Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Relations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Benicia split: schools, veterans and unions laud Valero’s community support while other residents press for tougher oversight
Summary
Public comment at the council hearing split sharply. School leaders, veterans and trade-union speakers emphasized Valero’s long-term contributions and warned against damaging the local economy; other residents and environmental advocates pressed for ordinance adoption citing health impacts and past unreported emissions.
The public-comment period highlighted a sharply divided community. Benicia Unified Superintendent Damon Wright thanked Valero for long-running financial support of district programs, including the elementary STEAM program, and urged continued collaboration rather than an adversarial approach. Veterans groups and union representatives also outlined Valero’s contributions to local nonprofits, veteran services and jobs.
Opposing speakers — including community organizers and Baykeeper's counsel — said the cooperation agreement lacks enforceability and transparency, pointing to a large regional air-district enforcement action previously publicized. "This is your job to do the 1st reading and vote to go to the next level," said Terry Malika of ISHO, urging passage to protect children and neighborhoods. The council heard that these community concerns and repeated incidents motivated many supporters of the ordinance.
