Welcome to Benicia Voice — the podcast that amplifies the stories, people, and pulse of our community.

In this episode, Host Ruben Brunt and producer Bart bring listeners up to speed on some exciting local events happening right here in Benicia as we head into spring and summer.

First up is Fiestas Primavera, happening Saturday, March 28 from 1–5 PM at Benicia City Park. This vibrant celebration of culture and community features live music, dance, food, and family-friendly activities — a joyful way to welcome the season and bring neighbors together.

They also highlight performances by the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, known for delivering powerful and inspiring classical programs that enrich the cultural life of the region.

Looking ahead to early summer, the team previews Jazz O'Clock, presented by the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation. Scheduled for June, this beloved jazz event brings top-tier musicians along with outstanding emerging artists and a relaxed, community vibe — a perfect evening of live music!

From festivals , chorus, symphonies , to jazz , this episode is all about celebrating the arts, culture, and community spirit that make Benicia such a special place to live.

📍 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive.

Welcome to Benicia Voice — the podcast that amplifies the stories, people, and pulse of our community.

In this special travel edition, Host Ruben, along with producers Andy and Bart , sit down with Andy’s daughter Phoebe and her partner Felix, who live in Augsburg, for an engaging and wide-ranging conversation about life in Bavaria and the charm of one of Germany’s oldest cities.

Phoebe and Feliz share what makes Augsburg unique — from its Roman roots and Renaissance architecture to its vibrant markets, walkable old town, and proximity to the Alps. They also dive into one of Bavaria’s most iconic landmarks:

Neuschwanstein Castle.

Often called the “fairy-tale castle,” Neuschwanstein was commissioned in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Perched dramatically above the village of Hohenschwangau and surrounded by alpine lakes and forested mountains, the castle looks like it stepped straight out of a storybook — and in fact, it inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The episode explores:
• The fascinating (and mysterious) life of King Ludwig II
• The castle’s elaborate Romanesque Revival architecture
• Its richly decorated interior halls inspired by Wagnerian operas
• The breathtaking views from Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge)
• Practical travel tips for visiting — timing, tickets, and nearby stops

It’s a blend of history, culture, travel inspiration, and personal stories from living abroad — all through the Benicia Voice lens of curiosity and connection.

📍 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

Welcome to Benicia Voice — the podcast that amplifies the stories, people, and pulse of our community.

In this episode, Host Ruben, joined by producers Andy and Bart , sits down with special guest David Cates for an in-depth update on California Forever — the ambitious proposal to build a new, large-scale planned community in eastern Solano County.

The conversation unpacks the latest updates around land acquisition, governance, infrastructure planning, water and environmental concerns, transportation impacts, and the growing public dialogue surrounding the project.

David helps clarify what has changed since the proposal first emerged, where the initiative currently stands, and what decisions may be coming next.

Most importantly, the discussion centers on why California Forever matters to Benicia — from potential regional economic impacts and housing pressures to long-term implications for local infrastructure, services, and quality of life. As always, Benicia Voice focuses on facts, context, and community impact.

📍 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive.