Benicia Magazine April 2018

Figuring it out: Three local women blend their dream jobs with family

Benicia's Growing Coffeehouse Scene

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Honoring

Helen Estes

A buffet luncheon and fashion show starring local “celebrities” Benefiting Benicia Community Action Council and Senior Meals Program.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 Administrative Professional Day 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

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Fashion Destination

Tickets $40.00 Available at Christina S Fashion Destination For further information contact Michele Hughes 707-373-7571

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Contributors magazine Adriene Rockwell Sarah Rohrs Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

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Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2018, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, 372 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com.

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APRIL

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 6

10 From the Editor/Feedback

Art 12 Meet local artists and learn about their work at annual Open Studios 13 A superb life-size sculpture finds a fitting home on Benicia’s waterfront

Currents 14 Competition, music and a whole lot of fun at waterfront classic car show 14 Benicia Human Services Board springs Into action to help local families 14 Young women make community service a priority at Benicia High 20 Local Live Music

The Dish 21 Healthy gourmet takeout for pickup or delivery at Vallejo’s League of Chefs

ARTS BENICIA OPEN STUIOS

Q&A 24 Artist Chris Meade opens up about her creative process and living with cancer

Features

Trends

16 Benicia’s emerging coffeehouse culture

Bio

18 When it comes to work-life balance, three Benicia women have it nailed

26 The fashion industry’s support for a variety of causes 27 Neeley Silberman, Benicia Education Foundation Prez and Foot Race Director

Calendar 28 The best events in Benicia and around the Bay Cover photo: Beet-cured, classic deviled egg with micro greens and shaved radish, by Nicole Hodge, Vallejo League of Chefs

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Taxes and Estate Planning go hand in hand.

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Help Benicians in Need Today.

APRIL SPRING INTO ACTION! Partly funded by the City of Benicia, the Benicia Human Services Board allocates grants to these worthy nonprofits. To close the funding gap, we need your help.

In April, the Benicia HSB is operating an online donation site to continue awards to our grantees. All money collected stays in Benicia.

Special Friends Kyle Hyland Foundation Families in Transition Soroptimist Closet Of Opportunity and Provisions (SCOOP) Donations are tax deductible.

To donate, please go to spring-into-action-benicia-00044.causevox.com

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Benicia Community Action Council Carquinez Village Project Catholic Charities

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FROM THE EDITOR

April 2018 Full Circle Spring is known for new beginnings, and after years of owning Urban Notions, the gift store with which the magazine shared space, I decided one business was enough and closed the retail store in late February.

Many of you who stopped by expressed disappointment for the loss of another small retail store, and frankly, so was I. We need more downtown retail, not another office fronting First Street. So our former location at 372 First Street is now home to Glen Cove Farms, a great complementary gift store to Christina S, The Chill, Literatus Designs and Heritage Pantry & Spice.

On First Street for over five years, we were looking forward to a sixth.

However, change can also offer new opportunities, and for me that includes additional time for family and travel. Coming full circle, I'm returning, for now, to my home office with a serene view of the Strait, to continue to publish Benicia Magazine each month.

Spring is also home improvement season, and Mike and I are renovating our 70’s ranch house in Santa Rosa, practically living at Home Depot. I’ve been on the fly between the two cities, and guzzled my fair share of bitter, fast food coffee. So I’m almost giddy over Benicia’s emerging coffee culture, which you can read about on page 16. A new bakery cafe and a brand-new coffeehouse are slated to open soon, adding to our current coffeehouse faves. It’s looking good for those of us who just love a fresh-brewed cup of really good Joe. I’ll be frequenting these community gathering places, with laptop and latte, listening to your ideas for future stories.

As to our renovation? After thinking we were finally finished and ready to list the home for sale, we found our entryway pillars had failed in their duty to hold up a corner of the roof. Now our freshly landscaped front yard is littered with crumbling 43-year old brick and other debris, along with evidence of a large animal’s former nest. Where are Chip and Jo when you need them?

Lisa Duncan Photography —Jeanne

Benicia events in April/early May: Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com Beniciamagazine.com Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann beniciamagazine

BEF 5 & 10K Run for Education 4/18 BOTTG’s Spring Play 4/20 Farmer’s Market 4/26 Classic Car Show 4/29 Arts Benicia Open Studios 5/5-6

Correction: Our March story & calendar event date for the Run for Education was correct, however, our sponsor ad for the event was not. The event takes place 4/18.

To purchase current or back issues of the magazine, email general@beniciamagazine.com.

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ART THIS MONTH

Arts Benicia

OPEN STUDIOS MAY 5 & 6

By Jeanne Steinmann Being known for its art, Benicia has a fair lineup of art happenings each month: exhibits, programs, classes, artist receptions and fundraising events. For art aficionados, it’s easy to feel comfortable in the art world. But for some, especially those new to art, attending galas, openings or receptions can be intimidating. It doesn’t have to be.

Each May, Arts Benicia hosts Artist Open Studios, a huge event that draws thousands from around the Bay and beyond. It’s casual, fun and provides the perfect opportunity experience art in an approachable setting.

Upon entering the private worlds of artists in their studios, many of which are live-work spaces, one can talk with artists and view their work, ask questions and admire the creative process.

It’s best to begin your open studios tour at Arts Benicia, where you can pick up a catalog containing studio locations, images from participating artists and an Open Studios map. The catalog also serves as an art-filled keepsake. Map page in hand, meander through the lower Arsenal’s historic buildings, where many art studios are clustered. When finished, head downtown where there you’ll find various art venues, including glassblowing studios and art galleries. Artists welcome the chance to share their spaces and their work, and have conversations with visitors. While downtown, take some time to explore the history, boutiques and cafés.

Photos, top to bottom: Joe Garcia, photo by Peg Jackson; Open Studios 2017, I AN I Studio; Lindsay Art Glass, photo by Michael Van Auken; Suzanne Long, photo by Michael Van Auken Want a sneak peak at the art? Arts Benicia will host an exhibition previewing the work of participating artists from April 21 through May 6. Arts Benicia Gallery hours are WedSun, 12-5pm. Arts Benicia is wheelchair accessible from Jackson Street.

Arts Benicia Artist Open Studios: Saturday, May 5, 11am-7pm; Sunday, May 6, 11am-5pm

ARTS BENICIA

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A Wonderful Addition to

BENICIA’S PUBLIC ART PROGRAM

By Jeanne Steinmann One of the things that sets Benicia apart is our commitment to public art. Public art has intrinsic and social value to a community, but is often under-appreciated. Not so in our small town: Benicia has 17 pieces of public art; most of which are downtown, and that number is about to grow.

Art is ingrained in Benicia’s cultural identity, driven in large part by our robust arts programs through Arts Benicia, our numerous galleries and the many artists who live here. This quote from the associationforpublicart.org, seems particularly apropos to our town: “Public art is a reflection of how we see the world—the artist’s response to our time and place combined with our own sense of who we are.”

Thanks to a recent city council vote, a new piece of public art is one step closer to becoming a reality. Benicia artist Lisa Reinertson, known for her life-size figurative ceramic sculptures and large-scale public sculptures cast in bronze, was invited by the Benicia Arts and Culture Commission to give a presentation of her sculpture, Neptune’s Daughter, a six foot bronze of a woman holding a pelican. Although Reinertson’s public commissions can run close to six figures, she is donating the piece to the City.

Reinertson said that she views Neptune’s Daughter as a reminder that we need to pay attention to our waterways and keep them healthy. The piece’s theme of stewardship of local water habitats made it important to Reinertson to work with the City as to optimal placement. To that end, she created a PowerPoint that superimposed the sculpture onto her preferred location—the western side of the circle at the end of First Street. “I have always believed that public artwork, thoughtfully integrated into an environment, creates a sense of place that can greatly enhance a city,” said Reinertson, in her statement to the committee.

Completing her MFA at UC Davis in 1984, Reinertson has taught at various colleges and universities, including UC Berkeley and the San Francisco Art Institute. In addition to numerous exhibits, her work has been shown in museums nationally (Crocker Art Museum and the American Museum of Ceramic Art, among others) and internationally. She has completed over 20 public commissions in bronze. “In addition to Lisa Reinertson, Benicia has been home to internationally known sculptors—including Robert Arneson and Manuel Neri,” says Vice Mayor Steve Young.

“Neptune's Daughter will be a sublime addition to Benicia's art scene. It is likely to become an iconic image of our town. The site at the foot of First Street connects to the maritime subject matter, and will draw additional visitors and art lovers to First Street.”

Costs for site improvements, such as foundation work and landscaping projected at approximately $20,000, are being privately funded, so there would be no need for city financing.

Benicia residents David and Annette Batchelor agreed to provide the necessary funding, along with contributions from friends. "I am very grateful for the generous donations by Ms. Reinertson and other local contributors," added Young.

From her artist bio, Reinertson’s work combines “a realism rooted in figurative art traditions, with a contemporary expression of social and psychological content.” In 1987, Reinertson began making public sculptures of Martin Luther King, Jr., and her ceramic sculpture of the same name can be viewed at King Hall, UC Davis School of Law. Other local sculptures by Reinertson can be seen at Suisun Valley in Fairfield (Mother Earth), and in Vacaville and Sacramento. For a complete list of Reinertson’s many public sculpture locations, go to lisareinertson.com/artist/ Reinertson_resume2011.pdf.

Photo: Mock-up of Neptune's Daughter Photoshopped onto First Street

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CURRENTS

Benicia Classic Car Show

CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Staff Writer With a takeover of the Marina Green and lower First Street, show promoters are gearing up for an event that brings classic car owners, enthusiasts and those who just enjoy wandering through to view pre-1976 cars and trucks.

Put on by the Benicia High School Marching Band Boosters, the popular annual Benicia Classic Car Show draws visitors from all over the Bay Area and beyond, for a fun day of music, competition, and perusing the many classic vehicles on display Saturday, April 29, 9am-3pm. Show plaques will be awarded for numerous categories voted on by other entrants.

For their 25th anniversary celebration, band boosters are incorporating some new items into the annual event at Benicia’s waterfront. "We are so excited that Mr. Dalt Williams, who started the car show 25 years ago, will be presenting a new category—the Founders Award—to his personal favorite car the day of the show,” says show director Brian Haywood. The boosters are also adding a Kid’s Choice Award for their favorite car, with a section (and award) for BHS students who want to enter. Students are not confined to classic cars; they can bring any car they would like to have judged.

Also included are a beer and wine garden area, food and merchandise vendor area, and one of the smaller BHS bands playing during the day. A DJ will be on hand playing music from the 1950s and 60s.

Lodged between the waterfront First Street shops, car show attendees are invited to peruse downtown’s many retail shops and restaurants.

The family-oriented event is free and open to the public, and all proceeds go to support the awardwinning Benicia High School Panther Marching Band program.

Benicia Human Services Board

AWARDS GRANTS TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

Courtesy Photos

SERVICE

WITH A SMILE

Left to right: BHS S Club Members Trina Bernal, Neha Yadav and Emily Jewik, President Courtesy photo

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Staff Writer Although we may have heard the name, many of us don’t really know just what the Benicia Human Services Board does. An agency of the City of Benicia, the board’s mission is “To advocate for the human services as major elements in Benicia’s community identity.”

The HSB is a nine-member board, plus attendance by the Assistant City Manager and the Finance Director, whose members meet second Mondays at 7:15pm at the city hall commission room. Further defined from the website, the board is “responsible for distributing requests for funding to all interested nonprofit agencies that provide services to Benicia citizens who are in need of assistance. When agencies submit their application for funding, the board reviews the applications and makes recommendations to the Council.”

Some of the grant money comes from the city, and some is through fundraising

efforts. For several years, The HSB put on an Oktoberfest event at the Clock Tower, but this year it’s being replaced with Spring Into Action, a direct request to the community for online donations.

By Patty Gavin, on behalf of Soroptimist of Benicia S Club—a service club at Benicia High School—could stand for service, or in the case of this outstanding group of young women, service with a smile.

More accurately, the S Club is so named because it is mentored by the Soroptimist Club of Benicia.

Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International is a volunteer organization for business and professional women and men, whose mission is "to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment." Soroptimist International of Benicia has been around since 1976.

The House of Hope, a residence for victims of domestic violence, has been its signature project for the last few years.

The S club, consisting this year of 15 members, shares the basic tenets of the Soroptimist mission. Club members have a long list of accomplishments, including volunteerism, raising funds for local projects and community organizations and community involvement. And it's always with a smile.

The S club pairs with the Soroptimist of Benicia on a number of fundraising activities over the course of the year.

These include selling ice cream in City Park on the Fourth of July, selling raffle

tickets at the Sip with Soroptimist Gala, Benicia City Employees Crab Feed, and Fashion Weekend’s Christina S Fashion Show. New this year, the club will help sell raffle tickets at the Soroptimist Spring Tea. The S club donates pajamas every Christmas to the Benicia Family Resource Center, and participates in the Vallejo/ Benicia Relay for Life. Fundraising at that event is achieved with a cakewalk. Their signature fundraiser, the sale of blinky lights at the Christmas Open House on First Street, raised $500. These funds are earmarked for SafeQuest Solano, the county's domestic violence organization.

Recently, the Club sponsored a pizza takeover, with the $300 profit going to the California Fire Foundation.

Impressive? That's not all.

Participation by S Club members in various community activities keeps these ladies busy. They take part in the vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness on First Street every year, volunteer at the Spring Fling for PACE students on a yearly basis, and join the Soroptimist of Benicia Club at the Saturday of Service at Casa de Vilarrasa Senior Housing.

During the Love is Respect Week in February, they sponsored a presentation to the BHS student body on Teen Dating Violence Awareness.

Melody Seymour, Director, Families in Transition

Living here, it’s easy to be lulled into thinking Benicia does not have the types of social challenges that affect other Bay Area cities. To address that, in March the HSB is getting the word out about what they do and the importance of helping our neighbors. According to board member Frances Harkins, the HSB allocates funding to a cover a wide spectrum of needs. Funding is distributed to seven grantees who serve Benicians across all age groups: Special Friends, the Kyle Hyland Foundation, Families in Transition, Soroptimist of Benicia (through the Family Resource Center), Benicia Community Action Council, Carquinez Village Project and Catholic Charities.

To make a donation, please visit spring-into-action-benicia-00044. causevox.com

Under the guidance of Soroptimist mentors Karen Hubbard and Leeann Cawley and faculty advisor Mr. Jesus Molina, these young ladies have demonstrated their desire for volunteerism, dedication to a cause, leadership and social skills—preparing the way for the challenges they will face as they enter college and the work world. At a recent S Club meeting, run efficiently by club president Emily Jewik, members responded to the question, "Why did you join this club?" Trina Bernal replied, "I know someone from the club who has gone on to great success in her life." Neha Yadav responded, "I like how it’s about helping girls and women, empowering us. I feel obliged to do it."

Our fine city should be proud of these polite and respectful young women— outstanding representatives of the young people in our community. They inspire hope and dreams for women and girls in our community and throughout the world.

Other service clubs at Benicia High include the Interact Club, Key Club, Leadership and the National Honor Society. For a complete list of BHS Clubs, visit bhs.beniciaunified.org/ parents-students/student-clubs.

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Juice House Co

Java Point Café

Rrags Caffe

By Beth Steinmann Photos: Top & bottom Lisa Duncan Photography; center, Jeanne Steinmann Few things are quite as personal and ritualized as our daily morning cuppa. We each have our unique beverage profile—do we prefer coffee, tea or espresso? Decaf or high-octane? Black or creamy?

Wet or dry? Sweetened or not? Our rituals are imbued with actions that engage the senses—grinding coffee beans, turning on the espresso machine and steaming milk, boiling a kettle of water on the stovetop.

Sometimes we partake at home, alone or with loved ones, and sometimes we gather at our favorite coffee haunt, where there’s a strange solidarity in satisfying our particular craving alongside fellow humans, the sounds and smells all mingling together.

Coffee culture in Benicia has shifted and grown much over the years. Longtime locals will remember

Benicia Coffee Culture Takes a Step Up relics of the past, Café Voltaire and the controversial Company of Wolves, or the moment when the dreaded Starbucks came to town. Benicia now houses three Starbucks, but many are loyal to their favorite locally owned coffee houses. Rrags, on East Second Street, Java Point, on First Street and Benicia Coffee & Tea Co, on Columbus Parkway, are the longest-operating cafés in town.

With recent additions of Daily Donuts and Juice House Co., and States Coffee and One House Bakery coming soon, Benicia is upping the coffee culture ante.

New possibilities for satisfying appetite, invigorating health (along with green juices, try Juice House Co.'s cold brew and nitro brew coffee), and socializing with other Benicians, are growing. Even if you have your tried and true, it’s fun to spice it up with something new.

Here’s the lowdown on where to get your morning fix.

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Rrags Caffe

1383 East Second Street, 707.748.4247, rragscoffee.com Rrags is a popular, family-owned shop (Rrags is an acronym of the first letter of every family member’s name) that specializes in roasting their beans in-house.

In addition to coffee by the cup, Rrags also offers freshroasted whole beans, and a full breakfast and lunch menu.

Benicia Coffee and Tea Company

2036 Columbus Pkwy, 707.746.1242, facebook.com Benicia Coffee Co has been serving high-quality coffee on Columbus Parkway since 1994. Their menu also features smoothies, sandwiches, salads and ice cream.

Deli Sandwiches, Salads and Soups Family Owned and Operated

Catering & Deli Trays Available The finest meats and cheeses by the pound Open Mon-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-4 707.297.6119

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Daily Donuts

2074 Columbus Parkway, 707.297.6101 Facebook.com Daily Donuts, also in Columbus Parkway, is new and already very popular. Serving fresh donuts and Fern’s Finest Coffee, the shop has tables inside so customers can sit and stay a while.

Java Point Café

366 First Street, 707.745.1449, facebook.com Java Point is a longtime hub for First Street business owners, shoppers and downtown residents, with indoor and outdoor seating for sunbathing and people watching.

Java Point has a full breakfast and lunch menu and also offers free refills.

Juice House Co

611 First Street, 707.4000.5638, juicehouseco.com Juice House Co has a new storefront downtown, in addition to a booth at the Benicia Farmer’s Market, which starts up again this month. They offer the only cold brew coffee in town, but it’s worth stopping in to peruse their huge array of fresh, organic, cold-pressed juices, elixirs, kombuchas and nut milks. They also keep fresh, young coconuts in stock. This is the perfect post-gym or yoga class stop.

One House Bakery

Coming in May to the former Antiques Mall on First Street.

Follow on Instagram @onehousebakery for construction updates. There’s lots of buzz about this new bakery, with a focus on healthy food, sustainability and community.

One House will grind it’s own pastry flour and bring in coffee from a specialty roaster in San Francisco. Their menu will include gluten free options and a full lunch menu.

States Coffee

700 First Street, statescoffee.com States is also due for a May arrival, at the former site of longtime and much beloved gift shop, Studio 41. States is a hip, locally owned Martinez coffee shop, popular with coffee connoisseurs, featuring “neighborly roasted” coffee. The Benicia store will be their second location, and coffee enthusiasts wait in eager anticipation. States also sells American-made goods, which will be a welcome thematic carry-over from the building’s Studio 41 days.

CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT

Beniciamagazine.com Events Things to Do Food & Drink Art & Culture People & Places Web-exclusive stories

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Living Life

on Their Own Terms

By Sarah Rohrs Lisa Duncan Photography

For women, finding a good balance between family and career may seem like the impossible dream. But three Benicia women are making it work, running cool businesses on their own terms while leading busy lives being moms. The three entrepreneurs, Tara Bottini-Allen, Erin Taylor and Nicole Yarbrough, each began by pursuing their passions, and then finding success with creative approaches.

An added bonus is that the three are great friends who inspire and encourage each other.

These women are viewed as representatives of a new generation of Benicia businesswomen.

18 • Benicia Magazine Feature

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Nicole Yarbrough

Tara Bottini-Allen

With a love of planning events and a flair for design and beauty, Erin Taylor launched Bustle, which combines both passion and necessity. Married for two years, she had just had a baby when the economy tanked in 2008, and she got laid off. Propelled to find ways to support to her family, she focused on her joy of staging celebrations, and quickly secured a business license, a website and a blog. Then she drove herself, both figuratively and literally, to network and drum up business. She worked at night and in between her child’s naps and then school schedule. When she had a second child, she had less time. So she made a bold move to limit the number of weddings, focus on quality increase prices. The decision allowed her to stage weddings with personal and artistic touches, and also freed up time for her family.

Erin grew up in Benicia; her mother is the administrative head for Benicia Unified School District, and her father is a pastor at Northgate Christian Fellowship.

At first she had no idea how things might work out, but through hard work her business has expanded to Southern California and Hawaii. Flexibility and creative use of technology makes it easier to run Bustle without a fixed office. Finding balance between home, family and work can feel elusive and overwhelming, at times, but is possible by setting priorities and boundaries. Erin made it and she advises others that they can do it too. “Things are attainable if you are following your passion and staying true to what you believe in,” she says.

Nicole Yarbrough’s dream of opening Pink Arrows Boutique, her own clothing shop, finally materialized last year when she knew the timing was right to utilize her 20 years of experience in the fashion industry in design, production, sourcing and quality control. Hours at her 301 First Street shop are regular, but tailored around her child’s school schedule and when it’s busiest downtown.

Nicole first launched her extensive online shop specializing in Modern Bohemian, a free spirited style combining comfort, softness and high quality materials. Online sales now support the shop, which features clothes from 50 different brands. Nicole said it is her joy to be on hand to help women discover what looks and feels good, regardless of age or body type. Flexible hours, help from friends and family and technology, plus her passion for stylish, quality clothes, makes it work. A 14-year Benicia resident, she adores the town and would not have opened her boutique anywhere else.

She also feels lucky to be in the company as Tara and Erin, and other creative women doing business in Benicia. “We’re similar. We’re women with families doing what we love, and trying to create these businesses in the town we love.”

With a passion for baking and creating delicious vegan cupcakes, cookie dough and cakes, Tara Bottini-Allen launched Fox & Fawn Bakehouse, but her main passion is being a mother, so Fox & Fawn, launched in 2011, is tailored to her daughter’s schedule. She sells cupcakes and cookie dough at the seasonal Benicia Farmers Market, her only retail outlet. Year round customers place online orders and pick up items at her home where she greets them with boxes of baked goods. Tara grew up in Benicia, learned to bake as a child, moved away for a while and then came back. She learned about running a business from her father, who left a corporate job to start Benicia Floor Company. Originally baking from home, Tara now shares a commercial kitchen.

Other women’s support is invaluable, and Tara’s business reflects the needs of busy moms who have little time to bake birthday cupcakes. Erin encouraged her to branch off into wedding cakes, and Nicole invites her to her First Street shop for pop-up sales. “It’s working out great,” she said. “It’s allowed me to find a balance between my work and my family life, and it’s a great outlet for my creativity and to have something of my own.” She added this is a great time to be in business in Benicia. “There are so many people that are creative and doing amazing things. I’m really happy to be part of it.”

O

Erin Taylor

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Arlo Guthrie

Art Garfunkel

Roy Rogers

April Live Music Empress Theatre

707.552.2400, 330 Virginia St, Vallejo EmpressTheatre.org Apr. 4, 6:30-9pm Apr. 6, 8pm Apr. 7, 8pm Apr. 13, 8pm Apr. 15, 3pm Apr. 20, 8pm Apr. 21, 8pm

Groovality feat. Simon Russell Wed. Night Live in the Lounge $7 Online, $10 Box Office & Phone Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings w/ Carlos Reyes $25 Online, $30 Box Office & Phone Golden State-Line Star Revue w/ Mark Hummel & Rusty Zinn $20 Online, $25 Box Office & Phone Petty Theft $20 Online, $25 Box Office & Phone Vallejo Symphony Concert III RESOLUTION- Pre-concert talk 2pm Prince Weekend: Film Event- Purple Rain & Graffitti Bridge $15 Online, $20 Box Office & Phone Prince Weekend: 1st Avenue Revue Tribute to Prince $25 Online, $30 Box Office & Phone

Uptown Theatre Napa

707.259.0123, 1350 Third Street, Napa Uptowntheatrenapa.com Apr. 8, 8pm Apr. 14, 8pm Apr. 21, 8pm Apr. 26, 8pm Apr. 27, 8pm Apr. 28, 8pm

Scott Bradlee’s Post Modern Jukebox $60 - $90, Ticketmaster or Box Office Arlo Guthrie, The Re:Generation Tour $60 - $80, Ticketmaster or Box Office Art Garfunkel $60 - $100, Ticketmaster or Box Office The Charlie Daniels Band $45 - $95, Ticketmaster or Box Office Crystal Bowersox $25 - $35, Ticketmaster or Box Office The Wailers $30 - $50, Ticketmaster or Box Office

Lucca Beer Garden

707.745.3749, 439 1st Street, Benicia Luccabar.com

No Cover Charge No Listings for April as of print date – contact Lucca Beer Garden

Freight & Salvage

510.644.2020, 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley Thefreight.com All Tickets are subject to a $4 facility fee Apr. 3, 8pm Apr. 5, 8pm Apr. 6, 8pm Apr. 7, 11am/2pm Apr. 7, 8pm Apr. 8, 1pm Apr. 8, 7pm Apr. 10 -12, 8pm Apr. 13-14, 8pm Apr. 15, 7pm Apr. 16, 7:30pm Apr. 17, 7pm Apr. 18, 7pm Apr. 19-20, 8pm Apr. 21, 8pm Apr. 22, 7pm Apr. 24-25, 8pm Apr. 26, 8pm Apr. 27, 8pm

50th Anniversary of UC Jazz $16 ADV/$20 DOOR R. Carlos Nakai Quartet $18 ADV/$22 Door Omara Portuondo, from the Buena Vista Social Club $50 ADV/$54 Doo The Okee Dokee Brothers (patchwork Series for Kids) $10 ADV/ $12 Door Marc Cohn – Empty Pockets $45 ADV/$49 Door Woody Guthrie Sing Along w/Robin Flower & Libby Mclaren Free event with reservations Marc Cohn – Empty Pockets $45 ADV/$49 Door Arlo Guthrie Re:Generation Tour $60 ADV/$64 Door The Freight & Salvage Woody Guthrie All Stars $28 ADV/$32 Door Cry, Cry, Cry (Lucy Kaplansky, Richard Shindell & Dar Williams) $45 ADV/$49 Door Classical at the Freight: Robin Sharp & Friends $9ADV/$11 Door BHS Jazz Spring – 2 O’Clock and 4 O’Clock Bands $20 ADV/$24 Door Jazz Search West Semi Finals $16 ADV/$20 Door Bettye Lavette w/ DJ Harry Duncan $38 ADV/$42 Door An Evening with Shelby Lynne $30 ADV/$34 Door Vieux Farka Toure $24 ADV/$28 Door Los Lonely Boys w/ Lisa Morales $40 ADV/$44 Door Crystal Bowersox $26 ADV/$30 Door Mipso w/ Sera Cahoone $22 ADV/$26 Door

20 • Benicia Magazine

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The Dish

By Courtney Tait Lisa Duncan Photography We’ve all been there: it’s the end of the work day, you’re hungry, and the thought of cooking feels like a chore. You want to eat a healthy, tasty dinner, but preparing it takes time and energy, and you’re running low on both.

Sound familiar?

Enter League of Chefs, a Vallejo-based venture serving up ready-made gourmet dinners, to-go lunches, and other provisions made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

“There’s a great need for healthy home-cooked food that nobody has the time to prepare themselves,” says League of Chefs founder Nicole Hodge. Along with her team of five, Hodge is helping her customers eat well in a way that accommodates their busy lifestyles.

Opened in February of 2017, the business is based out of a commercial kitchen on the corner of Virginia and Sacramento Streets in Vallejo. Hodge, who has nearly two decades of experience working as a chef, originally planned to use the space to serve her catering clientele in Oakland and Berkeley. “I didn’t know if there would be a market for it here,” she says.

But Vallejoans kept dropping by, asking if they could order food. She started opening the door on Saturdays, when the Vallejo Farmers Market takes place, selling buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches. “I began meeting people and realized they wanted good food and to support a local business,” she says.

“I’m providing a variety that didn’t really exist here.”

So how does it work?

Dinner orders—available three days per week—are placed online, typically a day or so in advance. Customers can choose from two entree options, a soup and a salad. The eclectic menu is different each day, but always features a meat or fish main as well as a vegetarian entree. Dishes can be picked up at four different locations (including the Vallejo Ferry Dock in spring and summer) or delivered for $5—yes, even to Benicia.

To give you a taste, a recent week’s menu offered Cider Braised Chicken Thighs with Wilted Kale; Blackened Salmon with Orange Scented Black Beans & Brown Rice; and Thai Yellow Curry Tofu with Ginger Bok Choy, and Shitakes with Jasmine

Rice. Not to mention Creamy Spicy Poblano Soup and Farro Salad. Prices range from $4.99 for soup to $15.99 for a meat entree, and local, organic ingredients are used as often as possible.

“We like to be really varied, using different ethnic foods that aren’t always widely available,” says Hodge. “I have a nice variety of chefs that can create that cuisine, so I take advantage of that.”

On-site provisions like Tuscan Pork Stew, Pot Pies, Bone Broth, and Vegetarian Nut and Grain Loafs can be picked up Monday-Thursday without advance ordering, as well as soups and salads for a takeaway lunch.

Along with dishes to go, League of Chefs puts on unique Pop-up dining experiences. Held mostly on site, the events vary from monthly four-course dinners ($59 or $89 with wine pairing) to Sunday brunches (last month’s featured a Wild Shrimp and Cheesy Grits main course and Apple Crisp for dessert) to an all-you-can-eat Supper Club.

Vallejo resident Mimosa Montag-Clark, who has attended several League of Chefs Pop-ups, says the events bring the community together in a new way. “It’s a fun environment and a great way to meet other people since everyone is there for a shared experience,” she says. “Nicole and her staff are so welcoming, kind, and genuine.” Details of upcoming Pop-ups are shared on the League of Chefs website and Facebook page.

With a loyal clientele that continues to grow, Hodge says League of Chefs is here to stay. She is already collaborating with other local businesses (such as Mare Island Brewing Co.) and offers full-service catering in Vallejo and beyond.

“I would like to build a food empire out here and support other food businesses,” she says. “I love to feed people—it makes me feel good when I’m making a product that’s not only delicious, but good for you.”

Nicole Hodge, League of Chefs 300 Virginia St., Vallejo, 510.423.1911

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Business &

Professional

DIRECT Open Mon-Sat 11:30am Sun 10am

Mexican Food 640 First Street 707.746.7830 Dr. Clifford Hoffman DO, MPH FAMILY PRACTICE

707-750-5944 831 E. 2nd street #103, Benicia www.CliffordHoffmanDO.com CliffordHoffmanDO@gmail.com Board Certified Family Physician Osteopathic Manual Medicine

PERFORMANCE CHIROPRACTIC Dina Morrison 801 East 2nd St. #102, Benicia 707.806.0060 • DocDina.com

Dinner Sun-Thurs until 9pm Fri/Sat 10pm Lunch, afternoon tea, housemade desserts, fine teas & tea accessories

Camellia Tea Room

828 First Street • Downtown Benicia 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com

439 First Street Benicia 707.745.0943 luccabar.com

Half Price Bottles of Wine with $15 Food Purchase

Cabinets… Built in Benicia Lanita Nelson

Master Cabinet Builder

Over 40 years experience

707.745.0609

847 First Street, Benicia Inside Well Kept Salon Lanitanelson.com OSHA Compliant

Custom Cabinets & Furniture • Closets • Garage hatzidesigns.com

707.208.0388

Dr. Richard Joyce Dr. Geoffrey Sampson OPTOMETRISTS

707.745.6266

Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

Steve McClure

Furniture, Collectibles & Household Items

874 Southampton Rd., Benicia, CA 94510

Joseph L. Wilder Financial Advisor 707.745.3122 555 First St, suite 104 Benicia, CA 94510

joseph.wilder@edwardjones.com edwardjones.com/joseph-wilder CA Insurance License OC24309

Home Auto

Business

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

www.stevemcclure.net 707.745.0848

431 First Street Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat Noon-9pm 707.999.0039

22 • Benicia Magazine

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CTORY

Professional &

Business

Pups ’n’ Purrz

Chiropractic Center Benicia

Specializing in All of Your Pet’s Needs!

Dr. Kerry Lilley, D.C. we have saturda!y hours

Fresh Donuts Ferm’s Finest Coffee Croissants, Bagels & Pastries Sausage Rolls & Aussie Beef Pie

Open 7 Days 6am-3pm

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707.297.6101 • 2074 Columbus Pkwy

422 First Street, Benicia • 707.748.7433

pupsnpurrz.com

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701 Southampton Road, Benicia Chiropracticbenicia.com

COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR Interior/Exterior Residential & Commercial Painting and more!

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Tune-up 10% Off

Suzuki Piano Lessons JOAN MISHRA, M.Ed 707.721.2839

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2038 Columbus Pkwy, Benicia, CA 94510 Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business of the Year

LIKE THIS PAGE?

81 Solano Square, Benicia • 707-745-1353

SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS in Benicia Magazine's Business & Professional Directory

Call 707.853.5226 today to reserve your spot

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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By Sue Sumner-Moore Lisa Duncan Photography

CHRIS MEADE

What inspires you when you’re creating a piece?

I’m inspired by lots of things. I like saturated colors, but I don’t have one single inspiration. My work is not repetitive, though you do see a lot of Asian themes.

Anything can be an inspiration if it’s new. That’s the challenge, to do something new.

What have you found challenging with your art?

Art is like a puzzle. You have to figure out what you want and how to get that.

Art is three percent talent and the rest is problem solving.

I like to challenge myself.

How long does it take to create one of your pieces?

A two by two foot piece could take three months to complete. Others, larger pieces, can take much longer. I’ve

Piece by piece, layer by layer, an image emerges on the canvas.

Coaxed by Benicia artist Chris Meade, sheets of paper become precise bits that are transformed into windows and water and skyscrapers and more.

“I blend the edges of the paper to make the end result look more like a painting. You can do that even with cut edges,” says Chris, who primarily creates collages using paper, silk and sometimes acrylic paint.

Throughout most of her life, Chris channeled her creativity into writing or music. The transformation to visual artist came about eight years ago, while she was undergoing treatment for cancer. She found it difficult to sit and play her heirloom grand piano.

“Because of chemotherapy, your body changes. It wasn’t comfortable for me to play the piano,” she says.

Making collages takes her mind off cancer and chemotherapy.

“When I’m making art, I’m not focusing on things that are going on with me. I’m totally, totally drawn into doing the art.

Most of the time the piece is drawing itself and I’m just the facilitator.” She has chemotherapy every three weeks, and her cancer is stable.

Chris creates most of her work in her downtown Benicia dining room, a bright space with two windows, and her supplies tidily stored in bins, canisters and racks. She also shares a studio above Arts Benicia in the old Arsenal.

She is a member of Arts Benicia and served on its board before she became an artist. She recently was invited to join ArtDivas, a collaborative group of women artists from Solano County. She also paints weekly with a plein air group.

Chris, 72, lived in Minnesota before moving to Modesto at age 12. She and her late husband raised their blended family of seven children in the Central Valley. She lived in Suisun Valley and Vallejo before moving to Benicia in 2007.

spent 10 to 11 months on some. I usually work on two or three things at a time.

This one (holding up a piece showing a Manhattan skyline and streets at night) was a challenge. I was really brain dead at the end of that three months. It required a lot of structure because it had to be realistic enough so you could abstract it and still know what it is. It required way more thought to fine-tune it. All those pieces were pinned on a canvas with quilting pins at one point. It had to be precise.

Why do you work on multiple pieces at one time?

When you work on things for a while, you kind of run out of steam. So I put it away and work on other pieces.

It’s the same thing with the piano. You can play and play a piece and don’t seem to get better, but you take a break from it and let your subconscious work on it. After that break, things have a way of working out.

24 • Benicia Magazine Q & A

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What appeals to you about working with groups of artists like the ArtDivas?

Visual artists are a good group of people. They like to share their art experience. …

The women in ArtDivas provide camaraderie, but also a challenge. We work on the same theme, and that’s the challenge.

I also paint with a group of 10 women who are plein air artists. We go out every week.

They asked me to join and I thought, “This will be a stretch for me.” A lot of them use watercolor but I use acrylic, which dries so quickly that you have to use extenders so you can work with it outdoors. So that’s one of the challenges when I go out with that group.

Did your work with Arts Benicia influence you becoming a visual artist?

No, it didn’t. I’d been involved with art for a long time before that. I’d been on the board of Advocates for Art; I’d chaired auctions for the group. I don’t think they are around anymore.

I’d been the executive director with Fairfield Visual Arts Association; it’s now the Fairfield-Suisun City Visual Arts Association.

I hosted house concerts and art shows when we lived in Suisun Valley. I come from an artistic background. Both of my parents were opera singers. Art has always been part of my life.

BENICIA ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS May 5 & 6, 2018 Free Shuttle: Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 For full schedule and information on other promotions and events visit:

soltransride.com

artsbenicia.org

Where has your work been displayed?

It’s been displayed at the Arts Benicia gallery, Umpqua Bank, Lawler House in Suisun, Fairfield Visual Arts Association in their gallery in the Fairfield mall, and during Open Studios. It’s been in the live auction for Arts Benicia for the past four or five years.

Do you have formal art training?

I didn’t when I started. After I started, I took classes to Napa Junior College. I went two days a week for six or seven months. And I’ve taken many different workshops over the years.

What do you do to relax and recharge?

I like to stay busy. If I need to sit down, I sit down and read (motioning to a stack of art books on her sofa).

When I’m finished with a piece and I’m happy with it, I’m recharged.

What’s next for you?

My Norwegian cousins are coming to visit in July!

They’ll be here nine days and we’ve got all kinds of things planned.

I don’t plan deeply into the future. I go day-to-day— especially living with cancer. My focus is the same as it’s always been, which is on my art, on my family and on my friends.

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Fashion for a Cause

By Christina Strawbridge Now more than ever, fashion is being used to message a cause. Women attending the Golden Globe awards chose black designs, representing the #MeToo movement. Women and children wore pink pompom hats for the international Women's March, and the pantsuit continues to make a political statement.

On the evening of the State of the Union Address, First Lady Melania Trump made a dramatic entrance wearing a white pantsuit.

Ironically, this is the same look worn by Hilary Clinton, Melania’s husband's rival, during the 2016 campaign. It has become widely accepted as a form of empowerment, and something of an anti-Trump uniform.

Since women lobbied for the vote less than 100 years ago, the fashion industry has been behind both social and economic philanthropy. Here are a few examples of Fashion foundations that are proactive in causes that effect society at large:

— Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is holding its 15th annual Dining by Design tour with five days of events in New York. They are honoring Ralph Lauren, along with a host of new design talent this year.

— Jeffrey Fashion Cares raises awareness to the issues of people living with HIV/AIDS and members of the LGBTQ community. The organization has raised over $9 million for this cause. This year, the event will be chaired by actress and fashion muse Chloe Sevigny.

— Designer Rachel Roy has made it her mission to use designer contacts to help people in need. Through her Heart of Haiti designs (in conjunction with Macy's), Roy helps create new opportunities and jobs for artists in Haiti.

— Donna Karan's Urban Zen Foundation raises awareness on well-being, empowers children and preserves cultures. To that end, they've worked with artisans in Haiti to help rebuild the country.

— The CFDA Foundation raises funds for various initiatives, including Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and the CFDA-Vogue Initiative, which raises money for organizations providing care, services, and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS. — Cosmetic giant Estee Lauder has been at the forefront of Breast Cancer Awareness. The brand is celebrating its 19th year helping to fund research, prevention, and finding a cure for the disease, which afflicts millions of people annually.

— Designer Marc Jacobs teamed up with the NYU Cancer Institute to raise awareness of and benefit research for skin cancer. Jacobs designed nude t-shirts with the message, "Protect the Skin You're In." All proceeds fromthe sales go to NYU. — 3Strands Shop, a for profit company, works with artisan groups to provide employment opportunities for survivors of sex trafficking and those at risk in communities around the world. 3Strands Shop markets, sells and distributes bracelets, bags, scarves and other accessories created by survivors with a powerful message of freedom.

— 3Strands was founded in 2011 and started with work in Cambodia, in partnership with Agape International Missions (AIM), an organization dedicated to prevention, rescue, restoration and reintegration initiatives. A portion of the profits from product sales are donated to AIM. 3Strands has expanded its work in Haiti, Nepal, Vietnam, India and Romania.

— Cambodia’s Sandalwood tree produces a colorless pod that dries up and falls to the ground. Inside each pod is a brilliant, glossy red seed, hiddenunless it is freed from its shell. To the young people 3Strands support, the red seeds represent the beauty inside every survivor, and those waiting to be rescued. Every 3Strands Shop product features this red seed, with a red bead or red mark symbolizing the power of the seed.

— In Benicia, many businesses and individuals give back to the community through fundraising, benefit fashion shows, auctions and selling merchandise with a cause. We are all survivors who appreciate the beauty of the red seed and giving back. Wear your cause!

Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

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TRENDS

3/20/18 6:27 AM

Neeley Silberman President, Benicia Education Foundation

By Adriene Rockwell Lisa Duncan Photography The art of communication and physical fitness are two of Neeley Silberman’s greatest passions. She’s been a professor of communication in the School of Liberal Arts at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga for 21 years, where she has taught public speaking, interpersonal communication, and small group dynamics. “I’m fascinated by the way people communicate, and I love finding ways to bridge gaps in communication.” She also teaches spin, resistance, aerobics and yoga at Benicia Fitness.

These superpowers will come in handy for her new role as President of the Benicia Education Foundation (BEF).

Neeley grew up in Benicia, having attended Mills Elementary School, and graduated from Benicia High School in 1991. She earned her BA at Saint Mary’s and her MA at San Jose State University—both in communication. She met her husband at Saint Mary’s, and when it came time to start a family, she brought him home to Benicia. “Many of my peers came back too,” she says, “because there’s really no better place to raise a family.” They have two daughters at Benicia High School— Sophie and Emma.

When her children were young, Neeley volunteered in her daughters’ classrooms, and became active in parent leadership at the middle school. Today, Neeley is the VP of the Benicia High School PTSA, and an advisory member for the district’s LCAP (California’s Local Control and Accountability Plan). “I was motivated to get involved with the PTA because as a parent you gain direct access to the principal,” she says. “I developed a lot of compassion for administrators.”

Neeley’s experience and compassion have been strengths for her as the BEF President. The first year has been about taking stock and building rapport. “I met with every stakeholder, every school principal, every leadership team—everyone I could possibly imagine,” she says. “That’s when I realized that increasing awareness was important. BEF is the big umbrella.

Our priority is to build connection and communication among

and between all of the schools, and to create the most opportunities for all of the kids. With about 4,800 students in the district, big things are possible,” she says. “But big things require big work, and it doesn’t happen fast.”

Two major goals for BEF are to increase visibility and awareness, and build a sustainable fundraising program. For Neeley, that means not overtaxing parents, and focusing on raising more funds from local businesses that benefit from Benicia’s schools. The BEF Run for Education is a major source of funding for the foundation, raising about $40,000 each year.

With an annual budget of approximately $100,000, nearly 50% of that is currently supporting the Exploratory Wheel program for grades 3-5 at the elementary schools.

The foundation also supports innovative teacher grants at the secondary levels. “This is exciting because so many students benefit,” says Neeley. Recent grants have been for unusual things, like microbit computers for robotics, mannequins for CPR classes and more. BEF also supports college and career readiness programs, and speaker series such as the recent anti-bullying assembly at the middle school. In one instance, BEF provided transportation for a group of 35 students to a college fair in Napa focused on traditionally black colleges.

Students went with transcripts in hand, and one student was accepted on the spot to Tuskegee University.

Neeley’s face lights up when she describes her 23-member board of directors, including former BUSD Superintendent Janice Adams, inclusion specialist Joe Farrell, triathlete Sara Randolph, and representation from every school site. “We have such a strong voice on our board. I get really excited because these are all people who care about doing bigger things.”

Whether it’s about child advocacy or the important role of BEF in our community, Neeley believes, “Ultimately, no one ever regrets investing in our children. And it’s important to broaden the lens. It’s not just about my child—but also the larger community.”

Read the full text of the story online at Beniciamagazine.com.

BIO

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April 2018 Events Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt

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

BeniciaKiwanis.org

young people speaking to the most important issues of our time.

Youthspeaks.org

Run for Education

4/18, 7am-12pm First Street Green First & D Streets, Benicia Join experienced runners, novice athletes, students and families in this annual waterfront run through Benicia's historic district. The event includes a

BOTTG Presents Coming Apart

4/20-5/12, times vary Historic BDES Hall 140 West J Street, Benicia A delightful and funny romantic comedy by Fred Carmichael that opens with the Kittridges saying simultaneously, “I want a divorce.”

Both are conceited and competitive.

Colin is a successful humor columnist and Fran an author of romance novels.

As the play progresses we learn, through flashbacks and asides with the audience, what is behind each character’s declaration. Directed by Angelina LaBarre. Tickets available online.

Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival

4/14, 7-10pm Norse Auditorium 275 Hayes Street, San Francisco 21 years ago, Youth Speaks held the first ever Teen Poetry Slam, sparking a global movement. Do you want to slam? Spit your truth and check out

Art Scavenger Hunt

4/28, 12-4pm First Street Downtown Benicia Discover amazing art found in downtown galleries while doing a scavenger hunt. Participants will receive a free “I Love Benicia” bag and be entered in drawing to win $100 in Downtown Dollars. Contact Benicia Main Street for more information.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

4/29, 9am-3pm First Street Green First & D Streets, Benicia This annual event brings together classic car owners and enthusiasts from all over the Bay Area for a day of fun, music, and competition. The show is hosted by a dedicated group of Benicia High School Band students and their booster friends and families.

All proceeds go directly to support our award-winning Benicia High School Panther Marching Band program. Music will be performed by musicians from the award-winning Benicia High School Marching Band, as well as a live DJ. Sites.google.com/view/ beniciaclassiccarshow/home

Arts Benicia Open Studios

Vallejo Symphony Presents Resolution

Youth Speaks Poetry Grand Slam Finals

4/26, 4-8pm First & D Streets, Benicia First Farmer’s Market of the year!

Benicia Certified Farmers Market offers fresh fruit & vegetables, baked goods, gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts & crafts, live entertainment, and face painting. Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Benicia Classic Car Show

4/14-4/22, times vary Geary Blvd between Laguna and Fillmore Streets San Francsisco The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions and the biggest on the West coast.

Starting in 1968, the festival cultivates the alliance between Japan and United States, using culture as its bridge. There will be food booths, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands, the annual Queen Program, and more. The Grand Parade will be held on Sunday, April 22, beginning at 1pm starting from City Hall and concluding in Japantown.

Sfcherryblossom.org

4/14, 3pm Empress Theatre 333 Virginia Street, Vallejo Vallejo Symphony’s 2017-18 season concludes with Cecile Licad’s performance of Saint-Saëns’s lush Piano Concerto No. 2. Mozart’s symphonic career ends spectacularly with the grand Jupiter, Symphony No. 41. Tchaikovsky’s final and most difficult tone poem, Hamlet, resolves in the drama of a monarchy come to an end.

Tickets available online.

Vallejosymphony.org 707.643.5746

Benicia Certified Farmer’s Market

10K chip time run, a 5K timed run or walk, a 1M fun run for kids 12 & under, and shop & stroll for non-runners, and is a fundraiser for Benicia Education Foundation. Registration is open until the event begins.

Beniciarunforeducation.org

Men of Worth in Concert 4/18, 8-10pm Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Men of Worth, an Irishman and a Scottsman, blend their voices with harmony and support their collection of songs with their varied selection of instruments. They have a very simple approach to their presentation, and in keeping with tradition, remain true to the music and story. Their show is a unique combination of humor, exciting tunes, and soulful, heartfelt ballads.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Apple Blossom Festival

4/21, parade & festival, 10am-6pm 4/22, festival and Blues Music Explosion, 10am-5pm Main Street and Ives Park, Sebastopol Folks come from miles around to enjoy the annual Apple Blossom Parade.

Authentic hand made floats, amazing animals, and colorful displays delight all. Find a variety of great vendors on hand with food, crafts, clothing, jewelry, furniture and more. Each year the festival draws the best vendors from around the state. Also enjoy craft beer, local wine and great food. World class blues and more delight audiences on two stages on Sunday.

Appleblossomfest.com

5/5&6 Participating Artist Studios, Benicia Preview Exhibition begins 4/21 at Arts Benicia Gallery 991 Tyler Street, Ste 114, Benicia Each year, the community of artists and artisans in Benicia welcome visitors to experience an Open Studios event the first weekend of May. Over seventy studios are open to the public for those two days, and 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, artist’s at work.

Stop by the gallery to pick up a map of participating studios.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

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www.benicia.com Brenda Turner-Adams

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Plumbing and Boilers

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636 First Street, Benicia Open Every Day 707.747.5155 bookshopbenicia.com

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707.746.0590 • alonzosmall.com

25th Annual BENICIA CLASSIC CAR SHOW April 29, 9am—3pm Historic Downtown Benicia Annual Show benefiting Benicia High School Panther Band

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Some of the best classic cars in Northern California Great food, music and trophies Free admission BeniciaClassicCarShow.com

No. 97517

1350 Hayes Street, Suite A33 Benicia, CA 94510

(707) 980-3331

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

registration@pantherbandboosters.com

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Welcome to Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

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

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

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“AQC&C was amazing from the design stage through the installation. They worked with our quirky design to produce a fully realized beautiful result. It was done on schedule and within budget. They were very easy to work with and went out of their way to answer questions and suggest alternative solutions to any problem we, or our contractor, encountered. We highly recommend them.”

—Chris and Lillian Kerz-Garcia Introducing the new owners Trevor Cotarelo and Taylor Kennedy

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