■ What would be local consequences if Gov. Jerry Brown signs historic legislation? Legislation that would ban single-use plastic shopping bags has reached Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk, the closest any bag ban bill has come to becoming law. Compromise helped get the bill this far, said Jenesse Miller, communications director of the California League of […]
Traffic panel eyes speed on Military East
■ Committee also to get update on proposed West K crosswalk Benicia Traffic, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee will weigh concerns Thursday that vehicles, including SolTrans buses, are speeding on Military East. Principal Civil Engineer Mike Roberts wrote in an Aug. 28 report that a Military East resident has been talking with city and SolTrans […]
Wildlife center director decries ‘microbead’ pollution
While California’s legislators and city leaders debate and vote on the use of plastic bags, Monique Liguori is addressing another type of plastic pollution that has found its way into household water systems. The state Assembly has turned down a Senate bill that would make California the first state to ban single-use plastic bags, although […]
Council mulls labor pacts
■ Negotiations wrap with all but three city employee unions Benicia has concluded negotiating with most of the bargaining units representing city employees, and proposed agreements have been ratified by a majority of members of all but three labor agencies that have slated votes soon on the city’s offers. Benicia City Council will decide Tuesday […]
Famed New England red chair, on West Coast visit, stops in Benicia
For one week earlier this month, the Shorelight Inn and the Inn at Benicia Bay had a special visitor — a simple, red, wooden chair. But it was no ordinary red chair, said Peg James, property manager at the Shorelight Inn, 153 West E St. This is the red chair that has been traveling since […]
CCA — right for Benicia?
■ Workshop slated to discuss community choice aggregation Residents and others can learn more about community choice aggregation, the utility alternative to such companies as Pacific Gas and Electric, at a workshop Sept. 9 at City Hall. Community choice aggregation (CCA) agencies buy or develop clean energy from renewable sources and work with such companies […]
Origins, mandates of area water agencies
AS THE SEVERE DROUGHT CONTINUES IN CALIFORNIA, more people are hearing and reading about the State Water Project and the Solano Project, two historic sources of water for Benicia. But what are they? The California State Water Project, often called by the acronym SWP, was established in 1960, and is the largest publicly built and […]
Oktoberfest in Benicia: Human Services Board plans big autumn fundraiser
Benicia Human Services Board has made a major switch for its fundraiser this year — from wine to beer, said Mike Caplin, chairperson. Instead of a wine tasting event out of town, the board has decided to have an “authentic Oktoberfest celebration” at the Benicia Clock Tower. In fact, the event is so authentic, Caplin said, […]
‘Chill’ patio expansion OK’d; HPRC mulls design review overhaul
Lee and Susan North will be able to expand the patio at their Treasury Commons Building, the structure that houses The Chill bar and Luxe Hair Design, a salon, the Historic Preservation Review Commission decided last week. However, the couple will need to modify their designs somewhat, the panel decided at its Thursday meeting. One […]
Post office, banks, government closed on Monday
Monday is Labor Day, a federal holiday that recognizes the contributions workers have made to the United States. Most government buildings, including Benicia City Hall, Benicia Community Center and Benicia Public Library, as well as banks and the Benicia Post Office lobby, will be closed. Many businesses in town, including The Benicia Herald, will follow […]