Benicia Magazine December 2010

beniciamagazine.com

Fabulous Gifts Under $50 New! Steal of the Month The Glass Half Full: Benicia's Real Estate Market Interview with Del Lacey & the Story Behind the "Disney Court"

B FC

BENICIA FLOOR COMPANY

Committed to Excellence in Customer Service

84 Solano Square in Safeway Shopping Center, Benicia

Voted #1 Flooring Company in Solano County

BENICIA FLOOR COMPANY Hardwood I Tile I Laminate I Carpet Professional I Reliable I On-Time Installations I Competitive Pricing Large Showroom with Excellent Selection

CSL #891342

707-745-9024 M–F 10 to 5:30 l Sat. 10 to 3 or by appointment www.beniciafloorcompany.com

m

W

tS ys te

fo r

NE Co m

Finally, a sofa that can read body language.

5)& *//07"5034 0' $0.'035™

StresslessŽ sofas with ErgoAdapt™ The new system for unlimited flexibility and comfort The StresslessŽ sofa with ErgoAdapt™ system built into both safa and long seat make the seats tilt automatically as you sit down - providing the perfect degree of comfort and support. Lying down you’ll enjoy how the slighthly oversized seats stay completely flat. Intelligent technology for and all-family comfort zone!

The new StresslessŽ ErgoAdapt™ system automatically tilts the seat as you sit down providing the perfect degree of comfort and support.

When you lie down, the seats stay completely flat, offering exquisite comfort and giving you the full advantage of the oversized seat.

,URQ+RUVH +RPH )XUQLVKLQJV 'RZQWRZQ 'JSTU 4USFFU #FOJDJB $" t

,URQ+RUVH +RPH )XUQLVKLQJV 'DQYLOOH )BSU[ "WF %BOWJMMF $" t

,URQ+RUVH +RPH )XUQLVKLQJV $UVHQDO (SBOU 4USFFU #FOJDJB $" t

,URQ+RUVH+RPH)XUQLVKLQJV FRP

BeniciaMagazine.com

’s m

Be

17

Historical Muse a i u c ni

Fabulous Gifts Under

6

$

50

18

9

15

Inside What's New at beniciamagazine.com

5

Events Calendar

5

Contributors

DeWitt Cheng Renée Jordan Mary Marino Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

Photographer

Jerry Bowles

Graphic Design Editor

A Great Place to Call Home

6

Interview with Del Lacey 9 Fabulous Gifts Under $50

11

Fashionista: Finding the Perfect Gift 15

4

Benicia Magazine

Christmas Tree Safety

16

Steal of the Month

16

Looking Back

17

Local Painter's Powerful Exhibit

18

Publisher

Margaret Bowles Jeanne Steinmann Polygon Publishing, LLC

Ad Sales: 707.853.5226 editor@beniciamagazine.com Printed locally with soy ink Please recycle PO Box 296, Benicia, CA 94510 T 707.853.5226 • F 707.745.6757 Ad changes/editorial deadlines: the 1st of the prior issue month New ads: the 8th of the month editor@beniciamagazine.com

All opinions expressed in this magazine, including articles and paid advertisements, are those of the authors alone. Ad positions near articles or other ads are not intended as endorsements for any product, service, opinion, or political affiliation.

This month at

Beniciamagazine.com Bookshop Benicia’s recommended recent biographies

Benicia, Wine Country & Lake Tahoe calendars

Poetry Contest

Read our blogs!

Have your poem featured on the website

Photo Contest

• Stocking stuffers for everyone • Delicious and easy holiday brunch • Local sources for holiday decor

Submit your pic for Photo of the Month

Party Pics & Videos

Sustainability

Happenings

Sign up for

Weekends Our FREE e-newsletter with the best local, regional and national events

Calendar of Events

Style

Travel

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, Wreaths & Garlands 10am-8pm New tree lot at the Camel Barn, open every day Fundraiser for Historical Museum & Genesis House Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org, 707.745.5435

12/2-12/5

Glass Blowers Annual Open Studios

12/3

Glass blowing, sales items, refreshments www.lindsayartglass.com www.nourotglass.com www.smyersglass.com

12/2-12/19

Small Works Exhibition, Thurs-Sun 12-5pm

12/4

Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House Guided Tours 1-4pm Capitol tour 1-4pm, Fischer-Hanlon tour, 2pm Thursdays and Fridays in December 115 West G Street, 707.745.3375

12/9

12/11

Christmas Parade & Holiday Market 10am-3pm First & D Streets, bands, dancers, Santa Claus Beniciamainstreet.org, 707.745.9791

Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org, 707.745.4770

12/11-12/12

Arsenal Open Studios 10am-4pm Gift items, art, clothing, collectibles & more Tyler, Grant, Lincoln & Jackson Streets, Benicia

12/15

Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm Library Dona Benicia Rom Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org, 707.746.4343

Holiday Parlor Home Tour 1pm 12/18

It’s A Wrap! 8am-8pm Wrap up Holiday Shopping in Downtown Benicia Beniciamainstreet.org, 707.745.9791

Teddy Bear Tea Party 10:30, 1pm & 3:30pm Holiday-themed afternoon tea, storytelling & singing Camellia Tea Room, call for reservations 828 First Street, 707.746.5293 Beniciamainstreet.org, 707.745.9791

Burgers Brew & Bling 6-9pm Men’s shopping night w/help from First St. businesses Beniciamainstreet.org, 707.745.9791

Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House Free visit, cookies & cider Visit Saint Nicholas & make an ornament, Sat 12/11 115 West G Street, 707.745.3385

Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting, 6-9pm

Benicia Library Exhibit, artist Biganess Livingstone Exhibition featuring acrylic and monotypes Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org, 707.746.4343

12/11

Tour 6 historic homes & Commanding Officer’s Qrts Historical Society & Soroptimists of Benicia 707.745.3551

12/5

12/6-1/8

Capitol Holiday Open House Fri 6-9pm, Sat 11-2

Treats, carolers, wagon rides, wine tasting First Street Downtown Beniciamainstreet.org, 707.745.9791

Small pieces by local & regional artists, original gifts Arts Benicia Gallery, Artsbenicia.org, 707.747.0131

12/2-12/31

• Art glass • Interior design consultation • Lodging, dining & spa package

December 12/3 & 12/11

12/1-12/24

Enter to Win!

12/31

House of Floyd Concert at Benicia High 8pm Pink Floyd Tribute Concert Haley Horn Auditorium, 1101 Military West Tickets 707.746.7565

A Great Place to Call Home

By Renée Jordan Owner/Broker, Jordan Real Estate, Inc. I can hardly believe that another year has almost come and gone and the holidays are just around the corner. 2010 has been a year filled with economic challenges for many of us and the real estate market continues to ebb and flow. I think we are all a bit overwhelmed by the twenty-four hour news updates about national housing statistics—some of which seem to be conflicting, or confusing at the least. As I was writing this article—which addresses the current status of real estate in Solano County and Benicia in particular—I was determined to see the glass as half full, and focus on the positive aspects and trends I see happening in the local market and in our hometown.

In my last article I mentioned how fortunate we are that Benicia’s real estate market has been affected far less by the recession than our neighboring cities, and that still holds true today. Although the number of homes sold this year has decreased, Solano County as a whole has shown an upward trend in the average selling price compared to the same period of time last year (See statistical chart from BARIES MLS,® dated October 15, 2010). Benicia has remained relatively steady since last year, with a median price of $427,500 for an existing, single-family detached home sold during the month of September—which is well above the September median price of $309,900 for a home sold in California.

We are all collectively looking for some sign of stability in our marketplace, and—short of having a crystal ball—it is difficult to make firm predictions for the upcoming year. However, California Association of Realtors® recently released its California Housing Market Forecast for 2011, and “after two consecutive years of record-setting declines, the median home price in California will climb 11.5% for the 2011 year to $306,500,” and the economists do predict small increases in both home sales and median home price in 2011.

I have had the good fortune to live and work in this area for the past twenty plus years, and find stability

6

Benicia Magazine

Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc. Southern Solano County Two-Month Closed Sales Report Residential: SFR, Condo-Co-op, Farms & Ranches, Mobile & Floating Homes

Status: SOLD September 2009

September 2010

Total Properties Sold 235

Total Properties Sold: 160 List Price

Sold Price

DOM

List Price

Sold Price

DOM

Average:

$183,303

$186,912

52

Average:

$204,730

$204,358

60

Median:

$148,400

$149,000

22

Median:

$154,990

$155,000

39

High:

$795,000

$773,650

524

High:

$998,000

$874,500

439

Low:

$25,000

$25,000

0

Low:

$42,500

$37,000

0

Adj. Average:

$181,357

$185,089

51

Adj. Average:

$201,748

$201,176

59

$199,436

$198,376

58

August 2009

August 2010

Total Properties Sold 238 Average:

Total Properties Sold: 168 $190,498

$192,440

62

Average:

Median:

$159,000

$168,000

30

Median:

$165,000

$165,000

39

High:

$635,000

$575,000

791

High:

$565,000

$552,500

329

Low:

$14,500

$14,500

0

Low:

$25,000

$26,400

0

Adj. Average:

$189,360

$191,573

59

Ad. Average:

$198,285

$197,278

58

Statistics reported from BAREIS MLS® October 15, 2010. Information herein believed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright© 2009 by Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Adjusted average does not include the high and low sale data. BAREIS.com

in the sense of community that most Benicians share.

Benicia continues to be a very desirable area to live and is known for its reputable schools, main street charm & family focus, waterfront activities and thriving art community. There are many wonderful opportunities to get involved, which help to create a sense of balance in an uncertain time. I have found my passion in the Arts, and have been an active member of the Board of Directors of Arts Benicia, www.artsbenicia.org, which maintains a renowned gallery and is responsible for many of the wonderful artists' events throughout the

year. They also offer an array of classes for budding & advanced artists of all ages. If you are a current resident and have not taken advantage the many wonderful local activities or programs that are available, please take some time to enjoy some of these amenities: check out www.VisitBenicia.org. If you are new to Benicia, it is still a great time to buy a home. Home prices are still favorable and interest rates continue to be historically low. I am sure you will find the same warmth and sense of community that I have come to enjoy. B

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

707-745-7534 December 2010

CommunityNEWS Refinery-Wide Preventive Maintenance Planned The Valero Benicia Refinery will begin a planned, refinery-wide maintenance project in the next few weeks to maintain the safe and reliable operation of its facilities. Normal refinery operations will be suspended at the end of December and the work will continue through the start of the new year.

This planned, preventive maintenance activity, referred to as a turnaround, will be performed by skilled personnel who will shut down refinery units, conduct inspections, and service equipment. Maintenance work will be conducted around-the-clock and at peak times: over 1,300 workers will be on-site at any given time. At the height of activity, it is expected that approximately 3,000 workers, including 500 Valero employees, will be working at the refinery.

As processing units are taken out of service, some flaring is anticipated.

Flaring is a safety measure designed to burn-off excess gas in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Flaring is regulated by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

“The refinery will make every effort to minimize any inconvenience to the community,” said Doug Comeau, vice president and general manager.

“We’re committed to being a good neighbor and running a safe and environmentally sound operation. This turnaround work is necessary for safe and reliable refinery operations.”

During the upcoming turnaround, the new Flue Gas Scrubber (FGS) unit, designed, reviewed, and permitted as part of the larger project known as the Valero Improvement Project (VIP), will be “tied-in” to processing units and obsolete equipment will be removed from service. The FGS will also reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. The FGS project also includes equipment to heat crude oil more efficiently and produce steam without consuming any additional fuel.

Provisions have been made to avoid any disruption of gasoline supplies to customers for the duration of the turnaround.

Valero employees and contractors purchased school supplies and backpacks for 153 schoolchildren prior to the start of the 2010-2011 school year. Backpacks were presented to the Benicia Community Action Council, Shelter, Inc., Solano County Office of Education, Opportunity House, and ImpACT for distribution to disadvantaged youth.

Benicia resident and Valero employee Carole Nail delivered a supply of backpacks to the Benicia CAC where Ben Fraser, Ronnie Jacchico, and Executive Director Viola Robertson welcomed her. Nail was a project coordinator for the Valero Volunteer Council backpack project, along with Valero employees Maria Onedera and Colleen Kraus.

What is a turnaround?

A turnaround is planned maintenance to inspect, repair, and replace refinery equipment. During smaller turnaround projects, some parts of the refinery remain operational. During a refinery-wide turnaround, normal refinery operations are interrupted so maintenance work can be conducted that could not otherwise be performed when the refinery is fully operational.

Why are turnarounds performed?

The primary reason that turnarounds are conducted is to allow time to perform preventive maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operations.

How long will the refinery-wide turnaround last?

This planned maintenance activity is expected to last from late December 2010 into February 2011.

Will there be flaring associated with this maintenance?

Yes, as processing units are taken out of service, and as they are returned to service, flaring is expected. Flaring is a safety measure designed to burn-off excess gas in a safe and environmentally sound manner.

What affect will this turnaround have on the supply of gasoline?

We have been planning this maintenance project for some time and have made provisions to avoid any disruption of gasoline supplies to our customers.

Fast Facts: The Valero Benicia Refinery recently distributed $375,000 to 31 children’s charities and programs including Reach Out in Benicia, the Benicia Community Action Council, and the Benicia Historical Museum.

The money was raised at the 2010 Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children Golf Classic.

Safety First: Be sure to purchase a multipurpose fire extinguisher in your home with an ABC rating.

BeniciaMagazine.com

Introducing:

~Joanie Schwartz~ Licensed Aesthetician

Committed to Your Good Health

Earthly Nutrition

You are invited to experience Hollywood's newest Oxygen Infusion Facial Available exclusively at

P M A

PIEL MEDICAL AESTHETICS Beauty from the Inside Out

1440 East 2nd Street, Suite C Benicia, CA 94510 707.745.3040 pielmedspa.com

$

10 off with coupon New clients only Expires 1/15/11

-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ Ă•ĂƒĂŒÂœÂ“iĂ€ĂƒĂŠ-ˆ˜ViÊ£™Çä

Capitol Glass Co., Inc. WINDOWS, SHOWERS, TABLE TOPS, STOREFRONTS

707.745.4570

Time is running out!

F Federal Tax Creditt up to

1500

$

for energy efficient windows ENDS 12/31/10 Other discounts may apply

3

License # 855587

Ask about our windows & doors Low E Glass lifetime warranty including glass breaka breakage brea age

8

5000 East 2nd Street, Ste. H, Benicia, CA

ÂœÂ“ÂŤÂ?ˆ“iÂ˜ĂŒ>Ă€ĂžĂŠÂˆÂ˜Â‡Â…ÂœÂ“iĂŠiĂƒĂŒÂˆÂ“>ĂŒiĂƒĂŠUĂŠ ÂœĂŠĂƒĂ•LVÂœÂ˜ĂŒĂ€>VĂŒÂœĂ€Ăƒ

www.capitolglassbenicia.com www capitolglassbenicia com

Benicia Magazine

Quality Vitamins, Herbs, Dietary Supplements and Sports Nutrition 872 Southampton Road, Benicia, CA 94510

707.747.5782

10% Discount :LWK WKLV DG ‡ ([SLUHV -DQXDU\

An Interview with

Del Lacey

By Sue Sumner-Moore Del Lacey’s artwork is found throughout Benicia, although many people don’t realize he created the logos and characters they see.

His talent is behind the logos for several agencies, including the Benicia Historical Museum and the City. “You see it on your water bill,” Del says.

“Just don’t blame me for the bill itself.” He also created the smiling frog that is the mascot of the library’s Trivia Bee, and he’s working on his 20th adaptation of that character for the 2011 fundraiser.

And each December, hundreds of people visit the characters displayed on the lawns of Sorrell Court, better known as the Disney Court.

Del is quick to point out that the seven families created their own figures – he just put some finishing touches on them. He insists he’s not the creator of the beloved Benicia holiday tradition.

“This is all my neighbor Wendy’s fault,” he says, his trademark grin spreading across his face. “I can’t take much credit. I have my hands on every piece, but I’m the victim here. I went into this kicking and screaming.”

Neighbor Wendy Portolos doesn’t remember it that way, just as Del predicted.

“He’s the culprit, but we all did it together,” she says, although she admits other neighbors also hold her responsible as they set up the display each year.

“Hey, just look at the artwork and put blame where it belongs,” she says, also laughing.

Del, 57, grew up in Benicia, playing in its fields and along its shore. “I used to go to Boy Scout meetings at the Harvey’s house – the mansion on West K,” he says. “We played pool on a slate pool table with a moose head hanging on the wall.”

He is the oldest of five children who were nurtured by their creative mother and other imaginative relatives. He graduated from Benicia High in 1971 and attended Solano Community College until he joined the city’s Planning Department in 1973. He retired after 35 years and now works part time as an artist for Trader Joe’s in Concord. He loves his 1965 Mustang and old cars in general, his many friends and especially his family. He lives in Benicia with his wife, Katie.

Have you always drawn?

I was your typical nerdy kid – I drew all the time, built model airplanes. I’ve got drawings that I did back in kindergarten. My mother saved them and gave them to me 5 or 10 years ago. One of them is a fire truck; another is my grandfather in his 1950 Plymouth.

Did you think you’d grow up to be an artist?

I grew up thinking I would be a pirate. We moved in with my grandparents on West K Street when I was very young. …

Across the street was the bay with no houses there, just mud, rocks, clams, and dead fish. So I’d watch Popeye and think I’d be a pirate.

What all did you do during your 35 years with the Planning Department?

My job title was planning assistant, then graphic illustrator.

Over the years, people learned to do their own graphics on the computer, and by then I’d learned the zoning code. So I started working the counter. I wanted to help people who weren’t sure what to do. …

I spent 35 years in the same building. My desk ended up in the same place where I started – well, within 5 feet of where my first desk was. I worked at five different locations in the building and, off and on, I worked with more than 100 different people.

Holiday Lighting The Disney display on Sorrell Court will be a bright spot on dark winter nights this year with the absence of the high-wattage Adobe display.

Adobe’s decision to skip decorating this year is a sign of the economic times, Adobe director Pat Purvis says.

“We’re going to do it next year,” he promises. “It’s gotten to be a very costly event for us and with the economy down, we just aren’t able to do it this year.” He estimates the display costs about $15,000 a year for replacement bulbs and other supplies, the electric bill and ceremony expenses.

“Also, we’re not able to do jobs through the season because we have to start working on this on Sept. 1. It takes about 900 man hours to put everything up, start to finish,” Pat says.

Another Benicia standard, the Winter Wonderland yard decorating contest, ended in 2008 after more than 10 years.

The Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific competition started in the mid-1990s, a couple of years after Southampton discontinued its similar Home for the Holidays contest, says Rod Herman.

Herman handled public relations for Southampton when it launched the decorating contest, and suggested Coldwell Banker resume the competition when he joined the brokerage. The real estate company produced a map each year so people could drive to see the elaborate displays.

As the number of entries declined, the real estate agency decided to discontinue the contest, explained Richard Bortolazzo, co-owner of Coldwell Banker. “It’s kind of sad that it petered out,” he says. “My general impression is that many of them still do it, but just stopped entering in part because you couldn’t be a repeat winner.”

The original contest spurred the homeowners on Sorrell Court to start the Disney display in the late 1980s. The seven homeowners selected characters for their individual yards, cut the plywood and did the initial painting on each of the pieces.

Del Lacey did the final highlighting, shading and inking to finish each character.

Neighbors put up the figures from Beauty and the Beast, 101 Dalmations, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Pinocchio and other Disney classics for about two weeks each December. Look for the characters to reappear about a week before Christmas, says neighbor Wendy Portolos.

What do you do at Trader Joe’s?

Did you take art classes?

In my senior year, four of my classes were art classes. Our art teacher was Rebecca Calpe. She was probably 25 to 30 years old, and she got us. You couldn’t fool her. She was a wonderful teacher – she was a hippie art teacher. … I know she was disappointed when I went to work for the city. She thought art was everything.

The fun thing about Trader Joe’s is that I get to do what I like. I’m there two or three days a week. The first year … I was doing production stuff – making point-of-purchase signs, those tiny signs for every product. Each one is done individually. …

Now I’m working the register half of the time, and I get to do larger projects. I built the airplane and the guy climbing the cliff for the Clif Bars.

How did you become a city employee?

When did the Disney display start?

Lee Syracuse, who was working in the Planning Department as a contractor then, asked my friend Jeff Dennis … if he knew anyone who could draw, and Jeff thought of me. …

I had all this long hair and holes in my jeans and I looked like Arlo Guthrie, and Lee looked at me and said, “Son, can you draw these old buildings so we can show landlords what they could look like?” and I said, “Sure.” One thing about Lee, he saw the potential of downtown Benicia early on. …

My interview with the city manager consisted of him asking me if I’d ever been arrested. I told him no, and I was hired.

It started around 1987 or ’88. The first year we didn’t realize how much it was going to cost and we had the lights on as soon as the sun went down, all during December. … We won a $300 prize that first year and we donated it to CAC. Then, a couple of weeks later, we got our PG&E bills.

We do it now for about two weeks. People start worrying because it’s not up – but that’s because it costs about $100 per house for those two weeks. …

Continued on page 21

BeniciaMagazine.com

Simply Sim ly B Beautiful aut ful u

C o n t r a c t o r ’s L i c e n s e # 8 6 4 8 5 3

Celebrating Our 12th Year

Benicia

FairďŹ eld Your #1 source for complete kitchens, bathrooms and much more! re!

Visit our showroom at: 736 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510 t #FOJDJBIPNFJNQ DPN Financing available on approved credit, some restrictions apply.

10

Benicia Magazine

Great Gifts, Easy on the Wallet

Lollia “Imagine,” Flowering Willow & Lotus Bubble Bath, 34 oz. $48.95

Stumped for ideas that are sure to please this holiday season? Benicia has a huge range of gift items to tempt even the most discerning person on your list. Try these finds for under $50 that friends and family will love.

Bonus: gift-wrapping is free at many local stores.

beniciabay.com.

Fused Glass Vase, 4.5”X8” $26.50 Benicia Bay Co. beniciabay.com.

Cinnamon Orange Spice Tea Blend, (4 oz.) $8.50

Leopard Print Angora Beret $37 Matching Gloves, $31 Christina S. christinasbenicia.com.

& Tea Strainer, $4.98, Camellia Tea Room. camelliatearoom.com.

Silk & Wool Scarves $42 each Grey, Green, Purple, Pink, Black or Tan Be Chic Boutique. bechicbenicia.com.

Fabulous Gifts Under $

50

Recycled Glass "Peace" Goblets, Hand-crafted in America $22 Studio 41. studio41.com.

Fused Glass Plate, hand-made in America $29 Lindsay Art Glass. lindsayartglass.com.

1000 Pieces, 25”X20” Van Gogh Art-piece Jigsaw Puzzle $17.95

Baggalline Shoulder-bag $41.50 each Red, black or Silver, Benicia Bay Co., beniciabay.com.

Bookshop Benicia. Bookshopbenicia.com.

Dream Sacks Bamboo Top/Yoga Wear $48 Posh. poshbedandbath.com.

BeniciaMagazine.com

Tickle Your Fancy Internationally Known, Exclusively at:

-HZOPVU +LZ[PUH[PVU Trunk Show with Joseph Ribkoff Friday, Dec. 10, 4-9pm, Saturday, Dec. 11, 10am-3pm

Ž 6WLU ,]LY` +H` ‹ ‹ -PYZ[ :[YLL[ )LUPJPH *(° *OYPZ[PUHZILUPJPH JVT ‹ -HJLIVVR JVT *OYPZ[PUH:)LUPJPH

Benicia Main Street

Downtown Dollars More than a Gift CertiďŹ cate Downtown Dollars are more than a gift certiďŹ cate, they’re an experience! It’s a day on the town. It’s shopping with friends. It’s dinner and drinks. Benicia Main Street has Downtown Dollars in increments of $5 and $20 redeemable at over 70 downtown businesses!

Stop by Benicia Main Street at 90 First Street, visit BeniciaMainStreet.org, or call 707.745.9791

12

Benicia Magazine

A Great Holiday by the Bay

Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash Anesthesia-free teeth cleaning clinic – first Sunday of each month

(DVW WK 6WUHHW %HQLFLD ‡ ZZZ )HDWKHUHU3HW FRP

relax

Experts in the art of expression

WE MAKE ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS

Benicia cia Floral Weddings Weddi 838 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510 707.745.5838 www.beniciafloral.com

.LYD DQG 5LFN 6WHYHV EDJV DUH GXUDEOH IXQ DQG IXQFWLRQDO

*UHDW *LIWV IRU WKH +ROLGD\V ZZZ NLYDEDJV FRP

0HQWLRQ WKLV DG IRU DQ DGGLWLRQDO GLVFRXQW

/DSWRS EDJV EDFNSDFNV OXJJDJH GXIIOHV PRUH XS WR RII UHWDLO

TRAVEL GEAR OUTLET STORE 0RQ 6DW ‡ $ (DVW QG 6WUHHW %HQLFLD ‡ NLYDGHVLJQV FRP

Be Chic for the Holidays and Every Day

Celebrate the December Holidays Season

-PYZ[ :[YLL[ )LUPJPH ILJOPJILUPJPH JVT

2nd Annual Arsenal Artists December Holiday Open Studios Jackson, Tyler, Lincoln and Grant Streets In the Benicia Historic Arsenal District

Dec. 11 & 12 10am-4pm Featuring painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, clothing and an assortment of unique gifts & collectibles for any taste or budget Christmas treats and beverages will abound at participating Arsenal studios and shops!

-HJLIVVR JVT )L *OPJ )V\[PX\L

Camellia Tea Room Voted #2 - Best Tea House in the SF Chronicle/SFGate.com “Best of the Baylist�

Delicious Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Desserts & Fine Teas and Tea Accessories

Camellia Tea Room • 828 First Street Downtown Benicia • 707.746.5293

Benicia Magazine

13

Celebrating 20 Years

Hand-blown Art Glas Wall Art — Judaica Items Jewelry and Gifts Gallery Hours: Sun-Tues 11-5, Wed-Fri 12-8 Sat 10-8 707.748.1336 www.lindsayartglass.com 109 East F Street, Benicia, CA 94510

Open Every Day 700 First St., Benicia, CA 94510 707-745-0254 www.studio41.com

High-End Audio for 99? $

FREE picture with Santa!

W Wed. and Sunday 12/19 from 6-8pm Wed. ed. 12/15 1 B Bring your own cameras, too!

B

NHT proudly announces the return of the SuperZero mini speaker - just $99 each.

Now improved in a 2.0 version. Add a Super 8 companion subwoofer and save $50! - just $299 when purchased with a pair of the SuperZeros.

Over 100,000 SuperZeros were sold in the 90's, designed and engineered by NHT. SuperZeros are available either a la carte or in various matched stereo and home theater system configurations online at nhthifi.com, or in-person at the NHT factory store in Benicia.

Our large is 20 1 sq. inches vs. our competitor’s measly 154 sq. inches.

Happy Holidays!

Feed Your Family For $

3.99 Each

Order Any Large Pizza and Receive

FREE

Order an Extra Large 1 Topping Pizza

plus

$23.95 FREE Garlic Twists

Dine-in only. Based on a family of 6. Additional toppings extra.

Garlic Twists

plus

FREE 2 Liter Pepsi

Delivery and Take-Out only.

Call Now! 707-745-1667 Office/Showroom: 140 West Industrial Way Benicia, CA 94510

14

Benicia Magazine

Talk/Appointments 707-747-0122 x 713 www.nhthifi.com

72 Solano Sq., Benicia Sun-Thurs 11-9 • Fri-Sat 11-10 Dine-in, Pick-up or Delivery

Not valid with any other offer.

Expires 12/31/10

1

FASHIONISTA

2

3

All I want for Christmas Here are some tips on finding the right gift for the right person:

By Christina Strawbridge Growing up in a family with five kids, two parents and a dog, the holiday season is an enduring memory of tradition and presents—lots of presents with wrapping paper at least a foot deep. To this day, I am not sure how my parents pulled off knowing exactly what we all wanted, being able to surprise us by keeping things hidden and then paying for it all on a middle-class paycheck.

Some of the gifts were practical, like my Girl Scout uniform or a winter coat, but I remember receiving a gorgeous Italian shoulder bag that my Mom had found on sale. I loved it because it was just a little different from what my friends carried.

My brothers and sister and I were instructed to give my parents a list of three things and we were told that we may get one or all three, depending on what they were able to find and afford.

The idea was carried down to my children, who took it a step further by attaching print ads to the list, which not only gave information on where the item could be located but at what price.

Even now I get a list (minus the pictures) that helps guide me through the holiday shopping experience of electronics, movies and Ga Ga music.

Of course there are stories of imperfect gift selections, like the four tires my Dad bought for my Mom that were stacked under the tree, or the used shoes covered in mud that I accidentally gave my husband.

Gift giving has changed with the millennium and the availability of gift cards, E-Bay, the internet and the practice of regifting. Shopping for the perfect gift has given way to convenience and sometimes, the ordinary.

• Make a list and use it as your base. Get clues about what a person wants and personalize it with your perspective.

• Buy in themes. For instance, a fashionista is thrilled with anything related to fashion and design—books, stationary, the box set of Project Runway, etc.

• Shop locally where most of the stores are independently owned and offer unique merchandise. You’ll receive personalized service when dealing directly with the owner or trained staff.

• Gift wrap is important. It doesn't have to be costly—it's amazing what you can do with something as basic as newspaper and colorful ribbon. Most boutique businesses gift wrap free of charge.

• Buy things you would like to receive, even though you're not going to keep it for yourself (repeat after me: you are not keeping it for yourself). Buying things you like can translate into things your friends would like.

• Stay away from regifting—If YOU don't want it chances are others won't either.

• Plan a day of shopping with lunch and/or a cocktail. Make this a fun experience.

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, but dress festively. It will put you and others in the holiday mood.

• Don't stress getting a package there on time. Believe me; the gift will be just as fabulous on December 26th.

• Recapture the meaning of giving. A smile, a laugh or a hug is what it's all about, when there is a certain joy in getting it right.

All I want for Christmas is…I'm working on my list! B

Kathy's Korner Inside

Benicia's Studio One

GET COMFORTABLE IN YOUR BODY

Haircuts with Form & Balance

10 off hair service* $ 20 off Hi-Lites, Color or Perm*

$

Styles for Everyone

707.373.7256

273 East H Street, Benicia

Your Hair is an Expression of You

* New customers

BeniciaMagazine.com

CITY FACT

Steal of the Month!

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

by Benicia Fire Department

15

$

A real tree can add to the spirit of Christmas by filling your home with beauty and the scent of pine. But a real tree can also pose a fire hazard. Each year, more than 400 residential fires nationwide involve Christmas trees and tragically nearly 40 deaths and 100 injuries result from those fires.

Safety Tips • Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly.

• Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

• If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

• Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

• Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

• Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials.

The Benicia Fire Department wishes you an enjoyable and safe Holiday season! B

In this new monthly column we'll feature one great shopping bargain from a local source. This month, Benicia’s Kiva Designs has deep discounts on a roomy shoulder bag that is great for travel, a casual briefcase or stylish carryall. With several pockets and big silver buttons, the bag comes in green, black and red. Find it at the Kiva Outlet Store at 4680A East 2nd Street, Benicia. www.kivadesigns.com.

Hurry–quantities are limited. B

Call today for a complimentary consultation to see if you are a candidate for CK! In a three-minute, painless, in-office procedure using nothing more than radio frequency energy (no laser cutting), we gently change the shape of your cornea to allow you to see up close without glasses.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is a fast, safe, noninvasive procedure to help improve your near vision.

"Dr. Lerner is a phenomenal surgeon. His reputation makes him the choice of other doctors."

Dr. Eric Mariotti, Plastic Surgeon, Concord

$UH <RX 5HDG\ 7R *LYH 8S 7KRVH 5HDGLQJ *ODVVHV" Zero Interest Financing Available

$

150 off

Lerner Eye Center

if booked before December 31, 2010

Dr. Lerner is one of the few doctors performing CK in the East Ba Dr Bay.

16

Benicia Magazine

<RX FDQ ZLWK 1HDU9LVLRQ&.

Concord I Pittsburg I San Ramon

1-888-820-9600 www.lernereyecenter.com

HILARY JON LERNER, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon

LOOKING BACK

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s m

Be

istorical Mus H a eu ci ni

A Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Worth of Celebrations

DRE # 00674738

By Mary Marino How has the Benicia Historical Museum celebrated its twenty-fifth Anniversary Year? With reunions with old friends, welcomes to new friends, music, words, poignant photographs, and a 25th birthday cake float in the Twilight Parade.

Add to that the interactive Patwin Indian permanent exhibit, the 100th Anniversary Boy Scouts of America memorabilia-filled display, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Light and

Soundâ&#x20AC;? collaborative works with Arts Benicia, a Kids Day filled with â&#x20AC;&#x153;old-fashionedâ&#x20AC;? chores, â&#x20AC;&#x153;crittersâ&#x20AC;? and a Benicia police officer and his dog, who thrilled us with his attention to duty.

Musically, our concerts, indoors and in the Spenger Garden, ran from the Celtic to today, with dancing under the stars and, if you missed the Costume Ball, look for pictures on our website.

The 25th Anniversary ceremony itself was a tribute to the vision of the Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founders and a thank you for all their hard work in setting up such a treasury of the unique history of our city. Of course, we had birthday cake, camel balloons and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Humpfree,â&#x20AC;? a real, live camel whose personality stole our hearts. And we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t finished yet: our Christmas Tree Farm will open November 26th for you to shop for trees and wreaths.

We are grateful to our sponsors, donors, staff, docents and volunteers who keep the organization moving forward. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget that behind the scenes our collection grows, research is ongoing, and exhibits are being plannedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all to continue into the next 25 years as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;best little Museum in Californiaâ&#x20AC;? and beyond. We want all of our readers here to come and join us in 2011. B

ESTEY Since 1946

Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management

707-745-0924 BUY SELL FIND MANAGE

935 First Street, Benicia www.esteyrealestate.com Your Dream Home Your Existing Home A Rental Your Investment Properties

SELL NOW, ASK US HOW!

Co visit our Come designer design showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae

Eric & Jill Hoglund, Realtors

Fresh Cut

Christmas Trees at Beniciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Christmas Tree Lot

Grand Opening Thanksgiving Weekend Friday, November 26

2310 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dâ&#x20AC;? Bates Ave. 23 Concord (near HWY 4) C Con Mon - Fri 7 - 5 and Sat 9 - 2 925-798-7525 themouldingcompany.com themo

Providing exceptional legal and mediation services to Solano, Napa and Contra Costa Counties

Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning Probate, Trust Administration Business Law Real Estate Consumer Law Mediation & Arbitration 940 Adams Suite A

Benicia Historic Arsenal t XXX 4PMBOP-BX(SPVQ DPN

Open Everyday 10 am - 8 pm At The Camel Barn 2060 Camel Rd. â&#x20AC;˘ Benicia Take Military East to Adams St. to Park Rd. Joint Fundraiser for The Benicia Historical Museum & Genesis House 707-745-5435 â&#x20AC;˘ www.beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707-552-3395 â&#x20AC;˘ www.genesis-house.com

Solano County Bar Association 2008 Law Firm of the Year

BeniciaMagazine.com

Sponsored by

Benicia Frame

William Harsh’s

“Powerful and cryptic oil paintings” at Oakland Gallery

By DeWitt Cheng Benicia painter and printmaker William Harsh is showing a large number of works through November 27 at the spacious, newly relocated Vessel Gallery in Oakland. Entitled “Morphologies”, the show also features bronze sculptures by Maru Hoeber and jewelry

by Eve Singer, but Harsh’s thirty-six oil paintings, monotypes, and drawings predominate. Vibrant and powerful combinations of cubism, expressionism and surrealism, depicting strange structures of amalgamated objects set in spare landscapes; they strike the eye as vortices of barely controlled energy that almost explode from their frames. While the current climate of experimentalism often produces playful work seemingly cut adrift from history and reality, Harsh’s works carry within them the history of modernism, as well as the freight of its partially–realized spiritual aspirations. In an age of obscure, theory–driven work, “centaurlike being[s] composed of art materials and words,” in the words of critic Harold Rosenberg, Harsh’s works are powerful and clear statements of seriousness. Rooted in art tradition and traditional studio practice, they’re required viewing for those who care about the viability of painting—colored mud on stretched woven fibers— in an increasingly mediated virtual world.

In an Artweek review of Harsh’s show (with sculptor Mary Oros) at Arts Benicia in 2008, I wrote: William Harsh’s powerful and cryptic oil paintings depict stacks or towers of discarded items or mysterious junk set in barren landscapes—in the artist’s words, taken from his website—“jury-rigged assemblies, sometimes fortress-like in appearance.” Although the forms are often ambiguous, with multiple meanings, recognizable objects like ladders, doors, mirrors, drawers, and pieces of rope or cloth thread though the groupings, which are improvised from small sketches, and ruthlessly edited: “in painting ... matter is never lost but changed.” The objects seem to be alive or imprinted with human life ... Picasso and Beckmann are evident influences, as are Chirico and Guston, but the works effectively and convincingly combine abstraction and figuration; what is depicted seems to be the result of competing constructive and destructive impulses that have battled to a draw.... Harsh animates and metaphorizes his imagined still lifes without falling into the trap of narrative; form and content evolve synchronously in his paintings.

The synthesis of cubism and surrealism that emerges from Harsh’s painting process—sometimes based on drawings, sometimes improvised in paint— demonstrates that the current idea of style—as an identity to be discarded when fashions and fads change—is, if not completely wrong, then at least incomplete. In these pictures, styles, thought to be safely preserved in the amber of art history, come alive again, disconcertingly. Dreamer, a monotype, presents a sharp-toothed head, its mouth agape with lolling tongue; it has the visceral punch that Picasso’s weeping women and insects had in the Guernica era—and continue to have now. Phoenix depicts a creature or structure with flailing, scorpionlike claws or stingers.

Rocinante and Rocinante II depict Don Quixote’s mangy steed as a magically animated assemblage of scraps rising from the dirt, or tottering back into it. Machinations suggests an early Léger landscape with humanoid robots as rendered expressionistically by Georges Rouault.

Acrobatics similarly suggests a sculptural collaboration between artists; here, Picasso, Moore and Lipschitz.

Ice Age depicts a tatterdemalion wagon or cart endowed with ribs, and intestines, tentacle or tail. Oracle depicts a rickety platform or lectern surrounded by poles and scaffolding which a swath of blue cloth coils, serpentlike. The wreckage stacked in Reef clumps into a small mountain topped by an exploratory tendril, while the clustered furniture in End of the Line assumes a beleaguered, defensive aspect.

A talk by Harsh with art historian Dickran Tashjian, an expert on Dada and Surrealism and Machine Age art, is scheduled for November 20, 4-5pm. A note on Art Murmur: over the past decade, Oakland has developed a vibrant art scene, often compared with Brooklyn’s. On the first Friday of the month during Art Murmur, some twenty participating galleries, many artist-run, stay open late, attracting sizeable crowds of art lovers. One Yelper’s evaluation: “Outrageously dressed people donning tutus and sipping beer from a brown bag? Check.... Huge variety of art, both disturbing and wonderful? Check.

Hipsters, posers, scenesters, kids, and artists all getting along? Check.” Check it out on December 3 (after your November visit to Vessel Gallery). B Oration, 2004 oil on canvas, 38" x 52” bottom left: Ice Age, 2002 oil on canvas, 38" x 46" bottom right: Reef, 2008 oil on canvas, 42" x 66” page 4: Phoenix, 2010, monotype, 21 3/4" x 27 3/4"

18

Benicia Magazine

Holiday

CA license #719381

Parlor Tour Saturday, December 4, 2010 Presented by Benicia Historical Society and Soroptimist International of Benicia

6 vintage homes decorated for the holidays plus completely renovated Commanding Officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quarters Self-guided tours 1pm-5pm for vintage homes & Commanding Officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quarters The Commanding Officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quarters will feature holiday items for sale by local non-profits. Food & beverages available, open until 7pm.

Let our family keep your family comfortable!

Tickets on sale 11/1, $25 per person. Tickets are limited; available at Benicia Main Street Depot, Camellia Tea Room and Bookshop Benicia

1768 Broadway - Vallejo, CA 94589

Providing excellent customer service since 1996

645-0734

For more info or ticket reservations call 707.745.3551 Public Invited

Benicia Yacht Club Open House Friday, December 3rd, 6-10pm Experience being a member for a day Enjoy our Open House dinner special Take in the view and enjoy your favorite beverage at the bar

The Benicia Public Library Presents

The Diablo Regional Concert Band

Winter Concert )ULGD\ 'HFHPEHU SP $W WKH %HQLFLD 3XEOLF /LEUDU\

Sign up for our Membership one-day special: Initiation fee waived, 3 months free!

All food & drink available to the public at member prices

6SRQVRUHG E\ WKH )ULHQGV RI WKH %HQLFLD 3XEOLF /LEUDU\ (DVW / 6WUHHW %HQLFLD &$ ZZZ %HQFLD/LEUDU\ RUJ

Join us on Sat. Dec. 18, for "Breakfast with Santa." call 707-746-0739 for info & reservations!

Free BeniciaMagazine.com

Since 1977

Quality & Customer Service Always Come First!

Benicia Cleaners Every 4th pair of pants FREE. (Dry clean & pressed)

We honor competitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coupons

REGAL COLLISION REPAIR We pick up & deliver 707.648.2264 529 Tuolumne Street, Vallejo, CA 94590 Hertz rentals on site www.regalcollision.com

Good Nails

(Next to Pizza Pirate) â&#x20AC;˘ No waiting to drop off â&#x20AC;˘ All work done on premises â&#x20AC;˘ Best shirt laundering in town â&#x20AC;˘ No Perchloroethylene Free delivery & pickup â&#x20AC;˘ Stains: If we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get them out, they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come out! â&#x20AC;˘ The first to use the most environmentally safe/friendly cleaning process

&RQYHQLHQFH RI D %XVLQHVV &DUGÂŤ7KH LQIRUPDWLRQ RI D EURFKXUH <RXU EXVLQHVV LQ WKHLU SRFNHW 0LQL %URFKXUHV

Complete nail care s .EW MASSAGE CHAIRS WITH DISPOSABLE LINERS s 0ERSONAL EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE $5 off Fill s BACTERIA FREE $10 off Full Set s )NGROWN TOENAIL SPECIALIST Relaxing spa pedicure s 0INK 7HITE 'EL receive free flower 2072 Columbus Parkway, Benicia (Corner Rose & Columbus) M-S 9:30am-8:30pm

One hour free with every 5 hours booked

:H PDNH VPDOO EXVLQHVVHV ORRN ELJ

&DOO IRU 0LQL %URFKXUH 6DPSOHV

RII 0LQL %URFKXUHV WKURXJK 1RYHPEHU 0HQWLRQ %HQLFLD 0DJD]LQH

6HH VDPSOHV RQOLQH

&DQQRW EH FRPELQHG ZLWK DQ\ RWKHU RIIHU SURPRWLRQ

ZZZ ZJPLQLEURFKXUHV FRP

Cruising Limo

81 Solano Square Benicia 707-745-1353

Ask About Our Financing Special

Laser Resurfacing IPL Photorejuvenation Botox & Dermal Fillers

Wine Tours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Weddings Sports Events â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Concerts

Laser Hair Removal Microdermabrasion & Glycolic Peels

VIP Service Assad Saleh

Obagi & Procyte Skin Care

415.524.8255 415.261.0053

Sclerotherapy for Leg Veins Esthetician Services

Adding Warmth and Beauty to Your Home For Over 30 Years

Emily Thomas, MD

Visit our large showroom of Fireplaces, Stoves, Inserts & BBQâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN BENICIA

CALL TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

1036 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

707.747.5625

707.745.5933 www.calcomfort.com 4680 East 2nd St., Benicia

20

Benicia Magazine

Excellence in Aesthetic Medicine

Gift Certificates Available

lighttouchmedspa.com

Del Lacey continued from page 9

LAW OFFICES OF

In the early years, each family might add a figure every year or so. That first 10 years, I’d spend all Thanksgiving weekend in a cold, damp garage with eggnog and brandy and my paintbrush.

FAVARO, LAVEZZO, GILL, CARETTI & HEPPELL

How did you choose the characters to go in your front yard?

A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION AV rated Preeminent Law Firm, Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory

A Full-Service Law Firm

Are any changes likely in the future?

Including Trusts, Estate Planning, Probate and Conservatorships Our Trusts and Estate Planning Attorneys: — Louis S. Caretti, JD — Judith L. Carlisle, JD, LLM (Tax) — Deborah Durr Ferras, JD — Carol A.Sobczak, JD, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

300 Tuolumne Street, Vallejo 707.552.3630 724 Texas Street, Fairfield 707.425.3977

Mediation Center Now Open in Vallejo www.flgch.com

My daughter chose a couple of her favorites – Lady and the Tramp and Sleeping Beauty. I picked Geppetto because I wanted something big to go in the driveway to hide this big, stupid garage door.

Sleeping Beauty has a whole 60s art style, very architectural, angular and hip in a Mad Men kind of way. But Pinocchio is very warm, rounded and soft. They both reflect the time they were made.

I think those Disney illustrators were the hip guys of their time.

I’d like to spiff them up a little bit, restore them. But that would take a couple hundred hours and I’m not sure when I can do it.

How do you spend your extra time now that you’re retired?

I’m not sure I have any extra time (laughing).

I do spend more time with my wife. I have folding chairs, an ice chest and blankets in my trunk all the time, and on a whim, we go to Santa Cruz and watch the waves all afternoon. Katie is my foundation. Every artist needs a firm foundation, and she is mine. B

Join Our Dynamic Team!

We are looking for professional freelance writers for print/online columns. Send resume and samples to editor@beniciamagazine.com.

Benicia's trees are worth $ 12 million.

Find out more by attending The Benicia Tree Program Public Meetings: Tree Inventory & Master Plan Thursday, December 9 at Matthew Turner Elementary School, 6:30-7:30pm Wednesday, January 12 at the Commission Room, City Hall, 6:30pm

City of Benicia Tree Regulations If you are planning on pruning or removing a tree you may need a permit. Please call the Parks and Community Services Department at 746-4285. For more information on the City’s tree program and rules, you can visit the Parks and Community Services web page at the City web site at

www.ci.benicia.ca.us Tree Tip: How do I find a Certified Arborist near me? The International Society of Arboriculture can help!

Answer: To find an ISA Certified Arborist near you, please use the Find A Tree Care Service portion of the ISA Web site. You will be able to search for tree care companies in your area who employ a certified arborist. If you would like to verify if an arborist is certified you may visit the ISA Web site via http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx and type in the name or certification identification number to verify certification status. If you do not have access to the internet, you may contact ISA at (888) 472-8733 for assistance.

BeniciaMagazine.com

Michael J. Tierney

Real Estate Litigation and Land Use

Independent Agent/Broker Life L ife Insurance ife IInsuran ns n su s urance u ra ra anc ncce e Long-Term Care Ca arre Insurance Ins sur urra ance Long-Term

Amber Kemble Of Counsel Venus Viloria Berdan Associate

401K/Pension 401 4 01 0 1K/ Pension R Ro Rollovers ollo ov vers Fixed F Fix ix xe ed A ed Annuities nn n nnuit nnuitie nuitiie es

835 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

707.747.0347 7077470347 707747034 07.7470347

Tel: 707-747-5206 Fax: 707-747-5209

Miketcfp@pacbell.net

CA License #0615559

300 Military West, Ste. 302, Benicia, CA 94510

California Smog Check And Test Only Center err We Test All Vehicles Open 7 Days a Week 707.647.2468

$

Regular Price on All Vehicles With coupon at time of write-up

Over 35 Years of Excellence!

&$ /LF

181 Couch Street In the Rose Collision Bldg.

Open Mon-Sun 8am-5pm

30 Off

Benicia High School Auditorium 1101 Military West, Benicia, CA Tickets: $25/Advanced $30/Door

´3HRSOH WDNLQJ FDUH RI SHRSOH ¾

%HQLFLD 3OXPELQJ ,QF

A Music Store for Students and Teachers

5HVLGHQWLDO DQG &RPPHUFLDO Repair or Replace | Water - Gas - Sewer | Garbage Disposal | Drain Cleaning Water Heaters | Video Camera | Slab Leaks | Free Estimates

24 Hours - Seven Days a Week | www.beniciaplumbing.com

(707) 745-2930 22

Benicia Magazine

Tickets Available at ABC Store & Academy #FOJDJB $" r

Winter Special Schedule a check-up and cleaning and receive

50%

Welcome to Tosch Dental

off

Professional Bleaching

Come visit our beautifully restored 1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Craftsman cottage located across from the downtown City Park. Our goal is to make you feel at home, even in the dental chair. Make an appointment today and meet Dr. Tosch and staff who have been proudly practicing full-service Family Dentistry in Benicia for 25 years.

Ronald J. Tosch, DDS

l 707.745.2130 l 118 West K St., Benicia, CA 94510

www.toschdental.com

CONVENIENT ONE STOP AUTO SHOP OIL CHANGE $

9 9

4VZ[ *HYZ

>/03, @6< >(0; 0UJS\KLZ X\HY[Z VM VPS HUK Z[HUKHYK MPS[LY plus FREE tire rotation Expires 1/15/10

BRAKE SPECIAL -YVU[ VY 9LHY +PZR VY +Y\TZ

$

9 9

4VZ[ *HYZ

Includes semi-metallic pads or shoes, all adjustments, fluids, labor & road test Some vehicles addâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l charge. Expires 1/15/10

, ;/ :; , ; / :; ;

Enjoy a cup of coffee on us!

G

4:

(+(

4030;(9@ ,(:;

.9( 5;

Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday 9am-4pm

9 $damV 6WrHHW Â&#x2021; 4 -

DOES IT ALL!

BeniciaMagazine.com

Celebrating 20 Years in Business

Awarded the Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business of the Year "This bar gets two paws up."

Max

$Q HQWHUWDLQHU V GUHDP ZLWKLQ D :LOVKLUH PRGHO 6RXWKDPSWRQ KRPH $4& GLG D IDEXORXV MRE GHVLJQLQJ VSDFHV WKURXJKRXW RXU KRXVH &KHHUV 'DQ DQG /LQGD

4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Open M-F 9-5, weekends and evenings by appointment

ZZZ DTFKRPH FRP *Coming next month, Mimi the cat invites you into her Highlands kitchen make-over 24

Benicia Magazine

Contractor’s License # 678979

CABINETS AND COUNTERTOPS