Patterson and Young just ended their political careers We are now seeing the true political personal agenda of Mayor Patterson and Vice Mayor Young: anti-fossil fuel, and in the case of Benicia, anti-Valero. This is not new to me. I have been talking about it for years. I do now hope the residents/voters now understand […]
Letter: Not a simple issue
Not a simple issue As a citizen of Benicia who lives close to a refinery I, like many other Benicians, would simply like to know what is in the air that we breathe. At the June 19 City Council meeting, the council missed an excellent opportunity to get us that information. Valero clearly does not […]
Letters: Clean energy, ISO and cannabis
California’s clean energy leadership is needed On July 3, the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee will be voting on SB 100 which would mandate that California utilities produce 100 percent clean energy by 2045. The final Assembly vote in August requires a fifty percent majority and Gov. Brown’s signature. Moving California toward 100 percent emission-free […]
Letters: Religious views on family separations at border
Religious community HAS condemned family separations at border This is in response to the paid advertisement from Lawrence Dutch saying that he’s heard “nothing from the religious community” regarding the separation of children from their families and keeping them in detention centers Huh? All you need to do is Google “religious leaders’ statements on detention […]
Letter: Grateful to citizen who returned cane
Grateful to citizen who returned cane A few days ago, a lovely lady– so my neighbor told me– brought my lost cane right to my door. I had left it somewhere one day last week, but I couldn’t remember where. Losing ym cane was one thing but not remembering where was worse. I rationalized that […]
Letter: Who pays taxes
Who pays taxes Every California taxpayer should know who really pays taxes. Corporations do not pay taxes, fees and other government charges. Taxpayers pay. Think of it this way: you have a small business. The city charges you a new fee which takes most of your profit. You have to decide whether to go out […]
Letter: Stand for Benicia
Stand for Benicia On Tuesday, the Benicia City Council will hear from a Citizen Group requesting that a draft Industrial Safety Ordinance be referred to city staff for review. This is a signature moment for Benicia, as it will signal whether the City Council puts the health and safety of Benicia, its citizens and community […]
ISO Working Group: The rest of the story on air monitoring in Benicia (Part 2)
The rest of the story on air monitoring in Benicia In Part 1 of this series, we explored the many health risks and costs of air pollution in Benicia, including premature deaths, hospitalizations and respiratory symptoms including asthma in adults and children. Today we will take a look at air monitoring – and the lack […]
Letter: Making sense of air monitoring (Part 1)
Making sense of air monitoring (Part 1) Most of the time, you cannot see dirty air – for example you can’t see particulates. We know that particulates increase the age-specific mortality risk, particularly from cardiovascular causes. In fact, epidemiological studies suggest public health officials are underestimating the effect of acute pollution exposure on mortality and […]
Letter: Plenty of blame in unsettled contract
Plenty of blame in unsettled contract We attended the Benicia High graduation ceremony and were impressed with the accomplishments of the graduates. Student academic accomplishments were highlighted, a record number of scholarships were noted (top-rated colleges were the destination of many), athletic team championships were listed and plentiful, and a fantastic performing arts program involving […]