Benicia News: School Board race, new business funding and developers target local hawk

(Kelly Haller / Matt Gush / Adobe)

School Board candidate deadline approaches

Three seats on the Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees are open for election this November and five candidates are running – including two incumbents.

Why it matters: Board members will continue to face tough budget decisions after years of persistent structural deficits, with state budget cuts, declining student enrollment and declining daily attendance.

Who is running: Dan Smith, a substitute teacher, is challenging incumbent Sheri Zada to represent area #1. And Erin Fernandez, a hospital billing manager, is challenging incumbent Mark Meselli to represent area #4, according to the Solano County Registrar of Voters. Incumbent Amy Hirsh has filed for reelection to fill the seat for Trustee Area #5, with no challenges so far. The candidate filing deadline is Aug. 7.

You tell us: What do you want the candidates to be talking about as they ask for your vote?

The Benicia Bridge is planning our essential election coverage on City Council and Benicia Unified School Board candidates, as well as local ballot initiatives. Let us know what topics you want candidates to talk about and what kind of coverage you want to read. Reply to this email or contact us at news@thebeniciabridge.com.

Three seats are up for election on the Benicia School Board: Area #1, Area #4 and Area #5.

In case you missed it

Only incumbents Terry Scott and Kari Birdseye had filed to run for the two Benicia City Council seats up for election in November as of earlier this week. Candidates have until 4 p.m. Friday to enter the race. City Council members face tough challenges ahead, including navigating a future without Valero and major new developments.

What we’re reading

The Benicia Independent has profiled the city’s two candidates for City Council, incumbents Kari Birdseye and Terry Scott.

California legislators are considering restrictions on how police manage Flock camera license plate data. (CalMatters)

Real estate development association petitions to remove protections for endangered hawk that nests at California Forever proposed site. (Mercury News)

New Vallejo casino suspends gambling after Department of the Interior decision (Fairfield Daily Republic)

This week

Every Wednesday until Sept 30, 11:15 am to 11:45 am, 365 Tuolumnie Street, Vallejo: People receiving or applying for food assistance through the state's CalFresh program, or those on Medi-Cal, can attend weekly meetings at the Vallejo Family Health Services Center to understand federal and state changes to these programs. Find out more about the changes, including new CalFresh work/volunteering requirements and ways to keep your benefits, including accessing job referrals.

August 13, at 9:30 pm: Businesses affected by the Valero Refinery closure can attend this virtual informational session to learn how to apply for up to $25,000 in funding from the Workforce Development Board of Solano County to help retain employees or adapt business models. Register here