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

In today’s episode, host Ruben and co-host Rick, and producers Andy and Bart are joined by a very special guest — Benicia Mayor, the Honorable Steve Young — to discuss the latest developments in Valero’s plan to wind down operations in Benicia.

For decades, Valero has been one of the city’s biggest employers, taxpayers, and community partners. But with new details emerging about the timeline and scope of the company’s exit, Benicia now faces some tough but important questions — about jobs, city revenue, environmental impacts, and what comes next for the refinery site.

Mayor Young shares the most recent updates, what the city is doing to prepare, and how this transition could reshape Benicia’s future.

Steve also discusses his personal take on prop 50.

Whether you’ve called Benicia home for years or are just tuning in to learn what’s happening locally, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Let’s get started — this is the Benicia Voice Podcast.

Here is the info discussed in the podcast about how the funds from the Valero settlement:

Local Community Investment Fund Grant Program for Benicia and Richmond

Wednesday, October 29

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PT

Event Description:

The Bay Area Air District is hosting a public webinar to discuss draft Guidelines for a new Local Community Investment Fund grant program. This program uses penalty funds collected from Air District violations to benefit communities that are most impacted by air pollution. Initial Calls for Projects will be solicited from Benicia and Richmond and surrounding communities. Air District staff will go over broad program guidelines, as well as timelines and stipulations for applying.

Registration/information Link: https://www.baaqmd.gov/en/community-health/community-investments-office?event=51777f0e-9b48-4dc4-ac5f-373461c3b17d