July Issue

A Weekend of Art and Jazz at Main Street's 3rd Annual Festival Add Pizazz to Your Picnic Basket Fab Finds on First for $50 or Less

Volume 5 Issue 9 • July 2010 •

beniciamagazine.com

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Benicia Magazine

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8 16 Cover photo and above by Jerry Bowles

13 15

Features 6 7 8 10 11 11 13 14 15 16 4

Happening in July Art & Culture Three for Your Picnic Basket Interview with Rhonda Lucile Hicks CityFact Looking Back A Festival for Specialists, Devotees— and Everybody Else Fashionista: The 3/50 Project Fab Finds on First for $50 or Less California History in Your Backyard

Benicia Magazine

C Contributors oontr

Photographer Graphic Design

Samuel J. Adams Michael Dotson Mary Marino Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Nancy Otter

Jerry Bowles Margaret Bowles

Editor

Jeanne Steinmann

Publisher

Polygon Publishing

Ad Sales: 707.853.5226 adsales@insidebenicia.com Inside Benicia Printed with soy ink PO Box 296 Benicia, CA 94510 T 707.853.5226 F 707.745.6757 insidebenicia.com editor@insidebenicia.com Editorial & ad deadlines: the 8th of each month All opinions expressed in this magazine, including articles and paid advertisements, are those of the authors alone. Ad positions near articles or other ads are not intended as endorsements for any product, service, opinion, or political affiliation.

From the Editor FINALLY - our new masthead has arrived, debuting for the first time on this cover. After six years with the old name, on June 30 Inside Benicia became Benicia Magazine. A seemingly overnight change was, in reality, six months of planning, deliberation and design. We hope you agree that the new name and modern font more accurately reflects our town – classy with a dash of fun. And if you are a resident of Danville, we occasionally send you the magazine to welcome you across the bridge for a visit. Stop in and say hello at some of the Benicia shops owned

by Danville residents. You won’t be disappointed: with the waterfront as a backdrop, our vibrant Downtown and Arsenal shopping areas, with plenty of shops, restaurants and galleries provide abundant opportunities for entertainment.

In addition to big and small changes to the print magazine in graphics and in feature stories, our website has changed dramatically. We are extremely excited about beniciamagazine.com. It’s a full-service information site with a professional look and stunning photos of Benicia, which gives us an opportunity to do two things: better serve the community, and let our neighbors around the Bay Area discover what’s great about our town.

Beniciamagazine.com is fun and informative, and includes the most comprehensive calendar in Solano County (events, local and regional happenings, civic meeting schedules, game times for adult and youth sports and more.) Also - prize giveaways, art, music, history, education, shopping, blogs, photo galleries and videos, home & garden, real estate, travel and a resource guide with hundreds of businesses. These changes have taken into account all the feedback we receive each month from readers. Reader comments are highly valued - please keep them coming.

Our goal is to continue to bring you stories that inform and inspire.

Our distribution hasn’t changed – Benicia residents and businesses will still receive the magazine in their mailboxes each month, as will select households outside of town. You’ll find the same departments and favorite features that capture the essence of our city, and a fresh perspective on what’s happening in and around town with articles by new writers. At Benicia Magazine, we are extremely grateful for your support and look forward to entertaining you for many years to come. —Jeanne Steinmann editor@beniciamagazine.com

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Benicia Magazine

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Happening in

JULY 7/10

Historical Museum’s Spenger Concert Series 8pm Bluegrass by the Dave Thom Band Benicia Historical Museum, 2024 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

7/11

Jack London’s Life in Benicia 2-4pm Presentation includes a 12-minute video Commanding Officer’s Quarters, 1 Commandant’s Lane

Photo by Jerry Bowles

7/1-17

7/1-29

7/3

7/15

7/15

Torchlight Parade 6:30pm

7/16

Picnic in the Park Noon-7pm, Fireworks 9pm

Swan Brothers Circus Juggle 7pm

7/17

Open Mic Poetry Reading 7pm

7/18

Amazing Shadow Puppets 3pm Free Summer Reading Program for kids 8 - 14 yrs Library Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

7/9

7/20

7/10

Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.745.4770

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Benicia Magazine

Magic Dan 7pm Free Junior Summer Reading Program, kids 3-1/2 - 8 yrs Library Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

7/24, 25

Benicia Fine Arts & Jazz Festival 11am-8pm Saturday, 11am-6pm Sunday, Live performances by top jazz musicians, fine art, food, wine & beer Foot of First Street, beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/25

103rd Holy Ghost Celebration 10am Parade, lunch, auction, dinner and dancing B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street 707.315.2784

7/27

Rocky LaPorte Comedy Show 8pm Doors open at 7pm, no-host bar Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia Street, Vallejo Empresstheatre.org 707.552.2400

Kids Activity Day at the Historical Museum Treasure hunt, geology class, all-day event Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

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

7/7

The Great American Songbook Concert 8pm Benefit for the Vallejo Symphony, Russ Lorenson performs the old greats Community Congregational Church 1305 West Second Street 707.747.0320

Free Junior Summer Reading Program, kids 3-1/2 - 8 yrs Library Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

7/6

Outdoor Concert & Movies at the Park 6:30pm An evening under the stars with music & movie City Park Gazebo, First & Military Streets

Arts and crafts, food, entertainment, kids’ activities City Park, First & Military, Fireworks at Foot of First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/6

Mad Science Goes Spin, Pop, Boom 3pm Free Summer Reading Program, kids 8 - 14 yrs Library Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Celebrating visual & performing arts and history First Street Downtown, weekends, free events Beniciamainstreet.org, 707.745.9791

7/4

Community Blood Drive 1-7pm Donors 17 years+, good health, 110+ lbs.

First Baptist Church, 1055 Southampton Road 707.745.0899

Benicia Farmer’s Market 4-8pm

Viva Benicia Weekends Noon-4pm

Wildlife Associates Presents This Living Earth 3pm Free Summer Reading Program for kids 8 - 14 yrs Library Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Fresh produce, baked goods, food booths, arts & crafts Thursdays through October Benicia Main Street, First and D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Includes music, dancers, floats, horses, clowns First Street Downtown Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/3-7/31

7/14

Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House Guided Tours 1-4pm Capitol tour 1-4pm, Fischer-Hanlon tour, 2pm Thursdays and Fridays in July 115 West G Street 707.745.3375

Nancy Cassidy Fun Sing-Along 7pm Free Junior Summer Reading Program, kids 3-1/2 - 8 yrs Library Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Art Exhibit: Structure & Light Noon-5pm Images of the former Yuba Manufacturing Complex Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler Street, #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

7/1-29

7/13

Caterpillar Puppets 7pm Free Junior Summer Reading Program, kids 3-1/2 - 8 yrs Library Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

7/28

Bronkar’s Circus of Sound 3pm Free Summer Reading Program, kids 8 - 14 yrs Library Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Benicia Frame Studio and Gallery: Craftsmanship and attention to detail have earned Benicia Frame a reputation for quality picture framing among residents, businesses, and Benicia's large art community. With a diminishing number of qualified craftsmen to be found, this shop increasingly draws customers from neighboring communities. 638 First Street, 707.745.4014, www.beniciaframe.com.

Plein Air Gallery: Fifteen local Artists show their outdoor paintings of Bay Area scenes centering on Benicia and Carquinez Straits and expanding throughout Northern California.

307 First Street, www.beniciapleinair.com.

July Art Scene

Arts Benicia Gallery: The current exhibition is entitled Structure and Light, and features photographs by Hedi B. Desuyo and monotype prints by Linda Grebmeier. This exhibit of artwork was created as a response to the passing of a piece of local history, the Yuba Manufacturing Complex in the lower Benicia Arsenal. For classes, events and exhibits, visit the gallery at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, 707.747.0131, www.artsbenicia.org.

Lindsay Glass Blowing Studio and Gallery: Handblown Art Glass by artist David Lindsay, who uses this ancient art form to create work inspired by the sea and nature with movement and flow in their many shapes and designs. The gallery represents more than 25 American Craft Artists while showcasing Lindsay’s work. Lindsay is one of three well-known glass blowers in Benicia.

109 East F Street, 707.748.1336, www.lindsayartglass.com. Call ahead for glass-blowing demonstration times. Smyers Art Glass, www. smyersglass.com, and Nourot Studio, www.nourot.com, are also located in Benicia. B

nts Arts Benicia Prese ng: ound town includi ar es nu ve at rk wo t tis ar l ca lo Find Olson Realty t Gayle’s Restauran & e Mik rn ve Ta k lli The Re brary Benicia Public Li

Expanding Experiences 7th Annual Open Studio & Wine Tasting

By Anna DiStefano

Studio 41: A premier gallery of American art & craft. This beautiful showroom is in a historic building built in 1900, across from the State Capitol. Celebrating its 20th year, Studio 41 was voted Top Gallery of American Craft for ten years by 20,000 artisans. Representing over 500 American Artisans, you can find art, art glass, jewelry, gourmet foods including specialty chocolates, and unique handmade gifts. This is a very popular place to register wedding gifts or wish lists.

700 First Street, 707.745.0254, www.studio41.com.

September 15, 2010 6pm – 8:30pm Tyler & Jackson Streets Benefiting Liberty High School Sponsored by Rotary Club of Benicia & Arts Benicia For more information, contact Beverly White: beverlywhite4@gmail.com

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Benicia Magazine

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Downtown Chefs Suggest Three Dishes for Your Picnic Baskets

By Samuel J. Adams Less frenzied than an alleyway football game, less expensive than a water park, and infinitely less stressful than a corporate retreat, the “picnic” remains one of America’s signature summer activities. Elsewhere in this country, the picnic is a battle of fun versus elements, where citizens use lemonade, potato salad and horseshoes to combat near-fatal temperatures, militant ant invasions, and a humidity that can turn sandwiches to soup. We Northern Californians should honor their struggle—and feel grateful that we got off easy. With calm weather and numerous lovely parks at our disposal, all that remains is to fill up the basket. Thankfully, the leaders of three local restaurants have tips on how to do just that.

Christine Meade, Capitol Café Christine Meade is the co-owner of Benicia’s Capitol Café, a restaurant that specializes in family-style cooking. Her staff uses organic and local ingredients to make dishes that dazzle with culinary inventiveness, but which are familiar enough to leave customers with a pleasantly nostalgic buzz.

On Saturdays and Sundays they serve breakfast all day and brunch specials; and, to the delight of local barhops, they’ve recently extended their Friday and Saturday hours until 2 a.m. As the restaurant offers an adventurous and ever-changing selection of dishes, it was no great shock that Meade was able to whip up a picnic-ready recipe at a moment’s notice.

Summer Fruit Wraps Use a standard or flavored tortilla as a base. Spread a layer of cream cheese over the tortilla. Fold one side of the tortilla over and add strawberries. As you roll up the tortilla, add additional layers of seasonal fruit and cheese (brie, gruyere, or cheddar), until only a quarter of the tortilla remains. Finish rolling the tortilla and add a toothpick to secure. If serving guests, cut the roll into small pieces and use a fruit-based vinaigrette dressing for dipping. Dish goes well with wheat beer or white wine.

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Benicia Magazine

Abe Hadeed, Sahara Restaurant Mr. Hadeed has owned and run Sahara Restaurant for the past 3-1/2 years. The restaurant offers solid, freshly made Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Though the place will certainly sate the meat aficionado searching for good lamb, it has lately been drawing a vegetarian crowd who savor its relaxed atmosphere and its tasty moussaka.

He suggested a kid-friendly chicken kebab dish which— parents take note—he considers a good way to smuggle vital vegetables into their diet.

Standard Kebab The recipe is for an easy kebab dish. Simply grill up a selection of meat, chicken, or lamb with vegetables like red bell peppers, tomatoes and small and large onions, and then arrange on a skewer in any order you please. For a good dip, dilute Tahini sauce with water, zest with lemon juice, and salt. Goes well with Basmati rice. For other styles of grilled meat, Studio 41 has grilling spices and rubs.

Char Herd, Char’s Hot Dogs Char Herd, a 32-year veteran of the Bay Area dining scene, has owned and run Char’s Hot Dogs for 16 years. Last year she moved her operation from the iconic Tannery Building to a larger location at 523 First Street, made her grandson Josh Branum co-owner, and expanded the business to include fresh yogurt and vegetarian hot dogs. But her hearty, all-American hot dogs remain the main draw; and she was happy to answer the call of patriotism and submit a recipe worthy of July’s festivities. The recipe was developed by her grandson Josh.

California Coney Grill up a Miller All-Beef Hot Dog and put in a bun of your choosing. Cover with shredded cheddar cheese, add a dab of Stag® chili, pickles, jalapenos, and spicy pickled carrots. The rest is up to you. B

Photo by Jerry Bowles

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Benicia Magazine

9

An Interview with Rhonda Lucile Hicks

By Sue Sumner-Moore Take the centuries-old practice of being an art patron, toss in a dash of Mickey Rooney’s enthusiasm about putting on shows in early 20th-century film musicals, sprinkle with a practical nature and you have Benicia producer Rhonda Lucile Hicks.

Rhonda has brought an eclectic array of musicians and comedians to Solano stages since she started producing shows in 2005. The humorous country-rock band Antsy McLain and the Trailer Park Troubadours. Comedians Paula Poundstone and Will Durst. The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra. Electric violinist Carlos Reyes. Nuevo flamenco guitarists Muriel Anderson and Tierra Negra. And many, many more.

Finding artists is the easy part, she says. Putting together shows, minding all the details and making sure everything is right—that takes real work.

Rhonda launched Red Dragonfly Productions in 2005 after hosting successful performances at a local church and in her backyard. She also owns 851 Music Studio on Military West. She produces 15 to 20 shows a year and divides her work time “about 50-50” between teaching piano students and putting on local shows.

Rhonda’s goal is to present performers who might not be heard in the corporate-dominated music industry, and to build community through shared experiences.

“To me, that’s the heart of what music is—community and sharing. Music is not just buying tickets from Live Nation and going to a concert at the Concord Pavilion. I am perfectly happy with those concerts, but they don’t have to squish out everything else,” she says.

Rhonda, 51, has one son, Grayson Hauser, a blues guitarist in San Francisco. She moved to Benicia 17 years ago from Berkeley to find good schools for him. She sold her medical billing business when she changed careers five years ago, and now she’s looking forward to taking a brief respite from the demands of being a music producer.

What convinced you to move from organizing house concerts to staging professional productions?

I found I was really good at it. I have a good ear, I know good music when I hear it, I’m good at details and I’m able to put together all those details. …

But in the end, what makes me a good producer is I know who my master is, and it’s the audience. I always put the audience first.

I work with artists, venues and nonprofits; and people often get caught up in their own interests and lose site of the fact that it’s a show. It’s a show and you want to please your audience. In most circles, there’s no advocate for the audience. I’m that advocate when we put together a show.

How do you know what audiences will like?

I read audiences pretty well. I sit in the back of the house during a show and watch how the audience is reacting. I’ve learned that there’s an arc to their excitement. It peaks about five minutes after showtime; and every minute you go past that, you see excitement diminish. That’s why my shows start on time.

You also can’t go too long. People start to leave. You always want to give your audience a good show and leave them wanting more.

What does a producer do?

There’s an old joke: What’s a producer? A fool with a checkbook.

The producer pays the deposits, signs the contracts, manages the show. I do 15 to 20 shows a year; half are smaller shows like the Spenger Garden Music Series and the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum’s comedy shows, and half are in larger venues.

I do six to eight bigger shows every year. Bigger venue, bigger risk. I can’t do more than that because of the stress and the financial exposure.

When I sign contracts, I’m $6,000 in the hole. That’s the venue, artist and insurance costs, before you add in Green Room food and any other expenses that come up, and they always come up.

I’m an individual, not a corporation or nonprofit. It’s me who’s going to pay for it if the show tanks.

What are your long-range plans?

My long-range plans are at the Empress Theatre in Vallejo.

VenueTech took over management about a month ago, so

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Benicia Magazine

everything is on hold now because they’re in a reorganization mode. They asked me to itemize the changes I think need to be made, things that get in the way of producing shows there. …

There are some challenges with an old vaudeville movie theater – the Green Room is next door, in a building shared with a restaurant, you need security because of the location and that adds to the cost.

Because of some of these extraneous costs, some shows have not been financially feasible. The bottom line is that I’m not doing shows anywhere where I’ve done the numbers and they show it will be in the red. I’m not in a situation where I can do shows in the red.

So it depends on how the Empress works out. The Empress has a beautiful stage. I’d love to make it my home.

What comes next for Red Dragonfly?

I’d like it to become an income producer. For the past five years, I’ve taken the money from each show and put it into the next show. I’ve bought my own sound system and I started buying lighting.

So the bad economy has been good for me in a way because it made me make decisions. I’m cutting back. Some people have hobbies like golf that they enjoy. But if you wake up on a Saturday and you don’t want to go golfing, you don’t have to.

But if you’re putting on a show, you don’t have the luxury of not doing it. When you have multiple shows coming up, you don’t have a choice. So you don’t get the opportunity to unplug.

So you’re taking some time off?

I’ve worked five years without a break. I’ve never had a time when I didn’t have shows on the calendar. If it’s not going to generate some revenue, I need to cut back. I can do fewer shows and have a better quality of life. …

So the Spenger Garden Music Series ends in October and then I’m going to take a couple months off. I started saying no to everything about two months ago. …

I have got to take a break in order to figure out what’s next and where I want to go. It’s been five years -- I need a couple of months without a show. By the time I return from hiatus, the Empress should be settled. I’d like a home stage. I want a community, I’m not an itinerate producer.

I want to wake up in the morning without a long “to-do” list. I’ll still teach lessons, but I want to find some balance in my life. B

Rhonda Lucile Hicks’ company, Red Dragonfly Productions, has a lineup of comedians and musicians to entertain you this summer. Call 707.745.5435 for tickets and information.

Friday, July 9 at 8 p.m.

Comedian Rocky LaPorte The Empress Theatre, Vallejo A benefit for the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society – please bring a can or bag of pet food to the concert.

Reserved seating: $15 to $20

Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m.

The David Thom Band Stone Hall in the Benicia Historical Museum This bluegrass band will perform as part of the Spenger Garden Music Series.

General admission: $20

Saturday, July 17 at 8 p.m.

Russ Lorenson Community Congregational Church, Benicia Crooner Russ Lorenson will perform songs from the Great American Songbook at this benefit for the Vallejo Symphony.

Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 the day of the show

Saturday, August 14 at 8 p.m.

Edna Love and the North Beach Brass Band Stone Hall in the Benicia Historical Museum Soul music combines with New Orleans-style brass during this performance, which is part of the Spenger Garden Music Series.

General admission: $20

CIT Y FACT

Children’s Day at the Benicia Historical Museum

By Mary Marino, Benicia Historical Museum To continue the celebration of the Benicia Historical Museum’s 25th Anniversary on Sunday, July 18 from 1-4pm, we will explore how Benicians and other Californians coped with everyday life as pioneers in the 1840s-1850s, the time of the building of the Arsenal.

Life was very different in those days – no electricity or running water, no supermarkets or automobiles. In the Museum’s program for 3rd and 4th grade school tours, students take part in chores that would have been necessary to their lives and those of their families.

The chores include doing laundry using large buckets and scrubbing boards, then rinsing

and wringing out the clothes and hanging them on a clothesline. Our visitors will also take part in grinding corn, hauling water, roping steer and making adobe bricks. Pictographs and painting on stones provide take-home souvenirs.

In addition, bird and reptile visitors from the Suisun Wildlife Rescue Center will be on display, as well as animals from local agencies.

The Museum with the new Patwin Indian Exhibit, the Industrial Exhibit, and the Powder Magazine will be open and refreshments will be available. Admission is free and open to all. B

LOOKING BACK

Benicia’s New Community Center

By Michael Dotson, Assistant Director Parks & Community Services On March 29, 2007, the Benicia City Council and Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees entered into a lease agreement whereby the City of Benicia would lease the former Mills Elementary School from the BUSD for use as a community center.

Upon leasing the facility, the City hired Noll and Tam Architects to develop a bid packet and, in an effort to have the project achieve a level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, hired consultant Alice Sung from Greenbank Associates.

In March of 2010 the City, the Good Neighbor Steering Committee and Valero Refining Company, as part of an amendment to the 2008 Valero/Good Neighbor Steering Committee

Agreement, approved funding for the construction of the entire project in the amount of $2,850,000, which makes the reality of a new community center much closer!

The new community center will consist of approximately 33,000 square feet and will accommodate after-school programs, preschool programs, teen activities, art programs, senior programs, community meeting space, Girl and Boy Scouts, vocational programs, and much more.

The project is out to bid, and award of the bid should occur in early August 2010. If all goes well construction would begin in late August 2010, with an opening of the new community center in May/June 2011. B

Early Benicia Fire Fighters circa 1910

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Benicia Magazine

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Benicia Magazine

A Festival for Specialists, Devotees—and Everybody Else

By Samuel J. Adams For those looking to beat the summer heat without airconditioning and see top-notch entertainment without leaving town, there’s a festival for you on the way and it’s humming a merry tune.

Falling on what promises to be a sizzling late-July weekend, the Benicia Fine Arts and Jazz Festival is the third installment of what Benicia Main Street hopes will become a cherished annual tradition and the organization’s signature fundraising event.

The festival, running July 24-25, will be held on the wide swath of land running from the First Street Green to the end of the pier, and features a juried marketplace for local artists, a wine and beer garden, and several stalwarts of the Bay Area jazz scene.

The festival was developed out of the now-defunct Benicia Waterfront Festival. Though the Waterfront Festival was an incredibly popular and profitable event, members of Benicia Main Street felt its emphasis on microbrews and twenty-somethings left out older and younger demographics; and the organization decided to take a year off to consider models with a wider appeal.

“We wanted a sit ‘n’ sip environment,” says Benicia Main Street’s executive director Nancy Martinez, rather than a raucous summertime party. After finding inspiration in Sausalito’s “Jazz and Blues by the Bay,” they contracted local saxophonist Bryan Girard to book something similar.

He did so with distinction. Last year’s well-attended festival featured, among other distinguished performers, a three-time Grammy nominee, a former Kennedy Center Jazz Ambassador to Africa, and, for the locals, a bandleader who was a former Benicia High School Teacher of the Year.

This year the lineup is arguably more prestigious, and despite the performers' Bay Area zip codes, global in its scope. San Francisco group Rue Manouce plays Gypsy Jazz and sings in French; Oakland’s Machina Sol blend jazz with Afro-Cuban music, and Peter Anastos and Iter play straight-ahead jazz, traditional Greek songs and an exciting style that combines both traditions. But that’s not to say that the American jazz canon is getting short shrift: there are two world-class contralto female vocalists (Denise Perrier and Maye Callaro, respectively) singing original compositions and standards from the American songbook, and the festival concludes with a swinging performance by sixteen-piece big band The Contemporary Jazz Orchestra.

Despite such rich variety, however, jazz can be a nebulous concept. For every devotee intrigued by a sentence like, “The motif supports the melody, voiced in tandem by trumpet and tenor, setting up a walking bass section that slows through a lope under a stretched out melody line, back to the guitar-bass motif*,” there are four or five people who can regard it only with blinks.

Even Ms. Martinez initially felt unsure about the musical direction, but has enjoyed herself immensely at each festival. “Keep an open mind,” says Martinez, “jazz is for everybody.”

Girard, who will be the emcee for the festival,

wholeheartedly agrees. “It’s really accessible music,” he says. For those experiencing live jazz for the first time, he particularly recommends the funky, bluesy opening act Algorhythm, as well as the two vocalists. For those needing a refresher on the history of the genre, he suggests Ken Burn’s “Jazz.”

Still, Girard feels the festival would not be a success if it didn’t please the specialist as well. “Being a musician myself, I take the booking very seriously,” he says; and he feels he booked “nine of the top groups in the Bay Area.”

He notes that featured group Erik Jekabson Quintet has been playing shows at prominent venues in New York City, still the regnant center of the modern jazz universe.

And with the amazing talent packed into the festival, there’s a fine chance that some of the festival-goers might arrive curious amateurs and hear something that inspires them to learn everything they can about jazz— or to start playing it themselves. Girard’s own passion for jazz was incited by a single recording, alto-saxophonist Cannonball Adderley’s “Sack O’ Woe,” a song he heard as an adolescent and describes as a revelation; it inspired him to trade in his clarinet for his own sax. His group, The Bryan Girard Quartet, performed last year; and this year in addition to his duties as an emcee he plans to take the stage with Peter Anastos and Iter.

For those looking to complement the musical medley with something cool and flavorful, there will be a wine and beer garden on premises. Food and drinks will be served primarily by volunteers, and those looking to pitch in can contribute two hours of service in exchange for free admission. Those wanting to do so are encouraged to contact Nancy Martinez at 707.745.9791.

Arts collectors and casual shoppers will have an array of locally produced works to consider from the juried selection of pieces. For the kids, as well as the young at heart, the festival boasts a “Kiddie Korner” where attendees can experiment with painting, make their own jewelry, and try their hand at a printing press to be installed and operated by members of Arts Benicia.

In addition, there will be a small stage on the pier featuring various types of live entertainment in between the main acts.

And as if all this wasn’t enough, the festival takes place on the lovely waterfront promenade, which, even on an off day, features a calming breeze, affords a fantastic view of the water and the sunset, and bustles with human activity. And, with weekend passes priced at twelve dollars, everything’s available for about the cost of a movie ticket.

“Where else can you pay eight dollars for a full day of entertainment?” asks Nancy Martinez.

The event does end a bit early for night owls—8pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday—but those looking to continue the festivities are encouraged to visit the First Street bars and restaurants preparing for the event. Don’t be intimidated by a large crowd—the servers will be jazzed to see you. *The quote is from a review by Phil DiPietro that appeared in the online magazine All That Jazz. B

Benicia Magazine

13

Featuring the Summer Collection by Iris

FASHIONISTA IN BENICIA

The 3/50 Project

By Christina Strawbridge During the first week of March 2009, Oprah and her guest Suze Orman, of financial wiz fame, instructed everyone to stop spending money on nonessential purchases. Saving money was their response to an economy that was in the tank.

Cinda Baxter, a marketing consultant and a 17-year stationery retailer, replied with a blog post on March 11, 2009 which she named The 3/50 Project. The idea is to support independent, locally owned businesses by inspiring customer loyalty for the stores that directly fund their community. Very quickly, Main Street USA responded to the direct and easy-to-understand concept. How does it work?

Pick 3. Spend $50. Save your local economy.

Think about which three independently owned stores you would miss if they were gone.

Stop in, say hello and make a purchase. That's how they stay around. If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned stores, their purchases would generate $46,629,700,000.00 in revenue (that's BILLION). Twenty thousand Benicia residents spending $50 each with their favorite retailer or restaurant equates to $1,000,000.00!

For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. In a national chain, only $43 stays local.

Making online purchases means nothing comes home. Small, independent stores also support local nonprofits such as schools, sports programs and the needy, with product donations and volunteerism.

The number of people it takes to start the trend...one (you!). Ms. Baxter was recently invited to speak in this area by Martinez Main Street, the City of Martinez and the City of Benicia. About 35 people listened to her success story and found out how this message has resonated with consumers and independent store owners throughout the country. The 3/50 Project has been featured by Consumer Reports, CNN, Fox Business News and Entrepreneur

Continued on page 16

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Benicia Magazine

Fabulous First Street Finds for $50 or Less!

1. Straw fedora $28; Christina S 2. Mini-Shell pitchers $6 each; Camellia Tea Room 3. Recycled wrappers bag $46, garden scissors $23, gloves $8.75; Studio 41 4. Blown-glass votive holders $40; Lindsay Art Glass 5. Throw pillows $9 each; IronHorse Home Furnishings 6. Garden-theme sticky notes $12.50; Studio 41 7. Sweatshirt $25, Benicia Main Street 8. Hanky Panky panties $50 for two; Be Chic Boutique 9. Tank $44, Scarf $38; Christina S 10. Page 4, Blue bracelet $46; Be Chic Boutique

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Benicia Magazine

15

California History in Your Backyard

Photo by Jerry Bowles

The 3/50 Project Continued from page 14 Magazine. Amazingly, she has done all of this through social networking, from that one initial blog to the thousands of businesses that are now registered supporters. By the way, it is free for independent businesses to register. Ms. Baxter gave lots of information about cross-promotion and working together as a community. At the end of her presentation,

By Nancy Otter The California Legislature met in Benicia’s State Capitol building in 1853 and 1854. The third State Capitol in California, this restored building is the only surviving preSacramento capitol and makes for a wonderful peek back into the period. State Park docents highlight the early history of the state of California and the activities of California’s fourth and fifth legislatures. Join informal docent-led guided tours of the Benicia Capitol building Thursday and Friday afternoons 1– 4pm and most mornings 10am - noon.

Three generations of the Joseph Fischer family lived in the Federalist-style home adjacent to the Capitol. It was donated to the State in 1969, completely restored and furnished to the period, and surrounded by lovely Victorian gardens. Tour the Fischer-Hanlon House Thursday and Friday afternoons at 2pm. Additional Fischer-Hanlon House tours are available on many Saturdays at 10:30am and on July 17 at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Sunday tours are offered at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm on

July 11 and 25. Fischer-Hanlon House tours are limited to seven visitors on a first-come, first-served basis; the FischerHanlon House is open by guided tour only.

Admission to Benicia Capitol State Historic Park is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for youth ages 6-17 and free for children 5 years and younger. Admission includes self-guided tours of the Carriage House and the Benicia Capitol building, and scheduled guided tours as available.

The Benicia Capitol is open for self-guided tours and California State Parks Annual Day Use Parking Pass sales 10am-5pm, Thursday through Sunday. Please call before your visit for updated tour times and additional tour dates, or to reserve a school or group tour.

California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (707) 745-3385; Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, 115 West G Street, Benicia, CA 94510; www.parks.ca.gov. B

Leah Shelhorn, owner of Studio 41, and I invited her to come to Benicia on her way up to Woodland where she would be speaking next. She arrived a few hours later and fell in love with our charming town. She immediately saw the potential in our ten-block downtown area that offers a vast array of cool merchandise, diverse restaurants, and pampering salons and spas.

A recent survey of finds for under $50 at downtown shops

revealed a number of items that were noteworthy (and giftworthy!) from fashion to home décor. Strolling our charming and vibrant downtown reminds us why we love living in and visiting this historic city where we know the shop owners' names, and more importantly, they know ours. Remember— supporting independent entrepreneurs is an investment in your community. For more information, www.the350project.net B

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Benicia Magazine

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D I R E C T O R Y

Clothing & Accessories Be Chic Boutique Women’s classic clothing 309 First Street, Benicia 707.745.1148 bechicbenicia.com

Home Services, Repair & Construction Benicia Floor Company 84 Solano Square, Benicia 707.745.9024 beniciafloorcompany.com

Christina S Fashion Destination Clothing, trunk shows, events, fun!

370 First Street, Benicia 707.745.5125

Benicia Plumbing, Inc. People taking care of people 707.745.2930 beniciaplumbing.com

Event & Meeting Space Benicia Historical Museum Beautiful wedding & event space 2060 Camel Road, Benicia 707.745.5435 beniciahistoricalmuseum.org

Foster Lumber Yards 3280 Sonoma Blvd., Vallejo 707.557.3000 fosterlumber.com

Medical continued Lynn’s Caring Touch Massage At Elisabeth’s Hair Design 601 First Street, Benicia 707.319.3006 lbolaza@att.net Promotional Items Embroidery Factory Embroidery, Screenprinting & More!

6000A Egret Court, Benicia 707.746.7625 embroideryfactory.com

Insurance State Farm Steve McClure Insurance and financial services 840 First Street, Benicia 707.745.0848

Real Estate Estey Real Estate Purchase, sale or property management 935 First Street, Benicia 707.745.0925 esteyrealestate.com

Financial Planning & Mortgage Services Advanced Mortgage Services Alan M. Schwartzman 615 First Street, Benicia 707.746.4920 advancedmtg.com

Legal Services Oliveira Law Firm Probate, business, estate planning 940 Adams Street, Suite B, Benicia 707.751.1426

Olson Realty Inc. Kathleen McInerney Olson, Broker 920 First Street, Benicia 707.745.3602 olsonrealtyinc.com

Tax Advice, Inc. Professional, Thorough, Affordable 919 First Street, Benicia 707.746.7767 BeniciaTaxAdvice.com

Medical Lerner Eye Center Hilary Jon Lerner, M.D. Concord, Pittsburg, San Ramon 888.820.9600 lernereyecenter.com

Restaurants Pizza Pirate Dine-in, take-out & delivery 72 Solano Square, Benicia 707.745.1667

Benicia Yacht Club-Meeting Room Special events, weddings and catering 400 East 2nd Street, Benicia 94510 707.746.0739 beniciayachtclub.com

Capitol Glass Co., Inc. Serving Customers Since 1970 707.745.4570

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Benicia Magazine

Reasonable rates, highest quality workmanship

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Benicia Magazine

RIGHT:

Unsafe sprouts come up quickly from topped stubs. Soon the topped tree will be taller and more dangerous than to begin with.

City of Benicia Tree Regulations If you are planning on pruning or removing a tree you may need a permit. Please call the Parks and Community Services Department at 746-4285. For more information on the City’s tree program and rules, you can visit the Parks and Community Services web page at the City web site at

www.ci.benicia.ca.us Tree Tip: How do I find a Certified Arborist near me? The International Society of Arboriculture can help!

Answer: To find an ISA Certified Arborist near you, please use the Find A Tree Care Service portion of the ISA Web site. You will be able to search for tree care companies in your area who employ a certified arborist. If you would like to verify if an arborist is certified you may visit the ISA Web site via http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx and type in the name or certification identification number to verify certification status. If you do not have access to the internet, you may contact ISA at (888) 472-8733 for assistance.

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Benicia Magazine

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DOES IT ALL!

Benicia Magazine

23

Awarded the Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business of the Year

Because Life Takes Place in the Kitchen What Makes DeWils Unique?

Solid wood construction Full extension, self-closing drawers Dovetail joints

Celebrating 20 Years in Business

CABINETS AND COUNTERTOPS 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Open M-F 9-5, Weekends and Evenings by appointment

ZZZ DTFKRPH FRP

Contractor’s License # 678979

Hand rubbed stain and varnish Soft closing system on each door

You Won't Find Better Value Than DeWils Fine Cabinetry