City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Last Minute Gift Idea, Recycling Organic Waste, We're Hiring, Library Adds Databases, Do I Need a Building Permit?, Christmas Bird Count, City Employee Spotlight, COVID Assistance

Message from the City Manager
December 20, 2021

Hello Everyone,
As we wrap up 2021, I hope we can do so in the most Benicia of ways…connecting with family, friends and neighbors; Being thankful for the wonderful little moments that remind us of the beauty that surrounds us in nature and in our relationships. If there was ever an opportunity for negativity, the last few years have presented them in abundance. Let’s work to create positivity around us wherever we can.

One of the things that has inspired me is what our City staff has accomplished over the last year. Perhaps the most significant thing we have been doing is building our City team. We’ve added some fantastic new hires across our staff and within your executive team. We’ve restructured a number of our departments to better serve this community. I couldn’t be more pleased with the team we have built. With this team we will carry out our vision to be the very best at what we do as public servants and we will ensure our focus is always on our community.

On that note I would like to introduce our new Director of Library and Cultural Service, Jennifer Baker. Jennifer has worked in library services for over 25 years, beginning her career at the Lewisville Public Library, a suburb of Dallas, Texas. Since moving to California in 2000, she worked several years at the Fresno County Library and Solano County Library. Relocating to Napa in 2007, she served as Library Director for the City of St. Helena for seven and a half years. Under her direction, St. Helena’s became the first California library to be named a finalist for Best Small Library in America. She has worked for the Napa Valley Unified School District as a Communications Media Specialist supporting library services to all students since 2015. She has served in numerous volunteer positions, including several committee chair positions and a term as Secretary for the California Library Association. In 2016, she was elected to the Napa Valley College Board of Trustees and is currently serving a second term.
 
Jennifer graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1993 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in History and a minor in Women’s Studies. She then earned her Master’s Degree in Library Science at Texas Woman’s University in 1996 and her Master in Public Administration in 2004 from California State University, Fresno. She and her husband Anthony Halstead, also a librarian, have lived in Napa for 14 years. Together they have two children, three cats, and three chickens.
 
Jennifer’s first day will be January 3rd.
 
Further below, you will see another employee highlight. I strongly encourage you to read these and get to know your employees better. As with Jonathan Schellin, this week’s employee, I am constantly amazed at the quality of our staff. I am working very hard to create a culture that recognizes our amazing staff and the importance of building an organization with high morale as critical to our ability to accomplish our vision of greatness. I hope you will join me in this important effort.
 
We will not have a message until after the New Year, where I will talk about several of the key accomplishments from 2021 and some of the important initiatives we are working on at the direction of your City Council for 2022.

Thank you for your interest in the City of Benicia This Week!

Erik Upson
City Manager
City News
Last Minute Gift Idea
As a reminder, City of Benicia City Hall Offices, Fire Administrative Offices, the Library and its book drops, and certain other City facilities will be closed for business Thursday, December 23, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022, as we celebrate the season with our family and friends. Normal business will resume on Monday, January 3, 2022

If you find yourself in need of a last minute gift for the holidays, get the Shop Benicia eGift card and support Benicia's unique, small, independent businesses that make Benicia such a special place to visit!

Select the value of your Shop Benicia eGift card, choose who is going to receive it, then send the electronic Mastercard off via email or text message, or print it out and wrap it up. The lucky recipient can use the card to make purchases at any of the 60 participating Shop Benicia businesses. Give the gift of a day or a weekend in Benicia when you use the Shop Benicia eGift card for everything from lodging, meals, shopping and spa services.
Recycling Organic Waste
The City of Benicia is currently developing its residential organics recycling program to be in compliance with the new statewide organics recycling mandate. More Information on food waste for businesses and commercial compliance can be found on CalRecycle’s website.
 
What is SB 1383?
In September 2016, Governor Brown signed into law SB 1383, establishing methane emissions reduction targets in a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) in various sectors of California's economy. SB 1383 establishes targets to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2025.
 
Methane emissions resulting from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills are a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to global climate change. Food waste alone accounts for approximately 17-18 percent of total landfill disposal. Increasing food waste prevention, encouraging edible food rescue, and expanding the composting and diversion of organic waste throughout the state will help reduce methane emissions from California's landfills.
 
Who is Affected?
The new organic waste law affects all Californians, including single- and multi-family homes, commercial entities, and schools. The City of Benicia is expecting to launch its full organics recycling program for residents in spring 2022. More information will be mailed to residents as we begin to implement the program details.
 
However, there are many parts of SB 1383 that will take work to develop and implement. The City is currently in negotiations with our waste hauler, Republic Services, regarding rates for weekly organics/green waste pick-up and an Implementation Plan to meet the requirements of the various portions of the new regulations. When complete, Benicia City Council will review at a future Council meeting. Once these decisions are made, we will notify residents as we begin to implement changes to the City’s waste collection, recycling, and organics programs.
We're Hiring
Looking for a new job in the new year? The City of Benicia Human Resources Division is accepting applications for the following positions:

  • Assistant Recreation Coordinator NEW
  • Benicia Recreation Positions (Part Time)
  • Field Utilities and Streets Apprentice/Journeyman NEW
  • Paramedic Firefighter (Limited Term Grant) NEW
  • Planning Manager NEW
  • Police Officer - Academy/Non-Lateral
  • Police Officer - Lateral (Currently Working)
  • Project Manager 
  • Public Safety Dispatcher 
  • Public Works Maintenance Superintendent 
  • Recreation Specialist II - Kindergym
  • Reserve Officer (Volunteer)
  • Senior Human Resources Analyst/HR Analyst I/II NEW
 
To apply for any of these positions, the application and supplemental forms may be found online, then click the job title. Employment applications may also be obtained from, and must be returned to, Human Resources at 250 East L Street, Benicia. Sign up with Job Interest Cards to be notified of future position openings when they occur.
Library Adds Databases
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Benicia Public Library has received six new services and databases, some with classes taught live online, all from the California State Library. They will be available for use through September 30, 2022. The six services can be found on the library’s databases webpage: 

Coursera is a global online learning platform that offers anyone, anywhere access to online courses and degrees from world-class universities and companies. Through the library's partnership, you will be able to access to world-class, job-relevant content and credentials from 200+ business, government, and university partners, including Yale, Johns Hopkins, and Google. Patrons will have access to the platform for 6 months after joining a learning program.

GetSetUp provides free live classes online for older adults over 55 taught by peers - ask questions, make friends, learn new things, and have fun. Take classes on Aging in Place, Technology, Yoga, Cooking, Creativity, Jobs, Social Media, and more or just attend a Social Hour. 350 classes available. All online in your home or by phone. Use coupon code: CSL-Benicia.

Learning Express provides test prep and practice test for career and education. Explore occupations and improve your workplace skills. Build Resumes, look for jobs, prepare for an interview and more. Plus education help for grades 4 through college, basic computer skills, basic math skills, reading skills, and US citizenship.

LinkedIn Learning is an online training platform, with a digital library of over 16,000 courses covering a wide range of technical, business, software, and creative topics. LinkedIn Learning has a strong commitment to provide e-learning opportunities for the community. You may watch an entire course, or individual videos –some are as short as four or five minutes. You will be able to bookmark courses that suit your interests and keep track of the courses you have taken. You can refine or develop your professional skills, learn new software, and explore other areas as you plan for your career growth or pursue your passions.

SkillShare is an online learning community with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people. Skillshare classes include a combination of video lessons and a class project. Classes range from 30-90 minutes with bite-sized lessons and hands-on learning to fit any schedule. Figure out your next side project, pick up new skills for your day job, or pursue a lifelong passion. There are thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, productivity, social media, and more. Skillshare teachers are working professionals, experts, and subject matter enthusiasts.

JobNow connects you with a coach to get help with job searching, applications, and interview preparation. Job coaches can also help transition your resume from military use for civilian careers. Coaches available 1 - 10 p.m. everyday except holidays. Resume Lab allows you to submit your resume and receive expert feedback on formatting, key words, transferable skills, translating military resumes for civilian employers, and more. Plus access to eParachute, a complete self-assessment to discover a career or academic path that best suits your interests, skills, and experiences. Developed by the author of What Color is My Parachute?: a Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Seekers.

VetNow connects you with an expert veteran to learn more about eligible VA benefits and community resources. Veteran resources are reviewed and carefully selected to help you understand your benefits and community resources. Navigators are available 1 - 10 p.m. daily except holidays.
Do I Need a Building Permit?
The City's Community Development Department, Building Division share the following helpful information:

What is a Building Permit? 
A building permit is an official document issued by the Building Division after an owner or owner’s representative submits and receives approval of a building permit application. The Building Division conducts a plan check for each building permit to ensure compliance with the minimum standards as set forth in the California Codes and the City of Benicia Ordinances. These minimum standards are provided to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare. They regulate the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the City of Benicia. 
 
When Permits are Required (Residential) 
In California, the construction of new buildings and building additions, as well as most home remodeling work requires a permit. The California building code states that: 

“Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.” 

This means that you will need a permit for most work that modifies your home. To see a full list, click here. 
 
When Permits are Not Required (Residential) 
A permit usually is not required to make cosmetic and finishing work. To see a full list, click here. 
 
If you have questions about whether your project needs a permit, or if wish to confirm that your project qualifies for an exemption, please contact the Building Division at 707.746.4230. 
 
Ready to apply for a permit? Visit our Permit Center here. 
Christmas Bird Count
Join the Benicia Christmas Bird Count on Monday, December 20. If you have a bird feeder and know the bird species that visit it, you can help by counting them and making a report to Robin Leong at robin_leong@netzero.net.

What is Audubon's Christmas Bird Count (CBC)? A CBC is a 24-hour census all of the birds seen or heard within a prescribed 15 mile diameter circle. The local circle's center is on Hwy 680 1-¼ mile north of Pierce Road. Visit https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count for more details on the history of the Christmas Bird count which was started in 1900. Emerson Stoner started the Benicia CBC in 1930. Its results can be down loaded from http://netapp.audubon.org/cbcobservation/.
City Employee Spotlight
Jonathan Schellin serves as a Management Analyst in the City's Community Development Department.

He and his wife relocated to the Bay Area from Chicago in November 2020, where he previously worked as an Associate Brand Manager for Tyson Foods. Before joining the City, Jonathan served as an active-duty officer in the US Army for five years, after which he attended the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) where he earned a dual degree Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Policy. Jonathan was born and raised in Wisconsin and brings his experience as a former high school teacher, small business operator, marketer, and public sector consultant to his role in the Community Development Department.

Since joining the City of Benicia in early 2021, Jonathan has made high impact contributions to the Community Development Department’s operations notably in the launch and ongoing enhancements to the Benicia Permit Center and in piloting technology solutions for customer service and communications. Jonathan provides essential support to departmental budget, contract and grant management functions. He also contributes expertise to improved public information and communications and is a member of the City of Benicia Communications Team.

When not working Jonathan enjoys all things active and outdoors, exploring new places and hikes with his wife and dog, and tries to travel as often as he can. Fun fact: Jonathan was a decathlete and All-American hurdler in college, but likes to stick to a nice, steady jog nowadays.
COVID Assistance
Find vaccine locations, resources and information for seniors, local food access, basic needs and rental assistance, mental health, stress and coping, and more courtesy of Solano County Public Health. Benicia residents in need of help during these difficult times may find assistance through these local resources:

Press Releases

Recent City of Benicia Press Releases are available on the City of Benicia website under Main/Announcements.
Save the Date
Modified service due to COVID-19
City Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you require entrance to City Hall offices outside of these hours, please make arrangements with staff from the department that you will be visiting.

All visitors shall be required to enter City Hall from East L street through the door located on the left (East) side of the building closest to the Post Office. Please check in with the staff person at the designated Welcome Window.

You will be required to wear a face covering over both your nose and mouth for the duration of your visit to City Hall. Please maintain 6 feet of social distancing between other visitors and staff. Do not visit City Hall if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Appointments can always be rescheduled.
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