Galen Kusic, Editor The Benicia Community Action Council continues to positively impact lives by helping those in need. “You know we’re busy,” said Executive Director Viola Robertson, who has run the non-profit since 1980. “It’s like a one-stop shop.” The CAC features a beautiful commercial kitchen downstairs, where fresh meals are cooked five times a […]
Visit Benicia Photo Contest winners announced
Galen Kusic, Editor This year’s Visit Benicia Photo Contest ran all of 2018, as photographers of all backgrounds and experience levels were encouraged to enter their striking digital images, showcasing the Benicia experience. During the last photo contest in 2016, there were a total of 177 entries. In the 2018 contest, the entries nearly doubled […]
New Bay-Delta magazine, ‘SOUNDINGS’ launches
Galen Kusic Editor Photojournalist Rich Turner recently announced the launch of the regional publication Soundings, where he serves as publisher/editor and features a multitude of journalism platforms focused on Bay-Delta art, culture and the environment. Featuring artists, photographers, first-person narratives, historical and scientific essays, long-form journalism and fiction, the magazine revolves around the fascinating […]
City manager announces locations for cannabis biz requests
After issuing Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for cannabis-related businesses in town, City Manager Lorie Tinfow announced that nine proposals had been received for cannabusinesses in the city’s weekly newsletter. In early 2018, the Benicia City Council approved ordinances related to cannabis business related operations. The council limited the number of retail businesses no more than […]
Benicia teen becomes coffee entrepreneur
At 16, Reid Burford is about the age where one might expect to find him working as a coffee shop barista, but that is not the case. Instead, the Benicia High School junior roasts and distributes his own coffee as part of his business Howling Hounds Coffee Roasters. What’s more: he has been doing it […]
New coffee, sandwich shop to open Friday
Farm & Flour will utilize locally sourced, organic ingredients For the past three years, States Coffee & Mercantile has been a popular destination in downtown Martinez. The locally sourced coffee remains a big hit in its community, which is why Brett Benzer, who helped open States, is bringing the coffee to Benicia for his new […]
Kinder’s owners retiring, Heritage proprietors taking over
Where one door closes, another one opens. Jeff and Karen Hodgkinson, the owners of Kinder’s BBQ on First Street, will be retiring after 15 years of running the popular delicatessen. However, lovers of hot sandwiches and barbecued entrees need not worry. The space in the historic Washington House will continue to serve hot and cold […]
First Street ‘Monkey business’ celebrating anniversary
We are not monkeying around here. Pocket Money Vintage, Benicia’s premier retro men’s wear and vintage goods store, is celebrating one year in town with a party featuring discounts and free bananas Sunday. Pocket Monkey Vintage is the brainchild of Jay Brome, a collector who travels to vintage shows about five or six times […]
HPRC to vote on new modifications for Bella Siena
After more than a year of planning and renovation, the new Italian-American restaurant Bella Siena opened its doors in the Tannery Building on June 4. The fine dining establishment has been a hit, drawing a massive amount of five-star reviews on Yelp and filling a space that had been largely unoccupied for nearly a decade. […]
Fine dining restaurant opens at Tannery
(This post has been updated.)After nearly a decade with hardly any use, the largest space in the Tannery Building is a dining destination once again. Bella Siena, the new Italian-American restaurant, is open for business. After nearly a decade with hardly any use, the largest space in the Tannery Building is a dining destination […]