Benicia Magazine March 2018

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Benicia

BeniciaM

Benicia

Benicia

magazine

Celebrating our 13th Year

Benicia

Be

Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann

magazine

Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

Benicia

Contributors magazine Bob Ecker Adriene Rockwell Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

Be

Photographers Lisa Duncan Jerry Bowles

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Advertising sales Jeanne Steinmann 707.853.5226 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 © 2018, 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, 372 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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

At a

707-745-7534 March 2018

Making Sense of

ance Gl

Air Monitoring Ambient air monitoring is the systematic, long-term assessment of pollutant levels by measuring the quantity and types of certain pollutants in the surrounding, outdoor air. (Source: EPA) Ambient air monitoring is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

The Benicia refinery has ground level monitors (GLMs) in place in the community, as well as process unit monitors inside the refinery.

The Benicia refinery submitted a fence line air monitoring plan to the BAAQMD in 2017 for approval.

This proposed network of ambient air monitors will detect and measure compounds specified by BAAQMD Regulation 12-15 no matter the source: freeway, commercial or residential activities.

Fence line monitoring results will be available in near real-time to the public on a website hosted by a third party. Meteorological data such as wind direction will help ascribe the measurements to possible sources.

Refinery Named Community Partner of the Year by United Cerebral Palsy The Valero Benicia Refinery has been named Community Partner of the Year for Solano County, California, by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of the North Bay. The refinery was recognized in particular for its sponsorship of the organization’s Gone for Good recycling center and the participation of Valero Volunteer Council members at its Fairfield and Vacaville collection sites.

“Your support of our recycling business, Gone for Good, has not only provided employment for people with disabilities – it has provided the means for our community to care for the environment through their own recycling,” said Margaret Farman, CEO of UCP of the North Bay, in a statement.

The Community Partner of the Year Award was presented at the Annual Grapes & Gratitude Event late November in Sonoma. The event had previously been scheduled for early October, but delayed due to the wildfires in the North Bay. Each year, UCP honors those community partners that have gone above and beyond to support the mission of providing a “Life Without Limits” for children and adults with disabilities.

UCP of the North Bay serves 750 children and adults with disabilities by providing employment, recreation and education programs each year.

Valero employees and family members, along with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) staff, take a break during a UCP “Gone for Good” shredding and e-waste event.

A separate community monitoring program is part of CARB’s recently adopted statewide mandate to determine which communities are most impacted by poor ambient air quality.

Local air districts will install community monitors on a prioritized basis.

Fast Fact: Safety First:

Air monitoring regulations are not part of an industrial safety ordinance. CAL-OSHA/ARP regulations and industrial safety ordinances focus on process safety and risk mitigation for personnel protection and accidental release prevention—not community or fence line air monitoring.

The new refinery safety regulations implemented by the State of California in 2017 are the strictest in the nation.

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MARCH

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 5

Features 16 Out and about—ten fun things to do in March 18 Sample hearty pub grub with craft brews on tap 20 New this year at 11th annual waterfront footrace

29

16

10 From the Editor/Feedback

Bio 12 Betty Jensen, chief assistant to the BUSD Supe

Art 13 Benicia Ballet premier showcases the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease 14 One-day printmaking exhibit at HQ Gallery 14 Library Gallery shows paintings by beloved artist Jerrold Turner 15 Photographs by Tina Cabezut at Milinda Perry Gallery

Interview 24 De-clutter, organize and spruce up for spring with Benicia’s Ann Corcoran

Trends 26 NY Museum of Modern Art asks, “Is Fashion Modern?”

Calendar 28 The best events in Benicia and around the Bay

Currents 18 20

29 Brighten your garden with flowers in fun, creative containers Cover photo: Cow, Lithograph with a monotype blue background,

by MJ Coleman, from the series See Me This page: Top middle: Flowers in a French-inspired crock; top left: Sampling Olive oil at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Co., bottom far left: BEF Run for Education Logo, designed by Cyndee Bogard; bottom left, Mare Island Brewing Company's Coal Shed production facility

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FROM THE EDITOR

March 2018 If the ten-day forecast for late February is accurate, sending low temps careening back into the low 30’s, and on one of the days, even into the high 20’s, March truly will come in like a lion. Whether it goes out like a lamb remains to be seen. No matter! There are plenty of fun diversions to occupy our time.

The smiling cow on our cover, a monotype print by artist MJ Coleman, invites us to turn the page, where we can learn about the art scene this month, ideas for brightening up your garden with spring flowers in unique containers, where to sample pub grub and local craft beer, live music and more.

Art exhibits include a one-day only printmaking show at downtown’s HQ Gallery—stop by and take a look at artist members' work, April 7, 10am-5pm.

If something speaks to you, you may purchase it and take it home on the spot. Photographs by Tina Cabezut will be on view this month at Milinda Perry Gallery, and March 27-April 26, Jerrold Turner’s paintings can be seen at the library art gallery, which, if you haven’t yet been to one of the library’s rotating exhibits, is well worth the visit.

Spring cleaning is on the minds of many, including mine. For this month’s Interview, Sue Sumner-Moore talked with Ann Corcoran, owner of Annie Fix It!, a home services business that helps people clean, de-clutter, organize, and let go of items that are no longer needed. Hello, messy garage, filled with furniture and other detritus from Mike's and my ongoing remodeling projects! I’m making that appointment today.

Need more ideas of how to get out and about this month? We’ve also included a guide with great options for Bay Area entertainment, in Ten Fun Lisa Duncan Photography

Things to Do in March. See you around town,

—Jeanne

Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine

Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com Beniciamagazine.com

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Betty Jensen Wears Her Many Hats Well

By Adriene Rockwell Lisa Duncan Photography Betty Jensen was born and raised in the Mission District of San Francisco during the race riots and hippy years.

While she lived in a safe area called St. Mary’s Park, she says it took courage to attend the public schools in her neighborhood. Her grandmother was a devout Christian who took her to Bethel Church on Valencia Street as a little girl, and Betty eventually became an active member of the youth group there. “I’ve known my husband my whole life because we went to the same church,” she says about Ken Jensen. They started dating when Betty was just 15, and the couple married five years later. That was 42 years ago.

In the early years, Ken’s work as a youth pastor had them moving a lot. One year they moved eight times, including to Oregon and Washington, and finally back to the Bay Area. After their church did a demographics survey, the couple was given a rare opportunity to “plant” a church in one of a number of cities—and they chose Benicia.

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“We wanted to create a place where un-churched people could feel comfortable,” she says. What started with 12 people meeting in their living room has grown to a congregation of nearly 1,300 people at what is now Northgate Christian Fellowship.

There wasn’t much pay in starting a church, so to make ends meet Ken did construction and Betty started her own housecleaning business. When she developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, she got a job at Joe Henderson (where her children went to school) as a noon duty aide.

Eventually she was asked to take over the role of Attendance Manager at Benicia Middle School, which she did for more than a decade, and was fondly referred to as “Attendance Betty.” HR called her one day, asking her to apply for the job as Assistant to the Superintendent. “I said no several times because I couldn’t type fast enough, and the job description required that. But they were persistent,” she says. “By then I was so bored in my job, I was inventing work for myself. So I finally applied.”

Her official title now is Chief Assistant to the Superintendent and the Executive Secretary to the Board.

It was a brutally steep learning curve for the first two years, she says, but she took every class she could on district laws and policies, and even learned HTML. Now that she’s eight years into the job, BUSD Superintendent Charles Young calls her “the best assistant in the intergalactic universe.” Janice Adams was the Superintendent when she started.

“Betty became a close friend and confidant as well as a highly capable assistant. She takes initiative, and is able to handle the complexities of the job. Her organizational skills helped me manage a challenging role,” says Janice Adams, now retired. “We made a great team.”

When she’s not in the office, Betty spends as much time as possible with her two small grandchildren, Emma and Cohen, and she remains close to her daughter Erin, who owns the event production company Bustle Events, and her son Eric, who studied in Italy to become a master bespoke tailor and now owns Atelier Jensen in New York City. Betty and Ken have always encouraged their entrepreneur children to do what they love, even if it seems crazy. After all, that’s what they did 27 years ago when they came to Benicia.

In her other life as a pastor’s wife, she enjoys teaching at Northgate, and recently taught classes called Present over Perfect for people in all stages of life, and Beautiful Mess for moms. She also helps organize a major fundraising campaign for Hope 4 Kids International, a charity that drills fresh water wells in Uganda. She and Ken go there every other year to work with children, and to help dedicate the well that will save many lives.

Although she hasn’t been bored at work for years, Betty says it won’t be long before she retires from BUSD. “I’ve been fortunate to work with two incredible superintendents. I’m leaving before I get another one, because I might not be so lucky next time.”

BIO

2/20/18 8:01 AM

CURRENTS

Photo left, by Peter Lichty; above, courtesy Benicia Ballet Theatre

Ballet Premier

Highlights the Challenges of Parkinson’s Disease

By Adriene Rockwell A precious handful of ballet companies across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada have come across a brilliant discovery. It turns out that dance programs for people with Parkinson’s Disease are giving patients a new joy for life. Practicing ballet is not only improving their motor skills and lifting their moods, but for precious moments, the dancers entirely forget they have a debilitating, degenerative brain disease.

Inspired by her own experience with a similar program at Mark Morris Dance Group, Benicia Ballet Theater Director Margaret Kenrick has a new spin on the healing connection between ballet and Parkinson’s. She’s telling a powerful story through a production called Legacy, a full-length ballet that includes dancers of all ages, and chronicles the lifespan of a man who faces a heroic battle with the disease. Kenrick is also a scientist who researches age-related macular degeneration for Genentech, and has been living with her own chronic illness, Lupus.

“This is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart. As I have been overcoming my own illness for the past 12 years, I know it’s time for us all to start thinking about ways to live with chronic illness while staying happy. We need to know all the possible ways to address it, and still live lovely, long lives.”

Legacy’s storyline highlights the challenges of Parkinson’s disease as it impacts the body over time. Inspired by the real life story of a much-loved professor, Lewis Stolzy, who lived with Parkinson's, the ballet unfolds his experience of learning to live with the disease, rising above the loss of movement, and eventually finding peace. The ballet begins with him looking back at his young life, full of passion for his career and family.

However, as the story progresses, he struggles more deeply

with the disease and becomes more isolated. Lewis shelters himself from loved ones as he awakens to how severely Parkinson’s will impact his life. Eventually he learns to accept the man he has become, and is able to share generously of himself.

The music for the ballet was written by local composer Dr. Durwynne Hsish. He and Kenrick met as science professors at Los Medanos College, and the innovative work embodies their shared passion for the intermingling worlds of art and science. Like the Parkinson’s patients who are now practicing ballet to heal their bodies, Legacy merges the worlds of ballet and biology in an equally meaningful way. As it is expressed through the dance, and a series of related public programs, this creative work has the potential to heal and educate whole communities over time.

“The story of Legacy addresses the universal themes of love, death, and the meaning of life. My music needed to help evoke the powerful emotions that come from these themes, and also be enjoyable to dance to,” says Dr. Hsish. “As I wrote the ballet, I kept in mind the wide age range of the performers. I have tried to write music that is accessible, evocative, and direct, but that also feels new. It is music where the emotional intent is immediately clear, but upon close examination also offers interesting twists and colorful orchestration details. It has been a privilege to write this piece, and I am so looking forward to seeing it come to life.”

The world premiere of Legacy will take place with two performances on Saturday, March 17 at 2pm and 7pm in the newly renovated Solano College Theatre, with music performed by the Symphony Orchestra of Northern California. Purchase tickets, or make a donation to support the production of this exciting new work at beniciaballet.org.

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ART THIS MONTH

HQ Gallery Printmakers

Hold Special Event Staff writer Benicia’s HQ Gallery, the newest gallery on First Street, is holding special reception for their printmaking members. At 333 First Street, Suite D, HQ is one of three galleries in the area, next door to the 621 Gallery and Plein Air Gallery. The artists moved from the Arsenal to downtown Benicia in 2017.

HQ artist members show their work in a range of mediums, including printmaking, oil and watercolor paintings, metal sculpture, pottery, photography, mixed media, jewelry and fine needlework.

The group consists of established and emerging artists.

Fine printmakers who create original monotypes, collographs, clay prints, woodblocks, etchings and mixed media graphic art will be featured April 7, in a one-day special print sale, 10am-5pm, in conjunction with an artist reception the same day, 2-5pm. The public is invited to stop by, meet the artists and see their work, learn about modern printmaking techniques, enjoy refreshments and shop to for a fine art printmaking treasure.

Jello Holiday Afternoon, by Jan Cook

HQ Gallery Printmakers: MJ Coleman, Jan Cook, Christina Finnie, Ronna Leon, Les Overlock, Elizabeth Wooley. Full bios online at beniciamagazine.com

Jerrold Turner Paintings

at Benicia Library Art Gallery Jerrold Turner is one of the Bay Area’s prominent Plein Air painters and a founding member of The Outsiders, a group of plein air painters whose colorful, Fauvist style relates back to such groups as the Society of Six, the Fauves and other colorist schools.

Turner is a structural engineer, graduated from UC Berkeley with BS and MS degrees in engineering. He is primarily self-taught in art and painted with Lundy Siegriest and Terry St. John. His early influences were Daubigny, Matisse, William Keith, Seldon Gile and Lundy Siegriest.

Turner’s work radiates with emotion and colorful harmony. He imbues each of his paintings with a strong, intense sense of color.

His thick brushworks ooze with paint, bringing about an extraordinary impasto effect. His canvases set him apart from so many outdoor

painters by the sheer movement and weight he develops in painting a street scene, parked cars or ordinary buildings. It could be anywhere in the USA, but California is his inspiration and his passion. Hardly an ordinary landscape painter, Turner paints the spirit of fresh air and open sky.

Turner is influential in the arts of the San Francisco Bay Area. He taught plein air painting in workshops in Benicia, Walnut Creek and in Virginia City, NV. He has also curated several exhibits for Arts Benicia Center Gallery.

Turner has exhibited extensively in solo and group shows, and his artwork is in collections throughout the United States.

Exhibit In Retrospect Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery Benicia Public Library March 27-April 26

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Photographing Hidden Treasures

in the Arizona Desert

Since 2001, Arts Benicia has offered a printmakers workshop, started by the late, acclaimed local artist, Bill Harsh. The workshop meets every Monday, 9am-1pm, for beginners to advanced printmakers; all are welcome. Since Bill’s death in 2012, HQ Gallery member Ronna Leon has directed the program.

Ronna also teaches etching, collographs, monotypes and mixed media printmaking techniques.

Photograph, Rock Candy, by Tina Cabezut

Staff writer Whether a slow waltz or an upbeat musical, if you were to ask Tina Cabezut what inspires her photography, she would say, “rhythm and dancing of the moment.”

Benicia residents will have the opportunity to view Tina’s work beginning March 1 at Milinda Perry Gallery. Her photographs have been described as inspirational and moving.

Tina has spent her life in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Her love of photography started early in her life and her dedication to her art continues today, discovering the mysteries and natural beauty of Arizona. From the gold-filled canyons of Superstition, to the glistening peaks of monumental wonders, each of her photographic images brings a degree of harmony, balance and contentment. She gives her audience the ability not only to see the magic, but experience it.

Tina’s passion for exploring new places motivates her to find the hidden treasures within the subjects she photographs.

She currently works in the medical field and will tell you that she finds an exhilarating escape through another dimension using her camera lens to open the doorway to a magical world.

Her photographs will be on exhibit at Milinda Perry Gallery in downtown Benicia, March 1 through April 30. An artist reception will be held Friday evening, March 16, 5-7pm.

Photos courtesy of the artist

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Fun Events and Activities

Learn how to ChalkPaint or MudPaint

John Muir’s home, NPS photo

Visit John Muir’s home Explore the many facets of America’s most famous naturalist with a tour of his home in Martinez’ Alhambra Valley. Known as the father of our National Park system, Muir was influential in creating many national parks other than Yosemite. The John Muir National Historic Site offers tours of the Muir/Strentzel house and grounds, picnicking, hiking and lots of information about the man himself. 925.228.8860, ext. 0, Nps.gov/jomu

Take a stroll in the Benicia State Recreation Area Right in our backyard: Fresh air, exercise, picnicking, bird (or people) watching—the BSRA is one of Benicia’s two state parks (along with the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park); the only state parks in Solano county.

707.648.1911, Parks.ca.gov

Tour the Jelly Belly Factory Jelly Bellys and wine? Check out the updated offerings at the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, which offers factory tours, youth camps, a candy store, a chocolate shop, interactive exhibits, a “high-definition look” at candy manufacturing, and the Jelly Belly Chocolate and Wine Experience with wines from Suisun Valley wineries. There’s even a Jelly Belly Café that cooks up pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. 707.399.2390, Jellybelly.com

The do it yourself, upcycling and rehabbing old furniture is a craze that’s here to stay. Get the paint and learn the techniques right here in town. MudPaint is an eco-friendly, green certified, water based, acrylic paint that does not contain chalk. It provides a smooth, matte, vintage finish.

You can find MudPaint, instructions and classes at Benicia’s Glen Cove Farm, a retail store with farmhouse-style home and garden items, 129 A First Street in the Tannery Building, 707.373.0082, Glencovefarm.com.

Femmage, a boutique that features local art, vintage furniture and gifts, carries Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and offers Chalk Paint classes in the Benicia Arsenal, 946 Tyler St. Suite D, 408.614.3803, Femmageart.com.

Get tickets now for the St. Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl As far as sip and shop events go, this is one of Main Street’s most popular. Stroll First Street and sample craft brews poured from a bottle at participating downtown merchants, Saturday, March 10, 1-5pm. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, 707.745.9791, Beniciamainstreet.org

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Indulge in seriously luxurious chocolates Over 50 top chocolatiers and confectioners will gather in Golden Gate Park March 11, 10am5:30pm, for the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon, along with wine and beverage vendors, food experts, chefs, authors and lifestyle experts. San Francisco County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park, 1199 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way, San Francisco.

Sfchocolatesalon.com

Courtesy Ill Fiorello Olive Oil Co.

Taste local olive oil A country drive around Fairfield’s bucolic hillsides in Spring leads to an enjoyable afternoon, when the destination is family-owned Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company. Here you can sample artisanal olive oil from local, certified organic groves, milled on site from 2,000 trees. The visitor’s center is open for tours, cooking classes and olive oil tastings paired with elegant small bites. 707.864.1529, Ilfiorello.com

Ride a train to the train musuem Take Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor train from Martinez to Old Sacramento for lunch and tour the California State Railroad Museum, experiencing rolling history through beautifully restored railroad cars and locomotives. 916.445.7387, Californiarailriad.museum Photos courtesy California State Railroad Museum

Courtesy Seymore Center

Find Benicia’s Art

Learn about our oceans

In addition to a list of Benicia’s outstanding public art, there’s always a gallery exhibit somewhere in town. Check out the row of three galleries downtown near the waterfront—the 621 Gallery, HQ Gallery and the Plein Air Gallery; exhibits rotate monthly. The Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery at the Benicia Public Library has rotating art exhibits every 4-6 weeks, and check Arts Benicia for current shows or events at artsbenicia.org.

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz offers a behind the scenes perspective to learn more about our oceans, and the scientific research behind its ecosystems and plant and animal life. The center includes family activities, exhibits, special events and more. 831.459.3800, Seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

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LOCAL

AND

By Bob Ecker

March is here and between the beginning of spring, St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness, there will be plenty of celebrating going on around town. Fortunately, locals have lots of fun options, fresh beers and places to enjoy.

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill is the place to catch March Madness hoops (along with Sharks, Warriors and pre-season baseball). With 33 screens and 32 beers on tap, you’ll certainly find a game—and a pint, to enjoy. Local faves include Racer 5, 805 and Lagunitas IPA. The mahi-mahi fish tacos offer a fresh alternative to basic pub grub, but Rookies has that in spades as well, with excellent burgers and fries, salads and sandwiches.

Lucca Bar and Grill is reopening its popular outdoor beer garden on March 10 with live music coming soon. As for beer, they offer a good variety of tap beers, including Mare Island IPA and the delicious 805 Blonde Ale from Paso Robles.

Lucca’s happy hours are 3-6pm weekdays. Other specials, like the popular “Bucket of Mary’s Fried Chicken” run on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and the Lucca Burger is a crowd-pleasing favorite.

The Rellik Tavern will be making a big deal out of St. Patrick’s Day, with some great Irish bands and six Irish Beers on draft.

Try the Killkenny Cream Ale or tasty Smithwicks—so good on draft. (Sorry, no green beers at The Rellik). They’ll also be serving corned beef and cabbage. This place has some serious beers at all times on tap including: Lagunitas’ Little

Sumpin Sumpin, Duvel from Belgium and Sparks, Nevada based Social Fermentation, a fine New England-style IPA. Happy hours are 4-6 or 6:30pm weekdays.

Nine Zero Seven is a local Mexican-influenced restaurant, bar, and social lounge. Lots of fun, they feature Taco Tuesday every week, and May the Fourth Be with You—a tribute to Star Wars—on March 4. They also feature salsa nights, and live music on occasion. Loved the outdoor patio. Great burgers too, and beers on tap.

Nearby, the Mare Island Brewing Company is going strong, and open every day from 11:30am–10pm. Their popular taproom, loaded with history, is located right in the Vallejo Ferry terminal. Favorites include the Saginaw Golden Ale and the Hydraulic Sandwich IPA. Their beers are available in many fine spots. Try the beer flight with a marbled rye pastrami sandwich. And their new brewing facility and taproom, called the Coal Shed, is located on Mare Island, right across the river from the ferry building, and available for groups and special events.

The Chill, featuring casual fun, really is a “chill” place, and is usually a low-key spot to enjoy fine beers (and wines).

They feature a few excellent ones from Ballast Point (San Diego), Anchor Steam, Heretic (Fairfield) and Firestone. The Chill recently teamed up with its neighbor, Heritage Pantry & Spice Catering, to serve up specialty cheese boards and charcuterie/cheese sandwiches.

Of course, Bruehol Brewing, Benicia’s very own brewery (4828 East Second Street, Benicia), is expanding its beers and its hours. I enjoyed their Old Capitol Pilsner and the delightful z340 IPA. Besides sampling at the taproom, their brew is tapped at Cullen’s Tannery Pub, Lucca’s and The Chill. The new hours of operation are Wed.-Fri., 4-8pm, Sat. 12-8pm, Sun.,12-6pm.

Get out and enjoy some great beers this spring and sample them on tap, the way the brew masters designed them. They taste much fresher and tastier than the bottled beers we buy at the store. And the best thing for us in Benicia, is that you don’t have far to travel.

Photo, top: Mare Island Brewing Company Coal Shed Bottom: Mare Island Brewing Company Taproom Lisa Duncan Photography

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May 5th 2017 Valero flaring incident that forced evacuation of the Benicia Industrial Park.

Benicia Deserves Clean Air, a Good Neighbor and a Community Industrial Safety Ordinance Will we be safe in Benicia when another accident occurs?

— Benicia needs improved communication with industry. Our community can help prevent future accidents and hold industry accountable when they occur.

— Solano counties’ asthma rates are nearly four times the national average. Real time air quality monitoring and reporting will give our community the details of what’s in our air. The statewide Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) does not prioritize Benicia. Improvements can be made faster at a local level.

— All Bay Area refinery towns except Benicia have a Community ISO. Experts agree Benicia deserves the same protections!

“Everyone agrees that refineries in Contra Costa County are safer because of the local ordinance and major chemical release accidents have gone down. The result of our ordinance has been safer facilities, a better working relationship with the community, and the ability to respond in a quick way to improve the ordinance if we learn something.”

—John Gioia, Contra Costa Supervisor, the California Air Resources Board and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board “What concerns me is that refineries need to be partners with their community. They need to be transparent with their community. If they have incidents, they need to communicate those incidents, those causes and the recommendations. That is what a good steward of a community does. They don’t put out a full-page ad about the mayor.”

—Clyde Trombettas, Statewide Manager and Policy Advisor, Process Safety Management Unit, Cal OSHA

Ask the Benicia City Council to adopt a Community ISO. Visit, call, or email a council member today.

Sponsored by the ISO working group.

For more information go to beniciaindependent.com/iso/

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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2/20/18 8:01 AM

Get in Shape Now

for BEF’s Annual Waterfront Footrace

By Beth Steinmann Photos courtesy ADMC Dust off your running (or walking) shoes—Benicia Education Foundation is gearing up for the 11th annual Run for Education in April, the organization’s biggest fundraiser.

BEF is a volunteer-run, community-centered nonprofit supporting all seven of Benicia’s public schools.

This year, according to BEF’s new president Neeley Silberman, the bulk of the proceeds from the foot race will go towards the elementary school STEAM Wheel Enrichment elective program, in addition to BMS and BHS college and career support, counseling office support, and speakers.

The run, which has garnered participants of all age and abilitylevels, features beautiful USATF Certified 5K and 10K courses that wind through downtown, the waterfront and the Benicia State Recreation Area. The race usually draws a mix of serious and recreational runners, walkers, and supporters who are both residents and non-residents of Benicia. People coming from out of town are encouraged to stay, eat and shop downtown after the race. Courses are professionally chip timed and exact course maps can be downloaded online. The Kids’ Fun Run (for ages 12 and under) goes from First and B Streets, past the

marina, to the First Street Pier and back. The 10K run starts at 8:00am and the 5K starts at 8:10am. The Fun Run begins at 10am.

The awards ceremony after the race includes metals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place female and male winners from each age group, $100 Downtown Dollars for overall female and male in each race, and $50 Downtown Dollars for female and male Masters winners. All participants in the Fun Run will receive ribbons.

This year, Race Director Sara Randolph is hosting a free 5K group training program at Benicia Community Park, beginning March 21. “We are working very closely with each school site to build teams to help us reach our goal of increasing participation by 25% this year. It would be amazing if we could get 1,000 people signed up, I just know we can do it!” says Silberman. Each training participant will also receive a week-by-week guide for non group-training days. This training is perfect for new runners wishing to challenge themselves, or runners who have not run in a race before. The race takes place Sunday, April 22, and registration costs between $20-30 online. For registration, details and maps, visit Beniciarunforeducation.org.

20 • Benicia Magazine

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Interview with

By Sue Sumner-Moore Lisa Duncan Photography At a time when Ann Corcoran could be slowing down, she is picking up the pace.

In fact, Ann is a pro at picking up stuff these days. Unused china, old books, obsolete modems, outdated clothing, cables of unknown origin—these are the flotsam of life that Ann deals with in her new business, Annie Fix It! Ann launched the home-services business last spring, offering to help people clean, prepare for a move, plan parties, and other tasks. Organizing and decluttering are her specialties. At the end of each day, her car is full of items to be recycled or taken to second-hand shops. “You don’t have to think about it again.”

She draws on skills learned throughout her life, including her decades at the Benicia glass studio she ran with her late husband, Michael Nourot.

“It was always, ‘You throw the party, you clear those shelves, you carry that stuff to the dumpster.’ Whatever it was that needed doing, I did it all,” she recalls.

Now she is doing it all for others, often when an in-law moves in or a family member passes or it’s time to move to a smaller home.

She knows personally about downsizing.

“I had a big life, a big house, a big business,” Ann says. The couple moved from a fivebedroom house to a condo before Michael died in 2015. Ann closed the glass studio in 2016. “It was the end of an era and I just wanted to turn the page.”

Ann and Micheal moved to Benicia in 1974 and raised their three children here.

The youngest is in college and the older two live with their families in Benicia. Their oldest son, Nick, is carrying on his parents’ glassblowing tradition.

Ann admits she isn’t immune to clutter.

“My junk drawer is no better than anyone else’s. It’s got sunscreen, old batteries, scissors, tape—all that and more.”

Ann Corcoran

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INTERVIEW

What prompts people to call you for help?

Often something happens and the house goes into disarray. Someone’s moved in, moved out or died, or they have too much paper and need a filing system, or they need help packing and moving, or their closet is out of control.

Sometimes it’s, “I’ve given up on my garage and I just need to find stuff,” or “I’ve held on to too much for too long.” …

Very little of your material things really matter. It’s more important to let things go as life winds down.

You have to figure out what matters to you. …

n

How do you start each project?

I try to get the number one thing that they want to get out of this, even if it’s just how they want to feel about their space after we’re done.

Clients always express embarrassment, thinking they’re the only ones with spaces like this. That’s the beginning of every meeting. … By calling me, they’ve already broken the pattern of letting things go on as they have been.

I’m doing exactly what they want me to do, exactly how they want me to do it. With some rules.

What rules do you have?

You start at the top, you don’t start by cleaning the floor. …

The shorter the period between when you decide you don’t need something and letting it go, the better. If you hold on to something, it’s agonizing.

You’re thinking, “Should I save it? Is it wasteful to let it go? Would someone I know like it? Might I need it in the future?” Let it go. …

You have to be willing to stop doing everything else until this is done.

Do you follow the rules in Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up?

That’s not going to work for most of us. It says to start with the closet, so you’re supposed to start with the things that are most personal.

She is very tough about rules, and that doesn’t work in our culture where you’re working with people with a lifetime Costco membership.

My clients want to purchase relief for a specific area, and that’s what we focus on. … You have to validate people who want to change. They don’t know how to feel unstuck.

Have you ever felt stuck yourself?

Yes! The last time I tried to clean my own garage (chuckling). I worked on it an hour or two and I got bored so I stopped. But with someone else’s stuff, I can keep working and see the progress.

What do you spend most of your work time doing?

Sorting and gently applying a little forward pressure. If people get tired, you can give them a break and slow things down, or you can push them forward.

Sentimental people have an extra burden. You don’t have to have a manifestation of every memory.

Everyone has their thing that is the hardest, most difficult thing to part with. For some people, it’s heirlooms, for some it’s paper, for some it’s clothes.

We have too many duplicates, and we have a lot of things clogging up our lives because of a sense of obligation.

Is there anything you have too much of?

I’m guilty of that with area rugs, sheets and towels.

I got my degree in textiles, and I find a pattern I like and I get it.

What do clients get from decluttering and organizing?

You end up with so much more space in your life for new things, and they may not be actual things but things you want to do.

What advice do you have for those doing spring cleaning?

Begin with the end in mind. You have to have a goal in mind. If it’s a big goal, do it in small pieces.

When you do a room, start at the top. Get help if you need it. Recognize your limitations; recognize what stumbling blocks are in your way.

We can all do with less. It’s no good to us if we don’t know where it is.

What do you do to relax?

I like going to the parks here in town. I hike a lot, and apparently I’m good at single travel.

What’s next for you?

I don’t know. I wouldn’t hazard to guess. This is an interesting stage of life. I’ve passed so many milestones, said good-bye to so many people. …

Life is all about moving forward.

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Is Fashion Modern?

By Christina Strawbridge A recent free morning in New York City gave me a chance to visit MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art, in the heart of Manhattan. An intriguing exhibit entitled Items: Is Fashion Modern? was about to end its run.

My son Christopher, who qualifies as a New Yorker, having lived in the City for a year, coordinated our schedule making good use of the morning.

After dropping off Louie, his Chihuahua pup, at the groomer, we headed to West 53rd Street and the modern structures that comprise the Museum of Modern Art, which houses more than 100,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, architectural models and drawings, and design objects. MoMA also owns some 14,000 films and four million film stills, as well as 140,000 books, artist books and periodicals, all part of the Museum's library.

The Items exhibit was described as "An A to Z of 111 garments and accessories that have influenced the world in the past 100 years, from icons of fashion to humble masterpieces of design.

Even though fashion is unquestionably a form of design, it is the first MoMA fashion exhibition since 1944. Interestingly, the exhibit was called Are Clothes Modern? 74 years ago.

The show fills the sixth floor Special Exhibitions gallery, a huge white, bright space divided roughly into three sections.

The exhibit does not move alphabetically but in loose groupings that address ideas: body silhouette, technology, modesty, messaging, sports and power. The curators bring two and sometimes three levels of exploration to each item.

Body silhouette, devoted to size, image and gender, featured the little black dress in several interpretations, the Wonderbra, Spanx, and Rudi Gernreich's Unisex Project.

The technology and the future zone presented Issey Miyake and two-dimensional cloth and tube fabric, which was

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promoted as eliminating waste; sunscreen, pantyhose/tights, headphones, moonboots and a Donna Karan sleeping bag coat. A prototype shift dress designed by Stella McCartney was made of a lustrous sunflower-yellow fabric, spun from man made spider’s silk.

The emancipation, modesty and rebellion section offered a red hoodie, leather pants, slip dress, and the bikini, displayed next to a hijab. Colin Kaepernick's #7 jersey made the cut with its timely social statement. Graphic or implicit messaging showed graphic t-shirts, tattoos, bandanas and implicit items like the Birkin bag, a Rolex watch and diamond engagement ring.

The area designated to uniforms, including sports and everyday clothing, brought fashion and athletics together with Converse All-Star sneakers, Polo shirt, Levi's 501 jeans, fanny packs, loafers, a tracksuit and sports jerseys. Donna Karan's Seven Easy Pieces from 1985 was the focal point of the power dressing space, which also included soft and hard examples like the stiletto heel, trench coat, men's suiting and the pearl necklace.

Featured from 1966, the Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking, a woman's tuxedo designed to replace lavish ball gowns, was revolutionary for its time. A white Hanes t-shirt was prominently displayed across from the men's suits as an evolved power statement. It was kind of odd, but fascinating to see up close and personal, the designs of fashion icons like YSL, Donna Karan and Norma Kamali paired with Swatch Watches, Doc Martens, and SPANX. Since most of us have experienced these "items" first hand as consumers, it was cool to get the perspective of their cultural impact.

We left the museum to pick up Louie, knowing the answer to the question, "Is fashion modern?" Yes! And we were wondering why it took so long to get the answer.

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March 2018 Events Trivia Night

3/1, 7-9pm Benicia Veteran’s Memorial Hall 1150 First Street, Benicia Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall hosts a trivia night on the first Thursday of the month in the lounge/bar. $10 per team, up to 4 players per team. Open to the public. Players bring their own snacks and compete to test their knowledge. Topics change every week so follow Facebook for clues to the upcoming topics. Email your Team Name to beniciavetspubquiz@yahoo. com to reserve your seat. Walk-ins welcome.

Beniciavetshall.club

Verismo Opera presents Tosca

3/1-4/1; Saturdays 7:30pm Sundays 2:00pm Bay Terrace Theater 51 Daniels Ave, Vallejo Love, lust, jealousy, deception, torture, murder, suicide—all in one opera. An idealistic artist, a celebrated singer and a corrupt police chief engage in a fierce battle of wills in this tempestuous tale of cruelty and deception. With its themes of political intrigue, sexual intimidation and official hypocrisy, Giacomo Puccini’s great masterpiece rings true today through its powerfully dramatic and gorgeous music.

Verisimoopera.org 707.864.5508

Where’s Jack London?

3/1-3/31 Downtown Benicia Benicia Main Street celebrates downtown’s “Antiques, Vintage & Collectibles” with a chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars. Look for the framed picture of Jack London at participating businesses and email the keyword found on the frame to Benicia Main Street to enter the drawing for Downtown Dollars.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Lantern Light Festival

3/2-4/29, Thurs-Sun, 5-11pm Solano County Fairgrounds 900 Fairgrounds Drive A tradition that started over 2,000 years ago, the lantern festival is China’s most important celebration, marking the return of spring, with the lighting of Chinese lanterns being symbolic of illuminating the future and the reunion of family. Activities include Chinese Acrobats, dragon rides, fireworks, Chinese food, handmade souvenirs, inflatables, artisans, and the Forbidden City Maze. Tickets range $18-53.

Children under 3 are free.

Lanternlightfestival.com

Soul Food Festival

3/3, 11am-6pm Dr. George W Davis Senior Center 1753 Carroll Ave, San Francisco The Bay Area’s biggest lip-smacking, finger-lickin’ soul food celebration, will take place 3/3 at the 38th annual Black Cuisine Festival in San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point. The free event, presented by Bayview Senior Services, will feature live music, vendor booths, a Kid’s zone, and a dazzling variety of food venues. Black Cuisine will also give soul food novices and chefs an opportunity to share their culinary talents by entering the Soul Food Cooking contest with winners receiving cash prizes. Last year’s festival drew more than 2,000 attendees and we anticipate that number increasing this year.

Bhpmss.org/black-cuisine

St. Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl

3/10, 1-5pm First Street, Downtown Benicia The Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, let out your Irish cheer and sample craft beers inside participating businesses.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Soil Health & Waste: From Global Perspective to Our Backyards

3/10, 2-3pm Benicia Public Library 150 East L Street, Benicia Jessica Bates of Food Forest Farm West will teach on the current condition of the world’s soil, the beauty and benefits of working with clay soil using mineral management, and the connection between overall soil health and waste management. You will learn why reduction in food waste is necessary for mitigating climate change. Jessica will share some basics of home composting and tips on how to properly maintain a worm bin. Home composting helps build organic soil matter right where you are.

Sustainablesolano.org

Family Free Day at the Naval Museum

3/17, 10am-4pm Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum 734 Marin Street, Vallejo The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum collects and shares with its visitors the fascinating history of the City of Vallejo and the U.S. Navy at Mare Island. Families enter free very third Saturday of the month.

Vallejomuseum.net

Benicia Ballet Presents Legacy

3/17, 2 &7pm Solano College Theater 4000 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield Legacy is a full-length, original ballet directed by Margaret Kenrick, with music by local composer Durwynne Hsish.The piece includes dancers of all ages, and chronicles the real life story of a much-loved college professor who faces a heroic battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Beniciaballet.org

Berkeley Animation Festival

3/22-25, times and locations vary Berkeley The GLAS animation festival introduces new ideas and expands the scope of animation by bringing new voices, new talents, new themes, and a new generation of independent filmmakers and curators to the United States. The program features the most exciting short films from around the world, alone with retrospectives, special curated programs, guest curators, feature films, Q&As, behind the scene screenings and panels, and animation installations and performances. The festival takes place at six Berkeley locations.

Glasanimation.com

Golden Bough in Concert

3/24, 8pm Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Rooted in the traditional music of the seven Celtic nations, Golden Bough has become a popular and in-demand group on both sides of the Atlantic.

Since their formation in 1980, this trio of modern day minstrels has traveled great distances to numerous countries, to bring their music to enthusiastic folk fans the world over.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt

4/1, 10am-12pm Benicia City Park Benicia The Kiwanis Club of Benicia has hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for over 50 years. This event is free and open to children from two to eight years of age, rain or shine on Easter Sunday. Bring your children and laugh, play games, hunt eggs and spend time with the Easter Bunny. Bring a basket and a camera to capture the fun.

BeniciaKiwanis.org

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Show Off Your Garden Art with

Creative Containers

By Jeanne Steinmann When it comes to gardening, some of us are born with a greener thumb than others. If you are seeking inspiration to spruce up your yard or patio, look no further than this lovely assortment of early spring flowers in a large, antique galvanized tub, hanging from an old iron hook. Assembled by a creative duo in downtown Benicia to act as a focal point in their front yard, this artistic family can pull from a treasure trove of antique goodies, collected and stored over the generations, for inspired repurposing.

With a little imagination, however, and a sense of adventure, those of us (raising my hand) who aren’t blessed with this particular talent can still pull it off. The trick is finding a vessel that suits your style and color scheme. In mid-February, spring flowers are just hitting the shelves at area nurseries: Mid City Nursery in American Canyon, Orchard Nursery in Lafayette or Sloat Garden Center in Pleasant Hill.

If you need additional inspiration, Pinterest is a favorite goto, though many of the photos on Pinterest feature succulents.

The thrill of the hunt applies here—we’ve all seen spectacular examples of flowers in wagons, bicycle baskets, claw-foot tubs and wheelbarrows—but challenge yourself to dig a little deeper. Look for unique vessels in which to display a riot of color, subdued hues or something in between by searching antiques stores, flea markets, vintage and thrift stores and garage sales. There’s no limit to the types of containers that will beautifully set off a floral display. The goal is to create something fun, quirky, elegant or whimsical—perhaps something you have in your home or garage—that will reward you with a stylish outdoor creation that induces a smile.

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• up2codeplumbing.com

Alonzo

AND

Small

Insurance Agency

Home • Auto Motorcycle • Boat Business Policies 1440 Military W. #202, Benicia

707.746.0590 • alonzosmall.com

Eagle Construction Roofing Since 1974 Lic.#703740

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist No. 97517

1350 Hayes Street, Suite A33 Benicia, CA 94510

(707) 980-3331

100% Financing • Free Estimates PACE Program • Licensed, Bonded, Insured

707.558.8246

623 Tuolumne St. Vallejo • eagleconstructionroofing.com

ESTEY

After over 50 years in the same location, we have moved our offices to the waterfront. The former location at First & J Streets was red-tagged by the City as unsafe.

Since 1946

Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management

CaBRE # 00674738

Come see us in our fabulous new space at 216 First Street!

Roofing • Landscaping Room Additions • Fencing • Decks Patio Covers • Painting Driveways • Windows

Celebrating our 71 st year of Business

707-745-0924 216 First Street, Benicia • www.esteyrealestate.com 30 • Benicia Magazine

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Deli Sandwiches, Salads and Soups Family Owned and Operated

Catering & Deli Trays Available

Quality Painting & Home Repair Winner Angie’s List Super Service Award 5 years running!

The finest meats and cheeses by the pound

707-746-7958 • 925-969-0133

Open Mon-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-4

hiremyhusband.com CA Contractor Lic. # 943231

707.297.6119

82 Solano Square, Benicia CA

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

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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AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

Receive a $150 gi certificate

to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen.

Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5

Contractor's License # 678979

Introducing the new owners Trevor Cotarelo and Taylor Kennedy

“What a great experience working with Trevor, Allan, Mary Ann and Julie at Affordable Quality Cabinets. From the design to finishing with hardware, their expertise and eye for detail was so helpful. They made us feel very comfortable and were so easy to work with, despite our last minute changes. We can't say enough good about AQC. Thank you!”

—Kim

weekends & evenings by appointment 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia

707-745-2100 l aqchome.com

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