Benicia artist Nikki Basch-Davis wants to bring people together for her current Gallery 621 exhibit “Connecting,” which she feels is lacking in the current political climate. “It’s a difficult time for many,” she said. “There are a lot of heavy, sometimes negative feelings going back and forth. People that were friends are not friends anymore. […]
Panel to discuss women in leadership at Cal Maritime event
The Benicia-Vallejo branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will be joining forces with the League of Women Voters Benicia and California State University Maritime Academy to host a panel titled “Women and Leadership— Opportunities and Obstacles, Featuring Three Local Leaders” on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up […]
Benicia High School Class of 1997 gearing up for 20-year reunion
Let us go back to the second week of June 1997. Puff Daddy’s “I’ll Be Missing You” was blasting out of millions of Americans’ boomboxes, car radios and CD players. Other Americans were going to the multiplexes to see “Speed 2: Cruise Control” (a decision many would probably regret, if the critical consensus is […]
Brad Upton reflects on comedy career, looks forward to Empress gig
The Empress Theatre in Vallejo is primarily known as a music venue, but the theater is working to bring in more comedic acts. In recent years, the venue has played host to such notable comedic talents as Will Durst, Rocky LaPorte, Maureen Langan and Nicole Calasich. This Friday will feature another noteworthy comic: 30-year […]
Pizza Pirate celebrates 45 years with scaled back pizza prices
When most people approach 45, the reaction is usually a stern “Argh!” For the crew of Pizza Pirate, it’s an “Argh!” of celebration. Also, it fits with the pirate theme. Pizza Pirate has plenty to celebrate. This month marks 45 years of the pizzeria with a seafaring motif. That’s 45 years of kids celebrating their […]
Architects present revised Benicia Middle School campus remodel plans at Thursday’s school board meeting
Lee Pollard of HY Architects delivered a presentation on plans to modernize the Benicia Middle School campus at Thursday’s school board meeting. The project is one of many to be funded by Measure S, an initiative approved by Benicia voters in 2014 to provide $49.6 million in bond funding to be spent on facilities […]
Second annual Bark for Life event seeking volunteers
Last August, the American Cancer Society held its first Bark For Life event at Benicia Middle School, in which dog owners walked with their canines to raise money toward benefiting cancer research. The event was a success, having raised thousands of dollars. As one would expect, the event will be held again this year, and […]
Vallejo Symphony conductor’s brother to join Mare Island String Quartet for special performance
The Vallejo Symphony Orchestra has been a great showcase for the conducting talents of Marc Taddei since he took over as music director last year. With Feb. 12’s “Vallejo Symphony Presents” concert, the organization will showcase the talent of Taddei’s younger brother. Michel Taddei will be a guest performer on two pieces by the Mare […]
Music Notes: Multiplatinum musicians’ brushes with Benicia
I’ve written so much about Benicia in the past year and a half that I’ve been working here that I’ve decided I would like to take occasional detours to talk about one of my passions: music. However, I’m not ready to venture too far out of my wheelhouse just yet, so I figured I’d compromise […]
Parks Commission to discuss amendments to smoking ordinance
The Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission will discuss amending the city’s coming ordinance to include marijuana at a special meeting Wednesday. At a recent Benicia City Council meeting, the council discussed minor updates to the city’s smoking ordinance during discussion on the passage of Proposition 64, which legalized marijuana for personal use in California, and […]