News

A considerable effort has been taking place over the past few months to move the construction of the new courts forward. The Board solicited new bids from 2 local contractors with the involvement of the City Parks & Recreation department. The low bid submitted by Harold Bray Construction, a contractor well known by the City, came in at $185,246. This amount excluded the cost of building a new shed, which the City estimates will add approximately $12,000 to the project cost. Fundraising has netted a total of a $125,000 to date with pledges for team tile purchases of over $7,500 still unfulfilled. 

The Board has also been in discussions with directors of the Parks & Recreation & Economic Development Departments and City Council members to solicit their support in closing the approximate funding gap of $75,000. This issue will be brought before the Council as an agenda item at the September 6th Council meeting with an up or down vote to take place at that time to fund whatever gap remains. By the city’s own calculation, Measure C funds, which Benicia voters approved to fund infrastructure needs for public safety, roads & PARKS, have exceeded original estimates by $1.4mm. We need to fight for some of those funds. We strongly encourage all league members, those wishing to join the league but cannot due to the limited courts and other bocce enthusiasts to attend this crucial meeting to stand as one and show our collective support for this worthy community project. All individuals will have up to 5 minutes to let their voice be heard should you choose to do so. For those who have provided email addresses to the league, reminders will be sent as the date approaches but please tell your teammates, friends, business colleagues, church groups and civic organizations about this critical meeting and mark your calendars now. An article is also planned for the Benicia Herald to reach the community at large.

In the interim, for those of you who have pledged funds to this effort but have yet to fulfill them, now is the time. For those of you who have not pledged or provided assistance as of yet, we need your help now, as well. The more we can close the funding gap, the easier the vote will be for our Council members. Please contact Greg Richey via email at greg@signalsolutions.com or by phone at (707) 974-0612 should you have any questions regarding past pledges or how to contribute to the project.

The board thanks all who have contributed in the past and also wishes to acknowledge the following recent significant contributions to the effort:

​$10,000
Paula & Jim Gallagher        

$5,000
Sheri & Richard Bortolazzo      Jill & Eric Hoglund     Peg & Mike Klug
Mittie & Fred Railsback         Lisa & Scott Reep       Sue & Greg Richey
Ellen & Bob Whitehead           Republic Services

$2,500
Coldwell Banker         Signal Solutions Corporation    Valero Corporation