The Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) voted to adopt design guidelines to the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan (DHCP). The guidelines will now go to the City Council for approval. The DHCP was adopted in 1990 with amendments in 1992, 2008 and 2009. Principal Planner Suzanne Thorsen said the biggest changes were the adoption of the […]
Editorial: Lending support to the Capital Gazette staff
Our hearts at the Benicia Herald go out to the family, friends and co-workers of the five employees of the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Md. who were shot and killed Thursday afternoon as well as the several others who were injured. It is a tragedy that has left people shook since the news broke, especially […]
Photo: Eyes on the prize
Musical entertainment announced for July 4 Picnic in the Park
Benicia’s Torchlight Parade on July 3 is always one of the city’s most celebrated events of the year, but the 4th of July fun does not stop there. There is also the Picnic in the Park the following day, and if the looks of its amenities and entertainment are any indication, it is worth forgoing […]
Voice of the Village: She acts like she’s 25, not 85!
By Judie Donaldson She’s 85 and looks like she couldn’t weigh more than 90 pounds. She works out every day with a personal trainer, and can do more pushups that most men in their 40s and 50s. It’s not unusual for her to be working at her desk until four in the morning. “Saturday Night […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Forgot”
By chance we met again last night. You so startled, with a breath of fright. The voices were the same as words we shared. Using phrases, though few truths were bared. The girl who promised to wait forever. The boy on whom fate used a lever. “We’ve all missed you,” your words had said. My […]
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill “Enemies of Reason”
Enemies of reason Merchants of hate. Kids showing up to school late. Hall passes. Kids ditching science classes. Crooks peddling fiction books giving kids an imaginary hero. Telling them they’re broken like windows. “Y’all need this!” plead the enemies of reason. Drug dealers in suits poisoning the minds of kids. Taking advantage of their innocence. […]
Hendrix tribute band to light up Empress stage tomorrow
The highest benchmark an aspiring guitarist can reach is “the next Jimi Hendrix.” Given Hendrix’s status as a guitar legend, that is a tall order but Ralph Woodson has chosen to achieve this by becoming Jimi Hendrix– figuratively speaking, of course. Those wishing to become acquainted with the Vallejo-based singer and guitarist can check out […]
Benicia resident recalls time as off-Broadway singer in 1950s
By Jay Brome Special to the Herald If the City of Benicia had its own version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one person who has earned her star is resident Barbara Schrager. Born in New Jersey in the 20th century, this writer wouldn’t dare ask Schrager her age because she still has that rough, […]
The Truth About Cruising (Part 8): All those memorable people
The Benicia Fullosopher MEMORABLE PEOPLE As either dance instructors or speakers, our contracts required extensive socializing with the guests. One luxury line said that fifty percent of our rating was based on how much and how well we socialized. It was our job to make guests feel comfortable at all times; thus, we were forbidden […]