Benicia Magazine June 2012

Solano County Golf’s Magnetic Draw Benicia Stingray Swimmers Kick Off Summer Season POSTAL CUSTOMER ***** ECR WSS ***** Volume 7 Issue 7 May 2012

Please Deliver 5/30-6/1

The Value and Enjoyment of Benicia's Urban Forest

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

Benicia Middle August 17 and 20 • Benicia High August 15 and 16 Liberty High August 15 • All Elementary Sites August 14 Great schools, quality programs.

Benicia Unified School District 350 East K Street

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

Enrollment for New Students All sites are currently doing Enrollment for the 2012-13 school year.

Enrollment is by appointment only.

Information can be found on the BUSD website under

All students entering 7th grade must show proof of a Tdap booster before registering

Parents/Students and Student Enrollment.

Call your local school site or the district office.

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

Saturday, June 9, 2-5pm Stroll Downtown Benicia on a beautiful spring afternoon and taste over a dozen wines being poured inside participating stores.

Sip, Walk & Shop!

Ages 21 and older $20 advance/ $25 day of event includes souvenir wine glass Tickets at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, and online at BeniciaMainStreet.org

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4 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

Benicia Magazine JUNE VOLUME 7 ISSUE 8

20

18

12

14

Features

12 Understanding and valuing Benicia’s urban forest 14 Benicia Stingray swimmers kick off summer season 18 Solano’s nine golf courses offer scenic, affordable challenges

Departments 8 What's on the web

26 June Events

10 From the Editor

28 Listening

16 Currents

Golf's popularity at every level Retiring Benicia Unified teachers honored

20 Travel-food-spirits

Restaurant: Impossible’s Chef Irvine rehabs Pappas

24 Interview

Interview with Claire McFadden, marketing consultant & volunteer

25 Just for Kids 6 • Benicia Magazine

Featured musician Guy Arrostuto

29 Live Music Calendar 30 Fashionista

Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the de Young Museum

Cover photo, Stingray swimmer Matt Simonson, by Malcolm Slight Photos clockwise from top left: Pappas Restaurant Bar, by Lisa Duncan; Hiddenbrook Golf Club, courtesy of Hiddenbrook; Benicia Stingray swimmer, by Gabriel Salindong; Benicia High newly planted trees,

by Jerry Bowles.

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

707-745-7534 June 2012

California Native Returns to Benicia Refinery When Benicia said “good-bye” to its long-time refinery manager, it provided an opportunity to say “hello again” to a seasoned industry professional with roots in California and a history with the refinery.

It was 1990 when John Hill, a Santa Rosa native, hired on as an operator/technician at the refinery, then owned by Exxon. In March 2012, he was named Vice President and General Manager of the Valero Benicia Refinery.

“My early work experience was in electronics and included an eight-year stint working for Vice President and General Manager John Hill the Department of Defense at discusses refinery operations with engineering the Mare Island Naval Shipyard,” interns Mike Webb and Tasha Blake. recalls Hill. “As Mare Island operations began to slow, I during his first stretch at the refinery say accepted a position with United Airlines as today he is the same genuine person and an electrician at the main repair facility in natural leader they knew 20 years ago. Two San Francisco.” key positions Hill held during his tenure Hill’s next job opened up opportunities in Benicia were Shift Superintendent and he could not have foreseen at the time.

Maintenance Manager.

“The job of an operator, or technician as In 2003, he was promoted to it was called in 1990, is vital to the success Maintenance Director at St. Charles of a refinery,” says Hill. “When I began Refinery in Louisiana. In August of 2005, at the Benicia refinery as an entry-level during his tenure there, Hill experienced operator, I was an experienced electrician, something he hopes to avoid the rest of his but I didn’t fully realize that I would have career: the wrath of a Category 5 hurricane. the opportunity to be cross-trained in so “When we learned Katrina was headed many facets of the refining industry.” our way, our first goal was to shut down the During Hill’s 13 years at the Benicia refinery in a safe and environmentally sound refinery, he held many positions in both manner in order to protect employees operations and maintenance. He was also and the community,” remembers Hill who a member of the refinery’s volunteer fire camped out inside the Administration brigade and was certified as an Emergency building with about 50 other Valero Medical Technician (EMT). employees to ride out the storm.

Valero Benicia employees who knew Hill “Our emergency and safety training paid

Velo Valero Rides the Napa Tour de Cure!

Eighteen Velo Valero riders enjoyed a day in sunny Napa on May 6 at the annual Napa Tour de Cure. Team members raised $8,240 in support the American Diabetes Association’s efforts to find a cure for diabetes. In addition, the Benicia Refinery made a $5,000 contribution. Over the past 11 years, donations by riders and the refinery have totaled $159,000.

off big-time over the next week.”

Eight days and thousands of work hours later, the St. Charles Refinery safely began operations again.

“Clearly, the Katrina experience remains one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, times of my career.”

In 2005, Hill was named Vice President and General Manager of Valero’s Krotz Springs Refinery in Louisiana, before moving on to Valero’s Memphis Refinery in 2006 in the same role. While in Memphis, Hill was active in the community and served five years as a member of the Mid South United Way’s Board of Directors.

Hill and his wife of 26 years, Nancy, have two children. Jason, 19, is a freshman at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville studying chemical engineering. Daughter Jaime, 14, is completing her first year of high school in Germantown, Tenn., before the family completes their move to California.

An avid outdoorsman, Hill plans to find time to enjoy the mild Bay Area climate with family and friends.

Hill pledges that Valero will continue its commitment to operate a safe, reliable, and environmentally compliant facility. “We will also continue to support the needs of our community through charitable contributions and volunteerism.”

“My career path has truly taken me in a full circle,” smiles Hill. “I am happy to be back in California, working with a remarkable group of highly trained employees who keep the refinery running in a safe and reliable manner."

Fast Facts:

The refinery monitors more than 300,000 individual valves and components for compliance.

Safety First:

Bicycle helmets should be worn snug, fitted, and level.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

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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 Rhonda Lucile Hicks Robert Kaufman Adriene Rockwell Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

magazine

Editorial deadlines The 1st of the month prior to the issue month

What’s on the Web

Beniciamagazine.com Fashion Runway Show Benefits the Community Action Council Local luminaries, politicians and city staffers strut the catwalk for a good cause Left: Volunteer Police Coordinator Patty Baron with City Manager Brad “James Bond” Kilger

8 • Benicia Magazine

magazine

Contributing Photographers Lisa Duncan, Jerry Bowles Photography

License # 855587

Photo by Lisa Duncan

Benicia

See all the photos online!

Advertising sales 707.853.5226 general@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: the 1st of the month prior to the issue month

Contact Us 707.853.5226, 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

Photo by Lisa Duncan

From the Editor Perspective Living and working in a small town can feel confining. Getting away for an occasional break becomes essential to maintaining one’s perspective, so once or twice a month I make a date with myself and play tourist in cities around the Bay Area. Making the decision which direction to travel upon leaving the driveway tinges the experience with mystery and adventure. Sometimes I go somewhere new and sometimes to a favorite haunt; Petaluma and Healdsburg come to mind. Recently I found myself in St. Helena for five hours of window shopping, dining and perusing art galleries.

As someone who loves to travel and a member of Benicia’s tourism committee, I’ve given some thought to what makes a city enticing, and what they offer to successfully attract tourism. St. Helena, an international playground, owes most of its success to its location in the Napa Valley. Even at that, St. Helena has similar challenges that Benicia and other Bay Area downtowns face: a historic core that lacks sidewalks broad enough to accommodate outdoor seating at coffee shops and restaurants. Coffee shops are the new community “living rooms;” people places that welcome guests to gather and linger. For me, venues with tables and chairs that spill out onto a patio are among the biggest contributors to the vibrancy of an area.

Benicia is beginning to change on that score. There are at least four downtown restaurants with street-side alfresco dining: Java Point, the Union Hotel, First Street Café and Lucca’s. But they are all clustered towards the bottom of First Street, and it would be nice to have outdoor dining on some of the other blocks as well.

Aside from the need for more outdoor gathering spots (and how about some wine tasting rooms while we’re at it?), the perspective gained from my recent day trip was positive reinforcement of how much I love Benicia. We have great bones—historically and culturally rich with scenic waterfront beauty.

I hope my thirty-year tenure here and the gratitude I feel for living in such a wonderful place affords me the right to nitpick its minor imperfections and brainstorm improvements.

Finally, since we have had mostly positive feedback on the magazine, the two letters we’ve received that weren’t might provide a little perspective of their own. One letter wasn’t fit to print. The other was not signed, which is against our policy, but in interest of full disclosure, we made an exception, below.

Enjoy the last few days of spring—summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is June 20 at 7:09pm.

Jeanne Steinmann Editor: As a bicycle enthusiast wanting to explore Benicia, the cover got me very interested. I was looking forward to opening the magazine … and find the trails ...instead ... NOTHING was said about Benicia. So … I will use your magazine to wrap fish … you are losing money by paying for postage, hiring reporters, etc ... Good Luck.

—Anonymous Send your comments, suggestions and ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com 10 • Benicia Magazine

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Incorrect pruning includes tipping the branch or topping the tree, causing: — Unsafe sprouts — Dangerously tall branching — Branch weakening & decay Pruning and removal of trees may require a permit.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

By Jeanne Steinmann Photos by Jerry Bowles Before the gold rush in 1850, Benicia’s hills and flats made for a rather barren landscape. In 1855, humorist George H. Derby, an army Lieutenant, is reported to have liked the people of Benicia, but not the place, as it was “not yet paradise” due to the lack of trees. The dearth of trees is also well documented through old photographs and written records. Our landscape has changed dramatically with the planting of many trees over the past 160 years. In 2004, the City began taking a serious look at the care and maintenance of our trees. An ad-hoc Tree Committee was formed and tasked with updating the existing tree ordinance. The ordinance attempted to strike a balance between private property rights and promoting a healthy urban forest, and regulate the cutting and pruning of trees on private property as well as public land.

Why do we need a healthy urban forest? Most of us plant trees to beautify our homes, for privacy and/or shade, but trees are important in other ways. They act as natural air filters by absorbing

carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The City’ s Climate Action Plan calls for planting trees to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 10% below 2000 levels by the year 2020.

The Benicia Tree Foundation, under the direction of Wolfram Alderson, has implemented several programs to raise community awareness about trees, with a focus on planting the right trees in the right places. The foundation gives lectures, presentations and even a bicycle tour to educate the public. Recently the group met its goal of planting 1,000 new trees, including 160 trees that were planted at local schools—80 at Benicia High School and 80 at Joe Henderson Elementary. The materials and donated labor was valued at $35,000, but the intrinsic value and enjoyment factor the trees bring to the two campuses is far greater—trees are an economic stimulator and source of civic pride. Studies show that home sale prices are higher and shopping is more successful in areas with attractive trees and landscaping. A recent inventory of over 4,000 city-owned trees showed a total valuation of just under $13 million.

TREE TIMELINE Few trees in Benicia

Adoption of General Plan

Tree Committee formed

1850

1999

2005

12 • Benicia Magazine

Tree report completed

2006

Adoption of updated Tree Ordinance

2009

Sustainability Commission Climate Action Plan completed

2009

Formation of Benicia Tree Foundation

2009

Tree City USA designation

2010

n

As new trees are planted, heritage trees identified and existing trees maintained, we will reap accompanying health and economic benefits. Benicia’s Tree City USA designation, achieved in 2010 through the efforts of Sue Fisher Jones and the Benicia Rotary Club, is an indication that we are united with thousands of other Tree City USA communities across the U.S. that view their urban forests as a valuable community asset.

For more information, visit ci.benicia.ca.us; beniciaclimateactionplan.com/cap.html; beniciatrees.org; arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/index.cfm; epa.gov/ sequestration/index.html. B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

BENICIA STINGRAYS

Hit the Water for a

Fun & Competitive Summer

14 • Benicia Magazine

Photos by Gabriel Salindong

By Beth Steinmann For many children, the summer is synonymous with the thwap of diving boards and after-smell of chlorine. And for many Benicia families, summer mornings begin with the ritual of swim practice. As a kid, I remember eyeing steam rising off the water’s edge, taking a moment to stall before the plunge. But after dilly-dallying on the deck in a swimsuit (especially on foggy mornings), the water often felt warm by comparison.

This season, more than 100 families will take part in daily swim practice at the James Lemos pool and weekend swim meets around the Bay Area for the Benicia Stingray Swim Team. It’s a big commitment for kids and parents, with big rewards.

The Stingray’s mission statement is to “provide competitive swimmer development in a fun, safe, and supportive environment through training, competition, and team social events.” Kids benefit from being part of a structured, enthusiastically competitive and friendly team environment.

Kids ages 4-18 can join in the fun, and there are many ways for each to shine—with individual events in backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle and the Individual Medley (combining all four); as well as team relays. Swimmers can race against each other and race to better their own times in each event. Weekend meets mean trips to the snack shack, play time between races, and cheers from compatriots, coaches and parents.

Growing up, swim team kept my sister and me in shape and immersed in a positive environment. Nowadays, when swimming at the local pool, I still remember tips from Stingray coaches—keep the stroke long, fingers relaxed, and kick, kick, kick!

Because swimming is low-impact on the joints and muscles, it’s a great exercise for wee ones, grandparents and everyone in between. It conditions and tones the whole body, stretching, building and lengthening muscles at the same time (have you noticed the long and muscular stature of Olympic swimmers)? It builds cardiovascular strength without putting stress or strain on the heart. It improves posture and blood pressure too. I find swimming to be a great stress release, because when I get into the rhythm of counting my strokes and breaths, I forget about everything else. Being underwater is like being in another world, with a unique soundscape, buoyancy and the soft feel of bubbles on the skin.

Water fitness has a place for the serious, Olympic-bound athlete and the aqua-phobe alike—walking and running in water is still a great workout, and many find it easier than running on land. Learning to swim and be comfortable in the water builds confidence.

The James Lemos Pool offers shallow water aerobics, lap swim and swim lessons for all ages and abilities. The Stingrays are still accepting registration, and swimmers don’t need to be Benicia residents. For more information on the team, visit www.bsrswim.org. B

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Golf’s Popularity at Every Level According to the National Golf Foundation, in 2009 there were 28.6 million golfers above the age of 6 in the United States.

In February 2012, the Golf Channel had its highest television viewing ratings ever during the PGA tour, and the website collegescholarships.org reports that the game is fast becoming one of the most competitive college sports.

June, in particular, is a big month for golf on the national level, with the 112th U.S. Open beginning June 11, and concluding on Father’s Day, June 17. The U.S. Open had its fourth highest number of entrants this year with over 9,000 amateurs, professionals and champions vying to compete in the game's most democratic tournament. The event returns to the Olympic Club in San Francisco for the 5th time.

Regionally, the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA), which began in 1901 and is now one of the largest regional clubs in the world, boasts over 175,000 members from Central California to the Oregon and Nevada borders. Starting with just five Bay Area golf clubs, it now includes over 400 regular and 850 associate clubs.

Here in town, the Benicia Golf Association (BGA) is celebrating its twenty-fifth birthday this year. An NCGA affiliate since 1987, it

Photo Courtesy of Paradise Valley

was formed to promote camaraderie among local golfers on and off the course. The club rotates monthly tournaments at local courses such as Hiddenbrook, Rancho Solano and Eagle Vines, with flights for all skill levels. Individual golfers have the chance to excel on any given day as handicaps equalize all. To spice up the competition, the club holds yellow ball and two-man best ball challenges. In the yellow ball challenge, foursomes who maintain a yellow ball through 18 holes and have the lowest net scores compete for prizes. Twoman best ball creates the opportunity for see-saw leads throughout the day, resulting in interesting competition. Members also compete in club championship and long point competitions. Active with tournaments for local nonprofit rundraisers, BGA’s primary focus is to provide a fun and competitive environment for men and women to enjoy the game and the friendship of like-minded sports enthusiasts. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize at the nineteenth hole or at one of the club’s seasonal potlucks.

For more information please visit Beniciagolf.org NCGA.org or usopen.com. B

Join the Club…Join the Fun!

Beniciagolf.org 707.745.4852 Benicia Golf Association

16 • Benicia Magazine Currents

Benicia Unified teachers and staff retiring in 2011/2012 were honored with a ceremony last month. Benicia Magazine salutes these individuals whose contributions have had a positive impact on children. B First Name

Position

Claudia Elkin

BHS Teacher

14

Polly Farina

BHS Teacher

10

Christopher Piazza

BHS Teacher

24

Larry Boggs

BHS Teacher

12

Walter Donaldson Jr.

BHS Teacher

32

Mary Fritz

BMS Teacher

34

Michael Prolo

BMS Teacher

35

Roberto Gibral-Tarik

BMS & BHS Teacher

14

Denise Shelton

Food Svc, Central Kitchen

20

Marguerite Brisbin

JH Elem Teacher

27

Rebecca Ross

JH Elem Teacher

34

Martha Diaz

JH Elem Teacher

19

Jane Sheftel-Hara

MF Elem Teacher

22

Sara Woo

MF Elem Teacher

38

Gary Diaz

RS Elem Principal

5

Sallie Parkin

RS Elem Teacher

25

Mary Ellen Rosen

RS Library Media Tech

11

Kema Small

RS Elem Teacher

13

Barbara Sanders

MT Elementary Principal

38

Margaret Bishop

MT Elem Teacher

26

Joan Glas

MT Instructional Assistant

11

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f l Courses o G o n a l o S Suit to a Tee

Solano Golf Courses Suit to a Tee Photo Courtesy of Hiddenbrook Golf Club

f l o Courses G o n a l o S Suit to a Tee

By Robert Kaufman Photos Courtesy of Individual Golf Courses as noted The legendary Jack Benny quipped, “Give me the fresh air, a beautiful partner, and a nice round of golf, and you can keep the fresh air and round of golf.”

Ever since the Scots introduced golf—as we know it—in the 15th century, countless hackers have shared those same sentiments.

However, most any golfer will admit there is a magnetic draw to the game once they start to play and that no matter who you are or who you’re playing with, the sport can be unquestionably frustrating and, at the same time, one of the most exhilarating ways to spend time outdoors. Fortunately, golfers in and around Solano County, whether new to the game or seasoned veterans, need look no further than their backyard to discover the diversity of golf course challenges to match any skill level.

Sure, there is a long menu of “bucket list” courses around the world most golfers would dream to play, but that experience will definitely create severe leakage in the wallet. In fact, some of these desirable courses can be found right here in California; but with high gas prices, the money spent to fill a tank—or two—just to get 18 • Benicia Magazine

there could easily cover multiple rounds minutes from home. If there is a silver lining to the economic doldrums of recent years, Solano County, by its enviable position between Sacramento and San Francisco, is the beneficiary of a broad demographic of golfers from a wide radius able to take advantage of affordable golf on classic and modern design courses.

One of those jewels, Vallejo’s Mare Island Golf Club, has the distinction of being the oldest course west of the Mississippi, established in 1892. Until 2001, it remained a nine-hole course before renowned architect Robin Nelson expanded the layout to 18 holes and, in doing so, added nine links-style holes to the existing traditional tree-lined fairways with small greens. The scenery doesn’t disappoint with vistas of San Pablo Bay, Mt. Tamalpais and, on a clear day, the Golden Gate Bridge.

Off Columbus Parkway, Blue Rock Springs Golf Club boasts two courses and a lighted driving range. The older West Course (renovated in 2006) features tree-lined fairways and smallish greens while over at the newer East Course, players will encounter many side-hill lies and undulated greens designed by Robert Muir Graves.

The King of Golf, Arnold Palmer, put his royal handprint on this

tranquil landscape to design Hiddenbrooke Golf Club, tucked away amongst Vallejo's rolling hills. With a layout meandering through canyons and water coming into play on several holes, Hiddenbrooke GC has been the recipient of numerous awards and was the host venue for the LPGA Samsung World Championship (2000-2002).

Fairfield is home to two well-maintained, player-friendly courses.

Rancho Solano Golf Course, known for its country club-like setting, is the barometer for any course claiming to have large, undulating greens, while over at Paradise Valley, golfers are treated to oak treelined fairways and creeks affecting play on half of the holes.

Although now 16 years old, The Golf Club at Rio Vista was the

last course to be built in Solano County. Located far from the hustle and bustle along the Sacramento River Delta, architect Ted Robinson incorporated plenty of water on 14 of the 18 holes. Bring an extra stash of golf balls.

Rounding out the Solano County scorecard is Green Tree Golf Club on Leisure Town Road in Vacaville, Cypress Lakes Golf Course at Travis Air force Base, and the region’s only nine-hole course, Joe Mortara Golf Course, located on the inside of Solano County Fairgrounds.

With indifference to the challenges, golf courses throughout Solano County take advantage of the natural surroundings to make every adventure, at the very least, visually stimulating. B

Photo Courtesy of Blue Rock Springs Golf Club

Photo Courtesy of Rancho Solano Golf Club

Solano County Golf at a Glance Club Name

Yardage / Par

Practice Facility

Event Facilities

Junior Program

Price Range

Holes

Hiddenbrooke GC hiddenbrookegolf.com

6,782 / 72

YES

YES

Summer Camp

$22-$99

18

Paradise Valley GC paradisevalleygolf.com

6,659 / 72

YES

YES

YES

$42-$58

18

Rancho Solano GC ranchosolanogolfcourse.com

7,065 / 72

YES

YES

YES

$42-$58

18

Cypress Lakes GC cypresslakes.ghinclub.com

6,796 / 72

YES

Green Tree GC greentreegolfclub.com

6,276 / 71

Trilogy GC at Rio Vista thegolfclubatriovista.com

6,800 / 72

YES

Mare Island GC mareislandgolfclub.com

6,150 / 70

YES

Blue Rock Springs (W) bluerockspringsgolf.com

6,014/71

YES

Blue Rock Springs (E) bluerockspringsgolf.com

6,133/70

Joe Mortara GC scfair.com/golfcourse

1,593 / 28

18 YES

$42-$59

YES

YES

18 18

$10-$44

18

$19-$39

36

$6-$12

9

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Tough Love Recipe Resuscitates Pappas

By Adriene Rockwell Photo by Lisa Duncan The re-opening of Pappas was like a scene from the film Big Night. In Benicia, brothers Nicholas and Andreas Anastasios have invested everything in their Greek family restaurant. It’s their lifeblood. But the brothers haven’t seen eye to eye since childhood, and the business has been suffering. Like the movie, they get their big chance, and on this one night they risked everything to save their life’s work.

The Big Night for Pappas restaurant was January 25, and the family drama wasn’t revealed on the silver screen, it was broadcast nationwide on the Food Network’s reality TV show, Restaurant Impossible. The show’s star, Chef Robert Irvine, uses sheer grit and tough love to save restaurants across the country on the brink of failure. In just 48 hours and $10,000, he overhauls the business. At Pappas, he tossed the confusing menus, created a fresh Greek ambiance and confronted the brothers’ debilitating rivalry.

The boys’ father, Anastasios Papunastasios, now known as Michael, comes from a long line of farmers on the island of Cypress.

Michael, 77, has owned and operated Pappas 20 • Benicia Magazine Food - Travel - Spirits

with his two sons for nearly 22 years. It was his eldest son Nicholas who first dreamed of running a restaurant.

Michael’s middle child Michaela is grateful for the experience, but felt Irvine could have been more respectful to her father. “I just hope people will judge us based on their personal experience and not by what they see on television. Reality TV is not real. They needed to create conflict and drama,” she said.

But for the brothers, the rift was real: “We weren’t working as a team," said Andreas.

“We developed hard feelings, and you don’t always take the high road when you are family.” The show woke them up, he said.

“We were holding each other back, and it was time to grow up.”

It wasn’t just tension between the boys that hurt the business. The restaurant had lost its Mediterranean roots and the menu was unwieldy. The food was pre-packaged, and quality suffered. They weren’t keeping up with technology, the costs of permits and food were going up, and they were $1 million in debt. Without telling the family, Andreas’s wife Lori submitted an online application for the reality TV show. “We would not go down without a fight,” she said.

In the film Big Night, the legendary jazz artist Louis Prima is supposed to arrive with his band and make the restaurant a draw, but he never shows up. For Pappas, Irvine showed up in a big way.

“This restaurant would have closed in less than a month,” said Irvine to the crowd.

“That’s the truth. The lifestyle changes this family has made in the past 48 hours are dramatic,” he said. “You can talk to any one of the family members and they will tell you just how real it is. It’s real!” He also asked that the community be patient with them.

It took the courage of Greek gods for the Anastasios family to let the TV crew zoom in on their most vulnerable moments. “At first I was really nervous, thinking, what have I done wrong?” Andreas said. “When you realize they are going to be exposing every little thing, you begin to question yourself.”

But, as his brother Nicholas described, “We learned more in two days than we did in eight years.”

On the eve of the re-opening, Nicholas worked late with one of Irvine’s chefs. The pro shared that his secret to success was to hire the most talented people, and let them shine. “That opened my eyes,” said Nicholas.

“I never thought of it that way before. I always felt like I had to be the best at everything.”

Pappas had about 15 top chefs in the kitchen on the Big Night including consultant Patrick Robertson, who was later hired as their Executive Chef and is now working with the family to land on a menu that is modern Mediterranean without breaking the bank.

All meals are cooked fresh and the dinner menu is streamlined to include specialties like Lamb Spanikopita and fresh Branzino.

Nicholas took the role of General Manager, and Andreas is now the Kitchen Expeditor, making sure all dishes are served perfectly.

To meet the increase in business, they are now open Mondays.

The Anastasios family is overwhelmed by the community’s show of support.

Volunteers appeared from as far as New Mexico and Maine to lend a hand, and dozens of Benicians stayed up most of the night to scrub, paint and rebuild. “Knowing how much they did to help reenergizes us,” said Andreas.

As for the brothers, their wounds won’t heal in a day, but they are making peace with their differences and facing the real world— as family. B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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310 Military West 946 F Tyler Street 940 Tyler Street 82 Solano Square 18 West K Street 935 First Street 929 First Street 907 First Street 838 First Street 828 First Street 736 First Street 726 First Street 700 First Street 640 First Street 637 First Street 107 East F Street 615 First Street 601 First Street 507 First Street 159 East D Street 435 First Street 370 First Street 309 First Street 252 First Street 123 First Street 90 First Street

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A. Judith Judson B. Consignment Arsenal C. Benicia Historic Arsenal D. Sprankle’s Village Deli 1. Tosch Dental 2. Estey Real Estate 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store 4. Nine O Seven Grill 5. Benicia Floral & Gifts 6. Camellia Tea Room 7. Benicia Home Improvement 8. Rellik Tavern 9. Studio 41 10. Sandoval’s 11. Fiber-Frolics 12. Lindsay Art Glass 13. Advanced Mortgage SVF 14. Chamber of Commerce 15. All About Beauty Day Spa 16. Dudikoff Insurance 17. Zen Spa 18. Christina S Fashion Destination 19. Be Chic Boutique 20. Yan Spa & Massage 21. Sailor Jack’s Restaurant 22. Benicia Main Street

22

22 • Benicia Magazine

2

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Be Ca nicia pit ol

13 14

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10

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Benicia Marina

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Christie Finn | Realtor DRE# 01876823 Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific 900 First Street | Benicia Ph: 707.853.9787 | Fax: 707.746.1337 christie.finn@coldwellbanker.com www.LiveBenicia.com

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

Interview with

Claire McFadden

By Sue Sumner-Moore

Photo by Lisa Duncan

Claire McFadden knows love at first sight—she experienced it when she first walked in downtown Benicia.

“I didn’t know anything about Benicia when I applied for a job here,” says Claire, who started working at the Heritage Inn Hotel on East Second Street in 1988. “I went downtown for the first time and felt like I’d come home. I absolutely loved it. Once I got involved here, I flourished.”

She married a Benicia police officer and moved here in 1991, and both their sons were born here. But life has a way of taking unexpected turns, even in a love story.

An episode of vertigo in 1999 turned out to be the first signs of multiple sclerosis. Claire was then the general manager of the hotel, a job that required 12 or more hours a day plus being on call around the clock.

“It took me a very long time to accept that I couldn’t do everything,” she says. In 2001, Claire moved to sales and marketing for the company that owns the hotel, the Heritage Hotel Group. The family moved a year later to Moraga, where Claire grew up and where her parents still live. “It’s nice to have Mom and Dad close by because they really help.”

Claire has reduced her work hours. “Now I do very lightweight community relations. I like to say it’s part-time, but it does take a lot of time,” she says, her hearty laugh filling the room. She remains active in Benicia. A past president of the Chamber of Commerce and former member of the city’s Open Government Commission, Claire now is a board member for the chamber, serves on the city’s Economic Development Board and chairs that board’s Tourism Committee.

What made you fall in love with Benicia?

It’s a special, special community. It’s an interesting mix of bedroom community in Southampton; the Industrial Park, which is the economic engine of the town; and then the lovely downtown with the water and all the parades and events.

In terms of the community itself, Benicia really does typify a small town. You have a community that’s very engaged. You don’t see that a lot anymore.

How much time do you spend each week on your community board posts?

The estimate that’s official is 10 hours a week, but it’s upwards of that.

But I enjoy it. I find it keeps me engaged, it keeps my mind active. I do attend almost every City Council meeting. I find it fascinating to see how people come to decisions. Watching it on TV or reading minutes is not even close to being there.

What are goals for your community service?

One of my goals, and it’s coming to fruition, is to see economic development become a priority of the City of Benicia. I don’t think it was a singular focus in the past. We’ve accomplished that.

My next goal is to make sure one of the city’s major focuses will be making improvements in the Industrial Park. We, all of us, need to continue to place the Industrial Park as a priority for economic development. People need to know who pays for all these programs— the parks and rec programs, the library, local police and fire services.

The Industrial Park needs some attention; it needs some infrastructure.

Broadband seems to be the next goal.

The bottom line is the Industrial Park generates revenue for the city and we need to recognize that. People need to realize that we’re lucky we don’t have to rely solely on property tax revenue.

How do you remain calm when tension is escalating during meetings?

I don’t take it personally, and I don’t bring my personal feelings into it.

People have a tendency to complain. It’s important for everyone to have their say, but we’re not going to get anywhere by complaining.

I want to get something done. We are all in this together so let’s move forward. It’s always been my philosophy that you’ve got to focus on the positive and move forward. Sometimes you have to put your feelings 24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

aside and realize we’re all here for the same reason: we want Benicia to be successful; we want Benicia to do well.

Do you serve on similar boards in Moraga?

No, but they recently tried. A friend invited me to a meeting and the city manager made a beeline for me. He said, “I understand you are very active in Benicia, and we need you here.” I told him my dance card is full right now, but I promised I would sometime in the future.

What drives you to promote business and tourism in Benicia?

I enjoy working with people within the community, with business people. I really enjoy Benicia itself. I do have a little bit of history here.

I’m constantly learning, and I find it fascinating. … I enjoy it, I really do. It keeps my mind off other things, the MS.

How did you come to terms with your diagnosis?

I had difficulty accepting it. I was thinking, “There’s been a mistake.

It can’t be.” I put off taking medication for a long time, until 2008. I accepted it before then, but I didn’t want to give myself a shot every day. I didn’t know what it was going to do to my body, what was going to happen. But it’s so simple and easy. And the medication is working. …It comes and goes. I walk with a cane once in awhile. But I don’t want anybody’s pity.

What’s your biggest challenge in balancing everything you do?

Finding time to rest, the opportunity to rest. That’s difficult for me. If I overdo it, and I tend to do that, I can be in bed for the entire weekend.

What do you enjoy doing in your time off?

My greatest passion outside of work is gardening, and we have three dogs: a Chihuahua, a beagle and a dachshund. I’m also a fanatic about the holidays. Our house is decorated from Halloween through Christmas.

What’s next for you?

Once my husband retires, I want to travel the United States. I’ve traveled more internationally than domestically—well, except for Disneyland. I just love Disneyland.

And then, of course, I’d like to go back to Open Government in terms of city involvement. B

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48-Hour Film Contest June 8, 1pm to June 10, 1pm

Transform an idea into a movie in 48 hours, all ages Film must contain 3 pre-selected elements Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

48-Hour Mini Film Festival 5pm

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Mad Science Show 11am

Up, Up, and Away – an event on the power of pressure Benicia City Gym, 190 East L Street Ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4285

THE BENICIA HISTORICAL MUSEUM at the Camel Barns

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

June Calendar of Events

6/1

Diablo Regional Spring Concert 7pm

50 member Bay Area concert band Cora Martens conducting Fireplace area of the Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

6/1 & 6/15

Ghost Walk with Donna Raymond

& 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

Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House

6/2-6/30

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

6/3

Lecture on Benicia’s Maritime History 2pm

6/3

Mozart’s Requiem Concert 4pm

6/5

First Tuesdays Investment Club

6/6-6/27

Learn to speak with confidence in a friendly environment 601 First Street, Suite 100, Benicia Larry Miller 707.745.5694

6/7-6/28

Benicia Certified Farmers Market 4-8pm

6/9

Dr. Timothy Lynch, CA Maritime Academy Stone Hall, 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435 SF Sinfonietta, full orchestra & chorus Benefit for Arts Benicia Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street

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

Toastmaster’s Group Wed. Evenings 7:30-9pm

Fruit, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, arts & crafts First Street between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

6/9

Benicia Main Street Wine Walk 2-5pm

6/9

Benicia Art Walk, Self-guided Tour 3-7pm

6/9

Benicia Plein Art Gallery Reception 3-7pm

6/9

Gallery 621 Opening Reception 5-8pm

6/14

Stroll First Street & taste over a dozen wines Inside downtown Benicia shops Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940

Featuring works done on Earth Day at State Park A portion of the proceeds donated to our State Park Thurs-Sun 12-6pm, Exhibit runs through June 307 First Street, Beniciapleinair.com

Featuring Lee Wilder Snider, Painting Lisa Reinertson, Sculpture Exhibit runs from June 7-July 8 621 First Street, Benicia, Thurs-Sun 12-6pm Gallery621.com 707.746.6211

Cold Feet, Leg or Hip Pain? 6pm

You may have vascular disease Learn the signs & break-through treatments NorthBay Healthcare, 4500 Business Center Dr. Fairfield, Northbay.org RSVP 707.646.3280

6/15

Outdoor Summer Concert & Movie 6:30pm

Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

6/20

6/24

Bring a pillow & blanket & enjoy Puss In Boots City Park Gazebo, First Street & Military West Ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4285 Library Doña Benicia Room Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Kennedy Music Studio Student Concert 2pm Students perform classical, rock, folk, blues, pop & jazz Stone Hall, 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

26 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

B-3 Hammond and Piano player, band leader, teacher Born: April 14, 1947 in San Francisco CA Resides in: Benicia CA Favorite Food: Anything Italian Favorite Book: The Four Agreements by

don Miguel Ruiz

Favorite Song: Impossible to pick one!

College: Solano & Napa Community

Colleges, San Francisco & Sonoma State Universities Relationship Status/Children: Married (Christina); 3 children and 6 grandchildren

Photo by Jane Higgens, Spotlight Photography

Featured Musician

Guy Arrostuto

By Rhonda Lucile Hicks

What’s the first music you remember hearing?

My dad’s trumpet. Growing up in Vallejo, there was lots of classical music. Dave Brubeck was a family acquaintance. Our house was filled with “big band” musicians who would come late at night after gigs. Every Friday and Saturday night, various musicians would show up at the house to meet my dad for gigs, clear the furniture out of the front room and rehearse—13-piece dance orchestras! The neighbors would sit out on their porches and enjoy these impromptu concerts. Music was woven into the fabric of our lives on a daily basis—my lessons, dad’s students, every type of performance.

What drew you to the piano?

I had no choice. I was dragged there by my dad. It was the “11th Commandment”—thou shalt play music. Growing up I had two instruments—piano and clarinet. In Italian musical families, it was common to study piano and one other instrument—either a brass or a woodwind. My brother had the trumpet. I ended up playing saxophone, flute and clarinet in addition to the piano.

How did you make your first dollar as a professional musician?

At 12 years old, I played a gig for a junior high sorority dance in Vallejo. We were kids and had six tunes. We played them over and over all night long, and everyone loved it. From the time I was able to answer a phone, music agents and bandleaders would leave jobrelated messages for my father. Before I ever played my own gigs, I learned about the business end of the music business—how to pick up the check, what color suit to wear, finding who was available for “casuals” (a one-day job like a dance, parade, wedding, concert, etc.). I learned early on from my father how to pick the right musicians for the genre of the gig. Once we were paid by check at 1:00am and I knew how to go to Terry’s Waffle Shop and have the manager cash the check for me. Knowing where and how to get a check cashed really impressed my teenage friends!

28 • Benicia Magazine Listening

Vallejo had a thriving music scene.

Share your memories of those days.

At the time I turned 21, playing with Frank Bigoski and Kenny, there were at least 10 places just in Vallejo to perform music, at least 3-6 nights a week, from jazz and blues to rock 'n roll and dance music. The Village, the Belmont, the Bel Air, the Sands Club, the Candlewood Lounge at Kentwig Lanes, the Elbow Room, Rudy’s Supper Club, the Wharf, the Redwood Inn, the Coronado Inn, Mare Island (enlisted and officer’s clubs), the Vallejo Country Club, the Melody Lounge, Terry’s Restaurants (both), the Fireside Lounge, the Fire Plug. Benicia and Napa, minutes away, had many additional spots—the Town Club, the Dream Bowl, the Brewery, the Vineyard, etc.

What new projects are you working on?

Advancing my teaching in improvisation to my more advanced students. Also in the past 18 months I’ve participated in the formation of a new band, Familiar Soul. We’ve just begun recording and plan to start performing in July. We are a versatile band, featuring the daughter of one of my bandmates from the ‘60s as our singer—Kellie Fuller.

Where can we see you perform?

This spring and summer I’ll return to the Sardine Can for its jazz series. Familiar Soul will be playing public and private gigs this summer, such as Silo’s and the Porchfest in Napa. B

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Special Events: The Rellik Tavern Live music every Friday & Saturday night therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137 Upstairs at the Café Live music Thursday, Friday & Saturday night Jazz Sunday afternoon firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400 Gracie’s Barbeque, Vallejo Live music every Friday 6:30-9pm gracies.net 707.552.2254 Sardine Can, Vallejo Live jazz every Sunday 5-8pm sardinecan.net 707.553.9492

Ongoing Live Music: The Empress Theatre, Vallejo Live music and movie every Friday night empresstheatre.org 707.552.2400

Diablo Regional Concert Band Benicia Public Library, Benicia Friday, June 1, 7pm benicialibrary.org

Terry Hanck Armando’s, Martinez Saturday, June 9, 8pm armandosmartinez.com

Mayer Hawthorne Uptown Theatre, Napa Sunday, June 17, 8pm uptowntheatrenapa.com

Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar, Fairfield Live Music every Saturday night stickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500

Van Halen with Kool and the Gang Oracle Arena, Oakland Sunday, June 3, 8pm livenation.com

Urban Bushmen Band Dmitri’s Lounge, Suisun Saturday, June 9, 9:30pm dimitrislounge.com

Nickelback HP Pavilion, San Jose Monday, June 18, 8pm livenation.com

Winterhawk Winery, Fairfield Live Music and dancing every Saturday, 2-5pm winterhawkwinery.com, 707.428.6977

Danny Click and the Americana Orchestra Freight & Salvage, Berkeley Wednesday, June 6, 8pm thefreight.org

The Melecio Magdaluyo Quintet Bay Terrace Theatre, Vallejo Sunday, June 10, 5pm vallejojazzsociety.com

Natalie Merchant with the San Francisco Symphony Davies Symphony Hall Monday, June 18, 8pm sfsymphony.org

Favela’s Fusion, Fairfield Live Mariachi music the first Friday of the month favelasfusion.com 707.421.8484

The Peter Zak Trio The Jazz School, Berkeley Friday, June 8, 8pm jazzschool.com

Another Night in Treme with Dr. John and the Lower 911 Paramount Theatre, Oakland Friday, June 15, 8pm sfjazz.org

Kellie Fuller with the Mike Greensill Trio Silo’s, Napa Saturday, June 23, 8pm silosnapa.com

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A Morning of Gaultier with a

Fellow Fashionista Story and Photos by Christina Strawbridge There is nothing quite so thrilling as to see the work of a fashion designer so close you can touch it! Not recommended however, when it's part of a museum exhibit. Through the years, I have had the privilege to view high profile fashion exhibitions from the likes of Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, and Yves Saint Laurent. Most recently , I attended "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk" at the de Young Museum in San Francisco.

It's really cool to take in a show with another fashion fanatic, and this time it was my friend Patti Baron, who got up early on a Sunday morning to make the trek to view fashion's "L'Enfant Terrible." Patti and I have been friends for years and when it comes to an event or an art museum we dress to impress, if for no one else but ourselves. We also find that we dress in tandem without calling ahead. For this fashion pilgrimage, we both showed up in faux leather bomber jackets with studs and stones. Patti wore hers over a long skirt with matching studded boots, while my ensemble included a midi dress, sequined chained handbag and a gold hat.

How a show is curated makes a significant difference in telling a designer’s story. This international installation is the first for the celebrated French couturier, and unlike any I have ever seen before. It features talking and singing mannequins (similar to the talking faces in Disneyland's Haunted House), blaring music, bright neon and a moving runway of mannequins with Gaultier designs from the past 35 years.

The idea of having the mannequins speak came to Gualtier after seeing a performance in Avignon, France, that projected real faces onto blank figures.

Montreal-based theater company Ubu Compagnie de Création worked with the designer to create the animated mannequins, including the designer himself, dressed in his signature French mariner navy and cream striped shirt.

He welcomed each guest with French-accented chit-chat about himself and his work, laughing and blinking as if he were real. Certain aspects of the animation were lifelike to the point of being creepy.

The cone bra was a focal point of the show, with Madonna's corseted version from her "Blond Ambition” tour. We discovered that the first cone bra was created by Gaultier for his teddy bear Nana when he was a child. Gaultier has dressed many a diva besides Madonna. His muses include Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, burlesque artist Dita Von Teese and actress Catherine Deneuve.

His career is full of extremes from his first job with Pierre Cardin and as design director for Hermes in the 1990's. He founded his couture house in 1997, and this 140 piece collection conveys the designer's sense of humor and groundbreaking designs that transcend gender identification, religion and traditional Western dress. He took designs from the sidewalks and streets of Paris and London and put men in skirts and women in street-wear bustiers.

We were thrilled to see leather bomber jackets in the exhibit, including one that had the same studs that embellished Patti's jacket and boots. The closest I have come to owning something from this provocative designer was his corseted-bottle fragrance, which is now a reminder of the bad boy of fashion and a Sunday morning shared with a chic best friend.

"The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk" runs through August 19, 2012. M.H. de Young Memorial Museum, San Francisco, deyoung.famsf.org. B 30 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista

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