Category Archives: Benicia High School

Crowd of 400 Benicia HS students protest ICE at City Park

By Stephen Golub, February 8, 2026

This past Wednesday, February 4, 400 Benicia High students walked out of class to protest the Trump Administration’s immigration policies and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency enforcing those edicts.

At a time when hope and inspiration get crushed on a daily basis, these teenagers brought plenty of both to their demonstration at City Park.

Over the years, I’ve taught and worked with many hundreds of fine college, law and graduate students from across the country and the globe. I’ve never been so proud of any as I am of the kids in my hometown. It’s just one demonstration. But it demonstrates that these students care deeply about the immigrants in their midst and those around the country.

This admittedly out-of-touch old fogey previously hadn’t had a clue regarding what the students were thinking about Trump’s immigration crackdown crisis. Frankly, with the exception of a couple of great kids on my block, my previous awareness of them flowed partly from the “La Migra” (slang for ICE) game played by some Benicia High students until very recent years. That exercise involved older students chasing younger ones around town and “capturing” them in imitation of immigration raids. I knew that most of the kids weren’t racist, but the game certainly was.

I now have a clearer, promising sense of where many of them stand. And it’s not just for the future, as vital as that is. They stand with the better angels in America’s past: the central, essential fact that America is a nation of immigrants, built by immigrants.

More than anything, immigration is what distinguishes this country from all others. If Trump had been in power when our parents, grandparents and ancestors came here, they likely would not have made it and we wouldn’t be here today.

Yes, there have been prior periods in our history when we’ve locked immigrants out and locked them up. Yes, we can’t afford to simply open our borders to everyone; our jobs, housing and social fabric can get seriously strained by an endless flood of foreigners. No, I’m by no means defending the flaws in Biden’s approach.

But there are practical, humane ways to handle this, and there’s Trump’s way: It bizarrely features falsely accusing Haitians of stealing and eating people’s pets – during a nationally televised presidential debate, no less – and more broadly portrays immigrants as massively fueling violent crime here.

In reality for at least 150 years, immigrants have committed crime at lower rates than people born here. Undocumented immigrants have lower felony arrest rates than legal ones or native-born Americans. Only five percent of people detained by ICE have violent criminal convictions; 73 percent have no convictions (not even traffic violations) at all.

Sadly, though, Trump’s violent anti-immigrant stances reflect broader agendas aimed at building up a domestic paramilitary force and attacking minorities. White nationalist, pro-Nazi and antisemitic messaging is emanating from various branches of the Administration, not least the White House, partly to appeal to disgruntled young men who are potential ICE agents. Trump himself recently posted a blatantly racist video depicting the Obamas as apes; it’s now been deleted after an outcry that the White House initially resisted.

But back to the positive, for other valuable lessons flow from the City Park demonstration. As reported in an excellent Vallejo Sun article, a Benicia High junior’s Instagram post prompted the event; classmates helped spread the word.

In a related vein, we should recall that another local hero, Sheri Leigh, played an instrumental role in illuminating and halting the racist La Migra game. And of course, Minneapolis community resistance to brutal ICE raids has been facilitated by online communications.

One point, then, is that individuals and small groups can still make a big difference in Benicia and America, by taking steps to battle the nation’s worst impulses and to bring out the best in us. Another is that as much as social media can be a cesspool, it also can serve productive purposes.

We similarly saw the positive power of social media, individuals’ initiatives and collective action on display last Sunday, when a couple of Benicians organized a post-Minneapolis Walk for Peace and Unity down First Street. People quietly came together to share the life-affirming features of our community and our country.

So, thanks to Benicia High students, our local heroes, for educating this uneducated fellow Benician about where you stand and for reminding our city about what’s at stake. There are still dark days ahead. But with people like you lighting the way, I’m looking toward the future with hope.

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

Benicia High School, Democracy under attack, Donald Trump, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), Student protest

Benicia High School students hold anti-ICE walkout

February 5, 2026 BenIndy

The protest followed a week of school walkouts all across the nation.

Benicia High School students protest at City Park. Photo: Gretchen Smail

The Vallejo Sun, by Gretchen Smail Feb 05, 2026

BENICIA – An estimated 400 students from Benicia High School walked out of class on Wednesday afternoon to protest the Trump Administration and the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Last Friday, students walked out in Vallejo, American Canyon, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and across the country after students at the University of Minnesota called for a nationwide strike to protest ICE’s actions, particularly in the wake of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good.

The Benicia High walkout was organized by junior Maddie Vlnar. She had never attended a protest before, much less organized one. But she had friends from the East Bay who had organized a walkout, and a handful of Benicia High students said they were interested in helping plan one, too. So she created an anonymous Instagram account last Thursday and began to spread the word.

“I really wasn’t expecting this many people to come out,” said Vlnar. “It was very makeshift and DIY even, but it ended up really working out, and I’m really happy that people came.” For Vlnar, seeing ICE’s actions on social media motivated her to organize.

Students from Benicia High School covered the hill at City Park. Photo: Gretchen Smail

For Vlnar, seeing ICE’s actions on social media motivated her to organize.

“Every time I open Instagram or TikTok, I’m constantly seeing all these things happen to people who are protesting and to people who are immigrants, whether they’re undocumented or not,” said Vlnar. “Even American citizens are being detained and treated unlawfully and even killed. I figured it’s time to finally end this. Let’s put our voices out there. We have the people.”

According to the Marshall Project, ICE has been holding an average of 170 children in custody a day since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Per The Guardian, 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025; since the start of 2026, eight people have died in ICE custody or been killed by ICE agents. ICE is currently holding the largest number of detainees in its history, according to CBS.

Students wave signs as cars honk in support. Photo: Gretchen Smail

The walkout began at 2 p.m. Vlnar and some friends went from classroom to classroom rallying students and explaining to teachers why they were doing the walkout. The protesters gathered in the quad and then marched to the City Park gazebo on First Street. So many students walked out that those at the back of the march couldn’t see where the front began.As the students walked, they waved signs that said phrases like “no one is illegal on stolen land” and “I’ll take my horchata warm because ICE sucks!” They also chanted “no ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA” as cars drove by honking in support.

Several teachers walked with the students to monitor the protest, as did Benicia police.

“We’re here to protect students, make sure they’re safe,” schools Superintendent Chris Calabrese said. “They have the right to protest.”

He added that his preference is that students are in the classroom learning, “but we have constitutional law and state law and educational code that we have to follow, and sometimes those things contradict,” Calabrese said. “So we’re just out here making sure that students aren’t causing any damage, and they’re not getting hurt either.”

Students walk down Military West to join the protest at City Park. Photo: Gretchen Smail

For many students, this was their first protest.

Sophomore Talaya Wilson said she loved seeing all her classmates participate in the walkout and voice their frustrations with the current administration.

“I don’t agree with anything that’s happening in the world right now. None of this should have happened in the first place,” Wilson said. “I’m really happy that everybody is protesting against ICE and Trump because we should have never voted for him. I’m very disappointed in my country, and in adults. Now my generation has to fix your guys’ problems.”

Senior Gabriel Gomez echoed this sentiment. “Immigrants built this country,” said Gomez. “We pick your food, we build your houses, and you want to kick us out? Nah, man.” Gomez said the administration should focus on going after real criminals rather than the “immigrants who are just trying to make a living.”

Students spread out in front of the gazebo at City Park to protest. Photo: Gretchen Smail

A 2026 UCLA study found that immigrants without a criminal record make up the largest group in ICE detention. Trump initially claimed he would only go after the “worst of the worst.”

Senior Isaiah Figueroa helped Vlnar organize the walkout. For him, the motivation to walk out was personal. “I’m a first generation Mexican-American, so seeing all this here hits really close to home for me,” said Figueroa. “We live in a world we had no say in.”

Figueroa said he’s glad that he’s now of voting age so he’ll be able to “have more of a voice” in the country.

For senior Camryn Wittry, the protest was important because it was a way to speak up for “people whose voices can’t be heard.”

She pointed out how many people brought their own signs and encouraged others to chant. “It’s amazing to see young people voice their opinions,” said Wittry. “Even though so many people here can’t vote, they’re using their First Amendment right.”

Benicia High School students protesting at City Park. Photo: Gretchen Smail

During the protest, some Benicia residents walked out from the nearby Safeway and library to cheer on the students.

“We’re really happy to see all these young people here,” said Benicia resident Wayne Eisenhart, who stood on the hill with the students to watch the protest with his wife. “It warms my heart.”

The protest ended around 3:30 p.m., with parents picking up their kids or students walking down First Street to grab food.

“It’s such a surreal feeling. So many people came out,” Vlnar said, after thanking the students for attending. She said she was proud that the protest remained under control, and that they were able to have a long moment of silence for those who have been brutalized or killed by ICE. “There were parents, and people off the street, and so many cars driving by who were honking and cheering us on. It was so, so amazing.”

Benicia High School, California State Seal of Civic Engagement, Community service, Immigration, Sheri Leigh

Sheri Leigh: Two Young Women on a Mission

August 16, 2025 Roger Straw

Benicia High School grads Joanna Toledano (left) and Roxanne Bernahe Nunez are on a mission to help the underserved survive and thrive.

By Sheri Leigh, first published in the Benicia Herald on July 27, 2024

There are many unsung heroes who are quietly hidden away in our small City of Benicia. Today, I want to recognize and honor two of those heroes who are just getting started – Joanna Toledano, age 17 and Roxane Bernahe Nunez, age 18. These close friends and recent BHS graduates are already on a mission to help the underserved survive and thrive.

Joanna is an only child, born to Mexican-American immigrants from the State of Morelos. She grew up in Benicia and attended the public school system all the way from elementary school through high school. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, dancing, and science. She graduated with honors and in the top 10% of her class. She plans on attending Diablo Valley Community College for the next two years and then transferring to St. Mary’s College in Moraga to begin her preparations to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Roxane, also an only child, lives with her mother and grandmother, both of whom immigrated here from Torreón, Mexico. Like Joanna, Roxane went through the Benicia school system and graduated with honors, receiving The Golden State Merit Diploma Seal for outstanding grades. She spends a lot of time with her family and friends and works at a local restaurant. Roxane is looking forward to attending the pre-nursing program (Allied Health) at Diablo Valley Community College and finishing up her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at UCLA or Sacramento State. Eventually, she would like to volunteer in foreign countries where she can help provide necessary medical care to those who don’t have access. Roxane was inspired by her mother who wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse, but didn’t have the proper guidance to help her navigate the complicated process to get to college and was unable to afford it without financial aid.

Roxane and Joanna are the first ones in their family to graduate from high school and will be the first to attend college.

Both young women are exemplary, but what makes them stand out is their dedication to their community and the unparalleled service work they performed. Roxane and Joanna spent a great deal of their senior year researching how to access local free and low-cost services for food, housing, legal and medical care and providing this information to people in need. And they did this on their own. It was not a requirement, nor an assignment. They saw a need, and together they decided to do something about it. For this, the girls were the first recipients in Benicia to receive the prestigious California State Seal of Civic Engagement award. And their work on this project inspired Roxane and Joanna to remain committed to helping those who most need it.

Also behind their motivation to help the disparaged is their personal experience. As American girls born to Mexican parents, Roxane and Joanna both feel they are part of two distinct cultures, yet don’t completely fit into either. Both girls were born in the United States, and neither one has ever been to Mexico, so in many ways they feel 100% American. They are also very proud of their Mexican heritage and very much relate to being Chicanas. For example, because of their love for the Spanish language both girls sought and earned the California State Seal of Biliteracy for their high level of proficiency in Spanish, as well as English.

Living in a Mexican family comes with cultural expectations that are different from most American households. For example, the family is the center of Mexican culture, and they are expected to participate in more household chores and spend more time with their family than their white friends. However, because they are part of a minority, they often feel less recognized for their achievements than white students. Joanna expressed her dismay when she saw other dancers in her troupe being selected for primary roles while she was overlooked, not because of their superior dance skills, but because of the white European-American beauty standards of our society. And sadly, both young women have been and still are regular witnesses to or are recipients of random discriminatory and racist remarks and behaviors. Joanna even overheard one outspoken woman say to her father, “You shouldn’t be making that kind of money,” as though someone like him doesn’t deserve to earn a good living.

And with the increased activities of immigration under the directive of the federal administration, some of their friends and family members have become fearful and reclusive, even when their immigration status is solid. Both Roxane and Joanna know people who are not attending social events or classes, or going to work or even to the doctor because they are afraid of being arrested and deported.

Joanna and Roxane want to dedicate their lives to helping those who feel isolated, can’t afford necessary things, and are unable to live a free and productive life. They want to continue their efforts to help connect available services to the people who need them. Their intended career paths are leading them to a life of service by bringing basic health needs to an underserved population.

When asked what advice they would give to other young people, Joanna and Roxane had similar responses. They advised young people to live in the moment and be grateful for the good times. In their experience, nothing is permanent – not even your sense of well-being or safety. And their biggest piece of advice is to never let the fear stop you.

These Benicia girls are both fearless and unstoppable!

Benicia, Benicia CA, Benicia High School, La Migra, Sheri Leigh

Fiestas Primavera also Celebrates Diversity

October 14, 2024 BenIndy

By Sheri Leigh, October 14, 2024

For those of you who attended the premier Fiestas Primavera late March last year, you know what a tremendous success it was. The opening ceremonial blessing of the land, followed by incredible and unique music and dance performances all day long, along with beautiful artwork contributed by local professional and student artists, poetry and essay readings, interactive exploration of one’s own heritage and what brought families or ancestors to the Bay Area, excellent authentic food and crafts, along with the spirit of inclusivity were key elements to the day. Over 2000 people attended, despite the rain.

The goal of honoring all of the people who contributed culturally, economically, and socially to making the Bay area what it is today was achieved. People of all ages, ethnicities, genders and orientations, and socio-economic levels came together to celebrate the coming of spring, and everyone was welcomed. It was truly a meaningful and spectacular event.

The spirit of this event inspired the young people of our town, resulting in their annual self-led La Migra game taking a different form – one that is not based on trauma or racists practices. One that does not involve hazing or any threats to public and personal safety. Our students were involved in the creation and participation of Fiestas Primavera and took the message to heart – the emulation of a brutal and terrifying practice which targets and belittles a group of marginalized people is never an appropriate teen activity.

Fiestas Primavera has marked an historic beginning in Benicia. And for next year’s event, the host of Fiestas Primavera, Solano Aids Coalition, is in partnership with the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, host of the Diversity Festival, to bring an even richer and more culturally diverse event to our community. Fiestas Primavera and the Diversity Festival is now one big event! Other collaborators include the Benicia School District, the Kyle Hyland Teen Center, the Benicia Public Library, Benicia Black Lives Matter, and many others.

Benicia Fiestas Primavera Celebrates Diversity is to take place on Saturday, April 5th in the City (Gazebo) Park. Like this year, there will be engaging performances and displays of all culturally artistic types, on two stages – not just one. The art and educational tent will continue to be a prominent feature, and there will be children’s activities to keep the young engaged. Culturally appropriate food and arts and craft vendors also make their appearance again. And to add to the celebration of diversity, the Benicia LBTGQIA is hoping to unveil their new public mural which will face the park behind the downtown fire station that morning. It will truly be an event not to miss.

In order to raise the capital needed for this spectacular plan, there will be a series of fun public fundraisers. The first one will be on Sunday, October 27 at Drift, 366 1st Street. To bring the spirit of Fiestas Primavera to life, the owners of Drift are offering a Pasta “Primavera” dinner, including pasta, Caesar salad, a glass of wine, and dessert, all for $60 per plate. Andy and Ruben Brunt (Uncommonwealth) and Sobrecuerdas will provide live dinner music. There will be two seatings, 5:00 and 6:30pm. Since this is a small venue, reservations are required. To reserve a table, please contact Monica at Monica@DriftBenicia.com or leave a message at 707-750-6516. Monica needs your name, number in your party, and preferred seating time. If you’re able to join us, you must make your reservation no later than Tuesday, October 22nd, or you won’t have a table.

And watch for more fun activities leading up to April 5, 2025!

Benicia Fiestas Primavera Celebrates Diversity is for all of us. It is a way to honor the depth and breadth of our complete history and culture. Please join us in making Benicia a fully inclusive and welcoming community through our educational and cultural celebration.