Susan Street had to really step out of her comfort zone for her new show at Plein Air Gallery. For one, her paintings were not done on site but rather through using photographs of a recent trip to Cochiti Lake in New Mexico as a reference. Street had been making the trip for about 20 […]
Police Department faces backlash over Facebook post
Benicia Police Chief Erik Upson issued an apology on behalf of the Benicia Police Department for a poem detailing a recent arrest that was posted on the department’s Facebook page. On Dec. 29, the Benicia Police Department posted a poem inspired by “A Visit from St. Nicholas” in response to the arrest of a man […]
Photo: I have Ben everywhere, man
Former Richmond mayor, Lt. Gov. candidate to speak at Democratic Club meeting
Gayle McLaughlin, a former Richmond mayor and candidate for California Lieutenant Governor, will be speaking Tuesday at the Progressive Democrats of Benicia’s (PDB) monthly meeting. McLaughlin first became involved in politics in the ‘80s when she served as an activist with the Central American solidarity movement, and civil rights nonprofit groups People United to Save […]
City seeking applicants for open positions on commissions, boards
For those looking to become more involved in their community and possibly make a difference in the new year, the city is seeking applicants for a variety of open positions on commissions and boards. The positions are available to any Benicia resident who fills out a form and drops them off in the city clerk’s […]
New antique store opens on First Street
(This article has been updated from the print edition) Knick-knacks, doohickies, and possible hidden treasure can be found at Antiques on First, a new store which recently opened in downtown Benicia. Antiques on First is owned by Allie McLanahan Mamere and her husband. Mamere was born in Baltimore. After a few pit stops in Florida […]
2017 Year in Review: Local issues dominated Benicia in past year
The year 2018 is just around the corner. Before we see what the new year has to offer, let us look back at the big stories that affected Benicia in 2017. Staff changes In February, interim City Manager Steve Salomon left to become the interim city manager of Orinda. Fire Chief Jim Lydon initially filled […]
Photo: The balancing act
3 arrested for shoplifting from Rite Aid
Three shoplifters were nabbed by police Tuesday night, according to a post on the Benicia Police Department’s Facebook page.* Three women– all from the East Bay– were caught shoplifting from the Rite Aid in Solano Square. Police arrested 24-year-old Antioch resident Yolanda Woods, 22-year-old Oakland resident Samantha Hardy 19-year-old Oakley resident Shamirra Soriano, after they […]
Benicia Teen Center to reopen in new location in January
After six months without a home, the Benicia Teen Center is ready to move into an even bigger space at Church Street next month. Providing a center for Benicia teens to be given support through counseling, mentoring and social interaction and express themselves by playing music and creating art has been a primary goal […]