The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 triggered a seven-year population influx and economic boom in the appropriately named Golden State for what became known as the California Gold Rush. Benicia played a part in the Gold Rush, as can be seen in the upcoming Benicia Historical Museum exhibition “Benicia’s Gold Rush Story,” […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Long, Long Ago”
I don’t know you, girl in my sight, Sweet and clean, with hair bouncing light. A smile on your face, and sparkle in your eyes, Too young to practice the ways of the lies. Turning your gaze to friends by your side, To look on your world, now growing so wide. Exploring and testing, thrilled […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “Please Listen”
Listen to the clamor of voices ; heard from poets and writers. Wishing to tell us something; words that come from the heart; Their meaning truly revealing. They ARE telling us something, Of life, love and death; explicit is their meaning; Preparing us for all seasons; And life, love and death.
The Truth About Cruising (Part 10): The finale
The Benicia Fullosopher Ship Cheapness Factor (SCF): Rather than raise fares, cruise companies have begun to charge for many things that were formerly free. I created the term “Ship Cheapness Factor” to describe this practice that applies to the mainstream and premium class ships. The welcome drink: In the past, guests boarding would be […]
Poetry Corner: Carol Gieg “Caregiving”
A gift, the compassion of a caregiver, A nobler pursuit, there never was one. Guardian for those disenfranchised and weak, Victims of power and greed, they’ve become. Children sobbing for their parents, Separated from them and in cells. What criminals these, who fled in terror, seeking refuge from their hell
Voice of the Village: Ballroom dancing, anyone?
By Judie Donaldson I must admit that it’s sometimes hard for me to believe what I read, particularly when something seems so implausible or just doesn’t fit into any corner of my brain. This occurred to me this morning when I read something about ballroom dancing. Bear with me. I’ll explain what stymied me in […]
Photo: Benicia having a Night Out
The A Cappella Handyman: Crayon Box for Christmas
Crayon Box for Christmas There were so many colors! It’s not like I was gonna do that much coloring, but somebody had made and packed this box, bigger than my world to date. Sometimes when I go to an Open Mic’, the experience is the same. I may or may not be stirred or […]
Throwback Thursday: Herald headlines for the week of July 29, 1943, 1968 and 1993
Compiled by Nick Sestanovich 75 years ago Daughter of Benicia’s founder dies in Sonoma (July 29, 1943) Senora Luisa Vallejo Emparan, only surviving daughter of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, one of the founders of Benicia, passed away Friday at the Burnsdale Sanitorium in Sonoma, not far from the historic family home, where she was born. […]
Stewart Hall: What I took away from attending a City Council meeting
By Stewart Hall Special to the Herald On July 17, I was able to attend the Benicia City Council meeting. It had been several months since attending meetings after the yearlong debate over cannabis. After seeing how that topic and how it was handled, I considered not attending or witnessing another session. I read in […]