Some perspective on history The study of history is important, if for no other reason than it may help us to avoid repeating it. However, at times it is most important for those of us who have experienced history to take the time to be sure that whatever those lessons may be are not lost. […]
Andrew Kelly: Why Trump’s auto tariffs don’t make sense
Many in America have been understandably alarmed by our president’s yearning to place tariffs of up to 25 percent on imported automobiles. And, while many have made very compelling moral arguments as to why it is wrong to place expensive tariffs on products from our own allies, I figured that as someone who has closely […]
Letters: Regional Measure 3, Carquinez Village and Daryl Snedeker
Is the mayor losing her political grip? A couple of very interesting things have happened lately. One is the delay of the water increase and the other is Regional Measure 3, also known as the bridge toll increase measure. The vote on the water delay increase was a 2-2 tie, which means no action was […]
Letters, Poetry scholarship, Tom Ferrara for sheriff, and corporate free candidates
Poetry scholarship a success On Thursday evening, May 24, it was my great pleasure to present the 2018 Joel Fallon Poetry Scholarships at the Benicia High School Awards Night. One scholarship went to Caitlyn Clark, an extraordinary slam poet and performance poet who has distinguished herself in the world of poetry since she was 14; […]
Letter: Thanks to those who helped with Memorial Day ceremony
Thanks to those who helped with Memorial Day ceremony Thanks to all who participated in or attended our Benicia Memorial Day ceremony on May 28, sponsored by the Benicia Historical Society. We estimate that between 400 and 500 people were present as we honored those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, as […]
Letter: Vagrants?
Vagrants? I enjoy living in Benicia and the kind people who live here. On my daily walks, I delight in the brief “hellos” and “good mornings” as I cross path with other Benicians. I have therefore been puzzled when I have seen signs suggesting that Benicia is overrun by vagrants. I don’t see vagrants in […]
Pat Toth-Smith: More than a year after the Valero flaring incident, are we safer?
A year after the May 5, 2017 Valero emergency shutdown and major flaring incident, and the subsequent release of more than 74,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide into the air, are we any safer in Benicia? Has the emergency backup electrical generation changed for the refinery since this incident? Should we stop worrying about future emergency […]
Letter: Information for voters available
Information for voters available The primary election is Tuesday, June 5 and many people have already started voting by mail. Voters will be choosing candidates for U.S. Senate, representatives to Congress, state and county offices as well as making decisions on five state propositions and one important regional measure. With more candidates running than ever, […]
Letter: Regional Measure 3 is unfair
Regional Measure 3 is unfair There is a massive disinformation campaign going on, paid for by Facebook, Google and other big businesses, trying to convince you that passing Regional Measure 3 will reduce traffic (It won’t). But RM3 puts an unfair, regressive tax on working people who have to cross bridges to get to work. […]
Letters: Jobs packages and Downtown Benicia Cleanup
Congress should pass more jobs bills I want to know why there has been no big jobs package or big infrastructure bill out of our Congress in as long as I can remember. This isn’t just on Congressman Thompson, but he certainly has had the ability and the platform to write these bills and to […]