City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Goats Graze for Vegetation Management, Fire Dept Annual Report Available, Fire Dept Annual Report Available, Crosswalk Paving on First Street, Ball Fields Prepped for Season, Ball Fields Prepped for Season, From Just Us to Justice, Soltrans Advisory Committee Opening, What is a Stop Work Order?, City Employee Spotlight, COVID Assistance
Message from the City Manager
March 21, 2022

Good morning my fellow Benicians,
Today I have the honor of providing the opening message for This Week because Erik is away from the office cheering and celebrating his daughter’s soccer success at an out of state tournament. So I would like to take this opportunity to do some of my own cheering and celebrating our Chamber of Commerce and the outgoing and incoming Chamber Board Chairs Chris Ferrucci and Carey Morgan.

This past Friday evening at the Clocktower our Mayor, Council Members and City staff joined many Benicia businesses to celebrate the Chamber of Commerce's 75th Board of Directors Installation Banquet. This evening was a culmination of the tenacity and hard work of the outgoing chair Chris Ferrucci of Cullen, Sherry and Associates, who was the steward of the organization for more than two years. Without his dedication and determination over two very difficult years, our Chamber of Commerce may have been lost. Yet through his leadership and willingness to invest hundreds of hours to volunteer his time to keep the Chamber functional we now have a business organization that is poised to be the advocate and champion for our business community.

Moving in to assume the role of Chair Person of the Board is Carey Morgan of Sailor Jack's. Typically the Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner is held in January, but due to precautions related to COVID -19, it was postponed until March. A rather fitting new date to coincide with Woman’s History Month as Carey Morgan is the first female Chair of the Board in many years. Carey Morgan, in her remarks to the attendees, evoked a spirit of resiliency, pride and optimism for the future.

Our small business community struggled greatly these past 24 months. Many of our businesses were forced to close their doors, lay off employees and yet still pay all of their expenses. Our business owners carried a unique and heavy burden; nevertheless, their ability to “pivot” and persevere insured our community still had places to work, eat, shop and gather.

So to Chris Ferrucci, Carey Morgan and all our business owners, managers, and employees, we say thank you for your tireless effort, ingenuity and commitment to commerce. 

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

Mario Giuliani
Deputy City Manager
City News
Goats Graze for Vegetation Management
At the March 15, 2022 Benicia City Council meeting, a new agreement with Goats R Us was approved, which will bring more goats to Benicia to graze open space areas. The goats will graze from late March through June removing combustible vegetation.

The rolling hills of northern Benicia are a result of incorporating natural open spaces into the area’s residential development with approximately 50 separate open space areas totaling over 1,800 acres. The blending of the open space with residential neighborhoods creates unique challenges for the Benicia Fire Department during summer fire season.

Currently, the fire department uses a variety of strategies to limit the impact of wildfires spreading from these open spaces to surrounding residential properties. Historically, the department contracted with heavy equipment disking companies each spring to disrupt the vegetation around the perimeter of each open space. This created limited fire breaks designed to slow the spread of fire so that firefighters have time to respond and extinguish fires before they impact developed properties. This method was generally effective yet had some challenges. The disking spurred complaints from residents of air pollution, noise pollution, dust, and erosion. The cost was also becoming prohibitive.

In 2021, City Council approved an agreement with Goats R Us for vegetation management services via goats grazing in the open spaces in lieu of disking. The 2021 agreement with Goats R Us proved successful. The goats managed vegetation in a wider open space perimeter than the disking companies. This provided better protection to the properties surrounding open space. Residents have also expressed satisfaction with being able to watch the goats graze on the hillsides. This past week, the City Council approved 2022s agreement with Goats R Us.

Fire Chief Josh Chadwick states, “While it is important to remember that no realistic vegetation management program will completely alleviate all risks, we believe the increased and targeted utilization of goats will improve fire safety while also reducing air pollution, noise pollution, and erosion.”

For more information, contact Josh Chadwick, Fire Chief at jchadwick@ci.benicia.ca.us or 707.746.4275.
Fire Dept Annual Report Available
The 2021 Benicia Fire Department Annual Report has been published. Learn about the department's accomplishments and milestones, personnel, facilities and fleet, education and training, special teams and mutual aid, services and response, highlights and achievements, fire prevention, code enforcement, COVID-19 pandemic, community involvement and public education, emergency preparedness, thoughts and goals.

Fire Chief Josh Chadwick says, “On behalf of the members of the Benicia Fire Department, I am pleased to present the 2021 Annual Report. It is my honor to serve the residents of Benicia alongside the Fire Department’s outstanding and compassionate staff. We were filled with hope when greeting 2021, but it turned out to be a rollercoaster of a year. The COVID-19 Pandemic continued to challenge the world, but our team rose to the challenge and met the needs of our community. In fact, the City of Benicia was one of five communities nationwide to be presented with the 2021 Crown Communities Award from American City & County magazine.”

The Benicia Fire Department is here to help. The staff members’ favorite part of their jobs is to provide excellent service to the Benicia community. The Fire Department hopes to host regular community events and interact more with community members in 2022. Contact them any time at 707.746.4275 with questions, concerns, or suggestions – they value your input and would love to hear from you.
Crosswalk Paving on First Street
Last week, the Public Works Department Streets Crew started work to repave side street crosswalks along First Street. Crews will be working block by block, starting at I Street, to lay fresh asphalt in the crosswalks to ensure all pedestrians can safely cross the street.

Newly paved crosswalks are not only visually appealing but will help eliminate tripping hazards and ensuring those with mobility assistance devices can safely travel throughout the downtown area.

“The City only has three individuals to take care of the entire street system,” said Public Works Director Kyle Ochenduszko. “In addition to the streets, this crew is also responsible for the stormwater system, and nuisance complaints like graffiti removal and trash pickup.”

Thanks Streets Crew for prioritizing this important project!
Ball Fields Prepped for Season
Opening days for spring ball sports has passed, and the Parks and Community Services Department wants to recognize the hard work of the Parks crew in getting all 11 playing fields prepped and ready for the season. Our Parks crew of 10 staff works tirelessly to make sure that the fields are safe, playable, and in the best possible condition at the start of the spring season, while also ensuring that all the other green and recreational spaces available to our community are getting special attention as well. 

Throughout the year, from March - October, the fields endure serious wear and tear. It is vital to close the fields from November through February to focus on restoration and renovation of both the infields and outfields. During the field closures, crew will remove lips that form around the edges, grade, and smooth the surfaces of the infield; as well as inspect the base receivers, dug outs, back stops and fencing to identify and fix any safety concerns. The outfields/turf are often fenced off during the closure to be aerated, fertilized, and repaired. Irrigation is tested and modified to ensure the best coverage, while also considering water conservation efforts. Then, just prior to opening days, one last pass with the mower is the finishing touch to welcome players and the community to the fields.

The Department of Parks and Community Services is grateful to have such a hardworking, detail-oriented crew, that is committed to providing quality facilities to our local youth organizations and all those that come to our parks for leisure and fun!
From Just Us to Justice
Beginning in April, the Benicia Public Library, with a Book to Action grant from the California State Library invites you to participate in a multiweek program series titled From Just Us to Justice: A Community Equity Challenge. Using the book Just Us: An American Conversation by Claudia Rankine* as a platform, the library will launch a 12-week exploration of the impact of disparity and inequity in our country and our community.
 
Throughout the 12-week series the library will host programs exploring themes from Rankine’s book, including the history of racism in American and its effects, unconscious bias and privilege, equity, and inclusivity. Participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and reflections with each other in facilitated conversations and reflection circles. In addition to the programs, the library will curate a variety of books, movies, podcasts, articles, etc. for participants to explore independently.

“Following two years of global uncertainty and national unrest, we are thrilled to have this opportunity to open our doors again and invite individuals throughout our community to open their minds and hearts,” said Jennifer Baker, Director of Library and Cultural Services for the Benicia Public Library. “Our goal is to make these concepts accessible and to create opportunities for genuine conversation and honest reflection.”

Mark Your Calendars: All programs are on Wednesdays. Unless otherwise noted, programs will be held at 7 p.m. for one hour. There is no need to commit to every week.

April 6: Accepting the Challenge and Forging Your Path
April 20: Privilege: Unpacking Your Invisible Baggage
May 4: The Nature (and Nurture) of Bias
May 18: Toward Equity and Empowerment
June 1*: An Evening with Just Us author Claudia Rankine (at 6:30 pm)
June 15**: Reader’s Theater production of The White Card            
Reflection Circles: April 13, April 27, May 11, May 25, June 8, and June 22

Sign up now at benicialibrary.org/book-to-action. There is no need to pre-register, but your RSVP is appreciated and will help library staff plan. Each program will be held in hybrid-mode. If you wish to attend in-person, come to the library! If you are not comfortable with in-person gatherings, or, if it is more convenient for you to participate online, join via Zoom. If you are not able to attend the live events either in person or virtually, each program will be recorded and archived for later viewing on the library’s website.

Find RSVP options, zoom links, program information and archives, and access to related resources on the library’s website at benicialibrary.org/book-to-action.

You are also invited to visit the library to pick up a free copy of the book—yours to keep and share—or borrow the ebook through the library’s ebook platform Libby. You do not need to read Rankine’s book to participate in the programs.

Two Very Special Events
*Wednesday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m., join author Claudia Rankine via Zoom for a live, moderated discussion of her book and these important concepts.

**Wednesday, June 15 at 7 p.m., Benicia Theatre Group and the library will present a reader’s theater production of The White Card, a one-act play also by Claudia Rankine that tackles the complex realities of privilege. (60 minute program, plus 30 minute discussion)
Soltrans Advisory Committee Opening
SolTrans, the public transportation agency for Benicia and Vallejo, is looking for a Benicia member for its Public Advisory Committee (PAC). 

The PAC consists of nine members of the public with demonstrated expertise or special interest in transit issues and who reside within the boundaries of the agencies that they represent. Each Member Agency (the City of Benicia, Solano Transportation Authority, and the City of Vallejo) appoints three members of the public to serve on this committee.

The PAC meets quarterly or as needed and provides input to the SolTrans Board on service and fare adjustments, short range transit plans and SolTrans’ annual work plan.

Click here to find more information including the scope of membership and meeting information then click to apply to become a SolTrans Public Advisory Committee Member.

Email completed applications to Sarah Grebe at sgrebe@ci.benicia.ca.us. If you have any problems accessing, completing, or printing the application online, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 707.746.4200 or email Sarah Grebe and an application will be sent to you.
What is a Stop Work Order?
A stop work order is issued for violations of the California Building Code and are typically a result of performing unpermitted work. Stop work orders can feel intimidating, but they’re a commonly used tool by the City to ensure the public’s safety.
 
If you receive a stop work order, you must immediately stop all construction activities and visit the online permit center to obtain appropriate permits. Issuance of a stop work order will trigger a financial penalty of a $1,000, if left unresolved. Any future applications for work at the address will be delayed or placed on hold until the stop work order is resolved. 

Staff realizes there can be questions about when work may require a permit, and they are available to help. When in doubt, please reach out if you have questions prior to starting work by calling or emailing a Development Services Technician at 707.746.4230 or email building@ci.benicia.ca.us. See more information on what needs a permit here.
City Employee Spotlight
Teri Davena is a Management Analyst in the Office of Economic Development. In addition to helping small businesses start and stay in business, Teri focuses on tourism, encouraging visitors to spend a great day by the bay in Benicia. She loves to share everything special about her hometown and is quick to point out that it’s pronounced Bun-ish-a!
 
Teri started her 28-year career with the City of Benicia as a lifeguard for the Parks & Community Services Department and went on to work for the Police Department, Fire Department, City Manager’s Office, City Council, City Clerk, Human Resources, Economic Development and even served a short term as the City Treasurer. She has overseen communications for the City for the last several years, taking on a daily role throughout the pandemic. Teri looks forward to sharing that role with the newly formed communications team.
 
She has been happily married for nearly 30 years to her husband Ken, a retired Benicia Police Captain. They are most proud of their two sons, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren, visiting every chance they get. They also enjoy walking their English Setter, Georgia the Wonderdog, at the marina. In her spare time, she loves to travel, making regular fishing trips to Alaska and enjoys cruising, visiting Tahoe and traveling to Europe. She and her husband look forward to resuming a full travel schedule soon.
 
Fun fact: Teri married into an old Benicia family. The Davenas have been continuous residents of Benicia since the 1880s. Teri’s family are somewhat new, having settled here only 80 years ago!
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:
Press Releases

Recent City of Benicia Press Releases are available on the City of Benicia website under Main/Announcements.
Save the Date
  • Mar 21 - Special Planning Commission/Community Sustainability Commission meeting, 6 p.m. via livestream. Watch live at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Mar 21 - Art Gallery Sub-committee meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Mar 21 - Community Sustainability Commission meeting, 7 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Mar 22 - City Council Housing Element Study Session, 6 p.m. via livestream. Watch live at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Mar 23 - Economic Development Board meeting, 5:30 p.m. Commission Room, City Hall. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Mar 24 - Historic Preservation Review Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
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!