City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Upson Appointed City Manager, COVID Assistance, Free COVID-19 Community Testing, Operation Recognition Veteran Diplomas, Cistern Time Capsule, Tax Forms and More, Free Concert Friday
Message from the City Manager
January 25, 2021

Hello Everyone,
As I’m sure most everyone is aware at this point, last Tuesday the City Council appointed me the permanent City Manager. If anyone had asked me on August 27, 2020 (the day before I was appointed Acting City Manager) I would have never thought the next day would launch me on this path. It is truly humbling.
 
It was mentioned that this is not the traditional path to City Manager, and that is true. But that said, I believe the most important characteristics to have in this position are leadership and a sincere commitment and passion for our staff and our community…and I believe I have those.
 
Having served in this position since September, I’ve had a good opportunity to see what is working and what is not working, and examine our strengths and weaknesses. Based on what I’ve seen, I’ll be focusing on creating a common vision for all City staff, looking at the structure of the way we lead our organization and will focus a great deal on how we communicate both externally and internally.
 
Moving forward, I will make every effort to keep the community up to date with the issues we are facing, the successes and challenges, and demonstrating at every opportunity, the greatness of our vision and our staff who will carry out that vision. I believe we have some amazing staff, an amazing and connected community, and a city that is beautiful and ideally located and primed to be the premier community in the Bay Area. I also know we have a lot of work to do to reach our potential, and there will be some difficult and heavy lifting for us to get there. But together, we will get there.
 
Again, I am honored and humbled to serve you and will give you my very best. I will not be perfect. I will not make everyone happy all of the time. But I will serve with principle, dedication, and heart.
 
We are in the midst of one of the greatest challenges we’ve faced in decades with the pandemic. Most recently, we’ve been seeing some real challenges with the vaccination programs across the state. I know this it at the top of many community member’s concerns. I would add my voice to those who are very concerned about the rollout of the vaccination programs in this state. I want to reassure you that we are working to try and gain some control, or ability to assist with, the vaccination of our community. As anything with the the vaccination program changes, we will get you updates as quickly as possible.

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

Erik Upson
City Manager
City News
Upson Appointed City Manager
It was announced at the city council meeting last Tuesday evening that Erik Upson had been appointed as city manager of the city of Benicia. After a closed session 5-0 vote of the council, Upson was appointed to the permanent position. 
 
The city council appointed Chief of Police Upson to serve as the interim city manager last September. Tuesday’s appointment makes the interim appointment permanent.
 
Mayor Steve Young said, “The City Council is very pleased that Mr. Upson has accepted our offer to become our next city manager. Although he has come to this job in an unconventional fashion, having served his entire career in law enforcement, he has shown a high degree of adaptability and initiative in confronting numerous challenges. We are confident and know that he will encourage the type of positive culture for the entire city workforce that he has brought to the police department.”
 
A Washington state native, Upson joined the Army out of high school. He served eight years in the Army and the Army National Guard. He graduated from Cal with a bachelor’s degree in American Studies with a minor in Public Policy. He worked for the Berkeley Police Department for 18 years, serving in a variety of assignments, including SWAT, community area coordinator and as a motor officer. He completed his master’s degree from Cal State Long Beach while working with Berkeley P.D. He is thankful to be supported everyday by his wife and four children.

“I’m honored by the trust and confidence the Mayor and Council have shown me,” said Upson. “I am committed to serving the Benicia community and our amazing staff at the highest level. I will lead and serve with the vision of providing the greatest city service and workforce anywhere and in doing so, strive to continuously improve the quality of life in this amazing community.”
 
Upson will appoint a replacement as Chief of Police at a future date.
COVID Assistance
Residents in need of assistance during these difficult times may find assistance through these local resources. In addition, information on Drive-thru Food Distribution events are shown below, courtesy of Solano County Public Health.

Free COVID-19 Community Testing
Solano County Public Health shares that free COVID-19 community testing is available on Saturday, January 30 in Fairfield. Appointments are required. Sign up at www.lhi.care/covidtesting.
Operation Recognition Veteran Diplomas
The Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) is participating in “Operation Recognition” which honors United States Veterans and Japanese-American citizens, who were unable to finish high school due to wartime circumstances, with retroactive high school diplomas. SCOE is now accepting applications for the 2021 Operation Recognition celebration on June 30.
 
Throughout the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, thousands of young men and women left high school and the comforts of home to serve in the United States Armed Forces. During World War II many Japanese-American citizens were interned in relocation camps across the United States. Some veterans who served were not able to finish high school and receive their diplomas due to military service or Jim Crow laws in effect at the time. These individuals now have the opportunity to be granted diplomas as a gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices they made.
 
Who is eligible?
  • Individuals who served in World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam War and were honorably discharged from their military service.
  • Japanese-American citizens who left high school due to internment in World War II relocation camps.
  • Families may apply for Operation Recognition diplomas on behalf of eligible persons who are deceased.
 
Specifics for Eligibility
  • All recipients must have been enrolled in a high school prior to enlistment in military service or internment in a World War II relocation camp.
  • Military service must have been during the following periods:
  • WWII – December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
  • Korean War – June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955
  • Vietnam War – February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
  • Japanese-American citizens must show proof of having been interned in a relocation camp during the period of September 16, 1940 to December 31, 1946.

How to Apply
Complete the Operation Recognition diploma application and submit it along with the required documentation of military service or internment. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 14.
 
Individuals will be honored in a celebration hosted in collaboration with Veterans’ organizations in Solano County on Wednesday, June 30.
 
Applications for eligible Benician's are available the Solano County Office of Education website at www.solanocoe.net/oprec or by calling 707.399.4455.
Cistern Time Capsule
The City's Office of Economic Development shares fun news from a business coming soon to downtown Benicia. Mare Island Brewing Co. will open their third location, Mare Island Brewing Co. First Street Taphouse, at 440 First Street, the former home to First Street Cafe. The Taphouse will feature their custom brew and a full restaurant menu. They expect to open this spring (when COVID allows).

During building renovation, they found an empty cistern under the building dating back to before the building's construction in 1890. They've decided to turn the historic hole into a time capsule to mark 2020, the year that was, and looking towards a brighter 2021. This is an opportunity for residents, businesses, community groups and individuals to submit items to be stored until at least 2031. Details on how to participate are shared below.
Tax Forms and More
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Benicia Public Library has lots of information online to help you prepare to file your state and federal income taxes. You can even find links to fill out your forms online. Check it out at https://www.benicialibrary.org/news/taxes.
Free Concert Friday
Benicia Performing Arts Foundation and the City of Benicia's Arts and Culture Commission sponsor a free online concert Classical Music in America: A New Dawn, From Chopin to Joplin on Friday, January 29 at 4 p.m. Details are available at https://fb.me/e/3O6ZIyvwj. Watch live online at https://youtu.be/zogil4virnu.
Press Releases


Recent City of Benicia Press Releases are available on the City of Benicia website under Main/Announcements.
Save the Date
  • Jan 25 - Community Sustainability Commission meeting, 6 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jan 25 - Open Government Commission meeting, 6 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jan 27 - Economic Development Board meeting, 5:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jan 28 - 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!