This is in regards to what was reported in the Sept. 15 Herald article “Office seekers/holders discuss goals, crude by rail at Candidate’s Night.” The Benicia Police Officers Association selected slate of candidates in their own words—-with my replies (as a concerned citizen-voter in an election campaign) following –marked with +++ Christina Strawbridge: “’I don’t think […]
Notes from 30,000 feet: Coachella’s Desert Trip brings six legends to one venue
Last spring my wife and I took a ‘desert trip’ to Palm Springs for a long weekend. The talk poolside was of the upcoming Desert Trip concert; three nights with six rock and roll icons: Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones on night one, followed by Neil Young and Paul McCartney on the following night, […]
Christina Strawbridge: To receive or not to receive an endorsement– that is the question
I am honored to have received the following endorsements and support for my City Council reelection: * Benicia Police Officers Association * Local 1186 Benicia Firefighters Association * Benicia Teachers’ Association * Solano Board of Realtors * Benicia Chamber of Commerce * Napa Solano Labor Council * Napa Solano Building Trades Council The Police and […]
Craig Snider: Questionable endorsement in Benicia politics
(This post has been updated from the print edition) My hat is off to the full slate of capable and qualified people vying for positions on our City Council. Anyone who follows the workings of this body knows well the time and commitment required in what’s too often a thankless job. Being a 13-year resident […]
Matt Talbot: Some thoughts on our civic duty
I concluded last week’s column with the following: “I actually expect that (if elected, Hillary Clinton) will be a reasonably competent chief executive. Putting aside her lack of charisma, she is actually whip smart, and the level of organizational competence in her campaign is quite impressive. “She’ll be a very competent administrator; unfortunately, what the […]
‘Notebook’ sequel not being filmed in Benicia– or anywhere
Don’t believe everything you read on Facebook Could the 2004 romance film “The Notebook” possibly be getting a sequel? As a bonus, could it have scenes filmed here in Benicia? That’s what The Landry Post says. According to the website, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams will be reprising their roles as Noah and Allie for […]
Matt Talbot: Some thoughts on the 2016 election following the first debate
The general consensus among pundits, and confirmed by scientific polling since, is that Hillary Clinton won the presidential debate on Monday night. I would agree with that consensus, but I still think she is a weak candidate. She reminds me in many ways of the last candidate who ran to succeed a two-term Democrat: Al […]
Matt Talbot: memories of autumn
Can it be autumn already? The Autumnal equinox happened this Wednesday the 21st, and I am once again reflecting on why I love this season so much. If spring is the season of young men’s fancies, autumn is the season of older men’s bittersweet memories. Decades ago, I first fell in love in this season. […]
James Garrett: The Benicia of yesteryear
We miss our hometown. We miss Benicia, the Benicia we knew. Roberta, my wife and I, have called this small city our home for over 70 years and do not want to live anywhere else. We walk on some of the same sidewalks and see some of the same trees though they are obviously older. […]
Roger Straw: City staff appears to favor Valero, ignore opponents in agenda attachments
On Thursday last week, city of Benicia staff released the agenda for the crucial and perhaps decisive Sept. 20 meeting of the Benicia City Council. A staff report accompanying the agenda stands by the staff’s previous positions on Valero’s oil train proposal, recommending on Page 10 that Council approve Valero’s appeal, reject Benicia’s Planning Commission […]