Category Archives: Benicia CA

Yes on Prop 68 – clean water / safe parks – YOU are needed!

Vote YES on Proposition 68  – phone banking opportunity

By Ralph Dennis

During its April 10 meeting, Progressive Democrats of Benicia voted to endorse Proposition 68. We are posting the following information in support of Proposition 68 and to provide members with information to share with neighbors, friends, and fellow Benicians and Solano County residents.

We also want to invite you to attend a phone bank which will take place on May 22.  Help get out the vote in support of Proposition 68!  More info below…


Phone Bank for Prop 68! – Tuesday, May 22, 6-8pm 

What: Phone banking for Proposition 68 – The California Clean Water and Safe Parks Act
Where: Private residence in Benicia – for more information and to sign up, email Amy at [email protected]
When: Tuesday, May 22nd from 6-8pm. Snacks and refreshments provided.
More on Facebookfacebook.com/events/2536953163197388/


More information…
by Amy Hartman, Greenbelt Alliance, May 2, 2018

Greenbelt Alliance has endorsed Proposition 68—the California Clean Water and Safe Parks Act.

Prop. 68 is a general obligation bond that invests $4.1 billion in the coming years to address some of California’s most important water, park, and natural resource needs.

The state legislature passed the California Clean Water & Parks Act (SB5) that authorized this vote last year.  Now, every Californian voter will have the opportunity to support Prop. 68 on Election Day: June 5, 2018.  Here at Greenbelt Alliance, we urge you to VOTE YES on Prop. 68.

How Does Proposition 68 Help Solano County?
  • Each of the seven cities in Solano County—Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Dixon, and Vacaville—receives $200,000 to invest in water, park, and natural resource needs.
  • In Solano County Prop. 68 provides at least $400,000 for parks projects—guaranteed.
  • Solano County and each of the seven cities are eligible for over $1 billion in competitive grants for projects and organizations such as: urban greening and restoration projects, the Solano Land Trust, the Pacific Flyway Center, other nature centers in Solano County, a Solano County Regional Park and Open Space District, and safe parks for underserved communities.
  • Prop 68 will fuel economic development by creating an estimated 50,000 new labor jobs statewide for infrastructure projects.
Bob Berman, Benicia Resident and Supporter of Prop. 68:

“Of the $4.1 billion total, the bond provides $1.3 billion for parks and recreation projects, most of which would be used to build or improve local parks.  Among the many provisions of Proposition 68 each Solano County city will receive a minimum of $200,000, and Solano County is guaranteed at least $400,000 for parks projects. This money can be used for deferred maintenance and/or new parks and water projects.  Proposition 68 also designates $218 million to repair and improve State parks desperate for money to pay for deferred maintenance.”  – Bob Berman, Benicia

How to Get Involved in the Prop. 68 Campaign?

In the days leading up to Election Day – June 5, 2018 – there are several ways that you can support the campaign.

  • Attend or host a phone bank or postcard writing get-together. Email Amy Hartman at [email protected] for more information.
  • Collect endorsements from your local environmental or conservation group, a neighborhood or community group, your local elected officials, local labor unions, or any other group or community leader that supports investing in safe parks, clean water and funding for projects to address climate change in the Bay Region. Get the endorsement form here
  • Tell your friends, neighbors, and colleagues about Prop. 68 and encourage them to vote Yes on 68 on June 5th.
  • Write a letter to your local newspaper encouraging fellow residents to vote YES on 68. Email Amy for assistance.
  • Put up a Yes on 68 Yard Sign – email Amy for a yard sign.
  • Share the following links with your friends.
Endorsing Organizations and Individuals in Solano County:
  • Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson
  • City of Benicia
  • Greenbelt Alliance
  • Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
  • Progressive Democrats of Benicia
  • Northern Solano Democratic Club
  • Solano County Sierra Club
  • Solano County Orderly Growth Committee
  • Vallejo Commission on the Future

Benicia March for Our Lives – Saturday, March 24, 2018 #NEVERAGAIN

Remembering lives lost in Parkland, Florida … and calling for sensible national gun control

On March 24, 2018, a March for Our Lives will be held in Benicia, California.  The community is invited to gather in solidarity with the families and friends of those killed in the Parkland school massacre. We will join those marching in Washington D.C. and over 850 cities around the world on Saturday, March 24, demanding that sensible gun laws be passed by Congress and signed by the President.

High School students and concerned others will gather on the First Street Green at the foot of First Street (map) at 10 A.M. and march up First Street to City Park, located at Military and First Streets (map).  A group of distinguished guests will speak from the gazebo in City Park, including several Benicia High School students and teachers, Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, Benicia Poet Laureate Johanna Ely, Solano County Supervisor Monica Brown, and representatives of our state and federal governing bodies.  Benicia Vice Mayor Steve Young will serve as master of ceremonies.

Continue reading Benicia March for Our Lives – Saturday, March 24, 2018 #NEVERAGAIN

Andrés Soto Letter: Benicia needs an Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO)

Repost from the Benicia Herald, Forum Page

Benicia deserves better

Andrés Soto

February 21, 2018, By Andrés Soto

Benicia is the only Bay Area refinery town that does not have the community protection of an Industrial Safety Ordinance, or ISO.

In 1999, the city of Richmond and Contra Costa County adopted their interlocking ISOs. The Richmond ordinance mirrors the Contra Costa ISO, and Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Division is responsible for enforcement and reporting.

Their experience with repeated refinery and associated hydrogen plant polluting events caused the elected leaders to respond to pressure from the disproportionally impacted communities in Richmond, Rodeo and Martinez for greater protection and information about polluting incidents.

How did Benicia miss out?

Since the adoption of the ISO, there have continued to be dangerous and deadly incidents at these Bay Area refineries, albeit at reduced rates, due to the ISO. Fortunately, the Richmond/Contra Costa ISO allows for corrective provisions that have improved refinery function and provided impacted communities with timely investigative information.

Continue reading Andrés Soto Letter: Benicia needs an Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO)