City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Adventures Day Camp Registration Opens, Dry Year Forecasted, Find the Latest Rec Activities, COVID Vaccine Update, COVID Assistance
Message from the City Manager
March 22, 2021

Hello Everyone,
One of the things we’ve been watching with much trepidation is the cost of COVID-19 in regards to mental health, especially with our youth, as well as the impact on our incidences of domestic violence. We understand that one thing that fundamentally impacts mental health, whether or not people feel that they are a part of community. That they are respected, loved, and cherished and not ‘outsiders’ looking in. The Kyle Hyland Foundation (KHF) has taken that to heart in their work to combat teen suicide and our community can play an important part in those continued efforts. Over the last several months, and through the remainder of the year, the Kyle Hyland Foundation is and will be working with the students of the Benicia Unified School District to do a series of awareness campaigns designed to help raise awareness and improve inclusivity:
 
  • January 25-31: Cultural Diversity Awareness
  • February 22-26: Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness
  • March 22-26: Gender Equality Awareness
  • April 12-16: Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness
  • May: Mental Health Awareness
  • Sept: Suicide Prevention Awareness
  • Oct: Bullying/Cyberbullying Awareness
 
The City Council has been unified in support of this campaign, passing a series of resolutions for each one. What has been so incredibly impactful has been hearing the students take turns reading the proclamations live on Zoom at the City Council Meetings. Once again, I am so impressed with the bravery and compassion of our BUSD students!
 
The Kyle Hyland Foundation for Teen Support will be conducting several Zoom presentations on these important topics. Of special note is the current campaign for gender equality awareness. This especially important now as we battle the side-effects of the isolation that has come with protecting the community from this pandemic. We are seeing increased domestic violence, mental health concerns with our teens, and a serious economic impact on the progress of wage equality for women.
 
Please go to the Kyle Hyland Foundation website to follow them on social media, find out about important dates that are upcoming and consider being a part of making our community stronger and helping to keep our youth safe and healthy by lifting them all up with our compassion and empathy!
 
If you are aware of anyone who is at risk, or if you need to help, say something. The KHF website has important tools for getting help for yourself or others. Or, of course, you can always call the Benicia Police Department where our dedicated staff is there 24/7 to help our community. 911 or non-emergency at 707.745.3411.

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

Erik Upson
City Manager
City News
Adventures Day Camp Registration Opens
Summer might still be a few months away, but registration for Adventures Day Camp (ADC) open today! Benicia Parks and Community Services invites kids to join them as they go Cruisin' Around the World. ACD is sure to be your passport to adventure.

For more information, visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us/adc. Space is limited so register early for your spot!
Dry Year Forecasted
As California faces a critically dry year ahead, Public Works staff want to take this opportunity to thank their customers for continuing to use water efficiently. As spring approaches and some folks are likely thinking about planting season, they offer the following tips.
 
Select drought tolerant plants instead of water thirsty grass: 
 

Water Conservation rebates are available:
  • Rebates include a $100 washer machine rebate, up to $2,000 turf replacement rebate, plus many more are available. Click here to view the rebate flyer and find helpful links.
 
Check your sprinkler system for leaks:
  • Inspect your sprinkler system monthly and repair any leaks. Adjust your sprinkler heads to prevent water draining off your lawn and down the gutter.
 
 
WaterInsight Program includes free leak alerts:
  •  If you haven't already signed up for WaterInsight/WaterSmart, now is a great to time. It's free and you can receive leak alerts and more. Click here to sign up.
Find the Latest Rec Activities
Stay up-to-date on latest rec programs and activities. As the City is able to open up programs, activities, and facilities, Benicia Parks and Community Services will use their digital media options to spread the exciting news.
COVID Vaccine Update
Solano County Public Health announces additional eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations. This currently includes
  • First responders, medical, dental, community health, mental health, substance abuse, pharmacy, mortuary, home health (including IHSS), public health field workers, clergy, educators, licensed childcare & adult daycare staff, emergency services, food & agriculture workers as defined by the CDPH, critical manufacturing, industrial sector, transportation & logistics.
  • Solano County residents aged 50 and above (regardless of underlying health conditions).
  • Eligibility has expanded to include essential works from chemical, communications/IT, defense, energy, water & wastewater, government operations, and community services.
  • Also now eligible are those aged 16-49 with underlying conditions.

Additional information is available at www.solanocounty.com/covidvaccine. To be notified when appointments ave available for vaccine clinics, sign up at https://myturn.ca.gov/.
COVID Assistance
Find 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:
Save the Date
  • Mar 22 - Zoning Administrator Hearing, 10 a.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Mar 22 - Community Sustainability Commission meeting, 610 a.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Mar 23 - City Council meeting, 6 p.m. via livestream. Watch live at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Mar 24 - Economic Development Board meeting, 5:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Mar 25 - 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!