All-time high for county ag
By Reporter Staff/
Posted: 05/29/2009
Despite tough economic times, agricultural production is alive and well in Solano County.
Increasingly favorable commodity prices helped set an all-time high for agricultural production in Solano in 2008 -- the second year in a row -- according to the county's annual Crop and Livestock Report, released Thursday.
"Value increases were seen in nearly all field crops because of favorable commodity pricing; this despite many grain yields being reduced due to drought," noted Jim Allen, agricultural commissioner and sealer of weights and measures for the county.
The gross value of the more than 80 crops was $292.8 million in 2008, up almost $25 million, or 9 percent from the previous year's total of $268.2 million, according to Allen's report.
Nursery products remain the top crop at $43 million; however, its value plummeted 24 percent from its all-time high of $56.6 million in 2007.
"The nursery industry was hit hard by the economy, with fewer housing starts lowering demand for ornamental plants," Allen noted.
Field crops were valued at $89.4 million, up 63 percent from $54.8 million in 2007. Alfalfa and processing tomatoes experienced both higher commodity prices and increased yields.
"Processing tomatoes rose in value by nearly $6 million," Allen noted.
As for the top 10 crops in the county, the first seven remained unchanged from last year: nursery products, alfalfa, processing tomatoes, cattle, walnuts, milk and wine grapes. Moving up to the eighth position, from 11th last year, was irrigated wheat. In ninth was certified sunflower seeds, which ranked 12th last year. And field corn dropped into the 10th spot, from ninth last year.
But the gross value of crops does not tell the whole story, Allen said.
"While the gross value is a record high, it does not reflect the total contribution of agriculture," he said in a press release announcing the release of the report. "Transportation, processing, marketing and other farm-related services re-spend agricultural dollars to the benefit of the local economy and pushes that number even higher."
Allen also added a new element to the crop report, focusing on international trade.
Thirty-seven commodities from Solano County, including endives, grapes, tomatoes and hay, are exported to 45 countries across six continents, he noted.
For a full copy of the report, visit www.solanocounty.com/ag.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Nut Tree moving forward
Nut Tree moving forward
By Melissa Murphy/ MMurphy@TheReporter.com
Posted: 05/28/2009
A large excavator marks the area of what will be the new Nut Tree Plaza, a project that will be completed as early as August.
City leaders, tenants and the developer Westrust gathered together Wednesday afternoon for the groundbreaking ceremony to welcome a new vision for the complex that seemed to be ailing from the start.
"We're here to make the project right, so we're moving forward with new plans," said Rick Capretta, co-managing partner of Westrust -- the developer that built the 30-acre Nut Tree Village at the entrance to the Family Park. "The Master Plan wasn't well-integrated. Now we have the opportunity for open dialogue between the parties. This is all going to be one instead of separate islands."
Next week, the city and Westrust plan to finish the acquisition that will transfer the responsibility of the Family Park from Nut Tree Associates to Westrust.
Just a few of the Nut Tree Plaza changes include moving the No. 5 Nut Tree train to travel around the oval spot between the businesses and moving the carousel to the front of the plaza.
"It will be more closely to what was originally intended," said Capretta, adding that not having the attractions at the front of the property is one reason the Family Park failed. "The lighting in the trees and on the carousel will definitely attract the passengers on I-80."
According to Capretta, some 66 million passengers travel down Interstate 80 each year.
Capretta said the Harbison House, which was originally moved to the center of the Family Park by Westrust, will not be forgotten.
He hopes to create an atmosphere that will incorporate the Historic Harbison House and the Nut Tree airport.
A new idea that Capretta hopes to bring to reality is to create a kiosk in the picnic area, allowing customers to order food from any of the restaurants in the immediate area and have it delivered to the plaza.
Vacaville Mayor Len Augustine is excited about the changes.
"This is a renewal to the original commitment," he said.
Capretta noted that Westrust has been involved with the Nut Tree development for more than five years and the company is ready to invest in another three to four years until the plaza is completed.
"We have quality tenants in this place and there is a lot of activity," Augustine continued. "You can't deny that it's in a great location."
He admitted that Vacaville can't create the old Nut Tree because, after all, it failed.
However, the new Nut Tree has played a significant part in why Vacaville has remained solvent during a rough economy.
Finance Director Ken Campo agreed and said a sizable portion of the city's sales tax revenues have come from the large anchor stores at the shopping center.
Still, longtime Vacaville residents are glad that some of the key elements from the original Nut Tree will be included in the new plaza.
Councilwoman Dilenna Harris worked at Nut Tree. Harris said she would ride the train to the airport, greet visitors and escort them back to Nut Tree for meetings.
"For those of us who have lived here for a long time, there are elements that are special," she said and recalled the cookies that used to be made there.
She also explained that having some parts of the Nut Tree will really incorporate the family-friendly atmosphere that Vacaville already has.
Harris added that she's hoping to see the train make it out to the airport again.
"Access to the airport would be a major boost to this community," she said. "It would become a destination."
By Melissa Murphy/ MMurphy@TheReporter.com
Posted: 05/28/2009
A large excavator marks the area of what will be the new Nut Tree Plaza, a project that will be completed as early as August.
City leaders, tenants and the developer Westrust gathered together Wednesday afternoon for the groundbreaking ceremony to welcome a new vision for the complex that seemed to be ailing from the start.
"We're here to make the project right, so we're moving forward with new plans," said Rick Capretta, co-managing partner of Westrust -- the developer that built the 30-acre Nut Tree Village at the entrance to the Family Park. "The Master Plan wasn't well-integrated. Now we have the opportunity for open dialogue between the parties. This is all going to be one instead of separate islands."
Next week, the city and Westrust plan to finish the acquisition that will transfer the responsibility of the Family Park from Nut Tree Associates to Westrust.
Just a few of the Nut Tree Plaza changes include moving the No. 5 Nut Tree train to travel around the oval spot between the businesses and moving the carousel to the front of the plaza.
"It will be more closely to what was originally intended," said Capretta, adding that not having the attractions at the front of the property is one reason the Family Park failed. "The lighting in the trees and on the carousel will definitely attract the passengers on I-80."
According to Capretta, some 66 million passengers travel down Interstate 80 each year.
Capretta said the Harbison House, which was originally moved to the center of the Family Park by Westrust, will not be forgotten.
He hopes to create an atmosphere that will incorporate the Historic Harbison House and the Nut Tree airport.
A new idea that Capretta hopes to bring to reality is to create a kiosk in the picnic area, allowing customers to order food from any of the restaurants in the immediate area and have it delivered to the plaza.
Vacaville Mayor Len Augustine is excited about the changes.
"This is a renewal to the original commitment," he said.
Capretta noted that Westrust has been involved with the Nut Tree development for more than five years and the company is ready to invest in another three to four years until the plaza is completed.
"We have quality tenants in this place and there is a lot of activity," Augustine continued. "You can't deny that it's in a great location."
He admitted that Vacaville can't create the old Nut Tree because, after all, it failed.
However, the new Nut Tree has played a significant part in why Vacaville has remained solvent during a rough economy.
Finance Director Ken Campo agreed and said a sizable portion of the city's sales tax revenues have come from the large anchor stores at the shopping center.
Still, longtime Vacaville residents are glad that some of the key elements from the original Nut Tree will be included in the new plaza.
Councilwoman Dilenna Harris worked at Nut Tree. Harris said she would ride the train to the airport, greet visitors and escort them back to Nut Tree for meetings.
"For those of us who have lived here for a long time, there are elements that are special," she said and recalled the cookies that used to be made there.
She also explained that having some parts of the Nut Tree will really incorporate the family-friendly atmosphere that Vacaville already has.
Harris added that she's hoping to see the train make it out to the airport again.
"Access to the airport would be a major boost to this community," she said. "It would become a destination."
County crop report shows record production
County crop report shows record production
Posted: 05/28/2009
Increasingly favorable commodity prices helped set an all-time high for agricultural production in Solano County for the second year in a row, according to the county's annual crop report released today.
The gross value of the more than 80 crops was $292.8 million in 2008, up almost $25 million, or 9 percent from the previous year, according to the report.
"While the gross value is a record high, it does not reflect the total contribution of agriculture. Transportation, processing, marketing and other farm-related services re-spend agricultural dollars to the benefit of the local economy and pushes that number even higher," said Solano County Agricultural Commissioner Jim Allan, in a press release announcing the report.
Nursery products remained the No. 1 crop at $43 million; however, its value plummeted 24 percent from its all-time high of $56.6 million in 2007, according to the report.
"The nursery industry was hit hard by the economy, with fewer housing starts lowering demand for ornamental plants. However, nursery products remain a significant aspect of Solano County's agricultural efforts," Allan said.
Posted: 05/28/2009
Increasingly favorable commodity prices helped set an all-time high for agricultural production in Solano County for the second year in a row, according to the county's annual crop report released today.
The gross value of the more than 80 crops was $292.8 million in 2008, up almost $25 million, or 9 percent from the previous year, according to the report.
"While the gross value is a record high, it does not reflect the total contribution of agriculture. Transportation, processing, marketing and other farm-related services re-spend agricultural dollars to the benefit of the local economy and pushes that number even higher," said Solano County Agricultural Commissioner Jim Allan, in a press release announcing the report.
Nursery products remained the No. 1 crop at $43 million; however, its value plummeted 24 percent from its all-time high of $56.6 million in 2007, according to the report.
"The nursery industry was hit hard by the economy, with fewer housing starts lowering demand for ornamental plants. However, nursery products remain a significant aspect of Solano County's agricultural efforts," Allan said.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Life Science industry prospers in Solano County
Life Science industry prospers in Solano County
Scott Reynolds, Chairman of the Board
As I reported in previous articles last year, the county of Solano, the Solano Economic Development Corporation, and Collaborative Economics partnered to produce the Solano County Index of Economic and Community Progress. That Index identified seven industry clusters.
As you may recall, a cluster is a geographic concentration of independent, internationally competitive firms in related industries, and includes a significant number of companies that sell their products and services outside the region. One of those clusters is the Life Science Industry Cluster.
In February of this year, an in-depth analysis of the Life Science Industry Cluster was presented to the community. This analysis highlighted the fact that the growth of the county’s Life Science Industry Cluster – pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical devices, biotechnology, research and development, and testing laboratories – is outpacing the Bay Area and the State of California. This is not surprising as Solano County is well-positioned to play an expanding role in the continued development of the life science industry as it is located along vital transportation arteries, is located between two University of California research campuses
(Davis and Berkeley) and is home to Touro University on Mare Island.
In recent years, employment has expanded significantly as well as employment concentration and average earnings in life sciences. Employment in Solano County’s Life Science Cluster Industry grew at an annual rate of 35 percent between 2000 and 2006. In contrast, life sciences in the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area reported annual average losses of 3 percent over the same period. Employment in life sciences and related industries is 60 percent more highly concentrated in the county than in the state as a whole.
Average earnings are also on the rise, a statistic which suggests that the quality of jobs is also improving. Between 2006 and 2007 alone, average earnings in life sciences in Solano County increased 26 percent while average earnings in the county as a whole remained unchanged.
With respect to jobs, the percentage of the Solano County residents employed in the Life Science Industry Cluster increased 8 percent between 2000 and 2007, while the percentage of commuters decreased. Thus, Solano County residents are filling more and more of the county’s jobs in life sciences. By 2007, workers with
a high school diploma represented 28 percent of the county’s life science work force after increasing 11 percent from 2000. Up from 10 percent in 2000, those with a graduate or professional degree represented 14 percent in 2007.
It shall be obvious from this analysis that the life science industry requires skilled employees. Thus, a strong, local public education system which provides the opportunity for a company to hire local employees that will help provide research, development and manufacturer treatments is critical to its continued growth. It has been stated that no academic discipline is more important to the continued success of the life science industry than science education itself.
Fortunately – and unknown to many of us – Solano County recognizes this and has initiated different training efforts that aim to development the region’s workforce skills in the life science industry. These include comprehensive programs at the local community college as well as out-reach programs in local high schools
that offer students training at the community college. Other training resources at advanced levels include the University of California at Davis, California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, and Touro University on Mare Island.
In addition, a regional consortium, Bio Tech Systems, was created in 2005 to help produce a workforce trained and educated in biotechnology for the life science industry in the Sacramento, Solano and Yolo county region. And, locally, Solano County has developed the Bio Tech Academy, a framework for helping high school students on to a career ladder in the life science industry. This academy helps youth find viable career paths and helps meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the life science industry.
At Solano Community College, the Biotechnology Program has prepared students to join the workforce in the biotechnology industry in the Bay Area. Students in the program study the technologies used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals protein products from various engineered cells. The program has almost doubled in size since its inception and attracts students with bachelor’s degrees for additional training to work in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant.
The College of Osteopathic Medicine at Touro University on Mare Island performs comprehensive research in the health sciences: drug design, diabetes and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular biomarkers, electrophysiology, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
According to Bay Bio’s 2009 Impact Report, California’s life sciences industry created an annual average of 9,000 high paying jobs that were ultimately responsible for 1,200 approved treatments. Another 210 treatments are on track to be in the hands of patients in the next five to 10 years, which translate to a projected industryinvestment of $50 billion.
In order to capture some of this potential, our community leaders need the information generated by the Solano County Index of Economic and Community Progress and, specifically, the Life Science Industry Cluster Study. Through better understanding and education, hopefully, you too can be a part of the development of this cluster and assist in the capture of the tremendous potential it offers.
These are exciting times in Solano County in life sciences.
Scott Reynolds, Chairman of the Board
As I reported in previous articles last year, the county of Solano, the Solano Economic Development Corporation, and Collaborative Economics partnered to produce the Solano County Index of Economic and Community Progress. That Index identified seven industry clusters.
As you may recall, a cluster is a geographic concentration of independent, internationally competitive firms in related industries, and includes a significant number of companies that sell their products and services outside the region. One of those clusters is the Life Science Industry Cluster.
In February of this year, an in-depth analysis of the Life Science Industry Cluster was presented to the community. This analysis highlighted the fact that the growth of the county’s Life Science Industry Cluster – pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical devices, biotechnology, research and development, and testing laboratories – is outpacing the Bay Area and the State of California. This is not surprising as Solano County is well-positioned to play an expanding role in the continued development of the life science industry as it is located along vital transportation arteries, is located between two University of California research campuses
(Davis and Berkeley) and is home to Touro University on Mare Island.
In recent years, employment has expanded significantly as well as employment concentration and average earnings in life sciences. Employment in Solano County’s Life Science Cluster Industry grew at an annual rate of 35 percent between 2000 and 2006. In contrast, life sciences in the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area reported annual average losses of 3 percent over the same period. Employment in life sciences and related industries is 60 percent more highly concentrated in the county than in the state as a whole.
Average earnings are also on the rise, a statistic which suggests that the quality of jobs is also improving. Between 2006 and 2007 alone, average earnings in life sciences in Solano County increased 26 percent while average earnings in the county as a whole remained unchanged.
With respect to jobs, the percentage of the Solano County residents employed in the Life Science Industry Cluster increased 8 percent between 2000 and 2007, while the percentage of commuters decreased. Thus, Solano County residents are filling more and more of the county’s jobs in life sciences. By 2007, workers with
a high school diploma represented 28 percent of the county’s life science work force after increasing 11 percent from 2000. Up from 10 percent in 2000, those with a graduate or professional degree represented 14 percent in 2007.
It shall be obvious from this analysis that the life science industry requires skilled employees. Thus, a strong, local public education system which provides the opportunity for a company to hire local employees that will help provide research, development and manufacturer treatments is critical to its continued growth. It has been stated that no academic discipline is more important to the continued success of the life science industry than science education itself.
Fortunately – and unknown to many of us – Solano County recognizes this and has initiated different training efforts that aim to development the region’s workforce skills in the life science industry. These include comprehensive programs at the local community college as well as out-reach programs in local high schools
that offer students training at the community college. Other training resources at advanced levels include the University of California at Davis, California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, and Touro University on Mare Island.
In addition, a regional consortium, Bio Tech Systems, was created in 2005 to help produce a workforce trained and educated in biotechnology for the life science industry in the Sacramento, Solano and Yolo county region. And, locally, Solano County has developed the Bio Tech Academy, a framework for helping high school students on to a career ladder in the life science industry. This academy helps youth find viable career paths and helps meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the life science industry.
At Solano Community College, the Biotechnology Program has prepared students to join the workforce in the biotechnology industry in the Bay Area. Students in the program study the technologies used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals protein products from various engineered cells. The program has almost doubled in size since its inception and attracts students with bachelor’s degrees for additional training to work in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant.
The College of Osteopathic Medicine at Touro University on Mare Island performs comprehensive research in the health sciences: drug design, diabetes and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular biomarkers, electrophysiology, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
According to Bay Bio’s 2009 Impact Report, California’s life sciences industry created an annual average of 9,000 high paying jobs that were ultimately responsible for 1,200 approved treatments. Another 210 treatments are on track to be in the hands of patients in the next five to 10 years, which translate to a projected industryinvestment of $50 billion.
In order to capture some of this potential, our community leaders need the information generated by the Solano County Index of Economic and Community Progress and, specifically, the Life Science Industry Cluster Study. Through better understanding and education, hopefully, you too can be a part of the development of this cluster and assist in the capture of the tremendous potential it offers.
These are exciting times in Solano County in life sciences.
Solano EDC’s Mike Ammann appointed to advisory board
Solano EDC’s Mike Ammann appointed to advisory board
Michael Ammann, President of Solano Economic Development Corporation, will serve on the regional Bay Area Council Economic Institute’s advisory board, providing information that will eventually lead to the funding of economic stimulus programs in the Bay Area.
The institute said earlier this week it is seeking input as well from area business leaders and residents. The organization will create a regional proposal that will show how the Bay Area wants to spend the money it receives. The region’s final report is due to the state by June 1.
Funded projects under the stimulus plan must fall into one of seven categories: transportation, water, energy/climate, workforce training and education, business development, science and innovation or housing. Projects also must provide short-term job creation and provide long-term return on investment.
Ammann said he is hopeful that the Solano County private sector and governmental agencies will “ . . . look closely at this opportunity to receive federal funding to jumpstart economic development projects that will provide job opportunities and growth.”
About $30 billion will flow to the state, and then dispersed to regions. Another $20 billion of discretionary money will be sent to California, as part of the stimulus package.
Michael Ammann, President of Solano Economic Development Corporation, will serve on the regional Bay Area Council Economic Institute’s advisory board, providing information that will eventually lead to the funding of economic stimulus programs in the Bay Area.
The institute said earlier this week it is seeking input as well from area business leaders and residents. The organization will create a regional proposal that will show how the Bay Area wants to spend the money it receives. The region’s final report is due to the state by June 1.
Funded projects under the stimulus plan must fall into one of seven categories: transportation, water, energy/climate, workforce training and education, business development, science and innovation or housing. Projects also must provide short-term job creation and provide long-term return on investment.
Ammann said he is hopeful that the Solano County private sector and governmental agencies will “ . . . look closely at this opportunity to receive federal funding to jumpstart economic development projects that will provide job opportunities and growth.”
About $30 billion will flow to the state, and then dispersed to regions. Another $20 billion of discretionary money will be sent to California, as part of the stimulus package.
Benicia Bridge renovation to finish early
Benicia Bridge renovation to finish early
By Denis Cuff, Contra Costa Times
Posted: 05/26/2009
A $43.5 million renovation of the Benicia Bridge is on target to be finished in August — four months ahead of schedule — to provide less congestion and smoother travel on Interstate 680 across the Carquinez Strait, Caltrans says.
The upgrade of the 1.2-mile bridge connecting Contra Costa and Solano counties includes a fourth lane for southbound car and truck traffic, a new bike/pedestrian lane, and wide new shoulders as a safety buffer.
A second merging lane will be added for drivers entering the bridge from I-780. Traffic back ups there during the morning commute.
"There won't be any backup (from I-780) with our new four-lane configuration for the bridge," said Mo Pazooki, Caltrans project manager. "We're coming in ahead of schedule and within budget on a project that will help traffic flows."
He said good weather and a speedy contractor is making for early completion.
The renovation began in January 2008 and was scheduled for completion in December 2009. Now it appears the project will be done sometime in August, with the fourth traffic lane opening first and the bike lane soon after, Caltrans officials said. No official opening date has been set.
The Benicia Bridge used to carry traffic in both northbound and southbound directions when it was built in 1962 to replace the last major ferry for autos in the Bay Area. The old bridge was converted to southbound-only traffic in August 2007, when a $1.2 billion span was opened with five lanes for northbound traffic.
To enable contractors to renovate the old bridge while it still carries traffic, half of the bridge width was shut down and renovated while the other half carried three lanes of traffic.
In August, the entire bridge width will open with four southbound traffic lanes, plus two merging lanes from both I-680 and I-780.
The morning backup occurs as I-780 motorists squeeze onto the bridge in one lane close to a concrete barrier. "Some people tell us they're scared to drive there merge there," Pazooki said.
The new 8-foot-wide shoulders on the bridge will ease safety concerns, and provide space to access cars that break down or get in accidents. The bridge has no shoulder now.
In another improvement just south of the bridge, contractors are rebuilding a freeway section above a marsh to eliminate big roadway dips. Those road depressions fill with runoff and flood in winter.
Cellular concrete, which is light but strong, is being used to replace the road there, which developed the dips over years as heavy asphalt used to resurface the lanes made the freeway sink into mud, said Caltrans spokesman Allyn Amsk.
During a tour of the bridge work last week, Caltrans engineers showed the partially complete bike lane, where rails were being installed.
"When you're out here, you have nice views of the of the water, the (Navy ghost fleet) ships, and the hills along the Carquinez Strait," said Cassaundra Lograsso, Caltrans' resident engineer, as she stood on the bridge.
Also in view were the smokestacks, metal piping and towers at the Shell oil refinery and other waterfront industries.
The softer side of the Carquinez Strait — the bluffs, the water, the marshes — have long been a favorite subject for oil and water color painters. It is because of these views walkers and riders may be attracted to the new bike lane across the 1.2-mile bridge.
"Opening the bike and pedestrian lane is a big deal for regional trails," said Bern Smith, the East Bay trails coordinator for the Bay Area Ridge Council.
He said the bridge renovation will close one of the remaining gaps in a 50-mile regional trail route through the Carquinez Strait hills, over the Carquinez Bridge and along the shoreline of Solano County.
Smith said there used to be a land connection between Martinez and Benicia some half a million years ago when the Central Valley was a huge inland lake before the giant rivers of California had an outlet to the sea through the Carquinez Strait.
"The way I look at it," he said, "This will be the first time in half a million years that you can walk from Martinez to Benicia."
Reach Denis Cuff at 925-943-8267 or dcuff@bayareanewsgroup.com. Read the Capricious Commuter at www.ibabuzz.com/transportation.
Benicia Bridge renovation
Cost: $43.5 million
Expected completion: August
Major elements: fourth lane for southbound traffic, new bicycling/walking lane across the bridge, second merging lane from I-780 onto bridge, elimination of large flood-prone dips on I-680 south of the bridge
Project contractor: Joint venture of Top Grade Construction and American Civil Constructors
By Denis Cuff, Contra Costa Times
Posted: 05/26/2009
A $43.5 million renovation of the Benicia Bridge is on target to be finished in August — four months ahead of schedule — to provide less congestion and smoother travel on Interstate 680 across the Carquinez Strait, Caltrans says.
The upgrade of the 1.2-mile bridge connecting Contra Costa and Solano counties includes a fourth lane for southbound car and truck traffic, a new bike/pedestrian lane, and wide new shoulders as a safety buffer.
A second merging lane will be added for drivers entering the bridge from I-780. Traffic back ups there during the morning commute.
"There won't be any backup (from I-780) with our new four-lane configuration for the bridge," said Mo Pazooki, Caltrans project manager. "We're coming in ahead of schedule and within budget on a project that will help traffic flows."
He said good weather and a speedy contractor is making for early completion.
The renovation began in January 2008 and was scheduled for completion in December 2009. Now it appears the project will be done sometime in August, with the fourth traffic lane opening first and the bike lane soon after, Caltrans officials said. No official opening date has been set.
The Benicia Bridge used to carry traffic in both northbound and southbound directions when it was built in 1962 to replace the last major ferry for autos in the Bay Area. The old bridge was converted to southbound-only traffic in August 2007, when a $1.2 billion span was opened with five lanes for northbound traffic.
To enable contractors to renovate the old bridge while it still carries traffic, half of the bridge width was shut down and renovated while the other half carried three lanes of traffic.
In August, the entire bridge width will open with four southbound traffic lanes, plus two merging lanes from both I-680 and I-780.
The morning backup occurs as I-780 motorists squeeze onto the bridge in one lane close to a concrete barrier. "Some people tell us they're scared to drive there merge there," Pazooki said.
The new 8-foot-wide shoulders on the bridge will ease safety concerns, and provide space to access cars that break down or get in accidents. The bridge has no shoulder now.
In another improvement just south of the bridge, contractors are rebuilding a freeway section above a marsh to eliminate big roadway dips. Those road depressions fill with runoff and flood in winter.
Cellular concrete, which is light but strong, is being used to replace the road there, which developed the dips over years as heavy asphalt used to resurface the lanes made the freeway sink into mud, said Caltrans spokesman Allyn Amsk.
During a tour of the bridge work last week, Caltrans engineers showed the partially complete bike lane, where rails were being installed.
"When you're out here, you have nice views of the of the water, the (Navy ghost fleet) ships, and the hills along the Carquinez Strait," said Cassaundra Lograsso, Caltrans' resident engineer, as she stood on the bridge.
Also in view were the smokestacks, metal piping and towers at the Shell oil refinery and other waterfront industries.
The softer side of the Carquinez Strait — the bluffs, the water, the marshes — have long been a favorite subject for oil and water color painters. It is because of these views walkers and riders may be attracted to the new bike lane across the 1.2-mile bridge.
"Opening the bike and pedestrian lane is a big deal for regional trails," said Bern Smith, the East Bay trails coordinator for the Bay Area Ridge Council.
He said the bridge renovation will close one of the remaining gaps in a 50-mile regional trail route through the Carquinez Strait hills, over the Carquinez Bridge and along the shoreline of Solano County.
Smith said there used to be a land connection between Martinez and Benicia some half a million years ago when the Central Valley was a huge inland lake before the giant rivers of California had an outlet to the sea through the Carquinez Strait.
"The way I look at it," he said, "This will be the first time in half a million years that you can walk from Martinez to Benicia."
Reach Denis Cuff at 925-943-8267 or dcuff@bayareanewsgroup.com. Read the Capricious Commuter at www.ibabuzz.com/transportation.
Benicia Bridge renovation
Cost: $43.5 million
Expected completion: August
Major elements: fourth lane for southbound traffic, new bicycling/walking lane across the bridge, second merging lane from I-780 onto bridge, elimination of large flood-prone dips on I-680 south of the bridge
Project contractor: Joint venture of Top Grade Construction and American Civil Constructors
Oakland's Fentons Creamery in Pixar film 'Up'
Oakland's Fentons Creamery in Pixar film 'Up'
Peter Hartlaub, Chronicle Pop Culture Critic
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The latest "Night at the Museum" movie has an advertisement for the Smithsonian Institution in the film's title. "Angels and Demons" places Tom Hanks behind the wheel of a new Fiat. Capt. Kirk from "Star Trek" uses his Nokia phone while speeding down a 23rd century road, and drinks Jack Daniels at the local bar.
The product placement included within "Up" has a more local flavor.
Oakland residents will do a double take when they see that Fentons Creamery - the 114-year-old ice cream parlor and restaurant - not only gets name-dropped by the Pixar movie's over-eager Wilderness Explorer character Russell, but later figures into the plot.
Fentons doesn't have a public relations staff, and only recently opened a second location in Vacaville. But it still received a cameo in one of the most anticipated family films of the year.
"Up" director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera live in Oakland and have young children they take to Fentons. The Piedmont Avenue eatery is also a favorite stop for Pixar employees who are celebrating completed deadlines and other events.
"We thought it was fun. We got applause when we showed that at the wrap party, because so many people go over and eat at Fentons," Rivera says, during an interview at Pixar. "We wanted something specific that sounded authentic. If you live here you'll get it, but it sounds like a real enough place that broader audiences will understand what this kid is talking about."
Scott Whidden, a third-generation Oaklander who has owned Fentons for more than 20 years, is still processing the news. In some ways Pixar's use of Fentons is surprising, and in other ways it makes perfect sense.
See the complete story at SFGate.com.
Peter Hartlaub, Chronicle Pop Culture Critic
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The latest "Night at the Museum" movie has an advertisement for the Smithsonian Institution in the film's title. "Angels and Demons" places Tom Hanks behind the wheel of a new Fiat. Capt. Kirk from "Star Trek" uses his Nokia phone while speeding down a 23rd century road, and drinks Jack Daniels at the local bar.
The product placement included within "Up" has a more local flavor.
Oakland residents will do a double take when they see that Fentons Creamery - the 114-year-old ice cream parlor and restaurant - not only gets name-dropped by the Pixar movie's over-eager Wilderness Explorer character Russell, but later figures into the plot.
Fentons doesn't have a public relations staff, and only recently opened a second location in Vacaville. But it still received a cameo in one of the most anticipated family films of the year.
"Up" director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera live in Oakland and have young children they take to Fentons. The Piedmont Avenue eatery is also a favorite stop for Pixar employees who are celebrating completed deadlines and other events.
"We thought it was fun. We got applause when we showed that at the wrap party, because so many people go over and eat at Fentons," Rivera says, during an interview at Pixar. "We wanted something specific that sounded authentic. If you live here you'll get it, but it sounds like a real enough place that broader audiences will understand what this kid is talking about."
Scott Whidden, a third-generation Oaklander who has owned Fentons for more than 20 years, is still processing the news. In some ways Pixar's use of Fentons is surprising, and in other ways it makes perfect sense.
See the complete story at SFGate.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)