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Meeting reflections

Meeting of July 14, 2020 – Police Reform Issues in Benicia with Chief Upson

Tuesday, July 14, 7:00pm
…on ZOOM…

Once again, in order to continue maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Progressive Dems of Benicia met on Zoom.

Discussion on police reform issues with Benicia Police Chief Erik Upson

Benicia Police Department reforms was the main topic at our July membership meeting.

In the wake of demonstrations and protests over racial injustice and police brutality, including the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many other black and brown members of our society, in June Police Chief Erik Upson announced steps “the Benicia Police Department is taking for a better future.”

Chief Upson has stated:  “I’m very proud of the culture we have built in this department and the humanistic approach we take that focuses on the community. I know there is more we can do, and I look forward to making changes that will strengthen our relationship with those we serve.”

Chief Upson joined us to discuss what has been done and what the department is doing to ensure any aspects of racism in the Department are addressed and measures are in place to eliminate and prevent it in the future. For example, in response to Governor Newsom’s order, Benicia police are removing use of the carotid choke control from its policy. Chief Upson has also created a “Use of Force Policy Review” web page which clarifies current Benicia police policy. And, the Benicia Police  Policy Manual is now posted for public review (checking in at 756 pages!).

While these actions are important, questions remain, and Chief Upson addressed many of our questions in his discussion.

Benicia Tree Foundation

Also on the program was Alison Fleck, President of the Benicia Tree Foundation. Ms. Fleck discussed Caltrans’ recent removal of trees along the Hwy 780 corridor, and the Foundation’s plans to pursue actions to force Caltrans to replace the removed trees with new ones. Recently, City Council passed a Resolution supporting the Foundation’s intent to have new trees planted along Hwy 780.  Ms. Fleck to suggested ways in which PDB can support the Foundation’s efforts toward Caltrans.

Meeting reflections, Progressive Democrats of Benicia

Meeting of June 9, 2020 – Upcoming Ballot Measures

Tuesday, June 9, 7:00pm
…on ZOOM…

Once again, in order to continue maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Progressive Dems of Benicia held its June meeting on Zoom.

Members and friends received Zoom login instructions by email.  Those not currently on our member or interested parties email list who wanted to attend, could either Become A Member,  OR, if they were just interested and wanted to attend, could let us know on our Contact Us page, so that we could send Zoom instructions by email.

JUNE 9 TOPIC: UPCOMING BALLOT MEASURES

Our featured topic for discussion at our June 9 Zoom meeting was ballot measures on the Nov. 3 ballot. You may have already heard about a proposed “property tax reform” initiative promoted by Schools and Communities First and many other education, health, and labor organizations, plus the ACLU and League of Women Voters.

A “yes” vote would require commercial and industrial properties, except those zoned as commercial agriculture, to be taxed based on their market value, rather than their purchase price.

A “no” vote would continue taxing commercial and industrial properties based on a property’s purchase price , with annual increases equal to the rate of inflation or two (2) percent, whichever is lower.

Generally referred to as the Schools and Local Communities Funding Act, it would create a “split-roll property tax” where commercial properties valued over $3 million would be reassessed every three years at market value. Smaller businesses, farming properties, and residential homes would be exempt and remain under the existing framework.

  • Proponents claim the change could produce up to $12 billion annually – 60% earmarked for local governments and 40% for education. According to a study by the University of Southern California, schools and cities could benefit from the new revenue stream as soon as fiscal year 2021-2022.
  • Opponents of the ballot measure include the anti-tax group Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association – claiming the new tax burden would kill Main Street and the small businesses that survive the pandemic-induced shutdown; and, the California Retailers Association – property owners will raise rents if the measure is approved, meaning businesses will pass on costs to customers. Other opponents include the California Chamber of Commerce, California Farm Bureau Federation and California Bankers Association.
Benicia Police, Benicia Youth Against Brutality, George Floyd

3 VIDEOS: Benicia Police join with protesters, take a knee to honor George Floyd

From the Benicia Independent, by Roger Straw, May 31, 2020

Youth Against Violence rally, march, and then confront Benicia Police, who join them in respect and solidarity

Three videos tell the story…

Video by Dr. Teresa Van Woy
The youth of Benicia California gather for a peaceful march following the death of George Floyd. A peaceful gathering at the gazebo followed by a march down First Street, ended up at the Benicia Police Station where officers took a knee to the protesters.

Video by Constance Beutel
Youth in Benicia organized a protest of the murder of George Floyd

ABC7 News San Francisco, June 1, 2020
Protesters and Benicia Police: “Take a knee with us!”  Hugs and handshakes after a shared moment of silence…