Tag Archives: Benicia CA

Benicia CA, Benicia City Council, BISHO, Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance, Valero Benicia Refinery

ALERT! Important to attend Benicia City Council this Tues. April 1

BENICIA ISO TO BE VOTED ON APRIL 1

BISHO.org

By the Benicia Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance
citizens group (BISHO)

Benicia, CA (March 28, 2025) – On Tuesday, April 1, Benicia City Council will meet to discuss and conduct its final vote on the draft Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) that will help protect Benicians against potential fires, explosions and toxic emissions connected to the Valero Refinery and other facilities. The meeting will be at Benicia City Hall, 230 East L Street, Benicia, beginning at 6 p.m.

“Because this is the final up-or-down vote on the ISO, we are urging supporters to attend to show support, either in person or by Zoom,” said Terry Mollica, a member of Benicia Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance (BISHO), a citizens group formed in 2023 to advocate for the passage of a strong Benicia Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance.  “This is our last, best chance to establish an ISO that will get Benicia a seat at the table to protect the health and safety of our kids, our seniors and everyone else in our wonderful city.” BISHO has more than 250 supporters, with membership and website visits growing as more refinery incidents occur. Benicia is the only Bay Area refinery town without an ISO.

Benicia City Council voted in January 2023 to begin the process of developing a draft ISO to ultimately be presented to City Council for vote. Since that time, a City Council subcommittee, led by Council Members Terry Scott and Kari Birdseye and Fire Chief Josh Chadwick, have conducted multiple meetings with stakeholders, citizens, experts in industrial emissions, environmental groups, other Bay Area refinery cities and many others to gain feedback as to the best ISO for Benicia.

On March 4, City staff, led by Chief Chadwick, presented the draft ISO to Council and the public. After presentations by many community members, Valero and other industrial organizations to be affected by the ISO, Council voted unanimously to move forward with the draft, calling for a second reading and final vote.

“Our citizens group is thrilled that the ISO is close to becoming a reality,” said Mollica.  “Along with local health and environmental advocates, we have spent years calling for tighter regulations to protect citizens from dangerous industrial emissions that impact air quality and the health of Benicians. We are finally near the finish line and are so grateful that City Council has supported this effort.”

Benicia CA, Democracy under attack, Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO), Local vigilance, Resist!

CORRECTION: Big week for Benicia activists

PICK A PROTEST!

…OR GO TO A BUNCH OF ‘EM!

Please note, the April 3 Benicia protest is on a THURSDAY (not Wednesday). And on EVERY Thursday, 5PM. Sorry for previous error. 

The Orange Guy and his minions aren’t the only ones who can pour it on with a gazillion acts in every direction almost daily. Resisters all over the U.S. are organizing, showing up, using our individual and collective voices, and creatively calling attention to the crisis that is tearing down our government and attacking our friends and neighbors.

Let’s all find a time this week to join in saying no to injustice, no to corruption, no to authoritarian rule, no to Kings! See below:

Here’s a list of protests and important events for the week of March 29 – April 6.
Benicia CA, Democracy under attack, Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO), Local vigilance, Resist!

Big week for Benicia activists

PICK A PROTEST!

…OR GO TO A BUNCH OF ‘EM!

The Orange Guy and his minions aren’t the only ones who can pour it on with a gazillion acts in every direction almost daily. Resisters all over the U.S. are organizing, showing up, using our individual and collective voices, and creatively calling attention to the crisis that is tearing down our government and attacking our friends and neighbors.

Let’s all find a time this week to join in saying no to injustice, no to corruption, no to authoritarian rule, no to Kings! See below:

Here’s a list of protests and important events for the week of March 29 – April 6.

See update here: TODAY! – Massive Day of Protests near Benicia – Find one and show up!

Benicia CA, Fiestas Primavera, La Migra

Fiestas Primavera 2025 – Benicia City Park, Saturday, April 5

Fiestas Primavera

The Benicia Fiestas Primavera  cultural festival will take place on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, 10am-6pm, 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 (from Solano Aids Coalition)

Benicia, California –The festival represents an opportunity for all communities to unite in an energetic celebration of change and renewal, to learn about our history and the history of human migration, and to honor cultures which have roots throughout California. During our Celebration, we feature a diverse presentation of music, dance performances, art, cuisine and other cultural aspects that explore the rich heritage and history and the ancestral roots of California.  This year, we are primarily focusing on Mexican, Haitian, Cuban and Native American cultures, but we specifically honor the blend of all cultures that make up our community and the United States.

Solano AIDS Coalition in conjunction with UNIDOS, Benicia Black Lives Matter, and the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, with support from a number of local organizations and businesses, and with backing from the City of Benicia and the Benicia Unified School District, is hosting this event.  The basis of Fiestas Primavera is not only to welcome spring, but to shed light on racism, bullying, and biases, including an activity that had been traditionally practiced by Benicia teens called “La Migra Game.” The annual “game” historically occurred during spring break and entailed upperclassmen emulating the brutal actions of ICE agents by grabbing lower classmen and taking them to undisclosed locations. The game promoted bullying, racism, and even violence, sometimes engaged and traumatized unsuspecting teens, while being a public safety hazard.  Fiestas Primavera provides an alternative view of immigration, welcoming our community to see the benefits of our uniquely diverse culture.

ABOUT – from the Fiesta Primavera Event Page on Facebook (English/Spanish)

Fiestas Primavera Festival in Benicia City is a highly anticipated annual event that brings together communities from all walks of life to celebrate the beauty of change and renewal. Taking place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the picturesque Gazebo Park, this festival is a vibrant symbol of unity and cultural diversity.

The festival offers attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in environmental and cultural experiences that showcase the rich history of human migration and the contributions of various cultures to the development of Benicia. From music and dance performances to art exhibitions and culinary delights, the Spring Festival promises a day filled with excitement and discovery.

One of the key highlights of the festival is the exploration of the cultural heritage of Mexico, Latin America, Cuba, Haitian and Native American communities. Through a series of engaging presentations, attendees will have the chance to learn about the traditions, customs, and values that have shaped these diverse cultures and continue to influence the fabric of society in Benicia.

Furthermore, Fiestas Primavera serves as a platform for honoring the ancestral roots of California and recognizing the significant impact of different cultural groups on the development of the region. By showcasing the unique contributions of each community, the Fiestas Primavera Festival fosters a sense of appreciation and respect for the cultural diversity that makes Benicia a vibrant and inclusive place to live.

Fiestas Primavera festival is not just a celebration of cultural heritage; it is also a testament to the power of unity and collaboration. By bringing together people from various backgrounds, the festival promotes a sense of togetherness and mutual understanding, creating a stronger sense of community and solidarity among residents of Benicia.

El Festival Fiestas Primavera en la ciudad de Benicia es un evento anual muy esperado que reúne a comunidades de todas las esferas de la vida para celebrar la belleza del cambio y la renovación. Teniendo lugar el sábado 5 de abril de 2025, en el pintoresco Parque Gazebo en Benicia este festival es un vibrante símbolo de unidad y diversidad cultural.
El festival ofrece a los asistentes una oportunidad única para sumergirse en un ambiente de experiencias culturales que muestran la rica historia de la migración humana y las contribuciones de diversas culturas al desarrollo de Benicia. Desde presentaciones de música y danza hasta exposiciones de arte y delicias culinarias, el Festival de Primavera promete un día lleno de emoción y descubrimiento.
Uno de los principales puntos destacados del festival es la exploración del patrimonio cultural de México, América Latina, Cuba, Haití y las comunidades nativas americanas. A través de una serie de presentaciones atractivas, los asistentes tendrán la oportunidad de aprender sobre las tradiciones, costumbres y valores que han dado forma a estas diversas culturas y continúan influyendo en el tejido social de Benicia.
Además, Fiestas Primavera sirve como plataforma para honrar las raíces ancestrales de California y reconocer el impacto significativo de diferentes grupos culturales en el desarrollo de la región. Al mostrar las contribuciones únicas de cada comunidad, el Festival Fiestas Primavera fomenta un sentido de aprecio y respeto por la diversidad cultural que hace de Benicia un lugar vibrante e inclusivo para vivir.
El festival Fiestas Primavera no es solo una celebración del patrimonio cultural; también es un testimonio del poder de la unidad y la colaboración. Al reunir a personas de diversos orígenes, el festival promueve un sentido de unión y comprensión mutua, creando un mayor sentido de comunidad y solidaridad entre los residentes de Benicia.