Dear Benicia Community,

For many this week, the pedestrian bridge coming down has been top of mind. For those not aware, the pedestrian bridge on Military West near Mary Farmar Elementary School was struck by a commercial truck in the early morning hours of January 31^st.  The Benicia Police Department immediately responded along with our Public Works staff.  It was quickly determined that the bridge was not only badly damaged and needed to be closed, but the road beneath it also needed to be closed to prevent a potential disaster.  After being examined by engineers, it was determined that the bridge could not be fixed and had to come down. The plan was to take the bridge down last Friday, February 3rd. However, the bridge continued to shift and the damage began expanding, forcing the City to move more quickly and take it down on Wednesday, February 1st before it collapsed.

Meanwhile, our Police Department conducted an investigation into the incident. It was determined that a Republic Services garbage truck impacted the bridge. Republic Services leadership has acknowledged that and taken accountability for the incident. It is important to note that they are fully insured, and the City will begin working with their insurance company regarding compensation for the City in this matter.  That process will take some time.

The pedestrian bridge has existed for nearly two generations, creating a nostalgic feel each time one journeys across. While the poignancy of the pedestrian bridge is ever present, the primary concern is its service for many children (and adults) to use the overcrossing to avoid having to cross the busy Military West roadway.  The public has concerns about the safety of those who will now have to cross that roadway.  We empathize with those concerns, and we are looking at interim and longer-term solutions to improve pedestrian safety in the area.  Additionally, Council has made it clear they want the City to move quickly and come to them with options moving forward.  We are committed to bringing those options to Council.  Meanwhile, the Police Department will have an increased presence in the area and they are working closely with the Benicia Unified School District on a response. 

We are recommending those impacted who usually use the bridge, to cross at the lighted crosswalk at West 10^th and Military West or the lighted crosswalk at Denfield Avenue and Military West.

Erik Upson
City Manager

James Lemos Pool

The James Lemos pool has reopened for the 2023 aquatic season. Currenlty the pool is open for lap swim only. Please visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us/aquatics for the full schedule and information about swim passes and entry fees. 

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Benicia Police Department Cadet Program

Explore career in law enforcement, become a Cadet! Cadets have the opportunity to...
- Learn and practice services provided by law enforcement
- Provide community service
- Learn discipline and respect
- Enhance communication skills
- Participate in law enforcement competitions
- And much more!

Applicants must be 14-21 years old, live or work in the City of Benicia, maintain a good GPA and pass an examination process. Learn more about the Youth Cadet Program today! If you have questions, please email Sgt. King at [email protected].

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Benicia Public Library Celebrate Black History

As we enter Black History Month, the Benicia Public Library invites you to learn more about contributions of Black Americans. Within our vast resources you will find thousands of books, movies, and other formats about Black historical figures and materials produced by Black Americans. 

We are commemorating Black History Month by hosting a new program in partnership with the Committee United for Racial Equity (CURE): a bi-monthly discussion called VIBE (Values, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity) Check. Participants will discuss important topics in our community. The 1st session on Wednesday, February 22, at 7pm in the library’s Doña Benicia room, will explore the topic of education.

Go to: benicialibrary.org/vibe-check for future dates and topics.

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All Benicia Can Save

As a part of the continuing sustainability challenge “All Benicia Can Save” series, the Benicia Public Library will welcome Jeffrey A. Mann, M.D. from Climate Health Now on Thursday, February 9th at 7pm for a unique presentation titled “Climate Solutions ARE Health Solutions.” Dr. Mann, a local orthopedic surgeon, will discuss the impacts of climate change on human health and what health professionals are doing to make a difference. 

The library invites you to pick up a free copy of All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis - yours to keep - or borrow the ebook through the Libby app. Using this book as a platform, the library is hosting presentations and workshops to explore the impacts of the ongoing climate crisis and what we can do about it. 

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Community Survey

The City of Benicia is conducting a survey to better understand the needs of our community. For those who were selected in the random sample and received a survey in the mail, we encourage you to participate. For those who did not receive a survey in the mail, the survey will open to the entire community on February 17th. We will share the link in the February 20th newsletter.

First Annual State of the City

The City of Benicia, in partnership with the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, is hosting the first annual State of the City event. The event will be a luncheon on February 22nd at 11:30 a.m. at the Benicia Clock Tower. Attendees will hear updates from City staff on the State of the City in 2023 and a presentation from Economic Specialist, Dr. Robert Eyler. Registration is $45/person, lunch included.

Register

Upcoming Events

See events

What's going on in Benicia? Visit our events calendar on VisitBenicia.org to see events by local businesses, community events, and more!
 City of Benicia Meetings

City Council
February 7, 2023 - 6:00 PM

Agendas for City Council, Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings are available at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas.

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