Benicia Magazine July 2016

Scenic Hikes in and around Benicia

SOLANO COUNTY PICNIC SPOTS OFF THE BEATEN PATH

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THE CARQUINEZ VILLAGE PROJECT BECOMES A REALITY

Volume 11 Issue 9 July 2016

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Neighbors.

For nearly 50 years, the employees and retirees of the Benicia refinery have been your neighbors.

2015 Torchlight Parade Grand Marshals Michelle and Steve Duff, Valero Benicia Refinery employees – longtime supporters of Benicia Main Street.

They shop Benicia stores and frequent Benicia restaurants.

Their kids and grandkids attend Benicia schools.

They coach our youth, volunteer at church, and belong to our service clubs.

Don’t miss the 2016 Torchlight Parade July 3rd, at 6:30pm

Valero Benicia Refinery • 3400 East Second Street, Benicia CA 94510 • 707-745-7534

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Benicia

Benicia

BeniciaM

Celebrating our 11th Year

Benicia

Benicia

magazine

Be

Benicia appetizers • soup & salads • sandwiches • burgers pizza • dinner entrees • delectable desserts locally grown produce • 33 large screen TV's signed sports memorabilia • NFL ticket specialty cocktails • 22 beers on tap always rotating wine & extensive selection of bottled beer

OPEN DAILY Mon-Fri 11am-12am Fri & Sat 11am-1am Sun 9am-12am

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Editor magazine Jeanne Steinmann Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

Benicia

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Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen magazine

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

Advertising sales Fall Open Enrollment Boys & Girls Age 6 -18 No Audition Policy Benicia Tue. Sept. 6th & Sept. 13th 3:30pm - 4:15pm Benicia Veterans Hall 1150 First Street Benicia Santa Rosa Wed. Sept. 7th & Sept. 14th 4:00pm - 5:30pm Double Session Church of the Roses 2500 Patio Court Santa Rosa New members enroll online at VOENA.org or at rehearsal

Last date to enroll is Sept. 16, 2016 707. 751. 1515

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 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, 372 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, beniciamagazine.com.

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JULY

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 9

FEATURES

16 Fresh air and great views from local hiking trails

18 Solano’s scenic beauty

is perfect for a summer picnic

20 Aging in place gets easier with Carquinez Village Project

DEPARTMENTS 10 From the Editor 12

Bio Fary Koh, BrickSpace owner, loves working with kids

12

Currents BHS alum Vincent Lee graduates from the Coast Guard Academy From plein air to studio, Nikki Basch Davis’ new painting style Quintessential family fun at the Solano County Fair A brand-new beer garden opens downtown

15

Backwards Glance Benicia’s Independence Day Parade: a century of tradition

22 Interview Former Mayor Jerry Hayes on Benicia’s fascinating history 24 Trends The lost art of postcards is alive and well in the City of Light 26 Downtown Map 28 Calendar of Events The best events in Benicia and around the bay Cover photo: The view from the Benicia Vallejo Buffer Trail, by Jerry Bowles.

Above: Courtesy Solano County Fair 8 • Benicia Magazine

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Northgate’s brand new, state-of-the-art multipurpose center is now open.

Just a few of the creative community uses and events the building can be used for include • Speakers • Performances: music, art • Youth groups and comedy • Corporate meetings • Classes including yoga, • Real estate seminars self defense, photography • Teacher awards dinners and more • Wednesday Women’s Group

In addition to our new auditorium, the building holds up to 800 people and features specialty lighting/sound & other amenities.

www.ThisIs.church 2201 Lake Herman Road, Benicia northgateweb.com

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FROM THE EDITOR JULY 2016

Photo by Michael Van Auken

What’s not to love about July, a month that defines the American experience?

Exemplifying the best of summer, July is all about outdoor entertaining, spending time with friends and family and honoring our nation’s history.

This issue is full of stories that celebrate the romance of summer—featuring, among others, some choice hiking areas on the north side of the bay, off the beaten path picnicking possibilities, an update on the Solano County Fair, a new beer garden in town and a local BHS grad who makes Benicia proud by graduating with honors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. July is also one of Benicia Main Street’s busiest months, beginning with the wildly popular annual Freedom Festival, culminating with the July 3 parade and July 4 fireworks over the two-day event, and closing out the month with the annual Waterfront Festival, July 30-31.

Over the years, Benicia has transitioned into a city that offers something to residents of all ages and life stages. In this issue, Adriene Rockwell’s Bio on BrickSpace owner Fary Koh focuses on Koh's passion for working with children; while Sue Sumner-Moore’s interview is with former mayor Jerry Hayes, who hasn’t slowed down a bit as chair of the Benicia Historical Society, working hard to protect our town’s proud history and legacy for the younger generation.

Transitioning into the golden years, the Carquinez Village Project comes to fruition early next year. Lois Requist gives us a CVP update in this issue, outlining how the project can help senior citizens to age in their own homes.

Aside from July’s numerous offerings, this time of year I especially enjoy early morning walks along the waterfront with Mike. I’m loving all the thriving bee boxes, and watching the many front yard vegetable gardens come to life. We are a town of tiny farms and mini-orchards! As our own yard makeover comes to a close, I’m anticipating slow-paced weekends of laid-back family fun and wish all of our readers the same; and a special happy birthday to my fellow Cancerians.

—Jeanne Steinmann

Subscribe! Call 707.853.5226 or go to beniciamagazine.com Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine

@Jeannesteinmann

beniciamagazine

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AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE We are passionate about Homeownership Alan M. Schwartzman Branch Manager

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Tree Regulations

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Incorrect pruning includes tipping the branch or topping the tree, causing: — Unsafe sprouts — Dangerously tall branching — Branch weakening & decay

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BENICIA UNIFIED SCHOOLS Walk-in Registration for Continuing Students On-line Registration for BUSD students Opens June 13 (your student must be enrolled to attend these dates*)

Benicia Middle August 15 and 16 Benicia High August 16 Liberty High August 15 and 16 All Elementary Sites August 16

7

First Day of School is August 23

6

Enrollment for New Students

All sites are currently doing Enrollment for the 2016-17 school year.

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

Parents/Students and Student Enrollment.

Call your local school site or the district office.

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

All students entering 7th grade

must show proof of a Tdap booster before registering

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

Great schools, quality programs.

Benicia Unified School District 350 East K Street

beniciaunified.org BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

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BI O

Bio with

By Adriene Rockwell Photo by Malcolm Slight Fary Koh grew up in Singapore as the eldest of two siblings. Her mother was a chef and her father a custodian, and Fary says her greatest education came from being on the job with them. Although he spoke no English, each night her father asked the siblings to choose an article from the local newspaper and report it to him in English. He believed learning English was the ticket to success.

But English wasn’t Koh's strong suit. Although she was bright enough to be accepted to one of the most prestigious middle schools in Singapore (an island known for producing some of the smartest children in the world), she struggled with English, and this held her back. At the age of 12, she remembers asking herself how she could make learning more interesting—more hands-on. She knew already that one size does not fit all when it comes to education, and this knowledge would eventually become her life’s work.

But first she went to boarding school in Toronto to finish high school— an opportunity afforded by her mother, who sold her house to pay for Koh's education. From there, she went to York University to study Linguistics and British Literature. “Because language was where I had always struggled the most, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it,” she says.

She did well enough to get a full scholarship to Michigan State University, where she earned a degree in University Administration with a minor in Cross Cultural Studies. This led her to become the Resident Director at UC Davis, and then on to UC Berkeley where she worked for more than a decade overseeing academic support for more than 5,000 students living in residence halls.

That’s where she met Gregory in IT, her spouse of 23 years. They moved to Benicia and have three sons, Zach, Justin and Aidan. She was challenged to find the right childcare for them, so she gave up her job to open her own afterschool program, Kidspace. In the 12 years that she operated Kidspace out of her home, she saw the potential of Legos to engage children in the best ways.

When her eldest son was a senior at Benicia High School, she wanted him to be able to bring friends home, so she closed Kidspace. But after just three months, her family begged her to go back to work. “I was becoming a helicopter parent,” she laughs.

That was in 2012, the year she opened BrickSpace Lego Learning Center.

Since then, the business has expanded to two sites in Benicia, one in the historic Arsenal and another downtown. At BrickSpace, children build everything from zip lines to castles to robotics, while collaborating and finding solutions to their problems. “Kids can fail safely here,” says Koh. Actually, building with Lego bricks is a lot like life.

“Everything is possible if you aren’t afraid to take a risk and just do it.

You have your family and community to support you. And if it fails, find out what you can do differently. Find out what is coming up next,” she says. “Trust your journey.”

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BHS Alum Graduates Coast Guard Academy with Honors

By Sarah Rohrs, photo by Derith Lutz In the summer graduation season, one Benicia High School graduate is basking in special honors before setting sail on his next life adventure. Vincent Lee, 2012 Benicia High School alum, graduated with honors and a special award from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Lee also received the Individual Proficiency Award by the Coast Guard Foundation, and was given a clock for excelling in management science.

Officials gave out the special recognition during the Coast Guard Academy Award Ceremony held May 17. Commencement for the entire class took place the following day. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson was the keynote speaker.

After a nine-week summer break, which he is taking in Benicia, Lee will be commissioned to the U.S. Coast Guard base in Alameda and assigned to the new ship Munroe as a Deck Watch Officer. His mother, Gigi, said her son would like to have a long-term career with the Coast Guard, and has a dream of attending flight school. He could not be immediately reached for comment. He spends a lot of time out of cell phone range indulging in his favorite pastime, fishing, his mom said.

Lee, 21, is from Benicia, and his parents, Gigi and Peter Lee, live in town as well. He has long had a passion for and interest in fishing, sailing and engineering. He revitalized the Benicia High School Sailing Club after it went defunct for a few years, and served on the sailing team at the Coast Guard Academy. In his youth, Lee displayed a strong interest in sailing and maritime issues. He learned to make many kinds of knots that he could use for fishing, and also had a goal of becoming a ship's captain by sixth grade. He signed on with the Sea Scouts and served on the Chaser, a 90-foot ship out of Napa. Lee’s mom is a Green Valley Middle School teacher, and his dad is retired.

CURRENTS

6/20/16 4:49 PM

CUR R ENT S

Paintings, Sculptures and Poems

by Nikki Basch-Davis at Library Gallery

Photo: Mirror Mirror, by Nikki Basch Davis

Play it Again Solano!

Photo courtesy Solano County Fair

Nikki Basch-Davis has been creating art in Benicia for 27 years, and has been a member of Arts Benicia for the same length of time, since its inception. Her paintings, sculptures and poems are on display at the library’s Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery until July 27. The show, called Moments, captures human expression and emotion in its range of experience, from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Artist Robert-Jean Ray says, “The portrayals realized in her paintings and sculptures celebrate the human spirit; conveying moments of serenity, affection, tolerance, despair and joy.”

Basch-Davis’ intention is to “draw the viewer’s curiosity. I hope for an emotional reaction rather than an appreciation of the craft.” Indeed, perhaps what’s engaging about her work is that the human moments she depicts are decidedly recognizable, creating a poignant lens for a deeper understanding of the individual and the collective. She finds human stories exciting.

“If my painting tells a story, I am satisfied,” she says. Basch-Davis began as a plein air painter, and, desiring a change in scenery, she transitioned to studio work in the last couple years and started creating sculptures. She says, “I find it interesting that my 2D and 3D work are so similar. It’s as if the figures walked off the canvas and formed into clay.”

There’s a reception at the gallery July 2, 3-5pm, and a poetry reading July 23, 3-5pm. According to Ray, Basch-Davis’ “poetic visualizations provide a sense of hope, despite humanity’s turbulent journey towards uncertainty.” The Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery is located inside the library at 150 East L Street, and gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10am-9pm and Friday-Sunday, noon-6pm. For more information, visit benicialibrary.org/gallery.

What makes the county fair such a popular icon of American culture? With a rich history going back multiple centuries, the county fair is a quintessential slice of Americana, showcasing the best talent, livestock, food and entertainment a community has to offer.

According to the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, fairsandexpos.com, over 3,200 country fairs are held in North America each year, with California bringing in its share of significant revenue: $2.55 billion flows annually into the state’s coffers, along with 28,000 jobs.

The Solano County Fair is no slacker on the California fair scene. Established in 1949, according to the website scfair.com, “The Solano County Fair Association has provided educational, cultural, artistic, commercial and recreational programs to the residents of Solano County for over 65 years.” With the theme “Play it again Solano,” this year’s event kicks off July 27 and runs through July 31. Along with a great lineup of live music, fair goers will enjoy food, competitions, animals, shopping, special events and stage performances.

Seniors ages 60 and over get in free Wednesday, July 27; kids 12 and under are free Thursday, July 28; and children five and under are free with a paid adult. For ticket prices or more information, visit scfair.com.

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A Brand-new Beer Garden Opens in Benicia

Benicia Magazine photo

By Sarah Rohrs It’s one thing to take that first satisfying sip of a great beer, but it’s even better to be able to enjoy a tasty brew in a special, relaxing setting. That’s the aim of Lucca Beer Garden, opening soon, to offer quality beer, live music, art, food, and fun, all amid downtown Benicia’s charm and great views. Lucca Beer Garden is a new venture of Lucca Bar & Grill, and fills a nearly 3,000 square foot open air lot next to the restaurant’s present location at First and West E streets. Sheltered by Peregrine Landing, the new beer garden is in a prime spot that has both sunny skies and a respite from winds off the Carquinez Strait.

Native Benician Marty Duvall, who oversees the new operation, said there’s a demand for a good outdoor beer garden in Benicia and Lucca Beer Garden fits the bill. “We anticipate bringing a lot of energy into the neighborhood, and for it to have a real special vibe. We want to create an atmosphere both creative and inviting,” Duvall said. Another goal is to create a spot that is friendly to all concerned, including beer aficionados, neighbors, families and music lovers. The beer garden features a selection of 20 draft beers in a newly installed 40 tap draft system, duplicated for both the inside and the outdoor setting. The beer menu has microbrews plus regional, national and international craft beers, and also some old standard beer selections so that no one feels left out. A full bar is

also offered, along with wine and pitchers of house-made Sangria.

Meanwhile, food is prepared in an outdoor grill area surrounded by picnic tables with wine barrel seats. Duvall stressed that the garden’s outdoor menu is separate from the indoor restaurant.

Music is a vital ingredient. The musical lineup showcases local talent and many musical styles, such as rock, blues, folk, bluegrass, Americana, Gypsy jazz, Latin, country and more. Both beer and musical offerings will change regularly to keep everything fresh and in season. Heading up Lucca Beer Garden is owner Jan Lucca and General Manager Sonya Battersby, who teamed up more than 15 years ago when they first operated O’Leary’s Pub in the Tannery Building on First Street. Battersby said she and Lucca decided to take advantage of the empty lot on West E Street and “give Benicia something it doesn’t have.” Duvall is also no stranger to First Street and Benicia restaurants, having been associated with Union Hotel, Nantucket Fish Company and the Commandant’s Residence, plus other ventures. For several years he also owned Duvall’s Coffee Roasting, now closed, in the Tannery Building. Of Lucca Beer Garden, Duvall said, “This will make a mark on the downtown.”

Lucca Beer Garden is open Wednesday through Sunday and available by reservation for private events on Monday, Tuesday and on selected occasions. For details, go to luccabar.com or Facebook.com/LuccaBarAndGrill.

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B AC KW ARD S G LAN C E

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue!

9th Year Anniversary!

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By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director, BHM Photo: Benicia’s July 4 Parade, 1914 Photo courtesy Benicia Historical Museum I never tire of viewing photographs from our Museum archives, particularly those relating to holiday celebrations from times past; and most especially those that convey the charm of the era. This image from the 1914 Benicia Fourth of July parade features not only a patriotic passel of little girls clutching American flags, but also Miss Helen McCarthy, dressed as the Statue of Liberty.

On the back of the photo, Helen is also referred to as the “queen” of the parade, so one may assume that the elected queen was requested to dress as the famous “Lady with the Lamp,” and that the cherubic children gathered around her constitute her court. Over the years, the Independence Day celebrations in Benicia have included parades, live music, games, living-story demonstrations, speeches, and, of course, fireworks, flag-waving and family picnics.

I have learned that there was also an annual essay contest inviting students to write about the events that led up to the drafting and signing of our nation’s 1776 Declaration of Independence, drawn up by the members of the Continental Congress of the thirteen American colonies who declared themselves to be “a new nation … the United States of America.” The winner of this annual Independence Day essay contest was announced and awarded during the July 4th parade.

I think it is time to bring back this valuable tradition to underline the significance of the day and to remind ourselves of how very fortunate we are to live in “… the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Three cheers for the red, white and blue!

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Hiking Around the Bay for Health and Pleasure

By Beth Steinmann With modern life’s plethora of conveniences, our bodies may have less physical demand on them than any other point in human history. Many of us spend a good portion of the day sitting in cars, at desks or on the couch, without much physical activity in between.

While the human body adapts amazingly well, so much stationary time affects virtually every aspect of its fine-tuned mechanisms.

What we gain from ingenious modern creations focused on quick transportation, creature comforts and convenience, we may have lost in terms of lifestyles built around survival necessities, including physical movement that kept the nervous, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems toned and alert.

According to a 2011 NPR report, researchers say that people got five times as much exercise just 100 years ago (www.npr. org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127525702). Within this context, soaring rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and obesity in the US start to make sense—we have actually engineered physical activity out of our lives. Now, this

doesn’t mean that we can’t have the best of both worlds, enjoying both vital health and the comforts of our time—it just might take a bit of legwork.

Legwork, it turns out, is the perfect place to start. Good, oldfashioned perambulation accounted for a large percentage of physical activity in the past. Walking can be added to the daily routine in short bursts or longer segments any time. For the added benefit of receiving the restorative healing powers of nature, consider, in addition, a weekly hike. It’s a new evolutionary experience for humans not to be immersed in a natural setting.

Nature Deficit Disorder is an actual term coined by author Richard Luov in 2005. He asks, “What could our lives and our children’s lives be like if our days and nights were as immersed in nature as they are in technology?” According to Luov, the implications of this growing disconnection reach far beyond the effects on the individual human body. See his website, the Children & Nature Network, for over 300 research studies on the topic at childrenandnature.org.

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Bay Area weather is conducive to hiking year-round, if you’re willing to bundle up in winter, and rainy-day hikes provide a unique kind of beauty. Benicia is surrounded by enough state and regional parks and nature preserves that one could choose a different local hike each weekend for years and never run out of options. Children and adults alike benefit from taking in the sounds, sites, smells and feel of the living Earth.

Hikes are easily tailored to all ages and desired fitness outcomes.

Elevation change works different muscles in the legs, and flat hikes are great for those with physical limitations or just starting out.

Many area regional parks have both “loop” and “out and back” trails to choose from, ranging in mileage and difficulty level.

GREAT HIKING IN AND AROUND BENICIA Lake Herman: Sulfur Springs Creek flows into the 50acre reservoir surrounded by grasslands and rolling hills.

Best feature: Connects to the Bay Area Ridge Trail. solanoopenspace.org/otheroutdoor.asp Benicia Vallejo Buffer Trail: From the bottom of Rose Drive to Vallejo’s Blue Rock Springs Park, hikers can meander through the open space easement, up and down hilly grasslands. Best feature: Local, easy access and bay views.

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Bay Area Ridge Trail: A 550-mile continuous loop that traces the ridgeline above San Francisco Bay and also runs through Benicia is open for hikers, cyclists and in some segments, equestrians. Regional maps can be found online at ridgetrail.org

July BenMag Vol11 v9.indd 17

PLUMBIN

LISH E D 1

9

AB

75

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INC

Crockett Hills Regional Park: 1,939 acres that were likely hunting and gathering grounds for Native Americans became nineteenth century ranchlands, and more recently part of the industrial history of the region. Best feature: The original ranch barn, milkhouse and corrals can still be seen in the Crockett Ranch staging area. Crockett Blvd, just South of Pomona Street, Crockett Ebparks.org/parks/crockett_hills

IA

G

Redwood Regional Park: A hidden redwood forest lies off Redwood Road just a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland. Best feature: Wildlife within the park includes rare species such as the golden eagle and Alameda striped racer. 7867 Redwood Road, Oakland. Ebparks.org/ parks/redwood

BM

“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”

T

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park: An amazing natural haven of 3,900 acres located northeast of Kenwood in the Mayacamas Mountains between the Sonoma and Napa valleys. Best feature: the park encompasses distinct ecological systems: chaparral, oak/fir woodlands and redwood forests. 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood. Sugarloafpark.org

Lic# 719381

ES

Rush Ranch Open Space: On the northeast edge of the Suisun Marsh, Rush Ranch stretches across 2,070 acres of marsh and rolling grassland. Best feature: Within the property’s boundaries is one of the best remaining examples of a brackish tidal marsh habitat in the United States.

3521 Grizzly Island Rd, Suisun City Solanolandtrust.org/ RushRanch.aspx

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BEN IC

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6/20/16 4:49 PM

SHAKE UP YOUR ROUTINE with a

FUN SUMMER PICNIC

By Sarah Rohrs The humble picnic, according to Wikipedia, is “an excursion at which a meal is eaten outdoors.” On the face of it, a simple meal eaten outside may not seem that special, but a picnic can be so much more. The excursion part of dining al fresco lends itself to a bit of theater, with food, drink and good company, each playing important roles, and land, water and sky serving as the stage. A picnic can also be a welcome break in one’s lunch routine, adding a dash of romance and a bit of adventure on an otherwise ordinary day. In the summertime, when, as Gershwin wrote, “The living is easy,” there are few better ways to while away the hours with friends and family.

Location, location, location. Finding the right picnic spot is half the fun (or the challenge, depending on your point of view). But with hundreds of acres of parks, Solano County faces no shortage of places to immerse oneself in quiet, scenic beauty, and find a picnic table or stretch of grass on which to plunk down a blanket. Whether it’s a city park, in the rolling hills or along the Carquinez Strait, getting out in nature is the perfect antidote to a ho-hum day.

Since a picnic claims no particular menu, let your imagination run wild with what to bring along. With the right covered containers and coolers, picnickers can pack up just about anything from home, or come prepared to barbeque meat and vegetables over a park grill. Another option is to grab something to go from local delis, restaurants or food trucks. For sandwiches, salads, or even Cajun food takeout in downtown Benicia, try Sprankles Village Deli, 82 Solano Square; Kinders Meats & Deli, 333 First Street; or The Workshop at 511 Claverie Way. In Vallejo, try The Deli at Georgia Street Plaza, 301 Georgia Street; or Buttercup Grill and Bar,

3288 Sonoma Blvd. Fairfield and Vacaville have abundant takeout restaurants, and a great picnic can also be assembled from local grocery stores. To take your meal up a notch, Benicia’s Studio 41 carries a large selection of specialty tapenades, jams, spreads and condiments; and cookies, crackers and chocolate.

A picnic can be an intimate experience or a larger, more festive affair. If a birthday celebration, family reunion or wedding anniversary is on the menu, advance preparation can go a long way towards making a picnic special and memorable, says Benicia’s Erin Taylor, owner and creative director of Bustle Events. Taylor advises to go the extra mile in welcoming guests with tablecloths, pillows, blankets and beach or camp chairs. “Cast an eye toward color and texture, and flourishes such as vases of flowers or paper lanterns hanging from tree branches,” she said. A more spontaneous picnic can also be an instant mood-lifter—a quick way to interject something new and fun in the daily grind.

Whether you plan your excursion in advance, or decide in the moment to get outside, resurrecting the somewhat lost art of picnicking can be a fun way to spend a summer afternoon—the only prep you need is a few basic picnic basket items and a blanket stashed in your car. Check out these off-the-beaten-path picnic spots in Benicia, Vallejo and further up-county. Be sure to do some advance checking for visiting hours and rules for each of these unique, environmentally sensitive areas. Regulations are enforced regarding pets, smoking, swimming, fishing, reservations, parking and more.

Photos by Karlyn H. Lewis, clockwise from left: Lake Solano (Winters), Levee Trail (Benicia) and Rockville Trails (Fairfield).

Mare Island Heritage Shoreline Preserve, photo by James E. Lewis

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BENICIA

Ci.benicia.ca.us • Benicia Marina, near the “Benicia Bench” sculpture by Robert Arneson, provides a scenic vista to watch the boats go by.

• The Benicia State Recreation Area at the western edge of town has many picnic tables along the waterfront.

• The Levee Trail, on the east side of town near the waterfront, offers a picnic table and a mix of industrial and marsh views; watch for the sign on Bayshore Road.

• Francesca Terrace Park, 698 Hillcrest Avenue, provides deep shade-beauty on a hot day.

VALLEJO

Grvd.org, Mareislandpreserve.org • Glen Cove Nature Area at Whitesides Dr. off of Regatta Drive along the waterfront connects to the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s unimproved but a blanket would suffice.

• Mare Island Heritage Shoreline Preserve’s 215 acres is an interesting area to bike, hike, picnic and explore.

SOLANO COUNTY PARKS Solanocounty.com/parks, Solanolandtrust.org

• Lynch Canyon is a working ranch open to the public; a lovely, open space buffer between Vallejo and Fairfield.

• Lake Solano Park at 8685 Pleasants Valley Road, Winters, offers picnicking, canoeing, kayaking & fly-fishing, plus camping, short hikes & bird-watching.

• Sandy Beach County Park is located on the Sacramento River just south of Rio Vista.

The park offers a boat launch, campsites and picnic grounds.

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Benicia’s

CARQUINEZ VILLAGE PROJECT Becomes a Reality in 2017

By Lois Requist I’d heard so many jokes about getting old, life going downhill, and then, well, we all know the end of that story. Probably, I’d begin to believe these tales, though my life as a senior was fine. Not much to complain about. Then I began to hear about the village concept through articles in AARP, newspapers and a program on NPR about a neighbor-to-neighbor approach that started in Boston early in this century. I talked with friends about the idea, especially Judie Donaldson. We wondered if there would be interest in a village here in Benicia that would provide support to senior citizens.

Addressing the needs of seniors is an important issue, especially with baby boomers continuing to retire in large numbers. How will aging adults get rides to the doctor, or help with their computer or smart phone? With many seniors living alone, isolation can be a problem. It would be nice to have somewhere to go and see friends, or occasionally get a call, with someone asking, “How are you doing?” The virtual village model began in Boston in 2001 to address the issues of aging in place. Since then, 180 “villages” have been established across the country and about that many more are, like Benicia’s CVP, in the process of formation. These organizations connect, support, and inspire older people.

At the feasibility stage, we studied services already available and what others were needed. We talked to service organizations, took surveys, held monthly meetings—the third Thursday of every month at 10:30am at the Benicia Library—and began fundraising. We used the tools available to us.

Online, the Village-to-Village Network, vtvnetwork.org, allows us to learn about other villages. We’ve also been in touch with such groups in the Bay Area. One Solano source we became familiar with is Faith in Action, an organization that has been serving seniors for 18 years. FIA has no affiliation with any church. We needed tax deductible contributions, and rather than becoming a nonprofit corporation, we made an agreement with FIA. FIA would be our fiscal sponsor and we will take advantage of their tax-deductible status without having to go through the application process ourselves. Two questions are frequently asked: What area will we serve, and how much will it cost? We are based in Benicia, that’s where our programs are held, so there’s probably more benefit for Benicians, but membership is also open to Vallejo residents.

When we become a village in the first quarter of 2017, the cost will be about $350 a year for one person, $525 for a couple. Why would anyone pay that amount? One person thought of it as insurance—something you don’t need on the day you buy it, but could well need farther along. Another said, “Every

day that I’m living at home, I’m not paying the cost of a retirement home or assisted living facility.” While every village is different, here are some basics for the CVP. We’ll have a portfolio of programs and services that are likely to include a ride when you need one, someone to talk to when you have a problem or feel isolated, help with grocery shopping, technology problems or simple household chores; programs that entertain and educate, and referrals for services such as a handyman or someone to clean your home.

We’ll team with Faith in Action for services and training already in place. Services will be provided by our volunteers, and businesses and organizations can consider donating to cover the cost of services for lowincome seniors. Groups like ours have learned that connecting with others is perhaps the greatest need that seniors face as they age. We plan to help seniors live better by providing connections, support and inspiration.

At a recent Dynamic Aging Conference, a Kaiser doctor talked about the advantages of being older.

For one thing, most of us have acquired some wisdom through the years. He showed a chart, which demonstrated that while people between 40 and 70 make the best decisions, “People who are 80 still make better choices than 20 year olds.” Other advantages of aging can include a reduction in stress, and clarity as to what is important in life. And that’s not so bad!

Photos: CVP fundraiser June 12. Top, Mayor Elizabeth Patterson; bottom left & right, locals turn out for the well-attended event.

20 • Benicia Magazine

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There was no other store in “Benicia or in the county—nothing until you got to Sacramento. ”

INTERVIEW WITH

Jerry Hayes

By Sue Sumner Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight Inset: The Von Pfister General Store, seen in a 1940s-era photo, courtesy Benicia Historical Society As a boy, Jerry Hayes would pedal his bicycle from his home on East I Street—back when it was still a dirt road—and head off on adventures with his brothers and friends.

Sometimes in the summer, they would spend a nickel to ride the ferry back and forth to Martinez all day. Or they’d go fishing on the pier that existed off East E Street.

He wasn’t supposed to go below F Street if his travels took him down First Street— too many bars and prostitution houses there at the time—but he remembers a wooden sign on First Street between C and D streets. “Gold,” declared the sign, identifying the nearby Von Pfister General Store as the site where word leaked out about the discovery of gold in California.

“It might have been that in the bright day of summer, it was OK to ride your bikes down there—or it might not have been and we did it anyway,” Jerry says with a chuckle.

He left Benicia after high school. The Von Pfister General Store re-entered his life when he and his family returned to town in 1986. Jerry dove into civic work right away.

“You can get involved in Benicia simply by showing up at any meeting and raising your hand,” he says. “I went to my first Historical Society meeting and left as its president.”

Jerry became active in the Chamber of Commerce as well, and served on the city’s Waterfront Commission and Planning Commission. He was elected to the City Council in 1992 and as mayor in 1996. He currently is secretary-treasurer on Benicia Main Street’s board of directors and serves as vice-president and secretary for the Benicia Historical Society.

He wants to make sure Benicia’s future includes parts of its past. He is working with the Historical Society and the city to restore the Von Pfister General Store, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places last year. The building is now behind a fence and protected by a metal-and-tarp structure.

Jerry, 77, owns Hayes Supply Company in Vallejo, and his wife, Maryellen, is coowner of the Camellia Tea Room in downtown Benicia. Their three grown daughters and their families live in Benicia.

Why is preserving the Von Pfister General Store important to you?

I’ve always been intrigued by history. I grew up in a city that is rich with history, and I don’t want Benicia’s history to be overlooked. The Arsenal is gone, the railroad is gone, and most people don’t know their impact on our community. …

The Von Pfister is connected to the Gold Rush and the broadcasting of that news, and it’s one of the oldest buildings in California.

The building is a unique adaptation to the challenge of having no building materials available. The only way to get materials was via boat—there were no roads then. They started with adobe because that’s all that was available.

As they neared the end of construction, planed lumber became available so they finished with that. It ended up being clad in redwood clapboard.

So it has features unique to construction in the beginning days of the city of Benicia.

It was the general store, the post office, the local bar, and the upper level was a loft where people were put up overnight. If you wanted to know what was going on, you would go there to hear the news from people coming off the boats.

There was no other store in Benicia or in the county—nothing until you got to Sacramento.

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It was the hub of any activity in Benicia, whether you wanted to buy something, to hear what’s going on or buy a drink to bury all your troubles. It was right on the water then, and the water was deep. That was before the tailings from the Gold Rush filled it in.

What did the Von Pfister General Store look like when you were growing up?

It was hidden when I was a young boy. The whole area was still an industrial area so you couldn’t really see it.

It was owned by Joe Garske then, and he used it as a storeroom. The boatyard was built around it. Fortunately, he was someone who kept everything. It was still a pretty stable building then.

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What does the interior look like now?

The interior is in pretty bad shape. Some of the ceiling rafters are collapsing. A lot of the exterior adobe wall has crumbled into the building, especially on the water side.

But there’s an interior wall that’s almost pristine.

The adobe bricks in the building aren’t like those in the Southwest or even in Monterey, which were built to Spanish specifications. The dimensions are different. The adobe bricks in the Von Pfister were the same size as bricks used in American construction. They used those measurements, so the adobe bricks are a different dimension than those in the Southwest.

What do you hope will happen now that the building is on the National Register?

I’d like it to be available for viewing. Not open for people to wander through, but available for people to be able to look inside and see how it looked when it was set up as a general store. The (Benicia Historical) museum has the handwritten log of every sale he made during the time he operated, so we know what he stocked. I’d like to see something like in Monterey, where you go up to the windows and doors and look inside.

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What would it take for the building to be restored?

We’re looking at a three-phase approach to make that happen.

The first phase is stabilization and identification of the historical components that can be preserved. That would involve the city as owner and the Historical Society.

Then we want to engage an archaeological historian to develop plans for restoration.

We want to do those two things before we look for funds. So the third phase is to do fundraising and the restoration work, and establish it as a landmark site on the Bay Trail.

A new Mixed Use Development proposed for the City of Benicia

What do you do to relax?

I read—a lot. Mostly political blogs and current events, both national and international. I like to know what’s happening and why. I want to know what’s going on in Ukraine, what’s going on in Libya, what’s going on in Greece and why. I also read about local, national and statewide politics.

What’s next for you?

I like to travel, but my family is the most important thing in my life. They’re all in Benicia so the farthest I usually get is Military West.

For Information about Northern Gateway Benicia please visit our Website: NorthernGatewayBenicia.com

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Paris is fabulous ... visited my good friend Barbie. Can't wait to come back!

T R EN D S

Love, Christina

By Christina Strawbridge What happened to the ritual of sending a postcard when traveling? Has a tweet, Facebook posting, or Instagram photo replaced the 3"x 4" card with a local attraction on one side and on the other, space for a greeting, address and stamp? Through the years, my collection has contained messages from my 5th grade teacher who spent time in Japan, my then high school boyfriend (future husband) who was traveling through Europe with his family one summer, and cards I sent my Mom that I found when she passed away a year ago. Postcards would often arrive weeks after the sender's return but were always a welcome reminder of the sights and experiences of the trip.

In Paris, the souvenir stands still offer a vast selection of postcards with the smiling face of Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph and the numerous iconic images that draws visitors from around the world. The flip side however, is now blank, with plenty of room to write without crossing the address line.

From tears to determination, Paris, post 2015 terror attacks, has not changed much from this traveler’s perspective. The Eiffel Tower still sparkles on the hour, the Bateaux cruises make their way along the Seine, The French Open is in full swing and restaurants and cafes attract locals and tourists for coffee or glass of Bordeaux. The Roue de Paris, a 200 foot Ferris wheel, has made a jolie return to the Place de la Concord where it debuted for the Millennium in 2000 (we rode it then), offering amazing views from the circling red, blue and white lighted wheel. The City of Light was about to be lit up, right on schedule. Looking closer, I noticed armed soldiers on the streets and tighter security entering major stores as guards checked my bags.

My other takeaway was the absence of fashion on the streets, restaurants and concert venues, as if Parisians didn't want to stand out with their clothing and accessories. Ripped jeans, leather bomber jackets and tennis shoes remained the top look, not only on the streets but in the fashion houses of Yves St. Laurent and Galliano. The windows along Avenue Montaigne revealed caution in design, with trench coats and camouflage prints. Survivor style is the new trend.

My fashion fix came from an exhibit at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, starring none other than Barbie. The iconic doll has made it to the big stage, with her story and clothes exhibited on two floors of this renowned museum next to the Louvre. I was most impressed with the sets that were designed for Barbie photo shoots, detailed down to Barbie seamstresses sewing away on tiny little sewing machines. I've owned Barbie since her 1959 debut, and have seen her style evolve from the black and white striped bathing suit to the Andy Warhol design that came back with me from the exhibit. Though I know her story well, I was in awe of this collection and presentation. Barbie is a survivor!

If I were to send a postcard from my trip it would say: Paris is fabulous ... visited my good friend Barbie. Can't wait to come back!

Love, Christina.

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24 • Benicia Magazine Trends

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Presented by

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Live Music • Craft Beers • Wine • Family Fun on First Street Green

July 30th & Sunday, July 31st Saturday, 11:00am - 6:00pm Benicia celebrates its picturesque waterfront locale over two days on the First Street Green with live music, craft beers, wine by the glass, tasty foods, vendor village, and kids' activity alley.

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July 2016 Events

Photos: Solano County Fair 2015, courtesy SCF

Star Gazing at Rush Ranch Arts Benicia Presents Forma Natura 7/1-7/10 Arts Benicia Gallery 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, Benicia Forma Natura showcases seven Bay Area artists whose works share a common thread—nature—as a source of inspiration.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Torchlight Parade

7/3, 6:30pm First Street, Benicia Benicia’s Independence Day parade stretches along First Street, from the Gazebo to the end, and includes dancers, floats, clowns, and entertainment.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

Picnic in the Park & Fireworks

7/4, 12-7pm Picnic at City Park, First Street & Military West, Benicia Fireworks at the foot of First Street, Benicia This event is a wonderful way to spend the 4th!

Benicia’s City Park is filled with arts and crafts, delicious hot food, live entertainment and children’s activities. Fireworks start about 9 p.m. at the foot of First Street, making this a great event for the whole family.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

7/8, 8pm Nature Center, Rush Ranch 3521 Grizzly Island Road, Hwy 12, 2 miles south of Suisun City Are you curious about our amazing night skies?

Don’t miss this Rush Ranch Stargazing event beginning at 8pm! The evening begins with a presentation in the Rush Ranch Nature Center by local astronomy enthusiast Jon Pannier, followed by outdoor telescope viewing when dark.

Solanolandtrust.org 707.432.0150

Benicia Art Walk

7/9, 3-6pm First Street, Benicia Enjoy strolling First Street and visiting six different galleries with the Benicia Art Walk Banner. The Art Walk takes place JuneOctober. Sponsored by visitbenicia.org and downtownbeniciaalliance.com.

Facebook.com/BeniciaArtWalk

highlights the Petaluma River and all of the amazing artists who call Sonoma County home.

The event includes an art boat race and parade, floating art barges, local music, art, food and drink and over 40 fabulous local vendors.

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Movie Night Under the Stars: Inside Out

7/22, 8pm City Park Gazebo, First Street at Military West, Benicia Movies begin at dusk and are rated PG. Bring pillows, blankets, low chairs and sit back and enjoy the entertainment. Food and beverages are welcomed; so don't forget your picnic dinner. (Please clean up after the movie.)

Admission is free and free popcorn is available.

These are family events so please, no smoking, and no pets. Pets are not allowed in the park.

Please note the playground closes at dusk.

Ci.benicia.ca.us/parksandcommunityservices 707.746.4285

Benicia Festa Summer Show: Python Ron (Holy Ghost Celebration)

7/12, 11:30am City Gym, 190 East L Street, Benicia Meet all the different creatures that travel with Python Ron, from 18-foot pythons to 4-foot-long lizards. Get up close and personal with these awesome creatures. Please arrive 15 minutes early as a courtesy to the entertainer.

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Rivertown Revival

7/16, 11am-8pm David Yearsley River Heritage Center 6 Copeland Street, Petaluma This local, arts-based, community festival

7/24, 10:15am-6pm BDES Hall, 140 West J Street, Benicia All are welcome for the Benicia Festa Holy Ghost Celebration, as Benicia celebrates its Portuguese heritage at the annual all-day event featuring a parade, traditional sopas meal, dancing and BBQ dinner. The parade starts at 10:15am, followed by mass at 11. Food will be served to the general public at 2pm, then an auction, dinner and dancing.

BeniciaHolyGhost.org/bdes-festa.html or contact Ken Gonsalves: 707.745.1393

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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Solano County Fair

7/27-7/31 Solano County Fairgrounds 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo This five day extravaganza showcases great entertainment, art & craft products, county foods products, livestock products & contests, special events, rides and family fun.

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7/28, 6pm Avant Garden, First & D Streets, Benicia As part of a summer educational series called Chefs in the Garden, Chef Whitney Sutterley will demonstrate how to make quick dressings using simple ingredients and how to add flavorings to make them your own. Whitney will have some vegetable salads from the garden for tasting as well. She’ll explain how the dressings can also be used for other meals, basic dressing formulas, money savings and nutritional benefits.

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Benicia Waterfront Festival

7/30 & 7/31, 11am-6pm Marina Green, First & B Streets, Benicia Benicia celebrates its picturesque waterfront locale with two days of live music, microbrew tastings, arts & crafts marketplace, gourmet foods and kids' activity area.

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Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park Presents Taming of the Shrew

7/30 & 7/31 Hanns Park Amphitheater Skyline Drive at Redwood Parkway, Vallejo Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park is an annual play festival, where residents of all ages and economic backgrounds can come together and enjoy free, professional outdoor theater. In The Taming of the Shrew, The Lord of Padua, Baptista Minola, has sworn not to allow agreeable and beautiful Bianca to marry before her elder sister Katherina, the “shrew,” is wed, much to the despair of Bianca's suitors.

They agree to work together to marry off the disagreeable Katherina to their friend Petruchio so that they can compete for Bianca’s hand.

Petruchio agrees to marry Katherina and their war of wills begins.

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A two-topping large pizza with 6 twists & 2 liter soda can not be combined with other offers, exp. 7/31/16

Round Table Pizza

878 Southampton Road, Benicia

707.746.7000 • roundtablepizza.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

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“We’re very proud to be chosen as the Best Furniture Store in the East Bay” …the Schwinn Family “Our family believes quality furniture is a reflec:on of your lifestyle. Our mission is to help you perfectly express it. For over a decade, we have helped you create the perfect mood and capture your individuality with an incredible selec:on of beau:ful furniture and accessories .

Come in today and see why East Bay Times readers voted us Best Furniture Store in The East Bay!” BENICIA SHOWROOM: 990 Grant Street 707/747-­‐1383

IRONHORSEHOME.COM FACEBOOK.COM/IRONHORSEHOME

30 • Benicia Magazine

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Dreams Do Come True PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL practically practically at at your your doorstep doorstep

Wilson Wilson Park Park 199 199 Stewart Stewart Street, Street, Vallejo Vallejo

The 2016 Season is on!

VallejoAdmirals.com VallejoAdmirals.com

Thank you to our sponsors, like SolTrans, home town transportation for Vallejo and Benicia.

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

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Contractor's License # 687979 AFFORDABLE QUALITY

Cabinets and Countertops

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

Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia

“It was a pleasure working with the Affordable Quality Cabinets Team on our kitchen remodel project.

Throughout each phase of the project, we appreciated the excellent customer service, attention to detail, adherence to timelines, and the overall quality of the cabinets. Our kitchen has exceeded our expectations in appearance and functionality.”

—Don and Vicky K.

707-745-2100 • aqc@aqchome.com

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