Compiled by Nick Sestanovich.

75 years ago

Ferry Line Boosts Commute Rates Amid Storms of Protest (May 28, 1942)

In a suprise move that brought storms of protest from a host of war industry workers forced to commute to Benicia via boat, the City of Martinez workers raised its rates on the Martinez-Benicia ferry line.
The rate increase was attributed to the demands of union employees of the ferry line. However, the pay raises had not been granted when the commute rates were upped without notice on Tuesday morning this week.
Under the new rate schedule foot passengers on the boat now pay 10 cents a trip instead of five cents. Commuting foot passengers paid $1.50 for 50 trips, are now paying $2.50; auto and driver commute books of 50 tickets now cost $12 in comparison to the former $9 rate.
A discussion of the union demands was scheduled for a special meeting of the city council in Martinez last night.
Pay increases were granted to 21 deck hands and engineer officers of the two boats, adding approximately $9,000 a year to the operating expenses of the boats. The increase was voted in a resolution by four members of the council.

50 years ago

‘Do Pass’ Set For 30-Acre Humble Pier (May 25, 1967)

The State Senate Natural Resources Committee has given a “do pass” recommendation to SG 885 by Sen. John F. McCarthy, R-Solano-Napa-Marin counties, which would provide the City of Benicia with 30 acres of Carquinez Strait tidelands. Under the plan Benicia will be able to carry out its contract with Humble Oil & Refining Co. for a pier jutting into the strait from which the company can load and discharge crude oil from large fleet tankers.
However, the remaining 100 acres which Benicia has sought will remain under state control– at least until the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) decides what should be done about it.

25 years ago

BizNet gets the word out so City Hall shops locally (May 26, 1992)

By Sarah Rohrs

At the end of July, members of BizNet will determine if the city has made good on its commitment to purchase as many supplies and services from Benicia merchants and professionals as possible.
BizNet, a committee of the Chamber of Commerce, will also get the word out to Benicia merchants and professionals to contact department heads and others responsible for purchasing that they are interested in doing business with the city.
About 30 city employees meet earlier this month with BizNet to discuss the issue of the city purchasing supplies and services locally.

The full articles of these and other stories are available on microfilm at the Benicia Public Library.

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