Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where local stories, voices, and issues come to life.

In today's episode host, Ruben Brunt, joined by co-host Rick Watson, and our producers Andy and Bart are joined by a very special guest — Benicia Mayor Steve Young — to discuss the major news shaking our city: Valero’s recent announcement to end operations in Benicia.

For decades, Valero has played a major role in our local economy and community. But now, as they signal their intent to transition away from refining in Benicia, we’re facing big questions — about jobs, about the city’s budget, about our future.

Mayor Young joins us to break it all down: what we know so far, what’s still unknown, and how the city is preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Whether you're a longtime resident or just tuning into Benicia’s local affairs, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of Benicia Voice, Host Ruben Brunt and Co-Host Rick Watson are joined by Producers Andy and Bart for a timely discussion on how international tariffs are impacting life right here in Benicia.

Andy—both a local business owner and importer/exporter with China—shares firsthand how shifting trade policies affect pricing, logistics, and the day-to-day reality for small businesses.

Together, the team explores how these global economic dynamics are shaping our local economy, from city revenue to community resilience.

Tune in for a grounded, local perspective on a global issue.

In this urgent episode of Benicia Voice, hosts Ruben and Rick along with producers Andy and Bart sit down to talk about the news that’s sending shockwaves through our city: Valero is leaving Benicia.

What does this mean for our local economy, city budget, jobs, and environment? How did we get here—and what’s next for Benicia without its largest industrial presence?

We’ll unpack what’s known so far, explore community reactions, and discuss the challenges and opportunities this historic moment brings.

🎧 Don’t miss this critical conversation about Benicia’s future.

Welcome to Benicia Voice, where we spotlight the people, stories, and events that make our community shine, with host, Ruben Brunt, joined by co-host Rick Watson.

In this episode, Ruben and Rick sit down with the incredibly talented guitarist Bryan Kehoe to talk music, creativity, and his upcoming shows at Lucca Beer Garden right here in Benicia.

From his musical journey to what fans can expect at his performances, this is a fun, laid-back conversation full of local flavor.

🎶 Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Brian’s music, this episode brings you behind the scenes of one of our community’s favorite local guitarist!

Listen now and catch Brian live at Lucca's!

https://www.luccabar.com/new-page

Welcome to Benicia Voice, where host, Ruben Brunt, and co-host Rick Watson spotlight the people, stories, and events that make our community shine!

In today’s episode, we’re joined by two special guests — Gretchen and Max from the Kiwanis Club of Benicia — to talk about one of the most beloved family traditions in town: the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Benicia City Park.

Mark your calendars! This year’s event takes place on Sunday, April 20, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, and it's shaping up to be egg-stra special. Whether you're a parent, a kid, or just a fan of community fun, you won’t want to miss this festive spring celebration.

Let’s hop right into it!

https://kiwanisbenicia.org/events/easteregghunt/

In this episode of Benicia Voice, we’re diving into a hot topic with real local consequences — tariffs.

Host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson sit down with producers Andy and Bart to unpack how recent tariff changes could be affecting Benicia’s small businesses, local supply chains, and even the price of your next grocery run or Friday night beer.

It’s a smart, down-to-earth conversation about global policy with a local lens — and what it all means for the people of Benicia.

Tune in and stay informed — right here on Benicia Voice.

Spring is in the air and the music is flowing!

In this episode of Benicia Voice, we’re talking all things live music for April at one of Benicia’s favorite spots — Lucca’s Beer Garden.

Join host Ruben and producers Andy and Bart as they chat with Chris and Deb of Lucca’s about the April performer lineup, featuring great talent, great vibes, and everything you need to know to plan your next night out.

Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, this episode will get you excited for what’s coming to the stage at Lucca's Beer Garden!

So press play — the sound of Benicia starts here. 🍻🎶

https://www.luccabar.com/new-page

PS: Listen all the way through to find out how to enter in a drawing for a special prize to get a $200 credit toward a Benicia Performing Arts Band to use for a local event or party!

Please send your comments and suggestions to [email protected]

Welcome to Benicia Voice with host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson — the podcast where local stories, sounds, and scenes come alive.

On today’s episode, we’re talking about Fiestas Primavera, a brand-new cultural celebration happening right here in Benicia on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

We’re joined by our producers, Andy and Bart, as we dive into what makes this spring festival so special — a vibrant showcase of Latino culture, featuring live music, folklórico dancers, artisan vendors, community groups, and of course, incredible food.

It’s a full day of color, rhythm, and connection — a fresh tradition blooming in the heart of our hometown.

Fiestas Primavera will take place at Benicia City Park from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is brought to you in collaboration with Solano Aids Coalition, UNIDOS, Benicia Black Lives Matter, and the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation. The event celebrates the arrival of spring while highlighting the rich diversity of our community.

Attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of performances, delicious bites from Latinx food trucks, arts and crafts, and fun, family-friendly activities for all ages.

Let’s get into it.

https://solanoaidscoalition.org/fiestas-primavara

Welcome to Benicia Voice with host Ruben Brunt and Co-Host Rick Watson, the podcast where local stories, sounds, and scenes come alive.

On today’s episode, we’re turning the spotlight on a powerhouse night of world music just up the road in Sonoma. Ardeshir Farah of the legendary duo Strunz & Farah teams up with the fiery Latin-fusion band Incendio for a spellbinding performance you won’t want to miss.

It all goes down at the Sebastiani Theatre – 476 1st St E, Sonoma, CA – on Saturday, March 29th at 8:00 PM. Arrive early at 7:00 PM to catch the opening music of TeYo and settle in for an unforgettable night.

Presented by the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation and Frazier Trager Presents, this is more than a concert—it’s a cultural celebration.

Get all the details and your tickets at: ftpresents.com/events/ardeshir-farah-incendio

Stay with us—more music, more voices, and more of what makes our community shine, coming up next on Benicia Voice.

Accessibility Workshop!!

https://www.daliawebdesign.com/accessible-websites/ada-compliance-workshop/

Greetings from the Benicia Voice podcast. Today we have a very interesting topic to discuss which is an accessibility workshop being put on at the Benicia Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, March 26 at 11:30 AM. Dalia Nino is putting on The Workshop, as she is a web site designer. Dalia , will be joined by Ruben and Rick on the Benicia Voice podcast to give hands-on examples of how Accessibility works every day for Disabled people. So please come join us, see the link below to access Dalia‘s website, and sign up to attend. maybe, if we are all lucky executive producers Bart and Andy will be joining us.

Thanks for listening.