🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

On today’s episode, host Greg is joined by producers Andy and Bart for another timely conversation about Benicia, the challenges facing the community, and the decisions that will help shape the city’s future.

Their special guest is Benicia City Council member Kari Birdseye, who is currently running for re-election to the City Council in 2026.

Kari joins the Benicia Voice team to talk about her first term on the City Council, the challenges and opportunities ahead for Benicia, her vision for the city’s future, and what she hopes to help accomplish during a second term.

The conversation explores some of the major issues facing Benicia, including the city’s finances and economic future, the transition surrounding the Valero refinery, diversifying Benicia’s economy and tax base, infrastructure and street improvements, environmental protection, and how the community can grow while preserving the character that makes Benicia such a special place.

It’s another important community conversation about Benicia—where we are today, the choices ahead, and what the next four years could mean for the city.

🎧 Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

Learn more about Kari Birdseye and her 2026 re-election campaign at Vote Kari Birdseye.

Benicia Voice Sponsors:

Lucca's beer garden

Andrew Urban - My Urban Home Team

Got Watts - Electric Solar and HVAC

Escape Studio

Benicia Performing Arts Foundation

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

On today’s episode, host Ruben is joined by co-host Greg, along with producers Andy and Bart, for a conversation about Benicia and the important decisions facing the community.

Their special guest is Benicia City Council member Terry Scott, who is currently running for re-election to the City Council in 2026.

Terry joins the Benicia Voice team to talk about his first term on the City Council, the challenges and opportunities ahead for Benicia, his vision for the city’s future, and what he hopes to help accomplish during a second term.

The conversation touches on some of the major issues facing Benicia, including the city’s finances, economic development, the future of the Valero site, downtown and waterfront revitalization, housing, public safety, and maintaining Benicia’s quality of life.

It’s another timely community conversation about Benicia—where we’ve been, where we are today, and where the city goes from here.

🎧 Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

Learn more about Terry Scott and his 2026 re-election campaign at Terry Scott 2026.

In this episode of the Benicia Voice we talk to Chris Robinson about the upcoming 4th annual Guitar Festival at Lucca Beet Garden.

The Lucca Guitar Festival starts on Thursday August 20th and finishes on Sunday August 23rd at Lucca Beer Garden in Benicia.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with hosts Greg and Ruben, along with producer Bart.

In this episode, Greg, Ruben, and Bart talk about two great ways to get out, have some fun, and enjoy the Benicia community — the Lucca Beer Garden Guitar Festival and Benicia bocce!

🎸 First up is the 2026 Lucca Beer Garden Guitar Festival, happening August 20–23. Four days celebrating the guitar and live music at one of downtown Benicia’s favorite outdoor gathering spots.

The guys talk about the festival, Benicia’s vibrant local music scene, and what makes Lucca Bar & Grill and its Beer Garden such a popular destination for live entertainment. Check out the Lucca Beer Garden events schedule for the latest lineup.

⚪ Then we head to the bocce courts! Greg, Ruben, and Bart discuss the growing popularity of bocce in Benicia — the leagues, the social side of the game, and why this centuries-old sport is such a great fit for our community.

Whether you're ready to listen to some great guitar playing or roll a few bocce balls with friends, there’s plenty happening around town.

Tune in today and join the conversation!

🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive!

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with host Greg and producers Andy and Bart.

In this episode, Greg, Andy, and Bart dive into a topic that affects just about everyone: tipping.

From coffee shops and restaurants to delivery apps, self-checkout kiosks, and service professionals, tipping has become a growing part of everyday life. When is it appropriate? Has tipping culture gone too far? How do service workers depend on tips, and what are the expectations on both sides of the transaction?

The conversation explores the changing culture of tipping, the economic realities facing workers and businesses, and the sometimes awkward decisions consumers make every day.

Whether you're someone who always tips generously, carefully weighs each situation, or simply wonders how tipping has evolved, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on a topic that sparks opinions everywhere.

Tune in today and join the conversation!

🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive!

Welcome to the 🎙️ Benicia Voice Podcast with host Greg alongside producers Andy and Bart.

In this episode, Greg, Andy, and Bart preview one of Benicia's signature summer traditions—Benicia Shakespeare in the Park coming to Marina Pavilion Green in Benicia this Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

This production will be Richard III, one of Shakespeare's most gripping historical dramas, Richard III follows the ambitious Duke of Gloucester as he schemes, manipulates, and murders his way to England's throne. Filled with unforgettable characters, political intrigue, and one of Shakespeare's most memorable villains, it's a timeless story of power, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked greed.

🎶 Be sure to arrive early and enjoy pre-show music presented by the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, creating the perfect atmosphere before this free outdoor performance begins.

Whether you're a lifelong Shakespeare enthusiast or looking for a memorable way to spend a summer afternoon with family and friends, this episode will get you ready for a wonderful community event.

Tune in today—and we'll see you at Shakespeare in the Park!

🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive!

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

Welcome to another episode of the Benicia Voice Podcast, where community conversations come alive.

Join host Ruben, along with producer Andy, for another engaging conversation featuring people who are making a difference in their communities.

In this episode, they're joined by special guest Kathryn from Arizona, who shares her inspiring work supporting people with visual impairments. Kathryn discusses the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or have low vision, the importance of accessibility and inclusion, and how communities can create more opportunities for independence, employment, and meaningful participation.

Whether you're interested in advocacy, accessibility, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of people making a positive impact, this thoughtful conversation is one you won't want to miss.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast—let's get started!

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast!

Welcome to another episode of the Benicia Voice Podcast, where community conversations come alive.

Join host Ruben, along with co-host Greg and producer Bart, for an engaging discussion about what's happening right here in Benicia.

Today's special guest is Andrew Urban of My Urban Home Team, who joins the show to share the latest insights into the Benicia real estate market. From current housing trends and home values to what's driving today's market and what buyers and sellers should know, this episode offers valuable information for anyone interested in local real estate.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, investing, or simply want to stay informed about the community, you'll enjoy this informative conversation.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast—let's get started!