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U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson

Hello/Goodbye Party in Benicia for U.S. Reps. Garamendi & Thompson

You are invited to say hello to John Garamendi, our new US Representative, and to offer thanks and goodbye to our longtime US Rep. Mike Thompson

Hello/Goodbye Party – Sunday, June 26

Mark your calendar to attend a Hello and Goodbye Summer Social on Sunday June 26, from 2 to 4.  We will welcome our new U.S. Rep. John Garamendi and say goodbye to Benicia’s longtime U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson.  It will be held right here in Benicia, at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 1150 First Street, across from the Gazebo.  (See info about tickets below.)

Both Thompson and Garamendi will remain in Congress – the change is due to a redrawing of California Congressional Districts.

The party is also a fundraiser for our fellow Democratic Club the United Democrats of Southern Solano County. This is a great opportunity to connect with these important legislators and our fellow Democrats. Ticket information below, purchase your ticket(s) here.

Benicia Black Lives Matter (BBLM), Juneteenth

Benicia Juneteenth Celebration, Sunday June 19, 11am-5pm

You are Invited! BBLM’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration – Sunday, June 19

On behalf of Benicia Black Lives Matter (BBLM), the Juneteenth Planning Committee invites the Progressive Democrats of Benicia to enjoy BBLM’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Festival, which is scheduled for 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday, June 19th, and set to take place at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall at 1150 First Street.

While the festival will be going on the whole day, there will be a presentation with a formal program from 1 to 2 to 2:30pm. As well as enjoying music, poetry, performances, and readings, we will also hear from guest speakers like Ms. Sharon Henry. We welcome you to join the audience for this very special program as the education we aim to provide within it is at the heart of this whole event as well a key element of BBLM’s mission.

Before and after the program, Black-owned businesses will be vending food and goods on the grounds of the Hall, and there will be live jazz music as well as a DJ, plus activities for children and ways to celebrate Father’s Day.

Benicia City Council, Benicia elections, Benicia Mayor, Climate change, Meeting reflections

Meeting Reflections – Tuesday, June 14th at 7 pm

THE PDB MEMBERSHIP MEETING JUNE 14, 2022,  introducing candidate Terry Scott, and hearing from climate change heroes Jim Thompson and Jack Ruszel
Terry Scott, 2022 candidate for Benicia City Council

A featured speaker at our June 14 meeting was candidate for Benicia City Council Terry Scott.  Terry Scott shared about his life and qualifications, his vision for the City of Benicia and his perspective on current Benicia issues.  Scott is running for one of two City Council seats up for election this November.

This! Is What We Did (thisiswhatwedid.org)

We continued our discussions about climate change, focusing this month on actions that can be taken to help make a difference.  Jim Thompson of This! Is What We Did discussed ways in which each person can help to address the challenge of climate change.

Ruszel Woodworks (ruszelwoodworks.com)

Local business owner Jack Ruszel described the many ways his Benicia company, Ruszel Woodworks, has taken to reduce its carbon footprint.

We closed with a short film presentation by Third Act on how we can encourage banks to stop investing in fossil fuels:

Finally, June Actions were presented, giving our members and the public a few simple and effective steps we can take today to combat climate change. (download June Actions here)

Announcements

  • Alicia Brewster thanked PDB for it’s backing and financial support of the June 11 Benicia March For Our Lives.
  • Our chair announced that Michelle Pellegrin is PDB’s newest member.
  • Michelle Pellegrin announced a Welcome/Goodbye party for our incoming and outgoing U.S. Representatives, John Garamendi and Mike Thompson. We keep both of them in Solano County — they are just switching which parts of the county they represent. Note: Proof of vaccination is required to attend. All welcome this Sunday, June 19, 2-4pm, Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall. Purchase tickets here by June 18 at $25 each (or pick a sponsorship level).
  • A member invited everyone to attend Benicia’s 2022 Juneteenth Celebration, this Sunday, June 19, 11am-5pm at Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall, hosted by Benicia Black Lives Matter. More on BBLM website. or at facebook.com/BeniciaBLM
  • Our chair reminded everyone about the Benicia Library’s Book to Action program, From Just Us to Justice: A Community Equity Challenge, benicialibrary.org/book-to-action
  • Our chair mentioned campaign volunteer opportunities for City Council candidate and PDB member Kari Birdseye: Sign up for emails and sign up to volunteer at karibirdseyeforbenicia.com/how-can-I-help
  • Mayor Steve Young alerted us to upcoming issues and events:
    • Next Tuesday, June 21, Council will examine the situation as Benicia enters into stage 2 of water conservation
    • On July 5, Council will
      • consider placing on the November ballot a 3/4 cent sales tax measure for roads
      • consider placing renewal of Measure K on the November ballot, Open Space
      • consider updating our ordinance governing temporary signs, which includes political signs
    • On Sunday July 3, the City will celebrate the traditional (6:30pm?)Torchlight Parade and a first time Drone Show, which will start at dark.  Fireworks will fill our skies on Monday, July 4.