City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Air Monitor Now Operational, Parks Master Plan Update at Tuesday's Council Meeting, Vote - Movies Under the Stars, Swim Center is Open!, New Green Business Program, How to Choose a Contractor, Storm Drain Repair Complete, City Employee Spotlight, COVID Assistance
Message from the City Manager
February 14, 2022

Hello Everyone,
In alignment with our vision, we continue make strides to improve our customer service. The Community Development Department (CDD) now led by Director Suzanne Thorsen, has been making great strides in this regard. They now have a paperless process and online payments. There are new tools for making appointments to talk live with staff, via phone or remotely or even in person. The Department’s website has had a complete makeover (Community Development - Benicia, California). Every day, on both the Planning and the Building side, there is a designated staff member to assist with customer service. CDD is now putting out a public quarterly report on their website. See the first one here: 4th Quarter 2021
 
If you missed the CDD Annual Report to Council, I strongly suggest you watch that presentation here: February 1, 2022 City Council meeting at about minute 10:30. I couldn’t be more proud of the staff of the Community Development Department and what they have accomplished over the last two years.
 
Upcoming, of note, at this Tuesday’s City Council meeting is the presentation and update on the status of the City’s Parks Trails & Open Space Master Plan. I encourage you to tune in, and also to check out the Master Plan website here: www.lovebeniciaparks.com. Additionally, after the update on the Parks Master Plan, we will have a discussion on the City’s face-covering mandate as the State has decided to lift the Statewide mandate on February 16. You can find the agenda and links to watch or take part, here:  https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas
 
I wish everyone a happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for your interest in the City of Benicia This Week.

Erik Upson
City Manager
City News
Air Monitor Now Operational
Following recent news of Stipulated Order between Bay Area Air Quality Management District and Valero Benicia Refinery, the City Manager shares the following information:

The Benicia Community Air Monitoring Program (BCAMP*) air monitoring station is now operational. Real-time air quality data can be accessed at this website: http://beniciacommunityairmonitoringprogram.org/.
 
The website provides real time and historical air quality data for the following pollutants: particulate matter, black carbon, sulfur dioxide, ozone, benzene, toluene, and xylene. A new hydrogen sulfide monitor will soon be added. The website also provides additional information including:

  • A map showing the location of the monitoring station relative to potential sources and current wind speed and direction.
  • A tab for “How to Report a Problem” with important links and phone numbers
  • A “Resource” tab that provides some background about BCAMP and Argos Scientific. Argos is the main contractor for BCAMP that provides the technical support for the instruments and data transfer to the website. This page also has links to relevant community organizations as well as local elected officials and regulators.
 
Learn more at BCAMP’s Unveiling Webinar:

Thursday, February 24
7 p.m.
 
Register in advance for this webinar:
 
*BCAMP is a non-profit established for the benefit of the community to monitor ambient air quality in Benicia. BCAMP's mission is to sample and measure local air in real time; report and archive raw data on the website; and provide education on health risks as related to air quality.
Parks Master Plan Update at Tuesday's Council Meeting
At the City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 15, the Parks and Community Services Department will present an update on the Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan. The presentation will include a report on the current conditions of outdoor assets in Benicia, a review of demographics and national trends in recreation, a compilation of the input gathered through public outreach, and an overview of the next steps in the project.

Click here to view the Council meeting agenda and staff report. For more information on the Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan, visit www.LoveBeniciaParks.com
Vote - Movies Under the Stars
Benicia Parks and Community Services is starting to plan the summer movie series and is asking what movies do you want to see in City Park this summer? It's time to cast your vote!

You'll be asked to choose your top three titles:
  • Sing 2
  • Encanto
  • Pets2
  • Monsters Inc.
  • Finding Dory
  • Boss Baby: Family Business
  • Soul

Voting is open on the BeniciaRec mobile app; choose the VOTE option from the navigation menu, or vote online at https://beniciarec.goodbarber.app/entryform. Voting will close on Friday, April 1. Winning titles and dates will be announced soon.
Swim Center is Open!
The James Lemos Swim Center, 181 East J Street, opened February 1, but what's the quickest way to check the current hours?

Benicia Parks & Community Services shares the current Pool Calendar to their BeniciaRec MOBILE APP under the "calendars" heading or menu option so you can find the current hours with ease.

For those that don't have a smartphone, pool hours are also kept up to date on our aquatics webpage at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/aquatics.
New Green Business Program
The Office of Economic Development wants you to know that being a Certified Green Business is a clear way to show customers and the community that your business places a priority on sustainable business practices.

Becoming certified shows customers that they are supporting a business that cares about valuable resources. In addition, businesses see potential savings on energy and water costs, are provided with a marketing edge over the competition including free outreach on various websites and receive recognition as a Green Business leader in Benicia and Solano County.

To become a green business, register and apply at https://greenbusinessca.org/, answer some basic questions and fill out the application. Assistance to help complete the application is available through the program. Once your business is certified, an online profile is created to help you promote your business.
How to Choose a Contractor
One of the most important things to consider when starting a home project is who you will choose to do the work. But where do you begin?

The Community Development Department offers some tips on finding the right contractor for your job, courtesy of the Contractors State License Board.

  • Only hire state-licensed contractors. You can check licenses by going to CSLB License Check.
  • Any contractor performing work of $500 or more (combined labor and material costs) must be licensed by CSLB to work in California.
  • Avoid being caught up in high-pressure sales tactics. Don’t allow them to talk you into something you feel is unnecessary.
  • Avoid rushing into repairs. Take the time to get at least three identical bids and verify testimonials. Neighbors can be a good source of recommendations, so ask around.
  • Ask to see the contractor’s “pocket license” or their representative’s “Home Improvement Salesperson” registration. All contractors are issued pocket licenses that show the type of trade for which they are licensed, and the license expiration date. Ask to see a photo identification to confirm their identity.

Taking on a home project can be a daunting task, but finding the right contractor can make it a
smoother and easier process.

Storm Drain Repair Complete
The Public Works Department announces work on the Lake Herman Road Storm Damage Repair Project is complete. The work consisted of repairing the existing storm drain system and slope embankment on Lake Herman Road just west of East Second Street. The storm repair project is funded by a federal Emergency Relief grant in the amount of $368,075.

Additionally, approximately 650 feet of Lake Herman Road was repaved as part of the project. The paving work, combined with two Lake Herman paving projects, completed in 2020 and 2021 in collaboration with Solano County’s paving project, is the last section of Lake Herman Road to be paved. Lake Herman Road is now fully rehabilitated between the western city limit and East Second Street.
City Employee Spotlight
Sergeant Sergio Cruz is a valued member of the Benicia Police Department, currently assigned as a dayshift patrol Watch Commander.
 
Sergeant Cruz grew up in the city of Pittsburg before leaving for Marine Corps boot camp two days after his 18th birthday. He spent the next four years honorably serving his country and is a proud Iraq War veteran, serving in Desert Storm. Upon his return, Sergeant Cruz chose law enforcement as his next profession and began his career with the Benicia Police Department in 1996.

Sergeant Cruz is currently one of the longest tenured employees with the City with almost 26 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Benicia. During his time with Benicia Police Department, he has held the positions of Patrol Officer, Corporal, Youth Services Detective, School Resource Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Honor Guard, Mobile Field Force and SWAT Team member.  

Sergeant Cruz was promoted to Police Sergeant in 2019. He remains dedicated, often working on holidays, family birthdays, city special events or whenever his services are needed.

Away from work, Sergeant Cruz enjoys spending time with his wife and adult children. He also enjoys hiking, family BBQ dinners and watching Bay Area sporting events.
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
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.
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