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Benicia-Vallejo AAUW hosts: California Forever 2026 – Impact on Solano County
The Benicia-Vallejo branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), will host a dinner and lecture at 6 pm Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at the Union Hotel, 401 1st Street in Benicia. Featured speaker Elizabeth Patterson, past Mayor of Benicia and former planning director and retired state staff environmental scientist with the California Department of Water Resources.
The meeting is open to the public. A $30 dinner includes either spinach and ricotta ravioli or mixed
greens salad with prawns, soda or ice tea, a dessert and tip. Cash is requested. Those interested in attending are asked to text a positive RSVP to 707-747-5112 by Jan 6. Seating is limited.
California Forever, according to Wikipedia, is an American real estate development corporation founded by Jan Sramek. Through its subsidiary Flannery Associates, California Forever anonymously purchased over 50,000 acres (20,000 ha) of farm land in southeastern Solano County, on the edge of the San Francisco Bay Area. In August 2023, the company announced the East Solano Plan to build a new walkable city of up to 400,000 people on 17,500 acres (7,100 ha) of land. In July 2024, the company withdrew its ballot initiative and announced an agreement with county officials to create an environmental impact report and development agreement.
It has been proposed to reintroduce the ballot initiative in 2026 after environmental reports have been published.
The project has faced criticism questioning the land acquisition tactics of Flannery Associates, the security behind the proposed water supply, and the environmental impacts of the project on surrounding land.
Patterson will cover who the California Forever investors are and share information of how California Forever can impact Solano County going forward. Patterson will additionally describe the process that will take place. There will be a question and answer forum following the presentation.
AAUW founded in 1881, is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. Membership is open to any graduate with an associate or equivalent, Baccalaureate or higher degree. Undergraduates qualify as student affiliates with full branch participation.
The local Benicia-Vallejo AAUW Branch is an active group of equity advocates. Group activities include a variety of opportunities: educational, social, cultural, and public policy related. Since 1998, branch activities have raised scholarship funds for a local project called Tech Trek. This program provides a one-week hands-on math and science camp for selected 7th grade girls that is held at a nearby university campus.
AAUW has a nationwide network of 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 local branches, and 800 college and university partners. For further information or to join the branch visit https://beniciavallejo-ca.aauw.net/membership/ or send an email to [email protected] .
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3415996-0
