Compiled by Nick Sestanovich

75 years ago

Judge Hartley Russell Gives Flags To City (May 27, 1943)

At an informal presentation at the City Hall, two flags were presented to the City of Benicia, one an American Flag and one the State Flag of California, the Bear Flag.
Judge Hartley Russell made a brief presentation on behalf of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and Wayne R. Millington, the grand president of this organization, and in part, Judge Russell said, “These two flags, the American Flag and the Bear Flag the State Flag of California, symbolize the spirit of democracy and the spirit of the pioneers who founded this great State of California. May the spirit of America and California be an inspiration to not only those who officiate in this council’s chambers, but to all those citizens of this community and those who visit with us. May the sound principles upon which our National and State governments were founded be an inspiration to every human act of our local administration. It is with great pride that the Order of the Native Sons of the Golden West make this presentation to the citizens of Benicia.”
In accepting the flags, Mayor Clyne said, “It gives me a great deal of pleasure on behalf of the City of Benicia to accept the fine American and California State Flags presented by your organization to the City of Benicia. Please accept the sincere appreciation of the City of Benicia for your generous and thoughtful gift.”

50 years ago

Construction Date Shifted For BHS Job (May 23, 1968)

A tentative schedule regarding construction at Benicia High School, which sets a later date than hoped for beginning construction, was given to the board of trustees Monday night in a letter from John Beland, district architect. Among a number of tentative dates given were advertising for bids around June 17, with bid opening slated July 15, and beginning of construction in August 1968. Beland said unforeseen delay could change any or all of these dates. He said with this schedule completion by fall of 1969 was a very real possibility.
Board president Don Passalacque conducted the brief session, attended by trustees Ron Rice, Earl Manor, and Dr. John R. Van Buren. Mrs. Evelyn Sprague, clerk, was absent.
A letter from Benicia Grammar PTA, Inc., requested the board adopt a Family Life and Parent Education curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade. Mrs. Wayne Batchelor, unit president, was in the audience. Passalacqua assured the board “was considering this.” It was indicated the district steering committee would be studying this matter, and referring it to the board for action in the fall.

25 years ago

School board bumps up start, end of classes beginning in fall (May 23, 1993)

By Tim Hearden

Beginning in the fall, classes at Benicia public schools will start a little later and end a little later, too.
The school board Thursday night approved calendars for the next three years, in which classes will resume after Labor Day and extended into mid to late June.
Kaz Mori, director of Employee Services for the Benicia Unified School District, said the change was made to accommodate families who take vacations immediately before, or around, the Labor Day weekend.
Many parents are required by their employers to take their vacations at that time.
The action topped a relatively light meeting agenda, upon which the trustees (with Lisa Hirsh and Peggy Blood absent) also put a freeze on interdistrict agreements for pupils in grades 4 to 8, and approved a pair of bid packages for construction at Benicia High School..

The full articles of these and other stories are available on microfilm at the Benicia Public Library.

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