Benicia Voice

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where local stories, voices, and ideas come together.

In this episode, host Ruben Brunt is joined by co-host Rick Watson and producers Andy and Bart for an engaging conversation about the latest trends in Benicia’s real estate market.

Their special guest, Andrew Urban of My Urban Home Team, shares his insights on what’s driving local housing prices, how recent economic shifts — including the planned Valero refinery closure — may impact the market, and what buyers and sellers can expect in the months ahead.

Listeners are welcomed into an informative and forward-looking discussion about Benicia’s evolving real estate landscape, community growth, and the opportunities ahead.

📍 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen — it’s the Benicia Voice Podcast, connecting you to the stories that shape our town.

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

In this special update episode, Host Rick Watson, along with producers Andy and Bart, discusses the latest developments following Valero’s decision to end refining operations in Benicia.

As one of the city’s largest employers and taxpayers, Valero has long been a cornerstone of Benicia’s economy and identity. With its closure on the horizon, the team explores what this means for local jobs, city finances, environmental impacts, and the path forward for our community.

It’s an important and timely conversation about change, resilience, and Benicia’s future.

Let’s get into it.

🎙️ Benicia Voice – San Francisco Fleet Week 2025 (with a Twist)

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where we share the stories and events that connect our community. I’m your host Ruben Brunt, joined by co-host Rick Watson and producers Andy and Bart.

This week, we’re talking about San Francisco Fleet Week 2025 — one of the Bay Area’s most beloved traditions, happening now through October 12th.

Normally, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels headline the air show with their breathtaking precision flying. But due to the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, the Blue Angels will not be flying this year.

The good news? The show will still go on — featuring the Royal Canadian Air Force and a lineup of exciting aerial demonstrations, ship tours, and waterfront events honoring the men and women who serve.

We’ll talk about what to expect, how the shutdown is affecting Fleet Week, and where you can still catch some incredible sights over the Bay.

📍 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen — it’s Benicia Voice, bringing you the best of our community and beyond.

Welcome back to Benicia Voice, the podcast that celebrates the people, stories, and spirit that make's our community shine.

In this episode, hosts Ruben and Rick—along with producer Bart—sit down once again with Deb and Chris from Lucca Beer Garden for the latest on Benicia’s live music scene. 🎶🍻

Deb and Chris share the exciting October lineup, and talk about how Lucca continues to bring our community together with great music, great food, and great company.

From fresh local acts to beloved returning bands, you’ll hear why Lucca Beer Garden remains integral to Benicia’s music scene!

📍 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Benicia Voice – Amplifying community, connection, and creativity.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where we shine a light on the issues and stories shaping our community.

Host Rick and producer Bart dive into California Proposition 50, the 2025 ballot measure on redistricting.

Prop 50 would temporarily suspend California’s independent redistricting commission and give the state Legislature control of drawing congressional maps for the 2026 through 2030 elections.

In this episode, Rick and Bart break down Prop 50 and what it means, why it’s on the ballot.

📍 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with Host Ruben, Co-Host Rick, and Producers Andy and Bart.

In this episode, we’re joined by Bob Joslin and Joe Russell from the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation to talk about Jazz O’Clock at the Clocktower, presented in partnership with Benicia’s Community Services Department.

After a successful kickoff event, the series continues with the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra—a powerhouse 17-piece big band based in the Bay Area and led by trumpeter Erik Jekabson.

Known for their mix of original compositions and inventive arrangements, ESO brings together some of the region’s finest jazz musicians, blending groove, power, beauty, and subtlety.

The evening will also spotlight the next generation of rising jazz talent—high school all-stars from the Jazzschool Community Music School and Berkeley High School—sharing the stage with this world-class ensemble.

📍 Event Details:

• Date & Time: 6:00 PM Showtime – Doors open at 5:30 PM

• Location: The Benicia Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia, CA 94510

🎟️ Tickets:

• $25 for adults (18+)

• Free for under 18 (ticket still required)

• All fees included—donations encouraged to support the arts in Benicia

🥪 Food & Drink: Bring your own! Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy it during the show.

Tune in now as Bob and Joe take us behind the scenes of Jazz O’Clock, share why the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra is such a special guest, and invite you to experience live jazz like never before—right here in Benicia!

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with Host Ruben, Co-Host Rick, and Producers Andy and Bart.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dawson from the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, who’s here to tell us all about Oktoberfest & Marketplace 2025, happening Saturday, September 20th from 11 am to 6 pm at First Street Green.

This year marks five years of Oktoberfest in Benicia! Expect three live German bands, polka dancing, stein-holding contests, and even the Bavarian chicken dance. Families will love the Mega Kids Zone with inflatables, face painting, and a root beer garden—free for kids 12 and under.

Of course, you’ll find authentic German food like schnitzel, sausages, and sauerkraut, plus beer imported straight from Bavaria. And don’t forget the marketplace with over 20 local vendors offering unique gifts and crafts.

It’s a day full of culture, music, food, and community fun—Lederhosen & Dirndl encouraged!

Tune in now and then come raise a stein with us at Oktoberfest in Benicia!

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with Host Ruben Brunt and Co-Host Rick Watson.

We’re back with the one and only Brian Kehoe, the incredibly talented guitarist, for another lively conversation about music, creativity, and his upcoming shows at Lucca Beer Garden right here in Benicia.

From his musical journey to what fans can expect at these upcoming performances, Ruben and Rick dig into what makes Brian’s sound so special — and why his live sets are a must-see.

🎶 Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Brian’s music, this episode gives you a glimpse into one of Benicia’s favorite local artists!

Welcome to Benicia Voice, the podcast that celebrates the people, stories, and spirit that make our town shine.

In this special episode, host Serena and producer Bart take you back to PorchFest Benicia 2025, held on Saturday, September 13th.

For those who want to remember the magic—and for those who may not have attended—this episode brings the day to life with conversations, highlights, and reflections from a great porchfest stage!.

From folk to rock, jazz to blues, PorchFest once again showed how music and community go hand in hand here in Benicia.

📍 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
Benicia Voice – Amplifying community, connection, and creativity.

Benicia Voice is back with hosts Rick, Ruben, and Serena, plus producers Andy and Bart, to bring you everything you need to know about one of Benicia’s most loved community events — Porchfest Benicia 2025!

When: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Where: Downtown Benicia CA

TIme: 1-5 PM

(Preshow 12:00 PM at Lucca Beer Garden)

This episode highlights what makes Porchfest so special: the music, the people, and the spaces that bring us together — porches, parks, businesses, and beer gardens.

🎶 Lady Bianca opens the day at Lucca Beer Garden with an ode to Sly & The Family Stone — don't miss the kickoff!
🏠 Over 20 venues, including iconic porches like The Old Victorian House of Blues, Sanctuary Stage, and Mary Farmar School of Rock, plus local favorites like Rellik Tavern, One House Bakery, and Benicia Yacht Club
👨‍👩‍👧 Lil’ Porch Heads Zone at Benicia City Park – featuring family activities from In Harmony Music, Kona Ice, and Lo’s Playtown
🍽️ Enjoy downtown restaurants, food trucks, beer & wine stops, and VIP Sip Stops at select venues like the Benicia Chamber of Commerce and First Street Green
🚏 Trolley stops running every 20 minutes from 12–5pm to help you move between venues with ease (locations marked with “T” on the official map)

We talk about the performers, the layout, and how Porchfest turns the whole town into a front porch — a true reflection of Benicia’s deep community spirit.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search Benicia Voice.

Benicia Voice – Amplifying community, connection, and creativity.