Benicia Voice

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast — where local stories, voices, and issues come to life. In this special update episode, Host Rick Watson , along with producers Andy and Bart , discusses the latest developments following Valero’s decision to end refining operations in Benicia . As one of the city’s largest employers and taxpayers, Valero has long been a cornerstone of Benicia’s economy and ide...

🎙️ Benicia Voice – San Francisco Fleet Week 2025 (with a Twist) Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast , where we share the stories and events that connect our community. I’m your host Ruben Brunt , joined by co-host Rick Watson and producers Andy and Bart . This week, we’re talking about San Francisco Fleet Week 2025 — one of the Bay Area’s most beloved traditions, happening now through October 12t...

Welcome back to Benicia Voice , the podcast that celebrates the people, stories, and spirit that make's our community shine. In this episode, hosts Ruben and Rick—along with producer Bart—sit down once again with Deb and Chris from Lucca Beer Garden for the latest on Benicia’s live music scene. 🎶🍻 Deb and Chris share the exciting October lineup, and talk about how Lucca continues to bring ou...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast , where we shine a light on the issues and stories shaping our community. Host Rick and producer Bart dive into California Proposition 50 , the 2025 ballot measure on redistricting. Prop 50 would temporarily suspend California’s independent redistricting commission and give the state Legislature control of drawing congressional maps for the 2026 through 2030 el...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with Host Ruben, Co-Host Rick, and Producers Andy and Bart. In this episode, we’re joined by Bob Joslin and Joe Russell from the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation to talk about Jazz O’Clock at the Clocktower , presented in partnership with Benicia’s Community Services Department. After a successful kickoff event, the series continues with the Electric Squeezeb...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with Host Ruben, Co-Host Rick, and Producers Andy and Bart. In this episode, we’re joined by Dawson from the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, who’s here to tell us all about Oktoberfest & Marketplace 2025 , happening Saturday, September 20th from 11 am to 6 pm at First Street Green. This year marks five years of Oktoberfest in Benicia ! Expect three live German...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast with Host Ruben Brunt and Co-Host Rick Watson. We’re back with the one and only Brian Kehoe , the incredibly talented guitarist, for another lively conversation about music, creativity, and his upcoming shows at Lucca Beer Garden right here in Benicia. From his musical journey to what fans can expect at these upcoming performances, Ruben and Rick dig into what...

Welcome to Benicia Voice , the podcast that celebrates the people, stories, and spirit that make our town shine. In this special episode, host Serena and producer Bart take you back to PorchFest Benicia 2025 , held on Saturday, September 13th . For those who want to remember the magic—and for those who may not have attended—this episode brings the day to life with conversations, highlights, and re...

Benicia Voice is back with hosts Rick , Ruben , and Serena , plus producers Andy and Bart , to bring you everything you need to know about one of Benicia’s most loved community events — Porchfest Benicia 2025 ! When: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Where: Downtown Benicia CA TIme: 1-5 PM (Preshow 12:00 PM at Lucca Beer Garden) This episode highlights what makes Porchfest so special: the music, the pe...

What does community really mean — and how do we live it out here in Benicia? In today’s episode of Benicia Voice , hosts Ruben and Rick , along with producers Andy and Bart , sit down to reflect on the heart of our town: the people, the places, and the spirit of connection that makes Benicia home. From spontaneous conversations on First Street to packed evenings at Lucca Beer Garden , Benicia thri...

🎙️ Benicia Voice Podcast – Lucca Beer Garden Music Update – September! Welcome back to Benicia Voice , the podcast that celebrates the people, stories, and spirit that make our town shine. In this episode, hosts Ruben and Rick—along with producer Bart—sit down once again with Deb and Chris from Lucca Beer Garden for the latest on Benicia’s music scene at Lucca Beer Garden. 🎶🍻 They recap the summ...

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...