Hope you’re ready for this four-part misadventure. We weren’t. But as they say, that which does not destroy us… First, thank you all for tolerating my two-week rant on woodworking blunders. During that time, I was on the road, away from a keyboard. I’m back now in one piece and somewhat ready to relive our […]
Cathy Bennett: Is it safe to open your windows, Benicia?
By Cathy Bennett Special to the Herald When the subject of Valero comes up most of us think about the refinery. For many of us, this is a reminder of the toxic emissions it releases into our air on a daily basis. That’s troublesome enough, but most of us are unaware that Valero also operates […]
Bob Livesay: ISO vote was win for voters, residents
By Bob Livesay Special to the Herald Mayor Patterson must be in shock. Why would I say that? The mayor and her gang of 12 just got the shock of their life. Their attempt to hijack the City Council meeting went down in a big defeat, that being the Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO). Backed by […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: Little Boys
Little boys are grumpy When they first get out of bed Crying, whining, screaming; “Was it something that I said?” Then a dose of chocolate milk It seems to chill them out Mothers know what works the best For boys without a doubt Now let’s have our breakfast Turkey bacon, scrambled eggs Tossed around the […]
Voice of the Village: A weekend in the village, virtual and otherwise
By Lois Requist Occasionally, someone still asks me where the village is. I explain that it’s a virtual village, not a place where all participants live, but it occurs to me that is also a very real place. We live in our own homes, but things happen in the real world, so don’t get the […]
Christina Strawbridge: Another late night spent at the City Council Chambers
Several important issues have been voted on by the Benicia City Council in the wee hours of the morning as of late. This past Tuesday was no exception. The packed Chamber was full of those who wanted to speak on the noise ordinance, and the rest of the attendees were there for the Industrial Safety […]
Osprey Days commence Friday at Mare Island
Bird enthusiasts, rejoice! Tomorrow is the first of the San Francisco Bay Osprey Days, which will continue through this weekend at the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve in Vallejo. Ospreys— alternatively known as sea hawks or fish hawks— are raptor birds known for their fishing skills. Nesting ospreys are frequently found near waterways and […]
The A Cappella Handyman: My CD Progress Report
Such a Hoot! As reported in this column two weeks ago, Yes, I’m putting out a NEW CD of my poems and graphics (see cover label attached). In the previous 48 years of writing and publishing I’ve done chapbooks, a DVD, Facebook postings, a creative newsletter “Taproot & Aniseweed,” a weekly BLOG, and this column […]
Throwback Thursday: Herald headlines for the week of June 24, 1943, 1968 and 1993
Compiled by Nick Sestanovich 75 years ago Combat Vehicle To Be Named For Benicia (June 24, 1943) A combat vehicle, one of the 13th Armored Division, will carry the name, Benicia, and be so christened at ceremonies to be held at Camp Beale, Marysville, on July 4. Mayor Charles G. Clyne received a letter from […]
Council votes down Industrial Safety Ordinance
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Benicia City Council did not approve Mayor Elizabeth Patterson’s request to adopt an Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO), at least not yet. Instead, the council voted 3-2 to direct staff to monitor Solano County’s implementation of Program 4 for the county’s Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) and meet with the Valero Benicia […]