Benicia Magazine December 2015

December 2015

Measure C

funds state-of-the-art playground

NEW TRANSIT HUB

increases commuter options

Preparing your home for sale with an eye towards El Ni単o

$2.50 ***** ECR WSS ***** POSTAL CUSTOMER Volume 11 Issue 2 December 2015

Please deliver 11/25-11/27

ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND OR PERMIT NO. 2160

CSL #891342

Voted #1 Flooring Company in Solano County

B FC

BENICIA FLOOR COMPANY

707-745-9024

M–F 10 to 5:30 l Sat. 10 to 3 or by appointment 84 Solano Square in Safeway Shopping Center, Benicia www.beniciafloorcompany.com

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

Committed to Excellence in Customer Service

2 • Benicia Magazine

May the be with you this Holiday Season.

TRUNK SHOWS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCES Richard Hallmarq and Melissa Fleis from Project Runway Saturday, December 5, 11-4

Designer Alexa of Nuno Felted Scarves Selection of Accessories for giving or receiving Brighton, Jan Michaels, Marjorie Baer, Imoshion Handbags

Saturday, December 12, 11-3

707.745.5125

ChristinaSBenicia.com Facebook.com

Open Every Day 370 First Street, Downtown Benicia ®

Fashion Destination

BeniciaMagazine.com • 3

It’s Time to See the New IronHorse Home Collection Today... and you will see how affordable Made in America furniture can be!

• Conveniently located right in the heart of the historic Benicia Arsenal •

BENICIA SHOWROOM: 990 GRANT STREET (707) 747-1383 IRONHORSEHOME.COM • FACEBOOK.COM/IRONHORSEHOME

4 • Benicia Magazine

MADE IN THE USA

Since our original Main Street Benicia days, we continue to feature an incredible selection of beautiful furniture! We are excited to introduce our IronHorse Collection of Affordable Luxury furniture.

Made in America to fit the American lifestyle.

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

707-745-7534 December 2015

Benicia resident and Director of Operations Jerry Stumbo and his son, Jack, were among the Valero Volunteers sorting food last month when KGO (ABC7 News) broadcast live from the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano warehouse in Concord.

ABC7’s Spencer Christian explains to viewers that donations and volunteers are needed year-round at Bay Area food banks.

It’s not unusual for Valero employees to volunteer for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

In fact, through the Valero Volunteer Council, employees and their family members help sort food at both the Fairfield and Concord warehouses every month.

Last month, volunteers had a unique opportunity to help showcase the Food Bank when ABC7 weatherman Spencer Christian presented live remote news segments from the Concord warehouse.

The refinery has supported the Food Bank with charitable gifts, food drives, and volunteers since Valero acquired the refinery in 2000.

In recent years, nearly $200,000 has been raised from Valero’s annual Sporting Clays Invitational, and an additional $80,000 in support has gone to the Farm2Kids program.

Information: www.FoodBankCCS.org

n

hildre enefit for C The 2015 B ients are: grant recip

isis Nursery l Bay Area Cr ion Counci munity Act m Co a on Benici ti da ation Foun Benicia Educ m rical Museu to is H a Benici El Sobrante of ub Cl ls ir y Boys and G Napa Valle irls Club of Boys and G Camp Okizu Camp Taylor Council Prevention Child Abuse ty un Co a st of Contra Co Club Child Start Boys & Girls of Omega ls ta es en at in Cont l Advoc nted Specia Court Appoi ) r SA A Cal Chapte of Solano (C dation – Nor un Fo is os Cystic Fibr llege Fund East Bay Co se ou Harbor H ding Center erapeutic Ri Th ay pl se Hor Farm rvices Loma Vista ergency Se munity Em m Co g ur sb Pitt nter ce Family Ce Reynaissan p m Ca s id K ) Royal Family Kids (SOCK our Cancer Supporting

to Share $345,000 in Grants

Grants totaling $345,000 were awarded to 21 nonprofit organizations at Valero’s annual Benefit for Children grants award breakfast, held October 6 at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Building.

Since 2001, the Benicia Refinery, through the Valero Energy Foundation, has awarded nearly $4.6 million to local nonprofits specifically through the Benefit for Children grant process.

Valero employees nominated the charities. An all-employee committee reviewed the nominations and made the selections.

Valero’s business partners play a critical role in the success of this annual grant awards event because they participate in, and sponsor, the Benefit for Children Golf Classic Tournament, held on the heels of the annual PGA TOUR Valero Texas Open in San Antonio.

Together, the 2015 tournaments raised a record $10.4 million for charity.

Dollars raised through these events are distributed to locations where Valero has operations, like Benicia, to provide grants to charities helping children.

Benicia Refinery employees personally donated $477,000 during this fall’s Fast Fact: Valero United Way of the Bay Area campaign. An added $238,500 from the corporation translates to a $715,500 gift from Valero to Bay Area charities in the coming year. and practice a home escape plan. For more information, check out the Safety First: Develop National Fire Protection Association’s Safety Tip Sheets at www.nfpa.org

BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

Ben

Solano Smile

Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry

Benicia

magazine

Celebrating our 11th Year

Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann

FALL

magazine

Ben

Ben

B

Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

Special!

FREE Invis Teen Consu align ltation $500 OFF C Invisalign T omprehensive een Treatm ent

We have expanded to a larger, state of the art facility (above Rookies) to accommodate our growing practice

99

$

Children’s Dental Exam Cleaning, Flu , o Treatment a ride nd a needed X-R ny ays

(Non-insure d patients on ly, combined ot her offers. Ex can not be pires 12/31/ 15)

• State-of-the-art facility/equipment with latest technology • 3D xray machine, low radiation, improved diagnosis • In-office IV sedation/general anesthesia • Flexible, interest-free extended monthly payment options

Benicia Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

magazine

Contributors Elizabeth d’Huart Eric Hoglund Sarah Rohrs Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Photographers 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

Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann

SolanoSmile.com Dr. Ramtin Nassiri, DDS, MSD & Associates Specialists in Orthodontics and Pediatric Denistry 321 First Street, Suite 203, Benicia

707.748.0500 6 • Benicia Magazine

Ben

Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2015, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, 611 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, beniciamagazine.com.

B

ON DECK THIS SEASON FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS.

Are you using more energy than your neighbors and friends?

Be Energy Efficient NOW Save $$ on utility bills—your one stop home improvement dealer!

• HVAC • Leaky house • Solar

• Windows • Insulation • Tankless water heaters

Don’t miss out!

Rebates from $1,000-$6500

(Limited time offer on qualifyin

g equipment, products & in spec

In VALLEJO 707-557-3000

ific areas, call for details)

1768 Broadway Vallejo, CA 94589

In FAIRFIELD WWW.FOSTERLUMBER.COM

707-645-0734

707-425-3400

Lic# 719381

BM

Exceptional Legal and Mediation Services

Think of tree care as an investment.

Wills • Trusts • Family Law Estate Planning & Administration Personal Injury • DUI Real Estate • Probate Consumer Law • Business Law

Gizzi & Reep, LLP 940 Adams St., Suite A • 707.748.0900

www.SolanoLawGroup.com

Healthy trees

• Purify our air • Increase in value with age • Beautify our surroundings • Save energy by providing shade & protecting from winter winds For more info visit: www.ci.benicia.ca.us, Parks & Community Services www.beniciatrees.org Protect your tree investment with proper mulching, fertilization and pruning.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

DECEMBER

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 2

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

12

~ P reparing for an El Nino home sale plus 2015 sales data

10 From the Editor

16

M easure C funds a new playground at the Community Park

18

Transportation hub offers commuters additional options

14 Backwards Glance

A Victorian era Benicia family Christmas 15 Bio Craig Montgomery, vintage toaster collector extraordinaire 19 Currents

Unique gift offerings from Benicia boutiques 22 Interview

Bob Berman, Benicia icon and environmental planner 24 Trends

Getting your fill in Benicia improves the local economy 26 Downtown Map 28 Calendar of Events

The best events in Benicia and around the Bay

Cover: Christmas tree on the pier at Amy Carpenter's home, decorated by Candi Estey Swanson, photo by Jerry Bowles.

8 • Benicia Magazine

Free Pıcture with

Santa!

Wednesday Wednedsay 12/16 12/16 and and Sunday Sunday 12/20 12/20 6pm-8pm 6pm-8pm

Buchanan I Chun Orthodontics 300 Military West, Suite 306

BENICIA 707.745.2525

140 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Suite A

Buy 3 or more Large or XL pizzas and get

any 12” or larger pizza

Dine-in, Take out or Delivery Expires 12/31/15

Not valid with any other offer.

Expires 12/31/15

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner OYSTER SPECIAL MONDAYS

www.mybraces.com

Benicia Grill

BREAKFAST • SEAFOOD • SALADS • STEAK • PASTA • WRAPS • FLATBREAD

Free Breakfast Entrée Mon-Sat only, 6am-3pm Buy one breakfast entrée, & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value

Every day Buy one entrée & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value

Entire Bill With this coupon.

Not valid with any other offer.

Exp. 12/31/15

Open every day 6am—3pm Benicia Grill E. 2nd

Sailor Jacks • Open Every Day • 123 First Street 707.746.8500

With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per table. Exp. 12/31/15

680

St

Ind

*expires Exp. 12/31/15. Dine in only. One discount per table, no cash value.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

ust

ria

Purchase one lunch or dinner entrée in December & receive one complimentary dessert with this ad*

50% Off Entrée

10% OFF

ay lW

Sailor Jacks

With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per table. Exp. 12/31/15

6th Year Anniversary!

e R d.

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

Orthodontic Specialists

on

Dine-in, Take out or Delivery Expires 12/31/15

VALLEJO 707.643.1011

Dinner-style lunch menu

707.751.0155 • 4760 E. Second St., Benicia BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

December 2015

Photo by Michael Van Auken

Want to keep receiving Benicia Magazine?

FROM THE EDITOR December has such a final ring to it, doesn’t it? The last month before closing out 2015, already a busy year, takes on a frenzied pace as we all try to absorb holiday gatherings, travel and shopping into our usual routines. But if the goal is making others happy during the holidays, whether it’s with a gift, a special meal or a simple act of kindness, why not make that the focus and cut back on some of the extraneous items that put us on maximum overload? This year I am cutting back on non-essentials like making both a regular and a gluten-free version of my traditional homemade cinnamon rolls, a fun but time-consuming process. I’ll also avoid the parking horror of shopping malls by continuing my 20-plus year commitment to getting all stocking stuffers for my entire family right here in town. Finally, we’ll be streamlining some holiday traditions that no longer serve us well as our family grows and changes. One of these changes, to make gifting meaningful as well as simple, is to make a donation to each of our daughters' charity of choice.

Since 2015 has also brought significant changes to Benicia, our year-in-review feature stories are focused on a new transportation hub, Measure C upgrades and real estate.

Christina Strawbridge, resident, owner of Christina S and city councilwoman, talks about the Measure C sales tax increase and how different business categories and areas stack up in tax revenue generation, in her monthly column Trends. Our annual gift guide will help you with your holiday shopping experience, which, after reading Trends, we hope will inspire you to keep your tax dollars local so we can continue to fund town improvements such as the wonderful, interactive new state-of-the-art play equipment at the heavilyused community park.

Our Bio this month with Craig Montgomery showcases a large and unusual collection of vintage toasters, and the Interview is with Bob Berman, who has been helping to shape our town, behind the scenes, in many ways for many years. With his guidance, urban growth boundaries have been established and our state parks have been protected.

Once again, thank you to those of you who have subscribed to Benicia Magazine. To continue to receive your community publication, you can easily subscribe online, for $18 per year (12 issues) at beniciamagazine.com or call us at 707.853.5226. A huge thanks goes out to all our readers and to our exemplary advertisers, most of whom live and work right here in Benicia, contributing in many ways to our quality of life.

Be sure to check out the myriad holiday happenings in our Calendar of Events, the largest being the annual pedestrian-only Downtown Holiday Open House. Put on each year beyond count by Benicia Main Street, this popular event brings thousands of folks to First Street to celebrate what being a small, close-knit community is all about.

Happy holidays to you and yours, whether you are traveling near or far, or staying put right here in our magnificent city.

Subscribe at

beniciamagazine.com, call 707.853.5226 or send checks to Polygon Publishing 771 West H Street, Benicia, CA 94510

10 • Benicia Magazine

Jeanne Steinmann

Voices of The Season Cameo Concerts December 6, 2015 4:00pm Lincoln Theater

100 California Dr. Yountville, CA 707-944-9900 lincolntheater.com

December 13, 2015 4:00pm Napa Valley Opera House City Winery 1030 Main St. Napa, CA nvoh.org

December 19, 2015 7:00pm The Glaser Center

547 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA glasercenter.com/events brownpapertickets.com/event/2362141 Tickets at VOENA.org and venue websites VOENA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, tax ID # 94-3297346

Matinee Dinner at the French Laundry to support VOENA Wednesday, December 9, 2015 11:30am to 3:30pm This once in a lifetime matinee dinner will include a five-course Chef’s tasting menu with distinct and seasonal ingredients. Each course will be paired with top-rated wines from the best of Napa Valley.

Tickets can be purchased at VOENA.org

SUBSCRIBE! BENICIA MAGAZINE

Your #1 source for what's happening in town & around the Bay

Three Ways to Subscribe today!

Events

Call 707.853.5226

Art & Culture

Sign Up Online at beniciamagazine.com

Education

Mail Checks To Polygon Publishing 771 West H Street, Benicia CA 94510

Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Style

JUST $18 FOR 12 ISSUES BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

BENICIA HOME SALES DATA From BAREIS MLS, 1/1-10/31/15 SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES

Photo by Jerry Bowles

Don’t Let El Niño

Rain On Your Sale

By Eric Hogulnd If the experts are correct, the muchneeded El Niño is on the way. After years of dry weather, two things property owners have largely ignored are their roofs and property drainage. Don’t get caught with a leaky roof and plugged drains, evaluate your home now. Roofing contractors already have long wait lists, and getting on a roofer’s schedule is no easy task. While you are waiting for that new roof, there are things you can do to prepare your property for wet weather. Take advantage of these recent light rains and look at areas of your property with pooling water and see if you can redirect the water to cleared drains. Check your gutters and downspouts— something as simple as keeping them clear of debris and placing devices to direct the water away from your home’s foundation will do wonders. Also watch your trees. As the ground softens the trees that have been starved of water for years may have a weak root structure, and blow over in a heavy wind.

If you have a tree that is of concern, have an arborist come take a look before the big storms hit.

The above tasks are things everyone should do, especially those looking to sell their home in the coming months. As a professional realtor, I tell my buyers that the best time to purchase a home is in the winter. Buyers, and the professional inspectors they hire, will have a better chance of seeing the real condition a home is in when it is raining, muddy and miserable outside. Does the backyard flood?

Are there stains in the sheetrock inside, 12 • Benicia Magazine

indicating hidden leaks? Are there clear, safe paths from the driveway to the front door, or the back door to the trash cans in the alley, that will allow the occupant to come in from the rain and not track dirt and mud in from the outdoors? These are the things a buyer will look for and sellers will greatly improve their chances of selling their home in the winter months if they address these concerns before putting their home on the market.

Sellers should get that pest or roof inspection before listing the home, so they know exactly where they stand. Spending a few dollars to fix the problem before the buyer is in contract will leave you in a much stronger position to negotiate. Also, if you intend to list your home in November and December, don’t be afraid to decorate for the holidays. Showing a potential buyer that your house is a beloved home with festive holiday decorations is a real selling point. Don’t go overboard, as with all staging, less is more.

Buyers and sellers should understand the market and what to expect. Benicia has had a tremendous year of equity growth, but with a wet winter on the horizon, one should expect the market to slow. In general, folks do not like to move in the rain, or during the holiday season, but there are always those who need to move, and buyers and sellers should not be afraid to list or buy just because it’s wet outside. Moreover, there have been some changes to the lending process this year that will likely lengthen escrows, at least in the short term. You may have heard the acronym TRID thrown around lately.

Single-family homes sold: 262 Avg sale price: $566,924 Avg days on market: 53 Avg sq ft: 2069 Avg $/sq ft: $290

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES + CONDOS Homes + condos sold: 352 Avg sale price: $501,710 Avg days on market: 55 Avg sq ft: 1841 Avg $/sq ft: $284

What is TRID?

TRID is the new TILA RESPA Integrated Disclosure: • The Loan Estimate replaces the initial Truth-in-Lending disclosure & Good Faith Estimate for most closed-end mortgage loans.

• The Closing Disclosure replaces the final Truth-in-Lending disclosure & HUD-1 Settlement Statement for most closed-end mortgage loans.

For the most part, this change is not something to worry too much about. Your lender and realtor will help you through the process and explain how these changes will affect your specific transaction. The big take away, at least initially, is that the 30-day escrow standard may be extended to 45 days.

As the process is perfected, this delay may not be a permanent reality.

Benicia is a wonderful place to live, and I must admit that I long to see those hills turning green from the rain, I just don’t want to spend too much “green” fixing damage to my home from a leaky roof or a clogged storm drain, and I am sure you feel the same way.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Photo courtesy Benicia Historical Museum

The Ghost of Christmas Past

By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director, Benicia Historical Museum The startled expression of Violet (1908-1968), seated on the floor next to her mother, is possibly a reaction to the flash of the camera as it went off, the photographic process of the day requiring a tripod, timer and a wait of some minutes—no selfie sticks back then! Her father, John Molfino (1874-1937), was an avid amateur photographer and a successful Benicia barber of the time (1907–1937). In 1995, his 400 glass plate negatives were given to the Museum, where they have been lovingly scanned and uploaded to our archives. Her older sister, Marguerite (1902-1973), is seated to Violet’s left, wearing quite the enormous hair bow! Like her sister, she is posing with her new Christmas doll, probably the “big” present for each, with other gifts arranged in front of them. What a variety of fun stuff Santa has brought: a ball, a toy cart (filled with oranges from their stockings?), a toy boat, a dollhouse chair and a toy locomotive. The tree is looped with garlands of threaded popcorn and tinsel, actually made from tin (hence the name) as opposed to the plastic versions available today.

A few lights, a few ornaments, a tiny stocking and a bag of candy— that’s pretty much it for the decorations.

Although Martha Stewart would probably not approve, I am struck 14 • Benicia Magazine Backwards Glance

by the casual artfulness displayed here that conjures up the image of happy children doing most of the tree work while Mom and Dad attend to other holiday duties. I am also a fan of their parlor décor that incorporates a different pattern each for the curtains, wall, and ceiling, with a “more is more” approach. John and Dita (1874–1963) were both born in Italy, immigrants to the U.S. who met and married in California. The Molfino Shaving Parlor was located at 635 First Street; the home interior pictured here was located at 128 West H Street. Although Marguerite moved away, graduating from UC Berkeley and settling in Sacramento where she married a fireman, raised her four children, and worked as a hospital dietician, Violet became a teacher at Benicia High School where she rose to become Dean of Girls. After Violet’s husband passed away in 1955, she moved in with her mother on Wingfield Way. I like to think that she and Mrs. Molfino derived pleasure and comfort from their photographs, perhaps pausing at this arresting image, and remembering the sister who should also have been there with them under the tree: Elvira, born in 1900, who died from an undisclosed illness, at age six. She would have been about twelve years old when this picture was taken had she survived.

BIO

CRAIG MONTGOMERY

By Adriene Rockwell, photo by Rob Kunkle Craig Montgomery has a sweet spot for toasters. But not just any toaster. He prefers vintage nickel chrome designs made between 1927 and the 1950s that do something special. He fancies them so much he’s collected nearly 100 of the shiny treasures, now stacked from floor to ceiling in his Benicia kitchen.

“They all have some kind of mechanism,” says Montgomery, who has been collecting them since 1977. “They have timers, and they all do something, rather than being passive—like pop up, pop out, or pop down.” His favorites are the Universal and Landers Frary & Clark brands.

At the peak of the electricity revolution spawned by Thomas Edison, GE made the first electric toaster for the home in 1909. Those early models were passive, says Montgomery, and required careful watching, and turning of the toast. The toasting devices he collects do the job for you.

Montgomery has always loved mechanical things, and is fascinated with form, function and design. However, that’s not the only reason he earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from Cal Poly, Pomona.

His grandfather was a mechanical engineer and set up a trust to pay for his grandchildren’s college tuition, under the condition that they follow in his footsteps in engineering, a profession that was once the most highly paid.

However, when Montgomery graduated in 1970, times had changed and there were few jobs available in aeronautics. He had a pilot’s license, but a problem with his vision kept him from making it a profession. He then landed in magazine publishing, where his career spanned some 40 years, working for Hearst Magazine, Ziff Davis and Newsweek, where he was in charge of newsstand circulation for the western half of North America. He retired from another large magazine publishing company in 2010, which has allowed him time to pursue his many interests.

Fabricating motorized things has been his passion since Montgomery was 10 years old, tinkering with the lawn mower engine, and making his own Doodle Bug motorized scooter in his father’s garage.

Today, he’s still making mopeds in his garage. He’s also a scuba diving instructor, an underwater digital photographer, fly fisherman, and has some skill with golf. This makes his printed business card somewhat misleading when it says he’s the Chairman of “Doolittle, Sitmore & Bewell.”

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

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

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

Voted Best Funeral Home In Solano County 7 Years In A Row

A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR GIFTS

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

NEW VALLEJO LOCATION DECEMBER SPECIALS!

Botox $10/unit Juvederm Filler $260 Fractional Skin Resurfacing (full face) $249 Laser Hair Removal • IPL Fractional Skin Resurfacing • Botox & Fillers

707.563.9993 www.enviousskinclinic.com 1100 Marin Street, Vallejo 490 Post Street #1701, Union Square, San Francisco

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

1

3

2

4 “What we said to the voters is that if you agree to this one cent sales tax we will be committed to spending it wisely and keeping you informed and that’s what’s happened,” says Hughes.

5 16 • Benicia Magazine

6

Measure C Tax Dollars Reap Tangible Benefits in 2015

By Sarah Rohrs As children eagerly climbed onto new Community Park 7 play structures, Benicians this fall got a tangible look at their Measure C tax dollars in action. Replacement of the obsolete Benicia Community Park playground equipment is the first project funded with money from the one-cent sales tax increase voters approved in November of last year.

Benicia residents will also soon see hundreds of potholes being filled and other street repairs being done throughout the city, the result of City Council action in October to launch that work.

An official opening of the new playground drew scores of children, plus local dignitaries. At the Oct. 20 event, children flocked to the new play structures following the symbolic cutting of the ribbon. Measure C has generated a little more than $1 million in sales tax proceeds so far with a total of $3.7 million expected annually. Funds from the now 8.65 percent sales tax go to projects designed to bolster and improve parks, streets and public safety.

Councilman Mark Hughes, for one, is pleased so far with Measure C allocations and efforts to keep residents informed of expenditures. “The official playground opening was really cool.

There were lots of kids there. It’s a perfect example. What we said to the voters is that if you agree to this one cent sales tax we will be committed to spending it wisely and keeping you informed and that’s what’s happened,” says Hughes.

The new playground is more than new—it also reflects innovative designs, including features that foster cooperative play among children of all abilities, according to a Department of Parks and Recreation announcement. For instance, an AeroGlider, a modern twist on the traditional teeter-totter, is designed so that those in wheelchairs can use it. According to Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, a focus on sustainability resulted in the city using a vendor specializing in products made with recycled materials and without any known health hazards.

Additional Measure C-funded projects are in the pipeline for the remainder of the fiscal year. Next up is the street repair, replacement of the damaged First Street promenade safety railing, and downtown sidewalk work. The railing work is a bit

behind schedule due to the need to redesign the work prior to soliciting bids, according to City Council staff. A decision to use higher grade stainless steel for the new First Street Promenade railing also led to a boost in cost, from $150,000 to $280,000. One big factor in the choice is that stainless steel is expected to withstand outdoor elements better and last at least 50 years.

Repairs to downtown sidewalks are also a bit behind schedule due to public works staff working on other projects, the report notes. Measure C was originally intended to pay for new police vehicle radios, but the department secured a Bay Area Urban Area Security Initiative grant to pay for those. In early October, the council agreed to use Measure C, instead, for new police vehicle cameras. Those are expected to cost $23,610 more than the radios.

Both the police cameras and the railing work was expected to go before City Council for consideration in mid-November with sidewalk repairs following shortly thereafter, said Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Manager. More street repairs and public safety equipment are on the horizon next year, including paving of an Industrial Way segment, purchase of a grass fire engine and replacement of a fire engine, plus a comprehensive plan for flood mitigation and storm water management. James Lemos pool improvements and a new safety crossing at the Benicia Middle School are also slated.

One city goal with Measure C projects is to keep voters informed of where and how their money is being spent. To that end, information is posted at Beniciameasurec.org, and regular City Council reports will also be made.

“The more projects we’re able to get done, the more our citizens will realize the decision was a good one to vote for Measure C. The key, for me personally,” says Hughes, “is that we move forward, and as we make progress keep everyone informed.”

Photos: 1. City dignitaries at community park ribbon cutting ceremony, 2, 4 & 7 new play equipment; 3, Mayor Patterson; 5 & 6, kids around the big slide BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

New Bus Hub Underway

and the

TACO TRUCK STAYS

By Sarah Rohrs Like most empty lots, a graveled spot in a southeast corner of the Benicia Industrial Park doesn’t look like much, though it has held a popular taco truck for years. But that’s all about to change and bus riders, commuters and bicyclists may want to take note. By the end of January, the lot, at Industrial Way and Park Road, should be sporting a new transit center.

Also called the Benicia bus hub, the transit center will include sheltered bus stops, a park-and-ride lot with 50 spaces, restrooms and a safe place to drop off riders. Bicyclists will also be served if they commute by bicycle or bus. An agreement with the city allows the El Ranchero food truck to remain.

Route 40 buses from the Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) service will stop at the new center, providing public transportation connections to BART stations in Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, as well as transit centers in Fairfield and Vacaville.

SolTrans, the bus service for Benicia and Vallejo, has no immediate plans to expand bus lines to the transit center. However, riders who request a General Public Dial-a-Ride pick-up or dropoff at that spot will benefit from a safer and more attractive setting, says agency executive director Mona Babauta. Further down the line, SolTrans officials will study ways to connect bus lines to the facility, a move that, according to board member and Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, would bolster public transportation options.

The $2.1 million transit center got underway earlier this Fall, nearly a year after the city of Benicia purchased the one-acre lot from the Barragan family of Concord, who have operated the food truck for many years. The city was poised to take the lot by eminent domain. However, Mayor Patterson said negotiations resulted in an agreed-upon price and eventual sale.

18 • Benicia Magazine

The city paid $520,000 for the lot with funds coming from a variety of transportation funds, according to city staff report presented to the City Council. Future proceeds of state transit dollars were also borrowed for the purchase. Other funds for the transit center came from Regional Measure 2 bridge tolls, plus a loan from SolTrans.

A city franchise agreement and partnership allows the Barragan family to continue to stage their food truck on the lot. Employees will also be required to keep the new transit center clean and free of litter, says Jason Riley, city principal civil engineer. A newly configured parking area will better serve large trucks that frequent the site for the taco truck. On a broader scale, the new transit hub will go a long way toward improving transit options and serving the Industrial Park, Patterson said.

According to Riley, little of the new transit center can be seen now since crews have mainly focused on underground infrastructure, including installation of a new water line and sewer line work.

Discovery of underground fiber optic lines has set back completion of the center a few weeks while crews sort out and resolve the issue. Once the underground utilities are finished, crews can then start to straighten out a curve on Park Road and construct the more visible parts of the center.

In creating the new transit center, several key goals were achieved, including keeping the taco truck on the site, straightening out Park Road and improving commuter parking and bus options. Most importantly though, Patterson said the project will take the Industrial Park a little further down the road in modernization.

unique gifts

from Downtown Benicia Boutiques Hand knit 100% cotton shoulder wrap with oversize button, available in multiple colors, $68.

Christina S 370 First Street christinaSbenicia.com

Adorable dog pajamas with removable charm in multiple sizes and styles, $26.95 (stuffed dog not included).

Pups ‘n’ Purrz 422 First Street pupsnpurrz.com

Hand-blown glass Christmas tree, $51, and hand-blown glass snowman, $72.

Lindsay Art Glass 109 East F Street lindsayartglass.com

Dry inkwell penholder, $11, feather ink pen, $4, and handmade letterpress diary, $25.

Gracewood Printing and Gifts 372 First Street, gracewoodbenicia.com Handcrafted wood with ceramic dog or cat feeder, small, $72.95, multiple sizes/finishes, and The French Cat book, $29.95.

Koda and Company 364 First Street facebook.com/KodaAndCo

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

For the holidays,

Perfect for holiday giving,

shop Benicia Main Street's fundraising store for a variety of Benicia merchandise, See's Candies, and Downtown Dollars.

Downtown Dollars are gift certificates available in $5 and $20 increments, accepted at over 70 merchants in Downtown Benicia.

Downtown for the Holiday Open House Friday, December 4 First Street merchants along with Benicia Main Street host this ever-popular open house at the beginning of the holiday season with live entertainment, costumed carolers, and wagon rides from 6-9pm. At approximately 6:30pm at the foot of First Street view the spectacular lighting of the Christmas Tree.

Christmas Parade & Holiday Market Saturday, December 12 Join us for the annual Christmas Parade at 10am on First Street (between D Street and H Street) featuring local bands, dancers, and the much anticipated Santa Claus. The Holiday Market features handcrafted arts & crafts and gourmet items from 10am-3pm, located on First Street between B and D Streets.

www.BeniciaMainStreet.org 20 • Benicia Magazine

For the entire month of December, with a purchase of $50 or more, get a free "I Love Benicia" reusable bag.

Extended holiday hours on weekdays from December 16-23, 9am-7pm Open weekends from 11am-4pm.

Benicia Main Street 90 First Street Benicia 707.745.9791

Dine In Carry Out Delivery Online Ordering

M I LY A F $

S PECI AL !

22.99

plus tax

11/27

A two-topping large pizza with 6 twists & 2 liter soda can not be combined with other offers, exp. 12/31/15

Banquet Rooms Available events, meetings & parties

Round Table Pizza

878 Southampton Road, Benicia

707.746.7000 • roundtablepizza.com BOOKS TOYS ...IT’S A FACT!

Residential & Commercial CARPET • UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT CLEANING

GAMES GREETING CARDS

brating 21 Years! e l e C

95 special

$

up to 350 sq ft

Excludes stairs, not valid with any other offers or coupons

5 off

$

spotlesscarpetcleaning.net 800 First Street, Ste. A, Benicia • 707-746-8656

Full Service Diagnostics, Repairs & Maintenance

with purchase of $20 or more!

M-S 10-7, Sun 11-5 636 First Street

707.747.5155 bookshopbenicia.com

FREE WINDSHIELD WIPERS

with any service when you mention this ad!

Honest, reliable service by skilled professionals 8am-5pm M-Th, 8am-3pm F Conveniently located just off I680 & Lake Herman Road

5380 Gateway Plaza Drive, Benicia

707.745.3695 • montanamotorsports.net BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

Interview with

Bob Berman

By Sue Sumner Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight An autograph that reads “Best wishes Bobby–Jackie Robinson," a photo of himself with Hubert Humphrey, and pictures of his grandchildren are in plain view in Bob Berman’s downtown office. Stacked against a wall so they aren’t readily visible are numerous plaques for decades of work on planning issues and open space causes in Benicia, Solano County and beyond. Even more hang on his office walls.

The awards acknowledge his ongoing work to improve the world around him. Bob, 70, focuses on environmental impact reports, general plans and conservation contracts—the types of documents that make other people’s eyes glaze over. Bob understands how words on paper translate to healthier living conditions, better land use, and open space with hiking trails for all.

His vision helped change the course of development in Benicia and Solano County, limiting development to land within urban growth lines. The San Francisco Chronicle wrote of him in 2005: “Berman was instrumental in persuading the cities of Benicia, Fairfield and Vallejo and Solano County in 1992 to adopt a policy of trying to preserve 10,000 acres of land in the hills to prevent the possible merging of the three cities' boundaries.”

At work, Bob writes environmental impact reports. In his free time, he is vice president of the Benicia State Parks Association, serves on the board of Bay Area Ridge Trail, and volunteers with Solano Land Trust, an organization he helped found in 1986. He served on the land trust

board until 2013. “That’s when they instituted term limits,” he says in his distinctive Long Island-twinged voice. “It turns out my term limit was 27 years.”

“He’s shaped Solano County for decades,” says Natalie DuMont, volunteer and outreach coordinator with Solano Land Trust. “Bob has always been very passionate about both protecting land and getting people on the land.”

Bob, a Benicia planning commissioner from 1986-1994, sees a direct connection between the work residents did decades ago and the quality of life in Benicia today.

“Everyone talks about what a great community Benicia is. The efforts people made in the 70s, 80s and 90s really made it what it is,” Bob says, citing opposition to the proposed development of more than 5,000 homes in Sky Valley, efforts to add parks in Southampton, pressure to close a toxic waste dump off Lake Herman Road and other projects that prompted residents to come together to shape the town.

“All those things together helped create Benicia’s identity as a nice place to live.”

Bob grew up on Long Island and earned a degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Michigan. He opened his own environmental firm, Nichols Berman, in 1980. He and his wife, Carol, moved to Benicia with their two daughters in the mid-1970s. Their downtown home is an elaborate Christmas wonderland, and work was already starting on that transformation when he talked with Benicia Magazine in late October.

What is an urban growth line and when did you start working on developing those in Solano County?

separation of communities, and to have open space. We need recreational open space that’s close to where we live.

You shouldn’t have to drive far to reach open space.

The whole concept is to have growth within cities instead of on agricultural land. Years ago, there was a new town called Manzanita that was proposed for land near Vacaville. That’s when I got involved with the Orderly Growth Committee, and that’s when we did urban limit lines. ...

In Benicia, the city adopted 22 • Benicia Magazine Interview

an urban growth boundary as a result of the Sky Valley proposal. The city put one proposal on the ballot and citizens put on another. The citizens’ proposal won. In loose terms, Lake Herman Road is the urban growth boundary for Benicia.

Why is it important to have the open space that those boundaries help protect?

It’s important to protect agriculture, to have the

Most of your career and volunteer work center on environmental issues.

Why focus on that in your personal life as well as professional time?

I guess it’s the analogy of the butterfly and the ant. The butterfly is fluttering around

here and there, and the ant just plods along. I’m an ant. I’ve been doing the same work for 47 years. It’s part of my DNA.

What motivates you to devote time to these organizations?

I think it’s important for people to participate. … I’m a firm believer that if you live someplace, you have a responsibility to participate in decisions that are being made.

What are the challenges facing our local state parks?

Both of the parks (the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, which includes the Fischer-Hanlon House, and the Benicia State Recreational Area) are in dire need of maintenance. It’s an issue of deferred maintenance. The Fischer-Hanlon House is just one of many state historic buildings we’re going to lose because of deferred maintenance if work isn’t done.

The state recreation area gets lots of use. It could use a lot of tender, loving care.

But there’s not adequate funding available for that.

How are the holiday preparations going at your house?

The boxes are starting to come down now. It takes a long time to get the boxes down. My job is moving the boxes and organizing the boxes, and then getting out of the way. I mostly do the grunt work— Carol gets all the credit for the aesthetic.

You have to start early because you have to get it done by the holidays. It’s traditional to buy the tree on Thanksgiving weekend, and it’s the last thing to go up. Then I complain about all the stuff (laughing).

That’s my nature.

appetizers • soup & salads • sandwiches • burgers pizza • dinner entrees • delectable desserts locally grown produce • 33 large screen TV's signed sports memorabilia • NFL ticket specialty cocktails • 22 beers on tap always rotating wine & extensive selection of bottled beer

OPEN DAILY Mon-Fri 11am-12am Fri & Sat 11am-1am Sun 9am-12am

Locally owned; fun for the entire family!

321 First Street, Downtown Benicia

707.746.7665 rookiesbenicia.com

What do you to do relax?

I exercise a lot and I’m a baseball fan. I’m a Mets fan and have been since 1962, the first year they existed.

The last couple of years, I’ve done Sierra Club service trips to do work in Alaska state parks. We work on cabins. The past two years we got to stay in cabins we’ve been rehabbing.

I try to still go out in wilderness. We travel a lot; we just came back from Cuba in September. People were very friendly and open. When you’re in Havana, you can go anywhere you want to go. There’s very little police presence. They’re all looking forward to working with the U.S. to improve their life. They can’t grow enough food for the country—they still have rationing. We wanted to get there before Starbucks got there.

What’s next for you?

I’m going to continue to stay active in environmental issues, in terms of protecting open space and agricultural lands. I’d like to try to work on developing a countywide park system. So, more of the same. I told you—I’m the ant, not the butterfly.

DECKS • FENCES • ARBORS • RETAINING WALLS

G & G Deck and Fence Proudly serving the North Bay Area Family owned and operated

4494 Treat Blvd #21455 • Concord, CA 94521 • 925.848.5089

www.gandgdeckandfence.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

Photos by Jerry Bowles

Getting Your Fill, Right Here in Town

By Christina Strawbridge A very, very long time ago in what seems like a galaxy far, far away, there was a unique concept called a full service gas station. Friendly, uniformed attendants would fill your tank, wash the windows, check under the hood and inspect the tires as a courtesy. Gasoline was around 23 cents a gallon, and unleaded fuel and electric battery charging centers were futuristic concepts seen in sci-fi movies and TV shows.

The era of self-serve has replaced those bygone days of filling the car up for under $5.00. It's strange that we have adapted to serving ourselves (even my Mom filled her own tank), while paying more to do it. Curious!

Recently, the City of Benicia's Office of Economic Development released the 2015 1st Quarter Sales Tax/Benicia Industrial Vacancy and Overview of the Economic Development Program. As the City continues to provide full services and maintain costs, revenue from sales tax told an interesting story. There has been a decrease in sales tax from the Industrial Park, the largest contributor to the City's general fund, of 16.5%. Other retail centers like the downtown, Columbus Parkway and Solano Square are maintaining or showing increases in tax revenue.

What I found fascinating is that gasoline stations in Benicia provide a whopping 10% of overall revenue, coming in second after heavy industrial business. That means that filling up in Benicia at one of the ten stations around town helps the overall economy and maintains the quality of life we have come to expect and rely on.

Another eye opener is that restaurants come in third place for their 9% contributions to the economy. I counted 62 restaurants, including food and beverage purveyors, on visitbenicia.org. Half of these are located on First Street, generating 75% of total sales tax receipts downtown.

24 • Benicia Magazine Trends

Supporting small business in Benicia keeps our town vital, maintaining the heart of the community. For years, our message has been to shop locally. Here are my top ten reasons to shop Benicia first: 1. Very cool merchandise that you can’t find just anywhere.

2. Friendly customer service. You know the name of the owner, and more importantly, they know yours. They actually ask you if you need help.

3. Convenience. Downtown Benicia is only a few miles from anywhere in the city.

4. Free gift-wrapping in most stores, with perfect bows.

5. Civilized shopping with few lines and seldom a crowd.

6. Free, convenient parking. And you won’t forget where your car is parked! Save $5.00 immediately by not using a bridge. If you do have to leave town, fill up first here in town, or go electric and charge up at the city hall "Fast" charging center.

7. Over 40 spas and salons that can revive the most ardent shopper.

8. Event shopping! This town knows how to throw a party.

Stores get into the act with special holiday promotions that really help shoppers get into the mood.

9. Sixty-two restaurants and bars, each offering a unique experience from casual alfresco dining at one of the cafes, to a leisurely meal at one of the many diverse restaurants throughout Benicia.

The benefits of keeping our tax dollars local are huge, and the data now also proves that we are filling it up right here in town.

Plumbing and Boilers

Serving Benicia's orthodontic needs for over 25 years

Residential & Commercial Service, Repair & Replacement Slab leaks, repipes Water heaters, faucets Toilets, garbage disposals Remodels, gas lines & more

10%

discount with this ad

Dr. Tom Campbell Orthodontics for children and adults

Free Estimates Mike Pitta, Owner/Operator

707.751.1714

Call to schedule a complimentary exam

Lic. #969499 Insured & bonded

707.745.1994 • 164 East H St., Benicia Beniciaparadocs.com

• up2codeplumbing.com

Benicia Cleaners Since 1977

Home • Auto • Motorcycle Boat • Business Policies

81 Solano Square, Benicia • 707-745-1353

(Next to Pizza Pirate) Free delivery & pickup • We honor competitors’ coupons

1440 Military W. #202, Benicia

50% OFF

707.746.0590 alonzosmall.com

Alonzo

AND

Small

Insurance Agency

for new customers

STAINS

If we can’t get them out, they won’t come out!

The first to use the most environmentally safe/friendly cleaning process.

No waiting to drop off All work done on premises Best shirt laundering in town No Perchloroethylene

Come visit our Com ddesigner showrooms

Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash

2310 ““D” Bates Ave. Concor Concord (near HWY 4) also in Santa Clara Mon - Fri 7 - 5 and Sat 9 - 2 & Milbrae 925-798-7525 925

1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com

CaBRE # 00674738

themouldingcompany.com themouldi

ESTEY Since 1946

Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management

CrossFit707.com Kara Purves Co-owner/Coach

538 Stone Road #B, Benicia 707.205.1301

Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business of the Year Award Customer Service, Professional Knowledge, Integrity Here for you since 1946, call us today.

707-745-0924

935 First Street, Benicia • www.esteyrealestate.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

A

To t

he

FIRST STREET

ena

l WE

ST

Cit

ST K

1

ST .

EA

ST K

ST J

A. Judith Judson, 310 Military West 1. Tosch Dental, 118 West K Street 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street

WE

3. Adobe, 929 First Street

ST I

6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street

9. Spotless Carpet Cleaning, 800 First Street, Ste. A

H

ST .

14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street

9

15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street 16. Urban Notions, 611 First Street 18. Charlie’s Attic, 632 First Street

ST .

EA

10

12

Ch Co amb mm er o WE erce f ST FS T.

ST J

ST I

6

W

12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street

EA

26

ST .

Be Ca nicia ES pitol TG ST .

11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street

2

EA ES T

10. Studio 41, 700 First Street

ST .

3

W

8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103

ST H

ST .

24

EA 11 ST G 15 ST .

7 16 18 14 EA

19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street WE

20. Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, 321 First Street

ST E

21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street

8

ST F

ST .

ST .

EA

ST E

23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 25. Gracewood Printing and Gifts, 372 First Street W 20 ES TC 26. Christie Finn, Coldwell Banker, 900 First Street ST

FIR

ST ST R

22

EE T

.

23 Benicia Main Street

ST

FIR ST ST RE

WE

WE

7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street

EA

ET

yP ark

BENICIA

26 • Benicia Magazine

Ars

ST .

EA 25 ST D ST 19 .

21

Benicia Marina

ST .

ST .

Financial Planning • Investments • Fee Only Certified Financial Planner Accredited Investment Fiduciary

Lawrence I. Grossman, CFP ® AIF™, MBA, MA 560 First St., Ste. B203 707.745.8756 grossmanfinancial.com

Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful!

Residential & New Home Sales; Property Management 707.745.0759 www.judsonandcompany.com

Mexican Food 640 First Street • 707.746.7830 SPECIAL OCCASION SHOPPING Business & Social Printing Jewelry • Unique Gifts for Her 372 First Street, Benicia Open 12 - 5pm, Tues-Sun

510.213.2774, gracewoodbenicia.com

Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific Christie Finn, Realtor Cal BRE # 01876823 • (707) 853-9787 900 First Street Benicia, CA 94510 www.Benicia2ContraCosta.com

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

Lunch, afternoon tea, housemade desserts, fine teas & tea accessories

Steve McClure

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

www.stevemcclure.net • 707.745.0848

CHARLIE’S ATTIC Collectibles-Antiques-Music Consignment and eBay drop-off

632 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

Dudikoff Insurance Agency Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

Planning, Products, & Services

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

www.farmersagent.com/gdudikoff

Come see our new displays for 2015!

Furniture, Collectibles & Household Items 929 First Street — Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 11am-6pm PLUS

Frequently open until 10pm • 707.745.4565

Subscribe Today!

Visit our large showroom

Call 707.853.5226 or Mail checks to Polygon Publishing 771 West H Street, Benicia, 94510 or Visit us online at beniciamagazine.com

Quality Home & Leisure Products

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

707.745.5933 BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Benicia Arsenal

Artists Open Studios

December Events Downtown Holiday Shopping Spree

12/1-12/3 Downtown Benicia, participating merchants Shop downtown Benicia! For every $10 spent at participating merchants, earn a ticket to enter a drawing to win $500 downtown dollars.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Christmas Tree Lot at the Museum

12/1-12/23, 10am-7pm Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Large selection available with all sizes and species. Tree delivery & wreaths.

"Cally" the camel will deliver letters to Santa.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Holiday Tree Lighting and Open House

12/4, 6-9pm Downtown First Street, Benicia First Street merchants along with Benicia Main Street host this popular open house at the beginning of the holiday Season.

Merchants offer beverages & treats and show off holiday goods while costumed carolers sing Christmas tunes. Live entertainment, wagon rides & wine tasting add a festive atmosphere to this family event.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Holiday Open House at Benicia Capitol State Historic Park

12/4, 6-9pm First & West G Streets Benicia Benicia State Capitol and Fischer-Hanlon House will be decorated for the holidays and open during the Open House on First Street. Free admission to State Capitol building. Voluntary donations benefit the interpretive

activities of the Benicia State Parks Association.

Protectbeniciastateparks.com 707.745.3385

Benicia Arsenal Artists Open Studios

12/5 & 12/6, 10am-5pm Historic Arsenal, Jackson & Tyler Streets, Benicia The Arsenal artist community invites you to tour their December Open Studios. Meet artists and see their work environment in buildings dating from 1850s-1920s.

All studios within walking distance.

Free parking & admission Mikekendall.com/decos13.html 707.319.5361

25th Annual Lighted Boat Parade

12/5, 6pm Starts at Benicia Marina Parade commences in front of Benicia Marina fuel dock two.

Boats will be judged and prizes awarded.

707.745.2628

Photo by Jerry Bowles

Benicia Ballet’s 25th Anniversary Production of The Nutcracker 12/5, 2 & 7pm; 12/6, 2pm Downtown Theater 1035 West Texas Street, Fairfield Celebrate Benicia Ballet’s 25th anniversary by enjoying a world-class production of this holiday classic.

Beniciaballet.org 707.746.6757

Ha Ha Ha Holiday!

A Stand Up Comedy Show to Welcome the Holidays

12/5, 7:30-9:45pm The Flamingo Hotel 2777 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa This holiday it’s not about how much money you spend, it’s about how much you LAUGH! Get into the holiday mood with laughter, wine, cocktails, friends and wellknown comedians! A good laugh is all you need for Christmas.

Crushersofcomedy.com 707.545.8530

AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE We are passionate about Homeownership Teddy Bear Tea Party

12/6, times vary Camellia Tea Room 828 First Street, Benicia Bring your favorite teddy, advance reservations required.

707.746.5293

Santa’s Workshop with Bradbury & Bradbury

12/7 Check date on website Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Free Christmas craft event for kids with gorgeous B&B wallpaper.

Make ornaments, decorations & gift boxes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, please bring your scissors!

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Vallejo Art Walk

12/11, 5-10pm 400 Georgia Street, Vallejo Showcasing over 25 participating galleries & shops with a variety of nationally accomplished and upcoming local creatives. This monthly event covers Georgia, Marin, and Virginia Streets in the downtown Vallejo arts district.

Artsvallejo.com

Christmas Parade and Holiday Market

12/12, 10am-3pm Downtown First Street The parade starts at 10am at First & D Streets and ends at H Street, and features local marching bands, dancers, and the much-anticipated Santa Claus.

The Holiday Market features handcrafted arts & crafts, gourmet items and delicious foods.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.5435

Parol Lantern Festival and Parade

12/12, 5-9pm Yerba Buena Gardens to St. Patrick’s Church, San Francisco Grand pageantry of more than 1,000 glowing lanterns; annual Parol celebration has become a must-see holiday event. Bay Area Filipino community gathers for the annual celebration of holiday spirit, hope, unity, and pride.

It’s a family fun-filled evening of dancing lights, music, games, and prizes.

Kularts.org 415.348.8042

Diablo Regional Concert Band

12/11, 7:30-8:30pm Benicia Library 150 East L Street, Benicia Diablo Regional Concert Band will perform their annual Winter Concert with Cora Martens conducting.

Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Alan M. Schwartzman Branch Manager

DRE 00681649/01215943 NMLS 238622/1850

ams@advancedmtg.com

Mitchell S. Chernock Sales Manager

DRE 00583404/01215943 NMLS 236204/1850

Saint Nicolas & Victorian Ornaments at the State Capitol

12/12, 1:30am-3pm First & West G Streets, Benicia Benicia State Parks Association invites you for Victorian Ornament Making at the Capitol (nominal fee) and visits with St. Nicholas at the Fischer-Hanlon House (no cost—bring your own camera). Docents in period attire will serve cookies and cider from the wood-burning stove.

Protectbeniciastateparks.com 707.745.3385

mitchell@advancedmtg.com • Purchase/Refinance • Conventional, FHA, VA, 203 K Rehab • Reverse Mortgages for Seniors • Native American Home Loans

707. 746. 4920 Lic. by Dept. of Corp. under the CRMLA

615 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

advancedmtg.com

It’s A Wonderful Life Performed by MIRA

12/11&12, 12/18&19, 7:30-9:00pm 51 Daniels Avenue, Vallejo Mira Theatre Guild, housed in the former Bay Terrace School, is Vallejo’s first and longest running community theatre, started in 1943. The guild performs this holiday classic based on the 1946 movie starring James Stewart.

Miraccc.org 707.552.0400

selection An incredible games, of puzzles, & gifts electronic kits

The Little Prince Performed by Marin Theater Company

12/12&13, 12/19&20, show times vary 397 Miller Ave, Mill Valley This story of a boy falling to earth on an asteroid and the lessons he shares with a stranded pilot has mesmerized kids and adults alike for generations. A holiday treat for the whole family.

Marintheatre.org/productions/ the-little-prince 415.388.5200

Right-brain enhancing learning tools

739 First Street, Benicia 707-746-7565

mozarteinsteinandme.com MUSIC

SCIENCE

ART

30 • Benicia Magazine

IA

PLUMBIN G

.

INC

for the

75

ES

T

AB

LISH E D 1

9

BEN IC

“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”

Trenchless Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation - Pipe Bursting Repair or Replace • Water - Gas - Sewer Garbage Disposal • Drain Cleaning • Water Heaters Video Camera • Slab Leaks • Free Estimates

BENICIA SCHOOLS Student Centered, Safe and Welcoming, Forward Thinking

Residential and Commercial Service 24/7

(707) 745-2930 www.BeniciaPlumbing.com CA Lic. #329632

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

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

Welcome to Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

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

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

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

Contractor's License # 687979

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment

4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia

707-745-2100 aqc@aqchome.com

Allan and Susy did an incredible job to create our beautiful kitchen. Combining high quality cabinets with very efficient features and floor plan design, we have an amazing new kitchen that we absolutely love! —Kathy and Rick Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home, or a Nourot Vase, with the purchase of a complete kitchen.