Benicia’s City Manager Lorie Tinfow publishes an email newsletter every Monday. I found this one very interesting, especially the Water Resources Tools. You can sign up to receive the newsletter here. – R.S.
City of Benicia This Week
Highlights: Water Resource Tools, Census Forms in the Mail
March 16, 2020
Hello Everyone,
On behalf of the City Council and City staff, I want to take a moment to reach out to everyone in our Benicia community with an important message about the current public health emergency. We understand that the emergence of COVID-19 has created some real challenges, as well as fear among members of the Benicia community and beyond. Our understanding of the future of the virus and its impacts continues to evolve on an almost a daily basis. A team of senior City staff that includes representatives from every department are meeting daily to stay on top of the changes, prepare our responses and keep the community as safe as possible. These activities are our primary focus right now.
There are many sources of information flooding us in the media and social media; some of this information is alarmist and false. To help everyone, we created a dedicated website with up-to-date vetted information regarding the City, State and National response to this virus as well as steps you can take to better protect yourself and your loved ones. You can rely on it for information to answer your questions: ci.benicia.ca.us/coronavirus. Please also take a look at the updates we’ve provided in press releases issued last week. You can find them under Press Releases below.
We understand how challenging this emergency has been for so many in our town and appreciate how fortunate we all are to live and work in a place that has such a profound sense of community and where we understand the importance of looking out for each other. Using the best practices for staying safe, we encourage you to check in on your neighbors and friends, especially those who might be more vulnerable. Provide support to them where you can. Think about those in need; do not horde, but rather share with others when possible.
We also remind you that if you find yourself in a place that you feel you cannot take care of yourself or feel you need help, please call us. Our emergency communications center is open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week and can be reached by calling 707.745.3411.
While these times are difficult, they also present an opportunity to show just what a caring and amazing community we are.
Wishing you good health!
Lorie Tinfow
City Manager
CityofBeniciaThisWeek@ci.benicia.ca.us
City News
Water Resources Tools: Do you like data? Are you looking for trusted hydrologic and climate data sources? If so, here are some of the tools used by our Public Works Department to manage the City’s water resources.
Drought Information
The federal government brings data from many sources into the National Integrated Drought Information System. This portal serves as a one-stop-shop for near-term climate data and projections. These data are useful in projecting annual water demand in Benicia. Last week, 38% of California is experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
https://www.drought.gov/drought/
Major Reservoir Levels
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) aggregates reservoir data in this portal. Current reservoir information is needed to understand water available for diversion and use. Six days ago, Oroville Reservoir (the major water storage facility in the State Water Project) is 64% full.
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/resapp/RescondMain
Solano County Water Agency Weekly Operations Report
Our water wholesaler, the Solano County Water Agency, provides weekly reports on our local water sources. This link is a little technical in nature, but provides a critical snapshot of Benicia’s water sources: the Solano Project and the State Water Project. Lake Berryessa is about 92% full.
http://www.scwa2.com/about-us/weekly-operations-report
Census Forms in the Mail:
Census forms began arriving in our mailboxes this week. As a reminder, you are asked to respond by April 1. The easy questionnaire takes 10 minutes or less and may be completed securely online using the Census ID code you received in your envelope.
Your prompt response will —
- Help direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services.
- Help your community prepare to meet transportation and emergency readiness needs.
- Determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and your political representation at all levels of government.
More information on the Census can be found at Census.gov. Details on Solano County’s outreach program can be found by visiting the Solano Economic Development Corporation’s website.
Press Releases
Recent City of Benicia press releases are available on the City of Benicia website under Main/Announcements.
Save the Date
Mar 17 – City Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall. See the Full Agenda for more information.
Mar 20 – City Hall closed for Alternate Friday.
City of Benicia | edev@ci.benicia.ca.us | 707.746.4200 | ci.benicia.ca.us
City of Benicia This Week is published weekly. Previous editions are available here.
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The chart at right, “Cumulative number of cases…” gives a clear picture of the infection’s trajectory in Solano County. Our coronavirus data curve is on a steep upward trajectory. Everyone stay home and be safe!
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