Elizabeth Patterson on the Community Services - Questions & Answers

QUESTION: Community services - What are your priorities for development of community services?

For a small town, Benicia has many community services. I would like to focus on youth and senior services. Our youth need to have a venue for creative efforts such as performing arts, film, poetry and music. Our seniors need to have more inter action with others and access to downtown and cultural events.

I would like to see more positive programs for our youth instead of focusing on drugs, driving and all the negative aspects about being young. There are many opportunities to link youth to environmental awareness, senior support (painting homes, trimming trees, community gardens, and other tasks that some of our seniors cannot do or afford).

Most important, we need to have medical services that meet “drop in” needs as well as some first line response for emergencies. We are totally dependent on regional resources which may be a problem in a catastrophic event.

QUESTION: What types of recreational facilities that need development?

Outdoor “pick up” basketball is missing. But I think we have done good for baseball, football, soccer, indoor basketball, bocce ball, tennis, and skateboarding. See me comment above about performing arts.

QUESTION: Will Benicia ever have a community center?

Yes. Mills should work as our community center. At least it is a start, is in the center of the community and has many amenities.

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