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, along with producer Bart, sit down with Jeremy Carlock, owner of Got Watts, and Frank Gallagher, an experienced Got Watts solar and energy consultant, for an in-depth look at the future of solar energy in Benicia and beyond.

Together, Jeremy and Frank share insights on the current state of solar power, what homeowners and businesses need to know right now, and how the upcoming expiration of the Solar Tax Credit could impact local projects and long-term energy costs, and what steps residents can take before key incentives disappear.

For those who aren't ready and may miss the tax credit deadline, Jeremy and Frank discuss how Got Watts finds creative ways to help their customers save even more than the Tax Credit!

It’s a timely, informative conversation about energy independence, innovation, and the choices customers have to get involved in solar.

🔗 Learn more about Got Watts at gotwatts.com.

You can also reach Jeremy at Jermey@gotwatts.com and/or reach Got Watts via phone at (925) 421-0411.

Benicia Voice — amplifying community, connection, and innovation.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where local stories, voices, and issues come to life.

In today’s episode, host Ruben and co-host Rick, and producers Andy and Bart are joined by a very special guest — Benicia Mayor, the Honorable Steve Young — to discuss the latest developments in Valero’s plan to wind down operations in Benicia.

For decades, Valero has been one of the city’s biggest employers, taxpayers, and community partners. But with new details emerging about the timeline and scope of the company’s exit, Benicia now faces some tough but important questions — about jobs, city revenue, environmental impacts, and what comes next for the refinery site.

Mayor Young shares the most recent updates, what the city is doing to prepare, and how this transition could reshape Benicia’s future.

Steve also discusses his personal take on prop 50.

Whether you’ve called Benicia home for years or are just tuning in to learn what’s happening locally, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Let’s get started — this is the Benicia Voice Podcast.

Here is the info discussed in the podcast about how the funds from the Valero settlement:

Local Community Investment Fund Grant Program for Benicia and Richmond

Wednesday, October 29

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PT

Event Description:

The Bay Area Air District is hosting a public webinar to discuss draft Guidelines for a new Local Community Investment Fund grant program. This program uses penalty funds collected from Air District violations to benefit communities that are most impacted by air pollution. Initial Calls for Projects will be solicited from Benicia and Richmond and surrounding communities. Air District staff will go over broad program guidelines, as well as timelines and stipulations for applying.

Registration/information Link: https://www.baaqmd.gov/en/community-health/community-investments-office?event=51777f0e-9b48-4dc4-ac5f-373461c3b17d

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where local stories, voices, and ideas come together.

In this episode, hosts Ruben and Rick are joined by producers Andy and Bart for an engaging part 2 conversation about the latest trends in Benicia’s real estate market.

Their special guest, Andrew Urban of ⁠My Urban Home Team⁠, returns to the continue the discussion about October real estate.

Andrew shares his insights on what’s driving local housing prices, how recent economic shifts — including the planned Valero refinery closure — may impact the market, and what buyers and sellers can expect in the months ahead.

Listeners are welcomed into an informative and forward-looking discussion about Benicia’s evolving real estate landscape, community growth, and the opportunities ahead.

📍 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen — it’s the Benicia Voice Podcast, connecting you to the stories that shape our town.