democratic Party in Benicia
By Bob Livesay Special to the Herald I have been following politics for many years. The first election I voted in was 1954. My first presidential election was 1956. I voted for Eisenhower, and he won. You had to be 21 then, and I was not 21 for the 1952 presidential election. So as you […]
Birdseye nets endorsements from Rep. Thompson, local Democratic groups
Staff Report Kari Birdseye, chair of the Benicia Planning Commission and a candidate in the City Council election, garnered four endorsements over the last two weeks, including one from Benicia’s representative in Congress, Rep. Mike Thompson. “I’ve endorsed Kari because she shares our vision of serving the community to make Benicia the best that it […]
Benicia Democrats endorse Birdseye, Dean in local races
Staff Report At its Tuesday meeting, the Progressive Democrats of Benicia interviewed candidates for the Benicia City Council and Solano County Board of Education. Club members cast their votes and announced the results on Wednesday. Of the three candidates running for City Council, Planning Commission Chair Kari Birdseye and former Councilmember Christina Strawbridge. Ultimately, Birdseye […]
Letters: Regional Measure 3, Carquinez Village and Daryl Snedeker
Is the mayor losing her political grip? A couple of very interesting things have happened lately. One is the delay of the water increase and the other is Regional Measure 3, also known as the bridge toll increase measure. The vote on the water delay increase was a 2-2 tie, which means no action was […]
Pat Toth-Smith: US Senate candidate Kevin de Leon’s visit to Benicia shed light on stances
By Pat Toth-Smith Special to the Herald “My core values are inclusivity, diversity, respecting human and civil rights, and I have a track record of growing the economy and putting people to work,” U.S. Senate candidate Kevin de Leon said when asked what strengths he would bring to the job. He passionately continued, “I’m also […]
Senate hopeful Kevin de Leon speaks at Benicia Library
Kevin de Leon, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, spoke at the Benicia Public Library for Tuesday’s Progressive Democrats of Benicia meeting. De Leon was introduced at the meeting by Vice Mayor Steve Young, who described the state senator’s upbringing. He grew up in the barrios of San Diego as the son of an immigrant […]
Delaine Eastin, Gov candidate, talks education, property tax reform, more at Benicia Library
Delaine Eastin, a candidate for governor, stopped by the Benicia Public Library on Tuesday to promote her views at the Progressive Democrats of Benicia meeting. Eastin began her career in education as a political science and women’s studies professor at several community colleges. In 1980, she was elected to the Union City Council. From 1986 […]
Photo: Stanislaus congressional candidate speaks at library
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate addresses Benicia Democratic club
By Phyllis DeBois Special to the Herald Gayle McLaughlin, former Richmond mayor and current California lieutenant governor candidate, told local Democrats on a recent Tuesday that corporate controlled office holders stand in the way of change. To bring about the progressive changes communities and the state need, McLaughlin says, “We need candidates who are not […]