Yesterday, when I was 19, was 46 years ago; wait, that can’t be right… On that day, in a low-profile, mid-west college campus’ commons, an event occurred that was among the most unforgettable of my brief life. It still is. Some background: My older brother volunteered to fight in the Vietnam War, entering as a […]
The A Cappella Handyman: Sprinkler Leaks
Sprinkler Leaks Oh, Lordy, the customer calls, her sprinkler heads are not working up to par, several are fine, but some are just dribbling, can I schedule a look in the next few days? Yes, we agree on a time that suits both of us, and I arrive. She heads for the garage to turn […]
Letters: Bogged down council
Bogged down council As I watch the City Council meetings, I wonder just what is motivating the mayor and councilmembers. The mayor is showing she has no leadership skills, yet she still gets elected and elected. It appears this fine city has slipped very far left-leaning in the socialist progressive mold. The council wastes time […]
Letters: Farmers market 25th anniversary
Celebrating the Benicia Certified Farmers Market Today is Opening Day on First Street for the Benicia Certified Farmers Market. Located between B and D Street downtown, our seasonal market is open every Thursday evening (4 to 8 p.m. April through August and 4 to 7 p.m. September through October) through Oct. 26. It may come […]
Grant Cooke: Gas stations are going away
Recently, Tesla passed General Motors as the most valuable U.S. automaker. Last week, my writing partner came back from Beijing, talking about how the Chinese were developing new electric cars. The Chinese are predicted to the lead the “NEV” or New Energy Vehicle cycle in a decade. Hayward now has a hydrogen refueling station, and […]
Letters: Thompson town hall and council priorities
Thompson town hall went great Those of us present at last Wednesday’s Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Mike Thompson witnessed an encouraging display of civic engagement. The grassroots event was sponsored by Carquinez Patriotic Resistance (CPR) and Benicia Indivisible for Justice, just two of the many community action groups growing in popularity and impact. Approximately 200 […]
Letters: Cannabis, refinery emissions and Gold Ribbon Awards
The real public safety issue At a recent City Council meeting, an elected official reaffirmed disapproval of storefront cannabis dispensaries, citing public safety concerns. I can find no credible evidence to sustain a view that crime goes up when cannabis dispensaries are introduced in a neighborhood. To the contrary, many notable sources, including the FBI, […]
Matt Talbot: Some thoughts on a brutalist monument
Toward the back of the UC Berkeley campus is a building that is storied for its utter, hideous ugliness. It is called Wurster Hall, and was designed in the aptly-named “brutalist” style. It is, astonishingly, the place that the University trains architects. During a recent visit to the campus with a couple friends, I remarked […]
Maria Herd: Stop sign needed on Hastings Drive
By Maria Herd Special to the Herald Growing up in Benicia, I was never allowed to play in my front yard even though it is considered to be a “safe” town. I played in the front yards of friends’ houses nearby, racing on bikes and scooters in courts and on the suburban streets. The difference […]
Letters: Tree troubles and counterfeit bills
Tree troubles I am writing regarding the eucalyptus tree at 458 East L St. in Benicia which is next door to my house. I feel fear, concern and anguish about this hazardous tree. I have just paid my gardeners for the third time this spring to scoop up the leaves and debris that fall in […]