Benicia Magazine March 2013 by Benicia Publishing

Historically Low Inventory Drives up Benicia Home Prices

Revving up for the Annual Classic Car Show

WHAT TO DO THIS SPRING:

A Fun-filled Guide to Bay Area Events

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Benicia Magazine MARCH

14 16 18

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 5

Features Benicia's low home sales inventory creates classic catch 22 Spring into action with Benicia & Bay Area events Bradbury and Bradbury's handmade, internationally known wallpapers

Departments 10

From the Editor

Currents Tips for making the perfect Irish Coffee Barkitecture's annual fundraiser kicks off in March The Historical Museum withstands a camel invasion

20 22

Map of downtown Benicia Map of Benicia Arsenal

Interview Interview with David Burnley and Ken Gerlack, Organic Solutions composting

Fashionista Vermeer’s The Girl With the Pearl Earring inspires modern fashion

Listening Featured musician — Denny Tedesco

Live Music Calendar

March Calendar of Events

Cover photo by Sheri Hoffman/Valero Photo this page: Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper in the making, by Jerry Bowles

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Community News Need additional copies? Contact the Community Relations Oﬃce: Valero Benicia Reﬁnery, 3400 East Second Street, Benicia, CA 94510

Employees Participate in Solano Commute Challenge

707-745-7534 March 2013

Benicia Education Foundation 6th Annual Run for Education Set for April 14

15 Commute Champions

Benicia is well known for its quality schools, thanks to its dedicated teachers, administrators, and support staff. Not to be overlooked, however, is the important role played by the greater Benicia community. One of the community’s strongest advocates for sustained quality education is the Benicia Education Foundation, now preparing earnestly for the 6th Annual Run for Education, set for Sunday, April 14. Earlier this year, the Benicia Education Foundation, or BEF as it is commonly called, was awarded a $20,000 grant from Valero in support of its library and technology resources at Robert Semple and Mary Farmar Elementary Schools. This grant was awarded on the heels of a November 2012 $25,000 grant from the annual employeenominated Valero Benefit for Children grant process. The award was made in support of libraries and technology resources at all seven Benicia schools. “Valero is a strong supporter of education in Benicia both with their generous grants and through their volunteerism at Benicia schools, like the tutoring programs at the middle school and high school,” said BEF President Lisa Koenen. “We also expect Valero employees to join the hundreds of volunteers helping at the Run For Education in April.” Founded in 1981, the Foundation was revitalized by parents, business owners, and other Benicia citizens in 2005. Its mission: to raise funds, gather resources and act as a catalyst to involve the community in supporting public education for the children of Benicia Schools. Information: BeniciaRunForEducation.org

Valero Benicia Refinery employees were pleased to learn that the refinery was the only Benicia business to earn a top 10 finish in the 2012 Solano Commute Challenge. Twentyfour employees joined in the Challenge, using commute alternatives such as car-pooling, walking, cycling or mass transit. The three-month competition is held annually, August through October. Commute Champions honors were awarded to 15 Valero employees. This distinction is earned by using a commute alternative at least 30 times during the competition. Next on deck for several refinery employees is the annual Bike to Work Day, set for Thursday, May 9. Interested in commuting? Check out Solano Napa Commuter Information (SNCI) to learn more: CommuterInfo.net.

Benicia resident Denise Plaskett, a staﬀ control systems engineer, was one of ﬁfteen Valero employees honored as a Commute Champion.

Mark Your Calendars Rotary/Interact Clubs Pasta Extravaganza for the BEF – Friday, April 12, 2013 BEF Run for Education - Sunday, April 14, 2013 Bike to Work Day - Thursday, May 9, 2013 Solano Commute Challenge – August 1 to October 31, 2013

Fast Facts: Business of the Year by the Benicia Chamber

The Valero Benicia Refinery was named a 2012 of Commerce.

Safety First: carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they Spring into action and test your smoke and operate properly.

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Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2013, 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. 707.707.853.8159 beniciamagazine.com.

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From the Editor March 2013 The stars aligned for Benicia Main Street's Wine and Chocolate Walk February 9—people came downtown in droves to meander down First Street on the sunny Saturday afternoon. With glass in hand, they tasted wine and chocolate from 22 participating stores, including ours. From my perspective, the best thing about the fun event was interacting with over 150 people and hearing their feedback about the magazine and our town. As a member of Benicia's largest age demographic (over 45), I was surprised by the number of young people who came by (twenty- and thirty-somethings) who reported that they LOVE First Street. There was a time that downtown Benicia didn't have much appeal for a younger age group, but that's changing with live music and other events, and the recent addition of new bars and restaurants. I think it bodes well for the future. And what's not to love? Our downtown is much more vibrant than some of the more firmly established tourism cities that, in the past few years, have seen retail spaces give way to professional offices, one by one. It is happening here as well, but not nearly as much as, say, Healdsburg, Petaluma or downtown Napa. Driving south on highway 101 from Healdsburg in late January, I saw a billboard that said “Windsor: Over 100 Shops!” This I wanted to see, especially since Windsor's population is about the same as Benicia's. So I took a detour to its downtown, where a relatively new development of buildings that form an attractive, pedestrian-friendly core with retail on the street level and two-story condos on top was a very promising concept. But I counted only a handful of retail shops, some salons and a few restaurants in the entire complex. The rest were medical or professional offices and other service businesses, and quite a few of the new storefronts were empty. Perhaps the billboard sign went up before the economy tanked so the big number hasn't yet been reached. I amused myself on the drive home by attempting a mental inventory of downtown Benicia's retail shops and restaurants, and came up with a tally of around 50. In actuality, according to Main Street's most recent brochure, there are 109 businesses on First Street (excluding offices and professional services): 52 retail stores, 28 bars and restaurants and 29 salons and spas. Maybe we could take a hint from Windsor and advertise our 109 tourism-based downtown businesses on the large, controversial billboards the City has rights to on I-680. Just a thought. Back to the Wine Walk: the feedback we heard while we were pouring was that you enjoy the magazine’s features and interesting tidbits about our city (the Lincoln story was a big hit) and that you really rely on our event listings to stay informed about what's going on in and around town. So we hope you enjoy this issue's Spring Events Guide—it has something for everyone to celebrate the season. And next time you come downtown, dance down First Street, drink in the views of the Strait, marvel at the lighted trees and check out recent improvements that make it even more attractive for tourists, but also for the rest of us. Want more events? Sign up online for Weekends, our top 6 picks of Bay Area events, emailed to your inbox every Wednesday.

Jeanne Steinmann Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com 10 • Benicia Magazine

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“There’s No Place Like A Home”

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Irish Coffee 2013 marks the 61st anniversary of Irish Coffee in the U.S. The Buena Vista Café, a San Francisco institution, is said to have “invented,” or recreated the iconic drink by tweaking and perfecting the concept sampled in Shannon, Ireland, until it tasted just right and the cream floated delicately on top. It became the bar’s signature drink, which the BV touts serving some 2,000 glasses each day. Follow these simple steps to enjoy at home. B

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12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

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Barkitecture

Celebrates its 10th Year By Adriene Rockwell “There’s no place like a home” is the theme of the 10th annual Barkitecture fundraising event on April 5, and nothing could come closer to the cause. There really is no place like a home for the hundreds of animals each year that receive refuge, medical care, nourishment and an opportunity for a second chance for life by the Humane Society of the North Bay (HSNB). Barkitecture has become a household name in the North Bay, an event that began in 2003 with 145 guests has now grown to a soldout audience of more than 500 passionate supporters each year. The goal for the event is to raise approximately $70,000 to support the mission of HSNB. “It’s all about the animals,” says Peter Wilson, Development Coordinator for the organization. Some 10 to 15 local restaurants and celebrated chefs donate the food and desserts. “The event is incredibly well

organized and seamless, and there are great baskets of goodies to bid on,” says long-time supporter Molly Boggs. “It’s a ton of fun and the food is delicious. I highly recommend it.” Examples of auction items include a twonight stay at Sea Ranch and dessert for a month provided by 12 different bakers. The featured live auction items will be the winners of the annual Barkitecture Pet Domicile Competition. Entries are made in the categories of Dog Domicile, Cat Furniture, Bird Roost and MultiPet Domicile. “Individuals or groups of people, and sometimes businesses or scout troops come together to create an ideal home for our ultimate clients, which are our pets,” says Wilson. The competition can get serious, and past creations have included a rolling doghouse made from a green garbage can and a domicile made from a wine barrel. “There is lots of repurposing,” says Wilson, "and a focus on what would be the safest for the pet.”

The voting and first viewing of the domiciles will take place at the People’s Choice Voting & Preview Party on Friday, March 22 from 5:30-8pm at Team Superstores in Vallejo. The entire automobile showroom is cleared out so guests can view in awe, enjoy refreshments, and vote for their favorite masterpieces. All of this building up to the main event: the Barkitecture Gala & Auction, “There’s No Place Like a Home” to be held Friday, April 5, starting at 6pm in McCormack Hall at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo. Tickets sell out fast, so purchase your tickets now at barkitecture.net. All proceeds will support general operating funds needed to care for shelter animals, and as stated as part of the organization’s mission: to help foster a public sentiment of humanity and gentleness toward all animals through education and encouragement, and to promote a lifelong commitment to responsible pet ownership. B

Camels invade the Museum!

By Elizabeth d’Huart When out-of-town visitors come to the Museum, their first question is invariably, “So… where are the camels?” Museum incorporation documents speak only to the Benicia Historical Museum and Cultural Foundation, as it was originally named, and the Benicia Historical

Museum as it is currently registered. Our National Register of Historic Places and California Historical Landmark designations refer to latitude and longitude coordinates within the Benicia Arsenal. However, Benicia residents and those who know our military history simply refer to us as “the Camel Barns” or “Camel Barn Museum,” referencing the auction of U.S. military camels here on Museum grounds in 1864. So we are indeed fortunate to be able to finally say that we now have LOTS of camels (800 +) to show our visitors! The Saratoga Springs New York philanthropist Philly Dake, who passed away last year, left her entire collection of camel-related objects to the Museum, to be showcased in our upcoming temporary exhibit, Camelot! The Philly Dake Camel Collection,

the opening reception for which is scheduled Sunday, March 17 at 1pm. “Keesa,” a two-hump Bactrian camel, will be on hand for viewing and petting with owner Robert Lyon, who will talk about this amazing animal and share his camel-raising experiences with the audience. Entrance for the opening is free, with many other camel-y surprises promised, including a free prize drawing and refreshments. Dake family members are travelling from New York and beyond to tell us about their philanthropist matriarch and to share this fascinating family’s connection to California. The original collection started generations ago, so this should prove to be a marvelously informative and entertaining afternoon for kids and adults, animal lovers and historians, and a must for ALL Benicia residents. B BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

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By Eric Hoglund It’s hard to buy a new home if there are none to be had, and real estate recovery is a product of many sales over time. If you have taken a look to see what’s available in Benicia and the surrounding area over the past year, you will know that there is very small inventory to sample, and a very quick rotation, as homes are listed and sold as quickly as the banking process will allow. Home prices rose in Benicia last year, but due to tightened appraisal parameters they did not go up as fast or as high as the buyer demand clearly indicated. Most homes listed in the area received multiple offers. However, even if a seller accepted an offer well over listing price they would later encounter difficulty closing at that price, due to the available comps showing a similar unit selling just a few months before for less money. Lenders will generally only loan based on the appraised value, leaving the buyer to come up with the difference in cash, or the seller to drop the price to the appraised value. Cash deals help, as they are not generally contingent on an appraisal and are more representative of pure market zeal. As always, cash is king, and many a buyer has been frustrated over the past year by cash buyers swooping in on homes with the seller giving little consideration to the buyer with financing. The continued lack of inventory will certainly exacerbate this situation. The question is, when and how much inventory will the banks release for sale? We know there are foreclosures out there that have not hit the market; and there

Are there ANY HOMES FOR SALE

are likely new foreclosures on the horizon as some loan modifications have been less than helpful for those trying to make the payments on a home that is so upside down that it will never pan out to be a sound investment. The real question is WHEN the banks will start releasing more inventory. We know that once they foreclose they have to take the hit on their bottom line and show the loss on their earnings statement. We also know that when they ﬂooded the market a few years ago it had a very negative effect on housing prices. With all the uncertainty of the Fiscal Cliff and many macro economic forces at play, it is hard to pinpoint the exact reason for the delay. There is, however, a sweet balance that we are hoping to find over the next 12 to 18 months. On the ﬂip side, with home prices rebounding a bit, we are finding that homeowners who are on the brink of break-even are holding out until they can, at the very minimum, cover the costs of sale. As we see a modest recovery of 3% or 4% over the next year, many homeowners who have felt like they were held hostage by the housing crash, will have the freedom to sell or, dare I say it, enjoy a bit of equity again. Having a trained, full time realtor representing you as either a buyer or a seller is key. They will know when new listings will be hitting the market, and they will help you fashion the best possible offer given your individual circumstances. Sellers will be in the drivers seat with multiple offers. Remember that just because the buyer is willing to offer the moon on price, their lender may not be willing to deliver. B

Benicia? Great Bowlsinof Chili Challenge 2nd Annual

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Saturday, March 23 • 12-4pm, Clock Tower

Chili Tastings with a Slice of Cornbread • Live Rockabilly Music • Beer & Wine Adults $15 in advance/ $20 at door (includes 20 tastes) Kids (10 and under) $8 in advance/ $12 at door (includes 10 tastes) For tickets and info: Benicia Main Street, 90 First St. BeniciaMainStreet.org or 707.745.9791

14 • Benicia Magazine

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THE BEST PLACE AROUND FOR LIVE MUSIC ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY BLOCK PARTY Outside event opens at noon

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Is Proud to Present a New Exhibit

C AMELOT !

The Philly Dake Camel Collection Free Opening Reception on Sunday, March 17 • 1 - 4 pm Presentation by The Dake Family

Meet “Keesa” the Camel

Learn all about Camels with Robert Lyon her owner!

There will be Prizes, Surprises and Refreshments! Benicia Historical Museum • 2060 Camel Rd. • Benicia 707-745-5435 • b e n i c i a h i s t o r i c a l m u seum.org

2/19/13 8:22 AM

GREAT BOWLS OF CHILI CHALLENGE Saturday, March 23, 12-4pm VALLEJO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Sunday, April 7, 2013, 3pm

Spring Even Ah, spring!

The season of renewal kicks into high gear this month, ushering in a host of fun-filled opportunities. From classic cars to roller coasters to great bowls of chili, you’ll find inspiration in the season’s offerings.

BENICIA FARMERS MARKET Opens April 25

Benicia Farmers Market Opens April 25

For the past 21 years, Benicians have gathered at the foot of First Street for the weekly Farmers Market. Fresh produce of all kinds includes organic options, local honey, freshly baked breads and sweets, specialty food items and more. Live entertainment, hot food vendors and kids’ activities make for an entertaining social event while you shop. Foot of First Street, beniciamainstreet.org.

OPENING DAY ON THE STRAITS Saturday, April 20 SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM Opening Weekend March 16 & 17 SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Thursday, April 25 Thursday, May 9 BENICIA CLASSIC CAR SHOW Sunday, April 28, 7am-3pm ARTS BENICIA ARTIST OPEN STUDIOS May 4 & 5 SONOMA HISTORIC MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL Saturday, May 18 Sunday, May 19, 6am-10pm

Great Bowls of Chili Challenge Saturday, March 23, 12-4pm

The Chili Challenge promises to be another sold-out event, with local eateries and groups cooking up their take on the best classic version or an entirely unique chili. The competition is fierce! Benicia Clock Tower, beniciamainstreet.org. Photo: 2012 challengers from the Yacht Club

Vallejo Symphony Orchestra Sunday, April 7, 2013, 3pm

Opening Day on the Straits Saturday, April 20

Taking a cue from the upcoming America’s Cup races in SF, this year’s theme for Opening Day is “Our Cup Runneth Over.” Festivities include the decorated boat parade, arts & crafts, food, games for kids, live music, dinner and dancing and annual blessing of the ﬂeet. The event begins at 10am. The Yacht Club is open to nonmembers. Beverages at the bar and dinner tickets are available for purchase. Benicia Yacht Club, beniciayachtclub.com Photo, below, by Derith Lutz

Pre-concert talk featuring Melanie Keller, 2pm The highly acclaimed Vallejo Symphony Orchestra, seventh oldest in California, performs its spring concert, Storms and Passions featuring Fauré, Fantaisie for Flute and Orchestra (Melanie Keller, ﬂute), Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4 in F minor, and Schumann, Overture to Manfred. Lander Hall, Touro University, Mare Island, vallejosymphony.org.

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vents Guide

Benicia Classic Car Show Sunday, April 28, 7am-3pm

This annual waterfront event benefitting the Benicia High School Band program features a huge assortment of pre-1976 American-made cars and trucks. A professional DJ and the BHS Jazz Band will provide music while you peruse the maze of vehicles, craft booths and car-related merchandise. First Street Green, sites. google.com/a/pantherbandboosters.com/ www/car-show.

Arts Benicia Artist Open Studios May 4 & 5

Thousands of visitors descend on Benicia for this annual event where artists open their studios to the public. Armed with a map, attendees can view art for sale in galleries and studios, many of which are live-work spaces. Learn about art and chat with local artists. Benicia Historic Arsenal and Downtown Benicia, artsbenicia.org.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Opening Weekend March 16 & 17

The 135-acre park features some of the most thrilling roller coasters around, combined marine life, wildlife and wild rides. Forty rides and wildlife attractions will keep you busy for an entire day. If free-falling is your thing, you can practice your screams on the Medusa’s 50 foot plunge. Six Flags Vallejo, sixﬂags.com/discoverykingdom. Photo above: Courtesy of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival Saturday, May 18 Sunday, May 19, 6am-10pm

Sonoma Raceway is celebrating the Chevrolet Corvette’s 60th anniversary at this year’s festival. Corvettes from several decades will be featured on the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course with nearly 400 historic racecars competing. Every ticket is a pit pass for an up-close look at the cars and their owners. A food & wine pavillion will offer tastings. Sonoma Raceway, racesonoma.com. Photo above: Larry Bittner racing his 2007 Corvette Z06 B Photo left: Shipping Lane II, mixed media on panel, 36” X 36”, 2012, by Carol Dalton Photo below: Classic car Sheri Hoffmann/Panther Band

San Francisco International Film Festival April 25 - May 9

Established in 1957, the SFIFF is the longest running film festival in the Americas. This year’s two-week event features some impressive numbers: 289 screenings of 174 films in 41 languages from 45 countries, by 201 filmmakers from over 20 countries. The cinematic event generally attracts upwards of 80,000 attendees. Various screening locations in San Francisco, sfiff.org. Photo right: by Tommy Lau, courtesy San Francisco Film Society

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Photo by Jerry Bowles

Internationally Known Period Wallpapers Handcrafted in Benicia By Jeanne Steinmann Many of us either know of, or have experienced firsthand the abundant creativity in the Benicia Arsenal, where many artists live and work. If you’re a longtimer, own a vintage home or are just into that sort of thing, you may also be aware that there’s another kind of creativity in the Arsenal—one that combines artistry and industry—in high quality, handcrafted, silkscreened period wallpapers, borders, friezes and enrichments. Bradbury & Bradbury, located in one of the Lower Arsenal’s most impressive old brick buildings, commands an international audience for their opulent designs, the styles of which range from the 1880’s to the 1960’s. Bradbury & Bradbury (B&B) creates new designs and reproduces historic styles that include Victorian, Arts & Crafts and Modernism, using archival quality, water-based inks. Reproducing old papers requires research, and lots of it. Hunting grounds include private homes, old wallpaper books, period literature, factory records, museums, libraries, and Persian manuscripts. The company’s owner and chief designer, Steve Bauer, says they have “hundreds of old papers in archive” at their Sacramento office. Bauer started working at B&B in 1982, and eventually bought the company from its founder, Bruce Bradbury. They launched a website in the early 1990’s, which allowed them to connect with buyers near and far looking for period designs. The company

no longer has a showroom but they sell directly to the public by mail order. It’s easy to find B&B wallpapers in Benicia’s Victorian and Arts & Crafts style homes, and other buildings around town. Camellia Tea Room and the conference room at City Hall are two examples; there are many others. But the famous wallpapers have long since found their way outside of town. “In the early 1990’s, we were on This Old House, and that had a big impact on sales worldwide,” says Bauer. Abe Lincoln’s Home, the Henry Ford Museum, Governor’s Mansions, the California State Capitol and other impressive edifices

include B&B wallpapers. Beverly Phillips, the company’s Customer Service Manager, says, “We get international inquiries every day. Yesterday a woman called from Turkey asking about our Persian Series.” The production facility is located upstairs in an imposing building with massive arched windows that let in the eastern light. The first thing one notices upon entering is how clean it is—dust control is a must when spreading the ink onto paper. The warehouse itself has considerable elegance with hardwood ﬂoors and brick walls forming the backdrop for the hundreds of screens they use to create the designs, and the long wooden tables that are used in the production. The company’s website, bradbury.com, describes the silkscreen process in detail; but in short, the paper is laid across rows of narrow, 90-foot long tables fitted with metal rails for placing the screens, then one color at a time, the screens are handcarried down the length of each table as the ink is applied at each pattern repeat. After the ink is dry, the next color is applied and the pattern begins to emerge. One of the more complex patterns has 17 diﬀerent inks, which means the screens are carried 17 times down the length of each table, twice, as it takes two passes for each color. It is incredibly labor intensive, from the creation of the design to the final product, but the end result produces stunning works of art that have graced walls and ceilings around the globe. B

18 • Benicia Magazine

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A. Judith Judson, 310 Military West B. Sprankle’s Village Deli, 82 Solano Square C. S. Thompson, Farmers Ins., 310 Military West, Ste. D D. Julie Parsons Certiﬁed Massage, 310 Military West, Ste. A 1. Tosch Dental, 18 West K Street 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street 4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street 5. Benicia Floral and Gifts, 838 First Street 6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street 7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street 8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103 9. Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street 10. Studio 41, 700 First Street 11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street 12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street 16. Benicia Magazine Studio & Store, 611 First Street 17. Reconnective Healing, 555 First Street 18. Charlie’s Attic, 519 & 523 First 19. Dudikoﬀ Insurance, 159 East D Street 20. Fabulous Finds, 129 First Street 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street 23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 25. Courtyard Salon, 114 West D Street 26. Nest, 129-B First Street 27. Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, 238 First St.

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20 • Benicia Magazine

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A. Buck Factory Outlet, 4680 E. 2nd Street B. Aﬀordable Quality Cabinets, 4852 E. 2nd Street C. Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road 1. Rosie's Cafe, 3001 Bayshore Road 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9 3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A 4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street 5. MC2Golf, 960 Grant Street, Ste. A 6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street 8. Rags to Riches, 946 Tyler, Ste. C 9. Marleen's Yoga, 938 Tyler St., Studio 204 10. 851 Music Studio, 1043 Grant Street

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By Sue Sumner-Moore David Burnley and Ken Gerlack had a problem: what could they do with their landscape firm’s yard trimmings so all those leaves, tree limbs and grass clippings didn’t end up in a landfill? Compost them, the pair decided. They started sorting, grinding, screening, watering and turning the compost on a ranch in Martinez years ago. Other landscapers liked the idea and asked if they could add their green waste to the operation. When the venture outgrew the ranch 15 years ago, everything moved to a site off Goodyear Road in Benicia. The compost business was a division of Contra Costa Landscaping Inc. then, but Organic Solutions became an independent company after the landscaping business sold in 2000. David and Ken are two of Organic Solution’s four partners. Customers range from CalTrans to local gardeners, and the firm now offers several types of organic compost and wood mulch. The two became friends when David went to work for Ken in 1978. Their skills complemented each other in the landscape business, roles that continue in the compost operation. Ken prefers working in the company yard, keeping the equipment running in top form. David focuses on the business end, serving customers and keeping up with the required state and local permits. They laugh heartily when asked if they ever thought they would end up in this business. As boys, what did they want to be when they grew up? “I thought I wanted to be a doctor but it turned out I wasn’t smart enough to do that,” Ken says wryly. “My dad was a landscape contractor and I didn’t want to do that, so I went to Cal Poly to learn the nursery industry and ended up being a landscape contractor anyway.” “I never knew what I wanted to be, other than a ski instructor,” adds David, who has a horticulture degree from UC Davis.

Ken Gerlack, left, David Burnley, right

Interview with

David Burnley and Ken Gerlack

Why do organic materials make a diﬀerence in gardens? David: It is the whole concept of reusing, recycling and reducing. More and more people

are interested in doing that, plus people who grow vegetables in their garden tend not to want to dump chemicals on them. Ken: As a soil amendment, compost puts more life back into your soil. Chemicals don’t do that. David: Years ago, people came to know you have to replenish things, and microbes set up processes in the soil that do that. Ken: Prior to World War II, people put their crops back into the soil. After World War II, factories weren’t building bombs anymore and they started making fertilizers, so chemical fertilizers started to be used. But people have started to realize that chemicals kill a lot of the microorganisms and don’t allow the biodiversity that you need.

What materials go into your compost? David: We use green waste only. We do not take any food waste. We renew our permit

every five years, and every time we go through the renewal process I look into it. We’ve decided not to do it. If we change, it triggers a lot of other reports. The other thing about food waste is you open the door to issues we don’t currently have: food source for rodents, problems with odors. With green waste, odor is not an issue unless you let it go anaerobic. … People who are knowledgeable about compost come out here and grab a handful of our compost and smell it. They always say it smells great.

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How does green waste become compost? David: You start by grinding it up to have smaller particles for the

Are You Ready To Give Up Those Reading Glasses?

microbes to do their job. They are already there, and they just need three things: a good food source, moisture and oxygen. We grind the materials and add moisture and put it in windrows (large piles visible from Interstate 680). The whole reason to turn it is to get more oxygen in the mix. … We want to maintain an aerobic compost. The State of California says that to make compost, you must exceed 131 degrees for 15 days and turn it five times. It’s known as the pathogen reduction process because the heat generated by the microbes cuts down on the pathogens.

So you actually take the compost’s temperature? David: We monitor temperatures in the windrows daily and chart

them. We have to record dates that each windrow is turned so the state can always verify the temperature and when turned. We tend to turn each windrow eight to 10 times, and we keep the materials composting a longer time. The county is our local enforcement agency, and the inspector comes once a month. She inspects the records and brings a thermometer to check the windrows. A stable, mature compost essentially is entirely broken down. Really immature compost still has reactions going on, and seedlings may not like what’s going on in the soil and may not take off. But if you put in mature compost, they’ll take off. With roughly 100 cubic yards of source material, you end up with 35-40 cubic yards of compost.

How has the business evolved over the years? David: Initially we were just doing green waste and compost. In the

course of that, people would drop off pallets that they’d received shipments on. We didn’t want that in the compost because lumber is all carbon, no nitrogen, and you need nitrogen in the compost process. … We started grinding the pallets into mulch. We are now working with a large fencing company in Contra Costa that brings in old redwood fencing. We have two piles: Redwood and blond wood. The blond wood comes from pallets primarily. We also take concrete, which is crushed and used for aggregate under concrete patios, for example.

What tests do you run on incoming materials? David: We test for heavy metals and we do a hazardous waste

inspection when material arrives. We do a load check to make sure people aren’t bringing in cans of paint or something like that. There’s usually paper and sometimes plastic, but we get most of that out. You can never get it all. We log incoming material. Our limit is 392 cubic yards a day, but we operate at less than capacity.

What does your home garden look like? Ken: Well, it’s a winter garden now, but in the summer, it looks pretty

good. I grow tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, carrots, asparagus—all with compost. We have a good source for it. (laughs)

What do you do to relax? Ken: Last weekend my relaxation was screening compost. I like gardening and working around the house. … I like to get things done. I can’t sit and watch TV. David: I ski, play acoustic guitar. I’ve always been interested in the wine industry, and my wife and I enjoy wine and good food. B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

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Fashion with a Pearl Earring

Johannes Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Oil on canvas, 17 1/2" x 15 3/8", Ca 1665, courtesy DeYoung Museum

By Christina Strawbridge Growing up in middle class suburbia, I was greeted daily by the Dutch artist Vermeer's Milkmaid, and French painter Utrillo's Montmartre scene, because these paintings hung in our home's living room and entryway. My mother's choice of art is fascinating since she bought the prints based on color and style without any knowledge of the artists. The Milkmaid is a kitchen maid who is shown near a window wearing a crisp linen cap, cornﬂower blue apron and a blouse that resembles a corset with a rounded neckline. Her pushed up sleeves are pleated and coordinated with the same cornﬂower blue. She is pouring milk into

an earthenware container known as a Dutch oven and, if you look closely, there are Delft wall tiles near her feet with blue cupids on them. The shades of blue became a lasting memory for me since I spent a lot of time in front of the painting doing homework and listening to my 45s. My grandmother also favored Dutch art in her china selections, and a marble bust of a woman who looked much like the milkmaid. On a trip to Rotterdam a few years ago, I visited the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis in The Hague, where many of Vermeer's paintings are kept. The focal point of the collection was The Girl with a Pearl Earring, which is sometimes referred to as the "Dutch Mona Lisa.” I had read the historical novel by Tracy Chevalier and saw the Hollywood movie, which fictionalized how the painting had come about. In the story, Vermeer had used a servant named Griet as his model, and had her wear his wife's pearl earrings. Visiting the area in which Vermeer lived and worked was an added bonus because it has not changed since the 17th Century; a period of prosperity in what would later become the Netherlands. The same scenery and buildings that inspired the Dutch masters remain after almost 400 years. The painting of "The Girl" seems relevant today because of the simplicity of her blue turban headgear, the subtle colors of her clothing and the infamous

PREPARING STUDENTS for the

FUTURE

pearl drop earring, which was the ultimate accessory. Her youthful gaze and hesitant smile has made her the "it" girl of the Dutch Golden Age. Pearls have been used as a fashion accessory for centuries, and were very popular during the Golden Age in the Netherlands. Although they were rare, artists used them in paintings because of their luminous quality. It was only in the 19th century that the techniques for creating pearls were introduced, making them more accessible and affordable. In the 20th Century, the ﬂapper donned them in long strands and Coco Channel layered them with gold chains, a trend that remains a strong inﬂuence with modern designers. "The Girl” has arrived in San Francisco at a new exhibit at the De Young Museum through June 2. It is entitled Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis. The collection is on loan while the Royal Picture Gallery is being remodeled, and includes 35 paintings from Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdaek, Adriaen van Ostade and of course, Johannes Vermeer. My curiosity regarding the artist that had attracted my mother's eye so many years ago continues. I will take the opportunity to take another look between now and June while "The Girl" is in town. B

Casino Night &

TEXAS HOLD 'EM Benicia Rotary & Benicia Soroptimist

Studies show that enrichment programs enhance student performance

present

A delightful evening of gaming, finger food & fun! Prizes include an iPad and iPad Mini

Saturday March 16, 6-10pm Benefitting educational scholarships and projects in Benicia

Gaming provided by “Three of a Kind” BUSD offers students programs and services that will enable them to achieve success. Benicia Unified School District 350 East K Street, Benicia, CA 707.747.8300 • www.beniciaunified.org

— Blackjack — Roulette — Craps — Texas Hold 'em — No Host Bar

Casino tickets $30 or 2 for $50 Texas Hold 'em $60 Available at Bookshop Benicia and Benicia Main Street Commanding Officer’s Quarters One Commandant’s Lane Benicia

For more information, call 707.746.4343 or email DSmikahl@ci.benicia.ca.us or HBowles@ci.benicia.ca.us

26 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista

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• Serving the Benicia/Vallejo area for over 70 years • Only on-site crematory in the area • Funerals, memorials, VA Burials John “Sherm” Passalacqua

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Camellia Tea Room Delicious Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Housemade Desserts, Fine Teas & Tea Accessories Ask about our Bridal and Baby Shower Packages!

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707.373.7256 Visit our large showroom of Fireplaces, Stoves, Inserts & BBQ’s

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Blown Glass • Wall Art • Jewelry • Gift Items www.lindsayartglass.com • 707.748.1336 109 East F Street , Benicia, CA • Gallery Hours: Sun-Th 11-5 Fri 11-7 Sat 10-7

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Featured Musician

Denny Tedesco

Producer, Director, Documentary Filmmaker Born: Burbank, California Resides in: Woodland Hills, California Favorite Food: Pesto Favorite Book: Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett

Favorite Song: “Political Science” by Randy Newman Favorite Movie: Diner Relationship Status/Children: Married with two children

By Rhonda Lucile Hicks Your documentary film The Wrecking Crew is about the anonymous first call session musicians in Los Angeles in the late 60’s. Your dad, the legendary guitarist Tommy Tedesco, was a member of this elite group of the same name. When he left the house every morning, what did you think he did for a living? I always knew that dad played a guitar for a living but never thought it was that different. I’m sure other kids probably did. That’s all I knew. When he went to work, he left like any other father. But he had a classical guitar, a Telecaster, a 12-string, a mandolin, and an acoustic guitar with an amp in the trunk of his car. The Wrecking Crew created soundtracks for bands such as the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Sonny and Cher, The Monkees, The Carpenters, The 5th Dimension and Tijuana Brass, among many others. Was there music they weren’t involved with during those years? If it was done in Los Angeles in the early ’60’s, most likely The Wrecking Crew had something to do with it. Some groups would do their own after they got going, but the producers wanted to hedge their bets and get a hit out the door. “Mr. Tambourine Man” by the Byrds was a perfect example.

The Wrecking Crew was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007, how many of the musicians were able to reunite and attend the ceremony? There were about 8 of them. It was in Nashville so it was hard to get folks out there. I'm glad they were honored. The documentary was a family labor of love that began when your dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Has its making helped to deal with the loss of your dad? If you were a therapist, you might say I'm not letting this thing die so I can keep his memory alive. But the truth is, he really has never left me. I was always around him in his later years when he was doing seminars and concerts. So we were very close. Fought like cats and dogs sometimes, but we loved each other tremendously. He was my hero and I think he knew that. The Wrecking Crew documentary will be screened at the Napa Valley Opera House on Tuesday, March 5. Visit nvoh.org for more information. B

Read the expanded interview online at beniciamagazine.com.

LIVE MUSIC ONGOING:

SPECIAL EVENTS:

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Miles Schon & Friends George’s Nightclub, San Rafael Friday, March 1, 9pm georgesnightclub.com

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Live music Thurs, Fri & Sat Jazz Sunday afternoon firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400

Empress Theatre

Wednesday Night Ramble First & third Wednesdays Soulshine Second Wednesday each month Hot House Blues Fourth Wednesday each month empresstheatre.org 707.552.2400

Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar Fairfield Live music every Saturday stickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500

Anne-Sophie Mutter Green Music Center Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Saturday, March 2, 8pm gmc.sonoma.edu Ladysmith Black Mambazo Yoshi’s, Oakland Tuesday, March 5, 8pm yoshis.com

Sundays @ Four: Sor Ensemble Crowden Music Center, Berkeley Sunday, March 10, 4pm crowden.org

Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic Armando’s, Martinez Friday, March 22, 8pm armandosmartinez.com

Maroon 5 HP Pavilion, San Jose Wednesday, March 13, 7:30pm livenation.com

Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers Brick and Mortar Music Hall, SF Friday, March 22, 9pm Saturday, March 23, 9pm brickandmortarmusic.com

BeauSoliel avec Michael Doucet The Palms, Winters Thursday, March 14, 8pm palmsplayhouse.com

Janis Ian Freight & Salvage Coffee House Berkeley, Friday, March 29, 8pm

Oakland East Bay Symphony Paramount Theatre, Oakland Friday, March 15, 8pm paramounttheatre.com

Los Lonely Boys Acoustic Uptown Theatre, Napa Friday, March 8, 8pm uptowntheatrenapa.com

Paul Psarras Bay Terrace Theater, Vallejo Friday, March 15, 8pm vallejosymphony.org

D.R.I. Slim’s, San Francisco Saturday, March 9, 9pm slimspresents.com

FivePlay Bay Terrace Theater, Vallejo Sunday, March 17, 5pm vallejojazzsociety.com

Vonda Shepard The Rrazz Room, SF Friday, March 29, 9:15pm Saturday, March 30, 9:15pm liveattherrazz.com Beijing Guitar Duo Herbst Theatre, SF Saturday, March 31, 7pm omniconcerts.com

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28 • Benicia Magazine Listening

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The first to use the most environmentally safe/friendly cleaning process.

Get Spring Break

cash

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!

Vallejo Coin Exchange pays the most for your gold! Vallejo Coin Exchange • 127 Tennessee, Vallejo M-Th 11am-5pm, F 11am-3pm • 707.554.1754 VallejoCoin.com

Plumbing and Boilers

French

CONVERSATIONAL CLASSES

Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Adults — Small groups or individual sessions — C’est facile et amusant! Reserve your seat: nadalang@comcast.net

707.644.3421

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

2nd Chance Thrift Store Adobe is a clean and sober men’s residential program solely supported by Thrift Shop sales and Labor Services. Thrift store purchases help men rebuild their lives.

Furniture, Collectibles & Household items 11am-6pm, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 929 First Street, Benicia, 707.745.6276

Come visit our Com ddesigner 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

Serving Benicia's orthodontic needs for over 25 years Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash 1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com

Dr. Tom Campbell

Orthodontics for children and adults

Call to schedule a complimentary exam 707.745.1994 • 164 East H St., Benicia Beniciaparadocs.com

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3/9

3/10

3/1&3/15

Ghost Walk with Devin Sisk 8pm

Spooky tales of the paranormal history of Benicia Approx. 2 hours, no children under 10 Main Street Depot, 90 First Street, Benicia Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

3/2-3/31

3/5

3/6-3/27

3/9

Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House

Weekends only 10am-5pm Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st & 3rd Sundays & 2nd Sat. Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, Feb. 3, 9 & 17 115 West G Street, Benicia 707.745.3385

First Tuesdays Investment Club

Long-standing investment club Meets in Benicia first Tuesday each month For more info contact 707.373.1200

Toastmaster’s Group Wednesday evening 7:30-9pm

Learn to speak w/confidence in a friendly environment 601 First Street, Suite 100, Benicia 707.290.4377

Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

3/9

Benicia Art Walk, Self-guided Tour 3-7pm

3/9

Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm

Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940

Featured artist is Joanne Corbaley Gallery open Thursday-Sunday, 11am-5pm 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

Romana Vieira Ensemble 3pm

The top Fado singer in the United States Portuguese folk music with a 21st Century upgrade Library Doña Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

The Next Generation Opening Reception 3-5pm

3/15

Vallejo Symphony Orchestra Presents Paul Psarras

3/16

Casino Night 6-10pm

3/16-17

Spring Bling at the Fairgrounds 10am-5pm

3/17

Calendar of Events

A brief lesson before the open dancing begins Co-hosted by BHS Swing Dance Club Library Doña Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

3/10

MARCH

Swing Dance Event for All Ages 5-7pm

Local children’s art, exhibit runs from March 7-24 Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street, #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

A classical guitarist Bay Terrace Theater, 51 Daniels Ave., Vallejo Miratheatreguild.org 707.552.0400 Presented by Rotary & Soroptimist Clubs of Benicia Benefiting education scholarships & projects in Benicia Tickets available at Bookshop Benicia, Benicia Main St. Featherer Pet & www.brownpapertickets.com Commanding Officer’s Quarters, 1 Commandant Lane 707.746.4358 Gem, mineral and jewelry show, free parking Solano Fairgrounds, McCormack Hall 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society 707.745.1816

Family Art Day at Arts Benicia 1-3pm Free art activities for the entire family Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

3/17

“Camelot! Phily Dake Collection” Opening 1pm

3/20

Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

3/21

Community Blood Drive 1-7pm

3/23

Great Bowls of Chili Challenge 12-4pm

3/23&24

Camel collection exhibit, open Wed.-Sun. 1-4pm Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435 Library Doña Benicia Room Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Donors 17+ years, good health, 110+ lbs. First Baptist Church, 1055 Southampton Road 707.745.0899 Come taste for yourself and be the judge Local businesses, organizations & individuals The Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

North Wind Quilters Quilt Show

Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm Approx. 200 quilts and wearable art on display Fairfield Senior Center, 1200 Civic Center Dr. Cindy 707.448.4776 or Linda 707.374.7546

30 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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2/19/13 8:23 AM

MC2 Golf Pro, Inc.

"High Definition Golf"

The world's most amazing indoor virtual golf simulator

Practice with the latest in virtual golf technology— play Pebble Beach and more at our simulator studio

Buy an hour, get an hour free (Simulation only) with this ad, expires 3/31/13

CLUB FITTING Studio & Showroom Lessons • Sales • Distributor Book your tee time now! 960 Grant Street, Ste. A, Benicia mc2golfpro.com 707.745.6075 • info@mc2golfpro.com

Welcome to

Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair! Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

• Full-service dentistry • In-house lab, ensures perfect fit • Orthodontics • 50% off bleach with exam & cleaning

Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St.

• Relaxed and comfortable environment

707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

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"Affordable Quality Cabinets staff were there every step of the way during our kitchen remodel, from design to the selection of our appliances and countertops. They even helped in finding a dependable contractor. We love our new kitchen." —Roman and Sylvia

Contractor’s License # 678979

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

Come see our large showroom 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment

707-745-2100 • www.aqchome.com Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen

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