Let’s begin with the understanding that there is no “hate speech” exception to the First Amendment. That has been settled law since the founders first signed the Constitution of the United States in 1787. Yet, on college campuses all across the United States, the First Amendment rights of commencement speakers have been repeatedly violated by […]
Letters: More police supervision needed at events
More police supervision at events I would like to thank our police force for responding quickly and efficiently to a shooting incident that happened in our neighborhood a month ago. With that said, I would like to request that our celebration gatherings at our parks would be better supervised by our police. This last 4th […]
Letters: Keep local control of cell towers
Keep local control of cell towers A bill taking away the ability of the city of Benicia–and all California cities– to regulate and approve the placement of cell phone antennas and related equipment is on a fast track towards approval in Sacramento. Senate Bill 649 would remove the power of cities to control where the […]
The A Cappella Handyman: White Caps
I am a White Cap I am a white cap, The wind blowing at my back. I am a flashlight, My light peering into every crack. I am technology, Enough to know my cellphone And computer. I am my own poem, Metaphors enough To know the breeze that blows And entertain Myself. Song for Ramona […]
Letters: Why we have mixed-use zoning
Why we have mixed-use zoning I very much enjoyed reading Ken Vail’s June 30 letter to the editor. And welcome to Benicia, Ken. Ken’s comment that “the restaurants and bars would probably have increased business if loud music at outdoor venues could go into the night” raises some thoughts though. This comment, together with Mr. […]
Letters: A nice discussion
A nice discussion I woke up on the last day of June to a very beautiful clear day. It got better when I retrieved my local paper, the Benicia Herald. They do a wonderful service for this very fine city. I would encourage more folks to read the local paper. Why was I delighted? Very […]
Dennis Lund: The domestic terrorism count
I’ve known Richard since 1981, as a mentor, competitor and colleague, and I consider him a friend. I only recently though found out how liberal he actually is, but I do not hold that against him. During a recent business trip, he brought up the subject of terrorism. He stated that the biggest terrorist threat […]
Letters: Noise ordinance and an honest mistake
Noise zoning compromise Bob Livesay’s June 27 letter touches on a reasonable disagreement with a City Council decision, if you exclude the uncalled for ranting about the characterizations of the mayor and one of the councilmembers. It is an age old problem of conflicts in views of acceptable behavior in the zoning of mixed use […]
Letters: Supporting First Street businesses
Benicia: A town for all It’s time for all residents of Benicia to stand up to the mayor. She is only interested in her own personal agenda ideals and is followed closely by her partner, Councilmember Steve Young. I’m very disappointed in Councilmember Young. I was beginning to think he had a little independence in […]
Mark Altgelt: Support clean energy legislation
By Mark Altgelt Special to the Herald California legislators recently took a giant step toward creating a sustainable future by passing Senate Bill 100, the “California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program.” That legislation requires development of renewable energy and zero carbon resources for California to produce 100 percent clean energy by 2045. Senate Bill 100 will […]