Benicia Magazine April 2016

April 2016

A WEEKEND OF ART AT

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4 • Benicia Magazine

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Community Update APRIL 2016 For questions about Valero’s Crude by Rail project please email info@beniciaCBR.com or call (707) 654-9745

BY THE NUMBERS The Valero Refinery continues to be a key partner in advancing the economic development of Benicia. A 2014 economic impact study by Andrew Chang & Company identifies that the Valero Benicia Refinery: Directly employs over

450

local workers

City’s Financial Forecast Calls for More Economic Development Last year, the City Council and Finance Committee held a joint meeting where Finance Director Karin Schnaider revealed Benicia’s General Fund 10-Year Forecast. Schnaider explained that while the General Fund is expected to increase over the next few years, expenses will start outpacing incomes – and draining reserves – within the next five years.

City leaders discussed a variety of suggested mitigations to help boost Benicia’s economy. Many focused on the need to increase revenues, including Vice Mayor Mark Hughes who said, “We need more aggressive economic development.” As the Benicia Herald reported, Mayor Elizabeth Patterson recognized that while economic development has costs, the city’s meeting “is part of a bigger conversation that is happening statewide” and commented that “it’s time to invest.”

“We can’t cut our way out of this or tax our way out of this. We need to move forward with economic development.”

Michael Clarke Chairperson, Benicia Finance Committee The Valero Benicia Refinery is an important member of the Benicia community and a vital contributor to the city’s tax base. The Valero Benicia Refinery contributes approximately 25% of the City’s General Fund revenues.

Employs

250

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$3 billion

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in economic activity Employees and the company have donated over

$13.7 million to local charities

“Valero has such a high safety history and safety standards, that Valero has earned the Cal/OSHA VPP Star Site designation. This is proof that Valero goes above and beyond when it comes to setting and maintaining a safe work environment for the company and employees. Valero has proven that safety is of the utmost importance to them and to our community.” - Jasmin Powell, President, Benicia Industrial Park Association

Community Roots: Valero has been providing high quality jobs in the area since it acquired the site in 2000 and the refinery has been a cornerstone of the local economy for decades. In addition to providing hundreds of jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars in vendor spending, tax revenues and charitable contributions, Valero has invested billions ensuring it meets the highest standards of environmental protection.

Did You Know?

Benicia’s median home value is higher than those of neighboring communities including Vallejo and Martinez. Benicia’s current median home value is $531,900, while Vallejo’s is $290,010 and Martinez’s is $507,100. Benicia’s median value increased by 6 percent last year and is projected to grow further in 2016. The refinery likely contributes to Benicia’s higher median value by providing significant tax revenues that fund city services and facilities.

Source: Zillow

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Benicia Magazine

Benicia

magazine

Celebrating our 11th Year

Benicia

Editor Jeanne Steinmann

Graphic Design Margaret magazine Bowles

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Contributors Elizabeth d’Huart Adriene Rockwell Sarah Rohrs magazine Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Gayle Vaughan Photographers Michael VanAuken Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight

Advertising sales Jeanne Steinmann 707.853.5226 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

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Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2016, 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.

“Penumbra” in concert

Saturday, April 30, 8pm; doors open at 7pm Tickets $35, no host bar Tickets available at Benicia Historical Museum, 707.745-5435 Bookshop Benicia, 696 First Street, 707.747.5155 BrownPaperTickets.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

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APRIL

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 6

DEPARTMENTS 10 From the Editor 12

Currents Sails unfurl for Opening Day on the Strait Eighth annual footrace at the water’s edge Benicia Arsenal “ground zero” for artist open studios

15

Backwards Glance The great quake of ’06 brought down Benicia buildings

15

Bio Dean Fulton, Benicia resident and avid runner, goes shoeless

22 Interview Jamie Calderwood, Habitat for Humanity Site Supervisor 24 Trends A Star Wars-themed benefit fashion show 26 Downtown Map 28 Calendar of Events The best events in Benicia and around the Bay Cover photo: Sculpture by Katrina Van Male, from this month's exhibit at the Benicia Library gallery. Photo by Hedi B Desuyo.

This page, Benicia Community Park in spring, by Jerry Bowles

FEATURES

16 A cornucopia of amenities

for residents and visitors at Community Park

18 Three Benicia scientists

address rising tides and climate change at April forum

20 Library exhibit honors two

Benicia women who devoted their lives to art

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From the Editor Have you ever had one of THOSE days? Where a number of random things go wrong, leaving you wondering what’s next? While sitting in the office in early March, pondering my recent technological challenges and ~ deluge, I noticed a lovely woman walking around listening to the El Nino the Treasury Commons plaza, in the rain, and stopping in at the shops.

When she got to our door and stepped in, she said she had been trying to locate the owner of a car in the parking lot, where the two back windows were wide open. My heart sank as she accurately described the make and color of my own car. In my anxiety to run out and close the windows and soak up the mess, I realized I had forgotten to ask her name and adequately thank her for her kindness. It reminded me yet again of the benefits of living in a small town like ours—perfect strangers looking after each other and practicing the random kindnesses that are common to Benicia. Here’s my top ten list: 1. Community camaraderie and good deeds by strangers.

2. Enchanting beauty everywhere: waterfront, architecture, community gardens and more.

3. History—Jack London comes to mind. His residence here provided generations of Benicians with stories to retell.

4. Great schools.

5. The arts in all of its many creative forms.

6. Rich culture: live music, theater, exhibits, poetry, comedy and more.

7. An independent bookstore (Bookshop Benicia), a true luxury and statement of our literary pride.

8. Lots of beautiful parks. See our story on “the Big Park” in this issue.

9. The uniqueness of our coffee houses, restaurants, bars and taverns.

10. The variety of our resources: the Marina/Yacht Club, the Arsenal and artists, the Farmers Market, Lake Herman, two State Parks—the list goes on.

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

To find the silver lining on days where nothing seems to go right, it helps to remind myself of the many ways Benicia inspires me. It has always been Benicia Magazine’s mission to highlight the delightful aspects of our small town along the Strait. And a personal note to the woman who inspired me today—please come visit the office at 372 First Street and introduce yourself—I’d like to offer you a free subscription.

—Jeanne Steinmann

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C ru i s i n g i n t o

Opening Day on the Strait

By Sarah Rohrs Photo by Jerry Bowles The Benicia Yacht Club has weathered a few storms and faced some stiff winds over the years but has come out intact, and now wants to celebrate. What better time to do that than the customary Opening Day on the Strait, an official kick-off to the boating season?

This year’s annual festivities take place Sunday, April 10 and are centered at the yacht club, 400 East Second St. Appropriately, the 2016 Opening Day theme refers to an order given aboard naval vessels that meant a difficult job was at hand, but a celebratory drink would soon be in order. The term, “splice the mainbrace,” was also issued on special occasions when ship crews would get an extra ration of rum, according to the yacht club. Vice Commodore Nick Grebe said the Benicia Yacht Club has seen some decline and financial difficulties since the 2008 economic downturn. But, after battening down the hatches and doing improvements to the building and organization, the yacht club is on good footing, he said.“The Benicia Yacht Club has a long history of weathering through these kinds of things. We rolled up our sleeves to get the ship sailing and moving, and we’re excited about new things. Splice the mainbrace. It’s time to celebrate,” Grebe said.

Opening Day is one of a handful of days the club is open to the public. Arts and craft vendors set up around 11am on the lawn, and opening ceremonies take place at 1pm with music and remarks from civic leaders. At 3pm a boat parade fills the Carquinez Strait with decorated yachts and other boats. As evening approaches, 6pm finds the party moving upstairs for dinner and dancing to the music of Crosstown 5.

Throughout the day, yacht club members will answer questions on youth sailing, membership and other programs. Grebe said the club is not an exclusive enclave of rich yacht owners; in fact, some members don’t even have boats. “The vast majority of yacht clubs are like Benicia’s. It’s just a lot of blue collar folks who enjoy being in the water, who enjoy socializing. This is a very social club,” said Grebe.

Opening Day holds a long tradition in boating communities. It refers to the day yacht clubs would throw a party when they reopened following winter closure, Grebe said. The Benicia club is open all year, but still partakes in the custom in the spring when boaters are spiffing up their vessels and the racing season has begun. For more details, call the Benicia Yacht Club at 707.746.0739, or go to beniciayachtclub.com.

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CURRENTS 3/22/16 6:58 AM

A n n u a l S c e n i c F o o t Ra c e

Funds Technology for Schools

By Sarah Rohrs Photos by Annette and David Fewins As Benicia schools faced big funding cuts, a small group of education advocates sat at a table one night, got an idea and decided to run with it. The result was the Benicia Run for Education now in its eighth year and generating about $45,000 annually. This year’s event takes place Sunday, April 10 with participants running up First Street, along West K Street and into the Benicia State Recreation Area. It includes 5K and 10K foot races and a Kids Fun Run along the Benicia Marina. While raising money is certainly an object, the ultimate goal is for people to come together in strong community spirit and support schools, Race Director Lisa Koenen said.

Runners of all skill levels and ages are welcome to join the run that starts 8am. “Individuals, families and groups can sign up through the day of the event. The last day to get discounted preregistration prices is April 7 with sign-up costs increasing slightly after that,” said Koenen. Ninety percent of the funds generated from the event go to Benicia schools, with the remaining used to cover administrative costs. The funds come from entrance fees and race sponsors.

Staged by the Benicia Education Foundation, the run has grown significantly from its first year of 150 participants to nearly 1,200 runners annually. Currently, the foundation is raising money for technology upgrades and career and college planning at all grade levels. In prior years, funds have gone to keep libraries open and for the Benicia Middle School Active Learning space, among other projects and services.

“The Run for Education means something different for each person,” said Koenen. A special component

this year is the Team Teri group, running in honor of the late Teri Epperson, who ran the race in 2015 after enduring multiple chemotherapy treatments. Other groups include the Henderson Hounds and Benicia Middle School teachers, who dress up in costume and have fun during the event.

“The nice thing about this run is that it’s a very community-driven run,” Koenen said. “The race route is also scenic and interesting.” Runners pass historical points, beautiful Victorian homes and views of the Carquinez Straits and the Benicia State Recreation Area. Participants are encouraged to stick around town afterwards to enjoy Benicia’s parks, restaurants, shopping, art studios, museums and its natural beauty.

Rather than a cash award, the race winner gets Benicia Downtown Dollars to spend like cash at participating local businesses.

The 5K and 10K are USATF (USA Track & Field) certified so that runners can qualify for marathons.

People with no running skills can walk in the 5K, and families are encouraged to bring children to the Kids Fun Run. Only runners (not walkers) can participate in the 10K. The majority of runners are local, but some come from out of town, too, Koenen said.

In the 5K, runners begin at the foot of First Street and proceed north to West K Street, winding through a few streets on the west side. They end up at Ninth Street Park before returning to First Street. In the 10K, runners continue west past Ninth Street and into the State Park. Parts of First Street, West K Street and other streets are closed during the run. Property owners are given plenty of notice beforehand, Koenen said. For more details on the race route and to sign up for the run, go to beniciarunforeducation.org.

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By Sarah Rohrs Open Studios is a May rite of passage for Benicia.

It’s a weekend when scores of the town’s artists open their doors to art lovers, buyers, collectors and anyone else who might wander by and want to have a look. Now in its 22nd year, the annual Benicia Artists Open Studios will take place May 7-8.

The Benicia Industrial Park that encompasses the former Benicia Arsenal is “Ground Zero” for the Benicia Artists Open Studios. The Arsenal is home to a large and vibrant arts community of locally, nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. Painters, sculptors, printmakers, installation artists and many others create their works in studios occupying the historic military buildings.

The Benicia Arsenal is also home to the Arts Benicia gallery and its staff members who organize the event.

Open Studios allows people to step inside the doors of studio spaces and get a look at the private, creative world of Benicia artists. Besides the artist studios on Jackson and Tyler streets in the Arsenal, visitors can go into the glass blowing studios on East H Street and East F Street and watch demonstrations of this art form, and also visit the many galleries on First Street. It’s a way to 14 • Benicia Magazine

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experience first-hand what Benicia’s art scene is all about. “It’s really such a great art community and all of the Arsenal artists, or most of them, are participating,” said Mary Shaw, Arts Benicia exhibition and programs manger. To help people get to all attractions, SolTrans will be operating a shuttle between the Arsenal and downtown, the glass blowing studios, and First Street.

Open Studios is also a way for artists to make connections with the public, with buyers and others who might be interested in showing work.

Shaw stressed the event is not to promote Arts Benicia, but the artists themselves. Visitors are encouraged to begin their forays into more than 70 art studios at the Arts Benicia headquarters at 991 Tyler St. #114 where maps will be available. Further, an art exhibit containing a sample of each participating artist’s work will be available for viewing. The preview show opens in the gallery on April 23 and lasts through Open Studios weekend.

In breaking with past tradition, Arts Benicia has moved the event to the second weekend of May from the first weekend, to avoid conflict with other events around town. The move to Mother’s Day weekend will also allow some focused and cross-marketing opportunities, Shaw said. Typically, nearly 3,000 people visit artist studios over the two-day event, a number the organization expects to increase with the later date. The entire event is free.

For more details, go to artsbenicia.org.

Photos: Clockwise, artists in their studios: Susan Marcos Sachs with Molly Boggs; Tom Lipton (in white T-shirt); Mike Kendall; Chris Meade.

Photos by Michael Van Auken.

CURRENTS 3/22/16 6:58 AM

BA CKWA RDS GLA NCE

Benicia Damage in ’06 Quake on its 110th Anniversary

By Elizabeth d’Huart, BHM Executive Director Photo courtesy Benicia Historical Museum Anyone who has ever hired a contractor to do construction or renovation work can probably relate to the expression of concern on the face of the gentleman who is striding towards the camera in this photo. I’m guessing that Mr. Frank Stumm, owner and proprietor of Stumm’s Jewelry Store (626 First Street, currently Bookshop Benicia), has just inquired as to how much longer the job in progress (to his left) will take. I’m also guessing that the “brickie” (British slang term) laboring in the background replied with something along the lines of “… how long is a piece of string?”

I pity Mr. Stumm, who must have been experiencing a very trying and expensive month—the great San Francisco earthquake occurred on April 18, 1906—and the

By Adriene Rockwell Photo by Malcolm Slight Dean Fulton has been running in the Benicia Education Foundation’s Run for Education since its inception nine years ago. There were only about 150 runners back then, but he’s proud to say he was the first to win in the “Masters Male” category for men over 40. These days there are more than 1,100 runners each year, but Dean still makes his mark in an extraordinary way.

He runs barefoot.

And not just in Benicia. In August, Dean ran his first full marathon in Santa Rosa with the balls of his naked feet hitting the ground for the full 26.21 miles. His leg muscles and hips took a beating, he says, but his feet were no worse for wear. Actually, he ran faster without the weight of shoes, and made an impressive time of 3.26—just 100 seconds before the cut off time to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which he’s training for now. All without soles. “Our feet are these crazy things with a ton of nerves and bones and ligaments that aren’t made for being cooped up in a shoe,” says Dean.

Four years ago, after suffering from a painful foot condition called planter fasciitis, Dean had to stop running. Then his physical therapist recommended a book called Born to Run, which would change his life. The book explored the lives of the Tarahumara tribe of northwest Mexico, otherwise known as “super athletes” for their ability to run hundreds of miles in thin homemade sandals, or bare feet.

Dean Fulton

photo was taken shortly afterwards. As well as building repairs, Stumm must have been required to replace a variety of fragile and expensive stock items and display cases. From a newspaper article written by Earl Bobbitt at the time, we know that the 5:12am quake brought down twenty chimneys in the Arsenal, and partially or wholly destroyed the Arsenal Gatehouse, the Western Creamery, the Kullman-Salz & Company Tannery, the Carquinez Packing Company, the Benicia Iron Works, most of the wharves along Benicia’s shoreline and several homes.

All told, damage to military, commercial and residential property was approximately $100,000 in 1906 dollars; thankfully, no lives were lost. We have other post-earthquake images of Benicia taken by John Molfino, whose glass plate negatives were gifted to the Museum, and are now available to view on the Museum’s website. Most of these black and white images simply show mounds of rubble in various shapes and sizes. Without any human figures in the foreground to lend a sense of scale and/or other identifying landmarks, it is difficult to differentiate one ruin from another. We know that it is just a matter of time before we experience the next “big one,” and when it comes, we will have the advantage of today’s cell phone camera capabilities to preserve for posterity the very moment and aftermath of yet another bumpand-grind event, courtesy of Mother Nature. We can only hope that there will be very little to record.

Dean wanted to get back on the trail, so he gave this tribal method a try. “I felt kind of dumb at first,” he says.

“My calf muscles had to adapt, but then it was only a matter of months before I was back running a 5K.” To his surprise, he made one of his fastest times.

If he could, he’d go to work without shoes too, but they are required at Tesoro Refinery, where he’s an instrumentation engineer. His wife Peggy, who he met at UC Davis, is a kindergarten teacher at Mary Farmar Elementary School. They have lived in Benicia for 18 years, and have three children. Their eldest son Jake studies at UC Irvine, Andrew is a senior at BHS, and Kara is at the middle school.

Hobbies come in seven-year phases for Dean, and before running, he spent a lot of time on the Carquinez Strait participating in the Vanguard 15 little boat races now sponsored by the Benicia Yacht Club. He still keeps his boat in the Benicia boatyard, but it’s taking a back seat to his training for the Boston Marathon in April. His goal is to make a time of 3.28. “I’m an engineer, so I love numbers. I get motivated to keep getting faster, and beating my own time,” he says. And about running barefoot, he says he’ll never go back to wearing shoes. “It’s kinda what I do now.”

BIO April BenMag Vol11 v6.indd 15

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the

By Beth Steinmann Benicia Parks Superintendent Rick Knight calls the Community Park “the jewel of our community.” Now in it’s 22nd year, the park has brought together several generations of family and friends.

The park playground is now in it’s second incarnation after a makeover in September of 2015 funded by Benicia’s Measure C (see Beniciamagazine.com/December-2015).

The new playground features equipment made from recycled materials as well as equipment for kids across ability levels,

Jewel of Benicia

such as the AeroGlider, that’s safe for those in wheelchairs.

This park, affectionately dubbed “the big slide park” by many, truly has something for everybody, regardless of age and interest. For families, the main practical benefits include ample and easy parking; play structures for both toddlers and older kids and nice bathrooms in sight of the playground. Though the slide might look intimidating to little ones, it’s not fast moving and there’s plenty of room for parents to join too. Eight reservable group

picnic sections with seven tables each (two in the shade) and four large, shared barbeque pits make the perfect place for birthdays and family gatherings. Each area seats about 46 people, and they’re nestled between volleyball nets, a grass play area and the playground.

In totality, the park encompasses 50 acres and for those looking for a quieter, more contemplative (and perhaps solitary) way to enjoy the outdoors, there’s a mile long walking loop that circumnavigates the property and a path directly to Lake

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Photos by Jerry Bowles

Herman, a favorite local fishing spot.

A nine-hole disc golf course also skirts the outside. Brian L. from San Francisco offered a Yelp.com review of the disc golf course, warning that players might want to skip the course on the windiest days of the year, but that “it's fun enough and long enough to make it well worth a trip out from farther away if you're looking for a new course.” The course also boasts views of Mt. Diablo, Lake Herman, the Carquinez Strait and Suisun Bay. In addition to four multi-use fields (for soccer and softball), there are two little league baseball fields, where hundreds of youth play team sports each season, and a roller hockey court, which, according to Knight, will be getting pickle ball lines this spring or summer.

Benicia’s large X Park is also on the premises, which put Benicia on the map for Bay Area skate enthusiasts and provides a safe environment for local teens. The course has a 4.5 star Yelp rating and a reasonable difficulty level

for seasoned skaters, as well as specified beginner hours so new skaters can gain confidence on the terrain.

For dog lovers, the city’s only designated dog park is also onsite, and will see renovations this spring. Within the ample terrain is a smaller enclosure for those with small dogs or dogs that may be less comfortable around other animals.

Benicia resident Rodney Lee D. on Yelp says, “I love this big park! Ever since elementary school, I have come here for soccer, baseball, softball, parties, etc. A lot of space and lots to do recreationally, even for your pup! There's a skate park and the local favorite big slide. Facilities all function well with decent upkeep. This is a great place to have fun, throw your family functions, or just watch some competitive sports play by our local youth sports teams.”

In form and function, this “jewel” creates an all-inclusive outdoor gathering space where the word “community” can be defined and re-defined through generations of Benicians.

Benicia Community Park Nicknames: The Big Park, The Big Slide Park Total acreage: 50 — Year Built: 1994

Features:

Two playgrounds Huge concrete slide Eight reservable picnic table sections with 368 total seats Four barbecues Four multi-use fields Two little-league fields Nine-hole disc golf Roller hockey rink X park Mile-long walking trail Trail to Lake Herman Designated dog park Volley ball nets Recreational grass areas Nice bathrooms Soon to come: Pickle ball BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

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Keeping Our Heads Above Water!

By Gayle Vaughan League of Women Voters Program Chair The League of Women Voters Benicia (LWV Benicia) works to keep local residents informed about current “hot topics” that are of importance to our community. On April 21, the eve of Earth Day, the LWV Benicia will be hosting a forum on the issue— Keeping Our Heads Above Water: Dealing with the Effects of Climate Change.

While much of Benicia’s charm comes from its waterfront location, the shoreline is also cause for concern because of the predicted effects of climate change. The lower parts of Benicia will likely be affected by the anticipated rise in sea level over the next decade.

Benicia not only has to contend with rising tides, but also has to manage effects of continuing drought.

The unavailability of safe, affordable drinking water is a problem for the City, which is trying to keep it’s head above water economically, while providing water to its residents and businesses.

All around the Bay Area and beyond, cities and counties are seeking answers and planning ways to manage the potential effects of flooding and drought at the same time. There are multiple groups of scientists and planners working to examine the situation and create protections for local communities. There will be a ballot measure (AA) for the June election, which would in part help fund flood control around the Bay and Delta.

The LWV Benicia has invited three experts to discuss these important issues and answer major questions about the local effects of climate change.

Jerry Potter will be explaining the expected effects of climate change in the next decade and beyond. A longtime local resident and member of the League,

Potter is a climate scientist with 30 years of experience at Lawrence Livermore Lab who currently works with NASA using models to predict the future of climate change. “Climate change is more complicated than just sea level rise. The thing that concerns many people is the effect on the precipitation (rain and snow), especially in California. Snow levels and water shortage are more immediate concerns, with the drought being exacerbated by global warming. Sea level rise is a longer term effect,” Potter explains.

With the extraordinarily high “king tides” that occurred in December and January, low lying areas in the Bay Area got a hint of what sea level rise can be like. “Many of our salt marshes will be drowning,” said scientist Jeremy Lowe in the LWV Bay Area Monitor.

“When they’re under water too long, the plants will start dying off and then we’ll have mudflats which aren’t as effective at holding off flooding.” At the forum, Lowe will be explaining recent trends and projects involving flood management and wetland restoration around the bay. Lowe is also a Benicia resident, and a senior scientist with the San Francisco Estuary Institute with over 30 years experience worldwide.

Alex Porteshawver has been Benicia’s Climate Action Plan Coordinator since 2012, and she will be sharing the details of Benicia’s own Climate Action Plan. Porteshawver is a Senior Sustainability Planner at Michael Baker International with expertise in local climate planning, energy financing, sustainable infrastructure and energy management development.

The public is invited to attend this free event at the Benicia Community Center, 401 East L Street, from 6:30-8:30 pm.

The League of Women Voters Benicia—known for keeping residents informed about issues in our community—registers voters, keeps voters informed and gets out the vote. Members are often seen working at the Farmers Market, registering people to vote, and this spring various members will be registering students at the local high schools.

Currently, the 10-year old league is the only one in Solano County, and boasts over 35 members from Vallejo, Fairfield, American Canyon, and Benicia. The group is led by an Executive Committee and Board that includes Nile Meddars, Judy Potter, Malin Coleridge, Susan Neuhaus, Alice LaBay and Sharron Tucker.

One of the LWV’s best-known local events is the annual Meet Your Local Officials Night where people

can meet and have casual conversations with elected officials at the City and County levels. Other events of the year have included forums on women’s health and suicide prevention, water issues, hazardous materials transportation and money in politics. The LWV Benicia anticipates being very active in the next few months, providing information and getting citizens to the polls.

In June, they will be hosting their Annual Gigantic Garage Sale at the Benicia Clock Tower on June 27. If you are interested in joining the League or want more information, check it out at lwvbenicia.com.

Gayle Vaughan is a long time resident of Benicia, former teacher at Benicia Unified School District and a current tidal marsh docent for Solano Land Trust at Rush Ranch.

Photos, top to bottom: Jerry Potter, Alex Porteshawver, Jeremy Lowe, Gayle Vaughan

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Gallery Exhibit Honors Two Artist's Legacies

This page left: Katrina Van Male with her sculpture, Goddess, photo by Hedi Desuyo Right: Weidel in her Arsenal studio, photo by Robinson Kuntz, Courtesy of Fairfield Daily Republic Oppsite top left: Bonnie Weidel, Untitled, charcoal Right: Bonnie Weidel, Untitled Bottom left: Katrina Van Male, Untitled Right: Katrina Van Male, Untitled

By Sarah Rohrs Benicia art teachers Katrina Van Male and Bonnie Weidel devoted their lives to the magic of art, inspiring scores of youth to explore and create. Both deceased, these two will now be honored in a special show that highlights the fruits of their own creative expression. Recollection, A Gathering of Work by Katrina Van Male and Bonnie Weidel will be shown April 2-May 8 at the Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Art Gallery in the Benicia Public Library. Of the show, gallery committee chairwoman Kathryn Renfrow said, “We wanted to honor the lives and work of two people who contributed a lot to the community.”

Besides leaving a legacy of instilling a love and discipline for art in many of their students, both Van Male and Weidel were also highly skilled and talented artists, producing work in their own studios or at the Solano Community College, Renfrow said. Both artists worked up until nearly the ends of their lives. Weidel passed away in 2014, and Van Male in 2015. With the help of colleagues, families and friends, a selection of Van Male’s sculptures and Weidel’s drawings, prints and paintings were gathered for the show.

A ceramic sculptor, Van Male came to Benicia in 1970 and set up her studio in her Southampton home. Her daughter Mary Dobis said her mother had been painting, printmaking and making sets for local theater. But, after taking a ceramic class at Solano Community College, she found her niche. She fired all her work at the Fairfield campus, and was a big part of the ceramic community there, Dobis said.

Van Male’s pieces reflect inspiration found in talismanic imagery of indigenous cultures such as the Inuit and other First Nations tribes. Dobis said she was captivated with animals and petroglyphs.

Often, she embellished clay with bones, shells, stones and driftwood. In a statement she wrote for the book Why Make Art, Van Male wrote “We come from clay and eventually return to it.” Fellow artist Hedi Desuyo said she had a childlike quality that expressed itself through intricate and playful details in clay.

As a teacher, Van Male worked with one or two students at a time. Now a professional artist in New York City, Derek Weisberg took ceramic sculpture classes from Van Male from age 6-18. He called her teaching method loose and organic,

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noting that she rarely gave assignments but would help get a project started through brainstorming. She helped students focus their energy and gain skills in creative thinking and self-motivation, both of which proved invaluable to him in pursuing his professional art career.

Weidel is, perhaps, better known due to her extensive community involvement. She founded Benicia Community Arts in 1980 and staged Christmas at the Clock Tower and the Arts in the Park art festival for many years. Weidel moved to Benicia in 1978 and had a studio on Tyler Street in the Benicia Arsenal. She taught private art classes for toddlers and elementary school children, served on the Benicia Unified School District board of trustees, purchased school curriculum guides, started an art docent program, administered arts scholarships, founded Art for Kids, and taught an after schools art program.

Weidel studied painting, drawing, and printmaking at UC Berkeley, and delved into poetry. She obtained teaching credentials and held a degree in early childhood education. She got her master’s degree at age 75, and was working on a doctorate before her death, her brother Bill Herman said. Benicia was always a big love of her life, he said. “She always spoke of Benicia in positive terms and enjoyed the people that she worked with. She had interesting colleagues. She did complain a lot about the lack of support for the arts, though,” he said.

Weidel influenced generations of Benicia youngsters. Parent Elisabeth Gulick enrolled her daughter in Weidel’s first class and believes Weidel was a brilliant educator, way ahead of her time.

“She believed in ‘process art’ which means that kids very early on have ways to explore art materials they find in everyday life. It was all about learning to explore,” Gulick said. “I was in awe of her. I really believed in her. She had a huge influence. The town really knows her as an educator, and the show at the library will help show people that Bonnie had this other side.”

A public reception for A Gathering of Work by Katrina Van Male and Bonnie Weidel takes place 2-4pm, Saturday, April 2. For more details go to benicialibrary.org/gallery.

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Interview with Jamie Calderwood What do you do as site supervisor for Habitat?

By Sue Sumner Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight Jamie Calderwood realized something as a kid that still shapes his life at age 68: Building a fort with your friends is “the funnest thing there is,” he recalls with broad smile. “So now I’m building houses with friends.”

Jamie is a site supervisor for Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity. The part-time job makes use of his construction skills and eased the move from teaching shop for 35 years at Benicia Middle School. “It was a huge transition when I retired.

The middle school was part of me,” he says, his emotions close to the surface as he describes building BMS’ climbing wall and making benches for First Street and Benicia’s cemeteries.

He retired in 2009. When friends asked what he planned to do next, he talked about doing projects at his historic home in downtown Benicia and rebuilding his beloved 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible from the frame up. “But I could see myself being stuck in the shop, isolated from everyone,” he says. “I missed having a group of equals, all working on the same thing.”

Jamie still spends time in his home shop, but his job for Habitat often extends beyond the weekly allotment of 25 hours. He first volunteered with Habitat in 2001 on a project in Benicia and became an employee in 2010. He estimates he’s worked on 20 to 30 homes locally and elsewhere over the years, renovating some and building others from the ground up.

Kathy Hoffman, board member and development director for Solano-Napa Habitat, laughs as she describes Jamie on work sites. “We were working on houses in Fairfield two or three years ago, and Jamie and two of the other guys were giggling. Not laughing, but giggling. They just so thoroughly enjoy each other,” she says. “More and more, people will show up to work and say to Jamie, ‘You were my shop teacher however many years ago.’ ” Jamie moved to Benicia in 1976. He and his wife, Marsha Stohr, raised their now-adult children in Benicia and became grandparents to Calliope this year.

I run a crew, which means I figure out how to build this house, figure out what jobs need to be done that day.

If we have 15 people coming, I have to be able to say, “You five do this, you three do that and you two work together on this other thing.”

A huge part of this is me being able to clearly say what I’m asking you to do, then coming back 10 minutes later and checking to see that everything is going well. You don’t just assign someone a job and walk away. A lot of it is teaching myself what to say.

Did your years in the classroom help prepare you for your Habitat job?

Running a job site is a lot like running a classroom. Kids are little people, but they’re still people. You want to provide clear feedback: Do it this way, don’t do it that way. If somebody builds it wrong, it’s my fault because I didn’t communicate the directions clearly. I should have said something a different way.

That’s true at a job site and in a classroom.

When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

I was 8 years old and I was building a hamster cage, and my older brother John came in and said he had this class called woodshop.

I couldn’t believe there was a class to build things. But he said the teacher was terrible and told me, “You should do that.” I knew then that’s what I wanted to do.

I walked into high school as a freshman and told the counselor, “I want to teach shop.”

What have you learned from your work with Habitat?

I’ve learned how to efficiently use large crews. If you have 15 people,

you can’t be in 15 places at once so you have to be able to clearly direct people to work on different tasks so they make progress.

If someone comes in to volunteer and they don’t feel like they did anything, they won’t come back. I want them to picture what they did in the house that made a difference.

It might be some finishing work that everyone will see for years, or it might be something inside the walls that isn’t seen but is still important.

I want everyone to feel good about what they did, that their time was not wasted.

Why do you do this?

It’s fun. I would not be doing this if it wasn’t fun.

Well, it’s not always fun. There are times my alarm goes off at 5:30 and I have to be at Home Depot at 6:30 and I think, “Oh, man.”

A lot of times I’d like to be a volunteer—walking the top plate (the top board of a wall under construction) and talking trash instead of walking around with a clipboard.

How did you learn your construction skills?

It was on my first house here in Benicia, on Buena Vista. I did everything wrong. I used masking tape on the wallboard (laughing at the memory). I didn’t know any better. …

And by working with people like (contractor) Scott Deane. I learned there are people you can call for advice and they will help you.

What stands out in your memories of BMS?

We were always supported. Ron Garcia (PE teacher) wanted to do a climbing wall in the gym. We had this big, beautiful new gym, and we convinced the Site Council to give us $2,700 for a climbing wall. They took this huge leap of faith to have students do the project, with all the permits, of course. So when you’re

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up 25 feet on the wall—with a rope, of course—there is this big hold just out of reach. You have to take a leap to reach it—it’s called the Site Council Leap of Faith.

I remember I wanted the kids to build scroll work benches. Sue Hutchison (BMS principal at the time) gave us $500 seed money.

In other situations, I’m not sure that would have happened. There are three of those benches at the bottom of First Street. They were sponsored by the Benicia Historical Society and all made by middle school kids and installed by middle school kids. All those welds are by middle school kids. There also are benches in all the cemeteries, a total of seven or eight around town.

ON DECK THIS SEASON FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS.

What do you do to relax?

I play in the garden. By play, I mean I sit a lot with a glass of wine. I play with my dog—I’m a real dog lover. I do play a little bit of guitar and a little bit of piano, but not very well. I do a little bit of reading, and we love to go antiquing. I also love yoga.

What’s next for you?

I’m going to watch Calliope grow up, and there are a lot of neat train trips we’d like to take.

As far as Habitat goes, I hope to evolve back to being a volunteer and go back to building.

Oh—have you ever heard of a slackline? It’s like a tightrope, but it’s slack and it’s closer to the ground. It helps with your balance.

You can get younger balance-wise as you get older physically. I put one in my shop. One of my goals this year is to learn to walk the slack line.

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Calderwood’s Springtime Home Maintenance Tips The longer days of spring provide a chance to spruce up our homes after the winter.

Jamie Calderwood would be the first to say he’s more of a “fix it when it breaks” guy than a maintenance guru. “When my friends read this, I am going to hear a lot of ‘Jamie, you don't do all that stuff,’ so I’m feeling a little hypocritical,” he says with his characteristic good humor.

Still, he offers these tips for springtime home maintenance: — Run the drip watering system to look for leaks and check that each plant is getting water.

— Clean gutters and downspouts to be ready for springtime rains.

— Sharpen garden tools to make using them much easier.

— Fix dripping faucets. “This is a good idea year-round, but especially when more water is being used in the summer,” he says.

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THE FASHION FORCE

TRENDS

AWAKENS AT

By Christina Strawbridge Sometimes it seems as if Benicia is in its own galaxy. The small town on the Carquinez Straits has been the home of generals, the US Army and President Ulysses S. Grant. Its shoreline has seen the fleets of warriors and even a wayward whale. What sets this town apart is not only those whom it attracted in the past, but those of us who proudly call it home in this century.

The city's quality of life is the envy of folks who have had the Benicia experience either as a visitor or a resident. Having been involved with the community over 30 years, I have come to the realization that it's a behind-the-scenes crew who make the magic happen. We’re a full-service city with our own police and fire departments, top ranked schools, water and waste water treatment plants, first class library, 21 city parks and two state parks—the only state parks in Solano County. There are 192 dedicated employees working in 12 departments, who oversee the day-to-day "magic force" of Benicia. There is a certain pride that comes with working for the town, from the parks maintenance staff keeping the grass green (or a nice shade of draught brown) to the public works "storm troopers" who clear the drains and roads in preparation for El Niño.

Adding to the magic is the Administrative Professionals Day Fashion Show and Luncheon, now in its 7th year. The annual event benefits the Community Action Council Senior Meals Program. Each year a theme is selected that coordinates with the show’s music, costumes and decor. This year, The Fashion Force Awakens was selected as the theme due to the popularity of Star Wars and the fun possibilities it brings to the runway.

In previous years, Alice in Wonderland, James Bond, The British Invasion, The Great Gatsby, New York, and The 70s rocked the Clock

ANNUAL RUNWAY SHOW

Tower. Runway models have included local luminaries such as Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, city council member Alan Schwartzman, county supervisor Linda Seifert and members of city staff. City manager Brad Kilger usually steals the show with his catwalk moves, along with Heather McLaughlin, our city attorney. Other department heads, including finance director Karin Schnaider, principle planner Amy Million, community development director Christina Ratcliffe, library director Diane Smikahl and human resources analyst Kim Imboden have all answered the model call. Adding to the force this year is chief of police Erick Upson, who agreed after witnessing the fun last year. Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Hans Solo and perhaps Yoda might make an appearance, along with women's fashion from Christina S and menswear from Napa’s Williamson and Company. Hair and makeup for the local supermodels will be done by the stylists at First Impressions.

The event hours are 11:30am-2:30pm, April 27th, at the Benicia Clock Tower. The luncheon will be catered by Randy and Ann-Marie Ramos of 907 Grill & Catering; and flowers, courtesy of Smitten Flowers, is owned by Kate Gibbs, who also is the deputy city clerk for Benicia. Interior designer Michael Trahan will add his expertise, creating the stage backdrop. CAC Board Member Michele Hughes will chair the event, and her husband, councilman Mark Hughes, is in charge of set up, take down and hanging the tarp for the model's dressing rooms. Benicia is made up of talented people who give back to the town and its residents, and are dedicated to its place in the galaxy. May the force of fashion be with you!

Photos: CAC Fashion Show & Luncheon 2015. Top: Chloe Jean with Kevin Frazier, Right: Elizabeth and Bill Tageson, Bottom: City Manager Brad Kilger; Benicia Magazine archives.

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Call 707.746.4285 or visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us Parks & Community Services.

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Putting the HUMAN TOUCH back into travel planning

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Rotary Club of Benicia Foundation presents

Casino Night & Texas Hold’em A delightful evening of gaming, finger food & fun at the Benicia Clock Tower

Friday, May 6, 6:30-10pm

Benefitting BHS Sports Programs, Interact Club and the Rotary Club of Benicia Foundation Casino Games • Raffle Prizes • Wine & Beer No Host Bar • Catered Food

Suggested Donation: $40 - Casino Night only $60 - Texas Hold’em + Casino Night play Tickets: BrownPaperTickets.com 707.743.0143 or BeniciaRotary.org

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April 2016 Events Benicia Education Foundation Run for Education

4/10, 7am-12pm First Street Green First & B Streets, Benicia

Support Benicia schools at the 9th Benicia Education Foundation Run for Education. This event is a fantastic, family-friendly event for first-time runners to expert athletes.

Proceeds benefit the Benicia Education Foundation, a volunteerrun, community-based non-profit organization that helps fund library and technology programs in the Benicia Unified School District. All events highlight Benicia's rich history starting from the beautiful First Street Green 10K Chip Timed Run, 5K Chip Timed Run or the 1-mile Fun Run for kids 12 & under and shop & stroll for non-runners.

Beniciarunforeducation.org 866.325.6395

Arts Benicia Presents Next Generation

4/1-4/10 Arts Benicia Gallery 771 Tyler Street, Suite 114, Benicia Arts Benicia is proud to present the creative talents of the next generation of artists with this exhibition created specifically for Benicia students.

Student artwork ranging from kindergartners through high school seniors will be displayed in this diverse presentation of creative expression.

Student artists from all Benicia schools, after school and private art education programs will exhibit their work at the Arts Benicia Gallery.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Napa Valley Museum Presents Napa Valley Collects

4/7-6/26 Opening Reception 7/4, 5-7pm Napa Valley Museum 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville Napa Valley Collects, honoring the region’s private art collectors, is an exhibition presented at the Napa Valley Museum in partnership with Arts Council Napa Valley and Visit Napa Valley. The exhibition includes

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significant works from outstanding art collections throughout the Napa Valley. Now in its fourth year, the exhibition has attracted more collectors than ever to display their work alongside prestigious alumni.

Napavalleymuseum.org 707.944.0500

Lynch Canyon Kite Festival

4/9, 11am-4pm 3100 Lynch Road off McGary Road, American Canyon Save the date for Lynch Canyon's 8th annual Kite Festival, sponsored by Solano Land Trust. Bring your own kite and water. Everyone is welcome, whether a novice or expert kite flyer. Off trail access allowed for this special event—lots of room for all! All proceeds help Solano County Parks keep this land open and safe.

Solanolandtrust.org 707.784.6765

Barkitecture Gala and Auction: Bark to the 80s

4/9, 6:30-10:30pm McCormick Hall Solano County Fairgrounds 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo Join this exuberant party for food,

wine & 80s themed fun hosted by the Humane Society of the Northbay where volunteer animal lovers work overtime to ensure a great time! Enjoy lively music and both live and silent auctions. All proceeds go to benefit the animals at the Humane Society of the North Bay. Hsnb.org 707.645.7905 x102

door neighbors Sonia (a porn star) and husband Raymond, who, ever striving to keep up with the Joneses, have now kept down with them by building their own underground shelter. By a strange set of circumstances, the neighbors are also trapped and neither neighbor wants to admit this to the other.

Hilarious complications ensue until everyone gets out.

Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.org 707.746.1269

Benicia Old Town Theatre Group Presents Keeping Down Benicia with the Joneses Mini-Maker Faire 4/15-5/7, Fridays & Saturdays 8pm Sundays 2pm Historic B.D.E.S. Hall 140 West J Street, Benicia Geoffrey Jones is convinced that the Russians are about to launch a nuclear strike against England. He builds a bomb shelter equipped with everything he, his wife Deirdre, and her mother will need to last out such a strike.

They plan to try it out for three weeks when, inadvertently, they’re trapped inside with his uptight mother-inlaw, a handsome phone installer, the lovely Swedish nanny and an Indian milkman. They try to make the best of it, when who should enter through a side hatch but their provocative next

4/16, 10am-5pm Benicia Middle School 1100 Southampton Road, Benicia Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth—a familyfriendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker Movement.

It’s a place where people show what they are making, and share what they are learning. Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers. They are of all ages and backgrounds. The aim of Maker Faire is to entertain, inform, connect and grow this community.

Beniciamakerfaire.com

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Keeping Our Heads above Water: Dealing with the Effects of Climate Change

An evening forum presented by League of Women Voters Benicia 4/21, 6:30-8:30pm Benicia Community Center, 401 East L Street, Benicia Benicia League of Women Voters brings together three experts to discuss climate change, its effects, its implications for city planning and Benicia’s own Climate Action Plan. Join local scientists for this free, informative and educational evening.

Lwvbenicia.org

Arts Benicia Open Studios Preview Exhibition

4/23-5/8 Arts Benicia Gallery, 771 Tyler Street Suite 114, Benicia This year’s annual weekend-long celebration takes place Saturday & Sunday, May 7 & 8 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Benicia is well known for its vibrant artist community and this is the biggest art event of the year, well known throughout the Bay and beyond. Each year scores of artists open the doors of their live/work and studio spaces throughout Benicia’s Historic Arsenal District and all over town, providing a unique glimpse into their creative world.

See the preview exhibition with work from participating artists.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Benicia Classic Car Show

4/24, 9am-3pm First Street Green, Benicia The 23rd Annual Benicia Classic Car Show will bring together classic car owners and enthusiasts from all over the Bay Area for a day of fun, music, and competition. The event is hosted by a dedicated group of Benicia High School Band students and their booster friends and families. All proceeds go directly to support the awardwinning Benicia High School Panther Marching Band program. Vendor booths will sell food, crafts and car related merchandise. Sites.google. com/a/pantherbandboosters.com/ beniciaclassiccarshow

Opening Day of Benicia Main Street’s Certified Farmers Market

4/28, 4pm First & D Streets, Benicia Benicia’s ever-popular Farmers Market returns this month at its spectacular

waterfront location! Benicia Main Street draws thousands of people to this popular market Thursdays from April through October. The market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts and crafts, live entertainment and face painting.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

Administrative Professionals Day Fashion Show & Luncheon

4/27, 1:30-2:30pm Historic Clocktower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia This lively annual event, with city dignitaries walking the catwalk, benefits the Community Action Council Senior Meals Program. The theme for this year’s event is Star Wars. Enjoy a catered lunch and see local luminaries light up the runway.

Bencac.com/about.asp 707.745.0900

Spring into Giving

4/30-5/7, all day First Street, Benicia At the annual First Street open house, merchants welcome the public inside for in-store promotions geared towards Spring & Summer. Donate an item to Benicia Main Street for the Benicia Family Resource Center and receive a 10% off of a passport that is valid with participating downtown merchants.

Some restrictions may apply.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

Peppino D’Agostino in Concert

4/30, 8pm, doors open at 7 pm Stone Hall Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Peppino D'Agostino returns to the Benicia Historical Museum!

The acclaimed artist emerged on the musical scene in the late 1980s and helped redefine the boundaries of the acoustic guitar. His virtuosic technique, penchant for open tunings, and percussive effects are the basis of his unique compositional style which has been inspiring musicians and audiences alike for years. His current album, Penumbra, was met with great reviews and airplay around the world. Penumbra is the perfect illustration of how D'Agostino balances his interest in classical guitar and his older steel-string style.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

BENICIA UNIFIED A Community of Schools

21st CENTURY LEARNING THAT INCLUDES

Creativity Critical Thinking Collaboration Community Our schools are student-centered, safe & welcoming and forward thinking.

Benicia Unified School District 350 East K Street, Benicia, CA 707.747.8300 • www.beniciaunified.org

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Voices of Broadway Concerts

May 21, 2016 7:00PM Lincoln Theater 100 California Dr. Yountville, CA 707.944.9900 lincolntheater.com Tickets at VOENA.org venue websites

Photo · Cindi Stephan · twoirises.com

May 14, 2016 7:00PM Napa Valley Opera House 1030 Main St. Napa, CA nvoh.org

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IA

We are passionate about Homeownership

PLUMBIN

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707. 746. 4920

www.BeniciaPlumbing.com CA Lic. #329632

Lic. by Dept. of Corp. under the CRMLA

Best of 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2103 & 2014

615 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

advancedmtg.com

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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Celebrating 25 Years

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

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment

"Allan, Susy & Mary Ann helped me so much just making the right choices. Thanks." —John L

4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Contractor's License # 687979

707-745-2100 • aqc@aqchome.com

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