Benicia Magazine April 2012

Artists' Open Studios 2012

Arts Benicia's Huge Annual Art Event 6 Galleries and 75 Artists Participating

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4 • Benicia Magazine

I LOVE FASHION A Luncheon and Fashion Show

Featuring Women & Men's Spring Clothing

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Benicia Magazine APRIL VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6

22

18

18

Features Over 75 Artists and Six Galleries Participate in the 19th Annual Artist Open Studios

22 Paso Robles: An “Authentic California” Wine Country Weekend

Departments 10 From the Editor 12

Currents VOENA goes to the Summer Olympics Recycling just a few more items helps reduce greenhouse gas Boating season officially opens with a community celebration

14 Food – Travel – Spirits

A fresh take on good food at Sailor Jacks

16 Wellness

CrossFit: Benicia gets a box

20 What's on the web 26 Just for Kids 28 Interview

Benicia Education Foundation volunteer Teresa Zabrek

6 • Benicia Magazine

30 Looking Back

Part 4: Benicia legislative acts of 1853 future colonization by European powers

32 Listening

Featured artist Annie Marie

32 Live Music Calendar 33 April Events 34 Fashionista

Annual spring fashion runway fundraiser channels James Bond

Cover photo: Acrylic on Canvas, 56" x 40", by Benicia artist Lee Wilder Snider Above left: Les Overlock, 36" X 24", acrylic on canvas, Mike Kendall

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

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Celebrate Earth Day & Your Garden!

Join us for our next composting class Saturday, April 14th, 9–11am at Avant Garden, First & East D St. Attendees can order a Soilsaver composter at 50% off A compost give-away for Benicia residents will follow at noon at the Corporation Yard 2400 East 2nd St. Need not attend class for free compost.

For details & sign-up call Marie Knutson, 925.671.5814 Hosted by Benicia Community Gardens, led by Valcore Master Gardener Jane Bogner; sponsored by Allied Waste Services

8 • Benicia Magazine

Benicia

magazine

Celebrating our 8th Year Editor Jeanne Steinmann

Benicia Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

magazine

Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

Special Projects/Advertising Coordinator Joey Baker

Benicia Contributing Writers Bob Ecker Rhonda Lucile Hicks Jerome Page Adriene Rockwell Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

magazine

Contributing Photographers Lisa Duncan, Jerry Bowles Photography Editorial deadlines The 1st of the month prior to the issue month

Advertising sales

707.853.5226 general@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines The 5th of the month prior to the issue month Contact Us 707.853.5226, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Rise Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2012, 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, P.O. Box 296, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.5226, beniciamagazine.com.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

If spring is the season of growth and renewal, then it has certainly sprung in Benicia. There’s evidence at the downtown Avant Garden, where raised wooden planting beds have replaced straw bales to enhance Benicia Community Garden’s lovely addition to First Street; a number of unique new businesses (CrossFit! Archery!), and lots of people out and about. Even here at the magazine things are buzzing like an upturned beehive. And though it may seem like an oxymoron, our goal is energetic simplification. Our most recent hustle-bustle is geared towards streamlining our process and helping readers do the same. We are getting ready to roll-out some fun and useful tools to help readers stay informed about events, contests, specials and more, through our website and the use of an opt-in, free text messaging service.

Growth is about learning, and learned we have, since our format change last September. When we make changes, we try to engage the community and encourage feedback, good or bad. Although feedback is almost always positive, we did get some rather negative comments regarding stories that are not 100% about Benicia. For example, we had two readers respond that they were disappointed to see the Empress Theatre's 100th anniversary on the cover of the February issue. On the other hand, we had overwhelmingly positive feedback for our “Solano County Primer” story in the March issue. (Alert! For those who want only Benicia stories, please avoid the Paso Robles weekend getaway story on page 22.) Passions run the gamut in this small town!

Yet another local manifestation of passion comes in the form of the many artists who work tirelessly in their studios to construct their own Martha and Michael Trahan artistic expressions: painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, glass, designed our table at February's Main Street Chili Cookoff mixed media and so much more. In this issue Adriene Rockwell gets at the heart of the annual Arts Benicia Artist Open Studios event, May 5 & 6, through three local artists who have made their mark on mark on Benicia. We are sponsoring the event, and partnering with Allied Waste to distribute 1,000 reusable shopping bags for event-goers to collect promotional swag from downtown and Arsenal studios and galleries. Enjoy this uniquely Benicia event!

From the Editor

Jeanne Steinmann Send your comments, suggestions and ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com

Editor: What a pleasure to read the last Benicia Magazine! I loved the “Books that Inspire Local Designers,” the gardens article, the interview with Larry Lamoreaux. It seemed very locally focused and it really kept my attention from beginning to end.

The ads were particularly beautiful this time. Maybe I was just in a receptive mood, but I thought this was a super issue.

Thank you!

—Susan Street Editor: You are doing such a superb job on your magazine. It is so professional, and interesting as heck!

10 • Benicia Magazine

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10am-5pm Arts & Crafts Booths, Music, Food, and Games for Kids 2pm Blessing of the Fleet Decorated Boat Parade Ducky Race 6-8pm Dinner prepared by A Taste of Life Catering 8-11pm Dancing in the Norton Lounge

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

a goLden moMent foR olYmpicS-bounD

VoeNa In case you have been living under a rock, or just busy with life and haven’t heard about VOENA, the world-class children’s choir based right here in Benicia, please take note: VOENA is going to perform at this year’s Summer Olympics. Known as goodwill ambassadors through performances and promoting cultural exchange, the group sings songs of peace in the native languages of many world cultures.

Founded by director Annabel Marie in 1994, VOENA (Voices of Eve ‘n’ Angels) boasts 130 young performers from ages 5 to 18.

VOENA has a no-audition policy, accepting any child who wants to sing and take on the challenges of a hard work ethic. Annabel Marie has taken the group on a singing odyssey around the world, performing for many U.S. and foreign dignitaries, and well-known recording artists. A sampling of that impressive list includes two U.S. presidents (Clinton & Bush Jr.), former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, and Condoleezza Rice. They have opened for, and/or performed with Rita Coolidge, Maya Anjelou, Jose Feliciano and Lily Tomlin. VOENA’s performance schedule has taken them across the U.S. and to five foreign

countries, to such exalted venues as the White House, Carnegie Hall, Washington National Cathedral, the SOWETO festival in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the Vatican.

World Projects, a company specializing in international music festivals and custom tours, nominated VOENA, along with other groups, to audition for the 2012 Olympics. Headquartered in Benicia, the international company also has offices in Japan, Australia and Europe. After a competitive audition, the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games selected VOENA to perform this summer. Although many youth groups will be performing at the Olympics, VOENA was further honored to be selected to perform for the U.N. during the United Nations Association event, and at special events at the Central Hall at Westminster. Opening ceremonies commence July 27 in London, with closing ceremonies August 12. The group is accepting donations to help send fifty kids to London this July.

For more information, visit VOENA.org. For information about World Projects or the summer Olympics, visit worldprojects.org or london2012.com. B

Photo courtesy of VOENA

12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

Dumpster Diversions

We can all be doing more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recycling items we are currently throwing away. It’s getting easier to recycle curbside now that Allied Waste is collecting brown carts every week. And if that’s not enough to contain your recyclables, get an additional cart at no extra charge. Most of us know we can recycle metal, glass, plastic containers, corrugated cardboard and paper, but the specifics within those categories can be confusing. How we recycle is important, too. Shredded paper, for example, floats everywhere if not contained in a knotted bag. Here's a list of common recyclables that are often overlooked: • Aluminum pie plates and cookie sheets

• Paperback books, clasp envelopes & window envelopes

• Detergent boxes & bottles; household cleaning containers

• Prescription bottles, #1-7

• Empty aerosol cans

• Scrap metal

• Empty, dry latex paint cans

• Shampoo, conditioner & toiletry bottles

• Plant containers, #1-7

• Steel & tin cans, clean food cans

We can also recycle household hazardous waste curbside, within certain guidelines.

The list includes household batteries, cell phones, motor oil & filters, fluorescent bulbs and CFLs. For more info call 707-746-4271 or visit recycle-guide.com. B

A BLESSING, A DUCKY RACE, A BOAT PARADE

LandL Good Times for All The official start of boating season kicks off this year on April 21, with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet, the centerpiece of the Benicia Yacht Club’s annual Opening Day on the Strait celebration. Boating communities around the globe will participate in the blessing, each with their own version of the ceremony. BYC’s tradition is a lineup of boats that parade around the harbor, decorated around a chosen theme. This year’s theme is “Our Flag Was Still There,” and as the boats pass through, they receive a blessing from a member of a local clergy. A family-friendly, all day slate of events includes arts and craft booths, live music, games for kids, a ducky race, dinner and dancing. The Yacht Club is open to non-members who can drop in, hang out, have some food and drink and see what it’s all about. B

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Sailor Jacks

Serves Up Food with a View

Photos by Lisa Duncan

By Bob Ecker Coming up on its two year anniversary, Sailor Jacks near the foot of First Street already seems like it’s been here forever. The former Captain Blythers—renamed in tribute to author Jack London, who stayed in Benicia and at one time was an oysterman (or pirate)—is a prime spot to have drinks after work, an enjoyable lunch, a casual rendezvous or a romantic dinner overlooking the Carquinez Straights. This place has an enviable problem in that the bay views are so outstanding that many people ignore the cuisine, but apparently diners come back for more than the pretty scenery.

This downtown Benicia restaurant has developed a thriving combo of clientele including local business people, politicians, friends out for fun lunch, an after work scene, tourists from all over the Bay Area and even the occasional rock star having a cold pint at the bar.

The menu isn’t huge, but offers diners a sufficient selection of established dining choices. For starters, the well-presented, creamy mushroom soup is very tasty as is the big bowl of hearty clam chowder with plenty of clams and potatoes. Seafood crab fritters are intriguing, particularly with the sesame and wasabi dip, however the peppery calamari or “Trio of crudo” are better picks.

The “crudos” includes tuna sashimi, bay scallop ceviche and a bite of salmon poki.

Sailor Jacks serves up a respectable oysters rockefeller (an old standby) but the real find is the large assortment of fresh oysters available every day. Oysters such as Hog Island Sweetwater, Steamboat, Malpeque and Hama Hama by the half or full dozen are a delight. (Go ahead, have a dozen or two, you’ll thank me.)

14 • Benicia Magazine Food - Travel - Spirits

Enjoying fresh oysters while looking at the water through the large bay windows puts the sailor in Sailor Jacks, sans the salt spray and calloused hands. The view is simply dazzling.

Not surprisingly, considering the fisherman motif and waterfront panorama, the fresh fish dishes are a standout at Sailor Jacks. You never know what the catch of the day might be, but can trust that Chef Maynard Oestreich knows how to prepare it. Regular fish items like the fillet of sole with caper butter sauce, seasonal salmon dishes and even the traditional fish and chips in a dark beer batter leave people smiling. Non-fish entrees include winners such as the Niman Ranch 10 oz. bone in pork chop, a 16 oz. ribeye, and even hearty coq au vin.

For pastas I’d recommend the orrechiette pasta with Little Neck clams, an excellent, dense, East Coast style white sauce and pasta dish. Jack's seafood gumbo, available for lunch and sometimes for dinner is like a slice of Baton Rouge with rich hunks of fish, seafood and spicy Andouille sausage in a succulent sauce. Not mushy or thin, this gumbo offers just the right blend of thickness and heat.

Sailor Jacks has an ample, reasonably priced wine list with a good mix of California and international offerings. Fine draft beers on tap too. Besides the downstairs dining room and upstairs bar/seating area, the dog-friendly patio is a great spot to have a drink and watch the tide roll in. Jack London would approve of Sailor Jacks. B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

CrossFit

Gets a Benicia “Box”

“

The gym at CrossFit Santa Rosa.

Photos by Joanna Sapir

we train for real life—lifting your kids, landscaping your yard, rescuing someone in need—whatever challenges your life might bring you.

By Beth Steinmann Have you heard of CrossFit? It’s an exercise program designed to build whole-body, functional fitness and core strength. It encompasses ten different fitness domains: cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. It combines functional movements from the sports of gymnastics, Olympic Weightlifting, powerlifting, rowing and running.

Although the program that started in Santa Cruz is still in its teens, it’s gaining momentum worldwide, with over 3,000 affiliated gyms and its very own Reebok shoe. CrossFit affiliates stress that it isn’t body sculpting or body building, but fitness to prepare folks for real life, whether you’re a policeman, firefighter, couch-potato, professional athlete or stay-at-home mom. Workouts are short and intense, and are scaled accordingly to suit each individual’s fitness level.

I got hooked on CrossFit about a year ago. It was recommended by my chiropractor, who insisted that I needed to build muscular and core strength to support the healthy function of my spine. I was both intimidated and inspired after observing a WOD (Workout of the Day) at CrossFit Santa Rosa. Participants were alternately lifting weights and jumping up and down off of high boxes while loud, rhythmic rock music seemed to keep enthusiasm high during the workout. Although sweat was flowing freely, those who finished the required number of repetitions first cheered the others on. Part of me thought they were crazy. But the crazy part of me wanted in. A spunky, 60-year-old high school principal named Janet told me she’d started CrossFit after not having exercised for years, and felt great.

So I signed up for the month-long introductory class that’s

16 • Benicia Magazine Wellness

”

designed to get you used to the repertoire of CrossFit movements (these include box-jumps, kettlebell swings, weightlifts, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and squats, among others). The gym (or “box,” in CrossFit lingo) contained no mirrors, but whiteboards full of names and benchmarks. I quickly learned to find the right “feel” of each movement. There was no culture of judgment or competition here, just a bunch of folks of all ages and walks of life, bound together by the desire to better their athletic performance, spurring each other on with cheers and high-fives.

I couldn’t even do a pull-up when I started, now I can do 10. I know how to lift heavy stuff without hurting myself, and can support myself using my core. I’m working on mastering my handstand-pushup, and just like Janet, I feel great. My quality of life has improved. CrossFit Santa Rosa owner, Joanna Sapir, says, “we train for real life—lifting your kids, landscaping your yard, rescuing someone in need— whatever challenges your life might bring you. We do this to make our lives better, physically, mentally, and emotionally. And we do it for joy and fun as well!”

Benicia’s own box, CrossFit 707, is located on East Second Street.

Owner Kara Werner openly invites everyone from the “senior citizen who wants to be able to live independently” to “the Olympic Athlete who wants to win the gold medal” to come by and try it out. She says people come to Crossfit 707 for the camaraderie. “Our box is one big family, and just like Cheers, it's where everyone knows your name.

Our members come to achieve things they otherwise would never do on their own, and to be a part of a community that values fitness and each other.” Visit www.crossfit707.com for details about the program and workouts. B

The Benicia Historical Museum is proud to present

GIRL SCOUTS - 100 YEARS Exhibit Opening & Reception Sunday, April 15th at 1:00 pm The Public is Cordially Invited to this Free Event Posting of Colors • Comments & Book Signing by Ginger Wadsworth, Author of “First Girl Scout” a Biography of Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of The Girl Scouts 2060 Camel Rd. • Benicia • 707-745-5435 www.beni ci ahi st ori cal m useu m. org

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Open Studios 2012

18 • Benicia Magazine

By Adriene Rockwell For Joseph Mele, making art is the core focus of his life. In the sanctuary of his 1,500 square foot live/work space in the Benicia Arsenal District’s former army barracks, overlooking the Carquinez Strait, he pours himself with full emotion into his multimedia work, sometimes creating 20 objects simultaneously. Each May for the past 15 years, he opens up his private space and offers visitors an intimate glimpse into his beautiful and tumultuous inner world.

“I love my studio,” says Mele, who constantly experiments with diverse materials and textures and is excited by the human form. “It is my safest place, and from here I can be articulate with people who are really interested in my work.”

Mele is among many talented artists who will participate in Arts Benicia’s 19th Annual Benicia Artists' Open Studios May 5 and 6. Like previous years, thousands of visitors from throughout the Bay Area will flock to our artful city for this weekend-long cultural event. Art lovers and collectors can visit some 80 artists’ studios scattered through five historic buildings—many converted into artists’ live/work spaces—and a number of venues downtown and throughout the city. Studiogoers will encounter beauty in paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, metal work, ceramics, textiles and more. Best of all, they can engage with the artists and purchase directly from them, often at special prices. The majority of studios are within walking distance of each other, making it easy for visitors to park their cars nearby and explore on foot.

“During Open Studios, you’re not just seeing the finished product like in a gallery,” says Cherry Moore, Arts Benicia Board Member and event Chair. “You are seeing the artists’ technique, their medium, and how they got there. There are many ways to make art,” she says. “Some artists even set their work on fire!”

Respectfully referred to as the “mayor” in the arsenal community, Mike Kendall has lived and worked there for more than two decades. A skilled sculptor and painter, he’s also the creator of Bang! (Benicia Artist Networking Group). For the past 19 years he’s put his best into Open Studios. “I am part entertainer, so there will be video sculptures,” he says about his studio. “I like interactive work so I’ll put cameras out there so visitors can become a part of it, and not just look at it.”

Kendall is among a growing number of artists who use recycled and repurposed materials to make their three dimensional work. In response to the economy, he’s also been making smaller works that are more affordable to make and to purchase. His jewelry, or “little sculptures,” have collectors coming back for more.

The much loved plein air artist, Nikki Basch Davis, also plans to create a few smaller works for Open Studios. And like many artists, she has acquired a surplus of paintings in her practice over the years, and will pull these treasures out, many unframed, for visitors to enjoy at affordable prices. “I like connecting with people,” she says. “I like my art being a means to do that.”

Davis, an Arts Benicia board member, is the coordinator of the Mosaic Project, which connects people in a creative way.

Now in its second year at Arts Benicia, everyone is invited to participate: seasoned artists, children and those who have

never dabbled with a paintbrush. Each participant is given a 6 x 6 inch tile and asked to create an original artwork. The goal this year is to have 200 finished tiles in the final “mosaic” installation that will be on view between April 19 and May 6 as part of the Open Studios exhibition. The public is invited to purchase anonymous tiles for $25 each. Drawn by lottery, collectors will not know which tile, or multiple tiles, they will go home with.

“In my mind, everyone is an artist, and there will be very famous artists too,” says Davis. “But everyone puts their little hearts out on those panels.”

The Mosaic Project serves two purposes: to inspire community awareness and to raise funds to support Arts Benicia’s ongoing artistic and educational programs. The public response to the finished product last year was overwhelming.

“Once it’s synchronized and up on the gallery wall, there is a beautiful picture of our community,” says Laura Buchan, Arts Benicia’s Program Coordinator. “You get to really know the community through everyone’s work.”

Leading up to the Open Studios weekend, children and their grown-ups are encouraged to participate in Family Art Day on Sunday, April 22 from 1-3pm. On May 5 and 6, there will be demonstrations in the gallery’s adult education studio that reflect the classes offered year-round, and may include Chinese brush painting, figure drawing, printmaking and more. Food and wine will be served outside the gallery, and among other local amusements, Benicia Ballet School and Theatre will offer an open rehearsal of Swan Lake for families to enjoy. Maps of all open studios will be distributed from the gallery, and event

organizers are working on ways to transport people from the arsenal district to participating downtown restaurants, studios and galleries, including the 621 Gallery, Benicia Plein Air Gallery, Lindsay Art Glass and others.

“Open Studios is an established event that pays dividends over time,” says Mario Guiliani, Economic Development Manager for the City of Benicia. “It exposes people from other areas to the beauty of Benicia and is a catalyst for them to keep coming back.”

Open Studios Exhibition and Mosaic Project: April 19 - May 6 Arts Benicia Gallery 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114 Family Art Day Sunday, April 22, 1-3pm Artists’ Open Studios: Saturday & Sunday May 5 & 6, 10am-5pm.

Photos opposite page: Strings Attached, acrylic on engraved tin, 22” x 11”, Joseph Mele. Below left: Phil Joy Harbor, Oil on Canvas, 12” x 12”, Nikki Basch Davis. Below right: Portal 2, Acrylic on recycled plywood, 22”, Mike Kendall.

To reduce waste, Allied Waste Management is finding creative ways to recycle materials discarded by businesses in the Industrial Park and other areas. Marie Knutson, Recycling Coordinator, is reaching out to artists and teachers who can use the materials constructively. Mike Kendall and Bang! artists are among the first to utilize the discards that include items like corks, plastic sheeting, color tabs, ceramic tiles, wooden dowels, and decorative wallpaper. For more information please phone Marie at 925.671.5814. B

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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CONTESTS • BLOGS • COMPREHENSIVE BUSINESS DIRECTORY 20 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

an “Authentic California”

Weekend Getaway

By Jeanne Steinmann Northern Californians are getting hip to what the Southland has already discovered about the middle part of our state: an exploding wine region and growing tourist destination. Although mile after mile of grapes have been planted up and down the state, what’s happening on the Central Coast is quantitatively different. For one thing, it’s the fastest-growing wine region in California, boasting over 250 bonded wineries in the Paso Robles AVA alone, the largest and most interesting piece of the Central Coast grape-growing pie.

Although wine grape growing in the Golden State dates back to the late 1700’s, the proliferation of wineries over the past few years has brought a quiet renaissance to the entire central region.

The city of Paso Robles is conveniently situated half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The small, historic town of just under 30,000 is surrounded by oak-studded rolling hills. It’s the perfect jumping off point to explore wineries, state beaches or Hearst Castle, but merits a visit all on its own—Paso Robles is enjoying a moment. Billed as “Authentic California,” it’s a quintessential western town whose history dates back to 1857, when a Mexican land grant was purchased by James and Daniel Blackburn as a resting place for travelers on the El Camino Real, the 600mile trail that connects the 21 California Missions. The Blackburn brothers donated the park that the historic downtown is organized around, now a thriving shopping and dining area.

Boutiques, restaurants, a historic theater and 17 tasting rooms comprise the downtown. Our trip coincided with Harvest Wine Weekend, a local festival with events at over 100 wineries. There’s plenty to do here anytime, but the festival lends an added layer of excitement. Stay downtown at the Paso Robles Inn, where 22 • Benicia Magazine

room rates are quite reasonable ($130-200). Book a suite, it’s worth it. Suites have kitchenettes, extra large bedrooms and ground-floor patios with private mineral spas, great for a therapeutic soak while admiring the property’s meandering creek through verdant lawns and gardens; or go au naturale and draw the outdoor privacy drapes.

During our stay we toured two local farms, Alta Cresta Orchard, a Tuscanstyle hilltop estate producing extra virgin Italian olive oil, and Thomas Hill Organics, a produce farm that supplies the owner’s downtown restaurant, Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro and Wine Bar. At Alta Cresta, you can sample freshly made oils from small paper cups, each with its own distinctive flavor. There’s a private cottage on the estate that can be rented for a tranquil wine country stay with a big view. At Thomas Hill farm, we were treated to tasty tidbits of green growing things, but the highlight was sampling ripe, luscious figs, varieties we had never seen, plucked right from the tree, bursting with distinctive sweet flavors.

Fine dining abounds in this small town.

Talented chefs using locally sourced ingredients make eating here every bit as pleasurable as at our favorite haunts in the Napa Valley. We dined at Thomas Hill Bistro our first night, experiencing farm-to-table dining at its finest. The restaurant décor is part chic farmhouse, part rustic French, with an open-air pizza oven. We asked for the chef to send out some favorites—a fun way to try new dishes you might ordinarily pass up, like the surprisingly delicious thin crust vegan pizza with carrot puree as the base and lentils, shaved coconut, shaved jalapenos, cashews and cilantro toppings. Avid carnivores, we devoured every last bite. All of the dishes are unique combinations of fresh, quality ingredients

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Photos: 1 View from Alta Cresta 2 Walking in the Park 3 Bringing in the grapes 4 Tobin James Picnic area 5 Tobin James tasting room 6 The Crush at Pear Valley thomashillorganics.com pasoroblesinn.com robertsrestaurantpaso.com altacresta.com breakaway-tours.com

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tasting so essentially like themselves; a far cry from commercially grown, often tasteless, grocery store options.

Another upscale option is the elegant Robert’s. The cuisine is an artful twist on classic American fare. I swooned over a macadamia nut-crusted halibut with snow peas, green onion rice and papayacoconut butter. Equally impressive were braised short ribs with creamy mushroom sauce and pappardelle. An interesting wine list and intimate space makes this a great choice for a casual meal with friends or a special occasion.

Our tasting tour, led by the knowledgeable Tom at Breakaway Tours along roads that meander to connect the wineries tucked into hillsides, included five very diverse tasting rooms and an al fresco gourmet picnic lunch. These are places you can linger, taking in the view. The entire area has the same vibrancy, born from passion, that was palpable in the Napa Valley thirty years ago. There’s no hurry here. Tastings might be poured by the owner, who will regale you with as much detail about the wine as you would like to hear.

We were on the go during our 4-day stay, but still managed a glass of wine poolside, a stroll through the weekend Farmer’s Market and a half day of shopping.

Prices for food, wine and lodging are very reasonable, especially for the quality, making Paso Robles a must-try weekend getaway. Learn more about the area at prcity.com or pasowine.com. B BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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A. Judith Judson B. A. Wise Tax Service 1. Tosch Dental 118 West K Street 2. ATS Tax & Financial Solutions 3. Jordan Real Estate 4. A Lago Salon 5. Estey Real Estate 6. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store 7. Benicia Floral & Gifts 8. Camellia Tea Room 9. Wellness Wisdom 10. Benicia Home Improvement 11. Artcentric 12. The Rellik Tavern 13. Studio 41 14. Sandovals Restaurant 15. Bela’s Market 16. Little Bird 17. First Impressions Salon 18. Lindsay Art Glass 19. Benicia Chamber of Commerce 20. Hamann Real Estate 20. Joan Shepard 21. Christina S Fashion Destination 22. Light Touch Medical Spa 23. Be Chic Boutique 24. Yan Spa & Massage 25. Sailor Jacks Restaurant 26. Benicia Main Street

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Just for Kids

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Interview with

Teresa Zabrek How did you get started with volunteering at the schools?

I was at my first PTA meeting at the middle school, and it was one of those things where they need help and you raise your hand and you don’t know it’s a big event. It was the Picnic on the Green [a school-wide event that parents also attend]. I’d just moved here and I’d never even been to one.

How much time do you spend working on the race?

Some days five to eight hours a day, and then there are days when I enjoy my family and don’t do any work.

I have lots of help. There are more than 100 volunteers on race day alone.

We need at least 100 to close the streets. The person along the course is doing an important job. That role is just as important as mine. I just happen to have more time so I can do a bit more.

Where will you be on race day?

Photo by Lisa Duncan

On the [First Street] Green. … I’m there to help and support the other volunteers who oversee the different parts of the day. We also meet with city officials on race morning. If you’re going to close city streets, they want to make sure everything is done right.

What’s your favorite part of race day?

By Sue Sumner-Moore Teresa Zabrek is on the run, and yet the race is weeks away.

Race director for the Benicia Run for Education, Teresa in late February was putting up fliers, meeting with city officials, and tending to countless other details for the event that will bring more than 1,000 runners to Benicia this month.

So how does a non-runner end up organizing Benicia Educational Foundation’s largest fundraising activity?

“When they called about being race director, I wasn’t sure about taking it on,” says Teresa, 47, now in her third year coordinating the event. She started volunteering with the race in 2008 but had no other running or race experience. Still, she wanted to help. So she stepped forward.

Teresa has stepped forward in many ways since she, her husband and their two children arrived in December, 2007 from Houston. A former flight attendant, she now devotes herself to her children’s schools and related organizations. She is a board member of Benicia High’s PTA and the Benicia Educational Foundation, plus she coordinates BEF’s Parade of Pigs 4 Kids, the auction at Benicia Middle School, and Benicia High’s ice cream social. She even ran two 5K races last fall to experience them as a runner instead of as director.

She insists she shouldn’t be in the spotlight.

“I’m just one of the hundreds of volunteers, and everyone is needed. I don’t want any more credit than any other volunteer. I’m just a little more visible,” Teresa says.

28 • Benicia Magazine Interview

The workout. It’s a warm-up exercise routine lead by Leslie Rowley from Jazzercise. She leads a huge group in aerobics. You see little kids and grandmas and grandpas doing aerobics with the palm trees in the background. There are lots of good pictures from that. It’s neat.

And you’re coordinating on the Parade of Pigs now as well?

That one’s underway – the pigs are in the shops and restaurants now. This year we’re going to combine our year-end party with the pig auction. That’ll be May 18 at the Vet’s Hall, so I’ll be more focused on that after the race.

How do you get everything done?

I don’t have a good answer to that. Sometimes I’m working at 2 in the morning, sometimes I’m working all day. If I had a boss, I’d have to do it a certain way. This way I can make it work around my family’s schedule.

What motivates you to volunteer so much time?

It comes down to I just don’t want to say “No.” If I don’t do it, it might not get done. When the economy went downhill, so many people went back to work that the need for volunteers increased. If I can and I have time, I want to help.

I’ve been given a good life and I want to help others.

Why focus on raising money for education?

That’s nothing I ever set out to do. But when my son was little, I started going to PTA meetings. I just thought I should be involved, see what’s going on.

It allowed me to keep my finger on the pulse of things happening at the school.

And I started raising my hand to help.

What’s your dream for local education funding?

My favorite bumper sticker says: “It will be a perfect world when schools have all the funding they need and the military has to have a bake sale.” It’s not that the military is not important, but it would be a dream if education had proper funding and volunteer funding was just a supplement instead of supplying basic needs.

Runners and artists will help raise funds for computer and library programs at Benicia’s 7 public schools. Teresa Zabrek, events coordinator for the Benicia Educational Foundation, is overseeing the two fundraisers:

Run for Education

Date: Sunday, April 15, rain or shine

The races: One-mile fun run, 14 and younger, and 5K and 10 K races.

Course: First Street Green, through downtown and neighborhoods along the water.

New this year: The 5K and 10K races will be chip-timed, from the start of the crossing line to the the finish line.

Also, the BEF is managing the race. “It lets us control what we’re doing, and we’ll save so much money. It’s nice because we are able to tweak what’s needed right away,” Teresa says. For more info visit beniciarunforeducation.org.

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40 students & artists competed to paint 20 ceramic pigs, now at local offices, shops and restaurants, where people can drop in donations for the BEF. ArtCentric has a bookmark that lists the locations.

The pigs will be auctioned May 18 at a year-end party at the Veteran’s Hall. For more info, visit beniciaeducationfoundation.org.

Call today for a complimentary consultation

Is this what you thought you’d be doing when you planned your move to California?

No [laughs]. My friends threw me a party before I left and they told me to take it easy. The joke is that I told everybody, “Yes, I’m going to fly under the radar.” But by my first Christmas letter, it was clear I hadn’t done that and they tease me about it. But that’s all right. This has allowed me to meet some incredible parents.

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What recharges you?

My kids. I’m really, really lucky—I’ve got great kids.

How do you relax?

I’m an HGTV junkie [laughs].

Who inspires you?

Where I moved from, Houston, is a very philanthropic city.

They have an event every year, the March of Dimes walk, and my friend Rosemary Schatzman heads Team Schatzman. Her team’s goal this year is to raise $40,000—she’s just a fundraising machine. She does it so well, she’s always really upbeat.

Really, there are a lot of people out there who do so much more than I do. They’re inspiring, too.

What’s next for you?

I’d like to do more with my husband, spend more time and travel with him. But I’ll volunteer as long as I my kids are in school. B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Legislation Passed at the Benicia State Capitol in 1853

Resolution regarding the

Future Colonization

by European Powers

By Jerome Page While originating in the “Senate of the National Legislature,” a resolution of California’s Senate relating to European colonization highlights an interesting piece of history. The language itself is fascinating, reflecting as it does the realities of the period including the recency of Russian settlements in northern California as well as the significant prescient reference to the importance of the control of Cuba.

I quote the resolution: Whereas, Resolutions have been offered in the Senate of the National Legislature, That the United States do hereby declare that the American Continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future Colonization by any European Power; and while existing rights should be respected and will be by the United States, they owe it to their own safety and interests, to announce, as they now do, that no future European Colony or dominion, shall with their consent, be planted or established on any part of the American Continent; and should the attempt be made they thus deliberately declare, that it will be viewed as an act originating in motives regardless of their interests and safety, and which will leave them free to adopt such measures as an independent nation may justly adopt in defense of its rights and powers. That while the United States disclaim any designs upon the Island of Cuba, inconsistent with the laws of both nations, and with their duties to Spain, they consider it due to the vast importance of the subject, to make known in solemn manner that they should view all efforts on the part of any other power to procure possession, whether peaceably or forcibly of that Island, which, as a naval or Military position, must under circumstances easily

30 • Benicia Magazine Looking Back

to be foreseen, become dangerous to their Southern Coast, to the Gulf of Mexico, and to the mouth of the Mississippi, as unfriendly acts directed against them and to be resisted by all the means in their power: Therefore be it Resolved, By the Senate, (the Assembly concurring,) that we fully and cordially approve the sentiments therein expressed and that we hereby pledge the hearty co-operation of the State of California in maintaining them. Passed, May 17, 1853.

We clearly have a tendency in our day to underestimate the fluidity and unsettled nature of that period in world, as well as United States, history. We tend to focus upon wagon trains and the travails of waves of settlers beset by the hardships of the west and those peculiarly hostile Indians who didn’t understand that we had already purchased their land from their easterly relatives in exchange for beads—and treaties later broken.

I quote a piece from Wikipedia that gives a tiny bit of flavor of that fluidity: “Fort Ross is a landmark in the history of European imperialism. The Spanish Expansion went west across the Atlantic Ocean and the Russian expansion went east across Siberia and the Pacific Ocean. In the early nineteenth century, the two waves of expansion met on the opposite side of the world along the Pacific Coast of California with Russia arriving from the north and Spain from the south. The United States of America arrived in 1846 from the east.”

To many, there would be a certain puzzlement about that bizarre last sentence. What in the world can Wiki be referring to? “The United States of America arrived from the east”?! To these, what could be more clear than that we were already here! B

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1440 Military W. #202, Benicia April 29, 9am-3pm Historic Downtown Benicia

Summer at SPSV…

Annual Classic Car Show benefitting the Benicia High School Panther Band. Some of the best classic cars in Northern California & beyond. Great food & music; trophies for top entries!

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

Listening

Ongoing Live Music The Rellik Tavern Live music every Fri. & Sat. night therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137 Upstairs at the Café Live music Thurs., Fri.& Sat. nights Jazz Sunday afternoon firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400 The Empress Theatre, Vallejo Live music & movie every Fri. night empresstheatre.org 707.552.2400 Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar, Fairfield Live Music every Sat. night stickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500 Favela’s Fusion, Fairfield Live Mariachi first Fri. of the month favelasfusion.com 707.421.8484

Special Events Jackie Greene plus Rusted Root Uptown Theatre, Napa Saturday, April 7, 7pm, uptowntheatrenapa.com Rita Hosking Bay Terrace Theatre, Vallejo Saturday, April 14, 8pm, miratheatreguild.org Photo by Craig Slutz

Annie Marie Born: Oakland, CA Resides in: Benicia Favorite Food: I am the original foodie!

Favorite Book: The Sociopath Next Door Favorite Song: “J’amerais te Pardoner” by Dewy Balfa Relationship Status/Children: Married with one child

By Rhonda Lucile Hicks

What’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle? There is really no difference except in how the instrument is played. Although we fiddlers often prefer a slightly flatter bridge (makes double stops, drone notes and chordal playing easier) some of us will tune down our fiddles to play Cajun, Zydeco, and Creole tunes in the common accordion keys (C and G).

What genres of music do you play? My favorite genres are blues, Cajun, zydeco, southern rock, Latin and old timey, but I also can play bluegrass, classic country, folk and classical.

What bands have you played with? Queen Ida, Johnny Heartsman, Jolly Wally’s Wonder Follies, Smokin’ Section. I played charanga violin with a couple of salsa bands, Danny Poulard and Friends, and of course my own bands—Tee Fee Swamp Boogie (5 CD’s), Gill and Howard, and my new band Fiddlaround.

What’s your best moment on stage so far? The Chicago Blues Festival with Johnny Hearstsman and Leonard Gill and 14,000 enthusiastic blues fans; with my own band at the Shoreline Amphitheatre at New Orleans by the Bay opening for Beausoleil and Bonnie Raitt; playing for President Clinton at the Mayor’s conference in SF. But my fondest musical memories are jamming with great musicians in casual settings and playing at small, intimate clubs for regular folks. B 32 • Benicia Magazine Listening

Carlitos Medrano & the Vinales Project Bay Terrace Theatre, Vallejo Sunday, April 15, 5pm, vallejojazzsociety.com Deborah Winters Silo’s, Napa Friday, April 20, 8pm, silosnapa.com Lawrence Beaman El Campanil Theatre, Antioch Saturday, April 21, 8pm, elcampaniltheatre.com Lisa Loeb Napa Valley Opera House, Napa Saturday, April 21, 8pm, nvoh.org Better Than Ezra Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre Vacaville, Saturday, April 21, 8pm, vpat.net The Santa Margherita String Quartet Bay Terrace Theatre, Vallejo Sunday, April 22, 2pm, miratheatreguild.org Carlos Reyes Freight & Salvage, Berkeley Thursday, April 26, 8pm, thefreight.org Mal Sharpe’s Big Money In Jazz Band Armando’s, Martinez Thursday, April 26, 8pm, armandosmartinez.com Albany Jazz Big Band Bay Terrace Theatre, Vallejo Sunday, April 29, 2pm, miratheatreguild.org.

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Calendar of Events

APRIL

4/1 Solano Land Trust Through the Eyes of Artists 2-5pm

Paintings and photographs of lands in Solano Through April, Artists' reception 4/1 Marilyn Citron O'Rourke Gallery, 150 East L St, Benicia Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

4/1-4/29 Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House Tours

Weekends only 10am-5pm Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st & 3rd Sundays & 2nd Saturday At 1, 2 and 3pm 115 West G Street, Benicia, 707.745.3385

4/3 First Tuesdays Investment Club

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

4/15 5th Annual Run for Education 8am

4/5 Sustainable Benicia Climate Action Plan 6-8:30pm

Energy Applications & Efficiencies in Benicia Public education & outreach with focus on energy City Council Chambers, 250 East L Street Constance Beutel, EdD cmbeutel@sbcglobal.net

4/6&4/20 Ghost Walk with Donna Raymond

4/8 Annual Easter Egg Hunt Noon-2pm

Benicia Kiwanis Club, ages 2-10 years Benicia City Park, Military West & First Street For info call Gretchen Burgess 707.746.8405

4/12 Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm

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

Featured artist is Terry Hughes 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

4/14 Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

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

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

4/19-5/6 Open Studios Preview Exhibition 12-5pm

Sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters Kentwig Lanes, 148 Lincoln Road East Vallejo, Register today at bfks.org

4/18 Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

4/4-4/25 Toastmaster’s Group

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

Benefits the Benicia Education Foundation First Street Green, foot of First Street Beniciarunforeducation.org

4/15 Solano County Bowl For Kids’ Sake 10:30am

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Featuring the Mosaic Project Installation Thurs-Sun. 12-5pm, tiles by local artists raffled Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler Street, #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

4/20-5/19 Reefer Madness: The Musical

Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm Explores ideas of Truth, Conscience & the American Way! Benicia Old Town Theatre, 140 West J Street Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

4/21 Opening Day on the Strait 10am-11pm

4/22 Family Art Day 1-3pm

4/26 Benicia Certified Farmers Market 4-8pm

4/29 Benicia Classic Car Show 9am-3pm

Arts & crafts, games, food & boat parade Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second Street Beniciayachtclub.com 707.746.0739

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

Fruit, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, arts & crafts First Street between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707745.9791

Hot rods, road cars, show cars & trucks Benicia High Jazz Band at 11am, food vendors First Street Green, at the foot of First Street Pantherbandboosters.com 707.742.3590

BeniciaMagazine.com • 33

Very James Bond

By Christina Strawbridge In 1964 I went to see the first James Bond movie with my Grandmother, her sister (my great Aunt Mary), and my two brothers and sister. I am not sure what my Grandmother was thinking, taking four kids under twelve to see Goldfinger, but at the conclusion of the show we were told not to tell our mother about what we had just seen. For the time, Goldfinger was a highly stylized movie, with the introduction of gadgets, high-powered industrial lasers, exotic locations, martinis (shaken, not stirred) and the double entendre. It certainly wasn't the Disney genre I was used to.

Dr. No, the first of the twenty Bond movies, debuted in 1962 starring Sean Connery. For five decades the series has been an inspiration to fashion. Bond’s wardrobe has evolved through the six actors who portrayed 007, who, with Connery, include Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. They each brought their

34 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista

own signature look to the role that has had more costume changes than any other character in film history.

The tuxedo has come to represent the "Bond Look," with each actor wearing formalwear differently. The deep V, onebutton jacket was the favored style, though lapels increased and then decreased in width, along with the size of the bow ties through the years. Variations included shawl collars, white dinner jackets, double breasted suits and even ruffled shirts, making each of the secret agent’s apparel distinctive for its time.

Goldfinger used a reoccurring golden theme to parallel the gold's symbolic treatment in the Ian Fleming novel. Most of the women in the movie are strawberry or platinum blonde, including Pussy Galore and her Flying Circus crew; a yellow RollsRoyce and yellow or golden items of clothing in every film scene, including a golden pistol. The most memorable scene

is actress Shirley Eaton's gold-painted nude body, which made the cover of Life Magazine.

The Bond women have been portrayed as beautiful and strong-willed, but easily seduced by Bond. Their wardrobes were designed to be tastefully alluring and timeless in design. Bond bathing suits have made a big impact: think Ursula Andress in a white bikini in Dr. No, Halle Berry's orange bikini in Die another Day and Daniel Craig in snug powder blue trunks in Casino Royale.

A luncheon and fashion show with the theme "The Spy Who Loved Fashion: 50 years of 007 Style” will be held on Wednesday, April 25 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Benicia Clock Tower. This is the third annual event benefitting the Benicia Community Action Council, and a show not to be missed. Models include local celebrities who will walk the runway, paying homage to the fashion impact of “Bond—James Bond.” B

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