Should we allow animal testing in Benicia?

By William Gregory

8/26/10

 “Until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what is—whether its victim is human or animal—we cannot expect things to be much better in this world. We cannot have peace among men whose hearts delight in killing any living creature. By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing we set back the progress of humanity. “
                             --- Rachel Carson, Environmentalist-Scientist,1907-1964

                                                      
 I recently read a couple of story’s in The Benicia Herald that caught my attention. They pose the idea that is now being debated before the Planning Commission: to allow animal testing laboratories in the Industrial Park. Since our city doesn’t presently have an ordinance banning this practice-- According to Economic Development Director Amalia Lorentz, --the plan is to “update” zoning requirements that will allow companies who use this inhumane practice, to set-up their businesses, here in Benicia.  The present zoning doesn’t accommodate businesses that practice Bio-technology; Nanotechnology or clean tech. The present zoning is considered antiquated with- no animal testing; the purposed new version is more business friendly and may be hazardous to furry creatures.

 The Industrial Park has been for many years the economic engine of our city’s economy. As far as I know, this is still the case. Sure, the present recession is having an adverse impact on our local businesses; there is presently a 20 percent vacancy rate.  What I find troubling is that the business community:  the private sectors-Benicia Industrial Park Association; and the city’s Economic Development Board and the Economic Development Department  have joined hands, and, are  pushing for this zoning change-- without the consent and knowledge of the wider community; Although it is their right, it is -our right -to know and respond.

Solano 360 Update

Development of the Solano County Fairgrounds

By Joe (APR) Feller

8/24/10

On Thursday, August 5, the Solano 360 meeting for the next steps of the Fairgrounds went forward. Apparently, the anonymous recap posted on VIB last month had a salutary effect on the commissioners. Jim Spering, acting as chair, allowed many folks to comment on the proposed project and various issues that arise with the proposal.

I have to admit that I am no ADQ and cannot give you a blow by blow accounting of the meeting. During the introductions, the Fair Board has now added two representatives which is probably a wise thing. The first thing that I recall is the Brooks Street Project director blabbing on about the “extraordinary process” that had been followed to achieve the current status. At later points, both Dan Levin and myself spoke on how we had been ignored from the very beginning of this process and that the county had been both arrogant and inattentive to our concerns.

Stephanie Gomes then threw the whole thing open when she asked the chair if we could look at “alternative plans” that may be superior to the proposed plans. Spering was receptive to this and agreed to agendize a proposal for an amateur sports complex at the next meeting. This is scheduled for September 16 at 6:30 pm at the fairgrounds. Vallejoan’s will get a new bite at the apple at this meeting and I urge all to attend.

     Ethicalego Speaks

Ethicalego (Kenneth Brooks) discusses current events from a critical thinking perspective rarely expressed elsewhere

Morality and religious freedom