Benicia Magazine February 2013 Issue

PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S TIES TO BENICIA

QUEBEC'S HUGE WINTER CARNIVAL

Popcorn 3 ways Valentine's Day, Super Bowl & Oscar parties

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14

© Xdachez.com

Benicia Magazine FEBRUARY VOLUME 8 ISSUE 4

14 16 18

Features The world’s largest winter carnival kicks off in Quebec City Popcorn plays a starring role in February’s parties Lincoln, our 16th President, had a hand in shaping Benicia

Departments 10 From the Editor 12

Currents Adding a little pizazz to a basic bookshelf Local school kids become artists in the Next Generation exhibit

20 Map of downtown Benicia 22 Map of Benicia Arsenal 24 Interview

Interview with Tim Zumwalt, Vallejo Symphony Orchestra

26 Fashionista

Marilyn Monroe and old Hollywood stand tall in Palm Springs

28 Listening

Featured musician—Mark Showalter

28 Live Music Calendar 30 February Calendar of Events Cover photo: Valentine popcorn, by Jerry Bowles

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February 9, 1-5pm Ages 21 and older

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Benicia Magazine

Benicia

magazine

Celebrating our 8th Year

Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

magazine

BeniciaMagazine.com

Kindergarten Enrollment Benicia Magazine February 1st Benicia Magazine

– February 28th

Benicia

magazine

Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

Special Projects/Advertising Coordinator Joey Baker

Benicia Contributors Elizabeth d’Huart Bob Ecker Rhonda Lucile Hicks Adriene Rockwell Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

magazine

Benicia

magazine

Contributing Photographer Jerry Bowles Editorial editor@beniciamagazine.com

Advertising sales 707.853.5226 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: the 1st of the month prior to the issue month Contact Us 707.853.8159 Office 707.745.6757 Fax general@beniciamagazine.com beniciamagazine.com

This year’s Kindergarten Enrollment will be held at each of our Elementary Schools during the month of February.

Your child must turn five years old on or before October 1, 2013 in order to enroll.

BUSD is also offering Transitional Kindergarten again this year for all Benicia students who turn five years old between October 2nd and December 2nd, 2013. Enrollment for this program is done at each of our Elementary Schools during the month of February.

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

Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2013, 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.

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Benicia Unified School District, 350 East K Street, Benicia, CA 707.747.8300 • www.beniciaunified.org BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

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From the Editor February 2013 Do you have a favorite month? I like them all, but if I ranked them, January would be in the bottom third, along with June and August, transition months all. About the third week of the new year, with resolutions and decorations packed away, the post-holiday doldrums begin to set in. The cold snap has driven us indoors, and the short days have begun to take a toll.

Just in the nick of time February comes to the rescue, with three readymade events to enliven us. First, the Super Bowl on the 3rd, which is great for fans and shoppers alike, then Valentine's day, and finally the Oscars, all of which lend themselves naturally to an easy, lighthearted party with family and friends. In this issue we offer three different ways to inject some fun into your celebration using popcorn as the main feature.

February has another pull at my house—it’s Mike's and my anniversary month—and our tally this year is 30. We'll be looking for 30 fun things to do to commemorate the occasion. We love wine tasting, wine and food pairing and wine collecting, so that will factor heavily as we head northwest to enjoy the beauty and bounty of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, where the crowds are mercifully thinner this month.

Lincoln's birthday also factors into February, which many of us take advantage of by scooting off to the mountains for a long weekend of skiing or other snow play. But here's a radical idea—read Elizabeth d'Huart's story on page 18 about Benicia's connections to Lincoln, who righted an oversight and rededicated the Benicia Arsenal during his presidency, among other items. Then go visit the Benicia Historical Museum, a gem of interesting exhibits, to view the Lincoln documents and other treasures therein.

If you aren't yet inspired by February's offerings, check out Bob Ecker's story about the largest winter celebration on the planet, the Quebec Winter Carnival, which draws hundreds of thousands of revelers each year.

You can sleep in a hotel made entirely of ice, if you can get a room—the Hotel de Glace is always a sellout. There are hundreds of outdoor events, and if you act fast, still time to get a ticket!

Enjoy the soft light of the waxing winter sunshine,

Jeanne Steinmann

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

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Thinking Outside The Book: ‹ infuse your shelves with urban style ›

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5. Nest

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The Next Generation: A Curated Exhibition of Local Children’s Art Evan Maxwell George with his great grandmother GG, standing beneath his painting (top).

Photo by Sarah George

By Adriene Rockwell Evan Maxwell George sold his first artwork at the age of seven. His pastel drawing of a house in the sunset with beautiful hues of golds and reds was shown as part of a professional gallery exhibition at Arts Benicia last year. Leading up to the public opening of the exhibit, Evan admitted to being a little nervous. “I was like 75% excited and 25% nervous because I thought I might be embarrassed,” he said.

But when he arrived at the reception with his family, including his great grandmother “GG,” they discovered his piece had already sold to a mysterious buyer.

Evan, now in third grade at Robert Semple, was among hundreds of young people who participate each year in the Next Generation exhibition through their schools. This year all seven Benicia public schools, Saint Dominic School, and a number of home school and charter school students are participating. With the help of teacher and parent liaisons, each school selects 35 works to submit for the show; smaller groups may submit up to five works. Arts Benicia curates the exhibition and provides materials and training along with a range of related public programs. Susan Sullivan, Chair of A/B’s Youth Education Committee who organizes Next Generation, is a retired teacher of 35 years and former Principal at Mary Farmer School. She co-chairs the committee with arts educator Elisabeth Gulick and says the committee members, including Emily Thompson, Shelley Dupuis, Phyllis Debois and Joy Lerner, get a lot of joy from their work together.

“As educators we can tell the impact it's having on the youth. Whether they are six or 16, their faces light up with pride, accomplishment and delight at seeing their work on exhibit,” says Susan. “It's the same sensation as getting an A on a math exam

or being the best player on a soccer team.

They are honored for their creativity and imagination, and the family comes to honor their accomplishments too.” If the young artist agrees to sell, all the works are priced at $35 and the commission is the traditional 60/40 split for the artist and the gallery. In Evan's case, it soon clicked for him that he could make money with his art and he began to create small works and selling them for 25 cents each. He even planned his own EBay business, and with his commissions he purchased his own skateboard equipment.

The exhibit originally launched in 1996 as the brainchild of Mark Eanes, a respected Benicia artist and associate professor at California College of the Arts, who has served as an advisor and Board Member for Arts Benicia. The exhibition grew over a number of years, and then took a seven year hiatus. In 2010 the show came back to life, greatly due to the passion of Gulick, and Arts Benicia's then new Executive Director, Larnie Fox, who has more than 20 years experience running children's arts programs and a vision for community engagement through the arts. “It's no secret that many great artists have admired children's art,” says Eanes. “Picasso said that we are all trying to get back to that child-like state, and I believe that's true. My idea was to get children's work off the refrigerator and onto the walls. I don't think for a second that we are going to turn kids into professional artists, but we are going to encourage kids to think creatively, and to be interesting human beings.”

Superintendent Janice Adams believes in the value of the arts in our schools, but says reductions in funding from the state makes it difficult to provide ongoing arts curriculum. She acknowledges the many parents, volunteer art docents, community artists and arts organizations who are helping fill the gap. “The Next Generation

exhibition is a great model of collaboration, and our schools are stronger thanks to the support of local artists. We are extremely grateful for their passion and commitment to our students,” she says.

Eanes admired many works during the Next Generation exhibit in 2011, but he only purchased one, and that was Evan's pastel drawing. “Evan's was the classic, iconic piece. I loved his use of vivid, delicious color, and the way he put the shapes on the page.” The pastel is now part of Eanes' extensive personal collection of works by both seasoned and emerging artists.

The first thing Evan did when he returned home from the art opening that day was call his grandmothers and everyone in his family to tell them about his sale. When recalling the experience, he looked at his mom with a little concern: “How much was our phone bill that day?” His mom, Sarah George, smiled: “Oh Evan, don't worry about that, we were all so happy for you.”. B Exhibit opens Thursday, March 7 and runs through Sunday, March 24 Opening Reception with Director’s talk at 3 pm, Sunday, March 10, 3-5pm Lecture by Art Educators Susan Watts & Susan Bunch Thursday, March 14, 7-8:30pm Family Art Day, Sunday, March 17, 1-3pm For gallery hours, visit artsbenicia.org.

For Next Generation info, email Emily Thompson, abnextgen@gmail.com, or Larnie Fox, larnie@artsbenicia.org.

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Celebrating Winter at Quebec City’s Annual Carnival

© Luc Rousseau

By Bob Ecker The beautiful, old city of Quebec, built in 1608, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating place to visit year round. But in the dead of winter the city comes alive as it celebrates the annual Quebec Winter Carnival, the largest such winter festival in the world. About 670,000 people attended the three-week long event last year and the upcoming carnival, the 59th (February 1-17), will have Quebec City hopping day and night; defying, and indeed welcoming, the cold of winter.

More than 300 outdoor shows and activities take place during the Winter Carnival, including snow canoe races, ice car races, outdoor concerts, day and night parades, dog agility competitions and an outdoor “Snow Bath.”

There are also amazing ice sculptures from around the world displaying extraordinary designs. Families can enjoy spirited indoor and outdoor games, riding snow rafts down slopes, ice fishing, ice climbing, horse drawn carriage rides, Scandinavian hot tubbing, dog sledding or even being a part of a giant human Foosball game. “Bonhomme,” the

Quebec City, photo by Bob Ecker

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If you go Many airlines fly to Quebec City including Air Canada. www.aircanada.com

Where to stay

Quebec City is tourism friendly with a huge assortment of places to stay.

Fairmont Chateau Frontenac www.fairmont.com/Frontenac Hotel Pur, www.hotelpur.com Auberge Saint Antoine www.saint-antoine.com Ice Hotel www.hoteldeglace-canada.com

© Xdachez.com

Jardin Restaurant; photo by Bob Ecker

© Xdachez.com

snowman icon, is a "living" symbol of the Winter Carnival and can be seen cavorting all over the city.

With his bright red bonnet and sash, the slightly weird, chubby Michelin Man-like character is both odd and very funny.

Of course, this French Canadian city is known for its outstanding dining, and superb restaurants are everywhere. Don't miss the romantic “Restaurant Le Saint-Amour” for a very special experience.

Or try the lovely “Panache Restaurant,” the cool “Toast,” and “Le Café de la Terrasse” in the historic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. This city is also a great place to stroll and explore artisan shops.

Another well-known Winter Carnival attraction is the Ice Hotel, or Hotel de Glace. The 36-room Ice Hotel is (of course) below freezing, and all walls, floors, and furniture are made out of huge blocks of ice. It’s an icy blast to see. Heavy duty arctic sleeping bags are provided to all overnight guests—but it’s still freaking cold—yet sells out every night!

Charming year round, the dead of winter may be the time when Quebec City is at its most eloquent. Many people might think it's crazy to stand in the cold at night to view a parade, but it can be wonderful. "We've learned to embrace the cold, not fear it," said Nicole Bergeron, a native Québécoise, watching the colorful floats and bands pass by. Despite February’s chill, Quebec City emanates from the people who breathe color and life into the cold, dark Canadian night. B

Where to Dine

Restaurant Le Saint-Amour 48 Sainte-Ursule 418.694.0667 www.saint-amour.com Quebec City Winter Carnival www.carnaval.qc.ca/en

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3

Ways

to bring

into your

February

Celebrations!

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February plays host to three big events, all of which are party-worthy, and in all of which the humble piece of dried corn can play a starring role. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to show your affection and culinary prowess with our sure-to-impress caramel popcorn to share with your sweetheart or an entire party. While you are voting for your favorite Oscar winners, amp-up the movie theater atmosphere at home with our chosen winners for the best theater-style microwave popcorn you can buy at the grocery store. And for sports fans, you can lay odds that our peanut-butter popcorn will satisfy the hungriest of appetites during Super Bowl XLVII. To make these simple recipes, all you need are a few ingredients, a microwave and lots of napkins.

Best Oscar-worthy theater-style popcorn Tastes most like theater popcorn

OVERALL WINNER for the adults

Tastes most like theater popcorn

OVERALL WINNER for the kids

Tastes most like theater OVERALL popcorn WINNER for the kids

OVERALL WINNER for the adults

With adult and child popcorn “experts” on hand, in a most un-scientific way we tested a variety of theater-style popcorn brands on a cold winter night in January.

Valentine’s Caramel Corn 15 cups popped corn 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda Spread cooked popcorn on baking sheets in a single layer.

Mix the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often. When bubbles form around the edge of pot, cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add baking soda.

Pour mixture over the popcorn and mix until kernels are coated. Bake at 200º for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. After cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate chips and add your favorite small candies such as dried chocolate cherries. Serve in elegant glasses.

OVERALL WINNER for the adults

OVERALL WINNER for the kids

Super Bowl Popcorn 15 cups popped corn 1 to 1.5 cubes unsalted butter 1 cup peanut butter Salt to taste Put the popcorn in a large mixing bowl. On low heat, melt the butter in a medium pan. Add peanut butter and mix until well blended. The consistency should be like a thick syrup, easy to pour. Add melted butter or peanut butter to the mixture as needed, depending on the thickness of the peanut butter you are using.

When the mixture cools to warm, drizzle it over the popcorn, mixing with a large spoon until all kernels are coated. Spoon into individual bowls or bags; serve with lots of napkins!

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Up close and & P E R S O N A L : personal: N CE OF E D I V E Evidence of Benicia’s links to Lincoln

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U P

C L O S E

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By Elizabeth d’Huart Although our 16th President Abraham Lincoln has always been a much revered figure, there is a renewed interest in this fascinating American icon, generated by the recent release of Stephen Spielberg’s’ film Lincoln, based on Harold Holzer’s book, Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln Ended Slavery in America. Both the book and the film portray Lincoln as an intelligent and thoughtful storyteller with a sense of humor, possessed of a vigorous intellect and a compassionate nature. Then, as now, the President was dealing with a strident and difficult Congress during a time of conflict. The weight of office, combined with his suffering over his son’s death and his wife’s mental illness, served to fashion a man softened by sadness but fierce with conviction.

Lincoln’s signature can be found on a number of documents relating to the Benicia Arsenal, one of which reflects the re-authorization to establish a military arsenal in Benicia, California, through an Executive Order dated October 7, 1862.

This important letter from the Executive Office effectively closes the chapter on an acrimonious dispute over title to the land already occupied by the original Benicia Arsenal structures that were built between 1851 and 1857. Litigation was concluded in 1861 by a decision of the United States Supreme Court, which declared that General Vallejo had no legal title to the

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property. By that decision, the lands became a part of the public domain of the U.S. according to the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, February 2, 1848, ceding California to the United States.

Lincoln also appears as a signatory of a sentencing document acknowledging and acceding to the findings of a Benicia Arsenal court martial proceeding regarding one Private Peter Kleinkoph, who was later executed for desertion, after his attack on a fellow soldier.

Benicia Arsenal Post Order No. 12, dated April 18, 1865, announces Lincoln’s death as signed by Lieutenant Colonel R.A. Wainright—a heartrending expression of national shock and grief. As poignant and powerful as it reads today, one can only imagine the sense of loss experienced by our nation’s citizens of a recently reunited country.

It is gratifying to rediscover those events which directly link Lincoln to Benicia and to come to a greater appreciation of one who was, at once, a true visionary and an able man of office. Lincoln preserved the Union while ending slavery and promoting economic and financial modernization, and his birthday, February 12, President’s Day, should serve not simply as a state or national holiday, but also as a time to reflect upon an inspiring statesman who helped to shape a better part of the nation’s history, and a better world for us all. B

The original journal with the post regarding Lincoln’s death is on display at the Benicia Historical Museum. Copies of the other referenced documents are also on view.

“Freedom is a Hard Bought Thing,” the Museum’s current exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, has been extended to the end of February, which is also Black History month. Please check the website or call for further details.

Authored by Dr. Jim Lessenger, The Execution of Kleinkopf: The True Story of the Execution by Firing Squad of a Desperado and Deserter is a fascinating account of the “Kleinkoph affair,” for sale at the Benicia Historical Museum gift shop, along with other books on the City of Benicia and the Benicia Arsenal.

Elizabeth d’Huart is the Executive Director of the Benicia Historical Museum.

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Weekends

Anyone can nominate a tree for Heritage designation!

Our Top 6 Picks for Bay Area Events delivered to your inbox each Wednesday

A prospective Heritage Tree must meet 1 of 7 criteria, including historical significance, diameter and aesthetic value.

Find out more online or call 707.746.4285

Sign up online at beniciamagazine.com

it's free!

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City of Benicia

Heritage Tree Program

Heritage Tree applications and pruning & removal permits can be downloaded at www.ci.benicia.ca.us, Parks & Community Services

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Call TODAY to schedule your FREE in-home consultation BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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A. Judith Judson, 310 Military East B. Sprankle’s Village Deli, 82 Solano Square C. S. Thompson, Farmers Ins., 310 Military West, Ste. D 1. Tosch Dental, 18 West K Street 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street 4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street 5. Benicia Floral and Gifts, 838 First Street 6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street 7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street 8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103 9. Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street 10. Studio 41, 700 First Street 11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street 12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street 16. Benicia Magazine Studio & Store, 611 First Street 17. Reconnective Healing, 555 First Street 18. Charlie’s Attic, 519 & 523 First 19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street 20. Fabulous Finds, 129 First Street 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street 23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 25. Courtyard Salon, 114 West D Street 26. Nest, 129-B First Street 27. Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, 238 First St.

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Benicia Marina

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20 • Benicia Magazine

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To find out more call Dale Thorne, 707.745.4852 or Charles Kibby, 707.746.6054

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636 First Street M-S 10-8, Sun 10-6 707.747.5155 bookshopbenicia.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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A. Buck Factory Outlet, 4680 E. 2nd Street B. Affordable Quality Cabinets, 4852 E. 2nd Street C. Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road 1. Rosie's Cafe, 3001 Bayshore Road 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9 3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A 4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street 5. MC2Golf, 960 Grant Street, Ste. A 6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street 7. Montclair Skin Care, 940 Tyler Ste. 20 8. Rags to Riches, 946 Tyler, Ste. C 9. Marleen's Yoga, 938 Tyler St., Studio 204 10. 851 Music Studio, 1043 Grant Street

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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By Sue Sumner-Moore Tim Zumwalt grew up playing trombone and tuba, but now he toots other musician’s horns.

The retired teacher is the publicist for the Vallejo Symphony Association, a volunteer job that began when he joined the group’s board in 2003. He is a tireless supporter of the symphony, doing everything from picking up the mail and selling ads to managing the organization’s databases and writing website content.

“For years, I held the door open when we played at Hogan because there wasn’t a doorstop to keep the door open,” says Tim, 59. “I’ve even gone to people’s front doors to thank them for donations.”

It’s all part of being a symphony board member, a position he enjoys and hopes others will consider.

The board oversees the orchestra’s operation, and members worked to keep the organization viable during financially difficult times. Among the changes implemented to survive: the symphony performed twice the past two seasons instead of the previous four performances per season.

Tim takes particular pride in his work to promote the symphony. He begins working on publicity months before each concert, talking to the soloists and weaving their stories into press releases. “I treat the soloist as my client,” he says.

Tim grew up in Antioch, listening to pop music on KFRC radio and playing trombone beginning in fourth grade.

“In symphonic band, it was boring for trombone, so I switched to tuba for symphonic band and sousaphone in the marching band,” he recalls. Tim was a teacher for the West Contra Costa School District until health issues forced him to retire in 2010.

He and his wife, Theresa Gabel, live in Vallejo.

Interview with

Tim Zumwalt How did your love of classical music come about?

Since I got to play Schubert and Sibelius and Neal Hefti (composer of the “The Odd Couple” theme) and Mussorgsky and Duke Ellington in symphonic band, I didn’t think there was a boundary between types of music I could enjoy. In 1974 or ’75, I went into a record shop and bought a classical guitar LP. I found I liked it and started building a collection.

What do you listen to at home now?

That’s the myth when you are in classical music business, that you only listen to classical music. But we all listen to everything. … We listen to Edith Piaf and French café music. We listen to a lot of jazz, and we listen to KDFC now that they’ve changed from a commercial classical station to a listener-sponsored one. When they had to please their corporate sponsors, they only played music from 1770 to 1810. Very boring.

How did you become a symphony board member?

I became involved because of my wife. She’d been on the board since 1995, I think, so I was the husband dragged along to lots of concerts and events, fundraisers. I got to meet a lot of people as she got more into it. She was the symphony’s operations manager. She left in 1999 to work for the Napa Symphony and now she’s director of operations for the Berkeley Symphony. In 2003, I was approached by an older board member, someone I knew well. I was still working, still getting up at 6 in the morning to teach, but I thought I could do it.

You don’t need a musical background to do this. We have a music director we pay to select music. We need people with a financial background, people with strong community connections to service clubs, civic organizations. It would be great to have someone from the banking industry.

How did the board manage the financial problems during the 2010-11 season?

In January 2011, midway through our season, we had a concert on a Saturday night and then had an emergency board meeting on Monday. We were already under water and our toes were getting wet. We had to make a decision: Can we raise $50,000 in a few months or do we close down? We still had a little bit of cash, but we also had to pay for rent, our data plan, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, phone bill, equipment rental, sheet music. … We made payroll and then thought, ‘Geez, what are we going to do?’

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

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In January and February, we were in damage control. I was in five newspapers saying, ‘We are not bankrupt’ to everyone. We had no debt, so we could survive. We had a giant stack of letters telling patrons what their options were since we canceled the last two performances of the season.

Then we started fundraising right away, and the public stepped up.

Are You Ready To Give Up Those Reading Glasses?

What is the symphony’s annual budget?

Our budget is $100-$105,000 a year, half what it was when we had a four-concert season. Other orchestras spend that on one concert.

We are doing this on a shoestring.

Many people don’t realize that we pay our musicians. Everyone you see on stage gets a paycheck.

How long did it take the symphony to recover?

From that January disaster, we came back in October that year with a concert featuring Paul Psarras, a classical guitarist. I got him eight interviews, including two on the radio. We were in the office the Saturday before the concert and we thought that we might break 350 (in attendance). I said, ‘We need a laugh line’ to the president. So she came out that night and said, ‘We’re back’ (in the style the little girl says, “They’re back” in Poltergeist.) We were at the Empress with its 470 seats, and it was our first sellout in 13 years.

Any other changes in the past two years?

We started VSO Presents, where we bring in small groups to perform at Bay Terrace Theater in Vallejo. It’s a smaller venue, about 160 seats, and we brought in Squid Inc, a string quartet, in September 2012. On March 15, we’ll have Paul Psarras back. There’s no theme yet, and I’m not sure what he’s going to play but he wants to play the oud, an ancient instrument from Greece. He loves ancient instruments.

What’s next for the symphony?

We’re feeling good. We want to have the season ready in late February so we can go public in April, 2014. We’re planning a threeconcert subscription series—keep your fingers crossed. It’s going to mean lot of fundraising. We’re starting a wine raffle now, and we’ll draw at our concert in April. We are not that far away from a third concert.

What do you do to relax?

I do a lot of cooking, often French food. I put the right music on to go with what I cook. Last night I cooked Italian, so I put on opera. B

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Upcoming Vallejo Symphony Programs VSO Presents Paul Psarras, a classical guitarist, Friday, March 15, at Bay Terrace Theater, 51 Daniels Ave., Vallejo.

(Details being confirmed at press time.)

Vallejo Symphony Orchestra spring concert: "Storms and Passions,” with guest artist Melanie Keller, 3 p.m., Sunday, April 7, at Lander Hall, Touro University, Mare Island. Tickets range from $15 to $35.

Tickets for either performance: Available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling the symphony office at 707-643-4441.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

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HOLLYWOOD in the Desert

By Christina Strawbridge For weeks the Bay Area had been drenched with a series of storms that caused major flooding in many towns, including Benicia.

As I write this Sunday morning, the rain is coming down sideways and the wind gusts are up to 50 miles an hour. There I was, on a flight headed for Palm Springs. Not my favorite way of traveling! The pilot did his best to maneuver around the dark clouds, but the whole of California was turbulent without a bit of sunshine or blue sky to be found.

However, as we passed over the snow-topped mountains surrounding Palm Springs, the sky magically opened up, revealing the desert, the golf courses and pools in every block. I don't remember ever feeling so thrilled, not only to be safely on the ground, but for the warmth of the desert after days of wet weather. I happily peeled off layers of winter clothing in preparation for the ride into Old Palm Springs for lunch and sightseeing.

Palm Springs has gone through many transformations in the last hundred years. The "who’s who" of Hollywood and Washington used the desert to relax, rejuvenate and make deals. They built dream homes and compounds designed by the most innovative architects of the era. In some ways, the town became a second Hollywood, where streets are named after movie stars such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Dinah Shore and Gene Autry. As you walk the sidewalks, the names of film and television's elite are immortalized in the pavement.

The latest tribute to Hollywood is the addition of “Forever Marilyn,” a sculpture of Marilyn Monroe that stands 26 feet tall

and weighs a whopping 34,300 pounds. The sculptor is American artist Seward Johnson, Johnson & Johnson heir, who is known internationally for depicting people engaged in everyday activities.

“Forever Marilyn” is part of his recent series, Icons Revisited, which questions society's embrace of certain visual icons, their impact on our lives and culture and how the message has changed over time. Johnson was inspired by the famous photograph of Marilyn promoting The Seven Year Itch, taken by Bernard of Hollywood.

The sculpture debuted on July 15, 2011 on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, to much controversy. It was moved to Palm Springs after a six day road trip and five day assembly and restoration, and unveiled May 24, 2012.

Marilyn Monroe was discovered at Palm Spring’s Charlie Farrell Racquet Club in 1949 at age 22, by William Morris talent agent Johnny Hyde. Many famous photos of early Marilyn were taken around the Club's swimming pool. In the 1950's, she made many visits with her second husband Joe DiMaggio, and in the 60's bought a home in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood.

Seeing the sculpture in person was a highlight of my desert visit.

When we came upon her at the corner of "Main and Main" in the heart of downtown, it was interesting to see the crowd's reaction, especially the men! Marilyn still holds our fascination, even in stainless steel and aluminum.

My three days in Palm Springs were filled with pool time, dining, business and a little bit of Hollywood. I appreciate the fascination and allure it has had on generations looking for the great escape. B

26 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista

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

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

A Great Hair Style Beats a New Outfit Hands-down Call today for a style that makes you look fabulous every day!

Kathy Muniz kathy4hair.com Rose Angelica Hair Salon 841 First Street, Benicia

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www.lindsayartglass.com Gallery Hours: Sun-Fri 11-5 • Sat 10-5 109 East F Street , Benicia, CA 94510

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

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Featured Musician

Mark Showalter

House of Floyd - The Music Of Pink Floyd Band Leader - Saxophone - Keyboard - Vocals

By Rhonda Lucile Hicks How long have you lived in Benicia? Ten years.

What did you listen to as a teenager? The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Moody Blues, various 60’s oldies.

What do you listen to now? Basically the same thing with the occasional latest radio hits that my daughter listens to.

What's the first music you remember hearing? Earl Bostic, Jo Stafford, Glenn Miller.

Who influenced your music? The big band horn sound of the 40’s.

When did you know you wanted to be a musician? When I realized that I wasn’t cut out to be a policeman or fireman that my father had always pushed me towards.

What was your best moment on stage? The Fillmore, San Francisco, with Greg Allman performing in front of friends on stage alongside one of the legends of rock was pretty fun!

Born: August 19, 1956 Resides in: Benicia, CA Favorite Food: Chicken Wings (Hot) Favorite Book: Journey To The Center of the Earth Favorite Song: “In The Mood,” Glenn Miller (grew up listening to it from my parents collection and it kinda just stuck there) Relationship Status/Children: Married with one daughter (16)

Live Music

What do you do in your spare time? Golf in the summer and skiing in the winter.

What brought you to Benicia? Growing up in the Bay Area I always liked Benicia. Great place to raise a kid. We were finally able to afford it just in time for our daughter to start kindergarten.

Where can we see you perform? House of Floyd does theatres and large venues in California quite often.

Early next year we will be performing at Yoshi’s in S.F. and at The Hoffman Auditorium in Walnut Creek among others. Visit our web site for complete schedule www.houseofloyd.com.

Why Pink Floyd music? From the Syd Barrett era to “Dark Side of The Moon,” “The Wall” and more, there are five decades of music that Pink Floyd produced, touching on every mood and life experience.

We do it because we love the music and the joy it brings to people who come to hear it, to either re-live their past or are introduced to it for the first time. Not to mention the great lights and videos we get to do at all the shows! B

Read the expanded interview online at beniciamagazine.com.

Special Events: Clint Black

Ongoing

Uptown Theatre, Napa Friday, February 1, 8pm uptowntheatrenapa.com

The Rellik Tavern

Jackson Browne Acoustic Tour

Live music every Friday & Saturday therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137

Upstairs at the Café

Live music Thurs, Fri & Sat Jazz Sunday afternoon firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400

Empress Theatre

Wednesday Night Ramble First & third Wednesdays empresstheatre.org 707.552.2400 Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar Fairfield Live music every Saturday stickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500

Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium San Francisco, Wed, Feb 6, 7:30pm livenation.com

Chester Thompson

Freight & Salvage Coffee House Berkeley, Fri, February 8, 8pm thefreight.org

Delta Blues Festival Benefit Concert El Campanil Theatre Antioch, Sat, Feb 9, 7pm elcampaniltheatre.com

Swedish House Mafia

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium San Francisco, Wed, Feb 13, 7pm livenation.com

The Billy Martini Dance Band Silo’s, Napa, Thurs, Feb 14, 7pm silosnapa.com

Tony Lindsay & Friends

Vallejo, Fri, February 15, 8pm empresstheatre.org

Los Lobos

Kurt Rosenwinkel

Yoshi’s San Francisco San Francisco, Wed, Feb 20, 8pm yoshis.com

Uptown Theatre, Napa Saturday, February 16, 8pm uptowntheatrenapa.com

Adrian Legg

Lua Hadar with Twist

Victor Wooten

Musically Minded Academy Oakland, Sat, Feb 16, 8pm musicallyminded.com

Eddie Money

Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre Vacaville, Sat, Feb 16, 8pm vpat.net

Black Irish Band

Benicia Historical Museum Benicia, Sat, Feb 16, 8pm beniciahistoricalmuseum.org

142 Throckmorton Mill Valley, Thurs, Feb 21, 8pm 142throckmortontheatre.com Napa Valley Opera House Napa, Thurs, Feb 21, 8pm nvoh.org

Music for Families, San Francisco Symphony

Davies Symphony Hall San Francisco, Sat, Feb 23, 2pm sfsymphony.org

Free Energy

Brick and Mortal Music Hall San Francisco, Thurs, Feb 28, 9pm brickandmortarmusic.com

Chiara String Quartet

St. Mary the Virgin San Francisco, Sun, Feb 17, 7pm smvsf.org

Scan for more listings

28 • Benicia Magazine Listening

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Vallejo Coin Exchange • 127 Tennessee, Vallejo M-Th 11am-5pm, F 11am-3pm • 707.554.1754 VallejoCoin.com

Plumbing and Boilers Residential & Commercial Service, Repair & Replacement

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

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

Alonzo and Small Insurance Agency

Your one-stop insurance shop since 1981 Home, Auto, Motorcycle, Boat & Business Policies 707.746.0590 alonzosmall.com 1440 Military W. #202, Benicia

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Slab leaks, repipes Water heaters, faucets Toilets, garbage disposals Remodels, gas lines & more Free Estimates Mike Pitta, Owner/Operator Lic. #969499 Insured & bonded

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French

CONVERSATIONAL CLASSES

Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Adults — Small groups or individual sessions — C’est facile et amusant!

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Serving Benicia's orthodontic needs for over 25 years Dr. Tom Campbell

Orthodontics for children and adults

Call to schedule a complimentary exam 707.745.1994 • 164 East H St., Benicia Beniciaparadocs.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

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FEBRUARY 2013 Calendar of Events

2/1&2/15 Ghost Walk with Donna Raymond

& Devin Sisk, Fridays, Depot, 8pm Spooky tales of Benicia’s paranormal history Approx. 2 hours, no children under 10 Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

2/2-2/24 Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House

Weekends only 10am-5pm Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st & 3rd Sundays & 2nd Saturday Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, Feb. 3, 9, & 17 115 West G Street, Benicia, 707.745.3385

2/5 First Tuesdays Investment Club

Long-standing investment club Meets in Benicia first Tuesday each month For more info contact 707.373.1200

2/6-2/27 Toastmaster’s Group

2/9 Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

2/9 Wine & Chocolate Walk 1-5pm

Wednesday evening 7:30-9pm Learn to speak w/confidence in a friendly environment 601 First Street, Suite 100, Benicia 707.745.5694 Larry Miller

Stroll First Street with your sweetheart Indulge in chocolates, fine wines & shopping Tickets available at Main Street Depot or online Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

2/9 Benicia Art Walk, Self-guided Tour 3-7pm

Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940

30 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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2/9 Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm

2/9 Gallery 621 Reception 5-8pm

Featured artist is Marshall Lockman Gallery open Thursday-Sunday, 11am-5pm 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

Featured artist is Jody Mattison Exhibit runs 2/7 – 3/10 621 First Street, Thurs.-Sun. 12-5pm Gallery621.com 707.746.6211

2/10 Family Art Day 1-3pm

2/16 Black Irish in Concert 8pm

2/20 Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

2/23 Pamper Me First 11am-5pm

Free art activities for the entire family Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street, #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Playing Irish, Italian & American folk music Benicia Historical Museum, 2024 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Library Doña Benicia Room Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Grab your girlfriends and come downtown Pampering, wellness and shopping Downtown Benicia shops, spas and salons Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

2/23 Trivia Bee XXII, Pirates of the Carquinez Strait 6pm

Dinner, no host bar, costume prizes & more!

Fundraiser for Adult Literacy Program The Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia Benicialibrary.org/literacy 707.746.4341

Scan for more listings

1/22/13 9:05 AM

BATHROOM REMODELS

New Bathroom Complete in 5 Days

GET COMFORTABLE IN YOUR BODY

Trigger Point Therapy Thai Yoga Massage Yoga Classes & Private Instruction 707.246.2331

MarleensYoga@gmail.com • www.MarleensYoga.net

Welcome to

Full Service Contractor

SINCE 1990 Lic. #607767

www.mybeautifulbathroom.com

Call the bath pros...

ph: 707-446-7209

707-321-8859

Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

• Full-service dentistry • In-house lab, ensures perfect fit • Orthodontics • 50% off bleach with exam & cleaning

Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St.

• Relaxed and comfortable environment

707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

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"Affordable Quality Cabinets staff were there every step of the way during our kitchen remodel, from design to the selection of our appliances and countertops.

They even helped in finding a dependable contractor. We love our new kitchen."

—Ramon and Sylvia

Contractor’s License # 678979

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

Come see our large showroom 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment

707-745-2100 • www.aqchome.com Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen

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