Benicia Magazine August 2017

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Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com Editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2017, 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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AUGUST

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 10

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

16

10 From the Editor

Block by block on First Street G to H Street

18

Benicia bocce rolling along with two new courts

20

The dog days of summer are perfect for antiquing

12 Currents BUSD goes online with student registration (12) Annual competition brings 60 plein air artists to paint Benicia scenes (12-13) Get tickets now for the annual Taste of First Street (13) Choral Society celebrates centennial anniversary (14)

15 Bio

Tom Young on retirement, education and world travels

24 Interview

Metamorphosis following heartache at Houston Robertson’s one-woman show

26 Trends

Individualized fashion for Spring, 2018

28 Calendar

The best events in Benicia and around the Bay

Cover: Above photos, clockwise from left: Artistic Director Andrew Brown conducts the symphonic choir at Vallejo Choral Society’s December concert at St. Paul's, photo by Chris Preovolos; Mare Island Cacophony, by Susan Street; Vintage copper ladle; 2016 Taste of First Street 8 • Benicia Magazine

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FROM THE EDITOR

August 2017

Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com Beniciamagazine.com

Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann beniciamagazine

With kids returning to school, August seems like the end of summer to many families. But there still are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the sunshine. The Solano County Fair kicks off at the Vallejo fairgrounds August 2, running through August 6 with rides, food, vendors, live music, exhibits and livestock events. Learn more at Scfair.com.

If you like looking at maps as much as I do, check out Arts Benicia’s cool gallery exhibit Mapping as Source – the Personal Cartography of Art Maps, which runs through August 27, Weds-Sun, 12-5pm; Artsbenicia.org. Peddlers Fair returns to First Street for its 54th year August 12, Beniciapeddlersfair.org. With a nod to all things old, check out our feature on antiquing and collecting here in town and elsewhere, and our online story specifically about the Peddlers Fair.

The annual Taste of First, August 22, is truly a moveable feast, with nibbles and wine as you saunter up and down the street with participating restaurants offering samples of their cuisine. For tickets, visit beniciamainstreet.org or call 707.745.9791. I’m excited about the second annual Plein Air Paintout August 26, where 60 artists will create paintings of downtown and other scenic vistas within a specific time frame. We can watch the artists as they capture a moment in time with their brushwork, then after an awards ceremony, sample nibbles and hear live music; Beniciapleinair.com. These and other event details are in our print and online calendars.

In this issue, you’ll find feature stories on Benicia bocce, online student registration at BUSD, our Block by Block on First Street story; portrayals of Benicians in our Interview (Houston Robertson) and Bio (Tom Young), and more, in print and online.

Speaking of locals, did you know that Benicia Magazine is almost exclusively created in Benicia? Our Graphic artist, most of our writers, photographers and administrative team live right here in town. We print sustainably in the USA (Oregon) with a printer who is carbonneutral in their pressroom, using vegetable based inks.

A big shout-out to readers who continue to bring us story ideas, send feedback and continue the conversation by commenting on our online articles. Thank you for your input!

From the Website

Feedback

—Jeanne

David Dodd Interview Great stuff David, thanks for the inspiration. Great Article! It is all about empathy when it gets right down to it ...

Love and understanding are the key to the heart!

—JK

Jack Laycox Exhibit Looks like a fantastic show. Can't wait to see it!

—Artguy

Bio with David Sells Great article Adriene. Dave and Yann, it was a pleasure to get to know you on the Robert Semple kindergarten yard. I regret that I never had the pleasure of having one of your boys in my kindergarten class and the chance to get to know you better. Have a wonderful summer together.

—Robin Dutrow

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BUSD STUDENT

Registration Goes Online

By Sarah Rohrs It’s hard to imagine life today without the Internet, but the Benicia Unified School District’s registration system has given parents a good idea. Up until this year, parents had to go to their child’s school, and then stand in lines to sign up, and get a child’s teacher and classroom assignments. This year it’s different. Betty Jensen, the district superintendent’s chief assistant, said parents were heard loud and clear about the need for a way to register their children in the modern age. “The reason why we’re doing this is that parents were complaining that everything can be done online except school registration. This year we decided we would really try to do it all online,” Jensen said. The new process benefits parents and students, but also the district by cutting back on time, staff and parent volunteers.

The fruit of the district’s labors went into effect July 17 and utilizes the existing Power School software system all parents use to see a child’s attendance and obtain other educational information.

Earlier this summer, the district sent e-mails and other correspondence alerting parents that in-person registration would no longer be available, and they would need to sign up their children online.

The process is not entirely paperless, though. Parents still need to print out, and sign and verify, that they have read and understand various documents such as the Parents Rights & Responsibilities, and the memorandums of understanding for seniors and eighth graders. Parents will be able to drop the signed documents at their child’s school or the district office at their convenience. “The education code still requires those physical signatures,” Jensen said.

So much of today’s business is done online that district staff is not anticipating any significant issues with the new system. However, there may be some parents who may need extra help learning how to use Power School and how to navigate registration online. To address those needs, three help sessions will be held at the district office, located at 350 East K Street. These sessions are for parents who may not have a computer, or who speak a language other than English. They will be held at the following times: — 9am-6:30pm, Monday, Aug. 7 — 9am-3pm, Tuesday, Aug. 8 — 9am-3pm, Monday, Aug. 14 For more information about the BUSD new online registration system, go to Beniciaunified.org or call Betty Jensen at 707.748.2611

Artist Cleo Vilette’s First Place Award-winning Painting at Benicia’s 2016 Plein Air Paint Out Event

Mayor Elizabeth Patterson presents the awards.

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aintin

CAPTURING LOCAL SCENES During Plein Air Paint Out

By Sarah Rohrs Benicia is wealthy in art and natural beauty. Perhaps that’s why the new Plein Air Paint Out event already seems destined for lasting success. Painting “en plein air,” or painting outdoors, captures scenes as they are, at one moment in time. With its water, hills, trees, plus historic industrial and small town charm, the city seems a good match for it. Organized by members of the Benicia Plein Air Gallery, the annual Paint Out serves as a celebration of that art form plus the town itself. Benicia artist and organizer Susan Street said last year’s inaugural event was a “smashing success. We were thrilled with the participation.” The second event takes place 8am-7pm, Saturday, Aug. 26, with the hopes that more art lovers will come to the public reception to enjoy the paintings and, perhaps make a purchase.

More than 60 artists (nearly 20 more than last year) will come to Benicia from all over the Bay Area to participate. Once in town, they will find a scene that catches their attention and then set up their easels and paintbrushes to capture it in one take. Artists must be ready to hang their work by 3pm for judging. A public reception follows 4-7pm at the Plein Air Gallery, located at 307 First St. Bay Area artist Randall Sexton will judge the work and Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson will present the awards. Nibbles and the chance to view paintings created that day will be offered at the gallery. The all-women, fourpiece Brazilian band named “Gringa” will play amid the festivities. A portion of the proceeds of art sales will go to the Arts Benicia Youth Program.

In planning the second Paint Out, special effort has gone towards working with local businesses so they can get in on the energy of all the artists in town. Each participating artist will receive packets with coupons from local restaurants, cafes, retail stores and other shops allowing percentages off a meal, free coffee and other incentives. Word is also going out to the public that if you have a special place in your heart for art and for Benicia you are invited to the late afternoon party at the gallery. “What we want to improve on is letting the public know that the party is for them,” Street said. For more information, go to Beniciapleinair.com.

SAMPLE SOMETHING NEW at the Annual

Taste of First Street

By Sarah Rohrs Are you in a restaurant rut? Benicia Main Street’s annual Taste of First Street offers a chance to try something yummy and new from a variety of different eateries up and down the street. It’s a great opportunity to venture forth and finally try that Thai or Indian restaurant you’ve been wondering about, or to duck into a café. This year’s Taste of First, which also includes wine, will be held 6-9pm, Tuesday, Aug. 22, and will feature about 18 restaurants. Main Street Executive Director Nancy Martinez said the new Bella Siena Italian restaurant in The Tannery building might also participate.

The inaugural Taste of First Street came about in 2008, and was the brainchild of the Benicia Main Street Program fundraising committee as a way to give the public a chance to sample from different downtown restaurants, Martinez said.

The first event was so successful the program has staged it every year since. “Most of us are creatures of habit and tend to go to the same restaurant all the time. This gives people a way to find a new restaurant to frequent,” Martinez said.

In prior Taste events, participating restaurants included Aroma Indian Cuisine, Camellia Tea Room, Dianna’s Bakery & Café, Double Rainbow Café, Elviarita’s Mexican Grill, First Street Café, Forever Sala Thai, Kinder’s BBQ & Meats, Lucca Bar & Grill, Pacifica Pizza, Rookies Bar & Grill, Sailor Jack’s, The Rellik Tavern, Union Hotel Restaurant & Bar and Venticellos. Martinez said these eateries are expected to take part on Aug. 22, too.

Participating is easy. Simply buy tickets beforehand and then stroll up and down First Street and sample bites from eateries in various blocks. In addition to the food, eventgoers also receive two glasses of wine and a souvenir wine glass. Tickets can be purchased at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, or online at beniciamainstreet.org. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event but are slightly higher than advance prices. The evening of food and wine also includes a chance to win Downtown Dollars. For more information, call 707.745.9791.

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100 YEARS OF HARMONY for Vallejo Choral Society

Top left: Historic photo of a Vallejo Choral Society concert from the 1930s, Vallejo’s Hogan Auditorium, courtesy photo; Top right: Historic photo of a Vallejo Choral Society concert from the 1950s, Vallejo’s Hogan Auditorium, courtesy photo; Left: Vallejo Choral Society’s December concert at St. Paul's in Benicia, photo by Chris Preovolos

By Rebecca Gulick August marks the start of the 100th season for the Vallejo Choral Society. This enduring community chorus— with Benicians comprising half its membership—begins rehearsals August 30 for its centennial season, Passages.

Vallejo Choral performs repertoire from all parts of the world, spanning the great European choral masterpieces and the earliest indigenous works, and songs in more than a dozen languages. For the 100th season, the society will produce three concerts—held in December of 2017 and March and June of 2018 at venues in Benicia and Vallejo— of choral work by composers including Vivaldi, Victoria, Bruckner, Gjeilo, Britten, Tchaikovsky, Pärt, Duruflé, Monteverdi, Bortniansky and Fauré. The June season finale features the luminous Lauridsen requiem, "Lux Aeterna."

In addition to producing three concert performances each year, this non-profit arts organization sponsors a children's choir and holds a spring vocal workshop and an annual fall retreat. The group also performed at events such as the USS San Francisco Memorial Ceremony at Lands End in San Francisco earlier this year, and will perform the Visions of the Wild event in Vallejo next month.

Five years ago, when the board of directors hired Andrew Brown as artistic director, the focus turned to a more challenging repertoire. As board president Laura Pyles described it, "That meant stepping out of our comfort zone with respect to languages and the complexity of the music. We

took the choir up a notch in terms of our musicianship and have become a very accomplished choir. That change has redefined who we are."

While in recent years, the Vallejo Choral Society has held its concerts at First Presbyterian in Vallejo, this past year it began presenting its Saturday evening concert in Benicia at the historic St. Paul's Church downtown on the corner of First and J Streets. It was a packed house at May's concert, Promised Land: A Celebration of the Spiritual, at which the society's Campanelli Children's Choir performed their own short set and joined the adult choir for two songs.

It's an undeniable fact that singing in a choir improves health and happiness, and you meet the nicest people.

Benicia native Barb Partelow can vouch for that. At a Vallejo Choral Society rehearsal in 1965, she met a handsome baritone named Bob, and the two married and sang together in beautiful harmony for almost five decades. The choir is a sanctuary for its members. "It’s where I come to be, to breath, to find peace and harmony," Pyles said. "At times you’ll hit these chords that are so transcendent, the room just rings with the beauty of the music. It’s quite moving."

All are welcome to join the Vallejo Choral Society, and no audition is required. Rehearsals for the new season begin August 30 and will take place Wednesdays at 7pm at Springbrook Masonic Temple in Vallejo. For more information, visit Vallejochoral.org or email info@vallejochoral.org.

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BIO

Thomas Young “As an educator for nearly 35 years, Tom brought the real world into his class-

”

rooms by sharing his life experiences.

By Adriene Rockwell Lisa Duncan Photography Every day, Tom Young brings his dog to the Benicia Dog Park, a place where he has made lifelong friends.

A youthful 70, Tom enjoys striking up conversations with fellow dog owners about life’s adventures—like his recent trip to Bali, his years in South Africa, and his passion for teaching science. As an educator for nearly 35 years, Tom brought the real world into his classrooms by sharing his life experiences. It’s how he kept his students engaged, and it’s one of the things he misses most about teaching.

Born in The Bronx, New York, Tom was the youngest of four children. His mother was a hairdresser, and his father owned a cleaning business before he went blind from glaucoma at the age of 55. Tom studied at Long Island University for two years, but found it hard to assimilate as a man of color. So in 1965, he transferred to Howard University in D.C., where he earned his degree in zoology with a minor in physics and physical science. He aspired someday to go to medical school.

After graduating from Howard, he took a road trip west with a friend from California. “I fell in love with the gorgeous vistas driving through the Berkeley hills and across the Golden Gate Bridge,” he says. “And there was no way I was going back to The Bronx, where it was hot and humid.” It wasn’t long before he enrolled in graduate courses in education at UC Berkeley.

One evening in a twist of fate, his guidance counselor invited him to dinner with the Minister of Education representing Lethoso, in southern Africa. “He was a dark-skinned man with a smile that could just light up the room. He and his aid were trying to convince me to go there to teach science. He offered me a big house for $15 per month, inexpensive meals, and told me ‘women will eat you alive.’”

The experience in Lethoso would change the course of his life. On his first night, he says it was the bed bugs that ate him alive, but he stayed from 1973 to 1976. “It’s where I learned that I love teaching.”

Lesotho had declared independence from Great Britain in 1966 and was not segregated, however the small country is completely landlocked by South Africa. In order to travel in apartheid South Africa, Tom and his black colleagues were made “honorary white people” on their travel visas. “Today it is much different,” says Tom, who still visits every other year.

When Tom returned to the U.S., his career as an educator would soon flourish. Over the years, he taught Human Anatomy, Physiology, AP Biology, Honors Biology and Algebra, among other courses. It began in Oakland at Castlemont High and then Skyline High, where he was voted Favorite Teacher. He fought for a position at Benicia High School and eventually became Vice Principal in 1998. After two years, he was recruited to be Principal at Pinole High School, where the political environment became extremely stressful. Nearing retirement, Tom says, “I knew I wanted to get back into the classroom.” He ended his career teaching human anatomy and physiology at El Cerrito High School, and says: “It’s the best decision I ever made.” His students there voted him Most Inspirational Teacher.

Tom was an active member of Building Diversity in Science, an organization that aims to equip underrepresented students with tools for navigating academics. “Anyone can learn science,” he claims. “I had kids who had always been afraid of science, but they just needed the correct frame of mind. If you turn your self off to something you can’t learn it. From a physiological standpoint, we build neural pathways and the more you learn, the more you’re capable of learning.”

Now nine years retired, he enjoys woodworking, writing and traveling. At heart, Tom says he’s a “romanticist,” a man who met his wife Carolyn at his sister’s dinner party in 1978, and wooed her with a Sarah Vaughan concert and a drive along Highway 1. The couple moved to Benicia from Oakland in 1987, and raised their children here. Their oldest grandson is heading to Howard University in the fall, following in his grandfather’s footsteps.

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et re St st Fir

G Street

Block by Block on First S Part 6 in a Series In this installment of our series on First Street, Benicia’s mile-long shopping and dining district, we continue to take the mystery out of what’s located where. Filled with retail stores, bars, restaurants and specialty businesses, First Street (and some side streets) is buzzing with nonstop energy. Half way between the waterfront and City Park, we’ve arrived at the 700 block, dominated by the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park. The commanding edifice that is the capitol is surrounded by green lawn fronting First Street and a century-old garden between the building and the Fischer-Hanlon House. The capitol is a wonderful repository of history and the jewel of downtown Benicia, but is also one of three places on First Street with public restrooms (the others are at City Park and along the waterfront pier).

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H Street

G to H Streets on First Street Anh’s Salon

101 B East H Street 400-0890

In Harmony

101-D East H Street 315-6372

Zeppelin Comics

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Studio 41 Gifts 4 Every 1 700 First Street 745-0254

Forever Sala Thai 718 First Street 745-1818

The Rellik Tavern

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Elviarita’s Mexican Grill 727 First Street 751-1705

Artcentric Pottery & Glass Studio

733 First Street 745-9553

Illustration by Margaret Bowles

rst Street Three restaurants, four retail shops and a couple home improvement stores, music lessons and a salon round out the balance of the 700 block. Two popular businesses on this block are Studio 41 and Wheels in Motion. At Studio 41, a retail store that delights the senses with a hip vibe and lots of color, is chock full of gifts of all kinds including jewelry, art, books, baby items, accessories and more, plus a large selection of specialty chocolate. Wheels in Motion is a real neighborhood bike store that caters to the young, the active, and the young at heart with namebrand bicycles, skateboards, apparel and accessories. On this block you can also get your computer fixed, indulge yourself with some small bites and a specialty cocktail, grab some Thai or Mexican food and take a trip back to the 1850s.

Wheels in Motion Skate & Bike Shop

735 First Street 746-8856

Albertson’s Abbey Carpet & Floor

736 First Street 746-0324

Benicia Home Improvement

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Computer One

737 First Street 747-0417

Teak Man

739B First Street 208-9650 BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

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TWO NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BOCCE COURTS

phy

Lisa Duncan Photogra

BENICIA BOCCE COURTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

BENICIA LOVES BOCCE

By Sarah Rohrs An ancient sport that dates back to Roman soldiers wiling away the time between battles, bocce ball today is a modern, fun way to pass the time in Benicia. Matt DeClaire, Benicia Bocce League vice president, should know, as a player himself, and as leader of the growing number of teams that play on four courts south of the Benicia Public Library.

Today, 56 teams and 588 players use the courts in the evenings and on Sundays. Two new courts opened in May, accommodating more teams and emptying out the previous waiting list.

But bocce in Benicia is not confined to the league. Bocce can be played in a backyard, and is also a popular pastime at wineries, restaurants and parks. “People are just playing all over the place,” league president Greg Richey said.

Why is bocce such a big deal in Benicia? DeClaire puts it this way: “The game of bocce fits very well with the lifestyle in Benicia. It's about gathering with friends, in our great weather, to play a causal game and have fun. It's also a very accessible sport. Players of all ages are able to compete with each other, without age-related attributes, like strength and agility, getting in the way. This allows for families to play together, which is great in our family-oriented town. All that and the game is easy to learn, and one can quickly get up to speed.” People are often having so much fun laughing and gabbing with friends they forget it’s their turn to play. Teams are encouraged to organize themselves to create the best social mix, and part of the fun is coming up with a name, particularly if there’s a pun involved.

Here are a few team names: Mission Imbocceball, Son of a B’occe, Fuhgettabocce, The Big La Bocce and D’Boccery. Other names are a bit more PG-13.

The private Benicia Bocce League dates back to 2007 when “Father of Benicia Bocce,” Al Bertolotti, urged the city to build the first two courts. Richey said Bertolotti is now in his late 80s but still comes down to play regularly. Two new courts opened in May, relieving pressure on courts that were always maxed out. Of the $276,000 needed for the new courts, the league itself raised $132,500 through personal loans and donations. Measure C funds covered the rest and finally brought the two courts to fruition, said Benicia Parks Superintendent Rick Knight. “This was a great project. Everything came together. Everybody is enjoying them. We haven’t heard any complaints,” Knight said. All four courts are equipped with picnic benches and barbecue grills. All in all it’s a great spot and a great game for family, friends and groups to have a ball and let the good times roll.

18 • Benicia Magazine

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HOW TO PLAY BOCCE Bocce is played with two teams, eight large balls and one smaller target called the pallina. The object is for players to throw balls down the court and try to get closest to the pallina. Balls must be thrown underhanded. The distance from the balls to the pallino is measured and points awarded.

BOCCE’S ORIGINS It’s said that Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, & Romans invented an early form of bocce in ancient times. One possibility is that Roman Empire soldiers devised a game with rocks to pass the time between battles. The French refer to the sport as Boule Lyonnaise.

BENICIA BOCCE LEAGUE • This season is the league’s 10th anniversary; the league has grown steadily each year.

• Teams play six nights a week at the courts on East K Street behind the Veteran’s Hall, plus Sunday mornings.

• The league has 56 teams with 588 players, compared to 16 teams and 150 players its first year.

• Four courts handle the huge demand for action. Two new courts opened in May, 2017 and drew down the waiting list.

• Some teams bring a cooler with drinks; others provide a full spread of food and drink.

It’s not uncommon to see players with wine glasses in hand.

• The league is for adults only. Players must be at least 18.

BOCCE’S POPULARITY • Bocce is a casual and social sport, a gathering with friends in a friendly, pleasant, outdoor setting.

• People of ages can play, everyone from toddlers to seniors.

• All members of the family can get in on the fun.

• The game is low-impact, and easy to learn with the chance to get up to speed quickly.

• Bocce courts are seemingly everywhere—wineries, bars, restaurants, parks, parks and even in some backyards.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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The Thrill of the Hunt for Antiques and Collectibles

By Jeanne Steinmann Driven indoors by the dog days of summer, I often find entertainment perusing local antiques stores. At a leisurely pace, the thrill of the hunt beckons for those of us who love bringing antiques and vintage items into our homes to add style and dimension to a space. If HGTV shows are any indication, along with a surfeit of specialty magazines, there are millions of us across the country pounding the pavement at area antiques shops and fairs. With Benicia’s waterfront as an inviting latesummer backdrop, it’s easy to lose oneself wending one’s way in and out of shops with a sharp eye towards the perfect find.

Adding older items into one’s home can enliven a room even in the most contemporary of styles, adding whimsy, an air of history or an element of fun. In my 30 years of antiquing, I’ve managed to cobble together treasured one-of-a-kind pieces and small collections. Some of my favorite pieces have been handed down from Mike’s and my families, some are from local shops and antiques fairs, and some from our travels over the years.

From my family, I have wonderful photos of relatives going back generations, and from Mike’s, a large collection of crackle glass, unique silver serving dishes and really old books. But many of our diverse items have come from haunting antiques stores in Benicia and Martinez, Benicia Peddlers Fair and the monthly Alameda Point Antiques Faire. From these places, I have scored many deals: vintage French grain sacks, French antique copper cookware and lots of things made of iron, such as antique horse bridle bits, shelf brackets and finials. It’s fun to repurpose things like heavy old copper hose nozzles into bookends, or grain sacks into pillows. Some of my happiest finds are antique French lunch boxes— their unique charm never fails to elicit a smile.

Although it can be a lucrative business for many, I’ve never attempted to make a profit from repurposing vintage or antique items. Who has the time? But August is an especially good month to enjoy the quest for an unexpected start of a collection, a great bargain to transform, or to speak directly with shop or booth owners to sell something of your own. The annual pedestrian-only Benicia Peddlers Fair kicks off Saturday, August 12, 8am-5pm on First Street. The event is free. The Alameda Point Antiques Fair, one of the largest in California, opens first Sundays each month at 6am. Prices start at $15, and drops to $10 and then $5 as the day wears on. Benicia’s many vintage and antiques stores, some going out and new ones coming in, are peppered throughout downtown, each with their own distinct style.

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Find the perfect item for your collection or something unique to update your dĂŠcor at these interesting shops, the Benicia Peddlers Fair August 12, and the monthly Alameda Point Antiques Faire.

Downtown Benicia Fabulous Finds

The Vintage Owl

Golden Horseshoe Antiques

Bayside Vintage Living

Succulents and More

129 First St. 707.745.6600 Tanneryrowbenicia.com

129 First St. Benicia 707.750-5777 Tanneryrowbenicia.com

635 First Street 707.745.3544 Thevintageowl.com

800 First Street Suite C, Benicia Facebook

415 First St. 707.334.6181 Facebook

Timeless Memories

433 First Street, Benicia 707.400.5565 Succulentsandmore.info

The Steffen Collection Antiques 627 First Street, Benicia 707.745.1170 Thesteffencollectionantiques.com

Downtown Martinez Antiques On the Main 814 Main St, Martinez 925.228.0394 Facebook

Olde Towne Antiques 516 Ferry St, Martinez 925.370.8345 Facebook

Attic Child

653 Main St., Martinez 925.228.3072

Main Street Treasures 828 Main St, Martinez 925.228.6127

Local Antiques Fairs Benicia Peddlers Fair

August 12, 8am-5pm Downtown Benicia J Street to the Waterfront Beniciapeddlersfair.org

Alameda Point Antiques Faire

2900 Navy Way, Alameda, CA Alamedapointantiquesfaire.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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INTERVIEW

Houston Robertson strides confidently to the front of a large living room filled with people seated in rows of chairs. The windows behind her offer a view of the sun setting over the Carquinez, but all eyes are on Houston as she tells her story of metamorphosis following heartache.

“I like to think of myself as a smart, witty, adorable, age-advantaged woman,” she declares, her animated voice and energy filling the room. “Although I know there are a few who are going to call me a take-charge bitch.”

The laughter begins as the audience joins her on a journey that took her from a traditional 1950s wife with two kids by age 23 to a solo performer. She will celebrate her 81st birthday this month in between her seven performances at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival.

Houston’s show, Victory for the Recycled Virgin, focuses on the years following the disintegration of her marriage and how becoming a clown saved her during that dark period. She speaks openly about the pain that followed her husband’s disclosure that he was gay and the warmth of strangers who helped her during that time. Humor and humanity shine through during the honest and occasionally bawdy performance.

Houston started out life in a more conventional fashion. She grew up in Nebraska, married at 21, graduated from Texas Christian University, had a daughter and son, became president of the League of Women Voters in Nashville, and worked at what she calls “stopgap jobs” to help pay the bills not covered by her husband’s salary as a minister. “I saw my role then as being the supportive wife of a professional husband.”

She now sees herself as a solo performer. She presents her show in professional theaters and private venues. Edmonton will be her sixth appearance at Fringe Festivals.

Houston was looking for a small town to spend her retirement years when she moved to Benicia in 2004. She volunteers with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and was honored in 2013 with a Living Legacy award from the Senior Coalition of Solano County for her work with the food bank.

H

INTERVIEW WIT

Houston Robertson 24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

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By Sue Sumner-Moore Lisa Duncan Photography Have you always been a performer?

I felt I wanted to be on stage ever since I was in my senior class and I had a part in the school play. It was Night Must Fall, a rather standard drama of the time.

I played Olivia, and I got a really good review in the Kearney Daily Hub (laughs). …

My father was a preacher and my mother held workshops, so I grew up with people who talked to groups. I’ve always been comfortable with public speaking, even though I was painfully shy as a child and teen.

When I first came to Benicia, I was very active in Benicia Toastmasters for the first five or six years.

Before I started doing my show, public speaking was my way to perform. Now that I’m performing, I finally got around to recovering a dream.

Why did you decide to become a clown?

Just a few years after my divorce, I was fighting the death of the spirit. I was pretty much supporting myself. Becoming a clown was not something I was seeking to do—I was just trying to save my life.

Because I was living in San Francisco, becoming a clown didn’t sound strange. I’d tell people that I was thinking of becoming a clown, and they’d say, “That’s a good idea. You’re funny even when you don’t intend to be.”

Once I came up with the name—Ribbons—the character developed.

How did Ribbons save your life?

Ribbons kept these aspects of me safe and alive that I felt were dying: being outgoing, welcoming, cheerful, service-oriented. Ribbons would help people cross the street. …

It was my delayed adolescent rebellion. I quit my job to become a clown on the streets of San Francisco. I was back working temp jobs fairly soon because I had to pay the bills. Sure I was 47 years old and working, but I was also a clown. Ribbons, in a way, was my first solo performance.

How did you come up with the concept of Victory for the Recycled Virgin?

The term “recycled virgin” has been in my head for a long time. It was very apropos of my situation because I was married for 21 years to a gay man. …

How long did it take to develop the show?

It was two years from concept to first performance.

That was in November 2014 at The Marsh in San Francisco.

It wasn’t until I worked with a director that I learned the difference between writing for the stage instead of writing for the page.

Why is your show a good fit for Fringe Festivals?

The Fringe Festivals are a great opportunity for performers who are not well known, who are not financed, for people like me who want to perform. …

Getting out there and talking to people to convince them to come to the show—that is hard work. … But, oh my gosh, it is something (smiles and puts her hand to her chest) to perform; just knowing I am doing this. …

My granddaughter came to my first performance and said afterwards, ‘Grandma, it’s obvious this is where you’re supposed to be.’ What?! She could see that?

Then she took me out for a shot of bourbon.

You seem really happy with your life at this point …

I am. I’m creating and performing. …

One of the reasons my 70s and 80s are so terrific is because I took the time to work through the disappointments of my life when I was in my 50s and 60s. I don’t have that baggage anymore.

What’s next for you?

I want to try stand-up. I’ve done a couple of open mics. When I get back in the fall, I’ll try to do some more.

I have a show in the back of my head, Octobabe Burlesque. It’s another aging thing.

You know, in our youth, it’s all “I want.”

In our middle years, it’s “I must.”

But in old age, it’s “I can.” We are wearing all these different hats throughout life, and when we age, we get to take them all off. That’s what Octobabe Burlesque will be about.

What have you learned along the way?

I’ve learned to appreciate myself. That might not sound like a big deal, but for a girl born in 1936 in

BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

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TRENDS

THE INDIVIDUALIST

By Christina Strawbridge Preparing for the August international fashion markets in Las Vegas can be somewhat all-consuming. Finding the right hotel in the vicinity of 5 convention centers, coordinating what to wear in 100-plus degree heat, and looking into the fashion crystal ball to forecast what women will want to wear in Spring of 2018 are just a few of the challenges.

As I sift through industry trend reports, spring fashion is all about the woman. Who is she? What are her interests? It is not about her social status, political preference or income. Age and size is left out of the equation when describing these women and what they want to wear.

The "Art"-ivist Woman: Inspired by all things beautiful, she is both artist and activist, pushing the boundaries with an eclectic mix of color and texture. She develops her own trademark style with modern design. Since art surrounds her, she makes a statement with her wardrobe using mixed media, expressionist prints and dramatic accessories.

The Remix Woman: Edgy, streetwise and progressive, this woman is a rule breaker who stands out in a crowd. She embraces change by layering new and old with creativity, and pairs aspects of her life together in an unexpected way.

She is attracted to novelty details (like embellishment) for day, but keeps her look grounded with reworked shirts, wide leg jeans or slip dresses, perhaps worn all together.

The Alter Ego Woman: This woman has a multitude of interests and personality quirks that come together in elevated style. Her look is nostalgia 80s, as seen through metallic and bright colors in her wardrobe and accessories.

Unexpected details and her ability to switch easily from look to look is part of her ultimate charm. Think Dynasty (the 80s sitcom) without the exaggerated hair and shoulders.

The Neuetradition Woman: A bold and a fearless leader, she battles traditional standards, evolving them into something

new and functional. The Neuetradition philosophy believes in utilizing, reusing and reinventing everything from redeveloped buildings to reconstructed tailored suits.

Newness comes from unexpected design elements of uneven and exaggerated proportions that bring a powerful look to the classics.

Mainland Woman: Signaling a return to the simple life, this woman may be into reclaimed furniture design that uses abandoned materials in new ways. Her aesthetic evolves from handcrafted elements like quilting and natural fabrics such as linen or chambray. She still loves a great pair of overalls or jeans, but softens the look with peasant blouses and asymmetric skirts.

The Quest Woman: An avid explorer, she lives a nomadic lifestyle with a gypsy-like flair. She believes that life is an adventure, and her home is a collection of her treasures, souvenirs and rare finds. With her effortless style, she uses scarves, tribal prints, and midi length dresses to tell her story.

The Sensory Woman: Sensory woman defines our techobsessed society, which runs parallel to virtual reality.

Everything about her surroundings reflects extreme reality, from slick, high-charged colors to performance tech materials in her office, home and wardrobe. Her survival style is similar to a video game experience. Her clothes are designed with utility in mind, including details like hoods or cinched drawstrings and items like the parka, bomber jacket and paper bag-waisted pants. There's also a strong athletic influence, with sweatshirts, leggings and sport bra tops.

Extremely resourceful, this woman is the ultimate defender of digital and physical fashion.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, except when it comes to finding Spring Fashion 2018 for women who know who they are and what they want.

26 • Benicia Magazine Trends

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AUGUST 2017 Events Above: Benicia Boatyard by Iris Sabre, Benicia Plein Air Paintoff 2016

Mapping as Source – the Personal Cartography of Art Maps

7/29-8/27, Weds-Sun, 12-5pm Arts Benicia Gallery 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, Benicia There has always been a mapping impulse in human consciousness. A quintessential tool for charting human progress, collective knowledge, and personal experience, maps establish boundaries and meanings. They are a source of discovery and use a specific language and provide windows into the unknown. Juror Katharine Harmon is principal at Tributary Books in Seattle and author of two books on mapping as art.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.9791

2017 Solano County Fair

8/2-8/6 Solano County Fairgrounds 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo Five full days of rides, food, vendors, live music on three stages, blue ribbon exhibits, livestock events, cultural pavilion and more.

Check the website for entertainment line up, ticket prices, discounts and schedules.

Scfair.com

Workshop: Publicity and Public Relations

8/3, 1pm Solano Community Foundation, Buck Training Center 744 Empire Street, Suite 240, Fairfield Create visibility for your organization and its mission: Learn some basic tools for increasing awareness and attracting donors and how to construct a press release and the planning steps needed to conduct a successful public relations campaign.

Solanocf.org/WorkshopList.aspx

King-Swett Ranches Nature Hike

8/5, 9am-1pm King-Swett Ranch McGary Rd and Hiddenbrooke, Vallejo Explore the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo. Solano Land Trust docents will guide hikers to the area known as the KingSwett Ranches. They’ll share insights about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home—a great workout! Take advantage of this opportunity because the King-Swett Ranches are otherwise closed. Hike is free; see website for details about what to bring. Space is limited; preregistration is recommended.

Solanolandtrust.org 707.432.0150

Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park Presents Titus Andronicus

8/6, 3pm, Suzanna Park, Martinez 8/12 & 13, 3pm, Peralta Historical Hacienda Park, Oakland 8/18 & 19, 8p, 2100 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo Come enjoy an afternoon in the park and watch a full professional Shakespearean production of Titus Andronicus, directed by Cate Muzaffar. Bring a blanket or low beach chair to sit on, as no chairs will be provided. Titus addresses adult themes and may not be appropriate for children under 13 years old. With the exception of the fundraiser shows (8/18 & 19 in Vallejo; $20), shows are free to the public.

Vallejoshakespeare.wixsite.com/vshakes

Rotary 12th Annual Golf Tournament

8/11, Check-in begins 7am Blue Rock Springs West Course 655 Columbus Parkway, Vallejo Benefits local student scholarships, mentoring programs for at-risk students, local youth sports programs, Libery High School greenhouse project and elementary schools horticultural programs, teacher-of-the-month recognitions, and Rotary International Projects. Sponsorships available; donations welcome from non-golfers. All skills welcome; tee prizes & raffle; dinner following golf at 140 West J Street, Benicia. Entrance is $125 per player; includes wind shirt, prizes & dinner. For details contact Steve McClure at 707.334.3441.

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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54th Annual Benicia Peddlers Fair

8/12, 8am-5pm First Street, Benicia In its 54th year, the Benicia Peddlers Fair offers connoisseurs and new collectors alike an opportunity to examine and purchase items that include period furniture, decorative antiques, vintage textiles and fashion, pottery, porcelain, paintings, jewelry, clocks and much, much more. The fair gives the public a rare opportunity to ask questions from knowledgeable dealers. J Street to the waterfront; free admission. No pets allowed.

Beniciapeddlersfair.org

Movie Night Under the Stars: The Secret Life of Pets

8/18, dusk City Park Gazebo First Street and Military West, Benicia Families enjoy free admission & free popcorn during the summer outdoor movie that begins at dusk. Bring pillows, blankets, low-back chairs, then sit back and enjoy the movie. Food & beverages are welcome. (Please clean up after the movie.) These are family events so, please, no smoking and no pets. Pets are not allowed in city parks. Playground closes at dusk.

Ci.benicia.ca.us/parksandcommunityservices 707.746.4285

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SF Mime Troupe Presents Walls 8/19, 7pm (Music at 6:30pm)

Community Park, East 14th & F Streets, Davis SF Mime Troupe has produced quality, socially relevant theater for 58 years. In this seasons Walls, L. Mary Jones (Velina Brown) knows all about fear. As a top agent for I.C.E. (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) she knows how to stoke fear to keep her country safe. Show is free (by donation). See website for additional details and dates around the Bay Area.

Sfmt.org

MUSIC SCIENCE ART An incredible selection of puzzles, games, electronic kits & gifts

620 First Street Benicia 707-746-7565 2156 First Street Livermore

Cotati Accordion Festival Presents Year of the Woman

8/19 & 20, 9:30am-8pm La Plaza Park, Downtown Cotati Cotati Accordion Festival is a nonprofit organization founded in 1991, raising $360,000 to date for youth in the community. The festival is a multicultural, multi-generational musical extravaganza featuring close to thirty unique accordion acts and bands of all genres guaranteed to rock your socks off. Includes a large array of food, arts, crafts and services vendors.

Admission is free for people under 15. No dogs allowed at the park.

Cotatifest.com

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!

Awarded NAMM’s National 2015 Top 100 Music Retailers!

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Taste of First Street

8/22, 6-9pm First Street, Benicia Downtown’s highly popular annual event brings a sampling of the many types of cuisines you’ll find from Benicia’s favorite restaurants on First Street. Taste and sip as you go, with two glasses of wine in a complementary souvenir glass.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Second Annual Benicia Plein Air Paint Out 8/26, all day Benicia Plein Air Gallery 307 First Street, Benicia 60+ artists will come from all over the Bay Area to capture the light, the straits and the unique charm of Benicia in paint. Renowned artist Randy Sexton will serve as judge and Mayor Elizabeth Patterson will honor each winner with ribbons. Following the awards, the public is invited to a party and sale of all paintings produced that day. With music by the all-women Brazilian band Gringa, the public is invited to enjoy food and libations while perusing the newly created artwork. A portion of the proceeds donated to the Arts Benicia’s Youth Program.

Beniciapleinair.com

• Serving the Benicia/Vallejo area for over 70 years • Only on-site crematory in the area • Funerals, memorials, VA Burials John “Sherm” Passalacqua

Passalacqua Funeral Chapel 901 West Second St., Benicia 707-745-3130 www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com Greg Silva

Twin Chapels Mortuary 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo 707-552-6696 www.twinchapelsmortuary.com

Voted Best Funeral Home In Solano County 7 Years In A Row BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

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BUSD Online Registration!

All continuing students will need to register online to receive their class assignments.

Benicia Unified is excited to announce that our registration for returning students will be done completely online for the 2017-18 school year.

Parents will verify household and emergency contact information and complete the annual release acknowledgment and permission requirements.

Online registration commences mid-July.

All households will receive directions for the registration process at that time.

350 East K Street, Benicia, CA beniciaunified.org

From Red Tagged to Red Ribbon!

We've Moved!

Come see us in our fabulous new space at 216 First Street!

ESTEY Since 1946

Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management

CaBRE # 00674738

After over 50 years in the same location, we have moved our offices to the waterfront.

The former location at First & J Streets was red-tagged by the City as unsafe.

Celebrating our 70th year of Business

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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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Contractor's License # 678979

Receive either a 9" Nourot vase or a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen.

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

“Allan and Mary Ann were a pleasure to work with. From design, to product choices, to installation they remained involved and very helpful. We are grateful for their support throughout our entire project.”

—Frank & Shari

Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5

weekends & evenings by appointment 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia

707-745-2100 l aqc@aqchome.com

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