Benicia Magazine April 2015

Barkitecture is back!

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Open Studios weekend Wind, Water, Land exhibit Waterfront bio-filtration sculpture

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

Mid-Year Valero Scholarships Awarded to College Students Eighteen Solano Community College students representing area veterans, Benicia High School graduates and a Liberty High School graduate were recipients of mid-year Valero scholarships totaling $10,000. The scholarships were presented at a ceremony held February 24, 2015 at the college’s Fairfield campus.

Valero supports the Solano Community College Educational Foundation annually through its own charitable giving foundation. If you are interested in creating an endowed or annual scholarship, or wish to support the college’s mission of “Transforming Students’ Lives” in other ways, please contact Curt Johnston, Foundation Director at Curt.

Johnston@solano.edu or call 707-646-2093.

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Alysha Hancock

Air Force

Brady Burke

Air Force

Brandy Pinette

Navy

Grant Stephens

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James Fladger

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Janina Morrison

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Joshua Barker

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Kyle Adona

Navy

Leonor Gonzalez

Air Force

Michael Mulrooney

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Ryan Carter

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Shella Rittenberry

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Steve Dennis

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David Lewis

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Daphne Kuta

Benicia HS graduate

Enyang Han

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Cristina Trujillo

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Tabitha Jeffries

Liberty HS graduate

Fast Fact: Safety First:

707-745-7534 April 2015

Safety Experts, Railways and Industry Showcase Rail Safety

Union Pacific's William Boyd demonstrates a Positive Train Control (PTC) simulator used as a training device by UP locomotive engineers. Photo by Daniel Potter/KQED.

Safety experts, railroad officials and oil and chemical industry representatives recently hosted a series of demonstrations and briefings to an audience of State of California legislators, State agency representatives, and emergency responders.

Held in Sacramento at the California State Railroad Museum on February 24, 2015, the briefings focused on railroad and industry training programs for first responders, as well as response capabilities of the rail, oil and chemical industries in the event of an incident.

“Nothing is more important to railroads and their shippers than safety,” said Liisa Stark, director of public affairs for Union Pacific Railroad, a participating company at the briefings. “We are continually evaluating and investing in our processes and procedures to ensure that all materials are handled with the highest level of safety and security.”

Three briefing sessions were held throughout the day to accommodate the attendees.

The Valero Benicia Refinery had representatives on hand to present information about the Petrochemical Mutual Aid Organization (PMAO) in the Bay Area—an emergency response cooperative of oil, chemical and related companies founded in the 1940s. A similar group exists in Southern California, called the Southern California Industrial Mutual-aid Organization.

PMAO has representation from area fire departments (Benicia, Contra Costa, Rodeo/ Hercules, Richmond, San Ramon, West Sacramento, Stockton, and Sacramento International Airport), Office of Emergency Response organizations, United States Coast Guard, Military Ocean Terminal Concord, emergency medical services agencies, and chemical companies and five refineries.

The primary purpose of PMAO is to provide assistance (material and equipment) to members requiring aid during an emergency, as well as to respond to requests from communities for support and technical expertise.

The refinery’s Crude by Rail Infrastructure Project will create at least 20 permanent jobs, as well as 120 skilled craftsman jobs during the construction.

Benicia’s Fire and Police Departments and other vital services are funded primarily from the City’s General Fund, of which approximately 25% is contributed by the Valero Benicia Refinery.

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

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

APRIL VOLUME 10 ISSUE 6

FEATURES 14 Art and sustainability meet in waterfront labyrinth sculpture 16 W ind, Water, Land: Benicia’s newest addition of public art 18 22nd annual Barkitecture preview party and auction

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DEPARTMENTS 10 From the Editor 12

12 13

Currents Annual artist open studios weekend draws thousands Bio: Lisa McGuire

Along the Waterfront Capturing Benicia’s waterfront charm

An Easter luncheon at the Arsenal Officers’ Club circa 1953

20 Backwards Glance

22 Downtown Map 24 Interview

Michael Trahan, interior designer

27 Trends

1970s style makes yet another comeback

28 Calendar of Events

Cover Photo: “Ace,” Adoptable dog at Humane Society of the Northbay, photo by Lisa Nicole Szucs. Photos this page left to right: Wind, Water, Land, photo by Elaine Eisner; Labyrinth sculpture photo by Jerry Bowles; Right: “Nino,” Adoptable dog at Humane Society of the Northbay, photo by Lisa Nicole Szucs; Cat domicile photos by Jerry Bowles 8 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

APRIL 2015

FROM THE EDITOR

Photo by Joe Messina

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

10 • Benicia Magazine

or the many folks out there who have commented that they would like to see more artrelated articles in the magazine, this issue is for you.

April is a big month in Benicia, especially in the arts. Although the annual Artist Open Studios event, attracting thousands from all over the Bay, happens May 2 and 3, the preview party for what’s being shown at the Arts Benicia Gallery is April 8. Along with the Arts Benicia Gallery, downtown galleries and over 60 artists will be showing their work at this free event. It’s a fun and engaging way to spend a day or two immersed in art of all kinds, and meet artists in their studios, many of which are live/work spaces.

An entirely different way to view art, in person and metaphorically, is to check out the temporary bio-labyrinth, a sculpture of sorts on the First Street Green, that demonstrates how toxins from storm water runoff might be filtered before flowing into large bodies of water. The labyrinth aspect is an interesting twist—in addition to the artistic aspect, labyrinths by nature invite contemplation. But don’t delay; it’s being removed early to mid-April—just look for the big, raised red circle on the east side of the green. Finally, there’s an important new piece of public art in Benicia’s collection: the Wind, Water, Land five-paneled glass piece at the Benicia Community Center, 370 East L Street. A collaboration between many artists, it is certainly a statement-maker.

Check out the backstories on April’s art offerings in this issue, which provide links to learn more.

April also ushers in Benicia Main Street’s annual farmers market, which, if you haven’t been lately, has become our community living room for socializing. The market starts April 30, and runs every Thursday through October. And if you’ve never been in the 22 years it’s been around, come on down for season 23 and experience the magic of live music, fresh food vendors including organic offerings, take-out hot meals, crafts and more, with the backdrop of Benicia’s beautiful waterfront.

Benicia Old Town Theatre Group’s Don’t Dress for Dinner play begins April 17 and runs through May 9, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Benicia Ballet has their annual Swan Lake performance April 18 & 19, the 22nd annual Classic Car Show on the First Street Green is April 26, and Barkitecture’s gala auction is April 18. See the calendar for additional ways to get out and have some fun this month.

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Photos courtesy Arts Benicia

Annual

Artist Open Studios

Bio

Lisa McGuire

Currents

May 2 & 3

By Jeff Tover Each year the artist and artisan community in Benicia welcomes visitors to experience an Open Studios event on the first weekend of May, which, this year, will be held Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3. More than 60 artists will be participating in this event for those two days. Visitors are afforded a rare opportunity to talk personally with artists whose work they admire and to see their favorite—or soon-to-be favorite—artists at work. This is a great way for families and art enthusiasts to connect to the wonderful world of painting and sculpture art. Although many of the artists are housed in the historic area known to many as “The Arsenal,” there will be a number of artists showing and discussing their art at locations on First Street and in their own homes.

To assist the multitude of tourists that flock to this event each year, Arts Benicia will be providing individuals with a free, detailed map displaying each participating artist’s location in town. Maps will be available at local businesses and at Arts Benicia’s Gallery in the Arsenal.

In concert with Benicia Open Studios 2015, the Arts Benicia Gallery will present an Open Studios Preview exhibit that will be on view from April 8 through May 3. The preview is a great opportunity for attendees to get a first look and efficiently plan their studio visits. The artwork in the gallery will be available for purchase as well. And for those who enjoy gallery hopping, there are a few locations on First Street, including Gallery 621 and the Plein Air Gallery, that also exhibit artwork from the talented artists in our community.

Also in conjunction with Open Studios, the Mosaic Project is back for 2015!

People of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the creation of the Mosaic Project at Arts Benicia. During the Open Studios exhibition, a huge "mosaic" will be installed, consisting of 6 x 6 inch panels. These panels are created by emerging and established artists alike—children, teens, adults, seniors—anyone who wants to participate. Each mosaic panel will be sold for $25; all proceeds benefit Arts Benicia. Mosaic Panels for 2015 have been generously donated by Ruszel Woodworks.

Food and entertainment will be available at The Arsenal during Open Studios weekend. An interactive demonstration is also planned in Arts Benicia’s classroom for those who might like to test out their own artistic prowess. For guests who are true “foodies,” there are a number of wonderful restaurants in town featuring many different types of cuisine. Hotel accommodations are also available to folks who want to enjoy the entire weekend in our historic town and see the sights. B 12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

By Adriene Rockwell Photo By Malcolm Slight During the height of the AIDS epidemic in the mid 1980s, Lisa McGuire was a research chemist for Hercules-based Bio-Rad Laboratories, developing a leading edge HIV testing kit. Though still a scientist at heart, some 20 years later she prefers being on the marketing side of things, and now travels the globe as a product manager for one of the company’s major initiatives related to diabetes monitoring. But her journey at Bio-Rad was not a straight path.

With a degree in chemistry from Hanover College, her first jobs were at Indiana University Medical Center and Scripps Research Institute. After her initial stint at Bio-Rad, she was recruited by Chiron Corporation to help develop breakthrough drug therapies. However, she yearned for more.

Along her own path of discovery, McGuire found herself working for Benicia’s fashion boutique Christina S., before taking a long-term substitute position at Benicia High School. In 2005, she dipped her toe back into biotechnology, but this time at a Bio-Rad customer call center. This eventually led to the job she has today, which allows her to travel to destinations such as Tel Aviv, Shanghai, Tokyo, Milan, and Madrid, working face-to-face with the company’s global subsidiaries.

Although she would not trade her time in the lab, those years taught her something important about herself: “I like working with people and being more customer-facing. If I knew then what I know now, I would have gone to school to get my MBA in marketing much sooner.”

A devoted Benician with three children now grown, McGuire enjoys photography, quilting and cooking. A true scientist, she is now looking for the perfect milk to make mozzarella, and the best starter for homemade vinegar. Eventually she hopes to learn to make pastries just like the French do. B

A rustic pier on Benicia's west side, photo by Jerry Bowles

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Merging Art and Environmentalism

in A Temporary Waterfront Sculpture

By Jeanne Steinmann Photos courtesy Arts Benicia If you haven’t yet visited the First Street Green, about a block east of downtown where the grass abuts the marshland along the waterfront, you don’t want to miss the thought-provoking piece of temporary public art with a wonderfully created biolabyrinth raingarden.

I heard both complimentary comments and complaints about the bright orange sculpture from folks who have seen it. Perhaps those who didn’t care for it saw it from a distance, and presumably didn’t read the information board letting visitors know that it is there to educate, collect data, and then be removed in April of this year.

As an outgrowth of 2004’s passage of Measure C, the Waterfront Park Initiative, in October 2014, the City of Benicia certified the Urban Waterfront Enhancement Master Plan, which, once funded, will improve the area along the waterfront from First Street to the Marina. A grant for $140,000 from the Coastal Conservancy allowed the City, with public input, to design such additions as an entry plaza, public art and seating, trails, a boardwalk and viewing platforms among other improvements, including stormwater raingardens.

Stormwater runoff, as it flows from driveways, paths and roads, picks up pollutants such as oil, lawn fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste and more.

A $30,250 grant from the Creative Work Fund allowed Arts Benicia to collaborate with artist Mark Brest van Kempen, over an 18-month residency period, to create the temporary raingarden, in the shape of a labyrinth, as an experiment for filtering for stormwater runoff. Although 14 • Benicia Magazine

raingardens as biofiltration methods are not a new concept, an artistic labyrinth along our slice of waterfront is certainly an interesting and novel way to model one. A raingarden filters out pollutants and allows runoff to be absorbed into the ground to significantly decrease the amount of stormwater flowing into tributaries and larger bodies of water—in this case—the Carquinez Strait.

The unique labyrinth is set inside a round, raised container. The color chosen to paint the outside of the container and outflow support structure was International Orange, the color of the Golden Gate Bridge, as a nod to our proximity to the San Francisco Bay. Designed by Brest van Kempen, it was constructed with help from Arts Benicia volunteers beginning in January of this year.

The sculpture includes a basin below the labyrinth and an adjacent solar collector. The energy generated from the solar panel powers a pump to bring water from the basin back up into the labyrinth, to circulate through the plants, and then down the outflow ramp, where it runs back into the basin. Brest van Kempen will collect water from local creeks, have it tested, then put through the labyrinth and retested. The water samples before and after will then be compared.

According to Larnie Fox, who retired as Arts Benicia’s Director in March, "This is an area that is really interesting: how can art interact with the environment in a way people don’t typically conceive of as art? A fair amount of interesting work is being done in relation to community and environment where artists are taking on leadership roles to do what needs doing, but in a way that humanizes the results. The Biolabyrinth Raingarden engages people in an artistic way: It helps with cleaning the environment and storm surge, but also inspires people to bring their friends to look at it and share it.” After analyzing the results, the final step will be to present the information along with photos, videos and other material about the project, from conception to deconstruction, during the ABAiR (Arts Benicia Artist in Residence) exhibition at the Arts Benicia gallery June 1428. The opening reception will be held at the gallery June 20, 7-9pm.

For more information about the ABAiR raingarden project or the Urban Waterfront Enhancement Master Plan, visit artsbenicia.org, artsbeniciablog.blogspot.com or ci.benicia.ca.us. B

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

BENICIA'S PUBLIC ART EXPAN

By Patty Gavin The Benicia Arts and Culture Commission recently announced the unveiling of Wind, Water, Land, a new public art piece at the Benicia Community Center.

The wall-sized work will serve as the focus of a permanent eco-sustainable exhibit and educational medium in the LEED-Gold certified building.

The piece is an artistic vehicle of glass and metal, comprised of a significant amount of repurposed and recycled materials. The theme of wind, water and land was selected to portray Benicia’s characteristics. The intent of the artwork, funded by a Community Sustainability Commission Grant and managed by the Public Art Committee of the Arts and Culture Commission, is to serve as a catalyst for reflection and action regarding the effects of climate change.

Wind, Water, Land was collaboratively designed and created by local Benicia artists who are internationally/nationally known. The lead artist on the project was Brian Giambastiani, a metal and glass artist, who drew the conceptual design. He was joined in creating the piece by glass artists Micheal Nourot, Nicholas Nourot and David Lindsay, and metal artists David Nourot and Mike Kendall. The metal and glass are further enhanced by backlighting, designed

by Larry Lauber. The story of the piece's creation, from the conceptual drawing through the approval process (required by the City of Benicia’s Public Art Program), to the actual formation of the work itself, was filmed by renowned local filmmaker John Beck. The film is available for viewing on the screen next to the artwork.

The piece is accompanied by an interactive component, consisting of informative and educational questions that provoke and enlighten citizens about the realities of climate change, energy consumption, and water usage. Wind, Water, Land is a significant sized work of art, consisting of five 3’x 5’ panels that consume the length of a long wall near the reception desk at the community center. The community center was chosen as the site by the Public Art Committee because of its environmental integrity and because it has the capacity to reach citizens of all ages. On any given day, 295 people will pass by the work.

As art inspires and speaks to the heart and mind of the viewer, the goal of Wind, Water, Land is to promote environmental awareness, eco-sustainable education, and inspire and resonate for years to come. On March 21, the piece will be fittingly celebrated as it’s unveiled to a capacity crowd. Visitors will enjoy viewing additional artworks by the participating artists, information tables on eco-sustainable living, a children’s art workshop, and several screenings of the documentary film. Please come see this striking piece and enjoy the newest gem in the city’s growing collection of public art.

16 • Benicia Magazine

WIND, WATER, LAND ARTIST BIOS Brian Giambastiani

Brian trained under world-renowned glass artists at the Eugene Glass School in Oregon, and was a glassblower at internationally known Nourot Glass Studio for 9 years. He opened his own glass studio, 1015 designs, in 2008. He possesses expertise in glass, and also in incorporating metal with glass to create unique pieces.

David Lindsay

David has over 35 years experience in glass blowing. He has studied at the world famous Pilchuck School of Glass in Seattle, and with master glassblower Lino Tagliapietra in Italy.

Beginning his career at Nourot Glass Studio in 1976, he eventually became a partner with Micheal Nourot. In 1998, David and his wife Ann opened their own studio, Lindsay Art glass.

NDS WITH WIND, WATER, LAND “The conceptual

Panel photos by Elaine Eisner

Micheal Nourot

Blowing glass in the Italian tradition for over 35 years, Micheal Nourot’s roots in glassblowing come from his apprenticeship in Venice with glass masters. Micheal Nourot has also worked with the internationally acclaimed glass artist Dale Chihuly. Glassmakers to the Pope, US presidents, and major corporations, endless demand remains for the Nourot trademark patterns Scarlet Nova and Red Satin, whose origins lie in the Italian tradition.

Nicholas Nourot

Son of Micheal Nourot, Nicholas was just 6 when he began making glass in his parents' studio. He has pursued glass studies at the Pilchuck School and in Murano, a major European epicenter of glassblowing. In addition, Nicholas taught for a time at Eugene Glass School. His style of glass is long and lean.

David Nourot

David Nourot will tell you that a lifelong love affair with welding all started with a spark. A

fine welder and metal artist, David spent many years inspiring thousands of students at Solano Community College as an instructor in welding.

He has also taught ornamental iron work. David has collaborated on several projects over the years with his brother, Micheal Nourot.

Larry Lauber

An Electrical Engineer with a BS and MS from the University of Illinois, Larry’s expertise is exceptionally diverse in numerous areas, in both the public and private sector. He recently designed and implemented an interactive learning piece at the Benicia Historical Museum.

Mike Kendall

An artist for over 40 years, Mike studied at t he Brooks Institute of Fine Art. His works are mainly composed of metal, creating sculptures using non-traditional elements. Winner of numerous awards, his work has been shown across the Bay Area and beyond in solo and group exhibitions. B

design starts with the viewer seeing five panels of salvaged, repurposed, and recycled materials.

As the viewer’s eye moves along the panels, the piece transforms into strata conveying wind, water and land. Sky is formed from chunks of slumped and textured glass. In the sky, clouds and leaning cattails of recycled metal and glass depict wind. Dichroic bits, encased in glass balls, float on plasma-cut metal to form water. Rebar strips convey current.

Nuts and bolts meld to shape land. In converting salvaged, repurposed, and recycled materials into a symphony of wind, water and land, this public piece expresses the magnificence of our earth, while helping us be mindful of its fragility.

”

-Lee Wilder-Snider

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

A Purrfect Night to Raise the Woof at Barkitecture 2015 Right off the bat, the whimsically creative theme names for the annual Barkitecture event, now in its 12th year, grab attention. For those who aren’t familiar with this wildly popular local gala occurrence, Barkitecture raises money for an extremely important cause: homeless dogs and cats.

The brainchild of the Humane Society of the Northbay, formerly the Vallejo-Benicia Human Society, HSNB is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter for homeless dogs and cats. In addition to taking in lost and abandoned animals, HSNB provides dog licensing and microchipping, and the opportunity for families to adopt a wonderful pet that needs a permanent home.

HSNB has a “no kill” policy for its animals. Based on space availability, financial resources, and/or the opportunity to place animals in temporary foster homes, HSNB accepts as many animals as possible into its adoption program. The program’s success relies on volunteers, donations and the Barkitecture fundraising event.

18 • Benicia Magazine

Barkitecture began in 2003, growing from 145 guests to a sellout event at 500 participants each year. A multi-step process, Barkitecture starts with the building of pet domiciles by volunteers. There’s a competition for the best domiciles in just one category this year: the Builder’s Choice awards. These wonderfully constructed, custom pet habitats, often made from recycled or repurposed materials, are on view at the preview party, Friday, April 10, 6:30-9pm at Team Superstores, Vallejo, where guests can vote for their favorite habitat. Tickets for the preview party are $15; kids 10 and under are free. Competition for the coveted domicile awards is taken very seriously.

The big gala event takes place at the Solano County Fairgrounds, McCormick Hall, April 18, and features savory appetizers donated by local restaurants, as well as wine and beer tasting from local wineries and breweries. In addition to the live auction of the domiciles, silent auction items range from premium wines to shopping sprees.

Proceeds go towards general operating funds needed to care for shelter animals, to support the organization’s multifaceted mission: To help foster a public sentiment of humanity and gentleness toward all animals through education and encouragement, promote a lifelong commitment to responsible pet ownership and strive to protect animals from cruelty, neglect, carelessness and ignorance.

The Barkitecture gala auction is limited to ages 21 and over. Tickets, $50 per person, must be purchased in advance; visit hsnb.rescuegroups.org. To volunteer, visit the website or email barkvolunteer@hsbn.org. B Photos: Previous Barkitecture dog, cat and bird domiciles, private collection. Photos by Jerry Bowles

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

A 1953 Easter Luncheon at the Arsenal Officer’s Club Photo courtesy Benicia Historical Museum

By Elizabeth d’Huart Executive Director, Benicia Historical Museum

Our records indicate that this photograph was taken at the Benicia Arsenal Officers’ Club in 1953, on the occasion of an Easter luncheon, and includes (left to right) Val Yaeger, Joyce Closson, Ida Christiansen, Janet Rappe, Emerson Stoner, Leah Keaton, Paul Schroeder and Velma Medeiros. All the ingredients for a holiday get-together are here: plenty of food, several Easter bunnies atop the themed tablecloth, and—my favorite—the decorated eggs that the guests are holding.

According to accession notes, the eggs are ceramic and are meant to be a likeness of each of the recipients! We have quite a bit of information on Emerson Stoner (1892-1983), who was a civilian employee at the BA from 1917 until his retirement

as Chief Fiscal Officer in 1957, and also a well-known self-taught natural scientist specializing in the study of ornithology. His bird egg collection is housed at the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology in Los Angeles, California. He also began the Benicia Christmas Bird Count in 1930, which is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, according to some. The Officers’ Club itself was built in 1942, and saw “active duty” through the early 1960s. It was torn down in 2007 or 2008 to make way for a residential condominium development that was never built. If readers have any details on the other folks in the picture, we would appreciate it if you contact the museum. We are always trying to fill in the blanks on images like this, and it becomes more and more difficult as our residents move or pass away. B

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Dinner-style lunch menu

707.751.0155 • 4760 E. Second St., Benicia

• Active learning spaces • District-wide WiFi

• Ongoing professional development for district staff • Technology mentor teachers • Preparing students for real-world applications

www.beniciaunified.org BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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23 Benicia Main Street

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22 • Benicia Magazine

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Benicia Marina

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

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

BOOKS • TOYS • GAMES • GREETING CARDS

Celebrating 21 Years!

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

Dudikoff Insurance Agency Planning, Products, & Services

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

www.farmersagent.com/gdudikoff

Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful!

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

Steve McClure

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

707.745.0848

Mexican Food

www.stevemcclure.net

640 First Street • 707.746.7830

CHARLIE’S ATTIC

Furniture, Collectibles & Household Items 11am-6pm PLUS Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat Frequently open until 10pm • 707.745.4565

Collectibles-Antiques-Music Consignment and eBay drop-off

632 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

22nd Annual BENICIA CLASSIC CAR SHOW April 26, 9am—3pm Historic Downtown Benicia

Serving Benicia's orthodontic needs for over 25 years

Annual Show benefiting Benicia High School Panther Band Some of the best classic cars in Northern California Great food, music and trophies Free admission

707.742.3590

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Dr. Tom Campbell

Orthodontics for children and adults

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

Plumbing and Boilers Residential & Commercial Service, Repair & Replacement

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

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707.333.5992 • up2codeplumbing.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight

INTERVIEW WITH

Michael Trahan Fresh paint, new rugs, updated furniture— magazines, websites and TV shows are brimming with ideas to entice you to make over your home.

But before making those changes, interior designer Michael Trahan recommends a couple of essential first steps: Declutter.

Clean.

“Really clean the room. Clean the windows, touch up the furniture, touch up the floors,” the Louisiana native advises.

Springtime launches the home-improvement season, and Michael has suggestions for those who want to spruce up their homes. During his decades as a certified interior designer, Michael has worked on model homes, offices, kitchens, bathrooms and single-room makeovers, plus staged homes for sale. He also is a member of the Color Marketing Group, an association that forecasts color trends for everything from automobiles to fashion to home décor.

He puts his creative ideas to use in his downtown Benicia home. He recently rotated accent pieces on a table that runs the length of his living room wall, packing up photographs to make way for accessories collected over time.

“You still get to see the cherished things you’ve accumulated over the years this way. Though I see a couple of the photos are back out,” he says, smiling wryly as he glances at a side table with his wedding photo on it.

Michael’s enthusiasm shows on his whole face as he talks about trends in kitchens, colors, furniture and more. His smile reaches all the way to his eyes, which squint behind his circularframed glasses.

Michael and his wife, Martha, moved to Benicia in 2000 from Walnut Creek. He worked for other design firms before opening Michael Trahan Interior Design in 1995. Martha accompanies him when meeting clients. “I love more modern, contemporary looks. My wife is more traditional, so we work as a team. A lot of people have a lifestyle that’s more eclectic than one single style.”

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

When did you become interested in interior design?

I grew up in a family that was in the construction business. In high school I worked in the drafting department. I think that’s where I got the bug. But I thought I wanted to be a doctor. I got a degree in premed and when it was all said and done, I was not happy. Instead I went back to college and studied interior design.

What is the most common home improvement project currently?

I’m doing a lot of kitchens and baths.

That’s where you get the bigger bang for your buck when you sell. I’m also doing one-room makeovers, where people want a new feeling in a space. I take everything off the walls, relocate the artwork, remove the accessories and update them, add new color. It doesn’t take much to see an amazing change.

What trends are you seeing in kitchens this spring?

Gray is still the neutral color of the moment for the whole house, and it’s showing up more in the kitchen. When people talk about painting their cabinets, they’re going more toward gray than white.

You’re also seeing a lot of very dark cabinetry with white countertops. You’re seeing more quartz for countertops at this time because of maintenance issues.

You have to seal granite. Backsplashes are where you get your color. You’re seeing a lot of glass backsplashes in different shapes and sizes, and mixed metals with glass.

You’re also seeing more kitchen organization built into cabinets for things like spices. You’re seeing more drawers being used, even for pots and pans, and more appliances being hidden away.

You’re also seeing statement lighting in kitchens: a drum fixture or a dramatic pendant.

What’s on trend for kitchen and bathroom fixtures?

Fixture trends are slower to change.

You’re going to see brass more and more.

I know people don’t want to hear that, but it has more of a patina look. People shouldn’t be alarmed. It’s not the shiny brass that was popular in the 80s.

Everything comes back around.

What else is coming back into style?

Even wallpaper is coming back. I think you’ll continue to see more wallpaper being used to bring some texture or pattern on the wall. As an accent, it can make the whole room.

Colors also tend to come back. The new color this year is marsala, which is kind of a burgundy. But it’s lighter than the burgundy that was popular in the 70s. I think overall you’ll see darker hues, darker colors, different textures in accent pillows and drapes.

What other colors will be popular in the near future?

In 2016, you’re going to see more farmto-table colors: yellows and greens. It will be different shades of green than have been popular recently. I think olive is coming more into trend. The other colors that are going to be used are associated with comfort and happiness: blues and greens. They’ve been popular for a long time, but these will be different mixes.

Berry colors are coming back as well.

What goes around, comes around.

Are there any styles from the past that you’d like to see come back?

No, I can’t think of any. I like change.

What do you suggest to someone who wants to do a relatively quick makeover?

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

The first thing I would do is declutter the space and clean it. I love the idea of de-cluttering, especially in the springtime.

Then figure out the best floor plan for traffic flow and arrange your furniture.

Sometimes changing your space plan makes the biggest difference in a room.

Remove your artwork and accessories.

Then start adding in items. Hand select the art you are going to rehang and edit the accessories. Add a new area rug, new throw pillows, maybe a new lamp if the budget allows. I like to add a tree or live plants. I like the idea of adding foliage. It adds life to a space.

Family owned and operated

Any similar tips for bathrooms?

If you weren’t an interior designer, what would your profession be?

I would probably be doing some sort of designer aspect, maybe designing furniture.

What do you do to relax?

We love to travel although we haven’t done that for some time. I like to go to the wine country; I like to go to the city.

Because I work from my home, I like to get out. B

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

They are more educated about design. With the shows and everything that’s available, they are aware of trends.

But they may be unrealistic about timing because on TV everything gets done in a week. They don’t show all the planning and work that is done before that point.

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Are clients more aware of design trends given the abundance of homeimprovement shows?

beer • appetizers • soup & salads • sandwiches • burgers • pizza • led dinner entrees • delectable desserts • locally grown produce • 33 large

Paint, update your lighting, change your mirrors to one with a frame, add color or wallpaper, change the cabinet hardware. In the bath or kitchen, changing the pulls and knobs can really update the appearance. You really don’t have to do a complete overhaul.

414 A, Military East, Benicia 94510 707.750.5584• www.gandgdeckandfence.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

License # 855587

Capitol Glass Co., Inc.

Your One Stop Glass Shop Since 1970 Specializing in showers, windows and mirrors

Financial Planning • Investments • Fee Only Registered Investment Advisor

5000 East Second St., Ste H, Benicia 707.745.4570 • capitolglassbenicia.com

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

HOME, GIFT, JEWELRY WITH A DASH OF FUN Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

Urban Notions

611 First Street, Downtown Benicia 707.853.8159 benicia january ad2015.ai 1 1/9/2015 2:10:25 PM

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Good Friday

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26 • Benicia Magazine

2201 Lake Herman Road, Benicia 707.747.5855 Northgateweb.com

Tree Selection

Trees are one of the most important landscape investment decisions.

Please consider • Function, aesthetics, shade, windbreak & privacy • Form and size, & space constraints • Site consideration & soil conditions • Exposure to sun and wind • Pest problems www.ci.benicia.ca.us • www.beniciatrees.org

By Christina Strawbridge The sometimes forgotten ‘70s, the era that popularized disco, bell-bottoms and Charlie's Angels, is back in 2015 with fashion that reflects the "me decade.”

Having personally experienced a number of fashion fortunes and misfortunes during this period, it's hard to believe that a new generation is embracing it as cool.

As a 1970s newlywed and mom, I wore hot pants (denim with matching denim boots), tube tops with gaucho pants, and my all-time favorite, a plaid miniskirt with matching plaid maxi coat. A lime-green, crocheted, fur-trimmed cardigan—another holdover that I could never part with—seems as perfect today as it did back then.

From the streets of San Francisco, New York and Benicia, designers and customers have raided vintage and consignment stores, rediscovering a sense of liberation and nostalgia from 40 years ago.

Ready-to-wear has also captured the trend, with floppy hats, fringed clothing and the maxi dress, which translates to lots of ages and body types. Some other looks that have withstood the test of time (besides my sweater) are the iconic wrap dress and the pantsuit.

In 1972, Diane von Furstenberg created the simple but flattering wrap dress, made from jersey, that took you from the office to the discos. It became a symbol of women's lib, had renewed popularity in the 1990s, and again in today’s current collections. André Courrèges is credited for bringing pants into the professional dress code in the 1970s. The pantsuit was often barred in the workplace, and was even deemed inappropriate on the Senate floor until 1993, because it was too masculine. Thankfully, we evolved from that sexist approach. As an example of how far we've come, during Hilary Clinton's run for President, the pantsuit became her working wardrobe on the campaign trail. It got a lot of attention, culminating in her August 2008 address at the Democratic National Convention, where she thanked the sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits.

Besides politicians and executives, the pantsuit is also showing up on the red carpet, sometimes replacing the evening gown. Recent celebrity sightings showed white suits reminiscent of John Travolta's dance number in 1977’s Saturday Night Fever. The reinvented version has variations of slim-legged pants or a shorter, cropped silhouette.

Jackets are fitted, and usually worn without much underneath, showing lots of skin.

Interestingly, Benicia is reinventing itself too. From its heyday as the antique capitol of the Bay Area in the 1970s, it is reestablishing itself as the place to reconnect with the past. Gradually, First Street store fronts reflect the change with vintage and antiques taking space alongside 27 restaurants/bars, a growing number of art galleries, gift stores, clothing boutiques and over 30 salons and spas.

I recently counted 10 stores that offer antique furniture, vintage clothing and retro items. Some stores are long established, a few are jockeying for larger spaces, and new businesses are testing the water with smaller square footage and affordable rent.

The mix makes for a "far out" day of exploring, dining, shopping and possibly getting a makeover. Who knows what a fringed purse, white suit or mood ring might do to transform your look into a 1970s diva or disco dude. Dynamite! B

Trends

The right tree in the right place

BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Photo by Jerry Bowles

Calendar of Events - April 2015 4/1-4/30 A Call to Arms - The Benicia Arsenal WWII Exhibit 1940s memorabilia and artifacts from the Arsenal Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

4/10

Barkitecture Preview Party 6:30-8pm Annual fundraiser for Humane Society of the North Bay People’s choice voting, Team Chevrolet Vallejo Bark@hsnb.org

4/11

Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm Downstairs at the Library 150 East L Street 707.746.4343

4/17-5/9

BOTTG Presents Don’t Dress for Dinner Fridays and Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm BDES Hall, 140 West J Street Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

4/18

Barkitecture Gala and Auction Annual fundraiser for Humane Society of the North Bay McCormack Hall, Solano County Fairgrounds Vallejo Bark@hsnb.org 707.645.7909

4/18, 4/19

Benicia Ballet Presents Swan Lake Together with Symphony of Northern California Solano College Theater 4000 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield Benicia-ballet.org 707.746.6757

4/26

22nd Annual Benicia Classic Car Show Annual fundraiser for Benicia High Panther Band Pre-1976 American-made cars, food, DJ, BHS Jazz Band First Street Green Pantherbandboosters.com/car-show 707.742.3590

4/8-5/3 Benicia Artist Open Studios Preview Exhibition Gallery open Wed-Sun 12-5pm Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

4/30

Benicia Farmers Market 4-8pm Fresh fruits, vegetables & baked goods Gourmet & hot foods, arts & crafts First Street between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

4/10

5/2-5/3 Artist Open Studios Weekend 10am-5pm Meet artists in their studios and view their art Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

4/1-4/30 Cheers! Beer Brewing in Benicia Exhibit Artifacts from the 1900s beer brewing industry Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

4/1

Swing to Success Golf Tournament 9 hole golf scramble & dinner Benefitting Liberty High’s golf program Blue Rock Springs Golf Club, Vallejo 707.334.6050 For info call Jim Trimble 707.334.6060

4/2 WIB Regional Career Fair 10am-2pm Over 70 regional employers in attendance University of Phoenix 5253 Business Center Drive, Fairfield 707.863.3596

4/3

Acoustic Music Art & Heart Concert Series 7pm Monthly on Fridays Northgate Church, 2201 Lake Herman Road Northgateweb.com 415.297.3542

4/3 & 17

Ghost Walk 8pm Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia Led by paranormal experts Space is limited, reservations required Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Annual Benicia Chamber Golf Tournament Eagle Vines Vineyards Golf Club, S. Kelly Rd, Napa For info call 707.745.2120

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Scan for more listings

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www.mybraces.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

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30 • Benicia Magazine

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Oyster Special Mondays

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Purchase one lunch or dinner entrée in April & receive one complimentary dessert with this ad* *expires Exp. 4/30/15. Dine in only. One discount per table, no cash value.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sailor Jacks • Open Every Day • 123 First Street 707.746.8500

Welcome to Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

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

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

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

Contractor's License # 687979

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Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home, or a Nourot Vase, with the purchase of a complete kitchen.

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