Benicia BID renewal Do you love the tree lights on First Street in Benicia? If the answer is “yes”, then we need to thank the First Street business owners. In November 2012, businesses fronting First Street and its adjoining areas voted to form a special benefits assessment district in Benicia to help fund beautification and […]
Letters: Incorrect statements and A Taste of First Street
Facts and credibility are very important Why would I go through the trouble of writing this letter? Very simple: it does involve facts, truth and credibility. At the City Council meeting on Aug. 15, I spoke during the water and sewer comment session. Some things happened after that. One is that the mayor answered an […]
Letters: Confederate display and funding Benicia
Funding Benicia I read Thursday’s letter by Lionel Largaespada, and for the most part I am in agreement. The city simply needs to run itself like a business that wants to make a profit, or in our case, at least break even. Stop giving away the ranch to bring in or retain employees that can […]
Letters: Rate hike alternatives
Funding Benicia is possible without rate hikes Last week the City Council implied that Benicia is struggling financially, and that raising water and sewer rates and permit fees are necessary if we want to balance the budget without having to cut essential services. Facing financial duress, it is understandable why the City Council might feel […]
Letters: Stained-glass Confederate flag and economic development
Temporary fix Once again, I was treated with courtesy and professional disregard when I protested the Union Hotel on Aug. 17. Sadly, I protest the symbol of the insurgent Confederate army. Its flag is shown crossed with the American flag in their stained glass window. Happily, within 7 minutes, a male employee handed tape to […]
Letters: Mayor’s tactics were not bullying
Not bullying I feel compelled to reply to the opinionated letter Sunday by Mr. Bob Livesay. Attacking the mayor has become his mantra, and it serves only to inflame not to inform. If he truly had issues with Ms. Patterson’s policies, he could politely and thoughtfully write a letter to her or to the editor– […]
Letters: Tuesday’s council meeting and Charlottesville
What about the residents? The mayor’s seat is empty and without leadership. It is occupied by an agenda-driven person who puts her personal ideals before the residents of this wonderful town. I’m talking about Mayor Patterson. That was on full display at Tuesday’s council meeting. I have been a very strong critic of the mayor […]
Letters: Phillips 66 terminal is not worth the risk
Phillips 66 terminal: Not worth the risk I am writing to thank Larnie Fox for his letter and report on the recent BAAQMD meeting regarding the Phillips 66 permit to expand their marine terminal. Expanding the terminal to permit additional tankers loaded with Canadian tar sands crude would be a recipe for disaster. Environmental and […]
Letters: Oppose Phillips 66 marine terminal permit
Oppose Phillips 66 marine terminal permit On Monday, I attended a Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) presentation on Phillips 66’s plan to expand their marine terminal. It was sponsored by Solano County Supervisor, Monica Brown, and held in Benicia’s City Hall. Five or six BAAQMD staff members were present, as were many members […]
Letters: A successful Waterfront Festival
A successful Waterfront Festival Benicia Main Street would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped out with our annual Benicia Waterfront Festival, which took place Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30. Rotary Club of Benicia handled the very busy beer booth, Soroptimist International of Benicia oversaw pouring at the wine booth, Coldwell […]