By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News-Gazette Special to the Herald The Matthew Turner, the first wooden tall ship of its size being built in the San Francisco Bay Area in 100 years finally got its lower masts. The “stepping of the masts” – putting each of the 5,000-pound lower masts in place – began at […]
Historic Preservation Commission to vote on pool upgrades Thursday
Swim season is winding down at the James Lemos Swim Center– the last day for recreational swimming is Sept. 30–, but when it reconvenes in the spring, swimmers could see some changes at their city pool. A renovation design is up for review at this Thursday’s Historic Preservation Review Commission meeting. The James Lemos Swim […]
Benicia Letters Once More: Barney
The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”.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 […]
Eclipse marred by clouds in Benicia
As the late Leonard Nimoy once remarked, “A solar eclipse, the cosmic ballet goes on.” Like the rest of the country, Benicia witnessed this space dance. Some even gathered with their fellow citizens to watch the moon partially block out the sun. Unfortunately, in many parts of Benicia, the eclipse was obscured by the overcast […]
Measure S director: Finishing touches being put on Benicia High stadium
The renovation of Benicia High School’s George Drolette Stadium has just a little more work to be done before it can be opened for use, according to an update provided by Measure S Bond Director Roxanne Egan on the voter-approved initiative at Thursday’s school board meeting. In 2014, Benicia residents voted to approve a ballot […]
Benicia Business Spotlight: Viewing history through threads at Pocket Monkey Vintage
The building this business rests in was originally built in the 1880s, making it one of the oldest pieces of history we have on First Street. At its base however, there is a very clear clash with some modern looking black tile which was installed in the 1950s. It is only fitting then that Pocket […]
Letters: Mayor’s tactics were not bullying
Not bullying I feel compelled to reply to the opinionated letter Sunday by Mr. Bob Livesay. Attacking the mayor has become his mantra, and it serves only to inflame not to inform. If he truly had issues with Ms. Patterson’s policies, he could politely and thoughtfully write a letter to her or to the editor– […]
Benicians vent frustration over water rates
The public comment portion of Tuesday’s Benicia City Council meeting drew a lot of impassioned remarks. What caused so much fervor among those in attendance was the council’s discussion of the water rates within the city. Since 2014, the City Council has received monthly staff reports about water regulation. Specifically in these reports were updates […]
Letters: Tuesday’s council meeting and Charlottesville
What about the residents? The mayor’s seat is empty and without leadership. It is occupied by an agenda-driven person who puts her personal ideals before the residents of this wonderful town. I’m talking about Mayor Patterson. That was on full display at Tuesday’s council meeting. I have been a very strong critic of the mayor […]
New Benicia High School bell schedule, special education model discussed at Thursday’s school board meeting
Two of the biggest changes at Benicia High School this year are the adoption of a new bell schedule and the switch to a new special education model. Items on both were presented at Thursday’s school board meeting. Bell schedule The implementation of a new bell schedule at Benicia High has been in the works […]