By Joyce Middlebrook The Benicia Fullosopher I recently retired from working part time on cruise ships and–with 30 years of cruising experience–I now feel free to reveal all the things they don’t tell you in the slick brochures, magazine ads, and thrilling videos that promise luxury, exotic ports, fabulous food and maybe even romance. There […]
Letters: League of Women Voters, cannabis
Thank you, LWV It is essential in our representative form of democracy that we, the public, take an interest and participate in our own governance especially at the local level. I would like to thank the Benicia chapter of the League of Women Voters for organizing and presenting its 13th annual Meet Your Local Officials […]
Letters: Weapons and cannabis
One bullet The record will show that in the ’80s, my father William stood in his classroom in Pinole Junior High School when, from Appian Way, a shooter fired one bullet from a high-powered rifle through the outside wall of his school. The bullet landed next to his fellow teacher, Al Williams, in the adjoining […]
Letter: Kudos to Solano College
Kudos to Solano College I would like to publicly thank Solano Community College’s softball team for allowing me to throw out the ceremonial pitch, Thursday Feb. 1. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this effort. Receiving a Solano College shirt, the softball I used and flowers was such a surprise. Thank you, Athletic Director Erik […]
Christina Strawbridge: Water and sewer rates need to be delayed
The winter months have provided California with little rain, making weather forecasters wonder and worry if this is the start of another drought. In November of 2016, as a Benicia Councilmember, I voted along with two of my colleagues to increase the water and sewer rates over a five-year period. Based upon information given […]
Letter: Rejection without merit
Rejection without merit The window of opportunity is now closed for present politicians and this year’s announced or presumptive candidates to reconsider their persistent dismissive views on cannabis, even as medicine for many members of our community. Some have acknowledged the efficacy of medicinal cannabis but believe regulated access to medicine is still “not right […]
Letter: Benicia deserves better
Benicia deserves better Benicia is the only Bay Area refinery town that does not have the community protection of an Industrial Safety Ordinance, or ISO. In 1999, the city of Richmond and Contra Costa County adopted their interlocking ISOs. The Richmond ordinance mirrors the Contra Costa ISO, and Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Division is […]
Letter: Teaching scholarships available
Teaching scholarships available Each year, scholarships are available to residents of Solano County who have bachelor’s degrees and are seeking California teaching credentials. These applicants must be studying at accredited universities. The scholarships are made available through the C. Shirley Michel Scholarship Fund, administered by Division No. 24 of the California Retired Teachers Association. Last […]
Letters: Plenty of thanks
Thanks to volunteers for 4-H event In regards to the article on Solano 4-H’ers in the Jan. 30 paper, I was honored to be asked to judge projects the 4-H’ers created at the annual Solano County 4-H Project Skills Day, held at Pena Adobe Middle School in Vacaville Saturday, Jan. 20. These events do not […]
Letters: School shootings and Chamber Players concert
How many more? I remember a quote from the movie “And the Band Played On.” I have used it with some changes over the years, and I’m using it again today. “How many school shootings do we need? How many students have to die to make it cost effective for the citizens, Congress, the Senate, […]