At its regular meeting Tuesday, the city council heard updates on the city’s new emergency notification system named Alert Benicia, the Busines Resource Incentive Program, and Measure C spending; and recommendations for a street improvement plan, among other items. Arsenal update City Attorney Heather McLaughlin reported that while no progress has been made on the […]
Candidate Spotlight: Seven questions with Tom Campbell
The Herald recently invited City Councilman Tom Campbell for an interview, to discuss his campaign for re-election to the council. Dr. Campbell provided responses to the following questions posed by the Herald. 1. How did you get into politics? When were you first interested? Dr. Campbell’s interest in politics grew of his involvement with the […]
Candidate spotlight: Lionel Largaespada reflects on busy campaign
The City Council election is a five-way race among two incumbents— Tom Campbell and Christina Strawbridge— and three newcomers. Two of those newcomers— George Oakes and Steve Young— have served on the Planning Commission for five and four years respectively, making Lionel Largaespada— who has served as vice chair of the Economic Development Board since […]
Council addresses finances, crude by rail at Tuesday’s meeting
At its regular meeting Tuesday, the Benicia City Council heard a presentation from Kosmont Companies on the proposed Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) and an update from the public works director on the city’s water re-use project. The council also approved a three-year contract with I.D. Modeling, Inc. for management and implementation of Sedaru Utility […]
Council may vote on Crude-By-Rail Project on Tuesday
After three years of debate over Valero Benicia Refinery’s proposed Crude-By-Rail Project, which would extend three Union Pacific Railroad tracks onto Valero’s property to deliver North American crude oil by train instead of by boat, the City Council could be issuing its final vote on the project Tuesday. On Feb. 11, Benicia’s Planning Commission voted […]
Mixed-use development, historic preservation discussed at Candidates’ Night
(This is the second of a two-part series. For Part 1, go here.) Northern Gateway Project Following discussion of Valero’s Crude-By-Rail Project at Tuesday’s Candidates’ Night forum, moderator Peter Friesen then turned the discussion to another controversial proposal for Benicia: the Northern Gateway development. The project, brought forth by the Orinda-based company Schwartz Land Development, […]
Candidates to field questions in Chamber-sponsored forum tonight
You have seen the yard signs, and you have heard their names. Now you have a chance to get to hear from the candidates for mayor and city council in person tonight for the Benicia Chamber of Commerce’s Candidate’s Night. The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a forum at City Hall in which residents […]
Council mulls financial issues, bocce ball at Tuesday’s meeting
At its regular meeting Tuesday, the city council issued several significant proclamations, including a heartfelt delivery to the Kyle Hyland Foundation and some commemorations of Benicia’s efforts and successes regarding sustainability; heard the biannual report from the advisory finance committee chairman including the status of the city’s new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software and plans […]
City Council approved rate increases Tuesday
At its regular meeting Tuesday, the city council issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 8 as International Literacy Day, appointed a new member to the Planning Commission to fill an unexpired term, heard a report from the Historic Preservation and Review Commission, and adopted a resolution to approve new fee structures for water and wastewater services, […]
Council hears about crude by rail, water infrastructure and EMS costs Tuesday
At its regular meeting Tuesday, Benicia City Council had a busy meeting with lots of activity. First, the Council recognized the Parks and Community Services Department with a proclamation declaring July, 2016 as “Parks Make Life Better Month,” in conjunction with the statewide designation. Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission member Rich Payne accepted the proclamation […]