Benicia Magazine September 2017

Excess garden tomatoes make tasty homemade ketchup

September 2017

Project Runway designers return for Benicia Fashion Weekend

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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.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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

707-745-7534 September 2017

Chairman’s Safety Award presented to Benicia Refinery

W

Vice President and General Manager Don Wilson and Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs Chris Howe (former HSE and Governmental Affairs Director in Benicia), were on hand in San Antonio to accept the perpetual trophy.

inning the coveted Chairman’s Safety Award in the first quarter of this year was a welcomed recognition for employees at the Valero Benicia Refinery for the truly remarkable safety culture they adhere to every day.

The refinery completed more than three years without an employee injury and set a new company record for going more than four million work hours without an MORE THAN FOUR MILLION employee injury of any kind.

WORK HOURS WITHOUT It was the third overall Chairman’s Award for the Benicia refinery, giving it AN EMPLOYEE INJURY the “career triple-crown” after winning the Reliability Award in 2006 and Environmental Award in 2008. The award was announced in February by Valero Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Gorder.

Now, plans are underway for an all-employee barbecue celebration this fall to recognize the efforts behind the Safety Award. The event will also honor the refinery’s recertification as a Cal/OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) STAR Site.

“Our employees are dedicated to ensuring that this refinery is focused on the safety of the community and refinery workers every day,” said Vice President and General Manager Don Wilson.

The refinery has been a continuous STAR Site — the highest level of recognition in the Cal/OSHA VPP program — since 2006.

Valero’s Benicia and Wilmington refineries remain the only two petroleum refineries in the state of California that have earned the prestigious STAR Site designation.

Sporting Clays Invitational Raises $95,000 Thirty-eight teams and over 152 participants competed for prizes and bragging rights at the Valero’s Annual Sporting Clays Invitational, held at the Birds Landing Sporting Clays facility.

The July 14 event raised $95,000 for the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, bringing the total raised since 2013 to over $350,000.

The proceeds were raised through the generous donations and sponsorships from business partners and refinery contractors. Additionally, Valero volunteers contributed over 300 total volunteer hours to the event.

Brenda Mooney, Joanne Slight and Winnie de Senna were among the dozens of Valero Volunteers who assisted at the clay shoot fundraiser.

Fast Fact:

Ground was broken for the construction of the Benicia Refinery on October 3, 1966.

Safety First:

Benicia kids are back in school. Be on the lookout for school zone signals and ALWAYS obey the speed limits.

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12

SEPTEMBER

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 11

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

16

10 From the Editor

Block by block on First Street H to I Street

18

Grappling with the cannabis question

20

Grgich Hills Estate winery turns 40 with a grand celebration

12 Currents Two days of fashion & professional runway show during Fashion Weekend (12) Main Street’s final Wine Walk of the year feels just right for fall (12-13) Fun entertainment and lots of art at annual auction and gala (13) A dream comes true for VOENA to perform at Carnegie Hall (14) Benicia train depot on track for historic registration (14-15) Making homemade tomato ketchup from sweet cherry tomatoes (19)

15 Bio

Lisa Reep, retired executive, reinvents herself with Closet Concierge

24 Interview

Author Steven Boyett has quite a story of his own

26 Trends

Do the Summer of Love’s idealistic goals still exist?

28 Calendar

The best events in Benicia and around the Bay

Cover photo: homemade ketchup, by Jerry Bowles Above: VOENA at the Napa Valley Opera House, by Cindi Stephan 8 • Benicia Magazine

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FROM THE EDITOR

September 2017

Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann

—Jeanne

fo for For ticket in events, see September r and this the Calenda es. issue’s stori

EVENTS

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

BENICIA

Lisa Duncan Photography

From fashion to homemade ketchup, our September issue is bursting with things to do this month. In these pages and our online exclusives, we offer abundant stories on art, fashion, history, wine, film, and in the wake of Prop 64, the City’s approach to dealing with the cannabis question.

Starting with fashion, the annual Benicia Fashion Weekend offers two days of fashion fun, Sept. 29 & 30, culminating with an incredible fashion runway show featuring Project Runway designers. The folks at the Benicia Chamber of Commerce are putting on the 44th annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Sept. 16, where you’ll find a large selection of handmade goods. Arts Benicia’s annual auction Sept. 23 offers serious art, goofy fun, fine food and drink , music and dancing.

In the wine arena, Mike and I attended Grgich Hill Estate’s 40th anniversary celebration at the winery in Rutherford, and tasted some pretty amazing wine and food pairings. If you want to experience excellent wines, stop by on your next trip into the Napa Valley. It’s still family-owned, producing small lots of estate wine. Which brings up a hyper-local wine event—Main Street’s final wine walk of the year, also Sept. 23. We’ll be pouring something luscious, probably red, at our office downtown.

Sarah Rohrs caught up with the Benicia Historical Society’s latest project: getting our railroad depot on the National Register of Historic Places. With one tiny step left, we’re almost there. Check it out on page 14. For some cool Labor Day Weekend entertainment, the 4th annual Benicia Film Festival is Sept. 1-3. Find out more in our online story at beniciamagazine.com As the season progresses, home gardeners are faced with how to use up those delicious tomatoes. What better way than to make your own ketchup?

Check out the recipe for our cover photo. For another kind of harvesting altogether, should Benicia allow cannabis dispensaries and commercial production facilities here in town? If so, where? How many? These and other questions were part of the city’s online survey in July. You’ll find the story and link to results in Sarah’s article on page 18. Lastly, take a peak at our 7th installment of demystifying First Street in these pages, with two more to come to complete the series. I hope you see you out and about, indulging in fall's cultural offerings.

beniciamagazine

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Measure S Bond Upgrades at BHS Using Measure S funds, the Benicia High School Track and Field renovation project is scheduled for completion this fall.

BHS Fire Alarm upgrades are under construction and scheduled for completion this fall.

To view all Measure S projects, visit beniciaunified.org.

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BENICIA Fashion Runway Weekend

By Sarah Rohrs Photos: Fashion Weekend 2015, Benicia Magazine Archives When Benicia Fashion Runway hits town in late September, what starts out as a simple parking lot behind Treasury Commons ends up as a setting for a glittery nighttime fashion show along the lines of something you might see in Europe or New York.

Local fashion aficionado Christina Strawbridge should know. After taking in fashion shows in those places, she got determined to do something similar in Benicia. A big draw for both women and men across the Bay Area, the ninth annual event unfolds the evenings of Sept. 29-30, with many First Street stores staying open late for shoppers. The event’s big draw is an ensemble of four designers from the Lifetime series Project Runway and Project Runway All Stars. When the skies darken and the spotlights are on the runway, designers will be joined by models who appeared on America’s Next Top Model, including Cycle 22’s Ava Capra, the evening’s host. The designers are Richard Hallmarq and Samantha Black from Season 11, Kini Zamora from Season 13, and Sandro Masmanidi from Season 12.

The fashionable event starts out Friday evening with a behind-the-scenes chance to meet with the designers in the Union Hotel Courtyard and hear their stories about what it’s like to work with celebrities on the show. That’s followed by a trunk show preview to the next night’s runway show. Saturday’s festivities get underway at 6pm in the transformed lot behind Treasury Commons with a reception and tasty treats.

Java Point and Mt. Beautiful Winery provide the refreshments. The Grand Finale Runway Show and Auction starts at 7pm, as professional models take to the runway to present collections of the designers and of Christina S Fashion Designation, Strawbridge’s store at 370 First Street. Following the fashion show, participants then have a chance to shop the night away at stores that will stay open late.

Sponsored by Christina S Fashion Destination, Benicia Fashion Runway Weekend is clearly a labor of love for Strawbridge, who covers designers’ travel and other expenses. “It’s a passion I have for showcasing really fabulous talent and it helps my store, too. I love the artistic side of it and the ability to produce something that I enjoy, and I love showcasing our town,” Strawbridge said. She gets help from interior designer Michael Trahan with creating the setting and from Penny Stell with finding sponsors. A portion of the proceeds go to Soroptomist International’s efforts to open a safe house for abused women in Benicia. Each designer will donate a clothing item that will be auctioned off, and Soroptimist members will be on hand to sell tickets. Benicia Fashion Runway tickets are $20 for Friday’s events, and $40 for Saturday’s festivities. Tickets are available at the Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street; and Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, or online at beniciafashionrunway.com.

22 SHOPS & RE

By Sarah Rohrs Why participate in downtown Benicia’s Wine Walk three times a year? For starters, it’s a fun event, said Christine Mayall, owner of Bookshop Benicia, one of 22 First Street business that open their doors for the Benicia Main Street Program activity. An added bonus, of course, is an increase in book sales. Three times each year, stores and sidewalks are filled as people come downtown to sip, stroll and shop. The next Wine Walk takes place 1-5pm on Saturday, Sept. 23, in celebration of the fall season. “We get a lot of different people coming to the store. It’s nice that they get to know that we’re here. It’s fun having a lot of people on First Street,” Mayall said. Nearby, Susan Steffen, of The Steffen Collection, said she takes part because she loves the people who come in. She enjoys bringing homemade goodies to serve.

The Wine Walk got started in 2012 after finding that similar events in nearby towns met Benicia Main Street goals of drawing people downtown and into businesses, said Deborah Houseman, event coordinator.

Wine Walks are also held in February near Valentine’s Day and

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ARTFUL ENTERTAINMENT at Annual Gala

& RESTAURANTS to Pour at September Wine Walk in June to mark summer. A ticket gives a person 15 one-ounce tastes of wine, plus a complimentary, commemorative wine glass. Participants must be at least 21 years old. With 22 different wines to choose from, people can stick to white or red or mix it up and try some champagne, too. During the event, merchants offer appetizers and nibbles. Wine selections come from Henry Wine Group, a Benicia distributor.

These typically include wines from Napa, Sonoma, Lodi and Monterey, among other places.

Tickets are $30 in advance for a single ticket and $55 in advance for a pair. On the day of the event, tickets are $35 each. Tickets can be purchased online at beniciamainstreet.org, or in person at 90 First Street. For a complete listing of participating merchants, or more information about the Wine Walk, visit beniciamainstreet.org, call 707.745.9791 or e-mail info@beniciamainstreeet.org.

For something seriously fun to do this month, check out this crowd-pleasing event: Arts Benicia’s Art Auction & Gala, September 23, 2017. Wine and nibbles, amazing art and much more make for a highly entertaining evening. All are welcome as art lovers, collectors and those wanting to know more about art will travel from around the Bay to gather at Benicia’s most exciting annual fundraiser.

This year’s theme is Arts Benicia Celebrates! 30 Years of Creativity and Community. Commemorating their founding in 1987, the evening’s festivities will include hors d’oeuvres from the First Street Café, a silent auction of artwork and adventure packages, an exciting live art auction, a fun photo corner from Featherstone Studios, music by DJ AL3X, dancing and dessert. An auction kickoff to preview silent and live auction artworks will be held September 7 at the gallery. Also check out the online preview, which will include a “buy it now” feature of selected art works.

The event is Arts Benicia’s most important fundraiser; crucial for the support of its programs that make Benicia and the Bay Area a more cultured, livable place. Programs include exhibitions, art classes, children’s programs and special events. Tickets are $45 per person in advance and $55 per person at the door. Get tickets early, as this spectacular event usually sells out. Available online at artsbenicia.org/tickets and at Bookshop Benicia.

Arts Benicia’s Annual Art Auction & Gala Saturday, September 23, 6:30 -10:30pm Arts Benicia Gallery Historic Benicia Arsenal, 991 Tyler Street, Ste. 114 artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Arts Benicia 2016 Auction, photo by Peg Jackson BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

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VOENA CHILDREN’S CHOIR to Sing at Carnegie Hall

By Sarah Rohrs It’s been said that every singer’s dream is to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Seventeen young singers in VOENA Children’s Choir will have that dream come true when they take to the stage of the celebrated New York City music hall this spring. Choir director Annabelle Marie often ended performance seasons with the words “Get us to Carnegie Hall,” and that’s exactly what’s going to happen. The most seasoned VOENA performers are headed to iconic hall in April to perform work of Grammy winner, composer and conductor Eric Whitacre. They will be joined by hundreds of other choristers from around the globe. “This is pretty exciting for the kids. When we announced it the kids were all screaming. They all want to go,” said choir business manager Michelle Fulbrook.

VOENA stands for “Voices of Eve ‘N Angels,” and is an award-winning childrens a capella singing group for 120 youth, ages 6 to 18, from throughout the Bay Area, founded by Marie in 1994. Singers perform in 25 different languages in a technique that incor-

VOENA at Napa’s Lincoln Center, photo by Cindi Stephan

porates physical movements and discipline. VOENA is no stranger to famous venues.

The group has performed around the world, at the 2012 London Olympics, the Grand Ole Opry, the White House and for the Pope at the Vatican in Rome. “Being invited to perform in Carnegie Hall is a wonderful honor and is a benchmark for our choir,” Marie said.

“The Carnegie Hall invitation can be traced to an audition tape Marie submitted, which shows a high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers,” said Jonathan Griffith in a prepared statement. He is artistic director and principal conductor for DCINY, a leading concert promoter in New York City. “It is quite an honor just to be invited to perform in New York. These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support.” Marie and Fulbrook wholeheartedly agree, and are urging people to do their part to get VOENA to Carnegie Hall. Trip costs are estimated at $75,000 for travel, lodging and meals. The singers will spend five days and four nights in New York City rehearsing and preparing for the April 8 concert. They will also have chances to explore and take in the culture of the Big Apple.

To help make it all happen, the young singers are preparing for a benefit concert. The choir and several special guests will perform at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, October 15 at the Napa Valley Opera House. The venue is sponsoring the event along with local musicians: acoustic guitarist Peppino D’Agostino, former Joe Satriani drummer Jeff Campitelli, and Paraguayan harpist and violinist Carlos Reyes. A $40 ticket includes one drink ticket and a pre-concert reception. A $60 ticket includes a meet and greet after the show. People can also donate directly at voena.org or by contacting Michelle Fulbrook at 707.363.1538 or michelle!@voena.org. For more details go to VOENA.org.

BENICIA’S RAILROAD DEPOT

on Track for Historic Designation

By Sarah Rohrs Lisa Duncan Photography One more route for the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot and the yellow, orange and brown building at the foot of First Street will be in a new home, of sorts.

That spot will be among the Benicia buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Benicia has nine buildings or areas with such distinction, and the Depot will be the tenth. A major step in the two-part process took place in July when the California State Historic Resources Commission enthusiastically approved the city’s nomination application with a strong recommendation to the National Parks Service to list the building, said State Historian Jay Correia. “We agreed that this property is significant for the city of Benicia, and is a significant example of that kind of architecture. It merits listing. It’s a beautiful, classical building,” he said.

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BIO

By Adriene Rockwell Lisa Duncan Photography As a young adult, Lisa Reep knew she wanted to be a lawyer. But after a one-night stand with law school in Santa Barbara, she knew it wasn’t right for her. “I had told everyone I wanted to be a lawyer, so I was embarrassed,” she says. “But it just didn’t feel right.”

As fate would have it, Lisa did establish a career in law, but not as a lawyer. It began with an internship as an “own recognizance” investigator, making recommendations to courts about whether suspects should remain free while awaiting trial. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara with degrees in Social Science and Spanish, in 1984 she moved to San Francisco, where she landed a job at the American Arbitration Association. That experience eventually led to her long-time role as Executive Director for the Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA).

She enjoyed her work at CCCBA, and not only because of the powerful advocacy and education the organization provides for more than 5,000 people each year. It so happens that on her second day on the job, she met her husband Scott Reep.

“Once we decided to be together, we went in with both feet,” she says. They settled in Benicia, married, and soon had their daughter Alex.

Lisa retired when Alex was accepted into a Rotary Youth Exchange program in Warsaw. “We knew it would be the last year Alex lived at home with us. I wanted to focus on my daughter.” It was exactly 20 years to the day after she took the CCCBA job in 1994.

Soon after retiring, a business idea bubbled up for her. Following this inspiration, she took classes at the National Association of Professional Organizers, and after many baby steps, Closet Concierge was born. This new venture combines her compassion for people going through transitions, and her love of fashion and style.

The goal of Closet Concierge is to “take the stress out of getting dressed.” Lisa helps clients purge and organize their closets and wardrobes so they can find what they really want to wear, and in a way, discover themselves.

“I work with people going through change,” she says. “People who have gone through divorce, lost a lot of weight, a career change, retired. They are ripe for this sort of service.” But it goes beyond their closets. Her clients say the process has helped change their lives.

A Colorado girl at heart, Lisa was born in Durango, and lived in Boulder until she was nine. Her mother still lives in Colorado. When her parents split up, she spent time in Malibu with her father, who taught Cultural Anthropology at UCLA. She travelled to Africa and New Zealand with him, and says New Zealand became a second home.

Still passionate about traveling, Lisa and Scott also care deeply about public education, and are big fans of NPR, bocce ball, skiing—and are both highly involved with Rotary. When Scott served as President of the Rotary Club of Benicia, Lisa was an active First Lady. “I consider myself an honorary Rotarian.”

With all her adventures, there’s still no place like home. “I adore Benicia. We are like a wheel with spokes going to all kinds of wonderful places in the Bay Area. We call it Mayberry-by-the-Sea.”

With the state approval in hand, Correia will now forward the nomination application to the National Register of Historic Places Keeper Paul Loether, an official at the National Parks Service, who makes the final approval. Correia said the keeper virtually never rejects a state’s recommendation, adding it should be another two months before it is official. The Depot meets key criteria in that it played a major role in early transportation systems in California, and an even bigger role in Benicia’s history. Further, the Depot is a prime example of Western Stick style architecture, which is rare to find in a railroad depot, Correia said. Placement on the national register will give the Depot more stature and historical distinction, said Jerry Hayes, board member for the Benicia Historical Society, which spearheaded the nomination process.

The Depot has long-held a strong presence at the end of First Street as one of the last remnants of the town’s days as a busy hub of rail and ferry service, and waterfront industries. Originally built in 1897 in Banta, California, the building was dismantled and relocated to Benicia in 1902, according to the nomination application papers. The Depot served as Benicia’s main passenger, freight station and train-ferry staging center until 1930, when a train bridge opened across the Carquinez Strait. Station agents and their families lived on the second floor until 1958. Vacant for decades, the city and volunteers

Lisa Reep Lisa Reep’s Second Career after 20 Years as Legal Executive

salvaged it in 1999. Today, the Benicia Main Street Program occupies the front portion of the first floor while the back portion and second floor are in need of work. Hayes said with the depot’s listing, the city could go after grants and other funding to finish restoring the interior for public meetings.

The Benicia buildings and areas already on the register include the Von Pfister Adobe, Benicia Arsenal, the Benicia Masonic Lodge, Crooks Mansion, the Capitol State Historic Park, the Carr House (which has since been torn down), the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, which was once part of the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet but is now in San Francisco, and The Stamboul Whaling Bark Site at 12th Street Park.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

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et re St st Fir

H Street

Block by Block on First Street Part 7 in a Series Taking the mystery out of what’s where along First Street in downtown Benicia, this month’s installment covers H Street to I Street. Filled with retail stores, bars, restaurants and specialty businesses, First Street is buzzing with nonstop energy.

Notable about the 800 block is its diverse mix of food and drink, salons and spas, and a sprinkling of professional businesses. Three restaurants and eight specialty salons, including healing and skin care centers, dominate the block. Spending a few hours on this block, you can eat Thai and Indian cuisine and indulge in a traditional afternoon tea. Enjoy a healing, skin care or body treatment or a designer haircut—

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I Street

H to I Streets on First Street Mai Thai

807 First Street, maithaibenicia.com

Buddahful Salon

814 First Street, buddahfulsalon.com

Aroma Indian Cuisine

818 First Street, aromabenicia.com

Wellness Wisdom

827 First Street, wellnesswisdom.us

Camellia Tea Room

828 First Street, camelliatearoom.com

Barbara Patrick Skin

831 First Street, barbarapatrickskin.com Illustration by Margaret Bowles

First Impressions

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Floors on First

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the salons and spas here offer exceptional treatments of all kinds. Back outside, let the exotic flavors wafting about lure you into Mai Thai or Aroma Indian Cuisine, or step into the charming décor at Camellia Tea Room for an authentic “high tea” experience.

Camellia’s extensive Bradbury and Bradbury wall and ceiling coverings transport you to a bygone era, especially if you order the three-tiered tea service. But there’s much more to explore here, including delectable sandwiches, salads, and quiche of the day. Owner Maryellen Hayes’ Tomato Bisque Soup is legendary— hearty, delicious and smooth as velvet.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

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BENICIA CONTEMPLATES Cannabis Use & Cultivation

By Sarah Rohrs Buying and growing cannabis for recreational use became legal in California with the November, 2016 passage of Proposition 64. Though it’s old news, how the law will play out in Benicia, currently a “dry” town, is new.

Just how should marijuana legalization be implemented here? What is the comfort level of, say, having a cannabis dispensary next to a downtown café, or a cultivation operation in the Southampton Center? Should Benicia close the door altogether and maintain its ban?

City officials are hoping results of an open Town Hall online survey will help answer those questions and others, and lay the groundwork for a new ordinance that will cover zoning, land-use regulations, hours of operation and more. At the very least, survey results will take the public’s temperature on cannabis in Benicia.

“This is a public outreach effort on the part of the city.

Marijuana in Benicia will be a major policy decision for the city council; I daresay the biggest policy issue this year or even the last few years. It’s major. This is an effort to have the community weigh-in,” said Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Manager/Acting Deputy City Manager.

Taken July 17-31, the online survey is closed, but it does not represent the final say. Results show 51% of respondents are in favor of marijuana dispensaries; 69% of those want them in the Industrial Park. 48.5% are in favor of commercial cultivation and production; 89% prefer them in the Industrial Park. The survey presented 16 questions on personal cultivation, best locations for operations, and how far those should be from schools and parks, among other issues. Some wrote they are fearful cannabis sales and operations will lead to crime, impaired driving and adverse effects on youth. Proponents cited medicinal benefits and sales tax revenue. Others indicated there’s already a black market for cannabis use in Benicia, and the city now has a chance to regulate it.

Just what will transpire in Benicia is not yet known, but it’s certain the issue is of public interest, City Attorney

Heather McLaughlin said. The survey garnered 1,410 responses, which consultants figure is about 71 hours of public comment, she added. 466 respondents registered to take the survey and 944 were unregistered. Of the total 1410 responses, 51% percent indicated the city should allow cannabis dispensaries to sell both medical and recreational marijuana, while 36.6 percent said none should be allowed at all. Further, 48.6 percent supported commercial cultivation and production.

Overall, McLaughlin said the city is pleased with the number of respondents. “It’s considered an excellent response and a good gauge. One thing to keep in mind is that not everyone has access to the Internet. Maybe there’s a segment of the population we still have to reach that doesn’t have a smart phone or Internet access.”

If cannabis dispensaries, wholesale operations and cultivation businesses are eventually allowed in Benicia, responses show people favor the Industrial Park over the downtown or in shopping centers for those activities.

Further, 80% of respondents want the city to limit the number of dispensaries to operate in town. 67.5% favor tighter restrictions than the current law on how close dispensaries can open near schools and parks. In drafting the upcoming ordinance, McLaughlin said the city would be able to specify the size of operations, hours of operation, and address such things as odor control, size of plants and other items.

Cities can either continue their bans on cannabis, or accept the law and enact regulations on sales and growth. If they take no action by January, cities would be subject to state regulations on sales and cultivation, said McLaughlin, adding that the council directed staff to come back with a draft ordinance by the end of the year.

Just prior to launching the Peak Democracy survey, staff and consultant Dave McPherson, from HDL Companies, hosted a June 7 workshop for the public and members of a new task force, which will assist the city in drafting the ordinance. Although the survey is closed, questions and results can be viewed on the city’s website.

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Too Many

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Dating back to the 1840s, homemade tomato ketchups, marmalades and jams are enjoying a resurgence. Tomatogrowing home gardeners are almost always faced with how to use the surplus fruit. Although it can be made with any type of tomato, the prolific cherry tomato is perfect for making natural ketchup, without the added high fructose corn syrup found in commercial brands. Versatile, sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes easily adapt to individual tastes; a blank slate from which to add herbs, spices, peppers, garlic, etc. Since the tomatoes are cooked with skin and all, it’s an easy recipe to prepare. This month, why not upgrade your burgers and fries with this basic homemade accompaniment? For our cover photo, we made this delicious recipe from halfpintfarm.com.

Yields about 2 Cups

Ingredients 4 pints ripe grape tomatoes, cut in half 2 cups red wine vinegar 2/3 cup dark brown sugar 4 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons black pepper 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Preparation In a wide skillet, simmer tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper until a thick, jam-like mixture forms and liquid evaporates, 20-25 minutes. Puree until smooth, strain through a fine mesh sieve.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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NAPA VALLEY WINERY Celebrates 40 Years

By Jeanne Steinmann Grgich Hills Estate wines have always had a home in our cellar, though it had been many years since Mike and I stopped in for a tasting. Just off highway 29 in Rutherford, Grgich Hills welcomes visitors into its tasting room against the peaceful backdrop of vineyards and manicured grounds. On July 29, the iconic winery celebrated its 40th anniversary, showcasing its collection of small-lot wines that are made with estate-grown, organic, sustainably produced fruit.

Guests were treated to a red-carpet experience, where a ceremony was held to pay homage to 40 years in business, and stations were set up throughout the winery for food and wine pairings.

During the ceremony, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, originally from Croatia, was presented with the American Dream Award from congressman Mike Thompson. Thomson created the award in 2016 to honor immigrants in his district for significant contributions to their communities. State Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, also representing state senator Bill Dodd,

presented a certificate from the California State Legislature recognizing Grgich and his partner, Austin Hills, for their contribution to the Napa Valley.

At 94 years old, Grgich’s enormous smile was on display throughout the event.

He started the Rutherford winery in 1977 with Austin Hills (of the Hills Brothers Coffee family). Grgich was catapulted to fame after the historic Paris Tasting of 1976. At the time, he was the winemaker at Chateau Montelena, and crafted the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that took first place at the historic blind tasting of French and Napa Valley wines. The results inspired the movie Bottle Shock; and literally sent shock waves throughout the wine world. Grgich was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame in 2008 for his contributions to the wine industry.

Mike’s daughter Violet Grgich, VP of sales and marketing, recently took over daily operations at the winery.

When asked what it was like for her to come up through the ranks and take over in what is still a mostly male-dominated industry, she said, “I was always

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a tom peop only of wi perso I was addin came fathe says “food Grg three Valle selec selec these Char and C Prefe the fa smal year.

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a tomboy. But I experienced people as humans first. As the only woman in a roundtable of wine industry CEO’s, I saw personalities, not gender. And I was smarter, stronger, faster,” adding that her confidence came from working with her father from a young age. She says the winery focuses on “food-friendly, elegant wines.”

Grgich Hills wines fall into three categories: The Napa Valley selections, the Miljenko selections and the Legacy selections. Among others, these include Fumé Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Preferring quality over quantity, the family has kept production small, at just 70,000 cases per year.

Wending our way through the tour and tastings, we experienced first hand the thought and care that goes into every bottle. As we tasted the wines, paired with delectable small bites that enhanced the flavor of both, we were reminded how fortunate we are to live near the Napa Valley, and this remarkable winery that continues to reflect the personality, vigor and drive of its namesake.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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Business &

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22 • Benicia Magazine

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CTORY

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www.stevemcclure.net 707.745.0848 BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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INTERVIEW

By Sue Sumner-Moore Lisa Duncan Photography

Steven Boyett has a story to tell.

Ask the writer how he made his way from Florida to Los Angeles and he weaves a tale of feeling adrift and getting a lifeline from the man who wrote The Trouble with Tribbles episode of the original Star Trek television series.

When talking about learning to play the didgeridoo, Steven tells about meeting Tuvan throat singers, wanting to combine didgeridoo and electronic music and how that led him to become a DJ and podcast pioneer.

On his website, Steven describes himself as “The world's greatest left-handed didgeridoo-playing science fiction & fantasy writer and DJ.” “I’m also a hobbyist bar tender,” he says with a grin. “When you don’t have a day job, it’s kind of amazing what opens up.”

Steven wrote his first book, Ariel, at age 19. “I’m known for gritty, reality-based science fiction with a post-apocalyptic vision.”

His Mortality Bridge won the Emperor Norton Award for best novel by a Bay Area writer in 2011.

He and friend Ken Mitchroney co-authored his most recent book, Fata Morgana, a World War II/ science fiction novel that was published in June. “It’s basically a time travel story,” Steven says.

A bitter experience with a movie studio, a searing rejection from an agent and a low-paying temp job shape the storyline that led Steven to abandon his writing career in 2000. He returned to writing a few years later when an idea came to him that he couldn’t ignore.

Steven moved to Benicia in 2011 after more than 30 years in Los Angeles. “For about the last five years there, I wanted to start getting out. It was incredibly expensive.” His friend and coauthor Ken, a Martinez resident, suggested looking at Benicia.

Steven, 56, now lives in Vallejo and is working on his next book, Avalon Burning.

Why did you leave Florida after your first book was published?

I felt like I was treading water—I either needed to go to Manhattan where book publishing is or to LA where the movie industry is.

I wrote friends in New York and friends in LA—this was before email so you had to actually write letters. One of the people I knew was David Gerrold, who wrote “The Trouble with Tribbles” episode of Star Trek. David wrote me back and said, “I think you are drowning out there. I think you need to leave.” He said he was coming to Epcot in three weeks and offered to haul a trailer back to LA for me. …

I only had one moment when I questioned what I was doing—one night in Texas. But I got to LA and I was crazy about it. I was right at home the second I got there.

What convinced you to learn to play the didgeridoo?

Didgeridoo saved my life somehow (when he was battling a movie studio, being rejected by an agent and working a temp job). …

This all happened within two weeks and it made me start questioning myself. … I didn’t know if I could continue to do something that was either going to make me crazy or keep me broke all the time. I was in my mid-30s and I kind of lost faith in myself. So I stopped writing. At that time, I meant I was done with this. …

My friend Ken said, “You need a hobby—something you do because you like it.” I’d always wanted to learn to play the didgeridoo. I played like I was in Metallica, not in the traditional way.

What’s the link between the didgeridoo and becoming a DJ?

My girlfriend at the time and I loved to go to clubs, and I was in love with the dance culture. I heard FatBoy Slim’s “Song for Shelter,” and I wanted more of that. … I had no musical training but I wanted to record didgeridoo over electronic music. …

Ken taught me not to be a fan, but be at the core of it. He told me to meet people who are the best at what they do, that they will talk to you out of love of the thing. When you meet someone who loves what they’re doing, you can talk to them all day and it’s always exciting and new. …

I wanted to see how music was structurally composed, so I learned to DJ. I don’t learn things well—I scream and yell, “Why is it like that?” My friend Adrian, who’s a DJ, taught me and was very patient. …

When I say I’m a writer and a DJ, people think I’m a wedding DJ and I have to explain that’s not what I do. As a club DJ, you guide the night. I played some amazing places: Hard Rock Café in Las Vegas, Burning Man, the Derby in LA. The experience is shaped

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by what’s going on with the crowd, and the DJ is leading that crowd. It’s like you have mosaic tiles that you arrange in a picture that’s only going to exist that one time.

Making a room crazy is amazing. But then the podcasts got going and I got so busy. I haven’t pursued it lately.

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What convinced you to channel your love of electronic music into podcasts?

My girlfriend was a runner and workout instructor, and I did these mixes for her runs. I asked her if anyone else would be interested in these, and she asked me if I had any idea how much she would pay for them.

Podcasts were brand-new when I started “Podrunner” in 2006. The fixed beats allow for an even distribution of your energy as you run. That’s part of the reason it took off. … I started it and the website crashed within a few days because demand was so high.

I didn’t have permission to use any of the music, and I began to get worried that I was going to get sued. I got all the permissions sorted out and so I had a brand-new career that I wasn’t prepared to do. Someone told me, “Only you would find a way to be a DJ and never play in front of anyone.”

Ken told me I needed a hobby and I ended up having a career out of this. … I have two podcasts: Podrunner and Grooveletric, which is more my taste in music. Podrunner was the first thing like it in podcasting.

I was literally one of the first people to make a living with podcasts.

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Are you a runner?

I hate running. I used to run three miles a night, but I’m not built for running.

But I’ve done it a lot and I get it. Other workouts work better for me.

Why did you return to writing?

I went about 4 to 5 years without writing, but one day I had an idea of magic as software, which is how I think of physics. Physics is the magic that is the software for the universe. It’d be like you were recoding the laws of the universe. …

I realized I could choose to write, that I’m not compelled to write. The weird thing about that stretch when I was composing is that it was the happiest period of my life. … It means when I write now, it’s volitional.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

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ThE SummeR Of LoVe Continues

TRENDS

—or Does It?

By Christina Strawbridge During the summer of 1967, I was a teenager in Indiana, more interested in a lake vacation, my transistor radio, a boy and the fall edition of Seventeen Magazine than what was happening on the West Coast.

San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, ground zero for the hippie movement, seemed to be in a far and distant land from the conventional Midwest. The world discovered the Summer of Love through news reports from grim broadcasters warning of society’s demise; fashion editorials that were not enamored with counterculture designs, and Jefferson Airplane's “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit” playing nonstop on the radio. From Scott McKenzie's hit song named for the city by the Bay, I knew that if you went to San Francisco, you better wear flowers in your hair.

Allen Ginsberg, American poet and leading figure in the movement said, "What is called the hippie movement involves an alteration of consciousness towards some kind of greater awareness and greater individuality. Hopefully the future will see a spread of that gentleness and consideration, poetically and artistically.” Fifty years later, as a long-time Bay Area resident, I find myself wondering what happened to the flower power generation and its idealistic goals of peace, harmony and gentleness. I asked my two great friends, Patti Baron and Patty Gavin, to help me discover how it all began, at The Summer of Love Experience: Art, Fashion, and Rock & Roll, a special exhibit at the de Young Museum. To get into the moment, we dressed in our version of "mature" hippie attire: maxi dress (me), peasant top (Patty Gavin) and flowing wide legged pants (Patti Baron). Listening to the audio tour, the exhibit told the story of the movement's roots in art, fashion and rock and roll.

Besides music of the era, the walls are filled with rock posters

promoting bands and concerts of the 1960s. Bill Graham and others commissioned posters that became sought after due to their unique brand of bold color, imagery and stylized lettering.

The three of us were taken by the amazing fashion displays.

The story goes that psychedelic rock band, The Charlatans, was inspired by 19th Century Victorian dandies and Wild West cowboys. Looking for something unique and inexpensive, band members began to wear vintage clothes with a twist. Using San Francisco's storied past and evolving present, the bohemian look was born.

Denim became the statement fabric for the era; jeans were individualized with paint and embroidery. One display shows a design by Peggy Caserta, owner of a Haight-Ashbury boutique in the 60s. Her clients were widening their jeans to fit over cowboy boots by cutting the side seams and sewing in extra fabric, so she took the idea to San Francisco based Levi Strauss & Co. and asked them to produce the wider leg jean for her shop. Amazingly, Levi's listened, resulting in bell-bottom jeans.

Protest buttons from the Summer of Love are a reminder of the era’s social causes. Make Love Not War, Give Earth a Chance and We Shall Overcome are still relevant in 2017. Although the hippie era did not solve the world's problems, it did encourage the women's movement, the birth of the natural food industry, concern for the environment, and sexual liberation.

My friends and I did not experience that infamous summer first hand, but the day spent together gave us new appreciation of a movement that changed the world, and confirmation that you don't have to wear flowers in your hair to visit San Francisco.

Photos: Summer of Love Exhibit, courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

26 • Benicia Magazine Trends

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

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SEPTEMBER

2017 Events California Coastal Cleanup Day

9/16, 9am-1pm Benicia Beaches California's annual Coastal Cleanup Day brings thousands of volunteers to pick up plastic debris along the shorelines. Join in and stay until the free BBQ for volunteers at 9th Street Park at noon. Bring a reusable bag & gloves if you have them. Sites include First Street waterfront, West 3rd Street, West 6th Street, West 9th Street, West 12th Street, BSRA both sides and Benicia High School. Just show up and sign in with the site captain. Sue Frost, Watereducation@att.net 707.980.1895

44th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Fair

social media platforms. Details and registration info can be found online.

Solanocf.org/WorkshopList.aspx

9/16, 10am-4pm Downtown Benicia, Beginning at First & G Streets Artisans and crafters will set up booths on First Street in historic downtown Benicia. Vendors are pre-screened to ensure the highest quality event with an extensive selection and variety of fine arts & crafts. The event will be held rain or shine.

Admission and parking are free.

Beniciachamber.com 707.745.2120

Chalk Art Festival

Capitol Neighbor’s Event: Elsie Robinson

Photo by Jerry Bowles

Fourth Annual Benicia International Film Festival

9/1-9/3 Various locations in downtown Benicia The three-day event is sponsored by the Benicia Arts and Culture Commission and the Downtown Benicia Alliance to raise money for a new public art initiative.

The festival opens Friday evening with a Gala at St. Paul's Square, 120 East G Street. Festivities begin at 6:30pm, and in addition to showing films, will feature music, food & drink. Saturday, the festival moves to the Majestic Theatre at 710 First Street. Doors open 10am Sat. & 10:30am Sun. with films 11am-6:30pm.

Tickets are limited.

Beniciafilmfestival.com

Visions of the Wild Presents: Changing Landscapes

9/6-9/10, times vary Downtown Vallejo & beyond Explore the changing lands and waters of the Bay Area at the fourth annual Visions of the Wild Festival in Vallejo and American Canyon, connecting nature, culture and community. The U.S. Forest Service and local partners bring people closer to nature through art, music, science and outdoor experiences. The five days are packed with speakers, new art exhibits, performance art, concerts, field trips, river cruises, and much more. See schedule and complete event list online.

Visionsofthewild.org

Workshop: Social Media Basics

9/7, 1-3pm Solano Community Foundation Buck Training Center 744 Empire Street, Suite 240, Fairfield To engage potential donors in your nonprofit, especially younger people, it is necessary to reach out in familiar, yet attention-getting ways. Learn to develop a communications plan that includes various

9/8-9/10 Fri & Sun, 10am-5pm; Saturday 10am-8pm Old downtown Post Office parking lot 485 Santa Clara, Vallejo Chalk artists/street painters, from master artists to youth and families, will transform the pavement into a collection of vibrant, colorful, large-scale images.

These designs will include images reflective of theme of the Visions of the Wild festival, which is “Changing Landscapes.”

Chalkartfestivalvallejo.com

Benicia Art Walk

9/9, 2-6pm First Street, downtown Benicia Benicia Art Walk is on the Second Saturdays in June, July, September, and October (only two left this year). Come for lunch, then stay for dinner and tour eight amazing galleries hosting the fun this year with live entertainment and other activities. Find an interactive map and brochure online.

Visitbenicia.org/arts/visual-arts

Benicia Historical Society Presents “Review of Past Vintage Homes”

9/14, 7-8:30pm Carter’s Biz Café, 1 Commandant’s Lane, Benicia Take in a presentation of past homes on the Historic Homes Tours and receive a free bonus tour of the Commandant’s Building, also know as the Commanding Officer’s Quarters (now home to Carter’s Biz Café). Find out how your historic home can be on the next tour in 2018. Snacks and drinks provided. Free presentation for Benicia Historical Museum members; $5 to the public.

Beniciahistoricalsociety.org or Larry J Miller 707.290.4377

9/17, 1-4pm Benicia State Capitol 115 West G Street, Benicia Former Benician, artist and nationally read newspaper columnist Elsie Robinson commanded a following of 20 million daily readers in the late 1930s. Find out more about the woman one fellow journalist called “the most interesting woman in the world” and what drove her fans to write her more than 2,000 letters a day. Performance by Sheena Beeson as Elsie and Peter Bray as Elsie’s husband, Benton Fremont. Sponsored by the City of Benicia, Benicia State Parks Association and California State Parks.

Protectbeniciastateparks.com 707.745.3670

Blues Music Festival

9/23 & 24, 10am-6pm Main Street—Alhambra & Court Streets, Martinez The blues festival is the merger of two great festivals: the Downtown Martinez Italian Street Painting Festival and San Francisco’s Polk Street Blues Festival. It features amazing blues music on two stages, arts and crafts exhibitors, gourmet food booths, local restaurants, community booths, kids activities, a farmers market, beer & wine and chalk art.

Sresproductions.com/events/bay-area-blues-festival

Fall Wine Walk

9/23, 1-5pm Stroll First Street on a beautiful autumn afternoon, taste over a dozen wines, and enjoy small bites being offered inside downtown shops. A ticket gives a person 15 one-ounce tastes of wine, plus a complimentary, commemorative wine glass. Tickets $30 for a single and $55 for a pair in advance, or $35 the day of. For more info and tickets, call Benicia Main Street.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

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World’s Biggest Eye Contact Experiment

9/23, 2-4pm Grand Lake Farmer’s Market Grand and Lake Park Ave, Oakland Share a minute of eye contact with strangers in public to rebuild your sense of shared humanity. This is part of 'The World’s Biggest Eye Contact Experiment 2017,' (facebook.com/events/1351092208303666/) coordinated by 'The Liberators International' (facebook.com/theliberatorsinternational) in cities all over the world. Your participation will help create a global video message for peace and human connection.

Facebook.com/events/774950236010037/

...IT’S A FACT!

Residential & Commercial CARPET • UPHOLSTERY TILE & GROUT CLEANING

Arts Benicia Annual Art Auction & Gala

9/23, 6:30-10:30pm Arts Benicia Gallery 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, Benicia This year’s theme is Arts Benicia Celebrates! 30 Years of Creativity and Community. Festivities include hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction of artwork and adventure packages, an exciting live art auction, a photo corner from Featherstone Studios, music by DJ AL3X, dancing, & dessert. An auction kick-off to preview silent and live auction artworks will take place September 7. Look for the online preview, which will include a “buy it now” feature of selected art works.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Benicia Fashion Runway Weekend

9/29&9/30 Various locations in downtown Benicia Designers from Project Runway, Project Runway All Stars and America's Next Top Model will be featured at Benicia’s annual Fashion Runway Weekend, sponsored by Christina S Fashion Destination. The weekend begins on Friday, with 'Meet the Designers' 6-8pm, and 'Shop the Designers,' 8-10pm.

Saturday, Sept. 30 will be the Fashion Runway Reception, the Grand Finale Runway Show, and shopping. View details and purchase tickets online.

Beniciafashionrunway.com

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS! 800 First Street, Ste. A, Benicia • 707-746-8656

spotlesscarpetcleaning.net

Dine In Carry Out Delivery Online Ordering

ILY SPECIAL! FAM

24.99

$

plus tax

A two-topping large pizza with 6 twists & 2 liter soda can not be combined with other offers, exp. 9/30/17

Proper Tree or Shrub Selection

Banquet Rooms Available events, meetings & parties

Round Table Pizza

878 Southampton Road, Benicia

707.746.7000 • roundtablepizza.com Plan, protect, prune correctly and preserve trees and shrubs to maintain value.

DOING Owned BUSINESS FOR OVER 46 YEARS Family & Operated Since 1972

Trees and shrubs have many functions and benefits:

Come this weekend for the OurinGoal is to Exceed your Expectations Red Carpet treatment!

Evergreens: privacy & protection from winter winds Flowering: beautify & enhance Fruit: spring flowers & autumn harvest Others: shade, wind deflection, windbreak & sound barrier For more info visit: www.ci.benicia.ca.us Parks & Community Services

www.beniciatrees.org

800 ADMIRAL CALLAGHAN LANE VALLEJO, CA 94591 EXIT REDWOOD PARKWAY

888-619-0063 www.AveryGreeneHonda.com

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LK A W , SIP OP! H S &

pm

-5 1 , 3 2 er

b m e t p Se y a d Ages 21 and older Satur Stroll Downtown Benicia from shop to shop, tasting fine wines for an enjoyable afternoon to “sip, walk, and shop” with friends.

$30 per person or 2 for $55 advance $35 day of event includes souvenir wine glass Tickets at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, and online at

BeniciaMainStreet.org • 707.745.9791

44th Annual

Saturday, Sept. 16, 10am-4pm A quality event with an extensive selection and variety of fine arts & crafts Featuring over 150 artisans & crafters Visit the Wine Garden & Rest Area!

FREE admission & parking Rain or shine

Starts at First & G Streets Historic Downtown Benicia (I780 to Central Benicia Exit)

Benicia Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 707.745.2120 • beniciachamber.com

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Welcome to Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

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

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

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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

“Affordable Quality Cabinets made our kitchen remodel stress-free. We really enjoyed working with Allan & Mary Ann. They are professional, knowledgeable, and a joy to be around.”

—Danny & Naomi Glassmaker — The Workshop

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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