Category Archives: Local elections

2024 Election, Endorsements, Local elections, November election, Solano County

PDB URGES SOLANO VOTERS TO OPPOSE EAST SOLANO PLAN/CALIFORNIA FOREVER DEVELOPMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 20, 2024

BENICIA – The Progressive Democrats of Benicia (“PDB”) stand with the Solano Together coalition of individuals and organizations, including the Greenbelt Alliance, Solano County Orderly Growth Committee, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club California, and others, in opposing the California Forever’s East Solano Plan.

PDB’s mission is to promote equity, justice, and environmental stewardship in our community. We advocate for democratically determined, sustainable, and inclusive solutions that honor both the needs of Benicia and Solano County residents and the preservation of our natural environment. 

The proposed development by California Forever contradicts these core principles. The project’s glossy marketing and recent rebranding cannot hide the reality that its leaders have failed to fully answer questions about how to provide for the Solano County community’s present and future needs. PDB must therefore urge a “NO” vote on the initiative, should it qualify to appear on the November ballot.

PDB acknowledges the urgent need for affordable housing for Californians; however, California Forever has provided no clear commitment to addressing this issue, referring to home prices in the millions. The East Solano Plan also risks vital water and land resources, our air quality, and the future of Solano County’s agricultural economy without adequately addressing serious infrastructural concerns around the city’s accessibility or impacts to neighboring cities. Moreover, California Forever’s East Solano Plan ballot measure threatens to cause irreversible damage to Solano County’s unique conservation areas and jeopardize the future of some of California’s most resilient farms and rangelands. Finally, the nature of the proposed city’s governance is unclear, generating real concerns about whether residents in this new city will have the ability to participate democratically in their governance.

The Progressive Democrats of Benicia urge voters to support the development of genuinely affordable housing, safeguard our environment, and protect Solano County’s democratic values and future by voting NO on the California Forever/East Solano Plan measure in November.

For media inquiries: Kathy Kerridge, Chair ([email protected])

To download a PDF copy of this release, click this link: Progressive Democrats of Benicia News Release re. California Forever’s East Solano Plan (6.20.24)

Benicia City Council, Kari Birdseye, Local elections, Terry Scott

Benicia Artist Yard Sign Auction is LIVE!

Support for Kari Birdseye & Terry Scott – our Benicia City Council candidates

(NOTICE: AUCTION EXTENDED TO 8PM ON THURS. AUG 15.)

Montage of artist yard signs for Kari Birdseye and Terry Scott – view and bid on these and many more at the AUCTION.

Scores of Benicia artists have created original, handmade campaign yard signs to support our two favorite candidates, Kari Birdseye and Terry Scott which will be installed in yards all over town, and widely posted on social media.

From the Artists: “Our hope is that all the signs find homes in front of Benicia domiciles, and that we raise some serious money for the two campaigns. And finally we hope this helps get Kari and Terry seats on our City Council. Our vibrant and genuine affirmations in the form of campaign signs will balance the negative campaigning we may soon see from Big Oil interests. Thanks for your support ~ have fun bidding!”

Here’s how you can get your sign!

Click on this link: runmyauction.com/kariterry.php
(or use and share the QR code) to make bids and purchases in the Artist Sign Project Auction.

>>NOTE: The Auction ends at 8pm sharp on Wednesday, September 14. (NOTICE: AUCTION EXTENDED TO 8PM ON THURS. AUG 15.)

Thank you for supporting Kari Birdseye and Terry Scott for Benicia City Council. Let’s show what grass roots can do! All proceeds benefit the campaigns.

2020 election, Benicia City Council, Benicia Mayor, Endorsements, Local elections, Progressive Democrats of Benicia

Progressive Democrats endorse Steve Young for Mayor, Terry Scott for City Council

By Ralph Dennis, August 18, 2020

In this age of pandemic distancing, the Progressive Democrats of Benicia convened about 50 members and interested parties in a digital ZOOM Candidate Forum on August 11.

Candidate for Mayor Steve Young and candidates for City Council Trevor Macenski and Terry Scott gave opening statements, answered prepared questions and audience questions, and finished with brief closing statements.

Members of the Progressive Democrats voted whether and whom to endorse by an online poll on the PDB website.  Voting was open for a week following the Forum.

For endorsement, PDB bylaws require a vote of 50% plus one of those present and voting.

For Mayor of Benicia – Councilmember Steve Young

Results were overwhelming in the Mayoral race.  100% of the 43 members voting chose to endorse Steve Young for Mayor in 2020.  Congratulations, Steve!  Christina Strawbridge, who declined to attend, received no votes.

For Benicia City Council – Arts and Culture Commissioner Terry Scott

The race for City Council presented members with a wider choice.  Members could vote for up to two to fill the two vacant seats.  Incumbent Tom Campbell, who also declined to attend, received only 5 votes, or 11.6% of those voting.  Planning Commissioner Trevor Macenski received 13 votes, or 30.2% of those voting.  Arts and Culture Commissioner Terry Scott received support from 40 members, or 93.0% of those voting, and snagged our only endorsement for City Council.  Congratulations, Terry!

For more information or to order yard signs, volunteer or contribute, visit: