benicia magazine september 2012
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Benicia Magazine cover people, places, events, arts, food &wine, shopping, & more in Benicia and Solano CountyTRANSCRIPT
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Volume 7 Issue 11 September 2012 Please Deliver 8/29-8/31
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Harvesting your Own BackYard
Benicia Green Home Goes for LEED GOLD
Half Moon BayWeekend Getaway
Harvesting your Own BackYard
Benicia Green Home Goes for LEED GOLD
Half Moon BayWeekend Getaway
Volume 7 Issue 11 September 2012 Please Deliver 8/29-8/31
2 • Benicia Magazine
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4 • Benicia Magazine
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• How would it affect my family if I pass away prematurely?• How do I stop paying on my Life Insurance & not lose the policy?• Long Term Care—How do I stay at home and who pays for this?• When can I retire safely without running out of money?• Can I continue my present standard of living into my retirement years?• How could my situation change during turbulent economic times?• How do I guarantee an income for life?• What is Fixed Income Planning?
6 • Benicia Magazine
10 From the Editor
12 Currents Reaping the harvest from your own backyard Preparations underway for annual art gala Great expectations in the Benicia real estate market
20 Food-Travel-Spirits Tapping into Benicia beer
24 Interview Beverly White, Heritage Presbyterian Church Minister
26 Fashionista Important underpinnings through history
28 September Calendar of Events
30 Listening Featured musician Bryan Girard
30 Live Music Calendar
SEPTEMBER VOLUME 7 ISSUE 11
Benicia Magazine
Departments
Features14 Benicia Schools Target Healthier Food for Kids
16 Weekend Getaway to Half Moon Bay
18 Local Couple Go for Gold with New Benicia Green Home
16 12
Cover photo: Amy Belluzzi's Benicia Backyard Garden, by Jerry BowlesTop left: Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. courtesy, of Mary Oldham Top right: Lindsay Art Glass Vase, Benicia Magazine archives
BeniciaMagazine.com • 7
Fast Facts: Valero’s Benicia Asphalt Plant produces 40 percent of Northern California’s asphalt.
Safety First: Keep your driveway and walkways clear of falling leaves, as they may become slippery when wet.
The Benicia community will benefit for years to come from support received through the 2008 Valero/Good Neighbor Steering Committee Settlement Agree-ment and its 2010 amendment. A sampling of projects funded in recent years from the $14 million fund include the Benicia Community Center, the Benicia Tree Foundation and Benicia High School’s Green Academy. One small, yet prominent recipient of VIP settlement dollars is Benicia Community Gardens, Inc. (BCG), a nonprofit organization that manages both Swenson Garden and Avant Garden. Its mission is primarily educational, serving goals of the City of Benicia’s Climate Action Plan to provide for local food security by growing food within city limits wherever possible and feasible. Since 2003, a dedicated board of directors has administered BCG and its related projects. According to Marilyn Bardet, chairperson of the board of directors, “Growing food locally increases community resilience and reduces energy costs.” Donations are welcome, including basic garden materials, equipment and tools. There is no membership fee to join the
organization, but a small fee is charged to cover water charges for those who are assigned a garden plot. Gardeners are provided the basics on a first-come, first-served basis: raised beds, including eco-soil to fill them, garden tools and equipment for general use on site. Produce is harvested for private use by gardeners or may be donated. Surplus from harvests may be given to personal friends or donated to BCG-selected food share programs, but produce cannot be sold. On the first Wednesday of the month, a potluck lunch is held at noon at Swenson Garden for anyone who wants to learn more about gardening.
Valero’s ongoing efforts to capture sediments dredged from the Valero dock and deposit them for beneficial use now includes the Montezuma Wetlands Project in the San Francisco Estuary. This project will restore over 1,800 acres of wetlands in the Suisun Marsh using approximately 20 million cubic yards of sediment dredged from the region's ports and waterways. “The project will provide a tremendous
regional boost to the protection and recovery of numerous wetland-dependent fish, wildlife, and plant species,” say John Lazorik, Benicia resident and a Valero Senior Staff Environmental Engineer. Since 1968, when the refinery accepted its first cargo of crude oil, dredged materials removed from the berthing area (about 50,000 cubic yards per year) have been disposed of at specific, permitted Bay Area aquatic disposal sites.
Community NewsNeed additional copies? Contact the Community Relations office: Valero Benicia Refinery, 3400 East Second Street, Benicia, CA 94510
707-745-7534 September 2012
Benicia Community Gardens Thrive
Wetlands Project Benefits Suisun Marsh
Valero dredged material is pumped into a designated wetland management cell to raise the elevation of the wetland.
“healthful food, fellowship, beauty and discovery”
Avant Garden
Swenson Garden
SWENSON GARDENMilitary and East 2nd StreetsThe garden was created in 1999 by Meg Grumio and the late Dr. Ed Swenson, with help of an initial grant awarded by Solano County. Property owner Heritage Presbyterian Church offers a $1 per year lease for the space.AVANT GARDENBCG at First & D StreetsIn 2010, BCG signed a modest monthly lease with Estey Real Estate to establish this second community garden. Located in the heart of downtown Benicia, this garden has heightened awareness about organic urban farming.
[email protected] www.BeniciaCommunityGardens.org
8 • Benicia Magazine
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EditorJeanne Steinmann
Graphic Design Margaret Bowles
Web SpecialistYarrow Sweningsen
Special Projects/Advertising Coordinator Joey Baker
Contributing WritersBob Ecker
Rhonda Lucile HicksEric Hogland
Sue Sumner-MooreAdriene RockwellBeth Steinmann
Christina Strawbridge
Contributing PhotographersLisa Duncan, Jerry Bowles
Editorial deadlinesThe 1st of the month prior
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AdministrationOffice Manager Rise Goebel
Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann
Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2012, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher. Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, P.O. Box 296, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.5226, beniciamagazine.com.
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Celebrating our 8th Year
BeniciaMagazine.com • 9
Stroll Downtown Benicia on a beautiful autumn afternoon and taste over a dozen wines being poured inside participating stores.
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Benicia Old Town Theatre Group presents
Butler What the
Sawan English farce by Joe OrtonDirected by Byron Peters
Coming in Spring 2013 – Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire – 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
October 19—November 10, 2012 For information call: 707.746.1269
Purchase your tickets online at:Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com
What the Butler Saw is a comedy full of mistaken identity, sly one-liners, coy deception and disarray. A comedy sure to delight audiences!
CAST: David Fouchee, Coleen Walsh, James Higdon, Clinton Vidal, Atessa Mcaleenan-Morrell, Dominic Lessa
10 • Benicia Magazine
From the EditorSeptember 2012 August flew by like a rocket! Home improvement, summer travel and a husband on sabbatical made for a very busy month. I visited Tahoe twice in August for long weekends in Squaw Valley—once for hiking its majestic bowls and to check out where to stay and where to eat (read it online on the Travel page)—and once for relaxing poolside. My first trip coincided with the summer Olympics. It was fun to be there, at the site of the 1960 winter games, and commune in spirit with Olympic athletes and members of Benicia’s youth singing group VOENA, who performed at this summer’s games. September taps into Benicia’s abundant creative flow with three annual art events: the Chamber of Commerce’s Arts & Crafts Fair, a huge, pedestrian-only First Street affair; Arts Benicia’s benefit auction at the Clocktower and the annual Rotary/Arts Benicia Expanding Experiences art, wine and cheese event in the lower Arsenal. In this issue Sue Sumner-Moore talks with Beverly White, who co-founded and chairs Expanding Experiences with former police Chief Jim Trimble. Each of the three events has a distinct character that allows locals and visitors an opportunity to immerse or dip a toe into the many ways art manifests here in town. School’s back in session—please remember to slow down and be watchful for kids on bikes and foot. Additionally, the Intermodal Facilities Project at First and Military is under construction, so use caution there as well. I look forward to its completion, this will be a nice improvement to downtown’s entry.
Jeanne Steinmann
Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to:[email protected]
Photo by Lisa Duncan
I really enjoyed the August issue, and learned about a new park we'd not been to. Bruce and I have never been to Lake Herman either—nor Camino de Santiago! A perfect summer read.
–Adriene Rockwell
I really enjoyed the article on Benicia’s parks. Bill and I have carved out an afternoon for a picnic and a visit to all of Benicia’s Parks.
–Leeann Cawley
There may be a very good reason Lake Herman Park is underutilized, besides being “off the beaten path.” Lake Herman used to be our favorite park because it is quiet, uncrowded and it is a good break from downtown. However we quit going there several years ago because the resident park employee made park users feel unwelcome. On numerous occasions while having a picnic lunch, reading or returning from a hike, we encountered the park employee lurking about with a camera taking photos of park patrons, their cars and license plates. We are unaware of any safety or security issues at Lake Herman which require surveillance of park patrons.
–Michael L. Brown
Knowing Mike and his earnest purpose in setting off on such a trek of discovery, I was really struck by his revelatory descriptions about what his journey meant to him and his humility, observing others, enjoying the connections made when seemingly alone, as he looked to his walking companions or the moon. Thank you, Beth, for such a sensitive account of your father's experience, which I imagine mirrors what untold thousands have felt over millennia, walking the historic "Road to Compostela" for healing. And thank you, Mike, for offering your experience to us at home.
–Marilyn B.
I very much appreciate the leadership you give to Benicia and the great example you have set as a publisher and community builder—you are an inspiring weaver of the community narrative.
–Wolfram Alderson
BeniciaMagazine.com • 11
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By Beth Steinmann Every morning as I fi ll the teakettle with fresh water, I look out the kitchen window and scan my garden. What’s blooming, what’s growing taller? Our sunfl owers have gotten so big that I can’t even see their tops as I peer out. Sometimes I recall the fi rst months after we moved in, when the yard was bare except for a few stragglers leftover from the previous tenants. Now we have four raised-beds for vegetables and three small herb and fl ower gardens. We got a late start the fi rst season but ended up with some great cherry tomatoes and lemon cucumbers, and a lot of crookneck squash. This year we planned better and started sooner—now our harvest is in full-swing. According to the National Gardening Association, 36 million US households grow gardens. More than half of these reported growing their own food because it saves grocery money and it tastes better. Benicia is ahead of the curve when it comes to backyard gardens—I see more and more vegetable gardens sprouting up around town. Benicia Community Garden has set a trend with its visible locations on the corner of Military East and East Second at Heritage Presbyterian Church, and its newer location on First and D Streets. What's a home garden really worth? One wacky couple, founders of Kitchen Gardeners International, did the math. Roger Doiron’s wife, Jacqueline, suggested that they weigh each harvest and price the items up at grocery store prices (they did three comparisons: farmer's market, conventional grocery store and Whole Foods), then subtract their gardening expenses. Over the season, they saved $2149.15 (www.kgi.org/node/2547%23comment-5349). These are experienced gardeners with a fairly high crop yield. But part of the beauty of growing your own food is that the learning never stops—novices and master gardeners alike will always have challenges to overcome and something to remember for next season. Despite life’s endless to-do list, prioritizing time to garden can be endlessly rewarding. When children experience fi rsthand the magic of nurturing a plant from seed to fruit, it gives them an invaluable connection to their food. With a growing number of children being diagnosed with nutrition and weight related diseases, cultivating this connection in the home is important. Eighty six percent of the National Gardening Association's 36 million backyard gardeners reported growing tomatoes, making them the most popular homegrown fruit nationwide. Cucumbers came in second, followed by sweet peppers, beans, carrots, summer squash, onions, hot peppers, lettuce and peas. Culinary herbs are easy to grow and lend added spice and vigor to any home-cooked meal. What’s popping up in your garden this season? B
Preparations Underway for Annual
Art Gala
Arts Benicia has two big reasons to revel at this year’s annual art auction, one of Solano County’s most signifi cant and fun events. The premier arts organization is celebrating their silver anniversary, and the 20th anniversary of the auction itself. This is an opportunity for locals to celebrate our rich cultural bounty by experiencing art on an intimate level. Socializing with friends, sipping wine or a cocktail, viewing fi ne art and generally having a great time are all part of a magical evening. This is one party where you can dress up, dress down
12 • Benicia Magazine Currents
Amy Belluzzi's Benicia backyard garden, photo by Jerry Bowles
Oct Ben Mag vol7 v12.indd 12 8/24/12 3:42 PM
By Eric Hoglund, Estey Real Estate I find the greatest stress a buyer or seller encounters is caused by unrealistic expectations. Buying or selling a home can be an exciting, terrifying, eventful experience. Having a good real estate agent explain the process and help you navigate negotiations is key, but as the customer in the transaction, it is equally important to keep your head and regulate enthusiasm and/or frustration. The real estate process is made up of many parts: the search for that perfect home, the offer proposal and acceptance, inspections and disclosures, loan approval and finally, funding and closing. There are time frames and key milestones that, in order to be met, all parties must do their part. There could be many players in this game: buyer and seller, possibly a tenant, multiple banks, real estate agents, title company, appraiser and various inspectors and other vendors employed by the above. In a perfect world this would be easy, right? Everyone would do their job on time, on budget. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world and likely one or more of the players will not deliver. Whether it is negligence, incompetence or, more often than not, an inability to meet deadlines due to workloads or conflicting agendas, there will be bumps in the road. Be ready for the inevitability of these issues so that solving them is easier. A prime example is the seemingly endless period of time a short-selling bank may make you endure while they decide if they will accept the deficiency offer, with a complete lack of communication. Do yourself a favor and make sure to prepare for this “hurry up and wait” reality before you list or purchase a home. You will be more at ease and able to make well-informed decisions. Do your homework and be prepared for problems that may arise, and work with your partners to overcome adversities.
Great Expectations for Benicia Real Estate
PRICE ADDRESS BR BA SQ. FT. TYPE
$76,000 1830 Shirley Dr 1 1/0 641 COND
$98,500 900 Cambridge Dr 2 1/0 1087 COND
$110,500 900 Cambridge Dr 2 1/0 1087 COND
$111,000 331 Blanchard L 2 2/0 939 COND
$118,800 314 Blanchard L 2 2/0 939 COND
$130,000 333 Blanchard L 2 2/0 939 COND
$150,000 735 Buchanan St 2 2/0 968 COND
$179,000 33 La Cruz Ave 2 1/0 764 RESI
$185,000 1119 Grove Cir 3 2/1 1442 RESI
$235,000 422 E J St 2 1/0 790 RESI
$239,000 1032 E 5th St 2 2/0 1282 RESI
$240,000 492 E E St 3 3/0 1434 COND
$264,900 255 E 2nd St 2 2/1 1370 COND
$290,500 26 La Prenda Av 3 2/0 1490 RESI
$325,000 87 Buena Vista 3 2/0 1653 RESI
$326,000 907 Rose Dr 4 2/1 2164 RESI
$335,000 226 Military St 2 1/1 1696 RESI
$339,000 2138 Via Media 5 2/1 1696 RESI
$370,000 107 Panorama Dr 4 3/0 3153 RESI
$372,000 930 W 9th St 2 1/0 1248 RESI
$390,000 515 Solano Dr 4 2/1 1775 RESI
$400,000 536 E I St 3 2/0 1558 RESI
$403,000 418 York Dr 3 2/1 2742 RESI
$460,000 250 Olive Branc 4 2/1 2497 RESI
$463,750 530 Hastings Dr 3 2/1 3006 RESI
$468,900 472 Mills Dr 4 2/1 2795 RESI
$495,000 723 Kearney St 5 4/0 4020 RESI
$505,000 501 Townsend Dr 4 2/1 3162 RESI
$505,000 481 Gallagher D 6 4/0 3761 RESI
$510,000 420 York Dr 4 3/0 2569 RESI
$545,600 445 Lansing Cir 5 4/0 3980 RESI
$550,000 723 Primrose Ln 4 3/0 2589 RESI
$560,500 445 Samuel Ct 4 3/0 3485 RESI
$575,000 725 Kearney St 5 4/0 4233 RESI
$603,000 650 Woodbridge 5 4/0 4233 RESI
$710,000 580 W I St 4 3/0 2320 RESI
HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE WAYS TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
—The market is challenging and changing. Lack of inventory forces you to be on top of your game in making and reviewing offers, and being prepared for the multiple offer situation. Don’t be offended by an offer/ counter offer; if the deal is not for you, move on or find a middle ground. —Your agent should be optimistic, but realistic, and deliver news in a timely manner. Do your homework on your lender too. Don’t choose one solely on a tickler ad with a low rate; make sure they will work with you to find the best product for your needs. —Talk with inspectors if you are concerned about a roof report, pest or whole house inspection. Make sure they help differentiate between a real red flag and something that just looks scary on paper.—It may be a bumpy ride, but think of it as an adventure overcoming manageable obstacles rather than one monumental climb. You will be happier throughout the process. Benicia is a fantastic place with a vibrant real estate market; you SHOULD have great expectations. B
or dress with personality. Competing with your friends in a silent or live auction for a one-of-a-kind painting, hand-blown glass, weaving, woodcarving, sculpture, mixed media print or many other types of unique art amps up excitement. Lucky silent and live auction bidders come away with something of lasting quality as well as memories to be retold into the future. “The arts are booming. I think people are aware of the value and liveability that the arts bring to our town. The auction brings people together—artists, art enthusiasts, lay people and sponsors. We love the
creative culture of our town and want to sustain that culture long-term,” says Laura Buchan, Arts Benicia’s program director. “It’s exciting. There’s also a cross-cultural connection happening between cities through art.” This year’s auction will be held at the Benicia Clocktower at 6:30 pm, Saturday, September 22. There’s a no-host bar: Beer and wine will be available and The Rellik Tavern will be on hand making a specialty cocktails. Free hors d’oeuvres are compliments of local eateries. Don’t miss it! B
BeniciaMagazine.com • 13
Oct Ben Mag vol7 v12.indd 13 8/24/12 3:42 PM
14 • Benicia Magazine
By Adriene Rockwell Raising our children to have healthy eating habits may be the most important thing we can do for them. In our country, diet related diseases are now the highest cause of death in children under 15, and childhood obesity has reached pandemic proportions. If our children don’t change the way they eat, 45% of them will be insulin dependent in the next decade, and for the first time in our history, their life expectancy will be 10 years shorter than our own. Although First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign has brought national awareness to the cause, Benicians have been fighting for healthy meals in the schools for nearly a decade. Bruce Hall, Director of Food and Nutrition Services for the BUSD has made dramatic changes to the program since he began in 2009, moving away from processed, pre-packaged foods, to more meals prepared from scratch. As a result, Benicia is making less of a leap than other districts to meet new USDA regulations. After President Obama’s Healthy, Hunger Free Act of 2010, the USDA made the first major changes to its school meals in 15 years. The new rules went into effect on July 1, 2012 and require schools to serve lower sodium meals with both fruits and vegetables, and whole grain options—every day. Sugar is not yet regulated, however there are maximum and minimum calorie requirements for each age group. The biggest challenge, says Hall, is finding healthy foods at reasonable prices that are also accepted by the students. “Students are now required to take ½ cup of fruits or vegetables with their meals, whether they eat it or not,” Hall says about the new rule. “There are concerns nationwide that our waste and compost bins may be fuller than our children.” On the other hand, Judith Tata, parent advocate and recent Chair of the district’s Wellness Committee believes: “If we only offer children healthy choices, they will eat them.” She adds: “For many children, the only healthy meal they get in a day is at school.” At home and at school, the obstacle to healthy eating often
boils down to costs, and the economics are complicated. With the new rules, schools will pay an additional 25 to 35 cents per meal, and families will pay about 50 cents more per meal. Because the district provides free or reduced lunches for only 20% of its students, it receives less in USDA reimbursements to offset costs of healthier foods. Nationally, the new rules will cost the USDA $3.2 billion over the next five years, but is still competing with the $150 billion fast food industry that is targeting children with quick, inexpensive meals that are packed with processed, unhealthy ingredients. Education is core to the solution, but more is needed. Norma Lisenko, founder of Healthy Cooking with Kids (HCK) in Benicia, shares the philosophy of experts like Alice Waters, of the Edible Schoolyard Project in Berkeley, who believe that engaging children in the process of growing and preparing their own nutritious foods increases their likelihood of consuming them. For the past four years, HCK has provided hands-on cooking, tasting of seasonal fruits and vegetables and other nutrition programs in our classrooms and cafeterias. Lisenko is part of an effort to bring the national Farm to Schools program to Benicia; an initiative that would purchase organic produce from local farmers for our school menus. BUSD Superintendent Janice Adams credits the positive changes in food culture over the past decade to the collaborative effort of the School Board, teachers, administrators, local businesses, passionate parents, and a growing number of students—many who participate on the Wellness Committee. These changes will improve lives, but in reality, schools feed their students only 180 days of the year—and for most children, that’s less than 20% of their meals. “We want children to be healthy, and we know that healthy children learn better. We have an obligation to do our part in educating children, and making sure they are eating healthy at school, says Adams. “But we can’t do it alone.” B
Target Healthier Food for KidsBenicia Schools
Photos courtesy of Healty Cooking with Kids, Inc.
BeniciaMagazine.com • 15
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By Jeanne Steinmann If Half Moon Bay isn’t on your radar screen, it should be, and for more than just the annual Pumpkin Festival. A recent weekend getaway revealed a bustling seaside village that is both quaint and modern. The first thing that strikes you upon entering its downtown core is how clean it is, as if elves come out at night to do a once-over spit and polish, right down to the meticulous flower pots and baskets. Locally owned shops line the streets: boutiques, galleries and independent bookstores and coffee shops. The shop, stroll and coffee culture is not the only thing happening in HMB. There’s plenty to keep you busy—wine tasting, glass blowing demos, farm visits, kayaking, surfing, golf, horseback riding, tide pools, biking or a picnic at the beach are all part of the scene. And the food! Eating in HMB is sheer pleasure—locally sourced produce, cheese, meat and seafood are staples at many eateries. Lodging options range from budget-friendly hotels to the luxurious Ritz Carlton, and numerous bed and breakfast inns. We stayed at the Beach House Inn, a boutique hotel located on the beach just north of town. The spacious, upscale loft-style suites are quiet and well appointed, with fireplaces, comfortable beds and a balcony or patio. Complimentary continental breakfast is included. Prices to eat and sleep seem remarkably reasonable for the quality. The sea air, pretty downtown, impressive eateries and abundant activities make Half Moon Bay a great day trip or weekend escape for couples or families. For more information, see visithalfmoonbay.org.
Photo top: Heading for the surf, by Jay Graham; Photo middle: Salmon tacos at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, courtesy of Mary Oldham; Photo bottom: Kids playing with goats at Harley Farm, photo by Jay Graham
Half Moon Bay more than just a pumpkin festival
“…sea air, pretty downtown, impressive eateries
and abundant activities make
Half Moon Bay a great day trip or
weekend escape…”
16 • Benicia Magazine
BeniciaMagazine.com • 17
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WHAT TO DO The nooks and crannies of Pillar Point Harbor beg to be explored by kayak. The enthusiastic crew at Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. will set you up with a boat to suit your skill level. hmbkayak.com. La Nebbia Winery produces four whites, three reds and three desert wines, as well as gourmet food products. Peruse the lovely event gardens while you sip. Tasting Fees $8; $2 for port served in a chocolate cup. Open 10-5 daily.lanebbiawinery.com. Half Moon Bay Art Glass is a few steps away from La Nebbia. Stop in and watch glassblowing demonstrations M-F 10-5 and most weekends. custommade.com/by/HMBArtGlass. Harley Farms, a working goat dairy and retail store, is open for tours on weekends or by appointment. Learn the process of making Chevre from milking to packaging; and mingle with the goats and the llamas that protect them from predators. harleyfarmscom.
WHERE TO EAT Flavor—“California comfort food” served in mid-century modern décor, sourced from “vendors with integrity.” Along with old favorites like mac ’n cheese and pot pies are inspired burgers and salads, pastas and seafood dishes. Everything is made in-house, down to the Pinot Noir Sorbet. It’s a great spot near the harbor to satisfy post-kayak hunger. flavoronthecoast.com. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company—More than a meal, HMB Brewing Company is a social and culinary experience. A large facility with indoor and outdoor dining, this brew pub makes seriously good craft beer, with seriously tasty grub to match. The menu features locally caught seafood, fresh oysters, flatiron steak and much more, with recommended beer pairings. hmbbrewingco.com. It’s Italia—A family friendly trattoria with brick oven pizza, house Panini, pasta, salads and grilled fish. The incredibly fresh food can be enjoyed in the dining room, bar or on the terrace. The wine list is 150-bottles strong, a real plus if you want to try something different. Even after a hearty entrée, it’s hard to turn down appealing desserts served in a martini glass. itsitaliarestaurant.com. Sam’s Chowder House—On a bluff above the Pacific, this local institution has garnered numerous awards for great seafood, served with a killer ocean view. The restaurant is large with many indoor and outdoor seating areas. The huge lobster roll sandwich is legendary; or try the fresh grilled catch of the day or the excellent raw bar. samschowderhouse.com. B
On the patio at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, courtesy of Mary Oldham
By Jeanne Steinmann A few years ago, local couple Josh and Kathy Jacobs purchased a waterfront lot on the bike path between West 4th and West 5th Streets on which to build their family dream home. They were interested in going about it in an energy efficient way, which ultimately led them to seek LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the US Green Building Council. There are many commercial LEED certified projects in Solano County’s seven cities, but no residences as of mid-August, according to the organization’s website, USGBC.org. The Jacob’s home is now under construction and they are hoping to garner, at minimum, a LEED Gold certification, the second highest level of four: LEED Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. To reach their goals, the couple hired local architect Tom Wilson, who is LEED accredited, and Pat Donohue, a Benicia general contractor who has built other homes with green features. “I like the renewable energy projects around town,” says Josh. “We wanted an energy efficient house. We interviewed a lot of contractors—the process took over a year. Pat is a genius. I would throw out a concept, and he would turn it into actual actions to create something useable.” The home is a large two-story; three if you include the full basement. Extra points needed to be realized from the green aspects to offset deductions for the size. There are too many green items to the home’s construction to list here, but they include the use of Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) in the basement walls, LED lighting and combined photovoltaic and hydronic heating, which, according to Wilson, is an innovation that is more commonly used in commercial construction. To use it in a home, he says, is very innovative. The home’s walls and ceiling are so well insulated that there won’t be any need for forced air heating and cooling. They were also able to salvage much of the lumber from the original house that was on the property to use in the construction and as decoration. In the landscape, permeable pavers will be used on the driveway and a drought resistant landscape is planned. A third-party consultant or “rater” has been hired to ensure the standards for certification are met in the areas of sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. A project must satisfy all prerequisites and earn a minimum number of points to be certified at any of the levels. “We want to be as close to net zero as possible,” says Josh. “The house represents getting what you want in a home, with a little forethought as to environmentally friendly products.” Once the home is finished, the owners can apply for the certification, which will be based on the awarding of points for a long checklist of items. The points earned will determine which level it might qualify for—a process that can take a year to complete. The home is scheduled to be finished in December.
Top Left: rendering by Architect Tom Wilson Photo top right: Insulated walls and roofing; Photos middle & bottom: Insulating concrete forms, by Jerry Bowles B
Local Couple Go for Gold with New Benicia Green Home
18 • Benicia Magazine
BeniciaMagazine.com • 19
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A prospective Heritage Tree must meet 1 of 7 criteria,
including historical significance, diameter and aesthetic value.
Find out more online or call 707.746.4285
Anyone can nominate a tree for Heritage
designation!
Anyone can nominate a tree for Heritage
designation!
Heritage Tree Program
City of Benicia City of Benicia
Heritage Tree Program
Heritage Tree applications and pruning & removal permits can be downloaded at
www.ci.benicia.ca.us, Parks & Community Services
New Exhibit Opening September 23rd!
FFREEDOMREEDOM ISIS AA HHARDARD BBOUGHTOUGHT TTHINGHINGAn Exhibit Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the
Emancipation Proclamation
Now through September 8thTTHEHE WWAYAY WWEE WWEREERE ANDAND WWHATHAT WWEE WWOREORE
LADIES HATS 1890 - 1965707-745-5435 • beniciahistoricalmuseum.org
THE BENICIA HISTORICAL MUSEUMat the Camel Barns
20 • Benicia Magazine Food - Travel - Spirits
ROOKIES 321 First Street, 707.746.7665This fun, boisterous bar, the newest in town, is a big hit with the younger set. It’s a great place to catch a game, watch a fight or rock out with your many new-found buddies. This is a true sports bar with autographed sports memorabilia and 20+ flat screens. Rookies sells plenty of mixed drinks and offers mostly commercial brews, but has a few specialty beers, like Anchor Steam and Kona Longboard, on draft. There’s also a different draft beer featured every Wednesday, 6-9pm during “Pint Night.” They have a good selection of beers in the bottle, too. Hip, clean, well lit and comfortable, Rookies does its thing very well.
THE UNION HOTEL RESTAURANT AND BAR401 First Street, 707.746.0110Housed in a building from the 1850’s, the historic Union Hotel is the oldest continually operating hotel in California. It’s a classic old hotel and its dark wooden bar is over 120 years old. Owner Gaby Ovieto keeps his bar in fine shape and really cares about his beer. Visitors who have stopped in for a meal in the past might be surprised to learn that the Union Hotel also serves four pretty fine tap beers, such as the toothsome, medium bodied Black Diamond IPA. Add live music on weekends, a casual vibe and the great Happy Hour deal, Monday through Thursday 5-8pm. The excellent beers cost only $2 per pint! That’s a price hard to beat, anywhere.
LUCCA BAR & GRILL439 First Street, 707.745.3749Lucca’s Bar, found by a passageway on the right side of the restaurant or through an entrance off of First Street, is an easy-going joint, with black and orange walls and a lively clientele. Known more for its mixed drinks, Lucca also serves up a credible array of draft beers, with the usual suspects, including Sierra Nevada, Stella Artois, Harp, Newcastle, Guinness and Blue Moon. Hoegaarden, the Belgian White, is among the better beers presented by the bottle. It’s a good place to relax, chat and grab a brew before or after dinner. Happy Hour runs 4-7pm Monday-Friday, when all beers are a dollar off.
BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH498 Military East, 707.745.9949The last of a dying breed, housed in a former Bordello underneath a Chinese Restaurant, Bottom of the Fifth is still going strong, and in fact will soon be undergoing a major remodel. This honest-to-goodness dive bar, beloved by Benicia’s dockworkers, longshoremen, refinery personnel and other locals provides loyal customers with inexpensive drinks, a regular crowd and spirited, feisty conversation. “This is the only Blue Collar bar left in town,” says local Clint Gomez. “No other spot in town has pool tables.” The remodel will up the ante for Bottom of the Fifth with five new beers taps and a kitchen. Open daily at 7am, this is a bar full of character, and characters. B
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
By Bob Ecker, Part 2 of 2Photos by Jerry Bowles
The Union Hotel Rookies
Hold on beer lovers, Benicia has more brews on tap. Back in july, we featured four spots to sample specialty and other beers. Here are four more worthy spots to check out.
BeniciaMagazine.com • 21
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September Bands
22 • Benicia Magazine
To the Arsenal
BeniciaMarina
BeniciaCapitol
EAST D ST.
EAST F ST.
EAST E ST.
EAST G ST.
EAST H ST.
EAST I ST.
EAST J ST.
FIRS
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REET
FIRS
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MILITARY WEST
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City Park
FIRST STREET
BENICIA
A. Judith Judson, 310 Military EastB. Consignment Arsenal, 946F Tyler StreetC. Benicia Historic Arsenal, 940 Tyler StreetD. Sprankle’s Village Deli, 82 Solano SquareE. Luminous Touch, 1350 Hayes StreetF. Bada Bing Salon, 425 Military East1. Tosch Dental, 18 West K Street2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street5. Benicia Floral and Gifts, 838 First Street6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street7. BlueBird Vintage, 800 First Street8. Benicia Home Improvement, 736 First Street9. Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street10. Studio 41, 700 First Street11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street13. The Steffen Collection Antiques, 627 First Street14. Lindsay Art Glass, 107 First Street15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street16. Chamber of Commerce, 601 First Street17. Charlie’s Attic, 519 & 523 First18. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street19. Zen Spa, 435 First Street20. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street21. Sailor Jack’s Restaurant, 123 First Street22. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street
BeniciaMagazine.com • 23
Dudiko� Insurance AgencyPlanning, Products, & Services
George Dudiko�, Agent, Lic. #OB13442
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A collectibles and consignment boutiqueE Bay Drop O� Store
519 & 523 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960
CHARLIE’S ATTIC
940 Tyler Street, Benicia707.373.5371 or 707.746.0100
Wedding and Event SpaceBenicia Historic Arsenal
707.297.611982 Solano Square, Benicia
M-F 10am-7pm, Sat. 10am-4pm
Mexican Food
640 First Street • 707.746.7830
Debra Fallon – Spiritual HealerLuminous-Touch.com
707.751.0300
SOUL RESTORATIONSOUL RESTORATION
838 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510707.745.5838 • www.beniciafloral.com
Benicia Floral & GiftsBenicia Floral & Gifts
Fiber-FrolicsSpecialty Yarns and Classes
Giovanna Sensi-Isolani, fiber artist
637 First Street, Benicia • 707.747.YARN(9276) fiber-frolics.com
Consignment ArsenalBuy and Sell Used Furniture
946F Tyler Street, Benicia • 707.746.0100Military East to Polk to Tyler
Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful!
Residential & New Home Sales; Property Management707.745.0759 www.judsonandcompany.com
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707.748.1080
Benicia Golf AssociationBenicia Golf AssociationBenicia Golf Association
To find out more call Dale Thorne, 707.745.4852 or Charles Kibby, 707.746.6054
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Shawna Robinson/Candice BenitezOpen Tues–Sun • 800 First Street, Benicia
707.745.9900 or 510.706.3296
BlueBird VintageWomen’s clothing & accessories
BlueBird VintageWomen’s clothing & accessories
ANTIQUES Vintage CollectiblesTues.-Sun. 10:30am—5:30pm627 First St., Benicia707.745.1170
Collection
The
By Sue Sumner-Moore Searching for the pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church? Try looking outside the church. For the Rev. Beverly White, church is more than just a building or plot of land. Church is serving others, finding ways to help people beyond the church walls. So while she preaches and serves the congregation each week, she also volunteers in the community at large. This month will find her pulling together the final details for Expanding Experiences, a Liberty High School fundraiser hosted each fall by the Rotary Club of Benicia and Arts Benicia. She and former police chief Jim Trimble founded that event in 2003 and have co-chaired it ever since. They also launched a mentoring program at Liberty, and he convinced her to serve as a voluntary police chaplain. She chaired the local Rotary Club’s community service committee for eight years until this spring, and continues to volunteer with the Every 15 Minutes program at Benicia High School. “Because I don’t live here, I feel I have to be connected to the community. My husband belongs to Rotary, so I knew it was a good organization and a good way to get connected,” says the Martinez resident. “I’m not doing it to gain new members, but to be a presence of Jesus and to serve others in the community.” Others in the congregation take a similar approach, she says. “We have church members on the boards for the CAC (Community Action Council) and the library and other organizations in town. We’re not making a big splash about it, but we’re out doing it,” she says. The church also provides land for a community garden and space for AA to meet five times a week, plus works closely with the CAC and Families in Transition. In addition, church members serve dinner once a month at the weekly free meal program at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Beverly, 64, became the pastor at Heritage Presbyterian in 1994. She left banking to enter Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, graduating in 1987. Her husband is a retired Presbyterian pastor, and they have two grown children and four grandchildren.
How did you decide to change gears and enter seminary? I never dreamt I’d be a pastor. I didn’t even think my husband would be a pastor. If I’d known that, I wouldn’t have married him (laughs). … One day, someone from our church in Whittier said, “Beverly, you need to go to seminary.” A month later, someone from the bank said, “I don’t know why, but I’m supposed to tell you that you’re supposed to go to seminary.” About a month after that, a person from another part of my life said, “I don’t know why, but I’m supposed to tell you that you should go to seminary.” When you have that kind of experience, you have to listen. So I went to seminary, kicking and screaming.
How did seminary change you? I went from being Bev to being Beverly, so I guess I grew up there. I realized I had a brain in my head. I was in my late 30s and going back to school with these kids in their 20s. … I realized I had a certain amount of wisdom and experience, that I could put things together. The kids in their 20s could stay up all night and study and remember everything, and I couldn’t do that so I had to put everything together and I could.
What led you to reach out to the wider community? If you’re part of a church, you have to be out in the community and know people out in the community. I spiritually feed my people, I teach them, I help them discover their gifts and find ways to use those gifts in the community. We are to be Christ’s arms, legs, hands and voice wherever needed in the world. We have an incredible community here with incredible people who are out there helping and having a good time. It’s who I am. I love doing community service—it energizes me, which is interesting because I’m an introvert so I need time alone. I love crosswords, love playing this game on my phone, Gardens of Time. I need a certain amount of solitude to do what I do.
How has Expanding Experiences helped Liberty High? We raise $10,000 to $15,000 a year, and the funds help pay for field trips like trips to museums, the music program, art supplies, motivational speakers and Career Week. … It’s a great event. We have 20-some wineries from Green Valley, Sonoma, and Napa, and the artists have open studios. Two weeks before, Allied Waste brings out a Dumpster and the artists can clean up their space and kids from Liberty clean up the area. Businesses donate for an opportunity drawing, and we have a couple of large auction items. Restaurants donate finger foods, and the Liberty kids are waiters and waitresses. It just pulls all parts of the community together. We usually have 200 to 300 people there, and every year these kids just awe people. They’re really good kids and they get a bad rap. They have so much going against them.
What do you enjoy doing in your time off? We like to travel and visit our family, but often my days off are spent doing laundry, doing the grocery shopping. We recently took a day and drove over to Point Reyes, took the dog. I love being outside. We’re hoping to get back to riding bikes.
What’s next for you? I don’t know. I know I’m not going to become an interim minister. I want to keep learning things. There’s lots of life to explore. I might go sing in a choir—I do love music.
What message would you like to share with the whole community? Remember you are a community. It’s not about individuals, and we live in a very individualistic society. We are a community. Life is hard and if we work together, it helps everyone. B
EXPANDING EXPERIENCES A benefit for Liberty High School, sponsored by Rotary Club of Benicia and Arts Benicia
When: Wednesday, Sept. 12, 6-8:30pmWhere: Tyler & Jackson Streets Tickets: $35 per person; call 707.745.6650 (Heritage Presbyterian Church) What to expect: Wine tasting, finger foods, opportunity drawing, auction of larger items in a tented venue in the historic Benicia Arsenal
Beverly White
Interview with
24 • Benicia Magazine Interview
Photo courtesy of Benicia Rotary
BeniciaMagazine.com • 25
www.lindsayartglass.com
Blown Glass • Wall A�t • Gift Items • Je�lry
Gallery Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-5Fri 11-7 • Sat 10-7
109 East F Street , Benicia, CA 94510707.748.1336
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4680 East 2nd St., Benicia
Visit our large showroom of fireplaces, stoves, inserts, BBQ’s and outdoor fireplaces & firepits
Visit our large showroom of fireplaces, stoves, inserts, BBQ’s and outdoor fireplaces & firepits
Reserve a spot nowOpening enrollment for Summer & Fall
The Little Blue EnginePreschool/Daycare
707.745.1413
Together We Can Make a Difference
In the Life of a Child
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In the Life of a Child
Lic# 483002056
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707-745-0254www.studio41.com
Featuring over 150 artisans & crafters! Saturday, Sept. 15 10am-4pm FIRST STREETDowntown Benicia(I-780 to Central Benicia Exit) Benicia Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center707.745.2120visitbenicia.com
26 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista
By Christina Strawbridge The brassiere has received a lot of press recently with the discovery of four bras that are believed to be 600 years old. The find made in an Austrian castle surprised fashion historians because it was thought the bra was invented 150 years ago when it replaced the woman's corset. The medieval bras look very much like the modern version with distinct cups and broad straps and a possible back strap. This "ultra vintage" linen lingerie was not only functional, but decorated with intricate lace and ornamentation. The bra has gone through an evolution since the 1400's, as wearing one or not has been reflective of women's status, fashion and views of the female body. Women wear bras for lots of reasons. They cover, bind, restrain, push up, separate, enhance, and support. It’s interesting that the basic bra has not changed much since Luman L. Chapman patented the modern version in 1863 as a corset substitute. Cup sizing started in 1928 by husband and wife duo William and Ida Rosenthal, who later created the A to D system that remains the industry standard used today. Studies show that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, which creates bad form in how clothing fits as well as possible spine and chest discomfort. I was in my 50's before I was properly fitted, and was appalled by the difference in the new size, but happy with the right fit.
SOME NOTEWORTHY BRA MOMENTS INCLUDE:
1943: Famous billionaire Howard Hughes designed a cantilevered bra to show off Jane Russell's cleavage in the movie The Outlaw.1947: Frederick Mellinger, founder of Frederick's of Hollywood, began selling intimate apparel in his Los Angeles stores.1949: Maidenform introduced its famous "I dreamed" advertising campaign that Advertising Age named No. 28 of the top 100 most memorable of the 20th century. Tag lines included, 'I was an Eskimo in my Maidenform bra’ and 'I dreamed I had the world on a string in my Maidenform bra.’1959: Lycra as a contributing fabric was introduced by Maidenform, which gave the bras movement and comfort.1968: A pivotal moment in pop culture—the women's lib movement occurred during the Miss America beauty pageant when 400 women organized a bra burning demonstration outside the Atlantic City Convention Hall. 1977: The sports bra was created by Lisa Lindahl and Polly Smith, who sewed two jockstraps together and named it the Jogbra.1990s: The bra industry focused on cleavage by utilizing water, air and silicone pads. Improvements in these developments take us into the 21st century with breast management and enhancement.
In 2012, does a woman wear a bra like a security blanket?
Recently, I came down with Shingles that attacked my waist and bra line. For 6 weeks, I had to go braless, which proved to be challenging since the need for a bra has changed with several milestone birthdays. Gone are the braless 1960's, 70's and 80's when I wore tube tops, halters and strapless clothing. Now I feel nearly naked without the proper undergarments. During my recovery, I ended up wearing loose fitting tops made of lightweight fabrics that were both camouflaging and comforting next to the burning skin. I have recovered from this fashion-altering virus, and realize that a bra is much more than a social statement, but a genetic need for women dating back 600 years. B
Wednesday, September 12, 6-8:30pmTyler and Jackson Streets
in the Historic Arsenal
SPONSORED BY Rotary Club of Benicia
and Arts Benicia
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Open Studio & Wine Tasting
Expanding Experiences9th Annual
A community
event benefitting
Liberty High
School
For tickets call 707.745.6650
BeniciaMagazine.com • 27
French CONVERSATIONAL
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Call to schedule a complimentary exam707.745.1994 • 164 East H St., Benicia
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28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar
9/1-9/30 Capitol&Fischer-HanlonHouse Weekends only 10am-5pm Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st Sunday & 2nd Saturday Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, other Sundays 10am-3pm 115 West G Street, Benicia, 707.745.3385
9/4 FirstTuesdaysInvestmentClub Long-standing investment club Meets in Benicia first Tuesday each month For more info contact 707.373.1200
9/5-9/26 Toastmaster’sGroup Wed.Evening7:30-9pm Learn to speak with confidence in a friendly environment 601 First Street, Suite 100, Benicia Larry Miller 707.745.5694
9/6-9/27 BeniciaCertifiedFarmersMarket4-8pm Fruit, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, arts & crafts First Street between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791
9/7&9/21 GhostWalkwithDonnaRaymond &DevinSisk Fridays, Main Street Depot 8pm Spooky tales of the paranormal history of Benicia Approx. 2 hours, no children under 10 Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791
9/8 FriendsoftheLibrary BookSale10am-4pm Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343
9/8 BeniciaArtWalk,Self-guidedTour3-7pm Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940
9/12 ExpandingExperiences6-8:30pm Open Studios & Wine Tasting Collaboration of the Rotary Club and Arts Benicia Fund raiser for Liberty High School Tyler and Jackson Streets, Benicia For Tickets call: 707.745.6650
9/15 AnnualCoastalCleanupDay9am-12pm Bring gloves, bag or bucket, water bottle Register to participate in Benicia Contact Sue Alfeld 707.980.1895 or email: [email protected]
9/15 FineArtsandCraftFair10am-4pm Fine arts, gifts, home & garden, décor & jewelry Clothing, furniture, photography, pottery and more First Street, between G & B Streets, Benicia 707.745.2120 9/19 EveningBookClubforAdults7-8pm Library Doña Benicia Room Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343
9/20 CommunityBloodDrive1-7pm Donors must be in good health, 17+ yrs, over 110 lbs First Baptist Church, 1055 Southampton Road
9/20 LeagueofWomenVoters7-9pm Speaker regarding the Tax Initiative Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street, Benicia Lwvbenicia.org
9/22 AnnualBenefitArtAuction6pm Features works by local and regional artists Both a silent and live auction to benefit Arts Benicia Benicia Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131 9/23 FreedomisaHardBoughtThing Reception1pm The history of African Americans coming to California Features biographies of African Americans in Benicia Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435
Scanformorelistings
Calendar of Events
September
BeniciaMagazine.com • 29
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Benicia CleanersBenicia Cleaners81 Solano Square, Benicia • 707-745-1353
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1202 East 5th Street, Benicia707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com
Full-line pet storeProfessional dog & cat grooming
Do it yourself pet wash
Anesthesia-free teeth cleaning clinic – first Sunday of each month
Home, Auto, Motorcycle, Boat & Business Policies 707.746.0590alonzosmall.com
Alonzo and Small Insurance Agency
Alonzo and Small Insurance Agency
Your one-stop insurance shop since 1981
1440 Military W. #202, Benicia
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30 • Benicia Magazine Listening
By Rhonda Lucile Hicks Photo by SN JacobsonHow old were you when you began playing saxophone? I started playing clarinet in the fifth grade band program and took up the saxophone in eighth grade.
Why jazz? It speaks to me. It is what I call a high art form—infinitely challenging. You can study and practice jazz for a lifetime and still feel like a beginner. I love it far more than any other musical genre.
What brought you to Vallejo? My wife. We met my sophomore year of high school. She was a freshman and we were both in the band. We went steady for about six months until I broke it off. We didn’t see each other for 37 years! We reconnected through a mutual high school friend.
What's the first music you remember hearing? It might be the opera Boris-Godunov by Mussorgsky. My father was from Russia and he would play music by Russian composers.
When did you start writing your own songs? I don’t know of any jazz musician that doesn’t write. I’ve been writing for decades, but I don’t consider myself a composer. Jazz is improvisation and composition follows naturally because of the nature of the art.
What do you in your spare time? I exercise pretty religiously. I walk and go to the gym. My wife and I spend a lot of time together. We’re a very close couple. We spend a lot of time in the city—going to see jazz, opera, a park, the museum. I read a lot and study French.
What was your best moment on stage? Over the years, I’ve come home glowing. Those were times where I feel I exceeded myself. It’s all about musical growth. And it’s also when the band played together and communicated musically.
Where can we see you perform? Every Sunday at Upstairs at First Street Café, The Sardine Can, Gracie’s Barbeque, The Empress Theatre and I’ll be at the Piedmont Piano Company in Oakland September 21. B
BornSan FranciscoResides inVallejo, CAFavorite FoodJapanese foodFavorite BookThe Spinoza ProblemRelationship Status/ChildrenMarried to Rosemarie, 2 grown stepchildren
Jazz Sax Player, Band Leader
Read the expanded interview online at beniciamagazine.com.
OngoingKinder’sLive Kinder’sLive music every Thursday 6pm-9pmkindersbbq.com 707.745.4453
The Rellik TavernLive music every Friday & Saturday therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137
Upstairs at the CaféLive music Thursday, Friday & SaturdayJazz Sunday afternoonfirststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400
Gracie’s Barbeque, VallejoLive music every Friday 6:30pm-9pmgracies.net 707.552.2254
Sardine Can, VallejoLive jazz every Sunday 5pm-8pmsardinecan.net 707.553.9492
Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & BarFairfieldLive Music every Saturdaystickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500
Winterhawk Winery, FairfieldLive Music and dancing Saturdays2pm-5pmwinterhawkwinery.com, 707.428.6977
Vinnie’s Bar & Grill, ConcordAll Pro Blues Jam 1st & 2nd Sundaysvinniesbar.com 925.685.9515
Special EventsSoulblueThe Jazz School, BerkeleySaturday, September 1, 8pmjazzschool.org
Bela Fleck with Marcus Roberts TrioNapa Valley Opera House, NapaTuesday, September 4, 8pmnvoh.org
Laurence Juber142 ThrockmortonThursday, September 6, 8pm142throckmortontheatre.com
Robert CrayUptown Theatre, NapaSaturday, September 8, 8pmuptowntheatrenapa.com
Close to You: Tribute to the CarpentersEl Campanil Theatre, AntiochSaturday, September 15, 8pmelcampaniltheatre.com
Mark Hummel’s Blues Harp BlowoutFirehouse Arts, PleasantonSunday, September 16, 8pmfirehousearts.org
Poets and Prayers: Turtle Island String QuartetYoshi’s, San FranciscoTuesday, September 18, 8pmyoshis.com
Wednesday Night RambleEmpress Theatre, VallejoWednesday, September 19, 7pmempresstheatre.org
Rhythm BugsFreight & Salvage, BerkeleyThursday, September 20, 8pmthefreight.org
Glen Pearson Trio57th Street Gallery, OaklandFriday, September 21, 8:30pm57thstreetgallery.com
The Whiskey BrothersArmando’s, MartinezSaturday, September 22, 8pmarmandosmartinez.com
Elvis Costello, soloJackson HallMondavi Center for Performing Arts, DavisFriday, September 28, 8pmmondaviarts.org
Squid IncBay Terrace Theatre, VallejoSunday, September 30, 3pmvallejosymphony.org
Alison Krauss & the Union StationWeill Hall, Green Music CenterSonoma State University, Rohnert ParkSunday, September 30, 7pmgmc.sonoma.edu
Sonny RollinsDavies Symphony Hall, San FranciscoSunday, September 30, 8pmsfjazz.org
Scan for more listings
Live Music
Featured Musician
Bryan Girard
BeniciaMagazine.com • 31
Jefferson Award Winning DirectorProfessional
Multi-lingualMulti Cultural
FunChallengingSelf-Esteem BuildingNurturing
Rehearsals begin Tuesday Sept. 11th 3:30pm First Baptist Church
1055 Southampton Rd Benicia
ONLY THE DESIRE TO SING IS NEEDED
NO AUDITIONSBoys and girls ages 6 to 18
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V O I C E S O F E V E ‘ N A N G E L S
voena.org
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Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St.707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com
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From A to Z, Benicia has what You are Looking For
From A to Z, Benicia has what You are Looking For
City of Benicia250 East L Street, Beniciawww.ci.benicia.ca.us
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