Benicia Magazine July 2014

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Advertising sales Joey Baker 707.718.0166 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2014, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

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

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Benicia JULY VOLUME 9 ISSUE 9

14

14

16

Features The summer RV getaway The Sustainability Commission’s B2: Bicycle Benicia, gets underway

Departments 10 From the Editor

18 Downtown Map

12

20 Arsenal Map

22 Interview

26 Calendar of Events

13

Currents Still a seller’s market for Benicia real estate Backwards Glance The Benicia Arsenal Guard and Engine House

Ann Lindsay, Benefits Officer for the US Dept. of Labor

Cover photo: Rose Drive near Community Park.

Above: Vintage Airstream RV, restored by Benicia's Avalon RV. Photos by Jerry Bowles 8 • Benicia Magazine

24 Trends

Brown is the new green during California’s drought

28 Guide to Local Resturants 30 Local Live Music

Presented by

Benicia Main Street

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

From the Editor July 2014

Photo by Malcolm Slight

I

f you are fortunate enough to live in or visit Benicia in July, you are in for a treat. First and foremost, the weather is 10 degrees cooler than Contra Costa, Napa and Sonoma Counties. We have a great pool complex and more parks per capita than most cities, so getting outside is fun and easy. This month, why not treat yourselves to a picnic in the Benicia State Recreation Area, and tour the Forrest Deaner Native Plant Garden? Or get reacquainted with one of the many beautiful, shady parks in Benicia—Southampton Park on Panorama Street comes to mind.

Another idea is to play tourist and make a day of history, art, or downtown shopping/dining. If you haven’t been to the Historical Museum lately, there are some really great exhibits (beniciahistoricalmuseum.org). Open Tues-Sun 1-4, it is free on Wednesdays, and every day for military personnel. Next, head over to the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, open Thurs. 12-4 and Fri-Sun 10-5 (parks.ca.gov/?page_id=475). For a day of art, check out the Arts Benicia gallery, open Thurs-Sun 12-5 (artsbenicia.org), the Plein Air and 621 Galleries, and all the public sculptures around town. Email me for a complete list of pubic art.

July also rivals the busiest of months for downtown happenings. Kicking things off is Benicia’s annual Torchlight Parade, starting at 6:30pm, July 3. Remember not to encumber mid-sidewalk space downtown—it needs to remain clear for pedestrians. There’s always room for everyone, and keep in mind that some downtown merchants are open late, so please keep your chairs near the streetside of the sidewalks.

In addition to the ongoing downtown events (Art Walk, Farmers Market, Ghost Walk, Movie Night, etc.), on July 4, Benicia Main Street will host its annual Picnic in the Park and Fireworks show. City Park festivities begin at noon; fireworks at 9pm. Finally, the Waterfront Festival is back Saturday, July 26 at 11am for the entire weekend. There’s a great lineup of bands playing all your favorite tunes—check Main Street's ad on page 5 for details, or visit beniciamainstreet.org. July is the perfect month to enjoy Benicia’s abundant amenities and community activities— let me know what you did locally to stay entertained.

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

Jeanne Steinmann

Feedback Editor: We really enjoy the fine photography and entertaining articles in our hometown magazine.

The colorful and creative layout is always a treat for the eyes. Thanks to your team.

-Sheila and Gerd Ruhl

10 • Benicia Magazine

Editor: I am a Benicia resident and a fan of Benicia Magazine. I enjoyed the article on Benicia’s solar explosion in the June edition and was pleased to learn that Benicia is a pioneer and proponent of solar energy, with the support of Mayor Elizabeth Patterson. This inspired me to share this web link with you: trendinghot. net/invention-will-change-world-just-watch/. Please watch this seven-minute video in its entirety… it’s worth it! Then, imagine these solar roadways installed along the length of 1st Street. It would be amazing. It would generate vast amounts of energy for the city, it would improve pedestrian safety in a number of ways, the power cords for the tree lights could run directly in to the channels along the roadway rather than draping from tree to light pole to tree, and the parades would be phenomenal. In addition, this would make Benicia an even greater tourist destination than it already is, and would put Benicia in the National spotlight as a pioneer in solar energy and clean tech.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

PRICE

Closing the Deal in a Seller’s Market

By Eric Hoglund, Estey Real Estate The hot summer season is upon us, and all indications are that inventory will remain on the low side in Benicia. Buyers need to be vigilant and realistic in their search for a new home, and not price themselves out of the market before they even get started.

Buyers are often frustrated when they find the appraisal did not meet the purchase price, and the seller is unwilling to come off their accepted price to accommodate. They may set themselves up for disappointment by asking for the moon in repairs after reviewing the home inspection. Remember, this is still a seller’s market so be prepared for tough negotiations, and try to think like a seller.

Buyers may need to be willing to make up the difference on an appraisal in order to close the deal, especially when purchasing a unique property that is hard to get comps for, or a property that had many offers and went considerably over asking price. Check with your lender and agent before you even make the offer to have a plan should that situation arise. Know what liquid assets you have to work with should you need additional cash to close.

Those home inspections can be scary. Be sure to go over the report with the inspector and your agent, and, if possible, meet the inspector at the home toward the end of the four to six hour inspection to go over his/her findings and talk about immediate concerns. The home inspector is going to note everything possible in order to give you a very thorough report. This does not mean that the home is a wreck and falling apart. Learn what is a “must do now,” a “should do soon,” and a “like to do in the future.”

When negotiating with the seller of the home, ask for the essential health and safety items from the home inspection and do not present the seller with a laundry list of other repairs. You are not buying a brand new home, and you should expect a certain amount of wear and tear.

Be willing to give something in return, maybe it can be a sooner close date, or even a slight price increase to cover part of the cost of the specific repair. In the long run you will not feel the price increase in the mortgage. A well-written letter to the seller explaining how much you love “their home,” with specifics about things that made you want to

12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

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Benicia recent sold homes buy it and how you look forward to moving in and living there, is a great way to ease into a request. Those cabinets you are asking them to take out of the garage so your cars will fit may have been hand-built by the seller and have sentimental meaning; to the seller they are an upgrade. Be respectful and explain why you are asking for this reasonable request. Negotiation is four parts science and six parts art. Your realtor will help you close a fair deal.

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By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director, Benicia Historical Museum This photo of the Benicia Arsenal Guard and Engine House, erected in 1872, shows the structure as it was originally built: a handsome composition of brick trimmed in sandstone, later covered with stucco.

Although the reason for combining these two different functions remains obscure— possibly budgetary considerations—it incorporated both a large space to serve as the engine area and also an area with a number of small cells. Each functional space was configured to be self–contained with a separate, designated entrance for each.

The guardhouse portion contained a prison with two solitary cells, and also included an office and quarters for the guard. As these interior prison cells had little light or air, the ventilation system was designed to incorporate a flue from each cell, which vented from the rafter space into a large fireplace stack. When the fire was lit, the air was circulated by the movement of air being drawn out of the chimney and replaced with air from the outside.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Summer

Staff Writer As summer gets serious, Americans are hitting the open road in their RVs in record numbers. After the economy tanked in 2007, RV sales and rentals plummeted. But business has steadily picked up in recent years. And with the many options available from basic campers to luxury motorhomes with electronic bump-outs, and stylish throwbacks like the vintage Airstream, we are being lured back into the craze by the thousands.

According to Bloomberg Business Week, recreational vehicles are a 14 billion dollar market annually. Manufacturer shipments to retailers of all RVs were measured, by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, at 33,774 units in April of this year, a gain of 5.4% over this same month last year, which also saw large increases.

And while retirees are flocking to RV living, partly to be freewheeling but also to retire inexpensively, most of us are using RVs as vacation getaways.

There’s a lot of cachet to the words “road trip,” that keeps us entranced, and focused on relaxation with an adventurous spirit.

According to the Good Sam RV Travel Guide and Campground Directory, there are over 8,000 RV parks/resorts in the U.S. Exploring 14 • Benicia Magazine

the country, especially in the wide-open spaces of the west, is high on many people’s vacation itineraries.

Adam Blair, owner of Avalon RVs in the Benicia Business Park, provides routine maintenance for all types of RVs, but specializes in renovating vintage Airstream trailers for his clients. “Vintage Airstreams have retained their popularity over time. They were born from the concept of the airplane—built upon the same idea,” says Blair. “We take them in and redo everything, right down to the rivets.”

The iconic, riveted silver shells can be seen around town and on the highway. Completely tricked out, they can sell for up to $100,000.

Blair has renovated Airstreams for many purposes, from traditional RV use to conference rooms parked at local businesses—one was even transformed into an upscale hair salon in the Napa area.

So just what makes the RV so alluring? The convenience factor, for one, of bringing one’s temporary home along for the ride. But the feeling of adventure, freedom and spontaneity are part of the experience, along with seeing what the rest of the country has to offer. Whether you hitch up or drive off, nothing speaks to the quintessential American “camping” experience like getting on the road in your home away from home.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Building a more

Bikeable Benicia “

Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.

”

–H.G. WELLS

16 • Benicia Magazine

By Beth Steinmann Benicia waterfront paths, photos by Jerry Bowles Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for many kids, accompanied by an exhilarating feeling of freedom to be sailing through the breeze faster than you could run on a contraption powered by your own body. Bicycling ranges from hobby to obsession, from practical transport to exercise, whether your style of choice is beach cruiser, BMX, mountain bike, road bike or unicycle.

What is Benicia’s relationship with biking, and what does bikeability do for our community? These are questions the Community Sustainability Commission has examined closely. The Commission has created Bicycle Benicia (B2) with 2014 goals to make biking in Benicia easier and safer.

What are the benefits of increased bikeability? By examining data from bike-friendly communities nationwide, B2 found that in East Village, NYC, average per capita spending was higher for bicyclists than any other mode of transportation (walking was second). In four years since the launch of a “Bike to Work Incentive” in Bloomington, MN, average health care costs rose 24.6%, while Bloomington health care costs fell 4.4%, saving the city $200,000. For US bikeable cities, revenue from tourist biking is high. B2 also cites evidence that property values increase, and that biking to school improves kids’ attention and performance.

In addition to financial benefits, biking lowers greenhouse gas emissions and promotes a healthier, more cohesive community. After collecting national data, B2 set to the serious task of surveying Benicians to learn how bikeable Benicia is, and how citizens find the infrastructure and conditions of bike routes.

Two surveys were developed by B2 members Constance Beutel, Roger Straw, and Nancy Lund, and conducted in two teams of two. The city was broken up into five areas, with the most highly biked area below highway 780, west of First Street.

91 out of 100 participants said they felt safe biking in Benicia, but many people cited heavy traffic, said there was limited space for bicyclists on the roads or that bike lanes or paved shoulders disappeared. Road surfaces were generally good, but 44 participants cited cracks or broken pavement; and 31, potholes. Intersection safety was high, but 39 people either didn’t have enough time to cross before the signal changed, were unsure how or when to ride through, or said the signal didn’t change for bikes at all. About two-thirds of participants said driver behavior was good, but others said drivers passed too closely, didn’t signal, or drove too fast. 20 people said there was no secure place to store their bicycle once they’d reached their destination.

Of those surveyed, 86 people had road bikes, 59 had mountain bikes, and 57% considered themselves advanced, confident riders. Streets found most dangerous by bikers were East Second and Military.

These and other findings have been presented to the Sustainability Commission. Next steps depend somewhat on whether a recent grant proposal is accepted, but according to Buetel, B2 is prepared to forge ahead in any case. While road conditions and infrastructure are more challenging to address and depend on city funding priorities, immediate goals include more bike racks around town and working with Google Maps to get bike routes marked. Eventually, the committee would like to see new route signage with QR codes to identify areas of interest and local bike clinics to empower riders.

Presentations will be taken to the schools, the Chamber of Commerce, Benicia Main Street, and realty companies. If the grant goes through, Beutel says the group would like to sponsor a community clinic to fix up available bikes and donate them.

On August 2, the Benicia Bicycle Club (in partnership with the Sustainability Commission and with support from Benicia Police and Parks and Recreation) will host a Bicycle Clinic and Rodeo for riders of all ilk and experience levels.

Stay tuned for details by visiting B2’s website at www.bicyclebenicia.org.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

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B. Julie Parsons Certified Massage, 310 Military West, Ste. A 1. Tosch Dental, 118 West K Street WE

2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street

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3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street 4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street ES T

7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street

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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

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5. Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second Street

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BENICIA

18 • Benicia Magazine

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Benicia Marina

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Julie's Gift of Massage…a relaxing, therapeutic experience.

Julie Parsons, CMP, CAMTC New client introductory offer Mon-Sat by appointment 707.297.1371 • juliesgiftofmassage.com 310 Military West, Suite A, Benicia

Steve McClure

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

707.745.0848

www.stevemcclure.net

BOOKS • TOYS • GAMES • GREETING CARDS

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

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

Mexican Food 640 First Street • 707.746.7830

TUE-SUN 8am-9pm

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

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

Fiber-Frolics

CHARLIE’S ATTIC

637 First Street, Benicia • 707.747.YARN(9276) fiber-frolics.com

Tannery Bldg, 129 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

Specialty Yarns and Classes Giovanna Sensi-Isolani, fiber artist

Dudikoff Insurance Agency Planning, Products, & Services

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

www.farmersagent.com/gdudikoff HOME, GIFT, JEWELRY WITH A DASH OF FUN

Urban Notions

611 First Street, Downtown Benicia 707.853.8159

Collectibles-Antiques-Music Consignment and eBay drop-off

Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful!

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

Benicia Golf Association BeniciaGolf.org

To find out more call Dale Thorne, 707.745.4852

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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 D. Capitol Glass Co., Inc. 5000 E. 2nd St. Ste. H

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E. Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler St., #114 F. Benicia Plumbing, 265 W. Channel Court 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9 3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A 4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street

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6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street

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11. Grossman Financial, 940 Adams Street, Ste. L

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Parviz Hypnotherapy & Holistic Center 940 Adams Street, Ste. P Benicia, 707.655.7540 parvizhypnotherapy.com

Indoor Range and Pro Shop 3001 Bayshore Road #9, Benicia 707.745.0447 • Fatshaftsarchery.com HOME, GIFT, JEWELRY WITH A DASH OF FUN

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Capitol Glass Co., Inc.

Your One Stop Glass Shop Since 1970 Specializing in showers, windows and mirrors 5000 East Second St., Ste H, Benicia 707.745.4570 • capitolglassbenicia.com

Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

INTERVIEW WITH

In 2005, she became the Benefits Officer for the Department of Labor. She leads a team that helps individuals resolve benefits issues and provides financial and retirement education to all department employees. Ann works from home, traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet with her team every other month.

Ann also serves on Benicia’s Economic Development Board.

“I telecommute, which is very isolating and can be lonely, and I need to make friends. I’m a business person, and the EDB seemed like a way to meet people I have something in common with. So I joined EDB as a way to give back and make friends.”

What do you like best about your Department of Labor job?

I like the freedom. I can try to figure out what I want to do and how to do it. I’ve developed a three-step series on financial education: • A one-day seminar for new employees on their benefits, how to set up a budget, planning and saving for retirement and their children’s education.

• A two-day seminar for those mid-career that takes a closer look at retirement savings and college savings, and their debt.

• A three-day seminar for those about to retire that looks at how to prepare for that, how their pension plays into it, health care benefits—helping them really plan for the future and see outside the box.

All the programs are financial based. We’re mandated to teach financial education.

Ann Lindsay

By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight A whirlwind romance led to a whirlwind life for Ann Lindsay.

By day, the Benicia resident helps about 17,000 U.S. Department of Labor workers understand their employee benefits. During the evenings and weekends, Ann is the business manager for Lindsay Art Glass. She and her husband, David, own the studio and gallery in downtown Benicia.

“Half of my desk is Department of Labor, half of my desk is Lindsay,” she says with a hearty laugh.

Life wasn’t always so hectic. In 1993, Ann was working for the federal government in Washington, D.C. Her expertise in retirement benefits brought her to Mare Island to conduct classes for workers when the base closed.

“One of my students set us up on a blind date in August of 1993. Six weeks after we met, he proposed,” she says, smiling at the memory. “It took me a couple of weeks to say yes. We married in December, 1993.”

She and her then four-year-old daughter moved west after the wedding. Ann completed her bachelor’s degree in business and worked in the private sector before returning to the federal government in 1997.

22 • Benicia Magazine Interview

What are your responsibilities at the glass studio?

I’m the business manager of the gallery and studio. I do the bookkeeping, accounting, marketing, displays, and manage the sales force. We have 50 artists represented in the gallery. There are five employees and I also try to manage David, but he’s pretty unmanageable (laughing).

Angela Fortain has been here 14 of the 16 years that we’ve been open. She is my right arm. You have to have someone like Angela if you have two jobs.

What is a typical day for you?

On Monday through Friday, I get up and go work out, then I come home and get to work for the Department of Labor. I spend the whole morning on the phone with Human Resources offices, people who want to retire, people who have retired, attorneys, unions, department officials.

In the afternoon, I have time to focus on developing educational classes. I end by 5:30, sometimes 6. Then I have dinner, walk my dog with my husband, and start working on Lindsay business. I usually start about 7:30 to 8:30. I try to stop by 9:30, but it can go to 10 and has gone later sometimes.

On Saturday, I work here four to five hours, then do the havetos. We try to take off Sundays, but we almost always have a work meeting or we drop by the studio.

How do you find balance in your life?

There isn’t any balance. I’ve been working on that. I teach about work-life balance and I use myself as an example of how crazy life can be. But I’m a Type A person and I love to work.

I don’t know what I’d do if I wasn’t working. The Economic Development Board is my fun.

How much did you know about art glass before meeting David?

Nothing. I flunked art in third grade and it ruined me—it really put a damper on art for me. But I do have a little bit of artist in me: I was a figure skater growing up and I choreographed my own routines. I love music. But I can’t draw; I can’t paint. I enjoy impressionism but that’s it.

But I’ve learned a lot.

When do you have a chance to relax?

Ligioso Ballet Master class series with former Joffrey Ballet Principals

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www.ligiosoballet.com 412 Military East, Benicia • 707.310.0928

Only when we are on vacation. I like golf, hiking and snorkeling. I like sitting and watching the ocean. In order for me to relax, I have to be gone for two weeks. It takes the first week for me to wind down.

What general retirement planning advice would you give people?

I think the most important thing is people need to realize they are planning for 30 to 40 years. For some people, that’s longer than they’ve worked. Whether you are in the private sector, self-employed or a public employee, you’ve got to save, save, save, and pay off your debts. Especially for people in our generation, paying off your debts is important. Our parents saved before they bought things, our children are saving before buying, but we tend to buy what we want and pay it off later. We have a huge amount of credit card debt. The most important thing going into retirement is to be without debt, especially consumer debt.

You might still have a small mortgage—it’s not possible for everyone to pay that off while they are working—but pay off the consumer debts.

Any advice to offer other overscheduled people?

You have to be very disciplined. … You have to carve out time for yourself. For me, it’s when I work out, and walking my dog with David is our couple time. You step on that time and things fall apart.

What do you wish you had more time to do?

I wish I had more time to go hiking and meet people and enjoy life. I enjoy working, but I’m sure there’s more out there.

northgateweb.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

Trends

Brown is the New Green

By Christina Strawbridge Photos: Benicia waterfront home, by Jerry Bowles The proverb, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” doesn't hold much water in 2014. The California drought has changed green envy into brown, making the golden hue the new green for lawns, parks, and the hills surrounding Benicia. Neighborhoods from Southampton to the waterfront are slowly replacing their manicured yards with drought resistant plants, artificial turf and rock.

Rocks rock! Before recently moving into a condo with no yard at Benicia's waterfront, we used rocks for ground cover at our previous homes. Besides saving water and the cost of an irrigation system, we found the upkeep was minimal except for pulling pesky weeds that sprouted through the Visqueen.

Palm trees, yucca and an assortment of orange bird of paradise and purple Agapanthus gave color to the white and gray rocks. We also planted rose bushes that were beautiful, fragrant and hardy, needing minimal water. Coming from the Midwest where mowing the lawn was sometimes a biweekly chore, we savored the freedom of a rock yard. The first summer we moved to Benicia, we put our two sons to work at our Southampton home, moving and separating rocks into the backyard. As I recall, there was a lot of complaining about being hot and bored, with multiple requests for breaks. To this day they believe it was the worst job ever.

Water, water everywhere but not an extra drop … Benicia is almost surrounded by water, but we have found ourselves scrambling for new sources since we lost 85% of our needs that were allotted from the California State Water Project. The City council has asked its citizens to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 20%, which means shorter showers, less flushing and being creative with water repurposing.

24 • Benicia Magazine Trends

Benicia has recently opted into the HERO Program, to be launched in November/December 2014, which will allow residents to apply for financing for clean energy and water conserving improvements.

The program offers a funding mechanism for improvements for both residential and commercial property owners. There is no up front cost to participating cities, and the program is completely run and managed by HERO, which administered the program for the Western Riverside Council of Governments. Benicia will be the second city in Solano County to join as an associate member; Vacaville joined as of March 17, 2014. Some of the categories for financing are solar, small wind turbines, electric vehicle charging stations and indoor and outdoor water efficiency projects. For more information, visit solanosaveswater.org.

There are also grants available through Solano County that include:

>>> Turf replacement programs >>> Smart irrigation controllers that automatically adjust to the weather

>>> Toilet replacement program >>> Complimentary engineering consultant to evaluate water

conservation areas at your business, with a $5,000 matching grant towards completing those projects.

In the March issue of Benicia Magazine, the color Radiant Orchid, Pantone color of the Year, was featured through local products. The way the trend is going, Blazing Brown could be the new "it" color in fashion, home décor, and possibly your own front yard.

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1440 MILITARY W. #202, BENICIA

BENICIA UNIFIED SCHOOLS Registration for Continuing Students Registration for all BUSD students (your student must be enrolled to attend these dates*)

Benicia Middle August 15 and 18 Benicia High August 12 and 13 Liberty High August 13 All Elementary Sites August 12

*Call school site or visit beniciaunified.org for specific times

Enrollment for New Students All sites are currently doing Enrollment for the 2014-15 school year.

Enrollment is by appointment only. Information can be found on the BUSD website under

Parents/Students and Student Enrollment.

Call your local school site or the district office.

Just a reminder that: all students entering 6th or 9th grade must show residency proof before registering

All students entering 7th-12th grades must show proof of a Tdap booster before registering

Great schools, quality programs.

Benicia Unified School District 350 East K Street

beniciaunified.org BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

E N V E T S Y L U J 2014 7/3 Torchlight Parade And Festival 6:30pm

7/19 Mad Science Show 11:30am

7/4 Picnic in the Park and Fireworks 7pm

7/23 BHS Color Guard and Drum Line Showcase 1pm

First and Military and along First Street Bring a picnic blanket, low chairs and food Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Arts & crafts, hot food, live entertainment, kids' activities Fireworks begin at 9pm at bottom of First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/10-7/31 Benicia Farmers Market, Thursdays 4-8pm Fresh fruits, vegetables & baked goods Gourmet & hot foods, arts & crafts First Street between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/12 Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm Downstairs at the Library 150 East L Street 707.746.4343

7/12 Benicia Art Walk 3-7pm

Sip, stroll, dine, hear live music; take self-guided tour View art and watch demonstrations Visitbenicia.org/events 707.746.4202

7/18 Ghost Walk 8pm

Watch Mad Scientist change water to juice & much more!

City Gym, 180 East L Street Ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4285

Fun, interactive performance Refreshments and games City Gym, 180 East L Street Ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4285

7/25 Movie Under the Stars: Despicable Me 2 Bring pillows, blankets, low chairs, picnic Movie starts at dusk City Park Gazebo Ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4285

7/26, 7/27 Benicia Waterfront Festival 11am-6pm Live music, craft beer, food, vendors, kids' area Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/27 BDES Holy Ghost Festa & Parade 10am-1pm BDES Hall to St. Dominic’s Church, 140 West J Street Beniciaholyghost.org 707.745.1393

7/27 New Exhibit: Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers

Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia Led by paranormal expert Space is limited Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

A Legacy of Historical Artistry 1pm History, display, demonstration and refreshments Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

7/18 Friday Concert Series 7pm

Above photos: Waterfront Festival 2013, courtesy Benicia Main Street

Chris Yeaton & Adam Werner Hawaiian slack key and slap n’ tap guitar St. Paul’s Church, First and J Streets Stpaulsbenicia.com 707.745.0307 26 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Scan for more listings

Benicia Grill 5th Year Anniversary!

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

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

One coupon per table. Exp. 7/31/14

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on

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Join us in the fight against cancer!

Relay For Life of Benicia “Walk Around the Clock – A Classic California Event”

August 16-17, 2014 – Benicia High School

Sign up your team today!

www.RelayForLife.org/BeniciaCA

Volunteers & Help Wanted Form a Team! Join the Committee!

Relay For Life is a fun, family-friendly, 24-hours fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. We are currently looking for committee members, teams, survivors and caregivers, and sponsors to get involved with our annual event. For more information please contact Event Chair Terry Baldwin at tkbaldwin1@sbcglobal.net or 707.334.3310

4760 E. Second St., Benicia

Sailor Jacks Lobster Tuesdays Prime Rib Wednesdays Bistro 3 course dinner Thursday

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Purchase one lunch or dinner entrée in July & receive one complimentary dessert with this ad* *expires Exp. 7/31/14. Dine in only. One discount per table, no cash value.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sailor Jacks • Open Every Day • 123 First Street 707.746.8500

51st Annual 51st

Benicia Peddlers’ Fair Saturday, August 9th 8am to 5pm

On scenic First Street in Historic Downtown Benicia

Over 300 booths!

Antiques, Collectibles Hand Crafted Items Kids Art Corner & Food Vendors Unique First Street Stores Great Restaurants

ADMISSION IS FREE! Sponsored by the Historic Trust of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church All proceeds are for the Preservation of the Historic St. Paul’s Buildings.

(707) 745-8680 • www.BeniciaPeddlersFair.org BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

iC s u m E v i l locaL

JULY 3, 7PM Jazz Nights at The Union Hotel Prorsday and Joy Band 401 First Street unionhotelrestaurant.net 707.746.7847 JULY 4, 9PM Nautical Nation The Rellik Tavern 726 First Street therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137 JULY 5, 9PM Stung (police tribute band) The Rellik Tavern 726 First Street therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137 JULY 10, 7PM Jazz Nights at The Union Hotel Prorsday and Joy Band 401 First Street unionhotelrestaurant.net 707.746.7847

JULY 17, 7PM Jazz Nights at The Union Hotel Prorsday and Joy Band 401 First Street unionhotelrestaurant.net 707.746.7847 JULY 18, 7PM Friday Concert Series Chris Yeaton, Hawaiian slack key guitar Adam Warner, steel 6-string and harp guitar St. Paul’s Church, First & J Streets stpaulsbenicia.org 707.745.0307 JULY 18, 8PM Ken Cooper Upstairs at the Café 440 First Street firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400 JULY 18, 9PM Dr. Mojo Band The Rellik Tavern 726 First Street therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137

JULY 24, 9PM Big Medicine Head The Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137 JULY 25, 8PM Jesse Brewster Upstairs at the Café, 440 First Street firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400 JULY 26, 11:30AM-6PM Benicia Waterfront Festival Bohemian Highway, Fast Times 80's Petty Theft (San Francisco Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) JULY 26, 8PM The TuneRiders Upstairs at the Café 440 First Street firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400 JULY 26, 9PM Self Proclaimed Heros The Rellik Tavern 726 First Street therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137

JULY 11, 8PM Chris Ahlman Upstairs at the Café 440 First Street firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400

JULY 19, 9PM The List The Rellik Tavern 726 First Street therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137

JULY 27, 11:30AM-6PM Benicia Waterfront Festival House of Floyd, The Kevin Russell Band Tortilla Soup

JULY 12, 8PM Syria Berry Upstairs at the Café 440 First Street firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400

JULY 24, 7PM Jazz Nights at The Union Hotel Prorsday and Joy Band 401 First Street unionhotelrestaurant.net 707.746.7847

JULY 31, 7PM Jazz Nights at The Union Hotel Prorsday and Joy Band 401 First Street unionhotelrestaurant.net 707.746.7847

OCCASIONAL LIVE MUSIC: The Loft Wine Bar, wineattheloft.com; Benicia Veteran’s Hall, beniciavetshall.com; Benicia Farmer’s Market, beniciamainstreet.org; Kinders BBQ, kindersbbq.com. Check local listings for times, ticket information and updates.

28 • Benicia Magazine Local Live Music

...IT’S A FACT!

Residential & Commercial

$95 special up to 350 sq ft

Excludes stairs, not valid with any other offers or coupons

CARPET, UPHOLSTERY AND TILE & GROUT CLEANING

Serving Benicia's orthodontic needs for over 25 years Dr. Tom Campbell Orthodontics for children and adults

800 First Street, Ste. A, Benicia • 707.746.8656

spotlesscarpetcleaning.net

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

DON'T TOP TREES! Tree topping hurts trees & impacts home values

Topping is perhaps the most harmful pruning practice.

Topping: • Is a violation of the Benicia Tree Ordinance • Causes decay • Stresses a tree's health • Creates safety hazards • Is a high-maintenance pruning practice • Makes a tree unsightly and detracts from a home's landscape

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

Don't top your trees, learn how to prune correctly. www.ci.benicia.ca.us, Parks & Community Services www.beniciatrees.org

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

Urban Notions Home, gift, jewelry with a dash of fun 611 First Street, Downtown Benicia • 707.853.8159 • facebook.com/urbannotions BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Guide TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS

SPOTLIGHT ON

MATSURI SUSHI

Favorite standby fresh Nigiri, sushi rolls and tempura are available along with specialty rolls, salads and sake.

Lunch & Dinner.

920 First Street #102, Benicia

707.747.1585

BENICIA GRILL Family-style food with an extensive menu.

Come with an appetite—serving sizes are generous. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room or on the patio.

4760 E Second Street, Benicia, 707.751.0155 beniciagrill.com

LUCCA BAR & GRILL The warm, urban décor with a friendly atmosphere lures diners in, and they are not disappointed.

Small bites, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room, bar and street-side tables.

439 First Street, #102, Benicia, 707.745.0943 luccabar.com

THE RELLIK TAVERN Live music and community events keep this upscale tavern hopping. Food offerings, ordered by iPad, include tasty tapas and a huge selection of specialty beers on tap.

726 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.1137 therelliktavern.com

BUON APPETITO Intimate dining at this downtown eatery serving contemporary Italian cuisine. Try the Risotto special for a dinner treat, or a variety of scaloppini favorites.

191 Military East #F, Benicia, 707.746.7410 buonappetitorestuarant.net

NINE O SEVEN GRILL Fresh American cuisine with a Mexican flair is served in this upscale café with a heated outdoor patio in the back, or at street-side tables. The fish tacos are legendary.

907 First Street Benicia, 707.745.0505 907grill.com

SAILOR JACKS Fine dining at its best with a spectacular view of the Carquinez Strait with terrific breakfast, lunch and dinner options served in a rustic, intimate atmosphere.

123 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.8500 sailor-jacks.com

CAMELLIA TEA ROOM Located in a beautifully restored Victorian building with ornate dining room, Camellia Tea serves traditional afternoon tea, along with lunch and desserts, all made fresh daily.

828 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com

PALERMOS CUCINA ITALIANA Italian specialties at Palermos Cucina Italiana on Columbus Pkwy and Venticellos downtown.

Pastas, soup, salads, meats and seafood.

Lunch & dinner.

2050 Columbus Pkwy, Benicia, 707.748.1011 palermosbenicia.com

SANDOVAL’S MEXICAN FOOD The fun décor and good food make this Benicia institution a local family favorite.

Try the shrimp, chicken or steak fajitas; the salsa gets rave reviews.

601 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.7830

JAVA POINT CAFÉ With a street-side plaza strewn with tables, this popular café, known for their freshly made breakfast and lunch options, often has a line out the door.

366 First Street, Benicia, 707.745.1449

ROOKIES SPORTS BAR & GRILL This casual sports bar and full-service, familystyle restaurant serves lunch, bar snacks and dinner. It’s pub-grub meets fi ne cuisine: salads, sandwiches, burgers and sensational sweet potato fries.

321 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.7665 rookiesbenicia.com

LITTLE THAI Pad Thai, savory soups and fresh, inventive salads and curry dishes along with other Thai favorites, served in a casual atmosphere.

870 Southampton Road Benicia, 707.747.9777

30 • Benicia Magazine Restaurant Guide

ROSIE’S CAFÉ This sweet little roadside diner serves full breakfast and lunch options of hearty American fare. Try the biscuits & gravy or grits, and the homemade soups and chili.

3001 Bayshore, Benicia, 707.745.1154 cafebenicia.com

THE WORKSHOP This popular take-out spot serves up seriously delicious New Orleans-style dishes. Morning Beignets lead into lunch options of hot sandwiches and fresh made soups and sides.

511 Claverie Way, Benicia 707.7476028 VENTICELLOS Italian specialties at Venticellos downtown and at Palermos Cucina Italiana on Columbus Pkwy.

Pastas, soup, salads, meats and seafood. Lunch and dinner; weekend brunch at Venticellos.

911 First Street, Benicia, 707.747.5263 venticellos.com

Welcome to Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

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

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

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia 707-745-2100 aqc@aqchome.com AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

It was a pleasure to work with Allan and Mary Ann. They were very competent and our visions were easily conveyed. We love our new kitchen and will enjoy it for many years.

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

—Mauro and Elvia

Contractor's License # 687979

Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen

32 • Benicia Magazine Trends