“You bet I did, and I enjoyed it!” said businessman Michael Bloomberg when answering a reporter’s question about cannabis consumption previous to his first run for mayor of New York City, where he went on to serve three terms. I had the same response back in 1965, and went on to enjoy “recreational” cannabis consumption […]
Photo: I have Ben everywhere, man
Former Richmond mayor, Lt. Gov. candidate to speak at Democratic Club meeting
Gayle McLaughlin, a former Richmond mayor and candidate for California Lieutenant Governor, will be speaking Tuesday at the Progressive Democrats of Benicia’s (PDB) monthly meeting. McLaughlin first became involved in politics in the ‘80s when she served as an activist with the Central American solidarity movement, and civil rights nonprofit groups People United to Save […]
Benicia Letters Once More: The Couple
The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”.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 […]
City seeking applicants for open positions on commissions, boards
For those looking to become more involved in their community and possibly make a difference in the new year, the city is seeking applicants for a variety of open positions on commissions and boards. The positions are available to any Benicia resident who fills out a form and drops them off in the city clerk’s […]
Roger Straw: Councilmembers and city staff, please get the ball rolling on ISO
At its May 23, 2017 meeting, the Benicia City Council agreed on a 4-1 vote to “agendize in the future” a discussion on possible adoption of an Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO). That was over seven months ago now. More than most, I am aware of the time it often takes for government to move forward […]
Letter: Better regulated than unregulated
Regulated is better than unregulated Benicia parents are concerned about regulated cannabis activity in Benicia. In a perfect world, youth would not want to experiment with cannabis but that is not the reality. For whatever reason, youthful interest is consistent from generation to generation. Few if any members of our community disagree that chronic youthful […]
Benicia Kiwanis: Not your grandpa’s men’s club
By Robin Silver and Gretchen Burgess Special to the Herald For many of us, we envision the Kiwanis Club and other service organizations as a bunch of men hiding from their wives, drinking, wearing funny hats, and knowing the secret handshake. Or they are a group of business men making decisions/connections outside the office, often […]
New antique store opens on First Street
(This article has been updated from the print edition) Knick-knacks, doohickies, and possible hidden treasure can be found at Antiques on First, a new store which recently opened in downtown Benicia. Antiques on First is owned by Allie McLanahan Mamere and her husband. Mamere was born in Baltimore. After a few pit stops in Florida […]
2017 Year in Review: Local issues dominated Benicia in past year
The year 2018 is just around the corner. Before we see what the new year has to offer, let us look back at the big stories that affected Benicia in 2017. Staff changes In February, interim City Manager Steve Salomon left to become the interim city manager of Orinda. Fire Chief Jim Lydon initially filled […]