Benicia Magazine January 2016

BENICIA'S EVENT SPACES

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A commitment to

PUBLIC ART

at Benicia Library The long-term impact on California's drought-stressed big trees

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Community Update For questions about Valero’s Crude by Rail project please email info@beniciaCBR.com or call (707) 654-9745

Valero’s proposed Crude by Rail project will benefit Benicia’s environment, economy and community

Did You Know?

Benicia’s median home value of $531,900 is higher than the median home value of neighboring communities including Vallejo and Martinez, at $290,010 and $507,100 respectively. Benicia’s median value increased by 6% over the past year and is projected to grow even further in 2016. The Refinery supports Benicia’s higher median value by providing significant funding for improved local services and facilities.

Per the city’s Draft and Revised Draft Environmental Impact Reports, this project: l Is an infrastructure improvement project on the refinery’s

existing property.

l Reduces global greenhouse gases by up to 225,000 metric tons

per year by offsetting marine delivery of crude with delivery by rail.

l Does not change refinery operations: “The Project would not

include, nor would it require, any changes to existing Refinery operations or process equipment, other than installation and operation of the Project unloading rack and other Project components.” (DEIR, 1-2)

l Does not increase the type or amount of crude that can be

processed: “The Project would not increase the amount of crude oil that can be processed at the refinery, or the amounts of petroleum products that can be produced.” (DEIR, 3-2)

l Does not increase process emissions or make changes

to emissions limitations in current Bay Area Air Quality Management District permits: “The Project would not result in any increases in emissions from crude oil processing.” (DEIR, 4.1-17)

$360,000

per year FOR VITAL PUBLIC SERVICES

l Will operate under extensive additional rail safety regulations

at the federal and state levels as outlined in 14 pages of the RDEIR, including enhanced tank car standards, a more accurate sampling and classification program for unrefined petroleumbased products, improved risk assessment of rail routing, and notification requirements.

In February 2015, the City Council and Finance Committee held a joint meeting to discuss Benicia’s General Fund 10-Year Forecast. Finance Director Schnaider explained that while the General Fund is expected to increase over the next few years, expenses will start outpacing incomes – draining reserves – within the next five years. “We can’t cut our way out of this or tax our way out of this. We need to move forward with economic development,” said Michael Clarke, Chairperson of the Benicia Finance Committee.

Approval of the Crude by Rail project will mean $30,000 in additional property tax revenue each month for the City of Benicia. That amounts to $360,000 a year – enough to fund vital public services.

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Contributors Elizabeth d’Huart Adriene Rockwell Sarah Rohrs Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Photographers Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight

Advertising sales Jeanne Steinmann 707.853.5226 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann

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Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2016, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

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

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SUBSCRIBE! BENICIA MAGAZINE

Your #1 source for what's happening in town & around the Bay

Events Art & Culture Food & Drink Education People & Places Shopping & Style

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Three Ways to Subscribe today!

CALL 707.853.5226 SIGN UP ONLINE at beniciamagazine.com MAIL CHECKS TO POLYGON PUBLISHING 771 West H Street, Benicia CA 94510

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JANUARY

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 3

FEATURES 16

Benicia’s event spaces offer something for every party

18

A commitment to public art at Benicia Library

20

The long-term impact on California’s drought-stressed big trees

16

DEPARTMENTS 10

From the Editor

12

Currents A holistic approach to wellness and beauty in 2016

14

Backwards Glance A new year’s “check” for 365 days of happiness

14

Bio Musician and teacher Rem Djemilev

22

Interview Benicia Unified Superintendent Dr. Charles Young

24

Trends Reinventing the old fashioned barber shop

26

Downtown Map

28

Calendar of Events The best events in Benicia and around the Bay

18

Photos: Top, Stone Hall, courtesy Benicia Historical Museum; middle, Benicia Library Art Gallery, by Susan Bonebakker; bottom, City Park trees, by Jerry Bowles Cover Photo: Benicia's Jefferson Street Mansion,

by Jerry Bowles

20

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Want to keep receiving Benicia Magazine?

SUBSCRIBE at beniciamagazine.com Call 707.853.5226 or send a check for $18 (12 issues) to Polygon Publishing 771 West H Street, Benicia, CA 94510

Change is in the Air From the Editor January 2016

There’s something magical about a fresh start, isn’t there? It’s a great opportunity for a system reboot and to shed physical and metaphorical clutter coming out of the holidays. Isn’t that what we treasure about turning the page into a new season and a brand-new year?

Writing our story on a new page each month is what Benicia Magazine is all about. For the past three years, we were happily ensconced in downtown Benicia, smack in the middle of First Street.

But as many things in life are impermanent, so was our space. For the past six weeks we have been “without office.” Knowing the magazine would be housed in a new space, but not knowing exactly where, was a bit unsettling, and a logistical challenge for our employees. But I learned at a very young age, crisscrossing the country with frequent moves until I was twelve, that adaptability is a useful and important tool to cultivate. Change is good, and often necessary, to move forward into life’s next phase. Working from a home office since November provided a respite, and time to reflect on the future—a fresh perspective to launch into 2016.

I am over-the-moon excited to announce that beginning in early January, Benicia Magazine can be found in the Treasury Commons building at 372 First Street. My entire life I have been an outdoors person, yearning for the sun, and you’ll find me basking in the plaza sipping decaf, typing away, relishing the Farmers Market from April-October and enjoying our new neighbors that, among others, include Java Point Café, Koda and Company and Christina S Fashion Destination.

Over the years, from time to time with laptop in tow, I’ve worked from Java Point’s outside tables.

While there, I have closed my eyes, soaking up the sunshine and imagining I’m back in Paris. And Benicia Magazine’s office is now just two doors to the left.

The new space is inspiring—a wonderful incubator from which to launch ideas for stories—and a gathering spot for readers to share experiences, thoughts and opinions. Come by and say hello, we’d love to hear from you, to inspire and to be inspired as we continue to bring you the best Benicia has to offer.

Enjoy the issue, and stories about a holistic way to reboot your path to wellness, our library’s commitment to public art, Benicia’s abundant event spaces and much more.

—Jeanne Steinmann

Photo by Michael Van Auken

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

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CURR ENT S

A Holistic Approach to

HEALTH, FITNESS AND BEAUTY

By Sarah Rohrs

Paths to good health and fitness can take many forms, but for some Benicia practitioners, they optimally lead to a place where people feel a sense of inner satisfaction. Beauty almost always follows, as looking good goes hand in hand with great health—a harmony of body, mind, spiritual and emotional well being.

Benicia Fitness owner Joy Rund says that good health is more than just working out a few times a week, but involves what you eat, the way you treat your body, and finding ways to empower yourself. True beauty is beauty that comes from within. “I strongly believe you don’t have to weigh a certain number to feel good about yourself.

It’s finding that place where you feel happy, finding that place that’s important to you,” Rund said.

In a new year, resolutions to pursue good health are common, and Benicia has a wealth of resources for helping people to feel better, look good and make lasting lifestyle changes. Benicia skin care therapist Barbara Patrick remembers it was once tough to find a spa, or a place to get a facial, but that’s changed dramatically.

After 25 years running a spa and offering skin care, she’s encouraged by the many choices. Good health often starts with the desire to look your best. In her skin care

practice, Patrick’s work focuses on skin health rather than appearance. Facials are combined with massage to reduce stress and add a sense of well being.

Benicia is rich with fitness options, including CrossFit and many other types of fitness centers, yoga, kayaking, canoeing, Pilates and biking. In the personal appearance arena, locals and visitors alike can seek out hair stylists, nail salons and even tattoo parlors to boost their

“looking good goes hand in hand with great health”

reflections of inner and outer beauty. Spas and practitioners offering ways to relax and gain health are abundant.

Encompassing many is a holistic approach to addressing health, fitness and beauty. Not the least of these is good nutrition, particularly after the holidays’ sugary and fatty smorgasbord of unhealthy food. For Benicia chiropractor DeAnne Miller, holistic health is a broad and deep awareness of a person on many levels. “It’s really looking at an individual not only as a physical person, but also how we think

and interact with others emotionally and spiritually. Thoughts make a big impact on our body. We live in a society where we are in this chronic ‘always going’ mindset. We push ourselves. We are always on the go,” Miller said.

Thoughts stored in the body can lead to tension, headaches and insomnia while painful emotions are often components of physical diseases plus “dis-ease,” or imbalance in the whole being, she adds.

Mindfulness, meditation and techniques to diffuse blocked emotions help lead to optimal health.

CrossFit707 owner Kara Purves also takes a holistic approach. “Fitness is so much more than a 90-day challenge or trying to lose weight to look good on vacation. It’s the whole package—getting enough exercise, eating well, drinking enough water and getting a good night’s sleep,” she said. “Mental health is also vital.

Meditation, paying attention to thoughts, attitudes and taking time out, even a few minutes, from phones, computers and running around reduce stress and lead to calm and equilibrium.” It can make a big difference in busy lives. “Once you take care of yourself you can take care of the people you love and everything else in your life. That’s what so empowering—it all starts with you,” she says.

Regardless of what path is taken, a key piece of advice is to recognize it takes time to change. Purves said there are no magic pills, fast lanes or easy answers. It takes a desire to change and a commitment to follow through.

Miller advised patience and compassion.

“It’s really about being gentle with ourselves. When we fall off the wagon we want to respect ourselves enough to get back up and continue. The main thing is to drop that ‘all or nothing’ way of thinking, and to look at ourselves as a whole.”

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New things are happening in

Northgate Christian Fellowship announces a brand new sanctuary and state of the art public event space

A targeted completion date of March 2016, the new building will be a significant addition for members as well as a public event space for up to 800 people. The new space features a premier sound system, green room and other amenities, and an adjacent nursery center, outdoor patio seating for 70 and quiet places for contemplation.

2201 Lake Herman Road, Benicia • northgateweb.com

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B ACK W AR D S GLANCE B IO

eck h C lease !

P

Rem Djemilev

By Elizabeth d’Huart Executive Director, Benicia Historical Museum Image courtesy Benicia Historical Museum I found this image while surfing our online archives— it is the only item we have that references the New Year without also referring to Christmas. I love the concept of a “…Bank of Happy Success,” located in the “State of Good Fortune” wherein is heaped an enormous supply of happiness which can be distributed to whomever one wishes. And how generous of William Bergstrom to issue to Aubrey Williams a full year’s supply, especially since the check number, (nineteen), would indicate that Mr. Bergstom had issued a great many of these checks already!

Associated documentation provides little information about the person issuing the check or

By Adriene Rockwell Photo by Malcolm Slight The Benicia Youth Orchestra rehearses on Monday afternoons in Benicia’s historic Clock Tower, where the high ceilings and views of the Carquinez Strait make the perfect home for the ensemble’s classical repertoire. Rem Djemilev conducts the aspiring young musicians who perform at all levels for violin, flute, cello, mandolin, piano and other instruments.

As they polish their pieces for the winter concert, they are focused and respectful—but during the breaks they are kids again, bursting into silliness.

For Rem this is a sign that he has set the right tone. “The first couple of years of learning music really should be joyful and positive,” says Rem, who is always smiling and exuberant.

“If it’s a positive experience for them, music can be a source of joy and excitement for an entire lifetime.”

Music has been in Rem’s heart since he was a young child. He was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and moved with his parents to Moscow at the age of five. His father Roushen directed a trading base, and his mother Raissa was an engineer for the Energy Resource Department. She was one of many Soviet women who pursued male-dominated careers after WWII, when there was shortage of men (some 20 million Soviet soldiers and civilians were killed in that war). Raissa’s father was an editor of a local newspaper, who was sent to a concentration camp for the last 25 years of his life because of a typo in Joseph Stalin’s name. As the family focused on building a better life for themselves, Raissa let go of her longtime dream to play piano.

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the recipient, but we have been able to connect some of the dots: This item arrived as part of the Ruth Alexander estate; Ruth was Aubrey’s sister. Benician Aubrey (Richard Aubrey Williams, 1895 – 1926) was an electrician working for the US; John Bergstrom, the issuer of this check to Aubrey, was a Swedish immigrant who worked as a local blacksmith’s helper and railroad employee. I discovered that Aubrey was gassed during World War I, which certainly lends a certain poignancy to this check … we may hope that the addition of the horseshoe, four leaf clover, and mistletoe icons conveyed even greater magical potency, adding to the good wishes contained therein.

The Museum possesses several other Alexander estate associated items, including an autograph book lovingly inscribed by her brother, as well as a video interview with Ruth Alexander talking about the “old days.” I derive a great deal of satisfaction from researching the story behind the image as it allows me to become better acquainted with those who have lived and died here, the distinct personalities of these local figures coming to life through their precious photographs and possessions. Some Native American tribes believe that we never die as long as someone speaks our name. Bringing these people back to life so that we may better know them, even briefly, is an act of scholarship but also a kindness. Don’t we all want to be known and remembered by those who can cherish our memory? We hope that you will also be issued a great number of happiness checks in the year 2016, and that the New Year brings you back to the Museum.

She wanted this for Rem, but with no room in their home for a piano, she gave him a violin. At the age of seven, Rem won his first prestigious violin competition.

“I believe that every child has many, many talents. No one is born without talent or ability,” says Rem, who has been teaching music for 36 years. “However, it’s very important the environment the child grows up in. I was very fortunate that my mom took me to concerts, theater, ballet, and good cinema.

Music and art enrich our experiences and existence every day.”

Rem went to special music schools starting in grade school, graduating with his Master’s degree from the Moscow Conservatory in performance for violin, viola and piano.

During this time he performed in the Soviet-American Youth Orchestra, making his first visit to the U.S. in 1988 to perform at venues including the Lincoln and Kennedy Centers. In 1990, he travelled the globe with the Arlekin String Quartet, eventually making roots in San Francisco, where they taught at SFSU. The quartet got their green cards to stay in the U.S., and continued to perform together for 22 years.

Currently Rem is the conductor of the Young People’s Orchestra in Berkeley, and the Young Performer’s Orchestra and Diablo Regional Youth Orchestra, both in Walnut Creek. He teaches at the Crowden School and the Black Pine Circle School in Berkeley. He also teaches private lessons in violin and viola.

Happily settled in Benicia with his wife Ann and stepdaughter Clodagh—also a talented violinist—he has a dream to build his local program: “Having a great classical youth orchestra here seems so natural and so wonderful!”

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By Jeanne Steinmann For a small town in the San Francisco Bay Area, Benicia can certainly hold its own when it comes to hosting a good party.

First, our ideal location makes Benicia the perfect place for a celebration. And then in addition to lovely outdoor spaces, there are many event venues from the historic to the nautical that accommodate weddings, live music, fundraisers, wine tastings, crab feeds and more.

Even with the large number of venues available, coming into wedding season event space is at a premium. The Knot, a multiplatform wedding resource, recently released its eighth annual report with 2014 data: The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is just over $31,000, and with couples looking for venues that uniquely suit their personalities, event spaces can be a large ticket item in the budget. However, some of Benicia’s venues are more wallet-friendly in comparison with those found in neighboring counties.

On the nautical side, the Benicia Yacht Club offers a dining room with a marina view. Then there are the historic buildings such as the Benicia Historical Museum, where Stone Hall boasts an open room punctuated with arched pillars and a view of the garden. The opulent Jefferson Street Mansion, a restored Civil War period mansion, meets the needs of today's brides in exquisite detail. The Clock Tower, one of the largest event spaces in town is a local favorite for concerts, crab feeds (though this year’s crab season has been indefinitely delayed due to high levels of domoic acid), fashion shows and fundraisers. The historic B.D.E.S. Hall is also known for its crab feeds and popular annual events, with an elegant ballroom upstairs for those light of feet. Even the City Gym, built in 1951 with an Art Deco sign, is available for events.

Party in

at Benicia’s Numerou

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y in Style

merous Event Spaces

Then there are the banquet rooms, available inside Benicia restaurants and bars. These include Sailor Jack’s, Rookies, Benicia Grill, Pizza Pirate, the Union Hotel, Round Table Pizza, First Street Cafe and the Rellik Tavern. The Benicia Community Center offers the businessperson in need of meeting space an opportunity to gather in a classroom/conference room setting with all the necessary equipment, and also allows for catered food to be brought in. One of Benicia’s newest event centers will also be the largest in town, and is slated for completion this spring. Northbay Christian Fellowship’s new center for worship services will seat 800, and also function as an event venue or concert hall open to the public. La Fabriquita, a relative newcomer to the scene on Bayshore Road, offers three specific areas in which to hold a celebration.

The Benicia Public Library and the State Capitol offer event space, as well as local hotels and bed and breakfast inns, including the Best Western Plus, Holiday Inn Express and the recently remodeled Inn at Benicia Bay. So next time you need a spot for your special event or celebration, check out these establishments and find your perfect match.

Photos: Top left & top right, by Malcolm Slight; top middle,

by Jerry Bowles, bottom, by Ken Perkes Photography

Visitbenicia.org Beniciaholyghost.org Theknot.com Beniciayachtclub.com Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org Jeffersonstreetmansion.com Ci.benicia.ca.us Sailor-jacks.com Rookiesbenicia.com Northgateweb.com Therelliktavern.com

Benicialibrary.org Mypizzapirate.com Roundtablepizza.com Firststreetcafe.com La-fabriquita.com Parks.ca.gov Heritageinnbenicia.com Ihg.com Theinnatbeniciabay.com Unionhotelrestaurant.net

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Benicia Library a Showcase for Art

By Sarah Rohrs

IKE DOORS OPENING ONTO NEW VISTAS, a library has many avenues for exploring. In Benicia, library patrons get an additional avenue, one loaded with artistic expression. The Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Art Gallery in the Benicia Public Library reflects the city’s commitment to public art, plus the community’s broad interest in all things artistic. Library visitors can wander into the gallery, found to the right of the main entrance on East L Street, and find a treasure trove of art. Nine shows, lasting five weeks each, are held annually.

The gallery highlights a wide variety of art from talented artists working in diverse mediums. Those include oil, acrylic and pastel painting, drawings, textile and sculpture, among other art forms. Many Benicia artists show their work, but the gallery also highlights artists from outside the city. Annual standing shows include the art of Benicia and Liberty High School students and Solano Community College students.

“We are so lucky. So many people exhibit at the library gallery, and I love the fact that our gallery stands by itself. You can go in there and it’s just you and the art. It’s a marvelous thing the library has,” said Gail Hengst, former Art Gallery Committee chairwoman.

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A memorable 2011 show drew inspiration from the Beatles’ classic, “A Day in the Life,” namely the song’s opening lyrics, “I heard the news today, oh boy.” Poets and artists collaborated and created pieces in response to an issue in the news. In the gallery, newspapers hung from the ceiling and newsboy sculptures held newspapers.

Last year’s Circling Fiber exhibit by Benicia textile and fiber artist Marty Jonas drew big interest, too. She made circles and spheres from bamboo, wire, insect screening, O-rings and slide mounts, plus fabric, thread and yarn.

By employing crochet, appliqué, embroidery, dyeing and felting, she created the objects.

Helaine Bowles, library administrative secretary and liaison to the gallery committee, said many patrons enjoy the art and are curious about how the gallery is run.

Founding committee member Kathryn Weller Renfrow said the gallery has no funding and no staff other than the liaison and committee members, all volunteers, who have worked hard over the years to keep it running smoothly.

A subcommittee of the Library Board of Trustees, the Art Gallery Committee issues a call for entries in June and chooses the exhibiting artists later in the year. Shows are planned a year in advance, and each committee member is assigned an artist to work with and to help with various details. The artists install and take down their shows, and do their own receptions and publicity.

The gallery may never have come to pass if art advocates hadn’t stepped up during the library’s planning. Former Arts Benicia President Joe Garcia recalls that advocates

Jan BenMag Vol11 v2.indd 19

met with the architect to create a gallery in a spot originally designated as a storage area.

The gallery’s first show consisted of Heidi Desuyo’s photos documenting the library’s construction, a show recreated in 2013, the library’s 20th anniversary. The gallery’s namesake is former Benicia Mayor Marilyn Citron O’Rourke, who served 1984-1992, and championed both the library and the arts.

Current Art Gallery Committee chairwoman, Susan Bonebakker, said the gallery provides many benefits to all. “Since we are located in the library right outside the meeting rooms, we have the opportunity as an art gallery to expose numerous youth and children to wonderful art as they come and go from their various gatherings. We hope that such exposure will inspire, if not a pursuit of the arts, then at least an interest in art and its appreciation.”

The Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Art Gallery is free and open during the library’s regular hours. The current show, running through Jan. 9, consists of work by members of Threads of Change, a fiber art collective. Following that is an annual exhibit of art by Benicia and Liberty High School art students. For more details go to Benicialibrary.org/gallery.

Photos: Page 18, By Malcolm Slight; this page upper left, pieces by Marty Jonas, Circling Fiber Exhibit, by Susan Bonebakker; upper right, Jerry Bowles; lower left, Circling Fiber, by Marty Jonas; lower right, Material Matters exhibit,

by Malcolm Slight

12/15/15 7:04 AM

What the Drought Means for California Trees

By Beth Steinmann

Photo by Jerry Bowes

ATER IS A NECESSITY that is common to almost all life.

Times of drought create hardship across the ecological gamut. While the conveniences of modern life can somewhat insulate us from the impact of a drought, there is actually a benefit to reaching towards a perspective of interconnectedness. We are ultimately connected with our environment, not separate from it, so damage to one area affects all others.

Last spring, Governor Brown imposed the first mandatory water restrictions in California’s history, as we entered the 4th year of drought. Economic ramifications have been farreaching, especially for both large and small-scale farmers who supply a large percentage of the nation’s food crops.

It’s also spurring landscaping changes for homeowners, who are letting go of lawns and high-water landscapes in favor of drought-resistant California natives. But what’s happening from an ecological perspective?

Plants and wild animals are feeling the stress. Wild animals are drawn out of their native environments and into urban and suburban areas in search of water. The stress weakens plant and animal immune systems, leaving them more susceptible to disease and pest infestation.

Trees may take the longest to show symptoms. As Theron Jones, Benicia Parks Maintenance Supervisor, points out, “anything that happens to a tree happens in slow motion.”

Trees metabolize nutrients in a much different way than humans.

We may take the trees in our environment for granted for the beauty and shade that they provide, but trees are also responsible for creating a hospitable breathing environment for us. According to the US Department of Agriculture, “One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.” They also improve air quality and the climate, preserve soil and support the ecosystems they are part of.

The Valley Public Radio website (kpvr.org) sites a shocking US Forest Service survey from April showing that in the Southern Sierra, one of the areas of the state hit hardest by the dry weather, 20 percent of the 4.1 million acres of trees were dead. Some of the most iconic trees in California, the giant sequoias, are showing severe signs of stress.

Closer to home, the sequoias’ relatives, the coastal

redwoods, are also suffering. Jones says, “It’s been a double hit with redwoods. They’re used to getting a lot of their water through the air. We haven’t had a lot of moisture in the air.

That coupled with a loss of ground water is causing lots of stress. We’re seeing a browning or greying of the leaves—the leaves aren’t as supple and soft as usual.”

Trees in town, says Jones, are showing advanced signs and symptoms of drought stress. Benicia is home to many Monterey pines, which, in their immune-compromised state, are becoming more susceptible to pine pitch canker, a virulent and incurable fungal disease that’s transmitted between trees by beetles. 17 California counties are currently infected across the length of the state. Although Monterey pines are the most susceptible, the blight has also been found in eight other species.

Although 2016 is predicted to be an El Niño year, this drought will have already changed the ecological face of our great state, and it will be years before the full effects unfold.

In the face of such grave changes, it can be an instinct to bury ourselves in the many demands and distractions that make up the fabric of our lives, ignoring the struggle of life around us. So what can we do to change it?

On the practical level, take care of mature trees on your property. Make sure they stay watered—lawns and shrubs can be easily replaced but trees take much longer to mature.

If you have concerns about your trees, call a certified arborist to do an inspection—they can give a detailed report and recommendation. With the coming rain, Jones says, “People need to be observant—look at the ground around the tree. If the ground is raised after the rain and the tree begins to lean, call an arborist immediately.”

While the greater forces at play in our climate and environment may be out of our control, we do have power over how we interact with the ecosystem we are part of.

Research increasingly shows that plants and trees exhibit complex neurological responses, work together with other plants and organisms, and are even capable of exhibiting emotional responses. If the old adage, “treat people the way you want to be treated,” were expanded to “treat life the way you want to be treated,” then showing a little love and TLC to the plants and trees that surround us could do a great deal of good.

20 • Benicia Magazine

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Interview with

Charles Young

Why did you want to be superintendent here?

I think a lot of things attracted me, including the really good, excellent work they’ve done and are doing for kids. Coming from a larger district, I felt I could really get to know the place. Have you read David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell? In it, he talked about how big is not always better.

I also like the arts. Looking around, one of the other things that attracted me is the commitment here to music, drama and art.

What did you learn about Benicia and its schools during your first 100 days?

There’s a strong identity with Benicia. People love their schools and they love their town. So many were born here and left, then came back, or they were born here and never left.

I found there’s a culture of collaboration, a culture of partnership.

Parents are really committed to schools.

What are your goals now that you’ve had some time to learn about the district?

I think when they come to school, students need to feel they are known and valued and recognized. They need to feel that their uniqueness is recognized and supported. They need to have the opportunity to express their unique talents as learners. There should be safety and a sense of belonging and recognition.

By Sue Sumner Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight Benicia’s new school superintendent is fired up.

That enthusiasm is apparent when Charles Young talks about students, reading, teachers, half-marathons, cooking, technology and more. His face brightens, his speech quickens and ideas come tumbling out in rapid succession. He draws on concepts from top scholars in education and his own experiences during 29 years in the field.

Charles, 54, wants to make Benicia’s public schools even better so all students can thrive beyond high school. He became Benicia’s superintendent in July and spent his initial 100 days getting to know the district of about 5,000 students and 450 employees. Now he’s ready to lead.

And that excites him as well, especially with so much attention focused on public schools these days. Standardized tests are scrutinized, the amount of homework is questioned and foundations are putting up funds to reinvent the education system from the ground up. His response? “We’re having discussions about learning spaces in society as a whole—I’ve never seen that,” he says. “This is an exciting time to be in education.”

Charles is an avid reader and writer. He has published several articles on education topics, and he blogs on his website, drcharlesyoung.org.

While talking with Benicia Magazine, he referred to numerous books related to the subjects being discussed. He’s also part of a book club started by district employees.

Charles came to Benicia after four years as associate superintendent of educational services in Palo Alto. He’s also been a high school English teacher, a vice principal and principal at the elementary and middleschool level, and a director of secondary education at the district level.

He has a doctorate degree from the University of La Verne.

He is a member of several professional organizations, including Technology Information Center for Administrators' Leadership. He lives in Alamo with his family.

I also want the kids to feel like their teachers are supported in their efforts, that they like being here.

Also, I want to see high levels of engagement. There is discipline to creating that, to be sure, but there’s a real excitement about the way a teacher designs lessons that allow students to learn in different ways.

What components are needed for a successful school?

There are three things that go into making a successful school.

First, student-centered decisions. You work to keep students at the center of every decision.

Second, creating schools that are safe and welcoming, where there’s a sense of community, of belonging. We are wired to be socially connected.

Third, be forward thinking. I’m a little bit obsessed with this. Our classrooms now are based on a model developed for the Industrial Age and we have to look to the needs of the future.

How do you lead teachers and staff to rethink the way they do things?

I keep posing these questions to people: What if? Why? How? Have you read A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger? It’s about asking questions so you look at something differently. What if I used a different instructional model to teach?

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How can our district be successful with the resources we have?

We’ve been doing some great work in having conversations with BEF (Benicia Education Foundation) and the PTAs on how to raise money together.

But it all boils down to the teacher in the classroom. The most important thing is the teacher. Getting the right person is key. You ask any group of adults to raise their hands if a teacher made a difference in their lives, and hands go up all over the room.

What teacher made a difference in your life?

One of my high school English teachers, Mr. Sheldon. He got us into reading, pulled us into the world of thinking and big ideas, pulled us into the world of literature—The Great Gatsby, The Stranger.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I didn’t know. I never wanted to be a firefighter. I wasn’t thinking of anything in particular when I was young. In high school, I started thinking about wanting to be a teacher.

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What do you do to keep balance in your life?

I try to work out a lot, training for halfmarathons. I like to be surrounded by my family. I like reading. My brother has a boat and we sail.

I like to cook—paella, soup. I love cookbooks. There’s something about cooking for friends and family, having everyone around, especially when they like the food you cooked for them.

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What brings you joy?

Living a life of meaning. At the end of the day, knowing I did make a difference somehow.

I’ve been very fortunate in my career.

I’ve enjoyed all the jobs I’ve had and now this job. I’ve worked in great towns, great districts. There’s this thing about gratitude for what you have, what’s around you. I think about that a lot.

I’ve never questioned the purpose of what I do. Some days can be difficult, but what we do for the kids is what’s important. What we get to do if we come together as adults, to be thoughtful and disciplined in our thinking, what we can do to create this wonderful environment for students to reach their potential—that’s what matters.

This is my 29th year, and I still get totally fired up about doing this. I feel lucky about that.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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TR END S

Close Shaves in Benicia and Beyond

Photo by Malcolm Slight

ARBERSHOPS are part of the iconic makeup of a community. Razors have been found among relics dating back to 3500BC, and in many cultures barbers were highly respected as priests and men of medicine. Rome was introduced to barbering by the Greeks, and their shops became the center for debates and gossip. A young man’s first shave was part of the coming of age ceremony and as important as a visit to the public baths.

Fred’s Barbershop, located on Military East, is a Benicia institution with its iconic barber pole next to the large front window—revealing if Fred is there, who is in the chair, and if there is a wait. Generations of Benicia men have had Fred or his late brother, Richard, give them their first haircut, and perhaps their last. He has weathered the trends such as long hair and the hippie movement, a recession and the era of salons. If you want to know what's going on in town, Fred's is the place to get the latest scoop and the pulse of the community. With its wood paneled walls, racks of worn magazines and the never ending television daytime dramas as a background, men find a place where they can go and get a really good haircut for an affordable price without a lot of hassle. When my boys were young, I would drop them off after school or in between sports practices, never wanting to infringe on the barbershop mystique.

If finding Fred at the chair is a challenge, there are other alternatives in Benicia that offer men full service grooming.

Dave's Barbershop and Shaving Parlor on First Street has had rave reviews for its old school vibe and back to the future barbering. Dave offers a variety of shaves and beard trims, along with classic and edgy high skin fade haircuts, popularized by Justin Bieber and David Beckham.

Barbershops are on trend as men choose shorter hair or no hair that needs to be cut/shaved on a regular basis.

By Christina Strawbridge

Photo courtesy Dave's Barber Shop

Barbers are trained and must be licensed in the State of California to work with straight razors, used to shave faces, necks, and scalps. Cosmetology and barber school are two of the fastest growing industries in the country, according to anythingresearch.com. Charles Kirkpatrick, the executive officer of the National Association of Barber Boards of America, recently told the New York Times the number of licensed barbers had grown roughly 10 percent in the last two years from 225,000 to 245,000.

The barbershop trend is filling a niche for men, since there was no middle ground between high-end salons and low-end chain shops. There is a huge resurgence, as entrepreneurs from coast to coast, and internationally, seek to redefine the haircut from a weekend errand to a pleasant cultural experience.

In New Orleans barbershop Aidan Gill, customers are greeted by a barber in a bow tie and neat shirt offering a choice of whiskey, local beer or soft drink before being seated. Women are relegated to the front of the store, where they can peruse the selection of razors, aftershaves and gifts, including books such as How to Raise a Gentleman.

The back of the shop, where the haircutting happens, is for men only. It's no wonder the establishment made Playboy Magazine's top pick for America's best barbershop.

Gill, who is credited for resurrecting the concept of the barbershop, is honoring the trade's past, while trying to redefine its future. He's at the forefront of a trend that has been sweeping the nation over the past few years: the renaissance of the American barbershop and the rise of hip, young boutique salons.

Fortunately, Benicia is part of that renaissance, offering the male population the authentic and "cutting edge" of an old-school cut and shave, along with a bit of town gossip.

24 • Benicia Magazine Trends

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January 2016 Events

Downtown Benicia Restaurant Week Photos: Top and lower left, Sailor Jack's restaurant patio & dining room; middle & right, two of Rookie's dining spaces & secondary bar, by Malcolm Slight

Sonoma Valley Olive Festival

1/1-1/31 Various Sonoma locations Sonoma Valley is the perfect setting for the Olive Season. Take an olive curing workshop or eat a delicious dish prepared

by Wine Country chefs with local olive oils.

Choose from a variety of olive-related activities and events such as cooking demonstrations, Martini Madness, and art exhibitions. Take advantage of seasonal savings at lodging, spas, and restaurants.

Olivefestival.com 866.996.1090

Downtown Ice

1/1-2/7, 12pm-12am Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market Street, San Jose Downtown Ice's spectacular circular rink provides a perfect setting for skaters who glide under the stars and twirl around 32 twinkling palm trees. Come feel the aloha spirit shared by partners Hawaiian Airlines and Olympic figure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi.

Sjdowntown.com.downtownice 415.291.0525

First Friday at Fogcrest Vineyard

1/8, 5-7pm 7602 Occidental Road, Sebastopol Guests will enjoy special small bites and olive oil tasting. Raise your glass to 2016! Rsvp required.

Fogcrestvineyard.com 800.931.2906

Watermedia Exhibition

1/8/16, 6-7:30pm Sebastopol Center for the Arts 282 High Street, Sebastopol This exhibit features work by California artists, juried by Christopher Schink. Forty paintings from the 148th Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society, one of the premiere exhibits in the world, have been chosen for their traveling exhibition. Sebastopol Center for the Arts is one of seven museums and galleries across the United States will be showing this extraordinary collection.

Sebarts.org 707.829.4747

Pastoral Pleasures: Santa Rosa Symphony Classical Concert

1/9, 8pm; 1/10, 3pm; 1/11, 8pm Weill Hall, Green Music Center 1801 East Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park An-Lun Huang’s selection from popular Chinese symphonic repertoire evokes the harvest celebration in the Saibei region near Bejing. Rising star Caroline Goulding blends refinement with technical flair in performing Tchaikovsky’s challenging violin concerto.

Sweet melodic ideas permeate Dvořák’s bucolic 8th Symphony inspired by Bohemian folk music.

Guest Conductor: Mei-Ann Chen.

Santarosasymphony.com 707.546.8742

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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6th Annual Napa Truffle Festival

1/15-1/18 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa This festival brings together two complementary aspects of European truffles: the best chefs in the world known for their truffle cuisine, and the best truffle experts/scientists in the world recognized for their expertise and data on truffle cultivation.

Gourmands and aspiring truffle growers alike will find a bounty of activities throughout the festival weekend to satisfy their appetite and curiosity for the flavor and knowledge of one of the world’s most prized and delectable foods.

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Winter Wineland

1/16 & 1/17, 11am-4pm 100+ winery locations throughout Sonoma County The annual Winter Wineland event is a great opportunity to meet winemakers and taste limited production wines, new releases, or library wines. All wineries will have something on SALE for the weekend! Some wineries will offer food pairings and others will have tours.

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Golden Bough in Concert

1/16, 8-10pm, doors at 7pm Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road, Benicia The fan favorite group, Golden Bough, returns to Museum in January after their sold out performance last year. Since their formation in 1980, this trio of modern day minstrels has traveled great distances to numerous countries, to bring their music to enthusiastic folk fans the world over.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Downtown Benicia Restaurant Week

1/17-1/23, all day Benicia Restaurants Ring in the New Year with a passport to culinary heaven during Downtown Benicia’s Restaurant Week. Enjoy discounts, specialty menus, and more when you dine in Benicia.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Jan BenMag Vol11 v2.indd 29

Installation of Officers Awards & Business of the Year Awards 1/22 Learn about Benicia Chamber of Commerce’s plans for 2016, meet the Board of Directors, attract potential clients, network, socialize and dine with leaders and members of our business community. Reservations required.

Beniciachamber.org 707.745.2120

SF Beer Week Opening Gala Mixer

1/22, 6-10pm Pier 35,1454 The Embarcadero San Francisco The San Francisco Brewers Guild sponsers the 8th Annual Beer week, kicked off by the Opening Gala Mixer. Over 300 beers by over 100 Northern California brewers will be sampled. Featuring a Collaboration Beer Bowl, where SF Brewers Guild members will compete in two teams (North of Market vs.

South of Market) for best collaboration beer. Sample these special brews and vote for your favorite. This event will sell out.

Check the website to find out where collaboration beers will be sampled throughout the week.

Sfbeerweek.org

Jack London in Benicia

1/31, 2-4pm Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, 115 West G Street, Benicia Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Jack London’s death and the 140th anniversary of his birth.

Join us to hear more about London, the number one bestselling author of his day, as well as an adventurer and a romantic. Not to mention, a former Benician!

Protectbeniciastateparks.com 707.745.3385

Elementary Enrollment Beginning February 1st Enrollment for incoming Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten and new elementary students to BUSD begins February 1st Your child must turn five years old on or before September 1, 2016 to enroll in Kindergarten.

BUSD is also offering Transitional Kindergarten again this year for all Benicia students who turn five years old between September 2nd and December 2nd, 2016. Enrollment for this program is completed at each of our Elementary Schools starting the month of February.

Open Enrollment for all Elementary students desiring to attend a school outside of their school of residence will be held the month of March.

Forms can be picked up at any elementary site and information is on the BUSD website.

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

Vallejo Symphony Performance

1/31, 3pm Hogan Auditorium 850 Rosewood Avenue, Vallejo 84th Season, Marc Taddei, conducting.

Vallejosymphony.com 707.643.4441

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One coupon per table. Exp. 1/31/16

50% Off Entrée

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

6th Year Anniversary!

10% OFF

Entire Bill With this coupon.

Not valid with any other offer.

Exp. 1/31/16

Open every day 6am—3pm e R d.

Sailor Jacks Purchase one lunch or dinner entrée in January & receive one complimentary dessert with this ad*

on

680

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Benicia Grill E. 2nd

With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per table. Exp. 1/31/16

OYSTER SPECIAL MONDAYS

Dinner-style lunch menu

707.751.0155 • 4760 E. Second St., Benicia

*expires Exp. 1/31/16. Dine in only. One discount per table, no cash value.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sailor Jacks • Open Every Day • 123 First Street 707.746.8500

30 • Benicia Magazine

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IA

We are passionate about Homeownership

PLUMBIN

75

.

INC

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1

9

ES

AB

AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE

G

BEN IC

“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”

LISH E D

Alan M. Schwartzman Branch Manager

DRE 00681649/01215943 NMLS 238622/1850

ams@advancedmtg.com

Mitchell S. Chernock Trenchless Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation - Pipe Bursting Repair or Replace • Water - Gas - Sewer Garbage Disposal • Drain Cleaning • Water Heaters Video Camera • Slab Leaks • Free Estimates

Residential and Commercial Service 24/7

(707) 745-2930

Sales Manager

DRE 00583404/01215943 NMLS 236204/1850

mitchell@advancedmtg.com • Purchase/Refinance • Conventional, FHA, VA, 203 K Rehab • Reverse Mortgages for Seniors • Native American Home Loans

707. 746. 4920

www.BeniciaPlumbing.com CA Lic. #329632

Lic. by Dept. of Corp. under the CRMLA

Best of 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2103 & 2014

615 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

advancedmtg.com

Welcome to Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

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

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

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

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Celebrating 25 Years

Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home, or a Nourot Vase, with the purchase of a complete kitchen.

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

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

4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Contractor's License # 687979

"We very much appreciate the great attention to detail and quality that went into our remodeled kitchen. Susy’s feature ideas, layout suggestions and detailed plans for cabinets, and Mary Ann’s efforts in getting our countertops just right, made for an amazing kitchen. We are very pleased with how our ‘project of a lifetime’ turned out."

—Mike and Gita

707-745-2100 • aqc@aqchome.com

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