The Benicia Historical Museum will be bringing two highly accomplished Bay Area musicians together for an intimate concert next week. Peppino D’Agostino and Carlos Reyes will be bringing their unique styles together for what promises to be a very special evening for music lovers. D’Agostino, born in Sicily but residing in Benicia since the ‘80s, […]
Council approves $18K grant for library literacy services
The Benicia City Council approved a grant by the California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) grant to the tune of $18,000 for the library’s Adult Literacy Services (ALS) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs at Tuesday’s meeting. In 1987, the Benicia Public Library established its ALS program, which provides 1:1 tutoring and […]
Hotrod Hoodlums, Chrysler of Fairfield event Saturday to help Las Juntas Elementary
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News-Gazette A team-up event Saturday between a Fairfield Chrysler dealership and a Bay Area car club will help raise money for a Martinez elementary school during its annual PTA car show and barbecue. Chrysler of Fairfield is bringing its parent company’s “Cars 4 Classrooms” fundraising program to Las Juntas Elementary […]
Bocce ball art exhibit rolls into Benicia Library
The popularity of bocce, the Italian ball sport, only continues to grow. With its roots in ancient Rome, the game is huge in Europe and also has sprouted leagues in North America as well, especially in California. This includes Benicia, where a bocce court was constructed in Civic Park in 2006 followed by an additional […]
Candidate Spotlight: Christina Strawbridge seeking return to council
Following her defeat in 2016, Councilmember Christina Strawbridge knew exactly what she wanted to do: run again to get back on the City Council. “I really enjoyed being on the council,” Strawbridge, who had served from 2011 to 2016, said. “It was a progression as far as my involvement with the town, having been on […]
International Talk Like a Pirate Day: British ‘pirate’ well represented in Bay Area
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News-Gazette Belay yer deck-swabbing, ye scurvy dogs! Today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day. If ye dare be ignoring such a grand celebration of maritime linguistics, well, that won’t do twice, by thunder! Come lean on the capstan or take a seat on the deck hatch, and have […]
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 […]
Candidate Spotlight: EDB Chair Lionel Largaespada taking another shot at council seat
A defeat in 2016 did not deter Lionel Largaespada from running again for the Benicia City Council. If anything, he says it has made him more energized. “Friends, residents, voters asked me to keep at it,” he said. “Momentum was on our side, and that really inspired and motivated me to stay in the race.” […]
Planning Commission narrowly OKs use permit for digital billboard at Bayshore Road
By a slim margin, the Planning Commission approved a use permit to modify a conventional billboard on Bayshore Road into a digital LED billboard at Thursday’s meeting. Associate Planner Charles Enchill presented a history of the project. In 2012, applicant Bruce Qualls of Clear Channel Outdoor proposed converting two static billboards— one on Park Road […]
Thompson’s disaster relief amendment rejected
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News-Gazette Special to the Herald A bill amendment written by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson to provide targeted tax relief for victims of natural disasters, was rejected by the House Committee on Ways and Means, and the Napa Democrat said he isn’t happy about it. Thompson, who represents Benicia, said in […]