At its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, the Downtown Benicia Alliance (DBA) heard reports on traffic concerns, tree lighting and the planned resurfacing of First Street, among other items. The DBA represents businesses on and adjacent to First Street and strives to represent and support business owners through facilitating communication and advocating for changes and improvements. […]
City to hold ribbon cutting for new First Street promenade railing in January
The city of Benicia will be hosting a ribbon cutting for the newly installed promenade railing at the foot of First Street in January. The replacement of the waterfront promenade railing overlooking the Carquinez Strait was one of 16 projects to be funded by Measure C, a revenue initiative that set aside $4 million for […]
Benicians encouraged to skip the mall for Small Business Saturday
Today is Black Friday, the day typically designated as the start of the holiday shopping season. If you do not feel like facing the intense traffic and crowds today, there is always tomorrow. However, before you drive out to Concord, Vallejo or Fairfield to find the suitable gift, Benicia Main Street has just one thing […]
First Street building to be considered for historic designation
The Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) will consider adopting a resolution recommending an amendment to the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan (DHCP) to include the property located at 818 First St. as a contributing building to the district at its Thursday meeting. The DHCP was adopted in 1990 as the main tool for identifying historic properties […]
Heritage Pantry and Spice reopens at new location
Benicia foodies having to settle for brand name cooking oils, condiments and spices for the last month can now rejoice. Heritage Pantry and Spice has reopened at a new location. In case you need a refresher, here it is: Heritage Pantry and Spice was opened last September in the Tannery Building by husband and […]
First Street Peddlers’ Fair returns to Benicia on Saturday
It is that time of year again. Time to head down to First Street this Saturday to buy unique items while supporting a Benicia institution. The Peddlers’ Fair returns to Benicia for its 54th year. It was first organized by parishioners of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in 1963 and began with First Street antique shops […]
First Street ‘Christmas tree’ to be replaced Thursday
Lately, Benicians who walk down to the end of First Street might have noticed something missing: the giant tree in the center of the turnaround at the end of the road. It is the same tree that is lit up for the holidays for the town’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the beginning of […]
Planning Commission speaks on signage, zoning at Thursday’s meeting
At its regular meeting Thursday, the Planning Commission considered an appeal of staff’s decision to deny a First Street business sign permit, and a proposed zoning amendment pertaining to affordable housing density requirements, among other actions. Principal Planner Amy Million presented the staff report pertaining to the zoning amendment. The summary of the amendment states […]
History brought to life brings crowds to Benicia Capitol
❒ After success of March event, parks group hopes to keep up momentum The latest Benicia State Parks Association’s “Capitol Neighbors” speaking event that described the days in which this city was a major contributor to California’s leather industry attracted more than 50, said Mike Caplin, who handles publicity for the organization. Hoping to build […]