The Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) approved a resolution to support updates to design guidelines for the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan (DHCP) and appointed chair Tim Reynolds to serve on the project’s Community Advisory Group at Thursday’s meeting. The presentation was delivered by Benicia’s new principal planner, Suzanne Thorsen. Thorsen previously served in associate and […]
Student clubs advocate for gender-neutral bathrooms at BHS
Two of Benicia High School’s most prominent student activist clubs have been working to promote a more inclusive campus. To further this, the club’s student leaders have been promoting the establishment of a gender-neutral, single occupancy restroom. The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and Intersectional Gender Equity and Feminism (IGEF) clubs have joined forces to craft a […]
Letter: Marijuana sales ordinance needs more research
Marijuana sales ordinance needs more research As an answer to the projected shortfall in the City of Benicia’s budget, the majority of the Benicia City Council is proposing the legalization of retail recreational (non-medical) marijuana in our community to boost tax revenue. However, this proposal is being made with no study or research being done […]
Letter: Preventing suicide in our community
Preventing suicide in our community According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, suicide is the third leading cause of death from ages 10 to 24. Approximately 90 percent of people who die from suicide actually have a mental illness. Suicide has an immense effect on our community. In 2014 we had a suicide at […]
Words of the Benicia Historical Society: Railroad Heritage
The Benicia Historical Society was founded in 1973. Our mission is to bring together people interested in the history of Benicia and California. The Society works to preserve the history and heritage of our city for future generations. Our goal is to enhance historic Benicia through education, communication and community involvement. In 1977, Benicia Historical […]
Solano County Environmental Health report details meetings over Valero flaring incidents
No violations found in refinery outage A report released by Solano County environmental health investigators found that Valero Benicia Refinery did not violate any Certified Unified Program Agencies regulations when more than 74,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide were released into the air following a flareup back in May and at least two other release incidents. […]
Library exhibit brings tribes together through artwork
It is a family affair at Benicia Public Library’s art gallery. The new exhibition “Gathering Tribes” features the work of not one, not two but three artists who are all related either by blood or through marriage. The artists showcased are Vicki Byrum Dennis, a Gallerie Renee Marie member; her sister and HQ Gallery member […]
Throwback Thursday: Herald Headlines for the week of Oct. 29, 1942, 1967 and 1992
Compiled by Nick Sestanovich 75 years ago War Chest Drive To Start November 9; 10,930 Needed (Oct. 29, 1942) In order to eliminate continual campaigns for funds for worthy organizations in Benicia it has been decided to solicit $10,930 from our people to be distributed to the Salvation Army, Benicia Women’s Club, Benicia Recreation Center, […]
Dennis Lowry: City Council needs a time out on marijuana issue (Part 2)
In yesterday’s column, I explained why I don’t think marijuana should be allowed in Benicia. Today, I dive into further data. Health & Safety – Increasing Potency Marijuana today is significantly more stronger than the weak homegrown versions of the ’90s. Marijuana strength has grown from about 4 percent THC in 1995 to nearly 12 […]
Art & Culture Commission to support public art project with classic horror movie screening
Frankenstein’s monster returns in search of a bride in a one-night screening of “The Bride of Frankenstein” at the Majestic Theatre on Friday, Oct 27. This showing of the 1935 Universal classic horror picture starring Boris Karloff is a part of Spooktacular, a Halloween event put on by the by Benicia’s Arts and Culture Commission […]