Benicia Appoints Interim City Manager, Interim Police Chief

BENICIA, CA — Benicia police Chief Erik Upson was officially appointed interim city manager Tuesday night by the Benicia City Council.

"Mr. Upson will provide the steady hand at the helm as the council begins the recruitment process for a new city manager," Mayor Elizabeth Patterson said.

Upson has been serving as acting city manager since Sept. 8 when City Manager Lorie Tinfow resigned Sept. 8.

"I am honored that the Council and the Mayor have asked me to step into this critical role during such a challenging time," Upson said Thursday in a news release. "Benicia is an amazing town. I am committed to this community and to our staff. We are in the midst of some very great challenges, but none that cannot be overcome if we come together as one community and lift each other up. We will get through this and, if we take this approach, we will come out stronger on the other side."

The city also announced that Benicia police Capt. Mike Greene has been appointed interim chief of police while Upson serves as interim city manager.

The city did not say why Tinfow resigned, but wished her well.

"Lorie’s three plus years with the City has positioned Benicia well by attracting and developing quality staff, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our citizens both safe and primed for a strong recovery," Mayor Patterson said.