A wonderful man who will be missed Benicia lost a wonderful friend a few weeks ago, Norman D. Koerner. He was 87 and lived in Benicia for the past 41 years. He was the kindest person you could ever meet. To me, he was a real Christian, always caring about the other guy especially those […]
Ramon Castellblanch: Nation’s opioid epidemic hitting Benicia, East Vallejo hard
By Ramon Castellblanch Special to the Herald For years, the opioid epidemic has been raging across the U.S. and it’s hitting Benicia and east Vallejo particularly hard. Our state public health department has found that both Benicia and East Vallejo have opioid overdose rates above the state average. Opioid overdoses are life-threatening. From 1999 to […]
Letters: Civil War history and an apology
Differing view on history I think that perhaps John Pruett’s recall of history (“A commemoration of history,” Letters, Sept. 3) differs somewhat from mine. The 11 Southern states that seceded from the Union made slavery their cause, and their battle banner was the Confederate flag. The reason stated was the election of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s […]
Letters: Benicia BID renewal
Benicia BID renewal Do you love the tree lights on First Street in Benicia? If the answer is “yes”, then we need to thank the First Street business owners. In November 2012, businesses fronting First Street and its adjoining areas voted to form a special benefits assessment district in Benicia to help fund beautification and […]
Letters: Rate hike alternatives
Funding Benicia is possible without rate hikes Last week the City Council implied that Benicia is struggling financially, and that raising water and sewer rates and permit fees are necessary if we want to balance the budget without having to cut essential services. Facing financial duress, it is understandable why the City Council might feel […]
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– […]
Letters: Phillips 66 terminal is not worth the risk
Phillips 66 terminal: Not worth the risk I am writing to thank Larnie Fox for his letter and report on the recent BAAQMD meeting regarding the Phillips 66 permit to expand their marine terminal. Expanding the terminal to permit additional tankers loaded with Canadian tar sands crude would be a recipe for disaster. Environmental and […]
Bruce Robinson: Straining the swamp
“Draining the swamp” has become the slogan du jour for just about anybody who wants to fix what’s been happening in our nation’s capital. It’s a catchy metaphor, but taken literally such a swamp-draining would not only be prohibitively costly to the taxpayer but would eliminate virtually every bureaucrat in the federal government. If we […]
Letters: Invitation to BBQ
Invitation to BBQ I would like to invite everyone to the United Democrats’ of Southern Solano County annual BBQ. It will take place at at the Vallejo Community Center (225 Amador St.) from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 10. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/udemsbbq or by sending a […]
Dennis Lowry: Further research needed on cannabis in Benicia
This is written to provide some input on the question of marijuana. I want to preface my comments with the fact that my granddaughter is a cancer survivor at the tender age of 15. Her treatment involved significant levels of chemotherapy and radiation. There were ongoing complications, including severe nausea. The treatment was a liquid […]