Benicia Magazine March 2015

Benicia's Brewing History and the revival of craft beer

Forever young:

vintage motorbikes evoke fond memories

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

707-745-7534 March 2015

VALERO IN THE NEWS Philmore Graham Humanitarian Award

Camp Taylor Receives $10,000 Camp Taylor’s Executive Director Kimberlie Gamino and son Taylor (namesake for the camp for kids with heart disease) accept a $10,000 donation from Valero – the first gift for the camp’s capital campaign for a new facility. Because the refinery exceeded its goal by more than any other Valero refinery in the U.S., it

was afforded the opportunity from Valero to donate an additional grant to the charity of its choice. Information: KidsHeartCamp.org Pictured from Valero: Ray Quain, Karen Muehlbauer, Ray Castro, Jr., and John Hill.

The Continentals of Omega Boys and Girls Club in Vallejo presented the 2015 Philmore Graham Humanitarian Award to the Valero Benicia Refinery, a long-time supporter of the youth program, at a gala event in late January.

“Valero has demonstrated its commitment to the youth of our community through both its charitable giving and its volunteer efforts to many organizations in Vallejo, not only to our beloved Boys and Girls Club,” said event organizers.

The award is named in honor of the late Philmore Graham who founded the organization 49 years ago. Honorable Judge Robert Rigsby, a superior court judge in Washington, D.C., and one of the club’s board members who was mentored by Mr. Graham, served as emcee for the gala and presented the award to Valero.

Valero Again Recognized as One of 50 Most Community-minded Companies Valero for the second year has been recognized as one of America’s most community-minded companies in The Civic 50, an annual initiative that identifies and recognizes companies for their commitment to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

The survey was conducted by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, in partnership with Bloomberg News.

Valero is the only energy company to make the top 50, and the leading energy-sector company participating in the survey. Other top finishers include the likes of GE, UPS,

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Hewlett-Packard, AT&T, Verizon, Aetna, General Mills and Southwest Airlines.

“Supporting our communities through volunteerism, charitable giving and active civic participation is deeply ingrained in our core values,” said Vice President and General Manager John Hill.

The Civic 50 was created in 2012 to measure corporate civic engagement and recognize companies that incorporate socially responsible practices and community leadership into their culture.

“Corporate civic engagement is on the rise and it’s being led by the forward-thinking businesses included

on The Civic 50 list,” said Neil Bush, Chairman of Points of Light.

The Civic 50 survey was developed this year under the guidance of an academic panel of nine experts from leading universities throughout the country. The survey evaluates companies based on several criteria, including how extensively and strategically resources are applied to community engagement, and how a community engagement program supports business interests and integrates into business functions.

“At Valero, partnering with communities is a matter of policy,” the Civic 50 report concluded, praising in particular activities of the

Valero Volunteer Council, including its active mentorship program and support of STEM-related education.

“We are proud to be in our third year of partnering with Points of Light on The Civic 50 survey,” said Peter Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg L.P. “The data from this year’s Civic 50 survey offers valuable insights that decision-makers can use to grow their businesses, transform their communities and improve the lives of those they serve.”

The average donation by Valero Benicia employees to the United Way of the Bay Area 2015 campaign exceeded $1,000. With the company match, the refinery raised more than $700,000.

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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 © 2015, 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.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

MARCH VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5

FEATURES 18 b-Cubed partnership gets

funding where it matters most—into the classroom

20 Reliving the experience

with vintage motorbikes

22 Craft brewing on the rise, once again

22 DEPARTMENTS 10 From the Editor 12

Backwards Glance A century old, the B.D.E.S. Hall still going strong

14 Currents

Bio: Stephanie Christiansen, President

and CEO of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce

By the Numbers: Random facts about our town

16 Along the Waterfront

Capturing Benicia’s waterfront charm

24 Downtown Map

26 Arsenal Map 28 Interview

30 Guide to Local Restaurants 31 Trends

Classic 1950s style through the TV show Perry Mason

32 Calendar of Events

Cover Photo: 1977 vintage Yamaha motorbike, restored by Jeff Leggitt, Mach 1 Motorsports in Vallejo, photo by Jerry Bowles Photos this page: b-Cubed robotics project at BHS. Photos courtesy Benicia classroom teachers 8 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

MARCH 2015

FROM THE EDITOR

Photo by Joe Messina

March, named after the Roman God Mars, has all the sense of wacky fun that one usually associates with the month of October. According to Wikipedia and holidayinsights.com, March is full of oddness, in addition to madness.

For instance, this year it’s one of only three months that has a Friday the 13th.

Then there’s the bizarre—it's been named National Frozen Foods Month.

It turns out that just about anyone can create a “national” observance, and some even catch on, especially the ones with congressional approval. One of the more delicious of these that does not enjoy congressional status is National Middle Name Day, or even better, National Pi Day. For those of you who don’t remember your mathematics, Pi is a magical number with special significance.

Along those lines, this issue is full of fun stories, starting with vintage motorbikes, because it seems that everything made in the 1970s is very desirable again (not my favorite decade, except for the music and memories of the scenic, unspoiled beauty of Redding California’s surrounding lakes, rivers and mountains). Then there’s a story about beer brewing, by Madra Rue, who, as a home brewer, speaks from experience. The story relates to the history of craft brewing and also Benicia’s brewing history. It seemed a fitting topic as a nod to St. Patrick’s Day, another March phenomenon that frequently involves the partaking of libations. Adriene Rockwell explains a completely different kind of fun in her story about b-Cubed, which is a collaboration between three entities that start with the letter B, that brings businesses, BUSD and the Benicia Education Foundation together to get money into local classrooms for student innovation.

Finally, there’s a bit of wackiness in our selection of random facts in By the Numbers, a bit of history in Backwards Glance, more vintage style in Trends, and a new feature, Along the Waterfront, that consists of striking photos that serve as a visual reminder of why we live here.

Whatever the month of March holds for each of you, I hope you have fun reading this issue and that you’ll find some time to not take yourselves too seriously—and do something that inspires you to dance spontaneously and laugh out loud.

Jeanne Steinmann

FEEDBACK Where do I find that yummy-looking three-layer cake on the front of February’s Benicia Magazine? Thanks for a very nice magazine showcasing Benicia.

–Karen

What a great story about Capitol Neighbors—thank you so much.

–Donnelle Rubay

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

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Backwards Glance

A Spirited 100 Years

Photos: B.D.E.S. Hall 2015, by Jerry Bowles B.D.E.S. Hall 1920, courtesy Benicia Historical Museum

By Elizabeth d’Huart Executive Director, Benicia Historical Museum As far as we are able to determine, the spirited group hanging off the balcony in this 1920 photo—pun intended—is almost certainly composed of members from the Irmandade do Divino Espirito Santo organization, a Portuguese Catholic social group. The owner and driver of the vehicle in the foreground is Mr. Milo Passalacqua.

The I.D.E.S. Hall, or B.D.E.S. Hall as it was later called after the organization changed its name to the Benicia Divino Espirito Santo, still stands today at 140 West J Street with no discernable changes to the exterior since its completion in 1915. Still owned and operated 12 • Benicia Magazine Backwards Glance

by the B.D.E.S., the building has been used over the years as a venue for Benicia school dances and graduations, the Fireman’s Ball, and a skating rink; and is now leased by the Benicia Old Town Theatre Group for their performances.

The primary focus of the B.D.E.S. organization is the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Ghost, which originated with Isabel, the sixth Queen of Portugal. The feast proclaims the faith of the Portuguese people and their devotion to the Holy Ghost, now referred to as the Holy Spirit in the liturgy of the Catholic and other Christian churches. It was brought initially from Portugal to Hawaii in the late 1800s, by immigrants who came to work in the sugar cane fields and thence to California. The entire event features a series of processions over seven consecutive Saturdays, culminating in Domingas, the Blessing of the Meat and Bread, a three-day festival in which a portion of beef and bread is blessed and distributed to everyone present on Friday night, followed on Saturday by the decoration and dressing of religious statues. A young lady chosen by the group to represent Queen Isabel and her court join a procession, which finishes at the church on Sunday.

At the conclusion of the mass, the priest crowns the Holy Ghost Queen. In Benicia today, this same feast is still on the calendar, and is scheduled for the fourth Sunday in July—I will definitely be on that bus! B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Currents

By The Numbers 750

Bio

By Adriene Rockwell Photo By Malcolm Slight

Stephanie Christiansen, President and CEO of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce There is no such thing as a typical day for Stephanie Christiansen, President and CEO of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, and she loves it. In a day’s time she may work with home-based business owners or CEOs of large Benicia Business park manufacturers, and often their concerns are similar.

The Chamber’s mission is: “Promoting business for a better Benicia,” and Christiansen’s job is to carry out the policies and programs set forth by the 15 member Board of Directors. She and two other staff members support initiatives related to tourism, legislative affairs, fundraising, networking, business education and more.

“I try to remain flexible every day, and to be open to what unfolds,” she says.

“I love working with all the different personalities. There are so many people whose knowledge I can learn from, and I feel extremely grateful for that.”

Christiansen enjoys living and working in Benicia where she started at the Chamber in 1987 after responding to a classified ad in the Benicia Herald for an office assistant. Since then she’s done every job possible, including office cleaning and membership sales, which has helped her in her role as CEO since 1994.

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, she replied: “Step back and take a look at the big picture. Is the thing you’re worrying about going to matter tomorrow? Usually what we think is a major issue today, really isn’t.”

Her greatest role models are her parents, now retired. Together they ran a small Benjamin Moore paint store in Petaluma, where they commuted every day from Benicia. “My parents worked hard, and cared about people and customer service.” B

14 • Benicia Magazine Currents

The number of people (standing) that can fit in the Benicia Clock Tower, or 536 seated. Built in 1859, it’s the City’s largest facility.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Along the

WATERFRONT

Slippery rocks at low tide along Benicia's west side shoreline.

Photo by Jerry Bowles 16 • Benicia Magazine Along the Waterfront

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

b-Cubed:

a Grand Slam for Local Students

By Adriene Rockwell When Benicia’s RIX Industries supported Andrea Jenest’s Oceanography class project at Benicia High School, it was a natural fit for the company. RIX has a 135-year history of manufacturing innovative products that serve NASA and the U.S. Navy, among others. Their grant enabled students to build their own naval-inspired SeaPerch underwater robots, in collaboration with engineers at the California Maritime Academy. Unknown at the time, this connection sparked an idea that could boost the giving culture in Benicia schools for years to come.

It’s called b-Cubed. The pilot program is a collaboration between Benicia Unified School District, Benicia Education Foundation and local businesses, to directly support innovative K-12 classroom projects.

Modeled loosely on the national web-based DonorsChoose.org initiative, b-Cubed focuses more on local business connections, offering them a vehicle to choose from a range of tangible classroom projects that are meaningful to them, and easy to support.

“We are in this amazing community with so many resources and this project connects those resources with our teachers and their innovative work,” says Marie Morgan, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, who has been instrumental in building the program and coined the name b-Cubed. “Our students will benefit the most.”

Lisa Koenen, President of the Benicia Education Foundation, agrees: “The BEF is excited to partner on b-Cubed as it directly reflects our mission to provide communitybased support for our schools, in pursuit of excellence and innovation in the classroom.”

18 • Benicia Magazine

At the heart of b-Cubed is the opportunity to tell the stories of passionate teachers and students who transcend the walls of their classrooms—and the generous businesses that support them. All projects are approved by site administrators, and range in cost from $500 to $2,000. Many will serve students for multiple years.

In its pilot phase, b-Cubed is starting with five classroom projects: MAKERSPACE AT LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL These continuation students may face difficult life challenges, but their teacher Nicci Nunes keeps them on the leading edge. She is requesting funds for Raspberry Pi computer technology that will help prepare students for careers of the future.

ROBOTS INVADE BENICIA HIGH The new engineering teacher, Andreas Kaiser, needs robotics kits so students can build, program and modify their own robots to do a series of tasks, including playing competitive soccer.

WORLD HISTORY COLD WAR SIMULATION Each year, high school students immerse themselves in an unforgettable citywide simulation designed by Teacher of the Year Edward Coyne, who has them cracking nuclear codes to survive the learning experience.

21ST CENTURY MATHEMATICS Carleen Maselli’s high school students will finally understand how mathematics applies to the real world. Through dynamic software and chrome books, her students will experience project-based learning that gives their work meaning and builds confidence.

LISTENING TO BOOKS BRINGS READING TO LIFE Three first grade teachers at Robert Semple are requesting support for listening centers in each classroom that serve the needs of all learners. Listening to fluent reading creates equal access to favorite literature, and develops listening and speaking skills that last a lifetime.

With an enthusiastic show of support, RIX Industries has committed to funding two of these b-Cubed projects, and is confident other businesses will rise to the challenge.

“The team at RIX Industries knows the value of education and the doors it opens in the minds of students,” says Dana Otterson, Strategic Resource Development lead at RIX Industries. “We are so proud of Benicia students and want to continue to encourage innovative thinking. Innovation is a big push for RIX and we are excited to see the growth that comes from these unique classroom projects.”

For more information about b-Cubed please visit beniciaeducationfoundation.org, beniciaunified.org or email arockwell@beniciaunified.org. B Photos: b-Cubed projects in and outside the classroom, courtesy Benicia classroom teachers

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Reliving Youthful Memories through

Vintage Motorbikes

The popular TV show American Pickers comes to mind when visiting Mach 1 Motorsports in Vallejo. Primarily a new Yamaha and Honda dealership, the Mach 1 showroom also features a number of vintage bikes, mostly from the early 1970s. According to the owner, Jeff Leggitt, Baby Boomers

restore instead. It was his first restoration project, with many more to follow.

Although 1970s era motorbikes are “very hot” right now, Leggitt is quick to point out that restoring vintage bikes is just a hobby for him. But it becomes clear during conversations that similar stories and local

“this is the exact bike I had when I was a kid.”

It’s a walk down memory lane like no other. are obsessed with 1970s bikes. He calls his collection a rotating museum, and the vintage bikes date from 1965 through the early 1980s; some painstakingly restored, others, because of their age and type, are more valuable when left in used condition. But it's their accompanying stories that give them special meaning.

Leggitt, an ex-racer with 20 years experience, purchased the dealership in 1997.

A few years later, he came across a vintage bike in need of restoration. He related how, in 2000, a friend called him from a barn somewhere in Sonoma about a 1975 Honda.

The friend wanted to sell it, but he wasn’t interested until he found out it only had 81.8 miles on it. It was worth a few thousand dollars, but the friend gave it to Leggitt to

20 • Benicia Magazine

connections are the driving force behind his passion. Right now he’s looking for the Honda CB125 a customer sold to pay for his wife’s engagement ring. The guy would like Leggitt to find the exact bike he sold. Leggitt believes all vintage bikes fall into one of two categories for men: “The bike they had or the bike they wanted.”

Uniqueness is essential to any of Leggit’s projects. Each of the vintage bikes on display has a history, and if he doesn’t know it, he’ll happily make one up based on its condition.

There’s a 1965 Yamaha that spoke to Leggitt because it had been converted to a dirt bike before dirt bikes were available. Another is the 1966 orange Yamaha that is the same model and color his dad bought him when he was six years old—his first motorcycle.

He almost exclusively uses original parts in his restorations, which he searches for “all over the world.” His criteria? Other than something he finds interesting, “The bikes have to be in decent shape. If they aren’t in decent shape it’s too hard to find all the original parts. Even then, finding parts can take years. Sometimes old parts are still available from manufacturers, but I use repops (reproduced parts) only when I have to.”

Twenty-odd bikes in Leggitt’s personal collection are also awaiting restoration, but he mostly does restoration work for customers.

“They bring me bikes that have been sitting in a garage for years,” he says. “It can take 8-12 months to restore a bike, so I only start 4-5 each year.”

Leggitt loves it when guys come in, see the collection and one bike will stand out. He often hears, “this is the exact bike I had when I was a kid.” It’s a walk down memory lane like no other. “Something just clicks in guys’ heads when they see these bikes and then it’s a rush of memories and sentiment. They love standing around swapping stories about the time in their lives when they rode motorbikes.

Every bike has a story.” B Vintage motorcycle in the "rotating museum" at Mach 1 Motorsports, 510 Couch Street, Vallejo, Calif. Photo by Jerry Bowles

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

Benicia’s Brewing History and a

Resurgence of Craft Beer

By Madra Rue Craft beer produced in small breweries is on the rise. The Brewers Association defines a craft brewer as someone who produces small amounts of innovative beer using traditional ingredients and methods, with the occasional odd ingredient for creativity.

These craft breweries, also referred to as Micro Breweries, have sprouted up in the Bay Area, and not just in San Francisco. But this is nothing new.

Small breweries were once the norm in this country. Immigrants from Europe were bringing with them their desire and knowhow for making good beer. At one point, most cities and many smaller towns had their own breweries. According to craftbeer. com, the number of breweries in 1810 was around 132, with a per capita consumption of less than one gallon. By 1873, the number of breweries had risen to an all time high of 4,131, and consumption was up to 20 gallons per capita, which is actually slightly less than the 21.5 gallons today. It was in this time period that Benicia got it’s first brewery.

The Benicia Brewery was the product of Swiss born immigrant John Rueger.

Having learned his craft in his homeland, Rueger decided to journey to America, lured in part by the excitement of the Gold Rush. According to the Benicia Historical

22 • Benicia Magazine

Museum, Rueger opened his first brewery in Marysville, but in 1855 decided to move his business to Benicia, which was quickly becoming a prominent city in the region.

Rueger converted the California House on West H Street to a brewery, which remained in business until it burned in 1945. By that time, the brewery had been renamed to the Benicia Brewery and Soda Works. For nearly 50 years Benicia had no breweries within the City. It was not until the mid 1990s that Benicia saw the return of breweries, when Devil Mountain and Huttenhain’s Brew Pub opened. Sadly, they only lasted a couple of years.

Prohibition had taken its toll on breweries, but after it was repealed in 1933, the number of breweries quickly rose to 756 nationwide. Competition from big breweries squeezed out the smaller breweries, and by 1950 there were only slightly over 400. By 1980 there were only 80 breweries being run by 51 independent companies nationwide. But the tide was changing and a revolution was brewing.

Slowly, in the late 1970s, home brewing began to catch on and beer drinkers were introduced to beer that they hadn’t been able to buy for years. These new types of beer caught on and some home brewers went on to open small breweries—the birth of the

modern micro brewery. Today there are over 1,800 small and independent craft brewers in the U.S. and the number is still growing.

California added 108 small breweries in 2013, bringing the total to 480. This is more than any other state.

The good news is that it’s easy to find good beer, especially here in Benicia. Most of the establishments serving beer have craft beer on tap or in the bottle. With the number of craft brewers in the area, beer lists change often and special seasonal beers are offered for only a short time. And beer isn’t just for hot dogs and pretzels anymore. With the popularity and variety of craft beers available, beer and food pairing events have become more common.

For an idea of pairing combinations go to craftbeer.com/food/pairing/pairing-chart.

As a salute to the Emerald Isle and craft beer, Benicia Main Street will be hosting a St Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl on Saturday, March 14. Participating business will be pouring craft beer from 2pm to 6pm in Benicia’s downtown. For more information go to beniciamainstreet.org/benicia-events. B Top inset: Photo of Benicia Brewery and Soda Works on display at the Beer Brewing in Benicia exhibit, Benicia Historical Museum

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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

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

BOOKS • TOYS • GAMES • GREETING CARDS

Celebrating 21 Years!

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

Dudikoff Insurance Agency Planning, Products, & Services

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

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Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful!

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

Steve McClure

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

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CHARLIE’S ATTIC

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

632 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

Specialty Yarns and Classes Giovanna Sensi-Isolani, fiber artist

Collectibles-Antiques-Music Consignment and eBay drop-off

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

Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash

Orthodontics for children and adults

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

1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com

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

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

INTERVIEW WITH

Beverly Phelan

By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight Within two weeks of moving to Benicia, Beverly Phelan visited the local museum. She quickly learned Benicia was once the state capital and that the capitol building was still standing.

“That’s when I got the bug,” says Beverly. She became a volunteer for the Benicia Historical Museum in 1990 and joined the board shortly thereafter.

Her enthusiasm for local history has not waned over the years. She became the museum’s curator in 2006 and volunteers 30 to 35 hours a week there.

She also volunteers weekly at Kaiser and is active in the Friendship Club.

“I was born with tremendous energy. My mission is to teach people about this place. You meet so many interesting people,” Beverly says.

What are some of the changes you’ve seen at the museum over the years?

I was on our board when we hired the first director in 1991. Things started changing right away. We started taking our records more seriously. Once we got a professional director, the first thing she did was have us inventory everything in storage. I had volunteers out here every weekend for 18 months, inventorying everything – furniture, extra chairs, magazines, textiles, office machinery, books, photographs, papers. She put us in a professional mode.

We didn’t have an office building at the beginning. When we got the building, we started with a typewriter on a typewriter stand, a desk for the director and a filing cabinet. She told us we had to get a computer. From there on, we grew and grew and grew.

With every director, we continue to grow. The museum is on a good path.

What does it take to properly catalog an item in the museum’s collection?

Accessioning is getting everything into our collection according to Hoyle. You have to number each item, put it in a proper container and write a thorough description. If you give us something as small as a square nail from an important building built in the 1850s, it has to be properly accessioned.

Because of all the detail, you have to do it properly, and I can’t do it all. I couldn’t do it without (volunteer registrars) Roberta Garrett and Bob Kvasnicka. Not everybody can do this kind of work. You have to be detail-oriented.

28 • Benicia Magazine Interview

A Chicago native, she worked for a movie distribution company while still a teenager and has vivid memories of meeting stars such as Rock Hudson, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. She and her husband, Jim, moved their family frequently as he was transferred to new locations. After arriving in Benicia in 1985, she took a parttime office job in Concord to update her work skills.

Beverly, 74, puts those skills and her considerable experience to use in several key ways at the museum: she researches requests for historical information, oversees the seemingly endless work of properly cataloging every museum item, meets with donors, works on special exhibits, and attends museum board and committee meetings, to name a few of her responsibilities.

“We’re preserving our past for the future,” she says.

How many items does the museum have in its collection?

We have about 18,500 items in our computer database that’s available online, but I couldn’t say how many more items we have overall. We have lots of photos. We try to get them archived—after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. People can look through them and can buy copies of the photos.

What are your responsibilities as curator?

I’m responsible for protecting the collection, to make sure the collection is in the best possible condition that we can afford. I inspect the museum every Tuesday morning. Weekends are usually busy here and I want to see how everything is looking.

I make sure our records are in the best shape they can be in our archives. I get things ready for exhibits, though the director has the final say, of course. I do all the gift agreements and loan agreements, which are very detailed.

Research is the primary thing. I do a lot of research.

What types of questions do people ask the museum to research?

We get questions from people as far away as Norway. We’ve been asked a lot about (Benicia shipbuilder) Matthew Turner. Do you have the plans for the Galilee? No, but we have the ship list that has the dimensions and the name of the master carpenter. Then they come back with another request about another ship. It can go on and on.

There are just numerous questions about our town and the people here. One woman said her husband served in World War II at the Benicia Arsenal and asked if the gate is still there. Yes, I told her, but it’s off to the side and the guard house is gone. Then she asked if we could send her a picture of it. It just goes on and on.

It’s never boring, it’s always interesting. I can do a lot of things in one day.

DECKS • FENCES • ARBORS • RETAINING WALLS G & G Deck and Fence Proudly serving the North Bay Area

What criteria do you use to evaluate items offered to the museum’s collection?

We want items that match our mission statement, which has to do with the history of Benicia or Benicia’s military history. For example, we recently accepted an organ because it’s a cultural item that someone in Benicia would have owned at a certain time. On the other hand, a Japanese dresser would be a treasure, but it doesn’t match our mission statement.

What are some of the unique items in the collection?

What do you do to relax?

We watch TV and movies. Jim and I have our favorite competition shows like American Idol and The Voice. I love to watch young people going for their goal. B

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

Actually, my dad. He’s gone now, but he always had a good attitude about life. If there was ever a tragedy or a problem, he’d tell me it was going to be OK. … My dad wouldn’t let worry stop him from the task.

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One of them certainly would be the painting of the Peabody Hospital with Mary Lane’s house in it. Mary Lane was a former slave and she owned a home (near Passalacqua Funeral Chapel). She’s buried in Benicia Cemetery.

We have Charles P. Stone’s journal starting in 1851. He came here to build the arsenal and it goes all the way through the Civil war and beyond. This is a day that is never to be forgotten, he wrote of the day Lincoln was shot.

We have the journal of the von Pfister store from 1847-48. Who was there, what they bought and how much they paid for it. Thomas Larkin, Robert Semple—a ball of string, a bottle of whiskey.

And we have the binnacle with the compass from the Galilee. That’s a good one.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Guide TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS

SPOTLIGHT ON

Camellia Tea Room

Located in a beautifully restored Victorian building with ornate dining room, Camellia Tea serves traditional afternoon tea, along with lunch and desserts, all made fresh daily.

828 First Street, Benicia 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com

BENICIA GRILL Family-style food with an extensive menu.

Come with an appetite—serving sizes are generous. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room or on the patio.

4760 E Second Street, Benicia, 707.751.0155 beniciagrill.com BUON APPETITO Intimate dining at this downtown eatery serving contemporary Italian cuisine. Try the Risotto special for a dinner treat, or a variety of scaloppini favorites.

191 Military East #F, Benicia, 707.746.7410 buonappetitorestuarant.net JAVA POINT CAFÉ With a street-side plaza strewn with tables, this popular café, known for their freshly made breakfast and lunch options, often has a line out the door.

366 First Street, Benicia, 707.745.1449 LUCCA BAR & GRILL The warm, urban décor with a friendly atmosphere lures diners in, and they are not disappointed.

Small bites, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room, bar and street-side tables.

439 First Street, #102, Benicia, 707.745.0943 luccabar.com MATSURI SUSHI Favorite standby fresh Nigiri, sushi rolls and tempura are available along with specialty rolls, salads and sake. Lunch & Dinner.

920 First Street #102, Benicia, 707.747.1585 30 • Benicia Magazine Restaurant Guide

NINE O SEVEN GRILL Fresh American cuisine with a Mexican flair is served in this upscale café with a heated outdoor patio in the back, or at street-side tables. The fish tacos are legendary.

907 First Street Benicia, 707.745.0505 907grill.com PALERMOS CUCINA ITALIANA Italian specialties at Palermos Cucina Italiana on Columbus Pkwy and Venticellos downtown.

Pastas, soup, salads, meats and seafood.

Lunch & dinner.

2050 Columbus Pkwy, Benicia, 707.748.1011 palermosbenicia.com PEARL THAI CUISINE Pad Thai, savory soups and fresh, inventive salads and curry dishes along with other Thai favorites, served in a casual atmosphere.

870 Southampton Road Benicia, 707.747.9777

THE RELLIK TAVERN Live music and community events keep this upscale tavern hopping. Food offerings, ordered by iPad, include tasty tapas and a huge selection of specialty beers on tap.

726 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.1137 SAILOR JACKS Fine dining at its best with a spectacular view of the Carquinez Strait with terrific breakfast, lunch and dinner options served in a rustic, intimate atmosphere.

123 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.8500 sailor-jacks.com therelliktavern.com SANDOVAL’S MEXICAN FOOD The fun décor and good food make this Benicia institution a local family favorite.

Try the shrimp, chicken or steak fajitas; the salsa gets rave reviews.

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ROOKIES SPORTS BAR & GRILL This casual sports bar and full-service, familystyle restaurant serves lunch, bar snacks and dinner. It’s pub-grub meets fine cuisine: salads, sandwiches, burgers and sensational sweet potato fries. Sunday Breakfast.

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THE WORKSHOP This popular take-out spot serves up seriously delicious New Orleans-style dishes. Morning Beignets lead into lunch options of hot sandwiches and fresh made soups and sides.

511 Claverie Way, Benicia 707.7476028

ROSIE’S CAFÉ This sweet little roadside diner serves full breakfast and lunch options of hearty American fare. Try the biscuits & gravy or grits, and the homemade soups and chili.

3001 Bayshore, Benicia, 707.745.1154 cafebenicia.com

VENTICELLOS Italian specialties at Venticellos downtown and at Palermos Cucina Italiana on Columbus Pkwy.

Pastas, soup, salads, meats and seafood. Lunch and dinner; weekend brunch at Venticellos.

911 First Street, Benicia, 707.747.5263 venticellos.com

Trends

PERRY MASON

STYLE

By Christina Strawbridge The opening credit score Park Avenue Beat, by Fred Steiner, is undeniably Perry Mason, one of television's most recognized musical themes. The 1957-1966 CBS television courtroom series has been resurrected on METV and a new generation has become hooked. Perhaps the attraction is nostalgic, or we've developed mad crushes on Mason (Raymond Burr), Paul Drake (William Hopper) and Della Street (Barbara Hale). My husband has not hidden his infatuation of Street, who held her own as part of a predominately male cast with her classic buxom figure, pencil skirts and dimpled smile.

Della wore outfits that were classic for the late 1950s and transitioning into the 1960s. She provided an example of a professional workingwoman, wearing styles that were not only form fitting and feminine, but also appropriate for a personal secretary.

The producers, thinking that the episodes would appear dated if they followed every 1960 s trend, kept her skirts below the knee. As a main character in the weekly series, Della is often seen wearing separates, using different blouses or sweaters paired with a skirt to maximize her working wardrobe. Separates and sportswear was a new trend for women in that era, with designers like Bonnie Cashin and Hubert de Givenchy creating alternatives to the dress. Even so, the shirtwaist dress became Della’s trademark, including one with her initials embroidered on the bodice.

While watching the series (over 100 episodes in the DVR at the moment) I have noticed that Della's accessories are low key with a simple strand of pearls, a broach and sometimes a necklace with a pendant containing her initials, a prelude to a key accessory Carrie Bradshaw wore in Sex and the City.

The men's clothes on the show are also distinctive, with broadshouldered dark suits for defense attorney Mason, and natty checked or hounds tooth sport coats worn by private investigator Drake. There was sophistication about how they were put together, with a pocket-handkerchief, cuff links and even a ring on their pinkie fingers (including Della’s). The preferred mode of transportation to get to the crime scene or courthouse was the huge convertible of the day (top down for full view inside and out) with winged taillights and lush interiors.

The Perry Mason office is also an interesting display of early 60s decor with distinctive light-grained wood paneling, hanging wooden masks, a bust of Voltaire, distinctive art and leather sectional furniture. The space seems really large with lots of doors and adjoining offices for the entering and exiting of clients hoping to prove their innocence.

Even though the episodes seem formulaic—there’s a murder, Mason’s client is charged, Mason establishes his client's innocence through intense cross examination and the true murderer breaks down and confesses—the show continues to captivate.

During the Senate confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, she said that watching Perry Mason had made her want to grow up to be a prosecutor. Senator Franken noted that the prosecutor lost all the cases on the series but one.

Subsequent research by CNN found that the prosecutor won two cases against Mason, and Mason himself lost in some manner in at least three cases.

I have yet to see Perry Mason lose, but after watching about a third of the 271 episodes, I have become a fan of the show and the era of style it represents. And then there is Paul Drake, too! B

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

March

Calendar of Events 3/1-3/8 ART OF A COMMUNITY EXHIBIT

Celebrating talents of Arts Benicia members Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

3/6 GHOST WALK 4PM

Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia Led by paranormal expert Space is limited Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

3/6 ACOUSTIC MUSIC ART & HEART CONCERT SERIES 7PM

Motoshi Kosako, jazz harp Tickets $25.00 Northgate Church, 2201 Lake Herman Road guitarwork.com 415.297.3542

3/7 VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL CRAB FEED FUNDRAISER 5:30PM

Fresh crab, salad, pasta & garlic bread No host cocktails, raffle, bake sale, live entertainment Tickets $45 at Vets Hall Canteen 1150 First Street 707.745.1769

3/14 FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE 10AM-4PM

Downstairs at the Library 150 East L Street 707.746.4343

3/14 ST. PATRICK’S DAY BEER CRAWL 2-6PM

Let out your Irish cheer and sample craft beers!

Inside participating downtown boutiques First Street, downtown Benicia Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

3/17 YOUTH AG DAY

3/21 EVENING WITH BENICIA BALLET

3/21 BLACK IRISH IN CONCERT 8-10PM

For 3rd grade students to learn about agriculture Solano Cty Fairgrounds 900 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo Maria Coffman, agday@scfair.org 707.551.2002

Annual gala fundraiser, Venue TBD Beniciaballet.org 707.746.6757

Fresh crab, pasta, salad, garlic bread Historic BDES Hall, 140 West J Street Beniciaholyghost.org 707.745.1393

3/22 A CALL TO ARMS—THE BENICIA ARSENAL WWII 4PM

Benefits BHS sports programs & Interact Club Historic Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street Brownpapertickets.com/event/1085203 707.745.0924

3/7 CRAB FEED – B.D.E.S.

HOLY GHOST COMMITTEE 6PM

3/13 CASINO NIGHT AND TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT

Scan for more listings 32 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Musical stew of Celtic melodies/California history Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Exhibit grand opening presentation & dance 1940s memorabilia Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

3/28 BENICIA MINI MAKER FAIRE 10AM-5PM

Family-friendly festival of inventiveness & creativity Hands-on activities for all ages Benicia Middle School, 1100 Southampton Road Beniciamakerfaire.com

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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

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RIEDEL VERITAS MASTER GLASS TASTING March 11, 2015, 6:00-7:30

Join us for a glassware demonstration that will prove that the shape of a glass truly makes a difference in your perception and enjoyment of wine! Crystal of America’s Regional Manager Christopher Dillon will lead this sensory educational workshop.

Cost is $50, per person. Includes tasting, 3 wine glasses and appetizers.

For tickets and information contact: Mary Ann 707-745-2100 or aqc@aqchome.com

Contractor's License # 687979

Intelligent design, superior products and flawless execution...that is Affordable Quality Cabinets and Countertops.

Thank you AQCC for such a wonderful remodeling experience.

—Joe & Nicole W.

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

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

4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia 707-745-2100 • aqc@aqchome.com