Tag Archives: Benicia CA
Valero refinery fire – smoke traveling southward over Benicia and into Contra Costa
Bay Area Air District issues Advisory for smoke and fire at Valero
DATE: May 5, 2025
CONTACT: communications@baaqmd.gov
Air quality advisory for smoke from fire at Valero
Potential localized smoke impacts in Southern Solano and parts of Contra Costa counties
SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air District is issuing an air quality advisory for smoke in Southern Solano, northern Contra Costa, “and northwestern Alameda counties”, specifically communities between I-80 and I-680 bridges (Martinez, Pacheco, Concord and Port Chicago), but with some impact possible southward to Oakland, due to a fire at Valero.
Localized impacts near the fire and in downwind neighborhoods are possible, including smoky skies, the smell of smoke and elevated levels of particulate pollution and other harmful pollutants. This is based on current meteorological conditions which can change depending on the duration of the fire. The Air District will be closely monitoring air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts from this incident.
Residents should follow instructions from local health officials.
The Air District is working with first responders to advise them on meteorology and air quality issues relating to the incident. Inspectors are on site investigating the incident, responding to public complaints and documenting any violations of air quality regulations. Once the investigation is complete, an incident report will be posted on this webpage: https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/incidents-and-advisories.
Smoke from the fire contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, and temperatures allow, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Set car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside. The use of indoor air filtration can also help reduce smoke exposure.
Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a dry scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
Check the U.S. EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map to see if smoke is affecting your area at: https://fire.airnow.gov/.
The Bay Area Air District is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area. Connect with the Air District via Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
Where to find a May Day Protest near Benicia – and beyond!
100 DAYS OF RESISTANCE – links with details for your May Day Protest …
IN BENICIA ON MAY DAY
May 1 is a Thursday, and EVERY Thursday in Benicia there is a VIGIL FOR DEMOCRACY, 5-6 PM! Stop by at City Park, First & Military Streets – gather on the sidewalk by the Gazebo. “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.”
MAY DAY STRONG – EVENTS NEAR BENICIA / IN THE BAY AREA
- LATE BREAKING ADDITION – THERE DEFINITELY IS A PROTEST IN NEARBY FAIRFIELD, CA – Thursday, May 1, 5 – 7pm PDT. In front of Garamendi’s Fairfield Office Building, 1261 Travis Blvd, Fairfield https://www.mobilize.us/speakoutdemocracysod/event/778894/
This link will take you to a page with details on May Day Protests in Martinez, Napa, Berkeley, and Oakland.- This link will take you to details for May Day Protests in Walnut Creek, Rio Vista, El Sobrante and Davis.
- And here’s the link for San Francisco.
MAY DAY STRONG! EVENTS ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY!
Trump’s failed 100 days – and a HUGE nationwide protest this Thurs May 1
100 DAYS OF RESISTANCE – find a nearby May Day Protest below…
From an Indivisible email, April 29, 2025
Today marks the 100th day of Trump’s second term. In that short amount of time we’ve seen him attack our basic constitutional rights like birthright citizenship and due process, shutter federal agencies and programs that millions of people depend on, and target marginalized communities across the country.
But we’re also seeing a growing backlash against this administration. Trump’s approval rating is historically low. Polls show people disapprove of his policies on almost every issue including trade and the economy — and that’s before the real impacts of tariffs and empty shelves hits most Americans. Things have gotten so bad, Trump is demanding investigations into the pollsters.
This shift in the political climate didn’t just happen — the backlash is shaped and driven by the grassroots. Every one of you who showed up to district offices and empty chair town halls, took to the streets to protest, supported independent media, donated to legal and advocacy orgs, and got involved in a thousand different ways played a crucial role in building the backlash that we see today.
And your courage has been contagious. A rising faction of the Democratic Party is beginning to fight back. Universities are beginning to hold the line against Trump’s bullying. Whistleblowers inside the government are speaking out. And folks who’ve never attended a protest in their lives are out in the streets.
So to everyone getting this email who has called your Members of Congress, joined us at Hands Off! protest, hosted a recess event, shared a call to action on social media, wrote a postcard, chipped in with a one-time or recurring donation, started an Indivisible group or joined one, we want to say THANK YOU.
Today doesn’t just mark the 100th day of this fascistic presidency. It marks the 100th day of courageous resistance. If you’re looking for a suitable way to mark it:
Register for one of the nearly 1000 May Day protests taking place this week.
IN BENICIA ON MAY DAY
May 1 is a Thursday, and EVERY Thursday in Benicia there is a VIGIL FOR DEMOCRACY, 5-6:30 PM! Stop by at City Park, First & Military Streets – gather on the sidewalk by the Gazebo. “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.”
MAY DAY EVENTS NEAR BENICIA / IN THE BAY AREA
- This link will take you to a page with details on May Day Protests in Martinez, Napa, Berkeley, and Oakland.
- This link will take you to details for May Day Protests in Walnut Creek, Rio Vista, El Sobrante and Davis.
- And here’s the link for San Francisco.
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