Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 120
CHAPTER 25
Relative to commending the citizens and the City of Benicia for their hospitality, and creating a suitable memorial.
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Filed with
Secretary of State
February 22, 2000.
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LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 120, Thomson.
City of Benicia: commendations.
This measure would commend the City of Benicia for hosting the Legislature’s celebration of California’s sesquicentennial at the Benicia State Capitol.
Digest Key
WHEREAS, The Legislature, in honor of California’s sesquicentennial, is convening on February 16, 2000, at the former State Capitol in Benicia; and
WHEREAS, The Benicia State Capitol was originally designed for use as the city hall, but instead housed the Legislature in 1853 and 1854, until the state capital was moved to Sacramento; and
WHEREAS, The Benicia State Capitol has a varied history, having been used over the years as a court house, library, school, and fire department, until it was deeded to the state in 1951; and
WHEREAS, A restoration movement was spearheaded in the 1950’s by the Benicia Parlors of the Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West, Senator Luther E. Gibson, the State Park Commission, the Division of Beaches and Parks (now the Department of Parks and Recreation), and the City of Benicia; and
WHEREAS, The restoration was overseen by supervising architect Alfred Eichler, who used many original construction materials, including the original square cut nails, which were found at a local hardware store, reproduction Pennsylvania float glass, and ponderosa pine flooring; and
WHEREAS, At an approximate cost of $230,000, the restoration was completed in 1958, and the structure was rededicated as a State Historical Monument; and
WHEREAS, To honor the restoration of the Benicia State Capitol, the Legislature and Governor met on March 15, 1958, as part of a three-day celebration that included parades, marching bands, period costumes, dances, and a civic luncheon at the historic Clock Tower Building; and
WHEREAS, On January 20, 2000, the Legislature, in seeking a suitable event to celebrate and honor California history on the occasion of its 150th anniversary as a state, passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 54, which called for the convening of both houses in Benicia on February 16, 2000; and
WHEREAS, The City of Benicia, cooperating with the State Department of Parks and Recreation, ensured that the building was fitted with a fire escape and wheelchair access ramp in time for the legislative session; and
WHEREAS, The City of Benicia graciously offered its assistance in planning the event, and, in cooperation with the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, organized a historically themed luncheon at the Clock Tower Building; and
WHEREAS, The Clock Tower luncheon is scheduled to be attended by the Members of the Legislature, statewide constitutional officers, citizens of Benicia, government and business leaders from Solano County, and others, including Senate President pro Tempore John L. Burton and Assembly Speaker Antonio R. Villaraigosa, who are to address the assemblage; and
WHEREAS, At the Clock Tower luncheon, speeches on state history are to be delivered by State Librarian Dr. Kevin Starr, Sonoma State University Professor Edward Castillo, and California History Center Foundation Trustee Mary Jo Ignoffo; and
WHEREAS, The houses of the Legislature are to meet at 1 p.m. in their respective chambers at the Benicia State Capitol, at which time the winners of a Benicia school essay contest are to be recognized and honored for their scholastic achievement; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby commends the City of Benicia, the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, and the citizens of Benicia for being thoughtful and generous hosts on the occasion of the Legislature’s celebration of California’s sesquicentennial, and that a suitable plaque be placed at the Benicia State Capitol site to memorialize this event; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit suitable copies of this resolution to the Mayor of the City of Benicia, the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, the Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West, and the Director of Parks and Recreation, whose copy shall be displayed at the Benicia State Capitol.