This might be the start of a big change for walkers, joggers and bikers alike in Benicia. Tonight, the Planning Commission will discuss the updates regarding the Great California Delta Trail that will run through Benicia.
The Delta Protection Commission was mandated to develop and implement a plan for a walking and biking trail in 2007. This continuous recreational corridor, called the Great California Delta Trail, would link the San Francisco Bay trail system to the Sacramento River Trail. Some of the trail would include parts of the shorelines in Solano County.
In May, The Delta Protection Commission held a meeting in which the group chose to designate the Great California Delta Trail on the alignment of the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail, the existing and planned alignments of the San Francisco Bay Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail around the Carquinez Strait.
These trails would share the same alignment through Benicia. The trails would align from the Benicia-Martinez Bridge through downtown to the Benicia State Recreation Area. There are multiple gaps the Bay Trail has in Benicia, and the Ridge trail has one gap. The Delta Protection Commission has chosen Benicia to have the full alignment through the city.
The Planning commission has determined there was no possibility under the project that activity on the trail may have a significant effect on the environment and thus is categorically exempt under Section 1506 of the California Environmental Quality Act.
It has been recommended that a brief update regarding the designation of the Great California Delta Trail alignment through Benicia be received to the city. According to documents, there is little cost in staff time to support the Delta Protection Commission staff.
Also on the agenda, the Planning Commission will discuss Benicia’s sphere of influence and whether it should be retained and affirmative. Every five years, state law and the Solano Local Agency Formation Commission requires updates to Spheres of Influence and associated Municipal Service reviews. In February, the Solano Local Agency Formation Commission adopted the Benicia Municipal Review. The Benicia Municipal Review now must update the sphere of influence.
Staff recommends the Benicia City Council adopt the resolution and retain and affirm Benicia’s sphere of influence.
The Planning Commission meeting will be held at 7 p.m. tonight in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 250 East L St.

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