Benicia Magazine October 2014

CERAMICS SHOW OPENS AT NEW BENICIA MUSEUM OF ART ANTIQUING IN BENICIA MAKES A COMEBACK

$2.50 ***** ECR WSS ***** POSTAL CUSTOMER Volume 9 Issue 12 October 2014

Please deliver 10/1-10/3

ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND OR PERMIT NO. 2160

CSL #891342

Voted #1 Flooring Company in Solano County

B FC

BENICIA FLOOR COMPANY

707-745-9024

M–F 10 to 5:30 l Sat. 10 to 3 or by appointment 84 Solano Square in Safeway Shopping Center, Benicia www.beniciafloorcompany.com

Large Showroom with Excellent Selection On-Time Installations Competitive Pricing Professional Reliable Hardwood Laminate Carpet Tile

Committed to Excellence in Customer Service 2 • Benicia Magazine

The

Collection

from celebrity designer for Benicia Fashion Runway Weekend

ChristinaSBenicia.com • Facebook.com Open Every Day 370 First Street, Downtown Benicia

Fashion Destination

707.745.5125

BeniciaMagazine.com • 3

4 • Benicia Magazine

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

SIGNIFICANT

The word “significant” in the world of CEQA is not always easily understood. Day-to-day we may think of “significant” as meaning “large” or “considerable in size.” Under CEQA, by contrast, a proposed project might add very little to already existing conditions, but the impacts might still be considered “significant” if an established threshold is crossed.

Physical conditions examined under CEQA can include land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise and objects of historic or aesthetic importance.

In the simplified project example below, think about how a “significant impact” may occur related to ambient noise: A landowner plans to build an office building. The lot is undeveloped, though surrounded by dozens of adjacent developed lots. The lot in question is located a few blocks from a suburban neighborhood.

The proposed building tenant will employ 10 local workers who work an 8-hour shift, five days a week.

Will the neighborhood likely be affected by construction noise?

Will the neighborhood likely be affected by the noise associated with the ongoing business operations?

With the project there could be short-term construction noise and, later, noise related to the building operation or workers arriving and leaving the site. The current physical conditions will change.

Under CEQA, this project may cause a “significant impact” to ambient noise levels. Even if the project adds relatively little to existing noise levels, if the addition of the project noise (construction or operations) exceeds an established threshold, the result could be a “significant impact.”

707-745-7534 October 2014

Understanding the Complicated World of CEQA Because Valero’s Crude-by-Rail Project is pending before the City of Benicia, there has been a lot of talk about the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). How does CEQA apply to Valero’s project?

In a nutshell, the purpose of CEQA is to ensure that decision makers and the public are adequately informed about impacts of a project.

Project impact information is summarized in an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which includes project alternatives. If the project will have significant impact (usually measured against some kind of quantitative or qualitative threshold), the information must offer suggestions on how to mitigate, or lessen, those impacts to a level of insignificance, where feasible. [See “Significant” in left column] Under CEQA, even when a project may have significant impacts that cannot feasibly be mitigated to insignificance, the decision maker can still approve the project based on a “statement of overriding considerations.”

This is a statement by the decision maker that explains why the project should be approved despite the significant impacts. The overriding considerations can be economic, legal, social, technological, or other kinds of project benefits.

One very important additional point to remember is that CEQA applies only to “discretionary approvals” within the jurisdiction of the decision maker.

Congress decided long ago, because of the need for nationwide uniformity in the regulation of the railroads, to preempt state and local authority over railroad operations. So states, counties and cities have no discretionary authority over railroad operations, and cannot impose conditions on rail operations.

Despite this preemption, railroad operations are regulated very stringently by a number of offices of the United States Department of Transportation.

Backpack Project Valero employees, including Crew 4 members, participated in the annual collection of school supplies for distribution to children in Solano and Contra Costa counties. Boxes of supplies and 66 fully-loaded backpacks were collected for grades K-12. Recipient organizations included Benicia Community Action Council, Solano County Office of Education, Shelter Inc., and Opportunity House.

Fast Fact: Safety First:

Valero applied for its Use Permit for the Crude by Rail Project in December 2012 – nearly two years ago.

As we soon “fall back” to Standard Time (Nov.2), it’s time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Inspect your fire extinguishers for expiration dates, too.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

Be

A UNIQUE, SPECIALTY DENTAL PRACTICE Full range of pediatric dental services & orthodontics

Benicia

magazine

Celebrating our 9th Year

Benicia

Editor Jeanne Steinmann magazine Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

Benicia Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

magazine

Contributors Larnie Fox Elizabeth d’Huart Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Photographers Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight • State-of-the-art facility/equipment with latest technology

500 OFF

$

Compreh ensive Orthodon tic Treatm ent

• 3D xray machine, low radiation, improved diagnosis • In-office IV sedation/ general anesthesia • Flexible, interest-free extended monthly payment options

FREE

Orthodonti Consultatioc n

Non-insure d patients 1 per pers only, on, can n ot be com with othe bined r offers, e xp. 10/31 /14

SolanoSmile.com Dr. Ramtin Nassiri, DDS, MSD & Associates Specialists in Orthodontics and Pediatric Denistry

300 Military West, Suite 304, Benicia, CA 94510

707.748.0500 6 • Benicia Magazine

Advertising sales Joey Baker 707.718.0166 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2014, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, 611 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, beniciamagazine.com.

Be

Be

Be

B

B

What makes a print process Green?

Our printer incorporates many green practices far beyond state and federal guidelines. Sustainability in the pressroom includes:

Rare Water's End 5 North Cottage Elevation. Stunning, open, move-in ready single story 4BR/3BA on corner lot. 4 years old, loaded with upgrades. Beautiful flooring, cabinets, moldings...you name it. Court location near parks & schools. Deep, two-car finished garage. Back yard is a blank canvas to make your own. $710,000

— Vegetable & soy inks

Eric Hoglund, Estey Real Estate Real Estate Sales and Professional Property Management BRE # 00674738 935 First Street Benicia, CA 94510 Since 1946 esteyrealestate.com 707.745.0924 Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management

— 100% paper waste recycled — Energy positive emissions systems — A plate-making system that virtually eliminates all chemicals

In-office Green Practices

387 Piercy Drive

537 Lansing Circle

Wonderful Waters End 4BR 3BA home with den, bonus room, 3824sf and 3-car split garage. Bedroom & full bath on main floor. Gourmet kitchen with island and nook open to the Great Room with media alcove & fireplace. 5-star master suite, loft bonus room, guest wing & laundry are upstairs. Large, level landscaped yard, 1/2 block to the park. Ideal! $725,000.

Kathleen McInerney Olson Olson Realty, Inc. 920 First Street,Suite 101 Benicia, CA 94510 Office: 707-745-3602 Cell: 707-291-0867 www.olsonrealtyinc.com BRE License # 00899699 Expansive water and hill views, from Mt Diablo to the Carquinez Bridge, at this spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2,500+ sq ft home on the desirable lower West side of Benicia. Master suites on both floors. Entertain, or just relax, as you enjoy the amazing views. Call today for a private showing!

We walk, bike or drive a hybrid vehicle to get to work and around town.

Paper waste is either recycled or cut up and reused as scrap paper. Envelopes and other business supplies are reused.

Electronic devices are turned off at night and we use fluorescent light bulbs.

ESTEY

1090 West L Street

Nicole Russell, Realtor RE/MAX Gold 426 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510 Direct: 707-332-2111 Email: nicole.russell@norcalgold.com Website: www.nicehomerealestate.com BRE License # 01417633 Fabulous single level 4BR/2BA home with water views.

Spacious open floor plan with tile flooring, fresh paint inside and out, some newer windows, finished garage, new back fence, beautifully manicured front and backyard in the Overlook subdivision. Views of the Carquinez Strait, hills & the Alfred Zampa Bridge. $499,000

422 West Seaview Drive

Rose Hadaway, Broker-Associate Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific Cal BRE 00964078 900 1st St., Benicia, CA 94510 707-590-3055 cell 707-749-6321 direct BRE License # 00899699 BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Benicia OCTOBER VOLUME 9 ISSUE 12

Features

14 16 18

ntiques and collectibles A find their way back to Benicia enicia’s internationally important B legacy of ceramic sculpture ccupying Halloween: O adults take over on October 31

Departments

16

10 From the Editor 20 Downtown Map 22 Arsenal Map 24 Interview

with Ed Brennan, arborist; custom bike frame maker

25 Backwards Glance

St. Mary’s of the Pacific Episcopal School for Girls

26 Trends

Close shaves with royals in Paris and London Part II

28 Calendar of Events Cover photo by Jerry Bowles, vintage crackle glass, private collection This page top: Pieta, ceramic sculpture by Lisa Reinertson Bottom: Farnsworth custom bike frame

8 • Benicia Magazine

24

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

...IT’S A FACT!

Residential & Commercial

John “Sherm” Passalacqua

Passalacqua Funeral Chapel 901 West Second St., Benicia 707-745-3130 www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com

$95 special up to 350 sq ft

Excludes stairs, not valid with any other offers or coupons

Greg Silva

Twin Chapels Mortuary 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo 707-552-6696 www.twinchapelsmortuary.com

Voted Best Funeral Home In Solano County 7 Years In A Row

Experience the Difference The Art of Outdoor Living The Art of Outdoor Living

www.calcomfort.com 4680 East 2nd St. Benicia Quality Home & Leisure Products

707.745.5933

CARPET, UPHOLSTERY AND TILE & GROUT CLEANING

800 First Street, Ste. A, Benicia • 707.746.8656

spotlesscarpetcleaning.net

Blown Glass • Wall Art • Gift Items • Jewelry

Celebrating 16 Years in Business!

Gallery Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-5 Fri 11-7 • Sat 10-7 109 East F Street , Benicia, CA 94510 707.748.1336 • www.lindsayartglass.com

The Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns

================================ California Historical Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places ================================ Open Wed-Sun 1-4pm ♦ 2060 Camel Road ♦ Benicia For more information: (707) 745-5435

Current Exhibit: "BRADBURY & BRADBURY ART WALLPAPERS - A Legacy of Historical Artistry"

Rental venue

For more information go to our web site: www.BeniciaHistoricalMuseum.org

Docent tours

A Wonderful Place For Gifts

Open Every Day 700 First St. Benicia, CA 94510

707-745-0254 www.studio41.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

Photo by Malcolm Slight

From the Editor

October 2014

or the past couple of weeks I’ve had transitions on my mind. Could be the early Fall, in evidence as I write mid-September, with the leaves on First Street trees turning red and gold. Although I appreciate the uniqueness of every season, I eagerly anticipate autumn’s promise of good smells emanating from the kitchen after months of salads and grilling, and more time with family as the light begins to wane.

Benicia is also experiencing a transition—one towards younger families and lots of babies. Downtown we call it the stroller brigade—young moms and dads pushing strollers on First Street all day long. We added extra kindergarten classes last year; Benicia’s family-oriented reputation is growing.

It’s not just Benicia, though. When Beth, our eldest daughter, found out she was pregnant with twins earlier this year, we toured Kaiser Santa Rosa, San Francisco and Walnut Creek, all of which, we learned, often can’t accommodate all the moms going into labor, they are sent to outlying hospitals.

One has to wonder if the entire country, or at least California, is experiencing a population boom; there seem to be babies everywhere.

As I write from Beth and Yarrow’s new home in Santa Rosa, all seems to be in harmony. I’m enjoying the whiffs of pork roast baking in the oven; the entire family has gathered here, running various errands and making final preparations for the eminent birth of two baby boys, bringing our family up to eight in number. Very auspicious! The babies will be born on the cusp of Virgo-Libra: the cusp of beauty.

I’m taking advantage of a small respite from kids, dogs, cooking, chores and attending to the many important needs of a daughter in the early stages of labor.

Life is good from where I sit, and about to get better by a factor of two!

Enjoy the issue, and the many delightfully fun happenings Benicia offers in October, to families of all shapes, ages and sizes.

Jeanne Steinmann

Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com

10 • Benicia Magazine

IA

PLUMBIN G

ON DECK THIS SEASON FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS.

T

LISH E D 1

9

ES

AB

75

.

INC

BEN IC

“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”

Repair or Replace • Water - Gas - Sewer Garbage Disposal • Drain Cleaning • Water Heaters Video Camera • Slab Leaks • Free Estimates

Residential and Commercial Service 24/7

(707) 745-2930

THE

BEST 2013

OF

www.BeniciaPlumbing.com CA Lic. #329632

Best of 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012

In VALLEJO 707-557-3000

WWW.FOSTERLUMBER.COM

In FAIRFIELD 707-425-3400

Celebrate Trees At Benicia’s Annual

Arbor Day Festival

Saturday, October 11, 2014 10am - 2pm @ Benicia City Park Local Vendor Exhibits • CNPS Native Plant Sale Live Music • Art & Activities for Kids Tree Climbing Demo by A-Plus Tree Service Presentation of Awards for Annual Tree Challenge Art Contest Tree Planting and Maintenance Resources Urban Forest Challenge & Raffle

For more information visit www.beniciatrees.org Memorial Tree Planting and Dedication in Honor of Bonnie Weidel

BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Benicians for a Safe and Healthy Community

It’s just too dangerous!

If the City of Benicia approves Valero Refinery’s dangerous Crude by Rail proposal to import 70,000 barrels of crude oil in 100 tank cars each day ….

• Expect dramatic daily risk of catastrophic rail accidents involving highly volatile and flammable Bakken oil that can cause fiery explosions; • Expect substantial environmental risks to waterways and the Suisun Marsh – spills of heavy Canadian tar sands crude would be impossible to clean up; • Expect more air pollution in Benicia, including fine particulate matter that causes serious health problems; • Expect Union Pacific Railroad, not Valero, to control all rail activity in the Industrial Park; • Expect that neither the City nor Valero would have any power to schedule four 50-car trains' arrivals and departures or improve rail safety conditions; • Expect daily traffic backups in the Industrial Park and onto I-680.

Beware of Valero's promises to use "safer" rail cars – those didn't prove "safe" in Lynchburg, VA where they derailed and exploded, spilling Bakken oil into the James River.

Volatile Bakken oil is too dangerous to route through populated cities and sensitive environments, says the National Transportation Safety Board.

Let Benicia’s Planning Commission and our City Council know that you oppose this project.

To sign our petition or donate go to SafeBenicia.org.

Like us on Facebook.com/StopCrudebyRail For information go to BeniciaIndependent.com.

Email info@SafeBenicia.org or call (707)742-3597.

12 • Benicia Magazine

Benicia Dancewear

for all things dance

G & G Deck and Fence Proudly serving the North Bay Area

DECKS • FENCES • ARBORS • RETAINING WALLS

412 412 Military Military East East Benicia, Benicia, CA CA 94510 94510 707.745.5022 707.745.5022 www.beniciadancewear.com www.beniciadancewear.com

Family owned and operated 414 A, Military East, Benicia 94510 707.750.5584• www.gandgdeckandfence.com

NEW AT ROOKIES

Now Serving Weekend Breakfast!

OPEN DAILY

Mon-Thur 11am-12am Fri 11am-1am, Sat 9am-1am Sun 9am-12am

Locally owned; fun for the entire family!

321 First Street, Downtown Benicia

707.746.7665 rookiesbenicia.com

dinner entrees • delectable desserts • locally grown produce • 33 large

ays rotating • specialty cocktails • wine & extensive selection of bott alw

beer • appetizers • soup & salads • sandwiches • burgers • pizza • led

Urban Notions home, gift, jewelry with a dash of fun

611 First Street • Downtown Benicia

707.853.8159

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

screen TV's • signed sports memorabilia • NFL ticket • 22 beers on tap

2

1

Antiques and Collectibles Stores Return to Benicia

3

6

5

14 • Benicia Magazine

4 For many years Benicia was known as an “antiques town.” But in the 1990s, local antiques shops gave way to the gift and clothing boutiques, bars and restaurants that line First Street. Recently, however, collectibles have enjoyed a resurgence, and antiques and vintage shops can once again be found, interwoven into the contemporary downtown scene.

Back in 1963, the first Benicia Peddler’s Fair opened with a few antiques stores displaying their wares.

The fair grew, and now, 51 years later, it brings tens of thousands of people to First Street to peruse over 300 vendor booths bursting at the seems with antiques and collectibles. According to Nancy Martinez, Director of Benicia Main Street, “There’s been a rebirth of antiques, vintage and collectibles in the past few years. People are quite interested in collecting. The scavenger hunt we had in March during Bay Area Antiques and Collectibles Month was very successful.

It made people aware of how many collectibles shops we now have here in town.”

The variety of unique shops carry a diverse range of products from vintage cowboy boots to mid-century modern decor; original Beatle dolls to crackle glass.

Collecting is a bit like a treasure hunt. Some folks prefer to look only to add to an existing collection, others are open to whatever appeals in the moment. Next time you find yourself downtown, check out the one-owner shops and the multi-dealer spaces, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you.

Photos by Jerry Bowles 1 & 2) “Twist” LP, circa 1950, Beatles doll collection, 1964, Charlie’s Attic. 3) Original Coca Cola trays, Steffen Antiques.

4) Pink Depression Glass creamer and sugar, Benicia Antiques Mall. 5) Mid-century Trenton Pottery vase, Fabulous Finds. 6) Russel Wright Steubenville water pitcher, Honeysuckle Rose.

Clark+Kensington Bold and Beautiful 06D-5

Benicia Antiques, Vintage and Collectibles Shops Benicia Antiques Mall (several dealers) 918 First Street 707. 751.1400

Discover Yesterday 364 First Street 707.747.0726

Elisa's Closet 623 First Street 707.712.9038

Adobe Second Chance

Thrift Shop 929 First Street 707.745.4565

A BEAUTY REVOLUTION FOR YOUR WALL

Blue Goose Antiques 622 First Street 707.745.1715

Charlie's Attic 519 First Street 707.205.6960

Golden Horseshoe Antiques 415 First Street 707.745.2255

Introducing The Paint Studio at Ace, featuring the brilliant colors of Clark+Kensington® and now Valspar ® Optimus™ and Valspar ® Aspire,™ exclusively at Ace. Experience the most helpful advice right in your neighborhood.

Honeysuckle Rose 620 First Street 707.747.5040

The Steffen Collection 612 First Street 707.745.1170

Timeless Memories 129 First Street, Suite D 707.745.6600

What’s on First 433 First Street Limited hours

Get the look at thepaintstudio.com

Pedrotti Ace Hardware 830 Southampton Rd. • Benicia, CA 94510 • 707-745-NUTS (6887) www.acehardware.com/local/pedrotti Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.—7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.—6 p.m.

33_124540_0714

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Benicia’s Living Legac 16 • Benicia Magazine

By Larnie Fox, Director, Arts Benicia It’s about connections. Robert Arneson is arguably the most famous artist from Benicia to date. He studied at California College of the Arts (formerly California College of Arts and Crafts) and taught at UC Davis. Many readers will be familiar with his self portrait, Benicia Bench, on the waterfront facing the marina—the one with the duck. His expressive, sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing, figurative ceramic sculpture paved the way for a whole generation of artists to shake loose the shackles of traditional functional ceramics, to no longer look at clay work as “merely craft,” and put Funk Art on the map as a movement of worldwide importance.

Arthur Gonzalez teaches ceramics at CCA and studied under Arneson at UC Davis. Like his mentor, his work is figurative, expressive, and made from clay. Gonzalez’s work can be found in two exhibitions in Benicia this fall: Transmigrational Ceramics from the Corridor at Gallery 621, and Unbreakable: Selections from the CCA Ceramic Alumni of the New Millennium, at Arts Benicia, which he is curating along with Benicia Artist Mark Eanes. Both shows celebrate the legacy of adventurous sculptural work in clay begun by Arneson and his contemporaries, including Peter Voulkos, Win Ng, Jerry Ballaine and Peter Vandenberge, who were active in the 1960s and onward. Transmigrational features all of these artists and many of their students, like Benicia artist

Lisa Reinertson, who studied under fellow Benicia artists Arneson and Manuel Neri at UC Davis. Unbreakable features the work of Gonzalez and 21 of his “post-millennial” students who have graduated from CCA since 2000.

One of Gonzalez’s students featured in Unbreakable is Derek Weisberg. Like Arneson, Weisberg is from Benicia and studied at CCA. Weisberg studied under Gonzales and Eanes and worked with Neri and Stephen De Staebler. He’s currently a successful figurative ceramic artist living and working in New York City. His enigmatic clay figures evoke a spiritual feeling, even when they’re depicting street people or hip hoppers.

Weisberg’s first show was in Arts Benicia’s Next Generation exhibition when he was in his early teens. He was a frequent volunteer at Arts Benicia in his youth, where he learned how to install exhibitions. He was on a career path to be a 3-D animator, but under the influence of Eanes and Gonzalez he shifted to fine arts. He explains “I

didn’t want to be stuck expressing other people’s ideas.” He recently had his first two solo shows in NYC, with an important exhibition coming up this fall in Los Angeles. Weisberg is well aware of the importance of his lineage. He states “Arneson is my art grandfather.” Weisberg is making art within a living tradition, expanding that tradition as he works. He was De Staebler’s studio assistant for six years. He notes that “De Staebler was Voulkos’s student, who was Noguchi's, who was Brancusi’s, who worked for Rodin. I feel super fortunate to have these connections.”

It’s about connections, it’s about a legacy, but it’s really about the work.

The work that artists do in this tradition is beautifully crafted, expressive, mind-expanding, fun, scary, ambitious, important and above all, human. This sculpture gives us a way to realize again that we’re all in the same boat, sometimes bumbling fools, sometimes angels, but all totally human.

Opposite: Arthur Gonzalez, Broken Magic; Above Left: Crystal Morey, Peregrine Falcon Adaption; Center: Suzanne M. Long, Storyteller; Right: Derek Weisberg, May the Stars Welcome Without Judgement. Photos courtesy Arts Benicia Transmigrational Ceramics from the Corridor is the inaugural show of Pam Dixon’s newest project, the Benicia Museum of Art. It runs from October 16 - November 30 at Gallery 621, 621 First Street, Benicia, with a reception from 3-6 pm, October 18.

Unbreakable will be at Arts Benicia, 911 Tyler St., Suite 114, Benicia, from October 16- November 16, with an opening reception 7-9 pm, on October 18. Unbreakable is generously supported by Olson Realty.

Plan to attend both receptions and celebrate Benicia’s internationally important legacy of ceramic sculpture.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Tr

ic

k

or

Treat

Staff Writer What was once strictly in the purview of kids has been co-opted. Yes, the transformation of the holiday traditionally reserved for the young into a month-long party for adults is officially complete.

The “adultification” of the holiday has saturated all aspects of our culture. Adult Halloween parties and unique forms of self-expression are the new norm, with tricked-out front-yard displays, Oscar-worthy costumes, ghoulish games and décor that ranges from sophisticated to camp. Retail catalogs with glossy covers that hint at the many ways the pages inside can take Halloween over the top begin filling mailboxes in September. The desire to cut loose and have some scary fun is not only acceptable, but expected, making the indulgence into fantasy a multibillion dollar industry.

In 2012 CNN reported that an estimated 71.5% of Americans were planning to celebrate Halloween, up from 52.5% in 2005, citing the National Retail Federation (NRF); and that the trend has become a global phenomenon.

18 • Benicia Magazine

Halloween as an adult holiday began gaining traction back in the 1970s but really caught on in the 1980s when the retail market began catering to adults, bringing on the skimpy, the scary and the outlandish in costume options. And by the 2000’s, the trend permeated homes, schools, bars and restaurants, movie theaters and even the workplace. Here in Benicia, even the critters get in on the action with Benicia Main Street’s Canine and Critters Costume Contest, where awards and treats are handed out. Kids of all ages can also vie for the top costume prize; and the number of Ghost Walks are increased in October.

The Haunted Depot is back this year, and downtown merchants go to great lengths to garner the coveted awards for the best scarecrows.

If you aren’t attending a party or hosting your own, live music can be found around town at local libation establishments that encourage patrons to come in costume. While kids do still trick or treat, or attend the wildly popular Trunk-or-Treat event (now at Benicia High School and a new location in Vallejo to be determined) adults have taken over Halloween.

Benicia Main Street’s annual downtown Scarecrow Contest has gone citywide! Over 100 custom-made scarecrows are scattered all over Benicia. Find as many as you can and vote for your favorites.

BUSD PARENT EDUCATION SERIES INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

BIG SAVINGS

on a Pre-Season System Tune-Up!

Please Join Us! 21ST CENTURY ACTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

your pre-season home comfort tune-up

79.99

$

Explore how classroom space impacts learning, and must be flexible enough to support innovative teaching and the integration of technology.

October 21, 6:30pm Benicia High

Furnace or AC Tune-up

TECHNOLOGY & K-5 LITERACY

Increase efficiency • Save $$ on utility bills Increase air quality • Protect your family • Prevent breakdowns

Explore how devices and apps support literacy skills.

November 18, Matthew Turner

Visit us online for more information: www.beniciaunified.org

Exp. 10/31/14 • CA license #719381

Ask us about Insulation, Water Heaters, Solar Systems, Duct Sealing, Windows, Heating & Air 1768 Broadway - Vallejo, CA 94589

645-0734

AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE We are passionate about Homeownership Alan M. Schwartzman Branch Manager

DRE 00681649/01215943 NMLS 238622/1850

ams@advancedmtg.com

Exceptional Legal and Mediation Services Wills • Trusts • Family Law Estate Planning & Administration Personal Injury • DUI Real Estate • Probate Consumer Law • Business Law

Gizzi & Reep, LLP 940 Adams St., Suite A 707.748.0900

www.SolanoLawGroup.com

Mitchell S. Chernock Sales Manager

DRE 00583404/01215943 NMLS 236204/1850

mitchell@advancedmtg.com • Purchase/Refinance • Conventional, FHA, VA, 203 K Rehab • Reverse Mortgages for Seniors • Native American Home Loans

707. 746. 4920 Lic. by Dept. of Corp. under the CRMLA

615 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

advancedmtg.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

A

To t

he

FIRST STREET

Ars

ena

ST

Cit

ST K

1

ST .

EA

ST K

WE

ST J

1. Tosch Dental, 118 West K Street 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street

WE

ST I

4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street 5. Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second Street ES T

8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103

H

9

W

10. Studio 41, 700 First Street 11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street

12 17 15 16

Ch Co amb mm er o WE erce f ST FS T.

12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street 16. Urban Notions, 611 First Street

14

3

2

EA

ST J

ST I

6

ST .

EA

ST H

ST .

24

10 11

ST .

EA

ST .

Be Ca nicia ES pitol TG ST .

9. Spotless Carpet Cleaning, 800 First Street, Ste. A

ST .

4

26 27

W

7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street

EA

ST G

7

ST .

EA

17. Natasha Harris Salon, 635 First Street

WE

ST E

18. Charlie’s Attic, Tannery Bldg, 129 First Street 19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street

8

ST F

ST .

ST .

EA

ST E

20. Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, 321 First Street 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street

WE

ST C

23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street

20 ST .

EA

21

ST D

ST .

ST .

19

26. Kryss's Pathways to Healing, 841 First Street 27. Birnbaum Realty, 833 First Street

5

FIR ST ST R

EE T

18 22

23 Benicia Main Street

ST

FIR ST ST RE

WE

A. Judith Judson, 310 Military West

6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street

EA

ET

yP ark

BENICIA

20 • Benicia Magazine

l WE

Benicia Marina

ST .

ST .

Lunch, afternoon tea, housemade desserts, fine teas & tea accessories

Camellia Tea Room 828 First Street Downtown Benicia 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com

Dudikoff Insurance Agency Planning, Products, & Services

George Dudikoff, Agent, Lic. #OB13442 159 East D Street, Suite A, Benicia • P: 707.746.7395 • F: 707.747.6814

www.farmersagent.com/gdudikoff

BOOKS • TOYS • GAMES • GREETING CARDS

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

636 First Street M-S 10-8, Sun 10-6 707.747.5155 bookshopbenicia.com

TUE-SUN 8am-9pm

Steve McClure

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

707.745.0848

Mexican Food

www.stevemcclure.net

640 First Street • 707.746.7830

Fiber-Frolics

CHARLIE’S ATTIC

637 First Street, Benicia • 707.747.YARN(9276) fiber-frolics.com

Tannery Bldg, 129 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

Collectibles-Antiques-Music Consignment and eBay drop-off

Specialty Yarns and Classes Giovanna Sensi-Isolani, fiber artist

Benicia Golf Association BeniciaGolf.org

To find out more call Dale Thorne, 707.745.4852

Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful!

Residential & New Home Sales; Property Management 707.745.0759 www.judsonandcompany.com

Urban Notions Clocks Journals Notebooks Home decor Greeting Cards Beeswax candles Tableware & textiles

611 First Street Downtown Benicia

707.853.8159

Letter & number art Reclaimed wood items Reclaimed metal items Decorative bins & boxes

HOME, GIFT, JEWELRY WITH A DASH OF FUN

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

lC t Te a

Rd

Ct

r dD ar

r lD

yes No

a Te

ysh Ba

B D To East 2nd St Pa rk

9

Rd ore

ay W al t ri us Ind

d el R nn

F

A

Cha

all

M

680

ig

r Sp

Dr

al tri

ay W

us

d In

BENICIA

d kR

r Pa

INDUSTRIAL PARK

680

r eD or

h ys Ba

and

ARSENAL ore

Par k

Rd

ysh Ba

2 ita

lR d

Dr

Ho sp

Ma Mi

dis

lita

ry

on

Benicia Historical Museum

St

E

C Jeff ers

on

Gr an

St

Par k

Rd

tS t

A. Buck Factory Outlet, 4680 E. 2nd Street

Po lk

B. Affordable Quality Cabinets, 4852 E. 2nd Street C. Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road

4

St

3 1

D. Capitol Glass Co., Inc. 5000 E. 2nd St. Ste. H E. Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler St., #114 F. Benicia Plumbing, 265 W. Channel Court 1. Grossman Financial, 940 Adams Street, Ste. L 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9

Gra

Jac kso nS t

nt

6

3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A

Jack s

on S t

22 • Benicia Magazine

Pol k

9. Avalon RV, 510 East Channel Road

St

4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street 6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street

St

Tyle r

St

E

Arts

Ben

icia

Ad

am

sS t

BENICIA

SAN FRANCISCO

2 Henry Adams St., Suite 331

990 Grant Street 707.747.1383

415.525.3725

Visit ironhorsehome.com or facebook.com/ironhorsehome.

Come visit our Com ddesigner showrooms

Indoor Range and Pro Shop

2310 ““D” Bates Ave. Concord (near HWY 4) Concor also in Santa Clara Mon - Fri 7 - 5 and Sat 9 - 2 & Milbrae 925-798-7525 925 themouldingcompany.com themouldi

License # 855587

3001 Bayshore Road #9, Benicia 707.745.0447 • Fatshaftsarchery.com

Capitol Glass Co., Inc.

Your One Stop Glass Shop Since 1970 Specializing in showers, windows and mirrors 5000 East Second St., Ste H, Benicia 707.745.4570 • capitolglassbenicia.com

Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

Plumbing and Boilers Residential & Commercial Service, Repair & Replacement

10%

discount with this ad

Slab leaks, repipes Water heaters, faucets Toilets, garbage disposals Remodels, gas lines & more

Financial Planning • Investments • Fee Only Registered Investment Advisor

Lawrence I. Grossman, CFP ® AIF™, MBA, MA 940 Adams St., Suite L 707.745.8756 grossmanfinancial.com

HOME, GIFT, JEWELRY WITH A DASH OF FUN

Urban Notions

Free Estimates Mike Pitta, Owner/Operator

611 First Street, Downtown Benicia 707.853.8159

Lic. #969499 Insured & bonded

707.333.5992 • up2codeplumbing.com

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

50% OFF

for new customers

Benicia Cleaners Since 1977

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

81 Solano Square, Benicia • 707-745-1353

(Next to Pizza Pirate) Free delivery & pickup • We honor competitors’ coupons

• No waiting to drop off • All work done on premises • Best shirt laundering in town • No Perchloroethylene

STAINS: If we can’t get them out, they won’t come out!

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

Ed Brennan Interview with How did you begin your career working with trees?

When I graduated in 1971, the job prospects for someone in anthropology were pretty much in academia. I spent one year in grad school at Washington State in eastern Washington, and then I got a job doing tree work in Colorado. Back then, if you could walk, you could get a job doing tree work. That was the first in a series of unskilled-labor jobs.

I liked the job and I stayed a couple of years. Well, through a winter. … Then I came back to California and started working for a tree company in Marin. After four or five years, I started my own tree business in San Francisco.

How did you reach the level of arborist?

At that time, no one recognized what an arborist was. There was no degree program, and there was a wave of deregulation when Reagan came in as governor. New Jersey and Illinois had arborist licensing, but both were challenged in court.

The Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture started its own certification program. I’m a member, and I took the program in 1983 or ’84. I was among the first to take the test.

You learn on the job. Certification requires work experience, which you usually get with a tree company or municipality.

When should homeowners call an arborist?

If they have questions about trees in general, call an arborist. I’m not offering them a service, but I can assess the tree and not try to sell them on my services for pruning or anything else. I charge $130 for a homeowner visit. I get called usually when people perceive something is wrong or a tree needs to be pruned, but that’s not always true.

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight Like many artists, Ed Brennan’s work begins with a simple sketch.

The lines are proportioned perfectly, intersecting at just the right angles to create what many prize as a work of art: a custom bicycle frame.

In his studio in the Arsenal, Ed begins with a full-size drawing of the bicycle. He carefully cuts and lines up steel tubes on the template. From there, the frame moves to a special jig that keeps everything straight while he brazes the pieces together. Everything is handmade.

The work requires pain-staking precision and patience—traits one might expect from someone who is nicknamed Farnsworth for his “reserved personality, like an English person,” Ed explains.

His bicycle frames carry the “Farnsworth Bicycles” label and Ed’s signature.

Bicycles and riding became a big part of Ed’s life when he was a teenager, though he considers building bicycle frames to be a hobby. He has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, and is an arborist by profession.

He serves as a community adviser to the Benicia Tree Foundation.

Ed’s life is now a blend of working as a consulting arborist, primarily on development projects, and building bicycle frames. He rides regularly with the Benicia Bicycle Club.

Ed, 65, and his wife, Sally, bought a waterfront condo in Benicia in 2000 as a weekend place but moved from San Francisco to live here full-time a year later. The couple are regulars at Trivia Tuesday at the Rellik Tavern, and Sally works at Christina S on First Street. Ed has two grown children and Sally has one adult son.

Why did so many leaves change colors so early this year?

That’s a sign of drought stress. It’s like an early fall. The leaves are in the act of dying.

What are good trees to plant here?

We have such a mild climate that you can pretty much grow anything. Look at what’s doing well and what will fit in the size of your space. You don’t want to plant a poplar that’s going to take over.

What do you do as a community adviser to the Benicia Tree Foundation?

They do a lot of grant writing and I review grant applications for them, mostly for what species are appropriate.

When did bicycling enter your life?

I started riding seriously in 1963 at age 13 in Sacramento. My neighbor got a new bike and I bought the old one. I joined a bike club and we would race against each other. The Bay Area was a hotbed of bicycle racing in the U.S., but Sacramento was so remote from the Bay Area that we had our own races.

I had a newspaper route for the Sacramento Bee so I was able to buy the bike, but I didn’t use it on the route. I used it to race. I raced for four or five years, then took a break when I was in college. I got back to it when I moved to Marin. I don’t race anymore, far from it.

How often do you ride now?

I usually ride Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with the (Benicia Bicycle Club), but I haven’t been riding much this year. I us ually ride with the club unless I have conflicts.

How did you go from riding to making bicycle frames?

I heard about this course in Ashland, Oregon, that was offered by the United Bicycle Institute. It’s a twoweek course, very intensive. That was in 1998 and I was still living in San Francisco.

I get up to this course and there are people from all over the world. The group is divided into two—each spends half a day in the lab building a bike and half a day in a lecture. These were 12-hour days. I got to be friends with others in my group.

How many bicycle frames have you built?

I made two a year for quite a while. I think I’ve completed a couple dozen frames over the years. I’ve got a couple of people who want me to make bikes that I haven’t quite gotten done yet. It probably takes 40 to 50 hours per frame. I do this as a hobby. The last thing I want is a backlog of orders.

Why do you use steel tubes instead of lighter-weight materials?

I like the feel of a steel bike. That’s what bikes were made from for 100 years. The older I get, the more old-fashioned I want the bike to be. I think the thing that’s coming in bicycles is getting away from racing bikes with 100 pounds of pressure in a half-inch wide tire to something that’s more comfortable, more like a touring bike.

How many bikes do you own?

I don’t really know how many. I use about four regularly, depending on the type of ride. For Bridge to Bridge, I use more of a road bike. I have one that’s more of a winter bike with bigger tires and fenders.

Any suggestions to offer someone just beginning to cycle?

People starting out usually don’t want to ride with cars. There’s the State Park where you can get away from cars, or Goodyear Road doesn’t have a lot of traffic. East Bay Regional Parks took over the old road between Port Costa and Martinez and they are making it into a walk/bike trail that should open soon. Once they get that open, that’ll be a good place to ride.

What routes would you suggest for moderate/more advanced riders?

The ride to Rockville is good. If you go up Lopes Road, you’ll get there. When you cross 80, it turns to Green Valley Road and that ends at Rockville Road.

That’s about 20 miles one-way from Benicia.

You can then take Rockville and that intersects with Suisun Valley Road. If you go on to Mankas Corner, that’s the gateway to Gordon Valley Road. That’s about 55 miles round trip.

Besides riding, what do you do to relax?

Sally’s sister has a place in the city that we go to for a couple days a week. We like to go to restaurants there.

St. Mary’s of the Pacific Episcopal School for Girls

By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director, Benicia Historical Museum Photo courtesy Benicia Historical Museum

For many, the Halloween season provides an opportunity to indulge their interest in those iconic films that form the “B” horror movie genre and the actors who populate them. Think Vincent Price, Bela Lugosi, and Boris Karloff, all of whom would have felt quite at home in this structure, St. Mary’s of the Pacific: Episcopal School for Girls, the site of which is now occupied by Benicia City Hall. Built in 1870 by Dr. James Lloyd Breck, the school was established as a sister institution to the Episcopal College of St. Augustine’s School for Boys. Lansing Mizner served on the board of trustees, and his son Addison was a pupil there. The building was razed before the turn of the twentieth century, although our records here do not indicate when or why.

Author Gertrude Atherton is considered to be the most prominent student to attend St. Mary’s of the Pacific. Her novel, Black Oxen, was turned into a silent movie of the same name. She also wrote Rezanov, which details the star-crossed affair between the Russian envoy Chamberlain Nikolai Rezanov and the young and beautiful Concepcion Arquello. Concepcion is buried in St. Dominic’s cemetery. Their haunting story, no pun intended, is a much beloved Benicia legend.

What’s next for you?

I think I am where I want to be for a while. I’m working part time and doing my hobbies.

Backwards Glance

BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

Trends

FASHION EXPERIENCES, SUBWAYS, TAXIS AND TAXES Close Shaves in Paris and London, Part II Story and photo by Christina Strawbridge London was its usual merry ol’ self, preparing for Wimbledon and the World Cup, and keeping up with the Royals who seemed to be everywhere. Our three days went fast, revisiting Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and spending an hour at Kensington Palace.

Patti Baron and I (who are the ultimate royal watchers) took in the latest in a series of temporary exhibits held in the Palace, from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, Modern Royals, while Scott sat outside watching the royal lawn being mowed. He observed that the gardeners mowed a patch of grass five times to get the perfect height.

The exhibit consisted of dresses worn by HM Queen Elizabeth II, her rebellious sister Princess Margaret, and Princess Diana, covering the 1950s through the 1980s. It showed the impact all three women had on international fashion: the nipped in waist silhouette of the 50's when Queen Elizabeth took the throne, Princess Margaret's interpretation of the 1960s with bright colors and a slimmer cut, and the exaggerated shoulder pads and frills Diana made popular in the 1980s. Some of the 21 gowns that had never been exhibited before were showcased in clear cylinders, with video and photographs showing the gowns being worn by each woman. I remember those photos of Princess Diana, never believing that I would be in the same room with them, seeing every detail.

I have always wanted to visit Notting Hill, made famous by the Portobello Market, and the movie starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. A business acquaintance of Scott's took us to lunch there, and as we strolled through the distinctive neighborhoods, we passed the red door of Wetherby School, where the media couldn't get enough of William and his parents on that first day of school many years ago. While our friend was happy to be enjoying the rare

Alonzo

AND

Small

Insurance Agency

Home • Auto • Motorcycle Boat • Business Policies

707.746.0590 alonzosmall.com

"Diana" dress at Kensington Palace exhibit warm temperatures, Patti and I kept our eyes peeled for a glimpse of a British celebrity or royal who make Notting Hill their home.

The big sighting came later, when we stood in line for theatre tickets in Leicester Square. A red carpet had been extended along the walkway to the theatre, and a crowd had gathered with cameras and iPhones in hand, waiting for someone to make an appearance for what appeared to be a charity event. Patti and I decided it was worth jockeying for position along the barricades. Just as we elbowed our way through, a motorcade pulled into the staging area and out popped Prince Harry. The distinctive red hair was easy to follow as he greeted fans. We ended up staying for dinner and foregoing the show, deciding the best entertainment might be watching Harry exit the theatre. His departure was quick, and with a wave he was off to the next royal engagement.

On our last day in England, our friends Robert and Jean, who live in a hamlet with thatched roofs and rolling green pastures, invited us to their home for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Patti got to ride in Robert's Aston Martin, and we visited a farm where Jean boards her horse. The change of scenery, and so much green, was surreal since we are used to brown hills and lawns at home. From Paris to London to Benicia, it was 8 days filled with fun, fashion, friends, presidents, and a few close shaves with royals.

Serving Benicia's orthodontic needs for over 25 years Dr. Tom Campbell

Orthodontics for children and adults

Call to schedule a complimentary exam 1440 MILITARY W. #202, BENICIA 26 • Benicia Magazine Trends

707.745.1994 • 164 East H St., Benicia Beniciaparadocs.com

MID CIT Y

NURSERY For All Of Your Landscape Needs

People's Choice Award 2007-2013

Residential & Commercial Painting Serving Solano County for over 19 years

• Exterior • Interior • Elastomeric Coatings • Wood siding & stucco repair • Drywall repair • Installation of crown moulding & baseboards CA Lic. #942573

FREE ESTIMATES

Large variety of flowers, plants and trees Decorative pots & garden accessories Master Nursery products Indoor plants and quality garden tools

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Any interior or exterior paint job (Minimum $1800 job, with this ad)

UPCPaint.com

707.427.0445

OFF any purchase of $60 or more With this coupon • Expires 10/31/14

3635 Highway 29, American Canyon

707.642.4167

www.midcitynursery.com

PERFORMANCES October 17 - November 8, 2014 Fridays & Saturdays 8pm Sundays 2pm Historic B.D.E.S. Hall 140 West J Street, Benicia 707.746.1269 • beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

October

Calendar of Events 10/1-10/11 Benicia Library Exhibit Yuba: One Place, Two Artists

Linda Grebmeier & Hedi Desuyo O’Rourke Gallery, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343 10/1-10/12 Gallery 621 Exhibit: Intersections

Mixed media paintings by Jules Campbell Thursday – Sunday, 12-6pm 621 First Street Gallery621.com 707.746.6211

10/1-10/31 Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers: A Legacy of Historical Artistry

Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435 10/3, 10/4 Ghost Walk 8-10pm

Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia Led by paranormal expert Space is limited Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 10/5 Capitol Neighbors Speaker Series: John Brown’s Body

Civil War poetry by Stephen Vincent Benet Benicia State Capitol, First and G Streets 707.745.3670

10/8 BHS Homecoming Parade 7-8:30pm

Downtown First Street Beniciahs-beniciaunified-ca.schoolloop.com 707.747.8325 10/10, 10/11 Ghost Walk 8-10pm

Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia Led by paranormal expert Space is limited Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 10/10-12 Tannery Bldg Annual Estate Sale

Huge annual estate sale at the Tannery 129 First Street, Benicia 925.212.0323 10/11 Benicia Art Walk 3-7pm

Sip, stroll, dine, hear live music take self-guided tour View art and watch demonstrations Visitbenicia.org/events 707.746.4202 10/16-11/16 Arts Benicia’s Unbreakable

Selections from the CCA Ceramic Alumni of the New Millennium Reception 10/18, 7-9pm 911 Tyler St., Suite 114 artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131 10/16-11/30 Transmigrational Ceramics from the Corridor

Inaugural show at the Benicia Museum of Art Reception 3-6pm 10/18 621 Gallery, 621 First St. gallery621.com

Scan for more listings 28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

10/17-10/31 Haunted Depot

The Depot has been taken over by ghosts, goblins and spirits!

See website for dates and times 90 First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 10/17-11/8 BOTTG Presents Dial M For Murder

Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269 10/25 Halloween Costume Contest & Sidewalk Stroll 10am-1pm

Fun for kids of all ages; participation from local shops Downtown First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 10/25 Canine & Critter Costume Contest 12pm

Prizes & treats First Street Green Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 10/26 Bewitching Tea 11am, 1pm and 3pm

Traditional tea for adults Haunted hat contest & fashion show by Christina S Reservations required Camellia Tea Room, 838 First Street Camelliatearoom.org 707.746.5293 10/31 5th Annual Trunk or Treat 6:15-8:15pm

Costume contests for all ages plus canines. Food, music, carnival games & prizes Benicia High School, trunkortreatEVENT.com

5th Annual

Fun for ALL ages and families Trunk or Treat is a fun, safe, family environment where Trunk or Treaters spend the evening going from trunk to trunk, collecting candy from volunteers who have decorated their vehicles to serve as a backdrop for this spooktacular event!

• Costume contest for all ages • Costume contest for canines • Safe Environment • Food vendors • Live music • Free carnival games & prizes

For more information or to sponsor a trunk, visit

www.trunkortreatEVENT.com October 31st 6:15pm - 8:15pm New Benicia Location at Benicia High School!

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Benicia Grill 5th Year Anniversary!

Sailor Jacks

Open every day 6am—3pm Free Breakfast Entrée Mon-Sat only, 6am-3pm Buy one breakfast entrée, & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value

With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per table. Exp. 10/31/14

With this coupon Not valid with any other offer Exp. 10/31/14

50% Off Entrée Every day Buy one entrée & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value

Breakfast, Seafood, Salads, Steak, Pasta, Wraps, Flatbread

e R d. on

680

St

Ind

ust

ria

ay lW

Benicia Grill E. 2nd

Dinner-style lunch menu

10% OFF Entire Bill

With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per table. Exp. 10/31/14

707.751.0155

4760 E. Second St., Benicia

Lobster Tuesdays Prime Rib Wednesdays Bistro 3 course dinner Thursday

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Purchase one lunch or dinner entrée in October & receive one complimentary dessert with this ad* *expires Exp. 10/31/14. Dine in only. One discount per table, no cash value.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sailor Jacks • Open Every Day • 123 First Street 707.746.8500

Scarecrow Contest

Oct. 3-Oct. 31 on display, Mon. Oct. 20 voting ends. Scarecrows decorated by downtown businesses and beyond. Ballots for judging available to the public at Farmers Market, Benicia Main Street and participating merchants.

Haunted Depot

Fri, Oct. 17, 24 & 31, 6-9pm; Sat, Oct. 18 & 25, 12-4pm & 6-9pm; Sun, Oct. 19 & 26, 12-4pm.

With donation of canned good: Adults $3; Children under 6, $2. Without donation: Adults, $6, Children under 6, $4.

Ghost Walk

Every Fri. & Sat. in October. Two tours each night at 7pm and 9:15pm. Discover where Benicia ghosts hang out!

Halloween Costume Contest & First Street Stroll

Sat. Oct. 25, 10am Kids of all ages; Halloween Costume Contest & Trick or Treat, City Park. Local merchants get into the spirit by putting out candy, snacks and goodies! Canine & Critter Costume Contest at noon, First Street Green.

Farmers Market Finale

Thurs. Oct. 30, 4-7pm Fresh fall produce, live music & more!

Come bid farewell to the Market till next season.

Welcome to Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Full-service dentistry | In-house lab, ensures perfect fit | Orthodontics | 50% off bleach with exam & cleaning | Relaxed and comfortable environment Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St. 707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia 707-745-2100 aqc@aqchome.com AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

It was a pleasure to work with Allan and Mary Ann. They were very competent and our visions were easily conveyed. We love our new kitchen and will enjoy it for many years.

Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment

—Mauro and Elbia

Contractor's License # 687979

Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen

32 • Benicia Magazine Trends