The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: What are some rules for old people?
These were written by a child living with her old Aunt Millie. She wrote a list of rules that should be followed based upon her observations, here they are: 1 Do not suck in soup or other liquids. 2. Do not chew with your mouth open. 3. Don’t talk while you are chewing. 4 Try […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: The Price That Caring Costs (For Dopp)
I am currently out on a tour of the United States with my old band the Dixie Dregs. I am the Tour Manager and Lighting Director as I was from 1976 through 1983. This is a 40 year anniversary tour of our 1st album, “Free Fall”. I know what you all must be thinking. These […]
A Different Drummer: Searching for doubt in a technological kaleidoscope
It’s difficult to write 800 words of new and unique insight regarding gun laws, school shootings, and our warped society. It’s all been said and I agree with the majority. To me, there is no mystery. Water is thicker than blood. Easy access to military-grade weaponry by every consumer in America is profitable and protected […]
Christina Strawbridge: Water and sewer rates need to be delayed
The winter months have provided California with little rain, making weather forecasters wonder and worry if this is the start of another drought. In November of 2016, as a Benicia Councilmember, I voted along with two of my colleagues to increase the water and sewer rates over a five-year period. Based upon information given […]
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill “I Wonder”
I wonder why I often think about the past Tryna make the memories last but alas, I can’t live like that I keep thinking what I should have done and should have been I wonder if things woulda been different. Life zooms by then you die. WHY?
Voice of the Village: Why the flu is often missed in older adults
By Judie Donaldson A couple of readers told me once that they enjoyed my writing. . .when I was humorous. I appreciate that, but darn. That doesn’t happen very often, and it certainly isn’t the case today. Today, I’m talking about illness, about older adults and the flu. I know. You’ve heard that this year’s […]
Poetry Corner: D.L. Lang “Love Poetry Capital Blockade”
On the way to the love poetry awards at the Historical Museum today, we were met at the railroad crossing by a one car police blockade. We circled around Industrial Way with its refinery fumes, pipelines, and towering knotted highways. Every road that we attempted greeted us with large fences, big trees, or dead end […]
The A Cappella Handyman: The First 109 Column Titles
My column appearing then on Fridays in the Benicia Herald since Xmas 2008… ©Peter Bray, Benicia, CA all rights reserved… 1. Dec. 25, 2008 Riding the Benicia Ferry 2. Jan. 1, 2009 What’s In a Name (The A Cappella Handyman) 3. Jan. 8, 2009 All This Jazz About Poetry 4. January 16, 2009 You Can […]
Benicia Letters Once More: We Walked to the Movie
The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters […]