Benicia Voice

Welcome to Benicia Voice , the community podcast hosted by Ruben, with co-hosts Rick and Serena, joined by p[roducer Bart. Each week we bring you conversations with local leaders, artists, and changemakers making a difference in our community. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Hari Lamba , a Democratic/Independent candidate running for Congress in 2026 in California’s 8th District, which include...

In this episode of The Benicia Voice , host Ruben Brunt sits down with Jeff Tamelier —a remarkably gifted musician, producer, and educator from Benicia. Jeff has toured the globe with Starship and contributed to countless bands and projects, both on stage and behind the scenes. Jeff will be hosting the Lucca Guitar Fest on Thursday, August 21st, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM . Joining him is his longtime m...

Welcome to Benicia Voice – the podcast where we dive into the stories, people, and issues that shape our community. In today’s episode, Host Ruben and Co-Host Rick, joined by producers Andy and Bart, sit down with Jeremy Carlock , owner of Got Watts —a multifaceted general contracting company and single-source vendor for all things electric: infrastructure, solar, battery backup, and HVAC. Jeremy...

Welcome to Benicia Voice , the podcast that celebrates the people, stories, and spirit that make our town shine. In this episode, hosts Ruben and Rick—joined by producers Andy and Bart—welcome special guests Deb and Chris from Lucca Beer Garden for a lively conversation about Benicia’s music scene at Lucca Beer Garden. 🎶🍻 They give us an inside look at what’s coming up this August at Lucca Beer...

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast! Today’s episode is all about one of Benicia’s biggest summer celebrations — Benicia Waterfront Rocks ! Co-host Rick , along with producers Andy and Bart , dive into everything you need to know about this exciting two-day event happening July 26th and 27th . From live music and family-friendly activities to food, fun, and the incredible waterfront vibes, we’...

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most important and talked-about topics in our community — real estate in Benicia . Host Ruben along with producer Andy , are joined by special guest Andrew Urban of My Urban Home Team , a local real estate expert with deep roots in the area. Andrew shares insights into current real estate trends, what’s drivi...

🎙️ Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast! Today’s episode is a delicious dive into the heart of our local food scene — we’re talking all about Benicia restaurants . Host Ruben and co-host Rick , along with producers Andy and Bart , sit down to highlight the flavors, stories, and standout spots that make Benicia a true destination for food lovers. From longtime local favorites to exciting new openin...

In this patriotic episode of The Benicia Voice, Ruben provides some useful information about the upcoming 4th July Independence Day Celebrations, Parade on July 3rd, and the Firework Display at 9:30pm on July 4th in Benicia, California. Ruben also invites his executive producer Andy to explain some history of the 4th July, when the US became independent from the British.

🎙️ Benicia Voice Podcast – Lucca Beer Garden Music Update - July! Welcome to Benicia Voice , the podcast that celebrates the people, stories, and spirit that make our town shine. In this episode, hosts Ruben and Rick—joined by producers Andy and Bart—welcome special guests Deb and Chris from Lucca Beer Garden for a lively conversation about Benicia’s music scene. 🎶🍻 They dive into the highlights...

🎙️ Welcome back to the Benicia Voice Podcast! Today’s episode is all about Porchfest 2 — Benicia’s homegrown music celebration that turns porches into stages and neighborhoods into community hubs. Joining host Ruben and co-host Rick are producers Andy and Bart , and we’re thrilled to welcome two very special guests: Mary Hand , publisher of Benicia Magazine , and Julia Warner , one of the driving...

Welcome back to the Benicia Voice podcast — where local voices shape our shared story. Today’s episode is all about community — what it means, how we build it, and why it matters here in Benicia. Host Ruben is joined by co-host Rick , along with producer Bart , and special guest Leilani , a longtime Benicia resident and passionate community advocate. Together, they explore the spirit of connection...

🎙️ Benicia Voice Podcast – Tariff Talk: What’s New and What It Means for Benicia Welcome back to the Benicia Voice Podcast , where we explore the issues, stories, and people shaping our community. On today’s episode, host Ruben is joined by co-host Rick and producers Andy and Bart for an important update on tariffs — what’s changing, how it impacts local businesses, and what it all means for Benic...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast , where we shine a light on the people, stories, and events that make our town special. In this episode, your hosts Ruben and Rick , along with producer Bart , sit down with special guests Deb and Chris from Lucca Beer Garden to talk about the music scene at Lucca —past highlights, what’s coming up, and why it’s become such a beloved part of Benicia’s social li...

We’re excited to bring you a brand-new episode of Benicia Voice , where we dive into the launch of an exciting new community event: Jazz O’Clock at the Clock Tower – a brand-new jazz series presented by the City of Benicia’s Community Services Department in partnership with the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation. In this episode, hosts Ruben and Rick, and special guest hosts Max,and Gretchen chat...

This week, Host Rick is joined by Co-hosts Max and Rose , along with Producer Bart , for a heartfelt roundtable about what makes our community so special. From the power of music to unite us, to the incredible work of VOENA , and a look ahead at some of the exciting local events coming up—this episode is all about celebrating the spirit of Benicia. We shine a spotlight on VOENA’s upcoming Voices a...

Benicia Voice is back with another thoughtful conversation — this time diving into what “community” really means, and how our town of Benicia brings that word to life every day. In this episode, host Rick Watson is joined by producers Andy and Bart as they reflect on the spirit of connection that defines Benicia. From local city events, volunteer events, from neighborhood gatherings to public art...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast — I’m your host today, Rick Watson. My co-host Ruben is on assignment! Today, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of Benicia’s most inspiring musical institutions: VOENA, the internationally acclaimed children’s choir that’s been lifting hearts and building community through the power of music. Joining me are two incredible guests — Gretchen and Max — to share the...

Welcome back to the Benicia Voice Podcast with your host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson , along with producers Andy and Bart . In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guests Deb and Chris , the dynamic duo behind the music of Lucca Beer Garden —a favorite live music venue in the Bay Area located right here in Benicia. Chris and Deb join the crew to give the inside scoop on Lucca’s excitin...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast — the show where our town’s stories roll to life. Join host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson, along with producers Andy and Bart, as we cruise into a special episode spotlighting the Benicia Classic Car Show 2025 ! This year’s event revs up on Sunday, April 27th from 9 AM to 3 PM , set against the scenic backdrop of the Benicia Marina Green at the end of Fir...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast , where local stories, voices, and issues come to life. In today's episode host, Ruben Brunt , joined by co-host Rick Watson , and our producers Andy and Bart are joined by a very special guest — Benicia Mayor Steve Young — to discuss the major news shaking our city: Valero’s recent announcement to end operations in Benicia. For decades, Valero has played a maj...

In this episode of Benicia Voice , Host Ruben Brunt and Co-Host Rick Watson are joined by Producers Andy and Bart for a timely discussion on how international tariffs are impacting life right here in Benicia. Andy—both a local business owner and importer/exporter with China—shares firsthand how shifting trade policies affect pricing, logistics, and the day-to-day reality for small businesses. Toge...

In this urgent episode of Benicia Voice , hosts Ruben and Rick along with producers Andy and Bart sit down to talk about the news that’s sending shockwaves through our city: Valero is leaving Benicia . What does this mean for our local economy, city budget, jobs, and environment? How did we get here—and what’s next for Benicia without its largest industrial presence? We’ll unpack what’s known so f...

Welcome to Benicia Voice , where we spotlight the people, stories, and events that make our community shine, with host, Ruben Brunt, joined by co-host Rick Watson. In this episode, Ruben and Rick sit down with the incredibly talented guitarist Bryan Kehoe to talk music, creativity, and his upcoming shows at Lucca Beer Garden right here in Benicia. From his musical journey to what fans can expect a...

Welcome to Benicia Voice , where host, Ruben Brunt, and co-host Rick Watson spotlight the people, stories, and events that make our community shine! In today’s episode, we’re joined by two special guests — Gretchen and Max from the Kiwanis Club of Benicia — to talk about one of the most beloved family traditions in town: the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Benicia City Park. Mark your calendars! This ye...

In this episode of Benicia Voice , we’re diving into a hot topic with real local consequences — tariffs . Host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson sit down with producers Andy and Bart to unpack how recent tariff changes could be affecting Benicia’s small businesses, local supply chains, and even the price of your next grocery run or Friday night beer. It’s a smart, down-to-earth conversation abou...