Housing & Development · Fairfield, CA
The Benicia City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, to introduce an ordinance requiring conditional use permits and CEQA review for data center projects, limiting them to 20 MW in four industrial districts. The action responds to a proposed 150 MW data center in Northwest Fairfield that could proceed "by right" under existing zoning without public hearings. Fairfield councilmembers directed staff to prepare discussion of a potential moratorium or policy preventing by-right approval, with a special meeting expected Nov. 10. Benicia's ordinance prohibits combustion equipment, mandates water conservation and noise limits, and establishes ongoing operational monitoring. Councilmember Kari Birdseye cited early estimates of $5 to $10 million annually in utility user tax revenue from a data center.
Community News · Fairfield, CA
Northbay Health raised $1,998,000 in gross proceeds at its fourth annual gala held last week at Bally Keal Estate in Fairfield. The event hosted over 300 guests and included a Fund a Need initiative that generated $602,500 toward purchasing a second linear accelerator for the Northbay Health Cancer Center. The radiation therapy equipment will expand access to advanced cancer treatment closer to home for regional patients. Long-time Jelly Belly chairman Herm G. Rowland, Sr. received the Spirit of Philanthropy Award at the event.
Nearby · Crime · Benicia, CA
Matthew Joseph Shelton, 44, was convicted Thursday in Solano County Superior Court on 11 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with children under 14 after a five-week jury trial. Prosecutors said Shelton touched three female students in his Robert Semple Elementary School classroom in Benicia more than 20 times in 2022, and also touched an underage girl during a 2019 field trip to Oakland. Shelton taught at the school from 2015 to 2022 and previously faced similar charges in Napa County in 2007, which resulted in acquittal; he was subsequently released from that employment but allowed to continue teaching. He was remanded into custody without bail and faces up to life in prison, with sentencing set for Dec. 16 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Bryan J. Kim.
