Benicia Magazine August 2021 Issue

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years company, 14 ating/cooling he st be d te 4 • Vo ars, Kron TV e Bay for 5 ye th of st be d • Vote stallation /Residential In s • Commercial Award, 3 year Super Service or ct • Angie’s List ing contra rade participat • Energy Upg & techs ned installers • Factory-trai & maintained ent enforced nm ro vi en e • Drug-fre l, 21 years ess Honor Rol • Better Busin ertified ed • Diamond C cellence certifi Technician Ex an ic er m A th • Nor siness rtified green bu • Bay Area ce ound checked s fully backgr • All employee

Benicia Dog Festival

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Benicia Art Director

Margaret Bowles magazine

Managing Editor & Website Specialist Genevieve Hand

Benicia Contributors

Michael Chill Bitsy Hall Linda Hastingsmagazine Aly Mickelson Cooper Mickelson Darrell Mcelvene Gethsemane Moss Ed.D Kevin Nelson Aaron Newcomb Gene Pedrotti Carolyn Plath Jean Purnell Maura Sullivan

Administrative Assistant Solofo Evans

Photography Nina Simone Jerry Bowles

Social Media Specialist Bitsy Hall

A Day For the Dogs

10.17.21

First Street Green, Benicia Mark your calendar for the 1st annual Benicia Dog Festival.

This free fun-filled event in downtown Benicia will feature pet-themed vendors, K-9 demos, pet contests, dog adoptions, live music & cultural performances, & much more!

The Benicia Police Department, Solano Association of Realtors Foundation and local businesses are teaming up for this event to raise funds for local non-profit organizations that rescue and provide care for animals during natural disasters.

Visit BeniciaDogFestival.com for details.

Now looking for: vendors | volunteers | sponsors

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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. Benicia Magazine, Downtown Benicia, CA 94510. 707.980.1563, Beniciamagazine.com.

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Benicia Benicia

August 2021 Magazine

Benicia M

Benicia M

Benicia

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Benicia

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magazine

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magazine

Contents

Features

Columns

16 D og Friendly Benicia

8 From the editor

Great spots to walk with your furry friends

28 Dinner and a Movie

18 B ack to school

30 BookTails

Establishing methods for success

Backyard BBQ & Cafe Chef’s Table Supermarket

24 Spotify

August dog walking playlist

6 • Benicia Magazine

BeniciaM

Departments Around Town COMMUNITY 10 Benicia Makerspace New Sawstop

11 Sergeant King

Have a an Odd Job not listed just ask!

• Moving • Run Errands • Yard Work • Event Help • Deliveries

Licensed, Bonded and Insured Call (707) 297-6679 or E-mail Chris@wedooddjobsnorcal.com

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A new sergeant in town

14 Hidden Benicia

The Coyotes of Southampton

15 C hoosing a dog

The right dog for your lifestyle

23 Let it Bee

Beekeepers thank Benicia gardeners

FOOD AND DRINK

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12 First Street Taphouse

Traditional favorites and tasty new menu items

BENICIA BUSINESS 20 Nuts and Bolts Perfect pet for an overachiever

22 P et Insurance

Is pet insurance a good idea?

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist No. 97517

1350 Hayes Street, Suite A33 Benicia, CA 94510

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ART SCENE 26 Art in August

Artist Karen Leoni at Plein Air Gallery

Cover photo: Afa runs on the First Street Green.

Photo by Jerry Bowles

Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash 1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Column Editor's letter

Best friends The August issue of Benicia Magazine is dedicated to our furry friends and to Benicia’s status as one of the top “dog towns” in the country. Dogs are often called man’s best friend and, for many during the pandemic, that adage never rang truer. The isolation many people felt during the pandemic led to a need for companionship of a pet. Dogs and cats were adopted in great numbers, in fact pet adoptions increased over 35% and, for a while, adoptable pets were in very short supply. Having a pet provided companionship, emotional support and a sense of security. Some owners say their pets have helped them feel a sense of purpose and reduced their depression.

One of the events that was canceled due to Covid restrictions was the first annual Benicia Dog Festival, which was slated for August of 2020. The festival has been rescheduled for October 17, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Street Green. The event will include dog agility contests, a pet parade, dog adoptions, vendor booths and music. The event is a collaboration between the Benicia Police Department and The Solano Association of Realtors Foundation and is sponsored by Valero. Should be great fun!

While dogs and pets are wonderful companions, I would like to write about our human friendships. Last month a person who was a friend to me and to many others, as well as a leader in our community, died suddenly. Deb Machado lived a full life, she was a mom, grandmother, and wife and partner to Rob. She was philanthropic, a member of Soroptimist, owner of Romancing the Home, a vibrant and involved citizen of Benicia. And she was the best friend of Penny Stell. I’m sure many of you have a best friend, whether lifelong or fairly new. That person with whom you just “click.” Deb and Penny had that kind of connection. They worked together, planned together, traveled, played and laughed together. Penny has posted many photos of their adventures since Deb’s passing and I have enjoyed them all.

Mary

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine beniciamagazine @beniciamagazine

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Deb & Penny

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Around Town Community

Benicia Makerspace A new Sawstop

n

Aaron Newcomb

We all gained a heightened awareness of safety during the pandemic we have been living through. At Benicia Makerspace, not only are they dealing with the additional safety concerns and protocols that the Covid-19 virus has brought, but they also work every day to ensure that their members are safe as they work on projects in this community shop. With tools like saws, mills, and welders available for members to use, Benicia Makerspace has strict guidelines and training to make sure people are using this equipment safely.

One tool that they are constantly vigilant about when it comes to safety is the table saw. Table saws are incredibly useful tools for woodworking projects, but also can be dangerous if not used in a safe manner. Since inception, Benicia Makerspace saw the need for a safer table saw in their shop, but as a small non-profit organization, they could not afford one on their own.

Recently, Valero donated $2500 to purchase a SawStop table saw, which is specially designed to prevent accidental injuries when cutting wood. The blade 10 • Benicia Magazine

carries a small electrical signal, which the safety system continually monitors.

When skin contacts the blade, the

“...people can come together to learn, collaborate, invent, prototype, and test new ideas using state-of-theart equipment.“ signal changes because the human body is conductive. The change to the signal activates the safety system which immediately stops the blade from turning.

“Safety is our main concern at Valero, so it was only natural for us to help out a non-profit organization like Benicia Makerspace with the donation of a safer table saw.” said Paul Adler, Director of Community Relations and Government Affairs at Valero Benicia Refinery

Benicia Makerspace is a non-profit organization, founded in 2014, where people can come together to learn, collaborate, invent, prototype, and test new ideas using state-of-the-art equipment. They have a community shop where students, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs can make things, use shared equipment, learn new skills, and incubate new business ideas. Areas of interest include 3D printing, laser cutting, IoT (Internet Of Things), electric vehicles, alternative energy, sustainability, robotics, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, vintage computers, woodworking, and metalworking.

At $50 per month for adults and only $25 per month for students, Benicia Makerspace is one of the most affordable Makerspaces in the Bay area and relies heavily on volunteers and donations to keep their costs down. If you are interested in making sure tools, equipment, and hands-on learning are available to everyone by helping at the space or making a donation, please contact Aaron Newcomb aaron@ beniciamakerspace.org.

Around Town Community

Benicia’s First Woman Sergeant

Sergeant

Michelle King It’s a long time coming, and we are proud to announce Benicia’s first-ever female Sergeant.

Meet the newly promoted Sgt. Michelle King:

“Knowing that my work means something to my community, and the effort I put in is making a difference makes me very proud, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to do it.”

Sgt. Michell King, 31 years old, grew up in Solano County and has lived most of her life in the area. She graduated from California State University, Chico, with honors, with a degree in sociology.

A year after graduation, she moved to Puerto Rico for one year, working with a non-profit organization. She then knew she wanted to become a police officer.

“I felt it was the best way to serve my community and make a difference,” she said. She became an officer in December 2015, and has been working for the City of Benicia for the past five and a half years.

She has served as a patrol officer, criminal detective, and a Corporal in investigations. The investigations she handled included frauds and attempted murders. She also helped supervise and mentor the unit, before moving back to patrol as a Corporal. Some of her ancillary duties include defensive tactic instructor, Taser instructor, and acting as a member of the peer support team. She is also a member of the Solano County Crisis Negotiations Team.

King has had the opportunity to work various types of cases during her career which have led her to develop unique and special relationships. One of her proudest moments as an officer so far has been this promotion to sergeant.

But outside of that, it is the relationships she has developed with her community and co-workers. One of her favorite memories as an officer was responding to a call for service and having the citizen involved recognize her and hug her, thankful that it was a “familiar and friendly" face coming to help that day.

“Knowing that my work means something

to my community, and the effort I put in is making a difference makes me very proud, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to do it.”

King feels extremely thankful to be the first female sergeant in Benicia. She appreciates and recognizes the hard work of women who have come before her, not only in this department, but this profession. She acknowledges that the examples made by and the hard work of other women have helped contribute to this opportunity. “I am also thankful to work for a department that is diverse and has an administration and Chief that support the members to grow as individuals and leaders,” she said. She expresses appreciation for their support in her ambition to serve her community and peers in this capacity.

This community holds a very special place in King’s heart. She believes Benicia is a community filled with people who are fun, passionate, caring and hard working. It's a place where people respect one another and help one another. Time and time again, on calls for service where people are in need, community members step up and offer help or assistance in different and creative ways. To be able to work and serve a community that loves and respects each other in that way is a special rarity, and something that inspires her.

“Sgt. King is truly a wonderful asset to this organization and community,” Chief Mike Greene said. “I am honored to be able to promote her to this supervisory position. I think it will further strengthen this department. It is a historic moment for us to have our first female sergeant.

However, Sgt. King possesses all of the traits and qualifications to be a great leader and rose to the top during a recent promotional process. She is an amazing individual and officer, regardless of her gender.”

BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Around Town Food and Drink

MARE ISLAND BREWING COMPANY

First Street Taphouse The sun

n Maura Sullivan What was once a bordello, card room, antique store, art gallery and small-town café, is now transformed into a taphouse.

Mare Island Brewery has kept the sparkle shining on one of our most historic buildings. The Fist Street Taphouse.

After months of driving by, “patiently” waiting, anticipating, seeing what was happening on the inside, I finally got my spot at the bar on a perfect summer’s evening. As I walked in, I was greeted with my choice of seating. Of course, I was not going to pass up a view of the sunset and a spot front and center at the bar. I started off with my favorite, a pour of the Hydraulic Sandwich IPA.

12 • Benicia Magazine

started to set over the taproom, and began noticing more details. Copper tap handles and fresh paint that reminded me of a dark schoolhouse chalkboard.

What stood out the most was the historic pictures. A timeline of Mare Island and Benicia. All in all, a respectful but a muchneeded update. Finishing off my first beer and ready for my second, the Survivor’s Tale Pale Ale was my next pick; pairing perfectly with the Roasted Beet Salad.

A beautifully textured salad; fresh and acidic from the grapefruit with a cooling sweetness from the whipped feta and ending with a savory pistachio crunch.

Finishing my last beer, an order of the Truffled Fingerling Potatoes satisfied my

buzz. Everything I wanted and needed to end my Wednesday night. Of course, followed by a brisk safe walk home…

After this experience, I needed to know more. I sat down with Mare Island Brewing Company owners, Kent Fortner and Ryan Gibbons, longtime friends, colleagues and former winemakers from Napa Valley.

The partnership between these two seems to be a match made in heaven.

Both having a love for fermentation and enjoying a good beer at the end of a long day, together have created a beer dream. Their love for the area and history helped shape the Vallejo Ferry Taproom and Mare Island Coal Shed Brewery locations. Already fans of Benicia and its businesses, opening up a spot here wasn’t a hard decision for them. Originally only inquiring about the availability of some restaurant equipment quickly turned into their new project.

Starting this new location, they wanted to preserve the building’s character.

Ryan and Kent took the time to partner with Benicia Historical Museum to learn more about their new space and the town’s historical past, sourcing prints of old photos for their décor. Amazed by the history, they are making sure to showcase it. I got a sneak peak of

the upstairs space, where the plans for their wall art really showed me how far they have dived into the building’s and the town’s history. I’m not here to give away details but there was one picture in particular that struck me. Safe to say, Benicia was definitely part of the wild, wild west.

With the three locations so close together, Ryan and Kent wanted to bring a different experience to each location. Besides the building and the décor being different, the food is what really changes the experience. Chef David Starr was the key to changing up the menu. David, born and raised in Vallejo, and a long-time customer, brings his experience as an executive Sous Chef from Charlie Palmer Restaurant, located in Napa.

Since 2019, he has brought a different menu to each location.

The Benicia location can expect a seasonal menu with a more playful approach. Don’t worry, the original burger is here to stay, but in slider form... if you feel like sharing. The First Street Taphouse would be great for a date night, while

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Talking with Kent and Ryan and looking back on their original business plan compared to where they are now, really shows that their partnership is magical. Their love for the location and the support from locals continue to drive them to bring new experiences for those who love the bay area.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Around Town Hidden Benicia

The Coyotes of Southampton n

Kevin Nelson

A family is in hiding in the hills of Benicia, a family considered by many to be dangerous and a threat to cats and small dogs.

They are Mr. and Mrs. Coyote and their offspring.

Their home—sssh, don’t tell anyone— is in the open space off Hastings Drive at “The Village” sign, a short distance from the Southampton firehouse. This open space is in itself a kind of hidden park, hidden to all but those residents of the area who walk and bicycle along the paved path that loops through it. Its bestknown feature is the circular rock maze, built some years ago by caring hands, that sits atop the mesa located on your right as you proceed down the walkway.

Below the mesa on the other side is a small pond rimmed by tules; noisily exuberant red-winged blackbirds perform free concerts here. Kids and adults who may wish they were still kids swim and fish in these waters, delightfully cool on a hot day.

At the top of a short rise on the main path is a cluster of blue gum eucalyptus; parents are often seen pushing their children on rope swings in the trees.

High atop one of the eucalyptus was once a red-tailed hawk nest, as well built as if they had hired a contractor to do the job. Young red-tails patrolled the skies overhead, scouting for lizards or field

14 • Benicia Magazine

mice in the sweep of wild oats and hay and clusters of fennel that grow in these grasslands.

Coyote brush is here, in abundance, as it is in all the open spaces of Benicia.

Coyote brush got its name from the blossoms it produces in the fall—feathery, cottony seeds that look like coyote fur.

These bushes provide shelter to rabbits, quail, bushtits and other wildlife hiding

“And sometimes these inhabitants come together at night and sing songs, their wild yelps soaring over the treetops and echoing back across the hills.” from those sharp-sighted hawks circling above. Coyote brush also gives cover to the much-maligned four-footed creatures for whom it is named.

For the Maidu, Pomo, Yokuts and many other tribes, the coyote was a central figure in the religious stories they told to explain the origins of the universe.

Coyotes are among the most adaptable of all animals, finding ways to survive and even thrive on the edges of suburbia.

And yet if you happen to walk your dog in this area you may encounter another dog walker, her voice rising with alarm, issuing you a warning like this: “Just a heads up. There’s a coyote over there.

I saw him. Maybe two of them, I think.

Keep your dog on a leash. They’re very tricky. I know someone whose dog got off leash and wandered off. The coyotes lured him into their den and that was the last of him, poor thing.”

Maybe such an event actually occurred, maybe it is urban folklore. In any case the coyotes of Hastings Drive reside in very modest quarters in what botanists call “the understory,” the dense, jungle-like thicket of willows, Himalayan blackberries, poison oak, alkali grass, artichoke thistles and coyote brush that runs from the top of the arroyo down to the eucalyptus grove with its hawk nest and children laughing on the swings.

No two-footed human creature will ever enter this forbidding no-go zone, which is only right. It is, after all, somebody else’s home. And sometimes these inhabitants come together at night and sing songs, their wild yelps soaring over the treetops and echoing back across the hills. As for dog walkers, should you spot a coyote on a hillside, a rare event, keep your pet under control and there is no danger of him becoming lunch. And please do us all a big favor by taking advantage of the doggie bags so kindly supplied by the city and clean up after him.

Around Town Community

The Right Dog For Your Lifestyle n

Michael Chill

One of the most common complaints among dog trainers is that many clients choose breeds of dogs whose innate behavior and temperament are totally inappropriate for their lifestyles. In fact, many people don’t even consider innate behavior or temperament when choosing dogs at all. “He has such beautiful blue eyes,” or “he looked just like a bear in the picture online,” or even, “the one on that TV show is just so cute!” are typical of the many reasons people offer when asked why they chose their breed of dog.

People are under the impression that any dog, regardless of breed, can be trained to fit any circumstance or situation and they discount the fact that many breeds carry with them traits and behavioral tendencies that cannot “be trained out of them.” Even the late Barbara Woodhouse, in the epilogue of “Dog Training My Way,” states that, when asked which breed someone should choose, she advises, “choose whatever dog you fancy, for it will be the one you fancy that is the easiest for you to train.”

She couldn’t have been more wrong.

When was the last time someone saw a seeing-eye Chow? Or a Pomeranian point? Or a Malamute herding sheep?

The answer is never, of course. And that’s not because trainers don’t choose to train these particular dogs for those jobs.

It is the very real fact that these breeds cannot do those jobs! Genetically, these dogs have behavior and temperament traits that make them unable to respond to certain types of training, no matter how hard someone tries. And, yes, there are wonderful exceptions to every rule, but as much as we can predict the size, shape, and coat of a Chow, we can also predict that practically no Chow would

“When was the last time someone saw a seeing-eye Chow?

Or a Pomeranian point?” be able to meet the requirements of a seeing-eye dog.

Many breed characteristics may actually be assets when one considers the original purpose of the breed. The indefatigable energy of a Labrador, the protectiveness of a Doberman pinscher, even the nipping of a Border collie are really talents that have been selectively bred for generations but that can cause frustration for the unprepared dog owner. Other traits, such as the submissive urinating of Cocker spaniels or the excessive shyness of Shetland sheepdogs were obviously not traits that were actively encouraged but nonetheless come with the contract, so to speak.

So, doing research about a particular breed has always been the rallying cry of trainers and behaviorists, hoping that clients could therefore avoid certain problems before bringing a dog into their homes; however, there are problems with that well intentioned suggestion.

Very simply, the books describing the traits of specific breeds are written by breeders and other enthusiasts who rarely write bluntly of a breed’s shortcomings. And, even when they do, the statements are couched in euphemisms, much like reading the promotional material of cars.

Only those who can read between the lines of car magazines understand

that the term “high performance” really means 11 miles to the gallon of gas. With dogs, it is much the same.

Take the phrase, “loves exercise” or the slightly more honest, “needs exercise.”

Those statements would be much more effective if there were an accompanying photograph of the destruction done to the home of an under-exercised Weimaraner, for example. Or the term “independent;” in “dog speak” that simply means he won’t come when called.

This isn’t meant to stereotype all dogs into rigid categories or to imply that nothing can be done to train or change behavior. Being informed and prepared will, however, certainly help in avoiding certain pitfalls or discovering months after bringing a dog home that his or her behavior is simply not compatible with your lifestyle. Even mixed breed dogs can carry the genetic tendencies of the predominant breed, so keep that in mind when rescuing a pet.

Where is the best source of information when considering purchasing or adopting a specific breed or mixed breed of dog?

Rescuers, lists of whom can be found on the web, through the AKC, and at animal shelters. Many of these rescuers possess an incredible wealth of knowledge of their breeds of choice. There is no one more knowledgeable, more objective, or more dedicated to these dogs than a rescue person. There is also no one more willing to educate and even discourage someone from adopting a dog than they are. There is no reason to place a dog in a home knowing that that same dog will be returned due to incompatibilities with the needs of the potential new family.

Michael Chill is a nationally renowned dog trainer.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Feature

"If a walk or hike around Lake Herman wasn’t enough to tucker your dog, pull over to Benicia’s dog park around the corner for some socialization and play."

16 • Benicia Magazine

n Bitsy Hall After enduring one hell of a year and a half at home, it’s safe to say that our appreciation of dogs has grown. It’s no wonder adoption rates soared during

is the place to be for dogs and their owners. We have dog friendly trails and beaches, outdoor dining that welcomes furry friends, a dog park, pet shops, and a city culture that seems to scream, “We love dogs!”

the dark days of lockdown. Dogs offer companionship, joy, and purpose. Need to catch a break from the family? Walk the dog. Need someone to hang out with who doesn’t talk or question your life choices?

Ah, you guessed it: hang out with your dog.

While your newfound appreciation for your dog hasn’t dwindled, COVID numbers have. Finally, we are able to gather safely and resume our once beloved activities. But where does that leave you and your pup? Lucky for you and your steadfast companion, Benicia

As many can attest, a walk downtown with a dog is not always a simple “dog walk.” Rather, it can be a “dog adventure.”

With convenient poop bag stations and water dishes speckling our main street, you are set for a long day with your dog no matter how ill equipped you may be.

After a lengthy walk and some water breaks, your dog can cool off at the very end of First Street at the dog beach. Just beyond the chained barrier, you will find a dog’s paradise: swimming, other dogs to run with, and endless games of fetch.

If this energy-crazed outing induces some

hunger pangs for your pup and you’re out of fuel, a quick walk to Pups N Purrz, on the corner of Kuhland Alley and First, offers a tantalizing variety of dog treats and food. But what about you? At this point, you’re probably ready for a meal, or at the very least, some appetizers and a drink. But the dog! You’ll have to drop it off at home. Nope! Never in Benicia.

With an array of al fresco dining options, your dog is welcome at numerous Benicia restaurants. If you’re feeling like some seafood, hop on over to Sailor Jack’s for a killer plate of fish ‘n’ chips without ever leaving your dog’s side. If you're looking for great drinks, come to Cullen’s Tannery Pub & Saloon for a cocktail. Or better yet, order a hotdog or burger from Char's next door and they'll bring it right to your table while you sip on your Manhattan. The possibilities don’t end there: there’s Union Hotel, Got Plate Lunch, Venticello’s, Lucca Bar & Grill, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, The Rellik Tavern, The Chill and so much more!

The best part is that you can now meet your human friends during your outing, and not just those in your “COVID Bubble.”

Benicia’s dog friendly culture doesn’t stop downtown. Benicia State Park, stretching all the way from the end of Military West to Vallejo, offers tons of dog friendly paths. Enjoy some water views with your dog and friends and stop for a picnic at one of the many benches overlooking the Carquinez Straits. If you’re in the mood for a more arduous dog walk, the hills do not disappoint. Trekking towards the Vallejo entrance, the dog friendly paths at the state park provide incline and distance. Other dog friendly and nature filled paths can be found near Lake Herman by the Community Park, where you and your pup can walk along the reservoir and take a sharp incline into the Southampton hills. If a walk or hike around Lake Herman wasn’t enough to tucker your dog, pull over to Benicia’s dog park around the corner for some socialization and play. And of course, if your dog needs some post-outing treats, stop at Benicia’s Pet Food Express in the Raley’s Southampton shopping center for a healthy variety of pup-friendly treats.

Our dogs have always been treasured creatures in our lives, but the pandemic has illuminated the power of their companionship and our love for them.

With the doors of businesses opening wider and social circles growing, our loyal furry friends can stay where they belong: next to their owners in our dog friendly Benicia.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Feature

BACK-TO-SCHOOL Establishing Methods for Success with Dr. Zoee Bartholomew, Ed.D.

n Dr. Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D. Navigating the educational system can be a daunting task for both students and parents. The road from Transitional Kindergarten to 12th Grade can appear as a tactical course, and students and parents can find themselves discouraged and disappointed in the process. The educational system is designed for students to achieve milestones at the end of every grade level while maintaining passing grades. Measures of student success are often in the form of grading and standardized testing. According to some scholars, standardized tests are subjective, and not a thorough, equitable assessment for every student, serving more as a gatekeeper or barrier of access and opportunity to colleges and universities. On the other hand, some argue that standardized testing serves to help educators facilitate instruction.

Ideally, every student, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or ability, would graduate with a plan for a career or college. Students would have available the resources that would support them during school and beyond high school graduation. Students who are eligible for scholarship opportunities would have a list of scholarships as well as a timeline for the application process and the due dates before the deadlines. The school's counseling departments and community organizations would do their best to wraparound services for students and families, ensuring student success, as student success is tied to our communities' economic growth and sustainability. The reality is that not all students graduate with a plan. Some students don't graduate.

Some students and families have no idea what scholarships and services are available. Not all students have multiple sit-downs with counselors to discuss their goals and opportunities. Teachers and administrators often get bombarded 18 • Benicia Magazine

with various tasks that are compliancedriven to support the operation of the educational system. However, everyone shows up from all walks of life, hopeful of building an ideal community where all succeed.

What about students who learn differently and require additional support? Benicia resident Dr. Zoee Bartholomew is the Special Education Director and Assistant Professor at Dominican University. Dr. Bartholomew is a known Educational Consultant who works with families and school districts to build trust and establish Individualized Educational Plans for student success. Dr. Bartholomew stated," My job is to facilitate this interaction between the parent and the district, and usually when I'm coming in, this relationship has already been broken. My job is to facilitate a positive interaction so that these individuals will be able to create a plan that is best for their child to be successful." As a former classroom teacher with expertise in helping families navigate the educational system, Dr. Bartholomew went on to state, "Sometimes I am there to help support families and be at the table to be their voice. The districts have enjoyed my presence in meetings because they know that I know the rules and regulations around the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I was a special education teacher, and I know how to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and what it is like sitting on the other side of the table."

Another way that Dr. Bartholomew has connected with families is through her book Behave. It was vital for her to provide a guidebook in her voice for parents navigating the education system. Dr. Bartholomew stated, "I did not want to write using a lot of technical jargon and technical language. I wanted it to be an easy read, and it's specifically targeted for my parent population."

Dr. Bartholomew went on to say, "It's a short book and a quick read, and it also reflects who I am. I am very down-toearth, laid back, transparent and I use colorful language, so with that, that is how the book is written. It is written as if you were sitting down in a session with me. There are no quotes and references to other people. I am speaking in my voice. The book is focused on helping parents understand what behaviors are paired with understanding some of the strategies and resources for making sure whoever is supporting them is being held accountable. It's a fun book."

The Pandemic was a reminder of the disparities that exist. Even though many school districts anticipate a regularly scheduled return to school for the 202122 academic school year, this also means getting back to a routine that supports mental and physical health. Dr. Bartholomew stated, "Start early with getting students ready for returning to school by putting them on a schedule that is similar to the proposed school schedule, which is very important because students have been living and participating in a hybrid model and getting back to the routine of getting dressed in the morning, leaving the house at a certain time and being somewhere at a certain time is very different than waking up, and rolling over to your computer." Dr. Bartholomew went on to state, "Parents need to prepare for being supportive for the first few months of school, as it may be a little challenging because the students may feel somewhat behind with the rigor of school work and being called out in class and having to participate and now socialize again with friends. Parents need to be a little more patient and supportive with their students because they don't want to create anxiety or any unnecessary stress. Students go into the school being asked many different things with instructions and directions that are being thrown at them

throughout the day, along with trying to foster and develop relationships with peers and friendships, so this can be quite stressful for them in comparison to the average adult. Adults must remember that, at some point, they were a child too.

Let's be mindful of that." Dr. Bartholomew recommends that parents do their best to actively participate in school activities; "Parents should be a little more active this year, check in with teachers to know your child's progress, participate in parent engagement activities that will be offered, especially for high school students because you don't want your student to miss opportunities for college and scholarships."

Parents and guardians, get to know your students' teachers because teachers are your first contact for questions or concerns. The next step is the administrative staff. If the first two steps have been taken, reach out to the superintendent's office, who will ask if you have spoken with the teacher and administrators on matters of concern. If there are concerns regarding school district policies and goals, reach out to the school board. Organizations offering scholarships, keep in mind some students and families might not get the notification to participate. If you work in a trade and can provide guidance to students, please reach out to the school district so our students have access to and understand their options early because the information does not always make it to the students who may need it most.

Dr. Bartholomew's book, Behave, can be found on Apple Books and is available in paperback. For a list of educational

“My job is to facilitate a positive interaction so that these individuals will be able to create a plan that is best for their child to be successful.”

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services for parents and school districts, go to www.DrBehave. org. Dr. Bartholomew's dissertation is titled Barriers of Meeting the Needs of Special Education Students. Dr. Bartholomew also serves on the Benicia Open Government, the Solano County Planning Council for Children's Alliance, the Planning Council for the Childcare Group, and the statewide, regional advisory board for Individuals with Special Needs/with Disabilities.

Care Solace is a service available for families and Benicia Unified School District Staff seeking assistance with mental health services. The number and website can be found at 1.888.515.0595 or https://padlet.com/ jcorona8/3sekjqkjokp0l358.

Dr. Zoee Bartholomew, also known as “Dr. Behave”, is an innovative educator specializing in facilitating how to manage challenging behaviors and address special education programming.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Around Town Benicia Business

BENICIA NEWS AND VIEWS

Perfect pet for over achiever n Gene Pedrotti

This story continues!

For more visit online at: Beniciamagazine.com

20 • Benicia Magazine

Working long hours is a given in entrepreneurship. My father and uncle, who tended their small hardware store in Crockett, routinely worked sixty-hour weeks and did so for over fifty years. I had no choice but to embrace this work ethic as I was hell bent on perfecting a hardware store; 70, 80 and even 90 hour weeks became required. It worked – in 1997 we were awarded the Ace Hardware President’s Cup as the best Ace in the United States – but grueling hours take their toll. My brother Robin recognized that I was an over-achiever and, concerned, one day he came up with a remarkable solution. It involved a lanky, toothy canine named Caleb.

Robin’s inspiration came from a respected dog-friendly Benicia family, Chester and Clarissa. Chester grew up in San Francisco and developed a hobby training working dogs, the kind used by police and military. With an animal lover’s heart and a “whisperer’s touch,” he helped many Benicians in understanding their beloved animals with expert training and advice.

One December morning Robin showed up at Ace and introduced Chester… who happened to be leashed with the strangest looking dog I’d ever seen. My family – five Pedrotti boys – had been raised with a number of German Shepherds, but this dog, a Belgian Malinois, was different. At 12 months old and still a puppy, he was unusually lean with a short brown coat and had energy… lots of it! Herding energy, the kind that makes ‘em nip sheep in the butt! Malinois are drug-sniffing, crime fighting animals used worldwide for herding and protection.

Chester introduced Caleb, who was in training, and at the time, hopping up and down soil pallets, sniffing here and there in practice for a future career. You could see that Caleb was smart, quick, curious and very obedient… keen on Chester’s every word. What was not obvious was that Caleb was frightfully gun-shy. Chester spent a lot of time training Caleb, grew to love Caleb, but accepted that most dogs don’t make

the cut. And Caleb didn’t. His job description was about to change and this morning’s pallet exercise was not so much about evaluating Caleb’s skills but more about finding him a new boss. Unbeknownst to me, Robin, Chester and Clarissa had been conspiring to play matchmaker and I was under evaluation.

So, did I pass? Two weeks later at a large family party on Christmas Eve and giddy with bad-boy anticipation, Robin presented Caleb to me. I was stunned. And really happy. My first dog! In short order, we bonded.

To appreciate each other, Chester insisted on training; not for Caleb, he was a proven student.

But for me. It was essential that I use those same techniques and methods of Caleb’s schooling… how to sit, how to stay, etc.; which included his language… German. Soon we were “sitzing” and “platzing” everywhere… on walks, visiting friends, and every day at Ace. When I awoke anxious at 4 am and decided to go to work, Caleb was at my side. Or at 2 or 3 am when the burglar alarm went off, Caleb was there to protect me. He was an incredible companion.

To their credit, Chester, Clarissa and their two boys, Gianni and Nikko, not only kept tabs on Caleb, they hosted him frequently when I was called away. We became great friends. They attended my wedding to Ian and stepped in when Caleb had leg surgery, keeping an eye on our 2nd dog, Charlie. And when fate called Caleb, they all quickly came to the house to say goodbye; Caleb passed in my arms a few days later.

That last point is important. Our pets, when we allow them, teach us great things… about life, about love, and yes, about loss. Caleb’s passing was very difficult for me, but this was his finest lesson.

Ian and I have a new pair of fostered friends, Dexter and Maggie, whom we adopted shortly before Covid. I am deeply indebted to Robin, Chester and Clarissa for their kind conspiracy and for how it changed my perspective on life.

One last thing. Your pets are always welcome at Ace…. Dogs, cats, birds, you name it. Their presence brings joy.

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22 • Benicia Magazine

e e B t i t e L n Y our

bee denizens, Robert & Elise

These past two years have been hard on all of us, and always o n my mind is my beloved community, Benicia. My partner and I wanted to share our gratitude to the gardeners around town. We especially wanted to let the Benicia residents know that beekeepers such as ourselves really appreciate the thoughtful, environmentally friendly gardens Benicians create, mostly without the use of chemical pesticides. This enhances the survival of our pollinators!

And your considerate gardening has helped make our lives a little sweeter. As I take my walk to the pier, I admire

everyone’s gardens and appreciate the numerous bee-friendly signs stating, “No pesticides are used here.” I even saw a bumper sticker commanding us to “beefriendly.” Bees typically travel a radius of approximately 5 miles to collect pollen, and are healthiest when they have a variety of pollen sources. Monoculture farming is not good for bees. Bees can weaken and suffer if they don’t have enough diversity of pollen in their diet.

Benicia is truly bee-friendly and a real honeybee’s delight. Back in October 2020 we wrote about how we had just started raising bees. In May 2020 we set up two hives in our Benicia backyard.

We had a flush of liquid-gold our first year, then we lost one of our hives to mites. (Apparently mites are a top killer of bees on the West Coast but as firsttime beekeepers we weren’t fully aware of how serious the situation was.) In April, 2021, we were able to establish a new nuc (nucleus: bees and queen that are already familiar with each other)

to replace the hive we lost. The good news is that this hive is thriving! And we have the entire town to thank for this. As your friendly neighborhood beekeepers, we just want to remind

“My partner and I wanted to share our gratitude to the gardeners around town.” you that spring and summer are swarm season for honeybees. And if you see a bunch of bees in a tree or bush clustering together, PLEASE call a beekeeper, not pest control!

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Great Tunes for Dog Walks

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This month, we’re showing some extra love to our furry friends, dogs. I, personally, don’t have my own loyal companion, but my sister has just gotten a new puppy and let me tell you, the amount of walks she has to take the little fur ball on is exhausting. By walk number four of the day, she’s bored of passing the time talking on the phone or listening to the same songs over and over. So, being the amazing sister that I am, I have taken it upon myself to make a playlist to help keep these walks feeling less like a chore and more like a reward.

Something upbeat and funky for the daytime, but also calm and relaxing for those sunset strolls. Something with tempo changes to build up a sweat and a good bass to hit each step to; we’ve got it all. And dog or not, Benicia is a walking town! So grab your sunglasses and headphones and get ready to walk it out and rock it out.

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Around Town Art & Artists Benicia Plein Air Gallery Features

Artist Karen Leoni

n

Jean Purnell

Although she was attracted to drawing and painting as a very young girl, plein air artist Karen Leoni chose other educational and career paths. Born in Chicago, she has also lived in Florida, where she completed high school and headed off to college in Atlanta. After completing a biology degree, she spent a number of years working in the information technology field doing technical sales. She credits a job change, which brought her to San Francisco, as making the difference in her becoming a full-time professional artist in her 40s.

“Without California, I may not have found it,” says Leoni of discovering art as her real passion. “I came here because of a job, but I started taking art classes, and then decided to do the full four-year program at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. It wasn’t until I got a solid art education, with an understanding of fundamentals, that I began to enjoy the process, and I knew I had found home.”

After completing her degree, Leoni continued private study with Huihan Liu, a Chinese Oil Master whom she considers an important mentor. She opened her own studio and taught privately. She also taught at the Academy. Landscapes, seascapes, and still lifes have dominated her output, and animals and figures often grace her paintings, done in oils or pastels. “My style is somewhere in between photo-realism and impressionism. I tend to shift between tighter and looser representations of my subject, depending on what I’m painting.

When I become interested in a subject, 26 • Benicia Magazine

I spend considerable time exploring it, maybe I even overdo it a bit. For example, I’ve been painting flowers, and I try to capture the details and character of each … but after I gain familiarity with the subject, I may paint it again, but in a looser style.”

As a full-time artist, the pandemic didn’t change her habit of getting outdoors to paint four or five times per week. “I live

“It wasn’t until I got a solid art education, with an understanding of fundamentals, that I began to enjoy the process, and I knew I had found home.” in Walnut Creek and can walk to many beautiful and diverse gardens. I’ve also taken numerous trips to Monterey and Carmel to paint and photograph the seascape. I usually paint on location and might make a small study. This allows me to capture more details of the subject, color, and light.” Then she finishes the work or paints the same subject on a larger canvas in the studio. Leoni also finds a number of Benicia buildings along First Street as good subjects for her painting. “There are some beautiful gardens in Benicia as well.”

Leoni’s landscapes and flowers will be a part of her featured show at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery for the month of August. She joined the Gallery in January of 2020, only to see it close in

March because of the pandemic. Upon re-opening later that summer, the gallery saw little foot traffic for a number of months. Leoni was previously a member of the Lyonshead Gallery in Carmel for many years until that location closed.

“Especially this past year, I’ve learned the importance of keeping my website current and promoting my work through social media. I have collectors that I met in Carmel who have looked me up online after that gallery closed and have continued to follow my work.”

Leoni calls Benicia “a marvelous town” that attracts friendly, down-to-earth people.

Those she sees on her frequent walks never fail to say hello.

In addition to painting, she enjoys photography and hiking. Her many painting recognitions include numerous Boldbrush Competition selections and awards from the Laguna Plein Air Association, North Valley Art League, Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association, the Stockton Art League, and other organizations. A reception for Leoni will be held at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery at 307 First Street on August 14, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Gallery hours are Friday through Sunday, from 12:00 to 6:00 pm. Learn more about Karen Leoni and the gallery at www.karenleoni.com and www.beniciapleinair.com.

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Column Dinner and a Movie

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and BackYard BBQ & Café

It all started in the backyard! n

Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie

Their custom t-shirt shop in Vallejo was non-essential during COVID and so they started cooking in a tent and serving takeout to friends and family. Then Norman and Winnie Traballo did the almost impossible and “smoked it” during the middle of a pandemic. Taking over the Rosie’s Café location in the Benicia Industrial Park, they celebrated their entrepreneurial toughness with a grand opening in July of 2020. Norman says he graduated from the University of YouTube, learning to smoke meats and developing his skills and recipes for excellence in BBQ ribs, links, tri-tip and brisket. Inspirational, for sure.

“Sweet heat” tacos, tri-tip nachos, FIRE BALLS (grilled meatballs wrapped in bacon, with a surprise inside!), Mexican 28 • Benicia Magazine

french dip sandwiches (yum!), and Caveman bites are just some of the fantastic specials. And, besides all that deliciousness, there are excellent lumpia and varieties of “snow shots,” Mexipinos, and the tastiest Mama’s potato salad with bacon, Foe Cheezy Mac (four cheeses), baked beans, garlic fried rice, smoked deep fried corn — all the sides. And, there’s more… you’ve got to see, smell, and eat it to believe it!

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Chef’s Table: BBQ, 2020 Netflix Original Series; Created by David Gelb Most episodes 45 min; Rated TV-14 The first thing you learn in Chef’s Table: BBQ is that barbeque is not about the seasoning or cook time, or even the basting sauce. It is all about the pitmaster. In this critically acclaimed series, this truth becomes clear in the first moments of the first episode, featuring Tootsie Tomanetz, pitmaster at Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, Texas. And, we have to say, if you do not fall in love with 85-year-old Tootsie right out of the gate, you might be a bubble off (that is Texas talk for “not quite right!”).

Tootsie began barbequing 50 years ago, and she reflects the second lesson of barbeque lore – pitmasters share what they know. “We don’t have any secrets at Snow’s,” she says.

“Our seasonings are salt and pepper. I can’t tell you the temperature of my pit though, because I don’t have a gauge on it. I use my hand.” Indeed, Tootsie rests her hand on the barbeque pit! That is how she determines if the temperature of the flaming and glowing coals within are ready to do their magic.

And, true to the form of the other featured masters, Tootsie is happy to sit back and say to the novice, “Good luck with it!”

From hill country BBQ to the spiritual experience of Lennox Hastie in Sydney, Australia, the portraits of those devoted to cooking over open flames are lovingly crafted and beautifully filmed. It will make your mouth water!

10 Out of 10 Whiskers www.cinemacat-tdp.blogspot.com

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Column Book—Tails

Supermarket

By Bobby Hall Book and Cocktail Club n

F*** the literary world. I wanted to write something I’d want to read. And isn’t that what art is about, anyway?

Expressing yourself the way you want to.

Maybe that’s why I had been so scared to actually finish and release a book.

30 • Benicia Magazine

Cooper Mickelson

Some of you might be familiar with Logic the rapper, but did you know he’s also written a novel? Bobby Hall (A.K.A. Logic) published Supermarket in 2019.

After releasing a dystopian concept album, he was looking for a new project and wanted to try something a little different. Although Hall doesn’t consider himself a huge reader, he says Indiana Jones books and H.G. Wells’s “The Time Machine” inspired him to write this unique story. Supermarket’s simplistic red cover caught my eye during a Target run and quickly became a favorite of mine due to the story’s voice and inventiveness.

Supermarket takes place in a small Oregon town and centers around our protagonist, Flynn. Flynn is a young, troubled writer who, after a significant post-breakup depression, secures a book deal with a publishing agency in New York. He then returns to his small town with newfound motivation to pursue his dream.

As research for this book, Flynn gets a job at the local supermarket. There, he meets a handful of coworkers who

inspire and disturb him. One of these coworkers, Frank, is an over-the-top anarchist who becomes the model for Flynn’s main character. With the plot of his book figured out and an exciting work romance flourishing, Flynn’s world seems to be getting brighter every day.

But nothing at the supermarket is what it seems. The novel quickly takes twists and turns while addressing issues such as depression and anxiety. *Spoilers ahead! Proceed with caution!* As the story continues, we begin to notice some interesting details. From the lack of interaction other characters have with Frank to the looks Flynn receives from strangers while walking his dog, clues are sprinkled in, making us realize that Flynn’s mind might not be entirely rooted in reality.

There are two parts to this novel. The first half follows Flynn as he works on his book and ends with the catalysing event that lands him in a mental institution. The second half follows him as he struggles to overcome his delusions and escape this supermarket loop he’s been stuck in for years.

Although the story itself is a touch predictable, I was immediately drawn into the world Hall creates and enjoyed the way he presents mental health. His description of panic attacks is highly realistic, and the way he describes derealization felt natural and effortless.

If you’re a fan of The Catcher in the Rye or One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I highly suggest giving this book a try. Even though Flynn’s story is extreme, Hall has done a fantastic job talking about depression and anxiety, and I believe his book can help many of us escape our own loops. *Next month we’ll be reviewing The Ones We’re Meant to Find

by Joan He. Pick up a copy now, or follow @beniciabooktails on Instagram for a chance to find one during our treasure hunt.

Flynn’s Rye Cocktail (Serves 1) INGREDIENTS 1 ½ oz Rye Whiskey ¾ oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur ¾ oz Lemon Juice 1 oz Apple Juice ¾ oz Champagne Apple Cubes (garnish) PREPARATION 1. A dd rye whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and apple juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

3. Top with chilled champagne.

4. Garnish with diced apple cubes.

Frank’s Sparkling Mocktail (Serves 4) INGREDIENTS 4 cups Apple Juice 3 tbsp Lemon Juice 2 tbsp Honey 4 cups Club Soda 1 Cinnamon Stick (broken in half) 1 Star Anise 1 Apple (thinly sliced) ½ Lemon (thinly sliced) PREPARATION 1. A dd apple slices, lemon slices, cinnamon stick, and star anise to a jug. 2. Pour apple juice, lemon juice and honey. Mix and refrigerate for at least an hour.

3. Remove from the fridge just before serving. Add ice cubes in a glass of your choice. Fill half of the glass with the juice, then pour chilled club soda into it.

4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

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