Benicia Magazine June 2013 Issue

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS with HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

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Benicia

magazine

Celebrating our 8th Year Editor Jeanne Steinmann

Benicia Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

magazine

Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

Special Projects/Advertising Coordinator Joey Baker

Benicia Contributors Bob Ecker Diane Gardner Rhonda Lucile Hicks Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

magazine

Contributing Photographer Jerry Bowles Editorial deadlines The 1st of the month prior to the issue month

Home Decor

L Jewelry L Letter & Number Art Decorative lanterns Driftwood balls Storage buckets & bins Journals & notepads Wood & iron clocks Candles & coasters

Advertising sales 707.853.5226 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: the 1st of the month prior to the issue month

Contact Us 707.853.5226, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann

Urban Notions 611 First Street, Downtown Benicia • 707.853.8159

Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2013, 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, P.O. Box 296, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.5226, beniciamagazine.com.

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VALERO BENICIA REFINERY

fact sheet 2013

PURCHASES FACILITY

Built in 1969, the Valero Benicia Refinery is located on nearly 900 acres within the Benicia Industrial Park.

PARENT COMPANY

Valero Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries, is an international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels, other petrochemical products and power. Valero subsidiaries employ approximately 10,500 people, and assets include 16 petroleum refineries with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3 million barrels per day, 10 ethanol plants with a combined production capacity of 1.2 billion gallons per year, and a 50-megawatt wind farm. More than 7,300 outlets carry the Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock and Beacon brands in the United States and the Caribbean; Ultramar in Canada; and Texaco in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Valero is a Fortune 500 company based in San Antonio.

EMPLOYEES

The Benicia refinery is staffed by approximately 475 full-time employees and approximately 250 contract personnel. The Valero Energy Corporation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" nine times by Fortune Magazine. Twice the company was named to the magazine’s Best Big Company to Work For list.

PAYROLL

Annual employee payroll and benefits at the refinery exceeds $65 million. In addition, contractors working within the refinery earn approximately $40 million annually in salaries and wages.

LOCAL TAXES AND FEES

Annual property, utility, other local taxes and government fees paid by the Benicia Refinery average about $22 million and comprise over 20% of the revenues generated by the City from the Benicia community. These taxes help fund essential city services provided to Benicia residents and businesses.

Valero’s use of diverse products and services from Benicia's business community stimulates the local economy. The refinery spends approximately $20 million annually to purchase goods and services (more in construction and maintenance turnarounds years) directly from Benicia vendors.

PRODUCTION

The refinery’s permitted capacity is 165,000 barrels of crude per day.

PRODUCTS

This high-conversion facility has the ability to process a variety of crudes into a high percentage of light products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, propane, butane as well as other refined fuel products. The refinery produces about 10% of the state’s supply of California Air Resources Board (CARB) clean burning gasoline. Sulfur and petroleum coke, by-products of the refining process, are recovered and sold. The Asphalt Plant supplies about 40% of Northern California asphalt.

SAFE OPERATIONS

Refinery employees have a strong commitment to conducting business safely and responsibly. The Benicia Refinery is recognized as a STAR site under Cal/OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program. This designation is reserved for facilities that have demonstrated exemplary health and safety programs. The Benicia Refinery is one of only two refineries in California to be designated a STAR site, joining Valero’s Wilmington California Refinery. In the area of emergencyresponse, the refinery has a well-established network for mutual aid with the City of Benicia, Solano County, and other Bay Area refineries.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Benicia employees maintain an active presence in the area communities, giving their time to local service clubs, chambers of commerce, youth groups and cultural organizations. Through the Valero Volunteer Council, thousands of hours are donated by Benicia employees to nonprofit organizations annually. Through the United Way of the Bay Area, Valero and its Benicia workforce have contributed $8.1 million to charitable organizations and community projects since 2001. Thanks to generous employees, the refinery is routinely the highest per capita United Way donor in the Bay Area.

The refinery also contributes generously to area children’s charities through dollars raised from the PGA’s annual Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children Golf Classic. Financial support is also provided to schools, civic groups, the arts, historic preservation and environmental education.

INDUSTRY

Valero is vitally concerned with the economic health of the Benicia Industrial Park, which generates approximately 60% of the City’s tax revenue. Through membership in the Benicia Industrial Park Association, Benicia Chamber of Commerce, and Solano County Economic Development Corporation, members of Valero's management team help plan economic development strategies and work to ensure that industry's needs and development are in concert with those of the community.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Valero employees also make a valuable contribution to the community through active involvement in Benicia's city government.

The Refinery maintains on-going liaisons with department managers of the City, the City Manager, and City Council members.

Launched in 2013, the Benicia Technology and Information Exchange partners experts from the City of Benicia and Valero to share expertise on technical topics related to water, waste water, and energy.

Valero Benicia Refinery, 3400 East Second Street, Benicia, CA 94510

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Benicia Magazine JUNE VOLUME 8 ISSUE 8

14

13

14

16

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Features

Summer fairs and festivals around the Bay Solano’s quaint downtowns, part III: Rio Vista, Dixon and Vacaville

Departments 10 From the Editor

20 Downtown Map

12

22 Arsenal Map

Currents Benicia Literary Guild seeks to share the stories that define our community

Celebrate the season with homemade ice cream

18 Travel-Food-Spirits

High-end cruises—worth the money?

24 Interview

Interview with Becky Dunavent, Naval Reserve Captain

28 Listening

Featured musician Mark Kennedy

28 Live Music Calendar 30 Calendar of Events

26 Fashionista

Downtown Benicia’s abuzz with baby strollers

Cover photo by Jerry Bowles Photo, top left, Union Street Spring Celebration, courtesy of Steve Restivo Events Photo, top right, c. Bob Ecker

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From the Editor – June

Photo by Lisa Duncan

Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com Visit us at our new downtown gift store, Urban Notions

I was recently asked, during a presentation I was giving about the magazine, where I find motivation to publish every month after so many issues (this is our 93rd). The simple answer is that I work with such a great team that it’s easy to find inspiration. And, aside from the sometimes-hectic pace at deadline, it’s fun, creative and challenging in an every-day-is-different kind of way.

But there’s more to it than that. I’m on a personal mission to root out and share the best Benicia has to offer in all of its aspects. I think it’s an extraordinary place full of extraordinary people. For example, this month we interview Becky Dunavent, whom I first met in the early 2000’s when I was a substitute math teacher at Benicia Middle School, and she was a highly regarded science teacher.

For many years, Becky made a difference in the lives of 7th grade students, and now she’s making a difference in the lives of our troops overseas. Talk about inspiring!

Speaking of education and interviews, Mike Marcus, whom we interviewed in June 2009, was in town last month and I was able to meet with him. Mike’s brilliant young mind doesn’t rest—he was on his way to Boston where he and his partners are opening a school with a completely different learning concept: they will teach students (mostly young adults to start) what they want or need to learn in lieu of a prescribed curriculum. It sounds similar to the business incubator concept where investor groups fund the people who innovate with a start-up business, not the business itself. Though the business may fail, over time, the people generally do not. It sounds like motivating the motivated— in the incubator, through funding—in Mike’s case, through empowering with knowledge.

It’s Thursday at 6pm and as I wrap up this letter and close the store, I’m momentarily baffled at the never-ending stream of cars heading down First Street. Then I remember that it’s Farmers Market night, and I smile because the market has become such a big community party. It’s not just the farm-fresh food we are after; it's the feeling of companionship that comes with running into friends and acquaintances.

You’ll find more options to get out and enjoy the sunshine with family and friends in our Summer Fairs and Festivals Guide in this issue. Personally, I’m looking forward to the America’s Cup racing in the San Francisco Bay, and after a long hiatus, the Benicia Waterfront Festival. Sponsored by Benicia Main Street, the festival returns in July with a lineup of gourmet foods, craft brews, live music and kids activities.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I recently overheard a shopper who was leaving our new store say to her friend, “These merchants just keep undermining each other. It’s gotten so cutthroat around here.” I’m not sure what prompted the sentiment, but I have a very different perspective. Talk about extraordinary— approximately 200 downtown business owners recently came together to form the Downtown Business Alliance. Business owners are assessing themselves approximately $200 per year to pay for the lighting of the 200 trees that line First Street. There’s a lovely synergy in those numbers, a synergy that embodies the spirit of cooperation that brought about such a monumental achievement.

Jeanne Steinmann 10 • Benicia Magazine

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Capturing What’s Written on Benicia’s Heart

For more information on Benicia Literary Arts and their future events, visit benicialiteraryarts.org/blablog or email Josanna Berkow at josanna@benicialiteraryarts.org.

By Diane Gardner Not so long ago, a community of Benicia storytellers joined together with a common purpose. They launched a non-profit organization devoted to the written word, because they believed in the riches gained when we capture our history, celebrate our creativity, and speak our hearts. Now that organization, Benicia Literary Arts, adds a new facet to our vibrant art scene.

Its mission is three-fold, explains co-president Josanna Berkow: to share the stories that define our community, to help writers hone their craft, and to provide a means to disseminate those stories. In their first year, they sponsored poetry readings, published a poetry anthology and organized professionally led writers’ workshops. Fiction, non-fiction and poetry are all supported. They are currently developing even more ways for outreach, such as writers’ groups and even a publishing arm.

Lois Requist, 2012-2014 Benicia Poet Laureate and organization board member said, “The workshops and the various events that we have allow people to be involved in literary events and learn in the process.”

Benicia Literary Arts formed in January 2012 when two organizations merged— Carquinez Review and The Benicia Literary Guild. Carquinez Review sought to provide a publishing forum for local writers, while the Benicia Literary Guild focused on supporting writers with instruction, inspiration and more.

After a productive first year as one entity, they are turning their attention to the next generation. In late October, and in conjunction with Arts Benicia and local educators, they plan to host the KidLit symposium and launch an outreach to children. The goal is to promote the reading and writing of child and young adult fiction. Inspired by San Francisco’s literary event Litquake, the symposium will feature a panel discussion and plan spin-off events. They hope to foster partnerships with other community organizations, host “community reads,” and sponsor writing contests, among other things.

This summer they invite the participation of anyone interested in the literary arts. Not only do they welcome everyone to their official events, but they can use practical assistance with the upcoming symposium, their website, event set-up, administration and more.

It’s a whole new way to support and be part of the local art scene. As David Badtke, organization co-president, explains, “Our lives and communities would be enriched if we remembered our stories and art, if we chronicled our past and present and our hopes for the future, if we created a lasting record that would celebrate who we are and what we dream.” B

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It's Time to Make

Ice Cream Summer just isn’t summer without ice cream. Most of us love the frozen treat, but very few of us are making it ourselves. Sure, it’s easy to run out for a cone at one of Benicia’s fine ice cream establishments, but the homemade version is as much fun to make as it is to eat.

There’s a romantic nostalgia about ice cream making that’s rooted in our childhood memories. In June we celebrate dads and grads, and what better way to honor them than with a simple homemade recipe using fresh apricots?

Apricots are in season this month with several varieties available in stores and at the Farmers Market.

Fresh Apricot Ice Cream 4 lbs ripe apricots 1 1/4 cups sugar 3 egg yolks

2 cups heavy whipping cream 2 cups milk 1 teaspoon almond extract

Prepare apricots

- Place apricots in boiling water for 20 seconds to loosen skins, remove from water; drain & peel - Separate apricots into halves; discard pits - Chop apricots coarsely and put them in large glass bowl - Sprinkle with 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar; stir, let stand for 1 hour, then puree

Prepare the custard ice cream base

- Beat egg yolks in a bowl until they turn a light lemon-yellow color, about 3-4 minutes; set aside - Combine whipping cream, milk and remaining sugar in heavy-bottom saucepan - Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until sugar has dissolved and mixture is hot - Ladle about 1 cup hot mixture into beaten yolks, whisking constantly until well blended & smooth - Pour egg yolk mixture into saucepan & continue to cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until mixture thickens enough to form a film or coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes - Remove from heat and add almond extract - Let mixture cool to room temperature; stir in pureed apricots - Freeze in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions Recipe courtesy of food.com. Homemade chocolate ice cream recipe at cooks.com. B

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&

6

around the Bay

11

It’s summer, the season of fairs and festivals!

Photo by Brian Irwin

From pirates to the America’s Cup, the Bay Area has it all. We have chosen a diverse range of options to suit every age and interest. So get out and experience the food, drink, art, music, comedy, antiques, boat racing, swashbuckling or a combination of all—the lineup

10

guarantees an enjoyable day in the sunshine.

9 Courtesy of Benicia Peddler's Fair

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Blue ribbon winner, courtesy of Solano County Fair

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Co

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| JUNE

| JULY

| AUGUST

1 l DANVILLE FINE ARTS FAIRE June 22 & 23, 10am – 5pm Hartz Ave., Danville Over 200 artists offering one-of-a-kind sculpture, glass, painting, jewelry, ceramics, photography, Italian street painters, live music, food, fine wine and microbrews. Free, mlaproductions.com.

4 l 34TH AMERICA’S CUP RACING July 4-Sept. 21 July 4, Opening Ceremony July 5, Special Fleet Race, all teams America’s Cup Village & America’s Cup Park Pier 27/29, San Francisco 45 days of racing with shoreline and grandstand viewing, live music, family shows, comedy, community & business events, race footage on big screen, food and beverages. Tickets starting at $15, americascup.com

9 l BENICIA PEDDLER’S FAIR August 10, 8am–5pm First Street, Downtown Benicia Over 300 select vendors, antiques, collectibles, period furniture, vintage textiles & fashion, pottery, depression glass, paintings, jewelry, food and much more. Free, beniciapeddlersfair.org.

2 l SAN FRANCISCO 59th NORTH BEACH FESTIVAL June 15 & 16, 10am – 6pm North Beach District, San Francisco Over 125 arts and crafts booths, 20 gourmet food booths, two stages with live entertainment, Italian street painting, beverage gardens, kid’s chalk art and the blessing of animals. Free sresproductions.com.

3 l SAN FRANCISCO UNION STREET SPRING CELEBRATION June 1 & 2, 10am-6pm Union Street from Gough to Steiner Over 150 boutique artists from across the country offering unique art, jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, furniture and more. Two stages with live jazz and Bay Area indie bands. Free, unionstreetfestival.com.

Courtesy Steve Restivo Events

5lB ENICIA MAIN STREET FREEDOM FESTIVAL July 3 & 4 Torch Light Parade, July 3, 6:30pm Picnic in the park, July 4, Noon-7pm Fireworks, July 4, 9pm First Street & City Park, Benicia Benicia’s Independence Day Torchlight Parade along First Street; Picnic in the Park with arts & crafts, food, live entertainment & children’s activities and fireworks at the foot of First St. Free, beniciamainstreet.org.

6 l BENICIA WATERFRONT FESTIVAL July 27 & 28, 11am–6pm First St. & East B St. Live music, microbrew tastings, arts & crafts marketplace, gourmet foods, and kids activities on Benicia’s beautiful waterfront. $10 (13+) or Weekend Pass $15 and $5 (65+), beniciamainstreet.org.

7 l SOLANO COUNTY FAIR July 31 – August 4 Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo Home Grown Fun featuring live music, cultural entertainers, singers, comedians and variety acts, carnival rides and competitions including talent, dance, vocal, livestock and food. $10 adults, $6 children 6-12, $6 seniors 60+, free 5 & under and military with valid ID, scfair.com.

8lN ORTHERN CALIFORNIA PIRATE FESTIVAL June 15-16, 10am-6pm Waterfront Park, Vallejo Fun for all ages, this 7th annual event features pirate entertainers, musicians, singers, swordfighters, craftspeople and more. Vallejo's waterfront turns into a Pirate Town for a swashbucklin' good time. Tickets $10 at the gate, children 11 and under free, norcalpiratefestival.com.

2

ourtesy Solano County Fair

June Ben Mag vol8 v8.indd 15

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11 Photo by Brian Irwin

10 l 22ND ANNUAL FAIRFIELD TOMATO FESTIVAL August 17, 11:30am–8:30pm & August 18, 12pm–6pm Downtown Fairfield Fairfield’s downtown plays host to Solano County farmers, creating Tomato Alley with over 100 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, tomato eating contest, live music and food. Free, fairfieldmainstreet.com.

11 l VACAVILLE ART, WINE & BREW FESTIVAL August 30, 6:30pm–9pm & August 31–Sept. 1, 2pm–6pm Town Square Plaza & Downtown, Vacaville Live music, art, crafts, beer, wine and food. 10 tastes/$15 (with souvenir glass), downtownvacaville.com. B

Street painting by Christine Pasadis, courtesy of the artist

1 Courtesy Steve Restivo Events

3

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Rio Vista

Vacaville

Solano County

Downtowns Exploring our own backyard

With famed tourist destinations within such easy reach, it’s possible we are ignoring what’s in our own backyard. Solano County’s downtowns are historic, quaint and worth checking out. In our third installment of a 3-part series, we spotlight things to do and see in our own county. Here are three communities that can be easily visited on the way to or from Tahoe.

Rio Vista Visiting Rio Vista mid-week in the morning, when there is no festival or event at hand, the descriptive word that comes to mind is “sleepy.” It feels like the calm before the storm—bottled up energy for the coming boating season that is about to descend on the tiny town. Rio Vista is perched along the Sacramento River Delta, about a 40-minute drive from Benicia driving east on I-80 and south on Highway 12.

The 2010 Census has the population of Rio Vista pegged at 7,360. The town comes to life in summer, when boaters begin to cruise the delta. Rio Vista is known for its annual Bass Festival, now in its 66th year. The Festival draws upwards of 15,000 people who enjoy the many events or participate in the fishing derby.

If you happen to be in town when the Rio Vista Museum, at 16 N. Front Street, is open, you can learn about the town’s history. Eateries include the Rio Vista Bakery and Café, at 150 Main Street, which offers the usual coffee drinks but is known for its excellent pastries. You can also order sandwiches to go and picnic along the waterfront or nearby Brannan Island State Recreation Area on Highway 160. Other downtown eateries include Lucy’s, Foster’s Bighorn and Raul’s Striper Café; or try the popular Tortilla Flats on Highway 12.

Rio Vista

Rio Vista

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Dixon Vacaville Although discount shopping abounds, there’s more to Vacaville than the outlet stores. On its tourism website, visitvacaville.org, the town is billed as “One Of Northern California's Most Charming Communities.” Although small, Vacaville’s downtown is certainly charming. Right off the I-80 freeway, downtown’s mature trees, eateries and retail shops, public art, downtown events and inviting spaces to sit and enjoy the scenery make Vacaville a fun place to visit.

In all seasons, but particularly in spring, Vacaville’s pastoral rolling hills are a welcome site to passers by on the freeway as well as visitors. A town of just over 92,000, Vacaville is Solano County’s third largest city after Vallejo and Fairfield. It’s home to two major healthcare facilities (Northbay and Kaiser), the Nut Tree shops and family park, regional parks and the Buck Mansion and estate, where the philanthropic Buck Foundation's offices are located.

Downtown Vacaville’s hub, at Merchant and Main Streets, is a good jumpingoff point for dining, with 20-plus restaurants and 5 pubs/taverns; and around 30 retail stores. Individuals, couples and families with small children will enjoy Andrew’s Park along Alamo Creek. The park is nicely integrated into Vacaville’s picturesque downtown core, so that post-shopping you can rest your legs, after a meal you can walk off a few calories and kids can run in the grass.

Vacaville

Vacaville

Vacaville

Dixon On Solano County’s eastern border, Closer to Sacramento than Benicia, Dixon still feels like an old western town. Although surrounded by farmland, with agriculture playing a part of the town’s economy, Dixon’s largest employer is Gymboree, whose distribution center is located there.

It’s very doable to take in Rio Vista and Dixon in a half-day. Instead of driving back to I-80, take State Route 113 from Rio Vista to Dixon or viceversa. The two-lane road meanders through scenic, rural farmland.

Alternatively, stop in Dixon on your way to (or from) Lake Tahoe, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There are several good options for a familyfriendly meal, the most recognizable of which is Cattlemen's, the westernthemed steakhouse right off I-80. While you are there, drive through the small, historic downtown where there are a few other, less expensive options.

Try the popular Bud's Pub & Grill at 100 S. First Street. The eatery goes well beyond the usual pub fare with a long list of yummy lunch sandwiches including a veggie, steak, BBQ tri-tip, pastrami and BLT; also a turkey pesto croissant sandwich, soups, salads and burgers. The dinner menu features seafood, poultry and beef entrees. Just down the block from Bud’s is Dawson's Bar & Café, open all day. If you reserve in advance, you can dine in high Victorian style at Linda Lane's Tea Room, a themed restaurant where they mix their own tea blends. B

Vacaville

Dixon

Dixon

Dixon

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WORTH THE MONEY?

Silversea Spirit, c. Bob Ecker

By Bob Ecker You’re treated like royalty by everyone at the airport and the dock. Check in is friendly, fast, easy and effortless and there certainly aren't hordes of passengers jostling in line. A glass of champagne is presented as your hand luggage is whisked away and immediately you discover that this isn't going to be an ordinary cruise. Welcome to luxury cruising. Many people yearn for this kind of experience but balk at the price. Indeed, luxury cruising is more expensive than the humbler, mammoth cruise ships, but when you examine the differences, cruising c. Silversea on a luxury, all-inclusive line is more of a value than you'd think.

I recently experienced a voyage on the Silversea Spirit, and along with uber-lux lines like Crystal, Regent and Seabourn, Silversea sports the all-inclusive moniker. Almost everything aboard is included with the price. That means (virtually) all dining, all drinks, (virtually) all alcohol, all entertainment and all gratuities. The lines vary but generally some shore excursions, internet fees, spa and beauty treatments, some higher end dining experiences, premium liquors and wines and onboard gambling are not included. But believe me; most of us can have a fantastic time with what’s provided. The absence of tipping and check signing alone is a huge bonus; shipboard staffs are well trained and paid and really don't work for tips. It makes traveling so much more enjoyable and as I'm sure many of you have realized, a cruise ship bar bill can add up to hundreds of dollars per person, per cruise. Plus, if the Silversea’s ample complimentary wine list doesn't satisfy, just ask—the friendly sommeliers will find other good wines for you at no charge. I tested them repeatedly on this point and c. Silversea they passed every time.

“I loved the days at sea the best,” said Jean Blakley of Orlando Florida, traveling on Silversea with her husband John. “We also like the all inclusive—you don't have to sign for this and that.” Blackley took in all of the shipboard activities that Silversea could offer including bingo, dancing, the Jordan Winery food pairing demonstration, matinee films and afternoon tea.

Qualitatively, higher end cruise ships, like the Silver Spirit, provide customers with a considerably higher class of accommodations, professional butler service and efficient staff (the customer to staff ratio is one to one) and frankly a higher level of fellow passengers. Another important attribute of lux line cruising is sailing aboard intimate vessels which have the ability to dock at smaller ports and get right into cities. Try that with a giant mega-ship. This means quicker ingress and egress from your port, which allows more time for exploring and less tendering—making the port-of-call experience more rewarding.

“I love it, absolutely love it,” said Marcie Cadou or Atlanta, Georgia. “We’re frequent floaters—this is our sixth cruise with Silversea and the level of service, level of ships, décor and cuisine is top notch.”

Trust me, when you're dining at Silversea’s fine Italian restaurant, La Terrazza, (ask for the gnocchi, they will whip it up for you even if it's not on that night’s menu) tasting the various courses, sitting outside to enjoy the view and toasting new friends with one of the many excellent wines on offer, you'll be glad you tried a luxury line. It’s something new—and definitely worth the money. B 18 • Benicia Magazine Food - Travel - Spirits

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Saturday, June 8, 1-5pm Stroll Downtown Benicia on a beautiful spring afternoon and taste over a dozen wines being poured inside participating stores.  

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Ages 21 and older $25 advance/ $30 day of event includes souvenir wine glass Tickets at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, and online at

BeniciaMainStreet.org • 707.745.9791

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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A. Judith Judson, 310 Military West WE ST B. S. Thompson, Farmers Ins., 310 Military West, Ste. D JS T. C. Julie Parsons Certified Massage, 310 Military West, Ste. A 2 1. Tosch Dental, 18 West K Street EA ST JS 3 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street WE T. S 4 T 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street IS T. 4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street 26 5. Benicia Floral and Gifts, 838 First Street EA 5 ST I S W 6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street T. ES T 6 7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street H ST .

8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103 9. Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street EA Be ST C ni H 10. Studio 41, 700 First Street W apit cia 28 ST ES o .

TG l 11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street 9 ST 24 .

12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street 10 12 Ch 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street Co amb EA 29 mm er ST of 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street G 11 e r 15 WE ce ST .

ST 16. Benicia Magazine Studio & Store, 611 First Street 7 F S 16 T .

17. Reconnective Healing, 555 First Street 14 18. Charlie’s Attic, 519 & 523 First Street EA ST 17 19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street FS WE T. 8 20. Fabulous Finds, 129 First Street ST 18 ES T. 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street EA ST 23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street ES T. 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 25. Benicia Plein Air Gallery, 307 First Street 26. Kryss's Pathways to Healing, 841 First Street WE 25 EA ST ST 27. Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, 238 First Street CS DS 19 21 T. T. 28. Wildflower Skin Care, 835 East Second Street 29. Gallery 621, 621 First Street

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23 Benicia Main Street

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Kryss's Pathways to Healing Facials K Reiki K Waxing All natural skin care products

Kristen Cote, Licensed Esthetician & Reiki Master

841 First Street 707.225.2199Kkrysspathwaystohealing.org

Farmers Insurance Group

Samuel L. Thompson, Agency CA Lic. # 0502825 310 Military West, Ste D, Benicia

Office 707.853.5800 E-Fax 888.501.7219

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The Gift of Massage…the gift you give yourself Julie Parsons, CMT - 707. 297.1371 New Location! Mon-Sat by appointment 310 Military West, Suite A, Benicia

CHARLIE’S ATTIC

A collectibles and consignment boutique E Bay Drop Off Store

519 & 523 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

Fabulous Finds Benicia Historic Tannery Building

Mexican Food 640 First Street • 707.746.7830

Wildflower Skin Care Studio facials • waxing • lashes • brows results-oriented non-toxic skin care 835 East 2nd Street, Benicia • 707.745.4300 by appointment wildflowerskincare.com • wfskincare@gmail.com

Fiber-Frolics Specialty Yarns and Classes Giovanna Sensi-Isolani, fiber artist

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

Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful!

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

Antiques, home furnishings & gifts

129 First St. 707.750.5777 • fabulousfindsinbenicia@yahoo.com

Benicia Golf Association BeniciaGolf.org

To find out more call Dale Thorne, 707.745.4852 or Charles Kibby, 707.746.6054

Steve McClure

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

707.745.0848

www.stevemcclure.net

Dudikoff Insurance Agency Planning, Products, & Services

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

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A. Buck Factory Outlet, 4680 E. 2nd Street B. Affordable Quality Cabinets, 4852 E. 2nd Street C. Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road 1. Rosie's Cafe, 3001 Bayshore Road 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9 3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A 4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street 5. MC2Golf, 960 Grant Street, Ste. A 6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street 8. Rags to Riches, 946 Tyler, Ste. C 9. Marleen's Yoga, 938 Tyler St., Studio 204 10. 851 Music Studio, 1043 Grant Street

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Find the best events, fairs, festivals and fun things to do in

WEEKENDS

Benicia Magazine's free weekly e-newsleter sign up today at beniciamagazine.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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et of industrial air warehouse, the rack lit ly ty dim a in ter e heat and humidi worked at a compu the 100-plus degre off ve ts ra sta Becky Dunavent of to r ed be tri m it nu d showed the the air as the un nearby white boar conditioning filling a er; rn co e on in was piled of Haiti. Garbage 2010, Becky was ar . country in January ide an be rib killed ins Ca e th hit cer. an earthquake a Navy Reserve offi Two weeks after part of her duties as as ally. We did 22 misns gin tio ori s ua an ac iti ev l Ha ly ain m t, of en ranging medica em ov take a Haitian out manage patient m ion because if you at igr s m wa im “We were sent to “I th s. wi all rk rec nicia resident nts. We had to wo kidnapping,” the Be sions with 115 patie red ide ns co it’s , t permission the country withou weeks.” started in 1987. For very long, busy five a s— ek Reserve career that we vy Na a se in t there five en ym Department of Defen was her only deplo ilitary patients and m e tiv ing The stint in Haiti ac ov m on s in ar d ye ize she has special ed more than 3.5 lud inc e tim ce at rvi the past five years, Th itals. perior Se battlefields to hosp rned the Defense Su beneficiaries from se in Illinois. She ea Ba rce Fo r Ai t ot Sc . duty while based at —for her work there vy’s Pacific p below a Silver Star ty surgeon for the Na ste e pu on de t e jus erv res al— e ed th M is w e corps,” no vic d ser an l s ica ar ge ed e switched edical and I’m m m is ty pu de In December, sh e th t rgeon is a doctor, bu fleet. “Usually the su e of the ol in March becaus Benicia Middle Scho she explains. nts or at de er ch stu e tea th ce to r en job as a sci ’t going to be fai sn wa “It t. en She resigned her nm assig rrent Navy Reserve , demands of her cu often,” she says. so ne go d her husband, Tom be to ve ha I e us ca be l rear admiral. She an oo low sch be the nk ra e on , ve in the Reser Becky is a captain two sons here.

89 and raised their 19 in ia nic Be moved to

t n e v a n u D y k c e B Interview with

By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight

What led you to join the Navy Reserve?

I was working in immunology at Cedars-Sinai and when we moved to Sacramento, I couldn’t get a job. I was too specialized.

My dad had served in the Navy and had been in the Reserve, and he suggested I join so I could still work in a lab. He swore me in, and he pinned every rank on me until he died. I found out six weeks after he died that I was becoming a (captain).

You can get a direct commission into the Reserve based on what your degree is in, with the obligation that if you’re called up, you do what you are called to do.

How do your military career and teaching career work together?

Working as a seventh-grade teacher turns out to be a great background for this type of work because you’re learning to communicate, learning to use things like Powerpoint to get your message across, teaching people to play well with others.

What agency oversees transports injured troops?

USTRANSCOM (U.S. Transportation Command) is like the UPS for the Department of Defense. We transport everything and work with all the commands. I was the director of the Global Patient Movement Requirements Center at TRANSCOM. Patients are a very, very small portion of the work. On a busy day, there are about 1,200 Air Force missions, and patient movement might be 1 percent of that. It’s statistically dust, but you’d be surprised how quickly it can make you sneeze if things go wrong.

What is involved in arranging these medical evacuations?

The individual services evacuate patients until you get to a point where the Air Force can fly in. The patients are not stable but stabilized. If there’s a critical patient, you can put an ICU in the air— it blows my mind what these folks can do. If it’s my loved ones, they’re the ones I want taking care of them.

There are no devoted aircraft for patient movement in the world.

All of these are called lifts of opportunity. You’re calling up the Air Force, which is delivering beans or bullets to commanders in the field, and asking them to interrupt their mission. You have to make an assessment: Are you going to cause more casualties by not giving this commander what he needs? You want to make sure you don’t make things worse. It was hard (tearing up).

As a wife, and as a mom and as a sister, we owe it to every man and woman out there to do all that we can. As long as we have men and women in harm’s way, I’ll do whatever I can. It’s an honor to do this.

Coming from the Navy Reserve, what did you learn about working with other branches of the military?

Each service has its own culture. One day someone in the Air Force told me we were going to do LORs and I got excited and said, “Good. I love doing LORs.” They were confused, and I said, “LORs—we’re talking about letters of recommendation, right?” That’s what LORs are in the Navy.

“Ma’am, we’re talking about letters of reprimand,” they said.

You can see just how quickly you can be misunderstood if you have the different branches at a meeting and everyone is using acronyms.

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

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What are you doing in your new job as reserve deputy surgeon?

Are You Ready To Give Up Those Reading Glasses?

I’ve been spending time getting familiar with the Pacific Theater and the various concerns there.

I spent seven weeks in Hawaii—I know, people tease me about that, but it is work. But, still, you are in Hawaii. Every Sunday morning, I woke up and thought about Pearl Harbor. … I will spend four more weeks there by mid-July.

I’m also doing more training, finishing up a 40-week school with the Advanced Joint Professional Military Education program.

In the surgeon’s office, we work on everything from goodwill visits to helping out when you have something like the tsunami that hit Japan. Every other year, we take our hospital ships out to other countries like Vietnam and Micronesia on goodwill visits. We’re getting ready for next year’s tour and our office will be doing all the logistics work for the medical piece. It’s a big Department of State thing, a big political thing.

What are the transitions like as you move from home to your military duties?

Going from the civilian to the military world and back is hard. You get used to acronyms. In the military, if I ask someone of a lower rank to do something, unless it was illegal or immoral, they had to do it.

Being in both worlds gives me more opportunity to talk to people and to educate people. The military is more than defending the country. There’s also humanitarian work.

One of the reasons I was successful in the Reserve was that I was able to sit back and ask why we do what we do sometimes. It’s taught me a lot about sitting back and observing and listening and not being quick to judge.

Would you go into active duty again?

If they ask, they need me, and that’s why I’m in the Reserve.

You can!

What motivates you to do what you do?

Living in this country is a gift that’s not to be taken for granted.

Not everybody can do the military and I know that. But we all serve in our own way, whether it means raising productive people in the world or whatever else we do, we all need to step up at some point in some way B

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By Christina Strawbridge In the last few months, I have noticed that Downtown Benicia is Bugaboo "Andy Warhol" Stroller abuzz with baby strollers. On any given day, a growing number of moms and sometimes dads are transporting their children in strollers while they jog, walk or window shop. The baby strollers of today are completely different from what I pushed as a new Mother 39 years ago. In 1974, the ride of choice was the umbrella stroller that I learned to open and close with one hand and a quick kick, while balancing my newborn and diaper bag on the other arm. They were lightweight and fit easily into the back seat of the car, along with the play pen, car seat, and other "must have" paraphernalia for even an afternoon outing. Since there was little support in the back part of the stroller, the baby always seemed to be folded into the seat. Who knows how it may have affected the posture of a generation.

In 2013, parents can indulge their children's mode of transportation with high profile models from car manufacturers like Aston Martin and BMW. James Bond favorite, Aston Martin, just released an all leather stroller that sells for $3000. With automotive styling, the Maclaren BMW comes fully loaded with a 5-point harness and is made of aircraft grade recyclable aluminum. The company's logo is decaled on the wheels and sun roof, which screams status. The BMW buggy comes in black, blue or silver and costs $375.

Bugaboo is an international mobility (stroller) company based in Amsterdam that has worked with Italian designer Missoni, and Viktor&Rolf, who created the My First Car collection, which was inspired by the feeling of driving your first car. Their car stroller has a windshield for baby to peer out of and automobile upholstery interior.

Bugaboo is partnering with the Andy Warhol Foundation For the Visual Arts and will be introducing two collections this month. Warhol is one of the world’s leading figures in contemporary art and pop culture, with work that is iconic and recognizable twenty-five years after his death. Warhol’s innovative approach to art provided inspiration for Bugaboo. The collaboration celebrates the artist’s love for children’s inquisitive and creative minds and his ability to create timeless work that transcends any age or time period.

The “Flowers” Collection uses Warhol's Flowers, a print of red poppies on a black background, to cover the sunroofs and seats. The lesser-known "Cars" print is 1950's-era autos in black and white, which has a retro effect on the urban buggies. For $750 you can own a Warhol while adding to your art collection.

Babies are in, especially with the upcoming birth of William and Kate's royal child due in July. Kate has remained loyal to her famous tailored look (minus a belt) during her much-photographed pregnancy. She is still wearing high heels and chose a pair of three-inch black pumps with black opaque tights for a visit to the Underground recently. Her famous platform nude heels continue to be part of her "go to" footwear. For one public appearance she wore a £38 Topshop black and white maternity dress, which sold out just hours later. Much like Princess Diana, the fashion industry is watching Kate for inspiration to set trends for women who are dealing with what to wear for nine months.

Benicia is known as a family town with great schools, more than 20 parks (three along the waterfront), City-sponsored sports and learning programs, and community events that include parades, farmers market and Halloween and holiday activities.

Kids who grew up in Benicia are returning to start their families and recapture for their children what it means to be a Benician. Make way for the stroller brigade! B

Benicia Grill

Dinner-style lunch menu

707.751.0155

4760 E. Second St., Benicia

THE BENICIA HISTORICAL MUSEUM at the Camel Barns

Visit a National Historic Treasure Listed On the natiOnaL RegisteR Of histORic PLaces 1850s MiLitaRy aRsenaL BuiLdings • event venue & gaRden On Exhibit Now Through August 31st

C AMELOT !

The Philly Dake Camel Collection Open Wed - Sun 1-4 pm • 2060 Camel Rd. • Benicia, CA For More Information call 707-745-5435 www.beniciahistoricalmuseum.org

26 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista

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Alonzo

AND

Small

Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business of the Year Award

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Home • Auto • Motorcycle Boat • Business Policies

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Slab leaks, repipes Water heaters, faucets Toilets, garbage disposals Remodels, gas lines & more Free Estimates Mike Pitta, Owner/Operator Lic. #969499 Insured & bonded

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Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Adults

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Conversational Classes

• Small groups or individual sessions • C’est facile et amusant!

Reserve your seat: nadalang@comcast.net

707.644.3421

house

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

Orthodontics for children and adults

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

Classic Country Music Local Country Band CD available online pleasantvalleymusic.com or amazon.com For more info email

bobf12@juno.com

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Featured Musician

Mark Kennedy Guitar and bass teacher/ composer/ musician Born: Hanover, New Hampshire Resides in: Benicia Relationship Status/Children: Married with 3 grown children

By Rhonda Lucile Hicks Photo by Jerry Cook

What did you listen to as a teenager? Not my parents or teachers. Elvis Presley’s

“Jailhouse Rock,” Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues” (“I asked my congressman and he said, ‘I’d like to help you son, but you’re too young to vote.’”) King Curtis sax solos, Ray Charles, Motown, Bob Dylan; I loved Henry Mancini’s TV themes, Peter Gunn and Mr. Lucky, then I heard Coltrane and Bill Evans and Miles Davis.

What do you listen to now? I listen to the music that I teach people to play: Ray Charles, The Beatles, Stones, Eric Clapton, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Duke Ellington, Tom Waits, Howlin’ Wolf, Cole Porter, Diana Krall. I take requests and transcribe music that people want to learn.

Where did you go to school? I studied painting at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida, and music at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

How did you come to live in Benicia? I was an economic refugee from the tech boom

of the nineties in S.F. Benicia was beautiful, affordable and had a vibrant arts community. I love Benicia!

How long have you been teaching? I’ve been teaching for 38 years. I started at Blue

Bear (the college of rock and roll) at Fort Mason in 1975, from 1987 to the present at The Community Music Center on Capp Street in the city. I also taught at School of the Arts in San Francisco and did artist-in-residencies at Cal Arts and UC Santa Cruz. I’ve been teaching at Kennedy Music Studio in Benicia for 15 years.

What instruments and style of music do you teach? I teach acoustic and electric guitar and electric and upright bass. I do private lessons and group classes on different skill levels. I like to get people to play well with others. I try to be the teacher I always wished I had.

Ages of students? Age 10 to 80. I have five students named Mark.

You served as Music Director, composer and performer for the Pickle Family Circus. What was a typical day working for the circus? There were

clowns everywhere, jugglers, acrobats, people in gorilla suits, trapeze artists, bodies bouncing up and down on trampolines; there were delighted, wide eyed audiences thrilled by the performances. We would set up bleachers, a backdrop, the ring, a trapeze and a bandstand, play two shows outdoors in a tent with no top, then strike and move on. We all shared in the work, we were young and fit and tan.

We were the world’s healthiest looking jazz musicians. B Read the expanded interview online at beniciamagazine.com.

LIVE MUSIC ONGOING The Rellik Tavern

Live music every Fri & Sat therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137

Upstairs at the Café

Live music Thurs, Fri & Sat Jazz Sunday afternoon firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400

Gracie’s Barbecue

Live Music every Friday gracies.net 707.552.2254

Empress Theatre

Wednesday Night Ramble First & third Wednesdays Soulshine 2nd Wednesday each month Hot House Blues 4th Wednesday each month empresstheatre.org 707.552.2400

Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar Fairfield Live music every Saturday stickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500

SPECIAL EVENTS Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra Bankhead Theatre, Livermore Saturday, June 1, 7:30pm, mylvpac.com Dick Hindman Trio The Jazz School, Berkeley Sunday, June 2, 4:30pm jazzschool.com The Ray Charles Project Silo’s, Napa Friday, June 7, 7pm & 9:30pm silosnapa.com Salvador Santana Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley Friday, June 7, 9pm sweetwatermusichall.com David Burnham – Mostly Broadway El Campanil Theatre, Antioch Sunday, June 9, 3pm elcampaniltheatre.com The Front Bottoms Brick and Mortar Music Hall San Francisco, Sun, June 16, 8pm brickandmortarmusic.com Fatoumata Diaware Yoshi’s San Francisco Wednesday, June 19, 8pm yoshis.com

Scan for more listings

The Ray Obiedo Group 57th Street Gallery, Oakland Friday, June 28, 8pm, 57thstreetgallery.com

28 • Benicia Magazine Listening

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Camellia Tea Room Delicious Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Housemade Desserts, Fine Teas & Tea Accessories

Bookshop Benicia New and Used Books • Toys, Games, Puzzles Magazines and more 636 First Street, Benicia, CA • 707•747•5155 Mon.-Sat. 10-8 • Sun.-11-6 • www.bookshopbenicia.com

Ask about our Bridal

$5.00 Off

and Baby Shower Packages!

with purchase of $20 or more

Camellia Tea Room • 828 First Street Downtown Benicia • 707.746.5293

cannot be combined with other coupons

Gift certificates available We carry Delta Sup & Kite Naked

• Kite Surfing • Sea Kayaking • Longboards & Scooters • Standup Paddle Boards • Kids summer fun camps!

Rentals Lessons Gear

Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports 238 First St., Benicia • 209.304.2200 • kite-paddle.com

Blown Glass, Wall Art, Jewelry, Gift Items 707.748.1336 • www.lindsayartglass.com

A wonderful place for

gifts

Open Every Day 700 First St. Benicia, CA 94510

707-745-0254 www.studio41.com

Experience the Difference Defining the Art of Outdoor Cooking

American Made Gallery Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-5 • Fri 11-7 • Sat 10-7 109 East F Street , Benicia, CA 94510

707.745.5933

www.calcomfort.com 4680 East 2nd St., Benicia

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june calendar of events

6/1-6/30 Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House Weekends only 10am-5pm

Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st & 3rd Sundays & 2nd Saturday Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, June 2, 8 & 16 115 West G Street, Benicia 707.745.3385

6/4 First Tuesdays Investment Club

Long-standing investment club Meets in Benicia first Tuesday each month For more info contact 707.373.1200

6/5-6/26 Toastmaster’s Group

Wednesday evenings 7:30-9pm Learn to speak w/confidence in friendly environment 601 First Street, Suite 100, Benicia 707.290.4377

6/6-6/27 Benicia Farmer’s Market 4-8pm

Offers fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods Gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts and crafts First Street between B & D Streets

6/7 Diablo Regional Concert Band 7:30pm

Spring Concert with volunteer concert band Cora Martens conducting Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

6/8 Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

6/8 Benicia Art Walk, Self-guided Tour 3-7pm

Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940

6/8 Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm

Featured artist is Mark Monsarrat, oil landscapes Gallery open Thursday-Sunday, 12-6pm 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

6/15 Gallery 621 Opening Reception 6-9pm

6/19 Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

6/21 Movie Night Under the Stars at Dusk

Featured artist Jack Ruszel, sculptor June 13 through July 28, Thursday-Sunday 12-6pm 621 First Street, Gallery621.com 707.746.6211

Library Doña Benicia Room Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial; bring pillow & blanket City Park Gazebo, First Street at Military West Ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4285

6/23 Kennedy Music Studio Student Concert 1-3pm

Students perform classical, rock, folk, blues, pop and jazz Stone Hall, 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

6/8 Spring Wine Walk 1-5pm

Taste over a dozen wines

inside downtown shops Downtown Benicia Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Scan for more listings

30 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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Think of tree care as an investment.

Healthy trees

• Purify our air • Increase in value with age • Beautify our surroundings • Save energy by providing shade & protecting from winter winds For more info visit: www.ci.benicia.ca.us, Parks & Community Services www.beniciatrees.org Protect your tree investment with proper mulching, fertilization and pruning.

Welcome to

Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

• Full-service dentistry • In-house lab, ensures perfect fit • Orthodontics • 50% off bleach with exam & cleaning

Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St.

• Relaxed and comfortable environment

707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

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Working with AQCC and their staff was a great experience. Susy helped us put our thoughts and ideas into an actual plan. Her great creative solutions solved every issue, including where our dog was going to eat!

—George and Angèle

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

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

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

June Ben Mag vol8 v8.indd 32

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

5/20/13 12:38 PM