for the holidays from Benicia SHOPS
$2.50 ***** ECR WSS ***** POSTAL CUSTOMER
making a difference in the arts, environment, education and history
Great gifts
Volume 10 Issue 2 December 2014
Please deliver 11/26-11/29
ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND OR PERMIT NO. 2160
Benicia nonprofits
CSL #891342
Voted #1 Flooring Company in Solano County
B FC
BENICIA FLOOR COMPANY
707-745-9024
M–F 10 to 5:30 l Sat. 10 to 3 or by appointment 84 Solano Square in Safeway Shopping Center, Benicia www.beniciafloorcompany.com
Large Showroom with Excellent Selection On-Time Installations Competitive Pricing Professional Reliable Hardwood Laminate Carpet Tile
Committed to Excellence in Customer Service 2 • Benicia Magazine
STAR POWER
F O R T H E H O L I DAY S
OPEN HOUSE NIGHT
Friday, December 5th from 5-9pm
with the appearances of Project Runway Stars Richard Hallmarq Season 11 and Emily Payne Season 13
Brighton Accessory Trunk Show Thursday, December 11th from 5-8pm
707.745.5125
ChristinaSBenicia.com • Facebook.com
Open Every Day 370 First Street, Downtown Benicia ®
Fashion Destination
BeniciaMagazine.com • 3
4 • Benicia Magazine
Community News Need additional copies? Contact the Community Relations office: Valero Benicia Refinery, 3400 East Second Street, Benicia, CA 94510
707-745-7534 December 2014
Multi-Agency Emergency Response Training Held at Benicia Refinery
The Valero Benicia Refinery hosted multiagency emergency response exercises the week of October 20, 2014, with nine agencies based in Solano County and Union Pacific Railroad participating. Months in the planning, the exercises over a five-day period focused on simulated responses to railroad tank car emergencies. A specially designed rail car used in the exercise is owned and operated by Union Pacific Railroad. The rail car has multiple fittings and dome configurations all on one car to simulate the types of connections that are used on tank cars to transport LPG, chemicals, or crude oil. Among the lessons studied in the training were tank car anatomy, hazmat shipping documentation, locomotive securement, and proper foam application. “This training was part of our on-going effort to maintain the refinery fire department’s emergency response capability and coordination with other emergency responders in the area,” said Chief Joe Bateman of the Valero Benicia Refinery Fire Department. “It is valuable for us all
Union Pacific Railroad regularly works with fire departments, as well as other emergency responders, along its rail lines to offer comprehensive training to hazmat first-responders in communities where it operates. “More than 2,400 emergency responders from around the state have completed similar training with UP during the last three years,” said Union Pacific Railroad’s Director of Public Affairs to understand the assets that are available from Liisa Lawson Stark. both municipal and industrial fire departments.” The Valero exercise participants included Bateman added that multi-agency training firefighters and hazmat specialists from multiple is a year-round effort. In particular, the Valero agencies in Solano County. In addition to the Fire Department regularly works with the City of City of Benicia and Valero Fire Departments, Benicia Fire Department in fire training exercises, other fire departments represented were: oil spill drills, and off-road driving exercises for ■ Cordelia ■ Solano County the departments’ grass fire trucks. Hazmat Team ■ Dixon Annually, the refinery sends its firefighters ■ Fairfield ■ Vacaville to the Emergency Services Training Institute, ■ Travis Air Force Base ■ Vallejo an extension service of Texas A&M University, in College Station, Texas. Since 2001, Valero also has underwritten the cost for City of Benicia Throughout the weeklong exercises, training firefighters to attend the weeklong flammable activities were observed and critiqued by the agency officials involved. liquids fire training in Texas.
Valero Volunteers Participate in City Cemetery Clean-Up Day Valero employees and their family members participated in Benicia’s Community Clean Up Day last month at the City Cemetery. Nearly 200 community members participated in the clean up to prepare the cemetery for Veteran’s Day.
Fast Fact: Safety First:
The Valero Benicia Refinery has 69 trained firefighters on staff. Candle-caused fires in homes peak each December. Never leave burning candles unattended. (NFPA.org)
BeniciaMagazine.com • 5
Be
A UNIQUE, SPECIALTY DENTAL PRACTICE Full range of pediatric dental services & orthodontics
Benicia
magazine
Celebrating our 10th Year
Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann
magazine
Be
Be
Be
B
Graphic Design Margaret Bowles
Benicia Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen
magazine
Contributors Elizabeth d’Huart Adriene Rockwell Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Photographers Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight
• State-of-the-art facility/equipment with latest technology
500 OFF
$
Compreh ensive Orthodon tic Treatm ent
• 3D xray machine, low radiation, improved diagnosis • In-office IV sedation/ general anesthesia • Flexible, interest-free extended monthly payment options
FREE
Orthodonti Consultatioc n
Non-insure d patients 1 per pers only, on, can n ot be com with othe bined r offers, e xp. 12/31 /14
SolanoSmile.com Dr. Ramtin Nassiri, DDS, MSD & Associates Specialists in Orthodontics and Pediatric Denistry
300 Military West, Suite 304, Benicia, CA 94510
707.748.0500 6 • Benicia Magazine
Advertising sales Joey Baker 707.718.0166 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month
Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2014, 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, 611 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, beniciamagazine.com.
B
What makes a print process Green?
DECKS • FENCES • ARBORS • RETAINING WALLS G & G Deck and Fence Proudly serving the North Bay Area
Our printer incorporates many green practices far beyond state and federal guidelines. Sustainability in the pressroom includes: — Vegetable & soy inks — 100% paper waste recycled — Energy positive emissions systems — A plate-making system that virtually eliminates all chemicals
Family owned and operated
414 A, Military East, Benicia 94510 707.750.5584• www.gandgdeckandfence.com
Electronic devices are turned off at night and we use fluorescent light bulbs.
ays rotating • specialty cocktails • wine & extensive selection of bott alw
Paper waste is either recycled or cut up and reused as scrap paper. Envelopes and other business supplies are reused.
Now Serving Sunday Breakfast!
OPEN DAILY
Mon-Fri 11am-12am Fri & Sat 11am-1am Sun 9am-12am
Locally owned; fun for the entire family! 321 First Street, Downtown Benicia
707.746.7665 rookiesbenicia.com
screen TV's • signed sports memorabilia • NFL ticket • 22 beers on tap
We walk, bike or drive a hybrid vehicle to get to work and around town.
NEW AT ROOKIES
dinner entrees • delectable desserts • locally grown produce • 33 large
In-office Green Practices
beer • appetizers • soup & salads • sandwiches • burgers • pizza • led
BeniciaMagazine.com • 7
Benicia DECEMBER
VOLUME 10 ISSUE2
18
Features
Holiday Guide 2014: The most wonderful gifts of the year
How Benicia nonprofits are enriching the community
16 18
Departments 10 From the Editor 14 Bio
Annabelle Marie, VOENA's Director, on determination
14 Currents
Five things you probably didn’t know about Benicia
15
Backwards Glance Snow … in Benicia?
20 Downtown Map 22 Arsenal Map 24 Interview
26 Guide to Local Restaurants 27 Trends
A deep connection with the Emerald Isle
28 Calendar of Events
Cover Photo and above, VOENA singers in concert Photos by Cindi de Channes Photography 8 • Benicia Magazine
Kathryn Reiss, writer, novelist
Blown Glass • Jewelry • Wall Art • Gift Items Celebrating 15 Years in Business
...IT’S A FACT!
Residential & Commercial
$95 special up to 350 sq ft
Excludes stairs, not valid with any other offers or coupons
Glass jewelry for the holidays! Gallery Hours Sun-Tues 11-5 Wed-Sat 10-7
109 East F Street , Benicia, CA 94510
707.748.1336
www.lindsayartglass.com
Visit Our Large Showroom!
CARPET, UPHOLSTERY AND TILE & GROUT CLEANING
800 First Street, Ste. A, Benicia • 707.746.8656
spotlesscarpetcleaning.net
• Serving the Benicia/Vallejo area for over 70 years • Only on-site crematory in the area • Funerals, memorials, VA Burials John “Sherm” Passalacqua
Passalacqua Funeral Chapel 901 West Second St., Benicia 707-745-3130 www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com Greg Silva
Quality Home & Leisure Products
Keep your home warm, safe & energy efficient this winter
www.calcomfort.com 4680 East 2nd St., Benicia
707.745.5933
Twin Chapels Mortuary 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo 707-552-6696 www.twinchapelsmortuary.com
Voted Best Funeral Home In Solano County 7 Years In A Row
Fresh Cut Trees in Benicia! Opening Day Friday 11/28
A Wonderful Place For Gifts
Sustainably Farmed Trees Many Sizes/Varieties
Open everyday 10 am –7pm BHM at the Camel Barns 2060 Camel Rd., Benicia (Take Military East towards the Arsenal, left on Adams St. then left on Park Rd.)
Open Every Day 700 First St. Benicia, CA 94510 707-745-0254 www.studio41.com
Joint Fundraiser for Benicia Historical Museum & Genesis House 707-745-5435 ● www.beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707-552-3395 ● www.genesis-house.com
BeniciaMagazine.com • 9
I
From the Editor
December 2014
Photo by Malcolm Slight
t’s 6:30pm on Tuesday, November 12, as I write from our office downtown. It’s dark outside, and it IS a Tuesday, not generally known as the busiest of days in Benicia. But there are a lot of people meandering—walking their dogs, shopping late, dining or having a libation. Why is this worth mentioning? Because it’s becoming more common for folks to be downtown at this hour, in the dark, in the crisp fall air, on this or any other weeknight. It’s been two years since the trees were lit up on First Street, and the difference in foot traffic is remarkable. It feels dynamic, vibrant, fun! The buzz is exciting, and especially during the holidays when downtown merchants are all decked out. This year’s pedestrian walk on First Street is on December 5, 6-9pm. What else is on your agenda for the season? Gathering with family and friends? Holiday parties? Quiet evenings alone? It all sounds good to me. If shopping is on your list, you’ll be happily surprised at the array of merchandise in local stores. Dining out? Our restaurants have you covered. Sailor Jacks just added to-die-for soft-shell crab sandwiches to their lunch menu—I hope they last through the month—and Sandoval’s has the best chicken soup I’ve ever had (sorry, mom!). Each bowl is made fresh: a blending of traditional and fresh-Mex style. It’s my twice-a-week perk for working across the street, and the owner, Deanne, always has a ready smile. Merry holidays and happy New Year everyone!
Jeanne Steinmann Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com
Feedback Editor: I did not have to take any pains, or even stake any pain, to read the interesting interview with Ed Brennan in the October issue. The best part, which I highlighted for Sue, was the following: Q: How many bikes do you own? A: I really don’t know how many. Yes! Mr. Brennan did all of us cyclists a favor by that honest answer.
Editor: Just a short note to let you know how much I enjoy the articles you include on current buildings/businesses and what used to be in them, such as this month's "Backwards Glance" on the Alamo Rooms, and May's article on Stumm's. I see the picture for Sailor Jack's has a sign "Bay Breeze," any idea what business that was and when the picture was taken? It's a great idea to let us know more about the history of our town this way, and the "before and after" pictures really help. I wonder if it would also be possible to do articles on descendants of the original settlers of Benicia (such as Captain von Pfister), if any are still in town or the area. I think that would be quite interesting. Thanks for your fine work.
—Gary K Heppell
—Gilbert von Studnitz
10 • Benicia Magazine
Benicia Grill 5th Year Anniversary!
Sailor Jacks
Open every day 6am—3pm Free Breakfast Entrée Mon-Sat only, 6am-3pm Buy one breakfast entrée, & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value
With this coupon Not valid with any other offer Exp. 12/31/14
50% Off Entrée
With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per table. Exp. 12/31/14
Every day Buy one entrée & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value
Breakfast, Seafood, Salads, Steak, Pasta, Wraps, Flatbread
on
e R d.
With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per table. Exp. 12/31/14
680
St
Ind
ust
ria
ay lW
Benicia Grill E. 2nd
10% OFF Entire Bill
Dinner-style lunch menu
707.751.0155
4760 E. Second St., Benicia
Oyster Special Mondays Prime Rib Wednesdays
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Purchase one lunch or dinner entrée in December & receive one complimentary dessert with this ad* *expires Exp. 12/31/14. Dine in only. One discount per table, no cash value. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Sailor Jacks • Open Every Day • 123 First Street 707.746.8500
Free Pıcture with
Santa! Wednesday Wednedsay 12/17 12/17 and and Sunday Sunday 12/21 12/21 6pm-8pm 6pm-8pm
Buy 3 or more Large or XL pizzas and get
any 12” or larger pizza Dine-in, Take out or Delivery Expires 12/31/14
Healthy trees
Dine-in, Take out or Delivery Expires 12/31/14
72 Solano Sq., Benicia Sun-Thurs 11-9 • Fri-Sat 11-10 Dine-in, Pick-up or Delivery
Think of tree care as an investment. • Purify our air • Increase in value with age • Beautify our surroundings • Save energy by providing shade & protecting from winter winds For more info visit: www.ci.benicia.ca.us, Parks & Community Services www.beniciatrees.org
Not valid with any other offer. Expires 12/31/14
Protect your tree investment with proper mulching, fertilization and pruning.
BeniciaMagazine.com • 11
For the holidays, shop Benicia Main Street's fundraising store for a variety of Benicia merchandise, See's Candies, and Downtown Dollars.
Perfect for holiday giving, Downtown Dollars are gift certificates available in $5 and $20 increments, accepted at over 70 merchants in Downtown Benicia.
For the entire month of December, with a purchase of $50 or more, get a free "I Love Benicia" reusable bag.
Extended holiday hours on weekdays from December 10-19, 9am-7:30pm. Open weekends from 11am-4pm.
Holiday Open House Friday, December 5
First Street merchants along with Benicia Main Street host this ever-popular open house at the beginning of the holiday season with live entertainment, costumed carolers, and wagon rides from 6-9pm. At approximately 6:30pm at the foot of First Street view the spectacular lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Christmas Parade & Holiday Market Saturday, December 13
Join us for the annual Christmas Parade at 10am on First Street (between D Street and H Street) featuring local bands, dancers, and the much anticipated Santa Claus. The Holiday Market features handcrafted arts & crafts and gourmet items from 10am-3pm, located on First Street between B and D Streets.
12 • Benicia Magazine
www.BeniciaMainStreet.org
Benicia Main Street 90 First Street, Benicia 707.745.9791
Ace tools make the perfect gift for the do-it-yourselfer. They’ve been engineered to the highest standards of durability and performance and they’re guaranteed to equal or exceed the quality of the big national brands. So stock their workshop with the tools they can always count on – Ace.
PEDROTTI ACE HARDWARE
830 Southampton Road Benicia, CA 94510 745-NUTS (6887) www.acehardware.com/local/pedrotti Store Hours: Mon - Sat 8 - 7, Sun 9 - 6
BeniciaMagazine.com • 13
Currents
Currents
Five things you probably didn’t know about Benicia
1
Photo courtesy of VOENA
Crossing the Threshold with Annabelle Marie By Adriene Rockwell When Annabelle Marie homeschooled her three boys, they travelled each day to San Francisco for circus school. When her oldest son Francisco Cruz was about seven years old, he fell from a pole while doing a monkey hold with three other children, and it terrified him. He refused to go back to class, but for Annabelle, quitting was not an option. For two weeks they drove to class every day and Francisco sat outside until he found the courage to go back on the mat. Today, Francisco is at the top of his field as an acrobat, and a graduate from the National Circus School in Montreal. His younger brother Raphael recently had the leading role in Iris for Cirque du Soleil, and their youngest brother Dominic is also a skilled artist. Like her boys, the path was never easy for Annabelle as she practiced her way to becoming an accomplished violinist, singer, music educator and the Founding Director of VOENA, the world-renowned children’s choir based here in Benicia. Although she was born with an affinity for music, she credits her mother for creating a supportive musical environment that included many music lessons and long drives while singing in full harmony with her four siblings. It was her mother who instilled in her what she now calls the VOENA Big Three: to have a hard work ethic, to be self-motivated and to accept the challenge. “This is the infrastructure for a strong self esteem,” says Annabelle. “I believe that when you hit your threshold, that’s when it’s time to do whatever it takes to cross it. It’s not always going to feel good,” says Annabelle. “The greats weren’t great because they were born talented or because they were born to sing, dance or write. They were great because they were determined.” Watch Francisco and Raphael Cruz at: youtube.com/watch?v=B_ckl19SU9k See more about VOENA at voena.org.
Bio 14 • Benicia Magazine
We have the only State Capitol (the third in California) where the original building still stands.
2
Over the years, Benicia has been written up as a great place to live in Money Magazine, Sunset Magazine, Via Magazine, the LA Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Diablo Magazine and the Sacramento Bee, among others.
3
Benicia Unified School District employs close to 500 people, making it the second largest employer in the city, right behind Valero.
4
Benicia’s first art museum, the Benicia Museum of Art (Benicia MOA) officially launched in September of this year inside the 621 Gallery on First Street. Learn more at beniciamuseumofart.org.
5
The Bay Area Ridge Trail runs along Benicia’s waterfront for 3.5 miles, from the Benicia Marina to the Benicia State Recreation Area.
Urban Notions home, gift, jewelry with a dash of fun
Snow Blankets Benicia Circa 1913
By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director Benicia Historical Museum When trolling through our archives to find an appropriately seasonal image, we found this spectacular photograph from the O’Grady estate. It was taken in 1913 from the then existent walkway at the end of West Third Street above “The Caves” area, looking east across the Carquinez Strait towards First Street. The structures situated in the upper right-hand corner are the old Tannery buildings; the Crooks Mansion would have been behind and to the left. Unfortunately, we do not know the names of the three children pictured here who may never have experienced snow before (other recorded snowfall accumulation occurring in 1915 and 1922), or the identity of the photographer who has asked them to pose with their expertly constructed snowballs! For those transplants who have moved here from colder climes, it is an easy task to summon up memories of the endless chill of winter and the dreariness that follows when the innocence of all that white becomes sullied by car exhaust and churned to slush. How refreshing to be reminded of the serenity snow brings when it first blankets the dirt, muffles the noise, and brings a standstill to normal activity. This lovely reminder of winter fun from Benicia’s past was taken by a resident who has long since died—how lucky we are to occupy the same space of appreciation as we see this moment through the photographer’s eyes several generations later. Stay a minute before the children pelt the camera holder with their snowballs and then move out of view!
611 First Street • Downtown Benicia
707.853.8159
Backwards Glance
BeniciaMagazine.com • 15
Whimsical stocking ornaments, $11.98 each
Camellia Tea Room, camelliatearoom.com Bloch 'glitter dust' ballet shoes, $22
Benicia Dancewear, beniciadancewear.com Olaplex Hair Perfector miraculously maintains hair strength, integrity & shine, $40
PS Hair Studio, pshairstudio.com
Tokyo Bay watches for women and men, green, $148, blue, $126
Studio 41, studio41.com
Lavender bath salts, $32, perfume, $36 and Katrafay soap, $18,
Urban Notions, facebook.com/urbannotions Brighton leather handbag, $300
Christina S, christinasbenicia.com Hand-blown glass salt & pepper shakers, $101/pair
Lindsay Art Glass, lindsayartglass.com Heritage Cookbook by Sean Brock, $40
Bookshop Benicia, bookshopbenicia.com
16 • Benicia Magazine
Celebrating with a
Candlelight Service Experience a celebration of the Christmas Story with beautiful music, candlelit carols, opportunities to help those in need and more.
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
December 23rd 7pm December 24th 7pm — 9pm — 11pm Childcare under 3yrs old at 7pm services
Northgate offers year round programs and services for the entire community Youth: birth to 5th grade Tweens: 6th to 8th grade Teens: 9th to 12th grade Young adults Adults For more information or to reserve your free ticket to one of the Christmas eve services; go to www.Northgate.Christmas
2201 Lake Herman Road, Benicia • 707.747.5855 • Northgateweb.com
BeniciaMagazine.com • 17
Nonprofits Help Make Benicia a Special Place to Live Benicia has many worthy nonprofit organizations whose staff and volunteers are working hard to improve and enhance our community. Below are just a few that are directly involved with enriching the lives of residents through the arts, education, the environment and history. To donate this season to any of these worthy causes (and keep your nontaxable donations local), it's very easy, just call or visit them online.
HISTORY
Benicia Historical Museum
Benicia’s rich history, dating back to the Civil War, comes to life at the Camel Barns. In addition to the ongoing exhibits, special exhibits and events are offered throughout the year. Through December 24, there’s also a Christmas tree lot with several fresh varieties available. 707.745-5435 beniciahistoricalmuseum.org
Benicia Historical Society
Safeguarding our heritage, the society performs many vital functions, including preserving buildings, monuments and historic markers, and disseminating historical information. Its volunteers bring together people interested in Benicia’s history, and sponsor the annual Benicia Historic Home Tour. beniciahistoricalsociety.org
Benicia State Parks Association
ENVIRONMENT
Benicia Tree Foundation
This foundation’s vision is to offer an engaging range of environmental programs focused on building community and a vibrant urban forest. They promote health and sustainability through tree planting and preservation, reducing CO2. Well on their way to their goal of planting 1,000 trees in Benicia, the current count is 418 new trees. 707.745.4546, beniciatrees.org
Benicia Community Gardens
Benicians are charmed by the sight of the two downtown community gardens: Swenson Garden and Avant Garden, farmed by local citizens to produce fresh food. By helping locals establish sustainable gardens throughout the city, the group is able to support local food security and increase awareness and access to sustainable, regional resources. beniciacommunitygardens.org 18 • Benicia Magazine
Benicia residents are fortunate to have two State Parks within our boundaries: The Benicia State Recreation Area and the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, which includes the oldest surviving State Capitol in California and the historic Fischer-Hanlon House and gardens. Association volunteers work diligently to advocate, fundraise and preserve the properties for residents and visitors. 707.745.3670 protectbeniciastateparks.com
Benicia Main Street
Benicia became a California Main Street City in 1987, chosen as one of the original 15 demonstration cities to participate in the program. The organization produces many small and major downtown events including the three Wine Walks, Torchlight Parade and fireworks, Waterfront Festival, and the Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting. 707.745.9791 beniciamainstreet.org
ARTS
Arts Benicia
Working with hundreds of artists, Arts Benicia’s mission is to stimulate, educate and nurture cultural life through exhibitions, educational programs and classes. The highly regarded organization holds several major exhibitions each year at the Arts Benicia gallery, as well as classes and programs including Family Art Day, the three-day Artist Open Studios event and the annual Gala Auction. 991 Tyler street #114 707.747.0131, artsbenicia.org
VOENA
EDUCATION
Benicia Library Foundation
This nonprofit’s mission is to raise money to assist the Library with capitol improvements. These include recent upgrades such as an additional self-check machine and a new people counter that gathers data on the number of library patrons and what time of day is busiest, event attendance and more. 707.746.4343, benicialibrary.org
Benicia Education Foundation
Revitalized in 2005, the Benicia Education Foundation provides communitybased support for Benicia public schools. The volunteers put on the annual Benicia Run For Education, a popular 5K and 10K race that lures over 1,000 runners. Working in concert with parent-teacher groups at each school site and BUSD, they help get funds to where they are needed. 866.325.6395, beniciaeducationfoundation.org
Benicia Parent Teacher Groups
The busy volunteers at Benicia’s parent-teacher groups are on the front line, helping to raise funds and influence decisions where it matters most to children: in the classroom. Weblinks for each school site are on BUSD’s website at sites.google.com/a/beniciaunified.org/us/.
Benicia Community Action Council
The Benicia CAC provides professional guidance, resources and referrals to those striving for self-sufficiency by delivering hot meals to home-bound seniors and helping low income youth with on-the-job training, among other pressing community needs. 707.745.0900, bencac.com
Benicia Makerspace
The new kid on the block, Benicia Makerspace is a unique place where people gather to share and test new ideas, make things, invent, learn new skills and collaborate with each other using state of the art, shared equipment. 707.654.4131, beniciamakerspace.org
VOENA, an acronym that stands for Voices of Eve ‘N Angels, is a world-renowned children’s choir serving 150 Students ages 5-18. It’s renowned because passion and talent shine through at each and every performance, one of which was held at the White House. Students learn ethnically diverse music, singing in many countries in the native language, and learn to appreciate different languages and cultures. 707.751.1515, voena.org
Benicia Ballet
Classes commenced at the Benicia Ballet School in 1986, providing classical ballet training for children and adults. Located in the Historic Benicia Arsenal, the theatre component offers performances of classical ballets, including The Nutcracker, each year at Solano Community College. 938 Tyler Street 707.746.6757, beniciaballet.org
Benicia Old Town Theatre Group
BOTTG has been delighting audiences with local theatre for 50 years with a variety of plays from many genres. The group has garnered the prestigious Solano County ARTY award numerous times; most recently, four awards for Same Time Next Year, including Best Comedy of the Year. 707.746.1269, beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com Photos, by Jerry Bowles, opposite: Designated Heritage Tree in Benicia City Park; Benicia Victorian. This page: Benicia Public Library; BOTTG's 2014 spring play Same Time Next Year. BeniciaMagazine.com • 19
A
To t
he
FIRST STREET
Ars
ena
ST
Cit
ST K
1
ST .
EA
ST K
WE
ST J
1. Tosch Dental, 118 West K Street 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street
WE
ST I
4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street 5. Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second Street ES T
8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103
H
9
W
10. Studio 41, 700 First Street 11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street
12 17 15 16
Ch Co amb mm er o WE erce f ST FS T.
12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street 16. Urban Notions, 611 First Street
14
3
2
EA
ST J
ST I
6
ST .
EA
ST H
ST .
24
10 11
ST .
EA
ST .
Be Ca nicia ES pitol TG ST .
9. Spotless Carpet Cleaning, 800 First Street, Ste. A
ST .
4
26 27
W
7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street
EA
ST G
7
ST .
EA
17. Natasha Harris Salon, 635 First Street
WE
ST E
18. Charlie’s Attic, Tannery Bldg, 129 First Street 19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street
8
ST F
ST .
ST . EA
ST E
20. Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, 321 First Street 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street
WE
ST C
23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street
20 ST .
EA
21
ST D
ST .
ST .
19
26. Kryss's Pathways to Healing, 841 First Street 27. Birnbaum Realty, 833 First Street
5
FIR ST ST R
EE T
18 22
23 Benicia Main Street
ST
FIR ST ST RE
WE
A. Judith Judson, 310 Military West
6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street
EA
ET
yP ark
BENICIA
20 • Benicia Magazine
l WE
Benicia Marina
ST .
ST .
Camellia Tea Room 828 First Street Downtown Benicia 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com
Lunch, afternoon tea, housemade desserts, fine teas & tea accessories
BOOKS • TOYS • GAMES • GREETING CARDS
Celebrating 21 Years!
636 First Street M-S 10-8, Sun 10-6 707.747.5155 bookshopbenicia.com
Dudikoff Insurance Agency Planning, Products, & Services
George Dudikoff, Agent, Lic. #OB13442 159 East D Street, Suite A, Benicia • P: 707.746.7395 • F: 707.747.6814
www.farmersagent.com/gdudikoff
Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful! Residential & New Home Sales; Property Management 707.745.0759 www.judsonandcompany.com
Steve McClure
560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia
707.745.0848
Mexican Food
www.stevemcclure.net
640 First Street • 707.746.7830
Fiber-Frolics
CHARLIE’S ATTIC
637 First Street, Benicia • 707.747.YARN(9276) fiber-frolics.com
Tannery Bldg, 129 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960
Specialty Yarns and Classes Giovanna Sensi-Isolani, fiber artist
Serving Benicia's orthodontic needs for over 25 years Dr. Tom Campbell
Orthodontics for children and adults
Call to schedule a complimentary exam 707.745.1994 • 164 East H St., Benicia Beniciaparadocs.com
Collectibles-Antiques-Music Consignment and eBay drop-off
The first to use the most environmentally safe/friendly cleaning process.
ry 4th pair of pant s Eve
FREE
(Dry clean & pressed)
Benicia Cleaners Since 1977
81 Solano Square, Benicia • 707-745-1353
(Next to Pizza Pirate) Free delivery & pickup • We honor competitors’ coupons
• No waiting to drop off • All work done on premises • Best shirt laundering in town • No Perchloroethylene
STAINS: If we can’t get them out, they won’t come out!
Benicia Dancewear
for all things dance
Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash 1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com
412 Military East Benicia, CA 94510 707.745.5022 www.beniciadancewear.com
BeniciaMagazine.com • 21
lC t Te a
Rd
Ct
r dD ar
r lD
yes No
a Te
ysh Ba
B D To East 2nd St Pa rk
9
Rd ore
ay W al t ri us Ind
d el R nn
F
A
Cha
all
M
680
ig
r Sp
Dr
al tri
ay W
us
d In
BENICIA
d kR
r Pa
INDUSTRIAL PARK
680
r eD or
h ys Ba
and
ARSENAL ore
Par k
Rd
ysh Ba
2 ita
lR d
Dr
Ho sp
Ma Mi
dis
lita
ry
on
Benicia Historical Museum
St
E
C Jeff ers
on
Gr an
St
Par k
Rd
tS t
A. Buck Factory Outlet, 4680 E. 2nd Street
Po lk
B. Affordable Quality Cabinets, 4852 E. 2nd Street C. Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road
4
St
3 1
D. Capitol Glass Co., Inc. 5000 E. 2nd St. Ste. H E. Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler St., #114 F. Benicia Plumbing, 265 W. Channel Court 1. Grossman Financial, 940 Adams Street, Ste. L 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9
Gra
Jac kso nS t
nt
6
3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A
Jack s
on S t
22 • Benicia Magazine
Pol k
9. Avalon RV, 510 East Channel Road
St
4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street 6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street
St
Tyle r
St
E
Arts
Ben
icia
Ad
am
sS t
Benicia Golf Association BeniciaGolf.org
BENICIA
SAN FRANCISCO
2 Henry Adams St., Suite 331
990 Grant Street 707.747.1383
To find out more call Dale Thorne, 707.745.4852
415.525.3725
Visit ironhorsehome.com or facebook.com/ironhorsehome.
Indoor Range and Pro Shop
English, Reading Comprehension, Math grades K-6
3001 Bayshore Road #9, Benicia 707.745.0447 • Fatshaftsarchery.com
Tanya Delahaye • 707.334.4227
Financial Planning • Investments • Fee Only Registered Investment Advisor
Lawrence I. Grossman, CFP ® AIF™, MBA, MA 940 Adams St., Suite L 707.745.8756 grossmanfinancial.com
License # 855587
Currently in Teaching Credential Program
Capitol Glass Co., Inc.
Your One Stop Glass Shop Since 1970 Specializing in showers, windows and mirrors 5000 East Second St., Ste H, Benicia 707.745.4570 • capitolglassbenicia.com
HOME, GIFT, JEWELRY WITH A DASH OF FUN
Urban Notions
Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080
611 First Street, Downtown Benicia 707.853.8159
Plumbing and Boilers Residential & Commercial Service, Repair & Replacement
10%
discount with this ad
Slab leaks, repipes Water heaters, faucets Toilets, garbage disposals Remodels, gas lines & more Free Estimates Mike Pitta, Owner/Operator Lic. #969499 Insured & bonded
707.333.5992 • up2codeplumbing.com
Alonzo
AND
Small
Insurance Agency
Com visit our Come d designer showrooms 2310 ““D” Bates Ave. Concor Concord (near HWY 4) also in Santa Clara Mon - Fri 7 - 5 and Sat 9 - 2 & Milbrae 925-798-7525 925 themouldingcompany.com themouldi
Home • Auto • Motorcycle Boat • Business Policies
707.746.0590 alonzosmall.com
1440 MILITARY W. #202, BENICIA BeniciaMagazine.com • 23
Interview with
Kathryn Reiss
When did you first think you’d like to be an author?
From the first time I saw books, I was fascinated. I wanted to know everything about them. How do they get here? How do they make them? Can I do that? My mother was always very supportive and always encouraged me to write.
When did you write your first published book?
I spent 1980-81 in Bonn as a Fulbright scholar, and I wanted to read something in English at night. This was in the days before Amazon and the internet, and English books there were expensive and they tended to be classics. I wanted to read something else. So I thought, “Why don’t I write a book I want to read?” It’d have to have a big, old house, some secrets, a mystery that comes from the past and affects the future. That was Time Windows. That’s probably still my favorite book, not necessarily because of the story. But it’s the book that made me an author. It was published in 1991.
How did the story evolve over the 10 years between first draft and being published?
In the first version, Helen Browne (the mother) was the main character. I’d written about 30 to 40 pages, all by hand, and it was about Helen worrying about her daughter’s sanity. It wasn’t the story I wanted to tell. I wanted to tell the story of Miranda (the 13-year-old daughter). I threw it all away and started over. I wish I’d kept it. I got an agent in 1983 or ’84. She said she was going to market it as a middle-grade novel. It still took seven years to find a publisher. I was told it was too violent, so I toned down some of the scenes. It went through 10 big revisions over the years. 24 • Benicia Magazine Interview
By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight Tucked in a cozy armchair in her Benicia home filled with books, children, pets and her husband’s paintings, Kathryn Reiss creates worlds where young people solve mysteries that often link the present with the past. The author writes about startling events that take her characters on eerie adventures in books for children and teens. “I write for them because I like that voice,” she says. Common themes include rambling, old houses and time travel. “I really tap into that, into ways to get the past and present to touch. I believe the past is part of the present,” says Kathryn, who turns 57 this month. A part-time English professor at Mills College and mother, Kathryn is disciplined about setting aside time to research and write her books. She has published 18 books to date, including seven American Girl mysteries. Eleven titles are available in seven countries. Her 19th book will be published this month, and it will be her first available as an e-book as well as print. “The face of publishing really, really is changing. I don’t want to be a dinosaur,” she says. The new book, Murder at Heatherstone Hall, was near its printing date in 2009 when her publishing company was purchased. Her book was among those dropped even though she’d received her advance and all editing was done. “It was very upsetting. This book was meant to be read. Why keep it in my drawer?” Kathryn and her husband Tom Strychacz moved their family to Benicia in 1997. The couple have seven children by birth and adoption, ranging from ages 11 to 31. The two youngest live with their parents in their rambling, old house.
What elements distinguish a teen novel from one written for adults?
There are several hallmarks of children and teen books. The main character is a child or teen and the story is told from the main character’s point of view. There’s a kernel of hope at the end. It can be a dark topic, but there is hope at the end. In my class, we read three books about the Holocaust: Night, by Elie Wiesel, The Devil’s Arithmetic, by Jane Yolen, and Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry. This is a hard-hitting subject covered in books for middle-grades, teens and adults. It shows you can write about dark themes for all ages. With teen and children’s books, you keep your audience in mind as you write. You don’t have to be preachy—you can have sexual references, you can have violence, you can have bad words, but it has to be age-appropriate. No matter how dark and depressing the subject is, it has to be age-appropriate.
What did you like reading when you were growing up?
I read everything, but I was very partial to Trixie Belden mysteries. I read Nancy Drew, but Trixie Belden was better.
How much research do you do for your books?
I do a lot of research. I do a lot online, but I also do lots of reading, both fiction and non-fiction books. I like to see what other novelists have done with the subject. I have to do research even when I’m writing one of the Julie mysteries for American Girl that take place in the 1970s, which I lived through. What music would be playing what year? What would the headlines say?
How do you get past writer’s block?
I have learned that when anyone has writer’s block, it’s because there’s something in the plot that isn’t working. Sometimes you’re in the middle of a book and your scenes are out of order, or you don’t know where you’re going and what needs to happen. … The way you get out of it is by throwing out a lot of your work, unfortunately. Now I always do an outline but I don’t have to keep to it. It’s an outline, not a contract. I do so many notes before I’m ready to start writing. Then there’s version A, then version B, then version C, then version D and then you’re up to version L.
How long does it take for a book to go from idea to publication?
Sometimes an idea percolates for a long time, then it coalesces and I know it’s time to start things. I call those my back-burner ideas. When I have an idea for something, I write it down in my back-burner notebook. Right now I’m interested in the Witness Protection program. What would that be like, I wonder. And I think about that. If I get an idea that interests me and I don’t have a story yet, I play with it a long time before I start writing. I play the “What If?” game to work on the story. If the story needs work, it can take longer once I start writing. Paperquake took three years instead of the usual nine or 10 months.
What advice would you offer aspiring writers?
Read everything you can get your hands on that’s anything like your book because you can see how other authors are handling the subject. Push on until you have a finished draft. You likely will go through many revisions, but get to a finished draft. When you write a book, it’s not like you say, “Whew, I’m finished.” You go back maybe 10 times to do revisions. You have to be careful about technology and avoid contemporary slang. You don’t want to be too trendy because it can date your book.
AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE We are passionate about Homeownership Alan M. Schwartzman Branch Manager
DRE 00681649/01215943 NMLS 238622/1850
ams@advancedmtg.com
Mitchell S. Chernock Sales Manager
DRE 00583404/01215943 NMLS 236204/1850
mitchell@advancedmtg.com • Purchase/Refinance • Conventional, FHA, VA, 203 K Rehab • Reverse Mortgages for Seniors • Native American Home Loans
707. 746. 4920 Lic. by Dept. of Corp. under the CRMLA
615 First Street Benicia, CA 94510
advancedmtg.com
How do you find balance between teaching, parenting and writing?
I have to be very strict with myself. I may clean up the dishes and throw a load of laundry in before I start writing, but I don’t do any more housework after that. I let myself check email or be on Facebook at lunch time, but not otherwise. Sometimes I turn off the router so I can write and not be distracted. I can get off-point when I’m doing research, so I have to be disciplined.
What do you do to relax?
I have tea with my friends in the afternoons. I hike with my dogs. I like to knit. I like to read. I fall asleep reading books other than manuscripts. I just finished Big Little Lies, by Liane Moriarty, an Australian author. I read all the Young Adult books that come out. I leave the library with stacks of them.
What’s next for you?
I’ll be working on Sudden Light next (holding a printed manuscript in her lap with other possible titles written by hand on the cover sheet). So I’ll teach at Mills, raise my kids and write my books. I love living in Benicia. I love living in an historic home. I feel very lucky.
Exceptional Legal and Mediation Services Wills • Trusts • Family Law Estate Planning & Administration Personal Injury • DUI Real Estate • Probate Consumer Law • Business Law
Gizzi & Reep, LLP 940 Adams St., Suite A 707.748.0900
www.SolanoLawGroup.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 25
Guide TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS
SPOTLIGHT ON
SAILOR JACKS
Fine dining at its best with a spectacular view of the Carquinez Strait with terrific breakfast, lunch and dinner options served in a rustic, intimate atmosphere. 123 First Street, Benicia
707.746.8500 sailor-jacks.com
BENICIA GRILL Family-style food with an extensive menu. Come with an appetite—serving sizes are generous. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room or on the patio. 4760 E Second Street, Benicia, 707.751.0155 beniciagrill.com
LUCCA BAR & GRILL The warm, urban décor with a friendly atmosphere lures diners in, and they are not disappointed. Small bites, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room, bar and street-side tables. 439 First Street, #102, Benicia, 707.745.0943 luccabar.com
ROSIE’S CAFÉ This sweet little roadside diner serves full breakfast and lunch options of hearty American fare. Try the biscuits & gravy or grits, and the homemade soups and chili. 3001 Bayshore, Benicia, 707.745.1154 cafebenicia.com
BUON APPETITO Intimate dining at this downtown eatery serving contemporary Italian cuisine. Try the Risotto special for a dinner treat, or a variety of scaloppini favorites. 191 Military East #F, Benicia, 707.746.7410 buonappetitorestuarant.net
MATSURI SUSHI Favorite standby fresh Nigiri, sushi rolls and tempura are available along with specialty rolls, salads and sake. Lunch & Dinner. 920 First Street #102, Benicia, 707.747.1585
THE RELLIK TAVERN Live music and community events keep this upscale tavern hopping. Food offerings, ordered by iPad, include tasty tapas and a huge selection of specialty beers on tap. 726 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.1137 therelliktavern.com
CAMELLIA TEA ROOM Located in a beautifully restored Victorian building with ornate dining room, Camellia Tea serves traditional afternoon tea, along with lunch and desserts, all made fresh daily. 828 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com JAVA POINT CAFÉ With a street-side plaza strewn with tables, this popular café, known for their freshly made breakfast and lunch options, often has a line out the door. 366 First Street, Benicia, 707.745.1449 LITTLE THAI Pad Thai, savory soups and fresh, inventive salads and curry dishes along with other Thai favorites, served in a casual atmosphere. 870 Southampton Road Benicia, 707.747.9777 26 • Benicia Magazine Restaurant Guide
NINE O SEVEN GRILL Fresh American cuisine with a Mexican flair is served in this upscale café with a heated outdoor patio in the back, or at street-side tables. The fish tacos are legendary. 907 First Street Benicia, 707.745.0505 907grill.com PALERMOS CUCINA ITALIANA Italian specialties at Palermos Cucina Italiana on Columbus Pkwy and Venticellos downtown. Pastas, soup, salads, meats and seafood. Lunch & dinner. 2050 Columbus Pkwy, Benicia, 707.748.1011 palermosbenicia.com ROOKIES SPORTS BAR & GRILL This casual sports bar and full-service, familystyle restaurant serves lunch, bar snacks and dinner. It’s pub-grub meets fi ne cuisine: salads, sandwiches, burgers and sensational sweet potato fries. Sunday Breakfast. 321 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.7665 rookiesbenicia.com
SANDOVAL’S MEXICAN FOOD The fun décor and good food make this Benicia institution a local family favorite. Try the shrimp, chicken or steak fajitas; the salsa gets rave reviews. 601 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.7830 THE WORKSHOP This popular take-out spot serves up seriously delicious New Orleans-style dishes. Morning Beignets lead into lunch options of hot sandwiches and fresh made soups and sides. 511 Claverie Way, Benicia 707.7476028 VENTICELLOS Italian specialties at Venticellos downtown and at Palermos Cucina Italiana on Columbus Pkwy. Pastas, soup, salads, meats and seafood. Lunch and dinner; weekend brunch at Venticellos. 911 First Street, Benicia, 707.747.5263 venticellos.com
The Mysteries and Magic of the Emerald Isle Story and photo by Christina Strawbridge Photo: Dublin Public Art During the long, hot summers of Indiana, I spent a lot of time with my Grandmother Concannon. She would sit in her rocker and spin a yarn about the old country, entertaining me for hours. As she described her mother's family and my grandfather's clan she would slip into a slight brogue, which only made the stories of our redhaired relatives more fascinating. My Mother's family came to America from Ballinasloe, in the easternmost part of Galway County. Instead of settling on the East Coast, they traveled further West to the small Indiana town of Terre Haute on the Wabash River. The similarities to Ireland are quite evident with its rolling hills, farmland, distillers, breweries and Benedictine Catholic Convent. This was my second trip to Ireland and I must say, the country is as colorful and diverse as my ancestors. Our first visit was in the southeastern region of County Clare, where we stayed at Dromoland Castle, a Renaissance structure that has been converted into a hotel. Our room was located in one of the turrets, which made you want to take down your hair like Rapunzel. We toured the coast from County Cork up to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay, where we savored the world's best bowl of mussels. After numerous requests short of begging, Scott rented a car and we ventured to the city of my great grandparents. Scott had to adjust to driving on the right side of the tiny roads, fending off oncoming traffic and the occasional herd of sheep or cattle that didn't bother to give him the right of way. The trip was uneventful, with the exception of an episode with a soap dispenser falling off the bathroom wall in the market, where we stopped to pick up a picnic lunch. Suddenly we were back on the road with orders not to look back! Ballinasloe was a lot like I imagined it—the friendly people seemed familiar, resembling my siblings and cousins with their features and mannerisms. The river, the large Catholic Church and a farmer's market with vendors selling everything from live chickens to tires made me feel like I had found a bit of my great grandparents, who had left this place for a better life in America.
I returned last month to Ireland for a conference in Dublin. As we landed in the wee hours of the morning, I saw the lights of a large city alerting me that this would be a completely different experience of the Emerald Isle. The "full of blarney" cab driver was entertaining as he drove us to our hotel. He bragged about the infrastructure improvements and the global companies that were setting up their European headquarters in the Irish capitol. I soon realized that Leprechauns and shamrocks had been replaced by McMicrosoft and O'Yahoo, making Dublin an international player in communication, technology and finance. The city is a combination of old and new, struggling with an identity crisis. Dublin has evolved from a Vikings settlement with medieval structures to the ultra modern. The Temple Bar area is the anchor of nightlife and cultural activity and offers a friendly, old-world atmosphere. Probably one of the most popular tourist attractions is the Guinness Storehouse, seven floors of glass atrium in the shape of a pint of Guinness. Opened in 2000, it celebrates all things Guinness and shows how the amber-colored beer is made. What I particularly observed was how young Dublin seemed, not only students from Trinity College and other Universities lunching in the parks, but 20-somethings with briefcases running through massive road construction sites to meetings in one of the modern high-rises. My question is, where are all the old people? Much like the rest of the city, it's in with the new and out with the old. The connection I have with Ireland runs pretty deep with visits and memories of my Grandmother; and an Irish Blessing that she would recite: May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand Beautiful and spacious tri-level condo located at the Marina in Port Side Village. The lifestyle you’ve been waiting for close to downtown Benicia shops, restaurants and community events. Attached two car garage with extra storage and a front deck to sit and watch the sailboats on the Bay. Waterfront living at its best! $475,000
Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business of the Year Award DRE # 00674738
Trends
ESTEY Since 1946
Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management Customer Service, Professional Knowledge, Integrity Here for you since 1946, call us today.
707-745-0924 • 935 First Street, Benicia
www.esteyrealestate.com
290 East E Street Rose Hadaway, Broker-Associate, Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific Cal BRE 00964078 — BRE License # 00899699 900 1st St., Benicia, CA 94510 707-590-3055 cell — 707-749-6321 direct
BeniciaMagazine.com • 27
C a l e n d a r O f E v e n t s — D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 4 Holiday decorations in Benicia, photos by Jerry Bowles
12/1
Benicia Historical Museum Christmas Tree Lot 10am-7pm
12/1-31
Bradbury and Bradbury Art Wallpapers: A Legacy of Historical Artistry
12/2
First Tuesday Poetry Gathering 6:30-9pm
Lawyers at the Library 6-8pm
12/4
12/5
Sustainably farmed trees, many sizes and varieties 2060 Camel Road beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435
Hand-screened heritage paper display 2060 Camel Road beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435
Read or listen to your favorite poetry 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343 Free 20-minute consultations 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343
Board Games at the Library 6-8:30pm Fun games for all ages 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343
12/5
Holiday Open House 6-9pm
12/5
Holiday Open House at Benicia Capitol 6-9pm
The annual closing of First Street to Pedestrians only Live entertainment, wagon rides, wine tasting Merchants open late, offering treats beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 Free admission 115 West G Street protectbeniciastateparks.com 707.745.3670
28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar
Scan for more listings
12/5-12/7
Benicia Arsenal Artist Open Studios
See and speak with the artists in their element Friday through Sunday 10am-5pm Jackson & Tyler Streets mikekendall.com/decos13.html 707.319.5361
12/7
Annual Teddy Bear Tea Party
12/12
Classic Movie Night 6:30pm
12/13
Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm
12/13
Christmas Parade & Holiday Market 10am-3pm
12/13
St. Nicholas & Victorian Ornaments 10:30-2pm
Bring your teddy bear! Holiday tea, costumes, storytelling, carols and Santa Reservations required. 828 First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 cameliatearoom.com 707.746.5293 Great classic movies from the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s Dona Benicia rom, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343 Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343
Local marching bands, dancers, Santa Claus Handcrafted arts/crafts, gourmet foods Downtown Benicia beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791
Make and take low-cost Victorian ornaments protectbeniciastateparks.com 707.745.3670
12/13 VOENA Voices of the Season Wintersong Concert 7:30pm
Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road voena.org 707.944.9900
Buchanan I Chun Orthodontic Specialists
Orthodontics
300 Military West, Suite 306 Benicia
707.745.2525
140 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Suite A Vallejo
707.643.1011
discount with this certificate This certificate is redeemable for $500 of orthodontic services and is valid for new patients only. It includes a no-cost initial consultation appointment. No other discounts will apply. Offer expires 8/31/2015
www.mybraces.com
Voices of the Season 5 Wintersong Sunday Dec 7th 2014 4PM
Lincoln Theater All-Level Concert lincolntheater.com Saturday Dec 13th 2014 7:30PM
Camel Barn Candlelight Concert beniciahistoricalmuseum.org Saturday Dec 20th 2014 7:30PM
Napa Valley Opera House City Winery ¡ Dinner & Drinks Doors 6:00/Concert 7:30
citywinery.com/napa Tickets at VOENA.org venue websites
BeniciaMagazine.com • 29
BIG SAVINGS
on a Pre-Season System Tune-Up!
your pre-season home comfort tune-up
79.99
$
Furnace Tune-up Exp. 12/31/14 • CA license #719381
Increase efficiency • Save $$ on utility bills Increase air quality • Protect your family • Prevent breakdowns Ask us about Insulation, Water Heaters, Solar Systems, Duct Sealing, Windows, Heating & Air 1768 Broadway - Vallejo, CA 94589
645-0734
30 • Benicia Magazine
BENICIA YACHT CLUB
Spectacular event space on the Benicia Marina Weddings • Parties & Events • Corporate Meetings The perfect, waterfront venue for your special event —Beautiful banquet room, lawn & deck overlooking the marina —Outstanding views, perfect indoor/outdoor backdrop for weddings —Chef-created special menus for any occasion, personalized service —125 guest capacity
Amenities include:
full bar • dance floor • linen service • bakery
an all-inclusive venue for any event
Call today to reserve! Benicia Yacht Club
400 East Second Street, Downtown Benicia
707.746.0739 beniciayachtclub.com beniciayachtclub@att.net
IA
PLUMBIN
75
. INC
T
LISH E D 1
9
ES
AB
Repair or Replace • Water - Gas - Sewer Garbage Disposal • Drain Cleaning • Water Heaters Video Camera • Slab Leaks • Free Estimates
Residential and Commercial Service 24/7
(707) 745-2930
THE
BEST 2013
OF
BUSD PARENT EDUCATION SERIES INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
G
BEN IC
“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”
www.BeniciaPlumbing.com CA Lic. #329632
Please Join Us! TECHNOLOGY TOOLS 6-12
Learn how digital resources support student research and learning. January 27 — Benicia High
TECHNOLOGY & K-5 MATH
Explore how devices and apps support your student’s math skills. March 31 — Robert Semple
Visit us online for more information: www.beniciaunified.org
Best of 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012
Welcome to Tosch Dental
Feel at home—even in the dental chair! Full-service dentistry | In-house lab, ensures perfect fit | Orthodontics | 50% off bleach with exam & cleaning | Relaxed and comfortable environment Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years. Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St. 707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com
BeniciaMagazine.com • 31
"I built a spec house and the quality of the DeWils Cabinetry really helped to sell it.� -Ray S.
Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen
AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops
Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment
4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia 707-745-2100 • aqc@aqchome.com Contractor's License # 687979