Tender as the perfectly formed phrase that Satie played, enchanting as a story book on a blustery night when the blanket of dark enfolds us close, comforting as courage discovered on a retreat of the moon. Stepping into the glare of a rain-slick street, I turn to catch the warm glow, smile at the window, […]
Voice of the Village: Planning on a rocking chair in retirement? Think again
By Lois Requist Just when you thought it was your turn to sit down and rest, the studies pour in saying it isn’t good to sit! Someone said, “Sitting is the new smoking!” (Something we shouldn’t do—at least not too much.) A study by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and published […]
Poetry Corner: Georgette Howington “When I’m Gone”
If you think of me in Spring, my love, let the perfume from orange blossoms carried by a gentle breeze kiss you lightly on the cheek and bluebirds lift your spirit where clouds drift across the sky with no limits to your heart’s song. If you think of me in summer, my love, let the […]
Poetry Corner: Allegra Silberstein “Catch the Heart Off-Guard (A Line from Seamus Heaney)”
In your body I heard rivers sing their way to the ocean, your heartbeat the pounding surf. You came unannounced out of the night’s dream like morning dew. Now the wind shouts your name, you are the reason of my evening song. Stars of the night shine in your eyes and I—alive in your dream […]
Letter: Buffers won’t work
Buffers won’t work Some of the rejectors of regulated cannabis activity in our town have pleaded for extensive distance buffers around schools, day care businesses, youth centers, religious assemblies, parks and any other place they could think of where minors or other “sensitive populations” (?) are likely to be in attendance. The common rationale was […]
The Benicia Fullosopher: The truth about cruising
By Joyce Middlebrook The Benicia Fullosopher I recently retired from working part time on cruise ships and–with 30 years of cruising experience–I now feel free to reveal all the things they don’t tell you in the slick brochures, magazine ads, and thrilling videos that promise luxury, exotic ports, fabulous food and maybe even romance. There […]
Throwback Thursday: Herald headlines for the week of March 4, 1943, 1968 and 1993
Compiled by Nick Sestanovich 75 years ago The Best Income Tax Story (March 4, 1943) The way one man solved his income tax problem makes the best story on the unpleasant subject of taxes this office has heard— and its author, A.C. Woodress. It seems that a deck hand on the Martinez-Benicia ferry, was listening […]
Letters: League of Women Voters, cannabis
Thank you, LWV It is essential in our representative form of democracy that we, the public, take an interest and participate in our own governance especially at the local level. I would like to thank the Benicia chapter of the League of Women Voters for organizing and presenting its 13th annual Meet Your Local Officials […]
Letters: Weapons and cannabis
One bullet The record will show that in the ’80s, my father William stood in his classroom in Pinole Junior High School when, from Appian Way, a shooter fired one bullet from a high-powered rifle through the outside wall of his school. The bullet landed next to his fellow teacher, Al Williams, in the adjoining […]
Letter: Kudos to Solano College
Kudos to Solano College I would like to publicly thank Solano Community College’s softball team for allowing me to throw out the ceremonial pitch, Thursday Feb. 1. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this effort. Receiving a Solano College shirt, the softball I used and flowers was such a surprise. Thank you, Athletic Director Erik […]