All posts by Editor

Events, Women's Caucus PDB

Thurs, May 23 in Benicia – PDB Women’s Caucus – Knock Down the House

Dear Progressive Democrats,

Our Women’s Caucus will be hosting a free screening of the film Knock Down the House (trailer here) on Thursday, May 23rd at 7pm, in the Garden Room at the Casa de Vilarrasa, 383 East I Street, Benicia, and we would love to see you there – women AND men!

Knock Down the House follows the incredible stories of four women who decide to run for office against all odds. At a moment of historic volatility in American politics, these women set themselves on a journey that changed their lives and country forever.

At the screening, we’ll provide a brief introduction, screen the film and facilitate a lively discussion afterward. Feel free to bring a snack or drink to share.

For more details please RSVP here: https://screenings.knockdownthehouse.com/event/watch_attend/4234

We hope to see you there – women AND men – and feel free to invite friends!

Kari Birdseye
m: 415.350.7562

Air monitoring, Air quality, Petroleum coke (pet coke)

Video presentations on Benicia’s Air, Air Monitoring, and Pet Coke

Presentations on Air Quality and Air Monitoring
May 14, Tues 7:00 pm, Benicia Library

On May 14, Progressive Dems of Benicia hosted expert speakers on air monitoring and air quality in Benicia, with a special focus on pet coke.  Many thanks to Constance Beutel and Pat Toth-Smith for the video documenting the program below.

Video of the May 14 program on Benicia’s air

» Not included in the video: Mayor Patterson updated us on efforts between the City of Benicia and Valero to create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will follow up on actions Valero agreed to after defeat of the proposed Industrial Safety Ordinance.  (The MOU will be helpful, but legally unenforceable.)

Past meetings

Meeting of May 14, 2019 – All about our Air, Monitoring, and Pet Coke

All about Air Quality and Air Monitoring
May 14, Tues 7:00 pm, Benicia Library

Most of our program on May 14 was about air monitoring and air quality in Benicia.  Agenda.

Concerns and questions:

    • What air quality monitors do we have?
    • Where are they?
    • What’s in Benicia’s air? What information is being monitored and collected?
    • What else do we need?

Constance Beutel offered a highly informative powerpoint on air quality, air pollution and its health implications, air monitors and steps we can take in our own lives.

Pet Coke. CBE scientist Greg Karras led us in a discussion of pet coke, which is produced and used by Valero – what pet coke is and what are its uses, and how it affects our environmental health.

Kathy Kerridge shared about the rebirth of Benicia’s community air monitoring program, BCAMP, and Mayor Patterson updated us on efforts between the City of Benicia and Valero to create an MOU to follow-up on actions Valero agreed to after defeat of the proposed Industrial Safety Ordinance.

After the program, the members voted to endorse a candidate for California Democratic Party Chair.  Roger Straw presented the recommendation of the Progressive Democrats of Benicia Steering Committee to endorse Kimberly Ellis.  (Vote results to be posted later…)