Benicia Magazine April 2013

Benicia's colorful and quirky alleys

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The Great

Fashion Show A Luncheon & Fashion Show Featuring Women & Men's Spring Clothing

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April 24, 2013

Administrative Professionals Day 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Benicia Clocktower, 1189 Washington St. Tickets $35 at the store

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

Benicia

magazine

Celebrating our 9th Year

Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

magazine

Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen Special Projects/Advertising Coordinator Joey Baker

Benicia Contributing Writers Diane Gardner Rhonda Lucile Hicks Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

magazine

Contributing Photographers Jerry Bowles, Tanja Kopper Editorial deadlines The 1st of the month prior to the issue month

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

Urban Treasures, Industrial Flair

Contact Us 707.853.5226, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com

Air Plants Lanterns Tin Letters & Numbers Logo Tshirts French Berry Buckets & more!

Home Decor

L Jewelry L Found Objects L Letter & Number Art

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707.853.8159

6 • Benicia Magazine

Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2013, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, P.O. Box 296, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.5226, beniciamagazine.com.

What makes a printing process Green?

Our printer incorporates many green practices far beyond state and federal guidelines. Sustainability in the pressroom includes: — Vegetable & soy inks — 100% paper waste recycled — Energy positive emissions systems — A plate-making system that virtually eliminates all chemicals

In-office Green Practices We walk, bike or drive a hybrid vehicle to get to work and around town.

Paper waste is either recycled or cut up and reused as scrap paper. Envelopes and other business supplies are reused.

Electronic devices are turned off at night and we use fluorescent light bulbs.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Benicia Magazine APRIL VOLUME 8 ISSUE 6

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Features

The quirky charm of Benicia’s alleys Solano Cities: A 3-part series on our quaint, historic downtowns 10 things to do at the Benicia Public Library

Departments 10 From the Editor 12

Currents Solano County Water Agency offers rebates for lawn replacement Benicia’s competitive, yet friendly, Vanguard racing fleet

24 Interview

Interview with Peter Wilson Director, Humane Society of the Northbay

26 Fashionista

Fashion inspired by the Roaring 20’s

28 Listening

Darryl Anders

28 Live Music Calendar 30 Calendar of Events Cover photo: Donna and Vic Gordon's house from the alley side Top left: Suisun City Civic Center Bottom left: Benicia Library/Senior Center Center: Benicia alley; Right: Public art at the Library Photos by Jerry Bowles

8 • Benicia Magazine

Saturday, April 20, 11am-5pm & Sunday, April 21, 11am-5pm

Celebrate the Arrival of Spring in Downtown Benicia with Benicia in Bloom!

Our Annual Spring Open House Features: • Retailers, Restaurants & Businesses showcase trends for Spring 2013 • Benicia in Bloom Hat Contest • Music

The Hat Contest is back!

Throw your hat in the ring and strut your stuff at Bloom. For more information,

visit BeniciaMainStreet.org or call 707.745.9791

Benicia Yacht Club Annual Opening Day on the Strait Celebration

"Our Cup Runneth Over" Activities begin at 10am and include:

Saturday, April 20 Special Membership Packages Available!

Arts and Crafts booths along the Marina Music by the Diablo Regional Concert Band The first annual Benicia Kite Board races Decorated Boat Parade Commemorative items in the ships store Blessing of the Fleet on the Bay Rubber Ducky Race Information booth on the Clubs Youth Sailing Program Freestyle Kite competition Boardwalk Games Charity fundraising booths Yacht Club Membership Promotion Dinner at the Yacht Club by ATOL Dancing in the Clubs Norton Lounge to ‘Garage-Land Rodeo’

707.747.1676

www.Beniciayachtclub.com The BYC opening day crew needs volunteers, contact Tom at tkonecki@hotmail.com

Like us

BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

From the Editor

Nutty for Numbers

Photo by Lisa Duncan

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

For the past two months, we have quietly been assembling products for our recently opened gift store in downtown Benicia. It’s our latest endeavor, joining ranks with new and long-established retailers on, or just off First Street. It was too good an opportunity to pass up—we have a great spot at 611 First Street that makes for an interactive, creative space where we also produce the magazine.

The store has an industrial flair, with gifts and a variety of home & office accessories but particularly those that are made of metal, reclaimed wood and repurposed items. For example, we carry jewelry that’s made by a Bay Area artist who crafts pendants from old silver spoons and stamps them with a letter. Some of our products have a vintage vibe, others are more contemporary. There’s a heavy emphasis on items with letters and numbers; since early childhood I have been obsessed with both. (Seriously, I count things in my head all day long, like the number of steps it takes to walk a block. It’s strangely meditative.)

I thought about becoming an actuary while studying math at SF State, but I took a different path after graduation, one that eventually led to starting this magazine eight years ago and now, a store where I can revel in numbers to my heart’s content.

With the passing of the Business Improvement District and the lighting of the trees, there’s a refreshing spirit of collaboration amongst downtown merchants, some of whom have gone out of their way to welcome us to the retail trade with support and real kindness. Here’s a shout-out to five strong women in particular, whose combined retail experience totals over 100 years: Leah Shelhorn, owner of Studio 41, Christina Strawbridge, owner of Christina S Fashion Destination, Jerry Pfau, owner of Honeysuckle Rose, Ann Lindsay, owner of Lindsay Art Glass, and Christine Mayall, owner of Bookshop Benicia (recently relocated to 636 First Street). They have each shared their wisdom with us, and practical tips that have contributed to their success.

By the way, you can order your e-books through Bookshop Benicia instead of the giant online e-tailer that does not contribute sales tax to our community.

In my way of thinking, a town without an independent bookstore would just be plain dreary.

It was fun putting this issue together. We took a peek at the artistic side of our town through our alleyways, some of which have hidden charms to reveal if you look closely. We also kick off a three-part series in this and the next two issues on the downtowns of Solano County’s seven cities, starting with Benicia and Suisun.

Event-wise, Benicia comes alive in April. The Benicia Education Foundation holds their annual 5K and 10K footrace at the bottom of First Street for close to 1,000 participants April 14; Benicia Yacht Club’s Opening Day on the Strait celebration April 20 includes boat races and a crafts fair along the marina; and the Benicia Main Street Farmer’s Market turns 21 this month with the season kickoff April 25.

For those of you who share my passion for numbers (and I know you are out there because you have stopped by the store to chat about it), I’m sure you’ve noticed that there’s a numbers theme in this letter. There's a $25 gift certificate to the store for the first person to correctly identify each editorial reference to the actual number of things.

I’m counting on our readers to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sign up online for Weekends, our e-newsletter that features the top six Bay Area events each weekend.

Jeanne Steinmann

10 • Benicia Magazine

PREPARING STUDENTS for the

FUTURE

Studies show that enrichment programs enhance student performance

BLUEGRASS &

BBQ

BENICIA HISTORICAL MUSEUM at the Camel Barns

Concert and Fundraiser Featuring Music by

“The Blues Defenders” & “The Ons” RAIN OR SHINE

Sunday, April 28th, 1 - 5 PM Kinder’s BBQ Catering Available for Purchase!

BUSD offers students programs and services that will enable them to achieve success.

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

$20 Entrance • $35 per Couple • Children under 12 free No Host Bar • Micro Brews • Wines Free Entry to the Museum!

Benicia Brewers Beer Making Demonstration!

Fun For the Entire Family!

For Ticket Info Contact The Benicia Historical Museum • 707-745-5435 The museum is located at 2060 Camel Rd. • Benicia 94510 beniciahistoricalmuseum.org

Benicia Certified Farmers Market Opening Day April 25 Every Thursday 4-8pm, April through October First Street between B & D Streets Sponsored by Benicia Main Street 90 First Street, Benicia

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Water-wise Gardening Qualifies for Rebates

Above photo: Water-wise garden,

by Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

As Benicians begin to feel the pain of increasing water rates in the near future, it might make sense to rethink the lawn. Lawns are the largest single water user in a landscape. Lawn-less landscapes can be beautiful when done correctly, and reap ongoing benefits, especially if replaced with water-efficient plants.

Benicia’s water is sourced from the Solano County Water Agency (SCWA). In an effort to reduce overall water usage, which benefits everyone, the SCWA is offering cash rebates for replacing lawns with water-wise plants, which benefits homeowners.

Through the Water Efficient Landscape Rebate Program, paid for by the SCWA and a Proposition 84 grant, the agency can help homeowners (or renters, with the homeowner’s permission) defray the cost of purchasing plants that would replace an existing lawn, in amounts up to $1,000, depending on the square footage of the turf area. The double benefit—reducing the water bill and getting a rebate on waterwise replacement plants—makes for good incentive to redo your landscape.

The SCWA recommends using Bay Friendly’s simple (and inexpensive) sheet mulching method to eliminate a lawn and at the same time, create healthy, nutrient-rich soil. In a nutshell, cardboard or newspaper is placed over the lawn and topped with

layers of compost and wood mulch. This creates a natural weed barrier for the replacement plants, and an ecosystem that will provide healthier growing conditions.

Water customers can call the agency to schedule a pre-inspection site visit, where the lawn will be measured and approved. Dead lawns, new construction lawns or already removed lawns are not eligible for the program. Landscaping requirements are provided, and after the project is completed, a post-inspection will take place for final approval.

The SCWA stresses that new plant selections should match the need of the plant with the site, taking shade, soil, slope and wind into consideration to ensure a healthy habitat. The agency has many resources available for homeowners and renters interested in reducing water usage. B

Resources Solano County Water Agency, Solanosaveswater.org Bay Friendly, bayfriendly.org California Native Plants for Solano Gardens, cnpsjepsonchapter.org Morningsun Herb Farm, morningsunherbfarm.com

Racing the Straits

By Diane Gardner Cool winds whip your hair. Salty mist splashes your face. The only sound, the lapping waves. You swing out your boat’s boom, doubling your speed as you round the next mark, and blast off downwind on a sudden gust, gaining on the boat ahead, wishing the moment could last forever.

That is semi-high-performance dinghy racing on the Carquinez Straits. And it’s driving more and more people to join Vanguard 15 Fleet 76, Benicia’s own, and only, one-design dinghy racing fleet.

Our area offers exciting dinghy racing conditions—good weather, strong winds, and big currents, according to Read Hayward, a founding member of the fleet. “On a typical day in Benicia, when sailing upwind, the wind is in your face, your boat speed is manageable, and you are in control. You really feel connected to the waves and wind. But going downwind can be like being on a sled: thrilling, sometimes scary, and not so much control,” he says.

Fleet 76 began in 2006 when five friends started a racing fleet. They wanted a onedesign class, meaning everyone sails identical boats. “That way,” says founding member Marcel Sloane, “skipper and crew skill, knowledge, and teamwork, are most important in achieving improved racing results.”

They chose the simple and economical Vanguard 15, a fifteen-foot long, two-crew dinghy with only two sails, main and jib, that reaches speeds up to 15 miles-per-hour.

In the past six years, this family-friendly fleet has grown to 14 boats and 50 members.

It recently became part of the Benicia Yacht Club. Members range in age from 12 to 70 and come from all walks of life and experience levels. Participants need only be strong swimmers with an adventurous, competitive spirit.

Both men emphasize that anyone is welcome to watch and, if interested, join Fleet 76.

“It’s the kind of excitement only dingy racing in big wind can give,” says Hayward. B 12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

Photo by Read Hayward

When: Every Friday night, from the first Friday of April to the first Friday of October Start Time: 6:15pm Where: The marina launch at the end of 5th St. If interested: Just show up! Or contact Josh Russell, 707.208.5233 or Read Hayward, 707.326.1832

Spring Landscape Workshop 6-8pm Berryessa Room 810 Vaca Valley Parkway, Vacaville It's FREE! Learn from local experts how you can save $$$ on your water bill & create a beautiful, sustainable landscape for your home!

April 3 - Water-wise Gardening & Sheet Mulching April 10 - Drip Irrigation Demystified April 17 - Native, Water-wise Plants: Finding the right plants for your climate

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14 • Benicia Magazine

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Solano County

Do Exploring

SOLANO COUNTY CITIES Part I: Suisun City & Benicia

With famed tourist destinations within such easy reach, it's possible we are ignoring what's in our own backyard.

Solano County's downtowns are historic, quaint and worth checking out either as a destination or a detour on your next adventure. In a 3-part series, we'll spotlight things to do and see in the seven cities here in our own county. You might be pleasantly surprised to see what's just off the I-80 freeway.

Lawler House

SUISUN CITY

First let’s get the name right: Suisun is pronounced "Soo-Soon," not "Sis-Soon." Perched along the Suisun Slough, a channel connecting to Grizzly Bay, the town is adjacent to it's big sister Fairfield. Suisun’s tiny downtown features public art, a kid-friendly park and restaurants with a view. It’s a great jumping off point for local birding, biking or hiking, or a leisurely breakfast with a view on the way to the mountains.

Getting there is half the fun—take the Amtrak Capitol Corridor train from Martinez—it takes about 20 minutes and costs $12 each way for adults. Trains run frequently so getting there and back is easy.

You can take your bike on the train, there are plenty of scenic spots to explore once you get there and the Historic Suisun Railway Station is just a few blocks from the downtown core. If you are a boater, you'll enjoy the scenic trip to the Suisun Marina and Yacht Club.

Whether by boat, car or rail, start your morning at Bab's Delta Diner, a 1950’s themed local icon of "real down home cooking and family hospitality." You are likely to be served by three generations of women: owner Babs Curless, who started the restaurant in 1991, her daughter Deby or granddaughter Rebecca. Go with an appetite and be prepared to wait 30 minutes to an hour at peak times. It's worth it; meals here are huge and tasty. If you think you can manage it, try the Long Haul, an extravaganza that includes two eggs cooked to order and a thick ham steak that covers half the large plate, sitting atop the eatery’s special home fries.

As if that weren’t enough, the dish includes a whopping homemade biscuit alongside a huge side of gravy. The restaurant also features omelets, pancakes, a rib-eye breakfast steak, pork chops and homemade corned-beef hash.

Suisun City lacks a retail area, so choose a warm day and ride or walk off your breakfast indulgence along the waterfront promenade, or peruse the art gallery or history center inside the regal Lawler House, an 1850’s era building said to be what was the oldest original home in Suisun City. As a family-friendly option, pack a picnic to enjoy in the waterfront park and watch the boats go by. Downtown Suisun has a Cape-Coddish feel, and makes for a fun half-day weekend diversion.

16 • Benicia Magazine

Waterfront Promenade

wntowns our own backyard Photos by Jerry Bowles

BENICIA

Benicians probably don't take full advantage of the many reasons we choose to live here. Playing tourist in your own town may seem boring, but consider the weekend options—you can design a full day of activities while saving yourself the gas money, bridge toll and traffic hassles.

Limiting those options to just downtown, in a day you could hit some of Benicia's high notes: art, history, dining and shopping. You could also plan a trip around the Arsenal with its art studios and retail shops and a trip to the Historical Museum; but that’s another story.

Start the day with a pastry indulgence at Roseanna's European Delights, or if you want a full meal, have breakfast at Nine O Seven Grill where you can dine alfresco in the rear courtyard.

Pick up a map of downtown shops, restaurants and galleries/public art at Benicia Main Street.

Many shops and galleries don't open until 11am, so walk along the pier and chat with the fishermen while you wait—one of Benicia's best views is looking back in at the town from the pier’s end.

As part of a self-guided art tour, stop by Lindsay Art Glass and watch a glassblowing demonstration. The Plein Air Gallery features landscapes by local painters and the 621 Gallery, fine art by member and guest artists.

Downtown Benicia has over 70 retail shops and amtrak.com restaurants. A whole day could be spent perusing visitsuisuncity.com clothing and jewelry stores, specialty and gift shops, lawlerhousegallery.org antique and vintage stores from the diminutive (Elisa’s solanoyachtclub.org Closet) to the unique (Joyous Spaces). Bookshop Benicia recently relocated to 636 First Street and the visitbenicia.org Tannery building has been completely refurbished, beniciamainstreet.org opening up the waterfront view, and is filling up with beniciahistoricalsociety.org new shops.

Sailor-jacks.com There's enough history for an entire afternoon, but Beniciapleinair.com at the very least, even if you've done it before, stop in Gallery621.com at the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park and visit the Senate and Assembly rooms, spittoons and all. If you find yourself craving more, there are historic markers the entire length of First Street.

A great way to end the day is upstairs at Sailor Jack’s, where you can enjoy a cocktail and watch the sun set over the Carquinez Bridge. Order several of the excellent appetizers to share, or tuck into one of Chef Maynard’s specials for dinner. B

Resources

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

10 Interesting Things To Know About the Benicia Public Library Most of us don’t think about the library as being a free resource for legal advice, improving foreign language skills, downloading books on your smart device, taking in an art show or listening to a concert. Our library is not only beautiful, but a community resource for all ages.

Monthly Book Sale

Friends of the Library, an all-volunteer organization committed to raising funds for the library, host a book sale on second Saturdays each month in the library’s basement.

Mango Language

Mango Language is a free interactive online resource available to cardholders. Improve your foreign conversational skills in a wide variety of languages, including Pirate.

E-readers

For the tech savvy reader, there are two e-reader options. Preloaded with the Bay Area’s most popular fiction and nonfiction, Nooks and Kindles are available for checkout. You can also download books to your own smart device. Audio books can be downloaded to your MP3, iPod or smart phone.

Children’s Programs

In addition to the many items available to kids ages 0-14, the library hosts kid-focused activities and events including story time, Grossology, the Spelling Bee and Teddy Bear Sleepover.

18 • Benicia Magazine

Photos by Jerry Bowles

Seven Different Book Clubs

From adult and kid’s book clubs to mystery and food book clubs, there’s something for every reader at the library’s ongoing monthly clubs.

Lawyers in the Library

On the first Thursday of every month, the library plays host to local attorneys offering free legal advice. For 20 minutes you can sit with a lawyer and ask questions regarding many topics.

After School Zone

The library offers an afterschool safe haven for kids ages 8-19 four days a week in the Doña Benicia Room. Kids gather to study, do homework, have a snack or play video games.

ESL Program

Reading, writing and/or English-speaking instruction is available for local adults, including one-on-one tutoring, computer lab, and Families for Literacy.

Art Gallery

The library’s Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery showcases works from local artists throughout the year. Exhibits are on display for four to six weeks. B

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Hours: 11am-4pm; self-guided tour Tickets $25 in advance; $30 day of tour

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FIRST STREET BENICIA

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20 • Benicia Magazine

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A. Judith Judson, 310 Military West WE ST B. Sprankle’s Village Deli, 82 Solano Square JS T. C. S. Thompson, Farmers Ins., 310 Military West, Ste. D 2 D. Julie Parsons Certified Massage, 310 Military West, Ste. A EA ST JS 3 1. Tosch Dental, 18 West K Street WE T. S T 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street IS T. 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street 4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street EA 5 ST I S W 5. Benicia Floral and Gifts, 838 First Street 4 T. ES T 6 6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street H ST .

7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street 8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103 EA Be ST C ni H 9. Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street W apit cia ST ES o .

TG l 10. Studio 41, 700 First Street 9 ST 24 .

11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street 10 12 Ch 12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street Co amb EA mm er S o 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street 11 T G S WE erce f 15 T. ST 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street 7 F S 16 T .

16. Benicia Magazine Studio & Store, 611 First Street 14 17. Reconnective Healing, 555 First Street EA ST 17 18. Charlie’s Attic, 519 & 523 First FS WE T. 8 19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street ST 18 ES T. 20. Fabulous Finds, 129 First Street 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street EA ST 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street ES T. 23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 25. Benicia Plein Air Gallery, 307 First St. WE 25 EA ST ST 26. Nest, 129-B First Street CS DS 19 21 T. T. 27. Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, 238 First St.

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We've Moved!

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

Benicia Golf Association BeniciaGolf.org

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

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

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Steve McClure

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

707.745.0848

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CHARLIE’S ATTIC

A collectibles and consignment boutique E Bay Drop Off Store

519 & 523 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

Fabulous Finds Benicia Historic Tannery Building Antiques, home furnishings & gifts

129 First St. 707.750.5777 • fabulousfindsinbenicia@yahoo.com

The Gift of Massage…the gift you give yourself Julie Parsons, CMT - 707. 297.1371 New Location! Mon-Sat by appointment 310 Military West, Suite A, Benicia

Fiber-Frolics Specialty Yarns and Classes Giovanna Sensi-Isolani, fiber artist

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

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

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Farmers Insurance Group

Samuel L. Thompson, Agency CA Lic. # 0502825 310 Military West, Ste D, Benicia

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   

 BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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

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Club Fitting • Lessons • Sales

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960 Grant Street, Ste. A, Benicia mc2golfpro.com 707.745.6075 • info@mc2golfpro.com

Sunday, April 28, 2013, 9am-3pm

2nd Chance Thrift Store Adobe is a clean and sober men’s residential program solely supported by Thrift Shop sales and Labor Services.

Thrift store purchases help men rebuild their lives.

Furniture, Collectibles & Household items 11am-6pm, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 929 First Street, Benicia, 707.745.6276

Historic Downtown Benicia

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

Free admission For more info visit www.pantherbandboosters.com/car-show or call 707.742.3590

Summer at SPSV… Something for Everyone K-12 Sports Camps • Summer School Academic & Artistic Camps

June-July 2013

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www.SPSV.org • 707.644.4425 x443

Come visit our Com ddesigner showrooms 2310 ““D” Bates Ave. Concor Concord (near HWY 4) also in Santa Clara Mon - Fri 7 - 5 and Sat 9 - 2 & Milbrae 925-798-7525 925 themouldingcompany.com themouldi

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

Interview with Peter Wilson

Peter L. Wilson didn’t want to move to the North Bay. But just 18 months after landing in Los Angeles, a job transfer was luring his husband north. “We were just getting settled, just making friends there,” Peter says. Still, he knew it was a good opportunity for his husband, Michael Wilson.

“I was about to say that if it’s that important to you to make this transfer, we’ll do it, and he said, ‘What if I throw in a dog?’ and I said, ‘What about two dogs?’” Peter recalls.

A lifelong animal lover, Peter is now coordinator of development for the Humane Society of the North Bay. Each day he works to find financial support for the society’s Humane Services division, which has an annual budget of $390,000.

These days he is focusing all his considerable energy on the agency’s largest annual fundraiser, Barkitecture. About 500 people will gather for the gala on April 5.

Life is hectic the week of the fundraiser. But volunteers make it all happen, Peter says.

“At event time, droves of people show up. We have a committee of three, but I’d say 50 to 75 people work on making everything happen: basket makers, promoters, everything. We have a great group of volunteers who come out to help.”

Peter, 51, was raised in Tulsa, OK, and spent time in Phoenix before making that move to Los Angeles in 1998.

He and Michael arrived in Benicia in 1999 and moved to Vallejo in 2000. Peter was managing Pet Food Express stores in Benicia and Pleasant Hill when he joined the board of the local Humane Society. He joined the staff in 2003.

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight

Did you get the dogs promised to you?

Yes! Our first dog was a boxer, but he had to be returned to the rescue because he was too aggressive. We’ve had eight dogs over the years since 1999, all boxers. They have lots of personality. We have three now: King, Daisy and Prince.

Did you have pets when you were growing up?

We had a beagle by the name of Pepper. I had him for 16 years.

The next dog was Max and he was a boxer. He lived to be 8. He had cancer.

Now when I go places, stray animals find me. When we were in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, we had this trail of three dogs following us. I was visiting my sister in Oklahoma and a stray dog showed up, slept on her porch and now is one of their dogs. She said that they never have strays show up and sleep on their porch. Only when I’m there.

How did Barkitecture start?

My goal when I started with the Humane Society was to bring in more people to support the organization. My first event was a parking lot sale, and Barkitecture started in 2004. So this is its 10th year.

The idea came from a committee member who had gotten something from the Tucson humane society, and we actually morphed what they did into our own event.

How did the agency come up with the “Barkitecture” name?

We were sitting around a table, planning the event, and I said, “Let’s call it Barkitecture.” It’s been very successful. We raised $28,000 in the first year and it’s gone up since then. Our gross last year was $78,000 with net of $67,000. It’s 100 percent sponsored.

What kind of pet houses do people make?

Are You Ready To Give Up Those Reading Glasses?

We get dog domiciles, cat domiciles, and bird roosts from a variety of different builders, groups and individuals. I like to have 12 to 15, but sometimes we’ve had more.

Do any past creations stand out?

A gentleman created a cat domicile from an actual fiddle, a bass instrument. He was playing on the theme of the cat and the fiddle from “Hey Diddle Diddle.” We had a boat one year, also.

Where did you learn how to organize such a large event?

I was a chamber ambassador in Benicia and Vallejo—that’s where I got the event experience.

Fundraising just comes naturally to me. I’ve done it since I was in the third grade. We were selling candy for the class project and I sold a lot of candy. In eighth grade, I outsold all the seniors for yearbook ads.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Seeing the animals go to a new home. Equally as rewarding is when someone comes in and is reunited with their lost pet. We do a lot of return to owners through Animal Control, multiple times during the week.

How many animals pass through the shelter each year?

Between 3,000 and 3,500 animals come in each year. We have about 500 adoptions and 500 return to owners.

We have 20 kennels for dogs, 36 kennels for cats, plus space for rabbits and birds. But when the kennels and foster homes are full, animals go to the county shelter.

When I got here in 2003, we had 5 dogs in kennels. Now we have up to 40 dogs a day.

You can!

Do you euthanize animals here?

We have a no-kill policy for the Humane Society. When animals become available for adoption, we keep them until they are adopted.

We don’t euthanize here. But we feel it’s our moral and ethical obligation to humanely euthanize an animal if it is too sick or injured or is a danger to others. We take them to a vet. It doesn’t happen often, and you don’t forget it when it happens.

What do you to do relax?

I make jewelry—soda-can jewelry and beading. It started when I made necklaces for my sisters, then my mom and then Michael’s mom. I thought, “You know, this is fun.”

Twohandscrafting.com is going to be my website, it’s on Facebook now. I’m going to do a trunk show in October.

I make cards, too. My mother and older sister are very crafty and have that creative side, and I do as well.

I also love gardening. When we moved in, the front yard was a barren lot with just a big blue spruce and three to four fruit trees.

Now we have an extravaganza of flowers. You can barely see the house in summer. We also grow vegetables and tomatoes. I can spaghetti sauce every year.

Creating stuff gets my mind off the craziness.

What do you plan to be doing in five years?

It’s not something I’ve planned out. It’s just one day at a time, really, and see what comes my way.

I’d like to travel more. I’d like to go to Poland because I have great-aunts and great-uncles and second cousins over there. B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

Inspiration from the

Roaring '20s A wonderful place for gifts

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By Christina Strawbridge 2020 is a mere seven years away, and fashion is looking to the Roaring 1920s for inspiration and trends. An example of our attraction to this era is the popular British drama, Downton Abbey. We are tuning in on Sunday evenings, along with 8 million other viewers, to follow the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era. The series is filmed at the immense Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England. It follows the characters’ lives with a backdrop of historic drama: the sinking of the Titanic, World War I and post-war optimism. The show’s costuming is part of its popularity, and sometimes a scene-stealer.

The fashions in Season 1 concentrated on restrictive pre-war clothing—long dresses with elaborate designs and tightly corseted construction; Season 2 featured functional garments for wartime without much color or intricacy in detail. This year’s Season 3 showcases the coming of an era of luxury, with the use of satin and silk fabrics in rich colors that flow over the body. The corset and hobbled skirts of the Belle Époque era are replaced with loose waistlines and shorter skirts, resulting in the infamous flapper look. As a hat lover, I am amazed with the dominant role millinery has on the character depictions of class and generational style. Maggie Smith, who plays the Honorable Dowager Countess Violet, dons dramatic, wide brimmed Edwardian hats while the younger characters like Lady Mary Crawley prefer the cloche that fits closer to the face. Other notable accessory trends include strands of pearls, broaches, scarf-wrapped heads and delicately sized earrings.

The recent Louis Vuitton's 2012 fall collection was reminiscent of Downton’s era, depicting models on a train with a luxurious mix of extreme, wide-collared coats with ankle length dresses featuring nipped-in waists. Vuitton’s hats, although exaggerated, are modern interpretations of Countess Violet or Lady Grantham's chapeaus.

Ralph Lauren, whose Americana and aristocratic British designs have made him a household name, is now helping sponsor the PBS Masterpiece series. This assures us that even though our favorite Downton Abbey characters may come and go, fashion will always play a part.

This May, the 1920's frenzy will have another boost with the release of the movie The Great Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel gets Baz Luhrmann’s directorial treatment as he tells the story of self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby, and the decade of prosperity after World War I, with a modern twist. The film looks to be a departure of the 1974 version that stared Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. That film made pastel color THE fashion trend for men in the 1970's. Based on the popularity of this American classic, and the reputation of Luhrmann's previous films (Moulin Rouge and the musical Romeo & Juliet), the movie promises to continue our fascination with bobbed hairstyles, long strands of pearls and liberating fashion. 2020 here we come! B

The Great Gatsby of Fashion On Wednesday, April 24, The Great Gatsby of Fashion, a luncheon and fashion runway show, will be presented to benefit the Benicia Community Action Council’s Senior Meals Program. The 4th annual event will be held at the Benicia Clock Tower, 11:30am to 1:30pm. It’s a hot ticket with City of Benicia dignitaries and business owners walking the runway to show the best in spring fashion for men and women.

Tickets are available at Christina S and Be Chic Boutique or by calling Michele Hughes at 707.373.7571.

26 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista

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• Kite Surfing • Sea Kayaking • Longboards & Scooters • Standup Paddle Boards • Kids summer fun camps!

Rentals Lessons Gear

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Camellia Tea Room Delicious Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Housemade Desserts, Fine Teas & Tea Accessories Ask about our Bridal and Baby Shower Packages!

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

Camellia Tea Room • 828 First Street Downtown Benicia • 707.746.5293

707.373.7256 Visit our large showroom of Fireplaces, Stoves, Inserts & BBQ’s

Blown Glass, Wall Art, Jewelry, Gift Items 707.748.1336 • www.lindsayartglass.com

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Glass Blowing Demonstrations Wed-Sat until 4pm

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Featured Musician

Darryl Anders Bass player, bandleader

Born: St Petersburg, Florida Resides in: Oakley, California Favorite Food: My mom’s sweet potato pie

Favorite Book: My favorite book is Miles Davis’s Autobiography Relationship Status/Children: Married

By Rhonda Lucile Hicks How old were you when you began playing bass?

I started when I was 14 years old.

Why the bass? A friend of the family left an acoustic guitar at our house. I picked it up and tried to play it and soon realized I was picking out the bass parts to songs I heard on the radio. I was really drawn to the bass when I heard Louis Johnson of the Bros Johnson. He had a different sound and style that made the bass stand out.

Your credits as a sideman include gigs with funk and soul legends Tower of Power, Zigaboo Modeliste, and Booker T. Jones, as well as Grammy-winning songwriter Bonnie Hayes and two-time Grammynominee Ledisi. What makes a musician a good sideman? I think a good sideman is someone who is dependable, prepared, and most of all a team player. You have to be able to do what is best for the music.

You recently stepped out as a bandleader and released AgapeSoul’s “Believe in Love.” One reviewer described your debut album as your “unconditional gift to the urban music market.” What’s urban music?

I think urban music is a broad term used to describe R&B, Soul, Jazz, and Hip Hop… i.e. “Black Music.”

What was your best moment on stage? The coolest moment on stage was when I played with Tower Of Power at the Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival in Japan and I realized I was on stage playing in the shoes of one of my

Photo by Patrick Stern

musical heroes. That all the years of practice led me to that moment and seeing my face on the giant hi-def monitor. It was surreal.

Who influenced your music? My music is influenced by the music I love.

Tommy Sims, Stevie Wonder, Marcus Miller, Incognito, Prince, Sting and all the artists that I’ve worked with over the years.

Can you tell us about your job working at Dunlop Manufacturing here in Benicia? Working at Dunlop is really cool. We create the tools to help people create their music. I work with an amazingly talented group of people and we really care about the quality of what we do. It makes going to work fun. It’s the best “day job” I’ve ever had and it keeps me connected to music. B Read the expanded interview online at beniciamagazine.com.

LIVE MUSIC ONGOING: The Rellik Tavern

Live music every Fri & Sat therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137

Upstairs at the Café

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

Empress Theatre

SPECIAL EVENTS: The Queens of Boogie Woogie Yoshi’s, Oakland Tuesday, April 2, 8pm yoshis.com Chris Webster and Nina Gerber 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley Thursday, April 4, 8pm 142throckmortontheatre.com

Wednesday Night Ramble First & third Wednesdays Soulshine Second Wednesday each month Hot House Blues Fourth Wednesday each month empresstheatre.org 707.552.2400

Soul Train Tribute Dance Party Silo’s, Napa Sat, April 6, 8pm, silosnapa.com

Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar

Vallejo Symphony “Storms and Passions, Lander Hall, Vallejo Sunday, April 7, 3pm vallejosymphony.org

Fairfield Live music every Saturday stickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500

28 • Benicia Magazine Listening

Tom Rigney and Flambeau The Palms, Winters Saturday, April 6, 8pm palmsplayhouse.com

Ute Lemper Miner Auditorium, San Francisco Thursday, April 11, 7:30pm sfjazz.org

The Fabulous Thunderbirds Napa Valley Opera House Friday, April 26, 8pm nvoh.org

Los Cenzontles Freight & Salvage Coffee House Berkeley, Thurs, April 11, 8pm thefreight.org

El Radio Fantastique Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley Saturday, April 27, 9pm sweetwatermusichall.com

Spencer Day CD Release Party Yoshi’s, San Francisco Thursday, April 11, 8pm & 10pm yoshis.com The Asteroid No. 4 Brick and Mortar Music Hall San Francisco, Thurs, April 11, 9pm brickandmortarmusic.com Oakland East Bay Symphony Paramount Theatre, Oakland Saturday, April 20, 8pm paramounttheatre.com Helen Reddy Uptown Theatre, Napa Saturday, April 20, 8pm uptowntheatrenapa.com

The Santa Margherita String Quartet Empress Theatre, Vallejo Sunday, April 28, 2pm empresstheatre.org The Cave Singers Great American Music Hall San Francisco Sunday, April 28, 8pm slimspresents.com

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Classic Country Music Local Country Band CD available online pleasantvalleymusic.com or amazon.com For more info email

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Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash 1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

APRIL

4/1-4/28

4/5

4/6-4/28

4/7

CALENDAR

Gallery 621 Presents Pam Dixon

Planting & weeding along with fun Forrest Deaner Native Plant Garden Benicia State Park, near picnic area Calparks.org/programs/earth-day

Barkitecture Gala & Auction 6-10pm

4/19-5/11

Benicia Old Town Theatre Presents Rabbit Hole

4/20

Opening Day on the Straits, events begin at 10am

Exhibit runs through April Gallery open Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm 621 First Street, Benicia Gallery621.com 707.746.6211 Proceeds go to helping the homeless pets at the Humane Society of the North Bay McCormack Hall, Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo Barkeitecture.net 707.645.7905, ext. 115

Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House Weekends only 10am-5pm Tours 1st & 3rd Sundays & 2nd Saturday Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, April 7, 13 & 21 115 West G Street, Benicia 707.745.3385

Vallejo Symphony Spring Concert 3pm

Schumann, Overture to Manfred; Fauré, Fantaisie for Flute Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4 in F minor Lander Hall, Touro University, Mare Island Vallejosymphony.org 707.643.4441

4/13 Earth Day Celebration 9am-noon

Forrest Deaner Native Plants Botanic Garden Planting, weeding, fun & community!

Benicia State Recreation Area near picnic benches www.calparks.org/programs/earth-day/

4/13 Earth Day Celebration 9am-12pm

By David Lindsay-Abaire Friday & Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm BDES Hall, 140 West J St, Benicia Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

Boat parade, arts & crafts, food, games, live music Dinner & dancing, blessing of the fleet Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second St. Beniciayachtclub.com 707.746.0739

4/ 10 Ticket sales, Vintage Home & Garden Tour

$25 in advance; $30 on day of tour, May 11 Available at Benicia Main Street, Bookshop Benicia Camellia Tea Room & Steve’s Hallmark For info call Vicki, 707.315.6434 or Jerry, 707.746.6689

4/20&21

Benicia in Bloom 11am-5pm

4/13

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

4/13

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

4/21

Arts Benicia Family Art Day 1-3pm

4/25

Benicia Farmer’s Market Kicks Off! 4-8pm

4/28

Benicia Classic Car Show 7am-3pm

4/28

Bluegrass and Barbecue Fundraiser 1-5pm

4/13

4/14

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

Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm Springtime in Benicia—a group show Gallery open Thursday-Sunday, 11am-5pm 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

Run For Education, 10K 8am, 5K 8:10am Fun Run 10am

For first time runners to expert athletes Benefits the Benicia Education Foundation BeniciaRunForEducation.org Marina Green at First & B Streets

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30 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Showcasing the latest green & spring trends From merchants, restaurants, & businesses Downtown Benicia Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 Free art activities for the entire family Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street, #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Fresh fruits & vegetables, baked goods Gourmet food, hot foods, arts and crafts Between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Enjoy the BHS Jazz Band and great cars Proceeds support the BHS Band Program First Street Green, foot of First Street Pantherbandboosters.com 707.742.3590

The Blues Defenders and The Ons in concert Food available for purchase from Kinders on site Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

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10% OFF Entire Bill

With this coupon Not valid with any other offer Expires 4/30/13

With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per table. Exp. 4/30/13

Ind

ust

680

Lobster Tuesdays Prime Rib Wednesdays Bistro 3 course dinner Thursday

Every day Buy one entrée & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value

Breakfast, Seafood, Salads, Steak, Pasta, Wraps, Flatbread

St

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

50% Off Entrée

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

One coupon per table. Exp. 4/30/13

Benicia Grill E. 2nd

Sailor Jacks

Dinner-style lunch menu

Welcome to

707.751.0155

4760 E. Second St., Benicia

Purchase one lunch or dinner entrée in April & receive one complimentary dessert with this ad* *expires 4/30/13. One discount per person, no cash value. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sailor Jacks • Open Every Day • 123 First Street 707.746.8500

Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

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

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

• Relaxed and comfortable environment

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

"Affordable Quality Cabinets and their contractor made a kitchen remodel easy. They were helpful and supportive throughout the entire process and we are 100% satisfied with the experience and final product." 窶年ick and Stephanie

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

weekends & evenings by appointment

707-745-2100 窶｢ www.aqchome.com

Come see our large showroom 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5

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