Benicia Magazine February 2017

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Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2017, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, 372 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, beniciamagazine.com.

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FEATURES

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Food, wine and fewer winter crowds make for a perfect day in Carneros

18

FEBRUARY

DEPARTMENTS 10 From the Editor

The enduring legacy of the 1853-54 legislative session at Benicia Capitol

12 Currents

20

13 Backwards Glance

Bruce Rockwell’s favorite Meyer lemon recipes for the many locals who grow them

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4

Residents grapple with increasing coyote presence Captivate your valentine with delectable chocolates from six local shops An endearing story that gave the “Camel Barns” its name

15 Bio

Lowell Dalton, craft picture framer and downtown denizen

24 Interview

Part 2 of Roger Lipman's road to remission

22

Benicia Community Gardens, reimagined into a countywide sustainability role

26 Trends

Channeling HGTV reality shows with a house flip near the beach

28 Calendar of Events

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FROM THE EDITOR

February 2017

Ding Dong, the Drought is Dead?

As I write this during a late-January storm, Northern California is no longer experiencing a drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, unlike our neighbors to the south. Norcal’s two biggest reservoirs, Shasta and Oroville Lakes, are nearing capacity and opening their spillways into the Sacramento and Feather Rivers, respectively. Though Shasta Dam’s spillway release is impressive enough, the Shasta Lake Facebook page reports that “the potential is high” to open the enormous tripledrum floodgates at the top of the dam this season. Apparently, this incredibly impressive sight—seared forever into my memory from experiencing it during my teen years growing up in 1970’s Redding—last occurred 20 years ago. The floodgates are opened when the lake is full, which it is now approaching, while the spillways lower down on the dam allow a measured release of water to accommodate additional runoff flowing into the lake.

The storm has had Lake Tahoe residents scrambling for candles with massive power outages that lasted days (Kat was without power for “130 + hours”). Mudslides and blizzard conditions closed I80 for almost a week and ski resorts were closed, keeping Benicians from enjoying the fresh mountain powder.

With all this wet weather, the pace has slowed around town, affording time for quiet contemplation. I hope you are enjoying the respite, as I am. I’m reminded of the many ways we are lucky to live here, as February’s stories are finalized for print: Such interesting history, as noted in Sarah Rohr’s article about legislation passed at the Benicia Capitol, Bruce Rockwell’s piece on Meyer lemons, which grow in abundance all over town, and an article on an easy day trip to eat and drink like royalty in the nearby Carneros wine region. In Currents, don’t miss the many ways to delight your valentine with specialty chocolate of all types right here in town, as well as the complex issue of coexisting with coyotes.

Lisa Duncan Photography

Photo by Michael Van Auken

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Call 707.853.5226 or go to beniciamagazine.com Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann

I’m sending a virtual group hug to all our readers, and wishing you all a happy (and dry—enough already!) Valentine’s Day.

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CUR R ENT S

Coexisting with Coyotes

By Sarah Rohrs Benicia’s abundant open space is home to many birds and animals, including one making headlines and generating a buzz on social media: the coyote.

A close relative to wolves, coyotes are part of the suburban landscape where lines between developed and undeveloped areas are often blurred. Coyotes

are not always welcome, though. Some say they are misunderstood and persecuted and others say they are a menace and need to be controlled; and still others advocate co-existence and common sense. Native to the Bay Area, coyotes are carnivores that primarily eat rodents. Coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare, experts say.

Benicia Police Lt. Scott Przekurat said the BPD has not received any reports about coyote attacks to humans or pets, and that city animal controller officers do not

respond to wild animals. Police Chief Erik Upson, in late 2015, made an online report noting an increase in coyotes, raccoons, deer and other wildlife, mainly due to their search for food and water. California Fish and Wildlife spokesman Andrew Hughan said it is “probably true” that coyotes are on the rise. He said they have lost their wild habitat to development, are adapting to suburban areas and losing their fear of humans.

Local reaction to coyotes is mixed. Sightings and other activity have led to two Facebook groups. Benicia Coyote Watch is a closed group with 264 members that advocates for co-existence and keeping local coyotes and pets separate and safe. The Benicia Coyote Activity group is open with 360 members, an interactive map of coyote sightings and educational posts. Members here post when a coyote has lured away and killed a dog or cat. Benicia Coyote Activity founder Jennifer Hanley said coyote packs are commonly seen along the Braito Trail on the west side of Southampton, and in neighborhoods that abut large open space areas. She said coyotes have become brazen, and one person reported a pack taking down a full-grown deer in someone’s front yard. She added that some residents who live near coyote activity feel like they are under siege and want empathy and help, particularly from city officials.

But are coyotes really the villains? Keli Hendricks, ranching coordinator with Project Coyote based in Mill Valley, said no. She said news and social media reports have greatly exaggerated risks coyotes pose to pets and humans. Largely misunderstood, coyotes are “really cool animals” with close family bonds in which pairs mate for life, Hendricks said. Coyotes are also extremely resilient and will increase breeding whenever they feel threatened or their pack numbers have decreased. This makes controlling them nearly impossible.

Hendricks and others agree people should not feed coyotes at all, ensure there is no access to pet food and water dishes, and that they can’t get into garbage or compost areas. Dogs and cats should be kept safe, and if a coyote comes close, scare it away with noise and body language. In its Keep Me Wild campaign (wildlife.ca.gov/ Keep-Me-Wild), the Department of Fish and Wildlife urges a hands-off approach. Project Coyote (projectcoyote.org/) also has numerous tips for how best to deal with coyotes.

Since neither people nor coyotes are going anywhere, Hughan said people need to do their part. “We’ll have to find ways to live with them. Every human is going to have to take responsibility,” he said.

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B AC KW ARD S G LAN C E

e ABCs of the Army Benicia Camel Corps-

A Primer for Beginners

By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director, BHM Image courtesy Benicia Historical Museum At the conclusion of the Mexican-American War in 1848, it became clear that the newly won Western territory landmass was unsuitable for the army’s pack animals, horses and mules, due to the harshness of the terrain, temperature extremes and the difficulties in locating water and indigenous pasture materials.

Jefferson Davis, the Secretary of War under President Pierce, was granted Congressional funding in 1857 to purchase 34 camels from Middle Eastern countries. Navy Lieutenant Edward Beale and assorted military personnel conducted a camel caravan from the camel’s port of entry at Indianola, Texas, to California—surveying and mapping the territory along the way.

Upon the army’s controversial decision to end the “camel experiment,” those animals still in California were sold at auction February 26, 1864, at the Benicia Depot of the Benicia Arsenal, where they were corralled behind the very sandstone buildings which house the Benicia Historical Museum, hence the nickname “Camel Barn Museum.”

Unfortunately, there are no live camels roaming the Museum premises today, but we do house hundreds of camel-related objects, the majority of which come from the Philly Dake estate. My research here has only increased my admiration and affection for the genus camelus and species dromedarius (one hump) and bactrianus (two humps)—they are remarkable creatures and supply a fascinating chapter to our local history.

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CUR R ENTS

Chocolate Ranks High on Benicia’s List of Charms

By Sarah Rohrs It doesn’t take much proof to know that love and chocolate are engaged in a not-so-secret love affair. No time is that more apparent than in February when Valentine’s Day rolls around. As the Beatles sang, “All you need is love,” but Peanuts’ Charles Schultz added to that, “but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Wooing a sweetheart on Valentine’s Day usually means a card, flowers and a candlelight dinner. Most likely, it also means the sweet, divine, melt-in-your-mouth experience known as chocolate. Shops throughout Benicia and Vallejo offer a large selection of chocolate bars, truffles and chocolate hearts to put a smile on the lips of a loved one.

Benicia is a bastion for chocolate of all shapes, flavors and types. At Studio 41, the chocolate selection is its own art form. A huge assortment of gourmet and handcrafted chocolates are on hand in stunning displays. John Kelly, Moonstruck, Lake Champlain, Vosage, Frans and others are available in an array of flavors such as grey salt, Hawaiian salt, coconut, jalapeno, turmeric, and bacon, to

name just a few, says owner Leah Perry Shelhorn. Studio 41 also sells fine chocolate caramels, hot chocolate mixes, chocolate sauces and decadent marshmallows with chocolate and salted caramel inside.

Alongside the guitars and music, and science and art gift store at Mozart, Einstein & Me, customers will find an assortment of standard and unusual goodies from the Humboldt Chocolate factory out of Eureka, California.

At Bookshop Benicia, owner Christine Mayall has found books and chocolate make a great pair. She offers a wide selection of Theo chocolates, an organic and fair trade brand out of Seattle. At the Southampton Center, Steve’s Hallmark has a large case of yummy truffles and individual chocolate baggies to create the perfect Valentine assortment.

Chocolate is also on track at Benicia Main Street— which, in addition to selling a large assortment of boxed See’s Candies—is offering its annual Wine & Chocolate Walk in downtown Benicia, capturing the spirit of Valentine’s Day. The Feb. 4 afternoon event gives attendees

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Studio 41

700 First Street 707.745.0254 studio41.com

Mozart, Einstein & Me

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Bookshop Benicia

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Steve’s Hallmark

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Benicia Main Street

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Liled’s Candy Kitchen

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Lowell Dalton

By Adriene Rockwell Lisa Duncan Photography Every morning Lowell Dalton rides his old-school Rivendell racing bicycle from his home on the east side of downtown to his frame shop on First Street, where he enjoys his days as Benicia’s community picture framer. He and his wife Carol purchased Benicia Frame more than 32 years ago, and the store reflects their commitment to quality craftsmanship. In the show room there are dozens of sample frames on view, and in back there’s a workshop where Lowell does the framing himself. From his years in art school, he has an eye for aesthetics and a thorough understanding of the craft, but the art of working with people is what keeps his business running strong.

Everything that comes through his doors is precious in his eyes, and gets treated the same whether it’s an expensive work by a renowned artist like Robert Arneson, Manual Neri or Roy de Forest—or a child’s priceless first drawing. “When someone brings in an image they care about, I like talking to them about what they have. It’s always about the picture, not the frame. I stay humble about the frame.”

Lowell has a fine arts degree from Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara where he met his wife, an admired local artist with a studio in the Arsenal. He’s been practicing figure drawing with a group for more than two decades, which he calls a discipline. His career, he says, is nearly as satisfying as art-making.

“There are certain aspects of what I do that is art, but it doesn’t get you all the way home. Framing has a finite sense of variables while the blank canvas has infinite possibilities.”

When he’s not in the shop, there are three primary things that keep him busy: “Gardening and dealing with plants, fishing as long as I can hold out—and art.” He’s grown more than 100 varieties of old roses, grafted numerous fruit trees, and enjoys growing citrus, particularly two types of rare limequats.

Lowell has been passionate about fly-fishing since the late 1970s, and each year he takes at least two big fishing trips with his brother and/or Carol. In the early days, they fished the Rubicon River or Hell Hole Reservoir in California, and in the 90s they starting venturing farther out to spots like Henry’s Fork on the Snake River in Idaho, and the Madison River in Montana—mostly to catch rainbow trout, and occasionally brook or brown trout.

Like most things Lowell loves to do, fly-fishing took time to learn. “The rhythm of casting can come naturally,” he says. “There’s a beauty in casting, a form, like dancing. But the mystique in being successful is paying dues and learning which fly to use for which fish, and when. Use the wrong fly, and nothing is going to happen.”

Running several miles each day keeps Lowell young at 73, but when he retires he says he’ll have to think about what kind of an artist he’s going to be. In the meantime, he seems certain about one thing: “It’s important to find ways to find beauty in your life.”

B IO

a chance to taste chocolate and wine pairings in many First Street shops.

The goal is to meander from shop to shop and enjoy an array of chocolate treats like truffles, cookies, brownies, fudge and chocolate fondue, along with wine selected to pair well with them.

Ticket prices include a complimentary wine glass and up to 15 tastes. Go to beniciamainstreet.org for more details.

In Vallejo, giant chocolate hearts are a traditional Valentine’s Day specialty at Liled’s Candy Kitchen. The old-fashioned candy store on Tennessee Street dates back to 1936, with a kitchen where the chocolates and ice cream are made from scratch. Today, husband and wife team Evon and Vaughn Hardiman run the shop, determined to preserve the store’s tradition. They bought the business (along with its recipes) eleven years ago. Valentine’s Day is a big deal for Liled’s, Evon Hardiman said. The cases are filled with truffles, fudge, chocolate mints and more. On the shelves are boxes of chocolates and flavored milk chocolate hearts. Of the chocolatethemed holiday, Evon said, “It’s fun. It’s a lot of work but it’s a lot of fun, too.”

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1

3

Photos: 1) Truchard Winery, courtesy photo; 2, 3 & 4) Fremont Diner, by Bob Ecker, 5) Boonfly Cafe Green Eggs and Ham, and p.8 top left, by Trinette & Reed; 6) Artesa Winery, by Bob Ecker

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Exceptional Food & Wine in the Southern Napa Valley

5 6

By Bob Ecker The 2016 harvest is just a memory and winter’s chill has chased the crowds out of the Napa Valley. Yes, it’s cold, but winter is the perfect time to take a day trip to Carneros, Napa’s closest winemaking region. Technically known as Los Carneros, with parts in both Napa and Sonoma counties, this AVA (American Viticultural Area) covers about 90 square miles of elegant, low lying hills. Its direct proximity to the maritime breezes and fogs from San Pablo Bay keeps this region much cooler than the more northerly areas of Napa Valley. This is why cool weather grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive in Carneros. There are certainly many wineries to visit in this pretty, unspoiled region, but one truly stands out: Artesa. This magnificent winery, which opened in 1991 and is owned by Spanish powerhouse Codorniu, is a true architectural masterpiece. Tucked into Carneros’ rolling hills off the beaten path, the winery’s sleek low profile and eco-friendly grass roof blends into the surrounding landscape. Various artworks, water sculptures, fountains and areas to sit and sip can be found throughout the grounds, in addition to the tasting rooms. However, the truly stunning natural scenery is best viewed from Artesa’s terrace, reserved for club members. “We like the scenery and the architecture is beautiful. And the wines are very good too,” said Maureen Palmer, visiting from Orange County, California. “What’s not to like?”

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Indeed, the wines at Artesa are quite good. Try their Limited Release Pinot Noir, the Sangiacomo Pinot Noir or one of their many Chardonnays, such as the Estate Reserve. The airy tasting room is pleasing, but the terraced courtyard is the spot to enjoy some wines and the views—on clear days you can see San Francisco in the distance. Visitors can also indulge in one of Artesa’s excellent food and wine pairings. These include the Vino con Queso—a lovely pairing of artisanal cheese with six Artesa wines ($60); A Spanish Tapas and Wine Pairing ($60) or the Pintxos and Wine pairing, a combo of delicious wines and Basque-inspired small bites. These and other pairings occur at various times during the day so call to reserve a spot. An elegant cheese and fruit platter can also be enjoyed while tasting ($30), available during regular business hours.

Artesa Winery

1345 Henry Road, Napa 707.254.2126 artesawinery.com One must eat while in Carneros, and what better place than the funky and delicious (and popular) Fremont Diner? Located on Highway 12/121 on the Sonoma side of Carneros, this little diner is like a slice of Americana in the wine country. Serving amazing chicken and waffles, great burgers, milkshakes and a “Basket of Biscuits” to die for, this humble spot attracts people from miles around. The crowds are mixed: old-timers who’ve been eating at the diner for years, visitors passing by, and hipsters looking for the next big thing. But the Fremont Diner is not a flash in the frying pan; it’s an authentic local restaurant serving great food with a casual, fun atmosphere.

Open Monday-Wednesday 8am-3pm and Thursday-Sunday 8am-9pm. They don’t take reservations so you may have to wait, especially on weekends, but it will be worth it.

Fremont Diner

2698 Fremont Drive, Sonoma 707.938.7370 thefremontdiner.com If you want to try a different, worthy winery while in the area, check out Truchard Vineyards, a bucolic, 380-acre family operation founded in 1973. Still run today by the Truchard family, this estate winery is serene and easygoing, serving fine, reasonably priced Napa wines. I love their Old Block Pinot Noir, as well as their intriguing Tempranillo.

This large estate has many types of exposures, vineyards, soils and elevations suited to abundant varieties of wine grapes, and Truchard delivers with a large range of wines. Visitors should plan to spend up to an hour and a half or more as they taste and discover the unique property, vineyards and caves. Open by appointment only.

Ask for Linda.

Truchard Vineyards

3234 Old Sonoma Road, Napa 707.253.7153 truchardvineyards.com Nearby Boonfly Café, located on Highway 12/121 at the Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa, is another lovely place to grab a bite. They, too, produce some serious fried chicken and waffles (enough for two meals), fabulous omelets, sandwiches, Kobe burgers and more. Expect huge portions and a friendly staff. With an ample local wine list, they also offer an outstanding Bloody Fly's Spicy Bacon Bloody Mary.

Boonfly can get busy at lunchtime so try and get in a little before or after lunch.

Boonfly Cafe

4048 Sonoma Hwy, Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa 707.299.4900 boonflycafe.com

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BENICIA CAPITOL

A COMMANDING & ENDURING PRESENCE

By Sarah Rohrs Benicia’s time as California’s third state capitol was brief but enduring. The capitol building itself, at First and West G streets, still stands as a vital presence in Benicia’s downtown. Its doors, as well as the adjacent Fischer-Hanlon House and gardens, a period home that is part of the Benicia Capitol State Historic park, are open to visitors. Some 163 years after the Legislature departed for Sacramento, laws passed in Benicia point to a busy and important era in California, and to successful efforts to secure women more rights. Lured to Benicia’s newly built city hall, the Legislature left Vallejo in mid-session and began to meet there in early February of 1853. At the time, Benicia was a young, busy port city. The international Pacific Mail Steamship Company, the Benicia Arsenal, plus new schools, churches, and businesses all were in operation. Senators and Assemblymen would stay in Benicia for a little more than a year, holding their last session in late February of 1854.

It was the time of the California Gold Rush, too, an intense period for the state and for lawmakers, said Mike Caplin, a Benicia State Parks Association volunteer guide. During its first 90 days, the Legislature introduced 460 pieces of legislation and passed 180, wrote authors of the book The Best of California’s Missions, Mansions and Museums. Gov. John Bigler signed all 180 into law. Perhaps the most prominent one allowed women to hold property in their own names, independent of their husbands, a huge step in women’s property rights. Caplin said this law draws the most interest, as California was the first state to pass such a law giving these rights. Previous to its passage, married women were often left destitute when they became widowed. Other laws passed in 1853-54 included naming San Quentin as the first state prison, creating a flour inspection system and establishing a state “insane asylum” in Stockton.

The Assembly’s official record gives a peek into the times. Lawmakers met six days a week, Monday through Saturday, and were either Democrat or Whig, as the Republican Party had not yet come into existence. The 27 Senators met downstairs while the 63 Assemblymen met upstairs. The Assembly first gathered on Feb. 11 and Feb. 12, 1853 in their new Benicia quarters, but could not do business for lack of a quorum. They finally got to work on Feb. 15. In those early months, Assemblymen accepted a petition from the women of Sonora and Tuolumne for better observance of the Sabbath, and funded a state road from Benicia to Sacramento. They created new counties in the Los Angeles area and established a historical society. In 1854, Bigler also spoke to the Assembly, encouraging lawmakers to pay down growing debt and deal with bureaucracy. He noted that gold dust shipped to Washington D.C.’s treasury the prior year was valued at a little more than $57 million.

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In February of 1854, lawmakers discussed moving California’s seat of government to Sacramento. The frequent lack of quorum in the Assembly, plus Benicia’s lack of a printing facility, law library and secure State archives were cited as major reasons.

But the change did not come without debate in the Assembly, where the vote to relocate was split. During their last day in Benicia, some Assemblymen made a last ditch effort to relocate the capitol to Stockton, Santa Rosa and Marysville.

When the Assembly next met on March 1, 1854 in Sacramento, they had left Benicia and its stately building behind. No original furniture and few artifacts remain from those times, Caplin said.

One artifact on hand is a state seal press that is disputed to be either the first or second official California press, and is still operational. Another is an American flag in the Assembly that has 31 stars, equal to the number of states at the time. An 1854 map in the Senate shows the Sierras with the largest population centers, and Los Angeles the smallest ones. The Benicia State Capitol has been restored to appear as it might have looked in 1853. Floors are exact copies of the original and made with antique square nails. Three Senate desks, one Assembly desk and several potbellied stoves are from the period.

The Benicia State Capitol is the oldest original California statehouse that remains standing, according to the California State Parks Association, which maintains it as a museum. The Benicia State Capitol served as county courthouse, city hall and jail, library, firehouse and place for church services before the state took it over in 1951. In recent times, it has survived budget cuts and closure threats. Bolstered with volunteers and city support, it is open noon to 4pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Photos, page 18: Benicia State Capitol; page 8, right, and this page far left and bottom: Capitol interior; left, State seal press,

by Jerry Bowles

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Â?e Magic of Meyer Lemons

By Bruce Rockwell If there were one indispensable, perfect fruit tree for Benicia gardens, it would have to be the Meyer lemon.

These prized ornamentals with waxy, evergreen foliage are a delight for the senses at all times of the year. They offer up a profusion of sweet, jasmine-scented blossoms in the fall and early spring. In Benicia, their main crop begins to ripen sometime between the Thanksgiving and New Year holidays to brighten the onset of winter.

But in a sunny location, an established tree can produce smaller crops that ripen in different seasons. Meyer lemons have an exceptionally long hang time; the winter fruit can stay on the tree well into early summer. In this way local families blessed with a mature tree will nearly always have ripe lemons available for the kitchen. Once established, a Meyer tree grows with surprisingly little care, and will naturally maintain a manageable dwarf or semi-dwarf size.

Introduced from its native China over a century ago by the botanical explorer Frank Nicholas Meyer, the Meyer lemon is actually not believed to be a true lemon at all. It is most likely a genetic cross between a lemon and a tangerine, and this parentage is expressed in a slight orange tinge to the fruit's golden skin when fully ripe. Commercial production has been limited, as the fruit doesn’t travel or keep as well as its more familiar, thicker-skinned cousins such as the Lisbons and Eurekas. Meyers are notably sweeter than other lemons, requiring less sugar in lemonade and other recipes. But what truly distinguishes the Meyer lemon fruit is its unmistakable floral aroma and richness of flavor.

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Meyer trees are lavishly productive, and if you have a tree or two in your yard, you will probably enjoy an abundance of fruit at this time of year. And luckily, the utility of this crop matches its fecundity. When cooking with Meyer lemons, it is important to understand that they can yield disappointing results in conventional lemon recipes. With their higher sugar content and lower acidity, Meyers often require the use of recipes specific to their flavor profile. Bearing this caveat in mind, the internet yields up a profusion of recipes for the aficionado: Meyer lemon bars, meringue pie, poke cake, gelato, cookies, marmalade, syrup and mousse, in addition to a wealth of savory uses in lemon soup, cream sauce, salad dressing, glazes, and others. What follows is a family favorite that demonstrates the versatility of this glorious fruit.

Editor’s Note: See more of the Rockwell family’s Meyer lemon recipes at beniciamagazine.com.

Meyer Limoncello This sweet, golden ambrosia hails from southern Italy, where it is enjoyed after meals as a digestif. Stored in the freezer and served ice-cold, limoncello is traditionally flavored only by the zest of the lemon. The producers in Sorrento use lemons that aren’t readily available in the U.S., but our Meyers make an excellently flavored limoncello, more goldenhued than the Italian product. “Family secrets” for making this elixir abound, though perhaps scorned by purists, adjuncts such as vanilla, lavender, lemon juice, anise, ginger, and other flavorings can be added in subtle quantities to good effect.

15 Meyer lemons 1.75 liter Everclear or vodka 3 cups sugar 3 cups water Remove the zest layer from the lemons with a sharp peeler into a large pitcher, crock, or other food-grade container. Be careful not to peel off any of the bitter white pith layer. Juice the peeled lemons and set the juice aside for another use. Pour the alcohol over the lemon peels. Cover and let rest, out of the direct sunlight, for 40 days. Make a simple syrup by mixing the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Filter the alcohol by pouring through a coffee filter set inside a strainer, and discard the peels. Stir half of the simple syrup into the alcohol. Gradually add the remaining syrup while tasting, until desired sweetness. Let rest for another 40 days. Filter once more through a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Transfer into tall, clear bottles and cap with a stopper cork.

Elementary Enrollment Beginning February 1st BUSD where all students achieve at their highest potential in an engaging, inspiring and challenging learning environment.

Enrollment for incoming Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten and new elementary students to BUSD begins February 1st Your child must turn five years old on or before September 1, 2017 to enroll in Kindergarten.

BUSD is also offering Transitional Kindergarten again this year for all Benicia students who turn five years old between September 2nd and December 2nd, 2017. Enrollment for this program is completed at each of our Elementary Schools starting the month of February.

Open Enrollment for all Elementary students desiring to attend a school outside of their school of residence will be held the month of March.

Forms can be picked up at any elementary site and information is on the BUSD website.

Please call any of our Elementary Schools for additional information and to schedule an appointment.

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

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New Name, New Direction for Benicia Community Gardens

By Sarah Rohrs Photos by Marilyn Bardet When individuals commit to change it’s often said they are turning over a new leaf.

For Benicia Community Gardens, that process involves a lot more than just one leaf.

Perhaps a whole forest is more apt. The organization, dedicated to community, the environment, organic gardening, local food and healthy eating, is branching out in a big way, perhaps the most noticeable being its new name. After a long period of reflection, the Benicia Community Gardens (BCG) board of directors changed the name to Sustainable Solano, a name that embodies a larger aim of promoting healthy living on a regional basis.

Executive director Elena Karoulina said the new name recognizes BCG’s growth and evolution. “We’re so much more than gardens. There is a future and need for this in our county and that’s what moved us. It’s a leap of faith,” she said. However, she assured Sustainable Solano has not turned its back on Benicia where key programs have taken root and inspired. In fact, BCG programs will remain a strong component of the expanded organization as it evolves. “Benicia is our key root. It was all born in Benicia. We want people to feel proud of that,” she said.

The organization started out small with its first community garden, Swenson Garden, which was established in 1999 near the Heritage Presbyterian Church. A second community garden, Avant Garden, got underway at First and D Streets, and then an orchard was created. Both gardens are now centers for gatherings, cooking classes, landscaping workshops and hands-on learning. The group also established food forests in backyards, a lecture series and began work on a food coop. It was the water-saving features of the backyard gardens that prompted Solano Water Agency to propose the organization create similar gardens outside Benicia.

In 2017, Sustainable Solano plans to establish three gardens in Fairfield and two in Vallejo, possibly on public property, such as a school or park. In this time of transition, the board and many volunteers’ focus will be on developing programs and strategies for sustainability efforts throughout Solano County.

Karoulina said that work will take place in four major areas, including building a local economy that meets the needs of all people, regenerating the environment, promoting social justice, and promoting a culture in which people can reach their full potential.

The last aim resulted in the group’s December “Awakening the Dreamer Symposium,” designed to give insight and inspiration for transforming despairing conditions facing the world today.

Sustainable Solano will further this goal with an upcoming seven-week course called “Game Changer Intensive.” Sustainable landscaping efforts will continue, as will monthly tours of Benicia’s backyard gardens, cooking classes, and a speaker series.

The bigger aim is to build community, and inspire healthy lifestyles good for people and the planet. Everyone is welcome. “Each of us is an activist,” Karoulina said. “We want to give people opportunities to participate in something bigger than themselves.”

The group has its own website at sustainablesolano.org, where more information is planned for the coming months. Details on Benicia Community Gardens programs and schedule of upcoming local events are still at beniciacommunitygardens.org. For more information and to get involved with Sustainable Solano, go to these websites, or send an email to info@sustainablesolano.org.

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INTERVIEW WITH

Roger Lipman

By Sue Sumner-Moore, Part 2 of 2 Roger at the First Street Pier, Lisa Duncan Photography Editor’s Note: This is the second and final part of our interview with Roger Lipman. Part 1 was printed in the January issue and is available online at beniciamagazine.com.

Roger Lipman was fighting to save his life. He’d endured countless transfusions followed by four rounds of aggressive chemo, an experimental treatment at Stanford Hospital and finally a bone marrow transplant to fight off leukemia.

Eighteen months after he first felt “a little punk” and headed to the doctor, his body showed the ravages of the battle. He tired easily. He was skinny. His immune system couldn’t protect him so he wore a respirator mask when he went outside. He and his wife, Rebecca Barnes-Lipman, waited in a Mountain View apartment to learn if the transplant would be effective.

Post-transplant protocol required that they live near Stanford Hospital for 90 days after the release from the hospital.

Roger, now 74, emailed friends with updates through the ordeal, always encouraging them to treasure life and their loved ones.

Three years after the transplant, Roger is now back working at his ranch and vineyard in Lake County, spending time at his Benicia home, and enjoying good meals with his friends and family. He’d rather talk about the future than his past, but he hopes that telling his story will raise awareness about the need for bone marrow donors.

He remains grateful to the professionals who cared for him during his treatment. After he regained his health, he returned to the various hospitals and labs to thank the people who helped him reach his goal. He is especially grateful to his donor. “Again, I have to thank you for your generosity and kindness in being my donor,” he wrote her eight months after the transplant. “You have given me life.”

From his email with the subject ‘Lab Rat Escapes’ (Dec. 11, 2013):

At last I’m off the hospital circuit. We are now living in an apartment in Mountain View instead of being incarcerated …

My energy is low as my body adapts to all the drugs: 22 tablets per day, which is gagging when you think about it. I expect to gain strength each day and increase my scope of activity. Right now sleeping feels real good. …

We lost a great friend over the Thanksgiving weekend and he will be sorely missed. Twenty-five years plus of lunches, great dinners and fine friendship. We all want more time. So again remember to care for those you love and love those who need care.

How were you doing when you left Stanford after the transplant?

I was a space case at that point. I could do some things, but I’d get exhausted. My diet was highly restricted. I couldn’t eat anything that was raw. My attention span was not very good.

Rebecca took over everything. She was doing the cooking, managing the businesses, managing me—doing my infusions, cleaning my port, doing it all.

For 12 weeks, that was our ritual. My exercise was getting out of bed, getting dressed, putting on my mask and walking to the tienda near our condo to get fresh vegetables.

I was on antivirals, antifungals and antibiotics. I had to take them for almost a year after the transplant. I took fairly high dosage of anti-rejection drugs for a year as well, including prednisone.

At the end of 100 days, they sent me a notice that my body has accepted the donor’s marrow. My donor is a woman, so my blood went from XY (genetic code for male) to XX (genetic code for female).

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From his email with the subject ‘Lab Rat New Year’ (January 2014):

Do you have any other lingering effects of your treatment?

From his email with the subject ‘Bad Lab Rat’ (Feb. 9, 2014):

Are you still monitored for leukemia?

Over 30 days since transplant and the only complication is elevated adverse kidney tests, which is being addressed.

My new goal is to walk a bit after every meal and to extend the distance every day. The real hassle is to see me work out with the three-pound weights. Used to work out with 35-pound weights and the whole thing seems ridiculous. Sadly I’ve lost so much muscle mass that this workout is now a “strenuous” workout.

I walk around with a respirator mask when outside, which makes me look like Darth Vader except the filters are pink.

Adversity makes us stronger but let’s not overdo it.

It’s been 78 days since the bone marrow transplant …

I’m sort of worthless with chores as the tremors induced by the immunosuppressive drugs make me a liability to most all projects. One day when the diet was calling for clear liquids I was trying to eat some Jell-O and when I finally got it on the spoon it looked like a 9.0 earthquake trying to escape from the table.

Accordingly my manners have suffered a bit. …

From his email with the subject ‘Lab Rat Cheer’ (Feb. 21, 2014):

After 90 days of limited access to virtually anything while we waited for the transplant to do its thing, the preliminary result came in today. … While leukemia may never be “cured,” I’m within the range of total remission. This means I can return to an almostnormal life…

The real pleasure the other day was that I could take off my filter mask for a few minutes and I could smell perfume and flowers.

After eight to nine months without scent, it is amazing to regain.

So pardon me if I sniff a bit when I see you. Just seeing friends will be a visual and emotional delight.

How were you feeling when you came home?

When I got home, the word was “mindful.” I had to be mindful about moving, about everything I did. I had chemo brain. I worked on getting my muscle strength back, getting my weight back up. I was as skinny as can be. I was walking, exercising.

From an email with the subject ‘Lat Rat anniversary’ (Aug. 17, 2014):

It’s been nine months since the transplant and so much has happened: most of it good. The transplant worked and the leukemia is gone.

One setback is that the experimental treatment or the intense chemotherapy induced what the doctors call heart failure. … With drugs (more damn drugs) the process can be managed so that I have an almost normal life span. …

Please make an effort to enjoy every day; it’s what it’s all about.

Do you still take any drugs related to your illness and transplant?

I’m on zero meds related to leukemia or the bone marrow transplant. But I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) so I’m on medications for that. I don’t like that term, congestive heart failure. To me, failure is a binary—either something works or it fails. But congestive heart failure is not like that; your heart is still working but not as well as it should. I think CHF should stand for Compromised Heart Function. …

One side effect is neuropathy—I can’t feel my right foot. I can’t dance as much as I used to. I was dancing with a friend recently and I was stepping on her feet and I didn’t know. …

The prednisone I took led to my medical experience at the beginning of 2016: I had my hip replaced in January. Prednisone restricts bone growth and I had to get a new hip. When I had the surgery, I asked how long it would be before I could go surfing. He said four months. So we went to Hawaii in May, and I was able to surf. Not well, but I got up on the board.

I have blood work once a quarter but I’m now cancer-free. Can it come back? Yes. Nothing’s perfect. I know I’m going to die sometime, but not today.

Are you in contact with your donor?

We write once a month, off and on. She lives in Southern California. She and her family have visited us; we’ve seen them in Redding.

When I met her for the first time, it was like looking in a mirror through the years. We have the same skin color, the same hair color, the same eye color, the same shape of the face. She’s a sweet lady, very bright. She has two little ones.

Donating is very easy for the donor. It’s almost painless in all aspects. Go to Be the Match (bethematch.com). It starts with a cheek swab. My donor had done it back when she was in college and 10 years later, they found her when we matched. We were a perfect match on the 10 factors they measure. It’s totally a function of being descendants of European white trash (laughing).

What’s your life like now?

I’m spending time at my ranch, working on my tractor, fixing things. If I had to live the life I was living in Mountain View—no thank you. I can do anything short term, but I like to be active, doing things, and I couldn’t do that then.

Were you changed by all this?

One change is I don’t get angry any more. I may get frustrated, but I don’t get angry. When I’m out and someone does something stupid, I may get frustrated but I don’t get mad at them.

From an email with the subject ‘Lab Rat surfs’ (May 11, 2016)—accompanied by a photo of Roger surfing,

shown in the January issue of Benicia Magazine: A goal from the beginning of my medical adventure was to return to a normal life. Today I achieved that. While here in Maui I did it. So much for so long but patience paid off.

What have you learned?

Life is to be lived—enjoy it. It’s all about relationships. I think that’s just been reinforced.

Never give up—never give up. I learned you have to be assertive with your medical care or they will shunt you to the back of the line. You gotta be able to ask, you gotta be able to demand, and you gotta be able to say no.

I also learned to appreciate the people who love you and put out as much kindness as you receive.

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TR END S

Will Our New Flipper Flop?

By Christina Strawbridge Love it or list it, Fixer Upper, Flip or Flop, Extreme Makeover—HGTV has created many popular reality home improvement shows that showcase before and after makeovers.

Some of the makeover stars are attractive, real life couples, who gut interiors and use the terms “open concept,” “en suites,” “barn door closures” and other buzz phrases during the show. They also seem to be obsessed with the color gray! I have switched my obsession from cable news to follow the trials and tribulations of Christina and Tarek, Chip and Joanna and Hilary and David. It's more fun to watch them argue over the cost of marble than what the Russians are up to. Pure escape!

When it comes to real estate, it seems my life has been full of flips and a few flops. About 20 years ago, we purchased a house, a bank foreclosure, in Pismo Beach. The house had amazing Pacific Ocean views, but hung out over a canyon without any of the foundation sitting on land. Scary!

Our improvements consisted of paint, flooring, and landscaping for curb appeal. After finding a courageous person who didn't mind living on stilts, we sold it, and as of this week we closed on our 6th project “at the beach.”

The condo is actually a block away from the ocean in downtown Pismo. It's evident that

nothing has been done to the property in the past 30 years, including cleaning. This is a total redo: gutting the kitchen, three bathrooms, the floors and two fireplaces, and painting ... lots of painting.

We purchased it at a decent price with the goal of flipping it down the road.

What I have learned through the years is that Scott is a very hard worker, and he likes to do many of the improvements himself. We have spent the past five days painting dingy walls bright white. It has taken nearly three coats of paint and multiple trips to the hardware store for extra gallons. His original estimate was five gallons; we are now at twelve.

Finding help, besides me, is always a challenge— especially in this area of California. Two handymen have been lifesavers, helping with the new flooring which is a black French oak laminate. It’s vinyl that has been guaranteed to last forever, or at least until it's flipped again.

Our other "helper," our poodle, Paris, has accompanied us this week and proven to be incompatible with construction noise and debris.

As we head back to Benicia with white paint stuck in our hair (including Paris), a ruined manicure and overall body aches and bruises, I wonder if this this project will become a flip, a flop or something we will fall in love with. One thing seems certain: it won't be the last Strawbridge makeover.

26 • Benicia Magazine Trends

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TuneRiders, courtesy photo

February 2017 Events Slices of member artist's work, designed

by Peg Jackson, courtesy Arts Benicia

Art of a Community Exhibit at Arts Benicia

2/1-2/19 Wednesdays - Sundays, 12-5pm Arts Benicia Gallery 991 Tyler St, #114, Benicia Arts Benicia will begin its 30th year with one of its most important exhibitions, which showcases the multifaceted talents of artist members.

Artsbenicia.org 707.746.0131

Benicia Arsenal in War and Peace

2/1-2/28 and continuing Benicia Historical Museum 2024 Camel Road, Benicia The Benicia Historical Museum announces the opening of a new, permanent exhibit, featuring a 20-foot. timeline augmented with a large and colorful collection of medals, badges, crests, flags and authentically painted Benicia Arsenal toy soldiers. The informative display outlines the history of the first Western District pre-statehood military base from its beginnings in the 1850s, through the closure of the base in 1964, up through the activities of the current local National Guard.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Wine & Chocolate Walk

2/4, 1-5pm First Street, downtown Benicia Stroll First Street with your sweetheart, tasting fine wine and chocolate pairings inside participating downtown shops. Tickets $25 Advance / $30 day of event, or two tickets for $45 advance / $55 day of event (Ages 21 and older). Includes souvenir wine glass.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

SF Bay Flyway Festival

2/10-2/12 Mare Island, Vallejo The festival, which started in 1996 as part of the Mare Island Heritage Trust, celebrates the annual return of as many as one million shorebirds, a quarter million waterfowl and hundreds of thousands of hawks, songbirds and even butterflies to San Francisco Bay during the peak of migration. View website for complete schedule of events.

Sfbayflywayfestival.com 707.249.9633

Chinese New Year Festival and Parade

2/11, 10am-8pm; 2/12, 9am-5pm Market: Grant Avenue from California to Broadway St., Washington, Jackson & Pacific between Stockton & Kearny, San Francisco Parade: Market and Second Street to Kearny and Jackson, San Francisco Enjoy the sights and sounds of San Francisco’s exhilarating Chinatown during one of the community’s most exciting times of the year. At the market, over 120 booths and concessions make this a shopper's paradise. Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and more takes place at the entertainment stage. The parade begins at 5:15pm Saturday evening. Highlights include

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2/12, 3pm First Presbyterian Church 850 Amador Street, Vallejo Vallejo Symphony Orchestra’s critically acclaimed chamber series features the Mare Island String Quartet with guest Michael Taddei.

Vallejosymphony.org 707.643.4111

Noise Pop Festival

2/17-2/27 Various locations in Oakland and San Francisco Established in San Francisco in 1993, Noise Pop is an annual festival of independent music that features the best local and national alternative acts.

Including non-stop music from electronic to jazz to good ol’ rock n’ roll, the festival offers an opportunity for everyone and anyone to enjoy the celebration.

Complemented by art shows, film scores, talks, happy hours, after hours and more, Noise Pop truly champions independent culture.

From its humble beginning—one night, 5 bands at The Kennel Club (now The Independent), to the present—11 days, 160+ bands, 85 events, 25+ venues—the Noise Pop Music & Arts Festival is a San Francisco staple.

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2/25, 6pm Historic BDES Hall 140 West J Street, Benicia The public is invited to attend the Benicia Lion’s Club 47th annual crab feed with cocktails at 6pm and dinner at 7pm, followed by music and dancing. There will be a no-host bar and silent auction & raffle. Tickets are $50 and are available by calling 707.771.8116.

Sustainable Landscaping for Your Backyard

2/28, 6:30-8:30pm Dan Foley Cultural Center 1499 N Camino Alto, Vallejo, CA Sustainable Solano (formerly Benicia Community Gardens) presents sustainable landscaping classes for 2017. Winter is a good time to start dreaming and planning about garden renewal. This is the perfect class for homeowners who are thinking about replacing a lawn or who would like to make their current landscapes resourcewise. Participants will learn about sustainable landscaping: beautiful, productive, lifesupporting ecosystems featuring trees and a variety of perennials fed by “secondary” water (greywater and rainwater). Other topics include edible landscaping, simple design plans, current turf replacement rebates and info about sustainable landscapers in Solano County. Class is free.

To register, go to grvd.org.

Beniciacommunitygardens.org/ events

Mon-Sat only, 6am-3pm

Buy one breakfast entrée, & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $7 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per table. Exp. 2/28/17

ENTRÉE EVERY DAY Buy one entree & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value

Benicia Grill E. 2nd e R d.

Lion’s Club Crab Feed

ENTRÉE

680

on

2/18-2/25, all day First Street, downtown Benicia A week dedicated to discovering all the number of ways to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper on First Street.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

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

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Vallejo Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series

Pamper Me Week

9th Year Anniversary!

ial

2/11, 6-9:30pm Historic Clock Tower 1189 Washington Street, Benicia This fundraiser for the Benicia Middle and High School Jazz Bands includes an all you can eat crab dinner, live entertainment by the award-winning bands and a silent auction. Ticket prices do not cover wait-staff tips or the beer and wine bar. Tickets $50 regular / $45 Seniors (65+). Advance tickets only. View auction items at Jandcsilentauction.webs.com.

Bhsjazzncrab@gmail.com 707.742.3883

2/18, 5:30pm Veteran’s Memorial Hall 1150 First Street, Benicia This event benefits the Benicia Veteran’s Hall and features fresh crab, salad, pasta, bread, live entertainment, a raffle and more.

Tickets are $45 and are available at the cantina at the hall. No host cocktails begin at 5:30pm and dinner is served at 7pm.

Beniciavetshall.club 707.745.1769

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Jazz & Crab

Vet’s Hall Crab Feed

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elaborate floats, lion dancers, folk dancers, costumed school groups, marching bands, stilt walkers, Chinese acrobats, and a 268 foot long Golden Dragon. Admission is free but bleacher tickets for the parade can be purchased for $30.

For a full description of events go to Chineseparade.com/calendar.asp.

Chineseparade.com

St

10% off

ENTIRE BILL

With purchase of 2 drinks.

Up to $7 value with coupon.

Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per table.

Exp. 2/28/17

With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $7 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per table.

Exp. 2/28/17

707.751.0155

4760 E. Second St., Benicia Dinner-style lunch menu

Open every day 6am—3pm

Proper Tree or Shrub Selection

Plan, protect, prune correctly and preserve trees and shrubs to maintain value.

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

www.beniciatrees.org BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Feb BenMag Vol12 v3.indd 29

1/25/17 4:20 PM

• 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

…closer than ever

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

1350 Hayes St. Ste. C-4, Benicia, CA

707.742.4444 707.690.7672 www.beniciatransport.com

...IT’S A FACT!

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!

Residential & Commercial

CARPET • UPHOLSTERY TILE & GROUT CLEANING

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

Dine In Carry Out Delivery Online Ordering

M I LY A F $

S PECI AL !

22.99

plus tax

A two-topping large pizza with 6 twists & 2 liter soda

25% OFF

can not be combined with other offers, exp. 2/28/17

Any Service (Min. charges apply)

Banquet Rooms Available events, meetings & parties

Round Table Pizza

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

spotlesscarpetcleaning.net

878 Southampton Road, Benicia

707.746.7000 • roundtablepizza.com

Create a warm & cozy home with an energy-efficient gas fireplace or insert.

Right-brain enhancing learning tools An incredible selection of puzzles, games, electronic kits & gifts

Quality Home & Leisure Products

707.745.5933

Awarded NAMM's National 2015 Top 100 Music Retailers!

620 First Street 707-746-7565 2156 First Street Livermore, CA 94550

MUSIC • SCIENCE • ART mozarteinsteinandme.com

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

Celebrating Our 37th Year!

Huge savings on select in-stock models

30 • Benicia Magazine

Feb BenMag Vol12 v3.indd 30

1/25/17 4:20 PM

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

Feb BenMag Vol12 v3.indd 31

1/25/17 4:20 PM

“We thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff at Affordable Quality Cabinets. They were attentive to all our questions and concerns. Our kitchen is now the kitchen of our dreams” —Kim

Celebrating 26 Years

AFFORDABLE QUALITY

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

Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia

Feb BenMag Vol12 v3.indd 32

Cabinets and Countertops

Contractor's License # 678979

707-745-2100 l aqc@aqchome.com

1/25/17 4:20 PM