City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Benicia COVID Vaccine Clinics This Week, Beyond the Blueprint on June 15, Fire Season is Here!, Goat Grazing Helps During Fire, Emergency Rental Assistance Available, Comment on Funding for Homelessness, New Redistricting Website Launched, City Employee Spotlight, COVID Assistance
Message from the City Manager
May 24, 2021

Hello Everyone,
This coming Tuesday at the City Council meeting, we will be covering several items of importance. One of the most important is our report out on Measure C. This measure, passed by voters in 2014, has helped keep Benicia the vibrant, special place that it is. As the City Manager, I would like to take a moment to thank the voters for passing Measure C. This measure has truly helped ‘keep the lights’ on operationally.

In addition to funding operations, the funds have helped move forward many key projects and initiatives. This has included roadwork, new communications equipment for the police department, fire apparatus, and parks. Roads and infrastructure have accounted for fully 33% of all Measure C revenues. This coming summer a massive roads project of approximately $5 million dollars is being partially funded by Measure C. As I have previously mentioned, this will be the largest roads project since additional housing units were constructed in the Southampton area in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Tuesday night we will be asking Council for another large portion of Measure C funding to go to another massive roads project in the summer of 2022. In addition, a significant portion of the funding could go to purchase a fire engine to replace the currently aging Engine 11 (that engine would then transition into a much needed reserve engine).

Another very interesting item going before Council Tuesday is the allocation of the Amports settlement money ($800,000) towards historic preservation. The Historic Preservation Review Commission has recommended the money go towards rehabilitating the Southern Pacific Train Depot at the bottom of First Street and making the ground floor accessible and usable for the public. Additionally, there is a further approximately $160,000 in Measure C money that could potentially go to historic preservation, which may go to any one of a number of projects. A reminder for those who are not aware, we have an amazing historical treasure in the Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns. Please consider visiting their website or visit them in person on most Saturdays from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. (Check their website for schedule.) Like many other organizations and businesses, they could really use your support in these difficult times!

A few kudos in closing. First to the Police Department with two excellent arrests over the last week and another Saturday night. One traffic stop of a vehicle with plates that did not match the car led to the discovery of stolen property from a Benicia community member. It also turned out the car was stolen and the driver had outstanding arrest warrants. Last week they also made a significant arrest of a suspect who was discovered pimping and dealing drugs out of our community. Finally, Saturday night they found a car with stolen license plates and conducted a traffic stop. They discovered another set of stolen plates in the car and an illegally possessed loaded pistol. Last year Benicia suffered approximately $1.6 million in community loss from property crime. The Police Department is doing everything they can to stop this trend.
Second, a nice shout out we received from a community member regarding our amazing Parks and Community Services staff:

"I wanted to recognize and thank the parks and recreation department for a job well done in keeping the parks in such good condition. I visited with a friend from Napa who was impressed with how clean and well maintained the community park is. The staff that we have been in contact with are always pleasant and helpful. We recently talked briefly with Roy at Jack London Park and he was helpful and pleasant."

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

Erik Upson
City Manager
City News
Benicia COVID Vaccine Clinics This Week
Two COVID vaccine clinics have been scheduled in Benicia. The first will occur on Wednesday, May 26, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Benicia Senior Center. This clinic is for the second dose of Pfizer vaccines for those who received their first dose at the Benicia clinic on May 12. (Please return at your same appointment time.)

Those 16-24 years old who received their first dose at the May 12 clinic should stop by the pizza table in the courtyard between the Library and the Senior Center after receiving your second dose to get your $25 gift card to a local pizzeria. Those who received their vaccine at Benicia High School will receive their second dose at the high school and will receive their gift card then.

Pfizer vaccines are now open to those 12 years and up. 12-18 year olds require parental permission to be vaccinated. Walk-ins are welcome at all vaccine clinics. If you receive your first dose at this clinic, you will need to find another Solano County Pfizer clinic for the second dose in three weeks. As a reminder, doses of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson can not be mixed.

Attention Construction and Industrial Workers!
The City of Benicia, in partnership with Solano County Public Health and Charge EPC, will host a clinic offering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines on Thursday, May 27, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Charge EPC, 511 East Channel Road. Sign-up is required where you will choose your vaccine type. You must be at lease 18 years old and proof of age will be required. Sign-ups are on a first come, first serve basis at www.tinyurl.com/BeniciaBIPVaccine. Special thanks goes to Charge EPC for helping us bring vaccines to the important people who work in the Benicia Industrial Park.

Solano County Public Health has several vaccine clinics scheduled. Visit www.SolanoCounty.com/COVIDVaccine for details. For scheduling assistance, call the vaccine line at 707.784.8655. Homebound or need transportation to get to a vaccine clinic? Call the vaccine line at 707.784.8655.
Beyond the Blueprint on June 15
When California fully reopens the economy, the state will move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

Beginning June 15, all sectors listed in the current Blueprint Activities and Business Tiers Chart may return to usual operations (with the limited exceptions noted for Mega Events) based on general public health recommendations. Mega Events are defined as those with 5,000 attendees indoors and 10,000 outdoors. Click here for details.
Fire Season is Here!
Another fire season is here and this year is expected to be the worst one yet. Benicia has already had several vegetation fires, and we expect to see more and more as the hills dry out.

In recent years, we've seen small fires erupt to devastate entire neighborhoods in California. One source of fires in open spaces is fireworks, especially around the 4th of July. As a reminder, fireworks of any kind are illegal in Benicia. Let's do our best to keep Benicia safe.
 
Benicia Fire Department encourages all Benicia's to be prepared. While wildfires are a natural part of California’s landscape, the fire season in California and across the West is starting earlier and ending later each year. Climate change is considered a key driver of this trend. Warmer spring and summer temperatures, reduced snowpack, and earlier spring snowmelt create longer and more intense dry seasons that increase moisture stress on vegetation and make forests more susceptible to severe wildfire. The length of fire season is estimated to have increased by 75 days across the Sierras and seems to correspond with an increase in the extent of forest fires across the state.
 
What can YOU do to keep your home safe?
  • Create a defensible space around your home as shown below.
  • Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
  • Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house. 
  • Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
  • Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
  • Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
  • Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
  • Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
  • Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
  • Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
  • Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

What can YOU do to keep your family safe?
  • Assemble an emergency supply kit and place it in a safe spot. Remember to include important documents, medications and personal identification.
  • Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home.
  • Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place. 
  • Visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us/EmergencyPrep to find your evacuation zone.
Goats Grazing Helps During Fire
On Monday, May 17, Benicia Fire Department was dispatched to a grass fire in the open space at Panorama Drive and Chelsea Hills. Fire crews quickly responded, had it under control within 30 minutes, and contained it to less than an acre with no damage to any structures.

This was in an area where there have been fires in the past that have been much more difficult to contain. Past fires in this area have taken many hours to extinguish, burned multiple acres, and on occasion, impacted the fences and decks of residential properties.

The major difference this time was that, prior to the fire, goats had grazed the vegetation. Even though it was windy, the fire had relatively low intensity with short flame lengths and a slow rate of spread. If the goats had not grazed through the area, the fire would have likely been much larger and would have been difficult to keep out of the residential properties.

As a reminder, Benicia City Council approved a contract with Goats-R-Us for the 2021 season. The goats are currently making their way through the City open spaces and, by contrast, will graze the perimeter of each open space by June 30. Click here to view the City Council staff report. Click here to view the agreement which includes maps showing where the goats will graze.
Emergency Rental Assistance Available
Renters in Solano County who have lost income or experienced other financial hardship due to COVID-19 and need rental or utility assistance are urged to apply to the federally funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), designed to support low income households impacted by the pandemic health emergency.
 
The Solano County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a contract with Catholic Charities to administer $13.3 million in funding the County received from the U.S. Treasury to implement the program. ERAP will provide rental assistance paid directly to landlords on behalf of eligible renter households. The program will also provide participants with additional resources, including access to housing stability case management. 
 
“Catholic Charities is grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting our community’s path to economic recovery by providing rent and utilities assistance to local renter households most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the coming weeks, Catholic Charities will host several events across the County to provide information on the assistance offered, eligibility, requirements and how to apply.”
 
To qualify for the COVID-19 cash-assistance rental program, applicants must have a head of household over 18 years of age, be a Solano County resident, have an income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income for its household size, be at risk or homelessness or housing insecurity, and is eligible for unemployment or has experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The total cash-assistance amount applicants will be eligible for toward their monthly rental costs will vary depending on need but may be as much as 12 months of back rent, 3 months of future rent, and overdue utilities.   
 
TO APPLY FOR ERAP
Visit the Catholic Charities of Yolo and Solano website at https://www.ccyoso.org/solanoerap for program and application information for tenants and landlords, including program eligibility, an application checklist and frequently asked questions. Applicants may also call 707.400.0741 to apply by phone. All program materials will be made available in English, Spanish and Tagalog. The application period may close on Saturday, July 31 at 5 p.m.
Comment on Funding for Homelessness
CAP Solano needs your assistance. You are invited to share your opinions on how to address poverty and homelessness in Solano County!

The Community Action Partnership for Solano County (CAP Solano) is a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between six cities (including City of Benicia) and Solano County. CAP Solano's mission is to provide a pathway to housing for everyone in Solano County.
The CAP Solano JPA is seeking public input on the final draft of the 2022-23 CSBG Community Action Plan which will guide Community Services Block Grant funding decision for 2022-23.
The public comment period for the 2022-2023 CSBG Community Action Plan (CAP) is currently open through Wednesday, May 26 at 5 p.m. Comments may be sent to solano@homebaseccc.org with the subject line: 2022-23 CSBG CAP Public Comment
They also invite community members to join a guided discussion on what the community needs to improve housing and economic security in Solano County. You will have the opportunity to review and comment on the 2022-23 CSBG Community Action Plan at one of the Public Hearings being held on Tuesday, May 25:
Session 1: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 956 6918 3918
Session 2: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Phone: 669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 955 0465 7377
New Redistricting Website Launched
Solano County officials are pleased to announce the launch of the new Solano County Redistricting website, a resource platform to guide the public in understanding the County’s redistricting process, the laws that govern it, why it’s important and how to get involved.
 
Redistricting occurs every ten years after the U.S. Census is completed. District boundaries for federal, state and local elected offices are redrawn to reflect new population growths and equalize district populations. This process, called redistricting, is important to ensure that each Board member represents approximately the same number of constituents in Solano County.
 
At their March 9, 2021 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution affirming the creation of a fifteen-member Redistricting Advisory Committee (RAC21), consisting of three members from each Board district to inform the Supervisors on the 2021 Redistricting effort. The RAC21 is tasked with preparing a report of their findings and presenting it to the Board on September 28, 2021. RAC21 members, in coordination with County staff and a consultant, serve in a planning and outreach capacity, helping identify communities of interest, ensuring the integrity of those neighborhoods, and making sure they are maintained geographically within the confines of federal and state laws governing Redistricting.
 
In addition to RAC21 committee members, the public plays a critical role in helping the County work through the Redistricting process, including identifying communities of interest, participating in public meetings, submitting community maps, providing written ideas for Board consideration and asking questions. Most importantly, public participation ensures the Redistricting process remains open and transparent. The new website is accessible in more than 100 languages and viewable on multiple devices, making it easy for the community to get involved and stay involved throughout the process.
 
The findings in the RAC21 report will be used to help inform the Board when determining district boundaries and GIS mapping options. By law, counties must adopt their new boundaries by or before December 15, 2021.
 
GET INVOLVED
Solano County encourages the public to get involved in the Redistricting process and is taking steps to make it easy to do so. Visit the Redistricting website at https://Redistricting.SolanoCounty.com and click the “Get Involved” tab to start participating in the process. RAC21 meeting dates and information, including meeting agenda packets, are available on the Redistricting website. Residents can also subscribe to receive regular news alerts on the Redistricting process to stay up to date.

Questions may be directed to Michelle Heppner, Solano County Legislative, Intergovernmental and Public Affairs Officer at 707.784.6122 or MHeppner@SolanoCounty.com.
City Employee Spotlight
Marcos Jaime began his career with the City of Benicia in March 2012 as a seasonal employee with the Parks and Community Services Department. Because of his strong work ethic, he quickly earned the trust and respect of the crew and after 4 years working as a seasonal employee, he was promoted to a full-time position in May 2016. Marcos has a passion for his career and obtained an A.S. Degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Solano Community College by attending night classes while working full time for the City. In addition to his education, Marcos is a Certified Playground Inspector, ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessor, and is a Qualified Applicators Certificate holder.

In March 2019, Marcos was promoted to Parks Maintenance Worker III and has been an instrumental part of improving the efficiency and efficacy of the Parks Division team and ensuring that we are providing safe, and enjoyable parks for the citizens of this city to enjoy.

Marcos is passionate about his career. He truly enjoys coming to work each day and giving back to the community. You will often find him, pruning with the crew, performing skilled tree pruning, inspecting and making repairs to playground structures, and just working hard and having a good time doing it.

Marcos grew up in Benicia and lives here with his wife and two children. His faith and family provide his inspiration and determination. In his off hours, Marcos enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, mountain biking with friends, and attending sporting events like baseball and hockey.
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
  • May 25 - City Council meeting, 5 p.m. via livestream. Watch live at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • May 26 - Economic Development Board meeting, 5:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • May 27 - Zoning Administrator Hearing, 2 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • May 27 - Historic Preservation Review Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • May 28 - City Offices closed for Alternate Friday.
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!