Category Archives: Meeting reflections

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.
Benicia City Council, Benicia elections, Endorsements, Meeting reflections, Solano County Board of Supervisors, Solano County Sheriff

Meeting Reflections – May 10, 2022, Key political campaigns, Endorsements

MEETING REFLECTIONS
THE PDB MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MAY 10, 2022, 7:00 PM
The May 10th general meeting focused on key political campaigns.
KariBirdseyeForBenicia.com

First off, PDB member Kari Birdseye invited all to attend on Sunday, May 22 when she announces her candidacy for Benicia City Council. You are invited to attend the Kickoff Rally on Sunday, May 22, 2-4pm at Benicia’s City Park Gazebo.  Kari presented her views about her campaign and local issues specific to Benicia.  She encouraged volunteers to sign up at her website, karibirdseyeforbenicia.com/.

Election next month – June 7

We also heard from several June 7 election candidates, and voted whether to offer endorsements:
  • Democratic Suisun City Councilwoman Wanda Williams discussed her candidacy for Solano County District 3 Supervisor.
  • Solano County Sheriff candidate Daryl Snedeker discussed his reasons for running.  (Snedeker is No-Party-Preference)
  • Two Democratic candidates for the State Board of Equalization, Braden Murphy and Jose Alatmirano shared with us why we should vote for them in the primary.
Progressive Democrats of Benicia proudly ENDORSE:
Progressive Democrats of Benicia RECOMMEND:

Also at our May 10 meeting:

Benicia Mayor Steve Young talked about the Valero-supported PAC and the expected negative ad campaign anticipated this election year.  Because the “independent expenditures” of PACs are not limited by Benicia’s Voluntary Code of Fair Campaign Practices or state law, the Valero-supported PAC is not limited in the amounts it can spend. In contrast, expenditures by candidates and their campaigns are limited. Learn more about this important dynamic of local politics.

Announcements

Climate action, Climate change, Endorsements, Meeting reflections, Solano County District Attorney

Meeting Reflections – April 12, 2022, Climate Change and D.A. candidate Sharon Henry

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
APRIL 12, 2022
Climate Change: what we can be doing…
Also: District Attorney candidate Sharon Henry

PDB’s April 12th membership meeting was attended by 39 members, friends and our guest speakers.

Program

First we heard from Sharon Henry, candidate for Solano County District Attorney.  Because there are only two candidates in the race for DA, it is likely to be decided at the June 7 primary election, rather than on November 8th.  Ms. Henry shared her background and values and explained her platform. She has been endorsed by the Solano County Democratic Central Committee and Mayor Steve Young.  After questions and answers, we held an endorsement vote.  PDB members voted almost unanimously to endorse Ms. Henry.

The remainder of the meeting focused on Climate change and action-based solutions presented by local climate activists:

  • Lindsay Wray, Chair, Benicia Community Sustainability Commission – described the commission and outlined action items for 2022.
  • Ben Keller – Co-chair, Legislative Committee 350 Bay Area Action – described 350BAA and explained the role of the Legislative Committee – Work on Legislation, Building Relationships with Legislators and Education and Mobilizing Public and Partners. Outlined priority bills for 2022-AB 2419; SB 917; SB 1482, SB 1010.
  • Nik Evasco, Youth Climate Organizer and Program Manager, 350 Bay Area – described his role as an organizer and profiled recent actions taken by 350BA. Expressed need for a Solano County 350 faction.
Club Actions:

Interim Chair Kathy Kerridge presented a spreadsheet and web addresses for members to take a few minutes and either commit to taking climate action or perform actions in real time.  Tap here to view the suggested action items.

Elected Officials

Elected officials present: Solano County Supervisor Monica Brown and Benicia Mayor Steve Young.

Mayor Young provided an update on City of Benicia events and issues:

    • Update on the recent weekend fire at Amports and the status of the pier, which was built and maintained by Amports.
    • Update on the Mayor’s first meeting as a BAAQMD member. Discussed the status of fine for Valero’s 15-year emissions cover-up. The Mayor is open for suggestions on how the settlement funds are to be spent.
    • Goal setting meeting: City Council – Saturday, April 23, 8:30am to 6:30pm at the Community Center. Open for public comment, most likely in the morning.
    • Diversity Festival: April 23 beginning at noon on the Marina Green.
    • Council Meeting, 4/19/22 – Financial Forecast is the topic.
Announcements
  • Saturday, April 30, 1-3pm Candidate Fundraiser – for Sharon Henry, hosted by Terry Mollica at his home
  • ACLU – Virtual Forums ([email protected])
    • Monday, May 2, 6pm Board of Supervisors Candidate Forum
    • Tuesday, May 3, 3pm District Attorney Candidate Forum
  • Sunday, June 26, 2-4pm Welcome / Au revoir party for US Representatives Garamendi and Thompson, Benicia Vets Hall – Fundraiser for United Dems – details to follow
  • Benicia Library – Book Action Program – From Just Us to Justice: A Community Equity Challenge https://benicialibrary.org/rsvp-book-action-programs
Recording

The meeting was held on Zoom.  A full recording of the meeting can be viewed here.