Compiled by Nick Sestanovich

75 years ago

After 50 Years Our Jail Is Renovated (June 17, 1943)

Work of cleansing and renovating of the branch county jail in the Benicia City Hall as been completed under the direction of Supervisor Jack O’Grady and Sheriff Jack Thornton.
For many years the Grand Juries have criticized the local jail as unsanitary and finally the county approved the present improvements as recommended by the above officials. It has been cleaned and repainted and new bedding will be installed as well as mattresses. New heating system has also been installed.

50 years ago

H. L. Jenkins Resigns As B.I. Manager (June 13, 1968)

Howard L. Jenkins, general manager of the Benicia Industrial Park since Jan, 29, 1964, announced his resignation Tuesday. It is effective immediately, he said. He said his decision to resign had been under consideration for some time. Jenkins has served as general manager of the installation since the start of field operations. Jenkins said he had submitted his resignation to Joseph J. Coney, president of Benicia Industries, Inc., and its board of directors through Walter Niles, executive vice president.
He had held the top administrative post since the start of field operations to covert the former Benicia Arsenal into a multi-million dollar industrial park.
Back in 1964, Jenkins and his wife were the only two persons living on the site of the vast industrial complex. During the same time, however, federal agencies provided 10 persons as caretakers for the giant installation.

25 years ago

Panel explores opening park(s) for dogs (June 13, 1993)

By Sarah Rohrs

They’re called “doggy heavens,” a place where canines can run, frolic, chase balls and play with each other— all without the constraints of a leash.
And Benicia, though it certainly has its share of dogs, does not allow pooches in the city’s 30 or more parks facilities, even if the owner walks their pet with a leash.
“We’re the only city in Solano County that doesn’t allow dogs in our parks— maybe the only city in the Bay Area,” Larry Mazzuca, assistant director of the parks and Community Services, said.
Mazzuca said he believes the time is right to explore the possibility of designating at least one of Benicia’s parks for the enjoyment of exercise of the community’s dogs.
Wednesday, the Parks and Recreation Commission agreed and asked Mazzuca to find at least one park for that purpose.

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

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