Democracy under attack, Donald Trump, Local vigilance, No Kings!

NO KINGS DAY! This Sunday June 14 in Benicia, See you there!

At the Gazebo, Noon – 2pm


>> IN BENICIA: June 14th NO KINGS SINCE 1776!
12-2pm at the Gazebo (First and Military Streets).

The every-Sunday protest in Benicia will gather as usual on this Sunday June 14 at noon. We will be observing it as a No Kings event, with special significance on Flag Day and in opposition to Trump’s disgusting observance of his 80th birthday. EVERYONE please come to Benicia at noon. Bring a flag if you can, and also your signs, noisemakers, and your goodwill. We’ll “parade” this block and let the world know that we will never put up with a King! [map / directions]

Later on Sunday… gear up for the nationwide online Indivisible Watch Party at 4:30pm Sunday afternoon (pacific time)! More about the Watch Party here: https://riseupsingout.com/

Arts Benicia, Public Art

Benicia Art: A Phoenix rises on First Street in new mural

Large public art piece on the building owned by Vickie Marchand of NY2CA Gallery

A new mural called “Together We Rise” was nearly complete on Thursday, June 4. NY2CA Gallery commissioned the piece through the Global Art Project with artists Kemit Amenophis and Mike D’Amelio, and contributions from 13 local artists. Photo by Kirk Barron.

The Benicia Bridge, By Monica Vaughan, June 5, 2026

A Phoenix has risen on Benicia’s First Street in a new mural with the intention of inspiring hope and lifting each other together through change in uncertain times.

Bay Area artists Kemit Amenophis and Mike D’Amelio began painting the large public art piece in May on the north-facing side of a building owned by Vickie Marchand, who owns NY2CA Gallery inside. NY2CA commissioned the mural through the Global Art Project, an international collective of artists founded by Benicia-based artist Carl Heyward.

Titled “Together We Rise,” the new mural is years in the making and rich with meaning.

Glowing gold against a swirling, colorful sky, a large bird …
[…continued (with many great photos) on The Benicia Bridge.]

Reposted with permission, The Benicia Bridge
Excellent reporting from Benicia’s newest award-winning journalism duo, Monica Vaughan and Laura López González. – Roger Straw
Learn more and subscribe to the newsletter here.

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Benicia CA, Local Regulation, Taxes

Benicia News – What’s up with the city’s Business License Tax?

Proposed changes to the current fee structure

Click the image to view the 39-page presentation by HdL Companies.

The Benicia Bridge Newsletter, By Monica Vaughan, June 2, 2026

City officials want to revamp Benicia’s business license tax program – the fee that businesses are supposed to pay to operate in Benicia. The City Council will discuss proposed changes and increases at its meeting tonight with the goal of directing staff to write a ballot measure for voters to consider in the November election.

The current fee structure is based on gross receipts and business type, with an exemption for those who bring in less than $10,000 a year. The fee ranges between $75 to  $450.

An initial conversation… […continued on The Benicia Bridge.]

Reposted with permission, The Benicia Bridge
Excellent reporting from Benicia’s newest award-winning journalism duo, Monica Vaughan and Laura López González. – Roger Straw
Learn more and subscribe to the newsletter here.

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Benicia CA, Democracy under attack, Local vigilance, Resist!

Rally for Democracy at the Benicia Gazebo, Thursdays at 5pm

Our Benicia Protest is Alive and Well!
Rally For Democracy – Citizen opposition to Trump’s authoritarian takeover continues…

By Susan Street, May 30, 2026

Susan Street at a Thursday Rally

No doubt you have been overwhelmed with political information and hounded by organizations and individuals for money. Here’s a way to support your beliefs and show your disgust at the current political situation for free!

Join us every Thursday evening from 5-6 – Rally for Democracy at the Benicia Gazebo, First St. and Military Ave. Bring your friends and a poster if you have one. We have lots to lend if you don’t. And bring noisemakers, whistles or horns. It feels great to support democracy, meet some new friends, and leave your computers and phones at home! See you there!

Susan Street
Benicia

VIGIL FOR DEMOCRACY
Every Thursday, 5 p.m.
On the sidewalk by the Gazebo

[map / directions]
Come whenever you can, stay as long or as briefly as you can. Bring your signs, bells, kazoos, noisemakers. Invite ten people to join us.

Stay on the sidewalk. Don’t block anyone attempting to walk through. Ignore any harassment.