CityofBenicia.com is the online interactive community network for Benicia, California.

COB News

Planner's three dogs must be destroyed, but owner vows to take fight...

A Vallejo Planning Commissioner's German shepherds have been ordered to be destroyed after they allegedly attacked a 7-year-old girl and a pregnant woman pushing a stroller.

The Queen of the Road: Of mudflaps, mirrors and missing signs

Commuter: Whatever happened to those mudflaps that used to be on every pickup truck? We have had rocks bounce up and crack our windshield on the freeway three times in the last two years.

Pinto leads Benicia golfers over Vallejo

Cameron Pinto shot his lowest score of the season -- a 5-over-par 41 -- to lead Benicia High's boys golf team past Vallejo, 216-320, at Blue Rock Springs' West Course.

Vanden boys golf edges Benicia

The Vanden boys golf team earned a tight 227-228 win over Benicia at Mare Island.

Benicia man paroled to Contra Costa 23 years after killing

A Benicia High School graduate convicted of killing his 15-year-old girlfriend in front of her classmates more than 23 years ago has been released on parole, authorities said Tuesday.

Latest Activity

Michele is now a member of Benicia's Online Community Network
23 hours ago
Delando Pegan added an event
March 16, 2010 at 8pm to March 17, 2010 at 2am
Join us March 16th at 8pm for our Spring Fever Fashion Show with Piccolo, Bombshell Hair & Ink and Lisa Baer Jewelry.
yesterday
Deirdre Cruz I have found an amazing class on Detoxing and Losing Weight - in Walnut Creek. I've lost 15 lbs in 6 weeks!
on Wednesday
Thank you for sharing this information. I realize that making the penalty for this crime harsher will probably have no impact but if we can distribute flyers to the affected neighborhoods that just may be a better and cost efficient deterrent. Maybe…
on Tuesday
Annie Marie, Lisa and Gloria were featured
on Tuesday
Annie Marie is now friends with Bob James and Maria
on Monday
MJ Klimenko, MFT, CHT added a discussion
I've been a psychotherapist in private practice in Benicia for twenty years now. I can't tell you how many times a parent has come in with a child because the child is suddenly getting bad grades or doesn't come home when they're supposed to or got…
on Monday
Gloria updated their profile
on Monday

BENICIA, Now and Then....


Benicia is a waterside city in Solano County, California, United States. It was the first city in California to be founded by Anglo-Americans, and briefly served as the state capital for nearly thirteen months. The population was 26,865 at the 2000 census. The city lies in the San Francisco Bay Area near San Francisco and Vallejo. Benicia is located on the north side of the Carquinez Strait, directly facing the city of Martinez.
The town can be divided into three areas: Southampton (north of Military), East Benicia (east of First Street), and West Benicia (west of First Street). Most of the town's older homes are on the east and west sides. The far east side has an industrial park, where the town's many local artists have rented out studio space. Also in or near the industrial park are the Valero oil refinery, the 1859 Clock Tower and the 1850s Camel Barns. The Benicia State Recreation Area is on the far west edge of the city. Southampton contains primarily stucco family homes, most of which were built between 1970 and 2000.
The main retail area in Benicia is First Street, which attracts out-of-town antique and boutique shoppers and those seeking small-town charm.


Benicia was founded on May 19, 1847 by Robert Semple, Thomas O. Larkin, and Comandante General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, on land sold to them by General Vallejo, and named for the General's wife, Francisca Benicia Carillo de Vallejo. The first intended name "Francisca" was dropped due to then, Yerba Buena changing its name to "San Francisco", so Mrs. Vallejo's second given name was used instead. Benicia was sixth site selected as the California state capital from February 11, 1853 to February 25, 1854, but the capital was then moved to Sacramento. The restored capital building is part of the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park. Benicia was also the county seat of Solano County until 1858 when that was moved to Fairfield.
From 1860-1861, Benicia was indirectly involved in the Pony Express. When riders missed their connection with a steamer in Sacramento, they would continue on to Benicia and cross over to Martinez via the ferry. [1] One of the earliest companies in California, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, established a major shipyard in Benicia in the 19th century. Benicia became an important wheat storage and shipping site. It was also the site of the United States Army's Benicia Arsenal. In 1879, the Central Pacific Railroad re-routed the Sacramento-Oakland portion of its transcontinental line, establishing a major railroad ferry across the Carquinez Strait from Benicia to Port Costa. The world's largest ferry, the Solano, later joined by the even larger Contra Costa, carried entire trains across the Carquinez Strait from Benicia to Port Costa, from whence they continued on to the Oakland Pier. After California's wheat output dropped in the early 20th Century and especially after the Southern Pacific (which took over the operations of the Central Pacific) constructed a railroad bridge at Martinez in 1930 to replace the ferry crossing, Benicia declined until the economic boom of World War II, which doubled the population to about 7,000 residents.
Two developments in the early 1960s would completely change Benicia: The closing of the Benicia Arsenal in 1960–64, and the completion of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge in 1962. The closing of the Arsenal removed Benicia's traditional economic base, but allowed city leaders to create an industrial park on Arsenal land which eventually provided more revenue for the city than the Army had. The completion of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge made it possible for the city to become a suburb of San Francisco and Oakland, and suburban development in the Benicia hills began in the late 1960s.
Between 1970 and 1995, the population of Benicia grew steadily at a rate of about 1,000 people per year, and the city changed from a poor, blue-collar town of 7,000 to a white-collar bedroom suburb of 28,000.
The town is also the location of the Valero Refinery. The refinery was completed in 1969 by Exxon Corporation, and bought by Valero Refining, a San Antonio based oil company subsidiary in 2000. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency listed the Exxon refinery in Benicia among the top five facilities for toxic chemical releases to the environment in California in 1997. Flaring, most commonly associated with vapor plumes coming from tall stacks at the refineries – and the constantly-burning pilot lights visible at night – is the process used to burn off gases during "upsets," when something goes wrong and equipment must be shut down rapidly to avert an explosion or fire. Those emergencies can produce thick black clouds of unburned hydrocarbons, which in turn produce six-figure fines from the air district and local governments. Refineries face possible fines if they flare for more than three minutes. Many Benicians will say they have seen these flares for long periods of time.

Music

Loading…
 

Thanks for visiting CityofBenicia.com - community news, photos, videos and more

A place to voice your ideas, concerns or comments about anything you feel it's important to our community. Post news, events and add photos. Blog, create your own groups, set up RSS feeds, and build your own communities and web spaces. It's up to you to provide the nitty-gritty details that make your community special. No news is too small - from Little League to college scholarships, professional accolades to pie-baking contests, volunteer opportunities to neighborhood watch programs. Get involved and help our community grow!

Members

  • Annie Marie
  • Lisa
  • Gloria
  • David
  • Elizabeth Daniell
  • orlando rosario
  • Natalie
  • Patricia Sommer
  • Camilla Rivera
  • Mondush Doozy
  • Alexa Simpson
  • Michelle Bagnasco
  • Carol Monahan
  • Deborah Meyer
  • DJ KenFused (Ken Anolin)
  • sonia johnson
  • Stephanie Zuccaro
  • Gretchen Hughes
  • Julie Boll
  • Alison Cambron
  • Chris Johnson
  • Jennifer Forbes
  • Alison Fleck
  • Paul Burke
  • Alisha
  • Erin Saxton
  • Lisa Reilly

Events

March 16

Tuesday

March 17

Wednesday

March 21

Sunday

March 27

Saturday

  • Benicia In Bloom

    March 27, 2010 from 11am to 5pm – First Street

    March 27th 11a.m. -5 p.m. The annual Spring Open House celebrates the greener side of spring with demonstrations from our eco-friendly partners. Merchants, Restaurants and Businesses showcase the lat

    Organized by Benicia | Type: open, house

April 2

Friday

  • First Fridays on First

    April 2, 2010 from 6pm to 9pm – First Street

    Every first Friday of the month, April through November, 6-9 p.m. Follow the colorful flags down First Street where shops and restaurants offer festivities and prize drawings. A wide variety of music

    Organized by benicia | Type: movie

April 16

Friday

April 29

Thursday

  • Farmers Market

    April 29, 2010 at 4pm to May 6, 2010 at 8pm – market

    Last Thursday of April through end of October, 4-8 p.m. Benicia Main Street draws many people to its popular Farmers Market. The Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, gourmet food,

    Organized by benicia | Type: farmers, market

May 2

Sunday

Photos

Loading…

Benicia Virtual Map/ Weather Radar

Forum

MJ Klimenko, MFT, CHT

Do You Know Where Your Child Is?

Started by MJ Klimenko, MFT, CHT in Benicia News Mar 8.

Erik Umenhofer

Benicia Middle School Girls Attack Student

Started by Erik Umenhofer in Benicia News Nov. 30, 2009.

Erik Umenhofer

Captain Blythers Closes? 1 Reply

Started by Erik Umenhofer in Benicia News. Last reply by Lourdes Ortiz Nov. 25, 2009.

Jennifer Forbes

A Little Bit Of Crime Right Next to My House 4 Replies

Started by Jennifer Forbes in Benicia News. Last reply by Jun Lee Jan 1.

Blog Posts

Jen

Hi, I'm looking for a job.

I'm coming back to Benicia around June of 2010, and am looking for employment. I few years back I was a nanny in Los Altos for 3 years, and am considering a nanny position now if I find the right situation. I also have extensive experience in Customer Service, as well as, Administrative and Medical Transcription experience within the Healthcare field, and my interpersonal skills are phenomenal! I have excellent references and my resume is ready to send. I'm am an extremely responsible person wit… Continue

Posted by Jen on February 28, 2010 at 12:30pm

Patricia Sommer

So many wonderful artists

WOW!!! I have been enjoying looking at all the art work and meeting the artists.

Posted by Patricia Sommer on January 29, 2010 at 10:56pm

Patricia Sommer

The love of life.

I am learning to love life once again after emergency surgery followed up by chemotherapy for advanced stage cancer. I did not expect to survive but it is now going into year seven. I'm still healing from not only that but adjusting to being retired. I enjoy gardening and am making a lot of new friends. I became disabled thirteen years ago and had to learn to enjoy life in a new way. I soon discovered that friends began to disappear and it took a bit of time for me to realize and then accept tha… Continue

Posted by Patricia Sommer on January 29, 2010 at 9:45pm

Rem Djemilev

Classical Music Instruction for All Levels

Conductor and Music Director/Violin, Viola and Piano Teacher Rem Djemilev is now accepting students in Benicia and surrounding areas on Violin, Viola and Piano.
Lessons are available on weekends in my Benicia Studio.
For further info, please, e-mail me at:

remdjem@comcast.net

Check Bio at: www.ypco.org

Posted by Rem Djemilev on December 29, 2009 at 8:17pm

Ken Paulk

Benicia Friends

I want to add anyone and everyone who resides in Benicia as a friend!

Posted by Ken Paulk on July 13, 2009 at 3:54pm

Azeta Towfighi

Need a place to rent

Anyone looking for a place to rent?! There are two homes one in Vallejo off of Redwood Parkway and Ascot. A spacious two story 4 bedroom & 3 bathroom home in a court for rent. The other in Benicia on Willow Court a nice 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom. Contact me via e-mail and or phone.

Posted by Azeta Towfighi on May 10, 2009 at 1:36pm — 4 Comments

Steve Thompson

Solano County Youth Orchestra

We are looking for high school and college level players for the Solano County Youth Symphony.

Rehearsals are Monday evenings at 6 pm. For more information:

www.solanocountyyouthorchestra.org

Posted by Steve Thompson on May 1, 2009 at 9:53pm

Kim

yaught rental 7-4-09??

Looking for a chartered small yaught rental for about 10 people. Does anyone know of anyone?

Posted by Kim on April 26, 2009 at 1:52pm

Terrie Yarussi

Seeking employment in Benicia

I am seeking a full time Administrative Assistant position in Benicia.


Thank you,

Terrie
terrieyarussi@gmail.com

Posted by Terrie Yarussi on March 25, 2009 at 3:50am

City of Benicia.com's Daily Inspiration

 
 

Benicia Weather

Birthdays

There are no birthdays today


City of Benicia.com Job Board

Medical Claims — Partnership Healthplan of Ca — Fairfield, CA

Our Mission: To help the members and communities we serve be healthy. Medical Claims Positions Available Are you looking for a stable company, that offers ...

Human Resources Administrative Assistant — A2z Placement — Vallejo, CA•West Covina, CA

Human Resource Assistant/Admin Needed Fun, business-casual environment! Our national advertising agency is rapidly growing and looking to hire a ...

Assistant Store Manager — Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies — Vacaville, CA•Santa Rosa, CA

The road to becoming the nations' largest retailer of swimming pool supplies and related products began in 1963 when the first Leslie's ...

HOME INSPECTION - Training Available — Skilled Labor Careers — Suisun City, CA•Antioch, CA

#sl-post-main-wrap {font-family:"Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; background:#000 url(http://slc.images.lg1x5z.simplecdn.net/body-bg.jpg) repeat-x 0 0;width:747px;border:1px solid #333;margin:5px auto;padding:0 0 0 0 ...

Hotel Front Desk Clerk — V.A.C.S. — Fairfield, CA•Vallejo, CA

Hotel Front Desk Clerk We have Entry Level and Experienced Level positions available! Job Purpose: Serves guests by completing registration; controlling room ...

Concerts near Benicia

Wednesday 17th: Gilberto Gil tickets at Zellerbach Auditorium Berkeley

Gilberto Gil tickets at Zellerbach Auditorium Uc Berkeley Berkeley 94720 on 2010-03-17

Friday 19th: Altan tickets at Zellerbach Auditorium Berkeley

Altan tickets at Zellerbach Auditorium Uc Berkeley Berkeley 94720 on 2010-03-19

Saturday Mar 20th: Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra tickets at Zellerbach Auditorium Berkeley

Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra tickets at Zellerbach Auditorium Uc Berkeley Berkeley 94720 on 2010-03-20

Sunday Mar 21st: Ian Bostridge tickets at Zellerbach Auditorium Berkeley

Ian Bostridge tickets at Zellerbach Auditorium Uc Berkeley Berkeley 94720 on 2010-03-21

Friday Apr 9th: Robbie Fulks tickets at Freight & Salvage Berkeley

Robbie Fulks tickets at Freight & Salvage 1111 Addison St Berkeley 94702 on 2010-04-09
 

© 2010   Created by Tony on Ning.   Create a Ning Network!

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy  |  Terms of Service

Sign in to chat!