🌱 Patch AM: How will Benicia spend its unexpected $40 million refinery settlement?

Hey there, Benicia! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How will Benicia spend its unexpected $40 million refinery settlement?
• Benicia High crushes Jesse Bethel 49–6 in Week 2 matchup

Also on today's calendar: Martini Shake Off and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 79 and low of 56 degrees.
• Sunday: Sunny; breezy in the p.m., temps: high: 79, low: 55.
• Monday: Sunny and warmer, with a high of 89 and low of 58 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

• Benicia Receives $40 Million Following Valero Refinery Pollution Settlement (claycord.com) — Benicia has just received a $40 million payout tied to decades of alleged pollution from the Valero refinery, with $30 million going to citywide clean air and energy projects and $10 million to local schools. City leaders say the money will fund trees, air monitoring, and efficiency upgrades, but warn that refinery downsizing still leaves Benicia facing serious budget challenges and long-term health concerns.
   

• High school football 2026: Week 2 scores, Saturday's schedule (eastbaytimes.com) — Benicia High's football team rolled past Jesse Bethel 49–6 in Week 2 action, highlighting a strong start to the season for local fans. The full roundup also lists dozens of other Bay Area scores and today's matchups, giving Benicia residents a quick way to track regional rivals and upcoming games across Northern California.
   

📸 Around Benicia

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Benicia

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Saturday September 12
• Martini Shake Off →
  525 Henrietta St, Martinez
  6:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday September 5
• Poetry By The Cup Open Mic →
  Moschetti Artisan Roastery, 11 6th St, Vallejo
  11:00 am
Monday September 7
• BUSD Closed in Observance of Labor Day
  Benicia Unified Benicia, CA 94510
  8:00 am
Tuesday September 8
• Girls Volleyball Game @ Benicia
  Benicia Middle Benicia, CA 94510
  4:30 pm
• Perform with the Golden Gate Symphony! →
  Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1400 E 2nd St, Benicia
  7:00 pm
Thursday September 10
• Back to School Night
  Benicia High Benicia, CA 94510
  6:00 pm
Saturday September 12
• Harvest Fair →
  Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library, 505 Santa Clara St, Vallejo
  11:00 am
• Poetry In The Palazzo →
  Vacaville Museum, 213 Buck Ave, Vacaville
  6:00 pm
Sunday September 13
• Rodeo Car Show Pancake Breakfast →
  Lefty Gomez Recreation Center, 470 Parker Ave, Rodeo
  7:30 am
• Rodeo Chili & Salsa Cook Off and Car Show →
  Lefty Gomez Field, 470 Parker Ave, Rodeo, CA, 94572
  11:00 am
Saturday September 19
• Benicia Oktoberfest & Marketplace →
  The Benicia Green, Benicia
  11:00 am
Sunday September 20
• I Need A Mic: Open Mic Poetry →
  The City Arts Gallery, 420 Virginia St, Vallejo
  12:00 pm

📣 Benicia Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• After a bit of searching, I've found an example of a Flock Safety captured image from a Police Department in Missouri.
  As it's a photo of one of their own Tahoes, it would seem to be immune to any rules against releasing images to the general public. (Nextdoor Lower Eastside)

• InstaSwim posted a job opening for Private Swim Instructor in Vallejo. Apply here.
• Six Flags, Inc. posted a job opening for Marine Mammal Apprentice $17-$20/HR Vallejo, CA in Vallejo. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Benicia here.

🗞 Nearby News

Vallejo

• Vallejo's McCune Collection features historical treasures (vallejosun.com)
• Vallejo set to pass resolution honoring Pearl Pinson (timesheraldonline.com)
• Chris Platzer runs for Vallejo District 4 City Council seat (timesheraldonline.com)

Martinez

• California county considers cutting ties with ICE but its sheriff says no (theoaklandpress.com)

Concord

• Unlicensed Businesses Targeted In Contra Costa Tax Data Deal (patch.com)

Ok Benicia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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