Benicia Magazine May 2015

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4 • Benicia Magazine

Community Update For questions about Valero’s Crude by Rail project please email info@beniciaCBR.com or call (707) 654 - 9745

Valero’s Crude by Rail Project SUPPORTERS*

Labor, Small Business and Community Leaders support Valeroʼs CBR Project *Partial list

Benicia Chamber of Commerce Benicia Industrial Park Assn.

Pierre Bidou, Retired Chief of Police, City of Benicia Cement Masons Local 400 CFM-SF, Inc. F3 & Associates Estey Real Estate Heat And Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local Union No. 16 Eric Hoglund, 2013 Chairman of the Board, Benicia Chamber of Commerce In’l Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 180 Iron Workers Local 378 McKay Apts Napa-Solano Building & Construction Trades Council Plumbers and Steamfitters U.A. Local No. 343 Ponder Environmental Services

By investing in the refinery’s ability to remain competitive, the City of Benicia will benefit from the strong tax base and high paying jobs Valero provides our community. This project: l Reduces air emissions in the Bay Area: This project will reduce

air emissions in the Bay Area Basin and result in a net decrease in local Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

l Contributes a significant tax base to fund city services: This

project will ensure the refinery is able to stay competitive in the market and continue contributing 25% of the City’s annual General Fund revenue – which funds vital city services like the Fire and Police Departments.

l Creates jobs: This project will create at least 20 permanent jobs

and 120 skilled craftsman jobs during construction.

l Prioritizes safety: Valero has emergency prevention and

preparedness plans in place to ensure community safety, including on-site first responders, coordination with local, regional, state and federal agencies and extensive preventionoriented training programs with employees and first responders.

Valero has committed to tank cars that meet or exceed required safety standards.

l Supports City Goal of Economic Development/Financial Health:

The city Finance Committee’s report on budget forecast indicates a need for economic development in order to reduce financial strain and ensure financial stability. Valero’s crude-by-rail project will increase tax revenues that contribute to a fiscally healthy Benicia.

Supporter Spotlight On:

Suzanne Kleinman

Benicia, CA (18-year resident)

Why is supporting Valero’s Crude by Rail project important to you?

In a nutshell: the Economic Health of the City and Country I love. I support this project because there are no good reasons not to.

It will create more jobs, make us more independent from foreign oil and generate increased tax revenue for the city. According to the EIR, it will decrease Greenhouse gas emissions and complies with all safety and noise issues.

The stronger we are economically, in the city, the state and the country, the more options and opportunities are available to us in the future for an even cleaner and healthier environment. We can afford to make the place we live better and better for our kids.

Please note: Featured content within the “Supporter Spotlight” is directly from supporter-submitted materials.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

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Downtown gives a warm welcome with

Benicia in Bloom Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17

Spring is in full bloom and summer is around the corner!

At the annual Open House, participating merchants welcome you inside for in-store promotions geared towards spring and summer.

Hats off to Downtown! Wear a hat (any hat) for a chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars. Raffle tickets collected and deposited at participating merchants.

For more information, visit BeniciaMainStreet.org or call 707.745.9791.

6 • Benicia Magazine

Benicia Magazine

Benicia

magazine

Celebrating our 10th Year

Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann

magazine

Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

Benicia Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

Contributorsmagazine

BeniciaMagazine.com Benicia Magazine

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Benicia Magazine

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cleaner energy.

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Elizabeth d’Huart Adriene Rockwell Sue Sumner-Moore Christina Strawbridge Photographers Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight Michael Van Auken

Advertising sales Joey Baker 707.718.0166 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2015, 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, 611 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, beniciamagazine.com.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

MAY

18

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7

16

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

16 Benicia Makerspace

10 From the Editor

ups the ante for creativity and inventiveness

18 Beautify your garden with water-wise succulents

12

Backwards Glance Honoring Mom during World Wars I and II

12 Bio: Darrell Doi, financial planner 13

and community volunteer

Currents

Final weeks for Don’t Dress for Dinner BOTTG’s hit play

Capitol Speaker Series

commemorates V-E Day 70th anniversary

20 Along the Waterfront

Capturing Benicia’s waterfront charm

Janice Adams retiring BUSD Superintendent

22 Downtown Map 24 Interview 27 Trends

A chilly visit to Maui

28 Calendar of Events 8 • Benicia Magazine

Cover Photo: Verticle succulent planter, photo by Jerry Bowles Above: A young "maker" at Benicia's Mini Maker faire, photo by Michael Van Auken

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

A MAY 2015

FROM THE EDITOR

Photo by Joe Messina

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

s the saying goes, time flies, and 2015 has been no exception. The first months of the year have all kinds of fun and not-so-fun things to do—in the not so fun category, an income tax hangover comes to mind. As hard as I try to finish early, I seem always to be pressed right up against the deadline. And this year’s surprise was new, veiled taxed items embedded in the complexity of the details. I’m happy it’s behind me; for most of us, it’s such a process, isn’t it? Now on to the fun stuff.

If you haven’t seen Don’t Dress for Dinner, get tickets right away for BOTTG’s final performances this weekend at beniciaoldtowntheatregroup. com. Also this weekend is the huge annual Artist Open Studios event, May 2 & 3, with over 60 artists participating around town. The Spring on the Straights Quilt Show is also May 2 at the Clock Tower, and May 3, check out the Capitol Neighbors Speaker Series as they honor WWII Veterans with a program filled with artifacts, costumes and a fashion show with clothing of the era. The Farmers Market has returned to First and B Streets every Thursday 4-8pm, the Benicia Art Walk returns each second Saturday, the Benicia Library is showing movies on the big screen, and Benicia Soroptimists are putting on a Spring Tea Weekend May 17 at Camellia Tea Room.

And that doesn’t even include Mother’s Day! If mom wants to shop, stroll or dine downtown, Benicia in Bloom, a Benicia Main Street weekend event May 16 & 17 offers a plethora of in-store discounts, sales and other promotions. A wonderful mom I’ve known for many years, Janice Adams, Benicia Unified School District’s long-time superintendent, retires this month to enjoy more leisurely pursuits. She will be sorely missed by her many colleagues and Benicia students and parents. Adam’s open and collaborative management style resulted in many positive changes to the district over the past nine years. Read her interview with Sue Sumner-Moore in this issue.

On a personal note, I’m enjoying a honeymoon phase with Benicia. That’s saying something as this year marks 32 years of living here! A recent Saturday morning walk from my west side downtown home to a friend’s house on the east side, about a mile away, took an hour and a half. My pace was fine, but I stopped along the route for no less than six separate conversations with various neighbors and friends. I realized once again that the best thing about Benicia is the feeling of community. And I’m amazed how many people I’ve never met stop and inquire about my six-month old identical twin grandsons (they are wonderful). I can’t say it enough: The opportunity to feel connected is what makes Benicia magical.

At the office, we hear it all the time from visitors from all over the Bay: Our secret is out; they want to come and live here. As I write from my living room, staring out the window across the street where my neighbor’s yard allows enough of a view to see the wind whipping up whitecaps on the Strait, and I’m reminded, and filled with gratitude, that from our teeny-tiny San Francisco apartment with the enormous view of the Bay, we moved to this haven 32 years ago. Enjoy the springtime in our in our amazing waterfront town.

Jeanne Steinmann

10 • Benicia Magazine

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Bio

By Adriene Rockwell Photo By Malcolm Slight When it comes to giving back to the community, Darrel Doi is an MVP. When he’s not running his financial consulting business, he serves as the President of the Rotary Club of Benicia, and as a board member for the Benicia Education Foundation. He’s coached youth soccer and basketball for more than ten years, and has always served on the parent-teacher boards for his children’s schools. “I’m so grateful for this community that gives us so much, and I enjoy giving back,” he says.

He and his wife, Grace moved to Benicia in 1996, and have two children: Alana, currently in tenth grade at Benicia High School, and Isaac, a seventh grader at Benicia Middle School. “My priority is to be involved with my kids, so they are my “A” clients. They come first and everything else fills in around them,” he explains.

Doi grew up in the Marina district of San Francisco, and enjoyed meeting people on his walks through many city blocks to get to school each day. In his youth he played basketball, baseball, and participated in cross-country and track where he learned self-discipline and the value of forming good relationships. From these early experiences, Doi takes inspiration as a passionate leader for building strong, sustainable athletic programs in the schools.

“Athletics should always be about a way for you to work with others. The challenge is how to make yourself better—not comparing yourself with others,” he says.

“It’s important that athletes feel part of the team and that they have respect for the coach. It’s about attitude.”

When asked who his mentors are, he credited his pastor and his supportive wife, Grace: “She keeps my head on straight.”

Put them all together and they spell

MOTHER! Backwards Glance

By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director, Benicia Historical Museum Photo courtesy Benicia Historical Museum Considered to be extremely desirable by both vintage textile and military memorabilia collectors, “mother” and “sweetheart” pillow covers were first introduced during World War I. Sold at military bases and sent back home, they were frequently framed and hung by the recipients or simply folded and put into drawers for safekeeping when not used as throw pillow coverings. This World War II U.S. Navy case from our collection is printed on silk with the well-known words from the song “Mother,” spelled out letter by letter, with literary embellishment, and echoes the sentiments of those far away from Mom as well as other family members and loved ones. The ground color of the front of the case is a dirty beige fringed in dark green. Since it is dark gold on the other side, it is logical to assume that the front has faded over time through wear and exposure to sunlight. In addition to the pink rosebuds and blossoms and the illustrations of water, anchors, and decorative rope borders, the various ships depicted around the printed lyrics include renderings of a U.S. navy heavy cruiser, aircraft carrier, battleship, submarine, and destroyer.

Although now considered to be quite kitsch, I’m sure the mother who received this was thrilled to get such a loving tribute!

According to Wikipedia, the modern American holiday of Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia. The state officially recognized the celebration of Mother’s Day in 1910, and other states quickly joined the movement. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation creating Mother’s Day, designating the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers. By the early 1920s, Hallmark and other companies had started selling Mother’s Day cards, and other countries and cultures adopted it as a holiday also, changing the date to fit already existing secular and religious celebrations honoring motherhood.

As Jarvis so aptly put it, the day is meant to acknowledge “…the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.” We mothers would agree!

12 • Benicia Magazine

Darrell Doi

Bio

Capitol Neighbors Speaker Series commemorates

Benicia Old Town Theatre’s Spring Play

Photos: War poster; children celebrating, courtesy BSPA In honor of the 70th anniversary of V-E Day, the spring event at the Benicia State Capitol salutes Benicia WWII Living History Day, honoring veterans. The program, a collaboration between the California State Parks, the Benicia State Parks Association and the Bay Area Women’s and Men’s Historical Representation Society, includes military and civilian vehicles of the era, participants dressed in 1940s military and civilian attire, a fashion show depicting the styles of the war years, artifacts, displays, and music and dancing of the 1940s. Sunday, May 3, Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, 115 West G Street, 1-4pm. Fashion show 2pm. $10 adults, $5 children 12-17, under 12 free. For more information call 707.745.3385.

Photos by Joe Messina Benicia Old Town Theatre Group’s spring production, Don’t Dress for Dinner, playwright Marc Camoletti’s French comedy with a rendezvous gone awry, assumed identities, infidelity and suspicion, opened April 17 at the B.D.E.S. Hall. Directed by Clinton Vidal, the classic hilarious farce is sure to delight audiences (as of this writing it had not yet opened). Tickets are still available for final performances this weekend, Friday and Saturday May 1 and 2, 8pm, and Sunday, 2pm. Buy online at beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Currents

Fi nal Days for

V-E Day

Currents

The iconic, shipwrecked fishing boat in Inverness, CA Photo by Chris Saraga

POINT REYES A National Treasure

Beautiful weather sometimes demands foregoing weekend chores for a drive in the country. We are so fortunate in the Bay Area to have back roads that wind through bucolic hills and ocean beaches right in our collective backyards. Sometimes we overlook the best the Bay Area has to offer. Point Reyes National Seashore, encompassing 71,000-acres, is a wonderfully restorative tonic for weary workers, especially if you commute on the Bay’s traffic-infused freeways. If your spirit needs a re-boot, Point Reyes is a nearby wonder that is sure to revitalize.

President John F Kennedy saw the peninsula as a national treasure, and preserved the land for public use in 1962, signing legislation that made it a National Park. In addition to beaches, Abbott’s Lagoon, historic structures and interpretive exhibits, a lot can be learned about the park and its history by exploring its three visitors’ centers, including the popular Lighthouse visitors’ center. If you’ve never been or haven’t been recently, day hikes, walking 14 • Benicia Magazine

trails, camping, wildlife viewing and much more should put Point Reyes on your spring or summer getaway radar.

Another advantage is its proximity to two tiny towns: Point Reyes Station and Inverness. Named after the railroad that ran through it until 1933, Point Reyes Station, the popular stopping place for travelers heading further north or east, is a half-day destination in itself. It packs a powerful punch for its many visitors. If you go, make a lunch or dinner reservation, especially at the crowded Station House Café. Cowgirl Creamery and Bovine Bakery are also must-stops during your visit.

Inverness, a blink-and-you-miss-it town located on the southern end of Tomales Bay, has several good restaurants, and is great for fishing, paddling and exploring Tomales Bay State Park. Whatever is in the lineup for your getaway day, weekend or longer trip to Point Reyes, make sure you call ahead to find out what’s open and what’s closed. For more information, visit pointreyes.org, or call the West Marin Chamber of Commerce at 415.663.9232.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Invention and Reinvention Benicia Makerspace Hitting its Stride

By Adriene Rockwell When you visit Benicia Makerspace, you’ll ring a doorbell made with eight repurposed floppy disks that are signaled to play Mario Brothers and other theme songs. The brain of the invention is Raspberry Pi, a credit card sized computer that is programmed to signal the disks to make music. It’s the perfect example of technology, engineering and art combined to create something for practical use. That’s what “makers” do.

As the maker movement sweeps the globe, Benicia Makerspace is making its mark. The nonprofit organization, now located in the school district’s retired primary school building,

16 • Benicia Magazine

is like a community shop where inventors, entrepreneurs, and tinkerers can explore new ideas using state of the art equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, routers, and more. You will find makers creating anything from robotics to needlepoint or e-bikes. And what ties them together is the spirit of trying, experimenting, playing, and collaborating.

It began with a dream and a Kickstarter campaign in 2012

by Nicci Nunes, a science teacher at Liberty High school. “I wanted a place for my kids and I to tinker, and I was just crazy enough to decide to do it.” When her first attempts fell through, Nunes didn’t give up. Instead, she posted on Meetup.com, where she got responses from makers across the Bay Area. An early supporter was Aaron Newcomb, a Benician and Silicon Valley marketing professional who started taking apart his toys at the age of eight. Now he serves as the board president of the Benicia Makerspace, along with four other board members.

Makerspaces don’t usually pop up in small towns like ours, but it turns out Benicia is the ideal location because of its thriving industrial and artistic communities—two bedrocks of the movement. And, it helps that city officials are supportive.

When Benicia Makerspace exhibited recently in San Mateo, they joined peers from larger cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tokyo and beyond.

The groundswell of makerspaces worldwide has grown from four in 2007 to more than 1,750 today. Makers are becoming part of the culture at libraries, universities, hospitals—and corporations are taking note. Current technology like 3D printers and Adafruit electronics are making it easier for makers to break new ground. MakerBot now makes more affordable 3D printers that can turn plastic and metal into everything from prosthetics to food (although it looks like mush).

“Makers are very much an open source, a helping culture.

They don’t keep secrets. What makes us most happy is inspiring someone else to try to make something work,” says Nunes.

This spirit brings us back to a time when there was great pride in craftsmanship, and woodshop and metal shop were popular school electives. “What we’ve lost is that spirit coming out of WWII into the 1960s, when people were doing things themselves,” says Newcomb. “In the 70s, 80s, and 90s, that disappeared and people started buying things and throwing them away. Now there’s also an environmental aspect,” he continues. “We can’t afford to throw everything away. We need to find ways to repurpose things.”

A growing number of people are ringing Benicia Makerspace’s repurposed doorbell these days. With 230 members on Meetup. com, the organization now hosts bi-weekly Monday night open houses, and hopes to secure a more accessible industrial space soon. In collaboration with the Benicia Public Library, the group hosts first Wednesday workshops on topics such as learning to solder, or building your own pinball and video games.

In March, Benicia Makerspace hosted its first Mini Maker Faire at Benicia Middle School that had some 1,250 visitors from throughout the Bay Area. The President and CEO of Maker Media Inc, Dale Dougherty, who founded the Mini Maker Faire, was the keynote speaker. He says the events “reinvent the county fair from pigs and pies to rockets and robots…I wanted to create an environment to spark the imagination for everyone— especially children. That’s where they decide they can do it.”

“In making, failure is a good thing,” says Nunes. “If something doesn’t work, you don’t throw it away, you work it out. If you’re having trouble making something, it’s not the end. It’s the beginning.”

Photos by Michael Van Auken

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

A functional & Fashionable Trend Beyond the obvious fact that succulents are water-wise plants, they are just so darn attractive in the garden, with an irresistible appeal. But heading into California’s fourth year of drought, succulents are more popular than ever as alternates to a water-thirsty landscape. With thousands of varieties available, it’s easy to showcase succulents inside or out, in containers of all kinds, or planted directly in the ground.

Berkeley’s Cactus Jungle, cactusjungle.com, has an online A-Z listing of hundreds of cacti and succulent varieties that thrive in the Bay Area’s Mediterranean climate; each listing links to a photo and optimal growing conditions.

Succulents store water in their leaves and stems for times of drought, and they can thrive where other plants cannot: in dry, windy or rocky places. What they do require is bright light (which can be indirect) and well-drained soil. Most indoor succulent varieties will be happiest in a south-facing window. They can go a couple weeks without water in winter or a couple of days in warmer weather, depending on the type.

Succulent leaves dry up and fall off without enough water, and rot with too much. But many succulents are easy to grow—just give them a well-drained pot and sandy soil. Sand can be added to the bottom of a container, or mixed into soil in the ground before planting—cacti/ succulent soil is also available at most garden centers. Gwen, and other “plant geeks” at Mid City Nursery, agrees that with water current concerns, it makes sense to incorporate succulents into the landscape.

She offers this advice: “When they are not in bloom, succulents provide a tapestry of textures and colors with their foliage, creating year-round interest in the garden. Sedums are a favorite super-hardy species that come in a variety of colors; other tried and true favorites include Agave, Echeveria, Aloe, Crassula, Graptoveria, and Sempervivum.

Some unusual, newer varieties include Aloe ‘Fire Ranch,’ Pachyphytum Hookeri, Sempervivum ‘Ruby Hearts’ and Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy.’”

Even the forgetful gardener is rewarded with a succulent garden’s striking appearance when grouped together in a variety of species. They make a great ornamental addition to landscape borders, around the base rocks and other hardscape areas, in garden pots or mixed in with other types of low-water plants. Getting creative in your approach is more than half the fun. Unique containers can range from concrete vessels to vintage wooden toolboxes—from old baskets to glass terrariums—the possibilities are only limited by one’s imagination.

18 • Benicia Magazine

RESOURCES Succulent arrangements can also go vertical—there are good how-to videos on YouTube (see resources). You’ll be rewarded with a low-maintenance spot of color on your deck or patio, a privacy screen of green or something whimsical that elicits a smile. Terrariums of all shapes and sizes have made a big comeback, and are attractive options for hanging mini-gardens.

Try local shops, antiques stores, garage sales, your own garage and Craigslist for interesting succulent garden vessels.

From the elaborate to the diminutive, here are a few ideas to get you started: hollowed-out tree stumps, mason jars, used vegetable cans, birdcages, teacups, formal French garden urns, cowboy boots or old shoes, empty candle tins, suitcases, hollowed-out books, shells of any kind, or old dresser drawers. The point is to have fun, create a beautiful conversation piece and enjoy the view.

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PINTEREST Cactus and Container Gardens Creative Succulent Containers DIY Succulent Containers pinterest.com Order these & other titles from Bookshop Benicia Succulent Container Gardens Deborah Lee Baldwin, Timber Press Cacti and Succulents Graham Charles, The Crowood Press The Succulent Garden, a Practical Gardening Guide Yvonne Cave, Timber Press Succulents Simplified Deborah Lee Baldwin, Timber Press Dry Climate Gardening with Succulents Debra Brown Folsom, Pantheon Books Photos by Jerry Bowles BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

ALONG THE WATERFRONT This rustic perch hangs over the Strait, next to a hidden beach and aging pier.

20 • Benicia Magazine

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23 Benicia Main Street

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22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street 23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street

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22 • Benicia Magazine

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

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Dudikoff Insurance Agency Planning, Products, & Services

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

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Steve McClure

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Capitol Glass Co., Inc.

Your One Stop Glass Shop Since 1970 Specializing in showers, windows and mirrors 5000 East Second St., Ste H, Benicia 707.745.4570 • capitolglassbenicia.com

Financial Planning • Investments • Fee Only Registered Investment Advisor

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Interview with

What change most affected the district during your years as superintendent?

By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight After 58 first days of school, Janice Adams is ready for commencement.

When the Benicia school superintendent retires in June, she will commence sleeping in and reading everything she wants and traveling and spending time with her husband, family and friends.

“My husband has been retired for almost five years, and we don’t have enough time to spend together. There’s no time for me to spend with him when I work at least 50 hours a week,” she says, explaining her decision to step down after heading the district for eight years.

“There are other things I’m interested in.

I just want to explore what’s out there.”

Janice saw many changes during her years as superintendent, including the introduction of Common Core curriculum standards, the increased role of technology in classrooms, and large swings in state funding. But Benicia’s commitment to education remained strong throughout.

“We still have that small-town feeling of a community that cares for its kids,” says Janice, 63. Janice and her husband, Pete, moved their family here 26 years ago. Their three grown children all graduated from Benicia High School.

Her retirement means a new chapter for the district’s 5,000 students and 450 employees. The district expects to name a new superintendent in May. “I don’t have an exact retirement date because I want to be flexible to help with the transition,” she says.

Until then, she is focusing on work and trying to keep retirement celebrations to a minimum.

“I’m really grateful I chose education for my career,” she says. “It’s been a meaningful life.”

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

The biggest thing to happen was the recession. It really hit us hard for four years, and the fifth year we were just climbing out of it. We lost 20 percent of our revenue. We are not back to our 2007-2008 levels yet, but we are working our way to it. The state is working with the formulas to get us back to the 2007-2008 levels.

We got federal government ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funds. That helped us, and the community rallied behind us. Parents made donations, bought school supplies, the staff took furlough days—everyone did all we could to keep the cuts away from the kids.

The board really provided good leadership during that time. We got through it a lot easier than some folks.

How has Common Core changed what happens in classrooms?

With Common Core, there is less of a teacher standing in front of a classroom and delivering a lecture, and more of a teacher giving a mini-lesson. The students then apply what they learned from that lesson to solve a problem while the teacher helps them. Students feel more engaged, more excited about learning.

What impact has technology had on education?

The way students learn is different now.

If students want to build a mini-bike, they’re not going to get a book from the library.

They’re going to go online. They have more info in their hands than I had in my high school library. Now they can interact with other schools and can take virtual tours of museums. They’re not always learning from a textbook that goes out of date almost as soon as it’s published.

How has the district responded to changes in technology?

There’s a little bit of learning going on for us as educators. We have pilot programs in the district for technology, and we’ve learned from other districts. We have to manage it to insure student safety.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I came in when morale was really low, when there was not a lot of trust of the district within the community. I feel proud that I was able to come in and build bridges to the community. I’m very proud to have worked with amazing board members.

There’s always been respect, even when we don’t agree. There is a shared interest in doing the right thing.

The district now has a good working relationship with the Police Department, Parks and Rec, and City Hall. We’re all working together for the good of the community. My leadership style is building relationships.

I’m also proud that we passed the school bond last June. That will bring in $49 million to modernize and update our schools.

What’s the next big change coming in public education?

There are lots of changes coming in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Our nation’s workforce needs are changing, so we have to change the way we educate our students and what we teach them. There are not as many middle-class jobs available now as in the past, and students are going to need more science, technology and math to get those good jobs.

How have people responded to your retirement announcement?

It’s been really positive. People really have been kind. I’ve been really touched.

It did create a little more anxiety than I

What types of activities do you want to try once you have more free time?

I just want to explore what’s out there.

I want to take an art history class or a gardening class. I might try to learn a foreign language—I might learn French. I want to dabble. I want to learn what I want to do.

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

We’re really working on getting the bond moving, getting the project list together.

We’ll be rewiring all seven sites, increasing the bandwidth, and we’re going to paint the high school—that’s so overdue.

We’re also working with a consultant who will work with the district and BEF (Benicia Education Foundation) on a strategic plan for fundraising.

I plan to work hard until the very last day.

There are a lot of little details. I have a list of things I want to finish up and some to pass on to the next superintendent.

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anticipated among district leadership. They want to know who they’ll be working for, so I understand that little bit of anxiety. Everyone is anxious to make sure we get the right person. The board is being very thoughtful and inclusive.

Do you have an overall plan for your next chapter?

I just can’t wait to have time to sleep in and read, and we want to go to all the National Parks.

I’m staying in Benicia—this is a great community. I’m not going to make a lot of commitments. I’m not going to join a lot of boards right now. I may coach elementary principals—I loved being an elementary principal. …

I thrive on change. I have the maybe-naïve idea that it’s going to be fine to be retired. I’m not worried. When school starts in August, I may take a pause, but it will be OK.

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Keep up the great work. We accomplish more when we work together.

What do you hope to be doing in five years?

I’ll be right here in Benicia, and I hope to be healthy and spending time with my family and friends. And I’d be happy to be a grandmother—but no pressure, kids!

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26 • Benicia Magazine

Mulch Wide — Not Deep Mulch is one of the most beneficial things a homeowner can do for the health of a tree.

Benefits of proper mulching: Maintain soil moisture Control weeds Improve soil aeration & drainage

Apply mulch properly or it can cause harm to trees and other landscape plants.

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By Christina Strawbridge Seven nights in Maui sounds pretty inviting with warm ocean breezes, long walks on the beach and an umbrella drink to toast your good fortune. I have had the opportunity to visit the islands through the years, usually for my husband's business. Having a meeting in March in Hawaii tends to spike attendance to the yearly convention, for those who are trying to escape mounds of snow and subzero temperatures that wreaked havoc on the Midwest and East Coast this winter.

Prior to departure, Maui’s forecast showed rain and clouds for the entire week.

Really? Surely they were talking about some other part of the island. Unfortunately, the Weather Channel was spot on with gray days, gale force winds, solid rain and unusually cool temperatures. Hawaiian attire had to be layered with raincoats and souvenir sweatshirts. For some reason, I had packed a pair of boots, never really thinking that I would wear them, but on three occasions they replaced my open-toe sandals to the wonder of my companions. Who brings boots to Hawaii?

This year’s national MCAA convention attracted close to 3,000 snowbirds, who came for beach time but also to hear a wide range of first rate speakers, including Leon Panetta, Dr. Robert Ballard, who discovered the Titanic on the ocean floor, and sportscaster James "JB" Brown. The finale evening starred Jennifer Hudson performing in concert with her soulful voice that rocked the hotel ballroom.

One of the highlights was an opportunity to visit Leona Rocha Wilson’s palatial home at the top of Wailuka Heights. This was the first time Wilson had opened her home to visitors, besides local schoolchildren that she frequently hosts.

Her message to these children is that getting a good education makes anything obtainable. The 10,000 square foot home is carved out of the mountain with spectacular 360-degree views from every room. Wilson and her third husband, Bill, bought the land and spent two years preparing the site for the Mission-style home. The interior is filled with an eclectic mix of furniture, valuable art and quirky accessories, like a Wurlitzer jukebox and lifelike butler that greets visitors at the front door with a faux martini. But her prized possession is her grandfather's kau kau tins, which she displays prominently in her front room. She told the story of how the plantation workers used the metal double-decker lunchboxes to bring their mid day meals to work, sharing the contents with other workers.

Wilson's story is as dramatic as her home, from humble beginnings at the Hamakuapoko (H-Poko) sugar-plantation camp on Maui's north shore. There was no money for college, so her mother encouraged her to enlist in the military to qualify for the G. I. Bill that eventually financed her education. Wilson credits her mother with instilling her with the drive to succeed. From taking a sewing class at the YWCA at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, where she was stationed with her first husband, she discovered an aptitude for making clothing. She moved to New York City with husband number two and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with honors while working full time as a secretary. It was fascinating to hear her talk about making clothes and inventing the fashion ruler, which is still used today for pattern alteration. She became the national spokesperson for Simplicity Patterns and starred in her own television series, teaching sewing to a national audience. She was hired away by Vogue/Butterick's president Bill Wilson, whom she eventually married, and moved back home to Maui to build Leona Ridge.

Wilson’s hands show her commitment to the land, trading fashion for farming on the property’s six acres. Her brilliant smile reveals her fairy tale life from H-Poko to Plantation Princess. It turned out Hawaii was more than sunshine and a choice seat at the pool, but a chance to meet people who never give up looking for the end of the rainbow.

Trends

Urban Notions

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

5/1 Acoustic Music Art & Heart Monthly Friday Concert Series 7pm

5/7-5/28 Benicia Farmers Market 4-8pm

5/1-5/9 BOTTG Presents Don’t Dress for Dinner

5/8 Hot Summer/Cool Movie 6:30pm

Fresh fruits, vegetables & baked goods Gourmet & hot foods, arts & crafts First Street between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Northgate Church 2201 Lake Herman Road Northgateweb.com 415.297.3542

Fridays and Saturdays 8pm Sundays 2pm BDES Hall, 140 West J Street Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

Movie on the big screen at the library, snacks served Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

5/9 Benicia Art Walk – All Day

5/1 & 14 Ghost Walk 8pm Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia Led by paranormal experts Space is limited Reservations required Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Calendar of Events

5/1-5/31 A Call to Arms - The Benicia Arsenal WWII

Exhibit features 1940s memorabilia & Arsenal artifacts Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

5/1-5/31 Cheers! Beer Brewing in Benicia Artifacts from the 1900s beer brewing industry Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

5/2 Spring on the Straights Quilt Show 10am-5pm Quilts, wearable arts, booths, raffles & demos Historic Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street Cssquilter.com 925.206.5054

5/2 Comic Book Day 11am-6pm

Photo by Jerry Bowles

Sip, stroll, dine, hear live music Self-guided tour View art and watch demonstrations Visitbenicia.org/events 707.746.4202

5/16 Opening Day on the Straight 10am-6pm Booths, arts, crafts & food Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second Street Beniciayachtclub.com 707.746.0739

5/16 & 17 Benicia in Bloom – All Day

Participating merchants offer Spring & Summer deals Downtown First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

5/16 & 17 Spring Tea Weekend – All Day Champagne & appetizers Saturday 6-8pm Three seatings for tea on Sunday Presented by Benicia Soroptimist’s Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street Camelliatearoom.com 707.746.5293

Pick out favorite comics free!

Activities for all age kids and comic crafting Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

5/17 The Story of Samuel Wyler 1pm

5/2 & 3 Benicia Artists Open Studios 10am-5pm

5/25 Benicia Memorial Day Ceremony 10am

Meet artists in their studios and view their art Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

5/3 Capitol Neighbors Speaker Series 1-4pm WWII Era with Living History Commemorating the 70th anniversary of VE Day Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, 115 West G Street Protectbeniciastateparks.com 707.745.3385

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Lecture by Jim Lessinger Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Military fly-over, color guard, guest speakers, food Benicia Military Cemetery Military East to Hospital Road, follow signs Beniciahistoricalsociety.org

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Voices of Cinema Saturday May 16, 2015 4:00pm Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater Yountville, CA 707.944.9900 lincolntheater.com Sunday May 17, 2015 4:00pm Downtown Fairfield Theatre 1035 Texas St. Fairfield, CA 707.940.0700 downtowntheatre.com Tickets at VOENA.ORG venue websites

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

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Oyster Special Mondays

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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

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

Susy was such a pleasure to work with.

She took our wishlist, and working with us, created a concept for our difficult space that gave us a kitchen that went far beyond what we had imagined possible.

Our new kitchen is much more functional, has twice as much storage space, and is exactly what we never knew we wanted!

Thank you Susy. Cheers! —T.J. and Jazmine

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

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