City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Eastern Gateway Study Session Set, Fall Back and Check Your Alarms, We're Hiring, Monthly Craft Kits for Kids, City Employee Spotlight, Solano County FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccines, COVID Assistance
Message from the City Manager
November 1, 2021

Hello Everyone,
I wanted to devote this week’s message to two very special City staffers who have devoted their last year-and-half to helping those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in our community. Pictured is Patti Baron and Kendall Lara (l-r) receiving a special ‘thank you’ emoji cake as a way of personally recognizing their efforts. Before the pandemic hit, I’m sure they would never have imagined themselves becoming the point organization for distribution of emergency assistance from the City to those whose economic situation had so suddenly fallen apart. 
 
I’ve pointed out previously that you would be hard pressed to find another community that began providing assistance to those in need as quickly. March 13, 2020 I believe was the day I walked onto Patti Baron’s office and asked her and Kendall to take the lead on this critical program. They agreed without hesitation (though I suspect they didn’t realize just how big a job they were tackling). The City COVID-19 Citizen Assistance Program has assisted over 177 households providing approximately $300,000 in assistance to help pay rent, utilities, purchase groceries and otherwise survive the devastating impact the pandemic has had on so many of our residents. They have also made numerous referrals to State programs, including the State's Housing is Key Program (for those with larger past-due rents than our program can support). 
 
When others saw the effectiveness of our program, they began looking to model our program. The Napa/Solano Agency on Aging saw our department’s effectiveness and asked the City to manage their $470,000 dollar grant. Patti and Kendall agreed to tackle this as well. Though not without its challenges and bumps in the road, this City should be very proud of the Police Department and its Family Resource Center and especially Patti and Kendall. 
 
I would like to thank the leadership of our Mayor and City Council as well as our former Mayor Elizabeth Patterson and former City Manager Lorie Tinfow without whom we would never have been able to accomplish so much. They all took a leap of faith that we could move quickly, doing something we’d never done before, at a significant cost, to make a real difference for the most vulnerable members of our community.

The COVID-19 Citizen Assistance Program will continue, likely through the end of December. If you or anyone you know is struggling financially due to the impacts of the pandemic, find more information on the Family Resource Center website or call 707.746.4352.

Thank you for your interest in the City of Benicia This Week! If you enjoy reading this weekly message, please share and encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to subscribe or text jointhisweek to 22828 (messaging and data rates may apply).

Erik Upson
City Manager
City News
Eastern Gateway Study Session Set
On Thursday, November 4, the Planning Commission is hosting a Study Session for the Eastern Gateway project. This Study Session will include:

  • Overview of targeted amendments proposed to Draft Zoning and General Plan regulations.
  • Overview of environmental analysis.
  • Opportunity for public comment and questions.
 
Many of the proposed revisions were made in response to the great feedback received from our Benicia community. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to learn about and provide additional feedback on the project.
 
Don’t know what the Eastern Gateway Study is?
The purpose of this project is to change the development regulations around Military East and East Fifth in a way that will accommodate new housing and mixed use development compatible with the businesses and residences already in the area. Visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us/easterngateway to learn more.
Fall Back and Check Your Alarms
Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 7. Benicia Fire Department encourages you to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors while changing the clocks to “fall back”. Test your alarms every month, replace batteries every year, and replace alarms every ten years.
 
The U.S. Fire Administration instructs to install smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside and outside each sleeping area.
 
Did you know? Half of home fire deaths happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep. If the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Call the fire department from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone. Stay outside until the fire department says it’s safe to go back inside.
 
For questions about smoke and carbon monoxide detector safety, call Benicia Fire Department at 707.746.4275.
We're Hiring
Looking for a new job or a change in career? The City of Benicia Human Resources Division is accepting applications for the following positions:

  • Benicia Recreation Positions (Part Time)
  • Deputy City Clerk NEW
  • Facility Attendant II (Part Time - Limited Duration)
  • Library Director NEW
  • Parks Landscape Building Maintenance Worker (Parks Division)
  • Police Officer - Academy/Non-Lateral
  • Police Officer - Lateral (Currently Working)
  • Project Manager NEW
  • Public Safety Dispatcher NEW
  • Public Works Maintenance Superintendent NEW
  • Recreation Specialist II - Kindergym
  • Reserve Officer (Volunteer)
  • Water Plant Superintendent 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.
Monthly Craft Kits for Kids
In 2020-2021, the Benicia Public Library gave away 975 free craft kits for kids! They are on pace to give away even more this year. 

A new craft kit comes out every month, which include include three easy activities and two coloring sheets. The kits are best for ages 4-7. 

If you're interested, go here to sign up: https://benicialibrary.org/kids/program-kit-request.
City Employee Spotlight
Robert Lewis is the City’s Fire Prevention Inspector. He is responsible for completing life safety inspections and fire construction inspections. He has been with the Fire Department for 4 years and is a hardworking, professional and friendly member of the team. If you have installed fire sprinkler systems in buildings, you’ve probably had the opportunity to meet and work with Robert. He keeps the city safe from fire risk.

Before coming to the City of Benicia, Robert serviced fire protection systems for three years. In addition to his extensive fire protection work history, he is also working to further his education. He received his associate’s degree from Chabot College in 2018. Now, he is less than one semester away from completing his Bachelor’s degree in business from Cal State East Bay. Throughout his entire college career, Robert has maintained a full-time job and has completely supported himself and his education.

“Working full time while going to school has been a real challenge. Late nights and weekends were filled with homework and my days were filled with school for 12 years. I am proud of my efforts and really looking forward to December 10, 2021 when I get to walk across the stage at graduation," said Robert. "Afterwards, I’m going to relax and take some time off to travel the Pacific Northwest with my wife, Melissa.”

Robert moved to the Bay Area from Bakersfield in 2015. After working in Benicia for three years, he decided to move to this beautiful city. He enjoys the local parks, the beautiful downtown, the waterfront, and the local restaurants and bars. He especially likes the Fried Pork Chop Sandwich from The Workshop, the Crispy Kalua Tots from Got Plate Lunch and the Wedge Salad from Bottom of the Fifth.

Robert says he's a lucky man, marrying his beautiful wife, Melissa, in June of this year. The wedding was originally scheduled for June 2020 but was postponed an entire year due to COVID-19. That was a long year to wait and Rob was very excited to finally tie the knot. They got married at Hacienda De Las Flores Park in Moraga.
Solano County FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccines
Solano County shares information on frequently asked questions on vaccines. Click here to read more.

While a COVID-19 booster shot clinic is not currently planned in Benicia, Solano County shares infomation on vaccine clinic locations at www.solanocounty.com/covidvaccine.
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.
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!