Tag Archives: Benicia CA

Benicia CA, Fiestas Primavera, La Migra

Fiestas Primavera 2026 – Benicia City Park, Saturday, March 28

Fiestas Primavera 2026
A Day of Unity

(Click image to download poster)
The Benicia Fiestas Primavera  cultural festival will take place on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, Noon-5pm, featuring live music, dance, fine art, food, and activities for children, all free and family friendly. LOCATION: Benicia City Park (Gazebo Park), 150 Military West. (MAP)

ABOUT Fiestas Primavera

Benicia, California –Mark your calendars for March 28!  It’s a day of embracing our differences and strengthening our community through voice and cultural celebration.

Fiestas Primavera will follow after the No Kings Protests in Benicia (9-10:30am) and Vallejo (10am-noon). Orchestrated by Mario Saucedo of the Solano Aids Coalition, Fiestas Primavera will bring this important day in our community home with an extravaganza of ceremony, speech, music, dance, crafts, food, and education.  Fiestas Primavera will be held at City (Gazebo) Park from noon until 5pm.  The festival is free, inclusive, and educational, and centers around the young people of our community.

Born out of the negative impacts of an unsafe and racially charged game the teens here used to play called “La Migra,” Fiestas Primavera has successfully replaced this unsanctioned, menacing, and eerily prescient event with a festival that promotes unity, acceptance, and collaboration.  The festival particularly focuses on the contributions of the young people.  There will be both student and professional art, music, dance, and speech featured at the event.  The cultural performances are outstanding and engaging.  In addition, there will be food from different cultures, activities for children, community information booths, and vendors selling arts and crafts from a variety of origins.

Now in its third year, Fiestas Primavera promises to raise your spirits with a vibrant celebration of the cultural contributions of all immigrants, particularly those from Mexico, Cuba, and Haiti..  It is a reminder that Benicia, like the rest of the country, is made up of a cultural blend of people, all of whom have greatly contributed to what we are today.

From the Fiesta Primavera Event Page on Facebook (English/Spanish, thanks to Solano AIDS Coalition)

The Solano AIDS Coalition, in partnership with U.N.I.D.O.S and the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, proudly present the 3rd Annual Fiestas Primavera—a vibrant celebration honoring the social and cultural contributions of immigrants through art, music, dance, and community.

Rooted in the rich traditions of Indigenous heritage, Fiestas Primavera marks the arrival of spring with a joyful gathering that embraces diversity, unity, and cultural pride.

This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Benicia City Park (Gazebo), from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Let’s celebrate together!!

La Coalición del SIDA Solano, en colaboración con U.N.I.D.O.S y la Fundación de Artes Escénicas de Benicia, se enorgullece en presentar la 3ª Fiesta Anual de Primavera, una vibrante celebración que honra las contribuciones sociales y culturales de los inmigrantes a través del arte, la música, la danza y la comunidad.

Arraigada en las ricas tradiciones del patrimonio indígena Fiestas Primavera marca la llegada de la primavera con una alegre reunión que celebra la diversidad, la unidad y el orgullo cultural.

El evento se llevará a cabo el sábado 28 de marzo de 2026, en el Parque de la Ciudad de Benicia (Gazebo), de 12:00 p.m. a 6:00 p.m.

¡Celebremos juntos!

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

NO KINGS DAY – March 28 in Vallejo AND Benicia!

MAKE A DAY OF IT…
The future of our Democracy is at stake!

Click here for Benicia 9am-10:30am
Click here for Vallejo 10am-Noon

NO KINGS BENICIA
Saturday, March 28, 2026
9:00 AM — 10:30 AM PDT
at the Gazebo and sidewalks
First & Military St., Benicia, CA 94510
Register HERE
BRING A SIGN, JOY, FIERCE DETERMINATION,
& LOTS OF HOPE…
The future of our Democracy is at stake!
Info about all nearby Rallies

SIGN MAKING at Benicia’s Community Congregational Church, 1305 WEST 2nd Street – Sunday March 22nd during fellowship after the 10am worship hour! Supplies will be provided and will be outside on picnic tables, weather permitting.

AFTER THE BENICIA RALLY… many will head over to the Vallejo rally (see below), and many will return for the Fiestas Primavera – Celebrating Diversity, 12pm-5pm at Benicia Gazebo Park (see the Fiestas poster here).

…Vallejo No Kings – see below

NO KINGS VALLEJO
Rally, Food Drive & March
March 28 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Unity Plaza – JFK Library | 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo
Register HERE
Info about all nearby Rallies

Across the country, Americans are asking hard questions about the direction of our democracy.

    • When federal immigration enforcement actions expand with limited oversight…
    • When journalists face arrest or intimidation while doing their jobs…
    • When transparency around high-profile investigations raises public concern…
    • When families feel the squeeze of rising costs and economic uncertainty…

It forces us to ask: Who holds power accountable?

The founders rejected monarchy for a reason. They built a system designed to prevent concentrated, unchecked authority. “No Kings” is not a slogan — it is a reminder that in America, power flows from the people, and leaders are accountable to the Constitution.

On March 28, Vallejo joins millions nationwide for the third No Kings Day of Action.

    • Join us for:
    • Guest speakers
    • Live music
    • A community march
    • A food drive in partnership with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

Last time, more than 1,200 neighbors stood together. This time, we aim to grow even stronger.

This is about defending democratic norms, protecting a free press, demanding transparency, and ensuring that the government serves the people — not the other way around.

Bring a friend. Bring your voice. Bring shelf-stable food  (no glass) to support local families.

There are no kings here.

AFTER THE VALLEJO RALLY & MARCH… consider attending Benicia’s Fiestas Primavera – Celebrating Diversity, 12pm-5pm at Benicia Gazebo Park (see the Fiestas poster here).

REMEMBERING…

Benicia in Solidarity with Minnesota, February 2026:
Benicia’s October 2025 No Kings Rally:
Benicia’s June 2025 No Kings Rally:

In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

More at https://www.nokings.org/
Democracy under attack, Donald Trump, Local vigilance, No Kings!

NO KINGS DAY! – Saturday, March 28, 9am – Everyone welcome!

BRING A SIGN, JOY, FIERCE DETERMINATION, & LOTS OF HOPE…
The future of our Democracy is at stake!

NO KINGS BENICIA
Saturday, March 28, 2026
9:00 AM — 10:30 AM PDT
at the Gazebo and sidewalks
First & Military St., Benicia, CA 94510
Info about Benicia & nearby Rallies

SIGN MAKING at Benicia’s Community Congregational Church, 1305 WEST 2nd Street – Sunday March 22nd during fellowship after the 10am worship hour! Supplies will be provided and will be outside on picnic tables, weather permitting.

REMEMBERING…

Benicia in Solidarity with Minnesota, February 2026:
Benicia’s October 2025 No Kings Rally:
Benicia’s June 2025 No Kings Rally:

In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

More at https://www.nokings.org/
Benicia CA, Democracy under attack, Donald Trump, Local vigilance

Stephen Golub: Humble and Kind

A reminder of the gentler sides of this country and our shared humanity.

A Promised Land, by Stephen Golub, February 24, 2026

One of my favorite songs is “Humble and Kind,” popularized by country star Tim McGraw and composed by Lori McKenna (who herself performs a great version). I’ve been thinking longfully about it lately because the tenor of our times cuts so deeply against the song’s spirit.

The song is of course best appreciated if you actually listen to it; even better, I urge you to view the McGraw version’s surprising official video (which, with all due respect to country music’s great variety, isn’t typical of that genre). But I’ll try to get by in simply describing and quoting the composition…

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind

Even if you’re a fan of the guy currently occupying the White House, can you imagine him uttering anything at all like those lyrics?

On the national level, we’ve strayed so far away from such sentiments in this contentious and even cruel age, what with a president who promises his supporters that “I am your retribution” and who broadcasts so many other hateful messages.

“Humble and Kind” is not about America, per se. But it’s still a reminder of the gentler sides of this country and our shared humanity. Though I’m not religious and my grandparents are long gone, I still find its homespun opening comforting:

You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the key’s under the mat
When childhood stars shine
Always stay humble and kind
Go to church ’cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

This is not to dismiss taking pride in who we are; pride and humility are not mutually exclusive.

Nor am I asserting we shouldn’t be angry, even furious, about what each day’s headlines bring; we can in fact channel our anger into productive action.

And I’m certainly not claiming that humility, kindness, courtesy and compassion are always my own daily calling cards.

I’m instead saying that in these times we stay sane and positive partly by cherishing these kinds of qualities. They’re of course valuable all the time. But they become even more so when our national leadership is so coarse and corrupt.

One of the things I love about Benicia is that we see such virtues on display every day, from our daily interactions to the way our city’s leadership conducts itself.

Yes, there are some intense differences of opinion, some clashes among the diverse personalities that constitute our community. “Kumbaya” is not the civic anthem. Sadly, this town has not been without its displays of hate.

But all in all, Benicia is a pretty polite, warm, welcoming and civil place to be. There’s a humility and kindness to it.

Which brings me back to “Humble and Kind.” In some ways, its message is as simple as a parent’s advice to their kids. It’s about how to live life.

It’s also about humanity. Check out that McGraw video to get a full sense of that.

Its closing lines additionally speak to displaying a generosity of spirit toward people in general and especially the less fortunate.

Finally, when I hear those final lines, they also bring to mind whether and how we welcome America’s immigrants, who – like all of our families if we go back far enough – made their ways here from somewhere else:

Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re going don’t forget to turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

Benicia resident and author Stephen Golub, A Promised Land

Stephen Golub writes about democracy and politics, both in America and abroad, at A Promised Land: America as a Developing Country.

…and… here’s more Golub on the Benicia Independent

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