News

New Courts Update

8/14/2016

A considerable effort has been taking place over the past few months to move the construction of the new courts forward. The Board solicited new bids from 2 local contractors with the involvement of the City Parks & Recreation department. The low bid submitted by Harold Bray Construction, a contractor well known by the City, came in at $185,246. This amount excluded the cost of building a new shed, which the City estimates will add approximately $12,000 to the project cost. Fundraising has netted a total of a $125,000 to date with pledges for team tile purchases of over $7,500 still unfulfilled.

The Board has also been in discussions with directors of the Parks & Recreation & Economic Development Departments and City Council members to solicit their support in closing the approximate funding gap of $75,000. This issue will be brought before the Council as an agenda item at the September 6th Council meeting with an up or down vote to take place at that time to fund whatever gap remains. By the city’s own calculation, Measure C funds, which Benicia voters approved to fund infrastructure needs for public safety, roads & PARKS, have exceeded original estimates by $1.4mm. We need to fight for some of those funds. We strongly encourage all league members, those wishing to join the league but cannot due to the limited courts and other bocce enthusiasts to attend this crucial meeting to stand as one and show our collective support for this worthy community project. All individuals will have up to 5 minutes to let their voice be heard should you choose to do so. For those who have provided email addresses to the league, reminders will be sent as the date approaches but please tell your teammates, friends, business colleagues, church groups and civic organizations about this critical meeting and mark your calendars now. An article is also planned for the Benicia Herald to reach the community at large.

In the interim, for those of you who have pledged funds to this effort but have yet to fulfill them, now is the time. For those of you who have not pledged or provided assistance as of yet, we need your help now, as well. The more we can close the funding gap, the easier the vote will be for our Council members. Please contact Greg Richey via email at greg@signalsolutions.com or by phone at (707) 974-0612 should you have any questions regarding past pledges or how to contribute to the project.

The board thanks all who have contributed in the past and also wishes to acknowledge the following recent significant contributions to the effort:

$10,000
Paula & Jim Gallagher

$5,000
Sheri & Richard Bortolazzo Jill & Eric Hoglund Peg & Mike Klug
Mittie & Fred Railsback Lisa & Scott Reep Sue & Greg Richey
Ellen & Bob Whitehead Republic Services

$2,500
Coldwell Banker Signal Solutions Corporation Valero Corporation

Fate of the new courts

8/13/2016

The fate of the construction of the 2 additional bocce courts will be decided at the upcoming City Council meeting next Tuesday, September 6th at 7:00 pm with an up or down vote anticipated. We're prepared our arguments for why this project should be approved. But the best arguments often carry more weight when voiced directly from the heart, and backed by numbers. That’s why we are asking all of you to attend this make or break meeting, to stand up (or at least be seated) to make it clear to the Council that this project is worthy of their votes.

The bottom line is the City has surplus money from Measure C, which we all have paid a share of. They wanted us to take out more loans. The Board has rejected that notion, feeling the bocce community has contributed enough. Looking in to the future, we’d rather see a reduction in registration dues than an additional financial burden placed upon us all.

We are well aware that some teams will be playing the first round of the playoffs that night but for those of us who can attend, please be there by no later than 7:00 pm as we are first on the agenda. We need to fill the chamber. Don’t forget it’s an election year. You can bet that our council members have not. We only need three votes. We think the vote will be close. Please mark your calendars now.

On Facebook? RSVP to the event!

2016 Playoffs

8/3/2016

We've worked out the playoff schedule for this season. As usual, the top four teams from each division will enter a 16 team playoff bracket of four rounds:

Sept. 6-9 at 6pm
Sept. 13-14 at 6pm
Sept. 15 at 6pm
Sept. 17 at 2pm: 3rd & 4th Place match
Sept. 17 at 4pm: Championship match

Bracket placement will be determined by division standings, with inter-division match-ups. In other words, you're not guaranteed to play on the same night as you did during the regular season.

If you are interested in the particulars of how the bracket is seeded, we're happy to go into detail. Drop us a line at info@beniciabocce.org.

2016 Capo Meeting

4/11/2016

We're getting close to the start of the season. Caps, remember that the Capos meeting will be held Saturday, April 16th at 9:00 am on the bottom floor of the Vets Hall. All Capos and Co-Capos are encouraged to attend, as there are several changes afoot for the coming season. Please don’t forget your signed team liability wavier form if you have not already submitted one. We also need all shed keys returned as there will be a new security procedure implemented this season. We look forward to seeing you all there.

2016 Schedule

4/10/2016

Hi Bocce ballers!

The 2016 Benicia Bocce League schedule is ready for you.

This year, you can get the schedule added to your calendar. At the bottom of your schedule, you'll find a link. Be sure to select your team first, so that only your games show up. Also, be sure to subscribe to the calendar, rather than import, so that you can stay up to date with any changes. Here is a good article explaining the difference.

As always, if you have any questions, please get in touch.