City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Winter Storm Information; Holiday Closure; Take My Tree, Please; Residents Appointed to CURE Committee, City Employee Spotlight; Booster Vaccines Expanded to Teens; COVID Assistance

Message from the City Manager
December 13, 2022

Hello Everyone,
This week we are announcing another significant change in our leadership team. Will Tarbox is leaving to take over the Public Works Department in the City of Concord. Will had a profound impact on our City’s infrastructure; professionalizing our approaches to our public works across the board and creating a real and concrete plan for our future. His work to create this path and to build the foundation for the next twenty to thirty years, cannot be understated. As a part of his work, Will was thoughtful of our future succession plan. He brought in one of the brightest young leaders in the field, Kyle Ochenduszko, to be his Deputy Director, and continued to develop him and prepare him for this moment. I am pleased to announce that I have offered the Interim Public Works Director position to Kyle and he has accepted the challenge with great enthusiasm.

Kyle Ochenduszko has been the City of Benicia’s Deputy Public Works Director and Utilities Manager since 2019. Before coming to Benicia, Kyle worked for the State of California for 15 years. He travelled throughout the state gaining experience in wastewater, water recycling, policy, drinking water, water quality, public health, finance, and local government issues. He, either directly or through teams he led, helped over 200 communities build major water and wastewater infrastructure projects valued in excess of $500 million. Immediately before coming to the City, Kyle served as the Chief of Water Rights Enforcement for the State of California.

Kyle is a Captain in the State Guard and currently serves as the Headquarters / Headquarters Company Commander at Joint Forces Headquarters – Sacramento. Over his eight-year military career, he held many positions including managing the Military’s Joint Operations Center. CPT Ochenduszko has deployed within California in response to over ten emergencies including the Camp, Carr, Woolsey, Mendocino Fires, COVID-19 response, 2020 Civil Unrest, and the Oroville Dam Incident.    

Mr. Ochenduszko holds two bachelor of science degrees (Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering) from the University of California at Davis, a Master of Public Administration degree from the Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California, is a Professional Engineer, and holds multiple FEMA and military certificates in emergency management.

Finally, in closing, I’d like to say thank you again to Benicia Main Street and all of those involved in the Holiday Parade on Saturday. It was another beautiful Benicia day! We’ve included a brief video of the Benicia High School marching band. This award-winning marching band program is a jewel of Benicia and the community should be very proud of the wonderful young men and women who represent our community so well!

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

Erik Upson
City Manager
City News
Winter Storm Information
As you receive this newsletter, we are in the middle of another winter storm. You can find information on what to do before, during and after a storm on our Winter Storm Preparedness page.

You'll find information on sand bag stations, keeping neighborhood storm drains clear, weather and road conditions, emergency alerts and information, flood zone information and flood zone insurance, and what to do after a storm or flood.

During the fall and winter months, as leaves from trees fall, storm drains can become blocked with debris. Please adopt a nearby storm drain and keep it clear during winter storms or report it to the Public Works Department at 707.746.4296.
Holiday Closure
The 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 beginning Thursday, December 23, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022, and reopen for normal business services on Monday, January 3, 2022.

Emergency response from the Fire and Police Departments will not be affected by these closures.

If you need immediate assistance during the closure or have requests for emergency water or sewer service, please contact the Benicia Police Department, 200 East L Street, or call 707.745.3412. All other phone messages and email correspondence will be returned after the closure.
Take My Tree, Please
Take advantage of a convenient community service and fundraiser from the Benicia’s Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts Venture Crew and Sea Scouts. You can drop off your tree or you can register for pickup of your tree at your home or business. Once recycled, the trees are chipped and used for ground cover on City properties.

To register for pickup, visit www.BeniciaScouts.org or call the tree recycle hotline at 707.551.4520. Appointments are required for pickup. Tree Recycling pickup dates are the same as drop-off dates. Flocked trees are accepted.

Please have your tree out by 9 a.m. Donations are welcome! No cash please. Make checks payable to BSA Christmas Tree Recycling. Attach donation or mail to:
Benicia Scouts
Christmas Tree Recycling
505 Solano Drive
Benicia, CA 94510

This project is run in full cooperation with the City of Benicia and Republic Services.

Tree Drop-off Dates:
Sunday, December 26
12 - 4 p.m.
Saturday, January 1 and Sunday, January 2
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, January 8 and Sunday January 9
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Drop-off Locations:
Benicia Community Park
(behind Matthew Turner Elementary School)
First Baptist Church
1155 Southampton Road

Important Information For Placing Trees In Your Yard Waste Cart
You can place unflocked trees in your green yard waste cart. Branches must be 6” or less in diameter and 3-feet or less in length. Cut off tree top, and remove tree stand. Please remove lights, ornaments, tinsel, nails and stands. Lid must be closed. No plastic bags. Flocked trees can be collected curbside for a fee of $40 per tree. Pickups must be scheduled in advance by calling 707.747.0608. .
Residents Appointed to CURE Committee
On Tuesday, December 7, the City Council approved the appointment of the five Benicia residents who will serve as the inaugural members of the Committee United for Racial Equity (CURE). They will join the two City Council members appointed to the sub-committee (Councilmembers Macenski and Largaespada). The members appointed are Andre Stewart, Amira Barger, Gigi Villanueva, Jorge Casteneda, and Nimat Grantham. Current and future members of CURE share the demonstrated characteristics, work, and lived experience through:

  • a commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • a desire to support positive change and unity through community engagement
  • working collaboratively with people of diverse perspectives
  • connections with local and historically marginalized people and communities
  • representation of the geographic and demographic diversity of the City of Benicia

CURE is a standing Council subcommittee whose main purpose is to provide:
  • input and insight for the successful implementation of Benicia's equity assessment, plan, as well as anti-bias training for City staff and elected officials
  • guidance for Council to create opportunities for greater accountability to the community on efforts to build awareness, engagement, and unity in the City of Benicia
  • communication on the City's activities and progress in addressing issues of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion

The City of Benicia is fortunate to be the first city in Solano County to have a seated Council subcommittee focused on establishing the framework for positive, sustainable change to continue to build an equitable, diverse, and inclusive city.
City Employee Spotlight
Steve Schueler started his career with the City of Benicia in October of 2001 as a Custodian in the Building Maintenance Division of the Parks and Community Services Department. Steve provides consistent quality cleaning services and helps monitor contract custodians in multiple city facilities. Steve’s responsibilities require him to work with a variety of staff from many different departments. He truly cares about his customers and often goes above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. He is a valuable member of Parks and Community Services team. 

In his spare time, Steve enjoys watching sports. He is a Giants, 49ers and Warriors fan. Steve likes to go bike riding on the weekends. He enjoys hanging out with friends for a great meal along with a nice glass of wine. Steve considers himself a foodie saying, “There’s nothing better than a great meal and a glass of good wine.” He enjoys his annual trips to Idaho to visit family. Once travel restrictions are lifted, he plans on taking more trips across the pond.
Booster Vaccines Expanded to Teens
Solano Public Health expands eligibility for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster to everyone age 16 and older; offers guidance on celebrating the Winter Holidays safely
 
SOLANO COUNTY PRESS RELEASE –– The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health division, in accordance with state and national guidance, is expanding COVID-19 vaccine booster eligibility to individuals age 16 and older in Solano County.
 
The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup – following an amendment to the Emergency Use Authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration – recommended expanding eligibility for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to everyone age 16 and older who are at least six months out after completing their primary vaccination series for COVID-19.
 
“Vaccination remains the most effective methods for fighting the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bela T. Matyas, M.D., M.P.H., Solano County Public Health Officer. “As people gather to celebrate the holidays, getting a booster shot will help provide continued protection against COVID-19, especially with both the delta and omicron variants continuing to spread in communities.”
 
Parents and guardians who are interested in getting their teen vaccinated can access the Pfizer booster shots at the mass vaccine clinic at Solano County Fairgrounds, located at 900 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo, between now and Saturday, December 18 or check with their healthcare provider to schedule their booster appointment. Visit the Public Health vaccine website for clinic details and updates on future vaccine clinics at the Solano County Fairgrounds at https://www.SolanoCounty.com/COVIDvaccine and on the Public Health Facebook page, https://www.Facebook.com/SolanoCountyPH and @SolanoCountyPH. 
 
GENERAL GUIDANCE TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON SAFELY
When it comes to staying safe this holiday season, consider the following tips, including:
 
Get vaccinated
  • Vaccines are our best protection against infection. Vaccines are safe and effectively reduce risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
  • Children ages 5 through 11 are eligible for the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine; adolescents age 16-17 are eligible to get a Pfizer booster shot; and adults 18+ are eligible to get a booster shot provided it has been six months from their second dose of the vaccine series or two months from their Johnson & Johnson dose.
  • Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot to protect children and families from the flu. 

Stay home if you are sick
  • Do not attend celebrations or participate in activities if you feel sick, or if you have come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and you are not yet fully vaccinated.
 
Wear a face mask
  • Consider wearing a face mask indoors, especially if you are not fully vaccinated and/or are in a large private gathering where the vaccine status of all individuals is not known. Additionally, it is recommended to wear a face mask around individual with a compromised immune system.
 
Travel safely
  • It is recommended that individuals delay travel if they are not vaccinated. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds as much as possible and wear a face mask.
  • Remember to bring your face mask when traveling, as it is required for all individuals on public transit, regardless of vaccination status.
 
Continue to monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms, including if you do not feel well or you learn that someone you had close contact with tested positive, get tested for COVID-19. Visit the Public Health website for free testing site locations.
 
WHERE TO GET VACCINATED FOR COVID-19 DOSES, FLU SHOTS AND BOOSTERS
Solano County Fairgrounds Mass Vaccine Clinic
Solano County is administering the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine to individuals age 5 or older, booster shots for everyone age 16 or older, as well as regular doses and flu shots. All are free. The mass vaccination clinic operates Wednesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Clinics are walk-in and/or appointment based. To make an appointment, eligible residents can sign up at https://bit.ly/solanomassvax . Those requiring registration assistance should call 800.672.0150.
 
Pop-Up Clinics
For additional vaccine clinics throughout the County, visit https://www.SolanoCounty.com/COVIDvaccine.
 
COVID-19 INFORMATION
  • For guidance on celebrating holiday traditions safely during COVID-19, visit the Guidance for Safer Holiday Social Interactions.
  • Homebound individuals interested in requesting an in-home vaccination appointment are encouraged to call the COVID-19 vaccine line at 707.784.8655 for scheduling assistance.
  • Residents without transportation to and from vaccine sites hosted by Solano County are urged to call the COVID-19 vaccine line at 707.784.8655 and arrange for a free ride through Uber.
  • For vaccine clinics available throughout the State, visit https://myturn.ca.gov/
  • For recent local COVID-19 health information, including the number of COVID-19 cases in Solano County as reflected on the COVID-19 dashboard, visit www.SolanoCounty.com/COVID19
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
  • Dec 13 - Human Services Board meeting, 6 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Dec 16 - Historic Preservation Review Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
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.
City of Benicia This Week is published each Monday morning. Previous editions are available here. We also communicate on Nextdoor.com and AlertSolano.com. Sign up now!