Benicia Magazine October 2016

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2 • Benicia Magazine

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Journals & Notebooks Decorative Items Greeting Cards Candles & More Supporting Benicia's Quality of Life

Tom has: -Opposed The Valero Crude by Rail Project -Opposed the recent high water rate increases -Advocated the use of Measure C funds for roads, sidewalks and City Infrastructure maintenance

Paid for by Tom Campbell for City Council FPPC #1388190

6 • Benicia Magazine

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Elizabeth d’Huart Adriene Rockwell Sarah Rohrs Beth Steinmann Sue Sumner-Moore Photographers Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight

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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 © 2016, 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.

What are people saying about Steve Young?

Steve knows that maintaining strong schools is basic to Benicia’s quality of life for families. That’s why he supports close cooperation with BUSD. Susan Sullivan, retired teacher and former Principal, Mary Farmer Elementary

Steve appreciates the vitality and value of First Street, and will engage both merchants and Main Street to meet its challenges.

Stan Houston, Owner, Mozart, Einstein and Me

Steve will support much needed upgrades in the Industrial Park that will help attract and keep new businesses.

Jack Ruszel, Ruszel Woodworks, Benicia

Steve will protect public health and safety, which is critical to maintaining Benicia’s housing values.

Adrean Hayashi, Benicia resident, realtor.

Vote for STEVE YOUNG on Nov. 8 FPPC# 1384682 Paid for by Steve Young for City Council

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

OCTOBER

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 12

28

FEATURES

16

Benicia’s big month of ghoulish Halloween fun

18

Eleven remaining Ghost Fleet ships still on active duty

26

An abundance of family-fun activities at Fire Dept.

Open House

DEPARTMENTS 10 From the Editor 12 Currents

Oktoberfest returns to the Clock Tower Oct. 1 The Carquinez Choraliers sing for their seniors Solano’s best-kept musical secret is its symphony orchestra 12 Backwards Glance

A bevy of 1924 beauties celebrate a Benicia Halloween 13 Bio Gina Eleccion, Management Analyst, Benicia Fire Dept.

22 Interview

Ann Dunleavy, Superintendent at Benicia Parks & Community Services 28 Calendar of Events The best events in Benicia and around The Bay Cover Photo: Previous Benicia Fire Department Open House, by Jerry Bowles Courtesy photos top right and in circle

8 • Benicia Magazine

Elect

FOR MAYOR Endorsements From Those Who Work With Mark BENICIA CITY COUNCIL

PROVEN LEADERSHIP and INTEGRITY

Christina Strawbridge Tom Campbell Alan Schwartzman

BENICIA SCHOOL BOARD Gary Wing Diane Ferrucci Peter Morgan Stacy Holquin

Benicia Police Officer’s Association Benicia Firefighter’s Association Napa-Solano Central Labor Council Supported by: Solano Association of Realtors SOLANO COUNTY SUPERVISORS Jim Spering Erin Hannigan John Vasquez SOLANO COUNTY MAYORS Harry Price – Fairfield Jack Batchelor – Dixon OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS Ken Paulk – Benicia City Treasurer Marc Tonneson – Solano County Assessor-Recorder Scott Haggerty – Alameda County Supervisor Jess Malgapo – Vice Mayor, City of Vallejo FORMER BENICIA ELECTED OFFICIALS Jerry Hayes – Mayor Steve Messina – Mayor John Silva – Solano County Supervisor & Benicia City Council Pierre Bidou – City Council Bill Whitney – City Council BENICIA TEACHERS (Partial List) Kelly Hughes Matthew O’Reilly Michael Hughes Mary Wheat Jim Bowles Kent Higginbotham Craig Holden Cliff Nelson Tom Horne Annette Fewins

Ivania Martin Christina Moore (Robert Semple Principal) Paula DaSilva Julie Klug Mandy Esteban Maureen McIntosh Jackie Lynch (Teacher’s Aide) Christi Taylor (Librarian) Alex Tuiolosega

Effective leaders earn the trust and respect of those they work with, and those they work for. As Vice Mayor, Mark has earned a broad cross-section of support throughout Benicia. He has the skills and ability to bring people together on all sides of an issue, thoughtfully and respectfully discuss the issue, work towards consensus and get things done.

The endorsements that Mark has secured are a true testament to the trust and respect that he has earned over the years.

BENICIA BUSINESSES (Partial List) Deanne Sandoval-Ponder, Sandoval’s Restaurant Bill & Leeann Cawley, Benicia Plumbing John Laverty , Laverty Construction Carl & Janice Webster, Star Sports Jimmy Ponder, Ponder Environmental Jeff Cromer, Pacifica Pizza Helen Estes, Metropolitan Moving & Storage Richard Bortolazzo , Coldwell Banker Mike Reed, Reed’s Body & Fender Work Rod Sherry, Cullen-Sherry & Associates Randy & Ann-Marie Ramos, 907 Grill Kathy Stevens, First Impressions John & J.D. Heckaman, Specified Process Equipment Christina Strawbridge, Christina S Fashion Destination Tom Gavin & Tami Schreiner, Gavin & Schreiner Insurance Marco Santos, The Detail Shop Alan Schwartzman, Advanced Mortgage Services Scott Strawbridge, Scott Strawbridge Association Management

markhughesformayor.strikingly.com Paid for by Benicians For Hughes For Mayor 2016, FPPC# 1378322

FROM THE EDITOR OCTOBER 2016 Until my daughters were in their teens, I loved Halloween. I sewed fun costumes for myself and for friends as a teen (that’s me in 1978), and later, for my kids. Mike and I threw ourselves into carving pumpkins, making spider webs and handing out candy—and we installed a hidden, creepy laughing voice that startled trick-or-treaters on Halloween. My interest in the holiday waned as our daughters hit their mid-teens.

But October in Benicia is nearly impossible to ignore, what with creatively decorated scarecrows all over town in shop doorways and fun activities throughout the month.

You can’t help but get caught up in the enthusiasm. Between Main Street’s Ghost Walk, Haunted Depot, Zombie Brew Crawl, pet costume contest and other offerings; and Trunk or Treat, a huge and hugely fun trick-or-treat from lavishly decorated car trunks at the BHS event, it’s truly a month for everyone to enjoy. Read more about Halloween and Benicia’s frivolities on page 16.

According to the Maritime Administration (an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation), numerous phone calls have recently been fielded, where people asked if additional ships had been added to the Mothball Fleet in Suisun Bay. This comes on the heels of many ships having been towed away. Actually, the remaining 11 ships have recently been repositioned, and are still active. It’s an interesting read on page 18 if you have wondered about the status of the fleet as you cross the bridge.

Our Interview and Bio this month feature two strong women who have been lending their expertise to city staff for a combined 32 years. Sue Sumner-Moore talked with Ann Dunleavy, Superintendent of Parks and Community Services, who has logged in 17 years at the city—and Gina Eleccion, Management Analyst currently working with the fire department, who began her career with the city 15 years ago. These women are helping shape Benicia’s future.

If you’re a Benicia Oktoberfest fan, it’s happening this weekend at the Clock Tower (details page 12) so hurry and get tickets. Enjoy these stories and more in this issue, as well as online exclusives at beniciamagazine.com, one of which is a roundup of local craft brews and small bites that celebrate fall.

—Jeanne Steinmann Photo by Michael Van Auken

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Call 707.853.5226 or go to beniciamagazine.com Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann beniciamagazine

10 • Benicia Magazine

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Zombies descend upon downtown to sample craft beers and tasty bites inside participating businesses—dare to join them?

Zombie attire is suggested to avoid being eaten alive.

I am a first generation American living the dream, and proud to call Benicia my home.

My wife and I are raising our daughters in Benicia because the quality of life here is unmatched. Benicia is where I work, and proudly serve our community as Vice Chairman of the Economic Development Board.

I am running for Benicia City Council because I believe we have an obligation to pass along an even better Benicia to the next generation.

Vote by Mail or at The Polls on November 8

votelionel.com facebook.com/voteforlionel Paid for by LARGAESPADA FOR CITY COUNCIL 2016. FPPC# 1385471

Saturday October 15, 2-6pm

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

B AC KW ARD S G LAN C E

No Trick— Just a Treat!

By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director, BHM Photo Courtesy Benicia Historical Museum The charms of Mr. Jack O’Lantern (Pumpkinhead to his friends) seen here riding along on the running board of this early model automobile are obvious: he has a large personality and his eyes crinkle delightfully when he smiles—and he is always smiling! This popular fellow was the official escort to a bevy of costumed Benicia belles over the Halloween weekend of 1924, during which time a number of parties took place.

The Benicia High School seniors’ entertainment and refreshment committees issued an invitation to their Friday night Halloween school fête; addressed to fellow students, faculty, and faculty parents with this proviso: “The students and faculty must come costumed and masked although the parents do not need to. Those that do not come in costume and do not wish to take part in the games will be asked to stay in the gallery.” (For those of you who are Jerry Seinfeld fans: “No soup for you!”)

The Benicia newspaper later reported that the event at the gym “… proved to be a great success. Those attending declared they had had pleasant times.” Hmmm … maybe this slightly underwhelming endorsement of hallowed eve fun was due to the absence or late arrival of the pictured revelers?

There was another costume event that weekend: Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Johnson entertained friends at their home Saturday night, requesting attendees to dress in costume “… suggestive of old fashioned models.

Games and dancing by radio filled out an evening of fun with deliciously prepared refreshments served during the evening.” (Guests were “ …

Messrs. and Mesdames Lloyd Williams, Roland Wilson, Fred Jensen, Frank Alexander, A.D. McKnight of Berkeley, Miss Mildred McKnight of Yuba City, Miss Helen Bolton, Messrs. George Bolton, Vernon Dalton.”) Now, that’s more like it!! Truth is, without knowing the identity of those pictured, we don’t know where they went—perhaps these happy costumed cuties did not attend either of these affairs but simply rode around town, waving and smiling, stopping to chat with friends, having a gay old time. Certainly, the real party that weekend is on view here, posing for posterity, no tricks, just a wonderful treat for us today, captured with a camera 92 years ago.

Happy Halloween!

High-resolution reproductions of this original photograph and others are available for purchase at the Museum. BHM would be grateful for any information on the identity of those pictured above.

12 • Benicia Magazine

Oktoberfest Benefits Organizations Helping Those in Need

By Beth Steinmann Benicia Human Services Board is a 9-member committee responsible for distributing funding requests to all nonprofit agencies in Benicia that provide services for those in need. BHS is organizing their annual festive fall event that will benefit four such organizations: Benicia Community Action Council, Families in Transition,

BIO Catholic Social Services of Solano County and BUSD Special Friends. This year’s Oktoberfest takes place Saturday, October 1 from 6-10pm at the Historic Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street in Benicia. Tickets are $35 each or two for $60, and all proceeds benefit the above nonprofits.

Ticket price includes a meal (delicious traditional German fare!) and a drink. Featured brews will be provided by Benicia’s Bruehol Brewing Company, which started as “a little hole in the wall home brewery,” specializing in “beers that stem from traditional German style lagers and ales that don’t always fall into a specific category.” Their beer can be found in Benicia at Cullen’s Tannery Pub, and

Gina Eleccion

in nearby cities. Other event draws include a silent auction, beats by Beat Meters, and all the lederhos’n and alpine hats you can handle!

Purchase tickets at: Benicia Main Street Earthly Nutrition Benicia City Hall Finance Dept. or go to eventbrite.com.

Bruehol.com Bencac.com Familiesintransition.org Csssolano.org Beniciaunified.org Tannerypub.com.

Courtesy photos

By Adriene Rockwell, photo by Malcolm Slight It’s no surprise that Gina Eleccion, Management Analyst for the City of Benicia, is a New Yorker by birth. Behind the genuine smile is a woman with grit who knows how to get things done. Born in Queens, Gina moved to Massapequa before moving out West at the age of 10 with her parents and two siblings.

Benicia is where she’s set roots for the past 23 years, and for 15 of those years she has worked for the city. With a background in retail management at Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, she was ready for a change, and took an entry-level job as an administrative clerk in the city manager’s office. She was promoted to the Community Development Department where she managed both the Historic Preservation Review Commission and the Sustainability Commission.

For the past two years she had a duel role with the police and fire departments, however, this June she began full time with the fire department.

“Everything I do is to support the chief, our division chiefs and all of our firefighters, and ultimately make their jobs easier and safer,” she says. In her project management role, she is working on updating the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is a safety strategy for avoiding major hazards and disasters. She’ll also work on updating the city’s Emergency Operations Plan.

The fire department is the city’s emergency operations center, says Gina, and the fire chief makes sure every city employee is trained and knows their role in case of a disaster. “People assume that because it’s a small town, there’s not much going on. But on a daily basis there is so much happening. The training is intense, and if, God forbid, anything were to happen, everyone is ready to step in,” she said.

About the fire department staff she says, “I would trust these guys with my life. They are so dedicated to what they do, and so compassionate with the citizens of Benicia. I hope that people understand that they are training twenty four-seven, and they go the extra mile every day.”

What people might not know about Gina is that she’s been playing soccer since she was seven years old, and was a coach for the Benicia Arsenal F.C. soccer club for more than seven years. After 40 years of the game, her knees are taking a break. But she and her friends are still avid sports fans. “People think I enjoy hockey just a bit, until they get to know me and realize I’m a real hockey fan,” she says, smiling.

Her team is the New York Islanders, but she says she’s grown to love the Sharks.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

C URR EN T S

Brighten the Lives of Local Senior Citizens

By Sarah Rohrs, courtesy photos Benicia’s Jeanie Brown has had many music fans over the years, but these days her biggest fan is her uncle Kent. Kent accompanies her to Brookdale senior assisted living facilities in Vallejo—where Browns’ choir, the Carquinez Choraliers, entertains and brightens the lives of Benicia and Vallejo seniors—with songs from Broadway shows, movies and tunes from bygone eras. Through her uncle she has come to see each one in the audience as someone special. “I look out and realize that attendees are somebody’s grandpa, grandma, uncle, aunt, mom and dad. We’re not just singing for strangers. We’re singing for someone’s loved one and people who need a little joy in their world,” said Brown, the choir’s founding director. Each concert is free.

Those who sing in the Carquinez Choraliers have a common focus of using music as a gift, as a way to brighten up the world and help people who need a lift. Not all the members of her choir are seniors, but are all over the age of 50. Brown said music is not the only art form used for therapeutic purposes.

“There’s joy that comes from any of the arts—theater, art or music. It can be very healing and very stabilizing for people,” she said. The smiles and looks of contentment on faces as they listen to songs is payment enough. “It’s so enriching. These people don’t have too many bright, sunny days. Then you see the smiles that burst out when we do "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." The music brings up memories for them. In some of these places, they don’t feel so well, and this brings them a little joy and sunshine.”

The Carquinez Choraliers came about after Brown retired from a long career teaching music in Contra Costa County schools. She got involved with numerous community choirs and decided to launch one of her own. She and a friend came up with the idea to go into senior living facilities, homeless shelters, churches and other spots and sing for free. Founded last year, the group began with Christmas caroling at Benicia Main Street’s annual downtown Holiday Open House. Then they branched out with a new set of songs from That’s Entertainment! They now sing in churches, homeless lunch sites in Vallejo, and Benicia’s Casa de Vilarrasa. Brown said she heartened to learn residents in the Benicia facility, some who can’t get down to the lobby, open up their windows so they can hear the singing. She takes her uncle Kent along to the two Brookdale assisted living complexes in Vallejo.

The Carquinez Choraliers is part of Brown’s long love affair with music, which includes piano lessons at age four, playing the organ at her father’s church, performing and playing the clarinet in marching bands in high school and college and then teaching music for more than 35 years. She plays many instruments and also offers music lessons. Singing in a choir has been a constant. “I always have a choir, somewhere,” she said. After a summer break, the Carquinez Choraliers started up again in September.

Brown said more people are welcome to join in. She is looking for singers, dancers, instrumentalists and theater lovers. The group meets 7-9pm Thursdays in her Benicia home. For additional information, call 707.745.4219 or email jbrown.bns@att.net.

14 • Benicia Magazine

Solano Symphony Orchestra

Carquinez Choraliers

ELIZABETH—PUTTING BENICIA FIRST Elizabeth's leadership skills, unwavering dedication and forward thinking has made Benicia the town it is today.

Courtesy photos: Solano Symphony Orchestra in concert Inset, Semyon Lohss, Conductor & Director, Solano Symphony Orchestra

Solano Symphony Orchestra Launches 30th Concert Season

By Beth Steinmann Solano Symphony is about to begin its 30th concert season. Masetro Semyon Lohss is entering his 25th season as conductor and director. Lohss is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, and his guest conducting highlights include the Ballet California, North Bay Opera, Vallejo Symphony, Palo Alto Philharmonic and Nova Vista Symphony, among others. He and his family moved to the area from New York to accept the position with Solano Symphony.

Depending on the concert, the orchestra averages about 50 players. “After every concert, I am hearing feedback that the orchestra sounds better and better concert to concert, and the orchestra has been performing more and more difficult repertoires too,” says Lohss. “So you don’t need to go far to listen to great classical music!” Performances are held at Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, Downtown Theatre Fairfield and Kroc Center in Suisun City.

This season’s opening night is October 16 at 3pm.

Maestro Lohss is excited about this concert because operatic baritone Malcolm MacKenzie will be present.

The evening’s complete repertoire is available in Benicia Magazine’s Online Calendar and at solanosymphony.org.

He also particularly recommends December and February concerts for children and newcomers—December’s Holiday Celebration will include popular selections from The Nutcracker; and in February, young musicians will perform in the Salute to Youth.

For extensive video footage of Solano Symphony performances, go to YouTube and type “solanosymphony.org” into the search bar. Visit the same website for more info about the symphony, including the full 2016-2017 concert schedule.

Elizabeth Patterson—experience you can trust.

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Paid for by the Committee to Re-elect Elizabeth Patterson, FPPC #1289634

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

By Sarah Rohrs Rooted in an ancient holiday, Halloween today is more about candy, costumes, chills and thrills. But remnants of the Celtic rituals can be found mingling with the prevailing customs, even the call of “trick or treat.” Long ago, the Gaelic festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest season. The Celts believed the night was a bridge to the world of the dead, and gifts or treats were left out to pacify unfriendly spirits that roamed around in darkness. In Benicia, no actual fiends or ghouls are likely to be found on Halloween, but there will be lots of family-friendly, safe fun for people all ages. In downtown Benicia, local merchants and others pitch in to offer a taste of the season, some spinetingling fun, plus the chance to encounter ghosts during downtown Ghost Walks. Benicia Main Street is at the forefront, staging numerous events in October. “We’re

16 • Benicia Magazine

very excited about it this year. We seem to grow the Halloween festivities every October,” said Main Street Executive Director Nancy Martinez.

October and Halloween fun starts out with the annual Scarecrow Contest, open to both businesses and residents. The contest is highly competitive amongst participating merchants, whose owners or employees go all-out to have the most creative scarecrows. Walk down First Street and chances are you’ll see examples of all styles and varieties in storefronts and other areas. Many restaurants get in on the action, modeling scarecrows after the owners, said Martinez. One year, the Benicia Police Department created a prisoner in black-and-white with a ball and chain around his neck, and the Benicia Fire Department had its scarecrow on a fire ladder. A cadre of mystery judges casts votes for the best displays, while members of the public can pick their

favorites, too. Ballots are available at the Main Street booth at Thursday’s farmers market.

Halloween excitement mounts as the usually benign Southern Pacific Railroad Depot at the foot of First Street becomes a different kind of place altogether. As the “Haunted Depot,” the old railroad freight room transports children and adults to an eerie place of ghosts and ghouls.

“The Depot is a perfect venue because it can be a little spooky,” she said. Rumor has it that it may even be haunted. Many helpers, including high school students and business owners, decorate and play scary creatures. An entrance fee offsets insurance costs, and a canned food donation for families in need cuts the price in half. The Haunted Depot is offered Oct. 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and 31.

Almost two weeks before Halloween, people strolling on First Street may encounter small bands of costumed visitors in bloody bandages with one foot in the grave. Their grim clothing is all for fun. They’ll be taking part in Benicia Main Street’s Zombie Brew Crawl, 2-6pm on Saturday, Oct. 15 on First Street. Costumes are not required but they add much to the ambience. The afternoon is all about the small craft beer offered to sample inside local businesses. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 the day of the event.

Participants get 17 three-ounce pours of diverse brews in 17 locations.

While the Zombie Brew Crawl is adults-only, kids rule the day in the annual Halloween Costume Contest and Sidewalk Stroll. This year the parade starts 10am, Saturday, Oct. 22 on First Street. “It’s been going on at least 20 years and there’s no cost—everyone just kind of shows up. It’s held downtown at City Park on First and K streets. At 9:45am the place will be deserted, and then five minutes later the park is full,” Martinez said. Shop owners open early and hand out candy as children advance towards the waterfront. At noon the Canine & Critter Costume Contest unfolds on the First Street Green with treats and awards.

Plenty of treats will also be on hand during the annual Trunk or Treat extravaganza, 6:15-8:15pm Halloween night at Benicia High School. This highly successful event was launched to promote community and offer a safe place to trick-or-treat. Sponsored by Northgate Christian Fellowship, the event is free and open to everyone.

Participating adults go all-out to decorate their vehicles and candy is handed out from the trunks. Northgate Executive Pastor Larry Davis said between 12,000 and 25,000 people participate, and 3 ½ tons of candy is given out each year.

There’s also live music, a food truck, photo booth, carnival rides, costume contest, clowns and performers. “People love it. The biggest surprise people have is that it’s free, and the second biggest surprise is that’s it’s a local faith community putting it on and that it’s on Halloween night. It’s always free. It’s a service we do to support the community,” Davis said. Likewise, Main Street’s Martinez said the downtown Halloween-inspired events are a gift they sponsor for the community.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Suisun Bay Ships Come and Go, and Get Repositioned

By Sarah Rohrs, photo by Jerry Bowles As Benicians and others have bid adieu to old ships leaving the Mothball Fleet, many have thought of it as the an end of an era.

By the end of 2015, some figured the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet had reached the end of the line, and there would be no more vessels in the bay awaiting their next fate. But that is not the case. The fleet, east of Benicia, is much smaller than in prior years. However, eleven ships still remain and the fleet is still active, according to the Maritime Administration (MARAD). Some of the remaining ships have recently been repositioned, providing a different view of them from the Benicia-Martinez Bridge and the Benicia Business Park shoreline.

As such, some have thought there are new ships in the fleet, and have peppered agencies with phone calls and other inquiries. However, no new vessels have entered the fleet since 2010, said Kimberly Strong, MARAD Public Affairs Officer.

The Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet has been a part of the Benicia Business Park waterfront, and a familiar site as drivers cross the Benicia Martinez Bridge and travel north on Interstate 680. A scenic overlook at the end of Lake Herman Road even has display signs about the fleet.

Further, MARAD has long staffed administrative offices in the Benicia Business Park. The Benicia crew is still active in maintaining vessels in the fleet with regular maintenance and other work. The vessels in Benicia are part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet, which has been shrinking steadily this decade. The MARAD keeps a total of 99 ships at three defense reserve sites, and maintains vessels in a state 18 • Benicia Magazine

of readiness should they be needed during national emergencies, or by military branches. In Suisun Bay, the fleet is regulated within a navigation area that is about 4 miles long and a half-mile wide.

At the peak of the Cold War, the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet totaled more than 500 ships. However, as they aged they presented environmental problems, particularly as lead-based paints began to flake off into the water. In 2010, lawsuits resulted in a consent decree to remove the aging ships at a faster rate. They have been towed away to be scrapped, though some efforts were made to preserve the ones with prominent history. Currently, the fleet contains seven “retention vehicles” that are being preserved for the military or other federal agency programs, plus two “non-retention,” or obsolete, vessels awaiting disposal. There are also two “custody vessels,” which are owned or sponsored by other government programs.

The USS Iowa World War II battleship (towed several years ago to Southern California for a museum) was an example of a U.S. Navysponsored custody vessel, according to MARAD. The vessels in Suisun Bay are retained for an indefinite amount of time, and more may be added in the future, though it isn’t clear when that might happen or how many could be moved there, Strong said. “The fleet will always be active. There are always going to be ships there,” she added.

Under the agreement, MARAD will continue to clean, maintain and also dispose of them in an environmentally sound manner. No ships with flaking paint will be allowed in the future.

CHRISTINA STRAWBRIDGE

A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

Christina Strawbridge for Benicia City Council will be hosting a fundraising event to benefit Northern California Special Olympics .

SAFETY FIRST!

Benicia's Superheros will be honored, including the Benicia Police Officers Association and the Benicia Firefighters Association. Feeling safe in Benicia is a top priority for Councilmember Strawbridge. She believes a strong community partnership with our police and fire departments has proven to be successful in keeping our City safe.

CELEBRATING BENICIA’S SUPERHEROES Saturday, October 22, 2016, 1:00 — 3:00pm (following the Halloween activities on First Street)

lic is The pub tend! to at invited

Children's activities, music, prizes, raffles and treats Zeppelin Comics parking lot 191 East H Street Treats sponsored by Zeppelin Comics

Christinaforbeniciacouncil.com Paid for by Christina Strawbridge For City Council 2016, FPPC# 1339457

9th Year Anniversary!

BREAKFAST • SEAFOOD • SALADS • STEAK • PASTA • WRAPS • FLATBREAD

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Scarecrow Contest

Oct. 3 - Oct. 31 on display, Mon. Oct. 17 voting ends. Scarecrows decorated by downtown businesses and beyond. Ballots for judging available to the public at Farmers Market, Benicia Main Street and participating merchants.

Haunted Depot

Fri. Oct. 21 & 28, 6-9pm Sat. Oct. 22 & 29, 12-4pm & 6-9pm Sun. Oct. 23 & 30, 12-4pm Mon. Oct 31 With donation of canned good: Adults $3; Children under 6, $2. Without donation: Adults, $6, Children under 6, $4.

Ghost Walk

Fri. Oct. 7 & 21, 8pm Sat. Oct. 1, 8 & 22, 8pm Discover where Benicia ghosts hang out!

For reservations, call 707-745-9791.

20 • Benicia Magazine

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Halloween Costume Contest & First Street Stroll

Sat. Oct 22, 10am Kids of all ages; Halloween Costume Contest & Trick or Treat, City Park. Local merchants get into the spirit by putting out candy, snacks and goodies! Canine & Critter Costume Contest at noon, First Street Green.

Farmers Market Finale Thurs., Oct. 27, 4-7pm Fresh fall produce, live music & more!

Come bid farewell to the Market till next season.

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Residential & Commercial BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

Interview with

ANN DUNLEAVY “I want to be someone who creates memories for people.”

Did you think you’d be working for a city recreation program when you were growing up?

I went to college in hopes of becoming a teacher, but it did not come easy to me.

Someone suggested taking an entry-level recreation class to fulfill some of my general requirements—I think it was Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Studies. When I walked into the classroom and learned about the curriculum, I thought I’d found my place.

I switched majors as quickly as possible. I didn’t even know it existed, but I knew it was what I wanted to do.

What motivated you to come to work in Benicia?

By Sue Sumner Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight Ann Dunleavy works hard so others can play.

Ann oversees the City of Benicia’s recreation programs—everything from swimming to sewing lessons. She and her staff work to ensure that the city Parks & Community Services Department offers classes and programs that meet the community’s needs.

All the programs are detailed in an activity guide mailed three times a year to residents. Want to take hula lessons? See page 25 in the current guide. Got a yearning to learn Spanish? Page 33. How about martial arts for the kids? Page 16. The eclectic offerings reflect what’s been popular and what residents have requested over the years.

“We’re here for the community, for every age range,” Ann says. “You can start swim lessons as young as 6 months in the parent-tot classes, and we serve through seniors.”

Ann, 47, joined the city’s staff 17 years ago as a recreation supervisor. She is now the Superintendent of Parks and Community Services. The job is a great fit for Ann, who loved being a camp counselor in high school and was a recreation supervisor at Rossmoor before coming to Benicia. She majored in parks and recreation studies at Sacramento State University.

“We used to get laughed at—everyone else said, ‘You’re just playing games, you’re just having fun,’ ” says Ann, a Benicia resident since 2008. “They were the ones who were missing out.”

Having fun remains important to Ann, who values the friendships she has built over the years with co-workers.

“I still come to work and have fun,” she says, recalling visits from past lifeguards and other department employees. “I want to be someone who creates memories for people.”

After six years at Rossmoor, I wanted to expand and work with other ages. I missed working with youth.

But I still love working with seniors. The Senior Center here has a very special place in my heart. I try to go over and call bingo once a month. The people there are having a great time—they love to be social.

How many people are on the Community Services staff?

I have five people who report directly to me: three recreation supervisors and two administrative staff.

The size of the staff varies depending on the time of year. We have 200 part-timers at the height of summer and about 75 in our slowest season. They are park attendants, lifeguards, scorekeepers at the ballfield, swim instructors, they open and close the gym every day—they do everything.

We have the greatest work force, and they come back year after year. When job openings do come up, they are really competitive.

We have a junior lifeguard program and a counselor-in-training 22 • Benicia Magazine Interview

program so young people can volunteer and get experience.

How do you decide what classes to add to the city offerings?

People will say they wish we had more art, for example, and then it’s finding people who have the talent and time to teach. Most classes are taught by contract instructors. It’s a matter of finding all the needs and wants of the community and finding someone who has time to teach an ongoing class.

What programs have you added as a result of a request from the community?

Sandy Kirkpatrick came to the city and said we have to start offering pickleball. It’s a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. She was more than happy to teach, so we ordered equipment and found gym time.

It is a hit. We have it here at the Community Center and at the City Gym. This group is blossoming. We’re hoping to get courts at the Community Park. It’s just $1 to drop in. We have more fun sitting at the counter and hearing them whoop it up after a good rally.

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How has the facility affected programming?

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We knew going into this that we needed more health and wellness programs. It used to be the main thing was after-school programs, now we’re busy all day. We have Tai Chi starting at 9, and the multi-purpose room is full. We have senior exercise from 9 until 12:30 or 1, and then pickleball comes in. The kids are in school and yet this building is full of life.

We also have a whole group of recently retired people who are active and in their 50s and 60s, and they’re not going to the Senior Center, where the average ages are 80s and 90s. So we’ve added programs for them.

What are your goals for your department moving forward?

We have a lot of modernizing to do, especially with technology.

We have a couple of things coming up that are exciting.

Besides the recreation programs, we also handle the cemetery. We are purchasing software that will allow us to map out the City Cemetery and have that map online. That will allow people to research online and easily navigate the cemetery. This is a long-term project—it’s going to take some time to do. It also will make it easier for people who are grieving. We’re really excited to modernize that for people at their darkest time. It’s on deck, but it is a long-term project to do the mapping.

We’re also getting a new software program that will show all our programs online and let people register online. A lot of things that people have asked for will be possible with this system. For example, right now you have to come in every month to pay for after-school programs. This will let you do auto-pay.

We get calls every day about different facilities: Is this date available? You’ll be able to check online for availability. You’ll still have to come in to reserve the building, but you’ll be able to do some things online that are long overdue.

Anything we can do to make it easier, we want to do.

What do you do for recreation?

I don’t do nearly enough. I took tennis lessons through here (the city) and met some great friends. I go to the gym after work.

Every year, I walk in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Greg Silva

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Three ways to subscribe today!

1 CALL 707.853.5226 2 SUBSCRIBE ONLINE at beniciamagazine.com 3 MAIL CHECKS to Polygon Publishing, LLC

771 West H Street, Benicia CA 94510

BENICIA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

What do you do to relax?

I try to spend as much time with family as I can—my sisters and their families, and our parents. I love being with my friends.

I do love a good book. I just finished All the Light We Cannot See—that was beautiful. I read The Nightingale over the summer.

So I’ve read a lot of World War II books lately. The Senior Center has a lending library—All the Light We Cannot See came from there.

Do you have a favorite park?

I love Ninth Street—it has such a beautiful view. I love walking the Bay Trail, starting near Third and Semple’s Crossing and going out to the marina. I love the Marina Green. Anything with waterways, I just love.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

7th Annual

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

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

Rain or Shine!

For more information or to sponsor a trunk, visit

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

24 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

Kid Fun, Activities, Tours and Education at Fire Dept.

Open House

“Don’t Wait – Check the Date!

Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years”

26 • Benicia Magazine

By Sarah Rohrs Photos by Jerry Bowles By the time October rolls around in California, rain is just a memory with a hoped-for promise of precipitation on the horizon. Dry trees, shrubs and grasses, combined with high temperatures, create a California tinderbox. In short, fire danger is high in October. Perhaps that is one reason why communities across the country engage in fire prevention campaigns this month. The Benicia Fire Department is no exception. Benicia fire chief Jim Lyndon has devoted numerous efforts to help get the word out among local residents and businesses about preventing fires and saving lives and property.

Though California received a healthy amount of rain last year, it has left hills and forests vulnerable to fire, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. While last season’s storms brought badly needed rain, the moisture left a bumper crop of grasses which are now dry, and pose a fire threat this fall, the agency noted. In Benicia, the fire department responded to 29 fires of all varieties in July, up from 8 fires in June, according the department’s monthly activity reports. Lydon said there have been recent small grass fires along Interstate 780, but no major fire activity. In April, a three-alarm fire tore through the Washington House on First Street, and unfortunately, a family dog died in a house fire in February.

Fire prevention is one part of the annual Benicia Fire Department Open House that takes place 11am-3pm, Saturday, Oct. 15 at Fire Station 11, at 150 Military West in downtown Benicia. This popular event, held on the edge of City Park, draws scores of children and families. Lydon said the event expands steadily each year, and is aimed mainly at increasing awareness and educating the community. Activities give the fire department a chance to teach people about the service; plus there’s the enjoyment factor, too. Kids can climb onto fire trucks, talk to firefighters, wear fire hats, get goodie bags, play in a jump house and get their faces painted. During the afternoon, people can chat with 911 dispatchers, take a tour of the fire station, see a fire engine “Show & Tell,” and also tour a Coast Guard boat. The California Highway Patrol, Benicia Emergency Response Team (BERT) and the Benicia Amateur Radio Club (BARC) will be on hand, and a REACH Air Medical helicopter will do a flyover. The day will also include hands-on extinguisher and rope rescue demonstrations. Benicia PD k-9 unit will also be on hand.

The Open House comes on the heels of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9-15. The event commemorates the Great Chicago Fire that occurred in 1871, and provides an opportunity to also focus on fire safety and fire prevention, Lydon said. The week’s theme of “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years” is part of a multi-year effort of the National Fire Protection Association to educate people on the use and importance of smoke detectors. Lydon said smoke detectors have been “proven to save many lives by the early notification to the residents of a fire.” Over the years, he said, technology has improved. Fire detectors can now be outfitted with a 10-year life sealed battery, thereby increasing their reliability. Combination detectors are also now available to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide.

“We encourage everyone to ensure that they have a working smoke detector in each sleeping room and the common areas outside the sleeping areas,” said Lydon. Besides assuring their smoke detectors are working, families should also practice what they will do if they are alerted to a fire.

Finally, the fire department is rolling out a new “community mass notification system,” known as Alert Benicia, which will allow for more effective and timely notifications to the community regarding emergency incidents and the proper actions to take, said Lydon. “We are very excited about the enhanced capabilities that this system will provide,” he added. The system allows for people to receive notifications via text and e-mail, as well as to landline telephones. Lydon said messages can be general in nature, or tailored and targeted for a particular neighborhood. Benicians can register their cell phones and e-mails, and sign up their homes and businesses. Fliers have gone up around town, and alertbenicia.org is in place. The aim of Alert Benicia is to assure people get the information they need in the event of a fire, earthquake, gas leak, shelter-in-place order, or other community incidents.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Benicia’s Award Winning

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10/1-10/31 Downtown Benicia businesses As you stroll First Street this month, watch out for highly original, homemade scarecrows at business entrances. Vote for your favorite at Benicia Main Street.

Winners will be chosen at the end of the month.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

OCTO 92066095

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Banquet Rooms Available events, meetings & parties

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707.746.7000 • roundtablepizza.com

10/1, 6-10pm Historic Clock Tower 1189 Washington Street, Benicia Enjoy traditional German fare, beer, wine, a silent auction and live entertainment while supporting community causes.

This event is 21+ and tickets include admission, a meal and a beverage. Sponsored by Benicia Human Services and benefitting Benicia Community Action Council, Families in Transition, Catholic Social Services and BUSD Special Friends.

Eventbrite.com/e/ oktoberfest-benicia-2016tickets-27442645692

Lost and Found Exhibit

10/1-10/16 Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicia Susan Sharman’s textile collages use the mediums of fabric and thread. Mixed media collages incorporate old photographs/ found ephemera, drawings & digital imagery.

Benicialibrary.org/gallery 707.746.4343

Benicia Art Walk

10/8, 3-6pm First Street, Benicia Enjoy strolling First Street and visiting six different galleries with the Benicia Art Walk Banner. The Art Walk takes place June-October. Sponsored by visitbenicia.org, artsbenicia.org and downtownbeniciaalliance.com.

Facebook.com/BeniciaArtWalk

Benicia Fire Department Annual Open House

10/15, 11am-3pm Fire Station #11, 150 Military West Benicia Event includes free food, goodie bags for kids, fire engine show & tell, face painting, jump house, hands-on extinguisher demo, rope rescue demo, Coast Guard boat tours, fire station tours, and much more.

Facebook.com/ events/1116788551741003/ 707.746.5293 28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

2016 Events Zombie Brew Crawl

10/15, 2-6pm Downtown First Street, Benicia Zombies descend upon downtown to sample craft beers and tasty bites inside participating businesses.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Tolay Fall Festival

10/15&16, 22&23, 11am-5pm Tolay Lake Regional Park 5869 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma More than just a pumpkin patch, the Tolay Fall Festival is a seasonal celebration connecting visitors with the beauty and history of this special park. Fall Festival activities and displays are low-key, hands-on and educational by design. They include a Nighttime Creatures Barn, Creepy Crawly Room, replica of a Native American Village, straw maze, pumpkin seed spitting contest, gunnysack races, archery and fly fishing demos, food vendors and more. Take a tractor ride to the park’s back 40 to pick your perfect pumpkin.

Parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/ Activities/Tolay_Fall_Festival. aspx

NightMARE Island

10/20-23 & 27-31, 5-9pm Mare Island Preserve Visitor Center 167 O’Hara Ct. at Railroad Ave Vallejo Benefitting the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Trust. Have a tour of the Navy’s oldest cemetery, enjoy a procession with paranormal experts, hike to the highest point on Mare Island or

OBER

Halloween Costume Contest & Sidewalk Stroll 10/22, 10am First Street Green, First & B Streets, Benicia Benicia Main Street offers a great time for kids of all ages during the popular Halloween costume contest and sidewalk stroll. The local merchants on First Street get into the spirit of the holiday for all to shop and enjoy. At noon there will be a Canine & Critter Costume Contest on the First Street Green with awards and treats.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Halloween at the Library

hitch a ride in The Undertakers' Hearse. Enjoy a huge haunted house and outdoor displays.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a flashlight and come in costume.

Facebook.com/ events/237153703350470/ 707.241.4285

Haunted Depot

10/21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 & 31 Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, Benicia The normally mild-mannered Southern Pacific Railroad Depot has been mysteriously transformed into a frightful depository of ghosts, goblins and spirits luring you inside for a scare.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Benicia Old Town Theatre Group Presents The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays

10/21-11/12, Fri & Sat 8pm Sun 2pm It’s December of 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry.

But when one of his guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous.

The danger and hilarity are nonstop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

10/28, 7pm Benicia Library 150 East L Street, Benicia Bring your carved pumpkin to enter the twentieth annual Jack-o-Lantern Contest, or just come vote for your favorite.

While the judges choose the winners, listen to some scary stories: very scary ones told in the dark for brave children (8 and up), and less scary ones for younger children. The contest is open to everyone, including teens and adults, so show off those carving skills! (No flashing lights in the pumpkins, please.)

Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Annual Camellia Tea Room Bewitching Tea

10/30, Seatings at 11am, 1pm and 3pm Camellia Tea Room 828 First Street, Benicia A fundraiser to benefit programs for domestic violence victims, the Bewitching Tea offers a traditional tea, haunted hat contest, and fashion show

by Christina S at each seating.

Proceeds go to Safequest of Solano County and STAND of Contra Costa County.

Sponsored by Camellia Tea Room and Soroptimist International of Benicia. Reservations and advance payment required.

Camelliatearoom.com 707.746.5293

Trunk or Treat

10/31, 6:15-8:15 Benicia High School Trunk or Treat is a fun, safe and family friendly event where trunk or treaters go from trunk to trunk, collecting candy from highly decorated vehicles. Free, rain or shine, trunkortreatevent.com

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

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30 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

Celebrating 25 Years

We are extremely pleased with the Belvedere cherry wood cabinets and Cambria countertops purchased through Affordable Quality Cabinets. Although we did not change the size of the cabinets in our kitchen remodel, we have found the new cabinets provide much more space and much greater functionality than our previous cabinets. It's great to have a wonderful quality cabinet company providing excellent service right here in our small town.

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