Strawbridge running for Benicia mayor
BENICIA >> Businesswoman and City Councilmember, Christina Strawbridge, officially announced this week that she is running for mayor in 2020.
“There is a lot of work before us and success will come with brave decisions based on listening and collaborating with the community, city staff and the rest of the council,” according to a news release from her campaign. “Courage, compassion and collaboration will be her objectives as Mayor.”
Strawbridge served on the Be
nicia City Council from 2011 to 2016 before an unsuccessful re-election campaign in 2016. Residents sent her back to the council with a new four-year term in November 2018.
She owns Christina S Fashion Destination, a women’s retail store in downtown Benicia. In addition, Strawbridge and her husband Scott recently acquired Benicia Magazine, a lifestyle publication delivered to homes in the city.
“As a small business owner, Christina understands the importance of economic development to generate revenue in order to retain services that Benicia residents have come to expect and rely on,” the same release states.
She also served on the city’s Economic Development Board from 2006 through 2011 and was chairperson in 2010. Strawbridge was on the Economic Development Department’s Ad Hoc Tourism Committee “where she had a leading role in defining the City’s tourism goals and worked to see them implemented,” the same release states.
Strawbridge has been a representative on numerous committees including the Solano State Parks Committee.
“Christina has made progress working with other stakeholders in keeping both California State Parks open and bringing
attention to deferred maintenance for the Benicia State Capitol building, the Fischer Hanlon House and the State Recreation Area,” the release reads.
She also worked on the revitalization committee for the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, volunteered for the Benicia Main Street’s Promotions committee and Fundraising Committee and was president of the nonprofit organization from 1991-1992, served as Main Street’s events coordinator from 1993-2003, and helped establish and produce the Benicia Certified Farmers Market now in its 27th year, she said.
“Christina has continued her successful work with non-profits, including the Benicia State Parks, BOTTG Benicia Old Town Theatre Group, Benicia Soroptimist (winning the prestigious Ruby Award for her work on behalf of women) and her fundraising for the Community Action Council,” according to the release.
Strawbridge said her campaign is supported by current councilmembers Lionel Largaespada, Tom Campbell and former councilmen Mark Hughes, and Alan Schwartzman.
Mayor Elizabeth Patterson was first elected to the post in 2007.