Benicia Voice

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

On today's episode, hosts Ruben, Courtney, and Greg, along with producer Bart, bring listeners a special presentation from the League of Women Voters of Solano County.

The Benicia Voice team is recording the League's “Pondering Propositions” presentation, an informative, nonpartisan discussion of the 14 California statewide propositions appearing on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

From affordable housing and state finances to election reforms and other important public policy issues, California voters face decisions that could shape the state's future for years to come.

Using the League of Women Voters' comprehensive 2026 Pros & Cons Guide, the presentation examines what the propositions would do, their potential financial and community impacts, and the arguments offered by supporters and opponents.

Rather than telling people how to vote, the goal is to help voters look beyond campaign advertising and political messaging, understand the issues, and make their own informed decisions.

By bringing this presentation to listeners, Benicia Voice continues its commitment to providing reliable information, encouraging thoughtful discussion, and helping our community participate in the democratic process.

📖 Want to learn more about the propositions?

Read the League of Women Voters' complete, free 2026 Pros & Cons Guide, covering all 14 statewide propositions:

https://my.lwv.org/sites/default/files/pc-nov2026.pdf

For more information about the League of Women Voters visit:

https://my.lwv.org/california/solano-county⁠

🎧 Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast—where community voices, informed conversations, and civic engagement come together!

On today’s episode, hosts Courtney and Greg are joined by producer Bart Sullivan for an important conversation about Benicia’s financial future and three local ballot measures that voters will decide in the upcoming November 3, 2026, election.

Their special guest is Benicia Mayor Steve Young, who joins the Benicia Voice team to discuss Measures X, Y, and Z, what each measure proposes, why they are on the ballot, and how they could affect Benicia residents, businesses, and the community's future.

The conversation explores three important proposals:

• Measure X – Business License Modernization: Would restructure Benicia’s business license tax, exempt smaller businesses with annual receipts of $100,000 or less, and establish new tax rates for other businesses, including marine terminal operations.

• Measure Y – Limited City Charter: Would establish a limited city charter while preserving Benicia’s existing council-manager form of government, allowing Measure Z to take effect if both measures are approved by voters.

• Measure Z – Real Property Transfer Tax: Would establish a tax on certain real estate transactions, including commercial properties, newly constructed homes, and higher-value property sales, while exempting existing homes sold for $2 million or less.

Mayor Young discusses the city's financial challenges, the potential effects of the Valero refinery closure, the need for sustainable city revenues, and what these proposals could mean for maintaining essential services and planning for Benicia’s future.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or simply someone who cares about Benicia, these are important issues worth understanding before casting your ballot.

It's another timely community conversation focused on helping residents stay informed, hear directly from local leadership, and make their own decisions about the future of the city.

🎧 Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast—where local issues, community voices, and informed conversations come together!

For additional information, including official ballot language and impartial analyses, visit the City of Benicia's Election Information page.

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

On today’s episode, hosts Courtney and Ruben are joined by producers Andy and Bart for a lively conversation about music, the arts, and an exciting community event coming to Benicia!

The spotlight is on Local & Live Benicia, a celebration of local talent, live entertainment, and the creative spirit that makes Benicia such a special place.

The Benicia Voice team explores how Local & Live brings together musicians, artists, local businesses, and community members to showcase the incredible talent found right here in our own backyard.

The conversation touches on the importance of supporting local performers, creating opportunities for emerging artists, and bringing people together through the shared experience of live music and entertainment.

It's another great example of how Benicia's vibrant arts community continues to enrich the city, support local businesses, and bring neighbors together.

🎧 Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast—where local voices, local talent, and community connections take center stage!

Learn more about the event at Local & Live Benicia.

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

On today’s episode, producer Andy is joined by producer Bart to bring listeners a special edition of the Benicia Voice Podcast featuring the Benicia City Council Candidate Community Q&A held September 29, 2026.

Benicia Voice recently brought together City Council candidates Terry Scott, Kari Birdseye, and Justin Zollars for a live, informal conversation at The Escape Studio in Benicia.

Rather than a traditional candidate forum, the evening was designed as a community conversation—giving Benicia residents the opportunity to bring their own questions, hear directly from the candidates, and discuss the issues that matter to our community.

In this episode, listeners will hear from the candidates themselves as they respond to questions from Benicia residents and share their perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and decisions facing the city.

It’s exactly what Benicia Voice is about: creating a place where neighbors can connect, ask questions, hear different perspectives, and become more engaged in the community we all call home.

🎧 Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast—and our special coverage of the 2026 Benicia City Council Candidate Q&A!

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

On today’s episode, host Greg is joined by producers Andy and Bart for another timely conversation about Benicia, the challenges facing the community, and the decisions that will help shape the city’s future.

Their special guest is Benicia City Council member Kari Birdseye, who is currently running for re-election to the City Council in 2026.

Kari joins the Benicia Voice team to talk about her first term on the City Council, the challenges and opportunities ahead for Benicia, her vision for the city’s future, and what she hopes to help accomplish during a second term.

The conversation explores some of the major issues facing Benicia, including the city’s finances and economic future, the transition surrounding the Valero refinery, diversifying Benicia’s economy and tax base, infrastructure and street improvements, environmental protection, and how the community can grow while preserving the character that makes Benicia such a special place.

It’s another important community conversation about Benicia—where we are today, the choices ahead, and what the next four years could mean for the city.

🎧 Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

Learn more about Kari Birdseye and her 2026 re-election campaign at Vote Kari Birdseye.

Benicia Voice Sponsors:

Lucca's beer garden

Andrew Urban - My Urban Home Team

Got Watts - Electric Solar and HVAC

Escape Studio

Benicia Performing Arts Foundation

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

On today’s episode, host Ruben is joined by co-host Greg, along with producers Andy and Bart, for a conversation about Benicia and the important decisions facing the community.

Their special guest is Benicia City Council member Terry Scott, who is currently running for re-election to the City Council in 2026.

Terry joins the Benicia Voice team to talk about his first term on the City Council, the challenges and opportunities ahead for Benicia, his vision for the city’s future, and what he hopes to help accomplish during a second term.

The conversation touches on some of the major issues facing Benicia, including the city’s finances, economic development, the future of the Valero site, downtown and waterfront revitalization, housing, public safety, and maintaining Benicia’s quality of life.

It’s another timely community conversation about Benicia—where we’ve been, where we are today, and where the city goes from here.

🎧 Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

Learn more about Terry Scott and his 2026 re-election campaign at Terry Scott 2026.

In this episode of the Benicia Voice we talk to Chris Robinson about the upcoming 4th annual Guitar Festival at Lucca Beet Garden.

The Lucca Guitar Festival starts on Thursday August 20th and finishes on Sunday August 23rd at Lucca Beer Garden in Benicia.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with hosts Greg and Ruben, along with producer Bart.

In this episode, Greg, Ruben, and Bart talk about two great ways to get out, have some fun, and enjoy the Benicia community — the Lucca Beer Garden Guitar Festival and Benicia bocce!

🎸 First up is the 2026 Lucca Beer Garden Guitar Festival, happening August 20–23. Four days celebrating the guitar and live music at one of downtown Benicia’s favorite outdoor gathering spots.

The guys talk about the festival, Benicia’s vibrant local music scene, and what makes Lucca Bar & Grill and its Beer Garden such a popular destination for live entertainment. Check out the Lucca Beer Garden events schedule for the latest lineup.

⚪ Then we head to the bocce courts! Greg, Ruben, and Bart discuss the growing popularity of bocce in Benicia — the leagues, the social side of the game, and why this centuries-old sport is such a great fit for our community.

Whether you're ready to listen to some great guitar playing or roll a few bocce balls with friends, there’s plenty happening around town.

Tune in today and join the conversation!

🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive!

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with host Greg and producers Andy and Bart.

In this episode, Greg, Andy, and Bart dive into a topic that affects just about everyone: tipping.

From coffee shops and restaurants to delivery apps, self-checkout kiosks, and service professionals, tipping has become a growing part of everyday life. When is it appropriate? Has tipping culture gone too far? How do service workers depend on tips, and what are the expectations on both sides of the transaction?

The conversation explores the changing culture of tipping, the economic realities facing workers and businesses, and the sometimes awkward decisions consumers make every day.

Whether you're someone who always tips generously, carefully weighs each situation, or simply wonders how tipping has evolved, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on a topic that sparks opinions everywhere.

Tune in today and join the conversation!

🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive!

Welcome to the 🎙️ Benicia Voice Podcast with host Greg alongside producers Andy and Bart.

In this episode, Greg, Andy, and Bart preview one of Benicia's signature summer traditions—Benicia Shakespeare in the Park coming to Marina Pavilion Green in Benicia this Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

This production will be Richard III, one of Shakespeare's most gripping historical dramas, Richard III follows the ambitious Duke of Gloucester as he schemes, manipulates, and murders his way to England's throne. Filled with unforgettable characters, political intrigue, and one of Shakespeare's most memorable villains, it's a timeless story of power, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked greed.

🎶 Be sure to arrive early and enjoy pre-show music presented by the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, creating the perfect atmosphere before this free outdoor performance begins.

Whether you're a lifelong Shakespeare enthusiast or looking for a memorable way to spend a summer afternoon with family and friends, this episode will get you ready for a wonderful community event.

Tune in today—and we'll see you at Shakespeare in the Park!

🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive!