Category Archives: 2024 Election

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)

Meeting Notes – February 13, 2024

MEETING NOTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2024

___________________________________________________________________________

Our January general membership meeting was held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 7pm, via Zoom.

Agenda:

  • Call to Order
  • Quorum
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Acknowledgements/Announcements
  • Program
    • Measure C – Sheri Zada and Damon Wright
    • Update – Christopher Cabaldon campaign
    • Fiesta La Primavera – Sheri Leigh
    • Solano County Board of Supervisors District 1 Candidates Forum
      • Cassandra James
      • Michael Wilson
  • Wrap Up – Next Meeting March 12, 2024

Announcements

  • Feb. 24 – Cooking with Alice – NSDC fundraiser with Congressman Mike Thompson
  • Feb. 24 – Passion for Performance, Fundraiser
  • Feb. 29 – Making the Democratic Process Work for You – Kathy Kerridge & Mary Ruth Gross, 350 Bay Area – Better World Event on Zoom
  • March 5 – Vote for SCDCC Representatives
  • May 18 – PDB Fundraiser – Champagne Brunch – SAVE THE DATE and join the planning committee to help with the event!

MEASURE C

Measure C on the March 5th ballot will fund critical facilities improvements for our schools

  • Building repairs and improvements
  • Classroom renovation and upgrades
  • HVAC system
  • Science and technology lab construction
  • Student access to computer technology
  • Improves health, safety, student achievement and security

We heard from School Board President Sheri Zada and Superintendent Dr. Damon Wright in support of this important measure. Dr. Wright fielded questions.

Endorsed Candidate Update

Christopher Cabaldon updated us on his campaign.

Fiesta La Primavera

Sheri Leigh updated us on her advocacy to dismantle Benicia’s La Migra’ games, and announced an alternative Spring Break celebration event in collaboration with the Solano AIDS Coalition: Fiesta Primavera,   taking place on March 23 at Gazebo Park in Benicia.

Solano County Board of Supervisors District 1 Candidates Forum

We heard from the two candidates who are running for County Supervisor for District 1, and both candidates fielded questions.   The candidates (in alphabetical order) are Cassandra James, incumbent, and Michael Wilson. Both candidates fielded questions from members.

Membership Poll

We have offered members an opportunity to vote on which candidate to endorse via the PDB website.  The bylaws state “New Members shall be entitled to vote on all Club matters sixty (60) days after payment of dues. Existing members, upon payment of membership renewal dues, shall be eligible immediately to vote on all Club matters.”

Meeting Link

Here is a link to the video recording of this important meeting! If asked, enter the passcode: skMZ^h59

Next Meeting: Tuesday March 12, 7:00 pm on Zoom

Don’t miss this important meeting!

 

Meeting Notes – January 9, 2024

MEETING NOTES
JANUARY 9, 2024

___________________________________________________________________________

Our January general membership meeting was held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 7pm, via Zoom.

Agenda:

  • Call to Order
  • Quorum
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Acknowledgements/Announcements
  • Mayor Steve Young
    • Measure A – Hotel Tax (Transient Occupancy Tax)
    • Measure B – Public Safety and Essential Services Measure
  • Nathalie Christian – Online Endorsement Poll explained
  • Solano County Board of Supervisors District 2 Candidates Forum
    • Monica Brown, Incumbant
    • Rochelle Sherlock
  • Wrap Up – Next Meeting February 13, 2024

Announcements

  • Welcome New Members
  • Renew your dues!
  • Believe In Benicia Events www.believeinbenicia.org
    • January 15-26 – Community Survey
    • January 17 – 6pm Virtual Workshop
    • January 18 – 6-8pm In Person Workshop (Benicia Library)
    • January 24 – 6pm Virtual Workshop
    • January 25 – 6-8pm In Person Workshop (Community Center)
  • Solano County Democratic Central Committee Awards Dinner
    • January 27 at 5-8pm – County Event Center, 601 Texas St., Fairfield. PDB has reserved a table.
  • Passion for Performance – fundraiser for local performing arts organizations
    • February 24, Clock Tower: VIP Artist Reception – 4:30-5:30pm; Doors open 5:30 pm; Performances: 6-9pm; Tickets: www.beniciaperformingarts.org – Concerts
  • Christopher Cabaldon (PDB endorsed candidate for State Senate) needs hosts for meet and greets. Contact Kathy Kerridge.
  • Democratic Central Committee Candidates for District 2: Kathy Kerridge, Pat Toth-Smith, Paula Bauer, and Monica Brown. Vote March 5.
  • Consider volunteering to work the poll on March 5

Mayor Steve Young and Ballot Measures

Mayor Young discussed the ballot measures and the importance of their passing, described the upcoming events, and fielded questions.

Solano County Board of Supervisors District 2 Candidates Forum

We heard from the two candidates who are running for County Supervisor for District 2, and both candidates fielded questions.   The candidates (in alphabetical order) are Monica Brown, incumbent, and Rochelle Sherlock, entrepreneur, community advocate, and small business owner.

Membership Poll

We have offered members an opportunity to vote on which candidate to endorse via the PDB website.  The bylaws state “New Members shall be entitled to vote on all Club matters sixty (60) days after payment of dues. Existing members, upon payment of membership renewal dues, shall be eligible immediately to vote on all Club matters.”

The membership voted to endorse Monica Brown for Solano County Board of Supervisors. The members also voted to endorse Ballot Measures A and B.

Meeting Link

Here is a link to the video recording of this important meeting! If asked, enter the passcode: 4S*V+ap=

Next Meeting: Tuesday February 13, 7:00 pm on Zoom

Don’t miss this important meeting!