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May 2021 Magazine
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Contents
Benic
Benicia
Features
Shannon Sullivan-Cramer: Mother Extraordinaire 16 Solano Open Spaces 18
Around Town
Food & Drink
Benicia
m
magazine
Benici
Bar None – Pour Your Mother Another 11
Community
Hidden Benicia: The Alleys of Old Town 12
magazine
Big Plans for E Street Lot 14 Benicia Litter Pickers 21
Gender and Race in the Workplace: Understanding Perception and the Dynamics of Intersectionality 22
Benicia Business
Nuts & Bolts – Eastern Gateway Study 20
Art & Artists Music Scene – Return to Live Music 10
Get to Know the Arata Art Gallery 24
Columns
From the Editor 8
6 • Benicia Magazine
Dinner and a Movie 26 Book Review – Shadow and Bone 28
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BeniciaMagazine.com • 7
Column Editor's letter
Not going to be able to unsee that. There are Mother’s Day celebrations that are wonderful and there are those that are sweet and lovely. My Mother’s Day in 2019 was, shall we say, memorable. My family was invited by my lifelong friend, Jeannine, to the graduation of her son, Ruben from the Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. My husband, Jon, was unable to come, so my kids, Kenneth and Genevieve, and daughter-in-law, Karina, and I flew to Las Vegas and then drove to Flagstaff where we enjoyed the graduation ceremony and the party after. Since it was Mother’s Day weekend, our kids decided to put together a special Mother’s Day event for Jeannine and I in Las Vegas. Genevieve and Karina did the deep research and found the perfect place. It was a private pool with our own cabana, drinks, food and music. Perfect! We arrived, changed into our bathing suits and all trooped to the entrance where we were given special passes. We entered the luxurious setting and came to a dead stop. Yes, it was beautiful and yes, the pool was lovely and yes, clothing was optional. Our eyes popped open, our jaws dropped and our teeth just about fell out of our head. They say that the human body is beautiful no matter age or shape, however the eye of the unprepared beholder might beg to differ. We got our cocktails and the manager took pity on us, letting us go to the lazy river pool where people were, thankfully, covered. But I will never, ever forget the mortified look on Genevieve and Karina’s faces. Happy Mother’s Day, may it be memorable.
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Realtor® | DRE 02006363 707.386.4354 Tina@ShopBayAreaHomes.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.
BeniciaMagazine.com • 9
Around Town Arts & Culture
The Return to Live Music Where has Covid-19 taken us?
n
Marty DuVall
“Never a cover, not even a roof…” This clever saying was coined by regular Lucca Beer Garden musician and Benicia friend, Brian Hough. The quip was often attached to Lucca media notices promoting its music lineup, referring to the outdoor music venue with open admission and no cover charge since opening in 2016. Imagine the nuance behind the decision to open the Lucca Beer Garden 2021 music season in March with required seat assignments and a $5 reservation fee. Referring to this as the “New
last summer and winter, staff attrition was an issue. A revamped kitchen staff and menu and a whole month of music events in the books see Lucca’s operating as well as ever. Outside. In the meantime, Lucca Bar and Grill’s dining room remains dormant, awaiting pandemic relief and a and a Countyapproved indoor dining capacity that would make it profitable to open. Did someone mention music? Before a single note could be played, all the considerations above needed to be addressed and the music needed to be scaled to the level of Covid-19 compliance. Enjoying an established
balance of “regular” bands and new talent, we’ve built our schedule around those performers that could readily adjust to playing as duos. Building our initial repertoire around smaller acts keeps the space allowed by Covid requirements in compliance for the stage and musicians. At a certain point, the music schedule will expand to full bands once Solano County makes its way through changing tiers and restrictions go away. As of publication, there are still uncertainties about what Solano County’s tier status could be. Here are some observations from within our immediate music region – I like to envision Southern Solano County
“The new atmosphere, and live music’s inclusion have been a ‘release,’” according to Rellik Tavern Proprietor, Deb Rollans.
Normal,” Covid-19 restrictions required space and capacity limitations. Great consideration went into an operation that could still be welcoming, safe and viable after over a year of closure and no music. The overwhelming popularity of Lucca Bar and Grill’s outdoor annex needed considered focus. The possibility that throngs of returning happy revelers could overflow the premises and hamper Lucca’s requirement to reduce and comply with County and State regulations to reopen were problematic. With fans, musicians, employees and business operators all being anxious to get back to work and the tonic of music, something resembling “normal” needed creation. Hard decisions to move heavy redwood picnic tables from upper level to lower levels paid off with a great socially distanced space. Café tables were shuffled continuously until an alignment allowing appropriate adherence to guidelines was achieved throughout the space’s various levels. The greatest creation of all was gathering a new staff – along with the return of some stalwart regulars. With long dark periods over
10 • Benicia Magazine
and Northern Contra Costa County (SoSoCo/NoCoCo?) as a cohesive music appellation sharing fans, talent and venues: The Rellik “Retreat” was created downtown as the City of Benicia enabled temporary dwellings for restaurants to accommodate expanded outdoor business. The establishment of these allowances enabled outdoor performance spaces and have directly helped the Rellik Tavern to survive the pandemic. These more modest music offerings and reduced occupancy have engendered a great appreciation for the talent and enhanced engagement between bands and the audience. “The new atmosphere, and live music’s inclusion have been a ‘release,’” according to Rellik Tavern Proprietor, Deb Rollans. Don Bassey−Band Leader/Music Producer and Lucca Beer Garden mainstay: As a working musician, I’ve dearly missed performing for a live audience, being with my musical partners and taking in a live show from time to time. Of course, all of our bank
Around Town Food and Drink accounts have taken a hit. I expect that if people are mindful of the guidelines we’re asked to follow, by summer we may be able to enjoy more and more live music in less restrictive settings. Marilyn Carver – Marilyn’s Weekly Calendar: Now that music is starting up, everybody’s excited. Fans are so happy to have live music back that they’re very generous about tipping. Everybody’s really happy to see each other again – bands and audiences alike. I’m hoping people continue to be cautious. See Marilyn’s music event listings at https:// www.facebook.com/groups/438516136339459/ Chris ‘CB’ Bryant of GarageLand Rodeo: Getting back in on the resurgent music scene full tilt, Chris Bryant, front man for Martinez-based band GarageLand Rodeo states, “now that we’re back to full band rehearsal – all band members are vaccinated or in process – we still wear masks, run air filtration, wipe surfaces and mics, etc, in the studio.” CB goes on to say “we are starting to do live performances – distancing ourselves from audiences and requesting that folks remain seated and in their social groups as much as possible.” While staging and promoting shows they present, GarageLand Rodeo maintains social distance and wears masks on stage when they are not singing. They insist audiences maintain masks when not actively eating or drinking, and groups are asked to remain seated and not mix. Tough as it may be, attendees need to be reminded that dancing is still not allowed under the current restrictions. It’s time for live music. Bring your mask, keep your distance and save the dancing urge for when there’s more room to spread out. And don’t forget rule #1 – Let’s have a good time!
POUR YOUR
Mother Another n
Maura Sullivan
Mother’s Day, a day to celebrate the women who love like no other. This day is not only to celebrate but to acknowledge their hard efforts. Whether it be helping with homework and packing lunches, or judging outfits and questionable men, she is always there to help. We all know these women. Their days almost never go without a struggle and yet they still find a way to make our lives a little bit easier. Mothers need a little more than just a card and flowers. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely gesture but if we’re planning on celebrating, we need something a little bit more enticing. Of course brunch is the go-to choice, but what about after? Mother’s day can’t just end there. She’s going to want an experience, something different than mimosas and pedicures. I have an option that might just brighten her day, as well as yours. There’s a beautiful little wine bar located in downtown Napa that is sure to make your mama happy. It’s not just your typical wine bar. This bar specializes in sparkling wine and champagne. Be Bubbly Napa Valley is an amazing spot to enjoy some well needed bubbles and charcuterie. A beautiful stone bar with luxurious velvet seats to comfort any hard working mom. There’s a wide variety of by-theglass on the menu to please any experienced drinker. The staff is more than helpful when picking the right bubbles for her special day. If the weather is pleasant, the outdoor seating option offers a lovely view of downtown and the exquisite bar inside. I would normally suggest a bottle to drink, but that would take the fun out of ordering a flight and discovering for yourself. I promise this will make for an enjoyable, unforgettable day. Leave the homemade mugs to the kids. Wishing all madres a Happy Mothers day! Xoxo The Favorite Child BeniciaMagazine.com • 11
Around Town Community
Hidden Benicia
The Alleys of Old Town n Kevin Nelson Down on First Street, between a garden and a pet grooming shop, is little Kuhland Alley, one of the most unique places in all
of Benicia. Why unique? Because it is an alley, and because it has a name: Kuhland Alley. The other alleys of Old Town are like stray cats; they don’t have names. There is the alley at the top of Benicia’s main street, that runs beside beautiful and grace-filled St. Paul’s Church with its inviting benches and trees in front. But does it have a street sign proudly stating its name like Kuhland? No. Nor does this same alley on the west side of First, where it backs onto the playhouse for Benicia’s local theater group. To some, perhaps, this is only right and fitting. Alleys are best left forgotten. They are, like those stray cats, in dire need of a bowl of warm milk and some grooming. Too small, too scraggly, and entirely disrespectable, compared to a proper street. Many are rutted and unpaved, and parking is usually forbidden in the alleys themselves because of their narrowness. They also have a slightly seedy, even dangerous aura, the sort of places where Jack the Ripper used to lurk when he was terrorizing fog-shrouded London. 12 • Benicia Magazine
Benicia’s alleys are, of course, nothing to be afraid of; in fact, they have sights you won’t see elsewhere around town and they lead to unexpected discoveries. An alley is defined as a narrow walk or passage, typically through a garden or park, but Benicia’s alleys tend to take you behind apartments and other buildings. The backside of buildings, like the backside of people, offers a much different view than when seen from the front. You might see a landlocked rusted fishing boat teetering on a trailer, a tree with grapefruits the size of overinflated softballs, and a whimsical country cottage painted half green, half red. The alley behind the State Capitol and the F i s c h e r - Hanlon House, when it enters onto First, is covered—our version of the bridges of Madison County. Alleys, themselves neglected treasures, sometimes lead to other neglected treasures, such as the Benicia Fire
Museum. Anyone intrepid enough to walk the block-long alley next to St. Paul’s will find, on East Second, this humble tribute to the oldest, still active volunteer fire fighting organization in California. Another pleasant discovery, to be found at the end of Kuhland Alley, is the restful, park-like setting by the water at the Benicia Yacht Club, also on East Second. The alley on the east side of First next to the brick Benicia Herald building is most curious. It is missing its twin: there is no companion alley on the opposite side as there is for other alleys on the street. This mystery is solved by driving over to West Second. There, between H and I, the alley reappears, like a snake that has had part of its body cut off but continues to live. Surely what must have happened was that development came to that block of First and the ancient passageway was removed. But this truncated alley on West Second is not blind, not a dead-end; it leads to one of the prettiest waterside public access spots in Benicia. Travel another block down to West Third where you’ll see a “Not A Through Alley” sign. Turn left here and quickly right again and the cove at the foot of H with its sweeping views of the river and bridge will appear as in a dream. Bring someone you love, a picnic lunch and a bottle of something bubbly. And don’t forget: You found this happy marriage of land and water because of a stray cat alley.
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BeniciaMagazine.com • 13
Around Town Community
Big Plans for E Street Lot n
Genevieve Hand
The vacant lot at E and 2nd Street has been a barren fixture in our otherwise picturesque downtown for decades. A welcome overflow parking lot during bustling events in the past, the lot has otherwise been closed due to concerns over misuse. In recent years, tenants and owners of the adjacent condos have complained about dust coming from the gravel-filled expanse. As such, the city is now maneuvering to make something of the E Street Lot. There are a number of proposals currently floating around City Council. Developing the area for a hotel or a mixed-use space are two such ideas, as is solidifying its current identity as a permanent parking lot. The permanent parking lot idea is, obviously, the most benign of the proposals, calling for a mere paving treatment, which would eliminate problems with dust and generally make it an easier parking lot to utilize. Additionally, adjustments would be made to the lot to enable proper drainage, lighting fixtures would likely be installed, as well as some landscape design. All told, this project would cost roughly $1.1M and would not recoup any of its cost to the city throughout its use. The hotel alternative would involve selling the parcel to a developer who would then build a hotel property aimed at either business travelers or vacationers. The pre-Covid assessment of hotel feasibility noted the infrequency of vacancies at current hotels in town, indicating a demand which a new hotel could fill. This plan would generate income for the City in the form of land sale and income taxes, as well as a potential bevy of visiting patrons to the downtown area. However, the City’s Housing Element requires any City-owned site available for development to first be considered in the
14 • Benicia Magazine
achievement of the regional affordable housing allocation. This allocation is distributed by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and is due for an update. Under current allocation, there are more than enough spaces available for affordable housing within Benicia
Assessor's Map
to meet the criteria, but the current availability may not meet projected reallocation numbers. The other locations under consideration include the church property at W. 12th and Military, the lot at L and E. 4th Street (part of the East Gateway study area), and the open space at London Circle and 780. Additionally, with the supply of housing in Benicia struggling to keep up with demand, there is pressure to utilize the space in a way that would help close that gap. Enter, the current favorite proposal: a multi-level, mixed-use property. Although current ordinances cap downtown structures at two-stories, the mixed-use property proposal calls for a whopping four-story structure. Although current ordinances mandate commercial use occupy the bottom story of a mixed-use property, the proposal calls for residential units to begin on the bottom floor and reach up to the third story. The fourth floor would be used for a commercial purpose – possibly a restaurant or event venue.
This proposal has gained traction among City Council, and, as of the end of March, they have instructed staff to move forward with a Request to Proposal on the issue. They are confident the necessary changes in ordinance can be overcome and are optimistic about the Goldilocks nature of the plan. The residential portion of the property would be primarily market-value, with 10% allotted for affordable housing. The income from these properties would provide revenue for the City, as would the income from a new commercial space that would likely be a draw for locals and visitors alike. The uniqueness of the structure would give the commercial property a phenomenal view of the surrounding city and waterfront that is sure to be an attraction on its own. The location of the property would allow for the taller structure, such that no neighbor’s desirable view would ultimately be blocked. However, there are still some concerns over this plan. Some, including Mayor Young, would prefer to see the whole structure be used for affordable housing or senior housing. Additionally, the City has embarked on a feasibility process to determine the soundness of the earth for the foundation of the various proposals. Due to its proximity to the marina, the E Street lot poses some problems in that department. Crews will have to dig deep to bypass the layers of soft sediment displaced there by the construction of the marina many years ago. This foundation will have to be dug even deeper if the proposal for a multilevel building is chosen. Despite the concerns, the City is actively looking for interested developers who could help uncover the E Street lot’s full potential. Public opinion is also welcome on the matter, so you can have a voice in what gem emerges from the rough.
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Feature
Shannon Sullivan-Cramer
Mother Extraordinaire
There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas Creation’s most unique and precious pearls And heaven help us always to remember That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. – Glen Campbell and Steve Warner
16 • Benicia Magazine
n
Jeannine Mendoza Ed.D
Once again that annual event, Mother’s Day, has rolled around, and we celebrate all those special mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends and relations who look after us in our lives. Here in Benicia we pay tribute to the astonishing mother and longtime resident, Dr. Shannon Sullivan-Cramer. And Dr. Sullivan-Cramer is quick to throw bouquets at her own mother, Susan Sullivan, a retired educator at Mills Elementary School and principal at Mary Farmar Elementary School, her paternal grandmother Helen Karr, her husband Dustin, and Cooper, the indispensable nanny to her three daughters, Calli (age 5), Dylan (age 2) and Blake (4 weeks old.) The support from these four individuals enables Dr. Shannon to do her job as a mother, wife, and OB/GYN. Dr. Sullivan-Cramer grew up here in Benicia, graduated from Benicia High School, attended Occidental College, and then medical school. Shannon does everything from regular check-ups, to deliveries and emergency surgeries, all while raising her own babies. Even though she recently moved her growing family to Lafayette, she still considers herself a Benician, still has friends here from elementary school, still enjoys shopping at the farmers’ market, and loves the small town feel of the place. Benicia Magazine recently interviewed Dr. Sullivan-Cramer and found out her view on her current situation.
What inspired you to become an OB/GYN? Even as a youngster, I knew I wanted to help women, but I wasn’t sure just how I would do that. I was always into the sciences and did well in that area. My focus changed after I attended a WHO study abroad program at college where I worked with refugees and midwives in North Africa. They taught me the importance of women’s health and how vital that is to every community. I loved taking care of people in the community, and I still do.
How do you manage three kids and your practice? I could not do my job without the help from my amazing partner, my parents and my indefatigable nanny, Cooper Mickelson. It really does “take a village” to raise little ones. The practice I joined is also very supportive of a good work/ life balance and includes several working moms. “Women helping women” is their motto.
How has the pandemic changed things for you/ how are you managing/ what has been challenging? All in all, it was a super tough year with many challenges and uncertainty.
As professionals, we tried to care for patients as best we could despite constant adaptations in keeping people safe. Support from my family and the community helped keep us on track. And I am grateful to have a job and lucky that babies keep on being born, no matter what else is occurring in the world.
present and caring. No one in my family had ever attended medical school before, yet my mother supported me 100%. I am in awe of her strength, kindness, capacity to give and her ability to embrace life.
Thanks mom!
Do you have any thoughts to impart to other mothers right now? The work a mother does has increased tenfold during the pandemic. Remind yourself that you are awesome every day.
How did your mother influence you? When I was growing up, both of my parents worked, my dad as an engineer and then as a patent attorney, and my mom as a reading specialist and then an elementary school principal. My mom is my hero. She is the type of person who can do everything, but still be incredibly supportive, BeniciaMagazine.com • 17
Feature
your view of coun An open space near you gets bigger and better
n S amuel
James Adams, writing on behalf of Solano Land Trust
In March of 2021, the Solano Land Trust completed a ten-year process to preserve and protect 259 acres of valuable wildlife habitat and prime rangeland. The new properties expand the 1,000-acre Lynch Canyon Open Space, which is open Friday through Monday for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Following maintenance and restoration, the expansion will offer a new arena to observe the natural world, hike the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and appreciate the glory of protected agricultural land just a short drive from your home. Thousands of commuters glimpse the terrain of the expansion properties daily. Just north of I-80 and the exit marked for Hiddenbrooke/American Canyon Road, the rolling hills begin the buffer zone of open land between Vallejo and Fairfield. 18 • Benicia Magazine
Perhaps you’ve seen cows hulking along the ridges, red-tailed hawks swooping above the fields, or the shape of a deer or coyote flickering into your view. If you took a closer look, you would see wildflowers dancing on windblown slopes: native yarrow, blue-eyed grasses, narrowleaved mule ears. Downhill, cottonwoods and willows shade a 4000-foot-long creek. As the sound of the freeway fades from earshot, you might hear cooing doves and Downey woodpeckers hammering at the trees. If you get lucky, you might see a rare California red-legged frog, whose habitat requires delicate watersheds on lands such as these. Fundamentally, you would see land that looks much as it had for a very long time.
And that is the point
Land is where interests come together. When land changes, the character of a place changes. Drive along the terraced
vineyards of Napa County and you’ll see why they call it Wine Country. But visit present-day Silicon Valley and you might not recognize a land of fruit trees and flowering plants once dubbed the “Valley of Heart’s Delight.” In Solano County, there are farmers and ranchers who fondly remember the Expanding your of county Land sprawling farms andview orchards of Santa Clara County, and rue the years wherebigger they An open space near you gets an disappeared bit by bit. Sixty-two percent of Solano County land is agricultural; over eight hundred farms and ranches call this county home, and most operations occur on fifty acres or fewer. Taken together, it adds up to something mighty. Of the Bay Area’s nine counties, only winegrowing powerhouses Sonoma and Napa outgross the value of Solano County’s agriculture production, which hit $372,113,000 in 2019, with almonds, tomato processing, and cattle leading the industry.
nty land
Such numbers—drawn from the Solano County Agriculture Department’s Weights and Measure division’s 2019 Crop and Livestock report—only scratch the surface of the land’s true value. Farmers know that their world-class soils didn’t settle here overnight; they dread the day the blacktop might cover them up. That’s when the concept of a conservation agreement comes into play. nd better An agreement to protect natural lands and family farms and ranches “Many of us are familiar with landowners selling their oil and mineral rights,” executive director Nicole Braddock says. “But what is less known is that landowners can choose to sell or donate the development rights. The purchase happens through a conservation agreement that protects the property as farm or ranchland forever. There are not very many buyers for development rights, but one of them is Solano Land Trust.”
While the Land Trust offers many miles of trails to explore, most conservation agreements are held on lands that remains private. But there are public benefits without public access. Landowners commit to preserving their land’s scenic and productive value; cattle and sheep chew up fuel for future fires; trees and watersheds on farmland support precious wildlife, from birds that fly to the arctic, to beetles that exist nowhere outside the county. These partnerships make it possible for a donor-supported operation like Solano Land Trust to focus its small staff and sturdy coalition of volunteers on the Open Spaces like Rush Ranch, Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space, Jepson Prairie, and Lynch Canyon.
A view of what’s to come
Much work lies ahead for the expansion properties. Volunteers and staff have to mitigate invasive species, slow erosion, and build trails. But for Benicia resident Bob Berman, taking in the vistas from a chair on the property puts a bright future in view. Bob is a member of the board of directors for the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the “500-mile multiuse loop trail” that ties the bay area together. Before that he served on the board of the Land Trust for twenty-seven years. “The expansion adds opportunities for hiking and provides for a future route for the Bay Area Ridge Trail. That’s a great opportunity.” Bob says. The trail already runs through Lynch Canyon, but a new path would more easily connect hikers to Hiddenbrooke trails and Napa’s Newell Open Space. Down the line, a new parking area could shorten the drive to the property. “It could be a great staging area,” Bob says.
Stronger together
To acquire its first new properties in ten years, Solano Land Trust leveraged the gifts of three major donors, over $2.M
in federal funding, and support from the Department of Transportation, Solano County, and proceeds from years of Lynch Canyon Trail Runs. But this land’s greatest support may prove its connection to the land around it. Over 2,500 acres of contiguous open space surround the expansion properties, including Newell Open Space, land owned by American Canyon, and privately-owned owned Ferrari Ranch (which is protected by a conservation agreement with Solano Land Trust). “Instead of working with a patchwork, we have islands that we can build out,” Nicole says. For bobcats, river otters, and great-horned owls, this means room to roam and thrive. For ranchers, a place to make their livelihood, and continue the work that feeds this country. And for you, it will offer a chance to know this landscape better, to love it even more. The Solano Land Trust invites you to explore our open spaces in the most informative way possible, on docent-led hikes and trail crews. Above is a recurring schedule. Visit https://solanolandtrust.org/ events for full details.
Docent-led hikes 1st Saturday of the Month: King Swett Open Space 2nd Saturday of the Month: Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi 3rd Saturday of the Month: Rush Ranch 4th Saturday of the Month: Lynch Canyon
Trail Crews
2nd Saturday of the Month: Lynch Canyon 4th Saturday of the Month: Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi
BeniciaMagazine.com • 19
Around Town Business
NEWS AND VIEWS
Eastern Gateway Study n Gene Pedrotti
Now is a great time to learn about the project by visiting the website, talking to the City, and signing up for email notifications so that you can stay on top of the issues. Please weigh in, community input is critical!
20 • Benicia Magazine
Benicia’s contribution to the Gold Rush is held by the tale of a customer who, while shopping at Von Pfister’s waterfront store, slipped up and shared the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill (1848). This resulted in a stampede to California, thereby changing the face of the state. Well, there’s an exciting proposal floating around involving Eastern Benicia. Called the Eastern Gateway Study, it could dramatically change the look and feel of Eastern Benicia, making a lasting impression on the City’s landscape. Funded by a $160,000 grant from the State of California to promote the production of housing, the Eastern Gateway Study was ordered by the City Council in February 2020. Centered on Military East and East Fifth, it proposes new mixed-use zoning for multifamily development and will require that both the Benicia Zoning Ordinance and Benicia General Plan be updated and amended. Work completed on the project thus far includes research and documentation of existing conditions, formation of a Stakeholder group, and outreach to the community via a workshop and walking tour. Study Sessions were held with the Benicia Planning Commission in February 2021 and the City Council in March 2021. To better understand the proposal, visit the City’s website where you can read all about the project, take a video walking tour, and view the presentations. See https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/ easterngateway One document, the Draft Preliminary Issues List, identifies key decisions about land use, parking, and design that must be made in the development of the new mixed-use zoning regulations. The more expansive Vision and Zoning District Approach helps us imagine what the neighborhood would look like if new multi-story buildings are constructed along Military and Fifth. These structures would provide housing units for workers and seniors
as well as a mix of renter-and owner-occupied units. Ground floors would be reserved for commercial uses in key places. Using a variety of building heights, building sizes and architectural styles, new developments would incorporate landscaping, courtyards, and outdoor seating, while street improvements would accommodate all modes of travel – cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. Taken together, the new buildings and streetscapes are intended to create a neighborhood that is not only consistent with Benicia’s historic past but enhances livability for residents, ultimately encouraging community building, walkability and a strong sense of civic pride. Recent dialogue has revealed conflicting opinions. How tall should new buildings be? Parking is a concern for everyone. Would developers be allowed to bypass Historic Preservation Review Commission and Planning Commission review if they adhere to specific design requirements and agree to adding more affordable housing units? This streamlined approval process is known as “By-Right” development. Having purchased the trailer park at 5th and I-780 some years ago as a future site for my hardware store, I was invited to participate as a Stakeholder and have attended all meetings. What I observed is not only a growing awareness and energy from participants, but a shared excitement for the opportunities and possibilities that proper development can bring. Benicians will have the opportunity to weigh in on drafted zoning regulations for the Eastern Gateway Study Area this summer! Now is a great time to learn about the project by visiting the website, talking to the City, and signing up for email notifications so that you can stay on top of the issues. Please weigh in, community input is critical! Development of the Eastern Gateway affects all of Benicia as all of us — residents, visitors, workers — regularly travel up and down 5th and Military. How the Eastside appears and appeals, how it serves and satisfies, how it draws and delights, will all be decided in the Eastern Gateway Study. Please join and participate in this worthwhile project. Next month — What I propose for the Eastside!
Around Town Community
Benicia Litter Pickers n
Bitsy Hall
Benicia Litter Pickers started small. Steacy Sadler began this grassroots organization in 2019 with a simple intent: give people a platform to share pictures of themselves and others picking up litter. While Benicia Litter Pickers continues to share pictures of good deeds, the amount of trash clean up has grown dramatically. With the help of the City and community members, BLP now collects up to 600 pounds of litter in a single event. Beginning with only individual photo shares on Sadler’s BLP Facebook page, members began suggesting a meet up. The individuals of this Facebook group met at Pizza Pirate, where Sadler simply asked, “What do you guys want to do?” Here, members enthusiastically suggested litter pick up events. Soon thereafter, Sadler began forming litter pick up events and coordinating with the City. Now happening nearly every month, BLP members gather to pick up litter from our shoreline, parks, and city streets. Aided with accessibility to the Benicia Corps Yard and scales from the City, BLP is able to weigh the amount of waste collected before large drop offs. While the litter that BLP comes across varies, Sadler addressed common items: small liquor bottles, lots of cigarette butts, and disposable masks and gloves. Some of these items were common before the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020, however, the amount and variation of litter has increased in the past year. With the closing of restaurants, increased need of PPE and online shopping, Sadler notes that she has observed more takeout waste and single use plastics. Not only has the era of sanitation led to more waste, it has understandably increased caution. While it was formerly common practice for many to pick up litter while on walks or shoreline visits, fear of viral transmission has caused many to avoid the risk of picking up a stranger’s litter. The pandemic has undoubtedly expanded the amount and variety of litter found in Benicia.
Whether you would like to join Benicia Litter Pickers or help out on your own, there are plenty of options. Benicia Litter Pickers is well connected: they have an Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit account, and website. If you’re interested in signing up for an event, visit www.benicialitterpickers. org, click the “Contact Us” tab, fill out a form,
and you will be added to the email list. If you are not looking to participate in BLP just yet, but are interested in helping your community with litter removal, Sadler suggests several options. For a simple start, she says with joy, “Just pick up after yourself!” If you were previously a litter picker pre-Covid but have been deterred by contagion caution, Sadler recommends keeping tools in your car that make for no-contact pickups. BLP gives out free gloves (provided by our City), trash grabbers (thank you Republic Services, First Norcal Credit Union, and Ace Hardware), and bags to those who would like to pick up trash on their own. Whether you participate in a Benicia Litter Pickers event or start small on your own, your actions can influence the environmental well being of our town.
While Benicia Litter Pickers continues to share pictures of good deeds, the amount of trash clean up has grown dramatically. With the help of the City and community members, BLP now collects up to 600 pounds of litter in a single event.
BeniciaMagazine.com • 21
Around Town Community
GENDER AND RACE IN THE WORKPLACE Understanding Perception and the Dynamics of
Intersectionality
n Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D. Over the years, research scholars have conducted research and coined phrases and terms to help readers understand the human experience, which can trigger responses that unearth emotions such as sadness, anger, pain, or joy. Sometimes, instead of embracing a new
takes years. A study must pass through trustworthiness, which includes validity, credibility, and dependability. The researcher gets grilled by their universities and the Institutional Review Board and must go through additional coursework and testing to ensure the safety of humans and institutions who participate in the research process.
texture. California Senate Bill 188, the CROWN Act, was unanimously passed and signed into law on July 3, 2019, and expanded the definition of race in the Fair Employment and Housing Act and state Education Code to ensure protection in workplaces and K-12 public and charter schools. Findings from The Lived Experiences
“If we aren’t intersectional, some of us, the most vulnerable, are going to fall through the cracks.” — Kimberlé Crenshaw
learning opportunity, further division and lack of understanding are met at the intersection of unknowingness and the possibility of creating a future of promise, awareness, and compassion for our neighbor's experience and hope for something better shatters. Understanding another's perception has the potential to add value to life. There is an opportunity to learn from the stringent work of research scholars. Researchers go through an extensive, rigorous process of collecting and analyzing data, whether for sociology, medicine, or psychology, by exploring and investigating issues. A researcher then makes recommendations for policy and system changes as well as suggestions for further research. The process of collecting, interpreting, analyzing, and writing up data findings 22 • Benicia Magazine
Researchers are cross-examined on biases to ensure that the results are not based on subjective opinion, but are factual. With all of the scholarly research that exists, researchers still need to research groups we don't often learn about, particularly women. Research on the experiences of women has allowed the world to understand their experiences in the workplace. Findings have helped create policy and laws that assist thoughtful leaders of organizations in including positive experiences for all employees. Results from the C.R.O.W.N. (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Research Study (2019) revealed that African American women faced overburdening by workplace policies and practices linked to personal grooming such as hairstyles and hair
of African American Women Superintendents in California K-12 Public Schools research revealed that psychological stress is associated with various mental health issues because of the personal nature of interactions often encountered in the workspace. Stress from daily negative experiences that may be due to race and gender may result in health-related issues such as hypertension, breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression, anger, and anxiety. This study revealed that African American women faced greater workplace scrutinization, micromanagement, and higher standards for work performance. Also, they faced more significant consequences in their work settings. This research showed that being held to a higher standard happens as early as elementary school settings
by notable differences in discipline, grading, and behavioral expectations. Benicia resident, Mrs. Valerie Roberts Gray, provided her perspective about her experiences in the workplace. Mrs. Gray holds a Masters of Arts in Communications, has an extensive career in civil service and corporate, and currently works for a nonprofit. When asked about experiences related to gender and race, Mrs. Gray stated the following, "Both are consistent with who I am and being a woman and an African American, one being cannot exist without the other. It is important for employers to understand that for women, particularly for women of color, there is not an option to be one or the
“Risk aversion doesn't allow you to grow. In life, you have to be willing to go out on the limb to get the fruit.” other. The experiences for women of color are that of a woman as a person of color." The intersections of one's existence are often in tandem with class, age,
ability, education, and so forth. Mrs. Gray said, "When circumstances arise, it can sometimes be difficult to ascertain if decisions are made on the basis of my being a woman, a person of color or on the basis of different life experiences that shape one's perceptions of life." Mrs. Gray shared, "There also has been the question of qualifications. I grew up in a household where education, hard work, and doing your best were always stressed. These were considered keys to success." Mrs. Gray mentioned her experiences with promotional opportunities. She stated, "I've gone for promotions and been non-selected where others with lesser qualifications were placed over me, and I had to train the boss." Mrs. Gray wondered if the nonselection was based on race and gender, considering no one on the panel looked like her. Mrs. Gray did not allow herself to be discouraged. Mrs. Gray stated, "I remember the words from the song, ‘if at first, you don't succeed, pick yourself up and try again.’" Mrs. Gray shared the importance of organizational structures including diverse perspectives in decision making and stated, "If you aren't on the other side of the table, you can't make a change." Mrs. Gray offered encouraging words to other women: "Follow your passion in life and do not be afraid to take a risk … Risk aversion doesn't allow you to grow. In life, you have to be willing to go out on the limb to get the fruit." Devoted to community service, Mrs. Gray is an active member of the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Mrs. Gray spoke about the importance of finding a healthy balance and outside activities, stating, "Balance will make you a happier, more wellrounded person." We wish all mothers a Happy Mother's Day. Mrs. Gray shared that her greatest joy is her family; "I am also so proud to see my adult children following their career passions and realizing my husband and I, with the Lord's blessing, were able to help in guiding them along the path. This is joy!"
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TRENDS n Christina Strawbridge
Mothers and Daughters Christina remembers her mother’s style and the era of the house dress. And yes, the house dress is back, but it doesn’t look like what women wore in the ‘50s. She reflects on mothers and daughters of today and notes that though many things have changed, Mother’s and daughters remain the same.
PICKET FENCES n Darrell Mcelvane Join us for a Benicia mystery series. There will be clues as the story unfolds each month leading to an unexpected and terrifying conclusion. Welcome to “Picket Fences.” Previously in Picket Fences … Connie has been weaseling her way into Angela’s comfortable Benicia life and threatening to out her past to her friends and loved ones. Connie learned about the upcoming F.A.C.T. fundraiser and has been scheming a plot around the event. Meanwhile, Payton and Xavier have just escaped a harrowing experience involving nefarious men who are also interested in the F.A.C.T. fundraiser.
BeniciaMagazine.com • 23
Column Arts & Culture
Get to Know the
Arata Art Gallery
n Jean Purnell
As a relative newcomer to Benicia’s long-time arts community, the Arata Art Gallery reaches out beyond the region with a roster of both local and nationally known artists. Opened in November 2018 at 637 First Street, the gallery is owned by artist and businesswoman Geraldine Arata and husband John Pruett, who moved to Benicia in 2016. When the prime downtown retail space became available, Arata and Pruett saw it as an opportunity to connect with their newly adopted community, just as they had done in San Francisco, where they first opened the Arata Art Gallery in 2009. Located in the heart of North Beach, the gallery was a nexus for wonderful relationships with local artists and residents. But the 90-minute commute via Bart from their home in Dublin and the expenses of the city eventually prompted the couple to consider other opportunities. A short commute, Benicia’s artist community, and the friendliness of the town made
24 • Benicia Magazine
a move to Benicia attractive, and the couple relocated. “We were looking for a similar experience, and we got a real sense of community here. And the gallery is only a mile from our house,” said Arata. The gallery exhibits painting, prints, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glass and other artisan items selected from its roster of about 25 artists. “There were a lot of art venues in Benicia already, and a number of local artists show their work at more than one of these galleries,” comments Arata. “We’re also committed to showing the work of local artists, but in addition, we have a larger reach to artists from outside the community, both established and emerging, and we can appeal to larger audiences.” The gallery’s roster includes local artists such as Terry Hughes and Jeffrey Tover, San Francisco area artists who stayed with Arata after the relocation, and nationally known artists such as Nancy Balmert of Houston, and Greg Creason of New Orleans. The works of Suisun Valley resident Mary Aiu, a fine art photographer known for her ethereal photographs of beautiful horses in motion, are being featured in May (learn more at http://maryaiu.com/) Arata traces her path in art back to her artist mother, who passed away
when she was young. “I gravitated toward art to connect with her, and never considered doing anything else.” Arata completed a bachelor’s degree in art at San Francisco State University, followed by an MFA in 2007 at the Academy of Art University of San Francisco. “I’ve always loved to paint the portrait and figure. My mother took me to the theatre to see Shakespeare and children’s opera, and many of my paintings take their themes from these sources.” Painting mainly in oils, Arata’s portraits feature expressive depictions of characters from New Orleans, Neptune and mythical sea creatures, and Native Americans, among other subjects. John Pruett is more than just a gallery partner: he creates all the frames for Arata’s paintings. Arata’s work has been exhibited in galleries across the county. Currently, her works are shown by the Greg Creason Fine Art Gallery in
Arata Art Gallery (interior view) New Orleans and Art Obsessions in Reno. The Arata Art Gallery is open Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from noon to 5 pm, or by appointment. Learn more at https:// aratafineartgallery.com/
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Column Dinner and a Movie
The ninth in a series of at home food and movie pairings.
Izakaya Sushi Bar and Japanese Tapas Restaurant & Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Documentary n
Oh so fresh and friendly with daily special surprises!
26 • Benicia Magazine
Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie
Congratulations, Izakaya, on your first year anniversary, March 20, 2021! Formerly Matsuri, now under a new business name, but still with the freshest fish around — much of it flown in directly from Japan. Popular dishes include the spectacular Omakase platter for “indecisive people,” full of the chef’s best for the day. Omakase is a Japanese phrase meaning “I’ll leave it up to you,” or “to entrust.” Recent platters have included sea urchin, snapper, squid, needlefish, herring, grouper and more. Several sushi aficionados I know tout their Omakase platter as the best in the Bay Area. Check their facebook page often for specials of… SASHIMI!! Gracie’s favorite. And don’t miss those days when Kumai and Miyagi oysters are $1 $2.50 each. I can’t wait for the next time! Excitement ensues when the fresh fish delivery arrives daily and the treasures of the sea are revealed. The regular Izakaya menu offers a variety of everyone’s favorite Bento
boxes, sushi combo platters, teriyaki, tempura, and infamous Pink Lady roll, along with other delights. If you’re really hungry, try the Titanic, a real flurry of flavors that you won’t forget.
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2 Minute Movie Review by Cinema Cat: Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Documentary, Directed by David Gelb My dad was a strict manager of mealtimes. We were to sit, eat, excuse ourselves, and go. No talking, no squirming. Certainly no voicing of personal preferences! Eat what’s put on your plate, period, the end. So, in some ways, 95-year-old Jiro Ono, Japan’s National Treasure and world’s greatest sushi chef, and my dad have a lot in common. By all accounts, including that of Barack Obama, if you are able to secure a reservation in Jiro’s 10-seat restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, in an underground station of Tokyo’s subway system, you are in for sushi extraordinaire. And you will eat it under the strict and watchful eye of Jiro Ono himself. And you had better follow the rules: Fingers or chopsticks, only. Eat each piece of sushi as it is presented to you. Do not let it sit! Eat in one bite – no breaking it in two! In his documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, director David Gelb (Street Food, Chef’s Table) not only brings his viewers into the world of sushi, he gives us a tantalizing view of a craftsman of singular focus and determination, of a culture as it plays out in the family of a man who raised himself without a family, of art and philosophy as they relate to striving for achievement. Jiro says of himself, “I have not reached perfection. I continue to climb [toward the grand visions of sushi that come in my dreams.]” PG 1 hour 21 minutes. 9 out of 10 Whiskers | www.cinemacat-tdp.blogspot.com
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Column Book—Tails
Shadow and Bone
by Leigh Bardugo
Book and Cocktail Club n
If you’ve already read the book or just prefer a good Netflix binge, the Shadow and Bone Netflix series aired on April 23rd!
28 • Benicia Magazine
Cooper Mickelson
The once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a lightless void populated with monsters that feast on human flesh. Surrounded by enemies, Ravka’s last hope lies in the hands of one lonely refugee. Alina Starkov is an apprentice cartographer for the First Army and has never been incredibly skilled at anything. But when Alina’s regiment falls under attack while crossing the Fold, a dormant power she didn’t know existed reveals itself. Suddenly, Alina is ripped from her average life and sent away to train as a Grisha, a group of magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. With the power to create and manipulate shadows, the Darkling is
the stark opposite of our protagonist, whose power lies in summoning the light. He claims that Alina is Ravka’s savior, destined to destroy the Shadow Fold. Unfortunately, not everything in Alina’s new world is as it seems. Leigh Bardugo accomplished something incredible when she sat down to create the Grishaverse. In the Shadow and Bone trilogy, Bardugo introduces a world of vivid landscapes and fabled creatures. Reminiscent of a Russian fairy tale, the kingdom of Ravka is “something carved from an enchanted forest, a cluster of dark wood walls and golden domes.” The powerful Grisha that this literary universe is named after are a complex breed of magicians, their powers an extension of the natural world. In addition to the elaborate settings
and the intricate magic system, the world’s politics are well fleshed out and easy to follow, allowing the reader to immerse themselves fully in the Grishaverse. If all of that wasn’t enough to interest you in this fantasy read, don’t worry; there’s also a steamy love triangle. At one corner, we have the Darkling. A brooding, magnetic, and tragically handsome Grisha. At the other, there’s Mal, an incredibly talented tracker, and Alina’s lifelong friend. Will the attention of the most powerful man in Ravka prove to be irresistible? Or will childhood friendship-turned-love win out in the end? I guess you’ll have to pick up the book to find out. If you’ve already read the book or just prefer a good Netflix binge, the Shadow and Bone Netflix series aired on April 23rd! I’ll be watching the entire show in one night while drinking our Alina/Darkling-inspired cocktail. If you want to do the same, make sure to tag us on Instagram (@beniciamagazine) so we can see! SPOILER WARNING! The show includes scenes from Six of Crows, the first book in a duology also based in the Grishaverse (and a must-read, in my opinion). Proceed with caution. We'll be reading Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour for next month's review, so order your copy now from Bookshop Benicia.
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Voted “Best of” 15 Years in a Row Family Owned & Operated Since 1972
The 2021 Honda Accord
JEANNIE HAMANN
The Most Impressive Honda Ever!
800 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo | Exit Redwood Parkway 888-619-0063 • www.AveryGreeneHonda.com
& PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 513 1st Street, Benicia
JEFF SCHLOSSER
•
(707) 208.7678
#growtogether
Your Local Provider of Premium Potting Soil and Organic Soil Amendments Free in-home consultation Personal Style Consultant
Premium Soil Blends • Organic Soil Amendments Compost Tea • Coco Coir • Microbial Inoculants Worm Castings • Bulk Soil
Locally owned & operated
707.447.2494
budgetblinds.com
Plantation Shutters from $21.99/Sq. Ft. Installed! CA Contractors Lic. #911005
30 • Benicia Magazine
We have the styles you love!
4271 Park Road, Benicia, CA 94510 www.harmony-organics.com • (707) 747-5051
www.benicia.com Brenda Turner-Adams
BENICIA PLUMBING INC. “PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”
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BEN IC
PLUMBIN . INC
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Your Partner in Real Estate
975
CSL
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Repair or Replace • Water - Gas - Sewer Garbage Disposal • Water Heaters • Drain Line Clearing/Cleaning • Backflow Certification Testing Video Camera • Slab Leaks
707.738.9671
Experience Excellence
brenda@benicia.com 1015 First Streeet Benicia, CA 94510 BRE01039726
Residential & Commercial Service 24/7
(800) 746-2930 www.BeniciaPlumbing.com
Best Of 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2103, 2014 & 2015
Please go to our website for Farmers Market Rules www.beniciamainstreet.org.
Benicia Certified
Benicia Farmers Market runs Thursdays April 29th to October 28th 4 - 8 pm (Jun-Aug) (Jun-Aug) and and 4 - 7 pm (Sep-Oct) (Sep-Oct) First Street between B & D Streets Sponsored by Benicia Main Street 90 First Street, Benicia
beniciamainstreet.org
707.745.9791 BeniciaMagazine.com • 31
“Working with Trevor and Taylor from AQC was a seamless process. Their attention to detail went beyond our expectations and we LOVE how our kitchen and media room turned out!” — Kennedy and Dustin Morris
Benicia's
CUSTOM CABINETRY FOR EVERY ROOM Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen.
AFFORDABLE QUALITY Owners Trevor Cotarelo and Taylor Kennedy
Cabinets and Countertops
707-745-2100 aqchome.com • Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment • 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia
