City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Paint the Town Red, White and Blue for 4th of July Holiday, 10th Season of Benicia Art Walk Starts Saturday, Library Pop-Up Book Sale, Rec Programs and Classes Reopening, Soltrans Looking for Advisory Committee Members, Operation Recognition, COVID Assistance
Message from the City Manager
June 7, 2021

Hello Everyone,
I'm pleased to share the City Employee Spotlight in my message to you this week.

Last Tuesday, our Finance Director Cindy Mosser retired, leaving a large void in our City leadership team. We were both incredibly happy for Cindy in embarking on the next chapter of her life, and also very sorry to see her leave. She was universally thought of as one of the kindest and hardest working managers the City has seen. 
 
And yet, despite that loss, we find ourselves in a most fortunate place. I’ve long believed that developing relationships, listening to new ideas and being open to new partnerships always pays dividends. It is through those contacts we are able to connect with people who can really see a common vision and begin to develop a passion to be a part of something very special. This is just what has happened in this situation. To that end, I am incredibly pleased to announce that we have hired a new Finance Director who will start on June 21. As anyone in government knows, finding qualified Finance management staff is very difficult, let alone a Finance Director. I am pleased to announce we are bringing on Bret Prebula to lead our fantastic Finance team! His strategic vision, creativity, and passion for Benicia is going to be a very important part of our future and achieving our City staff’s vision of excellence in service to our community.
 
With twelve years of government managerial experience, most recently as the Finance Director for the City of Napa, he helped lead his team to the rare Government Finance Officer Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Budget, and the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). He also navigated the City of Napa through a $20 million dollar revenue shortfall during the pandemic, minimizing service delivery reductions and maintaining the City’s long term fiscal health. Bret has an MBA and is highly skilled in government finance, change management, and budget development and analysis. One of Bret’s passions is staff development.
 
He and his wife Jaclyn and daughter Emersen are residents of Benicia. Please join me in welcoming Bret to our City team!

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
Paint the Town Red, White and Blue for 4th of July Holiday
The City of Benicia Parks and Community Services Department is leading the way to help Benicians celebrate American Independence Day! Beginning today through Tuesday, June 29, stop by Benicia Community Center at 370 East L Street to pick up the “Spirit of Benicia” sign and begin decorating for the holiday. Decorations may by as small or as grand as desired; homes, front doors, mailboxes, cars, bikes and trikes, whole streets, whole neighborhoods, or simply the sign itself.
 
Picking up the ”Spirit of Benicia” sign qualifies for entry into a drawing for a $100 Shop Benicia eGift Card. The eGift cards spend like MasterCards at participating Benicia businesses and will expire at midnight on Labor Day, September 6, 2021, giving winners all summer to shop and dine in Benicia.
 
“This campaign will not only help to brighten Benicia with patriotic colors, it will also invigorate commerce for our local businesses that are desperate to welcome back patrons into their stores.” said Mario Giuliani, Deputy City Manager. “Prizes from the Spirit of Benicia competition will help restore some of the lost dollars in our local economy, while creating a fun way to acknowledge our nation’s independence. I know I look forward to driving around and seeing how inspired and creative our residents and businesses will be.”
 
100 prizes will be awarded in a random drawing on Wednesday, June 30. Participants receive one entry when they pick up a “Spirit of Benicia” sign and can secure one additional entry if they email photo(s) of their decorations to Parks & Community Services staff. More information may be found at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/pcs.
10th Season of Benicia Art Walk Starts Saturday
The 10th season of Benicia Art Walk kicks off Saturday, June 12 and continues the second Saturdays of July, September and October 1 – 5 p.m. on First Street in downtown Benicia. Benicia Art Walk is sponsored by the City of Benicia through Visit Benicia, the City’s tourism program.
 
“We’re excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary season of Benicia Art Walk,” said Teri Davena, City of Benicia Economic Development Specialist. “After an abbreviated season due to the pandemic last year, we look forward to a full season of Benicia Art Walk this year. The eight galleries on First Street welcome visitors in celebration of a decade of great art and fun activities at the galleries in downtown Benicia.”
 
The Galleries of First Street, a loose organization of galleries, is hosting Benicia Art Passport competition during Art Walk. Stop by any of the eight galleries, pick up an Art Passport, then get it stamped at each gallery for a chance to be drawn to win the prize of $200 to be spent an any of the participating galleries.
 
Benicia Art Walk is always free and so is the parking. Look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery or pick up the 2021 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map to find the fun.
 
Here’s a list of participating galleries and what’s in store during the June 12 Benicia Art Walk:
 
The Little Art Shop at 129 First Street in the Tannery. The Little Art Shop will awaken your senses with the creative works of over 30 talented local artists. During Art Walk, they will have a big sale on many of their handcrafted gifts and art. They are also hosting Mary Danko Williams, a talented and innovative fused-glass artist. Her creative flair and meticulous techniques shine through each piece that she creates, from wall art and functional pieces to garden art and jewelry.
 
Once Upon a Canvas at 129 First Street in the Tannery. Artist Tina Hariu will conduct a portrait demonstration at 2 p.m. or stop by any time to view several painting by the students of Charles White and watch teachers conducting classes.
 
Benicia Plein Air Gallery at 307 First Street. Artist Iris Sabre’s exhibition New Beginnings will be on display.
 
Gallery 621 at 309 First Street.
 
HQ Gallery at 333 First Street, Suite D. Gallery artists are in the process of creating a collaboration painting to be given as a prize on the Art Walk on the second Saturday in July. The painting, 24”x30” acrylic on canvas, is being created by artists Samantha McNally, Susan Street, Pat Calabro, Bruce Pope, Craig Moline, Annette Batchelor, Barb Duvall, Michal Lehmen, and Ok Kyong Hanrahan. Stop by to see the work in progress and fill out a free entry for the July 10 drawing.
 
Happy Life Pottery at 632 First Street. New work is on display showcasing a variety of mediums. In addition to the ceramic art of owners David and Amy Stellato, they are excited to have the visually stunning, mixed-media work by Bay Area artist Travis White. Additionally, they are introducing a series of photographic works by local artist, Nicholas Gallardo, in which a gorgeously rich and wide perspective of Benicia as a whole is given through many tiny “moments” fit together. They are collaborating with Arts Benicia in presenting contemporary pastel and acrylic work of artist Ellen Gust. 
 
Arata Art Gallery at 637 First Street. The gallery will premiere a stunning new collection by owner Geraldine Arata at an Artists’ Reception during Art Walk. Be among the first to view her new showstopping collection of bejeweled and sculpted oil paintings; truly groundbreaking mixed media art from this noted artist. The gallery will also present new works by artist Greg Creason of New Orleans. His dramatic resined and inlaid blown glass portraits are in high demand and widely collected. Arata and Creason’s work are a visual delight and must be seen to be appreciated! Guest artist Cindy Whitechurch will be in front of the gallery displaying her glass art.
 
Artcentric 733 First Street. The paint-you-own ceramic studio and gallery is hosting a sidewalk sale of canvas paintings. You might catch a painting demo, too. They offer quality handmade art for sale and local Benicia souvenirs.
 
Benicia Art Walk is a great opportunity to come for lunch, then stay for dinner and make a day of it. There are plenty of great shopping and dining options along the tree-lit blocks of historic First Street.
 
More information on the art scene in Benicia is available online at VisitBenicia.org/arts.
Library Pop-Up Book Sale
Friends of Benicia Public Library invite you to their Pop-Up Book Sale on Sunday, June 13 from 12:30 - 4 p.m. The book sale is located in the courtyard behind the library at 150 East L Street and inside the basement on the lower level. Limited occupancy will be allowed. Masks and social distancing are required. No donations will be accepted at this time.
Rec Programs and Classes Reopening
Benicia Parks & Community Services is happy to announce that with the new guidelines from the State of California on June 15, they can open many of their programs and facilities. Visit https://https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/pcs for more information on many of the programs and facilities you and your family love to enjoy.
Soltrans Looking for Advisory Committee Members
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.

Residents of Benicia may request an application by calling the City Clerk’s Office at 707.746. 4200. Click here to find more information including the scope of membership and meeting information.
Operation Recognition
Application deadline is Tuesday, June 8. More info at www.solanocoe.net/oprec.
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
  • Jun 7 - Open Government Commission meeting, 6 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jun 8 - Board of Library Trustees meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jun 10 - Arts & Culture Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jun 10 - Planning Commission meeting, 7 p.m. via livestream. Watch live at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jun 11 - City Offices closed for Alternate Friday.
  • Jun 12 - Benicia Art Walk on First Street.
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!